Samsung SMX-C20BN - Manual

This camcorder is designed exclusively for use with the high-capacity built-in flash memory 16GB (SMX-C24 only) and an external memory card. This camcorder records video in H.264/AVC (MPEG4 part 10/Advanced Video Coding) format compliant with the Standard resolution (SD-VIDEO) format. Please note tha...

Do not use the camcorder near corrosive gas: - If the camcorder is used in a place where there is dense exhaust gas generated by gasoline or diesel engines, or corrosive gas such as hydrogen sulphide, the external or internal terminals could corrode, disabling normal operation, or the battery connec...

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. Warning To Reduce The Risk Of Fire Or Electric Shock, Do Not Expose This Apparatus To Rain Or Moisture. Caution Do not expose this apparatus ...

15 . Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus. 16. VENTILATION: Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the CAMCORDER and to protect it from overhe...

USER INSTALLER CAUTION: Your authority to operate this FCC certified equipment could be voided if you make changes or modifications not expressly approved by this party responsible for compliance to part 15 FCC rules. NOTE:Hg LAMP(S) INSIDE THIS PRODUCT CONTAIN MERCURY AND MUST BE RECYCLED OR DISPOSED...

The safety precautions illustrated below are to prevent personal injury or material damage. Heed all instructions carefully. WARNING Do not touch product. Prohibited action. WARNING Death or risk of seriouspersonal injury. This precaution must be kept. Do not disassemble product. CAUTION Means that ...

Keep the camcorder away from water when you use it near the beach or pool or when it rains. There is a risk of malfunction or electric shock. Keep the used lithium battery or memory card out of the reach of children. If the lithium battery or memory card is swallowed by children, consult a physician...

CAUTION safety information Do not use the camcorder near direct sunlight or heating equipment. This may cause a malfunction or injury. Do not expose the camcorder to suddenchanges in temperature or humidplaces. There is also a risk of defector electric shock when using outdoorsduring lightning storm...

Do not place the camcorder with the open LCD screen down. Do not leave the LCD monitor open when not using the camcorder. Do not hold the camcorder by the LCD monitor when lifting it. The LCD monitor could detach and the camcorder could fall. Do not wipe the camcorder body with benzene or thinner. T...

contents QUICK START GUIDE 05 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAMCORDER 09 PREPARATION 12 ABOUT THE STORAGE MEDIA 30 RECORDING 35 PLAYBACK 40 05 09 What's included with your camcorder 10 Front & left view 11 Rear & bottom view 12 Using the hand strap 12 Adjusting the LCD screen 13 Basic camcorder posit...

1. Insert a memory card. ² page 31 • You can use commercially available SDHC (SD High Capacity) or SD memory cards with this camcorder. • Set the appropriate storage media. ( SMX-C24 only) 2. Insert the battery into the battery slot. ² page 14 • Gently slide the Battery pack release switch in the di...

Your camcorder is compatible with H.264 recording format. The H.264 format codes and records high quality video while using signifi cantly less memory storage capacity.You can record videos in SD (standard defi nition). The default setting is "TV Fine (720x480/60i)" . ² page 46 You can not tak...

STEP3: Play back videos or photos You can fi nd your desired recordings quickly by using the thumbnail index view. 1. Press the Mode button to select the Play mode. • The thumbnail index view appears. The thumbnail of the latest created or played fi le is highlighted. 2. Select the Video or Photo thum...

quick start guide STEP5: Delete videos or photos If the storage media is full, you cannot record new videos or photos. Delete videos or photosthat you have saved to a computer from the camcorder's storage media. Then you can record new videos or photos on newly freed-up space. Press the Mode button ...

WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH YOUR CAMCORDER Your new camcorder comes with the following accessories. If any of these items are missing from your box, call Samsung’s Customer Care Center. getting to know the camcorder Model name Color Built-in memory Memory card slot LCD screen Lens SMX-C20BN/C200BN Black - ...

USING THE HAND STRAP Attach the strap as illustrated below. When you shoot, place your hand through the loop to prevent the camcorder from being dropped and damaged. preparation This section provides information that you should know before using this camcorder such as how to use the provided accesso...

