Canon XL 1A Instruction Manual

PUB. DIM-388DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDERInstruction ManualCAMESCOPE ET LECTEUR VIDEO NUMÉRIQUESMode d’emploiVIDEOCÁMARA Y GRABADORA DIGITALManual de Instru

Preparation10EAE Shift dial (p. 68)Audio LCD panel (p. 119)Remote sensor (p. 30)Tally lamp (p. 30)AUDIO 2 RCA jack (R) (p. 96)AUDIO 2 RCA jack (L) (p.

AdditionalInformationE100Cautions:• Do not pick up the battery using tweezers or other metal tools — this will cause a short circuit.• Wipe the batter

AdditionalInformationE101Camera Holding StylesFor maximum stability, place your right hand through the side grip belt and keep your right elbow presse

Aperture setting in AvmodeShutter speed setting in TvmodeAperture, shutter speedsetting in Manual modeWhite balance setExposure lock on/offAperture, s

AdditionalInformationE103Aperture setting in AvmodeShutter speed setting in TvmodeAperture, shutter speedsetting in Manual modeWhite balance setExposu

AdditionalInformationE104MaintenanceAvoid high temperatures and high humidity.• Do not leave the camera inside a car in hot weather, for example.• Be

AdditionalInformationE105Power sources• You can use the compact power adapter to operate your camera and charge battery packs in any countrywhere the

AdditionalInformationE106CondensationCondensation may form on the camera when it is moved from a cold place to a warm place. Using thecamera while con

AdditionalInformationE107TroubleshootingCause and/or what to do about it•The camera is not switched on (p. 35, 76).• The cassette is not loaded or is

AdditionalInformationE108Note:Some subjects are not suitable for autofocus. In these situations, you will often get better results usingmanual focus (

AdditionalInformationE109Cause and/or what to do about it• The remote sensor is turned off (p. 31).• The batteries are dead or not inserted.• They are

Preparation11ETWPHOTOSTART/STOPLOCKRECAUDIO DUB.AV INSERTSHUTTERRECSEARCHEVF DISPLAYON/OFFD.E./BARSSELECTON/OFFHandle zoom control (p. 38, 57)START/ST

AdditionalInformationE110The XL1S System Diagram (Availability differs from area to area)FS-72UFilter Set16× IS2Zoom (5.5-88mm)Lens16× manual zoom XL

AdditionalInformationE111HC-3100 System CaseA solid, lockable case that provides safe and stylishprotection for the camera during transportation andst

AdditionalInformationE112VL-10Li Battery Video LightThis compact yet powerful video light can be usedfor both indoor and outdoor shooting.•Lithium ion

AdditionalInformationE113420EX Speedlite550EX SpeedliteAttaches to the XL1S to give SLR-style flashphotography (the optional FA-200 Flash Adapter isal

AdditionalInformationE114Screen DisplaysTo display the date and time on a connected TV,press the wireless controller’s DATA CODE buttonwhen the camera

AdditionalInformationE115F1/12 00:AMJAN2.82001500,.1LENSPlayback pause (forward andreverse) (p. 77)Slow playback (forward andreverse) (p. 78)×2 playba

AdditionalInformationE116- Outdoor mode- Indoor modeCustom keys (p. 55)Camera modeVCR mode16:9 effect: The display flasheswhen the effect is selected;

AdditionalInformationE117MIX/VARI.0dBST– 1ST– 2MIX/FIXEDGain (p. 73)Audio output (p. 96)Mix balance (p. 96)Mix select has not been releasedat the menu

AdditionalInformationE118Refer to page 87.Appears when you try to doaudio dubbing or AV insert on atape recorded in any mode otherthan SP mode(p. 37).

AdditionalInformationE119Main LCD panelAudio LCD panel026204030ST-1 MIX ST-250RL-dB12MANUPBPBRecording mode (p. 37)Exposure lock (p. 67)F number(apert

Preparation12EPHOTOSELF TIMERWTZOOMSTART/STOPAUDIOMONITERRECPAUSEAUDIODUB.SEARCH SELECTZERO SETMEMORYREVERSE FORWARDJOG SHUTTLEDATA CODEON SCREEN

AdditionalInformationE120SpecificationsXL1SPower Supply (rated): 7.2 V DCPower Consumption (while recording, AF=ON):8.7 W (Approx., recording with the

AdditionalInformationE121Index16:9, 59Å Abroad, Using the Camera, 105Accessories,111Adapter, AC, 19AE Shift, 68Analog Line-in, 88Audio Dubbing, 93Audi

AdditionalInformationE122Menu at a GlanceFunction16:9 effect16:9 guide6-sec. DateAudio 1 inAudio 2 inAudio modeCharacter recordingClear ScanColor gain

