Canon camcorder DC420 User Manual

							
Additional Information • 71
[DEMO MODE]: The demonstration mode displays the camcorder’s main features. It starts 
automatically when the camcorder is powered with the compact power adapter if you 
leave it turned on without loading a disc or memory card for more than 5 minutes.
• To cancel the demo mode once it started, press any button, turn off the camcorder or 
load a disc.
System Setup (Volume, Beep, etc.) SYSTEM SETUP
[SPEAKER VOL.]:  Adjust ( ) the volume of the playback.
[BEEP]:  A beep will accompany some operations like turning on the camcorder, the self-
timer countdown, etc. It also serves as a warning beep under unusual conditions.
[POWER SAVE]: In order to save power when the camcorder is powered by a battery 
pack, it will automatically shut off if left without any operation for 5 minutes.
• Approximately 30 seconds before the camcorder shuts off, [AUTO POWER OFF] will  appear.
• In standby mode, the camcorder will shut off after the time selected for the [QUICK  START] setting.
[QUICK START]: Select whether to activate the Quick Start function when you close the 
LCD panel in a recording mode ( 32) and the length of time after which the camcorder 
will end the standby mode and shut off automatically.
[IMG NUMBERS]:  Select the image numbering method to be used when you insert a new 
memory card. Still images are automatically assigned consecutive image numbers from 
0101 to 9900, and stored in folders containing up to 100 images. Folders are numbered 
from 101 to 998.
[ RESET]: Image numbers will restart from 101-0101 every time you insert a new 
memory card.
[ CONTINUOUS]: Image numbers will continue from the number following that of the 
last image recorded with the camcorder.
• If the memory card you insert already contains an image with a larger number, a new  image will be assigned a number, one higher th an that of the last image on the memory 
card.
• We recommend using the [ CONTINUOUS] setting.
Menu itemSetting optionsCAMERAPLAY
[SPEAKER VOL.] – –z––
[BEEP] [HIGH VOLUME], 
[ LOW VOLUME], [ OFF] zzzz
–
[POWER SAVE] [ON], [ OFF] zzzz–
[QUICK START] [ OFF],  [  10 min], 
[ 20 min], [  30 min] zz
–––
[IMG NUMBERS] [ RESET], [ CONTINUOUS] –z –––
[TV TYPE] [  NORMAL TV], [ WIDE TV] zzzz –
[FIRMWARE] – – – –z–
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[TV TYPE]: In order to display the picture in full and in the correct aspect ratio, select the 
setting according to the type of television to which you will connect the camcorder.
[  NORMAL TV]: TV sets with 4:3 aspect ratio.
[  WIDE TV]: TV sets with 16:9 aspect ratio.
• If the camcorder is connected to a widescreen TV with the TV type set to  [ NORMAL TV], during the playback of video originally recorded with an aspect ratio 
of 16:9, the picture will not be displayed full screen.
[FIRMWARE]:  You can verify the current version of the camcorder’s firmware. This menu 
option is usually unavailable.
Date/T ime SetupDATE/TIME SETUP
[DATE FORMAT]: Changes the date format for on-screen displays and, if this option is 
selected, for the date printed on photos using Direct Print (  only).
Menu itemSetting optionsCAMERAPLAY
[T.ZONE/DST] List of world time zones. zzzz24
[DATE/TIME] – zzzz23
[DATE FORMAT] [Y.M.D (2009.1.1 AM 12:00)],  [M.D,Y (JAN. 1, 2009 12:00 AM)] , 
[D.M.Y (1.JAN.2009 12:00  AM)]         zzzz
–
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Additional Information • 73
Tr o u b le ?
If you have a problem with your camcorder, refer to this section. Sometimes what you 
think is a malfunction of the camcorder may have the simplest of solutions - please 
read the “CHECK THIS FIRST” box before going on to the more detailed problems 
and solutions. Consult your dealer or a Canon Service Center if the problem persists.
CHECK THIS FIRST
Power Source
The camcorder will not turn on or it turns 
off by itself.
- The battery pack is exhausted. Replace or charge the battery pack ( 18).
- Remove the battery pack and reattach it  correctly.
