Canon HF21 User Manual

PUB. DIM-0931-000

	Y
	P
O
C	HD Camcorder

Instruction Manual

English

Caméscope HD	Français
Manuel d'instruction

	Videocámara HD
		Español
	Manual de Instrucciones

HD Camcorder, VIXIA HF21 A systems

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.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply withYthe 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

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 undesiredPoperation.

encouraged to try to correct theOinterference by one or more of the following measures:

will not occurCin 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

• 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.

The cable with the ferrite core provided with the digital video camcorder must be used with this equipment in order to comply with Class B limits in Subpart B of Part 15 of the 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 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.

Important Warning

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

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

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.

	O
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.
C

3

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

In these safety instructions the word “product” refers to the Canon HD Camcorder VIXIA HF21 A and all its accessories.

1 Read these instructions.

2 Keep these instructions.

3Heed all warnings.

4Follow all instructions.

5 Do not use this apparatus near water.

6Clean only with dry cloth.

7Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

8Do 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 prongYare provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

9Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

10Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

11Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

12Refer 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.

13Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated.

14Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

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

16Follow Instructions — All operating and maintenance instructions should be followed.

17Cleaning — 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.

18Accessories — Do not use accessories not recommended in this manual as they may be hazardous.

19Avoid 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.

20Water and Moisture — Hazard of electric shock — Do not use this product near water or in rainy/moist situations. P

4

21Placing 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	Fig. 1 EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER NATIONAL
	outside antenna is connected to the
			ELECTRICAL CODE
	product, be sure the antenna is
	grounded so as to provide some
	protection against voltage surges			ANTENNA LEAD
	and built-up static charges. Section			IN WIRE
			Y
	810 of the National Electrical Code,
			GROUND
	ANSI / NFPA No. 70—1984,			ANTENNA DISCHARGE UNIT
	provides information with respect to			(NEC SECTION 810-20)
		ELECTRIC		GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
	proper grounding of the mast and CLAMP
	supporting structure, grounding of	SERVICE		(NEC SECTION 810-21)
	the lead-in wire to an antenna	EQUIPMENT
				GROUND CLAMPS
	discharge unit, size of grounding
				POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
	O
			NEC - NATIONAL	ELECTRODE SYSTEM
	conductors, location of antenna
	discharge unit, connection to		ELECTRICAL CODE	(NEC ART 250. PART H)
	grounding electrodes, and
	requirements for the grounding electrode. See figure 1.
	C

26Lightning — 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.

27Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

28Objects 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.

29Servicing — 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.

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.
Y
When replacement of the power supply is required, please return it to the responsible
	O
nearest Canon Service Center and please replace it with the same type number CA-570.
P
The Adapter can be used with a power supply between 100 and 240 V AC. For areas
AC
where 120 V	power is not used, you will need a special plug adapter. Contact your

nearest Canon Service enter for further information.

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

6

Online product registration for USA Customers only.

Register your product online at www.registercanon.com

Protect your product

We will keep the model number and date of purchase of your new Canon product on file to help you refer to this information in the event of an insurance claim such as loss or theft.

Receive information on new products and promotions

Upon your request, we will send you information on Canon new products and promotions.

The serial number of this product can be found at the battery attach-
ment unit of the camcorder. Write down the number and other informa-
tion here and retain this book as a permanent record of your purchase
to aid identification in case of theft.
Date of Purchase:	Model Name: VIXIA HF21 A
Purchased From:	Serial No.:
Dealer Address:	Y
Dealer Phone No.:
	P
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Trademark Acknowledgements
• The SD logo is a trademark. The	logo is a trademark.
SDHC
• Microsoft, Windows and Windows Vista 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.

• “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.

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

• 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

Enjoying High-Definition Video with your Camcorder

Preserve your most treasured memories, be it unforgettable scenery or cherished moments spent with family and friends, with high-definition video recordings of a quality second only to actually being there.

What is High-Definition Video?

				Y
	1,080
	lines		P1
				Capture the finest detail, like the
				movement or shine of a single
			O	strand of hair

Your camcorder features a full high-definition image sensor (Full HD CMOS)

that captures video at a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels . This results in C

video recordings of unparalleled high quality, fine detail and lifelike vivid colors.

