Canon ZR85MC, ZR90MC Instruction Manual

PUB.DIM-618

Mini

Digital
Video
Cassette

DV Network Software Version 2

Instruction Manual (Installation and Preparation)

This software is for use with Windows® XP only.
Ce logiciel ne peut être employé que sous Windows® XP.
Este software solamente es compatible con Windows® XP.

Mode d’emploi (Installation et préparation)

Manual de Instrucciones (Instalación y preparativos)

PUB. DIM-594

E

F

Es

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.
Ce manuel traite uniquement des procédures d’installation et de connexion.
Pour les instructions d’utilisation, reportez-vous au manuel au format PDF
fourni sur le disque DIGITAL VIDEO SOLUTION DISK For Windows.
Este manual solamente cubre los procedimientos de instalación y conexión.
Para más instrucciones de operación, consulte el manual en formato PDF
contenido en el disco DIGITAL VIDEO SOLUTION DISK For Windows.

Digital Video Camcorder

Instruction Manual

Camescope vidéo numérique

Manuel d’instruction

Videocámara digital

Manual de Instrucciones

English

Françai

Español

s

Please read also the following instruction
manuals.

Veuillez lire aussi les modes d’emploi
suivants.

Lea también los manuales de instrucciones
siguientes.

• Digital Video Software

• DV Network Software

NTSC

Important Usage Instructions

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

WARNING:

E

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

WARNING:

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

COPYRIGHT WARNING:

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

Digital Video Camcorder, ZR90/ZR85/ZR80 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,

Introduction

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. [phone]

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

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.

2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

In these safety instructions the word “product”
refers to the Canon Digital Video Camcorder
ZR90/ZR85/ZR80 A 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-570 Compact
Power Adapter should be operated only
from the type of power source indicated on
the marking label. If you are not sure of the
type of power supply to your home, consult
your product dealer or local power
company. Regarding other power sources
such as battery power, refer to instructions
in this manual.

11. Polarization — The CA-570 Compact Power
Adapter is equipped with a polarized 2­prong 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 / NFPA No. 70—1984, provides
information with respect to proper
grounding of the mast and supporting
structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to
an antenna discharge unit, size of
grounding conductors, location of antenna
discharge unit, connection to grounding
electrodes, and requirements for the
grounding electrode. See figure 1.

E

Introduction

3

14. Lightning — For added protection of this

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

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

16. 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.

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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

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.

When replacement of 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.

Use only CSA/UL Certified power supply cord set, Polarized, Type SPT-2 or
heavier, minimum No. 18 AWG copper, rated 125 or 250 V, minimum ‚P A,
minimum 6 ft (1.8 m), maximum 10 ft (3 m) long.

4

Using this Manual

CAMERA

CAMERA

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)

Shaded area : ZR90/ZR85 only.

Basic Functions -

E

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

1. Press the MENU button to open the menu.

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

3. T

urn 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 New

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

CAMERA

(

39)

Thank you for purchasing the Canon ZR90/ZR85/ZR80. Please read this manual
carefully before you use the camcorder and retain it for future reference.

Change the display language before you begin ( 76).

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

(ZR90/ZR85).

❍ [ ] 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 ZR90.

Operating modes (see below)
Menu item and its default setting.

Button and switches to be operated

E

Introduction

: Function can be used in this mode.

: Function cannot be used in this mode.

Trademark Acknowledgements

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

• D is 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.

5

Table of Contents

Introduction

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

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

Using this Manual ..........................................................................................................5

Checking Supplied Accessories ......................................................................................8

Components Guide ........................................................................................................9

Basic Functions

Preparations

Preparing the Power Supply........................................................................................13

Loading/Unloading a Cassette ....................................................................................16

Installing the Backup Battery ......................................................................................17

Preparing the Camcorder ............................................................................................18

Setting the Time Zone, Date and Time......................................................................21

Recording

Recording Movies on a Tape ......................................................................................24

Recording Still Images on a Tape................................................................................29

Zooming ........................................................................................................................30

Tips for Making Better Videos ....................................................................................32

Playback

Playing Back a Tape ......................................................................................................33

Adjusting the Volume ..................................................................................................35

Playing Back on a TV Screen........................................................................................36

Advanced Functions

Menus and Settings ......................................................................................................39

Recording

Using the Recording Programs....................................................................................46

Using the Night Modes ................................................................................................49

Skin Detail Function......................................................................................................50

Adjusting the AE Shift ..................................................................................................51

Adjusting the Focus Manually ....................................................................................52

Setting the White Balance ..........................................................................................54

Setting the Shutter Speed............................................................................................56

Using the Self-Timer......................................................................................................58

Changing the Recording Mode (SP/LP) ......................................................................59

Audio Recording ..........................................................................................................60

Using Digital Effects......................................................................................................62

Playback

Magnifying the Image..................................................................................................69

Displaying the Data Code ............................................................................................70

End Search......................................................................................................................72

6

Using the Wireless Controller ............................................................20

Returning to a Pre-marked Position ..................................................73

Photo Search/Date Search ..................................................................74

Other Functions

Customizing the Camcorder ........................................................................................75

Changing the Display Language ................................................................................76

Changing the Remote Sensor Mode ................................................77

Other Camcorder Settings ..........................................................................................78

Editing

Recording to a VCR or Digital Video Device ............................................................80

Recording from Analog Video Devices (VCR, TV or Camcorder) ..........................82

Recording from Digital Video Devices (DV Dubbing)..............................................83

Converting Analog Signals into Digital Signals (Analog-Digital Converter) ........84

Replacing Existing Scenes (AV Insert) ................................................86

Audio Dubbing ....................................................................................88

Connecting to a Computer Using a DV (IEEE1394) Cable ......................................91

Using a Memory Card

Inserting and Removing a Memory Card ..................................................................92

Selecting the Image Quality/Size ................................................................................93

File Numbers ..................................................................................................................95

Recording Still Images on a Memory Card ................................................................96

Reviewing a Still Image Right after Recording ......................................................100

Recording Motion JPEG Movies on a Memory Card..............................................101

Selecting the Focusing Point ....................................................................................103

Recording Panoramic Images (Stitch Assist Mode) ................................................104

Playing Back a Memory Card ....................................................................................106

Protecting Images ......................................................................................................109

Erasing Images ............................................................................................................110

Combining Images (Card Mix) ..................................................................................111

Copying Still Images....................................................................................................115

Formatting a Memory Card ......................................................................................117

Connecting to a Computer Using a USB Cable ......................................................118

Creating a Start-up Image ........................................................................................119

Direct Printing

Printing Still Images ....................................................................................................120

Selecting the Print Settings (Paper/Style) ................................................................123

Printing with Print Order Settings ............................................................................126

Additional Information

Screen Displays ............................................................................................................128

List of Messages ..........................................................................................................131

Maintenance/Others ..................................................................................................134

Troubleshooting..........................................................................................................140

System Diagram ........................................................................................................143

Optional Accessories ..................................................................................................144

Specifications ..............................................................................................................147

Index ............................................................................................................................149

E

Introduction

7

Checking Supplied Accessories

Lens Cap and Lens
Cap Cord

CA-570 Compact
Power Adapter
(incl. power cord)

WL-D82 Wireless
Controller

DIGITAL VIDEO
SOLUTION DISK
For Windows
For Macintosh

Lithium Button
Battery CR1616

STV-250N Stereo
Video Cable

Two AA (R6) Batteries

SS-900 Shoulder Strap

Card (containing
sample images)

BP-508 Battery Pack

IFC-300PCU USB CableSDC-8M SD Memory

WA-30.5 Wide
Attachment

The serial number of this product can be found on the underside of the viewfinder.
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: ZR90/ZR85/ZR80 A
Purchased From: Serial No.:
Dealer Address:
Dealer Phone No.:

8

Components Guide

Memory card slot* ( 92)

(self-timer)
button ( 58) /

DATA CODE
button ( 70)

REC SEARCH + button ( 28) /
(fast forward) button ( 34) /
CARD

+ button* ( 106)

FOCUS button ( 52) /
(play/pause) button ( 33)

REC SEARCH – button ( 28) /
(record review) button ( 28) /

(rewind) button ( 33) /

CARD

– button

*

( 106)

(stop) button ( 33)

NIGHT MODE button ( 49) /

BATT. RELEASE button ( 13)

OPEN button ( 24)

Program AE

Easy recording

Program selector ( 47)

CHARGE indicator ( 13) /
Card access indicator* ( 96)

SET dial ( 39)

MENU button ( 39)

DC IN terminal ( 13)

LCD screen ( 24)

Built-in speaker( 35)

DIGITAL EFFECTS
button ( 65)

DIGITAL EFFECTS
ON/OFF button ( 65)

AE SHIFT button ( 51) /
END SEARCH button ( 72)

CARD MIX button* ( 112) /
(stitch assist) button* ( 104) /
SLIDE SHOW button* ( 107) /
REC PAUSE button ( 82)

Backup battery
compartment ( 17)

Battery attachment unit
( 13)

/OFF

CARD MIX / /
SLIDE SHOW /
REC PAUSE

AE SHIFT/
END SEARCH

ZR90/ZR85/ZR80

* ZR90/ZR85 only.

E

Introduction

9

b

Using a memory card

Using a tape

TAPE/CARD switch*( 5)

Dioptric adjustment
lever ( 18)

Strap mount ( 19)

Power switch ( 5)

Grip belt ( 18)

PHOTO button ( 29, 96)

Accessory shoe ( 145)

Zoom lever ( 30)

Viewfinder ( 18)

Viewfinder protect
cover ( 135)

Cassette compartment ( 16)

Cassette compartment
cover ( 16)

Strap mount ( 19)

Serial number

Start/stop button
( 24, 101)

(VCR)(VCR)

POWERPOWER

CAMERACAMERA

PLAYPLAY

OFF

CAMERA
OFF
PLAY(VCR)

* ZR90/ZR85 only.

10

S

DV

Stereo microphone ( 60)

Remote sensor*( 20)

DV terminal ( 80, 91)

S-video terminal**( 37)

AV terminal ( 36) /
(phones) terminal
( 35, 61)

USB terminal*( 118, 120)

Assist lamp (White LED)**
( 49)

Terminal cover

Bottom view

Tripod socket ( 32)

OPEN/EJECT 5 switch
( 16)

Terminal cover

E

Introduction

* ZR90/ZR85 only.
** ZR90 only.

11

WT

WIRELESS CONTROLLER WL-D82

START
/STOP

PHOTO

ZOOM

SELF T. D.EFFECTS

ON/OFF

SET

MENU

TV SCREEN

REW

PAUSE

AV INSERT AV DV

REMOTE SET

SLOW

2

PLAY

STOP

FF

ZERO SET
MEMORY

REC

PAUSE

12bit

AUDIO OUT

SEARCH SELECT

DATA CODE

AUDIO DUB.

