Vivitar DVR-518 User Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Vivitar Manuals
  4. Camcorder
  5. DVR-518
  6. User manual

Vivitar DVR-518 User Manual

Digital video camcorder
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

DVR 518
Digital Video Camcorder
User's Manual
© 2009 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.

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Vivitar DVR-518

Summary of Contents for Vivitar DVR-518

  • Page 1 DVR 518 Digital Video Camcorder User’s Manual © 2009 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

    Setup Mode ... 50 Connecting the Camcorder to a TV... 59 Install the Vivitar Experience Image Manager Software ... 59 Connect your camcorder to the computer ... 63 Get photos and videos from your camcorder to your computer ... 63...

  • Page 3: Introduction

    Transfer media from my camcorder to my computer manually (Using Windows) ... 66 Transfer media from my camcorder to my computer manually (Using Macintosh) ... 67 Using your camcorder as a PC Camera (on Windows) ... 68 Sakar Warranty Card ... 69 Technical Specifications ...

  • Page 4: What Your Digital Video Camcorder Includes

    Delete, rotate, protect, crop and print photos directly on and from your camcorder  Vivitar Experience Image Manager software for uploading and managing photos and videos to or from the most popular photo sharing and social network websites. What your digital video camcorder includes ...

  • Page 5: Computer System Requirements For Windows Xp

     TV-out cable  Vivitar Experience Image Manager software Installation CD  Quick Start Guide  Pouch  Hand strap Computer System Requirements for Windows XP To be able to download photos and videos to your PC, you will need the following minimum configuration: ...

  • Page 6: Computer System Requirement For Windows Vista

     Internet connection required Computer System Requirement for Windows Vista To be able to download photos and videos to your PC your will need the following minimum configuration:  Windows Vista  800MHz processor and 512 MB of system memory ...
  • Page 7  256 MB RAM, 100 MB free disk space  Display: 1024 x 768 or higher-resolution monitor  QuickTime 6 or higher  Internet connection required...

  • Page 8: A Quick Look At Your Digital Video Camcorder

    A Quick Look at your Digital Video Camcorder Display button LED On / Off button Mode button Shutter button Up button OK button AV / USB jack Right/Self-timer button MENU button Down button Power button Left button LCD screen Tripod socket SD card slot Wrist strap Battery cover...

  • Page 9: Preparing Your Camcorder For Use

    Preparing Your Camcorder for Use Battery Installation Your DVR camcorder requires 3 “AAA” batteries (not included). It is recommended that alkaline batteries be used. Lift and open the battery compartment on the side of the camcorder. Insert the batteries in accordance with the polarity indicated in the battery compartment.

  • Page 10: Inserting An Sd Memory Card

     Limited internal memory is provided in order to take photos, videos and audio.  A SD Memory card is required to expand the memory in order to capture and record many more media items. All the media in the built-in memory will not be lost if no SD Memory Card has been inserted in the DVR or when you change your batteries.
  • Page 11 Locate the SD card slot on the bottom of the camcorder. Insert an SD memory card correctly in the direction shown. Press the memory card until you hear a “Click” sound. The memory card when properly inserted will sit flush with the camcorder. Note: After you insert an SD memory card, the SD card icon will appear on the right side of the LCD, indicating that your SD memory card has been installed successfully.

  • Page 12: Maintenance And Care

     Formatting will delete all data on the SD Memory Card including protected data.  Do not remove the SD memory Card during formatting as this may damage the card and render it unusable.  Before using the camcorder, be sure to format the card with the camcorder (see the Setup section further on in the manual for instruction on how to format the card).

