Instruction Manual: Digital Video Camcorder
Instruction Manual: Digital Video Camcorder
Instruction Manual: Digital Video Camcorder
ENGLISH
Instruction Manual
FRANAIS
Mode demploi
ESPAOL
Manual de Instrucciones
Es
Mini
NTSC
Digital
Video
Cassette
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AND TO REDUCE
ANNOYING INTERFERENCE, USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES
ONLY.
COPYRIGHT WARNING:
Unauthorized recording of copyrighted materials may infringe on the
rights of copyright owners and be contrary to copyright laws.
Digital Video Camcorder, ULTURA and Compact Power Adapter, CA-500A
Introduction
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.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and use in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Use of shielded cable is required to comply with class B limits in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
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
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,
FULLY INSERT.
Important Warning
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR
BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
Introduction
Fig. 1
ANTENNA
LEAD IN
WIRE
GROUND
CLAMP
ANTENNA
DISCHARGE
UNIT
(NEC SECTION
810-20)
ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
GROUND CLAMPS
Introduction
POWER SERVICE
GROUNDING ELECTRODE
SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250. PART H)
Contents
Introduction
Important Usage Instructions ................ 2
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS ................................ 3
Thank you for Choosing a Canon
Camcorder .......................................... 6
Introducing the ULTURA...................... 7
Editing
The Auto Editing Function .................. 59
Preparing for Editing .......................... 60
Using the Editing Function for the
First Time .......................................... 61
Choosing a Scene ................................ 63
Preview and Recording ...................... 65
Cut-In and Cut-Out Adjustments ........ 67
Deleting Scenes and Clearing
the Program ...................................... 69
Reordering Scenes .............................. 70
Simple Editing to a VCR .................... 71
Introduction
Additional Information
Preparing the Camera .......................... 74
Notes on Using the Batteries .............. 75
Setting the Audio Mix ........................ 78
Maintenance ........................................ 79
Troubleshooting .................................. 83
The ULTURA System Diagram .......... 86
Optional Accessories .......................... 87
Finding Your Way Around ULTURA.. 91
Screen Displays .................................. 94
Specifications ...................................... 98
Index .................................................... 99
Date of Purchase
Dealer Purchased From
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone No.
Model Name ULTURA
Serial No.
Two AA batteries
CA-500 Compact
Power Adapter
Introduction
Getting started
To get started we suggest that you
master the basic operations of the
camcorder first, before moving on to
use its full range of features.
For quick reference (in addition to the
contents and index) please refer to:
Finding Your Way Around ULTURA
(p. 91)
Screen Displays (p. 94)
Troubleshooting in case you run
into any problems (p. 83)
Note that capital letters are used to
refer to settings displayed in the menus
and buttons labeled on the camcorder
itself e.g. Press the EJECT button.
Digital effects
Optical Image Stabilizer
Optical technology
stabilizes your
recordings even in long
telephoto shots.
Photo mode
The ULTURA has the
technology to capture
crisp, clear, digital still
pictures.
Advanced digital
technology allows you to
add special effects and
varied scene transitions
to your recordings.
Introduction
FlexiZone Control
Internal charging
ULTURA charges a battery pack
internally, smoothing the transition
between charging and shooting, and
allowing for a smaller, lighter AC power
adapter.
Mastering
the Basics
Use the power adapter to provide your camera with instant power from an AC outlet.
2
3
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.
Insert the battery in the direction of the arrow until it clicks into place, then
close the battery cover.
Mastering
the Basics
1. Set the POWER switch to OFF before you charge the battery pack.
2. Connect the power adapter to the camera.
3. Open the battery cover and insert the battery into the camera.
4. Plug the adapter into an AC outlet.
The charge indicator flashes red to show that charging is in progress. Single
flashes mean that the battery pack is less than 50% charged. Double flashes
mean that it is between 50% and 75% charged. Triple flashes mean that it is
more than 75% charged. The indicator glows steadily when the battery pack
is fully charged.
Charging will also take place when the camera is in stop mode during VCR
mode, or the power is off in camera mode. This charging will take longer
than when the POWER switch is set to OFF.
Loading a Cassette
E
T.
SE
OPEN
PUS
CLO
THIS
FIRS
EJECT
Mastering
the Basics
3. Press the EJECT I button and wait for the cassette compartment
to open.
4. Load or unload the cassette.
Insert the cassette gently with the window facing out.
Remove the cassette by pulling it straight out.
10
REC
SAVE
REC
SAVE
To protect your recording from accidental erasure, slide the tab on the cassette so
that it exposes the hole. (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 is displayed for approx. 4
seconds and then the v mark flashes in the display. The camera also shows the
above phrase if you accidentally press the DV REC button with the camera
switched to VCR mode.
If you want to record on the cassette again, slide the tab back so the hole is closed.
To protect the tape heads, transfer cassettes directly from the tape case to the
camcorder do not open the tape protect cover or touch the tape itself.
Do not use cassettes where the tape has been damaged or spliced they may
damage the camcorder.
Do not insert anything into the small holes on the cassette or cover them with
cellophane tape.
Handle cassettes with care dropping them or exposing them to external
shocks may cause internal damage.
Store cassettes in the provided case, first rewinding them to the start of the tape,
and then storing them upright.
A cassette with metal plated terminals may become dirty with use, affecting
information transfer. Therefore, after using a tape around ten times, be sure to
clean the terminals with a cotton swab.
Mastering
the Basics
Handling cassettes
Cassette Memory
You cannot use the cassette memory function with this camcorder.
11
Basic Recording
E
1
P
OFF
VCR
POWER
PHOTO
MOVIE
LOCK
PHOTO
MOVIE
LOCK
Mastering
the Basics
To record
1. Press down and slide the POWER switch to [.
The camera power indicator lights up red.
This selects the cameras Easy Recording program. It allows you to simply
point and shoot without making any manual adjustments (see p. 42).
12
As long as the POWER switch is set to [ or Q (see p. 12), you can use the
standby lever to turn the camera on and off. This makes it easy to save
battery power, and prevents accidental operation of the start/stop button.
It is also useful when you want the camera to remember your manual
settings, such as white balance and shutter speed.
Notes:
In addition to [ (Easy Recording), the camera has seven other recording
programs. Slide the POWER switch to the Q position to give you access to
these recording programs (p. 41) and also to the digital effects (p. 45).
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.
To close the LCD panel, rotate it vertically until the screen faces you, then push
it in flat against the side of the camera until it clicks securely.
You cannot monitor the sound from the speaker when recording, you can use
headphones instead.
For tips on how to make better videos, see page 23.
For extra recording time, set REC MODE in the camera menu to LP.
The flashing of the tally lamp may be reflected into the lens during close-up
recording, or when recording through glass. You may therefore decide to turn it
off (p. 30).
Mastering
the Basics
13
Mastering
the Basics
(see p. 26)
14
R E C MOD E S P
Notes:
When recording and playing back tapes in LP mode, the nature of the tape and
usage conditions may affect recording. Mosaic-like noise may appear in the
image and the sound may be distorted during playback of tapes recorded in LP
mode. For important recordings, therefore, set the camera to SP mode.
If you record in both modes on the same tape, the picture may become distorted
during playback and the time code may not be written correctly.
A tape recorded in LP mode on other digital equipment may produce mosaiclike noise and the sound may become distorted when played back on this
camcorder, and vice versa.
Zooming
Zoom in
Zoom out
TE
LE
WID
E
16 optical zoom
The cameras 16 zoom lens allows you to choose the best picture angle for each
scene:
Press the zoom control towards WIDE to zoom out to wide-angle.
Press it towards TELE to zoom in to telephoto.
The T and W buttons on the wireless controller adjust the picture angle, but not
the zoom speed.
Mastering
the Basics
(see p. 26)
The zoom control continues to work as usual. You can freely zoom in and out
between 1 and 64 or 1 and 320 magnification the camera automatically
switches between optical zooming (up to 16) and digital zooming (16 to 320).
Notes:
When you want to get as close as possible to your subject, keep the zoom at the
wide-angle position. You can focus on a subject as close as 3/8 in (1 cm).