AdditionalInformationE123CANON CONSUMER DIGITAL VIDEO EQUIPMENT LIMITED WARRANTYThe limited warranty set forth below is given by Canon Canada Inc. (“C

U.S.A. CANON U.S.A., INC. NEW JERSEY OFFICE100 Jamesburg Road, Jamesburg, NJ 08831 USACANON U.S.A., INC. CHICAGO OFFICE100 Park Blvd., Itasca, IL 6014

Preparation13E• If you are a Body Kit user, refer to the viewfinder instruction manual.1. Slide the viewfinder unit onto the bracket and tighten the l

Preparation14EAny lens bearing the mark can be used with this camcorder.• If you are a Body Kit user, please refer to the appropriate lens instruction

Preparation15E1. Remove the lens cap.2. Align the hood with the lens lengthways, and the Canon logo facing to the left. 3. Twist it 90° into position

Preparation16EYou can slide the viewfinder unit along the bracketto a position that best suits you — for use witheither the left or right eye. 1. Loos

Preparation17ETo monitor the scene with your eye near to theviewfinder turn the EYE POINT SELECT switchto NEAR. To view the scene at a distance from t

Preparation18E1. Loosen the microphone attachment screw on the viewfinder unit and insert themicrophone into the microphone clamp.2. Align the mark on

Preparation19EPowering the XL1SBefore operating your camera, you will need to use the power adapter to:provide power from an AC outletorcharge a batte

Introduction2EWARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAINOR MOISTURE.Important Usage InstructionsDigital

Preparation20ECharging and attaching the battery packYour battery pack was partially charged before it left the factory. It should have enough power f

Preparation21ECA-910 Compact Power AdapterSpecificationsPower supply 100–240 V AC, 50–60 HzPower consumption 16 WRated output Adapter mode: 6.0 V, 1.7

Preparation22ELoading a Cassette1. Make sure that you have inserted a power source.2. Slide the EJECT 5 button across to release the cover.• Wait a co

Preparation23EProtecting tapes from accidental erasureTo protect your recording from accidental erasure, slide the tab on the cassette so that it expo

Preparation24ESupporting the Camera• For extra comfort and control, attach the shoulderpad to the camera.• Clip the adapter unit onto the base of thec

Preparation25EUsing the MenusSelecting from the Menus1. Turn the POWER dial to a recording program or to VCR.2. Press the MENU button to open the menu

Preparation26E● CAM. MENUAppears when the POWER dial is set to cameramode.There are 6 (+1) submenus within the CAM.MENU.q To camera set up submenuw To

Preparation27Er Display set up submenu@3 EVF color@4 16:9 guide line display@5 TV screen@6 Guide information@7 Returnt System submenu@8 Sensor@9 Tally

Preparation28ESEL. SETSETMENUCLOSEVROAAMACR SET UPEC MODE SPUTPUT CH L /RUD I O 1 I N L I NEUD I O 2 I N L I NEI X SELECT VARI ABLEUD I O MODE 1 2 bit

Preparation29Er Custom key submenu!7 Custom key 1 select!8 Custom key 2 select!9 ReturnSEL. SETSETMENUCLOSECKKUSTOM KEYSEY 1 TV SCREENEY 2 DATA CODERE

Introduction3EIMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSIn these safety instructions the word “product” refers tothe Canon Digital Video Camcorder DM-XL1SA and all

Preparation30EUsing the Wireless Controller/Tally LampsThe supplied wireless controller can operate thecamera from a distance of up to 16 feet (5 m).P

Preparation31ETurning off the tally lampsThe tally lamps let you know that the camera isrecording. However, the flashing of the front lampmay be refle

Preparation32ESetting the Date and TimeThe date and/or time display forms part of the data code. You can choose to display or hide it duringplayback (

Preparation33ETime zoneLONDONPARISCAIROMOSCOWDUBAIKARACHIDACCABANGKOKH. KONG (Hong Kong)TOKYOSYDNEYSOLOMONWELLGTN (Wellington)SAMOAHONOLU (Honolulu)AN

Preparation34E1. Open the camera menu and select SYSTEM.2. Select D/TIME SET.• The year display starts to flash.3. Turn the IRIS/SELECT dial up and do

RecordingE35Basic Recording• Attach a power source (p. 19).• Load a cassette (p. 22).• Remove the lens cap and fasten the shoulder pad (p. 24).• Adjus

RecordingE36The recorder section can be turned off by setting the CSTM KEYS 1 or 2 to VCR STOP under theCUSTOM KEYS submenu in the camera menu. Press

RecordingE37Turning the camera recording displays ON/OFFEVF DISPLAYON/OFFYou can record and play back a tape in SP (standard play) and LP (long play)

RecordingE38Zooming (for Zoom Lenses)Operate the zoom controls from either the side grip or the camera handle.Turn the zoom control towards W to zoom

