Canon HG10 User Manual

Instruction Manual

Please read also the Backup Utility and
Digital Video Software instruction manuals

(on PDF file).

PUB. DIE-285

Introduction

Important Usage Instructions

WARNING!

WARNING!

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

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

CAUTION:

CAUTION:

DISCONNECT THE MAINS PLUG FROM THE SUPPLY SOCKET WHEN NOT IN USE.

The Mains plug is used as the disconnect device. The Mains plug shall remain readily operable
to disconnect the plug in case of an accident.

While using the compact power adapter, do not wrap it or cover it with a piece of cloth, and do
not place it in confined narrow spaces. Heat may build up, the plastic case may deform and it
could result in electric shock or fire.

CA-570 identification plate is located on the bottom.

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

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

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

2

Enjoying High-Definition Video with
your Camcorder

Preserve your most treasured memories, be it unforgettable scenery or
cherished moments spent with family and friends, with high-definition video
recordings of a quality second only to actually being there.

What is High-Definition Video?

High-definition (HD) video allows you to record video of
unparalleled high quality on the built-in hard disk using
the AVCHD compression. HD video is composed of
1,080 horizontal lines - that is more than twice the
number of horizontal lines and approximately 4 times
the number of pixels in standard-definition TV
broadcasts - resulting in eye-catching colors and richly
detailed video recordings.

“Full HD 1080” refers to Canon camcorders compliant with high-
definition video composed of 1,080 vertical pixels (scanning lines).

What is Cinema Mode?

Give your recordings a cinematic look by using the [ CINE MODE] recording
program ( 48). Combine this recording program with the 25 fps progressive frame
rate [ PF25] ( 43) to get the enhanced effect of the 25p Cinema Mode ( 49).

1,080 lines

How does the built-in hard disk enrich your shooting
experience?

Because this camcorder automatically records video in unused space on the hard
disk, you need not worry about accidentally recording over important videos. Not only
that, you can shoot up to 9 1/2 hours of video in XP mode ( 31). In addition, you
can use the software on the Corel Application Disc CD-ROM to transfer your videos
to a computer to back up, play and edit them. For a detailed explanation, refer to the
Corel Application Disc Installation Guide and User Manual.

3

Important Notes About the Hard Disk Drive

Your hard disk camcorder allows you to shoot and store many hours of video.
However, there are differences between recording onto a hard disk and
recording onto other media. Make sure to follow the points below when using
your camcorder. For more details, refer to Handling Precautions (97).

Back up your recordings periodically

Make sure to transfer your movies to an
external device such as a computer or
digital video recorder ( 37) and back
them up on a regular basis.

Do not subject the camcorder to
vibrations or strong impacts

The hard disk is a high-precision device.
Vibrations, strong impacts or dropping the
camcorder may result in permanent data
loss.

Keep the drop sensor activated
whenever possible

The drop sensor ( 44) detects when the
camcorder is dropped and activates a
protection mechanism to help prevent hard
disk damage. Turning this function off will
disable the mechanism. Even if this
function is set to [ ON] and the
camcorder is dropped, hard disk damage
can occur.

Do not disconnect the power source
while the HDD access indicator is on or
flashing

To prevent hard disk damage, do not
disconnect the power source or turn off the
camcorder while the HDD access indicator
is on or flashing.

4

Important Notes About the Hard Disk Drive

Use the camcorder within its operating
temperature range

If the camcorder's temperature becomes
too hot or too cold, recording/playback
may stop in order to prevent hard disk
damage.

Do not use the camcorder at high
altitudes

Turning on or using the camcorder in
places with low atmospheric pressure,
such as at altitudes higher than 3,000 m,
may result in hard disk damage.

Initialize the hard disk when movies
cannot be recorded/played back
normally

As movies are recorded and deleted over
time, hard disk fragmentation may occur,
which may reduce performance. Initialize
the hard disk should this happen.

Protect personal information on the
hard disk

When the hard disk is initialized or movies
are deleted, stored data is not physically
erased. Remember this when disposing of
the camcorder or giving it to another
person.

5

Table of contents

Introduction _________________________________

3 Enjoying High-Definition Video with

your Camcorder
4 Important Notes About the Hard Disk Drive
10 About this Manual

11 Getting to Know the Camcorder

11 Supplied Accessories
12 Components Guide
15 Screen Displays

Preparations ________________________________

18 Getting Started

18 Charging the Battery Pack
19 Preparing the Wireless Controller and Accessories

21 Basic Operation of the Camcorder

21 Power Switch
21 Operating Modes
22 Navigation Buttons and Control Dial
22 Function Guide
23 Using the Menus

24 First Time Settings

24 Setting the Date and Time
25 Changing the Language
25 Changing the Time Zone

26 Getting Ready to Start Recording

26 Adjusting the Position and Brightness of the LCD Screen
27 Inserting and Removing a Memory Card

6

Video ______________________________________

29 Recording

29 Shooting Video
31 Selecting the Recording Mode
31 Zooming
32 Quick Start Function
33 Reviewing and Deleting the Last Scene Recorded

34 Playback and Video Backup

34 Playing Back the Video
34 Adjusting the Volume: Speaker and Headphones
37 Backing Up Videos
37 Searching Scenes by Date
38 Deleting Scenes
39 On-Screen Displays (Data Code)

39 Menu Options Lists

39 FUNC. Menu
41 Setup Menus
41 Camera Setup (Digital Zoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.)
44 Hard Disk Operations (HDD Usage Info, Initializing the

Hard Disk, etc.)
44 Still Image Operations (Card Initialization, etc.)
45 Display Setup (LCD Brightness, Language, etc.)
46 System Setup (Volume, Beep, etc.)
48 Date/Time Setup

48 Additional Functions

48 Giving a Cinematic Look to your Recordings
49 Special Scene Recording Programs
51 Flexible Recording: Changing the Aperture and Shutter

Speed
52 Mini Video Light
53 Self Timer
53 Manual Focus Adjustment
54 Automatic Backlight Correction and Manual Exposure

Adjustment
55 White Balance
56 Image Effects
57 Digital Effects
58 Using an External Microphone

7

Video (cont.) ________________________________

60 Managing Scenes and the Hard Disk

60 Creating a Playlist
60 Moving Scenes in the Playlist
61 Initializing the Hard Disk

Photos _____________________________________

62 Recording

62 Taking Photos
63 Selecting Photo Size and Quality
64 Erasing the Last Photo Just Recorded

64 Playback

64 Viewing Photos
66 Magnifying Photos during Playback
66 Erasing Photos

67 Additional Functions

67 Flash
68 Continuous Shooting and Exposure Bracketing (Drive Mode)
69 Automatic Focus Priority
70 Light Metering Mode
70 Histogram and Other Screen Displays
71 Capturing a Still Image while Recording Movies
72 Capturing a Still Image from the Playback Scene
72 Protecting Photos
73 Initializing the Memory Card

74 Printing Photos

74 Printing Photos - Direct Print
75 Selecting the Print Settings
77 Trimming Settings
78 Print Orders

8

External Connections _________________________

80 Connecting to a TV or VCR

81 Connection Diagrams
82 Playback on a TV Screen
84 Copying your Recordings to an External Video Recorder

85 Connecting to a Computer

85 PC Connection Diagram
85 Transferring Photos - Direct Transfer
88 Transfer Orders

Additional Information ________________________

89 Trouble?

89 Troubleshooting
93 List of Messages

97 Do’s and Don’ts

97 Handling Precautions
100 Maintenance/Others
101 Using the Camcorder Abroad

103 General Information

103 System Diagram
104 Optional Accessories
108 Specifications
110 Index

9

Introduction

A

About this Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Canon HG10. Please read this manual carefully before
you use the camcorder and retain it for future reference. Should your camcorder fail
to operate correctly, refer to the Tro ub le sh oot in g table ( 89).

Conventions Used in this Manual

• IMPORTANT: Precautions related to the camcorder’s operation.

• NOTES: Additional topics that complement the basic operating procedures.

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

• : Reference page number.

• The following terms are used in this manual:

“Screen” refers to the LCD and the viewfinder screen.
“Scene” refers to one movie unit from the point you press the START/STOP button
to start recording until you press again to pause the recording.
The terms “photo” and “still image” are used interchangeably with the same
meaning.
The terms “hard disk” and “HDD” are used interchangeably to refer to the
camcorder's built-in hard disk drive.

• The photos included in this manual are simulated pictures taken with a still camera.

Changing the Language

Options

[DEUTSCH] [ ] [ ]

ROMAN

[ENGLISH]

Menu item shown at its default position

Buttons and switches to be operated

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

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

FUNC.

“button” frame.

[TÜRKÇE] [ ]
[ESPAÑOL] [ ] [ ]
[

FRANÇAIS

][ ][ ]
[ITALIANO] [ ] [ ]
[POLSKI] [ ]

DISPLAYSETUP

LANGUAGE ENGLISH

FUNC.

(27)

1 Press .
2 Press or to select the

icon and press to open the
setup menus.

3 Press or to select

[DISPLAY

Default value

FUNC.

SETUP] and press .

10

Getting to Know the Camcorder

Supplied Accessories

WL-D86 Wireless Controller

IFC-400PCU USB Cable

SS-900 Shoulder Strap**

CA-570 Compact Power

Adapter (incl. power cord)

CTC-100/S

Component Cable

Red • Green • Blue plugs

Software CD-ROM*

DIGITAL VIDEO

Solution Disk

BP-2L13 Battery Pack

Lithium Button Battery

CR2025 for Wireless

Controller

STV-250N

Stereo Video Cable

Yellow • Red • White plugs

Software CD-ROM

and User Manual

Corel Application Disc

Software CD-ROM*

Backup Utility

* The CD-ROM includes the software

instruction manual (electronic version on
PDF file).

**Europe only.

11

Introduction

Components Guide

Left side view

Right side view

Front view

QUICK START button and standby lamp
( 32)

DISP. button ( 39, 70)

(print/share) button ( 75, 85)
USB terminal ( 85)
CARD access indicator ( 62)
Memory card slot (open the cover to

access) ( 27)
Speaker ( 34)
Terminal cover
HDMI OUT mini terminal ( 81, 83)
COMPONENT OUT terminal ( 81)
AV OUT/ terminal ( 80)
Grip belt ( 19)
Strap mount
Flash ( 67)
Instant AF sensor ( 42)
MIC terminal ( 59)
Remote sensor ( 20)
Mini video light ( 52)

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

“button” frame (for example ).

FUNC.

12

Back view

LCD panel

Top vie w

Viewfinder ( 30)
Dioptric adjustment lever ( 30)
HDD access indicator ( 18) /

CHG (charge) indicator ( 18)

/ (movies/still images) switch

21

)

(
Power switch ( 21)
PLAY mode indicator (green) ( 21)
CAMERA mode indicator (red) ( 21)
START/STOP button ( 29)
DC IN terminal ( 18)
Serial number
RESET button ( 90)
Control dial ( 22)
Navigation buttons ( 22)
SET button ( 22)
LCD screen ( 26)

(stop) button ( 34)/
PLAYLIST button ( 60)/
BLC (backlight correction) button ( 54)

/ (play/pause) button ( 34)/
START/STOP button ( 29)

(fast forward) button ( 34)/

Zoom in T (telephoto) button ( 31)

(rewind) button ( 34)/

Zoom out W (wide-angle) button ( 31)
FUNC. button ( 23, 39)
Mode switch ( 30)
Zoom lever ( 31)
PHOTO button ( 62)
Advanced accessory shoe ( 58)
Stereo microphone

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

“button” frame (for example ).

FUNC.

13

Introduction

B

ottom view

Wireless Controller WL-D86

Tripod socket ( 21)
BATTERY RELEASE switch ( 18)

START/STOP button ( 29)
FUNC. button ( 23)
MENU button ( 23)
PLAYLIST button ( 60)
Navigation buttons ( / / / )
PREV./NEXT buttons:

Scene skip ( 35)/
Index screen page up/down ( 34)

Reverse SEARCH button ( 35) /
Reverse SLOW button ( 35)

PLAY button ( 34)
PAU SE butt on ( 34)
STOP button ( 34)
PHOTO button ( 62)
Zoom buttons ( 31)
SET button
Forward SEARCH button ( 35) /

Forward SLOW button ( 35)
DISP. (on-screen display) button

( 39, 70)

14

Screen Displays

(During Playback)

Playing Movies

Recording Movies

Operating mode ( 21)
Recording program ( 48, 51)
White balance ( 55)
Image effect ( 56)
Digital effects ( 57)
Recording mode ( 31)
Still image quality/size

(simultaneous recording) ( 71)
Recording reminder

Instant AF ( 42),

MF Manual focus ( 53)
25F progressive frame rate
Hard disk operation
Time code/Playback time

(hours : minutes : seconds)
Remaining recording time on the hard disk
Backlight correction ( 54)
Headphones output ( 35)
Image stabilizer ( 43)
Wind screen off ( 44)
Drop sensor off ( 44)
Level marker ( 45)
Advanced accessory shoe ( 103)
Remote sensor off ( 46)
Scene number
Data code ( 39)

15

Introduction

Recording Still Images

Viewing Still Images

Zoom ( 31), Exposure ( 54)
Recording program ( 48, 51)
Light metering mode ( 70)
White balance ( 55)
Image effect ( 56)
Digital effects ( 57)
Drive mode ( 68)
Still image quality/size ( 63)

Instant AF ( 42),

MF Manual focus ( 53)
Number of still images available on the

memory card
Self timer ( 53)
Remaining battery charge estimate
Image stabilizer ( 43)
AF frame ( 69)
Mini video light ( 52)
Flash ( 67)
Focus/exposure automatically set and

locked ( 62)
Camcorder shake warning ( 41)
Image number ( 47)
Current image / Total number of images
Histogram ( 70)
Date and time of recording
Image protection mark ( 72)
Manual focus ( 53)
Manual exposure ( 54)
Image size ( 63)
File size
Aperture value ( 51)
Shutter speed ( 51)

16

Recording reminder

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

25F progressive frame rate

Select the 25F progressive frame rate ( 43) to
give your recordings a cinematic look. You can
combine this frame rate with the [ CINE
MODE] recording program ( 48) to enhance
the effect.

Hard disk 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 hard
disk, “ END” will be displayed and the
recording will stop.

Number of still images available on the
card

flashing in red: No card

in green: 6 or more images

in yellow: 1 to 5 images

in red: No more images can be recorded

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

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

Card access display

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

Remaining battery charge estimate

• When is displayed in red, replace the

battery pack with a fully charged one.

• When you attach an empty battery pack, the

power may turn off without displaying .

• Depending on the conditions under which the

camcorder and the battery pack are used, the
actual battery charge may not be indicated
accurately.

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”.

17

Preparations

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

Getting Started

Charging the Battery Pack

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

For approximate charging times and
recording/playback times with a full
battery pack, refer to the tables on
page 104.

Remove the battery
terminal cover
before attaching
the battery pack

BATTERY RELEASE

switch

1 Turn off the camcorder.

2 Attach the battery pack to the

camcorder.

Press the battery pack softly into the
battery attachment unit and slide it
up until it clicks in place.

CHG (charge) indicator

DC IN terminal

3 Connect the power cord to the

compact power adapter.

4 Plug the power cord into a power

outlet.

5 Connect the compact power

adapter to the camcorder’s DC IN
terminal.

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

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

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

18

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.

TO REMOVE THE BATTERY PACK

BATTERY RELEASE

Slide in the
direction of the arrow and hold it
pressed down. Slide the battery pack
down and then pull it out.

IMPORTANT

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

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

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

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

• To prevent equipment breakdowns and
excessive heating, do not connect the
supplied compact power adapter to
voltage converters for overseas travels
or special power sources such as those

on aircraft and ships, DC-AC inverters,
etc.

NOTES

• The CHG (charge) indicator also serves
as a rough estimate of the charge
status.
Continuously on: Battery pack fully
charged.
Two quick flashes at 1-second intervals:
Battery pack at least 50% charged. If
the indicator flashes quickly but not
exactly in this pattern, refer to
Troubleshooting (89).
One flash at 1-second intervals: Battery
pack less than 50% charged.

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

Preparing the 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.

19

Preparations

3 Insert the battery holder.

Point the wireless controller at the
camcorder’s remote sensor when
you press the buttons.

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 ] ( 46). Otherwise,
replace the battery.

• When the optional Tele-converter or
Wide-converter is attached to the
camcorder, it may partially obstruct the
remote sensor. Use the wireless
controller from a different angle.