Image resolution decreases the further you zoom towards 320 in digital zoom
range.
When the digital zoom is set to 64, the zoom indicator extends (light blue).
When the digital zoom is set to 320 zoom, the zoom indicator extends again (a
darker blue).
15
Mastering
the Basics
16
(see p. 26)
M I RROR ON
Note:
During mirror mode recording, you cannot operate the following functions;
Volume control of built-in speaker and headphones
LCD screen brightness adjustment
Digital effects*
Menu*
Shutter speed*
Program AE*
* Except when the LCD screen is closed with its screen side facing up.
Mastering
the Basics
17
Image stabilizer
Zoom
Exposure Adjustment
Self-timer
F FO
FA
Manual focus
White balance
Mastering
the Basics
Built-in speaker
The camcorder has a built-in speaker so you can review the sound track alongside
the picture during playback.
Adjust the speaker volume by pressing the volume control buttons.
A VOLUME bar appears in the display to indicate the current volume.
You can turn off the built-in speaker completely by pressing the t button so
that OFF appears.
You can also adjust the headphones volume separately from the built-in speaker.
The levels you adjusted for the built-in speaker and headphones are memorized
separately. The camera remembers your levels even if you turn the camera off
and back on again.
Note:
The speaker turns off when the camera is set to camera mode or when you use
headphones.
18
POWER
OFF
VCR
REW
PLAY
FF
STOP
+/
PAUSE
SLOW
REC SEARCH
EXP.
You can use the LCD screen for instant, on-the-spot playback. The camera also
plays back the sound track via the built-in speaker (p. 18).
When you play back a tape, it is convenient to close the LCD screen with its
screen side facing up.
When the LCD screen is closed with its screen side facing inwards, you can
monitor the playback using the viewfinder. However, you can only monitor the
sound track using headphones.
Note:
To avoid accidental recording, make sure that you slide the tab on the cassette
so that it exposes the hole (the switch position is usually labeled SAVE or
ERASE OFF).
Mastering
the Basics
19
Rewind playback
Mastering
the Basics
For reverse playback at about 9.5 times normal speed, press and hold the REW
` button during normal playback or press and hold the REW ` button during
normal rewind.
20
Special playback
All these modes except for Frame Advance and Frame Reverse can only be
operated from the wireless controller (p. 29).
Frame Advance
To play back frame by frame, press the +/ae button or turn the command dial (on
the camera body) clockwise repeatedly during playback pause.
Press and hold +/ae to play back frame by frame continuously.
Frame Reverse
To play back in reverse frame by frame, press the /4a button or turn the
command dial (on the camera body) counter-clockwise repeatedly during playback
pause.
Press and hold /4a to play back frame by frame in reverse continuously.
Mastering
the Basics
To play back at about 1/5 normal speed, press the SLOW M button during normal
playback.
Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.
The camera automatically returns to playback after about 30 seconds of slow
playback.
Reverse Playback
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.
Forward 2 Playback
Press the 2 button during normal playback.
Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.
Reverse 2 Playback
Press the /4a button and then the 2 button during normal playback.
Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.
Note:
Mosaic-like noise appears on the screen during some of the VCR modes and the
sound track cannot be heard.
21
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.
DC.IN 9.5V
STV-250 Stereo
Video Cable
S-VIDEO
VIDEO
AUDIO
L
Mastering
the Basics
Use the S-150 S-video Cable to connect the S-video terminal d. Use the
STV-250 Stereo Video Cable, to connect the AUDIO terminals. Connect the
white plug to the white AUDIO terminal 7 (left). Connect the red plug to the
red AUDIO terminal 9 (right). Do not connect the yellow plug.
Set the TV/VIDEO selector on the television to VIDEO.
If you are connecting the camera to a VCR, set the input selector on the VCR to
LINE.
INPUT
VIDEO
DV
IN/OUT
AV
OUT
AUDIO
L
DC.IN 9.5V
Connect the camera using the STV-250 Stereo Video Cable. Connect the white
plug to the white audio terminal 7 (left). Connect the red plug to the red audio
terminal 9 (right). Connect the yellow plug to the yellow video terminal 0.
Set the TV/VIDEO selector on the television to VIDEO.
If you are connecting the camera to a VCR, set the input selector on the VCR to
LINE.
22
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 cameras 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.
Using a tripod
Mastering
the Basics
Composition
The most important element in the scene does not have to be
in the center. For a more interesting picture, try to position
your subject so it is slightly to one side. Leave some space on
the side of the frame that the subject is facing or moving
towards.
Dont cut off the top of the subjects head, and dont cut
people off at the neck, hips or knees (move a little bit above
or below).
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. Remember to change
your viewpoint for each shot.
Long shot
Medium shot
Close-up
Mastering
the Basics
Camera moves
Use pans to record a landscape or
follow a moving subject. Decide the
area you want to cover and stand facing
the end of your panning angle. Without
moving your feet, turn your waist to the
starting position. Start recording, and
after a few seconds begin to turn slowly
from the waist. Hold the final image for
a few seconds before you stop
recording.
Tilt the camera 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.
24
Pan
Tilt
With most camcorders, even the slightest hand movements will be noticeable
during telephoto recording. However, the ULTURAs Optical Image Stabilizer
allows you to obtain steady recordings even at high 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 you can
record stable images even if you are shooting from a moving car.
Before you start recording, push the i on/off button to turn the image stabilizer
on or off.
The i mark appears in the display when the stabilizer is on.
The image stabilizer cannot be turned off when the POWER switch is set to the
[ (Easy Recording) position.
Using the Full
Range of Features
Notes:
The image stabilizer is designed to deal with a normal degree of camera shake.
Keep the image stabilizer turned off when the camera is mounted on a tripod.
The image stabilizer is not as effective as usual when the tele-converter
(optional) is attached.
The Canon Optical Image Stabilizer system shifts an internal lens to remove
camera shake. When the camcorder is turned off, the lens moves freely. This
may produce a clicking sound when the camera is moved. This is not
malfunction.
25
Many of the cameras advanced functions are selected from menus which appear
in the display.
There are four main menus:
q
w
e
r
t
y
u
i
o
!0
!11
[M ENU ] C LO SE
.
D . ZOOM . . . . 6.4
. FF
. .
1 6 :9 . . . . . O
W H ITE BA L . . .AU TO
W IR E L E SS C . .O N
TA LLY LAM P . .O N
R E C M O D E . . .S.P
AUD IO MO DE . .12 bit
W IND S CR EEN .AU TO
CAM . M ENU
[M ENU ] C LO SE
TA LLY LAM P . .O N
R E C M O D E . . .S.P
AUD IO M O DE . .12 bit
W IN D S CR EEN .AU TO
M IRR O R . . . . O.N .
D /T D ISP LA Y .O FF
T . ZO N E /D S T . .N .Y .
D /T IM E SE T . .J A N . 1, 199 9
12 :00 AM
VCR menu
VCR M ENU
q
w
e
r
t
y
q
e
t
[M ENU ] C LO SE
E D IT MO DE
W IR E L E SS C . .O N
R E C M O D E . . .S.P
. T E /T IM E
D A TA CO D E . . DA
D /T IM E S E L . .DA TE & T IM E
.
.
.
O.
N
D IS P LA Y S
26
w
r
y
ED IT MO DE
q
w
e
r
t
y
u
Set ............................................p. 63
Relocate ..................................p. 70
Delete ......................................p. 69
Preview ....................................p. 65
Start..........................................p. 66
Clear all ..................................p. 69
Select set up ............................p. 61
q
w
e
SE T
R E LO C A TE
D ELE TE
[M EN U ] R TN
ED IT MO DE
r
t
D ELE TE
P R E V IEW
S T AR T
[M EN U ] R TN
ED IT MO DE
y
u
S T AR T
C L EA R A LL
SE T U P
[M EN U ] R TN
q
w
e
r
q
e
[M EN U ] R TN
W IR E LE SS C . .ON
.
R ECO RD E R . . .1A
CUTIN A D J . . .0 :00
CUTO U T A D J. .0 :00
w
r
27
1,6
MENU
TV
SCREEN
MENU
SET
2,4
3,5
It is convenient to close the LCD screen with its screen side facing up when you
select items from the menus. Press the screen until it clicks into place.