BASIC CAMCORDER POSITIONING Use both hands while taking a video or picture to prevent the camcorder from shaking.Try to avoid any slight movement while shooting. Aim the camcorder as shown in the illustration. 1. Hold the camcorder with both of your hands. 2. Put one hand through the hand strap loop...

CONNECTING A POWER SOURCE Be sure to charge the battery pack before you start using your camcorder.Use the IA-BH130LB battery pack only. The battery pack may be charged a little at the time of purchase. We recommend you purchase one or more additional battery packs to allow continuous use of your ca...

1. Insert the battery into the camcorder. ² page 14 2. Make sure the camcorder is off. 3. Open the back cover of the unit. 4. Charge the battery using the AC power adaptor or USB cable . The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. When the battery is fully charged, the charging (CHG) lamp t...

Charging state Charge Charging Fully Charged Error LED Color (Orange) (Green) (Orange Blink) The color of the charging indicator shows the charging state. preparation Charging (CHG) lamp Battery level indicator State Message Fully charged - 25%~50% used - 50%~75% used - 75%~95% used - 95%~99% used -...

For your reference, the approximate charging and recording times for a fully charged battery pack: Battery type IA-BH130LB Charging time Using an AC power adaptor approx. 2 hr. Using a USB cable approx. 4 hr. Video resolution 720 x 480 (60i) 640 x 480 (30p) TV Super Fine ( ) TV Fine ( ) TV Normal ( ...

The recording time is affected by temperature and environmental conditions.We recommend using only the battery pack type that came with your camcorder. This battery pack type is available from your Samsung retailer. When the battery reaches the end of its life, please contact your local dealer. The ...

BASIC OPERATION OF YOUR CAMCORDER This section explains the basic techniques of recording videos or photos and also the basic settings on your camcorder. Set the appropriate operation mode according to your preference using Power and Mode buttons. This camcorder provides one record mode for both vid...

preparation SWITCHING TO THE POWER SAVING MODE If you need to use camcorder for the extended time, the following functions prevent unnecessary energy consumption. In STBY mode: • The camcorder switches to sleep mode when the LCD screen is closed. In Playback mode (Includes the thumbnail view mode): ...

LCD SCREEN INDICATORS Video and Photo record mode 1 Time Lapse REC * 2 Operating mode ( (Standby) / (Recording)) 3 Time counter (video recording time / remaining recordable time) 4 Photo image counter (total number of recordable photos) 5 Storage media (Memory card or built-in memory (SMX-C24 only))...

Video Play mode : Single View (Volume) 1 Date/Time 2 Volume Bar preparation Photo Play mode: Thumbnail View Photo Play mode : Single View 1 Photo Play mode 2 Protection 3 Storage media (Memory card or built-in memory (SMX-C24 only)) 4 Battery info (Remaining battery level) 5 Now/ Total fi le number 6...

TURNING THE SCREEN INDICATORS ON/OFF Full display mode: All relevant information appears. Minimum display mode: Only operating status indicators appear. Switching the information display mode : Press the Display button while the camcorder is on. The full and minimum display modes alternate. • <Mi...

Shortcut function using the Control buttons Button Record ( / ) mode Play mode Menu selection Video Play ( ) mode Photo Play ( ) mode OK - Access the shortcut menu - Confi rm selection - Exit the shortcut menu - Shortcut menu (OK guide) is displayed - Playback / Pause Single image playback Confi rms s...

INITIAL SETTING : TIME ZONE, DATE AND TIME, AND OSD LANGUAGE Initial setting is available in all operating modes.To read the menus or messages in your desired language, set the OSD language.To store the date and time during recording, set the time zone and date/time. Set the date and time when using...

You can select the language the camcorder will use in the menu screen and the messages. The language setting is retained whenthe camcorder is powered off. 1. Press the MENU button. The menu screen appears. 2. Press the Control button ( / ) to select "Settings." The menus in "Settings"...

SELECTING THE STORAGE MEDIA (SMX-C24 ONLY) You can record on the built-in memory or a memory card, so the desired storage media needs to be selected before starting recording or playback.You can use SDHC and SD cards in your camcorder. (Some cards are not compatible depending on the memory card manu...

