Canon VIXIA HG20, VIXIA HG21 Instruction Manual
HD Camcorder
Instruction Manual
Caméscope HD
Manuel d'instruction
Videocámara HD
Manual de Instrucciones
PUB. DIM-879B
English
Français
Español
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Introduction
I
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 HG21 A / VIXIA HG20 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. (516)328-5600
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
mportant Warning
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.
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.
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The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s
enclosure, that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.
The exclamation point, within an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the product.
2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
In these safety instructions the word “product” refers
to the Canon HD Camcorder VIXIA HG21 A / VIXIA
HG20 A and all its accessories.
1 Read Instructions — All the safety and operating
instructions should be read before the product is
operated.
2 Retain Instructions — The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future
reference.
3 Heed Warnings — All warnings on the product
and in the operating instructions should be
adhered to.
4 Follow Instructions — All operating and
maintenance instructions should be followed.
5 Cleaning — Unplug this product from the wall
outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or
aerosol cleaners. The product should be cleaned
only as recommended in this manual.
6 Accessories — Do not use accessories not
recommended in this manual as they may be
hazardous.
7 Avoid magnetic or electric fields — Do not use
the camera close to TV transmitters, portable
communication devices or other sources of
electric or magnetic radiation. They may cause
picture interference, or permanently damage the
camera.
8 Water and Moisture — Hazard of electric shock
— Do not use this product near water or in rainy/
moist situations.
9 Placing or Moving — Do not place on an unstable
cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table. The product
may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult,
and serious damage to the product.
A product and cart
combination should be moved
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with care. Quick stops,
excessive force, and uneven
surfaces may cause the
product and cart combination
to overturn.
10 Power Sources — The CA-570 Compact Power
Adapter should be operated only from the type of
power source indicated on the marking label. If
you are not sure of the type of power supply to
your home, consult your product dealer or local
power company. Regarding other power sources
such as battery power, refer to instructions in this
manual.
11 Polarization — The CA-570 Compact Power
Adapter is equipped with a polarized 2-prong
plug (a plug having one blade wider than the
other).
The 2-prong polarized plug will fit into the power
outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you
are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet,
try reversing the plug. If the plug still fails to fit,
contact your electrician to replace your obsolete
outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized plug.
12 Power Cord Protection — Power cords should be
routed so that they are not likely to be walked on
or pinched by items placed upon or against them.
Pay particular attention to plugs and the point
from which the cords exit the product.
13 Outdoor Antenna Grounding — If an outside
antenna is connected to the product, be sure the
antenna is grounded so as to provide some
protection against voltage surges and built-up
static charges. Section 810 of the National
Electrical Code, ANSI / NFPA No. 70—1984,
provides information with respect to proper
grounding of the mast and supporting structure,
grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna
discharge unit, size of grounding conductors,
location of antenna discharge unit, connection to
grounding electrodes, and requirements for the
grounding electrode. See figure 1.
EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER NATIONAL
Fig. 1
ELECTRICAL CODE
ANTENNA LEAD
IN WIRE
ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
GROUND
CLAMP
NEC - NATIONA L
ELECTRICAL CODE
ANTENNA DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250. PART H)
14 Lightning — For added protection of this product
during a lightning storm, or when it is left
unattended and unused for long periods of time,
disconnect it from the wall outlet and disconnect
the antenna. This will prevent damage to the
product due to lightning and power-line surges.
15 Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets and
extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire
or electric shock.
3
16 Objects and Liquid Entry — Never push objects
of any kind into this product through openings as
they may touch dangerous voltage points or short
out parts that could result in a fire or electric
shock. Be careful not to spill liquid of any kind
onto the product.
17 Servicing — Do not attempt to service this
product yourself as opening or removing covers
may expose you to dangerous voltage or other
hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.
18 Damage Requiring Service — Disconnect this
product from the wall outlet and all power
sources including battery, and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following
conditions:
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is
damaged.
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.
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.
d. If the product does not operate normally even
if you follow the operating instructions. Adjust
only those controls that are covered by the
operation instructions. Improper adjustment of
other controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the product to its normal
operation.
e. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet
has been damaged.
f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in
performance. This indicates a need for
service.
19 Replacement Parts — When replacement parts
are required, be sure the service technician has
used replacement parts that are specified by
Canon or that have the same characteristics as
the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may
result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.