28
Notes:
You can only see eight options on the screen at the same time. Pointers at the
top/bottom of the screen indicate that there are more options that you can scroll
through.
You may often find it convenient to use the wireless controller to move around
the menus. Press its MENU button to enter/leave the menu and use the cursor
keys in place of the command dial.
You can display the menus on a connected TV screen using the wireless
controllers TV SCREEN button.
16
ft
Inserting batteries
Insert two AA batteries, following the
= and - markings. Be careful not to
reverse the polarity of the batteries.
Using the Full
Range of Features
Notes:
When using the wireless controller in brightly lit places or outdoors, the
effective range will be less.
The camera 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.
When the batteries run out, replace both batteries at the same time.
29
WIRELESS C.ON
(see p. 26)
1. Open either the camera, VCR or set up menu, and point the arrow
at WIRELESS C.
2. Select the OFF setting and close the menu.
C | appears in the display.
30
TALLY LAMPON
(see p. 26)
1. Open the camera menu, and point the arrow at TALLY LAMP.
2. Select the OFF setting and close the menu.
The tally lamp no longer flashes during recording, but it will still light up
when the camera receives a signal from the wireless controller.
The date and/or time display forms part of the data code. You can choose to
display or hide it during playback (see p. 34).
Set the date and time display when you first start using your camera. Install the
backup battery before you begin (see p. 76).
Before you start setting the date and time, select your home time zone from the
menu.
If you are on daylight saving time now, you should set the camera to daylight
saving time. You can do this at the same time as selecting your home time zone.
After you set the date and time, the date/time and home time zone will be
displayed for about four seconds each time you turn the power on. Pressing any
button makes this display disappear.
The camera automatically accounts for the number of days in a month and leap
year.
(see p. 26)
T.ZONE/DSTN.Y.
31
E
16
4
2
19
18
24
20
17
10
15
8
21
23
14
12
22
11
13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
32
LONDON
PARIS
CAIRO
MOSCOW
DUBAI
KARACHI
DACCA
BANGKOK
H. KONG (Hong Kong)
TOKYO
SYDNEY
SOLOMON
10 11 12 13
Note:
After you selected your time zone and set the date and time, when you travel to
another time zone, there is no need to reset the date and time. Just set the time
zone to your destination and the cameras clock will automatically change to
display the correct time for your destination.
3. Turn the command dial to change the year. Press the set button to
move to another part of the display.
Once you move from the year, the next part of the display starts flashing.
4. Set the month, day, hour, and minute in the same way.
5. Press the MENU button when finished, and the clock starts.
The date can be set to any year between 1999 and 2020.
If you press the MENU button in the middle of setting the date and time the
seconds are set to zero, you leave the menu, and the clock starts.
If you press the set button after setting the minutes you can set the date and time
again from the start.
(see p. 26)
D/T DISPLAYOFF
You can choose to display or hide the date and time display during recording.
When the date and time display is set to ON, the date and time show in the lower
left corner of the display but the time zone disappears in about four seconds. It is
not recorded onto your tape.
33
(see p. 26)
1.
2.
3.
4.
34
During VCR mode, the data code can be displayed or hidden while the camera is
in play, slow or still mode.
Camera data may be displayed as during fast forward, rewind, reverse
playback, forward and reverse 2 playback.
Press the wireless controllers DATA CODE button or the camcorders
DIGITAL EFFECTS button.
Press it once to display the data, press once more to hide it.
You can also choose which type of data code to display either the date/time,
camera data or both.
DATA CODEDATE/TIME
(see p. 26)
Notes:
To avoid accidental recording, make sure that you slide the tab on the cassette
so that it exposes the hole (the switch position is usually labeled SAVE or
ERASE OFF).
The data code will read in the following situations:
During playback of a blank section of tape.
If the tape was recorded before entering the date and time in the cameras
memory.
If the tape was recorded on a camera without a data code function.
If noise or tape damage prevents the data code from being read.
Data code is not displayed during high speed playback modes.
If a recording made on ULTURA is played back on a different DV camcorder,
the data code may not be displayed correctly.
Contents of data code display may change according to D/TIME SEL. (p. 34) or
DATA CODE settings made on the menu.
35
Setting the
Data Code
Setting
Select Date/Time
Date
Time
Date & Time
Date/Time
Camera data
Date/Time &
Camera data
1, 1999
F32
1 / 2000
F32
1 / 2000
J AN . 1 , 1 9 9 9
1 2 : 0 0 : 0 0 AM
F32
1 / 2000
F32
1 / 2000
1 2 : 0 0 : 0 0 AM
1 2 : 0 0 AM
J AN . 1 , 1 9 9 9
F32
1 / 2000
F32
1 / 2000
1 2 : 0 0 AM
J AN . 1 , 1 9 9 9
J AN .
The data code will appear in the display even if DISPLAYS (p. 94) has been set
to OFF through the VCR menu.
36
OFF
VCR
POWER
PHOTO
MOVIE
LOCK
PHOTO
MOVIE
LOCK
You can record still pictures like a photograph. The camera records the picture to
tape for approximately 6 seconds. The exposure is automatically adjusted.
You can capture the still images on your computer, enhance or retouch the images
and print the images out. (Optional IEEE 1394 computer interface board required.)
1. Set the camera to photo standby mode (slide the POWER switch to
[ (Easy Recording) or Q, turn the standby lever to PHOTO).
PHOTO is shown at the bottom right of the display.
3. Press the start/stop button fully down to take the still picture.
The camera takes the image almost immediately, and then records the
photo to the tape for approximately 6 seconds. During this time the camera
also records the sound, and the display also shows the still picture.
A counter display is shown, that counts up to 6 secs as the camcorder
records the picture. F disappears from the display.
F flashes white in the display as the camcorder adjusts the focus and
exposure and it is displayed continuously as a green mark when the camera
is ready to take the still picture. (The focus, exposure, and zoom are now
locked. Also, you cannot turn the image stabilizer on /off.)
To change the still picture before recording: release the button, select a new
picture and then press down the start/stop button lightly once more.
If the subject is unsuitable for autofocus (p. 84), the camera may not be in
focus, despite displaying the green mark. In this case: release the start/stop
button, adjust the focus manually (p. 52) and retry.
37
OFF
VCR
POWER
This allows you to move quickly through still pictures recorded anywhere on a
tape (photo search) or between different days or areas of recording (date search).
You can only use this function from the wireless controller.
Notes:
Press 3 (stop) to end your search.
If you begin a search very close to the start of a recorded still picture during
photo search, the camera 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.
A date/area cannot be identified if the total recording time on that day/area was
less than one minute.
Date search playback may start just before or after the beginning of the located
section.
If the data code is not displayed correctly you will not be able to operate the
date search correctly.
Press once to move to the start of the previous/next still picture or day on
the tape.
You can press more than once to move to the corresponding still picture or
day (up to a maximum of 10 times), e.g. press the + button 5 times to
move forward 5 still pictures or days.
PHOTO SEARCH/DATE SEARCH appears in the middle of the display
alongside the - or + mark and number search through. The recording
mode is also shown (SP/LP).
39
38
Notes:
While the camera records the still, you cannot use the camera functions (when a
cassette is loaded, standby lever/power off do not cut the power until recording
is complete).
You cannot use digital effects while the camera is set to photo mode.
You cannot use FlexiZone in photo mode. If the FlexiZone mode is already
selected, the camera switches to Auto mode automatically.
You can also use the wireless controller to take pictures. First, turn the standby
lever (on the camera body) to PHOTO. Then use the PHOTO button on the
wireless controller. Take the picture with one full push.
Only take photos where it is bright enough to see the image in the display.
Depending on the subject (fast moving subject, for example), the picture may be
blurred.
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. By using
record search, you can ensure a smooth,
noise-free join between the new scene
and the old one.
REC SEARCH
2. Press and hold the REC SEARCH + or button while you check
the picture in the display.
The + button plays the recording forwards and the button plays it
backwards.
3. Release the button when you find the point where you want to start
recording.
