Canon DC311 User Manual

DVD Camcorder

Instruction Manual

PUB. DIE-304

PAL

Introduction

Important Usage Instructions

WARNING!

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.

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

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

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

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

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)

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. Read the differences between them and select the disc that best fits your needs.

DVD-R

DVD-Rs can be recorded only once – you cannot edit or delete the recordings. On the other hand, these discs are comparatively cheaper.

DVD-R DL

Dual-layered discs allow writing up to 80% more data (approx. 2.6 GB) on a single recording side. However, 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 the playback of a recording spanning both layers, you may notice a brief stop (about 1 second) at the point where the camcorder switches to the second layer. The switch to layer 2 will break the recording into 2 separate scenes.

DVD-RW

Recordings made on a DVD-RW disc can be edited or deleted. Also, the disc can be initialized. Initializing a DVD-RW disc clears all the recordings and restores the free space on the disc to its initial value so you can use the same disc again.

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 finalized, 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.

Best for Compatibility

Best for Recording Time

Layer 2

Scene 2

Layer 1

Scene 1

Recording surface

Best for Reusability

Advantages of Using DVDs

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.

Easily play back your recordings on a DVD player.

After your finalize your DVD ( 45), you can play it on a DVD player and share your recordings with friends and family.

Playback on external devices

Make sure to finalize discs ( 45) before you play them back on external DVD devices. The disc's type will affect its compatibility with external devices. For a summary, you can refer to the sidebar on page 46. However, to be sure, always refer to the instruction manual of the external device and make sure it is compatible before inserting the disc.

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

Discs that have been tested

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 (as of January 2008*). 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 damage to the camcorder or in the permanent loss of the recordings.

* For the latest information, visit your local Canon Web site or contact your nearest

Canon office. The use of DVD-R DL discs that have not been tested by Canon may result in incorrect recording/playback or in not being able to remove the disc.

Available features depend on the DVD disc used

Disc type

DVD-RW

DVD-R, DVD-R DL

Disc specifications

Editing scenes with this camcorder (deleting scenes, dividing scenes, etc.) ( 42)

VIDEO mode

––

mode

Deleting a scene after recording it ( 31) –

Initializing the disc in order to use it again for recording ( 44)

–

Giving a title to the disc ( 44)

Finalizing the disc in order to play it with an external DVD device ( 45)

Adding recordings to a disc already finalized ( 46)

Only scenes in the playlist can be divided.

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

order to make it playable on external DVD devices ( guaranteed with all external DVD devices. 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.

You will need to unfinalize the disc first.

–

45). Playback cannot be

Introduction ____________________________________

3 How to Select a DVD Disc 4 Advantages of Using DVDs 9 About this Manual

10 Getting to Know the Camcorder

10 Supplied Accessories 11 Components Guide 13 Screen Displays

Preparations ____________________________________

16 Getting Started

16 Charging the Battery Pack 17 Preparing the Accessories

18 Basic Operation of the Camcorder

18 Power Switch 18 Operating Modes 18 Joystick and Joystick Guide 19 Using the Menus

21 First Time Settings

21 Setting the Date and Time 21 Changing the Language 22 Changing the Time Zone

22 Getting Ready to Start Recording

22 Opening the Lens Cover and Adjusting the LCD screen 23 Inserting and Removing a Disc 25 Inserting and Removing a Memory Card

Video _________________________________________

26 Basic Recording

26 Shooting Video 28 Selecting the Recording Mode 28 Zooming: Optical, Advanced and Digital Zoom 29 Quick Start Function 30 Reviewing and Deleting the Last Scene Recorded

6 • Table of contents

31 Basic Playback

31 Playing Back the Video 33 Deleting Scenes 33 On-Screen Displays (Data Code)

34 Additional Functions

34 : Special Scene Recording Programs 36 Flexible Recording: Changing the Shutter Speed 37 LCD Video Light 37 Self Timer 38 Manual Focus Adjustment 39 Manual Exposure Adjustment 39 White Balance 40 Image Effects 41 Digital Effects

42 Managing Scenes and the Disc

42 Creating a Playlist 43 Moving Scenes in the Playlist 43 Dividing Scenes 44 Initializing the Disc

44 Disc Playback on an External Device

44 Changing the Disc Title 45 Finalizing the Disc 46 Disc Playback on External Devices 46 Unfinalizing the Disc - Additional Recordings on a Finalized Disc

