Canon XA11 Users Manual

HD Camcorder

PUB.DIE-0508-000

Instruction Manual

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

Trademark Acknowledgements

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

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

• macOS is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

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

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

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

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

• This device incorporates exFAT technology licensed from Microsoft.

• “Full HD 1080” refers to Canon camcorders compliant with high-definition video composed of 1,080 vertical pixels (scanning lines).

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

Highlights of the Camcorder

The Canon XA15 / XA11 HD Camcorder is a high-performance camcorder whose compact size makes it ideal in a variety of situations. The following are just some of the many functions featured in the camcorder.

HD Recording

HD CMOS PRO sensor and DIGIC DV 4 image processor

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

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

Wide zoom lens

With a focal length at full wide angle of

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

* 28.8 mm when using Dynamic IS.

Shooting video with the look you want

You can adjust many aspects of the picture, such as the color depth, sharpness and brightness so that you create a desired "look" (A 67). The camera also comes with preset looks from which you can choose. The first is the [Wide DR] look, which applies a gamma curve with a very wide dynamic range and an appropriate color matrix. The second is the [Highlight Priority] look, which creates a natural gradation in tones and reduces overexposure in bright areas by not compressing highlights. When playing back video shot with that look, you can appreciate the improved detail when using an external monitor set to brighter settings.

Operability

Emphasis on versatility

This camcorder has features to make it usable as a main camera but is also small enough to be very portable. The advanced image stabilization (A 56) will let you shoot in a variety of situations in the field. The handle unit is removable so you can detach it when you need improved portability and then reattach it when you need extra audio functionality.

Manual controls at your fingertips

The focus/zoom ring helps you achieve the focus you are looking for. You can also easily change the ring's functionality so that you can operate the zoom. Furthermore, you can assign certain frequently used functions to a customizable button and adjust those functions with the accompanying dial (A 90). If those were not enough, the camcorder also features 5 assignable buttons to which you can assign a variety of functions so that you can access them with ease (A 91).

Face detection

When a subject's face is detected, the camcorder can track and focus on it (A 50). Furthermore, you can have the camcorder in manual focus but switch to autofocus only when a face is detected, ensuring that important subjects are in focus.

Infrared recording

Record in darkness using infrared recording (A 87). With the built-in infrared light on the handle unit, you can record nocturnal animals in their natural environment or other such scenes.

AVCHD/MP4 recording and dual

recording

When you record, you can choose between AVCHD and MP4 formats (A 33). You can also use dual recording (A 41) to record the same scene to both memory cards and even record on both memory cards using different formats. Dual recording is convenient, for example, to create a backup of your recording.

Special recording modes (A 43, 85)

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

Other Features

Versatile audio connectivity

You can use the built-in microphone, MIC terminal or the two INPUT terminals when recording. When using the INPUT terminals, you can even use microphones that require phantom power.

Audio scene select

With the audio scene select function (A 76), you can optimize the audio settings of the built-in microphone by selecting the audio scene that matches your surroundings. Your audience will feel even more immersed in the scene during playback.

LCD screen and viewfinder

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

Touch AE

By simply touching the screen, you can make dark areas in the picture appear brighter (A 61). This operation is simple yet allows you to shoot with the desired exposure.

Additional functions

Other functions include relay recording (A 41), which allows you to continue recording on the other memory card when one becomes full, and converting scenes to MP4 (A 114).

Table of contents

1 Introduction 8

About this Manual 8

Conventions Used in this Manual 8

Supplied Accessories 10 Names of Parts 11

2 Preparations 16

Attaching the Ferrite Core 16 Charging the Battery Pack 16 Preparing the Camcorder 19

Attaching the Microphone Holder

Unit 19 Attaching the Handle Unit 19 Using the Lens Hood and Lens Cap 20 Using the Viewfinder 20 Adjusting the LCD Screen 21 Grip Belt and Straps 22

Basic Operation of the Camcorder 24

Turning the Camcorder On and Off 24 Setting the Camera Mode 25 Using the Touch Screen 25 Using the FUNC. Button and

Joystick 26

First Time Settings 27

Setting the Date and Time 27 Changing the Language 28 Changing the Time Zone 28 Using the Menus 29

