ViviCam V56 Digital Camera User Manual

© 2009-2013 Sakar International, Inc. All rights reserved. Windows and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this camera. Everything you need to take quality digital photos and videos is included with your camera. Vivitar makes capturing those special moments as easy as possible. Please read this manual carefully first in order to get the most out of your digital camera.

Note: Your camera needs an SD Memory card (up to 32GB) for normal use. SD Memory cards are not included and need to be purchased separately. This camera is a plug and play device. You can download the pictures and videos captured by your camera without the software by directly accessing the camera's memory card from your computer. It is recommended however that you install the Vivitar Experience Image Manager Software to enjoy the full Vivitar experience.

What's Included

The following items are included with your camera:

Note: SD Memory Card and batteries not included.

Parts of the Camera

The camera has the following labeled parts:

Note: The battery compartment is located beneath the front cover of the camera.

Initial Camera Setup

Installing the Batteries

Slide off the front cover and insert 2x AAA (1.5V) batteries. Alkaline batteries are recommended. Batteries are not included.

(Image description: A diagram showing the back of the camera with the battery compartment open, illustrating the placement of two AAA batteries with correct polarity.)

Installing the Memory Card

An SD Memory card (up to 32GB) is needed for normal use.

(Image description: Two images showing the camera's SD card slot and an SD card being inserted into it.)

Turning On the Camera

(Image description: A close-up view of the camera's top, highlighting the power button.)

Using the Camera

(Image description: The camera's LCD screen displaying the Vivitar logo and showing the menu access buttons.)

Powering the Camera On/Off

Ensure batteries are properly inserted and an SD card is in the camera. If your camera has a rechargeable lithium battery, ensure it is fully charged before first use.

Powering the Camera On

Press the [Power Button] to turn your camera ON. After powering on, the camera emits a sound, the LED light turns on briefly, and the LCD screen displays the Photo Capture mode.

Powering the Camera Off

While the camera is on, press the [Power Button] again to turn it OFF. A "Goodbye" screen will appear before the camera powers off completely.

Auto Power Off – Power Saving

Your digital camera features an Auto Power Off function that automatically turns off the camera after 1 minute of inactivity.

Battery Status

The energy status of the power is displayed on the LCD as follows:

  • Full battery power: (Icon description: A full battery symbol)
  • Medium battery power: (Icon description: A half-full battery symbol)
  • Low battery power: (Icon description: A low battery symbol)

Notes:

  • Remove batteries when the camera is not in use for an extended period.
  • Do not mix alkaline and non-alkaline batteries.
  • Some features may not work if the battery power is low.
  • When battery power is low, the battery icon turns red, and the camera will automatically turn off after a few seconds.
  • Rechargeable batteries are not recommended.

SD Card Insertion

Ensure an SD card is properly inserted into your camera (SD card not included). To properly insert the SD Card: Push the SD card into the slot in the direction shown (indicated by the SD icon near the slot). Push the SD card until you hear a slight clicking sound, indicating it has been inserted correctly.

Note: After powering on, an SD icon will appear on the LCD. If not, check card insertion. Ensure the SD card is not locked (check the lock switch on the side of the SD card), as a locked card prevents saving photos.

(Image description: A sequence of four images showing the process of inserting an SD card into the camera, with a final image showing the SD card with a lock switch.)

Main Camera Modes

Your camera offers different modes for various functions. You can switch modes by pressing the MENU button after the camera has been powered ON.

Photo Capture Mode

This is the default mode when the camera is powered ON. Use this mode to capture pictures.

Taking Photos:

  1. Power on your camera. The default mode is Camera mode.
  2. Hold the camera steady and compose your photo using the LCD screen.
  3. Press the [Shutter Button] and wait a moment for the photo to be taken.

To Return to Photo Capture Mode:

  1. Press the [Menu Button].
  2. Press the [Up Button]/[Down Button] and select MODE.
  3. Press the [Shutter Button].
  4. Press the [Up Button]/[Down Button] and select SINGLE.
  5. Press the [Shutter Button] again to confirm. You are now in default camera mode.

Note: If the internal memory is full, the LCD will display "Memory Full! Insert a SD Memory Card to Transfer and Take More Photos!". Attempting to take photos or videos when memory is full will cause the camera to beep continuously. Download images to your computer or insert an SD memory card to take more pictures.

Video Capture Mode

Use this mode to capture videos with your digital camera.

Setting Camera to Video Mode:

  1. Power on your camera.
  2. Press the [Menu Button].
  3. Press the [Up Button]/[Down Button] to select MODE.
  4. Press the [Shutter Button].
  5. Press the [Up Button]/[Down Button] again to select the AVI option.
  6. Press the [Shutter Button] again to confirm. A video icon [▶] will appear on the upper left corner of the LCD.
  7. Press the [Shutter Button] to start shooting the video. The elapsed time appears on the bottom right of the LCD. The LED indicator light will continue to flicker, and a red indicator blinks on the LCD screen during recording.
  8. Press the [Shutter Button] to stop the recording.
  9. The video will be saved as an AVI file on the SD memory card.

