HD-DV Camcorder User’s Manual
Table of Contents Preface .............................................................................. v About this manual............................................................. v Copyright........................................................................... v Precautions ...................................................................... vi Before You Start .............................................................viii 1 Introducing the camera ............................. 1 1.1 1.
2.5 2.6 Changing modes ................................................... 13 Before you start .................................................... 13 2.6.1 Setting the date and time ........................ 13 2.6.2 Setting the language ................................ 14 2.6.3 Setting the beep ........................................ 15 2.7 Shoot/Playback video ........................................... 16 2.7.1 Shooting a video clip ............................... 16 2.7.2 Playing the video clip ....
3.2.4 3.2.5 Using the LED light ................................. 27 Quick access controls .............................. 27 3.3 Movie Playback mode........................................... 28 3.3.1 Movie Playback mode icons ................... 28 3.4 Photo Playback mode ........................................... 30 3.4.1 Photo Playback mode icons .................... 30 3.5 3.6 Thumbnail mode .................................................. 31 USB mode ..........................................
4.3.5 4.3.6 Selftimer .................................................... 46 Photo quality ............................................ 47 4.4 Photo playback menu ........................................... 48 4.4.1 Delete......................................................... 48 4.4.2 Protect ....................................................... 50 4.4.3 Slide show ................................................. 51 4.5 System menu ......................................................... 52 4.
Preface Congratulations on your purchase of this advanced video camera. Ensure that you read this manual carefully and keep it in a safe place for future reference. About this manual Every effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this manual are correct and up to date. However, no guarantee is made regarding the accuracy of the contents.
Precautions General precautions • • • • • • • • • vi Do not use or store the product in dusty, dirty, or sandy areas, as its components may be damaged. Do not store the product in a hot environment. High temperatures can shorten the life of electronic devices, damage batteries and warp or melt certain plastics. Do not store the product in cold areas. When the product warms up to its normal temperature, moisture can form inside, which may damage the electronic circuits.
• Test for proper operation before using the camera. Notes on the LCD Screen Be very careful to ensure the fluid contained in the LCD screen does not escape if the screen becomes cracked or damaged. If this occurs, follow these steps: • • • If the fluids make contact with skin, wipe it with a clean cloth then rinse with a large amount of water. If the fluid makes contact with eyes, wash eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and go to the hospital as soon as possible.
• • • Ensure the battery is inserted correctly. Inserting the battery incorrectly can cause damage to the product and possibly start a fire. Remove the battery to avoid the fluid leakage if the camera is not going to be used for a long time. If the battery is crushed or damaged, remove it immediately to avoid the battery fluid leakage and abnormal expansion. Before You Start Take some test shots before performing a formal recording.
1 Introducing the camera Read this section to learn about the features and functions of the video camera. This chapter also covers system requirements, package contents, and descriptions of the hardware components. 1.1 System requirements The video camera requires a PC with the following specifications: • Windows® 7 / Vista / XP operating system • Intel® / AMD Dual-Core CPU or higher • At least 1 GB of RAM or higher • At least DirectX 9 video card, DirectX 10 is recommended • Standard USB 1.
1.3 Unpacking the video camera The following items should be present in the package. If any item is missing or appears damaged, contact your dealer immediately.
1.4 About the camera Refer to the following illustrations to familiarize yourself with the buttons and controls of this video camera. 1.4.1 Front view Lens LED light Strap hole 1.4.
1.4.3 Bottom view Tripod mount 1.4.
1.4.5 Back view REC. / Power LED REC. / STOP button Mode button LED/ Enter button UP/ DOWN buttons USB / AV Output HDMI Output 1.4.
1.4.7 Adjusting the LCD display Flip and twist the LCD screen as shown while capturing a still image or recording a video clip.
See the table below for a description of each button’s function. Button Name Function Power button Press to turn power on/off. Menu button Press to display main OSD menus. Mode button Use to toggle Movie, Photo, and SET modes. In Movie and Photo modes, press to zoom in and out. In Movie Playback mode: Up/Down buttons 1. Press the Up/Down buttons to browse stored movies. 2. While playing a movie, press the Up/Down buttons to rewind / fast forward the movie. 3.
image in full screen mode. 3. In SET mode, press Up/Down buttons to highlight menu items, and the ENTER button to select. In Movie mode, press to record video clip. REC. / STOP button 8 In Movie Playback mode, press to pause the video playback. Press the REC. / STOP button again to resume video playback. In Photo mode, press to take a photo. Macro switch Move the switch to the enable Macro mode. Playback button In Movie and Photo mode, press to enter playback mode.
