Canon 4457B001, 4454B001 User Manual

PUB. DIE-0356-000B

HD Camcorder

Instruction Manual

PAL

Important Usage Instructions

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

Unauthorized recording of copyrighted materials may infringe on the rights of copyright owners and be contrary to copyright laws.

CAUTION:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AND TO REDUCE ANNOYING INTERFERENCE, USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.

CAUTION:

DISCONNECT THE MAINS PLUG FROM THE SUPPLY SOCKET WHEN NOT IN USE.

To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not expose this product to dripping or splashing.

For Users in the UK

When replacing the fuse only a correctly rated approved type should be used and be sure to re-fit the fuse cover.

The Mains plug is used as the disconnect device. The Mains plug shall remain readily operable to disconnect the plug in case of an accident.

CAUTION:

• Danger of explosion if the wrong type of batteries are attached. Use only the same type of batteries.

• Do not expose batteries or product to excessive heat such as the inside of a car under direct sunlight, fire, etc.

While using the compact power adapter, do not wrap it or cover it with a piece of cloth, and do not place it in confined narrow spaces. Heat may build up, the plastic case may deform and it could result in electric shock or fire.

CA-930 identification plate is located on the bottom.

European Union (and EEA) only.

one-for-one basis when you buy a new similar product or to an authorized collection site for recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and batteries and accumulators. Improper handling of this type of waste could have a possible impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated with EEE. Your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will contribute to the effective usage of natural resources. For more information about the recycling of this product, please contact your local city office, waste authority, approved scheme or your household waste disposal service or visit www.canon-europe.com/environment (EEA: Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein)

These symbols indicate that this product is not to be disposed of with your household waste, according to the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC), the Battery Directive (2006/66/EC) and/or your national laws implementing those Directives. This product should be handed over to a designated collection point, e.g., on an authorized

Trademark Acknowledgements

• SD and SDHC logos are trademarks of SD-3C, LLC.

• CompactFlash is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation.

• Microsoft and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

• Apple, Macintosh, Mac OS, Final Cut Pro are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

• Avid and Media Composer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries.

• HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC in the United States and other countries.

• Other names and products not mentioned above may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

• This device incorporates exFAT technology licensed from Microsoft.

• ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT OTHER THAN CONSUMER PERSONAL USE IN ANY MANNER THAT COMPLIES WITH THE MPEG-2 STANDARD FOR ENCODING VIDEO INFORMATION FOR PACKAGED MEDIA IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED WITHOUT A LICENSE UNDER APPLICABLE PATENTS IN THE MPEG-2 PATENT PORTFOLIO, WHICH LICENSE IS AVAILABLE FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C., 250 STEELE STREET, SUITE 300, DENVER, COLORADO 80206.

Highlights of the XF305/XF300

The Canon XF305/XF300 HD Camcorder has been designed to fulfill the needs demanded by industry professionals. The following are just some of the many features that will help turn your creative vision into reality.

HD Recording

3CMOS system and DIGIC DV III image processor

The camcorder is equipped with three 1/3-type CMOS sensors that each capture video at an effective pixel count of approximately 2.07 megapixels (1920x1080). Combined with the DIGIC DV III image processor and newly developed 18x zoom lens (29.3 mm, F1.6), the camcorder offers a center resolution of 1,000 TV lines. Furthermore, the camcorder produces spectacular video with true-tolife color reproduction while reducing noise and “rolling shutter” artifacts thanks to a twofold improvement (when the frame rate is 50i) over previous models in scanning speed.

Superb HD video

The camcorder uses the MPEG-2 Long GOP codec. When you record using the 50 Mbps bit rate (with 4:2:2 color sampling), the quality of your recordings will rival that of broadcast video. Your recordings are saved as Material eXchange Format (MXF) files, which are compatible with major non-linear editing (NLE) software.

You can configure the video recording signal to suit your needs. By combining the bit rate/resolution setting with the frame rate setting, you can produce video from 1440x1080/25P at 25 Mbps to 1280x720/50P at 35 Mbps to 1920x1080/50i at 50 Mbps. You can select from a total of 10 different combinations!

Operability

Focus and zoom

Enhancements were made to the focus and zoom systems. The newly added full manual focus mode (0 52) sets physical stops on the focus ring and also displays a distance indicator on the ring itself. With the physical stops on the zoom ring (0 74), you can easily go from full wide angle to full telephoto by turning the zoom ring about 90°.

