Canon MVX20i, MVX25i User Manual

Digital Video Camcorder

Instruction Manual

Mini Digital

Video

Cassette

Please read also the following instruction manuals.

•Digital Video Software

•DV Network Software

	PUB. DIE-203
Digital Video Software
	Version 12	E
Instruction Manual

This instruction manual explains how to install the software, connect the camcorder to a computer, and download images from a memory card to a computer. For more detailed operational instructions, refer to the PDF format manual provided on the DIGITAL VIDEO SOLUTION DISK For Windows or DIGITAL VIDEO SOLUTION DISK For Macintosh.

If you are using Windows operating system, use the supplied

DIGITAL VIDEO SOLUTION DISK For Windows.

If you are using Macintosh operating system, use the supplied

DIGITAL VIDEO SOLUTION DISK For Macintosh.

	PUB. DIE-204
DV Network Software	Version 2 E

Instruction Manual (Installation and Preparation)

This manual covers the installation and the connection procedures only.For more operating instructions, refer to the PDF format manual provided on the DIGITAL VIDEO SOLUTION DISK For Windows.

This software is for use with Windows® XP only.

PUB.DIE-205

English

Introduction

Basic Functions

Advanced

Functions

Editing

Using a

Memory Card

Direct

Printing

Transferring

Images

Additional

Information

PAL

Important Usage Instructions

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.

WARNING:

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

CAUTION:

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

CAUTION:

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

CA-570 identification plate is located on the bottom.

•Use of CV-150F/CV-250F DV cable is necessary to comply with the technical requirement of EMC Directive.

2

Using this Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Canon MVX25i/MVX20i. Please read this manual carefully before you use the camcorder and retain it for future reference.

Change the display language before you begin ( 77).

Symbols and References Used in This Manual

: Precautions related to the camcorder operation.

: Additional topics that complement the basic operating procedures.

: Reference page number.

Capital letters are used to refer to buttons on the camcorder or the wireless controller.

[ ] are used to refer to menu items displayed on the screen.

“Screen” refers to the LCD and the viewfinder screen.

Please note that the illustrations mainly refer to the MVX25i.

Setting the Time Zone, Date and Time
Set the time zone, date and time when you first start using your camcorder, or when					E
you have replaced the backup battery.
Setting the Time Zone/Daylight Saving Time
Operating modes (see below)	CAMERA	PLAY (VCR)	CARD CAMERA	CARD PLAY
Menu item and its default setting	SYSTEM		T.ZONE/DST•••PARIS
(	36)
1. Press the MENU button to open the menu.
Button and switches to be operated	the SET dial.				Preparations	-FunctionsBasic
2. Turn the SET dial to select [SYSTEM] and press the
	SET dial.
3. Turn the SET dial to select [T.ZONE/DST] and press

The operating modes are determined by the position of the POWER switch and the TAPE/CARD switch.

Operating Mode	POWER Switch	TAPE/CARD Switch
CAMERA	CAMERA	b (TAPE)
PLAY (VCR)	PLAY (VCR)	b (TAPE)
CARD CAMERA	CAMERA	(CARD)
CARD PLAY	PLAY (VCR)	(CARD)

CAMERA : Function can be used in this mode.

CAMERA

: Function cannot be used in this mode.

Trademark Acknowledgements

•Canon and Bubble Jet are registered trademarks of Canon Inc.

•Dis a trademark.

• is a trademark.

•Windows® is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

•Macintosh and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the United States and other countries.

•Other names and products not mentioned above may be registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.

