Canon VIXIA HF R10 v2 Instruction Manual
en
fr
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PUB. DIM-0946-000
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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.
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.
HD Camcorder, VIXIA HF R11 A / VIXIA HF R10 A / VIXIA HF R100 A systems
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to 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.
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WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not expose this product to dripping or splashing.
The Mains plug is used as the disconnect device. The Mains plug shall remain readily operable to disconnect the plug in case of an accident.
CAUTION: Danger of explosion if the wrong type of batteries are attached. Use only the same type
of batteries. Do not expose batteries or product to excessive heat such as the inside of a car under
direct sunlight, fire, etc.
Important Warning
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
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In these safety instructions the word apparatus or product refers to the Canon HD Camcorder VIXIA HF R11 A / VIXIA HF R10 A / VIXIA HF R100 A and all its accessories.
1 Read these instructions.
2 Keep these instructions.
3 Heed all warnings.
4 Follow all instructions.
5 Do not use this apparatus near water.
6 Clean only with dry cloth.
7 Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
8 Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
9 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
10 Read instructions All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated.
11 Retain instructions The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
12 Heed Warnings All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
13 Follow instructions All operating and maintenance instructions should be followed.
14 Cleaning Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. The product should be cleaned only as recommended in this manual.
15 Avoid magnetic or electric fields Do not use the camera close to TV transmitters, portable communication devices or other sources of electric or magnetic radiation. They may cause picture interference, or permanently damage the camera.
16 Water and Moisture Hazard of electric shock Do not use this product near water or in rainy/moist situations.
17 Placing or Moving Do not place on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart combination to overturn.
18 Power Sources The product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company. Regarding other power sources such as battery power, refer to instructions in this manual.
19 Overloading Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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20 Objects and Liquid Entry Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Be careful not to spill liquid of any kind onto the product.
21 Servicing Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
22 Power Sources The CA-590 Compact Power Adapter should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company. Regarding other power sources such as battery power, refer to instructions in this manual.
23 Lightning For added protection of this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, disconnect it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.
24 Overloading Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
25 Damage Requiring Service Disconnect this product from the wall outlet and all power sources including battery, and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: a. When the plug is damaged. b. If any liquid has been spilled onto, or objects have fallen into, the product. c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water. d. If the product does not operate normally even if you follow the operating instructions.
Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operation instructions. Improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation.
e. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged. f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance. This indicates a need
for service.
26 Replacement Parts When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts that are specified by Canon or that have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.
27 Safety Check Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in safe operating order.
This product is not intended to be serviced. Should the product cease to function in its intended manner, it should be returned to the manufacturer or be discarded.
When replacement of the power supply is required, please return it to the responsible nearest Canon Service Center and please replace it with the same type number CA-590.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
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The adapter can be used with a power supply between 100 and 240 V AC. For areas where 120 V AC power is not used, you will need a special plug adapter. Contact your nearest Canon Service Center for further information. The adapter is not intended to be serviced. Should the product cease to function in its intended manner, it should be returned to the manufacturer or be discarded.
The serial number of this product can be found on the battery com- partment cover of the camcorder. Write down the number and other information here and retain this book as a permanent record of your purchase to aid identification in case of theft. Model Name: VIXIA HF R11 A / VIXIA HF R10 A / VIXIA HF R100 A Date of Purchase: Serial No.: Purchased From: Dealer Address: Dealer Phone No.:
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Trademark Acknowledgements The SD logo is a trademark. The SDHC logo is a trademark. Microsoft and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
in the United States and/or other countries. Macintosh and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other
countries. x.v.Color and the x.v.Colour logo are trademarks. HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are
trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC. AVCHD and the AVCHD logo are trademarks of Panasonic
Corporation and Sony Corporation. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc. Other names and products not mentioned above may be trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies. This device incorporates exFAT technology licensed from Microsoft. ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT OTHER THAN CONSUMER PERSONAL USE IN ANY MANNER
THAT COMPLIES WITH THE MPEG-2 STANDARD FOR ENCODING VIDEO INFORMATION FOR PACKAGED MEDIA IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED WITHOUT A LICENSE UNDER APPLICABLE PATENTS IN THE MPEG-2 PATENT PORTFOLIO, WHICH LICENSE IS AVAILABLE FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C., 250 STEELE STREET, SUITE 300, DENVER, COLORADO 80206.
