Digital video camcorders record video signals onto the tape in very thin lines (as thin
as 1/8 the width of a hair). The following anomalies may appear if the video heads
become dirty even a little.
• Mosaic or other blocky video artifacts (Fig. 1) or banding
(Fig. 2) appear on the picture during playback.
• Sound becomes distorted, or there is no sound during
playback.
• The message “HEADS DIRTY, USE CLEANING CASSETTE”
appears.
If such symptoms appear, clean the video heads with the
Canon DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette* or a
commercially available dry cleaning cassette.
If the symptoms reappear shortly after the cleaning, the
videocassette may be defective. Stop using it.
* Availability differs from area to area.
Video heads may become dirty under the following conditions:
• When using the camcorder in humid or hot places.
• When using cassettes with damaged or dirty tapes.
• When using the camcorder in dusty places.
• When using the video heads for a long time without cleaning them.
NOTES
• Before you make important recordings, clean the video heads and make a test recording
first. We also recommend cleaning the video heads after use, before storing the
camcorder.
• Do not use wet type cleaning cassettes as this may damage the camcorder.
• Even after cleaning the video heads you may not be able to play back correctly tapes
that were recorded with dirty video heads.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
2
Important Usage Instructions
I
WARNING!
WARNING!
COPYRIGHT WARNING:
Unauthorized recording of copyrighted materials may infringe on the rights of copyright
owners and be contrary to copyright laws.
Digital Video Camcorder, ZR930/ZR900 A systems
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to compl y with the limits for class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonab le 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 communic ations. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occ ur 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 tr y 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 compl y 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 specifie d in the manual.
If such changes or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop ope ration of the equipment.
Canon U.S.A. Inc.
One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042, U.S.A.
Tel No. (516)328-5600
mportant 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.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
For Canada only:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
PRODUCT TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AND TO REDUCE ANNOYING
INTERFERENCE, USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s
enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to
persons.
The exclamation point, within an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the product.
3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
In these safety instructions the word
“apparatus” or “product” refers to the Canon
Digital Video Camcorder ZR930/ZR900
all its accessories.
A and
1 Read these instructions.
2 Keep these instructions.
3 Heed all warnings.
4 Follow all instructions.
5 Do not use this apparatus near water.
6 Clean only with dry cloth.
7 Do not install near any heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.
8 Protect the power cord from being
walked on or pinched particularly at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the apparatus.
9 Unplug this apparatus during lightning
storms or when unused for long periods
of time.
10 Read instructions — All the safety and
operating instructions should be read
before the product is operated.
11 Retain instructions — The safety and
operating instructions should be retained
for future reference.
12 Heed Warnings — All warnings on the
product and in the operating instructions
should be adhered to.
13 Follow instructions — All operating and
maintenance instructions should be
followed.
14 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.
15 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.
16 Water and Moisture — Hazard of electric
shock — Do not use this product near
water or in rainy/moist situations.
17 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.
18 Power Sources — The product 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.
19 Overloading — Do not overload wall
outlets and extension cords as this can
result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
20 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.
21 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.
22 Power Sources — The CA-590 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.
4
23 Lightning — For added protection of this
product during a lightning storm, or
when it is left unattended and unused for
long periods of time, disconnect it from
the wall outlet and disconnect the
antenna. This will prevent damage to the
product due to lightning and power-line
surges.
24 Overloading — Do not overload wall
outlets and extension cords as this can
result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
25 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 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.
26 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.
27 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 the power supply is required, please return it to the responsible nearest Canon Service Center
and please replace it with the same type number CA-590.
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.
The adapter is not intended to be serviced. Should the product cease to function in its intended manner, it should be
returned to the manufacturer or be discarded.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
The Mains plug is used as the disconnect device. The Mains plug shall remain readily operable to disconnect the
plug in case of an accident.
