Digital Video Camcorder Instruction Manual Caméscope numérique Manuel d'instruction Videocámara digital Manual de Instrucciones Please read also the Digital Video Software instruction manual (on PDF file). Refer to the installation guide for further details. Veuillez lire aussi le manuel d'instruction Digital Video Software (sur fichier PDF).
• The message “HEADS DIRTY, USE CLEANING CASSETTE” appears. If such symptoms appear, clean the video heads with the Canon DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette* or a commercially available dry cleaning cassette. If the symptoms reappear shortly after the cleaning, the videocassette may be defective.
Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the manual. If such changes or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop operation of the equipment. Canon U.S.A. Inc. One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042, U.S.A. Tel No. (516)328-5600 Important Warning...
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS In these safety instructions the word “apparatus” or “product” refers to the Canon Digital Video Camcorder ZR950 A and all its accessories. Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated.
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If the product has been exposed to rain or water. When replacement of the power supply is required, please return it to the responsible nearest Canon Service Center and please replace it with the same type number CA-590. The adapter can be used with a power supply between 100 and 240 V AC. For areas where 120 V AC power is not used, you will need a special plug adapter.
Table of contents Introduction ______________________________ About this Manual Getting to Know the Camcorder Supplied Accessories Components Guide Screen Displays Preparations _____________________________ Getting Started Charging the Battery Pack Installing the Backup Battery Preparing the Wireless Controller and Accessories Basic Operation of the Camcorder...
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Video ____________________________________ Basic Recording Shooting Video Zooming: Optical, Advanced and Digital Zoom Quick Start Function Reviewing the Last Scene Recorded Basic Playback Playing Back Video Returning to a Pre-marked Position Locating the Beginning of a Recording Date Locating the End of the Last Scene On-Screen Displays (Data Code) Advanced Function : Special Scene Recording Programs...
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Photos __________________________________ Basic Recording Taking Photos Selecting Photo Size and Quality Erasing or Protecting a Photo Right After Recording It Basic Playback Viewing Photos Magnifying Photos during Playback Erasing Photos Additional Functions Automatic Focus Priority Protecting Photos Initializing the Memory Card Printing Photos Printing Photos –...
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Display Setup (LCD Brightness, Language, etc.) System Setup (Beep, Power Save, etc.) Date/Time Setup Trouble? Troubleshooting List of Messages Do’s and Don’ts Handling Precautions Maintenance/Others Using the Camcorder Abroad General Information System Diagram Optional Accessories Product Codes Specifications Index Table of contents...
Introduction About this Manual Thank you for purchasing the Canon ZR950. Please read this manual carefully before you use the camcorder and retain it for future reference. Should your camcorder fail to operate correctly, refer to Troubleshooting ( Conventions Used in this Manual •...
Getting to Know the Camcorder Supplied Accessories CA-590 Compact Power BP-2L5 Battery Pack Adapter Lithium Button Battery STV-250N Stereo Video (CR1616) Cable Lithium Button Battery WL-D85 Wireless Controller (CR2025) for Wireless Controller Software CD-ROM* IFC-300PCU USB Cable DIGITAL VIDEO Solution Disk...
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Register your product online at Protect your product We will keep the model number and date of purchase of your new Canon product on file to help you refer to this information in the event of an insurance claim such as loss or theft.
Introduction Screen Displays Recording Movies Playing Movies Zoom ( 33), Exposure Recording program ( White balance ( Image effect ( LCD video light ( Digital effects ( Condensation warning ( Shutter speed ( Self timer ( Exposure adjustment ( Manual focus ( Image stabilizer ( Recording mode ( Tape operation (...
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Self timer ( Number of still images available on the memory card ( AF frame ( Joystick guide ( Camcorder shake warning ( Slideshow ( Image protection mark ( Image number ( 18, 78) Current image /Total number of images...
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Recording reminder The camcorder counts from 1 to 10 seconds when you start recording. This is helpful to avoid scenes that are too short. Number of still images available on the memory...
Getting Started Getting Started Charging the Battery Pack The camcorder can be powered with a battery pack or directly using the compact power adapter. Charge the battery pack before use. For approximate charging times and...
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30 °C (50 °F and 86 °F). Outside the temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F), charging will not start. • Do not connect to the camcorder’s DC IN terminal or to the compact power adapter any electrical equipment that is not expressly recommended for use with this camcorder.
Installing the Backup Battery The backup battery (lithium button battery CR1616) allows the camcorder to retain the date, time ( ) and other camcorder settings while the power source is disconnected. Connect a power source to the camcorder when replacing the backup battery to retain the settings.
