Canon XL1 Instruction Manual

							Preparation
11
ETo monitor the scene with your eye near to the
viewfinder turn the EYE POINT SELECT switch
to NEAR. To view the scene at a distance from the
viewfinder, turn the switch to FAR.
Adjusting to your viewing point
EYE POINT SELECT
NEAR
FAR
¥ In record pause mode, turn the viewfinder
focusing ring (focusing the display between Ð5
and +2) to suit your eyesight.
¥ The viewfinder rotates through 270¡ to give a
choice of shooting positions.
Adjusting to your eyesight 
						

							Preparation
12
E
1. Loosen the microphone attachment screw on the viewfinder unit and insert the
microphone into the microphone clamp.
2. Align the mark on the microphone with the mark on the clamp and tighten the screw to
hold the microphone firmly in place.
3. Plug the microphone cable to the cameraÕs MIC terminals.
Note:
¥ Make sure that the camera is turned off before attaching or removing the microphone cable.
123
3
MICDC
IN
Attaching the External Microphone 
						

							Preparation
13
E
Powering the XL1
Before operating your camera, you will need to use the power adapter to: 
provide power from an AC outlet
or
charge a battery pack
Notes:
¥ The power adapter converts current from a household power socket (100Ð240 V AC, 50/60 Hz) to the DC
current used by your camera.
¥ If the adapter is used next to a TV, it may cause the TV to emit noise Ñ move the adapter away from the
TV or the antenna cable.
Connecting the camera to an AC outlet
1
2
3
4
Use the power adapter and the DC coupler to provide your camera with instant power from an AC outlet.
1. Attach the DC coupler to the camera.
¥ Align the triangle on the DC coupler with the line on the camera.
¥ Slide the coupler up in the direction of the arrow, until it clicks into place.
2. Connect the DC coupler to the adapter.
3. Plug the adapter into an AC outlet.
4. Detach the DC coupler after use.
¥ Press and hold the BATT. RELEASE button, while you slide the coupler down.
¥ Always turn the camera off before removing the power source.
When replacement or repair of any product including power supply is required, please return it to the
nearest authorized Canon Service Center and have it repaired or replaced with the same number product
or equivalent. 
						

							Preparation
14
ECharging and attaching the battery pack
Your battery pack was partially charged before it left the factory. It should have enough power for you to
check that your camera is working properly. However, you must charge the battery pack fully if you want it
to power the camera for more than a few minutes.
1. Attach the battery pack to the power adapter.
¥ Align the triangle on the battery pack with the line on the power adapter.
¥ Slide the battery across until it clicks into place.
¥ Make sure the DC coupler is not connected.
2. Plug the adapter into an AC outlet.
¥ The charge indicator flashes red to show that charging is in progress. Single flashes mean that the
battery pack is less than 50% charged. Double flashes mean that it is between 50% and 75% charged.
Triple flashes mean that it is more than 75% charged. 
¥ The indicator glows steadily when the battery pack is fully charged.
3. Take the battery pack off the adapter and attach it to the camera.
¥ Align the triangle on the battery pack with the line on the camcorder, then slide the battery up in the
direction of the arrow until it clicks into place.
4. Remove the battery pack after use.
¥ Press and hold the BATT. RELEASE button, while you slide the battery down.
¥ Always turn the camera off before removing the power source.
Notes: 
¥ You can find detailed notes for using the batteries in the ÒNotes on Using the BatteriesÓ on p. 62. These
notes include charging and recording times and how to install the back-up battery.
¥ Using the optional CH-900 Dual Battery Charger/Holder you can power the camera from two battery
packs for longer continuous recording. You can exchange the battery packs independently without cutting
the power to the camcorder. In addition, the CH-900 can charge two batteries consecutively when it is
connected to an AC outlet.
3
4 1
2 
						

							Preparation
15
E
Loading a Cassette
1. Make sure that you have inserted a power source.
2.  Slide the EJECT
5button across to release the cover.
¥ Wait a couple of seconds for the cassette compartment to open automatically.
3. Load or unload the cassette.
¥ Insert the cassette gently with the window facing out.
¥ Remove the cassette by pulling it straight out.
4. Press the  mark on the compartment until it clicks.
5. Click the cover back into place.
*  is a trade mark.
Notes:
¥ After loading a cassette, use record search (p. 31) to find the point where you want to start recording.
¥ Do not interfere with the cassette compartment while it is opening or closing automatically, or attempt to
close the cover.
¥ Do not leave the cassette in the camera after use Ñ return it to its case and store it in a cool, clean, dry
place.
Mini
PUSH
CLOSE THIS FIRST
EJECT
Loading and unloading
Use videocassettes marked with the logo only.*Mini 
						