INSERTING / EJECTING THE MEMORY CARD Inserting a memory card Ejecting a memory card 1. Turn the camcorder off. 2. Slide and open the battery/memory card cover as shown in the fi gure. 3. Insert the memory card into the memory card slot in the direction of the arrow in the fi gure until it softly click...

This camcorder can use SD (Secure Digital) and SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) cards. It is recommended to use an SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) card. SD cards up to 2GB are supported with this camcorder. Normal operation is not guaranteed with SD cards bigger than 2GB.Compatible memory car...

Handling a memory card We recommend you turn off the camcorder before inserting or removing a memory card to avoid data loss.There is no guarantee that you can use a memory card formatted by other devices. Be sure to format your memory card using this camcorder.You must format newly-purchased memory...

RECORDABLE TIME AND CAPACITY Media Built-in memory* Memory Card Capacity 16GB 1GB 2GB 4GB 8GB 16GB 32GB TV Super Fine ( ) 720x480 (60i) 380 min. 23 min. 47 min. 95 min. 190 min. 380 min. 760 min. TV Fine ( ) 720x480 (60i) 480 min. 30 min. 60 min. 120 min. 240 min. 480 min. 960 min. TV Normal ( ) 720...

recording Basic procedures to record videos or photos are described below and on the following pages. RECORDING VIDEOS 1. With the battery pack or AC power adaptor attached, open the LCD screen, and then press the Power button to turn on the camcorder. 2. If you have the SMX-C24, select the appropri...

1. Press the OK button in STBY mode right after you've recorded. The Shortcut menu (OK guide) appears on the LCD screen. 2. Press the Control button ( ) to view the most recent video (or photo) you have recorded. After the Quick view is fi nished, your camcorder switches back to the STBY mode.During ...

RECORDING WITH EASE FOR BEGINNERS : SMART AUTO MODE 1. In STBY mode, press the SMART AUTO button. The Smart Auto ( ) and Anti-Shake (HDIS) ( ) indicators appear on the LCD screen. 2. Align your subject in the frame. The camcorder selects a scene automatically. An appropriate mode icon will appear at...

TAKING PHOTOS 1. Open the LCD Screen and press the Power button to turn on the camcorder. If you have the SMX-C24, set the appropriate storage media. ² page 30 (If you want to record on a memory card, insert the memory card before you begin.) 2. Check the subject on the LCD screen. 3. Press the Phot...

ZOOMING IN AND OUT You can zoom with the zoom lever or the Control (W/T) button on the LCD panel. Zoom magnifi cation over 10x uses digital image processing, and is therefore called digital zoom. Digital zooming can increase image size up to 1200x. Set "Digital Zoom" to "On." ² page 5...

playback You can view recorded videos and photos in thumbnail index view and play them in various ways.In the thumbnail index view, you can directly select and display a desired image without using fast forwarding or rewinding. CHANGING THE PLAYBACK MODE Pressing the Mode button changes the operatio...

PRECHECK: SMX-C24 ONLY! Set the appropriate storage media. ² page 30 If you want to playback images on a memory card, insert the memory card before you begin. 1. Press the Mode button to select the Play mode. • The thumbnail index view appears. The thumbnail highlight is on the latest created or pla...

Various Playback Operations Still playback (pause) ( / ZZ ) Press the OK button during playback. - To resume normal playback, press the OK button again. Search playback ( / ) During playback, press and hold the Control button ( ) for forward search or the Control button ( ) for reverse search. Press...

Do not power off or eject the memory card during photo playback. Doing so may damage the recorded data.Your camcorder may not playback the following photo fi les normally:- A photo with its fi le name changed on a PC.- A photo recorded on other devices.- A photo with a fi le format not supported on thi...

RECORDING MENU ITEMS Accessing items in the menu depends on the operation mode.For operation details, see the corresponding page. ² pages 45~58 Items Record mode Default value Page iSCENE ● Auto 45 Video Resolution ● TV Fine 46 Photo Resolution ● 1696x960 (16:9) 47 16:9 Wide ● On 47 EV ● 0 48 Back L...

