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Canon XL 1A Instruction Manual

Digital video camcorder
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DIGITAL VIDEO
CAMCORDER
instruction
anuai
CAM#SCOPE
ET LECTEUR
VIDEO
NUM#RIQUES
Mode
'emploi
VIDEOCAMARA
Y GRABADORA
DIGITAL
_nuai de Instrucciones
CallOll
XL 1
A (NTSC)
Mini
Digital
Cassette

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Summary of Contents for Canon XL 1A

  • Page 1 DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER instruction anuai CAM#SCOPE ET LECTEUR VIDEO NUM#RIQUES Mode 'emploi VIDEOCAMARA Y GRABADORA DIGITAL _nuai de Instrucciones CallOll Mini Digital Cassette XL 1 A (NTSC)

  • Page 2: Copyright Warning

    Canon U.S.A. Inc. One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042, U.S.A. Tel No. (516)328-5600 important Warning The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage"...
  • Page 3 Power Cord Protection -- Power cords should in these safety instructions the word "product" refers the Canon Digital Video Camcorder DM-XL1A and all its routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or accessories. pinched by items placed upon or against them.
  • Page 4 20. Replacement Parts -- When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts that are specified by Canon or that have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.
  • Page 5 Making a Sound Check ........Fading In and Out Between Scenes ....40 Setting the Self-Timer ........Using a Canon Speedlite for Flash Photography (optional) ............Date of Purchase The serial number of this product may be found on the bottom...
  • Page 6 First, we'd like to thank you for purchasing this Canon camcorder. Its advanced technology makes it ve_7 easy to use -- you will soon be making high-quality videos which will give you pleasure for years to come. For quick reference...
  • Page 7 4 audio channels. A valuable accessory is the EF Adapter that fits onto the XL1 to allow you to use Canon EF lenses (that have manual focusing). The difference in size Slide the professional style (180,000 pixel) color...
  • Page 8 iii_!!Amy lens bearin_ the _ mark cam b e use_ with this camcor_er _i_i_ i i_i_iii _iil ili i li i li i li i li i li' iti i ii i/iiiiiii iiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiii!liiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiii iii iii iiiiii iiii iii iiii iiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiii iiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiii_i_...
  • Page 9 ! ! 1. 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 (clockwise), so that the Canon logo is to the top.
  • Page 10 The camera is supplied with the viewfinder unit and cable attached to the camera. • Check that the viewfinder cable is firmly attached to the camcorder. * Remove the protective rubber fiom around the locking screw. You can slide the viewfinder unit along the bracket .__ to a position that best suits you -- for use with either the left or right eye.
  • Page 11 To monitor the scene with your eye near to the viewfinder turn the EYE POINT SELECT switch to NEAR. To view the scene at a distance from the NEAR viewfinder, turn the switch to FAR. EYE POINT SELECT • In record pause mode, turn the viewfinder focusing ring (focusing the display between -5 and +2) to suit your eyesight.
  • Page 12 1. Loosen the microphone attachment screw on the viewfinder unit and insert the microphone into the microphone clamp. 2. Align the mark on the microphone with the mark on the clamp and tighten the screw to hold the microphone firmly in place. 3.
  • Page 13 When replacement or repair of any product including power supply is required, please return it to the nearest authorized Canon Service Center and have it repaired or replaced with the same number product or equivalent.
  • Page 14 Your battery pack was partially charged before it left the factory. It should have enough power for you to check that your camera is working properly. However, you must charge the battery pack tully if you want it to power the camera for more than a few minutes. 1.
  • Page 15 Use videocassettes marked with the ..I1_" logo only.* 1. Make sure that you have inserted a power source. 2. Slide the EJECT button across to release the cover. • Wait a couple of seconds for the cassette compartment to open automatically. "o 3.
  • Page 16 To protect your recording from accidental erasure, slide the tab on the cassette so that it exposes the hole and the red mark. (This switch position is usually labeled SAVE or ERASE OFF.) If you load this cassette and put the camera in record pause mode (p. 23), "THE TAPE IS SET FOR ERASURE PREVENTION"...
  • Page 17 • Attach/remove the lens cap as shown. • For extra comfort and control, attach the shoulder pad to the camera. • Clip the adapter unit onto the base of the camcorder and tighten the fixing screw using a coin. • When you are not using the shoulder pad, fold it in towards the camera until it clicks into the storage position.
  • Page 18 Many of the camera's advanced functions are selected from menus which appear in the viewfinder. There are two main menus: 1. Camera menu (when the camera is in record pause mode: the POWER dial set to a recording program.) 2. VCR menu (when the POWER dial is set to VCR) Camera menu (CAM.
  • Page 19 1. Turn the POWER dial to a recording program or to VCR. 2. Slide open the red cover to reveal the menu operation keys. 3. Press the MENU button to open the menu. 4. Press & or Y cursor key to move the arrow up or down the display.
  • Page 20 The supplied wireless controller can operate camera from a distance of up to 16 feet (5 m). Point it at either of the camera's remote sensors while you press the buttons. The tally lamps light up to let you know that the camera is in range and responding to your commands.

