Canon ZR960 Instruction Manual

Canon ZR960 Instruction Manual

Digital video camcorder
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Digital Video Camcorder

Instruction Manual

Caméscope numérique
Manuel d'instruction
Videocámara digital
Manual de Instrucciones
Digital
Mini
Video
Cassette
PUB. DIM-0915-000
English
Français
Español
NTSC

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Summary of Contents for Canon ZR960

  • Page 1: Instruction Manual

    Digital Video Camcorder Instruction Manual Caméscope numérique Manuel d'instruction Videocámara digital Manual de Instrucciones Digital Mini Video Cassette PUB. DIM-0915-000 English Français Español NTSC...
  • Page 2: Cleaning The Video Heads

    Introduction Cleaning the Video Heads Digital video camcorders record video signals onto the tape in very thin lines (as thin as 1/8 the width of a hair). The following anomalies may appear if the video heads are even slightly dirty.
  • Page 3: Important Usage Instructions

    If such changes or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop operation of the equipment. Canon U.S.A., Inc. One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042, U.S.A. Tel No. (516)328-5600 The Mains plug is used as the disconnect device. The Mains plug shall remain readily operable to disconnect the plug in case of an accident.
  • Page 4: Important Safety Instructions

    IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS In these safety instructions the word “apparatus” or “product” refers to the Canon Digital Video Camcorder ZR960 A and all its accessories. Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water.
  • Page 5 This indicates a need for service. When replacement of the power supply is required, please return it to the responsible nearest Canon Service Center and please replace it with the same type number CA-590. The adapter can be used with a power supply between 100 and 240 V AC. For areas where 120 V AC power is not used, you will need a special plug adapter.
  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Table of contents Introduction ____________________________________ About this Manual Getting to Know the Camcorder Supplied Accessories Names of Parts Screen Displays Preparations ____________________________________ Getting Started Charging the Battery Pack Installing the Backup Battery Preparing the Accessories Basic Operation of the Camcorder Joystick and Joystick Guide Using the Menus First Time Settings...
  • Page 7 Advanced Functions : Special Scene Recording Programs Flexible Recording: Changing the Shutter Speed LCD Video Light Self Timer Manual Focus Adjustment Manual Exposure Adjustment White Balance Image Effects Digital Effects Using an External Microphone Audio Playback Modes External Connections _____________________________ Connecting to a TV or VCR Connection Diagrams Playback on a TV Screen...
  • Page 8 General Information System Diagram Optional Accessories Product Codes Specifications Index 8 • Table of contents...
  • Page 9: Introduction

    About this Manual Thank you for purchasing the Canon ZR960. Please read this manual carefully before you use the camcorder and retain it for future reference. Should your camcorder fail to operate correctly, refer to Troubleshooting ( Conventions Used in this Manual •...
  • Page 10: Getting To Know The Camcorder

    Register your product online at Protect your product We will keep the model number and date of purchase of your new Canon product on file to help you refer to this information in the event of an insurance claim such as loss or theft.
  • Page 11: Names Of Parts

    Names of Parts Left side view Right side view Front view Lens cover switch ( open, closed) Speaker ( CHG (charge) indicator ( DV terminal ( 39, 43) MIC (microphone) terminal (red) ( AV terminal ( Lock button switch Mode switch ( Easy recording Recording programs Grip belt (...
  • Page 12 Back view Top view Bottom view 12 • Introduction Joystick ( FUNC. button ( 18, 45) D.EFFECTS button ( Viewfinder ( Dioptric adjustment lever ( STANDBY indicator ( VIEWFINDER button ( Start/Stop button ( DC IN terminal ( LCD screen ( Serial number/ Battery attachment unit ( Backup battery compartment (...
  • Page 13: Screen Displays

    Screen Displays Recording Movies Playing Movies Zoom ( 25), Exposure Recording program ( White balance ( Image effects ( LCD video light ( Digital effects ( Condensation warning ( Shutter speed ( Self timer ( Manual exposure ( Manual focus ( Image stabilizer ( Recording mode ( Tape operation (...
  • Page 14 Tape operation Record, Record pause, Stop, Eject, Fast forward, Rewind, Playback, Playback pause, Fast forward playback, Rewind playback Remaining tape Indicates the remaining time of the tape in minutes. moves while recording.) When the tape reaches its end, the display changes to “ •...
  • Page 15: Preparations

