Canon Dm Mv500I Users Manual

2015-01-23

: Canon Canon-Dm-Mv500I-Users-Manual-240308 canon-dm-mv500i-users-manual-240308 canon pdf

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Page 1

PUB.DIE-168

DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER

Instruction Manual

CANON INC.

Introduction

Canon Europa N.V.
P.O. Box 2262, 1180 EG Amstelveen, the Netherlands

Mastering
the Basics

Canon UK Ltd.
Ribcon Way
Luton Bedfordshire LU4 9UR
Telephone 0870-241-2161
Canon Australia Pty. Ltd
1 Thomas Holt Drive, North Ryde, N.S.W. 2113, Australia
Telephone 805-2000, Fax 887-4484

Using the Full
Range of Features

Canon New Zealand Ltd
Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna, P.O. Box 33-336, Auckland, New Zealand
Telephone 486-1570, Fax 486-6420
Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd
79 Anson Road #09-01/06, Singapore 079906
Telephone (65)-532-4400, Fax (65)-221-2939
Canon Hongkong Company Ltd
9/F, The Hong Kong Club Building, 3A Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong

Editing

Canon Latin America, Inc.
Sales & Enquiries: 703 Waterford Way Suite 400 Miami, FL 33126 USA

Printed on 100% reused paper.

PRINTED IN JAPAN
IMPRIME AU JAPON

PUB.DIE-168

0027W386
PUB.DIE-168
0201A/Ni9.5

Digital
Video
Cassette

This instruction book explains the use of the MV500 and MV500i camcorders.
The main difference between these models is that the MV500i includes a DV
Recording and Analog Line-in Recording function. Please note that
illustrations and explanations in this instruction book refer mainly to the MV500
model.

PAL

Additional
Information

Mini

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Important Usage Instructions
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR
BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

Introduction

WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AND TO REDUCE ANNOYING
INTERFERENCE, USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
CAUTION:
DISCONNECT THE MAINS PLUG FROM THE SUPPLY SOCKET WHEN NOT IN USE.
For Users in the UK
When replacing the fuse only a correctly rated approved type should be used and be sure to re-fit
the fuse cover.
CAUTION:
CUSTOMERS IN THE U.K. SHOULD READ THIS BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT.
CHANGING THE FUSE
THE MAINS LEAD ON THIS PRODUCT IS FITTED WITH A NON-REWIREABLE
(MOULDED) PLUG, INCORPORATING A 3 AMP FUSE. SHOULD THE FUSE NEED TO
BE REPLACED AN ASTA OR BSI APPROVED BS1362 FUSE OF THE SAME RATING
MUST BE USED.
ALWAYS REFIT THE FUSE COVER AFTER REPLACING THE FUSE. NEVER USE THE
PLUG WITH THE FUSE COVER OMITTED.
CHANGING THE PLUG
IF THE FITTED PLUG IS NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUR SOCKET OUTLETS, IT SHOULD
BE CUT OFF AND AN APPROPRIATE PLUG FITTED IN ITS PLACE. IF POSSIBLE FIT AN
APPROPRIATE 3 AMP FUSE. IF THE NEW PLUG HAS NO FUSE, THEN FIT A 5 AMP
FUSE AT THE DISTRIBUTION BOARD.
AC POWER CORD CONNECTION
The wires in the mains lead of this apparatus are coloured in accordance with the following
cord.
(IMPORTANT)
Mains Lead

BLUE ..................NEUTRAL
BROWN...............LIVE

As the colours of the wires in the mains lead may not correspond with the coloured markings
identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows: The wire which is coloured BLUE
must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured black. The
wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the
letter L or coloured red. Neither Blue wire or Brown wire is to be connected to the Earth pin
of a 3 pin plug.
THE SEVERED PLUG MUST BE DESTROYED IMMEDIATELY TO AVOID ANY POSSIBLE
ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD.
CA-560 identification plate is located on the bottom.
• Use of CV-150F/CV-250F DV cable is necessary to comply with the technical requirement of
EMC Directive.

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Contents
Introduction

Mastering the Basics
Finding Your Way Around
the MV500/MV500i..............................7

~ Preparations ~
Attaching the Ferrite Core........................10
Powering Your Camcorder ......................11
Loading a Cassette ..................................16

~ Basic Recording ~
Basic Recording ......................................18
Zooming ..................................................23
Using the LCD Screen ............................25

~ Basic Playback ~
Playing Back a Cassette ..........................28
Connections for Playback on a
TV Screen............................................32
Tips for Making Better Videos ................36

Using the Full Range of
Features
~ General ... ~
Searching and Reviewing
While Recording ................................38
Using the Menus ......................................39
Using the Wireless Controller ..................43

~ For Recording ...~
Setting the Date and Time........................46
Taking Still Pictures ................................49
Turning the Image Stabilizer Off ............51
Using the Various Recording Programs ..52
Using Digital Effects ................................56
Audio Recording ......................................61
Setting the Self-Timer ..............................63

Ajusting AE Shift ....................................65
Setting the Shutter Speed ........................66
Adjusting Focus Manually ......................68
Setting the White Balance ........................69

~ For Playback ...~
Displaying Date, Time and Camcorder Data
(Data Code) ........................................71
Searching the Tape (Photo Search/
Date Search) ........................................74
Returning to a Pre-Marked Position ........75

Introduction

Important Usage Instructions ....................2
Thank you for Choosing a Canon ..............5
Introducing the MV500/MV500i ..............6

~ When Making Manual Adjustments ...~

Editing
Editing to a VCR ......................................76
Dubbing with Digital Video Equipment ..77
Recording from a VCR, TV or Analog
Camcorder – Analog Line-in
(MV500i only) ....................................81
Digitally Outputting Analog Video and
Audio Signals – Analog-Digital
Converter (MV500i only) ..................83
Recording Over Existing Scenes
– AV Insert Editing (MV500i only) ....85
Audio Dubbing ........................................88
Setting the Audio Mix ..............................93
Connecting to a PC Using a DV Cable....95

Additional Information
Preparing the Camcorder..........................96
Notes on Using the Batteries....................98
Maintenance ..........................................101
Troubleshooting......................................105
The MV500/MV500i System Diagram..108
Optional Accessories ..............................109
Screen Displays ......................................111
Specifications..........................................117
Index ......................................................118
Menu at a Glance ..................................120

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For quick reference

Introduction

In addition to the contents and index
please refer to:
• Finding Your Way Around
the MV500/MV500i ( 7)
• Screen displays ( 111)
• Troubleshooting — in case you run
into any problems ( 105)
• Menu at a Glance ( 120)

Symbols used in this instruction
manual:
: Reference page numbers
: Functions that can be operated
from the body of the camcorder
: Functions that can be operated
from the wireless controller
: Supplementary notes for
camcorder operation
` : Operation confirmation beeps
( 21)
• Capital letters are used to refer to
settings displayed in the menus and
buttons labelled on the camcorder
itself, e.g. Press the MENU button.

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Thank you for Choosing a Canon

To get the most out of your new
camcorder, we recommend that you
read this manual thoroughly — there
are many sophisticated features which
will add to your recording enjoyment.

Your camcorder is supplied with the
following accessories:
WL-D74 Wireless
Controller

Two AA batteries

SS-800 Shoulder Strap

Lens cap and lens cap
cord

BP-508 Battery Pack

CA-560 Compact
Power Adapter
(including AC power cable)

Lithium button battery

STV-250N Stereo
Video Cable

PC-A10 SCART
Adapter (Europe, Asia)

Ferrite Core

Introduction

First, we’d like to thank you for
purchasing this Canon camcorder. Its
advanced technology makes it very
easy to use — you will soon be making
high-quality videos which will give you
pleasure for years to come.

Getting started
To get started we suggest that you
master the basic operations of the
camcorder first, before moving on to
use its full range of features.

• When connecting the camcorder to
your personal computer, use the
optional CV-150F or CV-250F DV
cable.

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Introducing the MV500/MV500i
Compact and Stylish

Introduction

The MV500/MV500i is small and
light. Many various functions are
condensed into its compact body. Also,
the slim and stylish design makes it
easy to carry and use and shooting
videos a pleasure.

18× Lens and 360× Digital
Zoom
From wide-angle to 18×
telephoto—with
unparalleled optical
quality. The digital zoom
magnifies this up to
360× for even more
dramatic results.

Night Mode
In dark places, automatically adjusts to
the optimum shutter speed according to
the brightness of the subject for
shooting brightly in colour.

2.5” LCD Screen
A 2.5” LCD screen
makes it easy for you to
shoot colourful, well
composed video. It is
also great for playback.

Image Stabilizer
Stabilizes your
recordings even in long
telephoto shots.

Digital Effects
Advanced digital
technology allows you to
add special effects during
recording or playback.

Audio Dubbing
Add new sound to
original sound on a
prerecorded tape.

IEEE 1394 DV Terminal
Using a DV cable,
connect the comecorder
to a PC equipped with a
DV terminal and transfer
your original images and
sound to your PC.

Still Photos
Just press the photo
button to capture still
pictures.

Analog Line-in Recording and
AV Insert Editing (MV500i only)
Connect to a VCR or analog
camcorder and record to a DV tape in
the MV500i. Also, replace original
images on a pre-recorded tape.

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Finding Your Way Around the MV500/MV500i
E

REC (record) SEARCH – button(p. 38)/
Record review button (p. 38)/
(rewind) button (p. 28)

REC SEARCH + button (p. 38)/
(fast forward) button (p. 28)

AE SHIFT button (p. 65)/
(stop) button (p. 28)

Mastering
the Basics

FOCUS button (p. 68)/
(play/pause) button (p. 28)

LCD panel OPEN button (p. 25)
BATT. (battery) RELEASE
button (p. 13)
LCD screen (p. 25)

Backup battery
cover (p. 100)
Battery attachment
unit (p. 12)

Strap attachment bar (p. 97)
Selector dial (p. 31, 39)

Self-timer button (p. 63)/
DATA CODE button (p. 71)

Program selector (p. 52)
P Program AE
Easy Recording
DATA
CODE

DIGITAL EFFECTS
button (p. 59)
DIGITAL
EFFECTS

ON/OFF

MENU button (p. 39)

Digital effects ON/OFF
button (p. 59)

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Viewfinder focusing lever (p. 96)
Viewfinder protect cover (p. 102)

Mastering
the Basics

PHOTO button (p. 49)
Accessory shoe (p. 88)

Zoom controller (p. 23)

Viewfinder (p. 96, 102)

Speaker (p. 31)

Strap attachment bar
(p. 97)
POWER indicator
(p. 18)

Start/Stop button (p. 19)

Grip belt (p. 96)
POWER switch (p. 18)

C AM ER A

}

•
OFF
•
PLAY(VCR)
•

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

Cassette compartment cover
(p. 16)
Cassette compartment (p. 16)

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E
Terminal cover

Remote sensor (p. 43)

Terminal cover

(LANC) terminal (p. 76)
S

MV500:
AV (audio/video) OUT
terminal (p. 32)/
(phones) terminal (p. 32)
MV500i:
AV (audio/video) IN/OUT
terminal (p. 32, 81)/
(phones) terminal (p. 32)

MV500: DV OUT
terminal (p. 77, 95)
MV500i: DV IN/OUT
terminal (p. 78, 95)

AV
DC IN
9.5V

MV500: S-video OUT
terminal (p. 34)
MV500i: S-video IN/OUT
terminal (p. 34, 81)

Mastering
the Basics

Stereo microphone (p. 88)

Bottom view

CHARGE

MIC

CHARGE indicator (p. 12)

OPEN/EJECT switch
(p. 16)

DC IN terminal (p. 11)
MIC terminal (p. 61, 88)
Tripod socket (p. 36)
PHOTO button (p. 49)

Transmitter

START/STOP
button (p. 19)

Zoom buttons (p. 23)

MENU button (p. 39)
SELF TIMER button (p. 63)
TV SCREEN button (p. 111)
DATA CODE button (p. 71)
D.EFFECTS (Digital effects)
button (p. 59)
AUDIO MONITOR button (p. 93)
REC PAUSE button (p. 79, 82)
(MV500i only)
ZERO SET MEMORY button (p. 75)

Controller buttons (p. 40)
START
/STOP PHOTO
SELF
TIMER

ZOOM

TV
SCREEN

SET

DATA
CODE D.EFFECTS

ON/OFF
MIX
BALANCE

AUDIO
MONITOR ST-1

MIX BALANCE buttons (p. 93)
ST-2

REC SEARCH
PAUSE SELECT
ZERO SET
MEMORY REW

PLAY

AUDIO
DUB.

STOP

–/

AV
INSERT PAUSE

SLOW

×2

REMOTE SET
SET

AUDIO DUB. button (p. 89)
AV INSERT button (p. 87)
(MV500i only)
REMOTE SET button (p. 44)

SET button (p. 40)
Digital effects ON/OFF button
(p. 59)

WIRELESS CONTROLLER WL-D74

Search buttons (p. 74)
SEARCH SELECT button (p. 74)
FF
button (p. 28)
PLAY
button (p. 28)
button (p. 29)
× 2 button (p. 30)
STOP
SLOW
REW

button (p. 28)
button (p. 29)
button (p. 28)

button (p. 29)
PAUSE
button (p. 29)

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Attaching the Ferrite Core
E

Attach the enclosed ferrite core before
you connect the CA-560 Compact Power
Adapter to the camcorder.

Mastering
the Basics

Attach the ferrite core to the cable about
4 cm from the plug end (the plug to be
connected to the camcorder) of the
CA-560 Compact Power Adapter.

• Pass the cable through the centre of the
core and wrap it around the core once,
then close the unit until it clicks shut.

4cm

CA-560 Compact Power Adapter

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Powering Your Camcorder
Before operating your camcorder, you will need to use the power adapter to:

Provide power from a mains outlet
or
Charge a battery pack

Connecting the camcorder to a mains outlet

Mastering
the Basics

Notes:
• The power adapter converts current from a household power socket (100–240 V
AC, 50/60 Hz) to the DC current used by your camcorder.
• If the adapter is used next to a TV, it may cause bars to appear on the TV —
move the adapter away from the TV or the aerial cable.

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

4
2

Use the power adapter to provide your camcorder with instant power from a mains
outlet. Always turn the camcorder off before connecting/removing the power
source.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Set the POWER switch to OFF.
Connect the power adapter to the camcorder’s DC IN terminal.
Connect the power cable to the power adapter.
Plug the power cable into a mains outlet.
Disconnect the power adapter from the camcorder after use.
Unplug the power cable from the mains outlet, then disconnect it
from the adapter.

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Attaching and charging the battery packs

POWER

CAMERA

DC IN
9.5V

OFF

CHARGE

PLAY(VCR)

Mastering
the Basics

3
2

CHARGE indicator

Your battery pack was partially charged before it left the factory. It should have
enough power for you to check that your camcorder is working properly.
However, you must charge the battery pack fully if you want it to power the
camcorder for more than a few minutes.
Always turn the camcorder off before connecting/removing the battery.

1. Set the POWER switch to OFF.
2. Attach the battery to the camcorder.
• Remove the battery pack’s terminal cover.
• Rotate the viewfinder upwards.
• With the triangle on the battery pack pointing downwards, align the edge of
the battery pack with the line on the camcorder, press lightly and slide the
battery down until it clicks into place.

3. Connect the power adapter to the camcorder.
4. Connect the power cable to the adapter and plug it into a mains
outlet.
• The charge indicator flashes red to show that charging is in progress. Single
flashes mean that the battery pack is less than 50% charged. Double flashes
mean that it is more than 50% charged. The indicator glows steadily when
the battery pack is fully charged. If the indicator blinks rapidly and
continuously (twice a second), the battery pack may be defective.
• The battery pack will also charge when the POWER switch is turned to
positions other than OFF. The CHARGE indicator may flash.

5. When charging is complete, disconnect the power adapter from the
camcorder. Unplug the power cable from the mains outlet, then
disconnect it from the adapter.

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6. Remove the battery pack after use.
• Rotate the viewfinder upwards.
• Press and hold the BATT. RELEASE button while you slide the battery up.

Notes:
• Never connect an unspecified product to the camcorder’s DC terminal.
Likewise, do not connect the power adapter to an unspecified product.
• You can find detailed notes for using the batteries in the “Notes on Using the
Batteries” ( 98). These notes include charging and recording times and how
to install the backup battery.

Specifications
Power supply
Power consumption
Rated output
Operating temperature range
Dimensions
Weight

Mastering
the Basics

CA-560 Compact Power Adapter

100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
34 W
9.5 V, 2.7 A DC
0°C–40°C (32°F–104°F)
57 × 28 × 104 mm (2 1/4 × 1 1/8 × 4 1/8 in)
180 g (6 3/8 oz) (without power cable)

Weight and dimensions are approximate.
Errors and omissions excepted.
Subject to change without notice.

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Using the Charge Adapter CR-560 Kit (optional)
The Compact Power Adapter CA-560 included with the camcorder can be used
along with the CR-560 Kit for 3 different ways to power the camcorder or charge
battery packs:
1. Charge the BP-500 Series battery packs with power from your car battery.
2. Operate the camcorder with power from your car battery.
3. Charge the BP-500 Series battery packs from a household mains outlet.

