Canon VIXIA HV30 Instruction Manual

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Instruction Manual
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Manual de Instrucciones

Y P O

CMini Digital

Video

assette

Please read also the following instruction manual (electronic version on PDF file). For further details refer to the installation guide.

Veuillez lire aussi le manuel d’instruction suivant (version électronique sur fichier PDF). Pour d’autres détails référezvous au guide d’installation.

Lea también el siguiente manual de instrucciones (versión electrónica en archivo PDF). Para mayores detalles, refiérase a la guía de instalación.

• Digital Video Software

Digital Video Software

Version 23

Instruction Manual

NTSC

2

Important Usage Instructions

WARNING!

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

WARNING!

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

COPYRIGHT WARNING:

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

	HD Camcorder, VIXIA HV30 A systems
	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
				Y
	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:		P
	•
		Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
	•	Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
	• onnect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
	• onsult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
	Use of shielded cableOis 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.
		anon U.S.A. Inc.
	One anon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042, U.S.A.
	CTel No. [phone]

CAUTION:

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

Important Warning

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION:

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

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

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

3

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

In these safety instructions the word “product”		10	Power Sources — The CA-570 Compact
refers to the Canon HD Camcorder VIXIA HV30			Power Adapter should be operated only
A and all its accessories.			from the type of power source indicated on
1 Read Instructions — All the safety and			the marking label. If you are not sure of the
			type of power supply to your home, consult
	operating instructions should be read		your product dealer or local power
	before the product is operated.		company. Regarding other power sources
2 Retain Instructions — The safety and			such as battery power, refer to instructions
	operating instructions should be retained	11	in this manual.
	for future reference.		Polarization — The CA-570 Compact
3 Heed Warnings — All warnings on the			Power Adapter is equipped with a
	product and in the operating instructions		polarized 2-prong plug (a plug having one
	should be adhered to.		blade wider than the other).
4 Follow Instructions — All operating and			The 2-prong polarized plug will fit into the
			power outlet only one way. This is a safety
	maintenance instructions should be		feature. If you are unable to insert the plug
	followed.		fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If
5 Cleaning — Unplug this product from the			the plug still fails to fit, contact your
	wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use		electrician to replace your obsolete outlet.
	liquid or aerosol cleaners. The product		Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
	should be cleaned only as recommended		polarized plug.
	in this manual.	Y
6 Accessories — Do not use accessories not		12	ower Cord rotection — Power cords
			should be routed so that they are not likely
	recommended in this manual as they may		to be walked on or pinched by items placed
	be hazardous.		upon or against them. Pay particular
			attention to plugs and the point from which
7 Avoid magnetic or electric fieldsP— Do not
	use the camera close to TV transmitters,	13	the cords exit the product.
			Outdoor Antenna Grounding — If an
	portable communication devices or other
	sources of electric or magnetic radiation.		outside antenna is connected to the
	They may cause picture interference, or		product, be sure the antenna is grounded
	permanently damage the camera.		so as to provide some protection against
8	Ovoltage surges and built-up static charges.
	Water and Moisture — Hazard of electric		Section 810 of the National Electrical
	shock — Do not use this product near		Code, ANSI / NFPA No. 70—1984,
	water or in rainy/moist situations.
			provides information with respect to proper
9 Placing or Moving — Do not place on an			grounding of the mast and supporting
	unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or		structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to
C			an antenna discharge unit, size of
	table. The product may fall, causing
	serious injury to a child or adult, and		grounding conductors, location of antenna
	serious damage to the		discharge unit, connection to grounding
	product.		electrodes, and requirements for the
	A product and cart		grounding electrode. See figure 1.
	combination should be
	moved with care. Quick
	stops, excessive force,

and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart combination to overturn.

Introduction

20 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.

4

Fig. 1 EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

		ANTENNA
		LEAD IN
	GROUND	WIRE
		ANTENNA DISCHARGE
	CLAMP
		UNIT (NEC SECTION 810-20)
	ELECTRIC	GROUNDING
	SERVICE	CONDUCTORS
	EQUIPMENT	(NEC SECTION 810-21)
		GROUND CLAMPS
		POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
	NEC - NATIONAL	ELECTRODE SYSTEM
	ELECTRICAL CODE	(NEC ART 250. PART H)

18Damage 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

			Y
14 Lightning — For added protection of this			instructions. Adjust only those controls
			that are covered by the operation
product during a lightning storm, or when it			instructions. Improper adjustment of
is left unattended and unused for long			other controls may result in damage and
periods of time, disconnect it from the wall			will often require extensive work by a
		P
outlet and disconnect the antenna. This will			qualified technician to restore the
prevent damage to the product due to			product to its normal operation.
lightning and power-line surges.			e. If the product has been dropped or the
15 Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets			cabinet has been damaged.
and extension cords as this can result in a			f. When the product exhibits a distinct
risk of fire or electric shock.			change in performance. This indicates a
16 Objects and Liquid Entry — Never push			need for service.
objects of any kind into this product			19 Replacement arts — When replacement
through openings as they may touch			parts are required, be sure the service
C			technician has used replacement parts that
dangerous voltage points or short out parts
that could result in a fire or electric shock.			are specified by Canon or that have the
Be careful not to spill liquid of any kind onto			same characteristics as the original part.
the product.			Unauthorized substitutions may result in
	Ofire, electric shock or other hazards.
17 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.

