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Related Manuals for Canon Optura
Summary of Contents for Canon Optura
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Page 1: Instruction Manual
DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER Instruction Manual CAMÉSCOPE ET LECTEUR VIDEO NUMÉRIQUES Mode d’emploi VIDEOCÁMARA Y GRABADORA DIGITAL Manual de Instrucciones A (NTSC) ENGLISH FRANÇAIS ESPAÑOL Digital Mini Video Cassette... -
Page 2: Important Usage Instructions
Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the manual. 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 Important Warning CAUTION... -
Page 3: Important Safety Instructions
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS In these safety instructions the word “product” refers to the Canon Digital Video Camcorder OPTURA 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.
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Page 5: Table Of Contents
Contents Introduction Important Usage Instructions ...2 Important Safety Instructions ...3 Thank you for Choosing a Canon ...6 Introducing the OPTURA ...7 Mastering the Basics Powering Your Camcorder ...8 Loading a Cassette...10 Basic Recording ...12 Zooming ...14 Using the LCD Screen...15 Playing back a Cassette ...16... -
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 Optura
Easier than manual operation and more flexible than automatic functions, Canon’s FlexiZone Control is a completely new way to use a video camera. Advanced digital technology allows you to add special effects... -
Page 8: Powering Your Camcorder
Powering Your Camcorder Before operating your camera, you will need to use the power adapter to: provide power from an AC outlet charge a battery pack Notes: • The power adapter converts current from a household power socket (100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz) to the DC current used by your camera. - Page 9 Charging and attaching the battery pack Your battery pack was partially charged before it left the factory. It should have enough power for you to check that your camera is working properly. However, you must charge the battery pack fully if you want it to power the camera for more than a few minutes.
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Page 10: Loading A Cassette
Loading a Cassette OPEN/ EJECT Use videocassettes marked with the Loading and unloading 1. Make sure that you have inserted a power source. 2. Slide the EJECT 5 5 button upwards to release the cover (the camera’s grip). • Pull the cover fully open (while holding the button upwards) and wait a couple of seconds for the cassette compartment to open automatically. -
Page 11: Cassette Memory
Protecting tapes from accidental erasure SAVE To protect your recording from accidental erasure, slide the tab on the cassette so that it exposes the hole and the red mark. (This switch position is usually labeled SAVE or ERASE OFF). If you load this cassette and put the camera in record pause mode (p. 12), “THE TAPE IS SET FOR ERASURE PREVENTION”... -
Page 12: Basic Recording
Basic Recording PHOTO MOVIE LOCK PHOTO MOVIE LOCK Before you start recording Have you completed the following steps? • Attached a power source (p. 8). • Loaded a cassette (p. 10). • Removed the lens cap and fastened the shoulder strap (p. 54). •... - Page 13 Notes: • To check that the camera 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.
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Page 14: Zooming
Zooming 14 optical zoom The camera’s 14 zoom lens allows you to choose the best picture angle for each scene: • Turn the zoom control towards W to zoom out to wide-angle. • Turn it towards T to zoom in to telephoto. You can also control the speed of zooming: •... -
Page 15: Using The Lcd Screen
Using the LCD Screen Switching between displays You can choose between using the LCD screen and the viewfinder by pressing the MONITOR/FINDER button. Changing the angle of the LCD screen You can choose the angle of the screen that suits you best by tilting it towards you. -
Page 16: Playing Back A Cassette
• To wind the tape backwards, stop playback and press the REW ` 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. - Page 17 Other playback modes Playback pause Press the PAUSE a button. To resume normal playback, press it again, or press the PLAY e button. The camera automatically goes into stop mode after about five minutes’ playback pause. Fast forward playback To play back the recording at about 9.5 times normal speed, press and hold the FF 1 button during normal playback or press and hold the FF 1 button during normal fast forward.
- Page 18 Special playback These can only be operated from the wireless controller (p. 27) Frame Advance To play back frame by frame, press the +/ae button repeatedly during playback pause. Press and hold to play back continuous frame advance. Frame Reverse To play back on reverse frame by frame, press the –/4a button repeatedly during playback pause.