20 Safety Check — Upon completion of any service
or repairs to this product, ask the service
technician to perform safety checks to determine
that the product is in safe operating order.
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4
Online product registration for U.S.A. Customers only.
Register your product online at www.registercanon.com
Protect your product
We will keep the model number and date of purchase of your new Canon
product on file to help you refer to this information in the event of an insurance
claim such as loss or theft.
Receive information on new products and promotions
Upon your request, we will send you information on Canon new products and
promotions.
The serial number of this product can be found at the battery attachment unit of
the camcorder. Write down the number and other information here and retain
this book as a permanent record of your purchase to aid identification in case of
theft.
Date of Purchase: Model Name: VIXIA HG21 A /
Purchased From: Serial No.:
Dealer Address:
Dealer Phone No.:
VIXIA HG20 A
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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.
• HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia I nterface are trademarks or registered
trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
• “AVCHD” and the “AVCHD” logo are trademarks of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 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 MPE G-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.
5
Enjoying High-Definition Video with your Camcorder
Preserve your most treasured memories, be it unforgettable scenery or cherished
moments spent with family and friends, with high-definition video recordings of a
quality second only to actually being there.
What is High-Definition Video?
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
unparalleled high quality, fine detail and lifelike vivid colors.
How does full high definition compare with standard-definition TV broadcasts?
Approximately 6 times the number of pixels.
6
More than twice the number of scanning lines.
2
“Full HD 1080” refers to Canon camcorders compliant with high-definition
video composed of 1,080 vertical pixels (scanning lines).
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1
. This results in video recordings of
What is Cinema Mode?
Give your recordings a cinematic look by using the [ Cine Mode] recording program
( 47). Combine this recording program with the 24 fps progressive frame rate
[ PF24] to get the enhanced effect of the 24p Cinema Mode.
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 resized to 1,440 x 1,080 pixels before being recorded.
Even in that case, the picture captured is detailed enough to render richly detailed recordings.
6
Enjoying High-Definition Video with your Camcorder
What are the advantages of a hard disk?
Your videos and photos are recorded on the built-in hard disk or commercially available
SD/SDHC memory cards2 using AVCHD specifications3. This Double Media recording
system gives you longer recording times for more high-definition videos and photos.
• You can shoot approximately 11 hours ( 120 GB HDD) or 5.5 hours ( 60 GB
HDD) of video in MXP mode, which offers the highest video quality under AVCHD
specifications.
• The camcorder records video and photos in unused space on the recording media so
you need not worry about accidentally recording over important videos.
• You can immediately access the scenes you want to play back from an index menu.
• You can easily manage your video and photo collections with the supplied editing
software: ImageMixer 3 (movies) and DIGITAL VIDEO Solution Disk (photos).
Can I play back my high-definition video on other
devices?
Needless to say, you can connect your camcorder to an HDTV to enjoy your recordings
with family and friends ( 81). 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 slot
manual of your TV or digital video recorder.
• You can play back AVCHD discs of your recordings created using the optional
DW-100 DVD Burner
DVD players or Blu-ray Disc players
(82) on the DVD Burner itself or on AVCHD-compatible
4
. For details, refer to the instruction
5
.
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2
For details about memory cards that can be used with this camcorder refer to Using a Memory
Card ( 31).
3
AVCHD is the new standard for recording high-definition video. With AVCHD specifications the
video signal is recorded using MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compression and the audio signal is
recorded in Dolby Digital.
4
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 supplied software ImageMixer 3 to back up such scenes.
7
Important Notes About the Hard Disk Drive
Your hard disk camcorder allows you to shoot and store many hours of video.
However, there are differences between recording onto a hard disk and recording
onto other media. Make sure to follow the points below when using your camcorder.
For more details, refer to Handling Precautions ( 116).
Back up your recordings periodically
Make sure to transfer your movies and photos
to an external device such as a computer or
digital video recorder ( 82) and back them
up regularly and especially after making
important recordings. Canon shall not be
liable for any loss or corruption of data.
Do not subject the camcorder to
vibrations or strong impacts
The hard disk is a high-precision device.
Vibrations, strong impacts or dropping the
camcorder may result in permanent data loss.
Keep the drop sensor activated
whenever possible
The drop sensor ( 99) detects when the
camcorder is dropped and activates a
protection mechanism to help prevent hard
disk damage. Turning this function off will
disable the mechanism. Even if this function
is set to [ On] and the camcorder is
dropped, hard disk damage can occur.