  • Page 13: Dvr Function Control

    DVR Function Control To power on the camcorder you need to flip open the LCD Screen. The Power button is situated on the inside of the camcorder. Power on Press the Power button to turn on your DVR. The LCD monitor will light up indicating that your DVR is ready for use. Power off Press the Power button to turn your DVR camcorder off.
  • Page 14 Setting the Language When using the video camcorder for the first time after purchasing it, be sure to choose a language and set the date & time before using the video camcorder. Turn the Power on. Press the MENU button. Press the Right button on the OK dial to open the Setup menu.
  • Page 15 Press the OK button to open the date and time settings. Press the Left/Right button to select the Year, Month, Day, Hour, Minute and Date Format (YYYY/MM/DD , DD/MM/YYYY , MM/DD/YYYY) options. Press the Up/Down button to change the digits on each of the settings you wish to update.

  • Page 16: Capturing Videos

    Capturing Videos In order to capture videos (with audio) using your camcorder you need to select the Video mode. On turning on your camcorder the first mode to appear is the Video mode. To change between the function modes on your DVR, press the DV/DSC button on the bottom left of the LCD screen.
  • Page 17 Press the Right button if you wish to Pause the recording in the middle and again to resume recording. Press the Shutter button again to stop the recording. The recorded file will be saved in AVI format. Note: Press the Up button to Zoom In or the Down button to Zoom Out of the subject during the shooting to focus in on your subject.
  • Page 18 videos use up more memory. You can also change the Frame Rate, Metering and White Balance. To enter the Settings options for the Video mode: Press the MENU button. Press the Up/Down button to select the Setting you wish to change from the menu that appears.
  • Page 19 Movie Size You can select different Video resolutions - VGA 640x480 pixels / QVGA 320x240 pixels 1. Press the Up/Down button to select the Movie Size menu. 2. Press the OK button to open the Movie Size submenu. 3. Press the Up/Down button to highlight and select the resolution option: VGA 640x480, QVGA 320x240 4.
  • Page 20 Note: After selecting your resolution, the corresponding icon will appear on the top of the LCD. Frame Rate This setting allows you to control the frame rate for video capture. Press the Up/Down button to select the Frame Rate menu. Press the OK button to open the Frame Rate submenu.
  • Page 21 [Center]: The exposure will be calculated based on light in the center area and this is suitable for general use. [Multi]: The exposure will be calculated based on the average light. [Spot]: Only the spot in the center of the LCD screen will be metered for light.

  • Page 22: Taking Photos

    menu. 6. Press the MENU button to revert back to the Video capture mode to start capturing videos with the new white balance selected. Note: After selecting your White Balance choice, the corresponding icon will appear on the top of the LCD. Taking Photos After you power on your camcorder, press the DV/DSC mode button on the bottom left of the LCD screen.
  • Page 23 5. When the camcorder's internal memory is full, “Memory Full” will appear on the LCD screen when you attempt to press the Shutter button to take a photo. Either download the photos to your computer using the Vivitar Experience Image Manager software as described below in the section “Transfer photos and videos to your computer”...
  • Page 24 Digital Zoom function You can magnify your subject up to 8 times using the digital zoom. Press the Up button to Zoom In to the object. Press the Down button to Zoom back out. The digital zoom digit icon appears on the bottom right corner of the LCD screen Self-Timer You can include yourself in a photo by using this feature to delay the time between...
  • Page 25 2 Seconds, snapshot) Press the Shutter button. The digit time countdown appears on the LCD and the red LED next to the lens flashes for every second of the countdown. After the selected time delay the photo will be taken. Method 2: In the camera mode, press the MENU button.
  • Page 26 Press the MENU button to exit the Setting menu and revert to the Camera mode. The Self-Timer icon appears on the top of the LCD screen. Press the Shutter button. The digit time countdown appears on the LCD and the red LED next to the lens flashes for every second of the countdown.
  • Page 27 Capture Setting options...
  • Page 28 The camera setting allows you to manage the way you wish to take photos. You can select and change the Resolution pixel size, Quality, Metering, White Balance, Exposure, Driver Mode, Effect and Date Stamp of the photos. To enter the Settings options for the Capture mode: Press the MENU button.
  • Page 29 quality of the photo the more memory it will take. The image size and quality will also affect the maximum size you can print your photo effectively. To set the camcorder`s resolution: 1. Press the Up/Down button to select the Resolution menu. 2.
  • Page 30 The quality of your photos also affects the number of shots you can take. The Super setting means you can take fewer photos, but they will be better quality. Press the Up/Down button to select the Quality menu. Press the OK button to open the Quality submenu. Press the Up/Down button to highlight and select one of the quality options: Super / Fine / Normal.
  • Page 31 Press the OK button to open the Metering submenu. Press the Up/Down button to highlight and select the metering option: [Center]: The exposure will be calculated based on light in the center area and this is suitable for general use. [Multi]: The exposure will be calculated based on the average light.
  • Page 32 Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Fluorescent / Incandescent. 4. The White Balance choice selected automatically appears on the LCD. 5. Press the OK button to confirm, save your choice and exit to the Setting menu. 6. Press the MENU button to revert back to the Camera capture mode to start taking photos with the new white balance selected.
  • Page 33 4. The Exposure choice selected automatically appears on the LCD. 5. Press the OK button to confirm, save your choice and exit to the Setting menu. 6. Press the MENU button to revert back to the Camera capture mode to start taking photos with the new exposure setting selected.
  • Page 34 Press the MENU button to exit the Setting menu and revert to the Camera mode. The Self-Timer or Burst icon appears on the top of the LCD screen. Press the Shutter button. If you selected the self-timer, the digit time countdown appears on the LCD and the red LED next to the lens flashes for every second of the countdown before the photo is taken.