Note: If "Memory Full Insert an SD Memory Card" appears on the LCD screen when you press the Shutter button without an SD card inserted, insert the SD memory card to capture videos.

Playback Mode (Photos & Videos)

Use this mode to view and manage your photos and videos. When you first turn on the camera, it defaults to Photo Capture mode. Press the [Playback Button] to open Playback Mode. The latest captured image appears on the LCD screen. If no images are stored, a "No File" message appears.

Accessing Playback Mode:

  1. Power on your camera.
  2. Press the [Down/Playback Button] to enter Playback Mode.
  3. The Playback icon [▶] appears on the upper left corner of the LCD.
  4. Press the [Shutter Button] to exit and return to Photo Capture Mode.

Previewing Photos:

  1. Press the [Down/Playback Button] to enter Playback Mode.
  2. Press the [Up Button]/[Down Button] to select and view your photos (and videos).
  3. "JPG" appears on the image if you have selected a photo. "AVI" appears on the LCD for AVI files.
  4. To zoom into a selected photo: Press the [T Button] to zoom in. Press the [W Button] to zoom out. Press the [Up Button]/[Down Button] to move up or down within the zoomed photo.

Playback Video (AVI) Files:

  1. Press the [Down/Playback Button] to enter Playback Mode.
  2. Select an AVI file from your SD memory card using the [Up Button]/[Down Button].
  3. Press the [Menu Button].
  4. Press the [Up Button]/[Down Button] to select the PLAY option.
  5. Press the [Shutter Button] to start playing.
  6. Press the [Shutter Button] again to stop playing.

Thumbnail View:

Navigate and select images using the Thumbnail View. Images are displayed in a 3x3 matrix. Use the direction buttons to scroll and select images.

  1. Press the [W/Zoom Out Button]. All images will appear in the Thumbnail View.
  2. Use the [Up Button]/[Down Button] to scroll and select the desired image.
  3. Press the [Shutter Button] to enlarge the image to full size.
  4. Once the image or video is full size, you can play, view, or magnify it.

Delete Photos and/or Videos:

Images can be deleted directly from the memory card while in Playback mode.

  1. In Playback mode, select the image you wish to delete.
  2. Press the [Menu Button].
  3. Press the [Up Button]/[Down Button] to select DELETE.
  4. Press the [Shutter Button] and select one of the following options: "Delete One" to delete the selected image (photo or video).
  5. Press the [Shutter Button] to delete all files (photos and videos) saved to your SD memory card.
  6. Press the [Up Button]/[Down Button] to select "Yes" or "No".
  7. Press the [Shutter Button] again to confirm your choice. If you select "Yes", the current file is permanently deleted. This action is irreversible.

Format Memory Card:

Use the Format Memory Card menu to delete all content from your camera's memory card. Formatting the memory card will permanently delete all content. This option deletes all content at once. For individual image deletion, use the DELETE menu in Playback mode.

Note: Restoring factory defaults or formatting may result in data loss. Please back up your images before proceeding.

  1. Press the [Down/Playback Button] to open Playback Mode.
  2. Press the [Menu Button].
  3. Press the [Up Button]/[Down Button] to select the FORMAT option.
  4. Press the [Menu Button].
  5. Press the [Up Button]/[Down Button] to select "Yes" or "No".
  6. Press the [Shutter Button] again to confirm your selection.
  7. A "No File" message appears on the LCD once the format is complete.

Print Your Photos:

Your camera supports PictBridge printing, allowing direct printing from the camera's memory to a connected printer.

  1. In Playback mode, press the [Up Button]/[Down Button] to select a photo to print.
  2. Press the [Menu Button].
  3. Press the [Up Button]/[Down Button] to select the PRINTER option.
  4. Press the [Shutter Button].
  5. You will be prompted to connect the camera to a printer. A "Please connect your DSC to printer" message will appear on the LCD.
  6. Connect your camera to any PictBridge compatible printer to continue printing.
  7. Press the [Shutter Button] to start printing the selected photo.

