Canon ID0008 User Manual

PUB. DIE-0416-000

HD Camcorder

Instruction Manual

- ,

Introduction

Important Usage Instructions

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

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

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.

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 sym bol, 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 elec tric shock to persons.

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

2

FCC/IC NOTICE

HD Camcorder, VIXIA HF M52 / VIXIA HF M50 / VIXIA HF M500 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 equipm ent 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.

Model ID0008 (including WLAN Module Model WM217)

This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

This transmitter must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.

The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated with using
low-power wireless devices. There is no proof, however, that these low power wireless devices are
absolutely safe. Low-power wireless devices emit low levels of radio frequency energy (RF) in the
microwave range while being used. Whereas high levels of RF can produce health effects (by heating
tissue), exposure to low-level RF that does not produce heating effects causes no known adverse
health effects. Many studies of low-level RF exposures have not found any biological effects. Some
studies have suggested that some biological effects might occur, but such findings have not been
confirmed by additional research. This model has been tested and found to comply with FCC/IC
radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled equipment and meets the FCC radio frequency
(RF) Exposure Guidelines in Supplement C to OET65 and RSS-102 of the IC radio frequency (RF)
Exposure rules.

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

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

3

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

In these safety instructions the word “apparatus” refers to the Canon HD Camcorder
VIXIA HF M52 / VIXIA HF M50 / VIXIA HF M500 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 Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience

receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
9 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
10 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
11 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.

CA-110 identification plate is located on the bottom.

REGIONS OF USE

VIXIA HF M52 and VIXIA HF M50 are in compliance (as of January 2012) with the radio
signal regulations of the regions listed below. For details on other regions where they can
be used, make inquiries with the contacts listed on the back side of this instruction manual.

REGIONS

Canada, Hong Kong S.A.R., USA

Model
ID0008: VIXIA HF M52 / VIXIA HF M50

4

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.

• App Store, iPhone, iTunes, Mac OS and Macintosh 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 trad emarks of Dolby Laboratories.

• YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.

• Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.

• Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.

• Wi-Fi Certified, WPA, WPA2, and the Wi-Fi Certified logo are trademarks of the Wi-Fi Alliance.

• WPS as used on the camcorder's se ttings, onscreen displays and in this manual signifies Wi-Fi Protected
Setup.

• DLNA, the DLNA Logo and DLNA CERTIFIED are trademarks, ser vice marks, or certification marks of the Digital
Living Network Alliance.

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

• This device incorporates exFAT technology licensed from Microsoft.

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

• 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 compl iant video that was encoded only (1) for a personal and non­commercial purpose or (2) by a video provid er 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.

5

Exciting Features and New Functions

-/,

Wi-Fi Functions

(A 163)

Enjoy the freedom of Wi-Fi
functions by making your
camcorder an active part of your
Wi-Fi home network or by
conveniently accessing Wi-Fi
hotspots to upload your videos
wherever you may be.

• You can save your recordings
wirelessly to a computer in your
home network using the sup­plied software Network Utility
(A 170). You can also send
your recordings wirelessly to an
FTP server (A 170), for exam­ple to send your videos from
your vacation spot to a network­attached storage drive back
home.

• You can upload your recordings
wirelessly, directly from your
camcorder to YouTube and
Facebook (A 174).

• You can play back the record­ings in your camcorder from
DLNA-compatible TV sets and
other DLNA media players con­nected to your home network
(A 178).

Audio Scene Select

(A 114)

Optimize the audio settings of the
built-in microphone by selecting
the audio scene that matches
your surroundings. Your audience
will feel even more immersed in
the scene during playback.

Cinema-Look Filters

(A 70)

Use professional cinema-look
filters to create unique movies
with distinctive looks.

AVCHD and MP4
Recording (A 31)

Record movies in AVCHD and play
them back on an HDTV in all their
splendor. Alternatively, record
movies in MP4 for uploading to the
Web and transferring to mobile
devices.

