Bell Howell BH1232HD Binoculars with HD Camera User Manual
About this Manual
Congratulations on purchasing the Bell+Howell BH1232HD Digital Camera Binoculars! The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice. Note that the example screens and product illustrations shown in this User’s Guide may differ somewhat from the screens and configuration of the actual camera.
Copyright
This manual contains proprietary information protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced by any mechanical, electronic or other means, in any form, without prior written permission of Elite Brands Inc. © 2020.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION:
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- This device may not cause harmful interference and
- This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
RF Exposure Warning
This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment must be installed and operated in accordance with provided instructions and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. End-users and installers must be provided with antenna installation instructions and transmitter operating conditions for satisfying RF exposure compliance. FCC: SAR standard Value: 1.6 W/Kg, Maximal Measure: 0.4 W/kg
CE Mark Warning
This is a Class B product, in a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
Safety and Handling Precautions
Camera Information
- Do not disassemble or attempt to service the camera yourself.
- Do not expose the camera to moisture, or extreme temperatures.
- Allow the camera to warm up when moving from cold to warm temperatures.
- Do not touch and put pressure on the camera lens.
- Do not expose the lens to direct sunlight for extended periods.
- Do not use abrasive chemicals, cleaning solvents or strong detergents to clean the product. Wipe the product with a slightly damp soft cloth.
- Do not use the flash or LED Light near a person’s eyes to prevent possible eye injury.
- To prevent you from falling over or resulting in traffic accident, please do not use the camera while you are walking, driving or riding a vehicle.
- Please handle the camera strap with care, and never place the strap around the neck of an infant or child. Wrapping the strap around a neck may cause suffocation.
- Do not subject the LCD screen to impact.
- To prevent the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
Battery Information
- Turn off the camera before installing or removing the battery.
- Use only the provided batteries or type of battery and charger that came with your camera. Using other types of battery or charger may damage the device and invalidate the warranty.
- Inserting the battery upside down can cause damage to the product and possibly cause an explosion.
- When the camera is used for an extended period of time, it is normal for the camera body to feel warm.
- Download all pictures and remove the battery from the camera if you are going to store the camera for a long period of time.
- The type of battery and the battery power level may cause the lens to be stuck up. Ensure you use the correct battery type and use a fully charged battery.
- Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries according to the instructions.
- Please keep the batteries out of the reach of children to prevent from swallowing batteries, which might cause poisoning.
- Once the battery’s color changes or its shape is twisted, please stop using it.
USB adapter Information
- Do not expose the adapter to high temperatures or moisture places. Otherwise, it may cause fire or electric shock.
- Do not attempt to repair, disassemble, change or transform the adapter.
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature, which may cause condensation on the adapter’s internal surfaces. Please do not use it immediately in this situation.
- Do not touch the plug with wet hands. Otherwise, it may cause electric shock.
- Do not use the travel voltage converter or AC/DC power inverter. Otherwise, it may cause damage, overheating, malfunction or fire to the camera.
Digital Camera Binocular Interface
Button Function Description
First Use
Inserting the Memory Card
Insert the included memory card to record and store your videos and photos. When the battery is low, media stored on the memory card will not be erased. Please insert the memory card by following the steps below:
- Insert the memory card (A) into the memory card slot (B). Ensure that the metal contacts are inserted first. Push the memory card down until you hear an audible click. The memory card can only be inserted in one way. Do not force the card in if it will not go in smoothly.
- To remove the memory card, simply push in and the card will eject back out.
NOTE:
- Please format the memory card before using the camera (Caution, this will erase all data on the card).
- Do not remove or insert the memory card when recording. It may damage the card or cause data loss.
- Memory card rating must be Class 10 or above.
Charging the Battery
Connect your camera to the included AC adaptor with the USB cable provided for charging. Insert the small end of the USB plug into the camera’s port, and the larger end in to the included AC adaptor.
Powering the Camera On/Off
Press POWER button to power the camera on. To power the camera off, press the POWER button again. The camera will not automatically power on and off when the screen is opened or closed. You must manually power the camera off. If the camera’s battery is low, a “Low Power” message will display on the screen and it will automatically shut down within a few seconds to prevent memory corruption or loss.
Switching Modes
Press the MODE button to cycle between Photo, Playback and Video Modes. The corresponding mode will be displayed in the top left corner of the screen.
Using the Zoom Function
This camera has a digital zoom function. To operate the zoom function, press the UP button to zoom in closer to the subject, and press the DOWN button to zoom away from the subject.
Photo Mode
Press the MODE button to switch to Photo Mode. The meaning of each icon within Video Mode is explained in the table below:
Video Mode
Press the MODE button to switch to Video Mode. The meaning of each icon within Photo Mode is explained in the table below:
Using the Binoculars
Adjusting Eye Piece Distance
- Hold the binoculars to your eyes in the regular viewing position.
