Related Manuals for Canon XL1
Summary of Contents for Canon XL1
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Page 1: Instruction Manual
DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER Instruction Manual CAMÉSCOPE ET LECTEUR VIDEO NUMÉRIQUES Mode d’emploi VIDEOCÁMARA Y GRABADORA DIGITAL Manual de Instrucciones A (NTSC) ENGLISH FRANÇAIS ESPAÑOL Mini Digital Video Cassette... -
Page 2: Important Usage Instructions
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 Important Warning... -
Page 3: Important Safety Instructions
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS In these safety instructions the word “product” refers to the Canon Digital Video Camcorder DM-XL1A and all its accessories. 1. Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated. - Page 4 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.
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Page 5: Table Of Contents
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 Date of Purchase Dealer Purchased From Dealer Address Dealer Phone No. -
Page 6: Thank You For Choosing A Canon
Thank you for choosing a Canon First, we’d like to thank you for purchasing this Canon camcorder. Its advanced technology makes it very easy to use — you will soon be making high-quality videos which will give you pleasure for years to come. -
Page 7: Introducing The Xl1
EF Adapter (optional) 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 XL1’s CCD and 35 mm film means that the effective focal length of the EF lens is multiplied by 7.2×. -
Page 8: Mounting And Removing Xl Lenses
Mounting the lens 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. -
Page 9: Lens Settings
Attaching the Lens Hood 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. -
Page 10: Adjusting The Viewfinder Unit
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. • Remove the protective rubber from around the locking screw. - Page 11 Adjusting to your viewing point To 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 eyesight •...
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Page 12: Attaching The External Microphone
Attaching the External Microphone 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. -
Page 13: Powering The Xl1
• 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. - Page 14 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.
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Page 15: Loading A Cassette
Loading a Cassette EJECT Use videocassettes marked with the Loading and unloading 1. Make sure that you have inserted a power source. 2. Slide the EJECT 5 button across to release the cover. • Wait a couple of seconds for the cassette compartment to open automatically. 3. -
Page 16: Cassette Memory
Handling cassettes • To protect the tape heads, transfer cassettes directly from the tape case to the camcorder — do not open the tape protect cover or touch the tape itself. • Do not use cassettes where the tape has been damaged or rejoined — they may damage the camcorder. -
Page 17: 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. -
Page 18: Selecting From The Menus
Selecting from the Menus Many of the camera’s 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. - Page 19 3, 7 MENU 4, 5, 6 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 r or t cursor key to move the arrow up or down the display. 5.
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Page 20: Using The Wireless Controller/Tally Lamps
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 camera’s 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. - Page 21 Turning off the remote sensors The remote sensors can be turned off to prevent interference from other Canon wireless controllers being used nearby. SENSOR••••••OFF (see p. 18) 1. Open either the camera or the VCR menu, and point the arrow at SENSOR.
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Page 22: Setting The Date And Time
Setting the Date and Time The date and/or time display forms part of the data code. You can choose to display or hide it during playback (see p. 54). Set the date and time display when you first start using your camera. Install the backup battery before you begin (see p. -
Page 23: Basic Recording
Basic Recording START/STOP STANDBY Before you start recording • Attach a power source (p. 13). • Load a cassette (p. 15). • Remove the lens cap and fasten the shoulder pad (p. 17). • Adjust the viewfinder (p. 10). • Choose your grip — side or top (p. 65). You may also want to install the backup battery (p. - Page 24 • To check that the camera is recording correctly, make a test recording first. • Before making important recordings, clean the video heads using a Canon DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette or a commercially available digital video head cleaning cassette.
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Page 25: Zooming (For Zoom Lenses)
Zooming (for Zoom Lenses) Optical zoom (16× for standard lens) Operate the zoom controls from either the side grip or the camera handle. Turn the zoom control towards W to zoom out to wide-angle. Turn it towards T to zoom in to telephoto. You can also zoom in and out using the lens’s zoom ring. - Page 26 32× digital zoom Activate the digital zoom to double the camera’s zoom range. The zoom control continues to work as usual — the camera automatically switches between optical zooming and digital zooming. • Image resolution is slightly lower when the magnification exceeds the optical zoom range. Activating the digital zoom 1.