Mastering
the Basics

The Charge Adapter/Car Battery Cable Kit CR-560 includes the following:

Charge Adapter

Car Battery Cable

DC Cable

1. Charge the BP-500 Series battery packs with power from your car
battery.

1 or 2 battery pack(s) + Charge Adapter + Car Battery Cable → car’s cigarette
lighter
CHARGE

To car’s
cigarette lighter

• Fast charging for the high-capacity BP-522 and BP-535 (both optional). Fifteen
minutes of charging gives 70 minutes of recording (using the viewfinder).

BP-508
BP-512 (optional)
BP-511 (optional)
BP-522 (optional)
BP-535 (optional)

Time required for full charge
from car battery or a mains outlet
1 hr. 20 min.
1 hr. 20 min.
1 hr. 20 min.
1 hr. 40 min.
2 hr. 30 min.

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2. Operate the camcorder with power from your car battery.

Camcorder + DC Cable + Charge Adapter + Car Battery Cable → car’s
cigarette lighter

Mastering
the Basics

To car’s
cigarette lighter

3. Charge the BP-500 Series battery packs from a mains outlet.
1 or 2 battery pack(s) + Charge Adapter + Compact Power Adapter
CHARGE

• Fast charging for the high-capacity BP-522 and BP-535 (both optional). Fifteen
minutes of charging gives 70 minutes of recording (using the viewfinder).
Note:
• For full details of how to use the CR-560, refer to its instruction manual.

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Loading a Cassette

Mastering
the Basics

OPEN/EJECT

Only use videocassettes marked with the D logo.*

Loading and unloading
1. Make sure that you have attached a power source.
2. Slide the OPEN / EJECT 5 switch (on the bottom of the
camcorder) to release the cassette compartment cover.
• Pull the cover fully open (while holding the button) and wait a couple of
seconds for the cassette compartment to open automatically.
• The confirmation beep sounds when the cassette cover fully opens.

3. Load or unload the cassette.
• Insert the cassette gently with the window facing the grip belt, and the
REC/SAVE tab up.
• Remove the cassette by pulling it straight out.

4. Press the P mark on the compartment until it clicks, and wait
for it to close.
5. Click the cover back into place.
* D is a trade mark.

Notes:
• Do not interfere with the cassette compartment while it is opening or closing
automatically, and do not attempt to close the cover until the cassette
compartment has fully retracted.
• After loading a cassette, use record search ( 38) to find the point where you
want to start recording.
• Be careful not to get your fingers caught in the cassette compartment cover.
• Do not leave the cassette in the camcorder after use — return it to its case and
store it in a cool, clean, dry place.
• When you turn the camcorder’s power on, v flashes in the display until you
load a cassette.
• With some types of tapes, the remaining tape display may not give an accurate
reading ( 112).

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Protecting tapes from accidental erasure

REC
SAVE
REC
SAVE

Mastering
the Basics

To protect your recording from accidental erasure, slide the tab on the cassette so
that it exposes the hole. (This switch position is usually labelled SAVE or ERASE
OFF.)
If you load this cassette and put the camcorder in record pause mode ( 18),
“THE TAPE IS SET FOR ERASURE PREVENTION” is displayed for approx. 4
seconds and then the v mark flashes in the display.
If you want to record on the cassette again, slide the tab back so the hole is closed.

Handling cassettes
• To protect the tape heads, transfer cassettes directly from the tape case to the
camcorder — do not open the tape protect cover or touch the tape itself.
• Do not use cassettes where the tape has been damaged or spliced — they may
damage the camcorder.
• Do not insert anything into the small holes on the cassette or cover them with
cellophane tape.
• Handle cassettes with care — dropping them or exposing them to external
shocks may cause internal damage.
• Store cassettes in the provided case, first rewinding them to the start of the tape
and then storing them upright.
• A cassette with metal plated terminals may become dirty with use, affecting
information transfer. Therefore, after using a tape about 10 times, be sure to
clean the terminals with a cotton bud.

Cassette memory
You are unable to use the cassette memory function with this camcorder.

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Basic Recording
E

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

4, 5

POWER

CAMERA

Mastering
the Basics

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

Before you start recording
Have you completed the following steps?
• Attached a power source ( 11).
• Removed the lens cap ( 96).
• Fasten the grip belt ( 96).
• Chosen the display: viewfinder ( 96) or LCD screen (

25).

Notes:
• When you’re using the viewfinder, fully close the LCD or rotate the LCD so
that it faces the same direction as the lens ( 25).
• When using the viewfinder with the BP-522 or BP-535 Battery Pack (both
optional) attached, extend the viewfinder and rotate it to a comfortable angle.
You may also want to install the backup battery (
and time display ( 46).

100) in order to set the date

To record
1. Press the small button on the POWER switch and hold, turn the
POWER switch to CAMERA.
• The camcorder automatically sets to record pause mode. PAUSE appears in
the display.
• If you haven’t set the date and time display, SET THE TIME ZONE, DATE
AND TIME appears in the display. For setting the time zone, see p. 46. For
setting the date and time, see p. 48.
• The camcorder power indicator lights up.
• The confirmation beep sounds.
• The camcorder will turn itself off if you leave it in record pause mode for
more than about 5 minutes. To return to record pause mode, turn the
POWER switch to OFF and then back to CAMERA.

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2. Load a cassette ( 16).
3. Slide the program selector to [.

• This selects the camcorder’s Easy Recording program. It allows you to
simply point and shoot without making any manual adjustments ( 52).

4. Press and release the start/stop button once to begin recording.
• For still image recording to a cassette, see p. 49.

5. Press and release the start/stop button again to pause recording.

Note:
• After loading a cassette, start recording when the tape counter has stopped.

Mastering
the Basics

• The camcorder returns to record pause mode and PAUSE reappears in the
display.
• You can stop and restart recording as often as you like by pressing the
start/stop button.

When you have finished recording
•
•
•
•
•
•

Replace the lens cap.
Return the viewfinder to its retracted position.
Return the LCD screen flush to the camcorder body.
Unload the cassette.
Turn the POWER switch to OFF.
Disconnect the power source.

Notes:
• To check that the camcorder is recording correctly, make a test recording first.
• Before making important recordings, clean the video heads using a Canon
DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette or a commercially available
digital video head cleaning cassette.
• To close the LCD panel, rotate it vertically until the screen faces you, then press
the upper right corner until it clicks securely closed.
• You cannot monitor the sound from the speaker when recording.
• For tips on how to make better videos, see p. 36.
• For extra recording time, set REC MODE to LP ( 20).

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Changing the recording mode
You can record and play back a tape in SP (standard play) and LP (long play)
modes. LP extends tape usage by 1.5 times.
You can’t add sound (audio dubbing) or images (AV insert) to a tape that has
been recorded in a mode other than SP mode. If you plan to use either of these
functions later, record in SP mode.

Mastering
the Basics

CAMERA

MV500i PLAY
(VCR)

VCR SET UP

(

REC MODE••••SP

39)

To change to LP mode, open the menu and select VCR SET UP. Then
select REC MODE, set it to LP and close the menu.
Notes:
• When recording and playing back tapes in LP mode, the nature of the tape and
usage conditions may affect recording, mosaic-like noise may appear in the
image and the sound may be distorted during playback. For important
recordings, therefore, set the camcorder to SP mode.
• We recommend recording in SP mode when you plan to transfer images taken
with the camcorder to your PC.
• If you record in both modes on the same tape, the picture may become distorted
during playback and the time code may not be written correctly.
• A tape recorded in LP mode on other digital equipment may produce the
mosaic-like noise and the sound may become distorted when playing back on
this camcorder.
• A tape recorded in LP mode on this camcorder may produce the mosaic-like
noise and the sound may become distorted when playing back on other digital
equipment.

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16:9 (Wide screen TV recording)
Produces images in the 16:9 format for
playback on wide screen TVs.

CAMERA

CAM.SET UP

16:9••••••••OFF

39)

To switch 16:9 to ON, open the menu and select CAM.SET UP. Then
select 16:9, set it to ON and close the menu.

Mastering
the Basics

(

Notes:
• “16:9” is shown in the display when you switch the 16:9 mode on.
• You cannot use the 16:9 mode with the Easy Recording program.
• If you play back a recording made for 16:9 on a normal TV screen, the image
will appear to be vertically “squashed” (compressed).

Confirmation/Warning beeps
The camcorder’s short operation confirmation beeps are indicated by ` in the
illustrations. Beeps sound upon certain camcorder operations such as when you
turn the camcorder on, during the self-timer countdown, right before the
camcorder’s automatic shut-off, and also upon any unusual condition of the
camcorder. Beeps are not recorded on the tape.
CAMERA

PLAY
(VCR)

SYSTEM

(

BEEP••••••••ON

39)

To turn the beep off, open the menu and select SYSTEM. Then select
BEEP, set it to OFF and close the menu.

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Demonstration mode
You can see a demonstration of the camcorder’s main features. To see the
demonstration, do either of the following:
• With no cassette inserted, turn the DEMO MODE on in the CAMERA menu
and close the menu.
• Leave the camcorder with no cassette inserted for five minutes after turning it
on.
CAMERA

DISP.SET UP

(

DEMO MODE••••ON

39)

To turn the demonstration mode off, open the menu and select DISP.
SET UP. Then select DEMO MODE, set it to OFF and close the menu.
Note:
• To cancel the demo mode once it has begun: push any button, turn off the
power or load a cassette.

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Zooming
Zoom in

Zoom out

The camcorder’s zoom lens allows you to choose the best picture angle for each
scene:
• Move the zoom control towards W to zoom out to wide-angle.
• Move it towards T to zoom in to telephoto.

Mastering
the Basics

18× optical zoom

You can also control the speed of zooming:
• Move the control slightly to zoom slowly.
• Move it farther to zoom more quickly. (The farther you move the zoom control,
the faster the zoom speed.)
The T and W buttons on the wireless controller adjust the picture angle, but not
the zoom speed.

72×/360× digital zoom
Magnifies the camcorder’s zoom range by up to 20× in CAMERA mode.
The zoom control continues to work as usual. You can freely zoom in and out
between 1× and 360× magnification — the camcorder automatically switches
between optical zooming (up to 18×) and digital zooming (18× to 72× or 18× to
360×).
CAMERA

CAM.SET UP

(

D.ZOOM••••••72×

39)

To change the digital zoom, open the menu and select CAM.SET UP.
Then select D.ZOOM, set it to OFF or 360× and close the menu.

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Notes:
• When zooming, as a rule, keep at least 1 m (3 ft 33/8 in) between you and your
subject. However when the zoom is at the wide-angle position, you can focus
on a subject as close as 1 cm (3/8 in).
• Image resolution is slightly lower when the magnification is greater than 18×.
• You cannot use digital zoom in the Night recording program.
• The zoom indicator appears for 4 seconds. When the digital zoom is set to 72×,
the zoom indicator extends (light blue). When the digital zoom is set to 360×
zoom, the zoom indicator extends again (a darker blue).

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Using the LCD Screen
Opening and closing the LCD screen

Mastering
the Basics

Slide the LCD panel OPEN button and
open the panel by pulling it away from
the camcorder. This automatically
switches the LCD screen on and the
viewfinder off. To close the LCD
panel, press the upper right corner until
it clicks securely closed. When you
close the LCD panel, the LCD screen
automatically switches off and the
viewfinder switches back on.

Changing the angle of the LCD screen
You can choose the angle of the screen
that suits you best by opening and
rotating the screen, also you can rotate
the LCD screen so that faces in the
direction of the lens ( 27).

180°

90°
90°

You can also push the panel flat
against the camcorder until it is flush
with the side, with the screen facing
outwards.

Notes:
• Avoid touching the LCD screen when moving the LCD panel.
• Do not hold the camcorder by the LCD panel or the viewfinder.
• Make sure you open the LCD panel at 90°, before attempting to rotate it.

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• Always rotate the LCD panel vertically into place, before closing it or pushing
it flat against the side of the camcorder.
• Always fully close the LCD panel until it clicks securely.
• Be careful not to leave the LCD, viewfinder or lens exposed to direct sunlight
outdoors or in a window. Doing so could cause damage.
• Bright light falling on the LCD screen may cause glare that makes it difficult
for you to view the image. In this case, switch to using the viewfinder. You are
also able to adjust the brightness of the screen (see “Adjusting the LCD screen”
below).

Adjusting the LCD screen
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.
CAMERA

PLAY
(VCR)

DISP.SET UP

(

BRIGHTNESS••–

39)

Open the menu and select DISP.SET UP from the menu. Then select
BRIGHTNESS, adjust the level with the selector dial and close the
menu.
A bar showing the level appears in the display.
• Turn the selector dial up to make the display brighter.
• Turn the selector dial down to make the display darker.
Notes:
• The camcorder will remember your brightness setting even after you turn it off.
• The brightness of the LCD does not affect that of the recorded images or the
viewfinder.
About the LCD Screen
The LCD screen built into this camcorder is a high precision product.
However, small black dots or bright points of light (red, blue or green) may
appear constantly on the LCD screen. This is not a malfunction of the LCD screen
and they are not recorded on the tape. (Effective dots: more than 99.99%)

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Allowing the subject to monitor recording

Mastering
the Basics

When you turn the LCD panel so that it
faces the same direction as the lens,
you can watch yourself during
recording or let your subject monitor
recording. The viewfinder is also
activated when the panel is in this
position. (Adjust the viewfinder,
96)
• You can choose the display style,
reversed (mirror on) or not (mirror
off). The recording itself is
unaffected regardless of which one
you choose.
CAMERA

DISP.SET UP

(

MIRROR••••••ON

39)

To turn the mirror mode off, open the menu and select DISP.SET UP.
Then select MIRROR, set it to OFF and close the menu.
The indicators that appear in the LCD display when MIRROR is
turned on:
REC
REC PAUSE
EJECT

Self-timer (

63)

• These and all other indicators appear normally in the viewfinder.

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Playing Back a Cassette
E
REC
SEARCH

REC
SEARCH

FOCUS

AE SHIFT

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

Mastering
the Basics

PLAY(VCR)

You can use the LCD screen for instant, on-the-spot playback. The camcorder also
plays back the sound track via the built-in speaker ( 31).
• When you play back a tape, you can also close the LCD panel with its screen
side facing up.
• When you’re using the viewfinder to view playback, close the LCD panel.
To play back your recordings on a TV, see p. 32.
To use the wireless controller, see p. 43.
Note:
• To avoid accidental recording, make sure that you slide the tab on the cassette
so that it exposes the hole (the switch position is usually labelled SAVE or
ERASE OFF).

1. Attach a power source and turn the POWER switch to PLAY
(VCR).
• The power indicator lights up.

2. Load the cassette.
3. Press the e (play) button to start playback.
• To end playback, press the 3 (stop) button.
• To wind the tape forwards, stop playback and press the 1 (fast forward)
button.
• To wind the tape backwards, stop playback and press the ` (rewind)
button.
• If the playback picture is rough (mosaic-like noise), clean the video heads
using a Canon DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette or a
commercially available digital video head cleaning cassette.

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Other playback modes
Playback pause
Press the a (pause) button. To resume normal playback, press it again, or press
the e (play) button. The camcorder automatically goes into stop mode after about
5 minutes’ playback pause.

Rewind playback
For reverse playback at about 11.5 times normal speed, press and hold the
` (rewind) button during normal playback or press and hold the ` (rewind)
button during normal rewind.

Mastering
the Basics

Fast forward playback
To play back the recording at about 11.5 times normal speed, press and hold the
1 (fast forward) button during normal playback or press and hold the 1 (fast
forward) button during normal fast forward.

Special playback
Frame Advance
To play back frame by frame, press the
+/ ae button repeatedly during playback
pause.
Press and hold to play back continuous frame
advance.

REW

PLAY

–/

STOP

PAUSE

SLOW

×2

Frame Reverse
To play back in reverse frame by frame, press
the –/4a button repeatedly during playback
pause.
Press and hold to play back continuous frame reverse.
Slow Forward Playback
To play back at about 1/3 normal speed, press the SLOW M button during normal
playback.
Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.
Slow Reverse Playback
To play back in reverse at about 1/3 normal speed, press the –/4a button and
then the SLOW M button during normal playback.
Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.

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Reverse Playback
To play back in reverse at normal speed, press the –/4a button during normal
forward playback.
Press the PLAY e button to return to normal forward playback.
• The camcorder automatically goes into stop mode after about 2 minutes of
paused reverse playback.
Forward ×2 Playback
Press the ×2 button during normal playback.
Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.
Reverse ×2 Playback
Press the –/4a button and then the ×2 button during normal playback.
Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.
Notes:
• Mosaic-like noise appears on the screen during some of the special playback
modes.
• There’s no audio during special playback.

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Built-in speaker

The camcorder has a built-in speaker so you can review the sound track alongside
the picture when you’re using the LCD screen to play back a tape. The built-in
speaker is monaural.