- Grasp each barrel A and B firmly. Move the barrels closer together or further apart until you see a single circle through the eye pieces.
- Adjustments may be necessary in between uses as the sides might change positions.
Focusing Eye Pieces
- Look through the eye pieces. While closing your right eye, look only with your left eye and rotate the center knob (A) in either direction until your view comes into clear focus.
- Closing your left eye, look with your right eye and rotate the right eye piece (B) until your view is clear.
For Glasses Wearers
For glasses wearers, fold down the rubber flaps around the eye piece (A) and (B) to make your glasses closer to the eyepieces for a better view.
Maintenance and Cleaning
- Only use a clean microfiber cloth to clean fingerprints and dust from the lenses.
- Only use liquid cleaning products specifically designed for prescription glasses.
- Do not disassemble or try and clean inside the binoculars.
- Store the binoculars in a dry or ventilated place when not using them.
CAUTION: Do not look at the sun with the binoculars. You can cause permanent damage to your eyes.
Quick Tips on Using the Camera
Mode Options
With the camera powered on, press the MODE button to select the mode you want to use: PHOTO Mode, PLAYBACK Mode and VIDEO Mode.
Photo Mode
The camera automatically enters on PHOTO Mode when powered ON. You can either take a photo when looking through the binocular lenses or with the LCD screen opened by pressing the Snap/Ok button.
Video Mode
Press the Mode button to switch to video mode and then press the PHOTO button to start recording the video. Press the PHOTO button again to stop the recording.
Playback Mode
Press the Mode button to switch to PLAYBACK Mode and press the Up and Down buttons to select the photos or video files you want to view. Press the PHOTO button to play the videos or to show the photos.
Digital Zoom
To use the digital zoom, press the Up and Down buttons when in Photo or Video modes to select the range of the digital zoom you want. For a better result on your photos and videos, hold the binocular tightly or attach a tripod to prevent any shakes during the recording.
Using the Camera and Changing Settings
Photo Shooting
Power the camera on and it will be ready to take pictures right away.
- You can either look through the binocular eyepieces or line up your shot by looking at the LCD screen to see what is in the shot.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to zoom in or out.
- Hold the camera steady and press the PHOTO button to capture a photo.
- The number of photos that can be captured at a particular resolution will be displayed in the top right corner of the screen.
- A “no card” message will be displayed on the screen if there is no SD card inserted in the camera’s memory card slot. A “storage card full” message will be shown on the screen when the SD card is full.
- The number of remaining photos is determined by the selected photo resolution. The higher the photo resolution, the lower the number of photos you are able to be save to the memory card. Before capturing any photos, you can select a preferred photo resolution.
Capture Mode
This function determines the time delay before a photograph is captured.
- In Photo Mode press the MENU button.
- Select ‘Capture Mode’ using the UP or DOWN buttons and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Capture Mode’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate the menu, and press the PHOTO button to confirm your selected option (Single, 2S Timer, 5S Timer, 10S Timer).
Resolution
This function sets the photo resolution. The higher the resolution, the greater the photo quality and the larger the file size of the photo.
- In Photo Mode press the MENU button.
- Select ‘Resolution’ using the UP or DOWN buttons and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Resolution’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to select a resolution, and press the PHOTO button to confirm the selected photo resolution (5M 2592×1944, 3M 2048×1536, 2MHD 1920×1080, 1.3M 1280×960, VGA 640×480).
Sequence
This setting allows you to take 5 consecutive pictures automatically.
Using the Camera and Changing Settingst Use
- In Photo Mode press the MENU button.
- Select ‘Sequence’ using the UP or DOWN buttons and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Sequence’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate the menu, and press the PHOTO button to confirm your selected option (Off, On).
Quality
The Photo Quality function determines the level of compression the camera uses when saving photos to a memory card.
- In Photo Mode press the MENU button.
- Select ‘Quality’ using the UP or DOWN buttons and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Quality’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to select the required quality option (Fine, Normal, Economy), and press the PHOTO button to confirm your selected image option. Fine uses the least amount of compression for saving, and as a result produces a higher photo quality.
Sharpness
This function adjusts the visible detail of a photograph.
- In Photo Mode, press the MENU button.
- Select ‘Sharpness’ using the UP or DOWN buttons and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Sharpness’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate the menu, and press the PHOTO button to confirm how sharp you would like your photograph to be (Strong, Normal, Soft).
White Balance
White Balance changes the color of light in your pictures, making it seem warmer or cooler depending on how the light you’re shooting in affects the frame.
- In Photo Mode press the MENU button.
