Canon XL1 Instruction Manual

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61 (ii) Choosing the output channel
1. Make sure the camera is set to VCR mode.
2. Open the menu and select the output channel.
Notes:
¥ When you have chosen the output, ÒSTEREO1Ó,
ÒSTEREO2Ó, or ÒMIXÓ is shown in the top left of the
viewfinder and in the audio LCD panel. If you turn
the power off, the output (and display) is set to
ÒSTEREO1Ó.
¥ You cannot mix the balance without first releasing the
fixed level: the camera will show ÒFIXEDÓ in the
viewfinder.
OUTPUT CH¥¥L/R
0 2 6
20 40
30
ST -1MIX ST -2
50
RL-dB12
MANUPBPB
L/R (the default setting): 
¥ If the audio mode is 16 bit or 12 bit stereo 1, the audio signal will be sent to the RCA jacks labeled 
L and R.
¥ If you chose stereo 1 for the output at stage (i), stereo 1 (L & R) will be sent to the RCA jacks labeled
Audio 1 (L & R). In addition, stereo 2 (L & R) will be sent to the RCA jacks labeled Audio 2 (L & R).
This gives you four independent audio signals.
¥ If you chose stereo 2 for the output at stage (i), stereo 2 (L & R) will be sent to Audio 1 (L & R).
¥ If you mixed the balance at stage (i), the combination of left channels from stereo 1 and stereo 2 will be
sent to the left channel of Audio 1 and the combination of the right channels will be sent to the right
channel of Audio 1.
L/L
¥ Only sound from the left channel(s) is output. This output is sent to the RCA jacks (L & R).
R/R
¥ Only sound from the right channel(s) is output. This output is sent to the RCA jacks (L & R).
L+R/R
¥ Gives a mono output. Sound from the left and right channels are combined and sent to the left RCA
jack(s).
Note:
¥ The audio sent to connected headphones is the same as sent to the Audio 1 RCA jacks.
(see p. 18) 
						

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62
Notes on Using the Batteries
Charging and recording times
Battery pack BP-927 BP-941 
(supplied) (option)
Time needed for 
full recharge3h 50 min. 4h 40 min.
Maximum 
recording time1h 30 min. 2h 15 min.
¥ These times may vary.
¥ You will get more recording time if you turn the
camera off between shots, instead of leaving it in
record pause mode.
¥ Recording time will be shorter than usual at low
temperatures. You can use the battery pack
between 32¡ and 104¡F (0¡ to 40¡C), but it works
best between 50¡ and 86¡F (10¡ to 30¡C).
¥ If the battery pack starts to give you much less
recording time than usual, it has reached the end
of its life and must be replaced.
¯
¯
¯
¯
100%
75%
50%
25%
0%
¯
CHAN
GET
HE
BATTE
R
YPAC
K
The indicator in the display shows you
approximately how much charge the battery pack
has left:
Notes:
¥ ÒCHANGE THE BATTERY PACKÓ appears in
the display for 4 seconds when the power is
completely exhausted. The empty battery mark
then appears and starts to flash. The power
indicator light also flashes.
¥ The indicator is not constant Ñ different levels
will be shown when you subject the battery pack
and camcorder to different conditions.
¥ If you use battery packs other than BP-924 and
BP-927, the indicator may not show the correct
information.
How much power is left?
When to recharge
You can recharge a lithium ion battery pack whenever it is convenient. However, as the battery pack will
naturally discharge itself over time, it is best to charge it the same day you plan to use it, or the day before. 
						

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63
Taking care of the battery pack
Always attach the terminal cover.
¥ Do not allow any metal objects to touch the
terminals, as this can cause a short circuit and
damage the battery pack. Attach the terminal
cover whenever the battery pack is not being
used.
Installing the backup battery
Pull out the battery holder from the base of the
camera, and insert the CR2025 lithium battery with
the + side facing upwards. Click the holder back
into place.
Keep the terminals clean.
¥ The camera, adapter or battery pack will not work properly if the terminals are dirty. Check them before
use, and wipe them with a dry cloth or tissue if necessary.
Storing the battery pack
¥ If you do not use a battery pack for a period of more than a few months any remaining charge may cause
damage to the battery pack, and reduce usage time. To prevent damage therefore, aim to use a battery
packÕs complete charge before storage. 
When it needs replacing (or if it has not been installed), the jmark flashes in the display. Remove the old
battery by pulling out the battery holder from the base on the camera. Make sure you attach a power source
to the camera first, and turn it off using the STANDBY button. This way it will remember your chosen
settings when you change the battery.  This backup battery allows the camera to
remember the date and time and other settings
when the main power source is removed. It has a
life span of about a year. 
						

