Vivitar DVR 918M User Manual
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Vivitar DVR 918M User Manual

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DVR 918M
Digital Camcorder
User Manual
© 2009-2015 Sakar International, Inc. All rights reserved.
Windows and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

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  • Page 1 DVR 918M Digital Camcorder User Manual © 2009-2015 Sakar International, Inc. All rights reserved. Windows and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ..........................2 What’s Included ..........................2 Parts of the Camcorder ........................ 3 Initial Camcorder Setup ........................ 4 Main Camcorder Modes ....................... 8 Camcorder Technical Specifications ..................... 9 Computer System Requirements ....................10 Powering the Camcorder On/Off ....................11 Changing Camcorder Mode .......................

  • Page 3: Introduction

    This camcorder is a Plug and Play device. You can download the pictures and videos captured by your camcorder without the software by directly accessing the camcorder’s memory card from your computer. It is recommended however that you install the Vivitar Experience™ Image Manager Software to enjoy the full Vivitar experience.

  • Page 4: Parts Of The Camcorder

    Parts of the Camcorder Power Button 12. AV Out Port Shutter Button 13. USB Interface T (Zoom In) Button 14. Speaker W (Zoom Out) / Thumbnail View Button 15. Digital Lens MODE (M) Button 16. Self-Timer LED Indicator Light OK (MENU/SET) Button 17.

  • Page 5: Initial Camcorder Setup

    Initial Camcorder Setup Installing the Batteries Installing the Memory Card  SD Memory card (up to 32GB) needed for normal use.  It is recommended to use a Class 4 SD card or higher SD card.  Slide open the battery compartment ...
  • Page 6 POWERING THE CAMCORDER ON INSTALLING THE BATTERIES Remove the battery compartment cover. Insert the batteries properly into your digital camcorder, according to the polarity shown inside the battery compartment. Use 3 x AAA (1.5V) batteries. Alkaline batteries are recommended. Batteries not included. Close the battery compartment cover securely.
  • Page 7 POWERING ON THE DIGITAL CAMCORDER Flip open the LCD screen and press the POWER button to turn on the digital camcorder. CAMCORDER INITIAL SETUP Flip open the LCD screen and press the POWER button to power. When powering the camcorder on for the first time the camcorder will take you through the initial setup.
  • Page 8 The ViviLink technology allows you to quickly and easily upload your camcorder’s photos and videos to the social networks of your choice with the accompanying Vivitar Experience Image Manager software application.

  • Page 9: Main Camcorder Modes

    Main Camcorder Modes Your digital camcorder has different modes for the various camcorder functions. You can switch modes by pressing the MODE (M) button on your digital camcorder after the camcorder has been powered ON. VIDEO CAPTURE MODE Use this mode to capture videos with your digital camcorder. This is the default mode when the camcorder is powered ON.

  • Page 10: Camcorder Technical Specifications

    Camcorder Technical Specifications Image Sensor CMOS Sensor Video Resolution (FHD) 1920x1080, (HD) 1280x720, (VGA) 640x480 (10M) 3648X2736, (8M) 3264x 2448, (5M) 2592x1944, Image Resolution (3M) 2048x1536, (1.3M) 1280x1024, VGA 640x480 File Format JPEG/AVI External Memory SD Card (up to 32GB) – Class 4 or higher LCD Display 1.8”...

  • Page 11: Computer System Requirements

    Computer System Requirements To be able to download photos and videos to your computer using the Vivitar Experience™ Image Manager Software, you will need the following minimum configuration: WINDOWS OS  MICROSOFT® Windows XP with Service Pack 3, Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 or MICROSOFT®...

  • Page 12: Powering The Camcorder On/Off

    Powering the Camcorder On/Off  Make sure the batteries have been inserted properly into your digital camcorder.  Make sure an SD card (up to 32GB) has been inserted into your digital camcorder. Note: SD Memory Card and batteries not included. ‘Initial Camcorder Please see Setup’...

  • Page 13: Changing Camcorder Mode

    Changing Camcorder Mode Your camcorder has three main modes: Video Capture Mode - Use this mode to capture videos with your camcorder. Photo Capture Mode - Use this mode to capture photos with your camcorder. Playback Mode (for photos and videos) - Use this mode to view the photos and videos you have already taken with your camcorder.

