Canon HF M32, HF M30, HF M31, HF M300 User Manual

PUB. DIE-0367-000

HD Camcorder

Instruction Manual

Y

Introduction

Important Usage Instructions

WARNING!

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

WARNING!

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

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

HD Camcorder, VIXIA HF M30 A / VIXIA HF M31 A / VIXIA HF M32 A / VIXIA HF M300 A
systems

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for 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 use 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.

Use of shielded cable is required to comply with class B limits in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the manual.
If such changes or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop operation of the
equipment.

Canon U.S.A., Inc.
One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042, U.S.A.
Tel No. [phone]

CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

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

2

The Mains plug is used as the disconnect device. The Mains plug shall remain readily operable

I

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.

mportant Warning

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

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

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the
user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure, that may
be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence
of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying
the product.

3

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

In these safety instructions the word “product” refers to the Canon HD Camcorder
VIXIA HF M30 A / VIXIA HF M31 A / VIXIA HF M32 A / VIXIA HF M300 A and all its accessories.

1 Read these instructions.
2 Keep these instructions.
3 Heed all warnings.
4 Follow all instructions.
5 Do not use this apparatus near water.
6 Clean only with dry cloth.
7 Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other

apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

8 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug

has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a
third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.

9 Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience

receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
10 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
11 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
12 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus

has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has

been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to

rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
13 Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the

product is operated.
14 Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future

reference.
15 Heed Warnings — All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be

adhered to.
16 Follow Instructions — All operating and maintenance instructions should be followed.
17 Cleaning — Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or

aerosol cleaners. The product should be cleaned only as recommended in this manual.
18 Accessories — Do not use accessories not recommended in this manual as they may be

hazardous.
19 Avoid magnetic or electric fields — Do not use the camera close to TV transmitters, portable

communication devices or other sources of electric or magnetic radiation. They may cause

picture interference, or permanently damage the camera.
20 Water and Moisture — Hazard of electric shock — Do not use this product near water or in

rainy/moist situations.

4

21 Placing or Moving — Do not place on an unstable cart, stand, tripod,

bracket or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or
adult, and serious damage to the product.
A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops,
excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart
combination to overturn.

22 Power Sources — The CA-570 Compact Power Adapter should be

operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not
sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power
company. Regarding other power sources such as battery power, refer to instructions in this
manual.

23 Polarization — The CA-570 Compact Power Adapter is equipped with a polarized 2-prong

plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). The 2-prong polarized plug will fit into
the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug
fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug still fails to fit, contact your electrician
to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

24 Power Cord Protection — Power cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be

walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them. Pay particular attention to plugs
and the point from which the cords exit the product.

25 Outdoor Antenna Grounding — If an

outside antenna is connected to the
product, be sure the antenna is
grounded so as to provide some
protection against voltage surges
and built-up static charges. Section
810 of the National Electrical Code,
ANSI / NFPA No. 70—1984,
provides information with respect to
proper grounding of the mast and
supporting structure, grounding of
the lead-in wire to an antenna
discharge unit, size of grounding
conductors, location of antenna
discharge unit, connection to
grounding electrodes, and
requirements for the grounding electrode. See figure 1.

26 Lightning — For added protection of this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left

unattended and unused for long periods of time, disconnect it from the wall outlet and
disconnect the antenna. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power­line surges.

27 Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of

fire or electric shock.

28 Objects and Liquid Entry — Never push objects of any kind into this product through

openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a
fire or electric shock. Be careful not to spill liquid of any kind onto the product.

29 Servicing — Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers

may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified
service personnel.

EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER NATIONAL

Fig. 1

ELECTRICAL CODE

GROUND
CLAMP

ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT

NEC - NATIONAL
ELECTRICAL CODE

ANTENNA LEAD
IN WIRE

ANTENNA DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)

GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)

GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250. PART H)

5

30 Damage Requiring Service — Disconnect this product from the wall outlet and all power

sources including battery, and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the

following conditions:

a. When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.

b. If any liquid has been spilled onto, or objects have fallen into, the product.

c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.

d. If the product does not operate normally even if you follow the operating instructions.

Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operation instructions. Improper
adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work

by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation.
e. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance. This indicates a need for

service.

