Canon VIXIA HF G20 Instruction Manual

PUB. DIM-1067-000A

COPY

HD Camcorder

Instruction Manual

Caméscope HD

Manuel d'instruction

Videocámara HD

Manual de Instrucciones

English

Français

Español

Introduction

COPY

Important Usage Instructions

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

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

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

HD Camcorder, VIXIA HF G20 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 ante nna.

• Increase the separation between the eq uipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from tha t to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radi o/TV technician for help.

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

Canon U.S.A., Inc. One Canon Park, Melville, New York 11747, USA Tel No. 1-800-OK-CANON (1-800-652-2666)

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.

mportant Warning

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within

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.

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 lite rature accompanying the product.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

COPY

In these safety instructions the word “product” refers to the Canon HD Camcorder VIXIA HF G20 and all its accessories.

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

produce heat.

8 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the

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

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

exit from the apparatus. 10 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. 11 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. 12 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as

power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been

exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

CA-570 identification plate is located on the bottom.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

• YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.

• Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.

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

• This device incorporates exFAT technology licensed from Microsoft.

• "Full HD 1080" refers to Canon camcorders compliant with 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 compliant video that was encoded only (1) for a personal and non-commercial 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.

Highlights of the VIXIA HF G20

COPY

The Canon VIXIA HF G20 HD Camcorder is a high-performance camcorder whose compact size makes it ideal in a variety of situations. The following are just some of the many functions featured in the camcorder.

HD Recording

HD CMOS PRO and DIGIC DV III processor

The camcorder is equipped with a 1/3-inch CMOS sensor that captures video at an effective pixel count of approximately 2.07 megapixels (1920x1080). The video is then processed by the state-of-the-art DIGIC DV III image processor. This allows the camcorder to excel in low-light situations and produce a wide dynamic range.

Wide zoom lens

With a focal length at full wide angle of

30.4 mm (35 mm equivalent), the camcorder has superb wide-angle shooting capability. The minimum object distance is 60 cm (2 ft.) throughout the entire zoom range, which means that you can create a pleasing blurred background effect at full telephoto. The 8-bladed iris aperture also enhances the blurred background effect.

Shoot cinematic video

Using CINEMA mode and the cinema-look filters (A 101), you can make recordings that truly look and feel cinematic.

Operability

Emphasis on versatility

This camcorder has features to make it usable as a main camera but is also small enough to be very portable. The advanced image stabilization (A 55) will let you shoot in a variety of situations in the field. Moreover, in full-automatic mode, Intelligent IS (A 40) will select the optimal type of image stabilization for the recording situation.

Manual controls at your fingertips

The focus ring helps you achieve the focus you are looking for. Furthermore, you can assign certain frequently used functions to a customizable button and adjust those functions with the accompanying dial (A 84).

Face detection

When a subject's face is detected, the camcorder can track and focus on it (A 49). Furthermore, you can have the camcorder in manual focus but switch to autofocus only when a face is detected, ensuring that important subjects are in focus.

Relay recording and double slot recording

When you use relay recording (A 35), you can use the double memory card slot to keep on recording video without interruption. Double slot recording (A 36) allows you to record movies simultaneously to two memory cards, which is a convenient way to back up your recordings.

Other Features

Audio

With the audio scene select function (A 68), you can 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.

Smart AUTO

Smart AUTO (A 40) automatically selects the best scene mode for the scene you want to shoot. You get spectacular recordings every time without worrying about settings.

LCD screen and viewfinder

COPY

The LCD screen and viewfinder both have 100% frame coverage, which will ensure that you can accurately check that your shots are framed how you want them.

Tou c h A E

By simply touching the screen, you can make dark areas in the picture appear brighter (A 60). This operation is simple yet allows you to shoot with the desired exposure.

Added and improved functionality

Other functions include two types of video scopes (A 79), conversion to standard definition (A 133) and Story Creator mode (A 99), which allows you to create engrossing video stories.