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Start/Stop your thumb. HEN YOU MOUNT THE CAMCORDER ON A TRIPOD Do not leave the viewfinder exposed to direct sunlight as it may melt (due to concentration of the light by the lens).
Basic Operation of the Camcorder Basic Operation of the Camcorder Operating Modes The camcorder’s operating mode is determined by the positions of the switch and the switch. In the manual, indicates that a function is available in the operating mode shown indicates that the function is not available.
Preparations Using the Menus Many of the camcorder’s functions can be adjusted from the menus that open after pressing the FUNC. button FUNC. For details about the available menu options and settings, refer to the appendix Menu Options Lists ( Selecting a FUNC.
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FUNC. Press In the still image index screen, the setup menus will open. Skip to step 3. Select ( ) the icon and press ) to open the setup menus. Select ( ) the desired menu from the left side column and press The title of the selected menu appears on top of the screen and under it the list of settings.
• The display that appears in some menu screens refers to the name of the button on the camcorder and will not change, regardless of the language selected. Changing the Time Zone Change the time zone to match your location.
Setting the Date and Time FUNC. Open the date and time setup screen. FUNC. MENU] DATE/TIME SETUP] [DATE/TIME] Blinking arrows will be displayed around the first field of the date. Change each field of the date and time with the joystick ( move ( ) to the next field.
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• When you wish to include yourself in the picture when recording with the self timer. • To allow the camcorder to be operated with the wireless controller from the front. Subject can monitor the...
• Be careful not to get your fingers caught in the cassette compartment cover. NOTES If the camcorder is connected to a power source, cassettes can be inserted/ removed even if the switch is set...
First push the memory card once to release it, and then pull the card out. IMPORTANT • Make sure to initialize all memory cards before using them with this camcorder 56). memory • Memory cards have front and back sides that are not interchangeable.
Start/Stop recording. HEN YOU HAVE FINISHED RECORDING 1 Close the lens cover and the LCD panel. 2 Turn off the camcorder. 3 Remove the tape. 4 Disconnect the power source and remove the battery pack. IMPORTANT When recording movies, try to get a calm, stable picture.
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About the Mode Switch and Recording Programs Set the mode switch to camcorder adjust all the settings for you, allowing you to just point the camcorder and start shooting. Set the mode switch to The Special Scene recording programs ( way to select the optimal settings to match special recording conditions.
(picture angle) will change. Refer to the table in the NOTES section. [DIGITAL] (2000x) When this option is selected, the camcorder will switch to digital zoom (light blue area on the zoom indicator) when you zoom in beyond the optical zoom range (white area on the zoom indicator).
• You can also use the T and W buttons on the wireless controller. The zoom speed with the wireless controller will be the same as with the camcorder or fixed at SPEED 3] (when [ selected). Quick Start Function...
- Manual exposure adjustment returns to automatic exposure. - Zoom position returns to full wide- angle W. • The camcorder will shut off if left in standby mode for 10 minutes, regardless of the [POWER SAVE] setting 78). To restore the power if the camcorder shut off, turn the camcorder off and then on again.
• You can display the date and time of the recording ( • To protect the tape and video heads, the camcorder will enter the stop mode ( ) to if left in playback pause ( 4 minutes 30 seconds. To resume the...
• The time code changes to “0:00:00 ”. • Press ZERO SET MEMORY cancel the memory. Operation on the camcorder Initial mode or on the wireless controller Normal playback : Push the joystick ( : Press and hold Normal playback...
FUNC. FUNC. END SEARCH] • “END SEARCH” appears. STOP • The camcorder rewinds/fast forwards the tape, plays back the last few seconds of the recording and stops the tape. • To cancel the end search push the joystick ( NOTES •...
On-Screen Displays (Data Code) The camcorder keeps a data code containing the date and time of recording. You can select the data to be displayed. Options OFF] No data code display. DATE], [ TIME] Displays the date or time when the scene or still image was recorded.
Check the image on the screen. • [ FIREWORKS] - To avoid camcorder shake, we recommend using a tripod. Make sure to use a tripod especially in mode, as the shutter speed slows down.
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PROGRAM AE] The camcorder sets the aperture and shutter speed. PORTRAIT] The camcorder uses a large aperture, achieving a focus on the subject while blurring other distracting details. SPORTS] Use this mode to record sports scenes such as tennis or golf.
