DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER ENGLISH Instruction Manual E CAMÉSCOPE ET LECTEUR VIDEO NUMÉRIQUES FRANÇAIS Mode d’emploi F VIDEOCÁMARA Y GRABADORA DIGITAL ESPAÑOL Es Manual de Instrucciones Mini A (NTSC) Digital Video Cassette
Important Usage Instructions WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. E WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AND TO REDUCE ANNOYING INTERFERENCE, USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY. Introduction COPYRIGHT WARNING: Unauthorized recording of copyrighted materials may infringe on the rights of copyright owners and be contrary to copyright laws. Digital Video Camcorder, XL1 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS In these safety instructions the word “product” refers to the Canon Digital Video Camcorder DM-XL1A and all its accessories. 1. Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated. 2. Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. 3. Heed Warnings — All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to. 4.
19. Damage Requiring Service — Disconnect this product from the wall outlet and all power sources including battery, and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: a. When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged. b. If any liquid has been spilled onto, or objects have fallen into, the product. c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water. d. If the product does not operate normally even if you follow the operating instructions.
Contents Introduction Important Usage Instructions ..............................2 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ........3 Thank you for choosing a Canon ........................6 Introducing the XL1 ............................................7 Preparation Mounting and Removing XL Lenses ..................8 Adjusting the Viewfinder Unit ..........................10 Attaching the External Microphone ..................12 Powering the XL1 ..............................................13 Loading a Cassette ..
Thank you for choosing a Canon First, we’d like to thank you for purchasing this Canon camcorder. Its advanced technology makes it very easy to use — you will soon be making high-quality videos which will give you pleasure for years to come. E For quick reference (in addition to the contents and index) please refer to: • Finding your way around the camcorder (p. 76) • Screen displays (p.
Introducing the XL1 Digital Video XL1 conforms to the new digital video standard to give you outstanding picture quality. It is fitted with a DV terminal for digital-to-digital dubbing (IEEE 1394 standard). Mini Interchangeable Lens System A super-flexible system with an unbeatable range. XL1 maximizes your options with a focal range of between 24 and 2160 mm (35mm camera equivalents), made possible through the use of XL and EF lenses.
Mounting and Removing XL Lenses Any lens bearing the mark can be used with this camcorder. E Mounting the lens 1. Remove the dust cap from the lens and the body cap from the camcorder. 2. Align the red dot on the camera body with the mount positioning point (the red dot) on the lens, then turn the lens clockwise until it clicks and locks into place. Preparation Removing the lens LENS RELEASE 1. Slide and hold the LENS RELEASE switch and turn the lens counter-clockwise until it stops.
Attaching the Lens Hood E 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. • You do not need to assert any pressure — screw the hood lightly into place. 4. Finally, tighten the locking screw. Preparation • To remove, reverse the above procedure.
Adjusting the Viewfinder Unit 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. E • Remove the protective rubber from around the locking screw. Adjusting for left eye/right eye operation Preparation 1, 2 3 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. 1.
Adjusting to your viewing point E 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 viewfinder, turn the switch to FAR. NEAR FAR EYE POINT SELECT Adjusting to your eyesight • In record pause mode, turn the viewfinder focusing ring (focusing the display between –5 and +2) to suit your eyesight. • The viewfinder rotates through 270° to give a choice of shooting positions.
Attaching the External Microphone 2 E 1 3 3 MIC IN DC Preparation 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. Plug the microphone cable to the camera’s MIC terminals. Note: • Make sure that the camera is turned off before attaching or removing the microphone cable.
Powering the XL1 Before operating your camera, you will need to use the power adapter to: E provide power from an AC outlet or charge a battery pack Notes: • The power adapter converts current from a household power socket (100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz) to the DC current used by your camera. • If the adapter is used next to a TV, it may cause the TV to emit noise — move the adapter away from the TV or the antenna cable.
Charging and attaching the battery pack E 3 1 2 4 Preparation 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 fully if you want it to power the camera for more than a few minutes. 1. Attach the battery pack to the power adapter. • Align the triangle on the battery pack with the line on the power adapter. • Slide the battery across until it clicks into place.