SLIDE SHOW

CARD

Zoom buttons ( 30)

Select buttons ( 39)

PHOTO button ( 29, 96)

START/STOP button ( 24, 101)

SELF T. button ( 58)

D. EFFECTS button, ON/OFF button ( 65)

TV SCREEN button ( 128)

DATA CODE button ( 70)

-/+ buttons ( 74)

SEARCH SELECT button ( 74)

ZERO SET MEMORY button ( 73)

12bit AUDIO OUT button ( 89)

AUDIO DUB. button ( 88)

REC PAUSE button ( 82)

AV INSERT button ( 86)

AV DV button ( 84)

REMOTE SET button ( 77)

Transmitter

MENU button ( 39)

SET button ( 39)

CARD buttons ( 106)

SLIDE SHOW button ( 107)

REW button ( 33)

PLAY button ( 33)

FF button ( 34)

button ( 34)

STOP button ( 33)

button ( 34)

PAUSE button ( 34)

SLOW button ( 34)

2 button ( 34)

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!2
!3
!4
!5
!6

!8
!9
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WL-D82 Wireless Controller

12

Preparing the Power Supply

(VCR)

POWER

CAMERA

PLAY

OFF

e

q

w

Attaching the Battery Pack

1. Turn the POWER switch to OFF.

2. Move the viewfinder upward.

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
the arrow until it clicks.

Charging the Battery Pack

1. Connect the power cord to the
adapter.

2. Plug the power cord into a power
outlet.

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

The CHARGE indicator starts flashing. It
glows steadily when charging is complete.

4. When charging is complete,
disconnect the power adapter from
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 BATT. RELEASE button to remove the battery.

CHARGE
indicator

CARD/CHARGE

w

q

e

DC IN terminal

DC IN

8.4V

E

Basic Functions -

Preparations

13

Using a Household Power Source

(VCR)

POWER

CAMERA

PLAYPLAY

OFFOFF

e

q

w

r

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.

❍ 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 antenna 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. 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.

❍ The battery pack may be defective when the CHARGE indicator flashes rapidly.
❍ 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.

14

Charging Time 110 min. 120 min. 150 min. 210 min. 310 min.
Max. Recording
Time
Typical Recording
Time*
Playback Time 90 min. 170 min. 195 min. 345 min. 550 min.

* Approximate times for recording with repeated operations such as start/stop, zooming,

power on/off. Actual time may be shorter.

Viewfinder
LCD 85 min. 155 min. 180 min. 320 min. 520 min.
Viewfinder
LCD 45 min. 85 min. 100 min. 175 min. 280 min.

(Supplied) (Optional) (Optional) (Optional) (Optional)

125 min. 225 min. 260 min. 455 min. 730 min.

BP-508 BP-512/ BP-514 BP-522 BP-535

BP-511

65 min. 125 min. 145 min. 255 min. 405 min.

• Charge the battery pack in temperatures between 41 ºF and 104 ºF (5 ºC
and 40 ºC).

• A lithium ion battery pack can be charged at any charge state. Unlike
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.

E

Basic Functions -

Preparations

15

Loading/Unloading a Cassette

e

w

q

r

Use only videocassettes marked with the D logo.

1. Slide and hold 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 protection tab

16

❍ 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.

Installing the Backup Battery

q

e

w

The backup battery allows the camcorder to retain date, time ( 21) and other
camcorder settings while the power source is disconnected. Power the camcorder from
a household power source when replacing the backup battery to retain the settings.

1. Open the backup battery cover.

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

3. Close the cover.

WARNING!

• The battery used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if
mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 212 °F (100 °C) or
incinerate the battery.

• Replace the battery with a CR1616 made by Panasonic, Hitachi Maxell, Sony,
Toshiba, Varta or Renata. Use of other batteries may present a risk of fire or
explosion.

❍ 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.

E

Basic Functions -

Preparations

17

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 diopter adjustment
lever.

Attaching the Lens Cap

1. Attach the cord to the lens cap.

2. Pass the grip belt through the loop
with the metal fitting 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.

Metal fitting

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 and photo button with your index
finger, and the start/stop button with your
thumb.

18

Attaching the Shoulder Strap

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

SS-900
Shoulder strap

Mounting the Wide Attachment

The WA-30.5 Wide Attachment gives you a wide perspective for indoor shots or
panoramic views (0.6×). The wide attachment is for use at maximum wide-angle.

Screw the wide attachment fully into
the lens filter thread.

❍ Do not look directly at the sun or other strong light sources through the wide

attachment. It could damage your eyesight.

❍ If you zoom to telephoto, the picture will not be in focus.
❍ The wide attachment may obstruct the remote sensor (the range of the

wireless controller narrows), or may cause a shadow to appear on the picture
when recording with a video light or the assist lamp (White LED).

❍ Filters cannot be used with the wide attachment.
❍ If dust accumulates on the wide attachment or on the camcorder lens, clean

both lenses gently with a blower brush.

❍ Do not touch the lens to avoid smudges and fingerprints.
❍ Do not store the wide attachment in a humid place as it may mold.

E

Basic Functions -

Preparations

19

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.

Replace both batteries.

3. Close the battery cover.

20

❍ Camcorder and wireless controller are equipped with 2 remote sensor modes

( 77). If the wireless controller does not work, check if camcorder and
wireless controller are set to the same mode.

❍ The wireless controller may not work properly when the remote sensor is

subjected to strong light sources or direct sunlight.

Setting the Time Zone, Date and Time

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

T.ZONE/DST•••N.Y. SYSTEM

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

CARD PLAYCARD CAMERAPLAY (VCR)CAMERA

( 39)

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 New
York.

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 U next to the area.

Setting the Date and Time

E

Basic Functions -

Preparations

PLAY (VCR)CAMERA

( 39)

SYSTEM

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.

D/TIME SET•••JAN. 1,2004
12:00 PM

21

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

1

24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

2

3

5

6

7

9

8

10

4

12

11

13

24

19

20

18

17

21

23

22

15

14

16

Time zone

LONDON
PARIS
CAIRO
MOSCOW
DUBAI
KARACHI
DACCA
BANGKOK
H. KONG (Hong Kong)
TOKYO
SYDNEY
SOLOMON

WELLGTN (Wellington)
SAMOA
HONOLU. (Honolulu)
ANCHOR. (Anchorage)
L.A. (Los Angeles)
DENVER
CHICAGO
N.Y. (New York)
CARACAS
RIO (Rio de Janeiro)
FERNAN. (Fernando de Noronha)
AZORES

No.

Time zone

No.

start the clock.

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.

22

Displaying Date and Time during Recording

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

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

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

E

( 39)

D/T DISPLAY••OFFDISPLAY SETUP/

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.

Basic Functions -

Preparations

23

Recording Movies on a Tape

PLAY

POWER

PLAY

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 ( 135).

Recording

1. Remove the lens cap.

2. Set the camcorder to CAMERA
mode.

• Set the POWER switch to

CAMERA and the TAPE/CARD switch to
b.

• Set the POWER switch to

CAMERA.

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.

q

w

r

POWER

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY

(VCR)

(VCR)

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.

24

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

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

❍ 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.

❍ 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.

❍ 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)

E

Basic Functions -

Recording

( 39)

DISPLAY SETUP/

1. Press the MENU button to open the menu.

LCD MIRROR•••ON

25

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

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

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 (ZR90/ZR85: or card) operation and
self-timer displays appear on the LCD screen (all displays appear on the viewfinder
screen).

Adjusting the Brightness of the LCD Screen

CAMERA

( 39)

DISPLAY SETUP/

PLAY (VCR)

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 [BRIGHTNESS] and press
the SET dial.

4. Turn the SET dial to adjust the brightness level.

5. Press the MENU button to close the menu.

Changing the brightness of the LCD screen does not affect that of the viewfinder
or the recordings.

26

BRIGHTNESS•••

–+

Screen Displays during Recording

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 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

q

The battery symbol indicates the charge

w

status of the battery pack.

e
r

t

• 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.

E

Basic Functions -

Recording

27

Searching and Reviewing when Recording

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

CARD

REC SEARCH – button/
v (record review) button

REC SEARCH + button

Record Review

CAMERA

CARD PLAYCARD CAMERAPLAY (VCR)

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

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.

PLAY (VCR)

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.

28

Recording Still Images on a Tape

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

PHOTO button

E

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

1. Open the menu and select [CAMERA

SETUP]. Select [PHOTO REC], confirm that [TAPE b]
is selected and close the menu.

2. Press the PHOTO button halfway.

• F appears in green. If it does not appear in green, adjust the

focus with the SET dial.

• Exposure is locked.

• When you press the PHOTO button on the
wireless controller, recording starts immediately.

3. Press the PHOTO button fully.

• F disappears.

• The camcorder records the still image for approx. 6 seconds.
During this time, the camcorder displays the still image and
keeps recording the sound.

• The camcorder returns to record pause mode.

❍ You can also record a still image while you are recording a movie by pressing

the PHOTO button fully.

❍ Starting your recording with a still image allows you to easily

locate the beginning of the recording with the Photo Search function ( 74).

PHOTO

PHOTO

Basic Functions -

Recording

29

Zooming

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

The camcorder automatically switches between optical zooming and digital zooming.
Image resolution is slightly lower with the digital zoom.

Zoom in

T

W

MENU button

SET dial

Zoom out

Zoom lever

Optical Zoom

22× optical zoom 20× optical zoom 18× optical zoom

CAMERA

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.

However, you cannot control the zoom speed.

PLAY (VCR)

You can also use the T and W buttons on the wireless controller.

30

Digital Zoom

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

88×/440× digital zoom 80×/400× digital zoom 72×/360× digital zoom

(88× in CARD CAMERA mode) (80× in CARD CAMERA mode)

E

CAMERA

( 39)

CAMERA SETUP

PLAY (VCR)

D.ZOOM•••••••88X

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 88× (ZR90), 80× (ZR85) or 72× (ZR80), and extends
further in dark blue when set to 440× (ZR90), 400× (ZR85) or 360× (ZR80).

❍ Keep at least 3.3 ft. (1 m) to the subject. At wide-angle, you can focus on a

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

Basic Functions -

Recording

31

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.

32

❍ 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 0.2 inch (5.5 mm) as it

may damage the camcorder.

Playing Back a Tape

(VCR)(VCR)

POWER

CAMERACAMERA

PLAY

OFFOFF

q

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
( 135).

1. Set the camcorder to PLAY (VCR)
mode.

• Set the POWER switch to

PLAY (VCR) and the TAPE/CARD switch to
b.

• Set the POWER switch to PLAY

(VCR).

2. Open the LCD panel.

You can also close the LCD panel with the
screen facing outward.

3. Press the ` button to rewind the

e

tape.

4. Press the e/a button to begin
playback.

5. Press the 3 button to stop playback.

❍ To use the viewfinder, close the LCD panel. The built-in speaker does not

sound. Use headphones when using the viewfinder.

❍ 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.

w

r
t

E

Basic Functions -

Playback

33

Special Playback Modes

+/–/

× 2

PAUSE

SLOW

STOP

REW

PLAY

FF

` (rewind) button
1 (fast forward) button

3 (stop) button
e/a (play/pause)

button

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 9.5 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.

34

❍ 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.

