Canon ZR960 User manual

CaHOH
DigitalVideoCamcorder
InstructionManual
Cam6scopenumerique
Manueld'instruction
Videocamaradigital
Manualde Instrucciones
PUB. DIM-0915-000
Z:960
¢
¢
Minilr_,'T Digital
Video
Cassette

Cleaningthe VideoHeads
Digital video camcorders record video signals onto the tape in very thin lines (as thin
as 1/8 the width of a hair). The following anomalies may appear if the video heads are
even slightly dirty.
* 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 CASSETTE]
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 cleaning, the
videocassette may be defective. Stop using it.
*Availability differs from areato area.
Video heads may become dirty under the following conditions:
* Using the camcorder in humid or hot places.
* Using cassettes with damaged or dirty tapes.
* Using the camcorder in dusty places.
* Using the video heads for a long time without cleaning them.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
_ NOTES
•Before you make important recordings, clean the video heads and make a test recording
in advance, 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 correctly play back tapes
that were recorded with dirty video heads,
2 • Introduction

ImportantUsageInstructions
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, ZR960A systems
Thisdevice complies with Part15 ofthe FCCRules.Operationis subject tothe following two conditions: (1)This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2}this device must accept any interference received, including interferencethat maycause undesired
operation.
Note:This equipment hasbeentested and found to comply with the limits for class Bdigital device, pursuantto Part 15 ofthe FCC
Rules.These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses andcan radiate radiofrequency energyand, if not installed anduse in accordancewith the instructions,
may causeharmful interferenceto radio communications. However,there is no guaranteethat interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipmentdoes cause harmful interferenceto radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouragedto try to correct theinterference byone or moreof the following measures:
• Reorientor relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increasethe separation betweenthe equipment andreceiver.
• Connectthe equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consultthe dealer or an experiencedradio/W technician for help.
Useof shielded cable is required tocomply with classB limits in Subparf Bof Part15 of FCCRules.
Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the manual.
If such changesor modifications should be made,you could be required to stop operation of the equipment.
CanonU.S.A., Inc.
OneCanon Plaza,Lake Success, NY11042, U.S.A.
TelNo.[phone]
TheMains plugis usedas the disconnectdevice.The Mainsplug shallremain readily operableto disconnectthe
plug in case of an accident.
Important Warning
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.
Introduction• 3

Inthese safetyinstructions theword "apparatus" or
"product" refersto the CanonDigital VideoCamcorder
ZR960A andall itsaccessories.
1 Readthese instructions.
2 Keeptheseinstructions.
3 Heedallwarnings.
4 Followall instructions.
5 Do not usethis apparatus nearwater.
6 Cleanonlywith dry cloth.
7 Do not install nearany heatsourcessuch as
radiators,heat registers, stoves,or other
apparatus (includingamplifiers) that produce
heat.
8 Protectthe power cordfrom beingwalked onor
pinchedparticularly atplugs, convenience
receptacles,andthe pointwhere they exit from
the apparatus.
9 Unplug this apparatusduring lightning storms or
when unusedfor long periodsof time.
10 Readinstructions--All the safetyandoperating
instructions should be read beforethe productis
operated.
11 Retaininstructions -- The safetyandoperating
instructions shouldbe retained for future
reference.
12 HeedWarnings--All warnings onthe product
andin the operatinginstructions should be
adheredto.
13 Followinstructions --All operatingand
maintenanceinstructions should befollowed.
1 4 Cleaning-- Unplugthis productfromthe wall
outlet beforecleaning.Do not use liquid or
aerosolcleaners.The productshould be cleaned
onlyas recommendedin this manual.
1 5 Avoidmagneticor electric fields -- Do not use
the cameraclosetoTVtransmitters, portable
communicationdevices or othersourcesof
electric or magneticradiation. They maycause
picture interference,or permanentlydamagethe
camera.
1 6 WaterandMoisture-- Hazardofelectric shock
-- Donot use this product nearwater or in rainy/
moist situations.
1 7 Placingor Moving-- Donotplaceon an unstable
cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table. The product
mayfall, causing seriousinjuryto achild or adult,
andserious damageto the product. A product
andcartcombination shouldbe movedwith care.
Quickstops, excessiveforce, anduneven
surfaces maycausethe productand cart
combinationto overturn.
18 PowerSources-- Theproduct should be
operated onlyfrom thetype of powersource
indicatedon the markinglabel. Ifyou are notsure
ofthe type ofpower supplytoyour home,consult
your product dealeror local powercompany.
Regardingother power sources such asbattery
power,refer to instructions inthis manual.
19 Overloading-- Do not overloadwall outletsand
extension cordsas this can resultin a risk offire
or electric shock.
20 ObjectsandLiquid Entry-- Neverpushobjects
of any kind into this product through openingsas
they maytouch dangerousvoltage points orshort
out partsthat could result in afire orelectric
shock. Becareful notto spill liquid ofanykind
onto the product.
21 Servicing -- Donot attemptto servicethis
productyourself asopeningor removing covers
may exposeyouto dangerousvoltageor other
hazards.Referall servicing to qualified service
personnel.
22 PowerSources-- The0A-590 CompactPower
Adaptershould beoperated onlyfrom thetype of
power sourceindicatedon the marking label. If
you arenot sure ofthe type ofpower supplyto
your home, consultyour product dealeror local
power company.Regardingother powersources
such asbattery power,refertoinstructions in this
manual.
23 Lightning-- Foradded protectionofthis product
during a lightning storm, or when it is left
unattendedandunused for longperiods oftime,
disconnect it from the wall outlet and disconnect
the antenna.Thiswill prevent damage tothe
product due tolightning and power-line surges.
24 Damage RequiringService-- Disconnectthis
productfrom the wall outlet and allpower
sourcesincluding battery,andrefer servicing to
qualified servicepersonnelunderthe following
conditions:
a. When the plug is damaged.
b. If any liquid has beenspilled onto,or objects
havefallen into,the product.
c. Ifthe product has beenexposedto rain or
water.
d. Ifthe productdoes not operatenormally even
ifyou follow the operating instructions.Adjust
onlythose controlsthat are coveredbythe
operationinstructions.Improperadjustmentof
other controlsmay result in damage and will
often requireextensivework by aqualified
technicianto restore the productto itsnormal
operation.
4 • Introduction