Overall design

The various buttons, switches and other controls were redesigned after extensive research and interviews with industry professionals. Buttons and switches were repositioned for easier use and access and the ergonomic design of the grip was also refined for better balance. In addition, you can frame your shots more easily with the improved viewfinder and larger LCD screen, which both now have 100% coverage.

Recording media

The camcorder records video and audio to CompactFlash (CF) cards. You can even make lengthy recordings without worry because the camcorder features two CF card slots. When one CF card becomes full, the recording will automatically continue on the other one without interruption.

Supplied Canon XF Utility software

Managing your recordings is as simple as using the supplied Canon XF Utility software. You can transfer your recordings to your computer, where you can view and manage them. Using the supplied plugins, you can then use the recordings with major NLE software*.

* Refer to Saving Clips to a Computer (0 146) for details

on compatible software.

Versatile Artistic Expression

Special recording modes

The special recording modes (0 101) give you more creative control over your recordings. You can create a slow motion or fast motion effect in your recordings, record a certain number of frames at a set interval (ideal for subjects with little movement) or record a certain number of frames every time you press a button (ideal for stop motion animation).

Custom picture settings

With custom picture settings (0 109), you can enjoy unparalleled image control to deliver the “look” you want by adjusting parameters, such as gamma and sharpness. The custom picture settings can be recorded onto an SD card, which allows multiple XF305/XF300 camcorders to use the same settings, or embedded in the recording itself.

Advanced Professional Features

Pro-level connectivity (b only)

An industry-standard HD/SD SDI terminal (0 142) for uncompressed HD signal output, embedded audio and SMPTE time code (LTC) give the camcorder the functionality of professional broadcast cameras. Genlock synchronization (0 86) and the TIME CODE terminal (0 86) allow the camcorder to be part of any multi-camera shooting setup.

Customization

The camcorder features several customization options. You can assign often-used functions to assignable buttons (0 107) so that you can call up those functions with the press of a single button. Custom functions (0 120) and custom onscreen displays (0 121) give you even more freedom to control many aspects of the camcorder’s operation. Save custom picture and menu settings to an SD card so that you can transfer your setting preferences to other XF305/XF300 camcorders in order to use them in the same way.

Other Functions

Audio

Sound is recorded as 2-channel linear PCM audio (16-bit/48 kHz). You can use the built-in microphone or the two XLR audio input terminals (with phantom power supply) when recording.

Video scopes

Check the brightness of the image using the waveform monitor (0 96), the color of the image using the vectorscope (0 97), or the focus using the edge monitor (0 97).

Added and improved functionality

Other functions include improved image stabilization (0 59), the option to add metadata to recordings (0 94), and the Intelligent System-compatible battery pack (0 191).

Tab le o f C on t en ts

1. Introduction 9

About this Manual 9

Conventions Used in this Manual 9

Supplied Accessories 11 Names of Parts 12

2. Preparations 21

Preparing the Power Supply 21

Using a Battery Pack 21 Turning the Camcorder On and Off 25

Date, Time and Language Settings 26

Setting the Date and Time 26 Changing the Time Zone 26 Displaying the Date and Time while Recording 27 Changing the Language 27

Using the Menus 28

Selecting an Option from the Menu 28

Preparing the Camcorder 30

Attaching the Lens Hood 30 Attaching and Detaching the Eye Cup 30 Dioptric Adjustment 31 Using the LCD Panel 32 Using the Viewfinder and LCD Screen

Simultaneously 32 Adjusting the Viewfinder/LCD Screen 33 Setting the Screen to Black & White 33 Adjusting the Grip Belt 34 Attaching a Shoulder Strap 34 Removing and Attaching the Terminal Covers 35 Using the Wireless Controller 35 Using a Tripod 36

Preparing Recording Media 37

Inserting a CF Card 37 Checking the Status of the CF Card Slots 38 Removing a CF card 38 Inserting and Removing an SD Card 39 Initializing the Recording Media 39 Switching Between the CF Card Slots 40 Checking the Available Recording Time 41 Recovering Data on the CF Card 41

3. Recording 43

Recording Video 43

Preparing to Record 43 Recording 44 Onscreen Displays 46 Side Panel Displays 48 Power Save Mode 50

Video Configuration: Bit Rate, Resolution and

Frame Rate 51

Adjusting the Focus 52

Full Manual Focus Mode 52 Manual Focus Mode 53 Using the Focus Assistance Functions 54 Autofocus Mode 56 Push AF 57 Detecting and Focusing On Faces 57 Focus Limit and Macro Shooting 58

