PUB.DIM-420 DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER ENGLISH Instruction Manual E CANON INC. U.S.A. CAMESCOPE ET LECTEUR VIDEO NUMERIQUES CANON U.S.A., INC. NEW JERSEY OFFICE 100 Jamesburg Road, Jamesburg, NJ 08831 USA Mode d’emploi CANON U.S.A., INC. CHICAGO OFFICE 100 Park Blvd., Itasca, IL 60143 USA VIDEOCAMARA Y GRABADORA DIGITAL CANON U.S.A., INC. LOS ANGELES OFFICE 15955 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92618 USA Manual de Instrucciones CANON U.S.A., INC.
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.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS In these safety instructions the word “product” refers to the Canon Digital Video Camcorder ZR50 MC A/ZR45 MC A and all its accessories. 1. Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated. 2. Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. 3. Heed Warnings — All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to. 4.
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) ELECTRIC SERVICE EQUIPMENT GROUNDING CONDUCTORS (NEC SECTION 810-21) GROUND CLAMPS Introduction NEC - NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE POWER SERVICE GROUNDING ELECTRODE SYSTEM (NEC ART 250. PART H) 14.
Operating Step and Reference Guide Your camcorder is supplied with two manuals: the “Digital Video Camcorder ZR50 MC/ZR45 MC Instruction Manual” and the “Digital Video Solution Disk Instruction Manual”.
Contents Introduction E Important Usage Instructions ....................2 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ..................................3 Operating Step and Reference Guide ........5 Thank you for Choosing a Canon ..............8 Introducing the ZR50 MC/ZR45 MC ........9 Mastering the Basics Finding Your Way Around the ZR50 MC/ZR45 MC ....................10 Introduction ~ Preparations ... ~ Powering Your Camcorder ......................13 Loading a Cassette ..................................
Using a Memory Card E Additional Information Preparing the Camcorder........................131 Notes on Using the Batteries..................133 Maintenance ..........................................137 Troubleshooting......................................141 The ZR50 MC/ZR45 MC System Diagram ................................145 Optional Accessories ..............................146 Screen Displays ......................................149 Specifications ........................................
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. E 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.
Introducing the ZR50 MC/ZR45 MC 22× Lens and 440× Digital Zoom 18× Lens and 360× Digital Zoom USB Terminal Allows high speed transfer of memory card data to PCs mounting the USB terminal. By using the software provided, you can process and organize still images on your PC. Extended Recording Time Function E Record for 1.5×, 2× or 3× longer than when in SP mode – up to 4 hours on an 80 minute tape. ( 1,5× only) Image Stabilizer Stabilizes your recordings even in long telephoto shots.
Finding Your Way Around the ZR50 MC/ZR45 MC E REC (record) SEARCH – button(p. 39)/ Record review button (p. 39)/ (rewind) button (p. 30)/ CARD – button (p. 111) REC SEARCH + button (p. 39)/ (fast forward) button (p. 30)/ CARD + button (p. 111) FOCUS button (p. 79)/ (play/pause) button (p. 30)/ SLIDE SHOW button (p. 112) AE SHIFT button (p. 76)/ (stop) button (p. 30)/ Index screen button (p. 112) LCD panel OPEN button (p. 27) BATT. (battery) RELEASE button (p. 15) LCD screen (p.
E Viewfinder focusing lever (p. 131) 000 1230 Viewfinder protect cover (p. 138) PHOTO button (p. 56, 107) Advanced accessory shoe (p. 74, 75) Accessory shoe (p. 97) Zoom controller (p. 25) Speaker (p. 33) Serial number (Body No.) TAPE/CARD switch (p. 20) Viewfinder (p. 131, 138) CARD TAPE POWER indicator (p. 20) Start/Stop button (p. 21) Mastering the Basics Strap attachment bar (p. 132) Grip belt (p. 131) POWER switch (p.
E Terminal cover Remote sensor (p. 49) Stereo microphone (p. 97) Terminal cover S-video IN/OUT terminal (p. 35, 90) u (LANC) terminal (p. 87) S DV DV IN/OUT terminal (p. 88, 92, 102, 110) Mastering the Basics USB terminal (p. 127) AV (audio/video) IN/OUT terminal (p. 34, 90, 92)/ (phones) terminal (p. 34) AV DC IN 9.5V Bottom view CHARGE MIC CHARGE indicator (p. 14) OPEN/EJECT switch (p. 18) DC IN terminal (p. 13) MIC terminal (p. 70, 97) Tripod socket (p. 37) PHOTO button (p.
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.
E Attaching and charging the battery packs 1 POWER CAMERA DC IN 9.5V OFF CHARGE PLAY(VCR) 3 Mastering the Basics 2 3 4 CHARGE indicator Your battery pack was partially charged before it left the factory. It should have enough power for you to check that your camcorder is working properly. However, you must charge the battery pack fully if you want it to power the camcorder for more than a few minutes. Always turn the camcorder off before connecting/removing the battery. 1.
6. Remove the battery pack after use. • Rotate the viewfinder upwards. • Press and hold the BATT. RELEASE button while you slide the battery up. E 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”( 133). These notes include charging and recording times and how to install the backup battery.
E Using the Charge Adapter CR-560 Kit (optional) The Compact Power Adapter CA-560 included with the camcorder can be used along with the CR-560 Kit for 3 different ways to power the camcorder or charge battery packs: 1. Charge the BP-500 Series battery packs with power from your car battery. 2. Operate the camcorder with power from your car battery. 3. Charge the BP-500 Series battery packs from a household AC outlet.
2. Operate the camcorder with power from your car battery. Camcorder + DC Cable + Charge Adapter + Car Battery Cable → car’s cigarette lighter E To car’s cigarette lighter 1 or 2 battery pack(s) + Charge Adapter + Compact Power Adapter Mastering the Basics 3. Charge the BP-500 Series battery packs from a household AC outlet. CHARGE • Fast charging for the high-capacity BP-522 and BP-535 (both optional). Fifteen minutes of charging gives 70 minutes of recording (using the viewfinder).
Loading a Cassette SH PU OPEN/EJECT E Only use videocassettes marked with the D logo.* Mastering the Basics 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.
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 ( 20), T “ HE TAPE IS SET FOR ERASURE PREVENTION”is displayed for approx. 4 seconds and then the v mark flashes in the display.
Basic Recording E 2 CARD 4 TAPE 1 POWER CAMERA OFF P PLAY(VCR) 5, 6 POWER CAMERA OFF PLAY(VCR) Mastering the Basics Before you start recording Have you completed the following steps? • Attached a power source ( 13). • Removed the lens cap ( 131). • Fasten the grip belt ( 131). • Chosen the display: viewfinder ( 131) or LCD screen ( 27). 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 ( 27).
3. Load a cassette ( 18). 4. Slide the program selector to [. E • This selects the camcorder’s Easy Recording program. It allows you to simply point and shoot without making any manual adjustments ( 61). 5. Press and release the start/stop button once to begin recording. • For still image recording to a cassette, see p. 56. 6. Press and release the start/stop button again to pause recording. • The camcorder returns to record pause mode and PAUSE reappears in the display.