31 Replacement Parts — When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician

has used replacement parts that are specified by Canon or that have the same
characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric
shock or other hazards.

32 Safety Check — Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service

technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in safe operating order.

33 Heat — The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat

registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

When replacement of the power supply is required, please return it to the responsible
nearest Canon Service Center and please replace it with the same type number CA-570.

CA-570 identification plate is located on the bottom.

The Adapter can be used with a power supply between 100 and 240 V AC. For areas
where 120 V AC power is not used, you will need a special plug adapter. Contact your
nearest Canon Service Center for further information.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

6

The serial number of this product can be found at the battery attach­ment unit of the camcorder. Write down the number and other informa­tion here and retain this book as a permanent record of your purchase
to aid identification in case of theft.

Model Name: VIXIA HF M30 A / VIXIA HF M31 A / VIXIA HF M32 A /

VIXIA HF M300 A
Date of Purchase: Serial No.:
Purchased From:
Dealer Address:
Dealer Phone No.:

Trademark Acknowledgements

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

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

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

• “x.v.Color” and the “x.v.Color” logo are trademarks.

• 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.

• “AVCHD” and the “AVCHD” logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation
and Sony Corporation.

• Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
“Dolby” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

• YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.

• 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.

• This product is licensed under AT&T patents for the MPEG-4 standard and may be used for encoding MPEG-4
compliant video and/or decoding MPEG-4 compliant video that was encoded only (1) for a personal and non­commercial purpose or (2) by a video provider licensed under the AT&T patents to provide MPEG-4 compliant
video. No license is granted or implied for any other use for MPEG-4 standard.

7

Exciting Features and New Functions

1

1,080

lines

the special moments in your life with amazing image quality and in lifelike
vibrant colors is easy and fun!

High-Definition Video

Your camcorder’s full high-definition
image sensor (Full HD CMOS) captures
video at a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080
pixels2. Videos are then recorded in the
memory in high definition, using AVCHD
specifications3.
With your new HD camcorder, capturing

3g

Dual Flash Memory Relay Recording

You can record in the built-in
memory or on commercially
available memory cards (0 36).

1

“Full HD 1080” refers to Canon camcorders compliant with high-definition video
composed of 1,080 vertical pixels (scanning lines).

2

Video is recorded at this resolution only when the recording mode is set to MXP or
FXP mode. In other recording modes, the picture is recorded at 1,440 x 1,080
pixels.

3

AVCHD is a standard for recording high-definition video. With AVCHD specifica­tions, the video signal is recorded using MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compression and
the audio signal is recorded in Dolby Digital.

8

The built-in memory almost full?
Use the memory card slot to keep
on recording video without
interruption (0 39).

Smart AUTO (0 43)

Smart AUTO automatically selects the best
scene mode for the scene you want to
shoot. You get spectacular recordings
every time without worrying about settings.

Video Snapshot

(0 68)

Shoot or capture short scenes
and arrange them into a video
clip set to your favorite
background music.

Face Detection (0 66) Image Stabilization

Just point the camcorder
and it will automatically
select the best settings for
your subject

The camcorder automatically
detects people’s faces and
adjusts the focus and other
settings accordingly for beautiful
results.

Dynamic IS (0 64)
compensates for camcorder
shake when you shoot video
while walking. Powered IS
(0 65) will produce stable shots
when you zoom in on distant
subjects (full telephoto).

9

Enjoying your Recordings on Other Devices

Connect the camcorder to

Connect the camcorder

to an HDTV (0 124)

the optional DW-100 DVD

Burner (0 131, 135)

SD

Play video directly

from your recorded

memory card

AVCHD discs4

Photo DVDs

AVCHD-compatible HDTVs and

digital recorders with a card slot

compatible with the type of

memory card used5.

Eye-Fi

Use an Eye-Fi card (0 145) to

Save or upload to

the Web.

wirelessly upload recordings to your

computer or a video sharing Web site.

Use the supplied software

ImageMixer 3 SE (0 128, 141).

High Definition

MPEG-2

AVCHD

Convert your HD movies, in the

Standard Definition

SD-Video

Standard DVDs

camcorder itself, to standard definition

files (0 136, 142).

