Brand: CANON
Category: Camera
Document Type: Manual
Language: EN
Available Languages: EN , ES
Manual for OPTURA300
Uploaded: Aug. 10, 2025, 12:31 a.m.
Manual Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Warranty Information
Canon OPTURA300 has a 1-year limited warranty for parts and labor, excluding specific damages and non-Canon accessories.
Mastering the Basics
Using a Household Power Source: Connect the camcorder to a power outlet using the supplied power adapter. Ensure the POWER switch is OFF before connecting.
Attaching and Charging the Battery Pack: Charge the battery pack using the supplied adapter before first use. Attach the battery pack to the camcorder by sliding it in until it clicks. The CHARGE indicator shows the charging status.
Installing the Backup Battery: The backup battery (CR2025) retains camcorder settings when the power is disconnected. Replace it when the backup battery symbol flashes red.
Preparing the Camcorder: Adjust the viewfinder using the diopter adjustment lever for a clear image. Attach the lens cap to the lens cap cord, and pass the grip belt through the cord loop.
Loading a Cassette: Use MiniDV cassettes. Slide the OPEN/EJECT switch, open the compartment, load the cassette, and press the compartment until it clicks. Close the cover.
Troubleshooting and error codes
| Problem | Cause | Solution | Page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image will not appear on the screen. | Camcorder is not set to CAMERA mode. | Set the camcorder to CAMERA mode. | 27 |
| "Set the time zone, date and time" appears on the screen. | Time zone, date and time are not set, or the backup battery is exhausted. | Set the time zone, date and time, or replace the backup battery and reset the date and time. | 24 |
| Pressing the start/stop button will not start recording. | Camcorder is turned off. Cassette is not loaded. Tape reached the end (END flashes on the screen). Cassette is protected ( flashes on the screen). | Turn on the power. Load a cassette. Rewind the tape or replace the cassette. Replace the tape or change the position of the protect switch. | 27 21 21 22 |
| Camcorder will not focus. | Camcorder is set to a mode other than the CAMERA mode. Autofocus does not work on that subject. Viewfinder is not adjusted. Lens is dirty. | Set the camcorder to CAMERA mode. Focus manually. Adjust the viewfinder with the diopter adjustment lever. Clean the lens. | 27 75 20 151 |
| A vertical light bar appears on the screen. | Bright light in a dark scene may cause a vertical light bar (smear) to appear. This is not a malfunction. | – | |
| Sound is distorted or recorded in a lower volume than the actual volume. | When recording near loud sound (such as fireworks, drums or concerts), sound may become distorted or may not be recorded in the actual sound level. This is not a malfunction. | – | |
| Viewfinder picture is blurred. | Viewfinder is not adjusted. | Adjust the viewfinder with the diopter adjustment lever. | 20 |
| Pressing the playback button does not start playback. | Camcorder is turned off, or is not set to PLAY (VCR) mode. Cassette is not loaded. Tape reached the end ( END flashes on the screen). | Set the camcorder to PLAY (VCR) mode. Load a cassette. Rewind the tape. | 36 21 36 |
| Image will not appear on the TV screen. | [AV/PHONES] is set to [PHONES] in the menu. [AV → DV OUT] is set to [ON]. | Set [AV/PHONES] to [AV] in the menu. Set [AV → DV OUT] to [OFF]. | 74 93 |
| Tape is running, but image will not appear on the TV screen. | TV/VIDEO selector on the TV is not set to VIDEO. Video heads are dirty. | Set the selector to VIDEO. Clean the video heads. | 39 152 |
| No sound from the built-in speaker. | You attempted to play back or dub copyright protected tape. Speaker volume is turned off. | Stop playback/dubbing. Adjust the volume with the selector dial. | 91 38 |