Canon GL2 Instruction Manual

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Recording
This is useful when you wish to include yourself in the picture when recording movies or still
images to tape or memory card.
1. Open the menu, select VCR SET UP and set the SELF-TIMER to ON 
or
press the SELF TIMER button on the wireless controller.
•SELF T. appears in the display.
•To have the subject monitor recording, rotate the LCD panel 180° ( 44).
2. Press the start/stop button.
•The camcorder starts to record after a 10-second countdown period (or after 2 seconds when
you use the wireless controller). The time remaining counts down in the display (e.g. “5
SEC”).
•SELF T. disappears from the display when recording begins.
•The tally lamp starts flashing.
3. Press the start/stop button to end recording.
2. Press the PHOTO button on the camcorder body or the wireless controller.
•The camcorder automatically adjusts the focus 2 seconds before the countdown is complete.
TheFmark flashes white then turns green after the focus and exposure are set. If you are
using the wireless controller, the Fmark starts flashing immediately after you press the
PHOTO button.
•The camcorder takes the still image for approximately 6 seconds.
•In TAPE CAMERA mode, the camcorder returns to record pause mode after recording to a
tape. In CARD CAMERA mode, the currently recorded image appears after recording onto a
memory card.
Notes:
•To cancel the self-timer setting, set the SELF-TIMER to OFF through the menu, or press the SELF-
TIMER button on the wireless controller.
•To cancel the countdown of the self-timer, press the start/stop button (when recording a movie)
or PHOTO button (when recording a still image). For still images
For movies
START
/STOPPHOTO
MENUSELF
TIMER
MENU
LOCKSTANDBY
For stills
For movies
+
,+CAMERACARDCAMERATAPE
Recording with the Self-Timer 
						

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Recording
Using the DV Control
When another device such as a camcorder or a video recording device is connected to the GL2 via a
DV cable, you can operate the other device (record and pause recording) by pressing the start/stop
button on the GL2.
1. Open the menu and select SYSTEM.
2. Select DV CONTROL, set it to ON and close the menu.
Pressing the start/stop button:
A. When the GL2 is in record pause mode:
GL2: Recording Connected device: Recording
B. When the GL2 is Recording:
GL2: Record Pause Mode Connected device: Record Pause Mode
C. When the GL2 is not ready for recording (no cassette loaded etc.)
Connected device: Recording/Record pause mode
D. After loading a cassette while the connected device is recording:
GL2: Recording Connected device: Continues recording
Pressing the start/stop button again:
GL2: Record pause mode Connected device: Record pause mode
When the connected device is recording, [REC] appears in the display of the camcorder. When it is
stopped, [STOP] appears. When the other device is in any other mode than the recording, record
pause or stop mode, [- - -] appears. [DV IF] flashes if DV CONTROL is set to ON and no device is
connected via the DV cable.
Notes:
•When the GL2 stops recording without operating the start/stop button (e.g. tape has reached the
end) while both the GL2 and the connected device are recording, the connected device continues
recording.
•When connecting two GL2s via a DV cable, make sure to set DV CONTROL of the “connected
device” to OFF.
•Only one device can be connected to the GL2 for DV control.
•DV control may not work properly depending on the connected device.
•The DV control setting is retained by the camcorder even if you turn the power off. Make sure to
check the setting after use of the DV control function, as the tape in the connected device may
be overwritten.
•Do not use a DV cable longer than 14 ft 9
1/8in (4.5 m).
+CAMERATAPE
DV CONTROL•• OFFSYSTEM
(20) 
						

							LOC
K
LO
CK
ON OFFAUTO
LOCK
3 11
L
OC
K
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Recording
Using the VL-3 Video Light (Optional)
1. Slide the Video Light onto the accessory shoe and tighten the shoe lock.
•Insert the Video Light oriented in the direction indicated by the arrow on the bottom until it
clicks.
•Be careful not to pull off the Video Light when fastening the screw.
2. Set the camcorder to TAPE CAMERA mode or CARD CAMERA mode.
3. Turn the Video Light’s power switch to AUTO or ON.
•(Connection) appears in the display.
•ON: The Video Light stays on.
•AUTO: The Video Light turns on/off automatically according to the level of brightness of the
shooting conditions. In MANUAL recording program: If the Video Light was on at the time
you switched to MANUAL, it stays on. If it was off at the time you switched to MANUAL, it
stays off.
Cautions:
•Be careful not to touch the bulb or the surrounding area during or immediately after use; it
becomes very hot. Keep the Video Light away from flammable or plastic materials.
•Do not look directly at the bulb while the Video Light is on.
•Never carry the camcorder holding the Video Light.
C
Using the optional Video Light enables you to record even in dark rooms. This VL-3 Video Light
attaches to the camcorder’s  advanced accessory shoe for cable-free operation and is powered
by the camcorder’s power supply.
Refer to the VL-3 Video Light instructions for further details.
Turn the camcorder’s power off before attaching/removing the Video Light. 
						