Adjusting the Volume

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

AV/PHONES ••AVVCR SETUP

When you use the LCD screen for playback, the camcorder plays back the sound via
built-in speaker. The built-in speaker does not sound when you close the LCD panel.

H (phones) terminal

AV

Built-in speaker

SET dial

When Using Headphones

The headphones terminal also serves as AV terminal. Headphones can only be used
when "H" is displayed on the screen. If not, change the setting following the
procedure below.

CARD PLAYCARD CAMERAPLAY (VCR)CAMERA

( 39)

Open the menu and select [VCR SETUP]. Select [AV/PHONES H], set it to
[PHONES H ] and close the menu.

❍ The built-in speaker does not sound when “H” is displayed.
❍ Do not connect headphones unless “H” is displayed as it produces noise.

E

Basic Functions -

Playback

Adjusting the Volume

CAMERA

Turn the SET dial up to increase the volume, and down
to lower the volume.

• A volume bar appears for 2 seconds.

• You can turn off the volume completely by turning the SET dial

down until [OFF] appears. Turn the SET dial up to increase the volume again.

PLAY (VCR)

35

Playing Back on a TV Screen

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

AV/PHONES ••AVVCR SETUP

The AV terminal also serves as headphones terminal. When "H" is displayed on the
screen, change the setting following the procedure below.

PLAY (VCR)CAMERA

( 39)

Open the menu and select [VCR SETUP]. Select [AV/PHONES H], set it to
[AV] and close the menu.

TVs with Audio/Video Terminals

Refer also to the TV or VCR instruction manual.

VIDEO

AV

Signal flow

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable
(supplied)

AUDIO

L

R

1. Turn off all devices before starting the connections.

2. Connect the STV-250N Stereo Video Cable to the camcorder’s AV
terminal and the audio/video terminals on the TV/VCR.

Connect the white plug to the white audio terminal L (left), the red plug to the red
audio terminal R (right) and the yellow plug to the yellow video terminal VIDEO.

3. If connecting to a TV, set the input selector to VIDEO. If connecting to a
VCR, set the input selector to LINE.

36

TVs with S (S1)-Video Input Terminal

VIDEO

S(S1)-VIDEO

INPUT

AUDIO

R

L

AV

Refer also to the TV or VCR instruction manual.

Signal flow

S-150 S-video Cable (optional)

Signal flow

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable
(supplied)

1. Turn off all devices before starting the connections.

2. Connect the S-150 S-video Cable (optional) to the S-video terminals.

3. Connect the STV-250N Stereo Video Cable to the camcorder’s AV
terminal and the audio terminals of the TV/VCR.

Connect the white plug to the white AUDIO terminal L (left), and the red plug to the
red AUDIO terminal R (right). Do not connect the yellow plug.

4. If connecting to a TV, set the input selector to VIDEO. If connecting to a
VCR, set the input selector to LINE.

❍ We recommend powering the camcorder from a household power source.
❍ For high picture quality, we recommend using a TV with an S (S1)

terminal.

❍ TVs with S1-terminal or Video ID-1 system: Recordings made in the 16:9 mode

( 78) will be automatically played back in widescreen mode.

E

Basic Functions -

Playback

37

Selecting the Audio Output Channel

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

You can select the output channels when playing back a tape with audio recorded on
two channels.

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

( 39)

OUTPUT CH••••L/RAUDIO SETUP

1. Press the MENU button to open the menu.

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

3. Turn the SET dial to select [OUTPUT CH] and press
the SET dial.

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

• L/R: Stereo: L+R channels, Bilingual: Main+Sub.

• L/L: Stereo: L channel, Bilingual: Main.

• R/R:Stereo: R channel, Bilingual: Sub.

5. Press the MENU button to close the menu.

The setting resets to the L/R setting when you turn the camcorder off.

38

Menus and Settings

Many of the camcorder’s advanced functions are selected from menus that appear on
the screen.

Menu button

SET dial

Selecting Menus and Settings

1. Press the MENU button to open the menu.

2. Turn the SET dial to select a submenu and press the
SET dial.

3. Turn the SET dial to select a menu item and press the
SET dial.

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

5. Press the MENU button to close the menu.

When setting the white balance or shutter speed, press the SET
dial first before pressing the MENU button.

E

Advanced Functions

❍ Pressing the MENU button at any time closes the menu.
❍ Items that are not available appear in purple.
❍ You may find it more convenient to use the wireless controller

to operate the menu. Press the MENU button on the wireless controller to
open or close the menu. Use the select buttons in place of the SET dial and
press the SET button in place of pressing the SET dial.

39

Submenu Menu Item Setting Options

\CARD MIX* MIX TYPE CARD CHROMA, CARD LUMI., 111

CAM. CHROMA, C. ANIMATION

ANIMAT. TYPE CORNER, STRAIGHT, RANDOM

MIX LEVEL

CAMERA SETUP SHUTTER AUTO, 1/60, 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 56

1/2000

D. ZOOM ZR90 ZR85 ZR80 31

OFF, 88×,

440×

OFF, 80×,

400×

OFF, 72×,

360×

A.SL SHUTTER ON, OFF 57

IMG STAB i ON, OFF 79

16:9 ON, OFF 78

WHITE BAL. AUTO, SET W, INDOOR T, OUTDOOR U 54

NIGHT MODE** NIGHT, NIGHT+, S.NIGHT 49

SKIN DETAIL SOFT, NORMAL 50

PHOTO REC* TAPE , CARD 97

VCR SETUP REC MODE SP, LP 59

AV/PHONES H AV, PHONES H 61

AUDIO SETUP WIND SCREEN ON, OFF 60

AUDIO MODE 16bit, 12bit 60

H VOLUME 61

DISPLAY SETUP/ BRIGHTNESS 26

LCD MIRROR ON, OFF 25

TV SCREEN ON, OFF 128

D/T DISPLAY ON, OFF 23

LANGUAGE DEUTSCH, ENGLISH, ESPAÑOL, FRANÇAIS, 76

ITALIANO, , ,

DATE FORMAT 76

DEMO MODE ON, OFF 79

SYSTEM WL. REMOTE* A1, A2, OFF B 77

BEEP ON, OFF 78

T.ZONE/DST See list of time zones 21

D/TIME SET 21

Menu and Default Settings

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

Default settings are shown in boldface.

CAMERA MENU

CAMERA

40

* ZR90/ZR85 only.
** ZR90 only.

PLAY (VCR)

Submenu Menu Item Setting Options

MY CAMERA S-UP IMAGE** ON, OFF 75

S-UP SOUND 75

SHTR SOUND*

OPER. SOUND

SELF-T SOUND

ZR90/ZR85:
OFF, DEFAULT, MY SOUND1, MY SOUND2

ZR80:
OFF, PATTERN1, PATTERN2, PATTERN3

* ZR90/ZR85 only.
** ZR80 only.

E

Advanced Functions

41

PLAY (VCR) MENU

CARD CAMERA

CARD CAMERA

CAMERA

Submenu Menu Item Setting Options

VCR SETUP REC MODE SP, LP 59

AV/PHONES H AV, PHONES H 35

AV \ DV OUT ON, OFF 84

AUDIO SETUP OUTPUT CH L/R, L/L, R/R 38

AUDIO DUB.* AUDIO IN, MIC. IN 88

WIND SCREEN* ON, OFF 60

AUDIO MODE 16bit, 12bit 60

12bit AUDIO STEREO1, STEREO2,MIX/FIXED, MIX/VARI. 89

MIX BALANCE 89

CARD SETUP* IMG QUALITY SUPER FINE, FINE, NORMAL 93

MOVIE SIZE 320 × 240, 160 × 120 94

FILE NOS. RESET, CONTINUOUS 95

CARD COPY [
OPERATIONS*
DISPLAY SETUP/ BRIGHTNESS 26

TV SCREEN ON, OFF 128

DISPLAYS ON, OFF <PLAYBK> 128

6SEC. DATE ON, OFF 71

DATA CODE DATE/TIME, CAMERA DATA, CAM. & D/T 70

D/TIME SEL. DATE, TIME, DATE & TIME 70

LANGUAGE DEUTSCH, ENGLISH, ESPAÑOL, FRANÇAIS, 76

SYSTEM WL. REMOTE* A1, A2, OFF B 77

DATE FORMAT 76

BEEP ON, OFF 78

T.ZONE/DST See list of time zones 21

D/TIME SET 21

PLAY (VCR)

\ ] CANCEL, EXECUTE 115

ITALIANO, , ,

* ZR90/ZR85 only.

42

Submenu Menu Item Setting Options

MY CAMERA S-UP IMAGE** ON, OFF 75

S-UP SOUND 75

SHTR SOUND*

OPER. SOUND

SELF-T SOUND

ZR90/ZR85:
OFF, DEFAULT, MY SOUND1, MY SOUND2

ZR80:
OFF, PATTERN1, PATTERN2, PATTERN3

* ZR90/ZR85 only.
** ZR80 only.

E

Advanced Functions

43

CARD CAMERA MENU

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)CAMERA

Submenu Menu Item Setting Options

CAMERA SETUP SHUTTER AUTO, 1/60, 1/100, 1/250 56

D.ZOOM ZR90 ZR85 31

WHITE BAL. AUTO, SET W, INDOOR T, OUTDOOR U 54

FOCUS PRI. ON, OFF 103

NIGHT MODE NIGHT, NIGHT+, S.NIGHT 49

SKIN DETAIL SOFT, NORMAL 50

REVIEW OFF, 2sec, 4sec, 6sec, 8sec, 10sec 100

CARD SETUP IMG QUALITY SUPER FINE, FINE, NORMAL 93

IMAGE SIZE 1024 × 768, 640 × 480 93

MOVIE SIZE 320 × 240, 160 × 120 94

FILE NOS. RESET, CONTINUOUS 95

VCR SETUP AV/PHONES H AV, PHONES H 61

AUDIO SETUP WIND SCREEN ON, OFF 60

VOLUME 61

H

DISPLAY SETUP/ BRIGHTNESS 26

LCD MIRROR ON, OFF 25

TV SCREEN ON, OFF 128

D/T DISPLAY ON, OFF 23

LANGUAGE DEUTSCH, ENGLISH, ESPAÑOL, FRANÇAIS, 76

SYSTEM WL. REMOTE A1, A2, OFF B 77

MY CAMERA S-UP SOUND OFF, DEFAULT, MY SOUND1, MY SOUND2 75

DATE FORMAT 76

DEMO MODE ON, OFF 79

BEEP ON, OFF 78

T.ZONE/DST See list of time zones 21

D/TIME SET 21

SHTR SOUND

OPER. SOUND

SELF-T SOUND

OFF, 88× OFF, 80×

ITALIANO, , ,

44

CARD PLAY MENU

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)CAMERA

Submenu Menu Item Setting Options

CARD COPY [
OPERATIONS

(Single Image PRINT ORDERS NO,YES 127
Display)

ALL ERASE

IMAGE ERASE CANCEL, SINGLE, ALL 110

FORMAT CANCEL, EXECUTE 117

CARD
OPERATIONS
(Index Screen)

\

\

VCR SETUP REC MODE SP, LP 59

AV/PHONES H AV, PHONES H 35

DISPLAY SETUP/ BRIGHTNESS 26

TV SCREEN ON, OFF 128

DISPLAYS ON, OFF <PLAYBK> 128

D/TIME SEL. DATE, TIME, DATE & TIME 70

LANGUAGE DEUTSCH, ENGLISH, ESPAÑOL, FRANÇAIS, 76

SYSTEM WL. REMOTE A1, A2, OFF A 77

DATE FORMAT 76

BEEP ON, OFF 78

T.ZONE/DST See list of time zones 21

D/TIME SET 21

MY CAMERA CREATE START-UP IMAGE 119

SEL. S-UP IMG NO IMAGE, CANON LOGO, MY IMAGE1, 75

S-UP SOUND OFF, DEFAULT, MY SOUND1, MY SOUND2 75

SHTR SOUND

OPER. SOUND

SELF-T SOUND

\

PRINT Appears when connecting a printer with direct print function. 127

\ ] CANCEL, EXECUTE 116

PROTECT 109

PRINT ORDER 126

ITALIANO, , ,

MY IMAGE2

E

Advanced Functions

45

Using the Recording Programs

Easy Recording Program

The camcorder adjusts focus, exposure and other settings
automatically, allowing you to just point and shoot.

