Canon UC-V30 Hi8 User manual

8mm VIDEO CAMCORDER
Instruction Manual
Canon
UC-V30 \\m!UC-V20 mm
UC-V300 i d IUC-V200 w
DA I This manua ^ explains how to use the UC~V30Hi, UC-V20Hi,
• ML UC-V300 and UC-V200 camcorders. In certain areas, some of
these four models may not be available.
H
Mastering
III
Using
the
Full
1111
Additional
the
Basics
|||
Range
of
Features
1111
Editing
Information

Introduction
Important Usage Instructions

f Introduction
y --- J ~ When Making Manual Adjustments ...~
Important Usage Instructions .2 Focusing.45
Thank You for Choosing a Canon.4 Exposure .47
Introducing the Camcorder.5
| Mastering the Basics |
Powering Your Camcorder .6
- Connecting the camera
to a mains outlet.6
- Attaching and charging
a battery pack.7
Loading a Cassette.9
Basic Recording .11
Zooming .13
Using the LCD Screen.15
Playing Back a Cassette .18
Connections for Playback on a TV
Screen .22
Tips for Making Better Videos .27
Using the Full Range of
Features
- General — ~
Turning the Image Stabilizer On/Off
(UC-V30Hi/UC-V20Hi/UC-V300) ..29
Using the Wireless Controller.30
~ For Recording ...~
Setting the Date and Time.31
Titles .33
Searching and Reviewing While
Recording.36
Using the Various Recording
Programs.38
Using the Digital Effects.40
Using the Digital Faders.42
Audio Recording.44
~ For Playback ...~
Searching the Tape (Date Search).49
Using the PAL 60 System.50
The Auto Editing Function.51
Preparing for Editing .52
Using the Editing Function
for the First Time.53
Choosing a Scene.55
Preview and Recording .56
Cut-In and Cut-Out Adjustments.57
Deleting Scenes and Clearing
the Program.59
Reordering Scenes .60
Editing Scenes .61
Simple Editing to a VCR.62
Additional Information
Preparing the Camera .63
Notes on Using the Batteries.65
Maintenance.69
Troubleshooting.73
The Video System Diagram.77
Optional Accessories.78
Finding Your Way Around the
Camcorder.81
Screen Displays.84
Specifications.87
Index .88
3
Introduction

Introduction
Thank You for Choosing a Canon
First, we’d like to thank you for
purchasing this Canon camcorder. Its
advanced technology makes it very
easy to use — you will soon be making
high-quality videos which will give you
pleasure for years to come.
To get the most out of your new
camcorder, we recommend that you
read this manual thoroughly — there
are many sophisticated features which
will add to your recording enjoyment.
[ Getting started
To get started we suggest that you
master the basic operations of the
camcorder first, before moving on to
use its full range of features.
For quick reference (in addition to the
contents and index) please refer to:
• Finding Your Way Around the
Camcorder (p. 81)
• Screen displays (p. 84)
• Troubleshooting — in case you run
into any problems (p. 73)
Note that capital letters are used to
refer to settings that appear in the
display and buttons labelled on the
camcorder itself e.g. Press the EJECT
A button.
Your camcorder is supplied with the
following accessories:
4

Introducing the Camcorder
LCD Screen
An LCD screen makes it
easy for you to shoot
colourful, well composed
video. You can even put
yourself in the frame and
check the picture as you
shoot. It is also great for
playback.
Auto Editing Function
A complete set of editing
functions is built-in —
turn your recordings into
finished productions, with
no extra equipment
required.
Flexi Zone Control
Easier than manual
operation and more
flexible than automatic
functions, Canon’s
FlexiZone Control is a
completely new way to
use a video camera.
Image Stabilizer
(UC-V30Hi/llC-V20Hi/UC-V300)
Images are stabilized
even in long telephoto
shots.
22x lens and 100x/290x
digital zoom
From wide-angle to 22x
telephoto — with
unparalleled optical
quality. The digital zoom
magnifies this up to lOOx
for even more dramatic
results. Also, the picture
magnifies up to 290x
with Digital Effects.
Close-Up
The subject can be further
digitally enlarged by 1.5x,
for a maximum of 440x
magnification.
Hi8 (UC-V30Hi/UC-V20Hi)
Hi8 is the format that
“Xzjgv V- most video professionals
rely on for high quality
1 • and long recording times.
Digital Effects and Faders
# 3 ®
Advanced digital
technology allows you to
add special effects and
scene transitions to your
recordings.
Titles
You don’t need any
extra equipment to add
titles to your home
videos — the camera
r
rOYME ^
does it all.
Hi-fi stereo sound
(UC-V30Hi/UC-V20Hi)
The compact integral
i microphone offers the
depth and realism of AFM
in full dynamic stereo.
Long Time Recording
You can record up to 11
hours (12 hours for
UC-V200) continuously
with two BP-941 Battery
Packs (optional) on the
CH-900 Dual Battery
Charger/Holder
(optional) .
5
Introduction

