Canon XL1 Instruction Manual

							DIGITAL VIDEO  CAMCORDER
Instruction Manual
CAMƒSCOPE ET LECTEUR VIDEO NUMƒRIQUES
Mode dÕemploi
VIDEOCçMARA Y GRABADORA DIGITAL
Manual de Instrucciones
ENGLISH
FRAN‚AIS
ESPA„OL
MiniD
igital
Video
Cassette
A (NTSC)
E
F
Es 
						

							Introduction
2
E
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, XL1
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.CAUTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN 
						

							Introduction
3
E
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
In these safety instructions the word ÒproductÓ refers to
the Canon Digital Video Camcorder DM-XL1A 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-900A/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-900A/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
4
E
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. 
						

							~ When Making Manual Adjustments ...~
Adjusting the Focus  ..........................................44
Adjusting the Exposure ......................................45
Using AE  Shift ..................................................46
Using the Zebra Pattern ......................................47
Adjusting the Gain ............................................48
Adjusting the White Balance..............................49
Playing back a Cassette ......................................51
Displaying Data Code ........................................54
Searching Through Your Recorded ÒPhotosÓ
(Photo Search) ..................................................55
Connections for Playback on a TV Screen ........56
Editing to a VCR ................................................57
DV Dubbing 
(DV terminal conforming to IEEE1394) ..........58
Selecting the Audio Output ................................60
Notes on Using the Batteries ..............................62
Camera Holding Styles ......................................65
Maintenance ..............................................................66
Troubleshooting ..................................................69
The XL1 System Diagram  ................................72
Optional Accessories ..........................................73
Finding Your Way Around the XL1 ..................76
Screen Displays ..................................................80
Specifications ....................................................85
Index ..................................................................86 Important Usage Instructions ..............................2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ........3
Thank you for choosing a Canon ........................6
Introducing the XL1 ............................................7
Mounting and Removing XL Lenses ..................8
Adjusting the Viewfinder Unit ..........................10
Attaching the External Microphone ..................12
Powering the XL1 ..............................................13
Loading a Cassette ............................................15
Supporting the Camera ......................................17
Selecting from the Menus ..................................18
Using the Wireless Controller/Tally Lamps ......20
Setting the Date and Time ..................................22
Basic Recording ................................................23
Zooming (for Zoom Lenses) ..............................25
Turning the SuperRange Optical Image 
Stabilizer On/Off ..............................................27
Using the ND Filter (for appropriate lenses) ....28
Taking Still Pictures (Photo Mode) ....................29
Choosing the Movie Mode (Normal/Frame)......30
Searching and Reviewing While Recording ......31
Using the Various Recording Programs ............32
Activating the Slow Shutter ..............................35
Selecting the Audio Mode ..................................36
Setting the Audio Input Ñ Two Channel
Recording ..........................................................37
Setting the Audio Input Ñ Four Channel
Recording ..........................................................38
Making a Sound Check ......................................39
Fading In and Out Between Scenes ..................40
Setting the Self-Timer ........................................42
Using a Canon Speedlite for Flash Photography
(optional) ..........................................................43
Introduction
5
E
Contents
Introduction
Preparation
Recording
Playback
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 XL1
Serial No. 
						

							Introduction
6
E
Thank you for choosing a Canon
The XL1 is supplied with the following accessories:
WL-D2000 Wireless
ControllerTwo AAA batteries SS-1000  Shoulder
StrapLens cap BP-927 Battery Pack
CA-900/CA-910
Compact Power AdapterLithium button battery DC-900 DC Coupler S-150 S-video Cable STV-150 Stereo Video
Cable
Digital Video Cassette SP-100 Shoulder pad Body cap 16
´Zoom Lens
(with soft case)Stereo microphone
Dust cap Lens hood
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.
For quick reference (in addition to the contents and index) please refer to:
¥ Finding your way around the camcorder (p. 76)
¥ Screen displays (p. 80)
Note that capital letters are used to refer to settings displayed in the menus and buttons labelled on the
camcorder itself e.g. Press the EJECT button. 
						

