Canon DC201, DC211, DC210 User Manual

PUB.DIE-278

DVD Camcorder

Instruction Manual English

Introduction

Prerparations

Basic

Functions

Advanced

Functions

Editing

Functions

Playing Back the Disc on an External Device

External

Connections

Additional

Information

PAL

2

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.

This product has been classified under IEC60825-1:1993 and EN60825-1:1994.

CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT

European Union (and EEA) only.

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

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

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

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

3

How to select a DVD disc

There are many types of DVD discs but this camcorder uses only the following three types of 8 cm mini DVD discs: DVD-R, DVD-R DL and DVD-RW. Note that what you can do with a disc depends on the type of DVD used so select the disc that best fits your purpose.

DVD-R

Best for Compatibility

DVD-Rs can be recorded only once - you cannot edit or delete the recordings. On the other hand, these discs are comparatively cheaper and they can be played back in most common DVD players.

DVD-R DL

Best for Recording Time

Dual-layered discs allow writing up to 80% more data (2.6 GB) on a single recording side. However, DVD-R DLs can only be played back on DVD devices compatible with dual-layered discs. Also, you cannot edit or delete the recordings.

Dual-layered discs have two recording layers. The camcorder
will record on Layer 1 and then continue to Layer 2. During	Layer 2	Scene 2
the playback of a recording spanning both layers, you may	Layer 1	Scene 1
notice a brief stop (about 1 second) at the point where the		Recording surface
camcorder switches to the second layer.

DVD-RW

Best for Reusability

Recordings made on a DVD-RW disc can be edited or deleted. Also, the disc can be initialized1 allowing you to use the same disc numerous times.

Disc specification on DVD-RWs

DVD-RW discs can be recorded using either one of two disc specifications: VIDEO mode or VR mode. When you first insert a brand new DVD-RW disc, the camcorder will automatically display the initialization screen where you can select the disc specification for the disc.

VIDEO mode: Once finalized2, discs recorded in VIDEO mode can be played back in most common DVD players offering the best compatibility. However, recordings cannot be edited (deleted, rearranged, etc.).

VR mode: You can easily edit the recordings. However, discs recorded in VR mode can only be played back with DVD players compatible with DVD-RWs in VR mode.

Note: DVD-R and DVD-R DL discs can only be recorded in VIDEO mode.

Introduction

4

Great Advantages of DVDs

Why DVDs are better than tapes

No need to worry about recording over a tape.

When you use a DVD, the camcorder will automatically record on the empty space of the disc. So you don't have to worry about mistakenly recording over a precious memory.

Just select a scene from the index screen.

You don't need to bother running a tape forwards and backwards to find the scene you want to play back. Simply select a scene from the index screen and start the playback in a breeze.

Easy Playback on a DVD player

After you finalize the disc you recorded, all you have to do is just pop it into a DVD player and start the playback. If you record your disc in VIDEO mode, you will be able to play back your disc on most tabletop DVD players and DVD devices.

Recommended Discs

The camcorder's performance was tested with single-layered discs using Hitachi-Maxell HG series DVD discs; and with dual-layered discs using Canon DVD-R DL54 discs and Verbatim DVD-R DL discs. For further details, contact directly the manufacturer's customer support center. Note that attempting to record or play with this camcorder DVD discs that were recorded, initialized or finalized with other digital devices can result in permanently losing the recordings.

For the highest compatibility with external DVD devices we recommend using the VIDEO mode.

5

Available features depend on the DVD disc used

Disc Type

Editing scenes with this camcorder (deleting scenes, editing the Playlist) (51)

Deleting a scene or still image immediately after recording it (52, 56)

Initializing the disc in order to use it again for recording (54)

Giving a title to the disc (55)

Finalizing the disc in order to play it with a DVD player (58)

Adding recordings to a disc already finalized (60)

Converting still images into Photomovie scenes (57)

DVD-RW

DVD-R	DVD-R DL
		VIDEO	VR
–	–	–
–	–
–	–

3

–	–	4

1Disc initialization clears all the recordings on the disc and restores the free space on the disc to its initial value so you can use the same disc again. DVD-R and DVD-R DL discs cannot be initialized.

