Canon Camcorder ZR20 User Manual

PUB.DIM-378  
DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER  
ENGLISH  
E
Instruction Manual  
CANON INC.  
U.S.A.  
CAMESCOPE ET LECTEUR VIDEO NUMERIQUES  
FRANÇAIS  
CANON U.S.A., INC. NEW JERSEY OFFICE  
100 Jamesburg Road, Jamesburg, NJ 08831 USA  
F
Mode d’emploi  
CANON U.S.A., INC. CHICAGO OFFICE  
100 Park Blvd., Itasca, IL 60143 USA  
CANON U.S.A., INC. LOS ANGELES OFFICE  
15955 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92618 USA  
VIDEOCAMARA Y GRABADORA DIGITAL  
ESPAÑOL  
Es  
CANON U.S.A., INC. HONOLULU OFFICE  
1020 Auahi Street, Bldg. #8, Honolulu, HI 96814 USA  
Manual de Instrucciones  
G If you have any questions, call the Canon U.S.A. Information  
Center toll-free at 1-800-828-4040 (U.S.A. only).  
CANADA  
CANON CANADA INC. NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS  
6390 Dixie Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1P7  
CANON CANADA INC. CALGARY  
2828, 16th Street, N.E. Calgary, Alberta T2E 7K7  
CANON CANADA INC. MONTREAL  
5990 Côte de Liesse, Quebec H4T 1V7  
G If you have any questions, call the Canon Canada Information  
Center toll-free at 1-800-828-4040. (Canada only)  
G Si vous avez des questions, veuillez téléphoner sans frais au  
Canada 1-800-828-4040. (Canada seulement)  
MEXICO  
CANON MEXICANA, S. DE R.L. DE C.V.  
Periferico Sur No. 4124 Col. Ex-Rancho de Anzaldo C.P. 01900  
México, D.F., México  
CENTRO Y  
SURAMÉRICA  
CANON LATIN AMERICA, INC.  
6505 Blue Lagoon Drive Suite 325 Miami FL 33126 USA  
Digital  
Video  
Cassette  
Mini  
ASIA  
CANON HONGKONG COMPANY LTD.  
9/F, The Hong Kong Club Building, 3A Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong  
NTSC  
Printed on 70% reused paper.  
Document réalisé avec du papier recyclé à 70%.  
El papel aqui utilizado es 70% reciclado.  
PRINTED IN JAPAN  
IMPRIME AU JAPON  
IMPRESO EN JAPÓN  
PUB.DIM-378  
0000A/ABXX  
© CANON INC. 2001  
DY8-9120-271-000  
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Important Usage Instructions  
WARNING:  
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE  
THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.  
E
WARNING:  
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AND TO REDUCE  
ANNOYING INTERFERENCE, USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES  
ONLY.  
COPYRIGHT WARNING:  
Unauthorized recording of copyrighted materials may infringe on the  
rights of copyright owners and be contrary to copyright laws.  
Digital Video Camcorder, ZR20 and Compact Power Adapter, CA-560  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two  
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any  
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.  
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for class B digital device,  
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection  
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can  
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and use in accordance with the instructions, may  
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference  
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or  
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is  
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:  
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.  
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
Use of shielded cable is required to comply with class B limits in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.  
Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the manual.  
If such changes or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop operation of the  
equipment.  
Canon U.S.A. Inc.  
One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042, U.S.A.  
Tel No. (516)328-5600  
CAUTION:  
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,  
FULLY INSERT.  
The lightning flash with arrowhead  
symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is  
Important Warning  
intended to alert the user to the presence  
of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within  
CAUTION  
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK  
DO NOT OPEN  
the product’s enclosure, that may be of  
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of  
electric shock to persons.  
CAUTION:  
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC  
The exclamation point, within an  
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR  
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert  
BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS  
the user to the presence of important  
operating and maintenance (servicing)  
instructions in the literature  
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO  
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.  
accompanying the product.  
2
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  
In these safety instructions the word  
“product” refers to the Canon Digital Video  
Camcorder ZR20 and all its accessories.  
10. Power Sources — The CA-560 Compact  
Power Adapter should be operated only  
from the type of power source indicated  
on the marking label. If you are not sure  
of the type of power supply to your  
E
1. Read Instructions — All the safety and  
operating instructions should be read  
before the product is operated.  
home, consult your product dealer or  
local power company. Regarding other  
power sources such as battery power,  
refer to instructions in this manual.  
2. Retain Instructions — The safety and  
operating instructions should be retained  
for future reference.  
11. Polarization — The CA-560 Compact  
Power Adapter is equipped with a  
3. Heed Warnings — All warnings on the  
product and in the operating instructions  
should be adhered to.  
polarized 2-prong plug (a plug having  
one blade wider than the other).  
The 2-prong polarized plug will fit into  
the power outlet only one way. This is a  
safety feature. If you are unable to insert  
the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing  
the plug. If the plug still fails to fit,  
contact your electrician to replace your  
obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety  
purpose of the polarized plug.  
4. Follow Instructions — All operating and  
maintenance instructions should be  
followed.  
5. Cleaning — Unplug this product from the  
wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use  
liquid or aerosol cleaners. The product  
should be cleaned only as  
recommended in this manual.  
12. Power Cord Protection — Power cords  
should be routed so that they are not  
likely to be walked on or pinched by  
items placed upon or against them. Pay  
particular attention to plugs and the point  
from which the cords exit the product.  
6. Accessories — Do not use accessories  
not recommended in this manual as  
they may be hazardous.  
7. Avoid magnetic or electric fields — Do  
not use the camera close to TV  
transmitters, portable communication  
devices or other sources of electric or  
magnetic radiation. They may cause  
picture interference, or permanently  
damage the camera.  
13. Outdoor Antenna Grounding — If an  
outside antenna is connected to the  
product, be sure the antenna is  
grounded so as to provide some  
protection against voltage surges and  
built-up static charges. Section 810 of  
the National Electrical Code, ANSI /  
NFPA No. 70—1984, provides  
8. Water and Moisture — Hazard of electric  
shock — Do not use this product near  
water or in rainy/moist situations.  
information with respect to proper  
grounding of the mast and supporting  
structure, grounding of the lead-in wire  
to an antenna discharge unit, size of  
grounding conductors, location of  
antenna discharge unit, connection to  
grounding electrodes, and requirements  
for the grounding electrode. See figure  
1.  
9. Placing or Moving — Do not place on an  
unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or  
table. The product may fall, causing  
serious injury to a child or adult, and  
serious damage to the  
product.  
A product and cart  
combination should be  
moved with care. Quick  
stops, excessive force,  
and uneven surfaces may  
cause the product and cart combination  
to overturn.  
3
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19. Damage Requiring Service —  
Disconnect this product from the wall  
outlet and all power sources including  
battery, and refer servicing to qualified  
service personnel under the following  
conditions:  
EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS  
PER NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE  
Fig. 1  
E
ANTENNA  
LEAD IN  
WIRE  
GROUND  
CLAMP  
ANTENNA  
DISCHARGE  
UNIT  
(NEC SECTION  
810-20)  
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is  
damaged.  
b. If any liquid has been spilled onto, or  
objects have fallen into, the product.  
c. If the product has been exposed to  
rain or water.  
ELECTRIC  
SERVICE  
EQUIPMENT  
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS  
(NEC SECTION 810-21)  
GROUND CLAMPS  
POWER SERVICE  
GROUNDING ELECTRODE  
SYSTEM  
(NEC ART 250. PART H)  
NEC NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE  
-
d. If the product does not operate  
normally even if you follow the  
operating instructions. Adjust only  
those controls that are covered by the  
operation instructions. Improper  
adjustment of other controls may  
result in damage and will often require  
extensive work by a qualified  
technician to restore the product to its  
normal operation.  
e. If the product has been dropped or the  
cabinet has been damaged.  
f. When the product exhibits a distinct  
change in performance. This indicates  
a need for service.  
14. Lightning — For added protection of this  
product during a lightning storm, or when  
it is left unattended and unused for long  
periods of time, disconnect it from the  
wall outlet and disconnect the antenna.  
This will prevent damage to the product  
due to lightning and power-line surges.  
15. Power Lines — An outside antenna  
system should not be located in the  
vicinity of overhead power lines or other  
electric light or power circuits, or where it  
can fall into such power lines or circuits.  
When installing an outside antenna  
system, extreme care should be taken to  
keep from touching such power lines or  
circuits as contact with them might be  
fatal.  
20. Replacement Parts — When  
replacement parts are required, be sure  
the service technician has used  
replacement parts that are specified by  
Canon or that have the same  
characteristics as the original part.  
Unauthorized substitutions may result in  
fire, electric shock or other hazards.  
16. Overloading — Do not overload wall  
outlets and extension cords as this can  
result in a risk of fire or electric shock.  
17. Objects and Liquid Entry — Never push  
objects of any kind into this product  
through openings as they may touch  
dangerous voltage points or short out  
parts that could result in a fire or electric  
shock. Be careful not to spill liquid of any  
kind onto the product.  
21. Safety Check — Upon completion of any  
service or repairs to this product, ask the  
service technician to perform safety  
checks to determine that the product is  
in safe operating order.  
18. Servicing — Do not attempt to service  
this product yourself as opening or  
removing covers may expose you to  
dangerous voltage or other hazards.  
Refer all servicing to qualified service  
personnel.  
4
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Contents  
Using the Various Recording Programs ..50  
Using Digital Effects................................54  
Audio Recording ......................................59  
Setting the Self-Timer ..............................61  
Introduction  
Important Usage Instructions ....................2  
IMPORTANT SAFETY  
E
INSTRUCTIONS..................................3  
Thank you for Choosing a Canon ..............6  
Introducing the ZR20 ................................7  
~ When Making Manual Adjustments ...~  
Using AE Shift ........................................63  
Setting the Shutter Speed ........................64  
Adjusting Focus Manually ......................66  
Setting the White Balance........................67  
Mastering the Basics  
Finding Your Way Around the ZR20 ........8  
~ Preparations ... ~  
Powering Your Camcorder ......................11  
Loading a Cassette ..................................16  
~ For Playback ...~  
Displaying Date, Time and Camcorder Data  
(Data Code) ........................................69  
Searching the Tape (Photo Search/  
Date Search)........................................72  
Returning to a Pre-Marked Position ........73  
~ Basic Recording ... ~  
Basic Recording ......................................18  
Zooming ..................................................22  
Using the LCD Screen ............................23  
Editing  
Editing to a VCR......................................74  
Dubbing to/from a Cassette with Digital  
Video Equipment ................................75  
Recording from a VCR, TV or Analog  
Camcorder (Analog Line-in) ..............77  
Recording Over Existing Scenes  
~ Basic Playback ... ~  
Playing Back a Cassette ..........................26  
Connections for Playback on a  
TV Screen............................................30  
Tips for Making Better Videos ................33  
(AV Insert Editing)..............................79  
Using the Full Range of  
Features  
Audio Dubbing ........................................82  
Setting the Audio Mix..............................85  
Connecting to a PC ..................................87  
~ General ... ~  
Turning the Image Stabilizer Off ............35  
Using the Menus ......................................36  
Using the Wireless Controller ..................40  
Additional Information  
Preparing the Camcorder..........................88  
Notes on Using the Batteries....................90  
Maintenance ............................................93  
Troubleshooting........................................97  
The ZR20 System Diagram....................100  
Optional Accessories..............................101  
Screen Displays......................................104  
Specifications..........................................110  
Index ......................................................111  
~ For Recording ...~  
Setting the Date and Time........................43  
Taking Still Pictures ................................46  
Using the Floppy Disk Still Image Recorder  
FR-100 (optional)................................48  
Searching and Reviewing While  
Recording ............................................49  
The serial number of this product may be found on  
the bottom of the camcorder. No others have the  
same serial number as yours. You should record  
the number and other vital information here and  
retain this book as a permanent record of your  
purchase to aid identification in case of theft.  
Date of Purchase  
Dealer Purchased From  
Dealer Address  
Dealer Phone No.  
Model Name ZR20  
Serial No.  
5
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Thank you for Choosing a Canon  
First, we’d like to thank you for  
purchasing this Canon camcorder. Its  
advanced technology makes it very  
easy to use — you will soon be making  
high-quality videos which will give you  
pleasure for years to come.  
Your camcorder is supplied with the  
following accessories:  
E
WL-D74 Wireless  
Controller  
Two AA batteries  
To get the most out of your new  
camcorder, we recommend that you  
read this manual thoroughly — there  
are many sophisticated features which  
will add to your recording enjoyment.  
SS-700 Shoulder Strap Lens cap and lens cap  
cord  
Getting started  
To get started we suggest that you  
master the basic operations of the  
camcorder first, before moving on to  
use its full range of features.  
BP-512 Battery Pack  
CA-560 Compact  
Power Adapter  
(including AC power  
cable)  
For quick reference  
In addition to the contents and index  
please refer to:  
Lithium button battery  
S-150 S-video Cable  
• Finding Your Way Around the  
ZR20 ( 8)  
• Screen displays ( 104)  
• Troubleshooting — in case you run  
into any problems ( 97)  
STV-250N Stereo  
Video Cable  
Symbols used in this instruction  
manual:  
: Reference page numbers  
: Functions that can be operated  
from the body of the camcorder  
: Functions that can be operated  
from the wireless controller  
: Supplementary notes for  
camcorder operation  
` : Operation confirmation beeps  
(
21)  
• Capital letters are used to refer to  
settings displayed in the menus and  
buttons labeled on the camcorder  
itself, e.g. Press the MENU button.  
6
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Introducing the ZR20  
Compact and Stylish  
10× Lens and  
E
40×/200× Digital Zoom  
The ZR20 is small and light. Many  
various functions are condensed into  
its compact body. Also, the slim and  
stylish design makes it easy to carry  
and use and shooting videos a pleasure.  
From wide-angle to 10×  
telephoto—with  
unparalleled optical  
quality. The digital zoom  
magnifies this up to  
200× for even more  
dramatic results.  
IEEE 1394 DV Terminal  
Using a DV cable,  
connect the ZR20 to a PC  
equipped with a DV  
terminal and transfer your  
original images to your  
PC.  
Digital Effects  
Advanced digital  
technology allows you to  
add special effects during  
recording or playback.  
Audio Dubbing/AV Insert  
Editing  
Still Photos  
Just press the photo  
button to capture still  
pictures.  
Add new sound to  
original sound, or  
replace original sound  
and images on a  
pre-recorded tape.  
2.5” LCD Screen  
A 2.5” LCD screen  
makes it easy for you to  
shoot colorful, well  
composed video. It is  
also great for playback.  
Analog Line-in Recording  
Connect to a VCR or  
analog camcorder and  
record onto a DV tape in  
the ZR20.  
Internal charging  
Image Stabilizer  
Stabilizes your  
recordings even in long  
telephoto shots.  
The ZR20 can charge a battery pack  
itself, smoothing the transition between  
charging and shooting, and allowing  
for a smaller, lighter AC power  
adapter.  
PCM Digital Sound  
7
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Finding Your Way Around the ZR20  
E
+
Record review button (p. 49)/  
REC (record) SEARCH button(p. 49)/  
REC SEARCH button (p. 49)/  
(fast forward) button (p. 26)  
(rewind) button (p. 26)  
FOCUS button (p. 66)/  
(play/pause) button (p. 26)  
AE SHIFT button (p. 63)/  
(stop) button (p. 26)  
BATT. (battery) RELEASE  
button (p. 13)  
LCD screen (p. 23)  
Backup battery  
cover (p. 92)  
Battery attachment  
unit (p. 12)  
LCD panel OPEN button (p. 23)  
Strap attachment bar (p. 89)  
Selector dial (p. 29, 38)  
DC IN  
9.5V  
CHARGE indicator (p. 12)  
DC IN terminal (p. 11)  
CHARGE  
Self-timer button (p. 61)/  
REC PAUSE (LINE-IN) button  
(p. 76, 78)  
Program selector (p. 50)  
REC PAUSE  
(LINE-IN)  
P
P
Easy  
Program  
AE  
Recording  
DIGITAL EFFECTS button  
(p. 57)  
ON/OFF  
MENU  
DIGITAL  
EFFECTS  
MENU button (p. 38)  
Digital effects ON/OFF  
button (p. 57)  
8
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E
Viewfinder focusing lever (p. 88)  
Viewfinder protect cover (p. 94)  
PHOTO button (p. 46)  
Accessory shoe  
Zoom controller (p. 22)  
Speaker (p. 29)  
Viewfinder (p. 88, 94)  
Strap attachment bar (p. 89)  
Start/Stop button (p. 19)  
POWER indicator (p. 18)  
Grip belt (p. 88)  
POWER switch (p. 18)  
CAMERA  
CAMERA  
OFF  
OFF  
PLAY(VCR)  
}
PLAY(VCR)  
Cassette compartment cover  
(p. 16)  
Cassette compartment (p. 16)  
9
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E
Terminal cover  
Remote sensor (p. 40)  
Stereo microphone (p. 82)  
Terminal cover  
S-video IN/OUT  
terminal (p. 31)  
DV IN/OUT  
terminal (p. 75, 79)  
DV  
u (LANC) terminal (p. 74)  
S
IN/OUT  
IN/OUT  
AV  
IN/OUT  
Bottom view  
AV (audio/video) IN/OUT  
terminal (p. 30)/  
H (phones) terminal (p. 30)  
MIC  
OPEN/EJECT  
switch (p. 16)  
MIC terminal (p. 59, 82)  
Tripod socket (p. 33)  
PHOTO button (p. 46)  
Transmitter  
START/STOP  
button (p. 19)  
Zoom buttons (p. 22)  
MENU button (p. 38)  
Controller buttons (p. 38)  
SET button (p. 38)  
START  
ZOOM  
/STOP PHOTO  
W
T
SELF TIMER button (p. 61)  
TV SCREEN button (p. 104)  
DATA CODE button (p. 69)  
SELF  
MENU  
TIMER  
TV  
SCREEN  
SET  
ON/OFF  
ST-2  
Digital effects ON/OFF button (p. 57)  
DATA  
CODE D.EFFECTS  
BAMLAINXCE  
AUDIO  
MONITOR ST-1  
MIX BALANCE buttons (p. 85)  
Search buttons (p. 72)  
SEARCH SELECT button (p. 72)  
D. EFFECTS (Digital effects)  
button (p. 57)  
REC  
SEARCH  
SELECT  
PAUSE  
ZERO SET  
MEMORY  
REW  
/  
PLAY  
FF  
+/  
AUDIO  
DUB.  
