Canon VIXIA HF11 Instruction Manual
HD Camcorder
Instruction Manual
Caméscope HD
Manuel d'instruction
Videocámara HD
Manual de Instrucciones
PUB. DIM-883
English
Français
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Introduction
I
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 HF11 A systems
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operat ion 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.
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. (516)328-5600
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
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.
2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
In these safety instructions the word “product” refers
to the Canon HD Camcorder VIXIA HF11 A and all its
accessories.
1 Read Instructions — All the safety and operating
instructions should be read before the product is
operated.
2 Retain Instructions — The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future
reference.
3 Heed Warnings — All warnings on the product
and in the operating instructions should be
adhered to.
4 Follow Instructions — All operating and
maintenance instructions should be followed.
5 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.
6 Accessories — Do not use accessories not
recommended in this manual as they may be
hazardous.
7 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.
8 Water and Moisture — Hazard of electric shock
— Do not use this product near water or in rainy/
moist situations.
9 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.
10 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.
11 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.
12 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.
13 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.
EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUND ING AS PER NATIONAL
Fig. 1
ELECTRICAL CODE
ANTENNA LEAD
IN WIRE
ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
GROUND
CLAMP
NEC - NATIONAL
ELECTRICAL CODE
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)
3
14 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 power-line surges.
15 Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets and
extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire
or electric shock.
16 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.
17 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.
18 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.
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.
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.
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.
19 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.
20 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.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
4
Online product registration for U.S.A. 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 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.
Date of Purchase: Model Name: VIXIA HF11 A
Purchased From: Serial No.:
Dealer Address:
Dealer Phone No.:
5
Enjoying High-Definition Video with Your
1
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?
1,080
lines
Capture the finest detail,
like the movement or shine
of a single 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 pixels1. This results in video recordings of
unparalleled high quality, fine detail and lifelike vivid colors.
How does full high definition compare with standard-definition TV broadcasts?
Approximately 6 times the number of pixels.
6
More than twice the number of scanning lines.
2
“Full HD 1080” refers to Canon camcorders compliant with high-definition
video composed of 1,080 vertical pixels (scanning lines).
Video is recorded at this resolution only in MXP or FXP mode. In other recording modes, the
picture is resized to 1,440 x 1,080 pixels before being recorded. Even in that case, the picture
captured is detailed enough to render richly detailed recordings.
6
What is so special about recording on flash memory?
Your videos and photos are recorded in the built-in memory or on a memory card (SD or
SDHC card2) 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 ( 37) you can
open the LCD panel and start recording within approximately one second.
If your high-definition TV features an SD memory card slot and supports AVCHD
specifications, you can easily play back your high-definition recordings directly from the
memory card ( 39). Refer to the TV's instruction manual for more details.
4
What is Cinema Mode?
Give your recordings a cinematic look by using the [ CINE MODE] recording program
( 45). Combine this recording program with the 24 fps progressive frame rate
[ PF24] to get the enhanced effect of the 24p Cinema Mode.
2
For usable memory cards, see Recommended Memory Cards (31).
3
AVCHD 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.
4
Discs created with the optional DW-100 DVD Burner that contain recordings in MXP mode
cannot be played back on AVCHD-compatible devices. Use the DW-100 to play back such
discs ( 86).