e. Ifthe product has beendroppedor thecabinet
has beendamaged.
f. Whenthe productexhibits adistinct changein
performance.Thisindicates a needfor
service.
25 ReplacementParts-- When replacementparts
are required, be sure the service technicianhas
usedreplacementparts that are specified by
Canonor that have the same characteristicsas
the original part.Unauthorizedsubstitutions may
result in fire, electricshock or other hazards.
26 SafetyCheck-- Uponcompletionof any service
or repairsto this product, ask the service
technicianto perform safety checks todetermine
that the productis in safe operatingorder.
Whenreplacementofthe power supply isrequired, pleasereturn itto the responsiblenearestCanonServiceCenter
andplease replaceit with the sametype number 0A-590.
Theadapter can beusedwith a power supply between100and240 VAC.Forareaswhere 120VACpower is not
used,you will needa special plug adapter.Contact your nearest CanonService Centerfor further information.
Theadapteris not intendedtobe serviced.Shouldthe productceasetofunction in its intendedmanner,it should be
returnedto the manufactureror be discarded.
ThisClassBdigital apparatus complies with CanadianICES-003. J
Introduction,, 5

Tableofcontents
Introduction
9 About this Manual
10 Getting to Know the Camcorder
10 Supplied Accessories
11 Names of Parts
13 Screen Displays
Preparations
15 Getting Started
15 Charging the Battery Pack
17 Installing the Backup Battery
17 Preparing the Accessories
18 Basic Operation of the Camcorder
18 Joystick and Joystick Guide
18 Using the Menus
19 First Time Settings
19 Changing the Language
20 Changing the Time Zone
20 Setting the Date and Time
20 Getting Ready to Start Recording
20 Opening the Lens Cover and Adjusting the LCD Screen
21 Inserting and Removing a Tape
Video
23 Basic Recording
23 Shooting Video
24 Changing the Aspect Ratio of the Recordings 0Nidescreen /4:3)
25 Zooming: Optical, Advanced and Digital Zoom
25 Quick Start Function
26 Reviewing the Last Scene Recorded
27 Basic Playback
27 Playing Back Video
28 Locating the End of the Last Scene
28 On-Screen Displays (Data Code)
6•Table ofcontents