- Select ‘White Balance’ using the UP or DOWN buttons and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘White Balance’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate the menu, and press the PHOTO button to confirm your selected setting (Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent).
Color
This function sets the color filter effect of a photograph.
- In Photo Mode press the MENU button.
- Select ‘Color’ using the UP or DOWN buttons and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Color’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate the menu, and press the PHOTO button to confirm your selected filter (Normal, B&W, Sepia).
ISO
This function adjusts the light sensitivity in your photograph.
- In Photo Mode press the MENU button.
- Select ‘ISO’ using the UP or DOWN buttons and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘ISO’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate the menu, and press the PHOTO button to confirm your selected ISO (Auto, 100, 200, 400).
Exposure
This function adjusts the frame brightness in your video.
- In Photo Mode press the MENU button.
- Select ‘Exposure’ using the UP or DOWN buttons and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Exposure’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate the menu, and press the PHOTO button to confirm your selected exposure mode (+2.0, +5/3, +4/3, +1.0, +2/3, +1/3, 0.0, -1/3, -2/3, -1.0, -4/3, -5/3, -2.0).
Anti-Shaking
This function enables photo capture stabilization in high speed and low-light by electronically minimizing motion blur and reducing camera shake.
- In Photo Mode press the MENU button.
- Select ‘Anti-Shaking’ using the UP or DOWN buttons and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Anti-Shaking’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate the menu, and press the PHOTO button to confirm your selected option (Off, On).
Date Stamp
This function adds a date/time stamp to your photographs.
- In Photo Mode press the MENU button.
- Select ‘Date Stamp’ using the UP or DOWN buttons and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Date Stamp’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate the menu and the PHOTO button for your selected setting (Off, Date, Date and Time). Section explains how to set the time & date on your camera.
Note that once a date/time stamp is captured on a photograph, it cannot be removed.
Video Recording
Power the camera on and press the MODE button to switch modes. A video camera icon will appear in the top left hand corner of the screen when you are in Video mode.
- You can either look through the binocular eyepieces or line up your shot by looking at the LCD screen to see what is in the shot.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to zoom in and out, this can be done while recording.
- The amount of time that can be recorded in the current settings is displayed in the top right corner of the screen.
- Hold the binoculars steady and press the PHOTO button to begin recording.
- When recording begins, a rolling timer will display in red in the top right hand corner of the screen. This indicates the recorded video time elapsed.
- Press the PHOTO button to stop recording.
- The recorded video files will automatically save onto the inserted memory card.
Resolution
Your camera has a number of preset resolutions.
- In Video Mode press the MENU button.
- Select ‘Resolution’ using the UP or DOWN buttons and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Resolution’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate the menu and press the PHOTO button to confirm your selected setting (1080FHD 1920×1080, 1080P 1440×1030, 720P 1280×720, WVGA 848×480, VGA 640×480). A higher resolution will produce a higher quality and larger video file.
Exposure
This function adjusts the frame brightness in your video.
- In Video Mode press the MENU button.
- Select ‘Exposure’ using the UP or DOWN buttons and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Exposure’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate the menu, and press the PHOTO button to confirm your selected exposure mode (+2.0, +5/3, +4/3, +1.0, +2/3, +1/3, 0.0, -1/3, -2/3, -1.0, -4/3, -5/3, -2.0).
Audio
This function allows you to record audio with the video.
- In Video Mode press the MENU button.
- Select ‘Audio’ using the UP or DOWN buttons. Press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Audio’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate the menu and press the PHOTO button to confirm your selected setting (Off, On).
Date Stamp
This function adds a date/time stamp to your photographs.
- In Photo Mode press the MENU button.
- Select ‘Date Stamp’ using the UP or DOWN buttons and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Date Stamp’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate the menu and the PHOTO button for your selected setting (Off, On). Section 3.4.1 explains how to set the time & date on your camera.
Note that once a date/time stamp is captured on a photograph, it cannot be removed.
Playback Mode
Videos and photos captured on your camera can be easily played back. Power the camera on and press the MODE button to switch to Playback Mode.
- Press the MODE button to enter Playback Mode. Your last recorded image or video will appear on the screen when fist entering playback mode.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to cycle through the captured videos and photos stored on the memory card.
- To enter into a video press the PHOTO button. In Playback Mode the following options are available:
Delete
This function is used to delete photos and videos. Photos and videos can be deleted singly or all at once.
- In Playback Mode press the MENU button, and use the UP or DOWN buttons to select ‘Delete’. Press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Delete’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate the menu, and press the PHOTO button for your selected setting (Delete Current?, Delete all?).
- Press the MENU button to exit the menu without deleting any pictures or videos.
Protect
This function protects the photo/video file. The file will be protected from being deleted accidentally. Files must be unprotected to be deleted.