  • Page 21: Remote Sensor

    The remote sensors can be turned offto prevent interference from other Canon wireless controllers being used nearby. PSENSOR ..(see p. 18) 1. Open either the camera or the VCR menu, and point the arrow at SENSOR. 2. Select the OFF setting and close the menu.
  • Page 22 The date and/or time display forms part of the data code. You can choose to display or hide it during playback (see p. 54). Set the date and time display when you first start using your camera. Install the backup battery before you begin (see p.
  • Page 23 Attach a power source (p. 13). • Load a cassette (p. 15). • Remove the lens cap and fasten the shoulder pad (p. 17). • Adjust the viewfinder (p. 10). • Choose your grip -- side or top (p. 65). You may also want to install the backup battery (p.
  • Page 24 • To check that the camera is recording correctly, make a test recording first. • Before making important recordings, clean the video heads using a Canon DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette or a commercially available digital video head cleaning cassette.
  • Page 25 Operate the zoom controls from either the side grip or the camera handle. Turn the zoom control towards W to zoom out to wide-angle. Turn it towards T to zoom in to telephoto. You can also zoom in and out using the lens's zoom ring. To control the speed of zooming (using the zoom control on the side grip and the lens's zoom ring): Move the control/ring...
  • Page 26 Activate the digital zoom to double the camera's zoom range. The zoom control continues to work as usual -- the camera automatically switches between optical zooming and digital zooming. • hnage resolution is slightly lower when the magnification exceeds the optical zoom range. 1.
  • Page 27 The Optical Image Stabilizer can compensate for a wide range of camera movement -- you can record stable images even if you are shooting liom a moving car. Before you start recording, slide the STABILIZER switch on the video lens to turn the image stabilizer or off.
  • Page 28 On bright days or when recording ve_T bright scenes, despite the iris being at its smallest aperture, blurring of the inrage may occur. In such cases, using an ND filter should remove this problem. The 16× zoom lens XL comes with a built-in ND filter.
  • Page 29 • The wireless controller's PHOTO button has no half-way setting, press the button and the camera soon takes the "photo". • For even greater versatility attach a Canon Speedlite for flash photography (available as an optional accessory, see page 43).

