Canon GL1 Instruction Manual

							DIGITAL VIDEO  CAMCORDER
Instruction Manual
CAMESCOPE ET LECTEUR VIDEO NUMERIQUES
Mode dÕemploi
VIDEOCAMARA Y GRABADORA DIGITAL
Manual de Instrucciones
ENGLISH
FRAN‚AIS
ESPA„OL
E
F
Es
MiniD
igital
Video
Cassette
NTSC 
						

							Introduction
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WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE.
Important Usage Instructions
Digital Video Camcorder, DM-GL1 and Compact Power Adapter, CA-910A
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and use in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
¥ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
¥ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
¥ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
¥ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Use of shielded cable is required to comply with class B limits in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the manual. 
If such changes or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop operation of the equipment.
Canon U.S.A. Inc.
One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042, U.S.A.
Tel No. (516)328-5600
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AND TO REDUCE ANNOYING INTERFERENCE, USE
THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
COPYRIGHT WARNING:
Unauthorized recording of copyrighted materials may infringe on the rights of copyright owners
and be contrary to copyright laws.
Important Warning
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within
an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user
to the presence of uninsulated Òdangerous voltageÓ
within the productÕs enclosure, that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.
The exclamation point, within an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the product.
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
CAUTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN 
						

							Introduction
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
In these safety instructions the word ÒproductÓ refers to
the Canon Digital Video Camcorder DM-GL1A and all its
accessories.
1. Read Instructions Ñ All the safety and operating
instructions should be read before the product is
operated.
2. Retain Instructions Ñ The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings Ñ All warnings on the product and
in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions Ñ All operating and maintenance
instructions should be followed.
5. Cleaning Ñ Unplug this product from the wall outlet
before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol
cleaners. The product should be cleaned only as
recommended in this manual.
6. Accessories Ñ Do not use accessories not
recommended in this manual as they may be
hazardous.
7. Avoid magnetic or electric fields Ñ Do not use the
camera close to TV transmitters, portable
communication devices or other sources of electric
or magnetic radiation. They may cause picture
interference, or permanently damage the camera. 
8. Water and Moisture Ñ Hazard of electric shock Ñ
Do not use this product near water or in rainy/moist
situations.
9. Placing or Moving Ñ Do not place on an unstable
cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table. The product may
fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and
serious damage to the product. 
A product and cart combination
should be moved with care. Quick
stops, excessive force, and uneven
surfaces may cause the product and
cart combination to overturn.
10. Power Sources Ñ The CA-910A Compact Power
Adapter should be operated only from the type of
power source indicated on the marking label. If you
are not sure of the type of power supply to your
home, consult your product dealer or local power
company. Regarding other power sources such as
battery power, refer to instructions in this manual.
11. Polarization Ñ The CA-910A Compact Power
Adapter is equipped with a polarized 2-prong plug (a
plug having one blade wider than the other).
The 2-prong polarized plug will fit into the power
outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you
are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try
reversing the plug. If the plug still fails to fit, contact
your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do
not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.12. Power Cord Protection Ñ Power cords should be
routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed upon or against them. Pay
particular attention to plugs and the point from which
the cords exit the product.
13. Outdoor Antenna Grounding Ñ If an outside antenna
is connected to the product, be sure the antenna is
grounded so as to provide some protection against
voltage surges and built-up static charges. Section
810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No.
70Ñ1984, provides information with respect to
proper grounding of the mast and supporting
structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna
discharge unit, size of grounding conductors,
location of antenna discharge unit, connection to
grounding electrodes, and requirements for the
grounding electrode. See figure 1.
14. Lightning Ñ For added protection of this product
during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended
and unused for long periods of time, disconnect it
from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna. This
will prevent damage to the product due to lightning
and power-line surges.
15. Power Lines Ñ An outside antenna system should
not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines
or other electric light or power circuits, or where it
can fall into such power lines or circuits. When
installing an outside antenna system, extreme care
should be taken to keep from touching such power
lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.
16. Overloading Ñ Do not overload wall outlets and
extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or
electric shock.
17. Objects and Liquid Entry Ñ Never push objects of
any kind into this product through openings as they
may touch dangerous voltage points or short out
parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Be
careful not to spill liquid of any kind onto the product.
18. Servicing Ñ Do not attempt to service this product
yourself as opening or removing covers may expose
you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all
servicing to qualified service personnel.
EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS 
PER NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
ANTENNA 
LEAD IN 
WIRE
ANTENNA 
DISCHARGE 
UNIT
(NEC SECTION 
810-20)
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE 
GROUNDING ELECTRODE 
SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250. PART H)
NEC - NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE ELECTRIC 
SERVICE 
EQUIPMENTGROUND 
CLAMPFig. 1 
						

							Introduction
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19. Damage Requiring Service Ñ 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. Adjust only
those controls that are covered by the operation
instructions. Improper adjustment of other controls
may result in damage and will often require
extensive work by a qualified technician to restore
the product to its normal operation.
e. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet
has been damaged.
f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in
performance. This indicates a need for service.
20. Replacement Parts Ñ 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.
21. Safety Check Ñ Upon completion of any service or
repairs to this product, ask the service technician to
perform safety checks to determine that the product
is in safe operating order.
ÒNote to CATV system installer: This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installerÕs attention to Article 820-40 of the NEC that
provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system
of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practicalÓ. 
						