1.4.8 About the LEDs The following table describes the camera LEDs: LED Color Definition Power / Rec. Green Power-on Red Blinking Recording Red Camera busy Green Blinking Self-timer is activated Green Blinking Rapidly 2 seconds self-timer remaining. Self-timer Green Blinking Green Blinking Rapidly Self-timer is activated. 2 seconds self-timer remaining.
2 Getting started Read this section to learn how to start using the video camera. This section covers basic functions such as switching on, inserting the battery and memory cards, and configuring preliminary settings. See later chapters for advanced functions. 2.1 Inserting an SD card An SD card can be installed in the video camera to provide additional storage space for still images, video clips, or other files. 10 1. Open the SD card compartment cover. 2. Insert the SD card as shown.
2.2 Inserting the batteries This video camera is designed for use with a rechargeable Li-Ion battery. Only use the batteries supplied or similar batteries recommended by the manufacturer or your dealer. 1. Open the battery compartment cover and insert the batteries as shown. 2. Close the battery compartment cover. • Note: Installing the battery incorrectly could cause damage to the camera and possibly start a fire.
2.3 Charging the battery You can charge the battery with the charging unit provided. Follow the below steps to charge your battery. 3. Insert the Li-ion battery into the charging bay. Connect one end of the power cord to the charging unit and then plug the other end to the wall outlet as shown. 4. The red LED will light up for proper charging. 5. After full charge, the LED turns to green. 6. It takes about 120 minutes to achieve full charge.
2.5 Changing modes The video camera can operate in three modes, Movie, Photo, and SET. Press the Mode button to toggle different modes. 2.6 Before you start Before you start using the video camera, some basic settings such as date and time, languages and beep function need to be configured. 2.6.1 Setting the date and time 1. Turn on the video camera, and press the Mode button to go to SET mode. Press the Up/ Down buttons or tap the screen to highlight Date / Time.
2.6.2 14 Setting the language 1. Turn on the video camera, and press the Mode button to go to SET mode. Press the Up/ Down buttons or tap the screen to highlight or tap the screen to highlight Language. Press the ENTER button or tap the screen to enter the Language menu. 2.
2.6.3 Setting the beep 1. Turn on the video camera, and press the Mode button to go to SET mode. Press the ENTER button or tap the screen to enter the Beep menu. 2. Press the Up/Down buttons or tap the screen to select Off or On options. Press the ENTER button or tap Ok to confirm.
2.7 Shoot/Playback video 2.7.1 1. Shooting a video clip Turn on the video camera and it starts in Movie mode. Movie mode 2. Use the LCD screen to frame the video. 3. Press the REC. / STOP button to start recording. 4. Press the REC. / STOP button again to stop recording. 5. The video clip is automatically saved with a unique file name. Notes: 1. The maximum length of each video recording file is 3.66 GB.
3. The LCD preview and the ratio of a still-image capture can vary depending on the different video resolution settings.
2.7.2 1. Playing the video clip In Movie mode, press the Playback button and the most recent file displays on the LCD screen. Movie playback mode indicator 18 2. Press the Up/Down buttons or tap / to browse the video clips. Press the ENTER button or tap the screen to play back the video clip. 3. To pause while playing back the video clip, press the REC. / STOP button. 4. When viewing the video clip, press MENU button to display the Volume option, and then use the Up/Down / to adjust the volume.
2.8 Taking/viewing pictures 2.8.1 1. Taking a still picture Turn on the camera and move the mode dial to Photo mode. Photo mode 2. Use the LCD screen to frame the picture. 3. Press the REC. / STOP button to capture the image. 4. The picture is automatically saved with a unique file name.
2.8.2 1. Viewing images In Photo mode, press the Playback button and the most recent image displays on the LCD screen. Playback mode 20 2. Press the Up/Down buttons or tap browse the images. / to 3. In thumbnail mode, press the ENTER button or tap Ok to view the image in full screen mode. 4. Press the Playback button again to return to Photo mode.
