Canon XA-40 User Manual
PUB.DIE-0525-000
4K Camcorder
Instruction Manual
COPYRIGHT WARNING
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
Administrator, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
• Other names and products not mentioned above may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
• This device incorporates exFAT technology licensed from Microsoft.
• “Full HD 1080” refers to Canon camcorders compliant with high-definition video composed of 1,080 vertical pixels
(scanning lines).
• This product is licensed under AT&T patents for the MPEG-4 standard and may be used for encoding MPEG-4
compliant video and/or decoding MPEG-4 compliant video that was encoded only (1) for a personal and noncommercial purpose or (2) by a video provider licensed under the AT&T patents to provide MPEG-4 compliant video. No license is
granted or implied for any other use for MPEG-4 standard.
Unauthorized recording of copyrighted materials may infringe on the rights of copyright owners and be contrary to copyright
laws.
2
Highlights of the Camcorder
The Canon XA45 / XA40 4K 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.
4K Recording
CMOS sensor and DIGIC DV 6 image
processor
The camcorder is equipped with a
1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor that captures video
at an effective pixel count of approximately
8.29 megapixels (3840x2160). The video is
then processed by the DIGIC DV 6 image
processor. In addition to recording 4K video,
the camcorder employs oversampling to
record Full HD video.
Wide zoom lens and 8-bladed aperture
The zoom lens is equipped with 20x optical
zoom and has a focal length at full wide angle
of 29.3 mm* (35 mm equivalent), making the
camcorder versatile in a variety of shooting
situations. The 8-bladed aperture delivers a
pleasing out-of-focus blur (“bokeh”) to your
recordings.
* When the resolution is 3840x2160 and the
image stabilization is a setting other than
Dynamic IS. The focal length is 30.6 mm
when using Dynamic IS.
4K recording at 29.97P and HD
recording at 59.94P
The camcorder can record clips in MP4 format
at 3840x2160 with a frame rate of 29.97P or
1920x1080 with a frame rate of 59.94P, giving
you the freedom to choose the video
configuration that is most suitable for your
project. Furthermore, audio is recorded as
either 4-channel linear PCM or 2-channel AAC.
Convenience and Functionality
Recording for extended periods
With its two SD card slots, the camcorder
allows you to use dual recording (A 32) to
record the same clip on two SD cards, or relay
recording to automatically switch to the other
SD card when the one being used becomes
full. Dual recording is a convenient way to
create a backup of your recordings while relay
recording effectively extends the available
recording time.
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 63), which stabilizes the
image along 5 axes, will let you shoot in a
variety of situations in the field. The handle unit
is removable so you can attach it to enjoy
additional audio options and infrared
functionality, or remove it when you need
improved portability. The LCD touch panel and
viewfinder can be angled in a variety of
positions, allowing for shooting in tight places,
for example.
Manual controls at your fingertips
The focus/zoom ring helps you achieve the
focus you are looking for. You can easily
change the ring's functionality so that you can
operate the zoom. You can also assign certain
frequently used functions to a customizable
button and adjust those functions with the
accompanying dial (A 84). Additionally, the
camcorder also features 5 assignable buttons
on the camcorder and one onscreen
assignable touch button to which you can
assign a variety of functions to access them
with ease (A 85).
3
Face detection & tracking (A 61)
4
After detecting a subject's face, the camcorder
can focus on it and even track it. Furthermore,
the camcorder can be in manual focus but
switch to autofocus when a face is detected,
ensuring that important subjects are in focus.
Infrared recording
Record in darkness using infrared recording
(A 80). With the built-in infrared light on the
handle unit, you can record nocturnal animals
in their natural environment or other such
scenes.
Creativity and Artistic Expression
Special recording modes (A 38, 78)
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.
Looks (A 51)
You can adjust various aspects of the picture,
such as the color depth, sharpness and
brightness, to create a desired “look”.
Enhanced audio features (A 68)
The attachable handle unit offers expanded
audio options. It features two INPUT terminals
for external microphones (balanced input),
manual control over the audio recording level,
and control for supplying phantom power to an
external microphone
Other Features
• Battery packs compatible with Intelligent
System give you an estimate (in minutes) of
the remaining recording time.
• Compatibility with the optional GP-E2 GPS
Receiver to geotag your recordings (A 82).
• Compatibility with the optional RC-V100
Remote Controller (A 81) when you need a
professional level of remote control.
