Canon VIXIA HG20, VIXIA HG21 Instruction Manual

PUB. DIM-879B

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HD Camcorder						Y
Instruction Manual						P	Español
Caméscope HD
Manuel d'instruction
Videocámara HD			O
Manual de Instrucciones
C

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.

Important Usage Instructions

WARNING!

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

WARNING!

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

COPYRIGHT WARNING:

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

		HD Camcorder, VIXIA 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
							Y
		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.
						P
		The cable with the ferrite core provided with the digital video camcorder must be used with this equipment in order to comply with
			lass 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.
			anon U.S.A. Inc.	O
		One anon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042, U.S.A.
		Tel No. [phone]
			AUTION:
		TO PREVENT ELE			SHO K, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
		TRIC

Important 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.

2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

In these safety instructions the word “product” refers		The 2-prong polarized plug will fit into the power
to the Canon HD Camcorder VIXIA HG21 A / VIXIA		outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you
HG20 A and all its accessories.		are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet,
		try reversing the plug. If the plug still fails to fit,
1	Read Instructions — All the safety and operating
		contact your electrician to replace your obsolete
	instructions should be read before the product is	outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
2	operated.	polarized plug.
	Retain Instructions — The safety and operating	12 Power Cord Protection — Power cords should be
	instructions should be retained for future	routed so that they are not likely to be walked on
3	reference.	or pinched by items placed upon or against them.
	Heed Warnings — All warnings on the product	Pay particular attention to plugs and the point
	and in the operating instructions should be	from which the cords exit the product.
4	adhered to.	13 Outdoor Antenna Grounding — If an outside
	Follow Instructions — All operating and	antenna is connected to the product, be sure the
	maintenance instructions should be followed.	antenna is grounded so as to provide some
5		protection against voltage surges and built-up
	Cleaning — Unplug this product from the wall
		static charges. Section 810 of the National
	outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or	Electrical Code, ANSI / NFPA No. 70—1984,
	aerosol cleaners. The product should be cleaned
		provides information with respect to proper
6	only as recommended in this manual.	grounding of the mast and supporting structure,
	Accessories — Do not use accessories not	grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna
	recommended in this manual as they may be	discharge unit, size of grounding conductors,
	hazardous.	location of antenna discharge unit, connection to
		Y
7	Avoid magnetic or electric fields — Do not use	grounding electrodes, and requirements for the
		grounding electrode. See figure 1.
	the camera close to TV transmitters, portable
	communication devices or other sources of	Fig. 1 EXAM LE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER NATIONAL
	electric or magnetic radiation. They may cause	ELECTRICAL CODE
	picture interference, or permanently damagePthe
8	camera.
	Water and Moisture — Hazard of electric shock		ANTENNA LEAD
			IN WIRE
	— Do not use this product near water or in rainy/	GROUND
	moist situations.		ANTENNA DISCHARGE UNIT
		CLAMP
9	Placing or MovingO— Do not place on an unstable		(NEC SECTION 810-20)
	cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table. The product	ELECTRIC	GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
	may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult,	SERVICE	(NEC SECTION 810-21)
	and serious damage to the product.	EQUIPMENT
			GROUND CLAMPS
	A product and cart
			POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
	combination should be moved	NEC - NATIONAL	ELECTRODE SYSTEM
C		ELECTRICAL CODE	(NEC ART 250. PART H)
	with care. Quick stops,
	excessive force, and uneven	14 Lightning — For added protection of this product
	surfaces may cause the
		during a lightning storm, or when it is left
	product and cart combination
		unattended and unused for long periods of time,
	to overturn.
10	Power Sources — The CA-570 Compact Power	disconnect it from the wall outlet and disconnect
		the antenna. This will prevent damage to the
	Adapter should be operated only from the type of
		product due to lightning and power-line surges.
	power source indicated on the marking label. If
	you are not sure of the type of power supply to	15 Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets and
	your home, consult your product dealer or local

	power company. Regarding other power sources	extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire
		or electric shock.
	such as battery power, refer to instructions in this
	manual.

11Polarization — The CA-570 Compact Power Adapter is equipped with a polarized 2-prong plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other).

3

When replacement of the power supply is required, please return it to the responsible nearest Canon Service Center Cand please replace it with the same type number CA-570.