4

AVCHD discs containing scenes recorded in MXP mode cannot be created with
the optional DW-100 DVD burner. Use the supplied software ImageMixer 3 SE to
back up such scenes.

5

Refer to the instruction manual of the device. Depending on the device used, cor­rect playback may not be possible even if the device is AVCHD-compatible. In
such case, play back the recordings on the memory card using the camcorder.

10

11

Table of contents

 Introduction

8 Exciting Features and New Functions
16 About this Manual

18 Getting to Know the Camcorder

18 Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs
20 Names of Parts

 Preparations

23 Getting Started

23 Charging the Battery Pack
26 Preparing the Accessories
28 Adjusting the Position and Brightness of the LCD Screen

30 Basic Operation of the Camcorder

30 Using the Touch Screen
31 Operating Modes
32 Using the Menus

34 First Time Settings

34 Setting the Date and Time
35 Changing the Language
35 Changing the Time Zone

36 Using a Memory Card

36 Memory Cards Compatible for Use with the Camcorder
38 Inserting and Removing a Memory Card
38 Selecting the Memory for the Recordings
39 Relay Recording of Movies
40 Initializing the Memory

12  Table of contents

 Dual Shot Mode

42 Basic Recording

42 Shooting Video and Taking Photos in Dual Shot Mode
43 About the Smart AUTO mode
46 Zooming
47 Quick Start Function

 Video

49 Basic Playback

49 Playing Back the Video
52 The Index Selection Screen: Selecting the Content to Play

54 3D Flip View
55 Narrowing Down the Scenes Shown in the Index Screen
56 Deleting Scenes

58 Advanced Functions

58 Shooting Video in y Manual Mode
59 Selecting the Video Quality (Recording Mode)
60 Special Scene Recording Programs
63 Cinema Mode: Giving a Cinematic Look to your

64 Advanced Image Stabilization
65 Pre-Recording
66 Face Detection
68 Touch & Track
68 Video Snapshot
69 Digital Effects
70 Manually Setting the Shutter Speed or Aperture
73 Manual Exposure Adjustment
74 Automatic Gain Control (AGC) Limit
74 Manual Focus Adjustment
76 White Balance
77 Image Effects
78 Mini Video Light
79 Self Timer
80 Audio Recording Level
82 Using Headphones

Back

Recordings

Table of contents  13

83 Using the Mini Advanced Shoe
84 Using an External Microphone
85 Using a Zoom Remote Controller
87 Selecting the Playback Starting Point
89 Playing Back Scenes Set to Background Music
93 Onscreen Displays and Data Code

94 Playlist and Scene Operations

94 Editing the Playlist: Adding, Deleting, Moving and Playing

96 Capturing Photos and Video Snapshot Scenes from a

98 Dividing Scenes

Back

Movie

 Photos

100 Basic Playback

100 Viewing Photos
102 Deleting Photos

104 Additional Functions

104 Taking Photos in y Manual Mode
105 Selecting Photo Size and Quality
107 Flash
109 Drive Mode: Continuous Shooting and Exposure

110 Taking Photos while Recording Movies

112 Light Metering Mode
112 Slideshow
113 Magnifying Photos during Playback
114 Rotating Photos
114 Histogram Display
115 Protecting Photos

117 Printing Photos

117 Printing Photos (Direct Print)
119 Print Orders

Bracketing

(Simultaneous Recording)

14  Table of contents

 External Connections

121 Terminals on the Camcorder

122 Connection Diagrams

124 Playback on a TV Screen
126 Saving and Sharing Your Recordings

126 Copying Recordings to a Memory Card
128 Saving Recordings on a Computer
131 Saving Movies onto High-Definition Discs

135 Saving Movies onto Standard-Definition

139 Saving Photos on Photo DVDs
140 Copying Recordings to an External Video Recorder
141 Uploading Movies to Video Sharing Web

(AVCHD/Blu-ray Discs)

Discs (DVD)

Sites

 Additional Information

147 Appendix: Menu Options Lists

147 FUNC. Panel
151 Setup Menus

163 Appendix: Onscreen Icons and Displays
168 Trouble?

168 Troubleshooting
175 List of Messages

186 Do’s and Don’ts

186 Handling Precautions
191 Maintenance/Others
192 Using the Camcorder Abroad

193 General Information

193 Accessories
194 Optional Accessories
199 Product Codes
200 Specifications
204 Index

Table of contents  15

About this Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Canon VIXIA HF M32 / VIXIA HF M31 /
VIXIA HF M30 / VIXIA HF M300. Please read this manual carefully
before you use the camcorder and retain it for future reference. Should
your camcorder fail to operate correctly, refer to Troubleshooting
(0 168).

