Canon MD110, MD111, MD120, MD101 User Manual

PUB.DIE-274

Digital Video Camcorder

Instruction Manual English

Introduction

Prerparations

Basic

Functions

Advanced

Functions

Mini	Digital
	Video
	Cassette

External

Connections

Additional

Information

PAL

2

Cleaning the Video Heads

Digital video camcorders record video signals on the tape in very thin lines (as thin as 1/8 of the width of a hair). The following symptoms may appear if the video heads become dirty even a little.

•Mosaic or other blocky video artifacts (Fig. 1) or banding (Fig. 2) appear on the picture during playback.

•Sound becomes distorted, or there is no sound during playback.

•The message “HEADS DIRTY, USE CLEANING CASSETTE” appears.

If such symptoms appear, clean the video heads with the Canon DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette* or a commercially available dry cleaning cassette.

If the symptoms reappear shortly after the cleaning, the videocassette may be defective. Stop using it.

* Availability differs from area to area.

Video heads may become dirty under the following conditions:

•When using the camcorder in humid or hot places.

•When using cassettes with damaged or dirty tape.

•When using the camcorder in dusty places.

•When using the video heads without cleaning them for a long time.

NOTES

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Before you make important recordings, clean the video heads and make a test recording first. We also recommend cleaning the video heads after use, before storing the camcorder.

Do not use wet type cleaning cassettes as this may damage the camcorder.

Even after cleaning the video heads you may not be able to play back correctly tapes that were recorded with dirty video heads.

3

Important Usage Instructions

WARNING!

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

WARNING!

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTION:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AND TO REDUCE ANNOYING INTERFERENCE, USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.

CAUTION:

DISCONNECT THE MAINS PLUG FROM THE SUPPLY SOCKET WHEN NOT IN USE.

The Mains plug is used as the disconnect device. The Mains plug shall remain readily operable to disconnect the plug in case of an accident.

While using the compact power adapter, do not wrap it or cover it with a piece of cloth, and do not place it in confined narrow spaces. Heat may build up, the plastic case may deform and it could result in electric shock or fire.

CA-590E identification plate is located on the bottom.

Using any device other than the Compact Power Adapter CA-590E may damage the camcorder.

European Union (and EEA) only.

This symbol indicates that this product is not to be disposed of with your household waste, according to the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) and your national law. This

product should be handed over to a designated collection point, e.g., on an authorized one-for-one basis when you buy a new similar product or to an authorized collection site for recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Improper handling of this

type of waste could have a possible negative impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated with EEE. At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will contribute to the effective usage of natural resources. For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, waste authority, approved WEEE scheme or your household waste disposal service. For more information regarding return and recycling of WEEE products, please visit

www.canon-europe.com/environment. (EEA: Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein)

Introduction

4

Table of contents

Introduction

About this Manual ...........................................................................................	6
Getting to Know the Camcorder
Supplied Accessories......................................................................................	8
Components Guide .........................................................................................	9
Screen Displays ............................................................................................	11
Preparations
Getting Started
Charging the Battery Pack ............................................................................	13
Installing the Backup Battery ........................................................................	14
Inserting and Removing a Tape ....................................................................	15
Preparing the Camcorder..............................................................................	16
Adjusting the LCD Screen.............................................................................	16
Using the Menus
Selecting a FUNC. Menu Option...................................................................	17
Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus ..................................................	18
First Time Settings
Changing the Language................................................................................	19
Changing the Time Zone...............................................................................	19
Setting the Date and Time ............................................................................	20
Basic Functions
Recording
Recording Movies .........................................................................................	21
Zooming ........................................................................................................	22
Playback
Playing Back Movies.....................................................................................	23
Locating the End of the Last Scene ..............................................................	24
Magnifying the Playback Image ....................................................................	24
Advanced Functions
Menu Options Lists
FUNC. Menu .................................................................................................	25
Setup menus.................................................................................................	25
Camera Setup (Digital Zoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.)..........................	25
VCR Setup (Recording Mode, TV Type, etc.).....................................	27
Audio Setup (Audio Mode, Wind Screen, etc.) ...................................	27
Display Setup (LCD Brightness, Language, etc.) ...............................	28
System Setup (Beep, etc.)..................................................................	29
Date/Time Setup.................................................................................	29
Recording Programs
Using the Recording Programs.....................................................................	30
: Changing the Shutter Speed and Special Scene Programs ...................	31
Adjusting the Picture: Exposure, Focus and Color
Manual Exposure Adjustment .......................................................................	32
Manual Focus Adjustment ............................................................................	33
White Balance...............................................................................................	34

