Canon FS200, FS21, FS22, FS20 User Manual

PUB. DIE-324

Digital Video Camcorder

Instruction Manual

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Introduction

Important Usage Instructions

WARNING!

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.

European Union (and EEA) only.

Improper handling of this type of waste could have a possible impact on the environment and human health due to
potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated with EEE. Your cooperation in the correct disposal of
this product will contribute to the effective usage of natural resources.
For more information about the recycling of this product, please contact your local city office, waste authority,
approved scheme or your household waste disposal service or visit www.canon-europe.com/environment.
(EEA: Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein)

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.

These symbols indicate that this product is not to be disposed of with your household waste,
according to the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC), the Battery Directive (2006/66/EC) and/or
your national laws implementing those Directives.
This product should be handed over to a designated collection point, e.g., on an authorized
one-for-one basis when you buy a new similar product or to an authorized collection site for
recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and batteries and accumulators.

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2

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 ( / / 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.

• Dual Shot ( 23): With Dual Shot ( mode), recording is as simple as pressing a
single button and using the zoom lever. The camcorder will take care of the rest!

• Special Scene recording programs ( 41): When recording in a variety of situations,
such as at the beach, the camcorder automatically selects the optimal settings for that
situation.

• Pre-recording function ( 46): The camcorder records for 3 seconds before you start
shooting, ensuring that those once-in-a-lifetime moments do not slip by.

• Video snapshot ( 44): Create a montage of scenes and even set it to music when you
play it back.

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3

Table of contents

Introduction ______________________________

3 Getting to Know the Camcorder
8 About this Manual

10 Overview

10 Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs
11 Components Guide
14 Screen Displays

Preparations _____________________________

17 Getting Started

17 Charging the Battery Pack
19 Preparing the Wireless Controller ( only) and Accessories
21 Adjusting the Position and Brightness of the LCD Screen

23 Basic Operation of the Camcorder

23 Operating Modes
24 Joystick and Joystick Guide
25 Using the Menus

26 First Time Settings

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

28 Using a Memory Card

28 Memory Cards Compatible for Use with the Camcorder
28 Inserting and Removing a Memory Card
29 / / Selecting the Memory for the Recordings

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29 Initializing the Built-In Memory ( / / only) or

Memory Card

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Table of contents

Video ____________________________________

31 Basic Recording

31 Shooting Video
32 Selecting the Video Quality

32 Zooming: Optical, Advanced and Digital Zoom
34 Quick Start Function

35 Basic Playback

35 Playing Back the Video
37 Selecting What Recordings to Play Back
37 Selecting Scenes by Recording Date
38 Selecting the Playback Starting Point from the Movie Timeline
39 Pre-selecting Recordings from the Index Screen
40 Deleting Scenes

41 Advanced Functions

41 Special Scene Recording Programs
42 Controlling Shutter Speed and Other Functions while Shooting
43 Mini Video Light
44 Video Snapshot
46 Pre-recording Function
46 Self Timer
47 Automatic Backlight Correction and Manual Exposure

48 Manual Focus Adjustment
48 White Balance
49 Image Effects
50 Digital Effects
51 On-Screen Displays and Data Code

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51 Using Headphones
52 Using an External Microphone

53 Playlist and Scene Operations

53 Dividing Scenes
53 Editing the Playlist: Adding, Deleting and Moving Playlist

(Recording Mode)

Adjustment

Scenes

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55 / / Copying Scenes

Photos __________________________________

57 Basic Recording

57 Taking Photos
57 Selecting Photo Size and Quality
59 Erasing a Photo Right After Recording It

59 Basic Playback

59 Viewing Photos
61 Magnifying Photos during Playback
62 Deleting Photos

63 Additional Functions

63 / / Drive Mode: Continuous Shooting and

64 Histogram Display
64 Protecting Photos
65 / / Copying Photos
66 Other Functions You Can Use When Taking Photos

66 Printing Photos

66 Printing Photos
67 Selecting the Print Settings
69 Print Orders

Exposure Bracketing

External Connections _______________________

72 Terminals on the Camcorder

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72 Connection Diagrams

73 Playback on a TV Screen

74 Saving and Backing Up Your Recordings

74 Backing Up Your Recordings on a Computer
74 Authoring DVD Discs and Photo DVDs
77 Copying your Recordings to an External Video Recorder

