Cannon HG20, HG21 Instruction Manual

PUB. DIE-310B

Instruction Manual

2

Introduction

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-570 identification plate is located on the bottom.

Using any device other than the Compact Power Adapter CA-570 may damage the camcorder.

European Union (and EEA) only.

These symbols indicate that this product is not to be disposed of with your household waste,
according to the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC), the Battery Directive (2006/66/EC) and/or your
national laws implementing those Directives.
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) and batteries and accumulators. Improper handling of
this type of waste could have a possible impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous
substances that are generally associated with EEE. Your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will
contribute to the effective usage of natural resources.
For more information about the recycling of this product, please contact your local city office, waste authority,
approved scheme or your household waste disposal service or visit www.canon-europe.com/environment.
(EEA: Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein)

3

Trademark Acknowledgements

• The SD logo is a trademark. The SDHC logo is a trademark.

• Microsoft, Windows and Windows Vista are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries.

• Macintosh and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

• HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered
trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

• “AVCHD” and the “AVCHD” logo are trademarks of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. and Sony
Corporation.

• Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
“Dolby” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

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

• This product is licensed under AT&T patents for the MPEG-4 standard and may be used for encoding MPEG-4 compliant video and/or
decoding MPEG-4 compliant video that was encoded only (1) for a personal and non-commercial purpose or (2) by a video provider
licensed under the AT&T patents to provide MPEG-4 compliant video. No license is granted or implied for any other use for MPEG-4
standard.

4

Enjoying High-Definition Video with your
Camcorder

Preserve your most treasured memories, be it unforgettable scenery or cherished
moments spent with family and friends, with high-definition video recordings of a
quality second only to actually being there.

What is High-Definition Video?

Your camcorder features a full high-definition image sensor (Full HD CMOS) that captures
video at a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels1. This results in video recordings of
unparalleled high quality, fine detail and lifelike vivid colors.

How does full high definition compare with standard-definition TV broadcasts?

Approximately 5 times the number of pixels.

Almost 90% more scanning lines.

“Full HD 1080” refers to Canon camcorders compliant with high-definition
video composed of 1,080 vertical pixels (scanning lines).

What is Cinema Mode?

Give your recordings a cinematic look by using the [ Cine Mode] recording program
( 45). Combine this recording program with the 25 fps progressive frame rate
[PF25] to get the enhanced effect of the 25p Cinema Mode.

Capture the finest detail,
like the movement or shine
of a single strand of hair

1,080

lines

5

1.9

1

Video is recorded at this resolution only when the recording mode is set to MXP or FXP mode.
In other recording modes, the picture is resized to 1,440 x 1,080 pixels before being recorded.
Even in that case, the picture captured is detailed enough to render richly detailed recordings.

5

Enjoying High-Definition Video with your Camcorder

What are the advantages of a hard disk?

Your videos and photos are recorded on the built-in hard disk or commercially available
SD/SDHC memory cards2 using AVCHD specifications3. This Double Media recording
system gives you longer recording times for more high-definition videos and photos.

• You can shoot approximately 11 hours ( 120 GB HDD) or 5.5 hours ( 60 GB
HDD) of video in MXP mode, which offers the highest video quality under AVCHD
specifications.

• The camcorder records video and photos in unused space on the recording media so
you need not worry about accidentally recording over important videos.

• You can immediately access the scenes you want to play back from an index menu.

• You can easily manage your video and photo collections with the supplied editing
software: ImageMixer 3 (movies) and DIGITAL VIDEO Solution Disk (photos).

Can I play back my high-definition video on other
devices?

Needless to say, you can connect your camcorder to an HDTV to enjoy your recordings
with family and friends ( 79). You also have the following options:

• You can easily play back video recorded on the memory card by inserting the
memory card directly into AVCHD-compatible TV sets and HDD or DVD recorders
that feature an SD/SDHC memory card slot

4

. For details, refer to the instruction

manual of your TV or digital video recorder.

• You can play back AVCHD discs of your recordings created using the optional
DW-100 DVD Burner

(80) on the DVD Burner itself or on AVCHD-compatible

DVD players or Blu-ray Disc players

5

.

2

For details about memory cards that can be used with this camcorder refer to Using a Memory
Card ( 29).

3

AVCHD is the new standard for recording high-definition video. With AVCHD specifications the
video signal is recorded using MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compression and the audio signal is
recorded in Dolby Digital.

4

Depending on the device used, correct playback may not be possible even if the device is
AVCHD-compatible. In such case, play back the recordings on the memory card using the
camcorder.

5

AVCHD discs containing scenes recorded in MXP mode cannot be created with the optional
DW-100 DVD burner. Use the supplied software ImageMixer 3 to back up such scenes.

6

Important Notes About the Hard Disk Drive

Your hard disk camcorder allows you to shoot and store many hours of video.
However, there are differences between recording onto a hard disk and recording
onto other media. Make sure to follow the points below when using your camcorder.
For more details, refer to Handling Precautions ( 113).

Back up your recordings periodically

Make sure to transfer your movies and photos
to an external device such as a computer or
digital video recorder ( 80) and back them
up regularly and especially after making
important recordings. Canon shall not be
liable for any loss or corruption of data.

Do not subject the camcorder to
vibrations or strong impacts

The hard disk is a high-precision device.
Vibrations, strong impacts or dropping the
camcorder may result in permanent data loss.

Keep the drop sensor activated
whenever possible

The drop sensor ( 96) detects when the
camcorder is dropped and activates a
protection mechanism to help prevent hard
disk damage. Turning this function off will
disable the mechanism. Even if this function
is set to [ On] and the camcorder is
dropped, hard disk damage can occur.

Do not disconnect the power source
while the camcorder is on

Always turn the camcorder off before
removing the battery or compact power
adapter.

7

Important Notes About the Hard Disk Drive

Do not turn off the camcorder while the
camcorder is on and the ACCESS
indicator is on or flashing or while the
camcorder is in standby mode

Doing so may result in hard disk damage or
permanent data loss.

Use the camcorder within its operating
temperature range

If the camcorder's temperature becomes too
hot or too cold, recording/playback may stop
in order to prevent hard disk damage.

Do not use the camcorder at high
altitudes

Turning on or using the camcorder in places
with low atmospheric pressure, such as at
altitudes higher than 3,000 m, may result in
hard disk damage.

Initialize the hard disk when movies
cannot be recorded/played back
normally

As movies are recorded and deleted over
time, hard disk fragmentation may occur,
which may reduce performance. Initialize the
hard disk should this happen.

Protect personal information on the
hard disk

When the hard disk is initialized or recordings
are deleted, stored data is not physically
erased. Remember this when disposing of the
camcorder or giving it to another person.

Table of contents

8

 Introduction

4 Enjoying High-Definition Video with your Camcorder
6 Important Notes About the Hard Disk Drive
12 About this Manual

14 Getting to Know the Camcorder

14 Supplied Accessories
15 Components Guide
18 Screen Displays

 Preparations

21 Getting Started

21 Charging the Battery Pack
22 Preparing the Wireless Controller and Accessories
24 Adjusting the Position and Brightness of the LCD Screen

25 Basic Operation of the Camcorder

25 The Button: Mode or Flexible Recording
26 Joystick and Joystick Guide
26 Using the Menus

28 First Time Settings

28 Setting the Date and Time
28 Changing the Language
29 Changing the Time Zone

29 Using a Memory Card

29 Memory Cards Compatible for Use with the Camcorder
30 Inserting and Removing a Memory Card
31 Selecting the Recording Media
31 Initializing the Hard Disk or Memory Card

9

Table of contents

 Video

32 Basic Recording

32 Shooting Video
33 Selecting the Video Quality (Recording Mode)
34 Zooming
35 Quick Start Function
35 Reviewing and Deleting the Last Scene Recorded

36 Basic Playback

36 Playing Back the Video
38 Changing the Index Screen Selection
39 Selecting Scenes by Recording Date
40 Selecting the Playback Starting Point from the Movie Timeline
41 Selecting Recordings from the Index Screen
42 Deleting Scenes

43 Advanced Functions

43 Special Scene Recording Programs
44 Changing the Shutter Speed and Aperture
45 Cinema Mode: Giving a Cinematic Look to your Recordings
46 Self Timer
46 Manual Exposure Adjustment and Automatic Backlight Correction
47 Manual Focus Adjustment
48 White Balance
49 Image Effects
50 Digital Effects
51 On-Screen Displays and Data Code
51 Audio Recording Level
52 Using Headphones
53 Using the Mini Advanced Shoe
54 Using an External Microphone
55 Using a Video Light

55 Playlist and Scene Operations

55 Dividing Scenes
56 Editing the Playlist: Adding, Moving and Deleting Playlist Scenes
58 Copying Scenes

10

 Photos

59 Basic Recording

59 Taking Photos
60 Selecting Photo Size and Quality
61 Deleting a Photo Right After Recording It

61 Basic Playback

61 Viewing Photos
63 Deleting Photos

64 Additional Functions

64 Magnifying Photos during Playback
64 Flash
65 Histogram Display
65 Drive Mode: Continuous Shooting and Exposure Bracketing
66 Taking Photos while Recording Movies

(Simultaneous Recording)
67 Light Metering Mode
67 Capturing a Photo from the Playback Scene
68 Protecting Photos
68 Copying Photos
69 Other Functions You Can Use when Taking Photos

70 Printing Photos

70 Printing Photos (Direct Print)
71 Selecting the Print Settings
73 Trimming Settings
74 Print Orders

 External Connections

76 Terminals on the Camcorder

77 Connection Diagrams
79 Playback on a TV Screen

80 Saving and Backing Up Your Recordings

80 Backing Up Your Recordings on a Computer
80 Authoring High-Definition (AVCHD) Discs and Photo DVDs
84 Copying your Recordings to an External Video Recorder
84 Transferring Photos to a Computer (Direct Transfer)
87 Transfer Orders

11

Table of contents

 Additional Information

88 Appendix: Menu Options Lists

88 FUNC. Menu
90 Setup Menus

98 Trouble?

98 Troubleshooting
104 List of Messages

113 Do’s and Don’ts

113 Handling Precautions
117 Maintenance/Others
118 Using the Camcorder Abroad

119 General Information

119 System Diagram
120 Optional Accessories
124 Specifications
126 Index

Introduction

12

Thank you for purchasing the Canon HG21/HG20. 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 Trou bl es ho ot in g ( 98).

Conventions Used in this Manual

• IMPORTANT: Precautions related to the camcorder’s operation.

• NOTES: Additional topics that complement the basic operating procedures.

• POINTS TO CHECK: Restrictions or requirements regarding the function
described.

• : Reference page number within this manual.

• : Text that applies only to the model shown in the icon.

• The following terms are used in this manual:

“Screen” refers to the LCD and the viewfinder screen ( only).
“Hard disk” and “HDD” are used interchangeably to refer to the camcorder's built­in hard disk drive.
“Media” is used to refer collectively to either the built-in hard disk or an external
memory card.

• The photos included in this manual are simulated pictures taken with a still camera.
Unless indicated otherwise, illustrations and menu icons refer to the .

About this Manual

To complete some operations you will need to refer also to other instruction
manuals. This will be indicated with the following icons:

Refer to the

“Digital Video Software” instruction manual, included as a

PDF file in the supplied DIGITAL VIDEO Solution Disk CD-ROM.

Refer to the instruction manual of the optional DW-100 DVD Burner.

DVSD

DW-100

13

Special Scene Recording Programs

Recording in a very bright ski resort or
capturing the full colors of a sunset or a
fireworks display becomes as easy as
selecting a Special Scene recording
program. For details about the available
options, refer to the sidebar on page

50.

[ Programmed AE]
[ Portrait]
Press to display the Special
Scene (SCN) recording programs
Desired recording program

FUNC.

FUNC.

Brackets [ ] are used to refer to menu
options as they are displayed on
screen. In tables in this manual the
default value is shown in boldface.
For example [On], [Off].

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

In this manual, the arrow is used to abbreviate menu selections.
For a detailed explanation refer to Using the Menus ( 26).

Names of buttons and switches other
than the joystick are indicated within
a “button” frame.
For example .

FUNC.

Introduction

14

Getting to Kno w the Camcorder

1

Software for saving, managing, editing and playing back movies on your computer ( 80). The
CD-ROM includes the instruction manual of the software (electronic version on PDF file).

2

Software for saving, managing, retouching and printing photos ( 84). The CD-ROM includes
the instruction manual of the software (electronic version on PDF file).

Supplied Accessories

CA-570 Compact Power

Adapter (incl. power cord)

BP-807 Battery Pack

WL-D88 Wireless Controller

Lithium Button Battery

CR2025 for Wireless

Controller

CTC-100/S

Component Cable

Red • Green • Blue plugs

Software CD-ROM1

and Installation Guide

PIXELA ImageMixer 3 SE

STV-250N

Stereo Video Cable

Yellow • Red • White plugs

Software CD-ROM

2

DIGITAL VIDEO

Solution Disk

IFC-400PCU USB Cable

15

Components Guide

Left side view

Front view

Right side view

button ( 25)/

(print/share) button ( 71, 84)

DISP. (on-screen display) button
( 40, 51)/
BATT. INFO button ( 20)

Speaker ( 37)
Memory card slot ( 30)
USB terminal ( 78)
HDMI OUT terminal ( 77, 79)
AV OUT/ terminal ( 77)
COMPONENT OUT terminal ( 77)
MIC terminal ( 54)
Strap mount ( 23)
Grip belt
Instant AF sensor ( 91)
Flash ( 64)
Stereo microphone

Introduction

16

* only.

Back view

Top v i ew

LCD panel

VIEWFINDER button* ( 33)
Viewfinder* ( 24, 33)
Dioptric adjustment lever* ( 33)
Battery attachment unit ( 21)
RESET button ( 101)
ACCESS indicator ( 32, 59)/

CHG (charge) indicator ( 21)
Start/Stop button ( 32)
Mode dial

Recording movies ( 32)
Taking photos ( 59)
Playing back movies ( 36)

Viewing photos ( 61)
DC IN terminal ( 21)
Remote sensor ( 23)
LCD screen ( 24)
Joystick ( 26)
FUNC. button ( 26, 88)

/ (play/pause) button ( 36)/

START/STOP button ( 32)

(fast reverse) button ( 36)/

Zoom out W (wide-angle) button ( 34)

(fast forward) button ( 36)/

Zoom in T (telephoto) button ( 34)

(stop) button ( 36)/

BLC (backlight correction) button ( 46)
Mini advanced shoe ( 53)
Zoom lever ( 34)
PHOTO button ( 59)
ON/OFF button

indicator

17

Wireless Controller WL-D88

B

ottom view

Tripod socket ( 114)
BATTERY RELEASE switch ( 22)

Serial number

The serial number label is located on the
top surface of the battery attachment unit.
Remove the battery pack to find it.

START/STOP button ( 32)
FUNC. button ( 26, 88)
MENU button ( 27, 90)
PLAYLIST button ( 56)
Navigation buttons ( / / / )

(frame reverse) button ( 37)

(fast reverse) button ( 37)
(play) button ( 36)
(pause) button ( 36)
(stop) button ( 36)

PHOTO button ( 59)
Zoom buttons ( 34)
SET button

(frame advance) button ( 37)

(fast forward) button ( 37)

DISP. (on-screen display) button
( 40, 51)

Introduction

18

Recording Movies

Playing Movies

(During Playback)

Screen Displays

Operating mode
Recording program ( 43, 44)
White balance ( 48)
Image effect ( 49)
Digital effect ( 50)
Recording mode ( 33)
Photo quality/size

(simultaneous recording) ( 66)
Remote sensor off ( 95)
Hard disk/memory card operation ( 20)

Instant AF ( 91),

MF Manual focus ( 47)
Remaining battery time ( 20)
While recording/during playback:

Scene counter (hours : minutes : seconds)
Record pause mode: Total number of
scenes

Remaining recording time

On the hard disk

On the memory card
Image stabilizer ( 92)
25F progressive frame rate ( 20)
Backlight correction ( 47)
Drop sensor off ( 96)
Audio level indicator ( 51)
Microphone attenuator ( 92)
Mini advanced shoe ( 53)
Headphone output ( 52)
Wind screen off ( 92)
Level marker ( 91)
Scene number
Data code ( 51)

19

Recording Photos

Viewing Photos

Zoom ( 34), Exposure ( 46)
Recording program ( 43, 44)
Light metering mode ( 67)
White balance ( 48)
Image effect ( 49)
Digital effect ( 50)
Drive mode ( 65)
Photo quality/size ( 60)

Instant AF ( 91),

MF Manual focus ( 47)
Remaining battery time ( 20)
Number of available photos

On the hard disk

On the memory card
Image stabilizer ( 92)
Self timer ( 46)
AF frame ( 92)
Camcorder shake warning ( 92)
Focus and exposure lock ( 59)
Flash ( 64)
Histogram ( 65)
Current photo / Total number of photos
Photo number ( 96)
Protected photo mark ( 68)
Date and time of recording
Manual focus ( 47)
File size
Manual exposure ( 46)
Photo size ( 60)
Aperture value ( 44)
Shutter speed ( 44)

Introduction

20

Hard disk/memory card operation

Record, Record pause,

Playback, Playback pause,

Fast playback,

Fast reverse playback,
Slow playback,
Slow reverse playback,
Frame advance,
Frame reverse

, Remaining battery time

• The icon shows a rough estimate of the
remaining charge as a percentage of the full
charge of the battery pack. The remaining
recording/playback time of the battery pack is
displayed, in minutes, next to the icon.