Video Resolution You can select the resolution of a video to be recorded. This camcorder can record in "TV Super Fine", "TV Fine", "TV Normal", "Web Fine" and "Web Normal" modes. The "TV Fine" mode is set as the factory default. recording options Subme...

Photo Resolution You can select the resolution of the photo image to be recorded. For information about memory image capacity. ² page 34 16:9 Wide You can select the desired LCD display aspect ratio for recording or playback (16:9 Wide/4:3 Standard). Submenu items 1696x960 (16:9) ( ): Records in 169...

48 recording options EV (Exposure Value) The camcorder usually adjusts the exposure automatically. You can also manually adjust the exposure to match the recording conditions. Setting the exposure manually: When you manually set the exposure, the default setting appears initially and is automaticall...

50 recording options Focus The camcorder usually focuses on a subject automatically (auto-focus). You can also manually focus on a subject. Face Detection This function detects and recognizes face-like shapes and adjusts focus, color, and exposure automatically. Also, it adjusts recording conditions...

51 Focusing manually during recording: This camcorder automatically focuses a subject from close-up to infi nity. However, the correct focus may not be obtained depending on the recording conditions. In this case, use the manual focus mode. 1. Press the Control button ( / ) to select "Manual."...

54 Fader You can give your recording a professional look by using special effects such as fade in at the beginning of a sequence or fade out at the end of a sequence. recording options Submenu items Off: Disables the function. In ( ): As soon as you start recording, the fader starts fade in. Out ( )...

55 This right side of the bar shows the digital zooming zone. The zooming zone appears when you move the zoom lever. When "Wind Cut" is "On" , some low frequency sound is eliminated along with the sound of the wind. Wind Cut You can reduce wind noise when recording sound with the bui...

56 Time Lapse REC Time Lapse REC records single video frames at specifi c intervals you can set, and plays them as one video clip. This function is useful for observing the movement of clouds, the changes in daylight or blooming fl owers, etc. Setting the Time Lapse REC mode: To record in the Time Lap...

57 This function is disabled after being used one time. To use it again, you must reset it. 30 captured images compose a video of 1 second length. Since the minimum length of a video your camcorder can save is one second, the interval you set defi nes how long total recording time should be. For exam...

59 PLAYBACK MENU ITEMS Accessible items in the menu vary depending on the operation mode.See pages 40-43 for playback information and button operation.See pages 59-69 for details on menu items available during playback. Items Video Play ( ) Photo Play ( ) Default value Page Play Option ● ✕ Play All ...

63 PRECHECK! Press the Mode button to select the Play mode. ² page 19 1. Select the Video thumbnail index view screen. You can switch between video and photo thumbnail view using the zoom lever. 2. Use the Control button ( S / T / W / X ) to select the desired videos, and then press the VIEW button....

66 Combine You can combine two different videos. PRECHECK! Press the Mode button to select the Play mode. ² page 19 1. Select the Video thumbnail index view screen. You can switch between video and photo thumbnail view using the zoom lever. 2. Press the MENU button Control button ( / / / /OK) "E...

69 File Info You can see the image information for all images. PRECHECK! Press the Mode button to select the Play mode. ² page 19 1. Select the Video or Photo thumbnail index view screen. You can switch between video and photo thumbnail view using the zoom lever. 2. Press the MENU button Control but...

70 1. Press MENU button. The menu screen appears. 2. Press the Control button ( / ) to select "Settings." The menus in "Settings" mode will appear. 3. Select the desired submenu and menu item with the Control buttons ( / / / ), and then press the OK button. To return to the normal sc...

71 SETTINGS MENU ITEMS ( ) Items Record ( / ) mode Play mode (Thumbnail index screen) Default values Page Video ( ) Photo ( ) Storage Type (SMX-C24 only) ● ● Memory 30 Storage Info ● ● - 72 Format ● ● - 73 File No. ● ● Series 73 Time Zone ● ● Home 74 Date/Time Set ● ● - 28 Date Type ● ● JAN/01/2010 ...

72 Storage Info Displays the storage information. You can view the storage media, used memory space, and availablememory space. 1. Press the Control button ( / ) "Storage Info" OK button. 2. Used memory space, available memory space for use, and the recordable time depending on the selected ...