AUDIO MONITOR button  
(p. 85)  
STOP  
SLOW  
FF  
button (p. 26)  
button (p. 26)  
button (p. 27)  
A/V  
PAUSE  
×2  
INSERT  
PLAY  
REC PAUSE button (p. 76)  
REMOTE SET  
ZERO SET MEMORY button  
(p. 73)  
× 2 button (p. 28)  
STOP button (p. 26)  
-
WIRELESS CONTROLLER WL D74  
AUDIO DUB. button (p. 84)  
AV INSERT button (p. 81)  
REMOTE SET button (p. 41)  
SLOW  
REW  
button (p. 27)  
button (p. 26)  
button (p. 27)  
PAUSE  
button (p. 27)  
10  
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Powering Your Camcorder  
Before operating your camcorder, you will need to use the power adapter to:  
E
Provide power from an AC outlet  
or  
Charge a battery pack  
Notes:  
• The power adapter converts current from a household power socket (100–240 V  
AC, 50/60 Hz) to the DC current used by your camcorder.  
• If the adapter is used next to a TV, it may cause bars to appear on the TV —  
move the adapter away from the TV or the antenna cable.  
Connecting the camcorder to an AC outlet  
1
CAMERA  
OFF  
PLAY(VCR)  
4
2
3
Use the power adapter to provide your camcorder with instant power from an AC  
outlet. Always turn the camcorder off before connecting/removing the power  
source.  
1. Set the POWER switch to OFF.  
2. Connect the power adapter to the camcorder’s DC IN terminal.  
3. Connect the power cable to the power adapter.  
4. Plug the power cable into an AC outlet.  
5. Disconnect the power adapter from the camcorder after use.  
Unplug the power cable from the AC outlet, then disconnect it from  
the adapter.  
11  
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Attaching and charging the battery packs  
1
E
CAMERA  
OFF  
PLAY(VCR)  
DC IN  
9.5V  
CHARGE  
2
4
3
Charge indicator  
Your battery pack was partially charged before it left the factory. It should have  
enough power for you to check that your camcorder is working properly.  
However, you must charge the battery pack fully if you want it to power the  
camcorder for more than a few minutes.  
Always turn the camcorder off and raise the viewfinder before  
connecting/removing the battery.  
1. Set the POWER switch to OFF.  
2. Attach the battery to the camcorder.  
• Remove the battery pack’s terminal cover.  
• Rotate the viewfinder upwards.  
• With the triangle on the battery pack pointing downwards, align the edge of  
the battery pack with the line on the camcorder, press lightly and slide the  
battery down until it clicks into place.  
3. Connect the power adapter to the camcorder.  
4. Connect the power cable to the adapter and plug it into an AC  
outlet.  
• The charge indicator flashes red to show that charging is in progress. Single  
flashes mean that the battery pack is less than 75% charged. Double flashes  
mean that it is more than 75% charged. The indicator glows steadily when  
the battery pack is fully charged. If the indicator blinks rapidly and  
continuously (twice a second), the battery pack may be defective.  
• The battery pack will also charge when the POWER switch is turned to  
positions other than OFF. The CHARGE indicator may both flash or stay lit.  
12  
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5. When charging is complete, disconnect the power adapter from the  
camcorder. Unplug the power cable from the AC outlet, then  
disconnect it from the adapter.  
E
6. Remove the battery pack after use.  
• Rotate the viewfinder upwards.  
• Press and hold the BATT. RELEASE button while you slide the battery up.  
Notes:  
• Never connect an unspecified product to the camcorder’s DC terminal.  
Likewise, do not connect the power adapter to an unspecified product.  
You can find detailed notes for using the batteries in the “Notes on Using the  
Batteries” ( 90). These notes include charging and recording times and how  
to install the backup battery.  
CA-560 Compact Power Adapter  
Specifications  
Power supply  
Power consumption  
Rated output  
100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz  
34 W  
9.5 V, 2.7 A DC  
Operating temperature range 32°F–104°F (0°C40°C)  
Dimensions  
Weight  
2 1/4 × 1 1/8 × 4 1/8 in (57 × 28 × 104 mm)  
6 3/  
z108g(ihtuwoprcabel)  
Whgdnsproximate.  
Eramionsxcpted.  
Sjbagwhunotice.  
When replacement of power supply is required, please return it to the  
responsible nearest Canon Service Center and please replace it with the same  
type number CA-560 or equivalent.  
The Adapter can be used with a power supply between 100 and 240 V AC. For  
areas where 120 V AC power is not used, you will need a special plug adapter.  
Contact your nearest Canon Service Center for further information.  
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Using the Charge Adapter CR-560 Kit (optional)  
E
The Compact Power Adapter CA-560 included with the camcorder can be used  
along with the CR-560 Kit for 3 different ways to power the camcorder or charge  
battery packs:  
1. Charge the BP-500 Series battery packs with power from your car battery.  
2. Operate the camcorder with power from your car battery.  
3. Charge the BP-500 Series battery packs from a household AC outlet.  
The Charge Adapter/Car Battery Cable Kit CR-560 includes the following:  
DC Cable  
Charge Adapter  
Car Battery Cable  
1. Charge the BP-500 Series battery packs with power from your car  
battery.  
1 or 2 battery pack(s) + Charge Adapter + Car Battery Cablecar’s cigarette  
lighter  
CHARGE  
To cars  
cigarette lighter  
• Fast charging for the high-capacity BP-522 and BP-535 (both optional). Fifteen  
minutes of charging gives 60 minutes of recording (using the viewfinder).  
Time required for full charge  
from car battery or household outlet  
BP-512  
1 hr. 20 min.  
1 hr. 20 min.  
1 hr. 40 min.  
2 hr. 30 min.  
BP-511 (optional)  
BP-522 (optional)  
BP-535 (optional)  
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2. Operate the camcorder with power from your car battery.  
Camcorder + DC Cable + Charge Adapter + Car Battery Cable car’s  
cigarette lighter  
E
To cars  
cigarette lighter  
3. Charge the BP-500 Series battery packs from a household AC  
outlet.  
1 or 2 battery pack(s) + Charge Adapter + Compact Power Adapter  
CHARGE  
• Fast charging for the high-capacity BP-522 and BP-535 (both optional). Fifteen  
minutes of charging gives 60 minutes of recording (using the viewfinder).  
Note:  
• For full details of how to use the CR-560, refer to its instruction manual.  
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Loading a Cassette  
E
P U S H  
OPEN/EJECT  
Only use videocassettes marked with the D logo.*  
Loading and unloading  
1. Make sure that you have attached a power source.  
2. Slide the OPEN / EJECT 5 switch (on the bottom of the  
camcorder) to release the cassette compartment cover.  
• Pull the cover fully open (while holding the button) and wait a couple of  
seconds for the cassette compartment to open automatically.  
• The confirmation beep sounds when the cassette cover fully opens.  
3. Load or unload the cassette.  
• Insert the cassette gently with the window facing the grip belt, and the  
REC/SAVE tab up.  
• Remove the cassette by pulling it straight out.  
4. Press the P mark on the compartment until it clicks, and wait  
for it to close.  
5. Click the cover back into place.  
* D is a trade mark.  
Notes:  
• Do not interfere with the cassette compartment while it is opening or closing  
automatically, and do not attempt to close the cover until the cassette  
compartment has fully retracted.  
• After loading a cassette, use record search ( 49) to find the point where you  
want to start recording.  
• Be careful not to get your fingers caught in the cassette compartment cover.  
• Do not leave the cassette in the camcorder after use — return it to its case and  
store it in a cool, clean, dry place.  
• When you turn the camcorder’s power on, v flashes in the display until you  
load a cassette.  
• With some types of tapes, the remaining tape display may not give an accurate  
reading ( 105).  
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Protecting tapes from accidental erasure  
E
REC  
SAVE  
REC  
SAVE  
To protect your recording from accidental erasure, slide the tab on the cassette so  
that it exposes the hole. (This switch position is usually labeled SAVE or ERASE  
OFF.)  
If you load this cassette and put the camcorder in record pause mode ( 18),  
“THE TAPE IS SET FOR ERASURE PREVENTION” is displayed for approx. 4  
seconds and then the v mark flashes in the display.  
If you want to record on the cassette again, slide the tab back so the hole is closed.  
Handling cassettes  
• To protect the tape heads, transfer cassettes directly from the tape case to the  
camcorder — do not open the tape protect cover or touch the tape itself.  
• Do not use cassettes where the tape has been damaged or spliced — they may  
damage the camcorder.  
• Do not insert anything into the small holes on the cassette or cover them with  
cellophane tape.  
• Handle cassettes with care — dropping them or exposing them to external  
shocks may cause internal damage.  
• Store cassettes in the provided case, first rewinding them to the start of the tape  
and then storing them upright.  
• A cassette with metal plated terminals may become dirty with use, affecting  
information transfer. Therefore, after using a tape about 10 times, be sure to  
clean the terminals with a cotton swab.  
Cassette memory  
You are unable to use the cassette memory function with this camcorder.  
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Basic Recording  
3
1
E
CAMERA  
OFF  
PLAY(VCR)  
P
4, 5  
CAMERA  
OFF  
PLAY(VCR)  
Before you start recording  
Have you completed the following steps?  
• Attached a power source ( 12).  
• Removed the lens cap ( 88) and fastened the shoulder strap ( 89).  
• Chosen the display: viewfinder ( 88) or LCD screen ( 23)  
Notes:  
• When you’re using the viewfinder, fully close the LCD or rotate the LCD so  
that it faces the same direction as the lens ( 23).  
• When using the viewfinder with the BP-522 or BP-535 Battery Pack (both  
optional) attached, extend the viewfinder and rotate it to a comfortable angle.  
You may also want to install the backup battery ( 92) in order to set the date  
and time display ( 43).  
To record  
1. Press the small green button on the POWER switch and hold, turn  
the POWER switch to CAMERA.  
• The camcorder automatically sets to record pause mode. PAUSE appears in  
the display.  
• If you haven’t set the date and time display, SET THE TIME ZONE, DATE  
AND TIME appears in the display. For setting the time zone, see p. 43. For  
setting the date and time, see p. 45.  
• The camcorder power indicator lights up red.  
• The confirmation beep sounds.  
• The camcorder will turn itself off if you leave it in record pause mode for  
more than about 5 minutes. To return to record pause mode, turn the  
POWER dial to OFF and then back to CAMERA.  
2. Load a cassette ( 16).  
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3. Slide the program selector to [.  
• This selects the camcorder’s Easy Recording program. It allows you to  
simply point and shoot without making any manual adjustments ( 52).  
E
4. Press and release the start/stop button once to begin recording.  
• For still image recording, see p. 46.  
5. Press and release the start/stop button again to pause recording.  
• The camcorder returns to record pause mode and PAUSE reappears in the  
display.  
You can stop and restart recording as often as you like by pressing the  
start/stop button.  
Note:  
• After loading a cassette, start recording when the tape counter has stopped.  
When you have finished recording  
• Replace the lens cap.  
• Return the viewfinder to its retracted position.  
• Return the LCD screen flush to the camcorder body.  
• Unload the cassette.  
• Turn the POWER switch to OFF.  
• Disconnect the power source.  
Notes:  
• To check that the camcorder is recording correctly, make a test recording first.  
• Before making important recordings, clean the video heads using a Canon  
DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette or a commercially available  
digital video head cleaning cassette.  
• To close the LCD panel, rotate it vertically until the screen faces you, then press  
the upper right corner until it clicks securely closed.  
You cannot monitor the sound from the speaker when recording.  
• For tips on how to make better videos, see p. 33.  
• For extra recording time, set REC MODE to LP ( 20).  
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Changing the recording mode (SP/LP)  
E
You can record and play back a tape in SP (standard play) and LP (long play)  
modes. LP extends tape usage by 1.5 times.  
You can’t add sound (audio dubbing) or images (AV insert) to a tape that has  
been recorded in LP mode. If you plan to use either of these functions later,  
record in SP mode.  
PLAY  
CAMERA  
(VCR)  
,
VCR SET UP  
REC MODE••••SP  
(
36)  
To change to LP mode, open the menu and select VCR SET UP. Then select  
REC MODE, set it to LP and close the menu.  
Notes:  
• When recording and playing back tapes in LP mode, the nature of the tape and  
usage conditions may affect recording, mosaic-like noise may appear in the  
image and the sound may be distorted during playback. For important  
recordings, therefore, set the camera to SP mode.  
• If you record in both modes on the same tape, the picture may become distorted  
during playback and the time code may not be written correctly.  
• A tape recorded in LP mode on other digital equipment may produce mosaic-  
like noise and the sound may become distorted when played back on this  
camcorder, and vice versa.  
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16:9 (Widescreen TV recording)  
E
Produces images in the 16:9 format for  
playback on widescreen TVs.  
CAMERA  
CAM.SET UP  
16:9••••••••OFF  
(
36)  
To switch 16:9 to ON, open the menu and select CAM.SET UP. Then select  
16:9, set it to ON and close the menu.  
Notes:  
• “16:9” is shown in the display when you switch the 16:9 mode on.  
You cannot use the 16:9 mode with the Easy Recording program.  
• If you play back a recording made for 16:9 on a normal TV screen, the image  
will appear to be vertically “squashed” (compressed).  
• If you connect the camcorder to a TV with an S1 terminal or the Video ID-1  
system, recordings made in the 16:9 mode for wide screen TVs will  
automatically play back in wide screen mode on the TV screen.  
Confirmation/Warning beeps  
The camcorder’s short operation confirmation beeps are indicated by ` in the  
illustrations. Beeps sound upon certain camcorder operations such as when you  
turn the camcorder on, during the self-timer countdown, right before the  
camcorder’s automatic shut-off, and also upon any unusual condition of the  
camcorder. Beeps are not recorded on the tape.  
PLAY  
CAMERA  
(VCR)  
,
SYSTEM  
BEEP••••••••ON  
(
36)  
To turn the beep off, open the menu and select SYSTEM. Then select BEEP,  
set it to OFF and close the menu.  
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Zooming  
Zoom in  
E
W
T
Zoom out  
10× optical zoom  
The camcorder’s 10× zoom lens allows you to choose the best picture angle for  
each scene:  
• Move the zoom control towards W to zoom out to wide-angle.  
• Move it towards T to zoom in to telephoto.  
You can also control the speed of zooming:  
• Move the control slightly to zoom slowly.  
• Move it farther to zoom more quickly. (The farther you move the zoom control,  
the faster the zoom speed.)  
The T and W buttons on the wireless controller adjust the picture angle, but not  
the zoom speed.  
40×/200× digital zoom  
Magnifies the camcorder’s zoom range by up to 20×.  
The zoom control continues to work as usual. You can freely zoom in and out  
between 1× and 200× magnification — the camcorder automatically switches  
between optical zooming (up to 10×) and digital zooming (10× to 200×).  
CAMERA  
CAM.SET UP  
D.ZOOM••••••40×  
(
36)  
To change the digital zoom, open the menu and select CAM.SET UP. Then  
select D.ZOOM, set it to OFF or 200× and close the menu.  
Notes:  
• When zooming, as a rule, keep at least 3 ft 33/8 in (1 m) between you and your  
subject. However when the zoom is at the wide-angle position, you can focus  
on a subject as close as 3/8 in (1 cm).  
• Image resolution is slightly lower when the magnification is greater than 10×.  
• The zoom indicator appears for 4 seconds. When the digital zoom is set to 40×,  
the zoom indicator extends (light blue).  
When the digital zoom is set to 200× zoom, the zoom indicator extends again (a  
darker blue).  
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Using the LCD Screen  
Opening and closing the LCD screen  
E
Slide the LCD panel OPEN button and  
open the panel by pulling it away from  
the camcorder. This automatically  
switches the LCD screen on and the  
viewfinder off. When you close the  
LCD panel, press the upper corner  
until it clicks closed. The LCD screen  
automatically switches off and the  
viewfinder switches back on.  
Changing the angle of the LCD screen  
You can choose the angle of the screen  
that suits you best by opening and  
rotating the screen, also you can rotate  
the LCD screen so that faces in the  
direction of the lens ( 25).  
180°  
90°  
90°  
You can also push the panel flat  
against the camcorder until it is flush  
with the side, with the screen facing  
outwards.  
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Notes:  
E
• Avoid touching the LCD screen when moving the LCD panel.  
• Do not hold the camcorder by the LCD panel or the viewfinder.  
• Make sure you open the LCD panel at 90°, before attempting to rotate it.  
• Always rotate the LCD panel vertically into place, before closing it or pushing  
it flat against the side of the camcorder.  
• Always fully close the LCD panel until it clicks securely.  
• Be careful not to leave the LCD, viewfinder or lens exposed to direct sunlight  
outdoors or in a window. Doing so could cause damage.  
• Bright light falling on the LCD screen may cause glare that makes it difficult  
for you to view the image. In this case, switch to using the viewfinder. You are  
also able to adjust the brightness of the screen (see “Adjusting the LCD screen”  
below).  
Adjusting the LCD screen  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.  
PLAY  
CAMERA  
(VCR)  
,
BRIGHTNESS••  
+
DISP.SET UP  
(
36)  
Open the menu and select DISP.SET UP from the menu. Then select  
BRIGHTNESS, adjust the level with the selector dial and close the menu.  
A bar showing the level appears in the display.  
• Turn the selector dial up to make the display brighter.  
• Turn the selector dial down to make the display darker.  
Notes:  
• The camcorder will remember your brightness setting even after you turn it off.  
• The brightness of the LCD does not affect that of the recorded images or the  
viewfinder.  
About the LCD Screen  
The LCD screen built into this camcorder is a high precision product.  
However, small black dots or bright points of light (red, blue or green) may  
appear constantly on the LCD screen. This is not a malfunction of the LCD screen  
and they are not recorded on the tape. (Effective dots: more than 99.99%)  
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Allowing the subject to monitor recording  
E
When you turn the LCD panel so that it  
faces the same direction as the lens,  
you can watch yourself during  
recording or let your subject monitor  
recording. The viewfinder is also  
activated when the panel is in this  
position. (Adjusting the viewfinder,  
88)  
You can choose the display style,  
reversed (mirror on) or not (mirror  
off). The recording itself is  
unaffected regardless of which one  
you choose.  