Program AE Modes

Auto

The camcorder adjusts focus, exposure and other settings
automatically. However, you have the option of adjusting the
settings manually.

Sports

Use this mode to record sports scenes (such as tennis or golf) or
moving objects (such as roller coasters).

Portrait

Use this mode to give accent to your subject by blurring the
background or foreground. The blur effect increases the more you
zoom to telephoto.

Spotlight

Use this mode to record spotlit scenes or fireworks.

[

Sand & Snow

Use this mode in bright places such as a sunny beach or ski resort. It
prevents the subject from being underexposed.

Low Light

Use this mode to record in dimly lit places.

46

Availability of Functions in Each Mode:

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

Recording Program

Digital Zoom h

Image Stabilizer ON

Focus A

White Balance A

Shutter Speed A

AE Shift ×

Digital Effects ×

16:9 ×

Card Mix* ×

[

h

h

A

h

h

h

h

h

hh

h

×

A: Auto setting h: Available ×: Not available
Shaded area: Can be used only in CAMERA mode.
* ZR90/ZR85 only.

Selecting the Easy Recording Program

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

Program selector

E

Recording

Advanced Functions -

Set the program selector to [.

[ appears.

47

Selecting the Program AE Mode

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

CAMERA

1. Set the program selector to Q.

2. Press the SET dial.

A list of the program AE modes appears.

3. Select a mode and press the SET dial.

The symbol of the mode appears on the upper left corner of the
screen.

❍ The setting resets to the Auto mode when you change the position of the

program selector.

❍ Do not change the mode during recording as the brightness of the image may

change abruptly.

❍ Sports/Portrait mode:

The picture may not appear smooth when played back.

❍ Sand & Snow mode:

- The subject may become overexposed in dark surroundings. Check the
image on the screen.

- The picture may not appear smooth when played back.

❍ Low Light mode:

- Moving subjects may leave a trailing afterimage.

- Picture quality may not be as good as in other modes.

- The camcorder may have difficulty to focus automatically.

PLAY (VCR)

48

Using the Night Modes

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

NIGHT MODE••• NIGHT+CAMERA SETUP

NIGHT Allows you to record in dark places where lights cannot be

NIGHT+ The assist lamp (white LED) lights up and stays on.
SUPER NIGHT Allows you to record in very dark places. The assist lamp

MENU button

SET dial

CAMERA

( 39)

used, without sacrificing color.

(white LED) lights up automatically responding to the
surrounding brightness.

NIGHT MODE button

Program selector

PLAY (VCR)

1. Set the program selector to Q.

2. Open the menu and select [CAMERA SETUP]. Select [NIGHT MODE],
select a setting option and close the menu.

3. Press the NIGHT MODE button.

• The symbol of the selected mode appears on the screen.

• Pressing the NIGHT MODE button again resets the camcorder to the Auto mode.

E

Recording

Advanced Functions -

1. Set the program selector to Q.

2. Press the NIGHT MODE button.

• " " appears.

• Pressing the NIGHT MODE button again resets the camcorder to the Auto mode.

❍ Moving subjects may leave a trailing afterimage.
❍ Picture quality may not be as good as in other modes.
❍ White points may appear on the screen.
❍ Autofocus may not work as well as in other modes. In such case, adjust the

focus manually.

❍ Digital zoom and multi-image screen cannot be used while a Night mode is

activated.

❍ The program AE mode cannot be changed while a Night mode is activated.

49

Skin Detail Function

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

The camcorder detects skin tones and adjusts the picture for a more smooth and
natural appearance of the skin area.

CAMERA

( 39)

PLAY (VCR)

SKIN DETAIL••NORMALCAMERA SETUP

Open the menu and select [CAMERA SETUP]. Select [SKIN DETAIL], set it to
[SOFT] and close the menu.

❍ Skin detail function cannot be used when the program selector is set to [.
❍ To obtain the best effect, use this function when recording a person in

close-up. Note that areas similar to the skin color may lack in detail.

50

Adjusting the AE Shift

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

AE SHIFT/
END SEARCH

You can adjust the AE (auto exposure) function to lighten or darken the image. This
allows you to compensate for backlit or overexposed scenes. Available Levels: –2 to +2,
in 0.25 intervals (excluding –1.75 and +1.75).

AE SHIFT button

SET dial

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

1. Set the program selector to Q.

2. Set the program AE mode to Auto, Sports, Portrait or Low
Light mode.

3. Press the AE SHIFT button.

“AE ±0” appears in light blue.

E

Recording

Advanced Functions -

4. Turn the SET dial to adjust the AE shift level.

• Turn the SET dial up to lighten the image and down to darken

the image.

• If “MF” is displayed in light blue, AE shift cannot be adjusted.

Press the AE SHIFT button again to display “AE ±0” in light blue.

The camcorder retains the setting even if you turn it off or change the program
AE mode.

51

Adjusting the Focus Manually

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

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

Subjects with

Reflective surfaces low contrast or Fast Moving Subjects

without vertical lines

FOCUS button

SET dial

Through dirty or

wet windows

Zoom lever

Program selector

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

1. Set the program selector to Q.

2. Adjust the zoom.

When you operate the zoom after adjusting the focus, the
subject may not stay in focus. Adjust the zoom before the focus.

3. Press the FOCUS button.

“MF” appears.

4. Turn the SET dial to adjust the focus.

• Turn the SET dial up or down until the image appears focused.

• Press the FOCUS button to return to autofocus.

52

FOCUS

❍ The setting resets to autofocus when you switch the program selector to [.
❍ Readjust the focus when you have turned off the camcorder.

Infinity Focus

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

Press the FOCUS button more than 2 seconds after step 2 in Adjusting the
Focus Manually.

"MF ∞" appears.

When you operate the zoom or turn the SET dial, "∞" disappears and the
camcorder changes to manual focus.

E

Recording

Advanced Functions -

53

Setting the White Balance

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

WHITE BAL.•••AUTO CAMERA SETUP

AUTO Auto white balance
SET W Custom white balance setting
INDOOR T Use this mode for recording under changing lighting condition, video

lights or sodium lamps.

OUTDOOR U Use this mode for recording night scenes, fireworks, sunrise or sunset.

You can use the preset modes to reproduce colors more accurately, or set a custom
white balance to obtain the optimal setting.

Zoom lever

White sheet or paper

CAMERA

( 39)

MENU button

SET dial

PLAY (VCR)

Program selector

1. Set the program selector to Q.

2. For custom white balance: Point the camcorder at a white object and
zoom in until it fills the whole screen.

Keep the camcorder zoomed at the white object until step 4 is completed.

3. Open the menu and select [CAMERA SETUP]. Select [WHITE BAL.], select
a setting option and close the menu.

When you have selected [SET W]: “W” flashes and stops flashing when settings is
complete.

4. Close the menu.

54

❍ Use the auto setting for normal outdoor scenes.
❍ When the program selector is set to [, white balance is preset to [AUTO].
❍ The camcorder retains the custom white balance setting even if you turn it off.

ZR90/ZR85: However, it resets to [AUTO] when you change the position of the
TAPE/CARD switch.

❍ When you have set the custom white balance:

- Depending on the light source, “W” may keep flashing. The result will still

be better than with the auto setting.

- Reset the white balance when the lighting condition changes.

- Turn off the digital zoom.

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

- Changing lighting conditions

- Close-ups

- Subjects in a single color (sky, sea or forest)

- Under mercury lamps or certain types of fluorescent lights

E

Recording

Advanced Functions -

55

Setting the Shutter Speed

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

You can adjust the shutter speed manually to make stable shots of fast moving
subjects.

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

( 39)

SHUTTER••••••AUTOCAMERA SETUP

1. Set the program selector to Q.

2. Set the program AE mode to the (Auto) mode.

3. Open the menu and select [CAMERA SETUP].

4. Select [SHUTTER].

5. Select the shutter speed and press the SET dial.

CAMERA Mode CARD CAMERA Mode

AUTO AUTO

1/60 1/60
1/100 1/100
1/250 1/250

1/500
1/1000
1/2000

6. Close the menu.

❍ If the shutter speed is set to 1/500 or higher in CAMERA mode

and you switch to CARD CAMERA mode, it automatically changes to 1/250.

❍ Do not point the camcorder directly at the sun when the shutter speed is set to

1/1000 or higher.

❍ The image may flicker when recording with high shutter speeds.
❍ Recording under fluorescent lights (CAMERA mode): In Easy Recording, Auto

mode or the Night modes, the camcorder automatically detects the flicker of

fluorescent lighting and adjusts the shutter speed accordingly. However, if the

screen starts to flicker, select AUTO mode and set the shutter speed to 1/100.

❍ The setting resets to the auto setting when you switch the program selector to

[, or change the program AE mode.

❍ Guidelines for Recording with High Shutter Speeds:

- Outdoor sports such as golf or tennis: 1/2000

- Moving objects such as cars or roller coasters: 1/1000, 1/500 or 1/250

- Indoor sports such as basketball: 1/100

56

Auto Slow Shutter

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

A.SL SHUTTER•ONCAMERA SETUP

In Easy Recording mode and when [SHUTTER] is set to [AUTO] in Auto mode, the
camcorder uses shutter speeds down to 1/30. This allows you to record brightly in
places with insufficient lighting. However, you can set the camcorder not to use the
slow shutter speed of 1/30.

CAMERA

( 39)

Open the menu and select [CAMERA SETUP]. Select [A.SL SHUTTER], set it
to [OFF] and close the menu.

When set to [ON], moving subjects may leave a trailing afterimage.

PLAY (VCR)

E

Recording

Advanced Functions -

57

Using the Self-Timer

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

POWER

The self-timer can be used for recording movies and still images.

PHOTO button

(self-timer) button

Start/stop button

CAMERA

When recording movies

1. Press the (self-timer) button.

“ ” appears.

