Canon Hf G20 Owners Manual

							Focus Adjustment
51
Touch & Track
When recording a group of people using face detection, the camcorder will automatically detect one 
person as the main subject. You can use Touch & Track to tell the camcorder to track and optimize 
settings for a different person. You can also use Touch & Track to always keep in focus other moving 
subjects, such as pets or moving vehicles.
1 Make sure face detection (A49) and autofocus ( A48) are activated.
• Face detection is always activated in   mode.
2 Point the camcorder at a moving subject and touch the subject on the touch screen.
• A white double frame will appear around the subject and track it as it moves.
• Touch [Cancel  £] to remove the frame and cancel the tracking.
NOTES
• Touching somewhere with a color or pattern unique to the subject will make it easier to track.  However, if there is another subject in the vicinity that shares similar characteristics to the selected 
subject, the camcorder may start tracking the incorrect subject. Touch the screen again to select 
the desired subject.
• In certain cases, Touch & Track may not be able to track the subject. Typical examples include:  - Subjects extremely small or large in relation to the overall picture.
- Subjects too similar to the background.
- Subjects lacking sufficient contrast. 
- Fast moving subjects.
- When shooting indoors with insufficient lighting.
Operating modes:
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							Zooming
52
Zooming
There are three ways you can zoom in and out: using the zoom lever on the camcorder, using the 
zoom buttons on the wireless controller or using the zoom controls on the touch screen.
In addition to the 10x optical zoom, in   mode, you can turn on the digital zoom* (40x or 200x) 
with the  p >  [Digital Zoom] setting.
This camcorder also features a digital tele-converter, which allows you to enlarge the image on the 
screen digitally.
* Digital zoom is not available in   and   modes.
Using the Zoom Lever or Wireless Controller
Move the zoom lever toward T  (wide angle) to zoom out. 
Move it toward S  (telephoto) to zoom in.
• You can also use the zoom buttons on the wireless controller.
• By default, the zoom lever operates at a variable speed – 
press gently for a slow zoom; press harder for faster zooms.
Setting the Zoom Speed
You can set the zoom speed for the zoom lever and wireless 
controller. 
To set the zoom lever's zoom speed
For the zoom lever, first set the overall zoom speed to one of 
three levels. Next, select whether the zoom lever operates at a 
variable or constant speed. Refer to the following table for a 
summary of the zoom speed.
1 Open the [Zoom Speed Level] screen.
[FUNC.]  > [MENU] >  p  >  [Zoom Speed Level]
2Touch [ Z Fast], [ [ Normal] or [ ]Slow] and then touch [ K].
3 Touch [Zoom Lever Zoom Speed]. 
4Touch [ Y] for variable speed or [ X] for constant speed.
•If you selected [ X], touch [ ð] or [ñ ] or drag your finger along the bar to select a constant 
speed.
5Touch [ X].
Operating modes:
W
 Zoom out
T Zoom in
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							Zooming
53
Approximate zoom speeds* (zoom lever)
* Measured from full wide-angle to full telephoto. 
**When the zoom speed is too fast (approximately 2 seconds end-to-end), the camcorder will have more trouble focusing automatically while zooming.
To set the wireless controller's zoom speed
For the wireless controller, first set the overall zoom speed to one of three levels. The wireless 
controller operates at a constant speed that you can select. Refer to the following table for a summary 
of the zoom speed.
1 Open the [Zoom Speed Level] screen.
[FUNC.]  > [MENU]  > p  >  [Zoom Speed Level]
2Touch [ Z Fast], [ [ Normal] or [ ]Slow] and then touch [K ].
3 Touch [Wireless Ctrlr Zoom Speed].
4Touch [ ð] or [ ñ] or drag your finger along the bar to select the desired constant speed.
5Touch [ X].
Approximate zoom speeds* (wireless controller) 
* Measured from full wide-angle to full telephoto. 
**When the zoom speed is too fast (approximately 2 seconds end-to-end), the camcorder will have more  trouble focusing automatically while zooming.