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Do not disconnect the power source
while the camcorder is on
Always turn the camcorder off before
removing the battery or compact power
adapter.
8
Important Notes About the Hard Disk Drive
Do not turn off the camcorder while the
camcorder is on and the ACCESS
indicator is on or flashing or while the
camcorder is in standby mode
Doing so may result in hard disk damage or
permanent data loss.
Use the camcorder within its operating
temperature range
If the camcorder's temperature becomes too
hot or too cold, recording/playback may stop
in order to prevent hard disk damage.
Do not use the camcorder at high
altitudes
Turning on or using the camcorder in places
with low atmospheric pressure, such as at
altitudes higher than 3,000 m (9,800 ft.), may
result in hard disk damage.
Initialize the hard disk when movies
cannot be recorded/played back
normally
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As movies are recorded and deleted over
time, hard disk fragmentation may occur,
which may reduce performance. Initialize the
hard disk should this happen.
Protect personal information on the
hard disk
When the hard disk is initialized or recordings
are deleted, stored data is not physically
erased. Remember this when disposing of the
camcorder or giving it to another person.
9
Table of contents
Introduction
6 Enjoying High-Definition Video with your Camcorder
8 Important Notes About the Hard Disk Drive
14 About this Manual
16 Getting to Know the Camcorder
16 Supplied Accessories
17 Components Guide
20 Screen Displays
Preparations
23 Getting Started
23 Charging the Battery Pack
24 Preparing the Wireless Controller and Accessories
26 Adjusting the Position and Brightness of the LCD Screen
27 Basic Operation of the Camcorder
27 The Button: Mode or Flexible Recording
28 Joystick and Joystick Guide
28 Using the Menus
30 First Time Settings
30 Setting the Date and Time
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30 Changing the Language
31 Changing the Time Zone
31 Using a Memory Card
31 Memory Cards Compatible for Use with the Camcorder
32 Inserting and Removing a Memory Card
33 Selecting the Recording Media
33 Initializing the Hard Disk or Memory Card
10
Video
34 Basic Recording
34 Shooting Video
35 Selecting the Video Quality (Recording Mode)
36 Zooming
37 Quick Start Function
37 Reviewing and Deleting the Last Scene Recorded
38 Basic Playback
38 Playing Back the Video
40 Changing the Index Screen Selection
41 Selecting Scenes by Recording Date
42 Selecting the Playback Starting Point from the Movie Timeline
43 Selecting Recordings from the Index Screen
44 Deleting Scenes
45 Advanced Functions
45 Special Scene Recording Programs
46 Changing the Shutter Speed and Aperture
47 Cinema Mode: Giving a Cinematic Look to your Recordings
48 Self Timer
48 Manual Exposure Adjustment and Automatic Backlight Correction
49 Manual Focus Adjustment
50 White Balance
51 Image Effects
52 Digital Effects
53 On-Screen Displays and Data Code
53 Audio Recording Level
54 Using Headphones
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55 Using the Mini Advanced Shoe
56 Using an External Microphone
57 Using a Video Light
57 Playlist and Scene Operations
57 Dividing Scenes
58 Editing the Playlist: Adding, Moving and Deleting Playlist Scenes
60 Copying Scenes
Table of contents
11
Photos
61 Basic Recording
61 Taking Photos
62 Selecting Photo Size and Quality
63 Deleting a Photo Right After Recording It
63 Basic Playback
63 Viewing Photos
65 Deleting Photos
66 Additional Functions
66 Magnifying Photos during Playback
66 Flash
67 Histogram Display
67 Drive Mode: Continuous Shooting and Exposure Bracketing
68 Taking Photos while Recording Movies
69 Light Metering Mode
69 Capturing a Photo from the Playback Scene
70 Protecting Photos
70 Copying Photos
71 Other Functions You Can Use when Taking Photos
72 Printing Photos
72 Printing Photos (Direct Print)
73 Selecting the Print Settings
75 Trimming Settings
76 Print Orders
(Simultaneous Recording)
External Connections
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78 Terminals on the Camcorder
