Canon ZR900 User manual

Canon
Digital Video Camcorder
Instruction Manual
Camescope numerique
Manuel dI instruction
Videocamara digital
Manual de Instrucciones
MiniDt"""" Digital
Video
Cassette
PUB. DIM-843
Z-~900
Z-~9JO
•
•
. ~;):~~>
ESpan011
NTSC

Cleaning the Video Heads
Digital video camcorders record video signals onto the tape in very thin lines (as thin
as
1/8 the width of ahair). The following anomalies may appear if the video heads
become dirty even alittle.
•Mosaic
or other blocky video artifacts (Fig. 1) or banding
(Fig.
2) appear on the picture during playback.
•Sound becomes distorted,
or there is no sound during
playback.
•The message "HEADS
DIRTY, USE CLEANING CASSETIE"
appears.
If such
symptoms appear, clean the video heads with the
Canon DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette* or a
commercially available dry cleaning cassette.
If the
symptoms reappear shortly after the cleaning, the
videocassette may be defective. Stop using it.
*Availability differs from area to area.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Video heads
may become dirty under the following conditions:
•When using the camcorder
in humid or hot places.
•When using cassettes with damaged
or dirty tapes.
•When using the camcorder
in dusty places.
•When using the video heads for along time without cleaning them.
CD NOTES
•Before you make important recordings, clean the video heads and make atest recording
first.
We also recommend cleaning the video heads after use, before storing the
camcorder.
•
Do not use wet type cleaning cassettes as this may damage the camcorder.
•
Even after cleaning the video heads you may not be able to play back correctly tapes
that were recorded with dirty video heads.
2

Important Usage Instructions
WARNING!
~ TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
~ APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
For Canada only:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
PRODUCT TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING.
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, ZR930lZR900 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 radiolTV 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]
Important Warning
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO 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 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.
3

10 Power Sources -The CA-590 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.
11 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.
12 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.
EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
In these safety instructions the word
"apparatus" or "product" refers
to the Canon
Digital Video CamcorderZR930/ZR900 Aand
all its accessories.
1Read Instructions -All the safety and
operating instructions should be read
before the product
is operated.
2Retain Instructions -The safety and
operating instructions should be retained
for future reference.
3Heed Warnings -All warnings on the
product and
in the operating instructions
should be adhered to.
4Follow 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.
6Accessories - Do not use accessories
not recommended
in this manual as they
may be hazardous.
7Avoid 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
tlJe camera.
8Water and Moisture -Hazard of electric
shock -
Do not use this product near
water or
in rainy/moist situations.
9Placing 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
~
combination should be ~
moved with care. Quick
stops, excessive force, •
~
and uneven surfaces ~
may cause the product ... _
and cart combination
to
overturn.
4
Fig. 1
.--
NEC -NATIONAL
ELECTRICAL CODE
ANTENNA
LEAD
IN
WIRE
ANTENNA DISCHARGE
UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)
GROUNDINGCONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
GROUND
CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250. PART
H)

13 Lightning -For added protection of this
product during alightning storm, or
when 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.
14 Overloading -Do not overload wall
outlets and extension
cords as this can
result
in arisk of fire or electric shock.
15 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.
16 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.
17 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 aqualified
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
aneed
for service.
18 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.
19 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. •
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-590.
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.
The adapter is not intended to be serviced. Should the product cease to function in its intended manner, it should be
returned to the manufacturer or be discarded.
I This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
The Mains plug is used as the disconnect device. The Mains plug shall remain readily operable to disconnect the
plug in case of an accident.
5

Table of contents
Introduction
--------------------
10 About this Manual
11 Getting to Know the Camcorder
11 Supplied Accessories
12 Components Guide
15 Screen Displays
Preparations
17 Getting Started
17 Charging the Battery Pack
19 Installing the Backup Battery
19 Preparing the Wireless Controller (NWX.j only)
and Accessories
21 Basic Operation of the Camcorder
21 Operating Modes
21 Joystick and Joystick Guide
22 Using the Menus
24 First Time Settings
24 Changing the Language
24 Changing the Time Zone
25 Setting the Date and Time
25 Getting Ready to Start Recording
25 Opening the Lens Cover and Adjusting the LCD Screen
27 Inserting and Removing aTape
6

