Canon OPTURA User Manual

DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER

Instruction Manual

CAMÉSCOPE ET LECTEUR VIDEO NUMÉRIQUES

Mode d’emploi

VIDEOCÁMARA Y GRABADORA DIGITAL

Manual de Instrucciones

ENGLISH

FRANÇAIS

ESPAÑOL

Mini

igital Video Cassette

A (NTSC)

WARNING:

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

Important Usage Instructions

Introduction

Digital Video Camcorder, OPTURA This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two

conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

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

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

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

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Use of shielded cable is required to comply with class B limits in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the manual. If such changes or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop operation of the equipment.

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

WARNING:

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

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

Important Warning

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

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

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

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

Introduction

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

In these safety instructions the word “product” refers to the Canon Digital Video Camcorder OPTURA and all its accessories.

1. Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated.

2. Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings — All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions — All operating and maintenance instructions should be followed.

5. Cleaning — Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. The product should be cleaned only as recommended in this manual.

6. Accessories — Do not use accessories not recommended in this manual as they may be hazardous.

7. Avoid magnetic or electric fields — Do not use the camera close to TV transmitters, portable communication devices or other sources of electric or magnetic radiation. They may cause picture interference, or permanently damage the camera.

8. Water and Moisture — Hazard of electric shock — Do not use this product near water or in rainy/moist situations.

9. Placing or Moving — Do not place on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart combination to overturn.

10. Power Sources — The CA-900A Compact Power Adapter should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company. Regarding other power sources such as battery power, refer to instructions in this manual.

11. Polarization — The CA-900A Compact Power Adapter is equipped with a polarized 2-prong plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). The 2-prong polarized plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug still fails to fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

12. Power Cord Protection — Power cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them. Pay particular attention to plugs and the point from which the cords exit the product.

13. Outdoor Antenna Grounding — If an outside antenna is connected to the product, be sure the antenna is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI / NFPANo. 70—1984, provides information with respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode. See figure

Introduction

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

15. Power Lines — An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.

16. Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

17. Objects and Liquid Entry — Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Be careful not to spill liquid of any kind onto the product.

18. Servicing — Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

19. Damage Requiring Service — Disconnect this product from the wall outlet and all power sources including battery, and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: a. When the power-supply cord or plug is

damaged.

b. If any liquid has been spilled onto, or

objects have fallen into, the product.

c. If the product has been exposed to

rain or water.

d. If the product does not operate

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

e. If the product has been dropped or the

cabinet has been damaged.

f. When the product exhibits a distinct

change in performance. This indicates a need for service.

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

21. Safety Check — Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in safe operating order.

EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

ANTENNA LEAD IN WIRE

ANTENNA DISCHARGE UNIT (NEC SECTION 810-20)

GROUNDING CONDUCTORS (NEC SECTION 810-21)

GROUND CLAMPS

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING ELECTRODE SYSTEM (NEC ART 250. PART H)

NEC - NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

ELECTRIC SERVICE EQUIPMENT

GROUND CLAMP

Fig. 1

Important Usage Instructions ................2

Important Safety Instructions ................3

Thank you for Choosing a Canon ..........6

Introducing the OPTURA ......................7

Powering Your Camcorder ....................8

Loading a Cassette................................10

Basic Recording ..................................12

Zooming ..............................................14

Using the LCD Screen..........................15

Playing back a Cassette........................16

Connections for Playback on a TV

Screen ..................................................19

Tips for Making Better Videos ............22

~ General

...

