Canon MV 901 User Manual

PUB.DIE-253  
Digital Video Camcorder  
English  
Instruction Manual  
Introduction  
Basic  
Functions  
Advanced  
Functions  
Editing  
Digital  
Video  
Mini  
Cassette  
Additional  
Information  
PAL  
Using this Manual  
Thank you for purchasing the Canon MV920/MV901/MV900/MV890. Please read this  
manual carefully before you use the camcorder and retain it for future reference. Should  
E
your camcorder fail to operate correctly, refer to the Troubleshooting table (  
76).  
Change the display language before you begin ( 59).  
Symbols and References Used in This Manual  




: Precautions related to the camcorder operation.  
: Additional topics that complement the basic operating procedures.  
: Reference page number.  
: Option or feature that applies or is available only with this model.  
 Capital letters are used to refer to buttons on the camcorder.  
 [ ] are used to refer to menu items displayed on the screen.  
 “Screen” refers to the LCD and the viewfinder screen.  
 Please note that the illustrations mainly refer to the  
.
Setting the Time Zone, Date and Time  
Set the time zone, date and time when you first start using your camcorder, or when you  
have replaced the backup battery.  
Setting the Time Zone/Daylight Saving Time  
Operating modes (see below)  
MENU  
Menu item shown at its default  
position  
DATE/TIME SETUP  
T.ZONE/DST PARIS  
(
33)  
1. Press the FUNC. button to open the FUNC. menu.  
The FUNC. menu will open. Continue the procedure with the  
multi selector to open the setup menus.  
Buttons and switches to be operated  
2. With the multi selector select (  
press ( ).  
) the  
icon and  
3. Select (  
press ( ). Then, select (  
option and press ( ).  
) the [DATE/TIME SETUP] menu and  
) the [T.ZONE/DST]  
About the Joystick and the Joystick Guide  
The mini joystick allows you to control many of the camcorder’s operations and to select  
and change setting options in menus.  
Push the joystick up, down, left or right (  
item or change settings.  
,
) to select an  
Press the joystick itself (  
action.  
) to save the settings or confirm an  
The functions assigned to the joystick change according to the operation mode. You can  
display the joystick guide to remind you of the joystick’s functions in each operating mode.  
Recording:  
Playback:  
EXP  
FOCUS  
3
About the Operating Modes  
The operating modes are determined by the position of the  
switch.  
Operating  
Modes  
Icon  
Display  
Operation  
Switch  
Recording movies on a  
tape  
CAMERA  
18  
26  
Playing movies from a  
tape  
PLAY  
: Function can be used in this mode.  
: Function cannot be used in this mode.  
Trademark Acknowledgments  
is a trademark.  
• Windows® is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United  
States and/or other countries.  
• Macintosh and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the United  
States and other countries.  
• Other names and products not mentioned above may be registered trademarks or trademarks  
of their respective companies.  
4
 
Table of contents  
Introduction  
E
Using this Manual............................................................................................3  
Checking the Supplied Accessories ................................................................7  
Components Guide..........................................................................................8  
Basic Functions  
Preparations  
Preparing the Power Supply..........................................................................10  
Loading/Unloading a Cassette ......................................................................13  
Preparing the Camcorder ..............................................................................14  
Adjusting the LCD Screen .............................................................................15  
Setting the Time Zone, Date and Time..........................................................16  
Recording  
Recording Movies on a Tape.........................................................................18  
Zooming.........................................................................................................22  
Tips for Making Better Videos........................................................................25  
Playback  
Playing Back a Tape......................................................................................26  
Adjusting the Volume.....................................................................................28  
Playing Back on a TV Screen........................................................................29  
Advanced Functions  
Menus and Settings.......................................................................................33  
Recording  
Using the Recording Programs .....................................................................36  
Adjusting the Exposure Manually ..................................................................40  
Adjusting the Focus Manually........................................................................41  
Setting the White Balance .............................................................................43  
Selecting an Image Effect..............................................................................44  
Setting the Shutter Speed..............................................................................45  
Using the Self-Timer......................................................................................47  
Changing the Recording Mode (SP/LP) ........................................................48  
Audio Recording............................................................................................49  
Using Digital Effects.......................................................................................51  
Widescreen TV Recording (16:9) ..................................................................54  
Playback  
Magnifying the Image ....................................................................................55  
Displaying the Data Code..............................................................................56  
End Search....................................................................................................57  
Playing Back a Tape with Added Sound........................................................58  
Other Functions  
Changing the Display Language ...................................................................59  
Other Camcorder Settings.............................................................................60  
Editing  
Recording to a VCR or Digital Video Device .................................................63  
Recording from Digital Video Devices (DV Dubbing) ...................................65  
Transferring Video Recordings to a Computer ..............................................67  
Additional Information  
Screen Displays.............................................................................................68  
5
List of Messages............................................................................................70  
Maintenance/Others ......................................................................................71  
Troubleshooting.............................................................................................76  
System Diagram (Availability differs from area to area) ................................79  
Optional Accessories.....................................................................................80  
Specifications.................................................................................................82  
Index..............................................................................................................84  
6
Checking the Supplied Accessories  
CA-570 Compact  
Power Adapter  
(incl. power cord)  
BP-2L5 Battery Pack  
Lithium Button Battery  
CR1616  
SS-900 Shoulder  
Strap**  
E
STV-250N Stereo  
Video Cable  
PC-A10 SCART  
Adapter*  
* Europe only.  
** Not included with the  
.
7
Components Guide  
MV920/MV901/MV900/MV890  
Left side view  
Right side view  
0
Lens cover switch (  
open, closed)  
LCD BACKLIGHT button (  
Speaker ( 28)  
18)  
AV terminal (  
29)  
(
MIC (microphone) terminal (  
50)  
15)  
DV terminal (  
Zoom lever (  
63, 65)  
22)  
CHARGE indicator (  
Terminal cover  
switch (  
10)  
Program selector (  
Easy recording  
Recording programs  
36)  
4)  
Grip belt (  
14)  
8
Front view  
Rear view  
E
Bottom view  
Stereo microphone  
Backup battery compartment (  
Start/stop button ( 18)  
12)  
13)  
Viewfinder (  
Dioptric adjustment lever (  
BATT. (battery release) button (  
14)  
14)  
Battery attachment unit (  
Serial number  
10) /  
10)  
LCD screen (  
Joystick (  
15)  
DC IN terminal (  
10)  
3)  
Cassette compartment (  
13)  
FUNC. button (  
33)  
Cassette compartment cover (  
D.EFFECTS button (  
WIDE SCR button (  
DATA CODE button (  
51)  
54) /  
56)  
OPEN/EJECT  
Tripod socket (  
switch (  
25)  
13)  
9
Basic Functions  
Preparations  
Preparing the Power Supply  
Attaching the Battery Pack  
1. Turn the  
switch to  
.
2. Attach the battery pack to the  
camcorder.  
• Remove the terminal cover of the battery  
pack.  
• Press lightly and slide the battery pack in  
the direction of the arrow until it clicks.  
Charging the Battery Pack  
1. Connect the power cord to the  
adapter.  
CHARGE indicator  
2. Plug the power cord into a power  
outlet.  
3. Connect the power adapter to the  
camcorder’s DC IN terminal.  
The CHARGE indicator starts flashing.  
The indicator will stay on when the  
charging is completed.  
DC IN terminal  
4. When the charging is completed,  
disconnect the power adapter  
from the camcorder. Unplug the  
power cord from the power outlet  
and disconnect it from the adapter.  
5. Remove the battery pack after use.  
Press the BATT. button to remove the battery.  
10  
Using a Household Power Source  
Connect to a household power source to use the camcorder without worrying about the  
battery power. You can keep the battery pack attached; the battery power will not be  
consumed.  
E
1. Turn the  
switch to  
.
2. Connect the power cord to the  
power adapter.  
3. Plug the power cord into a power  
outlet.  
4. Connect the power adapter to the  
camcorder’s DC IN terminal.  
P
r
erpa  
 Turn off the camcorder before connecting or disconnecting the power adapter.  
 If the adapter is used close to a TV, it may cause picture interference. Move the  
adapter away from the TV or the antenna cable.  
t
i
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n
s
 Do not connect any products that are not expressly recommended to the  
camcorder’s DC IN terminal or to the power adapter.  
 You may hear some noise from the power adapter during use. This is not a  
malfunction.  
 Do not disconnect and reconnect the power cord while charging a battery pack.  
Charging may stop. The battery pack may not be charged correctly even if the  
CHARGE indicator is continuously on. The battery pack may also not be  
charged correctly when a power outage occurs during charging. Remove the  
battery pack and attach it back to the camcorder.  
 When the power adapter or the battery pack is defective, the CHARGE  
indicator flashes rapidly (at about 2 flashes/second) and charging stops.  
 The CHARGE indicator informs you about the charge status.  
0-50%: Flashes once every second  
More than 50%: Flashes twice every second  
100%: Continuously on  
 We recommend charging the battery pack in temperatures between 10 °C and  
30 °C. Outside the temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C, the charging will not  
start. If the battery temperature goes outside this temperature range while  
charging, the CHARGE indicator will start flashing rapidly and the charging will  
stop.  
 A lithium ion battery pack can be charged at any charge state. Unlike  
conventional battery packs, you do not need to completely use or discharge it  
before charging.  
 We recommend that you prepare battery packs 2 to 3 times longer than you  
think you might need.  
 To conserve battery power, turn off the camcorder instead of leaving it in record  
pause mode.  
11  
 Charging, Recording and Playback Times  
The following times are approximate and vary according to the charging,  
recording or playback conditions.  
\
Battery Pack  
BP-2L5  
NB-2L  
NB-2LH BP-2L12 BP-2L14  
Charging Time  
Max. Recording Time  
Viewfinder  
95 min. 110 min. 125 min. 195 min. 220 min.  
90 min. 105 min. 125 min. 220 min. 270 min.  
LCD  
normal 85 min. 100 min. 120 min. 215 min. 260 min.  
bright 80 min. 90 min. 110 min. 200 min. 240 min.  
Typical RecordingTime*  
Viewfinder  
50 min.  
normal 50 min.  
bright 45 min.  
Playback Time  
55 min.  
55 min.  
50 min.  
65 min. 120 min. 150 min.  
65 min. 120 min. 145 min.  
60 min. 110 min. 140 min.  
LCD  
90 min. 105 min. 125 min. 225 min. 275 min.  
* Approximate times for recording with repeated operations such as start/stop,  
zooming, power on/off. Actual time may be shorter.  
Installing the Backup Battery  
The backup battery (lithium button battery CR1616) allows the camcorder to retain the  
date, time (  
16) and other camcorder settings while the power source is disconnected.  
Connect a power source to the camcorder when replacing the backup battery to retain the  
settings.  
1. Open the backup battery cover.  
2. Insert the backup battery with the + side  
facing out.  
3. Close the cover.  
The backup battery has a life span of about a year. “  
you that it needs to be replaced.  
” flashes in red to inform  
12  
Loading/Unloading a Cassette  
Use only videocassettes marked with the  
logo.  
E
1. Slide the OPEN/EJECT  
and open the cassette  
compartment cover.  
The cassette compartment opens  
automatically.  
switch  
Tape protection tab  
2. Load/unload the cassette.  
• Load the cassette with the window  
facing the grip belt.  
• Unload the cassette by pulling it straight  
out.  
3. Press the  
mark on the  
cassette compartment until it  
clicks.  