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Table of contents

77 Transferring Photos to a Computer (Direct Transfer)
80 Transfer Orders

Additional Information ______________________

81 Appendix: Menu Options Lists

81 FUNC. Menu
83 Setup Menus
83 Camera Setup (Zoom Type, Image Stabilizer, etc.)
85 Memory Operations (Initialization, etc.)
85 Display Setup (LCD Brightness, Language, etc.)
87 System Setup (Speaker Volume, Beep, etc.)
89 Date/Time Setup

90 Trouble?

90 Troubleshooting
94 List of Messages

102 Do’s and Don’ts

102 Handling Precautions
105 Maintenance/Others
106 Using the Camcorder Abroad
106 Music Files

108 General Information

108 System Diagram
109 Optional Accessories
112 Specifications
115 Index

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7

Introduction

About this Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Canon LEGRIA FS22/FS21/FS20/FS200*. 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 Troubleshooting ( 90).

* Availability differs from area to area.

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:

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.

• 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.

Start/Stop

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8

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

FUNC.

Special Scene Recording Programs

Recording in a very bright ski resort or
capturing the full colors of a sunset or a
fireworks display becomes as easy as
selecting a Special Scene recording
program. For details about the available
options, refer to the sidebar on page 49.

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

In this manual, the arrow is used to abbreviate menu selections.
For a detailed explanation refer to Using the Menus ( 25).

FUNC.

[ PROGRAM AE]
[ PORTRAIT]
Press to display the Special
Scene (SCN) recording programs
Desired re cording prog ram

FUNC.

( 27)

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9

Introduction

Overview

Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs

The following accessories are supplied with the camcorder.

CA-570 Compact Power
Adapter

BP-808 Battery Pack

WL-D88 Wireless Controller Lithium Button Battery

CR2025 for Wireless
Controller

STV-250N
Stereo Video Cable

Yellow • Red • White plugs

The following CD-ROMs and software are supplied with the camcorder.

• PIXELA Application Disc Ver.1 Disc 1 CD-ROM* and ‘PIXELA ImageMixer 3 SE Ver.4
Installation Guide’

- ImageMixer 3 SE Ver.4 Transfer Utility - For saving and transferring movies.

- Music Transfer Utility Ver.1 - For transferring music for Video Snapshot and

slideshow playback to the camcorder.

• PIXELA Application Disc Ver.1 Disc 2 CD-ROM*

- ImageMixer 3 SE Ver.4 Video Tools - For managing, editing, and playing back

movies.

• DIGITAL VIDEO Solution Disk CD-ROM* - Contains software for saving, managing,
and printing photos.

• Instruction Manual/Music Data Disc CD-ROM - Contains the full-length camcorder
instruction manual (electronic version on PDF file) as well as music files for playing

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back Video Snapshot scenes. This CD-ROM cannot be played back on a CD player.
The music files on this CD-ROM are for exclusive use with the supplied PIXELA
applications, Music Transfer Utility and ImageMixer 3 SE Video Tools. For more
details, refer to the ‘Music Transfer Utility Software Guide’ and ‘ImageMixer 3 SE
Software Guide’ on the PIXELA Application Disc Ver.1 Disc 1 CD-ROM.

* The CD-ROM includes the instruction manual of the software (electronic version on PDF file).