							Introduction
7
E
Choose to operate the XL1 using the Manual
recording program to access the complete set of
manual functions, for exceptional creative
freedom. From wide-angle to 16
´telephoto Ñ with
unparalleled optical quality. The digital zoom
doubles this magnification for even more dramatic
results.
CanonÕs latest advances in stabilization technology
give you steadier images than ever before, even at
the furthest reaches of the zoom range. Essential to
this is a new feedback system, which boosts
suppression performance for low frequency
vibration.
Introducing the XL1
XL1 conforms to the new digital video 
standard to give you outstanding picture quality.
It is fitted with a DV terminal for digital-to-digital
dubbing (IEEE 1394 standard).Mini
Slide the professional style (180,000 pixel) color
viewfinder across to the position that suits your
individual line of sight Ñ whether you use your
left or right eye. WhatÕs more, you can set the
viewpoint from close-range to open-range at the
flick of a switch.
Digital Video
A super-flexible system with an unbeatable range.
XL1 maximizes your options with a focal range of
between 24 and 2160 mm (35mm camera
equivalents), made possible through the use of XL
and EF lenses.
Interchangeable Lens System
A valuable accessory is the EF Adapter that fits
onto the XL1 to allow you to use Canon EF lenses
(that have manual focusing). The difference in size
between the XL1Õs CCD and 35 mm film means
that the effective focal length of the EF lens is
multiplied by 7.2
´. A 300 mm lens, for example,
can be transformed into an incredible 2,160 mm
super telephoto.
EF Adapter (optional)
XL lenses resolve over 600 TV lines to give an
extraordinarily sharp image. By exceeding the DV
standard of 530 TV lines, The Canon lens delivers
greater visual ÒsharpnessÓ through its higher
sensitivity in the all important 100 to 250 TV line
resolution area.
High Performance Lenses 
Multi-View Finder
SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer
Manual Control
The slim line styling of the XL1 allows you to
support the camera against the front of your
shoulder when recording. Alternatively, operate the
camera using the top recording controls located on
the handle Ñ which functions as a second
gripping position for low-angle shooting.
Shoulder Supported Design
The XL1 is cast from magnesium alloy to provide
heavy-duty protection from a lightweight body.
Magnesium Alloy Casing
3CCD 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 now get stunningly
clear still pictures from video action.
16´(32´Digital) Zoom Lens 
as Standard
Offers you stunning digital sound Ñ 16-bit for
highest quality sound, and two 12-bit modes for
the playback of audio-dubbed cassettes, or
simultaneous recording (and independent output)
of 4 audio channels.
PCM Digital Audio 
						

							Preparation
8
E
Any lens bearing the mark can be used with this camcorder. 
1. Remove the dust cap from the lens and the body cap from the camcorder.
2. Align the red dot on the camera body with the mount positioning point (the red dot) on the
lens, then turn the lens clockwise until it clicks and locks into place.
Mounting the lens
1. Slide and hold the LENS RELEASE switch and turn the lens counter-clockwise until it
stops. Then, remove the lens from the camera body.
2. When you are not using the lens or camera, be sure to replace the dust cap and body cap.
Removing the lens
LENS RELEASE
Mounting and Removing XL Lenses 
						

							Preparation
9
E
1. Remove the lens cap.
2. Align the hood with the lens lengthways, and the Canon logo facing to the left. 
3. Twist it 90¡ into position (clockwise), so that the Canon logo is to the top.
¥ You do not need to assert any pressure Ñ screw the hood lightly into place.
4. Finally, tighten the locking screw. 
¥ To remove, reverse the above procedure.
Since the lens hood cuts stray light that may cause flare and ghost images and protects the lens, be sure to
attach the hood when you are recording.
Attaching the Lens Hood
There are four functions which can only be adjusted using controls on the lens:
¥ Optical Image stabilizer (p. 27)
¥ ND Filter (p. 28)
¥ Push Autofocus (p. 44)
¥ Manual Focus (p. 44)
Notes: 
¥ Make sure that the camera is turned off before mounting or removing the lens.
¥ To avoid damaging the lens or camera, place them on a table or secure surface when mounting or
removing the lens.
¥ Use only lenses bearing the mark. You cannot use VL mount lenses with this camcorder.
¥ If you turn the camera on without a lens attached the caution ÒCHECK THE LENSÓ is displayed for a few
seconds. ÒLENSÓ then flashes continuously in the viewfinder. Turn the camera off and mount a lens.
(ÒLENSÓ also flashes if only the optional EF Adapter XL or Extender XL 1.6 
´is attached.)
When the lens is removed from the camcorder, avoid contact with the exposed parts inside the camera (such
as the CCD area). If such parts require cleaning, do so with a commercially available lens cleaning kit,
making sure that the camera is turned off first.
Lens settings 
						

							Preparation
10
E
You can slide the viewfinder unit along the bracket
to a position that best suits you Ñ for use with
either the left or right eye. 
1. Loosen the locking screw and slide the
unit to the position you require along the
bracket.
2. Tighten the locking screw.
3. Switch the eye cup around (if necessary).
¥ Slide and hold the release lever on the
underside of the viewfinder and then twist the
eye cup counter-clockwise (until the mark on
the eye cup lines up with the mark on the
viewfinder) to allow you to remove it from
the viewfinder. Replace, with the eye cup
facing the opposite direction, by lining up the
marks and twisting the cup clockwise until it
locks  into place.
Adjusting for left eye/right eye operation
Adjusting the Viewfinder Unit
The camera is supplied with the viewfinder unit and cable attached to the camera.
¥ Check that the viewfinder cable is firmly attached to the camcorder.
1, 2
3
Right eye use  Left eye use 
¥ Remove the protective rubber from around the locking screw.