Photos ________________________________________

48 Basic Recording

48 Taking Photos 49 Selecting Photo Size and Quality 50 Erasing the Last Photo Just Recorded

50 Basic Playback

50 Viewing Photos 52 Magnifying Photos during Playback 52 Erasing Photos

53 Additional Functions

53 Continuous Shooting and Exposure Bracketing (Drive

Mode) 54 Automatic Focus Priority 55 Histogram and Other Screen Displays 55 Protecting Photos 56 Initializing the Memory Card

Table of contents • 7

57 Printing Photos

57 Printing Photos 57 Print Orders

External Connections _____________________________

58 Connecting to a TV or VCR

58 Connection Diagrams 59 Playback on a TV Screen 59 Copying your Recordings to an External Video Recorder

Additional Information ____________________________

60 Appendix: Menu Options Lists

60 FUNC. Menu 60 Setup menus 62 Camera Setup (Advanced Zoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.) 63 Disc Operations (Initialization, Finalization etc.) 64 Still Image Operations (Card Initialization, etc.) 64 Display Setup (LCD Brightness, Language, etc.) 65 System Setup (Volume, Beep, etc.) 66 Date/Time Setup

67 Trouble?

67 Troubleshooting 70 List of Messages

73 Do’s and Don’ts

73 Handling Precautions 77 Using the Camcorder Abroad

78 General Information

78 System Diagram 79 Optional Accessories 82 Specifications 85 Index

8 • Table of contents

About this Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Canon DC320/DC311/DC310/DC301. 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 hootin g ( 67).

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 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.

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

• The following terms are used in this manual:

“Screen” refers to the LCD and the viewfinder screen. “Scene” refers to one movie unit from the point you press 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 this manual are simulated pictures taken with a still camera.

• Note that unless indicated otherwise, screenshots and illustrations in this manual refer to the model.

Buttons and switches to be operated

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

Brackets [ ] and capital letters are used to refer to menu options as they are displayed on screen. In menu option lists and option tables the default value is shown in boldface. For example [ON], [OFF].

“button” frame.

FUNC.

Start/Stop

Changing the Language

Options Default value

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

ROMAN

[ENGLISH]

[][]

[ESPAÑOL] [TÜRKÇE] [] [FRANÇAIS]

[][]

[ITALIANO] [][]

FUNC.

(29)

FUNC.

[ ]

MENU [ DISPLAY SETUP] [LANGUAGE ] Desired language

FUNC.

Introduction • 9

Getting to Know the Cam corder

Supplied Accessories

STV-250N Stereo Video

Cable

Yellow • Red • White plugs

CA-570 Compact Power

Adapter (incl. power cord)

NB-2LH Battery Pack

10 • Introduction

Components Guide

Left side view

Right side view

Front view

Lens cover switch ( 26, 48) ( open,

AV te rminal ( 58) CARD access indicator ( 48) Speaker

Lock button DISC access indicator ( 26) /

CHARGE indicator ( 16) Mode switch ( 27)

Recording programs Disc compartment cover ( 23) Grip belt ( 17) Strap mount ( 81) Stereo microphone

Names of buttons and switches other than the joystick are indicated within a (for example ).

closed)

switch ( 18)

Easy recording

FUNC.

“button” frame

Introduction • 11

Back view

Top v iew

Bottom view

Joystick ( 18) FUNC. button ( 19, 60) DISP. button ( 33, 55) Dioptric adjustment lever ( 27) Viewfinder ( 27) QUICK START button and standby lamp

( 29) PLAY mode indicator (green) ( 18) CAMERA mode indicator (red) ( 18) OPEN (disc cover) switch ( 23) Start/Stop button ( 26) DC IN terminal ( 17) Serial number/

Battery attachment unit ( RESET button ( 67) LCD screen ( 22) Zoom lever ( 28)

/ (movies/still images) switch

( 18) Tripod socket ( 17) Memory card slot

(open the cover to access) ( BATT. (battery release) switch ( 16)

Names of buttons and switches other than the joystick are indicated within a (for example ).

FUNC.

