GZ-MC500PAL.book  Page 1  Wednesday, April 13, 2005  7:44 PM
DIGITAL MEDIA CAMERA
GZ-MC500E/EK
MasterPage: Cover
GETTING STARTED
ENGLISH
7
VIDEO RECORDING & 
PLAYBACK
20
STILL IMAGE RECORDING 
& PLAYBACK
25
VOICE RECORDING & 
PLAYBACK
29
ADVANCED OPERATIONS 31
MENU SETTINGS
REFERENCES
48
52
To deactivate the demonstration, 
set “DEMO MODE” to “OFF”. 
(墌 pg. 48) 
INSTRUCTIONS
LYT1424-001A EN
GZ-MC500PAL.book  Page 2  Wednesday, April 13, 2005  7:44 PM
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2 EN
Major Features of this Camera
Enjoying Various Playback Features
Unlike tape operation, playback is simple and 
easy in this camera since no time is needed for 
rewinding or fast forward operations.
Playlist, playback effects, 
and other functions are 
also available for 
enjoying many different 
types of playback.
PLAYLIST CONTENTS
01 10.11 2005 11:30
02 15.11  2005 23:00
03 25.11  2005 11:00
ALL SCENES
Editing Files on your PC
USB 2.0 enables the 
smooth transfer of video 
and still images to a 
computer. With the 
bundled Cyberlink 
software, you can easily 
edit video and create your own DVDs. (Refer to 
the software installation and USB connection 
guide.) 
Direct Printing
If your printer is 
compatible with 
PictBridge, still images 
can be printed easily by 
connecting the camera with USB cable directly 
to the printer. (墌 pg. 47) 
Removable Hard Disk
In contrast to conventional digital video cameras 
that record to DV tapes, the removable hard disk 
is a new type of card media that enables 
extended hours of high-resolution, MPEG2 
video recording. (墌 pg. 6)
Various Recording Media and Modes
Video and still images can be 
recorded to CompactFlash card 
(CF card) and SD memory card. 
The removable hard disk 
(provided) or Microdrive® is a 
type of CF card compliant with 
CF+ Type II.
You can select the most suitable 
recording medium and mode for picture quality, 
image size, recording time, and computer 
environment. (墌 pg. 62)
Voice Recording Features
The camera can be 
used as a voice 
recorder for audio 
recordings. (墌 pg. 29) 
VOICE RECORDING
[5h56m]  12:55:01
20.11.2005  11:30
Various Recording Features
The camera supports aperture-priority, shutter-
priority, portrait, bracket shooting, and a wide 
range of other functions that you can select 
according to the scene you are shooting. 
(墌 pg. 31 – 36)
GZ-MC500PAL.book  Page 3  Wednesday, April 13, 2005  7:44 PM
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Contents
7
GETTING STARTED 
Provided Accessories  ...................................... 7
Index .............................................................. 10
Power ............................................................. 14
Operation Mode ............................................. 16
Language Setting  .......................................... 16
Date/Time Settings  ........................................ 17
Inserting/Removing a CF Card  ...................... 17
Inserting/Removing an SD Card .................... 18
Formatting a Recording Medium  ................... 19
Selecting Recording Medium ......................... 19
VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK 
20
Video Recording  ............................................ 20
Zooming ..................................................... 21 
Angle Adjustment  ...................................... 21 
Video Playback .............................................. 22 
How to Use the Scroll Bar  ......................... 22  
Various Playback Operations  .................... 23  
Playback Zoom .......................................... 23 
Connecting to a TV or VCR  ........................... 24
Playback on a TV  ...................................... 24  
Dubbing to a VCR ...................................... 24  
STILL IMAGE RECORDING & PLAYBACK  25
Still Image Recording ..................................... 25
Zooming ..................................................... 25  
Continuous Shooting  ................................. 26
Flash .......................................................... 26 
Still Image Playback  ...................................... 27      
Slide Show ................................................. 27  
Index Screen of Still Image Files  ............... 27  
How to Use the Scroll Bar  ......................... 28  
Image Rotation  .......................................... 28  
Playback Zoom .......................................... 28 
VOICE RECORDING & PLAYBACK 
29
Voice Recording  ............................................ 29 
Voice Playback  .............................................. 30     
Various Playback Operations  .................... 30 
EN 3
ADVANCED OPERATIONS
31
RECORDING FEATURES ..................................... 31  
Backlight Compensation ................................ 31  
Spot Exposure Control ................................... 31  
Program AE  ................................................... 31
Bracket Shooting  ........................................... 33  
Manual Focus  ................................................ 33
Manual Settings in MSET Menu  .................... 34  
How to Select a Menu Item  ....................... 34  
Manual Exposure ....................................... 35  
White Balance  ........................................... 35    
Effect  ......................................................... 36
PLAYBACK FEATURES  ....................................... 37   
Wipe or Fader Effects .................................... 37 
Playback Effects  ............................................ 37   
MANAGING FILES ............................................. 38  
