IB HamiltonBuhl ActionPro FHD Digital Video Camera Instruction Manual

ActionPro™ FHD Digital Video Camera Instruction Manual

24 MP Max /2.7”TFT

Model #: HDV17BK

1. About Your Camcorder

1a. System Requirements

• Pentium processor 2.0 GHz or higher
• Windows XP Operation System (or later version)
• 2 GB memory, available 40 GB disk space
• USB interface
• CD-ROM drive (Optional)
• Display card 1 GB or higher
• Screen resolution of 1024×768 pixel or higher

1b. Camcorder Description Diagrams:

1c. Button Functions/Descriptions

2. Using Your Camcorder

2a. Inserting a Memory Card

Insert a memory card to store videos and photos. Information stored on a card will not be lost if you physically lock the card. Insert the memory card according to the following steps:

1. Open the battery door (on the bottom) by pulling the lever – the door should pop open.
2. Metal contact part should go in first facing up, away from the battery. Insert and push the card in until it clicks into place. Close the door, making sure it is fully locked. A memory card can only be inserted in the proper direction. DO NOT FORCE THE CARD INTO THE SLOT.

To ensure proper recording and playback of larger video files, it is suggested you purchase an additional Class 10 SD card.

2b. Installing the Battery

Install the rechargeable lithium battery in the battery slot. A battery can only be installed in one specific direction. Do not force or push down hard on the battery. It will install easily if inserted correctly. Make sure the pins are inserted first, facing up.

2c. Charging the Battery

Connect a standard USB plug to a wall outlet and the other end of mini- connector to the camcorder to properly charge. Make sure the shape of the mini-connector matches the charging jack on the camcorder. The charging jack can be found under the HDMI jack on the back of the unit.

2d. Turning On/Off the Camcorder

Press the ‘Power’ button to turn on the camcorder. Press and hold the ‘Power’ button for 2 seconds to turn off the camcorder. If battery power is running out, a ‘Low Power’ message will appear on the screen and the unit will turn itself off within a few seconds.

2e. Changing Modes

Press the ‘Mode’ button to change modes. Modes are: video recording, camera and playback mode. Each mode’s icon will appear in the top left corner of the screen, when selected.

2f. Connecting to a Computer

In order to view videos and photos on your computer, connect the standard USB charging cable to your computer’s USB terminal. The computer will recognize the camcorder as a removable drive; you will find your video and photo files in the subfolders.

2g. Connecting to a Standard Television

The camcorder can be connected to a TV to display video or photo files, as shown.

2h. Video Recording Mode

Press the ‘Mode’ button to select video shooting mode. Options on the display are:

2i. Camera Mode (for Photos)

Press the ’MODE’ button to select Camera mode.

Options on the display are:

2j. Zoom Function

Zoom in by tilting the ‘Zoom’ lever to the right. Zoom out by tilting the ‘Zoom’ button to the left.

2k. Using LED Light

The camcorder has a built-in LED light. It can compensate for a dark environment and help reduce shadows. In video recording or camera mode, press the ‘Power’ button to turn LED Light On/Off. The icon will show on the screen.

! LED fill light can be used in camera mode or video shooting mode, operating the ! same way as the zoom function.

3. Shooting Video and Settings

Press the ‘Mode’ button to select video shooting mode. The movie camcorder icon will appear on the top left corner of the display screen. You cannot take video without a memory card.

1. Refer to the viewing screen to see the video to be taken. Hold the camcorder and press ‘Record/Stop’ button to start recording.
2. When recording, the red circle icon will flash. Press the ‘Shutter’ button to pause/shoot. Press the ‘Record/Stop’ button again to end recording and save to memory.
3. The recorded files will autosave to the external memory card. You should set parameters of the video mode before shooting.

3a. Video Size Settings

Different video resolutions options are: FHD, HD, VGA or Cancel. In higher resolution settings, the video image will be clearer and the file size will increase as well.

