Canon FS10, FS11, FS100 Instruction Manual

PUB. DIM-863

Digital Video Camcorder

Instruction Manual

Caméscope numérique

Manuel d’instruction

Videocámara digital

Manual de Instrucciones

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NTSC

English

Français

Español

Introduction

Important Usage Instructions

WARNING!

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

WARNING!

COPYRIGHT WARNING: Unauthorized recording of copyrighted materials may infringe on the rights of copyright owners and be contrary to copyright laws.

Digital Video Camcorder, FS11 A/FS10 A/FS100 A systems This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditi ons: (1) This device may not cause

harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and use in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. The cable with the ferrite core provided with the digital video camcorder must be used with this equipment in order to comply with

Class B limits in Subpart B of Part 15 of the FCC rules. Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the manual. If such changes or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop operation of the equipment.

Canon U.S.A. Inc. One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042, U.S.A. Tel No. (516)328-5600

CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

mportant Warning

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

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

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The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

In these safety instructions the word “apparatus” or “product” refers to the Canon Digital Video Camcorder FS11 A/FS10 A/ FS100 A and all its accessories.

1 Read these instructions. 2 Keep these instructions. 3 Heed all warnings. 4 Follow all instructions.

5 Do not use this apparatus near water. 6 Clean only with dry cloth. 7 Do not install near any heat sources such

as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

8 Protect the power cord from being

walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

9 Unplug this apparatus during lightning

storms or when unused for long periods of time.

10 Read instructions — All the safety and

operating instructions should be read before the product is operated.

11 Retain instructions — The safety and

operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

12 Heed Warnings — All warnings on the

product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

13 Follow instructions — All operating and

maintenance instructions should be followed.

14 Cleaning — Unplug this product from the

wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. The product should be cleaned only as recommended in this manual.

15 Avoid magnetic or electric fields — Do

not use the camera close to TV transmitters, portable communication devices or other sources of electric or

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magnetic radiation. They may cause picture interference, or permanently damage the camera.

16 Water and Moisture — Hazard of electric

shock — Do not use this product near water or in rainy/moist situations.

17 Placing or Moving — Do not place on an

unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart combination to overturn.

18 Power Sources — The product should

be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company. Regarding other power sources such as battery power, refer to instructions in this manual.

19 Overloading — Do not overload wall

outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

20 Objects and Liquid Entry — Never push

objects of any kind into this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Be careful not to spill liquid of any kind onto the product.

21 Servicing — Do not attempt to service

this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

22 Power Sources — The CA-590 Compact

Power Adapter should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure

of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company. Regarding other power sources such as battery power, refer to instructions in this manual.

23 Lightning — For added protection of this

product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, disconnect it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.

24 Overloading — Do not overload wall

outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

25 Damage Requiring Service —

Disconnect this product from the wall outlet and all power sources including battery, and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

a. When the plug is damaged. b. If any liquid has been spilled onto, or

objects have fallen into, the product.

c. If the product has been exposed to

rain or water.

When replacement of the power supply is required, please return it to the responsible nearest Canon Service Center and please replace it with the same type number CA-590.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

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.

The adapter can be used with a power supply between 100 and 240 V AC. For areas where 120 V AC power is not used, you will need a special plug adapter. Contact your nearest Canon Service Center for further information. The adapter is not intended to be serviced. Should the product cease to function in its intended manner, it should be returned to the manufacturer or be discarded.

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d. If the product does not operate

normally even if you follow the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operation instructions. Improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation.

e. If the product has been dropped or

the cabinet has been damaged.

f. When the product exhibits a distinct

change in performance. This indicates a need for service.

26 Replacement Parts — When

replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts that are specified by Canon or that have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.

27 Safety Check — Upon completion of any

service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in safe operating order.

Getting to Know the Camcorder

What is so special about recording on flash memory?

Your videos and photos are recorded in the built-in memory ( and only) or on a memory card (SD or SDHC card). Recording on flash memory means that there are no moving parts in the recorder unit of the camcorder. To you, it means a camcorder that is smaller, lighter and faster.

Other features of this camcorder

Whether you are using a camcorder for the first time or are very experienced, this camcorder offers many easy-to-use functions. The following are just but a few examples of the many functions that can enrich your shooting experience.