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Page 27: Turning The Superrange Optical Image Stabilizer On/Off
Turning the SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer On/Off STABILIZER The Optical Image Stabilizer can compensate for a wide range of camera movement — you can record stable images even if you are shooting from a moving car. Before you start recording, slide the STABILIZER switch on the video lens to turn the image stabilizer on or off. -
Page 28: Using The Nd Filter (For Appropriate Lenses)
Using the ND Filter (for appropriate lenses) On bright days or when recording very bright scenes, despite the iris being at its smallest aperture, blurring of the image may occur. In such cases, using an ND filter should remove this problem. The 16× zoom lens XL comes with a built-in ND filter. -
Page 29: Taking Still Pictures (Photo Mode)
• The wireless controller’s PHOTO button has no half-way setting, press the button and the camera soon takes the “photo”. • For even greater versatility attach a Canon Speedlite for flash photography (available as an optional accessory, see page 43). -
Page 30: Choosing The Movie Mode (Normal/Frame)
Choosing the Movie Mode (Normal/Frame) The Frame mode can be used when you want to look at a video, scene by scene, free from field slippage (the “flicker” that normally occurs when you pause a video). The vertical resolution of the image is improved by 1.5×. -
Page 31: Searching And Reviewing While Recording
Searching and Reviewing While Recording Record search When the camera is in record pause mode, you can use record search to play the tape forwards or backwards to find the point where you want to start or restart recording. 1. Make sure the camera is in record pause mode. 2. -
Page 32: Using The Various Recording Programs
Using the Various Recording Programs The camera provides you with a choice of six recording programs. They use different combinations of camera settings in order to adjust the exposure and other functions to match the recording situation. The name of your selected recording program appears constantly on the left of the display, with the exception of the Easy Recording program whose [ mark is displayed and then disappears after 4 seconds. - Page 33 Manual Select this program for total creative freedom when operating the camcorder. You can set aperture and shutter speeds completely independently to give you exactly the exposure you require. There are 27 shutter speed settings, between 1/60 and 1/15000 of a second and 27 aperture values, between f/1.6 and f/16 (you can also close the iris.)
- Page 34 ND FILTER switch ON/OFF as appropriate before changing the setting. Notes: • You can also set the XL1 for slow shutter shooting using the slow shutter digital effects (p. 35). • When recording in extreme low-light conditions, we recommend the use of a Canon Speedlite or Video Light (available as optional accessories, see page 73).
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Page 35: Activating The Slow Shutter
Activating the Slow Shutter D.EFFECT SELECT ON/OFF You can select one of three SLOW shutter effects: 1/8, 1/15 or 1/30 of a second. 1. Turn the POWER dial to the Auto or Manual recording program. 2. Press the D.EFFECT SELECT button to move through the list of effects in the viewfinder, until you reach the SLOW setting of your choice. -
Page 36: Selecting The Audio Mode
AUDIO 1 LEVEL BALANCE The XL1 can record sound in three audio modes: • 16-bit (48kHz, 2 channel) for the highest sound quality • 12-bit ST-1 (32kHz, 2 from 4 channels) for recording on two channels (stereo 1), leaving two channels (stereo 2) free for you to add new sound at a later date. -
Page 37: Setting The Audio Input - Two Channel Recording
Setting the Audio Input — Two Channel Recording Set the input for Stereo 1 in one of two ways, A or B, depending on the source for the input: A. Using the supplied microphone or attaching an external microphone to the mini jacks 1. -
Page 38: Setting The Audio Input - Four Channel Recording
Setting the Audio Input — Four Channel Recording 1. Set the audio mode to “12 bit ST-1, 2”. 2. Set the input for stereo 1 in exactly the same way as for two channel recording. AUDIO 2 IN••LINE (see p. 18) 3. -
Page 39: Making A Sound Check
Making a Sound Check Press the AUDIO MONITOR button to make a sound check — stereo 1 only (ST1), stereo 2 only (ST2) or both (MIX) [each in turn]. • Your choice is selected a few seconds after you last pressed the button, and shown in the viewfinder and audio LCD panel. -
Page 40: Fading In And Out Between Scenes
Fading In and Out Between Scenes Fade trigger When you start recording, the scene gradually fades in from a black screen. When you stop recording, it gradually fades out. Set the fade trigger each time you wish to use it (both before you fade in and again before you fade out). - Page 41 Notes: • You cannot select a different digital effect while the fade trigger is still turned on. • You can turn the fade trigger off before you use it by pressing the D.EFFECT ON/OFF button again. • You are unable to use the fade trigger with the Easy Recording program. •...
