Canon ZR500 User manual

Canon
z..~500
PUB.DIM-735
Digital Video Camcorder IEngl."sh I
Instruction Manual .
Camescope numerique
Manuel d'instruction I Fran~aisl
Videocamara digital
Manual de Instrucciones II
Espafiol
Minil);"T Digital
Video
Cassette

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, ZR500 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 Bdigital device, pursuant
to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in aresidential 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 aparticular
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 acircuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radiolTV technician for help.
Use of shielded cable is required to comply with class BIimits.in Subpart B
of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
00 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.
2
Important Warning
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR
BACK). NO USERwSERVICEABLE 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 arisk 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.

In these safety instructions the word "product"
refers
to the Canon Digital Vide'o Camcorder
ZR500 Aand all its accessories.
1. Read Instructions -All the safety and
operating instructions should be read
before the product is operated.
2. Retain Instructions -The safety and
operating instructions should
be retained
for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings -All warnings on the
product and
in the operating instructions
should be adhered
to.
4. Follow Instructions -All operating and
maintenance instructions should be
followed.
5Cleaning -Unplug this product from the
wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use
liquid or aerosol cleaners. The product
should be cleaned only as recommended
in this manual.
6. Accessories -Do not use accessories
not recommended
in this manual as they
may be hazardous.
7. 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.
8. Water and Moisture -Hazard of electric
shock -Do not use this product near
water or
in rainy/moist situations.
9. Placing or Moving -Do not place on an
unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or
table. The product may fall, causing
serious injury to achild or adUlt, and
serious damage
to the
product.
Aproduct and cart <I)
combination should be ~
moved with care. Quick • ~
stops, excessive force, .... ~~_ ...
and uneven surfaces may _ ,.. }~
cause the product and cart
combination
to overturn.
10. Power Sources -The CA-570 Compact
Power Adapter should be operated only
from the type of power source indicated
on the marking label. Ifyou 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.
11. 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 only one way. This
is asafety
feature. If you are unable
to insert the plug
fUlly into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If
the plug still fails
to fjt, contact your
electrician
to replace your obsolete outlet.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized plug.
12. 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.
13. 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 Electrical
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.
-
3

14.Lightning -For added protection of this
product during alightning storm, orwhen it
is left unattended and unused for long
periods of time, disconnect it from the wall
outlet and disconnect the antenna. This
will prevent damage to the product due to
lightning and power-line surges.
15.0verloading -
00 not overload wall
outlets and extension cords
as this can
result
in arisk of fire or electric shock.
16. 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 afire or electric shock.
Be careful not to spill liquid of any kind
onto the
prodUCt.
i7.Servicing - 00 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.
Fig. 1
E;.XAM'PLE OF AI'iTE...,"VA GROUNDING
AS PER
"iAT~ONAl E'~ECTRICA;~ CDDE
AI\T::'J'tSALEAJ
IN ',',':RE
GROUNDING COfl<DLCTORS
(·I.J::::CSEC710N81G-21)
18.Damage Requiring Service -Disconnect
this product from the wall outlet and all
power sources inclt,lding battery, and refer
servicing
to qualified service personnel
under the following conditions:
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is
damaged.
b. jf 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 aqualified technician
to restore the product to its normal
operation.
e. If the product has been dropped or the
cabinet has been damaged.
When the product exhibits adistinct
change
in performance. This indicates
aneed for service.
19.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.
20.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.
4
When replacement of 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.
The Adapter can be used with apower supply between 100 and 240 VAC. For areas
where 120 VAC power is not used, you will need aspecial plug adapter. Contact your
nearest Canon Service Center for further information.

Buttons and switches to be operated
Using this Manual
Thank you for purchasing the Canon ZR500. 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 the Troubleshooting table
(CD 75).
Change the display language before you begin (CD59).
S~:m,bg;,li&:a:D,d",,:R~,f~:te:D:~~:&U&:ed:,ic,:,I:bi&:::::,M:aDU:al
o II :Precautions related to the camcorder operation.
o ~ :Additional topics that complement the basic operating procedures.
o CO :Reference page number.
oCapital letters are used to refer to buttons on the camcorder.
o [] are used to refer to menu items displayed on the screen.
o"Screen" refers to the LCD and the viewfinder screen.
Setting the Time Zone, Date and Time
Set the time zone, date and time when you first start using your camcorder, or when you
have replaced the backup ballery
Setting the Time ZonelDaylight Saving Time
Operating modes (see below) --------7---l( ~~ )
Menu item shown at its default ~~~ ~~I @IOATE/TIME SETUP J~li:ZONE/OST NEW YORK I
position ,
~::; :~"~::~:~"~~::":~:,;:="~;~":"~; [I ".N~--I
muiliseleclorloopenlheselupmenus. ~
2'WiththemUltiselectorselect(Ji.T)therEliconand~
press(@). ~
3. Select (... T) the [DATE/TIME SETUP] menu and ~
press(@).Then,select( ... ",)the[T.ZONEIDSTj
optionandpress(). ---
Ab,g,ut{'it,b~,{,J,;g"M'"&,ti,~,k"":a,cdtbe:,,,,J,:g~,&ti~,k{"G,u:i:d:e:{
The mini joystick allows you to control many ofthe camcorder's operations and to select
and change setting options
in menus.
@~Push the joystick
up, down, left or right (A.", ..... ~) to select an
<JO()
•item or change settings.
00
Press the joystick itself (W)to save the settings or confirm an
action.
The functions assigned to the joystick change according to the operation mode.
You can
display the joystick guide to remind you ofthe joystick's functions
in each operating mode.
-
Recording: Playback:
5