Table of contents
1 Introduction 7
About this Manual 7
Conventions Used in this Manual 7
Supplied Accessories 9
Names of Parts 10
2 Preparations 15
Attaching the Ferrite Core 15
Charging the Battery Pack 15
Preparing the Camcorder 18
Attaching the Microphone Holder
Unit 18
Attaching the Handle Unit 18
Using the Lens Hood 19
Adjusting the LCD Screen 19
Using the Viewfinder 20
Grip Belt and Straps 21
Basic Operation of the Camcorder 23
Turning the Camcorder On and Off 23
Setting the Camera Mode 24
Using the MENU Button and
Joystick 24
First Time Settings 25
Setting the Date and Time 25
Changing the Language 26
Changing the Time Zone 26
Using the Menus 27
Setup Menus 27
FUNC Menu 28
Using SD Cards 30
Compatible SD Cards 30
Inserting and Removing an SD Card 31
Initializing an SD Card 32
Selecting the SD Card for
Recordings 32
Dual Recording and Relay Recording 32
Recovering Clips 33
3 Recording 34
Recording Clips and Photos 34
Basic Recording 34
Reviewing the Latest Clip Recorded 36
Video Configuration: Resolution, Bit Rate
and Frame Rate 37
Selecting the Resolution and Bit
Rate 37
Selecting the Frame Rate 37
Slow & Fast Motion Recording 38
Shooting Modes 39
Special Scene Modes 40
Exposure Adjustment 42
Manual Exposure (n)42
Automatic Exposure 43
Touch Exposure 44
Exposure Lock (AE Lock) 45
Exposure Compensation 45
ND Filter 46
Using the Zebra Pattern 46
Backlight Correction 47
Automatic Gain Control (AGC) Limit 48
White Balance 49
Using Looks 51
Zooming 52
Using the Focus/Zoom Ring 52
Using the Zoom Rockers 53
Using the Touch Screen’s Zoom
Controls 55
Using an Optional Remote Controller 55
Soft Zoom Control 55
Digital Tele-Converter 56
Focus Adjustment 57
Manual Focus 57
Autofocus 60
Face Detection & Tracking 61
Image Stabilization 63
Dynamic IS or Standard IS 63
Setting the Time Code 64
Selecting the Time Code Mode 64
Selecting Drop Frame or Non-Drop
Frame 66
Setting the User Bit 67
Recording Audio 68
Selecting the Audio Recording
Format 68
Audio Settings and Recorded Audio
Channels 69
Connecting an External Microphone or
External Audio Input Source to the
Camcorder 70
5
Using Line Input or an External
Microphone Connected to an INPUT
Terminal 71
Audio Recording Level (INPUT
Terminals) 72
Adjusting the Microphone’s Sensitivity
(INPUT terminals) 72
6
Microphone Attenuator (INPUT
terminals) 73
Using the Built-in Microphone or an
External Microphone Connected to the
MIC Terminal 73
Audio Recording Level (Built-in
Microphone/MIC Terminal) 74
Microphone Sensitivity (Built-in
Microphone) 74
Microphone Attenuator (Built-in
Microphone or MIC Terminal) 75
Low-Cut Filter (Built-in Microphone or
MIC Terminal) 75
Using Headphones 76
Color Bars/Audio Reference Signal 77
Recording Color Bars 77
Recording an Audio Reference
Signal 77
Pre-Recording 78
Onscreen Displays 79
Infrared Recording 80
Using the Optional RC-V100 Remote
Controller 81
Using the GP-E2 GPS Receiver 82
Connecting the GPS Receiver 82
4 Customization 84
CUSTOM Dial and Button 84
Assignable Buttons 85
Saving and Loading Menu Settings 87
Saving Camcorder Settings 87
Loading Camcorder Settings 87
5 Playback 88
Basic Playback 88
Playback Controls 90
Adjusting the Volume 91
Displaying Clip Information 91
Clip and Photo Operations 92
Deleting Clips and Photos 92
Trimming Clips 93
6 External Connections 94
Video Output Configuration 94
Connecting to an External Monitor 96
Connection Diagram 96
s Selecting the Terminal Used For
Output 96
s Using the SDI OUT Terminal 97
Using the HDMI OUT Terminal 97
Audio Output 99
Selecting the Audio Channels for
Headphone or Speaker Output 99
Selecting the Audio Channels for HDMI
Output 99
7 Saving Clips 100
Working with Clips on a Computer 100
Copying Clips and Photos Between SD
Cards 101
8 Additional Information 102
Menu Options 102
FUNC Menu 102
Setup Menus 103
Appendix: Onscreen Icons and
Displays 112
Troubleshooting 116
List of Messages 120
Safety Instructions and Handling
Precautions 122
Camcorder 123
Battery Pack 124
SD Card 124
Built-in Rechargeable Lithium
Battery 125
Disposal 125
Maintenance/Others 126
Cleaning 126
Condensation 126
Viewing the Certification Logo 126
Using the Camcorder Abroad 127
Optional Accessories 128
Specifications 131
Reference Tables 134
Approximate recording times 134
Charging, Recording and Playback
Times 134
Index 136
About this Manual
IMPORTANT
Introduction
1
Introduction
About this Manual
Thank you for purchasing the Canon XA45 / XA40. 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
to
Conventions Used in this Manual
• IMPORTANT: Precautions related to the camcorder’s operation.
