Canon VIXIA HF G40 Instruction Manual

PUB. DIE-0483-000

HD Camcorder

Instruction Manual

Introduction

Trademark Acknowledgements

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

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

• App Store, iPad, iPhone, iPod, iTunes and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

• 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”, “AVCHD Progressive” and the “AVCHD Progressive” 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.

• Google, Android, Google Play, YouTube are trademarks of Google Inc.

• Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.

• IOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license.

• The Twitter name and marks are trademarks of Twitter, Inc.

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

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

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

• The Wi-Fi Protected Setup Identifier Mark is a mark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.

• JavaScript is a trademark or registered trademark of Oracle Corporation, its affiliates or subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

• 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).

• 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.

Highlights of the VIXIA HF G40

The Canon VIXIA HF G40 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 sensor and DIGIC DV 4 image processor

The camcorder is equipped with a 1/2.84-inch CMOS sensor that captures video at an effective pixel count of approximately

2.91 megapixels (2136x1362). The video is then processed by the state-of-the-art DIGIC DV 4 image processor. This allows the camcorder to excel in low-light situations and achieve improved image stabilization.

Wide zoom lens

With a focal length at full wide angle of

26.8 mm* (35 mm equivalent), the camcorder has superb wide-angle shooting capability. The lens is also capable of 20x optical zoom.

* 28.8 mm when using Dynamic IS.

Shooting video with the look you want

You can adjust many aspects of the picture, such as the color depth, sharpness and brightness so that you create a desired "look" (A 71). The camera also comes with preset looks from which you can choose. The first is the [Wide DR] look, which applies a gamma curve with a very wide dynamic range and an appropriate color matrix. The second is the [Highlight Priority] look, which creates a natural gradation in tones and reduces overexposure in bright areas by not compressing highlights. When playing back video shot with that look, you can appreciate the improved detail when using an external monitor set to brighter settings.

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 60) will let you shoot in a variety of situations in the field.

Manual controls at your fingertips

The focus/zoom ring helps you achieve the focus you are looking for. You can also easily change the ring's functionality so that you can operate the zoom. Furthermore, you can assign certain frequently used functions to a customizable button and adjust those functions with the accompanying dial (A 91). If those were not enough, the camcorder also features 5 assignable buttons to which you can assign a variety of functions so that you can access them with ease (A 92).

Face detection

When a subject's face is detected, the camcorder can track and focus on it (A 54). 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.

AVCHD/MP4 recording and dual recording

When you record, you can choose between AVCHD and MP4 formats (A 35). You can also use dual recording (A 45) to record the same scene to both memory cards and even record on both memory cards using different formats. Dual recording is convenient, for example, to create a backup of your recording.

Special recording modes (A 47, 88)

When you make recordings, you can change the recording frame rate to achieve a fast or slow motion effect. Alternatively, you can use pre-recording to record 3 seconds before you decide to start recording, helping you capture those hard-to-catch opportunities.

Other Features

Audio scene select

With the audio scene select function (A 79), 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 38) automatically selects the best scene mode for the scene you want to shoot. You get spectacular recordings every time without worrying about settings.

Wi-Fi functions

Because the camcorder is compatible with Wi-Fi, you have access to a variety of convenient functions such as using a smartphone or tablet as a remote control (A 120), using the Web browser on a smartphone or tablet to view the camcorder's recordings (A 126), and using an iOS device to share your videos on the Internet (A 128).

OLED screen and LCD viewfinder

The OLED screen and LCD viewfinder both have 100% frame coverage, which will ensure that you can accurately check that your shots are framed how you want them. The OLED screen has incredible clarity, which is indispensible in checking the details of those important shots. The viewfinder can be tilted 45 degrees upward, which gives you additional range and versatility while you shoot.

Touch AE

By simply touching the screen, you can make dark areas in the picture appear brighter (A 65). This operation is simple yet allows you to shoot with the desired exposure.

Added and improved functionality

Other functions include relay recording (A 45) and conversion to MP4 (A 114).

Enjoying your Recordings on Other Devices

Connect the camcorder to an external monitor (A 103).

Copy your recordings to an external video recorder (A 115).

