PUB. DIM-857A DVD Camcorder Instruction Manual Caméscope DVD Manuel d’instruction Videocámara DVD Manual de Instrucciones English Français Español NTSC...
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. (516)328-5600 CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS In these safety instructions the word “product” refers to the Canon DVD Camcorder DC320/DC310 A and all its accessories. Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated. Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
Page 4
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.
How to Select a DVD Disc There are many types of DVD discs but this camcorder uses only the following three types of 8 cm mini DVD discs: DVD-R, DVD-R DL and DVD-RW. Read the differences between them and select the disc that best fits your needs. DVD-R DVD-Rs can be recorded only once –...
* For the latest information, visit your local Canon Web site or contact your nearest Canon office. The use of DVD-R DL discs that have not been tested by Canon may result in incorrect recording/playback or in not being able to remove the disc.
Page 7
Available features depend on the DVD disc used Disc type Disc specifications Editing scenes with this camcorder (deleting scenes, dividing scenes, etc.) ( Deleting a scene after recording it ( Initializing the disc in order to use it again for recording ( Giving a title to the disc ( Finalizing the disc in order to play it with an external...
Table of contents Introduction ____________________________________ How to Select a DVD Disc Advantages of Using DVDs About this Manual Getting to Know the Camcorder Supplied Accessories Components Guide Screen Displays Preparations ____________________________________ Getting Started Charging the Battery Pack Preparing the Accessories Basic Operation of the Camcorder Power Switch Operating Modes...
Page 9
Basic Playback Playing Back the Video Deleting Scenes On-Screen Displays (Data Code) Additional Functions : Special Scene Recording Programs Flexible Recording: Changing the Shutter Speed LCD Video Light Self Timer Manual Focus Adjustment Manual Exposure Adjustment White Balance Image Effects Digital Effects Managing Scenes and the Disc Creating a Playlist...
Page 10
Printing Photos Printing Photos Print Orders External Connections _____________________________ Connecting to a TV or VCR Connection Diagram Playback on a TV Screen Copying your Recordings to an External Video Recorder Additional Information ____________________________ Appendix: Menu Options Lists FUNC. Menu Setup menus Camera Setup (Advanced Zoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.) Disc Operations (Initialization, Finalization etc.) Still Image Operations (Card Initialization, etc.)
About this Manual Thank you for purchasing the Canon DC320/DC310. 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 ( Conventions Used in this Manual •...
Register your 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.
Screen Displays Recording movies Playing movies (during playback) Operating mode ( 21) / Disc specification ( Recording program ( 37, 39) White balance ( Image effect ( LCD video light ( Digital effects ( Recording mode ( Disc type DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD-RW ( Finalized disc mark (...
Page 16
Recording still images Viewing still images 16 • Introduction Zoom ( 31), Exposure Recording program ( 37, 39) White balance ( Image effect ( LCD video light ( Digital effects ( Drive mode ( Still image quality/size ( Manual focus ( Number of still images available on the memory card Self timer (...
Page 17
Disc operation Record, Record pause, Playback, Playback pause, Fast playback, Fast reverse playback, Slow playback, Slow reverse playback Remaining recording time When there is no more disc space available, “ END” will be displayed and the recording will stop. Remaining battery charge estimate •...
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 Getting Started Charging the Battery Pack The camcorder can be powered with a battery pack or directly using the compact power adapter.
NCE THE BATTERY PACK IS FULLY CHARGED 1 Disconnect the compact power adapter from the camcorder. 2 Unplug the power cord from the power outlet and the compact power adapter. O REMOVE THE BATTERY PACK BATT. Press to release the battery pack.
HEN YOU MOUNT THE CAMCORDER ON A TRIPOD 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.
Operating Modes The camcorder’s operating mode is determined by the switch and the position of the switch. In this manual, indicates that a function is available in the operating mode shown indicates that the function is not available. When no operating mode icons are given, the function is available in all operating modes.
Using the Menus Many of the camcorder’s functions can be adjusted from the menus that open after pressing the FUNC. button FUNC. For details about the available menu options and settings, refer to the Menu Options Lists ( 63). Selecting a FUNC. Menu Option FUNC.
Page 23
open directly the setup menus screen. • In the index screen (DVD-RW discs in VR mode), push the joystick ) to select the Select ( ) 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.
First Time Settings First Time Settings Setting the Date and Time You will need to set the date and time of the camcorder before you can start using it. The [DATE/TIME] screen will appear automatically when the camcorder’s clock is not set. When the [DATE/TIME] screen appears, the year will be displayed in orange and indicated with up/down arrows.
