Canon ZR20 Instruction Manual
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Canon ZR20 Instruction Manual

Digital video camcorder
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CANON INC.
U.S.A.
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CANON U.S.A., INC. HONOLULU OFFICE
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G If you have any questions, call the Canon U.S.A. Information
Center toll-free at 1-800-828-4040 (U.S.A. only).
CANADA
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G If you have any questions, call the Canon Canada Information
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Printed on 70% reused paper.
Document réalisé avec du papier recyclé à 70%.
El papel aqui utilizado es 70% reciclado.
PUB.DIM-378
© CANON INC. 2001
0000A/ABXX
DY8-9120-271-000
PRINTED IN JAPAN
IMPRIME AU JAPON
IMPRESO EN JAPÓN
DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER
Instruction Manual
CAMESCOPE ET LECTEUR VIDEO NUMERIQUES
Mode d'emploi
VIDEOCAMARA Y GRABADORA DIGITAL
Manual de Instrucciones
NTSC
PUB.DIM-378
ENGLISH
E
FRANÇAIS
F
ESPAÑOL
Es
Mini
Digital
Video
Cassette

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  • Page 1 15955 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92618 USA CANON U.S.A., INC. HONOLULU OFFICE 1020 Auahi Street, Bldg. #8, Honolulu, HI 96814 USA G If you have any questions, call the Canon U.S.A. Information Center toll-free at 1-800-828-4040 (U.S.A. only). CANADA CANON CANADA INC. NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 6390 Dixie Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1P7 CANON CANADA INC.

  • Page 2: Important Usage Instructions

    Unauthorized recording of copyrighted materials may infringe on the rights of copyright owners and be contrary to copyright laws. Digital Video Camcorder, ZR20 and Compact Power Adapter, CA-560 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

  • Page 3: Important Safety Instructions

    IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS In these safety instructions the word “product” refers to the Canon Digital Video Camcorder ZR20 and all its accessories. 1. Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated.
  • Page 4 20. Replacement Parts — When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts that are specified by Canon or that have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    INSTRUCTIONS ...3 Thank you for Choosing a Canon ...6 Introducing the ZR20 ...7 Mastering the Basics Finding Your Way Around the ZR20 ...8 ~ Preparations ... ~ Powering Your Camcorder ...11 Loading a Cassette ...16 ~ Basic Recording ... ~ Basic Recording ...18...

  • Page 6: Thank You For Choosing A Canon

    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.

  • Page 7: Introducing The Zr20

    Introducing the ZR20 Compact and Stylish The ZR20 is small and light. Many various functions are condensed into its compact body. Also, the slim and stylish design makes it easy to carry and use and shooting videos a pleasure. IEEE 1394 DV Terminal...

  • Page 8: Finding Your Way Around The Zr20

    Finding Your Way Around the ZR20 Record review button (p. 49)/ REC (record) SEARCH – button(p. 49)/ (rewind) button (p. 26) LCD screen (p. 23) Self-timer button (p. 61)/ REC PAUSE (LINE-IN) button (p. 76, 78) DIGITAL EFFECTS button (p. 57) Digital effects ON/OFF button (p.
  • Page 9 Viewfinder (p. 88, 94) Strap attachment bar (p. 89) Start/Stop button (p. 19) POWER switch (p. 18) C A M E R A • O F F • PLAY(VCR) • Viewfinder focusing lever (p. 88) Viewfinder protect cover (p. 94) PHOTO button (p.
  • Page 10 u (LANC) terminal (p. 74) AV (audio/video) IN/OUT terminal (p. 30)/ H (phones) terminal (p. 30) MIC terminal (p. 59, 82) PHOTO button (p. 46) START/STOP button (p. 19) MENU button (p. 38) SELF TIMER button (p. 61) TV SCREEN button (p. 104) DATA CODE button (p.