Accessories

1 Fasten the grip belt.

Adjust the grip belt so that you can
reach the zoom lever with your index
and middle fingers, and the

START/STOP

button with your thumb.

20

2 Attach the supplied shoulder

strap.

Pass the ends through the strap
mount and adjust the length of the
strap.

WHEN YOU MOUNT THE CAMCORDER ON A

TRIPOD

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

Basic Operation of the
Camcorder

Power Switch

Lock button

In addition to turning the camcorder on
and off, the switch also toggles
the camcorder’s operating mode.

To turn on the camcorder: Hold the lock
button pressed down and turn the
switch to ON.

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

Operating Modes

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

21

Preparations

function is available in all operating
modes.

Navigation Buttons and Control Dial

This camcorder is equipped with
navigation buttons (///
buttons) and a control dial on the LCD
panel to allow you to operate the
various functions. The functions
assigned to the navigation buttons and
control dial change according to the
operating mode and the camcorder's
settings.

Press the navigation buttons to select an
item or change settings.

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

Operating Mode

Operating Mode

Indicator

(Movies)

(Red)

(Still images)

(Movies)

(Green)

(Still images)

For many functions, turning the control
dial is equivalent to pressing or .
For other functions, turning it is
equivalent to pressing or . Note
that the control dial cannot be used for
some functions.

Function Guide

Press to display/hide the function
guide. In the illustrations of this manual,
positions other than those relevant to
the function explained are marked with
a striped pattern.

/

Switch

Icon Display Operation

Recording movies
on the hard disk

Recording still images
on the memory card

Playing movies

(Green)

(Blue)

from the hard disk

Viewing still images
from the memory card

29

62

34

64

22

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

NEXT

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

Using the Menus

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

FUNC.

().
For details about the available menu

options and settings, refer to the Menu
Options Lists ( 39).

Selecting a FUNC. Menu Option

FUNC.

( 23)

2 Press or to select the icon of

the function you want change from
the left side column.

• Menu items not available will
appear grayed out.

• You can also use the control dial.

3 Press or to select the desired

setting from the available options
at the bottom bar.

• The selected option will be
highlighted in light blue.

• 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.

( 23)

FUNC.

and close the menu.

You can press to close the

FUNC.

menu at any time.

1 Press .

FUNC.

1 Press .

FUNC.

2 Use the navigation buttons to

select the icon and press
to open the setup menus.

You can also hold pressed
down for more than 1 second or

FUNC.

23

Preparations

MENU

press on the wireless
controller to open directly the setup
menus screen.

3 Press or to 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 Press or to 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.

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

5 Press or to select the desired

option and press to save the
setting.

6 Press .

You can also use the control dial to
navigate the menus and adjust settings.

FUNC.

You can press to close the
menu at any time.

NOTES

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 Press or to change the year

and press to move to the
month.

You can also use the control dial to
change the year.

2 Change the rest of the fields

(month, day, hour and minutes) in
the same way.

3 Press to move the cursor to the

[OK] button and press to start
the clock and close the menu.

24

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

A

( 100) 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.2007 12:00 AM]).
You can change the date format ( 48).

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

FUNC.

and select [DATE/TIME

SETUP] [DATE/TIME].

Changing the Language

Options

[DEUTSCH] [ ] [ ]

[ENGLISH][TÜRKÇE] [ ]

[ESPAÑOL] [ ] [ ]
[

FRANÇAIS
[ITALIANO] [ ] [ ]
[POLSKI] [ ]

ROMAN

][ ][ ]



Default value

DISPLAY SETUP

2 Press or to select the

icon and press to open the
setup menus.

3 Press or to select [DISPLAY

SETUP] and press .

4 Press or to select

[LANGUAGE ] and press .

5 Use the navigation buttons or the

control dial to select the desired
option and press .

6 Press to close the menu.

• If you changed the language by mistake,

• The displays and that

Changing the Time Zone

FUNC.

NOTES

follow the mark next to the menu
item to change the setting.

appear in some menu screens refer to
the name of buttons on the camcorder
and will not change, regardless of the
language selected.



Default value

DATE/TIME SETUP

LANGUAGE ENGLISH

FUNC.

( 23)

1 Press .

FUNC.



T.ZONE/DST PAR IS

FUNC.

( 23)

1 Press .

FUNC.



25

Preparations

2 Press or to select the

icon and press to open the
setup menus.

3 Press or to select [DATE/

TIME SETUP] and press .

4 Press or to select [T.ZONE/

DST] and press .

The default setting is Paris.

TO SET THE HOME TIME ZONE

5 Make sure that the time zone is

selected.

6 Press or to select the area

that corresponds to your local
time zone and press .

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

.

7 Press to close the menu.

Select the time zone to match the local
time at your destination.

5 Press to move the orange

6 Press or to select the area

7 Press to close the menu.

FUNC.

WHEN YOU TRAVEL

selection frame to the time
zone.

that corresponds to the local time
at your destination and press .

• Refer to the changing date and

time displayed on the screen.

• To adjust for daylight saving time,

select the area name marked with
a .

FUNC.

Getting Ready to Start
Recording

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

180°

90°

180°

Subject can monitor the LCD screen

26

NOTES

About the LCD and viewfinder screen: The

screens are produced using extremely
high-precision manufacturing techniques,
with more than 99.99% of the pixels
operating to specification. Less than

0.01% of the pixels may occasionally
misfire or appear as black, red, blue or
green dots. This has no effect on the
recorded image and does not constitute a
malfunction.

LCD Backlight

You can set the brightness of the
screen to normal or bright. Doing so
changes the brightness of both the LCD
and viewfinder screen.

DISP.

Hold pressed down for more
than 2 seconds.

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

Inserting and Removing a Memory Card

Only miniSD cards can be used with
this camcorder.

1 Turn off the camcorder.
2 Open the LCD panel.
3 Open the memory card slot cover.
4 Insert the memory card straight

with the miniSD label facing up, all
the way into the memory card slot
until it clicks.

5 Close the cover.

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

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.

TO REMOVE THE MEMORY CARD

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

27

Preparations

IMPORTANT

• Make sure to initialize all memory cards
before using them with this camcorder
(73).

• 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

Compatibility with all miniSD cards cannot
be guaranteed.

28

Video

This chapter covers functions related to shooting movies, including
recording, playback, menu options, and hard disk operations.

Recording

Shooting Video

Before You Begin Recording

Make a test recording first to check if
the camcorder operates correctly. If
necessary, initialize the hard disk
(61).

( 21)

1 Move the / switch to

(Movies).

2 Turn the switch to ON to set

the camcorder in CAMERA mode.

The red CAMERA indicator will turn
on.

3 Press to begin

START/STOP

recording.

• The recording starts; press

START/STOP

recording.

• You can also press on
the LCD panel.

again to pause the

START/STOP

WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED RECORDING

1 Make sure that the HDD access

indicator is off.
2 Turn off the camcorder.
3 Close the LCD panel.

IMPORTANT

• When recording movies, try to get a

calm, stable picture.

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

• Observe the following precautions while

the HDD access indicator is on or
flashing. Failing to do so may result in
permanent data loss or hard disk
damage.

- Do not subject the camcorder to
vibrations or strong impacts.

- Do not disconnect the power source
or turn off the camcorder.

- Do not change the operating mode.

29

Video

NOTES

• About the Power Save mode: To s ave po wer
when the camcorder is powered by a
battery pack, the camcorder will
automatically shut off if left without any
operations for 5 minutes ( 46). To
restore the power, turn the switch
toward MODE and release it, or turn the

switch to and back to ON

again.

• When recording in very loud places
(such as fireworks shows or concerts),
sound may become distorted or it may
not be recorded at the actual levels. This
is not a malfunction.

Using the Viewfinder

When recording in bright places it may
be difficult to use the LCD screen. In
such case, change the brightness of the
LCD screen ( 27) or use the
viewfinder instead. To use the
viewfinder, keep the LCD panel closed*.
Then, hold both sides of the viewfinder
firmly and pull it straight out until it
clicks.

Adjust the viewfinder as necessary with
the dioptric adjustment lever. You can
also change the brightness of the
screen ( 27). Using the bright setting
will shorten the effective usage time of
the battery pack.
* The LCD screen and the viewfinder

can be used simultaneously when the
LCD panel is turned 180 degrees to
face the subject ( 26).

About the Mode Switch and Recording Programs

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

Set the mode switch to P to select one of the recording
programs.
The Special Scene recording programs ( 49) offer a convenient way to
select the optimal settings to match special recording conditions. Conversely,
with flexible recording programs ( 51) you can set the shutter speed or the
aperture you want, or enjoy the flexibility to change other settings.

30

Selecting the Recording Mode

The camcorder offers 4 recording
modes. Changing the recording mode
will change the recording time available
on the hard disk. Select HXP or XP
mode for better movie quality; select LP
mode for longer recording times. The
following table gives approximate
recording times.

Recording Mode Recording Time

5 hr. 30 min.

9 hr. 30 min.

11 hr. 30 min.

15 hr.*

* Movies can be recorded continuously for

about 13 hours.

( 21)



Default value

STANDARD PLAY 7 Mbps

FUNC.

( 23)



depending on the scene being
recorded, the picture and sound
recorded in LP mode may be distorted.
We recommend using HXP or XP mode
for important recordings. If necessary,
initialize the hard disk ( 61).

• The camcorder uses a variable bit rate
(VBR) when encoding the video data so
the actual recording times will vary
depending on the content of the scenes.

Zooming

POINTS TO CHECK

(21)

: In addition to the optical
zoom, digital zoom is also available
( 42).

1 Press .

FUNC.

2 Press or to select the

recording mode icon.

3 Press or to select the desired

recording mode.

4 Press again to save the

• Recording in LP mode gives you a

FUNC.

setting and close the menu.

NOTES

longer recording time; however,

W

W

T

W Zoom out T Zoom in

T

31

Video

10x Optical Zoom

Press the W side of the zoom lever to
zoom out (wide angle). Press the T
side to zoom in (telephoto).

You can also change the zoom speed
( 42). You can select one of three
fixed zoom speeds or a variable speed
that depends on how you operate the
zoom lever: Press gently for a slow
zoom; press harder for faster zooms.

NOTES

• Keep at least 1 m away from the
subject. At full wide angle, you can
focus on a subject as close as 1 cm.

• You can also use the T and W buttons
on the wireless controller or the LCD
panel. The zoom speed will be the same
as with the camcorder or fixed at
[ SPEED 3] (when [ VARIABLE] is
selected).

• When set to [ VARIABLE], the zoom
speed will be faster in record pause
mode.

Quick Start Function

When you press the
camcorder enters the standby
mode. In standby mode the camcorder
consumes only about half the power
used when recording, saving energy
when you are using a battery pack.
Additionally, when you press

QUICK START

ready to start recording within approx.
1 second, ensuring you do not miss
important shooting opportunities.

1 Press firmly.

The standby lamp flashes at first
while the camcorder is preparing and
then stays on when it enters the
standby mode.

QUICK START

again the camcorder is

(21)

QUICK START

2 When you wish to resume

recording, press
again.

Within approx. 1 second, the
camcorder is ready in record pause
mode.

QUICK START

32

IMPORTANT

During standby mode (while the standby
lamp is on), do not disconnect the power
source.

NOTES

• When you wake up the camcorder from

standby mode, the following settings
will be changed automatically:

- Manual focus returns to automatic
focus (AF).

- Manual exposure adjustment returns
to automatic exposure.

- Zoom position returns to full wide
angle W.

- Automatic backlight correction
deactivates.

• The camcorder will shut off if left in
standby mode for 10 minutes,
regardless of the [POWER SAVE] setting
( 46). You can select the length of
time until shut-off with the [ STANDBY
OFF] setting ( 46).
To restore the power if the camcorder
shut off, turn the switch toward
MODE and release it, or turn the
switch to and back to ON again.

• If you perform any of the following
actions while in standby mode (while the
standby lamp is on), the camcorder will
return to record pause mode.

- Change the position of the /

switch.

- Turn the switch toward MODE.

(21)

1 If the function guide does not

appear on screen, press to
display it.

2 Press to select .

• If does not appear on the
function guide, repeatedly press
to display it.

• The camcorder plays back the last
scene (but without sound) and
returns to record pause mode.

Deleting a Scene After Recording It

(21)

After recording a scene:

1 Review the scene as described in

the previous section.

2 While reviewing the scene, press

to select and press .

3 Press to select [YES] and press

.

Reviewing and Deleting the Last Scene
Recorded

Even in mode you can play
back the last scene recorded in order to
check it. You can also delete the scene
while reviewing it.

NOTES

• Avoid any other operations on the
camcorder while the scene is being
deleted.

• You will not be able to delete the last
scene if after the scene was recorded
you changed the operating mode or the
camcorder was turned off.

33

Video

Playback and Video Backup

Playing Back the Video

( 21)

1 Move the / switch to

(Movies).

2 Turn the switch to ON, then

turn it toward MODE and release it
to set the camcorder in PLAY
mode.

The green PLAY indicator will turn
on. The scene index screen appears
after a few seconds with the
selection frame on the last (most
recently recorded) scene.

3 Use the navigation buttons to

move the selection frame to the
scene you want to play back.

You can also turn the control dial to
run quickly through the index
screens.

4 Press to begin the playback.

Playback will start from the scene
selected and continue until the end
of the last scene recorded.

/

DURING PLAYBACK

5 Press again to pause the

playback.

6 Press to stop the playback and

return to the scene index screen.

Depending on the recording conditions,
you may notice brief stops in video or
sound playback between scenes.

/

NOTES

Adjusting the Volume: Speaker and
Headphones

The camcorder plays the sound with
the built-in speaker. When you are
using the viewfinder for playback, you
can connect a pair of headphones to
listen to the sound. You can also use
the headphones to check the audio
level while recording.

Adjusting the Volume of the Speaker

( 21)

34

Special Playback Modes

To enter the special playback modes, you can use the buttons on the LCD panel or
wireless controller ( 14). There is no sound during the special playback modes.

Special playback mode Initial mode

Fast playback Normal playback

On the camcorder

press…

or *

Press again to increase the playback speed

5x → 15x → 60x the normal speed**

Slow playback Playback pause or * or

Press again to increase the playback speed

1/8 → 1/4 the normal speed

Skip to the beginning of: Normal playback

the next scene

the current scene

the previous scene twice twice

Return to normal playback Special playback

/

During some special playback modes, you may notice some anomalies (blocky video
artifacts, banding, etc.) in the playback picture.

* You can also use the control dial.
**The speed indicated on the screen is approximate.

On the wireless

controller press…

SEARCH

SEARCH

SLOW

NEXT

PREV.

PREV.

PLAY

or

SLOW

1 If the function guide does not

appear on screen, press to
display it.

2 Press or to adjust the

volume.

• To turn off the volume completely,
keep pressing until the volume
icon changes to .

• You can press again to hide
the function guide during
playback.

Using Headphones

The headphones are connected to the
AV OUT/ terminal, which is used for
both the headphones and the audio/
video output. Before connecting the
headphones, follow the procedure
below to change the function of the
terminal from AV output to
(headphones) output and make sure the

icon appears on the screen.

35

Video

TO ADJUST THE VOLUME OF THE

HEADPHONES

In mode, adjust the volume
of the headphones with the [PHONES
VOL.] setting ( 47). In
mode, use the navigation buttons and
the function guide following the same
procedure as when adjusting the
speaker’s volume.

( 21)

FUNC.

( 23)

1 Press .

FUNC.

2 Use the navigation buttons to

select the icon and press
to open the setup menus.

3 Press or to select [SYSTEM

SETUP] and press .

4 Press or to select

[AV/PHONES] and press .

5 Press to select [ PHONES]

and press .

6 Press .

36

FUNC.

appears.

IMPORTANT

• Do not connect the headphones to the
AV OUT/ terminal if the icon does
not appear on the screen. If you connect
the headphones while the terminal is set
to AV output, only noise will be output.

• When using headphones, make sure to
lower the volume to an appropriate
level.

• The sound of the built-in speaker will be
muted when you close the LCD panel,
when you connect the STV-250N Stereo
Video Cable to the AV OUT/ terminal
or when [AV/PHONES] is set to
[ PHONES].

NOTES

• Use commercially available headphones
with a ∅ 3.5 mm minijack and a cable
no longer than 3 m.

• When you turn off the camcorder or
change the operating mode, the
[AV/PHONES] setting in mode
will return to [ AV].

• The volume of the headphones cannot
be adjusted while recording.

