before reading this user manual SAFETY WARNINGS What the icons and signs in this user manual mean; Means that there is a potential risk of death or serious injury. WARNING Means that there is a potential risk of personal injury or damage to the product.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON USE About this user manual Thank you for purchasing this Samsung Camcorder. Please read this user manual carefully before you use the camcorder and keep it handy for future reference. Should your camcorder fail to operate correctly, refer to Troubleshooting.
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Notes regarding trademarks • All the trade names and registered trademarks mentioned in this manual or other documentation provided with your Samsung product are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. • The SD logo is a trademark. The SDHC logo is a trademark.
safety information The safety precautions illustrated below are to prevent personal injury or material damages. Heed all instructions carefully. WARNING Means that there is a potential risk of serious personal injury. CAUTION Means that there is a potential risk of personal injury or damage to the product WARNING Do not overload outlets or...
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There is a risk of electric shock. If the camcorder makes an abnormal sound, or smell or smokes, unplug the power-cord immediately and request service from a Samsung service centre. There is a risk of fire or personal injury.
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CAUTION Do not press the surface of the LCD with force, or hit it with a sharp object. If you push the LCD surface, display unevenness may occur. Do not use the camcorder in direct sunlight or near heating equipment. The heat may cause a malfunction or injury.
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Turning off the power button on the product does not completely disconnect the power. viii Place the camcorder on a stable surface that is well ventilated. Keep important data separately. Samsung is not responsible for data loss.
contents QUICK START GUIDE GETTING TO KNOW THE CAMCORDER GETTING STARTED BASIC OPERATION OF THE CAMCORDER FIRST TIME SETTINGS GETTING READY TO START RECORDING What’s included with your camcorder Location of controls Identifying the screen displays Using the battery Checking the battery state Turning your camcorder on/off Setting the operating modes Using the shortcut menu (OK guide)
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contents BASIC PLAYBACK ADVANCED RECORDING ADVANCED PLAYBACK SYSTEM SETTING Recording videos or photos RECORDING Recording with auto scene detection (smart auto) Capturing photos during video record- ing (dual recording) Zooming in and out Changing the playback mode Playing videos Viewing photos Zooming during photo playback Changing the menu settings Recording menu items...
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USING WITH A WINDOWS COMPUTER CONNECTING TO OTHER DUBBING VIDEOS TROUBLESHOOTING MAINTENANCE & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SPECIFICATIONS Shutter Sound Auto Power Off PC Software TV Connect Guide TV Display Default Set Language Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) What you can do with a windows computer Using the intelli-studio programme Using as a removable storage device...
quick start guide This quick start guide introduces the basic operation and features of your camcorder. See the reference pages for more information. You can record videos in H.264 format! You can record videos in the H.264 format that are convenient to email and share with your friends and family.
Recording videos with HD (high definition) image quality Your camcorder uses advanced H.264 compression technology to realise the clearest video quality. 1. Press the Power ( ) button. 2. Press the Recording start/stop ) button. • To stop recording, press the Recording start/stop ( button.
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quick start guide STEP3: Play back videos or photos Viewing the LCD screen of your camcorder You can find your desired recordings quickly by using the thumbnail index view. 1. Press the Play ( 2. In Play Mode, select “HD Video,” “SD Video,” or “Photo.”...
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Importing and viewing videos/photos from the camcorder to your PC 1. Start the Intelli-studio programme by connecting the built-in USB jack of the camcorder to the PC. • A new file saving screen appears with the Intelli- studio main window. Click “Yes”.
• Parts and accessories can be purchased after consulting with your local Samsung dealer. SAMSUNG is not responsible for reduced built-in battery life time or malfunctions caused by any unauthorised use of accessories such as the AC power adaptor. A memory card is not included. See page 26 for memory cards compatible with your camcorder.
LOCATION OF CONTROLS Front & Right side LCD screen Photo ( ) button Zoom (W/T) lever Recording start/stop ( Play ( ) button / / / /OK button Built-in speaker Power ( CHG (Charging) indicator ) button Share ( ) button / SMART MENU button ) button button...
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getting to know the camcorder Rear/Left/Bottom side Lens Internal microphone Jack cover (AV, HDMI, DC IN) AV jack HDMI jack DC IN jack OPEN lever Be careful not to cover the internal microphone and lens during recording. Built-in USB jack Battery slot Memory card slot Battery release switch...