							Introduction
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Important Usage Instructions ................................2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ..........3
Thank you for Choosing a Canon ..........................6
Introducing the GL1 ..............................................7
Finding Your Way Around the GL1 ......................8
The GL1 System Diagram ..................................12
Optional Accessories ............................................13
Attaching the Lens Hood ....................................15
Powering the GL1 ................................................16
Loading a Cassette ..............................................19
Basic Recording  ..................................................21
Zooming ..............................................................24
Using the LCD Screen ........................................25
Playing Back a Cassette ......................................28
Connections for Playback on a TV Screen ..........30
Tips for Making Better Videos ............................31
~ General ... ~
Turning the Optical Image Stabilizer Off ............33
Selecting from the Menus ....................................34
Using the Wireless Controller/Tally Lamp ..........36
~ For Recording ...~
Setting the Date and Time ....................................39
Using the ND Filter ..............................................42
Taking Still Pictures (Photo Mode)......................43
Using a Canon Speedlite for Flash 
Photography (optional) ......................................45
Choosing the Movie Mode (Normal/Frame) ......46
Searching and Reviewing While Recording ........47
Using the Various Recording Programs ..............48
Using Digital Effects ............................................51
Audio Recording ..................................................53
Setting the Self-Timer ..........................................54
~ When Making Manual Adjustments ...~
Manual Exposure Adjustment ..............................55
Adjusting the Focus ............................................58
Using AE  Shift ....................................................59
Adjusting Camera Sharpness ..............................60
Adjusting Color Phase ........................................61
Using the Zebra Pattern........................................62
Adjusting the White Balance ..............................63
~ For Playback ...~
Displaying Data Code ..........................................65
Searching the Tape (Photo Search/
Date Search) ......................................................67
Returning to a Pre-Marked Position ....................68
The Dubbing Function ........................................69
Using the Dubbing Function for the 
First Time ..........................................................70
Cut-In and Cut-Out Adjustments ........................73
Simple Editing to a VCR ....................................74
Dubbing with Digital Video Equipment ..............75
Recording from a VCR, TV or Other 
Camcorder (Analog Line-in) ............................76
Recording Over Existing Scenes
(A/V Insert Editing) ..........................................78
Audio Dubbing ....................................................80
Preparing the Camera ..........................................82
Notes on Using the Batteries................................83
Setting the Audio Mix ..........................................86
Camera Holding Styles ........................................88
Maintenance ........................................................89
Troubleshooting....................................................92
Screen Displays ....................................................95
Specifications ......................................................99
Index ..................................................................100
Contents
Introduction
Editing
Using the Full Range of Features
Quick Overview
Additional Information
The serial number of this product may be found on the bottom of
the camera. No others have the same serial number as yours.
You should record the number and other vital information here
and retain this book as a permanent record of your purchase to
aid identification in case of theft.Date of Purchase
Dealer Purchased From
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone No.
Model Name GL1
Serial No. 
						

							Introduction
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Thank you for Choosing a Canon
Your camcorder is supplied with the following
accessories:
WL-D73 Wireless Controller Two AA batteries
SS-650 Shoulder Strap
DC-905 DC Coupler S-150 S-video Cable
STV-250N 
Stereo Video CableCA-910 Compact Power
Adapter BP-915 Battery PackLens cap 
(Attached to camera)
First, weÕd like to thank you for purchasing this
Canon camcorder. Its advanced technology makes
it very easy to use Ñ you will soon be making
high-quality videos which will give you pleasure
for years to come.
To get the most out of your new camcorder, we
recommend that you read this manual thoroughly
Ñ there are many sophisticated features which
will add to your recording enjoyment.
Getting started
To get started we suggest that you master the basic
operations of the camcorder first, before moving
on to use its full range of features. 
For quick reference (in addition to the contents and
index) please refer to:
¥ Finding Your Way Around the GL1 (p. 8)
¥ Screen Displays (p. 95)
¥ Troubleshooting Ñ in case you run into any
problems (p. 92)
Note that capital letters are used to refer to settings
displayed in the menus and buttons labeled on the
camcorder itself e.g. Press the MENU button.
The cameraÕs short operation confirmation beeps
are indicated by 
` in the illustrations. Beeps sound
to confirm your operations, e.g. Turn the standby
lever to STANDBY (p. 21).
DVM-E30 
Digital Video Cassette
Lens hood 
						