79 Connection Diagrams
81 Playback on a TV Screen
82 Saving and Backing Up Your Recordings
82 Backing Up Your Recordings on a Computer
82 Authoring High-Definition (AVCHD) Discs and Photo DVDs
86 Copying your Recordings to an External Video Recorder
86 Transferring Photos to a Computer (Direct Transfer)
89 Transfer Orders
12
Additional Information
90 Appendix: Menu Options Lists
90 FUNC. Menu
92 Setup Menus
101 Trouble?
101 Troubleshooting
107 List of Messages
116 Do’s and Don’ts
116 Handling Precautions
120 Maintenance/Others
121 Using the Camcorder Abroad
122 General Information
122 System Diagram
123 Optional Accessories
127 Product Codes
128 Specifications
130 Index
Table of contents
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13
Introduction
About this Manual
Thank you for purchasing the Canon VIXIA HG21/VIXIA HG20. 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 ( 101).
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
• : Text that applies only to the model shown in the icon.
• The following terms are used in this manual:
• The photos included in this manual are simulated pictures taken with a still camera.
Unless indicated otherwise, illustrations and menu icons refer to the .
Refer to the
DVSD
“Screen” refers to the LCD and the viewfinder screen ( only).
“Hard disk” and “HDD” are used interchangeably to refer to the camcorder's builtin hard disk drive.
“Media” is used to refer collectively to either the built-in hard disk or an external
memory card.
PDF file in the supplied DIGITAL VIDEO Solution Disk CD-ROM.
Refer to the instruction manual of the optional DW-100 DVD Burner.
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“Digital Video Software” instruction manual, included as a
14
Special Scene Recording Programs
Names of buttons and switches other
than the joystick are indicated within
a “button” frame.
For example .
Brackets [ ] are used to refer to menu
options as they are displayed on
screen. In tables in this manual the
default value is shown in boldface.
For example [On], [Off].
In this manual, the arrow is used to abbreviate menu selections.
For a detailed explanation refer to Using the Menus ( 28).
The camcorder's operating mode is determined by the position of
the mode dial. In this manual, indicates that a function is
available and indicates that the function is not available. When
no operating mode icons are given, the function is available in all
operating modes.
FUNC.
Recording in a very bright ski resort or
capturing the full colors of a sunset or a
fireworks display becomes as easy as
selecting a Special Scene recording
program. For details about the available
options, refer to the sidebar on page
50.
FUNC.
[ Programmed AE]
[ Portrait]
Press to display the Special
Scene (SCN) recording programs
Desired rec ording prog ram
FUNC.
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15
Introduction
Getting to Kn ow the Camcorde r
Supplied Accessories
WL-D88 Wireless Controller
STV-250N
Stereo Video Cable
Yellow • Red • White plugs
CA-570 Compact Power
Adapter (incl. power cord)
CTC-100/S
Component Cable
Red • Green • Blue plugs
Lithium Button Battery
CR2025 for Wireless
Controller
Software CD-ROM
and Installation Guide
DIGITAL VIDEO
Solution Disk
BP-807 Battery Pack
Software CD-ROM1
and Installation Guide
PIXELA ImageMixer 3 SE
2
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IFC-400PCU USB Cable
1
Software for saving, managing, editing and playing back movies on your computer ( 82). The
CD-ROM includes the instruction manual of the software (electronic version on PDF file).
2
Software for saving, managing, retouching and printing photos ( 86). The CD-ROM includes
the instruction manual of the software (electronic version on PDF file).
16
Components Guide
Left side view
Right side view
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Front view
button ( 27)/
(print/share) button ( 73, 86)
DISP. (on-screen display) button
( 42, 53)/
BATT. INFO button ( 22)
Speaker ( 39)
Memory card slot ( 32)
USB terminal ( 80)
HDMI OUT terminal ( 79, 81)
AV OUT/ terminal ( 79)
COMPONENT OUT terminal ( 79)
MIC terminal ( 56)
Strap mount ( 25)
Grip belt
Instant AF sensor ( 94)
Flash ( 66)
Stereo microphone
17
Introduction
Back view
LCD panel
Top vie w
VIEWFINDER button* ( 35)
Viewfinder* ( 26, 35)
Dioptric adjustment lever* ( 35)
Battery attachment unit ( 23)
RESET button ( 104)
ACCESS indicator ( 34, 61)/
CHG (charge) indicator ( 23)
Start/Stop button ( 34)
Mode dial
Recording movies ( 34)
Taking photos ( 61)
Playing back movies ( 38)
Viewing photos ( 63)
DC IN terminal ( 23)
Remote sensor ( 25)
LCD screen ( 26)
Joystick ( 28)
FUNC. button ( 28, 90)
/ (play/pause) button ( 38)/
START/STOP button ( 34)
(fast reverse) button ( 38)/
Zoom out W (wide-angle) button ( 36)
(fast forward) button ( 38)/
Zoom in T (telephoto) button ( 36)
(stop) button ( 38)/
BLC (backlight correction) button ( 48)
Mini advanced shoe ( 55)
Zoom lever ( 36)
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PHOTO button ( 61)
ON/OFF button
indicator
* only.