• NOTES: Additional topics that complement the basic operating procedures.
• A: Reference page number within this manual.
• s: 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:
“SD card” refers to an SD, SDHC or SDXC memory card.
“Screen” refers to the LCD screen and the viewfinder screen.
“Clip” 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 s.
• Some screenshots in this manual have been simplified to show only relevant icons.
(A 116).
7
• Observe the following precautions while the 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 SD card compartment 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
Brackets [ ] are used to
refer to onscreen buttons
and menu options you will
select and to other
onscreen messages and
displays.
These icons indicate the camcorder’s operating mode and whether a function is available in that
mode.
: Indicates whether the
camcorder is in shooting (CAMERA) or
playback (MEDIA) mode. In this example, the
function is available only in mode. For
details, refer to
Turning the Camcorder On
and Off
(A 23).
: Indicates the camera mode. For
details, refer to
Setting the Camera Mode
(A 24).
The > arrow is used to abbreviate menu
selections. For details on how to use the
menus, refer to
Using the Menus
(A 27).
For a summary of available menu options
and settings, refer to the appendix
Menu
Options
(A 102).
8
Supplied Accessories
The following accessories are supplied with the camcorder:
Supplied Accessories
9
CA-570 Compact Power Adapter
(incl. power cord)
Microphone holder unit
(incl. screws)
Lens cap Quick Guide
Ferrite core BP-820 Battery Pack
Handle unit (incl. screws) Lens hood with lens barrier
Names of Parts
32
4
119108765
1
Left side view
Names of Parts
10
1 Lens barrier switch (A 34)
2SD card slot 2 (A 30)
3SD card slot 3 (A 30)
4 u (review recording) button (A 36)/
5 Lens hood (A 19)
6 Focus/Zoom ring (A 52, 57)
7 CUSTOM (customizable) dial (A 84)
Assignable button 5 (A 85)
8 CUSTOM (customizable) button
(A 84)
9 INFRARED switch (A 80)
10 SD card compartment cover
11 DISP (onscreen display) button
(A 79)/BATT. INFO (battery
information) button (A 17)
Names of Parts
26
7
3
4
5
9
1
8
Right side view
11
1 Built-in speaker (A 91)
2MIC terminal (A 68)
3 HDMI OUT terminal (A 96, 97)
4 REMOTE terminal (A 81)
For connecting commercially
available remote controllers.
5 s SDI OUT terminal (A 97)
6 × (headphones) terminal (A 76)
7USB terminal (A 82)
8DC IN terminal (A 15)
9 Grip belt (A 21)
Names of Parts
1
45
6
7
8
9
14
15
13121110
3
2
Front view
Back view
12
1 Instant AF sensor (A 60, 126)
2 AF/MF button (A 57)/
Assignable button 1 (A 85)
3 PRE REC (pre-recording) button
(A 78)/
Assignable button 2 (A 85)
4 LCD touch screen (A 19)
5 Focus/Zoom ring switch (A 52, 57)
6Viewfinder (A 20)
7 Dioptric adjustment lever (A 20)
8 Joystick/SET button (A 24)
9 Strap mount (A 21)
10 Assignable button 3 (A 85)
11 Assignable button 4 (A 85)
12 Battery attachment unit (A 15)
13 START/STOP button (A 34)
14 MENU button (A 27)
15 Serial number
Names of Parts
Top view Bottom view
3
13
9
4
5
1
2
6
7
8
1 Power switch (A 23)
2 POWER / CHG (battery charging)
indicator (A 15)
8 Handle unit mount (A 18)
9 Lens hood mount index mark
10 Tripod socket
3 Built-in stereo microphone
(A 68)
4 Accessory shoe
5 Camera mode switch (A 24)
6 Grip zoom rocker (A 53)
11 BATTERY RELEASE switch (A 16)
12 Eye cup (A 20)
7 ACCESS indicator (A 34)
10
11
12
For mounting the camcorder on a
tripod with a mounting screw 6.5 mm
(0.26 in.) or shorter.