This product is licensed under AT&T patents for the MPEG-4 standard and may be used for encoding MPEG-4 compliant video and/or decoding MPEG-4 compliant video that was encoded only (1) for a personal and non-commercial purpose or (2) by a video provider licensed under the AT&T patents to provide MPEG-4 compliant video. No license is granted or implied for any other use for MPEG-4 standard.
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Package contents
CA-590 Compact Power Adapter* [1]
BP-2L5 Battery Pack
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable (yellow, red, white plugs) [2]
CTC-100/S Component Cable (red, green, blue plugs) [3]
IFC-300PCU USB Cable [4]
3 Software CD-ROMs - PIXELA Application - Disc 1** and Disc 2
PIXELA Applications Installation Guide also included. - Instruction Manual/Photo Applications Ver.34.0*/Music Data
CD-ROM Contains the full-version Instruction Manual of the camcorder (PDF file). See the explanation on the next page.
* CA-590E including power cord, in Asia. **The CD-ROM includes the instruction manual of the software (PDF file).
See Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs ( 16) for details about the supplied software applications and their uses.
1 2 3 4
Package contents
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About the Camcorders PDF Instruction Manual This guide will get you started and show you how to use the most basic functions of your camcorder to shoot video, take photos and play back your recordings (using the camcorder or connecting it to your TV). To learn more about the more advanced functions of your camcorder, to read important handling precautions and to consult the troubleshooting section if an error message is displayed, be sure to read the full instruction manual, included as a PDF* file in the Instruction Manual/Photo Applications Ver.34.0/ Music Data CD-ROM.
1 Turn on the computer.
2 Insert the Instruction Manual/Photo Applications Ver.34.0*/Music Data CD-ROM into the computers disc drive.
3 Open [My Computer]. Windows Vista/Windows 7 users: Open [Computer] instead.
4 Right-click the drive into which you inserted the CD-ROM and select [Open].
5 Open the [MANUALS_ENGLISH] folder. The folder contains the instruction manual of the camcorder and that of the supplied software Photo Application. For easy access later, you can copy the PDF files to your computers desktop.
*Adobe Reader 6 or later is required to view the PDF Instruction Manual.
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Table of Contents
08 Package Contents
11 Names of Parts and Icons
18 Charging the Battery Pack
22 Operating Modes of the Camcorder
26 Getting Ready to Start Recording
29 Basic Recording: Shooting Video and Taking Photos
37 Basic Playback: Playing Back Movies and Viewing Photos
41 Saving and Sharing Your Recordings
42 Playback on a TV Screen
45 Abridged Specifications
Conventions Used in the Quick Guide
IMPORTANT: Precautions related to the camcorders operation. NOTES: Additional topics that complement the basic operating
procedures.
: Reference page number in this Quick Guide.
: Text that applies only to the model(s) shown in the icon. Brackets [ ] are used to refer to menu options as they are displayed on
screen.
The names of most buttons and switches are indicated within a button frame.
The arrow is used to abbreviate menu selections. For a detailed explanation refer to Using the Menus ( 31).
The photos included in this manual are simulated pictures taken with a still camera. Unless indicated otherwise, illustrations and menu icons refer to the .
: Reference page number in the camcorders full version Instruction Manual (PDF file).
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introduction
Names of Parts and Icons
1 (camera/play) button ( 22) 2 VIDEO SNAP (video snapshot) button: Shoot
short videos (a few seconds in length) and arrange them into a video clip set to your favorite background music. ( 58)
3 / WEB button: Convert your HD movies to standard-definition videos ready to be easily shared on YouTube. ( 124)
4 button: Activate Smart AUTO mode to let the camcorder select the best settings for your subject. ( 27)/
/ INDEX SEL. button: Press to switch to the playlist or other content. ( 47)/ PLAYLIST button: Press to switch to the playlist. ( 47)
5 DISP. (on-screen display) button: Display a scenes timeline screen ( 71) and change the camcorders onscreen displays. ( 67)
6 ACCESS (memory access) indicator ( 40, 86)
7 Strap mount: Attach an optional wrist or shoulder strap for convenience and portability. ( 24)
8 Speaker ( 45) 9 Grip belt: Adjust for a comfortable and
secure grip. ( 24)
Right side view
Left side view
Names of Parts and Icons
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Aq Stereo microphone Aa Instant AF sensor ( 133) As Zoom lever ( 30) Ad PHOTO button ( 29) Af POWER button Ag ON/OFF (CHG) (charge) indicator:
Green ON Orange Standby ( 33) Red Charging ( 18)
Ah LCD screen ( 28) Aj Joystick ( 23) Ak FUNC. button: Press to access the FUNC.