)

“button” frame

12 • Introduction

Screen Displays

Recording movies

Playing movies (during playback)

Operating mode ( 18) / Disc specification ( 3)

Recording program ( 34, 36) White balance ( 39) Image effect ( 40) LCD video light ( 37) Digital effects ( 41) Recording mode ( 28) Disc type DVD-R, DVD-R DL,

DVD-RW ( 3)

Finalized disc mark ( 45) Manual focus ( 38) Image stabilizer ( 62) Disc operation Time code/Playback time

(hours : minutes : seconds) Remaining recording time on the disc Remaining battery charge ( 15) Wind screen off ( 62) Recording reminder Level marker ( 64) Scene number Joystick guide ( 18) Data code ( 33)

Introduction • 13

Recording still images

Viewing still images

Zoom ( 28), Exposure ( 39) Recording program ( 34, 36) White balance ( 39) Image effect ( 40) LCD video light ( 37) Digital effects ( 41)

Drive mode ( 53) Still image quality/size ( 49) Manual focus ( 38) Number of still images available on the

memory card Self timer ( 37) AF frame ( 54) Joystick guide ( 18) Focus/exposure automatically set and

locked ( 48) Camcorder shake warning ( 62) Image number ( 15) Current image / Total number of images Histogram ( 55) Date and time of recording Image protection mark ( 55) Manual exposure ( 39) Image size ( 49) File size Aperture value ( 36) Shutter speed ( 36)

14 • Introduction

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.

Remaining battery charge estimate

• 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.

Recording reminder

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

Number of still images available on the card

displayed in red: No card

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.

Card access display

is displayed next to the number of images available while the camcorder is writing on the memory card.

Image number

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

Introduction • 15

Preparations

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

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.

For approximate charging times and recording/playback times with a full battery pack, refer to the tables on page 79.

BATT. switch

1 Turn off the camcorder. 2 Attach the battery pack to the

camcorder.

Press the battery pack lightly and slide it up until it clicks.

CHARGE indicator

DC IN terminal

3 Connect the power cord to the

compact power adapter.

4 Plug the power cord into a power

outlet.

5 Connect the compact power

adapter to the camcorder’s DC IN terminal.

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

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

• When the compact power adapter is connected, the power of the battery pack will not be consumed.

16 • Preparations

ONCE THE BATTERY PACK IS FULLY CHARGED

1 Disconnect the compact power

adapter from the camcorder.

2 Unplug the power cord from the

power outlet and the compact power adapter.

O REMOVE THE BATTERY PACK

BATT.

Press to release the battery pack. Slide the battery pack down and then pull it out.

IMPORTANT

• Turn off the camcorder before connecting or disconnecting the compact power adapter. After you turn the switch to , important file allocation data is updated on the disc. Be sure to wait until the PLAY and CAMERA mode indicators are 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 compact power adapter to voltage converters for overseas travels or special power sources such as those on aircraft and ships, DC-AC inverters, etc.

NOTES

• The CHARGE indicator also serves as a rough estimate of the charge status. Continuously on: Battery pack fully charged. Two quick flashes at 1-second intervals: Battery pack at least 50% charged. If the indicator flashes quickly but not exactly in this pattern, refer to Troubleshooting (67). One flash at 1-second intervals: Battery pack less than 50% charged.

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

Preparing the 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

Start/Stop

your thumb.

WHEN YOU MOUNT THE CAMCORDER ON A

TRIPOD

Do not leave the viewfinder exposed to direct sunlight as it may melt (due to concentration of the light by the lens). Do not use tripods with fastening screws longer than 5.5 mm. Doing so may damage the camcorder.

Preparations • 17

Basic Operation of the Camcorder

Power Switch

Lock button

Operating Modes

The camcorder’s operating mode is determined by the switch and the position of the / switch. In this 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.

In addition to turning the camcorder on and off, the switch also toggles the camcorder’s operating mode. To turn on the camcorder: Hold the lock button pressed down and turn the switch to ON. To change the operating mode: From the ON position, turn the switch momentarily toward MODE and release it. This action will toggle the operating mode between recording (CAMERA - red indicator) and playback (PLAY - green indicator).

Operating mode

indicator

(Red)

(Green)

switch

(movies)

(still images)

(movies)

(still images)

Joystick and Joystick Guide

Use the joystick to operate the camcorder's menus.

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

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

Icon display Operation

Recording movies on a disc

Recording still images on a memory card

Playing movies from a disc

Viewing still images from a memory card

18 • Preparations

The functions assigned to the joystick change according to the operation mode and the camcorder’s settings. Press to display/hide the joystick guide (when recording, the joystick guide will appear only when the mode switch is set to ). In the illustrations of this manual, positions other than those relevant to the function explained are marked with a striped pattern.