Using the Full
Range of Features
Record review
When the camera 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.
40
OFF
VCR
POWER
The camera provides you with a choice of eight 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. Slide
the POWER switch to the [ position.
For normal shooting conditions, use the command dial to set the camera (to
Auto or FlexiZone).
For various other recording conditions, the camera has five more specialized AE
(auto exposure) programs.
Notes:
The name of your selected recording program appears constantly on the left of
the display, with the exception of the Auto which is displayed and then
disappears after 4 seconds.
Avoid changing programs during recording as the brightness of the image may
change suddenly.
The specialized AE programs are not suitable for all kinds of lighting. The
image may flicker, or a bright line may appear on the screen if you use them in
the wrong lighting conditions.
41
POWER
OFF
VCR
1. Set the camera to record pause mode, with the POWER switch set
to the Q position.
2. Press the set button to open the program menu.
3. Turn the command dial to move the arrow up or down the display.
4. Press the set button.
The name of the recording program appears in the display.
Note:
The recording program is reset to AUTO when you turn the camera off using the
POWER switch.
Easy Recording
The simplest way to use the camera is with
the POWER switch set to the [ position.
The camera will take care of focus, exposure
and other adjustments, leaving you free to
point and shoot.
If you select this Easy Recording program, you cannot use:
Exposure lock or compensation
Different shutter speeds
White balance set/indoor/outdoor modes
16:9 mode
Digital Effects
Also, autofocus and image stabilization cannot be turned off.
42
Auto
In normal recording conditions, set the
POWER switch to Q, and choose AUTO
from the program menu. This is the same as
the Easy Recording program, except that you
now have the option of using any of the
cameras manual functions you can adjust
focus and exposure, set the white balance,
and so on. You can adjust shutter speeds in
the Auto Recording program.
E
AUTO
FlexiZone
The FlexiZone is the same as the Auto mode
except that you can use FlexiZone AF and
FlexiZone AE. You can also adjust shutter
speeds in this program.
You cannot use FlexiZone in photo mode.
If you zoom in to a magnification greater
than 64 digital zoom, you cannot use
FlexiZone AF or FlexiZone AE (the frame
disappears).
FLEXIZONE
This program is useful for recording highspeed sports scenes in brightly lit conditions.
Normal playback will be slightly jerky, but
you will get clear images which can be
analyzed frame by frame during slow or
paused playback.
SPORTS
Sports
Portrait
Use this program outdoors to make subjects
stand out from a softened foreground and
background. It works well for still-lifes and
close-ups. The effect is most noticeable when
the zoom position is between the middle
range and the telephoto end. Focus manually
for maximum accuracy, and be careful when
recording action scenes, as this program may
cause fast moving objects to shudder.
PORTRAIT
43
Spotlight
This program is designed for recording
spotlit scenes, such as on a stage. The
exposure is automatically adjusted for glarefree recordings of subjects lit by a
concentrated light source.
SPOTLIGHT
SAND&SNOW
Low Light
44
LOW LIGHT
Art (ART)
45
Sepia (SEPIA)
Records a monochrome image with a
sepia tint.
Strobe (STROBE)
This effect converts on-screen action to
a series of still images, giving an effect
similar to slow-motion.
DIGITAL
EFFECTS
OFF
VCR
POWER
1. Set the camera to record pause mode, with the POWER switch set
to the Q position.
2. Press and hold the DIGITAL EFFECTS button for more than two
seconds to make the digital effects menu appear.
The menu appears for four seconds.
46
Notes:
You cannot use digital effects when the camera is set to the [ (Easy
Recording) program.
You cannot use the fade trigger, vertical wipe or horizontal wipe effects when
the standby lever is set to PHOTO (its name flashes purple in the display).
When you activate the fade, vertical wipe or horizontal wipe effect at the
beginning of recording a scene, the camera first clears the screen and then
applies the effect.
The camera remembers your chosen effect until you change it, but when you
switch the POWER switch to [ (Easy Recording) the digital effect is
deactivated.
16:9OFF
(see p. 26)
1. Select 16:9 from the camera menu and turn the effect ON/OFF.
2. Press the MENU button once more to close the menu.
Notes:
16:9 is shown in the display when you switch the 16:9 effect on.
You cannot use the 16:9 mode with the Easy Recording program.
If you play back a recording made for 16:9 on a normal TV screen, the image
will appear to be vertically squashed (compressed).
47
Audio Recording
E
(see p. 26)
The ULTURA can record sound in two audio modes 12 bit (32 kHz, 4 channel)
and 16 bit (48kHz, 2 channel). 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
while the 16 bit mode produces the higher sound quality (slightly superior to CD).
(If you do plan to add new sound at a later date, make sure you record in SP mode
(p. 14).)
1. To switch the audio mode open the camera menu and select AUDIO
MODE.
2. Select 16 bit and close the menu.
The display appears for approximately 4 seconds.
Notes:
You cannot add new sound to a tape using this camcorder.
For details of playing back a tape that has new sound on stereo 2, see page 78.
48
MIC
You can adjust the volume of attached headphones by pressing the volume control
buttons.
A VOLUME bar appears in the display to indicate the current volume.
The volume control buttons also adjust the speaker volume once you remove the
headphones from the headphones socket when the camera is in VCR mode.
Wind screen
(see p. 26)
E
WIND SCREENAUTO
The camera has an automatic wind screen to prevent wind noise from interfering
with the sound track. (It does not operate with an external microphone: WS | is
displayed.) Turn it off when you want the microphone to be as sensitive as
possible.
1. Open the camera menu and point the arrow at WIND SCREEN.
2. Select the OFF setting and close the menu.
WS | is shown in the display.
49
PHOTO
MOVIE
LOCK
SELF
TIMER
PHOTO
MOVIE
LOCK
This is useful when you want to include yourself in the picture when recording.
The camera starts to record after a 10-second countdown period (or after
two seconds when you use the wireless controller). The time remaining
counts down in the display (e.g. 5SEC).
SELF T. disappears from the display when recording begins.
The tally lamp starts flashing.
50
It also has two functions which give you more control over focusing.
FlexiZone AF
FlexiZone AF makes autofocus much more powerful. Using the FlexiZone
controller, you can select any object that appears in the display, and the camera
will bring it into focus.
FlexiZone AF is useful in the following situations:
When your main subject is not in the center of the display.
When you want to shoot a moving subject.
It also makes it easy to use focus shift techniques. You can
direct the viewers attention by focusing first on one part of the
scene, and then on another.
2. Use the FlexiZone controller to move the frame over the subject.
The controller can be moved in any direction. Press it repeatedly to move
the frame little by little. Press and hold to move the frame quickly.
The camera adjusts the focus to suit the area inside the frame.
Note:
You cannot use FlexiZone AF if you zoom in to a digital zoom magnification
greater than 64. The frame disappears and FLEXIZONE appears in purple.
The frame reappears in the middle of the screen when you zoom back down.
51
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.
H
PUS S
U
FOC
Manual focus
52
H
PUS S
U
FOC
You can also adjust the focus temporarily without turning autofocus off in this
case turn the manual focus wheel to set the focus (without pressing it down) and
autofocus will start again as soon as you release the FOCUS wheel.
Notes:
The manual focus setting is canceled if you:
Slide the POWER switch to VCR or OFF.
Select the [ (Easy Recording) program.
When you are using the Easy Recording program, autofocus cannot be turned
off, but you can override it temporarily by turning the FOCUS wheel.
See Troubleshooting on p. 84 for a list of subjects which may not be suitable
for autofocus.
You cannot use FlexiZone AF in photo mode.
EXP.
The camera adjusts the exposure automatically, making sure that your pictures are
neither too dark nor too light. There is a choice of eight recording programs to
deal with different recording conditions (see p. 41).
This section explains how to use three more exposure functions. These will give
you added control over your recordings.
FlexiZone AE
The camera attempts to balance
exposure for the whole scene. With
FlexiZone AE you can choose which
area of the scene to base exposure on, to
ensure your subject is properly exposed
whether very dark or bright and
wherever it is in the frame.