Camera Technical Specifications

Feature Specification
Image Sensor CMOS
Image Resolution 2592x1944 (5MP) / 2304x1728 (4M) / 2048x1536 (3M) / 1920x1080 (2M-HD) / 640x480 (VGA)
Video Resolution 640x480 VGA, 320x240 QVGA
File Format JPEG (Photo) / AVI (Video)
Internal Memory 1 Test Photo Use Only
External Memory SD Card (up to 32GB)
LCD Display 1.5" TFT
Lens f=7.7 mm F3.0
Zoom 4X Digital Zoom
Language English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch, Italian, Russian, Turkish
Print Yes
Anti-Shake Yes
Exposure Auto
White Balance Auto
ISO Auto
Scene Auto
Auto Power Off 60 second default
Self-Timer 10 seconds, Off
Interface USB 2.0
System Requirements Windows XP (SP3), Vista (SP1) and 7 ; Mac OSX v10.5.x and above
Battery 2 * AAA (1.5V) batteries
Working Temperature 0~40°C

Computer System Requirements

To download photos and videos using the Vivitar Experience™ Image Manager Software, ensure your computer meets the following minimum configuration:

Windows OS

  • Microsoft® Windows XP with Service Pack 3, Windows Vista with Service Pack 1, or Microsoft® Windows 7 or above.
  • Pentium® 4 processor (or above).
  • 1 GB RAM, 250 MB available hard disk space.
  • 16-bit Color monitor, 1024 X 768 recommended screen resolution.
  • CD-ROM Drive.
  • QuickTime® 6 or higher.
  • Microsoft® Internet Explorer 7 or higher.
  • Windows Media Player 10 or higher.
  • DirectX 9 or higher.
  • Internet connection required.

Macintosh OS

  • Intel Processor running MACINTOSH OS X v10.5.x or later.
  • 1 GB RAM, 250 MB available hard disk space.
  • Display: 1024 x 768 or higher-resolution monitor.
  • QuickTime® 6 or higher.
  • CD-ROM Drive.
  • Internet connection required.

Note: Ensure the latest compatible Adobe® Flash® Player is installed on your computer.

Installing the Software

You must be connected to the Internet to install and run the Vivitar Experience™ Image Manager software.

  1. Insert the installation CD into your CD-ROM drive. The installation screen should open automatically. (Image description: The Vivitar Experience Image Manager installer screen.)
  2. Windows: The Vivitar Experience™ Image Manager Installer window appears. If it does not, open the application's CD/DVD drive and click "Setup.exe" to launch the installer.
  3. Macintosh: Click the icon that appears on the desktop to install the Vivitar Experience™ Image Manager.
  4. If you do not have Internet access when inserting the CD-ROM, connect to the Internet and click the "Install Vivitar Experience™ Image Manager" button to begin the installation. (Image description: A screen indicating "You are not connected to the internet at this time" with options to connect or proceed.)
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts: Click "How to transfer photos and videos from my camera to my computer" for instructions.
  6. If you have Internet access, the "Choose your language" window opens. Select your language and click "Next".
  7. Select your camera model from the list and click "Next".
  8. Click "Next" to confirm your camera model selection and begin installation.
  9. Please wait while the application installs on your computer. Review the license terms. On Windows and Macintosh: Click "I accept the terms of this license agreement" and then click "Next".
  10. Windows only: Let the "Vivitar Experience™ Image Manager" installer create the installation folder, then click "Install".
  11. Wait while the installation process continues on your computer.
  12. Windows: Click the "Close" button when installation is complete. Click "Launch Vivitar Experience™ Image Manager" to open the application.
  13. Macintosh: Click the "Quit" button when installation is complete. Click "Launch Vivitar Experience™ Image Manager" to open the application.
  14. If you close the application, you can run it from the Programs (Windows) or Applications (Macintosh) menu on your computer.

Connecting the Camera to the Computer

  1. Use the USB cable that came with your camera to connect it to your computer.
  2. Power the camera ON.
  3. The first time you connect the device, wait a few seconds for the computer to recognize it.

Getting Photos and Videos from your Camera to Your Computer

An SD card needs to be inserted. Do not disconnect the cable during transfer, as this will cancel the transfer of any files.

  1. Select the "Get Images" button from the Main menu. (Image description: The Vivitar Experience Image Manager main interface showing icons for "Get Images", "Manage Images", "Send by Email", "Slideshow", "Print Photos", "Frame Maker", "Gift Generator", and links to social media sites.)
  2. The "Get media from device" window opens.
  3. You can select to download photos, videos, or both.
  4. Select your camera (removable disk) from the device window. If your camera is the only USB device connected, it will be selected automatically.
  5. Select a location on your computer to save the new photo and video files.
  6. Add the new photo and video files to albums if desired.
  7. Choose whether to remove the media files from the selected device (removable disk) after import.
  8. Click the "Get Media" button to transfer the photos and videos from your camera to your computer.
  9. A media download progress bar appears on the bottom left, showing the number of files downloading. A message appears when the download is complete.
  10. The selected photo and video files are now downloaded to your computer, ready for use in the specified folder and albums.

Get Started!