RecordingE392× digital zoomActivate the digital zoom to double the camera’s zoom range.The zoom control continues to work as usual — the camera automa

Introduction4E19. Damage Requiring Service — Disconnect thisproduct from the wall outlet and all power sourcesincluding battery, and refer servicing t

RecordingE40Turning the SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer On/Off (16× IS2 lens)ONSTABILIZEROFFThe Optical Image Stabilizer can compensate for a wide

RecordingE41On bright days or when recording very bright scenes, despite the iris being at its smallest aperture, blurringof the image may occur. In s

RecordingE42Taking Still Pictures (Photo Mode)You can record still pictures like a photograph. The camera records the picture and sound to tape forapp

RecordingE432. Press the PHOTO button fully down to take the still picture.• The camera takes the image immediately, and then records the “photo” to t

RecordingE44Choosing the Movie Mode (Normal/Frame)The Frame mode can be used when you want to look at a video, scene by scene, free from field slippag

RecordingE45Searching and Reviewing While RecordingWhen the camera is in record pause mode, you can use record review to play back the last few second

RecordingE46Using the Various Recording ProgramsThe camera provides you with a choice of 6 recording programs. They use different combinations of came

Recording47RecordingEAvailablity of functions in each recording program.RecordingprogramsEXP LOCK buttonIRIS/SELECT dialSHUTTER buttonAE LEVEL dialGAI

RecordingE48Available functions in recording programs vary by the lens type.16× IS 2,16× IS lens and 3× wide lensRecording programManual focus ringZoo

RecordingE49Select this program for total creative freedom whenoperating the camcorder. You can set aperture andshutter speeds completely independentl

Making a Sound Check ... 54Using the Custom Keys ... 55Changing the custom keys sett

RecordingE50Use this program to let you select the aperture (irisdiameter) to give you maximum control over thedepth of field. A large F number (a sma

RecordingE51The XL1S can record sound in 3 audio modes:• 16-bit (48kHz, 2 channel) for the highest sound quality• 12-bit ST-1 (32kHz, 2 from 4 channel

RecordingE52Set the input for Stereo 1 in one of two ways, A or B, depending on the source for the input:Setting the Audio Input — Two Channel Recordi

RecordingE53In normal recording conditions, the camera sets the audio recording level automatically as long as you slidethe REC LEVEL switch to A (aut

RecordingE54Press the AUDIO MONITOR button to make a sound check — stereo 1 only (ST1), stereo 2 only (ST2) orboth (MIX) [each in turn].• Your choice

RecordingE55Changing the custom keys settingUsing the Custom KeysYou can assign frequently used functions to the custom keys (for camera mode and VCR

RecordingE56Operating the CSTM KEY buttonIndex WriteZebra patternVCR stopAudio 1 input level• A function assigned to a custom key is used as a button

RecordingE57Grip zoom speedAudio 2 input levelPress the “AUDIO 2 IN” button to display the Audio 2 input level select menu. The “AUDIO 2 IN” buttonope

RecordingE58Set the fade trigger each time you wish to use it(both before you fade in and again before you fadeout).FADE-T is shown constantly in the

RecordingE59Notes:• You cannot select a different digital effect while the fade trigger is still turned on.• You can turn the fade trigger off before

Introduction6ERecording Over Existing Scenes (AV Insert Editing)... 90Audio Dubbing...

RecordingE60Using a Canon Speedlite for Flash Photography (optional)For SLR-style flash photography, attach a CanonSpeedlite 420EX or 550EX* to the ca

RecordingE61Using the Color BarsThe XL1S is able to record industry standard SMPTEcolor bars.Activating the color bars1. Turn the POWER dial to any re

RecordingE62Recording the Viewfinder InformationYou can record the information (such as date and time) displayed in the viewfinder superimposed within

RecordingE63Recording with the Interval TimerWith the interval timer, you can record images over a selected time with a selected interval. This functi

RecordingE64Setting the Self-TimerThis is useful when you want to include yourself in the picture when recording movies or still photography.1. Press

RecordingE65Using the DV ControlWhen equipment such as another camcorder or video recording device, is connected to the XL1S with a DVcable, its recor

RecordingE66Adjusting the Focus (for autofocus lenses)The camera can focus automatically. All you have to do is point it, and whatever is in the cente

RecordingE67Adjusting the ExposureNotes:• You cannot lock the exposure in the M (Manual) recording program.• The standard exposure level depends on wh

RecordingE68By controlling the level of the automatic exposure (AE) function, you can lighten or darken the imageslightly. This allows you to compensa

RecordingE69Using the Custom PresetYou can alter the color gain, color phase, sharpness and setup level for more creative videos. You can alsosave the

Introduction7EThank you for choosing a CanonThe XL1S is supplied with the following accessories:“Complete kit” onlyWL-D3000 WirelessControllerTwo AAA