• When is displayed 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.

• When the camcorder is off, press
to display the charge status of a battery pack.
The Intelligent System will display the charge
status (as a percentage) and the remaining
recording time (in minutes) for 5 seconds. If the
battery pack is exhausted, the battery
information may not be displayed.

Remaining recording time

When there is no more free space on the
recording media, “ END” (built-in hard disk)
or “ END” (memory card) will be displayed
and the recording will stop.

25F progressive frame rate

Select the 25F progressive frame rate ( 45) to
give your recordings a cinematic look. You can
combine this frame rate with the [ Cine
Mode] recording program to enhance the effect.

Number of available photos

in red: No card
in green: 6 or more photos
in yellow: 1 to 5 photos
in red: No more photos can be recorded

• When viewing the photos, the display will
always be in green.

• Depending on the recording conditions, the
number of available photos displayed may not
decrease even after a recording has been
made, or may decrease by 2 photos at once.

Photo number

The photo number indicates the name and
location of the file on the memory card. For
example, the file name of a photo numbered
101-0107 is “IMG_0107.JPG”, stored under the
folder “DCIM\101CANON”.

100% 75% 50% 25% 0%

BATT.INFO

21

Preparations

This chapter describes basic operations, such as navigating the
menus, and first time settings to help you learn more about your
camcorder.

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.

For approximate charging times and
recording/playback times with a full
battery pack, refer to the tables on
pages 120-121.

1 Connect the power cord to the

compact power adapter.

2 Plug the power cord into a power

outlet.

3 Connect the compact power

adapter to the camcorder’s DC IN
terminal.

4 Attach the battery pack to the

camcorder.

Press the battery pack softly into the
battery attachment unit and slide it
up until it clicks in place.

5 Charging will start when the

camcorder is turned off
(the indicator is off).

• The CHG (charge) indicator starts
flashing. The indicator will stay on
when the charging is completed.

• If the indicator flashes quickly,
refer to Tr ou bl es ho oti ng ( 98).

Getting Started

DC IN terminal

CHG (charge)
indicator

Preparations

22

1 Slide in the

direction of the arrow and hold it
pressed down.

2 Slide the battery pack down and

then pull it out.

IMPORTANT

• Turn off the camcorder before
connecting or disconnecting the
compact power adapter. After pressing

to turn off the camcorder,
important data is updated on the hard
disk. Be sure to wait until the
indicator turns off.

• We recommend charging the battery
pack in temperatures between 10 °C
and 30 °C. Outside the temperature
range of 0 °C to 40 °C, 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 battery pack will be charged only
when the camcorder is off.

• If remaining battery time is an issue, you
can power the camcorder using the
compact power adapter so the battery
pack will not be consumed.

• Charged battery packs continue to
discharge naturally. Therefore, charge
them on the day of use, or the day
before, to ensure a full charge.

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

Preparing the Wireless Controller and
Accessories

First, insert the supplied lithium button
battery CR2025 into the wireless
controller.

1 Press the tab in the direction of

the arrow and pull out the battery
holder.

2 Place the lithium button battery

with the + side facing up.

3 Insert the battery holder.

TO REMOVE THE BATTERY PACK

BATTERY RELEASE
switch

BATTERY RELEASE

ON/OFF

Ta b

23

Point the wireless controller at the
camcorder’s remote sensor when
you press the buttons.

You can rotate the LCD panel 180
degrees to use the wireless controller
from the front of the camcorder.

NOTES

• The wireless controller may not work
properly when the remote sensor is
situated under strong light sources or
direct sunlight.

• If the wireless controller does not work,
check that [Wireless Remote
Control] is not set to [ Off ]
( 95). Otherwise, replace the battery.

Accessories

Fasten the grip belt.

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

Pass the ends of the shoulder strap
through the strap mount on the grip
belt and adjust the length of the
strap.

TO USE THE WIRELESS CONTROLLER

TO ATTACH A SHOULDER STRAP

Start/Stop

Preparations

24

Adjusting the Position and Brightness
of the LCD Screen

Rotating the LCD Panel

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees.

• You can rotate the panel 90 degrees
downward.

• You can rotate the panel 180 degrees
toward the lens. Rotating the LCD
panel 180 degrees can be useful in
the following cases:

- To allow the subject to monitor

the LCD screen while you use the
viewfinder.

- To include yourself in the picture when

recording with the self timer.

- To allow the camcorder to be operated

with the wireless controller from the
front.

NOTES

About the LCD and viewfinder* screen: The

screens are produced using extremely
high-precision manufacturing techniques,
with more than 99.99% of the pixels
operating to specification. Less than

0.01% of the pixels may occasionally
misfire or appear as black, red, blue or
green dots. This has no effect on the
recorded image and does not constitute a
malfunction.

* only.

LCD Backlight

You can set the brightness of the
screen to normal or bright. This
changes the brightness of both the LCD
and viewfinder* screen.

* only.

Hold pressed down for more
than 2 seconds.

Repeat this action to toggle between
the normal and bright settings.

NOTES

• This setting does not affect the
brightness of the recording.

• Using the bright setting will shorten the
effective usage time of the battery pack.

180°

90°

180°

Subject can monitor the LCD screen

while you use the viewfinder

DISP.

25

The Button: Mode or
Flexible Recording

The camcorder offers two basic modes
for recording video or photos:
mode for beginners or if you just prefer
not to bother with detailed camcorder
settings, and flexible recording mode
which lets you change the camcorder's
settings to your preference.

Press the button to enter the

mode (the button's blue light will
be on). You do not need to worry about
any settings and can shoot video using
just the zoom lever ( 34) and

( 32) or take photos using
just the zoom lever and ( 59).
The viewfinder ( only) and Quick
Start function can also be used in
mode.

Press the button again to return
to the flexible recording mode (the
button's light is off). You can access the
menus and change settings to your
preference. Even in flexible recording
mode, the camcorder can help you with
the settings. For example, you can use
the Special Scene recording programs
(

43) to set at once all the optimal

settings to match special recording
conditions.

NOTES

In mode you cannot access the
menus but you can change the following
settings in advance, before setting the
camcorder to mode.

- Recording mode of movies

- Size/quality of photos

- Auto slow shutter

- All settings under the setup menu’s
, and tabs.

Basic Operation of the
Camcorder

EASY MODE

Start/Stop

PHOTO

FLEXIBLE RECORDING

Preparations

26

Joystick and Joystick Guide

Use the joystick to operate the
camcorder's menus.

Press to display/hide the joystick
guide. The functions that appear on the
joystick guide will change depending
on the operating mode.

Using the Menus

Many of the camcorder’s functions can
be adjusted from the menus that open
after pressing the FUNC. button
( ). To access the menus set the
camcorder to flexible recording mode.
In mode, except for a few
exceptions, most menu settings will
return to their default values ( 25).

For details about the available menu
options and settings, refer to the
appendix Menu Options Lists ( 88).

Selecting a FUNC. Menu Option

Following is an example of selecting a
FUNC. menu option in a recording
mode.

1 Press .
2 Select ( ) the icon of the

function you want to change from
the left side column.

Menu items not available will appear
grayed out.

3 Select ( ) the desired setting

from the available options at the
bottom bar.

• The selected option will be

highlighted in orange.

• With some settings you will need

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

4 Press to save the settings

and close the menu.

You can press to close the
menu at any time.

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

Push the joystick up, down, left or right ( ,

) to select an item or change settings.

FUNC.

FUNC.

FUNC.

FUNC.

27

Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus

1 Press .
2 Select ( , ) the icon and

press to open the setup
menus.

You can also hold pressed
down for more than 1 second or
press on the wireless
controller to open directly the setup
menus screen.

3 Select ( ) the tab of the desired

menu.

The settings available will change as
you move between the menu tabs.

4 Select ( ) the setting you want

to change and press .

• The orange selection bar indicates
the menu setting currently
selected. Menu items not available
appear grayed out.

• Move ( ) the orange selection
bar to the tabs at the top of the
screen to select a different menu
(step 3).

5 Select ( ) the desired option and

press to save the setting.

6 Press .

You can press to close the
menu at any time.

NOTES

A small font size is used in menu screens
so you can see all options and current
settings in one screen. You can enlarge
the font size by setting [Font Size]
to [ Large] but you may have to scroll
down to find some menu options and only
the icons of the current settings will be
displayed.

FUNC.

FUNC.

MENU

FUNC.

FUNC.

Preparations

28

Setting the Date and Time

You will need to set the date and time of
the camcorder before you can start
using it. The [Date/Time] screen will
appear automatically when the
camcorder’s clock is not set.

When the [Date/Time] screen　
appears, the year will be displayed in
orange and indicated with up/down
arrows.

1 Change ( ) the year and move

( ) to the month.

2 Change the rest of the fields

(month, day, hour and minutes) in
the same way.

3 Select ( ) [OK] and press to

start the clock and close the setup
screen.

IMPORTANT

• When you do not use the camcorder for
about 3 months, the built-in
rechargeable lithium battery may
discharge completely and the date and
time setting may be lost. In such case,
recharge the built-in lithium battery
( 116) and set the time zone, date
and time again.

• The date appears in a year-month-day
format only in the first setup screen. In
subsequent screen displays the date
and time will appear as day-month-year
(for example, [1.Jan.2008 12:00 AM]).
You can change the date format ( 97).

• You can also change the date and time
later on (not during the initial setup).
Open the [Date/Time] screen from the
setup menus:

[ Menu]

[Date/Time]

Changing the Language

Options



Default value

[ Menu]
[Language ]
Desired language

NOTES

The displays and that appear
in some menu screens refer to the name of
buttons on the camcorder and will not
change, regardless of the language
selected.

First Time Settings

[][MAGYAR][]
[DEUTSCH][MELAYU][]
[][POLSKI][]

[ENGLISH]



[] [ ]

[ESPAÑOL][TÜRKÇE][]
[FRANÇAIS][ ] [ ]
[ITALIANO][ ] [ ]

FUNC.

FUNC.

FUNC.

29

Changing the Time Zone

Change the time zone to match your
location. The default setting is Paris.

[ Menu]
[Time Zone/DST]
Your local time zone*

[ Menu]
[Time Zone/DST]
Local time at your destination*

* To adjust for daylight saving time, select the

area name marked with a .

Memory Cards Compatible for Use with
the Camcorder

You can use commercially available

SDHC (SD high capacity) memory
cards and SD memory cards with
this camcorder. However, depending on
its Speed Class, you may not be able to
record movies on the memory card.
Refer to the table on page 30.

As of June 2008, the movie recording
function has been tested using SD/
SDHC memory cards made by
Panasonic, Toshiba and SanDisk.

We recommend using memory cards
with a Speed Class 4 or higher.

NOTES

About the SD Speed Class: The SD Speed

Class is a standard that indicates the
minimum guaranteed data transfer speed
of SD/SDHC memory cards. When you
buy a new memory card, look for the
Speed Class logo on the package.

TO SET THE HOME TIME ZONE

WHEN YOU TRAVEL

FUNC.

FUNC.

FUNC.

FUNC.

Using a Memory Card

Preparations

30

Inserting and Removing a Memory Card

Make sure to initialize all memory cards
before using them with this camcorder
(31).

1 Turn off the camcorder.

Make sure the indicator is off.

2 Open the memory card slot cover.
3 Insert the memory card straight,

with the label facing up, all the
way into the memory card slot
until it clicks.

4 Close the memory card slot cover.

Do not force the cover closed if the
memory card is not correctly
inserted.

IMPORTANT

Memory cards have front and back sides
that are not interchangeable. Inserting a
memory card facing the wrong direction
can cause a malfunction of the camcorder.

NOTES

To remove the memory card: Push the

memory card once to release it. When the
memory card springs out, pull it all the
way out.

1

Movies cannot be recorded when the recording mode is set to MXP (24 Mbps) or FXP
(17 Mbps).

2

On some memory cards you may not be able to record movies at all.

Memory card Capacity SD Speed Class

Recording

movies

Recording
photos

SD

memory cards

64 MB or less Not applicable –

128 MB or

more

Not compatible

1,2

1

or higher

SDHC

memory cards

Over 2 GB

1

or higher

31

Selecting the Recording Media

You can select to record your movies
and photos on the built-in hard disk or
on a memory card. The hard disk is the
default media for recording both.

[ Menu] or
[Rec Media for Movies] or
[Rec Media for Photos] Select
the hard disk or memory card*

* For each media, you can check the total,

used and available space. Available space
is estimated based on the recording mode
(movies) or photo size/quality (photos)
currently in use.

Initializing the Hard Disk or Memory
Card

Initialize memory cards when you use
them with this camcorder for the first
time. You can also initialize a memory
card or the hard disk to permanently
delete all the recordings it contains.
Initializing the recording media also
eliminates fragmentation.
Fragmentation becomes more serious
as recordings are repeatedly added and
deleted and can eventually result in
reduced performance.

Options

[ Menu]
[Initialize / ]
[HDD] or [Mem. Card]
Initialization method
[Yes]* [OK]

* Press to cancel the complete

initialization while it is in progress. All
recordings will be erased and the recording
media can be used without any problem.

IMPORTANT

• Initializing the recording media will

permanently erase all recordings. Lost
original recordings cannot be recovered.
Make sure you back up important
recordings in advance using an external
device ( 80).

• Power the camcorder using the

compact power adapter to initialize the
hard disk. While the initialization is in
progress, do not disconnect the power
source.

TO CHANGE THE MEDIA FOR RECORDING

MOVIES

FUNC.

FUNC.

[Quick Initialization]
Clears the file allocation table but does not

physically erase the stored data.
[Complete Initialization]
Erases all data completely. The complete

initialization of the hard disk requires a longer
time ( approx. 2 hr., approx.
1hr.).

FUNC.

FUNC.

32

Video

This chapter covers functions related to shooting movies, including
recording, playback, menu options and playlist and scene operations.

Shooting Video

1 Set the mode dial to .
2 Turn on the camcorder.

By default, movies are recorded on
the hard disk. You can also set the
memory card as the recording media
for movies ( 31).

3 Press to begin

recording.

• Recording starts; press
again to pause the recording.

• You can also press on
the LCD panel.

1 Make sure that the ACCESS

indicator is off.
2 Turn off the camcorder.
3 Close the LCD panel.

IMPORTANT

• Observe the following precautions while

the ACCESS indicator is on or flashing.
Failing to do so may result in permanent
data loss or damage to the hard disk/
memory card.

- Do not subject the camcorder to
vibrations or strong impacts.

- Do not open the memory card slot
cover.

- Do not disconnect the power source
or turn off the camcorder.

- Do not change the position of the
mode dial.

• Be sure to back up your recordings
regularly ( 80), especially after
making important recordings. Canon
shall not be liable for any loss or
corruption of data.

NOTES

• About the Power Save mode: To save power
when the camcorder is powered by a
battery pack, the camcorder will
automatically shut off if left without any
operations for 5 minutes ( 95). Press

to turn on the camcorder.

Basic Recording

Start/Stop

Start/Stop

START/STOP

WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED RECORDING

ON/OFF

33

• When recording in very loud places
(such as fireworks shows or concerts),
sound may become distorted or it may
not be recorded at the actual levels. This
is not a malfunction.

Selecting the Video Quality
(Recording Mode)

The camcorder offers 5 recording
modes. Changing the recording mode
will change the recording time available.
Select MXP or FXP mode for better
movie quality; select LP mode for
longer recording times. The table on
page 34 gives approximate recording
times.

[ Standard Play 7 Mbps]
Desired recording mode

NOTES

• AVCHD discs containing scenes
recorded in MXP mode cannot be
created with the optional DW-100 DVD
burner. Use the supplied software
ImageMixer 3 to back up such scenes.

• The camcorder uses a variable bit rate
(VBR) to encode video so the actual
recording times will vary depending on
the content of the scenes.

• The camcorder retains the last setting
used even if you set the camcorder to

mode.

Using the Viewfinder

When recording in bright places it may
be difficult to use the LCD screen. In
such case, change the brightness of the
LCD screen* ( 24) or use the
viewfinder instead. Press
to activate the viewfinder along with the
LCD panel. Close the LCD panel to use
only the viewfinder.

• You can pull out the viewfinder if it is
more convenient. Hold out both sides
of the viewfinder firmly and pull it out
until it clicks.

• Adjust the viewfinder as necessary
with the dioptric adjustment lever.

* The brightness setting is common to

the LCD screen and the viewfinder.

VIEWFINDER

FUNC.

FUNC.

Video

34

Zooming

mode: In addition to the optical

zoom, digital zoom is also available
( 91).

12x Optical Zoom

Move the zoom lever toward W to
zoom out (wide angle). Move it
toward T to zoom in (telephoto).

Press gently for a slow zoom; press
harder for faster zooms. You can also
set / [Zoom Speed] ( 91)
to one of three constant speeds (3 is
the fastest, 1 the slowest).