Mastering
the Basics

Adjust the speaker volume by turning the selector dial.
• Turn the selector dial up to increase the volume, and down to lower the volume.
• A bar appears in the display to indicate the current volume. It disappears in 4
seconds.
• You can turn off the volume completely by turning the selector dial down until
OFF appears.
Notes:
• Sometimes audio may sound distorted when the volume is turned up high. If
this happens, turn down the volume.
• The speaker turns off when the camcorder is set to any mode other than PLAY
(VCR) mode.
Using the headphones
• You can also use the headphones to monitor the sound track. Change the setting
of the AV/headphones terminal through the menu ( 32).
• You can adjust the headphone volume separately from the built-in speaker,
either during PLAY (VCR) mode or CAMERA mode. The volume level is the
same regardless of mode.
• The levels you adjust for the built-in speaker and headphones are memorized
separately. The camcorder remembers your levels even if you turn the
camcorder off and back on again.
• The speaker turns off when you use headphones.

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Connections for Playback on a TV Screen
E

You can connect the camcorder to a TV or VCR in order to play back your
recordings. You will need to attach a power source to the camcorder ( 11).
Power off all devices before starting the connections.
See your TV or VCR instruction manual for further details.

Mastering
the Basics

Switching the AV/headphone terminal

MIC

Through the menu, the camcorder’s AV/headphone terminal can be switched to
function as either the AV terminal or the headphone terminal.
CAMERA

PLAY
(VCR)

VCR SET UP

(

AV/PHONES•••AV

39)

Open the menu and select VCR SET UP. Then select AV/PHONES and set it
to AV or PHONES and close the menu.
• When the terminal is switched to PHONES, PHONES appears in the display.
Using the headphones
• Make sure you switch the AV/headphones terminal to PHONES before using
headphones. If the AV/headphones terminal is not switched to PHONES before
you use the headphones, noise will come out from the headphones.

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If your TV (or VCR) has a SCART terminal (without S (S1)-video)

PC-A10
SCART Adapter
AUDIO AUDIO VIDEO
(R) (L/MONO)

MIC

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable

Mastering
the Basics

• Connect the PC-A10 SCART adapter to the TV or VCR’s SCART terminal.
• Connect the camcorder to the adapter. Connect the camcorder using the
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable. Connect the white plug to the white audio
terminal L (left). Connect the red plug to the red audio terminal R (right).
Connect the yellow plug to the yellow video terminal VIDEO.
• If you are connecting the camcorder to a TV, set the TV/VIDEO selector on the
television to VIDEO.
• If you are connecting the camcorder to a VCR, set the input selector on the
VCR to LINE.

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If your TV (or VCR) has an S (S1) -video input terminal
For higher picture quality, we recommend playing back recordings on a TV with
an S (S1) terminal.
S

INPUT

Mastering
the Basics

S-150 S-video Cable

S(S1)-VIDEO

VIDEO

AUDIO

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable

MIC

• Use the optional S-150 S-video Cable to connect the S-video terminals. Use the
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable to connect the AUDIO terminals. Connect the
white plug to the white AUDIO terminal L (left). Connect the red plug to the red
AUDIO terminal R (right). Do not connect the yellow plug.
• If you are connecting the camcorder to a TV, set the TV/VIDEO selector on the
television to VIDEO.
• If you are connecting the camcorder to a VCR, set the input selector on the
VCR to LINE.

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If your TV (or VCR) has audio/video input terminals

INPUT
VIDEO

AUDIO
L

MIC

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable

Mastering
the Basics

• Connect the camcorder using the STV-250N Stereo Video Cable. Connect the
white plug to the white audio terminal L (left). Connect the red plug to the red
audio terminal R (right). Connect the yellow plug to the yellow video terminal
VIDEO.
• If you are connecting the camcorder to a TV, set the TV/VIDEO selector on the
television to VIDEO.
• If you are connecting the camcorder to a VCR, set the input selector on the
VCR to LINE.
Note:
• If you are going to use the TV as a monitor while you are shooting, remember
to keep the TV volume turned down as long as the camcorder’s audio terminals
are connected. If the sound from the TV speakers is picked up by the
microphone, an unpleasant high-pitched squeal, called feedback, may be
produced.

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Tips for Making Better Videos

Mastering
the Basics

Holding the camcorder
For maximum stability, grip the camcorder in your right
hand and keep your right elbow pressed against your body.
If necessary support the camcorder with your left hand.
With practice, you will be able to operate the controls by
touch, without taking your eye off the action.

Using a tripod
To prevent any unwanted movement, you can mount the
camcorder on a tripod, (or any flat surface at a suitable
height) and operate it with the wireless controller.
• When you are using a tripod, be careful not to leave the
viewfinder exposed to bright sunlight or it may melt.
(The light is concentrated by the viewfinder lens.)
• Make sure that the fastening screw of the tripod is no
longer than 5.5 mm (1/4 inch), or it will damage the
camcorder.

Composition
The most important element in the scene does not have to
be in the centre. For a more interesting picture, try to
position your subject so it is slightly to one side. Leave
some space on the side of the frame that the subject is
facing or moving towards.
Don’t cut off the top of the subject’s head, and don’t cut
people off at the neck, hips or knees (move a little bit
above or below).

Watch out for distracting objects in the background.

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Picture angle

Instead of zooming while recording, try
to choose your picture angle before you
begin. A good way to tell a story with
video is to begin with a long shot that
establishes the situation, and then move
in with medium shots and close-ups to
show the details. Remember to change
your viewpoint for each shot.

Long shot

Medium shot

Remember that any camcorder
movement or change in picture angle
should have a definite purpose. Avoid
unnecessary or half-hearted
movements.

Mastering
the Basics

Close-up

Camcorder moves
Use pans to record a landscape or
follow a moving subject. Decide the
area you want to cover and stand facing
the end of your panning angle. Without
moving your feet, turn your waist to the
starting position. Start recording, and
after a few seconds begin to turn slowly
from the waist. Hold the final image for
a few seconds before you stop
recording.
Tilt the camcorder up to exaggerate the
height of the subject. Tilt down from
the top of a building, for example, as an
introduction to subjects at the bottom.

Pan

Tilt

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Searching and Reviewing While Recording
E

Record search
When the camcorder is in record pause
mode, you can use record search to
play the tape forwards or backwards to
find the point where you want to start
or resume recording. This is useful
when you want to add a new scene to a
previously used cassette. By using
record search, you can ensure a smooth,
noise-free join between the new scene
and the old one.

REC
SEARCH

Using the Full
Range of Features

CAMERA

1. Press and hold the REC SEARCH + or – button on the camcorder
while you check the picture in the display.
• The + button plays the recording forwards and the – button plays it
backwards.

2. Release the button when you find the point where you want to start
recording.
• The camcorder returns to record pause mode.

Record review
When the camcorder is in record pause mode, you can use record review to play
back the last few seconds of your recording and then return automatically to
record pause mode. You can quickly make sure that a scene has recorded properly
and then go on to shoot the next scene, without producing any noise in the picture.
CAMERA

1. Press and release the c (record review) button while you check the
picture in the display.
• The camcorder rewinds the tape, plays back the last few seconds, and returns
to record pause mode.
Note:
• Noise may appear on the screen when you play the tape backwards.

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Using the Menus
Many of the camcorder’s advanced functions are selected from menus which
appear in the display.

There are 2 main menus:
CAM. MENU
Camera menu
PLAY MENU (MV500i :VCR MENU)
CAM. MENU

CAM.MENU

(
(

CAMERA

SEL.SETSET
MENUCLOSE

CAM.SET UP
VCR SET UP
DISP.SET UP
SYSTEM
RETURN

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

PLAY MENU

SEL.SETSET
MENUCLOSE

VCR SET UP
DISP.SET UP
SYSTEM
RETURN

Using the Full
Range of Features

PLAY
(VCR)

PLAY MENU (MV500i :VCR MENU)

40)
42)

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

Selecting from the Menus
2, 11
MENU

1.
2.
3.
4.

3-10

TV
SCREEN
SET

Turn the POWER switch to the desired setting.
Press the MENU button to open the menu.
Turn the selector dial and move the arrow to the desired submenu.
Press the selector dial in to select.
• The submenu appears.

5. Turn the selector dial and move the arrow to the desired function.

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6. Press the selector dial in to select.
• The function and its settings only appear.

7. Turn the selector dial and move the arrow to the desired setting.
• If you are setting a function other than the white balance or shutter speed,
the function will be set if you skip to step 11.

8. Press the selector dial in to select.
• The function is set and you return to the submenu.

9. Turn the selector dial and move the arrow to b RETURN.
10.Press the selector dial in to select.
• You return to the main menu.

11.Press the MENU button.

Using the Full
Range of Features

• The main menu disappears.
Notes:
• Pressing the MENU button at any time closes the menu.
• Selecting b RETURN takes you back one menu, or closes the main menu.
• Items that are unavailable, due to the settings of other menu items, appear in
purple.
• You may often find it convenient to use the wireless controller to move around
the menus. Press its MENU button to open/close the menu and use the arrow
keys in place of turning the selector dial. Push the SET button to select.
• Pressing the start/stop button or the PHOTO button will close the menu and
start recording.
• You can display the menus on a connected TV screen by turning TV SCREEN
( 111) on through the menu or using the wireless controller’s TV SCREEN
button. See p. 32 for TV hookup instructions.

List of Menus
Turn to appropriate page for a detailed explanation of each function.

2 CAM. MENU
Set the POWER switch to
q
w
e
r
t

CAMERA

To camera set up submenu
To VCR set up submenu
To display set up submenu
To system submenu
Close main menu

. There are 4 submenus.
CAM.MENU

1
3
5

CAM.SET UP
VCR SET UP
DISP.SET UP
SYSTEM
RETURN

SEL.SETSET
MENUCLOSE

2
4

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q Camera set up submenu
q
w
e
r
t
y

Shutter speed.........................
Digital zoom .........................
Image stabilizer.....................
16:9 effect .............................
White balance .......................
Return

66
23
51
21
69

q
e
t

SEL.SETSET
MENUCLOSE
SHUTTER•••••AUTO
D.ZOOM••••••72×
IMAGE S.
••ON
16:9••••••••OFF
WHITE BAL.••AUTO
RETURN

CAM.SET UP

w
r
y

w VCR set up submenu
u
i
o
!0
!1

Record mode.........................
Wind screen ..........................
Audio mode ..........................
AV or headphones.................
Return

20
62
61
32

VCR SET UP

u
o
!1

SEL.SETSET
MENUCLOSE
REC MODE•••• SP
WIND SCREEN•OFF
AUDIO MODE••12bit
AV/PHONES•••AV
RETURN

i
!0

Using the Full
Range of Features

e Display set up submenu
!2
!3
!4
!5
!6
!7

Brightness .............................
Mirror mode..........................
TV screen ............................
Date/time display..................
Demo mode...........................
Return

26
27
111
48
22

DISP.SET UP

!2
!4
!6

SEL.SETSET
MENUCLOSE
+
BRIGHTNESS••–
MIRROR••••••ON
TV SCREEN•••ON
D/T DISPLAY•OFF
DEMO MODE•••ON
RETURN

!3
!5
!7

r System submenu
!8 Wireless controller................
!9 Beep ......................................
@0 Time zone/
Daylight saving time.............
@1 Date/time set .........................
@2 Return

44
21

SYSTEM

!8
@0

46
48

SEL.SETSET
MENUCLOSE
WL.REMOTE•••
1
BEEP••••••••ON
T.ZONE/DST••–––
D/TIME SET••––.–––.––––
––:–– ––
RETURN

!9
@1

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2 PLAY MENU (MV500i :VCR MENU)
Set the POWER switch to
q
w
e
r

PLAY
(VCR)

. There are 3 submenus.

To VCR set up submenu
To display set up submenu
To system submenu
Close main menu

PLAY MENU

1
3

SEL.SETSET
MENUCLOSE

VCR SET UP
DISP.SET UP
SYSTEM
RETURN

2
4

Using the Full
Range of Features

q VCR set up submenu
q
w
e
r
t
y
u
i

Record mode*.......................
Output channel......................
Audio dubbing* ....................
Wind screen ..........................
Audio mode ..........................
AV or headphones.................
Analog-digital converter*.....
Return
* MV500i only

20
94
91
62
61
32
83

VCR SET UP

q
e
t
u

SEL.SETSET
MENUCLOSE
REC MODE•••• SP
OUTPUT CH•••L/R
AUDIO DUB.••AUDIO IN
WIND SCREEN•–––
AUDIO MODE••12bit
AV/PHONES•••AV
AV DV OUT•••OFF
RETURN

w
r
y
i

w Display set up submenu
o
!0
!1
!2
!3
!4

Brightness .............................
Displays...............................
6-second auto date ................
Data code ..............................
Date/time select ....................
Return

26
111
73
72
71

DISP.SET UP

o
!1
!3

SEL.SETSET
MENUCLOSE
+
BRIGHTNESS••–
DISPLAYS••••ON
6SEC.DATE•••OFF
DATA CODE•••DATE/TIME
D/TIME SEL.•DATE & TIME
RETURN

!0
!2
!4

e System submenu
!5 Wireless controller................
!6 Beep ......................................
!7 Return

44
21

SYSTEM

!5
!7

SEL.SETSET
MENUCLOSE
WL.REMOTE•••
1
BEEP••••••••ON
RETURN

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Using the Wireless Controller
The supplied wireless controller can
operate the camcorder from a distance
of up to 5 m (16 feet). Point it at the
camcorder’s remote sensor while you
press the buttons.

Inserting batteries

Using the Full
Range of Features

There are some functions that cannot be
operated without the wireless
controller:
• Special playback ( 29)
• Photo/date search ( 74)
• Zero set memory ( 75)
• Audio mix ( 93)
• Dubbing from a digital video
equipment* ( 78)
• Analog line-in* ( 81)
• AV insert* ( 85)
• Audio dubbing ( 88)
* MV500i only

Insert two AA batteries, following the
= and - markings. Be careful not to
reverse the polarity of the batteries.

Notes:
• When using the wireless controller in brightly lit places or outdoors, the
effective range will be less.
• The camcorder may have difficulty picking up the remote control signals at
extremely close range.
• Do not leave the controller exposed to direct sunlight, or in hot or humid places.
• When the batteries run out, replace them both together.
• If the wireless controller doesn’t work, see p. 45.

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When Operating 2 Canon DV Camcorders (Remote Sensor Mode)
To prevent interference from other
Canon wireless controllers being used
nearby, there are 2 remote sensor
modes and an off setting. The wireless
controller and the camcorder have to be
set to the same mode in order to be
compatible.

ZOOM
W

REMOTE SET

The wireless controller and the camcorder have been preset to mode 1. If you
change the mode on the camcorder, be sure to change the mode on the wireless
controller to the same mode.
Using the Full
Range of Features

CAMERA

PLAY
(VCR)

SYSTEM

(

39)

WL.REMOTE•••

A 1 : Mode 1
A 2 : Mode 2
OFFB : Sensor off

To turn the remote sensor off:

Open the menu and select SYSTEM. Then select WL.REMOTE, set it to
OFFB and close the menu.
• B appears in the display.

To change the mode...
...on the camcorder:

Open the menu and select SYSTEM. Then select WL.REMOTE, set it
to A 1 or A 2 and close the menu.
• The selected mode will appear on the display for 4 seconds.
...on the wireless controller:

Press and hold the REMOTE SET button on the wireless controller.
Simultaneously press the ZOOM W button for mode 1 or the ZOOM
T button for mode 2. Continue to press simultaneously for over 2
seconds.
• Be sure to set the wireless controller to the same mode as the camcorder.

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If your wireless controller isn’t working:
Make sure the camcorder and the wireless controller are both set to the same
mode. Check the mode the camcorder is set to by pushing any button other than
the REMOTE SET button on the wireless controller. The camcorder’s mode
appears in purple for about 4 seconds. Set the wireless controller’s mode
accordingly by pressing the aforementioned button combinations. If the wireless
controller still doesn’t work, change the batteries.

Notes:
• The mode the camcorder is set to also appears for 4 seconds when you turn the
power on.
• When you replace the batteries, the wireless controller returns to mode 1.
Change the mode again if necessary.

Using the Full
Range of Features

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Setting the Date and Time
E
MENU

Using the Full
Range of Features

The date and/or time display forms part of the data code. You can choose to
display or hide it during playback ( 71).
Set the date and time display when you first start using your camcorder. Install the
backup battery before you begin ( 100).
• Before you start setting the date and time, select your home time zone from the
menu.

Setting the time zone/daylight saving time
CAMERA

SYSTEM

(

T.ZONE/DST••PARIS

39)

1. Open the menu and select SYSTEM.
2. Select T.ZONE/DST.
• The time zone display appears on the screen.
• Your camcorder’s time zone is factory-preset to Paris. If you are at another
time zone, select your time zone first and daylight saving time (DST) setting
if necessary.

3. Move up or down the list of time zones with the selector dial. Select
the option that represents your time zone.
• If you are now in daylight saving time, select the time zone with the
daylight saving time mark C next to the area.