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Page 19: Connections For Playback On A Tv Screen
Connections for Playback on a TV Screen You can connect the camera to a TV or VCR in order to play back your recordings. You will need to attach a power source to the camera (see p. 8). See your TV or VCR instruction manual for further details. If your TV (or VCR) has an S-video input terminal S-VIDEO OUT VIDEO/... - Page 20 Note: • If you are going to use the TV as a monitor while you are shooting, remember to keep the TV volume turned down as long as the camera’s audio terminals are connected. If the sound from the TV speakers is picked up by the microphone, an unpleasant high-pitched squeal, called feedback, may be produced.
- Page 21 Connecting the RF unit/adapter cables 1. Connect the RF unit to the camera, using the RC-150 RF adapter cables. • The RF unit and RF adapter cables are available optionally. 2. Connect the antenna cable to the FROM ANT. terminal on the RF unit.
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Page 22: Tips For Making Better Videos
Tips for Making Better Videos Holding the camera For maximum stability, grip the camera firmly with your right hand and keep your right elbow pressed against your body. Support the camera under the lens with your left hand. With practice, you will be able to operate the controls by touch, without taking your eye off the action. - Page 23 Picture angle Instead of zooming while recording, try to choose your picture angle before you begin. A good way to tell a story with video is to begin with a long shot that establishes the situation, and then move in with medium shots and close-ups to show the details.
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Page 24: Turning The Optical Image Stabilizer On/Off
Turning the Optical Image Stabilizer On/Off With most camcorders, even the slightest hand movements will be noticeable during telephoto recording. However, the OPTURA’s Optical Image Stabilizer allows you to obtain steady recordings even at 14 or 35 magnification. Unlike electronic image stabilizers, it causes no loss of picture quality. The Optical Image Stabilizer can compensate for a wide range of camera movement —... -
Page 25: Selecting From The Menus
Selecting from the Menus Many of the camera’s advanced functions are selected from menus which appear in the display. There are two main menus: 1. Camera menu (when the camera is in record pause mode: the POWER switch set to CAMERA and the standby lever set to MOVIE or PHOTO) 2. - Page 26 1. Press the MENU button to open the menu. 2. Press the controller up or down to move the arrow up or down the display. 3. Press the controller to the right (towards you) to select your chosen option from the menu. •...
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Page 27: Using The Wireless Controller/Tally Lamp
Using the Wireless Controller/Tally Lamp The supplied wireless controller can operate the camera from a distance of up to 16 feet (5 m). Point it at the camera’s remote sensor while you press the buttons. The tally lamp lights up to let you know that the camera is in range and responding to your commands. - Page 28 Turning off the remote sensor The remote sensor can be turned off to prevent interference from other Canon wireless controllers being used nearby. 1. Open either the camera or the VCR menu, and point the arrow at SENSOR. 2. Select the OFF setting and close the menu.
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Page 29: Setting The Date And Time
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 (see p. 30). Set the date and time display when you first start using your camera. Install the backup battery before you begin (see p. -
Page 30: Displaying Data Code
Displaying Data Code A data code, containing the date and time the recording was made and other camera data (shutter speed and exposure settings) is automatically recorded on a special data section of the tape. During playback, the date code can be displayed or hidden while the camera is in stop, fast forward, rewind, play or still mode. -
Page 31: Taking Still Pictures (Photo Mode)
• You cannot use FlexiZone AF in photo mode. • The camera operates in progressive mode when taking still pictures. • For even greater versatility attach a Canon Speedlite for flash photography (available as an optional accessory, see page 45). -
Page 32: Searching Through Your Recorded "Photos" (Photo Search)
Searching Through Your Recorded “Photos” CAMERA POWER Move quickly through still pictures recorded anywhere on a tape. • You can only use this function from the Remote Controller. 1. Press down and slide the POWER switch to VCR. 2. Press the through the still pictures. -
Page 33: (Normal/Progressive Scan)
Choosing the Movie Mode The progressive scan mode can be used when you want to look at a video, scene by scene, free from field slippage (the “blurring” that normally occurs when you pause a video). During playback, pause the video any time you like to view a crystal clear still image in the display or on a connected TV screen. -
Page 34: Searching And Reviewing While Recording
Searching and Reviewing While Recording Record search When the camera is in record pause mode, you can use record search to play the tape forwards or backwards to find the point where you want to start or restart recording. This is useful when you want to add a new scene to a previously used cassette. -
Page 35: Using The Various Recording Programs
Using the Various Recording Programs The camera provides you with a choice of seven recording programs. They use different combinations of camera 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. Turn the program selector to the [ position. - Page 36 Auto In normal recording conditions, set the program selector to n (Auto). This is the same as the Easy Recording program, except that you now have the option of using any of the camera’s manual functions — you can adjust focus and exposure, set the white balance, and so on.