NOTES

• Keep at least 1 m away from the
subject. At full wide angle, you can
focus on a subject as close as 1 cm.

• When [Zoom Speed] is set to
[ Variable]:

- When you use the T and W buttons on

the wireless controller or LCD panel,
the zoom speed will be constant at
[ Speed 3].

- The zoom speed will be faster in

record pause mode than when actually
recording.

Approximate recording times



Default value

* Recorded in 1,920 x 1,080 resolution. Movies recorded using other recording modes are

recorded in 1,440 x 1,080 resolution.

Recording mode → MXP* FXP* XP+ SP



LP

Recording media ↓

60 GB Hard disk 5 hr. 30 min. 7 hr. 50 min. 10 hr. 50 min. 18 hr. 22 hr. 55 min.

120 GB Hard disk 11 hr. 5 min. 15 hr. 45 min. 21 hr. 40 min. 36 hr. 45 hr. 55 min.
4 GB Memory card 20 min. 30 min. 40 min. 1 hr. 10 min. 1 hr. 30 min.
8 GB Memory card 40 min. 1 hr. 1 hr. 25 min. 2 hr. 20 min. 3 hr.
16 GB Memory card 1 hr. 25 min. 2 hr. 5 min. 2 hr. 50 min. 4 hr. 45 min. 6 hr. 5 min.
32 GB Memory card 2 hr. 55 min. 4 hr. 10 min. 5 hr. 45 min. 9 hr. 35 min. 12 hr. 15 min.

W

T

W

T

W Zoom out T Zoom in

35

Quick Start Function

When you close the LCD panel with the
camcorder on, the camcorder enters
the standby mode. In standby mode the
camcorder consumes only about half
the power used when recording, saving
energy when you are using a battery
pack. Additionally, when you open the
LCD panel, the camcorder is ready to
start recording in approximately
1 second*, ensuring you do not miss
important shooting opportunities.

* The actual time required varies depending

on the shooting conditions.

1 With the camcorder on and in a

recording mode, close the LCD
panel.

• If you are using the
viewfinder and the LCD panel is
closed, press to enter
the standby mode.

• A beep will sound and the
indicator will change to orange to
indicate the camcorder entered the
standby mode.

2 When you wish to resume

recording, open the LCD panel.

• The indicator turns back
green and the camcorder is ready
to record.

• You can also press

to resume recording
using the viewfinder with the LCD
panel closed.

IMPORTANT

Do not disconnect the power source
during standby mode (while the
indicator is lit in orange).

NOTES

• If you close the LCD panel under some
circumstances (for example, while the
ACCESS indicator is flashing or a menu
is being displayed), the camcorder may
not enter standby mode. Check that the

indicator changes to orange.

• The camcorder will shut off if left in
standby mode for 10 minutes,
regardless of the [Power Saving
Mode] setting ( 95). Press to
turn on the camcorder.

• You can select the length of time until
shut-off or turn off the Quick Start
function altogether with the
[Quick Start] setting ( 96).

• Changing the position of the mode dial
while the camcorder is in standby mode
will reactivate the camcorder in the
operating mode selected.

Reviewing and Deleting the Last Scene
Recorded

Even in mode you can play back
the last scene recorded in order to
check it. You can also delete the scene
while reviewing it.

VIEWFINDER

VIEWFINDER

ON/OFF

Video

36

1 Press to display the joystick

guide.

If does not appear on the
joystick guide, repeatedly push the
joystick ( ) toward [Next] to display
it.

2 Push the joystick ( ) toward .

The camcorder plays back the last
scene (but without sound) and
returns to record pause mode.

Deleting a Scene After Recording It

After recording a scene:

1 Review the scene as described in

the previous section.

2 While reviewing the scene, select

( ) the icon and press .

3 Select ( ) [Yes] and press .

NOTES

• Avoid any other operations on the
camcorder while the scene is being
deleted.

• You will not be able to delete the last
scene this way if after the scene was
recorded you changed the operating
mode or turned the camcorder off.

Playing Back the Video

1 Set the mode dial to .
2 Turn on the camcorder.

The scene index screen appears
after a few seconds.

3 Move ( , ) the selection

frame to the scene you want to
play back.

When you have recorded a large
number of scenes, repeatedly press

or to move between index

screen pages.

4 Press or to begin the

playback.

• Playback will start from the scene
selected and continue until the end
of the last scene recorded.

• Press again to pause the
playback.

Basic Playback

/

/

37

• Press to stop the playback
and return to the scene index
screen.

1 During playback, press to

display the joystick guide.

2 Adjust ( ) the volume.

IMPORTANT

• Observe the following precautions while

the ACCESS indicator is on or flashing.
Failing to do so may result in permanent
data loss.

- Do not subject the camcorder to
vibrations or strong impacts.

- Do not open the memory card slot
cover.

- Do not disconnect the power source
or turn off the camcorder.

- Do not change the position of the
mode dial.

• You may not be able to play back with
this camcorder movies recorded on a
memory card using another device.

NOTES

• Depending on the recording conditions,
you may notice brief stops in video or
sound playback between scenes.

• Sound from the speaker will be muted
when you close the LCD panel.

Use a pair of headphones when
you want to use the viewfinder for
playback.

Special playback modes

To enter the special playback modes,
you can use the buttons on the LCD
panel or wireless controller ( 17).
There is no sound during the special
playback modes.

Fast playback

During normal playback, press or

. Press again to increase the

playback speed to approximately 5x

→

15x

→

60x the normal speed.

Slow playback

In playback pause mode, press * or

. Press again to increase the

playback speed 1/8

→

1/4 the normal

speed.

* Slow reverse playback will look the same as

continuous frame reverse.

Frame Advance/Reverse

In playback pause mode, press or

on the wireless controller to

reverse a few frames (approx.

0.5 seconds) or to advance one frame.
Hold the button pressed for continuous
playback.

Skipping scenes

During normal playback push the
joystick ( ) or press on the wireless
controller to skip to the next scene.
Push the joystick ( ) or press on
the wireless controller once to return to
the beginning of the current scene or
twice to skip to the previous scene.

Ending special playback modes

During any special playback mode,
press on the camcorder or
on the wireless controller.

ADJUSTING THE VOLUME

/

Video

38

NOTES

During some special playback modes, you
may notice some anomalies (blocky video
artifacts, banding, etc.) in the playback
picture.

Changing the Index Screen Selection

Use the tabs on top of the index screen
to switch between playback of the
scenes and photos recorded on the
hard disk and those recorded on the
memory card. After creating a playlist
( 56), you can switch between the
original movies and the playlist you
edited to your liking.

Selecting the Media for Playback

1 In the index screen, move ( ) the

orange selection frame to the tabs
on the top of the screen.

2 Select ( ) the media or location

from where you want to play back
scenes/photos.

3 Return ( ) to the index screen to

select the scene or photo.

Example of changing the index screen in

mode:

NOTES

In mode, you can press on
the wireless controller to switch between
the original movies and the playlist of the
respective media.

Changing the Number of Items in the
Index Screen

By default, the index screen will show
up to 6 items (scenes or photos). Move
the zoom lever toward W to show up to
15 items per screen. Move it toward T
to return to the default index screen
display.

Original movies or photos on the hard
disk

Original movies or photos on the
memory card

Playlist on the hard disk*

Playlist on the memory card*

* mode only.

PLAYLIST

39

Selecting Scenes by Recording Date

From the original movies index screen,
you can search for recordings you
made on a particular date (for example,
to find all the movies you shot during a
special event).

Selecting from the List of Recordings

1 Select the original movies index

screen.

Select the (hard disk) or
(memory card) tab ( 38).

2 Open the list of recordings.

[ Scene Search]

[Date Selection]

• The list of recordings displays all
dates in which recordings were
made. An orange selection frame
appears on the day.

• The thumbnail shows a still image
from the first scene recorded on
that day. Below it will appear the
number of scenes recorded ( )

and the total recording time for the
same day.

3 Select ( ) the date, month or

year and move ( ) between
recording dates.

4 After selecting the desired date,

press .

The index screen will appear with the
selection frame on the first scene
recorded on the selected date.

NOTES

You can press to return to the index
screen at any time.

Selecting from the Calendar Screen

1 Select the original movies index

screen.

Select the (hard disk) or
(memory card) tab ( 38).

2 Open the calendar screen.

[ Scene Search]

[Calendar Screen]

• The calendar screen appears.

• Dates that contain scenes (that is,
movies were recorded on that
date) appear in white. Dates
without recordings appear in
black.

3 Move ( , ) the cursor to the

desired date.

• When you move the cursor to a
date displayed in white, a
thumbnail showing a still image
from the first scene recorded on
that date will be displayed next to
the calendar. Below it will appear
the number of scenes recorded
( ) and the total recording time
for the same day.

W 6 scenes/photos

T 15 scenes/photos

FUNC.

FUNC.

FUNC.

Video

40

• You can select ( ) the year or
month field and change ( ) the
year or month to move faster
between calendar months.

• You can press or to skip
directly to the previous/next date
that contains scenes.

4 Press to return to the index

screen.

The orange selection frame will
appear on the first scene recorded
on the selected date.

NOTES

• You can change on what day to start the
week for the calendar display ( 97).

• You can press to return to the
index screen at any time.

Selecting the Playback Starting Point
from the Movie Timeline

You can display a timeline of the scene
and select where to begin the playback.
This is very convenient when you want
to play back a long scene from a
specific point.

1 Select ( , ) the scene you

want to view and press .

• The timeline screen appears. The
large thumbnail will show the first
frame of the scene. Below it, the
timeline ruler shows frames taken
from the scene at fixed intervals.

• Press again to return to the
index screen.

2 Select ( ) the playback starting

point from the timeline ruler.

3 Press to begin the playback.

Move ( ) the orange selection
frame to the large thumbnail and
change ( ) the scene.

Move ( ) the orange selection
frame to the slidebar below the ruler
and display ( ) the previous/next 5
frames in the scene.

FUNC.

TO SELECT ANOTHER SCENE

T

O MOVE BETWEEN TIMELINE RULER PAGES

DISP.

DISP.

Interval between frames

Recording date and time

Scene length

Current scene / Total number of scenes

Frame selected for start of playback

Page slidebar
Timeline ruler

/

41

Desired interval

Selecting Recordings from the Index
Screen

You can select in advance a number of
original movies or photos from the
index screen in order to perform certain
actions on them collectively, all at once.

mode: Delete ( 42), copy
( 58) or add the selected scenes to
the playlist ( 56).

mode: Delete ( 63), copy
( 69) or protect ( 68) the selected
photos or mark all of them with print
orders ( 74) or transfer orders
( 87).

1 Select the original movies or the

photo index screen.

• mode: Select the (hard
disk) or (memory card) tab
(38).

• mode: Move the zoom lever
toward W to display the index
screen.

2 Open the selection screen.

[ Select]
[Individual Scenes] or
[Individual Photos]

• The selection screen appears.

3 Move ( , ) between the

scenes or photos in the index

screen and press to select an
individual scene/photo.

• A checkmark will appear on the
selected scenes/photos.

• Repeat this step to add all the
scenes/photos you want to include
in your selection (up to 100).

4 Press twice to close the

menu.

[ Select]
[Remove All Selections] [Yes]

NOTES

• The selection of scenes/photos will be
canceled if you turn off the camcorder
or change the operating mode.

• Scenes in the playlist cannot be
included in the selection.

TO CHANGE THE INTERVAL BETWEEN FRAMES

FUNC. FUNC.

FUNC.

TO CANCEL ALL THE SELECTIONS

Total number of scenes selected

Selected scenes

FUNC.

FUNC.

FUNC.

Video

42

Deleting Scenes

You can delete those scenes that you
are not interested in keeping. Deleting
scenes allows you also to free up space
on the recording media.

Options

1 Select ( , ) the scene you

want to delete, or a scene
recorded on the date you want to
delete.

This step is not necessary to delete
all scenes or previously selected
scenes.

2 Delete the scene(s).

[ Delete]

Desired option [Yes]* [OK]

* If you selected any option other than

[This Scene], you can press to interrupt
the operation while it is in progress. Some
scenes will be deleted nevertheless.

IMPORTANT

• Be careful when deleting original
recordings. Once deleted, original
scenes cannot be recovered.

• Back up important scenes before
deleting them ( 80).

• Observe the following precautions while
the ACCESS indicator is on or flashing
(while scenes are being deleted).

- Do not subject the camcorder to

vibrations or strong impacts.

- Do not open the memory card slot

cover.

- Do not disconnect the power source

or turn off the camcorder.

- Do not change the position of the

mode dial.

NOTES

• Deleting a scene from the original index
screen also deletes that scene from the
playlist.

• To delete all movies and make all
recordable space available again you
may prefer to initialize the recording
media ( 31).

• You may not be able to delete scenes
recorded or edited using another
device.

[All Scenes]
Deletes all the scenes.
[All Scenes (this date)]
Deletes all the scenes recorded on the same day

as the selected scene.
[This Scene]
Deletes only the scene marked with the orange

selection frame.
[Selected Scenes]
Deletes all the scenes selected in advance

(marked with a checkmark). Refer to
Selecting Recordings from the Index Screen
( 41).

FUNC.

FUNC.

43

Special Scene Recording Programs

Recording in a very bright ski resort or
capturing the full colors of a sunset or a
fireworks display becomes as easy as
selecting a Special Scene recording
program. For details about the available
options, refer to the sidebar below.

[ Programmed AE]
[ Portrait]
Press to display the Special
Scene (SCN) recording programs
Desired recording program

NOTES

•[ Night]

- Moving subjects may leave a trailing
afterimage.

- Picture quality may not be as good as
in other modes.

Advanced Functions

FUNC.

FUNC.

[ Portrait]

The camcorder uses
a large aperture,
achieving a focus on
the subject while
blurring other distracting details.

[ Sports]

Use this mode to
record sports
scenes such as
tennis or golf.

[ Night]

Use this mode to
record in dimly lit
places.

[ Snow]

Use this mode to
record in bright ski
resorts. It prevents
the subject from
being underexposed.

[ Beach]

Use this mode to
record on a sunny
beach. It prevents
the subject from
being underexposed.

[ Sunset]

Use this mode to
record sunsets in
vibrant colors.

[ Spotlight]

Use this mode to
record spotlit
scenes.

[ Fireworks]

Use this mode to
record fireworks.

Video

44

- White points may appear on the
screen.

- Autofocus may not work as well as in
other modes. In such case, adjust the
focus manually.

•[ Fireworks]

- To avoid camcorder shake, we
recommend using a tripod. Make sure
to use a tripod especially in
mode, as the shutter speed slows
down.

• [ Portrait]/[ Sports]/[ Beach]/
[ Snow]

- The picture may not appear smooth

during playback.

• [ Portrait]

- The blur effect of the background

increases the more you zoom in (T).

• [ Snow]/[ Beach]

- The subject may become

overexposed on cloudy days or in
shaded places. Check the image on
the screen.

Changing the Shutter Speed and
Aperture

Use the automatic exposure (AE)
program to use functions like the white
balance or image effects, or give
priority to the exposure value or the
shutter speed.

Use faster shutter speeds to record
subjects moving quickly; use slower
shutter speeds to add motion blur,
emphasizing the feel of movement.

Use low aperture values (larger lens
opening) to softly blur the background
in a portrait; use high aperture values
(smaller lens opening) to get a wider

depth of field, giving a sharp focus all
throughout a landscape.

Options



Default value

[ Programmed AE] Desired
recording program

When you select [ Shutter-Priority
AE] or [ Aperture-Priority AE], a
numeric value will appear next to the
recording program icon.

1 If the joystick guide appears on

the screen, press to hide it.

2 Adjust ( ) the shutter speed or

aperture value to the desired
value.

Shutter speed guidelines

Note that on screen only the denominator
is displayed – [ 250] indicates a
shutter speed of 1/250 second, etc.

[ Programmed AE]



The camcorder automatically adjusts the
aperture and shutter speed to obtain the optimal
exposure for the subject.

[ Shutter-Priority AE]
Set the shutter speed value. The camcorder

automatically sets the appropriate aperture
value.

[ Aperture-Priority AE]
Set the aperture value. The camcorder

automatically sets the appropriate shutter speed.

TO SET THE SHUTTER SPEED OR APERTURE

VALUE

FUNC.

FUNC.

45

* mode only. ** mode only.

Available Aperture Values

[F1.8], [F2.0], [F2.4], [F2.8], [F3.4],
[F4.0], [F4.8], [F5.6], [F6.7], [F8.0]

NOTES

• [ Shutter-Priority AE]

- If you use a slow shutter speed in dark
places, you can obtain a brighter
image, but image quality may be
lower, and autofocus may not work
well.

- The image may flicker when recording
with fast shutter speeds.

• [ Aperture-Priority AE]
The actual range of values available for
selection will vary depending on the
initial zoom position.

• When setting a numeric value (aperture
or shutter speed), the number displayed
will flash if the aperture or shutter speed
is not appropriate for the recording
conditions. In such case, select a
different value.

Cinema Mode: Giving a Cinematic Look
to your Recordings

Give your recordings a cinematic look
by using the [ Cine Mode] recording
program. Combine this recording
program with the 25 fps progressive
frame rate [ PF25] to get the
enhanced effect of the 25p Cinema
Mode.