P
r
erpa  
4. Wait for the cassette compartment  
to retract automatically and close  
the cassette compartment cover.  
t
i
o
n
s
 Do not interfere with the cassette compartment while it is opening or closing  
automatically, or attempt to close the cover before the cassette compartment  
has fully retracted.  
 Be careful not to get your fingers caught in the cassette compartment cover.  
If the camcorder is connected to a power source, cassettes can be loaded/  
unloaded even if the  
switch is set to  
.
13  
Preparing the Camcorder  
Adjusting the Viewfinder (Dioptric Adjustment)  
1. Turn on the camcorder and keep  
the LCD panel closed.  
2. Adjust the dioptric adjustment  
lever.  
Fastening the Grip Belt  
Adjust the grip belt so that you can reach the  
zoom lever with your index finger, and the  
start/stop button with your thumb.  
Attaching the Shoulder Strap  
The optional shoulder strap is sold separately.  
Pass the ends through the strap mount and adjust the length of the strap.  
SS-900 Shoulder  
Strap  
14  
Adjusting the LCD Screen  
Rotating the LCD Screen  
E
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees.  
• You can rotate the panel by 90 degrees  
outward.  
• You can rotate the panel by 180 degrees  
inward.  
LCD Backlight  
P
r
erpa  
t
i
o
n
s
LCD BACKLIGHT button  
You can switch the brightness of the LCD screen between normal and bright by pressing  
the LCD BACKLIGHT button. This is useful for outdoor recordings.  
Press the LCD BACKLIGHT button.  
 This setting does not affect the brightness of the recording or the viewfinder  
screen.  
 When using a battery pack, the camcorder retains the setting even if you  
change the position of the  
switch.  
 The battery usage time shortens when the LCD screen is set brighter (  
12).  
15  
Setting the Time Zone, Date and Time  
Set the time zone, date and time when you first start using your camcorder, or when you  
have replaced the backup battery.  
Setting the Time Zone/Daylight Saving Time  
MENU  
DATE/TIME SETUP  
T.ZONE/DST PARIS  
(
33)  
1. Press the FUNC. button to open the FUNC. menu.  
The FUNC. menu will open. Continue the procedure with the  
joystick to open the setup menus.  
2. With the joystick select (  
).  
3. Select (  
press ( ). Then, select (  
option and press ( ).  
) the  
icon and press  
(
) the [DATE/TIME SETUP] menu and  
) the [T.ZONE/DST]  
The time zone setting appears (see table on the next page). The default setting is  
Paris or Singapore depending on the region.  
4. Select (  
) your time zone and press ( ).  
To adjust for daylight saving time, select the time zone with the “ ” next to the area.  
Setting the Date and Time  
DATE/TIME 1.JAN.2006  
DATE/TIME SETUP  
12:00AM  
MENU  
(
33)  
5. Select (  
) the [DATE/TIME] option and press ( ).  
A selection frame will be displayed around the date and the  
selection arrows around the day will flash.  
6. With the joystick change (  
) the day as required  
and move ( ) to the next field.  
• The selection arrows will flash around the next field of the date/time.  
• Set the month, year, hours and minutes in the same way.  
• If you do not need to change all settings, you can use the joystick to move (  
the specific setting you want to change.  
) to  
7. Press ( ) to start the clock.  
16  
8. Press the FUNC. button to close the menu.  
Time Zones and Difference from GMT/UTC.  
E
London  
Paris  
GMT/UTC Wellington (WELLINGTN)  
+12  
-11  
-10  
-9  
+1  
+2  
Samoa  
Cairo  
Honolulu  
Moscow  
Dubai  
+3  
Anchorage  
+4  
Los Angeles (L.A.)  
-8  
Karachi  
Dacca  
+5  
Denver  
-7  
+6  
Chicago  
-6  
Bankok  
Singapore  
Tokyo  
+7  
New York  
-5  
+8  
Caracas  
-4  
+9  
Rio de Janeiro (RIO)  
Fernando de Noronha (FERNANDO)  
Azores  
-3  
P
r
Sydney  
Solomon  
+10  
+11  
-2  
erpa  
-1  
t
i
o
Once you have set time zone, date and time, you do not need to reset the clock  
each time you travel to another time zone. Just set the time zone to the one of  
your destination, and the camcorder automatically adjusts the clock.  
n
s
17  
Recording  
Recording Movies on a Tape  
Before You Begin Recording  
Make a test recording first to check if the camcorder operates correctly. If necessary,  
clean the video heads (  
72).  
Recording  
1. Open the lens cover (move the  
lens cover switch down to  
).  
2. Set the camcorder to  
mode.  
Set the  
switch to CAMERA.  
3. Open the LCD panel.  
4. Press the start/stop button to  
begin recording.  
Press the start/stop button again to pause  
the recording.  
When You Have Finished Recording  
1. Turn the  
2. Close the LCD panel.  
3. Close the lens cover (move the lens cover switch  
to ).  
switch to  
.
4. Unload the cassette.  
5. Disconnect the power source.  
18  
 About the LCD and viewfinder screen: The screens are produced with  
extremely high-precision manufacturing techniques, with more than  
99.99% of the pixels operating to specification. Less than 0.01% of the  
pixels may occasionally misfire or appear as black or green dots. This has  
no effect on the recorded image and does not constitute a malfunction.  
 When powered by a battery pack, the camcorder shuts off to save power if  
left without any operation for 5 minutes. Approximately 30 seconds before  
E
the camcorder shuts off the message “  
appear. To continue recording, turn the  
back to CAMERA.  
AUTO POWER OFF” will  
switch to and then  
 Wait until the tape counter stops completely before you start recording.  
 When you do not remove the cassette, you can record the next scene without  
producing any noise or blank sections between the recordings even if you turn  
the camcorder off.  
 Bright light may make it difficult to use the LCD screen. In such case, use the  
viewfinder instead.  
 When recording near loud sounds (such as fireworks, drums or concerts),  
sound may become distorted or may be recorded not in the actual sound level.  
This is not a malfunction.  
Re  
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Allowing the Subject to Monitor the LCD Screen  
i
g
You can rotate the LCD panel so that the screen faces in the  
same direction as the lens. The viewfinder switches on allowing  
you to use the viewfinder while the subject can monitor the  
screen.  
Displaying the Level Marker  
Use the level marker as a horizontal guideline to frame subjects more accurately.  
MENU  
DISPLAY SETUP/  
LEVEL MARKER OFF  
(
33)  
1. Press the FUNC. button to open the FUNC. menu.  
2. With the joystick select ( ) the icon and press ( ).  
3. Select (  
select (  
) the [DISPLAY SETUP/ ] menu and press ( ). Then,  
) the [LEVEL MARKER] option and press ( ).  
4. Set it to [ON] and press ( ) to save the changes.  
5. Press the FUNC. button to close the menu.  
The level marker will appear.  
19  
Reviewing and Searching when Recording  
Program selector  
Joystick  
Record Review  
In record pause mode, this function allows you to review the last few seconds of your  
recording to check if it has been recorded properly.  
1. Set the program selector to  
.
2. If the joystick guide does not appear on screen,  
press ( ) to display it.  
3. Push the joystick ( ) momentarily towards  
release it.  
and  
The camcorder rewinds the tape, plays back the last few  
seconds, and returns to record pause mode.  
EXP  
FOCUS  
Record Search  
In record pause mode, this function allows you to play back the tape (forward or reverse)  
to locate the point where you wish to begin recording.  
1. Set the program selector to  
.
2. If the joystick guide does not appear on screen,  
press ( ) to display it.  
3. Hold the joystick pushed ( ) towards  
to search  
EXP  
back towards the beginning of the recording or  
pushed ( ) towards  
the end of the recording.  
to search forward towards  
FOCUS  
• Release the joystick at the point where you wish to begin recording.  
• The camcorder returns to record pause mode.  
20  
When the camcorder shuts off automatically, the record review and record search  
functions will not work. To resume normal operation turn the  
and then back to CAMERA.  
switch to  
E
Screen Displays during Recording  
Remaining battery charge  
The battery symbol indicates the charge  
status of the battery pack.  
• “  
” starts flashing in red when the  
battery pack is empty.  
• When you attach an empty battery  
pack, the power may turn off without  
Time Code  
Re  
Indicates the recording time in hours,  
minutes and seconds.  
c
displaying “  
”.  
r
d
• The actual battery charge may not be  
indicated accurately depending on the  
conditions under which the battery  
pack and the camcorder are used.  
i
g
Remaining tape  
Indicates the remaining time of the tape  
in minutes. “  
recording. “  
” moves during  
END” flashes when the  
Recording reminder  
tape reaches the end.  
The camcorder counts from 1 to 10  
seconds when you start recording. This  
is helpful to avoid scenes that are too  
short.  
• When the time left is less than 15  
seconds, the remaining tape time may  
not appear.  
• Depending on the type of the tape, the  
indication may not be displayed  
correctly.  
When “  
” flashes  
” flashes in red when the lithium  
button battery is not installed, or when it  
needs replacing.  
21  
 
Zooming  
The camcorder is equipped with optical zoom and digital zoom.  
Zoom out  
Zoom in  
Zoom lever  
Optical Zoom  
25x optical zoom  
22x optical zoom  
Move the zoom lever toward W to zoom out (wide-  
angle). Move it toward T to zoom in (telephoto).  
You can also change the zoom speed (  
24).  
 Keep at least 1 m to the subject. At wide-angle, you can focus on a subject as  
close as 1 cm.  
 The zoom speed is slightly faster in record pause mode.  
22  
Digital Zoom  
When the digital zoom is activated, the camcorder automatically switches between optical  
and digital zoom. With digital zoom, image resolution becomes lower the more you zoom  
in.  
E
100x/800x digital zoom  
88x/700x digital zoom  
MENU  
33)  
CAMERA SETUP  
D.ZOOM OFF  
(
1. Press the FUNC. button to open the FUNC. menu.  
Re  
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2. With the joystick select (  
).  
3. Select (  
) the [D.ZOOM] option and press ( ).  
4. Select either [100x] or [800x] (  
) the  
icon and press  
i
(
g
) the [CAMERA SETUP] menu and press ( ). Then, select  
(
) or [88x] or [700x]  
(
) and press ( ) to save the changes.  
5. Press the FUNC. button to close the menu.  
 Digital zoom cannot be used in the  
Night recording program.  
 A zoom indicator appears for 4 seconds. It extends in light blue when the digital  
zoom is set to 100x (  
further in dark blue when set to 800x (  
) or 88x (  
), and extends  
) or 700x  
(
).  
23  
Selecting the Zoom Speed  
You can set the zoom speed to variable or to one of 3 levels of fixed zoom speeds. When  
set to [VARIABLE], the zoom speed depends on how you activate the zoom lever. Press  
softly for a slower zoom or press more strongly for a faster zoom.  
MENU  
CAMERA SETUP  
ZOOM SPEED VARIABLE  
(
33)  
1. Press the FUNC. button to open the FUNC. menu.  
2. With the joystick select ( ) the icon and press  
).  
3. Select (  
(
) the [CAMERA SETUP] menu and press  
). Then, select ( ) the [ZOOM SPEED] option  
(
and press ( ).  
4. Select a setting option and press ( ) to save the changes.  
5. Press the FUNC. button to close the menu.  
The fastest zoom speed can be achieved with the [VARIABLE] setting. Among the  
fixed zoom speeds [SPEED 3] is the fastest, and [SPEED 1] the slowest.  