4. Close the menu.

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E
16

1
19
18

4
2
3

15
8

23
14
12
22
11

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

No. Time zone

10 11 12 13

No. Time zone
WELLGTN (Wellington)
SAMOA
HONOLU. (Honolulu)
ANCHOR. (Anchorage)
L.A. (Los Angeles)
DENVER
CHICAGO
N.Y. (New York)
CARACAS
RIO (Rio de Janeiro)
FERNAN. (Fernando de Noronha)
AZORES

Using the Full
Range of Features

LONDON
PARIS
CAIRO
MOSCOW
DUBAI
KARACHI
DACCA
BANGKOK
H. KONG (Hong Kong)
TOKYO
SYDNEY
SOLOMON

Notes:
• After you have selected your time zone and set the date and time, when you
travel to another time zone, there is no need to reset the date and time. Just set
the time zone to your destination and the camcorder’s clock will automatically
change to display the correct time for your destination.
• The camcorder automatically accounts for the number of days in a month and
leap year.

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Setting the clock
After you set the date and time, the date/time and home time zone will be
displayed for about 4 seconds each time you turn the power on.
CAMERA

SYSTEM

(

39)

D/TIME SET•• 1.JAN.2002
12:00 AM

1. Open the menu and select SYSTEM.
2. Select D/TIME SET.
• The year display starts to flash.

Using the Full
Range of Features

3. Turn the selector dial up and down to change the year. Press the
dial in to move to another part of the display.
• Once you move from the year, the next part of the display starts flashing.

4. Set the month, day, hours, and minutes in the same way.
5. Press the MENU button when finished, and to start the clock.
Notes:
• To make a change to part of the date and time, press the selector dial in at step
3 to move to the part to be changed. Turn the dial to make the change, then
close the menu.
• The date can be set to any year between 2002 and 2030.
• If you press the MENU button in the middle of setting the date and time, you
leave the menu, and the clock starts.
• If you press the selector dial in after setting the minutes you can set the date
and time again from the start.

Date and time display
You can choose to display or hide the date and time display during recording.
When the date and time display is set to ON, the date and time show in the lower
left-hand corner of the display but the time zone disappears in about 4 seconds.
The large, 4-second display will no longer appear when you turn on the power. It
is not automatically superimposed on your recordings.
CAMERA

DISP.SET UP

(

D/T DISPLAY•OFF

39)

To turn it on, open the menu and select DISP.SET UP. Then select D/T
DISPLAY, set it to ON and close the menu.

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Taking Still Pictures
E
PHOTO
PH
OT
O

PH
OT
O

You can record still pictures like a photograph. The camcorder records the picture
and sound to tape for several seconds. The exposure is automatically adjusted.
Also, starting your shooting with a still photo makes it easy to find the beginning
again later with the Photo Search function ( 74).

CAMERA

During record mode

Using the Full
Range of Features

You can take a still picture at any time during regular video recording, or you can
put the camcorder into record pause mode first, then take a still picture.

Press the PHOTO button fully down and the still picture will be taken
immediately.
• The camcorder takes the image immediately, and then records the “photo” to the
tape for approximately 6 seconds. During this time the camcorder also records
the sound, and the display shows the still picture.
• A counter display appears, and counts up as the camcorder records the picture.
• The camcorder returns to record pause mode.
During record pause mode

1. Press the PHOTO button halfway down and hold it:
• “PHOTO” flashes at the bottom right of display.
• Exposure is locked.
• During autofocus F flashes white in the display as the camcorder adjusts the
focus and it is displayed continuously as a green mark when the camcorder
is ready to take the still picture.
• If the subject is unsuitable for autofocus ( 106), the camcorder may not be
able to focus, and F may continue to flash white in the display. Continue to
hold the PHOTO button halfway down, then adjust the focus manually with
the selector dial.
• If you are using manual focus ( 68), the F mark starts as a continous
green mark. Focus with the selector dial.

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2. Press the PHOTO button fully down to take the still picture.

• The camcorder takes the image immediately, and then records the “photo” to
the tape for approximately 6 seconds. During this time the camcorder also
records the sound, and the display shows the still picture.
• A counter display appears, and counts up as the camcorder records the
picture. F disappears from the display.
• The camcorder returns to record pause mode.

Using the Full
Range of Features

Notes:
• The camcorder automatically returns to record pause mode after recording a
still image for approximately 6 seconds. If you turn the POWER switch to OFF
during that time, the camcorder will respond only after recording is complete.
• The wireless controller’s PHOTO button has no half-way setting. Press the
button fully and the camcorder immediately takes the “photo”.
• Only take “photos” where it is bright enough to see the image in the display.

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Turning the Image Stabilizer Off
E
MENU

With most camcorders, even the slightest hand movements will be noticeable
during telephoto recording. However, the MV500/MV500i’s image stabilizer
allows you to obtain steady recordings even at high magnification.
CAMERA

IMAGE S.

••ON

39)

To turn the image stabilizer off, open the menu and select CAM.SET
UP. Then select IMAGE S. i, set it to OFF and close the menu.

Using the Full
Range of Features

CAM.SET UP

(

• The i mark disappears from the display when the stabilizer is off.
• The image stabilizer cannot be turned off when the program selector is set to
the [ (Easy Recording) position.
Notes:
• Keep the image stabilizer turned off when the camcorder is mounted on a
tripod.
• The image stabilizer is designed to deal with a normal degree of camcorder
shake.
• The image stabilizer is not as effective as usual during the Low Light and Night
mode.

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Using the Various Recording Programs
E

Using the Full
Range of Features

The camcorder provides you with a choice of 8 recording programs. They use
different combinations of camcorder settings in order to adjust the exposure and
other functions to match the recording situation.
• For simple point-and-shoot operation, select the Easy Recording program. Slide
the program selector to the [ position.
• For normal shooting conditions, slide the program selector to Q (program AE)
mode. Open the program menu and select AUTO ( 53).
• For various other recording conditions, the camcorder has 6 more specialised
AE (auto exposure) programs.
Availability of functions in each recording program
Position of
program selector
P

Recording
Program
Digital Zoom

[(Easy
Recording)

White balance
AE shift
Image stabilizer
(ON/OFF)
Digital effects
16:9
h : Available

Auto

Sports Portrait Spotlight

Shutter speed
Focus

Sand &
Snow

Low
Light

i
A

h
h

i : Not available

Night

A : Automatic function only

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Setting the program AE mode

CAMERA

1.
2.
3.
4.

Slide the program selector to Q (program AE) mode.
Press the selector dial in to display the program menu.
Turn the selector dial to move the arrow up or down the display.
Press the selector dial in to select the desired program.
• The program will appear in the display.

Using the Full
Range of Features

Notes:
• The name of your selected recording program appears constantly on the left of
the display, with the exception of Auto, which is displayed and then disappears
after 4 seconds.
• Avoid changing programs during recording as the brightness of the image may
change suddenly.
• If you switch the camcorder from the [ program to the Q program, the
camcorder returns to the Auto mode.
• When recording in dark places a bright light in the scene
may cause a vertical light bar (“smear”) to appear. This is a
normal feature of camcorders.

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Easy Recording
The simplest way to use the camcorder is with
the program selector set to the [ position. The
camcorder will take care of focus, exposure and
other adjustments, leaving you free to point and
shoot.

[

Auto

Using the Full
Range of Features

This is the same as the Easy Recording program,
except that you now have the option of using
any of the camcorder’s manual functions.

AUTO

Sports
This program is useful for recording high-speed
sports scenes in brightly lit conditions. Normal
playback will be slightly jerky, but you will get
clear images which can be analysed frame by
frame during slow or paused playback.

SPORTS

Portrait
Use this program outdoors to make subjects
stand out from a softened foreground and
background. It works well for still-lifes and
close-ups. The effect is most noticeable when
the zoom position is between the middle range
and the telephoto end. Focus manually for
maximum accuracy, and be careful when
recording action scenes, as this program may
cause fast moving objects to shudder.

PORTRAIT

Spotlight
This program is designed for recording spotlit
scenes, such as on a stage. The exposure is
automatically adjusted for glare-free recordings
of subjects lit by a concentrated light source.

SPOTLIGHT

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Sand & Snow
Use this program in places where the
background is so bright that the subject appears
underexposed in the display — a sunny beach or
ski resort, for example. You may notice some
shudder when recording moving subjects.

E
SAND&SNOW

Low Light
LOW LIGHT

Using the Full
Range of Features

This program allows you to record in dimly lit
places. The shutter speed is fixed at a slow
speed. It is generally best used for close-ups of
slow or stationary subjects, as moving subjects
may leave a trailing after-image. However, you
can take advantage of this to create special
effects, by rapid zooming or by panning along
with a moving subject. Picture quality will not
be as good as in normal lighting conditions, and
autofocus may not work as well as usual.

Night
This program automatically adjusts the shutter
speed according to the brightness of the subject
even in dark places (night time, etc.) to shoot
subjects brightly in colour. It is useful for
shooting subjects in dark places where lighting
cannot be used and for shooting night scenes.
When you record in very dark places:
• Moving subjects may leave a trailing afterimage.
• Though subjects can be shot brightly, picture
quality may not be as good as in normal
lighting.
• White points may appear in the display.
• Autofocus may not work as well as usual (in
this case, adjust the focus manually).

NIGHT

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Using Digital Effects
Use the camcorder’s digital effects for more interesting productions.

E
• Faders:

Start or end scenes on a tape with a fade to or from black
( 57). Fade Trigger, Vertical Wipe, Horizontal Wipe,
Mosaic Fade*
• Effects:
Add flavour to your recordings ( 58).
Art, Black and White, Sepia, Mosaic
* Available in PLAY (VCR) mode only.
Availability of digital effects in CAMERA mode

Using the Full
Range of Features

MOVIE

PHOTO

Faders

Effects

h : Available

Q (Program AE)

[ (Easy Recording)

Recording
Program

MOVIE

PHOTO

i
h

i : Not available

Availability of digital effects in PLAY (VCR) playback modes
Playback

Reverse
Playback

Still picture
playback

Set only

(Press PLAY or
PAUSE to fade in)

(Press PAUSE
to fade out)

Effects

Forward/reverse
×2 playback

Faders

Slow forward/
reverse playback

Set only

h : Available

Notes:
• When you do not want to use digital effects, press the DIGITAL EFFECTS
button and select D.EFFECT | from the digital effects menu. Press the
DIGITAL EFFECTS button to close the menu.
• The camcorder remembers your chosen digital effect setting until you change it.
• Digital effects can be selected but not operated on a blank blue screen (appears
in PLAY (VCR) mode). The display continues to flash.
• Digital effects operated during PLAY (VCR) mode are not recorded onto the
original tape.
• Digital effects can be added to another tape when dubbing using the AV out
terminal (PLAY (VCR) mode), but not the DV out terminal.
• You cannot operate digital effects while photo/date searching.
• If you slide the program selector to [ (Easy Recording) while the digital effect
display is flashing, it will disappear from the display and reappear when you
return to Q (program AE) mode.
• The digital effect display will flash for 2 seconds after setting, even if
DISPLAYS is set to OFF in the menu.

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Faders
Fade Trigger (FADE-T)
When you start recording,
the scene gradually
fades in from a
black screen.
When you stop
recording, it gradually fades
out.

Horizontal Wipe (WIPE )
When you start recording, the picture
begins as a thin horizontal line in the
centre of the screen
which gradually
expands upwards
and downwards
until it fills the
whole screen.

When you end a
scene, the image is wiped
from both sides of the screen.

Using the Full
Range of Features

Wipe (WIPE )
When you start recording, the picture
begins as a thin vertical line in
the center of the
screen which
gradually expands
sideways until it
fills the whole
of the screen.

When you end
a scene, the image is wiped
from the top and bottom of
screen.

Mosaic Fade (M. FADE)*
Blurs the image by enlarging the size of some pixels. The image
appears as increasingly large squares of colour as it fades out, and
smaller squares when it fades in.

*Available during PLAY (VCR) mode only.

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Range of Features

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Effects

Sepia (SEPIA)
Makes a
monochrome
image with a
brownish tint.
Art (ART)
Adds a paintlike effect,
called
solarization, to
the image.

Mosaic
(MOSAIC)
Blurs the image
by enlarging the
size of some
Black and White pixels.
(BLK & WHT)
Makes the
image black and
white.

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Digital effects can be set with the controls on the body of the camcorder or the
wireless controller. Pressing the ▲/▼ buttons on the wireless controller
correspond to turning the selector dial up and down, and pressing the SET button
corresponds to pressing the selector dial in.

DIGITAL
EFFECTS

ON/OFF

SET

P
D.EFFECTS

ON/OFF

Operating faders

CAMERA

PLAY
(VCR)

Using the Full
Range of Features

Sound and image fade together.
When operating faders in CAMERA mode, make sure the program selector is set
to Q.

Select fader

1. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to open the digital effects
menu.
• D.EFFECT |, FADER and EFFECT appear.

2. Select FADER.
• FADE-T, WIPE , WIPE
PLAY (VCR) mode.

settings appear. M.FADE also appears in

3. Select the desired setting.
• You return to the digital effects menu.

4. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to close the menu.
• The name of your selected fader flashes in the display.
Fader on/off

5. Press the ON/OFF button.
• The name of your selection stops flashing.
• Each time you press the ON/OFF button, the chosen fader is activated
(display lights continuously) or deactivated (display flashes).

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6. If you’re in CAMERA mode:

Fade in- Press the start/stop button.
Fade out- Press the start/stop button.
If you’re in PLAY (VCR) mode:
Fade in- Press the e (play) button.
Fade out- Press the a (pause) button.

Operating effects

Using the Full
Range of Features

Sound records/plays back normally.
When operating effects in CAMERA mode, make sure the program selector is set
to Q.
CAMERA

PLAY
(VCR)

Select effect

1. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to open the digital effects
menu.
• D.EFFECT |, FADER and EFFECT appear.

2. Select EFFECT.
• ART, BLK&WHT, SEPIA, MOSAIC settings appear.

3. Select the desired setting.
• You return to the digital effects menu.

4. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to close the menu.
• The menu disappears and the name of your selected setting flashes in the
display.
Effect on/off

5. If you’re in PLAY (VCR) mode, press the e (play) button.
6. Press the ON/OFF button.
• The name of your selection stops flashing and takes effect on the display.
• Each time you press the ON/OFF button, the chosen effect is activated or
deactivated.

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Audio Recording
Selecting the audio mode
The comcorder can record sound in two audio modes — 16-bit and 12-bit. The
16-bit mode produces the higher sound quality (slightly superior to CD) while the
12-bit mode records on 2 channels (stereo 1), leaving 2 channels free (stereo 2)
for you to add new sound at a later date.
CAMERA

MV500i PLAY
(VCR)

VCR SET UP

(

AUDIO MODE••12bit

39)

To switch to the 16-bit mode, open the menu and select VCR SET UP.
Then select AUDIO MODE, set it to “16 bit” and close the menu.
• “16 bit” is shown in the display for approximately 4 seconds.
Using the Full
Range of Features

Notes:
• For details on adding new sound, see p. 88.
• For details of playing back a tape that has new sound on stereo 2, see p. 93.
For MV500i
• When you record to the MV500i from a camcorder with DV terminal outputs,
the audio mode becomes automatically set to 12 bit.
• In PLAY (VCR) mode, the audio mode takes effect when doing analog line-in
recording or AV insert. When you do DV in recording, the setting automatically
changes to that of the digital device connected to the camcorder.

External microphone

For greater creative control over audio recording, you can connect an external
microphone to the camcorder via the MIC terminal. When using the MIC terminal,
use a microphone with a built-in power supply (condenser microphone). It is
possible to connect almost any stereo microphone with a plug diameter of 3.5 mm
(1/8 in), however, their audio levels will be different from that of the built-in
microphone.

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Notes:
• When using an external microphone, use a microphone cable not longer than 3
meters to avoid electromagnetic inerference.
• Be careful when using long microphones as they may extend into the frame.

Wind screen
The camcorder has an automatic wind screen to prevent wind noise from
interfering with the sound track. Make sure it’s off when you want the
microphone to be as sensitive as possible. Use the wind screen when recording in
windy places such as the beach or near buildings.

Using the Full
Range of Features

CAMERA

PLAY
(VCR)

VCR SET UP

(

WIND SCREEN••OFF

39)

To turn it on, open the menu and select VCR SET UP. Then select
WIND SCREEN, set it to ON and close the menu.
• WS O is shown in the display when you turn the wind screen on.

Notes:
• The wind screen can be used for audio dubbing with the built-in microphone in
PLAY (VCR) mode as well as recording (when AUDIO DUB. is set to MIC. IN
in VCR SET UP submenu).
• The wind screen does not operate when an external microphone is connected to
the MIC terminal.

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Setting the Self-Timer
1

For stills

DATA
CODE

PH
OT
O

2, 3

For movies
POWER

START
/STOP PHOTO
SELF
TIMER MENU

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

This is useful when you want to include yourself in the picture when recording
movies or still photographs.
Using the Full
Range of Features

CAMERA

1. Press the
self-timer button on the body of the camcorder
or
the SELF TIMER button on the wireless controller.
• SELF-T appears in the display.
• To have the subject monitor recording, rotate the LCD panel 180° (

27).