Changing the recording mode E Choose from 4 recording modes: SP (standard play), 1.5× SP, 2× SP or 3× SP. • Only SP and LP modes are available when the camcorder is set to CARD PLAY (VCR) mode. You can record and play back a tape in SP (standard play) and LP (long play) modes. LP extends tape usage by 1.5 times. Recording times (this example uses an 80-minute tape) Standard recording SP Extended recording SP LP 2× SP 3× SP 1.5× SP (160 min.) (240 min.) (120 min.) – – LP 80 min.
• If you record in more than one mode on the same tape, the picture may become distorted during playback and the time code may not be written correctly. • A tape recorded in LP mode on other digital equipment may produce the mosaic-like noise and the sound may become distorted when playing back on this camcorder. • A tape recorded in LP or LP mode on this camcorder may produce the mosaic-like noise and the sound may become distorted when playing back on other digital equipment.
E 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.
Zooming Zoom in E Zoom out 22× optical zoom/ 18× optical zoom 88×/440× digital zoom (card 88×)/ Mastering the Basics The camcorder’s zoom lens allows you to choose the best picture angle for each scene: • Move the zoom control towards W to zoom out to wide-angle. • Move it towards T to zoom in to telephoto. You can also control the speed of zooming: • Move the control slightly to zoom slowly. • Move it farther to zoom more quickly. (The farther you move the zoom control, the faster the zoom speed.
E Magnifies the camcorder’s zoom range by up to 20 × in TAPE CAMERA mode. The zoom control continues to work as usual. You can freely zoom in and out between 1× and 360× magnification — the camcorder automatically switches between optical zooming (up to 18×) and digital zooming (18× to 72× or 18× to 360×). TAPE + CAMERA , CARD CAM.SET UP ( + CAMERA D.ZOOM••••••72× 40) Mastering the Basics To change the digital zoom, open the menu and select CAM.SET UP. Then select D.
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. To close the LCD panel, press the upper right corner until it clicks securely closed. When you close the LCD panel, the LCD screen automatically switches off and the viewfinder switches back on.
E • 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.
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, 131) • You can choose the display style, reversed (mirror on) or not (mirror off). The recording itself is unaffected regardless of which one you choose.
Playing Back a Cassette E REC SEARCH REC SEARCH FOCUS SLIDE SHOW AE SHIFT CARD TAPE POWER CAMERA OFF PLAY(VCR) Mastering the Basics 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 ( 33). • 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. 34.
Other playback modes 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. E 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.
E 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.
Built-in speaker E The camcorder has a built-in speaker so you can review the sound track alongside the picture when you’re using the LCD screen to play back a tape. The built-in speaker is monaural. Mastering the Basics 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.
Connections for Playback on a TV Screen E 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 ( 13). Power off all devices before starting the connections. See your TV or VCR instruction manual for further details. Switching the AV/headphone terminal AV Mastering the Basics MIC Through the menu, the camcorder’s AV/headphone terminal can be switched to function as either the AV terminal or the headphone terminal.
If your TV (or VCR) has an S (S1) -video input terminal For higher picture quality, we recommend playing back recordings on a TV with an S (S1) terminal. 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.
E If your TV (or VCR) has audio/video input terminals INPUT STV-250N Stereo Video Cable AV VIDEO AUDIO L Mastering the Basics MIC 36 R • 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.
Tips for Making Better Videos Holding the camcorder For maximum stability, grip the camcorder in your right hand and keep your right elbow pressed against your body. If necessary support the camcorder with your left hand. With practice, you will be able to operate the controls by touch, without taking your eye off the action.
E Picture angle Instead of zooming while recording, try to choose your picture angle before you begin. A good way to tell a story with video is to begin with a long shot that establishes the situation, and then move in with medium shots and close-ups to show the details. Remember to change your viewpoint for each shot. Long shot Medium shot Close-up Remember that any camcorder movement or change in picture angle should have a definite purpose. Avoid unnecessary or half-hearted movements.
Searching and Reviewing While Recording Record search When the camcorder is in record pause mode, you can use record search to play the tape forwards or backwards to find the point where you want to start or resume recording. This is useful when you want to add a new scene to a previously used cassette. By using record search, you can ensure a smooth, noise-free join between the new scene and the old one. TAPE + E REC SEARCH REC SEARCH CAMERA 1.
Using the Menus E Many of the camcorder’s advanced functions are selected from menus which appear in the display. There are 4 main menus: CAM. MENU Camera menu VCR MENU VCR menu C.CAM. MENU Card camera menu C.PLAY MENU Card play menu 2 CAM. MENU CAM.MENU CARD MIX CAM.SET UP VCR SET UP DISP.SET UP SYSTEM RETURN 2 Using the Full Range of Features VCR SET UP CARD SET UP CARD OPER. DISP.SET UP SYSTEM RETURN 2 C. CAM.SET UP CARD SET UP VCR SET UP DISP.SET UP SYSTEM RETURN 2 C. TAPE CARD OPER.
Selecting from the Menus E 2, 11 MENU MENU 3-10 TV SCREEN SET 1. Turn the POWER switch and the TAPE/CARD switch to the desired settings. 2. Press the MENU button to open the menu. • One of the main menus appears, according to the settings of the TAPE/CARD switch and the POWER switch. 3. Turn the selector dial and move the arrow to the desired submenu. 4. Press the selector dial in to select. • The submenu appears. • The function and its settings only appear. 7.
E • 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 ( 149) on through the menu or using the wireless controller’s TV SCREEN button. See p. 34 for TV hookup instructions. List of Menus Turn to the appropriate page for a detailed explanation of each function. 2 CAM. MENU Set the POWER switch to CAMERA and the TAPE/CARD switch to There are 5 submenus within the CAM. MENU.
E 3 VCR set up submenu o !0 !1 !2 !3 Record mode......................... Wind screen .......................... Audio mode .......................... AV or headphones................. Return 22 71 70 34 VCR SET UP o !1 !3 SEL.SETSET MENUCLOSE REC MODE•••• SP WIND SCREEN•OFF AUDIO MODE••12bit AV/PHONES•••AV RETURN !0 !2 4 Display set up submenu !4 !5 !6 !7 !8 !9 @0 Brightness ............................. 28 Mirror mode.......................... 29 TV screen............................
VCR MENU, cont. E 1 VCR set up submenu q w e r t y u i Record mode......................... 22 Output channel.................... 101 Audio dubbing ...................... 98 Wind screen .......................... 71 Audio mode .......................... 70 AV or headphones................. 34 Analog-digital converter....... 93 Return VCR SET UP q e t u SEL.SETSET MENUCLOSE REC MODE•••• SP OUTPUT CH•••L/R AUDIO DUB.