CAMERA  
DISP.SET UP  
MIRROR••••••ON  
(
36)  
To turn the mirror mode off, open the menu and select DISP.SET UP. Then  
select MIRROR, set it to OFF and close the menu.  
The indicators that appear in the LCD display when MIRROR is  
turned on:  
REC  
REC PAUSE  
EJECT  
Self-timer (  
61)  
• These and all other indicators appear normally in the viewfinder.  
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Playing Back a Cassette  
REC  
REC  
FOCUS  
AE SHIFT  
E
SEARCH  
SEARCH  
CAMERA  
OFF  
PLAY(VCR)  
You can use the LCD screen for instant, on-the-spot playback. The camcorder also  
plays back the sound track via the built-in speaker ( 29).  
• When you play back a tape, you can also close the LCD panel with its screen  
side facing up.  
• When you’re using the viewfinder to view playback, close the LCD panel.  
To play back your recordings on a TV, see p. 30.  
To use the wireless controller, see p. 40.  
Note:  
• To avoid accidental recording, make sure that you slide the tab on the cassette  
so that it exposes the hole (the switch position is usually labeled SAVE or  
ERASE OFF).  
1. Attach a power source and turn the POWER switch to PLAY  
(VCR).  
• The power indicator lights up green.  
2. Load the cassette.  
3. Press the e (play) button to start playback.  
• To end playback, press the 3 (stop) button.  
• To wind the tape forwards, stop playback and press the 1 (fast forward)  
button.  
• To wind the tape backwards, stop playback and press the ` (rewind)  
button.  
• If the playback picture is rough (mosaic-like noise), clean the video heads  
using a Canon DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette or a  
commercially available digital video head cleaning cassette.  
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Other playback modes  
E
Playback pause  
Press the a (pause) button. To resume normal playback, press it again, or press  
the e (play) button. The camcorder automatically goes into stop mode after about  
5 minutes’ playback pause.  
Fast forward playback  
To play back the recording at about 9.5 times normal speed, press and hold the  
1 (fast forward) button during normal playback or press and hold the 1 (fast  
forward) button during normal fast forward.  
Rewind playback  
For reverse playback at about 9.5 times normal speed, press and hold the  
` (rewind) button during normal playback or press and hold the ` (rewind)  
button during normal rewind.  
Special playback  
Frame Advance  
To play back frame by frame, press the  
+/ ae button repeatedly during  
playback pause.  
Press and hold to play back continuous  
frame advance.  
REW  
PLAY  
STOP  
SLOW  
FF  
/  
+ /  
PAUSE  
×2  
Frame Reverse  
To play back in reverse frame by frame,  
press the –/4a button repeatedly during  
playback pause.  
Press and hold to play back continuous frame reverse.  
Slow Forward Playback  
To play back at about 1/5 normal speed, press the SLOW M button during normal  
playback.  
Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.  
• The camcorder automatically returns to playback after about 30 seconds of slow  
playback.  
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E
Slow Reverse Playback  
To play back in reverse at about 1/5 normal speed, press the –/4a button and  
then the SLOW M button during normal playback.  
Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.  
• The camcorder automatically returns to ×1 reverse playback after about 30  
seconds of slow playback.  
Reverse Playback  
To play back in reverse at normal speed, press the –/4a button during normal  
forward playback.  
Press the PLAY e button to return to normal forward playback.  
• The camcorder automatically goes into stop mode after about 2 minutes of  
paused reverse playback.  
Forward ×2 Playback  
Press the ×2 button during normal playback.  
Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.  
Reverse ×2 Playback  
Press the –/4a button and then the ×2 button during normal playback.  
Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.  
Notes:  
• Mosaic-like noise appears on the screen during some of the special playback modes.  
• There’s no audio during special playback.  
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Built-in speaker  
E
The camcorder has a built-in speaker so you can review the sound track alongside  
the picture during tape playback. The built-in speaker is monaural.  
Adjust the speaker volume by turning the selector dial.  
• Turn the selector dial up to increase the volume, and down to lower the volume.  
• A bar appears in the display to indicate the current volume. It disappears in 4  
seconds.  
You can turn off the volume completely by turning the selector dial down until  
OFF appears.  
Notes:  
• Sometimes audio may sound distorted when the volume is turned up high. If  
this happens, turn down the volume.  
• The speaker turns off when the camcorder is set to any mode other than PLAY  
(VCR) mode.  
Using the headphones  
You can also use the headphones to monitor the sound track. Change the setting  
of the AV/headphones terminal through the menu ( 30).  
You can adjust the headphone volume separately from the built-in speaker,  
either during PLAY (VCR) mode or CAMERA mode. The volume level is the  
same regardless of mode.  
• The levels you adjust for the built-in speaker and headphones are memorized  
separately. The camcorder remembers your levels even if you turn the  
camcorder off and back on again.  
• The speaker turns off when you use headphones.  
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Connections for Playback on a TV Screen  
You can connect the camcorder to a TV or VCR in order to play back your  
recordings. You will need to attach a power source to the camcorder ( 11).  
Power off all devices before starting the connections.  
E
See your TV or VCR instruction manual for further details.  
Switching the AV/headphone terminal  
AV  
IN/OUT  
MIC  
Through the menu, the camcorder’s AV/headphone terminal can be switched to  
function as either the AV terminal or the headphone terminal.  
PLAY  
CAMERA  
(VCR)  
,
VCR SET UP  
AV/PHONES•••AV  
(
36)  
Open the menu and select VCR SET UP. Then select AV/PHONES and set it  
to AV or PHONES.  
• When the terminal is switched to PHONES, PHONES appears in the display.  
Using the headphones  
• Make sure you switch the AV/headphones terminal to PHONES before using  
headphones. If the AV/headphones terminal is not switched to PHONES before  
you use the headphones, noise will come out from the headphones.  
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If your TV (or VCR) has an S (S1) -video input terminal  
E
For higher picture quality, we recommend playing back recordings on a TV with  
an S (S1) terminal. If you connect the camcorder to a TV with an S1 terminal,  
recordings made in the 16:9 mode for wide screen TVs will automatically play  
back in wide screen mode on the TV screen.  
DV  
S
IN/OUT  
IN/OUT  
INPUT  
S(S1)-VIDEO  
S-150 S-video Cable  
VIDEO  
AUDIO  
L
AV  
IN/OUT  
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable  
R
MIC  
When connecting for playback on a TV screen, make sure the AV/headphone  
terminal is switched to AV. If PHONES appears in the display, switch the terminal.  
• Use the S-150 S-video Cable to connect the S-video terminals. Use the  
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable to connect the AUDIO terminals. Connect the  
white plug to the white AUDIO terminal L (left). Connect the red plug to the red  
AUDIO terminal R (right). Do not connect the yellow plug.  
• If you are connecting the camcorder to a TV, set the TV/VIDEO selector on the  
television to VIDEO.  
• If you are connecting the camcorder to a VCR, set the input selector on the  
VCR to LINE.  
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If your TV (or VCR) has audio/video input terminals  
E
INPUT  
VIDEO  
AV  
AUDIO  
IN/OUT  
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable  
L
MIC  
R
When connecting for playback on a TV screen, make sure the AV/headphone  
terminal is switched to AV. If PHONES appears in the display, switch the terminal.  
• Connect the camcorder using the STV-250N Stereo Video Cable. Connect the  
white plug to the white audio terminal L (left). Connect the red plug to the red  
audio terminal R (right). Connect the yellow plug to the yellow video terminal  
VIDEO.  
• If you are connecting the camcorder to a TV, set the TV/VIDEO selector on the  
television to VIDEO.  
• If you are connecting the camcorder to a VCR, set the input selector on the  
VCR to LINE.  
Notes:  
• If you are going to use the TV as a monitor while you are shooting, remember  
to keep the TV volume turned down as long as the camcorder’s audio terminals  
are connected. If the sound from the TV speakers is picked up by the  
microphone, an unpleasant high-pitched squeal, called feedback, may be  
produced.  
• For TVs having the Video ID-1 system:  
If you connect the camera to the TV’s S terminal or video in terminal,  
recordings made in the 16:9 mode for wide screen TVs will automatically play  
back in wide screen mode on the TV screen.  
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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.  
With practice, you will be able to operate the controls by  
touch, without taking your eye off the action.  
Using a tripod  
To prevent any unwanted movement, you can mount the  
camcorder on a tripod, (or any flat surface at a suitable  
height) and operate it with the wireless controller.  
• When you are using a tripod, be careful not to leave the  
viewfinder exposed to bright sunlight or it may melt.  
(The light is concentrated by the viewfinder lens.)  
• Make sure that the fastening screw of the tripod is no  
1
longer than /4 inch (5.5 mm), or it will damage the  
camcorder.  
Composition  
The most important element in the scene does not have to  
be in the center. For a more interesting picture, try to  
position your subject so it is slightly to one side. Leave  
some space on the side of the frame that the subject is  
facing or moving towards.  
Don’t cut off the top of the subject’s head, and don’t cut  
people off at the neck, hips or knees (move a little bit  
above or below).  
Watch out for distracting objects in the background.  
33  
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Picture angle  
E
Instead of zooming while recording, try  
to choose your picture angle before you  
begin. A good way to tell a story with  
video is to begin with a long shot that  
establishes the situation, and then move  
in with medium shots and close-ups to  
show the details. Remember to change  
your viewpoint for each shot.  
Long shot  
Medium shot  
Close-up  
Remember that any camcorder  
movement or change in picture angle  
should have a definite purpose. Avoid  
unnecessary or half-hearted  
movements.  
Camcorder moves  
Use pans to record a landscape or  
follow a moving subject. Decide the  
area you want to cover and stand facing  
the end of your panning angle. Without  
moving your feet, turn your waist to the  
starting position. Start recording, and  
after a few seconds begin to turn slowly  
from the waist. Hold the final image for  
a few seconds before you stop  
Pan  
recording.  
Tilt the camcorder up to exaggerate the  
height of the subject. Tilt down from  
the top of a building, for example, as an  
introduction to subjects at the bottom.  
Tilt  
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Turning the Image Stabilizer Off  
MENU  
E
With most camcorders, even the slightest hand movements will be noticeable  
during telephoto recording. However, the ZR20’s image stabilizer allows you to  
obtain steady recordings even at high magnification.  
CAMERA  
CAM.SET UP  
IMAGE S.  
•ON  
(
36)  
To turn the image stabilizer off, open the menu and select CAM.SET UP.  
Then select IMAGE S. i, set it to OFF and close the menu.  
• The i mark disappears from the display when the stabilizer is off.  
• The image stabilizer cannot be turned off when the program selector is set to  
the [ (Easy Recording) position.  
Notes:  
• The image stabilizer is designed to deal with a normal degree of camcorder  
shake.  
• Keep the image stabilizer turned off when the camcorder is mounted on a  
tripod.  
• The image stabilizer is not as effective as usual during the Low Light mode.  
35  
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Using the Menus  
Many of the camcorder’s advanced functions are selected from menus which  
appear in the display.  
E
There are 2 main menus:  
CAM. MENU Camera menu  
VCR MENU VCR menu  
(
(
36)  
37)  
List of Menus  
Turn to the appropriate page for a detailed explanation of each function.  
CAMERA  
2 CAM. MENU  
Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.  
There are 4 submenus within the CAM. MENU.  
1 To camera set up submenu  
2 To VCR set up submenu  
3 To display set up submenu  
4 To system submenu  
CAM.MENU  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
1
3
5
CAM.SET UP  
VCR SET UP  
DISP.SET UP  
SYSTEM  
2
4
RETURN  
5 Close main menu  
1 Camera set up submenu  
CAM.SET UP  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
q Shutter speed......................... 64  
w Digital zoom ......................... 22  
e Image stabilizer..................... 35  
r 16:9 effect............................. 21  
t White balance ....................... 67  
y Return  
q
e
t
SHUTTER•••••AUTO  
D.ZOOM••••••40×  
w
r
y
IMAGE S.  
•ON  
16:9••••••••OFF  
WHITE BAL.••AUTO  
RETURN  
2 VCR set up submenu  
VCR SET UP  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
u Record mode......................... 20  
i Wind screen .......................... 60  
o Audio mode .......................... 59  
! AV or headphones................. 30  
! Return  
u
o
!
REC MODE••••SP  
WIND SCREEN•OFF  
AUDIO MODE••12bit  
AV/PHONES•••AV  
RETURN  
i
!
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3 Display set up submenu  
E
DISP.SET UP  
BRIGHTNESS••  
MIRROR••••••ON  
TV SCREEN•••ON  
D/T DISPLAY•OFF  
RETURN  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
! Brightness ............................. 24  
! Mirror mode.......................... 25  
! TV screen............................ 104  
! Date/time display.................. 45  
! Return  
+
!
!
!
!
!
4 System submenu  
SYSTEM  
SEL.SETSET  
! Wireless controller................ 41  
MENUCLOSE  
1
!
!
WL.REMOTE•••  
BEEP••••••••ON  
!
8
Beep...................................... 21  
!
@
8
T.ZONE/DST••–––  
D/TIME SET••–––.––,––––  
––:–– ––  
! Time zone/Daylight  
saving time............................ 43  
@ Date/time set......................... 45  
@ Return  
RETURN  
@
PLAY  
2 VCR MENU  
(VCR)  
Set the POWER switch to PLAY(VCR).  
There are 3 submenus within the VCR MENU.  
1 To VCR set up submenu  
2 To display set up submenu  
3 To system submenu  
4 Close main menu  
VCR MENU  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
1
VCR SET UP  
DISP.SET UP  
SYSTEM  
2
4
3
RETURN  
1 VCR set up submenu  
VCR SET UP  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
q Record mode......................... 20  
w Output channel...................... 86  
q
REC MODE••••SP  
OUTPUT CH•••L/R  
AUDIO DUB.••AUDIO IN  
WIND SCREEN•–––  
AUDIO MODE••12bit  
AV/PHONES•••AV  
RETURN  
w
r
y
e
e Audio dubbing...................... 83  
t
r Wind screen .......................... 60  
u
t Audio mode .......................... 59  
y AV or headphones................. 30  
u Return  
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VCR MENU, cont.  
E
2 Display set up submenu  
DISP.SET UP  
BRIGHTNESS••  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
+
i Brightness ............................. 24  
o Displays .............................. 104  
! 6-second auto date ................ 71  
! Data code.............................. 70  
! Date/time select .................... 69  
! Return  
i
!
!
DISPLAYS••••ON  
o
!
!
6SEC.DATE•••OFF  
DATA CODE•••DATE/TIME  
D/TIME SEL.•DATE & TIME  
RETURN  
3 System submenu  
! Wireless controller................ 41  
! Beep...................................... 21  
! Return  
SYSTEM  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
1
!
!
WL.REMOTE•••  
BEEP••••••••ON  
RETURN  
!
Selecting from the Menus  
2,11  
MENU  
MENU  
TV  
SCREEN  
3-10  
SET  
1. Turn the POWER switch to the desired setting.  
2. Press the MENU button to open the menu.  
3. Turn the selector dial and move the arrow to the desired submenu.  
4. Press the selector dial in to select.  
• The submenu appears.  
5. Turn the selector dial and move the arrow to the desired function.  
6. Press the selector dial in to select.  
• The function and its settings only appear.  
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7. Turn the selector dial and move the arrow to the desired setting.  
• If you are setting a function other than the white balance or shutter speed,  
the function will be set if you skip to step 11.  
E
8. Press the selector dial in to select.  
• The function is set and you return to the submenu.  
9. Turn the selector dial and move the arrow to b RETURN.  
10.Press the selector dial in to select.  
You return to the main menu.  
11.Press the MENU button.  
• The main menu disappears.  
Notes:  
• Pressing the MENU button at any time closes the menu.  
• Selecting b RETURN takes you back one menu, or closes the main menu.  
• Items that are unavailable, due to the tape situation or the settings of other menu  
items, appear in purple.  
You may often find it convenient to use the wireless controller to move around  
the menus. Press its MENU button to open/close the menu and use the arrow  
keys in place of turning the selector dial. Push the SET button to select.  
• Pressing the start/stop button or the PHOTO button will close the menu and  
start recording.  
You can display the menus on a connected TV screen by turning TV SCREEN  
(
104) on through the menu or using the wireless controller’s TV SCREEN  
button. See p. 30 for TV hookup instructions.  
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Using the Wireless Controller  
The supplied wireless controller can  
operate the camcorder from a distance  
of up to 16 feet (5 m). Point it at the  
camcorder’s remote sensor while you  
press the buttons.  
E
There are some functions that cannot be  
operated without the wireless  
controller:  
• Special playback ( 27)  
• Photo/date search ( 72)  
• Zero set memory ( 73)  
• Audio mix ( 85)  
16ft  
AV insert ( 79)  
• Audio dubbing ( 82)  
• Data code ( 69)  
Inserting batteries  
Insert two AA batteries, following the  
= and - markings. Be careful not to  
reverse the polarity of the batteries.  
Notes:  
• When using the wireless controller in brightly lit places or outdoors, the  
effective range will be less.  
• The camcorder may have difficulty picking up the remote control signals at  
extremely close range.  
• Do not leave the controller exposed to direct sunlight, or in hot or humid places.  
• When the batteries run out, replace them both together.  
• If the wireless controller doesn’t work, see p. 42.  
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When Operating 2 Canon DV Camcorders (Remote Sensor Mode)  
E
To prevent interference from other  
ZOOM  
Canon wireless controllers being used  
W
T
nearby, there are 2 remote sensor  
modes and an off setting. The wireless  
controller and the camcorder have to be  
set to the same mode in order to be  
REMOTE SET  
compatible.  
The wireless controller and the camcorder have been preset to mode 1. If you  
change the mode on the camcorder, be sure to change the mode on the wireless  
controller to the same mode.  
PLAY  
CAMERA  
(VCR)  
,
A 1 : Mode 1  
SYSTEM  
WL.REMOTE•••  
1
A 2 : Mode 2  
(
36)  
OFFB : Sensor off  
To turn the remote sensor off:  
Open the menu and select SYSTEM. Then select WL.REMOTE, set it to OFF  
B and close the menu.  
B appears in the display.  
To change the mode...  
...on the camcorder:  
Open the menu and select SYSTEM. Then select WL.REMOTE, set it to  
A 1 or A 2 and close the menu.  
• The selected mode will appear on the display for 4 seconds.  
...on the wireless controller:  
Press and hold the REMOTE SET button on the wireless controller.  