5

Image Effects.................................................................................................	35
Audio Recording and Playback
Audio Recording Mode ..................................................................................	35
Audio Playback Modes ..................................................................................	36
Other Functions
Data Code .....................................................................................................	37
Self Timer ......................................................................................................	37
Digital Effects.................................................................................................	38
External Connections
Connecting to a TV or VCR
Connection Diagrams ....................................................................................	40
Playback on a TV Screen ..............................................................................	42
Recording to a VCR or Digital Video Recorder .............................................	42
Digital Video Dubbing.......................................................................	43
Connecting to a Computer
PC Connection Diagrams ..............................................................................	45
Transferring Video Recordings ......................................................................	46
Additional Information
Trouble?
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................	47
List of Messages............................................................................................	49
Do’s and Don’ts
Handling Precautions ....................................................................................	51
Maintenance/Others ......................................................................................	53
Using the Camcorder Abroad ........................................................................	55
General Information
System Diagram (Availability differs from area to area) ................................	56
Optional Accessories.....................................................................................	57
Specifications.................................................................................................	59
Index..............................................................................................................	61

Introduction

6

About this Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Canon MD120/MD111/MD110/MD101. Please read this manual carefully before you use the camcorder and retain it for future reference. Should your camcorder fail to operate correctly, refer to the Troubleshooting table

( 47).

Conventions Used in the Manual

IMPORTANT: Precautions related to the camcorder’s operation.

NOTES: Additional topics that complement the basic operating procedures. POINTS TO CHECK: Restrictions that apply if the function described is not

available in all operating modes (the operating mode to which the camcorder should be set, etc.).

: Reference page number.

: Option or feature that applies to or is available only with a specific model. “Screen” refers to the LCD and the viewfinder screen.

The photos included in the manual are simulated pictures taken with a still camera. Note that unless indicated otherwise, illustrations in this manual refer to the

model.

		First Time Settings
		Changing the Language
	Menu item shown at its default position	The language for on-screen and menu
		displays can be changed. The list of
		available languages depends on the
	Buttons and switches to be operated	region where you purchased the
		camcorder.
		Language Set A
		English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish,
		Russian, Simplified Chinese and Japanese.
		Language Set B
		English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese
		and Korean.
				Default value
	Brackets [ ] and capital letters are used to refer to menu		DISPLAY SETUP/
	options as they are displayed on screen. Menu options in		LANGUAGE ENGLISH
	boldface indicate the default setting (for example [ON],
	[OFF]).	FUNC.
		(	24)
		1 Press FUNC..
		2 Select (		) the icon and press
		(	) to open the setup menus.
		3 Select (		) [DISPLAY SETUP/ ]
		and press ( ).
	Names of buttons and switches other than the joystick are	4 Select (		) [LANGUAGE] and press
		(	).	) the desired option and
	indicated within a “button” frame (for example FUNC. ).	5 Select (
		press (		).
		6 Press FUNC. to close the menu.
			NOTES
		If you changed the language by mistake,
		follow the		mark next to the menu item to

About the Joystick and the Joystick Guide

The mini joystick allows you to control many of the camcorder’s operations and to make selections and changes in the camcorder’s menus.

Push the joystick up, down, left or right (, ) to select an item or change settings.

Press the joystick itself ( ) to save the settings or confirm an action. On menu screens, this is indicated by the joystick icon .

7

The functions assigned to the joystick change according to the operation mode. You can display the joystick guide to remind you of the joystick’s functions in each operating mode.

Recording: Playback:

EXP

FOCUS

About the Operating Modes

The camcorder’s operating mode is determined by the position of the switch. In the manual, indicates that a function is available in the operating mode shown and indicates that the function is not available. When no operating mode icons are given, the function is available in all operating modes.