E 5 System submenu @1 Light-up buttons ........ @2 Button light color ...... @3 Wireless controller................ @4 Beep ...................................... @5 Return 52 52 50 24 SYSTEM @1 @3 @5 SEL.SETSET MENUCLOSE BUTTONLIGHT•ON LIGHT COLOR•GREEN WL.REMOTE••• 1 BEEP••••••••ON RETURN @2 @4 2 C. CAM. MENU Set the POWER switch to CAMERA and the TAPE/CARD switch to There are 5 submenus within the C. CAM. MENU.
C. CAM. MENU, cont. E 3 VCR set up submenu !0 AV or headphones................. 34 VCR SET UP !0 SEL.SETSET MENUCLOSE AV/PHONES•••AV RETURN 4 Display set up submenu !1 !2 !3 !4 !5 !6 !7 Brightness ............................. 28 Mirror mode.......................... 29 TV screen............................ 149 Date/time display.................. 55 Card access display............. 105 Demo mode........................... 24 Return DISP.SET UP !1 !3 !5 !7 SEL.
E 1-1 Card operations submenu (when playing back a single image) q w e r t Copy from card to cassette . Erase all print marks ........... Image erase ......................... Format................................. Return 125 118 119 126 CARD OPER. q e t ] COPY[ PRINT MARKS IMAGE ERASE FORMAT RETURN SEL.SETSET MENUCLOSE ALL ERASE w r 1-2 Card operations submenu (when displaying an index screen) y To image protect ................ u To print mark ...................... i Return 116 117 CARD OPER.
C. PLAY MENU, cont. E 4 System submenu Using the Full Range of Features !7 Light-up buttons ........ !8 Button light color ...... !9 Wireless controller................ @0 Beep ...................................... @1 Return 48 52 52 50 24 SYSTEM !7 !9 @1 SEL.SETSET MENUCLOSE BUTTONLIGHT•ON LIGHT COLOR•YELLOW WL.
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 When Operating 2 Canon DV Camcorders (Remote Sensor Mode) To prevent interference from other Canon wireless controllers being used nearby, there are 2 remote sensor modes and an off setting. The wireless controller and the camcorder have to be set to the same mode in order to be compatible. ZOOM W T REMOTE SET The wireless controller and the camcorder have been preset to mode 1. If you change the mode on the camcorder, be sure to change the mode on the wireless controller to the same mode.
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.
Adjusting the Selectable Color Light-up Buttons E MENU The clear buttons above the LCD panel light up when the camcorder’s power is on, or only when one of the buttons is pressed, making it possible to play back cassettes when in dark surroundings. You can also change the color in which they light up to green, orange, blue, yellow, turquoise (greenish blue) or purple.
Setting the Date and Time E MENU The date and/or time display forms part of the data code. You can choose to display or hide it during playback ( 82). Set the date and time display when you first start using your camcorder. Install the backup battery before you begin ( 135). • Before you start setting the date and time, select your home time zone from the menu. Setting the time zone/daylight saving time TAPE + CAMERA , SYSTEM + CAMERA T.ZONE/DST••N.Y. 40) 1. Open the menu and select SYSTEM. 2.
E 16 1 19 18 24 20 4 2 3 17 6 7 10 9 15 8 5 21 23 14 12 22 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Using the Full Range of Features No. Time zone 54 LONDON PARIS CAIRO MOSCOW DUBAI KARACHI DACCA BANGKOK H. KONG (Hong Kong) TOKYO SYDNEY SOLOMON 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 No. Time zone WELLGTN (Wellington) SAMOA HONOLU. (Honolulu) ANCHOR. (Anchorage) L.A. (Los Angeles) DENVER CHICAGO N.Y. (New York) CARACAS RIO (Rio de Janeiro) FERNAN.
Setting the clock After you set the date and time, the date/time and home time zone will be displayed for about 4 seconds each time you turn the power on. TAPE + CAMERA , CARD + CAMERA SYSTEM ( E D/TIME SET••JAN. 1,2002 12:00 AM 40) 1. Open the menu and select SYSTEM. 2. Select D/TIME SET. • The year display starts to flash. 3. Turn the selector dial up and down to change the year. Press the dial in to move to another part of the display.
Taking Still Pictures to a Cassette To take still images on a memory card, see p. 107. E PHOTO PH OT O PH OT O You can record still pictures like a photograph. The camcorder records the picture and sound to tape for several seconds. The exposure is automatically adjusted. Copy still photos automatically to a memory card ( 124) for transfer to a PC for image enhancement and printout.
• If the subject is unsuitable for autofocus ( 142), the camcorder may not be able to focus, and F may continue to flash white in the display. Continue to hold the PHOTO button halfway down, then adjust the focus manually with the selector dial. • If you are using manual focus ( 79), the F mark starts as a continuous green mark. Focus with the selector dial. E 2. Press the PHOTO button fully down to take the still picture.
Turning the Image Stabilizer Off E MENU With most camcorders, even the slightest hand movements will be noticeable during telephoto recording. However, the ZR50 MC/ZR45 MC’s image stabilizer allows you to obtain steady recordings even at high magnification. TAPE + CAMERA , CARD CAM.SET UP ( + CAMERA IMAGE S. ••ON 40) Using the Full Range of Features 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.
Using the Various Recording Programs E P The camcorder provides you with a choice of 8 recording programs. They use different combinations of camcorder settings in order to adjust the exposure and other functions to match the recording situation. • For simple point-and-shoot operation, select the Easy Recording program. Slide the program selector to the [ position. • For normal shooting conditions, slide the program selector to Q (program AE) mode. Open the program menu and select AUTO ( 60).
E Setting the program AE mode TAPE 1. 2. 3. 4. + CAMERA , CARD + CAMERA Slide the program selector to Q (program AE) mode. Press the selector dial in to display the program menu. Turn the selector dial to move the arrow up or down the display. Press the selector dial in to select the desired program. Using the Full Range of Features • The program will appear in the display.
Easy Recording The simplest way to use the camcorder is with the program selector set to the [ position. The camcorder will take care of focus, exposure and other adjustments, leaving you free to point and shoot. E [ 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 SPORTS Portrait Use this program outdoors to make subjects stand out from a softened foreground and background.
E Sand & Snow Use this program in places where the 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. SAND&SNOW Low Light Using the Full Range of Features This program allows you to record in dimly lit places. The shutter speed is fixed at a slow speed.
Using Digital Effects Use the camcorder’s digital effects for more interesting productions. • Faders: Start or end scenes on a tape with a fade to or from black ( 64). Fade Trigger, Vertical Wipe, Horizontal Wipe, Mosaic Fade* • Effects: Add flavor to your recordings ( 65). Art, Black and White, Sepia, Mosaic** • Multi-image Screen: Divides the display to show 4, 9 or 16 still photos. Has 4 transition speed options: fast, moderate, slow and manual ( 68).
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. Using the Full Range of Features 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 until it fills the whole of the screen.
Effects E 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. *Available during TAPE CAMERA or TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode only Using the Full Range of Features Art (ART) Adds a paintlike effect, called solarization, to the image.
