Canon camcorder DC40 User Manual

							
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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. Press ( ).
The denominator of the current shutter speed will be displayed 
with a blue background.
3. Change ( ) the shutter speed and press ( ) to save the setting.
 The shutter speed denominator flashes when the selected shutter speed is not 
appropriate for the recording condition. In such case, readjust the shutter 
speed.
 When using a slow shutter speed in dark places, you can obtain a brighter 
image, but the image quality may be lower, and the autofocus may not work 
well.
 Do not point the camcorder directly at the sun when the shutter speed is set to 
1/1000 or higher.
 The image may flicker when recording with high shutter speeds.
 Recording movies under fluorescent lights: When the mode dial is set to  , 
 or  , the camcorder automatically detects the flicker of fluorescent lighting 
and adjusts the shutter speed accordingly. However, if the screen starts to 
flicker, select the 
T v mode and set the shutter speed to 1/100.
1/8, 1/15, 1/30 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 
1/15, 1/30 For recording subjects in dark places.
1/60 1/60 For general recordings.
1/100 1/100 For recording indoor sports scenes.
1/250, 1/500, 
1/1000 1/250, 1/500, 
1/720 For recording from within a car or train, or for 
recording moving subjects such as roller coasters.
1/2000 -For recording outdoor sports such as golf or tennis 
on sunny days.  
						

							
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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 ( ).
The current aperture value will be displayed with a blue 
background.
3. Change ( ) the aperture value and press ( ) to save the setting.
Larger aperture values mean smaller aperture diameters of the lens.
 Available aperture values vary depending on the zoom position.
 The aperture value flashes when the selected aperture is not appropriate for the 
recording condition. In such case, readjust the aperture.  
						

							
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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   Fireworks recording program (SCN).
2. Push the multi selector ( ) towards EXP.
• The exposure adjustment indicator   and the neutral value “±0” appear on 
the screen.
• If you operate the zoom during exposure lock, the brightness of the image may  change.
Exposure Adjustment
During exposure lock:
Adjust ( ) the brightness of the image as required.
• The adjustment range depends on the brightness of the picture at the time you locked the exposure.
• Pushing the multi selector ( ) will cancel the exposure lock and return the  camcorder to the previous setting.
Mode dial
Multi Selector/EXP button  
						

							
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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  .
 Readjust the focus when you have turned off the camcorder.
Infinity Focus
Use this function when you wish to focus on faraway subjects such as mountains or 
fireworks.
After step 2 above, hold the multi selector pushed ( ) towards FOCUS 
for more than 2 seconds.
• “ ” appears.
• Pushing the multi selector ( ) will return to autofocus.
If you operate the zoom or the multi selector ( ) during infinity focus, “ ” 
changes to “MF” and the camcorder returns to manual focusing mode.
Reflective 
surfaces Subjects with low 
contrast or without  vertical lines Fast Moving 
Subjects Through
dirty or wet  windowsNight Scenes
Mode dialZoom lever
Multi Selector/FOCUS button  
						

							
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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 will appear on the screen when making the  selection; the frame corners do not appear while actually recording.
• Center point: A single focusing frame appears in the center of the screen.
• AF Frame Selection: All 9 AF frames appear on the screen. Select ( ) the frame 
where you want to focus.
9 Point AiAF 
(Auto selection)
Depending on the shooting conditions, one or more AF 
frames out of the nine frames available are automatically 
selected and focused on.
Center point Out of the nine frames available, the center AF frame is  selected to focus. This is convenient for making sure the 
focus is exactly where you want it.
AF Frame Selection You can select the AF frame you want to focus on, out of the  nine frames available.  
						

							
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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  
						

							
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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 autofocus and  then fully to record the still image.
The practical range of the flash is approx. 1 to 2 m (3.3 to 6.6 ft.). The range 
depends upon the recording conditions.
 The range of the flash decreases in continuous shooting mode.
 For the red-eye reduction to be effective, the subject needs to look at the assist 
lamp. The degree of reduction depends on the distance and on each individual.
 The red-eye reduction mode cannot be used in Stitch Assist mode.
 The flash will not fire in the following cases:
- When you manually adjust the exposure in   (auto) or   (red-eye 
reduction) mode.
- During auto exposure bracketing.
 The flash mode cannot be selected when the exposure is locked, or after the 
first still image in Stitch Assist mode.
 We recommend not using the flash when the optional Wide-converter or Tele-
converter is attached. Their shadows appear on the screen.
 (auto) The flash fires automatically according to the brightness 
of the subject.
 (red-eye reduction, auto) The flash fires automatically according to the brightness  of the subject. The assist lamp lights up to reduce the 
red-eye effect.
 (flash on) The flash always fires.  (flash off) The flash does not fire.
PHOTO button
Flash (flash) button
Assist lamp  
						

							
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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.  
						

							
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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 start/stop button.
The camcorder starts recording after a 10-second countdown (2 seconds when using 
the wireless controller). The countdown appears on the screen.
When recording a still image:
6. Press the PHOTO button, first halfway to activate the autofocus and  then fully to record the still image.
The camcorder will record the still image after a 10-second countdown (2 seconds 
when using the wireless controller). The countdown appears on the screen.
Once the countdown has begun, you can also press the start/stop button (when 
recording movies) or the PHOTO button (when recording still images) to cancel 
the self timer. The self timer will be canceled if you turn off the camcorder.
MENU(79)CAM ERA  SETU PSE LF T IMER  OFF
PHOTO button
Multi Selector MENU button Start/stop button  
						

							
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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 bar.
Refer to the following pages for further details on setting the 
[SET] option for the white balance function ( 64), the [CUSTOM] option for the 
image effect function ( 66), or the [MULTI-S] option for the digital effect function 
(73).
4. Press the FUNC. button to save the settings and close the menu.
The symbols of functions or setting options not available appear grayed out on 
the left side column.
 Pressing the FUNC. button at any time closes the menu.
Multi Selector FUNC. button