7
Table of contents
Introduction ______________________________
6 Enjoying High-Definition Video with Your Camcorder
12 About this Manual
13 Getting to Know the Camcorder
13 Supplied Accessories
14 Components Guide
17 Screen Displays
Preparations _____________________________
20 Getting Started
20 Charging the Battery Pack
22 Preparing the Wireless Controller and Accessories
24 Adjusting the Position and Brightness of the LCD Screen
25 Basic Operation of the Camcorder
25 The Button: Mode or Flexible Recording
26 Operating Modes
27 Joystick and Joystick Guide
27 Using the Menus
29 First Time Settings
29 Setting the Date and Time
30 Changing the Language
30 Changing the Time Zone
31 Using a Memory Card
31 Recommended Memory Cards
32 Inserting and Removing a Memory Card
33 Selecting the Memory for the Recordings
33 Initializing the Built-In Memory or Memory Card
8
Table of contents
Video ____________________________________
35 Basic Recording
35 Shooting Video
36 Selecting the Video Quality (Recording Mode)
37 Zooming
37 Quick Start Function
38 Reviewing and Deleting the Last Scene Recorded
39 Basic Playback
39 Playing Back the Video
40 Special Playback Modes
41 Selecting Scenes by Recording Date
42 Selecting the Playback Starting Point from the Movie Timeline
43 Deleting Scenes
45 Advanced Functions
45 Cinema Mode: Giving a Cinematic Look to your Recordings
45 Special Scene Recording Programs
47 Changing the Shutter Speed and Aperture
48 Mini Video Light
49 Self Timer
50 Automatic Backlight Correction and Manual Exposure
Adjustment
51 Manual Focus Adjustment
51 White Balance
53 Image Effects
54 Digital Effects
55 On-Screen Displays and Data Code
55 Audio Recording Level
57 Using Headphones or an External Microphone
59 Managing Scenes and the Memory
59 Creating a Playlist
59 Deleting Scenes from the Playlist
60 Moving Scenes in the Playlist
60 Copying Scenes
9
Photos __________________________________
62 Basic Recording
62 Taking Photos
62 Selecting Photo Size and Quality
64 Erasing a Photo Right After Recording It
64 Basic Playback
64 Viewing Photos
66 Magnifying Photos during Playback
66 Erasing Photos
67 Additional Functions
67 Flash
68 Drive Mode: Continuous Shooting and Exposure Bracketing
69 Capturing a Still Image while Recording Movies
69 Light Metering Mode
70 Histogram Display
70 Capturing a Still Image from the Playback Scene
71 Protecting Photos
71 Copying Photos
72 Other Functions You Can Use when Taking Photos
73 Printing Photos
73 Printing Photos (Direct Print)
74 Selecting the Print Settings
76 Trimming Settings
77 Print Orders
(Simultaneous Recording)
External Connections _______________________
79 Terminals on the Camcorder
80 Connection Diagrams
82 Playback on a TV Screen
83 Saving and Backing Up Your Recordings
83 Backing Up Your Recordings on a Computer
10
Table of contents
83 Authoring High-Definition (AVCHD) Discs and Photo DVDs
86 Copying your Recordings to an External Video Recorder
87 Transferring Photos to a Computer (Direct Transfer)
90 Transfer Orders
Additional Information ______________________
91 Appendix: Menu Options Lists
91 FUNC. Menu
93 Setup Menus
93 Camera Setup (Digital Zoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.)
95 Memory Operations (Initialization, etc.)
96 Display Setup (LCD Brightness, Language, etc.)
97 System Setup (Speaker Volume, Beep, etc.)
99 Date/Time Setup
100 Trouble?
100 Troubleshooting
104 List of Messages
112 Do’s and Don’ts
112 Handling Precautions
115 Maintenance/Others
116 Using the Camcorder Abroad
117 General Information
117 System Diagram
118 Optional Accessories
122 Product Codes
123 Specifications
126 Index
11
Introduction
About this Manual
Thank you for purchasing the Canon VIXIA HF11. 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 Tro ub le sh oo ti ng ( 100).
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 instruction
manuals. This will be indicated with the following icons and the name of the relevant
chapter or section.
Refer to the
DVSD
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:
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 START/STOP 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.
“Digital Video Software” instruction manual, included as a
Names of buttons and switches other than the
joystick are indicated within a
For example .
Brackets [ ] and capital letters are used to refer to
menu options as they are displayed on screen. In
tables in this manual the default value is shown in
boldface.
For example [ON], [OFF].
FUNC.
“button” frame.
12
FUNC.
(32)
FUNC.
[ M ]
ENU
[ DISPLAY SETUP]
[LANGUAGE ]
Desired language
FUNC.