Loading a Cassette E EJECT T SE CLO Use videocassettes marked with the Mini THIS FIRS logo only.* Loading and unloading 1. Make sure that you have inserted a power source. 2. Slide the EJECT 5 button across to release the cover. Preparation • Wait a couple of seconds for the cassette compartment to open automatically. 3. Load or unload the cassette. • Insert the cassette gently with the window facing out. • Remove the cassette by pulling it straight out. 4.
Protecting tapes from accidental erasure E REC SAVE REC SAVE Preparation 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” is displayed for approx. 4 seconds and then the v mark flashes in the display.
Supporting the Camera Prepare the lens cap E • Attach/remove the lens cap as shown. Attach the SP-100 shoulder pad • 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.
Selecting from the Menus Many of the camera’s advanced functions are selected from menus which appear in the viewfinder. E 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. MENU) CAM . M ENU Preparation 1 Zebra pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 47 2 16:9 effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 41 3 Movie mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E 1 3, 7 VCR OFF MENU POWER A Tv Av M START/ PHOTO STOP SELF TIMER ZOOM W T ON SCREEN DATA CODE 4, 5, 6 MENU 2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Turn the POWER dial to a recording program or to VCR. Slide open the red cover to reveal the menu operation keys. Press the MENU button to open the menu. Press r or t cursor key to move the arrow up or down the display. Press the e cursor key to select your chosen option from the menu. • Your selected option remains on the screen and all other options are removed.
Using the Wireless Controller/Tally Lamps The supplied wireless controller can operate the 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. E The tally lamps light up to let you know that the camera is in range and responding to your commands. There are five functions which can only be operated using the wireless controller: • Special playback (p. 53) • TV-screen displays (p. 80) • Data code on/off (p. 54) • Photo search (p.
Turning off the remote sensors E The remote sensors can be turned off to prevent interference from other Canon wireless controllers being used nearby. SENSOR••••••OFF (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. • S OFF appears in the viewfinder. Turning off the tally lamps The tally lamps let you know that the camera is recording.
Setting the Date and Time E MENU 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. 63). Preparation 1. Turn the POWER dial to a recording program or to VCR. 2. Open the menu and select D/TIME SET. • The year display starts to flash in the viewfinder. 3. Press the r or t cursor key to change the year.
Basic Recording START/STOP E 1 VCR OFF POWER A Tv Av M 2 STANDBY Before you start recording • • • • • 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. 63) in order to set the date and time display (p. 22). 1. Turn the POWER dial to [p . • This selects the camera’s Easy Recording program.
When you have finished recording E • • • • Replace the lens cap. Unload the cassette. Set the POWER dial to OFF. Disconnect the power source. Notes: • 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.
Zooming (for Zoom Lenses) T Zoom in T E T W W Zoom out W VCR OFF A Tv Av M POWER D.EFFECT SELECT ON/OFF Optical zoom (16× for standard lens) 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. The T and W buttons on the wireless controller and the camera handle adjust the picture angle, but not the zoom speed.
32× digital zoom E 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. • Image resolution is slightly lower when the magnification exceeds the optical zoom range. Activating the digital zoom 1. Turn the POWER dial to any recording program. 2. Press the D.EFFECT SELECT button to move through the list of effects in the viewfinder, until you reach D.ZOOM.
Turning the SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer On/Off E STABILIZER ON OFF The Optical Image Stabilizer can compensate for a wide range of camera movement — you can record stable images even if you are shooting from a moving car. Before you start recording, slide the STABILIZER switch on the video lens to turn the image stabilizer on or off. Notes: • The image stabilizer is designed to deal with a normal degree of camera shake. • Keep the image stabilizer turned off when the camera is mounted on a tripod.
Using the ND Filter (for appropriate lenses) E ND FILTER OFF ON On bright days or when recording very bright scenes, despite the iris being at its smallest aperture, blurring of the image 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. The ND FILTER switch is located on the body of the XL lens. Recording Slide the ND FILTER switch to ON to use the filter.
Taking Still Pictures (Photo Mode) E PHOTO VCR OFF POWER A Tv Av M PHOTO STANDBY You can record still pictures like a photograph. The camera records the picture to tape for approximately 6 seconds. The exposure is automatically adjusted. There are two PHOTO buttons, to let you take still images from both gripping positions. 1. Set the camera to standby mode (turn the POWER dial to a recording program). 2. Press the PHOTO button lightly. 3. Press the PHOTO button fully down to take the still picture.