Table of contents
Video
--------------------------
28 Basic Recording
28 Shooting Video
30 Zooming: Optical, Advanced and Digital Zoom
32 Quick Start Function
33 Reviewing the Last Scene Recorded
33 Basic Playback
33 Playing Back Video
35
f;8Wl Returning to aPre-marked Position
35
f;4?r.l Locating the Beginning of aRecording Date
36 Locating the End
of the Last Scene
36 On-Screen Displays (Data Code)
37 Advanced Function
37 ®: Special Scene Recording Programs
39 ®Flexible Recording: Changing the Shutter Speed
40 LCD Video Light
40 Self Timer
41 Audio Recording Mode
42 Audio Playback Modes
43 Manual Focus Adjustment
44 Manual Exposure Adjustment
44 White Balance
45 Image Effects
46 Digital Effects
7
•

External Connections
---------------
48 Connecting to aTV or VCR
49 Connection Diagrams
50 Playback on a TV Screen
50 Copying your Recordings to
an External Video Recorder
51 Digital Video Dubbing
53 f"an-) Audio Dubbing
54 Connecting to aComputer
54 PC Connection Diagram
55 Transferring Video Recordings
8

Table of contents
Additional Information
56 Appendix: Menu Options Lists
56 FUNC. Menu
57 Setup Menus
57 Camera Setup (Advanced Zoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.)
58 VCR Setup (Recording Mode, TV Type, etc.)
58 Audio Setup (Audio Mode, Wind Screen, etc.)
59 Display Setup (LCD Brightness, Language, etc.)
60 System Setup (Beep, Power Save, etc.)
61 DatefTime Setup
62 Trouble?
62 Troubleshooting
64 List of Messages
66 Do's and Don'ts
66 Handling Precautions
68 Maintenance/Others
70 Using the Camcorder Abroad
71 General Information
71 System Diagram
72 Optional Accessories
75 Product Codes
76 Specifications
79 Index
9
•

Introduction
About this Manual
Thank you for purchasing the Canon ZR930/ZR900. 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 Troubleshooting
(OJ 62).
Conventions Used in this Manual
• 4) IMPORTANT: Precautions related to the camcorder's operation.
• CD NOTES: Additional topics that complement the basic operating procedures.
•
~ POINTS TO CHECK: Restrictions or requirements regarding the function
described.
•
CD :Reference page number.
•fJf4?re):Text that applies only to the model(s) shown in the icon.
•"Screen" refers to the LCD and the viewfinder screen.
•The photos included
in the manual are simulated pictures taken with astill camera.
Note that unless indicated otherwise, illustrations
in this manual refer to the ,...:tfi?I+J
model.
Selling the Date and TIme
You can also change the date format
(OJ 93).
( iFli!iC 1 () I~ MENU! 0 )
l[e
DATEfTIME SETUP) 0
(DATEfTIME]
Buttons and switches to be operated---------------;..---------.I
fUIlC (. 'UHe ~)
(QJ301~ ~.
1Open the date and time setup
.~~.n
Brackets [ ] and capital letters are used to refer to menu ------,
options as they are displayed on screen. In tables in this I
manual the default value is shown in boldface.
For example [ON],
[OFF].
~;~~~'~~t~~~~t field of the d"1t:d
2
Change each field of the date and
time with the joystick (."'1 and
move (~) to the next field.
3Press«
'*" I to start the clock.
Names of buttons and switches other than the joystick ---7--~4 ~pre~ •• ~r;ru;J2Th~:·~N::::!J:C] a close the menu.
are indicated within a"button" frame.
For example
If®~l
10

Supplied Accessories
Lithium Button Battery
(CR1616)
CA-590 Compact Power
Adapter
,..a?[.l WL-D85
Wireless Controller
SlV-250N Stereo Video
Cable
BP-2L5 Battery Pack
,..:tWX-) Lithium Button
Battery (CR2025) for
Wireless Controller
Model Name: ZR930/ZR900 A
Serial No.:
Online product registration for U.S.A. Customers only.
Register your product online at www.registercanon.com
if Protect your product
We will keep the model number and date of purchase of your new Canon product on file to help you
refer to this information in the event of an insurance claim such as loss or theft.
if Receive information on new products and promotions
Upon your request, we will send you information on Canon new products and promotions.
The serial number of this 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 a permanent record of your purchase to aid
identification in case of theft.
Date of Purchase:
Purchased From:
Dealer Address:
Dealer Phone No.:
11
•