Conventions Used in this Manual

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

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

• POINTS TO CHECK: Restrictions or requirements regarding the
function described.

• 0: Reference page number within this manual.

To complete some operations you will need to refer also to other
instruction manuals. This will be indicated with the following icons:

r Refer to the ‘Photo Application’ Instruction Manual, included

s Refer to the instruction manual of the optional DW-100 DVD

• : Text that applies only to the model(s) shown in the

• The following terms are used in this manual:

• The photos included in this manual are simulated pictures taken with

as a PDF file in the supplied Camcorder Supplemental Disc.

Burner.

icon.

When not specified as “memory card” or “built-in memory”, the term
“memory” by itself refers to both.
“Scene” refers to one movie unit from the point you press the
g button to start recording until you press again to pause
the recording.

a still camera. Unless indicated otherwise, illustrations and menu
icons refer to the .

16  Introduction

Self Timer

• n appears.

• Repeat, selecting [B Off], to turn off the self timer.

mode: In record pause mode, press g.

The camcorder starts recording after a 10-second countdown*. The
countdown appears on the screen.

mode: Press j, first halfway to activate the autofocus

and then fully.

The camcorder will record the photo after a 10-second countdown*. The
countdown appears on the screen.

* 2 seconds when using the wireless controller.

NOTES

• Once the countdown has begun, any of the following actions will cancel
the self timer.

- Pressing g (when recording movies) or j fully (when

recording photos).

- Turning off the camcorder.

Operating modes:

[FUNC.] 8 [MENU] 8 8 8 [Self Timer] 8
[A On n] 8 [a]

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 Operating Modes (0 31).

Brackets [ ] are used to refer to
control buttons and menu options
you will touch on the screen and to
other onscreen messages and
displays.

The names of physical buttons
and switches on the
camcorder are indicated within
a “button” frame.
For example w.

The 8 arrow is used to abbreviate menu selections.
For a detailed explanation on how to use the menus,
refer to Using the Menus (0 32). For a concise
summary of all available menu options and settings,
refer to the appendix Menu Options Lists (0 147).

Introduction  17

Getting to Know the Camcorder

Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs

The following accessories are supplied with the camcorder:

XCA-570 Compact Power Adapter

(incl. power cord)

BP-808 Battery PackW

XWL-D89 Wireless Controller

(incl. CR2025 lithium button battery)

STV-250N Stereo Video CableW

Yellow • Red • White plugs

XCTC-100/S Component Cable

Red • Green • Blue plugs

IFC-300PCU USB CableW

XQuick Guide

18  Introduction

The following CD-ROMs and software are supplied with the camcorder:

• PIXELA Application - Disc 1 CD-ROM* and ‘PIXELA Applications’

Installation Guide

- ImageMixer 3 SE Transfer Utilities – Software for saving and
transferring movies and music files you can use as background music.

• PIXELA Application - Disc 2 CD-ROM*

- ImageMixer 3 SE Video Tools – Software for managing, editing, and
playing back movies.

• Y Instruction Manual/Photo Applications Ver.34*/Music Data Disc

CD-ROM (referred in the manual as the Camcorder Supplemental Disc).
Contains the following components.

- Full-version instruction manual of the camcorder (this PDF file).

- Photo Application - Software for saving, managing, and printing
photos*.

- Music files that can be used as background music during playback**.

* The CD-ROM includes the instruction manual of the software (on PDF file).

**These music files are for exclusive use with the supplied software ImageMixer 3

SE. The disc cannot be played back on CD players. For more details, refer to
‘ImageMixer 3 SE Software Guide’ (PDF file).