Save your recordings (A 109).

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

Use your iOS or Android device to remotely control the camcorder and view the image on its screen (A 120).

Use the Web browser on your iOS or Android device to view the recordings on the camcorder (A 126).

Use an iOS device to upload your recordings to the Internet (A 128).

Connect the camcorder to an access point on a Wi-Fi network. After doing so, you can save your recordings on a computer ( your recordings using the camcorder as a media server (

A 130).

A 131) or play back

Table of contents

1 Introduction 9

About this Manual 9

Conventions Used in this Manual 9

Supplied Accessories 11 Names of Parts 12

2 Preparations 18

Attaching the Ferrite Core 18 Charging the Battery Pack 18 Preparing the Camcorder 21

Using the Lens Hood and Lens Cap 21 Using the Viewfinder 21 Adjusting the OLED Screen 22 Grip Belt and Straps 23 Wireless Controller 24 Using a Tripod 24

Basic Operation of the Camcorder 25

Turning the Camcorder On and Off 25 Setting the Shooting Mode 26 Using the Touch Screen 26 Using the FUNC. Button and

Joystick 27

Using the Menus 28

First Time Settings 30

Setting the Date and Time 30 Changing the Language 31 Changing the Time Zone 31

Using a Memory Card 32

Memory Cards Compatible for Use with

the Camcorder 32

Inserting and Removing a Memory

Card 32 Initializing a Memory Card 33 Selecting the Memory Card for

Recordings 34

Selecting the Movie Format (AVCHD/

MP4) 35

3 Recording 36

Recording Movies and Photos 36

Preparing to Record 36 Recording in AUTO Mode 37 Recording in n (Manual) Mode 41 Reviewing the Latest Scene

Recorded 42

Selecting the Recording Mode (Video

Quality) 43

Dual Recording and Relay Recording 45

Selecting the Frame Rate 46 Slow & Fast Motion Recording 47 CINEMA Mode and Cinema-Look

Filters 49

Focus Adjustment 51

Manual Focus 51 Autofocus 53 Face Detection & Tracking 54

Zooming 56

Using the Focus/Zoom Ring 56 Using the Zoom Rocker or Wireless

Controller 56

Using the Touch Screen’s Zoom

Controls 58 Soft Zoom Control 59 Digital Tele-Converter 59

Advanced Image Stabilization 60 Automatic Gain Control (AGC) Limit 61 Automatic Exposure Recording

Programs 62

Exposure Adjustment 64

Using the Manual Exposure Recording

Program 64 Exposure Compensation 65

White Balance 67 Special Scene Recording Programs 69 Looks and Other Image Effects 71

Selecting a Look 71 Adjusting Picture Settings 71

Setting the Time Code 73

Selecting the Running Mode 73 Selecting Drop Frame or Non-Drop

Frame 74

Setting the User Bit 75

User Bit Output 75

Using the Mini Advanced Shoe 76 Using an External Video Light 77 Recording Audio 78

Using an External Microphone 78 Audio Scenes and Other Audio

Settings 79 Audio Recording Level 81 Wind Screen (Built-in Microphone) 81 Microphone Attenuator 82 Audio Equalizer (Built-in Microphone) 82 Microphone Directionality (Built-in

Microphone) 83 Switching the Input (MIC Terminal) 84 Low Cut Filter (MIC Terminal) 84 Audio Mix 84

Using Headphones 85 Color Bars/Audio Reference Signal 86

Recording Color Bars 86 Recording an Audio Reference

Signal 86

Video Snapshot 87 Pre-Recording 88 Onscreen Displays and Data Code 89 Using the GP-E2 GPS Receiver 90

4 Customization 91

CUSTOM Dial and Button 91 Assignable Buttons 92

Changing the Assigned Function 92 Using an Assignable Button 93

Saving and Loading Menu Settings 94

Saving Menu Settings to a Memory

Card 94

Loading Menu Settings from a Memory

Card 94

5 Playback 95

Playing Back Video 95

Adjusting the volume 96 Displaying scene information 97 Capturing Photos During Movie