6

Smart AUTO (A 47)

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

(A 71)

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

-/,

Memory Save (A 151)

Easily save the whole content of
the built-in memory or a memory
card onto an external hard drive
connected directly to the
camcorder. With no need for a
computer, this is a very
convenient way to save backup
copies of your recordings.

Face Detection

(A 100)

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

Image Stabilization

Dynamic IS (A 98)
compensates for camcorder
shake when you shoot video
while walking. Powered IS
(A 98) will produce stable shots
when you zoom in on distant
subjects (full telephoto).
Intelligent IS (A 49) selects the
type of image stabilization for the
recording situation.

7

Enjoying Your Recordings on Other Devices

Eye-Fi

Connect the camcorder

to an HDTV (A 142)

Use an Eye-Fi card

(A 160) to wirelessly

upload recordings to

your computer or a video

sharing Web site.

MP4

Upload MP4 movies to

your computer (A 148).

Upload your AVCHD

movies* (A 156) or

MP4 movies

(A 162) to the Web.

Save your recordings.

You can also create discs

from your recordings.*

Use the supplied PIXELA’s

software (A 146).

AVCHD

High Definition

MPEG-2

Standard Definition

Upload AVCHD movies to your computer. -/, Yo u

can also choose to convert your AVCHD movies to standard

definition files (A 156) before uploading.

* -/, only.

8

-/,

Enjoying Your Recordings Using the Camcorder's Wi-Fi Functions

Play video wirelessly directly from the memory on

AVCHD- and DLNA-compatible HDTVs and other

devices connected to the network (A 178).

LAN cable

Join a Wi-Fi

network by first

connecting to an

access point

(A 165).

Wirelessly connect to a Wi-Fi-enabled iOS

device like an iPhone to upload your

recordings (A 175). Because you do not

need to be near your home network, you can

even upload videos while traveling!

Transfer your recordings

wirelessly from the

camcorder to a computer or

FTP server (A 170).

Upload your recordings wirelessly

to YouTube and Facebook

(A 174) to share your videos

with friends and family.

Upload your recordings to the Web.

9

Table of contents

 Introduction

6 Exciting Features and New Functions
14 About this Manual

16 Getting to Know the Camcorder

16 Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs
18 Names of Parts

 Preparations

21 Getting Started

21 Charging the Battery Pack
24 Preparing the Accessories
26 Adjusting the LCD Screen

27 Basic Operation of the Camcorder

27 Using the Touch Screen
28 Using the Menus
31 Operating Modes

34 First Time Settings

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

37 Using a Memory Card

37 Memory Cards Compatible for Use with the Camcorder
39 Inserting and Removing a Memory Card
40 -/, Selecting the Memory (Built-in Memory/

40 -/, Relay Recording
41 Initializing the Memory
43 Using the Optional Wireless Controller

Memory Card) for the Recordings

10  Table of contents

 AUTO Mode

45 Basic Recording

45 Shooting Video and Taking Photos in AUTO Mode
47 About the Smart AUTO function
49 Intelligent IS
50 Zooming
52 Quick Start

 Video

54 Basic Playback

54 Playing Back Video
58 3D Flip View
59 The [Index Selection] Screen: Selecting the Content to

60 Deleting Scenes and Stories
64 Selecting the Playback Starting Point
66 Onscreen Displays and Data Code

67 Video Stories and Cinema Style

67 Using Story Creator to Create Compelling Stories
70 Cinema Mode and Cinema-Look Filters
71 Video Snapshot
72 Decoration: Adding a Personal Touch
78 Playing Back Stories from the Gallery
80 Rating Scenes
82 Playback with Background Music
86 Copying and Moving Scenes Within/Between Stories
87 Selecting a Story’s Thumbnail Image
87 Changing a Story’s Title

