Canon DM MV550i User Manual

PUB.DIE-166

DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER

Instruction Manual

Digital

Video

Cassette

Mini

This instruction book explains the use of the MV550i and MV530i camcorders.

Please note that illustrations and explanations in this instruction book refer

mainly to the MV550i model.

PAL

Important Usage Instructions

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR

BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO

QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS

PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTION:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AND TO REDUCE ANNOYING

INTERFERENCE, USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.

CAUTION:

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

For Users in the UK

When replacing the fuse only a correctly rated approved type should be used and be sure to re-fit

the fuse cover.

CAUTION:

CUSTOMERS IN THE U.K. SHOULD READ THIS BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT.

CHANGING THE FUSE

THE MAINS LEAD ON THIS PRODUCT IS FITTED WITH A NON-REWIREABLE

(MOULDED) PLUG, INCORPORATING A 3 AMP FUSE. SHOULD THE FUSE NEED TO

BE REPLACED AN ASTA OR BSI APPROVED BS1362 FUSE OF THE SAME RATING

MUST BE USED.

ALWAYS REFIT THE FUSE COVER AFTER REPLACING THE FUSE. NEVER USE THE

PLUG WITH THE FUSE COVER OMITTED.

CHANGING THE PLUG

IF THE FITTED PLUG IS NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUR SOCKET OUTLETS, IT SHOULD

BE CUT OFF AND AN APPROPRIATE PLUG FITTED IN ITS PLACE. IF POSSIBLE FIT AN

APPROPRIATE 3 AMP FUSE. IF THE NEW PLUG HAS NO FUSE, THEN FIT A 5 AMP

FUSE AT THE DISTRIBUTION BOARD.

AC POWER CORD CONNECTION

The wires in the mains lead of this apparatus are coloured in accordance with the following

cord.

(IMPORTANT)

BLUE ..................NEUTRAL

BROWN...............LIVE

Mains Lead

As the colours of the wires in the mains lead may not correspond with the coloured markings

identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows: The wire which is coloured BLUE

must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured black. The

wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the

letter L or coloured red. Neither Blue wire or Brown wire is to be connected to the Earth pin

of a 3 pin plug.

THE SEVERED PLUG MUST BE DESTROYED IMMEDIATELY TO AVOID ANY POSSIBLE

ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD.

CA-560 identification plate is located on the bottom.

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

EMC Directive.

Operating Step and Reference Guide

Your camcorder is supplied with two manuals: the “Digital Video Camcorder

MV550i/MV530i Instruction Manual” and the “Digital Video Solution Disk

Instruction Manual”.

Digital Video Camcorder MV550i/MV530i MC

Instruction Manual

Mastering the Basics

Using the Full Range of Features

Editing

Using the memory card

Digital Video Solution Disk Instruction Manual

Installing the software

Connecting the Camcorder to a Computer

Downloading the Still Image to a Computer

Contents

Using the Various Recording Programs ..59

Using Digital Effects................................63

Using the Multi-Image Screen ................68

Audio Recording ......................................70

Setting the Self-Timer ..............................72

MV550i Using the VL-3 Video Light

Introduction

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

Operating Step and Reference Guide ........3

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

Introducing the MV550i/MV530i..............7

(optional) ............................................74

MV550i Using the DM-50 Microphone

(optional) ............................................75

Mastering the Basics

Finding Your Way Around

the MV550i/MV530i ............................8

~ When Making Manual Adjustments ...~

Ajusting AE Shift ....................................76

~ Preparations ~

Attaching the Ferrite Core........................11

Setting the Shutter Speed ........................77

Adjusting Focus Manually ......................79

Setting the White Balance........................80

Powering Your Camcorder ......................12

Loading a Cassette ..................................17

~ Basic Recording ~

Basic Recording ......................................19

~ For Playback ...~

Displaying Date, Time and Camcorder Data

(Data Code) ........................................82

Zooming ..................................................24

Using the LCD Screen ............................26

Searching the Tape (Photo Search/

Date Search)........................................85

~ Basic Playback ~

Returning to a Pre-Marked Position ........86

Playing Back a Cassette ..........................29

Connections for Playback on a

Editing

TV Screen............................................33

Editing to a VCR......................................87

Tips for Making Better Videos ................37

Dubbing to/from a Cassette with Digital

Video Equipment ................................88

Using the Full Range of

Features

Recording from a VCR, TV or Analog

Camcorder (Analog Line-in) ..............91

~ General ... ~

Searching and Reviewing

While Recording ................................39

Digitally Outputting Analog Video

and Audio Signals

(Analog-Digital Converter) ................93

Using the Menus ......................................40

Using the Wireless Controller ..................49

MV550i Adjusting the Selectable Colour

Light-up Buttons ................................52

Recording Over Existing Scenes

(AV Insert Editing)..............................95

Audio Dubbing ........................................98

Setting the Audio Mix............................101

Connecting to a PC Using a DV Cable..103

~ For Recording ...~

Setting the Date and Time........................53

Taking Still Pictures to a Cassette............56

Turning the Image Stabilizer Off ............58

Copying Still Images from a Cassette....125

Using a Memory Card

Copying Memory Card Still Images

to a Cassette ......................................126

Memory Card Introduction ....................104

Formatting a Memory Card....................127

Recording Still Images to a

Memory Card ....................................108

Utilizing memory card still images

on a PC..............................................128

Recording an Image from a Cassette

as a Still Image..................................110

Other Information and Precautions ........129

Recording from Another DV Device

Additional Information

as a Still Image ..................................111

Preparing the Camcorder........................132

Notes on Using the Batteries..................134

Maintenance ..........................................138

Troubleshooting......................................142

The MV550i/MV530i System Diagram 146

Optional Accessories..............................147

Screen Displays......................................150

Specifications ........................................157

Index ......................................................159

Menu at a Glance ..................................162

Viewing Still Images ..............................112

Settings of the Still Image recorded

to a memory card ..............................114

Preventing Accidental Erasure

(Protect) ............................................117

Marking a Still Image for Printing

(Print Mark) ......................................118

Erasing Still Images ..........................120

Combining Images and Recording

Them to a Cassette (Card Mix) ........122

For quick reference

In addition to the contents and index

please refer to:

Symbols used in this instruction

manual:

: Reference page numbers

: Functions that can be operated

from the body of the camcorder

: Functions that can be operated

from the wireless controller

: Supplementary notes for

camcorder operation

• Finding Your Way Around

the MV550i/MV530i ( 8)

• Screen displays ( 150)

• Troubleshooting — in case you run

into any problems ( 142)

• Menu at a Glance ( 162)

` : Operation confirmation beeps

(

23)

• Capital letters are used to refer to

settings displayed in the menus and

buttons labelled on the camcorder

itself, e.g. Press the MENU button.

• The illustrated screens are for the

MV550i.

Thank you for Choosing a Canon

First, we’d like to thank you for

purchasing this Canon camcorder. Its

advanced technology makes it very

easy to use — you will soon be making

high-quality videos which will give you

pleasure for years to come.

Your camcorder is supplied with the

following accessories:

WL-D77 Wireless

Controller

Two AA batteries

To get the most out of your new

camcorder, we recommend that you

read this manual thoroughly — there

are many sophisticated features which

will add to your recording enjoyment.

SS-800 Shoulder Strap Lens cap and lens cap

cord

Getting started

To get started we suggest that you

master the basic operations of the

camcorder first, before moving on to

use its full range of features.

MV550i

MV530i

Battery Pack

CA-560 Compact

Power Adapter

(including AC power cable)

BP-512

BP-508

• When connecting the camcorder to

your personal computer, use the

optional CV-150F or CV-250F DV

cable.

Lithium button battery

STV-250N Stereo

Video Cable

When connecting the camcorder to

your PC equipped with a USB

terminal, use the supplied IFC-

300PCU USB cable.

PC-A10 SCART

MMC-8M MultiMediaCard

Adapter (Europe, Asia) (with pre-recorded

sample images)

* Required when you want to use your

PC to utilize images on a memory

card recorded with the camcorder.

For details, see the software

Soft case for

MultiMediaCard

Ferrite Core

instruction manual.

IFC-300PCU USB

cable*

Digital Video Solution

Disk Software

CD-ROM*

Introducing the MV550i/MV530i

MV550i

Extended Recording Time

Function

22× Lens and 440×

Digital Zoom

Record for 1.5×, 2× or 3× longer than

when in SP mode— up to 4 hours on an

80 minute tape. ( MV530i 1.5× only)

MV530i

18× Lens and 360×

Digital Zoom

USB Terminal

Image Stabilizer

Allows high speed transfer of memory

card data to PCs mounting the USB

terminal. By using the software provided,

you can process and organise still images

on your PC.

Stabilizes your recordings

even in long telephoto

shots.

Night Mode

MV550i

Advanced

In dark places, automatically adjusts to

the optimum shutter speed according to

the brightness of the subject for shooting

brightly in colour.

Accessory Shoe

Allows the Canon Video Light VL-3 or

the Directional Stereo Microphone DM-

50 (both optional) to be easily attached

and powered by the camcorder’s own

power source.

IEEE 1394 DV Terminal

Using a DV cable, connect

the comecorder to a PC

equipped with a DV

terminal and transfer your

original images and sound

to your PC.

Digital Effects

Advanced digital

technology allows you to

add special effects during

recording or playback.

Display 4, 9 or 16 still

images at once with the

multi-image screen.

Memory Card

Record, manage and store still images on

a MultiMediaCard or an SD Memory

Card. Recorded images can be

immediately checked by the press of a

single button, allowing you to erase them

or set protection. Combine still images

recorded on the card with your original

movies or still images. Also great for

easy transfer of still images to a PC.

MV550i

Selectable Colour

Light-up Buttons

Analog Line-in Recording

Connect to a VCR or analog camcorder

and record to a DV tape in the camcorder.

Still Photos

Just press the photo button

to capture still pictures. You

can record vivid still images

onto a memory card with

the incorporated mechanical

Audio Dubbing/AV Insert Editing

shutter. (

Progressive Photo)

2.5” LCD Screen

Finding Your Way Around the MV550i/MV530i

–

REC (record) SEARCH button(p. 39)/

REC SEARCH button (p. 39)/

Record review button (p. 39)/

(rewind) button (p. 29)/

(fast forward) button (p. 29)/

CARD button (p. 112)

–

CARD button (p. 112)

FOCUS button (p. 79)/

(play/pause) button (p. 29)/

SLIDE SHOW button (p. 113)

AE SHIFT button (p. 76)/

(stop) button (p. 29)/

Index screen button (p. 113)

LCD panel OPEN button (p. 26)

BATT. (battery) RELEASE

button (p. 14)

LCD screen (p. 26)

Memory card compartment

cover (p. 105)

Backup battery

cover (p. 136)

Battery attachment

unit (p. 13)

Strap attachment bar (p. 133)

Selector dial (p. 32, 41)

Self-timer button (p. 72)/

DATA CODE button (p. 82)

Card access indicator (p. 105)

Program selector (p. 59)

Card MIX button

(p. 124)

Program AE

DATA

CODE

MIX

Easy Recording

DIGITAL EFFECTS

button (p. 66)

DIGITAL

ON/OFF

EFFECTS

MENU button (p. 41)

Digital effects ON/OFF

button (p. 66)

Viewfinder focusing lever (p. 132)

Serial number (Body No.)

PHOTO button (p. 56, 108)

Viewfinder protect

cover (p. 139)

MV550i Advanced accessory

shoe (p. 74, 75)

Accessory shoe

MV530i

(p. 70)

Zoom controller (p. 24)

Speaker (p. 32)

TAPE/CARD switch (p. 19)

Viewfinder (p. 132, 139)

CARD

TAPE

Strap attachment bar

(p. 133)

POWER indicator

(p. 19)

Start/Stop button (p. 20)

POWER switch (p. 19)

Grip belt (p. 132)

POWER

CAMERA

•

CAMERA

OFF

•

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

}

PLAY(VCR)

•

Cassette compartment cover

(p. 17)

Cassette compartment (p. 17)

Terminal cover

Remote sensor (p. 49)

Stereo microphone (p. 98)

Terminal cover

S-video IN/OUT

terminal (p. 35, 91)

u (LANC) terminal (p. 87)

DV IN/OUT terminal

(p. 88, 103, 111)

USB terminal (p. 128)

AV (audio/video) IN/OUT

terminal (p. 33, 91)/

DC IN

Bottom view

9.5V

CHARGE

(phones) terminal (p. 32)

MIC

CHARGE indicator

(p. 13)

OPEN/EJECT switch

(p. 17)

DC IN terminal (p. 12)

MIC terminal (p. 70, 98)

Tripod socket (p. 37)

PHOTO button (p. 56, 108)

Transmitter

START/STOP

button (p. 20)

Zoom buttons (p. 24)

MENU button (p. 41)

Controller buttons (p. 41)

SET button (p. 41)

START

ZOOM

/STOP PHOTO

SELF TIMER button (p. 72)

TV SCREEN button (p. 150)

DATA CODE button (p. 82)

SELF

TIMER

Digital effects ON/OFF button

(p. 66)

SCREEN

SET

DATA

D.EFFECTS

AUDIO

ON/OFF

CODE

_BAM_LAI_NX_CE

MIX BALANCE buttons (p. 101)

SLIDE SHOW button (p. 113)

MONITOR ST-1

ST-2

D.EFFECTS (Digital effects)

button (p. 66)

REC

PAUSE

–

CARD

SLIDESHOW

ZERO SET

MEMORY

SELECT

AUDIO MONITOR button (p. 101)

REC PAUSE button (p. 89, 92)

ZERO SET MEMORY button (p. 86)

Search buttons (p. 85)

SEARCH SELECT button (p. 85)

AUDIO

DUB.

REW

PLAY

STOP

SLOW

INSERT –/

PLAY

button (p. 29)

PAUSE

×2

REMOTE SET

SET

CARD

buttons (p. 112)

button (p. 30)

WIRELESS CONTROLLER WL D77

AUDIO DUB. button (p. 100)

AV INSERT button (p. 97)

× 2 button (p. 31)

STOP button (p. 29)

REMOTE SET button (p. 50)

SLOW

REW

button (p. 30)

button (p. 29)

button (p. 30)

PAUSE

button (p. 30)

Attaching the Ferrite Core

Attach the enclosed ferrite core before

you connect the CA-560 Compact Power

Adapter to the camcorder.

4cm

Attach the ferrite core to the cable about

4 cm from the plug end (the plug to be

connected to the camcorder) of the

CA-560 Compact Power Adapter.

CA-560 Compact Power Adapter

• Pass the cable through the centre of the

core and wrap it around the core once,

then close the unit until it clicks shut.

Powering Your Camcorder

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

Provide power from a mains outlet

Charge a battery pack

Notes:

• The power adapter converts current from a household power socket (100–240 V

AC, 50/60 Hz) to the DC current used by your camcorder.

• If the adapter is used next to a TV, it may cause bars to appear on the TV —

move the adapter away from the TV or the aerial cable.

Connecting the camcorder to a mains outlet

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

Use the power adapter to provide your camcorder with instant power from a mains

outlet. Always turn the camcorder off before connecting/removing the power

source.

1. Set the POWER switch to OFF.

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

3. Connect the power cable to the power adapter.

4. Plug the power cable into a mains outlet.

5. Disconnect the power adapter from the camcorder after use.

Unplug the power cable from the mains outlet, then disconnect it

from the adapter.

Attaching and charging the battery packs

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

DC IN

9.5V

CHARGE

PLAY(VCR)

CHARGE indicator

Your battery pack was partially charged before it left the factory. It should have

enough power for you to check that your camcorder is working properly.

However, you must charge the battery pack fully if you want it to power the

camcorder for more than a few minutes.

Always turn the camcorder off before connecting/removing the battery.

1. Set the POWER switch to OFF.

2. Attach the battery to the camcorder.

• Remove the battery pack’s terminal cover.

• Rotate the viewfinder upwards.

• With the triangle on the battery pack pointing downwards, align the edge of

the battery pack with the line on the camcorder, press lightly and slide the

battery down until it clicks into place.

3. Connect the power adapter to the camcorder.

4. Connect the power cable to the adapter and plug it into a mains

outlet.

• The charge indicator flashes red to show that charging is in progress. Single

flashes mean that the battery pack is less than 50% charged. Double flashes

mean that it is more than 50% charged. The indicator glows steadily when

the battery pack is fully charged. If the indicator blinks rapidly and

continuously (twice a second), the battery pack may be defective.

• The battery pack will also charge when the POWER switch is turned to

positions other than OFF. The CHARGE indicator may flash.

5. When charging is complete, disconnect the power adapter from the

camcorder. Unplug the power cable from the mains outlet, then

disconnect it from the adapter.

6. Remove the battery pack after use.

• Rotate the viewfinder upwards.

• Press and hold the BATT. RELEASE button while you slide the battery up.

Notes:

• Never connect an unspecified product to the camcorder’s DC terminal.

Likewise, do not connect the power adapter to an unspecified product.

• You can find detailed notes for using the batteries in the “Notes on Using the

Batteries” ( 134). These notes include charging and recording times and how

to install the backup battery.

CA-560 Compact Power Adapter

Specifications

Power supply

Power consumption

Rated output

100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz

34 W

9.5 V, 2.7 A DC

Operating temperature range 0°C–40°C (32°F–104°F)

Dimensions

Weight

57 × 28 × 104 mm (2 ¹/4 × 1 ¹/8 × 4 ¹/8 in)

180 g (6 ³/8 oz) (without power cable)

Weight and dimensions are approximate.

Errors and omissions excepted.

Subject to change without notice.

Using the Charge Adapter CR-560 Kit (optional)

The Compact Power Adapter CA-560 included with the camcorder can be used

along with the CR-560 Kit for 3 different ways to power the camcorder or charge

battery packs:

1. Charge the BP-500 Series battery packs with power from your car battery.

2. Operate the camcorder with power from your car battery.

3. Charge the BP-500 Series battery packs from a household mains outlet.

The Charge Adapter/Car Battery Cable Kit CR-560 includes the following:

Charge Adapter

DC Cable

Car Battery Cable

1. Charge the BP-500 Series battery packs with power from your car

battery.

1 or 2 battery pack(s) + Charge Adapter + Car Battery Cable → car’s cigarette

lighter

CHARGE

To car’s

cigarette lighter

• Fast charging for the high-capacity BP-522 and BP-535 (both optional). Fifteen

minutes of charging gives 70 minutes of recording (using the viewfinder).

Time required for full charge

from car battery or household outlet

BP-508

BP-512

BP-511 (optional)

BP-522 (optional)

BP-535 (optional)

1 hr. 20 min.

1 hr. 40 min.

2 hr. 30 min.

2. Operate the camcorder with power from your car battery.

Camcorder + DC Cable + Charge Adapter + Car Battery Cable → car’s

cigarette lighter

To car’s

cigarette lighter

3. Charge the BP-500 Series battery packs from a household mains

outlet.

1 or 2 battery pack(s) + Charge Adapter + Compact Power Adapter

CHARGE

• Fast charging for the high-capacity BP-522 and BP-535 (both optional). Fifteen

minutes of charging gives 70 minutes of recording (using the viewfinder).

Note:

• For full details of how to use the CR-560, refer to its instruction manual.

Loading a Cassette

P U S H

Only use videocassettes marked with the D logo.*

Loading and unloading

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

2. Slide the OPEN / EJECT 5 switch (on the bottom of the

camcorder) to release the cassette compartment cover.

• Pull the cover fully open (while holding the button) and wait a couple of

seconds for the cassette compartment to open automatically.

• The confirmation beep sounds when the cassette cover fully opens.

3. Load or unload the cassette.

• Insert the cassette gently with the window facing the grip belt, and the

REC/SAVE tab up.

• Remove the cassette by pulling it straight out.

4. Press the P mark on the compartment until it clicks, and wait

for it to close.

5. Click the cover back into place.

* D is a trade mark.

Notes:

• Do not interfere with the cassette compartment while it is opening or closing

automatically, and do not attempt to close the cover until the cassette

compartment has fully retracted.

• After loading a cassette, use record search ( 39) to find the point where you

want to start recording.

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

• Do not leave the cassette in the camcorder after use — return it to its case and

store it in a cool, clean, dry place.

• When you turn the camcorder’s power on, v flashes in the display until you

load a cassette.

• With some types of tapes, the remaining tape display may not give an accurate

reading ( 151).

Protecting tapes from accidental erasure

REC

SAVE

REC

SAVE

To protect your recording from accidental erasure, slide the tab on the cassette so

that it exposes the hole. (This switch position is usually labelled SAVE or ERASE

OFF.)

If you load this cassette and put the camcorder in record pause mode ( 19),

“THE TAPE IS SET FOR ERASURE PREVENTION” is displayed for approx. 4

seconds and then the v mark flashes in the display.

If you want to record on the cassette again, slide the tab back so the hole is closed.

Handling cassettes

• To protect the tape heads, transfer cassettes directly from the tape case to the

camcorder — do not open the tape protect cover or touch the tape itself.

• Do not use cassettes where the tape has been damaged or spliced — they may

damage the camcorder.

• Do not insert anything into the small holes on the cassette or cover them with

cellophane tape.

• Handle cassettes with care — dropping them or exposing them to external

shocks may cause internal damage.

• Store cassettes in the provided case, first rewinding them to the start of the tape

and then storing them upright.

• A cassette with metal plated terminals may become dirty with use, affecting

information transfer. Therefore, after using a tape about 10 times, be sure to

clean the terminals with a cotton bud.

Cassette memory

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

Basic Recording

2 _CARD

TAPE

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

5, 6

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

Before you start recording

Have you completed the following steps?

• Attached a power source ( 12).

• Removed the lens cap ( 132).

• Fasten the grip belt ( 132).

• Chosen the display: viewfinder ( 132) or LCD screen ( 26).

Notes:

• When you’re using the viewfinder, fully close the LCD or rotate the LCD so

that it faces the same direction as the lens ( 26).

• When using the viewfinder with the BP-522 or BP-535 Battery Pack (both

optional) attached, extend the viewfinder and rotate it to a comfortable angle.

You may also want to install the backup battery ( 136) in order to set the date

and time display ( 53).

To record

1. Press the small button on the POWER switch and hold, turn the

POWER switch to CAMERA.

• The camcorder automatically sets to record pause mode. PAUSE appears in

the display.

• If you haven’t set the date and time display, SET THE TIME ZONE, DATE

AND TIME appears in the display. For setting the time zone, see p. 53. For

setting the date and time, see p. 55.

• The camcorder power indicator lights up.

• The confirmation beep sounds.

• The camcorder will turn itself off if you leave it in record pause mode for

more than about 5 minutes. To return to record pause mode, turn the

POWER switch to OFF and then back to CAMERA.

2. Make sure the TAPE/CARD switch is set to TAPE.

• For still image recording to a memory card, see p. 108.

3. Load a cassette ( 17).

4. Slide the program selector to [.

• This selects the camcorder’s Easy Recording program. It allows you to

simply point and shoot without making any manual adjustments ( 59).

5. Press and release the start/stop button once to begin recording.

• For still image recording to a cassette, see p. 56.

6. Press and release the start/stop button again to pause recording.

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

display.

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

start/stop button.

Note:

• After loading a cassette, start recording when the tape counter has stopped.