Playback 98

Deleting Scenes 99

Deleting a Single Scene 99 Deleting Scenes from the Index

Screen 99

Dividing Scenes 101 Trimming Scenes 102

6 External Connections 103

Connecting to an External Monitor 103

Connection Diagram 103 Using the HDMI OUT Terminal 104 Using the AV OUT Terminal 104

Audio Output 105

Synchronizing the Video with the Audio

being Monitored 105

7 Photos 106

Viewing Photos 106

Photo Jump Function 106

Deleting Photos 108

Deleting a Single Photo 108 Deleting Photos from the Index

Screen 108

8 Saving/Sharing

Recordings 109

Saving Movies to a Computer 109

Transferring Movies to the

Computer 110 Saving Photos to a Computer 110 Transferring Photos to the

Computer 110

Copying Recordings Between Memory

Cards 112

Copying Scenes from the Movie Index

Screen 112 Copying a Single Photo 112 Copying Photos from the Index

Screen 113

Converting Movies to MP4 Format 114 Copying Recordings to an External Video

Recorder 115

In High Definition 115 In Standard Definition 115

9 Wi-Fi Functions 117

Introduction to Wi-Fi 117 Remote Operation Via the Browser

Remote Application 120

Setting the Camcorder's Password 120 Operating the Camcorder

Remotely 121 Browser Remote Onscreen Controls and

Displays 121 Remote Operation Using Browser

Remote 123

Playback via Browser: Viewing

Recordings Using a Web Browser on Your iOS or Android Device 126

Uploading Recordings Using an iOS

Device 128

Playback on a Computer 130 Transferring Files to a Computer or FTP

Server 131

Sharing Recordings with CANON iMAGE

GATEWAY 133

Setting the Desired Web Services in the

Camcorder 133

Sharing Your Recordings Using Web

Services 134

Wi-Fi Connection Using an Access

Point 136

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) 136 Searching for Access Points 137 Manual Setup 137

Viewing and Changing Wi-Fi

Settings 139

10 Additional Information 141

Appendix: Menu Options Lists 141

FUNC. Panel 141 Setup Menus 142

Appendix: Onscreen Icons and

Displays 151

Troubleshooting 155

List of Messages 160 List of Messages for Wi-Fi

Functions 163

List of Messages for Web Services 165

Handling Precautions 167

Camcorder 167 Battery Pack 168 Memory Card 169 Built-in Rechargeable Lithium

Battery 169 Lithium Button Battery 170 Disposal 170

Maintenance/Others 171

Cleaning 171 Condensation 171 Using the Camcorder Abroad 172

Optional Accessories 173 Specifications 177 Reference Tables 181

Charging, Recording and Playback

Times 181

Index 183

About this Manual

Introduction

About this Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Canon VIXIA HF G40. 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 155).

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: “Memory card” refers to an SD, SDHC or SDXC memory card. “Screen” refers to the OLED screen and the viewfinder screen. “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. “iOS device” is used in this text to refer to Wi-Fi-enabled iPhones, iPods and iPads while “Android device” refers to Wi-Fi-enabled Android smartphones and tablets.

• 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

Focus Adjustment

Autofocus

When autofocus is activated, the camcorder continuously adjusts the focus on the subject in the center of the screen. The focusing range is 1 cm (0.39 in.; at full wide-angle, measured from the front of the lens barrel) to G and 60 cm (2 ft.; throughout the zoom range, measured from the front of the lens barrel) to G. Perform the following procedure to set the autofocus speed.

1 and modes only: Press B.

2 Open the [AF Mode] screen.

[FUNC.] > [MENU] > p > [AF Mode]

3 Touch the desired option and then touch [X].

• The icon of the selected option appears on the screen.

Options ( Default value)

Operating modes:

[= Instant AF] Sets the autofocus to Instant AF. The focus is adjusted at the highest speed. This

mode is useful even when recording in very bright or low-light surroundings. This mode uses both the TTL system and external sensor for focusing.

The three sets of icons indicate the operating mode and whether a function is available in that mode.

: Indicates whether the camcorder is in shooting (CAMERA) or playback (MEDIA) mode. In this example, the function is available only in mode. For details, refer to Turning the Camcorder On and Off (A 25).