OJ
The operating modes are determined by the position of the ~ switch.
Operating
Modes
(CAMERA · @§])
(PLAY~@§])
I CAMERA .IQ§]
:Function can be used in this mode.
:Function cannot be used
in this mode.
20
27
6
Trademark Acknowledgments
•Mini)).'" is atrademark.
•
Windows@ is either aregistered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and/or other countries.
•Macintosh and Mac
as are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the United
States and other countries.
•Other names and products not mentioned above may
be registered trademarks ortrademarks
of their respective companies.

Table of contents
Introduction
Using this Manual 5
Checking the Supplied Accessories 9
Components Guide 10
Basic Functions
Preparations
Preparing the Power Supply 12
Loading/Unloading aCassette 15
Preparing the Camcorder 16
Adjusting the LCD Screen 17
Setting the Time Zone, Date and Time 18
Recording
Recording Movies
on aTape 20
Zooming 24
Tips for Making Better Videos 26
Playback
Playing Back aTape 27
Adjusting the Volume 29
Playing Back on aTV Screen 30
Advanced Functions
Menus and Settings 33
Recording
Using the Recording Programs 36
Adjusting the Exposure Manually 40
Adjusting the Focus Manually
41
Setting the White Balance 43
Selecting an Image Effect. 44
Setting the Shutter Speed 45
Using the Self-Timer 47
Changing the Recording Mode (SP/LP) 48
Audio Recording 49
Using Digital Effects
51
Widescreen TV Recording (16:9) 54
Playback
Magnifying the Image 55
Displaying the Data Code 56
End Search 57
Playing Back aTape with Added Sound 58
Other Functions
Changing the Display Language 59
Other Camcorder Settings 60
Editing
Recording to aVCR or Digital Video Device 63
Recording from Digital Video Devices (DV Dubbing) 65
Transferring Video Recordings to aComputer 66
Additional Information
Screen Displays 67
-
7

8
List of Messages 69
Maintenance/Others 70
Troubleshooting
75
System Diagram 78
Optional Accessories 79
Specifications 81
Item Codes 83
Index 84

Checking the Supplied Accessories
CA-570 Compact
Power Adapter
(inc!. power cord)
BP-2L5 Battery Pack Lithium Button Battery STV-250N Stereo
CR1616 Video Cable
-
The serial number of this product can be found at the battery attachment unit ofthe
camcorder. Write down the number and other information here and retain this book as a
permanent record
of your purchase to aid identification in case of theft.
Date
of Purchase: Model Name: ZR500 A
Purchased From: Serial No.:
Dealer Address:
Dealer Phone No.:
@LAMP(S) INSIDE THIS PRODUCT CONTAIN MERCURY AND MUST BE
RECYCLED OR DISPOSED OF ACCORDING TO LOCAL, STATE OR
FEDERAL LAWS.
9

