Canon Digital Video Camcorder ZR900- Manuals

6 Table of contents Introduction ______________________________ 10 About this Manual 11 Getting to Know the Camcorder 11 Supplied Accessories 12 Components Guide 15 Screen Displays Preparations _____________________________ 17 Getting Started 17 Charging the Battery Pack 19 Installing the Backup Bat...

7 Table of contents Video ____________________________________ 28 Basic Recording 28 Shooting Video 30 Zooming: Optical, Advanced and Digital Zoom 32 Quick Start Function 33 Reviewing the Last Scene Recorded 33 Basic Playback 33 Playing Back Video 35 Returning to a Pre-marked Position 35 Locating th...

9 Table of contents Additional Information ______________________ 56 Appendix: Menu Options Lists 56 FUNC. Menu 57 Setup Menus 57 Camera Setup (Advanced Zoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.) 58 VCR Setup (Recording Mode, TV Type, etc.) 58 Audio Setup (Audio Mode, Wind Screen, etc.) 59 Display Setup (LCD Bri...

Introduction 10 Thank you for purchasing the Canon ZR930/ZR900. Please read this manual carefully before you use the camcorder and retain it for future reference. Should your camcorder fail to operate correctly, refer to Troubleshooting ( 62). Conventions Used in this Manual • IMPORTANT: Precautions...

11 Getting to Know the Camcorder Supplied Accessories CA-590 Compact Power Adapter BP-2L5 Battery Pack Lithium Button Battery (CR1616) STV-250N Stereo Video Cable WL-D85 Wireless Controller Lithium Button Battery (CR2025) for Wireless Controller Online product registration for U.S.A. Customers only....

Introduction 12 Names of buttons and switches other than the joystick are indicated within a “ button ” frame (for example ). Components Guide Left side view Front view Right side view Lens cover switch ( 28) ( open, closed) DV terminal ( 49, 54) MIC (microphone) terminal ( 41) AV terminal ( 49) CHA...

13 Names of buttons and switches other than the joystick are indicated within a “ button ” frame (for example ). Back view Top view Bottom view Joystick ( 21) FUNC. button ( 22, 56) D.EFFECTS button ( 46) Remote sensor ( 20) Viewfinder ( 30) Dioptric adjustment lever ( 30) QUICK START button ( 32) S...

Introduction 14 Wireless Controller WL-D85 * Still images cannot be recorded or played back using this model. Please disregard these buttons. WIRELESS CONTROLLER WL-D85 START/ STOP PHOTO ZOOM CARD DATE SEARCH REW PLAY FF STOP PAUSE SLOW AUDIO DUB. ZERO SET MEMORY TV SCREEN START/STOP button ( 28) CA...

15 Screen Displays Recording Movies Zoom ( 30), Exposure ( 44) Recording program ( 37) White balance ( 44) Image effect ( 45) LCD video light ( 40) Digital effects ( 46) Condensation warning ( 69) Shutter speed ( 39) Self timer ( 40) Playing Movies Exposure adjustment ( 44) Manual focus ( 43) Image ...

17 Preparations This chapter describes basic operations, such as navigating the menus, and first time settings to help you learn more about your camcorder. Getting Started Charging the Battery Pack The camcorder can be powered with a battery pack or directly using the compact power adapter. Charge t...

19 Installing the Backup Battery The backup battery (lithium button battery CR1616) allows the camcorder to retain the date, time ( 25 ) and other camcorder settings while the power source is disconnected. Connect a power source to the camcorder when replacing the backup battery to retain the settin...

Preparations 20 Point the controller at the camcorder’s remote sensor when you press the buttons. You can rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to use the wireless controller from the front of the camcorder. NOTES • The wireless controller may not work properly when the remote sensor is situated under st...

21 Basic Operation of the Camcorder Operating Modes The camcorder’s operating mode is determined by the position of the switch. In the manual, indicates that a function is available in the operating mode shown and indicates that the function is not available. When no operating mode icons are given, ...

Preparations 22 Using the Menus Many of the camcorder’s functions can be adjusted from the menus that open after pressing the FUNC. button ( ). For details about the available menu options and settings, refer to the appendix Menu Options Lists ( 56). Selecting a FUNC. Menu Option 1 Press . 2 Select ...

Preparations 24 First Time Settings Changing the Language The language for on-screen and menu displays can be changed. The list of available languages depends on the region where you purchased the camcorder.  Default value [ MENU] [ DISPLAY SETUP/ ] [LANGUAGE] Desired language NOTES • If you change...

