Vivitar VIVITAR 615HD User manual

615HD Digital Video Camera
User Manual
© 2009-2011 Sakar International, Inc. All rights reserved.
Windows and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

1
Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 2
What‟s Included............................................................................................................................ 2
Parts of the Camera..................................................................................................................... 3
Initial Camera Setup..................................................................................................................... 4
Main Camera Modes.................................................................................................................... 7
Camera Technical Specifications.................................................................................................. 8
Computer System Requirements ................................................................................................. 9
Powering ON/OFF Your Digital Camera..................................................................................... 10
Changing Camera Mode ............................................................................................................ 10
Navigating the Menus..................................................................................................................11
Video Capture Mode .................................................................................................................. 12
Video Playback Mode................................................................................................................. 25
Photo Capture Mode.................................................................................................................. 29
Photo Playback Mode ................................................................................................................ 43
Connecting the Camera to a TV................................................................................................. 48
Installing the Software................................................................................................................ 49
Connecting the Camera to the Computer................................................................................... 50
Getting Photos and Videos from your Camera to Your Computer.............................................. 51
Get started!................................................................................................................................. 52
Transferring Media from My Camera to My Computer Manually................................................ 52
Camera Maintenance................................................................................................................. 54
Limited Two Year Warranty Card................................................................................................ 55
Technical Support....................................................................................................................... 56
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................... 57

2
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this camera. Everything you need to take quality digital videos and
photos is included with your camera.
Vivitar makes capturing those special moments as easy as possible.
Please read this manual carefully first in order to get the most out of your digital video camera.
Note: Your camera requires an SD Memory card (up to 16GB) for normal use.
SD Memory cards are not included and need to be purchased separately.
For best video performance of your HD device, it is strongly recommended to use a high speed
SD Memory card of *Class 4 or Class 6.
* Class 4 cards are usually marked with and Class 6 cards are usually marked with .
What‟s Included
1. Digital Video Camera
2. TV Cable
3. Vivitar Experience Image Manager
software Installation CD
4. Wrist Strap
5. Built-in USB Connector
(not shown)
Note: SD Memory Card and batteries not included.

3
Parts of the Camera
1.
Power Button
11.
Battery Compartment
2.
Shutter Button
12.
SD Memory Card Slot
3.
Left / Zoom Out/ Thumbnail View
13.
USB Connector
4.
Right / Zoom In
14.
USB Lever
5.
MODE (M) Button
15.
AV Out Port
6.
SET/OK Button
16.
Wrist Strap Connector
7.
Up / Previous Image / Scene Selection Button
17.
Speaker
8.
Down / Next Image / Delete Button
18.
Microphone
9.
LCD Flip Screen
19.
Tripod Mount
10.
Digital Lens

4
Initial Camera Setup
Installing the Batteries
Installing the Memory Card
Slide open the battery cover on the back of
the camera and install 2 x AA batteries with
the correct polarity as illustrated inside the
battery compartment. Alkaline batteries
recommended.
SD Memory card (up to 16GB) needed for
normal use.
For best video performance of your HD
device, it is strongly recommended to use a
high speed SD Memory card of
Class 4 or Class 6 .
Turning On the Camera
Using the Camera

5
When powering the camera ON for the first time the camera will take you through the INITIAL
CAMERA SETUP.
Powering the Camera ON
1. Batteries
Make sure the batteries have been inserted properly into your digital camera, according to
the polarity shown inside the battery compartment.
Use 2 x AA (1.5V) batteries. Alkaline batteries are recommended. (Batteries not included.)
Note:
Remove the batteries from the camera when not in use for an extended period.
Do not mix alkaline and non-alkaline batteries.
Some features if they are included with your camera, such as Flash, will not work if the
battery power level is low.
When the battery power is low the battery icon turns red and the camera will
automatically turn off a few seconds later.
The energy status of the power is displayed on LCD as shown below:
Full battery power Medium battery power Low battery power
2. SD Card
Make sure an SD card has been properly inserted into your camera. (SD card not included.)
To properly insert the SD Card:
Push the SD card into the slot in the direction shown on the camera (see SD icon by the SD
card slot). Push the SD card until you hear a slight clicking sound. This indicates the SD
card has been inserted correctly.
Note:
After the camera is powered on, an SD icon will appear on the LCD display. If you do
not see the SD icon on the display, please check if the card was inserted properly.
Make sure the SD card is not locked (check the lock switch on the side of the SD card). If
the SD card is locked this willprevent the camera fromsaving captured photos to the SD card.