Introduction
GomponentsGuide
left side view
c
CD-B.
DV 11-"'---'---'--- @
M"~-T- (j)
AV@ _._--(1)
®
CD Lens cover switch (Q] 28)
(~ open, @closed)
®DV terminal (Q] 49, 54)
Q) MIC (microphone) terminal (Q] 41)
@ AV terminal (Q] 49)
®CHARGE indicator (Q] 17)
®Speaker
(j) Mode switch (Q] 29)
1m. Easy recording
If) Recording programs
®Grip belt (Q] 20)
®Strap mount (Q] 74)
®Lock button
(jJ) lilll4'U'leJ switch (Q] 21)
@Stereo microphone
Right side view
o
Front view
12
Names of buttons and switches other than the
joystick are indicated within a
"button" frame
(for example I
FUNC. p.

Back view
Top view
Bottom view
CD Joystick (Q] 21)
@FUNC. button (Q] 22,56)
®D.EFFECTS button (OJ 46)
® NWI.) Remote sensor (Q] 20)
®Viewfinder (Q] 30)
®Dioptric adjustment lever (CD 30)
(j) QUICK START button (Q] 32)
®Start/Stop button (Q] 28)
®DC IN terminal (OJ 17)
@Backup battery compartment (Q] 19)
OJ) Serial number/
Battery attachment unit (Q] 17)
@LCD screen (Q] 25)
@Cassette compartment (Q] 27)
@Cassette compartment cover (Q] 27)
® Zoom lever (Q] 30)
@OPEN/EJECT ~ switch (Q] 27)
@Tripod socket (Q] 20)
@ BAn. (battery release) switch (Q] 17)
Names of buttons and switches other than the
joystick are indicated within a
"button" frame
(for example [FUNC.
p.
13
•

Introduction
t"A4jpl Wireless Controller WL-D85
............................... @
........... @
14
CD START/STOP button (CO 28)
(g) CARD -/+ buttons*
G) DATE SEARCH ~/~ buttons (CO 35)
® REW ~ button (CO 33)
® - /~II button (CO 33)
®PAUSE II button (CO 33)
rJ) SLOW I~ button (CO 33)
®AUDIO DUB. button (OJ 53)
®ZERO SET MEMORY button (CO 35)
@PHOTO button*
@Zoom buttons (CO 30)
©PLAY ~ button (CO 33)
@ FF ~ button (CO 33)
Q3l STOP •button (CO 33)
@+ III~ button (CO 33)
® X2 button (CO 33)
© TV SCREEN button (OJ 59)
*
..... 4j:r.) Still images cannot be recorded or
played back using this model. Please
disregard these buttons.

~'ScreenDisplays
ltAMERA']S!§JI Recording Movies
®® ® @@@
! I;
@
@
~
: I,
@ @@ @
F'PLAY*Bim,1 Playing Movies
~
':;-" ..
(§EJto-
~
STERE01
0:01:03:20
§;,
~
'4,:'
r:'''~81 min
~
END
SEARCH
('~)
./11
i>
~
......
....
"
•
9: 20PM
FE
NOV. 3,2008
CD Zoom (CO 30), Exposure 0-1-0 (CO 44)
@Recording program (CO 37)
®White balance (CO 44)
®Image effect (CO 45)
®LCD video light (CO 40)
®Digital effects (CO 46)
OJ Condensation warning (CO 69)
® Shutter speed (CO 39)
®Self timer (CO 40)
®Exposure adjustment (CO 44)
(jJ) Manual focus (CO 43)
@Image stabilizer (CO 57)
@Recording mode (CO 58)
@Tape operation (CO 16)
@Time code (hours: minutes: seconds)
@Remaining tape (CO 16)
@Remaining battery charge (CO 16)
@Wind screen off (CO 59)
@ Audio recording mode (CO 41)
@ ,...;e4?P) Remote sensor off (CO 60)
@ Backup battery warning (CO 19)
@Level marker (CO 60)
@Recording reminder (CO 16)
@Operating mode (CO 21)
@ Audio playback mode (CO 42)
@Speaker volume (CD 34)
@Search function display
END SEARCH (OJ 36)/
""~4im) DATE SEARCH (OJ 35)
@Playback time
(hours: minutes :seconds :frames)
@ Joystick guide (CD 21)
@Data code (OJ 36)
15
•