25 Setting the Date and Time 1 Open the date and time setup screen. [ MENU] [ DATE/TIME SETUP] [DATE/TIME]Blinking arrows will be displayed around the first field of the date. 2 Change each field of the date and time with the joystick ( ) and move ( ) to the next field. 3 Press ( ) to start the cloc...

Preparations 26 the LCD screen simultaneously. Rotating the LCD panel 180 degrees can be useful in the following cases:• When you wish to include yourself in the picture when recording with the self timer. • To allow the camcorder to be operated with the wireless controller from the front. NOTES Abo...

27 Inserting and Removing a Tape Use only videocassettes marked with the logo. 1 Slide fully in the direction of the arrow and open the cassette compartment cover. The cassette compartment opens automatically. 2 Insert the cassette. • Insert the cassette with the window facing the grip belt. • To re...

28 Video This chapter covers functions related to shooting and playing back movies – from basic recording and zooming to more advanced manual picture adjustments. Basic Recording Shooting Video 1 Move the lens cover switch down to to open the lens cover. 2 Holding the lock button pressed down, set t...

Video 30 Zooming: Optical, Advanced and Digital Zoom The camcorder offers three types of zoom: optical, advanced and digital zoom. You can also change the zoom speed. Selecting the Zoom Type Options  Default value Using the Viewfinder When recording in bright places it may be difficult to use the L...

31 [ MENU] [ CAMERA SETUP] [ZOOM TYPE] Desired option NOTES • The zoom range of the advanced zoom will change depending on the aspect ratio of the scene ( 57). • The advanced zoom cannot be selected if [WIDESCREEN] is set to [ OFF]. Selecting the Zoom Speed Options  Default value [ MENU] [ CAMERA S...

Video 32 Quick Start Function When you press the camcorder enters the standby mode. In standby mode the camcorder consumes only about half the power used when recording, saving energy when you are using a battery pack. Additionally, when you press again the camcorder is ready to start recording with...

33 Reviewing the Last Scene Recorded 1 Set the mode switch to . 2 If the joystick guide does not appear on screen, press ( ) to display it. 3 Push the joystick ( ) momentarily toward and release it. • The camcorder will play back a few seconds of the last recording made and return to record pause mo...

Video 34 4 Push the joystick ( ) toward / to begin the playback. 5 Push the joystick ( ) toward / again to pause the playback. 6 Push the joystick ( ) toward to stop the playback. During the playback of a scene: [ SPEAKER VOLUME] Adjust ( ) the volume • The sound from the built-in speaker will be mu...

35 Returning to a Pre-marked Position If you wish to return to a particular scene later, mark the point with the zero set memory and the tape will stop at that point when you rewind/fast forward the tape. This function is operated with the wireless controller. 1 While recording or during playback, p...

Video 36 Locating the End of the Last Scene After playing back a tape, use this function to locate the end of the last scene recorded in order to continue recording from that point. POINTS TO CHECK Stop the playback before using this function. [ END SEARCH] [EXECUTE] • “END SEARCH” appears.• The cam...

37 Advanced Function : Special Scene Recording Programs Recording in a very bright ski resort or capturing the full colors of a sunset or a fireworks display becomes as easy as selecting a Special Scene recording program. For details about the available options, refer to the sidebar on page 38. POIN...

39 Flexible Recording: Changing the Shutter Speed Use the automatic exposure (AE) program to use functions like the white balance or image effects, or to select the shutter speed.Use faster shutter speeds to record subjects moving quickly. Use slower shutter speeds to add motion blur, emphasizing th...

Video 40 - Recording movies under fluorescent lights: If the screen starts to flicker, select [ PROGRAM AE] and set the shutter speed to 1/100. - The shutter speed resets to [ AUTO] when you set the mode switch to or change the recording program. LCD Video Light You can use the LCD video light to re...

41 Audio Recording Mode You can change the quality of the audio recording. Options  Default value [ MENU] [ AUDIO SETUP] [AUDIO MODE] Desired option The camcorder automatically reduces the background sound of wind (only while using the built-in microphone). You can turn the wind screen off when you...

Video 42 Audio Playback Modes Selecting the Audio Channel You can select the audio channel to play back when playing back a tape with audio recorded on two channels (either stereo sound or bilingual audio signals). Options  Default value [ MENU] [ AUDIO SETUP] [OUTPUT CH] Desired option Selecting t...