How does full high definition compare with standard-definition TV broadcasts?

6 Approximately 6 times the number of pixels.

2More than twice the number of scanning lines.

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

1Video 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.

8

What are the advantages of flash memory?

Your videos and photos are recorded in the built-in memory or on commercially available SD/SDHC memory cards2 using AVCHD specifications3. Recording on flash memory means that there are no moving parts in the recorder unit of the camcorder. To you, it means a camcorder that is smaller, lighter and faster. In fact, using the Quick Start function

( 48) you can open the LCD panel and start recording within approximately one second.

Any New Functions?	Y

When you press the START/STOP button, the scene recorded will have

Pre-recording When pre-recording ( 71) is activated, the camcorder starts recording video continuouslyPinto a temporary 3-second memory.

started 3 seconds before you started shooting. This is especially useful when it is difficult Oto predict when to start recording.

Face Detection With face detection ( 75), have the camcorder automaticallyCdetect people's faces and use this information to adjust the focus and set the best exposure for beautiful videos and photos.

Video Snapshot Discover a fun, new way to play back video. Shoot or capture ( 67) short scenes about 4 seconds in length and arrange them into a video clip set to your favorite background music.

Cinema Mode Give your recordings a cinematic look by using the [ Cine Mode] recording program ( 66) with the 24 fps progressive frame rate.

2 For details about memory cards that can be used with this camcorder refer to

Using a Memory Card ( 41).

3AVCHD is the new 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.

9

Can I play back my high-definition video on other devices?

Needless to say, you can connect your camcorder to an HDTV to enjoy your recordings with family and friends ( 124). You also have the following options:

• You can easily play back video recorded on the memory card by inserting the memory card directly into AVCHD-compatible TV sets and HDD or DVD recorders that feature an SD/SDHC memory card slot4. For details, refer to the instruction manual of your TV or digital

video recorder.	Y

• You can play back AVCHD discs of your recordings created using the optional DW-100 DVD Burner ( 126) on the DVD Burner itself or on AVCHD-compatible DVD playersPor Blu-ray Disc players5.

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4Depending 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.

5AVCHD discs containing scenes recorded in MXP mode cannot be created with the optional DW-100 DVD burner. Use the software on the supplied Video Tools CD-ROM to back up such scenes.

10

Y P O C

11

Table of contents

Introduction

8 Enjoying High-Definition Video with your Camcorder

16 About this Manual

18 Getting to Know the Camcorder

18	Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs
20	Names of Parts
23	Screen Displays			Y
Preparations
27	Getting Started
27	Charging the Battery ack
29		Operation
	Preparing the Wireless Controller and Accessories
31	Adjusting the Position and Brightness of the LCD
	Screen		P
34	Basic		of the Camcorder
34	Operating Modes
36	Joystick and Joystick Guide
36	Using the Menus
39	CFirst Time Settings

39Setting the Date and Time

40Changing the Language

40Changing the Time Zone

41Using a Memory Card

41Memory Cards Compatible for Use with the Camcorder

42Inserting and Removing a Memory Card

42Selecting the Memory for the Recordings

43Initializing the Built-in Memory or Memory Card

12 Table of contents

Video

45Basic Recording

45Shooting Video

46Selecting the Video Quality (Recording Mode)

47Zooming

48Quick Start Function

50 Basic Playback

50 Playing Back the Video

52Selecting what Recordings to Play Back

53Searching for Scenes

55 Selecting the Playback Starting Point

57Pre-selecting Recordings from the Index Screen

58Deleting Scenes

61	Advanced Functions
61	Special Scene Recording Programs
64	Changing the Shutter Speed and Aperture
66		P
	Cinema Mode: Giving a Cinematic Look to your
	Recordings		Y
66	Mini Video Light
67	Video Snapshot

71Pre-recording Function

71Self Timer

72Manual Exposure Adjustment and Automatic BacklightO

	orrection
74	Manual Focus Adjustment
75	Face Detection
76CWhite Balance
77	Image Effects