    Preparations This chapter describes basic operations, such as navigating the menus, and first time settings to help you learn more about your camcorder. Getting Started Getting Started Charging the Battery Pack The camcorder can be powered with a battery pack or directly using the compact power adapter.
  • Page 16 O REMOVE THE BATTERY PACK BATT. Slide in the direction of the arrow and hold it pressed down. Slide the battery pack down and then pull it out IMPORTANT • We recommend charging the battery pack in temperatures between 10 °C and 30 °C (50 °F and 86 °F).
  • Page 17: Installing The Backup Battery

    Installing the Backup Battery The backup battery (CR1616 lithium button battery) allows the camcorder to retain the date, time ( 20) and other camcorder settings while the power source is disconnected. Connect a power source to the camcorder when replacing the backup battery to retain the settings.
  • Page 18: Basic Operation Of The Camcorder

    Basic Operation of the Camcorder Basic Operation of the Camcorder Joystick and Joystick Guide Use the joystick to operate the camcorder’s menus. Push the joystick up, down, left or right ( ) to select an item or change settings. Press the joystick itself ( save the settings or confirm an action.
  • Page 19: First Time Settings

    Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus Press FUNC. Select ( MENU] and press to open the setup menus. You can also hold FUNC. down for more than 1 second to open directly the setup menus screen. Select ( ) the desired menu from the left side column and press The title of the selected menu appears on top of the screen and...
  • Page 20: Changing The Time Zone

    Changing the Time Zone Change the time zone to match your location. The default setting is New York or Singapore, depending on the region of purchase. switch: FUNC. MENU] DATE/TIME SETUP] [T.ZONE/DST] Desired time zone* FUNC. * To adjust for daylight saving time, select the area name marked with a Setting the Date and Time switch:...
  • Page 21: Inserting And Removing A Tape

    Subject can monitor the LCD screen NOTES About the LCD and viewfinder screen: The screens are produced using extremely high-precision manufacturing techniques, with more than 99.99% of the pixels operating to specification. Less than 0.01% of the pixels may occasionally misfire or appear as black, red, blue or green dots.
  • Page 22 Press the mark on the cassette compartment until it clicks. Wait for the cassette compartment to retract automatically and close the cassette compartment cover. 22 • Preparations IMPORTANT • Do not interfere with the cassette compartment while it is opening or closing automatically, or attempt to close the cover before the cassette compartment has fully retracted.
  • Page 23: Video

    Video This chapter covers functions related to shooting and playing back movies – from basic recording and zooming to more advanced manual picture adjustments. Basic Recording Basic Recording Shooting Video Before You Begin Recording Make a test recording first to check if the camcorder operates correctly.
  • Page 24: Changing The Aspect Ratio Of The Recordings (Widescreen / 4:3)

    NOTES • About the recording time: By changing the recording mode you can change the video quality and as a result, also the available recording time ( • Previous recordings overwritten by a new recording cannot be recovered. Before you start recording, search for the end of the last recording ( •...
  • Page 25: Zooming: Optical, Advanced And Digital Zoom

    Zooming: Optical, Advanced and Digital Zoom The camcorder offers three types of zoom: optical, advanced and digital zoom. You can also change the zoom speed. switch: Selecting the Zoom Type Options [OPTICAL] (37x) The zoom range is limited to the optical magnification ratio of the lens.
  • Page 26: Reviewing The Last Scene Recorded

    second*, ensuring you do not miss important shooting opportunities. * The actual time required varies depending on the shooting conditions. switch: With the camcorder on, close the LCD panel. • If you are using the viewfinder and the LCD panel is closed, press VIEWFINDER to enter the standby mode.
  • Page 27: Basic Playback

    Basic Playback Basic Playback Playing Back Video switch: Holding the lock button pressed down, set the switch to PLAY. Press to display the joystick guide. Locate the point where you want to begin the playback. Push the joystick ( ) toward rewind the tape or ( ) toward to fast forward.
  • Page 28: Locating The End Of The Last Scene

    Locating the End of the Last Scene After playing back a tape, use this function to locate the end of the last scene recorded in order to continue recording from that point. switch: POINTS TO CHECK Stop the playback before using this function.
  • Page 29: Advanced Functions