Turning the Optical Image Stabilizer

On/Off ..................................................24

Selecting from the Menus ....................25

Using the Wireless Controller/Tally

Lamp ....................................................27

~ For Recording ...~

Setting the Date and Time....................29

Displaying Data Code ..........................30

Taking Still Pictures (Photo Mode)......31

Searching Through Your Recorded

“Photos” (Photo Search) ......................32

Changing the Movie Mode

(Normal/Progressive Scan) ..................33

Searching and Reviewing While

Recording..............................................34

Using the Various Recording Programs

..............................................................35

Fading In and Out Between Scenes......40

Audio Recording ..................................43

Setting the Self-Timer ..........................44

Using a Canon Speedlite for Flash

Photography (optional accessory) ........45

~ When Making Manual Adjustments ...~

Adjusting Exposure Manually..............46

Adjusting Focus Manually ..................47

Setting the White Balance....................49

Editing to a VCR..................................51

Preparing the Camera ..........................54

Notes on Using the Batteries................55

Setting the Audio Output......................58

Maintenance..........................................59

Troubleshooting....................................62

The OPTURA System Diagram ..........65

Optional Accessories ............................66

Finding Your Way Around the OPTURA

..............................................................70

Screen Displays ....................................73

Specifications........................................77

Index ....................................................78

Introduction

Contents

Introduction

Additional Information

Using the Full Range of Features

Mastering the Basics

The serial number of this product may be found on the bottom of the camera. No others have the same serial number as yours. You should record the number and other vital information here and retain this book as a permanent record of your purchase to aid identification in case of theft.

Date of Purchase Dealer Purchased From Dealer Address Dealer Phone No. Model Name OPTURA Serial No.

Introduction

Thank you for choosing a Canon

Your camcorder is supplied with the following accessories:-

WL-D66 Wireless Controller

Two AAbatteries

SS-200 Shoulder Strap Lens cap

S-150 S-video Cable

STV-250 Stereo Video Cable

DVM-E30 Digital Video Cassette

Lithium button battery

DC-900 DC Coupler

CA-900 Compact Power Adapter

LCD Cover BP-914 Battery Pack

First, we’d like to thank you for purchasing this Canon camcorder. Its advanced technology makes it very easy to use — you will soon be making high-quality videos which will give you pleasure for years to come.

To get the most out of your new camcorder, We recommend that you read this manual thoroughly — there are many sophisticated features which will add to your recording enjoyment.

Getting started

To get started we suggest that you master the basic operations of the camcorder first, before moving on to use its full range of features.

For quick reference (in addition to the contents and index) please refer to:

• Finding your way around the camcorder (p. 70)

• Screen displays (p. 73)

• Troubleshooting — in case you run into any problems (p. 62)

Note that capital letters are used to refer to settings displayed in the menus and buttons labelled on the camcorder itself e.g. Press the EJECT button.

Introduction

The OPTURA features the latest in portable power technology.

Offers you stunning digital sound —16bit for greater than CDquality sound, and 12bit for the playback of audio-dubbed cassettes.

From wide-angle to 14× telephoto — with unparalleled optical quality. The digital zoom more than doubles this magnification for even more dramatic results.

Optical technology stabilizes your recordings even at the furthest reaches of the zoom range.

Introducing the OPTURA

OPTURA is a next generation digital video camcorder that conforms to the new digital video standard to give you outstanding picture quality.

Mini

Advanced digital technology allows you to add special effects and varied scene transitions to your recordings.

Digital Video

Shoot both superb quality video and beautifully clear still pictures. Choose your favorite scenes from videos (taken using progressive scan) and display them as blurfree still pictures too!

Progressive Scan CCD

Easier than manual operation and more flexible than automatic functions, Canon’s FlexiZone Control is a completely new way to use a video camera.

FlexiZone Control

Digital faders

Optical Image Stabilizer

PCM Digital Sound

Lithium ion power supply

2” LCD Screen

An LCD screen makes it easy for you to shoot colorful, well composed video. It is also great for playback.

14× lens and 35× digital

zoom

Powering Your Camcorder

Mastering the Basics

Before operating your camera, you will need to use the power adapter to:

provide power from an AC outlet

charge a battery pack Notes:

• The power adapter converts current from a household power socket (100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz) to the DC current used by your camera.

• If the adapter is used next to a TV, it may cause the TV to emit noise — move the adapter away from the TV or the antenna cable.

Connecting the camera to an AC outlet

Use the power adapter and the DC coupler to provide your camera with instant power from an AC outlet.

1. Lift up the battery cover.

2. Insert the DC coupler into the camera, with the arrow face down.

3. Connect the DC coupler to the adapter.

4. Plug the adapter into an AC outlet.

5. Remove the DC coupler after use.

• Press and hold the BATTERY RELEASE knob to the left.

• Always turn the camera off before removing the power source.

Mastering the Basics

Charging and attaching the battery pack

Your battery pack was partially charged before it left the factory. It should have enough power for you to check that your camera is working properly. However, you must charge the battery pack fully if you want it to power the camera for more than a few minutes.