IFC-400PCU USB Cable WS-30 Wrist Strap

10

Components Guide

Left side view

Right side view

Front view

RESET button ( 93)
VIDEO SNAP (Video Snapshot) button

( 44)/ (print/share) button
( 67, 77)

DISP. (on-screen display) button
( 51, 64)/
BATT. INFO button ( 16)

USB terminal ( 72)
AV OUT/ H terminal ( 72)
MIC terminal (red) ( 52)
Speaker ( 35)
Strap mount ( 20)
ACCESS (memory access) indicator

( 31, 57)
Grip belt
DC IN terminal ( 17)
Mini video light ( 43)
Stereo microphone

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11

Introduction

Back view

Top vie w

Bottom view

Remote sensor ( 19)
LCD screen ( 21)
ON/OFF(CHG) (power/charge) indicator

( 18)
Camera mode dial ( 23)
Start/Stop button ( 31)

(camera/play) button ( 24)

PLAYLIST button ( 53)/
Zoom in T (telephoto) button ( 32)

(stop) button ( 35)/

Zoom out W (wide-angle) button ( 32)

/ (play/pause) button ( 35)/

START/STOP button ( 31)
FUNC. button ( 25, 81)
Joystick ( 24)
PHOTO button ( 57)
Zoom lever ( 32)
POWER button
Tripod socket ( 102)
Battery release latch ( 18)
Memory card slot ( 28)
Battery compartment ( 17)
Battery compartment cover/

Memory card slot cover
Serial number

The serial number label is located on the top
surface of the battery compartment cover.

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12

Wireless Controller WL-D88

START/STOP button ( 31)
FUNC. button ( 25, 81)
MENU button ( 25, 83)
PLAYLIST button ( 53)
Navigation buttons ( / / / )

(frame reverse) button ( 36)

(fast reverse) button ( 36)

(play) button ( 35)
(pause) button ( 35)

(stop) button ( 35)
PHOTO button ( 57)
Zoom buttons ( 32)
SET button

(frame advance) button ( 36)

(fast forward) button ( 36)

DISP. (on-screen display) button
( 51, 64)

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13

Introduction

Screen Displays

Recording Movies

Playing Movies
(During Playback)

Operating mode ( 23)
Recording program ( 41, 42)
White balance ( 48)
Image effects ( 49)
Digital effects ( 50)
Recording mode ( 32)

Remote sensor off ( 87)
Manual focus ( 48)
Image stabilizer ( 83)
Pre-recording function ( 46)
Memory operation ( 16)
Number of scenes recorded (record

pause)/Time code (hours : minutes :
seconds, while recording)

Remaining recording time

On the memory card

/ / In the built-in
memory

Remaining battery time ( 16)
Headphone output ( 51)
Wind screen off ( 83)
Backlight correction ( 47)
Joystick guide ( 24)
Mini video light ( 43)
Level marker ( 85)
Audio level indicator ( 85)
Time code/Playback time

(hours : minutes : seconds)
Scene number
Data code ( 85)

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Recording Photos

Viewing Photos

Zoom ( 32), Exposure ( 47)
Recording program ( 41, 42)
White balance ( 48)
Image effect ( 49)
Digital effect ( 50)
Drive mode ( 63)
Photo quality/size ( 57)
Manual focus ( 48)
Remaining battery time ( 16)
Number of photos available ( 16)

On the memory card

/ / In the built-in

memory
Self timer ( 46)
AF frame ( 84)
Joystick guide ( 24)
Mini video light ( 43)
Focus and exposure lock ( 57)
Camcorder shake warning ( 84)

Remote sensor off ( 87)
Photo number ( 16, 88)
Current photo / Total number of photos
Histogram ( 64)
Date and time of recording
Photo protection mark ( 64)
Manual exposure ( 47)
Photo size ( 57)
File size
Aperture value
Shutter speed ( 42)

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15

Introduction

Memory operation

Record, Record pause,

Playback, Playback pause,

Fast playback,

Fast reverse playback,
Slow playback,
Slow reverse playback

only:
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

• 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 .

• The first time you use a battery pack, fully
charge it and then use the camcorder until the
battery pack is completely exhausted. Doing so
will ensure that the remaining recording time
will be displayed accurately.

• 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 photos available

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

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

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

Photo number

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

BATT.INFO

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16

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 109-110.

DC IN terminal

2 Plug the power cord into a power

outlet.

3 Connect the compact power

adapter to the camcorder’s DC IN
terminal.

4 Slide the battery compartment

cover away from the lens and
open it.

5 Insert the battery pack all the way

into the compartment and press
gently until it clicks.

6 Close the cover and slide it toward

the lens until you hear a click.