24  
Tips for Making Better Videos  
Holding the Camcorder  
E
For maximum stability, grip the camcorder in your right hand and keep your  
right elbow pressed against your body. If necessary, support the camcorder  
with your left hand. Be careful that your fingers do not touch the microphone  
or lens.  
For More Stability  
Lean against a wall  
Put the camcorder on a table  
Re  
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n
g
Kneel on one knee  
Use a tripod  
Lie on your elbow  
Lighting  
When recording outdoors, we  
recommend recording with the sun at  
your back.  
 When using a tripod, do not leave the viewfinder exposed to direct sunlight as it  
may melt (due to concentration of the light by the lens).  
 Do not use tripods with fastening  
Camera positioning pin  
screws longer than 5.5 mm as it  
may damage the camcorder. The  
camcorder cannot be mounted on  
tripods with fixed (non-retractable)  
camera positioning pins.  
25  
Playback  
Playing Back a Tape  
If the playback picture is distorted, clean the video heads using a Canon Head Cleaning  
Cassette or a commercially available digital video head-cleaning cassette (  
72).  
1. Set the camcorder to  
mode.  
Set the  
switch to PLAY.  
2. Open the LCD panel.  
You can also close the LCD panel with the  
screen facing out.  
3. If the joystick guide does not  
appear on screen, press ( ) to  
display it.  
Joystick  
4. Push the joystick ( ) towards  
to rewind the tape.  
5. Push the joystick ( ) towards  
to play back the tape.  
/
Push ( ) again to pause the playback.  
6. Push the joystick ( ) towards  
to stop the playback.  
 To use the viewfinder, close the LCD panel.  
 About the screen display: During playback, the time code gives the hours,  
minutes, seconds and frames. The remaining tape time may not appear when  
the time left is less than 15 seconds.  
26  
Special Playback Modes  
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Joystick  
/
(Playback Pause)  
During normal playback, push the joystick ( ) towards  
/
.
(Fast Forward Playback) / (Rewind Playback)  
Plays back the tape at 11.5 times normal speed (forward or reverse). During normal  
P
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playback, hold the joystick pushed ( ) towards  
Release the joystick to return to normal playback.  
or pushed ( ) towards  
.
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 There is no sound during special playback.  
 The picture may become distorted during some special playback modes.  
 The camcorder stops the tape automatically after 5 minutes in playback pause  
to protect the tape and video heads.  
27  
Adjusting the Volume  
When you use the LCD screen for playback, the camcorder plays back the sound using  
the built-in speaker. The sound will be muted when the LCD panel is closed.  
Speaker  
Joystick  
MENU  
SPEAKER VOLUME  
(
33)  
1. Press the FUNC. button to open the FUNC. menu.  
2. With the joystick select (  
icon.  
) the speaker volume  
3. Adjust (  
) the volume as required.  
4. Press the FUNC. button to save the setting and close  
the menu.  
If you turn off the volume completely the volume display will change to “ ”.  
28  
Playing Back on a TV Screen  
TVs with SCART Terminal  
Refer also to the TV or VCR instruction manual.  
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Open the terminal cover  
Signal flow  
P
STV-250N Stereo Video  
Cable (supplied)  
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PC-A10 SCART  
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Adapter  
1. Turn off all the devices before starting the connections.  
2. Connect the PC-A10 SCART Adapter to the TV or VCR’s SCART  
terminal.  
3. Connect the STV-250N Stereo Video Cable to the camcorder’s AV  
terminal and the audio terminals on the SCART Adapter.  
Connect the white plug to the white AUDIO terminal L (left), and the red plug to the red  
AUDIO terminal R (right) and the yellow plug to the yellow VIDEO terminal.  
4. If connecting to a TV, set the input selector to VIDEO. If connecting to  
a VCR, set the input selector to LINE.  
29  
TVs with Audio/Video Terminals  
Refer also to the TV or VCR instruction manual.  
Open the terminal cover  
Signal flow  
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable  
(supplied)  
1. Turn off all the devices before starting the connections.  
2. Connect the STV-250N Stereo Video Cable to the camcorder’s AV  
terminal and the audio/video terminals on the TV/VCR.  
Connect the white plug to the white audio terminal L (left), the red plug to the red audio  
terminal R (right) and the yellow plug to the yellow video terminal VIDEO.  
3. If connecting to a TV, set the input selector to VIDEO. If connecting to  
a VCR, set the input selector to LINE.  
We recommend powering the camcorder from a household power source.  
30  
Selecting the Type of TV  
During playback set the [TV TYPE] option according to the TV set to which you connect  
the camcorder.  
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MENU  
VCR SETUP  
TV TYPE WIDE TV  
(
33)  
1. Press the FUNC. button to open the FUNC. menu.  
2. With the joystick select ( ) the icon and press  
).  
3. Select (  
Then, select (  
).  
(
) the [VCR SETUP] menu and press ( ).  
) the [TV TYPE] option and press  
(
4. Select a setting option and press ( ) to save the changes.  
• WIDE TV: TV sets with 16:9 aspect ratio.  
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• NORMAL TV: TV sets with 4:3 aspect ratio  
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5. Press the FUNC. button to close the menu.  
 Playing back recordings made in the widescreen mode on a normal TV: If the  
TV type is set to [NORMAL TV] the recording will be played back in “letterbox”  
display. If the TV type is set to [WIDE TV] the image will appear horizontally  
squeezed.  
 If you connect the camcorder to a TV with Video ID-1 system, recordings made  
in the widescreen mode will be automatically played back in widescreen mode.  
 When the TV type is set to [NORMAL TV] the digital effects are not available in  
mode.  
31  
Selecting the Audio Output Channel  
You can select the output channels when playing back a tape with audio recorded on two  
channels.  
MENU  
AUDIO SETUP  
OUTPUT CH L/R  
(
33)  
1. Press the FUNC. button to open the FUNC. menu.  
2. With the joystick select ( ) the icon and press  
).  
3. Select (  
(
) the [AUDIO SETUP] menu and press  
). Then, select ( ) the [OUTPUT CH] option and  
(
press ( ).  
4. Select (  
) a setting option and press ( ) to save the changes.  
• L/R: Stereo: L+R channels, Bilingual: Main+Sub.  
• L/L: Stereo: L channel, Bilingual: Main.  
• R/R: Stereo: R channel, Bilingual: Sub.  
5. Press the FUNC. button to close the menu.  
The setting resets to the [L/R] setting when you turn the camcorder off.  
32  
Advanced Functions  
Menus and Settings  
The camcorder’s functions and settings are controlled from a series of menus that appear  
when you press the FUNC. button. Most basic functions appear on the first menu screen  
- the FUNC. menu. For more advanced settings you have to open the setup menus by  
E
selecting the  
[MENU] option from the FUNC. menu.  
Joystick  
FUNC. button  
Selecting Menus and Settings  
FUNC. menu:  
1. Press the FUNC. button to open the FUNC. menu.  
2. With the joystick select (  
you want to change.  
) the icon of the function  
3. Select (  
) a setting option from the bottom bar.  
) or make further selections with the  
With some settings, you will need to press (  
joystick. In such cases, a joystick icon (next to the bottom bar) or small arrows (around  
the setting option) will be displayed as an additional operation guide.  
4. Press the FUNC. button to save the setting and close the menu.  
Setup menus:  
1. Press the FUNC. button to open the FUNC. menu.  
2. With the joystick select (  
) the  
icon and press ( ).  
3. Select (  
4. Select (  
5. Select (  
) a setup menu and press ( ).  
) a menu item and press ( ).  
) a setting option and press ( ) to save the changes.  
6. Press the FUNC. button to close the menu.  
 Pressing the FUNC. button at any time closes the menu.  
 Items that are not available appear grayed out.  
 The menu will not appear when you press the FUNC. button while recording  
movies.  
 You can open the menu directly on the setup menus screen by holding the  
FUNC. button pressed for more than 2 seconds.  
33  
   
Menu and Default Settings  
Default settings are shown in boldface.  
* The item will not appear in  
mode.  
36  
Submenu  
FUNC. menu  
Menu Item  
Recording Programs*  
Setting Options  
PROGRAM AE,  
PORTRAIT,  
SPORTS,  
BEACH,  
NIGHT,  
SUNSET,  
SNOW,  
SPOTLIGHT,  
FIREWORKS  
White Balance  
Image Effect  
AUTO,  
SET  
IMAGE EFFECT OFF,  
NEUTRAL,  
DAYLIGHT,  
TUNGSTEN,  
43  
44  
VIVID,  
SOFT SKIN DETAIL  
Self Timer  
Digital Effects  
SHUTTR SPEED*  
SELF TIMER OFF,  
D.EFFECT OFF,  
AUTO, 1/50, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000,  
SELF TIMER ON  
47  
51  
45  
FADER,  
EFFECT  
CAMERA SETUP  
1/2000  
A.SL SHUTTER  
D.ZOOM  
ON, OFF  
46  
23  
OFF, 100x, 800x  
VARIABLE, SPEED 3, SPEED 2, SPEED 1  
ON, OFF  
STD PLAY, LONG PLAY  
AUTO, OFF  
OFF, 88x, 700x  
ZOOM SPEED  
IMG STAB*  
REC MODE  
24  
61  
48  
49  
49  
60  
68  
19  
59  
62  
60  
61  
19  
16  
16  
59  
VCR SETUP  
AUDIO SETUP  
WIND SCREEN*  
AUDIO MODE  
BRIGHTNESS  
TV SCREEN  
LEVEL MARKER  
LANGUAGE  
DEMO MODE  
BEEP  
16bit, 12bit  
DISPLAY SETUP  
/
ON, OFF  
ON, OFF  
See list of languages.  
ON, OFF  
HIGH VOLUME, LOW VOLUME, OFF  
ON, OFF  
ON, OFF  
See list of time zones.  
-
SYSTEM SETUP  
START-UP IMG  
POWER SAVE  
DATE/TIME SETUP T.ZONE/DST  
DATE/TIME  
DATE FORMAT  
Y.M.D : 2006.1.1 AM12:00  
M.D, Y : JAN. 1, 2006 12:00AM  
D.M.Y : 1. JAN. 2006 12:00AM  
34  
Submenu  
FUNC. menu  
Menu Item  
Speaker Volume  
Recording Pause  
End Search  
Digital Effects  
REC MODE  
TV TYPE  
OUTPUT CH  
12bit AUDIO  
Setting Options  
28  
65  
57  
51  
48  
31  
32  
58  
-
-
E
D.EFFECT OFF,  
FADER,  
EFFECT  
VCR SETUP  
STD PLAY, LONG PLAY  
NORMAL TV, WIDE TV  
L/R, L/L, R/R  
STEREO1, STEREO2, MIX/FIXED,  
MIX/VAR.  
AUDIO SETUP  
MIX BALANCE  
AUDIO MODE  
BRIGHTNESS  
TV SCREEN  
DISPLAYS  
6SEC.DATE  
DATA CODE  
LANGUAGE  
BEEP  
58  
49  
60  
68  
68  
56  
56  
59  
60  
61  
16  
16  
59  
ST-1  
ST-2  
16bit, 12bit  
DISPLAY SETUP/  
ON, OFF  
ON, OFF <PLAYBK>  
ON, OFF  
DATE, TIME, DATE & TIME  
See list of languages.  
HIGH VOLUME, LOW VOLUME, OFF  
ON, OFF  
See list of time zones.  