  • Page 35: Audio Mode

    Date Stamp With this function, you may record the date and time on your photo. 1. Press the Up/Down button to select the Date Stamp menu. 2. Press the OK button to open the Date Stamp submenu. 3. Press the Up/Down button to highlight and select the Date Stamp option: [Off]: Neither date nor time is added to the image.

  • Page 36: Playback Mode

    and taking photos. Insert an SD card to expand the memory capacity of the camcorder to enjoy many more hours of recording. After you power on your camcorder, press the DV/DSC mode button on the bottom left of the LCD screen until the Audio screen appears. The Audio screen will appear with the audio corner of the screen.
  • Page 37 After you power on your camcorder, press the DV/DSC mode button on the bottom left of the LCD screen until the Playback screen appears. The Playback screen will appear with the Playback left corner of the screen. Press the Left/Right buttons to select the image you wish to view. A Photo file appears with the Playback icon only.
  • Page 38 Thumbnail display When the camcorder is in the Playback Mode Press the Down button for all the images to appear as thumbnails. Press the OK button for the image to appear in full screen. If you selected a JPG file then once in full screen display mode, you can press the Up button to Zoom in and out of the photo Press the Up/Down/Left/Right buttons to scroll around the enlarged photo.
  • Page 39 Note: You can know from the thumbnail what the image is - JPEG files do not have any icons on the thumbnail screen. AVI`s will have a V appear on the thumbnail and WAV files will have the audio icon. Operation for still photos Select a still photo (an icon Press the Up and then the Up/Down buttons to Zoom in or Out of the photo.
  • Page 40 Lock/Unlock One; Lock All; Unlock All If you selected Lock/Unlock One and press the OK button a “Protect Image?” or “Unprotect Image” confirmation message will appear with “Yes” and “No” options. Press the Up/Down button to select Yes to lock/unlock or No to exit. Press the OK button to confirm, save and protect/unprotect the selected image.
  • Page 41 Delete You can delete unwanted photos, videos and audio files at any time to free up memory. You can delete one at a time or delete all the unprotected files that are currently recorded on the memory card at once. Press the MENU button.
  • Page 42 unprotected images. Slide Show You can have all the photos appear one after the other as a Slide Show. Press the MENU button. Press the Up/Down button to select the Slide Show menu. Press the OK button to open the Slide Show submenu. Press the Up/Down button to highlight and select one of the Slide Show options: Start;...
  • Page 43 11. Press the Left/Right button to toggle between the Yes and No options if you wish the Slide Show to automatically repeat itself or not. 12. Press the OK button to save your choice and exit the Slide Show submenu. Note: On selecting the Start option again in the Slide Show submenu the Slide Show will now play according to the new settings selected.
  • Page 44 You can rotate photos on the camcorder Press the Up/Down button to select the Rotate menu. Press the OK button to open the Rotate submenu. Press the Up/Down button to highlight and select the Rotate options: Rotate; Save; Back To rotate the selected image, select the Rotate option. Press the OK button to begin rotating the image each time 90 degrees to the right (clockwise).
  • Page 45 2048x1536; 1024x768, 640x480 You will only be able to resize down the resolution of the original photo. Note: If the original photo was captured in 8M and 5M then it can be resized to any of the above 3 options. A 3M photo can be resized to the last 2 options and a 1M photo to the last option.
  • Page 46 The elapsed time for the voice memo appears in the center of the LCD. Press the Shutter button to stop and save the Voice Memo to the photo. The photo with voice memo will now have a white audio icon middle left side of the LCD.
  • Page 47 Press the Up/Down button to highlight and select the Start-up Image options: Set; Cancel If you wish to set the selected image select the Set option and press the OK button. Note: In order for this image to appear, the Start-up Image in the Setup mode needs to be set to “My image”...
  • Page 48 Press the Left button to Fast Rewind and the Up button to pause and play. Press the Right button to Fast Forward and the Up button to pause and play. There are 2 setting for the Video playback mode - Lock and Delete Lock You can lock and protect your photos, videos or audio files from accidental deletion.
  • Page 49 If you selected Lock All and press the OK button a “Protect All?” confirmation message will appear with “Yes” and “No” options. Press the Up/Down button to select Yes to lock or No to exit. 10. Press the OK button to confirm, save and protect all the images. 11.
  • Page 50 Press the OK button to open the Delete submenu. Press the Up/Down button to highlight and select one of the delete options: One; All If you selected One and press the OK button a “Delete This File?” confirmation message will appear with “Yes” and “No” options. Press the Up/Down button to select Yes to delete or No to exit.