IDENTIFYING THE SCREEN DISPLAYS The available functions vary depending on the operation mode you’ve selected, and different indicators appear depending on the setting values. PRECHECK! • This On Screen Display (OSD) is shown in the record ( • Select the record mode by pressing the Play ( Record mode •...
getting to know the camcorder PRECHECK! • This On Screen Display (OSD) is shown in video play ( • Select the play mode by pressing the Play ( Video play mode Zoom PRECHECK! • This On Screen Display (OSD) is shown in photo play ( •...
figure. 3. Close the battery slot cover. • Use only Samsung-approved batteries. If you use batteries from other manufacturers, there is a danger of overheating, fire or explosion. • Samsung is not responsible for problems caused by unapproved batteries.
getting started Charging the battery PRECHECK! • Be sure to charge the battery before you start using your camcorder. • Use the AC adaptor supplied with the camcorder or the built-in USB jack. 1. Press the Power ( camcorder. 2. Charge the battery using the adaptor or USB.
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CHECKING THE BATTERY STATE You can check the charging state and remaining battery capacity. To check the charging state The colour of the LED indicates the power or charging state. Charging (CHG) indicator The colour of the charging indicator shows the charging state. Charging state LED colour Battery level display...
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We recommend using only the battery type that came with your camcorder. This battery type is available from your Samsung retailer. When the battery reaches the end of its life, please contact your local dealer. The batteries must be dealt with as chemical waste.
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About the battery life • Battery capacity decreases over time and through repeated use. If decreased usage time between charges becomes significant, it is probably time to replace the battery it with a new one. • Each battery’s life is affected by storage, operating, and environmental conditions. About the running time •...
basic operation of the camcorder This chapter introduces you to the basic operation procedures of this camcorder, such as turning the power on/off, switching modes, and setting on-screen indicators. TURNING YOUR CAMCORDER ON/OFF You can turn the power on or off by pressing the Power ( SETTING THE OPERATING MODES You can switch the operating mode in the following order each time you press the Play...
USING THE SHORTCUT MENU (OK GUIDE) The Shortcut menu (OK guide) represents the most frequently accessed functions according to the selected mode. Pressing the OK button displays a shortcut menu of frequently used functions on the LCD screen. For example: Setting Display mode in the Record mode using the Shortcut menu (OK guide) 1.
basic operation of the camcorder USING THE Button Record mode • Access the shortcut menu • Confirm selection • Exit the shortcut menu Display Each time you press the button, the following on-screen information display modes appear: simple display display display off Quick View You can view the most...
first time settings TURNING THE POWER ON AND SETTING THE DATE AND TIME Set the date and time of your local area when you turn on the camcorder for the first time. If you do not set date and time, the date and time screen appears every time you turn on your camcorder.
first time settings SELECTING THE OSD LANGUAGE You can select the language in which the camcorder displays the menu screen and the messages. 1. Press the MENU button. • The menu screen appears. 2. Press the button to select "Settings." •...
getting ready to start recording INSERTING/EJECTING A MEMORY CARD (NOT SUPPLIED) To insert a memory card 1. Open the memory card cover by sliding the OPEN lever as shown in the figure. 2. Insert the memory card into the card slot until it softly clicks.
getting ready to start recording SELECTING A SUITABLE MEMORY CARD (NOT SUPPLIED) Compatible memory cards • This camcorder can be used with SD (Secure Digital) and SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) cards. We recommend you use an SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) card. SD cards up to 2GB are supported with this camcorder.
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Be careful to keep the memory card out of the reach of children, who might swallow it. Notes on use • Samsung is not responsible for data loss due to misuse. • We recommend using a memory card case to avoid losing data from moving and static electricity.
getting ready to start recording RECORDABLE TIME AND CAPACITY • The following shows the camcorder's maximum recording time and number of images according to the resolution / memory capacity. • For recording videos and photos, please note the approximate maximum limits. Recordable time for videos Media Capacity...
USING THE WRIST STRAP Attach the strap and place your hand through the loop to prevent the camcorder from being dropped. BASIC CAMCORDER POSITIONING Hold your camcorder properly while recording to avoid covering the lens and the internal microphone with your fingers and pressing any buttons accidently. Adjusting the shooting angle Aim the camcorder as shown in the illustration.
recording RECORDING VIDEOS OR PHOTOS • This camcorder supports both High Definition(HD) and Standard Definition(SD) image resolutions. • It also supports various resolutions for photos. • Set your desired resolution before recording. • This camcorder provides one record mode which combines the video and photo record modes. You can easily record videos or photos in the same mode without having to change it.
