Canon FS30, FS31, FS300 Instruction Manual
PUB. DIE-0348-000
Digital Video Camcorder
Instruction Manual
Introduction
Important Usage Instructions
WARNING!
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
WARNING!
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AND TO REDUCE ANNOYING
INTERFERENCE, USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
COPYRIGHT WARNING:
Unauthorized recording of copyrighted materials may infringe on the rights of copyright
owners and be contrary to copyright laws .
Digital Video Camcorder, FS31 A/FS30 A/FS300 A systems
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Opera tion is subject to the following two conditions: (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.
Use of shielded cable is required to comply with class B limits in Subpart B of Part 15 of 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.
WARNING:
To r educe the risk of electric shock, do not expose this product to dripping or splashing.
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.
CAUTION:
• Danger of explosion if the wrong type of batteries are attached. Use only the same type of batteries.
• Do not expose batteries or product to excessive heat such as the inside of a car under direct sunlight, fire,
etc.
2
I
mportant Warning
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR
BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to
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.
3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
In these safety instructions the word “product” refers
to the Canon Digital Video Camcorder FS31 A/FS30 A/
FS300 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 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding
type plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong are
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does
not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
9 Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from
the apparatus.
10 Only use attachments/accessories specified by
the manufacturer.
11 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
12 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as power-supply
cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled
or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
13 Read Instructions — All the safety and operating
instructions should be read before the product is
operated.
14 Retain Instructions — The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future
reference.
15 Heed Warnings — All warnings on the product
and in the operating instructions should be
adhered to.
16 Follow Instructions — All operating and
maintenance instructions should be followed.
17 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.
18 Accessories — Do not use accessories not
recommended in this manual as they may be
hazardous.
19 Avoid magnetic or electric fields — Do not use
the camera close to TV transmitters, portable
communication devices or other sources of
electric or magnetic radiation. They may cause
picture interference, or permanently damage the
camera.
20 Water and Moisture — Hazard of electric shock
— Do not use this product near water or in rainy/
moist situations.
21 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.
22 Power Sources — The CA-570 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 Polarization — The CA-570 Compact Power
Adapter is equipped with a polarized 2-prong
plug (a plug having one blade wider than the
other).
The 2-prong polarized plug will fit into the power
outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you
are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet,
try reversing the plug. If the plug still fails to fit,
contact your electrician to replace your obsolete
outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized plug.
24 Power Cord Protection — Power cords should be
routed so that they are not likely to be walked on
or pinched by items placed upon or against them.
Pay particular attention to plugs and the point
from which the cords exit the product.
4
25 Outdoor Antenna Grounding — If an outside
antenna is connected to the product, be sure the
antenna is grounded so as to provide some
protection against voltage surges and built-up
static charges. Section 810 of the National
Electrical Code, ANSI / NFPA No. 70—1984,
provides information with respect to proper
grounding of the mast and supporting structure,
grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna
discharge unit, size of grounding conductors,
location of antenna discharge unit, connection to
grounding electrodes, and requirements for the
grounding electrode. See figure 1.
EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER NATIONAL
Fig. 1
ELECTRICAL CODE
ANTENNA LEAD
IN WIRE
GROUND
CLAMP
ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
NEC - NATIONAL
ELECTRICAL CODE
26 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.
27 Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets and
extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire
or electric shock.
28 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.
ANTENNA DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250. PART H)
29 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.
30 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 power-supply cord or 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.
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.
31 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.
32 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.
33 Heat — The product should be situated away
from heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other products (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
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-570.
CA-570 identification plate is located on the bottom.
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.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
5
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 ( 24): 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!
• Image Stabilization ( 81): Dynamic IS compensates for camcorder shake when
shooting video while walking. This gives you more freedom and mobility when recording
movies.
• Special Scene recording programs ( 42): 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 ( 47): The camcorder records for 3 seconds before you start
shooting, ensuring that those once-in-a-lifetime moments do not slip by.
• Video Snapshot ( 45): Create a montage of scenes and even set it to music when you
play it back.