Depending on the operating mode, these positions may be empty or show a different icon than the one on the illustration.

When the guide contains multiple “pages”, [NEXT] and the page number icon ( ) will appear at the bottom position. Push the joystick ( ) toward [NEXT] to display the next “page” of the guide.

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 ( 60).

Selecting a FUNC. Menu Option

1 Press .

FUNC.

2 Select ( ) the icon of the

function you want 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 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.).

4 Press to save the settings

FUNC.

and close the menu.

Preparations • 19

You can press to close the

FUNC.

menu at any time.

Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus

1 Press .

FUNC.

In the index screen (VIDEO mode) and still image index screen, the setup menus will open. Skip to step 3.

2 Select ( ) the icon and press

to open the setup menus.

• You can also hold pressed

FUNC.

down for more than 1 second to open directly the setup menus screen.

• In the index screen (DVD-RW discs in VR mode), push the joystick ( ) to select the icon.

3 Select ( ) 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.

4 Select ( ) the setting you want to

change and press .

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

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

5 Select ( ) the desired option and

press to save the setting.

6 Press .

Abbreviation of Menu Selections in this Manual

In this manual, the arrow is used to abbreviate menu selections. Below is an example of changing a setting using the setup menus.

FUNC.

For selections in the FUNC. menu, the abbreviated form will always show the initial default value. In recording mode, its icon will appear on the left side column when you first open the menu. If the setting was changed, the icon of the currently selected option will appear instead.

FUNC.

You can press to close the

FUNC.

menu at any time.

[ MENU] [ DISPLAY SETUP] [LANGUAGE ]

Desired language

[ IMAGE EFFECT OFF] Desired image effect

20 • Preparations

First Time Settings

Setting the Date and Time

(for example, [1.JAN.2008 12:00 AM]). You can change the date format ( 66).

• You can also change the date and time later on (not during the initial setup). To open the [DATE/TIME] screen, press

FUNC.

and select [DATE/TIME

SETUP] [DATE/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 Move ( ) the cursor to the [OK]

button and press to start the clock and 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 ( 75) 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

Changing the Language

Options

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

[ENGLISH][][]

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

FUNC.

(20)

FUNC.

ROMAN

[][]

[ MENU] [ DISPLAY SETUP] [LANGUAGE ] Desired language

FUNC.

NOTES

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

• The display that appears in some menu screens refers to the name of buttons on the camcorder and will not change, regardless of the language selected.



Default value

Preparations • 21

Changing the Time Zone

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

FUNC.

( 20)

FUNC.

[ MENU] [ DATE/TIME SETUP] [T.ZONE/DST] Desired time zone*

FUNC.

* To adjust for daylight saving time, select the

area name marked with a .

World 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 to match the local time at your destination, referring to the date and time displayed on the screen.

1 Open the date and time setup

screen.

FUNC.

[ DATE/TIME SETUP] [T.ZONE/DST]

[ MENU]

2 Move the orange selection frame

( ) to the time zone.

3 Select ( ) the area that

corresponds to the local time at your destination and press .

• Refer to the changing date and time displayed on the screen.

• To adjust for daylight saving time, select the area name marked with a

4 Press to close the menu.

FUNC.

Getting Ready to Start Recording

Opening the Lens Cover and Adjusting the LCD screen

Before you start recording, open the lens cover.

Move the lens cover switch down to

to open the lens cover.

Rotating the LCD Panel

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees.

You can rotate the panel 90 degrees downward.

180°

90°

You can rotate the panel 180 degrees toward the lens (allowing the subject to monitor the LCD screen while you use the viewfinder). This is the only case where you can use the viewfinder and the LCD screen simultaneously.

Rotating the LCD panel 180 degrees can be useful when you wish to include

22 • Preparations

yourself in the picture when recording with the self timer.

180°

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.

Inserting and Removing a Disc

Subject can monitor the LCD screen

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.

LCD Backlight

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

DISP.

Hold pressed down for more than 2 seconds.

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

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 Discs that have been tested (4). Before inserting the disc be sure to check that the recording surface is clean. If necessary, use a soft lenscleaning cloth to remove any fingerprints, dirt buildup or smudges from the disc surface.

Inserting the Disc

( 18)

Pick up lens

1 Turn the switch to ON to

set the camcorder in mode.

2 Slide fully in the direction of

OPEN

the arrow and gently open the disc cover completely until it stops.

