JVC Gzmg21u Instruction Manual

							MasterPage: Cover
GZ-MG21U
LYT1591-001DEN
ENGLISH
HARD DISK CAMCORDER
GETTING STARTED8
RECORDING16
DUBBING
56
To deactivate the demonstration mode, set “DEMO 
MODE” to “OFF”. (
pg. 51) 
Dear Customer,
Thank you for purchasing this hard disk camera. Before 
use, please read the safety information and precautions 
contained in pages 4 and 5 to ensure safe use of this 
product.
For Customer Use: 
Enter the Model No. (located on 
the bottom of the camera) and 
Serial No. (located on the battery 
pack mount of the camera) below. 
Retain this information for future 
reference.
Model No.
Serial No.
FURTHER 
INFORMATION
INSTRUCTIONS
PLAYBACK26
EDITING/PRINTING
MENU SETTINGS
20
30
36
47
50
M6E3US.book  Page 1  Friday, June 23, 2006  2:52 PM 
						

							2 ENMajor Features
The camera has a built-in high-capacity HDD (hard disk drive) that enables you to record videos and 
still images in massive quantities.
Video Event 
Registration
(
pg. 17)You can register recorded videos to 
events according to their content. This 
enables you to search and select files by 
content (event).
Editing Files on Your PC
(
 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION  
AND USB CONNECTION GUIDE)
USB 2.0 enables the smooth transfer of 
video and still images to a computer. 
With the bundled image editing software, 
you can easily edit video and create your 
own DVDs.
Direct Printing
(
pg. 46)If your printer is compatible with 
PictBridge, still images can be printed 
easily by connecting the camera directly 
to the printer with a USB cable. 
SD Memory Card
You can also record onto 
SD cards.
 “When Using an SD 
Card” (
pg. 15)●To record videos (
pg. 16)
●To playback videos (
pg. 26)
Auto/Manual Recording Mode
You can record without using any complicated 
operations in Auto recording mode.
Manual recording mode, on the other hand, enables 
you to use special effects and make manual 
adjustments to record videos that are even more vivid.
“To change to manual recording mode” (
pg. 22) ●To record still images (
pg. 20)
●To playback still images  
(
pg. 30)
M6E3US.book  Page 2  Friday, June 23, 2006  2:52 PM 
						

							EN 3Read This First! – How to Handle the Hard Disk Camera
Please read the following instructions before 
using the camera.
It is recommended to copy your important recorded 
data to a DVD or other recording media for storage. 
(
pg. 47)
Before the actual recording of important data, 
make a trial recording and play back the recorded 
data to check that the video and sound have been 
recorded correctly.
●The SD cards that are guaranteed to work with 
this camera are those by Panasonic, TOSHIBA, 
pqi (still image only) and SanDisk. If other media 
are used, they may fail to record data correctly, or 
they may lose data that had already been 
recorded.
●For video recording, use a high-speed SD card 
(at least 10 MB/s).
●MultiMediaCards are not supported.
Before using this camera, format the built-in hard 
disk or SD cards. This will also ensure stable 
speeds and operation when accessing the 
recording medium. (
pg. 39)
Do not cover the area near the lens, stereo 
microphone, or camera sensor with your finger or 
other object while recording. (
pg. 10) 
●When using the battery, the power will turn off 
automatically to conserve power. Use the power 
switch to turn on the power again.
●When using the AC adapter, the access lamp 
lights up, and the LCD turns off (the camera 
enters the sleep mode).This camera uses a microcomputer. Factors such 
as background noise and interference can prevent 
it from operating correctly. If the camera does not 
operate correctly, reset the camera. (
pg. 56)
When requesting repairs for breakdowns by your 
dealer or JVC service center, be sure to bring your 
camera together with the SD card. If one of them is 
not included, the cause cannot be diagnosed, and 
the repair cannot be made properly.
●When discarding batteries, environmental 
problems must be considered and the local rules 
or laws governing the disposal of these batteries 
must be strictly followed.
●If the camera is subjected to electrostatic 
discharge, turn the power off before using it 
again.
●This product includes patented and other 
proprietary technology and will only operate with 
a JVC Data Battery. Use the JVC BN-VF707U/
VF714U/VF733U battery packs. Using generic 
non-JVC batteries can cause damage to the 
internal charging circuitry.
●If the battery operation time remains extremely 
short even after the battery is fully charged, the 
battery is worn out and needs to be replaced. 
Please purchase a new one.
●Since the AC adapter processes electricity 
internally, it becomes warm during use. Be sure 
to use it only in well-ventilated areas.
●After 5 minutes has elapsed in record-standby 
mode, the camera will automatically turn off its 
power supplied from the AC adapter. In this case, 
battery charge starts if the battery is attached to 
the camera.
Make a backup of important recorded data
Make a trial recording
Check the compatibility of recording 
media
Format recording medium before use
Make sure you hold the camera correctly 
during recording
When a certain length of time passes 
without operation
Reset the camera if it does not operate 
correctly
If a problem occurs with the SD card, bring 
the card together with the camera for 
repairs
Precautions on handling batteries
INFORMATION
Video recording (with sound) that was made 
especially for demonstration at shops might be 
remaining on the hard disk of the camera that you 
have purchased.
To delete this video file, please refer to “Deleting 
Files” (
pg. 36)/“Formatting a Recording 
Medium” (
pg. 39).
M6E3US.book  Page 3  Friday, June 23, 2006  2:52 PM 
						

