Canon VIXIA HF S11 Instruction Manual

PUB. DIM-0934-000

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HD Camcorder

HD Camcorder

Inststruction Manual

Instruction Manual

English

Caméscope HD

Manuel d'instruction

Videocámara HD

Manual de Instrucciones

Français

Español

Introduction

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Important Usage Instructions

WARNING!

WARNING!

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 S11 A systems

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and use in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

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

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

The cable with the ferrite core provided with the digital video camcorder must be used with this
equipment in order to comply with Class B limits in Subpart B of Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the manual.
If such changes or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop operation of the
equipment.

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

CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

CAUTION:
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not expose this product to dripping or splashing.

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

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

2

The Mains plug is used as the disconnect device. The Mains plug shall remain readily operable

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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

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.

3

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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In these safety instructions the word “product” refers to the Canon HD Camcorder
VIXIA HF S11 A 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.
13 Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the

product is operated.
14 Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future

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

adhered to.
16 Follow Instructions — All operating and maintenance instructions should be followed.
17 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.
18 Accessories — Do not use accessories not recommended in this manual as they may be

hazardous.
19 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.
20 Water and Moisture — Hazard of electric shock — Do not use this product near water or in

rainy/moist situations.

4

21 Placing or Moving — Do not place on an unstable cart, stand, tripod,

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bracket or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or
adult, and serious damage to the product.
A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops,
excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart
combination to overturn.

22 Power Sources — The CA-570 Compact Power Adapter should be

operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not
sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power
company. Regarding other power sources such as battery power, refer to instructions in this
manual.

23 Polarization — The CA-570 Compact Power Adapter is equipped with a polarized 2-prong

plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). The 2-prong polarized plug will fit into
the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug
fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug still fails to fit, contact your electrician
to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

24 Power Cord Protection — Power cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be

walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them. Pay particular attention to plugs
and the point from which the cords exit the product.

25 Outdoor Antenna Grounding — If an

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.

26 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 power­line surges.

27 Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of

fire or electric shock.

28 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.

29 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.

EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER NATIONAL

Fig. 1

ELECTRICAL CODE

GROUND
CLAMP

ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT

NEC - NATIONA L
ELECTRICAL CODE

ANTENNA LEAD
IN WIRE

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)

5

30 Damage Requiring Service — Disconnect this product from the wall outlet and all power

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sources including battery, and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the

following conditions:

a. When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.

b. If any liquid has been spilled onto, or objects have fallen into, the product.

c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.

d. If the product does not operate normally even if you follow the operating instructions.

Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operation instructions. Improper
adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work

by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation.
e. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance. This indicates a need for

service.

31 Replacement Parts — When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician

has used replacement parts that are specified by Canon or that have the same
characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric
shock or other hazards.

32 Safety Check — Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service

technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in safe operating order.

33 Heat — The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat

registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

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.

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

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Online product registration for U.S.A. Customers only.

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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 HF S11 A
Purchased From:
Dealer Address: Serial No.:

Dealer Phone No.:

Trademark Acknowledgements

• The SD logo is a trademark. The SDHC logo is a trademark.

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

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

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

• HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are
trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

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

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

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

• This product is licensed under AT&T patents for the MPEG-4 standard and may be used for encoding MPEG-4
compliant video and/or decoding MPEG-4 compliant video that was encoded only (1) for a personal and non­commercial purpose or (2) by a video provider licensed under the AT&T patents to provide MPEG-4 compliant
video. No license is granted or implied for any other use for MPEG-4 standard.

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Enjoying High-Definition Video with

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your Camcorder

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

What is High-Definition Video?

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 pixels
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.

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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).

1

Video is recorded at this resolution only when the recording mode is set to MXP or
FXP mode. In other recording modes, the picture is recorded at 1,440 x 1,080
pixels.

8

1

. This results in

What are the advantages of flash memory?