menu and setup menus. (When recording, the menus are accessible only in flexible recording mode.) ( 31, 130)
Top view
LCD panel
Front view
Names of Parts and Icons
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Al USB terminal: Connect the camcorder to a computer or printer. ( 106, 109)
Sq HDMI OUT terminal: Connect the camcorder to an HDTV with an HDMI input for the best all-digital quality. ( 42)
Sa COMPONENT OUT terminal: Connect the camcorder to an HDTV with component video inputs. ( 42)
Ss MIC terminal: Connect an external microphone. ( 70)
Sd AV OUT terminal: Connect the camcorder to a standard definition TV ( 42)/
(headphones) terminal ( 69) Sf DC IN terminal ( 18) Sg START/STOP button ( 29) Sh Tripod socket: Mount the camcorder on a
tripod for steadier shots. ( 163) Sj Memory card slot ( 26) Sk Battery compartment Sl Battery release latch Dq Battery compartment cover/Memory
card slot cover Da Serial number The serial number label is located on the
battery compartment cover.
Back view
Bottom view
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introduction
Onscreen Displays and Icons Recording movies
1 Operating mode ( 22) 2 Recording program: Recording programs allow you to change various
picture-related settings to your preference, or to use a Special Scene recording program to apply the camcorder settings most appropriate for a variety of situations. ( 55, 57)
3 White balance: Change the setting so different lighting conditions do not affect the colors in your recordings and white objects look truly white. ( 63)
4 Image effect: Try using various image effects to change the look of your recordings. ( 65)
5 Digital effect: The camcorder offers various transition effects (faders) for movies and digital effects to add some flavor to your recordings. ( 65)
6 Recording mode ( 35) 7 Flicker reduction ( 133) 8 Pre-recording: The camcorder will start recording video 3 seconds before
you press , so you do not miss important shooting opportunities. ( 59)
9 Memory operation ( 146) Aq Instant AF ( 133); MF Manual focus ( 61) Aa Eye-Fi wireless communication: Using an Eye-Fi card, you can upload your
recordings wirelessly. Important restrictions apply so be sure to refer to Using an Eye-Fi card ( 128).
START/STOP
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As Remaining battery time - in red: Battery pack is
almost empty. Replace with a fully charged battery pack.
Ad While recording/during playback: Scene counter (hours : minutes : seconds) In record pause mode: Total number of scenes
Af Remaining recording time On the memory card; / In the built-in memory
- When there is no more free space on the memory, [ End] (built-in memory, / ) or [ End] (memory card) will be displayed and the recording will stop.
Ag Image stabilizer: The stabilizer will compensate for varying degrees of camcorder shake so you can get beautiful, steady recordings. ( 133)
Ah 24F progressive frame rate: Select the 24F progressive frame rate to give your recordings a cinematic look. ( 57)
Aj Face detection: You can have the camcorder automatically detect peoples faces and use this information to adjust the focus and set the best exposure and color control settings for beautiful videos and photos. ( 62)
Ak Wind screen off: Wind screen removes the background sound of wind when recording outdoors. You may want to turn it off when recording indoors in very quiet surroundings. ( 135)
Al x.v.Color: The camcorder uses a color space with an extended gamut to achieve deeper colors, closer to real life. ( 133)
Sq Audio level indicator: Manually adjust the audio recording level. ( 68) Sa Microphone attenuator: Use the attenuator to avoid audio distortions when
the sound is too loud. ( 135) Ss Headphone output ( 69) Sd Level marker: Display onscreen markers to check your composition and
make sure horizontal or vertical lines do not appear crooked in your recordings. ( 135)
Sf Joystick guide ( 30)
100% 75% 50% 25% 0%
Onscreen Displays and Icons
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Recording photos
Sg Zoom ( 29), Exposure ( 60) Sh Photo quality/size ( 36) Sj Self timer ( 59) Sk Number of available photos
On the memory card; / In the built-in memory - in red: Cannot record any more photos. - in red: No memory card in the camcorder.