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1 Connect the power cord to the

compact power adapter.

17

Preparations

ON/OFF(CHG) indicator

7 Charging will start when the

camcorder is turned off.

• The ON/OFF(CHG) indicator starts
flashing in red. The indicator will go
out when the charging is
completed.

• If the indicator flashes quickly,
refer to Troubleshooting ( 90).

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.

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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 ON/OFF(CHG) indicator turns
off.

• We recommend charging the battery
pack in temperatures between 10 °C
and 30 °C. Outside the temperature
range of 0 °C to 40 °C, 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

18

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

• Turn off the camcorder before charging
the battery pack. The battery pack will
not charge while the camcorder is on.

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

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

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

Preparing the Wireless Controller
( only) and Accessories

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

1 Press the tab in the direction of

the arrow and pull out the battery
holder.

2 Place the lithium button battery

with the + side facing up.

3 Insert the battery holder.

TO USE THE WIRELESS CONTROLLER

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

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Ta b

• 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 ] ( 87). Otherwise,
replace the battery.

19

Preparations

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.

TO REMOVE THE GRIP BELT

Start/Stop

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

1 Lift the padded handgrip's flap

and detach the strap from the
Velcro pad.

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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.

20

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

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

To allow the camcorder to be

­operated with the wireless controller
from the front.

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.

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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.

21

Preparations

LCD Backlight

You can set the brightness of the
screen to dim, normal or bright. To set
the screen to dim, turn on [LCD
DIMMER] (s 85). To toggle between
normal and bright or to turn off [LCD
DIMMER], perform the following
procedure.

While the camcorder is on, hold

DISP.

pressed down for more than

2 seconds.

Repeat the operation to switch between
normal and bright.

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.

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22

Basic Operation of the

you change the camcorder's settings to
your preference.

Camcorder

Operating Modes

The camcorder's operating mode is
determined by the button and
the position of the camera mode dial. In
this manual, indicates that a
function is available in the operating
mode shown and indicates that
the function is not available. See the
following table for a summary of the
operating modes.

Turn the camera mode dial to to set

Recording: Dual Shot and Flexible
Recording

The camcorder offers two basic modes
for recording video or photos: Dual
Shot ( mode) for beginners or if
you just prefer not to bother with
detailed camcorder settings, and
flexible recording mode, which lets

Operating mode Icon display Operation

the camcorder to mode. You do
not need to worry about any settings
and can shoot video using just

Start/Stop

just ( 57). You can also use
the zoom lever, Quick Start ( 34) and
Video Snapshot ( 44).
To set the camcorder to flexible
recording mode, turn the camera mode
dial to for movies or for photos.

( 31) or take photos using

PHOTO

Recording movies or photos to the memory (Dual Shot) 23

(green)

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* // only.

(blue)

(green)

(blue)

Recording movies to the memory 31

Recording photos to the memory 57

Playing movies from the memory (press while the
camera mode dial is set to or

Viewing photos from the memory (press while the
camera mode dial is set to )

)

35

59

23

Preparations

You can access the menus and change
settings to your preference. Even in
flexible recording mode, the camcorder
can help you with the settings. For
example, you can use the Special
Scene recording programs ( 41) to
set at once all the optimal settings to
match special recording conditions.

Playback

Press to switch between the
recording mode indicated by the
camera mode dial and playback mode
(

// the selected

media will remain the same). When the
camera mode dial is set to or ,
pressing switches the
camcorder to movie playback mode.
When the camera mode dial is set to

, pressing switches the

camcorder to photo playback mode.
Even if the camcorder is turned off,

pressing will start the camcorder
in the corresponding playback mode.

NOTES

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

- Recording mode of movies

- Size/quality of photos

- Widescreen

- Auto slow shutter

- All settings in the [ SYSTEM SETUP]

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menu

- LCD screen dimmer

-Demo mode

- Image stabilizer

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

( ).

The functions that appear in the joystick
guide depend on the operating mode.
By default, the joystick guide is
minimized. Push the joystick ( ) to
display it.
During or mode, select ( )
a function and press to change the
setting. With some functions, you will
need to make further adjustments
(indicated by small arrows).
During playback mode, select ( ) a
“row” of functions and press to
operate the function in the middle or
push the joystick ( ) to operate the
function on the left or right side of the
row, respectively.