							4 ENSafety Precautions
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK 
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO 
RAIN OR MOISTURE.
NOTES:●The rating plate and safety caution are on the 
bottom and/or the back of the main unit.
●The serial number plate is on the battery pack 
mount.
●The rating information and safety caution of the 
AC adapter are on its upper and lower sides.
Caution on Replaceable lithium batteryThe battery used in this device may present a 
fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated.
Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 
100°C or incinerate.
Replace battery with Panasonic (Matsushita 
Electric), Sanyo, Sony or Maxell CR2025.
Danger of explosion or Risk of fire if the battery 
is incorrectly replaced.
●Dispose of used battery promptly.
●Keep away from children.
●Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in 
fire.
For USA-California Only
This product contains a CR Coin Cell Lithium 
Battery which contains Perchlorate Material – 
special handling may apply.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate
CAUTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION:      TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
       DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. 
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an 
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the 
presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the 
products enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude 
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is 
intended to alert the user to the presence of import
ant 
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in 
the literature accompanying the appliance.
When the equipment is installed in a cabinet or 
on a shelf, make sure that it has sufficient space 
on all sides to allow for ventilation (10 cm (3-15/
16) or more on both sides, on top and at the 
rear).
Do not block the ventilation holes.
(If the ventilation holes are blocked by a 
newspaper, or cloth etc. the heat may not be 
able to get out.)
No naked flame sources, such as lighted 
candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
When discarding batteries, environmental 
problems must be considered and the local rules 
or laws governing the disposal of these batteries 
must be followed strictly.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping 
or splashing.
Do not use this equipment in a bathroom or 
places with water.
Also do not place any containers filled with water 
or liquids (such as cosmetics or medicines, 
flower vases, potted plants, cups etc.) on top of 
this unit.
(If water or liquid is allowed to enter this 
equipment, fire or electric shock may be 
caused.)
Do not point the lens directly into the sun. This 
can cause eye injuries, as well as lead to the 
malfunctioning of internal circuitry. There is also 
a risk of fire or electric shock.
CAUTION!The following notes concern possible physical 
damage to the camera and to the user.
Carrying or holding the camera by the LCD 
monitor can result in dropping the unit, or in a 
malfunction.
Do not use a tripod on unsteady or unlevel 
surfaces. It could tip over, causing serious 
damage to the camera.
CAUTION!Connecting cables (Audio/Video, S-Video, etc.) 
to the camera and leaving it on top of the TV is 
not recommended, as tripping on the cables will 
cause the camera to fall, resulting in damage.
M6E3US.book  Page 4  Friday, June 23, 2006  2:52 PM 
						