E Digital effects can be set with the controls on the body of the camcorder or the wireless controller. Pressing the ▲/▼ 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. MENU DIGITAL EFFECTS ON/OFF SET P D.EFFECTS ON/OFF Operating faders Sound and image fade together. When operating faders in TAPE CAMERA mode, make sure the program selector is set to Q.
6. If you’re in TAPE CAMERA mode: Fade in- Press the start/stop button. Fade out- Press the start/stop button. If you’re in TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode: Fade in- Press the e (play) button. Fade out- Press the a (pause) button. E Operating effects Sound records/plays back normally. When operating effects in TAPE CAMERA or CARD CAMERA mode, make sure the program selector is set to Q. TAPE + CAMERA , TAPE + PLAY (VCR) , CARD + CAMERA Select effect 1.
Using the Multi-Image Screen E Divides your display image into 4, 9 or 16 smaller images with the Image Capture feature. With this feature, the camcorder captures the current scene being shot or replayed. Choose the transition speed — manual, fast (every 4 frames), moderate (every 6 frames*) or slow (every 8 frames*) — at which to capture a moving subject, such as a person playing tennis or golf. Sound is recorded normally.
7. Select the desired setting. • You return to the digital effects menu. E 8. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to close the menu. • The digital effects menu disappears. • MULTI-S flashes in the display. Multi-image screen on/off 9. Push the ON/OFF button. • MULTI-S stops flashing. • Manual: As you press the ON/OFF button, scenes will be captured one after another the indicated number of times. If you push and hold the ON/OFF button for more than a second, the last image captured will be erased.
Audio Recording E Selecting the audio mode The camcorder can record sound on a tape in two audio modes — 16-bit and 12bit. 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. TAPE + CAMERA , TAPE VCR SET UP ( + PLAY (VCR) AUDIO MODE••12bit 40) To switch to the 16-bit mode, open the menu and select VCR SET UP.
Notes: • For details on using the optional DM-50 microphone, see p. 75. • Be careful when using long microphones as they may extend into the frame. E Wind screen The camcorder has an automatic wind screen to prevent wind noise from interfering with the sound track. Make sure it’s off when you want the microphone to be as sensitive as possible. Use the wind screen when recording in windy places such as the beach or near buildings.
Setting the Self-Timer E 1 For stills DATA CODE 2 PH OT O For movies 2, 3 POWER START /STOP PHOTO SELF TIMER MENU CAMERA OFF PLAY(VCR) This is useful when you want to include yourself in the picture when recording movies or still photographs. TAPE + CAMERA , CARD + CAMERA Using the Full Range of Features 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.
Notes: • To cancel the self-timer before the countdown has begun, press the SELF TIMER button. • To cancel the self-timer once the countdown has begun, press the SELF TIMER button.
Using the VL-3 Video Light (optional) E 1 LOCK 1 LO CK LOCK TO AU ON F OF LO CK 3 When recording in dark rooms, attach the Video Light to the camcorder’s advanced accessory shoe. The Video Light is powered by the same power source as the camcorder. Also refer to the VL-3 Video Light instructions. Turn the camcorder’s power off before attaching/removing the Video Light. Using the Full Range of Features 1. Slide the Video Light onto the accessory shoe and tighten with the shoe lock.
Using the DM-50 Microphone (optional) E The highly sensitive Directional Stereo Microphone DM-50 has been designed exclusively for camcorders equipped with an advanced accessory shoe . It is powered by the camcorder’s power supply. Use during cassette recording or audio dubbing ( 97). Refer to the DM-50’s instructions for further details. Turn the camcorder’s power off before attaching/removing the microphone.
Ajusting AE Shift E By controlling the level of the automatic exposure (AE) function, you can lighten or darken the image slightly. This allows you to compensate for backlit, overexposed scenes. AE SHIFT P TAPE + CAMERA , CARD + CAMERA Using the Full Range of Features Make sure the program selector is set to Q. 1. Press the selector dial in and select any recording program other than Spotlight, Sand & Snow or Night from the program menu. 2. Press the AE SHIFT button. • eAE appears light blue.
Setting the Shutter Speed Set the shutter speed manually to take stable shots of quickly moving subjects. TAPE + CAMERA E , CARD CAM.SET UP ( + CAMERA SHUTTER•••••AUTO 40) 1. Make sure the camcorder is set to the Q (program AE) mode. 2. Press the selector dial in and choose AUTO from the program menu. 3. Open the menu and select CAM.SET UP. 4. Select SHUTTER. 5. Press the selector dial in to select the desired shutter speed.
E Guidelines for shooting using high shutter speeds • When shooting with a shutter speed of 1/1000 or higher, do not shoot the sun directly.
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 TAPE + CAMERA , CARD + CAMERA Press the FOCUS button to turn off autofocus. The focus remains locked at the point set by autofocus. (eM.
Setting the White Balance E The camcorder’s 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.
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 Using the Full Range of Features 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.
Displaying Date, Time and Camcorder Data (Data Code) E A data code, containing the date and time the recording was made and other camcorder data (shutter speed and exposure settings) is automatically recorded on a special data section of the tape. • Only the date and time appear in the data code when using a memory card. DATA CODE DATA CODE MENU POWER CAMERA OFF PLAY(VCR) During TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode, the data code can be displayed or hidden while the camcorder is in play, slow or still mode.
Setting the data code You can also choose to display camcorder data (shutter speed and exposure settings) in cassette data codes. + TAPE PLAY (VCR) DISP.SET UP ( E DATA CODE•••DATE/TIME 40) To change, open the menu and select DISP.SET UP. Then select DATA CODE, set it to DATE/TIME, CAMERA DATA or CAM. & D/T and close the menu. Possible data code combinations for cassettes: DATA CODE (cassette only) D/TIME SEL. Date Date & Time Camera data Date/Time & Camera data JAN.
E Six-second auto date The 6-second auto date appears for 6 seconds to mark the changeover of a day if the tape was being recorded at 12:00 midnight. It also appears for 6 seconds when you start playback and have the data code turned off. The 6-second auto date will adjust for any time zone changes you have indicated. TAPE + PLAY (VCR) DISP.SET UP ( 6SEC. DATE•••OFF 40) To turn the 6-second auto date on, open the menu and select DISP.SET UP. Then select 6SEC. DATE, set it to ON and close the menu.
Searching the Tape (Photo Search/Date Search) E ZERO SET SEARCH MEMORY SELECT POWER CAMERA OFF AUDIO DUB. AV INSERT REW PLAY FF –/ STOP +/ PLAY(VCR) REMOTE SET PAUSE SLOW ×2 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. TAPE + PLAY (VCR) 1. Press the SEARCH SELECT button to choose between photo/date search.
Returning to a Pre-Marked Position E ZERO SET SEARCH MEMORY SELECT POWER CAMERA OFF PLAY(VCR) AUDIO DUB. REW PLAY FF AV INSERT –/ STOP +/ REMOTE SET PAUSE SLOW ×2 Use the wireless controller to mark a point on a tape that you want to return to following playback. TAPE + CAMERA , TAPE + PLAY (VCR) 1. Press the ZERO SET MEMORY button on the wireless controller during playback at a point you want to return to later.