- Page 37 • When recording in extreme low-light conditions, we recommend the use of a Canon Speedlite or Video Light (available as optional accessories, see page 66). • When shooting using the Tv program, if the shutter speed display flashes the camera has not been able to set the exposure correctly.
- Page 38 Giving priority to the aperture (aperture-priority: Av) Use this program to let you select the aperture (iris diameter) to give you maximum control over the depth of field (the picture’s zone of sharp focus). It is the reverse of shutter-priority. The camera sets the appropriate shutter speed automatically to give the correct exposure.
- Page 39 To use the conversion program, put the camera in record pause mode and turn the program selector to You can also alter the strength and tint of the colors, plus mask the edges of the picture when using the Film Adapter (FP-100). 1.
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Page 40: Fading In And Out Between Scenes
Fading In and Out Between Scenes Use the digital fader functions to start or end a scene with a fade to or from black. Vertical Wipe When you start recording the picture appears from the right hand side of the screen and expands sideways until it fills the whole screen. - Page 41 Using digital faders Activate the function each time you wish to use it (both before you fade in and again before you fade out) by pressing the D.FADER button. The name of the fader is shown in the display when it is activated. 1.
- Page 42 Notes: • You are unable to use any of the digital faders when the camera is set as follows: - Easy Recording program. - Negative-Positive Conversion program. - Tv and Av. - Photo mode. • You cannot use the mosaic fade or the window wipe if: - You have turned on the digital zoom or 16:9 effect at the menu.
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Page 43: Audio Recording
Audio Recording Selecting the audio mode AUDIO MODE••16bit (see p. 25) OPTURA can record sound in two audio modes — 16 bit (48kHz, 2 channel) and 12 bit (32 kHz, 4 channel). 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 two channels free (stereo 2) for you to add new sound at a later date. -
Page 44: Setting The Self-Timer
Setting the Self-Timer RECORD SEARCH This is useful when you want to include yourself in the picture when recording. 1. Press the self-timer button. • SELF TIMER appears in the display. 2 Press the start/stop button. • The camera starts to record after a 10 second countdown period (or after 2 seconds when you use the remote control). -
Page 45: Using A Canon Speedlite For Flash Photography (Optional Accessory)
Using a Canon Speedlite for Flash Photography For SLR-style flash photography, use a Canon Speedlite 220EX or 380EX with the camera. Use the camera in exactly the same way as you would normally in photo mode (p. 31). Turn on the Speedlite using its main switch, and wait for it to charge. -
Page 46: Adjusting Exposure Manually
Adjusting Exposure Manually Exposure lock When you are recording in situations where the lighting may change suddenly, you can lock the exposure at the current level in order to control the brightness of the image. To lock the exposure, press the EXP wheel. Press it again to return to the automatically set exposure level. -
Page 47: Adjusting Focus Manually
Adjusting Focus Manually The camera 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. It also has two functions which give you more control over focusing. -
Page 48: Focus Lock
Focus lock Press the FOCUS wheel to turn off autofocus. The focus remains locked at the point set by autofocus. (AF | appears in the display.) You can now adjust the focus manually. Press the FOCUS wheel again when you want to return to autofocus. •... -
Page 49: Setting The White Balance
Setting the White Balance The camera’s auto white balance system compensates for a wide range of lighting conditions. Although slight variations are unavoidable, colors will appear natural in virtually every situation. In some cases, you will get better results by setting the white balance manually. - Page 50 Setting the white balance manually will probably work better than auto white balance when shooting: Subjects with one dominant color, such as sky, sea or forest. Close-ups In rapidly changing lighting conditions In places lit by certain types of fluorescent or mercury vapor lights.
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Page 51: Editing To A Vcr
Editing to a VCR Playback the tape on the camcorder. S-VIDEO OUT VIDEO/ AUDIO OUT REMOTE By connecting the camera to another VCR, you can edit your recordings in order to remove unwanted scenes — or combine different shots to create your own video productions. - Page 52 DV cable can handle data in both directions. Use a Canon CV-150F DV cable to connect two digital devices together. When you are recording, make sure you connect the cable to the OPTURA before connecting the other end of the cable to the recording device.