17Charging the Battery Pack
19Installing the Backup Battery
19Preparing the Wireless Controller ( only)
and Accessories
21Basic Operation of the Camcorder
21Operating Modes
21Joystick and Joystick Guide
22Using the Menus
24First Time Settings
24Changing the Language
24Changing the Time Zone
25Setting the Date and Time
25Getting Ready to Start Recording
25Opening the Lens Cover and Adjusting the LCD Screen
27Inserting and Removing a Tape
Table of contents
Video ____________________________________
28Basic Recording
28Shooting Video
30Zooming: Optical, Advanced and Digital Zoom
32Quick Start Function
33Reviewing the Last Scene Recorded
33Basic Playback
33Playing Back Video
35 Returning to a Pre-marked Position
35 Locating the Beginning of a Recording Date
36Locating the End of the Last Scene
36On-Screen Displays (Data Code)
37Advanced Function
37: Special Scene Recording Programs
39 Flexible Recording: Changing the Shutter Speed
40LCD Video Light
40Self Timer
41Audio Recording Mode
42Audio Playback Modes
43Manual Focus Adjustment
44Manual Exposure Adjustment
44White Balance
45Image Effects
46Digital Effects
7
External Connections _______________________
48Connecting to a TV or VCR
49Connection Diagrams
50Playback on a TV Screen
50Copying your Recordings to an External Video Recorder
51Digital Video Dubbing
53 Audio Dubbing
54Connecting to a Computer
54PC Connection Diagram
55Transferring Video Recordings
Thank you for purchasing the Canon ZR930/ZR900. Please read this manual carefully
before you use the camcorder and retain it for future reference. Should your
camcorder fail to operate correctly, refer to Tro ub le sh oo ti ng (62).
Conventions Used in this Manual
•IMPORTANT: Precautions related to the camcorder’s operation.
•NOTES: Additional topics that complement the basic operating procedures.
•POINTS TO CHECK: Restrictions or requirements regarding the function
described.
• : Reference page number.
• : Text that applies only to the model(s) shown in the icon.
• “Screen” refers to the LCD and the viewfinder screen.
• The photos included in the manual are simulated pictures taken with a still camera.
Note that unless indicated otherwise, illustrations in this manual refer to the
model.
Buttons and switches to be operated
Brackets [ ] and capital letters are used to refer to menu
options as they are displayed on screen. In tables in this
manual the default value is shown in boldface.
For example [ON], [OFF].
Names of buttons and switches other than the joystick
are indicated within a “button” frame.
For example .
FUNC.
10
Setting the Date and Time
FUNC.
( 30)
1 Open the date and time setup
screen.
FUNC.
[ MENU]
[ DATE/TIME SETUP]
[DATE/TIME]
Blinking arrows will be displayed
around the first field of the date.
2 Change each field of the date and
time with the joystick ( ) and
move ( ) to the next field.
3 Press ( ) to start the clock.
FUNC.
4 Press to close the menu.
NOTES
You can also change the date format
( 93).
Getting to Know the Camcorder
Supplied Accessories
Lithium Button Battery
(CR1616)
CA-590 Compact Power
Adapter
WL-D85
Wireless Controller
STV-250N Stereo Video
Cable
BP-2L5 Battery Pack
Lithium Button
Battery (CR2025) for
Wireless Controller
Online product registration for U.S.A. Customers only.
Register your product online at www.registercanon.com
9 Protect your product
We will keep the model number and date of purchase of your new Canon product on file to help you
refer to this information in the event of an insurance claim such as loss or theft.
9 Receive information on new products and promotions
Upon your request, we will send you information on Canon new products and promotions.
The serial number of this product can be found at the battery attachment unit of the camcorder. Write down
the number and other information here and retain this book as a permanent record of your purchase to aid
identification in case of theft.
Date of Purchase:Model Name: ZR930/ZR900 A
Purchased From:Serial No.:
Dealer Address:
Dealer Phone No.:
11
Introduction
Components Guide
Left side view
Right side view
Front view
Lens cover switch (28)
( open, closed)
DV terminal (49, 54)
MIC (microphone) terminal (41)
AV terminal (49)
CHARGE indicator (17)
Speaker
Mode switch (29)
Easy recording
Recording programs
Grip belt (20)
Strap mount
Lock button
Stereo microphone
Names of buttons and switches other than the
joystick are indicated within a
(for example ).
Indicates the remaining time of the tape in minutes.
moves during recording. When the tape
reaches its end, the display changes to “END”.
• When the time left is less than 15 seconds, the
remaining tape time may not appear.
• Depending on the type of tape, the remaining
time displayed may not be correct. In any case,
you will be able to record on the tape the number
of minutes that appears on the cassette’s label
(for example, 85 minutes).
Remaining battery charge
• When starts flashing in red replace the
battery pack with a fully charged one.
• When you attach an empty battery pack, the
power may turn off without displaying the icon.
• Depending on the conditions under which the
camcorder and the battery pack are used, the
actual battery charge may not be indicated
accurately.