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Your videos and photos are recorded in the built-in memory or on
commercially available SD/SDHC memory cards
specifications
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
( 47) you can open the LCD panel and start recording within
approximately one second.

3

. Recording on flash memory means that there are no moving

2

using AVCHD

Any New Functions?

Pre-recording When pre-recording ( 66) is activated, the camcorder

starts recording video continuously into a temporary 3-second memory.
When you press the button, the scene recorded will have
started 3 seconds before you started shooting. This is especially useful
when it is difficult to predict when to start recording.

Face Detection With face detection ( 70), have the camcorder

automatically detect people's faces and use this information to adjust the
focus and set the best exposure for beautiful videos and photos.

Video Snapshot Discover a fun, new way to play back video. Shoot or

capture ( 63) short scenes about 4 seconds in length and arrange them
into a video clip set to your favorite background music.

Cinema Mode Give your recordings a cinematic look by using the

[ Cine Mode] recording program ( 62) with the 24 fps progressive
frame rate.

2

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

Using a Memory Card

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.

START/STOP

(39).

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Can I play back my high-definition video on

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other devices?

Needless to say, you can connect your camcorder to an HDTV to enjoy your
recordings with family and friends ( 122). You also have the following
options:

• You can easily play back video recorded on the memory card by
inserting the memory card directly into AVCHD-compatible TV sets
and HDD or DVD recorders that feature an SD/SDHC memory card

4

. For details, refer to the instruction manual of your TV or digital

slot
video recorder.

• You can play back AVCHD discs of your recordings created using the
optional DW-100 DVD Burner
AVCHD-compatible DVD players or Blu-ray Disc players

(124) on the DVD Burner itself or on

5

.

4

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.

5

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

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Table of contents

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 Introduction

8 Enjoying High-Definition Video with your Camcorder
15 About this Manual

17 Getting to Know the Camcorder

17 Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs
19 Names of Parts
22 Screen Displays

 Preparations

26 Getting Started

26 Charging the Battery Pack
28 Preparing the Wireless Controller and Accessories
30 Adjusting the Position and Brightness of the LCD

32 Basic Operation of the Camcorder

32 Operating Modes
34 Joystick and Joystick Guide
34 Using the Menus

37 First Time Settings

37 Setting the Date and Time
38 Changing the Language
38 Changing the Time Zone

39 Using a Memory Card

39 Memory Cards Compatible for Use with the Camcorder
40 Inserting and Removing a Memory Card
40 Selecting the Memory for the Recordings
41 Initializing the Built-in Memory or Memory Card

Screen

Table of contents  11

 Video

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43 Basic Recording

43 Shooting Video
44 Selecting the Video Quality (Recording Mode)
46 Zooming
47 Quick Start Function

48 Basic Playback

48 Playing Back the Video
50 Selecting what Recordings to Play Back
51 Searching for Scenes
53 Selecting the Playback Starting Point
55 Pre-selecting Recordings from the Index Screen
56 Deleting Scenes

58 Advanced Functions

58 Special Scene Recording Programs
60 Changing the Shutter Speed and Aperture
62 Cinema Mode: Giving a Cinematic Look to your

62 Mini Video Light
63 Video Snapshot
66 Pre-recording Function
67 Self Timer
68 Manual Exposure Adjustment and Automatic Backlight

69 Manual Focus Adjustment
70 Face Detection
71 White Balance
73 Image Effects
74 Digital Effects
75 On-Screen Displays and Data Code
76 Digital Tele-Converter
77 Audio Recording Level
78 Using Headphones
80 Using the Mini Advanced Shoe
80 Using an External Microphone
81 Using the Custom Key and Dial
82 Using a Zoom Remote Controller

Recordings

Correction

12  Table of contents

84 Playlist and Scene Operations

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84 Dividing Scenes
85 Editing the Playlist: Adding, Deleting, Moving and