1. From ‘Video Mode’, press ‘Menu’ and then press the ‘Up/Down’ buttons to select the ‘Video Size‘ option. Press OK to enter submenu.
2. Press the ‘Up/Down’ buttons to select: FHD, HD, VGA or Cancel.
3. Press OK to save and return to video shooting mode.

3b. Mode Settings

The camcorder has multi-modes. Use Auto for general purpose filming.

1. From the ‘Video Mode’, press ‘Menu’ then press the ‘Up/Down’ buttons to select the ‘Mode Set’ option. Press OK to enter the sub-menu.
2. Press the ‘Up/Down’ buttons to select: Auto, Sport, Night, Portrait, Landscape, Backlight, Party, Beach, High Sensitivity or Cancel.
3. Press OK to save and return to video shooting mode.

3c. Beauty Face Settings

This function adjusts skin tones and may make a person’s skin appear more natural, adjusting skin lightness and complexion.

1. From ‘Video Mode’, press ‘Menu’ then press the ‘Up/Down’ buttons to select the ‘Beauty Face’ option. Press OK to enter the sub-menu.
2. Press the ‘Up/Down’ buttons to select: Off, On or Cancel.
3. Press OK to save and return to video shooting mode.

3d. White Balance Settings

Adjust color deviations of the video you are taking according to different source conditions. Use ‘Auto’ for general purpose use.

1. From ‘Video Mode’, press ‘Menu’ then press the Up/Down buttons and select ‘White Balance’. Press OK to enter the sub-menu.
2. Press the Up/Down buttons to select Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent or Cancel. Press OK to save and return to video shooting mode.

3e. Exposure Settings (adjust EV value)

You can adjust exposure depending on conditions (by deliberately under- or overexposing).

1. From ‘Video Mode’, press ‘Menu’ then press the Up /Down buttons to select ‘Exposure’ option. Press OK for the sub-menu.
2. Press the Up/Down buttons to select EV value from +3 to -3 or Cancel. A setting of ‘0’ is a normal exposure.
3. Press ‘OK’ to save and return to video shooting mode.

3f. Adjusting Photo Sensitivity (ISO)

The recommended setting is ‘Auto.’

1. From ‘Video Mode’, press ‘Menu’, then press the Up/Down buttons to select the ‘ISO’. Press OK to enter sub-menu.
2. Press Up/Down buttons to select Auto, 100, 200, 400 or Cancel.
3. Press ‘OK’ to save and return to video shooting mode.

3.7 Anti-Shake Function

Turn on the anti-shake function to reduce fuzziness/blur caused by hand- shaking.

1. From “Video Mode’, press ‘Menu’, then press the Up/Down buttons to select the ‘Anti-Shake’ option. Press ‘OK’ to enter the sub-menu.
2. Press the Up/Down buttons to select Off, On or Cancel.
3. Press ‘OK’ to return to video shooting mode.

4. Menu Settings

User can set the language, date, time and frequency in the Menu.

Please refer to the operating method under camera mode.

5. Playback Mode

Playback photos or watch videos on the camcorder screen.

You can write protect or delete files and use pict-Bridge interface to print photos.

5a. Viewing Photos or Videos

From Video or Photo Mode press ‘Mode’ to enter ‘Playback.’ An arrow icon will appear in the upper left corner. You can zoom in or out on still photos and use the various keys to navigate through thumbnail files. Zooming out completely will display all of the thumbnails. Press ‘OK’ to view one file at a time. You can zoom in on a still photo. The zoom feature is not available for videos.

1. When zooming in or out, left zooms out and right zooms in. Zoom out completely to get back to thumbnail display.
2. Press Up/Down keys to navigate through thumbnails. Press ‘OK’ to view a single photo or video.
3. Since the .jpeg is quite large, you can move within the photo to examine parts of it by zooming in, then pushing ‘OK’ to activate up or down and left or right navigation. Press Up or Down buttons to go up or down within the photo and press the zoom buttons to go left or right.
4. To exit from thumbnails, push shutter or ‘OK’ to return to normal view/camcorder use.