E.LOCK
2. Use the FlexiZone controller to move the frame over the subject.
The controller can be moved in any direction.
4. Press the button again when you want to cancel FlexiZone AE.
The exposure is now adjusted to suit the center of the screen again.
Press the button once more if you want to adjust the exposure for the frames
new position.
Note:
You cannot use FlexiZone AE if you zoom in to a digital zoom magnification
greater than 64. The frame disappears and FLEXIZONE appears in purple.
The camcorder remembers your locked exposure level even though the frame
disappears. Push the EXP. button to cancel exposure lock.
53
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.
EXP.
To lock the exposure, press the EXP. button. Press it again to return to the
automatically set exposure level.
Exposure adjustment
E . L OCK 0
E . L OCK 0
E . L O C K + 11
E . L O C K 11
Notes:
The standard exposure level depends on which recording program you have
selected.
Exposure lock is canceled if you change recording programs.
You cannot use exposure lock or adjustment when the power switch is set to the
[ (Easy Recording) position.
If you zoom while the exposure is locked, the brightness of the scene may
change.
54
1. Make sure the camera is set to record pause mode, in the Auto or
FlexiZone program.
2. Turn the command dial to select the shutter speed.
The selected shutter speed flashes in the display.
The indication 1/q means auto setting.
1/w (auto)
1/60
1/100
1/250
1/500
1/1000
1/2000
1/4000
1/8000
slower
faster
Note:
The camera returns to the auto shutter setting when you slide the POWER
switch away from the Q setting, or change the recording program.
55
(see p. 26)
WHITE BAL.AUTO
1. Open the camera menu and point the arrow at WHITE BAL.
2. a) For the indoor, outdoor or auto settings simply choose the
setting.
T/U appears in the display when you set the white balance to
indoor/outdoor mode.
56
Notes:
Turn the digital zoom off (if neccessary) to set a more accurate white balance.
If the lighting conditions change, reset the white balance by first returning to the
AUTO setting, and then reselecting SET.
Try to record with light from a single source. Correct white balance cannot be
obtained for two types of lighting at once.
You cannot set the white balance or choose the indoor/outdoor mode when the
POWER switch is set to the [ (Easy Recording) program.
The camera returns to the AUTO setting when you slide the POWER switch
away from the Q setting.
When the standby lever is set to LOCK, the current white balance setting
remains in the memory.
If you shoot with studio/video lighting, use the T (indoor) mode.
During normal outdoor shooting, setting to AUTO may provide better results.
57
OFF
VCR
POWER
SEARCH
SELECT
ZERO SET
MEMORY REW
PLAY
FF
STOP
PAUSE
SLOW
2. When you have finished playback, fast forward or rewind the tape.
The tape stops automatically when it reaches the zero set position.
The tape counter with M indication disappears from the display and the time
code reappears.
58
Notes:
Press the ZERO SET MEMORY button once more to cancel the zero set
memory before you forward/rewind the tape.
The zero set memory may not function correctly where there is a break between
recordings on the tape.
You can also use zero set memory to mark a position on a tape in record pause
mode. When you then play back the tape, pressing rewind will take you back to
the 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 timecode.
If you connect another Canon digital video camcorder to the camera instead of a
VCR, you can use the Auto Editing Function for digital-to-digital editing, with
virtually no generation loss in image and sound quality. However, you cannot
set the cut-in and cut-out adjustments using the built-in digital timer (p. 67).
Cut-In
Cut-Out
Press
Press
Press
Scene
Press
Scene
Press
Unwanted
MOVE
Editing
START
Blank
59
Editing
Infra-red signals
transmitter
1. Check where the remote control sensor is on your VCR using its
normal remote control.
2. Place the camera pointing directly at the sensor, not more than 20
inches (50 cm) away.
Check that the sensor will pick up signals easily from this spot using the
VCRs normal remote control.
Make sure that the cables and the camera strap do not obstruct the signals.
60
SET UP
W I RE L E S S C.
R E CO RD E R . . .
CUTI N A D J . .
CUT O U T A D J .
[ ME N U ]
. ON
. 1 A
. 0: 00
. 0: 00
R TN
Setting RECORDER
Use the chart on p. 62 to find the RECORDER settings for your brand of VCR.
Make sure the camcorders infra-red control signals can reach the VCR, and the
VCR is in record pause mode. (Ready to record and on pause.)
3. If the VCR does not start recording, try the next setting.
Editing
61
RECORDER
The cameras Auto Editing Function can remotely control almost all brands
and models of VCR. VCR remote control signals vary depending on model
and brand. First, choose the right RECORDER setting for your VCR. The
number indicates the VCR brand. The letter indicates the set of signals.
Brand
Canon
Aiwa
Akai
Fujitsu
Funai
Hitachi
JVC
Mitsubishi
NEC
Panasonic
Blaupunkt
Quasar
Settings
1-A to 1-C
2-A to 2-C
3-A to 3-C
4
5
6-A to 6-B
7-A to 7-C
8-A to 8-D
9-A to 9-D
10-A to10-G
Brand
Pioneer
Sanyo
Fisher
Sharp
Sony
Toshiba
GE
RCA
Magnavox
Philips
Seleco
Rex
Settings
11
12-A to12-C
13-A to 13-C
14-A to 14-F
15-A to 15-B
16-A to 16-B
17-A to 17-B
18-A to 18-C
Brand
Thomson
Saba
Nordmende
Ferguson
Grundig
Nokia
Telefunken
Zenith
Samsung
GoldStar
Settings
18-A to 18-C
19-A to 19-C
20-A to 20-C
21-A to 21-C
22-A to 22-B
23
24-A to 24-B
25
as of August 1999
Editing
Notes:
Once you find the correct setting, remember this and do not change it unless you
change VCRs.
See p. 67 for details of the cut-in and cut-out adjustments.
If you try all the numbers and letters, but the VCR has still not started to record:
Check the VCR is ready to record, and on pause.
Check the VCR can receive signals from where the camera is, and that
nothing is blocking the signals.
Go back and try to set it again.
62
If your brand of VCR is not on the chart, or you cannot find the correct setting,
try all the numbers with the command dial until the VCR starts to record.
It is unlikely, but you may have a VCR the Auto Editing Function cannot
control. If so use the Simple Editing method on p. 71.
OFF
VCR
POWER
ED I T MODE
SET
C U TIN
C U TO UT
[ ME N U ]
0: 20: 00
0 : 00 : 40 : 00
0 : 00 : 60 : 00
R TN
T OT A L
0: 00: 20
4. At the start of a scene you want to record, press the set button.
5. Press it again at the end of the scene.
The beginning and end of the scene according to the counter (the cut-in
and cut-out points) are displayed on the display.
The programmed number becomes highlightened.
The camera will not let you put in a cut-in point later than its cut-out
point, nor a cut-out point earlier than its cut-in point.
You will not be able to make scenes shorter than about two seconds in length.
You can program only when the counter displays : : : .
Editing
63
Notes:
TOTAL at the lower right corner of the screen tells you the total running time of
all the scenes you have selected.
For best results, when editing from the start of the tape, let the tape run for
about 20 seconds according to the counter. Set the first cut-in point after that.
Also, avoid setting the last cut-out point in the last three minutes of the tape.
If you program a cut-in point with no cut-out point following, editing will
continue until the tape end and then, the camera and VCR stop automatically.
Editing a tape recorded in both SP and LP modes may be less accurate.
Avoid setting the cut-in/cut-out points before non-recorded portions.
Avoid making the program leaving non-recorded portions between the cuts.
If, when editing a tape, you set a cut-in point at precisely the start of a still
photo (recorded in Photo Mode), the photo search function may malfunction
later.
Editing
64
OFF
VCR
SET
POWER
Preview function
You can preview the editing program. The
PREVIEW function plays the whole program,
automatically pausing at the cut-in and cut-out
of each scene to help editing.
ED I T MODE
P R E V I EW
[ ME N U ]
R TN
Editing
The camera will now play all the scenes from the program number you
selected in the order you have programmed them.
In PREVIEW mode the tape starts a little before each cut-in point. It will
pause for 2 seconds precisely at the cut-in point. It pauses again at the
cut-out point.