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Recording
The high sensitive Directional Stereo Microphone DM-50 attaches to the  advanced accessory
shoe for cable-free operation and is powered by the camcorder’s power supply. Use it when
recording or dubbing audio.
Refer to the DM-50 Microphone instructions for further details.
Turn the camcorder’s power off before attaching/removing the microphone.
1.  Slide the microphone onto the accessory shoe and tighten with the shoe lock. 
•Insert the microphone oriented in the direction indicated by the arrow on the bottom until it
clicks.
•Be careful not to pull off the microphone when fastening the screw.
2.  Set the camcorder to TAPE CAMERA mode.
•(Connection) appears in the display.
3.  Set the microphone’s directivity switch.
SHOTGUN:For recording clear sound from the front (monaural).
STEREO 1:For recording sound from the front and surrounding area. 
STEREO 2:For recording surrounding sound in a wider range than in STEREO 1.
Notes:
•Never carry the camcorder holding the microphone.
•The DM-50 will not pick up any sound if another microphone is attached to the camcorder’s MIC
terminal.
C
Using the DM-50 Microphone (Optional) 
						

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Recording
Using the MA-300 Microphone Adapter (Optional)
The MA-300 Microphone Adapter enables you to input audio to the camcorder with XLR connector
equipped microphones, and to convert video signals for the BNC connector.
Refer to the MA-300 Microphone Adapter instructions for further details.
Turn the camcorder off before attaching/detaching the microphone adapter.
1. Slide the microphone adapter straight onto the camcorder’s accessory shoe.
•Orient the microphone adapter in the direction indicated with an arrow on the bottom side
and slide it in until it clicks.
2. Tighten the shoe lock in the direction of the arrow.
Microphone with a diameter of 25 mm can be attached directly to the microphone adapter.
Depending on how you attach the microphone, it may pick up some vibration noise. 
1. Loosen the microphone clamp screw and open the microphone clamp.
2. Place the microphone into the microphone clamp and tighten the clamp screw.
•Position the microphone so that it does not appear on the camcorder’s LCD or viewfinder
screen.
3. Connect the microphone to the audio input jack.
4. Turn the camcorder’s power on.
•(connection) appears on the camcorder’s LCD or viewfinder screen when the camcorder is
in record or record pause mode.
•The camcorder’s built-in microphone automatically turns off.
Notes:
•The accessory shoe of the microphone adapter is for exclusive use with microphones attached to
a camera-mount.
•To output video signals via the BNC connector, connect the supplied video cable to the VIDEO IN
terminal and the camcorder’s AV terminal.
C
Attaching the Microphone Adapter to the Camcorder
Attaching the Microphone 
						

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Recording
1. Set the recording program to MANUAL.
2. Press the EXP dial in.
•An arrow appears next to the shutter speed
value.
3. Pull the EXP dial up or down to increase
or decrease the shutter speed.
•You can select between 30 shutter speeds (1/8
to 1/15000) in TAPE CAMERA mode and 15
shutter speeds (1/60 to 1/720) in CARD
CAMERA mode.
•See “About the Shutter Speeds” ( 77).
4. Press the EXP dial in.
•The arrow moves next to the F number.
5. Pull the EXP dial up or down to open or close the iris.
•You can select between 19 aperture values (f/1.6 to f/8) in TAPE CAMERA mode and 17
aperture values (f/2.0 to 1/8) in CARD CAMERA mode, or close the iris completely.
•See “About the Iris” ( 77).
6. Press the EXP dial in.
•The arrow moves to the gain value.
7. Pull the EXP dial up or down to increase or decrease the gain.
•Set the gain to 0 dB, +6 dB, +12 dB or +18 dB in TAPE CAMERA mode or 0 dB, +6 dB or 
+12 dB in CARD CAMERA mode.
•See “About the Gain” ( 77).
Notes:
•The shutter speed, F number and gain values will be reset if you slide the POWER switch to OFF.
If you use the standby lever, the camcorder retains your chosen values.
•A bar showing the standard exposure appears in the display.
•You can also adjust the exposure manually in the Auto, Tv and Av modes, but you have to first
lock the exposure to adjust shutter speed and iris.
EXP
shutter
speed
no
displayiris
gain
Adjusting the Exposure Manually 
						