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 Preparations 1. Connect the camcorder to the VCR. • See C “ onnections for Playback on a TV Screen”on p. 34. 2. Prepare the TV and VCR. • Turn on the TV and set the TV/VIDEO selector to VIDEO. • Turn on the VCR, and set its input selector to LINE. Load a blank cassette, and put the VCR in record pause mode.
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.
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 on the wireless controller. • The camcorder enters record pause mode. 3. Start playback on the other digital device while you monitor the picture. 4. Press the pause button. • Recording starts. 5. When you get to the point where you want to stop recording, press the stop button or the pause button. • Recording stops. 6.
Recording from a VCR, TV or Analog Camcorder (Analog Line-in) You can record a video played on your VCR or analog camcorder (for digital camcorders, see p. 88) or a TV program onto a tape in the ZR50 MC/ZR45 MC, if the TV or other device has audio/video outputs. • If an anomalous signal is sent from the TV or VCR, the images recorded on the tape may also be anomalous (although it may not appear so on the TV image), not recorded at all, or COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DUBBING RESTRICTED may appear in the display.
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 on the wireless controller. • S-video and AV IN/OUT terminals work as input terminals. • The camcorder enters record pause mode. 3. Start playback on the other device or turn on the TV to see the desired program while you monitor the picture. 4. Press the pause button. • Recording starts. 5.
Digitally outputting analog video and audio signals (Analog-Digital Converter) E Connecting the camcorder to your VCR or 8 mm video camera allows conversion of recorded analog video and audio signals to digital signals in an instant. The digital signals can be output to the other equipment with a DV terminal. The camcorder’s DV terminal works exclusively as an output terminal.
Turning the analog-digital converter on TAPE + PLAY (VCR) VCR.SET UP ( E AV DV OUT•••OFF 40) To turn the analog-digital converter on, open the menu and select VCR SET UP. Then select AV \ DV OUT, set it to ON and close the menu. Caution: • For normal use, set AV \ DV OUT to OFF through the menu. If it is set to ON, you cannot input digital signals through the camcorder’s DV terminal.
Recording Over Existing Scenes (AV Insert Editing) You can insert new scenes from your VCR or other camcorder onto your prerecorded tape using the ZR50 MC/ZR45 MC’s analog line-in or DV in terminals. Original video and audio will be replaced with the new video and audio. E Scene to be inserted The playback tape Insert start point Insert end point Before inserting The tape in the camcorder After inserting The tape in the camcorder The video and audio of the new scene replace that of the old.
Preparations E The tape in the camcorder: When using the ZR50 MC/ZR45 MC’s AV insert function, only record to tapes recorded in SP mode. If there are non-recorded portions or portions recorded in a mode other than SP mode on the tape, recording will stop. The playback tape: Use only tapes without non-recorded portions. If there are non-recorded portions or changes in the recording mode, you may not be able to insert AV correctly.
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.
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.
Notes: • When using an external microphone \ Connect it to the microphone terminal. When using the DM-50 microphone \ Make sure nothing is connected to the microphone terminal. When using the built-in microphone \ Make sure nothing is connected to either the microphone terminal or the accessory shoe. • When you add sound using the built-in microphone make sure not to connect any cables to the MIC terminal.
3. Select AUDIO IN or MIC. IN and close the menu. 4. Locate the point where you want to start audio dubbing, then press the PAUSE button. 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. • If you have the DM-50 microphone (optional) attached, C (Connection) appears in the display.
Setting the Audio Mix E POWER CAMERA OFF MIX AUDIO BALANCE MONITOR ST-1 ST-2 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.
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. TAPE + PLAY (VCR) VCR SET UP ( OUTPUT CH•••L/R 40) 1. Load a tape recorded with multiple-channel audio. 2. Open the menu and select VCR SET UP. Then select OUTPUT CH, set it to the desired setting and close the menu. • Refer to the following list.
Connecting to a PC Using a DV Cable To transfer still images from a memory card to your PC by using a USB cable, see p. 127. By using a DV cable and connecting the camcorder to a PC equipped with a DV terminal conforming to IEEE 1394/DV compatible capture board, you can transfer images taken with the camcorder to your PC. • While connected, it is recommended that you power your camcorder from a household power socket using the power adapter.
Memory Card Introduction The camcorder can take, store and manage still images on 2 types of memory cards: the MultiMediaCard (supplied with the camcorder) or an SD Memory Card (commercially available). The MultiMediaCard is an ultra-small, ultra-light media that can record still images. About the same size as a MultiMediaCard, the SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card has the protect switch to protect your recording from accidental erasure, and fits into the same slot as the MultiMediaCard.
Inserting and removing the memory card E Mult iMed ia Card access indicator MultiM MultiM edia Card MMC- edia Card MMC- 8M MR 8M MR 1. Turn the POWER switch to OFF. • When removing the memory card, make sure the card access indicator is off. 2. Open the memory card compartment cover in the direction of the arrow. 3. Insert or remove the memory card. • Push the memory card all the way in. • Remove the memory card by pushing the card in and letting it spring out.
Notes: • Depending on the image you are recording, sometimes there will be no difference in image quality between settings. • Images are compressed and recorded in the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format. • The number of pixels is 640 × 480 (VGA) in both FINE and STANDARD modes. Image quality Necessary memory per image Number of images per 8MB MMC* Use when you want to... FINE Approx. 124 KB Approx. 60 images ...save high quality images, print out, etc. STANDARD Approx. 70 KB Approx.
File numbers E The images you take are automatically assigned file numbers from 0101-9900 and stored in folders of 100 images each. Each folder is numbered from 101 to 998 and recorded on the memory card. Sample images have been pre-recorded on the supplied MultiMediaCard, entering folder number 100 (folder name is 1“ 00canon”). Set the image file numbers so that they reset each time a new memory card is inserted, or so that they count up continuously.
Recording Still Images to a Memory Card 2 E 3 CARD TAPE PH OT O 1 POWER CAMERA 4 OFF PLAY(VCR) PH OT O The camcorder is equipped with a mechanical shutter so that you can record vivid still images onto a memory card (Progressive Photo function). You can also record onto a memory card images from a tape in the camcorder, or images input through the DV in terminal. • Moving pictures cannot be recorded onto a memory card.
4. Press the PHOTO button fully down to record the still picture. • F disappears from the display. The shutter sound sounds and simultaneously the display appears to close for an instant as if it were a shutter releasing. • The card access indicator flashes and the card access display appears in the display. (see “The indicators that appear in the LCD display when MIRROR is turned on”on page 29).
Recording an Image from a Cassette as a Still Image 2 1 FOCUS SLIDE SHOW E PH OT O 3 PH OT O Record an image from a cassette onto a memory card. To automatically record multiple still images from a cassette to a memory card, refer to “Copying Still Images from a Cassette”on p.124. • The still image’s data code will reflect the date and time it is recorded to the memory card. Cassette Press the PHOTO button fully down Memory card TAPE + PLAY (VCR) 1. Play back the cassette. 2.