Simultaneously press the ZOOM W button for mode 1 or the ZOOM  
T button for mode 2. Continue to press simultaneously for over 2  
seconds.  
• Be sure to set the wireless controller to the same mode as the camcorder.  
41  
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If your wireless controller isn’t working:  
Make sure the camcorder and the wireless controller are both set to the same  
mode. Check the mode the camcorder is set to by pushing any button other than  
the REMOTE SET button on the wireless controller. The camcorder’s mode  
appears in purple for about 4 seconds. Set the wireless controller’s mode  
accordingly by pressing the aforementioned button combinations. If the wireless  
controller still doesn’t work, change the batteries.  
E
Note:  
• The mode the camcorder is set to also appears for 4 seconds when you turn the  
power on.  
42  
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Setting the Date and Time  
MENU  
E
The date and/or time display forms part of the data code. You can choose to  
display or hide it during playback ( 69).  
Set the date and time display when you first start using your camcorder. Install the  
backup battery before you begin ( 92).  
• Before you start setting the date and time, select your home time zone from the  
menu.  
Setting the time zone/daylight saving time  
CAMERA  
SYSTEM  
T.ZONE/DST••N.Y.  
(
36)  
1. Open the menu and select SYSTEM.  
2. Select T.ZONE/DST.  
• The time zone display appears on the screen.  
Your camcorder’s time zone is factory-preset to New York. If you are at  
another time zone, select your time zone first and daylight saving time  
(DST) setting if necessary.  
3. Move up or down the list of time zones with the selector dial.  
Select the option that represents your time zone.  
• If you are now in daylight saving time, select the time zone with the  
daylight saving time mark C next to the area.  
4. Close the menu.  
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E
16  
1
4
19  
2
18  
24  
20  
3
17  
6
10  
7
9
15  
14  
8
5
21  
23  
12  
22  
11  
13  
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11 12 13  
No.  
No.  
Time zone  
LONDON  
PARIS  
Time zone  
WELLGTN (Wellington)  
SAMOA  
CAIRO  
HONOLU (Honolulu)  
ANCHOR (Anchorage)  
L.A. (Los Angeles)  
DENVER  
MOSCOW  
DUBAI  
KARACHI  
DACCA  
CHICAGO  
BANGKOK  
H. KONG (Hong Kong)  
TOKYO  
N.Y. (New York)  
CARACAS  
RIO (Rio de Janeiro)  
SYDNEY  
SOLOMON  
FERNAN. (Fernando de Noronha)  
AZORES  
Notes:  
• After you have selected your time zone and set the date and time, when you  
travel to another time zone, there is no need to reset the date and time. Just set  
the time zone to your destination and the camcorder’s clock will automatically  
change to display the correct time for your destination.  
• The camcorder automatically accounts for the number of days in a month and  
leap year.  
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Setting the clock  
E
After you set the date and time, the date/time and home time zone will be  
displayed for about 4 seconds each time you turn the power on.  
CAMERA  
SYSTEM  
D/TIME SET••JAN. 1,2001  
12:00 AM  
(
36)  
1. Open the menu and select SYSTEM.  
2. Select D/TIME SET.  
• The year display starts to flash.  
3. Turn the selector dial up and down to change the year. Press the  
dial in to move to another part of the display.  
• Once you move from the year, the next part of the display starts flashing.  
4. Set the month, day, hours, and minutes in the same way.  
5. Press the MENU button when finished, and to start the clock.  
Notes:  
• To make a change to part of the date and time, press the selector dial in at step  
3 to move to the part to be changed. Turn the dial to make the change, then  
close the menu.  
• The date can be set to any year between 2001 and 2030.  
• If you press the MENU button in the middle of setting the date and time, you  
leave the menu, and the clock starts.  
• If you press the selector dial in after setting the minutes you can set the date  
and time again from the start.  
Date and time display  
You can choose to display or hide the date and time display during recording.  
When the date and time display is set to ON, the date and time show in the lower  
left-hand corner of the display but the time zone disappears in about 4 seconds.  
The large, 4-second display will no longer appear when you turn on the power. It  
is not automatically superimposed on your recordings.  
CAMERA  
DISP.SET UP  
D/T DISPLAY•OFF  
(
36)  
To turn it on, open the menu and select DISP.SET UP. Then select D/T  
DISPLAY, set it to ON and close the menu.  
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Taking Still Pictures  
E
1
2
PHOTO  
You can record still pictures like a photograph. The camcorder records the picture  
and sound to tape for several seconds. The exposure is automatically adjusted.  
Take still photos that you can record onto a floppy disk with the optional Floppy  
Disk Still Image Recorder FR-100 ( 48) and transfer to a PC for image  
enhancement and printout. Also, starting your shooting with a still photo makes it  
easy to find the beginning again later with the Photo Search function ( 72).  
You can take a still picture at any time during regular video recording, or you can  
put the camcorder into record pause mode first, then take a still picture.  
CAMERA  
During record mode  
Press the PHOTO button fully down and the still picture will be taken  
immediately.  
• The camcorder takes the image immediately, and then records the “photo” to the  
tape for approximately 6 seconds. During this time the camcorder also records  
the sound, and the display shows the still picture.  
• A counter display appears, and counts up as the camcorder records the picture.  
• The camcorder returns to record pause mode.  
During record pause mode  
1. Press the PHOTO button halfway down and hold it:  
• “PHOTO” flashes at the bottom right of display.  
• Exposure is locked.  
• During autofocus flashes white in the display as the camcorder adjusts the  
F
focus and it is displayed continuously as a green mark when the camcorder  
is ready to take the still picture.  
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• If the subject is unsuitable for autofocus ( 98), the camcorder may not be  
able to focus, and may continue to flash white in the display. Continue to  
E
F
hold the PHOTO button halfway down, then press the FOCUS button and  
adjust the focus manually with the selector dial.  
• If you are using manual focus ( 66), the mark starts as a continuous  
F
green mark. Focus with the selector dial.  
2. Press the PHOTO button fully down to take the still picture.  
• The camcorder takes the image immediately, and then records the “photo” to  
the tape for approximately 6 seconds. During this time the camcorder also  
records the sound, and the display shows the still picture.  
• A counter display appears, and counts up as the camcorder records the  
picture. disappears from the display.  
F
• The camcorder returns to record pause mode.  
Notes:  
• The camcorder automatically returns to record pause mode after recording a  
still image for approximately 6 seconds. If you turn the POWER switch to OFF  
during that time, the camcorder will respond only after recording is complete.  
• The wireless controller’s PHOTO button has no half-way setting. Press the  
button fully and the camcorder immediately takes the “photo”.  
• Only take “photos” where it is bright enough to see the image in the display.  
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Using the Floppy Disk Still Image Recorder FR-100 (optional)  
The FR-100 captures images taken with the camera, compressing them in JPEG  
format and recording them as still images onto a floppy disk.  
E
DV  
IN/OUT  
DV cable  
1. Connect the power sources for the camera and the FR-100.  
2. Turn the camera’s POWER switch to PLAY (VCR), and connect  
the camera and the FR-100 with the DV cable (supplied with the  
FR-100).  
3. Insert a floppy disk into the FR-100.  
4. Play back your cassette in the camera and search for the image you  
want to capture. Find exactly the frame you want by using frame  
advance/reverse ( 27).  
5. Press the FR-100’s CAPTURE button to record the image onto the  
floppy disk.  
6. After you have finished recording images, remove the floppy disk  
and insert it into your PC’s disk drive.  
Note:  
• For full details of how to use the FR-100, refer to its instruction manual.  
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Searching and Reviewing While Recording  
Record search  
E
When the camcorder is in record pause  
mode, you can use record search to  
play the tape forwards or backwards to  
REC  
REC  
SEARCH  
SEARCH  
find the point where you want to start  
or resume recording. This is useful  
when you want to add a new scene to a  
previously used cassette. By using  
record search, you can ensure a smooth,  
noise-free join between the new scene  
and the old one.  
CAMERA  
1. Press and hold the REC SEARCH + or – button on the camcorder  
while you check the picture in the display.  
• The + button plays the recording forwards and the – button plays it  
backwards.  
2. Release the button when you find the point where you want to start  
recording.  
• The camcorder returns to record pause mode.  
Record review  
When the camcorder is in record pause mode, you can use record review to play  
back the last few seconds of your recording and then return automatically to  
record pause mode. You can quickly make sure that a scene has recorded properly  
and then go on to shoot the next scene, without producing any noise in the picture.  
CAMERA  
1. Press and release the c (record review) button while you check the  
picture in the display.  
• The camcorder rewinds the tape, plays back the last few seconds, and returns  
to record pause mode.  
Note:  
• Noise may appear on the screen when you play the tape backwards.  
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Using the Various Recording Programs  
E
P
The camcorder provides you with a choice of 7 recording programs. They use  
different combinations of camcorder settings in order to adjust the exposure and  
other functions to match the recording situation.  
• For simple point-and-shoot operation, select the Easy Recording program. Slide  
the program selector to the [ position.  
• For normal shooting conditions, slide the program selector to Q (program AE)  
mode. Open the program menu and select AUTO ( 51).  
• For various other recording conditions, the camcorder has 5 more specialized  
AE (auto exposure) programs.  
Availability of functions in each recording program  
Position of  
program selector  
P
Q
[
Recording  
Program  
[
(Easy  
Sand &  
Snow  
Low  
Light  
Auto  
Sports Portrait Spotlight  
Recording)  
Shutter Speed  
Focus  
A
h
h
h
A
White balance  
AE Shift  
i
h
i
h
Image stabilizer (ON/OFF)  
Digital effects  
16:9  
ON  
h
h
h
i
i
: Available  
: Not available  
A : Automatic function only  
h
i
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Setting the program AE mode  
E
CAMERA  
1. Slide the program selector to Q (program AE) mode.  
2. Press the selector dial in to display the program menu.  
3. Turn the selector dial to move the arrow up or down the display.  
4. Press the selector dial in to select the desired program.  
• The program will appear in the display.  
5. Press the start/stop button to begin recording.  
Notes:  
• The name of your selected recording program appears constantly on the left of  
the display, with the exception of Auto, which is displayed and then disappears  
after 4 seconds.  
• Avoid changing programs during recording as the brightness of the image may  
change suddenly.  
• If you switch the camcorder from the [ program to the Q program, the  
camcorder returns to the Auto program.  
• When recording in dark places a bright light in the  
scene may cause a vertical light bar (“smear”) to  
appear. This is a normal feature of camcorders.  
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Easy Recording  
E
The simplest way to use the camcorder is with  
the program selector set to the [ position. The  
camcorder will take care of focus, exposure and  
other adjustments, leaving you free to point and  
shoot.  
[
Auto  
This is the same as the Easy Recording program,  
except that you now have the option of using  
any of the camcorder’s manual functions.  
AUTO  
Sports  
This program is useful for recording high-speed  
sports scenes in brightly lit conditions. Normal  
playback will be slightly jerky, but you will get  
clear images which can be analyzed frame by  
frame during slow or paused playback.  
SPORTS  
Portrait  
Use this program outdoors to make subjects  
stand out from a softened foreground and  
background. It works well for still-lifes and  
close-ups. The effect is most noticeable when  
the zoom position is between the middle range  
and the telephoto end. Focus manually for  
maximum accuracy, and be careful when  
recording action scenes, as this program may  
cause fast moving objects to shudder.  
PORTRAIT  
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Spotlight  
E
This program is designed for recording spotlit  
scenes, such as on a stage. The exposure is  
automatically adjusted for glare-free recordings  
of subjects lit by a concentrated light source.  
SPOTLIGHT  
Sand & Snow  
Use this program in places where the  
SAND&SNOW  
background is so bright that the subject appears  
underexposed in the display — a sunny beach or  
ski resort, for example. You may notice some  
shudder when recording moving subjects.  
Low Light  
This program allows you to record in dimly lit  
places. It is generally best used for close-ups of  
slow or stationary subjects, as moving subjects  
may leave a trailing after-image. However, you  
can take advantage of this to create special  
effects, by rapid zooming or by panning along  
with a moving subject. Picture quality will not  
be as good as in normal lighting conditions, and  
autofocus may not work as well as usual.  
LOW LIGHT  
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Using Digital Effects  
Use the camcorder’s digital effects for more interesting productions.  
E
• Faders:  
• Effects:  
Start or end scenes on a tape with a fade to or from black  
55). Fade Trigger, Vertical Wipe, Horizontal Wipe,  
Mosaic Fade*  
Add flavor to your recordings ( 56).  
Art, Black and White, Sepia, Mosaic  
(
* Available during PLAY (VCR) mode only  
Availability of digital effects in CAMERA mode  
(Easy Recording)  
(Program AE)  
[
Q
Recording  
Program  
MOVIE  
PHOTO  
MOVIE  
PHOTO  
Faders  
Effects  
i
i
h
i
h
: Available  
: Not available  
h
i
Availability of digital effects in PLAY(VCR) playback modes  
Still picture  
playback  
Slow forward/  
reverse playback  
Reverse  
Playback  
Forward/reverse  
×2 playback  
Playback  
h
h
Set only  
Set only  
Faders  
(Press PLAY or  
(Press PAUSE  
PAUSE to fade in)  
to fade out)  
Effects  
h
: Available  
h
Notes:  
• When you do not want to use digital effects, press the DIGITAL EFFECTS  
button and select D.EFFECT | from the digital effects menu. Press the  
DIGITAL EFFECTS button to close the menu.  
• The camcorder remembers your chosen digital effect setting until you change it.  
• Digital effects can be selected but not operated on a blank blue screen (appears  
in PLAY (VCR) mode). The display continues to flash.  
• Digital effects operated during PLAY (VCR) mode are not recorded onto the  
original tape.  
• Digital effects can be added to another tape when dubbing using the AV out  
terminal (PLAY (VCR) mode), but not the DV out terminal.  
You cannot operate digital effects while photo/date searching.  
• If you slide the program selector to [ (Easy Recording) while the digital effect  
display is flashing, it will disappear from the display and reappear when you  
return to Q (program AE) mode.  
• The digital effect display will flash for 2 seconds after setting, even if  
DISPLAYS is set to OFF in the menu.  
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E
Faders  
Fade Trigger (FADE-T)  
When you start recording, the  
scene gradually fades in  
from a black screen.  
When you  
stop recording, it gradually  
fades out.  
Vertical Wipe (WIPE  
)
When you start recording, the picture  
begins as a thin vertical line in the  
center of the screen  
which gradually  
expands sideways  
When you end  
a scene, the image is wiped  
from both sides of the  
screen.  
until it fills the  
whole of the screen.  
Horizontal Wipe (WIPE  
)
When you start recording, the picture  
begins as a thin horizontal line in the  
center of the screen  
which gradually  
expands upwards  
When you end  
a scene, the image is wiped  
from the top and bottom of  
screen.  
and downwards  
until it fills the  
whole screen.  
*
Mosaic Fade (M. FADE)  
Blurs the image by enlarging the size of some pixels. The image appears  
as increasingly large squares of color as it fades out, and smaller squares  
when it fades in.  
*Available during PLAY (VCR) mode only.  
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E
Effects  
Sepia (SEPIA)  
Makes a  
monochrome  
image with a  
brownish tint.  
Mosaic  
(MOSAIC)  
Blurs the image by  
enlarging the size  
of some pixels.  
Black and White  
(BLK & WHT)  
Makes the  
image black and  
white.  
Art (ART)  
Adds a paint-  
like effect,  
called  
solarization, to  
the image.  
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Digital effects can be set with the controls on the body of the camcorder or the  
wireless controller. Pressing the L/M buttons on the wireless controller  
correspond to turning the selector dial up and down, and pressing the SET button  
corresponds to pressing the selector dial in.  
E
MENU  
P
SET  
ON/OFF  
DIGITAL  
EFFECTS  
D.EFFECTS  
ON/OFF  
Operating faders  
Sound and image fade together.  
When operating faders in CAMERA mode, make sure the program selector is set  
to Q.  
PLAY  
CAMERA  
(VCR)  
,
Select fader  
1. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to open the digital effects  
menu.  
D.EFFECT |, FADER and EFFECT appear.  
2. Select FADER.  
FADE-T, WIPE , WIPE  
settings appear. M.FADE also appears in  
PLAY (VCR) mode.  
3. Select the desired setting.  
You return to the digital effects menu.  
4. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to close the menu.  
The name of your selected fader flashes in the display.  
Fader on/off  
5. Press the ON/OFF button.  
The name of your selection stops flashing.  
Each time you press the ON/OFF button, the chosen fader is activated  
(display lights continuously) or deactivated (display flashes).  
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6. If youre in CAMERA mode:  
E
Fade in- Press the start/stop button.  
Fade out- Press the start/stop button.  
If youre in PLAY (VCR) mode:  
Fade in- Press the e (play) button.  
Fade out- Press the a (pause) button.  
Operating effects  
Sound records/plays back normally.  
When operating effects in CAMERA mode, make sure the program selector is set  
to  
.
Q
PLAY  
(VCR)  
CAMERA  
,
Select effect  
1. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to open the digital effects  
menu.  
D.EFFECT |, FADER and EFFECT appear.  
2. Select EFFECT.  
ART, BLK&WHT, SEPIA, MOSAIC settings appear.  
3. Select the desired setting.  
You return to the digital effects menu.  
4. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to close the menu.  
The menu disappears and the name of your selected setting flashes in the  
display.  
Effect on/off  
5. If you’re in PLAY (VCR) mode, press the e (play) button.  
6. Press the ON/OFF button.  
The name of your selection stops flashing and takes effect on the display.  
Each time you press the ON/OFF button, the chosen effect is activated or  
deactivated.  
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Audio Recording  
Selecting the audio mode  
E
ZR20 can record sound on a tape in two audio modes 16-bit and 12-bit. The  
16-bit mode produces the higher sound quality (slightly superior to CD) while the  
12-bit mode records on two channels (stereo 1), leaving 2 channels free (stereo 2)  
for you to add new sound at a later date.  
PLAY  
CAMERA  
(VCR)  
,
VCR SET UP  
AUDIO MODE••12bit  
(
36)  
To switch to the 16-bit mode, open the menu and select VCR SET UP. Then  
select AUDIO MODE, set it to “16 bit” and close the menu.  
• “16 bitis shown in the display for approximately 4 seconds.  
Notes:  
For details on adding new sound, see p. 82.  