Components Guide
Left side view
CD······
10
Right side view
@ .....
CD Lens cover switch (OJ 20)
(€ open, @closed)
@LCD BACKLIGHT button (OJ 17)
®Speaker (OJ 29)
@) CHARGE indicator (OJ 12)
®Terminal cover
® ~ switch (OJ 6)
(j) Grip belt (OJ 16)
®AV terminal (OJ 30)
(jJ) @
I-I
~~
~ [f)(g
I
-l
AV MIC DV
~~~
1-1-,
III
® ® @
®MIC (microphone) terminal (OJ 50)
® DV terminal (OJ 63, 65)
@Zoom lever (OJ 24)
@Program selector (OJ 36)
IR Easy recording
[E] Recording programs

Front view
CD Stereo microphone
@Viewfinder (OJ 16)
®Dioptric adjustment lever (OJ 16)
®BATT. (battery release) button (OJ 12)
®LCD screen (OJ 17)
®Joystick (OJ 5)
(J) FUNC. button (OJ 33)
®D.EFFECTS button (OJ 51)
®WIDE SCR button (OJ 54) /
DATA CODE button (OJ 56)
@Backup battery compartment (OJ 14)
(jJ) Start/stop button (OJ 20)
©Battery attachment unit (OJ 12) /
Serial number
@DC IN terminal (OJ 12)
Qjl Cassette compartment (OJ 15)
@Cassette compartment cover (OJ 15)
®OPEN/EJECT ~ switch (OJ 15)
@Tripod socket (OJ 26)
-
11

Preparing the Power Supply
1. Turn the ~ switch to •.
2. Attach the battery pack to the
camcorder.
•Remove the terminal cover of the battery
pack.
•Press lightly and slide the battery pack
in
the direction of the arrow until it clicks.
12
1. Connect the power cord to the
adapter.
2. Plug the power cord into apower
outlet.
3. Connect the power adapter to the
camcorder's
DC IN terminal.
The CHARGE indicator starts flashing.
The indicator will stay on when the
charging is completed.
4. When the charging is completed,
disconnect the power adapter
from the camcorder. Unplug the
power cord from the power outlet
and disconnect it from the adapter.
5. Remove the battery pack after use.
Press the BATT. button to remove the battery.

.~
Connect to ahousehold power source to use the camcorder without worrying about the
battery power.
You can keep the battery pack attached; the battery power will not be
consumed.
1. Turn the IB3D switch to •.
2. Connect the power cord to the
power adapter.
3. Plug the power cord into apower
outlet.
4. Connect the power adapter to the
camcorder's
DC IN terminal.
aTurn off the camcorder before connecting or disconnecting the power adapter.
aIfthe adapter is used close to a TV, it may cause picture interference. Move the
adapter away from the TV or the antenna cable.
a Do not connect any products that are not expressly recommended to the
camcorder's DC IN terminal or to the power adapter.
a You may hear some noise from the power adapter during use. This is not a
malfunction.
aDo not disconnect and reconnect the power cord while charging abattery pack.
Charging may stop. The battery pack may not be charged correctly even if the
CHARGE indicator is continuously on. The battery pack may also not be
charged correctly when apower outage occurs during charging. Remove the
battery pack and attach it back to the camcorder.
aWhen the power adapter or the battery pack is defective, the CHARGE
indicator flashes rapidly (at about 2flashes/second) and charging stops.
aThe CHARGE indicator informs you about the charge status.
0-500/0: Flashes once every second
More than
50
%:Flashes twice every second
1
000/0: Continuously on
aWe recommend charging the battery pack in temperatures between 10°C and
30 °C (50 OF and 86 OF). Outside the temperature range of a°C to 40 °C (32 of
to 104 OF), the charging will not start. If the battery temperature goes outside
this temperature range while charging, the CHARGE indicator will start flashing
rapidly and the charging will stop.
aAlithium ion battery pack can be charged at any charge state. Unlike
conventional battery packs, you do not need to completely use or discharge it
before charging.
aWe recommend that you prepare battery packs 2to 3times longer than you
think you might need.
a To conserve battery power, turn offthe camcorder instead of leaving it in record
pause mode.
-
13

oCharging, Recording and Playback Times
The following times are approximate and vary according to the charging,
recording or playback conditions.
Battery Pack BP-2LS NB-2L NB-2LH BP-2L12 BP-2L14
Charging Time 95 min. 110 min. 125 min. 195 min. 220 min.
Max. Recording Time
Viewfinder 90 min. 105 min. 125 min. 220 min. 270 min.
LCD Inormal 85 min. 100 min. 120 min. 215 min. 260 min.
Ibright 80 min. 90 min. 110 min. 200 min. 240 min.
Typical RecordingTime*
Viewfinder 50 min. 55 min. 65 min. 120 min. 150 min.
LCD Inormal 50 min. 55 min. 65 min. 120 min. 145 min.
Ibright 45 min. 50 min. 60 min. 110 min. 140 min.
Playback Time 90 min. 105 min. 125 min. 225 min. 275 min.
*Approximate times for recording with repeated operations such as start/stop,
zooming, power on/off. Actual time
may be shorter.
The backup battery (lithium button battery CR1616) allows the camcorder to retain the
date, time (OJ 18) and other camcorder settings while the power source is disconnected.
Connect apower source to the camcorder when replacing the backup battery to retain the
settings.
1. Open the backup battery cover.
2. Insert the backup battery with the
+side facing out.
3. Close the cover.
14
_The backup battery has alife span of about ayear. " ~ "flashes in red to inform
•you that it needs to be replaced.

Loading/Unloading a Cassette
Use only videocassettes marked with the MiniDt'" logo.
1. Slide the OPEN/EJECT ~ switch
and open the cassette
compartment cover.
The cassette compartment opens
automatically.
2. Load/unload the cassette.
•Load the cassette with the window
facing the grip belt.
•Unload the cassette by pulling it straight
out.
3. Press the ~ mark on the
cassette compartment until it
clicks.
4. Wait for the cassette compartment
to retract automatically and close
the cassette compartment cover.
o Do not interfere with the cassette compartment while it is opening or closing
automatically, or attempt to close the cover before the cassette compartment
has fully retracted.
oBe careful not to get your fingers caught in the cassette compartment cover.
Ifthe camcorder is connected to apower source, cassettes can be loaded/
unloaded even ifthe
~ switch is set to [+lii.
-
15

Preparing the Camcorder
Adj .. U.51.i.ggI .. tb.~ii~i.~.wfilJd~t'C.iiQiglr:ji'mAdJ.U;&.lw .. ~.gt).
1. Turn on the camcorder and keep
the LCD panel closed.
2. Adjust the dioptric adjustment
lever.
16
Adjust the grip belt so that you can reach the
zoom lever with your index finger, and the
start/stop button with your thumb.

Adjusting the LCD Screen
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees.
• You can rotate the panel by 90 degrees
outward.
•
You can rotate the panel by 180 degrees
inward. -
LCD BACKLIGHT button
You can switch the brightness ofthe LCD screen between normal and bright by pressing
the LCD BACKLIGHT button. This is useful for outdoor recordings.
Press the LCD BACKLIGHT button.
oThis setting does not affect the brightness of the recording or the viewfinder
screen.
oWhen using abattery pack, the camcorder retains the setting even if you
change the position
of the ~ switch.
oThe battery usage time shortens when the LCD screen is set brighter (1Il 14).
17

Setting the Time Zone, Date and Time
Set the time zone, date and time when you first start using your camcorder, or when you
have replaced the backup battery.
S.~,tt;ilJg.l>lb~Iim.~ Z.Q.c~LDa~.I.i .. gbt ..... S,a~.iDglim~
(CIIVIER~·~I] ......-
FUNC.
~~~) I r~ I~~ DATEITIME SETUP I~I T.ZONE/DST NEW YORK
1. Press the FUNC. button to open the FUNC. menu.
The FUNC. menu will open. Continue the procedure with the
joystick to open the setup menus.
2. With the joystick select ("T) the r~ icon and press
(@).
3. Select L6.T) the [DATE/TIME SETUP] menu and
press (@). Then, select (£.T) the [T.ZONE/DST]
option and press (@).
The time zone setting appears (see table on the next page). The default setting is New
York or Singapore depending on the region.
4. Select (£.T) your time zone and press (@).
To adjust for daylight saving time, select the time zone with the" -*- "next to the area.
I~ DATE/TIME JAN. 1,2006
12:00 AM
I r~ I~~ DATE/TIME SETUP
( CAMERA· ~ II PLAY .~
MENU
([[133)
5. Select (£.T) the [DATE/TIME] option and press (@).
Aselection frame will be displayed around the date and the
selection arrows around the month will flash.
6. With the joystick change (£.T) the month as required
and
move (~ ) to the next field.
•The selection arrows will flash around the next field of the date/time.
•Set the day, year, hours and minutes
in the same way.
•If you do not need to change all settings, you can use the joystick to move (
.... ~ )to
the specific setting you want to change.
7. Press (@) to start the clock.
18