Recording from Another DV Device as a Still Image Record images input through the DV in terminal onto the memory card as still images. • The still image’s data code will reflect the date and time it is recorded to the memory card. E : Signal flow PH OT O CARD PH OT O TAPE POWER CAMERA OFF PLAY(VCR) Side with arrow Side with arrow Preparations 1. Connect the camcorder to the other digital device.
Viewing Still Images REC SEARCH REC SEARCH FOCUS SLIDE SHOW E AE SHIFT CARD TAPE POWER CARD SLIDE SHOW CAMERA OFF PLAY(VCR) Play back and view still images recorded on a memory card. (For details on connecting to a TV, see “Connections for Playback on a TV Screen”on p. 34) • The camcorder may not be able to copy or play, etc., images recorded on a nonCanon camcorder. 2 Single Image 1. Turn the POWER switch to PLAY (VCR). 2. Move the TAPE/CARD switch to CARD.
2 Card Jump Function E You can jump from the current image to the desired image of unadjacent image number without displaying the images one by one. The numbers shown in the upper right in CARD PLAY (VCR) mode indicate the image number of the current still image / total number of still images on the memory card. CARD + PLAY (VCR) With an image in the display, press and hold the CARD +/– button. • Press the + button to jump through the images forwards and press the –button to jump backwards.
Settings of the Still Image Recorded to a Memory Card E REC SEARCH Immediately after you have recorded a still image to a memory card, you can check the image without switching the operation mode by the POWER switch. (CARD PHOTO REVIEW) You can also easily erase unwanted images while viewing still images recorded to memory card, protect images from accidental erasure, or mark an image for printing.
● Erasing Still Images E Erase images singly or all at once. • You cannot erase protected images. Cancel image protection first in order to erase an image. • Erase images with caution. Once an image has been erased it cannot be restored. There are 3 ways to erase a single image. To erase images one at a time 1. 2. CARD CARD + + CAMERA PLAY (VCR) ➡ CARD PHOTO REVIEW menu ( 114) ➡ File Operation menu SINGLE ( 115) To erase images one at a time or erase all images on the memory card at once 3.
File Operation (FILE OPER.) CARD + E PLAY (VCR) 1. With an image in the display, press the selector dial in to open the FILE OPER. menu. • PROTECT , PRINT MARK , and IMAGE ERASE settings appear. • If you select |RETURN, the menu disappears from the display. To protect an image 2. Select PROTECT • • • • • and press the selector dial in. The protect mark appears on the image. Now you are unable to erase this image. Press the selector dial again to cancel it.
Preventing Accidental Erasure (Protect) E REC SEARCH REC SEARCH CARD SLIDE SHOW This section describes how to protect the still image from the Card Operation submenu when displaying an index screen in CARD PLAY (VCR) mode (including the way to cancel the setting). You can also protect a still image through CARD PHOTO REVIEW ( 114) or File Operation menu ( 115). Protecting an image while viewing an index screen CARD + PLAY (VCR) CARD OPER.
Marking a Still Image for Printing (Print Mark) E This section describes how to mark the still image for printing from Card Operation submenu in CARD PLAY (VCR) mode (including the way to cancel the setting). –When displaying an index screen, you can mark the image for printing. –When playing back a single image, you can erase all print marks. You can also mark a still image for printing through File Operation menu ( 115).
Erasing all print marks E CARD ( + 40) PLAY (VCR) CARD OPER. PRINT MARKS ALL ERASE Make sure a memory card that has images recorded on it has been inserted into the camcorder. 1. With an image in the display, open the menu and select CARD OPER. 2. Select PRINT MARKS ALL ERASE. • ERASE ALL PRINT MARKS ? YES NO appears in the display. 3. Select YES. • The print mark disappears from the image. Using a Memory Card 4. Close the menu.
Erasing Still Images REC SEARCH E REC SEARCH CARD SLIDE SHOW This section describes how to erase the still image from the Card Operation submenu when playing back a single image in CARD PLAY (VCR) mode. (SINGLE or ALL) You can also erase a still image through CARD PHOTO REVIEW ( 114) or File Operation menu ( 115). CARD ( 40) + PLAY (VCR) CARD OPER. IMAGE ERASE Make sure a memory card that has images recorded on it is inserted into the camcorder. To erase images one at a time 1.
To erase all images on the memory card at once E 1. Open the menu and select CARD OPER. 2. Select IMAGE ERASE. • CANCEL, SINGLE and ALL settings appear. • To cancel erasing, select CANCEL and close the menu. 3. Select ALL. • ERASE ALL IMAGES? [EXCEPT FOR the display. IMAGES] NO YES appears in 4. Select YES. • All images except the protected ones are erased. • If you select NO, you return to step 2. Using a Memory Card 5. Close the menu.
Combining Images and Recording Them to a Cassette (Card Mix) Liven up your productions by superimposing one image on top of the other. Combine 2 still images or a still image and a moving image. Choose a still image from the memory card, either one of the pre-recorded sample images ( 129) or one you have recorded yourself, then combine it with the currently recording image, moving or still.
CAM. CHROMA (Camera chroma key) Superimpose the currently recording image on top of a still image, which becomes its background. Shoot the subject of the currently recording image against a blue background, such as a blue curtain. The original still image will appear in place of the blue area. Adjust the mix level in the blue area. E Image being recorded by the camcorder Still image Mix level The mix level bar appears. Adjust the mix level using the –and + at the ends of the bar as guides.
4. Select MIX TYPE. • CARD CHROMA, CARD LUMI., CAM. CHROMA settings appear. E 5. Select the desired setting. • Your currently recording image is combined with the pre-recorded still image. 6. Select MIX LEVEL. 7. Adjust the mix level. • Turning the selector dial upwards adjusts to the right and turning downwards adjusts to the left. 8. Close the menu. • CARD MIX flashes in the display. On/Off 9. Press the card MIX button. • CARD MIX stops flashing.
Copying Still Images from a Cassette E REC SEARCH REC SEARCH Copies multiple still images from a tape to the memory card, using the Photo Search function. • The still images’ data codes will reflect the date and time the copies are made. TAPE + PLAY (VCR) CARD OPER. ( COPY[ ] 40) Make sure a memory card that has enough memory available and a recorded cassette have been inserted into the camcorder. 1.
Copying Memory Card Still Images to a Cassette REC SEARCH REC SEARCH FOCUS SLIDE SHOW E AE SHIFT Copies multiple still images from the memory card to a cassette. • The still images’data codes will reflect the date and time the copies are made. • The SP and LP recording modes are not available when copying memory card images to a cassette. CARD OPER.
Formatting a Memory Card E Format new memory cards, if you get the message CARD ERROR, or to permanently and quickly erase all the images on a memory card, including protected images (this includes the pre-recorded card mix sample images). The MultiMediaCard supplied with this camcorder has already been formatted for you. • Be cautious when formatting recorded memory cards. All images will be permanently erased.