2.9 Connecting to a computer Read this section to learn how to transfer files to a PC, show the video clips or photos on PC. Connect the video camera to a computer with the USB cable provided. 2.10 Connecting to a standard TV Connect the video camera to a standard TV as shown with the AV cable provided.
2.11 Connecting to an HDTV Read this section to learn how to show the video clips or photos on an HDTV. Connecting to an HDTV offers the high resolution for displaying the video clips or photos. Connect the video camera to an HDTV as shown with an HDMI cable. • 22 Notes: 1. Photo capturing and movie recording are not supported when connected to an HDTV and TV. 2. When connected to HDTV and TV, go to Playback mode and press the REC. key to view video clips or photos in thumbnails.
3 Using the camera Read this section to learn how to use the camera. 3.1 Movie mode Use this mode to capture video clips and store them in internal memory or on an SD card. 3.1.1 Movie mode Use the following picture to familiarize yourself with the Movie mode icons and symbols. 2 1 3 9 4 8 7 6 5 Movie mode: See the table below for a description of each icon and symbol.
White balance indicator Night mode indicator Effect indicator 4 Recorded time indicator 5 Memory status indicator: : indicates an SD card is inserted and the available storage capacity of the SD card : indicates no inserted SD card and the available internal memory 6 Remaining memory capacity 7 Resolution indicator 8 Battery indicator 9 EV compensation indicator 3.1.2 Using the macro function This function can capture subjects close to the lens.
3.1.3 Using the zoom function The camera is equipped with 4x digital zoom. Press the Up button to get closer to a subject. Press the Down button to move away from a subject. • 3.1.4 Note: 1080p and QVGA do not support zoom function. Using the LED light Use the LED light to illuminate subjects in dark environments. Press the LED button to choose from the following lighting options: Off and On modes. 3.1.
3.2 Photo mode Use Photo mode to capture still pictures and store them in the internal memory or on an SD card. 3.2.1 Photo mode icons Use the following picture to familiarize yourself with the Photo mode icons and symbols. 2 1 3 4 9 8 7 6 5 See the table below for a description of each icon and symbol.
5 Memory status indicator: : indicates an SD card is inserted and the available storage capacity of the SD card : indicates no inserted SD card and the available internal memory 6 File size indicator 7 Battery indicator 8 Self timer indicator 9 3.2.2 EV compensation indicator Using the macro function See section 3.1.2 “Using the macro function”. 3.2.3 Using the zoom function See section 3.1.3“Using the zoom function”. 3.2.4 Using the LED light See section 3.1.4 “Using the LED light”. 3.2.
3.3 Movie Playback mode Use Movie Playback mode to review all the movie files stored in the video camera. 3.3.1 Movie Playback mode icons Refer to the following picture to familiarize yourself with the Movie Playback mode icons and symbols. 2 3 1 8 4 4 5 7 6 See the table below for a description of each icon and symbol. 1 Movie playback mode indicator 2 The length of every video clip 3 Displays the number of current movie / total number of recorded video clips 4 Playback icon.
6 Thumbnail icon. Tap to view all video clips in thumbnails. 7 MENU icon. Tap to enter movie playback menu.
3.4 Photo Playback mode Use Photo Playback mode to review all the image files stored in the video camera. 3.4.1 Photo Playback mode icons Refer to the following picture to familiarize yourself with the Photo Playback mode icons and symbols. 1 2 6 3 5 4 3 See the table below for a description of each icon and symbol. 1 Playback mode indicator 2 Displays the number of current image / the total number of saved images 3 / Tap to view the previous/next image 6 Thumbnail icon.
3.5 Thumbnail mode When in Photo Playback or Movie Playback modes, tap on screen to show images as thumbnails. 1. Turn on the video camera and make sure it is in Photo Playback or Movie Playback mode. 2. The most recent image /video clip displays on the screen. Press the zoom button left to view six thumbnail images /video clips on the LCD screen. 3. Press the Up/Down buttons or tap the screen to highlight / to view an image or a video clip. Tap the previous or next page. 4.