  • Page 30: Movie Mode

    The Frame mode can be used when you want to look at a video, scene by scene, free from field slippage (the "flicker" that normally occurs when you pause a video). The vertical resolution of the image is improved by 1.5×. During playback, pause the video any time you like to view a crystal clear still image in the display or on a connected TV screen.
  • Page 31 !i i 1 91_i! i _ _in _i_ii i!ii!!!i_ __i _ i_i!_i!_i_! _!_i!i!_ii_i_i !Si!ii!ii_i_!_!_i_!!_!i_i!i !i!i!ii!!i_i_! !!!i!i!iii_i_iiiii!ii_i_i_i _!_i_i!_!i_ ii_i_iiiiii !i_i_i iii ii!ii_i_i_i _i_iiii_ !i_i_i !!ii!!!i_i_i_i _i_i_ii_!i _ii_i_iiii!i !i_i_i ii_i_ii_!i_ i_!_ii!i!i !i_i_i _i_i_ii_ !i _i i_i_i!_ii_i_i iii ii!ii!i_i_i_!_i_i!_!i_iii iii iiiii!i_i_i_i_i_!i_!i_iii iii ii!ii_i_i_i _!_i_!!_!i_ii_ !Si!ii!_i_i_! _!_!_!!_!i_i_i...
  • Page 32 The camera provides you with a choice of six recording programs. They use different combinations camera settings in order to adjust the exposure and other functions to match the recording situation. The name of your selected recording program appears constantly on the left of the display, with the exception of the Easy Recording...
  • Page 33 In normal recording conditions, set the POWER AUTO dial to _ (Auto). This is the same as the Easy Recording program, except that you now have the option of using any of the camera's manual functions -- you can adjust focus and exposure, the white balance, and so on.
  • Page 34 • You can also set the XL1 for slow shutter shooting using the slow shutter digital effects (p. 35). • When recording in extreme low-light conditions, we recommend the use of a Canon Speedlite or Video Light (available as optional accessories, see page 73).
  • Page 35 You can select one of three SLOW shutter effects: 1/8, 1/15 or 1/30 of a second. 1. Turn the POWER dial to the Auto or Manual recording program. 2. Press the D.EFFECT SELECT button to move through the list of effects in the viewfinder, until you reach...

  • Page 36: Audio Mode

    The XL1 can record sound in three audio modes: • 16-bit (48kHz, 2 channel) for the highest sound quality • 12-bit ST-1 (32kHz, 2 from 4 channels) for recording on two channels (stereo 1), leaving two channels (stereo 2) tree for you to add new sound at a later date. •...
  • Page 37 Set the input tbr Stereo 1 in one of two ways, A or B, depending on the source tbr the input: 1. Change the audio mode at the menu if necessary (see page 36). 2. Slide the INPUT SELECT switch to MIC.
  • Page 38 1. Set the audio mode to "12 bit ST-l, 2". 2. Set the input for stereo 1 in exactly the same as for two channel recording. I,.AUDIO 2 IN..LINE (see p. 18) 3. Set the input for stereo 2 by connecting a device to the AUDIO 2 RCAjacks...
  • Page 39 Press the AUDIO MONITOR button to make a sound check -- stereo 1 only (ST1), stereo 2 only (ST2) or both (MIX) [each in turn]. • Your choice is selected a few seconds after you last pressed the button, and shown in the viewfinder audio LCD panel.
  • Page 40 When you start recording, the scene gradually fades in from a black screen. When you stop recording, it gradually fades out. Set the fade trigger each time you wish to use it (both be%re you fade in and again be%re you fade out).

  • Page 41: Effect

    Notes: • You cannot select a different digital effect while the fade trigger is still turned on. • You can turn the fade trigger offbefore you use it by pressing the D.EFFECT ON/OFF button again. • You are unable to use the fade trigger with the Easy Recording program.
  • Page 42 1. Press the wireless controller's SELF TIMER button. • SELF TIMER appears in the viewfinder. 2 Press the wireless controller's START/STOP button. • The camera starts to record after a 2 second countdown period (or after 10 seconds it'you press the start/stop button on the camera).
  • Page 43 For SLR-style flash photography, attach a Canon Speedlite 380EX to the camera using the optional FA-100 Flash Adaptor. Attach its hot shoe cube to the XLI's accessol T shoe, and the flash cable to the flash adapter terminal. Use the camera in exactly the same way as you would normally in photo mode (p.
  • Page 44 The camera can focus automatically. All you have to do is point it, and whatever is in the center of the display will usually be in sharp focus. If it does not seem to be focusing well, it may be because the subject is not suitable for autofocus (page 70).
  • Page 45 Set the aperture value (of the iris) and the shutter speeds completely independently to give you total creative freedom in setting the exposure. 1. Turn the POWER dial to the Manual recording program. 2. Press the SHUTTER & and W buttons to increase or decrease the shutter speed.
  • Page 46 By controlling the level of the automatic exposure (AE) function, you can lighten or darken the image slightly. This allows you to compensate for backlit subjects or subjects with predominately dark or light tones. 1. Turn the POWER dial to the Auto, Tv or Av recording program.