Cannot charge the battery pack. - Charge the battery pack in temperatures between 0 °C and 40 °C (32 °F and 
104 °F).
- The battery pack is too hot. Charging will  start once the battery pack temperature is 
below 40 °C (104 °F).
- The battery pack is damaged. Use a  different battery pack.
After using the camcorder for a long time, 
it becomes hot. - This is not a malfunction. Turn off the camcorder and let it cool down before 
resuming use.
Recording
Pressing   will not start recording.- Use a disc whose performance has been tested with this camcorder ( 7).
- The disc is full ( “  EN D” a ppears on the  screen). Delete some recordings (DVD-RW 
in VR mode) to fre e some spa ce (  35)  or 
replace the disc.
- Unfinalize (  49) the disc (DVD-RW in  VIDEO mode).
- The camcorder has exceeded its  operational temperature. Turn off the 
camcorder and let it cool down before 
resuming use.
The point where   was pressed 
does not match the beginning/end of the 
recording. - There is a slight interval between pressing   and the actual start of recording. 
This is not a malfunction.
Troubleshooting
Power supplyIs the battery charged? Is the compact power adapter correctly connected to the 
camcorder? ( 18)
RecordingDid you turn the camcorder on and set and set it to   or  mode? 
Is the CAMERA indicator lit up in green? Was the disc or memory card correctly inserted 
into the camcorder? ( 25, 27)
PlaybackDid you turn the camcorder on and set and set it to   or   mode? Is the 
PLAY indicator on? Was the disc or memory ca rd correctly inserted into the camcorder? 
( 25, 27) Does it contain any recordings?
Start/Stop
Start/Stop
Start/Stop
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The recording suddenly stops shortly after 
starting recording.- The disc is dirty. Clean the disc with a soft lens-cleaning cloth (  81). If the problem 
persists replace the disc.
- The camcorder has exceeded its  operational temperature. Turn off the 
camcorder and let it cool down before 
resuming use.
The camcorder will not focus. - Autofocus does not work on the subject. Focus manually ( 40).
- Adjust the viewfinder with the dioptric  adjustment lever ( 29).
- The lens is dirty. Clean the lens with a soft  lens-cleaning cloth ( 83). Never use 
tissue paper to clean the lens.
Playback
Cannot play back the disc.- You may not be able to play with this camcorder, discs recorded or edited with 
other DVD recorders or computer DVD 
drives.
- If using a single-sided disc, check that the  disc is inserted with the label side facing 
up.
- The camcorder has exceeded its  operational temperature. Turn off the 
camcorder and let it cool down before 
resuming use.
• During playback there is video noise and 
the sound is distorted.
• The disc cannot be recognized.
- The disc is dirty. Clean the disc with a soft  lens-cleaning cloth (  81).
- You may not be able to play with this  camcorder, discs recorded or edited with 
other DVD recorders or computer DVD 
drives.
Cannot add scenes to the playlist. - The disc is full (“  END” appears on the screen). Delete some recordings to free 
some space (  35).
- The playlist can contain a maximum of 999  scenes.
Cannot divide the scene. - You cannot edit or delete scenes on a disc that was recorded using another digital 
device. - You cannot divide the scene if there are 
already 999 scenes on the disc.
- You cannot divide original scenes.
- You cannot divide the scene if it is too  short (2 seconds or less).
Cannot edit the disc title. - You cannot add a title to a DVD-R/DVD-R DL disc after it was finalized (  48).
- Unfinalize (  49) the disc first (DVD-RW  in VIDEO mode). 
- You may not be able to edit the title if you  entered it using another digital device.
Cannot edit or delete scenes. - You cannot edit or delete scenes on a disc that was protected using another digital 
device.
- Scenes cannot be deleted in a DVD-R/ DVD-R DL disc or a DVD-RW disc 
recorded in VIDEO mode.
Cannot finalize the disc. - The camcorder has exceeded its operational temperature. Turn off the 
camcorder and let it cool down before 
resuming use.
- Power the camcorder using the compact  power adapter or use a fully charged 
battery pack.
Cannot delete a still image. - The still image is protected. Remove the protection ( 57).