Image Stabilizer 59 Gain 60

Automatic Gain Control (AGC) 60 Manual Gain Control 61

Shutter Speed 63

Changing the Shutter Speed Mode 64 Flicker Reduction 65

Adjusting the Aperture 66

Automatic Aperture Control 66 Manual Aperture Control 66 Temporary Manual Aperture Control Override

(PUSH AUTO IRIS) 67 Adjusting the AE Level 68 Setting the Light Metering Mode 68

Using the ND Filter 69 White Balance 70

Auto White Balance 70 Preset White Balance 71 Setting the Color Temperature 72 Custom White Balance 72

Zooming 74

Selecting the Zoom Controls 74 Using the Zoom Ring 74 Using the Zoom Rockers, Wireless Controller or

Optional Remote Control 75

Onscreen Markers and Zebra Patterns 78

Displaying Onscreen Markers 78 Displaying Zebra Patterns 79

Setting the Time Code 81

Selecting the Running Mode 81 Putting the Time Code Display on Hold 83

Setting the User Bit 84 b Synchronizing with an External Device 85

Connecting an External Device 85 Using a Reference Video Signal

(Genlock Synchronization) 86 Using a Time Code Signal 86 Time Code Signal Output 87

Recording Audio 88

Using the Built-in Microphone 88 Using an External Microphone or Line Input 89 Adjusting the Audio Level 92 Monitoring the Audio with Headphones 93

Using Metadata 94

Setting a User Memo 94

Colors Bars/Audio Reference Signal 95

Recording Color Bars 95 Recording an Audio Reference Signal 95

Video Scopes 96

Displaying a Video Scope 96 Configuring the Waveform Monitor 96 Configuring the Vectorscope 97 Configuring the Edge Monitor 97

Adding Shot Marks while Recording 99 Reviewing a Recording 100 Special Recording Modes 101

Interval Recording Mode 101 Frame Recording Mode 103 Slow & Fast Motion Mode 104 Pre-recording Mode 106

4. Customization 107

Assignable Buttons 107

Changing the Assigned Function 107 Using an Assignable Button 108

Custom Picture Settings 109

Selecting Custom Picture Files 109 Editing a Custom Picture File’s Settings 110 Renaming Custom Picture Files 110 Protecting Custom Picture Files 111 Transferring Custom Picture Files 111 Embedding Custom Picture Settings in a

Recording 112

Available Custom Picture Settings 113

Customizing Functions and Onscreen

Displays 120

Customizing Functions 120 Customizing Onscreen Displays 121

Saving and Loading Camera Settings 122

Saving Camera Settings to an SD Card 122 Loading Camera Settings from an SD Card 122

5. Playback 123

Playback 123

Clip Index Screen 123 Playing Back Clips 125 Onscreen Displays 125 Playback Controls 127 Adjusting the Volume 128 Adding Shot Marks during Playback 128

Clip Operations 129

Using the Clip Menu 130 Displaying Clip Information 130 Adding e Marks or Z Marks 131 Deleting e Marks or Z Marks 132 Copying Clips 132 Deleting Clips 134 Deleting the User Memo 134 Copying a Custom Picture File Embedded in a

Clip 135 Displaying an Index Screen of Shot Marks 135 Displaying a Frame Index Screen of a Single

Clip 136 Adding or Deleting Shot Marks from an Index

Screen 137 Changing a Clip’s Thumbnail 138

6. External Connections 139

Video Output Configuration 139

Video Output Configuration by Terminal 139 SD Output 140

Connecting to an External Monitor 141

Connection Diagram 141 b Using the HD/SD SDI Terminal 142 Using the HDMI OUT Terminal 142 Using the HD/SD COMPONENT OUT

Terminal 142 Using the AV or VIDEO 2 Terminal 143 Superimposing Onscreen Displays to Appear on an

External Monitor 143

Audio Output 144

b Embedded Audio 144 Synchronizing the Video with the Audio being

Monitored 144 Selecting the Audio Channel 145 Selecting the Output Level of the AV Terminal 145

Saving Clips to a Computer 146

System Requirements 146 Installing and Uninstalling Canon XF Utility

(Windows) 147 Installing and Uninstalling Canon XF Utility

(Mac OS) 150 Viewing the Software Instruction Manuals 153

7. Photos 155

Taking Photos 155

Taking Photos in CAMERA Mode 155 Capturing Photos in MEDIA Mode 156

Photo Playback 157

Displaying the [Photos] Index Screen 157 Viewing Photos 157

Photo Operations 158

Using the Photo Menu 158 Deleting Photos 158 Protecting Photos 159 Copying Custom Picture Files 160 Photo Numbering 161

8. Additional Information 163

Menu Options 163 Displaying the Status Screens 172 Troubleshooting 178

List of Messages 181

Handling Precautions 185 Maintenance/Others 188 Optional Accessories 190 Specifications 194 Index 198

Introduction

About this Manual

Introduction About this Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Canon XF305/XF300. Please read this manual carefully before you use the camcorder and retain it for future reference. Should the camcorder fail to operate correctly, refer to Troubleshooting (0 178).