  • Page 47: Zebra Pattern

    The zebra pattern is a series of diagonal stripes that appear in the viewfinder to highlight areas of overexposure. Use as a guide to setting the aperture (iris) and shutter speed. 1. Open the camera menu and select ZEBRA. 2. Select the ON setting and close the menu. _ZEBRA ..
  • Page 48 When the GAIN knob is set to [_X3(auto) the camera adjusts the gain automatically. You can also rotate the GAIN dial to one of the five preset levels that range from -3 to +12 dB. except [] 1. Turn the POWER dial to any recording program (Easy...
  • Page 49 The camera's auto white balance system compensates for a wide range of lighting conditions. Although slight variations unavoidable, colors will appear natural in virtually every situation. In some cases, you will get better results by setting the white balance manually. The XL1 has two modes other than flflly auto (A) and manual ( _,11_): Indoor mode (3200°K light) -,?,_ Outdoor...
  • Page 50 * If the lighting conditions change, reset the white balance by first returning to the auto setting, and then reselecting the manual balance. . Try to record with light from a single source. Correct white balance cannot be obtained for two types of lighting at once.
  • Page 51 REW 44 button. "u • If the playback picture is rough (mosaic-like noise), clean the video heads using a Canon DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette or a commercially available digital video head cleaning cassette.
  • Page 52 Playback Pause To view the video as a still picture press the PAUSE | [ button. To resume normal playback, press it again, or press the PLAY _ button. The camera automatically goes into stop mode after about five minutes' playback pause.
  • Page 53 These can only be operated from the wireless controller (p. 20) Frame Advance To play back frame by frame, press the +/| |_ button repeatedly during playback pause. Press and hold to play back continuous frame advance. Frame Reverse To play back on reverse frame by frame, press the -/4| | button repeatedly during playback pause.

  • Page 54: Data Code

    A data code, containing the date and time the recording was made and other camera data (shutter speed and exposure settings) is automatically recorded on a special data section of the tape. During playback, the data code can be displayed or hidden while the camera is in play, reverse playback, slow forward/reverse playback...
  • Page 55 i ! ! Move quickly through still pictures recorded anywhere on a tape. • You can only use this function from the Wireless Controller. 1. Turn the POWER dial to VCR. 2. Press buttons to move backwards or forwards through the still pictures.
  • Page 56 You can connect the canrera to a TV or VCR in order to play back your recordings. You will need to attach a power source to the camera (see p. 13). See your TV or VCR instruction manual for further details. Use the S-150 S-video Cable to connect the S-video terminal _).
  • Page 57 By connecting the camera to another VCR, you can edit your recordings in order to remove unwanted scenes -- or combine different shots to create your own video productions. 1. Connect the camera to the VCR. • See "Connections for Playback on a TV screen"...
  • Page 58 The DV terminal is for both line-in and line-out, since a single DV cable can handle data in both directions. Use a Canon CV-150F DV cable to connect two digital devices together. When you are recording, make sure you connect...
  • Page 59 The REMOTE _._ terminal allows you to connect the camera to editing equipment. Some buttons editing equipment may operate differently from those on the camera. • _._ (LANC) is a trademark. It stands for Local Application Control Bus System. • We cannot guarantee the results when connecting to equipment not bearing the LANC _._ symbol.

  • Page 60: Mix Balance

    Set the audio output in two main stages: (i) Selecting the audio mix (ii) Choosing the output channel (i) Selecting audio When you play back a tape that was recorded in 12 bit mode, you call select tile output: Stereo 1, Stereo 2, or a mixture of the two.