For details of playing back a tape that has new sound on stereo 2, see p. 85.  
When you record to the ZR20 from a camcorder with DV terminal outputs, the  
audio mode becomes automatically set to 12 bit.  
External microphone  
For greater creative control over audio recording, you can connect an external  
microphone to the camcorder via the MIC terminal. When using the MIC  
terminal, use a microphone with a built-in power supply (condenser microphone).  
It is possible to connect almost any stereo microphone with a plug diameter of 1/8  
inch (3.5 mm), however, their audio levels will be different from that of the built-  
in microphone.  
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Notes:  
E
Be careful when using long microphones as they may extend into the frame.  
You can monitor the sound while recording by setting the AV/headphone  
terminal to headphones ( 30) and attaching stereo headphones to the H  
terminal.  
Wind screen  
The camcorder has an automatic wind screen to prevent wind noise from  
interfering with the sound track. Make sure its off when you want the  
microphone to be as sensitive as possible. Use the wind screen when recording in  
windy places such as the beach or near buildings.  
PLAY  
CAMERA  
(VCR)  
,
VCR SET UP  
WIND SCREEN••OFF  
(
36)  
To turn it on, open the menu and select VCR SET UP. Then select WIND  
SCREEN, set it to ON and close the menu.  
WS O is shown in the display when you turn the wind screen on.  
Notes:  
The wind screen can be used for audio dubbing with the built-in microphone as  
well as recording.  
The wind screen does not operate when an external microphone is connected to  
the MIC terminal.  
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Setting the Self-Timer  
E
CAMERA  
OFF  
PLAY(VCR)  
START  
/STOP PHOTO  
SELF  
MENU  
TIMER  
CAMERA  
OFF  
PLAY(VCR)  
This is useful when you want to include yourself in the picture when recording  
movies or still photographs.  
CAMERA  
1. Press the  
self-timer button on the body of the camcorder  
or  
the SELF TIMER button on the wireless controller.  
SELF-T appears in the display.  
To have the subject monitor recording, rotate the LCD panel 180° ( 25).  
For movies  
2. Press the start/stop button.  
The camcorder starts to record after a 10-second countdown period (or after  
2 seconds when you use the wireless controller). The time remaining counts  
down in the display (e.g. 5 SEC).  
SELF-T disappears from the display when recording begins.  
3. Press the start/stop button to end recording.  
For stills  
2. Press a PHOTO button on the camcorder body or the wireless  
controller.  
The camcorder automatically adjusts the focus 2 seconds before the  
countdown is complete. The F mark flashes white then turns green after the  
focus and exposure are set. If you are using the wireless controller, the F  
mark starts flashing immediately after you press the PHOTO button.  
The camcorder takes the picture for approximately 6 seconds.  
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Notes:  
E
To cancel the self-timer before the countdown has begun, press the  
TIMER button.  
To cancel the self-timer once the countdown has begun, press the  
SELF  
SELF  
TIMER button, start/stop if youre shooting movies, or PHOTO if youre taking  
a still image.  
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Using AE Shift  
By controlling the level of the automatic exposure (AE) function, you can lighten  
or darken the image slightly. This allows you to compensate for backlit,  
overexposed scenes.  
E
AE SHIFT  
P
CAMERA  
Make sure the program selector is set to Q.  
1. Press the selector dial in and select any recording program other  
than Spotlight or Sand & Snow from the program menu.  
2. Press the AE SHIFT button.  
eAE appears light blue.  
3. Turn the selector dial to choose your desired level.  
Levels are from 2 to +2, in 0.25 intervals (excluding 1.75 and +1.75).  
The higher the setting, the brighter the image.  
Notes:  
You cannot adjust the exposure without the e mark before AE in the display.  
Push the AE SHIFT button so that e appears before AE. Then you can adjust  
the exposure manually.  
You cannot adjust the AE Shift when the camcorder is set to [ (Easy  
Recording), the Spotlight recording program or the Sand & Snow recording  
program.  
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Setting the Shutter Speed  
Set the shutter speed manually to take stable shots of quickly moving subjects.  
E
CAMERA  
CAM.SET UP  
SHUTTER•••••AUTO  
(
36)  
1. Make sure the camcorder is set to the Q (program AE) mode.  
2. Press the selector dial in and choose AUTO from the program  
menu.  
3. Open the menu and select CAM.SET UP.  
4. Select SHUTTER.  
5. Press the selector dial in to select the desired shutter speed.  
AUTO  
1/60  
slower  
1/100  
1/250  
1/500  
1/1000  
1/2000  
1/4000  
1/8000  
faster  
6. Close the menu.  
Concerning shooting in fluorescent lighting  
When the camcorder is set to [ (Easy Recording) or the Auto recording  
program, it automatically detects the flicker of fluorescent lighting and adjusts the  
shutter speed to compensate. However, if the brightness of the LCD or viewfinder  
display starts to flicker, make sure the camcorder is set to the Auto recording  
program and select the 1/100 shutter speed.  
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Guidelines for shooting using high shutter speeds  
When shooting with a shutter speed of 1/1000 or higher, do not shoot the sun  
directly.  
E
Recommended shutter speeds when shooting:  
People doing outdoor sports such as  
golf or tennis  
1/2000 or 1/4000  
(or 1/8000 to freeze  
the action even more  
clearly)  
1/1000, 1/500 or  
1/250  
Moving cars or trains or other  
rapidly moving vehicles such as  
roller coasters  
1/100  
People doing indoor sports such as  
basketball  
Notes:  
You are unable to set the shutter speed in any recording program other than  
AUTO. The SHUTTER display becomes set to ‘‘– – –’’.  
The image may not appear smooth when a high shutter speed is set.  
The camcorder returns to the auto shutter setting when you slide the program  
selector to [ (Easy Recording), or change the recording program.  
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Adjusting Focus Manually  
The camcorder can focus automatically. All you have to do is point it, and whatever  
is in the center of the display will usually be in sharp focus. If it does not seem to be  
focusing well, it may be because the subject is not suitable for autofocus.  
E
You can use the manual focusing function for more control over focusing.  
Focus lock  
CAMERA  
REC  
REC  
FOCUS  
AE SHIFT  
SEARCH  
SEARCH  
Press the FOCUS button to turn off  
autofocus. The focus remains locked at  
the point set by autofocus.  
(eM.FOCUS appears in the display.)  
You can now adjust the focus manually  
with the selector dial. Press the FOCUS  
button again when you want to return  
to autofocus.  
If you zoom in on your subject after  
turning off autofocus, it may not stay  
in focus. It is generally best to adjust  
the zoom first, and then the focus.  
Manual focus  
CAMERA  
REC  
REC  
FOCUS  
AE SHIFT  
SEARCH  
SEARCH  
Use the selector dial to set the focus.  
Turn the selector dial downward to  
move the focus farther away.  
Turn the selector dial upwards to  
bring the focus nearer.  
Notes:  
You cannot adjust the focus without the e mark before M.FOCUS in the  
display. Push the FOCUS button so that e appears before M.FOCUS. Then you  
can adjust the focus manually.  
The manual focus setting is canceled if you select the [ (Easy Recording)  
program.  
When you are using the [ (Easy Recording) program, autofocus cannot be  
turned off.  
See Troubleshootingon p. 97 for a list of subjects which may not be suitable  
for autofocus.  
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Setting the White Balance  
The camcorders auto white balance  
system compensates for a wide range of  
lighting conditions. Although slight  
variations are unavoidable, colors will  
appear natural in virtually every  
situation.  
E
In some cases, you will get better  
results by setting the white balance  
yourself, or using one of the two preset  
modes:  
T Indoor Mode  
Under halogen or studio/video  
lighting  
Subject is of one dominant color  
Close ups  
U Outdoor mode  
In daylight, especially for close-  
ups and where the subject is of  
one dominant color  
CAMERA  
CAM.SET UP  
WHITE BAL.••AUTO  
(
36)  
1. Make sure the camcorder is set to the Q (program AE) mode.  
2. Open the menu and select CAM.SET UP.  
3. Select WHITE BAL.  
4. a) For the indoor, outdoor or auto settings, press the selector dial in  
to choose the setting.  
T/U appears in the display when you set the white balance to  
indoor/outdoor mode.  
b) To set the white balance yourself, point the camcorder at a white  
object (such as a sheet of paper) and zoom in until it fills the  
display. Then press the selector dial in to select SETW.  
Make sure to continue pointing the camcorder at the white object until  
you have finished setting the white balance.  
The W display flashes then remains lit.  
Depending on the light source, the flashing may at times continue. The  
result will remain better than with the auto setting and you can continue  
recording.  
5. Close the menu.  
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Setting the white balance manually will probably work better  
than auto white balance when shooting:  
E
Subjects with one dominant color, such as sky, sea or forest  
Close-ups  
In rapidly changing lighting conditions  
In places lit by certain types of fluorescent or mercury vapor  
lights  
Notes:  
Turn the digital zoom off (if neccessary) to set a more accurate white balance.  
If you have set the white balance and lighting conditions change, reset the white  
balance.  
Try to record with light from a single source. Correct white balance cannot be  
obtained for two types of lighting at once.  
You cannot set the white balance or choose the indoor/outdoor mode when the  
program selector is set to the [ (Easy Recording) program.  
The white balance returns to the AUTO setting when you slide the program  
selector to [ (Easy Recording).  
When you turn the camcorder on, the white balance returns to AUTO. If you  
then switch the white balance to SET, the camcorder will remember your last  
setting.  
During normal outdoor shooting, setting to AUTO may provide better results.  
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Displaying Date, Time and Camcorder Data (Data Code)  
A data code, containing the date and time the recording was made and other  
camcorder data (shutter speed and exposure settings) is automatically recorded on  
a special data section of the tape.  
E
MENU  
DATA  
CODE  
CAMERA  
OFF  
PLAY(VCR)  
During PLAY (VCR) mode, the data code can be displayed or hidden while the  
camcorder is in play, slow or still mode.  
Camcorder data may be displayed as “– – –” during fast forward, rewind, reverse  
playback, forward and reverse ×2 playback.  
Press the DATA CODE button on the wireless controller.  
Press it once to display, once more to hide it.  
Selecting date/time  
Select whether you want the date, the time, or both to show up on your data code  
display ( 70).  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
DISP.SET UP  
D/TIME SEL.•DATE & TIME  
(
36)  
To change the date and time combination, open the menu and select  
DISP.SET UP. Then select D/TIME SEL., set it to DATE, TIME or DATE &  
TIME and close the menu.  
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Setting the data code  
E
You can also choose which type of data code to display either the date/time,  
camera data or both.  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
DISP.SET UP  
DATA CODE•••DATE/TIME  
(
36)  
To change, open the menu and select DISP.SET UP. Then select DATA  
CODE, set it to DATE/TIME, CAMERA DATA or CAM. & D/T and close  
the menu.  
Possible data code combinations:  
DATA CODE  
Date/Time &  
Camera data  
Date/Time  
Camera data  
D/TIME SEL.  
F32  
F322  
1/250  
1/250  
Date  
JAN. 1,2001  
JAN. 1,2001  
F32  
F32  
1/250  
1/250  
Time  
12:00:00 AM  
12:00:00 AM  
F32  
1/250  
12:00 AM  
JAN. 1,2001  
12:00 AM  
JAN. 1,2001  
F32  
1/250  
Date & Time  
Notes:  
The data code will read “– – –” in the following situations:  
During playback of a blank section of tape.  
If the tape was recorded before entering the date and time in the camcorders  
memory.  
If the tape was recorded on a camcorder without a data code function.  
If noise or tape damage prevents the data code from being read.  
If a recording made on ZR20 is played back on a different DV camcorder, the  
data code may not be displayed correctly.  
The data code will appear in the display even if DISPLAYS ( 104) has been  
set to OFF through the menu.  
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Six-second auto date  
E
The 6-second auto date appears for 6 seconds to mark the changeover of a day if  
the tape was being recorded at 12:00 midnight. It also appears for 6 seconds when  
you start playback and have the data code turned off. The 6-second auto date will  
adjust for any time zone changes you have indicated.  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
DISP.SET UP  
6SEC. DATE•••OFF  
(
36)  
To turn the 6-second auto date on, open the menu and select DISP.SET UP.  
Then select 6SEC. DATE, set it to ON and close the menu.  
Note:  
When 6SEC.DATE is turned on but DISPLAYS ( 104) is turned off, the 6-  
second auto date will still appear for 6 seconds.  
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Searching the Tape (Photo Search/Date Search)  
E
REC  
SEARCH  
SELECT  
PAUSE  
ZERO SET  
MEMORY  
REW  
PLAY  
STOP  
SLOW  
FF  
AUDIO  
DUB.  
CAMERA  
OFF  
/  
+ /  
A/V  
PAUSE  
×2  
PLAY(VCR)  
INSERT  
This allows you to move quickly through still pictures recorded anywhere on a  
tape (photo search) or between different days or areas of recording (date search)  
on a tape.  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
1. Press the SEARCH SELECT button to choose between photo/date  
search.  
PHOTO SEARCH or DATE SEARCH is shown in the display for 4  
seconds.  
2. Press the - and + buttons to move backwards or forwards  
through the still pictures or between different days of recording.  
Press once to move to the start of the previous/next still picture or day on  
the tape.  
You can press more than once to move to the corresponding still picture or  
day (up to a maximum of 10 times), e.g. press the + button 5 times to  
move forward 5 still pictures or days.  
PHOTO SEARCH/DATE SEARCH appears in the middle of the display  
alongside the - or + mark and number to search through. You can  
change direction easily by pressing the button for the opposite direction.  
Notes:  
Press 3 (stop) to stop mid-search.  
If you begin a search very close to the start of a recorded still picture during  
photo search, the camcorder may skip straight past it.  
When you have set the area for the World Clock, date search also looks for the  
change in date based on the adjusted time.  
A date/area cannot be identified if the total recording time on that day/area was  
less than 1 minute.  
Date search playback may start just before or after the beginning of the located  
section.  
If the data code is not displayed correctly you will not be able to operate the  
date search correctly.  
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Returning to a Pre-Marked Position  
E
REC  
SEARCH  
SELECT  
PAUSE  
ZERO SET  
MEMORY  
REW  
PLAY  
STOP  
SLOW  
FF  
CAMERA  
OFF  
AUDIO  
DUB.  
/  
+ /  
A/V  
PLAY(VCR)  
PAUSE  
×2  
INSERT  
Use the wireless controller to mark a point on a tape that you want to return to  
following playback.  
PLAY  
CAMERA  
(VCR)  
,
1. Press the ZERO SET MEMORY button on the wireless controller  
during playback at a point you want to return to later.  
The time code is replaced by a tape counter that is set to zero with the  
Â
indication.  
Press the ZERO SET MEMORY button once more to cancel the zero set  
memory.  
2. When you have finished playback, fast forward or rewind the tape.  
The tape stops automatically when it reaches the zero set position.  
RTN1 or `RTN appears in the display.  
The tape counter with  
Â
indication disappears from the display and the time  
code reappears.  
Notes:  
The zero set memory may not function correctly where there is a break between  
recordings on the tape.  
You can also use zero set memory to mark a position on a tape in CAMERA  
mode. When you then play back the tape, pressing rewind will take you back to  
the pre-marked position.  
If you remove the tape while the zero set memory is set, the memory is  
canceled and the tape counter reverts to time code.  
The camcorder remembers your setting even if you turn it off and back on again  
or move the program selector.  
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Editing to a VCR  
By connecting the camcorder to a VCR, you can edit your recordings in order to  
remove unwanted scenes — or combine different shots to create your own video  
productions.  
E
1. Connect the camcorder to the VCR.  
• See “Connections for Playback on a TV Screen” on p. 30.  
2. Prepare the TV and VCR.  
• Turn on the TV and set the TV/VIDEO selector to VIDEO.  
• Turn on the VCR, and set its input selector to LINE. Load a blank cassette,  
1. Find a point on your recorded cassette slightly before the section  
you want to copy.  
2. Start to play it back while you monitor the picture on the TV.  
3. Start recording on the VCR as soon as the section you want to copy  
appears on the screen.  
4. Pause the VCR at the end of the section you want to copy, then stop  
playback on the camcorder.  
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 until your edited recording is complete.  
Note:  
• The quality of the edited tape will be slightly lower than that of the original.  
74  
Dubbing to/from a Cassette with Digital Video Equipment  
Digital video equipment fitted with the DV terminal lets you edit, copy and  
transfer data digitally, with virtually no generation loss in image and sound  
quality. The DV terminal is for both line-in and line-out, since a single DV cable  
can handle data in both directions.  
E
• If a digital VCR is connected and an anomalous signal is sent from the VCR,  
the images recorded on the tape may also be anomalous (although it may not  
appear so on the TV image), or not recorded at all.  
You are unable to dub tapes recorded with the copyright protective signal.  
: Signal flow  
REC  
REC  
REC PAUSE  
(LINE-IN)  
FOCUS  
AE SHIFT  
SEARCH  
SEARCH  
REC  
SEARCH  
SELECT  
PAUSE  
ZERO SET  
MEMORY  
REW  
/  
PLAY  
STOP  
SLOW  
FF  
AUDIO  
DUB.  
+ /  
A/V  
PAUSE  
×2  
INSERT  
Side with arrow  
Side with arrow  
Preparations  
Example dubbing to the camcorder  
1. Connect the camcorder and the other digital device.  
• Connect the Canon CV-150F DV cable (optional) with the sides of the plugs  
marked with the arrows facing as shown above.  
2. Prepare the other device.  
• Turn on the power and load a recorded cassette.  
3. Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to PLAY (VCR).  
• DV IN appears in the display.  
4. Load a blank cassette.  
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Dubbing  
E
1. Find a point on your recorded cassette slightly before the section  
you want to copy and set it to playback pause mode.  
2. Press the camcorder’s REC PAUSE button.  
• The camcorder enters record pause mode.  
3. Start playback on the other digital device while you monitor the  
picture.  
4. Press the pause button.  
• Recording starts.  
5. When you get to the point where you want to stop recording, press  
the stop button or the pause button.  
• Recording stops.  
6. Stop playback on the other device.  
Notes:  
• If the cable is not connected properly, or if the cable is unconnected when you  
press REC PAUSE, the camcorder displays the caution ‘‘CHECK THE DV  
INPUT.’An anomalous image may also flash onto the screen.  
• Blanks between recordings on the playback tape are recorded as anomalous  
images on the tape that is being recorded to.  