Operating Mode	Switch Icon Display	Operation
	CAMERA	Recording movies on a tape	21
	PLAY	Playing movies from a tape	23

Trademark Acknowledgements

• is a trademark.

•Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

•Macintosh and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the United States and other countries.

•Other names and products not mentioned above may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Introduction

8 Getting to Know the Camcorder

Supplied Accessories

CA-590E Compact	BP-2L5 Battery Pack	Lithium Button Battery	STV-250N Stereo Video
Power Adapter		CR1616	Cable
(incl. power cord)

Components Guide

Left side view

Right Side View

Front view

Getting to Know the Camcorder 9

Lens cover switch (			21)
( open,	closed)
CHARGE indicator (			13)
Speaker
AV terminal (		40)
MIC (microphone) terminal (				36)
DV terminal (		40, 45)
Terminal cover				Introduction
Grip belt (	16)
Strap mount (		58)
Lock button
switch (		7)
Stereo microphone

Names of buttons and switches other than the joystick are indicated within a “button” frame (for example FUNC. ).

10 Getting to Know the Camcorder

Back view

Top view

Bottom view

Viewfinder (	16)
Dioptric adjustment lever (			16)
BATT. (battery release) switch (				13)
LCD screen (	16)
Backup battery compartment (				14)
Start/stop button (		21)

Serial number, Battery attachment unit ( 13)

DC IN terminal (	13)
D.EFFECTS button (		38)
FUNC. button (	17, 25)
Joystick ( 6)
Zoom lever (	22)
Mode switch (	30)
Easy recording
Recording programs
Cassette compartment (		15)

OPEN/EJECT switch ( 15)

Cassette compartment cover ( 15)

Tripod socket ( 22)

Names of buttons and switches other than the joystick are indicated within a “button” frame (for example FUNC. ).

Screen Displays

Recording

Playback

Getting to Know the Camcorder 11

Zoom (	22), Exposure				(	32)
Recording program (				30)
White balance (			34)
Image effect (		35)
Digital effects (			38)
Condensation warning (					54)
Shutter speed (			31)			Introduction
Self timer (		37)
Exposure adjustment (					32)
Manual focus (			33)
Image stabilizer (			26)
Recording mode (			27)
Tape operation
Time code (hours : minutes : seconds)
Remaining tape
Remaining battery charge
Widescreen 16:9 mode (					26)
Wind screen off (			27)
Audio recording mode (					35)
Backup battery warning
Level marker (			28)
Recording reminder
Operating mode (			7)
Audio playback mode (					36)
Search function display
END SEARCH (			24)
Playback time
(hours : minutes : seconds : frames)
Joystick guide (			6)
Data code (		37)

12 Getting to Know the Camcorder

Tape operation

Record, Record pause, Stop, Eject,

Fast forward, Rewind,

Playback, Playback pause,

Fast forward playback, Rewind playback

Remaining tape

Indicates the remaining time of the tape in minutes. “” moves during recording. When the tape reaches its end, the display changes to “END”.

•When the time left is less than 15 seconds, the remaining tape time may not appear.

•Depending on the type of tape, the remaining time displayed may not be correct. In any case, you will be able to record on the tape the number of minutes that appears on the videocassette’s label (for example, 85 minutes).

Remaining battery charge

•When “” starts flashing in red replace the battery pack with a fully charged one.

•When you attach an empty battery pack, the power may turn off without displaying “”.

•Depending on the conditions under which the camcorder and the battery pack are used, the actual battery charge may not be indicated accurately.

Backup battery warning

flashes in red when the lithium button battery is not installed, or when it needs to be replaced.

Recording reminder

The camcorder counts from 1 to 10 seconds when you start recording. This is helpful to avoid scenes that are too short.

Getting Started

Charging the Battery Pack

The camcorder can be powered with a battery pack or directly using the compact power adapter. Charge the battery pack before use.

Remove the battery terminal cover before attaching the battery

Getting Started 13

1Turn off the camcorder.

2Attach the battery pack to the camcorder.

• Press the battery pack lightly and slide it down until it clicks.