89 Copying Scenes

Playing Back

 Photos

91 Basic Recording

91 Taking Photos
92 Selecting Photo Size and Quality
93 Deleting a Photo Right After Recording It

94 Basic Playback

94 Viewing Photos
95 Deleting Photos
97 Magnifying Photos during Playback

98 Additional Functions

98 Flash
100 Drive Mode: Continuous Shooting and Exposure

101 Taking Photos while Recording Movies (Simultaneous

102 Light Metering Mode
102 Slideshow
103 Rotating Photos
104 Histogram Display
104 Capturing Photos from a Movie
105 Protecting Photos
106 Copying Photos

109 Printing Photos

109 Printing Photos (Direct Print)
111 Selecting the Print Settings
114 Trimming Settings
115 Print Orders

Bracketing

Recording)

Table of contents  13

 External Connections

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118 Terminals on the Camcorder

119 Connection Diagrams

122 Playback on a TV Screen
123 Saving Your Recordings

123 Saving Your Recordings on a Computer
124 Authoring High-Definition (AVCHD) Discs and Photo

128 Copying your Recordings to an External Video

129 Transferring Photos to a Computer (Direct Transfer)
133 Transfer Orders

DVDs

Recorder

 Additional Information

135 Appendix: Menu Options Lists

135 FUNC. Menu
138 Setup Menus

151 Trouble?

151 Troubleshooting
156 List of Messages

167 Do’s and Don’ts

167 Handling Precautions
172 Maintenance/Others
173 Using the Camcorder Abroad

174 General Information

174 Accessories
175 Optional Accessories
180 Product Codes
181 Specifications
185 Index

14  Table of contents

About this Manual

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Thank you for purchasing the Canon VIXIA HF S11. 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 ( 151).

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:

DW-100

• The following terms are used in this manual:

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

Refer to the

DVSD

included as a PDF file in the supplied DIGITAL VIDEO
Solution Disk CD-ROM.

Refer to the instruction manual of the optional DW-100

DVD Burner.

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

the recording.

a still camera.

button to start recording until you press again to pause

‘Digital Video Software’ instruction manual,

Introduction  15

Self Timer

[ Menu] or [Self Timer] [On ]

appears.

mode: In record pause mode, press .

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

mode: Press , first halfway to activate the autofocus

and then fully.

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

• Once the countdown has begun, any of the following actions will cancel

the self timer.

- Pressing (when recording movies) or fully (when
recording photos).

- Setting the camcorder to standby mode.

- Changing the camcorder s operating mode.

Operating modes:

FUNC.

FUNC.

START/STOP

PHOTO

START/STOP

PHOTO

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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 (32).

Brackets [ ]are used to refer
to menu options as they are
displayed on screen.

The names of most buttons
and switches are indicated
within a “button” frame.
For example .

FUNC.

The arrow is used to abbreviate menu selections.
For a detailed explanation on how to use the menus,
refer to Using the Menus ( 34). For a concise
summary of all available menu options and settings,
refer to the appendix Menu Options Lists ( 135).

16  Introduction

Getting to Kn ow the Camcorde r

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Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs

The following accessories are supplied with the camcorder:

XCA-570 Compact Power Adapter

(incl. power cord)

BP-807 Battery PackW

XWL-D88 Wireless Controller

(incl. CR2025 lithium button battery)

STV-250N Stereo Video CableW

Yellow • Red • White plugs

XCTC-100/S Component Cable

Red • Green • Blue plugs

IFC-400PCU USB CableW

Introduction  17

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

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

Installation Guide

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

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

• PIXELA Application - Disc 2 CD-ROM*

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

• DIGITAL VIDEO Solution Disk CD-ROM* and Installation Guide – Soft-

ware for saving, managing, and printing photos.

• Music Data CD-ROM – Contains music files that can be used as back-

ground music during playback.
The music files on this CD-ROM are for exclusive use with the supplied
PIXELA applications, Music Transfer Utility and ImageMixer 3 SE Video
Tools. For more details, refer to the ‘Music Transfer Utility Software
Guide’ and ‘ImageMixer 3 SE Software Guide’ on the PIXELA Applica-
tion - Disc 1 CD-ROM.