2Disc finalization is the processing of the free space (the unrecorded area) on the disc in order to

make it playable on external DVD devices ( 58). To finalize a DVD-R DL disc, the camcorder has to process both layers. Therefore, and depending on the amount of free space on the disc, this process may be lengthy.

3Playback cannot be guaranteed with all external DVD devices.

4You will need to unfinalize the disc first.

Introduction

6

Table of contents

Introduction

How to select a DVD disc ...............................................................................	3
About this Manual
About the Joystick and the Joystick Guide .....................................................	9
About the Power Switch................................................................................	10
About the Operating Modes ..........................................................................	10
Getting to Know the Camcorder
Supplied Accessories....................................................................................	11
Components Guide .......................................................................................	12
Screen Displays ............................................................................................	14
Preparations
Getting Started
Charging the Battery Pack ............................................................................	17
Inserting and Removing a Disc .....................................................................	19
Preparing the Camcorder..............................................................................	20
Adjusting the LCD Screen.............................................................................	21
Using the Menus
Selecting a FUNC. Menu Option...................................................................	22
Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus ..................................................	22
First Time Settings
Changing the Language................................................................................	23
Changing the Time Zone...............................................................................	23
Setting the Date and Time ............................................................................	24
Basic Functions
Recording
Shooting Video..............................................................................................	25
Selecting the Aspect Ratio of your Recordings (16:9 Widescreen or 4:3) ....	26
Taking Photos ...............................................................................................	27
Zooming ........................................................................................................	28
Quick Start Function......................................................................................	28
Playback
Playing Back the Video .................................................................................	29
Displaying the Photos ...................................................................................	30
Magnifying Photos during Playback..............................................................	32
Advanced Functions
Menu Options Lists
FUNC. Menu .................................................................................................	33
Setup Menus.................................................................................................	34
Camera Setup (Digital Zoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.)..........................	34
Disc Operations (Photomovie, Finalize, etc.)......................................	36
Still Image Operations (Erase all still images) ....................................	37
Display Setup (LCD Brightness, Language, etc.) ...............................	37
System Setup (Volume, Beep, etc.)....................................................	38
Date/Time Setup.................................................................................	39

7

Recording Programs
Using the Recording Programs .....................................................................	40
Flexible Recording: Changing the Aperture and Shutter Speed ...............	41
Special Scene: Recording Programs to Match Special Conditions ...............	42
Adjusting the Picture: Exposure, Focus and Color
Manual Exposure Adjustment........................................................................	43
Manual Focus Adjustment .............................................................................	43
White Balance ...............................................................................................	44
Image Effects.................................................................................................	45
Still Image Recording Options
Selecting the Size and Quality of Still Images ...............................................	46
Automatic Focus Priority................................................................................	47
Other Functions
On-Screen Displays.......................................................................................	48
Self Timer ......................................................................................................	49
Digital Effects.................................................................................................	49
Editing Functions
Managing Scenes
Adding Scenes to the Playlist ........................................................................	51
Moving Scenes in the Playlist........................................................................	52
Deleting Scenes ............................................................................................	52
Dividing a Scene............................................................................................	53
Managing the Disc
Protecting the Disc ........................................................................................	54
Initializing the Disc.........................................................................................	54
Changing the Disc Title .................................................................................	55
Managing Photos
Erasing Photos ..............................................................................................	56
Converting Photos into Photomovie Scenes .................................................	57
Playing Back the Disc on an External Device
Finalizing the Disc .........................................................................................	58
Playing Back your Disc on a DVD Player or a Computer’s DVD Drive .........	59
Unfinalizing the Disc - Additional Recordings on a Finalized Disc ................	60
External Connections
Connecting to a TV or VCR
Connection Diagrams ....................................................................................	61
Playback on a TV Screen ..............................................................................	62
Recording to a VCR or Digital Video Recorder .............................................	62
Additional Information
Trouble?
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................	63
List of Messages............................................................................................	67
Do’s and Don’ts
Handling Precautions ....................................................................................	69
Maintenance/Others ......................................................................................	71
Using the Camcorder Abroad ........................................................................	72

Introduction

8
General Information
	System Diagram ...........................................................................................		73
	Optional Accessories ....................................................................................		74
	Specifications ................................................................................................		76
	Index .............................................................................................................		78

Time Zones

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

About this Manual	9

About this Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Canon DC201/DC210/DC211. Please read this manual carefully before you use the camcorder and retain it for future reference. Should your camcorder fail to operate correctly, refer to the Troubleshooting table ( 63).