Using the Touch Screen’s Zoom Controls 
1 Display the zoom controls on the touch screen. 
[FUNC.]  > [ZOOM]
• The zoom controls appear on the left side of the screen. 
2 Touch the zoom controls to operate the zoom. 
• Touch anywhere within the  T area to zoom out or 
anywhere within the  S area to zoom in. Touch closer to the 
center  for a slow zoom; touch closer to the  V/U  icons for 
faster zooms.
3Touch [ X] to hide the zoom controls.
[Zoom Lever 
Zoom Speed]  settingSelected 
constant speed[Zoom Speed Level] setting
[ ]  Slow][[  Normal][Z  Fast]
[ Y ] (variable) – 4 sec. to 4 min. 45 sec. 3 sec. to 3 min. 2 sec.** to 1 min.
[ X ] (constant) 1 (slowest) 4 min. 45 sec. 3 min. 1 min.
16 (fastest) 4 sec. 3 sec. 2 sec.**
[Wireless Ctrlr Zoom Speed]  setting[Zoom Speed Level] setting
[]  Slow][[  Normal][Z  Fast]
1 (slowest) 4 min. 45 sec. 3 min. 1 min.
16 (fastest) 4 sec. 3 sec. 2 sec.**
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							Zooming
54
Soft Zoom Control
Soft zoom control allows you to start and/or stop the zoom gradually.
1 Open the [Soft Zoom Control] screen.
[FUNC.] > [MENU] >  p  >  [Soft Zoom Control]
2 Touch the desired option and then touch [X].
Options
( Default value)
Digital Tele-Converter
Using the digital tele-converter, you can digitally increase the focal length of the camcorder by a factor 
of approx. 2 and record the enlarged image at full HD resolution.
1 Open the [Digital Zoom] screen.
[FUNC.]  > [MENU] >  p  >  [Digital Zoom]
2Touch [ fDigital Tele-conv.] and then touch [ X].
3 Open the zoom controls.
[FUNC.]  > [ZOOM]
4Touch [ f] (digital tele-converter) and then touch [ X].
• The center of the screen will be enlarged approximately 2 times and the f icon will appear. 
•Touch [
f] again before closing the screen to deactivate the digital tele-converter.
NOTES
• You can attach the optional tele-converter and use it in conjunction with this function to increase the  effect.
• The digital tele-converter cannot be turned on while recording.
• The image is digitally processed so the image will deteriorate throughout the zoom range.
[jOff]Use this setting if you do not in tend to use soft zoom control.
[¬ Start]Zoom starts gradually.
[® Stop]Zoom stops gradually.
[¯ Start & Stop]Zoom start and stops gradually.
Operating modes:
COPY  
						

							Advanced Image Stabilization
55
Advanced Image Stabilization
The image stabilizer reduces camcorder blur (blur due to the camcorder moving) so you can get nice, 
stable shots. Select the image stabilization mode according to the shooting conditions.
1 Open the [Image Stabilizer] screen.
[FUNC.] > [Image Stabilizer]
2 Touch the desired IS mode and then touch [ X].
Options
( Default value)
NOTES
• If the degree of camcorder shake is too high, the image stabilizer may not be able to fully  compensate.
• For surveying and following shots, when you pan the  camcorder from side to side or tilt it up and 
down, we recommend setting [Image Stabilizer] to [ ÄDynamic] or [ ÅStandard].
Operating modes:
[
Ä Dynamic]Compensates for a higher degree of camcorder shake, such as when shooting 
while walking, and is more effective as the zoom approaches full wide angle.
[ Å Standard]Compensates for a lower degree of camcorder shake, such as when shooting while 
remaining stationary, and is suitable for shooting natural-looking scenes.
[ Ì Off]Use this setting when the camcorder is mounted on a tripod.
Powered IS After setting an assignable button to [ È Powered IS] ( A85), you can use Powered IS to make 
the image stabilization even more powerful. Powered IS is most effective when you are stationary 
and zooming in on far subjects using high zoom ratios (the more you approach the telephoto end). 
Holding the LCD panel with your left hand will add to the stability of the shot.