When you have finished recording

• Replace the lens cap.

• Return the viewfinder to its retracted position.

• Return the LCD screen flush to the camcorder body.

• Unload the cassette.

• Turn the POWER switch to OFF.

• Disconnect the power source.

Notes:

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

• Before making important recordings, clean the video heads using a Canon

DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette or a commercially available

digital video head cleaning cassette.

• To close the LCD panel, rotate it vertically until the screen faces you, then press

the upper right corner until it clicks securely closed.

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

• For tips on how to make better videos, see p. 37.

• For extra recording time, set REC MODE to any mode other than SP ( 21).

Changing the recording mode

MV550i

Choose from 4 recording modes: SP (standard play), 1.5× SP, 2× SP or 3× SP.

• Only SP and LP modes are available when the camcorder is set to CARD PLAY

(VCR) mode.

MV530i

You can record and play back a tape in SP (standard play) and LP (long play)

modes. LP extends tape usage by 1.5 times.

Recording times (this example uses an 80-minute tape)

Standard recording

Extended recording

2× SP

(160 min.)

–

3× SP

(240 min.)

–

MV550i

MV530i

1.5× SP

(120 min.)

80 min.

In SP and LP modes, images data is compressed twice as much as in SP

and LP modes when being recorded to a tape.

You can’t add sound (audio dubbing) or images (AV insert) to a tape that has

been recorded in a mode other than SP mode. If you plan to use either of these

functions later, record in SP mode.

PLAY

(VCR)

PLAY

(VCR)

TAPE

CAMERA

TAPE

CARD

VCR SET UP

REC MODE••••SP

(

40)

MV550i

To change the recording mode, open the menu and select VCR SET UP.

Then select REC MODE, set it to LP, SP or LP and close the menu.

MV530i

To change to LP mode, open the menu and select VCR SET UP. Then

select REC MODE, set it to LP and close the menu.

Notes:

About all 3 extended recording modes

• When recording and playing back tapes in one of the extended recording modes,

the nature of the tape and usage conditions may affect recording, mosaic-like

noise may appear in the image and the sound may be distorted during playback.

For important recordings, therefore, set the camcorder to SP mode.

• We recommend recording in SP mode when you plan to transfer images taken

with the camcorder to your PC.

• If you record in more than one mode on the same tape, the picture may become

distorted during playback and the time code may not be written correctly.

• A tape recorded in LP mode on other digital equipment may produce the

mosaic-like noise and the sound may become distorted when playing back on

this camcorder.

• A tape recorded in LP or LP mode on this camcorder may produce the

mosaic-like noise and the sound may become distorted when playing back on

other digital equipment.

MV550i About SP and LP modes

• The image quality of recordings done in SP or LP modes will be lower

than that of those done in SP or LP modes.

• A cassette recorded in SP or LP mode cannot be played back on a camcorder

not equipped with that mode.

• The recording mode might not appear in the display correctly if you switch to SP

or LP while the camcorder is connected to another digital video device.

• When the recording mode is changed to SP or LP, the camcorder modifies

the image for appropriate recording in that mode.

• You might not be able to do DV dubbing correctly with the camcorder set to

SP or LP mode.

• You cannot transfer images recorded in SP or LP mode to a PC (as of

January 2002).

16:9 (Wide screen TV recording)

Produces images in the 16:9 format for

playback on wide screen TVs.

TAPE

CAMERA

CAM.SET UP

16:9••••••••OFF

(

40)

To switch 16:9 to ON, open the menu and select CAM.SET UP. Then

select 16:9, set it to ON and close the menu.

Notes:

• “16:9” is shown in the display when you switch the 16:9 mode on.

• You cannot use the 16:9 mode with the Easy Recording program.

• You cannot use the multi-image screen when setting the 16:9 mode on.

• If you play back a recording made for 16:9 on a normal TV screen, the image

will appear to be vertically “squashed” (compressed).

Confirmation/Warning beeps

The camcorder’s short operation confirmation beeps are indicated by ` in the

illustrations. Beeps sound upon certain camcorder operations such as when you

turn the camcorder on, during the self-timer countdown, right before the

camcorder’s automatic shut-off, and also upon any unusual condition of the

camcorder. Beeps are not recorded on the tape.

PLAY

(VCR)

PLAY

(VCR)

TAPE

CAMERA

TAPE

CARD

CAMERA

CARD

SYSTEM

BEEP••••••••ON

(

40)

To turn the beep off, open the menu and select SYSTEM. Then select

BEEP, set it to OFF and close the menu.

Demonstration mode

You can see a demonstration of the camcorder’s main features. To see the

demonstration, do either of the following:

• With no cassette or memory card inserted, turn the DEMO MODE on in the

TAPE CAMERA menu or CARD CAMERA menu and close the menu.

• Leave the camcorder with no cassette or memory card inserted for five minutes

after turning it on.

TAPE

CAMERA

CARD

CAMERA

DISP.SET UP

DEMO MODE••••ON

(

40)

To turn the demonstration mode off, open the menu and select DISP.

SET UP. Then select DEMO MODE, set it to OFF and close the menu.

Note:

• To cancel the demo mode once it has begun: push any button, turn off the

power, load a cassette or insert a memory card.

Zooming

Zoom in

Zoom out

MV550i

MV530i

22× optical zoom/

18× optical zoom

The camcorder’s zoom lens allows you to choose the best picture angle for each

scene:

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

• Move it towards T to zoom in to telephoto.

You can also control the speed of zooming:

• Move the control slightly to zoom slowly.

• Move it farther to zoom more quickly. (The farther you move the zoom control,

the faster the zoom speed.)

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

the zoom speed.

MV550i

MV530i

88×/440× digital zoom (card 88×)/

72×/360× digital zoom (card 72×)

MV550i

Magnifies the camcorder’s zoom range by up to 20× in TAPE CAMERA mode.

The zoom control continues to work as usual. You can freely zoom in and out

between 1× and 440× magnification — the camcorder automatically switches

between optical zooming (up to 22×) and digital zooming (22× to 88× or 22× to

440×).

TAPE

CAMERA

CARD

CAMERA

CAM.SET UP

D.ZOOM••••••88×

(

40)

To change the digital zoom, open the menu and select CAM.SET UP.

Then select D.ZOOM, set it to OFF or 440× and close the menu.

MV530i

Magnifies the camcorder’s zoom range by up to 20× in TAPE CAMERA mode.

The zoom control continues to work as usual. You can freely zoom in and out

between 1× and 360× magnification — the camcorder automatically switches

between optical zooming (up to 18×) and digital zooming (18× to 72× or 18× to

360×).

TAPE

CAMERA

CARD

CAMERA

CAM.SET UP

D.ZOOM••••••72×

(

40)

To change the digital zoom, open the menu and select CAM.SET UP.

Then select D.ZOOM, set it to OFF or 360× and close the menu.

Notes:

• When zooming, as a rule, keep at least 1 m (3 ft 3 /8 in) between you and your

subject. However when the zoom is at the wide-angle position, you can focus

on a subject as close as 1 cm ( /8 in).

• Image resolution is slightly lower when the magnification is greater than

22×/18×.

• You cannot use digital zoom in the Night recording program.

• You cannot use digital zoom when the multi-image screen is set. The display

becomes “– – –”.

• The zoom indicator appears for 4 seconds. When the digital zoom is set to

88×/72×, the zoom indicator extends (light blue). When the digital zoom is set

to 440×/360× zoom, the zoom indicator extends again (a darker blue).

Using the LCD Screen

Opening and closing the LCD screen

Slide the LCD panel OPEN button and

open the panel by pulling it away from

the camcorder. This automatically

switches the LCD screen on and the

viewfinder off. To close the LCD

panel, press the upper right corner until

it clicks securely closed. When you

close the LCD panel, the LCD screen

automatically switches off and the

viewfinder switches back on.

Changing the angle of the LCD screen

You can choose the angle of the screen

that suits you best by opening and

rotating the screen, also you can rotate

180°

the LCD screen so that faces in the

direction of the lens ( 28).

90°

You can also push the panel flat

against the camcorder until it is flush

with the side, with the screen facing

outwards.

Notes:

• Avoid touching the LCD screen when moving the LCD panel.

• Do not hold the camcorder by the LCD panel or the viewfinder.

• Make sure you open the LCD panel at 90°, before attempting to rotate it.

• Always rotate the LCD panel vertically into place, before closing it or pushing

it flat against the side of the camcorder.

• Always fully close the LCD panel until it clicks securely.

• Be careful not to leave the LCD, viewfinder or lens exposed to direct sunlight

outdoors or in a window. Doing so could cause damage.

• Bright light falling on the LCD screen may cause glare that makes it difficult

for you to view the image. In this case, switch to using the viewfinder. You are

also able to adjust the brightness of the screen (see “Adjusting the LCD screen”

below).

Adjusting the LCD screen

You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.

PLAY

(VCR)

PLAY

(VCR)

TAPE

CAMERA

TAPE

CARD

CAMERA

CARD

–

BRIGHTNESS••

DISP.SET UP

(

40)

Open the menu and select DISP.SET UP from the menu. Then select

BRIGHTNESS, adjust the level with the selector dial and close the

menu.

A bar showing the level appears in the display.

• Turn the selector dial up to make the display brighter.

• Turn the selector dial down to make the display darker.

Notes:

• The camcorder will remember your brightness setting even after you turn it off.

• The brightness of the LCD does not affect that of the recorded images or the

viewfinder.

About the LCD Screen

The LCD screen built into this camcorder is a high precision product.

However, small black dots or bright points of light (red, blue or green) may

appear constantly on the LCD screen. This is not a malfunction of the LCD screen

and they are not recorded on the tape. (Effective dots: more than 99.99%)

Allowing the subject to monitor recording

When you turn the LCD panel so that it

faces the same direction as the lens,

you can watch yourself during

recording or let your subject monitor

recording. The viewfinder is also

activated when the panel is in this

position. (Adjust the viewfinder,

132)

• You can choose the display style,

reversed (mirror on) or not (mirror

off). The recording itself is

unaffected regardless of which one

you choose.

TAPE

CAMERA

CARD

CAMERA

DISP.SET UP

MIRROR••••••ON

(

40)

To turn the mirror mode off, open the menu and select DISP.SET UP.

Then select MIRROR, set it to OFF and close the menu.

The indicators that appear in the LCD display when MIRROR is

turned on:

TAPE CAMERA mode

REC

REC PAUSE

EJECT

CARD CAMERA mode

No card

Recording to a

memory card

Self-timer (

72)

CARD CAMERA mode

Recording to a memory card

• These and all other indicators appear normally in the viewfinder.

Playing Back a Cassette

CARD

TAPE

REC

FOCUS

AE SHIFT

SLIDE SHOW

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

You can use the LCD screen for instant, on-the-spot playback. The camcorder also

plays back the sound track via the built-in speaker ( 32).

• When you play back a tape, you can also close the LCD panel with its screen

side facing up.

• When you’re using the viewfinder to view playback, close the LCD panel.

To play back your recordings on a TV, see p. 33.

To use the wireless controller, see p. 49.

Note:

• To avoid accidental recording, make sure that you slide the tab on the cassette

so that it exposes the hole (the switch position is usually labelled SAVE or

ERASE OFF).

1. Attach a power source and turn the POWER switch to PLAY

(VCR).

• The power indicator lights up.

2. Make sure the TAPE/CARD switch is set to TAPE.

3. Load the cassette.

4. Press the e (play) button to start playback.

• To end playback, press the

(stop) button.

• To wind the tape forwards, stop playback and press the

button.

(fast forward)

• To wind the tape backwards, stop playback and press the

button.

(rewind)

• If the playback picture is rough (mosaic-like noise), clean the video heads

using a Canon DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette or a

commercially available digital video head cleaning cassette.

Other playback modes

Playback pause

Press the

(pause) button. To resume normal playback, press it again, or press

the

(play) button. The camcorder automatically goes into stop mode after about

5 minutes’ playback pause.

Fast forward playback

To play back the recording at about 11.5 times normal speed, press and hold the

(fast forward) button during normal playback or press and hold the

(fast

forward) button during normal fast forward.

Rewind playback

For reverse playback at about 11.5 times normal speed, press and hold the

(rewind) button during normal playback or press and hold the

(rewind)

button during normal rewind.

Special playback

Frame Advance

To play back frame by frame, press the

+/ ae button repeatedly during playback

pause.

Press and hold to play back continuous frame

advance.

REW

PLAY

STOP

SLOW

+ /

– /

PAUSE

×2

Frame Reverse

To play back in reverse frame by frame, press

the –/4a button repeatedly during playback

pause.

Press and hold to play back continuous frame reverse.

Slow Forward Playback

To play back at about 1/3 normal speed, press the SLOW M button during normal

playback.

Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.

Slow Reverse Playback

To play back in reverse at about 1/3 normal speed, press the –/4a button and

then the SLOW M button during normal playback.

Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.

Reverse Playback

To play back in reverse at normal speed, press the –/4a button during normal

forward playback.

Press the PLAY e button to return to normal forward playback.

• The camcorder automatically goes into stop mode after about 2 minutes of

paused reverse playback.

Forward ×2 Playback

Press the ×2 button during normal playback.

Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.

Reverse ×2 Playback

Press the –/4a button and then the ×2 button during normal playback.

Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.

Notes:

• Mosaic-like noise appears on the screen during some of the special playback

modes.

• There’s no audio during special playback.

Built-in speaker

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

the picture when you’re using the LCD screen to play back a tape. The built-in

speaker is monaural.

Adjust the speaker volume by turning the selector dial.

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

• A bar appears in the display to indicate the current volume. It disappears in 4

seconds.

• You can turn off the volume completely by turning the selector dial down until

OFF appears.

Notes:

• Sometimes audio may sound distorted when the volume is turned up high. If

this happens, turn down the volume.

• The speaker turns off when the camcorder is set to any mode other than TAPE

PLAY (VCR) mode.

Using the headphones

• You can also use the headphones to monitor the sound track. Change the setting

of the AV/headphones terminal through the menu ( 33).

• You can adjust the headphone volume separately from the built-in speaker,

either during TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode or TAPE CAMERA mode. The volume

level is the same regardless of mode.

• The levels you adjust for the built-in speaker and headphones are memorized

separately. The camcorder remembers your levels even if you turn the

camcorder off and back on again.

• The speaker turns off when you use headphones.

Connections for Playback on a TV Screen

You can connect the camcorder to a TV or VCR in order to play back your

recordings. You will need to attach a power source to the camcorder ( 12).

Power off all devices before starting the connections.

See your TV or VCR instruction manual for further details.

Switching the AV/headphone terminal

MIC

Through the menu, the camcorder’s AV/headphone terminal can be switched to

function as either the AV terminal or the headphone terminal.

PLAY

(VCR)

PLAY

(VCR)

TAPE

CAMERA

TAPE

CARD

CAMERA

CARD

VCR SET UP

AV/PHONES•••AV

(

40)

Open the menu and select VCR SET UP. Then select AV/PHONES and set it

to AV or PHONES and close the menu.

• When the terminal is switched to PHONES, PHONES appears in the display.

Using the headphones

• Make sure you switch the AV/headphones terminal to PHONES before using

headphones. If the AV/headphones terminal is not switched to PHONES before

you use the headphones, noise will come out from the headphones.

If your TV (or VCR) has a SCART terminal (without S (S1)-video)

PC-A10

SCART Adapter

MIC

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable

• Connect the PC-A10 SCART adapter to the TV or VCR’s SCART terminal.

• Connect the camcorder to the adapter. Connect the camcorder using the

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable. Connect the white plug to the white audio

terminal L (left). Connect the red plug to the red audio terminal R (right).

Connect the yellow plug to the yellow video terminal VIDEO.

• If you are connecting the camcorder to a TV, set the TV/VIDEO selector on the

television to VIDEO.

• If you are connecting the camcorder to a VCR, set the input selector on the

VCR to LINE.

If your TV (or VCR) has an S (S1) -video input terminal

For higher picture quality, we recommend playing back recordings on a TV with

an S (S1) terminal.

INPUT

S(S1)-VIDEO

S-150 S-video Cable

VIDEO

AUDIO

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable

MIC

• Use the optional S-150 S-video Cable to connect the S-video terminals. Use the

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable to connect the AUDIO terminals. Connect the

white plug to the white AUDIO terminal L (left). Connect the red plug to the red

AUDIO terminal R (right). Do not connect the yellow plug.

• If you are connecting the camcorder to a TV, set the TV/VIDEO selector on the

television to VIDEO.

• If you are connecting the camcorder to a VCR, set the input selector on the

VCR to LINE.

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

INPUT

VIDEO

AUDIO

MIC

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable

• Connect the camcorder using the STV-250N Stereo Video Cable. Connect the

white plug to the white audio terminal L (left). Connect the red plug to the red

audio terminal R (right). Connect the yellow plug to the yellow video terminal

VIDEO.

• If you are connecting the camcorder to a TV, set the TV/VIDEO selector on the

television to VIDEO.

• If you are connecting the camcorder to a VCR, set the input selector on the

VCR to LINE.

Note:

• If you are going to use the TV as a monitor while you are shooting, remember

to keep the TV volume turned down as long as the camcorder’s audio terminals

are connected. If the sound from the TV speakers is picked up by the

microphone, an unpleasant high-pitched squeal, called feedback, may be

produced.

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.

With practice, you will be able to operate the controls by

touch, without taking your eye off the action.

Using a tripod

To prevent any unwanted movement, you can mount the

camcorder on a tripod, (or any flat surface at a suitable

height) and operate it with the wireless controller.

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

viewfinder exposed to bright sunlight or it may melt.

(The light is concentrated by the viewfinder lens.)

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

longer than 5.5 mm ( /4 inch), or it will damage the

camcorder.

Composition

The most important element in the scene does not have to

be in the centre. For a more interesting picture, try to

position your subject so it is slightly to one side. Leave

some space on the side of the frame that the subject is

facing or moving towards.

Don’t cut off the top of the subject’s head, and don’t cut

people off at the neck, hips or knees (move a little bit

above or below).

Watch out for distracting objects in the background.

Picture angle

Instead of zooming while recording, try

to choose your picture angle before you

begin. A good way to tell a story with

video is to begin with a long shot that

establishes the situation, and then move

in with medium shots and close-ups to

show the details. Remember to change

your viewpoint for each shot.

Long shot

Medium shot

Close-up

Remember that any camcorder

movement or change in picture angle

should have a definite purpose. Avoid

unnecessary or half-hearted

movements.

Camcorder moves

Use pans to record a landscape or

follow a moving subject. Decide the

area you want to cover and stand facing

the end of your panning angle. Without

moving your feet, turn your waist to the

starting position. Start recording, and

after a few seconds begin to turn slowly

from the waist. Hold the final image for

a few seconds before you stop

Pan

recording.

Tilt the camcorder up to exaggerate the

height of the subject. Tilt down from

the top of a building, for example, as an

introduction to subjects at the bottom.

Tilt

Searching and Reviewing While Recording

Record search

When the camcorder is in record pause

mode, you can use record search to

play the tape forwards or backwards to

REC

find the point where you want to start

or resume recording. This is useful

when you want to add a new scene to a

previously used cassette. By using

record search, you can ensure a smooth,

noise-free join between the new scene

and the old one.

TAPE

CAMERA

1. Press and hold the REC SEARCH + or – button on the camcorder

while you check the picture in the display.

• The + button plays the recording forwards and the – button plays it

backwards.

2. Release the button when you find the point where you want to start

recording.

• The camcorder returns to record pause mode.

Record review

When the camcorder is in record pause mode, you can use record review to play

back the last few seconds of your recording and then return automatically to

record pause mode. You can quickly make sure that a scene has recorded properly

and then go on to shoot the next scene, without producing any noise in the picture.

TAPE

CAMERA

1. Press and release the c (record review) button while you check the

picture in the display.

• The camcorder rewinds the tape, plays back the last few seconds, and returns

to record pause mode.

Note:

• Noise may appear on the screen when you play the tape backwards.

Using the Menus

Many of the camcorder’s advanced functions are selected from menus which

appear in the display.

There are 4 main menus:

CAM. MENU

VCR MENU

C. CAM. MENU

C.PLAY MENU

Camera menu

(

42)

43)

45)

46)

Card camera menu

Card play menu

TAPE

CAMERA

2 CAM. MENU

CAM.MENU

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

POWER

CARD MIX

CAM.SET UP

VCR SET UP

DISP.SET UP

SYSTEM

CARD

TAPE

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

RETURN

PLAY

(VCR)

TAPE

2 VCR MENU

VCR MENU

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

POWER

VCR SET UP

CARD SET UP

CARD OPER.

DISP.SET UP

SYSTEM

CARD

TAPE

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

RETURN

CARD

CAMERA

2 C.CAM. MENU

C.CAM MENU

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

POWER

CAM.SET UP

CARD SET UP

VCR SET UP

DISP.SET UP

SYSTEM

CARD

TAPE

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

RETURN

PLAY

(VCR)

CARD

2 C.PLAY MENU

C.PLAY MENU

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

POWER

CARD OPER.

VCR SET UP

DISP.SET UP

SYSTEM

CARD

TAPE

CAMERA

OFF

RETURN

PLAY(VCR)

Selecting from the Menus

2, 11

SCREEN

3-10

SET

1. Turn the POWER switch and the TAPE/CARD switch to the

desired settings.

2. Press the MENU button to open the menu.

• One of the main menus appears, according to the settings of the

TAPE/CARD switch and the POWER switch.

3. Turn the selector dial and move the arrow to the desired submenu.

4. Press the selector dial in to select.

• The submenu appears.

5. Turn the selector dial and move the arrow to the desired function.

6. Press the selector dial in to select.

• The function and its settings only appear.

7. Turn the selector dial and move the arrow to the desired setting.

• If you are setting a function other than the white balance or shutter speed,

the function will be set if you skip to step 11.

8. Press the selector dial in to select.

• The function is set and you return to the submenu.

9. Turn the selector dial and move the arrow to

RETURN.

10.Press the selector dial in to select.

• You return to the main menu.

11.Press the MENU button.

• The main menu disappears.

Notes:

• Pressing the MENU button at any time closes the menu.

• Selecting b RETURN takes you back one menu, or closes the main menu.

• Items that are unavailable, due to the tape or card situation or the settings of

other menu items, appear in purple.

• You may often find it convenient to use the wireless controller to move around

the menus. Press its MENU button to open/close the menu and use the arrow

keys in place of turning the selector dial. Push the SET button to select.

• Pressing the start/stop button or the PHOTO button will close the menu and

start recording.

• You can display the menus on a connected TV screen by turning TV SCREEN

(

150) on through the menu or using the wireless controller’s TV SCREEN

button. See p. 33 for TV hookup instructions.

List of Menus

Turn to appropriate page for a detailed explanation of each function.