Backing Up Videos

Movies recorded with this camcorder
are saved to the built-in hard disk.
Because space on the hard disk is
limited, make sure to copy your movies
to an external device and back them up
on a regular basis.

Recordings made with this camcorder
can be backed up using the following
methods.

Copying Movies to a Computer

The supplied Corel Application Disc
CD-ROM includes software that will
allow you to select movies you
recorded and transfer them to a
computer. For a detailed explanation,
refer to the Corel Application Disc
Installation Guide and User Manual.
You can also use the software on the
supplied Backup Utility CD-ROM to
back up to the computer all the movies
on the camcorder’s built-in hard disk.
For a detailed explanation, refer to the
software’s instruction manual
(electronic version on PDF file).

Copying Movies to an External Device

Connect the camcorder to an external
device such as a VCR or digital video
recorder and transfer your movies.
For a detailed explanation, refer to

Copying your Recordings to an External
Video Recorder ( 84).

Transferring Movies from a Computer

After you transfer movies to a computer,
you can use the supplied Corel
Application Disc software to select
movies and transfer them back to the

camcorder. For a detailed explanation,
refer to the Corel Application Disc
Installation Guide and User Manual.
Make sure to use the software on the
supplied Backup Utility CD-ROM to
back up all of the recordings on the
camcorder’s hard disk in advance.
If you backed up onto the computer all
the movies on the camcorder using the
software on the Backup Utility
CD-ROM, you can also transfer those
movies back to the camcorder. For a
detailed explanation, refer to the
software’s instruction manual
(electronic version on PDF file).

Searching Scenes by Date

You can search for all the recordings
you made on a particular date, for
example, to find all the movies you shot
during an outing.

POINTS TO CHECK

*

* Original index screen only

FUNC.

( 23)

1 Press .

FUNC.

(21)

2 Press or to select

[ SELECT DATE] and press .

• An index screen appears that
displays all dates in which
recordings were made. An orange
selection frame appears on the day.

37

Video

• The thumbnail shows a still image
from the first scene recorded on
that day. The number below it
indicates the number of scenes
taken on the selected day.

3 Press or to change the day

and press or to move to the
month or year.

4 Change the other fields in the

same way to select the desired
date and press .

An index screen will appear with the
selection frame on the first scene
recorded on the selected date.

NOTES

You can also use the control dial.

Deleting Scenes

You can delete those scenes that you
are not interested in keeping. Deleting
scenes also allows you to free up hard
disk space.

Deleting a Single Scene or All Scenes
from a Selected Date

POINTS TO CHECK

( 21)

From the original index screen, use the
navigation buttons to select a scene.
Selecting [ALL SCENES (THIS DATE)]
will delete all scenes recorded on the
same day as the selected scene.
Selecting [ONE SCENE] will delete only

the selected scene. To delete a scene
only in the playlist, press first,

PLAYLIST

and then select the scene.

FUNC.

( 23)

FUNC.

DELETE

Desired option

YES

IMPORTANT

• Be careful when deleting original
recordings. Once deleted, an original
scene cannot be recovered.

• Back up important scenes before
deleting them.

• Do not use a computer to delete data in
this camcorder.

NOTES

• Deleting a scene from the original index
screen also deletes that scene from the
playlist.

• Depending on the number of scenes on
the hard disk, deleting a scene may take
longer than usual.

• You may not be able to delete scenes
shorter than 5 seconds. To delete such
scenes you must initialize the hard disk
( 61), in the process deleting all other
recordings.

• Do not change the position of the
switch or the / switch while the
scene is being deleted (while the HDD
access indicator is on or flashing).

• Initialize the hard disk to delete all
movies and make all recordable space
available again.

38

• When deleting a scene from the playlist
index screen, only one scene can be
deleted at a time.

On-Screen Displays (Data Code)

The camcorder keeps a data code
containing the date and time and other
camera data (shutter speed, aperture,
etc.) registered at the time of recording.
You can select the data to be displayed.

Turning the On-Screen Displays On/Off

Repeatedly press to turn the

DISP.

on-screen displays on/off in the
following sequence:

• All displays on

• All displays off

• All displays on

• Data code

2

only

1

• All displays off

1

However, the markers and the icons and

will still appear on the screen.

2

Data code: Time, date and camera data at
the time of recording. The contents to be
displayed can be selected with the [DATA
CODE] setting ( 45).

Menu Options Lists

Menu items not available appear
grayed out in the FUNC. menu or in
black in the setup menus. For details
about how to select an item, refer to
Using the Menus (23).

FUNC. Menu

Recording programs

Mode switch: P

[ PROGRAM AE],

[SHUTTER-PRIO.AE],
[ APERTURE-PRIO.AE],
[ CINE MODE]*
Special Scene recording programs:
[ PORTRAIT], [ SPORTS],
[NIGHT], [SNOW], [BEACH],
[ SUNSET], [ SPOTLIGHT],
[FIREWORKS]
* mode only.

Light metering mode

Mode switch: P

[EVALUATIVE],

[ CENT.WEIGHT.AVERAGE],
[SPOT]

( 48, 51)

(70)

39

Video

White balance

( 55)

Mode switch: P

[AUTO], [ DAYLIGHT],
[SHADE], [CLOUDY],
[ TUNGSTEN], [ FLUORESCENT],
[ FLUORESCENT H], [ SET]

Image effect

( 56)

Mode switch: P

[ IMAGE EFFECT OFF],
[ VIVID], [ NEUTRAL],
[ LOW SHARPENING],
[ SOFT SKIN DETAIL],
[ CUSTOM]

Digital effects

( 57)

Mode switch: P

[ D.EFFECT OFF], [ FADE-T],
[WIPE], [BLK&WHT],
[SEPIA], [ART]

Mode switch: P

[ D.EFFECT OFF],
[BLK&WHT], [SEPIA]

Recording mode

[ HIGH QUALITY 15 Mbps],
[ HIGH QUALITY 9 Mbps],
[ STANDARD PLAY 7 Mbps],
[ LONG PLAY 5 Mbps]

Still image simultaneous
recording

Size:

[ STILL I.REC OFF],
[LW 1920x1080], [SW 848x480]

Quality:

[ SUPER FINE], [ FINE],
[NORMAL]

Still image size/quality

Size:

[LW 1920x1080], [L 2048x1536],
[M 1440x1080], [S 640x480]

Quality:

[SUPERFINE], [FINE],
[NORMAL]

ADD TO PLAYLIST

( 31)

( 71)

( 63)

( 60)

Drive mode

Mode switch: P

[SINGLE], [ CONT.SHOOT.],

[ HISPEED CONT.SHOOT.],
[AEB]

40

( 68)

[ALL SCENES (THIS DATE)],
[ONE SCENE], [CANCEL]

Add scenes to the playlist. This option
is available only from the original index
screen.

MOVE

(60)

PRINT ORDER

(78)

Move a scene in the playlist. This option
is available only from the playlist index
screen.

DELETE

(38)

[ALL SCENES (THIS DATE)],
[ONE SCENE], [CANCEL]
Delete a scene from the original index
screen.
[NO], [YES]
Delete a scene from the playlist index
screen.

SELECT DATE

(37)

Search for all scenes recorded on a
particular date. This option is available
only from the original index screen.

SLIDESHOW

(65)

[CANCEL], [START]

PROTECT

(72)

Press to enter the image selection
screen in order to select the still images
you want to protect.

Press to enter the image selection
screen in order to select the still images
for which you want to set print orders.

TRANSFER ORDER

(88)

Press to enter the image selection
screen in order to select the still images
you want to mark with a transfer order.

Setup Menus

In the setup menus, you can also use
the control dial to navigate the menus
and adjust settings.

Camera Setup (DigitalZoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.)

CAMERA SETUP

A.SL SHUTTER

Mode switch: AUTO or P (only in the
[ PROGRAM AE] recording program)

[ON], [ OFF]
The camcorder automatically uses slow

shutter speeds to obtain brighter
recordings in places with insufficient
lighting.

41

Video

Operating Mode Shutter Speed

with [ PF25] frame rate.

Used

As low as 1/25

As low as 1/12

• In mode, set the flash
mode to (flash off).

• If a trailing afterimage appears, set
the slow shutter to [ OFF].

• If (camcorder shake warning)
appears, we recommend stabilizing
the camcorder, for example, by
mounting it on a tripod.

D.ZOOM

[ OFF], [ 40X], [ 200X]
Determines the operation of the digital

zoom. The color of the indicator
indicates the zoom as follows.

Optical Zoom Digital Zoom

White Light

Up to 10x 10x -

blue

40x

Dark
blue

40x -
200x

• When activated, the camcorder will
switch automatically to the digital
zoom when you zoom in beyond the
optical zoom range.

• With the digital zoom the image is
digitally processed, so the image
resolution will deteriorate the more
you zoom in.

• The digital zoom cannot be used with
the [ NIGHT] recording program.

ZOOM SPEED

[VARIABLE], [ SPEED 3],
[ SPEED 2], [ SPEED 1]

• When set to [ VARIABLE] the
zoom speed depends on how you
operate the zoom lever: Press lightly
for a slow zoom; press harder for
faster zooms.

• The fastest zoom speed can be
achieved with [ VARIABLE].
Among the fixed zoom speeds,
[ SPEED 3] is the fastest and
[ SPEED 1] the slowest.

AF MODE

[ INSTANT AF], [ NORMAL AF]
Select how fast the autofocus will

operate.

• With [ INSTANT AF] the autofocus
adjusts quickly to a new subject. This
is convenient for example when
changing the focus from a near
subject to a far subject in the
background, or when recording fast-
moving subjects.

• When the optional Wide-converter or
Tele-converter is attached to the
camcorder, it may partially obstruct
the Instant AF sensor. Set the AF
mode to [ NORMAL AF].

42

FOCUS ASSIST

Mode switch: P
[ON], [ OFF]

• The focus assist function magnifies
the image that appears at the center
of the screen to help you focus
manually.

• Using the focus assist function will
not affect the recordings. The focus
assist function will be cancelled when
you start recording.

IMG STAB

Using this frame rate will give your
recordings a cinematic look. When
combined with the [ CINE MODE]
recording program ( 48), the
cinematic look will be enhanced.

AF AST LAMP

(68)

[AUTO], [ OFF]

FOCUS PRI.

(69)

Mode switch: P
[ ON:AiAF], [ ON:CENTER],

[OFF]

Mode switch: P
[ON], [ OFF]
The image stabilizer compensates for
camcorder shake even at full telephoto.

• The image stabilizer is designed to
compensate for a normal degree of
camcorder shake.

• The image stabilizer cannot be turned
off when the mode switch is set to
AUTO.

• We recommend setting the image
stabilizer to [ OFF] when using a
tripod.

FRAME RATE

Mode switch: P
[50i NORMAL], [ PF25]

Selects the frame rate to be used when
recording.

[ PF25]: 25 frames per second,
progressive.

REVIEW

[OFF], [2sec], [ 4 sec],
[ 6 sec], [ 8 sec], [ 10 sec]
Selects the time to display a still image
after it has been recorded on the
memory card.

• This menu item will not be available
when the drive mode ( 68) is set to
[ C O NT. S HO O T.] , [ HIS P EE D
CONT.SHOOT.] or [ AEB].

• If you press while reviewing a

DISP.

still image it will continue to be
displayed indefinitely. Press

PHOTO

halfway to return to the normal
display.

SELF TIMER

(53)

[ON], [ OFF]

43

Video

WIND SCREEN

Mode switch: P
[AUTO], [ OFF ]

The camcorder automatically reduces
the background sound of wind when
recording outdoors.

• The wind screen cannot be turned off

when the mode switch is set to AUTO.

• Some low-frequency sounds will be
suppressed along with the sound of
wind. When recording in surroundings
unaffected by wind or if you want to
record low-frequency sounds, we
recommend setting the wind screen
to [ OFF ].

Hard Disk Operations (HDD Usage Info, Initializing the Hard Disk, etc.)

HDD OPERATIONS

HDD USAGE INFO

Displays a screen where you can verify
the approximate used hard disk space.
This option is available only from the
original index screen.

• Hard disk space is calculated in

0.1 GB increments and rounded off.
In addition, some hard disk space is
used for file management data. As a
result, the total space will be slightly
less than 40 GB.

INITIALIZE HDD

( 61)

DROP SENSOR

[ ON], [ OFF ]
Detects when the camcorder is dropped
and activates a protection mechanism to

help prevent hard disk damage. While the
mechanism is active, appears in red
on the screen and playback/recording
may stop. This option is available only
from the original index screen.

• Keep this function set to [ ON] in
most situations. Deactivating this
function can increase the likelihood of
hard disk damage should the
camcorder be dropped. Even if this
function is set to [ ON] and the
camcorder is dropped, hard disk
damage can occur.

• You can set the drop sensor to
[ OFF ] to record while, for
example, riding a roller coaster. If left
set to [ ON] and the protection
mechanism activates, its operation
noise may be heard and recording/
playback may stop.

DEL.PLAYLIST

(38)

[NO], [YES]
This option is available only in the
playlist index screen.

Still Image Operations (C ard Initialization, etc. )

STILL IMG OPER.

[NO], [YES]
Initializes the hard disk. This option is

available only from the original index
screen.

44

ERASE ALL ORD

[NO], [YES]

( 79)

ERASE ALL ORD

A

(88)

connected using the STV-250N Stereo
Video Cable.

[NO], [YES]

ERASE ALL IMAGES

(66)

[NO], [YES]

INITIALIZE CARD

(73)

[INITIALIZE], [COMPL.INIT.], [CANCEL]

Display Setup (LCD Brightness, Language, etc.)

DISPLAY SETUP

BRIGHTNESS

Adjusts the brightness of the LCD
screen.

• Press or or use the control dial
to adjust the brightness to your
preference.

• Changing the brightness of the LCD
screen does not affect the brightness
of your recordings, that of the playback
image on a TV or that of the viewfinder.

TV SCREEN

[ON], [ OFF]
When set to [ ON], the camcorder’s
on-screen displays will appear also on

the screen of a TV or monitor

DATA CODE

(39)

[ DATE], [ TIME], [DATE & TIME],
[ CAMERA DATA]

Displays the date and/or time when the
scene was recorded.
[ CAMERA DATA]:

aperture (f-stop) and shutter speed used
when recording the image.

MARKERS

Displays the

[ OFF], [ LEVEL(WHT)],
[ LEVEL(GRY)], [ GRID(WHT)],
[GRID(GRY)]
You can display a grid or a horizontal
line at the center of the screen. The
markers are available in white or gray.
Use the markers as a reference to make
sure your subject is framed correctly
(vertically and/or horizontally).

• Using the markers will not affect the
recordings on the hard disk or
memory card.

LANGUAGE

(25)

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

ROMAN

[ ], [ ], [ ],
[ ], [ ], [ ], [ ],
[]

45

Video

DEMO MODE

[ON], [ OFF]
The demonstration mode displays the

camcorder’s main features. It starts
automatically when the camcorder is
powered with the compact power
adapter if you leave it turned on for
more than 5 minutes.

• To cancel the demo mode once it has
started, press any button or turn off
the camcorder.

System Setup (Volume, Beep, etc.)

SYSTEM SETUP

WL.REMOTE

camcorder, the self-timer countdown,
etc.

POWER SAVE

[ON], [ OFF]
In order to save power when the

camcorder is powered by a battery
pack, it will automatically shut off if left
without any operation for 5 minutes.

• Approximately 30 seconds before the
camcorder shuts off, the message
“ AUTO POWER OFF” will appear.

• In standby mode, the camcorder will
shut off after the time selected for the
[ STANDBY OFF] setting.

STANDBY OFF

( 32)

[ON], [ OFF ]
Allows the camcorder to be operated

with the wireless controller.

SPEAKER VOL.

Press or or use the control dial to
adjust the volume of the playback. You
can also adjust the volume using the
function guide ( 34).

BEEP

[HIGH VOLUME],
[LOW VOLUME], [ OFF]
A beep will accompany some
operations like turning on the

46

[ 10 min], [ 20 min],
[ 30 min]

Select the length of time after which the
camcorder will end the standby mode
and shut off automatically.

IMG QUALITY

[ SUPER FINE], [FINE],
[NORMAL]

Select the quality of a still image
captured from a scene.

FILE NOS.

[RESET], [CONTINUOUS]
Select the image numbering method to

be used on a new memory card.
Images are automatically assigned

consecutive image numbers from 0101
to 9900, and stored in folders
containing up to 100 images. Folders
are numbered from 101 to 998.
[ RESET]: Image numbers will restart
from 101-0101 every time you insert a
new memory card.
[ CONTINUOUS]: Image numbers
will continue from the number following
that of the last image recorded with the
camcorder.