Viewing File Information  ................................ 38 
Protecting Files .............................................. 39 
Deleting Files  ................................................. 40 
Cleaning Up a Recording Medium ................. 41
Copying/Moving Still Image Files ................... 41 
Resetting the File Number ............................. 42 
Creating Play List ........................................... 43 
Playing Back Play List  ................................... 44 
DPOF Print Setting  ........................................ 46
Direct Printing with a PictBridge Printer ......... 47 
MENU SETTINGS 
48 
Changing the Menu Settings  ......................... 48  
Common Menus for All Modes  ...................... 48 
Video Recording Menus  ................................ 50
Video Playback Menus  .................................. 50
Still Image Recording Menus ......................... 51
Still Image Playback Menus ........................... 51
Voice Recording Menus ................................. 51
Voice Playback Menus  .................................. 51  
REFERENCES 
52
Troubleshooting  ............................................. 52  
Warning Indications  ....................................... 55 
Cleaning the Camera ..................................... 57
Cautions ......................................................... 57
Specifications ................................................. 60
TERMS   ............................................... Back cover
GZ-MC500PAL.book  Page 4  Wednesday, April 13, 2005  7:44 PM
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4 EN
Dear Customer,
Thank you for purchasing this digital media 
camera. Before use, please read the safety 
information and precautions contained in the 
pages 4 – 5 to ensure safe use of this product.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
IMPORTANT (for owners in the U.K.)
Connection to the mains supply in the United 
Kingdom.
DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this 
equipment.
If the plug fitted is not suitable for the power points 
in your home or the cable is too short to reach a 
power point, then obtain an appropriate safety 
approved extension lead or consult your dealer.
BE SURE to replace the fuse only with an 
identical approved type, as originally fitted, 
and to replace the fuse cover.
If nonetheless the mains plug is cut off be sure to 
remove the fuse and dispose of the plug 
immediately, to avoid possible shock hazard by 
inadvertent connection to the mains supply.
If this product is not supplied fitted with a mains 
plug then follow the instructions given below:
DO NOT make any connection to the Larger 
Terminal coded E or Green.
The wires in the mains lead are coloured in 
accordance with the following code:
Blue to N (Neutral) 
or Black
Brown to L (Live) 
or Red
If these colours do not correspond with the 
terminal identifications of your plug, connect as 
follows:
Blue wire to terminal coded N (Neutral) or 
coloured black.
Brown wire to terminal coded L (Live) or coloured 
Red.
If in doubt — consult a competent electrician.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK 
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO 
RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTIONS:
● To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet. No 
user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing 
to qualified personnel.
● When you are not using the AC adapter for a 
long period of time, it is recommended that you 
disconnect the power cord from AC outlet.
CAUTION:
To avoid electric 
shock or damage 
to the unit, first 
firmly insert the 
small end of the 
power cord into 
the AC Adapter 
until it is no 
longer wobbly, 
and then plug the larger end of the power cord 
into an AC outlet.
CAUTIONS:
● This camera is designed to be used with PAL-
type colour television signals. It cannot be used 
for playback with a television of a different 
standard. However, live recording and LCD 
monitor playback are possible anywhere.
● Use the JVC BN-VM200U battery pack and, to 
recharge it or to supply power to the camera 
from an AC outlet, use the provided multi-
voltage AC adapter. (An appropriate 
conversion adapter may be necessary to 
accommodate different designs of AC outlets in 
different countries.)
NOTES:
● The rating plate (serial number plate) and 
safety caution are on the bottom and/or the 
back of the main unit.
● The rating information and safety caution of the 
AC adapter are on its upper and lower sides.
Do not point the lens directly into the sun. This 
can cause eye injuries, as well as lead to the 
malfunctioning of internal circuitry. There is also a 
risk of fire or electric shock.
CAUTION!
The following notes concern possible physical 
damage to the camera and to the user.
Do not use a tripod on unsteady or unlevel 
surfaces. It could tip over, causing serious 
damage to the camera.
CAUTION!
Connecting cables (Audio/Video, S-Video, etc.) to 
the camera and leaving it on top of the TV is not 
recommended, as tripping on the cables will 
cause the camera to fall, resulting in damage.
GZ-MC500PAL.book  Page 5  Wednesday, April 13, 2005  7:44 PM
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EN 5
When the equipment is installed in a cabinet or 
on a shelf, make sure that it has sufficient space 
on all sides to allow for ventilation (10 cm or more 
on both sides, on top and at the rear).
Do not block the ventilation holes.
(If the ventilation holes are blocked by a 
newspaper, or cloth etc. the heat may not be able 
to get out.)
No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, 
should be placed on the apparatus.