18
B
ottom view
Wireless Controller WL-D88
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Tripod socket ( 117)
BATTERY RELEASE switch ( 24)
Serial number
The serial number label is located on the
top surface of the battery attachment unit.
Remove the battery pack to find it.
START/STOP button ( 34)
FUNC. button ( 28, 90)
MENU button ( 29, 92)
PLAYLIST button ( 58)
Navigation buttons ( / / / )
(frame reverse) button ( 39)
(fast reverse) button ( 39)
(play) button ( 38)
(pause) button ( 38)
(stop) button ( 38)
PHOTO button ( 61)
Zoom buttons ( 36)
SET button
(frame advance) button ( 39)
(fast forward) button ( 39)
DISP. (on-screen display) button
( 42, 53)
19
Introduction
Screen Displays
Recording Movies
Playing Movies
(During Playback)
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Operating mode
Recording program ( 45, 46)
White balance ( 50)
Image effect ( 51)
Digital effect ( 52)
Recording mode ( 35)
Photo quality/size
(simultaneous recording) ( 68)
Remote sensor off ( 98)
Hard disk/memory card operation ( 22)
Instant AF ( 94),
MF Manual focus ( 49)
Remaining battery time ( 22)
While recording/during playback:
Scene counter (hours : minutes : seconds)
Record pause mode: Total number of
scenes
Remaining recording time
On the hard disk
On the memory card
Image stabilizer ( 94)
24F progressive frame rate ( 22)
Backlight correction ( 49)
Drop sensor off ( 99)
Audio level indicator ( 53)
Microphone attenuator ( 95)
Mini advanced shoe ( 55)
Headphone output ( 54)
Wind screen off ( 94)
Level marker ( 93)
Scene number
Data code ( 53)
20
Recording Photos
Viewing Photos
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Zoom ( 36), Exposure ( 48)
Recording program ( 45, 46)
Light metering mode ( 69)
White balance ( 50)
Image effect ( 51)
Digital effect ( 52)
Drive mode ( 67)
Photo quality/size ( 62)
Instant AF ( 94),
MF Manual focus ( 49)
Remaining battery time ( 22)
Number of available photos
On the hard disk
On the memory card
Image stabilizer ( 94)
Self timer ( 48)
AF frame ( 94)
Camcorder shake warning ( 94)
Focus and exposure lock ( 61)
Flash ( 66)
Histogram ( 67)
Current photo / Total number of photos
Photo number ( 98)
Protected photo mark ( 70)
Date and time of recording
Manual focus ( 49)
File size
Manual exposure ( 48)
Photo size ( 62)
Aperture value ( 46)
Shutter speed ( 46)
21
Introduction
Hard disk/memory card operation
Record, Record pause,
Playback, Playback pause,
Fast playback,
Fast reverse playback,
Slow playback,
Slow reverse playback,
Frame advance,
Frame reverse
, Remaining battery time
100% 75% 50% 25% 0%
• The icon shows a rough estimate of the
remaining charge as a percentage of the full
charge of the battery pack. The remaining
recording/playback time of the battery pack is
displayed, in minutes, next to the icon.
• When is displayed in red, replace the
battery pack with a fully charged one.
• When you attach an empty battery pack, the
power may turn off without displaying .
• Depending on the conditions under which the
camcorder and the battery pack are used, the
actual battery charge may not be indicated
accurately.
• When the camcorder is off, press
COPY
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.
BATT.INFO
Remaining recording time
When there is no more free space on the
recording media, “ END” (built-in hard disk)
or “ END” (memory card) will be displayed
and the recording will stop.
24F progressive frame rate
Select the 24F progressive frame rate ( 47) 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: No card
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.