-
SYSTEM SETUP  
START-UP IMG  
DATE/TIME SETUP T.ZONE/DST  
DATE/TIME  
DATE FORMAT  
Y.M.D : 2006.1.1 AM12:00  
M.D, Y : JAN. 1, 2006 12:00AM  
D.M.Y : 1. JAN. 2006 12:00AM  
35  
Recording  
Using the Recording Programs  
Easy Recording Program  
The camcorder adjusts focus, exposure and other settings  
automatically, allowing you to just point and shoot.  
Recording Programs  
Program AE  
The camcorder adjusts focus, exposure and other settings  
automatically. However, you have the option of adjusting the settings  
manually.  
Portrait  
Use this mode to give accent to your subject by blurring the  
background or foreground. The blur effect increases the more you  
zoom to telephoto.  
Sports  
Use this mode to record sports scenes (such as tennis or golf) or  
moving objects (such as roller coasters).  
Night  
Use this mode to record in dimly lit places.  
Snow  
Use this mode to record in bright ski resorts. It prevents the subject  
from being underexposed.  
36  
Beach  
Use this mode to record on a sunny beach. It prevents the subject  
from being underexposed.  
E
Sunset  
Use this mode to record sunsets in vibrant colors.  
Spotlight  
Use this mode to record spotlit scenes.  
Fireworks  
Use this mode to record fireworks.  
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37  
Program selector  
Joystick  
Availability of Functions in Each Mode:  
Program Selector  
Recording  
Program  
Image Stabilizer  
Focus  
(on)  
(A)  
(A)  
(A)  
(A)  
White Balance  
Wind Screen  
Shutter Speed  
(A)  
Exposure  
Adjustment  
(A)  
Digital Effects  
: Available  
: Not available A: Auto setting  
Selecting the Easy Recording Program  
Set the program selector to  
” appears.  
.
38  
Selecting a Recording Program  
E
MENU  
PROGRAM AE  
(
33)  
1. Set the program selector to  
.
2. Press the FUNC. button to open the FUNC. menu.  
3. With the joystick select (  
programs icon.  
) the recording  
4. Select (  
) the recording program from the options  
on the bottom bar.  
5. Press the FUNC. button to save the setting and close the menu.  
The symbol of the recording program selected appears.  
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 Do not change the recording program while recording as the brightness of the  
image may change abruptly.  
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 Portrait/Sports mode:  
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The picture may not appear smooth when played back.  
 Snow/Beach mode:  
- The subject may become overexposed in dark surroundings. Check the  
image on the screen.  
- The picture may not appear smooth when played back.  
 Night mode:  
- Moving subjects may leave a trailing afterimage.  
- Picture quality may not be as good as in other modes.  
- White points may appear on the screen.  
- Autofocus may not work as well as in other modes. In such case, adjust the  
focus manually.  
- The digital zoom cannot be used with this recording program.  
 Fireworks mode:  
To avoid camcorder shake, we recommend using a tripod.  
39  
Adjusting the Exposure Manually  
Adjust the exposure when a backlit subject becomes underexposed, or overexposed due  
to bright light.  
Program selector  
Joystick  
1. Set the program selector to  
.
2. If the joystick guide does not appear on screen,  
press ( ) to display it.  
EXP  
3. Push the joystick ( ) towards [EXP] to enter the  
exposure lock mode.  
BACK  
[EXP] on the joystick guide will be displayed in light blue and the  
exposure adjustment indicator and the neutral value “ 0” appear on the screen.  
4. Adjust (  
) the brightness of the image as necessary.  
To return to the automatic exposure, push the joystick ( ) towards [EXP] once more.  
The exposure adjustment indicator will disappear and [EXP] will turn white again.  
5. Push the joystick ( ) towards [BACK] to save the exposure setting.  
• When you operate the zoom during exposure lock, the brightness of the image may  
change.  
• The adjustment range depends on the brightness at the time you locked the  
exposure.  
6. If necessary, press ( ) again to hide the joystick guide.  
The manual exposure setting will reset to auto exposure when you turn the  
camcorder off or change the recording program.  
40  
Adjusting the Focus Manually  
Autofocus may not work well on the following subjects. In such case, focus manually.  
E
Subjects with low  
contrast or without  
vertical lines  
Reflective  
surfaces  
Fast Moving  
Subjects  
Through dirty or  
wet windows  
Night Scenes  
Program selector  
Zoom lever  
Joystick  
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1. Set the program selector to  
2. Adjust the zoom.  
.
When you operate the zoom after adjusting the focus, the  
subject may not stay in focus. Adjust the zoom before the focus.  
3. If the joystick guide does not appear on screen,  
press ( ) to display it.  
BACK  
FOCUS  
4. Push the joystick ( ) towards [FOCUS] to activate  
the manual focus.  
[FOCUS] on the joystick guide will be displayed in light blue and “MF” appears on the  
screen.  
5. Adjust (  
• Push the joystick ( ) towards  
for a closer focal distance.  
) the focus as necessary.  
for a farther focal distance or push it ( ) towards  
41  
To return to autofocus, push the joystick ( ) towards [FOCUS] once more. “MF” will  
disappear and [FOCUS] will turn white again.  
6. Push the joystick ( ) towards [BACK] to save the focus adjustment.  
7. If necessary, press ( ) again to hide the joystick guide.  
The manual focus will reset to autofocus when you set the program selector to  
.
Infinity Focus  
Use this function when you wish to focus on faraway subjects such as mountains or  
fireworks.  
1. In the manual focus mode press ( ) to display the joystick guide.  
2. Keep the joystick pushed ( ) towards [FOCUS] for more than 2  
seconds.  
• At first, “MF” will appear on the screen and then it will be replaced by the “  
symbol.  
• In the infinity focus mode: If you operate the zoom or the joystick (  
) or if you turn  
the camcorder off, the infinity focus will be canceled and the camcorder will return to  
manual focus.  
3. Push the joystick ( ) towards [BACK] to save the focus adjustment.  
4. If necessary, press ( ) again to hide the joystick guide.  
42  
Setting the White Balance  
You can use the preset modes to reproduce colors more accurately, or set a custom white  
balance to obtain the optimal setting.  
E
AUTO  
Settings are automatically set by the camcorder.  
For recording outdoors on a bright day.  
DAYLIGHT  
TUNGSTEN  
For recording under tungsten and tungsten type (3-wavelength)  
fluorescent lighting.  
SET  
Use the custom white balance setting to make white subjects  
appear white under colored lighting.  
White sheet or paper  
(if you select SET)  
Program selector  
Zoom lever  
Joystick  
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FUNC. button  
MENU  
33)  
AUTO  
(
1. Set the program selector to  
2. Press the FUNC. button to open the FUNC. menu.  
3. With the joystick select ( ) the white balance icon.  
) the white balance setting from the options on the bottom  
.
4. Select (  
bar.  
If you select a white balance setting other than  
[SET], continue to directly to step 6.  
[SET]:  
To set the custom white balance when you select  
5. Point the camcorder at a white object, zoom in until it fills the whole  
screen and press ( ).  
• Keep the camcorder zoomed in at the white object until step 6 is completed.  
• The “ ” icon flashes and stops flashing when the adjustment is completed.  
6. Press the FUNC. button to save the setting and close the menu.  
43  
 Use the auto setting for normal outdoor scenes.  
 When the program selector is set to  
, the white balance is preset to  
[AUTO].  
 The camcorder retains the custom white balance setting even if you turn it off.  
 When you have set the custom white balance:  
- Depending on the light source, “ ” may keep flashing. The result will still be  
better than with the auto setting.  
- Reset the white balance when the lighting condition changes.  
- Turn off the digital zoom.  
 Custom white balance may provide better results in the following cases:  
- Changing lighting conditions  
- Close-ups  
- Subjects in a single color (sky, sea or forest)  
- Under mercury lamps or certain types of fluorescent lights  
Selecting an Image Effect  
You can record with different color saturation and contrast effects.  
IMAGE EFFECT OFF  
VIVID  
Records with no image enhancing effects.  
Emphasizes the contrast and color saturation.  
Tones down the contrast and color saturation.  
NEUTRAL  
SOFT SKIN DETAIL  
Softens the details in the skin tone area for a more  
complimentary appearance.  
MENU  
33)  
IMAGE EFFECT OFF  
(
1. Press the FUNC. button to open the FUNC. menu.  
2. With the joystick select ( ) the image effects icon.  
3. Select ( ) the image effect from the options on the bottom bar.  
4. Press the FUNC. button to save the setting and close the menu.  
 The image effects cannot be used when the program selector is set to  
 [SOFT SKIN DETAIL]: To obtain the best effect, use this function when  
recording a person in close-up. Note that areas similar to the skin color may  
lack in detail.  
.
44  
Setting the Shutter Speed  
You can adjust the shutter speed manually to make stable shots of fast moving subjects.  
E
Available shutter speed settings: AUTO, 1/50, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000  
MENU  
CAMERA SETUP  
SHUTTR SPEED AUTO  
(
33)  
1. Set the program selector to  
2. Press the FUNC. button to open the FUNC. menu.  
3. With the joystick select ( ) the recording program icon and select  
) the [PROGRAM AE] program.  
4. With the joystick select ( ) the icon and press ( ).  
5. Select ( ) the [CAMERA SETUP] menu and press ( ). Then, select  
) the [SHUTTR SPEED] option and press ( ).  
6. Select ( ) a setting option and press ( ) to save the changes.  
.
(
(
7. Press the FUNC. button to close the menu.  
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 Do not point the camcorder directly at the sun when the shutter speed is set to  
1/1000 or higher.  
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 The image may flicker when recording with high shutter speeds.  
 The shutter speed resets to [AUTO] when you set the program selector to  
or when you change the recording program.  
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 Guidelines for Recording with High Shutter Speeds:  
- Outdoor sports such as golf or tennis: 1/2000  
- Moving objects such as cars or roller coasters: 1/1000, 1/500 or 1/250  
- Indoor sports such as basketball: 1/120  
45  
Auto Slow Shutter  
In the  
Easy Recording mode or when the shutter speed is set to [AUTO] in the  
Program AE recording program, the camcorder uses shutter speeds down to 1/25. This  
allows you to obtain a brighter recording in places with insufficient lighting. However, you  
can set the camcorder not to use a slow shutter speed.  
MENU  
CAMERA SETUP  
A.SL SHUTTER ON  
(
33)  
1. Open the FUNC. menu, select (  
2. Select (  
) the  
icon and press ( ).  
) the [CAMERA SETUP] menu and press ( ). Then, select  
(
) the [A.SL SHUTTER] option and press ( ).  
3. Set (  
) it to [OFF] and press ( ) to save the changes, then close  
the menu.  
When set to [ON], moving subjects may leave a trailing afterimage.  
46  
Using the Self-Timer  
E
FUNC. button  
Start/stop button  
MENU  
SELF TIMER OFF  
(
33)  
1. Open the FUNC. menu and select (  
) the self timer icon.  
2. Set (  
) it to [SELF TIMER ON] and close the menu.  
e
3. Press the start/stop button.  
c
o
The camcorder starts recording after a 10-second countdown. The countdown  
r
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appears on the screen.  
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 To cancel the self timer, select (  
) [SELF TIMER OFF] in step 2 above.  
Once the countdown has begun, you can also press the start/stop button to  
cancel the self-timer.  
 The self-timer will be canceled when you turn off the camcorder.  
47  
Changing the Recording Mode (SP/LP)  
You can choose between SP (standard play) and LP (long play). LP extends the tape  
usage by 1.5 times.  