Using a Memory Card 31

Memory Cards Compatible for Use with

the Camcorder 31 Inserting and Removing a Memory

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

Recordings 33

Selecting the Movie Format (AVCHD/

MP4) 34

3 Recording 35

Recording Movies and Photos 35

Recording in AUTO Mode 35 Recording in n (Manual) Mode 37 Reviewing the Latest Scene

Recorded 39

Selecting the Recording Mode (Video

Quality) 40 Dual Recording and Relay Recording 41 Selecting the Frame Rate 42 Slow & Fast Motion Recording 43 CINEMA Mode and Cinema-Look

Filters 45 Focus Adjustment 47

Manual Focus 47

Autofocus 49

Face Detection & Tracking 50

Zooming 52

Using the Focus/Zoom Ring 52

Using the Zoom Rockers 53

Using the Touch Screen’s Zoom

Controls 54 Soft Zoom Control 55 Digital Tele-Converter 55

Advanced Image Stabilization 56 Automatic Gain Control (AGC) Limit 57 Automatic Exposure Recording

Programs 58

Exposure Adjustment 60

Using the Manual Exposure Recording

Program 60 Exposure Compensation 61

White Balance 63 Special Scene Recording Programs 65 Looks and Other Image Effects 67

Selecting a Look 67 Adjusting Picture Settings 67

Setting the Time Code 69

Selecting the Running Mode 69 Selecting Drop Frame or Non-Drop

Frame 70

Setting the User Bit 71 Recording Audio 72

Audio Settings and Recorded Audio

Channels 72 Connecting an External Microphone or

External Audio Input Source to the

Camcorder 73 Using Line Input or an External

Microphone Connected to an INPUT

Terminal 73 Recording Audio to Channel 2 (CH2) 74 Audio Recording Level (INPUT

Terminals) 74 Adjusting the Microphone’s Sensitivity

(INPUT terminals) 75

Activating the Microphone’s Attenuator

(INPUT terminals) 75

Using the Built-in Microphone or an

External Microphone Connected to the

MIC Terminal 76 Switching the Input (MIC Terminal) 76 Audio Scenes 76

Audio Recording Level (Built-in

Microphone/MIC Terminal) 77 Microphone Directionality (Built-in

Microphone) 78 Audio Equalizer (Built-in Microphone) 79 Wind Screen (Built-in Microphone) 79 Microphone Attenuator (Built-in

Microphone) 80 Low Cut Filter (MIC Terminal) 80 Microphone Attenuator (MIC

Terminal) 81

Using Headphones 82 Color Bars/Audio Reference Signal 83

Recording Color Bars 83 Recording an Audio Reference

Signal 83

Video Snapshot 84 Pre-Recording 85 Onscreen Displays and Data Code 86 Infrared Recording 87

Activating Infrared Mode 87

Using the GP-E2 GPS Receiver 88

Connecting the GPS Receiver 88

4 Customization 90

CUSTOM Dial and Button 90 Assignable Buttons 91

Changing the Assigned Function 91 Using an Assignable Button 92

Saving and Loading Menu Settings 93

Saving Menu Settings to a Memory

Card 93 Loading Menu Settings from a Memory

Card 93

5 Playback 94

Playing Back Video 94

Adjusting the volume 95 Displaying scene information 96 Capturing Photos During Movie

Playback 97

Deleting Scenes 98

Deleting a Single Scene 98 Deleting Scenes from the Index

Screen 98

Dividing Scenes 100 Trimming Scenes 101

6 External Connections 102

Connecting to an External Monitor 102

Connection Diagram 102 o Selecting the Terminal Used For

Output 103

o Using the HD/SD-SDI

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

Audio Output 105

Synchronizing the Video with the Audio

being Monitored 105 Selecting the Audio Channel 105

7Photos107

Viewing Photos 107

Photo Jump Function 108

Deleting Photos 109

Deleting a Single Photo 109 Deleting Photos from the Index

Screen 109

8 Saving/Sharing

Recordings 110

Saving Movies to a Computer 110

Transferring Movies to the

Computer 111

Copying Recordings Between Memory

Cards 112

Copying Scenes from the Movie Index

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

Screen 113

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

Recorder 115

In High Definition 115 In Standard Definition 115

9 Additional Information 117

Appendix: Menu Options Lists 117

FUNC. Menu 117 Setup Menus 118

Appendix: Onscreen Icons and

Displays 127

Troubleshooting 131

List of Messages 135

Safety Instructions and Handling

Precautions 140

Camcorder 141 Battery Pack 142 Memory Card 142 Built-in Rechargeable Lithium

Battery 143

Disposal 143

Maintenance/Others 144

Cleaning 144 Condensation 144 Viewing the Certification Logo 144 Using the Camcorder Abroad 145