Introduction

Conventions Used in this Manual

• IMPORTANT: Precautions related to the camcorder’s operation.

• NOTES: Additional topics that complement the basic operating procedures.

• 0: Reference page number.

• b: Text that applies only to the model shown in the icon.

• The following terms are used in this manual. “Screen” refers to the LCD screen and the viewfinder screen. “CF card” refers to a CompactFlash (CF) card. “SD card” refers to an SD or SDHC memory card. “Recording media” refers to CF cards and SD cards.

• Photographs in the manual are simulated pictures taken with a still camera. Some screenshots have been altered to make them easier to read.

• Illustrations in the manual show the b.

Recording

Image Stabilizer

Use the image stabilizer to compensate for camcorder shake in order to achieve steadier shots. There are 3 methods of image stabilization; select the method that best suits your needs.

1 Open the [Image Stabilizer] submenu.

[l Camera Setup] [Image Stabilizer]

2 Select the desired option and then press SET.

• The icon of the selected mode appears on the bottom of the screen.

Options

NOTES

• By default, assignable button 1 is set to [Standard] but you can also set it for another assignable button instead. You can press the button to activate standard IS.

• If you set an assignable button to [Dynamic IS] or [Powered IS] (0 111), you can press the button to turn the assigned mode on or off.

• If the degree of camcorder shake is too high, the image stabilizer may not be able to fully compensate.

[l Camera Setup]

[Image Stabilizer]

[Standard]

Operating modes:

[Powered] Q: Powered IS is most effective when you are stationary and

zooming in on far subjects using high zoom ratios (the more you approach the telephoto end). This mode is not suitable for tilting and panning shots.

[Dynamic] P: Dynamic IS compensates for a higher degree of

camcorder shake, such as when shooting while walking, and is more effective as the zoom approaches full wide angle.

[Standard] O: Standard IS compensates for a lower degree of

camcorder shake, such as when shooting while remaining stationary, and is suitable for shooting natural-looking scenes.

[Off]: Use this setting when the camcorder is mounted on a

tripod.

Introduction

About this Manual

When a function requires the use of the menu, the quick reference shows the submenus and, when applicable, the default setting for the menu item. The example illustration indicates that you can find the function by selecting the [l Camera Setup] menu and then the [Image Stabilizer] menu item.

Operating modes

indicates that a function is available in the operating mode indicated and indicates that the function is not available. For a detailed explanation, refer to Turning the Camcorder On and Off (0 25).

When a procedure requires selecting an option, the available options are listed within or after the procedure. Brackets [ ] are used to refer to menu options as they are displayed on screen.

The arrow is used to abbreviate menu selections. For a detailed explanation on how to use the menus, refer to Using the Menus (0 28). For a concise summary of all available menu options and settings, refer to the appendix Menu Options (0 163).

Supplied Accessories

The following accessories are supplied with the camcorder.

Introduction

CA-930 Compact Power Adapter

(incl. power cord)

DTC-1500 Component

Video Cable

Lens Cap WL-D6000 Wireless Controller

(incl. CR2025 Lithium Battery)

BP-955 Battery Pack (incl. terminal cover)

Lens Hood Eye Cup

SS-1200 Shoulder Strap

DC-930 DC Cable

Canon XF Utilities Disc

The Canon XF Utilities Disc includes software for saving and managing clips on a

computer. For details on installing the software, refer to Saving Clips to a Computer (0 146). For more information on the functions, refer to the ‘Canon XF Utility Instruction Manual’ after you install the software.