89 Advanced Functions

89 Recording in Manual Mode
91 Selecting the Video Quality (Recording Mode)
94 Selecting the Frame Rate
95 Special Scene Recording Programs
98 Advanced Image Stabilization
98 Powered IS
99 Pre-Recording
100 Face Detection

Play Back

Table of contents  11

102 Touch & Track
103 Faders
104 Manually Setting the Shutter Speed or Aperture
106 Manual Exposure Adjustment
107 Automatic Gain Control (AGC) Limit
108 Manual Focus Adjustment
109 Tele Macro
110 White Balance
112 Image Effects
113 Self Timer
114 Audio Scenes and Other Audio Settings
118 Audio Recording Level
120 Using Headphones
122 Using the Mini Advanced Shoe
123 Using an External Microphone
126 Using an External Video Light
126 Audio Mix
127 Capturing Video Snapshot Scenes and Photos from a

130 Dividing Scenes

Movie

 Photos

132 Viewing Photos
134 Deleting Photos
136 Slideshow

 External Connections

138 Terminals on the Camcorder

139 Connection Diagrams

142 Playback on a TV Screen
143 Saving and Sharing Your Recordings

143 -/, Copying Movies and Photos to a Memory

146 Saving Recordings on a Computer
151 -/, Memory Save: Saving an Entire Memory

155 Copying Recordings to an External Video Recorder

12  Table of contents

Card

onto an External Hard Drive

156 -/, Uploading AVCHD Movies to the Web
162 Uploading MP4 Movies and Photos to the Web

 -/, Wi-Fi Functions

163 Introduction to Wi-Fi
165 Connecting to a Wi-Fi Network
170 Transferring Files to a Computer or FTP server
174 Uploading Recordings to YouTube and Facebook
175 Uploading Videos Using an iOS Device
178 Wireless Playback on a DLNA-Compatible Device

 Additional Information

182 Appendix: Menu Options Lists

182 [Main Functions] Panel
186 [Other Settings] Menus

198 Appendix: Onscreen Icons and Displays
203 Trouble?

203 Troubleshooting
211 List of Messages

222 Do’s and Don’ts

222 Handling Precautions
227 Maintenance/Others
228 Using the Camcorder Abroad

229 General Information

229 Accessories
230 Optional Accessories
236 Specifications
240 Index

Table of contents  13

About this Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Canon VIXIA HF M52 / VIXIA HF M50 /
VIXIA HF M500. 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 (A 203).

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.

• A: Reference page number within this manual.

• - : Text that applies only to the models shown in the icon.

• The following terms are used in this manual:

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
Y button to start recording until you press again to pause
the recording.
“Photo” and “still image” are used interchangeably with the same
meaning.

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

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

14  Introduction

Self Timer

Operating modes:

* For movies only.

1Press .
2 Activate the self timer.

• < will appear on the screen.

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

Movies: In record pause mode, press Y.

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

[ Other Settings] > r > [Self Timer ] >
[i On <] > [X]

indicates that a function is available in the
operating mode indicated and indicates
that the function is not available. The operating
mode icons are divided into three groups: the
first three icons represent the camera mode,
the second three icons represent the recording
standard, and the last two represent playback
modes. For a detailed explanation refer to
Operating Modes (A 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 Y.

The > arrow is used to abbreviate menu selections.
For a detailed explanation on how to use the menus,
refer to Using the Menus (A 28). For a concise
summary of all available menu options and settings,
refer to the appendix Menu Options Lists (A 182).

Introduction  15

Getting to Know the Camcord er

Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs

The following accessories are supplied with the camcorder:

XCA-110 Compact Power Adapter*

BP-718 Battery PackW

XIFC-300PCU/S USB Cable

HTC-100/S HDMI CableW

XQuick Guide
XWi-Fi Basic Setup Guide**

Stylus PenW

* CA-110E including power cord, in Asia.
**-/, only.

16  Introduction

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

• PIXELA CD-ROM

- -/, You can use VideoBrowser for managing, editing, and
playing back AVCHD movies, and Network Utility when transferring
recordings wirelessly to a computer.