Recording reminder
The camcorder counts from 1 to 10 seconds when
you start recording. This is helpful to avoid scenes
that are too short.
16
Preparations
This chapter describes basic operations, such as navigating the
menus, and first time settings to help you learn more about your
camcorder.
Getting Started
Getting Started
Charging the Battery Pack
The camcorder can be powered with a
battery pack or directly using the
compact power adapter. Charge the
battery pack before use.
For approximate charging times and
recording/playback times with a full
battery pack, refer to the tables on
page 73.
Remove the battery
terminal cover before
attaching the battery
BATT. switch
1 Turn off the camcorder.
2 Attach the battery pack to the
camcorder.
Press the battery pack lightly and
slide it up until it clicks.
CHARGE
indicator
DC IN
terminal
3 Plug the compact power adapter
into a power outlet.
4 Connect the compact power
adapter to the camcorder’s DC IN
terminal.
• The CHARGE indicator starts
flashing. The indicator will stay on
when the charging is completed.
• You can also use the compact
power adapter without attaching a
battery pack.
17
Preparations
• When the compact power adapter
is connected, even if a battery is
attached its power will not be
consumed.
ONCETHEBATTERYISFULLYCHARGED
1 Disconnect the compact power
adapter from the camcorder.
2 Unplug the compact power
adapter from the power outlet.
TOREMOVETHEBATTERYPACK
Press to release the battery
BATT.
pack. Slide the battery pack down
and then pull it out.
IMPORTANT
• You may hear some noise from the
compact power adapter during use.
This is not a malfunction.
• We recommend charging the battery
pack in temperatures between 10 °C
and 30 °C (50 °F and 86 °F). Outside the
temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C
(32 °F to 104 °F), charging will not start.
• Do not connect to the camcorder’s DC
IN terminal or to the compact power
adapter any electrical equipment that is
not expressly recommended for use
with this camcorder.
• To prevent equipment breakdowns and
excessive heating, do not connect the
supplied compact power adapter to
voltage converters for overseas travels
or special power sources such as those
on aircraft and ships, DC-AC inverters,
etc.
NOTES
• The CHARGE indicator also serves as a
rough estimate of the battery charge
status.
Continuously on: Battery pack fully
charged.
Two quick flashes at 1-second intervals:
Battery pack at least 50% charged. If
the indicator flashes quickly but not
exactly in this pattern, refer to
Troubleshooting (62).
One flash at 1-second intervals: Battery
pack less than 50% charged.
• We recommend that you prepare battery
packs 2 to 3 times longer than you think
you might need.
• U.S.A. and Canada only: The
lithium ion/polymer battery
that powers this product is
recyclable. Please call
1-800-8-BATTERY for information on
how to recycle this battery.
18
Installing the Backup Battery
The backup battery (lithium button battery
CR1616) allows the camcorder to retain
the date, time ( 25) and other
camcorder settings while the power
source is disconnected. Connect a power
source to the camcorder when replacing
the backup battery to retain the settings.
1 If a battery pack is attached,
remove it first.
2 Open the backup battery cover.
3 Insert the backup battery with the
+ side facing out.
NOTES
The battery life of the backup battery is
about one year. flashes in red when
the lithium button battery is not installed,
or when it needs to be replaced.
Preparing the Wireless Controller
( only) and Accessories
First, insert the supplied lithium button
battery (CR2025) into the wireless
controller.
Ta b
1 Press the tab in the direction of
the arrow and pull out the battery
holder.
2 Place the lithium button battery
with the + side facing up.
3 Insert the battery holder.
4 Close the cover.
19
Preparations
TOUSETHEWIRELESSCONTROLLER
Point the controller at the
camcorder’s remote sensor when
you press the buttons.
You can rotate the LCD panel 180
degrees to use the wireless controller
from the front of the camcorder.
NOTES
• The wireless controller may not work
properly when the remote sensor is
situated under strong light sources or
direct sunlight.
• If the wireless controller does not work,
check that [WL.REMOTE] is not set to
[OFF ] (60). Otherwise, replace
the battery.
Accessories
Fasten the grip belt.
Adjust the grip belt so that you can
reach the zoom lever with your index
finger, and the button with
Start/Stop
your thumb.
WHENYOUMOUNTTHECAMCORDERONA
TRIPOD
Do not leave the viewfinder
exposed to direct sunlight
as it may melt (due to
concentration of the light by
the lens). Do not use tripods
with fastening screws
longer than 5.5 mm (0.2 in.).