5b. Deleting Photos or Videos

This function deletes one photo or deletes all photos at once.

1. From ‘Playback Mode’, press ‘Menu’ then press Up/Down buttons and select the ‘Delete ‘option. Press OK to enter the sub-menu.
2. Press Up/Down buttons to select ‘This Image’, ‘All’ or ‘Cancel’. Press ‘OK’ to confirm this operation. You will be asked to confirm again, as a precaution.

5c. Protecting Photos or Videos

This function protects photos so they are not accidentally deleted while in camcorder memory.

1. From ‘Playback Mode’ press ‘Menu’, then press Up/Down buttons to select ‘Protect.’ Press ‘OK’ to enter the sub-menu.
2. Press the Up/Down buttons to select ‘Lock This’, ‘Unlock This’, ‘Lock All’, ‘Unlock All’ or ‘Cancel’. Press ‘OK’ to confirm.
3. Once locked, you will see a red key at the top of the image or video.

5d. Rotating Photos

1. You can rotate a chosen photo (Not for Videos).
2. From ‘Display Mode’, press ‘Menu’ while viewing a .jpeg photo, then press the Up/Down buttons to select ‘Rotate.’ Press ‘OK’ for the sub-menu.
3. Press the Up/Down buttons to select 90º, 180º, 270º or Cancel. Press ‘OK’ to confirm operation.

5e. Cropping Photos (Not for Videos)

1. From ‘Display Mode’ while viewing a jpeg photo, press ‘Menu’ then press the Up/Down buttons to select ‘Crop Image’ option. Press OK to select the sub-menu.
2. Press Up/Down buttons to select Crop or Cancel.
3. Press OK to enter ‘Crop’ mode. Use the ‘Zoom’ to select the new area of the image, then press OK move within the frame to show the newly-cropped image. Use zoom to move left or right and up or down to move vertically. Press OK to confirm.
4. Press ‘Shutter’ again to ‘cut’ or create and save the new image.

5f. Slideshow Presentation for Photos (Not for Videos)

Plays photos in a slideshow by automatic playback.

1. From ‘Display Mode’ while viewing a jpeg, press ‘Menu’ then press the Up/Down buttons and select ‘Slide’ option. Press ‘OK’ to enter sub-menu.
2. Press Up/Down buttons to select 3, 5, 10 Seconds or Cancel.
3. Press ‘OK’ to display the slideshow; press again to quit.

5g. Printing Photos (Not for Videos)

1. From ‘Display Mode’ press ‘Menu’, then press the Up/Down buttons to select the ‘Print’ option. Press ‘OK’ to enter sub-menu.
2. Press the Up/Down buttons to select ‘Execute’ or ‘Cancel’. A prompt will appear to connect a printer.
3. Connect the camcorder to a compatible printer via a USB cable, then press OK to print.

5h. Playing Videos

All recorded video files can be viewed, protected or deleted from Display Mode.

1. From Display Mode, press the Up/Down buttons to select a video file that you wish to display.
2. Press ‘Record/Stop’ to play. If viewing thumbnails, you need to press ‘OK’ first to go into that video and then press ‘Record/Stop’.
3. Press ‘OK’ to pause/continue playing. Press ‘Record/Stop’ to stop playing.

5i. Deleting Video Files

1. From Display Mode, select the video file you wish to delete then press ‘Menu’.
2. Press the Up/Down buttons to select ‘Delete’. Other operations work the same way as in camera mode. Go to ‘Menu’, then the sub-menu and select and confirm to delete.

Note: Protected files cannot be deleted.

5j. Protecting Video Files (Protects video files from accidental deletion when in camcorder memory)

1. From ‘Display Mode’ while viewing a video, press ‘Menu’ then press the Up/Down buttons to select ‘Protect’, then follow the same procedure as when protecting photos.
2. Once protected, you will see a red key icon in a box in the upper area of the display.

6. Shooting Photos

Turn on the camcorder and press the ‘Mode’ button to switch to camera mode (a camera icon appears).