When replacement of the power supply is required, please return it to the responsible nearest Canon Service Center and please replace it with the same type number CA-570.

The Adapter can be used with a power supply between 100 and 240 V AC. For areas where 120 V AC power is not used, you will need a special plug adapter. Contact your nearest Canon Service Center for further information.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

5

Enjoying High-Definition Video

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 video (HDV) allows you to record
	video of unparalleled high quality on regular
	miniDV tapes. HDV 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	1,080 lines
	and richly detailed video recordings.

On a high-definition TV (HDTV) ( 68)

Y How to play back your HDVPrecordings?

HDV recordings will be played back in their original high quality.On standard definition TVs ( 69)

HDV recordings will be down-converted to match the resolution of the TV set.

C
What is the inema Mode?
Give your recordings a cinematic look by using the [		CINE MODE]
recordingOprogram ( 45). Combine this recording mode with the high-
definition, 24 fps progressive frame rate [	HDV(PF24)] (		38) to get
the enhanced effect of the 24p Cinema Mode.

Introduction

6

Table of contents

Introduction

	Enjoying High-Definition Video .......................................................................			5
	About this Manual ...........................................................................................			9
	Getting to Know the Camcorder
	Supplied Accessories....................................................................................			11
	Components Guide .......................................................................................			12
	Screen Displays ............................................................................................			15
	Preparations
	Getting Started
	Charging the Battery Pack............................................................................			18
	Inserting and Removing a Tape		Y
				20
	Inserting and Removing a Memory Card ......................................................			20
	Preparing the Camcorder..............................................................................			21
	The Wireless Controller ................................................................................	P		21
	Adjusting the LCD Screen			22
	Using the Menus
	Selecting an Option from the FUNC. Menu ..................................................			23
	Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus ..................................................			23
	First Time Settings
	Changing the Language................................................................................			24
	Changing the Time Zone...............................................................................			24
	Setting the Date and Time ............................................................................			25
C
	Basic Functions
	Recording
	Recording Movies .........................................................................................			26
	Recording StillOImages ..................................................................................			27
	Zooming........................................................................................................			28
	Playback
	Playing Back Movies.....................................................................................			29
	Adjusting the Volume: Speaker and Headphones.........................................			30
	Locating the End of the Last Scene..............................................................			32
	Locating Scenes by Recording Date.............................................................			32
	Viewing Still Images ......................................................................................			33
	Magnifying the Playback Image....................................................................			34
	Advanced Functions
	Menu Options Lists
	FUNC. Menu Options....................................................................................			35
	Setup Menus.................................................................................................			37
	Camera Setup (Digital Zoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.)..........................			37
	Recording/Video Input Setup
	(HD Standard, DV Recording Mode, etc.) ........................................			38
	Card Operations (Initialization, Erase All Images, etc.) ......................			40
	Playback/Video Output Setup
	(Playback Standard, Component Video Out, DV Out etc.)...............			40
	Display Setup (LCD Brightness, Language, etc.) ...............................			43

7

	System Setup (Beep, etc.) ..................................................................				44
	Date/Time Setup .................................................................................				44
Using the Recording Programs
Recording Programs......................................................................................					45
Giving a Cinematic Look to your Recordings ................................................					46
Flexible Recording: Changing the Aperture and Shutter Speed................					46
Special Scene: Recording Programs to Match Special Conditions ...............					48
Adjusting the Picture: Exposure, Focus and Color
Manual Exposure Adjustment and Automatic Backlight Correction ..............					49
Manual Focus Adjustment			.............................................................................		49
Focus Assist Functions..................................................................................					50
White Balance ...............................................................................................					51
Image Effects.................................................................................................					52
				Y
Still Image Recording Options
Selecting the Size and Quality of Still Images ...............................................					53
Capturing a Still Image while Recording Movies ...........................................					54
Light Metering Mode......................................................................................					55
			P
Automatic Focus Priority................................................................................					55
Continuous Shooting and Exposure Bracketing............................................					56
Other Functions
On-Screen Displays.......................................................................................					57
		Options
Flash	..............................................................................................................				59
Mini Video Light .............................................................................................					60
Self Timer ......................................................................................................					60
Audio Recording Level ..................................................................................					61
Digital Effects.................................................................................................					63
Editing Functions
Still Image
Erasing .......................................................................................Still Images					65
Protecting ...................................................................................Still Images					65
Initializing ..........................................................................the Memory Card					66
External onnections
Connecting to a TV or V R
Connection ....................................................................................Diagrams					67
Playback ..............................................................................on a TV Screen					70
Recording .............................................to a VCR or Digital Video Recorder					71
Analog ..............................................................................Line-In Recording					72
Digital ....................................................................................Video Dubbing					73
Analog/Digital .............................................................................Conversion					74
Connecting to a Computer
PC Connection ..............................................................................Diagrams					76
Transferring ......................................................................Video Recordings					77
Transferring ....................................................Still Images – Direct Transfer					78
Transfer .............................................................................................Orders					79
Connecting to a Printer
Printing .................................................................Still Images – Direct Print					80
Selecting ...........................................................................the Print Settings					81
Trimming ..........................................................................................Settings					83