Using the Vivitar Experience™ Image Manager, you can:

For more details, open the "Help" from the menu option or click the "Take a Tour" button on the application's Home screen.

Transferring Images from my Camera to my Computer Manually

Transferring Photos and Videos: Windows

  1. Use the USB cable that came with your camera to connect it to your computer.
  2. "MSDC" appears on the LCD.
  3. A window appears with a list of options; select "Open folder to view files" and click OK.
  4. Open the DCIM folder and the folder inside to view the media files.
  5. Select the media and copy the files from this folder into your computer. Optionally, select the files, choose Copy from the Edit menu, then select a folder and choose Paste from the Edit menu.
  6. It is recommended to copy images into the Pictures/My Pictures folder and videos into the Videos/My Videos folder.
  7. Do not disconnect the cable during transfer, as this will cancel the transfer of any files.

Transferring Photos and Videos: Macintosh

  1. Use the USB cable that came with your camera to connect it to your computer.
  2. "MSDC" appears on the LCD.
  3. The camera's device icon appears on the desktop.
  4. Click the device icon and open the DCIM folder and the folder inside to view the media files.
  5. Select the files and drag them into your computer. Optionally, select the files, choose Copy from the Finder's Edit menu, then select a folder and choose Paste from the Edit menu.
  6. It is recommended to copy images into the Pictures folder and videos into the Movies folder.
  7. Do not disconnect the cable during transfer, as this will cancel the transfer of any files.

Transferring Photos and Videos: Apple iPad

IMPORTANT: Please check your device packaging for compatibility with the iPad.

Apple iPad Camera Connection:

For compatible models, photos and videos can be imported from your digital camera to your iPad by following either of these options:

  1. Connecting your digital camera to your iPad using an iPad Camera Connector: Plug the Camera Connector into the dock connector port on your iPad, and then attach your digital camera using a USB cable (included) to the Camera Connector. NOTE: The iPad Camera Connector is not included and may be purchased separately.
  2. Using an iPad SD Card Reader: Connect the SD Card Reader to your iPad, then insert your digital camera's SD Memory card into the slot to import photos and videos directly from your camera's SD card. NOTE: The iPad SD Card Reader is not included and may be purchased separately.

After connection, your iPad automatically opens the 'Photos' application, allowing you to choose which photos and videos to import and organize them into albums.

Camera Maintenance

The digital camera is a delicate device. Handle your camera with care to avoid damage. Do not expose your camera to heat sources. Do not use your camera in wet or moist conditions.

Sakar Warranty Card

This warranty covers the original consumer purchaser only and is not transferable. Products that fail to function properly under normal usage, due to defects in material or workmanship, will be repaired at no charge for parts or labor for a period of one year from the time of purchase.

What Is Not Covered By Warranty:

Damages or malfunctions not resulting from defects in material or workmanship, and damages or malfunctions from other than normal use, including but not limited to, repair by unauthorized parties, tampering, modification, or accident.

What To Do When Service Is Required:

When returning your defective product (postage pre-paid) for service, your package should include:

  1. Copy of original bill of sale.
  2. A detailed written description of the problem.
  3. Your return address and telephone number (Daytime).

MAIL TO ADDRESS BELOW:

Sakar US
Sakar International
Attention: Service Department
195 Carter Drive
Edison, NJ 08817

Sakar UK/Europe
Attention: Service Department
2D, Siskin Parkway East
4020 Middlemarch Business Park
Coventry, CV3 4PE

Sakar Australia
Return faulty camera to the Refund Counter at the store where purchased

Technical Support

For technical support issues, please visit our website at www.vivitar.com. You can find manuals, software, and FAQs on the website. If you can't find what you are looking for, email us at support@vivitar.com, and one of our technical support team members will answer your questions. For phone support:

For calls from other locations, please visit www.vivitar.com for your local toll-free number.

Troubleshooting

Q: I have taken photos and selected the "Get Images" button. I get a message that the images were successfully transferred, but the photos do not appear on my computer. What do I do?

First, ensure that you have actually taken photos. Press the [Shutter Button] to take some sample photos and then try downloading them again. If the camera's power is off before you upload them to the computer, the photos are not stored in the camera's memory. These photos should be uploaded quickly before the camera's power is off. If the photos are saved to the SD memory card, then all the photos should appear.

Q: How do I make sure I don't lose important pictures?

This camera requires an SD card for normal use. If the camera's power is off, the images stored on the SD memory card are unaffected. We recommend always downloading your photos to your computer as soon as possible to prevent unintentional data loss.

Q: I deleted images using the Vivitar Experience Image Manager. The images were also deleted from my computer. How do I recover images that I accidentally deleted?

All images deleted using the Vivitar Experience Image Manager are sent to your computer's Recycle or Trash Bin and can be retrieved from there.

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