Indicators and Onscreen Displays
 lights up in red.
- Battery pack is exhausted. Replace or  charge the battery pack ( 18).
 appears on the screen.
- Load a disc (  25).
 lights up in red.
- A memory card error occurred. Turn off the  camcorder. Remove and reinsert the 
memory card. Initialize the memory card 
( 57) if the display does not change 
back to normal.
 lights up in red.
- The camcorder has exceeded its  operational temperature. This is not a 
malfunction. Turn off the camcorder and 
let it cool down before resuming use.
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Even after stopping recording, the DISC 
access indicator does not go out.- The scene is being recorded on the disc. This is not a malfunction.
The CHARGE indicator flashes rapidly. - (one flash at 0.5-second intervals) 
Charging has stopped because the 
compact power adapter or the battery 
pack is faulty. Consult a Canon Service 
Center.
The CHARGE indicator flashes very slowly. - (one flash at 2-second intervals) 
The battery pack is too hot. Charging will 
start once the battery pack temperature is 
below 40 °C (104 °F).
- Charge the battery pack in temperatures  between 0 °C and 40 °C (32 °F and 
104 °F).
- The battery pack is damaged. Use a  different battery pack.
Picture and Sound
Screen displays turn on and off repeatedly.- The battery pack is exhausted. Replace or charge the battery pack ( 18).
- Remove the battery pack and reattach it  correctly.
Abnormal characters appear on the screen 
and the camcorder does not operate 
properly. - Disconnect the power source and reconnect it after a short time. If the 
problem still persists, disconnect the 
power source and press the RESET button 
with a pointed item. Pressing the RESET 
button resets all settings.
Video noise appears on screen. - Keep a distance between the camcorder and devices that emit strong 
electromagnetic fields (plasma TVs, 
cellular phones, etc.). 
A vertical light bar appears on the screen.  - Bright light in a dark scene may cause a vertical light bar (smear) to appear. This is 
not a malfunction. No picture appears on the viewfinder.
- Press   to activate the 
viewfinder ( 29).
Viewfinder picture is blurred. - Adjust the viewfinder  with the dioptric 
adjustment lever ( 29).
Sound is distorted or is recorded at lower 
levels. - When recording near loud sounds (such as fireworks, shows or concerts), sound may 
become distorted or it may not be 
recorded at the actual levels. This is not a 
malfunction.
Even without a disc loaded, when closing 
the disc compartment cover a motor sound 
can be heard. - The camcorder is checking if a disc is loaded or not. This is not a malfunction.
• The disc's rotation can be heard faintly.• Occasionally, the camcorder's operation 
sound can be heard. 
- The disc is activated from time to time. This is not a malfunction.
The picture is displayed correctly but there 
is no sound from the built-in speaker. - Open the LCD panel.
- Speaker volume is turned off. Adjust the volume ( 34).
- If the STV-250N Stereo Video Cable is  connected to the camcorder, disconnect 
it. 
The camcorder vibrates. - The camcorder may vibrate occasionally. This is not a malfunction.
Memory Card and Accessories
Cannot open the disc cover to remove the 
disc.- Turn off the camcorder, disconnect the compact power adapter and remove the 
battery pack. Restore the power supply 
and try again.
- The camcorder has exceeded its  operational temperature. Turn off the 
camcorder and let it cool down before 
resuming use.
VIEWFINDER
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The disc cannot be recognized.- The disc is dirty. Clean the disc with a soft lens-cleaning cloth (  81). If the problem 
persists replace the disc.
- The disc is not correctly loaded. Check the  disc ( 25).
- Verify that the camcorder supports the  type of DVD disc you inserted (  5).
Cannot insert the memory card. - The memory card was not facing the correct direction. Turn the memory card 
over and insert it ( 27).
Cannot record on the memory card. - The memory card is full. Erase some still images ( 55) to free some space or 
replace the memory card.
- Initialize the memory card ( 57) when  you use it with the camcorder for the first 
time.
- The LOCK switch on an SD or SDHC  memory card is set to prevent accidental 
erasure. Change the position of the LOCK 
switch ( 82).