Conventions Used in the Manual

IMPORTANT: Precautions related to the camcorder’s operation.

NOTES: Additional topics that complement the basic operating procedures.

POINTS TO CHECK: Restrictions that apply if the function described is not available in all operating modes (the operating mode to which the camcorder should be set, the type of disc required, etc.).

: Reference page number.

: Option or feature that applies or is available only with a specific model. The following terms are used in the manual:

“Screen” refers to the LCD and the viewfinder screen.

“Scene” refers to one movie unit from the point you press the start/stop button to start recording until you press again to pause the recording.

The terms “Photo” and “Still image” are used interchangeably with the same meaning.

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

model.

Brackets [ ] and capital letters are used to refer to menu options as they are displayed on screen. Menu options in boldface indicate the default setting (for example [ON], [OFF]).

Menu item shown at its default position

Buttons and switches to be perated

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

First Time Settings 29

First Time Settings

Changing the Time Zone

Default value

Changing the Language	DATE/TIME SETUP
Options

[DEUTSCH] [ ROMANA ]

[

]

T.ZONE/DST NEW YORK

[ENGLISH]

[TÜRKÇE]

[

]

[ESPAÑOL]

[

]

[

]

DATE/TIME SETUP

[FRANÇAIS]

[

]

[

]

[ITALIANO]

[

]

[

]

[POLSKI]

[

]

T.ZONE/DST PARIS

Default value

DISPLAY SETUP

FUNC.

(

28)

1

Press FUNC..

LANGUAGE

ENGLISH

2

Select (

) the

icon and press

(

) to open the setup menus.

3

Select (

) [DATE/TIME SETUP]

FUNC.

and press (

).

(

28)

4

Select (

) [T.ZONE/DST] and

1

Press FUNC..

press (

).

The time zone setting appears. The

2

Select (

) the

icon and press

default setting is New York. The

3

(

) to open the setup menus.

default setting is Paris.

Select (

) [DISPLAY SETUP] and

5

Select (

) your time zone and

4

press (

).

press (

).

Select (

) [LANGUAGE

] and

To adjust for daylight saving time,

5

press (

).

select the time zone with the

mark

Select (

,

) the desired

next to the area.

6

option and press (

).

6

Press FUNC. to close the menu.

Press FUNC. to close the menu.

NOTES

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

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.

Preparations

About the Joystick and the Joystick Guide

Introduction

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

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

10 About this Manual

The functions assigned to the joystick change according to the operation mode and the camcorder’s settings. Press () to display/hide the joystick guide.

In the illustrations of the manual,					When the joystick guide contains
positions other than those relevant to the					multiple ‘pages’, [NEXT] and the page
function explained are marked with a					number icon ( ) will appear at the
striped pattern. Depending on the model					bottom position. Push the joystick ( )
and the operation mode, these positions		NEXT			toward [NEXT] to display the next ‘page’
may be empty or show a different icon					of the guide.

than the one on the illustration.

About the Power Switch

In addition to turning the camcorder on and off, the power switch

also toggles the camcorder’s operating mode.

To turn on the camcorder: Hold the lock button pressed down and

move the power switch down to ON.

To change the operating mode: From the ON position, slide down the power switch momentarily toward MODE and release it. This action will toggle the operating mode between recording (CAMERA - red indicator) and playback (PLAY - green indicator).

Lock button

About the Operating Modes

The camcorder’s operating mode is determined by the positions of the power switch and the / switch. In the manual, indicates that a function is available in the operating mode shown and indicates that the function is not available. When no operating mode

icons are given, the function is available in all operating modes.