- In Playback Mode press the MENU button, and use the UP or DOWN buttons to select ‘Protect’ and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Protect’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate the menu and press the PHOTO button to confirm your selected setting (Lock One, Unlock One, Lock All, Unlock All).
- Press the MENU button to exit the menu without protecting any pictures or videos.
Slideshow
Photographs can be viewed as a slideshow on the camera.
- In Playback Mode press the MENU, and use the UP or DOWN buttons to select ‘Slide Show’ Press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Slide Show’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate the menu and press the PHOTO button to confirm your selected setting (2 Seconds, 5 Seconds, 8 Seconds).
- Press the MENU button to exit the menu without starting the slideshow.
Video Playback
Videos can be played back and viewed on your camera.
- In Playback Mode, press the UP or DOWN buttons to select the video file for playback.
- Press the PHOTO button to start playing the video. Press the PHOTO button a second time to pause the video.
- During playback, push the UP or DOWN buttons (left or right) to fast forward or rewind the playing video.
Setup Menu
Basic settings can be changed in the Setup menu. These include date & time, language and sound options. Power the camera on and press the MENU button two times. The setup menu will be displayed on the screen.
Date/Time
This function allows you to set the current Date and Time on your recorded video clips and captured photos.
- In Setup Mode use the UP or DOWN buttons to select ‘Date/Time’ and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Date/Time’ submenu.
- Press the PHOTO button to switch between year, month, date, hours and minutes.
- Once highlighted on your desired field, press the UP or DOWN buttons to cycle through numbers.
- The date format can be changed to display in three formats; YY/MM/DD, DD/MM/YY or MM/DD/YY.
- Once completed with all of the fields, press the MENU button to confirm the changes.
Auto Power Off
This function sets the duration of time in which the camera will wait with no user input before automatically powering off.
- In Setup Mode use the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate and select ‘Auto Power Off’ and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Auto Power Off’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate the menu and then press the PHOTO button to confirm your selected setting (Off, 1 Minute, 3 Minutes, 5 Minutes).
Beep Sound
This function can set the sound that plays when pressing a button.
- In Setup Mode, use the UP or DOWN buttons to select ‘Beep Sound’ and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Beep Sound’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate the menu and then press the PHOTO button to confirm your selected setting (Off, On).
Language
This function allows you to set the camera’s interface language.
- In Setup Mode use the UP or DOWN buttons to select ‘Language’ and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Language’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to select your desired language. Then press the PHOTO button to confirm your selection.
Screensavers
This setting controls the amount of time before the screen turns off to save power.
- In Setup Mode, use the UP or DOWN buttons to select ‘Screensavers’ and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Screensavers’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate the menu and then press the PHOTO button to confirm your selected setting (1 Minute, 3 Minutes, 5 Minutes, Off).
Volume
This setting controls the volume level of the camera’s speaker output.
- In Setup Mode, use the UP or DOWN buttons to select ‘Volume’ and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Volume’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate the menu and then press the PHOTO button to confirm your selected setting (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8).
Frequency
This function sets the frequency of the camera from 50Hz to 60Hz. Please check the frequency of your location and set accordingly.
- In Setup Mode, use the UP or DOWN buttons to select ‘Frequency’ and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Frequency’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to select your desired frequency. Then press the PHOTO button to confirm your selection (50Hz, 60Hz). The default frequency for the United States is 60Hz.
Format
The format setting erases all photos, videos and data stored on your memory card.
- In Setup Mode, use the UP or DOWN buttons to select ‘Format’ and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Format’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to select your desired selection, press the PHOTO button for your selected setting (Cancel, OK).
NOTE: This will delete all of your media and cannot be undone.
Default Setting
Factory default settings can be restored in this menu. This function will not delete the media stored on the memory card, and will only restore all of the menu’s setting back to factory default settings.
- In Setup Mode, use the UP or DOWN buttons to select ‘Default Setting’ and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Default Setting’ submenu.
- Press the UP or DOWN buttons to select your desired option, then press the PHOTO button to confirm your selection (Cancel, Ok).
Version
This function allows you to see the firmware version of your camera.
- In Setup Mode, use the UP or DOWN buttons to select ‘Version’ and press the PHOTO button to enter the ‘Version’ submenu.
- Press the PHOTO button to exit.
How To Connect To Your Computer
- Connect the USB with the camera powered OFF. Power the camera on and the LCD screen will show two options: Storage and Camera.
- To download the photos and videos to your computer, select the Storage option and press the PHOTO button to enter. Your computer will recognize and mount the camera on your system.
- To use the camera as a Webcam, select the Camera option and press the PHOTO button to enter. Your computer will recognize the camera as a webcam to be used by specific video conferencing software.
Technical Specifications
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