• If the memory card you insert already
contains an image with a larger
number, a new image will be assigned
a number one higher than that of the
last image on the memory card.

• We recommend using the
[ CONTINUOUS] setting.

AV/PHONES

[ AV], [ PHONES]

PHONES VOL.

NOTES

• Lower the volume before connecting the
headphones.

• In mode, you can also adjust
the volume using the function guide
(34).

TV TYPE

[ NORMAL TV], [ WIDE TV]
In order to display the picture in full and
in the correct aspect ratio, select the

setting according to the type of
television to which you will connect the
camcorder.

[ NORMAL TV]: TV sets with 4:3
aspect ratio.

[ WIDE TV]: TV sets with 16:9
aspect ratio.

• The setting cannot be selected while
the camcorder is connected to an
HDTV using the optional HTC-100
HDMI Cable.

• When the TV type is set to
[ NORMAL TV], the picture
displayed on the LCD screen will be
smaller than the full display area.

• When the TV type is set to
[ NORMAL TV], still images
cannot be captured from the
playback scene ( 72).

COMP.OUT

When [AV/PHONES] is set to
[ PHONES], press or or use the
control dial to adjust the volume of the
headphones.

[ 576i], [ 1080i]
You can select the video specifications

to use when connecting the camcorder
to a high-definition TV using the
component video connection.

47

Video

[ 576i]: To use the 576i specification
(standard definition).
[ 1080i]: To use the full 1080i high
definition specification.

• This setting will be unavailable while
the camcorder is connected to an
external device using the optional
HTC-100 HDMI Cable.

HDMI STATUS

You can verify the specification of the
video output signal from the HDMI OUT
mini terminal.

FIRMWARE

You can verify the current version of the
camcorder’s firmware. This menu
option is usually grayed out.

Date/Time Setup

DATE/TIME SETUP

T.ZONE/DST

DATE/TIME

( 25)

( 24)

Additional Functions

Giving a Cinematic Look to your
Recordings

Give your recordings a cinematic look
by using the [ CINE MODE]
recording program. Combine this
recording program with the 25 fps
progressive frame rate [ PF25] to
get the enhanced effect of the 25p
Cinema Mode.

Using the [ CINE MODE] Recording
Program

With the [ CINE MODE] recording
program, the camcorder adjusts
various image settings to give a
cinematic look to your recordings.

POINTS TO CHECK

( 21)

Mode switch: P

DATE FORMAT

[Y.M.D (2007.1.1 AM 12:00)],
[M.D,Y (JAN. 1, 2007 12:00 AM)],

[D.M.Y (1.JAN.2007 12:00 AM)]

Changes the date format for on-screen
displays and for date printing.

48

FUNC.

( 23)

FUNC.

FUNC.

Icon of the currently selected

Recording Program

CINE MODE

Setting the 25p Cinema Mode

You can combine the [ CINE MODE]
recording program and the [ PF25]
frame rate to achieve the 25p Cinema
Mode, which will enhance the cinematic
look of your recordings.

POINTS TO CHECK

( 21)

Mode switch: P
Set the recording program to [ CINE

MODE], as described in the previous
section.

FUNC.

MENU

CAMERA SETUP

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 50.

POINTS TO CHECK

( 21)

Mode switch: P

FUNC.

( 23)

FRAME RATE

FUNC.

PF25

NOTES

Do not move the mode switch to AUTO
during the actual recording of a scene; the
brightness of the picture may change
abruptly.

FUNC.

FUNC.

Icon of the currently selected

Recording Program

Last icon on the right (icon of
the currently selected

Scene

)

Special

Desired option

49

Video

NOTES

• Do not move the mode switch to AUTO
during the actual recording of a scene;
the brightness of the picture may
change abruptly.

• [ PORTRAIT]/[ SPORTS]/
[ BEACH]/[ SNOW]

- The picture may not appear smooth

during playback.

•[ PORTRAIT]

- The blur effect of the background

increases the more you zoom in (T).

• [ NIGHT]

- Moving subjects may leave a trailing

afterimage.

- Picture quality may not be as good as

in other modes.

[ PORTRAIT]

The camcorder uses
a large aperture,
achieving a focus on
the subject while
blurring other distracting details.

[ SPORTS]

Use this mode to
record sports
scenes such as
tennis or golf.

- White points may appear on the
screen.

- Autofocus may not work as well as in
other modes. In such case, adjust the
focus manually.

• [ SNOW]/[ BEACH]

- The subject may become
overexposed on cloudy days or in
shaded places. Check the image on
the screen.

• [ FIREWORKS]

- To avoid camcorder shake, we
recommend using a tripod. Make sure
to use a tripod especially in

mode, as the shutter

speed slows down.

[ BEACH]

Use this mode to
record on a sunny
beach. It prevents
the subject from
being underexposed.

[SUNSET]

Use this mode to
record sunsets in
vibrant colors.

[NIGHT]

Use this mode to
record in dimly lit
places.

[SNOW]

Use this mode to
record in bright ski
resorts. It prevents
the subject from
being underexposed.

50

[ SPOTLIGHT]

Use this mode to
record spotlit
scenes.

[ FIREWORKS]

Use this mode to
record fireworks.

Flexible Recording: Changing the

Aperture and Shutter Speed

FUNC.

Icon of the currently selected

Recording Program

Use the automatic exposure (AE)
program or give priority to the exposure
value or the shutter speed.

Use a high shutter speed to record fast
moving subjects or a slow shutter
speed to add motion blur, emphasizing
the feel of movement.

Use low aperture values (larger lens
opening) to softly blur the background
in a portrait or high aperture values
(smaller lens opening) to get a wider
depth of field, giving a sharp focus all
throughout a landscape.

POINTS TO CHECK

( 21)

Mode switch: P

Options

[ PROGRAM AE]

The camcorder automatically adjusts the
aperture and shutter speed to obtain the optimal
exposure for the subject.

[ SHUTTER-PRIO.AE]

Set the shutter speed value. The camcorder
automatically sets the appropriate aperture
value.

[ APERTURE-PRIO.AE]

Set the aperture value. The camcorder
automatically sets the appropriate shutter speed.





Default value

FUNC.

Desired option

TO SET THE SHUTTER SPEED OR APERTURE

VALUE

When you select [ SHUTTER-
PRIO.AE] or [ APERTURE-PRIO.AE],
a numeric value will appear next to the
recording program icon.

1 If the function guide appears on

the screen, press to hide it.

2 Press or to adjust the shutter

speed or aperture value to the
desired value.

Shutter speed guidelines

Note that on screen only the denominator
is displayed – [ 250] indicates a
shutter speed of 1/250 second, etc.

1/2*, 1/3*, 1/6, 1/12, 1/25

To record in dimly lit places.

1/50

To record under most ordinary conditions.

1/120

To record indoor sports scenes.

1/250, 1/500, 1/1000**

To record from within a moving car or train or to
shoot fast-moving subjects such as roller
coasters.

1/2000**

To record outdoor sports scenes on sunny days.

FUNC.

( 23)

51

Video

Available Aperture Values

[1.8]**, [2.0]**, [2.4]**, [2.8], [3.4], [4.0],
[4.8], [5.6], [6.7], [8.0]

* mode only.
** mode only.

NOTES

• When setting a numeric value (aperture
or shutter speed), the number display
will flash if the aperture or shutter speed
is not appropriate for the recording
conditions. In such case, select a
different value.

• Do not move the mode switch to AUTO
during the actual recording of a scene;
the brightness of the picture may
change abruptly.

• [ SHUTTER-PRIO.AE]

- If you use a slow shutter speed in dark

places, you can obtain a brighter
image, but the image quality may be
lower, and the autofocus may not work
well.

- The image may flicker when recording

with high shutter speeds.

• [ APERTURE-PRIO.AE]
The actual range of values available for
selection will vary depending on the
initial zoom position.

Mini Video Light

You can turn on the mini video light
(assist lamp) at any time, regardless of
the recording program.

( 21)

1 If the function guide does not

appear on screen, press to
display it.

2 Press to select .

• If does not appear on the
function guide, repeatedly press
to display it.

• appears on the screen.

• Press again to turn the mini
video light off.

TO USE THE OPTIONAL VL-3 VIDEO LIGHT

You can attach the optional VL-3 Video
Light to the advanced accessory shoe if
you want a more powerful video light
than the built-in mini video light. For
details about attaching and using the
video light, refer to the instruction
manual of the VL-3. When a video
accessory is attached to the advanced
accessory shoe, will appear on the
screen.

NOTES

• We recommend not using the mini video
light while the optional Wide-converter
or Tele-converter is attached; its
shadow can appear on the screen.

• The built-in mini video light will be
disabled automatically when you attach
the optional VL-3 Video Light. To use the
built-in mini video light, set the switch
on the VL-3 to OFF first.

52

Self Timer

Manual Focus Adjustment

( 21)

FUNC.

( 23)

FUNC.

MENU

CAMERA SETUP

SELF TIMER

FUNC.

ON

appears.

:

In record pause mode, press

START/STOP

.

The camcorder starts recording after a
10-second countdown*. The
countdown appears on the screen.

:

PHOTO

Press , first halfway to
activate the autofocus and then fully.

The camcorder will record the still
image after a 10-second countdown*.
The countdown appears on the screen.

* 2 seconds when using the wireless

controller.

NOTES

Once the countdown has begun, you can

START/STOP

press (when recording
movies), press fully (when
recording still images) or turn off the
camcorder to cancel the self timer.

PHOTO

Autofocus may not work well on the
following subjects. In such case, focus
manually.

• Reflective surfaces

• Subjects with low contrast or without

vertical lines

• Fast moving subjects

• Through wet windows

•Night scenes

POINTS TO CHECK

( 21)

Adjust the zoom before you start the
procedure.

Mode switch: P

1 If the function guide does not

appear on screen, press to
display it.

2 Press to select [FOCUS].

• If [FOCUS] does not appear on the
function guide, repeatedly press
to display it.

• “MF” appears.

3 Press or once to verify if the

image is focused.

The center of the screen will be
magnified to help you focus more
easily. You can also turn off the focus
assist function ( 43).

53

Video

4 Keep or pressed down to

adjust the focus as necessary.

• You can also use the control dial to
make smaller adjustments.

• Pressing to select [FOCUS]
again will return the camcorder to
autofocus.

5 Press .

• The focus will be locked.

• Pressing and then to select
[FOCUS] again will return the
camcorder to autofocus.

Infinity Focus

Use this function when you wish to
focus on faraway subjects such as
mountains or fireworks.

POINTS TO CHECK

( 21)

Adjust the zoom before you start the
procedure.

Mode switch: P

1 If the function guide does not

appear on screen, press to
display it.

2 Keep pressed down for more

than 2 seconds.

• appears.

• Pressing to select [FOCUS]
again will return the camcorder to
autofocus.

• If you use the control dial, operate
the zoom or press or ,
changes to “MF” and the camcorder
returns to manual focusing mode.

Automatic Backlight Correction and
Manual Exposure Adjustment

At times, backlit subjects may appear
too dark (underexposed) or subjects
under very strong lights may appear too
bright or glaring (overexposed). To
correct this, you can manually adjust
the exposure or use the automatic
backlight correction.

POINTS TO CHECK

( 21)

Mode switch: P (except for the
[ FIREWORKS] recording program).

Automatic Backlight Correction

When shooting subjects with a strong
light source behind them, you can have
the camcorder automatically correct for
the backlight with the press of a single
button.

54

BLC

Press .

• appears.

• Press again to end the backlight

BLC

correction mode.

Manual Exposure Adjustment

1 If the function guide does not

appear on screen, press to
display it.

2 Press to select [EXP].

• If [EXP] does not appear on the
function guide, repeatedly press
to display it.

• The exposure adjustment indicator

and the neutral value “±0”

appear on the screen.

• If you operate the zoom during
exposure lock, the brightness of
the image may change.

3 Press or to adjust the

brightness of the image as
required.

• You can also use the control dial.

• Pressing to select [EXP] again
will cancel the exposure lock and
return the camcorder to automatic
exposure.

4 Press .

• The exposure adjustment indicator
will change to white and the
exposure will be locked.

• Pressing and then to select
[EXP] again will return the
camcorder to autofocus.

White Balance

The white balance function helps you to
accurately reproduce colors under
different lighting conditions so that
white objects will always look truly
white in your recordings.

POINTS TO CHECK

( 21)

Mode switch: P (except for the Special
Scene recording programs)

Options

[AUTO]

Settings are automatically set by the camcorder.
Use this setting for outdoor scenes.

[ DAYLIGHT]

For recording outdoors on a bright day.

[ SHADE]

For recording in shaded places.

[CLOUDY]

For recording on a cloudy day.

[ TUNGSTEN]

For recording under tungsten and tungsten type
(3-wavelength) fluorescent lighting.

[ FLUORESCENT]

For recording under warm white, cool white or
warm white type (3-wavelength) fluorescent
lighting.

[ FLUORESCENT H]

For recording under daylight or daylight type
(3-wavelength) fluorescent lighting.





Default value

55

Video

[ SET]

Use the custom white balance setting to make
white subjects appear white under colored
lighting.

FUNC.

( 23)

FUNC.

FUNC.

* When you select [ SET], do not press

following procedure.

Icon of the currently selected

White Balance

Desired option*

FUNC.

and continue instead with the

TO SET THE CUSTOM WHITE BALANCE

1 Point the camcorder at a white

object, zoom in until it fills the
whole screen and press .

When the adjustment is completed,

stops flashing and stays on. The
camcorder retains the custom
setting even if you turn off the
camcorder.

2 Press to save the setting

• When you select the custom white balance:

FUNC.

and close the menu.

NOTES

- Set the custom white balance in a
sufficiently illuminated place.

- Turn off the digital zoom ( 42).

- Reset the white balance when the
lighting conditions change.

- Depending on the light source,
may keep flashing. The result will still
be better than with [ AUTO].

• Custom white balance may provide
better results in the following cases:

- Changing lighting conditions

-Close-ups

- Subjects in a single color (sky, sea or

forest)

- Under mercury lamps and certain

types of fluorescent lights

• Depending on the type of fluorescent
light, optimal color balance may not be
obtained with [ FLUORESCENT] or
[ FLUORESCENT H]. If the color looks
unnatural, adjust it using [ AUTO] or
[ SET].

Image Effects

You can use the image effects to
change the color saturation and
contrast to record images with special
color effects.

POINTS TO CHECK

( 21)

Mode switch: P (except for the Special
Scene recording programs)





Default value

Options

[ IMAGE EFFECT OFF]

Records with no image enhancing effects.

[ VIVID]

Emphasizes the contrast and color saturation.

[ NEUTRAL]

Tones down the contrast and color saturation.

[ LOW SHARPENING]

Records subjects with softened outlines.

56

[ SOFT SKIN DETAIL]

Softens the details in the skin tone area for a
more complimentary appearance. To obtain the
best effect, use this setting when recording a
person in close-up. Note that areas similar to the
skin color may lack in detail.

[ CUSTOM]

Allows you to adjust the color depth, brightness,
contrast, and sharpness of the image.
[COL.DEPTH]: (–) Shallower colors,

[BRIGHTN.]: (–) Darker picture,

[CONTRAST]: (–) Flatter picture,

[SHARPNESS]: (–) Vaguer outlines,

FUNC.

( 23)

FUNC.

FUNC.

* When you select [ CUSTOM], do not

press and continue instead with the
following procedure.

(+) Richer color tonality

(+) Brighter picture

(+) More defined light and shade

(+) Sharper outlines

Icon of the currently selected

Image Effect

Desired option*

FUNC.

TO SET THE CUSTOM IMAGE EFFECT

1 Press and press or to

select the custom setting options.

You can also use the control dial.

2 Press or to adjust each

setting as desired and then
press .

3 Press to save the setting

FUNC.

and close the menu.

Digital Effects

POINTS TO CHECK

( 21)

Mode switch: P

only.

Options

[ D.EFFECT OFF]

Select this setting when you do not intend to use
the digital effects.

[ FADE-T] (fade trigger), [ WIPE]

Select one of the faders to begin or end a scene
with a fade from or to a black screen.

[ BLK&WHT]

Records images in black and white.

[ SEPIA]

Records images in sepia tones for an “old” look.

[ ART]

Select this effect to add “flavor” to your
recordings.