8. Press the FUNC. button to close the menu.
FUNC.
Time Zones and Difference from GMT/UTC.
London GMT/UTC Wellington (WELLlNGTN )+12
Paris
+1 Samoa
-11
Cairo +2 Honolulu -10
Moscow +3 Anchorage -9
Dubai +4 Los Angeles (L.A.) -8
Karachi +5 Denver -7
Dacca +6 Chicago -6
Bankok +7 New York -5
Singapore +8 Caracas -4
Tokyo +9 Rio de Janeiro (RIO) -3
Sydney +10 Fernando de Noronha (FERNANDO) -2
Solomon
+11
Azores
-1
,. Once you have set time zone, date and time, you do not need to reset the clock
•each time you travel to another time zone. Just set the time zone to the one of
your destination, and the camcorder automatically adjusts the clock. -
19

Recording Movies on a Tape
Before You Begin Recording
Make atest recording first to check if the camcorder operates correctly. If necessary,
clean the video heads
(CO 71).
1. Open the lens cover (move the
lens
cover switch down to e ).
2. Set the camcorder to tCINlEII·I£§:ID
mode.
Set the ~ switch to CAMERA.
3. Open the LCD panel.
4. Press the start/stop button to
begin recording.
Press the start/stop button again to pause
the recording.
20
When You Have
Finished Recording
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 0 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
1. Turn the ~ switch to •.
2. Close the LCD panel.
3. Close the lens cover (move the lens cover switch
to §).
4. Unload the cassette.
5. Disconnect the po~er source.