E

Introduction

3

Table of Contents

Introduction

	Important Usage Instructions ........................................................................................	2
	Using this Manual ..........................................................................................................	3
	Checking Supplied Accessories ......................................................................................	6
	Components Guide ........................................................................................................	7
	Basic Functions
	Preparations
	Preparing the Power Supply........................................................................................	11
	Loading/Unloading a Cassette ....................................................................................	14
	Installing the Backup Battery ......................................................................................	15
	Preparing the Camcorder ............................................................................................	16
	Using the Wireless Controller......................................................................................	18
	Setting the Time Zone, Date and Time......................................................................	19
	Recording
	Recording Movies on a Tape ......................................................................................	22
	Zooming ........................................................................................................................	26
	Tips for Making Better Videos ....................................................................................	28
	Playback
	Playing Back a Tape ......................................................................................................	29
	Adjusting the Volume ..................................................................................................	31
	Playing Back on a TV Screen........................................................................................	32
	Advanced Functions
	Menus and Settings ......................................................................................................	36
	Recording
	Using the Recording Programs....................................................................................	44
	Using the Night Modes ................................................................................................	47
	Skin Detail Function......................................................................................................	49
	Adjusting Exposure Manually......................................................................................	50
	Adjusting the Focus Manually ....................................................................................	51
	Setting the White Balance ..........................................................................................	53
	Setting the Shutter Speed............................................................................................	55
	Using the Self-Timer......................................................................................................	57
	Changing the Recording Mode (SP/LP) ......................................................................	58
	Audio Recording ..........................................................................................................	59
	Using Digital Effects......................................................................................................	63
	Playback
	Magnifying the Image ................................................................................................	70
	Displaying the Data Code ..........................................................................................	71
	End Search......................................................................................................................	73
	Returning to a Pre-marked Position ..........................................................................	74
	Date Search ....................................................................................................................	75
	Other Functions
	Customizing the Camcorder ........................................................................................	76
4	Changing the Display Language ................................................................................	77

Changing the Remote Sensor Mode	..........................................................................78
Other Camcorder Settings ..........................................................................................	79

Editing

Recording to a VCR or Digital Video Device ............................................................	82
Recording from Analog Video Devices (VCR, TV or Camcorder) ..........................	84
Recording from Digital Video Devices (DV Dubbing)..............................................	85
Converting Analog Signals into Digital Signals (Analog-Digital Converter) ........	87
Audio Dubbing..............................................................................................................	89
Connecting to a Computer Using a DV (IEEE1394) Cable ......................................	92

Using a Memory Card

Inserting and Removing a Memory Card ..................................................................	93
Selecting the Image Quality/Size ................................................................................	94
File Numbers ..................................................................................................................	96
Recording Still Images on a Memory Card ................................................................	97
Using the Flash ............................................................................................................	101
Reviewing a Still Image Right after Recording ......................................................	104
Recording Motion JPEG Movies on a Memory Card..............................................	105
Selecting the Focusing Point ....................................................................................	107
Selecting the Drive Mode ..........................................................................................	108
Recording Panoramic Images (Stitch Assist Mode) ................................................	110
Playing Back a Memory Card ....................................................................................	112
Protecting Images ......................................................................................................	115
Erasing Images ............................................................................................................	116
Combining Images (Card Mix) ..................................................................................	117
Formatting a Memory Card ......................................................................................	121
Creating a Start-up Image ........................................................................................	122

Direct Printing

Printing Still Images ....................................................................................................	123
Selecting the Print Settings........................................................................................	126
Trimming Settings ......................................................................................................	131
Printing with Print Order Settings ............................................................................	132

Transferring Images

Connecting to a Computer Using a USB Cable	......................................................134
Direct Transfer Windows OS Only ..............................................................................	135
Selecting Images for Transfer (Transfer Order) ......................................................	138

Additional Information

About the NETWORK Mode	....................................................................................139
Screen Displays ............................................................................................................	140
List of Messages ..........................................................................................................	143
Maintenance/Others ..................................................................................................	146
Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................................	152
System Diagram ..........................................................................................................	156
Optional Accessories ..................................................................................................	157
Specifications ..............................................................................................................	160
Index ............................................................................................................................	162

E

Introduction

5

Checking Supplied Accessories

CA-570 Compact	NB-2LH Battery Pack Lithium Button	WL-D83 Wireless
Power Adapter	Battery CR2025	Controller
(incl. power cord)

Two AA (R6) Batteries Lens Cap and Lens	SS-900 Shoulder Strap STV-250N Stereo
Cap Cord	Video Cable

PC-A10 SCART	IFC-300PCU USB Cable	SDC-8M SD Memory	DIGITAL VIDEO
Adapter*		Card (containing	SOLUTION DISK
		sample images)	For Windows
			For Macintosh

* Not supplied in Oceania and China.