  • Page 11: Powering Your Camcorder

    TV or the antenna cable. Connecting the camcorder to an AC outlet Use the power adapter to provide your camcorder with instant power from an AC outlet. Always turn the camcorder off before connecting/removing the power source.
  • Page 12 • Rotate the viewfinder upwards. • With the triangle on the battery pack pointing downwards, align the edge of the battery pack with the line on the camcorder, press lightly and slide the battery down until it clicks into place.
  • Page 13 Subject to change without notice. When replacement of power supply is required, please return it to the responsible nearest Canon Service Center and please replace it with the same type number CA-560 or equivalent. 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 14 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.
  • Page 15 2. Operate the camcorder with power from your car battery. Camcorder + DC Cable + Charge Adapter + Car Battery Cable → car’s cigarette lighter 3. Charge the BP-500 Series battery packs from a household AC outlet. 1 or 2 battery pack(s) + Charge Adapter + Compact Power Adapter •...

  • Page 16: Loading A Cassette

    • Be careful not to get your fingers caught in the cassette compartment cover. • Do not leave the cassette in the camcorder after use — return it to its case and store it in a cool, clean, dry place.

  • Page 17: Cassette Memory

    (This switch position is usually labeled SAVE or ERASE OFF.) If you load this cassette and put the camcorder in record pause mode ( “THE TAPE IS SET FOR ERASURE PREVENTION” is displayed for approx. 4 seconds and then the v mark flashes in the display.

  • Page 18: Basic Recording

    • The camcorder power indicator lights up red. • The confirmation beep sounds. • The camcorder will turn itself off if you leave it in record pause mode for more than about 5 minutes. To return to record pause mode, turn the POWER dial to OFF and then back to CAMERA.
  • Page 19 Notes: • To check that the camcorder is recording correctly, make a test recording first. • Before making important recordings, clean the video heads using a Canon DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette or a commercially available digital video head cleaning cassette.
  • Page 20 • A tape recorded in LP mode on other digital equipment may produce mosaic- like noise and the sound may become distorted when played back on this camcorder, and vice versa. REC MODE••••SP...
  • Page 21 • If you play back a recording made for 16:9 on a normal TV screen, the image will appear to be vertically “squashed” (compressed). • If you connect the camcorder to a TV with an S1 terminal or the Video ID-1 system, recordings made in the 16:9 mode for wide screen TVs will automatically play back in wide screen mode on the TV screen.

  • Page 22: Zooming

    Zooming 10× optical zoom The camcorder’s 10× 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.

  • Page 23: Using The Lcd Screen

    LCD screen so that faces in the direction of the lens ( 25). You can also push the panel flat against the camcorder until it is flush with the side, with the screen facing outwards.

  • Page 24: Adjusting The Lcd Screen

    • Turn the selector dial down to make the display darker. Notes: • The camcorder will remember your brightness setting even after you turn it off. • The brightness of the LCD does not affect that of the recorded images or the viewfinder.

  • Page 25: Allowing The Subject To Monitor Recording

    Allowing the subject to monitor recording 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.

  • Page 26: Playing Back A Cassette

    • To wind the tape backwards, stop playback and press the ` (rewind) button. • If the playback picture is rough (mosaic-like noise), clean the video heads using a Canon DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette or a commercially available digital video head cleaning cassette. FOCUS...
  • Page 27 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. 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.
  • Page 28 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.
  • Page 29 • Sometimes audio may sound distorted when the volume is turned up high. If this happens, turn down the volume. • The speaker turns off when the camcorder is set to any mode other than PLAY (VCR) mode. Using the headphones •...

  • Page 30: Connections For Playback On A Tv Screen

    Connections for Playback on a TV Screen 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 ( Power off all devices before starting the connections.
  • Page 31 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.
  • Page 32 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. • If you are connecting the camcorder to a VCR, set the input selector on the VCR to LINE.

  • Page 33: Tips For Making Better Videos

    Using a tripod To prevent any unwanted movement, you can mount the camcorder on a tripod, (or any flat surface at a suitable height) and operate it with the wireless controller. • When you are using a tripod, be careful not to leave the viewfinder exposed to bright sunlight or it may melt.

  • Page 34: Picture Angle

    Hold the final image for a few seconds before you stop recording. Tilt the camcorder up to exaggerate the height of the subject. Tilt down from the top of a building, for example, as an introduction to subjects at the bottom.

  • Page 35: Turning The Image Stabilizer Off

    Turning the Image Stabilizer Off MENU With most camcorders, even the slightest hand movements will be noticeable during telephoto recording. However, the ZR20’s image stabilizer allows you to obtain steady recordings even at high magnification. CAMERA CAM.SET UP To turn the image stabilizer off, open the menu and select CAM.SET UP.