Sl Camcorder shake warning: When this icon appears on-screen, you may need to stabilize the camcorder using a tripod.
Dq Face detection ( 62) Da AF frame: ( 86) Ds Focus and exposure lock ( 29)
Playing movies (during playback)
Onscreen Displays and Icons
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Dd Data code: In addition to the date and time of recording, you can choose to display information related to the camcorder settings like the shutter speed or aperture value used. ( 67)
Df Scene number Dg External audio input ( 75)
Viewing photos
Dh Histogram: Gives you a graphic indication about a photos exposure so you can confirm that it is not too dark or too bright. ( 95)
Dj Current photo / Total number of photos Dk Photo number ( 139) Dl Protected photo mark: Protect your favorite photos to prevent deleting them
by mistake. ( 96) Fq Date and time of recording Fa File size Fs Manual exposure: Correct the exposure manually for a picture darker/
brighter than the one obtained using the automatic exposure set by the camcorder. ( 60)
Fd Photo size ( 36) Ff Aperture value: Shows the aperture value used for the photo. Fg Evaluative light metering* Fh Shutter speed: Shows the shutter speed used for the photo.
* The light metering mode cannot be changed.
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getting started
Charging the Battery Pack The camcorder can be powered with a battery pack or directly using the compact power adapter. When you use the compact power adapter, the power of the battery pack will not be consumed. Charge the battery pack before use.
Connect the compact power adapter.
Plug into a power outlet.
Connect the camcorder.
Plug into the DC IN terminal.
When connecting the compact power adapters cable to the camcorder, make sure to align the triangle marks on the cables connector and on the camcorders terminal ( ).
Insert the battery pack.
1 Remove the battery terminal cover from the battery pack.
2 Open the battery compartment cover.
1
2
DC IN terminal
ON/OFF (CHG) (charge) indicator 1
2
3
Charging the Battery Pack
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3 Insert softly into the compartment and press gently until it clicks.
4 Close the battery compartment cover.
Charging will start when the camcorder is turned off.
Lamp off (camcorder turned off)
Red lamp flashes (charging)
Lamp off (battery pack fully charged)
Charging the Battery Pack
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Charging the supplied BP-2L5 Battery Pack will take approximately 2 hours 20 minutes. A fully charged battery pack will allow for the following operations (movies in FXP mode):
* / only All given times are approximate and vary according to recording mode and charging, recording or playback conditions.
See Charging Times ( 170), Recording and Playback Times ( 171) for details.
IMPORTANT
The battery pack will be charged only when the camcorder is off. Turn off the camcorder before disconnecting the compact power adapter.
After turning off the camcorder, important data is updated in the memory. Be sure to wait until the ON/OFF (CHG) indicator goes out.
The first time you use a battery pack, fully charge it and then use the camcorder until the battery pack is completely exhausted.
Do not connect to the camcorders DC IN terminal or to the compact power adapter any electrical equipment that is not expressly recommended for use with this camcorder.
Do not connect the supplied compact power adapter to voltage converters or special power sources such as those on aircraft, DC-AC inverters, etc.
Charging times
Typical recording Playback
Memory card Built-in memory*
45 min. 45 min. 1 hr. 50 min.
Charging the Battery Pack
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NOTES
The battery pack will be charged only when the camcorder is off. We recommend charging the battery pack in temperatures between 10 C
and 30 C (50 F and 86 F). Outside the temperature range of 0 C to 40 C (32 F and 104 F), charging will not start.
If remaining battery time is an issue, you can power the camcorder using the compact power adapter so the battery pack will not be consumed.
Charged battery packs continue to discharge naturally. Therefore, charge them on the day of use, or the day before, to ensure a full charge.
We recommend that you prepare battery packs to last 2 to 3 times longer than you think you might need.
USA and Canada only: The Lithium ion/polymer battery that powers the product is recyclable. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information on how to recycle this battery.
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basic operation
Operating Modes of the Camcorder
Smart AUTO
Take it easy and leave all the settings to the camcorder.