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Page 42: Setting The Self-Timer
Setting the Self-Timer 1. Press the wireless controller’s SELF TIMER button. • SELF TIMER appears in the viewfinder. 2 Press the wireless controller’s START/STOP button. • The camera starts to record after a 2 second countdown period (or after 10 seconds if you press the start/stop button on the camera). -
Page 43: Using A Canon Speedlite For Flash Photography (Optional)
• Turn the Speedlite unit off when you do not require the flash. • The Speedlite can not be used with an SA-1 Adapter Bracket. • The 380EX Speedlite’s internal automatic zoom is set to 24 mm when attached to XL1. The guide number is set to 21. -
Page 44: Adjusting The Focus
• If you focus manually then leave the camcorder with the power turned on, you may lose focus on your subject. This possible slight shift in focus is due to a rise in temperature in the camcorder interior and lens. Check the focus before resuming shooting. -
Page 45: Adjusting The Exposure
Adjusting the Exposure Set the aperture value (of the iris) and the shutter speeds completely independently to give you total creative freedom in setting the exposure. SHUTTER 1. Turn the POWER dial to the Manual recording program. 2. Press the SHUTTER r and t buttons to increase or decrease the shutter speed. •... -
Page 46: Using Ae Shift
Using AE Shift By controlling the level of the automatic exposure (AE) function, you can lighten or darken the image slightly. This allows you to compensate for backlit subjects or subjects with predominately dark or light tones. 1. Turn the POWER dial to the Auto, Tv or Av recording program. 2. -
Page 47: Using The Zebra Pattern
Using the Zebra Pattern MENU The zebra pattern is a series of diagonal stripes that appear in the viewfinder to highlight areas of overexposure. Use as a guide to setting the aperture (iris) and shutter speed. 1. Open the camera menu and select ZEBRA. 2. -
Page 48: Adjusting The Gain
Adjusting the Gain GAIN dB When the GAIN knob is set to n (auto) the camera adjusts the gain automatically. You can also rotate the GAIN dial to one of the five preset levels that range from –3 to +12 dB. 1. -
Page 49: Adjusting The White Balance
In some cases, you will get better results by setting the white balance manually. The XL1 has two modes other than fully auto (A) and manual ( Indoor mode (3200˚K light) Outdoor mode (5600˚K sunlight) Setting the white balance 1. - Page 50 Notes: • If the lighting conditions change, reset the white balance by first returning to the auto setting, and then reselecting the manual balance. • Try to record with light from a single source. Correct white balance cannot be obtained for two types of lighting at once.
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Page 51: Playing Back A Cassette
• To wind the tape backwards, stop playback and press the REW ` button. • If the playback picture is rough (mosaic-like noise), clean the video heads using a Canon DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette or a commercially available digital video head cleaning cassette. - Page 52 Other playback modes Playback Pause To view the video as a still picture press the PAUSE a button. To resume normal playback, press it again, or press the PLAY e button. The camera automatically goes into stop mode after about five minutes’ playback pause.
- Page 53 (depending on how far you turn the dial). • When you stop turning the dial, the camcorder goes into playback pause mode. Note: • Mosaic-like noise appears on the screen during some of the VCR modes.