2 CAM. MENU

Set the POWER switch to

CAMERA

TAPE

and the TAPE/CARD switch to

There are 5 submenus within the CAM. MENU.

q To card mix submenu

w To camera set up submenu

e To VCR set up submenu

r To display set up submenu

CAM.MENU

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

CARD MIX

CAM.SET UP

VCR SET UP

DISP.SET UP

SYSTEM

RETURN

t To system menu

y Close main menu

q Card mix submenu

q Mix type.............................. 123

w Mix level............................. 123

CARD MIX

101-0143

43/50

MIX TYPE••••CARD CHROMA

MIX LEVEL•••

–

w Camera set up submenu

e Shutter speed......................... 77

CAM.SET UP

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

r Digital zoom ......................... 24

t Image stabilizer..................... 58

y 16:9 effect............................. 22

u White balance ....................... 80

i Return

SHUTTER•••••AUTO

D.ZOOM••••••88×

IMAGE S. ••ON

16:9••••••••OFF

WHITE BAL.••AUTO

RETURN

e VCR set up submenu

o Record mode......................... 21

! Wind screen .......................... 71

VCR SET UP

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

REC MODE•••• SP

WIND SCREEN•OFF

AUDIO MODE••12bit

AV/PHONES•••AV

RETURN

Audio mode .......................... 70

AV or headphones................. 33

Return

r Display set up submenu

! Brightness ............................. 27

! Mirror mode.......................... 28

! TV screen............................ 150

! Date/time display.................. 55

! Card access display............. 106

! Demo mode........................... 23

@ Return

DISP.SET UP

BRIGHTNESS••

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

–

MIRROR••••••ON

TV SCREEN•••ON

D/T DISPLAY•OFF

CARD ACCESS•ON

DEMO MODE•••ON

RETURN

t System submenu

MV550i

Light-up buttons........ 52

MV550i Button light colour.... 52

Wireless controller................ 50

SYSTEM

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

BUTTONLIGHT•ON

LIGHT COLOR•TURQUOISE

WL.REMOTE•••

BEEP••••••••ON

@ Beep...................................... 23

@ Time zone/

T.ZONE/DST••–––

D/TIME SET••––.–––.––––

––:–– ––

RETURN

Daylight saving time............. 53

@ Date/time set......................... 55

@ Return

2 VCR MENU

PLAY

TAPE

Set the POWER switch to

There are 5 submenus.

and the TAPE/CARD switch to

(VCR)

q To VCR set up submenu

w To card set up submenu

e To card operations submenu

r To display set up submenu

t To system submenu

VCR MENU

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

VCR SET UP

CARD SET UP

CARD OPER.

DISP.SET UP

SYSTEM

RETURN

y Close main menu

VCR MENU, cont.

q VCR set up submenu

q Record mode......................... 21

w Output channel.................... 102

e Audio dubbing...................... 99

r Wind screen .......................... 71

t Audio mode .......................... 70

y AV or headphones................. 33

u Analog-digital converter....... 93

i Return

VCR SET UP

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

REC MODE•••• SP

OUTPUT CH•••L/R

AUDIO DUB.••AUDIO IN

WIND SCREEN•–––

AUDIO MODE••12bit

AV/PHONES•••AV

AV DV OUT•••OFF

RETURN

w Card set up submenu

o Image quality...................... 105

! File numbers ....................... 107

CARD SET UP

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

QUALITY•••••FINE

FILE NOS.•••CONTINUOUS

RETURN

Return

e Card operations submenu

Copy from cassette to card. 125

Return

CARD OPER.

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

[

]

COPY

RETURN

r Display set up submenu

! Brightness ............................. 27

! Displays .............................. 150

! 6-second auto date ................ 84

! Data code.............................. 83

! Date/time select .................... 82

! Card access display............. 106

@ Return

DISP.SET UP

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

–

BRIGHTNESS••

DISPLAYS••••ON

6SEC.DATE•••OFF

DATA CODE•••DATE/TIME

D/TIME SEL.•DATE & TIME

CARD ACCESS•ON

RETURN

t System submenu

MV550i

Light-up buttons........ 52

MV550i Button light colour.... 52

Wireless controller................ 50

SYSTEM

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

BUTTONLIGHT•ON

LIGHT COLOR•GREEN

WL.REMOTE•••

BEEP••••••••ON

RETURN

@ Beep...................................... 23

@ Return

2 C. CAM MENU

CAMERA

CARD

Set the POWER switch to

and the TAPE/CARD switch to

There are 5 submenus within the C. CAM. MENU.

C.CAM MENU

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

q To camera set up submenu

w To card set up submenu

e To VCR set up submenu

r To display set up submenu

t To system submenu

CAM.SET UP

CARD SET UP

VCR SET UP

DISP.SET UP

SYSTEM

RETURN

y Close main menu

q Camera set up submenu

q Shutter speed......................... 77

w Digital zoom ......................... 24

e Image stabilizer..................... 58

r White balance ....................... 80

t Return

CAM.SET UP

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

SHUTTER•••••AUTO

D.ZOOM••••••88×

IMAGE S. ••ON

WHITE BAL.••AUTO

RETURN

w Card set up submenu

y Image quality...................... 105

u File numbers ....................... 107

i Shutter sound...................... 107

o Return

CARD SET UP

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

QUALITY•••••FINE

FILE NOS.•••CONTINUOUS

SHTR SOUND••ON

RETURN

C. CAM MENU, cont.

e VCR set up submenu

VCR SET UP

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

! AV or headphones................. 33

AV/PHONES•••AV

RETURN

r Display set up submenu

Brightness ............................. 27

Mirror mode.......................... 28

TV screen............................ 150

DISP.SET UP

BRIGHTNESS••

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

–

MIRROR••••••ON

TV SCREEN•••ON

D/T DISPLAY•OFF

CARD ACCESS•ON

DEMO MODE•••ON

RETURN

! Date/time display.................. 55

! Card access display............. 106

! Demo mode........................... 23

! Return

t System submenu

SYSTEM

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

MV550i

Light-up buttons........ 52

MV550i Button light colour.... 52

BUTTONLIGHT•ON

LIGHT COLOR•BLUE

WL.REMOTE•••

@ Wireless controller................ 50

BEEP••••••••ON

T.ZONE/DST••–––

D/TIME SET••––.–––.––––

––:–– ––

Beep...................................... 23

Time zone/

Daylight saving time............. 53

Date/time set......................... 55

RETURN

@ Return

2 C. PLAY MENU

PLAY

(VCR)

CARD

Set the POWER switch to

and the TAPE/CARD switch to

There are 4 submenus within the C. PLAY MENU.

C.PLAY MENU

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

q To card operations submenu

w To VCR set up submenu

e To display set up submenu

r To system submenu

CARD OPER.

VCR SET UP

DISP.SET UP

SYSTEM

RETURN

t Close main menu

q-1 Card operations submenu (when playing back a single image)

Copy from card to cassette ... 126

CARD OPER.

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

w Erase all print marks........... 119

e Image erase......................... 120

r Format................................. 127

t Return

[

COPY

]

PRINT MARKS ALL ERASE

IMAGE ERASE

FORMAT

RETURN

q-2 Card operations submenu (when displaying an index screen)

CARD OPER.

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

y To image protect ................. 117

u To print mark ...................... 118

i Return

PROTECT

PRINT MARK

RETURN

w VCR set up submenu

o Record mode......................... 21

! AV or headphones................. 33

VCR SET UP

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

REC MODE••••SP

AV/PHONES•••AV

RETURN

Return

e Display set up submenu

DISP.SET UP

BRIGHTNESS••

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

Brightness ............................. 27

Displays .............................. 150

–

DISPLAYS••••ON

D/TIME SEL.•DATE & TIME

CARD ACCESS•ON

RETURN

! Date/time select .................... 82

! Card access display............. 106

! Return

C. PLAY MENU, cont.

r System submenu

SYSTEM

SEL.SETSET

MENUCLOSE

MV550i

Light-up buttons........ 52

MV550i Button light colour.... 52

BUTTONLIGHT•ON

LIGHT COLOR•YELLOW

WL.REMOTE•••

BEEP••••••••ON

RETURN

! Wireless controller................ 50

@ Beep...................................... 23

Return

Using the Wireless Controller

The supplied wireless controller can

operate the camcorder from a distance

of up to 5 m (16 feet). Point it at the

camcorder’s remote sensor while you

press the buttons.

There are some functions that cannot be

operated without the wireless

controller:

• Special playback ( 30)

• Photo/date search ( 85)

• Zero set memory ( 86)

• Audio mix ( 101)

• Dubbing from a digital video

equipment ( 88)

• Analog line-in ( 91)

• AV insert ( 95)

• Audio dubbing ( 98)

Inserting batteries

Insert two AA batteries, following the

= and - markings. Be careful not to

reverse the polarity of the batteries.

Notes:

• When using the wireless controller in brightly lit places or outdoors, the

effective range will be less.

• The camcorder may have difficulty picking up the remote control signals at

extremely close range.

• Do not leave the controller exposed to direct sunlight, or in hot or humid places.

• When the batteries run out, replace them both together.

• If the wireless controller doesn’t work, see p. 51.

When Operating 2 Canon DV Camcorders (Remote Sensor Mode)

To prevent interference from other

ZOOM

Canon wireless controllers being used

nearby, there are 2 remote sensor

modes and an off setting. The wireless

controller and the camcorder have to be

set to the same mode in order to be

compatible.

REMOTE SET

The wireless controller and the camcorder have been preset to mode 1. If you

change the mode on the camcorder, be sure to change the mode on the wireless

controller to the same mode.

PLAY

(VCR)

PLAY

(VCR)

TAPE

CAMERA

TAPE

CARD

CAMERA

CARD

A 1 : Mode 1

A 2 : Mode 2

OFFB : Sensor off

SYSTEM

WL.REMOTE•••

(

40)

To turn the remote sensor off:

Open the menu and select SYSTEM. Then select WL.REMOTE, set it to

OFF

and close the menu.

• B appears in the display.

To change the mode...

...on the camcorder:

Open the menu and select SYSTEM. Then select WL.REMOTE, set it

to A 1 or A 2 and close the menu.

• The selected mode will appear on the display for 4 seconds.

...on the wireless controller:

Press and hold the REMOTE SET button on the wireless controller.

Simultaneously press the ZOOM W button for mode 1 or the ZOOM

T button for mode 2. Continue to press simultaneously for over 2

seconds.

• Be sure to set the wireless controller to the same mode as the camcorder.

If your wireless controller isn’t working:

Make sure the camcorder and the wireless controller are both set to the same

mode. Check the mode the camcorder is set to by pushing any button other than

the REMOTE SET button on the wireless controller. The camcorder’s mode

appears in purple for about 4 seconds. Set the wireless controller’s mode

accordingly by pressing the aforementioned button combinations. If the wireless

controller still doesn’t work, change the batteries.

Notes:

• The mode the camcorder is set to also appears for 4 seconds when you turn the

power on.

• When you replace the batteries, the wireless controller returns to mode 1.

Change the mode again if necessary.

Adjusting the Selectable Colour Light-up Buttons

MV550i

The clear buttons above the LCD panel light up when the camcorder’s power is

on, or only when one of the buttons is pressed, making it possible to play back

cassettes when in dark surroundings. You can also change the colour in which

they light up to green, orange, blue, yellow, turquoise (greenish blue) or purple.

Turning the buttons off

PLAY

(VCR)

PLAY

(VCR)

TAPE

CAMERA

TAPE

CARD

CAMERA

CARD

SYSTEM

BUTTONLIGHT•ON

(

40)

To change the setting, open the menu and select SYSTEM. Then select

BUTTONLIGHT and set it to PUSH ON or OFF and close the menu.

• ON: The buttons remain lit in the indicated colour. When one of the buttons is

pressed, all the buttons simultaneously change colours. When the button is

released, they return to the original colour.

• PUSH ON: Buttons light up only while one of them is pressed. Then, all the

buttons simultaneously lights up in the indicated color. When the button is

released, they turn off again after a few seconds.

• OFF: Buttons do not light up.

Changing the colour of the buttons

PLAY

(VCR)

PLAY

(VCR)

TAPE

CAMERA

TAPE

CARD

CAMERA

CARD

SYSTEM

LIGHT COLOR•TURQUOISE

(

40)

To change the colour from blue, open the menu and select SYSTEM.

Then select LIGHT COLOR, set it to the desired colour and close the

menu.

Note:

• You cannot change LIGHT COLOR when BUTTONLIGHT is set to OFF.

Setting the Date and Time

The date and/or time display forms part of the data code. You can choose to

display or hide it during playback ( 82).

Set the date and time display when you first start using your camcorder. Install the

backup battery before you begin ( 136).

• Before you start setting the date and time, select your home time zone from the

menu.

Setting the time zone/daylight saving time

TAPE

CAMERA

CARD

CAMERA

SYSTEM

T.ZONE/DST••PARIS

(

40)

1. Open the menu and select SYSTEM.

2. Select T.ZONE/DST.

• The time zone display appears on the screen.

• Your camcorder’s time zone is factory-preset to Paris. If you are at another

time zone, select your time zone first and daylight saving time (DST) setting

if necessary.

3. Move up or down the list of time zones with the selector dial. Select

the option that represents your time zone.

• If you are now in daylight saving time, select the time zone with the

daylight saving time mark C next to the area.

4. Close the menu.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

10 11 12 13

No.

Time zone

LONDON

PARIS

Time zone

WELLGTN (Wellington)

SAMOA

CAIRO

HONOLU. (Honolulu)

ANCHOR. (Anchorage)

L.A. (Los Angeles)

DENVER

MOSCOW

DUBAI

KARACHI

DACCA

CHICAGO

BANGKOK

H. KONG (Hong Kong)

TOKYO

N.Y. (New York)

CARACAS

RIO (Rio de Janeiro)

SYDNEY

SOLOMON

FERNAN. (Fernando de Noronha)

AZORES

Notes:

• After you have selected your time zone and set the date and time, when you

travel to another time zone, there is no need to reset the date and time. Just set

the time zone to your destination and the camcorder’s clock will automatically

change to display the correct time for your destination.

• The camcorder automatically accounts for the number of days in a month and

leap year.

Setting the clock

After you set the date and time, the date/time and home time zone will be

displayed for about 4 seconds each time you turn the power on.

TAPE

CAMERA

CARD

CAMERA

SYSTEM

D/TIME SET•• 1.JAN.2002

12:00 AM

(

40)

1. Open the menu and select SYSTEM.

2. Select D/TIME SET.

• The year display starts to flash.

3. Turn the selector dial up and down to change the year. Press the

dial in to move to another part of the display.

• Once you move from the year, the next part of the display starts flashing.

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

5. Press the MENU button when finished, and to start the clock.

Notes:

• To make a change to part of the date and time, press the selector dial in at step

3 to move to the part to be changed. Turn the dial to make the change, then

close the menu.

• The date can be set to any year between 2002 and 2030.

• If you press the MENU button in the middle of setting the date and time, you

leave the menu, and the clock starts.

• If you press the selector dial in after setting the minutes you can set the date

and time again from the start.

Date and time display

You can choose to display or hide the date and time display during recording.

When the date and time display is set to ON, the date and time show in the lower

left-hand corner of the display but the time zone disappears in about 4 seconds.

The large, 4-second display will no longer appear when you turn on the power. It

is not automatically superimposed on your recordings.

TAPE

CAMERA

CARD

CAMERA

DISP.SET UP

D/T DISPLAY•OFF

(

40)

To turn it on, open the menu and select DISP.SET UP. Then select D/T

DISPLAY, set it to ON and close the menu.

Taking Still Pictures to a Cassette

To take still images on a memory card, see p. 108.

PHOTO

You can record still pictures like a photograph. The camcorder records the picture

and sound to tape for several seconds. The exposure is automatically adjusted.

Copy still photos automatically to a memory card ( 125) for transfer to a PC for

image enhancement and printout. Also, starting your shooting with a still photo

makes it easy to find the beginning again later with the Photo Search function

(

85).

You can take a still picture at any time during regular video recording, or you can

put the camcorder into record pause mode first, then take a still picture.

TAPE

CAMERA

During record mode

Press the PHOTO button fully down and the still picture will be taken

immediately.

• The camcorder takes the image immediately, and then records the “photo” to the

tape for approximately 6 seconds ( MV550i 8 seconds in SP or LP recording

mode). During this time the camcorder also records the sound, and the display

shows the still picture.

• A counter display appears, and counts up as the camcorder records the picture.

• The camcorder returns to record pause mode.

During record pause mode

1. Press the PHOTO button halfway down and hold it:

• “PHOTO” flashes at the bottom right of display.

• Exposure is locked.

• During autofocus flashes white in the display as the camcorder adjusts the

focus and it is displayed continuously as a green mark when the camcorder

is ready to take the still picture.

• If the subject is unsuitable for autofocus ( 143), the camcorder may not

be able to focus, and may continue to flash white in the display. Continue

to hold the PHOTO button halfway down, then adjust the focus manually

with the selector dial.

• If you are using manual focus ( 79), the mark starts as a continous

green mark. Focus with the selector dial.

2. Press the PHOTO button fully down to take the still picture.

• The camcorder takes the image immediately, and then records the “photo” to

the tape for approximately 6 seconds*. During this time the camcorder also

records the sound, and the display shows the still picture.

• A counter display appears, and counts up as the camcorder records the

picture. disappears from the display.

• The camcorder returns to record pause mode.

Notes:

• The camcorder automatically returns to record pause mode after recording a

still image for approximately 6 seconds*. If you turn the POWER switch to

OFF during that time, the camcorder will respond only after recording is

complete.

• The wireless controller’s PHOTO button has no half-way setting. Press the

button fully and the camcorder immediately takes the “photo”.

• Only take “photos” where it is bright enough to see the image in the display.

MV550i 8 seconds in SP or LP recording mode.

Turning the Image Stabilizer Off

With most camcorders, even the slightest hand movements will be noticeable

during telephoto recording. However, the MV550i/MV530i’s image stabilizer

allows you to obtain steady recordings even at high magnification.

TAPE

CAMERA

CARD

CAMERA

CAM.SET UP

IMAGE S.

••ON

(

40)

To turn the image stabilizer off, open the menu and select CAM.SET

UP. Then select IMAGE S. i, set it to OFF and close the menu.

• The i mark disappears from the display when the stabilizer is off.

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

the [ (Easy Recording) position.

Notes:

• Keep the image stabilizer turned off when the camcorder is mounted on a

tripod.

• The image stabilizer is designed to deal with a normal degree of camcorder

shake.

• The image stabilizer is not as effective as usual during the Low Light and Night

mode.

Using the Various Recording Programs

The camcorder provides you with a choice of 8 recording programs. They use

different combinations of camcorder settings in order to adjust the exposure and

other functions to match the recording situation.

• For simple point-and-shoot operation, select the Easy Recording program. Slide

the program selector to the [ position.

• For normal shooting conditions, slide the program selector to Q (program AE)

mode. Open the program menu and select AUTO ( 60).

• For various other recording conditions, the camcorder has 6 more specialised

AE (auto exposure) programs.

Availability of functions in each recording program

Position of

program selector

Recording

Program

Sand & Low

Snow Light

[

Recording)

(Easy

Auto Sports Portrait Spotlight

Night

Digital Zoom

Shutter speed

Focus

White balance

AE shift

Image stabilizer

(ON/OFF)

Digital effects

16:9

Card mix

: Available

: Not available A : Automatic function only

* You cannot use the multi-image screen in the Night recording program.

Setting the program AE mode

TAPE

CAMERA

CARD

CAMERA

1. Slide the program selector to Q (program AE) mode.

2. Press the selector dial in to display the program menu.

3. Turn the selector dial to move the arrow up or down the display.

4. Press the selector dial in to select the desired program.

• The program will appear in the display.

Notes:

• The name of your selected recording program appears constantly on the left of

the display, with the exception of Auto, which is displayed and then disappears

after 4 seconds.

• Avoid changing programs during recording as the brightness of the image may

change suddenly.

• If you switch the camcorder from the [ program to the Q program, the

camcorder returns to the Auto mode.

• When recording in dark places a bright light in the scene

may cause a vertical light bar (“smear”) to appear. This is a

normal feature of camcorders.

Easy Recording

The simplest way to use the camcorder is with

the program selector set to the [ position. The

camcorder will take care of focus, exposure and

other adjustments, leaving you free to point and

shoot.

[

Auto

This is the same as the Easy Recording program,

except that you now have the option of using

any of the camcorder’s manual functions.

AUTO

Sports

This program is useful for recording high-speed

sports scenes in brightly lit conditions. Normal

playback will be slightly jerky, but you will get

clear images which can be analysed frame by

frame during slow or paused playback.

SPORTS

Portrait

Use this program outdoors to make subjects

stand out from a softened foreground and

background. It works well for still-lifes and

close-ups. The effect is most noticeable when

the zoom position is between the middle range

and the telephoto end. Focus manually for

maximum accuracy, and be careful when

recording action scenes, as this program may

cause fast moving objects to shudder.

PORTRAIT

Spotlight

This program is designed for recording spotlit

scenes, such as on a stage. The exposure is

automatically adjusted for glare-free recordings

of subjects lit by a concentrated light source.

SPOTLIGHT

Sand & Snow

Use this program in places where the

SAND&SNOW

background is so bright that the subject appears

underexposed in the display — a sunny beach or

ski resort, for example. You may notice some

shudder when recording moving subjects.

Low Light

This program allows you to record in dimly lit

places. The shutter speed is fixed at a slow

speed. It is generally best used for close-ups of

slow or stationary subjects, as moving subjects

may leave a trailing after-image. However, you

can take advantage of this to create special

effects, by rapid zooming or by panning along

with a moving subject. Picture quality will not

be as good as in normal lighting conditions, and

autofocus may not work as well as usual.

LOW LIGHT

Night

This program automatically adjusts the shutter

speed according to the brightness of the subject

even in dark places (night time, etc.) to shoot

subjects brightly in colour. It is useful for

shooting subjects in dark places where lighting

cannot be used and for shooting night scenes.

When you record in very dark places:

• Moving subjects may leave a trailing after-

image.

NIGHT

• Though subjects can be shot brightly, picture

quality may not be as good as in normal

lighting.

• White points may appear in the display.

• Autofocus may not work as well as usual (in

this case, adjust the focus manually).

You cannot use the Night recording program in

CARD CAMERA mode.

Using Digital Effects

Use the camcorder’s digital effects for more interesting productions.

• Faders:

Start or end scenes on a tape with a fade to or from black

64). Fade Trigger, Vertical Wipe, Horizontal Wipe,

(

Mosaic Fade*

• Effects:

Add flavour to your recordings ( 65).

Art, Black and White, Sepia, Mosaic**

•

Multi-image Screen: Divides the display to show 4, 9 or 16 still photos. Has 4

transition speed options: fast, moderate, slow and manual

68).

(

* Available in TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode only.

**Available during TAPE CAMERA or TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode only.

Availability of digital effects by mode

TAPE

CAMERA

TAPE PLAY

(VCR)

CARD PLAY

(VCR)

CARD

CAMERA

PHOTO

Faders

Effects

Multi-image

Screen

: Available

: Not available

• The types of digital effects you are able to use depends on the setting of the

TAPE/CARD switch, the POWER switch and the recording program.

Notes:

• When you do not want to use digital effects, press the DIGITAL EFFECTS

button and select D.EFFECT | from the digital effects menu. Press the

DIGITAL EFFECTS button to close the menu.

• The camcorder remembers your chosen digital effect setting until you change it.

• Digital effects can be selected but not operated on a blank blue screen (appears

in TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode). The display continues to flash.

• Digital effects operated during TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode are not recorded onto

the original tape.

• Digital effects can be added to another tape when dubbing using the AV out

terminal (TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode), but not the DV out terminal.