Introduction  19

Names of Parts

Left side view

Right side view

Front view

1 DISP. (onscreen display) button

(0 93)/
BATT. INFO button (0 167)

2 2 (camera/play) button (0 31)
3 Speaker (0 51)
4 Memory card slot cover
5 Memory card slot (0 38)
6 MIC terminal (0 85)
7 AV O UT termi na l (0 121, 123)/

X (headphones) terminal (0 82)

8 BATTERY RELEASE switch (0 24)
9 ACCESS indicator (0 42, 58, 104)
Aq Strap mount (0 27)
Aa COMPONENT OUT terminal

(0 121, 123)

As USB terminal (0 121, 124)
Ad HDMI OUT terminal (0 121, 122)
Af Grip belt (0 27)
Ag Instant AF sensor (0 152)
Ah Stereo microphone (0 80)
Aj Mini video light (0 78)
Ak Flash (0 107)

20  Introduction

Top view

LCD panel

Back view

Al Mini advanced shoe (0 83)
Sq Mode switch (0 31)
Sa PHOTO button (0 42, 104)
Ss Zoom lever (0 46)
Sd VIDEO SNAP (video snapshot) button

(0 68)

Sf POWER button
Sg ON/OFF (CHG) (charge) indicator:

Green – ON
Orange – Standby (0 47)
Red – Charging (0 23)

Sh Remote sensor (0 26)
Sj LCD touch screen (0 28, 30)
Sk POWERED IS button (0 65)/

WEB button* (0 141)

Sl Battery attachment unit (0 23)
Dq START/STOP button (0 42, 58)
Da DC IN terminal (0 23)

* only.

Introduction  21

B

ottom view

Wireless Controller WL-D89

Ds Serial number

Dd Tripod socket (0 187)

1 START/STOP button (0 42, 58)
2 b (index selection) button (0 52)

Press and hold for more than 2
seconds to switch between shooting
and playback mode.

3 MENU button (0 33, 151)
4 DISP. (onscreen display) button

(0 93)

5 SET button
6 B (stop) button (0 49)
7 PHOTO button (0 42, 104)
8 Zoom buttons (0 46)
9 Navigation buttons ( Z/O/y/A )
Aq A/C (play/pause) button (0 49)

22  Introduction

Preparations

This chapter describes basic operations, such as using the
touch panel, navigating the menus, and first time settings to
help you learn more about your camcorder.

Getting Started

Charging the Battery Pack

The camcorder can be powered with a battery pack or directly using
the compact power adapter. 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.
For approximate charging times and recording/playback times with a
fully charged battery pack, refer to Charging Times (0 195) and
Recording and Playback Times (0 195).

1 Connect the power cord to the

compact power adapter.

2 Plug the power cord into a power

outlet.

3 Connect the compact power

adapter to the camcorder’s DC IN
terminal.

4 Attach the battery pack to the

camcorder.

Press the battery pack softly into the
battery attachment unit and slide it up
until it clicks in place.

DC IN

terminal

Preparations  23

5 Charging will start when the

camcorder is turned off.

ON/OFF (CHG) (charge) indicator

• If the camcorder was on, the green
ON/OFF (CHG) indicator will go out
when you turn off the camcorder.
After a moment, the ON/OFF (CHG)
indicator will start flashing in red
(battery pack charging). The red ON/
OFF (CHG) indicator will go out when
the battery pack is fully charged.

• If the indicator flashes quickly, refer to
Troubleshooting (0 171).

To remove the battery pack

1 Slide U in the

direction of the arrow and hold it
pressed down.

2 Slide the battery pack down and

then pull it out.

BATTERY RELEASE switch

IMPORTANT

• Turn off the camcorder before connecting or disconnecting the com­pact power adapter. After pressing x to turn off the camcorder,
important data is updated in the memory. Be sure to wait until the green
ON/OFF (CHG) indicator goes out.

• We recommend charging the battery pack in temperatures between
10 °C and 30 °C (50 °F and 86 °F). Outside the temperature range of
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F), charging will not start.

• Do not connect to the camcorder’s DC IN terminal or to the compact
power adapter any electrical equipment that is not expressly recom­mended for use with this camcorder.

24  Preparations

• To prevent equipment breakdowns and excessive heating, do not con­nect the supplied compact power adapter to voltage converters for
overseas travels or special power sources such as those on aircraft and
ships, DC-AC inverters, etc.

NOTES

• The battery pack will be charged only when the camcorder is off.

• If remaining battery time is an issue, you can power the camcorder
using the compact power adapter so the battery pack will not be con­sumed.