The program number being previewed is moved up one line.
When you want to stop the PREVIEW function, press the 3 (stop) button.
65
ED I T MODE
S T AR T
[ ME N U ]
R TN
3. The editing program starts when you press the set button.
Editing
The camera automatically records the scenes you selected onto the tape in
the VCR.
The Auto Editing Function carries out some operations, such as frame
advance at the cut-in/cut-out points, to ensure editing accuracy.
When you want to stop editing, press the 3 (stop) buttons on the camera and
the VCR.
If the Auto Editing Function does not work well, start again from Choosing
a Scene.
66
The point where a scene starts is called the cut-in point, and the point where it
ends is called the cut-out point.
Some VCR models take a second or more to actually start recording after they
receive the command signal. If this happens you could lose the beginning of the
scene. CUT-IN ADJ. prevents this by sending the command a little early.
Similarly, some models take some time to react to the command to stop recording.
Some models also rewind slightly after they stop. You could therefore record more
than you wanted, or lose the end of the scene. CUT-OUT ADJ. prevents this, by
sending the command a little early or late.
If you have these problems with your VCR, reset these adjustments.
Use the set up menu to set the cut-in and cut-out adjustments.
(see p. 27)
1. Open the set up menu and point the arrow at CUT-IN ADJ.
Point it at CUT-OUT ADJ. to set the cut out adjustment.
Editing
67
The tape on which you recorded the digital timer in Setting RECORDER is
used for calculating the adjustment value.
1. Rewind the tape in the VCR and play back the recorded digital
timer.
Look at the time the CUT-OUT timer stops and CUT-IN timer starts. These
times are what the CUT-OUT ADJ. and CUT-IN ADJ. settings should be.
For maximum accuracy, take an average of at least three readings.
If your VCR has a frame advance function or a jog dial, you can use it to
find the precise starting times more conveniently.
2. Set the CUT-OUT ADJ. and CUT-IN ADJ. settings to the center of
the three readings.
Editing
Note:
The camcorder will remember the cut-in and cut-out adjustment settings until
you change them.
68
OFF
VCR
SET
POWER
ED I T MODE
C L EA R A L L
C U TIN
C U TO UT
1: 20: 00
0 : 03 : 40 : 00
0 : 05 : 00 : 00
[ ME N U ]
R TN
T OT A L
0: 06: 00
ED I T MODE
DELE TE
C U TIN
C U TO UT
1: 20: 00
0 : 03 : 40 : 00
0 : 05 : 00 : 00
[ ME N U ]
R TN
T OT A L
0: 06: 00
Editing
The scene is deleted and that program number indication will return to
normal.
You can insert a new scene here if you wish, using the SET function as
described in Choosing a Scene on p. 63.
If this program number is left unprogrammed, the editing function will stop
at this point (the VCR will also stop automatically).
69
Reordering Scenes
You can move the scenes around and reorder
them.
ED I T MODE
R E L O CA T E
C U TIN
C U TO UT
1: 20: 00
0 : 03 : 40 : 00
0 : 05 : 00 : 00
[ ME N U ]
R TN
T OT A L
0: 06: 00
Editing
70
Preparations
1. Connect the camera to the VCR.
See Connections for Playback on a TV Screen on p. 22.
3. Slide the cameras POWER switch to VCR, and load your recorded
cassette.
Basic editing
1. Find a point on your recorded cassette slightly ahead of the section
you want to copy.
2. Start to play it back while you monitor the picture on the TV.
3. Start recording on the VCR as soon as the section you want to copy
appears on the screen.
4. Pause the VCR at the end of the section you want to copy, then stop
playback on the camera.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 until your edited recording is complete.
m REMOTE terminal
Editing
Note:
The quality of the edited tape will be slightly lower than that of the original.
71
DV terminal/connections
DV REC
REC
PAUSE
SEARCH
SELECT
ZERO SET
MEMORY REW
PLAY
FF
STOP
PAUSE
SLOW
Editing
Digital video equipment fitted with this terminal lets you edit, copy and transfer
data digitally, with virtually no generation loss in image and sound quality. The
DV terminal is for both line-in and line-out, since a single DV cable can handle
data in both directions.
If another Canon digital video camcorder is connected, the Auto Editing
Function can be used for digital-to-digital editing (i.e. with virtually no
generation loss in image quality).
72
Copyright signal
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 camera
displays a blank blue screen; you cannot view the contents of the cassette.
If you try to record from such a tape via the digital cable COPYRIGHT
PROTECTED DUBBING RESTRICTED appears in the display; you cannot
record the contents of the tape.
Editing
73
Additional
Information
Note:
Be careful not to leave the viewfinder exposed to bright sunlight, or it will melt.
(The light is concentrated by the viewfinder lens.)
74
BP-915
Using the viewfinder:
Using the LCD screen:
2 hr. 40 mins
1 hr. 35 mins
1 hr. 20 mins
Recording time will be shorter than usual at low temperatures. You can use the
battery pack between 32 and 104F (0 to 40C), but it works best between 50
and 86F (10 to 30C).
If the battery pack starts to give you much less recording time than usual, it has
reached the end of its life and must be replaced.
100%
Notes:
CHANGE THE BATTERY PACK appears in
the display for 4 seconds when the power is
completely exhausted. The empty battery mark
then appears and starts to flash. The power
indicator light also flashes.
The indicator is not constant different levels
will be shown when you subject the battery pack
and camcorder to different conditions.
75%
50%
25%
0%
You can recharge a lithium ion battery pack whenever it is convenient. Unlike a
conventional battery pack, it does not have to be fully discharged first. However,
as the battery pack will naturally discharge itself over time, it is best to charge it
the same day you plan to use it, or the day before.
Additional
Information
When to recharge
75
Additional
Information
76
This backup battery allows the camera to remember the date and time and other
settings when the main power source is removed. It has a life span of about a year.
When it needs replacing (or if it has not been installed), the j mark flashes in
the display. Remove the old battery by pushing it down and pulling it out from the
left side. Make sure to attach a power source to the camera first, and turn it off
using the standby lever. This way it will remember your chosen settings when you
change the battery.
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 140F (60C). Do
not leave it near a heater, or inside a car in hot weather, for example.
Do not try to disassemble or modify it.
Do not drop or knock it.
Do not get it wet.
WARNING!
The battery used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if
mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 100C (212F) or
incinerate.
Replace the battery with a Sony, Sanyo or Panasonic CR2025, or Duracell
DL2025. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.
Cautions:
Do not pick up the battery using tweezers or other metal tools this will cause
a short circuit.
Wipe the battery with a clean, dry cloth to ensure proper contact.
Keep the battery pack out of reach of children if it is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately, as the battery case may break down and the battery
fluids damage the stomach and intestines.
Do not disassemble, heat, or immerse the battery in water, to avoid the risk of
explosion.
Additional
Information
77
AUDIO BALANCE
MONITOR ST-1 ST-2
OFF
VCR
POWER
When you play back a tape that was recorded in 12 bit mode, you can set the
audio output: stereo 1 (the original sound), stereo 2 (any new sound, dubbed to the
tape after recording), or a mixture of the two.
Audio from the 16 bit mode only contains stereo 1 sound and so you cannot/do
not need to select the audio mix. The same is true for the 12 bit stereo 1 mode,
unless new sound has been added post-recording.
Additional
Information
78
Note:
When you have chosen the output, STEREO1, STEREO2 MIX/FIXED or
MIX/VARIABLE is shown in the top left of the display for a few seconds. If
you turn the power off the output is set to STEREO1.
Maintenance
Cautions
Storage
If you do not intend to use the camera for some time, store it in an area which is
free of dust and moisture, and where the temperature is no higher than 86F
(30C). After storage, check each part and function of your camera to make sure
everything is still working properly.
Note:
These cautions also apply to accessories such as battery packs and cassettes.
Additional
Information
79
Maintenance
LCD screen brightness
Adjust the brightness of the display if
necessary.
Pressing the r button makes the display
lighter, and pressing the t button makes
it darker.