Optional Accessories 146 Specifications 149 Reference Tables 152

Approximate recording times 152 Approximate number of photos 152 Charging, Recording and Playback

Times 153

Index 155

About this Manual

Introduction

About this Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Canon XA15 / XA11. Please read this manual carefully before you use the camcorder and retain it for future reference. Should your camcorder fail to operate correctly, refer

Troubleshooting

Conventions Used in this Manual

• IMPORTANT: Precautions related to the camcorder’s operation.

• NOTES: Additional topics that complement the basic operating procedures.

• POINTS TO CHECK: Restrictions or requirements regarding the function described.

• A: Reference page number within this manual.

• o: Used as an abbreviation for the model indicated in the icon. The icon refers to text and

illustrations that apply only to the indicated model.

• The following terms are used in this manual: “Memory card” refers to an SD, SDHC or SDXC memory card. “Screen” refers to the LCD screen and the viewfinder screen. “Scene” refers to one movie unit from the point you press the START/STOP button to start recording until you press again to pause the recording.

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

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

(A 131).

IMPORTANT

• Observe the following precautions while the camcorder’s ACCESS indicator is on or flashing. Failing to do so may result in permanent data loss or damage to the memory.

- Do not disconnect the power source or turn off the camcorder.

- Do not open the double memory card slot cover.

- Do not change the camcorder’s camera mode.

- Do not set the camcorder to MEDIA mode.

- When a USB cable is connected to the camcorder, do not disconnect the USB cable.

About this Manual

Focus Adjustment

Autofocus

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

1 and modes only: Press the AF/MF button.

2 Open the [AF Mode] screen.

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

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

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

Operating modes:

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

: Indicates whether the camcorder is in shooting (CAMERA) or playback (MEDIA) mode. In this example, the function is available only in mode. For details, refer to

and Off

Turning the Camcorder On

(A 24).

: Indicates the movie format. For

details, refer to

(AVCHD/MP4)

Selecting the Movie Format

(A 34).

: Indicates the camera

mode. For details, refer to

Camera Mode

(A 25).

Setting the

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

The > arrow is used to abbreviate menu selections. For details on how to use the menus, refer to For a summary of available menu options and settings, refer to the appendix

Options Lists

(A 117).

Using the Menus

(A 29).

Supplied Accessories

The following accessories are supplied with the camcorder:

CA-570 Compact Power Adapter

(incl. power cord and ferrite core)

Handle unit (incl. screws) Lens hood with lens barrier Lens cap

Quick Guide

BP-820 Battery Pack Microphone holder unit

(incl. screws)

Names of Parts

Lef

t side view

Names of Parts

119108765

1 Lens barrier switch (A 35) 2 Memory card slot 2 (A 32) 3 Memory card slot 3 (A 32) 4 u (review recording) button (A 39)/

Assignable button 5 (A 91) 5 Lens hood (A 20) 6 Focus/Zoom ring (A 47, 52) 7 CUSTOM (customizable) dial (A 90)

8 CUSTOM (customizable) button

(A 90)

9 INFRARED switch (A 87) 10 Double memory card slot cover 11 DISP. (onscreen display) button

(A 86)/BATT. INFO (battery information) button (A 130)

Names of Parts

Righ

t side view

1 Built-in speaker (A 95) 2MIC terminal (A 72) 3HDMI OUT terminal (A 102, 103) 4 REMOTE terminal

For connecting commercially available remote controllers.

5 o HD/SD-SDI terminal (A 103) 6 × (headphones) terminal (A 82) 7USB terminal (A 88) 8DC IN terminal (A 16) 9AV OUT terminal (A 102, 104) 10 Grip belt (A 22)

ront view

Back view

Names of Parts

7 8

2 3

13121110

1 Instant AF sensor (A 49, 144) 2 AF/MF button (A 47)/

Assignable button 1 (A 91) 3 PRE REC (pre-recording) button

(A 85)/

Assignable button 2 (A 91) 4 LCD touch screen (A 21, 25) 5 Focus/Zoom ring switch (A 47, 52) 6 Viewfinder (A 20)