• Special Scene recording programs ( 42): You can simply activate a Special Scene recording program when shooting in a variety of situations, such as at a beach or sports tournament, in order to let the camcorder automatically select the optimal settings for that situation.

• Quick Start ( 35): Using the Quick Start function, you can open the LCD panel and start recording within approximately one second!

• mode ( 24): With mode, recording is as simple as pressing a single button and using the zoom lever. The camcorder will take care of the rest!

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Table of contents

Introduction ______________________________

5 Getting to Know the Camcorder 10 About this Manual

12 Overview

12 Supplied Accessories 13 Components Guide 16 Screen Displays

Preparations _____________________________

19 Getting Started

19 Charging the Battery Pack 20 Preparing the Wireless Controller and Accessories 22 Adjusting the Position and Brightness of the LCD Screen

24 Basic Operation of the Camcorder

24 Operating Modes 24 The Button: Mode or Flexible Recording 25 Joystick and Joystick Guide 25 Using the Menus

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27 First Time Settings

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

29 Using a Memory Card

29 Recommended Memory Cards 29 Inserting and Removing a Memory Card 30 / Selecting the Memory for the Recordings 30 Initializing the Built-In Memory ( / only) or Memory

Card

Table of contents

Video ____________________________________

32 Basic Recording

32 Shooting Video 33 Selecting the Video Quality (Recording Mode) 33 Zooming: Optical, Advanced and Digital Zoom 35 Quick Start Function 35 Reviewing and Deleting the Last Scene Recorded

36 Basic Playback

36 Playing Back the Video 38 Special Playback Modes 39 Selecting Scenes by Recording Date 40 Selecting the Playback Starting Point from the Movie Timeline 41 Deleting Scenes

42 Advanced Functions

42 Special Scene Recording Programs 43 Controlling Shutter Speed and Other Functions while Shooting 44 Mini Video Light 45 Self Timer 45 Automatic Backlight Correction and Manual Exposure

46 Manual Focus Adjustment 47 White Balance 48 Image Effects 48 Digital Effects 49 On-Screen Displays and Data Code 50 Using an External Microphone

51 Managing Scenes and the Memory

51 Creating a Playlist 52 Deleting Scenes from the Playlist 52 Moving Scenes in the Playlist 53 / Copying Scenes

Adjustment

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Photos __________________________________

54 Basic Recording

54 Taking Photos 54 Selecting Photo Size and Quality 56 Erasing a Photo Right After Recording It

56 Basic Playback

56 Viewing Photos 58 Magnifying Photos during Playback 58 Erasing Photos

59 Additional Functions

59 Drive Mode: Continuous Shooting and Exposure Bracketing 60 Histogram Display 60 Protecting Photos 61 / Copying Photos 62 Other Functions You Can Use when Taking Photos

62 Printing Photos

62 Printing Photos 63 Selecting the Print Settings 65 Print Orders

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External Connections _______________________

67 Terminals on the Camcorder

67 Connection Diagrams

68 Playback on a TV Screen 68 Saving and Backing Up Your Recordings

68 Backing Up Your Recordings on a Computer 69 Authoring DVD Discs and Photo DVDs 71 Copying your Recordings to an External Video Recorder 72 Transferring Photos to a Computer (Direct Transfer) 74 Transfer Orders

Table of contents

Additional Information ______________________

75 Appendix: Menu Options Lists

75 FUNC. Menu 76 Setup Menus 76 Camera Setup (Digital Zoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.) 78 Memory Operations (Initialization, etc.) 79 Display Setup (LCD Brightness, Language, etc.) 80 System Setup (Speaker Volume, Beep, etc.) 81 Date/Time Setup

82 Trouble?

82 Troubleshooting 86 List of Messages

93 Do’s and Don’ts

93 Handling Precautions 96 Maintenance/Others 97 Using the Camcorder Abroad

98 General Information

98 System Diagram 99 Optional Accessories 101 Product Codes 102 Specifications 105 Index

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Introduction

About this Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Canon FS11/FS10/FS100. 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 Tro ub le sh oo ti ng ( 82).

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 in this manual.

To complete some operations you will need to refer also to other instruction manuals. This will be indicated with the following icons and the name of the relevant chapter or section.

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

• The following terms are used in this manual:

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

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.

When not specified as “memory card” or “built-in memory”, the term “memory” by itself refers to both ( / only). “Scene” refers to one movie unit from the point you press the button to start recording until you press again to pause the recording. “Photo” and “still image” are used interchangeably with the same meaning.