  • Page 36: Using The Menus

    Using the Menus Many of the camcorder’s advanced functions are selected from menus which appear in the display. There are 2 main menus: CAM. MENU Camera menu VCR MENU VCR menu List of Menus Turn to the appropriate page for a detailed explanation of each function.

  • Page 37: Wireless Controller

    3 Display set up submenu !2 Brightness ... !3 Mirror mode... !4 TV screen... !5 Date/time display... !6 Return 4 System submenu !7 Wireless controller... !8 Beep ... !9 Time zone/Daylight saving time... @0 Date/time set ... @1 Return 2 VCR MENU PLAY (VCR) Set the POWER switch to PLAY(VCR).

  • Page 38: Selecting From The Menus

    VCR MENU, cont. 2 Display set up submenu i Brightness ... o Displays ... !0 6-second auto date ... !1 Data code ... !2 Date/time select ... !3 Return 3 System submenu !4 Wireless controller... !5 Beep ... !6 Return Selecting from the Menus 2,11 MENU...
  • Page 39 7. Turn the selector dial and move the arrow to the desired setting. • If you are setting a function other than the white balance or shutter speed, the function will be set if you skip to step 11. 8. Press the selector dial in to select. •...

  • Page 40: Using The Wireless Controller

    • When using the wireless controller in brightly lit places or outdoors, the effective range will be less. • The camcorder may have difficulty picking up the remote control signals at extremely close range. • Do not leave the controller exposed to direct sunlight, or in hot or humid places.
  • Page 41 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. PLAY...
  • Page 42 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. Note: • The mode the camcorder is set to also appears for 4 seconds when you turn the power on.

  • Page 43: Setting The Date And Time

    The date and/or time display forms part of the data code. You can choose to display or hide it during playback ( Set the date and time display when you first start using your camcorder. Install the backup battery before you begin ( •...
  • Page 44 Just set the time zone to your destination and the camcorder’s clock will automatically change to display the correct time for your destination. • The camcorder automatically accounts for the number of days in a month and leap year. 24 1...

  • Page 45: Date And Time Display

    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. CAMERA SYSTEM 1. Open the menu and select SYSTEM. 2. Select D/TIME SET. •...

  • Page 46: Taking Still Pictures

    Press the PHOTO button fully down and the still picture will be taken immediately. • The camcorder takes the image immediately, and then records the “photo” to the tape for approximately 6 seconds. During this time the camcorder also records the sound, and the display shows the still picture.
  • Page 47 Focus with the selector dial. 2. Press the PHOTO button fully down to take the still picture. • The camcorder takes the image immediately, and then records the “photo” to the tape for approximately 6 seconds. During this time the camcorder also records the sound, and the display shows the still picture.

  • Page 48: Using The Floppy Disk Still Image Recorder Fr-100 (Optional)

    Using the Floppy Disk Still Image Recorder FR-100 (optional) The FR-100 captures images taken with the camera, compressing them in JPEG format and recording them as still images onto a floppy disk. DV cable 1. Connect the power sources for the camera and the FR-100. 2.

  • Page 49: Searching And Reviewing While Recording

    • The camcorder returns to record pause mode. Record review When the camcorder is in record pause mode, you can use record review to play back the last few seconds of your recording and then return automatically to record pause mode. You can quickly make sure that a scene has recorded properly and then go on to shoot the next scene, without producing any noise in the picture.

  • Page 50: Using The Various Recording Programs

    Using the Various Recording Programs The camcorder provides you with a choice of 7 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.
  • Page 51 • Avoid changing programs during recording as the brightness of the image may change suddenly. • If you switch the camcorder from the [ program to the camcorder returns to the Auto program. • When recording in dark places a bright light in the scene may cause a vertical light bar (“smear”) to...

  • Page 52: Easy Recording

    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. 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.
  • Page 53 Spotlight This program is designed for recording spotlit scenes, such as on a stage. The exposure is automatically adjusted for glare-free recordings of subjects lit by a concentrated light source. Sand & Snow Use this program in places where the background is so bright that the subject appears underexposed in the display —...