Buttons and switches to be operated
Getting to Know the Camcorder
Supplied Accessories
CA-570 Compact Power
Adapter (incl. power cord)
Lithium Button Battery
WL-D88 Wireless Controller
CTC-100/S
Component Cable
Red • Green • Blue plugs
IFC-400PCU USB Cable
WS-30 Wrist Strap
1
Software for saving, managing , editing and playing back movies on your computer ( 83).
The CD-ROM includes the instruction manual of the software (electronic version on PDF file).
2
Software for saving, managing , retouching and printing photos ( 87). The CD-ROM includes
the instruction manual of the software (electronic version on PDF file).
CR2025 for Wireless
Controller
Software CD-ROM1
and Installation Guide
PIXELA ImageMixer 3 SE
BP-809 Battery Pack
STV-250N
Stereo Video Cable
Yellow • Red • White plugs
Software CD-ROM
and Installation Guide
DIGITAL VIDEO
Solution Disk
2
13
Introduction
Components Guide
Left side view
Right side view
Front view
button ( 25)/
(print/share) button ( 74, 87)
DISP. (on-screen display) button
( 55, 42)/
BATT. INFO button ( 19)
Speaker ( 41)
CARD OPEN switch (open the memory
card slot cover) ( 32)
Memory card slot ( 32)
COMPONENT OUT terminal ( 80)
Mode dial ( 26)
HDMI OUT terminal ( 80, 82)
USB terminal ( 81)
Instant AF sensor ( 93)
Flash ( 67)
Stereo microphone
Mini video light ( 48)
Names of buttons and switches other than the
joystick are indicated within a
(for example ).
FUNC.
“button” frame
14
Back view
LCD panel
Top vie w
MIC terminal ( 58)
AV OUT/ terminal ( 80)
ACCESS (memory access) indicator
( 35, 62)/CHG (charge) indicator
(20)
Serial number
START/STOP button ( 35)
Strap mount ( 23)
DC IN terminal ( 20)
RESET button ( 102)
Remote sensor ( 22)
LCD screen ( 24)
Joystick ( 27)
FUNC. button ( 28, 91)
/ (play/pause) button ( 39)/
START/STOP button ( 35)
(fast reverse) button ( 39)/
Zoom out W (wide-angle) button ( 37)
(fast forward) button ( 39)/
Zoom in T (telephoto) button ( 37)
(stop) button ( 39)/
BLC (backlight correction) button ( 50)
Zoom lever ( 37)
PHOTO button ( 62)
Mini advanced shoe ( 58)
indicator
ON/OFF button
Names of buttons and switches other than the
joystick are indicated within a
(for example ).
FUNC.
“button” frame
15
Introduction
B
ottom view
Wireless Controller WL-D88
Tripod socket ( 112)
BATTERY RELEASE switch ( 21)
Grip belt
START/STOP button ( 35)
FUNC. button ( 28, 91)
MENU button ( 28, 93)
PLAYLIST button ( 39)
Navigation buttons ( / / / )
(frame reverse) button ( 40)
(fast reverse) button ( 40)
(play) button ( 39)
(pause) button ( 39)
(stop) button ( 39)
PHOTO button ( 62)
Zoom buttons ( 37)
SET button
(frame advance) button ( 40)
(fast forward) button ( 40)
DISP. (on-screen display) button
( 42, 55)
16
Screen Displays
Recording Movies
Playing Movies
(During Playback)
Operating mode ( 26)
Recording program ( 45, 47)
White balance ( 51)
Image effect ( 53)
Digital effects ( 54)
Recording mode ( 36)
Still image quality/size
(simultaneous recording) ( 69)
Remote sensor off ( 98)
Instant AF ( 93),
MF Manual focus ( 51)
24F progressive frame rate ( 19)
Memory operation ( 19)
Time code/Playback time
(hours : minutes : seconds)
Remaining recording time
On the memory card
In the built-in memory
Remaining battery time ( 19)
Image stabilizer ( 94)
Wind screen off ( 95)
Headphones output ( 57)
Microphone attenuator ( 55)
Audio level indicator ( 55)
Level marker ( 96)
Mini advanced shoe ( 58)
Backlight correction ( 50)
Scene number
Data code ( 55)
17
Introduction
Recording Still Images
Viewing Still Images
Zoom ( 37), Exposure ( 50)
Recording program ( 45, 47)
Light metering mode ( 69)
White balance ( 51)
Image effect ( 53)
Digital effects ( 54)
Drive mode ( 68)
Still image quality/size ( 62)
Instant AF ( 93),
MF Manual focus ( 51)
Remaining battery time ( 19)
Number of still images available
On the memory card
In the built-in memory
Self timer ( 49)
Image stabilizer ( 94)
AF frame ( 94)
Mini video light ( 48)
Camcorder shake warning ( 94)
Focus and exposure lock ( 62)
Flash ( 67)
Image number ( 98)
Current image / Total number of images
Histogram ( 70)
Image protection mark ( 71)
Date and time of recording
Manual focus ( 51)
Manual exposure ( 50)
Image size ( 62)
File size
Aperture value ( 47)
Shutter speed ( 47)
18
24F progressive frame rate
Select the 24F progressive frame rate ( 45) to
give your recordings a cinematic look. You can
combine this frame rate with the [ CINE
MODE] recording program to enhance the effect.