Names of Parts

Introduction

Names of Parts

Operation panel

(0 18)

Operation panel



(0 18)

12 34



7 8 9

10111213141520 19 18 17 16

1 ZOOM SPEED switch for the handle zoom rocker

(0 76) 2 Side panel (0 48) 3 e switches (0 92) 4 SLOT SELECT (CF card slot selection) button

(0 40) 5CFj (CF card slot A) and CFl (CF card slot B)

access indicators (0 38) 6 e dials for CH1 and CH2 (0 92) 7 MENU button (0 28) 8 STATUS button (0 172) 9SELECT dial (0 28) 10 FULL AUTO switch (0 45)

11 SET button (0 28) 12 CANCEL button (0 28) 13 CUSTOM PICT. (custom picture) button (0 109) 14 PUSH AUTO IRIS button (0 67) 15 SHUTTER switch (0 64) 16 Iris ring (0 66) 17 Zoom ring (0 74) 18 Distance indicator (0 52) 19 Focus ring (0 52) 20 Lens hood (0 30)

Names of Parts

Ter mi na ls

(0 19)



Introduction

2134 56

1 Speaker (0 128) 2 SD card slot cover 3 SD card access indicator (0 39) 4SD card slot (0 39) 5 PUSH button (0 52) 6 Focus mode ring (0 52) 7 Lens hood lock screw (0 30) 8 XLR terminals (CH1 and CH2) (0 89) 9 AUDIO IN switches for CH1 and CH2 (0 88, 90) 10 Grip belt (0 34)

78910

Introduction

Names of Parts

1 Remote sensor (0 36) 2 MIRROR button (0 32) 3 START/STOP button (0 44) 4 RESET button (0 179) 5 XLR terminal switches for CH1 and CH2 (0 90) 6 Instant AF sensor (0 56) 7 Front tally lamp (0 44) 8 Microphone cable clamp (0 89) 9 Microphone holder (0 89) 10 Microphone lock screw (0 89)

Names of Parts

Introduction

12 3

1LCD screen (0 33) 2 Viewfinder unit 3 Viewfinder (0 31, 33) 4 Dioptric adjustment lever (0 31) 5 RELEASE (viewfinder release) switch (0 188) 6 CF card slot cover switches for CF card slots A (top) and B (bottom) (0 37) 7 Battery compartment cover (0 22) 8 BATT. RELEASE (battery release) switch (0 22) 9 Battery compartment 10 CF card slots A (top) and B (bottom) (0 37) 11 CF card release buttons (0 38) 12 BATT. OPEN (open battery compartment) switch (0 22) 13 CF card slot covers for CF card slots A (top) and B (bottom)

Ter mi na ls

(0 19)



Introduction

Names of Parts

1234567

Operation panel

1 Accessory shoe

For attaching accessories such as the optional VL-10Li II Battery Video Light.

2 Grip zoom rocker (0 75) 3 MAGN. (magnification) button (0 55)/Assignable button 6 (0 107) 4 START/STOP button (0 44) 5 U (review recording) button (0 100)/Assignable button 5 (0 107) 6 Handle socket for 0.64 cm (1/4") screws 7 Strap mount (0 34) 8 d switch (0 25) 9 HEADPHONE +/- buttons (0 93) 10 DISPLAY button (0 46)/BATT. INFO (battery information) button (0 22) 11 Rear tally lamp (0 44) 12 Built-in microphone (0 88)

(0 18)



8910711

Names of Parts

Introduction

324

1 Attachment sockets for the optional TA-100 Tripod Adapter (0 36) 2 Attachment screws for the tripod base (0 36) 3 Tripod socket (0 36) 4 Tripod base for tripods with 0.64 cm (1/4") screws (0 36)

Introduction

Names of Parts

Operation panel 

Operation panel 

13 11

Operation panel 

1014

16 17 18

20 21

1 PUSH AF button (0 57) 2 FOCUS switch (0 53, 56) 3 IS (image stabilizer) button (0 59)/

Assignable button 1 (0 107)

4 PEAKING button (0 55) /

Assignable button 2 (0 107)

5 ZEBRA button (0 78)/

Assignable button 3 (0 107)

6 WFM (waveform monitor) button (0 96)/

Assignable button 4 (0 107) 7 IRIS switch (0 66) 8 ZOOM switch (0 74) 9 ND FILTER switch (0 69) 10 AWB (automatic white balance) switch (0 70) 11 S (white balance adjustment) button (0 71) 12 WHITE BAL. (white balance) switch (0 71) 13 GAIN switch (0 61) 14 AGC (automatic gain control) switch (0 60) 15 D (play/pause) button (0 125)/

Assignable button 9 (0 107) 16 I (fast playback) button (0 127)/

Assignable button 10 (0 107) 17 B (stop) button (0 125)/

Assignable button 12 (0 107) 18 K (skip forward) button (0 127)/

Assignable button 13 (0 107) 19 CANCEL button (0 28) 20 Joystick (0 28)/SET button (0 28) 21 START/STOP button (0 44) 22 START/STOP lock lever (0 44) 23 MAGN. (magnification) button (0 55)/