Video Flexible Recording: Changing the Shutter Speed Use the automatic exposure (AE) program to use functions like the white balance or image effects, or to select the shutter speed. Use faster shutter speeds to record subjects moving quickly. Use slower shutter speeds to add motion blur, emphasizing the feel of movement.
Use the viewfinder instead. • Using the viewfinder, select LCD LIGHT OFF] to turn the LCD video light off. Self Timer AUTO] POINTS TO CHECK : Set the camcorder to record pause mode. FUNC. Activate the self timer. FUNC. CAMERA SETUP] [SELF TIMER] FUNC.
Records audio at the highest quality. 12bit] Records audio on 2 channels (Stereo 1) leaving 2 free channels (Stereo 2) you can use for audio dubbing. With this camcorder you can dub audio only using the microphone ( 66). FUNC. FUNC.
Selecting the Audio Track on a Tape with Dubbed Audio You can select the audio track to play back when playing back a tape that has a dubbed audio track (Stereo 2) in addition to the original recorded audio (Stereo 1). Options STEREO1] Original sound only.
[FOCUS] again will return the camcorder to autofocus. • If you operate the zoom or the joystick ( changes to "MF" and the camcorder returns to manual focusing mode. Push the joystick ( ) toward [BACK] to save the focus adjustment.
POINTS TO CHECK Recording program: [ PROGRAM AE] Options AUTO] Settings are automatically set by the camcorder. Use this setting for outdoor scenes. DAYLIGHT] For recording outdoors on a bright day. TUNGSTEN] For recording under tungsten and tungsten type (3-wavelength) fluorescent lighting.
Video - Under mercury lamps and certain types of fluorescent lights Image Effects You can use the image effects to change the color saturation and contrast to record images with special color effects. POINTS TO CHECK Recording program: [ PROGRAM AE] Options IMAGE EFFECT OFF] Records with no image enhancing effects.
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When you apply an effect, the sound will be recorded normally. • The camcorder retains the last setting used even if you turn off the digital effects or change the recording program.
- Do not open the memory card slot cover and do not remove the memory card. - Do not disconnect the power source or turn off the camcorder. - Do not change the position of the switch or the operating mode. NOTES If the subject is not suitable for autofocus, turns yellow.
Selecting Photo Size and Quality Still images are recorded on the memory card using JPEG compression. As a general rule select a larger image size for higher quality. Options Image size options and the approximate number of still images that can be recorded on memory cards of various sizes are given in the table below.
Photos Erasing or Protecting a Photo Right After Recording It You can erase or protect the still image recorded last while reviewing it within the time set for the [REVIEW] option (or immediately after recording it, if [REVIEW] is set to [ OFF]).
- Do not disconnect the power source or turn off the camcorder. - Do not change the position of the switch or the operating mode. • The following may not be displayed correctly.
Photos • To further enlarge the image, move the zoom lever toward T. To reduce the magnification, move the zoom lever toward W. • will appear for images that cannot be enlarged. Move ( ) the frame to the part of the image you want to see enlarged.
Additional Functions Additional Functions Automatic Focus Priority When the focus priority is activated, the camcorder records a still image only after the focus has been adjusted automatically. POINTS TO CHECK Mode switch at : The focus priority cannot be turned off.
Initializing the memory card ( permanently erase all still images, even the protected ones. Initializing the Memory Card Initialize memory cards when you use them with this camcorder for the first time, or to erase all the still images on them. FUNC. FUNC.
59). Canon printers: SELPHY printers of the CP, DS and ES series and PIXMA printers marked with the PictBridge logo.
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Printing Multiple Images on the Same Sheet [2-UP], [4-UP], etc. When using Canon printers you can print the same still image multiple times on the same sheet of paper. Use the following table as a guideline for the recommended number of copies depending on the [ PAPER SIZE]→...
- Images not recorded with this camcorder. • Observe the following precautions during printing: - Do not turn off the camcorder or the printer. - Do not change the position of the - Do not disconnect the USB cable. - Do not remove the memory card.
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Photos Selecting Still Images for Printing (Print Order) POINTS TO CHECK Set the print orders before connecting the USB cable to the camcorder. FUNC. FUNC. PRINT ORDER] Select ( ) the number of copies* (0-99) Press ( FUNC. * To cancel the print order, set the number of copies to 0.
External Connections This chapter explains step-by-step how to connect your camcorder to an external device such as a TV, VCR, or computer. Connecting to a TV or VCR Connecting to a TV or VCR Open the LCD panel to access.