Enjoying your Recordings on Other Devices

COPY

Connect the camcorder to an

HDTV (A 119)

Play video directly

from your recorded

AVCHD-compatible HDTVs and

digital recorders with a card slot

compatible with the type of

memory card used*

memory card

Eye-Fi

Use an Eye-Fi card (A 136)

to wirelessly upload

recordings to your computer

or a video sharing Web site

High Definition

Convert your HD movies, in the camcorder itself, to standard

definition files (A 133)

Standard Definition

Use the supplied PIXELA’s

software (A 127, 133)

Save or upload to

the Web

Create discs

* Refer to the instruction manual of the device. Depending on the device used, correct playback may

not be possible even if the device is AVCHD-compatible. In such case, play back the recordings on the memory card using the camcorder.

Table of contents

COPY

1 Introduction 10

About this Manual 10

Conventions Used in this Manual 10

Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs 12 Names of Parts 14

2 Preparations 20

Charging the Battery Pack 20 Preparing the Camcorder 22

Attaching the Lens Hood 22 Using the Viewfinder 22 Adjusting the Position and Brightness of

the LCD Screen 23 Grip Belt and Straps 24 Wireless Controller 25 Using a Tripod 26

Basic Operation of the Camcorder 27

Using the Touch Screen 27 Operating Modes 28 Using the Menus 29

First Time Settings 31

Setting the Date and Time 31 Changing the Language 31 Changing the Time Zone 32

Using a Memory Card 33

Memory Cards Compatible for Use with

the Camcorder 33 Inserting and Removing a Memory

Card 34 Selecting the Memory for the

Recordings 34 Relay Recording 35 Double Slot Recording 36 Initializing the Memory 36

3 Recording 38

Recording Movies and Photos 38

Preparing to Record 38 Recording in AUTO Mode 39 Recording in n (Manual) Mode 42

Quick Start Function 44 Selecting the Video Quality (Recording

Mode) 45

Selecting the Frame Rate 46

Focus Adjustment 47

Manual Focus 47 Autofocus 48 Face Detection 49 Touch & Track 51

Zooming 52

Using the Zoom Lever or Wireless

Controller 52

Using the Touch Screen’s Zoom

Controls 53 Soft Zoom Control 54 Digital Tele-Converter 54

Advanced Image Stabilization 55 Automatic Gain Control (AGC) Limit 56 Automatic Exposure Recording

Programs 57

Exposure Adjustment 59

Using the Manual Exposure Recording

Program 59 Exposure Compensation 60

White Balance 62 Special Scene Recording Programs 64 Image Effects 66 Self Timer 67 Audio Scenes and Other Audio

Settings 68

Audio Recording Level 69 Built-In Microphone Directionality 70 Audio Equalizer 71 Auto Wind Screen 71 Audio Mix 72

Using Headphones 73 Using the Mini Advanced Shoe 74 Using an External Microphone 75

Using the SM-V1 Surround Microphone

or DM-100 Directional Stereo

Microphone 75 Using the WM-V1 Wireless

Microphone 76 Using Commercially Available

Microphones 76

Using an External Video Light 77 Color Bars/Audio Reference Signal 78

Video Scopes 79

COPY

Displaying the Waveform Monitor during

[’ Programmed AE] Recording Program 79

Displaying the Waveform Monitor during

[n Manual Exposure] Recording Program 79

Displaying the Edge Monitor 79

Video Snapshot 80 Pre-Recording 81 Onscreen Displays and Data Code 82 Faders 83

4 Customization 84

Custom Button and Dial 84 Assignable Buttons 85

Changing the Assigned Function 85 Using an Assignable Button 85

Saving and Loading Menu Settings 86

Saving Menu Settings to a Memory

Card 86

Loading Menu Settings from a Memory

Card 86

5 Playback 87

Playing Back Video 87

Adjusting the volume 88 3D Flip View 90

The Index Selection Screen: Selecting the

Content to Play Back 91

Deleting Scenes and Stories 92

Deleting a Single Scene 92 Deleting Scenes from the Date Index

Screen 92 Deleting a Single Scene from a Story 93 Deleting Scenes from a Story by

Rating 93 Deleting Stories 94

Dividing Scenes 95 Selecting the Playback Starting Point 96 Capturing Video Snapshot Scenes and

Photos from a Movie 97

Capturing a Video Snapshot Scene 97 Capturing Photos 98

6 Video Stories and Cinema

Style 99

Using Story Creator to Create Video

Stories 99

Creating a New Story 99 Recording a Scene within a Story 99 Recording Additional Scenes within an