When discarding batteries, environmental 
problems must be considered and the local rules 
or laws governing the disposal of these batteries 
must be followed strictly.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or 
splashing.
Do not use this equipment in a bathroom or 
places with water.
Also do not place any containers filled with water 
or liquids (such as cosmetics or medicines, flower 
vases, potted plants, cups etc.) on top of this unit.
(If water or liquid is allowed to enter this 
equipment, fire or electric shock may be caused.)
SOME DO’S AND DON’TS ON THE SAFE USE 
OF EQUIPMENT 
This equipment has been designed and 
manufactured to meet international safety 
standards but, like any electrical equipment, 
care must be taken if you are to obtain the best 
results and safety is to be assured. 
DO read the operating instructions before you 
attempt to use the equipment.
DO ensure that all electrical connections (including 
the mains plug, extension leads and 
interconnections between pieces of equipment) are 
properly made and in accordance with the 
manufacturer’s instructions. Switch off and withdraw 
the mains plug when making or changing 
connections. 
DO consult your dealer if you are ever in doubt 
about the installation, operation or safety of your 
equipment. 
DO be careful with glass panels or doors on 
equipment.
DON’T continue to operate the equipment if you are 
in any doubt about it working normally, or if it is 
damaged in any way — switch off, withdraw the 
mains plug and consult your dealer.
DON’T remove any fixed cover as this may expose 
dangerous voltages.
DON’T leave equipment switched on when it is 
unattended unless it is specifically stated that it is 
designed for unattended operation or has a standby 
mode. Switch off using the switch on the equipment 
and make sure that your family knows how to do 
this. Special arrangements may need to be made 
for infirm or handicapped people.
DON’T use equipment such as personal stereos or 
radios so that you are distracted from the 
requirements of road safety. It is illegal to watch 
television whilst driving.
DON’T listen to headphones at high volume, as 
such use can permanently damage your hearing.
DON’T obstruct the ventilation of the equipment, for 
example with curtains or soft furnishings. 
Overheating will cause damage and shorten the life 
of the equipment.
DON’T use makeshift stands and NEVER fix legs 
with wood screws — to ensure complete safety 
always fit the manufacturer’s approved stand or legs 
with the fixings provided according to the 
instructions.
DON’T allow electrical equipment to be exposed to 
rain or moisture. 
ABOVE ALL 
● NEVER let anyone especially children push 
anything into holes, slots or any other opening in 
the case — this could result in a fatal electrical 
shock;
● NEVER guess or take chances with electrical 
equipment of any kind — it is better to be safe 
than sorry! 
Before Using this Camera
This camera is designed exclusively for 
CompactFlash Card (CF card) and SD Memory 
Card.
The removable hard disk (provided) or 
Microdrive® is a type of CF card compliant with 
CF+ Type II.
This camera records video in MPEG2 format 
compliant with SD-VIDEO format.
Remember that this camera is not compatible 
with other digital video formats.
Remember that this camera is intended for 
private consumer use only.
Any commercial use without proper permission is 
prohibited. (Even if you record an event such as a 
show, performance or exhibition for personal 
enjoyment, it is strongly recommended that you 
obtain permission beforehand.)
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
GZ-MC500PAL_02Safety.fm  Page 6  Thursday, April 14, 2005  3:34 PM
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● The camera and removable hard disk can heat up 
when used for an extended period. However, this 
is not a malfunction.
● The disk can heat up when used for an extended 
period. Therefore, do not remove it immediately 
from the camera.
Other cautions
● Condensation can cause the drive to break down. 
If water is splashed on the drive, make sure that it 
is completely dried before usage.
● Do not use, replace, or store the disk in locations 
that are exposed to strong static electricity or 
electrical noise.
● Do not turn off the camera power or remove the 
battery or AC adapter during shooting, playback, 
or when otherwise accessing the recording 
medium.
● Do not bring the recording medium near objects 
that have a strong magnetic field or that emit 
strong electromagnetic waves.
● Since data must be read and written by the drive 
correctly, the camera may be unable to shoot 
when the camera heats up, such as during 
continuous shooting, or when the camera is 
cooled down during usage in a cold location. To 
fix this problem, follow the messages displayed 
on the screen. (墌 pg. 56)
● Clean up the disk regularly to maintain high 
performance. (墌 pg. 41, 49)
Also read “Recording Medium” on page 58.
Be careful to completely delete data when 
discarding or giving away the removable hard 
disk.
When recording data is formatted or deleted on the 
camera, this only modifies the file management 
information, and the data is not completely erased. 
When discarding or giving away the removable hard 
disk, to prevent problems caused by the release of 
sensitive information, it is extremely important that 
the customer take responsibility to erase all 
recorded data. Some recommended methods of 
erasing data include using a commercial data 
removal program or using a hammer or strong 
magnet to physically or magnetically destroy the 
data on the hard disk so that it cannot be read. JVC 
shall not be responsible for any personal data that is 
released.