[ Programmed AE]
[ Cine Mode]

[ Menu]
[Frame Rate]
[ PF25]

1/2*, 1/3*, 1/6, 1/12, 1/25
To record in dimly lit places.
1/50
To record under most ordinary conditions.
1/120
To record indoor sports scenes.
1/250, 1/500, 1/1000**
To record from within a moving car or train or to

shoot fast-moving subjects such as roller
coasters.

1/2000**
To record outdoor sports scenes on sunny days.

TO SET THE [ CINE MODE] RECORDING

PROGRAM

TO CHANGE THE FRAME RATE

FUNC.

FUNC.

FUNC.

Video

46

Self Timer

[ Menu] or
[Self Timer] [On ]

appears.

mode:

In record pause mode, press

.

The camcorder starts recording after a
10-second countdown*. The
countdown appears on the screen.

mode:

Press , first halfway to
activate the autofocus and then fully.

The camcorder will record the photo
after a 10-second countdown*. The
countdown appears on the screen.

* 2 seconds when using the wireless

controller.

NOTES

Once the countdown has begun, you can
press (when recording movies),
press fully (when recording
photos) or turn off the camcorder to
cancel the self timer.

Manual Exposure Adjustment and
Automatic Backlight Correction

At times, backlit subjects may appear
too dark (underexposed) or subjects
under very strong lights may appear too
bright or glaring (overexposed). To
correct this, you can manually adjust
the exposure or use the automatic
backlight correction.

POINTS TO CHECK

Select a recording mode other than
[Fireworks].

Manual Exposure Adjustment

1 Press to display the joystick

guide.

If [Exposure] does not appear on the
joystick guide, repeatedly push the
joystick ( ) toward [Next] to display
it.

2 Push the joystick ( ) toward

[Exposure].

• The exposure adjustment indicator
and the neutral value “±0”

appear on the screen.

• The adjustment range and the

length of the exposure adjustment
indicator will vary depending on
the initial brightness of the picture.

FUNC.

FUNC.

Start/Stop

PHOTO

Start/Stop

PHOTO

47

• If you operate the zoom, the
brightness of the image may
change.

3 Adjust the ( ) the brightness of

the image as required and press

.

• The exposure adjustment indicator
will change to white and the
exposure will be locked.

• During exposure lock, press
and push the joystick ( ) toward
[Exposure] again to return the
camcorder to automatic exposure.

Automatic Backlight Correction

When shooting subjects with a strong
light source behind them, you can have
the camcorder automatically correct for
the backlight with the press of a single
button.

Press .

• appears.

• Press again to turn off the
backlight correction.

Manual Focus Adjustment

Autofocus may not work well on the
following subjects. In such case, focus
manually.

• Reflective surfaces

• Subjects with low contrast or without
vertical lines

• Fast moving subjects

• Through wet windows

•Night scenes

POINTS TO CHECK

Adjust the zoom before you start the
procedure.

1 Press to display the joystick

guide.

If [Focus] does not appear on the
joystick guide, repeatedly push the
joystick ( ) toward [Next] to display
it.

2 Push the joystick ( ) toward

[Focus].

“MF” appears.

3 Push the joystick ( ) or ( ) once

to verify if the image is focused.

The center of the screen will be
magnified and outlines will be
emphasized to help you focus more
easily. You can also turn off the focus
assist function ( 90).

4 Adjust ( ) the focus as

necessary and press .

• The focus will be locked.

• During focus lock, press and
push the joystick ( ) toward
[Focus] again to return the
camcorder to autofocus.

BLC

BLC

Video

48

Infinity Focus

Use this function when you wish to
focus on faraway subjects such as
mountains or fireworks.

Instead of step 2 in the previous
procedure:

Push the joystick ( ) toward [Focus]
and hold it for more than 2 seconds.

• appears.

• Push the joystick ( ) toward [Focus]
again to return the camcorder to
autofocus.

• If you operate the zoom or joystick
( ), changes to “MF” and the
camcorder returns to manual focus.

White Balance

The white balance function helps you to
accurately reproduce colors under
different lighting conditions so that
white objects will always look truly
white in your recordings.

POINTS TO CHECK

Select a recording mode other than the
Special Scene recording programs.

Options



Default value

[ Automatic]
Desired option*

* When you select [ Custom WB], do not

press and continue instead with the
following procedure.

1 Point the camcorder at a white

object, zoom in until it fills the
whole screen and press .

When the adjustment is completed,

stops flashing and stays on. The
camcorder retains the custom
setting even if you turn off the
camcorder.

2 Press to save the setting

and close the menu.

[ Automatic]



Settings are automatically set by the camcorder.
Use this setting for outdoor scenes.

[ Daylight]
For recording outdoors on a bright day.

[Shade]
For recording in shaded places.
[Cloudy]
For recording on a cloudy day.
[ Tungsten]
For recording under tungsten and tungsten type

(3-wavelength) fluorescent lighting.
[ Fluorescent]
For recording under warm white, cool white or

warm white type (3-wavelength) fluorescent
lighting.

[ Fluorescent H]
For recording under daylight or daylight type

(3-wavelength) fluorescent lighting.
[ Custom WB]
Use the custom white balance setting to make

white subjects appear white under colored
lighting.

TO SET THE CUSTOM WHITE BALANCE

FUNC.

FUNC.

FUNC.

FUNC.

49

NOTES

• When you select the custom white balance:

- Set the custom white balance in a
sufficiently illuminated place.

- Turn off the digital zoom ( 91).

- Reset the white balance when the
lighting conditions change.

- Depending on the light source,
may keep flashing. The result will still
be better than with [ Automatic].

• Custom white balance may provide
better results in the following cases:

- Changing lighting conditions

- Close-ups

- Subjects in a single color (sky, sea or

forest)

- Under mercury lamps and certain

types of fluorescent lights

• Depending on the type of fluorescent
light, optimal color balance may not be
obtained with [ Fluorescent] or
[ Fluorescent H]. If the color looks
unnatural, adjust it using [ Automatic]
or [ Custom WB].

Image Effects

You can use the image effects to
change the color saturation and
contrast to record movies and photos
with special color effects.

POINTS TO CHECK

Select a recording mode other than the
Special Scene recording programs.

Options



Default value

[ Image Effect Off]
Desired option*

* When you select [ Custom Effect], do

not press and continue instead with
the following procedure.

[ Image Effect Off]



Records with no image enhancing effects.
[ Vivid]
Emphasizes the contrast and color saturation.
[ Neutral]
Tones down the contrast and color saturation.
[ Low Sharpening]
Records subjects with softened outlines.
[ Soft Skin Detail]
Softens the details in the skin tone area for a

more complimentary appearance. To obtain the
best effect, use this setting when recording a
person in close-up. Note that areas similar to the
skin color may lack in detail.

[ Custom Effect]
Allows you to adjust the color depth, brightness,

contrast, and sharpness of the image.
[Color Depth]: (–) Shallower colors,

(+) Richer color tonality

[Brightness]: (–) Darker picture,

(+) Brighter picture

[Contrast]: (–) Flatter picture,

(+) More defined light and shade

[Sharpness]: (–) Vaguer outlines,

(+) Sharper outlines

FUNC.

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Video

50

1 Press and select ( ) the

custom setting options.

2 Adjust ( ) each setting as

desired.

3 When you finish all the

adjustments, press then

to save the setting and

close the menu.

Digital Effects

Options



Default value

* Only these digital effects are available in

mode.

Setting

[ Digital Effect Off]
Desired fader/effect*

**

* You can preview the digital effect on the

screen.

**The icon of the selected digital effect

appears.

Applying

1 Press to display the joystick

guide.

If does not appear on the
joystick guide, repeatedly push the
joystick ( ) toward [Next] to display
it.

2 Push the joystick ( ) toward .

• The icon of the selected effect
turns green.

• Push the joystick ( ) again to
deactivate the digital effect (its
icon will turn white again).

Activate the selected fader in record
pause mode ( ), then press
to start recording with a fade in.

Activate the selected fader while
recording ( ), then press to
fade out and pause the recording.

TO SET THE CUSTOM IMAGE EFFECT

[ Digital Effect Off]



Select this setting when you do not intend to use
the digital effects.

[ Fade Trigger], [ Wipe]
Select one of the faders to begin or end a scene

with a fade from or to a black screen.
[ B&W]*
Records movies and photos in black and white.
[ Sepia]*
Records movies and photos in sepia tones for an

“old” look.
[ Art]
Select this effect to add “flavor” to your

recordings.

FUNC.

TO FADE IN

TO FADE OUT

FUNC.

FUNC.

Start/Stop

Start/Stop

51

mode: Activate the selected
effect while recording or in record
pause mode.

mode: Activate the selected effect
and then press to record the
photo.

NOTES

• When you apply a fader, not only the

picture but also the sound will fade in or
out. When you apply an effect, the
sound will be recorded normally.

• The camcorder retains the last setting

used even if you turn off the digital
effects or change the recording
program.

On-Screen Displays and Data Code

You can turn most on-screen displays
on or off.

Repeatedly press to turn the
on-screen displays on/off in the
following sequence:

, mode:

• All displays on

• Most displays off*

mode:

• All displays on

• Data code only

• All displays off

mode:

• All displays on

• Regular displays only (removes the
histogram and information icons)

• All displays off

* The following icons will appear even when

all other on-screen displays are turned off:
The icons and (in mode), the

icon and AF frames when the autofocus
is locked (in mode), screen markers
(both recording modes).

Audio Recording Level

You can adjust the audio recording level
of the built-in or an external
microphone. You can display the audio
level indicator while recording.

TO ACTIVATE AN EFFECT

PHOTO

DISP.

About the Data Code

With every scene or photo recorded,
the camcorder keeps a data code
(date/time of recording, information
about the camera setup, etc.). In
mode, this information is displayed on
the bottom bar and as information
icons; in mode, you can select
the information to be displayed with the

[Data Code] setting ( 93).

Video

52

Manual Adjustment of the Audio
Recording Level

1 Press to display the joystick

guide.

If [ MIC] does not appear on the
joystick guide, repeatedly push the
joystick ( ) toward [Next] to display
it.

2 Push the joystick ( ) toward

[MIC].

The manual adjustment icon will
appear to the left of the audio level
indicator and the manual adjustment
bar (orange) will appear below it.

3 Adjust ( ) the audio level as

necessary.

As a guideline, adjust the audio
recording level so that the audio level
meter will go to the right of the

-12 dB mark only occasionally.

4 Press to save the setting and

hide the joystick guide.

• The audio level selected will be
locked and the audio level
adjustment bar will disappear from
the indicator.

• During manual adjustment, press

and push the joystick ( )
toward [ MIC] to return the
camcorder to automatic audio
adjustment.

Usually, the audio level indicator will be
displayed only after activating the
manual adjustment of the audio
recording level. You can choose to
display it also when the audio level is
adjusted automatically.

[ Menu]
[Audio Level Indicator] [On]

NOTES

• When the 0 dB mark turns red, the
sound may be distorted.

• If the audio level is too high and the
sound gets distorted, activate the
microphone attenuator ( 92).

• We recommend using headphones
( 52) to check the sound level while
adjusting the audio recording level or
when the microphone attenuator is
activated.

Using Headphones

Use headphones for playback or to
check the audio level while recording.

The headphones are connected to the
AV OUT/ terminal, which is used for
both the headphones and the audio/
video output. Before connecting the
headphones, follow the procedure
below to change the function of the
terminal from AV output to
(headphones) output.

Audio level indicator

Audio level adjustment bar

Manual audio level adjustment

TO DISPLAY THE AUDIO LEVEL METER

FUNC.

FUNC.

53

[ Menu]
[AV/Headphones]
[Headphones]

appears.

In mode, adjust ( ) the volume
of the headphones with the
[Headphone Volume] setting ( 94). In

mode, adjust the headphones
volume the same way you adjust the
speaker’s volume ( 37).

IMPORTANT

• When using headphones, make sure

to lower the volume to an appropriate
level.

• Do not connect the headphones to
the AV OUT/ terminal if the icon
does not appear on the screen. Only
noise will be output in such case.

NOTES

• Use commercially available headphones
with a ∅ 3.5 mm minijack and a cable
no longer than 3 m.

• When you change the operating mode,
the [AV/Headphones] setting in

mode will return to [ AV].

Using the Mini Advanced Shoe

You can attach an optional DM-100
Directional Stereo Microphone or an
optional VL-5 Video Light. For details
about how to attach and use the
accessories, refer also to the instruction
manual of the each accessory.

* Only the optional VL-5 Video Light can be

used in mode.

1 Pull out the viewfinder.
2 Lift and rotate the mini advanced

shoe cover.

3 Attach the optional accessory to

the mini advanced shoe.

When a compatible accessory is
attached to the mini advanced shoe,

will appear on the screen.

TO ADJUST THE VOLUME OF THE

HEADPHONES

FUNC.

FUNC.

*

Video

54

NOTES

Accessories designed for
the Advanced Accessory
Shoe cannot be used with
this camcorder. Look for
video accessories bearing
this logo to ensure compatibility with the
mini advanced shoe.

Using an External Microphone

When recording in very quiet
surroundings, the built-in microphone
may pick up the sound of the
camcorder's internal machinery. In such
case, we recommend using an external
microphone.

Using the DM-100 Directional Stereo
Microphone

Attach the optional DM-100
Directional Stereo Microphone to the
mini advanced shoe.

Refer to Using the Mini Advanced Shoe
( 53).

appears. For details about using
the microphone, refer to the instruction
manual of the DM-100.

Using other microphones

You can also use commercially
available microphones. Connect the
external microphone to the MIC
terminal. Use commercially available
condenser microphones with their own
power supply and a cable no longer
than 3 m. You can connect almost any
stereo microphone with a ∅ 3.5 mm
plug but audio recording levels may
vary.

NOTES

• When an external microphone is

connected to the camcorder,
[Wind Screen] will automatically be set
to [ Off ].

• If the audio level is too high and the

sound gets distorted, activate the
microphone attenuator ( 92) or adjust
the audio recording level manually
(51).

55

Using a Video Light

You can use the optional VL-5 Video
Light to shoot video or take photos in
dark places.

Attach the optional VL-5 Video Light
to the mini advanced shoe.

Refer to Using the Mini Advanced Shoe
( 53).

appears when you turn on the
video light. For details about using the
video light, refer to the instruction
manual of the VL-5.

Dividing Scenes

You can divide scenes (original scenes
only) in order to leave out the best parts
and later cut out the rest.

1 Select the original movies index

screen.

Select the (hard disk) or
(memory card) tab ( 38).

2 Select ( , ) the scene you

want to divide.

3 Open the scene division screen.

[ Divide]
The scene selected will start playing
back.

4 Select ( ) the icon and press

where you want to divide the

scene.

• You can use the following icons

and the special playback modes
( 37) to bring the scene to a
precise point.

/ :Skip to the beginning/end

of the current scene.

/ : Frame advance/reverse.

• Press or to stop the

playback and exit the scene
division screen.

5 Select ( ) [Yes] and press .

The video from the division point to
the end of the scene will appear as a
new scene in the index screen.

Playlist and Scene Operations

FUNC.

FUNC.

Video

56

NOTES

• In this mode, the scene playback will
pause only at points where the scene
can be divided. Advancing/reversing
frames will skip only between such
points as well, so the interval will be
longer than in regular frame advance/
reverse.

• The following scenes cannot be divided:

- Scenes included in the scene

selection (marked with a
checkmark). Remove the selection
mark in advance.

- Scenes too short (3 seconds or

shorter).

- Scenes that were not recorded with

this camcorder.

• Scenes cannot be divided within 0.5
seconds from the beginning or the end
of the scene.

• During the playback of a scene that was
divided you may notice some anomalies
in the picture/sound at the point where
the scene was cut. To avoid this, you
can use the supplied software
ImageMixer 3 to divide and edit scenes.

Editing the Playlist: Adding, Moving and
Deleting Playlist Scenes

Create a playlist to play back only the
scenes you prefer and in the order of
your choice. Moving or deleting scenes
in the playlist will not affect the original
recordings.

Adding Scenes to the Playlist

Options

1 Select the original movies index

screen.

Select the (hard disk) or
(memory card) tab ( 38).

2 Select ( , ) the scene you

want to add to the playlist, or a
scene recorded on the date you
want to add to the playlist.

3 Add the scene(s) to the playlist.

[ Add to Playlist]
Desired option [Yes]

• When the operation is completed
[Scene(s) added to the playlist] will
be displayed.

• Scenes are added to the playlist on
the same media they are recorded
on.

• To check the playlist, select the

(hard disk playlist) or

(memory card playlist) tab ( 38).

[All Scenes (this date)]
Adds to the playlist all the scenes that were

recorded on the same day as the selected scene.
[This Scene]
Adds to the playlist only the scene marked with

the orange selection frame.
[Selected Scenes]
Adds to the playlist all the scenes selected in

advance (marked with a checkmark). Refer to
Selecting Recordings from the Index Screen
( 41).

FUNC.

57

NOTES

• You can copy scenes from the hard disk
to the memory card ( 58) to include in
the memory card’s playlist also scenes
that were originally recorded on the hard
disk.