: Indicates the movie format. For

details, refer to Selecting the Movie Format (AVCHD/MP4) (A 35).

: Indicates the shooting

mode. For details, refer to Setting the Shooting Mode (A 26).

Brackets [ ] are used to refer to control buttons and menu options you will select and to other onscreen messages and displays.

The > arrow is used to abbreviate menu selections. For details on how to use the menus, refer to Using the Menus (A 28). For a summary of available menu options and settings, refer to the appendix Menu Options Lists (A 141).

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

Supplied Accessories

The following accessories are supplied with the camcorder:

Supplied Accessories

CA-570 Compact Power Adapter (incl. power cord and ferrite core)

HTC-100/S High Speed HDMI Cable STV-250N Stereo Video Cable IFC-300PCU/S USB Cable

Lens hood with lens barrier Lens cap Quick Guide

Wi-Fi Basic Setup Guide

BP-820 Battery Pack WL-D89 Wireless Controller

(incl. CR2025 lithium button battery)

Names of Parts

Lef

Names of Parts

t side view

108765

1 Lens barrier switch (A 36) 2 Memory card slot 2 (A 32) 3 Memory card slot 3 (A 32) 4 u (review recording) button (A 42)/

Assignable button 5 (A 92) 5 Lens hood (A 21) 6 Focus/Zoom ring (A 51, 56) 7 CUSTOM (customizable) dial (A 91)

8 CUSTOM (customizable) button

(A 91)

9 Double memory card slot cover 10 DISP. (onscreen display) button

(A 89)/BATT. INFO (battery information) button (A 154)

Righ

t side view

Names of Parts

1 Built-in speaker (A 96) 2MIC terminal (A 79) 3 HDMI OUT terminal (A 103, 104) 4 REMOTE terminal

For connecting commercially available remote controllers.

987

5 × (headphones) terminal (A 85) 6USB terminal (A 90) 7DC IN terminal (A 18) 8 AV OUT terminal (A 103, 104) 9 Grip belt (A 23)

Names of Parts

ront view

Back view

2 3

9 10 11

4 5

15141312

1 Instant AF sensor (A 53, 171) 2 Remote sensor (A 24) 3 Illumination sensor (A 149) 4 AF/MF button (A 51)/

Assignable button 1 (A 92)

5 PRE REC (pre-recording) button

(A 88)/

Assignable button 2 (A 92) 6 OLED touch screen (A 22, 26) 7 Focus/Zoom ring switch (A 56)

8Viewfinder (A 21) 9 Dioptric adjustment lever (A 21) 10 Joystick (A 27)/SET button (A 27) 11 Strap mount (A 23) 12 Assignable button 3 (A 92) 13 Assignable button 4 (A 92) 14 Battery attachment unit (A 18) 15 START/STOP button (A 36) 16 FUNC. button (A 27) 17 Serial number

op view

Names of Parts

123456

1 Built-in stereo microphone

(A 78)

2 Accessory shoe

Cold shoe for attaching accessories.

6 Mini advanced shoe (A 76) 7 Power switch (A 25) 8 POWER / CHG (battery charging)

indicator (A 18) 3 Mode switch (A 26) 4Zoom rocker (A 56) 5 ACCESS indicator (A 36)

Names of Parts

ottom view

12 3

1 Tripod socket (A 24) 2 BATTERY RELEASE switch (A 19) 3Eye cup (A 21)

WL-D89 Wireless Controller

Names of Parts

1 2

4 5

1 START/STOP button (A 36) 2 G (mode selection) button (A 95) 3 MENU button (A 29, 142) 4 DISP. (onscreen display) button (A 89) 5 SET button

Ñ (stop) button (A 95)

6 7 PHOTO button (A 36) 8 Zoom buttons (A 56) 9 Navigation buttons (Í/Î/Ï/Ð) 10 Ò (play/pause) button (A 95)

Attaching the Ferrite Core

Preparations

Attaching the Ferrite Core

Attach the enclosed ferrite core before you connect the compact power adapter to the camcorder. Attaching the ferrite core to the compact power adapter cable is necessary to suppress RF interference.