Doing so may damage the camcorder.
20
Basic Operation of the Camcorder
Basic Operation of the
Camcorder
Operating Modes
The camcorder’s operating mode is
determined by the position of the
switch. In the manual, indicates that
a function is available in the operating
mode shown and indicates that the
function is not available. When no
operating mode icons are given, the
function is available in both operating
modes.
Joystick and Joystick Guide
Use the joystick to operate the
camcorder's menus.
Push the joystick up, down, left or right
(, ) to select an item or change
settings.
Press the joystick itself () to save the
settings or confirm an action. On menu
screens, this is indicated by the icon
.
The joystick can also be used in
combination with the joystick guide to
operate additional functions. Press ()
to display/hide the joystick guide (when
recording, the joystick guide will appear
only when the mode switch is set to
). The functions that appear on the
joystick guide will change depending
on the operating mode.
Operating mode
switchIcon displayOperation
Recording movies.
28
Playing movies.
33
21
Preparations
Using the Menus
Many of the camcorder’s functions can
be adjusted from the menus that open
after pressing the FUNC. button
FUNC.
().
For details about the available menu
options and settings, refer to the
appendix Menu Options Lists (56).
Selecting a FUNC. Menu Option
3 Select () the desired setting
from the available options at the
bottom bar.
• The selected option will be
highlighted in light blue. Menu
items not available will appear
grayed out.
• With some settings you will need to
make further selections and/or
press (). Follow the additional
operation guides that will appear
on the screen (such as the joystick
icon, small arrows, etc.).
4 Press to save the settings
Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus
FUNC.
and close the menu.
You can press to close the
menu at any time.
FUNC.
1 Press .
FUNC.
2 Select () the icon of the
function you want to change from
the left side column.
Menu items not available will appear
grayed out.
22
1 Press .
FUNC.
2 Select () the icon and press
() to open the setup menus.
3 Select () the desired menu from
the left side column and press
().
The title of the selected menu
appears on top of the screen and
under it the list of settings.
4 Select () the setting you want
to change and press ().
• An orange frame will indicate the
menu item currently selected.
Menu items not available will
appear grayed out.
• To return to the menu selection
screen, select ( ) [RETURN]
and press
().
5 Select () the desired option and
press () to save the setting.
6 Press .
Instead of steps 1 and 2, you can also
keep pressed down for more than
1 second to open the setup menus screen
directly.
FUNC.
You can press to close the
FUNC.
menu at any time.
NOTES
FUNC.
Abbreviation of Menu Selections in this
Manual
In this manual, the arrow is used to
abbreviate menu selections. Below is
an example of changing a setting using
the setup menus.
FUNC.
[ MENU]
[ DISPLAY SETUP/]
[LANGUAGE]
Desired language
FUNC.
For selections in the FUNC. menu, the
abbreviated form will always show the
initial default value. In recording mode,
its icon will appear on the left side
column when you first open the menu.
If the setting was changed, the icon of
the currently selected option will appear
instead.
FUNC.
[ IMAGE EFFECT OFF]
Desired image effect
FUNC.
23
Preparations
First Time Settings
First Time Settings
Changing the Language
The language for on-screen and menu
displays can be changed. The list of
available languages depends on the
region where you purchased the
camcorder.
Language Set A
German, English
Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese and
Japanese.
Language Set B
English
Chinese and Korean.
, Spanish, French, Italian,
, Simplified Chinese, Traditional
FUNC.
(22)
FUNC.
[ MENU]
[ DISPLAY SETUP/]
[LANGUAGE]
Desired language
FUNC.
Default value
Changing the Time Zone
Change the time zone to match your
location. The default setting is New
York or Singapore, depending on the
region of purchase.
FUNC.
(22)
FUNC.
[ MENU]
[ DATE/TIME SETUP]
[T.ZONE/DST]
Desired time zone*
FUNC.
* To adjust for daylight saving time, select the
time zone with the mark next to the
area.
World Time Zones
Once you have set the time zone, date
and time, you do not need to reset the
clock every time you travel to another
time zone. Select the time zone to
match the local time at your
destination, referring to the date and
time displayed on the screen.
NOTES
• If you changed the language by mistake,
follow the mark next to the menu
item to change the setting.
• The display that appears in some
menu screens refers to the name of the
button on the camcorder and will not
change, regardless of the language
selected.
24
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