Input connection (signal flow * Be careful to correctly insert the 6-pin plug into the DV terminal. Inserting it in the wrong direction can result in damage to the camcorder. Connecting Cable ) to a TV or VCR with AV Terminals.
POINTS TO CHECK Before making the connections, select the [TV TYPE] setting according to the TV set to which you will connect the camcorder 75). Connecting Connect the camcorder to the TV following one of the connection...
62)–: - If the picture does not appear, disconnect the DV cable and restore the connection after a short while or turn the camcorder off and then on again. - Proper operation cannot be guaranteed for all digital devices equipped with a DV terminal. If the operation does not work, use the AV terminal.
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• If the picture does not appear, disconnect the DV cable and restore the connection after a short while or turn the camcorder off and then on again. • Do not connect any devices to the camcorder’s USB terminal while an external device is connected to the DV terminal.
Camcorder Output connection (signal flow * Be careful to correctly insert the 6-pin plug into the DV terminal. Inserting it in the wrong direction can result in damage to the camcorder. Output connection (signal flow DV Terminal Check the type and orientation of the terminal and make sure you connect the DV cable properly.
• Before connecting the camcorder to the computer using a DV cable, make sure that the camcorder and computer are not connected with a USB cable, and that no other IEEE1394 device is connected to the computer.
- Do not open the memory card slot cover and do not remove the memory card. - Do not disconnect the USB cable. - Do not turn off the camcorder or the computer. - Do not change the position of the switch or the operating mode.
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1 Select ( press ( 2 Select ( • The images are transferred and displayed on the computer. • The camcorder returns to the transfer menu once the transfer is completed. • To cancel the transfer, select ( [CANCEL] and press ( FUNC.
NOTES When the camcorder is connected to the computer and the image selection screen FUNC. is displayed, press to return to the transfer menu. Transfer Orders You can mark in advance the still images you want to transfer to the computer as transfer orders.
Additional Information This chapter contains troubleshooting advice, screen messages, handling and maintenance tips, and other information. Appendix: Menu Options Lists Appendix: Menu Options Lists Menu items not available appear grayed out. For details about how to select an item, refer to Using the Menus ( page.
FUNC. Menu (cont.) Menu item Press ( [REC PAUSE] mode. Press ( [END SEARCH] Press ( [SLIDESHOW] [IMAGE ERASE] [CANCEL], [ERASE] PROTECT OFF], Still image protection [PRINT ORDER] 0] - [ Transfer order TRANS.ORDER OFF], TRANS.ORDER ON] Option available only when the mode switch is set to This option will appear only when you press (or immediately after recording the still image, if set to [ Setup menus...
[WIDESCREEN]: The camcorder uses the full width of the image sensor providing high- resolution 16:9 recordings. • Since the screens on the camcorder have an aspect ratio of 16:9, recordings with a 4:3 aspect ratio will appear in the center of the screen with black sidebars.
• When playing back in this camcorder tapes recorded in LP mode with other devices or vice versa, you may notice some anomalies in the playback picture or the sound may stop briefly.
Language Set B: [ENGLISH], [ [DEMO MODE] The default setting is [ BRIGHT] when you power the camcorder using the compact power adapter. The list of languages available depends on the region of purchase. [BRIGHTNESS]: Adjust ( • Changing the brightness of the LCD display does not affect that of the viewfinder or the recordings.
Additional Information [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, the message “...
- Use the compact power adapter. 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. (two quick flashes at 1-second intervals) Battery pack at least 50% charged ( Battery pack will not charge.
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- The battery of the wireless controller is exhausted. Replace the battery ( Video noise appears on screen. - When using the camcorder in a room where a plasma TV is located, keep a distance between the camcorder and the plasma TV.
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Printing The printer is not operating even though the camcorder and printer are correctly connected. - Disconnect the USB cable and turn off the camcorder and the printer. After a short while, turn them on again, set the camcorder to 36).
Additional Information Editing Cannot record with this camcorder video input from an external video device connected using a DV cable. - Wrong signal standard. Refer also to the instruction manual of the connected device. List of Messages (in alphabetical order) CANNOT TRANSFER! - You attempted to transfer a still image that cannot be displayed with this camcorder.
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- No images are recorded on the memory card. REMOVE THE CASSETTE - Camcorder stopped operating to protect the tape. Remove the cassette and reinsert it ( SET THE TIME ZONE, DATE AND TIME - You have not set the time zone, date and time. This message appears each time you turn the power on until...