• When you apply a fader, not only the

picture but also the sound will fade in or
out. When you apply an effect, the
sound will be recorded normally.

• The camcorder retains the last setting

used even if you turn off the digital
effects or change the recording
program.

:[ BLK&WHT], [ SEPIA ]



NOTES



Default value

57

Video

Setting

FUNC.

( 23)

FUNC.

FUNC.

* You can preview the effect on the screen.
**The icon of the selected effect appears.

Icon of the currently selected

Digital Effect

**

Desired fader/effect*

Applying

1 If the function guide does not

appear on screen, press to
display it.

2 Press to select .

• If does not appear on the
function guide, repeatedly press
to display it.

• The icon of the selected effect
turns green.

• Press again to deactivate the
fader/effect.

TO FADE IN

Press in record pause mode ( ),
then press to start
recording with a fade in.

START/STOP

TO FADE OUT

Press while recording ( ), then

START/STOP

press to fade out and
pause the recording.

TO ACTIVATE AN EFFECT

in record pause mode.

PHOTO

: Press while recording or

: Press and then press

to record the still image.

Using an External Microphone

When recording in very quiet
surroundings, the built-in microphone
may pick up the sound of the
camcorder's internal machinery. In such
case, we recommend using an external
microphone.

Microphones compatible with the
advanced accessory shoe

You can attach to the advanced
accessory shoe on the camcorder an
optional DM-50 Directional Stereo
Microphone or any commercially
available microphone compatible with
the advanced accessory shoe. For
details, refer to the instruction manual
of the microphone.

When attaching an accessory, first
extend the viewfinder and then remove
the advanced accessory shoe cover.
When a compatible accessory is
attached to the advanced accessory
shoe, will appear on the screen.

58

Other microphones

You can also use commercially
available microphones not compatible
with the advanced accessory shoe, by
connecting the external microphone to
the MIC terminal. Use commercially
available condenser microphones with
their own power supply and a cable no
longer than 3 m. You can connect
almost any stereo microphone with a
∅ 3.5 mm plug but the audio recording
level may vary.

NOTES

• Be careful when attaching a very long
external microphone; it may appear on
the screen.

• When the DM-50 or other microphone is
connected to the camcorder, [WIND
SCREEN] will automatically be set to
[ OFF ].

59

Video

Managing Scenes and the Hard
Disk

Creating a Playlist

Create a playlist to play back only the
scenes you prefer and in the order of
your choice. After you add scenes to
the playlist, press to switch
between the original scenes and the
playlist.

Original index screen (original recordings)

ORIGINAL

PLAYLIST

Playlist index screen

Adding Scenes to the Playlist

Select [ALL SCENES (THIS DATE)] to
add to the playlist all scenes taken on a
particular date. Select [ONE SCENE] to
add only the selected scene.

POINTS TO CHECK

PLAYLIST

FUNC.

( 23)

FUNC.

ADD TO PLAYLIST

Desired option

YES

When the operation is completed
“ADDED TO PLAYLIST” will be
displayed. To delete scenes from the
playlist, refer to Deleting Scenes ( 38).

Moving Scenes in the Playlist

POINTS TO CHECK

( 21)

From the original index screen, press

PLAYLIST

screen, use the navigation buttons to
select the scene to move.

FUNC.

( 23)

. From the playlist index

( 21)

From the original index screen, use the
navigation buttons to select the scene
to add to the playlist. To add all scenes
recorded on a particular date, select a
scene recorded on that date.

60

FUNC.

MOVE

Use the navigation buttons or
the control dial to move the
orange marker to the new
position of the scene and
press .

YES

NOTES

The numbers at the bottom indicate the
scene's original position (on the left) and
the marker's position (on the right).

Initializing the Hard Disk

Initializing erases all movies on the hard
disk, allowing you free up space for
more recordings. In addition, it reduces
hard disk fragmentation, which may
reduce performance and occurs as
movies are recorded and deleted over
time.

IMPORTANT

• Initializing the hard disk will permanently
erase all recordings. The lost original
recordings cannot be recovered. Make
sure you back up important recordings
in advance using an external device.

• While initializing, do not disconnect the
power source or turn off the camcorder.

• Do not use your computer to initialize
the camcorder's hard disk. Doing so will
result in the camcorder ceasing to
function properly.

*

* Original index screen only

FUNC.

( 23)

FUNC.

MENU

( 21)

HDD OPERATIONS

INITIALIZE HDD

YES

**

FUNC.

**Close the menu only after the screen

display returns to the [HDD OPERATIONS]
menu.

YES

61

Photos

Refer to this chapter for details on shooting photos – from capturing
and playing back images to printing them.

Recording

Taking Photos

Before using a memory card for the first
time, be sure to initialize it with this
camcorder ( 73).

( 21)

1 Move the / switch to (Still

images).

2 Turn the switch to ON to set

the camcorder in CAMERA mode.

The red CAMERA indicator will turn
on.

3 Press halfway.

4 Press fully.

Observe the following precautions while
the card access display ( ) appears
on screen, and when the CARD access
indicator is on or flashing. Failing to do so
may result in permanent data loss.

- Do not subject the camcorder to
vibrations or strong impacts.

- Do not remove the memory card.

- Do not disconnect the power source or
turn off the camcorder.

- Do not change the position of the /
switch or the operating mode.

• If the subject is not suitable for

• When the subject is too bright,

PHOTO

• Once the focus is automatically
adjusted, will turn green and
one or more AF frames will appear.

• When you press on the
wireless controller, the still image is
recorded immediately.

PHOTO

The CARD access indicator will flash
as the still image is being recorded.

IMPORTANT

NOTES

autofocus, turns yellow. Adjust the
focus manually ( 53).

“OVEREXP.” starts flashing. In such
case, use the optional FS-43U II ND
filter.

PHOTO

62

Selecting Photo Size and Quality

FUNC.

Icon of the currently selected

Image Quality/Size

Still images are recorded on the
memory card using JPEG compression.
As a general rule select a larger image
size for higher quality. Select the
[LW 1920x1080] size for photos with an
aspect ratio of 16:9.

( 21)

Options

Image size options and the approximate
number of still images that can be
recorded on memory cards of various
sizes are given in the table below.

FUNC.

( 23)

FUNC.

* The number displayed on the right corner

indicates the approximate number of
images that can be recorded with the
current quality/size setting.

• Depending on the number of images on
the memory card (Windows: 1,800
images or more; Macintosh: 1,000
images or more), you may not be able to
transfer images to a computer. Try using

Desired image size*

Press

Desired image quality*

NOTES

a card reader.

• Connection to a PictBridge-compatible
printer will not work when the memory
card contains 1,800 images or more. For
best performance, we recommend
keeping the number of images on the
memory card under 100.



Default value

Approximate number of still images on a memory card

Memory Card 32 MB 128 MB 512 MB
Image Quality* →
Image Size ↓

LW 1920x1080 20 30 60 90 135 265 350 525 1,040

L 2048x1536



M 1440x1080 25 40 80 120 180 350 470 700 1,370

SW 848x480** 105 150 305 450 635 1,275 1,775 2,515 5,030

S 640x480 140 205 375 600 865 1,560 2,320 3,355 6,040

* : [SUPER FINE], : [FINE], : [NORMAL]
**This size is only available for recording simultaneously on the hard disk and memory card.

  

10 20 40 60 85 180 235 350 700

63

Photos

• When printing still images, use the
following guidelines as a reference for
selecting the print size.

Image Size Recommended Use

L 2048x1536 To print photos up to A4 size.

M 1440x1080 To print photos up to L size

S 640x480 To send images as e-mail

LW 1920x1080,
SW 848x480

(9 x 13 cm) or postcard size
(10 x 14.8 cm).

attachments or to post on
the Web.

To print photos with a 16:9
aspect ratio. Wide-sized
photo paper is required.

Erasing the Last Photo Just Recorded

You can erase the still image recorded
last while reviewing it within the time set
for the [REVIEW] option or immediately
after recording it, if [REVIEW] is set to
[OFF].

( 21)

While reviewing the image immediately
after recording:

1 Press to select .
2 Press or to select [ERASE]

and press .

Playback

Viewing Photos

( 21)

1 Move the / switch to (Still

images).

2 Turn the switch to ON, then

turn it toward MODE and release it
to set the camcorder in PLAY
mode.

The green PLAY indicator will turn
on.

3 Press or to move between

images.

Image Jump Function

You can locate a specific image without
having to browse all of them one by
one.

64

TO RUN THROUGH THE STILL IMAGES

Press or and hold it down to run
quickly through the still images.

TO SKIP 10 OR 100 STILL IMAGES

- Do not disconnect the power source
or turn off the camcorder.

- Do not change the position of the

/ switch or the operating mode.

• The following may not be displayed
correctly.

- Images not recorded with this

camcorder.

- Images edited on or uploaded from a

computer.

- Images whose file names have been

changed.

Slideshow

FUNC.

( 23)

1 If the function guide does not

appear on screen, press to
display it.

2Press to select .

3 Press or to select [ JUMP

10 IMAGES] or [ JUMP 100
IMAGES].

4 Press or to jump the number

of images selected and press .

• You can press again to hide
the function guide.

• You can also use the control dial.

IMPORTANT

• Observe the following precautions while
the card access display ( ) appears
on screen, and when the CARD access
indicator is on or flashing. Failing to do
so may result in permanent data loss.

- Do not subject the camcorder to

vibrations or strong impacts.

- Do not remove the memory card.

1 Press .

FUNC.

2 Press or to select

[ SLIDESHOW] and press .

You can also use the control dial.

3 Press or to select [START]

and press .

• Images are played back one after
another.

• Press to stop the slideshow.

FUNC.

Index Screen

1 Press the W side of the zoom lever.

The still images index screen appears.

2 Use the navigation buttons to

select an image.

• Move the green selection frame to
the image you want to view.

• You can also turn the control dial
to run quickly through the index
screens.

3 Press .

The index screen closes and the
selected image is displayed.

65

Photos

Magnifying Photos during Playback

During playback, still images can be
magnified up to 5 times.

( 21)

1 Press the T side of the zoom lever.

• The image is magnified by 2 times
and a frame appears indicating the
position of the magnified area.

• To further enlarge the image, press
the T side of the zoom lever. To
reduce the magnification to less
than 2 times, press the W side of
the zoom lever.

• will appear for images that
cannot be enlarged.

2 Use the navigation buttons to

move the frame to the part of the
image you want to see enlarged.

To cancel the magnification, press
the W side of the zoom lever until the
frame disappears.

Erasing a Single Image

( 21)

1

If the function guide does not appear
on screen, press to display it.

2 Press to select .
3 Press or to select [ERASE]

and press .

Erasing All Images

The following procedure will erase all
the non-protected still images from the
memory card (all images except those
with the mark).

( 21)

FUNC.

( 23)

FUNC.

MENU

STILL IMG OPER.

ERASE ALL IMAGES

Erasing Photos

You can erase still images recorded on
the memory card.

66

FUNC.

Be careful when erasing images. Erased
images cannot be recovered.

Protected images on the memory card
cannot be erased.

YES

IMPORTANT

NOTES

Additional Functions

Flash

• Repeatedly press to cycle
between the flash modes.

• disappears after 4 seconds.

3 Press , first halfway to

PHOTO

activate the autofocus and then
fully to record the still image.

You can use the built-in flash to record
still images in dark places. The flash
features the red-eye reduction function.

( 21)

Options



(auto)

The flash fires automatically according to the
brightness of the subject.

(red-eye reduction, auto)

The flash fires automatically according to the
brightness of the subject. The assist lamp lights
up to reduce the red-eye effect.

(flash on)

The flash always fires.

(flash off)

The flash does not fire.



Default value

1 If the function guide does not

appear on screen, press to
display it.

2 Press to select .

• If does not appear on the
function guide, repeatedly press
to display it.

TO USE THE OPTIONAL VFL-1 VIDEO FLASH
LIGHT

You can attach the optional VFL-1
Video Flash Light to the advanced
accessory shoe if you want a more
powerful flash than the built-in flash.
The procedure for setting the flash
mode is the same as described above.
For details about attaching and using
the flash, refer to the instruction manual
of the VFL-1. The VFL-1 can also be
used as a video light. When a video
accessory is attached to the advanced
accessory shoe, will appear on the
screen.

NOTES

• The practical range of the built-in flash
is approx. 1 to 2 m. The practical range
with the VFL-1 Video Flash Light
attached is approx. 1 to 4 m. In any
case, the actual range will depend on
the recording conditions.

• The range of the flash decreases in
continuous shooting mode.

• For red-eye reduction to be effective,
the subject needs to look at the assist
lamp. The degree of reduction depends
on the distance and on each individual.

• The flash will not fire in the following
cases:

- When you manually adjust the

exposure in (auto) or (red-eye
reduction) mode.

67

Photos

- During auto exposure bracketing.

- In the [ FIREWORKS] recording
program.

• The flash mode cannot be selected
when the exposure is locked.

• We recommend not using the flash while
the optional Wide-converter or
Tele-converter is attached; its shadow
can appear on the screen.

• About the AF-Assist Lamp: While you press

PHOTO

halfway, if the subject is too
dark the assist lamp may light up briefly
in order to enable the camcorder to
focus more accurately (AF-assist lamp).
You can also set [AF AST LAMP] to
[ OFF] so the assist lamp does not
light up ( 43).

- The camcorder may not be able to

focus even if the AF-assist lamp is on.

- The brightness of the AF-assist lamp

could be an inconvenience. Consider
turning it off in public places such as
restaurants.

• The built-in mini video light may be
disabled automatically when you attach
the optional VFL-1 Video Flash Light. To
use the built-in mini video light, set the
switch on the VFL-1 to OFF first.

Continuous Shooting and Exposure
Bracketing (Drive Mode)

Take a series of pictures of a moving
subject or record the same picture in 3
levels of exposure in order to choose
later the picture you like the best.

POINTS TO CHECK

( 21)

Mode switch: P (except for the
[ FIREWORKS] recording program).

Options

[SINGLE]

Records a single still image.

[ CONT.SHOOT.] (Continuous Shooting),
[ HISPEED CONT.SHOOT. ]
(High-Speed Continuous Shooting)

Captures a series of still images as long as you
hold pressed down. For the number of
frames per second, refer to the sidebar on
page 68.



PHOTO



Default value

Maximum number of continuous shots

Number of frames (shots) per second

Normal speed 2.5 frames

High speed 4.1 frames

Using the flash 1.7 frames

These figures are approximate and vary with the recording conditions and subjects.
The actual number of frames per second will be lower when the shutter speed is 1/25 or
slower.

Maximum number of continuous shots

60 images

68

[ AEB] (Auto Exposure Bracketing)

The camcorder records a still image in three
different exposures (dark, normal, light in 1/2 EV
steps), allowing you to choose the shot you like
the best.

FUNC.

( 23)

Automatic Focus Priority

When the focus priority is activated, the
camcorder records a still image only
after the focus has been adjusted
automatically.

POINTS TO CHECK

FUNC.

FUNC.

Icon of the currently selected

Drive Mode

Desired option

CONTINUOUS SHOOTING/
HIGH-SPEED CONTINUOUS SHOOTING

1Press halfway to activate

2 Press fully and hold it

Press , first halfway to
activate the autofocus and then fully
to record the still images.

Three still images in different exposures
will be recorded on the memory card.

PHOTO

the autofocus.

PHOTO

pressed down.

A series of still images will be
recorded as long as you hold the
button pressed.

A

UTO EXPOSURE BRACKETING

PHOTO

( 21)

Mode switch at AUTO: The focus
priority cannot be turned off.
Mode switch at P: You can turn off the
focus priority and you can also select
the AF (autofocus) frame to be used.

PHOTO



Default value

Options

[ ON:AiAF]

(Mode switch: P*, AUTO)

Depending on the shooting conditions, one or
more AF frames out of the nine frames available
are automatically selected and the focus is fixed
on them.

[ ON:CENTER]
(Mode switch: P*)

In this mode, a single focusing frame appears in
the center of the screen and the focus is
automatically fixed on it. This is convenient for
making sure the focus is exactly where you want
it.

[ OFF]

Select this option if you wish to record a still
image as soon as you press .

* Except for the [ FIREWORKS] recording

program.



69

Photos

FUNC.

( 23)

FUNC.

MENU

CAMERA SETUP

FOCUS PRI.

FUNC.

Desired option

NOTES

In the [ FIREWORKS] recording
program the focus priority is automatically
set to [ OFF].