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QUICK VIEW Using the Quick View function, you can view the most recently recorded video or photo right after recording. 1. Press the OK button in STBY mode right after recording. • The shortcut menu appears on the LCD screen. 2.
recording RECORDING WITH AUTO SCENE DETECTION (SMART AUTO) User-friendly SMART AUTO optimises your camcorder to the recording conditions automatically, providing beginners with the best performance. 1. Press the SMART AUTO button. • The Smart Auto ( LCD screen. 2. Align your subject in the frame. •...
CAPTURING PHOTOS DURING VIDEO RECORDING (DUAL RECORDING) Your camcorder can capture photos without interrupting video recording. It is convenient to record a video and photo at the same time without switching modes. 1. Press the Recording start/stop ( • The recording ( ) indicator appears, and video recording starts.
recording ZOOMING IN AND OUT • Use the zoom function for close-up or wide-angle recording. • This camcorder allows you to record using optical power zoom and Intelli zoom with the Zoom lever. To zoom in Slide the Zoom lever towards T (telephoto). •...
basic playback CHANGING THE PLAYBACK MODE • You can set the record mode and the play mode in turn with the Play ( • When you shift to the play mode, the most recently created file is highlighted in the thumbnail view.
basic playback PLAYING VIDEOS You can find desired videos quickly using the thumbnail index view. PRECHECK! Insert a memory card. page 25 1. Press the Play ( ) button to select the play mode. • The thumbnail index view appears. •...
Various playback operations Still playback (pause) ( • Press the OK button during playback. - To resume normal playback, press the OK button again. Search playback ( • During playback, press and hold the search/forward search. • Pressing the button repeatedly increases the search speed in each direction.
basic playback VIEWING PHOTOS You can find and view desired photos quickly using the thumbnail index view. PRECHECK! Insert a memory card. page 25 1. Press the Play ( ) button to select the play mode. • The thumbnail index view appears. •...
ZOOMING DURING PHOTO PLAYBACK You can magnify the played back photo image using the OK button on the camcorder. 1. Select the photo you want to magnify. 2. Adjust the magnification with the OK button. • The screen is framed and the image is magnified starting from the centre of the image.
advanced recording CHANGING THE MENU SETTINGS • You can change the menu settings to customise your camcorder. • Access the desired menu screen by following the steps below, then change the various settings. For example: Setting the Video Resolution in the record mode 1.
Video Resolution You can select the resolution of video to be recorded. PRECHECK! Select the record mode by pressing the Play ( 1. Press the MENU button 2. Select the desired submenu item with the OK button. 3. Press the MENU button to exit the menu. Submenu items •...
advanced recording Photo Resolution You can select the resolution of the photo to be recorded. PRECHECK! Select the record mode by pressing the Play ( 1. Press the MENU button 2. Select the desired submenu item with the OK button. 3.
Time Lapse REC Using the Time Lapse feature, you can programme your camcorder to create a time lapse video by recording a series of frames over a set period of time with a set time interval between each frame. The Time Lapse feature lets you create time lapse videos of blooming flowers and similar subjects.
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advanced recording Example of Time Lapse Recording Total time for recording Recording interval Zoom • This function is shut off after being used one time. • 25 captured images compose a video of 1 second length. Since the minimum length of a video your camcorder can save is one second, the interval defines how long the Time Lapse Recording should be.
advanced playback PLAYBACK MENU ITEMS • The menu items you can access depend on the operation mode. • For operation details, see the corresponding page. Items Thumbnail view Play Mode Delete Protect Edit Divide Share Mark Slide Show File Info •...
advanced playback Delete PRECHECK! • Insert a memory card. • Select the play mode by pressing the Play ( • Set the Playback mode to “HD Video,” “SD Video,” or “Photo.” 1. Press the MENU button 2. Select the desired submenu item with the OK button.
Protect You can protect important saved videos or photos from accidental deletion. You cannot delete protected images unless you release the protection or format the memory. PRECHECK! • Insert a memory card. page 25 • Select the play mode by pressing the Play ( •...
advanced playback Divide You can divide a video into two, and easily delete a section you no longer need. As this function edits the original file, make sure to back up important recordings separately. PRECHECK! • Insert a memory card. •...