• You cannot operate digital effects while photo/date searching.

• If you slide the program selector to [ (Easy Recording) while the digital effect

display is flashing, it will disappear from the display and reappear when you

return to Q (program AE) mode.

• The digital effect display will flash for 2 seconds after setting, even if

DISPLAYS is set to OFF in the menu.

Faders

Fade Trigger (FADE-T)

When you start recording,

the scene gradually

fades in from a

black screen.

When you stop

recording, it gradually fades

out.

Wipe (WIPE

)

When you start recording, the picture

begins as a thin vertical line in

the center of the

screen which

gradually expands

sideways until it

When you end a

scene, the image is wiped

from both sides of the screen.

fills the whole

of the screen.

Horizontal Wipe (WIPE

)

When you start recording, the picture

begins as a thin horizontal line in the

centre of the screen

which gradually

expands upwards

When you end

a scene, the image is wiped

from the top and bottom of

screen.

and downwards

until it fills the

whole screen.

Mosaic Fade (M. FADE)

Blurs the image by enlarging the size of some pixels. The image

appears as increasingly large squares of colour as it fades out, and

smaller squares when it fades in.

*Available during TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode only.

Effects

Sepia (SEPIA)

Makes a

monochrome

image with a

brownish tint.

Mosaic

(MOSAIC)*

Blurs the image

by enlarging the

size of some

pixels.

Black and White

(BLK & WHT)

Makes the

image black and

white.

Art (ART)

Adds a paint-

like effect,

called

solarization, to

the image.

*Available during TAPE CAMERA or TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode only.

Digital effects can be set with the controls on the body of the camcorder or the

wireless controller. Pressing the L/M buttons on the wireless controller

correspond to turning the selector dial up and down, and pressing the SET button

corresponds to pressing the selector dial in.

DIGITAL

ON/OFF

SET

EFFECTS

D.EFFECTS

ON/OFF

Operating faders

Sound and image fade together.

When operating faders in TAPE CAMERA mode, make sure the program selector

is set to Q.

PLAY

TAPE

CAMERA

TAPE

(VCR)

Select fader

1. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to open the digital effects

menu.

• D.EFFECT |, FADER, EFFECT and MULTI-S appear.

2. Select FADER.

• FADE-T, WIPE , WIPE

settings appear. M.FADE also appears in

TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode.

3. Select the desired setting.

• You return to the digital effects menu.

4. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to close the menu.

• The name of your selected fader flashes in the display.

Fader on/off

5. Press the ON/OFF button.

• The name of your selection stops flashing.

• Each time you press the ON/OFF button, the chosen fader is activated

(display lights continuously) or deactivated (display flashes).

6. If you’re in TAPE CAMERA mode:

Fade in- Press the start/stop button.

Fade out- Press the start/stop button.

If you’re in TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode:

Fade in- Press the e (play) button.

Fade out- Press the a (pause) button.

Operating effects

Sound records/plays back normally.

When operating effects in TAPE CAMERA or CARD CAMERA mode, make

sure the program selector is set to Q.

PLAY

TAPE

CAMERA

TAPE

CARD

CAMERA

(VCR)

Select effect

1. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to open the digital effects

menu.

• D.EFFECT |, FADER, EFFECT and MULTI-S appear.

2. Select EFFECT.

• ART, BLK&WHT, SEPIA, MOSAIC settings appear.

3. Select the desired setting.

• You return to the digital effects menu.

4. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to close the menu.

• The menu disappears and the name of your selected setting flashes in the

display.

Effect on/off

5. If you’re in TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode, press the e (play) button.

6. Press the ON/OFF button.

• The name of your selection stops flashing and takes effect on the display.

• Each time you press the ON/OFF button, the chosen effect is activated or

deactivated.

Using the Multi-Image Screen

Divides your display image into 4, 9 or 16 smaller images with the Image Capture

feature. With this feature, the camcorder captures the current scene being shot or

replayed. Choose the transition speed — manual, fast (every 4 frames), moderate

(every 6 frames*) or slow (every 8 frames*) — at which to capture a moving

subject, such as a person playing tennis or golf. Sound is recorded normally.

* In Low Light mode: moderate (every 8 frames), slow (every 12 frames)

4 images

9 images

16 images

Operating the multi-image screen

When operating the multi-image screen in TAPE CAMERA or CARD CAMERA

mode, make sure the program selector is set to Q and set to any program other

than the Night recording program.

In TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode, you can only operate the multi-image screen in the

following playback modes:

When M.S.SPEED is set to MANUAL: Still picture playback, slow

forward/reverse playback

When M.S.SPEED is set to FAST, MODERATE or SLOW: Still picture playback

PLAY

TAPE

CAMERA

TAPE

CARD

CAMERA

(VCR)

Select multi-image screen

1. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to open the digital effects

menu.

• D.EFFECT |, FADER, EFFECT and MULTI-S appear.

2. Select MULTI-S.

• M.S. SPEED and M.S. SPLIT settings appear.

3. Select M.S. SPEED.

• MANUAL, FAST, MODERATE and SLOW settings appear.

4. Select the desired setting.

• You return to the digital effects menu.

5. Select MULTI-S again.

• M.S. SPEED and M.S. SPLIT settings appear.

6. Select M.S.SPLIT.

• 4, 9, 16 settings appear.

7. Select the desired setting.

• You return to the digital effects menu.

8. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to close the menu.

• The digital effects menu disappears.

• MULTI-S flashes in the display.

Multi-image screen on/off

9. Push the ON/OFF button.

• MULTI-S stops flashing.

• Manual: As you press the ON/OFF button, scenes will be captured one after

another the indicated number of times. If you push and hold the ON/OFF

button for more than a second, the last image captured will be erased.

• The currently recording image is framed in blue. The frame disappears after

the last image is captured.

• Automatic: The camcorder will capture the indicated number of images at

the indicated speed.

10.If you’re in TAPE CAMERA mode, push the start/stop button to

begin recording.

• The multi-image screen is recorded to the tape.

If you're in CARD CAMERA mode, press the PHOTO button to

record the multi-image screen to the memory card.

Notes:

• You can operate the multi-image screen from record or record pause mode.

• After all the images have been captured, press the ON/OFF button quickly to

cancel the multi-image screen.

• If you are operating the multi-image screen in TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode and

you stop or pause the tape, or press any other playback button or the date/photo

search button, the multi-image screen will be cancelled. (This does not apply

with the MANUAL multi-image speed.)

• You cannot use digital zoom or the 16:9 mode when the multi-image screen is

set. The display becomes “– – –”.

• You cannot use the multi-image screen in the Night recording program.

Audio Recording

Selecting the audio mode

The comcorder can record sound in two audio modes — 16-bit and 12-bit. The

16-bit mode produces the higher sound quality (slightly superior to CD) while the

12-bit mode records on 2 channels (stereo 1), leaving 2 channels free (stereo 2)

for you to add new sound at a later date.

PLAY

TAPE

CAMERA

TAPE

(VCR)

VCR SET UP

AUDIO MODE••12bit

(

40)

To switch to the 16-bit mode, open the menu and select VCR SET UP.

Then select AUDIO MODE, set it to “16 bit” and close the menu.

• “16 bit” is shown in the display for approximately 4 seconds.

Notes:

• For details on adding new sound, see p. 98.

• For details of playing back a tape that has new sound on stereo 2, see p. 101.

• When you record to the MV550i/MV530i from a camcorder with DV terminal

outputs, the audio mode becomes automatically set to 12 bit.

•

MV550i When the recording mode ie set to SP or LP mode, the audio mode

becomes automatically set to 12 bit (1 channel only).

• In TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode, the audio mode takes effect when doing analog

line-in recording or AV insert. When you do DV in recording, the setting

automatically changes to that of the digital device connected to the camcorder.

External microphone

For greater creative control over audio recording, you can connect an external

microphone to the camcorder via the MIC terminal. When using the MIC terminal,

use a microphone with a built-in power supply (condenser microphone). It is

possible to connect almost any stereo microphone with a plug diameter of 3.5 mm

(¹/8 in), however, their audio levels will be different from that of the built-in

microphone.

Notes:

• When using an external microphone, use a microphone cable not longer than 3

meters to avoid electromagnetic inerference.

•

MV550i For details on using the optional DM-50 microphone, see p. 75.

• Be careful when using long microphones as they may extend into the frame.

Wind screen

The camcorder has an automatic wind screen to prevent wind noise from

interfering with the sound track. Make sure it’s off when you want the

microphone to be as sensitive as possible. Use the wind screen when recording in

windy places such as the beach or near buildings.

PLAY

TAPE

CAMERA

TAPE

(VCR)

VCR SET UP

WIND SCREEN••OFF

(

40)

To turn it on, open the menu and select VCR SET UP. Then select

WIND SCREEN, set it to ON and close the menu.

• WS O is shown in the display when you turn the wind screen on.

Notes:

• The wind screen can be used for audio dubbing with the built-in microphone in

TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode as well as recording (when AUDIO DUB. is set to

MIC. IN in VCR SET UP submenu).

• The wind screen does not operate when an external microphone is connected to

the MIC terminal.

•

MV550i The wind screen does not operate when the optional DM-50 microphone

is connected to the advanced accessory shoe.

Setting the Self-Timer

For stills

DATA

CODE

PHOTO

For movies

START

2, 3

/STOP PHOTO

SELF

POWER

TIMER

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

This is useful when you want to include yourself in the picture when recording

movies or still photographs.

TAPE

CAMERA

CARD

CAMERA

1. Press the

self-timer button on the body of the camcorder

the SELF TIMER button on the wireless controller.

• SELF-T appears in the display.

• To have the subject monitor recording, rotate the LCD panel 180° ( 28).

For movies

2. Press the start/stop button.

• The camcorder starts to record after a 10-second countdown period (or after

2 seconds when you use the wireless controller). The time remaining counts

down in the display (e.g. “5 SEC”).

• SELF-T disappears from the display when recording begins.

3. Press the start/stop button to end recording.

For stills

2. Press a PHOTO button on the camcorder body or the wireless

controller.

• The camcorder automatically adjusts the focus 2 seconds before the

countdown is complete. The mark flashes white then turns green after the

focus and exposure are set. If you are using the wireless controller, the

mark starts flashing immediately after you press the PHOTO button.

• The camcorder takes the picture for approximately 6 seconds ( MV550i

seconds in SP or LP recording mode).

• If you’re in TAPE CAMERA mode, the camcorder returns to record pause

mode after recording to a tape. If you’re in CARD CAMERA mode, the

currently recording image appears after recording onto a memory card.

Notes:

• To cancel the self-timer before the countdown has begun, press the

TIMER button.

• To cancel the self-timer once the countdown has begun, press the

TIMER button.

SELF

Using the VL-3 Video Light (optional)

MV550i

LOCK

AUTO

OFF

When recording in dark rooms, attach the Video Light to the camcorder’s

advanced accessory shoe. The Video Light is powered by the same power source

as the camcorder.

Also refer to the VL-3 Video Light instructions.

Turn the camcorder’s power off before attaching/removing the Video Light.

1. Slide the Video Light onto the accessory shoe and tighten with the

shoe lock.

• Slide in the direction of the arrow on the bottom of the Video Light until it

clicks securely into place.

• Make sure that the light does not come disconnected when turning the shoe

lock.

2. Set the camcorder to TAPE CAMERA mode or CARD CAMERA

mode.

3. Turn the Video Light’s power switch to AUTO or ON.

• C (Connection) appears in the display.

• ON: The Video Light stays on.

• AUTO: The Video Light turns on/off automatically according to the level of

brightness of the shooting conditions.

Caution:

• Be careful not to touch the bulb or the surrounding area during or immediately

after use; it becomes very hot. Keep the Video Light away from flammable or

plastic materials.

• Do not look directly at the bulb while the Video Light is on.

• Never carry the camcorder holding the Video Light.

Using the DM-50 Microphone (optional)

MV550i

The highly sensitive Directional Stereo Microphone DM-50 has been designed

exclusively for camcorders equipped with an advanced accessory shoe

dubbing ( 98).

. It is

Refer to the DM-50’s instructions for further details.

Turn the camcorder’s power off before attaching/removing the microphone.

1. Slide the microphone onto the accessory shoe and tighten with the

shoe lock.

• Slide in the direction of the arrow on the bottom of the microphone until it

clicks securely into place.

• Make sure that the microphone does not come disconnected when turning

the shoe lock.

2. Set the camcorder to TAPE CAMERA mode.

• C (Connection) appears in the display.

3. Set the microphone’s directivity switch.

SHOTGUN: Clearly picks up sound arriving from the front of the microphone

(monaural).

STEREO1: Picks up sound arriving from the front of, as well as sound

surrounding the microphone.

STEREO2: Picks up sound surrounding the microphone in a wider range than

STEREO 1.

Notes:

• Never carry the camcorder holding the microphone.

• The DM-50 will not pick up any sound if another microphone is attached to the

camcorder’s microphone terminal.

Ajusting AE Shift

By controlling the level of the automatic exposure (AE) function, you can lighten

or darken the image slightly. This allows you to compensate for backlit,

overexposed scenes.

AE SHIFT

TAPE

CAMERA

CARD

CAMERA

Make sure the program selector is set to Q .

1. Press the selector dial in and select any recording program other

than Spotlight, Sand & Snow or Night from the program menu.

2. Press the AE SHIFT button.

• eAE appears light blue.

3. Turn the selector dial to choose your desired level.

• Levels are from –2 to +2, in 0.25 intervals (excluding –1.75 and +1.75).

• The higher the setting, the brighter the image.

Notes:

• You cannot adjust the exposure without the e mark before AE in the display.

Push the AE SHIFT button so that e appears before AE. Then you can adjust

the exposure manually.

• You cannot adjust the AE Shift when the camcorder is set to [ (Easy

Recording), the Spotlight, the Sand & Snow or Night recording program.

Setting the Shutter Speed

Set the shutter speed manually to take stable shots of quickly moving subjects.

TAPE

CAMERA

CARD

CAMERA

CAM.SET UP

SHUTTER•••••AUTO

(

40)

1. Make sure the camcorder is set to the Q (program AE) mode.

2. Press the selector dial in and choose AUTO from the program

menu.

3. Open the menu and select CAM.SET UP.

4. Select SHUTTER.

5. Press the selector dial in to select the desired shutter speed.

TAPE

AUTO

1/50

CARD

AUTO

1/50

slower

1/120

1/250

1/500

1/1000

1/2000

1/4000

1/8000

1/120

1/250

faster

• Only shutter speeds up to 1/250 are available when using a memory card.

6. Close the menu.

Guidelines for shooting using high shutter speeds

• When shooting with a shutter speed of 1/1000 or higher, do not shoot the sun

directly.

Recommended shutter speeds when shooting:

1/2000 or 1/4000

(or 1/8000 to freeze

the action even more

clearly)

• People doing outdoor sports such as

golf or tennis

1/1000, 1/500 or

1/250

• Moving cars or trains or other

rapidly moving vehicles such as

roller coasters

1/120

• People doing indoor sports such as

basketball

Notes:

• You are unable to set the shutter speed in any recording program other than

AUTO.

• The image may not appear smooth when a high shutter speed is set.

• The camcorder returns to the auto shutter setting when you slide the program

selector to [ (Easy Recording), or change the recording program.

• If you set the shutter speed to 1/500 or above in TAPE CAMERA mode and

then switch the camcorder to CARD CAMERA mode, the shutter speed will

automatically change to 1/250.

Adjusting Focus Manually

The camcorder can focus automatically. All you have to do is point it, and

whatever is in the centre of the display will usually be in sharp focus. If it does

not seem to be focusing well, it may be because the subject is not suitable for

autofocus.

You can use the manual focusing function for more control over focusing.

Focus lock

TAPE

CAMERA

CARD

CAMERA

Press the FOCUS button to turn off

autofocus. The focus remains locked at

the point set by autofocus.

FOCUS

SLIDE SHOW

(eM.FOCUS appears in the display.)

You can now adjust the focus manually

with the selector dial. Press the FOCUS

button again when you want to return to

autofocus.

• If you zoom in on your subject after

turning off autofocus, it may not stay

in focus. It is generally best to adjust

the zoom first, and then the focus.

Manual focus

TAPE

CAMERA

CARD

CAMERA

Use the selector dial to set the focus.

• Turn the selector dial downward to

move the focus farther away.

FOCUS

SLIDE SHOW

• Turn the selector dial upwards to

bring the focus nearer.

Notes:

• You cannot adjust the focus without the e mark before M.FOCUS in the

display. Push the FOCUS button so that e appears before M.FOCUS. Then you

can adjust the focus manually.

• The manual focus setting is cancelled if you select the [ (Easy Recording)

program.

• When you are using the [ (Easy Recording) program, autofocus cannot be

turned off.

• See “Troubleshooting” on p. 142 for a list of subjects which may not be suitable

for autofocus.

Setting the White Balance

The camcorder’s auto white balance

system compensates for a wide range of

lighting conditions. Although slight

variations are unavoidable, colours will

appear natural in virtually every

situation.

In some cases, you will get better

results by setting the white balance

yourself, or using one of the two preset

modes:

T Indoor Mode

• Under halogen or studio/video

lighting

• Subject is of one dominant colour

• Close ups

U Outdoor mode

• In daylight, especially for close-

ups and where the subject is of

one dominant colour

TAPE

CAMERA

CARD

CAMERA

CAM.SET UP

WHITE BAL.••AUTO

(

40)

1. Make sure the camcorder is set to the Q (program AE) mode.

2. Open the menu and select CAM.SET UP.

3. Select WHITE BAL.

4. a) For the indoor, outdoor or auto settings, press the selector dial in

to choose the setting.

• T/U appears in the display when you set the white balance to

indoor/outdoor mode.

b) To set the white balance yourself, point the camcorder at a white

object (such as a sheet of paper) and zoom in until it fills the

display. Then press the selector dial in to select SET W.

• Make sure to continue pointing the camcorder at the white object until

you have finished setting the white balance.

• The W display flashes then remains lit.

• Depending on the light source, the flashing may at times continue. The

result will remain better than with the auto setting and you can continue

recording.

5. Close the menu.

Setting the white balance manually will probably work better

than auto white balance when shooting:

Subjects with one dominant colour, such as sky, sea or forest

Close-ups

In rapidly changing lighting conditions

In places lit by certain types of fluorescent or mercury vapour

lights

Notes:

• Turn the digital zoom off (if neccessary) to set a more accurate white balance.

• If you have set the white balance and lighting conditions change, reset the white

balance.

• Try to record with light from a single source. Correct white balance cannot be

obtained for two types of lighting at once.

• You cannot set the white balance or choose the indoor/outdoor mode when the

program selector is set to the [ (Easy Recording) program.

• The white balance returns to the AUTO setting when you slide the program

selector to [ (Easy Recording).

• When you turn the camcorder on, the white balance returns to AUTO. If you

then switch the white balance to SET, the camcorder will remember your last

setting.

• During normal outdoor shooting, setting to AUTO may provide better results.

Displaying Date, Time and Camcorder Data (Data Code)

A data code, containing the date and time the recording was made and other

camcorder data (shutter speed and exposure settings) is automatically recorded on

a special data section of the tape.

• Only the date and time appear in the data code when using a memory card.

DATA

CODE

DATA

CODE

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

During TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode, the data code can be displayed or hidden while

the camcorder is in play, slow or still mode.

Camcorder data may be displayed as “– – –” during fast forward, rewind, reverse

playback, forward and reverse ×2 playback.

Press the DATA CODE button. When using a cassette, press it while

the camcorder is in play, slow or still mode.

• Press it once to display, once more to hide it.

Selecting date/time

Select whether you want the date, the time, or both to show up on your data code

display.

PLAY

(VCR)

PLAY

(VCR)

TAPE

CARD

DISP.SET UP

D/TIME SEL.•DATE & TIME

(

40)

To change the date and time combination, open the menu and select

DISP.SET UP. Then select D/TIME SEL, set it to DATE, TIME or

DATE & TIME and close the menu.

Setting the data code

You can also choose to display camcorder data (shutter speed and exposure

settings) in cassette data codes.

PLAY

TAPE

(VCR)

DISP.SET UP

DATA CODE•••DATE/TIME

(

40)

To change, open the menu and select DISP.SET UP. Then select DATA

CODE, set it to DATE/TIME, CAMERA DATA or CAM. & D/T and

close the menu.

Possible data code combinations for cassettes:

DATA CODE

Date/Time &

Camera data

(cassette

Date/Time

Camera data

only)

D/TIME SEL.

F11

1/250

Date

1.JAN.2002

12:00:00 AM

1.JAN.2002

F11

1/250

Time

12:00:00 AM

F11

1/250

12:00 AM

1.JAN.2002

12:00 AM

1.JAN.2002

F11

1/250

Date & Time

Notes:

• The data code will read “– – –” in the following situations:

– During playback of a blank section of tape.

– If the tape was recorded before entering the date and time in the camcorder’s

memory.

– If the tape was recorded on a camcorder without a data code function.

– If noise or tape damage prevents the data code from being read.

• If a recording made on MV550i/MV530i is played back on a different DV

camcorder, the data code may not be displayed correctly.

• The data code will appear in the display even if DISPLAYS ( 150) has been

set to OFF through the menu.

Six-second auto date

The 6-second auto date appears for 6 seconds to mark the changeover of a day if

the tape was being recorded at 12:00 midnight. It also appears for 6 seconds when

you start playback and have the data code turned off. The 6-second auto date will

adjust for any time zone changes you have indicated.

PLAY

TAPE

(VCR)

DISP.SET UP

6SEC. DATE•••OFF

(

40)

To turn the 6-second auto date on, open the menu and select

DISP.SET UP. Then select 6SEC. DATE, set it to ON and close the

menu.

Note:

• When 6SEC.DATE is turned on but DISPLAYS ( 150) is turned off, the six-

second auto date will still appear for 6 seconds.

Searching the Tape (Photo Search/Date Search)

ZERO SET SEARCH

SELECT

MEMORY

POWER

AUDIO

DUB.

REW

PLAY

STOP

SLOW

CAMERA

– /

+ /

INSERT

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

PAUSE

×2

REMOTE SET

This allows you to move quickly through still pictures recorded anywhere on a

tape (photo search) or between different days or areas of recording (date search)

on a tape.

PLAY

TAPE

(VCR)

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

search.

• PHOTO SEARCH or DATE SEARCH is shown in the display for 4

seconds.

2. Press the - and + buttons to move backwards or forwards

through the still pictures or between different days of recording.

• Press once to move to the start of the previous/next still picture or day on

the tape.

• You can press more than once to move to the corresponding still picture or

day (up to a maximum of 10 times), e.g. press the + button 5 times to

move forward 5 still pictures or days.

• PHOTO SEARCH/DATE SEARCH appears in the middle of the display

alongside the - or + mark and number to search through. You can

change direction easily by pressing the button for the opposite direction.

Notes:

• Press 3 (stop) to stop mid-search.

• If you begin a search very close to the start of a recorded still picture during

photo search, the camcorder may skip straight past it.

• When you have set the area for the World Clock, date search also looks for the

change in date based on the adjusted time.

• A date/area cannot be identified if the total recording time on that day/area was

less than 1 minute.