- The folder and file numbers have reached  their maximum value. Set [IMG 
NUMBERS] to [RESET] ( 71) and insert 
a new memory card.
Connections/Playback with External 
Devices
There is a brief stop between scenes.- Depending on the DVD player, there might be a very short stop between scenes 
during playback.
The disc cannot be recognized by the 
device. Or, even though the disc is read, 
cannot play back the disc or the picture is 
distorted. - Finalize the disc using the camcorder ( 48).
- The disc is dirty. Clean the disc with a soft 
lens-cleaning cloth (  81).
- DVD-RW discs in VR mode can only be  played back with VR mode-compatible 
DVD players. Refer to the instruction 
manual of your DVD device. Cannot edit my recordings or add 
recordings to the disc with the DVD device.
- It may not be possible to edit or add recordings with an external DVD recorder 
on a disc recorded using this camcorder.
Video noise appears on the TV screen. - When using the camcorder in a room where a TV is located, keep a distance 
between the compact power adapter and 
the power or antenna cables of the TV.
The disc is running but there is no image on 
the TV screen. - The video input on the TV is not set to the video terminal to which you connected the 
camcorder. Select the correct video input.
- You attempted to play back an  incompatible disc. Stop playback.
 The computer doesn't recognize 
the camcorder even though the camcorder 
is connected correctly.
- Disconnect the USB cable and turn off the camcorder. After a short while, turn it on 
again and restore the connection.
- Connect the camcorder to a different USB  port on the computer.
 The printer is not working even 
though the camcorder and printer are 
connected correctly.
- Disconnect the USB cable and turn off the printer. After a short while turn it on again 
and restore the connection.
List of Messages
List of Messages (in alphabetical order)
CANNOT ENTER THE STANDBY MODE 
NOW- The camcorder cannot enter standby mode ( 32) while the disc is being 
recognized after it was inserted or if the 
remaining battery charge is too low.
CANNOT PLAY BACK - The disc is dirty or scratched, or you attempted to play back a disc type not 
supported by this camcorder (not DVD-R/
RW).
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- This message can also appear if condensation has formed. Wait until the 
camcorder dries completely before 
resuming use (  84).
CANNOT READ THE DISC CHECK THE 
DISC - Disc could not be recognized. Try cleaning it (  81) or replace the disc.
- This message can also appear if the  camcorder has exceeded its operational 
temperature. Turn off the camcorder and 
let it cool down before resuming use.
- This message can also appear if  condensation has formed. Wait until the 
camcorder dries completely before 
resuming use (  84).
- The disc may not be loaded correctly. Try  removing the disc and reinserting it 
(25).
CANNOT RECORD - There is a problem with the disc.
- This message can also appear if condensation has formed. Wait until the 
camcorder dries completely before 
resuming use (  84).
- The disc’s recording surface may be dirty  or scratched.
- This message may appear when the  camcorder is repeatedly subjected to 
vibrations.
CANNOT USE DISC USE OF A 
RECOMMENDED DISC IS ADVISED - The disc cannot be used. We recommend that you use a disc whose performance 
has been tested with this camcorder 
(7).
CARD ERROR - A memory card error occurred. The camcorder cannot record or display the 
image. The error may be temporary. If the 
message disappears after 4 seconds and   appears in red, turn the camcorder off, 
remove the card and reinsert the card. If   changes to green, you can resume 
recording/playback. 
CARD FULL - The memory card is full. Erase some still images (  55) to free some space or 
replace the memory card. CHANGE THE BATTERY PACK
- The battery pack is exhausted. Replace or charge the battery pack (  18).
DISC ACCESS FAILURE CHECK THE DISC - There was an error when reading the disc or attempting to write onto it. Try cleaning 
the disc (  81) or replace it.
- This message can also appear if  condensation has formed. Wait until the 
camcorder dries completely before 
resuming use (  84).
- The disc may not be loaded correctly. Try  removing the disc and reinserting it 
(25).
DISC COVER IS OPEN - Verify the disc is correctly inserted and close the disc cover (  25).
DISC FULL - The disc is full (“  END” appears on the screen). Delete some recordings (DVD-RW 
in VR mode) to fre e some spa ce (  35)  or 
replace the disc.