7 Dioptric adjustment lever (A 20) 8Joystick (A 26)/SET button (A 26) 9 Strap mount (A 22) 10 Assignable button 3 (A 91) 11 Assignable button 4 (A 91) 12 Battery attachment unit (A 16) 13 START/STOP button (A 35) 14 FUNC. button (A 26) 15 Serial number

Names of Parts

op view

ottom view

1Power switch (A 24) 2 POWER / CHG (battery charging)

indicator (A 16)

3 Built-in stereo microphone

(A 72)

4 Accessory shoe 5Mode switch (A 25) 6 Camcorder zoom rocker (A 53)

8 Handle unit mount (A 19) 9 Lens hood mount index mark 10 Tripod socket

For mounting the camcorder on a tripod with a mounting screw 6.5 mm (0.26 in.) or shorter.

11 BATTERY RELEASE switch (A 17) 12 Eye cup (A 20)

7ACCESS indicator (A 35)

Handle unit

Names of Parts

23 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

161514131211

1 Microphone holder unit (A 72) 2 Microphone lock screw (A 72) 3 Accessory shoe

For attaching accessories. 4 Handle zoom rocker (A 53) 5START/STOP lock (C) lever (A 38) 6START/STOP button (A 35) 7 Input selection switches for INPUT 1

and INPUT 2 (A 73) 8 INPUT terminal ON/OFF switch

(A 76)

9 Audio level switches for CH1 and

CH2 (A 74)

10 Audio level dials for CH1 and CH2

(A 74)

11 Microphone cable clamp (A 72) 12 INPUT 1 and INPUT 2 terminals

(collectively referred to as "INPUT

terminals") (A 73) 13 Infrared light (A 87) 14 Tally lamp (A 35) 15 Handle unit front screw (A 19) 16 Handle unit rear screws (A 19)

Attaching the Ferrite Core

Preparations

Preparatio ns

Attaching the Ferrite Core

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

Attach the ferrite core to the cable about 6 cm (2.4 in.) from the DC plug (the plug to be connected to the DC IN terminal).

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

Charging the Battery Pack

The camcorder can be powered with a battery pack or directly using the compact power adapter.

1 Connect the power cord to the compact power

adapter.

2 Plug the power cord into a power outlet.

3 Connect the compact power adapter to the

camcorder’s DC IN terminal.

4 Attach the battery pack to the camcorder.

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

DC IN terminal

Charging the Battery Pack

5 Charging will start when the camcorder is turned off.

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

• If the indicator flashes, refer to

6 Disconnect the compact power adapter in the order

shown in the illustration.

Troubleshooting

(A 133).

POWER/CHG (battery charging) indicator

햷

-2

햷

-1

햷

-3

햷

-4

To remove the battery pack

1 Slide the BATTERY RELEASE switch in the direction of the

arrow and hold it pressed down.

2 Slide the battery pack and then pull it out.

BATTERY RELEASE switch

Charging the Battery Pack

IMPORTANT

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

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

• Do not connect to the camcorder’s DC IN terminal or to the compact power adapter any electrical

equipment that is not expressly recommended for use with this camcorder.

• To prevent equipment breakdowns and excessive heating, do not connect the supplied compact power adapter to voltage converters for overseas travels or special power sources such as those on aircraft and ships, DC-AC inverters, etc.

• For details on how to take care of the battery pack, refer to

Precautions

NOTES

• We recommend charging the battery pack in temperatures between 10 °C and 30 °C (50 °F and 86 °F). If either the ambient temperature or the battery pack’s temperature is outside the range of approx. 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F), charging will not start.

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

• If the power supply was disconnected while charging a battery pack, make sure the POWER/CHG indicator has gone out before restoring the power supply.

• If remaining battery time is an issue, you can power the camcorder using the compact power adapter so the battery pack will not be consumed.

• Charged battery packs continue to discharge naturally. Therefore, charge them on the day of use, or the day before, to ensure a full charge.

• The first time you use a battery pack, fully charge it and then use the camcorder until the battery pack is completely exhausted. Doing so will ensure that the remaining recording time will be displayed accurately.

• We recommend that you prepare battery packs to last 2 to 3 times longer than you think you might need.

• For charging times and approximate usage times, refer to

(A 140).

Safety Instructions and Handling

Reference Tables

(A 152).