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Start/Stop

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 tables in this manual the default value is shown in boldface. For example [ON], [OFF].

FUNC.

“button” frame.

FUNC.

( 27)

FUNC.

ENU

[ M ] [ DISPLAY SETUP] [LANGUAGE ] Desired language

FUNC.

Buttons and switches to be operated

Online product registration for U.S.A. Customers only. Register your product online at www.registercanon.com

Protect your product

We will keep the model number and date of purchase of your new Canon product on file to help you refer to this information in the event of an insurance claim such as loss or theft.

Receive information on new products and promotions

Upon your request, we will send you information on Canon new products and promotions.

The serial number of this product can be found on the battery compartment cover of the camcorder. Write down the number and other information here and retain this book as a permanent record of your purchase to aid identification in case of theft.

Date of Purchase: Model Name: FS11 A/FS10 A/FS100 A Purchased From: Serial No.: Dealer Address: Dealer Phone No.:

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Introduction

Overview

Supplied Accessories

WL-D88 Wireless Controller

Software CD-ROM*

and Installation Guide

PIXELA ImageMixer 3 SE

For saving, managing, editing and playing back movies.

CA-590 Compact Power

Adapter

STV-250N

Stereo Video Cable

Yellow • Red • White plugs

Lithium Button Battery

CR2025 for Wireless

Controller

WS-30 Wrist Strap

BP-808 Battery Pack

IFC-400PCU USB Cable

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Software CD-ROM*

and Installation Guide

DIGITAL VIDEO

Solution Disk

For saving, managing, and printing photos.

* The CD-ROM includes the instruction

manual of the software (electronic version on PDF file).

Components Guide

Left side view

Right side view

Front view

RESET button ( 84)

button ( 24)/

(print/share) button ( 63, 72)

DISP. (on-screen display) button ( 49, 60)/ BATT. INFO button ( 18)

USB terminal ( 67) AV OUT terminal (yellow) ( 67) MIC terminal (red) ( 50) Speaker ( 38) Strap mount ( 21) ACCESS (memory access) indicator

( 32, 54)/ CHG (charge) indicator ( 19)

DC IN terminal ( 19) Mini video light ( 44) Stereo microphone

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

FUNC.

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“button” frame

Introduction

Back view

Top vie w

Bottom view

Remote sensor ( 21) LCD screen ( 22) Mode dial ( 24) Start/Stop button ( 32)

(stop) button ( 36)/

BLC (backlight correction) button ( 45)

(fast forward) button ( 36)/

Zoom in T (telephoto) button ( 33)

(fast reverse) button ( 36)/

Zoom out W (wide-angle) button ( 33)

/ (play/pause) button ( 36)/

START/STOP button ( 32) FUNC. button ( 26, 75) Joystick ( 25) Zoom lever ( 33) PHOTO button ( 54) ON/OFF button

indicator Tripod socket ( 93) Serial number Battery compartment cover/

Memory card slot cover Memory card slot ( 29) Battery compartment ( 19) Battery release latch ( 20) Grip belt

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

FUNC.

example ).

“button” frame (for

Wireless Controller WL-D88

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START/STOP button ( 32) FUNC. button ( 26, 75) MENU button ( 26, 76) PLAYLIST button ( 51) Navigation buttons ( / / / )

(frame reverse) button ( 38)

(fast reverse) button ( 38) (play) button ( 36) (pause) button ( 36) (stop) button ( 36)

PHOTO button ( 54) Zoom buttons ( 33) SET button

(frame advance) button ( 38)

(fast forward) button ( 38)

DISP. (on-screen display) button ( 49, 60)

Introduction

Screen Displays

Recording Movies

Playing Movies (During Playback)

Operating mode ( 24) Recording program ( 42, 43) White balance ( 47) Image effect ( 48) Digital effect ( 48) Recording mode ( 33) Remote sensor off ( 80) Manual focus ( 46) Memory operation ( 18) Time code/Playback time

(hours : minutes : seconds) Remaining recording time

On the memory card

/ In the built-in memory Remaining battery time ( 18) Image stabilizer ( 76) Wind screen off ( 76) Backlight correction ( 45) Mini video light ( 44) Level marker ( 79) Audio level indicator ( 79)