Share Mark You can set the share mark on a video and directly upload the marked file to the YouTube site. PRECHECK! • Insert a memory card. page 25 • Select the play mode by pressing the Play ( • Set the Playback mode to “HD Video”...
advanced playback Slide Show You can playback all the photos stored in the storage media automatically. PRECHECK! • Insert a memory card. • Select the play mode by pressing the Play ( • Set the Playback mode to “Photo.” Press the MENU button button.
system setting SETTING MENU ITEMS You can setup the date/time, OSD language, and display settings of the camcorder. For operation details, see the corresponding page. Items Storage Info Format File No. Date/Time Set LCD Brightness Auto LCD Off * Beep Sound Shutter Sound Auto Power Off * PC Software...
system setting Format The format function deletes all files (including protected files) and options on the storage media. You can also use this function if you want to correct problems with the storage media. PRECHECK! Insert a memory card. page 25 1.
File No. The camcorder assigns file numbers to recorded files in the order they were recorded. 1. Press the MENU button 2. Press the button “File No.” 3. Select the desired submenu item with the OK button. 4. Press the MENU button to exit the menu. Submenu items •...
system setting LCD Brightness You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen to compensate for ambient lighting conditions. 1. Press the MENU button 2. Press the button 3. Select the desired submenu item with the OK button. 4. Press the MENU button to exit the menu. Submenu items •...
Beep Sound You can set the beep sound on or off. If you hear a beep sound when operating the menu settings, the setting is turned on. 1. Press the MENU button 2. Press the button “Beep Sound” 3. Select the desired submenu item with the OK button.
system setting Auto Power Off To save battery power, you can set the "Auto Power Off" function to 5 Min. This setting turns off the camcorder if there is no operation for five minutes. 1. Press the MENU button 2. Press the button 3.
TV Connect Guide Follow the directions in the TV Connect Guide to connect the camcorder to your type of TV correctly. Shows information on the cables and jacks used to connect the camcorder to a TV. 1. Press the MENU button 2.
Anynet+, the camcorder’s Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) function automatically turns on. If you do not want to use the Anynet+ function, set “Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)” to “Off.” • For details on the Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) function, refer to the user manual of the Samsung TV with Anynet+. button “Settings.”...
using with a Windows computer WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH A WINDOWS COMPUTER You can perform the following functions by connecting your camcorder to your Windows computer with the built-in USB plug and using the Intelli-studio software built into your camcorder. Main functions •...
using with a Windows computer USING THE Intelli-studio PROGRAMME Using the Intelli-studio programme built into your camcorder, you can transfer video and photo files to your PC and edit them on your PC screen. Intelli-studio offers the most convenient way for you to manage your video and photo files.
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• Smart Album: Arranges multiple videos and photos by various classifications. Intelli-studio is a programme commonly used in Samsung camcorders or digital cameras. Some functions may not work, depending on the product you purchased. • Global Map: Displays the location of shooting place with a map.
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using with a Windows computer Step 3. Playing back videos or photos You can play back recordings conveniently using the Intelli-studio application. 1. Run the Intelli-studio programme. 2. Click the desired folder to display your recordings. • Video or photo thumbnails appear on the screen, depending on the folder you selected.
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Step 5. Sharing the videos/photos online Share your contents with the world, by uploading photos and videos directly to a web site with one click. 1. Select the videos or photos you want to share. 2. Click “Share” on the Intelli-studio browser. •...
using with a Windows computer Direct uploading your videos onto YouTube The One-Press Share ( Just press the Share ( using the built-in USB plug. Step 1 On the camcorder, select a video you want to upload in the video thumbnail index view, and then press the Share ( each video you want to upload.
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Installing Intelli-studio on a Windows computer • The Intelli-studio application will run faster if you install it on your Windows computer. Also, if you install it on your computer, it can be updated automatically. • Follow these directions to install Intelli-studio onto your Windows computer: Click “Tool” “Install Intelli-studio on PC”...
3. Connect the built-in USB jack of the camcorder to the USB port of the PC. • The “Removable Disk” or “Samsung” window appears on the PC’s screen after a moment. • Select “Open folder to view files using Windows Explorer”, and then click “OK.”...
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Structure of folders and files on the storage media • The folder and file structure for storage media is below. • File naming follows DCF (Design rule for Camera File System) rules. Video file (H.264) ➀ • The HD-quality (1920x1080 25p, 1280x720 50p, or 1280x720 25p) videos have an HDV_####.MP4 format.
What is Anynet+? If you have connected the camcorder using an HDMI cable to a Samsung TV that supports Anynet+, you can control the camcorder with the TV’s remote control. For more information, refer to the TV’s user manual.