Attach the ferrite core to the cable about 6 cm (2.4 in.) from the plug end (the plug to be connected to the camcorder) of the compact power adapter cable.

Pass the cable through the center of the core and wrap it around the core (as shown in the illustration), then close the unit until it clicks shut.

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 181).

1 Connect the power cord to the compact power adapter.

2 Plug the power cord into a power outlet.

3 Connect the compact power adapter to the camcorder’s

DC IN terminal.

4 Attach the battery pack to the camcorder.

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

DC IN terminal

Charging the Battery Pack

5 Charging will start when the camcorder is turned off.

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

• If the indicator flashes, refer to Troubleshooting (A 157).

6 Disconnect the compact power adapter in the order

shown in the illustration.

POWER/CHG (battery charging) indicator

햳

햲

햴

햵

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

Charging the Battery Pack

IMPORTANT

• Turn off the camcorder before connecting or disconnecting the compact power adapter. After you turn off the camcorder, important data is updated on the memory card. Be sure to wait until the green POWER/CHG indicator goes out.

• When using the AC adapter, do not fix it permanently to one place as this may cause a malfunction.

• 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 POWER/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.

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 OLED screen. When attaching the lens hood, grip belt and straps, be careful not to drop the camcorder by placing it on a table or other stable surface.

Using the Lens Hood and Lens Cap

While recording, the supplied lens hood with lens barrier is effective for reducing stray light that can be the cause of lens flare and ghost images. Additionally, closing the lens barrier can help prevent fingerprints and dirt accumulation on the lens. Use the supplied lens cap when carrying the camcorder or storing it after use.

* Note that the lens cap and the lens hood with lens barrier cannot

be used simultaneously.

1 Remove the lens cap.

2 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 ( 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.

햲), and then turn the lens hood clockwise

(햳).

Using the Viewfinder

If it is difficult to use the OLED screen, you can use the viewfinder, which can be tilted 45 degrees upward. You can also use the viewfinder when you rotate the OLED panel 180 degrees to let the subject watch the recording.

1 Pull out the viewfinder.

2 Use the power switch to turn on the camcorder.

3 Adjust the viewfinder using the dioptric adjustment

lever.

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

• You can tilt the viewfinder 45 degrees upward.

Dioptric adjustment lever

Preparing the Camcorder

• If you wear glasses, you may find the viewfinder easier to use if you flip back the outer edge of the eye cup toward the camcorder body.

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 167), Cleaning (A 171).

Adjusting the OLED Screen

Open the OLED panel 90 degrees.

• You can rotate the panel 90 degrees downward.

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

be useful in the following cases:

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

- To allow the camcorder to be operated with the wireless controller from the front.

180°

90°

180°

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

NOTES

• When you rotate the OLED panel, video noise may appear on the screen momentarily. This is not a malfunction.

• You can adjust the brightness of the OLED screen and viewfinder with the q > [OLED/VF Brightness] setting or by holding D pressed down for more than 2 seconds. Pressing D will change the brightness between bright and normal.

• Adjusting the brightness or using the q > [ View Assistance] setting does not affect the brightness of recordings.

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

• For details about how to take care of the touch screen, refer to Handling Precautions (A 167), Cleaning (A 171).

Preparing the Camcorder

• About the OLED 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 dots. Misfired pixels in the viewfinder may appear instead as white dots. This has no effect on the recorded image and does not constitute a malfunction.

Grip Belt and Straps

Fasten the grip belt.

• Adjust the grip belt so that you can reach the zoom rocker

with your index finger, and the Y button with your thumb.

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.

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.

Preparing the Camcorder

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 OLED panel 180 degrees to use the wireless controller from the front of the camcorder.

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.

Ta b

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

Turning the Camcorder On and Off

You can choose to turn the camcorder on in CAMERA ( ) mode for making recordings or MEDIA ( ) mode for playing back recordings. Select the mode using the power switch.

To turn on the camcorder

Set the power switch to CAMERA for mode (A 36) or MEDIA for mode (A 95).

mode mode

To turn off the camcorder

Set the power switch to OFF.

Basic Operation of the Camcorder

Setting the Shooting Mode

In mode, you can change the shooting mode to match your shooting style.