Assignable button 7 (0 107) 24 Handle zoom rocker (0 76) 25 INDEX button (0 124)/

POWER SAVE button (0 50) 26 L (skip backward) button (0 127)/

Assignable button 11 (0 107) 27 J (fast reverse playback) button (0 127)/

Assignable button 8 (0 107)

Names of Parts

Introduction

Terminals 

Terminals 

1 DC IN terminal (0 24) 2 b HD/SD SDI terminal (0 142)

3 b GENLOCK terminal (0 86) 4 b TIME CODE terminal (0 87) 5 VIDEO 2 terminal (0 143) 6 W (headphone) terminal (0 93) 7REMOTE terminal 8 HD/SD COMPONENT OUT terminal (0 142) 9 HDMI OUT terminal (0 142) 10 USB terminal (0 146) 11 AV terminal (0 143)

Introduction

WL-D6000 Wireless Controller

14 13 12

11 10

Names of Parts

9 8

1 START/STOP button (0 44) 2 ZOOM buttons (0 77) 3 F/O/E/A buttons 4 MENU button (0 28) 5 J/I (fast playback/reverse playback) buttons (0 127) 6 Z/Y (frame forward/reverse) buttons (0 127) 7 B (stop) button (0 125) 8 D (play/pause) button (0 125) 9 INDEX button (0 124) 10 SET button (0 28) 11 CANCEL button (0 28) 12 SHOT1 (shot mark 1) button (0 99) 13 PHOTO button (0 155) 14 Record enable button: When you use the START/STOP button or ZOOM buttons,

you must press this button simultaneously with the desired button.

Preparations

Preparing the Power Supply

You can power the camcorder using a battery pack or directly using the compact power adapter. If you connect the compact power adapter to the camcorder while a battery pack is attached, the camcorder will draw power from the power outlet. Charge battery packs before use. For approximate charging times and recording/playback times with a fully charged battery pack, refer to Charging Times (0 191) and Recording and Playback Times (0 191).

Using a Battery Pack

You can power the camcorder using the supplied BP-955 or optional BP-975, BP-950G or BP-970G Battery Pack. The BP-955 and BP-975 Battery Packs are compatible with Intelligent System, meaning that you can check the remaining battery time.

Charging the Battery Pack

Charge battery packs using the supplied compact power adapter. Before charging, disconnect the DC cable from the compact power adapter and remove the terminal cover of the battery pack.

1 If the DC cable is connected to the compact power adapter,

disconnect it.

2 Connect the power cord to the compact power adapter ().

3 Plug the power cord into a power outlet ().

4 Attach the battery pack to the compact power adapter ().

• Press lightly and slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.

• The CHARGE indicator starts flashing and also indicates the battery pack’s approximate charge. The indicator will stay on when charging has completed.

Preparations

Preparations Preparing the Power Supply



CHARGE indicator





0-34%: Flashes once per second 35-69%: Flashes twice per second 70-99%: Flashes 3 times per second

5 When charging has completed, remove the battery pack from the

compact power adapter.

Preparations

Preparing the Power Supply

6 Unplug the power cord from the power outlet and disconnect it from

the compact power adapter.

NOTES

• To charge the battery pack, disconnect the DC cable from the compact power adapter.

• The supplied BP-955 and optional BP-975 Battery Packs are not compatible with previous Canon camcorder models.

Attaching the Battery Pack



1 Hold down the button on the d switch and move it to OFF ().

2 Slide the BATT. OPEN (open battery compartment) switch in the

direction of the arrow and open the battery compartment cover ().



3 Insert the battery pack all the way into the compartment and press

gently until it clicks ().

4 Close the battery compartment cover.









CHECKbutton

0 100%

Battery charge indicator

Removing the Battery Pack

1 Hold down the button on the d switch and move it to OFF.

2 Slide the BATT. OPEN switch in the direction of the arrow and open the

battery compartment cover.

3 Press the BATT. RELEASE (battery release) latch in the direction of the

arrow and pull out the battery.

4 Close the battery compartment cover.

Checking the Remaining Battery Charge

If you are using the supplied BP-955 or optional BP-975 Battery Pack, you can check the approximate remaining battery charge using one of the following methods when the camcorder is turned off. When the camcorder is turned on, you can check on the remaining battery charge by looking at any recording/playback screen or the [Battery / Hour Meter] status screen (0 172).