	16 Objects and Liquid Entry — Never push objects				d. If the product does not operate normally even
	of any kind into this product through openings as				if you follow the operating instructions. Adjust
	they may touch dangerous voltage points or short				only those controls that are covered by the
	out parts that could result in a fire or electric				operation instructions. Improper adjustment of
	shock. Be careful not to spill liquid of any kind				other controls may result in damage and will
	onto the product.				often require extensive work by a qualified
	17 Servicing — Do not attempt to service this				technician to restore the product to its normal
	product yourself as opening or removing covers				operation.
					e. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet
	may expose you to dangerous voltage or other
					has been damaged.
	hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service
					f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in
	personnel.
					performance. This indicates a need for
	18 Damage Requiring Service — Disconnect this
					service.
	product from the wall outlet and all power			19 Replacement Parts — When replacement parts
	sources including battery, and refer servicing to
					are required, be sure the service technician has
	qualified service personnel under the following
					used replacement parts that are specified by
	conditions:
					Canon or that have the same characteristics as
	a. When the power-supply cord or plug is
					the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may
	damaged.
					result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.
	b. If any liquid has been spilled onto, or objects
				20 Safety Check — Upon completion of any service
	have fallen into, the product.
	c. If the product has been exposed to rain or				or repairs to this product, ask the service
	water.				technician to perform safety checks to determine
					Y
					that the product is in safe operating order.
			P
		O

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 lass B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

4

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

Register your product online at www.registercanon.com

Protect your product

We will keep the model number and date of purchase of your new Canon product on file to help you refer to this information in the event of an insurance claim such as loss or theft.

Receive information on new products and promotions

Upon your request, we will send you information on Canon new products and promotions.

		Y
	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.	P
	Date of Purchase:	Model Name: VIXIA HG21 A /
		VIXIA HG20 A
	Purchased From:	Serial No.:
	O
	Dealer Address:
	Dealer Phone No.:
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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 Interface 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 MPEG-4 standard and may be used for encoding MPEG-4 compliant video and/or decoding MPEG-4 compliant video that was encoded only (1) for a personal and non-commercial purpose or (2) by a video provider licensed under the AT&T patents to provide MPEG-4 compliant video. No license is granted or implied for any other use for MPEG-4 standard.

5

1,080 lines

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?

CaptureYthe 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
			1
	video at a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080Ppixels . This results in video recordings of
	unparalleled high quality, fine detail and lifelike vivid colors.
	How does full high definition compare with standard-definition TV broadcasts?
			ApproximatelyO6 times the number of pixels.
	6
			More than twice the number of scanning lines.
	2
	“Full HD 1080” refers to anon camcorders compliant with high-definition
Cvideo composed of 1,080 vertical pixels (scanning lines).
	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.

1Video 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 wantYto 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 highP-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

O
SD/SDHC		memory card slot4. For details, refer to the instruction
that feature an
manual of your TV or digital video recorder.
• You can play back AV	HD discs of your recordings created using the optional
DW-100 DVD Burner (		82) on the DVD Burner itself or on AVCHD-compatible

DVD players or Blu-ray Disc players5.

2 For details about memory cards that can be used with this camcorder refer to Using a Memory Card ( 31).

3AVCHD 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.

4Depending 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.

5AVCHD 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 Y important recordings. Canon shall not be

liable for any loss or corruption of data.

Do not subject the camcorder toP vibrations or strong impacts

The hard disk is a high-precision device. Vibrations, strongOimpacts or dropping the camcorder may result in permanent data loss.

Keep the drop sensor activated Cwhenever 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.

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

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.

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.
	Y
	Use the camcorder within its operating
	temperature range
	P
	If the camcorder's temperature becomes too
	hot or too cold, recording/playback may stop
	in order to prevent hard disk damage.
O
	Do not use the camcorder at high
	altitudes
	Turning on or using the camcorder in places
C	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

As movies are recorded and deleted over time, hard disk fragmentation may occur, which may reduce performance. Initialize the hard disk should this happen.

