Canon FS30 User manual

2
Important Usage Instructions
WARNING!
~ TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
~ NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
WARNING!
&
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AND TO
REDUCE ANNOYING INTERFERENCE, USE THE
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
COPYRIGHT WARNING:
Unauthorized recording
of copyrighted materials may infringe on the
rights of copyright owners and be contrary to copyright laws.
Digital Video Camcorder FS31 AlFS30 AlFS300 A systems
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and use in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the eqUipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radiorrv technician for help.
Use of shielded cable is required to comply with class B limits in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the manual.
If such changes or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop operation of the
equipment.
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042, U.S.A.
Tel No. [phone]

CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO
WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not expose this product to dripping or splashing.
The Mains plug is used as the disconnect device. The Mains plug shali remain readily
operable to disconnect the plug in case of an accident.
CAUTION:
• Danger of explosion if the wrong type of batteries are attached. Use only the same type
of batteries .
•
Do not expose batteries or product to excessive heat such as the inside of a car under
direct sunlight, fire, etc.
Important Warning
CAUTION
RISt< Of ELECTRIC SHOCII
1)0 NOT OPEN
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE
THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO
USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with
arrowhead symbol, within
an equilateral triangle, is
intended to alert the user to
the presence of uninsulated
"dangerous voltage" within
the product's enclosure,
that
may be of sufficient
magnitude
to constitute a
risk of electric shock to
persons.
The exclamation point,
within an eqUilateral
triangle,
is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
important operating and
maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the product.
'"
I.lJ
3

Do not use this apparatus near water.
Ciean only with dry cloth.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that product heat.
8 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug
has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and
a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If
the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of
the obsolete outlet.
9 Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
10 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
11 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
12 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
13 Read Instructions - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the
pro~U~1 i~ op~rat~(j.
14 Retain Instructions - The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future
reference.
15 Heed Warnings - All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should
be adhered to.
16 Follow Instructions - All operating and maintenance instructions should be followed.
17 Cleaning - Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or
aerosol cleaners. The product should be cleaned oniy as recommended in this manual.
18 Accessories - Do not use accessories not recommended in this manual as they may be
hazardous.
In these safety instructions the word "product" refers to the Canon Digital Video Camcorder
FS31 AlFS30 AlFS300 A and all its accessories.
1 Read these instructions.
2 Keep these instructions.
3 Heed all warnings.
4 Follow all instructions.
5
6
7
4

Fig. 1 EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER NATIONAL
ELECTRICAL CODE
ANTENNA LEAD
IN WIRE
ANTENNA DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEG SECTION 810-20)
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NECSECTlON 810-21)
H';>d
---
NEe - NATIONAL
ELECTRICAL CODE
ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT --=:fii~;:;-
_ GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERWCE GROUWOIWG
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEG ART 250. PART H)
19 Avoid magnetic or electric fields - Do not use the camera close to TV transmitters,
portable communication devices or other sources of electric or magnetic radiation. They
may cause picture interference, or permanently damage the camera.
20 Water and Moisture - Hazard of electric shock - Do not use this product near water or
in rainy/moist situations.
21 Placing or Moving - Do not place on an unstable cart, stand, tripod,
bracket or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child
or adult, and serious damage to the product.
A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick ~
stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product ....
and cart combination to overturn. =-'
22 Power Sources - The CA-570 Compact Power Adapter should be operated only from the
type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of
power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company.
Regarding other power sources such as battery power, refer to instructions in this
manual.
23 Polarization - The CA-570 Compact Power Adapter is equipped with a polarized 2-prong
plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other).
The 2-prong polarized plug will fit into the power outlet oniy one way. This is a safety
feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If
the plug still fails to fit, contact your eiectrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not
defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.
24 Power Cord Protection - Power cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them. Pay particular attention to
plugs and the point from which the cords exit the product.
25 Outdoor Antenna Grounding - If
an outside antenna is connected
to the product, be sure the
antenna is grounded so as to
provide some protection against
voltage surges and built-up static
charges. Section 810 of the
National Eiectrical Code, ANSI /
NFPA No. 70-1984, provides
information with respect to proper
grounding of the mast and
supporting structure, grounding of
the lead-in wire to an antenna
discharge unit, size of grounding
conductors, location of antenna discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and
requirements for the grounding electrode. See figure 1.
26 lightning - For added protection of this product during a lightning storm, or when it is
left unattended and unused for long periods of time, disconnect it from the wall outlet and
5