- . Use Transfer Utility for saving and transferring AVCHD
movies and music files you can use as background music.

- A printed Startup Guide for PIXELA's software is also supplied. Refer
to this Startup Guide for details about the supplied software.

• Canon VIXIA CD-ROM. Contains the following components.

- Instruction Manual - The full-version instruction manual of the
camcorder (this PDF file).

- ImageBrowser EX - This CD-ROM contains an automatic installer for
the supplied software ImageBrowser EX, which allows you to save
and manage MP4 movies and photos; and upload MP4 movies to
CANON iMAGE GATEWAY**, YouTube and Facebook. This CD-ROM
contains an automatic installer for the supplied software
ImageBrowser EX, which allows you to save and manage MP4 movies
and photos, and share MP4 movies. An Internet connection is
required for installation.

- Music data - Music files that can be used as background music during
playback. These music files are for exclusive use with the supplied
PIXELA’s software. The disc cannot be played back on CD players.

- Image mix data - Image files that can be used with the image mix
function (image mix frames).

* The CD-ROM includes the instruction manual of the software (on PDF file).
**CANON iMAGE GATEWAY is an online service that allows you to share mov-

ies and photos, create video podcasts, make photo albums, and more. This
service may not be available in all countries/regions.

Introduction  17

Names of Parts

Left side view

Right side view

9 Aq

As

Aa

Front view

1 VIDEO SNAP (video snapshot) button

(A 71)

2 HOME (home) button (A 28)
3 U (camera/play) button (A 33)
4 BATTERY RELEASE switch (A 22)
5 USB terminal (A 138, 140, 151, 155)
6 HDMI OUT terminal (A 138, 139)
7 AV OUT te rmina l ( A 138, 140)/

× (headphones) terminal (A 120)

8 MIC terminal (A 124)
9 START/STOP button (A 45)
Aq Wi-Fi antenna (-/, only)

Aa Strap mount (A 24)
As Grip belt (A 24)
Ad Memory card slot (A 39)
Af Stereo microphone (A 118, 126)
Ag Remote sensor (A 43)

Ad

Ah Instant AF sensor (A 187)

18  Introduction

AgAf Af Ah

Top vie w

Al

AkAj Sq

Sa Ss

Aj Speaker (A 56)
Ak Zoom lever (A 50)
Al Mini advanced shoe (A 122)
Sq ACCESS (access) indicator (A 45)
Sa POWER button
Ss ON/OFF (CHG) (charge) indicator:

Green – On
Orange – Standby (A 52)
Red – Charging (A 21)

Sd LCD touch screen (A 26, 27)

LCD panel

Sd

Introduction  19

Back view

Sf

Sf DC IN terminal (A 21)
Sg Battery attachment unit (A 21)
Sh Serial number

Sg

Bottom view

ShSj

20  Introduction

Sj Tripod socket (A 223)

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.
For approximate charging times and recording/playback times with a
fully charged battery pack, refer to Charging, Recording and Playback
Times (A 231).

1 Plug the power cord into a

power outlet.

For Asia only: Connect the power
cord to the compact power
adapter before plugging the
power cord into the power outlet.

2 Connect the compact power

adapter to the camcorder’s DC
IN terminal.

3 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

For Asia only:

Preparations  21

4 Charging will start when the

ON/OFF (CHG) (charge) indicator

camcorder is turned off.

• 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 turn on 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, refer to Troubleshooting (A 207).

To remove the battery pack

1Slide d in the

direction of the arrow and hold it
pressed down.

2 Slide the battery pack and

then pull it out.

BATTERY RELEASE

switch

IMPORTANT

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

• 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.

22  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

• We recommend charging the battery pack in temperatures between
10 °C and 30 °C (50 °F and 86 °F). If either the ambient temperature or
the battery pack’s temperature is outside the range of approx. 0 °C to
40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F), charging will not start.