6
Table of contents
Introduction ______________________________
6 Getting to Know the Camcorder
11 About this Manual
13 Overview
13 Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs
14 Components Guide
16 Screen Displays
Preparations ______________________________
19 Getting Started
19 Charging the Battery Pack
21 Preparing the Accessories
22 Adjusting the Position and Brightness of the LCD Screen
24 Basic Operation of the Camcorder
24 Operating Modes
25 Joystick and Joystick Guide
26 Using the Menus
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 Memory Cards Compatible for Use with the Camcorder
30 Inserting and Removing a Memory Card
30
31 Initializing the Built-In Memory (
/ Selecting the Memory for the Recordings
/ only) or Memory
Card
7
Video ___________________________________
32 Basic Recording
32 Shooting Video
33 Selecting the Video Quality
33 Zooming: Optical, Advanced and Digital Zoom
35 Quick Start Function
36 Basic Playback
36 Playing Back the Video
37 Selecting What Recordings to Play Back
38 Selecting Scenes by Recording Date
39 Selecting the Playback Starting Point from the Movie Timeline
40 Pre-selecting Recordings from the Index Screen
41 Deleting Scenes
42 Advanced Functions
42 Special Scene Recording Programs
43 Controlling Shutter Speed and Other Functions while Shooting
45 Mini Video Light
45 Video Snapshot
47 Pre-recording Function
48 Self Timer
48 Automatic Backlight Correction and Manual Exposure
49 Manual Focus Adjustment
50 White Balance
51 Image Effects
51 Digital Effects
52 On-Screen Displays and Data Code
53 Playlist and Scene Operations
53 Dividing Scenes
54 Editing the Playlist: Adding, Deleting and Moving Playlist
55
(Recording Mode)
Adjustment
Scenes
/ Copying Scenes
8
Table of contents
Photos ___________________________________
57 Basic Recording
57 Taking Photos
57 Selecting Photo Size and Quality
58 Erasing a Photo Right After Recording It
59 Basic Playback
59 Viewing Photos
61 Magnifying Photos during Playback
61 Deleting Photos
63 Additional Functions
63 Histogram Display
63 Protecting Photos
64
65 Other Functions You Can Use When Taking Photos
65 Printing Photos
65 Printing Photos
66 Selecting the Print Settings
68 Print Orders
/ Copying Photos
External Connections _______________________
71 Terminals on the Camcorder
71 Connection Diagrams
72 Playback on a TV Screen
72 Saving Your Recordings
72 Saving Your Recordings on a Computer
73 Authoring DVD Discs and Photo DVDs
75 Transfer Orders
76 Copying your Recordings to an External Video Recorder
77 Transferring Photos to a Computer
9
Additional Information ______________________
79 Appendix: Menu Options Lists
79 FUNC. Menu
81 Setup Menus
87 Trouble?
87 Troubleshooting
91 List of Messages
99 Do’s and Don’ts
99 Handling Precautions
102 Maintenance/Others
102 Using the Camcorder Abroad
103 Music Files
104 General Information
104 System Diagram
105 Optional Accessories
107 Product Codes
108 Specifications
111 Index
10
About this Manual
Thank you for purchasing the Canon FS31/FS30/FS300. 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 ( 87).
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 the instruction
manual of the optional DW-100 DVD Burner. This will be indicated with the
• : 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 (
“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 .
icon and the name of the relevant chapter or section.
/ only).
Start/Stop
11
Introduction
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 following sidebar.
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].
FUNC.
[PROGRAM AE]
[ PORTRAIT]
Press to display the Special
Scene (SCN) recording programs
Desired re cording progr am
FUNC.
In this manual, the arrow is used to abbreviate menu selections.
For a detailed explanation refer to Using the Menus ( 26).
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.
Model Name: FS31 A/FS30 A/FS300 A
Date of Purchase: Serial No.:
Purchased From:
Dealer Address:
Dealer Phone No.:
( 25)
12
Overview
Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs
The following accessories are supplied with the camcorder.
CA-570 Compact Power
Adapter (incl. power cord)
Quick Guide
The following CD-ROMs and software are supplied with the camcorder.
• PIXELA Application - Disc 1 CD-ROM* and ‘PIXELA Applications Installation Guide’
- ImageMixer 3 SE Transfer Utility - For saving and transferring movies.
- Music Transfer Utility - For transferring music files that can be used during playback
on the camcorder.
• PIXELA Application - Disc 2 CD-ROM*
- ImageMixer 3 SE Video Tools - For managing, editing, and playing back movies.
• Instruction Manual/Music Data Disc CD-ROM - Contains the full-length camcorder
instruction manual (electronic version on PDF file) and music files that can be used as
background music during playback. 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 1 CD-ROM.
BP-808 Battery Pack STV-250N
Stereo Video Cable
Yellow • Red • White plugs
IFC-300PCU USB Cable
* The CD-ROM includes the instruction manual of the software (electronic version on PDF file).
13
Introduction
Components Guide
Left side view
Right side view
Front view
RESET button ( 90)
VIDEO SNAP (Video Snapshot) button
( 45)/ (print/share) button
( 66)
DISP. (on-screen display) button
( 52, 63)/
BATT. INFO button ( 18)
USB terminal ( 71)
AV OUT t ermin al ( 71)
Speaker ( 36)
Strap mount ( 21)
ACCESS (memory access) indicator
( 32, 57)
Grip belt
DC IN terminal ( 19)
Mini video light ( 45)
Stereo microphone
14
Back view
Top vie w
Bottom view
LCD screen ( 22)
ON/OFF(CHG) (power/charge) indicator
( 20)
Camera mode dial ( 24)
Start/Stop button ( 32)
(camera/play) button ( 25)
PLAYLIST button ( 53)/
Zoom in T (telephoto) button ( 33)
(stop) button ( 36)/
Zoom out W (wide-angle) button ( 33)
/ (play/pause) button ( 36)/
START/STOP button ( 32)
FUNC. button ( 26, 79)
Joystick ( 25)
PHOTO button ( 57)
Zoom lever ( 33)
POWER button
Tripod socket ( 99)
Battery release latch ( 20)
Memory card slot ( 30)
Battery compartment ( 19)
Battery compartment cover/
Memory card slot cover
Serial number
The serial number label is located on the top
surface of the battery compartment cover.