* The CD-ROM includes the instruction manual of the software (on PDF file).

18  Introduction

Names of Parts

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Left side view

Right side view

Front view

Stereo microphone (L) ( 77)
Speaker ( 48)
VIDEO SNAP (video snapshot) button

(63)/

(print/share) button

( 110, 132)
DISP. (on-screen display) button

(53,75)/
BATT. INFO button ( 25)

CUSTOM dial ( 81)
CUSTOM button ( 81)
Memory card slot cover
Memory card slot ( 40)
BATTERY RELEASE switch ( 27)
ACCESS indicator ( 43, 91)
Strap mount ( 29)
Grip belt ( 29)
COMPONENT OUT terminal

( 118, 120)
USB terminal ( 118, 121)
HDMI OUT terminal ( 118, 119)
MIC terminal ( 81)
Stereo microphone (R) ( 77)
Mini video light ( 62)
Flash ( 98)
Instant AF sensor ( 140)

Introduction  19

Back view

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LCD panel

Top vie w

DC IN terminal ( 26)
Camera mode dial ( 32)
AV OUT terminal ( 118, 120)/

(headphones) terminal ( 78)
START/STOP button ( 43)
Battery attachment unit ( 26)
RESET button ( 154)
Remote sensor ( 28)
LCD screen ( 30)
Joystick ( 34)
FUNC. button ( 35, 135)

/ (play/pause) button ( 48)/
START/STOP button ( 43)

(stop) button ( 48)/
Zoom out W (wide-angle) button
(46)

PLAYLIST button ( 85)/
Zoom in T (telephoto) button ( 46)

(camera/play) button ( 33)
Mini advanced shoe ( 80)
Pop-up flash ( 98) and mini video

light ( 62)
Zoom lever ( 46)
PHOTO button ( 91)
ON/OFF (CHG) (charge) indicator:

Green – ON
Orange – Standby ( 47)
Red – Charging ( 26)

POWER button

20  Introduction

B

ottom view

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Wireless Controller WL-D88

Serial number

The serial number label is located on
the top surface of the battery
attachment unit. Remove the battery
pack to find it.

Tripod socket ( 167)

START/STOP button ( 43)
FUNC. button ( 35, 135)
MENU button ( 35, 138)
PLAYLIST button ( 85)
Navigation buttons ( / / / )

(frame reverse) button ( 49)

(fast reverse) button ( 49)
(play) button ( 48)
(pause) button ( 48)
(stop) button ( 48)

PHOTO button ( 91)
Zoom buttons ( 46)
SET button

(frame advance) button ( 49)

(fast forward) button ( 49)

DISP. (on-screen display) button
(53, 75)

Introduction  21

Screen Displays

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Recording Movies

Operating mode ( 32)
Recording program ( 58, 60, 62)
White balance ( 71)
Image effect ( 73)
Digital effect ( 74)
Recording mode ( 44)
Photo quality/size

(simultaneous recording) ( 101)
Remote sensor off ( 147)
AGC (automatic gain) limit ( 141)
Microphone attenuator ( 142)
Pre-recording ( 66)
Memory operation ( 25)

Instant AF ( 140),

MF Manual focus ( 69)
Remaining battery time ( 25)
While recording/during playback:

Scene counter (hours : minutes :
seconds)
In record pause mode:
Total number of scenes

Recording Photos

22  Introduction

Remaining recording time

On the memory card

In the built-in memory
Image stabilizer ( 141)
24F progressive frame rate

( 25, 62)
Face detection ( 70)
Wind screen off ( 141)
x.v.Color ( 139)
Audio level indicator ( 77)
Assist functions ( 142)
Mini advanced shoe ( 80)
Headphone output ( 78)
Level marker ( 143)
Backlight correction ( 69)
Digital tele-converter ( 76)
Mini video light ( 62)

Zoom ( 46),

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Exposure ( 68)
Light metering mode ( 102)
Drive mode ( 100)
Photo quality/size ( 92)
Self timer ( 67)
Number of available photos