6

Components Guide

MVX25i/MVX20i	E

REC SEARCH + button (				25) /
(fast forward) button ( 30) /
CARD + button (		112)
REC SEARCH – button (			25) /
(record review) button (				25) /	DRIVE MODE button (				108) /
(rewind) button (			29) /
					(stop) button (		29)
CARD – button (		112)
					(flash) button (			101) /
						(play/pause)
					button ( 29)
					(self-timer) button (				57) /
					REC PAUSE button (			84)
AUDIO LEVEL button* (				59)
DIGITAL EFFECTS button (				63)
DIGITAL EFFECTS					CARD MIX button (			117) /
ON/OFF button (		63)
					SLIDE SHOW button (			113) /
					(stitch assist) button (				110)
NIGHT MODE
button (	47) /
(print/share)
button (	123, 135)				BATTERY RELEASE button
					(	11)
LCD screen
( 22)
					Battery attachment unit
					(	11) / Serial number
					EXP button (		50) /
					END SEARCH button (				73)
OPEN button( 22)					MENU button (			36)
					Memory card slot ( 93)
					SET dial ( 36)
					Card access indicator ( 93)

Introduction

FOCUS button ( 51)	/
DATA CODE button (	71)
* MVX25i only.

7

Dioptric adjustment lever (16)

Viewfinder (16)

Strap mount (17)

CHARGE indicator (11)

Power indicator ( 11)

Start/stop button (105)

Power switch (3)

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

NETWORK

TAPE/CARD switch (3)

b Using a tape

Using a memory card

PHOTO button (97)

Zoom lever (26)

Program selector (45)

Easy recording

Program AE

Speaker (31)

Grip belt (16)

Strap mount (17)

Cassette compartment (14)

OPEN/EJECT switch

Cassette compartment cover (14)

8

Terminal cover

DC IN terminal (11)

Backup battery compartment (15)

S

S-video terminal (34)

Terminal cover

MIC terminal (62)

AV terminal (32) / (phones) terminal (31, 61)

DV terminal (82, 92)

USB terminal (123, 134)

* MVX25i only.

E

	Advanced Accessory shoe	Introduction
	( 159)
	Flash ( 101)
	Focus ring ( 51)

Stereo microphone (88)

Remote sensor (18)

Assist lamp (White LED)* (47)

Tripod socket (28)

9

WL-D83 Wireless Controller

q w e r t y u

i o

!0

!1

!2

!3

!4

!5

START	PHOTO	ZOOM
/STOP		W	T
SELFT.	D.EFFECTS		MENU
TVSCREEN	ON/OFF		SET
DATA CODE	SLIDE SHOW	CARD
	DATESEARCH
ZERO SET	REW	PLAY	FF
MEMORY
12bit		STOP
AUDIO OUT
AUDIO DUB.	PAUSE	SLOW	2
		AV DV	REMOTESET
REC
PAUSE

WIRELESS CONTROLLER WL-D83

!6

!7

!8

!9

@0

@1

@2

@3

@4

@5

@6

@7

@8

@9

q Zoom buttons (26)

w Select buttons ( 36)

e PHOTO button (97)

r START/STOP button (22, 105)

t SELF T. button (57)

y D. EFFECTS button, ON/OFF button (63)

u TV SCREEN button (140)

i DATA CODE button (71)

o DATE SEARCH -/+ buttons (75)

!0ZERO SET MEMORY button ( 74)

!112bit AUDIO OUT button ( 91)

!2AUDIO DUB. button (89)

!3REC PAUSE button (84)

!4AV DV button (88)

!5REMOTE SET button (78)

!6Transmitter

!7MENU button (36)

!8SET button (36)

!9CARD buttons (112)

@0SLIDE SHOW button (113)

@1REW button (29)

@2PLAY button (29)

@3FF button (30)

@4 button (30)

@5STOP button (29)

@6 button (30)

@7PAUSE button ( 30)

@8SLOW button (30)

@9 2 button (30)

10

Preparing the Power Supply

Attaching the Battery Pack	E

1.	Turn the POWER switch to OFF.		q
2.	Move the viewfinder upward.
			w
3.	Attach the battery pack to the
	camcorder.
	• Remove the terminal cover of the battery
	pack.
	• Press lightly and slide it in the direction of		e
	the arrow until it clicks.
	adapter.		DC IN terminal	FunctionsBasic Preparations
Charging the Battery Pack
1.	Connect the power cord to the
2.	Plug the power cord into a power			-
	outlet.	CHARGE
3.	Connect the power adapter to the	indicator	e
	camcorder’s DC IN terminal.
	The CHARGE indicator starts flashing. It
	glows steadily when charging is complete.
4.	When charging is complete,		q
	disconnect the power adapter from		w
	the camcorder. Unplug the power
	cord from the power outlet and
	disconnect it from the adapter.
5.	Remove the battery pack after use.
	Press the BATTERY RELEASE button to remove the battery.