2. Press the start/stop button.

• The camcorder starts recording after a 10-second countdown
(ZR90/ZR85: 2 seconds when using the wireless controller). The
count down appears on the screen.

• To record a still image, press the PHOTO button ( 29).

❍ To cancel the self-timer, press the (self-timer) button. Once the countdown

has begun, you can also press the start/stop button (when recording movies) or
the PHOTO button (when recording still image) to cancel the self-timer.

❍ The self-timer will be canceled when you turn off the camcorder.

58

PLAY (VCR)

DATA CODE

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

(VTR)

PLAY

Changing the Recording Mode (SP/LP)

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

You can choose between SP (standard play) and LP (long play). LP extends the tape
usage by 1.5 times.

CAMERA

( 39)

PLAY (VCR)

REC MODE•••••SPVCR SETUP

To change to LP mode, open the menu and select [VCR SETUP]. Select [REC
MODE], set it to [LP] and close the menu.

❍ Tapes recorded in LP mode cannot be used for audio

dubbing ( 88) or AV insert ( 86).

❍ Depending on the nature and usage condition of the tape, picture and

sound recorded in LP mode may be distorted. We recommend using the
SP mode for important recordings.

❍ If you record in both SP and LP modes on the same tape, the playback picture

may become distorted and the time code may not be written correctly.

❍ If you play back a tape that has been recorded in LP mode with another digital

device on this camcorder, or vice versa, picture and sound may become
distorted.

E

Recording

Advanced Functions -

59

Audio Recording

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

WIND SCREEN••OFFAUDIO SETUP

Changing the Audio Mode

You can record sound in two audio modes—16-bit and 12-bit. The 12-bit mode records
sound on two channels (stereo 1), leaving 2 channels free (stereo 2) for adding new
sound later. Select the 16-bit mode for higher sound quality.

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

CARD PLAYCARD CAMERA

( 39)

AUDIO MODE•••12bitAUDIO SETUP

Open the menu and select [AUDIO SETUP]. Select [AUDIO MODE], set it to
[16bit] and close the menu.

“16bit” appears for approximately 4 seconds.

Wind Screen

You can reduce the wind noise when recording in windy places.

CAMERA

* ZR90/ZR85 only.

( 39)

PLAY (VCR)

Open the menu and select [AUDIO SETUP]. Select [WIND SCREEN], set it to
[ON] and close the menu.

“WS O” appears when you turn the wind screen on.

❍ Low sound may be reduced together with the wind noise. We recommend

turning off the wind screen for normal recordings.

❍ The wind screen function can also be used for audio dubbing

(when [AUDIO DUB.] is set to [MIC. IN] in the [AUDIO SETUP] submenu).

*

60

Using Headphones during Recording

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

HVOLUME•••••AUDIO SETUP

The headphones terminal also serves as AV terminal. Headphones can only be used
when "H" is displayed on the screen. If not, change the setting following the
procedure below.

E

CAMERA

( 39)

VCR SETUP

AV/PHONES ••AV

CARD PLAYCARD CAMERAPLAY (VCR)

Open the menu and select [VCR SETUP]. Select [AV/PHONES H ], set it to
[PHONES H ] and close the menu.

Adjusting the Headphone Volume

CAMERA

( 39)

PLAY (VCR)

Open the menu and select [AUDIO SETUP]. Select [ H VOLUME], adjust the
volume with the SET dial and close the menu.

You can turn off the volume completely by turning the SET dial down until [OFF] appears.
Turn the SET dial up to increase the volume again.

Recording

Advanced Functions -

61

Using Digital Effects

Faders ( 65)

Begin or end scenes with a fade to or from black.

Fade Trigger (FADE-T)

Wipe (WIPE)

Corner Wipe (CORNER)

Jump (JUMP)

Flip (FLIP)

The image gradually fades in.

The image gradually fades out.

The image begins as a vertical line in the
center and expands sideways until it fills
the whole screen.

The image is wiped off from the sides of
the screen.

The image appears from the corners until
it fills the whole screen.

The image is wiped off from the corners.

A small image appears from the left,
jumps into the center and enlarges until
it fills the whole screen.

The image shrinks, jumps from the center
to the left and disappears.

The image flips into the screen.

The image flips out of the screen.

62

Puzzle (PUZZLE)

The image appears in 16 pieces. The
pieces move around until the puzzle is
solved.

The image is divided into 16 pieces. The
pieces move around and disappear.

E

Zigzag (ZIGZAG)

Beam (BEAM)

Tide (TIDE)

The image appears in zigzag from the
top of the screen.

Black stripes appear in zigzag from the
bottom of the screen until they cover the
whole image.

The screen turns yellow, forms a beam
that becomes thinner and the image
appears.

A yellow beam appears in the center of
the screen and expands until it covers the
whole image.

The image appears from both sides like
tides.

The image disappears from both sides
like tides.

Recording

Advanced Functions -

63

Effects ( 66)

Add flavor to your recordings.

Art (ART)

The image becomes like a
paint (solarization).

Mosaic (MOSAIC)

The image is blurred
through enlarging the size
of some pixels.

Wave (WAVE)

Both ends of the image
sway in waves.

Black and White (BLK
& WHT)

The image becomes black
and white.

Ball (BALL)

The image becomes like a
ball.

Color Masking (COLOR M.)

The image becomes a
rhombus surrounded by a
masking frame that
changes the colors.

Sepia (SEPIA)

The image becomes
monochrome with a
brownish tint.

Cube (CUBE)

The image becomes a
cube and rotates.

Mirror (MIRROR)

Creates a symmetrical
image as if there would
be a mirror in the center
of the screen.

Multi-Image Screen ( 67)

Captures moving subjects in 4, 9 or 16 sequences of still images and displays them at
one time. Sound will be recorded normally.

9 Sequences4 Sequences 16 Sequences

64

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

Availability of Digital Effects by Operating Modes:

CAMERA

Movies

Still Images

PLAY (VCR)

CARD CAMERA

CARD PLAY
Faders hi h i i
Effects hh h h* i
Multi-image

hh h i i

screen

ON/OFF

h: Available i: Not available
* : Black and White only.

Selecting a Fader

In CAMERA mode, set the program selector to Q.

E

CAMERA

1. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button.

[D.EFFECTS |], [FADER], [EFFECT] and [MULTI-S] appear.

PLAY (VCR)

DIGITAL
EFFECTS

2. Select [FADER].

3. Select the fader option.

4. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button.

The name of the selected fader flashes.

CAMERA mode:

5. Fade in: In record pause mode, press the ON/OFF

ON/OFF

button and begin recording by pressing the
start/stop button.
Fade out: During recording, press the ON/OFF button
and pause recording by pressing the start/stop
button.

The fader can be activated/deactivated by pressing the ON/OFF button.

PLAY (VCR) mode:

5. Fade in: In playback pause mode, press the ON/OFF

button and begin playback by pressing the e/a
button.
Fade out: During playback, press the ON/OFF button
and pause playback by pressing the e/a button.

The fader can be activated/deactivated by pressing the ON/OFF button.

Recording

Advanced Functions -

65

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

Selecting an Effect

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

In CAMERA mode, set the program selector to Q.

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

1. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button.

[D.EFFECTS |], [FADER], [EFFECT] and [MULTI-S] appear.

2. Select [EFFECT].

3. Select the effect.

4. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button.

The name of the selected effect flashes.

5. Press the ON/OFF button.

• The name of the selected effect stops flashing.

• The effect can be activated/deactivated by pressing the ON/OFF
button.

Selecting an Effect in CARD CAMERA Mode

PLAY (VCR)CAMERA

DIGITAL
EFFECTS

DIGITAL
EFFECTS

ON/OFF

1. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button.

“BLK&WHT” flashes.

2. Press the ON/OFF button.

• “BLK&WHT” stops flashing.

• The effect can be activated/deactivated by pressing the ON/OFF
button.

66

DIGITAL
EFFECTS

ON/OFF

Using the Multi-Image Screen

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

You can operate the multi-image screen only in the following playback modes:

- When [S.SPEED] is set to [MANUAL]: Playback pause, slow forward/reverse playback

- When [S.SPEED] is set to [FAST], [MOD.] or [SLOW]: Playback pause
In CAMERA mode, set the program selector to Q.

E

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

1. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button.

[D.EFFECTS |], [FADER], [EFFECT] and [MULTI-S] appear.

DIGITAL
EFFECTS

2. Select [MULTI-S].

[S.SPEED] and [S.SPLIT] appears.

3. Select [S.SPEED].

[MANUAL], [FAST], [MOD.] and [SLOW] appear.

4. Select the transition speed.

Following transition speeds can be selected: fast (every 4 frames), moderate (every 6
frames*), slow (every 8 frames*).
* In Low Light mode: moderate (every 8 frames), slow (every 12 frames).

5. Select [MULTI-S] again.

[S.SPEED] and [S.SPLIT] appears.

6. Select [S.SPLIT].

[4], [9], [16] settings appear.

7. Select the number of sequences.

8. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button.

“MULTI-S” flashes.

DIGITAL
EFFECTS

Recording

Advanced Functions -

9. Press the ON/OFF button.

• MANUAL: Images will be captured each time you press the
ON/OFF button. The blue frame indicating the next sequence
disappears after the last image. To cancel the last captured
image, press and hold the ON/OFF button. To cancel the
multi-image screen, press and release the ON/OFF button.

• FAST, MODERATE, SLOW: The set number of images will be captured at the set
speed. To cancel the multi-image screen, press the ON/OFF button.

ON/OFF

67

10

.Press the start/stop button to begin recording.

The multi-image screen is recorded on the tape.

❍ Turn off the digital effect when you do not use it.

Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to open the menu. Select [D.EFFECTS |]
and press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button.

❍ The camcorder retains the setting even if you turn it off or change the program

AE mode.

❍ Digital effects cannot be used when the program selector is set to [.
❍ Digital effects cannot be used during DV dubbing and photo/date search.
❍ The digital effects can be operated in record or record pause mode.
❍ The multi-image screen cannot be used in the Night modes.
❍ The multi-image screen cannot be used when the 16:9 format is selected.
❍ Faders and multi-image screen cannot be selected when Card

Mix is activated.

❍ In PLAY (VCR) mode: Pressing any tape operation button (such as play or

pause), or performing date/photo search cancels the multi-image screen.

❍ The image quality may be slightly lower with digital effects.

68

Magnifying the Image

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

The playback image can be magnified up to 5 times.

Zoom lever

SET dial

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

1. Move the zoom lever toward T.

• The image is magnified by 2 times.

• A frame appears indicating the position of the magnified area.

• To further enlarge the image, move the zoom lever toward T.
To shrink the image below 2 times magnification, move the
zoom lever toward W.

2. Selected the magnified area with the SET dial.

• Turn the SET dial to move the image to the right and left, or up
and down. Pressing the SET dial switches between the
directions.

• To cancel the magnification, move the zoom lever toward W
until the frame disappears.

E

Playback

Advanced Functions -

Movies played back from a memory card cannot be magnified.