Choosing 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 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. It is also possible to transfer your favorite still pictures to a PC for image enhancement and print out.
Searching and Reviewing While Recording Record search E When the camera is in record pause mode, you can use record search to play the tape forwards or backwards to find the point where you want to start or restart recording. REC SEARCH 1. Make sure the camera is in record pause mode. 2. Press and hold the REC SEARCH + or – button while you check the picture in the viewfinder. • The + button plays the recording forwards and the – button plays it backwards. 3.
Using the Various Recording Programs E VCR OFF POWER A Tv Av M The camera provides you with a choice of six recording programs. They use different combinations of 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 program whose [ mark is displayed and then disappears after 4 seconds.
Auto In normal recording conditions, set the POWER dial to n (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, set the white balance, and so on. E AUTO A Manual Select this program for total creative freedom when operating the camcorder. You can set aperture and shutter speeds completely independently to give you exactly the exposure you require.
Giving priority to shutter speed (shutter-priority: Tv) E Use this program to let you select the shutter speed. The camera sets the appropriate aperture (F number) automatically to give the correct exposure. When you turn the POWER dial to Tv, the current shutter speed is shown in the viewfinder. Select your desired shutter speed by pressing the SHUTTER r and t buttons. Tv 1000 Tv You can choose 9 shutter speeds between 1/60 and 1/15,000 of a second.
Activating the Slow Shutter E VCR OFF A Tv Av M POWER D.EFFECT SELECT ON/OFF 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 the SLOW setting of your choice. • The flashing display changes to show which effect you can select. • The camera only displays selectable effects. S L OW S . 3 0 S L OW S .
Selecting the Audio Mode E A MO UDIO NIT OR L -dB 50 40 R AUDIO 1/MIC REC LEVEL INPUT SELECT MIC A ATT. M AUDIO 1 LEVEL MIN BALANCE MAX L R 30 20 12 REC LEVEL 6 2 0 L A M MIN MAX R AUDIO 2 MIN MAX 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) free for you to add new sound at a later date.
Setting the Audio Input — Two Channel Recording Set the input for Stereo 1 in one of two ways, A or B, depending on the source for the input: E A. Using the supplied microphone or attaching an external microphone to the mini jacks 1. Change the audio mode at the menu if necessary (see page 36). 2. Slide the INPUT SELECT switch to MIC. • This assigns the MIC mini jacks as the source for the audio input. • In place of the supplied microphone, you can attach an external microphone to the mini jacks.
Setting the Audio Input — Four Channel Recording 1. Set the audio mode to “12 bit ST-1, 2”. 2. Set the input for stereo 1 in exactly the same way as for two channel recording. E AUDIO 2 IN••LINE (see p. 18) 3. Set the input for stereo 2 by connecting a device to the AUDIO 2 RCA jacks and then selecting the appropriate option for AUDIO 2 IN: - LINE: To record sound from a VCR, CD or other line in devices. - MIC ATT20: To record sound using a microphone, when the sound level is high.
Making a Sound Check 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 and audio LCD panel. • Unlike selecting the audio output in VCR mode, you cannot mix the balance at this point — even if VARIABLE is chosen at the VCR menu, it is fixed during camera mode.
Fading In and Out Between Scenes Fade trigger E 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 before you fade in and again before you fade out). FADE-T is shown constantly in the viewfinder when it is ready for use. Activating the fade trigger VCR OFF A Tv Av M POWER D.EFFECT SELECT Recording ON/OFF 1.
Notes: • You cannot select a different digital effect while the fade trigger is still turned on. • You can turn the fade trigger off before 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. • The fade trigger setting is remembered by the camera, until you change the POWER dial setting. E 16:9 (Widescreen TV recording) Produces images in the 16:9 format for playback on widescreen TVs. 16:9••••••••OFF (see p. 18) 1.
Setting the Self-Timer E START/ STOP SELF TIMER PHOTO ZOOM W T 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 if you press the start/stop button on the camera). The time remaining counts down in the viewfinder (e.g. “5 sec”). • SELF TIMER disappears from the viewfinder when recording begins. 3.