Photo number
The photo number indicates the name and
location of the file on the memory card. For
example, the file name of a photo numbered
101-0107 is “IMG_0107.JPG”, stored under the
folder “DCIM\101CANON”.
22
Preparations
This chapter describes basic operations, such as navigating the
menus, and first time settings to help you learn more about your
camcorder.
Getting Started
Charging the Battery Pack
The camcorder can be powered with a
battery pack or directly using the
compact power adapter. Charge the
battery pack before use.
For approximate charging times and
recording/playback times with a full
battery pack, refer to the tables on
pages 123-124.
DC IN terminal
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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.
CHG (charge)
indicator
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
(the indicator is off).
• The CHG (charge) indicator starts
flashing. The indicator will stay on
when the charging is completed.
• If the indicator flashes quickly,
refer to Troubl e s h o o t i n g ( 101).
23
Preparations
TO REMOVE THE BATTERY PACK
BATTERY RELEASE
switch
1Slide in the
2 Slide the battery pack down and
• Turn off the camcorder before
• We recommend charging the battery
• Do not connect to the camcorder’s DC
• To prevent equipment breakdowns and
BATTERY RELEASE
direction of the arrow and hold it
pressed down.
then pull it out.
IMPORTANT
connecting or disconnecting the
compact power adapter. After pressing
ON/OFF
important data is updated on the hard
disk. Be sure to wait until the
indicator turns off.
pack in temperatures between 10 °C
and 30 °C (50 °F and 86 °F). Outside the
temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C
(32 °F to 104 °F), charging will not start.
IN terminal or to the compact power
adapter any electrical equipment that is
not expressly recommended for use
with this camcorder.
excessive heating, do not connect the
supplied compact power adapter to
voltage converters for overseas travels
or special power sources such as those
to turn off the camcorder,
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on aircraft and ships, DC-AC inverters,
etc.
NOTES
• The battery pack will be charged only
when the camcorder is off.
• If remaining battery time is an issue, you
can power the camcorder using the
compact power adapter so the battery
pack will not be consumed.
• Charged battery packs continue to
discharge naturally. Therefore, charge
them on the day of use, or the day
before, to ensure a full charge.
• We recommend that you prepare battery
packs to last 2 to 3 times longer than
you think you might need.
• USA and Canada only: The
Lithium ion/polymer
battery that powers this
product is recyclable.
Please call
1-800-8-BATTERY for
information on how to recycle this
battery.
Preparing the Wireless Controller and Accessories
First, insert the supplied lithium button
battery CR2025 into the wireless
controller.
Ta b
24
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.
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• If the wireless controller does not work,
check that [Wireless Remote
Control] is not set to [ Off ]
( 98). Otherwise, replace the battery.
Accessories
Fasten the grip belt.
Adjust the grip belt so that you can reach
the zoom lever with your index finger, and
the button with your thumb.
Start/Stop
TO ATTACH A SHOULDER STRAP
NOTES
• The wireless controller may not work
properly when the remote sensor is
situated under strong light sources or
direct sunlight.
Pass the ends of the shoulder strap
through the strap mount on the grip
belt and adjust the length of the
strap.
25
Preparations
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°
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180°
NOTES
About the LCD and viewfinder* screen: 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.
* only.
LCD Backlight
You can set the brightness of the
screen to normal or bright. This
changes the brightness of both the LCD
and viewfinder* screen.
* only.
DISP.
Hold pressed down for more
than 2 seconds.
Repeat this action to toggle between
the normal and bright settings.
Subject can monitor the LCD screen
while you use the viewfinder
26
NOTES
• This setting does not affect the
brightness of the recording.
• Using the bright setting will shorten the
effective usage time of the battery pack.
Basic Operation of the Camcorder
The Button: Mode or Flexible Recording
The camcorder offers two basic modes
for recording video or photos:
mode for beginners or if you just prefer
not to bother with detailed camcorder
settings, and flexible recording mode
which lets you change the camcorder's
settings to your preference.
EASY MODE
FLEXIBLE RECORDING
Press the button again to return
to the flexible recording mode (the
button's light is off). You can access the
menus and change settings to your
preference. Even in flexible recording
mode, the camcorder can help you with
the settings. For example, you can use
the Special Scene recording programs
45) to set at once all the optimal
(
settings to match special recording
conditions.