43 Manual Focus Adjustment Autofocus may not work well on the following subjects. In such case, focus manually. • Reflective surfaces• Subjects with low contrast or without vertical lines • Fast moving subjects• Through wet windows• Night scenes POINTS TO CHECK Adjust the zoom before you start the p...

Video 44 Manual Exposure Adjustment At times, backlit subjects may appear too dark (underexposed) or subjects under very strong lights may appear too bright or glaring (overexposed). To correct this, you can manually adjust the exposure. POINTS TO CHECK Mode switch: (except for the [ FIREWORKS] reco...

45 [ AUTO] Desired option* * When you select [ SET], do not press and continue instead with the procedure below. 1 Point the camcorder at a white object, zoom in until it fills the whole screen and press ( ). When the adjustment is completed, stops flashing and stays on. The camcorder retains the cu...

Video 46 Digital Effects POINTS TO CHECK Mode switch: Options  Default value Setting [ D.EFFECT OFF] Desired option* ** * While making the selection, you can preview the effect on the screen. ** The icon of the selected effect appears. Applying Press to activate the fader/effect. • The icon of the ...

47 Press ... : ...while recording, then press to fade out and pause the recording. : ...during playback, then push the joystick ( ) toward / to fade out and pause the playback. Press ... : ...while recording or in record pause mode. : ...during playback. NOTES • When you apply a fader, not only the ...

48 External Connections This chapter explains step-by-step how to connect your camcorder to an external device such as a TV, VCR, or computer. Connecting to a TV or VCR Connecting to a TV or VCR AV Terminal Sound from the built-in speaker will be muted while the STV-250N Stereo Video Cable is connec...

49 Connection Diagrams Turn off all the devices when making the connections and refer also to the instruction manual of the connected device. Terminal on the Camcorder Connecting Cable Terminal on the Connected Device 1 Output connection (signal flow ) to a TV or VCR with AV Terminals. VIDEO AUDIO R...

External Connections 50 Playback on a TV Screen The quality of the playback picture will vary depending on the connected TV and the type of connection used. POINTS TO CHECK Before making the connections, select the [TV TYPE] setting according to the TV set to which you will connect the camcorder ( 5...

51 recording when copying is complete. 6 This camcorder: Stop playback. NOTES • We recommend powering the camcorder using the compact power adapter. • When recording to a VCR using an analog connection –connection type ( 49)–, the quality of the edited tape will be lower than the original. • When re...

External Connections 52 4 When the scene you wish to record appears, push the joystick ( ) toward / to begin recording. Recording starts. 5 While recording, push the joystick ( ) toward / to record pause. In record pause mode, push the joystick ( ) toward / again to resume recording. 6 Push the joys...

53 Audio Dubbing You can add sound to a recording using the built-in or an external microphone. POINTS TO CHECK You can only dub audio on tapes recorded in SP mode with [ 12bit] audio ( 41). This function is operated with the wireless controller. 1 Locate the point where you want to start dubbing au...

External Connections 54 Connecting to a Computer PC Connection Diagram Connecting to a Computer DV Terminal Check the type and orientation of the terminal and make sure you connect the DV cable properly. Open the LCD panel to access. Terminal on the Camcorder Connecting Cable Terminal on the Connect...

55 Transferring Video Recordings You can transfer recordings to a computer using the DV terminal. Equipment and System Requirements • A computer equipped with an IEEE1394 (DV) terminal or an IEEE1394 (DV) capturing board. • A DV cable (commercially available).• Video editing software.• The appropria...

56 Additional Information This chapter contains troubleshooting advice, screen messages, handling and maintenance tips, and other information. Appendix: Menu Options Lists Menu items not available appear grayed out. For details about how to select an item, refer to Using the Menus ( 22). For details...

57 Setup Menus Camera Setup (Advanced Zoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.) CAMERA SETUP 1 Option available only when the recording program is set to [ PROGRAM AE]. 2 Option available when the mode switch is set to or (only when the recording program is set to [ PROGRAM AE]). 3 Option available only when th...

Additional Information 58 • Playing back a widescreen recording: TV sets compatible with the Video ID-1 system will automatically switch to wide (16:9) mode. Otherwise, change the aspect ratio of the TV manually. To play back on a TV with normal aspect ratio (4:3) change the [TV TYPE] setting accord...

59 [WIND SCREEN]: The camcorder automatically reduces the background sound of wind when recording outdoors (only while using the built-in microphone).• The wind screen cannot be turned off when the mode switch is set to . [MIX BALANCE]: When [12bit AUDIO] is set to [ MIX/VAR.], adjust ( ) the sound ...