Utilizing memory card still images on a PC You can download still images from a memory card to a PC connected to the camcorder via the USB interface. By using the software provided, you can organize, store and print out still images. When printing still images, you can add titles and frames to them. Use the USB cable and the Canon Digital Video Solution Disk software provided with the camcorder.
Other Information and Precautions The camcorder formats memory cards in DCF (Design rule for Camera File system). Images recorded on a memory card with this camcorder can also be transferred to a PC with the use of the following products made for MultiMediaCards or SD Memory Cards: E PC Card Adapter: Holds a memory card then inserts into the PC card slot found on most types of laptop PCs. USB Card Reader: Connects to a PC, then accepts a memory card.
• Do not disassemble memory cards. • Do not bend or drop memory cards, or expose them to strong vibrations or external shocks. • Do not get memory cards wet. • Do not remove the memory card’s label or affix other labels. Affix labels to the memory card’s case. • Do not leave memory cards in places subject to high temperature or high humidity. • Moving a memory card rapidly between hot and cold temperatures may cause condensation to form on it, leading to malfunctions.
Card luminance key E Camera chroma key Using a Memory Card • The pre-recorded sample images on the MultiMediaCard included with this camcorder are intended solely for the personal enjoyment gained from combining them with personal videos taken with this camcorder. Do not use the pre-recorded sample images for any other purpose. MultiMediaCard MMC-8M Specifications Capacity 8 MB Interface MultiMediaCard standard Operating temperature range 32°F–140°F (0°C–40°C) Dimensions 32 × 24 × 1.4 mm Weight 1.
Preparing the Camcorder Adjust the viewfinder E • Set the camcorder to TAPE CAMERA mode. Extend the viewfinder straight out, then adjust the viewfinder focusing lever to suit your eyesight. • Rotate the viewfinder to an angle that allows you to view comfortably. Store the camcorder with the viewfinder flush with the body of the camcorder. • To view with the viewfinder, make sure the LCD panel is either turned so that the subject can monitor viewing, or totally closed with the screen facing inwards.
E Attach the shoulder strap Additional Information • 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.
Notes on Using the Batteries Charging and recording times • These times vary — the safest policy is always to have 2 or 3 times as many battery packs as you think you will need. • You will get more recording time if you turn the camcorder off between shots, instead of leaving it in record pause mode. Time needed for full recharge BP-512 BP-511 (optional) BP-522 (optional) BP-535 (optional) 1 hr. 20 min. 1 hr. 20 min. 2 hr. 15 min. 3 hr. 15 min.
E BP-508 BP-512 (optional) BP-511 (optional) BP-522 (optional) BP-535 (optional) Playback time (using the LCD screen) 1 hr. 15 min. 2 hr. 20 min. 2 hr. 20 min. 4 hr. 55 min. 7 hr. 50 min. How much power is left? The indicator in the display shows you approximately how much charge the battery pack has left: Notes: • When the power is completely exhausted, “CHANGE THE BATTERY PACK”appears in the display for 4 seconds and the empty battery mark starts to flash. The power indicator light also flashes.
Taking care of the battery pack Always attach the terminal cover. • Do not allow any metal objects to touch the terminals, as this can cause a short circuit and damage the battery pack. Attach the terminal cover whenever the battery pack is not being used. E B D 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.
E 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.
Maintenance Cautions Avoid high temperatures and high humidity. • Do not leave the camcorder inside a car in hot weather, for example. • Be careful of heat radiating from video lighting equipment. • Do not take the camcorder into a humid room. E 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 ( 140). Do not point the lens or viewfinder at strong light sources.
E Storage If you do not intend to use the camcorder for some time, store it in an area which is free of dust and moisture, and where the temperature is no higher than 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.
Video heads • When mosaic-like noise appears on the playback picture, the video heads may be dirty. When the video heads are badly contaminated, the camcorder may show a blank blue screen or a warning. • For the best picture possible, after using the camcorder for approximately 20 hours, clean the video heads using Canon’s DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette. If the “noise”remains, repeat the cleaning (up to maximum of 5 times). • Do not use a wet-type cleaning cassette, as this can cause damage.
E Condensation Condensation may form on the camcorder when it is moved from a cold place to a warm place. Using the camcorder while condensation is present can damage both the tape and the camcorder.
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 Problem Cause and/or what to do about it ? Nothing happens when I press the buttons.
? The camcorder won’t focus. E • The camcorder is on manual focus ( 79). • The viewfinder lens needs adjusting ( 131). • The lens is dirty ( 138). Note: • Some subjects are not suitable for autofocus. In these situations, you will often get better results using manual focus ( 79). Focus on something which is about the same distance away, lock the focus, and then point the camcorder at your original, hard-to-focus subject.
? There’s no picture on the TV screen. • AV/PHONES is not set to AV in the menu ( 34). • AV \ DV OUT (Analog-digital converter) is not set to OFF in the menu ( 93). ? There’s no picture on the TV screen, even though the tape is moving. • The video heads need cleaning ( 139). • The TV/VIDEO selector on the TV isn’t set to VIDEO ( 35-36). ? There’s no sound coming from the speaker during playback. • The speaker has been turned off with the selector dial ( 33). • Headphones are being used.
? The PHOTO button doesn’t work. • The memory card is not loaded ( 104). • You are using an SD Memory Card and it is set for erasure prevention. Change the position of the protect switch. • The memory card is full. Erase images ( 114) or insert a new memory card. • You have reached the maximum file number. Set the file numbering to RESET through the menu ( 106) and insert a new memory card. • You are using an unformatted memory card. Format the card ( 126). ? The image cannot be erased.
The ZR50 MC/ZR45 MC System Diagram (Availability differs from area to area) E WS-20 Wrist Strap SS-800 Shoulder Strap WD-30.5 Wideconverter WL-D77 Wireless Controller TL-30.5 Teleconverter MiniDV Video Cassette BP-500 Series Battery Pack CR-560 Charge Adapter/ Car Battery Cable Kit FS-30.
Optional Accessories E 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. BP-500 Series Battery Packs The battery pack BP-508 is not available as an option. When you need extra battery packs, select from the following: BP-511, BP-512, BP-522 and BP-535.
VL-3 Video Light Attach the Video Light to a camcorder when recording in dark rooms. When on its automatic setting, the Video Light turns on/off automatically according to the brightness level of shooting conditions. 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.
E SC-1000 Soft Carrying Case A handy camcorder bag with padded compartments and plenty of space for accessories. 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. O RY CA SO VI INE DE N GENU NO This mark identifies genuine Canon video accessories. When you use Canon video equipment, we recommend Canon-brand accessories or products bearing the same mark.
Screen Displays To display the date and time, press the DATA CODE button. See also p. 82. 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. TAPE + CAMERA , CARD + DATA CODE CAMERA DISP. SET UP ( E TV SCREEN TV SCREEN•••ON 40) To turn TV SCREEN off, open the menu and select DISP.SET UP.