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Page 54: Displaying Data Code
- If noise or tape damage prevents the data code from being read. • Data code is not displayed during high speed playback modes. • If a recording made on XL1 is played back on a different DV camcorder, the data code may not be displayed correctly. -
Page 55: Searching Through Your Recorded "Photos" (Photo Search)
Searching Through Your Recorded “Photos” Move quickly through still pictures recorded anywhere on a tape. • You can only use this function from the Wireless Controller. 1. Turn the POWER dial to VCR. 2. Press the buttons to move backwards or forwards through the still pictures. •... -
Page 56: Connections For Playback On A Tv Screen
Connections for Playback on a TV Screen You can connect the camera to a TV or VCR in order to play back your recordings. You will need to attach a power source to the camera (see p. 13). See your TV or VCR instruction manual for further details. If your TV (or VCR) has an S-video input terminal •... -
Page 57: Editing To A Vcr
Editing to a VCR Playback the tape on the camcorder. By connecting the camera to another VCR, you can edit your recordings in order to remove unwanted scenes — or combine different shots to create your own video productions. Preparations 1. -
Page 58: Dv Dubbing
XL1 before connecting the other end of the cable to the recording device. When you are recording to the XL1, turn the POWER dial to VCR and press its 2 (REC) and a (pause) buttons down simultaneously (“DV IN”... - Page 59 REMOTE m terminal The REMOTE m terminal allows you to connect the camera to editing equipment. Some buttons on editing equipment may operate differently from those on the camera. • m (LANC) is a trademark. It stands for Local Application Control Bus System. •...
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Page 60: Selecting The Audio Output
Selecting the Audio Output Set the audio output in two main stages: (i) Selecting the audio mix (i) Selecting the audio mix When you play back a tape that was recorded in 12 bit mode, you can select the output: Stereo 1, Stereo 2, or a mixture of the two. - Page 61 Notes: • When you have chosen the output, “STEREO1”, “STEREO2”, or “MIX” 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 “STEREO1”.
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Page 62: Notes On Using The Batteries
• The indicator is not constant — 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. -
Page 63: Installing The Backup Battery
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. - Page 64 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. •...
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Page 65: Camera Holding Styles
Camera Holding Styles Choose the grip • You can grip the camera from the side grip, or top handle. • Either gripping position allows you to start/stop recording, take a “photo’’ and zoom in and out. • Lock the top controls to prevent accidental operation by flicking across the HOLD lever. -
Page 66: Maintenance
Maintenance Cautions 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. -
Page 67: Using The Camera Abroad
• 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. - Page 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 •...
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Page 69: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Refer to this checklist first if you have any problems with your camcorder. Possible explanations are given for each problem on the list — 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. - Page 70 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) •...
- Page 71 Miscellaneous Problem ? The wireless controller doesn’t work. ? The tally lamps don’t flash. ? There are air bubbles inside the lens. ? The camera malfunctions. ? The viewfinder displays are unclear. ? The DV cable is connected correctly, but there’s nothing in the display.
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Page 72: The Xl1 System Diagram
Filter Set Zoom Lens 3× Zoom XL 3.4–10.2mm lens EF Adapter XL * The power remaining indicators may not show the correct information if used with the XL1. (Availability differs from area to area) SS-1000 Shoulder Strap WL-D2000 Wireless Controller... -
Page 73: Optional Accessories
HC-3500 System Case Small enough to take onto an aircraft as carry-on luggage (XL1 body with a lens, power supply and an extra lens). MA-100 Microphone Adapter/Shoulder Pad Allows you to use a mic. that has XLR connectors with the XL1, plus makes shoulder-mounted shooting possible. - Page 74 72 mm (35mm film equivalent). Extender XL 1.6× Attach this extender between a Canon XL lens and the XL1 to boost the focal length of the lens by 1.6×. EF Adapter XL This allows you to attach Canon EOS lenses to the XL1.
- Page 75 Attaches to the XL1 to give SLR-style flash photography (the optional FA-100 Flash Adapter is also necessary). This mark identifies genuine Canon video accessories. When you use Canon video equipment, we recommend Canon-brand accessories or products bearing the same mark. Provided accessories: 16×...