79Digital Effects

80On-Screen Displays and Data Code

81Audio Recording Level

82Using Headphones

84Using the Mini Advanced Shoe

85Using an External Microphone

86Using a Zoom Remote Controller

Table of contents 13

87Playlist and Scene Operations

87Dividing Scenes

88Editing the Playlist: Adding, Deleting, Moving and Playing Back

92Copying Scenes

Photos

94Basic Recording

94Taking Photos

95Selecting Photo Size and Quality

96Deleting a Photo Right After Recording It

97Basic Playback

97Viewing Photos

98Deleting Photos

100			Y
	Magnifying Photos during Playback
101		P
	Additional Functions
101	Flash
103	Drive Mode: Continuous Shooting and Exposure
	O
	Bracketing
104	Taking Photos while Recording Movies (Simultaneous
	Recording)
105	C
	Light Metering Mode
105	Slideshow
106	Rotating Photos
107	Histogram Display
107	apturing Photos from a Movie
108	Protecting Photos
109	Copying Photos
112	Printing Photos
112	Printing Photos (Direct Print)
114	Selecting the Print Settings

116Trimming Settings

117Print Orders

14 Table of contents

External Connections

120Terminals on the Camcorder

121Connection Diagrams

124Playback on a TV Screen

125Saving Your Recordings

125Saving Your Recordings on a Computer

126Authoring High-Definition (AVCHD) Discs and Photo DVDs

130 Copying your Recordings to an External Video Recorder

131 Transferring Photos to a Computer (Direct Transfer)

135 Transfer Orders

Additional Information		Y
137 Appendix: Menu Options Lists
137	FUNC. Menu
140	Setup Menus
152	O
	Trouble?
152	Troubleshooting
158	List of MessagesP
168	Do’s and Don’ts
168	Handling Precautions
173	Maintenance/Others
174	Using the amcorder Abroad
175CGeneral Information

175Accessories

176Optional Accessories

181Product Codes

182	Specifications
186	Index

Table of contents 15

About this Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Canon VIXIA HF21. 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 ( 152).

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.

•: Reference page number within this manual.

To complete some operations you will need to refer also to other
		Y
instruction manuals. This will be indicated with the following icons:
DVSD Refer to the ‘Digital Video Software’ instruction manual,
	P
included as a PDF file in the supplied DIGITAL VIDEO
Solution Disk CD-ROM.
DW-100 Refer to the instruction manual of the optional DW-100
DVD Burner.
• The following terms are used in this manual:

•The photosCincluded in this manual are simulated pictures taken with a still camera. O

16 Introduction

Selecting the Video Quality (Recording Mode)

The camcorder offers 5 recording modes. Changing the recording

mode will change the recording time available on the memory. Select

MXP or FXP mode for better movie quality; select LP mode for longer

recording times. The following table gives approximate recording

times.

Brackets [ ] are used to refer to

Operating modes:

menu options as they are

FUNC.

[

Standard Play 7 Mbps]

Desired recording mode

FUNC.

displayed on screen.

NOTES

• AVCHD discs containing scenes recorded in MXP mode cannot be cre-

The names of most buttons and

ated with the optional DW-100 DVD Burner. Use the software on the

supplied Video Tools CD-ROM to back up such scenes.

switches are indicated within a

• The camcorder uses a variable bit rate (VBR) to encode video so the

“button” frame.

actual recording times will vary depending on the content of the scenes.

• The camcorder retains the last setting used even if you set the cam-

For example FUNC. .

corder to

mode.

The

arrow is used to abbreviate menu selections. For a detailed

explanation on how to use the menus, refer to Using the Menus

(

36). For a concise summary of all available menu options and

settings, refer to the appendix Menu Options Lists (

137).

P

indicates that a function is available in the operating mode indicated and

indicates that the function is not available.YFor a detailed explanation

O

refer to Operating Modes (

34).

C

Introduction 17

Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs

The following accessories are supplied with the camcorder:

XCA-570 Compact Power Adapter

(incl. power cord)

BP-809 Battery PackW

XWL-D88 Wireless Controller

(incl. CR2025 lithium button battery)

STV-250N Stereo Video CableW
Yellow • Red • White plugs
XCTC-100/S Component Cable	Y
Red • Green • Blue plugs
IFC-400 CU USB CableW
P
XWS-30 Wrist Strap
O
C

18 Introduction

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

• PIXELA Application - Disc 1 CD-ROM* and ‘PIXELA ImageMixer 3 SE’ Installation Guide

- ImageMixer 3 SE Transfer Utility – Software for saving and transferring movies.