(Auto) mode

Set the mode switch to N. With this mode, the camcorder takes care of all the settings while you concentrate on recording (A 37). This operating mode is suitable if you just prefer not to bother with detailed camcorder settings.

(Manual) mode

Set the mode switch to n. With this mode, you can enjoy full access to menus, settings and advanced functions (A 41).

(Cinema) mode

Set the mode switch to E. With this mode, you can give your recordings a cinematic look and use cinema-look filters to create unique movies (A 49).

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.

Tou c h

Press 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, etc.

Basic Operation of the Camcorder

Drag

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. On some screens, you can achieve the same effect by touching the triangle control buttons.

IMPORTANT

• The camcorder features a capacitive touch screen. In the following cases, you may not be able to perform touch operations correctly.

- Using your fingernails or hard-tipped objects, 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.

Using the FUNC. Button and Joystick

You can navigate some of the camcorder’s menus and screens using the FUNC. button and joystick instead of using the touch panel.

Joystick/SET button

When making a menu selection, push the joystick to move the orange selection frame in the menu. Then, press the joystick itself (S) to select the menu item indicated by the orange selection frame.

FUNC. button

Press the button to open the FUNC. panel and then press again to close the menu after adjusting desired settings.

Basic Operation of the Camcorder

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 141).

FUNC. Panel

In mode:

Operating modes:

There are three ways to access the FUNC. panel: by touching [FUNC.] on the OLED screen, by pressing F or by pushing the joystick (Ý/Þ) to select [FUNC.] and then pressing S. After the FUNC. panel is open, select the function you want to use. You may need to scroll up and down the screen or touch ã/ä 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

In mode:

Operating modes:

Just like during mode, you can open the FUNC. panel by touching [FUNC.] on the OLED screen, by pressing F or by pushing the joystick (Ý/Þ) to select [FUNC.] and then pressing S. After the FUNC. panel is open, select the function you want to use.

FUNC. panel in mode

Touch the control button of the desired operation

Basic Operation of the Camcorder

Setup Menus

In this manual, navigating the setup menus is explained using the touch panel controls but they can also be navigated using the joystick and other buttons. The procedure below explains how to use both methods. If necessary, refer back to this section for details on using the joystick.

Operating modes:

To use touch panel controls

1 mode only: Touch [FUNC.].

2 Touch [MENU].

3 Touch the tab of the desired menu.

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

into the orange selection bar.

• You can also touch [Í] and [Î] to scroll up and down.

• 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 [æ]. 6 Touch the desired option and then touch [X].

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

To use the joystick

1 mode only: Push the joystick (Ý/Þ) to select [FUNC.] and then press S.

• Alternatively, you can press F.

2 Push the joystick (Ý/Þ) to select [MENU] and then press S. 3 Push the joystick (Þ) to select the desired tab and then press S. 4 Push the joystick (Ý) to move the selection bar to the desired setting and then press S.

• Menu items not available appear grayed out.

5 Push the joystick (Ý/Þ) to select the desired option and then press S. 6 Push the joystick (Ý/Þ) to select [X] and then press S.

• You can press F 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."

• You can also press M on the wireless controller to open the setup menus.

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.

Operating modes:

1 Use the power switch to turn on the camcorder.

• The [Date/Time] screen will appear.

2 Touch a field you want to change (year, month, day, hours or minutes).

• You can also push the joystick (ÏÐ) to move between the fields.

3Touch [Í] or [Î] to change the field as necessary.

• You can also push the joystick (ÍÎ) to change the field.

4 Set the correct date and time by changing all the fields in the same way.

5 Touch [Y.M.D], [M.D,Y] or [D.M.Y] to select the date format you prefer.

• In some screens, the date will be displayed in short form (numbers instead of month names or only the day and month), but it will still follow the order you selected.

6 Touch [24H] to use 24-hour clock or leave it unselected to use 12-hour clock (AM/PM).

7 Touch [OK] to start the clock and close the setup screen.

NOTES

• You can adjust the date and time later on with the q > [Date/Time] setting.

• 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 (A 169) and set the time zone, date and time again.

+ 157 hidden pages