Names of Parts
23 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
161514131211
1
Handle unit
14
1 Microphone holder unit (A 68)
2 Microphone lock screw (A 68)
3 Accessory shoe
4 Handle zoom rocker (A 53)
5START/STOP lock (C) lever (A 35)
6 START/STOP button (A 34)
7 Sensitivity selection switches for
INPUT 1 and INPUT 2 (A 71)
8 INPUT terminal ON/OFF switch
(A 73)
9 Audio level switches for CH1 and
CH2 (A 72)
10 Audio level dials for CH1 and CH2
(A 72)
11 Microphone cable clamp (A 70)
12 INPUT 1 and INPUT 2 terminals
(collectively referred to as "INPUT
terminals") (A 71)
13 Infrared light (A 80)
14 Tally lamp (A 34)
15 Handle unit front screw (A 18)
16 Handle unit rear screws (A 18)
Attaching the Ferrite Core
DC IN terminal
Preparations
2
Preparations
Attaching the Ferrite Core
Attach the enclosed ferrite core before you connect the compact power adapter to the camcorder.
Attaching the ferrite core to the compact power adapter cable is necessary to suppress RF
interference.
Attach the ferrite core to the cable about 6 cm (2.4 in.) from the
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 supplied CA-570 Compact
Power Adapter.
1 Connect the compact power adapter to the
camcorder and plug the power cord into a power
outlet.
15
2 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.
Charging the Battery Pack
IMPORTANT
NOTES
POWER/CHG (battery charging) indicator
BATTERY
RELEASE
switch
3 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.
16
• If the indicator flashes, refer to
Troubleshooting
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 (
햲).
햳).
(A 118).
• Turn off the camcorder before connecting or disconnecting the compact power adapter. After you
turn off the camcorder, important data is updated on the SD 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.
• 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.
Charging the Battery Pack
• 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 depleted. 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 handling precautions regarding the battery pack, refer to
Precautions
• For charging times and approximate usage times, refer to
(A 122).
Safety Instructions and Handling
Reference Tables
(A 134).
Checking the Remaining Battery Charge
With the camcorder turned off, press the BATT. INFO button to display for about 5 seconds a screen
showing the approximate battery charge level. Note that if the battery charge is too low, the battery
information screen may not appear.
17
Preparing the Camcorder
IMPORTANT
NOTES
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.
• Be careful not to drop the camcorder when attaching, removing or adjusting the various
18
accessories. Using a table or other stable surface is recommended.
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.
• The camcorder is functional even if you remove the handle
unit. However, some audio options (A 68), the infrared light
(A 80) and tally lamp will not be available.
Preparing the Camcorder
NOTES
NOTES
Subject can monitor the LCD screen
Using the Lens Hood
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 bottom of the camcorder
(
햲), and then turn 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.
About the lens cap:
• 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.
(햳).
Adjusting the LCD Screen
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees.
• You can rotate the panel downward or 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.
19
• You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen with the > [£ Display Setup] > [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 or from dim to
normal.
Preparing the Camcorder
NOTES
햲
햴
햳
햳
Dioptric
adjustment
lever
• Adjusting the brightness does not affect the brightness of recordings.
• Using a brighter setting will shorten the effective usage time of the battery pack.
• When the LCD panel is turned 180 degrees toward the subject, you can use the >
[£ Display Setup] > [LCD Mirror Image] setting to reverse the screen’s image horizontally,
showing a mirror image of the subject.
• For details about how to take care of the LCD screen, refer to
Cleaning
20
• About the LCD and viewfinder screens: The screens are produced using extremely high-precision
(A 126).
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.