Flexible recording mode Use the flexible recording mode to access the menus and advanced functions and to change various settings up to your preferences. In either mode, press to shoot movies or press to take photos.
See Advanced Functions ( 55), Additional Functions ( 93) for details.
Camera/Play button
Toggle between camera (recording) mode and playback mode.
Press the button when the camcorder is off to turn it on directly in playback mode.
START/STOP
PHOTO
Operating Modes of the Camcorder
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Selecting what recordings to play back 1 Select ( ) the tabs at the top of the screen. 2 Select ( ) the desired tab. 3 Return ( ) to the index screen to select the scene/photo you want
to play back.
1
2 2 2
Joystick
During playback, use the joystick to select the tab corresponding to the type of recoding you want to play back (movies or photos) and the memory where they were recorded (built-in memory or memory card; / only). The joystick serves also to navigate the menus and change settings.
Original movies
Photos
Built-in memory
Memory card
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first time settings
Setting the Date/Time and Language When you turn on the camcorder for the first time, you will need to set the date and time before using the camcorder. You can also change the date format and time zone. (For your convenience, you can do so after changing the language to your preference.)
See Changing the Time Zone ( 34) for details.
Press .
When the internal clock is not set, the [Date/Time] screen will appear.
Use the joystick to change the date/time.
1 Change ( ) the selected field. 2 Move ( ) between fields.
Select ( ) [OK] and press .
1
2
3
Change the year, month, and remaining fields.
1 POWER
2
3
Setting the Date/Time and Language
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Select the language used for menus and on-screen displays.
You can select one of 22 languages to display the camcorders menus and on-screen displays. Select the language of your preference using the menu.
See Using the Menus ( 31) for details.
NOTES
If you changed the language by mistake, look for the menu option with the mark.
4
FUNC. [ Menu] [Language ] Desired language FUNC.
English is the default language
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getting ready to start recording
Using a Memory Card Use commercially available SDHC (SD high capacity) memory cards and SD memory cards to record movies and photos. While you can record photos on almost all types of memory cards, depending on the memory card, you may not be able to record movies.
See Memory Cards Compatible for Use with the Camcorder ( 35) for details. Before using an Eye-Fi card, be sure to refer to Using an Eye- Fi card ( 128).
Turn off the camcorder.
Make sure the indicator is off.
Open the memory card slot cover.
Insert the memory card and close the memory card slot cover.
1 Push the memory card into the memory card slot.
2 Securely close the cover. Do not force it closed if the memory card is not correctly inserted.
2 1
2
3
3 The label of the memory card facing away from the lens
click!
Using a Memory Card
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You can select to record your movies and photos in the built-in memory or on the memory card. The built-in memory is the default memory for recording both, but you can select the recording memory independently for movies and for photos.
See Selecting the Memory for the Recordings ( 37) for details. Before using an Eye-Fi card, be sure to refer to Using an Eye-Fi card ( 128).
IMPORTANT
Memory cards have front and back sides that are not interchangeable. Inserting a memory card facing the wrong direction can cause a malfunction of the camcorder.
Initialize memory cards when you use them with this camcorder for the first time.
See Initializing the Built-In Memory or Memory Card ( 38) for details.
NOTES
To remove the memory card: Push the memory card once to release it. When the memory card springs out, pull it all the way out.
Recording in the built-in memory or on the memory card ( / only)
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getting ready to start recording
Fitting the Camcorder to You Adjust the grip belt and other accessories beforehand for a comfortable and secure grip while using the camcorder. Familiarize yourself with the different positions of the LCD panel to find the best angle for any recording situation. You can also turn on the LCD screens backlight or adjust its brightness.
See Preparing the Accessories ( 24), Adjusting the Position and Brightness of the LCD screen ( 25), [LCD Brightness] and [LCD Screen Dimmer] ( 137) for details.
Fasten the grip belt.
Adjust it so you can reach the zoom lever with your index finger, and the
button with your thumb. You can use the grip belt together with an optional shoulder strap.
Open the LCD panel and adjust the angle.
1 Rotate it up to 90 degrees down (for example, to record with your hand extended above a crowd).
2 Rotate it up to 180 degrees toward the lens (for example, to record video of yourself).
1
2
1 START/STOP
2
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basic recording
Shooting Video and Taking Photos With Smart AUTO you can easily record movies and photos. You do not need to worry about any settings or menu options - the camcorder will select the most appropriate settings automatically.