73 Format Use this function if you want to delete all fi les completely or to correct problems on the storage media. Do not remove the recording medium or perform any other operation (such as turning off the power) during formatting. Also, be sure to use the provided AC adapter, as the recording medi...

74 Time Zone You can easily set the clock to the local time when using your camcorder while travelling. 1. Press the Control button ( / ) "Time Zone" OK button. The Time Zone screen will be displayed. 2. Select "Visit" with the Control button ( / /OK) , and then select the area you a...

75 Submenu items 2010/01/01 : Displays the date in the order of year, month (two-digit) and day. JAN/01/2010 : Displays the date in the order of month, day and year. 01/JAN/2010 : Displays the date in the order of day, month and year. 01/01/2010 : Displays the date in the order of day, month (two-di...

76 Date/Time Display You can set the date and time to display on the LCD screen. Before you use the "Date/Time Display" function, you must set the date and time. ² page 28 1. Press the Control button ( / ) "Date/Time Display" OK button. 2. Select the desired submenu item with the Con...

78 settings options LCD Enhancer Contrast is enhanced for a clear and bright image. This effect is also implemented outdoors in bright daylight. 1. Press the Control button ( / ) "LCD Enhancer" OK button. 2. Select the desired submenu item with the Control button ( / ) OK button. 3. Press th...

79 Menu Design You can select the desired menu color to display the menu. 1. Press the Control button ( / ) "Menu Design" OK button. 2. Select the desired submenu item with the Control button ( / ), OK button. "Misty White" "Premium Black" 3. Press the MENU button to exit the...

81 Auto Power Off To save battery power, you can set the "Auto Power Off" function which turns off the camcorder if there is no operation for a certain period of time. 1. Press the Control button ( / ) "Auto Power Off" OK button. 2. Select the desired submenu item with the Control bu...

82 TV Display You can select the output path of the OSD (On Screen Display). 1. Press the Control button ( / ) "TV Display" OK button. 2. Select the desired submenu item with the Control button ( / ) OK button. 3. Press the MENU button to exit the menu. Default Set You can return your camcor...

83 Version The version information can be changed without the prior notice. 1. Press the Control button ( / ) "Version" OK button. The version information displayed on the LCD screen. 2. Press the MENU button to exit the menu. • Demo Demonstration automatically shows you the major features o...

84 using with a Windows computer CHECKING YOUR COMPUTER TYPE This chapter explains how to connect the camcorder to a computer using the USB cable. Check your computer type before using!!! To view your recordings on a computer, you need to check your computer type fi rst. Then, take the steps below ac...

85 WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH A WINDOWS COMPUTER You can enjoy the following operations by connecting your camcorder to your Windows computer using a USB cable. • By using ‘Intelli-studio’, the editing software built into your camcorder, you can enjoy the following operations:- Playing back recorded video...

86 USING THE Intelli-studio PROGRAM Using Intelli-studio, the built-in editing program in your camcorder, you can transfer video/photo files onto your PC and edit them on your computer. The Intelli-studio offers the most convenient way for you to manage video/photo files by using the simple USB cable ...

87 Step 2. About the Intelli-studio main window When the Intelli-studio starts up, thumbnails of videos and photos are displayed in the main window. 1. Menu items 2. Switches to Library of the PC and connected camcorder. 3. Switches to Photo Edit mode. 4. Switches to Movie Edit mode. 5. Switches to ...

89 Step 5. Sharing the videos/photos online Share your contents with the world by uploading photos and videos directly to a web site with on click. 1. Select the desired videos or photos to "Share " . 2. Click the "Add " and move the video or photo (drag and drop) to the sharing wind...

90 Uploading your videos to YouTube directly using with a Windows computer In the video thumbnail index view on your camcorder, set the Share mark on each recording you want to upload directly to YouTube by pressing the Share button. 1. Press the Mode button to select the Play mode. If you have the ...

93 The Structure of folders and fi les on the storage media The folder and fi le structure for storage media is as follows.Don’t arbitrarily change or remove the folder or fi le name. It may not be playable. •• Image format Videos Videos are compressed in H.264 format. The fi le extension is ".MP4.&...