Introduction
16

Preparations
This chapter describes basic operations, such as navigating the
menus, and first time settings
to help you learn more about your
camcorder.
Charging the Battery Pack
The camcorder can be powered with a
battery
pack or directly using the
compact power adapter. Charge the
battery pack before use.
For approximate charging times and
recording/playback times with afull
battery pack, refer to the tables on
page 73.
Remove the battery
terminal cover before
attaching the battery
~-T'"=;;;::':-!.- ... -.w BATT. switch
1Turn off the camcorder.
2Attach the battery pack to the
camcorder.
Press the battery pack lightly and
slide it up until it clicks.
CHARGE
indicator
',a&
CHARGE
3Plug the compact power adapter
into apower outlet.
4Connect the compact power
adapter to the camcorder's DC IN
terminal.
•The CHARGE indicator starts
flashing. The indicator will stay on
when the charging is completed.
•
You can also use the compact
power adapter without attaching a
battery pack.
17
•

Preparations
•When the compact power adapter
is connected, even if a battery is
attached its power will not be
consumed.
~1 ONCE THE BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED
I1
Disconnect the compact power
adapter from the camcorder.
2Unplug the compact power
adapter from the power outlet.
i To REMOVE THE BATTERY PACK
Press I BATT. I to release the battery
pack. Slide the battery pack down
and then pull it out.
o IMPORTANT
• You may hear some noise from the
compact power adapter during use.
This is not amalfunction.
•
We recommend charging the battery
pack
in temperatures between 10°C
and 30 °C (50 OF and 86 OF). Outside the
temperature range
of 0°C to 40°C
(32 of to 104 OF), charging will not start.
•
Do not connect to the camcorder's DC
IN terminal or to the compact power
adapter any electrical equipment that is
not expressly recommended for use
with this camcorder.
•
To prevent equipment breakdowns and
excessive heating, do not connect the
supplied compact power adapter to
voltage converters for overseas travels
or special power sources such as those
on aircraft and ships, DC-AC inverters,
etc.
18
(1) NOTES
•The CHARGE indicator also serves as a
rough estimate of the battery charge
status.
Continuously on: Battery pack fully
charged.
Two quick flashes at 1-second intervals:
Battery pack at least 50% charged. If
the indicator flashes quickly but not
exactly
in this pattern, refer to
Troubleshooting (CO 62).
One flash at 1-second intervals: Battery
pack less than 50% charged.
•
We recommend that you prepare battery
packs 2to 3times longer than you think
you might need.
• U.S.A. and Canada only: The
lithium ion/polymer battery
that powers this product is
recyclable. Please call
1-800-8-BATIERY for information
on
how to recycle this battery.

l.....ll
1 .. 1
Installing the Backup Battery
The backup battery (lithium button battery
CR1616) allows the camcorder
to retain
the date, time
(CD 25) 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.
1If abattery pack is attached,
remove it first.
2Open the backup battery cover.
3Insert the backup battery with the
+side facing out.
CD NOTES
The battery life of the backup battery is
about one
year. ~ flashes in red when
the lithium button battery is not installed,
or when it needs to be replaced.
Preparing the Wireless Controller
("';¢W!.) only) and Accessories
First, insert the supplied lithium button
battery (CR2025) into the wireless
controller.
1Press the tab in the direction of •
the arrow and pull out the battery
holder.
2Place the lithium button battery
with the +side facing up.
3Insert the battery holder.
~
G)
I~_t
4Close the cover.
19

Preparations
I To USE THE WIRELESS CONTROllER
~
Accessories
Point the controller at the
camcorder's remote sensor when
you press the buttons.
You can rotate the LCD panel 180
degrees
to use the wireless controller
from
the front of the camcorder.
CD NOTES
•The wireless controller may not work
properly when the remote sensor
is
situated under strong light sources or
direct sunlight.
•If the wireless controller does not work
check that [WL.REMOTE]
is not set to '
[OFF (!Il1[J] (OJ 60). Otherwise, replace
the battery.
20
Fasten the grip belt.
Adjust the grip belt so that you can
reach
the zoom lever with your index
finger, and
the IStart/Stop] button with
your thumb.
I WHEN YOU MOUNT THE CAMCORDER ON A
I TRIPOD
I
Do not leave the viewfinder
exposed to direct sunlight
as it may melt (due to
concentration of the light by
the lens).
Do not use tripods
with fastening screws
longer than 5.5 mm
(0.2 in.).
Doing so may damage the camcorder.