  • Page 54: Using Digital Effects

    D.EFFECT | from the digital effects menu. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to close the menu. • The camcorder remembers your chosen digital effect setting until you change it. • Digital effects can be selected but not operated on a blank blue screen (appears in PLAY (VCR) mode).
  • Page 55 Faders Fade Trigger (FADE-T) When you start recording, the scene gradually fades in from a black screen. 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.
  • Page 56 Effects Sepia (SEPIA) Makes a monochrome image with a brownish tint. Black and White Art (ART) (BLK & WHT) Adds a paint- like effect, Makes the called image black and solarization, to white. the image. Mosaic (MOSAIC) Blurs the image by enlarging the size of some pixels.

  • Page 57: Operating Faders

    Digital effects can be set with the controls on the body of the camcorder or the wireless controller. Pressing the L/M 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.
  • Page 58 6. If you’re in CAMERA mode: If you’re in PLAY (VCR) mode: Operating effects Sound records/plays back normally. When operating effects in CAMERA mode, make sure the program selector is set to Q . PLAY CAMERA (VCR) Select effect 1. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to open the digital effects menu.

  • Page 59: Audio Recording

    Audio Recording Selecting the audio mode ZR20 can record sound on a tape in two audio modes — 16-bit and 12-bit. 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.

  • Page 60: Wind Screen

    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.

  • Page 61: Setting The Self-Timer

    • To have the subject monitor recording, rotate the LCD panel 180° ( For movies 2. Press the start/stop button. • The camcorder starts to record after a 10-second countdown period (or after 2 seconds when you use the wireless controller). The time remaining counts down in the display (e.g. “5 SEC”).
  • Page 62 Notes: • To cancel the self-timer before the countdown has begun, press the TIMER button. • To cancel the self-timer once the countdown has begun, press the TIMER button, start/stop if you’re shooting movies, or PHOTO if you’re taking a still image. SELF SELF...

  • Page 63: Using Ae Shift

    Push the AE SHIFT button so that e appears before AE. Then you can adjust the exposure manually. • You cannot adjust the AE Shift when the camcorder is set to [ (Easy Recording), the Spotlight recording program or the Sand & Snow recording program.

  • Page 64: Setting The Shutter Speed

    However, if the brightness of the LCD or viewfinder display starts to flicker, make sure the camcorder is set to the Auto recording program and select the 1/100 shutter speed.
  • Page 65 AUTO. The SHUTTER display becomes set to ‘‘– – –’’. • The image may not appear smooth when a high shutter speed is set. • The camcorder returns to the auto shutter setting when you slide the program selector to [ (Easy Recording), or change the recording program.

  • Page 66: Adjusting Focus Manually

    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.

  • Page 67: Setting The White Balance

    CAMERA CAM.SET UP 1. Make sure the camcorder is set to the Q (program AE) mode. 2. Open the menu and select CAM.SET UP. 3. Select WHITE BAL. 4. a) For the indoor, outdoor or auto settings, press the selector dial in to choose the setting.
  • Page 68 • The white balance returns to the AUTO setting when you slide the program selector to [ (Easy Recording). • When you turn the camcorder on, the white balance returns to AUTO. If you then switch the white balance to SET, the camcorder will remember your last setting.

  • Page 69: Displaying Date, Time And Camcorder Data (Data Code)

    During PLAY (VCR) mode, the data code can be displayed or hidden while the camcorder is in play, slow or still mode. Camcorder data may be displayed as “– – –” during fast forward, rewind, reverse playback, forward and reverse ×2 playback.

  • Page 70: Setting The Data Code

    – If the tape was recorded on a camcorder without a data code function. – If noise or tape damage prevents the data code from being read. • If a recording made on ZR20 is played back on a different DV camcorder, the data code may not be displayed correctly.
  • Page 71 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.

  • Page 72: Searching The Tape (Photo Search/Date Search)

    • If you begin a search very close to the start of a recorded still picture during photo search, the camcorder may skip straight past it. • When you have set the area for the World Clock, date search also looks for the change in date based on the adjusted time.

  • Page 73: Returning To A Pre-Marked Position

    • If you remove the tape while the zero set memory is set, the memory is canceled and the tape counter reverts to time code. • The camcorder remembers your setting even if you turn it off and back on again or move the program selector.