RecordingE701. Turn the POWER dial to any recording program (except [ Easy Recording program).2. Select the custom preset number you want to use by pr

RecordingE71The zebra pattern is a series of diagonal stripes that appear in the viewfinder to highlight areas ofoverexposure. Use as a guide to setti

RecordingE72Recording the PC Screen or other equipment using CLEAR SCANBy using the Clear Scan function, you can record the PC screen or other equipme

RecordingE73When the GAIN knob is set ton(auto) the camera adjusts the gain automatically. You can also rotate theGAIN dial to one of the 6 preset lev

RecordingE74Adjusting the White BalanceThe camera’s auto white balance systemcompensates for a wide range of lightingconditions. Although slight varia

RecordingE751. Turn the POWER dial to any recording program (except the [ Easy Recordingprogram).2. Press the white balance selector knob so that it p

PlaybackE76Playing back a CassetteYou can use the viewfinder for instant, on-the-spot playback.To play back your recordings on a TV, see p. 83.To use

PlaybackE77Playback Pause To view the video as a still picture press the PAUSE a button. To resume normal playback, press it again,or press the PLAY e

PlaybackE78Note:• Mosaic-like noise appears on the screen during some of the VCR modes.These can only be operated from the wireless controller (p. 30)

PlaybackE79A data code, containing the date and time the recording was made and other camera data (shutter speed andexposure settings) is automaticall

Introduction8EYou can adjust the color gain, color phase,sharpness and setup level. The combination ofadjustments can be assigned to 3 buttons.Canon’s

PlaybackE80Setting the data codeYou can also choose to display camera data (shutter speed and exposure settings) in cassette data codes.To change, ope

PlaybackE81Searching the Tape (Photo Search/Date Search/Index Search)This allows you to move quickly through still pictures recorded anywhere on a tap

PlaybackE82Returning to a Pre-Marked PositionUse the wireless controller to mark a point on a tape that you want to return to following playback.1. Pr

PlaybackE83Connections for Playback on a TV ScreenFor higher picture quality, we recommend playing back recordings on a TV with an S (S1) terminal. If

EditingE84LRVSS-VIDEOSTV-150 Stereo Video CableS-150 S-video CableVIDEORLAUDIOEditing to a VCR1. Find a point on your recorded cassette slightly ahead

EditingE85The m terminal allows you to connect compatibledevices such as remote controllers that are mLANC compatible. Some buttons on editingequipmen

EditingE86RECAUDIO DUB.AV INSERTSignal flowAUDIOMONITERRECPAUSEAUDIODUB.SEARCH SELECTMIXBALANCEST-2ST-1REWPAUSE SLOWPLAYSTOPFF2+1. Connect the camera

EditingE87Dubbing1. Find a point on your recorded cassette slightly before the section you want to copy and setit to playback pause mode.2. Press the

EditingE88Preparations1. Connect the camera to the VCR, TV or other camera.2. Prepare the device. (Example connecting to the VCR)• Set the TV/Video se

EditingE89Dubbing1. Find a point on your recorded cassette slightly before the section you want to copy and setit to playback pause mode.2. Press the

Preparation9EFinding Your Way Around the XL1SLIGHTRemote sensor (p. 30) Tally lamp (p. 30)Accessory shoe (p. 60)Stereo microphone (p. 18)Viewfinder ca

EditingE90Recording Over Existing Scenes (AV Insert Editing)You can insert new scenes from your VCR or other camcorder onto your pre-recorded tape usi

EditingE91PreparationsThe tape in the camera:When using the XL1S’s AV insert function, only record to tapes recorded in SP mode with continuouslyrecor

EditingE92Editing1. On the VCR, locate a point 3 seconds before the scene to be inserted. Set the VCR toplayback pause mode.2. On the camera, press PL

EditingE93Audio DubbingYou can add sound to the original sound on a pre-recorded tape from audio products (AUDIO 1) or with theprovided or external mi

EditingE94PreparationsTurn the camera’s POWER dial to VCR. Load a recorded cassette.• Make sure the REC/SAVE tab on the cassette has been slid to REC

EditingE956. When you get to the point where you want to stop dubbing, press the STOP button (andthen stop play on the other audio device if AUDIO 1).

EditingE96a) Press the AUDIO MONITOR button to display“STEREO1”, “STEREO2”, and “MIX”, each inturn.• Your choice is selected a few seconds after youla

EditingE97(ii) Choosing the output channel1. Make sure the camera is set to VCR mode.2. Open the VCR menu and select VCR SET UP.3. Select OUTPUT CH, t

AdditionalInformationE98Notes on Using the BatteriesCharging and recording timesBattery pack BP-930 BP-945(supplied) (option)Time needed for full rech

AdditionalInformationE99Taking care of the battery packAlways attach the terminal cover.• Do not allow any metal objects to touch theterminals, as thi