Canon XL2 Instruction Manual

							
PUB. DIM-692
DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER
Instruction Manual
CAMESCOPE NUMÉRIQUE
Manuel d’instruction
VIDEOCÁMARA DIGITAL
Manual de Instrucciones

Min iD
igital
V ideo
C asse tte

English
Français
Español
NTSCA  
						

							
2
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT\
 TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
Digital Video Camcorder, XL2A Systems.
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 an\
y 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 protec\
tion against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequ\
ency energy and, if not installed and use in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radi\
o 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 eq\
uipment 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 th\
at 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 Subpa\
rt B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwi\
se specified in the manual. 
If such changes or modifications should be made, you could be required t\
o 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 righ\
ts 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.
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY \
INSERT.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within
the product’s 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

Important Usage Instructions  
						

							
3
E
Introduction
In these safety instructions the word “product” refers to
the Canon Digital Video Camcorder XL2A and all its
accessories.
1. Read Instructions — All the safety and operatinginstructions should be read before the product is
operated.
2. Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings — All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions — All operating and maintenance instructions should be followed.
5. Cleaning — 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 — Do not use accessories not recommended in this manual as they may be
hazardous.
7. 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. 
8. Water and Moisture — Hazard of electric shock — Do not use this product near water or in rainy/moist
situations.
9. Placing or Moving — 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 — The CA-920 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 — The CA-920 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 — 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 — 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. 70—
1984, 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 
EQUIPMENT GROUND
CLAMPFig. 1

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  
						

							
4
19. Damage Requiring Service — Disconnect this productfrom 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 havefallen 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 — 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 — 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 replacement of power supply is required, please return it to the responsible nearest Canon
Service Center and please replace it with the same type number CA-920.
The Adapter can be used with a power supply between 100 and 240 V AC. Co\
ntact your Canon
dealer for information about plug adapter for overseas use.  
						

							
5
E
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Canon XL2. Please read this manual carefull\
y before you use the
camcorder and retain it for future reference.
Symbols and References Used in This Manual
❍: Precautions related to the camcorder operation.
❍ : Additional topics that complement the basic operating procedures.
❍ : Reference page number.
❍ Capital letters are used to refer to buttons on the camcorder or the wireless controller.
❍ [ ] are used to refer to menu items displayed on the screen.
❍ The 20 ×L IS Zoom Lens XL 5.4-108 mm supplied with the Lens Kit is referred to as “20 ×L IS Lens”.
❍ The illustrations show the camcorder attached with the 20 ×L IS Lens.
❍ Available functions depend on the operating mode and are indicated as follows:
: Function can be used in this mode.
: Function cannot be used in this mode.
Trademark Acknowledgements
• Canon is a registered trademarks of Canon Inc.
•D is a trademark.
• m is a trademark.
• Windows
®is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
• Other names and products not mentioned above may be registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.

Using this Manual

Set the time zone, date and time when you first start using your camcorder, or when you have
replaced the backup battery.
Setting the Time Zone/Daylight Saving Time
1. Press the MENU button to open the menu.
2. Turn the SET dial to select [SYSTEM] and press the SET dial.
3. Turn the SET dial to select [T.ZONE/DST] and press the SET dial.
The time zone setting appears (see table on the next page). The defaul\
t setting is New York.4. Turn the SET dial to select the setting option that represents your time zone and press the SET dial.
To adjust for daylight saving time, select the time zone with the  Unext to the area.
Setting the Date and Time
Setting the Time Zone, Date and Time
SYSTEM T.ZONE/DST•••N.Y.( 26)Menu item showing at its default position
Operating modes  
						