- Music Transfer Utility – Software for transferring to the camcorder music data for video snapshot playback.

• PIXELA Application - Disc 2 CD-ROM*

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

• DIGITAL VIDEO Solution Disk CD-ROM* and Installation Guide – Software for saving, managing, and printing photos.

• Music Data CD-ROM – Contains music files that can be used as background music during playback.

The music files on this CD-ROM are for exclusive use with the supplied

Y * The CD-ROM includes the instructionPmanual of the software (on PDF file).

PIXELA applications, Music Transfer Utility and ImageMixer 3 SE Video Tools. For more details, refer to the ‘Music Transfer Utility Software Guide’ and ‘ImageMixer 3 SE Software Guide’ on the PIXELA Application - Disc 1 CD-ROM.

O

C

Introduction 19

Names of Parts

Left side view		RESET button (			155)
		VIDEO SNAP (video snapshot) button
		(	67)/
			(print/share) button
		(	113, 133)
		DISP. (on-screen display) button
		(	80)/
		BATT. INFO button (				26)
		Speaker (		50)
		Memory card slot cover
		Memory card slot (				42)
		AV OUT terminal (				120, 122)/
			(headphones) terminal ( 82)
		Camera mode dial (				34)
Right side view		Strap mount (			30)
		P
		USB terminal (			120, 123)
		HDMI OUT terminal (				120, 121)
		Grip beltY( 30)
	O					142)
		Instant AF sensor (
C		Stereo microphone (				81)
		Mini video light (			66)
		Flash (		101)

Front view

20 Introduction

Top view	Mini advanced shoe (					84)
	PHOTO button (				94)
	Zoom lever (			47)
	ON/OFF (CHG) (charge) indicator:
	Green – ON
	Orange – Standby (				48)
	Red – Charging (				27)
	POWER button
	Remote sensor (				29)
	LCD screen (			31)
	Joystick ( 36)
	FUNC. button (			37, 137)
		/	(play/pause) button (				50)/
	START/STOP button (					45)
		(stop) button (			50)/
	Zoom out W (wide-angle) button
LCD panel	(		47)
	P				88)/
		LA	LIST button (
	Zoom in T (telephoto) button (						47)
		Y(camera/play) button ( 35)
	O			85)
	MIC terminal (
	COM ONENT OUT terminal
		(	120, 122)
	ACCESS indicator (				45, 94)
	Battery attachment unit (					27)
	START/STOP button (					45)
	DC IN terminal (				27)
Back view
C Serial number

The serial number label is located in the battery attachment unit. Remove the battery pack to find it.

Introduction 21

Bottom view	BATTERY RELEASE switch ( 28)
	Tripod socket ( 168)

Wireless Controller WL-D88

	START/STOP button (			45)
	FUNC. button (		37, 137)
	MENU button (		37, 140)
		LAYLIST button (		88)
		Y					)
	Navigation buttons (			/	/	/
		(frame reverse) button (				51)
	P(fast reverse) button ( 51)
		(play) button (	50)
		(pause) button (		50)
O			50)
C		(stop) button (
	PHOTO button (		94)
	Zoom buttons (		47)
	SET button
		(frame advance) button (				51)
		(fast forward) button (				51)
	DISP. (on-screen display) button
	(	80)

22 Introduction

Screen Displays

Recording Movies

	Operating mode (			34)		Remaining recording time
	Recording program (			61, 64, 66)			On the memory card
							In the built-in memory
	White balance (		76)
						Image stabilizer (			142)
	Image effect (		77)
						24F progressive frame rate
	Digital effect (		79)
						(	26, 66)
	Recording mode (			46)		YFace detection ( 75)
	Photo quality/size					Wind screen off (			143)
	(simultaneous recording) (				104)
						x.v.ColorTM (		140)
	Remote sensor off (			148)	P
						Audio level indicator (				81)
	Microphone attenuator (				143)
						Mini advanced shoe (				84)
	Pre-recording (		71)
		O				Headphone output (				82)
	Memory operation (			26)
	Instant AF (			142),		Level marker (			144)
	MF Manual focus (			74)		Backlight correction (				73)
	C				26)
	Remaining battery time (					Mini video light (			66)