1. Attach the battery pack to the power adapter.

• Align the triangle on the battery pack with the line on the power adapter.

• Make sure the DC coupler is not connected.

2. Plug the adapter into an AC outlet.

• The charge indicator flashes red to show that charging is in progress. Single flashes mean that the battery pack is less than 50% charged. Double flashes mean that it is between 50% and 75% charged. Triple flashes mean that it is more than 75% charged.

• The indicator glows steadily when the battery pack is fully charged.

3. Take the battery pack off the adapter and insert it into the camera.

• First lift up the battery cover then insert the battery in the direction of the arrow, with the arrow facing down, until it clicks into place.

4. Remove the battery pack after use.

• Press the BATTERY RELEASE knob to the left.

• Always turn the camera off before removing the power source.

Note:

• You can find detailed notes for using the batteries in the “Notes on Using the Batteries” on p. 55. These notes include charging and recording times and how to install the back-up battery.

Loading a Cassette

Mastering the Basics

1. Make sure that you have inserted a power source.

2. Slide the EJECT

button upwards to release the cover (the

camera’s grip).

• Pull the cover fully open (while holding the button upwards) and wait a couple of seconds for the cassette compartment to open automatically.

3. Load or unload the cassette.

• Insert the cassette gently with the window facing out.

• Remove the cassette by pulling it straight out.

4. Press the mark on the compartment until it clicks, and wait for it to close.

5. Click the cover back into place.

PUSH

OPEN/ EJECT

PUSH

Loading and unloading

Use videocassettes marked with the logo only.*

Mini

Notes:

• After loading a cassette, use record search (p. 34) to find the point where you want to start recording.

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

• Do not leave the cassette in the camera after use — return it to its case and store it in a cool, clean, dry place.

• The holes in the back of the cassette are used for transferring information — do not cover them.

* is a trade mark.

Mini

Mastering the Basics

Protecting tapes from accidental erasure

To protect your recording from accidental erasure, slide the tab on the cassette so that it exposes the hole and the red mark. (This switch position is usually labeled SAVE or ERASE OFF). If you load this cassette and put the camera in record pause mode (p. 12), “THE TAPE IS SET FOR ERASURE PREVENTION” is displayed for approx. 4 seconds and then the v mark flashes in the display. The camera also shows the above phrase if you accidentally press the 2 (record) button with the camera switched to VCR mode. If you want to record on the cassette again, slide the tab back so the hole is closed, and the red mark covered.

SAVE

REC

SAVE

REC

Cassette Memory

You are unable to use the cassette memory function with this camcorder.

Basic Recording

Mastering the Basics

Have you completed the following steps?

• Attached a power source (p. 8).

• Loaded a cassette (p. 10).

• Removed the lens cap and fastened the shoulder strap (p. 54).

• Chosen the display: viewfinder or LCD screen (p. 15)

• Adjusted the viewfinder/removed the LCD cover (as applicable, p. 54).

You may also want to install the backup battery (p. 56) in order to set the date and time display (p. 29).

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

VCR

MOVIE LOCKPHOTO

Before you start recording

To record

1. Press down and slide the POWER switch to CAMERA.

• The camera power indicator lights up red.

2. Turn the program selector to

[[p

• This selects the camera’s Easy Recording program. It allows you to simply point and shoot without making any manual adjustments (see p. 35).

3. Turn the standby lever to MOVIE.

• PAUSE appears in the display — the camera is now in “record pause mode.”

• The camera will turn itself off if you leave it in record pause mode for more than about five minutes. To return to record pause mode, turn the standby lever to LOCK and back again, or set the POWER switch to OFF and then back to CAMERA.

4. Press the start/stop button to begin recording.

• The tally lamp flashes rapidly and REC appears in the display.

Mastering the Basics

5. Press the start/stop button again to pause recording.

• The camera returns to record pause mode and PAUSE reappears in the

display.

• You can stop and restart recording as often as you like by pressing the

start/stop button.

6. Turn the standby lever to LOCK.

• As long as the POWER switch is set to CAMERA, you can use the standby

lever to turn the camera on and off. This makes it easy to save battery power, and prevents accidental operation of the start/stop button.