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

				Y
16 Getting to Know the Camcorder
16	Supplied Accessories
17	Components Guide
20	Screen Displays
Preparations			P
23	O
	Getting Started
23	Charging the Battery			ack
24	Preparing the Wireless Controller and Accessories
C
26	Adjusting the Position and Brightness of the LCD Screen
27	Basic	peration 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
30	Changing the Language
31	Changing the Time Zone

31 Using a Memory Card

31Memory Cards Compatible for Use with the Camcorder

32Inserting and Removing a Memory Card

33Selecting the Recording Media

33 Initializing the Hard Disk or Memory Card

10

Table of contents

Video

34Basic Recording

34Shooting Video

35Selecting the Video Quality (Recording Mode)

36Zooming

37Quick Start Function

37Reviewing and Deleting the Last Scene Recorded

38Basic Playback

38 Playing Back the Video

40Changing the Index Screen SelectionY

41Selecting Scenes by Recording Date

42Selecting the Playback Starting Point from the Movie Timeline

43Selecting Recordings from the Index Screen

44Deleting Scenes

45Advanced Functions

45Special Scene Recording rograms

46Changing the Shutter Speed and Aperture

47Cinema Mode: Giving a Cinematic Look to your Recordings

48Self Timer P

48Manual Exposure Adjustment and Automatic Backlight Correction

49Manual Focus Adjustment

50White Balance

51Image Effects

52Digital Effects

53On-Screen Displays and Data CodeCO

53Audio Recording Level

54Using Headphones

55Using the Mini Advanced Shoe

56Using an External Microphone

57Using a Video Light

57Playlist and Scene Operations

57Dividing Scenes

58Editing the Playlist: Adding, Moving and Deleting Playlist Scenes

60Copying Scenes

11

Photos

61Basic Recording

61Taking Photos

62Selecting Photo Size and Quality

63Deleting a Photo Right After Recording It

63 Basic Playback

63 Viewing Photos

65Deleting Photos

66Additional 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
		Photos
	(Simultaneous Recording)
69	Light Metering Mode
69	Capturing a		from the	layback Scene
70	Protecting			Y
70	Copying Photos
71	ther Functions You Can Use when Taking hotos
72	Printing Photos
C
72	Printing Photos (Direct Print)
73	Selecting the Print Settings
75	Trimming Settings
76	OPrint rders

External onnections

78Terminals on the Camcorder

79Connection Diagrams

81Playback on a TV Screen

82Saving and Backing Up Your Recordings

82Backing 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

Table of contents

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
		P
122	System Diagram		Y
123	Optional Accessories
127	Product Codes
128	Specifications
	O
130	Index
C

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.
							Y
	•				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.
						P
		To complete some operations you will need to refer also to other instruction
		manuals. This will be indicated with the following icons:
		DVSD				Refer to the “Digital Video Software” instruction manual, included as a
						O
						PDF file in the supplied DIGITAL VIDEO Solution Disk CD-ROM.
		DW-100 Refer to the instruction manual of the optional DW-100 DVD Burner.
	•					: Text that applies only to the model shown in the icon.
C
	• The following terms are used in this manual:
		“Screen” refers to the L D 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.

• The photos included in this manual are simulated pictures taken with a still camera. Unless indicated otherwise, illustrations and menu icons refer to the .

14

			Special Scene Recording Programs
Names of buttons and switches other			Recording in a very bright ski resort or
than the joystick are indicated within			capturing the full colors of a sunset or a
a “button” frame.			fireworks display becomes as easy as
			selecting a Special Scene recording
For example FUNC. .			program. For details about the available
			options, refer to the sidebar on page
			50.
Brackets [ ] are used to refer to menu			FUNC.
options as they are displayed on
				[	Programmed AE]
screen. In tables in this manual the
				[	Portrait]
default value is shown in boldface.				Press to display the Special
				Scene (SCN) recording programs
For example [On], [Off].
				Desired recording program

FUNC.

In this manual, the arrow is used to abbreviate menu selections.
For a detailed explanation refer to Using the MenusY( 28).
O
The camcorder's operating mode is determined by the position of
the mode dial. In this manual,Pindicates that a function is
C
available and	indicates that the function is not available. When

no operating mode icons are given, the function is available in all operating modes.

15

Introduction

Supplied Accessories

CA-570 Compact Power

BP-807 Battery Pack

Adapter (incl. power cord)

			Lithium Button Battery
WL-D88 Wireless Controller			CR2025 for Wireless
			Controller
			Y
		CTC-100/S		Software CD-ROM1
		Component Cable		and Installation Guide
		Red • Green • Blue plugs		PIXELA ImageMixer 3 SE
		P
STV-250N	OSoftware CD-ROM2
Stereo Video	able		and Installation Guide
			DIGITAL VIDEO
Yellow • Red • White plugs
			Solution Disk
C

IFC-400PCU USB Cable

1Software 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).