Existing Story 100

CINEMA Mode and Cinema-Look

Filters 101

Adding Decorations 103

Decorating Scenes while

Recording 103

Decorating Scenes during

Playback 106

Playing Back Stories from the

Gallery 107

Rating Scenes 109

Rating Scenes Immediately After

Recording 109

Rating Scenes from the List of

Scenes 109

Rating Scenes during Playback 109

Playback with Background Music 110

Using One of the Supplied Music Tracks

as Background Music 110

Using an External Audio Player for

Background Music 111

Copying and Moving Scenes Within/

Between Stories 113 Selecting a Story’s Thumbnail Image 114 Changing a Story’s Title 115

7 External Connections 116

Terminals on the Camcorder 116 Connection Diagrams 117 Playback on a TV Screen 119

8 Photos 120

Viewing Photos 120

Photo Jump Function 121

Slideshow 122 Deleting Photos 123

Deleting a Single Photo 123

Deleting Photos from the Index

Screen 123

9 Saving/Sharing

COPY

Recordings 124

Copying Recordings to a Memory

Card 124

Copying Scenes from the Date Index

Screen 124

Copying Scenes from a Story by

Rating 125 Copying a Single Photo 125 Copying Photos from the Index

Screen 126

Saving Recordings on a Computer 127

Saving Movies (Windows only) 127 Saving Photos (Windows/Mac OS) 128

Copying Recordings to an External Video

Recorder 131

In High Definition 131 In Standard Definition 131

Uploading Recordings to the Web 133

Converting Scenes into Standard

Definition from the Date Index

Screen 133 Converting Scenes into Standard

Definition from a Story by Rating 135 Converting Only Part of a Scene or

Story 135 Uploading your Videos Wirelessly 136 Uploading Photos to the Web 137

10 Additional Information 138

Appendix: Menu Options Lists 138

FUNC. Panel 138 Setup Menus 141

Appendix: Onscreen Icons and

Displays 150

Troubleshooting 154

List of Messages 159

Handling Precautions 165

Camcorder 165 Battery Pack 166 Memory Card 166 Built-in Rechargeable Lithium

Battery 167 Lithium Button Battery 167 Disposal 167

Maintenance/Others 168

Cleaning 168 Condensation 168 Using the Camcorder Abroad 169

Optional Accessories 170 Specifications 175 Index 179

About this Manual

COPY

Introduction

About this Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Canon VIXIA HF G20. 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 154).

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.

• 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.

• The photos included in this manual are simulated pictures taken with a still camera.

• Some screenshots in this manual have been simplified to show only relevant icons.

About this Manual

Self Timer

* For movies o nly.

1 Open the [Self Timer] screen.

[FUNC.] > [MENU] > r > [Self T imer]

2Touch [i On <] and then touch [X].

• < will appear on the screen.

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

Movies: In record pause mode, press Y on the camcorder or wireless controller.

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

Photos: In record pause mode, touch [PHOTO] or press Z on the wireless controller.

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

* 2 seconds when using the wireless controller.

NOTES

Operating modes:

COPY

indicates that a function is available in the operating mode indicated and indicates that the function is not available. For a detailed explanation refer to Operating Modes (A 28).

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 29). For a concise summary of all available menu options and settings, refer to the appendix Menu Options Lists (A 138).

Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs

COPY

Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs

The following accessories are supplied with the camcorder:

CA-570 Compact Power Adapter

(incl. power cord)

Stylus Pen HTC-100/S High Speed HDMI Cable STV-250N Stereo Video Cable

IFC-300PCU/S USB Cable Lens hood with lens barrier Lens cap

Startup Guide for PIXELA’s Software

BP-808 Battery Pack WL-D89 Wireless Controller

(incl. CR2025 lithium button battery)

Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs

COPY

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

• PIXELA’s VideoBrowser CD-ROM*

- Software for saving, managing, editing and playing back your movies. Additionally, using VideoBrowser you can transfer to the camcorder music files that can be used as background music during playback.

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

- ImageBrowser EX - Software for saving, managing and editing your photos. The supplied VIXIA CD-ROM contains an automatic installer for ImageBrowser EX. An Internet connection is required to fully install the software.

- 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).