You can record and play back a tape in SP (standard play) and LP (long play) modes. LP extends tape usage by 1.5 times. To switch to LP mode, select REC MODE from the camera or VCR menu, select LP and then close the menu (for instructions on how to use the menus, refer to page 25).

Notes:

• If you record in both modes on the same tape, the picture may become distorted during playback and the time code may not be written correctly.

• A tape recorded in LP mode on another camcorder may produce mosaic-like noise when played back on this camcorder, and vice versa.

Changing the recording mode (SP/LP)

• Replace the lens cap.

• Return the LCD screen flush to the camera body, and replace the LCD cover.

• Unload the cassette.

• Set the POWER switch to OFF.

• Disconnect the power source.

Notes:

• To check that the camera is recording correctly, make a test recording first.

• Before making important recordings, clean the video heads using a Canon DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette or a commercially available digital video head cleaning cassette.

• You cannot monitor the sound from the speaker when recording.

• For tips on how to make better videos, see page 22.

When you have finished recording

REC MODE••••LP

(see p. 25)

35× digital zoom

Turn the digital zoom on from choosing D. ZOOM at the camera menu, to more than double the camera's zoom range.

Zooming

Mastering the Basics

The camera’s 14× zoom lens allows you to choose the best picture angle for each scene:

• Turn the zoom control towards W to zoom out to wide-angle.

• Turn it towards T to zoom in to telephoto.

You can also control the speed of zooming:

• Move the control slightly to zoom slowly.

• Turn it further to zoom more quickly. (The further you turn the zoom control,

the faster the zoom speed.)

The T and W buttons on the wireless controller adjust the picture angle, but not the zoom speed.

14× optical zoom

Zoom out

Zoom in

D.ZOOM••••••ON

The zoom control continues to work as usual. You can freely zoom in and out between 1× and 35× magnification — the camera automatically switches between optical zooming (up to 14×) and digital zooming (14× to 35×).

Notes:

• When you want to get as close as possible to your subject, keep the zoom at the wide-angle position. You can focus on a subject as close as 3/8 in (1 cm).

• Image resolution is slightly lower when the magnification is greater than 14×.

• You cannot use the digital zoom with the Negative-Positive Conversion program or with the mosaic fade and window wipe.

(For an explanation of how to use the camera menu see page 25)

(see p. 25)

Mastering the Basics

Using the LCD Screen

You can choose between using the LCD screen and the viewfinder by pressing the MONITOR/FINDER button.

Switching between displays

You can choose the angle of the screen that suits you best by tilting it towards you.

Changing the angle of the LCD screen

100°

Notes:

• Avoid touching the LCD screen.

• Do not hold the camcorder by the LCD panel.

• Bright light falling on the LCD screen may cause glare that makes it difficult for you to view the image. In this case, switch to using the viewfinder.

• When you turn on the camera, the display always appears on the LCD screen in VCR mode. The display may appear in the viewfinder in camera mode, if you were using the viewfinder when the camera was turned off.

About the LCD Viewfinder/Screen

Liquid Crystal Viewfinders use extremely high-precision technology, but there will be pixels which do not light up or which are continuously lit. This is not an error and will not affect the recording.

The camcorder has a built-in speaker so you can review the sound track alongside the picture during playback.

Adjust the speaker volume by choosing VOLUME at the VCR menu, and setting the volume to HIGH, MEDIUM or LOW. Turn the speaker off completely by selecting OFF.

Built-in speaker

VOLUME••••••MEDIUM

(For an explanation of how to use the camera menu see page 25)

(see p. 25)

Note:

• The speaker turns off when the camera is set to camera mode and when you use headphones.

• You cannot adjust the volume of attached headphones.

Mastering the Basics

Playing back a Cassette

You can use the LCD screen for instant, on-the-spot playback. The camera also plays back the sound track via the built-in speaker (p. 15).

To play back your recordings on a TV, see p. 19. To use the wireless controller, see p. 27.

Note:

• To avoid accidental recording, make sure that you slide the tab on the cassette so that it exposes the hole (the switch position is usually labelled SAVE or ERASE OFF).

1. Attach a power source and slide the POWER switch to VCR.

• The power indicator lights up green.

2. Load the cassette.

3. Press the PLAY

button to start playback.

• To end playback, press the STOP 3 button.

• To wind the tape forwards, stop playback and press the FF 1 button.