Light Metering Mode

The camcorder measures the light
reflected from the subject in order to
calculate the optimal exposure settings.
Depending on the subject, you may
want to change the way the light is
measured and evaluated.

POINTS TO CHECK

( 21)

Mode switch: P

Options

[EVALUATIVE]

Appropriate for standard shooting conditions,
including backlit scenes. The camcorder divides
the picture into several areas and the light is
measured in all of them to achieve the optimal
exposure for the subject.

[ CENT.WEIGHT.AVERAGE]

Averages the light metered from the entire
screen, giving more weight to the subject in the
center.

[SPOT]

Meters only the area within the spot AE point
frame. Use this setting to adjust the exposure to
match the subject in the center of the screen.

FUNC.

( 23)

FUNC.

FUNC.



Icon of the currently selected

Light Metering Mode

Desired option



Default value

Histogram and Other Screen Displays

When viewing still images you can
display the histogram and the icons of
all the functions used at the time of
recording. Use the histogram as a
reference to verify the correct exposure
of the still image.

The area to the right of the histogram
represents highlights and the left side
represents shadows. A still image
whose histogram skews to the right is

70

relatively bright; while one whose
histogram peaks to the left, is relatively
dark.

Pixel Count

Shadows

Highlights

NOTES

The histogram will appear also after
recording a still image, while reviewing it
within the time set for the [REVIEW] option
(or immediately after recording it, if
[REVIEW] is set to [ OFF]). You can
choose to turn off the histogram by
pressing .

DISP.

TO SELECT THE ON-SCREEN DISPLAYS

Repeatedly press to turn the on-
screen displays on and off in the
following sequence.

• All displays on

• All displays off

• All displays on

• Regular displays only (removes the

histogram and information icons)

• All displays off

1

However, the markers and the icon and
AF frames when the autofocus is locked will
still appear on the screen.

DISP.

1

Capturing a Still Image while Recording
Movies

You can record still images on the
memory card even while the camcorder
is set to mode. You can also
capture simultaneously, as a still image
on the memory card, the same picture
you are recording as a scene on the
hard disk.

POINTS TO CHECK

( 21)

Select the size and quality of the still
image in record pause mode.



Default value

STILL I.REC OFF

FUNC.

( 23)

Icon of the currently selected

FUNC.

Still Image Simultaneous
Recording

Desired image size*

FUNC.

* The number displayed on the right corner

indicates the approximate number of
images that can be recorded with the
current quality/size setting.

Desired image quality*



option

Press

71

Photos

PHOTO

Press to capture the still
image on the memory card.

The still image is recorded on the
memory card while the screen
continues to show the video recording.

NOTES

• The still image cannot be recorded
simultaneously on the memory card
while the digital zoom or a digital effect
is activated.

• To record still images we recommend
using the mode, which
offers the best quality for still images.

Capturing a Still Image from the
Playback Scene

You can capture frames from a scene
as still images on the memory card. The
size of the captured still image will be
[LW 1920x1080] and it cannot be
changed, but you can select the image
quality. Set [TV TYPE] to [ WIDE
TV] before using this function ( 47).

( 21)

FUNC.

MENU

SYSTEM SETUP

IMG QUALITY

FUNC.

* The number displayed at the bottom

indicates the approximate number of
images that can be recorded with the
current quality setting.

Desired image quality*

TO CAPTURE THE STILL IMAGE

1 Start playback of the desired

scene.

2 Pause the playback at the point

you want to capture.

3Press fully.

• The data code of the still image will

• A still image captured from a scene with

PHOTO

NOTES

reflect the date and time of recording of
the original scene.

lots of fast movement may be blurred.

FUNC.

( 23)

72

Protecting Photos

You can protect still images recorded
on the memory card from accidental
erasure.

( 21)

FUNC.

( 23)

FUNC.

PROTECT

Press

[ PROTECT]: The image selection
screen appears.

Options

[INITIALIZE]

Clears the file allocation table but does not
physically erase the stored data.

[COMPL.INIT.]

Erases all data completely.

( 21)

FROM THE IMAGE SELECTION SCREEN

1 Press or to select the still

image you want to protect.

2 Press to protect the still

image.

appears on the bottom bar and

the image cannot be erased. Press

again to cancel the image

protection.

3 Repeat steps 1-2 to protect

additional images or press

FUNC.

twice to close the menu.

IMPORTANT

Initializing the memory card ( 73) will
permanently erase all recorded still
images, even the protected ones.

Initializing the Memory Card

Initialize memory cards when you use
them with this camcorder for the first
time, or to erase all the still images on
them.

FUNC.

( 23)

FUNC.

MENU

STILL IMG OPER.

INITIALIZE CARD

Select the

Card Initialization

method

FUNC.

* Press to cancel the complete

initialization while it is in progress. All the
image files will be erased and the memory
card can be used without any problem.

YES*

IMPORTANT

Initializing the memory card will erase all
still images, even the protected ones. The
original still images cannot be recovered.

73

Photos

You can also use the following
functions...

The following functions and features of
the camcorder can be used either for
shooting video or for taking photos.
The way to set and use them was
already explained in detail, so we refer
you to the relevant page in the “Video”
section.

• Quick Start ( 32)

• Zoom ( 31)

• Special Scene recording programs ( 49)

• Flexible recording programs ( 51)

• Mini video light ( 52)

• Self timer ( 53)

• Manual focus adjustment ( 53)

• Automatic backlight correction and manual
exposure adjustment ( 54)

• White balance ( 55)

• Image effects ( 56)

• Digital effects ( 57)

Printing Photos

Printing Photos - Direct Print

The camcorder can be connected to
any PictBridge-compatible printer. You
can mark in advance the still images
you want to print and set the desired
number of copies as a print order
( 78).

Canon printers: SELPHY printers of the
CP, DS and ES series and inkjet printers
marked with the PictBridge logo.

Connecting the Camcorder to the Printer

( 21)

1 Insert the memory card containing

the still images you want to print.

2 Turn on the printer.
3 Connect the camcorder to the

printer using the supplied USB
cable.

•Refer to PC Connection Diagram
( 85).

• appears and changes to .

• The (print/share) button lights
up and the current print settings
will be displayed for approx. 6
seconds.

74

IMPORTANT

• If continues to flash (for more than 1
minute) or if does not appear, the
camcorder is not correctly connected to
the printer. In such case, disconnect the
USB cable and turn off the camcorder
and the printer. After a short while, turn
them on again, set the camcorder to

mode and restore the

connection.

• During the following operations, even if
you connect a printer to the camcorder
it will not be recognized.

- Erasing all still images

- Erasing all transfer orders

- Erasing all print orders

NOTES

• will appear for images that cannot be
printed.

• We recommend powering the
camcorder using the compact power
adapter.

• Refer also to the printer’s instruction
manual.

Printing with the (Print/Share)
Button

You can print a still image without
changing the settings simply by
pressing .

1 Press or to select the still

image you wish to print.

2 Press .

• Printing starts. The button
flashes and stays on when the
printing is completed.

• To continue printing, press or
to select another still image.

Selecting the Print Settings

You can select the number of copies
and other settings for printing. The
setting options vary depending on your
printer model.

Options

[PAPER]

[ PAPER SIZE]
Available paper sizes vary depending on the
printer model.

[ PAPER TYPE]
Select [PHOTO], [FAST PHOTO], [PLAIN] or
[DEFAULT].

[ PAGE LAYOUT]
Select [DEFAULT] or one of the following
available page layouts.
[BORDERED]: Prints the whole image area almost
exactly as the recorded still image.
[BORDERLESS]: Enlarges the center portion of
the still image to fit the width/height ratio of the
selected paper size. The top, bottom and sides of
the still image may be slightly trimmed out.
[2-UP], [4-UP], [8-UP], [9-UP], [16-UP]: Refer to
the sidebar on page 76.

75

Photos

[] (Date print)

Printing after Changing the Print Settings

Select [ON], [OFF] or [DEFAULT].

[ ] (Print Effect)

The print effect can be used with printers
compatible with the Image Optimize function to
achieve higher quality prints. Select [ON], [OFF]
or [DEFAULT].
Canon inkjet/SELPHY DS printers: You can also
select [VIVID], [NR] and [VIVID+NR].

[ ] (Number of Copies)

Select 1-99 copies.

NOTES

Print setting options and [DEFAULT]

1 If the function guide does not

appear on screen, press to
display it.

2 Press to select .

The print settings menu appears.

Trimming settings ( 77)

Paper settings

Current paper settings (paper size,
paper type and page layout)

settings vary depending on the printer
model. For details, refer to the printer’s
instruction manual.

Number of copies

Print effect

Date printing

Printing Multiple Images on the Same Sheet [2-UP], [4-UP], etc.

When using Canon printers you can print the same still image multiple times on the
same sheet of paper. Use the following table as a guideline for the recommended
number of copies depending on the [ PAPER SIZE] setting.

[ PAPER SIZE]→ [CREDITCARD] [9 x 13 cm] [10 x 14.8 cm] [A4]

Canon Printer ↓

Inkjet printers
SELPHY DS

SELPHY CP 2, 4 or 8

SELPHY ES 2, 4 or 8

1

You can also use the special sticker sheets.

2

When you use the wide-sized photo paper with the [DEFAULT] setting, you can also use
[2-UP] or [4-UP].

3

With the [8-UP] setting, you can also use the special sticker sheets.

- - 2, 4, 9 or 16

2

3

2 or 4 2 or 4 -

2 or 4 2 or 4 -

1

4

76

3 In the print settings menu, use the

navigation buttons to select the
setting you want to change and
press .

4 Press or to select the desired

setting option and press .

5 Use the navigation buttons to

select [PRINT] and press .

• Printing starts. The print settings
menu disappears when the
printing is completed.

• To continue printing, press or
to select another still image.

TO CANCEL THE PRINTING

1 Press while printing.
2 Select [OK] and press .

PRINTING ERRORS

If an error occurs while printing, an error
message appears ( 95).

- Canon’s PictBridge-compatible printers:
Resolve the error. When printing does
not resume automatically, select
[CONTINUE] and press . If
[CONTINUE] cannot be selected, select
[STOP], press and retry printing.
Refer also to the printer’s instruction
manual for details.

- If the error still persists and printing does
not restart, disconnect the USB cable
and turn off the camcorder and the
printer. After a short while, turn them on
again, set the camcorder to
mode and restore the connection.

IMPORTANT

• The following still images may not be
printed correctly with a PictBridge-
compatible printer.

- Images created or changed on a

computer and transferred to the
memory card.

- Images recorded with the camcorder

but edited on a computer.

- Images whose file names were

changed.

- Images not recorded with this

camcorder.

• Observe the following precautions
during printing:

- Do not turn off the camcorder or the

printer.

- Do not change the position of the

/ switch.

- Do not disconnect the USB cable.

- Do not remove the memory card.

• If the message “BUSY” does not
disappear, disconnect the USB cable
and restore the connection after a short
while.

Trimming Settings

Set the paper size and page layout
before changing the trimming settings.

1 In the print settings menu ( 76),

use the navigation buttons to
select [TRIMMING] and press .

The trimming frame appears.

WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED PRINTING

Disconnect the cable from the camcorder
and printer and turn off the camcorder.

77

Photos

2 Change the size of the trimming

frame.

•Press the T side of the zoom lever
to shrink the frame, and the W side
to enlarge it. Press to change
the orientation of the frame
(portrait/landscape).

• To cancel the trimming settings,
press the W side of the zoom lever
until the trimming frame
disappears.

3 Use the navigation buttons to

move the trimming frame.

4 Press to return to the print

• The trimming frame will initially appear

• The trimming settings apply only to one

• The trimming settings are canceled in

• You may not be able to set the trimming

FUNC.

menu.

From the print settings menu, select
[PRINT] and press to print the
area selected with the trimming frame.

NOTES

in white. After applying the trimming
settings, it will change to green.

image.

the following cases:

- When you turn off the camcorder.

- When you disconnect the USB cable.

- When you expand the trimming frame
beyond its maximum size.

- When you change the [PAPER SIZE]
setting.

settings for a still image not recorded
with this camcorder.

Print Orders

You can mark in advance the still
images you want to print and set the
desired number of copies as a print
order. Later, you can easily print out the
print orders by connecting the
camcorder to a PictBridge-compatible
printer ( 74). You can set print orders
for up to 998 still images.

Selecting Still Images for Printing
(Print Order)

POINTS TO CHECK

Set the print orders before connecting
the USB cable to the camcorder.

( 21)

FUNC.

( 23)

FUNC.

PRINT ORDER

Press

: The image selection screen

appears.

FROM THE IMAGE SELECTION SCREEN

1 Press or to select the still

image you want to mark with a
print order.

2 Press to set the print order.

The number of copies appears in
orange in the box next to the print
order symbol .

78

3 Press or to set the number of

copies desired and press .

To cancel the print order, set the
number of copies to 0.

4 Repeat steps 1-3 to mark

additional images with print orders
or press twice to close the

FUNC.

menu.

Printing the Still Images Marked with
Print Orders

FUNC.

( 23)

1 Connect the camcorder to the

printer using the supplied USB
cable.

Refer to PC Connection Diagram
( 85).

2 Press , press or to

FUNC.

select the icon and press
to open the setup menus.

3 Press or to select

[ PRINT] and press .

• The print settings menu appears.

• The error message “SET PRINT
ORDER” appears if you connect a
printer with direct print function
and select [ PRINT] without
having set any print orders
beforehand.

4 Use the navigation buttons to

select [PRINT] and press .

Printing starts. The print settings
menu disappears when the printing
is completed.

NOTES

• You can also use the control dial to
navigate the FUNC. and setup menus.

• Depending on the connected printer,
you can change some print settings
before step 4 ( 75).

• Cancel Printing/Printing Errors (77).

• Restarting Printing: Open the print
settings menu as explained in steps 2-3
above. In the print settings menu, select
[RESUME]* and press . The
remaining images will be printed.
Printing cannot be restarted when the
print order settings have been changed
or if you deleted a still image with print
order settings.

* In case the print order was interrupted

after the first still image, this menu option
will appear as [PRINT] instead.

Erasing All Print Orders

( 21)

FUNC.

( 23)

FUNC.

MENU

STILL IMG OPER.

ERASE ALL ORD

FUNC.

YES

79

External Connections

This chapter explains how to connect your camcorder to an external
device such as a TV, VCR, or computer.

Connecting to a TV or VCR

COMPONENT OUT Terminal*

The component video terminal is for video only. When
you use connection type do not forget the audio
connections using the AV OUT/ terminal.

HDMI OUT Mini Terminal*

The HDMI OUT mini terminal offers a high-quality digital
connection that combines audio and video in a single
convenient cable.

Open the terminal cover to
access.

* When connecting a cable to the camcorder, make sure to align the triangle marks on the cable's

connector and on the camcorder's terminal ( ).

AV OUT/ Terminal

Sound from the built-in speaker will be muted while the
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable is connected to the
camcorder.

80

Connection Diagrams

High Definition TV Sets (HDTV)

Terminal on the

Camcorder

Output connection (signal flow ) to an HDTV with component video input terminals.

1

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable

2

Output connection (signal flow ) to an HDTV with an HDMI terminal.

Connecting Cable

CTC-100/S Component Cable

(supplied)

(supplied)

HTC-100 HDMI Cable

(optional)

Red

Blue

Green

White

Red

Terminal on the

Connected Device

Pr/Cr

Pb/Cb

AUDIO

Y

L

R

81

External Connections

Standard Definition TV Sets

Terminal on the

Camcorder

3

Output connection (signal flow ) to a TV or VCR with AV terminals.

4

Output connection (signal flow ) to a TV or VCR with SCART terminal.

Connecting Cable

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable

(supplied)

Terminal on the

Connected Device

Yellow

White

Red

VIDEO

AUDIO

First, connect a SCART adapter to the SCART terminal on the TV or VCR and then connect the STV-250N
Stereo Video Cable to the adapter.

Red

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable

(supplied)

White
Yellow

SCART adapter

(commercially available)

- [TV TYPE] to match the output video to

Playback on a TV Screen

the aspect ratio of the connected TV
( 47).

This section explains how to play back
scenes taken with this camcorder by
connecting it to a TV.

The quality of the playback picture will
vary depending on the connected TV
and the type of connection used.

- [COMP.OUT] to select the output video
specifications when using connection
type ( 47).

- Set [AV/PHONES] to [ AV] when
using connection type or .

Connecting

Connect the camcorder to the TV

POINTS TO CHECK

following one of the connection
diagrams shown in the previous section

( 21)

Connection Diagrams ( 81).