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Scene number Data code ( 79)

Recording Still Images

Viewing Still Images

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Zoom ( 33), Exposure ( 45) Recording program ( 42, 43) White balance ( 47) Image effect ( 48) Digital effect ( 48) Drive mode ( 59) Still image quality/size ( 54) Manual focus ( 46) Remaining battery time ( 18) Number of still images available ( 18)

On the memory card

/ In the built-in memory Self timer ( 45) AF frame ( 77) Mini video light ( 44) Focus and exposure lock ( 54) Camcorder shake warning ( 77) Remote sensor off ( 80) Image number ( 18, 81) Current image / Total number of images Histogram ( 60) Date and time of recording Image protection mark ( 60) Manual exposure ( 45) Image size ( 54) File size Aperture value ( 43) Shutter speed ( 43)

Introduction

Memory operation

Record, Record pause,

Playback, Playback pause,

Fast playback,

Fast reverse playback, Slow playback, Slow reverse playback,

Frame advance, Frame reverse

Remaining recording time

When there is no more free space on the memory, [ END] (built-in memory, / only) or [ END] (memory card) will be displayed and the recording will stop.

, Remaining battery time

100% 75% 50% 25% 0%

• 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 .

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• 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.

Number of still images available

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.

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”.

BATT.INFO

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 pages 99-100.

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1 Slide the battery compartment

cover away from the lens and open it.

2 Insert the battery pack all the way

into the compartment and press gently until it clicks.

3 Close the cover and slide it toward

the lens until you hear a click.

CHG (charge)

DC IN terminal

4 Plug the power cord into a power

outlet.

5 Connect 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.

• If the indicator flashes quickly, refer to Troubles ho ot ing ( 82).

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.

indicator

Preparations

TO REMOVE THE BATTERY PACK

Battery release latch

1 Slide the battery compartment

cover away from the lens and open it.

2 Press the battery release latch and

pull out the battery pack.

3 Close the cover and slide it toward

the lens until you hear a click.

IMPORTANT

• Turn off the camcorder before connecting or disconnecting the compact power adapter. After turning off the camcorder, important data is updated in the memory. Be sure to wait until the indicator turns off.

• We recommend charging the battery pack in temperatures between 10 °C and 30 °C (50 °F and 86 °F). Outside the temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F), 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

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voltage converters for overseas travels or special power sources such as those on aircraft and ships, DC-AC inverters, etc.

NOTES

• 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.

• U.S.A. and Canada only: The Lithium ion/polymer battery that powers the product is recyclable. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information on how to recycle this battery.

Preparing the Wireless Controller and Accessories

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

Ta b

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 USE THE WIRELESS CONTROLLER

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.

• You can remove the grip belt and

replace it with the supplied wrist strap.

Start/Stop

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 [WL.REMOTE] is not set to [ OFF ] ( 80). Otherwise, replace the battery.

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TO REMOVE THE GRIP BELT

1 Lift the padded handgrip's flap

and detach the strap from the Velcro pad.

2 Pull the strap to remove it first

from the front bracket on the camcorder, then to unthread it from the handgrip and finally to remove it from the rear bracket on the camcorder.

Preparations

TO ATTACH A WRIST STRAP

Pass the attaching end of the wrist strap through the back bracket on the camcorder, thread the wrist strap through the loop and fasten.

You can also attach the wrist strap to the strap mount on the grip belt to use both for extra convenience and protection.

TO ATTACH A SHOULDER STRAP

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You can also remove the grip belt and attach the shoulder strap directly to the rear bracket on the camcorder.

TO REATTACH THE GRIP BELT

1 Pass the end of the strap through

the rear bracket on the camcorder.

2 Thread the strap through the

padded handgrip and then pass it through the front bracket on the camcorder.

3 Fasten the grip belt as necessary,

attach the strap to the Velcro pad on the handgrip and close the flap.

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:

- When you wish to include yourself in

the picture when recording with the self timer.

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

- To allow the camcorder to be operated with the wireless controller from the front.

180°

90°

180°

Subject can monitor the LCD screen

NOTES

About the LCD screen: The screen is

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.

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LCD Backlight

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

While the camcorder is on, hold

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.

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

• When the compact power adapter is connected while the brightness of the screen is normal, the brightness will automatically change to bright.