6 EN
Before recording important video, be sure to 
make a trial recording. 
Play back your trial recording to make sure the 
video and audio have been recorded properly.
Make a backup of important recorded data
Protect your important recorded data by copying the 
files to PC. It is recommended to copy it from your 
PC to a DVD or other recording media for storage. 
Refer to the software installation and USB 
connection guide.
Bring your camera together with the removable 
hard disk
When requesting repairs for breakdowns by your 
dealer or JVC service centre, be sure to bring your 
camera together with the removable hard disk. If 
one of them is not included, the cause cannot be 
diagnosed, and the repair cannot be made properly.
Also read “Cautions” on pages 57 to 59.
● Manufactured under license from Dolby 
Laboratories. “Dolby” and double-D symbol are 
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
● Microdrive® is a registered trademark of Hitachi 
Global Storage Technologies, Inc. in the United 
States and/or other countries.
●
MascotCapsule is registered trademark of HI 
CORPORATION in Japan.
Copyright © 2001 HI CORPORATION. All rights 
reserved.
● Other product and company names included in 
this instruction manual are trademarks and/or 
registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Removable Hard Disk
The removable hard disk is a precision 
electronic device. Be careful when handling it.
Cautions for external jolt or stress
● After removing the disk from the camera, store it 
by inserting into the supplied protective case.
● Do not press on the 
cover. 
● Do not subject the disk 
to vibrations or sudden 
jolts. Be especially 
careful to avoid sudden jolts when shooting or 
during playback.
● Do not affix stickers or write on the label.
● Do not apply strong pressure to the outside of the 
disk. Also, do not put it in your pants pocket or 
other location where it can be pressed on.
Cautions for temperature
● The camera’s protection circuit may work for the 
proper recording or playback when the camera’s 
internal temperature rises or during usage in a 
cold location. (墌 pg. 56)
GZ-MC500PAL.book  Page 7  Wednesday, April 13, 2005  7:44 PM
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GETTING STARTED
EN 7
Provided Accessories
OR
a AC Adapter AP-V14E or AP-V17E
b Power cord (AP-V14E only)
c Battery Pack BN-VM200U
d S-Video/Audio/Video Cable
e Cable Adapter
f USB Cable (Refer to the software installation 
and USB connection guide.)
g Removable Hard Disk (4 GB)
h Protective Case for Removable Hard Disk
i Strap (See page 8 for attachment)
j Lens Cap (See page 8 for attachment)
k CD-ROM
l Audio Extension Cable (for optional 
headphones, see page 9 for attachment)
D
E
T
R
A
T
S
G
N
I
T
T
E
G
 
m Core Filter for Cables (See page 9 for 
attachment)
Large (x 1): S-Video/Audio/Video Cable
Medium (x 1): USB Cable
Small (x 2): Audio Extension Cable and AC 
Adapter’s Cord
n Lens Hood (Already attached to the camera, 
墌 pg. 8)
NOTES:
● In order to maintain optimum performance of the 
camera, provided cables may be equipped with 
one or more core filter. If a cable has only one 
core filter, the end that is closest to the filter 
should be connected to the camera.
● Make sure to use the provided cables for 
connections. Do not use any other cables.
The removable hard disk and its protective 
case are packaged in a silver bag.
GZ-MC500PAL.book  Page 8  Wednesday, April 13, 2005  7:44 PM
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GETTING STARTED
8 EN
Attaching the Strap
1 Press and hold both 
sides as shown, then 
detach the fastener (large).
2 Pass the strap ring 
through the eyelet on the 
lens side.
3 Pass through the strap 
ring.
4 Pass the fastener’s ring 
through the eyelet on the 
LCD side.
5 Pass through the 
fastener’s ring.
6 Connect the fastener.
When shooting
Hold the camera as shown 
in the illustration, grip it 
gently so that it feels 
secure, then adjust the 
strap.
To secure the camera so 
it cannot be dropped 
during shooting 
Detach the fastener from 
the strap as shown in step 
1.
Put your hand through the 
strap, then secure the strap 
to your wrist so that the 
camera cannot be 
dropped.
Pull the strap.
Slide the fastener.
Attaching/Detaching the Lens Hood
The provided lens hood helps block out glare 
when shooting under bright sunlight, the same 
way professional photographers do.
To attach
Align the lens hood with the camera’s lens, and 
then turn the hood clockwise a.
To detach
Turn the hood counterclockwise b.
● Detach the hood only when using the optional 
conversion lens or lens filter.
Attaching the Lens Cap
To protect the lens, attach the provided lens cap 
to the camera as shown in the illustration.
 
NOTE:
To confirm the lens cap is on correctly, make sure 
the cap is flush to the camera.