How to use the zoom capabilities of the HC-V550 camera.

The zoom bar is displayed during the zoom operation. The maximum zoom ratio for recording motion pictures can be set with [ZOOM MODE].

To set the maximum zoom ratio for the Motion Picture Recording mode

Press [MENU] → [RECORD SETUP] → [ZOOM MODE] → [i.Zoom OFF] / [i.Zoom 90k] / [D.Zoom 150k] / [D.Zoom 3000k]

ZOOM MODE Settings

Setting	Description
[i.Zoom OFF]	Up to 62k. The zoom magnification when [O.I.S] is set to [Standard] and Level Shot Function is set to off.
[i.Zoom 90k]	This zoom function allows you to maintain high-definition picture quality. (Up to 90k)
[D.Zoom 150k]	Digital zoom (Up to 150k)
[D.Zoom 3000k]	Digital zoom (Up to 3000k)

Zoom Ratio During the Still Picture Recording Mode

• The zoom ratio can be expanded up to 100k without degrading the picture quality for Still Picture Recording Mode (Extra Optical Zoom).
• Maximum zoom ratio in Still Picture Recording Mode varies depending on the setting of [PICTURE SIZE]

Press [MENU] → [PICTURE] → [PICTURE SIZE] → [16:9 10M] / [16:9 2.1M] / [4:3 7.4M] / [4:3 3M] / [3:2 7.7M] / [3:2 2M]

Picture Size Settings

Setting	Picture Size	Aspect Ratio	Extra Optical Zoom
[16:9 10M]	4224 x 2376	[16:9]	Extra optical zoom cannot be used. The maximum zoom magnification is 62k.
[16:9 2.1M]	1920 x 1080
[4:3 7.4M]	3136 x 2352	[4:3]	Extra optical zoom cannot be used. The maximum zoom magnification is 52k.
[4:3 3M]	640 x 480		100x
[3:2 7.7M]	2408 x 2272	[3:2]	Extra optical zoom cannot be used. The maximum zoom magnification is 51k.
[3:2 2M]	1728 x 1152

Notes:

• If you take your finger off the zoom lever during zoom operation, the operation sound may be recorded. When returning the zoom lever to the original position, move it quietly.
• When the zoom magnification is at it's maximum, tje subjects are focused at about 2.2m (7.2 feet) or more.
• When the zoom magnification is 1k, this unit can focus on a subject approx. 2cm (0.8q) away from the lens.

Video Example

Intelligent 90x Zoom Shooting Full Moon HD