Mastering
the
Basics
Powering Your Camcorder
Before operating your camera, you will need to use the power adapter to:
provide power from a mains outlet or charge a battery pack
Notes:
• The power adapter converts current from a household power outlet (110-240 V
AC, 50/60 Hz) to the DC current used by your camera.
• If the adapter is used next to a TV, it may cause the TV to emit noise — move
the adapter away from the TV or the aerial cable.
Use the power adapter to provide your camera with instant power from a mains
outlet.
1. Connect the power adapter to the camera.
2. Plug the adapter into a mains outlet.
3. Remove the power adapter after use.
• Always turn the camera off before removing the power source.
CA-550 Compact Power Adapter
Specifications
Power supply
110-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption
20 W
Rated output
8.4 V. 1.5 A DC
Operating temperature range
0° - 40°C (32 - 104°F)
Dimensions
64 x 130 x 43.5 mm (2 '/2 x 5 ] /8 x 1 3 /4 in)
Weight
305 g (10 3 /4 oz)
UK model: 370 g (13 oz)
Australia model: 310 g (10 7 /s oz)
Weight and dimensions are approximate. Errors and omissions excepted. Subject to
change without notice.
CA-550 identification plate is located on the bottom.
6

Your battery pack was partially charged before it left the factory. It should have
enough power for you to check that your camera is working properly. However,
you must charge the battery pack fully if you want it to power the camera for
more than a few minutes.
It is recommended to set the POWER switch to OFF when charging a battery
pack. However, if the POWER switch is set to CAMERA and the camcorder stays
in record pause mode for over five minutes, it will automatically turn itself off and
start charging the battery pack.
If a fully charged battery pack is removed and then re-attached, it will need
another few minutes of charging to reach fully charged status again.
Use only the CA-550 Compact Power Adapter to charge battery packs.
1. Attach the battery pack to the camera.
• Align the triangle on the battery pack with the guide line on the camera.
• Slide it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks into place.
• Be sure to test the battery pack to check that it is properly attached.
2. Connect the power adapter to the camera.
3. Plug the power adapter into a mains outlet.
• The CHARGE indicator flashes to show that charging is in progress. Single
flashes mean that the battery pack is less than 50% charged. Double flashes
mean that it is between 50% and 75% charged. Triple flashes mean that it is
more than 75% charged.
• The indicator glows steadily when the battery pack is fully charged. Battery
pack usage time will be further extended if you continue charging for an
hour after the indicator starts glowing steadily.
• If the indicator flashes once every two seconds, the battery pack could be
defective.
• The indicator will not light at all when the power adapter is defective.
Mastering
the
Basics

Mastering
the
Basics
4.
Remove the battery pack after use.
• Press and hold the BATTERY RELEASE button.
• Always tum the camera off before removing the power source.
Notes:
• Charge the battery pack in an ambient temperature of 10°C to 30°C. If the
battery pack is charged at low or high temperatures, charging takes longer. If
the ambient temperature is 0°C or lower or 40°C or higher, the battery pack
sometimes cannot be charged. Also, the time that it can be used is drastically
shortened.
• The battery pack warms up after it has been used or charged. The battery pack
sometimes cannot be charged if it is warm.
• You can find detailed notes for using the batteries in the “Notes on Using the
Batteries” on p. 65. These notes include charging and recording times and how
to install the backup battery.
8

Loading a Cassette
Only use videocassettes marked with an 0 (or Hi0 for UC-V30Hi/
UC-V20Hi).
3. Load or unload the cassette.
• Insert the cassette gently with the window facing out and the erasure
prevention tab to the top left.
• Remove the cassette by pulling it straight out.
4. Press the [push) mark on the compartment until it clicks, and wait
for it to close.
• Press the IpushI mark horizontally.
Loading and unloading _
1. Make sure that you have attached or connected a power source.
2. Press the EJECT ± button and wait for the cassette compartment
to open.
Notes:
• See p. 10 for information on protecting your recordings from accidental
erasure.
• If you turn the camera on with no cassette loaded, flashes in the display.
• After loading a cassette, use record search (p. 36) to find the point where you
want to start recording.
• Do not interfere with the cassette compartment while it is opening or closing
automatically.
• Do not leave the cassette in the camera after use — return it to its case and
store it in a cool, clean, dry place.
9
Mastering
the
Basics

Mastering
the
Basics
Protecting tapes from accidental erasure
To protect your recordings from accidental erasure, slide the red switch on the
cassette so that it covers the hole. (This switch position is usually labelled SAVE
or ERASE OFF.) If you load this cassette and power on the camera, “I^1” flashes
in the display.
If you want to record on the cassette again, slide the red switch back so the hole is
open. (This position is usually labeled REC or ERASE ON.)
Handling cassettes
• To protect the tape heads, transfer cassettes directly from the tape case to the
camcorder - do not open the tape protect cover or touch the tape itself.
• Do not use cassettes where the tape has been damaged or rejoined - they may
damage the camcorder.
• Do not insert anything into the small holes on the cassette or cover them with
cellophane tape.
• Handle cassettes with care - dropping them or exposing them to external shocks
may cause internal damage.
• Store cassettes in the provided case, rewinding them to the start of the tape first,
and then storing them upright.
\ About Hi8 (for UC-V30Hi/UC-V20Hi)
To record or play back in the Hi8 format, you need both a Hi8 camcorder and a
Hi8 cassette (you can use either Metal-P or Metal-E Hi8 cassettes).
A Hi8 camcorder can record or play back in either the Hi8 format or standard
8mm format, depending on the tape used.
The superior quality of Hi8 can best be appreciated on a TV which has an S-video
input terminal.
10