Change the following settings as
necessary before making the
connections.

L

R

82

About the HDMI terminal

The HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connection –connection type – is a
convenient all-digital connection using a single cable for both video and audio. When
you connect the camcorder to an HDTV equipped with an HDMI terminal, you can
enjoy video and audio playback at the highest quality.

- The HDMI OUT mini terminal on the camcorder is for output only. Do not connect it to
an HDMI output terminal on an external device, as this may damage the camcorder.

- The HDMI connection will recognize automatically the highest resolution supported
by the connected HDTV, and output the optimal video signal to ensure the best
viewing experience. You can confirm the current specification of the video output by
checking the [HDMI STATUS] menu option ( 48).

- Correct operation cannot be guaranteed when connecting the camcorder to DVI
monitors.

- Some HDTVs have their HDCP digital content protection configured so as not to allow the
playback of personal content (video recorded for personal uses). If you cannot play back
the video recorded with this camcorder on your HDTV using the HDMI connection, try
connecting the camcorder using the component video connection –connection type –
instead.

- There will be no video output from the AV OUT/ terminal or the COMPONENT OUT
terminal while the camcorder is connected to an external device using the optional
HTC-100 HDMI Cable. In such case, only audio will be output from the AV OUT/
terminal.

Playback

1 Turn on the camcorder and the

connected TV or VCR.

On a TV: Select as the video input
the same terminal to which you
connected the camcorder.
On a VCR: Set the input selector to
the external video input (usually
labeled LINE IN).

2 Start the playback of the movies

( 34) or still images ( 64).

NOTES

• Sound from the built-in speaker will be
muted while the STV-250N Stereo Video
Cable is connected to the camcorder.

• We recommend powering the
camcorder using the compact power
adapter.

• Refer also to the instruction manual of
the connected TV.

• You can play back your recordings not
only on HDTVs but also on standard
TVs. When you connect the camcorder
to a TV using the STV-250N Stereo
Video Cable, the video output will be
converted to standard definition
automatically, without having to change
the [COMP.OUT] setting.

• If you connect to a TV using the HDMI
connection –connection type – or the
component video connection
–connection type – you can enjoy the
full resolution of high-definition TV.

• TV sets compatible with the WSS
system will automatically switch to wide
(16:9) mode. Otherwise, change the
aspect ratio of the TV manually.

83

External Connections

Copying your Recordings to an External
Video Recorder

You can copy your recordings by
connecting the camcorder to a VCR or
a digital video device. Video output will
be in standard definition, although the
original scenes are in high definition.

( 21)

Connecting

Connect the camcorder to the VCR
using connection type or , as
shown in the previous section
Connection Diagrams ( 81).

Recording

1 Connected device: Load a blank

cassette or disc and set the device
to record pause mode.

2 This camcorder: Locate the scene

you wish to copy and pause
playback shortly before the scene.

3 This camcorder: Resume the

movie playback.

4 Connected device: Begin

recording when the scene you
wish to copy appears. Stop
recording when copying is
complete.

5 This camcorder: Stop playback.

NOTES

• We recommend powering the
camcorder using the compact power
adapter.

• By default, the on-screen displays will
be embedded in the output video signal,
but you can change the displays by
repeatedly pressing ( 39).

DISP.

84

Connecting to a Computer

PC Connection Diagram

USB Terminal

Open the LCD panel to access.

Terminal on the

Camcorder

Output connection (signal flow ) to a computer or PictBridge-compatible printer with an USB port.

1

Transferring Photos - Direct Transfer

With the supplied USB cable and
software (on the DIGITAL VIDEO
Solution Disk CD-ROM) you can
transfer still images to a computer
simply by pressing .

Preparations

The first time you connect the
camcorder to the computer, you need
to install the software and set the auto-
launch setting. From the second time
on, just connect the camcorder to the
computer using the USB cable to
transfer images.

Connecting Cable

USB Cable

(supplied)

1 Install the supplied Digital Video

2 Set the camcorder to

3 Connect the camcorder to the

Software.

See Installing the Software in the
Digital Video Software instruction

manual (electronic version on PDF
file).

mode.

computer using the USB cable.

Refer to PC Connection Diagram
( 85).

Terminal on the

Connected Device

85

External Connections

4 Set the auto-launch setting.

•See Starting CameraWindow
(Windows) or Auto-downloading
(Macintosh) in the Digital Video
Software instruction manual
(electronic version on PDF file).

• The direct transfer menu appears
on the camcorder screen and the

button lights up.

IMPORTANT

• After you connect the camcorder to the
computer, do not access the
camcorder's hard disk directly. Doing so
may corrupt the data in the camcorder
and render it unusable. Use the software
on the supplied Backup Utility
CD-ROM or Corel Application Disc
software to transfer data between the
camcorder and the computer.

• When the CARD access indicator is on
or flashing do not perform the following
actions. Doing so may result in
permanent data loss.

- Do not subject the camcorder to

vibrations or strong impacts.

- Do not remove the memory card.

- Do not disconnect the USB cable.

- Do not turn off the camcorder or the

computer.

- Do not change the position of the

/ switch or the operating mode.

• Operation may not work correctly
depending on the software and the
specifications/settings of your
computer.

• If you wish to use the image files on your
computer, make copies of them first.
Use the copied files, retaining the
originals.

• During the following operations, even if
you connect the camcorder to the
computer it will not be recognized.

- Erasing all still images from the card

- Erasing all transfer orders

- Erasing all print orders

NOTES

• We recommend powering the
camcorder using the compact power
adapter.

• Refer also to the computer’s instruction
manual.

• Users of Windows Vista, Windows XP
and Mac OS X:
Your camcorder is equipped with the
standard Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP)
allowing you to transfer still images
(JPEG only) simply by connecting the
camcorder to a computer using the USB
cable without having to install the
supplied software.

Transferring Images

[ ALL IMAGES]

Transfers all still images.

[NEW IMAGES]

Transfers only those images that have not yet
been transferred to the computer.

[ TRANSFER ORDERS]

Transfers still images marked with transfer
orders ( 88).

[ SELECT & TRANSFER]

Allows you to select the still image.

[ WALLPAPER]

Allows you to select the still image and set it as
your computer’s desktop background.

86

(print/share) button

AUTOMATIC TRANSFER OPTIONS

When you select [ ALL IMAGES],
[ NEW IMAGES] or [ TRANSFER
ORDERS], all the relevant still images
will be transferred to the computer in
one batch and their thumbnails will be
displayed on the computer.

Press or to select a transfer
option and press .

• The button will flash while the
images are being transferred.

•The camcorder returns to the transfer
menu once the transfer is complete.

• To cancel the transfer, press or
to select [CANCEL] and press or

FUNC.

press .

MANUAL TRANSFER OPTIONS

When you select [ SELECT &
TRANSFER] or [ WALLPAPER]:

1 Press or to select a transfer

option and press .

2 Press or to select the image

you want to transfer and press

.

• [ SELECT & TRANSFER]: The
selected image is transferred and
displayed on the computer. To
continue transferring, press or

to select another image.

• [ WALLPAPER]: The selected
image is transferred to the
computer and displayed as the
desktop’s background.

• The button will flash while the
images are being transferred.

• Press to return to the

• You can press to transfer the
images, instead of . With the
automatic transfer options a
confirmation message appears. Select
[OK] and press .

• When the camcorder is connected to
the computer and the image selection
screen is displayed, press to
return to the transfer menu.

FUNC.

transfer menu.

NOTES

FUNC.

87

External Connections

Transfer Orders

You can mark in advance the still
images you want to transfer to the
computer as transfer orders. You can
set transfer orders for up to 998 still
images.

Selecting Still Images to Transfer
(Transfer Order)

Set the transfer orders before connecting
the camcorder to the computer.

( 21)

FUNC.

( 23)

FUNC.

TRANSFER ORDER

Press

: The image selection screen

appears.

FROM THE IMAGE SELECTION SCREEN

Erasing All Transfer Orders

FUNC.

( 23)

FUNC.

MENU

STILL IMG OPER.

ERASE ALL ORD

FUNC.

YES

( 21)

1 Press or to select the still

image you want to mark with a
transfer order.

2 Press to set the transfer order.

A checkmark appears in the box
next to the transfer order symbol .
Press again to cancel the
transfer order.

3 Repeat steps 1-2 to mark

additional images with transfer
orders or press twice to

FUNC.

close the menu.

88

Additional Information

This chapter contains troubleshooting advice, screen messages,
handling and maintenance tips, and other information.

Trouble ?

Troubleshooting

If you have a problem with your camcorder, refer to this checklist. Consult your dealer
or a Canon Service Center if the problem persists.

• Depending on the level of repair, the hard disk may be initialized or replaced,
resulting in permanent data loss. Before having the camcorder repaired, back up
important recordings using an external device ( 37). Canon shall not be liable for
any data loss due to repair.

• To verify a possible problem, data on the hard disk will need to be checked.
However, only the minimum amount necessary will be checked and the data will
not be copied or saved.

Power Source

Problem Solution

• Camcorder will not turn on.

• Camcorder switches off by itself.

• Screen switches on and off.

The charge indicator flashes rapidly. (one flash at 0.5-second intervals)

• Battery pack will not charge.

• The CHG (charge) indicator flashes
very slowly (about once every 2
seconds).

Camcorder is on but is unresponsive. The camcorder has exceeded its operational temperature ( appears).

Battery pack is exhausted. Replace or charge the battery pack. 18

Attach the battery pack correctly.

Charging has stopped because the compact power adapter or the battery
pack is faulty. Consult a Canon Service Center.

Battery pack at least 50% charged. This is not a malfunction.

Charge the battery pack in temperatures between 0 °C and 40 °C. –

Battery packs become hot with use and may not charge. When the battery
pack is outside the charging temperature range, the CHG (charge)
indicator will flash irregularly. The charging will start once the battery pack
temperature is below 40 °C.

The battery pack is damaged. Use a different battery pack. –

Turn off the camcorder and let it cool down before resuming use.

The camcorder has fallen below its operational temperature
( appears). Keep it on and let it warm up. If the camcorder still does
not respond, turn it off and use it in a warmer location.

(two quick flashes at 1-second intervals)

–

19

–

–

–

89

Additional Information

Recording/Playback

Problem Solution

Buttons will not work. Turn on the camcorder. –

Abnormal characters appear on the
screen. The camcorder does not
operate properly.

lights up in red. Battery pack is exhausted. Replace or charge the battery pack. 18

The wireless controller will not work. Set [WL.REMOTE] to [ON]. 46

Video noise appears on screen. When using the camcorder close to devices that emit strong

Video noise appears on the TV
screen.

The camcorder vibrates. Depending on the condition of the hard disk, the camcorder might vibrate

Occasionally the operation sound can
be heard.

• After using the camcorder for a
long time, it becomes hot.

• lights up in red.

The following operations take longer
than usual.

• Deleting scenes

• Changing between
and modes

• Pausing a recording

• Reviewing the last scene recorded

Disconnect the power source and reconnect it after a short time. If the
problem still persists, disconnect the power source and press the RESET
button with a pointed item. Pressing the RESET button resets all settings.

Replace the battery of the wireless controller. 19

electromagnetic fields (plasma TVs, cellular phones, etc.), keep a distance
between the camcorder and these devices.

When using the camcorder in a room where a TV is located, keep a
distance between the compact power adapter and the power or antenna
cables of the TV.

occasionally. This is not a malfunction.

The hard disk is activated from time to time. This is not a malfunction. –

This is not a malfunction. Turn the camcorder off and let it cool for a while
before resuming operation.

When the hard disk contains a large number of scenes, some operations
may take longer than usual. Back up your recordings and initialize the hard
disk.

Recording

Problem Solution

flashes red on the screen. The camcorder has malfunctioned. Consult a Canon Service Center. –

Horizontal bands appear on the
screen.

When a subject flits across in front of
the lens, the image appears slightly
bent.

Image will not appear on the screen. Set the camcorder to mode. 29

This is a phenomenon typical of CMOS image sensors when recording
under some types of fluorescent, mercury or sodium lamps. To reduce the
symptoms set the mode switch to AUTO. This is not a malfunction.

This is a phenomenon typical of CMOS image sensors. When a subject
crosses very quickly in front of the camcorder, the image may seem
slightly warped. This is not a malfunction.

–

–

–

–

–

37
61

–

–

90

Problem Solution

START/STOP

Pressing will not start
recording.

Even after stopping recording, the
HDD access indicator does not go off.

The point where was
pressed does not match the
beginning/end of the recording.

The recording suddenly stops shortly
after starting recording.

Camcorder will not focus. Autofocus does not work on the subject. Focus manually. 53

Sound is distorted. When recording near loud sounds (such as fireworks or concerts), sound

Viewfinder picture is blurred. Adjust the viewfinder with the dioptric adjustment lever. 30

START/STOP START/STOP

Set the camcorder to mode. 29

While a scene is being recorded on the hard disk, additional recording is
not possible.

The hard disk is full. Delete some recordings or initialize the hard disk to
free some space.

The hard disk contains the maximum number of scenes. Delete some
recordings.

Recording may not be possible while the drop protection mechanism is
active ( appears).

The camcorder has exceeded its operational temperature ( appears).
Turn off the camcorder and let it cool down before resuming use.

The camcorder has fallen below its operational temperature
( appears). Turn it off and use it in a warmer location. Make sure to
avoid a rapid temperature change.

The scene is being recorded on the hard disk. This is not a malfunction. 29

There is a slight interval between pressing and the actual start
of recording on the hard disk. This is not a malfunction.

If recording near loud sounds or strong vibrations, move to another
location.

The camcorder has exceeded its operational temperature ( appears).
Turn off the camcorder and let it cool down before resuming use.

Adjust the viewfinder with the dioptric adjustment lever. 30

Lens or Instant AF sensor is dirty. Clean the lens or sensor with a soft lens-
cleaning cloth. Never use tissue paper to clean the lens.

may become distorted. This is not a malfunction.

Playback/Editing

Problem Solution

Pressing the playback button does
not start playback.

Occasionally the operation sound can
be heard.

Set the camcorder to mode. 34

The camcorder has exceeded its operational temperature ( appears).
Turn off the camcorder and let it cool down before resuming use.

The camcorder has fallen below its operational temperature
( appears). Turn it off and use it in a warmer location. Make sure to
avoid a rapid temperature change.

If the camcorder is moved suddenly while recording, sound from the hard
disk may be recorded.

100

–

38
61

38

44

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

91

Additional Information

Problem Solution

Cannot add scenes to the playlist. You cannot add more than 999 scenes to the playlist. –

No sound from the built-in speaker. Open the LCD panel. –

Speaker volume is turned off. Adjust the volume with the function guide in

mode.

Playback on a Connected TV or Other External Device

External device refers to DVD recorders, computers, and other digital devices.

Problem Solution

Hard disk is being accessed but
image will not appear on the TV
screen.

There is no sound from the TV. When connecting the camcorder to an HDTV using the CTC-100/S

The camcorder is connected using
the optional HTC-100 HDMI Cable,
but there is no picture or sound from
the HDTV.

The video input on the TV is not set to the video terminal to which you
connected the camcorder. Select the correct video input.

Component Cable, make sure to connect also the audio connections using
the white and red plugs of the STV-250N Stereo Video Cable.

Disconnect the HTC-100 HDMI Cable and then restore the connection or
turn the camcorder off and then on again.

Memory Card Operation

Problem Solution

Memory card cannot be inserted. Memory card was not facing the correct direction. Turn the memory card

Cannot record on the memory card. Memory card is full. Erase still images to free some space or replace the

Memory card cannot be played back. Insert a memory card. 27

Image cannot be erased. Image is protected. Cancel the protection. 72

over and insert it.

memory card.

Memory card was not initialized. Initialize the memory card. 73

The folder and file numbers have reached their maximum value. Set
[FILE NOS.] to [RESET] and insert a new memory card.

The still image simultaneous recording setting in the FUNC. menu is set to
[STILL I.REC OFF]. Change the setting to take photos while recording a
video.

Still images cannot be captured from the playback scene when [TV TYPE]
is set to [NORMAL TV]. In such case, appears. Set [TV TYPE] to [WIDE
TV].

Set the camcorder to mode. 64

34

80

81

–

27

66

47

40

47

92

Problem Solution

appears in red. A memory card error occurred. Turn off the camcorder. Remove and

reinsert the memory card and set the camcorder back to
mode. If still appears in red, initialize the memory card.

Memory card is full. Erase still images to free some space or replace the
memory card.