Memory operation
Record, Record pause,
Playback, Playback pause,
Fast playback,
Fast reverse playback,
Slow playback,
Slow reverse playback,
Frame advance,
Frame reverse
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.
, Remaining battery time
100% 75% 50% 25% 0%
• The icon shows a rough estimate 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 used, the
actual battery charge may not be indicated
accurately.
• When the camcorder is off, press
to display the charge status of a battery pack.
The Intelligent System will display the charge
status (as a percentage) and the remaining
recording time (in minutes) for 5 seconds. If the
battery pack is exhausted, the battery
information may not be displayed.
Number of still images available
in red: No card
in green: 6 or more images
in yellow: 1 to 5 images
in red: No more images can be recorded
• When viewing the still images, the display will
always be in green.
• Depending on the recording conditions, the
number of available still images displayed may
not decrease even after a recording has been
made, or may decrease by 2 still images at
once.
Image number
The image number indicates the name and
location of the file on the memory card. For
example, the file name of image 101-0107 is
“IMG_0107.JPG”, stored under the folder
“DCIM\101CANON”.
BATT.INFO
19
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 full
battery pack, refer to the tables on
pages 118-119.
1 Turn off the camcorder.
2 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
CHG (charge)
indicator
3 Connect the power cord to the
compact power adapter.
4 Plug the power cord into a power
outlet.
5 Connect the compact power
adapter to the camcorder’s DC IN
terminal.
• The CHG (charge) indicator starts
flashing. The indicator will stay on
when the charging is completed.
• If the indicator flashes but in a
different pattern, refer to
Troub lesh oo ti ng (100).
ONCE THE BATTERY PACK IS FULLY CHARGED
1 Disconnect the compact power
adapter from the camcorder.
2 Unplug the power cord from the
power outlet and the compact
power adapter.
20
TO REMOVE THE BATTERY PACK
BATTERY RELEASE
switch
1 Slide in the
2 Slide the battery pack down and
• Turn off the camcorder before
• We recommend charging the battery
• Do not connect to the camcorder’s DC
BATTERY RELEASE
direction of the arrow and hold it
pressed down.
then pull it out.
IMPORTANT
connecting/disconnecting the compact
power adapter or when recharging the
battery. After pressing to turn
off the camcorder, important data is
updated in the memory. Be sure to wait
until the indicator turns off.
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), the charging will not
start.
IN terminal or to the compact power
adapter any electrical equipment that is
not expressly recommended for use
with this camcorder.
ON/OFF
• 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
• 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 this
product is recyclable.
Please call
1-800-8-BATTERY for
information on how to recycle this
battery.
21
Preparations
Preparing the Wireless Controller and Accessories
First, insert the supplied lithium button
battery CR2025 into the wireless
controller.
Ta b
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.
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 [WL.REMOTE] is not set to
[ OFF ] ( 98). Otherwise,
replace the battery.
22
Accessories
Fasten the grip belt.
• Adjust the grip belt so that you can
reach the zoom lever with your
index finger, and the
button with your thumb.