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64
Cautions:
¥ Do not pick up the battery using tweezers or other metal tools Ñ this will cause a short circuit.
¥ Wipe the battery with a clean, dry cloth to ensure proper contact.
¥ Keep the back-up battery out of reach of children Ñ if it is swallowed, contact a physician immediately,
as the battery case may break down and the battery fluids damage the stomach and intestines.
¥ Do not disassemble, heat, or immerse the battery in water, to avoid the risk of explosion.
DANGER!
Treat the battery pack with care.
¥ Keep it away from fire (or it might explode).
¥ Do not expose the battery pack to temperatures greater than 140¡F (60¡C). Do not leave it near a heater,
or inside a car in hot weather, for example.
¥ Do not try to disassemble or modify it.
¥ Do not drop or knock it. 
¥ Do not get it wet.
WARNING!
¥ The battery used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not
recharge, disassemble, heat above 212¡F (100¡C) or incinerate. 
¥ Replace the battery with a Sony, Sanyo or Panasonic CR2025, or Duracell DL2025. Use of another
battery may present a risk of fire or explosion. 
						

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65
Camera Holding Styles
For maximum stability, place your right hand through the side grip belt and keep your right elbow pressed
against your body. Rest the rear of the camera against the front of your shoulder and then support the lens
with your left hand. ¥ You can grip the camera from the side grip, or
top handle.
¥ Either gripping position allows you to start/stop
recording, take a ÒphotoÕÕ and zoom in and out.
¥ Lock the top controls to prevent accidental
operation by flicking across the HOLD lever.
Choose the grip
T
W
PHOTO
START/STOPHOLD
Standard holding style
Grip the camera using the top handle and steady the lens with the other hand.
Low-angle recording
To prevent any unwanted movement, mount the camera on a tripod and operate it from the remote control.
¥ Be careful not to leave the viewfinder in 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.
¥ Make sure the fastening screw of the tripod is no longer than 3/16 inch (5.5 mm), or it may damage the
camera.
¥ Do not attach a tripod to the socket meant for the shoulder pad (the socket closest to the rear of the
camera).
Using a tripod 
						

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66
Maintenance
Avoid high temperatures and high humidity.
¥ Do not leave the camera inside a car in hot weather, for example.
¥ Be careful of heat radiating from video lighting equipment.
¥ Do not take the camera into a humid room.
Avoid sudden changes in temperature.
¥ If you take the camera from a cold place to a warm place, condensation may form on the lens and internal
parts (see p. 68).
Do not point the lens or viewfinder at strong light sources.
¥ Never point it at the sun, and do not leave it aimed at a bright subject. 
¥ Be especially careful when leaving the camera on a tripod.
Avoid magnetic or electric fields.
¥ 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.
Do not expose the camera to water.
¥ Cover the camera when you are recording in rain or mist. 
¥ There is a risk of electric shock if water gets inside the camera Ñ contact qualified service personnel as
soon as possible.
Protect the lens.
¥ Sand and dust can damage the lens Ñ be especially careful on windy days.
Handle the camera gently.
¥ Vibration or shock can cause damage.
¥ Do not use the viewfinder unit or microphone as a carrying handle.
¥ Do not swing the camera around when carrying it by the handle; knocking the camera against things may
cause it to malfunction.
Do not disassemble the camera.
¥ This is very dangerous as there is a risk of electric shock Ñ if the camera does not function properly, take
it to qualified service personnel.
If you do not intend to use the camera for some time, store it in an area which is free of dust and moisture,
and where the temperature is no higher than 86¡F (30¡C). After storage, check each part and function of
your camera to make sure everything is still working properly.
Note:
¥ These cautions also apply to accessories such as battery packs and cassettes.
Cautions
Storage 
						

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67
Power sources
¥ You can use the compact power adapter to operate your camera and charge battery packs in any country
where the electricity supply is between 110 and 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Contact your Canon dealer for
information about plug adapters for overseas use.
TV playback
¥ Although you can always play back your recordings in the viewfinder, your camera can only be connected
to TVs which use its NTSC system. This TV system is used in the following countries:
American Samoa, Bahama, Barbados, Bermuda, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cuba,
Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Greenland, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico,
Micronesia, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Surinam, Taiwan,
Trinidad and Tobago, USA, Venezuela.
Viewfinder (brightness)
¥ Adjust the brightness of the display by turning
the BRIGHT screw. You can reveal the screw on
the under side of the viewfinder by pulling back
the small screw cover.
Maintenance
Using the camera abroad
BRIGHT
Viewfinder (removal)
¥ You may wish to remove the viewfinder for
storage or transport.
Remove the viewfinder cable from the socket at
the front of the camera body. Loosen the locking
screw that holds the unit in place and slide the
viewfinder unit off the bracket.
Camera body and lens
¥ Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the camera body or lens. Never use chemically treated cloth or volatile
solvents such as paint thinner.
Video heads
¥ When mosaic-like noise appears on the playback picture, the video heads may
be dirty. When the video heads are badly contaminated, the camera may show a
blank blue screen.
¥ Clean the video heads using CanonÕs DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning
Cassette. If the ÒnoiseÓ remains, repeat the cleaning (up to maximum of five
times).
¥ Do not use a wet-type cleaning cassette, as this can cause damage. 
						