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Page 76: Finding Your Way Around The Xl1
Finding Your Way Around the XL1 Remote sensor (p. 21) Tally lamp (p. 21) Accessory shoe (p. 43) Microphone attachment screw (p. 12) Stereo microphone (p. 12) Viewfinder cable (p. 67) Zooming ring (p. 25) Focusing ring (p. 44) Lens hood (p.9 ) EXP. - Page 77 AE Shift dial (p. 46) Audio LCD panel (p. 84) Remote sensor (p. 21) Tally lamp (p. 21) AUDIO 2 RCA jack (R) (p. 60) AUDIO 2 RCA jack (L) (p. 60) EJECT button (p. 15) BATT. RELEASE button (p. 13) Socket for attaching the SP-100 Shoulder Pad or MA-100 Microphone Adapter/Shoulder Pad.
- Page 78 START/STOP button (p. 23, 65) HOLD lever (p. 65) Viewfinder focusing ring (p. 11) Viewfinder (p. 10, 67) Release lever (p. 10) Viewfinder BRIGHT screw (p. 67) STABILIZER switch (p. 27) ND FILTER switch (p. 28) PUSH AF button (p. 44) Auto/Manual focus switch (p.
- Page 79 PHOTO button (p. 29) START/STOP button (p. 23) SELF TIMER button (p. 42) ON SCREEN button (p. 80) SELF TIMER MENU button (p. 19) ON SCREEN cursor key (p. 19) cursor key (p. 19) MONITOR AUDIO MONITOR button (p. 39, 60) button (p.
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Page 80: Screen Displays
Screen Displays To display the date and time on a connected TV, press the wireless controller’s DATA CODE button when the camera is in VCR mode with a tape loaded. Press the wireless controller’s ON SCREEN button to see the other displays on the TV screen. (The displays appear white on-screen.) They will not be added to any recordings you make with the camera. - Page 81 The remote sensor is turned off (p. 21). Self-timer countdown (p. 42) Audio mode (p. 36) Data code (p. 54) The camcorder does not have a lens attached PHO TO S EA CH PHO TO S EA CH Photo mode (p. 29) •...
- Page 82 Slow shutter effects can not be E . L OCK selected at this time (p. 35) – The camcorder is being recorded to via the DV terminal (p. 58) E . L OCK Gain (p. 48) S 1 / 6 0 F 1 .
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Page 83: Caution Phrases
Time Code 2 : 3 4 : 2 5 This records counter information, including hour, minute, second, and frame number on a special data code area on the tape itself. It is reset automatically when a new tape is loaded. Recording reminder 0 sec 0 1 sec... - Page 84 Main LCD panel Recording mode (p. 24) Exposure lock F number (p. 45) (aperture size) (p. 34) Audio LCD panel Manual recording level (p. 37) MANU Cassette: Time code set for erasure (p. 83) prevention or not loaded (p. 16) Audio mode Shutter speed (p.
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Page 85: Specifications
(38.2 × 39.0 × 70.5 mm) Weight: 6 oz (185 g) of a Weight and dimensions are approximate Errors and omissions excepted. Subject to change without notice. Canon is a trademark of Canon Inc. × 8 × 16 × 1 × 2... -
Page 86: Index
Frame Mode, 30 ˝ ˝ Gain, 48 Grip Belt, 17 Ó Head Cleaning, 67 Headphones, 39 È Image Stabilizer, 27 Introducing the XL1, 7 Iris Wheel, 34, 45 Ò LANC, 59 LCD Panels, 84 Lens Cap, 17 Lens Hood, 9... - Page 87 Canada. Ship your Canon digital video equipment in its original carton, box or equivalent, properly packed, fully insured with shipping charges prepaid, together with a copy of your bill of sale or other proof of purchase and a description of the problem to any of the Canon Service Facilities in Canada.
- Page 88 15955 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92718 USA CANON U.S.A., INC. HONOLULU OFFICE 1020 Auahi Street, Bldg. #8, Honolulu, HI 96814 USA ● If you have any questions, call the Canon U.S.A. Information Center toll- free on 1-800-828-4040 (U.S.A. only). CANADA CANON CANADA INC.