L C D
BRIGHTNESS
Viewfinder
Clean the viewfinder screen by inserting
a cotton swab through the viewfinder
protect cover.
LCD
Clean the LCD screen using a
commercially available glass cleaner.
Where there is a big change in
temperature, moisture may form on the
surface of the screen. Wipe clean with a
soft, dry cloth.
At low temperatures the display may
appear to be much darker than usual.
This is not a fault, and as the screen
warms up the display will return to normal.
Additional
Information
80
Video heads
When mosaic-like noise appears on the playback picture,
the video heads may be dirty. When the video heads are
badly contaminated, the camera may show a blank blue
screen.
Clean the video heads using Canons DVM-CL Digital
Video Head Cleaning Cassette. If the noise remains, repeat the cleaning (up to
maximum of five times).
Do not use a wet-type cleaning cassette, as this can cause damage.
TV playback
Although you can always play back your recordings on the LCD screen, your
camera can only be connected to TVs which use the NTSC system. This TV
system is used in the following countries:
American Samoa, Bahama, Barbados, Bermuda, Bolivia, Canada, Chile,
Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala,
Greenland, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Micronesia,
Myanmar, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia,
Surinam, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, USA, Venezuela.
Additional
Information
81
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 the camera is taken from an airconditioned room to a warm, humid place
Additional
Information
82
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 parentheses for more information.
Make sure that the camera is properly connected if you are using it with a TV or
VCR. Consult your dealer or service outlet if problems persist.
Recording/Playback
Cause and/or what to do about it
Additional
Information
Problem
83
Note:
Some subjects are not suitable for autofocus. In these situations, you will often
get better results using manual focus (see p. 51). 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.
Horizontal stripes
Many subjects at
different distances
Behind glass
Without much
contrast (e.g. a white
wall)
Reflective surfaces
(e.g. shiny car
surfaces)
Slanted subjects
Dark subjects
Night scenes
Additional
Information
Recording/Playback (Contd.)
84
Problem
Miscellaneous
Cause and/or what to do about it
Additional
Information
Problem
85
MiniDV
Video
Cassette
TL-46 Teleconverter
DC-900
DC Coupler
BP-915
Battery Pack
FS-46U
Filter Set
CA-500 Compact
Power Adapter
SR-37.5/46
Step-up Ring
FS-46
Filter Set
CG-500 Charge
Adapter
VL-10Li
Battery
Video Light
VCR
Additional
Information
MB-100
Microphone Boom
86
TV
Stereo Microphone
(commercially available)
CV-150F DV Cable
SC-1000 Soft
Carrying Case
BP-900 Series
Lithium-ion
Battery Pack
SC-A50 Soft
Carrying Case
Digital Device
Personal Computer
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.
Battery pack
Extra battery for use with the ULTURA.
Battery pack
BP-915 (supplied)
BP-914 (optional)
BP-927 (optional)
BP-930 (optional)
BP-941 (optional)
Battery pack
BP-915
BP-914
BP-927
BP-930
BP-941
Playback time
(using the LCD screen)
1 hr. 40 min.
1 hr. 30 min.
3 hr.
3 hr. 20 min.
4 hr. 30 min.
Additional
Information
87
Additional
Information
88
Additional
Information
89
ACCES
Additional
Information
90
VI
INE DE
N GENU
NO
Provided accessories:
WL-D72 Wireless Controller
CA-500 Compact Power Adapter
BP-915 Battery Pack
SS-600 Shoulder Strap
S-150 S-video Cable
STV-250 Stereo Video Cable
Lens cap
DVM-E30 Digital Video
Cassette
Optional accessories:
CB-900 Car Battery Adapter
CH-900 Dual Battery
Charger/Holder
CG-500 Charge Adapter
BP-914 Battery Pack
D83-0512-000
D85-0892-201
D85-0952-201
D81-1330-000
D82-0330-202
D82-0516-000
D52-0090-000
D36-0012-000
D85-0502-201
D85-0772-201
D85-0890-201
D85-0842-201
D85-0852-201
D85-0962-201
D81-1200-001
D81-1302-201
D78-0013-201
D78-0014-201
D78-0008-201
D78-0006-201
D86-0081-201
DY4-4530-000
D89-0200-202
D56-0060-201
D81-0190-202
D36-0032-201
D80-5032-201
Accessory shoe
Start/stop button
(P. 12)
Stereo microphone
Additional
Information
91
Speaker
DV IN/OUT terminal
(P. 72)
REC SEARCH
DV
IN/OUT
AV
OUT
DC.IN 9.5V
CHARGE
EXP.
Cassette compartment
(P. 10)
OPEN button (P. 10)
Cassette cover (P. 10)
Additional
Information
OFF
VCR
DC 5V terminal
REMOTE terminal (P. 71)
(phones) terminal (P. 48)
92
POWER
Transmitter
SELF
TIMER
ZOOM
MENU
TV
SCREEN
SET
AUDIO
MONITOR
REC
PAUSE
MIX
BALANCE
ST-1
ST-2
SEARCH
SELECT
ZERO SET
MEMORY REW
PLAY
FF
STOP
PAUSE
SLOW
PAUSE
DATA
CODE
STOP
SLOW
Additional
Information
93
Screen Displays
E
TV
SCREEN
DATA
CODE
Additional
Information
PA US E
R EC
Remaining tape
(Green: more than
5 mins.
Yellow: less than
5 mins.
Red: final few secs).
...finally, it tells you
when you have
completely run out of
tape.
E ND
E J EC T
94
5 min
E J EC T
SP
S TOP
Normal playback
(p. 19)
Zoom in
Zoom out
Fast forward (p. 19)
FF
R EW
C AM . M ENU
VCR ME NU
Rewind playback
(p. 20)
Frame advance
playback (p. 21)
[M ENU ] C L
.
D . ZOOM . . . . 6.4
. .
1 6 :9 . . . . . .
O FF
W H ITE BA L . . .AU TO
W IRE L ES S C . .O N
TA LLY LAM P . .O N
R E C M O D E . . .S.P
AUD IO MO DE . .12 bit
W IND SCR EEN .AU TO
E D I T MODE
W I RE L E S S C .
R E C MOD E . . .
D A T A CO D E . .
D / T I ME S E L .
D I SP LAYS . . .
Frame reverse
playback (p. 21)
Playback pause
(forward and reverse)
(p. 20)
Slow playback
(forward and reverse)
(p. 21)
[ M E NU ] C L
. ON
. SP
. DA T A / T I M
. DA T A & T
. ON
ED I T MODE
SET
R E LO C A T E
DELETE
/5
1 playback (forward
and reverse) (p. 21)
SET UP
W I RE L E S S C.
R E CO RD E R . . .
CUTI N A D J . .
CUT O U T A D J .
P HO T O S E A R C H
C OFF
Date Search
(p. 39)
1 0 sec
SE L F T .
1 6 bi t
64
320
Additional
Information
Self-timer countdown
(p. 50)
D A T E S E ARCH
[ ME N U ]
. ON
. 1 A
. 3: 00
.+1: 00
Photo Search
(p. 39)
Optical plus 64
digital zoom
/5
2 playback (forward
and reverse) (p. 21)
[ ME N U ]
F32
1 / 200 0
1 2 : 0 0 AM
J AN. 1 , 1 9 9 9
95
White balance is
(p. 56).
VO L U M E
+
Screen brightness
(p. 80)
BR I G H T
+
P H O TO
U
T
Recording programs
(p. 41)
Set
Outdoor
Indoor
16:9
F AD E T
WI PE
WI PE
AR T
B L K&W H T
SEP I A
A U TO
S T RO B E
F L E X I Z ON E
S P OR T S
P OR T R A I T
S PO T L I GH T
S AN D& S NOW
L OW L I GH T
Manual exposure
display (p. 53):
Exposure locked
W S OFF
S T E RE O 1
S T E RE O 2
Additional
Information
E. LOCK 0
96
MI X
E . LOCK + 5
E . LOCK 5
M I X / F I X ED
M I X / VA R I A B L E
Manual focus is
selected (p. 52).
A F OFF
Condensation warning
(p. 82)
Time Code
0: 12:34:15
Caution phrases
The camera displays various caution
phrases they appear for 4 seconds
before disappearing.