2Software 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				button (		27)/
				(print/share) button (				73, 86)
			DISP. (on-screen display) button
			(	42, 53)/
			BATT. INFO button (				22)
			Speaker (		39)
			Y
			Memory card slot (				32)
			USB terminal (			80)
			HDMI OUT terminal (				79, 81)
		P
			AV OUT/		terminal (		79)
			COM ONENT OUT terminal (					79)
			MIC terminal (			56)
	O		Strap mount (			25)
Right side view			Grip belt
			Instant AF sensor (				94)
			Flash (		66)
C			Stereo microphone

Front view

17

Introduction

Back view		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
		Y
		Recording movies ( 34)
		Taking photos (			61)
		Playing back movies (				38)
		Viewing photos (			63)
	START/STOP
		DC IN terminal (		23)
LCD panel		Remote sensor (		25)
		LCD screen (	26)
		Joystick ( 28)
		FUNC. button (	28, 90)
		/ (play/pause) button (				38)/
		button (			34)
C		(fast reverse) button (				38)/
	O	Zoom out W (wide-angle) button (					36)
		(fast forward) button (				38)/
		Zoom in T (telephoto) button ( 36)
Top view		(stop) button (		38)/
		BLC (backlight correction) button (					48)
		Mini advanced shoe (			55)
		Zoom lever (	36)
		PHOTO button (		61)
		ON/OFF button
		indicator
	*	only.

18

Bottom view

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.

Wireless Controller WL-D88		Y
			button (		34)
	START/STOP			28, 90)
O		FUNC. button (
		MENU button (		29, 92)
		PLAYLIST button (			58)
		Navigation buttons (			/	/	/	)
C			(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	Operating mode
	Recording program (					45, 46)
	White balance (			50)
	Image effect (			51)
	Digital effect (			52)
	Y
	Recording mode (					35)
	Photo quality/size
	(simultaneous recording) (							68)
	Remote sensor off (					98)
	P
Playing Movies	Hard disk/memory card operation (								22)
		Instant AF (			94),
(During Playback)	MF Manual focus (					49)
	Remaining battery time (							22)
O
	While recording/during playback:
	Scene counter (hours : minutes : seconds)
	Record pause mode: Total number of
C	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		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),
Viewing Photos		MF Manual focus (				49)
		Remaining battery time (						22)
		Number of available photos
		On the hard disk
		Y
		On the memory card
		Image stabilizer (				94)
		Self timer (		48)
	P
O		AF frame (		94)
		Camcorder shake warning (						94)
		Focus and exposure lock (						61)
		Flash (	66)
		Histogram (		67)
C
		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

Remaining recording time

Record,

Record pause,

When there is no more free space on the

Playback,

Playback pause,

recording media, “

END” (built-in hard disk)

Fast playback,

or “

END” (memory card) will be displayed

Fast reverse playback,

and the recording will stop.

Slow playback,

Slow reverse playback,

24F progressive frame rate

Frame advance,

Select the 24F progressive frame rate (

47) to

Frame reverse

give your recordings a cinematic look.

ou can

combine this frame rate with the [

Cine

,

Remaining battery time

Mode] recording program to enhance the effect.

100%

75%

50%

25%

0%

Number of available photos

in red: No card

in green: 6 or more photos

• The icon shows a rough estimate of the

in yellow: 1 to 5 photos

remaining charge as a percentage of the full

Y

charge of the battery pack. The remaining

in red: No more photos can be recorded

recording/playback time of the battery pack is

• When viewing the photos, the display will

displayed, in minutes, next to the icon.

always be in green.

• When

is displayed in red, replacePthe • Depending on the recording conditions, the

battery pack with a fully charged one.

number of available photos displayed may not

• When you attach an empty battery pack, the

decrease even after a recording has been

power may turn off without displaying

.

made, or may decrease by 2 photos at once.

• Depending on theOconditions under which the

Photo number

camcorder and the battery pack are used, the

actual battery charge may not be indicated

The photo number indicates the name and

accurately.

location of the file on the memory card. For

• When the camcorder is off, press BATT.INFO

example, the file name of a photo numbered

C

101-0107 is “IMG_0107.JPG”, stored under the

to display the charge status of a battery pack.