Names of Parts

Lef

COPY

Names of Parts

t side view

7 98

1 34

10 11

1 RESET button (A 157) 2 U (camera/play) button (A 28) 3 DISP. (onscreen display) button

(A 82)/BATT. INFO (battery info) button (A 153)

4 Double memory card slot cover 5 Memory card slot 2 (A 34) 6 Memory card slot 3 (A 34)

7Lens hood (A 22) 8 Lens barrier switch (A 38) 9Focus ring (A 47) 10 COMPONENT OUT terminal

(A 116, 117)

11 AV OUT terminal (A 116, 118)/

× (headphones) terminal (A 73)

Righ

t side view

COPY

Names of Parts

23 4

1 Built-in speaker (A 88) 2 REMOTE terminal

For connecting commercially available remote controllers.

3HDMI OUT terminal (A 116, 117)

4USB terminal (A 116, 118) 5 Grip belt (A 24) 6MIC terminal (A 76, 111)

Names of Parts

COPY

ront view

Back view

1 Instant AF sensor (A 48, 168) 2 Remote sensor (A 25) 3AF/MF button (A 47)/

WEB button (A 133)/ Assignable button 1 (A 85)

4 PRE REC (pre-recording) button

(A 81)/

Assignable button 2 (A 85) 5 Viewfinder (A 22) 6 START/STOP button (A 38)

2 3 4

11 139 10 12

7 Strap mount (A 24) 8DC IN terminal (A 20) 9 LCD touch screen (A 23, 27) 10 CUSTOM (customizable) button

(A 84) 11 CUSTOM (customizable) dial (A 84) 12 Dioptric adjustment lever (A 22) 13 Battery attachment unit (A 20)

5 6 7

op view

COPY

Names of Parts

321

1 Built-in stereo microphone

(A 70, 71) 2Zoom lever (A 52) 3 Mode switch (A 28) 4 Mini advanced shoe (A 74, 75) 5 ACCESS indicator (A 38)

6Eye cup (A 22) 7 POWER button 8 ON/OFF (CHG) indicator (A 20)

Green - ON Orange - Standby (A 44) Red - Charging (A 20)

Names of Parts

COPY

ottom view

1 Serial number

2 Tripod socket (A 26) 3 BATTERY RELEASE switch (A 21)

Wireless Controller WL-D89

COPY

Names of Parts

1 2

4 5

1START/STOP button (A 38) 2 G (index selection) button (A 91)

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

3 MENU button (A 30, 141) 4 DISP. (onscreen display) button (A 82) 5SET button

Ñ (stop) button (A 87)

6 7 PHOTO button (A 38) 8 Zoom buttons (A 52) 9 Navigation buttons (Í/Î/Ï/Ð) 10 Ò (play/pause) button (A 87)

Charging the Battery Pack

COPY

Preparations

Preparatio ns

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 171).

1 Connect the power cord to the compact power adapter.

2 Plug the power cord into a power outlet.

3 Connect the compact power adapter to the camcorder’s

DC IN terminal.

DC IN terminal

4 Attach the battery pack to the camcorder.

• Press the battery pack softly into the battery attachment unit and slide it forward 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 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 156).

ON/OFF (CHG) (charge) indicator

Charging the Battery Pack

COPY

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.

• 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.

Preparing the Camcorder

COPY

Preparing the Camcorder

This section covers the basic preparations for the camcorder such as attaching the lens hood, adjusting the grip belt and adjusting the viewfinder and LCD screen. When attaching the lens hood, grip belt and straps, be careful not to drop the camcorder.

Attaching the Lens Hood

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

Place the lens hood on the front of the lens so that the groove on the lens hood is aligned with the bottom of the lens (햲), and then turn the lens hood clockwise until it stops with a click

• Be careful not to deform the lens hood.

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

• To remove the lens hood, turn it counterclockwise.

(햳).

Using the Viewfinder

If it is difficult to use the LCD screen while the LCD backlight is on (A 24), you can use the viewfinder. You can also use the viewfinder when you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to let the subject watch the recording.

1 Pull out the viewfinder. 2Press P to turn on the camcorder.

3 Adjust the viewfinder using the dioptric adjustment

lever.

• You can close the LCD panel or rotate it toward the subject as you prefer.

• The LCD backlight setting (A 24) is common to the LCD screen and the viewfinder.

Dioptric adjustment lever

• If you wear glasses, you may find the viewfinder easier to

COPY

use if you flip back the outer edge of the eye cup toward the camcorder body.