  • Page 14: Camcorder Options: Vivilink, Led Flash, Display

    The ViviLink technology allows you to quickly and easily upload your camcorder’s photos and videos to the social networks of your choice with the accompanying Vivitar Experience™ Image Manager application. A ViviLink destination can be assigned to a photo or video in Capture mode prior to capturing your image or in Playback Mode.
  • Page 15 VIVILINK: PLAYBACK MODE A ViviLink destination can be added to a captured image or changed by accessing the ViviLink menu in Playback Mode. Simply select your image and press the OK button to view the Playback menu options. Select the ‘ViviLink’ menu and then use the UP or DOWN button to select the ViviLink destination and press the OK button.

  • Page 16: Video Capture Mode

    Video Capture Mode The Video Capture Mode allows you to capture videos with your digital camcorder. When the camcorder is first powered ON, it will be in Video Capture Mode. TAKING A VIDEO Selecting the Scene Using the LCD Display: While in Video Capture mode, use the LCD display to direct the camcorder at the scene you would like to capture.
  • Page 17 VIDEO CAPTURE MODE QUICK FUNCTION BUTTONS Your digital camcorder has a four-directional pad that functions as Quick Function buttons. Quick Function Button Function  Left SCENE SELECTION – Opens the ‘Scene’ menu.  Up LED LIGHTS – Turns on/off the LED lights. DELETE –...
  • Page 18 VIDEO CAPTURE MODE MENUS The following are the menus that appear in your camcorder’s Video Capture Mode:  Once you change a setting, the setting is saved by your camcorder until you manually change the setting or restore the camcorder’s Factory Default Settings. ...
  • Page 19 SCENE MENU The ‘Scene’ menu allows you to choose scene settings that let your camcorder to adapt properly to your current environment. Note: Remember: The ‘Scene’ menu is also accessible by pressing the LEFT Quick Function Button while in Capture Mode. The ‘Scene’...
  • Page 20 To continue within the menus and select a different menu option: Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to select the next menu item. To exit the menu view: Press the MODE button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode. An icon reflecting your selection is displayed on the LCD screen.
  • Page 21 Press the OK button to open the menus for the current mode. Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to scroll and select the ‘White Balance’ menu. Press the UP or DOWN button to highlight a specific option. Press the OK button to confirm and select the highlighted menu option. selected option icon appears on the selected item.
  • Page 22 less distinct. The ‘Image Sharpness’ options include: Soft / Normal / Sharp Press the OK button to open the menus for the current mode. Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to scroll and select the ‘Image Sharpness’ menu. Press the UP or DOWN button to highlight a specific option. Press the OK button to confirm and select the highlighted menu option.
  • Page 23 To exit the menu view: Press the MODE button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode. An icon reflecting your selection is displayed on the LCD screen. ISO MENU The ‘ISO’ menu allows you to set the level of sensitivity that your camcorder has to light in the surrounding environment.
  • Page 24 Center – Averages the light metered from the entire frame, but giving greater weight to the subject in the center Multi – Used in standard conditions the camcorder divides and adjusts the settings of the image into several zones for light metering such as complex light conditions, position of subject, brightness, background, direct light and scenes Spot –...
  • Page 25 To continue within the menus and select a different menu option: Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to select the next menu item. To exit the menu view: Press the MODE button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode. DATE/TIME MENU When you capture an image with your camcorder, the image will include a time stamp with the date and time that the image was taken.
  • Page 26 button to select the option. The ‘Date Setup’ submenu will open. Scroll through the window with the RIGHT and LEFT buttons. For each field in the menu, use the UP and DOWN buttons to set the specific date and time. When you have finished setting the date and time, press the OK button to save your settings and return to the previous mode.
  • Page 27 FREQUENCY MENU The options in the ‘Frequency’ menu represent the frequency of the electrical current in fluorescent lighting sources in your locale. If your camcorder is set to a frequency that does not match your country’s electric current, you may see waves on the images taken by your camcorder.
  • Page 28 selected option icon appears on the selected item. To continue within the menus and select a different menu option: Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to select the next menu item. To exit the menu view: Press the MODE button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode. FORMAT MEMORY CARD MENU You can use the ‘Format Memory Card’...
  • Page 29 FIRMWARE (FACTORY DEFAULT SETTINGS) MENU Use the ‘Firmware’ menu to view the Firmware version on your camcorder or to reset your camcorder settings to the Factory Default Settings. Press the OK button to open the menus for the current mode. Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to scroll and select the ‘Firmware’...