29 Advanced Functions
29 [] : Special Scene Recording Programs
31 [] Flexible Recording: Changing the Shutter Speed
32 LCD Video Light
32 Self Timer
32 Manual Focus Adjustment
33 Manual Exposure Adjustment
34 White Balance
35 Image Effects
35 Digital Effects
36 Using an External Microphone
37 Audio Playback Modes
External Connections
38 Connecting to a TV or VCR
39 Connection Diagrams
40 Playback on a TV Screen
40 Copying your Recordings to an External Video Recorder
41 Digital Video Dubbing
43 Connecting to a Computer
43 PC Connection Diagram
44 Transferring Video Recordings
Additional Information
45 Appendix: Menu Options Lists
45 FUNC. Menu
46 Setup menus
46 Camera Setup (Advanced Zoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.)
46 VCR Setup (Recording Mode, TV Type, etc.)
47 Audio Setup (Wind Screen, Output Channel, etc.)
47 Display Setup (LCD Brightness, Language, etc.)
49 System Setup (Beep, Power Save, etc.)
49 Date/Time Setup
50 Trouble?
50 Troubleshooting
52 List of Messages
53 Do's and Don'ts
53 Handling Precautions
56 Maintenance/Others
57 Using the Camcorder Abroad
Tableof contents • 7

58 General Information
58 System Diagram
59 Optional Accessories
62 Product Codes
63 Specifications
65 Index
8 • Table ofcontents

ThankyouforpurchasingtheCanonZR960.Pleasereadthismanualcarefullybefore
youusethecamcorderandretainitforfuturereference.Shouldyourcamcorderfail
tooperatecorrectly,refertoTroubleshooting (C1350).
Conventions Used in this Manual
• O IMPORTANT: Precautions related to the camcorder's operation.
• (_) NOTES: Additional topics that complement the basic operating procedures.
• _ POINTS TO CHECK: Restrictions that apply if the function described is not
available in all operating modes (the operating mode to which the camcorder
should be set, etc.).
• _ : Reference page number.
• "Screen" refers to the LCD and the viewfinder screen.
• The terms "photo" and "still image" are used interchangeably with the same
meaning.
• The photos included in the manual are simulated pictures taken with a still camera.
The camcorder's operating mode is determined by the
switch. In this manual, indicates that a
function is available and : indicates that the
function is not available.
Brackets [] are used to refer to menu options and other
displays, exactly as they appear on the screen.
Names of buttons and switches other than the joystick
are indicated within a "button" frame.
For example #Jf_Cii"
_1: Special Scene Recording Programs
Reootding in a very bright ,_ki resort or
capturing the full colors of a surlset or a
fireworks display beoomes as easy as
............................ e recording
progfatY For details ab ul the availab]e
options, refer to the sid bar on
page 33
Mode 8witoh:
_©
In this manual, the O arrow is used
to abbreviate menu selections. For a
detailed explanation refer to Using
the Menus ([._._ 18).
Introduction• 9

SuppliedAccessories
CA-590ComoactPower
Adaoter" BP-2L5 Battery _ack
uTnlum Button Battery _ STV-250N Stereo Video
CRt 616_ _ Cable
* CA-590E including power cord, in Asia.
Online product registration for USA Customers only.
Registeryour product online at www.registercanon.com
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.
Receive information on new products and promotions
Upon your request, we will send you information on Canon new products and promotions.
Theserialnumberofthisproductcanbefoundatthebatteryattachmentunitofthecamcorder.Writedown
thenumberandotherinformationhereandretainthisbookasa permanentrecordofyourpurchaseto aid
identificationincaseoftheft.
Dateof Purchase: ModelName:ZR960A
PurchasedFrom: SerialNo.:
DealerAddress:
Deaer PhoneNo.:
10 • Introduction

Left side view _} Lens cover switch ([_ 23)
((_ open, @ closed)
{2_Speaker ([-Z..]27)
_ CHG (charge) indicator (C@ 15)
@}DV terminal ([Z.] 39, 43)
{5_MIC (microphone) terminal (red) (L_ 36)
@}AV terminal (C[:339)
_7}Lock button
{8_ _ switch
6} Mode switch (EZ324)
Easy recording
[] Recording programs
_0_Grip belt ([._ 17)
_1_Stereo microphone
Right side view
@@@@
Frontview
@
Introduction° 11

Back view
Topview
@ @@
0_ Joystick (C'_ 18)
_2_FUNC. button (_ 18, 45)
(3_D.EFFECTS button (CL] 35)
(4_Viewfinder (_ 23)
_ Dioptric adjustment lever (_ 23)
(67STANDBY indicator (L,_ 25)
(7_VlEWFINDER button (C_ 23)
_ Start/Stop button (C[_ 23)
(9_DC IN terminal (E_ 15)
_ LCD screen ([Z3 20)
_# Serial number/
Battery attachment unit (L,_l 15)
_ Backup battery compartment (C[_ 17)
&_ Cassette compartment (C]_J21)
_4_OPEN/EJECT A switch (LT] 21)
_ Cassette compartment cover (C[3 21)
@ Zoom lever (CC) 25)
_ Tripod socket (C'_ 53)
_8_BATT. (battery release) switch (CJ_316)
Bottomview
@
12 • Introduction