							
6
Introduction
Important Usage Instructions ........................................................................\
......................................................2
Important Safety Instructions ........................................................................\
.......................... ............................3
Using this Manual ........................................................................\
...................................... ..................................5
Checking Supplied Accessories ........................................................................\
.......................... ..........................8
Components Guide ........................................................................\
....................................... ...............................9
Preparation
Preparing the Power Supply ........................................................................\
............................. .........................13
Installing the Backup Battery ........................................................................\
.......................... ..........................16
Preparing the Camcorder ........................................................................\
................................ ..........................17
Preparing the Lens........................................................................\
..................................... .................................22
Using the Wireless Controller ........................................................................\
.......................... ..........................24
Loading/Unloading a Cassette ........................................................................\
........................... .......................25
Menus and Settings ........................................................................\
..................................... ...............................26
Setting the Time Zone, Date and Time ........................................................................\
................... .................30
Recording
Recording ........................................................................\
....................................................................................32
End Search ........................................................................\
............................................. .....................................37
Zooming ........................................................................\
................................................ ......................................38
Adjusting the Focus ........................................................................\
.................................... ................................40
Using the ND Filter (Lenses with Built-in ND Filter) ........................................................................\
... .............43
Selecting the Frame Rate ........................................................................\
............................... ...........................44
Recording in 16:9 Mode ........................................................................\
................................. ...........................46
Setting the Time Code ........................................................................\
.................................. ..............................47
Setting the User Bit ........................................................................\
................................... .................................49
Audio Recording ........................................................................\
........................................ ................................50
Image Stabilizer (Lenses Equipped with Image Stabilizer) ....................................................................... .......54
Using the Programmed AE Modes ........................................................................\
.......................... ..................55
Recording in the Shutter-Priority (Tv) Mode ........................................................................\
............ ................58
Recording in the Aperture-Priority (Av) Mode ........................................................................\
........... .............59
Recording in the Manual Mode ........................................................................\
........................... .....................60
Adjusting the Exposure ........................................................................\
................................. .............................61
Using AE Shift ........................................................................\
......................................... ...................................62
Adjusting the Gain ........................................................................\
..................................... ...............................63
Setting the White Balance ........................................................................\
.............................. ..........................64
Using the Zebra Pattern ........................................................................\
................................ ............................66
Using the Skin Detail Function ........................................................................\
......................... .........................67
Using the Custom Preset ........................................................................\
................................ ............................68
Using Clear Scan for Recording Computer Screens ........................................................................\
........ ..........73
Using the Custom Keys ........................................................................\
.................................. ............................74
Recording Color Bars/Audio Reference Signal........................................................................\
............ ..............77
Recording with the Interval Timer ........................................................................\
...................... ......................79
Recording with the Self-Timer ........................................................................\
.......................... ........................81
Using the DV Control ........................................................................\
................................... .............................82
Other Camcorder Functions/Settings ........................................................................\
..................... ...................83
Contents  
						

							
7
E
Introduction
Playback
Playing Back a Tape ........................................................................\
....................................................................85
Playing Back on a TV Screen ........................................................................\
............................ ..........................87
Audio Output ........................................................................\
........................................... ...................................89
Returning to a Pre-Marked Position ........................................................................\
..................... ...................90
Index Search ........................................................................\
........................................... .....................................91
Date Search ........................................................................\
............................................ ....................................92
Displaying the Data Code ........................................................................\
............................... ...........................93
Changing the Remote Sensor Mode ........................................................................\
........................ ................95
Editing
Recording to a VCR or Digital Video Device ........................................................................\
............. ...............96
Recording from Analog Video Devices (VCR, TV or Camcorder) ....................................................................9 7
Recording from Digital Video Devices (DV Dubbing) ........................................................................\
...... ........98
Converting Analog Signals into Digital Signals (Analog-Digital Converte\
r) ..................................................99
Connecting to the Computer Using a DV (IEEE1394) Cable ........................................................................\
. .101
Additional Information
Settings Retained at Power Off or STANDBY Mode ........................................................................\
..............102
Screen Displays ........................................................................\
........................................ ..................................104
List of Messages ........................................................................\
....................................... .................................107
Maintenance/Others ........................................................................\
..................................... ...........................108
Troubleshooting ........................................................................\
........................................ ................................113
System Diagram ........................................................................\
......................................... ...............................115
Optional Accessories ........................................................................\
................................... .............................116
Specifications ........................................................................\
......................................... ...................................119
Index ........................................................................\
.................................................. ........................................121
Audio Block Diagram ........................................................................\
.................................... ..........................122  
						