Preparing the Camcorder

This section covers the basic preparations for the camcorder such as attaching the handle unit and lens hood, and adjusting the viewfinder and LCD screen. When attaching the lens hood, grip belt and straps, be careful not to drop the camcorder by placing it on a table or other stable surface.

Attaching the Microphone Holder Unit

Use the supplied screws to attach the microphone holder unit to the handle unit.

Attaching the Handle Unit

1 Slide the front of the handle unit into the accessory

shoe, as shown in the illustration. Then, slide the handle unit forward all the way.

• Make sure the front and rear screws are raised when you slide the handle unit.

2 Turn the front screw and two rear screws to secure the

handle unit.

NOTES

• The camcorder is functional even if you remove the handle

unit. However, some audio options (A 72), the infrared light and tally lamp will not be available.

Preparing the Camcorder

Using the Lens Hood and Lens Cap

While recording, the supplied lens hood with lens barrier is effective for reducing stray light that can be the cause of lens flare and ghost images. Additionally, closing the lens barrier can help prevent fingerprints and dirt accumulation on the lens.

1 Remove the lens cap.

2 Align the mark on the lens hood with the lens hood

mount index mark on the camera ( the lens hood clockwise until it stops with a click

• Be careful not to deform the lens hood.

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

• To remove the lens hood, turn it counterclockwise.

NOTES

• Use the supplied lens cap when carrying the camcorder or storing it after use.

• Note that the lens cap and the lens hood with lens barrier cannot be used simultaneously.

햲), and then turn

(햳).

Using the Viewfinder

If it is difficult to use the LCD screen, you can use the viewfinder, which can be tilted 45 degrees upward.

1 Close the LCD panel.

2 Pull out the viewfinder.

3 Use the power switch to turn on the camcorder.

4 Adjust the viewfinder using the dioptric adjustment

lever.

Dioptric adjustment lever

Preparing the Camcorder

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

NOTES

• You cannot use the LCD screen and viewfinder simultaneously. To use the viewfinder, make sure you close the LCD panel.

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

• For details about how to take care of the viewfinder, refer to

Cleaning

(A 144).

Handling Precautions

(A 141),

Adjusting the LCD Screen

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 toward the lens can be

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

180°

90°

NOTES

• You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen with the [FUNC.] > [MENU] > q > [LCD Brightness] or [LCD Backlight] setting. Also, you can hold the DISP. button pressed down for more than 2 seconds to change the [LCD Backlight] setting between bright and normal. You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder with the [FUNC.] > [MENU] > q > [Viewfinder Backlight] setting.

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

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

• For details about how to take care of the LCD screen and viewfinder, refer to

Cleaning

(A 141),

(A 144).

180°

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

Handling Precautions

Preparing the Camcorder

• About the LCD and viewfinder screens: The screens are produced using extremely high-precision

manufacturing techniques, with more than 99.99% of the pixels operating to specification. Very rarely, pixels may misfire or may light up permanently as white dots. This has no effect on the recorded image and does not constitute a malfunction.

Grip Belt and Straps

Fasten the grip belt.

• Adjust the grip belt so that you can reach the camcorder zoom rocker with your index finger, and the START/STOP button with your thumb.

Attaching an optional wrist strap

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

• You can use both for extra convenience and protection.

Attaching an optional shoulder strap

Pass the ends of the shoulder strap through the strap mount on the grip belt and adjust the length of the strap.

Preparing the Camcorder

Basic Operation of the Camcorder

Turning the Camcorder On and Off

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

To turn on the camcorder

Set the power switch to CAMERA for mode (A 35) or MEDIA for mode (A 94).

mode mode

To turn off the camcorder

Set the power switch to OFF.

Basic Operation of the Camcorder

Setting the Camera Mode

When making recordings, you can change the camera mode to match your shooting style.

(Auto) mode

Set the mode switch to N. With this mode, the camcorder takes care of all the settings while you concentrate on recording (A 35). This operating mode is suitable if you just prefer not to bother with detailed camcorder settings.

(Manual) mode

Set the mode switch to n. With this mode, you can enjoy full access to menus, settings and advanced functions (A 37).

(Cinema) mode

Set the mode switch to E. With this mode, you can give your recordings a cinematic look and use cinema-look filters to create unique movies (A 45).

Using the Touch Screen

The onscreen buttons and menu items that appear on the touch screen change dynamically depending on the operating mode and the task you are performing. With the intuitive touch screen interface you have all the controls at your fingertips.