Changing the Time Zone Change the time zone to match your location. The default setting is New York. FUNC. FUNC. MENU] DATE/TIME SETUP] [T.ZONE/DST] Desired time zone* FUNC. * To adjust for daylight saving time, select the area name marked with a World Time Zones Once you have set the time zone, date and time, you do not need to reset the...
yourself in the picture when recording with the self timer. 180° Subject can monitor the LCD screen NOTES About the LCD and viewfinder screen: The screens are produced using extremely high-precision manufacturing techniques, with more than 99.99% of the pixels operating to specification.
Page 27
Retract the grip belt under the camcorder so it will not get in the way of the disc cover. Insert the disc and press its center firmly until it clicks in place. • Insert the disc with the recording side facing down (single sided discs –...
• Retract the grip belt under the camcorder so it will not get in the way of the disc cover. • It may take a moment after sliding OPEN for the disc cover to open. Grab the edge of the disc and gently pull it out.
Video This chapter covers functions related to shooting and playing back movies - from basic recording and zooming to more advanced manual picture adjustments. Basic Recording Basic Recording Shooting Video Before You Begin Recording Make a test recording first to check if the camcorder operates correctly.
Page 30
• Observe the following precautions while the DISC access indicator is on or flashing. Failing to do so may result in permanent data loss. - Do not subject the camcorder to vibrations or strong impacts. - Do not open the disc cover and do not remove the disc.
Selecting the Recording Mode Changing the recording mode will change the recording time available on the disc. Select XP or SP mode for better movie quality; select LP mode for longer recording times. The following table gives approximate recording times with a brand new DVD disc (on a single recording side).
NOTES • The zoom range of the advanced zoom will change depending on the aspect ratio of the scene • The advanced zoom cannot be selected if [WIDESCREEN] is set to OFF]. [WIDESCREEN] set to [ ON] (16:9) 48x*, 41x** * The picture angle will be wider at both full telephoto and full wide-angle.
QUICK START again the camcorder is ready to start recording within approx. 1 second*, ensuring you do not miss important shooting opportunities. * The exact time required until the camcorder is ready to start recording may vary depending on the shooting conditions. QUICK START Press firmly.
Deleting a Scene After Recording It POINTS TO CHECK Disc type: DVD-RW After recording a scene: Review the scene as described in the previous section. While reviewing the scene, select and press Select ( ) [YES] and press NOTES • Avoid any other operations on the camcorder while the scene is being deleted.
Page 35
• This camcorder can play back discs recorded with this camcorder. Discs recorded with other camcorders or discs created with a computer may not play back correctly. Special playback modes Use the joystick guide to enter the special playback modes.
Deleting Scenes If you are using a DVD-RW disc, you can delete those scenes that you are not interested in keeping. Deleting a Single Scene POINTS TO CHECK Disc type: DVD-RW • VR mode From the original index screen, select ) the scene to delete.
DISP. Repeatedly press on-screen displays on/off in the following sequence: • All displays on • All displays off • All displays on • Data code only • All displays off However, the markers and the icons will still appear on the screen. Data code: Time, date and camera data at the time of recording.
Page 38
PORTRAIT] The camcorder uses a large aperture, achieving a focus on the subject while blurring other distracting details. SPORTS] Use this mode to record sports scenes such as tennis or golf. NIGHT] Use this mode to record in dimly lit places.
Flexible Recording: Changing the Shutter Speed Use the automatic exposure (AE) program to use functions like the white balance or image effects, or give priority to the shutter speed. Use faster shutter speeds to record subjects moving quickly. Use slower shutter speeds to add motion blur, emphasizing the feel of movement.
image, but the image quality may be lower, and the autofocus may not work well. - The image may flicker when recording with fast shutter speeds. - Recording movies under fluorescent lights: If the screen starts to flicker, select SHUTTER-PRIO.AE] and set the shutter speed to 1/100.
Manual Focus Adjustment Autofocus may not work well on the following subjects. In such case, focus manually. • Reflective surfaces • Subjects with low contrast or without vertical lines • Fast moving subjects • Through wet windows • Night scenes POINTS TO CHECK Adjust the zoom before you start the procedure.
Manual Exposure Adjustment At times, backlit subjects may appear too dark (underexposed) or subjects under very strong lights may appear too bright or glaring (overexposed). To correct this, you can manually adjust the exposure. POINTS TO CHECK Mode switch: (except for the [ FIREWORKS] recording program).
FUNC. FUNC. AUTO] Desired option* FUNC. * When you select [ SET], do not press FUNC. and continue instead with the following procedure. O SET THE CUSTOM WHITE BALANCE 1 Point the camcorder at a white object, zoom in until it fills the whole screen and press When the adjustment is completed, stops flashing and stays on.
