Page 2 - Cleaning the Video Heads; • Mosaic or other blocky video artifacts (Fig. 1) or banding; Video heads may become dirty under the following conditions:; that were recorded with dirty video heads.
2 Introduction Cleaning the Video Heads Digital video camcorders record video signals onto the tape in very thin lines (as thin as 1/8 the width of a hair). The following anomalies may appear if the video heads become dirty even a little. • Mosaic or other blocky video artifacts (Fig. 1) or banding ...
Page 3 - Important Usage Instructions
3 Important Usage Instructions WARNING! TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. WARNING! TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. CAUTIO...
Page 4 - Table of contents; Getting to Know the Camcorder
4 Table of contents Introduction ______________________________ 8 About this Manual 9 Getting to Know the Camcorder 9 Supplied Accessories 10 Components Guide 13 Screen Displays Preparations _____________________________ 15 Getting Started 15 Charging the Battery Pack 17 Installing the Backup Batter...
Page 5 - Basic Recording
5 Table of contents Video ____________________________________ 26 Basic Recording 26 Shooting Video 28 Zooming: Optical, Advanced and Digital Zoom 30 Quick Start Function 31 Reviewing the Last Scene Recorded 31 Basic Playback 31 Playing Back Video 33 Returning to a Pre-marked Position 33 Locating th...
Page 7 - Appendix: Menu Options Lists
7 Table of contents Additional Information ______________________ 53 Appendix: Menu Options Lists 53 FUNC. Menu 54 Setup Menus 54 Camera Setup (Advanced Zoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.) 55 VCR Setup (Recording Mode, TV Type, etc.) 55 Audio Setup (Audio Mode, Wind Screen, etc.) 56 Display Setup (LCD Bri...
Page 8 - Troubleshooting; Conventions Used in this Manual; IMPORTANT: Precautions related to the camcorder’s operation.; About this Manual
Introduction 8 Thank you for purchasing the Canon MD235/MD216/MD215/MD205. 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 ( 59). Conventions Used in this Manual • IMPORTANT: ...
Page 9 - Supplied Accessories
9 Getting to Know the Camcorder Supplied Accessories CA-590E Compact Power Adapter (incl. power cord) BP-2L5 Battery Pack Lithium Button Battery (CR1616) STV-250N Stereo Video Cable ( incl. ferrite core) WL-D85 Wireless Controller Lithium Button Battery (CR2025) for Wireless Controller
Page 10 - Components Guide; Left side view
Introduction 10 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 ( 26) ( open, closed) DV terminal ( 47, 51) MIC (microphone) terminal ( 39) AV terminal ( 47) CHA...
Page 11 - Back view
11 Names of buttons and switches other than the joystick are indicated within a “ button ” frame (for example ). Back view Top view Bottom view Joystick ( 19) FUNC. button ( 20, 53) D.EFFECTS button ( 44) Remote sensor ( 18) Viewfinder ( 28) Dioptric adjustment lever ( 28) QUICK START button ( 30) S...
Page 12 - Wireless Controller WL-D85
Introduction 12 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 ( 26) CA...
Page 13 - Screen Displays; Recording Movies
13 Screen Displays Recording Movies Zoom ( 28), Exposure ( 42) Recording program ( 35) White balance ( 42) Image effect ( 43) LCD video light ( 38) Digital effects ( 44) Condensation warning ( 66) Shutter speed ( 37) Self timer ( 38) Playing Movies Exposure adjustment ( 42) Manual focus ( 41) Image ...
Page 15 - Preparations; Charging the Battery Pack; Turn off the camcorder.; • The CHARGE indicator starts; Getting Started
15 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...
Page 17 - Installing the Backup Battery; Open the backup battery cover.; flashes in red when; only) and Accessories; Insert the battery holder.
17 Installing the Backup Battery The backup battery (lithium button battery CR1616) allows the camcorder to retain the date, time ( 23 ) 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...
Page 18 - • The wireless controller may not work; Accessories; Fasten the grip belt.; button with
Preparations 18 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...
Page 19 - Operating Modes; indicates that; Joystick and Joystick Guide; Operating mode; switch
19 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, ...
Page 20 - Using the Menus; Menu Options Lists; Selecting a FUNC. Menu Option; ) the desired setting; • The selected option will be; You can press; Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus
Preparations 20 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 ( 53). Selecting a FUNC. Menu Option 1 Press . 2 Select ...
Page 22 - Changing the Language; NOTES; Changing the Time Zone; World Time Zones; First Time Settings
Preparations 22 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...