DC IN CHARGE terminal indicator

Preparations

3	Connect the power cord to the
4	compact power adapter.
	Plug the power cord into a power
BATT. switch	outlet.

Charging, Recording and Playback Times

The times given in the table below are approximate and vary depending on the actual charging, recording or playback conditions.

Battery Pack	BP-2L5	NB-2L	NB-2LH	BP-2L12	BP-2L14
Charging Time	145 min.	150 min.	160 min.	240 min.	285 min.
Maximum Recording Times
Viewfinder	105 min.	120 min.	145 min.	250 min.	305 min.
LCD [NORMAL]	100 min.	120 min.	145 min.	245 min.	300 min.
LCD [BRIGHT]	95 min.	110 min.	135 min.	230 min.	280 min.
Typical Recording Times*
Viewfinder	60 min.	65 min.	80 min.	135 min.	165 min.
LCD [NORMAL]	55 min.	65 min.	80 min.	130 min.	165 min.
LCD [BRIGHT]	50 min.	60 min.	75 min.	125 min.	155 min.
Playback Times	110 min.	125 min.	150 min.	265 min.	320 min.

* Approximate times for recording with repeated operations such as start/stop, zooming, power on/off.

14 Getting Started

5Connect the compact power adapter to the camcorder’s DC IN terminal.

•The CHARGE indicator starts flashing. The indicator will stay on when the charging is completed.

•You can also use the compact power adapter without attaching a battery pack.

•When the compact power adapter is connected, even if a battery is attached its power will not be consumed.

ONCE THE BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED

1Disconnect the compact power adapter from the camcorder.

2Unplug the power cord from the power outlet and the compact power adapter.

TO REMOVE THE BATTERY PACK

Press BATT. to release the battery pack. Lift the battery pack and then pull it out.

IMPORTANT

You may hear some noise from the compact power adapter during use. This is not a malfunction.

We recommend charging the battery pack in temperatures between 10 ºC and 30 ºC. Outside the temperature range of 0 ºC to 40 ºC, the charging will not start.

Do not connect to the camcorder’s DC IN terminal or to the compact power adapter any electrical equipment that is not expressly recommended for use with this camcorder.

To prevent equipment breakdowns and excessive heating, do not connect the supplied compact power adapter to voltage converters for overseas travels or special power sources such as those on aircraft and ships, DC-AC inverters, etc.

NOTES

The CHARGE indicator also serves as a rough estimate of the battery charge status. Continuously on: Battery fully charged. Flashes approx. twice per second: Battery over 50% charged.

Flashes approx. once per second: Battery less than 50% charged.

The charging time will vary depending on the surrounding temperature and the battery pack’s initial charge condition. In cold places, the effective usage time of the battery will decrease.

We recommend that you prepare battery packs 2 to 3 times longer than you think you might need.

Installing the Backup Battery

The backup battery (lithium button battery CR1616) allows the camcorder to retain the date, time ( 19) and other camcorder settings while the power source is disconnected. Connect a power source to the camcorder when replacing the backup battery to retain the settings.

1If a battery pack is attached, remove it first.

2Open the backup battery cover.

3Insert the backup battery with the + side facing out.

4Close the cover.

NOTES

The backup battery has a life span of about a year. flashes in red to inform you that it needs to be replaced.

Inserting and Removing a Tape

Use only videocassettes marked with the logo.

1 Slide OPEN/EJECT fully in the direction of the arrow and open the cassette compartment cover.

The cassette compartment opens automatically.

Getting Started 15

2Insert the cassette.

•Insert the cassette with the window facing the grip belt.

•To remove a cassette pull it straight out.

3Press the mark on the cassette compartment until it clicks.

4Wait for the cassette compartment to retract automatically and close the cassette compartment cover.

IMPORTANT

Do not interfere with the cassette compartment while it is opening or closing automatically, or attempt to close the cover before the cassette compartment has fully retracted.

Be careful not to get your fingers caught in the cassette compartment cover.

NOTES

If the camcorder is connected to a power source, cassettes can be inserted/removed even if the switch is set to .

Preparations

16 Getting Started

Preparing the Camcorder

1Turn on the camcorder.