MENU  
VCR SETUP  
REC MODE STD PLAY  
(
33)  
1. Open the FUNC. menu, select (  
2. Select (  
the [REC MODE] option and press ( ).  
3. Set ( ) it to [STD PLAY] or [LONG PLAY] and press ( ) to save the  
changes, then close the menu.  
) the  
icon and press ( ).  
) the [VCR SETUP] menu and press ( ). Then, select (  
)
Depending on the nature and usage condition of the tape, picture and sound  
recorded in LP mode may be distorted. We recommend using the SP mode  
for important recordings.  
 If you record in both SP and LP modes on the same tape, the playback picture  
may become distorted and the time code may not be written correctly.  
 If you play back a tape that has been recorded in LP mode with another digital  
device on this camcorder, or vice versa, picture and sound may become  
distorted.  
48  
Audio Recording  
Changing the Audio Mode  
You can record sound in two audio modes—16-bit and 12-bit. The 12-bit mode records  
sound on two channels (stereo 1), leaving 2 channels free (stereo 2) for adding new  
sound later with another editing device. Select the 16-bit mode for higher sound quality.  
E
MENU  
AUDIO SETUP  
AUDIO MODE 12bit  
(
33)  
1. Open the FUNC. menu, select (  
2. Select (  
) the  
icon and press ( ).  
) the [AUDIO SETUP] menu and press ( ). Then, select  
(
) the [AUDIO MODE] option and press ( ).  
3. Set (  
) it to [16bit] or [12bit] and press ( ) to save the changes,  
then close the menu.  
The selected audio mode is displayed for approximately 4 seconds.  
R
Wind Screen  
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The camcorder reduces the wind noise automatically (only when recording audio with the  
built-in microphone). However, you can turn off the wind screen when recording indoors,  
or when you want the microphone to be as sensitive as possible.  
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MENU  
AUDIO SETUP  
WIND SCREEN AUTO  
(
33)  
1. Open the FUNC. menu, select (  
2. Select (  
) the  
icon and press ( ).  
) the [AUDIO SETUP] menu and press ( ). Then, select  
(
) the [WIND SCREEN] option and press ( ).  
3. Set (  
) it to [OFF] and press ( ) to save the changes, then close  
the menu.  
” appears when you turn the wind screen off.  
49  
Using an External Microphone  
You can connect an external microphone to the MIC terminal. Use commercially available  
condenser microphones with their own power supply.  
MIC terminal  
Open the terminal cover  
You can connect almost any stereo microphone equipped with a Ø 3.5 mm plug  
but the audio level will be different than with the built-in microphone.  
50  
Using Digital Effects  
Faders ( 52)  
Begin or end scenes with a fade to or from black.  
E
Fade Trigger (FADE-T)  
Corner Wipe (CORNER)  
Flip (FLIP)  
Wipe (WIPE)  
Jump (JUMP)  
Puzzle (PUZZLE)  
Beam (BEAM)  
e
c
o
r
d
i
g
Zigzag (ZIGZAG)  
Tide (TIDE)  
51  
Effects ( 53)  
Add flavor to your recordings.  
Black and White  
(BLK&WHT)  
Sepia (SEPIA)  
Art (ART)  
Mosaic (MOSAIC)  
Ball (BALL)  
Cube (CUBE)  
Wave (WAVE)  
Color Mask (COLOR.)  
Mirror (MIRROR)  
Selecting a Fader  
In  
mode, set the program selector to  
.
*
* Not available if the TV type is set to [NORMAL TV].  
MENU  
D.EFFECT OFF  
(
33)  
1. Open the FUNC. menu and select (  
effects icon.  
) the digital  
2. Select (  
3. Select (  
the menu.  
) the [FADER] option and press ( ).  
) a setting option, press ( ) and close  
The symbol of the selected fader will appear on screen.  
:
4. Fade in: In record pause mode, press the  
D.EFFECTS button and begin recording by pressing  
the start/stop button.  
52  
Fade out: During recording, press the D.EFFECTS button and pause  
recording by pressing the start/stop button.  
The fader can be activated/deactivated by pressing the D.EFFECTS button.  
E
:
4. Fade in: In playback pause mode, press the  
D.EFFECTS button and begin playback by pushing  
the joystick ( ) towards  
/
.
Fade out: During playback, press the D.EFFECTS  
button and pause playback by pushing the joystick  
(
) towards  
/
.
The fader can be activated/deactivated by pressing the D.EFFECTS button.  
Selecting an Effect  
In  
mode, set the program selector to  
.
*
* Not available if the TV type is set to [NORMAL TV].  
MENU  
D.EFFECT OFF  
R
(
33)  
c
o
r
d
1. Open the FUNC. menu and select (  
effects icon.  
) the digital  
i
g
2. Select (  
3. Select (  
the menu.  
) the [EFFECT] option and press ( ).  
) a setting option, press ( ) and close  
The symbol of the selected effect will appear on screen.  
4. Press the D.EFFECTS button.  
• The symbol of the selected effect will turn green.  
• The effect can be activated/deactivated by pressing the  
D.EFFECTS button.  
 Turn off the digital effect when you do not use it.  
 The camcorder retains the setting even if you turn it off or change the recording  
program.  
 The image quality may be slightly lower with digital effects.  
 Digital effects cannot be used in the following cases:  
- When the program selector is set to  
- During DV dubbing.  
.
53  
Widescreen TV Recording (16:9)  
The camcorder uses the full width of the CCD providing high-resolution 16:9 recording.  
WIDE SCR button  
Press the WIDE SCR button.  
• “  
” disappears and the picture changes to 4:3 aspect ratio.  
• On the LCD screen: Widescreen video will display normally; video in 4:3 aspect ratio  
will appear with black side bars.  
• On the viewfinder screen: Widescreen video will appear in “letterbox” display; video in  
4:3 aspect ratio will display normally.  
Playing back recordings made in the widescreen mode on a normal TV: If the TV  
type is set to [NORMAL TV] the recording will be played back in “letterbox”  
display. If the TV type is set to [WIDE TV] the image will appear horizontally  
squeezed (  
31).  
54  
Playback  
Magnifying the Image  
The playback image can be magnified up to 5 times.  
E
Zoom lever  
Joystick  
1. Move the zoom lever toward T.  
• The image is magnified by 2 times.  
• A frame appears indicating the position of the magnified area.  
To further enlarge the image, move the zoom lever toward T.  
To shrink the image below 2 times magnification, move the  
zoom lever toward W.  
Pal  
y
b
a
c
k
2. Select (  
joystick.  
,
) the magnified area with the  
To cancel the magnification, move the zoom lever toward W until  
the frame disappears.  
While the magnification position frame is displayed it will replace the joystick  
guide. Cancel the magnification to return to normal playback.  
55  
Displaying the Data Code  
The camcorder maintains a data code containing the recording date and time. You can  
select the data code combination and display it during playback.  
Joystick  
DATA CODE button  
FUNC. button  
MENU  
DISPLAY SETUP/  
DATA CODE DATE & TIME  
(
33)  
1. Open the FUNC. menu, select (  
) the  
icon and press ( ).  
2. Select (  
select (  
) the [DISPLAY SETUP/ ] menu and press ( ). Then,  
) the [DATA CODE] option and press ( ).  
3. Select a setting option and press ( ) to save the changes, then close  
the menu.  
4. To display the data code during playback: Press the DATA CODE  
button.  
The data code will not display the next time you turn on the camcorder.  
Six-Second Auto Date  
Date and time appear for 6 seconds when you begin playback, or to indicate that date or  
time zone has changed.  
MENU  
DISPLAY SETUP/  
6SEC.DATE OFF  
(
33)  
1. Open the FUNC. menu, select (  
) the  
icon and press ( ).  
2. Select (  
select (  
) the [DISPLAY SETUP/ ] menu and press ( ). Then,  
) the [6SEC.DATE] option and press ( ).  
3. Select a setting option and press ( ) to save the changes, then close  
the menu.  
56  
End Search  
When you have played back a tape, you can use this function to locate the end of the last  
recorded scene.  
E
Joystick  
FUNC. button  
In stop mode:  
1. Open the FUNC. menu, select (  
).  
2. Select (  
) the end search icon  
and press  
(
Pal  
) [EXECUTE] and press ( ) to start the search.  
y
b
• “END SEARCH” appears.  
a
c
k
• The camcorder rewinds/fast forwards the tape, plays back the last few seconds of  
the recording and stops the tape.  
• Operating the joystick (  
,
) will cancel the search.  
 End search cannot be used once you unload the cassette.  
 End search may not work properly if a blank section exists on the tape.  
57  
Playing Back a Tape with Added  
Sound  
You can select to play back Stereo 1 (original sound), Stereo 2 (added sound), or adjust  
the balance of both sounds.  
MENU  
AUDIO SETUP  
12bit AUDIO STEREO1  
(
33)  
1. Open the FUNC. menu, select (  
2. Select (  
) the [12bit AUDIO] option and press ( ).  
) the  
icon and press ( ).  
) the [AUDIO SETUP] menu and press ( ). Then, select  
(
3. Select a setting option and press ( ) to save the changes.  
• STEREO1: Plays back the original sound.  
• STEREO2: Plays back the added sound.  
• MIX/FIXED: Plays back Stereo 1 and Stereo 2 in the same level.  
• MIX/VAR.: Plays back Stereo 1 and Stereo 2. The mix balance can be adjusted.  
• If you select an audio setting other than [MIX/VAR.], close the menu.  
To adjust the mix level when you select [MIX/VAR.]:  
4. From the [AUDIO SETUP] menu select (  
option and press ( ).  
) the [MIX BALANCE]  
5. Adjust (  
) the mix level between ST-1 and ST-2 and press ( ) to  
save the changes, then close the menu.  
 The camcorder resets to [STEREO1] when you turn the camcorder off.  
However, the mix balance is memorized by the camcorder.  
 Audio dubbing cannot be performed with your camcorder.  
58  
Other Functions  
Changing the Display Language  
The language used for screen display and menu items can be changed. The available set  
of languages varies depending on the region. Follow the procedure below to check which  
set of languages are provided with your camcorder.  
E
Language Set A  
Language Set B  
English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish, Russian,  
Simplified Chinese, Japanese  
English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Thai  
MENU  
DISPLAY SETUP/  
LANGUAGE ENGLISH  
(
33)  
1. Open the FUNC. menu, select (  
) the  
icon and press ( ).  
2. Select (  
select (  
) the [DISPLAY SETUP/ ] menu and press ( ). Then,  
) the [LANGUAGE] option and press ( ).  
3. Select a language and press ( ) to save the changes, then close the  
menu.  
Oht  
 If you have mistakenly changed the language, follow the  
menu item to change the setting.  
mark next to the  
er  
F
u
 The display “FUNC.” at the bottom of the screen refers to the button’s name on  
ntcio  
the camcorder and will not change when you change the language.  
n
s
Changing the Date Format  
You can select between three date formats. For example, [1. JAN. 2006], [JAN. 1, 2006]  
and [2006. 1. 1].  
MENU  
DATE/TIME SETUP  
DATE FORMAT 1.JAN.2006  
(
33)  
1. Open the FUNC. menu, select (  
) the  
icon and press ( ).  
2. Select (  
select (  
) the [DATE/TIME SETUP] menu and press ( ). Then,  
) the [DATE FORMAT] option and press ( ).  
3. Select a setting option and press ( ) to save the changes, then close  
the menu.  