Using a Canon Speedlite for Flash Photography (optional) 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 XL1’s accessory shoe, and the flash cable to the flash adapter terminal. E @ Use the camera in exactly the same way as you would normally in photo mode (p. 29). Turn on the Speedlite using its main switch, and wait for it to charge.
Adjusting the Focus 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). Also, if you attach a filter other than UV or ND, the autofocus may not work as effectively. E It also has functions which give you more control over focusing. Operate these from the body of the XL lens.
Adjusting the Exposure Set the aperture value (of the iris) and the shutter speeds completely independently to give you total creative freedom in setting the exposure. 1 E OFF A Tv Av M POWER EXP.LOCK 2 SHUTTER IRI S 3 1. Turn the POWER dial to the Manual recording program. 2. Press the SHUTTER r and t buttons to increase or decrease the shutter speed. • Set the shutter to one of 27 speeds between 1/60 and 1/15,000 of a second. 3. Turn the IRIS wheel to open or close the iris.
Using AE Shift AE SHIFT +0 .5 VCR OFF +1 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. E +2 0 -1 .5 -0 POWER -2 A Tv Av M 1. Turn the POWER dial to the Auto, Tv or Av recording program. 2. Turn the AE SHIFT dial to adjust the AE to your desired level.
Using the Zebra Pattern E MENU VCR OFF POWER A Tv Av M 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•••••••ON (see p. 18) Recording Note: • The camera does not record the zebra pattern, it is only shown in the viewfinder.
Adjusting the Gain E VCR OFF A Tv Av M -3 GAIN dB A POWER 0 +6 +12 When the GAIN knob is set to n (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. 1. Turn the POWER dial to any recording program except [ (Easy Recording) or (Spotlight). 2. Press the GAIN knob so that it pops out. You can now turn it to adjust the gain to your desired level.
Adjusting the White Balance The camera’s auto white balance system compensates for a wide range of lighting conditions. Although slight variations are unavoidable, colors will appear natural in virtually every situation. E In some cases, you will get better results by setting the white balance manually.
Notes: • 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. • You cannot set the white balance manually or use the indoor/outdoor modes when the POWER dial is set to the [ (Easy Recording) program.
Playing back a Cassette E VCR OFF POWER A REC Tv Av You can use the viewfinder for instant, on-the-spot playback. To play back your recordings on a TV, see p. 56. To use the wireless controller, see p. 20. Note: • To avoid accidental recording, make sure that you slide the tab on the cassette so that it exposes the hole (the switch position is usually labelled SAVE or ERASE OFF). 1. Attach a power source and turn the POWER dial to VCR. 2. Load the cassette. 3.
Other playback modes E Playback 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 button. The camera automatically goes into stop mode after about five minutes’ playback pause. Edit Search When the camera is in playback pause, you can use edit search to play the tape forwards or backwards to find the point where you want to start or restart editing.
Special playback E These can only be operated from the wireless controller (p. 20) Frame Advance To play back frame by frame, press the +/ae 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 –/4a button repeatedly during playback pause. Press and hold to play back continuous frame reverse. Slow Forward Playback To play back at about 1/5 normal speed, press the SLOW button during normal playback.
Displaying 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. E During playback, the data code can be displayed or hidden while the camera is in play, reverse playback, slow forward/reverse playback or frame advance/reverse. Press the wireless controller’s DATA CODE button. • Press it once to display, once more to hide it.
Searching Through Your Recorded “Photos” (Photo Search) E VCR OFF POWER A PHOTO SEARCH Tv Av 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 the and buttons to move backwards or forwards through the still pictures. • Press once to move to the start of the previous/next still pictures on the tape.
Connections for Playback on a TV Screen You can connect the camera 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). E See your TV or VCR instruction manual for further details. If your TV (or VCR) has an S-video input terminal V STV-150 Stereo Video Cable VIDEO L AUDIO 1 L AUDIO R R S S-150 S-video Cable S-VIDEO • Use the S-150 S-video Cable to connect the S-video terminal d.
Editing to a VCR Playback the tape on the camcorder. E V STV-150 Stereo Video Cable VIDEO L AUDIO 1 L AUDIO R R S S-150 S-video Cable S-VIDEO Record the scenes you want on the VCR. 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. Preparations 1. Connect the camera to the VCR. • See “Connections for Playback on a TV screen” on p. 56. 2. Prepare the TV and VCR.
