Canon GL2 Instruction Manual

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Recording
Searching and Reviewing While Recording
When the camcorder is in record pause mode,
you can use record search to play the tape
forwards or backwards to find the point where
you wish to start or restart recording. This is
useful when you wish to add a new scene to a
previously used cassette. By using record search,
you can ensure a smooth, noise-free join between
the new scene and the old one.
1. Press and hold the REC SEARCH + or – button while you check the picture in
the display.
•The + button plays the recording forwards and the – button plays it backwards.
2. Release the button when you find the point where you want to start
recording.
•The camcorder returns to record pause mode.
When the camcorder is in record pause mode, you can use record review to play back the last few
seconds of your recording and then return automatically to record pause mode. You can quickly
make sure that a scene has recorded properly and then go on to shoot the next scene, without
producing any noise in the picture.
1. Press and release the c(record review) button while you check the picture in
the display.
•The camcorder rewinds the tape, plays back the last few seconds, and returns to record pause
mode.
Note:
•Noise may appear on the screen during record search and record review.
REC SEARCH
+CAMERATAPE
+CAMERATAPE
Record Search
Record Review 
						

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Recording
Using the Various Recording Programs
The camcorder provides you with a choice of seven recording programs. They use different
combinations of camcorder settings in order to adjust the exposure and other functions to match
the recording situation. 
Availability of Functions in Each Recording Program
h= Available, i= Not available
1): Can be used when exposure is locked.
2): Frequency can be selected when clear scan is activated.
3): Shutter speed cannot be changed when the exposure is locked while clear scan is activated.
Recording ProgramEasy
Auto Tv Av ManualSand & SnowSpotlightRecording
EXP dial:Exposure lockihihh
EXP dial:Aperture adjustmentiii1)hhi1)i1)
EXP dial:Shutter speediihi1)hi1)i
EXP dial:Gain adjustmentiihi1)i
W. BALANCE SELECT buttoni(Automatic)h
W. BALANCE SET buttonih
Custom preset settingih
CSTM PRESET buttonih
FOCUS A/M buttonih
Focus ringih
CSTM KEY buttonhh
Movie modei
(Normal)h
16:9i
(OFF)h
Clear scan frequencyiih2)ih2)i
Clear scan activationiih3)ih i
Digital effects
(excl. color bars)ih
Color Barsh
Digital zoom (TAPE
CAMERA mode only)h 
						

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Recording
Easy Recording
Auto
The simplest way to use the camcorder is with the program
selector set to the [position. The camcorder will take care of
focus, exposure and other adjustments, leaving you free to point
and shoot.
In normal recording conditions, set the program selector to AUTO.
This is the same as the Easy Recording program, except that you
now have the option of using any of the camcorder’s manual
functions.[
AUTO
[
AUTO
1. Slide the program selector to Q(program AE) mode.
2. Press the SELECT dial in and display the program menu.
3. Pull the SELECT dial up or down and move the arrow up or down the menu.
4. Press the SELECT dial in to select the desired program.
• The program will appear in the display.
Notes:
•The name of your selected recording program appears constantly on the left of the display, with
the exception of AUTO which disappears after 4 seconds.
•Avoid changing programs during recording as the brightness of the image may change suddenly.
•The specialized AE programs are not suitable for all kinds of lighting. The image may flicker, or a
bright line may appear on the screen if you use them in unsuitable lighting conditions.
+
,+CAMERACARDCAMERATAPE
Setting the Program AE Mode 
						

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Recording
Use this program to select the aperture (iris diameter) to give you
maximum control over the depth of field. Select between 10
aperture values (f/1.6, f/2.0, f/2.4, f/2.8, f/3.4, f/4.0, f/4.8, f/5.6,
f/6.7, f/8.0) in TAPE CAMERA mode and 9 aperture values in
CARD CAMERA mode (f/2.0 to f/8.0).
Shutter speed and gain are adjusted automatically.
Select Av mode and set the aperture by pulling the EXP dial up or down.
•Pull toward + to open the aperture (decrease the F number) and toward – to close the aperture
(increase the F number).
•If you try to set an F number that is too high/low for the shooting conditions, the indicator
flashes in the display. In this case, increase or decrease the setting until the flashing stops.
Notes:
•The selected aperture value will reset if you turn the power off, change the recording program or
adjust the exposure.
•If the ND filter is set to ON, increasing the F number may darken the image. Set the ND filter to
OFF and select your setting again.
Av
Giving Priority to the Aperture (Aperture-Priority: Av)
Av
Use this program to select the shutter speed. Aperture and gain
are adjusted automatically.
Select Tv mode and set the shutter speed by pulling
the EXP dial up or down.
•Pull toward + for a slower shutter (the image becomes brighter) and to –
for a faster shutter (the image becomes darker).
Shutter Speeds
•You can choose from 12 shutter speeds between 1/8 and 1/15000. The available shutter speeds
in CARD CAMERA mode are from 1/60 to 1/500. If you switch from TAPE CAMERA mode to
CARD CAMERA mode, the shutter speeds will change automatically:
- Shutter speeds of 1/1000 and above in TAPE CAMERA mode →1/500.
- Shutter speeds of 1/30 and below in TAPE CAMERA mode →1/60
•When shooting outside on clear, bright days, the camcorder will often set a large F number to
adjust the amount of light entering the camcorder, throwing the focus off. Setting a fast shutter
speed or decreasing the amount of light with the ND filter can help correct this.
•If you try to set a shutter speed that is either too high or too low for the shooting conditions, the
indicator flashes in the display. In this case, increase or decrease the setting until the flashing
stops.
•The image may not appear smooth when a high shutter speed is set.
Notes:
•When recording in extreme low-light conditions, we recommend the use of a Canon Speedlite
(68) or Video Light ( 73), both available as optional accessory.
•The selected shutter speed will reset if you turn the power off, change the recording program or
adjust the exposure. 
Giving Priority to Shutter Speed (Shutter-Priority: Tv)
TvTv 
						