  • Page 51: Setup Mode

    Setup Mode The Setup mode can be accessed from the Video, Camera Capture and Playback modes. In Setup mode you can set - Sounds, Auto Review, Power Frequency, Power Save, Date & Time, Language, TV Out, USB, Start-up Image, Format and Reset All. Press the MENU button.
  • Page 52 Press the Up/Down button to select the Sounds menu. Press the OK button to open the Sounds submenu. Press the Up/Down button to highlight and select the Sounds options: Shutter; Start-up; Beep; Volume To turn on or off the sound the Shutter makes when pressed, use the Right/Left button to select On or Off.
  • Page 53 Auto Review In this Setup mode you can adjust the review time after taking a picture Press the Up/Down button to select the Auto Review menu. Press the OK button to open the Auto Review submenu. Press the Up/Down button to highlight and select the Auto Review options: Off;...
  • Page 54 50Hz; 60Hz Press the OK button to save the Power Frequency option that you selected. Press the MENU button to close the menu and exit the Setup function. Power Save In this Setup mode you can save battery power by selecting the time before the camcorder will automatically power off if the camcorder is left on and not in use Press the Up/Down button to select the Power Save menu.
  • Page 55 Set the date and time that will appear on the photos you capture. Press the Up/Down button and select the Date & Time option. Press the OK button to open the Date & Time settings. Press the Left/Right button to select the options: Year, Month, Day, Hour, Minute and Date Format (YYYY/MM/DD , DD/MM/YYYY , MM/DD/YYYY) Press the Up/Down button to change the digits on each of the settings you...
  • Page 56 When using the video camcorder for the first time after purchasing it, be sure to choose a language before using the video camcorder. 1. Press the Up/Down button and select the Language option. 2. Press the Right button to enter the Language submenu. 3.
  • Page 57 4. Press the OK button to save your choice. 5. Press the MENU button to close the menu and exit the Setup function. Your camcorder can be used as either a MSDC (Mass Storage device) or PC Camera. Use this mode to select the USB option that will appear as default every time you connect your camcorder to the PC using the USB cable.
  • Page 58 Off; System; My Image 4. If you select the Off option, no picture will appear on power on. 5. If you select the System option, the Vivitar system graphic will appear on power on. 6. If you select the My Image option, the photo that you selected in the Startup image section of the Playback mode will appear on power on.
  • Page 59 2. Press the OK button to enter the Format submenu. 3. Press the Up/Down button to highlight and select the Format option you desire. Yes; No 4. If you wish to format the memory select Yes or No to cancel the format. 5.