  • Page 61: Output Channel

    Notes: • When you have chosen the output, "STEREOI", "STEREO2", or "MIX" is shown in the top left of the _ ST-1)MIXIST-2 viewfinder and in the audio LCD panel. If you turn L IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII the power oft, the output (and display) is set to -dB5040 6 2 0 "STEREO...
  • Page 62 • These times may vary. Battery pack BP-927 BP-94 ! (supplied) (option) • You will get more recording time if you turn the Time needed for camera offbetween shots, instead of leaving it in fldl recharge 3h 50 min. 4h 40 min. record pause mode.
  • Page 63 Always attach the terminal cover. * Do not allow any metal objects to touch the terminals, as this can cause a short circuit and damage the battery pack. Attach the terminal cover whenever the battery pack is not being used. Keep the terminals clean.
  • Page 64 DANGER! Treat the battery pack with care. Keep it away from fire (or it might explode). Do not expose the battery pack to temperatures greater than 140°F (60°C). Do not leave it near a heater, or inside a car in hot weather, for example.
  • Page 65 • You can grip the camera from the side grip, or top handle. Either gripping position allows you to start/stop recording, take a "photo" and zoom in and out. • Lock the top controls to prevent accidental operation by flicking across the HOLD lever. For maximum stability, place your right hand through the side grip belt and keep your right elbow pressed against your body.
  • Page 66 Avoid high temperatures and high humidi_'. • Do not leave the camera inside a car in hot weather, for example. • Be careful of heat radiating from video lighting equipment. • Do not take the camera into a humid room. Avoid sudden changes in temperature.
  • Page 67 110 and 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Contact your Canon dealer for information about plug adapters for overseas use. TV playback •...
  • Page 68 Condensation may form on the camera when it is moved from a cold place to a warm place. Using the camera while condensation is present can damage both the tape and the camera. Condensation may become a problem: When you bring the camera from a cold place to a warm room •...
  • Page 69 Refer to this checklist first if you have any problems with your camcorder. Possible explanations are given for each problem on the list -- turn to the page numbers in brackets for more information. Make sure that the camera is properly connected if you are using it with a TV or VCR.
  • Page 70 Note: Some subjects are not suitable %r auto%cus. In these situations, you will often get better results using manual focus (see p. 44). • Horizontal stripes Many subjects at different distances Behind glass Without much contrast (e.g. a white wall) Reflective surfaces (e.g.
  • Page 71 Problem Cause and/or what to do about it [] The wireless controller doesn't work. • The remote sensor is turned off(p. 21). • The batteries are dead or not inserted. [] The tally lamps don't flash. • They are turned off (p. 21). [] There are air bubbles inside the lens.
  • Page 72 iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii...
  • Page 73 Battery Packs The BP-927 is supplied as standard. It is also available as an optional accessory. The optional BP-941 provides 50% more recording time than the BP-927. CB-900 Car Battery Adapter Power your camera, or recharge battery packs on the move. The car battery adapter plugs into your car's cigarette lighter socket and runs off a 12-24V...
  • Page 74 Attach this extender between a Canon XL lens and the XL1 to boost the focal length of the lens by 1.6x. EF Adapter This allows you to attach Canon EOS lenses to the XL1. The difference in size between the XLI's 1/3" CCD's...