11

Using a Household Power Source

1.Turn the POWER switch to OFF.

2.Connect the power cord to the power adapter.

3.Plug the power cord into a power outlet.

4.Connect the power adapter to the camcorder’s DC IN terminal.

q
	r
e	w

Turn off the camcorder before connecting or disconnecting the power adapter.

If the adapter is used close to a TV, it may cause picture interference. Move the adapter away from the TV or the aerial cable.

Do not connect any products that are not expressly recommended to the camcorder’s DC IN terminal or to the power adapter.

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

Do not disconnect and reconnect the power cord while charging a battery pack. Charging may stop. The battery pack may not be charged correctly even if the CHARGE indicator glows steady. The battery pack may also not be charged correctly when a power outage occurs during charging. Remove the battery pack and attach it back to the camcorder.

When the power adapter or battery pack is defective, the CHARGE indicator

flashes rapidly (at about 2 flashes/second) and charging stops.The CHARGE indicator informs you about the charge status.

0-50%: Flashes once every second More than 50%: Flashes twice every second 100%: Glows steadily

Charging, Recording and Playback Times

Below times are approximate and vary according to the charging, recording or playback conditions.

		NB-2LH	NB-2L	BP-2L12	BP-2L14
Charging Time		115 min.	110 min.	180 min.	210 min.
Max. Recording	Viewfinder	90 min.	70 min.	145 min.	185 min.
Time	LCD	75 min.	55 min.	120 min.	155 min.
Typical Recording	Viewfinder	50 min.	40 min.	80 min.	100 min.
Time*	LCD	40 min.	30 min.	70 min.	85 min.
Playback Time		105 min.	85 min.	175 min.	220 min.

*Approximate times for recording with repeated operations such as start/stop, zooming, power on/off. Actual time may be shorter.

12

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 CHARGE indicator flashes rapidly and charging stops.

A lithium ion battery pack can be charged at any charge state. Unlike	E
conventional battery packs, you do not need to completely use or discharge it
before charging.

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

To conserve battery charge, turn off the camcorder instead of leaving it in record pause mode.

Preparations	Functions Basic
	-

13

Loading/Unloading a Cassette

Use only video cassettes marked with the Dlogo.

1.Slide the OPEN/EJECT switch and open the cassette compartment cover.

The cassette compartment opens automatically.

2.Load/unload the cassette.

•Load the cassette with the window facing the grip belt.

•Unload the cassette by pulling it straight out.

3.Press the P mark on the cassette compartment until it clicks.

4.Wait for the cassette compartment to retract automatically and close the cassette compartment cover.

	Tape	w
	protection tab

q

e

r

Do not interfere with the cassette compartment while it is opening or closing automatically, or attempt to close the cover before the cassette compartment has fully retracted.

Be careful not to get your fingers caught in the cassette compartment cover.

If the camcorder is connected to a power source, cassettes can be loaded/ unloaded even if the POWER switch is set to OFF.

14

	Installing the Backup Battery
	The backup battery allows the camcorder to retain date, time ( 19) and other	E
	camcorder settings while the power source is disconnected. Connect a power source to
	the camcorder when replacing the backup battery to retain the settings.

1.Open the terminal cover.

2.Open the backup battery cover.

3.Insert the lithium battery with the + side facing outward.

4.Close the backup battery cover.

5.Close the terminal cover.

w	e	r
		Functions Basic Preparations
		-
		q t

WARNING!

•The battery used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. 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.

Keep the battery out of reach of children. If it is swallowed, seek medical assistance immediately. The battery case may break and the battery fluids may damage stomach and intestines.

Do not disassemble, heat or immerse the battery in water to avoid the risk of explosion.

The backup battery has a life span of about a year. “j” flashes in red to inform you that it needs to be replaced.