• You may not be able to add scenes to
the playlist if they were recorded or
edited using another device or if there is
not enough space available on the hard
disk or memory card.

Deleting Scenes from the Playlist

Deleting scenes from the playlist will
not affect your original recordings.

Options

1 Select the playlist index screen.

Select the (hard disk playlist) or

(memory card playlist) tab

( 38).

2 Select ( , ) the scene you

want to delete.

This step is not necessary to delete
all scenes.

3 Delete the scene.

[ Delete]

Desired option [Yes]* [OK]

* If you selected [All Scenes], you can press

to interrupt the operation while it is in
progress. Some scenes will be deleted
nevertheless.

Moving Scenes in the Playlist

Move the scenes in the playlist to play
them back in the order of your choice.

1 Select the playlist index screen.

Select the (hard disk playlist) or

(memory card playlist) tab

( 38).

2 Select ( , ) the scene you

want to move.

3 Open the scene moving screen.

[ Move]

4 Move ( , ) the orange

marker to the desired position of
the scene and press .

The original position of the scene
and the current position of the
marker are displayed at the bottom
of the screen.

5 Select ( ) [Yes] and press to

move the scene.

NOTES

You may not be able to move scenes in
the playlist if there is not enough space
available on the hard disk or memory card.

[All Scenes]
Deletes all the scenes from the playlist.
[This Scene]
Deletes from the playlist only the scene marked

with the orange selection frame.

FUNC.

FUNC.

FUNC.

Video

58

Copying Scenes

You can copy original movies or the entire
playlist only from the hard disk to the
corresponding location on the memory
card.

Copying Original Movies

Options

1 Select the index screen of original

movies recorded on the hard disk.

Select the tab

( 38).

2 Select ( , ) the scene you

want to copy to the memory card,
or a scene recorded on the date
you want to copy.

This step is not necessary to copy all
scenes or previously selected
scenes.

3 Copy the scene(s).

[ Copy ( )]
Desired option [Yes]*
[OK]

* Press to interrupt the operation while it

is in progress.

Copying the Entire Playlist

1 Select the index screen of the hard

disk's playlist.

Select the tab ( 38).

2 Copy the playlist.

[ Copy ( )]
[Yes]* [OK]

* Press to interrupt the operation while it

is in progress.

IMPORTANT

• Observe the following precautions while

the ACCESS indicator is on or flashing.
Failing to do so may result in permanent
data loss.

- Do not subject the camcorder to
vibrations or strong impacts.

- Do not open the memory card slot
cover.

- Do not disconnect the power source
or turn off the camcorder.

- Do not change the position of the
mode dial.

NOTES

• If the memory card slot cover is open, or
the LOCK switch on the memory card is
set to prevent writing, you will not be
able to copy movies to the memory card.

• Scenes that were edited using the
supplied software ImageMixer 3 and
written back to the camcorder cannot
be copied to the memory card. You may
also not be able to copy scenes that
were not recorded with this camcorder.

[All Scenes]
Copies all the scenes to the memory card.
[All Scenes (this date)]
Copies to the memory card all the scenes that

were recorded on the same day as the selected
scene.

[This Scene]
Copies only the scene marked with the orange

selection frame to the memory card.
[Selected Scenes]
Copies to the memory card all the scenes

selected in advance (marked with a
checkmark). Refer to Selecting Recordings from
the Index Screen ( 41).

FUNC.

FUNC.

FUNC.

FUNC.

59

Photos

Refer to this chapter for details on shooting photos – taking photos and
playing them back, capturing photos from video and printing photos.

Taking Photos

1 Set the mode dial to .
2 Turn on the camcorder.

By default, photos are recorded on
the hard disk. You can also set the
memory card as the recording media
for photos ( 31).

3 Press halfway.

• Once the focus is automatically
adjusted, will turn green and
one or more AF frames will appear.

• When you press on the
wireless controller, the photo is

recorded after the autofocus is
activated and locked.

4 Press fully.

The ACCESS indicator will flash as
the photo is being recorded.

IMPORTANT

Observe the following precautions while
the ACCESS indicator is on or flashing.
Failing to do so may result in permanent
data loss.

- Do not subject the camcorder to
vibrations or strong impacts.

- Do not open the memory card slot cover.

- Do not disconnect the power source or
turn off the camcorder.

- Do not change the position of the mode
dial.

NOTES

• If the subject is not suitable for

autofocus, turns yellow. Adjust the
focus manually ( 47).

• When the subject is too bright,

[Overexp.] starts flashing. In such case,
use the optional FS-H37U ND filter.

Basic Recording

PHOTO

PHOTO

PHOTO

Photos

60

Selecting Photo Size and Quality

Photos are recorded as JPG files. As a
general rule, select a larger photo size
for higher quality. Select the
[ 1920x1080] size for photos with an
aspect ratio of 16:9.

Options

Photo size options and the approximate
number of photos that can be recorded
on memory cards of various sizes are
given in the table below.

[ 2048x1536]
Desired photo size*
Desired photo quality*

* Press to move back and forth between

size and quality selection. The number
displayed on the right corner indicates the
approximate number of photos that can be
recorded with the current quality/size
setting.

NOTES

• The actual number of photos that can
be recorded will vary depending on the
subject and shooting conditions.

• The camcorder retains the last setting
used even if you set the camcorder to

mode.

FUNC.

FUNC.

Approximate number of photos available on a memory card



Default value

1

: [Super Fine], : [Fine], : [Normal].

2

This size is only available for recording in mode (simultaneous recording) ( 66).

3

Approximate number of photos that can actually be recorded on the memory card.
(The maximum number of remaining photos displayed on the screen is 9999.)

Memory card 128 MB 512 MB 1 GB
Photo quality1 →

  

Photo size ↓

LW 1920x1080 50 75 150 315 470 925 670 1,000 1,970
L 2048x1536



30 50 100 205 310 625 445 660 1,325

M 1440x1080 65 100 200 420 625 1,225 890 1,325 2,595
SW 848x480

2

260 370 740 1,585 2,245 4,495 3,360 4,760 9,325

S 640x480 340 490 890 2,070 2,995 5,390 4,395 6,350 11,430

3

61

• When printing photos, use the following
guidelines as a reference for selecting
the print size.

Deleting a Photo Right After Recording
It

You can delete the photo recorded last
while reviewing it within the time set for
the [Photo Review Time] option or
immediately after recording it, if [Photo
Review Time] is set to [ Off].

While reviewing the photo immediately
after recording:

1 Push the joystick ( ) toward .
2 Select ( ) [Yes] and press .

Viewing Photos

1 Set the mode dial to .
2 Turn on the camcorder.
3 Push the joystick ( ) to move

between photos.

Push the joystick ( ) and hold it
down to run quickly through the
photos.

Slideshow

You can play a slideshow of all the
photos.

1 Select ( ) the first photo of the

slideshow.

2 Press to play back the photos

one after another.

Press to stop the slideshow.

Photo size Recommended use

L 2048x1536 To print photos up to A4 size.
M 1440x1080 To print photos up to L size

(9 x 13 cm) or postcard size
(10 x 14.8 cm).

S 640x480 To send photos as e-mail

attachments or to post on
the Web.

LW 1920x1080,
SW 848x480

To print photos with a 16:9
aspect ratio. Wide-sized
photo paper is required.

Basic Playback

/

Photos

62

Index Screen

1 Move the zoom lever toward W.

• The photo index screen appears.

• You can switch to the index screen
of the photos recorded on the
memory card or change the
number of photos displayed per
page ( 38).

2 Select ( , ) a photo.

• Move the orange selection frame
to the photo you want to view.

• Repeatedly press or to
move between index screen
pages.

3 Press .

The index screen closes and the
selected photo is displayed.

Photo Jump Function

When you have recorded a large
number of photos, you can jump 10 or
100 photos at a time.

1 Press to display the joystick

guide.

2 Push the joystick ( ) toward .

3 Select ( ) [ Jump 10 photos]

or [ Jump 100 photos].

4 Jump ( ) the number of photos

selected and press .

Press again to hide the joystick
guide.

IMPORTANT

• Observe the following precautions while
the ACCESS indicator is on or flashing.
Failing to do so may result in permanent
data loss.

- Do not subject the camcorder to

vibrations or strong impacts.

- Do not open the memory card slot

cover.

- Do not disconnect the power source

or turn off the camcorder.

- Do not change the position of the

mode dial.

• The following may not be displayed
correctly.

- Images not recorded with this

camcorder.

- Images edited on or uploaded from a

computer.

- Images whose file names have been

changed.

63

Deleting Photos

You can delete those photos that you
are not interested in keeping.

Deleting a Single Photo

1

Select ( ) the photo you want to
delete.

2 Press to display the joystick

guide.

3 Push the joystick ( ) toward .
4 Select ( ) [Yes] and press .

Deleting Photos from the Index Screen

Options

1 Select the photo index screen.

Move the zoom lever toward W and
then select the (hard disk) or
(memory card) tab ( 38).

2 Select ( , ) the photo you

want to delete.

This step is not necessary to delete
all photos or previously selected
photos.

3 Delete the photo(s).

[ Delete]

Desired option [Yes]* [OK]

* If you selected an option other than [This

Photo], you can press to interrupt the
operation while it is in progress. Some
photos will be deleted nevertheless.

IMPORTANT

Be careful when deleting photos. Deleted
photos cannot be recovered.

NOTES

Protected photos cannot be deleted.

[All Photos]
Deletes all the photos.
[This Photo]
Deletes only the photo marked with the orange

selection frame.
[Selected Photos]
Deletes all the photos selected in advance

(marked with a checkmark). Refer to
Selecting Recordings from the Index Screen
( 41).

FUNC.

FUNC.

Photos

64

Magnifying Photos during Playback

During playback, photos can be
magnified up to 5 times. will appear
for photos that cannot be enlarged.

1 Move the zoom lever toward T.

• The photo is magnified by 2 times
and a frame appears indicating the
position of the magnified area.

• To further enlarge the photo, move
the zoom lever toward T. To reduce
the magnification to less than 2
times, move it toward W.

2 Move ( , ) the frame to the

part of the photo you want to see
enlarged.

To cancel the magnification, move
the zoom lever toward W until the
frame disappears.

Flash

You can use the flash to take photos in
dark places.

Options



Default value

1 Press to display the joystick

guide.

If does not appear on the joystick
guide, push the joystick ( ) toward
[Next] to display it.

2 Push the joystick ( ) toward .

• Repeatedly push the joystick ( )
to cycle between the flash modes.

• The icon of the flash mode
appears. disappears after 4
seconds.

3 Press , first halfway to

activate the autofocus and then
fully to record the photo.

Additional Functions

(auto)



The flash fires automatically according to the
brightness of the subject.

(flash on)

The flash always fires.

(flash off)

The flash does not fire.

PHOTO

65

NOTES

• The flash will not fire in the following
cases:

- When you manually adjust the

exposure in (auto) mode.

- During auto exposure bracketing.

- In the [ Fireworks] recording

program.

- When using the optional VL-5 Video

Light.

• The practical range of the flash is
approx. 1 to 2 m. The actual range will
depend on the recording conditions.

• The range of the flash decreases in
continuous shooting mode.

• The flash mode cannot be selected
when the exposure is locked.

• We recommend not using the flash while
the optional Wide-converter or
Tele-converter is attached; its shadow
can appear on the screen.

Histogram Display

When viewing photos you can display
the histogram and the icons of all the
functions used at the time of recording.
The histogram will be displayed also
immediately after taking a photo.

Use the histogram as a reference to
verify the correct exposure of the
photo.

The area to the right of the histogram
represents highlights and the left side
represents shadows. A photo whose
histogram skews to the right is relatively

bright; while one whose histogram
peaks to the left, is relatively dark.

Drive Mode: Continuous Shooting and
Exposure Bracketing

Take a series of photos of a moving
subject or record the same picture in 3
levels of exposure in order to choose
later the photo you like the best.

POINTS TO CHECK

Select a recording mode other than
[

Fireworks].

Options



Default value

[Single]



Records a single photo.
[ Continuous Shooting],

[ Hi-Speed Continuous Shooting]
Captures a series of up to 60 photos as long as

you hold pressed down. There are two
continuous shooting speed settings: normal
(approx. 2.5 photos/second) and high speed
(approx. 4.1 photos/second).

Shadows

Pixel Count

Highlights

PHOTO

Photos

66

[ Single] Desired option

1 Press halfway to activate

the autofocus.

2 Press fully and hold it

pressed down.

Press , first halfway to
activate the autofocus and then fully
to record the photos.

NOTES

• Continuous shooting speeds are
approximate and vary depending on
recording conditions and subjects.

• When using the flash, continuous
shooting speed will decrease to approx.

1.7 photos/second. Continuous
shooting speed will decrease also when
using slow shutter speeds (1/25 or
slower).

Taking Photos while Recording Movies
(Simultaneous Recording)

You can record photos even while the
camcorder is set to mode.
Moreover, you can capture the photo at
the same time you are recording video.

Photos recorded with simultaneous
recording will have the same aspect
ratio of movies (16:9).

[ Simultaneous Recording Off]
Desired photo size*
Desired photo quality*

* Press to move back and forth between

size and quality selection. The number
displayed on the right corner indicates the
approximate number of photos that can be
recorded with the current quality/size
setting.

While recording, or in record pause
mode, press to capture the
photo.

NOTES

• Photos cannot be recorded
simultaneously while the digital zoom or
a digital effect is activated.

• To take photos we recommend using
the mode, which offers the best
quality for photos.

• Photos will be recorded on the media
selected for recording photos ( 31).

[ Auto Exposure Bracketing]
The camcorder records 3 photos using 3

different exposures (dark, normal, light in 1/2 EV
steps), allowing you to choose the photo you like
the best.

CONTINUOUS SHOOTING/
H

I-SPEED CONTINUOUS SHOOTING

A

UTO EXPOSURE BRACKETING

FUNC.

FUNC.

PHOTO

PHOTO

PHOTO

FUNC.

FUNC.

PHOTO

67

Light Metering Mode

The camcorder measures the light
reflected from the subject in order to
calculate the optimal exposure settings.
Depending on the subject, you may
want to change the way the light is
measured and evaluated.

Options



Default value

[ Evaluative]
Desired option

Capturing a Photo from the Playback
Scene

You can capture frames from a scene
as photos. The size of the captured
photo will be [ 1920x1080] and it
cannot be changed, but you can select
the photo quality.

POINTS TO CHECK

Set [TV Type] to [ Wide TV]
before using this function ( 94).

[ Menu]
[Photo Capture Quality]
Desired photo quality*

* The number displayed at the bottom

indicates the approximate number of
photos that can be recorded with the
current quality setting.

1 Play back the scene containing

the picture you want to capture.

2 Pause the playback at the point

you want to capture.

3Press fully.

NOTES

• The data code of the photo will reflect

the date and time of recording of the
original scene.

• A photo captured from a scene with lots

of fast movement may be blurred.

[ Evaluative]



Appropriate for standard shooting conditions,
including backlit scenes. The camcorder divides
the picture into several areas and the light is
measured in all of them to achieve the optimal
exposure for the subject.

[ Center-Weighted Average]
Averages the light metered from the entire

screen, giving more weight to the subject in the
center.

[ Spot]
Meters only the area within the spot AE point

frame. Use this setting to adjust the exposure to
match the subject in the center of the screen.

FUNC.

FUNC.

TO CAPTURE THE PHOTO

FUNC.

FUNC.

PHOTO

Photos

68

• Photos will be recorded on the media
selected for recording photos ( 31).

Protecting Photos

You can protect photos from accidental
erasure.

Protecting Single Photos

1 Open the photo selection screen.

[ Protect]

[ Protect] appears on the screen.

2 Select ( ) the photo you want to

protect.

3 Press to protect the photo.

appears on the bottom bar and

the photo cannot be deleted. Press

again to remove the protection.

4 Repeat steps 2-3 to protect

additional photos or press
twice to close the menu.

Protecting Photos from the Index Screen

Options

[ Protect]

Desired option [Yes] [OK]

IMPORTANT

Initializing the recording media ( 31) will
permanently erase all recordings,
including protected photos.

Copying Photos

You can copy photos only from the hard
disk to the memory card.

Copying a Single Photo

1 Select to view the photos

recorded on the hard disk.

Select the tab ( 38) and move
the zoom lever toward T to return to
single photo view.

2 Select ( ) the photo you want to

copy.

3 Copy the photo to the memory

card.

[ Copy ( )]

[Yes]

[Individual Photos]
Opens the same screen described in Protecting

Single Photos ( 68). Continue from step 3 of
that procedure to protect the photo.

[Selected Photos]
Protects all the photos selected in advance

(marked with a checkmark). Refer to
Selecting Recordings from the Index Screen
( 41).

FUNC.

FUNC.

[Remove All]
Removes the protection from all photos.

FUNC.

FUNC.

FUNC.

FUNC.

69

Copying Photos from the Index Screen

Options

1 Select the index screen of the

photos recorded on the hard disk.

Move the zoom lever toward W and
then select the (hard disk) tab
( 38).

2 If you want to copy only one

photo, select ( , ) the photo
you want to copy.