• During DV dubbing you cannot add digital effects.  
Copyright signal  
Certain pre-recorded software tapes are copyright protected. If you try to play  
back such a cassette, “COPYRIGHT PROTECTED PLAYBACK IS  
RESTRICTED” appears in the display for a few seconds and then the camcorder  
displays a blank blue screen; you cannot view the contents of the cassette.  
If you try to record from such a tape via the digital cable “COPYRIGHT  
PROTECTED DUBBING RESTRICTED” appears in the display; you cannot  
record the contents of the tape.  
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Recording from a VCR, TV or Analog Camcorder (Analog Line-in)  
You can record a video played on your VCR or analog camcorder (for digital  
camcorders, see p. 75) or a TV program onto a tape in the ZR20, if the TV or  
other device has audio/video outputs.  
E
• If an anomalous signal is sent from the TV or VCR, the images recorded on the  
tape may also be anomalous (although it may not appear so on the TV image),  
not recorded at all, or COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DUBBING RESTRICTED  
may appear in the display.  
You are unable to dub tapes recorded with the copyright protective signal.  
REC  
REC  
FOCUS  
AE SHIFT  
SEARCH  
SEARCH  
REC PAUSE  
(LINE-IN)  
: Signal flow  
DV  
IN/OUT  
S
IN/OUT  
OUTPUT  
S(S1)-VIDEO  
S-150 S-video Cable  
VIDEO  
AUDIO  
L
AV  
IN/OUT  
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable  
R
MIC  
You cannot use headphones while doing analog line-in recording. If you have the  
AV/headphones terminal set to headphones, it will automatically switch to AV for  
analog line-in recording. PHONES disappears from the display.  
Preparations  
1. Connect the camcorder to the VCR, TV or other camcorder.  
2. Prepare the device. (Example connecting to the VCR)  
• Set the TV/Video selector on the television to Video. For further details, see  
“Connections for Playback on a TV Screen” on p. 30.  
• Turn on the VCR. Load your recorded cassette, and put the VCR in playback  
pause mode.  
• See your TV and VCR instruction manuals for details.  
3. Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to PLAY (VCR).  
4. Load a blank cassette.  
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Dubbing  
E
1. Find a point on your recorded cassette slightly before the section  
you want to copy and set it to playback pause mode.  
2. Press the REC PAUSE button.  
• S-video and AV IN/OUT terminals work as input terminals.  
• The camcorder enters record pause mode.  
3. Start playback on the other device or turn on the TV to see the  
desired program while you monitor the picture.  
4. Press the pause button.  
• Recording starts.  
5. When you get to the point where you want to stop recording, press  
the stop button or the pause button.  
• Recording stops.  
6. Stop playback on the other device.  
Note:  
You can monitor the picture in the viewfinder or LCD.  
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Recording Over Existing Scenes (AV Insert Editing)  
You can insert new scenes from your VCR or other camcorder onto your pre-  
recorded tape using the ZR20’s analog line-in or DV in terminals. Original video  
and audio will be replaced with the new video and audio.  
Scene to be inserted  
E
The playback tape  
Insert start point  
Insert end point  
Before inserting  
The tape in the  
camcorder  
After inserting  
The tape in the  
camcorder  
The video and audio of the new scene replace that of the old.  
: Signal flow  
DV  
S
IN/OUT  
IN/OUT  
OUTPUT  
S(S1)-VIDEO  
S-150 S-video Cable  
VIDEO  
AUDIO  
L
AV  
IN/OUT  
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable  
R
MIC  
Make sure the AV/headphone terminal is set to AV through the menu ( 30). If  
PHONES appears in the display, switch the terminal.  
REC  
SEARCH  
SELECT  
PAUSE  
ZERO SET  
MEMORY  
REW  
PLAY  
STOP  
SLOW  
FF  
AUDIO  
DUB.  
/  
+ /  
A/V  
PAUSE  
×2  
INSERT  
Side with arrow  
Side with arrow  
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Preparations  
E
The tape in the camcorder:  
When using the ZR20s AV insert function, only record to tapes recorded in SP  
mode with continuously recorded time codes.  
If there are non-recorded portions or portions recorded in a mode other than SP  
mode on the tape, recording will stop.  
The playback tape:  
Use only tapes without non-recorded portions.  
If there are non-recorded portions or changes in the recording mode, you may not  
be able to insert AV correctly.  
You cannot insert AV in the following cases:  
The playback tape has been poorly recorded.  
During special playback: fast forward playback, rewind playback or slow  
playback etc. (analog only).  
TV:  
You cannot insert AV from a TV program with anomalous synchronized signals,  
such as when the program itself received poor signals.  
Example recording from a VCR  
1. Connect the camcorder to the VCR.  
2. Prepare the VCR and TV.  
Set the TV/Video selector on the television to Video. For further details, see  
Connections for Playback on a TV Screenon p. 30.  
Turn on the VCR and load a recorded cassette.  
See your TV and VCR instruction manuals for details.  
3. Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to PLAY (VCR) and load a  
recorded cassette.  
Make sure the REC/SAVE tab on the cassette has been slid to REC (closed  
position).  
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Editing  
E
1. On the VCR, locate a point 3 seconds before the scene to be  
inserted. Set the VCR to playback pause mode.  
2. On the camcorder, press PLAY and locate the recording start  
point. Set the camcorder to playback pause mode.  
You can use the playback buttons on the body of the camcorder or the  
special playback functions on the wireless controller in the same way as in  
playback mode.  
3. Press the AV INSERT button.  
AV INSERT and 2a appear in the display.  
4. Play back the cassette in the VCR.  
5. To start inserting, press the PAUSE button on the camcorder.  
2a changes to 2.  
6. To stop inserting, press the STOP button on the camcorder.  
Inserting stops and AV INSERT disappears from the display. The camcorder  
returns to stop mode.  
If instead of pressing STOP you press PAUSE, the camcorder returns to the  
AV insert pause mode.  
If you set the zero set memory at the position on the tape where you want to  
stop inserting, every time you return to that point, the camcorder will cancel  
its AV inserting and enter stop mode.  
7. Stop playback on the VCR.  
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Audio Dubbing  
You can add sound to the original sound on a pre-recorded tape from audio  
products (AUDIO IN) or with the internal or external microphone (MIC. IN). The  
original sound will not be erased. For best results, add sound to tapes that have  
been recorded with this camcorder in SP mode with 12-bit sound. If there are  
non-recorded portions on the tape, or portions recorded in a mode other than SP  
mode, or with 16-bit or 12-bit, 4-channel sound, dubbing will stop. If your tape  
hasnt been recorded in SP mode with 12-bit sound, we recommend dubbing your  
original tape onto a blank tape using the ZR20s analog line-in function, then  
dubbing audio onto the new tape. Make absolutely sure to set the audio mode of  
the new tape to 12-bit and the recording mode to SP.  
E
To connect other audio equipment:  
: Signal flow  
OUTPUT  
AUDIO  
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable  
An audio device  
(i. e. CD player)  
L
AV  
IN/OUT  
R
MIC  
Make sure the AV/headphone terminal is set to AV through the menu ( 30). If  
PHONES appears in the display, switch the terminal.  
Notes:  
Do not use the yellow video terminal.  
The AV terminal doesnt put out any video, so connect the S-video terminals  
and check your TV, or check the LCD or the viewfinder as you add new sound.  
Always check the new sound with the speaker.  
To connect an external microphone:  
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Notes:  
E
When you add sound using the built-in microphone make sure not to connect  
any cables to the MIC terminal.  
To use your TV to monitor video, connect the S-video terminal ( 31) or the  
AV terminal (use only the video plug) to your TV. You can monitor the sound  
with headphones only when using the S-video terminal ( 30).  
Preparations  
Turn the camcorders POWER switch to PLAY (VCR) and load a recorded  
cassette.  
Make sure the REC/SAVE tab on the cassette has been slid to REC (closed  
position).  
Dubbing  
REC  
SEARCH  
SELECT  
PAUSE  
ZERO SET  
MEMORY  
REW  
PLAY  
STOP  
SLOW  
FF  
CAMERA  
OFF  
AUDIO  
DUB.  
/  
+ /  
A/V  
PLAY(VCR)  
PAUSE  
×2  
INSERT  
Do not connect/disconnect any cables to/from the camcorder when dubbing audio  
or preparing to dub audio.  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
VCR SET UP  
AUDIO DUB.••AUDIO IN  
(
36)  
1. Open the menu and select VCR SET UP.  
2. Select AUDIO DUB.  
3. Select AUDIO IN or MIC. IN and close the menu.  
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4. Locate the point where you want to start audio dubbing, then press  
the PAUSE button.  
E
You can use the playback buttons on the body of the camcorder or the special  
playback functions on the wireless controller in the same way as in playback  
mode.  
The camcorder becomes set to playback pause mode.  
5. Press AUDIO DUB.  
AUDIO DUB. and  
appear on the display.  
6. Press the PAUSE button (and start play on the other audio device  
if AUDIO IN).  
Audio dubbing starts.  
If MIC. IN, direct your voice into the microphone.  
changes to  
.
7. When you get to the point where you want to stop dubbing, press  
the STOP button (and then stop play on the other audio device if  
AUDIO IN).  
Audio dubbing stops and AUDIO DUB. disappears from the display.  
The camcorder returns to stop mode.  
You can also set zero set memory ( 73) at the place you want to stop  
audio dubbing, then every time you return to that position, audio dubbing  
will cancel.  
If instead of pressing STOP you press PAUSE, the camcorder will return to  
the playback pause mode.  
Notes:  
You cannot use the DV terminal while adding sound.  
You might want to adjust the audio mix ( 85) when playing back a tape with  
added sound.  
There may be a loss of sound quality if you add sound to a tape recorded on a  
camcorder other than the ZR20.  
After adding sound 3 or more times to the same place on a tape, there may be  
some loss in sound quality.  
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Setting the Audio Mix  
E
BAMLAINXCE  
AUDIO  
MONITOR ST-1  
ST-2  
CAMERA  
OFF  
PLAY(VCR)  
When you play back a tape that was recorded in 12-bit mode, you can set the  
audio output to play: stereo 1 (the original sound), stereo 2 (any new sound,  
dubbed to the tape after recording), or mix the balance between the two.  
Audio from the 16-bit mode only contains stereo 1 sound and so you cannot/do  
not need to select the audio mix. The same is true for the 12-bit stereo 1 mode,  
unless new sound has been added post-recording.  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
Choose the output.  
Press AUDIO MONITOR on the wireless controller.  
Starting with the last selected setting, 4 settings appear as you push the  
button:  
STEREO1 for just stereo 1.  
STEREO2 for just stereo 2.  
MIX/FIXED for an equal mix of stereo 1 and 2.  
MIX/VARI. (mix variable) for when you want to mix the balance between  
stereo 1 and 2.  
To simply choose STEREO1, STEREO2 or MIX/FIXED, make sure your  
choice appears on the display.  
If you choose MIX/VARI., you can go on to mix the balance.  
Use the ST-1/ST-2 keys to mix the balance. A bar showing the mix appears  
on the screen for 4 seconds.  
Note:  
When you have chosen the output, STEREO1, STEREO2, MIX/FIXED or  
MIX/VARI. is shown in the top left of the display for a few seconds. If you turn  
the power off the output is set to STEREO1.  
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Selecting audio output channels  
E
When you play back a tape whose audio has been recorded on multiple channels,  
you can change the output channels of that sound.  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
VCR SET UP  
OUTPUT CH•••L/R  
(
36)  
1. Load a tape recorded with multiple-channel audio.  
2. Open the menu and select VCR SET UP. Then select OUTPUT CH,  
set it to the desired setting and close the menu.  
Refer to the following list.  
OUTPUT CH setting  
Played back sound  
Tape recorded with  
stereo sound  
Tape recorded on  
multiple channels  
L/R  
L/L  
R/R  
L+R channels  
L channel only  
R channel only  
main + sub  
main only  
sub only  
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Connecting to a PC  
By using a DV cable and connecting the camcorder to a PC equipped with a DV  
terminal conforming to IEEE 1394/DV compatible capture board, you can transfer  
images taken with the camcorder to your PC.  
E
While connected, it is recommended that you power your camcorder from a  
household power socket using the power adapter.  
Turn off the power of both the camcorder and the PC before connecting.  
Optional software necessary.  
DV  
IN/OUT  
DV Cable  
(commercially available)  
Note:  
Operation may not work correctly, depending on the software you are using,  
and the specifications of your PC and its settings.  
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Preparing the Camcorder  
Adjust the viewfinder  
E
• Set the camcorder to CAMERA mode.  
Extend the viewfinder straight out, then  
adjust the viewfinder focusing lever to  
suit your eyesight.  
• Rotate the viewfinder to an angle that  
allows you to view comfortably. Store  
the camcorder with the viewfinder flush  
with the body of the camcorder.  
• To view with the viewfinder, make sure  
the LCD panel is either turned so that  
the subject can monitor viewing, or  
totally closed with the screen facing  
inwards.  
Prepare the lens cap  
• Attach the cord to the lens cap, and  
pass the grip belt through the loop on  
the cord.  
• Hook the lens cap on to the grip belt  
while you are recording, and place it  
over the lens when you have finished.  
Fasten the grip belt  
• Release the Velcro fastening and hold  
the camcorder with your right hand  
while you adjust the belt with your left.  
Your index finger should reach the  
zoom control and photo button, and  
your thumb should reach the start/stop  
button comfortably.  
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Attach the shoulder strap  
E
• For extra security and portability, attach  
the shoulder strap before using the  
camcorder.  
• Pass the ends through the attachment  
bars and adjust the length as shown.  
Be careful not to leave the viewfinder exposed to bright sunlight, or it will  
melt. (The light is concentrated by the viewfinder lens.) Adjust the angle of the  
viewfinder to prevent sunlight from entering.  
89  
Notes on Using the Batteries  
Charging and recording times  
E
• These times vary — the safest policy is always to have 2 or 3 times as many  
battery packs as you think you will need.  
You will get more recording time if you turn the camcorder off between shots,  
instead of leaving it in record pause mode.  
Maximum recording time  
Time needed for  
full recharge  
Using viewfinder Using LCD screen  
BP-512  
1 hr. 10 min.  
1 hr. 10 min.  
2 hr.  
2 hr. 45 min.  
2 hr. 45 min.  
5 hr. 50 min.  
9 hr. 15 min.  
2 hr. 10 min.  
2 hr. 10 min.  
4 hr. 35 min.  
7 hr. 15 min.  
BP-511 (optional)  
BP-522 (optional)  
BP-535 (optional)  
2 hr. 50 min.  
• Recording time will be shorter than usual at low temperatures. You can use the  
battery pack between 32° and 104°F (0° to 40°C), but it works best between  
50° and 86°F (10° to 30°C).  
• If the battery pack starts to give you much less recording time than usual, it has  
reached the end of its life and must be replaced.  
Note:  
These figures show how long you can view playback with the LCD, after attaching a  
fully-charged battery pack. Playback time will be shortened at low temperatures.  
Battery pack  
Playback time (using the LCD screen)  
2 hr. 30 min.  
BP-512  
BP-511 (optional)  
BP-522 (optional)  
BP-535 (optional)  
2 hr. 30 min.  
5 hr. 10 min.  
8 hr. 15 min.  
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How much power is left?  
E
The indicator in the display shows you  
approximately how much charge the  
battery pack has left:  
100%  
75%  
50%  
25%  
Notes:  
• “CHANGE THE BATTERY PACK”  
appears in the display for 4 seconds  
when the power is completely  
exhausted. The empty battery mark  
then appears and starts to flash. The  
power indicator light also flashes.  
• The indicator is not constant —  
different levels will be shown when  
you subject the battery pack and  
camcorder to different conditions.  
0%  
CHANGE THE BATTERY PACK  
When to recharge  
You can recharge a lithium ion battery pack whenever it is convenient. Unlike a  
conventional battery pack, it does not have to be fully discharged first. However,  
as the battery pack will naturally discharge itself over time, it is best to charge it  
the same day you plan to use it, or the day before.  
Taking care of the battery pack  
Always attach the terminal cover.  
• Do not allow any metal objects to  
touch the terminals, as this can cause  
a short circuit and damage the battery  
pack. Attach the terminal cover  
B
D
whenever the battery pack is not  
being used.  
Keep the terminals clean.  
• The camcorder adapter or battery pack will not work properly if the terminal  
are dirty. Attach the terminal cover whenever the battery pack is not being used.  
Storing the battery pack  
• If you do not use a battery pack for a period of more than a few months any  
remaining charge may cause damage to the battery pack, and reduce usage time.  
To prevent damage therefore, aim to use a battery pack’s complete charge  
before storage. See the optional battery pack’s instructions for further details.  
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Installing the backup battery  
E
Open the backup battery cover on the  
battery attachment unit, and insert the  
CR2025 lithium battery with the + side  
facing outwards. Click the cover back  
into place.  
This backup battery allows the camcorder  
to remember the date and time and other  
settings when main power source is  
removed. It has a life span of about a  
year.  
When it needs replacing (or if it has not been installed), the y mark flashes in the  
display. Remove the old battery by pushing up then releasing and lifting out. Make  
sure to attach a power source to the camcorder first, so it will remember your  
chosen settings when you change the battery.  
DANGER!  
Treat the battery pack with care.  
• Keep it away from fire (or it might explode).  
• Do not expose the battery pack to temperatures greater than 140°F (60°C).  
Do not leave it near a heater, or inside a car in hot weather, for example.  
• Do not try to disassemble or modify it.  
• Do not drop or knock it.  
• Do not get it wet.  
WARNING!  
• The battery used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if  
mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 212°F (100°C) or  
incinerate.  
• Replace the battery with a Sony, Hitachi Maxell, Sanyo or Panasonic CR2025,  
or Duracell DL2025. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or  
explosion.  
Cautions:  
• Do not pick up the battery using tweezers or other metal tools — this will cause  
a short circuit.  
• Wipe the battery with a clean, dry cloth to ensure proper contact.  
• Keep the battery pack out of reach of children — if it is swallowed, contact a  
physician immediately, as the battery case may break down and the battery  
fluids damage the stomach and intestines.  
• Do not disassemble, heat or immerse the battery in water, to avoid the risk of  
explosion.  
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Maintenance  
Cautions  
E
Avoid high temperatures and high humidity.  
• Do not leave the camcorder inside a car in hot weather, for example.  