Press the CHECK button on the battery pack. An indicator will light for approximately 3 seconds and show the approximate remaining battery charge.

Preparing the Power Supply

0-25% 26-50% 51-75% 76-100%

When the camcorder is off and an Intelligent System-compatible battery pack is attached, press the BATT. INFO (battery information) button to display the remaining battery time and available recording time (displays for 5 seconds). Depending on the battery life, the battery information may not be displayed.

IMPORTANT

• Do not connect to the compact power adapter any product that is not expressly recommended for use with this camcorder.

NOTES

• We recommend charging the battery pack in temperatures between 10 ºC and 30 ºC. Outside the temperature range of 0 ºC to 40 ºC, charging will not start.

• If there is a malfunction with the compact power adapter or battery pack, the charge indicator will go out and charging will stop.

• For handling precautions regarding the battery pack, refer to Battery Pack (0 185).

• Charged battery packs continue to discharge naturally. Therefore, charge them on the day of use, or the day before, to ensure a full charge.

• We recommend that you prepare battery packs to last 2 to 3 times longer than you think you might need.

• The first time you use a battery pack, fully charge it and then use the camcorder until the battery pack is completely exhausted. Doing so will ensure that the remaining recording time will be displayed accurately.

• Repeatedly charging and discharging the battery pack will eventually shorten its battery life. When you are using the supplied BP-955 or optional BP-975 Battery Pack, you can check the battery life on the [Battery / Hour Meter] status screen (0 176) or the battery information screen (press the BATT INFO. button while the camcorder is turned off). Fully charging the battery pack and then discharging it will give you a more accurate reading.

Preparations

Preparing the Power Supply

Using a Household Power Outlet







DC IN terminal





When Using the Supplied CA-930 Compact Power Adapter and DC-930 DC Cable:

1 Hold down the button on the d switch and move it to OFF ().

2 Connect the DC cable to the DC IN terminal on the camcorder ().

3 Connect the power cord to the compact power adapter and plug it into

a power outlet ().

4 Connect the DC cable to the compact power adapter ().

IMPORTANT

• Turn off the camcorder before connecting or disconnecting the compact power adapter.

NOTES

• When using the camcorder with a household power outlet, you can change the battery pack while the power is on.

When Using the Optional CA-920 Compact Power Adapter and DC-920 DC Coupler:

1 Hold down the button on the d switch and move it to OFF ().

2 Attach the DC coupler to the camcorder ().

3 Connect the power cord to the compact power adapter and plug it into

a power outlet ().

4 Connect the DC coupler to the adapter ().

5 Close the battery compartment cover.

6 Detach the DC coupler after use.

• Open the battery compartment cover, push the BATT. RELEASE

latch left and pull out the DC coupler.

IMPORTANT

• Turn off the camcorder before connecting or disconnecting the compact power adapter.







Preparing the Power Supply

Turning the Camcorder On and Off

The camcorder has two operating modes: CAMERA ( ) mode for making recordings and MEDIA ( ) mode for playing back recordings. Select the operating mode using the d switch.

To turn on the camcorder

Hold down the button on the d switch and move it to CAMERA for

mode or MEDIA for mode.

CAMERA mode MEDIA mode

To turn off the camcorder

Hold down the button on the d switch and move it to OFF.

Preparations

Date, Time and Language Settings

Setting the Date and Time

You will need to set the date and time of the camcorder before you can start using it. When the camcorder’s clock is not set, the [Date/Time] screen will appear automatically with the year selected.

Operating modes:

1 Push the joystick up/down or turn the SELECT dial to change the

day then move (A) to the month.

2 Change the rest of the fields in the same way.

3 Select (A) [Set] and then press SET to start the clock and close

the screen.

NOTES

• When the built-in rechargeable lithium battery is exhausted, the date and time setting may be lost. In such case, recharge the built-in lithium battery (0 187) and set the time zone, date and time again.

• You can change the date format and the clock format (12/24 hours) with the [J Other Functions] [Clock Set] [Date Format] setting.

• You can also change the date and time later on (not during the initial setup) with the [J Other Functions] [Clock Set] [Date/Time] setting.

[J Other Functions]

[Time Zone]

[UTC+01:00 Paris]

Changing the Time Zone

Change the time zone to match the time zone of your location. The default setting is [UTC+01:00 Paris]. The time zones are based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

Operating modes:

1 Press the MENU button.

2 Push the joystick up/down or turn the SELECT dial to select

[J Other Functions].