1 Set an assignable button to [ È Powered IS] ( A85).
2 Press and hold the assignable button as long as you want to activate Powered IS. •È  appears in yellow while Powered  IS is activated.
• You can change the operation of the assignable button set to [ È Powered IS] (long press 
or toggle on/off) with the  q >  [POWERED IS Button] setting.
• Powered IS is available even when [Image Stabilizer] is set to [ ÌOff].
Operating modes:
COPY  
						

							Automatic Gain Control (AGC) Limit
56
Automatic Gain Control (AGC) Limit
When recording in dark surroundings, the camcorder will automatically increase the gain to try to get a 
brighter picture. However, using higher gain values may result in more noticeable video noise. You can 
select the AGC limit to curb the amount of noise by setting the maximum gain value to be used. The 
smaller the AGC limit, the darker the picture but the less noise it will contain.
POINTS TO CHECK
• Select a recording program other than the Special Scene recording programs or  [n Manual Exposure].
1 Open the AGC limit adjustment screen.
[FUNC.]  > [x  AGC Limit] >  [n Manual]
•Touch [ mAutomatic] to remove the AGC limit.
2Touch [ Ï] or [ Ð] to set the AGC limit.
• You can also drag your finger along the dial.
3Touch [ X].
• The selected AGC limit will appear on the screen.
NOTES
•If you set  q >  [Custom Key/Dial] to [x  AGC Limit] (A84), you can adjust the AGC limit with 
the CUSTOM dial.
Operating modes:
COPY  
						

							Automatic Exposure Recording Programs
57
Automatic Exposure Recording Programs
With the automatic exposure (AE) recording programs, the camcorder will adjust the shutter speed 
and/or aperture value to obtain the optimal exposure. When using the AE recording programs, you can 
change functions like the white balance and image effects.
1 Open the screen of the desired recording program.
[FUNC.] > [Rec. Programs]  > [‚  Shutter-Pri. AE] or [ “Aperture-Pri. AE]
2Touch [ Ï] or [Ð ] to set the desired shutter speed ( ‚) or aperture value ( “) and then 
touch [ X].
• You can also drag your finger along the dial. 
• The selected shutter speed or aperture value will appear on the screen next to the recording 
program icon.
Options( Default value)
Available shutter speed settings
Available shutter speed settings when the frame rate is set to [ ¹PF24] or [ »24P]
Available aperture value settings
Because  p >  [ND Filter] is set to [ kAutomatic] by default, ND filter settings will be available for 
aperture values [F4.0] and higher. Operating modes:
[ ’  Programmed AE]The camcorder automatically adjusts the aperture and shutter speed to obtain 
the optimal exposure for the subject.
[ ‚  Shutter-Pri. AE]Set the shutter speed value. The camcorder automatically sets the appropriate 
aperture value.
[ “  Aperture-Pri. AE]Set the aperture value. The camcorder automatically sets the appropriate 
shutter speed.
[1/8][1/15][1/30][1/60][1/100]
[1/250][1/500][1/1000][1/2000]
[1/6][1/12][1/24][1/48][1/60]
[1/100][1/250][1/500][1/1000][1/2000]
[F1.8][F2.0][F2.2][F2.4][F2.6][F2.8]
[F3.2][F3.4][F3.7][F4.0][F4.4][F4.8]
[F5.2][F5.6][F6.2][F6.7][F7.3][F8.0]
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							Automatic Exposure Recording Programs
58
NOTES
•[ ‚ Shutter-Pri. AE]:
- On screen only the denominator is displayed – [ ‚250] indicates a shutter speed of 1/250 second, 
etc.
- When recording in dark surroundings, you can obtain a brighter picture by using slow shutter  speeds; however, image quality may not be as good and autofocus may not work well.
- The image may flicker when recording with fast shutter speeds.
- Recording movies under fluorescent lights:  If the screen starts to flicker, select [‚Shutter-Pri. 
AE] and set the shutter speed to 1/100.