69

Displaying the Data Code

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

D/TIME SEL.••DATE & TIME

DISPLAY SETUP/

DATA CODE••••DATE/TIME

DISPLAY SETUP/

The camcorder maintains a data code containing recording date and time and other
camera data such as shutter speed and exposure (f-stop). When you play back a tape,
you can display the data code and select the data code combination you wish to
display.

DATA CODE button

MENU button

SET dial

Selecting the Date/Time Display Combination

CAMERA

( 39)

PLAY (VCR)

Open the menu and select [DISPLAY SETUP/ ]. Select [D/TIME SEL.], set it
to [DATE] or [TIME] and close the menu.

CARD CAMERA

CARD PLAY

Selecting the Data Code Display Combination

CAMERA

( 39)

Open the menu and select [DISPLAY SETUP/ ]. Select [DATA CODE], set it
to [CAMERA DATA] or [CAM. & D/T] and close the menu.

70

PLAY (VCR)

Displaying the Data Code

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

Press the DATA CODE button.

❍ The data code display turns off when you turn the camcorder off.
❍ Only date and time appear in CARD PLAY mode.

CARD CAMERA

CARD PLAY

Six-Second Auto Date

Date and time appear for 6 seconds when you begin playback, or to indicate that date
or time zone has changed.

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

E

( 39)

DISPLAY SETUP/

6SEC.DATE••••OFF

Open the menu and select [DISPLAY SETUP/ ]. Select [6SEC.DATE], set it
to [ON] and close the menu.

Playback

Advanced Functions -

71

End Search

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

When you have played back a tape, you can use this function to locate the end of the
last recorded scene.

END SEARCH button

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

In stop mode, press the END SEARCH button.

• "END SEARCH" appears.

• The camcorder rewinds/fast forwards the tape, plays back the last few seconds of the
recording and stops the tape.

• Pressing the button again cancels the search.

❍ End search cannot be used once you unload the cassette.
❍ End search may not work properly if a blank section exists on the tape.
❍ You cannot use end search to locate the editing end of AV

insert or audio dubbing.

72

Returning to a Pre-marked Position

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

If you wish to return to a particular scene
later, mark the point with the zero set
memory and the tape will stop at that point
when you rewind/fast forward the tape.
This function is operated with the wireless
controller.

PLAY (VCR)CAMERA

ZERO SET
MEMORY
button

1. Press the ZERO SET MEMORY button at the point
you wish to return to later.

• “0:00:00 ” appears.

• To cancel, press the ZERO SET MEMORY button again.

2. When you have finished playback, rewind the tape.

•“` RTN” appears.

• The tape stops automatically at “0:00:00”.

• The tape counter changes to time code.

The zero set memory may not function correctly when the time code has not
been recorded consecutively.

REW ` button

PLAY e button

STOP 3 button

CARD

SLIDE SHOW

DATA CODE

SEARCH SELECT

ZERO SET

REW PLAY

MEMORY

AUDIO OUT

FF

12bit

STOP

E

Playback

Advanced Functions -

73

Photo Search/Date Search

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

You can search for a still image recorded
anywhere on the tape with the photo search
function, or locate the change of the
date/time zone with the date search function.

SEARCH SELECT button

+/- (search) buttons

This function is operated with the wireless
controller.

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

STOP 3 button

1. Press the SEARCH SELECT button to choose between
photo search and date search.

“PHOTO SEARCH” or “DATE SEARCH” appears.

2. Press the + or - button to begin searching.

• Press more than once to search for further still images or date

changes (up to 10 times).

• Press the STOP 3 button to stop searching.

❍ Photo search: A still image recorded very close to the point you start the search

may not be detected.

❍ Date search: A recording of longer than a minute per date/area is required.
❍ Date search may not function if the data code is not correctly displayed.

DATA CODE

ZERO SET
MEMORY

12bit

AUDIO OUT

DATA CODE

ZERO SET

MEMORY

12bit

AUDIO OUT

SLIDE SHOW

SEARCH SELECT

REW PLAY

STOP

SLIDE SHOW

SEARCH SELECT

REW PLAY

STOP

CARD

FF

CARD

FF

74

Customizing the Camcorder

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

You can personalize your camcorder by customizing the start-up image and the sound
it makes for start-up, shutter*, operation and self-timer (collectively called the My
Camera settings).
* ZR90/ZR85 only.

Changing the My Camera Settings

CAMERA

( 39)

MY CAMERA

1. Open the menu and select [MY CAMERA].

2. Select the menu item you wish to change.

When selecting a start-up image, set the camcorder to CARD PLAY

mode.

3. Select a setting option and close the menu.

PLAY (VCR)

SEL.S–UP IMG•CANON LOGO

S–UP SOUND•••DEFAULT

SHTR SOUND•••DEFAULT

OPER.SOUND•••DEFAULT

SELF–T SOUND•DEFAULT

S–UP IMAGE•••ON

S–UP SOUND•••PATTERN1

OPER.SOUND•••PATTERN1

SELF–T SOUND•PATTERN1

E

Other Functions

Advanced Functions -

❍ You can save your original images, or the images and sounds contained in the

supplied software (ZoomBrowser EX for Windows or ImageBrowser for
Macintosh) to the setting options [MY IMAGE1], [MY IMAGE2], [MY SOUND1]
and [MY SOUND2]. For details, refer to the Digital Video Software Instruction
Manual.

❍ You can also create original start-up images ( 119).

75

Changing the Display Language

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

DATE FORMAT••JAN. 1,2004

DISPLAY SETUP/

The language used in the camcorder displays and menu items can be changed to
German, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, Simplified Chinese or Japanese.

CAMERA

( 39)

DISPLAY SETUP/

LANGUAGE •••ENGLISH

CARD PLAYCARD CAMERAPLAY (VCR)

To change the display language, open the menu and select [DISPLAY
SETUP/ ]. Select [LANGUAGE ], select a language and close the menu.

If you have mistakenly changed the language, follow the mark next to the
menu item to change the setting.

Changing the Date Format

You can select between three date formats. For example, [JAN. 1, 2004], [1. JAN. 2004]
and [2004. 1. 1].

CAMERA

( 39)

Open the menu and select [DISPLAY SETUP/ ]. Select [DATE FORMAT],
select a format and close the menu.

PLAY (VCR)

76

Changing the Remote Sensor Mode

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

Two remote sensor modes and an off setting are available to prevent interference
from other Canon wireless controllers being used nearby.

Turning the Remote Sensor Off

CAMERA

( 39)

WL.REMOTE

Open the menu and select [SYSTEM]. Select [WL.
REMOTE], set it to [OFF B] and close the menu.

“B“ appears.

•••

CARD PLAYCARD CAMERAPLAY (VCR)

• 1SYSTEM

Changing the Remote Sensor Mode

CAMERA

( 39)

1. On the camcorder, open the menu and select

[SYSTEM]. Select [WL. REMOTE], set it to [A 2] and
close the menu.

The selected mode appears for a few seconds.

2. On the wireless controller, press and hold the

REMOTE SET button. Press the ZOOM T button for
mode 2. Keep the button pressed for over 2 seconds.

If you have set the camcorder to mode 1, press the ZOOM W
button for mode 1.

PLAY (VCR)

WL.REMOTE•••• 1SYSTEM

PAUSE

SLOW

AUDIO DUB.

START
/STOP

TV SCREEN

AV INSERT AV DV

REC

PAUSE

WIRELESS CONTROLLER WL-D82

ZOOM

WT

PHOTO

SELF T. D.EFFECTS

ON/OFF

REMOTE SET

E

Other Functions

Advanced Functions -

2

MENU

SET

❍ The wireless controller returns to mode 1 when you replace the batteries.

Change the mode if necessary.

❍ Make sure that camcorder and wireless controller are set to the same mode.

Display the camcorder’s mode by pressing any button on the wireless controller
(except of the REMOTE SET button) and set the wireless controller’s mode to
the same mode. Change the batteries if the wireless controller still does not
work.

77

Other Camcorder Settings

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

Beep

You will hear a beep upon camcorder operations such as power on/off, start/stop, self­timer countdown, and unusual conditions of the camcorder.
If you turn off the beep, all camcorder sounds including the ones of the My Camera
settings will be turned off.

CAMERA

( 39)

BEEP•••••••••ONSYSTEM

CARD PLAYCARD CAMERAPLAY (VCR)

To turn the beep off, open the menu and select [SYSTEM]. Select [BEEP],
set it to [OFF] and close the menu.

Recording in 16:9 (Widescreen TV Recording)

CAMERA

( 39)

To switch 16:9 on, open the menu and select [CAMERA SETUP]. Select
[16:9], set it to [ON] and close the menu.

”16:9” appears.

❍ The 16:9 mode is an electronically processed effect.
❍ The 16:9 mode cannot be selected in the Easy Recording mode.
❍ The multi-image screen cannot be used when the 16:9 format is selected.
❍ Simultaneous recording on a memory card cannot be used

when the 16:9 format is selected.

❍ If you play back a 16:9 recording on a normal TV, the image appears vertically

“squashed” (compressed).

❍ If you connect the camcorder to a TV with an S1 terminal or Video ID-1

system, recordings made in the 16:9 mode will be automatically played back in
widescreen mode.

PLAY (VCR)

16:9•••••••••OFFCAMERA SETUP

78

Turning Off the Image Stabilizer

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

IMG STAB •••ON

CAMERA SETUP

The image stabilizer compensates for camcorder shake even at full telephoto. The
image stabilizer tries to compensate horizontal movements, therefore, we recommend
turning off the image stabilizer when you mount the camcorder on a tripod.

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

CARD CAMERA

( 39)

Open the menu and select [CAMERA SETUP]. Select [IMG STAB i], set it
to [OFF] and close the menu.

i disappears.

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

[.

❍ The image stabilizer is designed to compensate a normal degree of camcorder

shake.

❍ The image stabilizer might not be as effective when using the Night modes.

CARD PLAY

E

Demonstration Mode

The demonstration mode displays the camcorder’s main features. It starts
automatically when you leave the camcorder turned on without loading a recording
media for more than 5 minutes. However, you can set the camcorder not to start the
demonstration mode.

CAMERA

( 39)

DISPLAY SETUP/

Open the menu and select [DISPLAY SETUP/ ]. Select [DEMO MODE], set
it to [OFF] and close the menu.

To cancel the demo mode once it has begun, press any button, turn off the
camcorder or load a recording media.

PLAY (VCR)

DEMO MODE••••ON

Other Functions

Advanced Functions -

79

Recording to a VCR or Digital Video Device

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

You can copy your recordings by connecting the camcorder to a VCR or a digital video
device. If you connect a digital video device, you can copy recordings with virtually no
generation loss in image and sound quality.

Connecting the Devices

q Connecting a VCR

See Playing Back on a TV Screen ( 36).

w Connecting a Digital Video Device

Refer also to the instruction manual of the digital video device.

DV

Signal flow

Commercially available DV cable

Recording

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

1. Set the camcorder to PLAY (VCR) mode and load a recorded cassette.

If you are connecting via AV terminal, check the setting ( 36).