• You can remove the grip belt and
replace it with the supplied wrist
strap.
START/STOP
TO REMOVE THE GRIP BELT
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.
TO ATTACH A WRIST STRAP
Pass the attaching end of the wrist
strap through the back 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.
1 Lift the padded handgrip's flap
and detach the strap from the
Velcro pad.
23
Preparations
TO ATTACH A SHOULDER STRAP
Pass the ends of the shoulder strap
through the strap mount on the grip
belt and adjust the length of the
strap.
You can also remove the grip belt and
attach the shoulder strap directly to the
rear bracket on the camcorder.
TO REATTACH THE GRIP BELT
1 Pass the end of the strap through
the rear bracket on the
camcorder.
2 Thread the strap through the
padded handgrip and then pass it
through the front bracket on the
camcorder.
3 Fasten the grip belt as necessary,
attach the strap to the Velcro pad
on the handgrip and close the flap.
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:
- When you wish 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.
180°
90°
180°
Subject can monitor the LCD screen
24
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
You can set the brightness of the
screen to normal or bright.
Basic Operation of the Camcorder
The Button: Mode or
Flexible Recording
The camcorder offers two basic modes
for recording video or still images:
mode for beginners or if you just prefer
not to bother with detailed camcorder
settings, and flexible recording mode
which lets you change the camcorder's
settings to your preference.
While the camcorder is on, hold
DISP.
pressed down for more than 2
seconds.
Repeat this action to toggle between
the normal and bright settings.
NOTES
• This setting does not affect the
brightness of the recording.
• Using the bright setting will shorten the
effective usage time of the battery pack.
Press the button to enter the
mode (the button's blue light will
be on). You do not need to worry about
any settings and can shoot video using
just the zoom lever
START/STOP
using just the zoom lever and
( 62).
(37) and
(35) or take photos
PHOTO
25
Preparations
Press the button again to return
to the flexible recording mode (the
button's light is off). You can access the
menus and change settings to your
preference. Even in flexible recording
mode, the camcorder can help you with
the settings. For example, you can use
the Special Scene recording programs
45) to set at once all the optimal
(
settings to match special recording
conditions.
NOTES
In mode you cannot access the
menus but you can change the following
settings in advance, before setting the
camcorder to mode.
- Recording mode of movies
- Size/quality of still images
- Auto slow shutter
- All settings in the [ SYSTEM
SETUP] menu
Operating Modes
The camcorder's operating mode is
determined by the position of the mode
dial. In this manual, indicates that
a function is available in the operating
mode shown and indicates that
the function is not available. When no
operating mode icons are given, the
function is available in all operating
modes.
Operating mode Mode dial Icon display Operation
/
(Green)
/
(Blue)
/
(Green)
/
(Blue)
Recording movies in the built-in memory /
on the memory card
Recording still images in the built-in
memory / on the memory card
Playing movies from the built-in memory /
memory card
Viewing still images from the built-in
memory / memory card
26
35
62
39
64
Joystick and Joystick Guide
Use the joystick to operate the
camcorder's menus.
Push the joystick up, down, left or right
( , ) to select an item or change
settings.
Press the joystick itself ( ) to save the
settings or confirm an action. On menu
screens, this is indicated by the icon
.
Depending on the operating mode,
these positions may be empty or show a
different icon than the one on the
illustration.
NEXT
When the guide contains multiple
“pages”, [NEXT] and the page number
icon ( ) will appear at the bottom
position. Push the joystick ( ) toward
[NEXT] to display the next “page” of the
guide.
Using the Menus
The joystick can also be used in
combination with the joystick guide to
operate additional functions. Press
to display/hide the joystick guide.
The functions that appear on the
joystick guide will change depending
on the operating mode. In the
illustrations of this manual, positions
other than those relevant to the function
explained are marked with a striped
pattern.
Many of the camcorder’s functions can
be adjusted from the menus that open
after pressing the FUNC. button
FUNC.
( ). To access the menus set the
camcorder to flexible recording mode.
In mode, except for a few
exceptions, most menu settings will
return to their default values ( 25).