Printing

Problem Solution

The printer is not operating even
though the camcorder and printer are
correctly connected.

Disconnect the USB cable and turn off the camcorder and the printer. After
a short while, turn them on again, set the camcorder to mode
and restore the connection.

Others

Problem Solution

A rattling can be heard from the
camcorder.

The internal lens fixture can move when the camcorder is turned off. This
is not a malfunction.

List of Messages

Message Explanation

CHANGE THE BATTERY PACK Battery pack is exhausted. Replace or charge the battery pack. 18

CANNOT ENTER THE

STANDBY MODE NOW

TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH
TURN OFF THE POWER AND WAIT

TEMPERATURE TOO LOW
KEEP POWER ON AND WAIT

TEMPERATURE TOO LOW
USE IN A WARM LOCATION

TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH
CANNOT RECORD

• CANNOT RECORD

• CANNOT PLAY BACK

REACHED THE MAXIMUM
NUMBER OF SCENES

The camcorder cannot enter the standby mode if the remaining battery charge
is too low.

The camcorder has exceeded its operational temperature. Disconnect the
compact power adapter and remove the battery pack. Let the camcorder cool
down before resuming use.

The camcorder's temperature is too low. Keep the power on until the
icon disappears.

The outside temperature is too low and the camcorder will not operate. Move
to a location between 0 °C and 40 °C.

The camcorder has exceeded its operational temperature. Disconnect the
compact power adapter and remove the battery pack. Let the camcorder cool
down before resuming use.

There is a problem with the hard disk. –

This message can also appear if condensation has formed. Wait until the
camcorder dries completely before resuming use.

The maximum number of scenes has been reached. Delete some recordings
to free some space.

73

66

–

–

32

–

–

–

–

101

38

93

Additional Information

Message Explanation

COULD NOT ADD TO PLAYLIST Scene could not be added to the playlist. You cannot add more than 999

TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH
CANNOT PLAY BACK

CANNOT READ THE HARD DISK Hard disk could not be read. –

UNABLE TO RECOGNIZE THE DATA You transferred data to the camcorder recorded in a different television system

ACCESS ERROR There was an error when reading the hard disk or attempting to write onto it. –

AVOID MOVING THE CAMCORDER Try not to move the camcorder while the image is being recorded. –

UNABLE TO RECOVER DATA Could not recover a corrupted file. –

HARD DISK FULL The hard disk is full (“ END” appears on the screen). Delete some

TASK IN PROGRESS
DO NOT DISCONNECT THE
POWER SOURCE

DROP SENSOR IS TURNED OFF The camcorder was turned on while [DROP SENSOR] is set to [OFF]. In such

DROP DETECTED
POWER WAS TURNED OFF

USE THE CAMCORDER TO
INITIALIZE THE HARD DISK

BUFFER OVERFLOW
RECORDING WAS STOPPED

NO CARD There is no memory card in the camcorder. 27

NO IMAGES No images are recorded on the memory card. –

scenes to the playlist. Delete some recordings.

The camcorder has exceeded its operational temperature ( appears).
Turn off the camcorder and let it cool down before resuming use.

This message can also appear if condensation has formed. Wait until the
camcorder dries completely before resuming use.

This message can also appear if the camcorder has exceeded its operational
temperature ( appears). Turn off the camcorder and let it cool down
before resuming use.

(NTSC).

This message can also appear if condensation has formed. Wait until the
camcorder dries completely before resuming use.

This message can also appear if condensation has formed. Wait until the
camcorder dries completely before resuming use.

recordings to free some space.

The camcorder is updating the hard disk. Do not disconnect the compact
power adapter or remove the battery pack.

case, dropping the camcorder can increase the likelihood of hard disk
damage.

When the camcorder is dropped while it is on or connected to a computer with
the USB cable, the camcorder automatically turns off to protect the hard disk.
This message appears the next time the camcorder is turned on. This is not a
malfunction.

A hard disk error occurred and data cannot be recovered. Initialize the hard
disk.

Drops were detected repeatedly and the buffer became full. Move to a more
stable location and allow data to be written onto the hard disk. Set [DROP
SENSOR] to [OFF] if using the camcorder in a situation where drops are likely
to be detected repeatedly.

38

–

101

–

–

101

101

38

–

44

–

61

44

94

Message Explanation

CARD ERROR A memory card error occurred. The camcorder cannot record or display the

CARD FULL Memory card is full. Erase some images to free some space or replace the

THE CAMCORDER IS SET TO STILL
IMAGE MODE

NAMING ERROR The folder and file numbers have reached their maximum value. Set the

TRANSFER ORDER ERROR You attempted to set more than 998 transfer orders. Reduce the number of

TOO MANY STILL IMAGES
DISCONNECT USB CABLE

WHILE THE CAMCORDER IS
CONNECTED TO A PC DO NOT
DISCONNECT THE USB CABLE OR
POWER SOURCE

CANNOT TURN OFF POWER OR
CHANGE MODES

CONNECT THE COMPACT POWER
ADAPTER

BACK UP RECORDINGS
REGULARLY

image. If after the message disappears appears in red, perform the
following: Turn off the camcorder; remove and reinsert the memory card and
set the camcorder back to mode.
If turns back to green you can resume recording/playback. Otherwise,
initialize the memory card. (Doing so will erase all the still images on the
memory card.)

memory card.

You pressed while recording still images ( mode). –

[FILE NOS.] option to [RESET] and erase all the images on the memory card or
initialize it.

still images marked with transfer orders.

Disconnect the USB cable and decrease the number of still images on the
memory card to fewer than 1,800. If a dialog appeared on the computer
screen, close it and then reconnect the USB cable.

When the camcorder is in mode and is connected to the
computer with a USB cable, the camcorder cannot be operated. Disconnecting
the USB cable or power source while this message appears may result in hard
disk damage. Use the computer to end the connection before disconnecting
the cable.

When the camcorder is in mode and is connected to the
computer, this message will appear if the camcorder is being powered by the
battery pack. Connect the compact power adapter to the camcorder.

This message may appear when you turn on the camcorder. In the event of a
malfunction, recordings may be lost so back up your recordings regularly.

START/STOP

73

66

–

88

–

–

–

37

Direct Print Related Messages

About Canon Inkjet/SELPHY DS Printers: If the printer’s error indicator flashes or an error

message appears on the printer’s operation panel, refer to the printer’s instruction
manual.

Message Explanation

PAPER ERROR There is a problem with the paper. The paper is not correctly loaded or the paper size is

NO PAPER Paper is not correctly inserted or there is no paper.

wrong. Alternatively, if the paper output tray is closed, open it to print.

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Additional Information

Message Explanation

PAPER JAM The paper jammed during printing. Select [STOP] to cancel printing. After removing the

INK ERROR There is a problem with the ink. Replace the ink cartridge.

NO INK The ink cartridge is not inserted or is out of ink.

LOW INK LEVEL The ink cartridge needs to be replaced soon. Select [CONTINUE] to restart printing.

INK ABSORBER FULL Select [CONTINUE] to resume printing. Consult a Canon Service Center (refer to the list

• FILE ERROR

• CANNOT PRINT!

COULD NOT PRINT X IMAGES You attempted to use the print order settings to print X images that were recorded with

SET PRINT ORDER No still image on the memory card has been marked with a print order.

PRINT ORDER ERROR You attempted to set more than 998 still images in the print order.

CANNOT TRIM You attempted to trim an image that was recorded with another camcorder.

READJUST TRIMMING You changed the [PAPER] settings after applying the trimming settings.

PRINTER ERROR Cancel printing. Turn off the printer and turn it back on. Check the printer status. If the

PRINT ERROR Cancel printing, disconnect the USB cable and turn off the printer. After a while, turn the

HARDWARE ERROR Cancel printing. Turn off the printer and turn it back on. Check the printer status. If the

COMMUNICATION ERROR The printer is experiencing a data transfer error. Cancel printing, disconnect the USB

CHECK PRINT SETTINGS Current print settings cannot be used for printing with the button.

INCOMPATIBLE PAPER SIZE The paper settings of the camcorder conflict with the printer’s settings.

PRINTER IN USE The printer is in use. Check the printer status.

PAPER LEVER ERROR Paper lever error occurred. Adjust the paper selection lever to the proper position.

PRINTER COVER OPEN Close the printer cover securely.

NO PRINTHEAD No print head is installed in the printer or the print head is defective.

paper, set some paper again and retry printing.

included with the printer) to replace the ink absorber.

You attempted to print an image that was recorded with another camcorder, has a
different compression, or was edited on a computer.

another camcorder, with a different compression or were edited on a computer.

error still persists, refer to the printer’s instruction manual and contact the appropriate
customer support center or service center.

printer back on and reconnect the USB cable. Check the printer status.
When you are printing using the button, check the print settings.

printer is equipped with a battery, it might be exhausted. In such case, turn off the
printer, replace the battery and turn it back on.

cable and turn off the printer. After a while, turn the printer back on and reconnect the
USB cable. When you are printing using the button, check the print settings.
Or, you attempted to print from a memory card that contains a large number of images.
Reduce the number of images.

96

Do’s and Don’ts

Handling Precautions

Camcorder

Be sure to observe the following
precautions to ensure maximum
performance. Make sure to also observe
the precautions pertaining to the hard
disk, as hard disk damage may result in
permanent data loss.

• Back up your recordings
periodically. Make sure to transfer
your movies to an external device
such as a computer or digital video
recorder ( 37) and back them up
on a regular basis. This will protect
your important recordings in case of
damage and create more free space
on the hard disk. Canon shall not be
liable for any data loss.

• Do not subject the camcorder to
vibrations or strong impacts. The
hard disk is a high-precision device.
Vibrations, strong impacts or
dropping the camcorder may result in
the hard disk not being recognized or
may cause recording/playback to
stop unexpectedly. Be especially
careful while the HDD access
indicator is on or flashing. Avoid
recording in very loud places. When
using a shoulder strap, do not allow
the camcorder to swing and hit an
object.

• Keep the drop sensor activated
whenever possible. This camcorder
is equipped with a sensor that
detects acceleration. Should the
camcorder be dropped or subject to a

similar condition, a mechanism
designed to help prevent hard disk
damage will activate and recording/
playback may stop or the camcorder
may turn off. Deactivating this
function ( 44) can increase the
li kelihoo d of hard dis k da mag e should
the camcorder be subject to such
conditions. Even if this function is set
to [ ON], hard disk damage can
occur if the camcorder is dropped.

• Do not disconnect the power

source while the HDD access
indicator is on or flashing. While

data is being written onto the hard
disk, disconnecting the power source
or turning off the camcorder may
result in hard disk damage or
permanent data loss.

• Use the camcorder within its
operating temperature range. If the
camcorder's temperature becomes
too hot or too cold, recording/
playback may stop in order to prevent
hard disk damage. In such
temperatures, a warning will appear
on the screen.

• Do not use the camcorder at high
altitudes. To prevent hard disk
damage, do not turn on or use the
camcorder at altitudes higher than
3,000 m above sea level or in other
places with low atmospheric
pressure.

• Initialize the hard disk when movies

cannot be recorded/played back
normally. As movies are recorded

and deleted over time, hard disk
fragmentation may occur, which may

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Additional Information

reduce performance. Initialize the
hard disk should this happen ( 61).
When you initialize the hard disk, all
recordings will be erased. Before
doing so, back up important
recordings using an external device.

• Do not carry the camcorder by the
LCD panel or the viewfinder. Be
careful when closing the LCD panel.

• Do not leave the camcorder in places
subject to high temperatures (like the
inside of a car under direct sunlight),
or high humidity.

• Do not use the camcorder near strong
electromagnetic fields such as above
TVs, near plasma TVs or mobile
phones.

• Do not point the lens or viewfinder at
strong light sources. Do not leave the
camcorder pointed at a bright
subject.

• Do not use or store the camcorder in
dusty or sandy places. The
camcorder is not waterproof – avoid
also water, mud or salt. If any of the
above should get into the camcorder
it may damage the camcorder and/or
the lens.

• Be careful of heat generated by
lighting equipment.

• Do not disassemble the camcorder. If
the camcorder does not function
properly, consult qualified service
personnel.

• Handle the camcorder with care. Do
not subject the camcorder to shocks
or vibration as this may cause
damage.

Battery Pack

DANGER!

Treat the battery pack with care.

• Keep it away from fire (or it might
explode).

• Do not expose the battery pack to
temperature higher than 60 °C. Do
not leave it near a heater or inside a
car in hot weather.

• Do not try to disassemble or modify it.

• Do not drop it or subject it to shocks.

• Do not get it wet.

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

• Attach the terminal cover whenever a
battery pack is not in use. Contact
with metallic objects may cause a
short circuit and damage the battery
pack.

• Dirty terminals may cause a poor
contact between the battery pack
and the camcorder. Wipe the
terminals with a soft cloth.

• Since storing a charged battery pack
for a long time (about 1 year) can
shorten its lifecycle or affect
performance, we recommend to
discharge the battery pack fully and
to store it in a dry place at
temperatures no higher than 30 °C. If
you do not use the battery pack for
long periods, charge and discharge it
fully at least once a year. If you have
more than one battery pack, perform
these precautions at the same time
for all battery packs.

98

• Although the battery pack’s operating
temperature range is from 0 °C to
40 °C, the optimal range is from 10 °C
to 30 °C. At cold temperatures,
performance will temporarily decline.
Warm it in your pocket before use.

• Replace the battery pack if the usable
time after full charge diminishes
substantially at normal temperatures.

About the battery terminal cover

The battery terminal cover has a [ ]-
shaped hole. This is useful when you
wish to differentiate between charged
and uncharged battery packs.

Back side of the battery pack

• Do not use memory cards in places
subject to strong magnetic fields.

• Do not leave memory cards in places
subject to high humidity and high
temperature.

• Do not disassemble, bend, drop, or
subject memory cards to shocks and
do not expose them to water.

• Do not touch or expose the terminals
to dust or dirt.

• Check the direction before inserting
the memory card. Forcing a memory
card into the slot if it is not correctly
oriented may damage the memory
card or the camcorder.

• Do not attach any labels or stickers
on the memory card.

Terminal cover attached

Charged

Uncharged

Memory Card

• We recommend saving backups of
memory card images on your
computer. Image data may be
corrupted or lost due to memory card
defects or exposure to static
electricity. Canon makes no
warranties for corrupted or lost data.

• Do not turn off the camcorder,
disconnect the power source or
remove the memory card while the
CARD access indicator is flashing.

Lithium Button Battery

WARNING!

• The battery used in this device may
present a fire or chemical burn hazard
if mishandled. Do not recharge,
disassemble, heat above 100 °C or
incinerate the battery.

• Replace the battery with a CR2025
made by Panasonic, Hitachi Maxell,
Sony, Sanyo, or with Duracell2025.
Use of other batteries may present a
risk of fire or explosion.

• The used battery should be returned
to the supplier for safe disposal.

• Do not pick up the battery using
tweezers or other metal tools as this
will cause a short circuit.

• Wipe the battery with a clean dry
cloth to ensure proper contact.

99

Additional Information

• Keep the battery out of the reach of
children. If swallowed, seek medical
assistance immediately. The battery
case may break and the battery fluids
may cause internal damage.

• Do not disassemble, heat or immerse
the battery in water to avoid the risk
of explosion.

Built-in Rechargeable Lithium Battery

The camcorder has a built-in
rechargeable lithium battery to keep the
date/time and other settings. The built-
in lithium battery is recharged while you
use the camcorder; however, it will
become totally discharged if you do not
use the camcorder for about 3 months.

To recharge the built-in lithium battery:
Connect the compact power adapter to
the camcorder and leave it connected
for 24 hours with the switch set to

.

Maintenance/Others

Storage

If you do not intend to use the
camcorder for a long time, store it in a
place free of dust, in low humidity, and
at temperatures not higher than 30 °C.

Cleaning

Camcorder Body

• Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the
camcorder body. Never use
chemically treated cloths or volatile
solvents such as paint thinner.

Lens, Viewfinder and Instant AF Sensor

• If the lens surface or Instant AF
sensor is dirty, the autofocus may not
work properly.

• Remove any dust or dirt particles
using a non-aerosol type blower
brush.

• Use a clean, soft lens-cleaning cloth
to gently wipe the lens or viewfinder.
Never use tissue paper.

LCD Screen

• Clean the LCD screen using a clean,
soft lens-cleaning cloth.

• Condensation may form on the
surface of the screen when the
temperature changes suddenly. Wipe
it with a soft dry cloth.

100