• A preview is displayed on the screen.
• Hold the camcorder still and press the shutter to take a photo.
• The number of photos remaining to be taken in each resolution ratio is shown in the top right corner of the screen.
• ‘No card’ will show on the screen if there’s no SD card in the camcorder. ‘Card Full ‘will show on the screen when the SD card is full. You will need to replace the card to continue taking photos.
• The number of photos remaining that can be saved is determined by the space left on the SD card and the chosen resolution ratio. The higher the photo quality, the more memory is used. In camera mode, some parameters can be changed before shooting which will also affect the number of photos you may save.

6a. Resolution Settings

You may set photo resolution as follows:

1. From camera mode, Press the ‘Menu’ button, then select ‘Resolution’ (use Up/Down buttons to get to this option).
2. Press ‘OK’ to enter the sub-menu.
3. Press Up/Down buttons to choose the photo size that you need. Options are 24M, 20M, 12M, 8M, 5M, 3M, FHD or Cancel.
4. Press OK to save and back to camera mode.

6b. Camera Mode Settings (Timer)

This delays the photo from being shot for 2 or 10 seconds after you press the button (self-timer). Choices in this mode are: single, 2 secs, 10 secs or continuous.

1. From camera mode, press ‘Menu’, then use the Up/Down buttons to select the ‘Shooting Mode.’ Press ‘OK’ to enter the sub-menu.
2. Press the Up/Down buttons to select: Single, 2 sec, 10 sec or Continuous. Press ‘OK’ to save and go back to camera mode.
3. Select ‘10 secs’ if you want to use the self-timer function.
4. Select ‘Continuous’ to take rapidly repeated shots.

6c. Mode Settings

There are several preset multi-scene modes. Use ‘Auto’ for general use.

1. From camera mode, press ‘Menu’, then press the Up/Down buttons to select ‘Mode Set’ option.
2. Press ‘OK’ to enter sub-menu.
3. Press Up/Down to select the mode that you need. Options are: Auto, Sport, Night, Portrait, Landscape, Backlight, Party, Beach, High Sensitivity and Cancel. Make your selection, then press ‘OK’ to save and return to camera mode.

6d. Beauty Face

This function helps enhance the look of skin.

1. From camera mode press ‘Menu’, then use Up/Down buttons to select ‘Beauty Face’. Press ‘OK’ to enter sub-menu.
2. Press the Up/Down buttons to turn On/Off or Cancel. Press ‘OK’ to save and return to camera mode.

6e. Face Detect Function

This function can detect the faces of people on the viewfinder.

It’s similar to taking a portrait shot on an older SLR camcorder using film and a 125mm lens.

1. From camera mode, press ‘Menu’, then press Up/Down buttons and select ‘Face Detect.’ Press ‘OK’ to enter the sub-menu.
2. Press the Up/Down buttons to select: Off, on or Cancel. Press ‘OK’ to save and back to camera mode.

6f. Smile Capture Function

This function will shoot photos automatically when it detects a smile.

1. From camera mode, press ‘Menu’, then press Up/Down buttons and select ‘Smile Capture‘. Press ‘OK’ to enter the sub-menu.
2. Press the Up/Down buttons to select: Off, On, or Cancel.
3. Press ‘OK’ to save and go back to camera mode.

6g. White Balance Setting

This function adjusts the color deviation of a photo according to different source conditions. Use ‘Auto’ for general purpose.

1. From camera mode press ‘Menu’, then press Up/Down buttons and select ‘White Balance.’ Press ‘OK’ to enter the sub-menu.
2. Press the Up/Down buttons to select: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent or Cancel. Press ‘OK’ to save and return to camera mode.

6h. Exposure Settings (adjust EV value)

To manually over- or under-expose a picture.

1. From camera mode press ‘Menu’, then press Up/Down buttons and select ‘Exposure’.
2. Press ‘OK’ to enter the sub-menu.
3. Press the Up/Down buttons to select required exposure value from the menu: EV values are from +3 to -3.
4. Press ‘OK’ to save and return to camera mode.