							Preparation
16
EProtecting tapes from accidental erasure
To protect your recording from accidental erasure, slide the tab on the cassette so that it exposes the hole
and the red mark. (This switch position is usually labeled SAVE or ERASE OFF.)
If you load this cassette and put the camera in record pause mode (p. 23), ÒTHE TAPE IS SET FOR
ERASURE PREVENTIONÓ is displayed for approx. 4 seconds and then the 
vmark flashes in the display.
The camera also shows the above phrase if you accidentally press the 
2 (record) button with the camera
switched to VCR mode.
If you want to record on the cassette again, slide the tab back so the hole is closed, and the red mark
covered.
SAVERECSAVEREC
Cassette memory
You are unable to use the cassette memory function with this camcorder.
Handling cassettes
¥ To protect the tape heads, transfer cassettes directly from the tape case to the camcorder Ñ do not open
the tape protect cover or touch the tape itself.
¥ Do not use cassettes where the tape has been damaged or rejoined Ñ they may damage the camcorder.
¥ Do not insert anything into the small holes on the cassette or cover them with cellophane tape.
¥ Handle cassettes with care Ñ dropping them or exposing them to external shocks may cause internal
damage.
¥ Store cassettes in the provided case, rewinding them to the start of the tape first, and then storing them
upright.
¥ A cassette with metal plated terminals may become dirty with use, affecting information transfer.
Therefore, after using a tape around ten times, be sure to clean the terminals with a cotton wool bud. 
						

							Preparation
17
E
Supporting the Camera
¥ For extra comfort and control, attach the shoulder
pad to the camera.
¥ Clip the adapter unit onto the base of the
camcorder and tighten the fixing screw using a
coin. 
¥ When you are not using the shoulder pad, fold it
in towards the camera until it clicks into the
storage position.
Prepare the lens cap
Attach the SP-100 shoulder pad
Adjust the grip belt
Attach the shoulder strap
¥ Attach/remove the lens cap as shown.
Notes:
¥ Be careful not to leave the viewfinder exposed to bright sunlight, or it may damage the LCD. (The light is
concentrated by the viewfinder lens.) Either turn the EYE POINT SELECT switch to the FAR setting, or
change the angle of the viewfinder to move it out of direct sunlight.
¥ Place the camera on a table or secure surface when attaching the shoulder pad, grip belt or strap. ¥ Adjust the length of the grip belt strap so that
you can operate the start/stop button and zoom
control effectively.
¥ For extra security and portability, attach the
shoulder strap before using the camera
¥ Pass the ends through the attachment bars and
adjust the length as shown. 
						

							Preparation
18
E
Selecting from the Menus
Many of the cameraÕs advanced functions are selected from menus which appear in the viewfinder.
There are two main menus:
1. Camera menu (when the camera is in record pause mode: the POWER dial set to a
recording program.)
2. VCR menu (when the POWER dial is set to VCR)
Camera menu (CAM. MENU)
1Zebra pattern  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 47
216:9 effect  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 41
3Movie mode  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 30
4Remote sensor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 21
5Tally lamp  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 21
6Audio mode  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 36
7Audio 1 Input  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 37
8Audio 2 Input  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 38
9Recording mode  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 24
0Date/time set  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 22
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Turn to the appropriate page for a detailed explanation of each function.
VCR menu 
1Tally lamp  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 21
2Remote sensor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 21
3Recording mode  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 24
4Mix balance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 60
5Output channel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 61
6Data code  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 54
7Date/time select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 22
8Date/time set  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 22 
						

							Preparation
19
E
PHOTO
SELF TIMERWTZOOM START/
STOP
DATA CODE ON SCREEN
MENU
POWER
VCR
OFF
Tv
Av
MA
MENU
4, 5, 63, 71
2
1. Turn the POWER dial to a recording program or to VCR.
2. Slide open the red cover to reveal the menu operation keys.
3. Press the MENU button to open the menu.
4. Press 
rortcursor key to move the arrow up or down the display.
5. Press the 
ecursor key to select your chosen option from the menu.
¥ Your selected option remains on the screen and all other options are removed.
6. Press the rortcursor keys to choose its setting.
¥ You can return to the full menu by pressing the ecursor key.
7. Press the MENU button to close the menu.
¥ Close the red cover to hide the menu operation keys.
Notes:
¥ You can only see eight options on the screen at the same time. Pointers at the top/bottom of the screen
indicate that there are more options that you can scroll through.
¥ You may often find it convenient to use the wireless controller to move around the menus. Press its
MENU button to enter/leave the menu and use its cursor keys in place of those on the camera itself. (In
step 6 however, use the 
4cursor key to return to the full menu.)
¥ You can display the menus on a connected TV screen using the wireless controllerÕs ON SCREEN button. 
						

							Preparation
20
E
Using the Wireless Controller/Tally Lamps
The supplied wireless controller can operate the
camera from a distance of up to 16 feet (5 m).
Point it at either of the cameraÕs remote sensors
while you press the buttons. 
The tally lamps light up to let you know that the
camera is in range and responding to your
commands.
There are five functions which can only be
operated using the wireless controller:
¥ Special playback (p. 53)
¥ TV-screen displays (p. 80)
¥ Data code on/off (p. 54)
¥ Photo search (p. 55)
¥ Self-timer (p. 42)
Insert two AAA batteries, following the = and -
markings. Be careful not to reverse the polarity of
the batteries.
Inserting batteries
Notes:
¥ When using the wireless controller in brightly lit places or outdoors, the effective range will be less.
¥ The camera may have difficulty picking up the remote control signals at extremely close range.
¥ Do not leave the controller exposed to direct sunlight, or in hot or humid places.
¥ When the batteries run out, replace them both together.
¥ Make sure the shoulder strap does not obstruct the tally sensors.