The Intelligent System will display the charge

folder “DCIM\101CANON”.

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.

22

5 Charging will start when the camcorder is turned off (the indicator is off).

Preparations

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

3 Connect the compact power

	Getting Started			adapter to the camcorder’s DC IN
				terminal.
				CHG (charge)
				indicator
	Charging the Battery Pack		Y
	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.	P
			4	Attach the battery pack to the
				camcorder.
	IN terminal			Press the battery pack softly into the
	O			battery attachment unit and slide it
				up until it clicks in place.
	DC

• The CHG (charge) indicator starts flashing. The indicator will stay on when the charging is completed.

• If the indicator flashes quickly, refer to Troubleshooting ( 101).

1Connect the power cord to the compact power adapter.

2Plug the power cord into a power outlet.

23

Preparations

	TO REMOVE THE BATTERY PACK		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
	BATTERY RELEASE		discharge naturally. Therefore, charge
	switch		them on the day of use, or the day
			before, to ensure a full charge.
	1 Slide BATTERY RELEASE in the		• We recommend that you prepare battery
	direction of the arrow and hold it		packs to last 2 to 3 times longer than
	pressed down.		you think you might need.
	2 Slide the battery pack down and		• USA and Canada only: The
			Y
	then pull it out.		Lithium ion/polymer
			battery that powers this
	IMPORTANT		product is recyclable.
			lease call
		P
	• Turn off the camcorder before		1-800-8-BATTERY for
			information on how to recycle this
	connecting or disconnecting the
			battery.
	compact power adapter. After pressing
	ON/OFF to turnOoff the camcorder,
	important data is updated on the hard
	disk. Be sure to wait until the
	indicator turns off.		Preparing the Wireless Controller and
	• We recommend charging the battery		Accessories
	C
	pack in temperatures between 10 °C
	and 30 °C (50 °F and 86 °F). Outside the
	temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C		First, insert the supplied lithium button
	(32 °F to 104 °F), charging will not start.		battery CR2025 into the wireless

	• Do not connect to the camcorder’s DC	controller.
	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	Tab
	voltage converters for overseas travels
	or special power sources such as those

24

1Press the tab in the direction of the arrow and pull out the battery holder.

2Place the lithium button battery with the + side facing up.

3 Insert the battery holder.

TO USE THE WIRELESS CONTROLLER

•If the wireless controller does not work,

check that [Wireless Remote Control] is not set to [ Off ]

( 98). Otherwise, replace the battery.

Accessories

		Y
	P
	O
		Fasten the grip belt.
		Adjust the grip belt so that you can reach
		the zoom lever with your index finger, and
	C	the Start/Stop button with your thumb.
		TO ATTACH A SHOULDER STRAP
	Point the wireless controller at the
	camcorder’s remote sensor when
	you press the buttons.
	You can rotate the LCD panel 180
	degrees to use the wireless controller
	from the front of the camcorder.

NOTES

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

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					NOTES
	of the LCD Screen				About the LCD and viewfinder* screen: The
					screens are produced using extremely
	Rotating the LCD Panel				high-precision manufacturing techniques,
					with more than 99.99% of the pixels
	Open the LCD panel 90 degrees.				operating to specification. Less than
					0.01% of the pixels may occasionally
	• You can rotate the panel 90 degrees
					misfire or appear as black, red, blue or
	downward.
					green dots. This has no effect on the
	• You can rotate the panel 180 degrees
					recorded image and does not constitute a
	toward the lens. Rotating the LCD					Y
					malfunction.
	panel 180 degrees can be useful in				*		only.
	the following cases:				LCD Backlight
	-	To allow the subject to monitor
				P
		the LCD screen while you use the			You can set the brightness of the
		viewfinder.			screen to normal or bright. This
	- To include yourself in the picture when				changes the brightness of both the LCD
		recording with the self timer.
			O
	- To allow the camcorder to be operated				and viewfinder* screen.
		with the wireless controller from the			*		only.
		front.
	C
		180°
		90°			Hold DISP. pressed down for more
					than 2 seconds.
					Repeat this action to toggle between
		180°			the normal and bright settings.

NOTES

Subject can monitor the LCD screen while you use the viewfinder

•This setting does not affect the brightness of the recording.