    Advanced Functions Advanced Functions : Special Scene Recording Programs Recording in a very bright ski resort or capturing the full colors of a sunset or a fireworks display becomes as easy as selecting a Special Scene recording program. For details about the available options, refer to the sidebar on page 30.
  • Page 30 PROGRAM AE] The camcorder sets the aperture and shutter speed. SPORTS] Use this mode to record sports scenes such as tennis or golf. SNOW] Use this mode to record in bright ski resorts. It prevents the subject from being underexposed. SUNSET] Use this mode to record sunsets in...
  • Page 31: Flexible Recording: Changing The Shutter Speed

    Flexible Recording: Changing the Shutter Speed Use the automatic exposure (AE) program to use functions like the white balance or image effects, or to select the shutter speed. Use faster shutter speeds to record subjects moving quickly. Use slower shutter speeds to add motion blur, emphasizing the feel of movement.
  • Page 32: Lcd Video Light

    LCD Video Light You can use the brightness of the LCD screen (LCD video light) to record in completely dark places. For a brighter picture, we recommend keeping a distance of about 20 cm - 60 cm (8 in. - 2 ft.) from the subject and/or using the NIGHT] recording program.
  • Page 33: Manual Exposure Adjustment

    BACK FOCUS Press to display the joystick guide. Push the joystick ( ) toward [FOCUS] to activate the manual focus. [FOCUS] on the joystick guide will be displayed in light blue and [MF] appears on the screen. Adjust ( ) the focus as necessary.
  • Page 34: White Balance

    neutral value “±0” appear on the screen. Adjust ( ) the brightness of the image as required. • The adjustment range and the length of the exposure adjustment indicator will vary depending on the initial brightness of the picture. • Pushing the joystick ( [EXP] again will return the camcorder to automatic exposure.
  • Page 35: Image Effects

    • In the following cases, if the colors on the screen do not look natural using the AUTO] setting, try using the custom white balance. - Changing lighting conditions - Close-ups - Subjects in a single color (sky, sea or forest) - Under mercury lamps and certain types of fluorescent lights...
  • Page 36: Using An External Microphone

    Applying D.EFFECTS Press to activate the fader/effect. • The icon of the selected digital effect turns green. • Press again to deactivate D.EFFECTS the digital effect. D.EFFECTS Press : ...in record pause mode, then press Start/Stop to start recording with a fade in.
  • Page 37: Audio Playback Modes

    • When an external microphone is connected to the camcorder, [WIND SCREEN] will automatically be set to Audio Playback Modes Selecting the Audio Channel You can select what audio channel to play back when playing back a tape with audio recorded on two channels (either stereo sound or bilingual audio signals).
  • Page 38: Connecting To A Tv Or Vcr

    External Connections This chapter explains step-by-step how to connect your camcorder to an external device such as a TV, VCR, or computer. Connecting to a TV or VCR Connecting to a TV or VCR Open the LCD panel to access. 38 •...
  • Page 39: Connection Diagrams

    Connection Diagrams Turn off all the devices when making the connections and refer also to the instruction manual of the connected device. Terminal on the Camcorder Output connection (signal flow STV-250N Stereo Video Cable Output connection (signal flow Input connection (signal flow * Be careful to correctly insert the 6-pin plug into the DV terminal.
  • Page 40: Playback On A Tv Screen

    Playback on a TV Screen The quality of the playback picture will vary depending on the connected TV and the type of connection used. switch: POINTS TO CHECK Before making the connections, select the [TV TYPE] setting according to the TV set to which you will connect the camcorder 47).
  • Page 41: Digital Video Dubbing

    NOTES • We recommend powering the camcorder using the compact power adapter. • When recording to a VCR using an analog connection –connection type 39)–, the quality of the edited tape will be lower than the original. • When recording to a digital video recorder using the DV terminal –connection type 39)–:...
  • Page 42 NOTES We recommend powering the camcorder using the compact power adapter. Copyright Signal Certain software tapes are copyright protected. If you attempt to play back such tape, [COPYRIGHT PROTECTED PLAYBACK IS RESTRICTED] appears and you will not be able to view the contents of the tape.
  • Page 43: Connecting To A Computer