							
8
Checking Supplied Accessories

CA-920 Compact Power
AdapterDC-920 DC Coupler BP-930 Battery Pack Lithium Button Battery
CR2025WL-D4000 Wireless
Controller
20
×L IS Zoom Lens XL 5.4-
108 mm (with soft case)Lens Cap Lens Dust Cap Lens Hood
Two AAA (R03) Batteries Color Viewfinder Microphone Unit
Adapter Holder STV-150 Stereo Video
CableS-150 S-video CableCamcorder Dust Cap SS-1000 Shoulder Strap
The serial number of this product can be found at the battery attachment\
 unit of the camcorder. Write down the number
and other information here and retain this book as a permanent record of\
 your purchase to aid identification in case of
theft.
Date of Purchase: Model Name: XL2
Purchased From: Serial No.:
Dealer Address:
Dealer Phone No.:
Additional Accessories Supplied with the Lens Kit Body Kit  
						

							
9
E
Introduction

Advanced Accessory shoe 
(     52)
Stereo microphone 
(     20) Viewfinder cable (     17)
Zoom ring (     38)
Focus ring (     40)
Lens hood (     23) EXP. LOCK button (     61)
IRIS/SET dial (     26, 59) FRAME RATE switch (     44)END SEARCH button (     37)ASPECT RATIO switch (     46) Power indicatorFRONT MIC ATT. switch 
(CH1, CH2) (     51)
REC CH SELECT switch 
(CH1, CH2) (     51)
Viewfinder locking screw 
(     17)
Eye cup (     18)
REC LEVEL switch 
(CH3, CH4) (     53)CH3/CH4 dials (     53)
INPUT SELECT switch 
(CH1, CH2) (     51)
INPUT SELECT switch 
(CH3, CH4) (     52)
CH1/CH2 dials (     53)REC LEVEL switch 
(CH1, CH2) (     53)
AUDIO MONITOR button (     53, 89) LIGHT button (     9)
Microphone locking 
screw (     20)
LIGHT Button
Press the LIGHT button to illuminate the side 
panel for approximately 10 seconds. If you press 
and hold the button for at least 3 seconds, the 
panel remains illuminated until you press the 
button once more to turn the backlight off.
LENS RELEASE switch (     22)
MENU button (     26)

Components Guide

XL2  
						

							
10

AE SHIFT dial (     62)
Remote sensor 
(     24, 95)
Tally lamp (     83)
Screw hole for 
adapter holder (     21)
Battery attachment unit (     13) /
serial number Screw holes for 
adapter holder (     21) Microphone cable (     20)
Grip belt (     21) Start/stop button (     32)
Tripod socket* Grip zoom lever (     38)
Remote sensor (     24, 95)
Video
terminal (RCA) 
(     88)
XLR input 
terminals
(     51, 52)
ZOOM SPEED switch (     38) Zoom speed dial (     38)
Tally lamp (     83) / 
Remote sensor (     24, 95) FRONT MIC terminals (     20) 
EVF DISPLAY button (     35)
S-video
terminal
(     87)
Video
terminal (BNC) 
(     88)
AUDIO 2 
RCA terminals 
(     52)
AUDIO 1 
RCA terminals 
(     51)
RCA/BNC
selector
(     88)
Backup battery compartment 
(     16)
BATT. RELEASE button (     13)
Cassette compartment (     25)
Lens hood locking screw 
(     23)
CUSTOM KEYS (     74)
CUSTOM PRESET ON/OFF button (     70)
EJECT switch (     25)
CUSTOM PRESET SELECT button (     70)

About the 
mTerminal
m(LANC) stands for Local Application Control Bus System. The  mterminal allows you to connect and control
connected devices. 
❍ Connect only devices with the  mmark to the  mterminal.
❍ Operation cannot be guaranteed for connections with devices not bearing \
the  mmark.
❍ Some buttons of connected devices may not operate or may operate differently than the buttons on the
camcorder.
* Do not use tripods with fastening screws longer than 0.2 inch (5.5 mm) as it may damage the camcorder.