Page 23 - Move the lens cover switch down to; Rotating the LCD Panel; Open the LCD panel 90 degrees.
23 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...
Page 24 - To allow the camcorder to be; LCD Backlight; Desired option; • This setting does not affect the
Preparations 24 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...
Page 25 - Inserting and Removing a Tape; Slide
25 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...
Page 26 - Video; Shooting Video; Before You Begin Recording; HEN
26 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...
Page 28 - Selecting the Zoom Type; Options; Using the Viewfinder
Video 28 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...
Page 29 - Selecting the Zoom Speed; Using the Zoom; Move the zoom lever toward; Not available
29 [ 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 ( 54). • The advanced zoom cannot be selected if [WIDESCREEN] is set to [ OFF]. Selecting the Zoom Speed Options Default value [ MENU] [ CAMERA S...
Page 30 - Quick Start Function
Video 30 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...
Page 31 - Reviewing the Last Scene Recorded; Set the mode switch to; • The camcorder will play back a few; Playing Back Video; switch to; to; Basic Playback
31 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...
Page 32 - URING; Special Playback Modes; Special playback mode
Video 32 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...
Page 33 - Returning to a Pre-marked Position
33 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...
Page 34 - Locating the End of the Last Scene; POINTS TO CHECK; • To cancel the end search push the; • End search cannot be used once you
Video 34 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...
Page 35 - : Special Scene Recording Programs; Advanced Functions
35 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 36. POIN...
Page 37 - To record under most ordinary conditions.
37 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...
Page 38 - LCD Video Light
Video 38 LCD Video Light You can use the LCD video light to record in completely dark places. For a brighter picture, we recommend keeping a distance of about 20 cm - 60 cm from the subject and/or using the [ NIGHT] recording program. When you activate the LCD video light, rotate the LCD panel to fa...
Page 39 - Audio Recording Mode; Using an External Microphone; mm plug but audio recording
39 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...
Page 40 - Audio Playback Modes; Selecting the Audio Channel; ) and the dubbed audio
Video 40 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...
Page 41 - Manual Focus Adjustment; Infinity Focus
41 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...
Page 42 - Manual Exposure Adjustment; and the; ) the brightness of the; • The adjustment range and the; White Balance; For recording outdoors on a bright day.
Video 42 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...
Page 43 - Point the camcorder at a white; Image Effects; SET
43 [ 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...
Page 44 - Digital Effects; Setting; Applying; Records images in black and white.
Video 44 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 ...
Page 45 - ADE
45 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 ...
Page 46 - External Connections; Attaching the Ferrite Core; Connecting to a TV or VCR; AV Terminal; • Check the type and orientation of the terminal and
46 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 Attaching the Ferrite Core Attach the enclosed ferrite core before you connect the STV-250N Stereo Video Cable to the camcorder. At...
Page 47 - Connection Diagrams; Output connection (signal flow
47 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...
Page 48 - Playback on a TV Screen; Connection; Playback; • Turn off all the devices before starting; Connecting; as shown in; Recording
External Connections 48 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...
Page 49 - Audio Dubbing
49 5 Connected device: Begin recording when the scene you wish to copy appears. Stop 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...
Page 50 - • Audio dubbing will stop if the tape has a
External Connections 50 5 Press to stop dubbing. IMPORTANT • Audio dubbing will stop if the tape has a blank section or a section recorded in LP mode or [ 16bit] audio. • The quality of the dubbed sound will not be as good when dubbing audio to a tape that was not recorded with this camcorder or aft...
Page 51 - PC Connection Diagram; Connecting to a Computer; DV Terminal
51 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. • Use the optional CV-150F (4 pin-4 pin) or CV-250F (4 pin-6 pin) DV cable. Open the LCD panel to access. Terminal ...
Page 52 - Transferring Video Recordings; Equipment and System Requirements; shown in; Set the camcorder to
External Connections 52 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. Use the optional CV-150F (4 pin-4 pin) or C...
Page 53 - Additional Information; Menu item; Recording programs
53 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 ( 20). For details...
Page 54 - CAMERA SETUP; The camcorder automatically uses slow shutter speeds to obtain
Additional Information 54 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...
Page 55 - VCR SETUP; Select the video recording mode.; AUDIO SETUP; OFF
55 • Since the screens on the camcorder have an aspect ratio of 16:9, recordings with a 4:3 aspect ratio will appear in the center of the screen with black sidebars. • Playing back a widescreen recording: TV sets compatible with the WSS system will automatically switch to wide (16:9) mode. Otherwise...