15

Preparing the Camcorder

Adjusting the Viewfinder (Dioptric Adjustment)

1. Turn on the camcorder and keep the LCD panel closed.

2. Pull out the viewfinder.

3. Adjust the dioptric adjustment lever.

Attaching the Lens Cap

1. Attach the cord to the lens cap.

2. Pass the grip belt through the loop on the cord.

Press the buttons on the lens cap when attaching/removing it. Hook the lens cap on the grip belt while you are recording, and place it over the lens when you have finished.

Fastening the Grip Belt

Hold the camcorder with your right hand and adjust the belt with your left.

Adjust the grip belt so that you can reach the zoom lever with your index finger, and the start/stop button with your thumb.

16

Attaching the Shoulder Strap

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

E

SS-900

Shoulder strap

Preparations	Functions Basic
	-

17

Using the Wireless Controller

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

Inserting Batteries

The wireless controller operates with two AA (R6) batteries.

1.Open the battery cover.

2.Insert the batteries following the +

and – markings.

3. Close the battery cover.

Camcorder and wireless controller are equipped with 2 remote sensor modes ( 78). If the wireless controller does not work, check if camcorder and wireless controller are set to the same mode.

When the camcorder cannot be operated with the wireless controller, or when it can only be operated in very close range, replace the batteries. Make sure to replace both batteries at the same time.

The wireless controller may not work properly when the remote sensor is subjected to strong light sources or direct sunlight.

18

Setting the Time Zone, Date and Time

Set the time zone, date and time when you first start using your camcorder, or when

you have replaced the backup battery.

Setting the Time Zone/Daylight Saving Time

CAMERA		PLAY (VCR)			CARD CAMERA	CARD PLAY
	SYSTEM				T.ZONE/DST•••PARIS

(

36)

1.Press the MENU button to open the menu.

2.Turn the SET dial to select [SYSTEM] and press the

SET dial.

3. Turn the SET dial to select [T.ZONE/DST] and press the SET dial.

The time zone setting appears (see table on the next page). The default setting is Paris.

4.Turn the SET dial to select the setting option that represents your time zone and press the SET dial.

To adjust for daylight saving time, select the time zone with the Unext to the area.

Setting the Date and Time

		CAMERA		PLAY (VCR)			CARD CAMERA	CARD PLAY
			SYSTEM				D/TIME SET••• 1.JAN.2004
(		36)						12:00 PM

5. Turn the SET dial to select [D/TIME SET] and press the SET dial.

The year display starts to flash.

6. Turn the SET dial to select the year, and press the SET dial.

•The next part of the display starts flashing.

•Set the month, day, hours and minutes in the same way.

E

Preparations	Functions Basic
	-

19

7. Press the MENU button to close the menu and to start the clock.

16
						1		4
		19	20
		18			24	2
	17							3		6		7		9	10
15
												8
			21							5
14					23
																12
				22												11
																13
14 15	16 17 18 19		20 21	22	23 24	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11 12 13
	No.	Time zone					No. Time zone
		LONDON						WELLGTN (Wellington)
		PARIS						SAMOA
		CAIRO						HONOLU. (Honolulu)
		MOSCOW						ANCHOR. (Anchorage)
		DUBAI						L.A. (Los Angeles)
		KARACHI						DENVER
		DACCA						CHICAGO
		BANGKOK						N.Y. (New York)

	H. KONG (Hong Kong)	CARACAS
	TOKYO	RIO (Rio de Janeiro)
	SYDNEY	FERNAN. (Fernando de Noronha)
	SOLOMON	AZORES

Once you have set time zone, date and time, you do not need to reset the clock each time you travel to another time zone. Just set the time zone to the one of your destination, and the camcorder automatically adjusts the clock.

20

Displaying Date and Time during Recording

You can display the date and time in the lower left corner of the screen.

CAMERA	PLAY (VCR)	CARD CAMERA	CARD PLAY
DISPLAY SETUP/		D/T DISPLAY••OFF
( 36)

E

1.Press the MENU button to open the menu.

2.Turn the SET dial to select [DISPLAY SETUP/ ] and press the SET dial.

3.Turn the SET dial to select [D/T DISPLAY] and press the SET dial.

4.Turn the SET dial to select [ON].

5.Press the MENU button to close the menu.