  • Page 74: Editing

    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. Preparations 1. Connect the camcorder to the VCR.

  • Page 75: Dubbing To/From A Cassette With Digital Video Equipment

    Example dubbing to the camcorder 1. Connect the camcorder and the other digital device. • Connect the Canon CV-150F DV cable (optional) with the sides of the plugs marked with the arrows facing as shown above. 2. Prepare the other device.
  • Page 76 Certain pre-recorded software tapes are copyright protected. If you try to play back such a cassette, “COPYRIGHT PROTECTED PLAYBACK IS RESTRICTED” appears in the display for a few seconds and then the camcorder displays a blank blue screen; you cannot view the contents of the cassette.

  • Page 77: Recording From A Vcr, Tv Or Analog Camcorder (Analog Line-In)

    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. 75) or a TV program onto a tape in the ZR20, if the TV or other device has audio/video outputs.
  • Page 78 2. Press the REC PAUSE button. • 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.

  • Page 79: Recording Over Existing Scenes (Av Insert Editing)

    Recording Over Existing Scenes (AV Insert Editing) You can insert new scenes from your VCR or other camcorder onto your pre- recorded tape using the ZR20’s analog line-in or DV in terminals. Original video and audio will be replaced with the new video and audio.
  • Page 80 Preparations The tape in the camcorder: When using the ZR20’s AV insert function, only record to tapes recorded in SP mode with continuously recorded time codes. If there are non-recorded portions or portions recorded in a mode other than SP mode on the tape, recording will stop.
  • Page 81 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.

  • Page 82: Audio Dubbing

    SP mode with 12-bit sound, we recommend dubbing your original tape onto a blank tape using the ZR20’s analog line-in function, then dubbing audio onto the new tape. Make absolutely sure to set the audio mode of the new tape to 12-bit and the recording mode to SP.
  • Page 83 AV terminal (use only the video plug) to your TV. You can monitor the sound with headphones only when using the S-video terminal ( Preparations Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to PLAY (VCR) and load a recorded cassette. • Make sure the REC/SAVE tab on the cassette has been slid to REC (closed position).
  • Page 84 4. Locate the point where you want to start audio dubbing, then press the PAUSE button. • 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.

  • Page 85: Setting The Audio Mix

    Setting the Audio Mix 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. •...

  • Page 86: Selecting Audio Output Channels

    Selecting audio output channels When you play back a tape whose audio has been recorded on multiple channels, you can change the output channels of that sound. PLAY (VCR) VCR SET UP 1. Load a tape recorded with multiple-channel audio. 2.

  • Page 87: Connecting To A Pc

    Connecting to a PC 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.

  • Page 88: Preparing The Camcorder

    Preparing the Camcorder Adjust the viewfinder • Set the camcorder to 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.
  • Page 89 Attach the shoulder strap • 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. Be careful not to leave the viewfinder exposed to bright sunlight, or it will melt.

  • Page 90: Notes On Using The Batteries

    • 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.
  • Page 91 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. Storing the battery pack •...

  • Page 92: Installing The Backup Battery

    When it needs replacing (or if it has not been installed), the y mark flashes in the display. Remove the old battery by pushing up then releasing and lifting out. Make sure to attach a power source to the camcorder first, so it will remember your chosen settings when you change the battery.

  • Page 93: Maintenance

    • Do not use the viewfinder or LCD panel as a carrying handle. Do not disassemble the camcorder. • This is very dangerous as there is a risk of electric shock — if the camcorder does not function properly, take it to qualified service personnel.
  • Page 94 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.

  • Page 95: Using The Camcorder Abroad

    • You can use the compact power adapter to operate your camcorder and charge battery packs in any country where the electricity supply is between 100 and 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Contact your Canon dealer for information about plug adapters for overseas use.
  • Page 96 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. Condensation may become a problem: When you take the camcorder from a cold...

  • Page 97: Troubleshooting

    Possible explanations are given for each problem on the list — turn to the page numbers in parentheses for more information. 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.
  • Page 98 • Some subjects are not suitable for autofocus. In these situations, you will often get better results using manual focus ( about the same distance away, lock the focus, and then point the camcorder at your original, hard-to-focus subject. Horizontal stripes Reflective surfaces (e.g.
  • Page 99 ? The power indicator is flashing. ? The camcorder malfunctions. ? The DV cable is connected correctly, but there’s nothing in the display. ? The camcorder becomes warm during use. • The speaker has been turned off with the selector dial ( 29).