Introduction

	8
		Print Orders				83
	Additional Information
	Trouble?
		Troubleshooting ............................................................................................				85
		List of Messages...........................................................................................				89
	Do’s and Don’ts
		Handling Precautions....................................................................................				92
		Maintenance/Others......................................................................................				95
		Cleaning the Video Heads ............................................................................				95
		Using the Camcorder Abroad .......................................................................				96
	General Information
		System Diagram ...........................................................................................				97
		Optional Accessories			Y
						98
		Product Codes ............................................................................................				101
		Specifications..............................................................................................				102
		Index ...........................................................................................................		P		104
			O
C
	Trademark Acknowledgements

• miniSD™ is a trademark of SD Card Association.

• Microsoft, Windows and Windows Vista are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft orporation in the United States and/or other countries.

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

• is a trademark.

•HDV and the HDV logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation and Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. (JVC).

•HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

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

•ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT OTHER THAN CONSUMER PERSONAL USE IN ANY MANNER THAT COMPLIES WITH THE MPEG-2 STANDARD FOR ENCODING VIDEO INFORMATION FOR PACKAGED MEDIA IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED WITHOUT A LICENSE UNDER APPLICABLE PATENTS IN THE MPEG-2 PATENT PORTFOLIO, WHICH LICENSE IS AVAILABLE FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C., 250 STEELE STREET, SUITE 300, DENVER, COLORADO 80206.

If 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 ( 93) and set the time zone, date and time again.

You can also change the date format ( 44).

9

About this Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Canon VIXIA HV30. 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 Troubleshooting table ( 85).

Conventions Used in the Manual

IMPORTANT: Precautions related to the camcorder 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.	Y
	“Screen” refers to the LCD and the viewfinder screen.

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

	Setting the Date and Time
	DATE/TIME SETUP
Menu item shown at its default position	DATE/TIME JAN. 1, 2008 12:00 AM

Buttons and switches to be operated			FUNC.
			(	23)
			1 Press FUNC..
Brackets [ ] and capital letters are used to refer to menu			2 Select (		) the	icon and press
				( ) to open the setup menus.
options as they are displayed on screen. Menu options in			3 Select (		) [DATE/TIME SETUP]
				and press ( ).
boldface indicate the default setting P(for example [ N],			4 Select (		) [DATE/TIME] and press
				( ).
[OFF]).				The first field of the date will be
				indicated with blinking up/down
				arrows.
			5 Change (		) each field of the date
				and time and move (		) to the next
				field.
Names of buttons and switches other than the joystick are			6 Press (		) to start the clock.
			7 Press FUNC. to close the menu.
	O			IMPORTANT
indicated within a “button” frame (for example		FUNC. ).
C

Introduction

10

About the Joystick and the Joystick Guide

The mini joystick allows you to control many of the camcorder’s operations and to make selections and changes in the camcorder’s menus.

Push the joystick up, down, left or right (, ) to select an item or change settings.

Press the joystick itself ( ) to save the settings or confirm an action. On menu screens, this is indicated by the SET icon .

The functions assigned to the joystick change according to the operation mode and the

camcorder’s settings. Press (		) to display/hide the joystick guide to remind you of the
joystick’s functions.
	When the guide contains multiple `pages´, [NEXT] and the page number
	icon (	) will appear at the bottom position. Push the joystick (			)
	toward [NEXT] to display the next `page´ of the guide.
		Y
About the Operating Modes
The camcorder’s operating mode is determinedPby the positions of the				switch and the
/ switch. In the 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 function is available in all operating modes.
Operating Mode	O		Operation
	Switch	/ Switch Icon Display
C			Recording movies
			on the tape		26
		(Tape)	Recording still images
	CAMERA
			on the memory card		27
	(Memory card)
			Playing movies
			from the tape		29
		(Tape)
	PLAY		Viewing still images
			from the memory card		33
	(Memory card)

Getting to Know the Camcorder 11

Supplied Accessories

CA-570 Compact Power BP-2L13 Battery Pack		WL-D87 Wireless		Lithium Button Battery
Adapter		Controller		CR2025 for Wireless
(incl. power cord)				Controller

CTC-100/S Component	STV-250N Stereo Video	IFC-300PCU	DIGITAL VIDEO
Cable	Cable	USB Cable	SOLUTION DISK
			Software CD-ROM*
		Y
Red • Green • Blue plugs	P
	Yellow • Red • White plugs
* Includes the electronic version of the Digital Video Software instruction manual on PDF file.
Online productOregistration for U.S.A. Customers only.
Register your product online at www.registercanon.com
9 Protect your product
CWe will keep the model number and date of purchase of your new Canon product on
file to help you refer to this information in the event of an insurance claim such as loss
or theft.
9 Receive information on new products and promotions
Upon your request, we will send you information on Canon new products and
promotions.