Operating Mode	Operating	/	Icon Display	Operation
	Mode Indicator	Switch
	CAMERA			Recording movies	25
	(Red)			on the disc
	PLAY	(Movies)		Playing movies	29
	(Green)			from the disc
	CAMERA			Recording still images on	27
	(Red)			the disc
		(Still
	PLAY			Viewing still images from
		images)			30
	(Green)			the disc

				Getting to Know the Camcorder		11
	Supplied Accessories
	CA-570 Compact Power	BP-208 Battery Pack	STV-250N Stereo Video
	Adapter		Cable
	(incl. power cord)

Introduction

Trademark Acknowledgements

• is a trademark of DVD Format/Logo Licensing 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.

•ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT OTHER THAN CONSUMER PERSONAL USE IN ANY MANNER THAT COMPLIES WITH THE MPEG-2 STANDARD FOR ENCODING VIDEO INFORMATION FOR PACKAGED MEDIA IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED WITHOUT A LICENSE UNDER APPLICABLE PATENTS IN THE MPEG-2 PATENT PORTFOLIO, WHICH LICENSE IS AVAILABLE FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C., 250 STEELE STREET, SUITE 300, DENVER, COLORADO 80206.

12 Getting to Know the Camcorder

Components Guide

Left side view

Right Side View

Front view

DISP. button ( 48)

FUNC. button ( 22, 33)

QUICK START button and standby lamp

(	28)
AV terminal (		61)
Terminal cover
BATT. (battery release) switch (					17)
RESET button (			63)
Serial number
Battery attachment unit (				17)
Lens cover switch (			25, 27)
(	open,	closed)
Disc compartment cover (				19)
Grip belt (		20)
DC IN terminal (			17)
Stereo microphone

Names of buttons and switches other than the

joystick are indicated within a “button” frame (for example FUNC. ).

Back view

Top view

Bottom view

Getting to Know the Camcorder 13

PLAY mode indicator (green) (					10)
Joystick (		9)
CAMERA mode indicator (red) (					10)
LCD screen (		21)
	(fast reverse) button (			30) /
Zoom out W (wide-angle) button (					28)
	(fast forward) button (			30) /
Zoom in T (telephoto) button (					28)
/	(play/pause) button (			29) /
START/STOP button ( 25)					Introduction
(stop) button (			29) /
PLAYLIST button ( 51)
Viewfinder (		20)
Dioptric adjustment lever (				20)
/	(movies/still images) switch ( 10)
DISC access indicator (				25, 27) /
CHG (charge) indicator (				17)
Start/stop button (			25)
Power switch (			10)
OPEN (disc cover) switch (				19)
Grip belt (		20)
Mode switch (			40)
Zoom lever (		28)
PHOTO button (			27)
Speaker (		30)
Tripod socket (			26)
Strap mount

Names of buttons and switches other than the

joystick are indicated within a “button” frame (for example FUNC. ).

14 Getting to Know the Camcorder

Screen Displays

Recording Movies

Recording Still Images

Operating mode (			10)
Recording program (				40)
White balance (			44)
Image effect (		45)
Digital effects (			49)
Recording mode (			33)
Self timer (		49)
Disc type		DVD-R,			DVD-R DL,
DVD-RW (			3)
Disc specification
(VIDEO mode, VR mode) (					3)
Finalized disc mark (				58)
Manual focus (			43)
Image stabilizer (			35)
Disc operation
Time code (hours : minutes : seconds)
Remaining recording time on the disc
Recording reminder
Wind screen off (			36)
Level marker (			37)
Zoom (	28), Exposure				(	43)
Still image quality/size (					46)

Number of still images available on the disc

Remaining battery charge estimate

AF frame (	47)
Camcorder shake warning (		34)

Autofocus (AF) and exposure (AE) locked ( 27)

Disc operation

Record, Record pause,

Playback, Playback pause,

Fast playback,

Fast reverse playback,

Slow playback,

Slow reverse playback

Remaining recording time

When there is no more disc space available, “ END” will be displayed and the recording will stop.

Recording reminder

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

Getting to Know the Camcorder 15

Number of still images available on the disc

flashing in red: No disc

in green: 6 or more images

in yellow: 1 to 5 images

in red: No more images can be recorded

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

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

Disc access display

“” is displayed next to the number of images available while the camcorder is writing on the disc.