4 Using the menus Read this section to learn how to configure the camera settings and use the advanced features. 4.1 Movie menu When in Movie mode, press the MENU button to show the Movie options menu. 4.1.1. White balance Use this option to correct color difference for different lighting conditions. When white balance is set to Auto, the video camera automatically compensates for different lighting conditions. 32 1. Turn the video camera on and ensure it is in Movie mode.
4.1.2. Video resolution Use the resolution option to determine the resolution of the captured video. The larger screen size requires more memory storage space. 1. Turn the video camera on and ensure it is in Movie mode. Press the MENU button to display menu options. 2. Use the Up/Down buttons to highlight the Resolution option. Press the ENTER button or tap the screen to display the submenu. 3. Use the Up/Down buttons or tap the screen to select 1080P, 720P, WVGA, or QVGA.
3. 1080p and QVGA mode do not support Digital Zoom function. 4.1.3. Color effect The camera can capture standard color images, black and white images, or sepia tone to give an old-fashioned look. 34 1. Turn the video camera on and ensure it is in Movie mode. Press the MENU button to display the menu options. 2. Use the Up/Down buttons to highlight the Effect option. Press the ENTER button or tap the screen to display the submenu. 3.
4.1.4. Night mode Use this function to shoot a better video clip quality in dark environments. 1. Turn the video camera on and ensure it is in Movie mode. Press the MENU button to display the menu options. 2. Use the Up/Down buttons to highlight the Night Mode option. Press the ENTER button or tap the screen to display the submenu. 3. Use the Up/Down or tap the screen to select Off or On option. Press the ENTER button or tap Ok to confirm. 4. Press the MENU button again or tap menu.
4.1.5. Video quality Use this function to record video clips. Higher quality video requires more memory storage space and higher speed SD card 36 1. Turn the video camera on and ensure it is in Movie mode. 2. Press the MENU button to display the menu options. 3. Use the Up/Down buttons to highlight the Quality option. Press the ENTER button or tap the screen to display the submenu. 4. Use the Up/Down buttons or tap the screen to select Fine or Normal options.
4.2 Movie playback menu Use the playback menu to manage the files stored in the internal memory or on the SD card. 4.2.1 Delete Use this function to delete files. 1. Turn the video camera on and ensure it is in Movie mode. Press the Playback button and then press the MENU button or tap the screen to display the Movie Playback menu. 2. Use the Up/Down buttons or tap the screen to select Delete One or Delete All options. If you select Delete One, the playback screen appears again.
If you select Delete All, use the Up/Down buttons or tap the Delete icon and press the ENTER button or tap Ok to delete all video clips. 38 to exit the 3. Press the MENU button again or tap menu. • Note: Once deleted, files cannot be recovered so make sure you have a backup before you delete. Files that have been protected will not be deleted. You have to unlock the files first before deleting them.
4.2.2 Protect Use this function to lock files to prevent accidental deletion. 1. Turn the video camera on and ensure it is in Movie mode. Press the Playback button and then press the MENU button or tap the screen to display Movie Playback menu. 2. Use the Up/Down buttons or tap the screen to select the Protect option. Then playback screen appears again. 3. Use the Up/Down buttons or tap select the file you want to protect. 4. Press the ENTER button or tap the Protect icon to confirm.
4.2.3 Autoplay Use this function to continuously play all movie clips stored in the memory card. 40 1. Turn the video camera on and ensure it is in Movie mode. Press the Playback button and then press the MENU button or tap the screen to display the Movie Playback menu. 2. Use the Up/Down buttons or tap the screen to select the Autoplay option. The video camera starts continuous playing of movie clips. 3. Press the REC. / STOP button to pause the movie clip. Press the REC.
4.2.4 Volume Use this function to adjust the volume of the video clips in playback mode. 1. Turn the video camera on and ensure it is in Movie mode. Press the Playback button and then press the MENU button or tap the screen to display the Movie Playback menu. 2. Use the Up/Down buttons highlight the Volume option. Press the ENTER button or tap the screen to display the submenu. 3. / to Use the Up/Down buttons or tap increase/decrease the volume. Press the ENTER button or tap Ok to confirm. 4.