DV Dubbing (DV terminal conforming to IEEE1394) E REC Digital video equipment fitted with this terminal lets you edit, copy and transfer data digitally, with imperceptible loss in image and sound quality. The DV terminal is for both line-in and line-out, since a single DV cable can handle data in both directions. Playback Use a Canon CV-150F DV cable to connect two digital devices together.
REMOTE m terminal E The REMOTE m terminal allows you to connect the camera to editing equipment. Some buttons on editing equipment may operate differently from those on the camera. REMOTE • m (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 m symbol. Copyright signal Certain pre-recorded software tapes are copyright protected.
Selecting the Audio Output E R L A MO UDIO NIT OR V AUDIO 1 L R S Set the audio output in two main stages: (i) Selecting the audio mix (ii) Choosing the output channel (i) Selecting the audio mix When you play back a tape that was recorded in 12 bit mode, you can select the output: Stereo 1, Stereo 2, or a mixture of the two. • Audio from the 16 bit mode only contains stereo 1 sound and so you cannot/do not need to select the audio mix.
Notes: • When you have chosen the output, “STEREO1”, “STEREO2”, or “MIX” is shown in the top left of the viewfinder and in the audio LCD panel. If you turn the power off, the output (and display) is set to “STEREO1”. • You cannot mix the balance without first releasing the fixed level: the camera will show “FIXED” in the viewfinder. E MANU L -dB 50 40 R PB ST-1 MIX ST- 2 PB 30 20 12 6 2 0 (ii) Choosing the output channel 1. Make sure the camera is set to VCR mode. 2.
Notes on Using the Batteries E Charging and recording times • These times may vary. • You will get more recording time if you turn the camera off between shots, instead of leaving it in record pause mode. • Recording time will be shorter than usual at low temperatures. You can use the battery pack between 32° and 104°F (0° to 40°C), but it works best between 50° and 86°F (10° to 30°C).
Taking care of the battery pack E 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. • The camera, adapter or battery pack will not work properly if the terminals are dirty. Check them before use, and wipe them with a dry cloth or tissue if necessary.
E 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. • Do not try to disassemble or modify it. • Do not drop or knock it. • Do not get it wet. WARNING! • The battery used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 212°F (100°C) or incinerate.
Camera Holding Styles Choose the grip • 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. E T W HOLD START/STOP PHOTO Standard holding style For maximum stability, place your right hand through the side grip belt and keep your right elbow pressed against your body.
Maintenance E Cautions Avoid high temperatures and high humidity. • 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. • If you take the camera from a cold place to a warm place, condensation may form on the lens and internal parts (see p. 68). Do not point the lens or viewfinder at strong light sources.
Maintenance E Viewfinder (removal) • You may wish to remove the viewfinder for storage or transport. Remove the viewfinder cable from the socket at the front of the camera body. Loosen the locking screw that holds the unit in place and slide the viewfinder unit off the bracket. Viewfinder (brightness) • Adjust the brightness of the display by turning the BRIGHT screw. You can reveal the screw on the under side of the viewfinder by pulling back the small screw cover.
E Condensation 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.
Troubleshooting 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. E Make sure that the camera is properly connected if you are using it with a TV or VCR. Consult your dealer or service outlet if problems persist. Recording/Playback Cause and/or what to do about it ? Nothing happens when I press the buttons. • The camera is not switched on (p. 23, 51).
E Note: Some subjects are not suitable for autofocus. 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. shiny car surfaces) Fast moving objects Slanted subjects Dark subjects Night scenes Recording/Playback (Contd.) Cause and/or what to do about it ? Some/all of the digital effects don’t work, or can’t be set.
Miscellaneous E 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. • This is unlikely, but may happen if you use the camera in places where the air pressure is low, in an airplane for example.
The XL1 System Diagram (Availability differs from area to area) E SS-1000 Shoulder Strap WL-D2000 Wireless Controller SP-100 Shoulder Pad BP-911, BP-914, BP-924, BP-927, BP-941 Battery Pack 380EX Speedlite VL-10Li Battery Video Light MA-100 Microphone Adapter/ Shoulder Pad FA-200 Flash Adapter MiniDV Video Cassette DC-900 DC Coupler CB-900 Car Battery Adapter BP-911*, BP-914*, BP-924, BP-927, BP-941 Battery Pack Extender XL 1.