    Connecting to a Computer Connecting to a Computer Open the LCD panel to access PC Connection Diagram Terminal on the Camcorder Output connection (signal flow * Be careful to correctly insert the 6-pin plug into the DV terminal. Inserting it in the wrong direction can result in damage to the camcorder.
  • Page 44: Transferring Video Recordings

    Transferring Video Recordings You can transfer recordings to a computer using the DV terminal. Equipment and System Requirements • A computer equipped with an IEEE1394 (DV) terminal or an IEEE1394 (DV) capturing board. • A DV cable (commercially available). • Video editing software. •...
  • Page 45: Appendix: Menu Options Lists

    Additional Information This chapter contains troubleshooting advice, screen messages, handling and maintenance tips, and other information. Appendix: Menu Options Lists Appendix: Menu Options Lists Menu items not available appear grayed out. For details about how to select an item, refer to Using the Menus ( page.
  • Page 46: Setup Menus

    Camera Setup (Advanced Zoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.) Setup menus CAMERA SETUP Menu item [SHUTTER] [1/500], [1/1000], [1/2000] [A.SL SHUTTER] [ZOOM TYPE] [ZOOM SPEED] [IMG STAB] [WIDESCREEN] [SELF TIMER] Option available only when the recording program is set to [ Option available when the mode switch is set to set to [ PROGRAM AE]).
  • Page 47: Audio Setup (Wind Screen, Output Channel, Etc

    • If you make recordings in both SP and LP modes on the same tape, during playback you may notice some video anomalies in the picture at the point where the recording mode changes. • When playing back in this camcorder tapes recorded in LP mode with other devices or vice versa, you may notice some anomalies in the playback picture or the sound may stop briefly.
  • Page 48 Menu item [DATA CODE] [LANGUAGE] Language Set A: [PORTUGUÊS], [ Language Set B: [ENGLISH], [ [DEMO MODE] The default setting is [ adapter. The list of languages available depends on the region of purchase. [BRIGHTNESS]: Adjust ( • Changing the brightness of the LCD display does not affect that of the viewfinder or the recordings.
  • Page 49: System Setup (Beep, Power Save, Etc

    System Setup (Beep, Power Save, etc.) SYSTEM SETUP Menu item [BEEP] LOW VOLUME], [ [POWER SAVE] [QUICK START] [BEEP]: A beep will accompany some operations like turning on the camcorder, the self- timer countdown, etc. It also serves as a warning beep under unusual conditions. [POWER SAVE]: In order to save power when the camcorder is powered by a battery pack, it will automatically shut off if left without any operation for 5 minutes.
  • Page 50: Trouble

    Trouble? Troubleshooting If you have a problem with your camcorder, refer to this section. Consult your dealer or a Canon Service Center if the problem persists. Power Source The camcorder will not turn on or it turns off by itself.
  • Page 51 pause ( ) mode for 4 minutes 30 seconds. To resume the operation press Start/Stop (when recording) or push the joystick ( ) toward (during playback). Recording Image will not appear on the screen. - Set the camcorder to 23). [SET THE TIME ZONE, DATE AND TIME] appears on the screen.
  • Page 52: List Of Messages

    List of Messages (in alphabetical order) CHANGE THE BATTERY PACK - Battery pack is exhausted. Replace or charge the battery pack ( CHECK THE CASSETTE [INCORRECT TAPE SPECIFICATION] - You attempted to play back a tape recorded in HD (high definition) standard. CHECK THE INPUT - The DV cable is not correctly connected to the DV terminal (...
  • Page 53: Do's And Don'ts

    Do’s and Don’ts Handling Precautions Camcorder • Do not carry the camcorder by the LCD panel. Be careful when closing the LCD panel. • Do not leave the camcorder in places subject to high temperatures (like the inside of a car under direct sunlight), or high humidity.
  • Page 54 Battery Pack DANGER! Treat the battery pack with care. • Keep it away from fire (or it might explode). • Do not expose the battery pack to temperature higher than 60 °C (140 °F). Do not leave it near a heater or inside a car in hot weather.
  • Page 55 • With cassettes equipped with a memory function, metal plated terminals may become dirty with use. Clean the terminals with a cotton swab after about 10 times of removing and reinserting the cassette. The memory function is not supported by the camcorder. Protecting Tapes from Accidental Erasure To protect your recordings from accidental erasure, slide the tab on the cassette to...
  • Page 56: Maintenance/Others