For movies

2. Press the start/stop button.
• The camcorder starts to record after a 10-second countdown period (or after
2 seconds when you use the wireless controller). The time remaining counts
down in the display (e.g. “5 SEC”).
• SELF-T disappears from the display when recording begins.

3. Press the start/stop button to end recording.
For stills

2. Press a PHOTO button on the camcorder body or the wireless
controller.
• The camcorder automatically adjusts the focus 2 seconds before the
countdown is complete. The F mark flashes white then turns green after the
focus and exposure are set. If you are using the wireless controller, the F
mark starts flashing immediately after you press the PHOTO button.

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• The camcorder takes the picture for approximately 6 seconds.
• If you’re in CAMERA mode, the camcorder returns to record pause mode
after recording.

Using the Full
Range of Features

Notes:
• To cancel the self-timer before the countdown has begun, press the
SELF
TIMER button.
• To cancel the self-timer once the countdown has begun, press the
SELF
TIMER button.

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Ajusting AE Shift
By controlling the level of the automatic exposure (AE) function, you can lighten
or darken the image slightly. This allows you to compensate for backlit,
overexposed scenes.

AE SHIFT

CAMERA

1. Press the selector dial in and select any recording program other
than Spotlight, Sand & Snow or Night from the program menu.
2. Press the AE SHIFT button.
• eAE appears light blue.

Using the Full
Range of Features

Make sure the program selector is set to Q .

3. Turn the selector dial to choose your desired level.
• Levels are from –2 to +2, in 0.25 intervals (excluding –1.75 and +1.75).
• The higher the setting, the brighter the image.
Notes:
• You cannot adjust the exposure without the e mark before AE in the display.
Push the AE SHIFT button so that e appears before AE. Then you can adjust
the exposure manually.
• You cannot adjust the AE Shift when the camcorder is set to [ (Easy
Recording), the Spotlight, the Sand & Snow or Night recording program.

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Setting the Shutter Speed
Set the shutter speed manually to take stable shots of quickly moving subjects.

E
CAMERA

CAM.SET UP

(

SHUTTER•••••AUTO

39)

Using the Full
Range of Features

1. Make sure the camcorder is set to the Q (program AE) mode.
2. Press the selector dial in and choose AUTO from the program
menu.
3. Open the menu and select CAM.SET UP.
4. Select SHUTTER.
5. Press the selector dial in to select the desired shutter speed.
TAPE
AUTO

1/50
1/120
1/250
1/500
1/1000
1/2000
1/4000
1/8000

slower

faster

6. Close the menu.

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Guidelines for shooting using high shutter speeds
• When shooting with a shutter speed of 1/1000 or higher, do not shoot the sun
directly.

Recommended shutter speeds when shooting:

1/2000 or 1/4000
(or 1/8000 to freeze
the action even more
clearly)

• Moving cars or trains or other
rapidly moving vehicles such as
roller coasters

1/1000, 1/500 or
1/250

• People doing indoor sports such as
basketball

1/120

Notes:
• You are unable to set the shutter speed in any recording program other than
AUTO.
• The image may not appear smooth when a high shutter speed is set.
• The camcorder returns to the auto shutter setting when you slide the program
selector to [ (Easy Recording), or change the recording program.

Using the Full
Range of Features

• People doing outdoor sports such as
golf or tennis

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Adjusting Focus Manually
E

The camcorder can focus automatically. All you have to do is point it, and
whatever is in the centre of the display will usually be in sharp focus. If it does
not seem to be focusing well, it may be because the subject is not suitable for
autofocus.
You can use the manual focusing function for more control over focusing.

Focus lock

Using the Full
Range of Features

CAMERA

Press the FOCUS button to turn off
autofocus. The focus remains locked at
the point set by autofocus.
(eM.FOCUS appears in the display.)
You can now adjust the focus manually
with the selector dial. Press the FOCUS
button again when you want to return to
autofocus.
• If you zoom in on your subject after
turning off autofocus, it may not stay
in focus. It is generally best to adjust
the zoom first, and then the focus.

FOCUS

Manual focus
CAMERA

Use the selector dial to set the focus.
• Turn the selector dial downward to
move the focus farther away.
• Turn the selector dial upwards to
bring the focus nearer.

FOCUS

Notes:
• You cannot adjust the focus without the e mark before M.FOCUS in the
display. Push the FOCUS button so that e appears before M.FOCUS. Then you
can adjust the focus manually.
• The manual focus setting is cancelled if you select the [ (Easy Recording)
program.
• When you are using the [ (Easy Recording) program, autofocus cannot be
turned off.
• See “Troubleshooting” on p. 105 for a list of subjects which may not be suitable
for autofocus.

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Setting the White Balance
The camcorder’s auto white balance
system compensates for a wide range of
lighting conditions. Although slight
variations are unavoidable, colours will
appear natural in virtually every
situation.

Using the Full
Range of Features

In some cases, you will get better
results by setting the white balance
yourself, or using one of the two preset
modes:
T Indoor Mode
• Under halogen or studio/video
lighting
• Subject is of one dominant colour
• Close ups
U Outdoor mode
• In daylight, especially for closeups and where the subject is of
one dominant colour
CAMERA

CAM.SET UP

(

1.
2.
3.
4.

WHITE BAL.••AUTO

39)

Make sure the camcorder is set to the Q (program AE) mode.
Open the menu and select CAM.SET UP.
Select WHITE BAL.
a) For the indoor, outdoor or auto settings, press the selector dial in
to choose the setting.
• T/U appears in the display when you set the white balance to
indoor/outdoor mode.

b) To set the white balance yourself, point the camcorder at a white
object (such as a sheet of paper) and zoom in until it fills the
display. Then press the selector dial in to select SET W.
• Make sure to continue pointing the camcorder at the white object until
you have finished setting the white balance.
• The W display flashes then remains lit.
• Depending on the light source, the flashing may at times continue. The
result will remain better than with the auto setting and you can continue
recording.

5. Close the menu.

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Setting the white balance manually will probably work better
than auto white balance when shooting:
Subjects with one dominant colour, such as sky, sea or forest

Close-ups

Using the Full
Range of Features

In rapidly changing lighting conditions

In places lit by certain types of fluorescent or mercury vapour
lights

Notes:
• Turn the digital zoom off (if neccessary) to set a more accurate white balance.
• If you have set the white balance and lighting conditions change, reset the white
balance.
• Try to record with light from a single source. Correct white balance cannot be
obtained for two types of lighting at once.
• You cannot set the white balance or choose the indoor/outdoor mode when the
program selector is set to the [ (Easy Recording) program.
• The white balance returns to the AUTO setting when you slide the program
selector to [ (Easy Recording).
• When you turn the camcorder on, the white balance returns to AUTO. If you
then switch the white balance to SET, the camcorder will remember your last
setting.
• During normal outdoor shooting, setting to AUTO may provide better results.

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Displaying Date, Time and Camcorder Data (Data Code)
A data code, containing the date and time the recording was made and other
camcorder data (shutter speed and exposure settings) is automatically recorded on
a special data section of the tape.

DATA
CODE

MENU
POWER

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

During PLAY (VCR) mode, the data code can be displayed or hidden while the
camcorder is in play, slow or still mode.

Press the DATA CODE button. When using a cassette, press it while
the camcorder is in play, slow or still mode.

Using the Full
Range of Features

Camcorder data may be displayed as “– – –” during fast forward, rewind, reverse
playback, forward and reverse ×2 playback.

• Press it once to display, once more to hide it.

Selecting date/time
Select whether you want the date, the time, or both to show up on your data code
display.
PLAY
(VCR)

DISP.SET UP

(

D/TIME SEL.•DATE & TIME

39)

To change the date and time combination, open the menu and select
DISP.SET UP. Then select D/TIME SEL, set it to DATE, TIME or
DATE & TIME and close the menu.

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Setting the data code
You can also choose to display camcorder data (shutter speed and exposure
settings) in cassette data codes.
PLAY
(VCR)

DISP.SET UP

(

DATA CODE•••DATE/TIME

39)

To change, open the menu and select DISP.SET UP. Then select DATA
CODE, set it to DATE/TIME, CAMERA DATA or CAM. & D/T and
close the menu.
Possible data code combinations:
Using the Full
Range of Features

DATA CODE
D/TIME SEL.

Date
Time
Date & Time

Date/Time

Camera data

Date/Time &
Camera data

1.JAN.2002

F11
1/250

F11
1/250
1.JAN.2002

12:00:00 AM

F11
1/250

F11
1/250
12:00:00 AM

12:00 AM
1.JAN.2002

F11
1/250

F11
1/250
12:00 AM
1.JAN.2002

Notes:
• The data code will read “– – –” in the following situations:
– During playback of a blank section of tape.
– If the tape was recorded before entering the date and time in the camcorder’s
memory.
– If the tape was recorded on a camcorder without a data code function.
– If noise or tape damage prevents the data code from being read.
• If a recording made on MV500/MV500i is played back on a different DV
camcorder, the data code may not be displayed correctly.
• The data code will appear in the display even if DISPLAYS ( 111) has been
set to OFF through the menu.

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Six-second auto date
The 6-second auto date appears for 6 seconds to mark the changeover of a day if
the tape was being recorded at 12:00 midnight. It also appears for 6 seconds when
you start playback and have the data code turned off. The 6-second auto date will
adjust for any time zone changes you have indicated.

PLAY
(VCR)

DISP.SET UP

(

6SEC. DATE•••OFF

39)

To turn the 6-second auto date on, open the menu and select
DISP.SET UP. Then select 6SEC. DATE, set it to ON and close the
menu.
111) is turned off, the six-

Using the Full
Range of Features

Note:
• When 6SEC.DATE is turned on but DISPLAYS (
second auto date will still appear for 6 seconds.

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Searching the Tape (Photo Search/Date Search)
E
SEARCH
SELECT
POWER

CAMERA

OFF

ZERO SET
MEMORY REW

PLAY

AUDIO
DUB.

STOP

–/

PLAY(VCR)
PAUSE

SLOW

×2

Using the Full
Range of Features

This allows you to move quickly through still pictures recorded anywhere on a
tape (photo search) or between different days or areas of recording (date search)
on a tape.
PLAY
(VCR)

1. Press the SEARCH SELECT button to choose between photo/date
search.
• PHOTO SEARCH or DATE SEARCH is shown in the display for 4
seconds.

2. Press the - and + buttons to move backwards or forwards
through the still pictures or between different days of recording.
• Press once to move to the start of the previous/next still picture or day on
the tape.
• You can press more than once to move to the corresponding still picture or
day (up to a maximum of 10 times), e.g. press the + button 5 times to
move forward 5 still pictures or days.
• PHOTO SEARCH/DATE SEARCH appears in the middle of the display
alongside the - or + mark and number to search through. You can
change direction easily by pressing the button for the opposite direction.
Notes:
• Press 3 (stop) to stop mid-search.
• If you begin a search very close to the start of a recorded still picture during
photo search, the camcorder may skip straight past it.
• When you have set the area for the World Clock, date search also looks for the
change in date based on the adjusted time.
• A date/area cannot be identified if the total recording time on that day/area was
less than 1 minute.
• Date search playback may start just before or after the beginning of the located
section.
• If the data code is not displayed correctly you will not be able to operate the
date search correctly.

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Returning to a Pre-Marked Position
E
SEARCH
SELECT
POWER

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

ZERO SET
MEMORY REW

PLAY

AUDIO
DUB.

STOP

–/
PAUSE

SLOW

×2

Use the wireless controller to mark a point on a tape that you want to return to
following playback.
CAMERA

PLAY
(VCR)

• The time code is replaced by a tape counter that is set to zero with the Â
indication.
• Press the ZERO SET MEMORY button once more to cancel the zero set
memory.

Using the Full
Range of Features

1. Press the ZERO SET MEMORY button on the wireless controller
during playback at a point you want to return to later.

2. When you have finished playback, fast forward or rewind the tape.
The tape stops automatically when it reaches the zero set position.
• RTN1 or `RTN appears in the display.
• The tape counter with Â indication disappears from the display and the time
code reappears.
Notes:
• The zero set memory may not function correctly where there is a break between
recordings on the tape.
• You can also use zero set memory to mark a position on a tape in CAMERA
mode. When you then play back the tape, pressing rewind will take you back to
the pre-marked position.
• If you remove the tape while the zero set memory is set, the memory is
cancelled and the tape counter reverts to time code.
• The camcorder remembers your setting even if you turn it off and back on again
or move the program selector.

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Editing to a VCR
By connecting the camcorder to a VCR, you can edit your recordings in order to
remove unwanted scenes — or combine different shots to create your own video
productions.

Preparations
1. Connect the camcorder to the VCR.
• See “Connections for Playback on a TV Screen” on p. 32.

2. Prepare the TV and VCR.
• Turn on the TV and set the TV/VIDEO selector to VIDEO.
• Turn on the VCR, and set its input selector to LINE. Load a blank cassette,
and put the VCR in record pause mode.
• See your TV and VCR instruction manuals for details.

3. Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to PLAY (VCR).
• Make sure the AV/headphone terminal is set to AV through the menu (
If PHONES appears in the display, switch the terminal.

32).

4. Load your recorded cassette.

Editing

Editing
1. Find a point on your recorded cassette slightly before the section
you want to copy.
2. Start to play it back while you monitor the picture on the TV.
3. Start recording on the VCR as soon as the section you want to copy
appears on the screen.
4. Pause the VCR at the end of the section you want to copy, then stop
playback on the camcorder.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 until your edited recording is complete.
Note:
• The quality of the edited tape will be slightly lower than that of the original.

m (LANC) terminal
The m terminal allows you to connect the
camcorder to equipment. Some buttons on
editing equipment may operate differently
from those on the camcorder.

Notes:
• m (LANC) is a trademark. It stands for Local Application Control Bus System.
• We cannot guarantee the results when connecting to equipment not bearing the
LANC m symbol.

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Dubbing with Digital Video Equipment

MV500

Digital video equipment fitted with the DV terminal lets you edit, copy and
transfer data digitally, with virtually no generation loss in image and sound
quality.

: Signal flow

Side with arrow

Preparations
1. Connect the camcorder and the other digital device.
• Connect the Canon CV-150F DV cable (optional) with the side of the
plug marked with the arrow facing as shown above.

2. Prepare the other device.
• Load a blank cassette, and put the other device in record pause mode.
• See its instruction manual for details.
Editing

3. Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to PLAY (VCR).
4. Load a recorded cassette.
Dubbing
1. Find a point on your recorded cassette slightly before the
section you want to dub.
2. Press the camcorder’s play button.
• Playback starts.

3. Start recording on the other device as the section you want to
copy appears on the screen.
4. When you get to the point where you want to stop dubbing,
press the stop button or the pause button.
• Playback stops.
Note:
• Blanks between recordings on the playback tape are recorded as anomalous
images on the tape that is being recorded to.

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MV500i

The MV500i is equipped with the DV Recording function.
Digital video equipment fitted with the DV terminal lets you edit, copy and
transfer data digitally, with virtually no generation loss in image and sound
quality. The DV terminal is for both line-in and line-out, since a single DV
cable can handle data in both directions.
• If a digital VCR is connected and an anomalous signal is sent from the
VCR, the images recorded on the tape may also be anomalous (although it
may not appear so on the TV image), or not recorded at all.
• You are unable to dub tapes recorded with the copyright protective signal.
: Signal flow
REC
SEARCH

REC
SEARCH

FOCUS

AE SHIFT
REC SEARCH
PAUSE SELECT
ZERO SET
MEMORY REW

PLAY

AUDIO
DUB.

STOP

–/

AV
INSERT PAUSE

×2

Side with arrow

Editing

Side with arrow

SLOW

Preparations
Example dubbing to the camcorder

1. Connect the camcorder and the other digital device.
• Connect the Canon CV-150F DV cable (optional) with the sides of the
plugs marked with the arrows facing as shown above.

2. Prepare the other device.
• Turn on the power and load a recorded cassette.

3. Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to PLAY (VCR).
• DV IN appears in the display.

4. Load a blank cassette.

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Dubbing
1. Find a point on your recorded cassette slightly before the
section you want to copy and set it to playback pause mode.
2. Press the REC PAUSE button on the wireless controller.
• The camcorder enters record pause mode.

3. Start playback on the other digital device while you monitor the
picture.
4. Press the pause button.
• Recording starts.

5. When you get to the point where you want to stop recording,
press the stop button or the pause button.
• Recording stops.

6. Stop playback on the other device.
Notes:
• Blanks between recordings on the playback tape are recorded as anomalous
images on the tape that is being recorded to.
• When dubbing to a cassette with digital video equipment, be sure to set
AV\DV OUT to OFF in the menu.
Editing

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Concerning copyrighting

Copyright precaution
Certain pre-recorded video tapes, films and other materials, as well as some
television programmes are copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of these materials
may violate copyright protection laws.