4.3 Photo menu In Photo mode, press the MENU button to show the Photo Options menu. 4.3.1 White balance Use this option to correct color difference due to lighting conditions. 42 1. Turn the video camera on and ensure it is in Photo mode. Press the MENU button to display the menu options. 2. Use the Up/Down buttons to highlight the White Balance option. Press the ENTER button or tap the screen to display the submenu. 3.
4.3.2 Resolution Use this option to set the size of the captured image. Larger images contain more details and therefore use more memory space. 1. Turn the video camera on and ensure it is in Photo mode. 2. Press the MENU button to display the menu options. 3. Use the Up/Down buttons to highlight the Resolution option. Press the ENTER button or tap the screen to display the submenu. 4. Use the Up/Down buttons or tap the screen to select 3M, 5M or 12M. Press the ENTER button or tap Ok to confirm.
4.3.3 Color effect The camera can capture standard color images, black and white images, or sepia tone to give an old-fashioned look. 44 1. Turn the video camera on and ensure it is in Photo mode. 2. Press the MENU button to display the menu options. 3. Use the Up/Down buttons to highlight the Effect option. Press the ENTER button or tap the screen to display the submenu. 4. Use the Up/Down buttons or tap the screen to select Color, B & W, or Sepia. Press the ENTER button or tap Ok to confirm.
4.3.4 Night mode Use this function to shoot a better photo clip quality in dark environments. 1. Turn the video camera on and ensure it is in Photo mode. 2. Press the MENU button to display the menu options. 3. Use the Up/Down buttons to highlight the Night Mode option. Press the ENTER button or tap the screen to display the submenu. 4. Use the Up/Down buttons or tap the screen to select Off or On option. Press the ENTER button or tap Ok to confirm. 5. Press the MENU button again or tap menu.
4.3.5 Selftimer Use the self timer function to take a photo of yourself. 6. Turn the video camera on and ensure it is in Photo mode. 7. Press the MENU button to display the menu options. 8. Use the Up/Down buttons to highlight the Selftimer option. Press the ENTER button or tap the screen to display the submenu. 9. Use the Up/Down buttons or tap the screen to select Off, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds options. Press the ENTER button or tap Ok to confirm. 10. Press the MENU button again or tap menu.
4.3.6 Photo quality Use this set the photo quality. Higher quality pictures requires more memory storage space and higher speed SD card 1. Turn the video camera on and ensure it is in Photo mode. 2. Press the MENU button to display the menu options. 3. Use the Up/Down buttons to highlight the Quality option. Press the ENTER button or tap the screen to display the submenu. 4. Use the Up/Down buttons or tap the screen to select Fine or Normal options. Press the ENTER button or tap Ok to confirm. 5.
4.4 Photo playback menu 4.4.1 Delete Use this function to delete files. 1. Turn the video camera on and ensure it is in Photo mode. Press the Playback button and then press the MENU button or tap the screen to display the Photo Playback menu. 2. Use the Up/Down buttons or tap the screen to select Delete One or Delete All options. If you select Delete One, the playback screen appears again. / to locate the Use the Up/Down buttons or tap file you want to delete.
If you select Delete All, use the Up/Down buttons or tap the Delete icon and press the ENTER button or tap Ok to delete all images. 3. Press the MENU button again or tap menu. to exit the • Note: Once deleted, files cannot be recovered so make sure you have a backup before you delete. Files that have been protected will not be deleted. You have to unlock the files first before deleting them.
4.4.2 Protect Use this function to protect files. 1. Turn the video camera on and ensure it is in Photo mode. Press the Playback button and then press the MENU button or tap the screen to display the Photo Playback menu. 2. Use the Up/Down buttons or tap the screen to select the Protect option. Then playback screen appears again. 3. Use the Up/Down buttons or tap the file you want to protect. 4. 50 icon is displayed to show that the file Note: To unlock a file, repeat the above steps.
4.4.3 Slide show The camera includes a slide show function, which displays each image in turn with a regular interval between pictures. 1. Turn the video camera on and ensure it is in Photo mode. Press the Playback button and then press the MENU button or tap the screen to display the Photo Playback menu. 2. Use the Up/Down buttons to select the Autoplay option and press the ENTER button or tap the screen to confirm. The images will be displayed automatically. 3.