6
3. Power On
Press and hold down the POWER button, on the top of the camera, for one second to
turn on the camera.
Setting the Camera Language
You will first be prompted to select a language for the camera. The Language selection menu will
appear. Select the language of your choice by pressing the UP and DOWN direction control
buttons. Then press the SET button to confirm the selection.
After selecting a language, you will be asked if you would like to continue with the initial camera
setup. A message will appear: “Continue with Camera Setup?”
Select “Yes” to continue or “No” to exit the setup.
Note: If you select “No” and decide to leave the camera setup, the camera will be set to its default
settings. These settings can be adjusted at any time manually through the menus in the camera.
Setting the Date and Time
The next step in the initial camera setup is to set the date and time on the camera.
Set the Date and Time as desired by pressing the RIGHT and LEFT direction control buttons to
choose the specific setting and the UP and DOWN buttons to change each setting.
Once you have completed setting the time and date, press the SET button to confirm the
selection.
Your digital video camera is now ready to use.

7
Main Camera Modes
Your camera has different modes for the various camera functions.
You can switch modes by pressing the MODE (M) button on your camera after the camera has
been powered ON.
Video Capture Mode
Use this mode to capture videos with your digital video camera.
This is the default mode when the camera is powered ON.
To take a video, aim your camera as desired and press the Shutter button to start the
record. A blinking record indicator will appear on the LCD screen while record is in
progress. To stop the record, press the Shutter button again. The video will be
automatically saved to your camera‟s memory card.
To access the various menus for the Video Capture mode, press the SET button while in
the Video Capture mode.
Photo Capture Mode
Use this mode to capture pictures with your camera.
After turning on your camera, press the MODE (M) button once to open the Photo Capture
mode.
To take a picture, aim your camera as desired and press the Shutter button.
The picture will be automatically saved to your camera‟s memory card.
To access the various menus for the Photo Capture mode, press the SET button while in
the Photo Capture mode.
Playback Mode (Photos & Videos)
Use this mode to view and manage the photos and videos on your camera.
After turning on your camera, press the MODE (M) button twice to open the Playback mode
for photos and videos. You can scroll through the photos and videos that you‟ve previously
taken to view, edit or delete them as desired.
To access the various menus for the Playback mode for photos and videos, press the SET
button while in the Playback mode.

8
Camera Technical Specifications
Product type
Digital Video Camera
Digital Video Resolution
1280*720 / 640*480 pixels (30fps) / 320*240 pixels(30fps)
Digital Photo Resolution
5M (2592×1944), 3M (2048×1536), 2M (1600x1200), 1.3M
(1280x1024), VGA (640x480)
Image Sensor
CMOS Sensor
LCD Display
1.8 Inch TFT
External Memory
SD card (up to 16GB) needs to be inserted to use the camera
Zoom
2 x Digital Zoom
Frequency
50Hz / 60 Hz
Scene
Auto / Scenery / Portrait / Night Scenery / Night Portrait / High
Sensitivity / Sport / Beach / Party
Self Timer
2 seconds / 5 seconds / 10 seconds / Off
Anti-Shake
Yes
White Balance
Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Fluorescent / Incandescent
Multi SnapShots
Yes
Exposure
-3.0EV ~ +3.0EV
ISO
Auto / 100 / 200 / 400
Slide Show
3 seconds / 5 seconds / 10 seconds
Language
English, French ,Spanish, Portuguese, German, Greek, Italian
Speaker
Built-in
File Format
AVI and JPEG
TV out
PAL / NTSC
Power Saving
1 minute / 3 minutes / 5 minutes / Disable
Battery
2 AA batteries (1.5V)
Transmission interface
USB 2.0
Working temperature
0~45C
Computer System
Requirements
Window XP SP3 / Vista SP1 / 7
Mac OS X v10.5.x or higher