Digital Effects POINTS TO CHECK Mode switch: BLK&WHT], [ only. Options D.EFFECT OFF] Select this setting when you do not intend to use the digital effects. FADE-T] (fade trigger), [ Select one of the faders to begin or end a scene with a fade from or to a black screen.
O ACTIVATE AN EFFECT : Push the joystick ( toward while recording or in record pause mode. : Push the joystick ( toward and then press record the still image. Managing Scenes and the Disc Managing Scenes and the Disc Creating a Playlist Start/Stop Create a playlist to easily edit your...
Switching Between Original and Playlist Scenes POINTS TO CHECK Disc type: DVD-RW • VR mode FUNC. FUNC. TO PLAYLIST]* * Appears in the original index screen. In the playlist, [ TO ORIGINAL] appears instead. Original index screen (original recordings) ORIGINAL PLAYLIST Playlist index screen Moving Scenes in the Playlist...
NOTES • Very short scenes (shorter than 2 seconds) cannot be divided. • The new scene will be added to the playlist after the scene that was divided. Initializing the Disc You need to initialize all new DVD-RW discs when you first insert them into the camcorder and you may have to initialize them if you get the message “UNABLE TO RECOGNIZE THE DATA”.
Finalizing the Disc To play the disc you recorded on a DVD player, a computer’s DVD drive or other digital device, you need to finalize it first. You do not need to finalize the disc to play back your recordings with the camcorder connected to the TV.
Disc Playback on External Devices After finalizing the disc with your recordings, you can play it on DVD players compatible with the type of disc used (DVD-R, DVD-R DL or DVD-RW). You cannot play back discs on an external DVD device if the discs have not yet been finalized.
Page 50
FUNC. FUNC. DISC OPERATIONS] [UNFINALIZE] [YES]* Press when the confirmation screen appears FUNC. * During the disc unfinalization a progress bar is displayed. IMPORTANT • Be sure to unfinalize the disc in normal room temperatures. If the procedure was not completed correctly due to high temperature, let the camcorder cool off before resuming operation.
Photos Refer to this chapter for details on shooting photos – from capturing and playing back images to printing them. Basic Recording Basic Recording Taking Photos Before using a memory card for the first time, be sure to initialize it with this camcorder ( 59).
Selecting Photo Size and Quality Still images are recorded on the memory card using JPEG compression. As a general rule select a larger image size for higher quality. [LW 1152x648] size for photos with an aspect ratio of 16:9. Options Image size options and the approximate number of still images that can be recorded on memory cards of various...
Image size Recommended use LW 1152x648 To print photos with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Wide-sized photo paper is required. L 1152x864 To print photos up to L size (9 x 13 cm, 3.5 x 5 in.) or postcard size (10 x 14.8 cm, 4 x 6 in.).
Page 54
O RUN THROUGH THE STILL IMAGES Push the joystick ( ) and hold it pressed down to run quickly through the still images. O SKIP STILL IMAGES 1 If the joystick guide does not appear on screen, press display it. 2 Push the joystick ( ) toward 3 Select (...
Magnifying Photos during Playback During playback, still images can be magnified up to 5 times. Move the zoom lever toward T. • The image is magnified by 2 times and a frame appears indicating the position of the magnified area. •...
Additional Functions Additional Functions Continuous Shooting and Exposure Bracketing (Drive Mode) Take a series of pictures of a moving subject or record the same picture in 3 levels of exposure in order to choose later the picture you like the best. POINTS TO CHECK Mode switch: (except for the...
ONTINUOUS HOOTING PEED ONTINUOUS HOOTING Press Start/Stop and hold it pressed down. Once the focus is automatically adjusted, will turn green. A series of still images will be recorded as long as you hold the button pressed. XPOSURE RACKETING Press Start/Stop Once the focus is automatically adjusted,...
Histogram and Other Screen Displays When viewing still images you can display the histogram and the icons of all the functions used at the time of recording. Use the histogram as a reference to verify the correct exposure of the still image. The area to the right of the histogram represents highlights and the left side represents shadows.
Initializing the Memory Card Initialize memory cards when you use them with this camcorder for the first time, or to erase all the still images on them. Options [INITIALIZE] Clears the file allocation table but does not physically erase the stored data. [COMPL.INIT.] Erases all data completely.
Printing Photos Printing Photos Printing Photos You can print images on the camcorder’s memory card by inserting it into the memory card slot of a printer compatible with DPOF (Digital Print Order Format). You can mark in advance the still images you want to print and set the desired number of copies as a print order ( 60).