OFF

OFF

OFF

A
M

24

In either mode, if you wait a few
seconds, the joystick guide will
minimize again but the selected
function can still be operated. You can
also push the joystick ( ) to hide the
joystick 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.
For details about the available menu
options and settings, refer to the
appendix Menu Options Lists ( 81).

Selecting a FUNC. Menu Option in
Recording Mode

1 Press .
2 Select ( ) the icon of the

3 Select ( ) the desired setting

4 Press to save the settings

Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus

FUNC.

function you want to change from
the left side column.

Menu items not available will appear
grayed out.

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.).

FUNC.

and close the menu.

You can press to close the
menu at any time.

FUNC.

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1 Press .

FUNC.

25

Preparations

2 Select ( , ) the icon and

press to open the setup
menus.

You can also press on the
wireless controller ( only) or

FUNC.

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

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 .

FUNC.

You can press to close the
menu at any time.

MENU

FUNC.

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

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26

• 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
( 104) and set the time zone, date
and time again.

• The date appears in a year-month-day
format only in the first setup screen. In
subsequent screen displays the date
and time will appear as day-month-year
(for example, [1.JAN.2009 12:00 AM]).
You can change the date format ( 89).

• 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

NOTES

• If you changed the language by mistake,
select the menu item with the mark
and 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 Paris.

( 23)

Options

[][MELAYU][]
[DEUTSCH][NEDERLANDS][ ]
[][POLSKI][]



[ENGLISH]

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

FUNC.

[ MENU]

COPY

[ DISPLAY SETUP]
[LANGUAGE ]
Desired language

FUNC.

[PORTUGUÊS][ ]



Default value

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 .

( 23)

27

Preparations

Using a Memory Card

Memory Cards Compatible for Use with
the Camcorder

You can use commercially available

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

NOTES

About the SD Speed Class: The SD Speed

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

Inserting and Removing a Memory Card

Make sure to initialize all memory cards
before using them with this camcorder
( 29).

1 Turn off the camcorder.

Make sure that the ON/OFF(CHG)
(power/charge) indicator is off.

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.

Memory cards usable for recording movies

Memory card Capacity SD Speed Class Recording movies

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SD memory cards

SDHC memory cards 4 GB to 32 GB or higher

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

28

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

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

depend on the recording mode (for movies)
or size/quality (for photos) currently in use.

IMPORTANT

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

NOTES

To remove the memory card: Push the

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

/ / Selecting the

Memory for the Recordings

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

( 23)

FUNC.

[ MENU]
[ MEMORY OPER.]
[MEDIA:MOVIES] or

COPY

[MEDIA:PHOTOS]
The memory you want to use*
Press

FUNC.

* For each media, you can check the total,

used, and approximate available space.
The approximate available space will

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.

/ / At the time of
purchase, the built-in memory comes
pre-initialized and contains music files
for Video Snapshot and slideshow
playback.

( 23)

Options

[INITIALIZE]
Clears the file allocation table but does not

physically erase the stored data.
[COMPL.INIT.]
Erases all data completely.

//

FUNC.

[ MENU]
[ MEMORY OPER.]
[INITIALIZE] The memory you
want to initialize
Initialization method
[YES]* [OK]

FUNC.

29

Preparations

FUNC.

[ MENU]
[ MEMORY OPER.]
[INITIALIZE]
Initialization method
[YES]* [OK]

FUNC.

* Press to cancel the complete

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

IMPORTANT

• Initializing the memory will permanently
erase all data. Lost original recordings
cannot be recovered. Make sure you
back up important recordings in
advance using an external device
(74).

• Music files for Video Snapshot will also
be erased. Use the supplied software
Music Transfer Utility to transfer the
music files on the supplied Instruction
Manual/Music Data Disc CD-ROM.
For details, refer to the software's
instruction manual (PDF file).

• While the initialization is in progress, do
not disconnect the power source or turn
off the camcorder.

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30