							EN 5
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install 
in accordance with the manufacturer’s 
instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as 
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other 
apparatus (including amplifiers) that 
produce heat.
9. Only use attachments/accessories specified 
by the manufacturer.
10. Use only with the 
cart, stand, tripod, 
bracket, or table 
specified by the 
manufacturer, or 
sold with the 
apparatus. When 
a cart is used, use 
caution when moving the cart/apparatus 
combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
11. Unplug this apparatus during lightning 
storms or when unused for long periods of 
time.
12. Refer all servicing to qualified service 
personnel. Servicing is required when the 
apparatus has been damaged in any way, 
such as power-supply cord or plug is 
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects 
have fallen into the apparatus, the 
apparatus has been exposed to rain or 
moisture, does not operate normally, or has 
been dropped.Remember that this camera is intended for 
private consumer use only.
Any commercial use without proper 
permission is prohibited. (Even if you record 
an event such as a show, performance or 
exhibition for personal enjoyment, it is 
strongly recommended that you obtain 
permission beforehand.)
Trademarks
●Manufactured under license from Dolby 
Laboratories. “Dolby” and double-D symbol are 
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
●
MascotCapsule is a registered trademark of HI 
CORPORATION in Japan.
Copyright © 2001 HI CORPORATION. All 
rights reserved.
●Other product and company names included in 
this instruction manual are trademarks and/or 
registered trademarks of their respective 
holders.
M6E3US.book  Page 5  Friday, June 23, 2006  2:52 PM 
						

							6 ENContents
Accessories .......................................................8 Attaching the Shoulder Strap  ......................... 9
Attaching the Lens Cap .................................. 9
Attaching the Core Filter  ................................ 9 
Index ..............................................................10 
Necessary Settings before Use  .........................12 
Power Related Preparations (Using the Battery 
Pack) ............................................................ 12
Language Setting  ......................................... 13
Date/Time Setting  ........................................ 13 
Other Settings .................................................14 Grip Adjustment  ........................................... 14
Tripod Mounting  ........................................... 14 
Data Battery System  .................................... 14
When Using an SD Card .............................. 15 
Video Recording  ..............................................16Registering Files to Events  .......................... 17 
Zooming ....................................................... 18
16:9 Mode  .................................................... 18
LED Light  ..................................................... 18 
Deleting a File  .............................................. 19
Checking the Remaining Space on the 
Recording Media  .......................................... 19
Still Image Recording  .......................................20Zooming ....................................................... 21 
Continuous Shooting .................................... 21
LED Light  ..................................................... 21 
Deleting a File  .............................................. 21 
Manual Recording  ............................................22Manual Setting in MSET Menu  .................... 22
Nightalive ..................................................... 25
Backlight Compensation  .............................. 25
Spot Exposure Control  ................................. 25
Video Playback  ............................................... 26Various Operations during Playback  ........... 27
File Search Function .................................... 28
Date Index Screen  ................................... 28
Event Screen  ........................................... 29
To Play Back Files in the [EXTMOV] Folder  ..... 29Deleting a Video File  ................................... 29
Still Image Playback  ........................................ 30File Search Function .................................... 30
Slide Show ................................................... 31
Image Rotation  ............................................ 31
Playback Zoom  ............................................ 31
Deleting a Still Image File  ............................ 31
Watching Images on TV/Remote Control  .......... 32Connecting to a TV, VCR or DVD Recorder ....... 32Playback on TV  ........................................... 32
Playback Using the Remote Control ............ 33
Playback with Special Effects  ........................... 34
Managing Files ................................................ 36
Deleting Files  ............................................... 36
Viewing File Information  .............................. 37
Protecting Files from Accidental Erasure .......38Formatting a Recording Medium  ................. 39
Cleaning Up a Recording Medium ............... 40
Resetting the File Number  ........................... 40
Changing the Event Registration of Video Files 
after Recording  ............................................ 41
GETTING STARTED
RECORDING
Video
Still image
Video / Still image
PLAYBACK
Video
Still image
Video / Still image
EDITING/PRINTING
Video / Still image
M6E3US.book  Page 6  Friday, June 23, 2006  2:52 PM 
						