• Date search playback may start just before or after the beginning of the located

section.

• If the data code is not displayed correctly you will not be able to operate the

date search correctly.

Returning to a Pre-Marked Position

ZERO SET

MEMORY

SELECT

POWER

AUDIO

DUB.

REW

PLAY

STOP

SLOW

CAMERA

OFF

– /

+ /

INSERT

PLAY(VCR)

PAUSE

×2

REMOTE SET

Use the wireless controller to mark a point on a tape that you want to return to

following playback.

PLAY

TAPE

CAMERA

TAPE

(VCR)

1. Press the ZERO SET MEMORY button on the wireless controller

during playback at a point you want to return to later.

• The time code is replaced by a tape counter that is set to zero with the

indication.

• Press the ZERO SET MEMORY button once more to cancel the zero set

memory.

2. When you have finished playback, fast forward or rewind the tape.

The tape stops automatically when it reaches the zero set position.

• RTN1 or `RTN appears in the display.

• The tape counter with

indication disappears from the display and the time

code reappears.

Notes:

• The zero set memory may not function correctly where there is a break between

recordings on the tape.

• You can also use zero set memory to mark a position on a tape in TAPE

CAMERA mode. When you then play back the tape, pressing rewind will take

you back to the pre-marked position.

• If you remove the tape while the zero set memory is set, the memory is

cancelled and the tape counter reverts to time code.

• The camcorder remembers your setting even if you turn it off and back on again

or move the program selector.

Editing to a VCR

By connecting the camcorder to a VCR, you can edit your recordings in order to

remove unwanted scenes — or combine different shots to create your own video

productions.

Preparations

1. Connect the camcorder to the VCR.

• See “Connections for Playback on a TV Screen” on p. 33.

2. Prepare the TV and VCR.

• Turn on the TV and set the TV/VIDEO selector to VIDEO.

• Turn on the VCR, and set its input selector to LINE. Load a blank cassette,

and put the VCR in record pause mode.

• See your TV and VCR instruction manuals for details.

3. Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to PLAY (VCR), and move

the camcorder’s TAPE/CARD switch to TAPE.

• Make sure the AV/headphone terminal is set to AV through the menu ( 33).

If PHONES appears in the display, switch the terminal.

4. Load your recorded cassette.

Editing

1. Find a point on your recorded cassette slightly before the section

you want to copy.

2. Start to play it back while you monitor the picture on the TV.

3. Start recording on the VCR as soon as the section you want to copy

appears on the screen.

4. Pause the VCR at the end of the section you want to copy, then stop

playback on the camcorder.

5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 until your edited recording is complete.

Note:

• The quality of the edited tape will be slightly lower than that of the original.

m (LANC) terminal

The m terminal allows you to connect the

camcorder to equipment. Some buttons on

editing equipment may operate differently

from those on the camcorder.

Notes:

• m (LANC) is a trademark. It stands for Local Application Control Bus System.

• We cannot guarantee the results when connecting to equipment not bearing the

LANC m symbol.

Dubbing to/from a cassette with Digital Video Equipment

Digital video equipment fitted with the DV terminal lets you edit, copy and

transfer data digitally, with virtually no generation loss in image and sound

quality. The DV terminal is for both line-in and line-out, since a single DV cable

can handle data in both directions.

• If a digital VCR is connected and an anomalous signal is sent from the VCR,

the images recorded on the tape may also be anomalous (although it may not

appear so on the TV image), or not recorded at all.

• You are unable to dub tapes recorded with the copyright protective signal.

: Signal flow

REC

FOCUS

AE SHIFT

SLIDE SHOW

REC

SELECT

PAUSE

ZERO SET

MEMORY

REW

– /

PLAY

STOP

SLOW

AUDIO

DUB.

+ /

PAUSE

×2

INSERT

Side with arrow

Preparations

Example dubbing to the camcorder

1. Connect the camcorder and the other digital device.

• Connect the Canon CV-150F DV cable (optional) with the sides of the plugs

marked with the arrows facing as shown above.

2. Prepare the other device.

• Turn on the power and load a recorded cassette.

3. Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to PLAY (VCR), and move

the camcorder’s TAPE/CARD switch to TAPE.

• DV IN appears in the display.

4. Load a blank cassette.

Dubbing

1. Find a point on your recorded cassette slightly before the section

you want to copy and set it to playback pause mode.

2. Press the REC PAUSE button on the wireless controller.

• The camcorder enters record pause mode.

3. Start playback on the other digital device while you monitor the

picture.

4. Press the pause button.

• Recording starts.

5. When you get to the point where you want to stop recording, press

the stop button or the pause button.

• Recording stops.

6. Stop playback on the other device.

Notes:

• Blanks between recordings on the playback tape are recorded as anomalous

images on the tape that is being recorded to.

•

MV550i You cannot use a cassette recorded in SP or LP mode with the

camcorder for DV dubbing with another digital device not equipped with that

mode.

MV550i

•

You cannot record in SP/LP mode from a tape recorded in SP/ LP

mode. Likewise, you cannot record in SP/ LP mode from a tape recorded in

SP/LP mode.

• When dubbing to a Cassette with digital video equipment, be sure to set AV \

DV OUT to OFF in the menu.

Concerning copyrighting

Certain pre-recorded video tapes, films and other materials, as well as some

television programmes are copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of these materials

may violate copyright protection laws.

When playing back:

If you try to play back a tape that contains copyright control signals for the

protection of software, “COPYRIGHT PROTECTED PLAYBACK IS

RESTRICTED” appears in the display for a few seconds and then the camcorder

displays a blank blue screen; you cannot view the contents of the tape.

When recording:

If you try to record from software that contains copyright control signals for the

protection of software, “COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DUBBING RESTRICTED”

appears in the display; you cannot record the contents of the software.

You cannot record copyright protection signals to a tape using this camcorder.

Recording from a VCR, TV or Analog Camcorder

(Analog Line-in)

You can record a video played on your VCR or analog camcorder (for digital

camcorders, see p. 88) or a TV program onto a tape in the MV550i/MV530i, if

the TV or other device has audio/video outputs.

• If an anomalous signal is sent from the TV or VCR, the images recorded on the

tape may also be anomalous (although it may not appear so on the TV image),

not recorded at all, or COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DUBBING RESTRICTED

may appear in the display.

• You are unable to dub tapes recorded with the copyright protective signal.

• For higher picture quality, we recommend using the optional S-150 S-video

cable when doing analog line-in recording.

REC

SELECT

PAUSE

REC

FOCUS

AE SHIFT

SLIDE SHOW

ZERO SET

MEMORY

REW

– /

PLAY

STOP

SLOW

: Signal flow

AUDIO

DUB.

PAUSE

INSERT

OUTPUT

S(S1)-VIDEO

S-150 S-video Cable (optional)

VIDEO

AUDIO

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable

MIC

You cannot use headphones while doing analog line-in recording. If you have the

AV/headphones terminal set to headphones, it will automatically switch to AV for

analog line-in recording. PHONES disappears from the display.

Preparations

Example recording from a VCR

1. Connect the camcorder to the VCR.

2. Prepare the device.

• Set the TV/Video selector on the television to Video. For further details, see

“Connections for Playback on a TV Screen” on p. 33.

• Turn on the VCR. Load your recorded cassette, and put the VCR in playback

pause mode.

• See your TV and VCR instruction manuals for details.

3. Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to to PLAY(VCR), and move

the camcorder’s TAPE/CARD switch to TAPE.

4. Load a blank cassette.

Dubbing

1. Find a point on your recorded cassette slightly before the section

you want to copy and set it to playback pause mode.

2. Press the REC PAUSE button on the wireless controller.

• S-video and AV IN/OUT terminals work as input terminals.

• The camcorder enters record pause mode.

3. Start playback on the other device or turn on the TV to see the

desired program while you monitor the picture.

4. Press the pause button.

• Recording starts.

5. When you get to the point where you want to stop recording, press

the stop button or the pause button.

• Recording stops.

6. Stop playback on the other device.

Note:

• You can monitor the picture in the viewfinder or LCD.

Digitally Outputting Analog Video and Audio

Signals (Analog-Digital Converter)

Connecting the camcorder to your VCR or 8 mm video camera allows conversion

of recorded analog video and audio signals to digital signals in an instant. The

digital signals can be output to the other equipment with a DV terminal. The

camcorder’s DV terminal works exclusively as an output terminal.

• There may be cases where analog-digital converter cannot be done properly,

depending on the signals output from the connected equipment.

For example: Signals that include the copyright protective signal, or anomalous

signals such as ones that include ghost signals, etc.

• You cannot use your headphones during digital conversion. Even if the

AV/headphone terminal is set to “PHONES” through the menu, it will

automatically be set to “AV”, and “PHONES” will disappear from the display.

• You are recommended to use power from a household mains outlet with the

power adapter.

• Do not operate with a cassette inserted to the camcorder.

• Turn off the power of all equipment before performing connections.

• Refer also to the instruction manuals of the other equipment connected.

: Signal flow

OUTPUT

VIDEO

STV-250N

Stereo Video Cable

AUDIO

MIC

CV-150F DV Cable

Turning the analog-digital converter on

PLAY

TAPE

(VCR)

VCR.SET UP

AV DV OUT•••OFF

(

40)

To turn the analog-digital converter on, open the menu and select

VCR SET UP. Then select AV \ DV OUT, set it to ON and close the

menu.

Caution:

• For normal use, set AV \ DV OUT to OFF through the menu. If it is set to

ON, you cannot input digital signals through the camcorder’s DV terminal.

• If you attempt to perform analog-digital conversion with a cassette inserted to

the camcorder, the converted signals may not be output to the connected digital

video equipment.

• When connecting to a PC equipped with a DV terminal, you may not be able to

transfer converted signals to your PC, depending on the software you are using,

and the specifications of your PC and its settings.

Recording Over Existing Scenes (AV Insert Editing)

You can insert new scenes from your VCR or other camcorder onto your pre-

recorded tape using the MV550i/MV530i’s analog line-in or DV in terminals.

Original video and audio will be replaced with the new video and audio.

Scene to be inserted

The playback tape

Insert start point

Insert end point

Before inserting

The tape in the

camcorder

After inserting

The tape in the

camcorder

The video and audio of the new scene replace that of the old.

: Signal flow

OUTPUT

S(S1)-VIDEO

S-150 S-video Cable (optional)

VIDEO

AUDIO

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable

MIC

Make sure the AV/headphone terminal is set to AV through the menu ( 33).

If PHONES appears in the display, switch the terminal.

ZERO SET

MEMORY SELECT

AUDIO

REW

– /

PLAY

STOP

SLOW

+ /

DUB.

INSERT

PAUSE

¥2

REMOTE SET

Side with arrow

Preparations

The tape in the MV550i/MV530i:

When using the MV550/MV530i’s AV insert function, only record to tapes

recorded in SP mode.

If there are non-recorded portions or portions recorded in a mode other than SP

mode on the tape, recording will stop.

The playback tape:

Use only tapes without non-recorded portions.

If there are non-recorded portions or changes in the recording mode, you may not

be able to insert AV correctly.

You cannot insert AV in the following cases:

• The playback tape has been poorly recorded.

• During special playback: fast forward playback, rewind playback or slow

playback etc. (analog only).

TV:

You cannot insert AV from a TV program with anomalous synchronized signals,

such as when the program itself received poor signals.

Example recording from a VCR

1. Connect the camcorder to the VCR.

2. Prepare the VCR and TV.

• Set the TV/Video selector on the televison to Video. For further details, see

“Connections for Playback on a TV Screen” on p. 33.

• Turn on the VCR and load a recorded cassette.

• See TV and VCR instruction manuals for details.

3. Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to PLAY (VCR) and load a

recorded cassette.

• Make sure the REC/SAVE tab on the cassette has been slid to REC (closed

position).

4. Move the camcorder’s TAPE/CARD switch to TAPE.

Editing

1. On the VCR, locate a point 3 seconds before the scene to be

inserted. Set the VCR to playback pause mode.

2. On the camcorder, press PLAY and locate the recording start

point. Set the camcorder to playback pause mode.

• You can use the playback buttons on the body of the camcorder or the

special playback functions on the wireless controller in the same way as in

playback mode.

3. Press the AV INSERT button.

• AV INSERT and 2a appear in the display.

4. Play back the cassette in the VCR.

5. To start inserting, press the PAUSE button on the camcorder.

• 2a changes to 2.

6. To stop inserting, press the STOP button on the camcorder.

• Inserting stops and AV INSERT disappears from the display. The camcorder

returns to stop mode.

• If instead of pressing STOP you press PAUSE, the camcorder returns to the

AV insert pause mode.

• If you set the zero set memory at the position on the tape where you want to

stop inserting, every time you return to that point, the camcorder will cancel

its AV inserting and enter stop mode.

7. Stop playback on the VCR.

Audio Dubbing

You can add sound to the original sound on a pre-recorded tape from audio

products (AUDIO IN) or with the internal or external microphone (MIC. IN). The

original sound will not be erased. For best results, add sound to tapes that have

been recorded with this camcorder in SP mode with 12-bit sound. If there are

non-recorded portions on the tape, or portions recorded in a mode other than SP

mode, or with 16-bit or 12-bit, 4-channel sound, dubbing will stop. If your tape

hasn’t been recorded in SP mode with 12-bit sound, we recommend dubbing your

original tape onto a blank tape using the MV550i/MV530i’s analog line-in

function, then dubbing audio onto the new tape. Make absolutely sure to set the

audio mode of the new tape to 12-bit and the recording mode to SP.

To connect other audio equipment:

: Signal flow

OUTPUT

AUDIO

STV-250N

An audio device

(i. e. CD player)

Stereo Video Cable

MIC

Make sure the AV/headphone terminal is set to AV through the menu ( 33).

If PHONES appears in the display, switch the terminal.

Notes:

• Do not use the yellow video terminal.

• The AV terminal doesn’t put out any video, so connect the S-video terminals

and check your TV, or check the LCD or the viewfinder as you add new sound.

Always check the new sound with the speaker.

To connect an external microphone:

Notes:

•

MV550i When using an external microphone\ Connect it to the

microphone terminal.

When using the DM-50 microphone \ Make sure nothing is

connected to the microphone

terminal.

When using the built-in microphone \ Make sure nothing is

connected to either the

microphone terminal or the

accessory shoe.

•

MV530i When you add sound using the built-in microphone make sure not to

connect any cables to the MIC terminal.

• To use your TV to monitor video, connect the S-video terminal ( 35) or the

AV terminal (use only the video plug) to your TV. You can monitor the sound

with headphones only when using the S-video terminal ( 33).

Preparations

Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to PLAY (VCR) and move the camcorder’s

TAPE/CARD switch to TAPE. Load a recorded cassette.

• Make sure the REC/SAVE tab on the cassette has been slid to REC (closed

position).

Dubbing

ZERO SET

POWER

MEMORY SELECT

AUDIO

DUB.

REW

– /

PLAY

STOP

SLOW

CAMERA

OFF

+ /

INSERT

PLAY(VCR)

PAUSE

×2

REMOTE SET

Do not connect/disconnect any cables to/from the camcorder when dubbing audio

or preparing to dub audio.

PLAY

TAPE

(VCR)

VCR SET UP

AUDIO DUB.••AUDIO IN

(

40)

1. Open the menu and select VCR SET UP.

2. Select AUDIO DUB.

3. Select AUDIO IN or MIC. IN and close the menu.

4. Locate the point where you want to start audio dubbing, then press

the PAUSE button.

• You can use the playback buttons on the body of the camcorder or the special

playback functions on the wireless controller in the same way as in playback

mode.

• The camcorder becomes set to playback pause mode.

5. Press the AUDIO DUB. button.

• AUDIO DUB. and

appear on the display.

•

MV550i If you have the DM-50 microphone (optional) attached,

(Connection) appears in the display.

6. Press the PAUSE button (and start play on the other audio device

if AUDIO IN).

• Audio dubbing starts.

• Direct your voice into the microphone.

•

changes to

7. When you get to the point where you want to stop dubbing, press

the STOP button (and then stop play on the other audio device if

AUDIO IN).

• Audio dubbing stops and AUDIO DUB. disappears from the display.

• The camcorder returns to stop mode.

• You can also set zero set memory ( 86) at the place you want to stop

audio dubbing, then every time you return to that position, audio dubbing

will cancel.

• If instead of pressing STOP you press PAUSE, the camcorder will return to

the playback pause mode.

Notes:

• You cannot use the DV terminal while adding sound.

• You might want to adjust the audio mix ( 101) when playing back a tape

with added sound.

• There may be a loss of sound quality if you add sound to a tape recorded on a

camcorder other than the MV550i/MV530i.

• After adding sound 3 or more times to the same place on a tape, there may be

some loss in sound quality.

100

Setting the Audio Mix

POWER

_BAM_LAI_NX_CE

AUDIO

CAMERA

MONITOR ST-1

ST-2

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

When you play back a tape that was recorded in 12-bit mode, you can set the

audio output to play: stereo 1 (the original sound), stereo 2 (any new sound,

dubbed to the tape after recording), or mix the balance between the two.

• Audio from the 16-bit mode only contains stereo 1 sound and so you cannot/do

not need to select the audio mix. The same is true for the 12-bit stereo 1 mode,

unless new sound has been added post-recording.

PLAY

TAPE

(VCR)

1. Choose the output.

• Press AUDIO MONITOR on the wireless controller.

• Starting with the last selected setting, 4 settings appear as you push the

button:

– STEREO1 for just stereo 1.

– STEREO2 for just stereo 2.

– MIX/FIXED for an equal mix of stereo 1 and 2.

– MIX/VARI. (mix variable) for when you want to mix the balance between

stereo 1 and 2.

• To simply choose STEREO1, STEREO2 or MIX/FIXED, make sure your

choice appears on the display.

• If you choose MIX/VARI., you can go on to mix the balance.

• Use the ST-1/ST-2 keys to mix the balance. A bar showing the mix appears

on the screen for 4 seconds.

Note:

• When you have chosen the output, STEREO1, STEREO2, MIX/FIXED or

MIX/VARI. is shown in the top left of the display for a few seconds. If you turn

the power off the output is set to STEREO1.

101

Selecting audio output channels

When you play back a tape whose audio has been recorded on multiple channels,

you can change the output channels of that sound.

PLAY

TAPE

(VCR)

VCR SET UP

OUTPUT CH•••L/R

(

40)

1. Load a tape recorded with multiple-channel audio.

2. Open the menu and select VCR SET UP. Then select OUTPUT CH,

set it to the desired setting and close the menu.

• Refer to the following list.

OUTPUT CH setting

Played back sound

Tape recorded with

stereo sound

Tape recorded on

multiple channels

L/R

L/L

R/R

L+R channels

L channel only

R channel only

main + sub

main only

sub only

102

Connecting to a PC Using a DV Cable

To transfer still images from a memory card to your PC by using a USB cable,

see p. 128.

By using a DV cable and connecting the camcorder to a PC equipped with a DV

terminal conforming to IEEE 1394/DV compatible capture board, you can transfer

images taken with the camcorder to your PC.

• While connected, it is recommended that you power your camcorder from a

household power socket using the power adapter.

• Turn off the power of both the camcorder and the PC before connecting.

• Optional software necessary.

CV-150F or CV-250F (optional)

Notes:

• Operation may not work correctly, depending on the software you are using,

and the specifications of your PC and its settings.

• See your PC instruction manual for details.

103

Memory Card Introduction

The camcorder can take, store and manage still images on 2 types of memory

cards: the MultiMediaCard (supplied with the camcorder) or an SD Memory Card

(commercially available). The MultiMediaCard is an ultra-small, ultra-light media

that can record still images. About the same size as a MultiMediaCard, the SD

(Secure Digital) Memory Card has the protect switch to protect your recording

from accidental erasure, and fits into the same slot as the MultiMediaCard.

You can do the following with a memory

card:

• Record still images ( 108)

MultiMediaCard MMC-8M

Front Back

Terminals

• View still images 3 ways: Single

(

112 , Slide show ( 113), Index

)

screen ( 113)

• Select the quality of images recorded on

the card ( 105)

• Protect important images against accidental erasure, print mark and erase still

images ( 114-121)

• Create interesting effects by combining images ( 122)

• Record a still image from a cassette ( 110)

• Copy multiple still images automatically to and from a cassette ( 125, 126)

• Utilize memory card still images on a PC

You can use most of the camcorder’s functions when recording to a memory card,

such as the various recording programs ( 59), self-timer ( 72), shutter speed

(

77), white balance ( 80) and other manual adjustments. Available functions

PLAY

CARD

CAMERA

CARD

are marked with a the

icons.

(VCR)

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

them with the camcorder ( 127).

Important

• Inserting or removing the memory card without first setting the POWER

switch to OFF can result in data damage.

• This camcorder uses only MultiMediaCards or SD Memory Cards (

You cannot use any other types of memory cards.

*).

logo is a trademark.

104

Inserting and removing the memory card

MultiMedia

Card access

indicator

MultiMediaCard

MMC-8M

MultiMediaCard

MMC-8M

1. Turn the POWER switch to OFF.

• When removing the memory card, make sure the card access indicator is off.

2. Open the memory card compartment cover in the direction of the

arrow.

3. Insert or remove the memory card.

• Push the memory card all the way in.

• Remove the memory card by pushing the card in and letting it spring out.

Do not attempt to pull the memory card out without first pushing it in.

4. Close the cover.

• When inserting the memory card, do not attempt to close the cover

forcefully without the memory card properly inserted.

Notes:

• When you set the camcorder to CARD PLAY (VCR) mode, the last image

recorded appears. If there are no images recorded on the memory card, NO

IMAGES appears in the display.

• Do not touch the memory card terminals.

Selecting the recording image quality

Select the quality of a still image to be recorded.

PLAY

TAPE

CARD

CAMERA

(VCR)

CARD SET UP

QUALITY•••••FINE

(

40)

To change the image quality, open the menu and select CARD SET

UP. Then select QUALITY, set it to STANDARD and close the menu.

105

Notes:

• Depending on the image you are recording, sometimes there will be no

difference in image quality between settings.

• Images are compressed and recorded in the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts

Group) format.

• The number of pixels is 768 × 576 in both FINE and STANDARD modes.

Image

quality

Necessary memory Number of images

Use when you want to...

per image

per 8MB MMC*

...save high quality images,

print out, etc.

FINE

Approx. 180KB

Approx. 43 images

...attach images to Emails,

include them in your own

home page, etc.

STANDARD

Approx. 98KB

Approx. 78 images

* These figures are approximate. The actual number you will be able to record

varies depending on the images. Remember that the sample images already

recorded on the supplied MultiMediaCard are included in the total number.

• The number of images that can still be recorded on a memory card may

sometimes decrease by 2 images at once.

• Refer to p. 153 for the memory card displays.

Card access display

The operating states of the memory card are shown in the middle of the display.

PLAY

(VCR)

PLAY

(VCR)

TAPE

CAMERA

TAPE

CARD

CAMERA

CARD

DISP.SET UP

CARD ACCESS•ON

(

40)

To turn the card access display off, open the menu and select DISP.

SET UP. Then select CARD ACCESS, set it to OFF and close the

menu.