							7
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Quick Overview
Introducing the GL1
Digital VideoManual Control
Frame Movie Mode
L Series Fluorite 20´(100´Digital)
Zoom Lens
GL1 conforms to the new digital video D
standard to give you outstanding picture quality.
It is fitted with a DV terminal for digital-to-digital
dubbing (IEEE 1394 standard).
From wide-angle to 20
´telephoto Ñ with
unparalleled optical quality. The digital zoom
magnifies this by five times for even more
dramatic results. Fluorite incorporated into the lens
produces images with high-contrast, true-to-life
color.
3 CCD System with Pixel Shift
Technology
Superb picture quality results from using a larger
light capturing area for each pixel (and fewer
pixels) to give higher sensitivity, higher SN ratio
and a greater dynamic range, and then horizontally
shifting the green CCD to ensure high image
resolution. In addition, you can get stunningly
clear still pictures from video action.
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 printout.
Optical Image Stabilizer
CanonÕs optical technology
stabilizes your recordings even in
long telephoto shots.
2.5Ó LCD Screen
An LCD screen makes it easy for
you to shoot colorful, well
composed video. It is also great
for playback.
Choose to operate the GL1 using the Manual
recording program to access the complete set of
manual functions, for exceptional creative
freedom.
Dubbing Function
The GL1Õs dubbing function
directly controls your VCR,
allowing you to dub at the touch
of a button.
Audio Dubbing/A/V Insert Editing
Add new sound to original
sound, or replace original sound
and images on a prerecorded
tape.
GL1 is equipped with a DV terminal that conforms
to IEEE 1394. By connecting the GL1 to your
computer, you can capture still or motion images
on your computer (commercially available IEEE
1394 computer interface board required).
DV terminal (IEEE 1394)
PCM Digital Sound
Analog Line-in Recording
Connect to a VCR or analog
camcorder and record onto a DV
tape in the GL1.
Offers you stunning digital sound Ñ 16-bit for
highest quality sound, and 12-bit for audio
dubbing.
Advanced digital technology
allows you to add special effects
to your videos.
Digital Effects 
						

							8
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Quick Overview
Finding Your Way Around the GL1
Program selector (p. 48)
BATTERY RELEASE button 
(p. 16)
Infra-red signals transmitter (p. 69)
MENU button (p. 35)
Menu dial (p. 35)
VOLUME buttons (p. 27)
LCD BRIGHT buttons (p. 26)
DISPLAY/DATA CODE button 
(p. 23, 65, 95) Self timer button (p. 54)
RESET button (p. 94)
Speaker (p. 27) LCD screen (p. 25)
LCD panel open button (p. 25)
Program selectorEasy Recording 
Auto
Manual
Sand & Snow
Spotlight Shutter-Priority
Aperture-Priority
Viewfinder (p. 82) FF        button (p. 28)
REW        button (p. 28)
PLAY      button (p. 28)
PAUSE      button (p. 28)
STOP      button (p. 28)
REC      button (p. 75, 77)
Image stabilizer button (p. 33)
Power source attachment unit
(p. 16) 
						

							9
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Quick Overview
DVIN/OUT
IN/
OUT
A/V
LOCK lever (p. 88)
Lens hood locking screw (p. 15) MOVIE MODE switch 
(p. 46) Zoom control (p. 24)
PHOTO button (p. 43)
Strap attachment  bar 
(p. 82)
DV terminal (p. 75)
Audio/video terminal 
(p. 30)
S-video terminal 
(p. 30)DC 5V terminal
MIC terminal (p. 31, 80)
Grip belt (p. 82)
Cassette compartment cover 
(p. 19) Cassette compartment (p. 19)
OPEN button (p. 19) Standby lever (p. 21)Stereo microphone (p. 80)
     REMOTE terminal 
(p. 74)
    (headphone) terminal 
(p. 27)
Viewfinder focusing 
lever (p. 82)Carrying handle
Start/stop button (p. 21)
Focus ring (p. 58)
EJECT     button (p. 19) 
						

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Quick Overview
Tripod socket (p. 31)
Lens hood (p. 15)START/STOP button (p. 21)Zoom control (p. 24)PHOTO button (p. 43)
POWER switch (p. 21, 28)
+
 REC SEARCH button (p. 47)
ND FILTER button (p. 42)
FOCUS A/M button (p. 58)
EXPOSURE dial (p. 55)
D.E. (digital effects) ON/OFF
button (p. 52)WHITE BALANCE SELECT button 
(p. 63) Accessory shoe (p. 45)
Tally lamp (p. 38)
Remote sensor (p. 36)Power indicator (p. 28)
Strap attachment bar (p. 82)
WHITE BALANCE         set button 
(p. 63)
     Record review button (p. 47) 
– REC SEARCH button (p. 47)