Canon camcorder DC40 User Manual

51
Advanced Features
Recording Programs
E
Using the Shutter-Priority AE Mode
You can select a shutter speed, and the camcorder automatically sets the aperture setting 
most appropriate for the subject. Select a high shutter speed for recording fast moving 
subjects, and a slow shutter speed to add a motion blur to moving objects, enhancing the 
feel of movement of the image.
Guidelines for selecting the shutter speed
1. Set the camcorder to a recording mode (  or  ) and turn the mode dial 
to
Tv.
2....

52
Using the Aperture-Priority AE 
Mode
You can select an aperture value, and the camcorder automatically sets the shutter speed 
most appropriate for the subject. Use low aperture values (large aperture) to blur the 
background for a portrait, or high aperture values (small aperture) to achieve a broad 
depth of field for recording landscapes.
Aperture values: 1.8, 2.0, 2.4, 2.8, 3.4, 4.0, 4.8, 5.6, 6.7, 8.0
1. Set the camcorder to a recording mode (  or  ) and turn the mode dial 
to
Av.
2. Press ( )....

53
Advanced Features
More Recording Options
E
More Recording OptionsManually Adjusting the Exposure
Adjust the exposure when a subject is underexposed (for example, when backlit subjects 
appear too dark in the image) or overexposed (for example, when recording subjects 
under very strong light and they appear too bright or glaring in the image).
Exposure Lock
1. Set the camcorder to a recording mode (  or  ) 
and set the mode dial to a position other than  .
Exposure cannot be adjusted in the...

54
Manually Adjusting the Focus
Autofocus may not work well on the following subjects. In such case, focus manually.
1. Set the camcorder to a recording mode (  or  ) 
and set the mode dial to a position other than  .
2. Adjust the zoom.
3. Push the multi selector ( ) towards FOCUS.
“MF” appears.
4. Adjust ( ) the focus as required until the image appears focused.
Pushing the multi selector ( ) will return to autofocus.
 The camcorder will automatically return to autofocus when you set the mode 
dial to...

55
Advanced Features
More Recording Options
E
Changing the Focusing Mode
You can change the AF (autofocus) frame selection mode.
1. Set the camcorder to record still images ( ) and set the mode dial to a position other than  .
The setting differs depending on the position of the mode dial. 
: 9 Point AiAF only.
,  ,  ,  ,  ,  *: 9 Point AiAF or Center point.
,  ,  : AF frame selection.
* Except for the   Fireworks recording program.
2. Select ( ) the focusing mode.
• 9 Point AiAF: Four framing corners...

56
Using the Mini Video Light
You can turn on the mini video light (assist lamp) at any time regardless of the recording 
program.
Set the camcorder to a recording mode (  or  ) and 
press the LIGHT button.
• “ ” appears on the screen.
• Press again to turn the mini video light off.
Mini video lightLIGHT button  

57
Advanced Features
More Recording Options
E
Using the Flash
You can use the built-in flash for recording still images in dark places. The flash is 
equipped with the red-eye reduction function.
1. Set the camcorder to record still images ( ) and select a recording program other than   Fireworks (SCN).
2. Press the   (flash) button.
• Repeatedly pressing the   button will cycle between the flash modes.
• The symbol “ ” disappears after 4 seconds.
3. Press the PHOTO button, first halfway to activate the...

58
About the AF-Assist Lamp:
While you press the PHOTO button halfway, if the subject is too dark the assist 
lamp may light up briefly in order to enable the camcorder to focus more 
accurately (AF-assist lamp). You can also set [AF AST LAMP] to [OFF] so the 
assist lamp does not light up.
- The camcorder may not be able to focus even if the AF-assist lamp is on.
- The brightness of the AF-assist lamp could be an inconvenience. Consider 
turning it off in public places such as restaurants or theaters.  

59
Advanced Features
More Recording Options
E
Using the Self Timer
1. Set the camcorder to a recording mode (  or  ).
When recording movies ()set the camcorder to record pause.
2. Press the MENU button.
3. Using the multi selector ( ,  ) select the [CAMERA SETUP] menu 
and then select the [SELF TIMER] option.
4. Set ( ) it to [ON  ] and press ( ) to save the setting.
To cancel the self timer, set it to [OFF].
5. Press the MENU button to close the menu.
“ ” appears.
When recording a movie:
6. Press the...

60
Changing the FUNC. SettingsChanging Settings with the 
FUNC. Button
Many of the camcorder’s functions can be adjusted from the menu that opens after 
pressing the FUNC. button. For a list of the settings that can be changed using this menu, 
see Available Settings List (FUNC.)  (61).
1. Press the FUNC. button.
In the recording modes (  or  ):
2. Use the multi selector ( ) to select the function 
you want to change.
3. Use the multi selector ( ) to move through the  available options at the bottom...