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Recording
● About the Shutter Speeds
Pull the EXP dial toward + for a slower shutter speed, or toward – for a faster shutter speed.
Available shutter speeds in TAPE CAMERA mode:
Available shutter speeds in CARD CAMERA mode:
● About the Iris
Pull the EXPOSURE dial toward + for a shorter depth of field, or toward – for a greater depth of
field.
Available F numbers in TAPE CAMERA mode:
Available F numbers in CARD CAMERA mode:
* May not be available depending on the zoom position.
● About the Gain
Pull the EXPOSURE dial toward + to increase the gain, or toward – to decrease the gain.
Available gain values in TAPE CAMERA mode: 0 dB, +6 dB, +12 dB, +18 dB
Available gain values in CARD CAMERA mode: 0 dB, +6 dB, +12 dB
1/8 sec 1/15 sec 1/30 sec 1/60 sec 1/75 sec 1/90 sec 1/100 sec
1/300 sec 1/250 sec 1/210 sec 1/180 sec 1/150 sec 1/120 sec
1/360 sec 1/420 sec1/500 sec
1/600 sec 1/720 sec 1/840 sec
1/2600 sec 1/3000 sec 1/2300 sec 1/2000 sec 1/1700 sec
1/4000 sec 1/8000 sec1/1400 sec 1/1200 sec 1/1000 sec
1/15000 sec CS
1/75 sec 1/60 sec 1/90 sec 1/100 sec
1/300 sec 1/250 sec 1/210 sec 1/180 sec1/150 sec 1/120 sec
1/360 sec 1/420 sec
1/500 sec 1/600 sec 1/720 sec
F1.6* F1.8* F2* F2.2* F2.4* F2.6* F2.8 F3.2
F6.2 F5.6 F5.2 F4.8 F4.4 F4 F3.7 F3.4
F6.7 F7.3 F8 CLOSE
F2* F2.2* F2.4* F2.6* F2.8 F3.2
F6.2 F5.6 F5.2 F4.8 F4.4 F4F3.7 F3.4
F6.7 F7.3
F8 CLOSE 
						

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Recording
●Exposure lock
Lock the exposure at the current level in order
to control the brightness of the image.
To lock the exposure, press the EXP dial in.
Press it again to return to the automatically set
exposure level.
Notes:
•You cannot lock the exposure in the [(Easy Recording) or MANUAL recording program.
•The standard exposure level depends on which recording program you have selected, but the
shutter normally operates at 1/60 of a second.
•The brightness of the subject may change if you zoom during exposure lock.
•If you slide the POWER switch to OFF or the standby lever to LOCK, the camcorder resets to auto
exposure.
●Exposure adjustment
When the exposure is locked, you can adjust it
manually, making the picture brighter or
darker in order to deal with difficult lighting
conditions, or to manipulate the mood of the
scene. The camcorder’s iris can be manually set
to any position from fully closed to fully open.
To make the recorded image brighter, pull the
EXP dial up (to a maximum of +11).
This may be necessary if the background is
very bright, or if the subject is lit from behind.
To make the recorded image darker, pull the
EXP dial down (to a minimum of –11). This
may be necessary if the background is very
dark, or if the subject is spotlit.
EXP
EXP
 E.LOCK ±0  E.LOCK ±0
 E.LOCK ±0
 E.LOCK +11  E.LOCK +11
 E.LOCK –11
Exposure Lock/Adjustment 
						

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Recording
The camcorder focuses automatically. All you have to do is point, 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 ( 144). Also, if you attach a filter other than UV or ND,
the autofocus may not work effectively. 
1. Slide the program selector to Q.
2. Push the FOCUS A/M button so that
MF appears in the display.
3. Using the zoom lever, zoom all the
way in to the telephoto end.
4. Rotate the focusing ring to adjust
the focus.
5. Use the zoom lever to reframe the
subject.
•To resume autofocus, press the FOCUS
A/M button again.
Notes:
•The picture in the LCD screen may appear out of focus when shooting in dark conditions.
•When zooming during manual focus, zoom out wide after setting the focus at the telephoto end.
•The focus may be thrown off if you zoom into telephoto after setting the focus at the wide angle
end.
•Autofocus is recommended for zooming in to telephoto from the wide end.
•If you slide the POWER switch to OFF or the standby lever to LOCK, the camcorder resets to auto
focus.
FOCUSA/M
Adjusting the Focus Manually 
						

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Recording
The camcorder’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.
In some cases, you will get better results by
setting the white balance yourself, or using
one of the two preset modes:
xIndoor Mode
• Under halogen or studio/video lighting
• Subject is of one dominant color
• Close-ups
UOutdoor mode
• In daylight, especially for close-ups and 
when the subject is of one dominant color
1. Set the program selector to Q.
2. a) For auto, indoor or outdoor white balance, press the W. BALANCE SELECT
button.
•x/Uappears in the display when you set the white balance to the indoor/outdoor mode.
b) For setting the white balance manually:
qPoint the camcorder at a white object (such as a sheet of paper) and zoom in until it fills the
display.
wPress the W. BALANCE SELECT button.
•Wappears in the display.
ePress the WHITE BALANCE Wset button.
•Wflashes quickly in the display and then remains lit, to show that the camcorder has set
the white balance.
• Depending on the light source, the flashing may at times change to a slower speed, rather
than remaining lit. The result will remain better than with the auto setting, and you can
continue recording.
W.BALANCE
SELECT
+
,+CAMERACARDCAMERATAPE
Setting the White Balance