Copyright signals
When playing back:
If you try to play back a tape that contains copyright control signals for the
protection of software, “COPYRIGHT PROTECTED PLAYBACK IS
RESTRICTED” appears in the display for a few seconds and then the camcorder
displays a blank blue screen; you cannot view the contents of the tape.

Editing

When recording:
If you try to record from software that contains copyright control signals for the
protection of software, “COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DUBBING RESTRICTED”
appears in the display; you cannot record the contents of the software.
You cannot record copyright protection signals to a tape using this camcorder.

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Recording from a VCR, TV or Analog CamcorderAnalog Line-in (MV500i only)
E

You can record a video played on your VCR or analog camcorder (for digital
camcorders, see p. 78) or a TV program onto a tape in the MV500i, if the TV or
other device has audio/video outputs.
• If an anomalous signal is sent from the TV or VCR, the images recorded on the
tape may also be anomalous (although it may not appear so on the TV image),
not recorded at all, or COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DUBBING RESTRICTED
may appear in the display.
• You are unable to dub tapes recorded with the copyright protective signal.
• For higher picture quality, we recommend using the optional S-150 S-video
cable when doing analog line-in recording.
REC
SEARCH

REC
SEARCH

REC SEARCH
PAUSE SELECT

FOCUS

AE SHIFT

ZERO SET
MEMORY REW

PLAY

AUDIO
DUB.

STOP

–/

AV
INSERT PAUSE

: Signal flow

SLOW

OUTPUT

S-150 S-video Cable (optional)

S(S1)-VIDEO

VIDEO

AUDIO

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable
R

You cannot use headphones while doing analog line-in recording. If you have the
AV/headphones terminal set to headphones, it will automatically switch to AV for
analog line-in recording. PHONES disappears from the display.

Editing

MIC

Preparations
Example recording from a VCR

1. Connect the camcorder to the VCR.
2. Prepare the device.
• Set the TV/Video selector on the television to Video. For further details, see
“Connections for Playback on a TV Screen” on p. 32.
• Turn on the VCR. Load your recorded cassette, and put the VCR in playback
pause mode.
• See your TV and VCR instruction manuals for details.

3. Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to to PLAY(VCR).
4. Load a blank cassette.

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Dubbing

1. Find a point on your recorded cassette slightly before the section
you want to copy and set it to playback pause mode.
2. Press the REC PAUSE button on the wireless controller.
• S-video and AV IN/OUT terminals work as input terminals.
• The camcorder enters record pause mode.

3. Start playback on the other device or turn on the TV to see the
desired program while you monitor the picture.
4. Press the pause button.
• Recording starts.

5. When you get to the point where you want to stop recording, press
the stop button or the pause button.
• Recording stops.

6. Stop playback on the other device.

Editing

Note:
• You can monitor the picture in the viewfinder or LCD.

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Digitally Outputting Analog Video and Audio
Signals — Analog-Digital Converter (MV500i only)
E

Connecting the camcorder to your VCR or 8 mm video camcorder allows
conversion of recorded analog video and audio signals to digital signals in an
instant. The digital signals can be output to the other equipment with a DV
terminal. The camcorder’s DV terminal works exclusively as an output terminal.
• There may be cases where analog-digital converter cannot be done properly,
depending on the signals output from the connected equipment.
For example: Signals that include the copyright protective signal, or anomalous
signals such as ones that include ghost signals, etc.
• You cannot use your headphones during digital conversion. Even if the
AV/headphone terminal is set to “PHONES” through the menu, it will
automatically be set to “AV”, and “PHONES” will disappear from the display.
• You are recommended to use power from a household mains outlet with the
power adapter.
• Do not operate with a cassette inserted to the camcorder.
• Turn off the power of all equipment before performing connections.
• Refer also to the instruction manuals of the other equipment connected.
: Signal flow
OUTPUT

S-150 S-video Cable (optional)

S(S1)-VIDEO

VIDEO

AUDIO
L
R

MIC

Side with
arrow

Editing

STV-250N
Stereo Video Cable

Side with arrow

CV-150F DV Cable (optional)

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Turning the analog-digital converter on

PLAY
(VCR)

VCR SET UP

(

DV OUT•••OFF

39)

To turn the analog-digital converter on, open the menu and select
VCR SET UP. Then select AV \ DV OUT, set it to ON and close the
menu.

Editing

Caution:
• For normal use, set AV \ DV OUT to OFF through the menu. If it is set to
ON, you cannot input digital signals through the camcorder’s DV terminal.
• If you attempt to perform analog-digital conversion with a cassette inserted to
the camcorder, the converted signals may not be output to the connected digital
video equipment.
• When connecting to a PC equipped with a DV terminal, you may not be able to
transfer converted signals to your PC, depending on the software you are using,
and the specifications of your PC and its settings.

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Recording Over Existing Scenes — AV Insert Editing (MV500i only)
You can insert new scenes from your VCR or other camcorder onto your prerecorded tape using the MV500i’s analog line-in or DV in terminals. Original
video and audio will be replaced with the new video and audio.

Scene to be inserted

The playback tape

Insert start point

Insert end point

Before inserting
The tape in the
camcorder

After inserting
The tape in the
camcorder

The video and audio of the new scene replace that of the old.
S

: Signal flow

Editing

OUTPUT

S-150 S-video Cable (optional)

S(S1)-VIDEO

VIDEO

AUDIO

STV-250N Stereo Video Cable

L
R

MIC

Make sure the AV/headphone terminal is set to AV through the menu (
If PHONES appears in the display, switch the terminal.

32).

REC SEARCH
PAUSE SELECT
ZERO SET
MEMORY REW

PLAY

AUDIO
DUB.

STOP

–/

AV
INSERT PAUSE

Side with arrow

SLOW

×2

Side with arrow

CV-150F DV Cable (optional)

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Preparations

The tape in the MV500i:
When using the MV500i’s AV insert function, only record to tapes recorded in SP
mode.
If there are non-recorded portions or portions recorded in LP mode on the tape,
recording will stop.

The playback tape:
Use only tapes without non-recorded portions.
If there are non-recorded portions or changes in the recording mode, you may not
be able to insert AV correctly.
You cannot insert AV in the following cases:
• The playback tape has been poorly recorded.
• During special playback: fast forward playback, rewind playback or slow
playback etc. (analog only).

TV:

Editing

You cannot insert AV from a TV program with anomalous synchronized signals,
such as when the program itself received poor signals.
Example recording from a VCR

1. Connect the camcorder to the VCR.
2. Prepare the VCR and TV.
• Set the TV/Video selector on the televison to Video. For further details, see
“Connections for Playback on a TV Screen” on p. 32.
• Turn on the VCR and load a recorded cassette.
• See TV and VCR instruction manuals for details.

3. Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to PLAY (VCR) and load a
recorded cassette.
• Make sure the REC/SAVE tab on the cassette has been slid to REC (closed
position).

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Editing

1. On the VCR, locate a point 3 seconds before the scene to be
inserted. Set the VCR to playback pause mode.
2. On the camcorder, press PLAY and locate the recording start
point. Set the camcorder to playback pause mode.
• You can use the playback buttons on the body of the camcorder or the
special playback functions on the wireless controller in the same way as in
playback mode.

3. Press the AV INSERT button.
• AV INSERT and 2a appear in the display.

4. Play back the cassette in the VCR.
5. To start inserting, press the PAUSE button on the camcorder.
• 2a changes to 2.

6. To stop inserting, press the STOP button on the camcorder.
• Inserting stops and AV INSERT disappears from the display. The camcorder
returns to stop mode.
• If instead of pressing STOP you press PAUSE, the camcorder returns to the
AV insert pause mode.
• If you set the zero set memory at the position on the tape where you want to
stop inserting, every time you return to that point, the camcorder will cancel
its AV inserting and enter stop mode.
Editing

7. Stop playback on the VCR.

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Audio Dubbing
- For MV500 (For MV500i,

90).

You can add sound to the original sound on a pre-recorded tape recorded in the
SP mode with 12-bit sound. Use the internal or an external microphone. The
original sound will not be erased.
For best results, add sound to tapes that have been recorded with this camcorder
in SP mode with 12-bit sound. If there are non-recorded portions on the tape, or
portions recorded in a mode other than SP mode, or with 16-bit or 12-bit, 4channel sound, dubbing will stop. You cannot dub audio onto a tape recorded with
12-bit and 16-bit sound intermingled.

Editing

To connect an external microphone:

Notes:
• When you add sound using the built-in microphone make sure not to connect
any cables to the MIC terminal.
• To use your TV to monitor video, connect the S-video terminal ( 34) or the
AV terminal (use only the video plug) to your TV. You can monitor the sound
with headphones only when using the S-video terminal ( 32).

Preparations
Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to PLAY (VCR) and load a recorded
cassette.
• Make sure the REC/SAVE tab on the cassette has been slid to REC (closed
position).

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Dubbing

E
SEARCH
SELECT

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

ZERO SET
MEMORY REW

PLAY

AUDIO
DUB.

STOP

–/
PAUSE

SLOW

×2

Do not connect/disconnect any cables to/from the camcorder when dubbing audio
or preparing to dub audio.
PLAY
(VCR)

1. Locate the point where you want to start audio dubbing, then press
the PAUSE button.
• You can use the playback buttons on the body of the camcorder or the
special playback functions on the wireless controller in the same way as in
playback mode.
• The camcorder becomes set to playback pause mode.

2. Press AUDIO DUB.
• AUDIO DUB. and

appear on the display.

• Audio dubbing starts.
• Direct your voice into the microphone.
•
changes to .

Editing

3. Press the PAUSE button.

4. When you get to the point where you want to stop dubbing, press
the STOP button.
• Audio dubbing stops and AUDIO DUB. disappears from the display.
• The camcorder returns to stop mode.
• You can also set zero set memory ( 75) at the place you want to stop
audio dubbing, then every time you return to that position, audio dubbing
will cancel.
• If instead of pressing STOP you press PAUSE, the camcorder will return to
the playback pause mode.
Notes:
• You can not use the DV terminal while adding sound.
• You might want to adjust the audio mix ( 93) when playing back a tape with
added sound.
• There may be a loss of sound quality if you add sound to a tape recorded on a
camcorder other than the MV500.
• After adding sound 3 or more times to the same place on a tape, there may be
some loss in sound quality.

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- For MV500i (For MV500,
88).
You can add sound to the original sound on a pre-recorded tape from audio
products (AUDIO IN) or with the internal or external microphone (MIC. IN). The
original sound will not be erased. For best results, add sound to tapes that have
been recorded with this camcorder in SP mode with 12-bit sound. If there are
non-recorded portions on the tape, or portions recorded in a mode other than SP
mode, or with 16-bit or 12-bit, 4-channel sound, dubbing will stop. If your tape
hasn’t been recorded in SP mode with 12-bit sound, we recommend dubbing your
original tape onto a blank tape using the MV500i’s analog line-in function, then
dubbing audio onto the new tape. Make absolutely sure to set the audio mode of
the new tape to 12-bit and the recording mode to SP.

To connect other audio equipment:
: Signal flow
OUTPUT

STV-250N
Stereo Video Cable

AUDIO
L
R

An audio device
(i. e. CD player)

MIC

Editing

Make sure the AV/headphone terminal is set to AV through the menu (
If PHONES appears in the display, switch the terminal.

Notes:
• Do not use the yellow video terminal.
• The AV terminal doesn’t put out any video, so connect the S-video terminals
and check your TV, or check the LCD or the viewfinder as you add new sound.
Always check the new sound with the speaker.
To connect an external microphone:

32).

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Preparations
Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to PLAY (VCR) and load a recorded
cassette.
• Make sure the REC/SAVE tab on the cassette has been slid to REC (closed
position).

Dubbing

REC SEARCH
PAUSE SELECT

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

PLAY(VCR)

ZERO SET
MEMORY REW

PLAY

AUDIO
DUB.

STOP

–/

AV
INSERT PAUSE

SLOW

×2

Editing

Do not connect/disconnect any cables to/from the camcorder when dubbing audio
or preparing to dub audio.
PLAY
(VCR)

VCR SET UP

(

AUDIO DUB.••AUDIO IN

39)

1. Open the menu and select VCR SET UP.
2. Select AUDIO DUB.
3. Select AUDIO IN or MIC. IN and close the menu.

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4. Locate the point where you want to start audio dubbing, then press
the PAUSE button.

• You can use the playback buttons on the body of the camcorder or the special
playback functions on the wireless controller in the same way as in playback
mode.
• The camcorder becomes set to playback pause mode.

5. Press the AUDIO DUB. button.
• AUDIO DUB. and

appear on the display.

6. Press the PAUSE button (and start play on the other audio device
if AUDIO IN).
• Audio dubbing starts.
• Direct your voice into the microphone.
•
changes to .

Editing

7. When you get to the point where you want to stop dubbing, press
the STOP button (and then stop play on the other audio device if
AUDIO IN).

• Audio dubbing stops and AUDIO DUB. disappears from the display.
• The camcorder returns to stop mode.
• You can also set zero set memory ( 75) at the place you want to stop
audio dubbing, then every time you return to that position, audio dubbing
will cancel.
• If instead of pressing STOP you press PAUSE, the camcorder will return to
the playback pause mode.
Notes:
• You cannot use the DV terminal while adding sound.
• You might want to adjust the audio mix ( 93) when playing back a tape with
added sound.
• There may be a loss of sound quality if you add sound to a tape recorded on a
camcorder other than the MV500i.
• After adding sound 3 or more times to the same place on a tape, there may be
some loss in sound quality.

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Setting the Audio Mix
E
POWER

CAMERA

OFF

MIX
AUDIO BALANCE
MONITOR ST-1
ST-2

PLAY(VCR)

When you play back a tape that was recorded in 12-bit mode, you can set the
audio output to play: stereo 1 (the original sound), stereo 2 (any new sound,
dubbed to the tape after recording), or mix the balance between the two.
• Audio from the 16-bit mode only contains stereo 1 sound and so you cannot/do
not need to select the audio mix. The same is true for the 12-bit stereo 1 mode,
unless new sound has been added post-recording.
PLAY
(VCR)

1. Choose the output.

Editing

• Press AUDIO MONITOR on the wireless controller.
• Starting with the last selected setting, 4 settings appear as you push the
button:
– STEREO1 for just stereo 1.
– STEREO2 for just stereo 2.
– MIX/FIXED for an equal mix of stereo 1 and 2.
– MIX/VARI. (mix variable) for when you want to mix the balance between
stereo 1 and 2.
• To simply choose STEREO1, STEREO2 or MIX/FIXED, make sure your
choice appears on the display.
• If you choose MIX/VARI., you can go on to mix the balance.
• Use the ST-1/ST-2 keys to mix the balance. A bar showing the mix appears
on the screen for 4 seconds.
Note:
• When you have chosen the output, STEREO1, STEREO2, MIX/FIXED or
MIX/VARI. is shown in the top left of the display for a few seconds. If you turn
the power off the output is set to STEREO1.

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Selecting audio output channels

When you play back a tape whose audio has been recorded on multiple channels,
you can change the output channels of that sound.
PLAY
(VCR)

VCR SET UP

(

OUTPUT CH•••L/R

39)

1. Load a tape recorded with multiple-channel audio.
2. Open the menu and select VCR SET UP. Then select OUTPUT CH,
set it to the desired setting and close the menu.
• Refer to the following list.

Editing

OUTPUT CH setting

Played back sound
Tape recorded with
stereo sound

Tape recorded on
multiple channels

L/R

L+R channels

main + sub

L/L

L channel only

main only

R/R

R channel only

sub only

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Connecting to a PC Using a DV Cable
By using a DV cable and connecting the camcorder to a PC equipped with a DV
terminal conforming to IEEE 1394/DV compatible capture board, you can transfer
images taken with the camcorder to your PC.
• While connected, it is recommended that you power your camcorder from a
household power socket using the power adapter.
• Turn off the power of both the camcorder and the PC before connecting.
• Optional software necessary.

CV-150F or CV-250F (optional)

Notes:
• Operation may not work correctly, depending on the software you are using,
and the specifications of your PC and its settings.
• See your PC instruction manual for details.
Editing

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Preparing the Camcorder
E

Adjust the viewfinder
• Set the camcorder to CAMERA mode.
Extend the viewfinder straight out, then
adjust the viewfinder focusing lever to
suit your eyesight.
• Rotate the viewfinder to an angle that
allows you to view comfortably. Store
the camcorder with the viewfinder flush
with the body of the camcorder.
• To view with the viewfinder, make sure
the LCD panel is either turned so that the
subject can monitor viewing, or totally
closed with the screen facing inwards.
• Be careful not to leave the viewfinder exposed to bright sunlight, or it will
melt. (The light is concentrated by the viewfinder lens.) Adjust the angle of the
viewfinder to prevent sunlight from entering.

Prepare the lens cap

Additional
Information

• Attach the cord to the lens cap, and
pass the grip belt through the loop on
the cord.
• Hook the lens cap on to the grip belt
while you are recording, and place it
over the lens when you have finished.

Fasten the grip belt
• Release the Velcro fastening and hold
the camcorder with your right hand
while you adjust the belt with your left.
Your index finger should reach the
zoom control and photo button, and
your thumb should reach the start/stop
button comfortably.