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

• If the power supply was disconnected while charging a battery pack,
make sure the ON/OFF (CHG) indicator has gone out before restoring
the power supply.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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  23

Preparing the Accessories

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 Y
button with your thumb.
You can attach the supplied stylus
pen to the grip belt.

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.





24  Preparations





To attach an optional wrist strap

Attach the wrist strap to the rear
bracket on the camcorder, adjust
the length 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.

Preparations  25

Adjusting 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 to allow the camcorder to include
yourself in the picture when recording with the self timer.

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.

• For details about how to take care of the touch screen, refer to Handling
Precautions (A 222), Cleaning (A 227).

• You can adjust the screen's brightness using the q > [LCD Bright­ness] and [LCD Backlight] settings. When the compact power adapter
is connected, [LCD Backlight] will automatically change to [H Bright].

26  Preparations

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. You can also use the supplied stylus
pen for a more precise operation.

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.

- Using your fingernails or hard-tipped objects other than the supplied

stylus pen, such as ballpoint pens.

- Operating the touch screen with wet or gloved hands.

- Applying excessive force or forcefully scratching the touch screen.

- Attaching commercially available screen protectors or adhesive film

onto the touch screen’s surface.

Preparations  27

Using the Menus

Many of the camcorder's functions can be adjusted from the [ Main
Functions] panel and [ Other Settings] menus in the HOME menu.
For details about the available menu options and settings, refer to the
appendix Menu Options Lists (A 182).

HOME Menu

Operating modes:

The HOME menu is the gateway to
most of the camcorder's functions
and settings. After you press

, the HOME menu will

appear and you can select from
the following control buttons. The
available control buttons depend
on whether the camcorder is in
recording or playback mode.

In recording mode

• [ Main Functions] - This contains functions commonly used while

shooting, such as focus and exposure. Available only in recording
mode.

• [ Other Settings] - Selecting this control button will open up the

[Other Settings] menus, which gives you access to settings such as the
video quality (recording mode) and LCD brightness.

In playback mode
for -/,

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• [ Camera Mode] - From the [ Camera Mode] menu, you will be
able to change whether you record movies in mode (camcorder
automatically takes care of many settings), mode (you can manu­ally change settings), or mode (using the cinema-look filters, you
can make movies with a cinematic feel). Available only in recording
mode. For details on how to set the camera mode, refer to Recording
(A 31).

• [ Recording Standard] - This camcorder can record movies in either
the AVCHD or MP4 recording standard. Use this menu to select the
standard that best suits your needs. You can also use Story Creator

A 67) when choosing to record in AVCHD. Available only in

mode (
recording mode. For details on how to set the recording standard, refer
to Recording (A 31).

• [ Wi-Fi] - -/, Allows you to access the various Wi-Fi func-
tions this camcorder has to offer. Available only in playback mode. For
more details on Wi-Fi functions, refer to Wi-Fi Functions (A 163).

• [G Index Selection] - Use this to switch between the various index
screens in playback mode (A 59).

[Main Functions] Panel

Operating modes:

*

* In mode, access to functions is limited.

The [ Main Functions] panel contains frequently used shooting func­tions. Press to open the HOME menu and then touch [ Main
Functions] to open the panel. Alternatively, you can touch F in the
upper-left portion of the recording screen. Next, touch the function you
want to set or adjust.

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In mode

Touch to scroll up
or down

Touch the control
button of the
desired function

You may need to drag your finger up and down along the scroll bar or
touch [ ] and [ ] to find the control button of the desired function.

Drag your finger up
and down along the
scroll bar to display
the rest of the panel

[Edit] Panel

Operating modes:

Touch [Edit] to display a panel showing available operations (copying,
deleting, etc.), and then touch the operation you want to perform.

In mode

for -/,

Touch the control
button of the
desired operation

[Other Settings] Menus

Operating modes:

*

* In mode, access to functions is limited.

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