While recording/during playback: Scene counter (hours : minutes : seconds)

In record pause mode: Total number of scenes

Introduction 23

Recording Photos

Zoom ( 47),				Number of available photos
Exposure	(	72)		On the memory card
Light metering mode (		105)		In the built-in memory
				Y
Drive mode (	103)			Camcorder shake warning (
Photo quality/size (		95)		AF frame (	142)
			P
Self timer (	71)			Focus and exposure lock (
				Flash (	101)
	O
Playing Movies (During Playback)
C

143)

94)

Data code (

80, 145)

Joystick guide (

36)

Scene number

24 Introduction

Viewing Photos

		P			74)
Histogram (	107)		Manual focus (
Current photo / Total number of			File size
photos	O		YManual exposure ( 72)
Photo number (	149)		hoto size (	95)
Protected photo mark (		108)	Aperture value (		64)
C			Shutter speed (		64)
Date and time of recording

Introduction 25

	Memory operation
	Record,	Record pause,					Playback,	Playback pause,	Fast playback,
	Fast reverse playback,						Slow playback,	Slow reverse playback,
	Frame advance,					Frame reverse.

Remaining battery time

• 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.

	• The icon shows a rough estimate	100%	75%	50%	25%	0%
	of the remaining charge as a

percentage of the full charge of the battery pack. The remaining

recording/playback time of the battery pack is displayed, in minutes, next to the icon.

• When	is displayed in red, replace the battery pack with a fully charged one.
• When you attach an empty battery pack, the power may turn off without displaying			.
• Depending on the conditions under which the camcorder and the battery pack are
	P
used, the actual battery charge may not be indicated accurately.
• When the camcorder is off, press BATT.INFO to display the charge status of a
battery pack. The Intelligent System will display the chargeYstatus (as a percentage)
	O
and the remaining recording time (in minutes) for 5 seconds. If the battery pack is
exhausted, the battery information may not be displayed.
Remaining recording time
When there is no more free space on the memory, “		End” (built-in memory) or

“End” (memory card) will be displayed and the recording will stop.

24F progressive frame rate
Select theC24F progressive frame rate (				66) to give your recordings a cinematic look.
You can combine this frame rate with the [				Cine Mode] recording program to
enhance the effect.
Number of available photos
in red: There is no memory card in the camcorder.
in green: 6 or more photos	in yellow: 1 to 5 photos				in red: No more photos
can be recorded.

•When viewing the photos, the display will always be in green.

•Depending on the recording conditions, the number of available photos displayed may not decrease even after a recording has been made, or may decrease by 2 photos at once.

26 Introduction

ON/OFF (CHG) (charge) indicator

Preparations

This chapter describes basic operations, such as 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. Charge the battery pack before use. For approximate charging times and recording/playback times with a fully charged battery pack, refer to the tables on pages 177-178.

1	Connect the power cord to the
	compact power adapter.
2 Plug the power cord into a power outlet.
3	Connect the compact power			Y
	adapter to the camcorder’s DC IN
	terminal.		P
4	Attach the battery pack to the			DC IN
	camcorder.	O		terminal
	C

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

5 Charging will start when the 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 start flashing in red (battery pack charging). The red ON/ OFF (CHG) indicator will go out when the battery pack is fully charged.

Preparations 27

• If the indicator flashes quickly, refer to Troubleshooting ( 152).

To remove the battery pack

1 Slide BATTERY RELEASE 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	Y

• Turn off the camcorder before connecting or disconnecting the com-

pact power adapter. After pressing OWER to turn off the camcorder,

important data is updated in the memory.PBe sure to wait until the green ON/OFF (CHG) indicator goes out.

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

• Do not connectCto 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.

• 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.

28 Preparations

•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.

Preparing the Wireless Controller and Accessories

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.		Y
3	Insert the battery holder.
		P		Tab
To use the wireless controller
	O
	C

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

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

Preparations 29

NOTES

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

•If the wireless controller does not work, check that [Wireless Remote Control] is not set to [ Off ]. Otherwise, replace the battery.

Accessories

Fasten the grip belt.

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

		Y
	P
O
To remove the grip belt

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

2Pull 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.C

30 Preparations