Canon ZR960
From ITS Wiki - Information Technology Services - University of Rhode Island
The Canon ZR960 is a MiniDV camcorder that is capable of shooting standard–definition DV video on MiniDV cassettes. It has a built-in zoom lens and can record sound through the on-board mic or an external mic through the 3.5 inch jack.
The camera uses a 1/6" CCD sensor.
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Specifications
- name: Canon ZR960
- manufacturer: Canon Inc.
- playback modes: DV
- lens: Zoom Ratio 41x Advanced Zoom; 37x Optical / 2000x Digital, Focal Length f = 2.6 - 96.2mm, Zoom Speeds 3 Fixed Zoom Speeds, Max F/Stop f/2.0 - 5.2
- maximum recording time: SP: 80 min. LP: 120 min. (80 min. cassette)
- microphone terminal: 3.5mm Stereo Mini Jack
- image sensor: 1/6" CCD sensor
- dimensions: 2.7 x 3.3 x 4.8 in (Not including grip belt)
- weight: 13.8 oz (390g)
Operating the camera
To prepare to record on a MiniDV cassette
- To insert a battery pack: place battery pack in the battery slot below the viewfinder with the grey arrow pointing up and slide the pack up until it clicks.
- To charge the battery: with the battery still in the battery slot on the camera, plug the cord from the power adapter into the cameras DC IN terminal (to the right of the battery pack). Then plug the other end into a wall outlet. The charge indicator light will begin flashing, when it stops flashing the battery is charged.
- To insert a MiniDV tape: Slide the OPEN/EJECT button on the top of the camera in the direction of the arrow and open the cassette compartment cover. The rest of the cassette compartment will open mechanically. Insert the tape with the window facing towards the grip belt and the gray arrow pointing down. Then press on the area marked PUSH until it clicks and the mechanical cassette compartment will slide back into the camera. Then close the compartment cover.
- To begin recording: slide the POWER switch from OFF to CAMERA, an image should show up in the viewfinder or the LCD screen. Then press the START/STOP button to begin recording.
The standard configuration for the ZR960 uses a fully automatic recording scheme (auto-focus, auto-aperture, etc.) Follow these steps if you want to set up the camera to record with manual controls and have greater control of the image.
- On the side of the camera that has the grip strap above the POWER selector there is a switch that toggles between AUTO and P. For manual mode switch this to P
- To set manual exposure: Once your are in P mode, press the button in the middle of a four-way directional arrow pad on the outside edge of the LCD display. Scroll through these options on the LCD screen by pressing the up and down arrows until the display says EXP. You may then manually adjust the exposure by pressing left or right on the arrow pad.
- To set manual Focus: Press the middle button on the four-way selector and then navigate up or down to FOCUS. After pressing this the letters MF should appear on the LCD display. Adjust this by pressing left and right on the four-way selector.
- To set Manual White Balance: Press the FUNC button directly below the four-way arrow pad then on the on-screen menu navigate to White Balance. Then navigate to the SET command and point your camera at a white object and zoom in until the color white fills the entire screen, then press the middle button. The white balance image will flash on the screen. When it is done flashing your white balance is set. Press FUNC again to save your setting and close the menu.
- How to set-up an external: Plug in the external min into the MIC terminal in the space where the LCD screen flips out of. The camera will automatically choose that as your default mic.
Changing Aspect Ratios
Switching between aspect ratios allows you to choose which style would be best for your project. You can choose between aspect ratios of 16:9 (widescreen) or 4:3 (standard). The default setting is for 16:9.
To adjust these settings:
- Press the FUNC button then use the joystick to the left of the screen to navigate to MENU, then navigate to CAMERA SET-UP. Navigate to the WIDESCREEN tab and select OFF.
Playback and Capture
- For playback on the camera: switch the POWER switch to PLAY then use the joystick to the left of the LCD display to control playback
- For capture: Plug a four-pin firewire cable into the terminal marked DV in the space that the LCD display flips out of. Then use the appropriate capture method for your editing software to get the footage off of the camera