4.5 System menu The system menu is used to configure miscellaneous camera functions. 4.5.1 Setting the beep See section 2.6.3 “Setting the Beep”. 4.5.2 Date/time See section 2.6.1 “Setting the date and time” 4.5.3 Auto power off Use this function to switch the camera off automatically after a period of inactivity for power saving. 52 1. Turn on the video camera and press the Mode button to go to SET mode. 2. Use the Up/Down buttons or tap the screen to highlight the Auto Power Off option.
4.5.4 TV standard Use the TV option to set the TV system for the area. 1. Turn on the video camera and press the Mode button to go to SET mode. 2. Use the Up/Down buttons to highlight the TV standard option. Press the ENTER button or tap the screen to display the submenu. 3. Use the Up/Down buttons or tap the screen to select NTSC or PAL, and press the ENTER button or tap Ok to confirm.
4.5.5 Format Use this function to format the current storage media. This format action will delete everything on the media. 54 1. Turn on the video camera and press the Mode button to go to SET mode. 2. Use the Up/Down buttons to highlight the Format option. Press the ENTER button or tap the screen to display the submenu. 3. Use the Up/Down buttons to select Cancel, or SD, and press the ENTER button or tap Ok to confirm. 4. The current media (memory card or internal memory) is formatted.
4.5.6 Default Use this option to reset all settings to the default settings. 1. Turn on the video camera and press the Mode button to go to SET mode. 2. Use the Up/Down buttons to highlight the Default option. Press the ENTER button or tap the screen to display the submenu. 3. Use the Up/Down buttons or tap the screen to select Cancel or Ok, and press the ENTER button or tap Ok to confirm. 4.5.7 Language See section 2.6.2 “Setting the language”.
4.5.8 Frequency Use the Frequency option to set the frequency system for your area. To set the frequency: 56 1. Turn on the video camera and switch to SET mode. 2. Use the Up/Down buttons or tap the screen to highlight the Frequency option. Press the ENTER button or tap the screen to display the submenu. 3. Use the Up/Down buttons or tap the screen to select NTSC or PAL. Press the ENTER button or tap Ok to confirm.
Appendix Specifications General Imaging sensor 1/3.2” CMOS 5.0 Megapixel sensor Active pixels 5.0 Megapixel Storage media Built-in 128 MB flash memory (approx. 75 MB available for image storage) SD Card, SDHC compatible (up to SDHC 16GB Class 6) Sensor sensitivity Auto Color effects Color/B&W/Sepia Lens Fixed lens Wide: F/3.2, f=5.1mm Focus range Normal: 1.5m~infinity Macro: 20-21cm Still image Formats: JPEG (EXIF 2.
General Movie clips Format: H.264 (AVI) Resolution: QVGA (120 fps), WVGA (60 fps), HD 720p (30 fps), HD 1080p (30 fps) Zoom Movie: Digital Zoom 4X (except 1080p and QVGA) Camera: Digital Zoom 4X TFT Monitor 3” TFT LCD Touch Display (960 x 240 pixels) (16:9) LED Light < 1.0 m range White balance Auto/Sunny/Cloudy/Tungsten/ Fluorescent EV -2.0 EV~+2.0 EV compensation Self-timer Off, 5, 10 seconds PC interface MSDC: USB 2.
General Dimension 17 (W) x 107 (H) x 57 (D) mm Weight Approx.
Troubleshooting Problem Possible Cause Solution Cannot turn on the video camera. The batteries are not inserted correctly. • Insert the batteries correctly. (See 2.2 Inserting the batteries.) The batteries have no power. • Replace the batteries The camera suddenly turns off. The captured image is not stored in memory. 60 The auto power off • Turn the power function was on again. enabled. • Replace the The camera is batteries. running out of battery power.
Problem Possible Cause Solution The camera turns off when capturing image using self-timer. The camera is running out of battery power. • Replace the batteries. The image is out of focus. The subject is beyond focus range. • Please take a picture within the available focus range and choose normal or macro mode. (See 3.2.2 Using the macro function). Memory card cannot be used. The memory card is protected. • Unlock the memory card. The memory card contains non-DCF images taken by other cameras.
Problem All buttons are inactive. Possible Cause Solution Short circuit • Remove the occurred when batteries from the connecting the camera and insert camera with other again. devices. SDHC Logo is a trademark of SD-3C, LLC.
