Canon GL2 Instruction Manual

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Additional
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Power sources
•You can use the compact power adapter to operate your camcorder and charge battery packs in
any country where the electricity supply is between 100 and 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Contact your
Canon dealer for information about plug adapters for overseas use.
TV playback
•Although you can always play back your recordings on the LCD screen, your camcorder can only
be connected to TVs which use its NTSC system. This TV system is used in the following countries:
American Samoa, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica,
Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Greenland, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Japan,
Korea, Mexico, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Saint
Lucia, Surinam, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, USA, Venezuela.
Using the Camcorder Abroad
Video heads
•When mosaic-like noise appears on the playback picture, the video heads may
be dirty. When the video heads are badly contaminated, the camcorder may
show a blank blue screen or a warning.
•For the best picture possible, after using the camcorder for approximately 20
hours, clean the video heads using Canon’s DVM-CL Digital Video Head
Cleaning Cassette. If the “noise” remains, repeat the cleaning (up to maximum of 5 times).
•Do not use a wet-type cleaning cassette, as this can cause damage. 
						

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Condensation
Condensation may form on the camcorder when it is moved from a cold place to a warm place.
Using the camcorder while condensation is present can damage both the tape and the camcorder.
Condensation may form:
When the camcorder is taken from an air-condi-
tioned room to a warm, humid place
Protecting the camcorder from condensation
•Before you take the camcorder to a warm or humid place where condensation is likely to become
a problem, unload the cassette and put the camcorder in a plastic bag. Wait until the camcorder
reaches room temperature before you take it out of the bag.
What happens when condensation is detected
•“CONDENSATION HAS BEEN DETECTED” is displayed for approximately four seconds. The power
indicator flashes and the 
hmark flashes in the display. If there is a cassette in the camcorder, it
stops automatically and 
“REMOVE THE CASSETTE” is displayed for approximately 4 seconds and vflashes in the display.
If you have the beep turned on, it will sound. Remove the tape, otherwise it may be damaged.
•The camcorder may not detect the condensation immediately — the condensation warning may
not start flashing for 10 to 15 minutes.
•You cannot load a cassette when condensation is detected.
What you should do
•Remove the cassette, leave the cassette compartment open, and turn the camcorder off. 
•Leave it in a dry place until the condensation evaporates. After the condensation warning stops
flashing, wait at least another hour before trying to use the camcorder.
When you take the camcorder from a cold place to
a warm room
When the camcorder is left in a humid room
When a cold room is heated rapidly  
						

							Troubleshooting
Cause and/or what to do about it
•The camcorder is not set to the appropriate mode
(35, 87).
•The cassette is not loaded or is set for erasure
prevention ( 18-19).
•The cassette has reached the end.
•The power source is not properly connected, or
the battery pack is exhausted or not properly
attached ( 16-17, 137).
•The function cannot be used in that recording
program ( 52).
•The camcorder was in record pause mode for more
than about 5 minutes ( 36, 118).
•The battery pack is exhausted ( 17, 137).
•The battery pack’s power is exhausted. Recharge
or change to a new battery pack ( 17).
•The cassette is not loaded or is set for erasure
prevention ( 18-19).
•The cassette has reached the end.
•The camcorder is not set to the appropriate mode
(35, 87). 
•You are attempting to play back or record
copyright protected material ( 100).
•The video heads are badly contaminated ( 141).
•The camcorder is on manual focus ( 79).
•The viewfinder lens needs adjusting ( 14).
•The lens is dirty ( 140).
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 parentheses for more
information.
Make sure that the camcorder is properly connected if you are using it with a TV or VCR. Consult
your dealer or service outlet if problems persist. 
Recording/Playback
Problem
?Nothing happens when I press the
buttons.
?The camcorder turned itself off.
?The cassette compartment stopped mid-
operation while loading/unloading a
cassette.
?The start/stop button does not work.
?There is no picture in the display.
?There is a blank blue screen in the display.
?The camcorder does not focus.
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Note:
•Some subjects are not suitable for autofocus. In these situations, you will often get better results
using manual focus ( 79). Focus on something which is about the same distance away, lock the
focus, and then point the camcorder at your original, hard-to-focus subject.
Horizontal stripes Many subjects at
different distancesBehind glass Without much contrast
(e.g. a white wall)
Reflective surfaces (e.g.
shiny car surfaces)Fast moving objects Dark subjects Night scenes
Recording/Playback (Cont.)
Cause and/or what to do about it
•There are a number of restrictions on using the
digital effects. ( 62).
•The camcorder is not set to TAPE PLAY (VCR)
mode ( 87).
•The cassette is not loaded ( 18).
•The cassette has reached the end.
•When recording in dark places a bright light in
the scene may cause a vertical light bar
(“smear”) to appear. This is a normal feature of
camcorders.
•The video heads need cleaning ( 141).
•AV \DV OUT (Analog-digital converter) is not
set to OFF in the menu ( 103).
•The video heads need cleaning ( 141).
•The TV/VIDEO selector on the TV is not set to
VIDEO ( 95-96).
•The speaker has been turned off with the
selector dial ( 89).
•Headphones are being used.Problem
?Some/all of the digital effects do not
work.
?Thee(play) button does not work.
?There is a bright stripe on the screen.
?The playback picture is rough (with
mosaic-like noise).
?There is no picture on the TV screen.
?There is no picture on the TV screen,
even though the tape is moving.
?There is no sound coming from the
speaker during playback. 
						