3 Copy the photo(s).

[ Copy (

)]

Desired option [Yes]* [OK]**

* If you selected [Selected Photos] or [All

Photos], you can press to interrupt the
operation while it is in progress.

**This step is not required when copying a

single photo.

IMPORTANT

Observe the following precautions while
the ACCESS indicator is on or flashing.
Failing to do so may result in permanent
data loss.

- Do not subject the camcorder to

vibrations or strong impacts.

- Do not open the memory card slot cover.

- Do not disconnect the power source or
turn off the camcorder.

- Do not change the position of the mode
dial.

NOTES

• If there is not enough space on the

memory card, as many photos as
possible will be copied before stopping
the operation.

• If the memory card slot cover is open, or

the LOCK switch on the memory card is
set to prevent writing, you will not be
able to copy photos to the memory
card.

• You may not be able to copy photos that

were not recorded with this camcorder.

Other Functions You Can Use when Taking Photos

[All Photos]
Copies all the photos.
[This Photo]
Copies only the photo marked with the orange

selection frame.
[Selected Photos]
Copies all the photos selected in advance

(marked with a checkmark). Refer to
Selecting Recordings from the Index Screen
( 41).

FUNC.

FUNC.

You can also use the following
functions...

The following functions and features of
the camcorder can be used either for
shooting video or for taking photos.
The way to set and use them was
already explained in detail, so we refer
you to the relevant page in the “Video”
section.

• Zoom ( 34)

• Quick Start ( 35)

• Recording programs ( 43, 44)

• Self timer ( 46)

• Manual exposure adjustment and automatic

backlight correction ( 46)

• Manual focus adjustment ( 47)

• White balance ( 48)

• Image effects ( 49)

• Digital effects ( 50)

Photos

70

Printing Photos (Direct Print)

The camcorder can be connected to
any PictBridge-compatible printer. You
can mark in advance the photos you
want to print and set the desired
number of copies as a print order
( 74).

Canon printers: SELPHY printers of the
CP, DS and ES series and inkjet printers
marked with the PictBridge logo.

Connecting the Camcorder to the Printer

1 Select the media that contains the

photos you want to print.

Select the (hard disk) or
(memory card) tab ( 38) and move
the zoom lever toward T to return to
single photo view.

2 Turn on the printer.
3 Connect the camcorder to the

printer using the supplied USB
cable.

• Connection . Refer to
Connection Diagrams ( 77).

• If the device type selection screen
appears, select [Computer/Printer]
and press .

• appears and changes to .

• The (print/share) button lights
up and the current print settings
will be displayed for approx.
6 seconds.

IMPORTANT

• If continues to flash (for more than 1
minute) or if does not appear, the
camcorder is not correctly connected to
the printer. In such case, disconnect the
USB cable and turn off the camcorder
and the printer. After a short while, turn
them on again, set the camcorder to

mode and restore the connection.

• During the following operations, even if
you connect a printer to the camcorder
it will not be recognized.

- Deleting all photos

- Removing all transfer orders

- Removing all print orders

NOTES

• will appear for photos that cannot be
printed.

• We recommend powering the
camcorder using the compact power
adapter.

• Refer also to the printer’s instruction
manual.

• If you have no intention to use the
optional DW-100 DVD Burner, you can
set or [USB Connection
Type] to [ Computer/Printer] ( 96)
so the device type selection screen
does not appear every time you connect
the camcorder to a printer.

• Connection to a PictBridge-compatible
printer will not work when the hard disk
or memory card contains 1,800 photos
or more. For best performance, we
recommend keeping the number of
photos under 100.

Printing Photos

71

Printing with the (Print/Share)
Button

You can print a photo without changing
the settings simply by pressing .

1 Select ( ) the photo you wish to

print.

2 Press .

• Printing starts. The button
flashes and stays on when the
printing is completed.

• To continue printing, select ( )
another photo.

Selecting the Print Settings

You can select the number of copies
and other settings for printing. Setting
options vary depending on your printer
model.

Options

NOTES

Print setting options and [Default] settings
vary depending on the printer model. For
details, refer to the printer’s instruction
manual.

Printing after Changing the Print Settings

1 Press to display the joystick

guide.

[Paper Settings]
[ Paper Size]: Available paper sizes vary

depending on the printer model.

[ Paper Type]: Select [Photo], [Fast Photo],
[Plain] or [Default].

[ Page Layout]: Select [Default], [Bordered] or
one of the following page layouts.
[Borderless]: The photo is enlarged and may be
slightly cropped at the edges to fit the paper.
[x photos/sheet]: Refer to the sidebar on
page 72.

[] (Date print)
Select [On], [Off] or [Default].
[ ] (Print effect)
Available only with printers compatible with the

Image Optimize function. Select [On], [Off] or
[Default].
Canon inkjet/SELPHY DS printers: You can also
select [Vivid], [NR] and [Vivid+NR].

[ ] (Number of copies)
Select 1-99 copies.

Photos

72

2 Push the joystick ( ) toward .

The print settings menu appears.

3 In the print settings menu, select

(, ) the setting you want to
change and press .

4 Select ( ) the desired setting

option and press .

5 Select ( , ) [Print] and press

.

•Printing starts. The print settings
menu disappears when the
printing is completed.

• To continue printing, select ( )
another photo.

1 Press while printing.
2 Select ( ) [OK] and press .

Disconnect the cable from the camcorder
and printer and turn off the camcorder.

If an error occurs while printing, an error
message (for example, [No paper]) will
appear on the camcorder’s screen. Solve
the problem referring to the error message
list ( 110) and to the printer's instruction
manual.

Current paper settings (paper size, paper

type and page layout)

Trimming settings ( 73)

Date printing

Print effect

Number of copies

Paper settings

[x photos/sheet]: Printing multiple photos on the same sheet

When using Canon printers you can print the same photo multiple times on the same
sheet of paper. Use the following table as a guideline for the recommended number of
copies depending on the [ Paper Size] setting.

1

You can also use the special sticker sheets.

2

With the [8 photos/sheet] setting, you can also use the special sticker sheets.
SELPHY CP: When you use the wide-sized photo paper with the [Default] setting, you can
also use [2 photos/sheet] or [4 photos/sheet].

[ Paper Size]→ [CreditCard] [9 x 13 cm] [10 x 14.8 cm] [A4]

Canon printer ↓

Inkjet printers
SELPHY DS

– – 2, 4, 9 or 16

1

4

SELPHY CP/ES 2, 4 or 8

2

2 or 4 2 or 4 –

TO CANCEL THE PRINTING

WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED PRINTING

PRINT ERRORS

73

•

Canon's PictBridge-compatible printers: If

printing does not resume automatically
after you solved the problem, select
[Continue] and press to resume
printing. If that option is not available,
select [Stop] and press and then
restart printing from the beginning.

• Other printers or if the error still persists with
a Canon printer: If printing does not
resume automatically, disconnect the
USB cable and turn off the camcorder.
After a short while, turn on the
camcorder and restore the USB
connection.

IMPORTANT

• You may not be able to print correctly
with a PictBridge-compatible printer
photos whose file names have been
changed or that were recorded, created,
edited or changed with any device other
than this camcorder.

• If [Busy] does not disappear, disconnect
the USB cable and restore the
connection after a short while.

Trimming Settings

Set the paper size and page layout
before changing the trimming settings.
Trimming settings apply to one photo
only.

1 Open the print settings menu.

Refer to steps 1-2 in Printing after
Changing the Print Settings ( 71).

2 Select ( , ) [Trimming] and

press .

The trimming frame appears.

3 Change the size of the trimming

frame.

• Move the zoom lever toward T to
shrink the frame, and move it
toward W to enlarge it. Press
to change the orientation of the
frame (portrait/landscape).

• To cancel the trimming settings,
move the zoom lever toward W
until the trimming frame
disappears.

4 Move ( , ) the trimming

frame to the area you want to
print.

5 Press to return to the print

settings menu.

• The print area selected will be
indicated by a green frame within
the thumbnail.

• To change other print settings and
print the area you selected refer to
steps 3-5 in Printing after
Changing the Print Settings
( 71).

FUNC.

Photos

74

NOTES

• The trimming settings are canceled in
the following cases:

- When you turn off the camcorder.

- When you disconnect the USB cable.

- When you expand the trimming frame

beyond its maximum size.

- When you change the [Paper Size]

setting.

• You may not be able to set the trimming
settings for photos that were not
recorded with this camcorder.

Print Orders

You can mark in advance the photos
you want to print and set the desired
number of copies as a print order. Later,
you can easily print out the print orders
by connecting the camcorder to a
PictBridge-compatible printer ( 70).
You can set print orders for up to 998
photos.

Selecting Photos for Printing (Print Order)

Set the print orders before connecting
the supplied USB cable to the
camcorder.

Marking Single Photos with Print Orders

1 Open the photo selection screen.

[ Print Orders]

appears on the screen.

2 Select ( ) the photo you want to

mark with a print order.

3 Press to set the print order.

The number of copies appears in
orange.

4 Set ( ) the number of copies

desired and press .

To cancel the print order, set the
number of copies to 0.

5 Repeat steps 2-4 to mark

additional photos with print orders
or press twice to close the
menu.

Setting Print Orders from the Index Screen

Options

[ Print Orders]
Desired option [Yes] [OK]

Printing Photos Marked with Print Orders

1 Connect the camcorder to the

printer using the supplied USB
cable.

Connection . Refer to Connection
Diagrams ( 77).

FUNC.

[Individual Photos]
Opens the same screen described in Marking

Single Photos with Print Orders ( 74).
Continue from step 3 of that procedure to set the
print order.

[Selected Photos (1 copy each)]
Sets a print order of 1 copy of each of the photos

selected in advance (marked with a
checkmark). Refer to Selecting Recordings from
the Index Screen ( 41).

[Remove All]
Removes all the print orders.

FUNC.

FUNC.

FUNC.

75

2 Open the print menu.

[ Menu]

[ Print]

• The print menu appears.

• If there are no photos marked with
print orders, [No print orders
have been set] appears.

• Depending on the connected
printer, you may be able to change
some print settings ( 71).

3 Select ( , ) [Print] and press

.

Printing starts. The print menu
disappears when the printing is
completed.

NOTES

• To cancel the printing, refer to page 72.

• Restarting printing: Open the print menu
as explained in step 2. In the print
settings menu, select [Print]* or
[Resume] and press . The remaining
photos will be printed.
Printing cannot be restarted when the
print order settings have been changed
or if you deleted a photo with print order
settings.

* In case the print order was interrupted

after the first photo.

FUNC.

76

External Connections

This chapter explains how to connect your camcorder to an external
device such as a TV, VCR, or computer.

* When connecting a cable to the camcorder, make sure to align the triangle marks on the cable's

connector and on the camcorder's terminal ( ).

Terminals on the Camcorder

HDMI OUT Terminal*

Access: Open the rear terminal cover.
The HDMI OUT terminal offers a high-quality digital
connection that combines audio and video in a single
convenient cable.

COMPONENT OUT Terminal*

Access: Open the front terminal cover.
The component video terminal is for video only. When
you use connection do not forget the audio
connections using the AV OUT/ terminal.

AV OUT/ Terminal

Access: Open the front terminal cover.
Sound from the built-in speaker will be muted while the
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable is connected to the
camcorder.

USB Terminal

Access: Open the LCD panel.

77

Connection Diagrams

Connections that can be used to connect the camcorder to a TV are listed in falling
order of picture quality.

Connection

Type: Digital Quality: High definition Output only

Connect to a high-definition TV (HDTV) with an HDMI input terminal.

Connection

Type: Analog Quality: Depends on the settings Output only

Connect to a high-definition TV (HDTV) or a standard TV with component video input
terminals. Change the following settings on the camcorder:

- [Component Output] according to the TV set (standard or high definition)
( 94)

- [AV/Headphones] to [ AV] ( 94)

HTC-100 HDMI Cable

(optional)

(HDMI mini-connector)

(standard HDMI

connector)

HDMI IN

AUDIO

R

L

Pr/Cr

Pb/Cb

Y

Red

Green

Blue

CTC-100/S Component Cable

(supplied)

White

Red

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable

(supplied)

External Connections

78

Connection

Type: Analog Quality: Standard definition Output only

Connect to a standard TV or a VCR with audio/video input terminals. Change the
following settings on the camcorder:

- [AV/headphones] to [ AV] ( 94).

- [TV Type] according to the TV set (widescreen or 4:3), if the TV cannot
automatically detect and change the aspect ratio ( 94)

Connection

In all respects, exactly the same connection as connection above.

Connect to a standard TV or VCR with SCART input terminal. Requires a SCART adapter
(commercially available).

Connection

Type: Digital data connection

Connect to a computer to transfer and back up your recordings, to the optional
DW-100 DVD Burner to create DVD discs from them, or to a printer to print out photos.

VIDEO

AUDIO

R

L

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable

(supplied)

Yellow

White

Red

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable

(supplied)

Yellow

White

Red

SCART adapter

(commercially available)

USB Cable

(supplied)

79

Connect the camcorder to a TV to enjoy
your recordings with family and friends.
Playback on an HDTV using one of the
high-definition connections will ensure
the best playback quality.

1 Turn off the camcorder and the TV.
2 Connect the camcorder to the TV.

Refer to Connection Diagrams
( 77) and select the most
appropriate connection for your TV.

3 Turn on the connected TV.

On the TV, select as the video input
the same terminal to which you
connected the camcorder. Refer to
the instruction manual of the
connected TV.

4 Turn on the camcorder and set it

to mode ( 36) or
mode ( 61).

Start the playback of movies or
photos.

NOTES

• We recommend powering the
camcorder using the compact power
adapter.

• Connection or : When you play
back your 16:9 movies on standard TV
sets with a 4:3 aspect ratio, the TV set
will switch automatically to widescreen
mode if it is compatible with the WSS
system. Otherwise, change the aspect
ratio of the TV manually.

Playback on a TV Screen

About the HDMITM connection

The HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connection ( ) is a convenient all­digital connection using a single cable for both video and audio. When you connect the
camcorder to an HDTV equipped with an HDMI terminal, you can enjoy video and audio
playback at the highest quality.

- The HDMI OUT terminal on the camcorder is for output only. Do not connect it to an
HDMI output terminal on an external device, as this may damage the camcorder.

- Correct operation cannot be guaranteed when connecting the camcorder to DVI
monitors.

- Depending on the HDTV, correct playback of personal video content may not be possible
using connection . Try one of the other connections.

- While the camcorder is connected to an HDTV using connection , there will be no
video output from other terminals.

External Connections

80

Backing Up Your Recordings on a
Computer

Movies recorded with this camcorder
are saved on the hard disk or memory
card. Because space is limited, make
sure to back up your movies onto a
computer on a regular basis.

PIXELA ImageMixer 3 SE

With the software supplied on the
PIXELA ImageMixer 3 SE CD-ROM
you can select scenes and back them
up on your computer's hard disk. If
necessary, backup video files
previously saved on a computer can be
restored back to the camcorder.
ImageMixer 3 offers also many options
for organizing your video library, editing
video and more.
For details about installing the software
refer to PIXELA ImageMixer 3 SE
Installation Guide.

Saving your Recordings without a
Computer

The following options are also available:

• Use the optional DW-100 DVD Burner
to create high-definition (AVCHD)
discs of your movies and Photo DVDs
of your photos ( 80).

• Connect the camcorder to an external
recording device (DVD or HDD
recorder, VCR, etc.) to save standard-

definition copies of your movies
( 84).

IMPORTANT

When the camcorder is connected to a
computer: Do not access, change or delete

any of the camcorder’s folders or files
directly from the computer as this may
result in permanent data loss. Always
back up your recordings to the computer
and restore the backup files to the
camcorder using only the supplied
software, ImageMixer 3.

Authoring High-Definition (AVCHD)
Discs and Photo DVDs

You can connect the camcorder to the
optional DW-100 DVD Burner to create
high-definition DVD discs (AVCHD
specifications). This way, you can
preserve your video recordings in the
highest video quality available. You can
also create Photo DVDs from your
photos that you can play back with
most standard DVD players.

Refer to this section along with the
relevant sections in the instruction
manual of the DW-100.

Saving and Backing Up
Your Recordings

81

Options for creating AVCHD discs
(mode)

Options for creating Photo DVDs
(mode)

Preparations on the Camcorder

1 Turn on the camcorder and set it

to mode to create high­definition discs of your movies or

mode to create Photo DVDs

of your photos.

• Power the camcorder using the
compact power adapter.

• Select in advance the media that
contains the recordings you want
to add to the disc ( 38).

2 Select the scenes or photos you

want to add to the disc.

[ Menu]

or
[Add Recordings to Disc]
Desired option

Connecting to the DW-100 DVD Burner
and Creating a Disc

1 Turn on the DVD Burner.

Refer to Creating DVDs.

2 Connect the camcorder to the

DVD Burner using the supplied
USB cable.

• Connection . Refer to
Connection Diagrams ( 77) and

Connections.

• If the device type selection screen
appears, select [DVD Burner] and
press .

• When the connection is
completed, [No disc] will be
displayed.

3 Insert a brand new disc into the

DVD Burner.

• Use the OPEN/CLOSE button on
the DVD Burner to open and close
the disc tray.