External Connections This chapter explains step-by-step how to connect your camcorder to an external device such as a TV or VCR. Connecting to a TV or VCR Connecting to a TV or VCR Open the LCD panel to access. Connection Diagram Turn off all the devices when making the connection and refer also to the instruction manual of the connected device.
Playback on a TV Screen This section explains how to play back the disc or still images with this camcorder by connecting it to a TV. To play back the disc with another DVD device refer to Disc Playback on an External Device ( 47).
Additional Information This chapter contains troubleshooting advice, screen messages, handling and maintenance tips, and other information. Appendix: Menu Options Lists Appendix: Menu Options Lists Menu items not available appear grayed out. For details about how to select an item, refer to Using the Menus ( page.
Page 64
FUNC. Menu (cont.) Menu item Still image size/quality Size: [LW 1152x648], [L 1152x864], [S 640x480] [L 1024x768], [S 640x480] Quality: [ NORMAL] TO PLAYLIST] – TO ORIGINAL] – ADD TO PLAYLIST] [ALL SCENES], [ONE SCENE], [CANCEL] MOVE] – DIVIDE] – DELETE] [NO], [YES] [SPEAKER VOL.]...
Camera Setup (Advanced Zoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.) CAMERA SETUP Menu item [A.SL SHUTTER] [ZOOM TYPE] [ZOOM SPEED] [FOCUS PRI.] [REVIEW] [IMG STAB] [WIDESCREEN] [SELF TIMER] [WIND SCREEN] Option available only when the recording program is set to PROGRAM AE] recording program). Option available only when the mode switch is set to ADVANCED] when [WIDESCREEN] is set to [ Not available when [WIDESCREEN] is set to [...
• The image stabilizer cannot be turned off when the mode switch is set to • We recommend setting the image stabilizer to [ [WIDESCREEN]: The camcorder uses the full width of the image sensor providing high- resolution 16:9 recordings. •...
System Setup (Volume, Beep, etc.) SYSTEM SETUP Menu item [SPEAKER VOL.] [BEEP] LOW VOLUME], [ [POWER SAVE] STANDBY OFF] [FILE NOS.] [TV TYPE] [FIRMWARE] – [SPEAKER VOL.]: Adjust ( [BEEP]: A beep will accompany some operations like turning on the camcorder, the self- timer countdown, etc.
Date/Time Setup DATE/TIME SETUP Menu item [T.ZONE/DST] List of world time zones. [DATE/TIME] – [DATE FORMAT] [Y.M.D (2008.1.1 AM 12:00)], [M.D,Y (JAN. 1, 2008 12:00 AM)], [D.M.Y (1.JAN.2008 12:00 AM)] [DATE FORMAT]: Changes the date format for on-screen displays. CAMERA Setting options PLAY –...
Trouble? Troubleshooting If you have a problem with your camcorder, refer to this section. Consult your dealer or a Canon Service Center if the problem persists. Power Source The camcorder will not turn on or it • turns off by itself.
Page 71
Even without a disc loaded, when closing the disc compartment cover a motor sound can be heard. - The camcorder is checking if a disc is loaded or not. This is not a malfunction. Cannot open the disc cover to remove the disc.
Page 72
Viewfinder picture is blurred. - Adjust the viewfinder with the dioptric adjustment lever ( 30). Playback/Editing Playback does not start. - Load a disc ( 26). - Set the camcorder to 34). - You may not be able to play with this camcorder, discs recorded or edited with other DVD recorders or computer DVD drives.
Cannot edit my recordings or add recordings to the disc with the DVD device. - It may not be possible to edit or add recordings with an external DVD recorder on a disc recorded with this camcorder. Memory Card Operation Memory card cannot be inserted.
Page 74
CANNOT USE DISC USE OF A RECOMMENDED DISC IS ADVISED - The disc cannot be used. We recommend that you use a disc that has been tested ( CARD ERROR - A memory card error occurred. The camcorder cannot record or display the image.
Page 75
TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH CANNOT • RECORD TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH CANNOT • REMOVE DISC - The camcorder has exceeded its operational temperature. Disconnect the compact power adapter and remove the battery and let the camcorder cool down before resuming use. UNABLE TO RECOGNIZE THE DATA - The disc may not be recognized by this camcorder if it was initialized with a different device.
Do’s and Don’ts Handling Precautions Camcorder • Do not touch the pick up lens. • Do not subject the camcorder to vibrations or strong impacts while the DISC access indicator is on or flashing. The data may not be correctly recorded on the disc, and the recording may be permanently lost.