For details about the available menu
options and settings, refer to the
appendix Menu Options Lists (91).
27
Preparations
Selecting a FUNC. Menu Option
1 Press .
FUNC.
2 Select ( , ) the icon of the
function you want to change.
Menu items not available will appear
grayed out.
3 Select ( ) the desired setting
from the available options at the
bottom bar.
• The selected option will be
highlighted in orange.
• With some settings you will need
to make further selections and/or
press . Follow the additional
operation guides that will appear
on the screen (such as the
icon, small arrows, etc.).
4 Press to save the settings
FUNC.
and close the menu.
You can press to close the
menu at any time.
FUNC.
Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus
1 Press .
FUNC.
2 Select ( , ) the icon and
press to open the setup
menus.
You can also hold pressed
down for more than 1 second or
MENU
press on the wireless
controller to open directly the setup
menus screen.
FUNC.
3 Select ( ) the desired menu from
the left side column and press .
The title of the selected menu
appears on top of the screen and
under it the list of settings.
4 Select ( ) the setting you want
to change and press .
• The orange selection bar indicates
the menu setting currently
selected. Items not available
appear in black.
• Push the joystick ( ) to return to
the menu selection screen (step 3).
28
5 Select ( ) the desired option and
press to save the setting.
6 Press .
Abbreviation of Menu Selections in this
Manual
In this manual, the arrow is used to
abbreviate menu selections. Below is
an example of changing a setting using
the setup menus.
FUNC.
FUNC.
For selections in the FUNC. menu, the
abbreviated form will always show the
initial default value. In recording mode,
its icon will appear on the left side
column when you first open the menu.
If the setting was changed, the icon of
the currently selected option will appear
instead.
FUNC.
FUNC.
FUNC.
You can press to close the
menu at any time.
[ MENU]
[ DISPLAY SETUP]
[LANGUAGE ]
Desired language
[ IMAGE EFFECT OFF]
Desired image effect
FUNC.
First Time Settings
Setting the Date and Time
You will need to set the date and time of
the camcorder before you can start
using it. The [DATE/TIME] screen will
appear automatically when the
camcorder’s clock is not set.
When the [DATE/TIME] screen appears,
the year will be displayed in orange and
indicated with up/down arrows.
1 Change ( ) the year and move
( ) to the month.
2 Change the rest of the fields
(month, day, hour and minutes) in
the same way.
3 Select ( ) [OK] and press to
start the clock and close the setup
screen.
IMPORTANT
• When you do not use the camcorder for
about 3 months, the built-in
rechargeable lithium battery may
discharge completely and the date and
time setting may be lost. In such case,
recharge the built-in lithium battery
( 114) and set the time zone, date
and time again.
29
Preparations
• The date appears in a year-month-day
format only in the first setup screen. In
subsequent screen displays the date
and time will appear as month-day-year
(for example, [JAN. 1, 2008 12:00 AM]).
You can change the date format ( 99).
• You can also change the date and time
later on (not during the initial setup). To
open the [DATE/TIME] screen:
FUNC.
[ MENU]
[ DATE/TIME SETUP]
[DATE/TIME]
Changing the Language
Options
[][MAGYAR][]
[DEUTSCH][MELAYU][]
[][POLSKI][]
[ENGLISH][] [ ]
[ESPAÑOL][TÜRKÇE][]
[FRANÇAIS][ ] [ ]
[ITALIANO][ ] [ ]
FUNC.
( 28)
Default value
NOTES
• If you changed the language by mistake,
follow the mark next to the menu
item to change the setting.
• The displays and that
appear in some menu screens refer to
the name of buttons on the camcorder
and will not change, regardless of the
language selected.
Changing the Time Zone
Change the time zone to match your
location. The default setting is New
Yo rk .
FUNC.
( 28)
TO SET THE HOME TIME ZONE
FUNC.
[ MENU]
[ DATE/TIME SETUP]
[T.ZONE/DST]
Your local time zone*
FUNC.
FUNC.
[ MENU]
[ DISPLAY SETUP]
[LANGUAGE ]
Desired language
FUNC.
30
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