15
Introduction
Screen Displays
Recording Movies
Playing Movies
(During Playback)
Operating mode ( 24)
Recording program ( 42, 43)
White balance ( 50)
Image effects ( 51)
Digital effects ( 51)
Recording mode ( 33)
Manual focus ( 49)
Image stabilizer ( 81)
Pre-recording function ( 47)
Memory operation ( 18)
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 ( 18)
Wind screen off ( 81)
Backlight correction ( 48)
Joystick guide ( 25)
Mini video light ( 45)
Level marker ( 83)
Audio level indicator ( 83)
Time code/Playback time
(hours : minutes : seconds)
Scene number
Data code ( 83)
16
Recording Photos
Viewing Photos
Zoom ( 33), Exposure ( 48)
Recording program ( 42, 43)
White balance ( 50)
Image effect ( 51)
Digital effect ( 51)
Photo quality/size ( 57)
Manual focus ( 49)
Remaining battery time ( 18)
Number of photos available ( 18)
On the memory card
/ In the built-in memory
Self timer ( 48)
AF frame ( 82)
Joystick guide ( 25)
Mini video light ( 45)
Focus and exposure lock ( 57)
Camcorder shake warning ( 82)
Photo number ( 18, 86)
Current photo / Total number of photos
Histogram ( 63)
Date and time of recording
Photo protection mark ( 63)
Manual exposure ( 48)
Photo size ( 57)
File size
Aperture value
Shutter speed ( 43)
17
Introduction
Memory 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 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
18
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 105-106.
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.
1 Connect the power cord to the
compact power adapter.
19
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 ( 87).
ONCE THE BATTERY PACK IS FULLY CHARGED
1 Disconnect the compact power
adapter from the camcorder.
2 Unplug the power cord from the
power outletand the compact
power adapter.
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 (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.
20
• 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
• 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.
• USA 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 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.
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.
21
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
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
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.
22
180°
90°
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 83). To toggle between
normal and bright or to turn off [LCD
DIMMER], perform the following
procedure.
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.
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.
23
Preparations
Basic Operation of the
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
you change the camcorder’s settings to
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
or take photos using just
. You can also use the zoom
PHOTO
lever, Quick Start ( 35) and Video
Snapshot ( 45).
To set the camcorder to flexible
recording mode, turn the camera mode
dial to for movies or for photos.
You can access the menus and change
settings to your preference. Even in
24
(green)
(blue)
(green)
(blue)
Recording movies or photos to the memory (Dual Shot) 24
Recording movies to the memory 32
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 )
)
36
59
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.
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]
menu
- LCD screen dimmer
-Demo mode
- Image stabilizer (If you select [DYNAMIC]
in advance, [IMG STAB] will be set to
[DYNAMIC]; if you select
[ STANDARD] or [ OFF] in
advance, [IMG STAB] will be set to
[STANDARD].)
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
( ).
OFF
OFF
OFF
A
M
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.
25
Preparations
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 ( 79).
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
Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus
FUNC.
and close the menu.
You can press to close the
menu at any time.
FUNC.
26
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 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 .
FUNC.
You can press to close the
menu at any time.
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
• 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
( 101) and set the time zone, date
and time again.
27
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, 2010 12:00 AM]).
You can change the date format ( 86).
• 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
( 24)
Options
[][MELAYU][]
[DEUTSCH][NEDERLANDS][ ]
[][POLSKI][]
[ENGLISH]
[ESPAÑOL][ ] [ ]
[FRANÇAIS][TÜRKÇE][]
[ITALIANO][ ] [ ]
[MAGYAR][ ]
FUNC.
[PORTUGUÊS][ ]
[ MENU]
[ DISPLAY SETUP]
[LANGUAGE ]
Desired language
FUNC.
Default value
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 New
Yo rk .
( 24)
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*
28
FUNC.
* To adjust for daylight saving time, select the
area name marked with a .
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 October 2009, 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.
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
* Depending on the memory card, it may not be possible to record movies.
128 MB to 2 GB – *
512 MB to 2 GB
, ,
,
, ,
,
29
Preparations
Inserting and Removing a Memory Card
Make sure to initialize all memory cards
before using them with this camcorder
( 31).
1 Turn off the camcorder.
Make sure 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.
Do not force the cover closed if the
memory card is not correctly
inserted.
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.
( 24)
FUNC.
[ MENU]
[ MEMORY OPER.]
[MEDIA:MOVIES] or
[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
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.
30
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