3 Select [Time Zone] in a similar fashion.

Date, Time and Language Settings

4 Push the joystick up/down or turn the SELECT dial to change the

time zone.

5 Press SET to set the time zone and then press the MENU button

to close the menu.

Displaying the Date and Time while Recording

You can display the date and time in the lower left of the screen.

Preparations

[M LCD/VF Setup]

Operating modes:

1 Press the MENU button.

2 Push the joystick up/down or turn the SELECT dial to select

[M LCD/VF Setup].

3 Select [Custom Display] and then [Date/Time] in a similar

fashion.

4 Push the joystick up/down or turn the SELECT dial to select the

information to display.

• Select [Off] to record without displaying the date and time.

5 Press SET and then press the MENU button to close the menu.

Changing the Language

You can change the language in which onscreen messages are displayed. The default language is English but you can select German, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese or Japanese. Menus and setting options, however, will always be displayed in English, regardless of the language setting.

Operating modes:

1 Press the MENU button.

2 Push the joystick up/down or turn the SELECT dial to select

[J Other Functions].

3 Select [Language o] in a similar fashion.

4 Push the joystick up/down or turn the SELECT dial to select a

language.

5 Press SET to select the language and then press the MENU

button to close the menu.

[Custom Display]

[Date/Time]

[J Other Functions]

[Language o]

[English]

Preparations

Using the Menus

Joystick/SET button Push the joystick to move the orange selection frame in the menu. Then, press the joystick itself (SET button) or the SET button next to the SELECT dial to select the menu item indicated by the orange selection frame.

CANCEL button Press to return to the previous menu or to stop some operations that are in progress.

In mode, many of the camcorder’s functions can be adjusted from the menu for general settings, which opens after pressing the MENU button. In mode, press the MENU button to open the menu for general settings or SET to open the clip menu for clip operations. For details about the available menu options and settings, refer to Menu Options (0 163).

Operating modes:

CANCEL button

MENU button Press to open the menu and then press again to close the menu after adjusting desired settings.

SELECT dial Turn the dial to move the orange selection frame up or down in the menu.

Selecting an Option from the Menu

The following is a step-by-step explanation of how to select an option from the menu. In the procedures throughout the rest of this manual, opening and closing the menu is assumed and not included in the procedure.

1 Press the MENU button.

• The menu opens with the orange selection frame indicating the menu

item that was selected the previous time the menu was closed (unless the camcorder was turned off).

2 Push the joystick up/down or turn the SELECT dial to select the

desired submenu.

3 Push the joystick right or press SET.

• The orange selection frame will appear on a menu item in the

submenu.

• Press the CANCEL button, push the joystick left, or select [a] to

return to the previous submenu.

Using the Menus

4 Push the joystick up/down or turn the SELECT dial to select the

desired menu item.

• If a submenu contains many menu items, a scroll bar will appear on the right side of the submenu indicating that you must scroll up or down to see other menu items.

•A A mark next to a menu item indicates another submenu. Repeat steps 3 and 4.

5 Push the joystick right or press SET.

• The orange selection frame will appear on a setting option.

• Press the CANCEL button to return to the previous submenu.

6 Push the joystick up/down or turn the SELECT dial to select the

desired setting option and then press SET.

• Depending on the menu item, additional selections may be necessary.

7 Press the MENU button to close the menu.

Preparations

NOTES

• Unavailable items may appear grayed out.

• Pressing the MENU button at any time closes the menu.

• When using the wireless controller, use the h, i, f, g and SET

buttons in the same way as the camcorder’s joystick.

• You can check the current settings on the status screens (0 172).

Preparations

Preparing the Camcorder





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This section outlines the basic preparations for the camcorder such as attaching the lens hood, attaching/removing the eyecup, and adjusting the viewfinder and LCD screen.

Attaching the Lens Hood

Attach the lens hood to protect the lens and reduce the amount of stray light that may hit the lens.

1 Place the lens hood on the front of the lens so that the window

for the external Instant AF sensor faces down degrees clockwise

• Be careful not to deform the lens hood.

• Make sure that the lens hood is aligned with the thread.

().

2 Tighten the lock screw ().

() and turn it 90

Attaching and Detaching the Eye Cup

Attaching the Eye Cup

Attach the eye cup so that it covers the rubber portion of the viewfinder unit.

• The dioptric adjustment lever can be operated even with the eye cup attached.

• For left eye use, attach the eye cup so that the protruding portion faces the opposite side.

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