- Page 53 m m REMOTE terminal The m REMOTE terminal allows you to connect the camera to equipment such as the ED-100 Video Editor (p. 68). Some buttons on other editing equipment may operate differently from those on the camera. • m (LANC) is a trademark. It stands for Local Application Control Bus System. •...
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Page 54: Preparing The Camera
Preparing the Camera Adjust the viewfinder • In record pause mode, turn the viewfinder focusing wheel (focusing the display) to suit your eyesight. • The viewfinder rotates through 80° to give a choice of shooting positions. Remove the LCD cover •... -
Page 55: Notes On Using The Batteries
Notes on Using the Batteries Charging and recording times • These times vary — the safest policy is always to have two or three times as many battery packs as you think you will need. • You will get more recording time if you turn the camera off between shots, instead of leaving it in record pause mode. -
Page 56: Installing The Backup Battery
Taking care of the battery pack Always attach the terminal cover. • Do not allow any metal objects to touch the terminals, as this can cause a short circuit and damage the battery pack. Attach the terminal cover whenever the battery pack is not being used. - Page 57 DANGER! Treat the battery pack with care. • Keep it away from fire (or it might explode). • Do not expose the battery pack to temperatures greater than 140°F (60°C). Do not leave it near a heater, or inside a car in hot weather, for example. •...
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Page 58: Setting The Audio Output
Setting the Audio Output 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. To simply choose stereo1 or stereo2, you do not need to release the fixed level (skip step number 2 below). -
Page 59: Maintenance
Maintenance Cautions Avoid high temperatures and high humidity. • Do not leave the camera inside a car in hot weather, for example. • Be careful of heat radiating from video lighting equipment. • Do not take the camera into a humid room. Avoid sudden changes in temperature. -
Page 60: Using The Camera Abroad
• You can use the compact power adapter to operate your camera and charge battery packs in any country where the electricity supply is between 110 and 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Contact your Canon dealer for information about plug adapters for overseas use. - Page 61 Condensation Condensation may form on the camera when it is moved from a cold place to a warm place. Using the camera while condensation is present can damage both the tape and the camera. Condensation may become a problem: When you bring the camera from a cold place to a warm room When the camera is left in a humid room Protecting the camera from condensation...
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Page 62: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Refer to this checklist first if you have any problems with your camcorder. Possible explanations are given for each problem on the list — turn to the page numbers in brackets for more information. Make sure that the camera is properly connected if you are using it with a TV or VCR. - Page 63 ? ? The camera won’t focus. Note: Some subjects are not suitable for autofocus. In these situations, you will often get better results using manual focus (see p. 47). Focus on something which is about the same distance away, lock the focus, and then point the camera at your original, hard-to-focus subject.
- Page 64 Problem ? ? The playback picture is rough (with mosaic-like noise) ? ? There’s no picture on the TV screen, even though the tape is moving. ? ? There’s no sound coming from the speaker during playback. Miscellaneous Problem ? ? The wireless controller doesn’t work.
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Page 65: The Optura System Diagram
The OPTURA System Diagram WL-D66 TL-55 Tele- Wireless converter Controller FS-55U Filter Set SR-49/55 Step-up Ring FS-55 Filter Set MM-200 Stereo Mixing Microphone ZM-100 Stereo/ Zoom Microphone SA-1 Adapter Bracket 220EX/380EX Speedlite VL-10Li BP-911, BP-914, Battery BP-924, BP-927 Video Light Battery Pack ED-100 Video Editor SC-1000 Soft Carrying Case... -
Page 66: Optional Accessories
Optional Accessories Battery pack For use with the OPTURA. It is also available as an optional accessory. CB-900 Car Battery Adapter Power your camera, or recharge battery packs on the move. The car battery adapter plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter socket and runs off a 12-24 V DC negative ground battery. - Page 67 ZM-100 Stereo/Zoom Microphone Features switchable stereo and zoom modes for extra recording control. In the stereo mode a dial adjust the apparent width of the stereo sound field, while in the zoom mode the dial adjusts the sensitivity of the microphone from near to far.
- Page 68 SC-1000 Soft Carrying Case This lightweight bag keeps the camera within easy reach without weighing you down or getting in the way. SC-A20 Soft Carrying Case A handy camera bag with adjustable padded compartments and plenty of pockets for accessories. RC-150 RF Adapter Cable This makes it possible to use the RU- 100 RF Unit with OPTURA.