6i. Adjusting Photo Sensitivity (ISO)

You can manually adjust photo sensitivity with this function, however we recommend you use ‘Auto’ mode. ASA 100 Daylight ASA 400 low light (old film settings available on camcorder).

1. From camera mode, press ‘Menu’ and then press Up/Down buttons to select photo ‘ISO’.
2. Press ‘OK’ to enter sub-menu.
3. Press Up/Down buttons and select: Auto, 100, 200, 400 or cancel from the Menu, then press OK to save and return to camera mode.

6j. Photo Quality Settings

This function sets the quality of your photo. Higher quality will take up more space on your memory card.

1. From camera mode, press ‘Menu’ and the press the Up/Down buttons to select photo ‘Quality’.
2. Press ‘OK’ to enter sub-menu.
3. Press the Up/Down buttons to select: Fine, Super Fine, Normal or Cancel. Press ‘OK’ to save and return to camera mode.

6k. Sharpness Settings

Adjust the sharpness for clearer or softer edges.

1. From camera mode, press ‘Menu’ then press the Up/Down buttons to select ‘Sharpness’. Press ‘OK’ to enter sub-menu.
2. Press the Up/Down buttons to select: Soft, Normal, Sharp or Cancel. Press ‘OK’ to save and return to camera mode.

6l. Effect Settings

User can set the photo effect by the item listed in the Menu.

1. From camera mode, press ‘Menu’ then press the Up/Down buttons to select ‘Effect’.
2. Press ‘OK’ to enter sub-menu.
3. Press the Up/Down buttons to select photo effect you want: Normal, B&W, Sepia, Red, Green, Blue Sunset, Warm, Cool, Over Exposure, IR, Binary, Vivid, Undertone, Dog Eye, Albao, Gothic, Japan Style, LOMO, Negative or Cancel. Press OK to save and return to camera mode.

6m. Saturation Settings

Use this feature to affect the vividness of the color.

1. From camera mode, press ‘Menu’ then press the Up/Down buttons to select ‘Saturation’.
2. Press ‘OK’ to enter sub-menu.
3. Press the Up/Down buttons to select: High, Normal, Low or Cancel. Press ‘OK’ to save and return to camera mode.

6n. Anti-Shake Function

Use the anti-shake function to reduce the fuzziness/blur caused by hand shaking.

1. From camera mode, press ‘Menu’ then press the Up/Down buttons to select ‘Anti-shake’.
2. Press ‘OK’ to enter sub-menu.
3. Press the Up/Down buttons to select: ‘Off’, ‘On’ or ‘Cancel’. Press ‘OK’ to save and return back to camera mode.

6o. Metering Function

Determines from what part of the frame the camcorder measures the light.

1. From camera mode, press ‘Menu’ then press the Up/Down buttons to select ‘Metering’ option.
2. Press ‘OK’ to enter sub-menu.
3. Press the Up/Down Buttons to select: Center, Multi, Spot or Cancel. Press ‘OK’ to save and return to camera mode.
   a. Center – measures center of frame.
   b. Spot – measures where you focus.
   c. Multi – measures average amount of light.

6p. Date and Time Stamp

The date and time can be marked on the photo.

1. From camera mode, press ‘Menu’ then press the Up/Down buttons to select ‘Date Stamp’.
2. Press ‘OK’ to enter the sub-menu.
3. Press Up/Down buttons to select: Off, Date, Date and Time or Cancel. Press ‘OK’ to save and return to camera mode.

7. Menu Settings (Setup)

You can set the Time/Date, Language and other options from the ‘Setup Menu.’

7a. Language Settings

This unit supports English and a number of other languages

1. From camera mode, press ‘Menu’ then press the Up/Down buttons to select the ‘Setup’ option. Press ‘OK’ to enter sub-menu.
2. Press the Up/Down buttons to select from many language options for English, Chinese,German, French, Spanish, Portuguese and more. Press ‘OK’ to save and return to camera mode.