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Attach the shoulder strap
• For extra security and portability, attach
the shoulder strap before using the
camcorder.
• Pass the ends through the attachment
bars and adjust the length as shown.

Page 97

Additional
Information

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Notes on Using the Batteries
E

Charging and recording times
• These times vary — the safest policy is always to have 2 or 3 times as many
battery packs as you think you will need.
• You will get more recording time if you turn the camcorder off between shots,
instead of leaving it in record pause mode.
Time needed for
full recharge
BP-508
BP-512 (optional)
BP-511 (optional)
BP-522 (optional)
BP-535 (optional)

1 hr.
1 hr. 20 min.
1 hr. 20 min.
2 hr. 15 min.
3 hr. 15 min.

Maximum recording time
Using viewfinder Using LCD screen
1 hr. 35 min.
1 hr. 15 min.
2 hr. 55 min.
2 hr. 20 min.
2 hr. 55 min.
2 hr. 20 min.
6 hr. 10 min.
4 hr. 55 min.
9 hr. 50 min.
7 hr. 50 min.

• You can use the battery pack between 0° and 40°C (32° to 104°F), but it works
best between 10° and 30°C (50° to 86°F). Operating time will be shorter than
usual at low temperatures like a ski ground. For better operating results, the
battery pack can be warmed in your pocket or someplace and then used.
• If the battery pack starts to give you much less operating time than usual (at
normal temperatures), it has reached the end of its life and must be replaced.

Additional
Information

Note:
• These figures show how long you can view playback with the LCD, after
attaching a fully-charged battery pack. Playback time will be shortened at low
temperatures.

BP-508
BP-512 (optional)
BP-511 (optional)
BP-522 (optional)
BP-535 (optional)

Playback time (using the LCD screen)
1 hr. 20 min.
2 hr. 30 min.
2 hr. 30 min.
5 hr. 20 min.
8 hr. 30 min.

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How much power is left?

The indicator in the display shows you
approximately how much charge the battery
pack has left:

↓
↓

Notes:
• When the power is completely exhausted,
“CHANGE THE BATTERY PACK” appears
in the display for 4 seconds and the empty
battery mark starts to flash. The power
indicator light also flashes.
• The indicator is not constant — different
levels will be shown when you subject the
battery pack and camcorder to different
conditions.

↓
↓

100%
75%
50%
25%

CHANGE THE BATTERY PACK

When to recharge
You can recharge a lithium ion battery pack whenever it is convenient. Unlike a
conventional battery pack, it does not have to be fully discharged first. However,
as the battery pack will naturally discharge itself over time, it is best to charge it
the same day you plan to use it, or the day before.

Taking care of the battery pack

Additional
Information

Always attach the terminal cover.
• Do not allow any metal objects to
touch the terminals, as this can cause
a short circuit and damage the battery
pack. Attach the terminal cover
whenever the battery pack is not
being used.

Keep the terminals clean.
• The camcorder, adapter or battery pack will not work properly if the terminals
are dirty. Attach the terminal cover whenever the battery pack is not being used.
Storing the battery pack.
• If you do not use a battery pack for a period of more than a few months any
remaining charge may cause damage to the battery pack, and reduce usage time.
To prevent damage therefore, aim to use a battery pack’s complete charge
before storage. See the optional battery pack’s instructions for further details.

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Installing the backup battery
Open the backup battery cover on the battery
attachment unit, and insert the CR2025 lithium
battery with the + side facing outwards. Click the
cover back into place.
This backup battery allows the camcorder to
remember the date and time and other settings
when main power source is removed. It has a life
span of about a year.
When it needs replacing (or if it has not been
installed), the y mark flashes in the display.
Remove the old battery by pushing up then
releasing and lifting out. Make sure to attach a power source to the camcorder
first, so it will remember your chosen settings when you change the battery.

DANGER!
Treat the battery pack with care.
• Keep it away from fire (or it might explode).
• Do not expose the battery pack to temperatures greater than 60°C (140°F).
Do not leave it near a heater, or inside a car in hot weather, for example.
• Do not try to disassemble or modify it.
• Do not drop or knock it.
• Do not get it wet.

Additional
Information

WARNING!
• The battery used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if
mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 100°C (212°F) or
incinerate.
• Replace the battery with a Sony, Hitachi Maxell, Sanyo or Panasonic CR2025,
or Duracell DL2025. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or
explosion.
• The used battery should be returned to the supplier for safe disposal.
Cautions:
• Do not pick up the battery using tweezers or other metal tools — this will cause
a short circuit.
• Wipe the battery with a clean, dry cloth to ensure proper contact.
• Keep the battery pack out of reach of children — if it is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately, as the battery case may break down and the battery
fluids damage the stomach and intestines.
• Do not disassemble, heat or immerse the battery in water, to avoid the risk of
explosion.

100

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Maintenance
Cautions
Avoid high temperatures and high humidity.
• Do not leave the camcorder inside a car in hot weather, for example.
• Be careful of heat radiating from video lighting equipment.
• Do not take the camcorder into a humid room.

Avoid sudden changes in temperature.
• If you take the camcorder from a cold place to a warm place, condensation may
form on the lens and internal parts ( 104).
Do not point the lens or viewfinder at strong light sources.
• Never point it at the sun, and do not leave it aimed at a bright subject.
• Be especially careful when leaving the camcorder on a tripod.
Avoid magnetic or electric fields.
• Do not use the camcorder close to TV transmitters, portable communication
devices or other sources of electric or magnetic radiation. They may cause
picture interference, or permanently damage the camcorder.
Do not expose the camcorder to water.
• Cover the camcorder when you are recording in rain or mist.
• There is a risk of electric shock if water gets inside the camcorder — contact
qualified service personnel as soon as possible.
Protect the lens.
• Sand and dust can damage the lens — be especially careful on windy days.

Do not disassemble the camcorder.
• This is very dangerous as there is a risk of electric shock — if the camcorder
does not function properly, take it to qualified service personnel.

Additional
Information

Handle the camcorder gently.
• Vibration or shock can cause damage.
• Do not use the viewfinder or LCD panel as a carrying handle.

101

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Storage
If you do not intend to use the camcorder for some time, store it in an area which
is free of dust and moisture, and where the temperature is no higher than 30°C
(86°F). After storage, check each part and function of your camcorder to make
sure everything is still working properly.
Note:
• These cautions also apply to accessories such as battery packs and cassettes.

Maintenance
Viewfinder
• Clean the viewfinder screen. Rotate the
viewfinder upwards. Remove the
viewfinder protect cover and clean by
inserting a cotton bud. When finished,
return it flush with the camcorder.
• The viewfinder screen scratches easily.
Take care when cleaning.

Additional
Information

LCD
• Clean the LCD screen using a
commercially available cleaning cloth for
glasses.
• Where there is a big change in
temperature, moisture may form on the surface of the screen. Wipe clean with a
soft, dry cloth.
• At low temperatures the display may appear to be much darker than usual. This
is not a fault, and as the screen warms up the display will return to normal.

102

Camcorder body and lens
• Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the camcorder body or lens. Never use chemically
treated cloth or volatile solvents such as paint thinner.

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Page 103

Video heads
• When mosaic-like noise appears on the playback picture,
the video heads may be dirty. When the video heads are
badly contaminated, the camcorder may show a blank blue
screen or a warning.
• For the best picture possible, after using the camcorder for
approximately 20 hours, clean the video heads using Canon’s DVM-CL Digital
Video Head Cleaning Cassette. If the “noise” remains, repeat the cleaning (up
to maximum of 5 times).
• Do not use a wet-type cleaning cassette, as this can cause damage.

Using the camcorder abroad
Power sources
• You can use the compact power adapter to operate your camcorder and charge
battery packs in any country where the electricity supply is between 100 and
240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Contact your Canon dealer for information about plug
adapters for overseas use.
TV playback
• Although you can always play back your recordings on the LCD screen, your
camcorder can only be connected to TVs which use its PAL system. This TV
system is used in the following countries:
Algeria, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brunei, China, Denmark,
Finland, Germany, HongKong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jordan,
Kenya, Kuwait, Liberia, Malaysia, Malta, Mozambique, the Netherlands, New
Zealand, North Korea, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Portugal, Qatar, Sierra Leone,
Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland,
Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom,
Yemen, former Yugoslavia, Zambia.
Additional
Information

103

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Condensation
Condensation may form on the camcorder when it is moved from a cold place to a
warm place. Using the camcorder while condensation is present can damage both
the tape and the camcorder.
Condensation may become a problem:

When you take the camcorder from a cold
place to a warm room

When a cold room is heated rapidly

When the camcorder is left in a humid
room

When the camcorder is taken from an airconditioned room to a warm, humid place

Additional
Information

Protecting the camcorder from condensation
• Before you take the camcorder to a warm or humid place where condensation is
likely to be a problem, unload the cassette and put the camcorder in a plastic
bag. Wait until the camcorder reaches room temperature before you take it out
of the bag.
What happens when condensation is detected
• “CONDENSATION HAS BEEN DETECTED” is displayed for approximately
four seconds. Then, the power indicator flashes and the h mark flashes in the
display. If there is a cassette in the camcorder, it stops automatically and
“REMOVE THE CASSETTE” is displayed for approximately 4 seconds and
then v flashes in the display. If you have the beep turned on, it will sound.
• The camcorder may not detect the condensation immediately — the
condensation warning may not start flashing for 10 to 15 minutes.
• You cannot load a cassette when condensation is detected.
What you should do
• Remove the cassette, leave the cassette compartment open, and turn the
camcorder off.
• Leave it in a dry place until the condensation evaporates. After the condensation
warning stops flashing, wait at least another hour before trying to use the
camcorder.

104

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Troubleshooting
Refer to this checklist first if you have any problems with your camcorder.
Possible explanations are given for each problem on the list — turn to the page
numbers in parentheses for more information.

Make sure that the camcorder is properly connected if you are using it with a TV
or VCR. Consult your dealer or service outlet if problems persist.

Recording/Playback
Cause and/or what to do about it

? Nothing happens when I press the
buttons.

• The camcorder is not set to the
appropriate mode (
18, 28).
• The cassette is not loaded or is set for
erasure prevention (
16-17).
• The cassette has reached the end.
• The power source is not properly
connected, or the battery pack is
exhausted or not properly attached
(
11-15, 99).
• The function cannot be used in that
recording program (
52).

? The camcorder turned itself off.

• The camcorder was in record pause
mode for more than about 5 minutes
(
18, 114).
• The battery pack is exhausted
(
12-15, 99).

? The cassette compartment stopped
mid-operation while
loading/unloading a cassette.

• The battery pack’s power is
exhausted. Recharge or change to a
new battery pack (
12-15).

? The start/stop button doesn’t
work.

• The cassette is not loaded or is set for
erasure prevention (
16-17).
• The cassette has reached the end.

? There’s no picture in the display.

• The camcorder is not set to the
appropriate mode (
18, 28).

? There’s a blank blue screen in the
display.

• You are attempting to play back or
record copyright protected material
(
80).
• The video heads are badly
contaminated (
103).

Additional
Information

Problem

105

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? The camcorder won’t focus.

Page 106

• The camcorder is on manual focus
(
68).
• The viewfinder lens needs adjusting
(
96).
• The lens is dirty (
102).

Note:
• Some subjects are not suitable for autofocus. In these situations, you will often
get better results using manual focus ( 68). Focus on something which is
about the same distance away, lock the focus, and then point the camcorder at
your original, hard-to-focus subject.

Horizontal stripes

Many subjects at
different distances

Behind glass

Without much
contrast (e.g. a
white wall)

Reflective surfaces
(e.g. shiny car
surfaces)

Fast moving
objects

Dark subjects

Night scenes

Additional
Information

Recording/Playback (Cont.)

106

Problem

Cause and/or what to do about it

? Some/all of the digital effects don’t
work.

• There are a number of restrictions on
using the digital effects ( 56-60).

? The e (play) button doesn’t work.

• The camcorder is not set to PLAY
(VCR) mode ( 28).
• The cassette is not loaded ( 16).
• The cassette has reached the end.

? There’s a bright stripe on the
screen.

• When recording in dark places a
bright light in the scene may cause a
vertical light bar (“smear”) to appear.
This is a normal feature of
camcorders.

? The playback picture is rough
(with mosaic-like noise).

• The video heads need cleaning
( 103).

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Page 107

? There’s no picture on the TV
screen.

• AV/PHONES is not set to AV in the
menu ( 32).
• AV \ DV OUT (Analog-digital
converter) is not set to OFF in the
menu ( 83).

? There’s no picture on the TV
screen, even though the tape is
moving.

• The video heads need cleaning
( 103).
• The TV/VIDEO selector on the TV
isn’t set to VIDEO ( 33-35).

? There’s no sound coming from the
speaker during playback.

• The speaker has been turned off with
the selector dial ( 31).
• Headphones are being used.

Miscellaneous
Problem

Cause and/or what to do about it

? The wireless controller doesn’t
work.

• The remote sensor mode is set to
OFFB in the menu ( 44).
• The remote sensor modes of the
wireless controller and the camcorder
itself are different ( 44).
• The batteries are dead or not inserted.

? The power indicator is flashing.

• Check the screen displays (

? The camcorder malfunctions.

• External interference may cause the
camcorder’s microprocessor to
malfunction temporarily. If random
letters appear in the display or if
normal operation is interrupted,
remove and then replace the power
source.

? The DV cable is connected
correctly, but there’s nothing in
the display.

• Remove the cable and then reconnect
it or turn the power off and back on
again.

? The camcorder becomes warm
during use.

• This is not a malfunction.

111).

Additional
Information

107

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Page 108

The MV500/MV500i System Diagram (Availability differs from area to area)
E

WS-20 Wrist Strap
WD-30.5 Wideconverter
SS-800 Shoulder Strap
WL-D74
Wireless
Controller
TL-30.5 Teleconverter

MiniDV
Video
Cassette

BP-500 Series
Battery Pack

CR-560 Charge Adapter/
Car Battery Cable Kit

FS-30.5U
Filter Set

CA-560 Compact
Power Adapter
BP-500 Series
Battery Pack
ZR-1000 Zoom
Remote Controller
S-150 S-video Cable

Additional
Information

VCR

BP-900 Series
Battery Pack

VL-10Li
Battery Video Light

STV-250N
Stereo Video Cable

PC-A10
SCART
Adapter
TV

Stereo Microphone
(commercially
available)

Digital Device
CV-150F/CV-250F DV Cable

Personal Computer
SC-1000 Soft
Carrying Case

108

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Page 109

Optional Accessories
BP-500 Series Battery Packs
The battery pack BP-508 is not available as
an option. When you need extra battery
packs, select from the following: BP-511,
BP-512, BP-522 and BP-535.

BP-512

BP-522

BP-535

CR-560 Charge Adapter/Car Battery
Cable Kit
Connect the car battery cable to power
your camcorder or recharge battery packs
on the move. The car battery cable plugs
into your car’s cigarette lighter socket and
runs off a 12-24 V DC negative ground
battery.
Also, when used with the CA-560 Compact
Power Adapter, this charge adapter can
charge the BP-500 series lithium ion
battery packs from a mains outlet.

TL-30.5 Tele-converter
This tele-converter lens increases the focal
length of the camcorder lens by a factor of
1.9.
• The image stabilizer is not as effective as
usual when the tele-converter is attached.

Additional
Information

WD-30.5 Wide-converter
This lens decreases focal length by a factor
of 0.7, giving you a wide perspective for
indoor shots or panoramic views.

FS-30.5U Filter Set
Neutral density and MC protector filters to
help you take control of difficult lighting
conditions.

109

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Page 110

VL-10Li Battery Video Light
This compact yet powerful video light can
be used for both indoor and outdoor
shooting.
• Use the BP-900 Series battery packs to
power the light. Approximate usage times
are as follows:
BP-915 60 min. BP-930 120 min.
BP-945 170 min.
• Charge the BP-900 Series battery packs
with the CA-910 Compact Power Adapter
(optional).
Zoom Remote Controller ZR-1000
When this product is plugged into the
LANC m terminal of a Canon camcorder, it
is possible to control functions such as the
start and stop of recording and the zoom
and focusing functions while the camcorder
is mounted on a tripod, without touching
the camcorder body itself.

Additional
Information

WS-20 Wrist Strap
Provides an extra measure of protection for
active shooting.

SC-1000 Soft Carrying Case
A handy camcorder bag with padded
compartments and plenty of space for
accessories.

RY CA
SO

ACCES

110

VI
INE DE

N GENU
NO

This mark identifies genuine Canon video accessories. When you
use Canon video equipment, we recommend Canon-brand
accessories or products bearing the same mark.

#5_ MV500/MV500i__E(96-121)

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Page 111

Screen Displays
To display the date and time, press the
DATA CODE button. See also p. 71.
TV
SCREEN

Press the wireless controller’s TV
SCREEN button or turn TV SCREEN
on through the menu to see the other
displays on the TV screen. (The
displays appear white on-screen.) They
will not be added to any recordings you
make with the camcorder.