DISC IS FINALIZED CANNOT RECORD - You cannot record additional scenes on a finalized DVD-R/DVD-R DL disc.
- You cannot record additional scenes or  unfinalize a DVD-RW disc in VIDEO mode 
that was finalized using another digital 
device.
DISC MUST BE FINALIZED ( MODE) TO 
P L AY  B A C K  I N  C O M PAT I B L E  P L AY E R S - Be sure to finalize the disc and check the compatibility of the device before playing 
back the disc on external DVD devices 
( 48). 
LOADING THE DISC - The disc is being recognized. Wait before you start recording.
NAMING ERROR - The folder and file numbers have reached their maximum value. Set 
[IMG NUMBERS] to [RESET] and erase all 
the images on the memory card  (  55) 
or initialize it  (  57).
NO CARD - There is no memory card in the camcorder ( 27).
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NO DISC- There is no disc in the camcorder. Insert a disc (  25).
- This message can also appear if  condensation has formed. Wait until the 
camcorder dries completely before 
resuming use (  84).
NO IMAGES
There are no still images on the memory card.  PRINT ORDER ERROR
- You attempted to set more than 998 still  images in the print order (  61).
REACHED THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF 
SCENES - The maximum number of scenes has been reached. Delete some recordings 
(DVD-RW in VR mode) to free some space 
( 35) or replace the disc.
RECOVERING DATA PLEASE WAIT… - Data on the disc is being recovered. Wait until this message disappears before 
resuming use.
TASK IN PROGRESS DO NOT 
DISCONNECT THE POWER SOURCE - The camcorder is updating important file allocation data on the disc. Do not 
disconnect the compact power adapter or 
remove the battery pack under any 
circumstances.
• TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH CANNOT 
RECORD
• TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH CANNOT 
REMOVE DISC
- The camcorder has exceeded its operational temperature. Disconnect the 
compact power adapter and remove the 
battery pack. Let the camcorder cool 
down before resuming use.
 TOO MANY STILL IMAGES
DISCONNECT USB CABLE
- Disconnect the USB cable. Try using a memory card reader or decrease the 
number of still images on the memory card 
(Windows: fewer than 1,800 still images, 
Macintosh: fewer than 1,000 still images). 
If a dialog box appeared on the computer 
screen, close it and then reconnect the 
supplied USB cable. UNABLE TO RECOGNIZE THE DATA
- The disc may not be recognized by this camcorder if it was initialized with a 
different device.
- You inserted a disc recorded in a different  television system (PAL or SECAM).
UNABLE TO RECOVER DATA - Could not recover a corrupted file.
- This message can also appear if condensation has formed. If you suspect 
condensation is the reason, do not 
initialize the disc and wait until the 
camcorder dries completely before 
resuming use (  84).
UNFINALIZE THE DISC - You cannot record additional scenes on a finalized DVD-RW in VIDEO mode. 
Unfinalize the disc first (  49).
USE OF A RECOMMENDED DISC IS 
ADVISED - The disc can be used but performance is not guaranteed. We recommend that you 
use a disc whose performance has been 
tested with this camcorder ( 7).
 Direct Print Related Messages
About Canon PIXMA/ SELPHY DS 
Printers: If the printer’s error indicator 
flashes or an error message appears on 
the printer’s operation panel, refer to the 
printer’s instruction manual.
CANNOT PRINT!- You attempted to print a still image that was recorded with another camcorder, has 
a different compression, or was edited on 
a computer.
COMMUNICATION ERROR - The printer is experiencing a data transfer error. Cancel printing. Disconnect the USB 
cable and turn off  the printer. After a 
while, turn the printer back on and 
reconnect the supplied USB cable.
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- You attempted to print from a memory card that contains a large number of still 
images. Reduce the number of still 
images.
COULD NOT PRINT X IMAGES - You attempted to use the print order settings to print X images that were 
recorded with another camcorder, with a 
different compression or were edited on a 
computer.
FILE ERROR - You attempted to print an image that was recorded with another camcorder, has a 
different compression, or was edited on a 
computer.