•[ “ Aperture-Pri. AE]: The actual range of values available for selection will vary depending on the 
initial zoom position.
• When setting a numeric value (aperture or shutter speed), the number displayed will flash if the  aperture value or shutter speed is not appropriate for the recording conditions. In such case, select 
a different value.
• During exposure lock, the aperture value/shutter speed cannot be changed. Set the aperture value  or shutter speed before manually adjusting the exposure.
•If you set q  >  [Custom Key/Dial] to [” Tv / Av] (A84), you can adjust the shutter speed or 
aperture value with the CUSTOM dial.
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							Exposure Adjustment
59
Exposure Adjustment
At times, backlit subjects may appear too dark (underexposed) or subjects under very strong lights 
may appear too bright or glaring (overexposed). In such cases, adjusting the exposure will correct this. 
This camcorder features a dedicated recording program, [n Manual Exposure], for adjusting the 
exposure manually. However, you can also compensate the exposure when using other recording 
programs.
Using the Manual Exposure Recording Program
Using the [ n Manual Exposure] recording program, you can adjust the aperture, shutter speed and 
gain to achieve the desired exposure.
1 Activate the [ n Manual Exposure] recording program.
[FUNC.]  > [Rec. Programs]  > [n  Manual Exposure]
2 Touch the control button of the setting you wish to adjust.
3Touch [ Ï] or [Ð ] to set the desired value.
• You can also drag your finger along the dial.
• The exposure will change according to the setting's new value. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to adjust 
other settings.
• Before touching [ X], you can also use the zebra pattern (see below) and waveform monitor 
( A 79).
4Touch [ X].
NOTES
•If you set   q >  [Custom Key/Dial] to [ lManual Exposure] ( A84), you can adjust the 
aperture, shutter speed and gain with the CUSTOM dial.
Using the Zebra Pattern
You can use the zebra pattern to identify areas that might be overexposed, so you can correct the 
exposure appropriately. The camcorder offers two levels of zebra pattern: With 100% only areas that 
will lose detail in the highlight areas will be identified, while 70% will identify also areas that are 
dangerously close to losing detail. Operating modes:
Aperture
Gain
Adjustment dial
Shutter speed
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							Exposure Adjustment
60
1 From the exposure adjustment screen, touch [w] to select the zebra level.
2 Touch [70%] or [100%] and then touch [ K].
3Touch [ z] or [{ ] and then touch [ X].
• The zebra pattern will appear on the overexposed areas of the picture. 
• Touch again to turn off the zebra pattern.
NOTES
• Using the zebra pattern will not affect your recordings.
Exposure Compensation
When you use a recording program other than [ n Manual Exposure], the camcorder will adjust the 
exposure automatically. However, you can compensate and lock the exposure or use the Touch AE 
function to automatically set the optimal exposure for the subject you select. This is convenient when 
the brightness of the subject you want to shoot is noticeably brighter/darker than the general 
brightness of the image.
POINTS TO CHECK
• Select a recording program other than [ ŠFireworks] or [ n Manual Exposure].
1 Open the exposure adjustment screen.
[FUNC.]  > [y Exposure]
2 Touch a subject that appears inside the  y frame.
• The Touch AE mark ( I) will flash and the exposure will be adjusted automatically so the area you 
touched will be correctly exposed. You have the option to further adjust the exposure manually as 
necessary. Depending on the subject, you may want to use the [Highlights] setting as described 
below.
• You can touch [ n] instead to compensate the exposure without activating the Touch AE 
function.
• The manual adjustment dial appears and the adjustment value is set at ±0.
•Touch [ n] again to return the camcorder to automatic exposure.
3Touch [ Ï] or [ Ð] or drag your finger along the dial to set the exposure compensation 
value.
• The adjustment range may vary depending on the initial brightness of the image, and some 
values may be grayed out.
• Before touching [ X], you can also use the zebra pattern ( A59) and waveform monitor ( A79).
4Touch [ X] to lock the exposure at the selected value.
• During exposure lock, y  and the selected exposure compensation value will appear on the 
screen. 
Operating modes:
COPY