• To wind the tape backwards, stop playback and press the REW ` button.

• If the playback picture is rough (mosaic-like noise), clean the video heads using a Canon DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette or a commercially available digital video head cleaning cassette.

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

VCR

RECORD SEARCH

Mastering the Basics

Playback pause

Press the PAUSE a button. To resume normal playback, press it again, or press the PLAY e button. The camera automatically goes into stop mode after about five minutes’ playback pause.

Fast forward playback

To play back the recording at about 9.5 times normal speed, press and hold the FF 1 button during normal playback or press and hold the FF 1 button during normal fast forward.

Rewind playback

For reverse playback at about 9.5 times normal speed, press and hold the REW ` button during normal playback or press and hold the REW ` button during normal rewind.

Other playback modes

Mastering the Basics

Note:

• Mosaic-like noise appears on the screen during some of the VCR modes and the sound track cannot be heard.

These can only be operated from the wireless controller (p. 27)

Frame Advance

To play back frame by frame, press the +/ae button repeatedly during playback pause. Press and hold to play back continuous frame advance.

Frame Reverse

To play back on reverse frame by frame, press the –/4a button repeatedly during playback pause. Press and hold to play back continuous frame reverse.

Slow Forward Playback

To play back at about 1/5 normal speed, press the SLOW button during normal playback. Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.

• The camera automatically returns to playback after about 30 seconds of slow playback.

Slow Reverse Playback

To play back in reverse at about 1/5 normal speed, press the –/4a button and then the SLOW button during normal playback. Press PLAY e to return to normal playback.

• The camera automatically returns to ×1 reverse playback after about 30 seconds of slow playback.

Reverse Playback

To play back in reverse at normal speed, press the –/4a button during normal forward playback. Press the PLAY e button to return to normal forward playback.

Forward ×2 Playback

Press the ×2 button during normal playback. Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.

Reverse ×2 Playback

Press the –/4a button and then the ×2 button during normal playback. Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.

Special playback

Mastering the Basics

Connections for Playback on a TV Screen

You can connect the camera to a TV or VCR in order to play back your recordings. You will need to attach a power source to the camera (see p. 8).

See your TV or VCR instruction manual for further details.

• Use the S-150 S-video Cable to connect the S-video terminal d. Use the STV250 Stereo Video Cable, to connect the AUDIO terminals. Connect the white plug to the white AUDIO terminal 7 (left). Connect the red plug to the red AUDIO terminal 9 (right). Do not connect the yellow plug.

• Set the TV/VIDEO selector on the television to VIDEO.

• If you are connecting the camera to a VCR, set the input selector on the VCR to LINE.

S-VIDEO OUT

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

INPUT

AUDIO

S-150 S-video Cable

STV-250 Stereo Video Cable

VIDEO/

AUDIO OUT

REMOTE

If your TV (or VCR) has an S-video input terminal

If your TV (or VCR) has audio/video input terminals

VIDEO

INPUT

AUDIO

STV-250 Stereo Video Cable

VIDEO/

AUDIO OUT

REMOTE

• Connect the camera using the STV-250 Stereo Video Cable. Connect the white plug to the white audio terminal 7 (left). Connect the red plug to the red audio terminal 9 (right). Connect the yellow plug to the yellow video terminal 0.

• Set the TV/VIDEO selector on the television to VIDEO.

• If you are connecting the camera to a VCR, set the input selector on the VCR to LINE.

Mastering the Basics

TV with coaxial antenna cable

TV with flat twin-lead antenna cable

Coaxial cable with F-connection

RU-100 RF Unit

VHF

4CH 3CH

FROM ANTTO TV

RC-150 RF Adapter Cables

MIC

DC IN

VIDEO/

AUDIO OUT

REMOTE

Coaxial cable with F-connection

RU-100 RF Unit

300-75 ohm adapter

75-300 ohm adapter

RC-150 RF Adapter Cables

MIC

DC IN

VHF

4CH 3CH

FROM ANTTO TV

VIDEO/

AUDIO OUT

REMOTE

If your TV does not have audio/video terminals

To connect the camera directly to a TV which does not have audio/video terminals, you will need to use the optional RU-100 RF Unit together with the optional RC-150 RF cables.