- The paper settings of the camcorder conflict with the printer's settings. INK ABSORBER FULL - Select [CONTINUE] to resume printing. Contact 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.
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PAPER ERROR - There is a problem with the paper. The paper is not correctly loaded or the paper size is wrong. - If the paper output tray is closed, open it to print. PAPER JAM - The paper jammed during printing. Select [STOP] to cancel printing. After removing the paper, set some paper again and retry printing.
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...
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Clean the terminals with a cotton swab after about 10 times of removing and reinserting the cassette. The memory function is not supported by the camcorder. Protecting Tapes from Accidental Erasure To protect your recordings from accidental erasure, slide the tab on the cassette to SAVE or ERASE OFF.
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Image data may be corrupted or lost due to memory card defects or exposure to static electricity. Canon makes no warranties for corrupted or lost data. • Do not turn off the camcorder, disconnect the power source or remove the memory card while the CARD access indicator is flashing.
Maintenance/Others 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). Cleaning Camcorder Body • Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the camcorder body.
General Information System Diagram (Availability differs from area to area) WS-20 Wrist Strap SS-600/SS-650 Shoulder Strap MiniDV videocassette WL-D85 Wireless Controller SC-2000 Soft Carrying Case * The BP-2L5 is not available as a separate optional accessory. NB-2LH, BP-2L5*, BP-2L14 Battery Pack STV-250N Stereo Video Cable Commercially available...
Use of genuine Canon accessories is recommended. This product is designed to achieve excellent performance when used with genuine Canon accessories. Canon shall not be liable for any damage to this product and/or accidents such as fire, etc., caused by the malfunction of non-genuine Canon accessories (e.g., a leakage and/or explosion of a battery pack).
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Recording and Playback Times The recording and playback times given in the following table are approximate and vary according to recording mode and charging, recording or playback conditions. The effective usage time of the battery pack may decrease when recording in cold surroundings, when using the brighter screen settings, etc.
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SC-2000 Soft Carrying Case A handy camcorder bag with padded compartments and plenty of space for accessories. This mark identifies genuine Canon video accessories. When you use Canon video equipment, we recommend Canon-brand accessories or products bearing the same mark.
Additional Information Specifications ZR950 System Video Recording System Audio Recording System Television System Image Sensor Compatible Tapes Tape Speed Maximum Recording Time (60 min. tape) LCD Screen Viewfinder Microphone Lens Lens Configuration AF system Minimum Focusing Distance White Balance When two values are given, the first indicates the value at full telephoto (T) and the second indicates the value at full wide-angle (W). 2 rotary heads, helical scanning DV system (consumer digital VCR SD system), digital component recording PCM digital sound: 16 bit (48 kHz/2 channels);...
Image Compression Method * This camcorder has been tested with SD memory cards up to 2 GB. Performance cannot be guaranteed for all memory cards. ** This camcorder supports Exif 2.2 (also called “Exif Print”). Exif Print is a standard for enhancing the communication between camcorders and printers.
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Additional Information CA-590 Compact Power Adapter Power input Rated output Operating temperature Dimensions Weight BP-2L5 Battery Pack Battery type Rated voltage Operating temperature Battery capacity Dimensions Weight Weight and dimensions are approximate. Errors and omissions excepted. Subject to change without notice. 100 –...
Index 6-second auto date ....77 Abroad, using the camcorder ..90 Aspect ratio of a connected TV (TV type) ..75 of movies (Widescreen) .
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Additional Information Magnifying a still image ... . 53 Maintenance ..... 89 Manual exposure adjustment .
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Zero set memory ....37 Zoom Advanced zoom ....33 Zoom speed ....33 Zoom type .
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B) If the Equipment is defective as a result of leaking batteries, sand, dirt or water damage; C) If defects or damages are caused by the use of unauthorized parts or by service other than by Canon USA's factory service centers or authorized service facilities;...
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Equipment is warranted under normal, non-commercial, personal use, against defective materials or workmanship as follows: Parts: Defective parts will be exchanged for new parts or, at Canon Canada’s option, comparable rebuilt parts for a period of one year from the date of original purchase, except Video Heads which will be exchanged for a period of 3 months from the date of purchase.
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15955 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92618 USA CANON U.S.A., INC. HONOLULU OFFICE 210 Ward Avenue, Suite 200, Honolulu, Hl 96814 USA ❖ If you have any questions, call the Canon U.S.A. Information Center toll-free at 1-800-828-4040 (U.S.A. only). CANADA CANON CANADA INC. NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 6390 Dixie Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1P7 CANON CANADA INC.