  • Page 60: Connecting The Camcorder To A Tv

    Warning: Do not plug your camcorder into the computer until the software installation is complete 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...
  • Page 61 CD/DVD drive and click on “Setup.bat” to launch the installer. On Macintosh: Click the icon to install the Vivitar Experience Image Manager. If you do not have internet access at the time of inserting the CD-ROM, connect to the internet and then click the “Install Vivitar Experience Image...
  • Page 62 camcorder to my computer” button for instructions. If you have internet access, the “Choose your language” window opens, choose your language and click “Next” to open the next window. Select your camcorder model from the list and click “Next” to open the next window.
  • Page 63 On Macintosh: Click the “I accept the terms of this license agreement” and then click “Next” to continue. 10. On PC only: Let the “Vivitar Experience Image Manager” installer create the folder to where the program will be installed, and then click “Install”.

  • Page 64: Connect Your Camcorder To The Computer

    Connect your camcorder to the computer Use the USB cable that came with your camcorder to connect your camcorder to your computer. Turn the camcorder on. The first time you connect the device to the computer you will have to wait a few seconds until the computer recognizes the device.

  • Page 66: Get Started

    Get started! Using the Vivitar Experience Image Manager, you can upload and manage photos and videos to and from the most popular photo sharing and social networking sites - Facebook, Flickr, MySpace, Picasa, Photobucket and YouTube. Seamlessly...

  • Page 67: Transfer Media From My Camcorder To My Computer Manually

    Edit images using automatic and manual tools. Use automatic “Geotagging” with built in Google Maps. For more details on how to use the Vivitar Experience Image Manager open the Help file or click the “Take the Tour” button on the application`s Home page.

  • Page 68: Transfer Media From My Camcorder To My Computer Manually

    of any files on their way to your computer. Transfer media from my camcorder to my computer manually (Using Macintosh) Use the USB cable that came with your camcorder to connect your camcorder to your computer. “MSDC” will appear on the LCD, indicating that your camcorder is in Mass Storage Mode.

  • Page 69: Using Your Camcorder As A Pc Camera (On Windows)

    Using your camcorder as a PC Camera (on Windows) You can use your camcorder as a PC Camera for Web Conferencing and Instant Messaging. 1. Plug the camcorder into an available USB port on your computer. 2. Turn the camcorder on. 3.

  • Page 70: Sakar Warranty Card

    Sakar Warranty Card This warranty covers for the original consumer purchaser only and is not transferable. Products that fail to function properly UNDER NORMAL USAGE, due to defects in material or workmanship. Your product will be repaired at no charge for parts or labor for a period of one year.

  • Page 71: Technical Specifications

    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 your questions. For phone support in the US please call 1-800-592-9541, in the UK call 0800 917 4831.
  • Page 72 Memory Sensitivity Auto Lens F=3.2 Fixed Focus Digital Zoom Self-timer 2s/10s File Format JPEG ( Still Image) /AVI ( Video) / WAV (Audio) White balance Auto / Daylight / Tungsten / Fluorescent / Cloudy Exposure -2EV to +2EV in 0.3 counts control Photo effect Color/Sepia/Monochrome...

  • Page 73: Trouble Shooting

    Trouble Shooting Power does not turn on. 1. The Battery is inserted in the wrong direction. 2. The Battery has insufficient power to power on. The camcorder does not take pictures. 1. The Memory is full. 2. The Memory card is not formatted correctly.
  • Page 74 A00-090518GES...

Table of Contents