6
disconnect the antenna. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and
power-line surges.
27 Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a
risk of fire or electric shock.
28 Objects and Liquid Entry - Never push objects of any kind into this product through
openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result
in a fire or electric shock. Be careful not to spill liquid of any kind onto the product.
29 Servicing - Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing
covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to
qualified service personnel.
30 Damage Requiring Service - Disconnect this product from the wall outlet and all power
sources including battery, and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the
following conditions:
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
b. If any liquid has been spilled onto, or objects have fallen into, the product.
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
d. If the product does not operate normally even if you follow the operating instructions.
Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operation instructions. Improper
adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive
work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation.
e. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance. This indicates a need for
service.
31 Replacement Parts - When replacement parts are required, be sure the service
technician has used replacement parts that are specified by Canon or that have the same
characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric
shock or other hazards.
32 Safety Check - Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the
service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in safe
operating order.
33 Heat - The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
When replacement of the power supply is required, please return it to the responsible
nearest Canon Service Center and please replace it with the same type number CA-570.
CA-570 identification plate is located on the bottom.
The Adapter can be used with a power supply between 100 and 240 V AC. For areas
where 120 V AC power is not used, you will need a special plug adapter. Contact your
nearest Canon Service Center for further information.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-DD3.
The serial number ofthe product can be found at the battery attachment unit
of the camcorder. Write down the number and other information here and
retain this book
as apermanent record ofyour purchase to aid identification
in case of theft.
Model Name:
FS31 NFS30 NFS300 A
Date of Purchase: Serial No.:
Purchase From:
Dealer Address:
Dealer Phone No.:
•
7

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CA-570 Compact
Adapter (incl. LlLlV"~1
BP-808 Battery Pack
IFC-300PCU USB Cable
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable .

Supplied CD-ROMs
The following CD-ROMs and software are supplied with
the camcorder:
•PIXELA Application -Disc 1CD-ROM* and 'PIXELA
Applications Installation Guide'
-' ImageMixer 3SE Transfer Utility -For saving and
transferring movies.
-MusicTransfer Utility -Fortransferring music files that
can be used during playback on the camcorder.
•PIXELA Application -Disc 2CD-ROM*
-ImageMixer 3SE Video Tools -Software for
managing, editing, and playing
back movies.
• ~ Instruction Manual/Music Data Disc CD-ROM -
Contains the full-version Instruction Manual
of the
camcorder and music files that can be used as
background music during playback. This CD-ROM
cannot
be played back on aCD player. The music files
on this CD-ROM are for exclusive use with the supplied
PIXELA applications, Music Transfer Utility and
ImageMixer 3SE Video Tools. For more details, refer to
the 'Music Transfer Utility Software Guide' and
'ImageMixer 3
SE Software Guide' on the PIXELA
Application -Disc 1CD-ROM.
*
The CD-ROM includes the instruction manual of the
software (electronic version
on PDF file).
'-------------------------------19

10
Package Contents
About the Camcorder's PDF Instruction Manual
This guide will get you started and show you how to use the most basic
functions
of your camcorder to shoot video, take photos and play back
yourrecordings (using the camcorder orconnecting it to your TV). To learn
more about the more advanced functions
of your camcorder, to read
importanthandling precautions and
to consultthetroubleshooting section
if an error message is displayed, be sure
to read the full instruction
manual, included as aPDF file
in the ~ Instruction Manual/Music Data
CD-ROM*.
1Turn on the computer.
2Insert the
~ Instruction Manual/Music Data CD-ROM into
the computer's disc drive.
3Open
[My Computer].
Windows 7and Windows Vista users: Open [Computer] instead.
4Right-click the drive in which you inserted the CD-ROM and
select [Open].
5Open the [MANUAL] folder and then the [ENGLISH] folder.
The PDF file is located in this folder. For easy access later, you can
copy the
PDF file to your computer's desktop.
*Adobe® Reader® 6or later is required to view the PDF Instruction Manual.