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Recording
Manual ( 76)
Sand & Snow
Spotlight
Select this program for total creative freedom when operating the camcorder. You
can set aperture, shutter speed and gain independently to give you exactly the
exposure you require.
You can select between 30 shutter speed settings (1/8 to 1/15000), 19 aperture
values (f/1.6 to f/8.0) and 4 gain values (0dB to +18dB) in TAPE CAMERA mode.
Select MANUAL mode and set the shutter speed, aperture and gain. 
•For further details, see “Adjusting the Exposure Manually” ( 76). 
This program is designed for recording spotlit scenes,
such as on a stage. The exposure is automatically
adjusted for glare-free recordings of subjects lit by a
concentrated light source. Use this program in places where the background is so
bright that the subject appears underexposed in the
display — a sunny beach or ski resort, for example. You
may notice some shudder when recording moving subjects.
MANUAL
SPOTLIGHT SAND&SNOW
SAND&SNOW
SPOTLIGHT 
						

							You can select the microphone sound to match the recording situation.
*Only available when audio AUDIO DUB. has been set to MIC. IN.
1. Open the VCR SET UP submenu and select MIC.
2. Select the setting and close the menu.
NORMAL:General recording.
VOICE:When recording a person’s voice.
W. SCREEN: In windy places such as the beach or near buildings. Note that low sound may be
reduced together with the wind noise.
56
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Recording
Audio Recording
The GL2 can record sound in two audio modes:
•16-bit (48 kHz, 2 channel) for the highest sound quality
•12-bit (32 kHz, 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.
*Only available when AUDIO DUB. has been set to MIC. IN.
1. To switch the mode, open the VCR SET UP submenu and select AUDIO MODE.
2. Select a mode and close the menu.
•The name of the selected mode is displayed for 4 seconds.
Note:
•For audio output details and how to play back a tape with added sound on stereo 2, see p. 111.
+
,+*PLAY
(VCR)TAPECAMERATAPE
AUDIO MODE•• 16bit  VCR SET UP
(20)
+
,+*PLAY
(VCR)TAPECAMERATAPE
Selecting the Audio Mode
Selecting the Built-in Microphone Sound
MIC••••••••••NORMAL VCR SET UP
(20) 
						

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Recording
The camcorder sets the audio recording level automatically when the REC LEVEL switch is set to A.
However, you can manually adjust the recoding level of the built-in microphone or an external
microphone connected via the MIC terminal or advanced accessory shoe (including microphones
connected via the optional MA-300 Microphone Adapter).
The camcorder is equipped with a audio level indicator at the side. You can also display the audio
level indicator on the LCD or viewfinder screen (open the menu, select DISPLAY SET UP and set
AUDIO LEVEL to ON).
Audio level indicator at the side of the camcorder:
Set to automatic: Set to manual:
Audio level indicator on the LCD or viewfinder screen:
Set to automatic: Set to manual:
1. Slide the REC LEVEL switch to M.
2. Turn the L/R LEVEL dial to adjust the recording level.
•Adjust the level so that it slightly exceeds the 12-point (the larger 2on the LCD or viewfinder
screen).
•Adjust the balance by turning the L/R LEVEL dial if necessary.
•Even if you turn down the LEVEL dial, the sound may be distorted if the input level is still too
high. Turn on the microphone attenuator in such case.
Use the microphone attenuator if you need to lower the volume level or correct audio distortion of
the input audio during recording or audio dubbing. Monitor the level of the input sound with
headphones. If necessary, set the attenuator to ON in the VCR SET UP submenu of the CAMERA or
VCR menu.
Adjusting the Audio Recording Level
L-dB 50 40 30 2012620R
L-dB 50 40 30 2012620R
MANU
Microphone Attenuator 
						