The serial number of this product can be found at the battery attachment unit of the camcorder. Write down the number and other information here and retain this book as a permanent record of your purchase to aid identification in case of theft.

Date of Purchase:	Model Name: VIXIA HV30 A
Purchased From:	Serial No.:
Dealer Address:
Dealer Phone No.:

Introduction

12 Getting to Know the Camcorder

Components Guide

Left side view		FOCUS lever (		49)
		BLC (backlight correction) button (						49)
		FOCUS button (		49, 50)
		Speaker
		DISP. (display) button (				57)/
		LCD backlight button (long press) (						22)
		LIGHT button (		60)/
			(print/share) button (				78, 81)
		USB terminal (		76)
		CARD access indicator (				27)/
		CHARGE indicator (				18)
		Memory card slot (			20)
Right side view		/	(tape/card) switch (				10)
		Mode switch (		45)
		Terminal cover
		MIC (microphone) terminal (					62)
		Y
		AV terminal (		67)/
		(headphones) terminal (					30)
		COM	ONENT OUT terminal (				67)
		PGrip belt ( 21)			37)
		Instant AF sensor (
		Flash ( 59)
		Mini video light (		60)
	ORemote sensor ( 21)
C		Names of buttons and switches other than the
		joystick are indicated within a “button” frame (for
		example	FUNC. ).

Front view

Getting to Know the Camcorder 13

	Back view	LCD screen (		22)
		Dioptric adjustment lever ( 21)
		Viewfinder (	21)
		Terminal cover
		START/STOP button ( 26)
		switch (		10)
		Power indicator (		10)
		Joystick (	10)
		FUNC. button (		23, 35)
		RESET button (		85)

		Serial number/Battery attachment unit
		(	18)
		DC IN terminal (				18)
		HDV/DV terminal (					67, 76)
			(rewind) button (					29)/
Top view		Zoom out W (wide-angle) button (									28)
			(fast forward) button (							29)/
		Zoom in		(telephoto) button (						28)
		Y
		/	(play/pause) button (							29)/
				button (				26)
			(stop) button (			29)/
	START/STOPFOCUS ASSIST button ( 50)
O		HDMI OUT terminal (						67, 70)
		OPEN/EJECT				switch (			20)
		Stereo microphone
		Cassette compartment (						20)
C
		Cassette compartment cover (								20)
		Zoom lever (			28)
		PHOTO button (				27)
		Lock button
			switch (			10)
		Advanced accessory shoe (								59, 62)
		Tripod socket (				27)

Bottom view	BATTERY RELEASE switch ( 18)
	Strap mount
	Names of buttons and switches other than the
	joystick are indicated within a “button” frame (for
	example FUNC. ).

Introduction

14 Getting to Know the Camcorder

Wireless Controller WL-D87

START/

STOP PHOTO ZOOM

CARD

DATE SEARCH

START/STOP button ( 26)

CARD –/+ buttons ( 33)

DATE SEARCH / buttons ( 32)

REW button ( 29)

–/ button ( 29)

PAUSE button ( 29)

SLOW button ( 29)

ZERO SET MEMORY button ( 31)

REW	PLAY	FF	DISP. (on-screen display) button ( 57)
				Y
	STOP		PHOTO button (			27)
PAUSE	SLOW		Zoom buttons (			28)
			PLAY		button (		29)
MEMORY	DISP.	TV SCREEN	STOP
			FF		button (	29)
ZERO SET
					button (		29)
			+/		button (	29)
O				button ( 29)
WIRELESS C NTR		LLER WL-D87	TV SCREEN button ( 43)
C

Getting to Know the Camcorder 15

Screen Displays

Recording Movies

	Recording program (								45)
	White balance (					51)
	Image effect (				52)
	Digital effects (					63)
	Still image quality/size
	(simultaneous recording) (									54)
	Microphone attenuator (								61)
	Self timer (			60)
	Y
	Recording reminder
	Instant AF (			37)/Manual focus (							49)
	Recording standard (HDV or DV) (										38)
P									39)
	DV recording mode (
	Tape operation
	Time code (hours : minutes : seconds)
	Remaining tape
	Remaining battery charge
	Image stabilizer (						38)
	Level marker (					43)
C	Backlight correction (								49)
	Headphones output (								30)
	Audio level indicator (microphone) (										61)
	Wind screen off (					39)
OFocus assist functions (									50)
	DV audio mode (					39)
	Condensation warning (								95)
	Mini video light (					60)
Recording Still Images	Remote sensor off (							44)
	Zoom (		28), Exposure							(	49)
	Light metering mode (								55)
	Drive mode (			56)
	Still image quality/size (								53)
	Number of still images available on the
	memory card
	AF frame (			55)
	Camcorder shake warning (									37)
	Advanced accessory shoe									(	97)
	Flash (		59)
	Autofocus (AF) and exposure (AE) locked
	(	27)

Introduction

16 Getting to Know the Camcorder

Recording reminder

Remaining battery charge

The camcorder counts from 1 to 10

seconds when you start recording. This is

helpful to avoid scenes that are too short.