59  
Other Camcorder Settings  
Beep  
You will hear a beep upon camcorder operations such as power on/off, start/stop, self-  
timer countdown, and unusual conditions of the camcorder. If you turn off the beep, all  
camcorder sounds will be turned off.  
MENU  
SYSTEM SETUP  
BEEP HIGH VOLUME  
(
33)  
To turn off the beep:  
1. Open the FUNC. menu, select (  
2. Select (  
) the [BEEP] option and press ( ).  
) the  
icon and press ( ).  
) the [SYSTEM SETUP] menu and press ( ). Then, select  
(
3. Set it to [OFF] and press ( ) to save the changes, then close the  
menu.  
Adjusting the Brightness of the LCD Screen  
MENU  
DISPLAY SETUP/  
BRIGHTNESS  
(
33)  
1. Open the FUNC. menu, select (  
) the  
icon and press ( ).  
2. Select (  
select (  
) the [DISPLAY SETUP/ ] menu and press ( ). Then,  
) the [BRIGHTNESS] option and press ( ).  
3. Adjust (  
) the brightness level and press ( ) to save the changes,  
then close the menu.  
Changing the brightness of the LCD screen does not affect that of the viewfinder  
or the recordings.  
60  
Turning Off the Image Stabilizer  
The image stabilizer compensates for camcorder shake even at full telephoto. It tries to  
compensate for horizontal movements; therefore, you may decide to turn it off when you  
mount the camcorder on a tripod.  
E
MENU  
CAMERA SETUP  
IMG STAB ON  
(
33)  
1. Open the FUNC. menu, select (  
2. Select (  
) the [IMG STAB] option and press ( ).  
) the  
icon and press ( ).  
) the [CAMERA SETUP] menu and press ( ). Then, select  
(
3. Set it to [OFF] and press ( ) to save the changes, then close the  
menu.  
” disappears.  
 The image stabilizer cannot be turned off when the program selector is set to  
.
 The image stabilizer is designed to compensate a normal degree of camcorder  
shake.  
Oht  
 The image stabilizer might not be as effective when using the  
Night  
er  
recording program.  
F
u
ntcio  
Changing the Display of the Start-Up Image  
n
s
You can set whether the Canon logo will be displayed or not when you turn on the  
camcorder.  
MENU  
SYSTEM SETUP  
START-UP IMG ON  
(
33)  
To turn off the start-up image:  
1. Open the FUNC. menu, select (  
) the  
icon and press ( ).  
2. Select (  
) the [SYSTEM SETUP] menu and press ( ). Then, select  
(
) the [START-UP IMG] option and press ( ).  
3. Set it to [OFF] and press ( ) to save the changes, then close the  
menu.  
61  
Demonstration Mode  
The demonstration mode displays the camcorder’s main features. It starts automatically  
when you leave the camcorder turned on (using the power adapter) without loading a  
recording media for more than 5 minutes. However, you can set the camcorder not to  
start the demonstration mode.  
MENU  
DISPLAY SETUP/  
DEMO MODE ON  
(
33)  
To deactivate the demonstration mode:  
1. Open the FUNC. menu, select (  
) the  
icon and press ( ).  
2. Select (  
select (  
) the [DISPLAY SETUP/ ] menu and press ( ). Then,  
) the [DEMO MODE] option and press ( ).  
3. Set it to [OFF] and press ( ) to save the changes, then close the  
menu.  
To cancel the demo mode once it has begun, press any button, turn off the  
camcorder or load a recording media.  
62  
Editing  
Recording to a VCR or Digital Video  
Device  
E
You can copy your recordings by connecting the camcorder to a VCR or a digital video  
device. If you connect a digital video device, you can copy recordings with virtually no  
generation loss in image and sound quality.  
Connecting the Devices  
Connecting a VCR  
See Playing Back on a TV Screen (  
29).  
Connecting a Digital Video Device  
Use the optional CV-150F (4 pin-4 pin) or CV-250F (4 pin-6 pin) DV Cable.  
Refer also to the instruction manual of the digital video device.  
Signal flow  
DV cable (optional)  
Recording  
1. Set the camcorder to  
mode and load a recorded cassette.  
2. Connected device: Load a blank cassette and set the device to record  
pause mode.  
3. Locate the scene you wish to copy and pause playback shortly before  
the scene.  
4. Play back the tape.  
5. Connected device: Begin recording when the scene you wish to copy  
appears. Stop recording when copying is complete.  
6. Stop playback.  
63  
 We recommend powering the camcorder from a household power source.  
 When connecting a VCR, the quality of the edited tape will be slightly lower than  
that of the original.  
 When connecting a digital video device:  
- If the picture does not appear, reconnect the DV cable or turn the camcorder  
off and back on again.  
- Proper operation cannot be guaranteed for all digital video devices equipped  
with a DV terminal. If operation does not work, use the AV terminal.  
64  
Recording from Digital Video  
Devices (DV Dubbing)  
You can record from other digital video devices equipped with a DV terminal with virtually  
no loss in picture and sound quality.  
E
1. Connect the camcorder to the digital video device.  
See Connecting a Digital Video Device (  
63).  
2. Set the camcorder to  
mode and load a blank cassette.  
3. Connected device: Load the recorded cassette or disc.  
4. Open the FUNC. menu, select ( ) the recording  
pause icon and press ( ).  
5. Select ( ) [EXECUTE] and press ( ).  
In record pause and during recording, you can check the picture  
on the screen.  
6. Connected device: Play back the tape or disc.  
7. If the joystick guide does not appear on screen,  
press ( ) to display it.  
8. Push the joystick ( ) towards  
you wish to record appears.  
• Recording starts.  
/
when the scene  
• Push the joystick ( ) towards  
/
again to pause/resume the recording.  
9. Push the joystick ( ) towards  
to stop recording.  
10.Connected Device: Stop playback.  
 Blank sections may be recorded as anomalous picture.  
 If the picture does not appear, reconnect the DV cable or turn the camcorder off  
and back on again.  
 You can only record video signals from devices with the  
logo from  
recordings in SD (standard definition) standard, in SP or LP recording mode.  
Note that signals from identically shaped DV (IEEE1394) terminals may be in  
different video standards.  
We recommend powering the camcorder from a household power source.  
65  
Concerning Copyright  
Copyright Precaution  
Certain pre-recorded video tapes, films and other materials, as well as some television  
programmes are copyrighted. Unauthorised recording of these materials may violate  
copyright protection laws.  
Copyright Signals  
During playback: If you try to play back a tape that contains copyright control signals for  
protection of software, “COPYRIGHT PROTECTED PLAYBACK IS RESTRICTED”  
appears for a few seconds and the camcorder displays a blank blue screen. You cannot  
playback the contents of the tape.  
During recording: If you try to record from software that contains copyright control signals  
for protection of software, “COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DUBBING RESTRICTED”  
appears. You cannot record the contents of the software.  
You cannot record copyright protection signals to a tape using this camcorder.  
66  
Transferring Video Recordings to a  
Computer  
E
Transferring Using a DV Cable  
You can transfer recordings to a computer equipped with a IEEE1394 (DV) terminal or  
IEEE1394 capture board. Use the editing software supplied with your computer/capture  
board to transfer video recording from tape to computer. Refer to the instruction manual of  
the software. A driver is preinstalled on Windows operating systems later than Windows  
98 Second Edition and Mac operating systems later than Mac OS 9, and will be installed  
automatically.  
Use the optional CV-150F (4 pin-4 pin) or CV-250F (4 pin-6 pin) DV Cable.  
IEEE1394 (DV) terminal  
DV cable (optional)  
6-pin  
4-pin  
 Operation may not work correctly depending on the software and the  
specifications/settings of your computer.  
 If the computer freezes while you have connected the camcorder, disconnect  
and reconnect the DV cable. If the problem persists, disconnect the interface  
cable, turn off camcorder and computer, turn camcorder and computer back on  
and reconnect them.  
 We recommend powering the camcorder from a household power source while  
it is connected to the computer.  
 Refer also to the instruction manual of the computer.  
67  
Additional Information  
Screen Displays  
Hiding the Displays on the LCD Screen  
You can hide the displays on the LCD screen to have a clear screen for playback.  
MENU  
DISPLAY SETUP/  
DISPLAYS ON  
(
33)  
1. Open the FUNC. menu, select (  
) the  
icon and press ( ).  
2. Select (  
select (  
) the [DISPLAY SETUP/ ] menu and press ( ). Then,  
) the [DISPLAYS] option and press ( ).  
3. Set it to [OFF <PLAYBK>] and press ( ) to save the changes, then  
close the menu.  
• Warning messages still appear, and the data code appears if turned on.  
• The displays appear while a playback image is magnified or a digital effect is  
activated.  
Tape operation displays appear for 2 seconds.  
Hiding/Showing the Displays on the TV Screen  
When you connect a TV for recording, you can select to hide the camcorder displays on  
the TV screen. For playback, you can show the camcorder displays on the TV screen.  
MENU  
DISPLAY SETUP/  
TV SCREEN ON  
(
33)  
1. Open the FUNC. menu, select (  
) the  
icon and press ( ).  
2. Select (  
select (  
) the [DISPLAY SETUP/ ] menu and press ( ). Then,  
) the [TV SCREEN] option and press ( ).  
3. Set it to [ON] or [OFF] and press ( ) to save the changes, then close  
the menu.  
68  
Screen Displays during Recording/Playback  
(see also  
21)  
E
Self-timer (  
47)  
Digital effects (  
51)  
Shutter speed ( 45)  
Exposure lock ( 40)  
Recording reminder (  
21)  
Manual focus (  
Image stabilizer (  
Recording mode (  
Tape operation  
41)  
61)  
48)  
Time code (  
21)  
Remaining tape (  
Widescreen mode (  
21)  
Operating mode (  
4), Zoom (  
41)  
36)  
22),  
54)  
Exposure adjustment (  
Recording program (  
Wind screen (  
Audio mode (  
49)  
49)  
White balance (  
Image effects (  
43)  
44)  
Condensation warning (  
72)  
Level marker (  
19)  
12 bit audio (  
End search (  
58)  
57)  
Tape operation  
Joystick guide (  
3)  
Data code (  
56)  
: Recording  
/
: Fast  
: Record  
pause  
forward playback/  
rewind playback  
: Stop  
(
27)  
: Eject  
: Playback pause  
(
27)  
: Playback  
: Fast  
forward  
: Rewind  
69  
List of Messages  
Message  
Explanation  
SET THE TIME ZONE,  
DATE AND TIME  
You have not set the time zone, date and time. This message  
appears each time you turn the power on until you set the time  
zone, date and time.  
16  
CHANGE THE BATTERY Battery pack is exhausted. Replace or charge the battery pack.  
PACK  
10  
75  
13  
65  
72  
72  
THE TAPE IS SET FOR  
Cassette is protected. Replace the cassette or change the  
ERASURE PREVENTION position of the protect switch.  
REMOVE THE  
CASSETTE  
Camcorder stopped operating to protect the tape. Unload and  
reload the cassette.  
CHECK THE INPUT  
DV cable is not connected, or the connected digital device is  
turned off.  
CONDENSATION HAS  
BEEN DETECTED  
Condensation has been detected in the camcorder.  
CONDENSATION HAS  
BEEN DETECTED  
REMOVE THE  
Condensation has been detected in the camcorder. Unload the  
cassette.  
CASSETTE  
TAPE END  
Tape reached the end. Rewind the tape or replace the cassette.  
You attempted to play back a tape recorded in HD standard.  