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68
Condensation
Condensation may form on the camera when it is moved from a cold place to a warm place. Using the
camera while condensation is present can damage both the tape and the camera.
Condensation may become a problem:
¥ When you bring the camera from a cold place to a warm room
¥ When a cold room is heated rapidly 
¥ When the camera is left in a humid room
¥ When the camera is taken from an air-conditioned room to a warm, humid place
Protecting the camera from condensation
¥ Before you bring the camera to a warm or humid place where condensation is likely to be a problem,
unload the cassette and put the camera in a plastic bag. Wait until the camera reaches room temperature
before you take it out of the bag.
What happens when condensation is detected
¥ ÒCONDENSATION HAS BEEN DETECTEDÓ is displayed for approximately 4 seconds. Then, the
power indicator flashes and the 
hmark flashes in the viewfinder. If there is a cassette in the camera, it
stops automatically and ÒREMOVE THE CASSETTEÓ is displayed for approximately 4 seconds and then
EJECT flashes in the viewfinder (without a cassette, 
vflashes instead).
¥ The camera may not detect the condensation immediately Ñ the condensation warning may not start
flashing for 10 to 15 minutes.
¥ You cannot load a cassette when condensation is detected.
What you should do
¥ Remove the cassette, leave the cassette compartment open, and turn the camera off. 
¥ Leave it in a dry place until the condensation evaporates. After the condensation warning stops flashing,
wait at least another hour before trying to use the camera. 
						

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Troubleshooting
Cause and/or what to do about it
¥ The camera is not switched on (p. 23, 51).
¥ The cassette is not loaded or is set for erasure
prevention (p. 15-16).
¥ The tape has reached the end.
¥ The battery pack is exhausted or not properly
attached (p. 13, 14, 62).
¥ The function cannot be used in that recording
program (p. 32).
¥ The top controls are locked by the hold lever 
(p. 65).
¥ The camera was in record pause mode for more
than about five minutes (p. 23).
¥ The battery pack is exhausted (p. 14).
¥ The POWER dial is not set to a recording
program (p. 32).
¥ The cassette is not loaded or is set for erasure
prevention (p. 15-16).
¥ The tape has reached the end.
¥ The POWER dial is not set to a recording
program (p. 32). 
¥ The camera has not been used for a long while,
it is not a malfunction. Switch off the camera.
Take off the battery and reattach it. Then switch
on the camera again.
¥ You are attempting to play back or record from a
copyright protected cassette (p. 59).
¥ The tape heads are badly contaminated (p. 67).
¥ The camera is on manual focus (p. 44).
¥ The viewfinder lens needs adjusting (p. 11).
¥ The lens is dirty (p. 67). Refer to this checklist first if you have any problems with your camcorder. Possible explanations are given
for each problem on the list Ñ turn to the page numbers in brackets for more information.
Make sure that the camera is properly connected if you are using it with a TV or VCR. Consult your dealer
or service outlet if problems persist.
Problem
?Nothing happens when I press the buttons.
?The camera turned itself off.
?The start/stop button doesnÕt work.
?ThereÕs no picture in the viewfinder.
?ThereÕs a blank blue screen in the display.
?The camera wonÕt focus.
Recording/Playback 
						

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Note:
Some subjects are not suitable for autofocus. In these situations, you will often get better results using
manual focus (see p. 44).
¥ Horizontal stripes
¥ Many subjects at different distances
¥ Behind glass
¥ Without much contrast (e.g. a white wall)
¥ Reflective surfaces (e.g. shiny car surfaces)
¥ Fast moving objects
¥ Slanted subjects
¥ Dark subjects
¥ Night scenes
Cause and/or what to do about it
¥ There are a few restrictions on using the digital
effects. Refer to the notes on p. 41.
¥ The POWER dial is not set to VCR (p. 51).
¥ The cassette is not loaded (p. 15).
¥ The tape has reached the end.
¥ When recording in dark places a bright light in
the scene may cause a vertical light bar
(ÒsmearÓ) to appear. This is a normal feature of
camcorders.
¥ The video heads need cleaning (p. 67).
¥ The video heads need cleaning (p. 67).
¥ The TV/VIDEO selector on the TV isnÕt set to
VIDEO (p. 56).
Problem
?Some/all of the digital effects donÕt work, or
canÕt be set.
?The e(play) button doesnÕt work.
?ThereÕs a bright stripe on the screen.
?The playback picture is rough (with mosaic-
like noise).
?ThereÕs no picture on the TV screen, even
though the tape is moving.
Recording/Playback (Contd.)