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Memory Card Operations
Cause and/or what to do about it
•It is not turned the right way ( 115). 
Turn it the right way and try inserting again.
•Turn the camcorder’s power off and back on
again and remove and reinsert the card. If the
mark continues to flash, format the memory
card.
•The camcorder is not set to CARD CAMERA or
CARD PLAY (VCR) mode ( 118, 120).
•The memory card is not inserted ( 115).
•You are using an SD Memory Card and it is set
for erasure prevention. Change the position of
the protect switch.
•The memory card is full. Erase images ( 122)
or insert a new memory card.
•The power source is not properly connected, or
the battery pack is exhausted or not properly
attached ( 16-17, 137).
•The function cannot be used in that recording
program ( 52).
•The memory card is not loaded ( 115).
•You are using an SD Memory Card and it is set for
erasure prevention. Change the position of the
protect switch.
•The memory card is full. Erase images ( 122)
or insert a new memory card.
•You have reached the maximum file number. Set
the file numbering to RESET through the menu
(117) and insert a new memory card.
•You are using an unformatted memory card.
Format the card ( 133).
•The image is protected ( 122).
•You are using an SD Memory Card and it is set
for erasure prevention. Change the position of
the protect switch.
Problem
?The memory card will not insert.
?The mark flashes red in the display
even though a memory card has been
inserted.
?Nothing happens when I press the
buttons.
?The PHOTO button does not work.
?The image cannot be erased. 
						

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Miscellaneous
Cause and/or what to do about it
•The remote sensor mode is set to OFFBin
the menu ( 30).
•The remote sensor modes of the wireless
controller and the camcorder itself are different
(30).
•The batteries are dead or not inserted.
•Check the screen displays ( 137).
•This is unlikely, but may happen if you use the
camcorder in places where the air pressure is
low, in an airplane for example. The bubbles will
disappear a week or so after you return the
camcorder to normal atmospheric pressure.
•External interference may cause the camcorder’s
microprocessor to malfunction temporarily. If
random letters appear in the display or if normal
operation is interrupted, remove and then
replace the power source.
•Remove the cable and then reconnect it or turn
the power off and back on again.
•This is not a malfunction.Problem
?The wireless controller does not work.
?The power indicator is flashing.
?There are air bubbles inside the lens.
?The camcorder malfunctions.
?The DV cable is connected correctly, but
there’s nothing in the display.
?The camcorder becomes warm during
use. 
						

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SD Memory Card
        or
MultiMediaCard
IFC-300PCU USB CablePC Card Adapter
FD Adapter
Stereo Microphone 
(commercially
available)WL-D77
Wireless
ControllerMiniDV
Video
Cassette
TV
VCR ZR-1000 Zoom 
Remote ControllerWD-58HMA-300 Microphone 
Adapter DM-50 Directional 
Stereo Microphone VL-3 Video Light
CB-920 Car Battery
Adapter
(Available soon) DC-920
DC CouplerSS-650 Shoulder Strap
CA-920 Compact
Power Adapter
CH-910 Dual Battery
Charger/Folder
220EX/420EX/550EX
Speedlight
HC-4100
Sysytem Case S-150 S-video Cable
Digital Device
Personal Computer CV-150F DV CableBP-900 Series 
Battery Pack
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable
BP-900 Series 
Battery PackVL-10Li
Battery 
Video LightBP-900 Series 
Battery Pack 
The GL2 System Diagram (Availability differs from area to area) 
						