Tou c h

Press on an element displayed on the touch screen. Used to start playing back a scene in an index screen, to select a setting from the menus, etc.

Basic Operation of the Camcorder

Drag

Swipe your finger up and down or left and right across the screen. Used to scroll menus, to browse through index screen pages or to adjust slider controls like the volume. On some screens, you can achieve the same effect by touching the triangle onscreen buttons.

IMPORTANT

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

- Using your fingernails or hard-tipped objects, such as ballpoint pens.

- Operating the touch screen with wet or gloved hands.

- Applying excessive force or forcefully scratching the touch screen.

- Attaching commercially available screen protectors or adhesive film onto the touch screen’s

surface.

Using the FUNC. Button and Joystick

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

Joystick/SET button

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

FUNC. button

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

First Time Settings

Setting the Date and Time

You will need to set the date and time of the camcorder before you can start using it. The [Date/Time] screen will appear automatically when the camcorder’s clock is not set.

Operating modes:

1 Use the power switch to turn on the camcorder.

• The [Date/Time] screen will appear.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NOTES

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

setting.

• When you do not use the camcorder for about 3 months, the built-in rechargeable lithium battery may discharge completely and the date and time setting may be lost. In such case, recharge the built-in lithium battery (A 143) and set the time zone, date and time again.

First Time Settings

Changing the Language

The default language of the camcorder is English. You can set it to one of 27 languages.

Setup Menus

Refer to the menu for this procedure.

(A 30) for details on how to navigate

Operating modes:

1 Open the [Language ] screen.

[FUNC.] > [MENU] > q > [Language ]

• Touching [FUNC.] is necessary only when performing the procedure in mode.

2 Touch the desired language and then touch [OK]. 3Touch [X] to close the menu.

NOTES

• Some onscreen buttons, such as [ZOOM], [FUNC.] and [MENU], will appear in English regardless of the language selected.

Changing the Time Zone

Change the time zone to match your location. The default setting is New York. In addition, the camcorder is able to retain the date and time of an additional location. This is convenient when you travel so that you can set the camcorder to match the time of your home location or that of your travel destination.

Setup Menus

Refer to

Operating modes:

(A 30) for details on how to navigate the menu for this procedure.

1 Open the [Time Zone/DST] screen.

[FUNC.] > [MENU] > q > [Time Zone/DST]

• Touching [FUNC.] is necessary only when performing the procedure in mode.

2Touch ["] to set the home time zone, or [#] to set the time zone of your destination

when you are traveling.

3Touch [Í] or [Î] to set the desired time zone. If necessary, touch [$] to adjust for

daylight saving time.

4Touch [X] to close the menu.

First Time Settings

Using the Menus

Many of the camcorder’s functions can be adjusted from the FUNC. menu and the setup menus. For details about the available menu options and settings, refer to the appendix (A 117).

FUNC. Menu

Menu Options Lists

In mode:

Operating modes:

There are three ways to access the FUNC. menu: by touching [FUNC.] on the screen, by pressing the FUNC. button or by pushing the joystick (Ý/Þ) to select [FUNC.] and then pressing the SET button. After the FUNC. menu is open, select the function you want to use. You may need to scroll up and down the screen or touch [Í]/[Î] to find the onscreen button of the desired function. In mode, access to functions is limited.

FUNC. menu in mode

Touch the onscreen button of the desired function

In mode:

Operating modes:

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

FUNC. menu in mode

Touch the onscreen button of the desired operation

First Time Settings

Setup Menus

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

Operating modes:

To use touch panel controls

1 mode only: Touch [FUNC.].

2 Touch [MENU].

3 Touch the tab of the desired menu.

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

into the orange selection bar.

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

• Menu items not available appear grayed out.

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

directly into the selection bar.

5 When the desired menu item is inside the selection bar, touch [æ]. 6 Touch the desired option and then touch [X].

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

To use the joystick

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

• Alternatively, you can press the FUNC. button.

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

button.

• Menu items not available appear grayed out.

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

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

NOTES

• For brevity's sake, references in the text to settings in the setup menus and functions in the FUNC. menu will include only a simplified way to show how to access them in the camcorder. For example, "You can adjust the date and time later on with the [FUNC.] > [MENU] > q > [Date/Time] setting." Note that in mode, it is not necessary to select [FUNC.] for settings in the setup menus.

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