9
Computer System Requirements
WINDOWS OS
To be able to download photos and videos to your PC using the Vivitar Experience Image
Manager Software, you will need the following minimum configuration:
Microsoft® Windows XP with Service Pack 3,Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 or Windows 7
Pentium® 4 processor (or above)
512 MB of RAM, with 250 MB of free hard disk space
16-bit Color monitor, 1024 X 768 recommended screen resolution
CD-ROM Drive
QuickTime® 6 or higher
Microsoft® Internet Explorer 7 or higher
Windows Media Player 10 or higher
DirectX 9 or higher
Internet connection required
MACINTOSH OS
To be able to download photos and videos to your Macintosh using the Vivitar Experience Image
Manager Software, you will need the following minimum configuration:
Intel processor running Mac OS X v10.5.x or later
256 MB RAM, 250 MB free hard disk space
Display: 1024 x 768 or higher-resolution monitor
QuickTime® 6 or higher
Internet connection required

10
Powering ON/OFF Your Digital Camera
Make sure the batteries have been inserted properly into your digital camera.
Make sure an SD card has been inserted into your camera.
(SD card up to 16GB - SD Card not included)
Please see Initial Camera Setup for more information.
Powering the Digital Video Camera ON
Press and hold down the Power button for 1 second to turn your camera ON.
The camera will be in Video Capture mode to start.
Powering the Digital Video Camera OFF
While the camera is on, you can press the Power button again at any point to turn your
camera OFF. You will see a “Goodbye” splash screen and then the camera will power off
completely.
Note: Your digital video camera also has an Auto Power Off feature that automatically turns off
your camera after a specific period of time that your camera is left idle. The Auto Power Off
settings can be set from the Auto Power Off setting in the Video Capture Mode or Photo Capture
Mode menu.
Changing Camera Mode
Your camera has three main modes:
1. Video Capture Mode - Use this mode to capture videos with your digital video camera
2. Photo Capture Mode - Use this mode to capture photos with your digital video camera.
3. Playback Mode (for photos and videos) - Use this mode to view the videos and photos
you have already taken with your camera.

11
When the camera is first powered ON, the Video Capture Mode is active. The icons that appear
on the LCD screen are the best default settings so that you can begin to capture and enjoy clear
quality videos and photos.
To change the active camera mode, make sure the camera is powered ON and press the MODE
(M) button.
When in Video Capture Mode, this icon will display on the top-left corner of the LCD display
When in Photo Capture Mode, this icon will display on the top-left corner of the LCD display
When in Playback Mode, this icon will display on the top-left corner of the LCD display
Navigating the Menus
Each camera mode has a set of menus specific to that mode.
1. Press the SET button to open the menus for the current mode.
2. Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control buttons to scroll between the various menus
for the current mode.
3. Press the UP or DOWN direction control buttons to highlight the desired menu option.
4. Press the SET button to select and save the highlighted menu option.
5. If the selection can be remembered by the camera, a selection icon appears to the
right of the selected menu option. Changes made to these options remain until you
change them again at a later time.
6. Some menu options are single-use functions that are not remembered by the camera and
do not display the selection icon when selected.
7. At any time you can press the MODE (M) button to exit the menus and return to the
previous screen.