INCORRECT TAPE  
SPECIFICATION  
PLAYBACK IS  
RESTRICTED  
INPUT SIGNAL NOT  
SUPPORTED  
You attempted to input video signal in HD standard through the  
DV terminal.  
65  
72  
66  
66  
HEADS DIRTY, USE  
CLEANING CASSETTE  
Video heads are dirty. Clean the video heads.  
You attempted to play back a copyright protected tape.  
You attempted to dub a copyright protected tape.  
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED  
PLAYBACK IS RESTRICTED  
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED  
DUBBING RESTRICTED  
70  
Maintenance/Others  
Camcorder Handling Precautions  
 Do not carry the camcorder by the LCD panel.  
E
 Do not leave the camcorder in places subject to high temperatures, such as a sun-  
heated car, and high humidity.  
 Do not use the camcorder near strong electric or magnetic fields such as above TVs,  
near plasma TVs or mobile phones.  
 Do not point the lens or viewfinder at strong light sources. Do not leave the camcorder  
pointed at a bright subject.  
 Do not use the camcorder in dusty or sandy places. Dust or sand getting inside the  
cassette or camcorder may cause damage. Dust and sand can also damage the lens.  
Attach the lens cap after use.  
 The camcorder is not waterproof. Water, mud or salt getting inside the cassette or  
camcorder may cause damage.  
 Be careful of heat generated by lighting equipment.  
 Do not disassemble the camcorder. If the camcorder does not function properly,  
consult qualified service personnel.  
 Handle the camcorder with care. Do not subject the camcorder to shocks or vibration  
as this may cause damage.  
 Avoid sudden changes in temperature. Moving the camcorder rapidly between hot and  
cold temperatures may cause condensation to form on its internal surfaces (  
72).  
Storage  
 If you do not intend to use the camcorder for a long time, store it in a place free of dust,  
in low humidity, and at temperatures not higher than 30 °C.  
 After storage, check the functions of your camcorder to make sure that the camcorder  
is still working properly.  
Cleaning  
Camcorder Body and Lens  
 Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the camcorder body and lens. Never use chemically  
treated cloth or volatile solvents such as paint thinner.  
LCD Screen  
 Clean the LCD screen using a commercially available cleaning cloth for glasses.  
 Condensation may form on the surface of the screen when the temperature changes  
suddenly. Wipe it with a soft dry cloth.  
 At cold temperatures, the screen may be darker than usual. This is not a malfunction.  
The screen returns to normal when the camcorder warms up.  
71  
Viewfinder  
 Clean the viewfinder screen using a blower brush or a commercially available cleaning  
cloth for glasses.  
Video Heads  
 When the playback picture becomes distorted, the video heads need to be cleaned.  
 To maintain the best picture quality, we recommend cleaning the video heads  
frequently with the Canon DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette or a  
commercially available dry cleaning cassette.  
 Tapes already recorded with dirty video heads may not be played back correctly even  
when you clean the video heads.  
 Do not use wet type cleaning cassettes as this may damage the camcorder.  
Condensation  
Moving the camcorder rapidly between hot and cold temperature may cause  
condensation (water droplets) to form on its internal surfaces. Stop using the camcorder if  
condensation is detected. Continued use may damage the camcorder.  
Condensation may form in the following cases:  
When the camcorder is moved from an  
air-conditioned room to warm, humid  
place  
When the camcorder is moved from a  
cold place to a warm room  
When the camcorder is left in a humid  
room  
When a cold room is heated rapidly  
How to avoid condensation:  
 Unload the cassette, place the camcorder in an airtight plastic bag and let it adjust to  
temperature changes slowly before removing it from the bag.  
72  
When condensation is detected:  
 The camcorder stops operating and the warning message “CONDENSATION HAS  
BEEN DETECTED” appears for approx. 4 seconds and “ ” starts flashing.  
 If a cassette is loaded, the warning message “REMOVE THE CASSETTE” appears  
and “ ” starts flashing. Remove the cassette immediately and leave the cassette  
compartment open. Leaving the cassette in the camcorder may damage the tape.  
 A cassette cannot be loaded when condensation is detected.  
E
Resuming use:  
 It takes about 1 hour until the water droplets evaporate. After the condensation warning  
stops flashing, wait for 1 more hour before resuming use.  
Battery Pack Handling Precautions  
DANGER!  
Treat the battery pack with care.  
• Keep it away from fire (or it might explode).  
• Do not expose the battery pack to temperatures higher than 60 °C. Do not leave it  
near a heater or inside a car in hot weather.  
• Do not try to disassemble or modify it.  
• Do not drop or knock it.  
• Do not get it wet.  
 Charged battery packs continue to discharge naturally. Therefore, charge them on the  
day of use, or the day before, to ensure a full charge.  
 Attach the terminal cover whenever a battery pack is not in use. Contact with metallic  
objects may cause a short circuit and damage the battery pack.  
 Dirty terminals may cause a poor contact between the battery pack and the camcorder.  
Wipe the terminals with a soft cloth.  
 Since storing a charged battery pack for a long time (about 1 year) can shorten its  
lifecycle or affect performance, we recommend to discharge the battery pack fully and  
to store it in a dry place at temperatures no higher than 30 °C. If you do not use the  
battery pack for long periods, charge and discharge it fully at least once a year. If you  
have more than 1 battery pack, perform these precautions at the same time for all  
battery packs.  
 Although the battery pack’s operating temperature range is from 0 °C to 40 °C, the  
optimal range is from 10 °C to 30 °C. At cold temperatures, performance will  
temporarily decline. Warm it in your pocket before use.  
 Replace the battery pack if the usable time after full charge diminishes substantially at  
normal temperatures.  
73  
About the battery terminal cover  
The battery terminal cover has a [  
]-shaped hole. This is useful when you wish to  
differentiate between charged and uncharged battery packs. For example, with charged  
battery packs, attach the terminal cover so that the [  
label.  
]-shaped hole shows the blue  
Back side of the  
battery pack  
Terminal cover attached  
Charged  
Uncharged  
Lithium Button Battery Handling Precautions  
WARNING!  
• The battery used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if  
mishandled. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 100 °C or incinerate the  
battery.  
• Replace the battery with a CR1616 made by Panasonic, Hitachi Maxell, Sony,  
Toshiba, Varta or Renata. Use of other batteries may present a risk of fire or  
explosion.  
• The used battery should be returned to the supplier for safe disposal.  
 Do not pick up the battery using tweezers or other metal tools as this will cause a short  
circuit.  
 Wipe the battery with a clean dry cloth to ensure proper contact.  
 Keep the battery out of reach of children. If it is swallowed, seek medical assistance  
immediately. The battery case may break and the battery fluids may damage stomach  
and intestines.  
 Do not disassemble, heat or immerse the battery in water to avoid the risk of explosion.  
Cassette Handling Precautions  
 Rewind tapes after use. If the tape becomes slack and damaged, it may cause picture  
and sound distortion.  
 Return cassettes in the case and store them upright.  
 Do not leave the cassette in the camcorder after use.  
 Do not use spliced tapes or nonstandard cassettes as they may damage the  
camcorder.  
 Do not use tapes that have been jammed as video heads may become dirty.  
 Do not insert anything into the small holes of the cassette, or cover them with  
cellophane tape.  
 Handle cassettes with care. Do not drop or subject them to severe impact as this may  
damage the cassettes.  
 Rewind tapes from time to time if they are stored for a long time.  
 With cassettes equipped with a memory function, metal plated terminals may become  
dirty with use. Clean the terminals with a cotton swab after about 10 times of loading/  
unloading. The memory function is not supported by the camcorder.  
74  
Protecting Tapes from Accidental Erasure  
To protect your recordings from accidental  
erasure, slide the tab on the cassette to the  
left. (This switch position is usually labeled  
SAVE or ERASE OFF.)  
E
REC  
SAVE  
If you load a protected cassette in CAMERA  
mode, the message “THE TAPE IS SET FOR  
ERASURE PREVENTION” appears for  
REC  
SAVE  
approx. 4 seconds and “ ” starts flashing. If  
you wish to record on that cassette, slide the tab back to the right.  
Using the Camcorder Abroad  
Power Sources  
You can use the compact power adapter to operate the camcorder and to charge battery  
packs in any country with power supply between 100 and 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Consult  
the Canon Service Center for information on plug adapters for overseas use.  
Playback on a TV Screen  
You can only play back your recordings on TVs with PAL system. The PAL system is used  
in the following countries/areas:  
Algeria, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brunei, China, Denmark, Finland,  
Germany, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland,  
Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Liberia, Malaysia, Malta, Mozambique, the Netherlands,  
New Zealand, North Korea, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Portugal, Qatar, Serbia and  
Montenegro, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Swaziland,  
Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United  
Kingdom, Yemen, Zambia.  
75  
Troubleshooting  
If you have a problem with your camcorder, refer to this checklist. Consult your dealer or a  
Canon Service Center if the problem persists.  
Power Source  
Problem  
Cause  
Solution  
Camcorder will not turn on.  
Battery pack is exhausted.  
Replace or charge the battery  
pack.  
10  
10  
10  
19  
10  
13  
10  
Battery pack is not correctly  
attached.  
Attach the battery pack  
correctly.  
The camcorder switches off  
by itself.  
Battery pack is exhausted.  
Replace or charge the battery  
pack.  
Power save function has  
been activated.  
Turn on the camcorder.  
Cassette compartment will  
not open.  
Battery pack is exhausted.  
Replace or charge the battery  
pack.  
Cassette compartment cover Open the cassette  
is not fully open.  
compartment cover fully.  
Cassette compartment  
stopped during loading/  
unloading.  
Battery pack is exhausted.  
Replace or charge the battery  
pack.  
The camcorder malfunctions. Consult a Canon Service  
Center.  
LCD/viewfinder switches on  
and off.  
Battery pack is exhausted.  
Replace or charge the battery  
pack.  
10  
Battery pack will not charge.  
Battery packs will not charge Charge the battery pack in  
outside the temperature  
temperatures between 0 °C  
range of 0 °C and 40°C.  
and 40 °C.  
Battery packs become hot  
with use and may not charge. temperature is below 40 °C  
Wait until the battery pack  
and retry charging.  
The battery pack is damaged. Use a different battery pack.  
Recording/Playback  
Problem  
Buttons will not work.  
Cause  
Solution  
Turn on the camcorder.  
Load a cassette.  
Camcorder is not turned on.  
Cassette is not loaded.  
Cassette is not loaded.  
18  
13  
13  
10  
” flashes on the screen.  
Load a cassette.  
” flashes on the screen. Battery pack is exhausted.  
Replace or charge the battery  
pack.  
” flashes on the screen. Condensation is detected.  
See reference page.  
72  
13  
“REMOVE THE CASSETTE” Camcorder stopped operating Unload and reload the  
appears on the screen. to protect the tape. cassette.  
76  
Recording  
Problem  
Cause  
Solution  
Image will not appear on the  
screen.  
Camcorder is not set to  
mode.  
Set the camcorder to  
18  
16  
12  
mode.  
E
“SET THE TIME ZONE,  
DATE AND TIME” appears on not set.  
the screen.  
Time zone, date and time are Set the time zone, date and  
time.  
Backup battery is exhausted. Replace the backup battery  
and reset the time zone, date  
and time.  
Backup battery is inserted the Insert the backup battery with  
12  
wrong way.  
the + side facing outward and  
set the time zone, date and  
time.  
Pressing the start/stop button Camcorder is turned off.  
Turn on the power.  
Load a cassette.  
18  
13  
13  
will not start recording.  