61 Date/Time Setup DATE/TIME SETUP [DATE FORMAT]: Changes the date format for on-screen displays. Menu item Setting options CAMERA PLAY [T.ZONE DST] List of world time zones. z z 24 [DATE/TIME] – z z 25 [DATE FORMAT] [Y.M.D (2008.1.1 AM 12:00)], [M.D,Y (JAN. 1, 2008 12:00 AM)] , [D.M.Y (1.JAN.2008 1...

Additional Information 64 Playback During playback there is video noise. - Video heads are dirty. Clean the video heads ( 2). Playback does not start. - Load a cassette ( 27). - Set the camcorder to ( 33). - Tape reached the end (“ END” appears on the screen). Rewind the tape ( 27). No sound from th...

Additional Information 66 Do’s and Don’ts Camcorder • Do not carry the camcorder by the LCD panel. Be careful when closing the LCD panel. • Do not leave the camcorder in places subject to high temperatures (like the inside of a car under direct sunlight), or high humidity. • Do not use the camcorder...

67 • Although the battery pack’s operating temperature range is from 0 ° C to 40 ° C (32 ° F to 104 ° F), the optimal range is from 10 ° C to 30 ° C (50 ° F to 86 ° F). At cold temperatures, performance will temporarily decline. Warm it in your pocket before use. • Replace the battery pack if the us...

Additional Information 68 Lithium Button Battery • Do not pick up the battery using tweezers or other metal tools, as this will cause a short circuit. • Wipe the battery with a clean dry cloth to ensure proper contact. • For California, USA only: Included lithium battery contains Perchlorate Materia...

Additional Information 70 Using the Camcorder Abroad Power Sources You can use the compact power adapter to operate the camcorder and to charge battery packs in any country with power supply between 100 and 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Consult the Canon Service Center for information on plug adapters for ove...

71 General Information * The BP-2L5 is not available as a separate optional accessory. System Diagram (Availability differs from area to area) WL-D85 Wireless Controller CBC-NB2 Car Battery Charger STV-250N Stereo Video Cable CA-590 Compact Power Adapter Commercially available DV cable SC-2000 Soft ...

Additional Information 72 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 Packs When you need extra battery packs, select either the NB-...

Additional Information 74 Shoulder Strap You can attach a shoulder strap for more security and portability.Pass the ends through the strap mount and adjust the length of the strap. WS-20 Wrist Strap Use this for extra additional protection for active shooting. SC-2000 Soft Carrying Case A handy camc...

75 Product Codes Provided Accessories CA-590 Compact Power Adapter D85-1671-000 BP-2L5 Battery Pack D85-1632-000 WL-D85 Wireless Controller D83-0712-000 STV-250N Stereo Video Cable D82-0590-002 Optional Accessories NB-2LH Battery Pack 9612A001AA BP-2L14 Battery Pack 9582A002AA CB-2LW Battery Charger...

Additional Information 76 ZR930/ZR900 1 When two values are given, the first indicates the value at full telephoto ( T ) and the second indicates the value at full wide-angle ( W ). Specifications System Video Recording System 2 rotary heads, helical scanning DV system (consumer digital VCR SD syste...

77 Minimum Focusing Distance 1 m (3.3 ft.); 1 cm (0.39 in.) on maximum wide angle White Balance Auto white balance, preset white balance (DAYLIGHT, TUNGSTEN) or custom white balance Minimum Illumination [NIGHT] recording program, Shutter speed at 1/8: 2.1 lx, 1.6 lx mode, Auto slow shutter [ON], Shu...

Additional Information 78 CA-590 Compact Power Adapter BP-2L5 Battery Pack Weight and dimensions are approximate. Errors and omissions excepted. Subject to change without notice. Power input 100 – 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 0.14 – 0.08 A Rated output 8.4 V DC, 0.6 A Operating temperature 0 – 40 °C (32 – 10...

79 * only. 6-second auto date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 A Abroad, using the camcorder . . . . . . . .70 Aspect ratio of a connected TV (TV type) . . . . . .58 of movies (Widescreen) . . . . . . . . .57 Audio dubbing* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Audio mode . . . . . . . . . . . . ...

82 CANON CONSUMER DIGITAL VIDEO EQUIPMENT LIMITED WARRANTY The limited warranty set forth below is given by Canon Canada Inc. (“Canon Canada”) with respect to Canon Consumer Digital Video Equipment (the "Equipment") purchased in Canada. This limited warranty is only effective upon presentati...