12
Video Capture Mode
The Video Capture Mode allows you to capture videos with your digital camera. When the
camera is first powered ON, the camera will be in Video Capture Mode.
Taking a Video
1. While in Video Capture Mode use the LCD display to direct the camera at the scene you
would like to capture.
2. Click the Right - Zoom In and Left - Zoom Out buttons to better set the camera display if
desired.
3. Press the Shutter button to START the video capture.
4. The elapsed time appears on the top right corner of the LCD screen.
A blinking red record indicator appears on the LCD screen while record is in progress.
5. To STOP the video record, press the Shutter button again.
6. The video will automatically be saved to the SD card.
7. You can also capture your videos using the Flip Screen.
When you would like to quickly and easily include yourself in the video, simply flip the
LCD display out and hold the camera facing towards you. Make sure you can see yourself
within the scene on the LCD screen, look at the lens, then click the Shutter button to
begin recording.
It‟s as easy as twist and shoot!
Note: The amount of recording time available for the resolution selected appears on the top
center of LCD screen. The lower the resolution setting the more recording time is available.
However, videos recorded at lower resolution are of less quality than videos recorded at the
higher resolution.
Remember, the amount of time that you can capture videos also depends on the size of the SD
memory card inserted as well as the video resolution selected.

13
Video Capture Mode Button Functionality
Your digital camera has a four-directional pad that functions as Quick Function buttons.
Quick Function Buttons
Action
Left
Zooms Out
Up
Scene Selection –Opens the Scene menu
Right
Zooms In
Down
Delete –Allows you to delete the last video captured
Other
Shutter
Starts and stops the video recording
SET/OK
Opens the Menu options for Video Capture Mode
Saves your selected menu option
Note: To navigate through the Menus, use the Left, Up,
Right, and Down direction control buttons.
MODE (M)
Toggles between the Video Capture Mode, Photo
Capture Mode, and Playback Mode
Exits the Menu options screen

14
Video Capture Mode Menus
The following are the settings that appear in your camera‟s Video Capture Mode:

15
Scene Menu
The Scene Menu allows you to choose scene settings that let your camera to adapt properly to
your current environment.
1. Press the SET button to open the menus for the current mode.
2. Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control buttons to scroll and select the Scene menu.
3. Press the UP or DOWN direction control buttons to scroll through the menu options.
4. Press the SET button to select and save the desired option.
5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
6. Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control buttons to select the next menu item.
7. Press the MODE (M) button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode.
8. An icon reflecting your selection will display on the LCD screen.
9. Remember that this setting will be saved by your camera until you manually change the
setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.
Resolution Menu
The Resolution menu allows you to choose the desired size of the images taken by your camera.
The Image Resolution Options include:
HD (1280x720)
VGA (640x480)
QVGA (320x240)
Keep in mind that images with a larger size will also take up more of your camera‟s memory.
Videos captured in VGA are of a better quality than QVGA videos and therefore take up more
memory.
1. Press the SET button to open the menus for the current mode.
2. Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control buttons to scroll and select the Resolution
menu.
3. Press the UP or DOWN direction control buttons to scroll through the menu options.
4. Press the SET button to select and save the desired option.
5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.

16
6. Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control buttons to select the next menu item.
7. Press the MODE (M) button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode.
8. An icon reflecting your selection will display on the LCD screen.
9. Remember that this setting will be saved by your camera until you manually change the
setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.
Image Quality Menu
The Image Quality menu allows you to select the desired quality level of the images taken by your
camera. Keep in mind that images with a higher image quality level will also take up more
memory on your camera.
1. Press the SET button to open the menus for the current mode.
2. Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control buttons to scroll and select the Image Quality
menu.
3. Press the UP or DOWN direction control buttons to scroll through the menu options.
4. Press the SET button to select and save the desired option.
5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
6. Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control buttons to select the next menu item.
7. Press the MODE (M) button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode.
8. An icon reflecting your selection will display on the LCD screen.
9. Remember that this setting will be saved by your camera until you manually change the
setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.
Anti-Shake Menu
The Anti-Shake feature reduces image distortion that can be caused by movement of the camera
while capturing the image.
1. Press the SET button to open the menus for the current mode.
2. Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control buttons to scroll and select the Anti-Shake
menu.
3. Press the UP or DOWN direction control buttons to scroll through the menu options.
4. Press the SET button to select and save the desired option.