  • Page 30: Video Playback Mode

    Video Playback Mode The Playback Mode allows you to review and edit photos and videos that you’ve already taken with your camcorder.  When you first turn on the camcorder, the camcorder will be in Photo Capture mode by default. ...
  • Page 31 To access the Thumbnail View: Press the W / Zoom Out button. All the images on your camcorder appear in the Thumbnail View. Use the UP / DOWN / LEFT / RIGHT direction buttons to scroll and select the image you wish to view.
  • Page 32 VIDEO PLAYBACK MODE MENUS The following are the menus that appear in your camcorder’s Video Playback Mode: DELETE MENU While in the Playback Mode, you can delete videos from your camcorder through the ‘Delete’ menu. The ‘Delete’ options include: Delete This Video / Delete All Images / Cancel Select the video you would like to delete.
  • Page 33 VIVILINK FOR VIDEOS MENU The ViviLink technology allows you to quickly and easily upload your camcorder’s photos and videos to the social networks of your choice with the accompanying Vivitar Experience™ Image Manager application. The ‘ViviLink for Videos’ options include: YouTube / Photobucket / Flickr / None Select the video to which you would like to add a ViviLink.
  • Page 34 Note:  An icon appears on the image with the selected ViviLink destination site when you return to the Playback display.  Remember that the ViviLink feature is deactivated by default. A ViviLink destination will only be assigned to a photo or video if you manually set it from this menu or from the ViviLink menu in Capture mode (accessible with the ViviLink Quick-Function button in Capture mode).
  • Page 35 UNLOCK ALL IMAGES: To Unlock All Images (videos and photos): Use the UP or DOWN button to highlight ‘Unlock All Images’ and then press the OK button. The images now appear in Playback Mode without the lock icon. Press the MODE button at any time to exit the menu and return to your previous mode. Note: ...