Tape operation

• When “ ” starts flashing in red, replace

the battery pack with a fully charged one.

Record,

Record pause,

• When you attach an empty battery pack,

Stop,

Eject,

Fast forward,

Rewind,

the power may turn off without displaying

“

”.

Playback,

Playback pause,

• Depending on the conditions under which

Reverse playback pause,

the camcorder and the battery pack are

x1

Playback (normal speed),

used, the actual battery charge may not be

x1 Reverse playback (normal speed),

indicated accurately.

x2

Playback (double speed),

x2 Reverse playback (double speed),

Number of still images available on the

Fast forward playback,

memory card

Rewind playback,

Depending on the recording conditions, the

Slow playback,

number of still images available displayed

Slow reverse playback,

may notYdecrease even after a recording

Frame advance,

has been made, or may decrease by 2 still

Frame reverse,

images at once.

/

Date search (

32),

31)P

/

Zero set memory (

Card Access Display

Remaining tape

“

” is displayed next to the number of

images available while the camcorder is

Indicates the remaining time of the tape in

writing on the memory card.

minutes. “

” movesOduring recording.

When the tape reaches its end, the display

changes to “

END”.

• When the time left is less than 15

seconds, the remaining tape time may not

C

appear.

• Depending on the type of the tape, the remaining time displayed may not be correct. In any case, you will be able to record on the tape the number of minutes that appears on the videocassette’s label (for example, 85 minutes).

		Getting to Know the Camcorder						17
Playing Movies
		Tape operation
		Time code (hours : minutes : seconds : frames)
		Remaining tape
		Data code (		58)
		Search function display
		END SEARCH (			32)/
		DATE SEARCH (			32)
		Quality/size for capturing still images (						54)
		Audio level indicator (					61)
Viewing Still Images
		Image number (			40)
		Current image / Total number of images
		Histogram (		58)
		Image protection mark (					65)
		Still image quality/size
		Y
		Date and time of recording
		Recording program (					45)
		Manual focus (			49)
	PLight metering mode (						55)
O		Manual exposure (				49)
		Image effect (			52)
		Image size (		53)
		File size
C
		Aperture value (			46)
		Shutter speed (			46)
		White balance (			51)
		Flash (	59)

Introduction

18 Getting Started

	Getting Started	3 Connect the power cord to the
		compact power adapter.
	Charging the Battery Pack	4 Plug the power cord into a power
		outlet.
	The camcorder can be powered with a	5 Connect the compact power adapter
	battery pack or directly using the compact	to the camcorder’s DC IN terminal.
		• The CHARGE indicator starts
	power adapter. Charge the battery pack
		flashing. The indicator will stay on
	before use.
		when the charging is completed.
	Remove the battery
		• You can also use the compact power
	terminal cover	adapter without attaching a battery
	before attaching the
		pack.
	battery pack
		• When the compact power adapter is
		connected, even if a battery is
		attached its power will not be
		consumed.
		ONCE THE	ACK IS FULLY CHARGED
		1 Disconnect the compact power
		adapterBATTERYfrom the camcorder.
		2 Unplug the power cord from the
		power outlet and the compact
		power adapter.
	P
		T REMOVE THE BATTERY PACK
	BATTERY	Slide BATTERY RELEASE in the
	RELEASE switch	direction of the arrow and hold it
	O
	1 Turn off the camcorder.	pressed down. Slide the battery pack
	2 Attach the battery pack to the	down and then pull it out.
	camcorder.	IMPORTANT
	Press the battery pack softly into the
	Cbattery attachment unit and slide it up	You may hear some noise from the compact
	until it clicks in place.
		power adapter during use. This is not a
		malfunction.
		We recommend charging the battery pack in
		temperatures between 10 °C and 30 °C (50 °F
		and 86 °F). Outside the temperature range of
		0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F), the charging will
		not start.
		Do not connect to the camcorder’s DC IN
	CHARGE	terminal or to the compact power adapter any
	indicator	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

Getting Started 19

overseas travels or special power sources such as

We recommend that you prepare battery

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

packs 2 to 3 times longer than you think you

might need.

NOTES

U.S.A. and Canada only: The lithium

ion/polymer battery that powers this

The CHARGE indicator also serves as a

product is recyclable. Please call

rough estimate of the battery charge status.

1-800-8-BATTERY for information

Continuously on: Battery fully charged.

on how to recycle this battery.

Flashes approx. twice per second: Battery over

50% charged.

Flashes approx. once per second: Battery less

than 50% charged.

The charging time will vary depending on the

Y

surrounding temperature and the battery pack’s

initial charge condition. In cold places, the

effective usage time of the battery will

decrease.

O

Charging, Recording and Playback Times

The times given in the table below are approximate and vary depending on the actual

charging, recording or playback conditions.