2. Connected device: Load a blank cassette and set the device to record
pause mode.

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

4. Play back the tape.

5. Connected device: Begin recording when the scene you wish to copy
appears. Stop recording when copying is complete.

6. Stop playback.

80

❍ When connecting a VCR, the quality of the edited tape will be slightly lower

than that of the original.

❍ When connecting a digital video device:

- If the picture does not appear, reconnect the DV cable or turn the camcorder
off and back on again.

- Proper operation cannot be guaranteed for all digital video devices equipped
with a DV terminal. If operation does not work, use the S-video or AV
terminal.

E

Editing

81

Recording from Analog Video

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

CARD MIX / /
SLIDE SHOW/
REC PAUSE

Devices (VCR, TV or Camcorder)

You can record videos or TV programs from a VCR or analog camcorder on the tape in
the camcorder.

CAMERA

1. Connect the camcorder to the analog video device.

See Playing Back on a TV Screen ( 36).

2. Set the camcorder to PLAY (VCR) mode and load a blank cassette.

3. Connected device: Load the recorded cassette.

4. Press the REC PAUSE button.

In record pause mode and during recording, you can check the
picture on the screen.

5. Connected device: Play back the tape.

6. Press the e/a button when the scene you wish to

record appears.

7. Press the 3 button to stop recording.

• Press the e/a button to pause recording.

• Press the e/a button again to restart recording.

8. Connected device: Stop playback.

PLAY (VCR)

82

Headphones cannot be used during analog line-in recording.

Recording from Digital Video

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

Devices (DV Dubbing)

You can record from other digital video devices equipped with a DV terminal with
virtually no loss in picture and sound quality.

CAMERA

1. Connect the camcorder to the digital video device.

See Connecting a Digital Video Device ( 80).

2. Set the camcorder to PLAY (VCR) mode and load a blank cassette.

Make sure that [AV\DV OUT] is set to [OFF] ( 85).

3. Connected device: Load the recorded cassette.

4. Press the REC PAUSE button.

In record pause mode and during recording, you can check the
picture on the screen.

5. Connected Device: Play back the tape.

6. Press the e/a button when the scene you wish to

record appears.

PLAY (VCR)

CARD MIX / /
SLIDE SHOW/
REC PAUSE

E

7. Press the 3 button to stop recording.

• Press the e/a button to pause recording.

• Press the e/a button again to restart recording.

8. Connected Device: Stop playback.

❍ Blank sections may be recorded as anomalous picture.
❍ If the picture does not appear, reconnect the DV cable or turn the camcorder

off and back on again.

❍ You can only record signals from devices with the logo recording in SD

system in SP or LP format.

Copyright Signal

Certain software tapes are copyright protected. If you attempt to play back such tape,
“COPYRIGHT PROTECTED PLAYBACK IS RESTRICTED” appears and you will not be able
to view the contents of the tape. If you attempt to record from such tape via the DV
terminal, “COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DUBBING RESTRICTED” appears and you will not
be able to record the contents of the tape.

Editing

83

Converting Analog Signals into Digital

AUDIO

VIDEO

R

L

AV

DV

Signals (Analog-Digital Converter)

By connecting the camcorder to a VCR or 8mm video camcorder, you can convert
analog video/audio signals to digital signals and output the digital signals via the DV
terminal. The DV terminal serves as output terminal only.

Connecting the Devices

Turn off all devices before starting the connections. Unload the tape from the
camcorder. Refer also to the instruction manual of the connected device.

You can also connect a VCR with S (S1)-VIDEO terminal ( 37).

Signal flow

STV-250N Stereo Video
Cable (supplied)

84

Signal flow

Commercially available DV cable

Turning On the Analog-Digital Converter

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

AV DV OUT••••OFFVCR SETUP

CAMERA

( 39)

Open the menu and select [VCR SETUP]. Select [AV\DV OUT], set it to
[ON] and close the menu.

❍ Headphones cannot be used during analog-digital conversion.
❍ Depending on the signal sent from the connected device, the conversion from

analog to digital signals might not work properly (e.g., signals that include
copyright protective signals or anomalous signals such as ghost signals).

❍ For normal use, set [AV\DV OUT] to [OFF]. If it is set to [ON], digital signals

cannot be input via the camcorder’s DV terminal.

❍ Depending on the software and the specifications of your computer, you may

not be able to transfer converted signals via the DV terminal.

❍ We recommend powering the camcorder from a household power source.
❍ You can also press the AV\DV button on the wireless

controller. The setting changes with each press of the button.

PLAY (VCR)

E

Editing

85

Replacing Existing Scenes (AV Insert)

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

You can insert and replace images and audio on the tape of the camcorder with
images and audio from other video devices connected via AV terminal or DV terminal.
This function is operated with the wireless controller.

Scene to be inserted

Playback tape

Insert start Insert end

Tape in the
camcorder
before inserting

Tape in the
camcorder after
inserting

Inserted scene

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

1. Connect the camcorder to a video device.

See Playing Back on a TV Screen ( 36).

2. Connected device: Load a recorded cassette. Locate the scene you wish
to insert and pause playback shortly before the scene.

3. Set the camcorder to PLAY (VCR) mode and load a recorded cassette.

Use a tape recorded in SP mode and make sure that the tape-protect switch is set to
allow recording.

4. Locate the scene you wish to replace and pause playback shortly before
the scene.

5. Press the AV INSERT button on the wireless
controller.

“AV INSERT” and “2a” appear.

86

AUDIO OUT

AUDIO DUB.

PAUSE

12bit

REC

STOP

PAUSE

SLOW

AV INSERT AV DV

2

REMOTE SET

6. Connected device: Play back the tape.

ZERO SET

ZERO SET

7. Press the PAUSE a button on the wireless controller

when the scene you wish to insert appears.

MEMORY

12bit

AUDIO OUT

AUDIO DUB.

REW

PLAY

STOP

PAUSE

SLOW

AV INSERT AV DV

FF

2

REMOTE SET

E

8. Press the STOP 3 button on the wireless controller

to stop inserting.

Press the PAUSE a button on the wireless controller to pause
inserting.

9. Connected device: Stop playback.

❍ You cannot insert from a TV program when the synchronized signals are

distorted.
Connected device:
❍ AV insert may not work correctly if the tape has a blank section or changes in

the recording mode.
❍ AV insert cannot be performed when the quality of the recording is poor, or

during special playback such as fast forward, rewind, playback pause, slow

playback etc.

Set the zero set memory at the end of the scene you wish to replace. The
camcorder will automatically stop AV insert at that point.

MEMORY

12bit

AUDIO OUT

AUDIO DUB.

REW

PLAY

STOP

PAUSE

SLOW

AV INSERT AV DV

FF

2

REMOTE SET

Editing

87

Audio Dubbing

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

AUDIO DUB.•••AUDIO INAUDIO SETUP

ZERO SET

ZERO SET

You can add sound from audio devices (AUDIO IN) or with the built-in microphone
(MIC. IN).
This function is operated with the wireless controller.

Connecting an Audio Device

Refer also to the instruction manual of the connected device.

Audio device
(e.g. CD player)

OUTPUT

AUDIO

L

R

Dubbing

CAMERA

( 39)

1. Set the camcorder to PLAY (VCR) mode and load a recorded cassette.

Use a tape recorded in SP, 12-bit mode with this camcorder.

2. Open the menu and select [AUDIO SETUP]. Select [AUDIO DUB.], set it
to [AUDIO IN] or [MIC. IN] and close the menu.

3. Locate the scene you wish to start audio dubbing.

4. Press the PAUSE a button on the wireless controller.

5. Press the AUDIO DUB. button on the wireless
controller.

“AUDIO DUB.” and “ a” appear.

Signal flow

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable
(supplied)

PLAY (VCR)

MEMORY

12bit

AUDIO OUT

AUDIO DUB.

AV

REW

PLAY

STOP

PAUSE

SLOW

AV INSERT AV DV

FF

2

REMOTE SET

6. Press the PAUSE a button on the wireless controller
to begin dubbing.

88

• Audio device: Begin playback.

• Microphone: Speak into the built-in microphone.

MEMORY

12bit

AUDIO OUT

AUDIO DUB.

REW

PLAY

STOP

PAUSE

SLOW

AV INSERT AV DV

FF

2

REMOTE SET

7. Press the STOP 3 button on the wireless controller

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

ZERO SET

12bit AUDIO•••STEREO1 AUDIO SETUP

to stop dubbing.

Audio device: Stop playback.

MEMORY

12bit

AUDIO OUT

AUDIO DUB.

REW

PLAY

STOP

PAUSE

SLOW

AV INSERT AV DV

FF

2

REMOTE SET

❍ Use only tapes recorded in SP mode 12-bit audio sound with this camcorder.

Audio dubbing will stop if the tape has a blank section or a section recorded in
LP mode or 16-bit mode.

❍ You cannot use the DV terminal for audio dubbing.
❍ If you add sound to a tape not recorded with this camcorder, sound quality

may decrease.

❍ Sound quality may decrease when you add sound to the same scene for more

than 3 times.

❍ When you connect an audio device, check the picture on the LCD screen and

the sound via built-in speaker or audio device. ZR90: You can also connect a
TV via S-video terminal.

❍ When you use the built-in microphone, you can either connect a TV via AV

terminal to check the picture, or headphones to check the sound. ZR90: When
you connect a TV via S-video terminal, you can check the picture on the TV
screen and the sound with headphones connected to the camcorder.

❍ Set the zero set memory at the end of the scene you wish to dub audio. The

camcorder will automatically stop audio dubbing at that point.

Playing Back the Added Sound

You can select to play back Stereo 1 (original sound), Stereo 2 (added sound), or adjust
the balance of both sounds.

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

E

Editing

( 39)

1. Open the menu and select [AUDIO SETUP]. Select [12bit AUDIO], select
a setting and close the menu.

• STEREO 1: Plays back the original sound.

• STEREO 2: Plays back the added sound.

• MIX/FIXED: Plays back stereo 1 and stereo 2 in the same level.

• MIX/VARI.: Plays back stereo 1 and stereo 2. The mix balance can be adjusted.

2. If you have selected [MIX/VARI.], adjust the mix level: Open the menu
and select [AUDIO SETUP]. Select [MIX BALANCE], adjust the balance
with the SET dial and close the menu.

Turn the SET dial down to increase the volume of Stereo 1 and up to increase the
volume of Stereo 2.

89

❍ The camcorder resets to [STEREO 1] when you turn the camcorder off.

However, the mix balance is memorized by the camcorder.

❍ You can also press the 12bit AUDIO OUT button on the wireless controller to

select the audio output. However, the mix balance can only be adjusted in the
menu.

90

Connecting to a Computer Using a DV (IEEE1394) Cable

DV

You can transfer recordings to a computer equipped with a DV (IEEE1394) terminal or
IEEE1394 capture board. Optional software is required for transferring recordings
from the tape to a computer. Refer to the instruction manual of the software.

DV terminal

IEEE1394 (DV) terminal

Commercially available DV cable

6-pin

4-pin

❍ Operation may not work correctly depending on the software and the

specifications/settings of your computer.