  • Page 36: Photo Capture Mode

    Photo Capture Mode The Photo Capture mode allows you to capture pictures with your digital camcorder. When you power on your camcorder, by default it is in Video Capture Mode. To enter Photo Capture Mode, press the MODE button once to open the Photo Capture Mode. TAKING A PICTURE Selecting the Scene Using the LCD Display: While in Photo Capture mode, use the LCD display to direct the camcorder at the scene you...
  • Page 37 PHOTO CAPTURE MODE QUICK FUNCTION BUTTONS Your digital camcorder has a four-directional pad that functions as Quick Function buttons: Button Function  Left SCENE SELECTION – Opens the ‘Scene’ menu.  Up LED LIGHTS – Turns on/off the LED lights. DELETE –...
  • Page 38 PHOTO CAPTURE MODE MENUS The following are the menus that appear in your camcorder’s Photo Capture Mode.  Once you change a setting, the setting is saved by your camcorder until you manually change the setting or restore the camcorder’s Factory Default Settings. ...
  • Page 39 SCENE MENU The ‘Scene’ menu allows you to choose scene settings that let your camcorder to adapt properly to your current environment. Note: Remember: The ‘Scene’ menu is also accessible by pressing the LEFT Quick Function Button while in Capture Mode. The ‘Scene’...
  • Page 40 selected option icon appears on the selected item. To continue within the menus and select a different menu option: Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to select the next menu item. To exit the menu view: Press the MODE button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode. An icon reflecting your selection is displayed on the LCD screen.
  • Page 41 camcorder and position yourself in front of the camcorder as desired. The ‘Self-Timer’ options include: 2 Second / 5 Seconds / 10 Seconds / Off Press the OK button to open the menus for the current mode. Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to scroll and select the ‘Self Timer’ menu. Press the UP or DOWN button to highlight a specific option.
  • Page 42 MULTI SNAPSHOTS MENU When enabled, the ‘Multi Snapshots’ feature allows you to take three rapid snapshots in a row with a single click of the shutter button. This feature can be effective when trying to capture a particular moment in a sporting event or other scenes with quick movements.
  • Page 43 Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to scroll and select the ‘White Balance’ menu. Press the UP or DOWN button to highlight a specific option. Press the OK button to confirm and select the highlighted menu option. selected option icon appears on the selected item. To continue within the menus and select a different menu option: Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to select the next menu item.
  • Page 44 The ‘Image Sharpness’ options include: Soft / Normal / Sharp Press the OK button to open the menus for the current mode. Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to scroll and select the ‘Image Sharpness’ menu. Press the UP or DOWN button to highlight a specific option. Press the OK button to confirm and select the highlighted menu option.
  • Page 45 To exit the menu view: Press the MODE button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode. An icon reflecting your selection is displayed on the LCD screen. ISO MENU The ‘ISO’ menu allows you to set the level of sensitivity that your camcorder has to light in the surrounding environment.
  • Page 46 Center – Averages the light metered from the entire frame, but giving greater weight to the subject in the center Multi – Used in standard conditions the camcorder divides and adjusts the settings of the image into several zones for light metering such as complex light conditions, position of subject, brightness, background, direct light and scenes Spot –...
  • Page 47 To continue within the menus and select a different menu option: Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to select the next menu item. To exit the menu view: Press the MODE button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode. DATE/TIME MENU When you capture an image with your camcorder, the image will include a timestamp with the date and time that the image was taken.
  • Page 48 button to select the option. The ‘Date Setup’ submenu will open. Scroll through the window with the RIGHT and LEFT buttons. For each field in the menu, use the UP and DOWN buttons to set the date and time. When you have finished setting the date and time, press the OK button to save your settings and return to the previous mode.
  • Page 49 When the camcorder sits idle for the designated period of time, the camcorder will shut off completely and will need to be powered on again with the power button before the next use. The ‘Auto Power Off’ options include: 1 Minute / 3 Minutes / 5 Minutes / Disable Press the OK button to open the menus for the current mode.
  • Page 50 TV OUTPUT MENU TV Output menu allows you to select the TV option appropriate for you to view your captured ‘Connecting the Digital Camcorder to a images on your television. See TV’ for further information on how to connect your digital camcorder to your television. The ‘TV Output’...
  • Page 51  CANCEL: To exit without formatting the SD Memory Card, select ‘Cancel’ and press the OK button.  FORMAT: To proceed with the format, select ‘Yes’ and press the OK button. You will be asked to reconfirm the formatting of the memory card. - Select ‘No’...

  • Page 52: Photo Playback Mode

    Photo Playback Mode The Playback Mode allows you to review and edit photos and videos that you’ve already taken with your camcorder.  When you first turn on the camcorder, the camcorder will be in Video Capture mode by default. ...
  • Page 53 THUMBNAIL VIEW Easily navigate and select the image you wish to view by using the Thumbnail View. The images on your camcorder will be displayed in a 3 X 3 matrix where you can use the direction buttons to scroll and select images from the thumbnails. To access the Thumbnail View: Press the W / Zoom Out button.
  • Page 54  MODE SELECTION - Toggles between the Photo Capture Mode, MODE (M) Video Capture Mode and Playback Mode.  Exits the menu screen. ZOOM - Zooms In to selected photo.  ZOOM - Zooms Out of selected photo.  THUMBNAIL - Opens Thumbnail View. To navigate in the Thumbnail View press the UP / DOWN / LEFT / RIGHT direction buttons.
  • Page 55 DELETE MENU While in the Playback Mode, you can delete pictures from your camcorder through the ‘Delete’ menu. The ‘Delete’ options include: Delete This Photo / Delete All Images / Cancel Select the photo you would like to delete. Press the OK button to open the menus for the current mode. Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to scroll and select the ‘Delete’...
  • Page 56 VIVILINK FOR PHOTOS MENU The ViviLink technology allows you to quickly and easily upload your camcorder’s photos and videos to the social networks of your choice with the accompanying Vivitar Experience™ Image Manager application. The ‘ViviLink for Photos’ options include: Facebook / Twitgoo / Twitpic / Photobucket / Flickr / MySpace / Picasa Albums / None Select the photo you to which you would like to add a ViviLink.
  • Page 57 Press the OK button to open the menus for the current mode. Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to scroll and select the ‘Rotate’ menu. Press the UP or DOWN button to highlight a specific option. Press the OK button to confirm and select the highlighted menu option. The selected picture now appears rotated in the Playback Mode display.
  • Page 58 PROTECT/LOCK MENU Pictures and videos taken with your camcorder can be protected or “locked” to prevent any deletion or alteration being made to the files. The ‘Protect/Lock’ options include: Lock This Photo / Unlock This Photo / Lock All Images / Unlock All Images View the photo you would like to lock.
  • Page 59 PRINT THIS PHOTO MENU You can use the ‘Print Photos’ menu to print the photos that are on your camcorder directly to a Pictbridge compatible printer. The ‘Print Photo’ options include: Print This Photo / Cancel Scroll through your pictures and find the one you would like to print. Press the OK button to open the menus for the current mode.
  • Page 60 Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to select the next menu item. To exit the menu view: Press the MODE button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode. Note:  While in Playback Mode, press the UP Quick Function button to initiate the Slide Show. ...