  • Page 100: The Zr20 System Diagram

    The ZR20 System Diagram WD-30.5 Wide- converter TL-30.5 Tele- converter FS-30.5U Filter Set ZR-1000 Zoom Remote Controller BP-900 Series VL-10Li Battery Pack Battery Video Light Stereo Microphone (commercially available) SC-1000 Soft Carrying Case (Availability differs from area to area) MiniDV...

  • Page 101: Optional Accessories

    Optional Accessories 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 Extra batteries for use with the ZR20.
  • Page 102 (optional). Zoom Remote Controller ZR-1000 When this product is plugged into the LANC m terminal of a Canon camcorder, it is possible to control functions such as the start and stop of recording and the zoom and focusing functions while the camcorder is mounted on a tripod, without touching the camcorder body itself.
  • Page 103 Image files can then be easily opened and viewed on your computer. This mark identifies genuine Canon video accessories. When you use Canon video equipment, we recommend Canon-brand accessories or products bearing the same mark.

  • Page 104: Screen Displays

    To turn TV SCREEN off, open the menu and select DISP.SET UP. Then select TV SCREEN, set it to OFF and close the menu. For instructions on how to hook the camcorder up to your TV, see p. 30. Turning off the LCD screen displays You can turn off the displays to give you a clear screen for playback.
  • Page 105 Red: final few seconds.) ...finally, it tells you when you have completely run out of tape. The camcorder is ejecting the tape 16). The safety mechanism is activated. Unload the cassette and turn the camcorder off. Turn it on again and reload the cassette.
  • Page 106 Zoom display ( 22): Optical zoom Optical plus 40× digital zoom Optical plus 200× digital zoom Zoom in Zoom out The image stabilizer is turned on ( 35). CAM. MENU VCR MENU ( The remote sensor is turned off ( 41).
  • Page 107 Recording reminder When you start recording, the camcorder counts from 0SEC to 10SEC. Shots which are shorter than ten seconds may be difficult to edit later. On the other hand, if you are not...

  • Page 108: Caution Phrases

    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 ( 43). Appears when the battery pack is exhausted 91).
  • Page 109 Appears immediately after you start recording, and the video heads are badly contaminated. Make sure to clean the video heads when this caution appears.

  • Page 110: Specifications

    Battery capacity: 1100 mAh × Dimensions: 1 (38 × 21 × 55 mm) Weight: 2 oz (70 g) Weight and dimensions are approximate Errors and omissions excepted. Subject to change without notice. Canon is a trademark of Canon Inc. × 2...

  • Page 111: Index

    Recorder, 48 Focusing, 66 Ó Head Cleaning, 95 Headphones, 29, 30 Horizontal Wipe, 55 È Image Stabilizer, 35 Introducing the ZR20, 7 Ò LANC, 74 LCD Screen, 23 Lens Cap, 88 Loading Cassettes, 16 Low Light, 53 LP Mode, 20 ˜...
  • Page 112 Time Code, 107 Time Zone, 43 Tips for Making Better Videos, 33 Tripod, 33 Troubleshooting, 97 TV, 30, 104 Ë Using the Camcorder Abroad, 95 Using the Menus, 36 ◊ VCR, 30 Vertical Wipe, 55 Videocassettes, 16 Video Heads, 95...
  • Page 113 ZR20 DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER LIMITED WARRANTY ® The limited warranty set forth below is given by Canon U.S.A., Inc. (“CUSA”) with respect to each Canon ZR20 Digital Video Camcorder (“DV Camcorder”) purchased and used in the United States. Each Canon DV Camcorder, when delivered to you in new condition in its original container, is warranted against defective material or workmanship as follows: for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase (three (3) months in the case of the video head part), defective parts or DV Camcorders returned to a CUSA factory service center (“CUSA Center”) or...
  • Page 114 Ship your Canon digital video equipment in its original carton, box or equivalent, properly packed, fully insured with shipping charges prepaid, together with a copy of your bill of sale or other proof of purchase and a description of the problem to any of the Canon Service Facilities in Canada.

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