Appears each time
you turn the power
on, until you set the
date and time (p. 31).
SE T T H E T I M E Z O N E,
DA T E AN D T I ME
CHA NGE T H E B A T T E R Y P A C K
T A P E E ND
TH E T A P E I S S E T F OR
E R A S U R E P R E V E N T I ON
Refer to page 82.
1 0sec
CO N D E N S A T I O N
H A S B EE N D E T E C T E D
Appears as a warning
to protect the tape and
also when
condensation is
detected. Remove the
tape as soon as
possible after the
camera has displayed
the caution.
R EMO V E T H E C A S S E T T E
CO P Y R I G H T P R O T E C T ED
D U B B I N G R E S T R I C T ED
Appears when you
press the DV REC
button if the DV cable
is not connected
properly (p. 72).
Additional
Information
CO P Y R I G H T P R O T E C T ED
P L A Y B A C K I S R E S T R I C T ED
CH E C K T H E D V I N P U T
97
Specifications
Additional
Information
98
ULTURA
Power Supply (rated): 7.2 V DC
Power Consumption (while recording
with the AF turned on):
5.4 W (Using view-finder), 6.2 W
(Using LCD screen)
Television system:
EIA standard (525 lines, 60 fields)
NTSC color signal
Video recording system:
2 rotary heads, helical scanning
DV system (Consumer digital VCR
SD system)
Digital component recording
Audio recording system: PCM digital
sound: 16 bit (48kHz/2ch),
12 bit (32kHz/4ch)
Image sensor: 1/4 CCD (charge
coupled device) 390,000 pixels
(360,000 effective pixels)
Tape format: Videocassettes bearing
the D mark.
Tape speed:
SP: 3/4 ips (18.81 mm/s);
LP: 1/2 ips (12.56 mm/s)
Maximum recording time:
SP: 80 minutes (with an 80 min.
cassette);
LP: 120 minutes (with an 80 min.
cassette)
Fast forward/rewind time:
Approx. 2 min. 50 sec. (with a
60 min. cassette)
Lens: F/1.82.6, 16 power zoom,
3.962.4 mm
Focusing system: TTL autofocus,
manual focusing possible
Minimum focusing distance: 2 5/8 feet
(80 cm) (3/8 inch (1 cm) on maximum
wide angle)
Maximum shutter speed: 1/8,000 sec
Minimum illumination: 2 lx (using
the Low Light program)
Recommended illumination:
More than 100 lx
Filter diameter: 37.5 mm
Viewfinder: 0.55-inch, color LCD
(approx. 113,000 pixels)
LCD screen: 2.5 in measured
diagonally, 120,000 pixels (approx.)
Microphone: Stereo electret condenser
microphone
DV Terminal: Special 4-pin connector
(conforms to IEEE 1394)
Output level:
Video terminal: 1 Vp-p/75 ohms
unbalanced
S-video terminal: 1 Vp-p (Y signal),
0.286 Vp-p (C signal)
Audio terminal: 10dBV, less than 3
kohms, unbalanced
Operating temperature range:
32104 F (040 C)
Dimensions: 3 3 7/8 6 1/8 in
(76 100 157 mm)
Weight: 1lb 9 3/8 oz approx. (720 g)
Index
Fade Trigger, 45
Fast Forward, 19
Feedback, 22
Finding Your Way Around the
ULTURA, 94
FlexiZone, 43
FlexiZone Control, 51
Focusing, 51
Head Cleaning, 80
Headphones, 48
Horizontal Wipe, 45
Backup Battery, 76
Basic Recording, 12
Battery Pack, 9
Black and White, 45
Image Stabilizer, 25
Introducing the ULTURA, 7
Cables, 6, 22
Cassettes, 10
Charging the Battery Pack, 9
Choosing a Recording Program, 41
Cleaning the Camera, 80
Condensation, 82
Connection to TV or VCR, 22
LANC, 71
LCD Screen, 16
Lens Cap, 74
Loading Cassettes, 10
Low Light, 44
LP Mode, 14
Maintenance, 79
Making Better Videos, 23
Manual Exposure Control, 53
Manual Focus, 52
Menus, 26, 27
Mirror Mode, 17
Monitor Recording, 17
Additional
Information
99
Pause, Record, 12
Photo Mode, 37
Photo Search, 39
Playback, 19
Playback Connection, 22
Playback Pause, 20
Portrait, 43
Power Adapter, 8
Powering Your Camcorder, 8
Pre-Marked Position, 58
Preparing the Camera, 74
Problems, 83
Tally Lamp, 30
Tape Protection, 11
Telephoto, 15
Temperature, 75, 79
Time Code, 97
Time Zone, 31
Tripod, 23
Troubleshooting, 83
TV, 22, 94
VCR, 22
Vertical Wipe, 45
Video Heads, 80
Videocassettes, 10
Viewfinder, 74, 80
White Balance, 56
Wide-angle, 15
Wind Screen, 49
Wireless Controller, 29
Additional
Information
100
S-video, 22
Sand & Snow, 44
Screen Displays, 94
Self-Timer, 50
Sepia, 46
Shoulder Strap, 74
Shutter Speed, 55
16:9, 47
SP Mode, 14
Speaker, 18
Specifications, 98
Sports, 43
Spotlight, 44
Standby Level, 12
Storage, 79
Strobe, 46
System Diagram, 86
U.S.A.
CANON ULTURA 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 ULTURA 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
an authorized DV Camcorder service facility (Service Facility), and proven to be defective upon inspection, will be repaired
or exchanged for new or comparable rebuilt parts or DV Camcorders. The warranty period for repaired or replacement parts
or DV Camcorders shall begin upon shipment of the same, but shall in no event exceed the original warranty period of the
defective part or DV Camcorder.
Non-Canon brand peripheral equipment and software which may be distributed with Canon DV Camcorders are sold
AS IS, without warranty of any kind by CUSA, including any implied warranty regarding merchantability or fitness
for a particular purpose. The sole warranty with respect to such non-Canon brand items is given by the manufacturer
or producer thereof.
CUSA shall have no responsibility under this limited warranty for use of Canon DV Camcorders in conjunction with
incompatible peripheral equipment and incompatible software.
In order to obtain warranty service, contact the authorized Canon retail dealer from whom you purchased the DV Camcorder
or call the CANON INFORMATION CENTER AT 1-800-828-4040 (which is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (E.S.T.),
Monday through Friday, excluding holidays). Have your unit serial number and your date of purchase available when you
make the call to expedite service. In either case you will be directerd to ship the DV Camcorder, postage prepaid, to the
CUSA Center or Service Facility nearest to you. You must include a copy of the proof of purchase (bill of sale) and a
complete explanation of the problem. DV Camcorders covered by this limited warranty will be repaired and returned to you
without charge by the CUSA Center or the Service Facility. Repairs not under warranty will be at such cost as the CUSA
Center or Service Facility may from time to time generally establish.
This limited warranty covers all defects encountered in normal use of the DV Camcorder, and does not apply in the following
cases:
(a) Loss of or damage to the DV Camcorder due to abuse, mishandling, improper packaging by you, alteration, accident,
leaking batteries, exterior nicks, scratches or dents, electrical current fluctuations, failure to follow operating instructions,
maintenance and environmental instructions prescribed in CUSAs instruction manual, or service performed by other than
a CUSA Center or Service Facility.
(b) Use of parts or supplies (other than those sold by CUSA) which cause damage to the DV Camcorder or cause abnormally
frequent service calls or service problems.
(c) If any DV Camcorder has had its serial number or dating altered or removed.
This limited warranty does not apply to accessories or consumables for the DV Camcorder, which are sold AS IS, without
warranty of any kind by CUSA.
Additional
Information
101
CANADA
E
Additional
Information
NOTICE TO CONSUMER
If you plan to take important videos or if the product has not been used for some time, please check all functions with the instruction
book before using it.
102
CANON INC.
U.S.A.
CENTRO Y
SURAMRICA
ASIA
PUB.DIM-306
PRINTED IN JAPAN
IMPRIME AU JAPON