Page 77
precautions at the same time for all battery packs. • Although the battery pack’s operating temperature range is from 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F), the optimal range is from 10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F).
Page 78
Image data may be corrupted or lost due to memory card defects or exposure to static electricity. Canon makes no warranties for corrupted or lost data. • Do not turn off the camcorder,...
Page 79
Maintenance/Others Storage If you do not intend to use the camcorder for a long time, store it in a place free of dust, in low humidity, and at temperatures not higher than 30 °C (86 °F). Cleaning Camcorder Body • Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the camcorder body.
IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED WITHOUT A LICENSE UNDER APPLICABLE PATENTS IN THE MPEG-2 PATENT PORTFOLIO, WHICH LICENSE IS AVAILABLE FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C., 250 STEELE STREET, SUITE 300, DENVER, COLORADO 80206. 80 • Additional Information 60 Hz. Consult a Canon Service Center for information on plug adapters for overseas use. Playback on a TV Screen...
General Information System Diagram System Diagram (Availability differs from area to area) WS-20 Wrist Strap SS-600/SS-650 Shoulder Strap Mini DVD disc DVD-R/DVD-RW/ DVD-R DL SC-2000 Soft Carrying Case NB-2LH, BP-2L13, BP-2L14, BP-2L24H Battery Pack CA-570 Compact Power Adapter STV-250N Stereo Video Cable SD/SDHC memory card...
Use of genuine Canon accessories is recommended. This product is designed to achieve excellent performance when used with genuine Canon accessories. Canon shall not be liable for any damage to this product and/or accidents such as fire, etc., caused by the malfunction of non-genuine Canon accessories (e.g., a leakage and/or explosion of a battery pack).
Page 83
Battery NB-2LH pack Screen Viewfinder used 105 min. 100 min. 125 min. 125 min. 135 min. 130 min. 60 min. 60 min. 65 min. 65 min. 70 min. 65 min. – 140 min. – 170 min. – 185 min. Battery NB-2LH pack Screen...
Page 84
SC-2000 Soft Carrying Case A handy camcorder bag with padded compartments and plenty of space for accessories. This mark identifies genuine Canon video accessories. When you use Canon video equipment, we recommend Canon- brand accessories or products bearing the same mark. 84 •...
Specifications DC320/DC310 System Disc Recording System Television System Compatible Media Maximum Recording Time Image Sensor LCD Screen Viewfinder Microphone Lens 86 • Additional Information DVD-VIDEO (all disc types) DVD-VR (only with DVD-RW discs) Video Compression: MPEG-2 Audio Compression: Dolby Digital 2ch EIA standard (525 lines, 60 fields) NTSC color signal 8 cm (3 in.) mini DVD discs marked with...
This camcorder supports Exif 2.2 (also called “Exif Print”). Exif Print is a standard for enhancing the communication between camcorders and printers. By connecting to an Exif Print-compliant printer, the camcorder’s image data at the time of shooting is used and optimized, yielding extremely high quality prints.
Page 88
CA-570 Compact Power Adapter Power supply Rated output / consumption Operating temperature Dimensions Weight NB-2LH Battery Pack Battery type Rated voltage Operating temperature Battery capacity Dimensions Weight Weight and dimensions are approximate. Errors and omissions excepted. Subject to change without notice. 88 •...
Index Abroad, using the camcorder..80 AEB* - Auto exposure bracketing ..56 Aspect ratio of a connected TV (TV Type) ..68 of movies (Widescreen) ..66 Auto slow shutter .
Page 90
Onscreen display selection ..36 Original recordings....45 P (recording program) ....39 Playback Movies.
Page 91
B) If the Equipment is defective as a result of leaking batteries, sand, dirt or water damage; C) If defects or damages are caused by the use of unauthorized parts or by service other than by Canon USA's factory service centers or authorized service facilities;...
Page 92
Equipment is warranted under normal, non-commercial, personal use, against defective materials or workmanship as follows: Parts: Defective parts will be exchanged for new parts or, at Canon Canada’s option, comparable rebuilt parts for a period of one year from the date of original purchase, except Video Heads which will be exchanged for a period of 3 months from the date of purchase.
Page 93
15955 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92618 USA CANON U.S.A., INC. HONOLULU OFFICE 210 Ward Avenue, Suite 200, Honolulu, Hl 96814 USA ❖ If you have any questions, call the Canon U.S.A. Information Center toll-free at 1-800-828-4040 (U.S.A. only). CANADA CANON CANADA INC. NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 6390 Dixie Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1P7 CANON CANADA INC.