• Be careful of heat radiating from video lighting equipment.  
• Do not take the camcorder into a humid room.  
Avoid sudden changes in temperature.  
• If you take the camcorder from a cold place to a warm place, condensation may  
form on the lens and internal parts (  
96).  
Do not point the lens or viewfinder at strong light sources.  
• Never point it at the sun, and do not leave it aimed at a bright subject.  
• Be especially careful when leaving the camcorder on a tripod.  
Avoid magnetic or electric fields.  
• Do not use the camcorder close to TV transmitters, portable communication  
devices or other sources of electric or magnetic radiation. They may cause  
picture interference, or permanently damage the camcorder.  
Do not expose the camcorder to water.  
• Cover the camcorder when you are recording in rain or mist.  
• There is a risk of electric shock if water gets inside the camcorder — contact  
qualified service personnel as soon as possible.  
Protect the lens.  
• Sand and dust can damage the lens — be especially careful on windy days.  
Handle the camcorder gently.  
• Vibration or shock can cause damage.  
• Do not use the viewfinder or LCD panel as a carrying handle.  
Do not disassemble the camcorder.  
• This is very dangerous as there is a risk of electric shock — if the camcorder  
does not function properly, take it to qualified service personnel.  
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Storage  
E
If you do not intend to use the camcorder for some time, store it in an area which  
is free of dust and moisture, and where the temperature is no higher than 86°F  
(30°C). After storage, check each part and function of your camcorder to make  
sure everything is still working properly.  
Note:  
• These cautions also apply to accessories such as battery packs and cassettes.  
Maintenance  
Viewfinder  
• Clean the viewfinder screen. Rotate the  
viewfinder upwards. Remove the  
viewfinder protect cover and clean by  
inserting a cotton swab. When finished,  
return it flush with the camcorder.  
• The viewfinder screen scratches easily.  
Take care when cleaning.  
LCD  
• Clean the LCD screen using a  
commercially available cleaning cloth for  
glasses.  
• Where there is a big change in  
temperature, moisture may form on the surface of the screen. Wipe clean with a  
soft, dry cloth.  
• At low temperatures the display may appear to be much darker than usual. This  
is not a fault, and as the screen warms up the display will return to normal.  
Camcorder body and lens  
• Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the camcorder body or lens. Never use chemically  
treated cloth or volatile solvents such as paint thinner.  
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Video heads  
• When mosaic-like noise appears on the playback picture,  
the video heads may be dirty. When the video heads are  
badly contaminated, the camcorder may show a blank blue  
screen or a warning.  
E
• For the best picture possible, after using the camcorder for  
approximately 20 hours, clean the video heads using Canon’s DVM-CL Digital  
Video Head Cleaning Cassette. If the “noise” remains, repeat the cleaning (up  
to maximum of 5 times).  
• Do not use a wet-type cleaning cassette, as this can cause damage.  
Using the camcorder abroad  
Power sources  
You can use the compact power adapter to operate your camcorder and charge  
battery packs in any country where the electricity supply is between 100 and  
240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Contact your Canon dealer for information about plug  
adapters for overseas use.  
TV playback  
• Although you can always play back your recordings on the LCD screen, your  
camcorder can only be connected to TVs which use its NTSC system. This TV  
system is used in the following countries:  
American Samoa, Bahama, Barbados, Bermuda, Bolivia, Canada, Chile,  
Columbia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala,  
Greenland, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Micronesia,  
Myanmar, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia,  
Surinam, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, USA, Venezuela.  
95  
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Condensation  
E
Condensation may form on the camcorder when it is moved from a cold place to a  
warm place. Using the camcorder while condensation is present can damage both  
the tape and the camcorder.  
Condensation may become a problem:  
When you take the camcorder from a cold  
place to a warm room  
When a cold room is heated rapidly  
When the camcorder is left in a humid  
room  
When the camcorder is taken from an air-  
conditioned room to a warm, humid place  
Protecting the camcorder from condensation  
• Before you take the camcorder to a warm or humid place where condensation is  
likely to be a problem, unload the cassette and put the camcorder in a plastic  
bag. Wait until the camcorder reaches room temperature before you take it out  
of the bag.  
What happens when condensation is detected  
• “CONDENSATION HAS BEEN DETECTED” is displayed for approximately  
four seconds. Then, the power indicator flashes and the mark flashes in the  
h
display. If there is a cassette in the camcorder, it stops automatically and  
“REMOVE THE CASSETTE” is displayed for approximately 4 seconds and  
then v flashes in the display. If you have the beep turned on, it will sound.  
• The camcorder may not detect the condensation immediately — the  
condensation warning may not start flashing for 10 to 15 minutes.  
You cannot load a cassette when condensation is detected.  
What you should do  
• Remove the cassette, leave the cassette compartment open, and turn the  
camcorder off.  
• Leave it in a dry place until the condensation evaporates. After the condensation  
warning stops flashing, wait at least another hour before trying to use the  
camcorder.  
96  
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Troubleshooting  
Refer to this checklist first if you have any problems with your camcorder.  
Possible explanations are given for each problem on the list — turn to the page  
numbers in parentheses for more information.  
E
Make sure that the camcorder is properly connected if you are using it with a TV  
or VCR. Consult your dealer or service outlet if problems persist.  
Recording/Playback  
Cause and/or what to do about it  
Problem  
• The camcorder is not set to the  
? Nothing happens when I press the  
appropriate mode (  
• The cassette is not loaded or is set for  
erasure prevention ( 16-17).  
18, 26).  
buttons.  
• The cassette has reached the end.  
• The power source is not properly  
connected, or the battery pack is  
exhausted or not properly attached  
(
11-15, 91).  
• The function cannot be used in that  
recording program ( 50).  
? The camcorder turned itself off.  
• The camcorder was in record pause  
mode for more than about 5 minutes  
(
18).  
• The battery pack is exhausted  
12-15, 91).  
(
? The cassette compartment stopped  
mid-operation while  
• The battery pack’s power is exhausted.  
Recharge or change to a new battery  
loading/unloading a cassette.  
pack (  
• The cassette is not loaded or is set for  
erasure prevention ( 16-17).  
12-15).  
? The start/stop button doesn’t work.  
• The cassette has reached the end.  
? There’s no picture in the display.  
• The camcorder is not set to the  
appropriate mode (  
18, 26).  
? There’s a blank blue screen in the  
You are attempting to play back or  
record copyright protected material  
display.  
(
76).  
• The video heads are badly  
contaminated ( 95).  
• The camcorder is on manual focus  
66).  
• The viewfinder lens needs adjusting  
88).  
• The lens is dirty (  
? The camcorder won’t focus.  
(
(
94).  
97  
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Note:  
E
• Some subjects are not suitable for autofocus. In these situations, you will often  
get better results using manual focus ( 66). Focus on something which is  
about the same distance away, lock the focus, and then point the camcorder at  
your original, hard-to-focus subject.  
Horizontal stripes Many subjects at  
different distances  
Behind glass  
Dark subjects  
Without much  
contrast (e.g. a  
white wall)  
Night scenes  
Reflective surfaces  
(e.g. shiny car  
surfaces)  
Fast moving  
objects  
Recording/Playback (Cont.)  
Cause and/or what to do about it  
Problem  
• There are a number of restrictions on  
using the digital effects. ( 54-58).  
? Some/all of the digital effects  
don’t work.  
? The e (play) button doesn’t  
• The camcorder is not set to PLAY  
(VCR) mode ( 26).  
work.  
• The cassette is not loaded ( 16).  
• The cassette has reached the end.  
? There’s a bright stripe on the  
• When recording in dark places a  
bright light in the scene may cause a  
vertical light bar (“smear”) to appear.  
This is a normal feature of  
screen.  
camcorders.  
• The video heads need cleaning  
? The playback picture is rough  
(
95).  
(with mosaic-like noise).  
• The video heads need cleaning  
? There’s no picture on the TV  
screen, even though the tape is  
moving.  
(
95).  
• The TV/VIDEO selector on the TV  
isn’t set to VIDEO ( 31-32).  
98  
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• The speaker has been turned off with  
the selector dial ( 29).  
• Headphones are being used.  
? There’s no sound coming from the  
speaker during playback.  
E
Miscellaneous  
Cause and/or what to do about it  
Problem  
• The remote sensor mode is set to  
OFFB in the menu ( 41).  
? The wireless controller doesn’t  
work.  
• The remote sensor modes of the  
wireless controller and the camcorder  
itself are different ( 41).  
• The batteries are dead or not inserted.  
? The power indicator is flashing.  
? The camcorder malfunctions.  
• Check the screen displays ( 104).  
• External interference may cause the  
camcorder’s microprocessor to  
malfunction temporarily. If random  
letters appear in the display or if  
normal operation is interrupted,  
remove and then replace the power  
source.  
? The DV cable is connected  
correctly, but there’s nothing in  
the display.  
• Remove the cable and then reconnect  
it or turn the power off and back on  
again.  
? The camcorder becomes warm  
• This is not a malfunction.  
during use.  
99  
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The ZR20 System Diagram (Availability differs from area to area)  
E
WS-20 Wrist Strap  
SS-700 Shoulder Strap  
WD-30.5 Wide-  
converter  
MiniDV  
Video  
Cassette  
WL-D74  
Wireless  
Controller  
BP-500 Series  
Battery Pack  
CR-560 Charge Adapter/  
Car Battery Cable Kit  
TL-30.5 Tele-  
converter  
FS-30.5U  
Filter Set  
CA-560 Compact  
Power Adapter  
BP-500 Series  
Battery Pack  
ZR-1000 Zoom  
Remote Controller  
S-150 S-video Cable  
TV  
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable  
CV-150F DV Cable  
BP-900 Series  
Battery Pack  
VL-10Li  
Battery  
Video Light  
VCR  
Stereo Microphone  
(commercially  
available)  
Digital Device  
FR-100 Floppy Disk  
Still Image Recorder  
Personal Computer  
SC-1000 Soft  
Carrying Case  
SC-A50 Soft  
Carrying Case  
100  
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Optional Accessories  
Call or visit your local retailer/dealer for genuine Canon video accessories.  
You can also obtain genuine accessories for your Canon camcorder by calling:  
1-800-828-4040, Canon U.S.A. Information Center.  
E
BP-500 Series Battery Packs  
Extra batteries for use with the ZR20.  
BP-522  
BP-535  
BP-511  
CR-560 Charge Adapter/Car Battery  
Cable Kit  
Connect the car battery cable to power  
your camcorder or recharge battery packs  
on the move. The car battery cable plugs  
into your car’s cigarette lighter socket and  
runs off a 12-24 V DC negative ground  
battery.  
Also, when used with the CA-560 Compact  
Power Adapter, this charge adapter can  
charge the BP-500 series lithium ion  
battery packs from an AC outlet.  
TL-30.5 Tele-converter  
This tele-converter lens increases the focal  
length of the camcorder lens by a factor of  
1.9.  
• The image stabilizer is not as effective as  
usual when the tele-converter is attached.  
WD-30.5 Wide-converter  
This lens decreases focal length by a factor  
of 0.7, giving you a wide perspective for  
indoor shots or panoramic views.  
101  
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FS-30.5U Filter Set  
Neutral density and MC protector filters to  
help you take control of difficult lighting  
conditions.  
E
VL-10Li Battery Video Light  
This compact yet powerful video light can  
be used for both indoor and outdoor  
shooting.  
• Use the BP-900 Series battery packs to  
power the light. Approximate usage times  
are as follows:  
BP-915 60 min. BP-930 120 min.  
BP-945 170 min.  
• Charge the BP-900 Series battery packs  
with the CA-910 Compact Power Adapter  
(optional).  
Zoom Remote Controller ZR-1000  
When this product is plugged into the  
LANC m terminal of a Canon camcorder, it  
is possible to control functions such as the  
start and stop of recording and the zoom  
and focusing functions while the camcorder  
is mounted on a tripod, without touching  
the camcorder body itself.  
WS-20 Wrist Strap  
Provides an extra measure of protection for  
active shooting.  
102  
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SC-1000 Soft Carrying Case  
A handy camcorder bag with padded  
compartments and plenty of space for  
accessories.  
E
SC-A50 Soft Carrying Case  
This lightweight bag keeps the camcorder  
within easy reach without weighing you  
down or getting in the way. Genuine  
leather.  
FR-100 Floppy Disk Still Image Recorder  
The FR-100 captures images taken with your  
digital camcorder, compressing them in  
JPEG format and recording them as still  
images onto a floppy disk. Image files can  
then be easily opened and viewed on your  
computer.  
E
N
N
O
U
N
IN  
A
C
This mark identifies genuine Canon video accessories. When you  
use Canon video equipment, we recommend Canon-brand  
accessories or products bearing the same mark.  
E
Y
I
D
R
E
O S  
O
S
A
C
E
Provided accessories:  
Optional accessories:  
WL-D74 Wireless Controller D83-0522-000  
CA-560 Compact Power  
CR-560 Charge Adapter/  
Car Battery Cable Kit  
BP-511 Battery Pack  
BP-522 Battery Pack  
BP-535 Battery Pack  
SC-1000 Soft Carrying Case D81-1200-201  
SC-A50 Soft Carrying Case D81-1302-201  
WD-30.5 Wide-converter  
TL-30.5 Tele-converter  
FS-30.5U Filter Set  
D85-0680-201  
D85-1112-201  
D85-1122-201  
6741A002AA  
Adapter  
D85-1100-003  
D85-1312-000  
D81-1390-000  
D82-0330-000  
BP-512 Battery Pack  
SS-700 Shoulder Strap  
S-150 S-video Cable  
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable D82-0590-000  
Lens cap D52-0100-000  
6739A001AA  
6740A001AA  
6738A001AA  
VL-10Li Battery Video Light D86-0081-201  
JR 7.2V 10WF Halogen Bulb DY4-4530-000  
ZR-1000 Zoom Remote  
Controller  
D83-0540-201  
FR-100 Floppy Disk Still  
Image Recorder  
WS-20 Wrist Strap  
DVM-CL Digital Video  
Head Cleaning Cassette  
D89-0732-002  
D81-0190-202  
D36-0032-201  
103  
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Screen Displays  
To display the date and time, press the  
DATA CODE button. See also p. 69.  
E
TV  
SCREEN  
Press the wireless controller’s TV  
SCREEN button or turn TV SCREEN on  
through the menu to see the other displays  
on the TV screen. (The displays appear  
white on-screen.) They will not be added  
to any recordings you make with the  
camcorder.  
DATA  
CODE  
CAMERA  
DISP. SET UP  
TV SCREEN•••ON  
(
36)  
To turn TV SCREEN off, open the menu and select DISP.SET UP.  
Then select TV SCREEN, set it to OFF and close the menu.  
For instructions on how to hook the camcorder up to your TV, see p. 30.  
Turning off the LCD screen displays  
You can turn off the displays to give you a clear screen for playback.  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
DISP.SET UP  
DISPLAYS••••ON  
(
36)  
To turn the displays off, open the menu and select DISP. SET UP.  
Then select DISPLAYS, set it to OFF <PLAYBK> and close the  
menu.  
• If you turn the displays off, the LCD screen will be completely blank, but the  
camcorder will continue to show warning/caution displays when necessary.  
indicates a flashing display.  
Record pause mode  
18)  
The backup battery is  
not properly installed,  
or needs replacing  
PAUSE  
REC  
(
Recording (  
19)  
(
92).  
104  
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Shows how much  
battery power remains  
Fast forward (  
26)  
FF  
E
(
91).  
REW  
Rewind (  
26)  
The battery pack is  
exhausted ( 91).  
Fast forward playback  
(
27)  
Rewind playback  
27)  
No cassette is loaded,  
or it is set for erasure  
prevention  
(
Frame advance  
playback (  
27)  
(
16, 17).  
Frame reverse  
playback (  
Remaining tape  
(Green: more than  
five minutes.  
Yellow: less than five  
minutes.  
27)  
5min  
Playback pause  
(forward and reverse)  
(
27)  
Red: final few  
seconds.)  
/5  
/5  
Slow playback  
(forward and reverse)  
...finally, it tells you  
when you have  
completely run out of  
tape.  
(
27)  
END  
×2 playback (forward  
and reverse) ( 28)  
×2  
×
2
The camcorder is  
ejecting the tape  
EJECT  
EJECT  
×1 playback (forward  
×1  
and reverse) (  
28)  
×
1
(
16).  
Photo Search (  
72)  
5
The safety mechanism  
is activated. Unload  
the cassette and turn  
the camcorder off.  
Turn it on again and  
reload the cassette.  
PHOTO SEARCH  
DATE SEARCH  
5
Date Search (  
72)  
Zero set memory  
RTN  
RTN  
(forward and reverse)  
73)  
(
Recording mode  
SP  
(
20)  
AV Insert Editing  
79)  
(
AV INSERT  
AV INSERT  
Playback is stopped  
26).  
STOP  
(
Normal playback  
26)  
Audio Dubbing  
( 82)  
(
AUDIO DUB.  
AUDIO DUB.  
105  
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Photo mode (  
46)  
Zoom display (  
Optical zoom  
22):  
PHOTO  
W
T
E
• Setting the AF/AE. F  
mark flashes white  
W
T
Optical plus 40×  
digital zoom  
• AF/AE locked. F  
mark lights up green  
W
T
Optical plus 200×  
digital zoom  
• Timer  
10sec  
W
T
Zoom in  
Recording programs  
(
50).  
W
T
Zoom out  
AUTO  
SPORTS  
PORTRAIT  
SPOTLIGHT  
SAND&SNOW  
LOW LIGHT  
The image stabilizer is  
turned on (  
35).  
CAM.MENU  
SEL.SE  
MENUC  
CAM. MENU  
CAM.SET UP  
VCR SET UP  
AE Shift (  
63)  
(
36)  
DISP.SET UP  
SYSTEM  
AE +2.0  
M.FOCUS  
RETURN  
Manual focus is  
selected (  
66).  
VCR MENU  
SEL.S  
MENU  
VCR MENU (  
37)  
VCR SET UP  
DISP.SET UP  
SYSTEM  
Shutter speed (  
64)  
RETURN  
1/250  
White balance is  
(
Set  
Indoor  
67)  
The remote sensor is  
turned off ( 41).  
W
T
Outdoor  
U
Self-timer countdown  
61)  
The 16:9 mode: the  
display flashes when  
the effect is being  
selected, and appears  
steadily when it is  
(
10sec  
SELF–T  
16:9  
Zero set memory  
73)  
0:00:00  
M
(
activated (  
21).  