  • Page 61: Installing The Software

    Installing the Software You must be connected to the Internet to install and run the Vivitar Experience™ Image Manager software. Insert the installation CD into your CD-ROM drive. The installation screen should automatically open. WINDOWS: The Vivitar Experience™ Image Manager Installer window appears. If the window does not appear, open the application’s CD/DVD drive and click on “Setup.exe”...
  • Page 62 12) MACINTOSH: Click the “Quit” button when the installation is complete. Click the “Launch Vivitar Experience™ Image Manager” to open the application. 13) If you close the application you can run the Vivitar Experience™ Image Manager from the Programs (WINDOWS) or Applications (MACINTOSH) menu on your computer.

  • Page 63: Connecting The Camcorder To The Tv

    Connecting the Camcorder to the TV Your camcorder has an AV port to use your larger TV screen in place of the camcorder’s LCD screen. On plugging the TV Cable (supplied) to the camcorder’s AV slot and to the TV, the LCD screen turns blank.

  • Page 64: Getting Photos And Videos From The Camcorder To The Computer

    Getting Photos and Videos from the Camcorder to the Computer An SD card needs to be inserted. Do not disconnect the cable during transfer. Doing so will cancel the transfer of any files on their way to your computer. Select the “Get Images” button from the Main menu. The “Get media from device”...

  • Page 65: Getting Started

     Use automatic “Geotagging” with built in Google Maps For more details on how to use the Vivitar Experience™ Image Manager open the “Help” from the menu option or click the “Take a Tour” button on the application’s Home screen.
  • Page 66 TRANSFERRING PHOTOS AND VIDEOS: MACINTOSH Use the supplied USB cable to connect your camcorder to your computer. ‘MSDC’ appears on the LCD. The camcorder’s device icon appears on the desktop. Click on the device icon and open the DCIM folder and the folder inside to view the media files.

  • Page 67: Camcorder Maintenance

    Camcorder Maintenance The digital camcorder is a delicate device. Please handle your camcorder with care to avoid damaging it. Do not expose your camcorder to heat sources. Do not use you camcorder in wet or moist conditions. Sakar Warranty Card This warranty covers for the original consumer purchaser only and is not transferable.

  • Page 68: Technical Support

    Technical Support For technical support issues please visit our website at www.vivitar.com. You can find manuals, software and FAQ’s at the website. Can’t find what you are looking for? E-mail us at support@vivitar.com and one of our technical support team members will answer your questions.
  • Page 69 WARNING: DO NOT MIX OLD AND NEW BATTERIES. DO NOT MIX ALKALINE, STANDARD (CARBON ZINC) OR RECHARGEABLE (NICKEL CADMIUM) BATTERIES. ATTENTION: 1. Batteries should be replaced by an adult. 2. Non-rechargeable batteries are not to be recharged. 3. Rechargeable batteries are to be removed from the camera before being charged. 4.

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