Page 57 - SYSTEM SETUP; Allows the camcorder to be operated with the wireless controller.
57 [BRIGHTNESS]: Adjust ( ) the brightness of the LCD display with the joystick. • Changing the brightness of the LCD display does not affect that of the viewfinder or the recordings. [TV SCREEN]: When set to [ ON], the camcorder’s on-screen displays will appear also on the screen of a connected TV ...
Page 58 - In order to save power when the camcorder is powered by a battery; List of world time zones.
Additional Information 58 [POWER SAVE]: In order to save power when the camcorder is powered by a battery pack, it will automatically shut off if left without any operation for 5 minutes. Approximately 30 seconds before the camcorder shuts off, the message “ AUTO POWER OFF” will appear. Date/Time Se...
Page 59 - Power Source
59 Trouble? If you have a problem with your camcorder, refer to this section. Consult your dealer or a Canon Service Center if the problem persists. Power Source The camcorder will not turn on or it turns off by itself.The cassette compartment cover will not open or it stops halfway while you insert...
Page 61 - List of Messages
61 Playback During playback there is video noise. - Video heads are dirty. Clean the video heads ( 2). Playback does not start. - Load a cassette ( 25). - Set the camcorder to ( 31). - Tape reached the end (“ END” appears on the screen). Rewind the tape ( 25). No sound from the built-in speaker. - O...
Page 63 - Camcorder; Handling Precautions; Treat the battery pack with care.
63 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 near strong electromag...
Page 64 - About the battery terminal cover; Cassette; Protecting Tapes from Accidental Erasure
Additional Information 64 • Although the battery pack’s operating temperature range is from 0 ° C to 40 ° C, the optimal range is from 10 ° C to 30 ° C. At cold temperatures, performance will temporarily decline. Warm it in your pocket before use. • Replace the battery pack if the usable time after ...
Page 65 - Camcorder Body
65 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. Storage If you do not intend to use the camcorder for a long time, store it in a place free of dust, in ...
Page 67 - Using the Camcorder Abroad; Power Sources; Trademark Acknowledgements
67 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 overseas use. Playback on ...
Page 68 - System Diagram
Additional Information 68 General Information * The BP-2L5 is not available as a separate optional accessory. System Diagram (Availability differs from area to area) CBC-NB2 Car Battery Charger STV-250N Stereo Video Cable CA-590E Compact Power Adapter CV-150F/CV-250F DV Cable SC-2000 Soft Carrying C...
Page 69 - Optional Accessories; Use of genuine Canon accessories is recommended.; Battery Pack
69 Battery Packs When you need extra battery packs, select either the NB-2LH or the BP-2L14. CB-2LWE Battery Charger Use the battery charger to charge battery packs. Charging Times The charging times given in the following table are approximate and vary according to charging conditions and initial c...
Page 70 - Recording and Playback Times
Additional Information 70 Recording and Playback Times The recording and playback times given in the following table are approximate and vary according to recording mode and charging, recording or playback conditions. The effective usage time of the battery pack may decrease when recording in cold s...
Page 71 - Shoulder Strap
71 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 camcorder bag with padded c...
Page 72 - Specifications; System
Additional Information 72 MD245/MD225 Specifications System 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 (48 kHz/2 channels); 12 bit (32 kHz) Television System CCIR sta...
Page 73 - Input/Output Terminals
73 Lens f=2.6–96.2 mm, F/2.0–5.2, 37x power zoom 35 mm equivalent (all figures are approximate values) 16:9 Movies (advanced zoom) 41.7–1,877 mm (other zoom types) 47.1–1,743 mm 4:3 Movies (advanced zoom) 44.6–2,052 mm (other zoom types) 44.6–1,650 mm 35 mm equivalent (all figures are approximate va...
Page 74 - CA-590E Compact Power Adapter
Additional Information 74 CA-590E Compact Power Adapter BP-2L5 Battery Pack Weight and dimensions are approximate. Errors and omissions excepted. Subject to change without notice. Power/Others Power supply (rated) 7.4 V DC (battery pack), 8.4 V DC (compact power adapter) Power consumption 2.4 W (vie...
Page 75 - Index
75 * only. 6-second auto date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 A Abroad, using the camcorder . . . . . . . .67 Aspect ratio of a connected TV (TV type) . . . . . .55 of movies (Widescreen) . . . . . . . . .54 Audio dubbing* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Audio mode . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