2Move the lens cover switch down to to open the lens cover.

3Adjust the viewfinder.

Keep the LCD panel closed to use the viewfinder and adjust the dioptric adjustment lever as necessary.

4 Fasten the grip belt.

Adjust the grip belt so that you can reach the zoom lever with your index finger, and the start/stop button with your thumb.

Adjusting the LCD Screen

Rotating the LCD Panel

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees.

You can rotate the panel 90 degrees downward.

180°

90°

You can rotate the panel 180 degrees toward the lens (allowing the subject to monitor the LCD screen while you use the viewfinder). Rotating the panel 180 degrees is also useful if you wish to include yourself when recording with the self timer.

Subject can monitor the LCD screen

LCD Backlight

You can set the brightness of the LCD screen at normal or bright.

FUNC.

( 17)

1Press FUNC. .

2Select () the icon and press ( ) to open the setup menus.

3Select () [ DISPLAY SETUP/

] and press ().

4Select () [BACKLIGHT] and press ( ).

5Select () the desired option and press ( ).

6Press FUNC. to close the menu.

NOTES

This setting does not affect the brightness of the recording or the viewfinder screen.

Using the [BRIGHT] setting will shorten the effective usage time of the battery pack.

Using the Menus 17

Using the Menus

Many of the camcorder’s functions can be adjusted from the menus that open after pressing the FUNC. button ( FUNC. ).

For details about the available menu options and settings, refer to Menu Options Lists ( 25).

Selecting a FUNC. Menu Option

Preparations

1	Press FUNC. .
2	Select (	) the icon of the function
	you want to change from the left
3	side column.
	Select (	) the desired setting from
	the available options at the bottom
	bar.
	The selected option will be highlighted

in light blue. Menu items not available will appear grayed out.

18 Using the Menus

4 Press FUNC. to save the settings and close the menu.

•You can press FUNC. to close the menu at any time.

•With some settings you will need to

press ( ) and make further selections. Follow the additional operation guides that will appear on the screen (such as the joystick icon , small arrows, etc.).

Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus

1Press FUNC. .

2Select () the icon and press ( ) to open the setup menus.

You can also hold FUNC. pressed down for more than 2 seconds to open directly the setup menus screen.

3Select () the desired menu from the left side column and press ().

The title of the selected menu appears on top of the screen and under it the list of settings.

4Select () the setting you want to change and press ().

•An orange frame will indicate the menu item currently selected. Menu items not available will appear grayed out.

•To return to the menu selection

screen, select () [RETURN] and press ( ).

5Select () the desired option and press () to save the setting.

6Press FUNC. .

You can press FUNC. to close the menu at any time.

First Time Settings

Changing the Language

The language for on-screen and menu displays can be changed. The list of available languages depends on the region where you purchased the camcorder.

Language Set A

English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish,

Romanian, Turkish, Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic

and Persian.

Language Set B

English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese

and Thai.

Default value

DISPLAY SETUP/

LANGUAGE ENGLISH

FUNC.

( 17)

1 Press FUNC. .

2Select () the icon and press ( ) to open the setup menus.

3Select () [DISPLAY SETUP/] and press ( ).

4Select () [LANGUAGE] and press ( ).

5Select () the desired option and press ( ).

6Press FUNC. to close the menu.

NOTES

If you changed the language by mistake, follow the mark next to the menu item to change the setting.

First Time Settings 19

Changing the Time Zone

Default value

DATE/TIME SETUP

T.ZONE/DST PARIS

FUNC.

	(	17)
	1	Press FUNC. .
	2	Select (	) the	icon and press	Preparations
	3	( ) to open the setup menus.
		Select (	) [DATE/TIME SETUP]
	4	and press ( ).
		Select (	) [T.ZONE/DST] and
		press (	).

The time zone setting appears. The default setting is Paris or Singapore, depending on the region of purchase.

5 Select () your time zone and press ( ).

To adjust for daylight saving time, select the time zone with the mark next to the area.

6 Press FUNC. to close the menu.

Time Zones

Once you have set the time zone, date and time, you do not need to reset the clock every time you travel to another time zone. Select the time zone referring to the date and time displayed on the screen.