BenQ GH680 User manual

Digital Camera
User Manual
GH680 / GH680F
GH688 / GH688F

English
Copyright
Copyright 2013 by BenQ Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system or translated into any language or
computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical,
manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of BenQ Corporation.
All other logos, products, or company names mentioned in this manual may be the registered
trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used for informational purposes only.
Fonts by Arphic, Copyright Arphic Technology. Co., LTD. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer
BenQ Corporation makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect
to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties, merchantability or fitness for any
particular purpose. Further, BenQ Corporation reserves the right to revise this publication and to
make changes from time to time in the contents hereof without obligation of BenQ Corporation to
notify any person of such revision or changes.
This user manual aims to provide the most updated and accurate information to customers, and thus
all contents may be modified from time to time without prior notice. Please visit http://www.benq.com
for the latest version of this manual.
Do not hold the camera by excessive force. Plus, be sure to
protect the camera from strong impacts.
To avoid accidental falling, please attach the neck strap to
the camera and always put the camera around your neck.
If the batteries suddenly depleted and caused the lens fail to
retract, please carefully protect the lens to avoid collision
and insert batteries with full power ASAP..
When the camera is not in use, always turn the power off.
Plus, before storing the camera in its case, make sure the
lens has retracted successfully and you put the lens cover
back. If you do not intend to use the camera for a long
time, please remove the batteries from the camera and
store the batteries carefully.

English
Federal communication commission interference
statement
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.
This equipment has been tasted and found to comply with the limits for a 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 used 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 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.
FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.
Keep your camera away from sharp objects and avoid
collision.
When the camera is not in use, please place it in the pouch
and a steady place. Plus, always keep your camera away
from pressure to avoid possible damage.

English
Radiation exposure statement
This product comply with the FCC portable RF exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment and are safe for intended operation as described in this manual. The further RF exposure
reduction can be achieved if the product can be kept as far as possible from the user body or set the
device to lower output power if such function is available.
BenQ ecoFACTS
BenQ has been dedicated to the design and development of greener product as part of its aspiration
to realize the ideal of the "Bringing Enjoyment 'N Quality to Life" corporate vision with the ultimate
goal to achieve a low-carbon society. Besides meeting international regulatory requirement and
standards pertaining to environmental management, BenQ has spared no efforts in pushing our
initiatives further to incorporate life cycle design in the aspects of material selection, manufacturing,
packaging, transportation, using and disposal of the products. BenQ ecoFACTS label lists key eco-
friendly design highlights of each product, hoping to ensure that consumers make informed green
choices at purchase. Check out BenQ’s CSR Website at http://csr.BenQ.com/ for more details on
BenQ’s environmental commitments and achievements.
About this manual
In this user manual, the steps needed to reach a menu are shown in condensed form, for example:
[icon] > Settings > Display.
Words highlighted in blue contain hyper links to further explanations.

5
Table of contents
Touring the camera ....................................................................................................................7
Checking the package contents .................................................................................................................... 7
Camera ............................................................................................................................................................... 8
Front & back views ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Top & bottom views .................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Right & left views .......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
4-way control and OK button ....................................................................................................................10
Preparing the camera before using .......................................................................................11
Attaching the strap ........................................................................................................................................11
Installing the battery ......................................................................................................................................12
Charging the battery .....................................................................................................................................13
Battery status ..................................................................................................................................................13
Installing an SD card ......................................................................................................................................14
Turning on and off .........................................................................................................................................15
Setting the OSD language ............................................................................................................................15
Setting date and time ....................................................................................................................................15
Using the LCD screen ..................................................................................................................................16
Using the shutter ...........................................................................................................................................17
Opening the flash ...........................................................................................................................................17
Operating the camera ..............................................................................................................18
Capturing still images ....................................................................................................................................19
Mode dial ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Self-timer ......................................................................................................................................................................................27
Focus ..............................................................................................................................................................................................28
Flash ...............................................................................................................................................................................................28
EV ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Zoom framing assistant ............................................................................................................................................................. 30
Selections in function button ...................................................................................................................................................30
Selections in menu button ........................................................................................................................................................35
Recording videos ...........................................................................................................................................39
Selections in menu button ........................................................................................................................................................40
Images and videos playback .........................................................................................................................42
Viewing still images ..................................................................................................................................................................... 42
Viewing videos .............................................................................................................................................................................43
Options for playback and editing ............................................................................................................................................ 43
Other settings ................................................................................................................................................51
Accessory: remote control (GH680F/GH688F only) ...........................................................................53
Accessory: lens hood ....................................................................................................................................54
Connection to the camera ......................................................................................................55
Wired connection .........................................................................................................................................55
Connecting the camera to a TV set ....................................................................................................................................... 55
Connecting the camera to a computer .................................................................................................................................55
Connecting the camera to a printer ......................................................................................................................................55
Wireless connection (GH680F/GH688F only) .......................................................................................58
Camera network settings ......................................................................................................................................................... 58
To smart devices......................................................................................................................................................................... 62
To your camera........................................................................................................................................................................... 66
Specifications & troubleshooting ...........................................................................................70