Set the camcorder to Smart AUTO.
1 Press . 2 Press .
Start recording movies.
1 Press to start recording. Press again to pause the recording and record the video on the memory as one scene.
2 The ACCESS indicator flashes in red while shooting video and while a scene or photo is being recorded on the memory.
Take a photo.
1 Press halfway to activate the autofocus (AF) and lock the focus and exposure.
2 Then press fully to record the photo.
1
23
3 AF frames
Focus locked (green)
1 POWER
2 START/STOP
3 PHOTO
Shooting Video and Taking Photos
30
Use the zoom lever to zoom out and in. To zoom out, zoom toward the W (wide angle) end. To zoom in, zoom toward the T (telephoto) end.
IMPORTANT
Observe the following precautions while the ACCESS indicator is on or flashing. Failing to do so may result in permanent data loss or damage to the memory. - Do not open the memory card slot cover. - Do not disconnect the power source or turn off the camcorder. - Do not change the operating mode - do not press the button or
button.
NOTES
Smart AUTO mode: In mode the camcorder will automatically use the Smart AUTO mode so you can get perfect recordings every time. Just point the camcorder and Smart AUTO will automatically select the best settings for your subject and the scene you want to use. One of 31 icons will appear depending on the characteristics of the subject, background, lighting conditions, etc. See About the Smart AUTO mode ( 27) for details.
Use the zoom to frame the subject
Shooting Video and Taking Photos
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About the flexible recording mode: Use the flexible recording mode to access the menus and advanced functions and to change various settings up to your preferences. Press again to switch back to the flexible recording mode.
See Shooting Video ( 40) and all through Advanced Functions, and Taking Photos ( 86) and all through Additional Functions for details.
When recording photos, if the camcorder cannot focus on the subject automatically, turns yellow.
About the zoom: The camcorder features 20x optical zoom. When recording movies, you can also use the digital zoom.
See [Digital Zoom] ( 133) for details.
About the zoom speed: The zoom lever is set to a variable speed. That is, the zoom speed depends on how you press the lever: press gently for slower zooms; press harder for faster zooms. You can also change the zoom speed to one of three constant speeds.
See Zooming ( 42), [Zoom Speed] ( 133) for details.
In most situations, keep at least 1 m away from the subject. The minimum focusing distance at full wide angle is 1 cm.
Shooting Video and Taking Photos
32
Make sure the camcorder has finished writing the scenes or photos on the memory before turning it off.
1 Check that the indicator is off. 2 Press . 3 Close the LCD panel.
When you have finished recording
Confirm that the indicator goes out
POWER
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basic recording
Quick Start Function While recording, instead of leaving the camcorder in record pause mode, you can simply close the LCD panel to set the camcorder in standby mode. In standby mode the camcorder consumes only about 1/3 the power used when recording, saving energy when you are using a battery pack. Additionally, when you open the LCD panel, the camcorder is ready to start recording in approximately 1 second*, allowing you to start recording right away.
* The actual time required varies depending on the shooting conditions.
In record pause ( ), close the LCD panel.
1 Changes to orange to indicate the camcorder is in standby mode.
When you wish to resume recording, open the LCD panel.
1 Changes back to green.
2
1
beep!
Orange - standby
beep!
Green - ready to record
1
2
Quick Start Function
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IMPORTANT
Do not disconnect the power source during standby mode (while the ON/ OFF (CHG) indicator is lit in orange).
NOTES
If you close the LCD panel under some circumstances (for example while the memory card slot cover is open or when the battery charge is too low), the camcorder may not enter the standby mode. Check that the indicator changes to orange.
The camcorder will power off automatically if left in standby mode for 10 minutes. In that case, press to turn on the camcorder. You can select the length of time until shut-off or turn off the Quick Start function.
See [Power Saving Mode] ( 138) for details.
You can use the Quick Start function also in the flexible recording mode in the same manner.
POWER
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basic recording
Selecting the Quality of Video The camcorder offers 4 recording modes (or levels of video quality). Changing the recording mode will change the recording time available on the memory. Select FXP or XP+ mode for better movie quality or LP mode for longer recording times.