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Call or visit your local retailer/dealer for genuine Canon video accessories. You can also obtain
genuine accessories for your Canon camcorder by calling: 1-800-828-4040, Canon U.S.A.
Information Center.
BP-915, BP-930, BP-945 Battery Packs
Extra batteries for use with the GL2. 
CB-920 Car Battery Adapter
Power your camcorder, or recharge battery packs on the
move. The car battery adapter plugs into your car’s
cigarette lighter socket and runs off a 12–24 V DC
negative ground battery.
CH-910 Dual Battery Charger/Holder
This holds two battery packs and can charge them both
consecutively. It can then be connected directly to the
GL2 to give twice the recording/playback time. It can
also make use of the high performance battery pack 
BP-945, to give up to 14 hrs. recording time.
WD-58H Wide-converter
This lens decreases focal length by a factor of 0.7,
giving you a wide perspective for indoor shots or
panoramic views.
DM-50 Directional Stereo Microphone
This highly sensitive, super-directional microphone
attaches to a camcorder’s advanced accessory shoe. It is
a highly sensitive microphone that can be switched
between functioning as a directional microphone
(monaural) or a stereo microphone that also clearly
picks up sounds arriving from the front of the
microphone, for full recorded sound.
VL-3 Video Light
Attach the Video Light to a camcorder when recording
in dark rooms. When on its automatic setting, the Video
Light turns on/off automatically according to the
brightness level of shooting conditions.
Optional Accessories 
						

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VL-10Li Battery Video Light
This compact yet powerful video light can be used for
both indoor and outdoor shooting.
•Use the BP-900 Series battery packs to power the
light. Approximate usage times are as follows:
BP-915: 60 min., BP-930: 120 min., BP-945: 170 min.
220EX/420EX/550EX Speedlite
Attach them to the GL2 to give SLR-style flash
photography.
MA-300 Microphone Adapter
The MA-300 Microphone Adapter enables you to input
audio to the GL2 with XLR connector-equipped
microphones, and to convert video signals for the BNC
connector.
HC-4100 System Case
A solid, lockable case that provides safe and stylish
protection for the camcorder during transportation and
storage.
420EX 220EX 550EX
This mark identifies genuine Canon video accessories. When you use Canon video
equipment, we recommend Canon-brand accessories or products bearing the same
mark.CANONGENUINEVIDEOACCESSORY
Provided accessories:
WL-D77 Wireless Controller D83-0582-000
CA-920 Compact Power Adapter 8029A002AA
DC-920 DC Coupler D85-1400-000
BP-915 Battery Pack 3057A002AA
SS-650 Shoulder Strap D81-1350-001
S-150 S-video Cable 3062A002AASTV-250N Stereo Video Cable D82-0590-201
IFC-300PCU USB Cable D85-0710-000
Lens Hood D52-0210-000
Large Eye Cup D54-0110-000
Optional accessories:
BP-930 Battery Pack 3058A002AA
BP-945 Battery Pack 4244A002AA
CB-920 Car Battery Adapter 8034A002AA
CH-910 Dual Battery Charger/Holder 3036A002AA
WD-58H Wide-converter 8030A001AA
DM-50 Directional Stereo Microphone  3176A002AA (D84-0120-201)
VL-3 Video Light  3175A002AA (D86-0121-201)
VL-10Li Battery Video Light  3140A002AA (D86-0081-201)JR 7.2V 10WF Halogen Bulb  3141A002AA (D86-0090-201)
220EX Speedlite (Flash Unit)  C50-0741-201
420EX Speedlite (Flash Unit)  4590A009AA
550EX Speedlite (Flash Unit)  2261A003AA (C50-0731-011)
MA-300 Microphone Adapter 8032A002AA
MB-100 Microphone Boom  D89-0200-202
HC-4100 System Case 8031A001AA
DVM-CL DV Cleaning Cassette  3134A002AA (D36-0032-201) 
						

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You can select to display or hide the operating state of
the camcorder on the LCD screen/viewfinder. The display
also appears on a TV connected to the camcorder.
Press the wireless controller’s TV SCREEN button or set TV SCREEN to OFF in the menu to hide the
displays on the TV screen. You can also use the custom key if it is set to TV SCREEN ( 58). (The
displays appear white on the screen.) 
Displays will not be superimposed to any recordings you make with the camcorder.
To turn TV SCREEN off, open the menu and select DISP.SET UP. Then select TV
SCREEN, set it to OFF and close the menu.
For instructions on connecting to a TV, see p. 95.
You can turn off the displays to give you a clear screen for playback.
To turn the displays off, open the menu and select DISP. SET UP. Then select
DISPLAYS, set it to OFF  and close the menu.
•If you turn the displays off, the LCD screen will be completely blank (also the connected TV
screen), but the camcorder will continue to show warning/caution displays.
•When operating the camcorder, the operating state display appears for 2 seconds. However, the
displays do not disappear when using an index screen.
Screen Displays
TV
SCREEN
DATA
CODE
TV SCREEN••• ONDISP. SET UP
(20)
DISPLAYS•••• ONDISP. SET UP
(20)
TV Screen Displays
Turning Off the LCD Screen Displays