Note:

• If you are going to use the TV as a monitor while you are shooting, remember to keep the TV volume turned down as long as the camera’s audio terminals are connected. If the sound from the TV speakers is picked up by the microphone, an unpleasant high-pitched squeal, called feedback, may be produced.

If your TV is already hooked up to a VCR, you can connect the camera to the VCR instead of the TV. Follow the instructions on the previous page.

Mastering the Basics

Loosen the screws on the adapter and insert the antenna cable. Tighten the screws again.

1. Connect the RF unit to the camera, using the RC-150 RF adapter cables.

• The RF unit and RF adapter cables are available optionally.

2. Connect the antenna cable to the FROM ANT. terminal on the RF unit.

• If your TV has flat twin-lead cable, use the 300–75 ohm adapter.

3. Connect the TO TV terminal on the RF unit to the antenna input on the TV.

• Use the coaxial cable with F-connectors.

If your TV has flat twin-lead cable, use the 75–300 ohm adapter.

Connecting the RF unit/adapter cables

Attaching the 300–75 ohm adapter

If the antenna cable does not have antenna lugs, you will need to strip one end of the cable and wind the wires around the screws.

Turn the TV on, start playback on the camera (see p. 16), and set the TV and the RF unit to the video channel.

The video channel is the channel which is not used by a broadcasting station in your area and can be used for cassette playback (channel 3 or 4).

4CH 3CH

FROM ANTTO TV

4CH 3CH

Selecting the video channel

Note:

• Turn the camera off or disconnect it from the RF unit when you want to watch a

broadcast program.

Mastering the Basics

Tips for Making Better Videos

Composition

The most important element in the scene does not have to be in the center. For a more interesting picture, try to position your subject so it is slightly to one side. Leave some space on the side of the frame that the subject is facing or moving towards.

For maximum stability, grip the camera firmly with your right hand and keep your right elbow pressed against your body. Support the camera under the lens with your left hand. With practice, you will be able to operate the controls by touch, without taking your eye off the action.

To prevent any unwanted movement, you can mount the camera on a tripod, (or any flat surface at a suitable height.) and operate it with the wireless controller.

• When you are using a tripod, be careful not to leave the

viewfinder exposed to bright sunlight or it may melt. (The light is concentrated by the viewfinder lens.)

• Make sure that the fastening screw of the tripod is no

longer than 3/16 inch (5.5 mm), or it will damage the camera.

Don’t cut off the top of the subject’s head, and don’t cut people off at the neck, hips or knees (move a little bit above or below).

Watch out for distracting objects in the background.

Holding the camera

Using a tripod

Mastering the Basics

Picture angle

Camera moves

Long shot

Medium shot

Close-up

Instead of zooming while recording, try to choose your picture angle before you begin. Agood way to tell a story with video is to begin with a long shot that establishes the situation, and then move in with medium shots and close-ups to show the details. Remember to change your viewpoint for each shot.

Remember that any camera movement or change in picture angle should have a definite purpose. Avoid unnecessary or half-hearted movements.

Pan

Use pans to record a landscape or follow a moving subject. Decide the area you want to cover and stand facing the end of your panning angle. Without moving your feet, turn your waist to the starting position. Start recording, and after a few seconds begin to turn slowly from the waist. Hold the final image for a few seconds before you stop recording.

Tilt

Tilt the camera up to exaggerate the height of the subject. Tilt down from the top of a building, for example, as an introduction to subjects at the bottom.

Using the Full

Range of Features

Turning the Optical Image Stabilizer On/Off

With most camcorders, even the slightest hand movements will be noticeable during telephoto recording. However, the OPTURA’s Optical Image Stabilizer allows you to obtain steady recordings even at 14× or 35× magnification. Unlike electronic image stabilizers, it causes no loss of picture quality. The Optical Image Stabilizer can compensate for a wide range of camera movement — you can record stable images even if you are shooting from a moving car.

Before you start recording, open the rear button cover and push the i on/off button to turn the image stabilizer on or off.

• The i mark appears in the display when the stabilizer is on.

• The image stabilizer cannot be turned off when the program selector is set to the

[ (Easy Recording) position.

Notes:

• The image stabilizer is designed to deal with a normal degree of camera shake.

• Keep the image stabilizer turned off when the camera is mounted on a tripod.

• The image stabilizer is not as effective as usual when the tele-converter

(optional) is attached.

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