6
Specification table ..........................................................................................................................................70
Troubleshooting and service information ................................................................................................71
Technical support ..........................................................................................................................................72

7Touring the camera
Touring the camera
Checking the package contents
Carefully unpack your kit box and ensure that you have the following items.
1 Quick guide 6 Neck strap
2 Digital Camera 7 Lens hood (optional)
3 USB cable 8 Pouch (optional)
4 Li-Ion battery 9 Lens cover
5 Remote Control (GH680F/GH688F only) 10 Lens strap
11 USB adapter (The type of plug may vary
depending on the country or region.)
• All pictures, screen captures, and icons used in this manual are for illustration only. Actual and available
products, accessories, as well as their appearance may vary depending on sales region.
• If any of the items is missing or damaged, contact your dealer.
• Save the packaging for future shipment or storage.
• It is normal for the camera to become warm during operation because the camera casing might conduct heat.
1
3
4
5
6
8
9
10
7
11
2

8 Touring the camera
Camera
Front & back views
Top & bottom views
1. AF Assist Lamp / Self-timer LED indicator
2. Lens
3. IR Receiver (GH680F & GH688F only)
4. Q key (Wi-Fi for GH680F / GH688F only)
5. Playback button
6. OK button / 4-way control
7. Function / Delete button
8. Menu button
9. Swivel LCD screen
10.Zoom lever
11.Shutter button
12.Movie record button
13.Power / Wi-Fi lever (GH680F & GH688F only)
14.Power lever (GH680 & GH688 only)
15.Mode dial
16.Status LED
17.Microphone
18.Battery / card cover
19.Tripod mount
1
1
3
2
45
6
78
9
10
1415
16
11
12
13
17
18 19

9Touring the camera
Right & left views
LED indicator light behavior
20.Flash button
21.Zoom framing assistant button
22.Speaker
23.Strap eyelet
23.Strap eyelet
24.USB / AV Out
Indicator State Description
Self-timer LED Blinking red The self-timer function is activated.
Status LED
Off The camera is off.
Solid green The battery is fully charged.
Blinking green • The camera is updating firmware.
• The camera is charging battery.
As battery is charged, the blink frequency increases.
20 23
22
21
23
24

10 Touring the camera
4-way control and OK button
You can choose camera settings by pressing the 4-way control or button.
1. EV / Up:
• Changes EV settings.
• Navigates through the menu and submenu
selections.
2. Focus / Left:
• Scrolls through focus options.
• Views the previous image or video clip in
playback.
• Rewinds video playback.
• Exits a submenu or navigates through menu
selections.
3. Self-timer / Down:
• Scrolls through self-timer options.
• Stops video playback.
• Navigates through menu and submenu
selections.
4. OK:
• Confirms a chosen setting.
• Starts / Pause video playback.
• Pause when video recording.
• Enters a submenu or navigates through menu
selections.
5. Flash / Right:
• Scrolls through flash mode options.
• Views the next image or video clip in playback.
• Forwards video playback.

11Preparing the camera before using
Preparing the camera before using
This section will guide you on how to prepare the camera before its initial use.
Attaching the strap
1. Follow the illustrations below left to right to attach the strap to the camera.
2. Apply the same steps on the other side of the strap eyelet, and you are done attaching the strap
to the camera.
• Wrapping the strap around your neck is dangerous. Refrain children from playing with the strap.
• Remove the lens cover before using the camera.

12 Preparing the camera before using
Installing the battery
Use only the specified battery for the camera, and always turn off the camera before removing the
battery.
To install the battery:
1. Unlock and open the battery/card cover.
2. Fully insert the battery in the correct direction by matching the polarity label on the battery slot.
3. Close and lock the battery/card cover.