BP

Battery Pack

NB-2LH

-2L13

BP-2L14

BP-2L24H

C

130 min.

200 min.

225 min.

370 min.

harging Time

HDV

Maximum Recording Time

Viewfinder

70 min.

120 min.

150 min.

240 min.

L

D [NORMAL]

65 min.

115 min.

140 min.

230 min.

L

D [BRIGHT]

65 min.

110 min.

135 min.

220 min.

Typical Recording Time*

Viewfinder

40 min.

75 min.

85 min.

145 min.

LCD [NORMAL]

35 min.

70 min.

80 min.

140 min.

LCD [BRIGHT]

35 min.

65 min.

80 min.

135 min.

Playback Time

85 min.

145 min.

175 min.

290 min.

DV

Maximum Recording Time

Viewfinder

80 min.

140 min.

165 min.

290 min.

LCD [NORMAL]

75 min.

135 min.

155 min.

280 min.

LCD [BRIGHT]

75 min.

125 min.

150 min.

265 min.

Typical Recording Time*

Viewfinder

45 min.

80 min.

95 min.

160 min.

LCD [NORMAL]

45 min.

75 min.

90 min.

155 min.

LCD [BRIGHT]

40 min.

75 min.

85 min.

150 min.

Playback Time

95 min.

165 min.

195 min.

340 min.

Preparations

* Approximate times for recording with repeated operations such as start/stop, zooming, power on/off.

20 Getting Started

Inserting and Removing a Tape

Use only videocassettes marked with the logo. To record in HDV standard we

recommend using tapes specifically designed for high definition.

IMPORTANT

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.

NOTES

If the camcorder is connected to a power source, cassettes can be inserted/removed even if the switch is set to .

1 Slide OPEN/EJECT		fully in the		Inserting and Removing a Memory Card
direction of the arrow and open the				Use only commercially available miniSD
cassette compartment cover.					Y
The cassette compartment opens				cards.
automatically.			P
2 Insert the cassette.
• Insert the cassette with the window
facing the grip belt.
• To remove the cassette pull it straight
out.	O
C				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
3 Press the	mark on the				way into the memory card slot until
				5	it clicks.
cassette compartment until it clicks.					Close the cover.
4 Wait for the cassette compartment					Do not force the cover closed if the

	to retract automatically and close	memory card is not correctly inserted.
	the cassette compartment cover.
		TO REMOVE THE MEMORY CARD

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

IMPORTANT

Make sure to initialize all memory cards before using them with this camcorder for the first time ( 66).

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

Getting Started 21

The Wireless Controller

Inserting the Battery

(Lithium Button Battery CR2025)

	Tab
Proper operation cannot be guaranteed for all
miniSD cards.
	1 Press the tab in the direction of the
	arrow and pull out the battery
	P
Preparing the Camcorder	holder.
	2 lace the lithium button battery with
	the + side facing up.
	3 YInsert the battery holder.
O
	Using the Wireless Controller
C

1 Turn on the camcorder.

The lens cover will open automatically.

2 Adjust the viewfinder.

Keep the LCD panel closed to use the viewfinder and adjust the dioptric adjustment lever as necessary.

3 Fasten the grip belt.

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

Point the 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 ]

( 44). Otherwise, replace the battery.

Preparations

22 Getting Started

Adjusting the LCD Screen

Rotating the LCD Panel

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees.

You can rotate the panel 90 degrees downward.

180°

LCD Backlight

You can set the brightness of the LCD screen to normal or bright.

			Hold DISP. pressed down for more
			than 2 seconds.
			Repeat this action to toggle between the
			normal and bright settings.
90°		P
You can rotate the panel 180 degrees			NOTES
toward the lens (allowing the subject to			This setting does not affect the brightness of
monitor the LCD screen while you use the			the recording or the viewfinder screen.
	O
viewfinder). Rotating the panel 180			Using the bright setting will shorten the
			Y
degrees is also useful if you wish to			effective usage time of the battery pack.
include yourself when recording with the			You can also adjust the brightness of the LCD
self timer.			from the menu ( 43).
Subject can monitor
Cthe L D screen

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 Menu Options Lists ( 35).

Selecting an Option from the FUNC. Menu

Using the Menus 23

the screen (such as the icon, small arrows, etc.).

Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus

	O		Y
		1 ress FUNC. .
		2 Select (		) the		icon and press
	P( ) to open the setup menus.
			You can also hold FUNC. pressed
			down for more than 1 second to open
			directly the setup menus screen.
1 Press FUNC. .		3 Select (		) the desired menu from
			the left side column and press ( ).
2 Select (	) the icon of the function
			The title of the selected menu appears
you want change from the left side			on top of the screen and under it the
column.
C list of settings.
3 Select (	) the desired setting	4 Select (		) the setting you want to
from the available options at the			change and press (			).
bottom bar.
			• An orange frame will indicate the
The selected option will be highlighted			menu item currently selected. Menu
in light blue. Menu items not available
			items not available will appear grayed
will appear grayed out.
			out.
4 Press FUNC. to save the settings
			• To return to the menu selection
and close the menu.			screen, select (		) [	RETURN] and
• You can press FUNC. to close the			press (	).
menu at any time.		5 Select (		) the desired option and
• With some settings you will need to			press ( ) to save the setting.
press (	) and make further
		6 Press FUNC. .
selections. Follow the additional			You can press		FUNC. to close the

operation guides that will appear on	menu at any time.