On the memory card

In the built-in memory

Playing Movies (During Playback)

Camcorder shake warning ( 141)
AF frame ( 140)
Focus and exposure lock ( 91)
Flash ( 98)

Data code ( 75, 144)
Scene number

Joystick guide ( 34)

Introduction  23

Viewing Photos

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Histogram ( 104)
Current photo / Total number of

photos
Photo number ( 148)
Protected photo mark ( 105)
Date and time of recording

24  Introduction

Manual focus ( 69)
File size
Manual exposure ( 68)
Photo size ( 92)
Aperture value ( 60)
Shutter speed ( 60)

Memory operation

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Record, Record pause, Playback, Playback pause, Fast playback,

Fast reverse playback, Slow playback, Slow reverse playback,

Frame advance, Frame reverse.

Remaining battery time

• 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 .

• 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.

• 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.

Remaining recording time

When there is no more free space on the memory, “
“ End” (memory card) will be displayed and the recording will stop.

24F progressive frame rate

Select the 24F progressive frame rate ( 62) to give your recordings a cinematic look.
You can combine this frame rate with the [ Cine Mode] recording program to
enhance the effect.

Number of available photos

in red: There is no memory card in the camcorder.
in green: 6 or more photos in yellow: 1 to 5 photos in red: No more photos

can be recorded.

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

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

100% 75% 50% 25% 0%

BATT.INFO

End” (built-in memory) or

Introduction  25

Preparations

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This chapter describes basic operations, such as navigating the
menus, and first time settings to help you learn more about your
camcorder.

Getting Started

Charging the Battery Pack

The camcorder can be powered with a battery pack or directly using
the compact power adapter. Charge the battery pack before use.
For approximate charging times and recording/playback times with a
fully charged battery pack, refer to the tables on pages 176-177.

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 up
until it clicks in place.

5 Charging will start when the

camcorder is turned off.

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

DC IN terminal

ON/OFF (CHG) (charge) indicator

26  Preparations

• If the indicator flashes quickly, refer to

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To remove the battery pack

1 Slide in the

2 Slide the battery pack down and

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

• We recommend charging the battery pack in temperatures between

• Do not connect to the camcorder’s DC IN terminal or to the compact

• To prevent equipment breakdowns and excessive heating, do not con-

BATTERY RELEASE

direction of the arrow and hold it
pressed down.

then pull it out.

IMPORTANT

pact power adapter. After pressing 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.

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), charging will not start.

power adapter any electrical equipment that is not expressly recom­mended for use with this camcorder.

nect 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.

Troubleshooting

POWER

( 151).

BATTERY RELEASE switch

NOTES

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

• If remaining battery time is an issue, you can power the camcorder

using the compact power adapter so the battery pack will not be con­sumed.

• Charged battery packs continue to discharge naturally. Therefore,

charge them on the day of use, or the day before, to ensure a full
charge.

Preparations  27

• We recommend that you prepare battery packs to last 2 to 3 times

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longer than you think you might need.

• USA and Canada only: The Lithium ion/polymer battery that
powers the product is recyclable. Please call
1-800-8-BATTERY for information on how to recycle this
battery.

Preparing the Wireless Controller and Accessories

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

1 Press the tab in the direction of the

arrow and pull out the battery
holder.

2 Place the lithium button battery with

the + side facing up.

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.

Tab

NOTES

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

28  Preparations

• If the wireless controller does not work, check that [Wireless

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Remote Control] is not set to [ Off ]. Otherwise, replace the
battery.

Accessories

Fasten the grip belt.

Adjust the grip belt so that you can reach
the zoom lever with your index finger, and

START/STOP

the button with your thumb.

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.

Preparations  29

Adjusting the Position and Brightness of the LCD Screen

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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 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°

180°

90°

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

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 pressed down for more than 2
seconds.

30  Preparations

DISP.

Subject can monitor the LCD screen