  • Page 75: Stereo Microphone

    CH-900 Dual Battery Charger/Holder This holds two battery packs and can charge them both consectively. It can then be connected directly to the XL1 using its DC Coupler to give twice the playback time. It can also make use of the high perfornrance battery pack BP-927, to give up to 3hrs.
  • Page 76 Remote sensor (p 21) -- EYE POINT SELECT switch (p 11) Tally lamp (p 21) (p 10) Accessory shoe (p 43) Microphone attachment screw (p 12) REC LEVEL sw_tch Stereo microphone AUDIO 2) (p 38) (p 12) L/R dials (AUDIO 2) (p 38) •...
  • Page 77 AE Shift d_al (p 46) Microphone cable (p 12) Audio LCD panel (p 84) Remote sensor (p 21/ Tally lamp (p 21) PHOTO button (p 29) AUDIO 2 RCAjack (R)_ (p 60) AUDIO 2 RCAJ Zoom control (p 25) (p 60) Lens hood locking screw (p 9) EJECT A_button...
  • Page 78 Zoom control (p 25, 65) --] PHOTO button (p 29, 65) START/STOP button -- r----- PAUSE button (p 52) HOLD lever (p 65) -I_-]--FI ----m_ PEW _ button (p 51) (p 23,65) _t/1_O:1,_ _1--i'--I'_" 11 I_STOP'butt°n(P RECObutton Vlewfinder focusing ring (p 11) "_-_-'"_'L_;I_'IIPlJI: •...
  • Page 79 PHOTO button (p 29) STARTtSTOP button (p 23)-_ Transmitter •f_7//_ ZOOM buttons (p 25) SELF TIMER button {p 42) -_,_ ON SCREEN button (p 80)-_ MENU button (p 19) • cursor key (p 19) • cursor key (p 19) • cursor key (p 19) MIX BALANCE buttons (p 60) •...

  • Page 80: Recording Mode

    iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii To display the date and time on a connected press the wireless controller's DATA CODE button when the camera is in VCR mode with a tape loaded. ONSCREEN DATACQDE _________________________________ Press the wireless controller's ON SCREEN button to see the other displays on the TV screen.
  • Page 81 The remote sensor is turned off Playback pav_se (forward and (p. 21). reverse) (p. 52) Self timer countdown (p. 42) Slow playback (forward and reverse) (p.53) Audio mode (p. 36) x2 playback (forward and reverse) (p. 53) Data code (p. 54) xl playback (t\_rward and reverse) (!?.53) The camcorder does not have a...
  • Page 82 The 16:9 effects: the display Flash is charging flashes when the effect hasbeen mark flashes white (p. 43) selected, and appears steadily or charged when it is activated (p. 41). mark lights up green (p. 43) Digital effects: the display Manual exposure display flashes when the flmction has (p.
  • Page 83 Time Code Appears when the battery pack is exhausted (p. 14, 62). Appears when the tape has reached the end. This records counter in%rmation, including hour, minute, second, and fiame number on a special data code area on the tape itself. It is reset automatically when a new tape is loaded.
  • Page 84 Tape has Time code Cassette: Recording mode reached the end (p. 83) set for erasure (p. 24) prevention or not (p. 83) loaded (p. 16) 0"00"00 Exposure lock F number Audio mode Shutter speed Remaining battery (p. 45) power (p. 62) (aperture size) (p.
  • Page 85 More than 100 lx Filter diameter: 72mm (XL lens) Weight and dimensions are approximate Viewfinder: 0.7-inch, color LCD Errors and omissions excepted. (approx. 180,000 pixels) Subject to change without notice. Microphone: Stereo electret condenser Canon is a trademark of Canon Inc. microphone...
  • Page 86 Abroad, Using the Camera, 67 Head Cleaning, 67 Screen Displays, 80 Accessories, 6, 73 Headphones, 39 Self-Timer, 42 Adapter, AC, 13 Shoulder Pad, 17 AE Programs, 32 Image Stabilizer, 27 Shoulder Strap, 17 AE Shift, 46 Introducing the XL 1, 7 16:9, 41 Audio Input, 37 Iris Wheel, 34, 45...

  • Page 87: Warranty

    (?anon U.S.A., Inc. Canon Plaza [CANADA] Lake Success, York 11042 CANON CONSUMER DIGITAL VIDEO EQUIPMENT LIMITED WARRANTY The limited warranty set forth below is given by Canon Canada Inc. ("Canon Canada") with respect...
  • Page 88 Anzaldo C.P. 01900 Mexico, D.F., Mexico CENTROY SURAMERICA CANON LATIN AMERICA, INC. 6505 Blue Lagoon Drive Suite 325 Miami FL 33126 USA ASIA CANON HONGKONG COMPANY LTD. 9/F, The Hong Kong Club Building, 3A Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong PUB.DIM-206A...

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