16bit  
Audio mode (  
Data code (  
59)  
Digital effects. The  
display flashes when  
the function is being  
selected and appears  
steadily when it is  
FADE–T  
WIPE  
WIPE  
F1.8  
69)  
1/250  
12:00 AM  
JAN. 1,2001  
M.FADE  
ART  
activated (  
54).  
BLK&WHT  
SEPIA  
MOSAIC  
106  
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The wind screen is  
Time Code  
WSON  
turned on (  
60).  
E
0:12:34:12  
Volume level  
(
29):  
Speaker  
This records counter information,  
including hour, minute, second, and  
frame number on a special data code  
area on the tape itself. It is reset  
VOLUME  
+
Headphones  
PHONES  
+
automatically when a new tape is  
loaded. In CAMERA mode, the frame  
number doesn’t appear in the display.  
VOLUME  
OFF  
The AV/headphone  
terminal is switched  
to headphones  
PHONES  
Recording reminder  
(
30)  
STEREO1  
STEREO2  
MIX/FIXED  
Audio output (  
85)  
0sec  
MIX/VARI  
10sec  
Mix balance (  
Audio input (  
85)  
ST–1  
ST–2  
When you start recording, the  
camcorder counts from 0SEC to  
10SEC. Shots which are shorter than  
ten seconds may be difficult to edit  
later. On the other hand, if you are not  
planning to edit the recording,  
remember that a shot which does not  
contain action should generally last no  
longer than 10 seconds.  
83)  
AUDIO IN  
MIC.IN  
DV IN  
Microphone input  
DV input (  
75)  
Condensation warning  
96)  
(
107  
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Caution phrases  
E
Appears as a warning  
to protect the cassette  
and also when  
The camcorder displays various  
caution phrases — they appear for 4  
seconds before disappearing.  
REMOVE THE CASSETTE  
condensation is  
detected. Remove the  
cassette as soon as  
possible after the  
camcorder has  
Appears each time  
you turn the power  
on, until you set the  
SET THE TIME ZONE,  
DATE AND TIME  
displayed the caution.  
time zone, date and  
time (  
43).  
Refer to p. 76  
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED  
Appears when the  
battery pack is  
exhausted  
PLAYBACK IS RESTRICTED  
CHANGE THE BATTERY PACK  
(
91).  
Refer to p. 76 or p. 77  
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED  
DUBBING RESTRICTED  
Appears when the  
tape has reached the  
end.  
TAPE END  
Appears when you try  
to do audio dubbing  
or AV insert on a tape  
recorded in any mode  
other than SP mode  
CHECK THE CASSETTE  
Refer to p.17  
[
]
REC MODE  
THE TAPE IS SET FOR  
ERASURE PREVENTION  
(
79, 82).  
Appears when you try  
to do audio dubbing  
on a tape recorded in  
16-bit audio or 12-bit,  
4-channel mode  
CHECK THE CASSETTE  
Appears if you press  
the REC PAUSE  
button when the DV  
cable is not connected  
[
]
AUDIO MODE  
CHECK THE DV INPUT  
(
82-84).  
properly (  
75).  
Appears when the  
camcorder detects a  
blank section of a tape  
during audio dubbing  
or AV insert  
CHECK THE CASSETTE  
Refer to p. 96  
[
]
BLANK  
CONDENSATION  
HAS BEEN DETECTED  
(
79, 82).  
108  
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Appears immediately  
after you start  
E
HEADS DIRTY,  
recording, and the  
video heads are badly  
contaminated. Make  
sure to clean the video  
heads when this  
USE CLEANING CASSETTE  
caution appears.  
(
95)  
109  
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Specifications  
ZR20  
E
Power Supply (rated): 7.4 V DC  
Power Consumption (while recording  
with the AF turned on):  
3.3 W (Using viewfinder),  
4.2 W (Using LCD screen)  
Television system:  
EIA standard (525 lines, 60 fields) NTSC  
color signal  
Video recording system:  
2 rotary heads, helical scanning  
DV system (Consumer digital VCR SD  
system)  
Microphone: Stereo electret condenser  
microphone  
DV terminal input/output:  
Special 4-pin connector (conforms to  
IEEE1394)  
AV/headphone terminal:  
ø 3.5 mm minijack  
Audio input: –10dBV/ at least 40 kohms,  
(L, R), unbalanced  
output: –10dBV (47 kohm load)/  
less than 3 kohms,  
unbalanced  
Digital component recording  
Audio recording system:  
PCM digital sound: 16 bit (48kHz/2ch),  
12 bit (32kHz/4ch)  
Image sensor: 1/4” CCD (charge coupled  
device), approx. 460,000 pixels (approx.  
290,000 effective pixels)  
Video: 1 Vp-p/75 ohms unbalanced  
S-video terminal input/output:  
1 Vp-p (Y signal), 0.286 Vp-p (C signal)  
MIC terminal input: ø 3.5 mm stereo  
minijack, – 57 dBV (with 600 ohm mic)/  
at least 5 kohms  
LANC terminal: ø 2.5 mm mini  
u
Tape format: Videocassettes bearing the  
minijack  
D mark.  
Operating temperature range: 32–104 °F  
Tape speed:  
(0–40 °C)  
SP: 3/4 ips (18.81 mm/s),  
Dimensions: 21/4 × 4 × 51/4 in  
(57 × 102 × 134 mm)  
Weight: 1 lb 3 oz (540 g)  
LP: 1/2 ips (12.56 mm/s)  
Maximum recording time (with an 80  
min. cassette):  
SP: 80 min., LP: 120 min.  
Fast forward/rewind time:  
Approx. 2 min. 20 sec. (with a  
60 min. cassette)  
Lens: F/1.8–2.9, 10× power zoom,  
4.2–42.0 mm  
Focusing system: TTL autofocus, manual  
focusing possible  
Minimum focusing distance: 3ft 33/8 in  
(1 m) (3/8 in (1 cm) on maximum wide  
angle)  
BP-512 Battery Pack  
Battery type: Rechargeable lithium ion  
battery  
Rated voltage: 7.4 V DC  
Operating temperature: 32°–104°F  
(0°–40°C)  
Battery capacity: 1100 mAh  
7
Dimensions: 11/2 × /8 × 21/8 in  
(38 × 21 × 55 mm)  
Weight: 21/2 oz (70 g)  
Maximum shutter speed:  
1/8,000 sec.  
Minimum illumination: 2.5 lx (using the  
Low Light program)  
Weight and dimensions are approximate  
Errors and omissions excepted.  
Subject to change without notice.  
Recommended illumination:  
More than 100 lx  
Canon is a trademark of Canon Inc.  
Filter diameter: 30.5 mm  
Viewfinder: 0.44 in, TFT color LCD,  
approx. 113,000 pixels  
LCD screen: 2.5 in measured diagonally,  
TFT color, approx. 112,000 pixels  
110  
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Index  
Date Search, 72  
Digital Effects, 54  
Digital Zoom, 22  
DV Dubbing, 75  
16:9, 21  
E
Å
Abroad, Using the Camcorder, 95  
Accessories, 7, 101  
Adapter, AC, 11-13, 15  
AE Programs, 50  
AE Shift, 63  
Analog line-in, 77  
Art, 56  
Audio Dubbing, 82  
Audio Mix, 85  
Ï
Easy Recording, 52  
Editing to a VCR, 74  
Effects, 56  
External Microphone, 59, 82  
Fade Trigger, 55  
Faders, 55  
Fast Forward, 26  
Feedback, 32  
Audio Mode, 59  
Audio Output, 86  
Audio Recording and Playback,  
29, 56, 85  
Finding Your Way Around the  
ZR20, 8  
Audio/Video Terminal, 30  
Auto, 52  
Floppy Disk Still Image  
Recorder, 48  
Focusing, 66  
Autofocus, 66, 98  
AV Insert, 79  
ı
Ç
Ó
Backup Battery, 92  
Basic Recording, 18  
Battery Charger, 14-15  
Battery Pack, 12, 14-15, 90  
Beep, 21  
Head Cleaning, 95  
Headphones, 29, 30  
Horizontal Wipe, 55  
È
Ò
Black and White, 56  
Image Stabilizer, 35  
Introducing the ZR20, 7  
Cables, 6, 31  
Cassettes, 16  
LANC, 74  
LCD Screen, 23  
Lens Cap, 88  
Loading Cassettes, 16  
Low Light, 53  
LP Mode, 20  
Charging the Battery Pack,  
12, 14-15, 90  
Choosing a Recording Program, 50  
Cleaning the Camcorder, 94  
Clock, 45  
Condensation, 96  
Connecting to a PC, 87  
Connection to TV or VCR, 30  
˜
Maintenance, 93  
Making Better Videos, 33  
Manual Focus, 66  
Menus, 36  
Î
Data Code, 69  
Date and Time, 43  
111  
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Microphone, 59, 82  
Monitor Recording, 25  
Mosaic, 56  
Sports, 52  
Spotlight, 53  
Still Picture, 46  
Storage, 94  
E
Mosaic Fade, 55  
S-video, 31  
Ø
System Diagram, 100  
Optional Accessories, 101  
Ê
Tape Protection, 17  
Telephoto, 22  
Pause, Record, 18  
PC Connection, 87  
Photo Search, 72  
Temperature, 13, 90, 110  
Time Code, 107  
Playback, 26  
Time Zone, 43  
Playback Connection, 30  
Playback Pause, 27  
Portrait, 52  
Power Adapter, 11-13, 15  
Powering Your Camcorder, 11  
Pre-Marked Position, 73  
Preparing the Camcorder, 88  
Problems, 97  
Tips for Making Better Videos, 33  
Tripod, 33  
Troubleshooting, 97  
TV, 30, 104  
Ë
Using the Camcorder Abroad, 95  
Using the Menus, 36  
Â
Recharging the Battery Pack, 90  
Recording, 18  
Recording Programs, 50  
Record Pause Mode, 18  
Record Review, 49  
Record Search, 49  
VCR, 30  
Vertical Wipe, 55  
Videocassettes, 16  
Video Heads, 95  
Video ID-1 system, 31  
Viewfinder, 88, 94  
Remote Control, 40  
Remote Sensor, 40-41  
Rewind, 26  
Û
White Balance, 67  
Wide-angle, 22  
Widescreen TV, 21  
Wind Screen, 60  
Wipe, 55  
Í
S1 video input terminal, 31  
Sand & Snow, 53  
Screen Displays, 104  
Self-Timer, 61  
Wireless Controller, 40  
Sepia, 56  
Shutter Speed, 64  
Speaker, 29  
Zero Set Memory, 73  
Zooming, 22  
Specifications, 13, 110  
SP Mode, 20  
112  
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U.S.A.  
®
CANON ZR20 DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER LIMITED WARRANTY  
E
The limited warranty set forth below is given by Canon U.S.A., Inc. (“CUSA”) with respect to each Canon ZR20 Digital  
Video Camcorder (“DV Camcorder”) purchased and used in the United States.  
Each Canon DV Camcorder, when delivered to you in new condition in its original container, is warranted against defective  
material or workmanship as follows: for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase (three (3) months in the  
case of the video head part), defective parts or DV Camcorders returned to a CUSA factory service center (“CUSA Center”) or  
an authorized DV Camcorder service facility (“Service Facility”), and proven to be defective upon inspection, will be repaired  
or exchanged for new or comparable rebuilt parts or DV Camcorders. The warranty period for repaired or replacement parts  
or DV Camcorders shall begin upon shipment of the same, but shall in no event exceed the original warranty period of the  
defective part or DV Camcorder.  
Non-Canon brand peripheral equipment and software which may be distributed with Canon DV Camcorders are sold  
“AS IS”, without warranty of any kind by CUSA, including any implied warranty regarding merchantability or fitness  
for a particular purpose. The sole warranty with respect to such non-Canon brand items is given by the manufacturer  
or producer thereof.  
CUSA shall have no responsibility under this limited warranty for use of Canon DV Camcorders in conjunction with  
incompatible peripheral equipment and incompatible software.  
In order to obtain warranty service, contact the authorized Canon retail dealer from whom you purchased the DV Camcorder  
or call the CANON INFORMATION CENTER AT 1-800-828-4040 (which is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (E.S.T.),  
Monday through Friday, excluding holidays). Have your unit serial number and your date of purchase available when you  
make the call to expedite service. In either case you will be directerd to ship the DV Camcorder, postage prepaid, to the  
CUSA Center or Service Facility nearest to you. You must include a copy of the proof of purchase (bill of sale) and a  
complete explanation of the problem. DV Camcorders covered by this limited warranty will be repaired and returned to you  
without charge by the CUSA Center or the Service Facility. Repairs not under warranty will be at such cost as the CUSA  
Center or Service Facility may from time to time generally establish.  
This limited warranty covers all defects encountered in normal use of the DV Camcorder, and does not apply in the following  
cases:  
(a) Loss of or damage to the DV Camcorder due to abuse, mishandling, improper packaging by you, alteration, accident,  
leaking batteries, exterior nicks, scratches or dents, electrical current fluctuations, failure to follow operating instructions,  
maintenance and environmental instructions prescribed in CUSA’s instruction manual, or service performed by other than  
a CUSA Center or Service Facility.  
(b) Use of parts or supplies (other than those sold by CUSA) which cause damage to the DV Camcorder or cause abnormally  
frequent service calls or service problems.  
(c) If any DV Camcorder has had its serial number or dating altered or removed.  
This limited warranty does not apply to accessories or consumables for the DV Camcorder, which are sold “AS IS”, without  
warranty of any kind by CUSA.  
NO IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS  
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, APPLIES TO THE DV CAMCORDER AFTER THE APPLICABLE PERIOD OF  
EXPRESS WARRANTY STATED ABOVE, AND NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTY OR GUARANTY, EXCEPT  
AS MENTIONED ABOVE, GIVEN BY ANY PERSON, FIRM OR CORPORATION WITH RESPECT TO THE DV  
CAMCORDER SHALL BIND CUSA. (SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN  
IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU) CUSA SHALL NOT  
BE LIABLE FOR LOSS OF REVENUES OR PROFITS, EXPENSE FOR SUBSTITUTE EQUIPMENT OR  
SERVICE, STORAGE CHARGES, LOSS OF DATA, OR ANY OTHER SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR  
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE USE, MISUSE OR INABILITY TO USE THE DV  
CAMCORDER, REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY ON WHICH THE CLAIM IS BASED, AND EVEN IF  
CUSA HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. NOR SHALL RECOVERY OF ANY  
KIND AGAINST CUSA BE GREATER IN AMOUNT THAN THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE DV CAMCORDER  
SOLD BY CUSA AND CAUSING THE ALLEGED DAMAGE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, YOU  
ASSUME ALL RISK AND LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGE OR INJURY TO YOU AND YOUR PROPERTY AND  
TO OTHERS AND THEIR PROPERTY ARISING OUT OF USE, MISUSE OR INABILITY TO USE THE DV  
CAMCORDER NOT CAUSED DIRECTLY BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF CUSA. (SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW  
THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE  
LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.) THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL NOT EXTEND TO ANYONE  
OTHER THAN THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER OF ANY DV CAMCORDER, OR THE PERSON FOR WHOM IT  
WAS PURCHASED AS A GIFT, AND STATES YOUR EXCLUSIVE REMEDY.  
This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.  
Canon U.S.A., Inc.  
One Canon Plaza  
Lake Success, New York 11042  
113  
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CANADA  
CANON CONSUMER DIGITAL VIDEO EQUIPMENT LIMITED  
WARRANTY  
The limited warranty set forth below is given by Canon Canada Inc. (“Canon Canada”) with respect to Canon digital video equipment  
purchased in Canada. This limited warranty is only effective upon presentation of a bill of sale or other proof of purchase for this Canon  
digital video equipment to a Canon Service Facility when repairs are required.  
E
Canon consumer video digital equipment is warranted under normal, non-commercial, personal use, against defective materials or  
workmanship as follows:  
Parts: Defective parts will be exchanged for new parts or, at Canon Canada’s option, comparable rebuilt parts for a period of one year  
from the date of original purchase, except Video Heads which will be exchanged for a period of 3 months from the date of purchase.  
Labour: For a period of one year from the date of original purchase, labour will be provided free of charge by our Canon Service  
Facilities in Canada.  
This limited warranty covers all defects except where:  
(a) The loss or damage to the product results from:  
i) accident, natural disaster, mishandling, abuse, neglect, unauthorized product modification or failure to follow instructions  
contained in the instruction manual;  
ii) the use of accessories, attachments, products, supplies, parts or devices with this Canon product that do not conform to  
Canon specifications or that cause abnormally frequent service problems;  
iii) repairs or services performed by any party other than a Canon Service Facility;  
iv) defective batteries or any exposure to water, sand or dirt;  
v) shipping (claim must be presented to the shipper);  
(b) Any serial number on the video equipment is altered or removed.  
(c) The digital video equipment is used for commercial, professional or industrial purposes.  
This limited warranty does not cover the cabinet (exterior finish) of the digital video equipment, video cassette tapes, head cleanings,  
nor does it apply to digital video equipment purchased outside Canada.  
TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE  
Ship your Canon digital video equipment in its original carton, box or equivalent, properly packed, fully insured with shipping charges  
prepaid, together with a copy of your bill of sale or other proof of purchase and a description of the problem to any of the Canon  
Service Facilities in Canada.  
LIMITATIONS  
Except as otherwise required by applicable legislation, this warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, conditions, guarantees or  
representations, express or implied, statutory or otherwise, relative to this Canon product, including implied warranties or conditions of  
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.  
Canon Canada assumes no liability for special, consequential or incidental damages or loss that may arise, whether on account of  
negligence or otherwise, from the use, misuse or inability to use this Canon product (including loss of profit, revenue, video tapes or  
enjoyment) or from failure to conform to any express or implied warranties, conditions, guarantees or representations. Any recovery  
under this limited warranty shall not exceed the purchase price of the product. Canon Canada does not assume or authorize any other  
person to assume for Canon Canada any other liability with respect to this Canon product.  
This warranty does not extend to any person other than the original purchaser of this Canon product or the person for whom it was  
purchased as a gift and states your exclusive remedy.  
NOTICE TO CONSUMER  
If you plan to take important videos or if the product has not been used for some time, please check all functions with the instruction  
book before using it.  
114  
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