13Preparing the camera before using
Charging the battery
You must charge the battery before using the camera for the first time.
1. Open the USB / AV port cover.
2. Connect the end of the smaller plug of the USB cable to the camera.
3. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the USB adapter.
4. Plug the USB adapter to a wall outlet to start charging.
Battery status
You may check the battery status on LCD screen when turning on the camera.
• Turn off the camera before removing the battery.
• Use only the specified battery type. Using other battery type may damage the camera and invalidate the
warranty.
• Ensure that the battery is inserted into the product with correct polarity. Incorrect polarity may damage the
camera or cause fire.
• Download all pictures and remove the battery from the camera if you are going to store the camera for a long
time.
• The battery may be warm after being used. This is normal and not a malfunction.
• When using the camera in a cold environment, keep the camera and its battery warm by holding it inside your
jacket or another warm protective environment.
• Actual charging time depends on current battery capacity and charging conditions.
• You can also charge the battery via PC.
• Only use the supplied 5W adapter.
Non-Charging
mode Charging mode Description
Battery power is full.
Battery power remains adequate.
Battery power is low.
Battery power is very low. You should replace the
battery.
Charging mode icons display only when the camera is turned on in playback mode before connecting charging
cable to the camera.

14 Preparing the camera before using
Installing an SD card
The camera comes with internal memory for storing captured images or video clips. You can also add
an SD card to store more files.
To install an SD card:
1. Unlock and open the battery / card cover.
2. Insert an SD card in the correct direction.
3. Close and lock the battery / card cover.
Before initial use of an SD card, please format the card first by pressing > > Format > / > Yes >
.

15Preparing the camera before using
To remove an SD card:
1. Unlock and open the battery / card cover.
2. Lightly press the edge of the memory card to eject.
3. Close and lock the battery / card cover.
Turning on and off
• Switch the power lever by the mode dial to ON, and the camera is turned on in capture mode.
• Switch the power lever by the mode dial to OFF, and the camera is turned off.
You will be prompted to setup the OSD language and the date and time when the camera is turned
on for the first time.
Setting the OSD language
Selects the language to be shown on the screen.
To select a language:
1. Press > > Language .
2. Use 4-way control and press to locate and set the desired language.
Setting date and time
When using the camera for the first time or when the battery has been removed from the camera
for a long time, you need to set the date and time. The date and time is recorded when a video or
image is captured.
To set date and time:
1. Press > > Date & Time.
2. Use 4-way control to move and select date, time, and date format. Press to set the date and
time.
Before turning on the camera, be sure to remove the lens cover. Otherwise, the lens will not be extended and the
camera will beep for a few times.
Ignorance of the setting of language will lead OSD language to English as the default.
Lack of the setting of date and time will stop the time and remain the date by default.

16 Preparing the camera before using
Using the LCD screen
Flip the LCD screen outwards 180° to fully open.
• For high- or low-angle photography, twist it down at the appropriate angle. You can rotate the
screen to a maximum of 90° downward.
• For self portrait, rotate it up at the appropriate angle. You can twist the screen to a maximum of
180° upward.
• In addition to flipping the LCD screen, you can rotate it 180° upward and fold it fully to the back of
camera to secure its position.
• To avoid damage to the screen hinge or LCD screen, do not twist the screen more than the angle allowed or
place excessive force on the hinge or screen.
• The LCD screen on this camera is manufactured with sophisticated technology, and more than 99.99% of the
pixels on the LCD screen meet standard specifications. Yet, it is possible that less than 0.01% of the pixels on
the LCD screen may have some light spots or show unusual colors. This is normal and does not indicate screen
malfunction, nor will this affect the pictures you take with the camera.
• The LCD monitor looks darker in strong sunlight or bright light. This is not a malfunction.

17Preparing the camera before using
Using the shutter
• Press the shutter halfway to automatically adjust focus and exposure.
• Once the focus is set, the focus frame color will turn from white (unfocused) to green
(focused).
• Press the shutter down fully to capture the image.
Opening the flash
You need to manually open the flash before switching the flash mode.
To o p e n t h e f l a s h :
Press the button by the side of the flash to open it.
To c l o s e t h e f l a s h :
Push down the flash to close it.
To prevent your images from being blurred, always hold the camera steadily while pressing the shutter. This is
especially important when you are shooting under low lighting conditions, under which your camera may reduce
the shutter speed to ensure your images are properly exposed.
Do not use your hands to forcibly open the flash.
When the flash is closed, flash mode is automatically set to flash off.