Preparations • 23

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

3 Insert 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.

4 Close the disc cover.

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

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.

new DVD-RW disc is first inserted if the

/ switch is set to (movies). If the disc is already initialized, you can start recording movies once the record pause indicator appears. Otherwise, perform the following steps to initialize the disc.

Select ( ) the desired disc specification and press . For a comparison between the VIDEO and VR specifications, see How to Select a DVD Disc (3). A confirmation message will appear on the screen. Select ( ) [YES] and press to start the disc initialization, or select [NO] and press

to return and select a different

disc specification.

• 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 indicator appears.

Removing the Disc

WHEN USING DVD-R/DVD-R DL DISCS

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

WHEN USING DVD-RW DISCS

You need to initialize new discs before you can start recording. The disc initialization screen will appear when a

24 • Preparations

1 Slide fully in the direction of

OPEN

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.

2 Grab 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.

3 Close the disc cover.

IMPORTANT

When you slide 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.

Inserting and Removing a Memory Card

OPEN

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

the way into the memory card slot.

4 Close the cover.

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

TO REMOVE THE MEMORY CARD

First push the memory card once to release it, and then pull the card out.

IMPORTANT

• Make sure to initialize all memory cards before using them with this camcorder (56).

• 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.

You can use commercially available

SDHC (SD High Capacity) memory cards, SD memory cards or MultiMedia Cards (MMC) with this camcorder.

1 Turn off the camcorder.

NOTES

• Compatibility with all SD, SDHC or MMC memory cards cannot be guaranteed.

• About SDHC Memory Cards: SDHC is the new type of SD memory card with capacities over 2 GB. Please note that the specifications of SDHC memory cards are different from those of regular SD memory cards and you will not be able to use memory cards of over 2 GB with devices that do not support SDHC. However, SDHC devices (including this camcorder) are backward compatible and support regular SD memory cards.

Preparations • 25

Video

This chapter covers functions related to shooting and playing back movies - from basic recording and zooming to more advanced manual picture adjustments.

Basic Recording

Shooting Video

Before You Begin Recording

Make a test recording first to check if the camcorder operates correctly. Since recordings made on a DVD-R or DVD-R DL disc cannot be deleted, we recommend you use a DVD-RW disc to make the test recordings.

( 18)

1 Move the / switch to

(movies).

2 Turn the switch to ON to set

the camcorder in CAMERA mode.

The red CAMERA indicator will turn on.

3 Move the lens cover switch down

to to open the lens cover.

4 Press to begin recording.

WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED RECORDING

1 Make sure that the DISC access

2 Turn off the camcorder. 3 Close the lens cover and the LCD

4 Remove the disc.

• When recording movies, try to get a calm,

Start/Stop

• The recording starts; press

Start/Stop

recording.

• The DISC access indicator will flash while recording and will stay on briefly after pausing while the scene is recorded on the disc.

indicator is off.

panel.

IMPORTANT

stable picture.

Excessive camcorder movement while shooting and extensive use of fast zooms and panning can result in jittery scenes. In extreme cases, the playback of such scenes may result in visually induced motion sickness. If you experience such a reaction, immediately stop the playback and take a rest break as necessary.

again to pause the

26 • Video

• Observe the following precautions while the DISC 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 disc cover and do not

remove the disc.

- Do not disconnect the power source or

turn off the camcorder.

- Do not change the operating mode.

NOTES

• About the recording time: By changing the recording mode you can change the recording time available on the disc (28).

• About the Power Save mode: To sa v e p owe r when the camcorder is powered by a battery pack, the camcorder will automatically shut off if left without any operations for 5 minutes ( 65). To restore the power, turn the switch toward MODE and release it, or turn the

switch to and back to ON

again.

• 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.

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 ( 23) or use the viewfinder instead. To use the viewfinder, keep the LCD panel closed*.

Adjust the viewfinder as necessary with the dioptric adjustment lever.

* The LCD screen and the viewfinder

can be used simultaneously when the LCD panel is turned 180 degrees to face the subject ( 23).

About the mode switch and recording programs

Set the mode switch to to let the camcorder adjust all the settings for you, allowing you to just point the camcorder and start shooting.

Set the mode switch to to select one of the recording programs. The Special Scene recording programs ( 34) offer a convenient

way to select the optimal settings to match special recording conditions. Conversely, with flexible recording programs ( 36) you can set the shutter speed you want, or enjoy the flexibility to change other settings.

Video • 27

+ 60 hidden pages