E Shows how much battery power remains ( 134). Fast forward ( Rewind ( The battery pack is exhausted ( 134). Additional Information 150 REW Frame advance playback ( 31) 5min Frame reverse playback ( 31) Playback pause (forward and reverse) ( 31) Slow playback (forward and reverse) ( 31) ...finally, it tells you when you have completely run out of tape. END ×2 playback (forward and reverse) ( 32) The camcorder is ejecting the tape ( 18). EJECT The safety mechanism is activated.
Zoom display ( Optical zoom The remote sensor is turned off ( 50). 25): W Optical plus 88×/72× digital zoom Optical plus 440×/ 360× digital zoom T W Zoom in T W 0:00:00M Audio mode ( 70) Data code ( 82) Photo mode ( VCR MENU ( CAM.MENU CARD MIX CAM.SET UP VCR SET UP DISP.SET UP SYSTEM RETURN 43) VCR MENU VCR SET UP CARD SET UP CARD OPER. DISP.SET UP SYSTEM RETURN C. CAM. MENU ( 45) C. PLAY MENU ( 46) F1.8 1/250 12:00 AM JAN. 1,2002 C.CAM MENU CAM.SET UP CARD SET UP VCR SET UP DISP.
E White balance is ( 80) Set W Indoor T Outdoor U Mix balance ( The 16:9 mode: the display flashes when the effect is being selected, and appears steadily when it is activated ( 23). Microphone input Digital effects. The display flashes when the function is being selected and appears steadily when it is activated ( 63). 100) ST–1 Audio input ( ST–2 98) AUDIO IN MIC.IN 16:9 DV input ( 88, 110) DV IN Analog-Digital converter ( 92) AV DV FADE–T WIPE Condensation warning ( 140) WIPE M.
The number of still images that can still be recorded on the memory card ( 105). (Green: 6 or more images. Yellow: Between 1 and 5 images Red: No more images) 99 Time Code E 0:12:34:12 Accessing a memory card ( 111). <<<< Current still image/Total number of still images on the memory card ( 111). 9/99 9/99 This records counter information, including hour, minute, second, and frame number on a special data code area on the tape itself. It is reset automatically when a new tape is loaded.
E Caution phrases The camcorder displays various caution phrases — they appear for 4 seconds before disappearing. Appears each time you turn the power on, until you set the time zone, date and time ( 53). Appears when the battery pack is exhausted ( 134). SET THE TIME ZONE, DATE AND TIME Appears as a warning to protect the cassette and also when condensation is detected. Remove the cassette as soon as possible after the camcorder has displayed the caution. Refer to p.
Appears immediately after you start recording, and the video heads are badly contaminated. Make sure to clean the video heads when this caution appears. ( 139) HEADS DIRTY, USE CLEANING CASSETTE Memory card caution phrases An error has occurred with the memory card. The camcorder cannot CARD ERROR record or play back. A temporary card error is also possible. If CARD ERROR disappears after 4 seconds and flashes red, turn the camcorder’s power off and back on again, and remove and reinsert the card.
Specifications Additional Information E 156 ZR50 MC/ZR45 MC Power Supply (rated): 7.4 V DC Power Consumption (while recording with the AF turned on): 3.3 W (Using viewfinder), 4.1 W (Using LCD screen) 3.
S-video terminal input/output: 1 Vp-p (Y signal), 0.286 Vp-p (C signal) MIC terminal input: ø3.5 mm stereo minijack, –57 dBV (with 600 ohm mic)/ at least 5 kohms LANC u terminal: ø2.5 mm mini minijack Operating temperature range: 32–104 °F (0– 40 °C) Dimensions: 21/4 × 37/8 × 55/8 in (58 × 99 × 144 mm) Weight: 1 lb 23/4 oz (530 g) E BP-512/BP-508 Battery Pack Battery type: Rechargeable lithium ion battery Rated voltage: 7.
Index 16:9, 23 E Î Data Code, 82 Date and Time, 55 Date Search, 85 Demo mode, 24 Digital Effects, 63 Digital Zoom, 25 DV Dubbing, 88 Å Abroad, Using the Camcorder, 139 Accessories, 8, 146 Adapter, AC, 13-15, 17 AE Programs, 59 AE Shift, 76 Analog-digital converter, 92 Analog line-in, 90 Audio Dubbing, 97 Audio Mix, 100 Audio Mode, 70 Audio Output, 100 Audio Recording and Playback, 70, 100 Audio/Video Terminal, 34 Auto, 61 Autofocus, 79 AV Insert, 94 ‰ Easy Recording, 61 Editing to a VCR, 87 Effects, 65
Ò Â LANC, 87 LCD Screen, 27 Lens Cap, 131 Light-up Buttons, 52 Loading Cassettes, 18 Low Light, 62 LP Mode, 22 Recharging the Battery Pack, 134 Recording, 20, 107 Recording from Cassette to Memory Card, 109 Recording from DV Device to Memory Card, 110 Recording Programs, 59 Record Pause Mode, 20 Record Review, 39 Record Search, 39 Remote Control, 49 Remote Sensor, 49-50 Rewind, 30 ˜ Maintenance, 137 Making Better Videos, 37 Manual Focus, 79 Memory Card Introduction, 103 Menus, 40 Microphone, 70, 75, 97 M
E Ê Tape Protection, 19 Telephoto, 25 Temperature, 15, 130, 133, 136, 157 Time Code, 153 Time Zone, 53 Tips for Making Better Videos, 37 Tripod, 37 Troubleshooting, 141 TV, 35, 149 ◊ VCR, 34 Videocassettes, 18 Video Heads, 139 Video ID-1 system, 36 Video Light, 74, 147 Viewfinder, 131, 138 Viewing Still Images, 111 „ White Balance, 80 Wide-angle, 25 Wide screen TV, 23 Wind Screen, 71 Wireless Controller, 49 Û Additional Information Zero Set Memory, 86 Zooming, 25 160
Menu at a Glance Use the list below to quickly navigate the camcorder’s menu. Functions are listed alphabetically. Function First make sure the camera is set to... Then select it from this submenu and set. 16:9 effect CAM.SET UP 6-sec. Date DISP.SET UP Audio dub VCR SET UP Audio mode VCR SET UP AV/headphones VCR SET UP AV → DV out VCR SET UP Beep SYSTEM Brightness DISP.SET UP Button light SYSTEM Button light color SYSTEM Card access display DISP.
Additional Information E 162 Function First make sure the camera is set to... Then select it from this submenu and set. Displays DISP.SET UP Erase CARD OPER. Erase all print mark CARD OPER. File numbers CARD SET UP Format CARD OPER. Image stabilizer CAM.SET UP Mirror mode DISP.SET UP Mix level CARD MIX Mix type CARD MIX Output channel VCR SET UP Print mark CARD OPER. Protect CARD OPER.
U.S.A. CANON® ZR50 MC/ZR45 MC 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 ZR50 MC/ ZR45 MC Digital Video Camcorder (“DV Camcorder”) purchased and used in the United States.
CANADA E 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.