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Recording
1. Open the menu and select CUSTOM KEY.
2. Select the function.
3. Close the menu.
+
,+
,+
,+PLAY
(VCR)CARDCAMERACARDPLAY
(VCR)TAPECAMERATAPE
CUSTOM KEY
(20)
Using the Custom Key
You can assign frequently used functions to the custom key (independently for TAPE CAMERA
mode, TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode, CARD CAMERA mode and CARD PLAY (VCR) mode). This allows
you to customize the camcoder to your recording situations.
Default settings:
To check the current CSTM KEY setting in TAPE CAMERA or CARD CAMERA mode, open the menu,
select DISPLAY SET UP, GUIDE INFO and CUSTOM KEY. In TAPE PLAY (VCR) or CARD PLAY (VCR)
mode, open the menu, select DISPLAY SET UP and set CUSTOM KEY to ON. The current setting will
be displayed on the screen.
Functions listed below can be assigned to custom key.
* Functions with an asterisk can be operated only by the custom key.TAPE CAMERA mode: INDEX WRITE
TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode: TV SCREEN
CARD CAMERA mode: ZEBRA PATTERN
CARD PLAY (VCR) mode: TV SCREEN
TAPE + CAMERA
Index Write*
Zebra Pattern
VCR Stop*
TV Screen
Microphone
Microphone Attenuator
Grip Zoom Speed
Handle Zoom Speed
Audio Level Indicator
AE Shift
Image Stabilizer
TAPE + PLAY (VCR)
TV Screen
Microphone
Microphone Attenuator
Audio Attenuator
Audio Level Indicator
CARD + CAMERA
Zebra Pattern
TV Screen
Grip Zoom Speed
Handle Zoom Speed
AE Shift
Image Stabilizer
CARD + PLAY (VCR) 
TV Screen
Changing the Custom Keys Setting 
						

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Recording
You can add an index signal to your recording for easy search in VCR mode. 
•You cannot add or erase the index signal later.
•You cannot use the “INDEX WRITE” button during photo nor interval timer recording.
•Index Write can be operated only by the CSTM KEY.
• While in record mode
Press the “INDEX WRITE” button and the index signal will be recorded for approximately 6 seconds.
During this time, “INDEX” appears in the viewfinder.
• While in record pause mode
1. Press the “INDEX WRITE” button and “INDEX” appears in the display. 
2. Press the start/stop button to begin recording.
•The index signal will be recorded for approximately 6 seconds. INDEX dissappears after that time.
The zebra pattern is a series of diagonal stripes that appear in the display to highlight areas of
overexposure. Use it as a guide to set the aperture (iris) and shutter speed.
This function can also be selected from CAM. SET UP in the CAMERA or CARD CAMERA menu
(ZEBRA). The zebra pattern level can be adjusted in the same submenu (ZEBRA LEVEL) ( 85).
Press the “ZEBRA” button to display the zebra pattern. Press the button again to eliminate the
pattern. 
•The camcorder does not record the zebra pattern. It only appears in the display. 
You can turn the recorder section off and leave the camcorder section turned on. This allows you to
adjust the camcorder regardless of the 5-minute timer.
•VCR STOP can be operated only by the custom key.
Press the “VCR STOP” button to turn the recorder section off. Press the button again to return to
record pause mode.
Index Write
Zebra Pattern
•A function assigned to a custom key is referred to as a button of that effect (e.g. “INDEX WRITE”
button).
VCR Stop
+
,+CAMERACARDCAMERATAPE
+CAMERATAPE
+CAMERATAPE
Operating the CSTM KEY Button 
						

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Recording
You can display the information on the LCD screen/viewfinder on a connected TV.
Press the “TV SCREEN” button to display the information on the TV screen. Press the button again
to cancel.
* Only available when AUDIO DUB. has been set to MIC. IN.
Press the “MIC” button. Select the sound quality (NORMAL, VOICE, W. SCREEN) by pulling the
SELECT dial up or down and press the SELECT dial in.
* Only available when AUDIO DUB. has been set to MIC. IN.
Use the microphone attenuator if, during recording or audio dubbing, you need to lower the
volume level or correct audio distortion via the microphone. 
Press the “MIC ATT” button. Select ON or OFF by pulling the SELECT dial up or down and press the
SELECT dial in.
Press the “ZOOM GRIP” button. Select the grip zoom speed (VARIABLE, LOW, MEDIUM, FAST) by
pulling the SELECT dial up or down and press the SELECT dial in.
Press the “ZOOM HANDLE” button. Select the handle zoom speed (LOW, MEDIUM, FAST) by
pulling the SELECT dial up or down and press the SELECT dial in.
Grip Zoom Speed
Handle Zoom Speed
TV Screen
Microphone
Microphone Attenuator
+
,+CAMERACARDCAMERATAPE
+
,+
,+
,+PLAY
(VCR)CARDCAMERACARDPLAY
(VCR)TAPECAMERATAPE
+
,+*PLAY
(VCR)TAPECAMERATAPE
+
,+*PLAY
(VCR)TAPECAMERATAPE
+
,+CAMERACARDCAMERATAPE