• After the disc is recognized, an
information screen will display the
type of DVD you are creating and
the estimated time and number of
discs it will require (based on the
disc you inserted).

• If you inserted a DVD-RW disc that
already contains data, [The disc
already contains data.] will be
displayed. To overwrite the data
(erasing the previous content of
the disc), press , select [Yes]
and press again.

[All Scenes]
Add all the scenes to the disc(s).
[Remaining Scenes]
Add only those scenes that have not been

previously added to a disc.
[Playlist]
Add only the scenes included in the playlist

( 56).

[All Photos]
Add all the photos to the slideshow on the disc.
[Transfer Orders]
Add only photos marked with transfer orders

( 87).

FUNC.

FUNC.

DW-100

DW-100

External Connections

82

4 Press the start button on the DVD

Burner.

• A progress bar will be displayed on
the screen.

• After pressing the start button
(while the current disc is being
written) the operation cannot be
canceled.

• When the last disc is finalized,
[Task completed] will be displayed.
Take out the disc and close the
disc tray.

After a disc is finalized it will be ejected
automatically and a message will appear.
Insert the next disc and close the disc tray.

After the operation is finished, insert a
brand new disc, close the disc tray and
repeat the operation.

IMPORTANT

• To create discs that can be played back
with AVCHD-compatible devices, add to
the playlist in advance the scenes you
want on the disc, leaving out all scenes
recorded in MXP mode. Then, select the
[Playlist] option to create the disc.

• AVCHD discs containing scenes
recorded in MXP mode cannot be
created with the optional DW-100 DVD
burner. Use the supplied software
ImageMixer 3 to back up such scenes.

• While the camcorder is connected to the
DVD Burner, do not open the memory
card slot cover and do not remove the
memory card.

• Observe the following precautions while
the ACCESS indicator on the camcorder
is on or flashing. Failing to do so may
result in permanent data loss.

- Do not subject the camcorder to

vibrations or strong impacts.

- Do not open the memory card slot

cover.

- Do not disconnect the USB cable.

- Do not disconnect the power source

or turn off the camcorder or the DVD
Burner.

- Do not change the position of the

mode dial.

• For important information on handling
your discs, refer to Cautions
on handling.

WHEN THE DATA REQUIRES MULTIPLE DISCS

TO CREATE AN ADDITIONAL COPY OF THE

SAME DISC

Playing back high-definition (AVCHD) discs created with the DW-100 DVD Burner

* Do not insert a disc into an incompatible device, as you may not be able to eject the disc.

Type of external player →

DVD players or Blu-ray Disc

players compatible with AVCHD

DVD players not compatible

with AVCHD*

Disc content ↓

Discs containing only scenes
recorded in FXP/XP+/SP/LP mode

Can be played back Cannot be played back*

DW-100

83

NOTES

If a scene does not fit entirely in one disc,
it may be divided and continue on the next
disc.

Playing Back AVCHD Discs Using the
DW-100 DVD Burner

You can use the optional DW-100 DVD
Burner and the camcorder also to play
back high-definition (AVCHD) discs on a
TV. This is very convenient, for example to
play back your discs even in a location
where an AVCHD-compatible DVD player
is not available.

1 Connect the camcorder to the TV.

Refer to Connection Diagrams
(

77). Select connection or

to enjoy high-definition playback.

2 Turn on the DVD Burner and set it

to Disc Playback mode.

Refer to Playing DVDs.

3 Connect the camcorder to the

DVD Burner using the supplied
USB cable.

• Connection . Refer to
Connection Diagrams ( 77) and

Connections.

• If the device type selection screen
appears, select [DVD Burner] and
press .

4 Insert the disc you want to play

back into the DVD Burner.

• Use the OPEN/CLOSE button on
the DVD Burner to open and close
the disc tray.

• After the disc is recognized, the
disc's content will be displayed in
an index screen.

5 Select ( , ) the scene you

want to play back and press to
begin the playback.

IMPORTANT

While the camcorder is connected to the
DVD Burner, do not open the memory card
slot cover and do not remove the memory
card.

NOTES

• Only AVCHD discs created with the
DW-100 DVD Burner can be played
back using the DVD Burner.

• The FUNC. menu and setup menus
cannot be accessed while the
camcorder is connected to the DVD
Burner.

• With the exception of fast playback at
60x speed, special playback modes
( 37) can be used also for disc
playback.

Photo DVDs are created using DVD-Video
specifications (standard definition). Play
back your Photo DVDs using standard
DVD players.
If your computer has a DVD drive, you can
play back the slideshow as a DVD and you
can also access individual photos as JPG
files.

NOTES

Photo DVDs cannot be played back using
the DW-100 DVD Burner.

DW-100

DW-100

TO PLAY BACK PHOTO DVDS

External Connections

84

Copying your Recordings to an External
Video Recorder

You can copy your recordings by
connecting the camcorder to a VCR or
a digital video device. Video output will
be in standard definition, although the
original scenes are in high definition.

Connecting

Connect the camcorder to the VCR
using Connection or . Refer to
Connection Diagrams ( 77).

Recording

1 External device: Load a blank

cassette or disc and set the device
to record pause mode.

2 Camcorder: Locate the scene you

wish to copy and pause playback
shortly before the scene.

3 Camcorder: Resume playback.
4 External device: Begin recording

when the scene you wish to copy
appears. Stop recording when
copying is complete.

5 Camcorder: Stop playback.

NOTES

• We recommend powering the
camcorder using the compact power
adapter.

• By default, on-screen displays will be
embedded in the output video signal.
You can change the displays by
repeatedly pressing ( 51).

Transferring Photos to a Computer
(Direct Transfer)

With the software supplied on the
DIGITAL VIDEO Solution Disk
CD-ROM you can transfer photos to a
computer simply by pressing .

Refer also to the relevant sections in the
“Digital Video Software” instruction
manual (PDF file).

Preparations

Install the software before you connect
the camcorder to the computer for the
first time. (Windows users only: you
also need to select CameraWindow's
auto-launch setting.) After that, just
connect the camcorder to the computer
(steps 2 and 3) and proceed directly to
transfer the photos (

86).

1 Install the supplied Digital Video

Software.

Refer to Installing the

Digital Video Software.

2 Set the camcorder to mode.
3 Select the media that contains the

photos you want to transfer.

• Select the (hard disk) or
(memory card) tab ( 38) and
move the zoom lever toward T to
return to single photo view.

4 Connect the camcorder to the

computer using the supplied USB
cable.

• Connection . Refer to
Connection Diagrams ( 77).

DISP.

DVSD

85

• If the device type selection screen
appears, select [Computer/Printer]
and press .

• The direct transfer menu appears
on the camcorder screen and the

button lights up.

Windows users only: The first time you
connect the camcorder to the
computer, you also need to select the
CameraWindow auto-launch setting.

Refer to Starting

CameraWindow.

IMPORTANT

• While the camcorder is connected to the
computer, do not open the memory card
slot cover and do not remove the
memory card.

• Observe the following precautions while
the ACCESS indicator is on or flashing.
Failing to do so may result in permanent
data loss.

- Do not subject the camcorder to

vibrations or strong impacts.

- Do not open the memory card slot

cover.

- Do not disconnect the USB cable.

- Do not turn off the camcorder or the

computer.

- Do not change the position of the

mode dial.

• Operation may not work correctly
depending on the software and the
specifications/settings of your
computer.

• If you wish to use the image files on your
computer, make copies of them first.
Use the copied files, retaining the
originals.

• During the following operations, even if
you connect the camcorder to the
computer it will not be recognized.

- Deleting all photos

- Removing all transfer orders

- Removing all print orders

NOTES

• We recommend powering the
camcorder using the compact power
adapter.

• Refer also to the computer’s instruction
manual.

• Users of Windows Vista, Windows XP and
Mac OS X: Your camcorder is equipped
with the standard Picture Transfer
Protocol (PTP) allowing you to transfer
photos (JPEG only) simply by
connecting the camcorder to a
computer using the supplied USB cable,
without having to install the supplied
software.

• If you have no intention to use the
optional DW-100 DVD Burner, you can
set or [USB Connection
Type] to [ Computer/Printer] ( 93)
so the selection screen does not appear
every time you connect the camcorder
to a computer.

• Depending on the number of photos on
the memory card (Windows: 1,800
photos or more; Macintosh: 1,000
photos or more), you may not be able to
transfer photos to a computer. Try using
a card reader.

FIRST-TIME CONNECTION TO A COMPUTER

RUNNING WINDOWS

DVSD

External Connections

86

Transferring Photos

Automatic Transfer Options

All the relevant photos will be
transferred to the computer in one
batch and their thumbnails will be
displayed on the computer.

Manual Transfer Options

You can select the photo(s) to transfer.

Select ( ) a transfer option and
press .

• The camcorder returns to the transfer
menu once the transfer is completed.

• To cancel the transfer, select ( )
[Cancel] and press , or press

.

1 Select ( ) a transfer option and

press .

2 Select ( ) the photo you wish to

transfer and press .

• [ Select and Transfer]: Repeat
this step to select other photos to
transfer.

• The button will flash while the
photos are being transferred.

3 Press to return to the

transfer menu.

NOTES

When the camcorder is connected to the
computer and the photo selection screen
is displayed, press to return to the
transfer menu.

[ All Photos]
Transfers all photos.
[ New Photos]
Transfers only those photos that have not yet

been transferred to the computer.
[ Photos with Transfer Orders]
Transfers photos marked with transfer orders

( 87).

[ Select and Transfer]
Select the photo(s) to transfer.
[ Set as Desktop Wallpaper]
Select a photo and set it as your computer’s

desktop background.

AUTOMATIC TRANSFER OPTIONS

MANUAL TRANSFER OPTIONS

FUNC.

FUNC.

FUNC.

87

Transfer Orders

You can mark in advance the photos
you want to transfer to the computer as
transfer orders. You can set transfer
orders for up to 998 photos.

Selecting Photos to Transfer
(Transfer Order)

Set the transfer orders before connecting
the camcorder to the computer.

Marking Single Photos with Transfer
Orders

1 Open the photo selection screen.

[ Transfer Orders]

appears on the screen.

2 Select ( ) the photo you want to

mark with a transfer order.

3 Press to set the transfer order.

A checkmark appears in the box
next to the transfer order icon .
Press again to cancel the
transfer order.

4 Repeat steps 2-3 to mark

additional photos with transfer
orders or press twice to
close the menu.

Setting Transfer Orders from the Index
Screen

Options

[ Transfer Orders]
Desired option [Yes] [OK]

Connect the camcorder to the
computer and select [ Photos with
Transfer Orders] in the transfer menu
( 86).

FUNC.

FUNC.

[Individual Photos]
Opens the same screen described in Marking

Single Photos with Transfer Orders ( 87).
Continue from step 3 of that procedure to set the
transfer order.

[Selected Photos]
Marks all the photos selected in advance

(marked with a checkmark) with a transfer
order. Refer to Selecting Recordings from the
Index Screen ( 41).

[Remove All]
Removes all the transfer orders.

TO TRANSFER PHOTOS MARKED WITH

TRANSFER ORDERS

FUNC.

FUNC.

88

Additional Information

This chapter contains troubleshooting advice, screen messages,
handling and maintenance tips, and other information.

Menu items not available appear grayed out. For details about how to select an item,
refer to Using the Menus ( 26). For details about each function, see the reference
page. Menu options without a reference page are explained below the tables.

FUNC. Menu

FUNC. Menu

FUNC. Menu - Recording Modes

Appendix: Menu Options Lists

Menu item Setting options

Recording programs [ Programmed AE],

[ Shutter-Priority AE], [ Aperture-Priority AE]

zz44

[ Cine Mode] z –45
[ Portrait], [ Sports], [ Night], [ Snow],

[ Beach], [ Sunset], [ Spotlight], [ Fireworks]

zz43

Light metering mode [ Evaluative],

[ Center-Weighted Average], [ Spot]

– z 67

White balance [ Automatic], [ Daylight], [ Shade], [ Cloudy],

[ Tungsten], [ Fluorescent], [ Fluorescent H],
[ Custom WB]

zz48

Image effects [ Image Effect Off], [ Vivid], [ Neutral],

[ Low Sharpening], [ Soft Skin Detail],
[ Custom Effect]

zz49

Digital effects [ Digital Effect Off], [ Fade Trigger], [ Wipe],

[ B&W], [ Sepia], [ Art]

z –50

[ Digital Effect Off], [ B&W], [ Sepia] – z

Drive mode [Single], [ Continuous Shooting],

[ Hi-Speed Continuous Shooting],
[ Auto Exposure Bracketing]

– z 65

89

Setup Menus

FUNC. Menu - Playback Modes

Recording mode [ High Quality 24 Mbps],

[ High Quality 17 Mbps],
[ High Quality 12 Mbps],
[ Standard Play 7 Mbps],
[ Long Play 5 Mbps]

z –33

Simultaneous recording [ Simultaneous Recording Off], [ 1920x1080],

[ 848x480]

z –66

[ Super Fine], [Fine], [ Normal]

Photo size/quality [ 1920x1080], [ 2048x1536], [ 1440x1080],

[ 640x480]

– z 60

[ Super Fine], [Fine], [ Normal]

Menu item Setting options

[Select] [Individual Scenes], [Remove All Selections] z –41

From the index screen:
[Individual Photos], [Remove All Selections]

– z

[Copy ( )] Original movies:

[All Scenes], [All Scenes (this date)], [This Scene],
[Selected Scenes]

z –58

Playlist: [No], [Yes]
From the index screen:

[All Photos], [This Photo], [Selected Photos]

– z 68

From single photo view: [No], [Yes]

[Add to Playlist]

1

[All Scenes (this date)], [This Scene], [Selected Scenes] z –56

[Divide]

1

– z –55

[Move]

2

– z –57

[Protect] From single photo view: –

From the index screen:
[Individual Photos], [Selected Photos], [Remove All]

– z 68

[Print Orders] From single photo view: 0-99 copies

From the index screen: [Individual Photos],
[Selected Photos (1 copy each)], [Remove All]

– z 74

Menu item Setting options

Additional Information

90

1

Option available only from the original movies index screen.

2

Option available only from the playlist index screen.

Setup Menus

/ Camera Setup 1

* Option available only when the drive mode is set to [ Single].

[Frame Rate]: Selects the frame rate to be used when recording.
[ PF25]: 25 frames per second, progressive. Using this frame rate will give your
recordings a cinematic look. When combined with the [ Cine Mode] recording program
( 45), the cinematic look will be enhanced.

[Focus Assist Functions]: When the focus assist functions are activated, the image at the
center of the screen is magnified and outlines are emphasized to help you focus manually
(47).

• Using the focus assist functions will not affect the recordings - they will be cancelled
when you start recording.

[Transfer Orders] From single photo view: –

From the index screen:
[Individual Photos], [Selected Photos], [Remove All]

– z 87

[Delete] Original movies:

[All Scenes], [All Scenes (this date)], [This Scene],
[Selected Scenes]

z –42

Scenes in the playlist:
[All Scenes], [This Scene]

z –57

From the index screen:
[All Photos], [This Photo], [Selected Photos]

– z 63

[Scene Search] [Calendar Screen], [Date Selection] z –39

Menu item Setting options

[Rec Media for Movies] [HDD], [Mem. Card] zz31
[Rec Media for Photos] [HDD], [Mem. Card] zz
[Frame Rate] [ 50i (Standard)], [ PF25] z ––
[Self Timer] [On], [ Off] zz46
[Focus Assist Functions] [On], [ Off] zz –
[Onscreen Markers] [ Off], [ Level (White)], [ Level (Gray)],

[ Grid (White)], [ Grid (Gray)]

zz –

[Audio Level Indicator] [ On], [ Off] z –52
[Photo Review Time]* [ Off], [2sec], [ 4 sec],

[6sec], [8sec], [10sec]

– z –

Menu item Setting options

91

[Onscreen Markers]: You can display a grid or a horizontal line at the center of the screen.
Use the markers as a reference to make sure your subject is framed correctly (vertically
and/or horizontally).

• Using the onscreen markers will not affect the recordings.

[Photo Review Time]: Selects the time to display a photo after it has been recorded on
the hard disk or memory card.

• If you press while reviewing a photo it will continue to be displayed indefinitely.

Press halfway to return to the normal display.

/ Camera Setup 2

[Digital Zoom]: Determines the operation of
the digital zoom. The color of the indicator
indicates the zoom.

• When activated, the camcorder will switch

automatically to digital zoom when you
zoom in beyond the optical zoom range.

• With the digital zoom the image is digitally

processed, so the image resolution will
deteriorate the more you zoom in.

[AF Mode]: Select how fast the autofocus will operate.

• With [ Instant AF] the autofocus adjusts quickly to a new subject. This is convenient

for example when changing the focus from a near subject to a far subject in the
background, or when recording fast-moving subjects.

• When the optional Wide-converter or Tele-converter is attached to the camcorder, it may

partially obstruct the Instant AF sensor. Set the AF mode to [ Normal AF].