106

File numbers

The images you take are automatically assigned file numbers from 0101-9900 and

stored in folders of 100 images each. Each folder is numbered from 101 to 998 and

recorded on the memory card. Sample images have been pre-recorded on the

supplied MultiMediaCard, entering folder number 100 (folder name is “100canon”).

Set the image file numbers so that they reset each time a new memory card is

inserted, or so that they count up continuously.

Three images are recorded on the card.

1 CONTINUOUS

Numbering is continuous between cards, so

that the first file number assigned on a new

memory card is 1 more than the last file

101-0101

101

101-0102

number assigned on the previous memory

card. When the file numbers are set to

When you change the

101-0103

CONTINUOUS, each image taken is

assigned a different number, avoiding

duplication of numbers. This is convenient

when you want to manage your images on

a PC. We recommend keeping the file

numbers set to CONTINUOUS.

card and take a picture.

101-0104

101-0101

101

2 RESET

Each time you insert a new memory card, the file number resets to its default

value (101-0101). If the card already contains files, the next available number is

assigned.

PLAY

TAPE

CARD

CAMERA

(VCR)

CARD SET UP

FILE NOS.•••CONTINUOUS

(

40)

To change the file numbering, open the menu and select CARD SET

UP. Then select FILE NOS., set it to RESET and close the menu.

Turn off the shutter sound

Makes the sound of a shutter being released when a still image is recorded to a

memory card.

CARD

CAMERA

CARD SET UP

SHTR SOUND••ON

(

40)

To turn the shutter sound off, open the menu and select CARD SET

UP. Then select SHTR SOUND, set it to OFF and close the menu.

107

Recording Still Images to a Memory Card

CARD

TAPE

PHOTO

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

PHOTO

The camcorder is equipped with a mechanical shutter so that you can record vivid

still images onto a memory card. (Progressive Photo function) You can also

record onto a memory card images from a tape in the camcorder, or images input

through the DV in terminal.

• Moving pictures cannot be recorded onto a memory card.

• Images input through the AV in terminal cannot be recorded onto a memory

card.

SD Memory Card

• Memory cards cannot record audio.

• If you are using an SD Memory Card, make

sure the protect switch is set to allow

recording.

Front

Back

Protect

switch

Make sure a memory card that has enough

memory available is inserted into the camcorder.

While the card access indicator flashes, do not

disconnect the power source. Doing so could result in data damage.

1. Press the small green button on the POWER switch and hold, turn

the POWER switch to CAMERA.

2. Move the TAPE/CARD switch to CARD.

• The number of images that can still be recorded on the memory card, and

other information appear in the display.

• The camcorder will turn itself off if you are using a battery and do not

operate the camcorder for more than about 5 minutes. Set the POWER

switch to OFF and then back to CAMERA.

3. Press the PHOTO button halfway and hold it.

• Exposure is locked.

• During autofocus flashes white in the display as the camcorder adjust the

focus and it is displayed continuously as a green mark when the camcorder

is ready to take the still image.

108

4. Press the PHOTO button fully down to record the still picture.

•

disappears from the display. The shutter sound sounds and simultaneously

the display appears to close for an instant as if it were a shutter releasing.

• The card access indicator flashes and the card access display appears in the

display (See “The indicators that appear in the LCD display when MIRROR is

turned on” on page 28)

Notes:

• To use the self-timer ( 72), press the

the PHOTO button fully down.

button before step 3, and then press

• The wireless controller’s PHOTO button has no half-way setting. Press the

button fully and the camcorder immediately takes the image.

• When the POWER switch is set to CAMERA and the TAPE/CARD switch is

moved from TAPE to CARD, the camcorder modifies the image for appropriate

recording onto a memory card.

The indicators that appear in the display when recording to a memory card:

Image quality (

105)

Image stabilizer

58)

(

FINE

>>>>

Number of images that can

still be recorded on the

memory card (

106)

Remaining battery power

135)

Backup battery

136)

(

109

Recording an Image from a Cassette as a Still Image

FOCUS

SLIDE SHOW

PHOTO

Record an image from a cassette onto a memory card. To automatically record

multiple still images from a cassette to a memory card, refer to “Copying Still

Images from a Cassette” on p. 125.

• The still image’s data code will reflect the date and time it is recorded to the

memory card.

Cassette

Press the PHOTO

button fully down

Memory card

PLAY

TAPE

(VCR)

1. Play back the cassette.

2. When the image you want to record appears in the display, press

the PHOTO button halfway down and hold it.

• The tape is set to playback pause mode and the number of images that can

still be recorded on the memory card appears in the display.

3. Press the PHOTO button fully down to record the image to the

memory card.

• The card access indicator flashes.

Notes:

• You can also set the cassette to playback pause mode in step 1 and record the

image with only 1 full press of PHOTO button.

• If you record an image onto a memory card that was originally recorded in the

16:9 mode for wide screen TV’s, the image will appear to be vertically

“squashed” (compressed).

• The shutter sound doesn’t sound in TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode.

110

Recording from Another DV Device as a Still Image

Record images input through the DV in terminal onto the memory card as still

images.

• The still image’s data code will reflect the date and time it is recorded to the

memory card.

: Signal flow

PHOTO

CARD

PHOTO

TAPE

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

Side with arrow

Preparations

1. Connect the camcorder to the other digital device.

• Connect the Canon CV-150F DV cable (optional) with the sides of the plugs

marked with the arrows facing as shown above.

2. Prepare the other device.

• Turn on the power and load a recorded cassette.

3. Load a memory card. Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to

PLAY(VCR).

4. Move the TAPE/CARD switch to TAPE.

• DV IN appears in the display.

• If you have a cassette inserted, make sure it is in stop mode.

Recording

1. Start playback on the other device.

2. When the image you want to record appears in the display, press

the PHOTO button halfway down and hold it.

• The image appears as a still image in the display.

• The number of images that can still be recorded on the memory card

appears in the display.

3. Press the PHOTO button fully down to record the image to the

memory card.

• The card access indicator flashes.

Notes:

• If you record an image onto a memory card that was originally recorded in the

16:9 mode for wide screen TV’s, the image will appear to be vertically

“squashed” (compressed).

• The shutter sound doesn’t sound in TAPE PLAY(VCR) mode.

111

Viewing Still Images

REC

FOCUS

AE SHIFT

SLIDE SHOW

CARD

TAPE

SLIDE

SHOW

POWER

CARD

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

Play back and view still images recorded on a memory card. (For details on

connecting to a TV, see “Connections for Playback on a TV Screen” on p. 33)

• The camcorder may not be able to copy or play, etc., images recorded on a non-

Canon camcorder.

• When viewing on the LCD screen or TV screen still images that you recorded

to a memory card with this camcorder, the images appear with black frame in

the display.

Do not change the data recorded on a memory card.

• You may not be able to play back the following still images correctly on this

camcorder:

− Still images that have not been recorded with this camcorder but downloaded

from a PC (excluding the sample images on p. 130-131)

− Still images that have been recorded with this camcorder but have subsequently

been enhanced on a PC

− Still images whose image file names have been changed on a PC

There are 3 ways to view still images:

• Single image

• Slide show:

One after the other automatically in order of recording

• Index screen: Six images at once

When the camcorder is in playback pause mode, you can use card jump function

to move quickly through still images recorded anywhere on a memory card to

find a still image you want to view (Card Jump function).

Make sure a memory card that has images recorded on it is inserted into the

camcorder.

While the card access indicator flashes, do not disconnect the power source.

Doing so could result in data damage.

G Single Image

1. Turn the POWER switch to PLAY (VCR).

2. Move the TAPE/CARD switch to CARD.

• The last image recorded appears in the display.

3. Search for the desired still image by pressing the CARD +/– buttons.

• Press + to view the next image and – to view the previous image.

• Pressing + at the last image will take you to the first image. Pressing – at

the first image will take you to the last image.

112

G Card Jump Function

You can jump from the current image to the desired image of unadjacent image

number without displaying the images one by one.

The numbers shown in the upper right in CARD PLAY (VCR) mode indicate the image

number of the current still image / total number of still images on the memory card.

PLAY

CARD

(VCR)

With an image in the display, press and hold the CARD +/– button.

• Press the + button to jump through the images forwards and press the – button

to jump backwards.

• The image number moves forwards or backwards.

• When you release the button, the still image, to which the currently shown

number is assigned, appears in the display.

G Slide Show

PLAY

CARD

(VCR)

With an image in the display, press the SLIDE SHOW button.

• The images are played back one after another.

To stop the slide show, press the SLIDE SHOW button.

• The slide show starts or stops each time you press the SLIDE SHOW button.

G Index Screen

Up to 6 images appear at once so you can search

quickly for an image.

INDEX

101–0143

43/50

PLAY

CARD

(VCR)

1. With an image in the display, press the

index screen button.

SEL.INDEXEND

• Up to 6 images appear in the display.

2. Move the

mark to the image you want to view.

• Turn the selector dial downwards to go to the previous image and upwards

to go to the next image.

• Turning the dial upwards at the last image will take you to the next index

screen. Turning the dial downwards at the first image will take you to the

previous index screen.

• Jump to the next/previous index screen with the CARD +/– buttons.

3. Press the

index screen button.

• The image you have marked fills the whole display.

113

Settings of the Still Image recorded to a memory card

REC

Immediately after you have recorded a still image to a memory card, you can

check the image without switching the operation mode by the POWER switch.

(CARD PHOTO REVIEW)

You can also easily erase unwanted images while viewing still images recorded to

memory card, protect images from accidental erasure, or mark an image for

printing. (File Operation)

• Card Photo Review is set in CARD CAMERA mode and File Operation is set

in CARD PLAY (VCR) mode.

Preventing accidental erasure (Protect

)

Select important images and protect them from accidental erasure.

• If a memory card is formatted, however, all images, including protected images,

will be permanently erased.

• The pre-recorded sample images provided on the supplied MultiMediaCard are

already protected.

There are 3 ways to protect a still image (including the ways to cancel the setting).

CARD

CAMERA

➡ CARD PHOTO REVIEW menu ( 115)

PLAY

(VCR)

SINGLE

➡ File Operation menu

(

116)

(

PLAY

(VCR)

INDEX

➡ Card Operations submenu

117)

Marking a still image for printing (Print Mark

)

An image on a memory card must be marked before it can be printed. The

camcorder supports the

DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) print format.

Images can be automatically printed on a DPOF-supporting Canon Printer. Up to

50 images per memory card can be print marked.

There are 3 ways to mark a still image for printing (including the ways to cancel

the setting).

To mark an image for printing or erase print marks one at a time

PLAY

SINGLE

CARD

➡ File Operation menu

(

116)

(

(VCR)

PLAY

(VCR)

INDEX

CARD

➡ Card Operations submenu

118)

119)

To erase all print marks

PLAY

SINGLE

CARD

➡ Card Operations submenu

(

(VCR)

114

Erasing still images

Erase images singly or all at once.

• You cannot erase protected images. Cancel image protection first in order to

erase an image.

•

Erase images with caution. Once an image has been erased, it cannot be restored.

There are 3 ways to erase a single image.

To erase images one at a time

CARD

CAMERA

➡ CARD PHOTO REVIEW menu ( 115)

PLAY

(VCR)

SINGLE

CARD

➡ File Operation menu

(

116)

To erase images one at a time or erase all images on the memory card at once

PLAY

SINGLE

CARD

➡ Card Operations submenu

(

120)

(VCR)

SINGLE

: When playing back an image in CARD PLAY (VCR) mode

: When displaying an index screen in CARD PLAY (VCR) mode

INDEX

CARD PHOTO REVIEW

CARD

CAMERA

1. During/after recoding a still image, press the CARD – button to

open the CARD PHOTO REVIEW menu.

• If you press the button after recording a still image, the last image recorded

appears in the display.

• If you press the button while recording a still image, the menu appears

immediately.

• PROTECT

, IMAGE ERASE settings appear.

• If you select |RETURN, the still image disappears.

To protect an image

2. Select PROTECT

and press the selector dial in.

• The

protect mark appears on the image.

• Now you are unable to erase this image.

• Press the selector dial again to cancel it.

• If you select |RETURN, the still image disappears.

To erase an image

2. Select IMAGE ERASE and press the selector dial in.

• ERASE THIS IMAGE? NO YES appears in the display.

3. Select YES and press the selector dial in.

• The image is erased.

115

File Operation (FILE OPER.)

PLAY

CARD

(VCR)

1. With an image in the display, press the selector dial in to open the

FILE OPER. menu.

• PROTECT

, PRINT MARK , and IMAGE ERASE settings appear.

• If you select |RETURN, the menu disappears from the display.

To protect an image

2. Select PROTECT

and press the selector dial in.

• The

protect mark appears on the image.

• Now you are unable to erase this image.

• Press the selector dial again to cancel it.

• If you select |RETURN, the menu disappears from the display.

• To cancel image protection, select PROTECT

and press the selector dial

in. disappears and now you can erase this image.

To mark an image for Printing (Print Mark)

2. Select PRINT MARK

and press the selector dial in.

• The

print mark appears on the image.

• Press the selector dial again to cancel it.

• If you select |RETURN, the menu disappears from the display.

• To cancel a print mark, select PRINT MARK

in. disappears.

and press the selector dial

To erase the image

2. Select IMAGE ERASE and press the selector dial in.

• ERASE THIS IMAGE? NO YES appears in the display.

• If you select |RETURN, the menu disappears from the display.

3. Select YES and press the selector dial in.

• The image is erased.

• One image before the erased image appears.

116

Preventing Accidental Erasure (Protect)

REC

SLIDE

SHOW

CARD

This section describes how to protect the still image from the Card Operation

submenu when displaying an index screen in CARD PLAY (VCR) mode

(including the way to cancel the setting) .

You can also protect a still image through CARD PHOTO REVIEW ( 115) or

File Operation menu ( 116).

Protecting an image while viewing an index screen

PLAY

CARD

(VCR)

CARD OPER.

PROTECT

(

40)

Make sure a memory card that has images recorded on it is inserted into the

camcorder.

1. With an image in the display, press the

index screen button.

• Up to 6 images appear in the display.

• Move the

mark to the image that you want to protect (Index Screen

113)

2. Open the menu and select CARD OPER.

3. Select PROTECT

4. Press the selector dial in.

• The

protect mark appears on the image.

• Now you are unable to erase this image.

• Press the selector dial again to cancel it.

5. Close the menu.

Note:

• To cancel image protection, move the

mark to the protected image and

press the selector dial in. The

protect mark disappears.

117

Marking a Still Image for Printing (Print Mark)

This section describes how to mark the still image for printing from Card

operation submenu in CARD PLAY (VCR) mode (including the way to cancel the

setting).

– When displaying an index screen, you can mark the image for printing.

– When playing back a single image, you can erase all print marks.

You can also mark a still image for printing through File Operation menu

(

116).

Marking an image for printing while viewing an index screen

PLAY

CARD

(VCR)

CARD OPER.

PRINT MARK

(

40)

Make sure a memory card that has images recorded on it has been inserted into

the camcorder.

1. With an image in the display, press the

index screen button.

• Up to 6 images appear in the display.

• Move the

printing (Index Screen

mark to the image that you want to mark an image for

113).

2. Open the menu and select CARD OPER.

3. Select PRINT MARK

4. Press the selector dial in.

• The

print mark appears next to the image.

• Press the selector dial again to cancel it.

5. Close the menu.

Notes:

• To cancel a print mark, move

to the print-marked image and press the

selector dial in. The

print mark disappears.

• If there are a large number of images recorded on the memory card, it may take

time for a print mark to appear on an image.

118

Erasing all print marks

PLAY

CARD

(VCR)

CARD OPER.

PRINT MARKS ALL ERASE

(

40)

Make sure a memory card that has images recorded on it has been inserted into

the camcorder.

1. With an image in the display, open the menu and select CARD

OPER.

2. Select PRINT MARKS

ALL ERASE.

• ERASE ALL PRINT MARKS

? YES NO appears in the display.

3. Select YES.

• The

print mark disappears from the image.

4. Close the menu.

119

Erasing Still Images

REC

SLIDE

SHOW

CARD

This section describes how to erase the still image from the Card Operation

submenu when playing back a single image in CARD PLAY (VCR) mode.

(SINGLE or ALL)

You can also erase a still image through CARD PHOTO REVIEW ( 115) or

File Operation menu ( 116).

PLAY

CARD

(VCR)

CARD OPER.

IMAGE ERASE

(

40)

Make sure a memory card that has images recorded on it is inserted into the

camcorder.

To erase images one at a time

1. Select the image you want to erase.

• Use the index screen ( 113) or card jump function ( 113) if necessary

and make sure the image you want to erase fills the display.

• If you use the index screen, press the

index screen button after selecting

the image. The image you selected fills the whole display.

2. Open the menu and select CARD OPER.

3. Select IMAGE ERASE.

• CANCEL, SINGLE and ALL settings appear.

• To cancel erasing, select CANCEL and close the menu.

4. Select SINGLE.

• ERASE THIS IMAGE? NO YES appears in the display.

120

5. Select YES.

• The image erases and the previous image appears for erasing.

• To erase another single image, move to that image with the CARD +/–

buttons, and select YES.

• If the image you are trying to erase is a protected image, YES appears in

purple and is unselectable.

• If you select NO, you return to step 4.

6. Close the menu.

To erase all images on the memory card at once

1. Open the menu and select CARD OPER.

2. Select IMAGE ERASE.

• CANCEL, SINGLE and ALL settings appear.

• To cancel erasing, select CANCEL and close the menu.

3. Select ALL.

• ERASE ALL IMAGES? [EXCEPT FOR

IMAGES] NO YES appears in

the display.

4. Select YES.

• All images except the protected ones are erased.

• If you select NO, you return to step 2.

5. Close the menu.

121

Combining Images and Recording Them to a Cassette (Card Mix)

Liven up your productions by superimposing one image on top of the other.

Combine 2 still images or a still image and a moving image. Choose a still image

from the memory card, either one of the pre-recorded sample images ( 130) or

one you have recorded yourself, then combine it with the currently recording

image, moving or still.

Select from 3 types of Card Mix effects:

CARD CHROMA (Card chroma key)

The currently recording image appears in place of the blue area of a pre-recorded

still image such as a picture frame. When recording your own still image for

overlapping, make sure to record the area in which you want the new image to

appear blue, with a blue curtain as a background, for example. Adjust the mix

level in the blue area of the pre-recorded image.

Image being recorded

by the camcorder

Still image

CARD LUMI. (Card luminance key)

The currently recording image appears in place of the light area of a still picture

such as a hand-written illustration or title. Make your own by drawing or writing

on a white piece of paper. Adjust the mix level in the light area of the still image.

Image being recorded

by the camcorder

Still image

122

CAM. CHROMA (Camera chroma key)

Superimpose the currently recording image on top of a still image, which

becomes its background. Shoot the subject of the currently recording image

against a blue background, such as a blue curtain. The original still image will

appear in place of the blue area. Adjust the mix level in the blue area.

Image being recorded

by the camcorder

Still image

Mix level

The mix level bar appears. Adjust the mix level using the – and + at the ends of

the bar as guides.

REC

TAPE

CAMERA

–

MIX LEVEL•••

CARD MIX

MIX TYPE••••CARD CHROMA

(

40)

Make sure a memory card that has images recorded on it and a cassette have been

inserted into the camcorder.

Select

1. Make sure the camcorder is set to the (program AE) mode.

• You cannot use Card Mix in the Night recording program.

2. Open the menu and select

CARD MIX.

3. Press the CARD +/– buttons to select the still image to be

combined.

123

4. Select MIX TYPE.

• CARD CHROMA, CARD LUMI., CAM. CHROMA settings appear.

5. Select the desired setting.

• Your currently recording image is combined with the pre-recorded still

image.

6. Select MIX LEVEL.

7. Adjust the mix level.

• Turning the selector dial upwards adjusts to the right and turning

downwards adjusts to the left.

8. Close the menu.

• CARD MIX flashes in the display.

On/Off

9. Press the card MIX button.

• CARD MIX stops flashing.

• Your currently recording image is combined with the pre-recorded still

image.

• Each time you press the card MIX button, your selection is activated

(display lights continuously) or deactivated (display flashes).

For movies

1. Press the start/stop button to start and stop recording.

• The combined images are recorded onto the cassette.

For stills

1. Press the PHOTO button halfway down and hold it.

• F flashes white in the display as the camcorder adjusts the focus and it is

displayed continuously as a green mark when the camcorder is ready to take

the image.

2. Press the PHOTO button fully down to record the image to the

cassette.

• F disappears from the display.

• The combined images are recorded onto the cassette for approximately 6

seconds ( MV550i 8 seconds in the SP or LP recording mode).

Notes:

• If you change the position of the POWER switch, select your still image for

Card Mix again.

• When setting Card Mix, you must carry out steps 1 to 5.

124

Copying Still Images from a Cassette

REC

Copies multiple still images from a tape to the memory card, using the Photo

Search function.

• The still images’ data codes will reflect the date and time the copies are made.

PLAY

TAPE

(VCR)

[

COPY

]

CARD OPER.

(

40)

Make sure a memory card that has enough memory available and a recorded

cassette have been inserted into the camcorder.

1. Locate the first still image on the cassette that you want to copy

and stop the cassette at a point before that image.

• All the still images on the cassette after that point will be copied onto the

memory card.

• If you want to copy all the images on a cassette, rewind the cassette to the

beginning.

2. Open the menu and select CARD OPER.

[

]

3. Select COPY

• CANCEL and EXECUTE settings appear.

4. Select EXECUTE.

• Select CANCEL to stop copying.

• Cassette and card information appear in the display and copying starts.

[

]

• NOW COPYING

appears in the display.

• The camcorder automatically performs the Photo Search function to locate

still images and copying starts. The currently copying image appears in the

display.

• Copying stops when the cassette is finished or the memory card is full.

When the memory card is full, CARD FULL will appear in the display.

5. Press the stop button when your desired images have finished

copying.

125

Copying Memory Card Still Images to a Cassette

REC

FOCUS

AE SHIFT

SLIDE SHOW

Copies multiple still images from the memory card to a cassette.

• The still images’ data codes will reflect the date and time the copies are made.

•

MV550i The SP and LP recording modes are not available when copying

memory card images to a cassette.

[

COPY

]

CARD OPER.

(

40)

Make sure a memory card that has images recorded on it and a cassette that has

enough recordable space have been inserted into the camcorder.

PLAY

TAPE

(VCR)

1. Locate the point on the cassette where you want to start copying

and set it to stop.

PLAY

CARD

(VCR)

2. Select the first image you want to copy by using the CARD +/–

buttons.

• Still images on the memory card including and after that image will be

copied onto the cassette.

• If you want to copy all the still images on the memory card, select the first

image.

3. Open the menu and select CARD OPER.

[

]

4. Select COPY

• CANCEL and EXECUTE settings appear.

5. Select EXECUTE.

• Select CANCEL to stop copying.

• Cassette and card information appear in the display and copying starts.

[

]

• NOW COPYING

appears in the display.

• Each image is copied for about 6 seconds on the cassette.

• Copying stops when all the images have been copied or the tape is full.

6. Press the button when your desired images have finished

copying.

126

Formatting a Memory Card

Format new memory cards, if you get the message CARD ERROR, or to

permanently and quickly erase all the images on a memory card, including

protected images (this includes the pre-recorded card mix sample images).

The MultiMediaCard supplied with this camcorder has already been formatted for

you.