- Page 69 SL-49/46 Step-down Converter Lens This makes it possible to use the FP- 100 film Adapter with OPTURA. This mark identifies genuine Canon video accessories. When you use Canon video equipment, we recommend Canon-brand accessories or products bearing the same mark.
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Page 70: Finding Your Way Around The Optura
Finding Your Way Around OPTURA Tally lamp (P. 28) Remote sensor (P. 28) Standby lever (P. 12) Start/stop button (P. 12) Zoom control (P. 14) Stereo microphone D. FADER button (P. 41) DC output terminal MIC terminal (P. 43) Viewfinder focusing wheel (P. - Page 71 LCD screen (P. 15) Accessory shoe FOCUS wheel (P. 48) EXP wheel (P. 46) Av/Tv CTRL (P. 37, 38) Controller (P. 26, 47) (phones) terminal (P. 43) VIDEO/AUDIO OUT terminal (P. 19) REMOTE terminal (P. 53) Speaker (P. 15) Backup battery cover (P.
- Page 72 START/STOP PHOTO button (P. 12) MENU button (P. 26) TV SCREEN button (P. 73) DATA CODE button (P. 30) button (P. 16) PLAY button (P. 16) button (P. 18) PAUSE button (P. 17) Transmitter Zoom buttons (P. 14) ZOOM Controller buttons (P. 26, 47) SEARCH buttons (P.
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Page 73: Screen Displays
Screen Displays To display the date and time on a connected TV, press the wireless controller’s DATA CODE button. Press the wireless controller’s TV SCREEN button to see the other displays on the TV screen. (The displays appear white on-screen.) They will not be added to any recordings you make with the camera. -
Page 74: Vcr Menu
Playback pause (forward and reverse) (p. 17) Slow playback (forward and reverse) (p.18) 2 playback (forward and reverse) (p. 18) 1 playback (forward and reverse) (p. 18) Photo Search (p. 32) Photo search is complete Zoom display (p. 14): Optical zoom Optical plus digital zoom Zoom in... -
Page 75: W H Iteb A L
Photo mode (p. 31) • Setting the AF/AE mark flashes white • AF/AE locked mark lights up green • Timer Movie mode (p. 33) Recording programs (p. 35). AU T O SAND&SNOW S POT L I GH T NEGAT I V E NEGAT I V E T v 8 A v F 2 . -
Page 76: Time Code
Time Code This records counter information, including hour, minute, second, and frame number on a special data code area on the tape itself. It is reset automatically when a new tape is loaded. Recording reminder 0 sec 0 1 sec When you start recording, the camera counts from 0SEC to 10SEC. -
Page 77: Specifications
Operating temperature: 32°–104°F (0°–40°C) Battery capacity: 1,350 mAh Dimensions: 1 (38.2 20.5 Weight: 3 oz (96 g) inch Weight and dimensions are approximate Errors and omissions excepted. Subject to change without notice. Canon is a trademark of Canon Inc. 133mm) 70.5 mm) -
Page 78: Index
Index Å Abroad, Using the Camera, 60 Accessories, 6, 66 Adapter, AC, 8 AE Programs, 35 Audio Output, 58 Audio Recording and Playback, 44 Audio/Video Terminals, 19 Auto, 36 Autofocus, 47 Av/Tv CTRL, 37, 38 ı Backup Battery, 56 Basic Recording, 12 Battery Pack, 9 Ç... - Page 79 ∏ Pause, Record, 12 Photo Mode, 31 Photo Search, 32 Playback, 16 Playback Connection, 19 Playback pause, 17 Power Adapter, 8 Powering your camcoder, 8 Preparing the Camera, 54 Problems, 62 Â Recharging the Battery Pack, 55 Recording, 12 Recording Programs, 35 Record Pause Mode, 12 Record Review, 34 Record Search, 34...
- Page 80 CANON U.S.A., INC. LOS ANGELES OFFICE 15955 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92718 USA CANON U.S.A., INC. HONOLULU OFFICE 1020 Auahi Street, Bldg. #8, Honolulu, HI 96814 USA If you have any questions, call the Canon U.S.A. Information Center toll-free on 1-800-828-4040 (U.S.A. only). CANADA CANON CANADA INC.