Preparations	Functions Basic
	-

21

Recording Movies on a Tape

Before You Begin Recording

Make a test recording first to check if the camcorder operates correctly. Before you make important recordings, clean the video heads ( 147).

Recording
1.	Remove the lens cap.
2.	Set the camcorder to CAMERA	q
	mode.
	Set the POWER switch to CAMERA and
	the TAPE/CARD switch to b.
		w
3.	Push the OPEN button at the LCD
	panel and open the LCD panel.
4.	Press the start/stop button to
	begin recording.
	Press the start/stop button again to pause
	recording.	r
		e

When You Have Finished Recording

1.Turn the POWER switch to OFF.

2.Close the LCD panel and return the viewfinder into its initial position.

3.Replace the lens cap.

4.Unload the cassette.

5.Disconnect the power source.

22

Wait until the tape counter stops completely before you start recording.

When you do not remove the cassette, you can record the next scene without producing any noise or blank sections between the recordings even if you turn

the camcorder off.

E

Bright light may make it difficult to use the LCD screen. In such case, use the viewfinder instead.

You can rotate the LCD panel. Make sure to open the LCD panel at 90 degrees before rotating it.

	When recording near loud sounds (such as fireworks, drums or concerts),
	sound may become distorted or may be recorded not in the actual sound
	level. This is not a malfunction.
	MVX25i: The audio recording level can also be adjusted manually (		59).
				Recording	FunctionsBasic
	The camcorder will shut off after 5 minutes when left in record pause
	mode to protect tape and video heads. “ AUTO POWER OFF” appears
	20 seconds before shutoff. To continue recording, turn the POWER
	switch to OFF and then back to CAMERA.
	About the LCD and viewfinder screen: The screens are produced with				-

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 or green dots. This has no effect on the recorded image and does not constitute a malfunction.

Allowing the Subject to Monitor the LCD Screen

You can rotate the LCD panel so that the screen faces in the same direction as the lens. The viewfinder switches on allowing you to use the viewfinder while the subject can monitor the screen.

The image appears mirror reversed (LCD MIRROR ON). However, you can choose to display the image as it is being recorded (LCD MIRROR OFF).

CAMERA	PLAY (VCR)	CARD CAMERA	CARD PLAY
DISPLAY SETUP/		LCD MIRROR•••ON

(

36)

1. Press the MENU button to open the menu.

23

2. Turn the SET dial to select [DISPLAY SETUP/ ] and press the SET dial.

3. Turn the SET dial to select [LCD MIRROR] and press the SET dial.

4.Turn the SET dial to select [OFF].

5.Press the MENU button to close the menu.

When [LCD MIRROR] is set to [ON], only tape or card operation and self-timer displays appear on the LCD screen (all displays appear on the viewfinder screen).

Screen Displays during Recording

q w e r

t

q Time code

Indicates the recording time in hours, minutes and seconds.

w Remaining tape

Indicates the remaining time of the tape in minutes. “b“ moves during recording. “b END” flashes when the tape reaches the end.

•When the time left is less than 15 seconds, the remaining tape time may not appear.

•Depending on the type of the tape, the indication may not be displayed correctly.

e Remaining battery charge

The battery symbol indicates the charge status of the battery pack.

•“k“ starts flashing in red when the battery pack is empty.

•When you attach an empty battery pack, the power may turn off without displaying “k“.

•The actual battery charge may not be indicated accurately depending on the condition under which battery pack and camcorder are used.

r When “j” flashes

“j“ flashes in red when the lithium button battery is not installed, or when it runs out.

t Recording reminder

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

24

Reviewing and Searching when Recording

		REC SEARCH – button/
						E
		v (record review) button
		REC SEARCH + button

Record Review

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

CARD CAMERA

CARD PLAY

In record pause mode, this function allows you to review the last few seconds of your recording to check if it has been recorded properly.

Press and release the c (record review) button.

The camcorder rewinds the tape, plays back the last few seconds, and returns to record pause mode.

Record Search

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

CARD CAMERA

CARD PLAY

In record pause mode, this function allows you to play back the tape (forward or reverse) to locate the point where you wish to begin recording.

Press and hold the REC SEARCH + button (forward) or – button (reverse).

•Release the button at the point you wish to begin recording.

•The camcorder returns to record pause mode.

Recording	Functions Basic
	-

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Zooming

The camcorder automatically switches between optical zooming and digital zooming.