7b. Date and Time Settings

User can set the date and time for the camcorder:

1. From camera mode, press ‘Menu’ then press the Up/Down buttons to select the ‘Setup’ option.
2. Press ‘OK’ to enter sub-menu.
3. Press the Up/Down buttons to select ‘Set Date.’ Note that in ‘Set Date’ it does not say ‘Set Time’ but each time you press ‘OK’ you will be prompted to change something else. First, the date settings and then the time. Press ‘OK’ to proceed to the next parameter. When done, save and you’ll return to the Camera Mode. If no changes are needed then keep pressing ‘OK’ until you return to camera mode.

7c. Auto Power Off Settings

This option will automatically power off the unit, after the set amount of time, to save power.

1. From camera mode, press ‘Menu’ then press the Up/Down buttons to select ‘Setup.’
2. Press ‘OK’ to go to the sub-menu.
3. Press the Up/Down buttons to select ‘Power Save’ and select between 1 and 10 minutes – when to power off.
4. Press ‘OK’ to save and return to camera mode.

7d. Beep Settings

Turn on and off ‘Beep’ sounds made by pushing various keys.

1. From camera mode, press ‘Menu’, then press Up/Down to ‘Setup.’
2. Press the Up/Down keys to select ‘Beep’ then press ‘OK’. You can now select ‘On’ or ‘Off’. Turning off the beep may save battery power. Press ‘OK’ to select and return to camera mode.

7e. Light Frequency Settings (Commercial power cycle settings)

Avoid the image flashing when shooting. Refer to your local power standard. USA 60 cycles AC.

1. From Camera Mode press ‘Menu’ then press Up/Down to ‘Setup.’
2. Press the Up/Down keys again to select ‘Light Freq.’ Using Up/Down keys, select 60 Hz if in USA, then press ‘OK’. Press ‘OK’ to save.

7f. TV Output Setting

To set compatible TV output when connecting to a TV set

1. From camera mode, press ‘Menu’ then press Up/Down keys to select ‘Setup.’ Press ‘OK’ to enter the sub-menu.
2. Press the Up/Down keys to select ‘TV Output’ Press ‘OK’ to enter the sub-menu.
3. Select ‘NTSC’ or ‘PAL’, then press ‘OK’ to save.

7g. Format function ( Deletes Stored Memory! )

This function will format the SD card.

Important! This will permanently delete any data already stored on the memory card!

1. From camera mode, press ‘Menu’ then press the Up/Down keys to select the ‘Setup’ Menu. Press ‘OK’ key to enter the sub-menu.
2. Press Up/Down to select ‘Format.’
3. Press ‘OK’ to enter the sub-menu.
4. Choose ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.
5. To confirm again, select ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.
6. Press ‘OK’ to format and return back to camera mode.

7h. Default Setting

If the user makes mistakes in settings and finds that the unit isn’t functioning, default settings can be restored to factory settings. It will not delete the data already saved on the memory card. Also, the language will not be changed.

1. From camera mode, press ‘Menu’ then press Up/Down to select ‘Setup.’ Press ‘OK’ to enter the sub-menu.
2. Press the Up/Down keys to select ‘Default Setting.’
3. Press ‘OK’ to enter sub-menu
4. Press Up/Down to choose: ‘Yes’ or ‘No’
5. To confirm again, choose: ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, Press ‘OK’ to select and then return to camera mode.

! Please Note!

White Balance, Exposure, Sensitivity, Anti-Shake and Date settings display icons in real time.

The Format function deletes all files in the camera or on the memory card and cannot be recovered.

Please use caution before attempting this function.

8. Appendix

8a. Technical Specifications

8b. Troubleshooting

Product Registration Instructions
Visit: www.HamiltonBuhl.com

1. Click on Customer Care.
2. Click on Product Registration Form.
3. Please fill out all fields marked with * to register your product

Warranty:

Warranty begins the date item ships from our warehouse. All products have a one year warranty from original date of shipment, unless otherwise noted.

References

• HamiltonBuhl

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