94 connecting to other devices You can view the recorded videos and photos on a large screen by connecting the camcorder to a TV. CONNECTING TO A TV To playback your recordings, the television must be NTSC-compatible. ² page 99 We recommend that you use the AC power adaptor as power source for the c...

95 VIEWING ON A TV SCREEN 1. Turn on the TV and set the input selector to the Input connection the camcorder is connected to. This is often referred to as "line." Refer to the TV instruction manual for how to switch the TV input. 2. Turn the camcorder on. Press the Mode button to select the ...

96 RECORDING (DUBBING) IMAGES ON A VCR OR DVD/HDD RECORDER You can record (dub) images played back on this camcorder onto other video devices, such as VCRs or DVD/HDD recorders. Use the Audio/Video cable (provided) to connect the camcorder to another video device as shown in the following fi gure: co...

97 maintenance & additional information MAINTENANCE Your camcorder is a product of superior design and craftsmanship and should be treated with care. The suggestions below will help you fulfil any warranty obligations and allow you to enjoy this product for many years. + For safekeeping of the ca...

98 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Storage media Be sure to follow the guidelines below to prevent corruption or damage of your recorded data. - Do not bend or drop the storage media, or subject it to strong pressure, jolts or vibrations.- Do not splash the storage media with water. - Do not use, replace, or...

99 USING YOUR CAMCORDER ABROAD Each country or region has its own electric and color systems.Before using your camcorder abroad, check the following items. Power sources The provided AC adaptor features automatic voltage selection in the AC range from 100 V to 240 V. You can use your camcorder using...

100 TROUBLESHOOTING + Before contacting a Samsung authorized service center, perform the following simple checks. They may save you the time and expense of an unnecessary call. troubleshooting Power source Message Icon Informs that... Action Low Battery - The battery pack is almost discharged. Chang...

101 Recording Message Icon Informs that... Action Write Error - Some problems occurred when reading data from storage media. Format storage media using menus after backing-up important files to your PC or another storage media. • Release the Smart Auto - You cannot manually operate some functions whe...

102 Playback Message Icon Informs that... Action Total file size is over 1.8GB. - Total file size that can becombined is limited to 1.8GB. Combined files must be less than 1.8GB. • Select 2 files for combine. - You can not combine morethan 2 different videos intoone. It is possible to combine only 2 dif...

103 + If you encounter any problems using your camcorder, check the following before asking for service repair. If these instructions do not solve your problem, contact the nearest Samsung authorized service center. Power Symptom Explanation/Solution The camcorder does not turn on. The battery pack ...

104 Storage Media Symptom Explanation/Solution Memory card functions are not operable. Insert a memory card into your camcorder properly. ² page 31 If you are using a memory card formatted on a computer, format it again directly on your camcorder. ² page 73 •• Image cannot be deleted. You cannot del...

106 Playback on other devices (TV, etc.) Symptom Explanation/Solution You cannot view the image or hear the sound on the connected device. Connect the audio line of the Audio/Video cable jack to your camcorder or to the connected device (TV, DVD recorder, etc). (Red color- right, White color- left)T...

107 Connecting to a computer Symptom Explanation/Solution You are trying to play videos andthe computer does not recognizeyour camcorder. Disconnect the USB cable from the computer and camcorder, restart the computer, then reconnect it correctly. • Cannot play video clipsproperly on a PC. A video co...

108 Symptom Explanation/Solution Menu items are dimmed. You cannot select the dimmed menu items in the current recording/playback mode.Most of the menu items cannot be selected when you set the Smart Auto function.If there is no storage media inserted, it cannot be selected and will be dimmed on the...

109 System Video signal NTSC Picture compression format H.264/AVC Format Audio compression format AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) Recording resolution TV Super Fine (about 5.0Mbps), TV Fine (about 4.0Mbps), TV Normal (about 3.0Mbps), Web Fine (about 4.0Mbps), Web Normal (about 3.0Mbps) Image device CCD ...

SAMSUNG LIMITED WARRANTY SAMSUNG Electronics America Inc. (SEA), warrants that this product is free from defective material and workmanship.SEA further warrants that if product fails to operate properly within the specified warranty period and the failure is due to improper workmanship or defective m...