17
5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
6. Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to select the next menu item.
7. Press the MODE (M) button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode.
8. Remember that this setting will be saved by your camera until you manually change the
setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.
White Balance Menu
The White Balance feature allows your camera to adjust the coloring of the captured images
depending on the type of light source in the current environment.
Properly adjusting the White Balance setting to match your current environment will allow the
camera to properly balance the colors in the images that are taken with your camera.
1. Press the SET button to open the menus for the current mode.
2. Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control buttons to scroll and select the White Balance
menu.
3. Press the UP or DOWN direction control buttons to scroll through the menu options.
4. Press the SET button to select and save the desired option.
5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
6. Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control buttons to select the next menu item.
7. Press the MODE (M) button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode.
8. An icon reflecting your selection will display on the LCD screen.
9. Remember that this setting will be saved by your camera until you manually change the
setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.
Color Effect Menu
You can choose to add a color effect to the images taken with your camera.
1. Press the SET button to open the menus for the current mode.
2. Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control buttons to scroll and select the Color Effect
menu.
3. Press the UP or DOWN direction control buttons to scroll through the menu options.

18
4. Press the SET button to select and save the desired option.
5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
6. Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to select the next menu item.
7. Press the MODE (M) button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode.
8. Remember that this setting will be saved by your camera until you manually change the
setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.
Image Sharpness Menu
You can set the level of sharpness in the images taken with your camera. The sharpness level
dictates if the edges of objects in the image are more or less distinct.
1. Press the SET button to open the menus for the current mode.
2. Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control buttons to scroll and select the Image
Sharpness menu.
3. Press the UP or DOWN direction control buttons to scroll through the menu options.
4. Press the SET button to select and save the desired option.
5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
6. Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control buttons to select the next menu item.
7. Press the MODE (M) button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode.
8. An icon reflecting your selection will display on the LCD screen
9. Remember that this setting will be saved by your camera until you manually change the
setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.
Light Exposure Menu
The Light Exposure setting helps you control the amount of light that enters your camera‟s lens.
This setting should be adjusted when the environment is lighter or darker than normal.
When the environment has more light than is needed, reduce the exposure setting (by using the
negative - count) to reduce the amount of light allowed into the lens by your camera.
If the environment has less light (darker) than is needed, increase the exposure setting (by using
the positive + count) to increase the amount of light allowed into the lens by your camera.

19
1. Press the SET button to open the menus for the current mode.
2. Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control buttons to scroll and select the Light Exposure
menu.
3. Press the UP or DOWN direction control buttons to scroll through the menu options.
4. Press the SET button to select and save the desired option.
5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
6. Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control buttons to select the next menu item.
7. Press the MODE (M) button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode.
8. An icon reflecting your selection will display on the LCD screen.
9. Remember that this setting will be saved by your camera until you manually change the
setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.
ISO Menu
The ISO menu allows you to set the level of sensitivity that your camera has to light in the
surrounding environment. When the ISO level is increased, the image sensor in your camera will
be more sensitive to light and allow you to capture images in lower-light situations. The higher
sensitivity to light however, may reduce the quality of the images that are taken.
When the ISO is reduced, the image sensor in your camera will be less sensitive to light and will
optimize the image quality in environments with bright lighting.
1. Press the SET button to open the menus for the current mode.
2. Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control buttons to scroll and select the ISO menu.
3. Press the UP or DOWN direction control buttons to scroll through the menu options.
4. Press the SET button to select and save the desired option.
5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
6. Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control buttons to select the next menu item.
7. Press the MODE (M) button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode.
8. An icon reflecting your selection will display on the LCD screen.
9. Remember that this setting will be saved by your camera until you manually change the
setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.