NOTES
In mode you cannot access the
menus but you can change the following
settings in advance, before setting the
camcorder to mode.
- Recording mode of movies
- Size/quality of photos
- Auto slow shutter
- All settings under the setup menu’s
, and tabs.
Press the button to enter the
be on). You do not need to worry about
any settings and can shoot video using
just the zoom lever ( 36) and
Start/Stop
just the zoom lever and ( 61).
The viewfinder ( only) and Quick
Start function can also be used in
mode.
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mode (the button's blue light will
( 34) or take photos using
PHOTO
27
Preparations
Joystick and Joystick Guide
Use the joystick to operate the
camcorder's menus.
Push the joystick up, down, left or right ( ,
) to select an item or change settings.
Press the joystick itself ( ) to save the
settings or confirm an action. On menu
screens, this is indicated by the icon .
Press to display/hide the joystick
guide. The functions that appear on the
joystick guide will change depending
on the operating mode.
Using the Menus
Many of the camcorder’s functions can
be adjusted from the menus that open
after pressing the FUNC. button
FUNC.
( ). To access the menus set the
camcorder to flexible recording mode.
In mode, except for a few
exceptions, most menu settings will
return to their default values ( 27).
For details about the available menu
options and settings, refer to the
appendix Menu Options Lists ( 90).
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Selecting a FUNC. Menu Option
Following is an example of selecting a
FUNC. menu option in a recording
mode.
1 Press .
FUNC.
2 Select ( ) the icon of the
function you want to change from
the left side column.
Menu items not available will appear
grayed out.
3 Select ( ) the desired setting
from the available options at the
bottom bar.
• The selected option will be
highlighted in orange.
• With some settings you will need
to make further selections and/or
press . Follow the additional
operation guides that will appear
on the screen (such as the
icon, small arrows, etc.).
4 Press to save the settings
FUNC.
and close the menu.
You can press to close the
menu at any time.
FUNC.
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Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus
1 Press .
2 Select ( , ) the icon and
3 Select ( ) the tab of the desired
4 Select ( ) the setting you want
5 Select ( ) the desired option and
6 Press .
FUNC.
press to open the setup
menus.
You can also hold pressed
down for more than 1 second or
MENU
press on the wireless
controller to open directly the setup
menus screen.
menu.
The settings available will change as
you move between the menu tabs.
to change and press .
• The orange selection bar indicates
the menu setting currently
selected. Menu items not available
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appear grayed out.
• Move ( ) the orange selection
bar to the tabs at the top of the
screen to select a different menu
(step 3).
press to save the setting.
FUNC.
You can press to close the
menu at any time.
FUNC.
FUNC.
NOTES
A small font size is used in menu screens
so you can see all options and current
settings in one screen. You can enlarge
the font size by setting [Font Size]
to [ Large] but you may have to scroll
down to find some menu options and only
the icons of the current settings will be
displayed.
29
Preparations
First Time Settings
Setting the Date and Time
You will need to set the date and time of
the camcorder before you can start
using it. The [Date/Time] screen will
appear automatically when the
camcorder’s clock is not set.
When the [Date/Time] screen
appears, the year will be displayed in
orange and indicated with up/down
arrows.
1 Change ( ) the year and move
( ) to the month.
2 Change the rest of the fields
(month, day, hour and minutes) in
the same way.
3 Select ( ) [OK] and press to
start the clock and close the setup
screen.
• 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
( 119) and set the time zone, date
and time again.
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IMPORTANT
• The date appears in a year-month-day
format only in the first setup screen. In
subsequent screen displays the date
and time will appear as month-day-year
(for example, [Jan. 1, 2008 12:00 AM]).
You can change the date format ( 99).
• You can also change the date and time
later on (not during the initial setup).
Open the [Date/Time] screen from the
setup menus:
FUNC.
[ Menu]
[Date/Time]
Changing the Language
Options
[][MAGYAR][]
[DEUTSCH][MELAYU][]
[][POLSKI][]
[ENGLISH]
[ESPAÑOL][TÜRKÇE][]
[FRANÇAIS][ ] [ ]
[ITALIANO][ ] [ ]
FUNC.
[ Menu]
[Language ]
Desired language
FUNC.
NOTES
The displays and that appear
in some menu screens refer to the name of
buttons on the camcorder and will not
change, regardless of the language
selected.
[] [ ]
Default value
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