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Using the Audio/Video cable (composite connection) Use the composite connection and cables when connecting your camcorder to a standard definition (SD), analogue TV or when you want to down convert HD quality video to SD quality video for playback. The composite connection automatically down converts HD quality videos (1080/25p, 720/50p, or 720/25p) to SD quality videos (576/50p).
connecting to other devices • Check the connection status between the camcorder and TV. The TV screen may not display the right video information if the camcorder and TV are connected incorrectly. • When connecting the Audio/Video, make sure to match the colour of the cable plugs to the TV jacks.
dubbing videos RECORDING (DUBBING) IMAGES ON A VCR OR DVD/HDD RECORDER You can record (dub) images played back on this camcorder onto other video devices, such as VCRs or DVD/HDD recorders. PRECHECK! • Insert a memory card. page 25 • Select the play mode by pressing the Play ( Camcorder 1.
Before contacting a Samsung authorised service centre, perform the following simple checks. They may save you the time and expense of an unnecessary call. WARNING INDICATORS AND MESSAGES Power source Message Low Battery Check the authenticity of this battery...
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Recording Message Icon Problems occurred while Write Error writing data to the storage media. The Number of Folder and files have reached video files is full. capacity and you cannot Cannot record video. record. The Number of Folder and files have reached photo files is full.
SYMPTOMS AND SOLUTIONS If these instructions do not solve your problem, contact your nearest Samsung authorised service centre. Power Symptom The camcorder does not turn on. The power automatically turns off. Power cannot be turned off . The battery discharges quickly.
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(SDHC memory card, etc.), if any. • Copy all important recorded files to your PC before formatting. Samsung is not responsible for any loss of data. (We recommend that you copy the data to your PC or other storage media.) •...
troubleshooting Recording Symptom The recording stops automatically. When recording a subject illuminated by bright light, vertical lines appear. When the screen is exposed to direct sunlight during recording, the screen turns red or black for an instant. The beep sound is not heard. There is a time difference between the point where you press Recording start/stop (...
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Adjusting the image during recording Symptom It is out of focus. Playback on your camcorder Symptom Playback (play/pause) function does not work. The skip or search function does not work properly. Playback is interrupted unexpectedly. You cannot hear sound when playing a Time Lapse recording.
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troubleshooting Connecting to a computer Symptom Your computer does not recognize your camcorder. Cannot play a video file properly on a PC. Intelli-studio does not function properly. The image or sound on your camcorder is not played on your computer properly. The playback screen is paused or distorted.
Connecting/Dubbing with other devices (TV, DVD recorder, etc.) Symptom You cannot dub correctly using the Audio/Video cable. General operations Symptom The date and time are incorrect. Menu Symptom • Menu items are greyed out • Explanation/Solution • The Audio/Video cable is not connected properly. Make sure that the Audio/Video cable is connected to the proper jack, i.e.
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Turn the power off, detach the battery, and leave the camcorder in a dry area for 1~2 hours before using it. • Use the camcorder after dew condensation is completely disappeared. • Be sure to use the recommended accessories supplied with the camcorder. For service, contact your nearest Samsung authorised service centre. pages 15, 16 page 25...
PAL-system-based TV or external device and have the appropriate Audio/Video jacks. Otherwise, you may need to use a separate video format transcoder (PAL-NTSC format converter). The format transcoder is not provided by Samsung. PAL-compatible countries/regions Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, CIS, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland,...
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specifications Model name HMX-U20BP/HMX-U20RP/HMX-U20LP/HMX-U20SP Video signal Picture compression format Audio compression format Image device System Lens Focal length Size/dot number LCD screen LCD screen method Composite output HDMI output Connectors Audio output USB output Power source Power source type Power consumption (Recording) Operating temperature General...
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Contact SAMSUNG WORLD WIDE If you have any questions or comments relating to Samsung products, please contact the SAMSUNG customer care centre. Region Country CANADA North America MEXICO U.S.A ARGENTINE BRAZIL CHILE Nicaragua Honduras COSTA RICA ECUADOR EL SALVADOR Latin America...
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RoHS compliant Our product complies with “The Restriction Of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment”, and we do not use the 6 hazardous materials- Cadmium(Cd), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Hexavalent Chromium (Cr +6), Poly Brominated Biphenyls (PBBs), Poly Brominated Diphenyl Ethers(PBDEs)- in our products.