Optional Accessories 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. BP-927 BP-941 E 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 DC negative ground battery.
E FA-200 Flash Adapter Facilitates use of a Canon Speedlite 380EX with the XL1. 3× Zoom XL 3.4–10.2mm (available Summer ’98) A super wide-angle lens that gives a range of 24 – 72 mm (35mm film equivalent). Extender XL 1.6× Attach this extender between a Canon XL lens and the XL1 to boost the focal length of the lens by 1.6×. Additional Information EF Adapter XL This allows you to attach Canon EOS lenses to the XL1.
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 performance battery pack BP-927, to give up to 3hrs. recording time. E 380EX Speedlite Attaches to the XL1 to give SLR-style flash photography (the optional FA-100 Flash Adapter is also necessary).
Finding Your Way Around the XL1 E Remote sensor (p. 21) EYE POINT SELECT switch (p. 11) Tally lamp (p. 21) Accessory shoe (p. 43) Eye cup (p. 10) Microphone attachment screw (p. 12) Stereo microphone (p. 12) REC LEVEL switch (AUDIO 2) (p. 38) L/R dials (AUDIO 2) (p. 38) INPUT SELECT switch (AUDIO 1) (p. 37) Viewfinder cable (p. 67) Zooming ring (p. 25) BALANCE dial (AUDIO 1) (p. 37) Focusing ring (p. 44) REC LEVEL switch (AUDIO 1) (p. 37) LEVEL dial (AUDIO 1) (p. 37) AUDIO MONITOR button (p.
E AE Shift dial (p. 46) Microphone cable (p. 12) Audio LCD panel (p. 84) Remote sensor (p. 21) Tally lamp (p. 21) AUDIO 2 RCA jack (R) (p. 60) PHOTO button (p. 29) AUDIO 2 RCA jack (L) (p. 60) Zoom control (p. 25) Lens hood locking screw (p. 9) EJECT (p. 15) button Grip belt (p. 17) Start/stop button (p. 23) BATT. RELEASE button (p. 13) DV terminal (p. 58) REMOTE terminal (p. 59) Flash adapter terminal (p. 43) Additional Information Backup battery compartment (p. 63) Tripod socket (p.
E Zoom control (p. 25, 65) PHOTO button (p. 29, 65) PAUSE STOP START/STOP button (p. 23, 65) button (p. 52) button (p. 51) REW REC PHOTO REC button (p. 51) button (p. 58) W T HOLD START/STOP HOLD lever (p. 65) Viewfinder focusing ring (p. 11) FF Viewfinder (p. 10, 67) button (p. 51) PLAY button (p. 51) Attachment bar (p. 17) Release lever (p. 10) PHONES LEVEL dial (p. 39) (phones) terminal (p. 39) Video terminal (p. 56) Viewfinder BRIGHT screw (p. 67) DC out terminal STABILIZER switch (p.
E PHOTO button (p. 29) Transmitter START/STOP button (p. 23) ZOOM buttons (p. 25) SELF TIMER button (p. 42) ON SCREEN button (p. 80) START/ STOP PHOTO MENU button (p. 19) ZOOM W SELF TIMER T DATA CODE button (p. 54, 80) ON SCREEN DATA CODE cursor key (p. 19) MENU cursor key (p. 19) MIX BALANCE buttons (p. 60) AUDIO MONITOR ST-1 AUDIO MONITOR button (p. 39, 60) PLAY button (p. 51) button (p. 51) FF FF SLOW 2 + (frame advance) button (p. 53) REVERSE 2 button (p.
Screen Displays E To display the date and time on a connected TV, press the wireless controller’s DATA CODE button when the camera is in VCR mode with a tape loaded. ON SCREEN DATA CODE Press the wireless controller’s ON SCREEN button to see the other displays on the TV screen. (The displays appear white on-screen.) They will not be added to any recordings you make with the camera. indicates a flashing display. Record pause mode (p. 23) Recording (p.