❍ If the computer freezes while you have connected the camcorder, disconnect

and reconnect the DV cable. If the problem persists, disconnect the interface
cable, turn off camcorder and computer, turn camcorder and computer back
on and reconnect them.

❍ Do not disconnect the DV cable, open the memory card cover,

remove the memory card, change the position of the POWER switch or turn off
the camcorder and computer while data is being transferred to the computer
(while the camcorder’s card access indicator is flashing). Doing so may damage
the memory card’s data.

❍ The image files on your memory card and the image files saved

on the hard disk drive of your computer are valuable, original data files. If you
wish to use image files on your computer, make copies of them first, and use
the copied file, retaining the original.

❍ We recommend powering the camcorder from a household power source

while it is connected to the computer.

❍ Refer also to the instruction manual of the computer.
❍ Users of Windows XP can use the DV Network Software

contained on the DIGITAL VIDEO SOLUTION DISK For Windows. For details,
refer to the DV Network Software Instruction Manual.

E

Editing

91

Inserting and Removing a Memory Card

You can use SD Memory Cards or
commercially available MultiMediaCards with
this camcorder. The SD Memory Card has a
protect switch to prevent accidental erasure.

Inserting the Card

1. Turn off the camcorder.

2. Open the cover.

3. Insert the memory card all the way
into the memory card slot.

4. Close the cover.

Do not close the cover forcefully without
having the card correctly inserted.

Removing the Card

Do not forcefully remove the memory card without first pushing it in.

1. Turn off the camcorder.

Make sure that the card access indicator is
not flashing before you turn off the
camcorder.

2. Open the cover.

3. Push the memory card to release it.
Remove the memory card.

4. Close the cover.

Terminals

Card access
indicator

92

❍ This camcorder is compatible with SD Memory Cards or MultiMediaCards only.

Do not use any other types of memory cards.

❍ Turn off the camcorder before inserting or removing the memory card.

Otherwise, it may result in data damage.

❍ If you use memory cards other than the supplied one, make sure to format

them with the camcorder ( 117).

Selecting the Image Quality/Size

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

Changing the Still Image Quality

You can choose between Superfine, Fine and Normal.

CARD PLAY

( 39)

CAMERA

CARD CAMERAPLAY (VCR)

IMG QUALITY••FINECARD SETUP

Open the menu and select [CARD SETUP]. Select [IMG QUALITY], set it to
[SUPER FINE] or [NORMAL] and close the menu.

Changing the Still Image Size

You can choose between 1024 × 768 pixels and 640 × 480 pixels.

PLAY (VCR)CAMERA

( 39)

CARD SETUP

IMAGE SIZE•••

Open the menu and select [CARD SETUP]. Select [IMAGE SIZE], set it to
[640 × 480] and close the menu.

❍ Still images are compressed and recorded in the JPEG (Joint Photographic

Experts Group) format.

❍ Estimated Capacity of an 8 MB Memory Card:

Image Size

Image Quality

Superfine 13 440 KB 34 175 KB
Fine 20 300 KB 50 120 KB
Normal 38 160 KB 84 65 KB

These figures are approximate. They vary according to the recording condition and the
subject. Sample images already recorded on the supplied SD Memory Card are to be
included in the total number.

No. of
Images

1024 × 768

File Size

per Image

1024 × 768

640 × 480

No. of
Images

File Size

per Image

E

Using a Memory Card

93

Changing the Movie Size

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

You can choose between 320 × 240 pixels and 160 × 120 pixels.

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

( 39)

CARD SETUP

MOVIE SIZE•••

320×240

Open the menu and select [CARD SETUP]. Select [MOVIE SIZE], set it to
[160×120] and close the menu.

❍ Movies are recorded in the Motion JPEG format.
❍ Maximum recording time on a 8MB SD Memory Card:

Image Size

320 × 240 approx. 20 sec. 250 KB/sec.
160 × 120 approx. 50 sec. 120 KB/sec.

Max. Recording
Time (8 MB)

File Size per Second

94

File Numbers

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

FILE NOS.••••CONTINUOUSCARD SETUP

101-0101

101

101-0102

101-0104

101

101-0101

101

101-0103

RESET The file number will be reset each time a new memory card is

inserted, starting with 101-0101. If the memory card already
contains image files, the consecutive file number will be assigned.

CONTINUOUS The camcorder memorizes the file number of the last image and

assigns the consecutive file number to the next image, even when a
new memory card is inserted. (If a higher file number already exists
on the memory card, the consecutive number will be assigned.)
There will be no duplication of file numbers. This is useful for
organizing images on a computer.

Images are automatically assigned file numbers from 0101 to 9900 and stored in
folders containing up to 100 images. Folders are assigned numbers from 101 to 998.
(The sample images on the supplied memory card are saved in the [100canon] folder.)

You can choose to use consecutive file numbers (CONTINUOUS) or to reset the file
number each time a different memory card is inserted (RESET). We recommend setting
the file numbers to CONTINUOUS.

When you record 3 images.

CONTINUOUS

When you replace the memory

card and record an image.

RESET

E

Using a Memory Card

CAMERA

( 39)

To change the setting, open the menu and select [CARD SETUP]. Select
[FILE NOS.], set it to [RESET] and close the menu.

PLAY (VCR)

95

Recording Still Images on a Memory Card

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

PHOTO

PHOTO

You can record still images with the camcorder, from a tape in the camcorder or from
devices connected via the DV terminal or AV terminal. You can also record a still
image on the memory card while you record a movie on the tape.

PHOTO button

Card access
indicator

PLAY (VCR)CAMERA

1. Set the camcorder to CARD CAMERA mode.

A white focusing frame appears in the center of the screen. The camcorder will focus on
the subject in the center of the screen. To change the focusing point, see Selecting the
Focusing Point ( 103).

2. Press the PHOTO button halfway.

• F and focusing frame turn green when focus is adjusted. The

beep sounds twice. The picture may appear out of focus for a
moment while the camcorder is focusing.

• Exposure is locked.

When you press the PHOTO button on the wireless controller, recording starts

•

immediately.

3. Press the PHOTO button fully.

• F and focusing frame disappear and you hear a shutter sound.

• The card access indicator flashes and the card access display

appears.

• The still image shown on the screen will be recorded on the

memory card.

❍ Do not turn off the camcorder, change the position of the TAPE/CARD switch,

disconnect the power source, open the memory card cover or remove the
memory card while the card access indicator is flashing. Doing so could result
in data damage.

❍ When you are using a SD Memory Card, make sure that the protect switch is

set to allow recording.

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❍ To use the self-timer ( 58), press the (self-timer) button before step 2

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

PHOTO REC••••TAPE

b

CAMERA SETUP

and press the PHOTO button fully.

❍ When the subject is too bright (overexposed), use the optional FS-30.5U ND

filter.

❍ When the Focus-Priority mode is set to [ON]:

When you press the PHOTO button fully before F and focusing frame turn
green, it may take up to 2* seconds until focus is adjusted and the still image
can be recorded to the memory card.
* Up to 4 seconds in the Low Light and the Night modes.
If the subject is not suitable for autofocus, the focusing frame turns yellow and
locks the focus. Adjust the focus manually with the SET dial.

❍ When the Focus-Priority mode is set to [OFF]:

No focusing frame appears.
In step 2, F turns green, and focus and exposure are locked.

❍ The camcorder shuts off when you do not operate it for 5 minutes to save

power. “ AUTO POWER OFF” appears 20 seconds before shutoff. To
continue recording, turn the POWER switch to OFF and then back to CAMERA.

Recording a Still Image on a Memory Card While Recording

Movies on a Tape

When you are recording a movie on a tape, you can record the same picture as a still

image on the memory card.

E

CAMERA

( 39)

PLAY (VCR)

1. Open the menu and select [CAMERA SETUP]. Select [PHOTO REC], set it
to [CARD ] and close the menu.

2. While you are recording a movie, press the PHOTO button.

❍ The size of the still image will be 640 × 480.
❍ The quality of the still image is slightly lower than a still image recorded in

CARD CAMERA mode.

❍ The still image cannot be recorded on a memory card when a fader, effect or

the multi-image screen is activated.

❍ The still image cannot be recorded on a memory card when the 16:9 format is

selected.

❍ Card mix cannot be used.

Using a Memory Card

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Recording from a Tape in the Camcorder

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

CAMERA

PLAY (VCR)

1. Play back the tape.

2. Press the PHOTO button halfway when the scene you wish to record
appears.

• The camcorder pauses playback. The remaining image capacity and other information

appear.

• When you press the PHOTO button on the wireless controller, recording starts

immediately.

3. Press the PHOTO button fully.

• The card access indicator flashes.

• You can also record a still image by pressing the PHOTO button fully when the tape is

in playback pause mode.

CARD PLAYCARD CAMERA

Recording from Other Video Devices

You can record images from devices connected via the S-video terminal (ZR90) or AV
terminal (analog line-in function), or via the DV terminal as still images on a memory
card. For connecting instructions, refer to page 36 and 80.

CAMERA

1. Set the camcorder to PLAY (VCR) mode.

• If a cassette is loaded, make sure that the tape is stopped.

• When recording via the AV terminal, make sure that “AV \DV” is displayed on the

screen. When recording via the DV terminal, make sure that “AV \DV” is not
displayed. Change the setting as necessary ( 85).

2. Connected device: Load a recorded cassette and play back the tape.

3. Press the PHOTO button halfway when the scene you wish to record
appears.

• The still image, remaining image capacity and other information appear.

• When you press the PHOTO button on the wireless controller, recording starts

immediately.

4. Press the PHOTO button fully.

The card access indicator flashes.

PLAY (VCR)

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When recording from a tape in the camcorder or other video devices:

❍ A still image recorded from an image in 16:9 format will be vertically

compressed.

❍ The data code of the still image will reflect the date and time it has been

recorded on the memory card.

❍ The size of the still image will be 640 × 480.

Screen Displays during Still Image Recording

w Remaining Card Capacity for

q Still Image Quality

Indicates the image quality of the still
image.

q
w
e

Still Images

flashing in red: No card
in green: 6 or more images
in yellow: 1 to 5 images
in red: No more images

• The indication may not decrease
even though a recording has been
made, or may decrease by 2 images
at once.

• All indicators are displayed in green
when a memory card is played back.

"e" Card Access Display

Indicates that the camcorder is writing
on the memory card.

e Image Size

Indicates the still image size.

E

Using a Memory Card

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Reviewing a Still Image Right after Recording

CARD PLAY

CARD CAMERA

You can select to display a still image for 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 seconds after it has been
recorded.

PLAY (VCR)CAMERA

( 39)

REVIEW•••••••2secCAMERA SETUP

Open the menu and select [CAMERA SETUP]. Select [REVIEW], select a
setting option and close the menu.

❍ A still image is displayed as long as you hold the PHOTO button after

recording.

❍ The FILE OPERATION menu appears when you press the SET dial while you are

reviewing a still image, or when you press the SET dial right after recording. In
this menu, you can protect ( 109) or erase ( 110) the image.

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