							EN 7
Playlists ......................................................... 42Creating Playlists  ......................................... 42
Playing Back Playlists  .................................. 44
Other Operations of Playlists  ....................... 44
Print Setting  ................................................... 45DPOF Print Setting  ...................................... 45
Direct Printing with PictBridge Printer  .......... 46
Dubbing Video Files to DVD Discs  ..................... 47Using a VCR/DVD Recorder for Dubbing  .... 47
Copying/Moving Still Image Files  ..................... 48
Changing the Menu Settings  ............................. 50
Common Menus for All Modes  .................... 51
Video Recording Menus  .............................. 53
Video Playback Menus  ................................ 54
Still Image Recording Menus  ....................... 55
Still Image Playback Menus ......................... 55
Troubleshooting .............................................. 56
Warning Indications ......................................... 60
Cleaning the Camera  ........................................ 62
Cautions ......................................................... 63
Specifications .................................................. 66
Indications on LCD Monitor  .............................. 68
TERMS ..............................................  Back cover
Video
Still image
DUBBING
Video
Still image
MENU SETTINGS
FURTHER INFORMATION
Regarding This Manual
Button operations
●Button operations are illustrated as shown 
below.
●Regarding the control lever (
pg. 11)
There are two kinds of operation using the 
control lever: moving the lever towards up/
down/left/right, or pressing down the lever. 
They are described and illustrated as shown 
below.
ex.)
1) Move the control lever downward:
2) Press down the control lever:
3) Operate 1) and 2) continuously:
Icons at the top of pages
When there are icons at the top of pages, they 
show whether the page is related to videos and/or 
still images. 
ex.)
Press .
Press 49. 
Select
SetPress / / /  
to select, then press 
49.
EN 27
sedotion playback
Forward Backward
Page related to videos
Page related to still images
Page common to videos and still 
images
M6E3US.book  Page 7  Friday, June 23, 2006  2:52 PM 
						

							8 ENAccessories
AC Adapter 
AP-V18U / AP-V14UBattery Pack 
BN-VF707UAudio/Video Cable
USB Cable 
(
SOFTWARE 
INSTALLATION AND 
USB CONNECTION 
GUIDE)Shoulder Strap 
(
pg. 9)Lens Cap (
pg. 9)CD-ROM
Remote Control Unit 
RM-V730U (
pg. 33)Lithium Battery 
CR2025 (for remote 
control unit)
Pre-installed in the 
remote control unit at 
time of shipment.Core Filter for Cables (
pg. 9)
Large (A): Audio/Video Cable
Large (B): USB Cable
Small: DC Cord
or
M6E3US.book  Page 8  Friday, June 23, 2006  2:52 PM 
						

							EN 9
To protect the lens, attach the provided lens cap to the camera as shown in the illustration.
Attach the core filters to the cables. 
The core filter reduces interference. 
When connecting a cable, attach the 
end with the core filter to the 
camera.
Attachment positions
(
 right)
Attaching the Shoulder Strap
Attaching the Lens Cap
Buckle Strap Guide
Eyelet
Peel off the pad and thread the 
end of the strap through the 
eyelet.Thread the strap through the 
buckle, adjust its length, and use 
the strap guide to fix it in place.Position the buckle near the 
eyelet and reattach the pad.
Place here during 
recording.
Attaching the Core Filter
Large (A)
Small
USB Cable
AC Adapter
Large (B)
AV  C a b l e
DC Cord
Release the stopper.
3 cm (1-3/16)
Wind once.
GETTING STARTED
M6E3US.book  Page 9  Friday, June 23, 2006  2:52 PM 
						

							10 ENIndex
13 19  18  17 20 
21 
22 24  23 
25 
26 
How to open the LCD monitorPush   and open the LCD monitor fully.
Power-linked operation
When the power switch is set to  , you 
can also turn the camera on/off by 
opening/closing the LCD monitor.
A  
The LCD monitor can rotate 270°.
M6E3US.book  Page 10  Friday, June 23, 2006  2:52 PM