• Be cautious when formatting recorded memory cards. All images will be

permanently erased.

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

with the camcorder, not a PC or other device.

PLAY

CARD

(VCR)

CARD OPER.

FORMAT

(

40)

Make sure a memory card is inserted into the camcorder.

1. Open the menu and select CARD OPER.

2. Select FORMAT.

• CANCEL and EXECUTE settings appear.

3. Select EXECUTE.

• Select CANCEL to cancel formatting.

• FORMAT THIS CARD? NO YES appears to confirm.

4. Select YES.

• Formatting starts.

• If you select NO, you return to step 3.

5. Close the menu.

127

Utilizing memory card still images on a PC

You can download still images from a memory card to a PC connected to the

camcorder via the USB interface. By using the software provided, you can

organize, store and print out still images. When printing still images, you can add

titles and frames to them.

Use the USB cable and the Canon Digital Video Solution Disk software provided

with the camcorder.

• For details on how to connect the camcorder to a PC and install and operate the

software, refer to the Canon Digital Video Solution Disk instruction manual.

• Refer also to your PC manual.

: Signal flow

IFC-300PCU USB cable

1. Install the software.

2. Connect the camcorder and the PC with an USB cable.

3. Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to PLAY (VCR) and move

the TAPE/CARD switch to CARD.

• “PC CONNECT [USB]” appears in the display to indicate that USB

connection is being performed.

4. Install the USB driver.

5. Start the software and download still images from the memory

card to the computer.

Caution:

• The connection may not work properly depending on the specifications and

settings of the software and PC.

• The image files on your memory card and the image files you have stored

(downloaded) to the hard disk drive of your computer are your valuable,

original image files. If you wish to use image files on your computer, be sure to

make copies of them first, and use the copied file, retaining the original.

Notes:

While performing USB connection:

• The buttons, excluding the POWER switch, on the camcorder cannot be used.

• Even if BUTTONLIGHT is set to ON through the menu, buttons do not light

up.

128

Other Information and Precautions

The camcorder formats memory cards in DCF (Design rule for Camera File

system).

Images recorded on a memory card with this camcorder can also be transferred to

a PC with the use of the following products made for MultiMediaCards or SD

Memory Cards:

PC Card Adapter: Holds a memory card then inserts into the PC card slot found

on most types of laptop PCs.

USB Card Reader: Connects to a PC, then accepts a memory card.

FD Adapter: Holds a memory card then inserts into a PC’s floppy disk drive.

Memory Cards confirmed to operate with this camcorder (as of January

2002)

MultiMediaCard—

SanDisk: 8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB

SD Memory Card—

Panasonic: 8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB

SanDisk: 8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB

• However, we cannot guarantee that all of these memory cards work properly.

If you mistakenly erase the card mix sample images provided on the

MultiMediaCard, they can be downloaded from the following home pages:*

http://www.canon-europa.com/products/products.html

http://www.canon-asia.com/

http://www.canon.com.au

*If you are unable to connect the camcorder to a PC using a USB cable, you will

need a PC Card Adapter or USB Card Reader to be able to download to a

memory card.

Memory card operating precautions

• If you purchase additional memory cards, format them with the camcorder, not

a PC or other device. There have been cases where memory cards formatted

with a PC or other device do not function properly.

• We recommend saving backups of memory card images on your PC’s hard

drive or other external memory device. Image data may be damaged or lost due

to a defect in a memory card, or if a memory card is exposed to static

electricity. Contents of a memory card cannot be compensated for should data

become damaged or lost.

• Do not remove the power source or the memory card while the card access

indicator flashes.

129

• Do not use memory cards in places subject to strong magnetic fields.

• Do not disassemble memory cards.

• Do not bend or drop memory cards, or expose them to strong vibrations or

external shocks.

• Do not get memory cards wet.

• Do not remove the memory card’s label or affix other labels. Affix labels to the

memory card’s case.

• Do not leave memory cards in places subject to high temperature or high

humidity.

• Moving a memory card rapidly between hot and cold temperatures may cause

condensation to form on it, leading to malfunctions. Avoid this problem by

placing the memory card in a plastic bag and letting it slowly adjust to

temperature changes before removing it from the bag. If condensation should

occur, maintain the memory card at a constant temperature and let the moisture

evaporate naturally.

• Do not touch the memory card’s terminals or let dust or dirt come in contact

with the terminals. Store and carry memory cards in their case to protect the

terminal area.

• There is only one correct way to insert memory cards into the camcorder. Do

not forcefully insert the memory cards backwards or upside down. This could

damage the memory card or the camcorder.

Sample images

• The following are the sample images that have been pre-recorded on the

included MultiMediaCard. There are a total of 15 images: 8 Card chroma key

images, 5 Card luminance key images and 2 Camera chroma key images.

Card chroma key

130

Card luminance key

Camera chroma key

• The pre-recorded sample images on the MultiMediaCard included with this

camcorder are intended solely for the personal enjoyment gained from

combining them with personal videos taken with this camcorder. Do not use the

pre-recorded sample images for any other purpose.

MultiMediaCard MMC-8M Specifications

Capacity

8 MB

Interface

Operating temperature range

Dimensions

MultiMediaCard standard

0°C–40°C (32°F–140°F)

32 × 24 × 1.4 mm

1.5 g

Weight

Weight and dimensions are approximate.

Errors and omissions excepted.

Subject to change without notice.

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The PhotoEssentials suite of royalty-free images on CD-ROM features premium quality

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multimedia, websites, books, packaging and more.

For more information, please visit their website www.photoessentials.com

131

Preparing the Camcorder

Adjust the viewfinder

• Set the camcorder to TAPE CAMERA

mode. Extend the viewfinder straight

out, then adjust the viewfinder focusing

lever to suit your eyesight.

• Rotate the viewfinder to an angle that

allows you to view comfortably. Store

the camcorder with the viewfinder flush

with the body of the camcorder.

• To view with the viewfinder, make sure

the LCD panel is either turned so that the

subject can monitor viewing, or totally

closed with the screen facing inwards.

• Be careful not to leave the viewfinder exposed to bright sunlight, or it will

melt. (The light is concentrated by the viewfinder lens.) Adjust the angle of the

viewfinder to prevent sunlight from entering.

Prepare the lens cap

• Attach the cord to the lens cap, and

pass the grip belt through the loop on

the cord.

• Hook the lens cap on to the grip belt

while you are recording, and place it

over the lens when you have finished.

Fasten the grip belt

• Release the Velcro fastening and hold

the camcorder with your right hand

while you adjust the belt with your left.

Your index finger should reach the

zoom control and photo button, and

your thumb should reach the start/stop

button comfortably.

132

Attach the shoulder strap

• For extra security and portability, attach

the shoulder strap before using the

camcorder.

• Pass the ends through the attachment

bars and adjust the length as shown.

133

Notes on Using the Batteries

Charging and recording times

• These times vary — the safest policy is always to have 2 or 3 times as many

battery packs as you think you will need.

• You will get more recording time if you turn the camcorder off between shots,

instead of leaving it in record pause mode.

Maximum recording time

Time needed for

full recharge

MV550i

Using viewfinder Using LCD screen

BP-512

1 hr. 20 min.

2 hr. 15 min.

3 hr. 15 min.

2 hr. 45 min.

5 hr. 50 min.

9 hr. 15 min.

2 hr. 15 min.

4 hr. 40 min.

7 hr. 25 min.

BP-511 (optional)

BP-522 (optional)

BP-535 (optional)

Maximum recording time

Using viewfinder Using LCD screen

Time needed for

full recharge

MV530i

BP-508

1 hr.

1 hr. 30 min.

2 hr. 45 min.

5 hr. 50 min.

9 hr. 15 min.

1 hr. 15 min.

2 hr. 15 min.

4 hr. 45 min.

7 hr. 40 min.

BP-512 (optional)

BP-511 (optional)

BP-522 (optional)

BP-535 (optional)

1 hr. 20 min.

2 hr. 15 min.

3 hr. 15 min.

• You can use the battery pack between 0° and 40°C (32° to 104°F), but it works

best between 10° and 30°C (50° to 86°F). Operating time will be shorter than

usual at low temperatures like a ski ground. For better operating results, the

battery pack can be warmed in your pocket or someplace and then used.

• If the battery pack starts to give you much less operating time than usual (at

normal temperatures), it has reached the end of its life and must be replaced.

Note:

• These figures show how long you can view playback with the LCD, after

attaching a fully-charged battery pack. Playback time will be shortened at low

temperatures.

Playback time (using the LCD screen)

2 hr. 15 min.

MV550i

BP-512

BP-511 (optional)

BP-522 (optional)

BP-535 (optional)

2 hr. 15 min.

4 hr. 45 min.

7 hr. 40 min.

134

Playback time (using the LCD screen)

1 hr. 15 min.

MV530i

BP-508

BP-512 (optional)

BP-511 (optional)

BP-522 (optional)

BP-535 (optional)

2 hr. 20 min.

4 hr. 55 min.

7 hr. 50 min.

How much power is left?

The indicator in the display shows you

approximately how much charge the battery

pack has left:

100%

75%

50%

25%

↓

Notes:

• When the power is completely exhausted,

“CHANGE THE BATTERY PACK” appears

in the display for 4 seconds and the empty

battery mark starts to flash. The power

indicator light also flashes.

CHANGE THE BATTERY PACK

• The indicator is not constant — different

levels will be shown when you subject the

battery pack and camcorder to different

conditions.

When to recharge

You can recharge a lithium ion battery pack whenever it is convenient. Unlike a

conventional battery pack, it does not have to be fully discharged first. However,

as the battery pack will naturally discharge itself over time, it is best to charge it

the same day you plan to use it, or the day before.

135

Taking care of the battery pack

Always attach the terminal cover.

• Do not allow any metal objects to

touch the terminals, as this can cause

a short circuit and damage the battery

pack. Attach the terminal cover

whenever the battery pack is not

being used.

Keep the terminals clean.

• The camcorder, adapter or battery pack will not work properly if the terminals

are dirty. Attach the terminal cover whenever the battery pack is not being used.

Storing the battery pack.

• If you do not use a battery pack for a period of more than a few months any

remaining charge may cause damage to the battery pack, and reduce usage time.

To prevent damage therefore, aim to use a battery pack’s complete charge

before storage. See the optional battery pack’s instructions for further details.

Installing the backup battery

Open the backup battery cover on the battery

attachment unit, and insert the CR2025 lithium

battery with the + side facing outwards. Click the

cover back into place.

This backup battery allows the camcorder to

remember the date and time and other settings

when main power source is removed. It has a life

span of about a year.

When it needs replacing (or if it has not been

installed), the y mark flashes in the display.

Remove the old battery by pushing up then

releasing and lifting out. Make sure to attach a power source to the camcorder

first, so it will remember your chosen settings when you change the battery.

136

DANGER!

Treat the battery pack with care.

• Keep it away from fire (or it might explode).

• Do not expose the battery pack to temperatures greater than 60°C (140°F).

Do not leave it near a heater, or inside a car in hot weather, for example.

• Do not try to disassemble or modify it.

• Do not drop or knock it.

• Do not get it wet.

WARNING!

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

mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 100°C (212°F) or

incinerate.

• Replace the battery with a Sony, Hitachi Maxell, Sanyo or Panasonic CR2025,

or Duracell DL2025. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or

explosion.

• The used battery should be returned to the supplier for safe disposal.

Cautions:

• Do not pick up the battery using tweezers or other metal tools — this will cause

a short circuit.

• Wipe the battery with a clean, dry cloth to ensure proper contact.

• Keep the battery pack out of reach of children — if it is swallowed, contact a

physician immediately, as the battery case may break down and the battery

fluids damage the stomach and intestines.

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

explosion.

137

Maintenance

Cautions

Avoid high temperatures and high humidity.

• Do not leave the camcorder inside a car in hot weather, for example.

• Be careful of heat radiating from video lighting equipment.

• Do not take the camcorder into a humid room.

Avoid sudden changes in temperature.

• If you take the camcorder from a cold place to a warm place, condensation may

form on the lens and internal parts ( 141).

Do not point the lens or viewfinder at strong light sources.

• Never point it at the sun, and do not leave it aimed at a bright subject.

• Be especially careful when leaving the camcorder on a tripod.

Avoid magnetic or electric fields.

• Do not use the camcorder close to TV transmitters, portable communication

devices or other sources of electric or magnetic radiation. They may cause

picture interference, or permanently damage the camcorder.

Do not expose the camcorder to water.

• Cover the camcorder when you are recording in rain or mist.

• There is a risk of electric shock if water gets inside the camcorder — contact

qualified service personnel as soon as possible.

Protect the lens.

• Sand and dust can damage the lens — be especially careful on windy days.

Handle the camcorder gently.

• Vibration or shock can cause damage.

• Do not use the viewfinder or LCD panel as a carrying handle.

Do not disassemble the camcorder.

• This is very dangerous as there is a risk of electric shock — if the camcorder

does not function properly, take it to qualified service personnel.

138

Storage

If you do not intend to use the camcorder for some time, store it in an area which

is free of dust and moisture, and where the temperature is no higher than 30°C

(86°F). After storage, check each part and function of your camcorder to make

sure everything is still working properly.

Note:

• These cautions also apply to accessories such as battery packs and cassettes.

Maintenance

Viewfinder

• Clean the viewfinder screen. Rotate the

viewfinder upwards. Remove the

viewfinder protect cover and clean by

inserting a cotton bud. When finished,

return it flush with the camcorder.

• The viewfinder screen scratches easily.

Take care when cleaning.

LCD

• Clean the LCD screen using a

commercially available cleaning cloth for

glasses.

• Where there is a big change in

temperature, moisture may form on the surface of the screen. Wipe clean with a

soft, dry cloth.

• At low temperatures the display may appear to be much darker than usual. This

is not a fault, and as the screen warms up the display will return to normal.

Camcorder body and lens

• Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the camcorder body or lens. Never use chemically

treated cloth or volatile solvents such as paint thinner.

139

Video heads

• When mosaic-like noise appears on the playback picture,

the video heads may be dirty. When the video heads are

badly contaminated, the camcorder may show a blank blue

screen or a warning.

• For the best picture possible, after using the camcorder for

approximately 20 hours, clean the video heads using Canon’s DVM-CL Digital

Video Head Cleaning Cassette. If the “noise” remains, repeat the cleaning (up

to maximum of 5 times).

• Do not use a wet-type cleaning cassette, as this can cause damage.

Using the camcorder abroad

Power sources

• You can use the compact power adapter to operate your camcorder and charge

battery packs in any country where the electricity supply is between 100 and

240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Contact your Canon dealer for information about plug

adapters for overseas use.

TV playback

• Although you can always play back your recordings on the LCD screen, your

camcorder can only be connected to TVs which use its PAL system. This TV

system is used in the following countries:

Algeria, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brunei, China, Denmark,

Finland, Germany, HongKong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jordan,

Kenya, Kuwait, Liberia, Malaysia, Malta, Mozambique, the Netherlands, New

Zealand, North Korea, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Portugal, Qatar, Sierra Leone,

Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland,

Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom,

Yemen, former Yugoslavia, Zambia.

140

Condensation

Condensation may form on the camcorder when it is moved from a cold place to a

warm place. Using the camcorder while condensation is present can damage both

the tape and the camcorder.

Condensation may become a problem:

When you take the camcorder from a cold

place to a warm room

When a cold room is heated rapidly

When the camcorder is left in a humid

room

When the camcorder is taken from an air-

conditioned room to a warm, humid place

Protecting the camcorder from condensation

• Before you take the camcorder to a warm or humid place where condensation is

likely to be a problem, unload the cassette and put the camcorder in a plastic

bag. Wait until the camcorder reaches room temperature before you take it out

of the bag.

What happens when condensation is detected

• “CONDENSATION HAS BEEN DETECTED” is displayed for approximately

four seconds. Then, the power indicator flashes and the mark flashes in the

display. If there is a cassette in the camcorder, it stops automatically and

“REMOVE THE CASSETTE” is displayed for approximately 4 seconds and

then v flashes in the display. If you have the beep turned on, it will sound.

• The camcorder may not detect the condensation immediately — the

condensation warning may not start flashing for 10 to 15 minutes.

• You cannot load a cassette when condensation is detected.

What you should do

• Remove the cassette, leave the cassette compartment open, and turn the

camcorder off.

• Leave it in a dry place until the condensation evaporates. After the condensation

warning stops flashing, wait at least another hour before trying to use the

camcorder.

141

Troubleshooting

Refer to this checklist first if you have any problems with your camcorder.

Possible explanations are given for each problem on the list — turn to the page

numbers in parentheses for more information.

Make sure that the camcorder is properly connected if you are using it with a TV

or VCR. Consult your dealer or service outlet if problems persist.

Recording/Playback

Problem

Cause and/or what to do about it

? Nothing happens when I press the

• The camcorder is not set to the

buttons.

appropriate mode (

• The cassette is not loaded or is set for

erasure prevention ( 17-18).

• The cassette has reached the end.

19, 29).

•

The power source is not properly

connected, or the battery pack is

exhausted or not properly attached

(

12-16, 135).

• The function cannot be used in that

recording program ( 59).

? The camcorder turned itself off.

• The camcorder was in record pause

mode for more than about 5 minutes

(

19, 108, 154).

• The battery pack is exhausted

13-16, 135).

(

? The cassette compartment stopped • The battery pack’s power is

mid-operation while

loading/unloading a cassette.

exhausted. Recharge or change to a

new battery pack ( 13-16).

? The start/stop button doesn’t

• The cassette is not loaded or is set for

erasure prevention ( 17-18).

work.

• The cassette has reached the end.

? There’s no picture in the display.

• The camcorder is not set to the

appropriate mode (

19, 29).

? There’s a blank blue screen in the

• You are attempting to play back or

record copyright protected material

display.

(

90).

• The video heads are badly

contaminated ( 140).

142

• The camcorder is on manual focus

79).

• The viewfinder lens needs adjusting

132).

• The lens is dirty (

? The camcorder won’t focus.

(

139).

Note:

• Some subjects are not suitable for autofocus. In these situations, you will often

get better results using manual focus ( 79). Focus on something which is

about the same distance away, lock the focus, and then point the camcorder at

your original, hard-to-focus subject.

Horizontal stripes Many subjects at

different distances

Behind glass

Dark subjects

Without much

contrast (e.g. a

white wall)

Reflective surfaces

(e.g. shiny car

surfaces)

Fast moving

objects

Night scenes

Recording/Playback (Cont.)

Problem

Cause and/or what to do about it

? Some/all of the digital effects don’t • There are a number of restrictions on

work. using the digital effects ( 63-67).

? The e (play) button doesn’t work. • The camcorder is not set to TAPE

PLAY (VCR) mode ( 29).

• The cassette is not loaded ( 17).

• The cassette has reached the end.

? There’s a bright stripe on the

• When recording in dark places a

bright light in the scene may cause a

vertical light bar (“smear”) to appear.

This is a normal feature of

screen.

camcorders.

? The playback picture is rough

• The video heads need cleaning

(with mosaic-like noise).

(

140).

143

• AV/PHONES is not set to AV in the

menu.

• AV \ DV OUT (Analog-digital

converter) is not set to OFF in the

menu.

? There’s no picture on the TV

screen.

• The video heads need cleaning

? There’s no picture on the TV

screen, even though the tape is

moving.

(

140).

• The TV/VIDEO selector on the TV

isn’t set to VIDEO ( 34-36).

• The speaker has been turned off with

the selector dial ( 32).

• Headphones are being used.

? There’s no sound coming from the

speaker during playback.

Memory card operations

Problem

Cause and/or what to do about it

? The memory card will not insert.

• It is not turned the right way

(

105). Turn it the right way and

try inserting again.

? The

mark flashes red in the

• Turn the camcorder's power off and

back on again and remove and

reinsert the card. If the mark

continues to flash, format the

memory card.

display even though a memory

card has been inserted.

? Nothing happens when I press the

• The camcorder is not set to CARD

CAMERA or CARD PLAY (VCR)

buttons.

(

108, 112) mode.

• The memory card is not inserted

105).

(

• You are using an SD Memory Card and

it is set for erasure prevention. Change

the position of the protect switch.

• The memory card is full. Erase

images ( 115) or insert a new

memory card.

• The power source is not properly

connected, or the battery pack is

exhausted or not properly attached

(

12-16, 135).

• The function cannot be used in that

recording program ( 59).

144

• The memory card is not loaded

105).

? The PHOTO button doesn’t work.

(

• You are using an SD Memory Card and

it is set for erasure prevention. Change

the position of the protect switch.

• The memory card is full. Erase

images ( 115) or insert a new

memory card.

• You have reached the maximum file

number. Set the file numbering to

RESET through the menu ( 107)

and insert a new memory card.

• You are using an unformatted

memory card. Format the card

(

127).

• The image is protected ( 114).

• You are using an SD Memory Card

and it is set for erasure prevention.

Change the position of the protect

switch.

? The image cannot be erased.

Miscellaneous

Problem

Cause and/or what to do about it

? The wireless controller doesn’t

• The remote sensor mode is set to

OFFB in the menu ( 50).

work.

• The remote sensor modes of the

wireless controller and the camcorder

itself are different ( 50).

• The batteries are dead or not inserted.

? The power indicator is flashing.

• Check the screen displays ( 150).

? The camcorder malfunctions.

• External interference may cause the

camcorder’s microprocessor to

malfunction temporarily. If random

letters appear in the display or if

normal operation is interrupted,

remove and then replace the power

source.

? The DV cable is connected

correctly, but there’s nothing in

the display.

• Remove the cable and then reconnect

it or turn the power off and back on

again.

? The camcorder becomes warm

• This is not a malfunction.

during use.

145

The MV550i/MV530i System Diagram (Availability differs from area to area)

WS-20 Wrist Strap

WD-30.5 Wide-

converter

SS-800 Shoulder Strap

WL-D77

Wireless

Controller

TL-30.5 Tele-

converter

MiniDV

Video

Cassette

BP-500 Series

Battery Pack

CR-560 Charge Adapter/

Car Battery Cable Kit

FS-30.5U

Filter Set

CA-560 Compact

Power Adapter

BP-500 Series

Battery Pack

ZR-1000 Zoom

Remote Controller

S-150 S-video Cable

VCR

VL-3 Video Light

MV550i

PC-A10

SCART

Adapter

STV-250N

Stereo Video Cable

DM-50 Directional

Stereo Microphone

CV-150F DV Cable

Digital Device

PC Card Adapter

USB Card Reader

FD Adapter

VL-10Li

Battery Video Light

BP-900 Series

Battery Pack

MultiMediaCard

SD Memory Card

Stereo Microphone

(commercially

available)

IFC-300PCU USB Cable

Personal Computer

CV-150F/CV-250F DV Cable

SC-1000 Soft

Carrying Case

146

Optional Accessories

BP-500 Series Battery Packs

BP-522

BP-535

BP-512

The battery pack BP-508 is not available as

an option. When you need extra battery

packs, select from the following: BP-511,

BP-512, BP-522 and BP-535.

CR-560 Charge Adapter/Car Battery

Cable Kit

Connect the car battery cable to power

your camcorder or recharge battery packs

on the move. The car battery cable plugs

into your car’s cigarette lighter socket and

runs off a 12-24 V DC negative ground

battery.