Preparing the Camcorder

NOTES

• Make sure you keep the eye cup attached when using the camcorder.

• For details about how to take care of the viewfinder, refer to Handling Precautions (A 165), Cleaning (A 168).

Adjusting the Position and Brightness of the LCD Screen

Rotating the LCD Panel

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees.

• You can rotate the panel 90 degrees downward.

• You can rotate the panel 180 degrees toward the lens. Rotating the LCD panel 180 degrees can be

useful in the following cases:

- To allow the subject to monitor the LCD screen while you use the viewfinder.

- 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°

NOTES

• About the LCD and viewfinder screens: The screens are 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.

180°

Subject can monitor the LCD screen (you can use the viewfinder at the same time)

Preparing the Camcorder

COPY

LCD Backlight

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

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

• Repeat this action to switch the LCD backlight between off

(normal) and on (bright).

NOTES

• Adjusting the brightness does not affect the brightness of the recordings.

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

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

• For details about how to take care of the touch screen, refer to Handling Precautions (A 165), Cleaning (A 168).

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.

Attaching an optional wrist strap

Attach the wrist strap to the strap mount on the grip belt, adjust the length and fasten.

• You can use both for extra convenience and protection.

Preparing the Camcorder

COPY

Attaching 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.

Wireless Controller

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

1 Press the tab in the direction of the arrow and pull out

the battery holder.

2 Place the lithium button battery with the + side facing

up.

3 Insert the battery holder.

To use the wireless controller

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

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

Ta b

NOTES

• When the camcorder cannot be operated with the wireless controller, or when it can only be operated at very close range, replace the battery.

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

Preparing the Camcorder

COPY

Using a Tripod

You can mount the camcorder on a tripod but do not use tripods with mounting screws longer than 6.5 mm (0.26 in.) as this may cause damage to the camcorder.

Basic Operation of the Camcorder

COPY

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.

Tou ch

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.

Basic Operation of the Camcorder

COPY

Operating Modes

Recording

In recording mode, the camcorder’s operating mode is determined by the position of the mode switch.

Operating mode Mode switch Operation

Playback

Press the camera/play button T to switch the camcorder between camera (recording) mode and playback mode. You can press T when the camcorder is off to turn it on directly in playback mode.

Operating mode Operation

Playing back movies (A 87).

Viewing photos (A 120).

Let the camcorder take care of all the settings while you concentrate on recording (A 39). This operating mode is suitable if you just prefer not to bother with detailed camcorder settings.

Enjoy full access to menus, settings and advanced functions (A 42).

Give your recordings a cinematic look and use cinema-look filters to create unique movies (A 101).

NOTES

• When switching to a playback mode, the memory selected for playback will be the same currently used for recording.

• You can also press and hold on the wireless controller for more than 2 seconds to switch between recording and playback mode.

Basic Operation of the Camcorder

COPY

Using the Menus

Many of the camcorder’s functions can be adjusted from the FUNC. panel and the setup menus. For details about the available menu options and settings, refer to the appendix Menu Options Lists (A 138).

FUNC. Panel

Operating modes:

The FUNC. panel shows a convenient overview of frequently used shooting functions. Touch [FUNC.] to access the FUNC. panel and then touch the function you want to set or adjust. You may need to drag your finger up and down the screen to find the control button of the desired function. In mode, access to functions is limited.

FUNC. panel in mode

Touch the control button of the desired function

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.

Edit panel in mode

Touch the control button of the desired operation

Basic Operation of the Camcorder

COPY

Setup Menus

Operating modes:

* In mode setup menus cannot be accessed and most menu settings will be reset to default

values.

1 or mode only: Touch [FUNC.]

2 Touch [MENU] to open the setup menus.

• You can also press M on the wireless controller.

3 Touch the tab of the desired menu.

4 Drag your finger up and down to bring the setting you

want to change into the orange selection bar.

• Menu items not available appear grayed out.

• You can touch any menu item on the screen to bring it

directly into the selection bar.

5 When the desired menu item is inside the selection bar, touch the orange frame on the

right.

6 Touch the desired option and touch [X].

• You can touch [X] to close the menu at any time.

NOTES

• For brevity's sake, references in the text to settings in the setup menus will include only the tab of the desired menu and the setting name. For example, "You can adjust the date and time later on with the q > [Date/Time] setting."

+ 154 hidden pages