    Maintenance/Others Cleaning Camcorder Body • Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the camcorder body. Never use chemically treated cloth or volatile solvents such as paint thinner. Lens and Viewfinder • If the lens surface is dirty, the autofocus may not work properly. •...
  • Page 57: Using The Camcorder Abroad

    100 and 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Consult the Canon Service Center for information on plug adapters for overseas use. Playback on a TV Screen...
  • Page 58: General Information

    General Information System Diagram SS-600/SS-650 Shoulder Strap MiniDV videocassette TL-H30.5 Tele-converter WD-H30.5 Wide-converter FS-30.5U Filter Set SC-2000 Soft Carrying Case * The BP-2L5 is not available as a separate optional accessory. ** CA-590E including power cord, in Asia. 58 • Additional Information (Availability differs from area to area) NB-2LH, BP-2L5*,...
  • Page 59: Optional Accessories

    Use of genuine Canon accessories is recommended. This product is designed to achieve excellent performance when used with genuine Canon accessories. Canon shall not be liable for any damage to this product and/or accidents such as fire, etc., caused by the malfunction of non-genuine Canon accessories (e.g., a leakage and/or explosion of a battery pack).
  • Page 60 Recording and Playback Times The recording and playback times given in the following table are approximate and vary according to recording mode and charging, recording or playback conditions. The effective usage time of the battery pack may decrease when recording in cold surroundings, when using the brighter screen settings, etc.
  • Page 61 SC-2000 Soft Carrying Case A handy camcorder bag with padded compartments and plenty of space for accessories. This mark identifies genuine Canon video accessories. When you use Canon video equipment, we recommend Canon-brand accessories or products bearing the same mark. • 61...
  • Page 62: Product Codes

    Product Codes Provided Accessories CA-590 Compact Power Adapter BP-2L5 Battery Pack STV-250N Stereo Video Cable Optional Accessories NB-2LH Battery Pack BP-2L13 Battery Pack BP-2L14 Battery Pack CB-2LW Battery Charger CBC-NB2 Car Battery Charger WD-H30.5 Wide-converter TL-H30.5 Tele-converter FS-30.5U Filter Set SC-2000 Soft Carrying Case DVM-CL DV Cleaning Cassette 62 •...
  • Page 63: Specifications

    Specifications ZR960 System Video Recording System Audio Recording System Television System Image Sensor Compatible Tapes Tape Speed Maximum Recording Time (60 min. tape) LCD Screen Viewfinder Microphone Lens Lens Configuration AF system Filter Diameter White Balance Minimum Illumination Minimum Focusing Distance...
  • Page 64 Input/Output Terminals AV Terminal DV Terminal MIC Terminal Power/Others Power supply (rated) Power consumption Operating Temperature Dimensions (W x H x D) Weight (camcorder body only) CA-590 Compact Power Adapter Power input Rated output Operating temperature Dimensions Weight BP-2L5 Battery Pack Battery type Rated voltage Operating temperature...
  • Page 65: Index

    Index 6-second auto date ....48 Abroad, using the camcorder ..57 Aspect ratio of a connected TV (TV type) ..47 of movies (Widescreen) .
  • Page 66 Recording ..... . . 23 Recording mode ....46 Recording programs .
  • Page 67 B) If the Equipment is defective as a result of leaking batteries, sand, dirt or water damage; C) If defects or damages are caused by the use of unauthorized parts or by service other than by Canon USA’s factory service centers or authorized service facilities;...
  • Page 68 Equipment is warranted under normal, non-commercial, personal use, against defective materials or workmanship as follows: Parts: Defective parts will be exchanged for new parts or, at Canon Canada’s option, comparable rebuilt parts for a period of one year from the date of original purchase, except Video Heads which will be exchanged for a period of 3 months from the date of purchase.
  • Page 69 CANON CANADA INC. MONTREAL 8801 Route Transcanadienne, Saint-Laurent, QC H4S 1Z6 ❖ If you have any questions, call the Canon Canada Information Center toll free (in Canada only) at 1-800-OK-CANON (1-800-652-2666). ❖ Si vous avez des questions, veuillez téléphoner 1-800-OK-CANON (1-800-652-2666, sans frais au Canada seulement).

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