Playback pause (forward and reverse) (p. 52) The remote sensor is turned off (p. 21). S OFF Slow playback (forward and reverse) (p.53) Self-timer countdown (p. 42) /5 1 0 sec S EL F T I MER /5 ×2 playback (forward and reverse) (p. 53) E Audio mode (p. 36) 2 1 2 bi t S T – 1 , 2 2 ×1 playback (forward and reverse) (p. 53) Data code (p. 54) 1 F2 . 8 1 /500 1 2 : 0 0 AM J AN . 1 . 1 9 9 7 1 Photo Search (p.
E Flash is charging mark flashes white (p. 43) or charged The 16:9 effects: the display flashes when the effect hasbeen selected, and appears steadily when it is activated (p. 41). 16:9 mark lights up green (p. 43) Manual exposure display (p. 45): Exposure locked – + E . L OCK Digital effects: the display flashes when the function has being selected and appears steadily when it is activated (p. 40). D . ZOOM S L OW S . 3 0 S L OW S . 1 5 S L OW S .
Time Code Appears when the battery pack is exhausted (p. 14, 62). E CHANGE THE BATTERY PACK 0: 12 : 34 : 25 This records counter information, including hour, minute, second, and frame number on a special data code area on the tape itself. It is reset automatically when a new tape is loaded. Appears when the tape has reached the end. TAPE END Refer to page 16.
E Main LCD panel Recording mode (p. 24) Exposure lock (p. 45) F number (aperture size) (p. 34) Tape has reached the end (p. 83) Cassette: set for erasure prevention or not loaded (p. 16) Time code (p. 83) Audio mode (p. 36) Shutter speed (p. 34) Remaining battery power (p. 62) Audio LCD panel Additional Information Manual recording level (p. 37) MANU L -dB 50 40 R Audio mix (p. 60) • When only PB is shown = 16-bit mode PB ST-1 MIX ST- 2 PB 30 20 L, R Recording levels (p.
Specifications XL1 Mini DV Terminal: Special 4 pin connector (based on IEEE1394) Output level: Video terminal: RCA jack, 1 Vp-p/75Ω unbalanced, synchronized load S-video terminal: 4 pin mini DIN, 1 Vp-p (Y signal), 0.286 Vp-p (C signal) Audio terminal: RCA jack (L, R), 2 sets 4dBm (47kΩ load)/3kΩ or less, unbalanced Input level: Audio terminal: RCA jack (L, R), 2 sets -11dBV/47kΩ (LINE), unbalanced -35dBV/600Ω (MIC ATT), unbalanced -55dBV/600Ω (MIC), unbalanced Microphone terminal: φ3.
Index E Å Abroad, Using the Camera, 67 Accessories, 6, 73 Adapter, AC, 13 AE Programs, 32 AE Shift, 46 Audio Input, 37 Audio Output, 60 Audio/Video Terminals, 56 Auto, 33 Autofocus, 44 ı Backup Battery, 63 Basic Recording, 23 Battery Pack, 14 Ç Cables, 6, 56 Cassettes, 15 Charging the Battery Pack, 14 Choosing a Recording Program, 32 Cleaning the Camera, 67 Condensation, 68 Connection to TV or VCR, 56 Î Date and Time, 22 Displaying Data Code, 54 DC Coupler, 13 Digital Video, 7 Digital Zoom, 26 DV Terminal,
U.S.A. CANON® XL1 DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER LIMITED WARRANTY The limited warranty set forth below is given by Canon U.S.A., Inc. (“CUSA”) with respect to each Canon XL1 Digital Video Camcorder (“DV Camcorder”) purchased and used in the United States.
CANON INC. 30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 146-8501, Japan U.S.A. CANON U.S.A., INC. NEW JERSEY OFFICE 100 Jamesburg Road, Jamesburg, NJ 08831 USA CANON U.S.A., INC. CHICAGO OFFICE 100 Park Blvd., Itasca, IL 60143 USA CANON U.S.A., INC. LOS ANGELES OFFICE 15955 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92718 USA CANON U.S.A., INC. HONOLULU OFFICE 1020 Auahi Street, Bldg. #8, Honolulu, HI 96814 USA ● If you have any questions, call the Canon U.S.A. Information Center tollfree on 1-800-828-4040 (U.S.A. only).