Image resolution is slightly lower with the digital zoom.

Zoom in T

W Zoom out

Zoom lever

Optical Zoom

14× optical zoom			12× optical zoom
CAMERA	PLAY (VCR)		CARD CAMERA	CARD PLAY

Move the zoom lever toward W to zoom out (wideangle). Move it toward T to zoom in (telephoto).

Press the zoom lever slightly for a slow zoom. Press harder for a faster zoom.

You can also use the T and W buttons on the wireless controller. However, you cannot control the zoom speed.

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Digital Zoom

56×/280× digital zoom	48×/240× digital zoom
(56× in CARD CAMERA mode)	(48× in CARD CAMERA mode)

E

CAMERA	PLAY (VCR)	CARD CAMERA	CARD PLAY
CAMERA SETUP		D.ZOOM•••••••56X
( 36)

1. Press the MENU button to open the menu.

2. Turn the SET dial to select [CAMERA SETUP] and press the SET dial.

3. Turn the SET dial to select [D.ZOOM] and press the SET dial.

4.Turn the SET dial to select a setting option.

5.Press the MENU button to close the menu.

Digital zoom cannot be used in the night modes.

Digital zoom cannot be used when the multi-image screen is selected.

A zoom indicator appears for 4 seconds. It extends in light blue when the digital zoom is set to 56× (MVX25i) or 48× (MVX20i), and extends further in dark blue when set to 280× (MVX25i) or 240× (MVX20i).

Keep at least 1 m to the subject. At wide-angle, you can focus on a subject as close as 1 cm.

Recording	Functions Basic
	-

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Tips for Making Better Videos

Holding the Camcorder

For maximum stability, grip the camcorder in your right hand and keep your right elbow pressed against your body. If necessary, support the camcorder with your left hand. Be careful that your fingers do not touch the microphone or lens.

For More Stability

Lean against a wall

Put the camcorder on a table

Lie on your elbow	Use a tripod

Lighting

When recording outdoors, we

recommend recording with the sun

at your back.

When using 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 as it may damage the camcorder.

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Playing Back a Tape

If the playback picture is distorted, clean the video heads using a Canon Head Cleaning Cassette or a commercially available digital video head-cleaning cassette ( 147).

E

1.	Set the camcorder to PLAY (VCR)
	mode.
	Set the POWER switch to PLAY (VCR) and
	the TAPE/CARD switch to b.	q
2.	screen facing outward.	Playback	-FunctionsBasic
	Open the LCD panel.
	You can also close the LCD panel with the	e
3.	Press the ` button to rewind the
	tape.	t
4.	Press the e/a button to begin
		r
	playback.
5.	Press the 3 button to stop	w
	playback.

To use the viewfinder, close the LCD panel.

About the screen display: During playback, the time code gives the hours,

minutes, seconds and frames. The remaining tape time may not appear when the time left is less than 15 seconds.

You can display the audio level indicator by pressing the AUDIO LEVEL button.

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Special Playback Modes

REW	PLAY	FF
– /	STOP	+ /
PAUSE	SLOW	× 2

e/a (Playback Pause)

To pause playback, press the e/a button during normal playback.

1 (Fast Forward Playback) / ` (Rewind Playback)

Plays back the tape at 11.5 times normal speed (forward or reverse). Press and hold the button during normal playback or fast forward.

–/4a (Reverse Playback)

Press the button on the wireless controller during normal playback. Press the e (play) button to return to normal playback.

+/ae (Frame Advance) / –/4a (Frame Reverse)

Plays back frame-by-frame. Press the button on the wireless controller repeatedly during playback pause. Press and hold it to play back continuous frame advance/frame reverse.

SLOW M (Slow Forward)/(Slow Reverse)

Plays back at about 1/3 normal speed. Press the button on the wireless controller during normal or reverse playback. Press the e (play) button to return to normal playback.

× 2 (Forward ×2 Playback)/(Reverse ×2 Playback)

Plays back at 2 times normal speed. Press the button on the wireless controller during normal or reverse playback. Press the e (play) button to return to normal playback.

There is no sound during special playback.

The picture may become distorted during some special playback modes.

The camcorder stops the tape automatically after 5 minutes in playback pause mode to protect tape and video heads.

30