Table of Contents
08 Package Contents
12 Names of Parts and Onscreen Displays
20 Charging the Battery Pack
24 Operating Modes of the Camcorder
26 First Time Settings
28 Getting Ready to Start Recording
32 Basic Recording: Shooting Video and Taking Photos
41 Basic Playback: Playing Back Movies and Viewing Photos
47 Playback on a
TV Screen
49 Saving Your Recordings
50 .Abridged Specifications
Conventions Used in the Quick Guide
•OIMPORTANT: Precautions related to the camcorder's operation.
•(!)NOTES: Additional topics that complement the basic operating
procedures.
•Gf'POINTS TO CHECK: Restrictions or requirements regarding the
function described.
• QJ: Reference page number in this manual.
.. :Reference page number in the camcorder's full-version Instruction
Manual
(PDF file).
• Inn :Text that applies only to the model shown in the icon.
•Brackets []
are used to refer to menu options as they are displayed on screen.
•Names ofbuttons and switches otherthan the joystick are indicated within
a"button" frame.
•The Carrow
is used to abbreviate menu selections. For adetailed
explanation refer
to Using the Menus('-' 26). .
•The photos included
in this manual are simulated pictures taken with astill
camera. Unless indicated otherwise, illustrations and menu icons refer to
the
Inn.
11

Canon
12
roduction
ames of Parts
[] Left side view
(D en C~
~---n-,....-- - ~ o~--- -
1............. ---
o0 r-
), 0~'
---~= 00
~
----,( (o/J/::::'~= :::;,)
,;.:-;.:.:.;. '----1-- .u./
-....a..-~- ._-- ---- ··_--_·c-
(6: (5) (4)
"/ ,---_/ '..~-~,
[] Right side view
cD RESET button: Reset all the
camcorder's settings. (ill,t 90)
(2) VIDEO SNAP (Video Snapshot)
button: Shoot short videos
(approx.4 seconds) and arrange
them into avideo clip set to your
favorite
background music.
("B;t 45)/~ ~ (print/share)
button: Print your photos with the
press
of asingle button.
(i.t 66)
(3) DISP. (on-screen display) button:
Change the camcorder's
onscreen displays. (Jlilt 52)/
BAIT. INFO button: Press when the
camcorder is off to check the
battery
pack's charge statusand
its remaining recording time.
(4) USB terminal: Connect the
camcorder to a computer or
printer (;.~t 71)
(S') AV OUT terminal (ill.)t 71)
(6) Speaker (CD 45)
Strap mount: Attach an optional
shoulder strap for convenience
and portability.
(,;111 21)
8) ACCESS (memory access)
indicator
(CD 32)
9) DC IN terminal (aJ 20)

[!J Front view
[i] Back view
@ @ @ ®
~==l;::~ 0 ~~
Names of Parts
® Mini video light: Turn on to shoot
video or take photos
in dark
places.
(lIE) 45)
Qj) Stereo microphone
@LCD screen (lIl 31)
@ON/OFF(CHG) (power/charge)
indicator
(CD 20, 37)
@Camera mode dial (CD 25)
@Start/Stop button (CD 32)
@ 1~~1EJ (camera/play) button
(CD 24, 41)
@ PLAYLIST button: Edit the playlist
to play back only your favorite
scenes
in the order of your
choice.
(M) 53)/Zoom in T
(telephoto) button (CD 35)
@ • (stop) button (CD 41 )/Zoom
out W(wide-angle) button
(CD 35)
® ~ /11 (play/pause) button
(CD 41)/START/STOP button
(CD 32)
@ FUNC. button: In the flexible
recording modes you can
access the FUNC. menu and
setup menus. (1Rf.) 26, 79)
@Joystick (CD 24)
13
...
u..
f/l
W

14
Names of Parts
u Top view
~ Bottom view
~~ @ q~
@PHOTO button (aJ 33)
@Zoom lever
([IJ 35)
~1> POWER button
@
Tripod socket: Mount the
camcorder on atripod for
steadier shots.
(11I1 99)
@Serial number
(;.]) Battery compartment cover/
Memory card slot cover
@Memory card slot (aJ 28)
@Battery compartment (II) 20)
Q~ Battery release latch (II) 20)
® Grip belt: Adjust for acomfortable
and secure grip.
Oil. 21)