Also, when used with the CA-560 Compact

Power Adapter, this charge adapter can

charge the BP-500 series lithium ion

battery packs from a mains outlet.

TL-30.5 Tele-converter

This tele-converter lens increases the focal

length of the camcorder lens by a factor of

1.9.

• The image stabilizer is not as effective as

usual when the tele-converter is attached.

• With the TL-30.5 Tele-converter, the

image quality may be degraded at the

telephoto side.

WD-30.5 Wide-converter

This lens decreases focal length by a factor

of 0.7, giving you a wide perspective for

indoor shots or panoramic views.

147

FS-30.5U Filter Set

Neutral density and MC protector filters to

help you take control of difficult lighting

conditions.

MV550i VL-3 Video Light

Attach the Video Light to a camcorder

when recording in dark rooms. When on its

automatic setting, the Video Light turns

on/off automatically according to the

brightness level of shooting conditions.

VL-10Li Battery Video Light

This compact yet powerful video light can

be used for both indoor and outdoor

shooting.

• Use the BP-900 Series battery packs to

power the light. Approximate usage times

are as follows:

BP-915 60 min. BP-930 120 min.

BP-945 170 min.

• Charge the BP-900 Series battery packs

with the CA-910 Compact Power Adapter

(optional).

MV550i DM-50 Directional Stereo

Microphone

This highly sensitive, super-directional

microphone attaches to a camcorder's

advanced accessory shoe. It is a highly

sensitive microphone that can be switched

between functioning as a directional

microphone (monaural) or a stereo

microphone that also clearly picks up

sounds arriving from the front of the

microphone, for full recorded sound.

148

Zoom Remote Controller ZR-1000

When this product is plugged into the

LANC m terminal of a Canon camcorder, it

is possible to control functions such as the

start and stop of recording and the zoom

and focusing functions while the camcorder

is mounted on a tripod, without touching

the camcorder body itself.

WS-20 Wrist Strap

Provides an extra measure of protection for

active shooting.

SC-1000 Soft Carrying Case

A handy camcorder bag with padded

compartments and plenty of space for

accessories.

I_N

This mark identifies genuine Canon video accessories. When you

use Canon video equipment, we recommend Canon-brand

accessories or products bearing the same mark.

^OS

149

Screen Displays

To display the date and time, press the

DATA CODE button. See also p. 82.

SCREEN

Press the wireless controller’s TV

SCREEN button or turn TV SCREEN

on through the menu to see the other

displays on the TV screen. (The

displays appear white on-screen.) They

will not be added to any recordings you

make with the camcorder.

DATA

CODE

TAPE

CAMERA

CARD

CAMERA

DISP. SET UP

TV SCREEN•••ON

(

40)

To turn TV SCREEN off, open the menu and select DISP. SET UP.

Then select TV SCREEN, set it to OFF and close the menu.

For instructions on how to hook the camcorder up to your TV, see p. 33.

Turning off the LCD screen displays

You can turn off the displays to give you a clear screen for playback.

PLAY

(VCR)

PLAY

(VCR)

TAPE

CARD

DISP.SET UP

DISPLAYS••••ON

(

40)

To turn the display off, open the menu and select DISP. SET UP.

Then select DISPLAYS, set it to OFF <PLAYBK> and close the

menu.

• If you turn the displays off, the LCD screen will be completely blank

(including connected TV screen), but the camcorder will continue to show

warning/caution displays when necessary, and the data code appears in the

display if it is set to ON.

• When operating the camcorder, the displays appear for 2 seconds. However,

the displays do not disappear when displaying an index screen.

indicates a flashing display.

PAUSE

Record pause mode

19)

The backup battery is

not properly installed,

or needs replacing

(

REC

Recording (

20)

(

136).

150

Shows how much

battery power remains

REW

Rewind (

29)

(

135).

Fast forward playback

(

30)

The battery pack is

exhausted (

135).

Rewind playback

30)

(

Frame advance

No cassette is loaded,

or it is set for erasure

prevention

playback (

30)

Frame reverse

playback (

30)

(

17, 18).

Playback pause

(forward and reverse)

Remaining tape

(Green: more than five

minutes.

5min

(

30)

Yellow: less than five

minutes.

Red: final few

seconds.)

Slow playback

(forward and reverse)

(

30)

×2 playback (forward

×2

...finally, it tells you

when you have

completely run out of

tape.

and reverse) ( 31)

END

×1 playback (forward

and reverse)

×1

(

29, 31)

The camcorder is

ejecting the tape

EJECT

Photo Search (

85)

(

17).

PHOTO SEARCH

DATE SEARCH

Date Search (

The safety mechanism

is activated. Unload

the cassette and turn

the camcorder off.

Turn it on again and

reload the cassette.

Zero set memory

RTN

(forward and reverse)

86)

(

AV Insert Editing

95)

(

AV INSERT

Recording mode

(

21)

STOP

Playback is stopped

29).

(

Audio Dubbing

98)

(

AUDIO DUB.

Normal playback

29)

(

Fast forward (

29)

151

The remote sensor is

turned off ( 50).

Zoom display (

Optical zoom

24):

Optical plus 88×/72×

digital zoom

Self-timer countdown

72)

10sec

SELF–T.

(

Optical plus 440×/

360× digital zoom

Zero set memory

86)

0:00:00

(

Zoom in

Audio mode (

Data code (

70)

16bit

Zoom out

82)

F1.8

The image stabilizer

is turned on (

1/250

12:00 AM

1.JAN.2002

58).

CAM.MENU

SEL.S

CAM. MENU

Photo mode (

56)

PHOTO

CARD MIX

CAM.SET UP

VCR SET UP

(

42)

DISP.SET UP

SYSTEM

• Setting the AF/AE. F

mark flashes white

RETURN

VCR MENU

SEL.S

VCR MENU (

43)

• AF/AE locked. F

mark lights up green

VCR SET UP

CARD SET UP

CARD OPER.

DISP.SET UP

SYSTEM

• Timer

RETURN

6sec

C.CAM. MENU

C.CAM MENU

SEL.S

Recording programs

(

45)

CAM.SET UP

CARD SET UP

VCR SET UP

DISP.SET UP

SYSTEM

(

59).

AUTO

SPORTS

PORTRAIT

SPOTLIGHT

SAND&SNOW

LOW LIGHT

NIGHT

RETURN

C.PLAY MENU

46)

C.PLAY MENU

SEL.S

(

CARD OPER.

VCR SET UP

DISP.SET UP

SYSTEM

RETURN

MV550i Accessory is

attached to advanced

accessory shoe

CARD PHOTO

REVIEW MENU

115)

CARD PHOTO REVIEW

(

74, 75).

PROTECT

IMAGE ERASE

RETURN

(

AE Shift (

76)

AE +2.0

M.FOCUS

FILE OPER. MENU

116)

FILE OPER.

Manual focus is

selected ( 79).

(

PROTECT

PRINT MARK

IMAGE ERASE

RETURN

152

STEREO1

STEREO2

MIX/FIXED

Shutter speed (

77)

Audio output (

Mix balance (

101)

1/250

White balance is

MIX/VARI.

(

80)

Set

Indoor

ST–1

ST–2

Outdoor

The 16:9 mode: the

display flashes when

the effect is being

selected, and appears

steadily when it is

Audio input and

Microphone input

16:9

(

99)

AUDIO IN

MIC.IN

Audio input

activated (

22).

Microphone input

Digital effects. The

display flashes when

the function is being

selected and appears

steadily when it is

FADE–T

WIPE

DV IN

AV DV

DV input (

88, 111)

93)

WIPE

M.FADE

ART

Analog-digital

converter (

activated (

63).

BLK&WHT

SEPIA

MOSAIC

Condensation warning

141)

(

The wind screen is

WSON

turned on (

71).

Memory Card Displays

No memory card is

inserted ( 105)

Volume level (

Speaker

32):

Image quality(

Standard

105)

STD

SPEAKER

–

Headphones

FINE

Fine

PHONES

–

SPEAKER

OFF

Folder number-File

number ( 107)

101-0101

The AV/headphones

terminal is switched

to headphones

SLIDE SHOW

Slide show in

progress (

PHONES

113)

(

33).

Recording to a

memory card

>>>>

(

109)

153

Time Code

The number of still

images that can still be

recorded on the

0:12:34:12

memory card (

(Green: 6 or more

images.

Yellow: Between 1 and

5 images

106)

This records counter information,

including hour, minute, second, and

frame number on a special data code

area on the tape itself. It is reset

automatically when a new tape is

loaded. In TAPE CAMERA mode, the

frame number doesn’t appear in the

display.

Red: No more images)

Accessing a memory

<<<< 9/99

card (

112)

Current still

9/99

Recording reminder

image/Total number of

still images on the

memory card

0sec

(

112)

Protect mark (

114)

10sec

Card mix (

122)

CARD MIX

When you start recording, the

camcorder counts from 0SEC to

10SEC. Shots which are shorter than

ten seconds may be difficult to edit

later. On the other hand, if you are not

planning to edit the recording,

remember that a shot which does not

contain action should generally last no

longer than 10 seconds.

Print mark (

Data code (

114)

82)

12:00 AM

1.JAN.2002

Formatting a memory

card ( 127).

“

AUTO POWER OFF”

AUTOPOWEROFF

Erasing still images

120).

(

• The camcorder will turn itself off if

you leave it in record pause mode for

more than about 5 minutes. This

display appears 20 seconds (approx.)

before the camcorder turns off.

Connecting to a PC

128).

(

154

Caution phrases

The camcorder displays various caution phrases — they appear for 4 seconds

before disappearing.

Appears each time

you turn the power

on, until you set the

time zone, date and

Appears as a warning

to protect the tape and

also when

SET THE TIME ZONE,

DATE AND TIME

REMOVE THE CASSETTE

condensation is

detected. Remove the

tape as soon as

time (

53).

possible after the

camcorder has

Appears when the

battery pack is

exhausted

displayed the caution.

CHANGE THE BATTERY PACK

TAPE END

(

135).

Refer to p.90

PLAYBACK IS RESTRICTED

Appears when the

tape has reached the

end.

Refer to p.90, p.91 or

p.93

DUBBING RESTRICTED

Refer to p.18

THE TAPE IS SET FOR

ERASURE PREVENTION

Appears when you try

to do audio dubbing

or AV insert on a tape

recorded in any mode

other than SP mode

CHECK THE CASSETTE

[

]

REC MODE

Appears when,

during DV dubbing,

the DV cable is

CHECK THE DV INPUT

(

95, 98).

disconnected or the

power of the digital

equipment connected

to the camcorder is

turned off.

Appears when you try

to do audio dubbing

on a tape recorded in

16-bit audio or 12-bit,

4-channel mode

CHECK THE CASSETTE

[

]

AUDIO MODE

(

98).

Refer to p.141

Appears when the

CONDENSATION

HAS BEEN DETECTED

camcorder detects a

blank section of a tape

during audio dubbing

CHECK THE CASSETTE

[

]

BLANK

or AV insert (

98).

95,

155

Appears immediately

after you start

recording, and the

video heads are badly

contaminated. Make

sure to clean the

Appears if you have

tried to mark 51 or

more images for

printing, or if a mark

file cannot be edited.

HEADS DIRTY,

PRINT MARK ERROR

NO CARD

USE CLEANING CASSETTE

(

114)

video heads when

this caution appears.

A memory card has

not been inserted

into the camcorder.

(

140)

(

105)

Memory card caution phrases

An error has occurred

with the memory

card. The camcorder

can not record or

play back. A

temporary card error

is also possible. If

There are no images

recorded on the

memory card.

CARD ERROR

NO IMAGES

CARD ERROR disappears after 4 seconds

and flashes red, turn the camcorder’s

power off and back on again, and remove

and reinsert the card. If flashes green,

You are using an SD

Memory Card and it

is set for erasure

prevention. Change

the position of the

protect switch.

THE CARD IS SET FOR

ERASURE PREVENTION

recording or playing back is possible.

There is no more

remaining memory

on the memory card.

Change the card or

erase images.

Appears when you

press the start/stop

button in CARD

CAMERA mode.

The image isn’t

recorded on the

cassette or memory

card.

CARD FULL

IN CARD POSITION

You have reached the

maximum file or

folder number.

NAMING ERROR

(

107)

The image has been

recorded in an

incompatible JPEG

format or other

format that the

UNIDENTIFIABLE

IMAGE

camcorder can not

play back, or the

image data has been

damaged.

156

Specifications

MV550i/MV530i

Power Supply (rated): 7.4 V DC

Power Consumption (while recording

with the AF turned on):

MV550i 3.3 W (Using viewfinder),

4.1 W (Using LCD screen)

MV530i 3.3 W (Using viewfinder),

4.0 W (Using LCD screen)

Television system:

Lens:

MV550i

F/1.6–3.6, 22× power zoom,

f=2.8-61.6 mm (equivalent to 48–1056

mm in 35 mm format)

MV530i

f=2.8-50.4 mm (equivalent to 48–864

mm in 35 mm format)

Focusing system:

F/1.6–2.9, 18× power zoom,

CCIR standard (625 lines, 50 fields)

PAL colour signal

TTL autofocus, manual focusing

possible

Minimum focusing distance:

1 m (3ft 3³/8 in) 1 cm (³/8 in) on

maximum wide angle)

Maximum shutter speed:1/8,000 sec.

(1/250 sec. when using a memory card)

Video recording system:

MV550i 3 rotary heads, helical scanning

DV system (Consumer digital VCR

SD/SDL system)

Digital component recording

MV530i 2 rotary heads, helical scanning Minimum illumination:

DV system (Consumer digital VCR SD

system)

Digital component recording

Audio recording system:

PCM digital sound: 16 bit (48 kHz/

2 ch), 12 bit (32 kHz/ 4 ch)

0.5 lx (using the Night program in

TAPE CAMERA mode)

Recommended illumination:

More than 100 lx

Filter diameter: 30.5 mm

Viewfinder:

0.44 in, TFT colour LCD,

approx. 113,000 pixels

LCD screen:

MV550i

(32 kHz/ 2 ch)

SP and LP: 12 bit only

Image sensor:

2.5 in measured diagonally,

TFT colour, approx. 112,000 pixels

Microphone:

Stereo electret condenser microphone

Recording media:

1/6” CCD (charge coupled device),

approx. 540,000 pixels (approx.

340,000 effective pixels)

Tape format:

Videocassettes bearing the D mark.

MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card

Number of recording pixels:

768 × 576 pixels

Tape speed:

SP: 3/4 ips (18.83 mm/s),

LP: 1/2 ips (12.57 mm/s),

Image format:

MV550i

SP: 3/8 ips (9.42 mm/s),

LP: 1/4 ips (6.29 mm/s)

Design rule for Camera File system

(DCF), Digital Print Order Format

(DPOF) compliant (only images marked

for printing)

File format: JPEG (compression mode:

Fine/Standard)

Maximum recording time

(with an 80 min. cassette):

SP: 80 min., LP: 120 min.,

MV550i

SP: 160 min., LP: 240 min.

Estimated MultiMediaCard MMC-8M

capacities (approx.):

Fast forward/ rewind time:

Approx. 2 min. 20 sec.

Fine 43 images/ Standard 78 images

• The actual number you can record varies

depending on the images. Remember that the

sample images recorded on the supplied

MultiMediaCard are included in the total

number.

(with a 60 min. cassette)

USB terminal: mini-B

157

DV Terminal:

Special 4-pin connector

(conforms to IEEE1394)

AV/headphones terminal:

ø 3.5 mm minijack

Audio input

–10 dBV/at least 40 kohms,

(L, R), unbalanced

–10 dBV (47 kohm load)/

less than 3 kohms,

output

unbalanced

Video: 1 Vp-p/75 ohms unbalanced

S-video terminal:

1 Vp-p (Y signal), 0.3 Vp-p (C signal)

MIC terminal input: ø 3.5 mm stereo

minijack, – 57 dBV (with 600 ohm

mic)/ at least 5 kohms

LANC terminal: ø 2.5 mm mini

minijack

Operating temperature range:

0°–40°C (32°–104°F)

Dimensions: 58 × 99 × 144 mm

(2 ¹/4 × 3 ⁷/8 × 5 ⁵/⁸in)

Weight: 530 g (1lb 2 ³/⁴oz)

BP-512/BP-508 Battery Pack

Battery type:

Rechargeable lithium ion battery

Rated voltage: 7.4 V DC

Operating temperature:

0°–40°C (32°–104°F)

Battery capacity:

1100 mAh

800 mAh

Dimensions: 38 × 21 × 55 mm

(1 ¹/2 × /8 × 2 ¹/8 in)

Weight:

70 g (2 ¹/2 oz)

65 g (2 ¹/4 oz)

Weight and dimensions are approximate.

Errors and omissions excepted.

Subject to change without notice.

158

Index

16:9, 22

Data Code, 82

Date and Time, 55

Date Search, 85

Demo mode, 23

Digital Effects, 63

Digital Zoom, 24

DV Dubbing, 88

Abroad, Using the Camcorder, 140

Accessories, 6, 147

Adapter, AC, 12-14,16

AE Programs, 59

AE Shift, 76

Analog-digital converter, 93

Analog line-in, 91

Audio Dubbing, 98

Audio Mix, 101

Audio Mode, 70

Audio Output, 101

Audio Recording

and Playback, 70, 101

Audio/Video Terminal, 33

Auto, 61

‰

Easy Recording, 61

Editing to a VCR, 87

Effects, 65

Erasing Still Images from a

Memory Card, 115

Extended Recording Time

Function, 21

External Microphone, 70, 98

Autofocus, 79

AV Insert, 95

Faders, 64

Fast Forward, 29

Feedback, 36

File Numbers, 107

Finding Your Way Around

the MV550i/MV530i, 8

Focusing, 79

Backup Battery, 136

Basic Recording, 19

Battery Charger, 15-16

Battery Pack, 13, 15-16, 134

Beep, 23

Buttons, light-up, 52

Formatting a Memory Card, 127

Cables, 6, 34

Cassettes, 17

Charging the Battery Pack,

13, 15-16, 134

Head Cleaning, 140

Headphones, 33

Choosing a Recording Program, 59

Cleaning the Camcorder, 139

Clock, 55

Combining Images, 122

Condensation, 141

Image Quality, 105

Image Stabilizer, 58

Index Screen, 113

Introducing the

MV550i/MV530i, 7

Connecting to a PC, 103, 128

Connection to TV or VCR, 33

Copying from Cassette to

Memory Card, 125

Copying from Memory Card to

Cassette, 126

159

LANC, 87

Recharging the Battery Pack, 135

Recording, 19, 108

Recording from Cassette to

Memory Card, 110

Recording from DV Device to

Memory Card, 111

Recording Programs, 59

Record Pause Mode, 19

Record Review, 39

Record Search, 39

Remote Control, 49

Remote Sensor, 49-50

Rewind, 29

LCD Screen, 26

Lens Cap, 132

Light-up Buttons, 52

Loading Cassettes, 17

Low Light, 62

LP Mode, 21

Maintenance, 138

Making Better Videos, 37

Manual Focus, 79

Memory Card Introduction, 104

Menus, 40

Microphone, 70, 75, 98

Monitor Recording, 28

Multi-Image Screen, 68

S1 video terminal, 35

Sample images, 130

Sand & Snow, 62

Screen Displays, 150

SD Memory Card, 104, 108, 129

Self-Timer, 72

∏

Night, 62

Shutter Sound, 107

Shutter Speed, 77

Slide Show, 113

Speaker, 32

Specifications, 14, 131, 157

SP Mode, 21

Sports, 61

Spotlight, 61

Still Picture, 56 ,108

Storage, 139

S-video, 35

Optional Accessories, 147

Pause, Record, 19

PC Connection, 103, 128

Photo Search, 85

Playback, 29

Playback Connection, 33

Playback Pause, 30

Portrait, 61

Power Adapter, 12-14, 16

Powering Your Camcorder, 12

Pre-Marked Position, 86

Preparing the Camcorder, 132

Preventing Accidental Erasure, 114

Print Mark, 114

System Diagram, 146

Problems, 142

Progressive Photo, 108

Protect, 114

160

Tape Protection, 18

Telephoto, 24

Temperature,

14, 131, 134, 137, 158

Time Code, 154

Time Zone, 53

Tips for Making Better Videos, 37

Tripod, 37

Troubleshooting, 142

TV, 33, 150

◊

VCR, 33

Video Heads, 140

Video Light, 74, 148

Videocassettes, 17

Viewfinder, 132, 139

Viewing Still Images, 112

„

White Balance, 80

Wide-angle, 24

Wide screen TV, 22

Wind Screen, 71

Wireless Controller, 49

Zero Set Memory, 86

Zooming, 24

161

Menu at a Glance

Use the list below to quickly navigate the camcorder’s menu. Functions are listed

alphabetically.

First make sure the

camera is set to...

Then select it

Function

from this

submenu and set.

CAM.SET UP

DISP.SET UP

VCR SET UP

SYSTEM

16:9 effect

6-sec. Date

Audio dub

Audio mode

AV/headphones

AV → DV out

Beep

DISP.SET UP

Brightness

SYSTEM

Button light

MV550i

SYSTEM

Button light colour

Card access display

Card mix

MV550i

DISP.SET UP

CARD MIX

CARD OPER.

DISP.SET UP

SYSTEM

Copy - card to cassette

Copy - cassette to card

Data code

Date/time display

Date/time select

Date/time set

DISP.SET UP

CAM.SET UP

Demo mode

Digital zoom

* Only the date and time appear in the data code when using a memory card.

162

First make sure the

camera is set to...

Then select it

from this

submenu and set.

Function

DISP.SET UP

CARD OPER.

CARD SET UP

CARD OPER.

CAM.SET UP

Displays

Erase

Erase all print marks

File numbers

Format

Image stabilizer

DISP.SET UP

CARD MIX

VCR SET UP

CARD OPER.

CARD SET UP

VCR SET UP

SYSTEM

Mirror mode

Mix level

Mix type

Output channel

Print mark

Protect

Quality

Record mode

Remote sensor mode

Shutter sound

Shutter speed

Time zone/DST

TV screen

CARD SET UP

CAM.SET UP

SYSTEM

DISP.SET UP

CAM.SET UP

VCR SET UP

White balance

Wind screen

163

CANON INC.

Canon Europa N.V.

P.O. Box 2262, 1180 EG Amstelveen, the Netherlands

Canon UK Ltd.

Ribcon Way

Luton Bedfordshire LU4 9UR

Telephone 0870-241-2161

Canon Australia Pty. Ltd

1 Thomas Holt Drive, North Ryde, N.S.W. 2113, Australia

Telephone 805-2000, Fax 887-4484

Canon New Zealand Ltd

Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna, P.O. Box 33-336, Auckland, New Zealand

Telephone 486-1570, Fax 486-6420

Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd

79 Anson Road #09-01/06, Singapore 079906

Telephone (65)-532-4400, Fax (65)-221-2939

Canon Hongkong Company Ltd

9/F, The Hong Kong Club Building, 3A Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong

Canon Latin America, Inc.

Sales & Enquiries: 703 Waterford Way Suite 400 Miami, FL 33126 USA

Printed on 100% reused paper.

0027W378

PUB.DIE-166

0201A/Ni9.5

DY8-9020-101-000

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