Remaining battery charge estimate

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

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

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

Introduction

16 Getting to Know the Camcorder

Playing Movies (During Playback)

Viewing Still Images

Disc operation

Playback time (hours : minutes : seconds)

Scene number

Data code (

48)

Image number (

38)

Current image / Total number of images

Histogram (	48)
Still image quality/size (		46)
Date and time of recording

Recording program ( 40)

Manual focus ( 43)

White balance ( 44)

Manual exposure ( 43)

Image effect ( 45)

Image size ( 46)

File size

Aperture value

Shutter speed ( 41)

Getting Started 17

Getting Started

Charging the Battery Pack

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

BATT. switch

1Turn off the camcorder.

2Attach the battery pack to the camcorder.

•Open the LCD panel.

•Slide in the connector end of the battery in the direction of the arrow and press it gently until it clicks.

CHG (charge) indicator

DC IN terminal

3Connect the power cord to the compact power adapter.

4Plug the power cord into a power outlet.

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

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

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

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

ONCE THE BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED

1Disconnect the compact power adapter from the camcorder.

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

TO REMOVE THE BATTERY PACK

Slide down BATT. to release the battery pack, and pull out the battery pack holding it from the ridge on its bottom part.

IMPORTANT

Turn off the camcorder before connecting or disconnecting the compact power adapter. After you turn off the power switch to , important file allocation data is updated on the disc. Be sure to wait until the LCD display is completely off.

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

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

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

To prevent equipment breakdowns and excessive heating, do not connect the supplied

Preparations

18 Getting Started

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 CHG (charge) indicator also serves as a rough estimate of the battery charge status. Continuously on: Battery fully charged.

Flashes approx. twice per second: Battery over 50% charged.

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

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

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

Charging, Recording and Playback Times with the BP-208 Battery Pack

The recording and playback times given in following tables are approximate and vary according to the charging, recording or playback conditions.

Battery Pack				BP-208
Recording Mode		XP			SP			LP
Recording Times	Maximum		Typical*	Maximum		Typical*	Maximum		Typical*
Viewfinder	115 min.		60 min.	135 min.		65 min.	145 min.		70 min.
LCD [NORMAL]	110 min.		60 min.	125 min.		65 min.	140 min.		65 min.
LCD [BRIGHT]	105 min.		60 min.	120 min.		60 min.	130 min.		65 min.
Playback Time	140 min.			165 min.			175 min.
Charging Time				160 min.

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

Inserting and Removing a Disc

Use only 8 cm mini DVD discs marked with the DVD-R logo (including DVD-R DL) or the DVD-RW logo. Refer also to Recommended Discs ( 4).

Before inserting the disc be sure to check that the recording surface is clean. If necessary, use a soft lens-cleaning cloth to remove any fingerprints, dirt buildup or smudges from the disc surface.

Inserting the Disc

POINTS TO CHECK

( 10)

Pick up lens

1Move the power switch to ON to set the camcorder in mode.

2Slide OPEN fully in the direction of the arrow and gently open the disc cover completely until it stops.

Retract the grip belt under the camcorder so it will not get in the way of the disc cover.

3Insert the disc and press its center firmly until it clicks in place.

•Insert the disc with the recording side facing down (single sided discs – label side facing out).

•Be careful not to touch the recording surface of the disc or the pick up lens.

Getting Started 19

4 Close the disc cover.

Do not force the cover closed if the disc is not correctly inserted and firmly set in place.

WHEN USING DVD-R/DVD-R DL DISCS

You can start recording movies once the record pause indication appears.

WHEN USING A DVD-RW

You need to initialize new discs before you can start recording. The disc initialization screen will appear when a new DVD-RW is first inserted if the / switch is set to . The disc initialization screen will not appear when inserting a disc already initialized. In that case, you can start recording once the record pause indication appears.

Select () the desired disc specification and press (). For a comparison between the [VIDEO] and [VR] specifications, see How to select a DVD disc ( 3).

You will be asked to confirm the disc specification you selected. Select () [YES] and press () to continue, or select [NO] and press () to return and select a different disc specification.

A confirmation message will appear on the screen. Select () [YES] and press () to start the disc initialization.