RecordingMovies
PlayingMovies
@®
®
(0 Zoom (C[3 25), Exposure o_ll_o (C[3 33)
C2_Recording program ([._ 29)
@ White balance (G1 34)
_) Image effects (i_ 35)
C5_LCD video light (CC] 32)
_6) Digital effects (L_ 35)
_ Condensation warning (CC] 56)
_8_Shutter speed (_ 31)
@ Self timer (C_[.332)
_ Manual exposure (_ 33)
_ Manual focus (_ 32)
_ Image stabilizer (L_ 46)
_ Recording mode ([_ 46)
_Tape operation (L._ 14)
_ Time code (hours : minutes : seconds)
_6_Remaining tape (E]_J14)
_ Remaining battery charge (_ 14)
@ Wind screen off ([_ 47)
_ Backup battery warning (C_ 17)
_0_Level marker (C]_148)
_ Recording reminder (_ 14)
___Operating mode
( mode):
Recording movies (C]_]23)
[]E_ ( mode):
Playing back movies (C[3 27)
_ Audio playback mode (i_J 37)
@ Speaker volume (_ 27)
@ Searching for the end of the last scene
(L_ 28)
_.6_Playback time
(hours : minutes : seconds : frames)
@1_Joystick guide ([.'_.-118)
_8_Data code (L_ 28)
introduction •13

14•Introduction

Preparations
This chapter describes basic operations, such as navigating the
menus, and first time settings to help you learn more about your
camcorder.
Getting Started
Chargingthe BatteryPack
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 a full
battery pack, refer to the tables on
pages 59, 60.
Remove the battery
terminal cover before
attaching the battery
1Plug the compact power adapter
into a power outlet.
Depending on the region of
purchase, a power cord for the
compact power adapter may have
been supplied as well. In that case,
connect the power cord to the
compact power adapter before
plugging it into the power outlet.
2Connect the compact power
adapter to the camcorder's DC IN
terminal.
CHG (charge) indicator
DC IN terminal 3 Attach the battery pack to the
camcorder.
Press the battery pack lightly and
slide it up until it clicks.
4 Charging will start when the
switch is turned to _(CHG).
The CHG (charge) indicator starts
flashing. The indicator goes out
when charging is completed.
Preparations• 15

!iiilT0"E°0VE'HE"A"E"'PACK
BATT.switch
1 Slide _BATI_ in the direction of the
arrow and hold it pressed down.
2Slide the battery pack down and
then pull it out
0 II_IPORTANT
• We recommend charging the battery
pack in temperatures between 10 °C
and 30 °C (50 °F and 86 °F). Outside the
temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C
(32 °F to 104 °F), 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.
• The battery pack will be charged only
when the camcorder is off.
• If remaining battery time is an issue, you
can power the camcorder using the
compact power adapter so the battery
pack will not be consumed.
• The CHG (charge) indicator also serves
as a rough estimate of the battery
charge status.
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 (L_ 50).
One flash at 1-second intervals: Battery
pack less than 50% charged.
• Charged battery packs continue to
discharge naturally. Therefore, charge
them on the day of use, or the day
before, to ensure a full charge.
• We recommend that you prepare battery
packs 2 to 3 times longer than you think
you might need.
• USAand 0anada 0nly:The
Lithium ion/polymer battery
that powers the product is
recyclable. Please call
1-800-8-BA]q-ERY for
information on how to recycle this battery.
16 • Preparations

I
Installingthe BackupBattery Preparing theAccessories
The backup battery (CR1616 lithium
button battery) allows the camcorder to
retain the date, time (CCJ20) and other
camcorder settings while the power
source is disconnected. Connect a power
source to the camcorder when replacing
the backup battery to retain the settings.
1 Remove the battery pack, if one is
attached.
2Open the backup battery cover.
3 Insert the backup battery with the
+ side facing out.
+( L........J
4 Close the cover.
The battery life of the backup battery is
about one year. _'t7 flashes in red when
the lithium button battery is not installed,
or when it needs to be replaced.
Fasten the grip belt.
Adjust the grip belt so that you can
reach the zoom lever with your index
finger, and the 'S{art/Stopl button with
your thumb.
IToATTACHA SHOULDERSTRAP
Pass the ends of the optional
shoulder strap through the strap
mount on the grip belt and adjust the
length of the strap.
Preparations•17