Preparations

Basic Operation of the Camcorder

Operating Modes

The camcorder's operating mode is determined by the position of the mode dial. 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. See the following table for a summary of the operating modes.

The Button: Mode or Flexible Recording

The camcorder offers two basic modes for recording video or still images:

mode for beginners or if you just

prefer not to bother with detailed

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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

Start/Stop

just the zoom lever and ( 54). You can also use the Quick Start

function ( 35). Press the button again to return to the flexible recording mode (the button's light is off). You can access the menus and

( 32) or take photos using

PHOTO

Operating mode Mode dial Icon display Operation

* /

(green)

* /

(blue)

* /

(green)

* /

(blue)

*/ only.

Recording movies in the built-in memory* / on the memory card

Recording still images in the built-in memory* / on the memory card

Playing movies from the built-in memory* / memory card

Viewing still images from the built-in memory* / memory card

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 ( 42) 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 still images

- Widescreen

- Auto slow shutter

- All settings in the [ SYSTEM SETUP] menu

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

( ).

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The joystick can also be used in combination with the joystick guide to operate additional functions. Press to display/hide the joystick guide.

The functions that appear on the joystick guide will change depending on the operating mode. 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.

( ). 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 ( 24).

For details about the available menu options and settings, refer to the appendix Menu Options Lists (75).

Preparations

Selecting a FUNC. Menu Option in Recording Mode

1 Press .

FUNC.

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.

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FUNC.

Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus

1 Press .

FUNC.

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.

FUNC.

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 menu at any time.

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

[ IMAGE EFFECT OFF] Desired image effect

FUNC.

COPY

First Time Settings

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

Preparations

• 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 month-day-year (for example, [JAN. 1, 2008 12:00 AM]). You can change the date format ( 81).

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

FUNC.

[ MENU] [ DATE/TIME SETUP] [DATE/TIME]

Changing the Language

Options

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

[ENGLISH][] [ ]

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

FUNC.

( 26)

FUNC.

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

FUNC.

COPY



Default value

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.

Changing the Time Zone

Change the time zone to match your location. The default setting is New Yo rk .

FUNC.

( 26)

TO SET THE HOME TIME ZONE

FUNC.

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

FUNC.

WHEN YOU TRAVEL

FUNC.

[ MENU] [ DATE/TIME SETUP] [T.ZONE/DST] Local time at your destination*

FUNC.

* To adjust for daylight saving time, select the

area name marked with a .

Using a Memory Card

Recommended Memory Cards

You can use commercially available

SDHC (SD high capacity) memory cards and SD memory cards with this camcorder to record movies and still images. However, depending on the memory card, you may not be able to record movies on it. Refer to the following table. As of January 2008, the movie recording function has been tested using SD/SDHC memory cards made by Panasonic, SanDisk and Toshiba.

NOTES

• 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

COPY

camcorder) are backward compatible and support regular SD memory cards.

• 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.

Inserting and Removing a Memory Card

Make sure to initialize all memory cards before using them with this camcorder (30).

1 Turn off the camcorder.

Memory cards usable for recording movies

Memory card Capacity SD Speed Class Recording movies

64 MB or less – –

SD memory cards

SDHC memory cards 4 GB to 32 GB or higher

* Depending on the card, it may not be possible to record movies.

128 MB to 2 GB – * 512 MB to 2 GB or higher

Preparations

2 Slide the memory card slot cover

away from the lens and open it.

3 Insert the memory card straight,

with the label facing away from the lens, all the way into the memory card slot until it clicks.

4 Close the cover and slide it toward

the lens until you hear a click.

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

TO REMOVE THE MEMORY CARD

1 Slide the memory card slot cover

away from the lens and open it.

2 Push the memory card once to

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

3 Close the cover and slide it toward

the lens until you hear a click.

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.

/ Selecting the Memory for

the Recordings

COPY

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FUNC.

( 26)

TO CHANGE THE MEDIA FOR RECORDING

MOVIES

FUNC.

[ MENU] [ MEMORY OPER.] [MEDIA: MOVIES]* The memory you want to use** Press

FUNC.

* Select [MEDIA: IMAGES] to change the

media to be used for recording still images.

**For each media, you can check the total,

used, and available space. The available space will depend on the recording mode (for movies) or size/quality (for still images).

Initializing the Built-In Memory ( /

only) 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 built-in memory ( /

only) to permanently delete all

the data it contains.

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

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