HARDWARE ERROR - Cancel printing. Turn off the printer and turn it back on. Check the printer status. If 
the printer is equipped with a battery, it 
might be exhausted. In such case, turn off 
the printer, replace the battery and turn it 
back on.
- Ink tank errors have occurred. Replace the  ink tank.
INCOMPATIBLE PAPER SIZE - The paper settings of the camcorder conflict with the printer’s settings.
INK ABSORBER FULL - Select [CONTINUE] to resume printing. Consult a Canon Service Center (refer to 
the list included with the printer) to replace 
the ink absorber.
INK ERROR - There is a problem with the ink. Replace the ink cartridge.
LOW INK LEVEL - The ink cartridge needs to be replaced soon. Select [CONTINUE] to restart 
printing.
NO INK - The ink cartridge is not inserted or is out of ink.
NO PAPER - Paper is not correctly inserted or there is no paper.
NO PRINTHEAD - No print head is installed in the printer or the print head is defective. PAPER ERROR
- There is a problem with the paper. The paper is not correctly loaded or the paper 
size is wrong. Alternatively, if the paper 
output tray is closed, open it to print.
PA P E R  J A M - The paper jammed during printing. Select [STOP] to cancel printing. After removing 
the paper, set some paper again and retry 
printing.
PAPER LEVER ERROR - Paper lever error occurred. Adjust the paper selection lever to the proper 
position.
PRINT ERROR - Cancel printing, disconnect the USB cable and turn off the printer. After a while, turn 
the printer back on and reconnect the 
supplied USB cable. Check the printer 
status.
PRINTER COVER OPEN - Close the printer cover securely.
PRINTER ERROR - A malfunction has occurred that may require repairs. (Canon PIXMA printers: the 
printer's green power lamp and orange 
error lamp flash alternately.)
- Disconnect the USB cable and turn off the  printer. Unplug the printer's power cord 
from the power outlet and contact the 
appropriate customer support center or 
service center.
PRINTER IN USE - The printer is in use. Check the printer status.
SET   PRINT ORDER - No still images have been marked with a print order.
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Do ’s  and  D on’ ts
Camcorder
• Do not touch the pick up lens.
• Do not subject the camcorder to vibrations or strong impacts while the 
DISC access indicator is on or 
flashing. The data may not be 
correctly recorded on the disc, and 
the recording may be permanently 
lost.
• Do not carry the camcorder by the  LCD panel or the disc cover. Be 
careful when closing the LCD panel.
• Do not leave the camcorder in places  subject to high temperatures (like the 
inside of a car under direct sunlight), 
or high humidity.
• Do not use the camcorder near strong  electromagnetic fields such as above 
TVs, near plasma TVs or mobile 
phones.
• Do not point the lens or viewfinder at 
strong light sources. Do not leave the 
camcorder pointed at a bright subject.
• Do not use or store the camcorder in  dusty or sandy places. The camcorder 
is not waterproof – avoid also water, 
mud or salt. If any of the above should 
get into the camcorder it may damage 
the camcorder and/or the lens. Be 
sure to close the disc compartment 
cover after use.
• Be careful of heat generated by  lighting equipment.
• Do not disassemble the camcorder. If  the camcorder does not function 
properly, consult qualified service 
personnel. • Handle the camcorder with care. Do 
not subject the camcorder to shocks 
or vibration as this may cause 
damage.
• When mounting the camcorder on a  tripod, make sure that the tripod's 
fastening screw is shorter than 
5.5 mm (0.2 in.). Using other tripods 
may damage the camcorder.
• When recording movies, try to get a 
calm, stable picture.
Excessive camcorder movement while 
shooting and extensive use of fast 
zooms and panning can result in jittery 
scenes. In extreme cases, the 
playback of such scenes may result in 
visually induced motion sickness. If 
you experience such a reaction, 
immediately stop the playback and 
take a rest break as necessary.
Long-term storage 
If you do not intend to use the 
camcorder for a long time, store it in a 
place free of dust, in low humidity, and 
at temperatures not higher than 30 °C 
(86 °F).
Handling Precautions
5.5 mm
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