• 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.

• USA and Canada only: The Lithium ion/polymer battery that
powers the product is recyclable. Please call
1-800-8-BATTERY for information on how to recycle this
battery.

Preparations  25

Preparing the Accessories

Wireless Controller

First, insert the supplied CR2025 lithium button battery into the wire­less controller.

1 Press the tab in the direction of the

arrow and pull out the battery
holder.

2 Place the lithium button battery with

the + side facing up.

3 Insert the battery holder.

To use the wireless controller

Point the wireless controller at the camcorder’s remote sensor when
you press the buttons.

You can rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to use the wireless controller
from the front of the camcorder.

Tab

NOTES

• The wireless controller may not work properly when the remote sensor
is situated under strong light sources or direct sunlight.

26  Preparations

Grip Belt and Straps

Fasten the grip belt.

Adjust the grip belt so that you can reach
the zoom lever with your index finger, and
the g button with your thumb.

To remove the grip belt

1 Lift the padded handgrip's flap and detach the strap from the Velcro

pad.

2 Pull the strap to remove it first from the front bracket on the

camcorder, then to unthread it from the handgrip and finally to
remove it from the rear bracket on the camcorder.

Preparations  27

To attach an optional wrist strap

Pass the attaching end of the wrist
strap through the rear bracket on the
camcorder, thread the wrist strap
through the loop and fasten.

You can also attach the wrist strap to the
strap mount on the grip belt to use both
for extra convenience and protection.

To attach an optional shoulder strap

Pass the ends of the shoulder strap through the strap mount on the grip
belt and adjust the length of the strap.

Adjusting the Position and Brightness of the LCD Screen

Rotating the LCD Panel

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees.

• You can rotate the panel 90 degrees downward.

• You can rotate the panel 180 degrees toward the lens. Rotating the
LCD panel 180 degrees can be useful in the following cases:

- To include yourself in the picture when recording with the self timer.

- To allow the camcorder to be operated with the wireless controller

from the front.

28  Preparations

180°

180°

90°

Subject can monitor the LCD screen

NOTES

• About the LCD screen: The screen is produced using extremely high-pre­cision manufacturing techniques, with more than 99.99% of the pixels
operating to specification. Less than 0.01% of the pixels may occasion­ally misfire or appear as black, red, blue or green dots. This has no
effect on the recorded image and does not constitute a malfunction.

LCD Backlight

When recording in bright places it may be difficult to use the LCD
screen. Turn on the LCD backlight to make it brighter.

With the camcorder on, hold h
pressed down for more than 2
seconds.

Repeat this action to switch the LCD
backlight between off (normal) and on
(bright).

NOTES

• The LCD backlight does not affect the brightness of the recordings.

• Using the bright setting will shorten the effective usage time of the bat­tery pack.

• You can further adjust the brightness of the LCD screen with the
6 8 [LCD Brightness] setting, or dim it with the 6 8 [LCD
Screen Dimmer] setting to use in places where the light from the LCD
screen can be a nuisance.

• For details about how to take care of the touch screen, refer to Handling
Precautions (0 186), Cleaning (0 191).

Preparations  29

Basic Operation of the Camcorder

Using the Touch Screen

The control buttons and menu items that appear on the touch screen
change dynamically depending on the operating mode and the task
you are performing. With the intuitive touch screen interface you have
all the controls at your fingertips.

To uc h

Press firmly on an element displayed on
the touch screen.
Used to start playing back a scene in
an index screen, to select a setting from
the menus, to select the subject whom
the camcorder will recognize as the
main subject of the scene, etc.

Drag

While applying pressure, swipe your fin­ger up and down or left and right across
the screen.
Used to scroll menus, to browse
through index screen pages or to adjust
slider controls like the volume.

IMPORTANT

• The camcorder uses a pressure-sensitive touch screen. Press
firmly when using touch operations.

• In the following cases, you may not be able to perform touch operations
correctly.

- Operating the touch screen with wet or gloved hands or using your

fingernails or other hard-tipped objects such as ballpoint pens.

- Applying excessive force or forcefully scratching the touch screen.

- Attaching commercially available screen protectors or adhesive film

onto the touch screen's surface.

30  Preparations