Camc0rder
Joystick andJoystick Guide
Use the joystick to operate the
camcorder's menus.
Push the joystick up, down, left
or right ( _ky, 411_- ) to select an
item or change settings.
Press the joystick itself ( @ ) to
save the settings or confirm an
action. On menu screens, this is
indicated by the icon _.
Press _ to display/hide the joystick
guide (when recording, the joystick
guide will appear only when the mode
switch is set to [_). The functions that
appear on the joystick guide will
change depending on the operating
mode.
Usingthe Menus
Many of the camcorder's functions can
be adjusted from the menus that open
after pressing iFUNC.i.
For details about the available menu
options and settings, refer to the
appendix Menu Options Lists (CL345).
Selecting an Option from the FUNC. Menu
S_2_j-
1Press _.
2Select (AY) the icon of the
function you want to change from
the left side column.
Menu items not available will appear
grayed out.
3 Select (41_) the desired setting
from the available options at the
bottom bar.
*The selected option will be
highlighted in light blue.
• With some settings you will need
to make further selections and/or
press _. Follow the additional
operation guides that will appear
on the screen (such as the joystick
icon _, small arrows, etc.).
4Press _to save the settings
and close the menu.
You can press '._Nc- to close the
menu at any time.
18 • Preparations

Selecting an Optionfrom the Setup Menus
1 Press FUN©:/.
2Select (AT) [.=_ MENU] and press
_ to open the setup menus.
You can also hold '_Ofi_J pressed
down for more than 1 second to open
directly the setup menus screen,
3 Select (AV) the desired menu from
the left side column and press _.
The title of the selected menu
appears on top of the screen and
under it the list of settings.
4Select (AV) the setting you want
to change and press _.
* An orange frame will indicate the
menu item currently selected.
Menu items not available will
appear grayed out.
* To return to the menu selection
screen, select (Y) [ _i_RETURN]
and press _.
5 Select (AV) the desired option and
press _ to save the setting.
6Press _.
You can press [F_:i to close the
menu at any time.
Changingthe Language
The language for on-screen and menu
displays can be changed. The list of
available languages depends on the
region where you purchased the
camcorder.
switch: _ I
• Default value
Language Set A
German, English • , Spanish, French, Italian,
Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified
Chinese and Japanese.
Language Set B
English • , Simplified Chinese, Traditional
Chinese and Korean.
_0_c ©
[.--'_ MENU] ©
[_ DISPLAY SETUP/_] ©
[LANGUAGE] ©
Desired language ©
_NC:
• If you changed the language by mistake,
follow the _) mark next to the menu
item to change the setting.
• The display _ that appears in some
menu screens refers to the name of the
button on the camcorder and will not
change, regardless of the language
selected.
Preparations• 19

ChangingtheTimeZone
Change the time zone to match your
location. The default setting is New
York or Singapore, depending on the
region of purchase.
switch: _ I
LF?UN_.)©
[T_ MENU] ©
[_ DATE/TIME SETUP] O
[T.ZONE/DSTJ ©
Desired time zone* ©
[FUNC.j
* Toadjust for daylight saving time, select the
areaname marked with a "€'-.
Settingthe DateandTime
switch: _ I
1Open the date and time setup
screen.
i_)N_i © [--'_ MENU] O
[@ DATE/TIME SETUP] ©
[DATE/TIME]
Blinking arrows will be displayed
around the first field of the date.
2 Change each field of the date and
time with the joystick (_,Y) and
move (1_) to the next field.
3 Press _to start the clock.
4 Press _to close the menu.
"i_ NOTES
You can also change the date format
(C]_J49).
GettingReadyto Start
Recording
Openingthe Lens Coverand Adjusting
the LCDScreen
Before you start recording, open the
lens cover.
Move the lens cover switch down to
(_ to open the lens cover.
Rotating the LCDPanel
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees.
You can rotate the panel 90 degrees
downward.
180 °
90 °
You can rotate the panel 180 degrees
toward the lens (allowing the subject to
monitor the LCD screen while you use
the viewfinder (EZ323)). Rotating the
LCD panel 180 degrees can be useful
also when you wish to include yourself
in the picture when recording with the
self timer.
20 ° Preparations