Menu item Setting options

[Digital Zoom] [Off], [ 40x], [ 200x] z ––
[Zoom Speed] [Variable], [ Speed 3], [ Speed 2],

[ Speed 1]

zz34

[AF Mode] [ Instant AF], [ Normal AF] zz –
[Focus Priority] [ AiAF Frames], [ Center Frame], [ Off] – z –
[Image Stabilizer] [On], [ Off] zz –
[Auto Slow Shutter] [On], [ Off] zz –
[Wind Screen] [ Automatic], [ Off ] z ––
[Microphone Attenuator] [ On ], [ Off] z ––

DISP.

PHOTO

Optical zoom Digital zoom

White Light

blue

Dark

blue

Up to 12x 12x -

40x

40x ­200x

Additional Information

92

[Focus Priority]: When the focus priority is activated, the camcorder records a photo only
after the focus has been adjusted automatically. You can also select which AF frames to
use.
[ AiAF Frames]: One or more AF frames out of the nine frames available are
automatically selected and the focus is fixed on them.
[ Center Frame]: A single focusing frame appears in the center of the screen and the
focus is automatically fixed on it.
[ Off]: No AF frame will appear and the photo will be recorded immediately after you
press .

• When the recording mode is set to [ Fireworks], focus priority is automatically set to
[ Off].

[Image Stabilizer]: The image stabilizer compensates for camcorder shake even at full
telephoto.

• The image stabilizer is designed to compensate for a normal degree of camcorder
shake.

• We recommend setting the image stabilizer to [ Off] when using a tripod.

[Auto Slow Shutter]: The camcorder
automatically uses slow shutter speeds to
obtain brighter recordings in places with
insufficient lighting.

• The setting will not change even if
you set the camcorder to
mode.

• In mode, set the flash mode to
(flash off).

• If a trailing afterimage appears, set the slow shutter to [ Off].

• If (camcorder shake warning) appears, we recommend stabilizing the camcorder, for
example, by mounting it on a tripod.

[Wind Screen]: The camcorder automatically reduces the background sound of wind
when recording outdoors.

• Some low-frequency sounds will be suppressed along with the sound of wind. When
recording in surroundings unaffected by wind or if you want to record low-frequency
sounds, we recommend setting the wind screen to [ Off ].

[Microphone Attenuator]: Helps prevent audio distortions in due to high audio recording
levels.

• Set the microphone attenuator to [ On] when the audio recording level ( 51 ) is set
correctly but the audio still sounds distorted. When the microphone attenuator is
activated, appears on the screen.

PHOTO

Operating mode Shutter speed used
mode As low as 1/25
mode

with [ PF25] frame rate

As low as 1/12

mode

93

/ Playback Setup

[Photo Capture Quality]: Select the quality of a photo captured from a scene.

[Data Code]: Displays the date and/or time when the scene was recorded.

[ Camera Data]: Displays the aperture (f-stop) and shutter speed used when recording
the scene.

[USB Connection Type]: Select the connection protocol to use when connecting the
camcorder to an external device using the supplied USB cable.
[ DVD Burner]: To connect exclusively to the optional DW-100 DVD Burner.
[ Computer/Printer]: To connect to a computer, printer or similar USB peripheral.
[ Connect and Set]: To make the selection from a screen that appears at the time of the
connection to the external device.

Menu item Setting options

[Rec Media for Photos] [HDD], [Mem. Card] z –31
[Photo Capture Quality] [ Super Fine], [Fine], [ Normal] z ––
[Data Code] [ Date], [ Time], [ Date and Time],

[ Camera Data]

z ––

[USB Connection Type] [ DVD Burner], [ Computer/Printer],

[ Connect and Set]

zz –

[Add Recordings to Disc] [All Scenes], [Remaining Scenes], [Playlist] z –80

[All Photos], [Transfer Orders] – z

[ Print] – – z 74

Additional Information

94

System Setup 1

* Option not available when the camcorder is connected to an HDTV using the HDMI cable.

[Font Size]: Changes the size of the font for the menu and other screens.

• When the font size is set to [ Large], some information may be displayed in shortened
form (icons only, etc.). Some screens cannot be displayed using the larger font size.

[Output Onscreen Displays]

• When set to [ On], the camcorder’s on-screen displays will appear also on the screen
of a TV or monitor connected to the camcorder.

[LCD Brightness]: Adjusts the brightness of the LCD screen.

• Changing the brightness of the LCD screen does not affect the brightness of your
recordings, the brightness of the viewfinder ( only) or the brightness of the
playback image on a TV.

[Component Output]: You can select the video specifications to use when connecting the
camcorder to a high-definition TV using the component video connection.
[ 576i]: To use the 576i specification (standard definition).
[ 1080i]: To use the full 1080i high definition specification.

[TV Type]: In order to display the picture in full and in the correct aspect ratio, select the
setting according to the type of television to which you will connect the camcorder.
[ Normal TV]: TV sets with 4:3 aspect ratio.

Menu item Setting options

[Font Size] [ Large], [ Small] zzzz –
[Output Onscreen

Displays]

[ On], [ Off] zz –––

[LCD Brightness] zzzz –

[Language ] [ ],[DEUTSCH], [ ]

[ENGLISH], [ESPAÑOL], [FRANÇAIS],
[ITALIANO], [MAGYAR], [MELAYU],
[POLSKI], [ ], [TÜRKÇE],
[ ], [ ], [ ],
[ ], [ ], [ ],
[ ], [ ], [ ]

zzzz28

[Component Output]

*

[ 576i], [ 1080i] zzzz –

[TV Type]

*

[ Normal TV], [ Wide TV] ––z ––
[AV/Headphones] [ AV], [ Headphones] z – z –52
[Headphone Volume] z – z –53
[Speaker Volume] – – z ––
[Demo Mode] [ On], [ Off] zz –––

95

[ Wide TV]: TV sets with 16:9 aspect ratio.

• When the TV type is set to [ Normal TV], during the playback of video originally
recorded with an aspect ratio of 16:9, the picture will not be displayed full screen.

• When the TV type is set to [ Normal TV], photos cannot be captured from the
playback scene ( 67). Set it to [ Wide TV] before capturing the photos.

[Speaker Volume]: Adjust ( ) the volume of the playback. You can also adjust the
volume using the joystick guide ( 37).

[Demo Mode]: The demonstration mode displays the camcorder's main features. It starts
automatically when the camcorder is powered with the compact power adapter if you
leave it turned on for more than 5 minutes.

• To cancel the demo mode once it has started, press any button or turn off the
camcorder.

System Setup 2

1

Option not available when the camcorder is connected to an HDTV using the HDMI cable.

2

Option available only from the original movies index screen.

[Wireless Remote Control]: Allows the camcorder to be operated with the wireless
controller.

[Notification Sounds]: A beep will accompany some operations like turning on the
camcorder, the self-timer countdown, etc.

[Power Saving Mode]: In order to save power when the camcorder is powered by a
battery pack, it will automatically shut off if left without any operation for 5 minutes.

• Approximately 30 seconds before the camcorder shuts off, [Auto power off] will appear.

Menu item Setting options

[Wireless Remote
Control]

[ On], [ Off ] zzzz –

[Notification Sounds] [ High Volume],

[ Low Volume], [ Off]

zzzz –

[Power Saving Mode] [ On], [ Off] zzzz –
[Quick Start] [ Off], [ 10 min],

[ 20 min], [ 30 min]

zz –––

[Control for HDMI]

1

[ On], [ Off] zzzz –

[Initialize / ] [HDD], [Mem. Card], [Cancel] zzz2z 31

[Quick Initialization],

[Complete Initialization], [Cancel]
[Photo Numbering] [ Reset], [ Continuous] zzzz –
[Drop Sensor] [ On], [ Off ] zzzz6,

113

[Firmware] – – – – z –

Additional Information

96

• In standby mode, the camcorder will shut off after the time selected for the
[Quick Start] setting.

[Quick Start]: Select whether to activate the Quick Start function when you close the LCD
panel in a recording mode ( 35) and the length of time after which the camcorder will
end the standby mode and shut off automatically.

[Control for HDMI]: Activates the HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) function.
When you connect the camcorder to an HDTV compatible with HDMI-CEC using an HDMI
cable, you can control the camcorder’s playback using the TV’s remote control. Also,
turning on the camcorder will automatically turn on the TV and select the camcorder’s
video input and turning off the TV will automatically turn off the camcorder.

• Use the up/down/left/right buttons and the OK or SET button on the TV’s remote control
to play back your recordings.

• Depending on the TV set, additional settings may be required on the TV itself to activate
the HDMI-CEC function. Refer to the TV’s instruction manual.

• Correct operation of the HDMI-CEC function cannot be guaranteed even when
connecting the camcorder to compatible TV sets. If you cannot use the TV’s remote
control, operate the camcorder directly or use the camcorder’s wireless controller.

• The remote control of the TV can only be used to play back movies or photos ( or

mode only). If the camcorder is connected to the TV while it is set to mode,
depending on the TV used, turning off the TV will automatically turn off the camcorder
even if it is recording at the time.

[Photo Numbering]: Select the photo numbering method to be used on a new memory
card. Photos are automatically assigned consecutive numbers from 0101 to 9900, and
stored in folders containing up to 100 photos. Folders are numbered from 101 to 998.
[ Reset]: Photo numbers will restart from 101-0101 every time you insert a new memory
card.
[ Continuous]: Photo numbers will continue from the number following that of the last
photo recorded with the camcorder.

• If the memory card you insert already contains a photo with a larger number, a new
photo will be assigned a number one higher than that of the last photo on the memory
card.

• We recommend using the [ Continuous] setting.

[Drop Sensor]: Detects when the camcorder is dropped and activates a protection
mechanism to help prevent hard disk damage. While the mechanism is active, appears
in red on the screen and playback/recording may stop.

• Keep the drop sensor set to [ On] in most situations. Deactivating this function can
increase the likelihood of hard disk damage should the camcorder be dropped.

• When the drop sensor is set to [ On], recording/playback may stop when the
camcorder approaches a weightless state, which the sensor can detect as a fall or drop.
To record under such situations, set the drop sensor to [ Off ].

[Firmware]: You can verify the current version of the camcorder's firmware. This menu
option is usually unavailable.

97

Date/Time Setup

[Date Format]: Select the date format to be used for most on-screen displays, and (if
selected) for the date printed on photos.

[Calendar Start Day]: Select the day on which the week starts for the calendar display
( 39).

Information Screens

[HDD Info]/[Memory Card Info]: Displays a screen where you can verify how much of the
hard disk or the memory card is currently in use ( total recording time and total
number of photos) and how much space remains available for recording.

• Estimated figures about available movie recording time and available number of photos

are approximate and based on the recording mode and photo quality/size settings
currently in use.

• In the [Memory Card Info] screen you can verify also the Speed Class of the memory

card.

[Battery Info]: Displays a screen where you can verify the battery charge (as a percentage)
and the remaining recording time ( , mode) or playback time ( ,

mode).

[HDMI Status]: Displays a screen where you can verify the standard of the video output
signal from the HDMI OUT terminal.

Menu item Setting options

[Time Zone/DST] List of world time zones. zzzz29
[Date/Time] – zzzz28
[Date Format] [Y.M.D (2008.1.1 AM 12:00)],

[M.D,Y (Jan. 1, 2008 12:00 AM)],

[D.M.Y (1.Jan.2008 12:00 AM)]

zzzz –

[Calendar Start Day] [Saturday], [Sunday], [Monday] ––z ––

Menu item Setting options

[HDD Info] – zzzz–
[Memory Card Info] – zzzz –
[Battery Info] – zzzz–
[HDMI Status] – zzzz –

Additional Information

98

Trou bl e?

If you have a problem with your camcorder, refer to this section. Sometimes what you
think is a malfunction of the camcorder may have the simplest of solutions - please
read the “CHECK THIS FIRST” box before going on to the more detailed problems
and solutions. Consult your dealer or a Canon Service Center if the problem persists.

CHECK THIS FIRST

Power source

The camcorder will not turn on or it turns off by itself.

- The battery pack is exhausted. Replace or charge the battery pack ( 21).

- Remove the battery pack and reattach it correctly.

Cannot charge the battery pack.

- Make sure the camcorder is off so charging can start.

- The battery pack is too hot. Charging will start once the battery pack temperature is below 40 °C.

- Charge the battery pack in temperatures between 0 °C and 40 °C.

- The battery pack is damaged. Use a different battery pack.

A noise can be heard from the compact power adapter.

- A faint sound can be heard while the compact power adapter is connected to a power outlet. This is not a
malfunction.

After using the camcorder for a long time, it becomes hot.

- This is not a malfunction. Turn off the camcorder and let it cool down before resuming use.

The battery pack is exhausted extremely quickly even at normal temperatures.

- The battery may have reached the end of its battery life. Buy a new battery pack.

Troubleshooting

Power supply

Is the battery charged? Is the compact power adapter correctly connected to the
camcorder? ( 21)

Recording

Did you turn the camcorder on and set the mode dial to or ? If you are recording
on a memory card, is one correctly inserted into the camcorder? ( 30)

Playback

Did you turn the camcorder on and set the mode dial to or ? If you are playing
back recordings from a memory card, is one correctly inserted into the camcorder?
( 30) Does it contain any recordings?

99

Recording

Pressing will not start recording.

- You cannot record while the camcorder is writing previous recordings on the hard disk/memory card (while
the ACCESS indicator is on or flashing).

- The recording media is full or it already contains the maximum number of scenes. Delete some recordings
( 42, 63) or initialize the recording media ( 31) to free some space.

- Recording may not be possible while the drop protection mechanism ( 96) is active ( appears).

- The camcorder has exceeded its operational temperature ( appears). Turn off the camcorder and let it cool
down before resuming use.

- The camcorder has fallen below its operational temperature ( appears). Turn it off and use it in a warmer
location. Make sure to avoid rapid temperature changes.

The point where was pressed does not match the beginning/end of the recording.

- There is a slight interval between pressing and the actual start of recording. This is not a
malfunction.

The recording suddenly stops shortly after starting recording.

- If recording near loud sounds or strong vibrations, move to another location.

- The camcorder has exceeded its operational temperature ( appears). Turn off the camcorder and let it cool
down before resuming use.

The camcorder will not focus.

- Autofocus does not work on the subject. Focus manually ( 47).

- Adjust the viewfinder with the dioptric adjustment lever ( 33).

- The lens or Instant AF sensor is dirty. Clean the lens or sensor with a soft lens-cleaning cloth ( 117). Never
use tissue paper to clean the lens.

When a subject flits across in front of the lens, the image appears slightly bent.

- This is a phenomenon typical of CMOS image sensors. When a subject crosses very quickly in front of the
camcorder, the image may seem slightly warped. This is not a malfunction.

Changing the operating mode between recording ( )/record pause ( )/playback ( ) takes longer than
usual.

- When the media contains a large number of scenes, some operations may take longer than usual. Back up
your recordings ( 80) and initialize the recording media ( 31).

Reviewing the last scene recorded takes longer than usual.

- When the media contains a large number of scenes, some operations may take longer than usual. Back up
your recordings ( 80) and initialize the recording media ( 31).

Cannot record a photo.

- In mode: You cannot take photos in this mode if the simultaneous recording option in the FUNC. menu
is set to [Simultaneous Recording Off] ( 66), or if either the digital zoom ( 91) or a digital effect
( 50) is activated.

Start/Stop

Start/Stop

Start/Stop

Additional Information

100

Playback

Pressing the playback button does not start playback.

- The camcorder has exceeded its operational temperature ( appears). Turn off the camcorder and let it cool
down before resuming use.

- The camcorder has fallen below its operational temperature ( appears). Turn it off and use it in a warmer
location. Make sure to avoid rapid temperature changes.

Cannot add scenes to the playlist.

- You cannot add more than 999 scenes to the playlist. If the playlist includes scenes recorded in MXP or FXP
mode, the maximum number of scenes in the playlist may be less than 999.

- You may not be able to add scenes to the playlist if they were recorded or edited using another device.

Cannot delete a scene.

- You may not be able to delete scenes recorded or edited using another device.

Deleting scenes takes longer than usual.

- When the media contains a large number of scenes, some operations may take longer than usual. Back up
your recordings ( 80) and initialize the recording media ( 31).

Cannot delete a photo.

- The photo is protected. Remove the protection ( 68).

Indicators and Onscreen Displays

lights up in red.

- Battery pack is exhausted. Replace or charge the battery pack ( 21).

appears on the screen.

- The camcorder cannot communicate with the battery pack attached so the remaining battery time cannot be
displayed.

lights up in red.

- A memory card error occurred. Turn off the camcorder. Remove and reinsert the memory card. Initialize the
memory card ( 31) if the display does not change back to normal.

- The memory card is full. Replace the memory card or delete some recordings ( 42, 63) to free some space
on the memory card.

lights up in red.

- The camcorder has exceeded its operational temperature. This is not a malfunction. Turn off the camcorder
and let it cool down before resuming use.

flashes in red on the screen.

- The camcorder has malfunctioned. Consult a Canon Service Center.

Even after stopping recording, the ACCESS indicator does not go off.

- The scene is being recorded on the hard disk/memory card. This is not a malfunction.

The camcorder is on and the ACCESS indictor has been on or flashing longer than usual.

- This is not a malfunction. The camcorder may be recovering data on the hard disk. Do not disconnect the
power source or turn off the camcorder.