18 Operating the camera
Operating the camera
The procedure below is a general guideline for basic operation. It is particularly useful if you are new
to the camera.
1. Removed the lens cover.
2. Use the power lever to turn the power on. LCD screen displays a BenQ logo while turning off
the camera. Wait for the logo to disappear if you wish to turn on again.
3. Set the mode dial to desired shooting mode.
4. If you need to use the flash for shooting, press the flash button to open the flash.
5. Slide the zoom lever for zooms.
6. Press the shutter halfway to set automatic focus. Once the focus is set, the focus frame color will
turn from white (unfocused) to green (focused).
7. Press the shutter down fully to capture the image.
8. To switch to movie mode, press . The video recording automatically starts. While recording,
slide the zoom lever to / for zoom-ins/zoom-outs. Press again to stop video
recording.
9. To switch to playback mode, press . In playback mode, you can view captured images or
recorded videos. You can use 4-way control to view other images/videos. Slide the zoom lever to
to zoom-in on a captured image or to view images in 9-thumbnail, 36-thumbnail,
or calendar format on the screen.
• Flash is automatically turned off in the movie mode.
• In movie mode, the camera records both sound and video. The camera will automatically stop recording either
when the video file size reaches 4GB or the recording time is more than 29 minutes.
• At any time, you can use the power lever to turn off the camera.
• During zoom-in/out, there is a separator in the zoom bar between Tand W. For best image quality, it is
recommended to use optical zoom only by keeping the magnification within Wand the separator.
• Zoom Indication
The zoom operation can be activated by rotating the zoom lever.
When the camera is turned on, the zoom is at maximum wide-angle
position. When the camera is zoomed at maximum optical position,
slide and hold the zoom lever at T to active the digital zoom to 8x
under Digital Zoom setting, to 3x under Wise Zoom setting.
• Focus Range
Whenever the zoom lever is slid, the focus range at the current zoom
point is displayed on the LCD screen.
• Wise Zoom Indicator
When Wise Zoom is enabled, the resolution setting is to 20M in 4:3
aspect ratio. As zooming in passed wise zoom indicator, the
resolution will be reduced to maintain lucidity.
• Zoom Ratio
While rotating and holding the zoom lever to exceed the maximum
optical position and enter the digital zoom, the zoom ratio is
displayed on the LCD Screen.
Optical Zoom
Focus
Range Zoom
Ratio
Wise Zoom
Indicator
Digital / Wise Zoom

19Operating the camera
Capturing still images
LCD screen display examples. Actual display may vary.
Icon Item Description
A
Scene / Filter mode indicator Indicates the current mode.
Self-timer Indicates Self-timer settings.
Focus mode Indicates focus is enabled.
Flash mode Indicates flash settings.
Flash EV Indicates the flash strength based on the EV
setting.
AEB (Auto Exposure
Bracketing) indicates burst mode/AEB settings.
Zoom Indication Displays zoom.
B
O.I.S. Indicates stabilizer function is enabled.
White balance Displays white balance settings.
Color mode Indicates color mode settings.
Metering Displays metering settings.
ISO Displays ISO settings.
Histogram Graphic display of tonal distribution.
Shutter speed Displays shutter speed settings. (P/Av/TV/M)
Focus frame Indicates focus area.
OK Indicates to press the button. (Av/TV/M)
Aperture value Displays aperture settings. (P/Av/TV/M)
A
B
C

20 Operating the camera
Mode dial
Slide the mode dial to select one of the eight shooting modes:
C
Number of recordable
images Indicates the remaining shots available.
AE/AF Lock Indicates AE/AF Lock is enabled.
Motion detection Indicates motion detection is enabled.
Wind cut Reduces wind noise during movie recording.
Storage media Indicates external storage media in use.
Resolution Displays photo size settings.
Quality Displays quality settings.
Movie option Indicates movie size.
Exposure meter Displays Exposure bracketing settings. (M)
Exposure value Displays exposure compensation settings.
Battery Indicates battery level.
Icon Mode Description
Auto The camera automatically configures the appropriate settings, so you
can capture images with ease.
Program Shoots with automatic exposure adjustments and flexible parameter
settings.
Shutter priority You can choose a shutter speed, while the aperture value is
automatically determined by the lighting condition of the subject.
Aperture priority You can choose an aperture value, while the shutter speed is
automatically determined by the lighting condition of the subject.
Manual exposure Lets you set exposure values of aperture and shutter speed manually.
Scene Lets you select the desired scene mode that suits your shooting
atmosphere.
Filter Lets you select the desired filter to apply to what you want to take.
Panorama Creates a panoramic photo by moving the camera.
Available menu options vary from input sources, functions, and setting. Grayed out when unavailable.
Icon Item Description