Handling Precautions
(A 123),
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 Use the power switch to turn on the camcorder.
(A 23).
2 Close the LCD panel (
3 Pull out the viewfinder and adjust the viewing angle
(
햳).
4 Adjust the viewfinder using the dioptric adjustment
lever (
햴).
햲).
• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder with the > [£ Display Setup] >
[Viewfinder Backlight] setting.
• Adjusting the brightness does not affect the brightness of recordings.
• Using a brighter setting will shorten the effective usage time of the battery pack.
• You cannot use the LCD screen and viewfinder simultaneously.
• Make sure you keep the eye cup attached when using 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.
• For details about how to take care of the viewfinder, refer to
Handling Precautions
(A 123),
Cleaning
(A 126).
Grip Belt and Straps
Fasten the grip belt.
• Adjust the grip belt so that you can reach the grip zoom
rocker with your index finger, and the START/STOP button
with your thumb.
Preparing the Camcorder
21
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.
Preparing the Camcorder
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.
22
Basic Operation of the Camcorder
NOTES
POWER/CHG indicator
mode mode
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 34) or
MEDIA for mode (A 88).
• The POWER/CHG indicator will illuminate in green.
To turn off the camcorder
Set the power switch to OFF.
• The POWER/CHG indicator will go out.
23
• You can use the > [B System Setup] > [POWER LED] setting to prevent the POWER
indicator from illuminating.
Basic Operation of the Camcorder
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 (in the manual, "press SET")
to select the menu item indicated by the orange
selection frame.
MENU button
Press the button to open the setup menus and then
press again to close the menu after adjusting
desired settings.
Setting the Camera Mode
When making recordings, you can change the camera mode
to match your shooting style.
24
(Auto) mode
Set the camera 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 camera mode switch to n. With this mode, you can enjoy full access to
menus, settings and advanced functions.
Using the MENU Button and Joystick
You can navigate some of the camcorder’s menus and screens using the MENU button and joystick
instead of using the touch screen.
First Time Settings
NOTES
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.
25
• With the following settings, you can change the time zone, date and time also after the initial setup.
You can also change the date format and clock format (12 or 24 hours).
- > [B System Setup] > [Time Zone/DST]
- > [B System Setup] > [Date/Time]
• 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 125) and set the time zone, date and time again.
• Using the optional GP-E2 GPS Receiver, you can have the camcorder adjust settings automatically
according to the UTC date/time information received from the GPS signal (A 82).
First Time Settings
NOTES
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 27) for details on how to navigate
26
Operating modes:
1 Open the [Language ] screen.
> [B ! System Setup] > [Language ]
2 Select the desired language and then select [OK].
3 Select [X] to close the menu.
• 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 27) for details on how to navigate the menu for this procedure.
1 Open the [Time Zone/DST] screen.
> [B ! System Setup] > [Time Zone/DST]
2 Select ["] to set the home time zone, or [#] to set the time zone of your destination
when you are traveling.
3 Select [Ï] or [Ð] to set the desired time zone. If necessary, select [$] to adjust for
daylight saving time.
4 Select [X] to close the menu.
Using the Menus
Using the Menus
The camcorder’s functions can be adjusted from the setup menus, accessed by pressing the MENU
button, or from the FUNC menu, accessed by touching or selecting the onscreen [FUNC] button. For
details about the available menu options and settings, refer to
Menu Options
(A 102).
Setup Menus
Following is a step-by-step explanation of how to select a typical option from the setup menus. Some
menu items may require additional steps. Such operations will be explained in the respective section of
the manual.
For brevity's sake, references to menu settings throughout the manual may be abbreviated as follows:
> [B ! System Setup] > [Language ] > Desired option
To use the touch panel
1 Press the MENU button.
2 Touch the icon of the desired setup menu from the top row.
• In the example, the B icon, corresponding to the [System Setup] menu.
3 Touch the desired menu item ([Language ], in the example).
• If the desired menu item does not appear in the menu page displayed, drag your finger left/right
to scroll through other menu pages.
• For main procedures, the page number may be given in the manual (!, in the example). If you
know the page number, you can touch the number icon on the top left of the screen to open
directly the desired menu page.
• The page number may differ depending on whether the camcorder is in mode or
mode. Throughout the manual, procedures for functions that can be used in both modes give the
page number in mode.