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

26

	Basic Operation of the					FLEXIBLE RECORDING
	Camcorder				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
	The	Button:	Mode or		preference. Even in flexible recording
					mode, the camcorder can help you with
	Flexible Recording
					the settings. For example, you can use
					the Special Scene recording programs
	The camcorder offers two basic modes				( 45) to set at once all the optimal
					settings to match special recording
	for recording video or photos:
					conditions.
	mode for beginners or if you just prefer
	not to bother with detailed camcorder					NOTES
	settings, and flexible recording mode
	which lets you change the camcorder's				In	mode you cannot access the
	settings to your preference.
					menus but you can change the following
					Y
					settings in advance, before setting the
					camcorder to		mode.
						- Recording mode of movies
				P- Size/quality of photos
						- Auto slow shutter
						- All settings under the setup menu’s

	O		,	and	tabs.
EASY MODE
C
Press the	button to enter the
mode (the button's blue light will
be on). You do not need to worry about
any settings and can shoot video using
just the zoom lever (		36) and
Start/Stop (	34) or take photos using
just the zoom lever and		PHOTO ( 61).
The viewfinder (		only) and Quick
Start function can also be used in
mode.

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.
						Selecting a FUNC. Menu Option
						Following is an example of selecting a
						Y
						FUNC. menu option in a recording
						mode.
				P
	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.					1 ress FUNC. .
						2 Select (	) the icon of the
						function you want to change from
	Using the Menus					the left side column.
		OMenu items not available will appear
						grayed out.
	Many of the camcorder’s functions can					3 Select (	) the desired setting
	be adjusted from the menus that open					from the available options at the
	after pressing the		. button
						bottom bar.
	FUNC
	( FUNC. ). To access the menus set the					• The selected option will be
	camcorder to flexible recording mode.
						highlighted in orange.
	In	mode, except for a few
						• With some settings you will need
	exceptions, most menu settings will
						to make further selections and/or
	return to their default values ( 27).
						press	. Follow the additional
	For details about the available menu
						operation guides that will appear
	options and settings, refer to the
						on the screen (such as the
	appendix Menu Options Lists (				90).
						icon, small arrows, etc.).
						4 Press FUNC. to save the settings
						and close the menu.
						You can press FUNC. to close the
						menu at any time.

28

Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus

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.

1 Press FUNC. .

Y

2 Select (

,

) the

icon and

press

to open the setup

menus.

You can also hold FUNC. pressed

down for more than 1 second or

press MENU

on the wireless

controller to open directly the setup

menus screen.

3 Select (

) the tab of the desired

menu.

P

The settings available will change as

you move between the menu tabs.

4 Select (

O) the setting you want

to change and press

.

• The orange selection bar indicates

the menu setting currently

selected. Menu items not available

C

appear grayed out.

• Move (

) the orange selection

bar to the tabs at the top of the

screen to select a different menu

(step 3).

5 Select (

) the desired option and

press

to save the setting.

6 Press FUNC. .

You can press FUNC. to close the menu at any time.

29

Preparations

First Time Settings				• 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]).
Setting the Date and Time				You can change the date format (						99).
				• You can also change the date and time
				later on (not during the initial setup).
You will need to set the date and time of				Open the [Date/Time] screen from the
				setup menus:
the camcorder before you can start
					FUNC.	[	Menu]
using it. The [Date/Time] screen will
						[Date/Time]
appear automatically when the
camcorder’s clock is not set.
				Changing the Language
					Y
				ptions					Default value
				[	]		[MAGYAR]		[	]
When the [Date/Time] screen				[DEUTSCH]			[MELAYU]		[	]
		P
appears, the year will be displayed in				[	]		[POLSKI]		[	]
orange and indicated with up/down
				[ENGLISH]			[	]	[	]
arrows.
1 hange (	) the year and move			[ESPAÑOL]			[TÜRKÇE]		[	]
	O
( ) to the month.				[FRANÇAIS]			[	]	[	]
2 hange the rest of the fields
				[ITALIANO]			[	]	[	]
(month, day, hour and minutes) in
the same way.				FUNC.
C			to	[	Menu]
3 Select (	) [OK] and press
start the clock and close the setup				[Language			]
screen.				Desired language

FUNC.

IMPORTANT

•When you do not use the camcorder for about 3 months, the built-in rechargeable lithium battery may discharge completely and the date and time setting may be lost. In such case, recharge the built-in lithium battery

( 119) and set the time zone, date and time again.

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.

30