See Selecting the Video Quality (Recording Mode) ( 41) for approximate recording times.
You need to access the FUNC. menu to select the recording mode, but the recording mode selected will apply also when the camcorder is set to Smart AUTO.
See Using the Menus ( 31) for details.
Press .
Select the recording mode.
1 2 [ Standard Play 7 Mbps] 3 Desired recording mode 4
1
2
2
3 Default recording mode
1 POWER
2 FUNC.
FUNC.
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basic recording
Selecting the Size and Quality of Photos The camcorder offers 3 photo sizes and 3 levels of photo quality. As a general rule, select a larger photo size for higher quality. Select the [LW 1920x1080] size for photos with an aspect ratio of 16:9.
See Selecting Photo Size and Quality ( 87) for the approximate number of photos that can be recorded on a memory card and the print size recommended for each photo size.
You need to access the FUNC. menu to select the photo size and quality, but the settings selected will apply also when the camcorder is set to Smart AUTO.
See Using the Menus ( 31) for details.
Press .
Select the photo size and quality.
1 2 [ 1600x1200] 3 Desired photo size 4 Press to select the desired photo
quality 5
1
2
2
3 4 Default photo quality/size
1 POWER
2 FUNC.
FUNC.
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basic playback
Playing Back Movies and Viewing Photos The basic playback screen is the index screen. Using the tabs at the top of the index screen you can select what recordings to playback (movies or photos) and what memory to play back (built-in memory or memory card, / only).
See Playing Back the Video ( 45), Viewing Photos ( 89) for details.
Press to set the camcorder to playback mode.
If a single photo appears, move the zoom lever toward W.
Select the tab of the recordings you wish to play back.
1 Select ( ) the tabs at the top of the screen.
2 Select ( ) the desired tab. 3 Return ( ) to the index screen to
select a scene or photo.
Select ( , ) the scene or photo you wish to play back.
Move the zoom lever toward W to show 15 scenes/photos; movie it toward T to show 6 scenes/photos.
2
1
1
2
3
3
1
2
3
Playing Back Movies and Viewing Photos
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Press to play back.
Movies: The selected scene is played back. Playback continues until the end of the last scene recorded.
1 Select ( ) the (pause) icon and press to pause the playback. Press again to resume.
2 Select ( ) the (stop) icon and press to stop the playback and return to the index screen.
Photos: The selected photo is displayed.
1 Move ( ) to the previous/next photo. 2 Select ( ) the (index) icon and press to return to the index
screen.
IMPORTANT
Observe the following precautions while the ACCESS indicator is on or flashing. Failing to do so may result in permanent data loss or damage to the memory. - Do not open the memory card slot cover. - Do not disconnect the power source or turn off the camcorder.
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Playing Back Movies and Viewing Photos
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- Do not change the operating mode - do not press the button or button.
You may not be able to play back with another device the movies you recorded on the memory card with this camcorder. In such case, play back the movies on the memory card using this camcorder.
You may not be able to play back with this camcorder movies recorded using another device.
When viewing photos, the following images may not be displayed correctly. - Images that were not recorded with this camcorder. - Images edited on or uploaded from a computer. - Images whose file names have been changed.
NOTES
When playing back movies, depending on the recording conditions, you may notice brief stops in video or sound playback between scenes.
The camcorder offers other advanced ways to locate and play back your movies. For example, you can select scenes by recording date (from a list or from a calendar), determine the starting point when playing back long scenes or play back a video clip (complete with background music) made up from video snapshot scenes.
See Searching for Scenes ( 49) and subsequent pages for details.
You can also play back a slideshow of your photos (complete with background music).
See Slideshow ( 93) for details.
During the playback of a scene, select ( ) the (volume) icon and adjust ( ) the volume as necessary. To turn the volume off completely, keep the joystick pressed ( ) until the volume bars disappear.
Adjusting the Volume
Playing Back Movies and Viewing Photos
40
When you have recorded a large number of photos, you may find it easier to jump 10 or 100 images at a time instead of browsing them one by one. From single photo view:
1 Select ( ) the (photo jump) icon and press . 2 Select ( ) to jump 10 photos or 100 photos. 3 Jump ( ) the number of photos selected back/forward. 4 Press to return to single photo view.
When you have a large number of recordin