DATA
CODE

CAMERA

DISP. SET UP

(

TV SCREEN•••ON

39)

To turn TV SCREEN off, open the menu and select DISP. SET UP.
Then select TV SCREEN, set it to OFF and close the menu.
For instructions on how to hook the camcorder up to your TV, see p. 32.

Turning off the LCD screen displays
You can turn off the displays to give you a clear screen for playback.
PLAY
(VCR)

DISP.SET UP

(

DISPLAYS••••ON

39)

• If you turn the displays off, the LCD screen will be completely blank
(including connected TV screen), but the camcorder will continue to show
warning/caution displays when necessary, and the data code appears in the
display if it is set to ON.
• When operating the camcorder, the displays appear for 2 seconds. However,
the displays do not disappear when displaying an index screen.

Additional
Information

To turn the display off, open the menu and select DISP. SET UP.
Then select DISPLAYS, set it to OFF and close the
menu.

indicates a flashing display.
Record pause mode
(
18)
Recording (

19)

PAUSE

REC

The backup battery is
not properly installed,
or needs replacing
(
100).

111

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Shows how much
battery power remains
(
99).

Page 112

Rewind (

28)

Fast forward playback
(
29)

The battery pack is
exhausted (
99).

Rewind playback
(
29)
Frame advance
playback (
29)

No cassette is loaded,
or it is set for erasure
prevention
(
16, 17).

Frame reverse
playback (
29)

Remaining tape
(Green: more than five
minutes.
Yellow: less than five
minutes.
Red: final few
seconds.)

5min

Playback pause
(forward and reverse)
(
29)
Slow playback
(forward and reverse)
(
29)
×2 playback (forward
and reverse) (
30)

...finally, it tells you
when you have
completely run out of
tape.

×2
×2

END

×1 playback (forward
and reverse)
(
28, 30)

The camcorder is
ejecting the tape
(
16).

EJECT

Photo Search (

×1
×1

74)

5
PHOTO SEARCH

Date Search (

Additional
Information

REW

The safety mechanism
is activated. Unload
the cassette and turn
the camcorder off.
Turn it on again and
reload the cassette.
Recording mode
(
20)

74)

EJECT

5
DATE SEARCH

Zero set memory
(forward and reverse)
(
75)
AV Insert Editing
(
85)
(MV500i only)

RTN
RTN

AV INSERT

Playback is stopped
(
28).

STOP

Audio Dubbing
(
88)

AUDIO DUB.

Normal playback
(
28)
AUDIO DUB.

Fast forward (

112

28)

#5_ MV500/MV500i__E(96-121)

Zoom display (
Optical zoom

2/6/02 14:19

• Setting the AF/AE. F
mark flashes white

23):
W

Optical plus 72×
digital zoom

Optical plus 360×
digital zoom

Page 113

• AF/AE locked. F
mark lights up green
• Timer

6sec

Zoom in

Zoom out

Recording programs
(
52).

AUTO
SPORTS

PORTRAIT
SPOTLIGHT

The image stabilizer
is turned on (
51).

SAND&SNOW
LOW LIGHT
NIGHT

CAM. MENU
(
40)

CAM.MENU

SEL.S
MENU

CAM.SET UP
VCR SET UP
DISP.SET UP
SYSTEM
RETURN

AE Shift (

65)
AE +2.0

Manual focus is
selected (
68).

PLAY MENU
(MV500i: VCR
MENU) (
42)

PLAY MENU

M.FOCUS

SEL.S
MENU

VCR SET UP
DISP.SET UP
SYSTEM
RETURN

Shutter speed (

66)
1/250

White balance is
(
69)
Set
W
Indoor
T
Outdoor U

The remote sensor is
turned off (
44).
Self-timer countdown
(
63)

10sec
SELF–T.

Audio mode (

Data code (

Photo mode (

0:00:00M

61)

71)

16bit

Digital effects. The
display flashes when
the function is being
selected and appears
steadily when it is
activated (
56).

F1.8
1/250
12:00 AM
1.JAN.2002

49)

16:9

Additional
Information

Zero set memory
(
75)

The 16:9 mode: the
display flashes when
the effect is being
selected, and appears
steadily when it is
activated (
21).
FADE–T
WIPE
WIPE
M.FADE
ART
BLK&WHT

PHOTO
SEPIA
MOSAIC

113

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The wind screen is
turned on (
62).

WSON

Page 114

Time Code
0:12:34:12

Volume level (
Speaker

31):

SPEAKER
–
+

Headphones

PHONES
–
+
SPEAKER
OFF

The AV/headphones
terminal is switched
to headphones
(
32).
Audio output
(
93)

This records counter information,
including hour, minute, second, and
frame number on a special data code
area on the tape itself. It is reset
automatically when a new tape is
loaded. In CAMERA mode, the frame
number doesn’t appear in the display.
Recording reminder

PHONES

0sec

STEREO1
STEREO2
MIX/FIXED

10sec
MIX/VARI.

Mix balance (

93)

Additional
Information

ST–1

Audio input and
Microphone input
(
91)
(MV500i only)
Audio input

AUDIO IN

Microphone input

MIC.IN

DV input (
78)
(MV500i only)
Analog-digital
converter (
83)
(MV500i only)
Condensation warning
(
104)

114

ST–2

DV IN

AV DV

When you start recording, the
camcorder counts from 0SEC to
10SEC. Shots which are shorter than
ten seconds may be difficult to edit
later. On the other hand, if you are not
planning to edit the recording,
remember that a shot which does not
contain action should generally last no
longer than 10 seconds.
“

AUTO POWER OFF”

AUTO POWER OFF

• The camcorder will turn itself off if
you leave it in record pause mode for
more than about 5 minutes. This
display appears 20 seconds (approx.)
before the camcorder turns off.

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Page 115

Caution phrases

The camcorder displays various caution phrases — they appear for 4 seconds
before disappearing.
Appears each time
you turn the power
on, until you set the
time zone, date and
time (
46).
Appears when the
battery pack is
exhausted
(
99).

Appears when the
tape has reached the
end.

SET THE TIME ZONE,
DATE AND TIME

Appears as a warning
to protect the tape and
also when
condensation is
detected. Remove the
tape as soon as
possible after the
camcorder has
displayed the caution.

REMOVE THE CASSETTE

CHANGE THE BATTERY PACK

Refer to p.80
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED
PLAYBACK IS RESTRICTED
TAPE END

Refer to p.80, p.81 or
p.83
Refer to p.17

THE TAPE IS SET FOR
ERASURE PREVENTION

CHECK THE DV INPUT

Refer to p.104
CONDENSATION
HAS BEEN DETECTED

CHECK THE CASSETTE
[REC MODE]

Appears when you try
to do audio dubbing
on a tape recorded in
16-bit audio or 12-bit,
4-channel mode
(
88).

CHECK THE CASSETTE
[AUDIO MODE]

Appears when the
camcorder detects a
blank section of a tape
during audio dubbing
or AV insert (MV500i
only) (
85, 88).

CHECK THE CASSETTE
[BLANK]

Additional
Information

Appears when,
during DV dubbing,
the DV cable is
disconnected or the
power of the digital
equipment connected
to the camcorder is
turned off. (MV500i
only)

Appears when you try
to do audio dubbing
or AV insert (MV500i
only) on a tape
recorded in LP mode
(
85, 88).

115

#5_ MV500/MV500i__E(96-121)

Additional
Information

116

2/6/02 14:20

Appears immediately
after you start
HEADS DIRTY,
recording, and the
USE
CLEANING
CASSETTE
video heads are badly
contaminated. Make
sure to clean the
video heads when
this caution appears.
(
103)

Page 116

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Page 117

Specifications
MV500/MV500i
Power Supply (rated): 7.4 V DC
Power Consumption (while recording
with the AF turned on):
3.1 W (Using viewfinder),
3.9 W (Using LCD screen)
Television system: CCIR standard (625
lines, 50 fields) PAL colour signal
Video recording system:
2 rotary heads, helical scanning DV
system (Consumer digital VCR SD
system)
Digital component recording
Audio recording system:
PCM digital sound: 16 bit (48 kHz/
2 ch), 12 bit (32 kHz/ 4 ch)
Image sensor: 1/6” CCD (charge
coupled device), approx. 540,000 pixels
(approx. 340,000 effective pixels)
Tape format:
Videocassettes bearing the D mark.
Tape speed:
SP: 3/4 ips (18.83 mm/s),
LP: 1/2 ips (12.57 mm/s)
Maximum recording time
(with an 80 min. cassette):
SP: 80 min., LP: 120 min.

1 m (3ft 33/8 in) (1 cm (3/8 in) on
maximum wide angle)

Maximum shutter speed: 1/8,000 sec.
Minimum illumination:
0.5 lx (using the Night program)
Recommended illumination:
More than 100 lx
Filter diameter: 30.5 mm
Viewfinder:
0.44 in, TFT colour LCD,
approx. 113,000 pixels

BP-508 Battery Pack
Battery type:
Rechargeable lithium ion battery
Rated voltage: 7.4 V DC
Operating temperature:
0°–40°C (32°–104°F)
Battery capacity: 800 mAh
Dimensions: 38 × 21 × 55 mm
(1 1/2 × 7/8 × 2 1/8 in)
Weight: 65 g (2 1/4 oz)

Additional
Information

Fast forward/ rewind time:
Approx. 2 min. 20 sec.
(with a 60 min. cassette)
Lens:
F/1.6–2.9, 18× power zoom, f=2.8-50.4
mm (equivalent to 48–864 mm in 35
mm format)
Focusing system: TTL autofocus,
manual focusing possible
Minimum focusing distance:

LCD screen:
2.5 in measured diagonally,
TFT colour, approx. 112,000 pixels
Microphone:
Stereo electret condenser microphone
DV Terminal*:
Special 4-pin connector
(conforms to IEEE1394)
AV/headphones terminal:
ø 3.5 mm minijack
Audio input**: –10 dBV/at least 40
kohms, (L, R),
unbalanced
output: –10 dBV (47 kohm
load)/ less than 3 kohms,
unbalanced
Video: 1 Vp-p/75 ohms unbalanced
S-video terminal*:
1 Vp-p (Y signal), 0.3 Vp-p (C signal)
MIC terminal input: ø 3.5 mm stereo
minijack, – 57 dBV (with 600 ohm
mic)/ at least 5 kohms
LANC u terminal: ø 2.5 mm mini
minijack
Operating temperature range:
0°–40°C (32°–104°F)
Dimensions: 58 × 99 × 144 mm
(2 1/4 × 3 7/8 × 5 5/8 in)
Weight: 525 g (1lb 2 1/2 oz)

* MV500: Output only.
MV500i: Input/output.
** MV500i only.
Weight and dimensions are approximate.
Errors and omissions excepted.
Subject to change without notice.

117

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Page 118

Index
16:9, 21

Digital Effects, 56
Digital Zoom, 23
DV Dubbing, 77

Å
Abroad, Using the Camcorder, 103
Accessories, 5, 109
Adapter, AC, 11-13,15
AE Programs, 52
AE Shift, 65
Analog-digital converter, 83
Analog line-in, 81
Audio Dubbing, 88
Audio Mix, 93
Audio Mode, 61
Audio Output, 93
Audio Recording
and Playback, 61, 93
Audio/Video Terminal, 32
Auto, 54
Autofocus, 68
AV Insert, 85

ı
Backup Battery, 100
Basic Recording, 18
Battery Charger, 14-15
Battery Pack, 12, 14-15, 98
Beep, 21

‰
Easy Recording, 54
Editing to a VCR, 76
Effects, 58
External Microphone, 61, 88

Ï
Faders, 57
Fast Forward, 28
Feedback, 35
Finding Your Way Around
the MV500/MV500i, 7
Focusing, 68

Ó
Head Cleaning, 103
Headphones, 32

È
Image Stabilizer, 51
Introducing the
MV500/MV500i, 6

Additional
Information

Cables, 5, 33
Cassettes, 16
Charging the Battery Pack,
12, 14-15, 98
Choosing a Recording Program, 52
Cleaning the Camcorder, 102
Clock, 48
Condensation, 104
Connecting to a PC, 95
Connection to TV or VCR, 32

Î
Data Code, 71
Date and Time, 48
Date Search, 74
Demo mode, 22

118

LANC, 76
LCD Screen, 25
Lens Cap, 96
Loading Cassettes, 16
Low Light, 55
LP Mode, 20

˜
Maintenance, 101
Making Better Videos, 36
Manual Focus, 68
Menus, 39
Microphone, 61, 88
Monitor Recording, 27

#5_ MV500/MV500i__E(96-121)

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Page 119

Storage, 102
S-video, 34
System Diagram, 108

Night, 55

Ø
Optional Accessories, 109

Ê
Tape Protection, 17
Telephoto, 23
Temperature,
13, 98, 100, 117
Time Code, 114
Time Zone, 46
Tips for Making Better Videos, 36
Tripod, 36
Troubleshooting, 105
TV, 32, 111

∏
Pause, Record, 18
PC Connection, 95
Photo Search, 74
Playback, 28
Playback Connection, 32
Playback Pause, 29
Portrait, 54
Power Adapter, 11-13, 15
Powering Your Camcorder, 11
Pre-Marked Position, 75
Preparing the Camcorder, 96
Problems, 105

◊
VCR, 32
Video Heads, 103
Video Light, 110
Videocassettes, 16
Viewfinder, 96, 102

Â
Recharging the Battery Pack, 99
Recording, 18
Recording Programs, 52
Record Pause Mode, 18
Record Review, 38
Record Search, 38
Remote Control, 43
Remote Sensor, 43-44
Rewind, 28
S1 video terminal, 34
Sand & Snow, 55
Screen Displays, 111
Self-Timer, 63
Shutter Speed, 66
Speaker, 31
Specifications, 13, 117
SP Mode, 20
Sports, 54
Spotlight, 54
Still Picture, 49

„
White Balance, 69
Wide-angle, 23
Wide screen TV, 21
Wind Screen, 62
Wireless Controller, 43

Û
Zero Set Memory, 75
Zooming, 23

Additional
Information

119

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Page 120

Menu at a Glance
E

Use the list below to quickly navigate the camcorder’s menu. Functions are listed
alphabetically.
Function

First make sure the
camera is set to...
CAMERA

Additional
Information

Then select it from this
submenu and set.

16:9 effect

CAM.SET UP

6-sec. Date

DISP.SET UP

Audio dub*

VCR SET UP

Audio mode

VCR SET UP

AV/headphones

VCR SET UP

AV → DV out*

VCR SET UP

Beep

SYSTEM

Brightness

DISP.SET UP

Data code

DISP.SET UP

Date/time display

DISP.SET UP

Date/time select

DISP.SET UP

Date/time set

SYSTEM

Demo mode

DISP.SET UP

Digital zoom

CAM.SET UP

Displays

DISP.SET UP

Image stabilizer

CAM.SET UP

Mirror mode

DISP.SET UP

Output channel

VCR SET UP

Record mode
Remote sensor mode

120

PLAY
(VCR)

VCR SET UP
SYSTEM

#5_ MV500/MV500i__E(96-121)

Function

2/6/02 14:20

Page 121

First make sure the
camera is set to...
CAMERA

PLAY
(VCR)

Then select it from this
submenu and set.

Shutter speed

CAM.SET UP

Time zone/DST

SYSTEM

TV screen

DISP.SET UP

White balance

CAM.SET UP

Wind screen

VCR SET UP

* MV500i only

Additional
Information

121

#0_ MV500/MV500i__E_cover

2/6/02 14:14

Page 1

PUB.DIE-168

DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER

Instruction Manual

CANON INC.

Introduction

Canon Europa N.V.
P.O. Box 2262, 1180 EG Amstelveen, the Netherlands

Mastering
the Basics

Canon UK Ltd.
Ribcon Way
Luton Bedfordshire LU4 9UR
Telephone 0870-241-2161
Canon Australia Pty. Ltd
1 Thomas Holt Drive, North Ryde, N.S.W. 2113, Australia
Telephone 805-2000, Fax 887-4484

Using the Full
Range of Features

Editing

Canon Latin America, Inc.
Sales & Enquiries: 703 Waterford Way Suite 400 Miami, FL 33126 USA

Printed on 100% reused paper.

PRINTED IN JAPAN
IMPRIME AU JAPON

PUB.DIE-168

0027W386
PUB.DIE-168
0201A/Ni9.5

Digital
Video
Cassette

PAL

Additional
Information

Mini

Source Exif Data:

File Type                       : PDF
File Type Extension             : pdf
MIME Type                       : application/pdf
PDF Version                     : 1.4
Linearized                      : No
Create Date                     : 2002:02:06 14:37:21Z
Modify Date                     : 2009:08:07 15:33:15+01:00
Page Count                      : 122
Page Mode                       : UseOutlines
Creation Date                   : 2002:02:06 14:37:21Z
Producer                        : Acrobat Distiller 4.0 for Macintosh
Mod Date                        : 2009:08:07 15:33:15+01:00
Metadata Date                   : 2009:08:07 15:33:15+01:00
Has XFA                         : No

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Canon Dm Mv500I Users Manual

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