Preparations

24 First Time Settings

First Time Settings							Changing the Time Zone
									Default value
Changing the Language							DATE/TIME SETUP
Options
							T.ZONE/DST NEW YORK
							FUNC.
							( 23)
							1 Press FUNC. .
						Default value	2 Select (	) the	icon and press
						P
							( ) to open the setup menus.
	DISPLAY SETUP/						3 Select (	) [DATE/TIME SETUP]
							and press ( ).
	LANGUAGE ENGLISH						4 SelectY( ) [T.ZONE/DST] and
							press (	).
							The time zone setting appears. The
							default setting is New York.
FUNCand press ( ).							5 Select (	) your time zone and
							Once you have set the time zone, date
	.						press (	).
(	23)						To adjust for daylight saving time,
1 Press				.			select the time zone with the mark
							next to the area.
		FUNC. O
2 Select (			) the		icon and press		6 Press FUNC. to close the menu.
( ) to open the setup menus.							Time Zones
3 Select (			) [DISPLAY SETUP/ ]
4 Select (			) [LANGUAGE] and press				and time, you do not need to reset the
(	).						clock every time you travel to another
5 Select (			,	) the desired option			time zone. Select the time zone referring
and press (				).			to the date and time displayed on the
6 Press FUNC.				to close the menu.			screen.

NOTES

If you changed the language by mistake, follow the mark next to the menu item to change the setting.

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

First Time Settings 25

Setting the Date and Time

DATE/TIME SETUP

DATE/TIME JAN. 1, 2008 12:00 AM

FUNC.

(	23)				Y
1	Press FUNC. .
2	Select (	) the	icon and press
			P
3	( ) to open the setup menus.
	Select (	) [DATE/TIME SETU		]
4	and press ( ).
	Select (	) [DATE/TIME] and press
	( ).
	The first field of the date will be
	indicated with blinking up/down
	arrows.
C
5	hange ( ) each field of the date
	and time and move (		) to the next
6	field.	O) to start the clock.
	Press (
7	Press FUNC. to close the menu.
	IMPORTANT
If 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 (			94) and set the
time zone, date and time again.
You can also change the date format (				44).

Preparations

Previous recordings overwritten by a new recording cannot be recovered. Before you start recording, search for the end of the last recording ( 32).

To protect the tape and video heads, the camcorder will enter the stop mode ( ) if left in record pause ( ) mode for 4 minutes 30 seconds. To resume recording press

START/STOP .

When recording in very loud places (such as fireworks shows or concerts), sound may

26 Recording

TO REVIEW THE LAST SCENE RECORDED

Recording

Recording Movies

Before You Begin Recording

Make a test recording first to check if the camcorder operates correctly. If necessary, clean the video heads ( 95).

		( 10)	1	Set the mode switch to .
			2	If the joystick guide does not appear
			3	on screen, press (		) to display it.
				ush the joystick (		) toward .
				• If	does not appear on the joystick
				guide, repeatedly push the joystick
				( ) toward [NEXT] to display the
				joystick guide in the illustration above.
				Y
				• The camcorder will play back a few
				seconds of the last recording made
				and return to record pause mode. If the
		Pcurrently selected recording standard
				is different from that of the last
				recording, the picture may not be
				played back correctly.
1 Holding the lockObutton pressed
down, set the		switch to	WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED RECORDING
AMERA.			1 Close the LCD panel.
2 Move the	/	switch to	2	Turn off the camcorder.
(tape).			3	Remove the tape.
C			4	Disconnect the power source and
If necessary, you can change the
recording standard (HDV or DV)				remove the battery pack.
( 38).
3 Press START/STOP to begin				NOTES
recording.
Press START/STOP		again to pause the
recording.

Recording

27

	become distorted or it may not be recorded at
			Recording Still Images
	the actual levels. This is not a malfunction.
	About the Power Save mode: To save power
	when the camcorder is powered by a battery		Before using a memory card for the first
	pack, the camcorder will automatically shut off if		time, be sure to initialize it with this
	left without any operations for 5 minutes		camcorder (			66).

	( 44). To restore the power, turn the
	camcorder off and then on again.				(	10)
	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,		Y
	red, blue or green dots. This has no effect on
	the recorded image and does not constitute a
	malfunction.
	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 (0.2 in.). Doing so
	may damage the camcorder.		1 Holding the lock button pressed
	When recording movies, try to get a calm, stable
	picture.		down, set the		switch to
		P
	Excessive camcorder movement while shooting		CAMERA.
	and extensive use of fast zooms and panning		2 Move the	/	switch to
	can result in jittery scenes. In extreme cases,		(memory card).
	the playback of Osuch scenes may result in 3 Press PHOTO halfway.
	visually induced motion sickness. If you		• Once the focus is automatically
	experience such a reaction, immediately stop
			adjusted,	will turn green and one or
	the playback and take a rest break as
			more AF frames will appear.
	necessary.
	C		• When you press		PHOTO on the

wireless controller, the still image is recorded immediately.