Preparations

20Getting Started

•The disc initialization will take approximately one minute. Avoid moving the camcorder while the operation is in progress.

•You can start recording movies once the record pause indication appears.

NOTES

The process of recognizing a disc may take a moment. The display will move while the disc is being read. Wait until the camcorder finishes recognizing the disc before you start recording.

Removing the Disc

1Slide OPEN fully in the direction of the arrow and gently open the disc cover completely until it stops.

•Do not subject the camcorder to strong impacts while the DISC access indicator is on or flashing.

•Retract the grip belt under the camcorder so it will not get in the way of the disc cover.

•It may take a moment after sliding OPEN for the disc cover to open.

2Grab the edge of the disc and gently pull it out.

Be careful not to touch the recording surface of the disc or the pick up lens.

3Close the disc cover.

IMPORTANT

When you slide OPEN after making a recording, important file allocation data is updated on the disc before the disc cover opens. While the DISC access indicator is on or flashing do not subject the camcorder to shocks such as forcefully laying it on a table.

Preparing the Camcorder

1Turn on the camcorder.

2Move the lens cover switch down to

to open the lens cover.

3Adjust the viewfinder.

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

4 Fasten the grip belt.

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

Adjusting the LCD Screen

Rotating the LCD Panel

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees.

•You can rotate the panel 90 degrees downward.

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

180°

90°

180°

Subject can monitor the LCD screen

Getting Started 21

LCD Backlight

You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen to one of two levels.

Keep DISP. 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 or the viewfinder screen.

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

Preparations

22 Using the Menus

Using the Menus

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

For details about the available menu options and settings, refer to the Menu Options Lists ( 33).

Selecting a FUNC. Menu Option

FUNC.

( 22)

1Press FUNC. .

2Select () the icon of the function you want change from the left side column.

Menu items not available will appear grayed out.

3Select () the desired setting from the available options at the bottom bar.

•The selected option will be highlighted in light blue. Menu items not available will appear grayed out.

•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.).

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

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

Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus

FUNC.

( 22)

1 Press FUNC. .

During the playback of a disc recorded in VIDEO mode, pressing FUNC. will open directly the setup menus. Continue directly from step 3.

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

•You can also hold FUNC. pressed down for more than 1 second to open directly the setup menus screen.

•Push the joystick () to return to the menu selection screen (step 3).

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

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

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

The orange selection bar indicates the menu setting currently selected. Items not available appear in black.

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

6Press FUNC. .

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

First Time Settings

Changing the Language

Options

[DEUTSCH]	[ ROMANA ]			[	]
[ENGLISH]	[TÜRKÇE]			[	]
[ESPAÑOL]	[		]	[	]
[FRANÇAIS]	[		]	[	]
[ITALIANO]	[	]		[	]
[POLSKI]	[	]

Default value

DISPLAY SETUP

LANGUAGE ENGLISH

FUNC.

( 22)

1 Press FUNC. .

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

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

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

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

6Press FUNC. to close the menu.

NOTES

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

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 23

Changing the Time Zone

Default value

DATE/TIME SETUP

T.ZONE/DST PARIS

FUNC.

	(	22)
	1	Press FUNC. .
	2	Select (	) the	icon and press
	3	( ) to open the setup menus.			Preparations
		Select (	) [DATE/TIME SETUP]
	4	and press ( ).
		Select (	) [T.ZONE/DST] and
		press (	).

The time zone setting appears. The default setting is Paris.

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

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

6 Press FUNC. to close the menu.

Time Zones

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

24 First Time Settings

Setting the Date and Time

DATE/TIME SETUP

DATE/TIME 1.JAN.2007 12:00 AM

FUNC.

( 22)

1Press FUNC. .

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

3Select () [DATE/TIME SETUP] and press ( ).

4Select () [DATE/TIME] and press ( ).

The first field of the date will be displayed in orange and indicated with up/down arrows.

5Push the joystick () to set the date and time and ( ) to move between the fields of the date and time.

6Press ( ) to start the clock.

7Press FUNC. to close the menu.

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 ( 70) and set the time zone, date and time again.

You can also change the date format ( 39).