4 Touch the desired setting option and then touch [X] to close the menu.
• You can touch [L] to return to the previous menu page.
27
Using the Menus
NOTES
FUNC menu in mode
To use the joystick
1 Press the MENU button.
2 Push the joystick (Þ) to select the icon of the desired setup menu.
• In the example, the B icon, corresponding to the [System Setup] menu.
• If one of the icons in the top row is not selected when you open the menu, first push the joystick
Ý) to move the orange selection frame to one of the icons.
(
28
3 Push the joystick (Ý) to select the desired menu item ([Language ], in the example)
and then press SET.
• If the desired menu item does not appear in the menu page displayed, push the joystick (Þ)
to scroll through other menu pages.
• For main procedures, the page number may be given in the manual (!, in the example), making
it easier to find the desired menu page.
4 Push the joystick (Ý) to select the desired setting option and then press SET.
5 Press the MENU button to close the menu.
• You can push the joystick to highlight the [L] button and press SET to return to the previous
menu page. You can also highlight the [X] button and press SET to close the menu.
• Touching [X] or pressing the MENU button at any time closes the menu.
• Unavailable items may appear grayed out.
FUNC Menu
In mode, the FUNC menu offers a quick way to control various shooting related functions such
as white balance, exposure, focus, etc. Available functions are more limited in mode.
To use the touch panel
1 Touch [FUNC] on the shooting screen.
2 Touch the icon of the desired function on the
left column.
• If necessary, touch [ ]/[ ] to scroll up/down.
3 Touch the icon of the desired setting on the
bottom row.
4Touch [X] to close the FUNC menu or [L] to
return to the left column.
Using the Menus
NOTES
To use the joystick
1 On the shooting screen, push the joystick to select [FUNC] and then press SET.
2 Push the joystick (Ý) to select the desired icon from the left column and then press SET.
3 Push the joystick (Þ) to select the desired icon from the bottom row and then press
SET.
• To select a value from an adjustment dial, first push the joystick (Î) to highlight the dial in orange
and then (Þ) to select the desired value.
4 Select [X] to close the FUNC menu or [L] to return to the left column.
• From the left column, push the joystick (Ð) to select the [X] icon and then press SET. From the
bottom row, push the joystick (Í) once and then (Þ) to select the desired icon.
• Depending on the selected function, other buttons, adjustment dials, and other controls may
appear on the screen. These are explained in the respective section of the manual.
29
Using SD Cards
IMPORTANT
NOTES
Using SD Cards
The camcorder records clips and photos on commercially available Secure Digital (SD) cards1. The
camcorder has two SD card slots and you can use two SD cards (in the manual, "SD card A" and "SD
card B") to record on both simultaneously or to automatically switch to the other SD card when the SD
card in use is full (A 32).
Initialize SD cards (A 32) when you use them with this camcorder for the first time.
1
The SD card is used also to save menu settings files.
30
Compatible SD Cards
The following types of SD cards2 can be used with this camcorder. For the latest information about SD
cards tested for use with this camcorder, visit your local Canon website.
SD card type:
3
SD Speed Class
UHS Speed Class
2
As of February 2019, the clip recording function has been tested using SD cards made by Panasonic,
Toshiba and SanDisk.
3
UHS and SD Speed Class are standards that indicate the minimum guaranteed data transfer rate of SD
cards.
To record 4K clips with a resolution of 3840x2160 (A 37) or using slow & fast motion recording
(A 38), we recommend using SD cards rated UHS Speed Class U3.
• After repeatedly recording, deleting and editing clips (if the SD card is fragmented), you may notice
slower writing speeds to the card and recording may even stop. In such case, save your recordings
and initialize the card with the camcorder. Be sure to initialize SD cards especially before shooting
important scenes.
• About SDXC cards: You can use SDXC cards with this camcorder but SDXC cards are initialized by
the camcorder using the exFAT file system.
- When using exFAT-formatted cards with other devices (digital recorders, card readers, etc.), make
sure that the external device is compatible with exFAT. For more information on compatibility,
contact the computer, operating system or card manufacturer.
- If you use exFAT-formatted cards with a computer OS that is not exFAT-compatible, you may be
prompted to format the card. In such case, cancel the operation to prevent data loss.
:
3
:
./ 0
SD cards SDHC cards SDXC cards
Speed Class U1 Speed Class U3
• Proper operation cannot be guaranteed for all SD cards.
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