roduction
nscreen Displays and Icons
Recording movies
(j) ® @@
CD......,
(g) '--
@--,====
G)
@
®
@ @
CD Operating mode (II] 24)
® Recording program: Recording programs allow you to change various
picture-related settings
to your preference, or to use aSpecial Scene
recording program
to apply the camcorder settings most appropriate for
avariety
of situations (__ 42, 43).
@ White balance: Change the setting so different lighting conditions do not
affect the colors
in your recordings and white objects look truly white
(
~~~ 50)
~~. .
@ Image effects: Try using various image effects to change the look of your
recordings
(Bt 51).
® Digital effects: The camcorder offers various transition effects (faders) for
movies and digital effects
to add some flavor to your recordings
(
%~ 51)
.....
®Recording mode (II] 39).
(]) Manual focus
(tB. 49)
@ Image stabilizer: The stabilizer is activated by default and will compensate for
varying degrees of camcorder shake so you can get beautiful, steady
recordings
OM. 81). The image stabilizer may not be able to successfully
eliminate
all blur if the camcorder or the subject is moving too much.
® Pre-recording function: The camcorder will start recording video 3seconds
before you press [START/STOP
1, so you do not miss important shooting
opportunities.
(_. 47)
®Memory operation (.. 18)
@ Number of scenes recorded (record pause)/Time code (hours: minutes:
seconds, while recording)
15

16
Onscreen Displays and Icons
@Remaining recording time
CQ On the memory card
(liD /IDID (3) In the built-in memory
When there
is no more free space on the memory, [(3) END] (built-in
memory) or
(CQ END] (memory card) will be displayed and the recording
will stop.
(13i Remaining battery time
~ 1+~-I+C!!I+c:!I+rn I
"-------_.- "--- ------------ --------------------".- ---~-----
- c/-J in red: Battery pack is almost empty. Replace with afully charged
battery pack.
When the camcorder
is off, press [B-~"TI:!NFQl to display the charge
status of abattery pack. The Intelligent System will display the charge
status
(as apercentage) and the remaining recording time (in minutes)
for 5seconds.
If the battery pack is exhausted, the battery information
may not be displayed.
(14i Wind screen off: Wind screen removes the background sound of wind when
recording outdoors. You may want to turn
it off when recording indoors in
very quiet surroundings ('8t 81).
C]5
iBacklight correction (
•••• 48)
06) Joystick guide (lI,t 25)
lIt; Mini video light (,at 45)
(i 8.) Level marker: Display onscreen markers to check your composition and make
sure horizontal or vertical
lines do not appear crooked in your recordings
(Mt 83).
(iQ) Audio level indicator ell't 83)

Playing movies (during playback)
CD
®@
Onscreen Displays and Icons
@Playback time (hours :minutes :seconds)
@Scene number
@
Data code: In addition to the date and time of recording, you can choose
to display information related to the camcorder settings like the shutter
speed or aperture value used
(., 83).
{f)
w
17

18
Onscreen Displays and Icons
Recording photos
@
I
:23 Zoom (II) 35), Exposure 0-1-0 (POFt 48)
!24! Recording program ('Pl)f:t 42, 43)
\25' White balance (PIf;. 50)
126 Image effect (,.t 51)
\27 Digital effect (PDf'. 51)
28 Photo quality/size (II) 40)
(29i Manual focus (''PDF) 49)
'Jo, Remaining battery time
\~f Number of photos available
rn On the memory card
IDD / IDID ~ In the built-in memory
- [g in red: Cannot record any more photos,
- ~ in red: No memory card in the camcorder,
(32 Self timer (;ME) 48)
~33; AF framfl; You can change whether to let the camcorder detect the sublect
and select where to focus (9-point AiAF system) or have it focus only on
the frame at the center of the screen, (illf;t 82)
i,34: Joystick guide (gt 25)
(35,; Mini video light ('mEt 45)
(~6, Focus and exposure lock (II) 33)
(37- Camcorder shake warning: When this icon appears on-screen, you may
need to stabilize the camcorder using a tripod or use afaster shutter
speed (PDFt 82).

Onscreen Displays and Icons
Viewing photos
-@
@
@
---@
@
@@:; @
-@
--@
@ @
@@®
@Photo number ( •• 18, 86)
@Current photo /Total number of photos
@ Histogram: Gives you agraphic indication about aphoto'sexposure so you
can confirm that it
is not too dark or too bright ( •• 63).
@Date and time of recording
© Photo protection mark: Protect your favorite photos to prevent erasing them
by mistake
(_~ 63).
@ Manual exposure: Correct the exposure manually for apicture darker/
brighter than the one obtained using the automatic exposure set by the
camcorder (._ 48).
@Photo size (OJ 40)
@ File size
@Aperture value
@ Shutter speed: Control the shutter speed manually to change the
appearance of moving objects
in your recordings 08. 43).
19

tting started
harging the Battery Pack
The camcorder can be powered with abattery pack or directly using the
compact power adapter. When you use the compact power adapter, the
pow~r of the battery pack will not be consumed. Charge the battery pack
before use.
1
------ -----_._--_.
Connect the compact
power adapter. 2Connect the camcorder.
U) Connect to the adapter.
(2,1 Plug into apower outlet.
3Insert the battery pack.
CD Plug into the DC IN terminal.
(i) Slide in the direction ofthe arrow and open. (2.) Push the battery pack
into the compartment.
(~ Securely close the cover.
20
Click!