Cassette is not loaded.  
Tape reached the end  
Rewind the tape or replace  
the cassette.  
(“  
END” flashes on the  
screen).  
Cassette is protected (“  
flashes on the screen).  
Change the position of the  
protect switch.  
75  
18  
Camcorder is set to a mode  
other than the  
Set the camcorder to  
mode.  
mode.  
Camcorder will not focus.  
Autofocus does not work on  
that subject.  
Focus manually.  
41  
14  
Viewfinder is not adjusted.  
Adjust the viewfinder with the  
dioptric adjustment lever.  
Lens is dirty.  
Clean the lens.  
71  
A vertical light bar appears on Bright light in a dark scene  
the screen.  
may cause a vertical light bar  
(smear) to appear. This is not  
a malfunction.  
– – –  
Viewfinder picture is blurred.  
Viewfinder is not adjusted.  
Adjust the viewfinder with the  
dioptric adjustment lever.  
14  
Sound is distorted or  
recorded in a lower volume  
than the actual volume.  
When recording near loud  
sound (such as fireworks,  
drums or concerts), sound  
may become distorted or may  
not be recorded in the actual  
sound level. This is not a  
malfunction.  
– – –  
77  
Playback  
Problem  
Pressing the playback button Camcorder is turned off, or is Set the camcorder to  
Cause  
Solution  
26  
does not start playback.  
not set to  
mode.  
mode.  
Load a cassette.  
Rewind the tape.  
Cassette is not loaded.  
13  
26  
Tape reached the end  
(“  
END” flashes on the  
screen).  
Tape is running, but image will TV/VIDEO selector on the TV Set the selector to VIDEO.  
not appear on the TV screen. is not set to VIDEO.  
29  
Video heads are dirty.  
Clean the video heads.  
72  
You attempted to play back or Stop playback/dubbing.  
dub copyright protected tape.  
No sound from the built-in  
speaker.  
Speaker volume is turned off. Adjust the volume with the  
[SPEAKER VOLUME] option  
28  
of the [AUDIO SETUP] menu.  
78  
System Diagram  
(Availability differs from area to area)  
E
WS-20 Wrist Strap  
Shoulder Strap  
CB-2LTE  
Battery Charger  
CB-2LWE  
Battery Charger  
CBC-NB2  
Car Battery Charger  
MiniDV  
Video Cassette  
NB-2L, NB-2LH,  
BP-2L5*, BP-2L12,  
BP-2L14 Battery Pack  
CA-570 Compact  
Power Adapter  
NB-2L, NB-2LH,  
BP-2L5, BP-2L12,  
BP-2L14 Battery Pack  
PC-A10 SCART  
Adapter  
TV  
STV-250N  
Stereo Video Cable  
VCR  
CV-150F/CV-250F  
DV Cable  
Digital Device  
SC-2000 Soft  
Carrying Case  
* The BP-2L5 is not available as a separate optional accessory.  
79  
Optional Accessories  
Use of genuine Canon accessories is recommended.  
This product is designed to achieve excellent performance when used with genuine  
Canon accessories. Canon shall not be liable for any damage to this product and/or  
accidents such as fire, etc., caused by the malfunction of non-genuine Canon  
accessories (e.g., a leakage and/or explosion of a battery pack). Please note that this  
warranty does not apply to repairs arising out of the malfunction of non-genuine Canon  
accessories, although you may request such repairs on a chargeable basis.  
Battery Packs  
When you need extra battery packs, select  
from the following: NB-2L, NB-2LH, BP-2L12,  
BP-2L14.  
CB-2LTE/CB-2LWE Battery Charger  
Use the battery charger for charging the  
battery packs.  
Battery Pack  
BP-2L5  
Charging Time  
70 min.  
NB-2L  
80 min.  
NB-2LH  
90 min.  
BP-2L12  
BP-2L14  
150 min.  
170 min.  
Charging time varies according to the charging condition.  
CBC-NB2 Car Battery Charger  
Use the car battery charger to charge battery  
packs on the move. The car battery cable  
plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter and runs  
off a 12-24 V DC negative ground battery.  
WS-20 Wrist Strap  
Use this for extra additional protection for  
active shooting.  
80  
SC-2000 Soft Carrying Case  
A handy camcorder bag with padded  
compartments and plenty of space for  
accessories.  
E
This mark identifies genuine Canon video accessories. When you  
use Canon video equipment, we recommend Canon-brand  
accessories or products bearing the same mark.  
81  
Specifications  
MV920/MV901/MV900/MV890  
System  
Video Recording System  
2 rotary heads, helical scanning DV system (consumer digital VCR SD  
system), digital component recording  
Audio Recording System  
Television System  
Image Sensor  
PCM digital sound: 16 bit (48 kHz/2 ch); 12 bit (32 kHz/4 ch)  
EIA standard (625 lines, 50 fields) PAL color signal  
1/6-inch CCD, approx. 800,000 pixels  
Effective pixels: Tape: 16:9 (with image stabilizer): approx. 470,000  
16:9 (no image stabilizer): approx. 530,000  
4:3 recording: approx. 400,000  
Tape Format  
Tape Speed  
Maximum Recording Time  
(80 min. cassette)  
Videocassettes bearing the “MiniDV” mark.  
SP: 18.83 mm/s, LP: 12.57 mm/s  
SP: 80 min., LP: 120 min.  
Fast Forward/Rewind Time  
LCD Screen  
Viewfinder  
Approx. 2 min. 20 sec. (with a 60 min. cassette)  
2.7-inch. wide, TFT color, approx. 112,000 pixels  
0.3-inch. TFT color, approx. 123,000 pixels  
Stereo electret condenser microphone  
Microphone  
Lens  
:
f=2.6-65 mm, F/1.8-4.4, 25x power zoom  
35 mm equivalent:  
Tape: 16:9 (with image stabilizer): 43.6-1090 mm  
16:9 (no image stabilizer): 41.0-1025 mm  
4:3 recording: 49.8-1245 mm  
:
f=2.6-57.2 mm, F/1.8-3.9, 22x power zoom  
35 mm equivalent:  
Tape: 16:9 (with image stabilizer): 43.6-959 mm  
16:9 (no image stabilizer): 41.0-902 mm  
4:3 recording: 49.8-1096 mm  
Lens Configuration  
AF System  
Minimum Focusing Distance  
White Balance  
10 elements in 8 groups  
TTL autofocus, manual focusing possible  
1 m; 1 cm on maximum wide angle  
Auto white balance, pre-set white balance (DAYLIGHT, TUNGSTEN) or  
custom white balance  
Minimum Illumination  
Recommended Illumination  
Image Stabilization  
2.0 lx (Night recording program, shutter speed at 1/6)  
More than 100 lx  
Electronic  
Input/Output Terminals  
AV Terminal  
Ø3.5 mm minijack, output only  
Video:  
Audio:  
1 Vp-p/75 ohms unbalanced  
–10 dBV (47 kohm load)/3 kohms or less  
DV Terminal  
MIC Terminal  
Special 4-pin connector (IEEE 1394 compliant)  
Input/Output  
Output only  
Ø3.5 mm stereo mini-jack  
–57 dBV (with 600 ohm mic)/5 kohms or more  
82  
Power/Others  
Power supply (rated)  
7.4 V DC  
Power consumption (AF on)  
Operating temperature  
Dimensions (W x H x D)  
Weight (camcorder body only)  
2.4W (using viewfinder), 2.5 W (using LCD screen in normal brightness)  
E
0 – 40 °C  
49 x 92 x 115 mm excluding protrusions  
375 g  
CA-570 Compact Power Adapter  
Power supply  
Power consumption  
Rated output  
Operating temperature  
Dimensions  
100 – 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz  
17W  
8.4 V DC, 1.5 A  
0 – 40 °C  
52 x 90 x 29 mm  
135 g  
Weight  
BP-2L5 Battery Pack  
Battery type  
Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery  
Rated voltage  
Operating temperature  
Battery capacity  
Dimensions  
7.4 V DC  
0 – 40 °C  
530 mAh  
33.3 x 16.2 x 45.2 mm  
40 g  
Weight  
Weight and dimensions are approximate. Errors and omissions excepted. Subject to  
change without notice.  
83  
Index  
16:9 (Widescreen) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54  
6-second auto date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56  
*
only  
G
Grip belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14  
A
H
Abroad, using the camcorder . . . . . . . . 75  
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 80  
Audio mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49  
Audio output channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32  
Auto slow shutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46  
Autofocus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41  
AV terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30  
Handling precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71  
I
Image effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44  
Image stabilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61  
Infinity focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42  
L
B
Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59  
LCD backlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15  
LCD brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60  
LCD screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15  
LP mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48  
Backup battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12  
Battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10  
Beach (recording program) . . . . . . . . . 37  
Beep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60  
C
M
Condensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72  
Connection to a computer . . . . . . . . . . 67  
Connection to a digital recording device 63  
Connection to a TV or VCR . . . . . . . . . 29  
Copyright signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66  
Magnification of playback image . . . . . 55  
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71  
Manual focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41  
Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33  
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70  
MIC (microphone) terminal . . . . . . . . . . 50  
D
Data code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56  
Date and time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16  
Date format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59  
Demo mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62  
Digital effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51  
Digital zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23  
DV dubbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65  
DV terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63, 67  
N
Night (recording program) . . . . . . . . . . 36  
O
On-screen displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68  
Operating modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4  
P
E
Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26  
Portrait (recording program) . . . . . . . . . 36  
Power adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10  
Program AE (recording program) . . . . . 36  
Protecting tapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75  
Easy mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36  
Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52  
End search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57  
Exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40  
F
Faders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51  
Fireworks (recording program) . . . . . . . 37  
Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41  
84  
R
Record review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20  
Record search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20  
Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18  
Recording mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48  
Recording programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36  
E
S
Self timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47  
Shutter speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45  
Snow (recording program) . . . . . . . . . . 36  
SP mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48  
Speaker volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28  
Sports (recording program) . . . . . . . . . 36  
Spotlight (recording program) . . . . . . . . 37  
Start-up image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61  
Sunset (recording program) . . . . . . . . . 37  
T
Time zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16  
Transferring video to a computer . . . . . 67  
Tripod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25  
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76  
V
Video heads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72  
Videocassettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13  
Viewfinder, dioptric adjustment . . . . . . 14  
Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28  
W
White balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43  
Widescreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54  
Wind screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49  
Z
Zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22  
Zoom speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24  
85  
CANON INC.  
Canon Europa N.V.  
P.O. Box 2262, 1180 EG Amstelveen, The Netherlands  
Canon UK Ltd.  
CCI Service Centre, Unit 130  
Centennial Park, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 3SE, England  
Telephone 0870-241-2161  
Canon Australia Pty. Ltd.  
Info-Line: 131383  
Canon New Zealand Ltd.  
Customer Care: (09) 489 0470  
Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd  
1 HarbourFront Avenue, #04-01 Keppel Bay Tower, Singapore 098632  
Tel: (65) 6799 8888  
Fax: (65) 6799 8882  
Canon Hongkong Company Ltd  
19/F., The Metropolis Tower, 10 Metropolis Drive, Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong  
Canon Latin America, Inc.  
Sales & Enquiries: 703 Waterford Way Suite 400 Miami, FL 33126 USA  
Printed on 100% reused paper.  
0056W487  
PUB.DIE-253  
00000/Ni0.0  
© CANON INC. 2006  
PRINTED IN JAPAN  

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