4 Press PHOTO fully.

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

Functions Basic

28 Recording

IMPORTANT

10x Optical Zoom

Move the zoom lever toward W to

Observe the following precautions while the

zoom out (wide-angle). Move it toward

card access display (

) appears on screen

T to zoom in (telephoto).

and when the CARD access indicator is on or

You can also change the zoom speed

flashing. Failing to do so may result in

(

37). You can select one of three fixed

permanent data loss.

zoom speeds or a variable speed that

- Do not open the memory card slot cover and

do not remove the memory card.

depends on how you operate the zoom

- Do not disconnect the power source or turn off

lever: Press gently for a slow zoom; press

the camcorder.

/

harder for faster zooms.

- Do not change the position of the

switch or the operating mode.

NOTES

NOTES

You can also use the T and W buttons on the

If the subject is not suitable for autofocus,

wireless controller or the LCD panel. The zoom

speed with these buttons will be the same as

turns yellow. Adjust the focus manually (

49).

with the camcorder (when one of the fixed zoom

When the subject is too bright, “OVEREXP.”

speed levels is selected) or fixed at

starts flashing. In such case, use the optional

[

S EED 3] (when [

VARIABLE] is

FS-43U II ND filter.

selected).

WhenYset to [ VARIABLE], the zoom

speed will be faster in the record pause mode.

Keep at least 1 m (3.3 ft.) away from the

subject. At wide-angle, you can focus on a

Zooming

Psubject as close as 1 cm (0.39 in.).

C

POINTS TO HE K

O( 10)

: In addition to the 10x optical zoom, the 200x digital zoom is also available ( 37).

Zoom out

Zoom in

Playback 29

Playback

Playing Back Movies

Play back the tape on the LCD display or close the LCD panel to use the viewfinder.

( 10)

1Holding the lock button pressed down, set the switch to PLAY.

2Move the / switch to

(tape).

3Locate the point where you want to

begin the playback.

Press to rewind or to fast forward the tape.

4 Press / to begin the playback.

DURING PLAYBACK

		5 Press /		again to pause the
			playback.
		6 Press		to stop the playback.
			NOTES
			can display the date and time of the
		recording and other camcorder data registered
	O
		whenYouthe recording was made ( 58).
		During some special playback modes, you
		may notice some video problems (blocky video
		artifacts, banding, etc.) in the playback picture.
	C	PDuring playback, you may notice some video
		problems at the point where the standard of the
		recording (HDV/DV) changes.

Special Playback Modes

To enter most special playback modes you need to operate the buttons on the wireless controller ( 14). There is no sound during the special playback modes.

Special playback mode

Initial mode

On the camcorder

On the wireless

press…

controller press…

Fast playback

Normal playback

Press and hold

Press and hold

or

REW

or

FF

Reverse playback

Normal playback

—

1 frame reverse/advance

Playback pause

—

or

Frame-by-frame

Playback pause

—

Press and hold

playback

or

Slow playback

Normal or reverse

—

SLOW

playback

Double speed playback

Normal or reverse

—

playback

Return to normal

Special playback

/

PLAY

playback

mode

Functions Basic

though their icons will appear on screen, the following special playback modes are not available.

- Reverse slow playback - Frame reverse

- Double speed playback (forward or reverse)To protect the tape and video heads, the camcorder will enter the stop mode ( ) if left in playback pause ( ) mode for 4 minutes 30 seconds. To resume the playback press / .

30Playback

During the playback of HDV recordings: Even

Adjusting the Volume: Speaker and

Headphones				Using Headphones
The camcorder plays the sound with the				The headphones are connected to the
built-in speaker. When you’re using the				AV/	terminal, which is used for both the
viewfinder for playback, you can connect				headphones and the audio/video output.
a pair of headphones to listen to the				Before connecting the headphones,
sound. You can also use the headphones					Y
				follow the procedure below to change the
to check the audio level while recording.				function of the terminal from AV output to
Adjusting the Volume of the Speaker				(headphones) output and make sure
				the	icon appears on the screen.
		P
		(	10)				( 10)
O							Default value
					PLAY/OUT SETUP2
C
					AV/PHONES	AV
1 If the joystick guide does not appear
				1 Press FUNC. .
on screen, press (	) to display it.
2 Push the joystick (	) toward		+	2 Select ( ) the		icon and press

or - to adjust the volume.					3	( ) to open the setup menus.
• To turn off the volume completely,						Select (	) [	PLAY/OUT
keep pressing (			) until the volume			SETUP2]* and press ( ).
icon changes to			.	) again to hide the	4	Select (	) [AV/PHONES] and
• You can press (						press (	).
joystick guide during playback.					5
						Select (	) [	PHONES] and press

( ).