Canon HG10 2183B001 User manual

HG10
DVD Camcorder
Item Code: 2183B001
Available in October 2007
Fill Your Life with Full HD
The name Canon has always meant photographic and broadcast television cameras with optical
excellence, advanced image processing, superb performance, and the latest in technological
advancements. Canon’s new High Definition video camcorders are no exception. Add to that, our
Canon Exclusives. Canon has long been a leader in bringing advanced features to its products,
taking advantage of our superiority in optics and image processing. Thanks to a continuing effort to
make better video easier to create, we’ve included a variety of these advanced and exclusive features
only available in a Canon camcorder to help you do just that.
The Canon HG10 AVCHD Format Hard Disk Drive Camcorder delivers high definition technology
with the effortless ease of recording video directly onto a hard disk. Incorporating the latest AVCHD
(Advanced Video Codec High Definition) format, it puts superb image reproduction and advanced
features at your fingertips in a compact AVCHD Format HDD camcorder, which means you’ll carry it
everywhere you want to capture the special moments in your life in true HD.
Among the Canon Exclusive features on the HG10 are Canon’s own Full HD CMOS sensor
and advanced DIGIC DV II image processor. More exclusives are SuperRange Optical Image
Stabilization, Instant Auto Focus and our new 2.7” Widescreen Multi-Angle Vivid LCD. With the
Genuine Canon 10x HD video zoom lens and a host of other advanced features the HG10 is the right
choice in HDD camcorders.
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© 2007 Canon U.S.A., Inc. All rights reserved. Duplication in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Page 2
• AVCHD Format HDD in a Compact Size1
• Full HD onto a 40GB Hard Disk Drive
• Canon Exclusive: 1920x1080 Full HD CMOS Sensor
• Canon 10x HD Video Zoom Lens
• Canon Exclusive: DIGIC DV II
• Canon Exclusive: SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization
• Canon Exclusive: Instant AF
• 24p Cinema Mode
• HDD Still Photo Grab from Video
• Canon Exclusive: 2.7” Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD
• Superb Shooting Control
• Advanced Photo Features
• Corel Application Disc
• Additional Features

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Features
AVCHD DVD in a Compact Size
The HG10 is Canon’s first AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) Format Hard Disk Drive
camcorder. AVCHD uses an MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video codec, recording true 1080 High Definition
resolution video. It allows you to capture more video onto a hard disk using less storage, for extended
recording time. You can play the video directly from the camcorder on your HDTV, or easily download
it onto your Windows XP™ or Vista™ system computer for playback, editing or sharing with friends
and family. You can also burn video onto DVDs which play in AVCHD compatible Blu-ray disc
players.2Higher audio quality is also yours with the AVCHD format. All of this comes in a compact
AVCHD format HDD camcorder, measuring only 3.2” wide, 3” high and 5.1” deep.
Added to the HG10’s handy size is the convenience of
shooting high definition onto a hard disk. You’ll never
tape over a precious moment by accident, since the disk
automatically searches for a blank space on which to
record.

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Full HD onto a 40GB Hard Disk Drive
The HG10 captures 1920 x 1080 High Definition resolution video onto a 40GB hard disk drive.
A convenient format for anyone who wants to transfer video to a computer for viewing, editing or
sharing, it also makes your life easier as you never have to worry about not carrying around enough
recording media with you as you shoot your future memories. In LP mode, you’ll be able to record up
to 15 hours of video. Even when shooting in super high quality mode, five-and-a-half hours of footage
is yours without taking a break to change tapes or DVDs.
HDD recording also delivers true random-access play, letting you get to the scene you select instantly.
With the HG10’s built-in HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia
Interface) Terminal, it’s easy to transfer the HD video signal
to your HDTV. With a single cable, you’ll send a pure digital
signal, audio and video, to your television to get the ultimate
HD viewing experience
With hard disk drive recording you get true random-access play, letting you access the scene you
want to see instantly. You’ll also have no fear of accidentally recording over footage you’ve already
shot. Like a computer, the HG10 automatically searches for blank space on the drive onto which to
record. It’s simple to delete unwanted footage and you can record as the action unfolds without worry.

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The HG10 captures 1920x1080 High Definition video through its
Canon designed and manufactured CMOS image sensor, similar
to the CMOS image sensors in Canon’s EOS Series Digital SLR
cameras.
Compared to a CCD, the HG10’s CMOS’s high color resolution and
advanced color reproduction gives brilliant results. It is also unique
in featuring Canon’s proprietary noise reduction technologies for crisp, sharp images. Low noise
technology also means that even in dimly lit
scenes, the signal from each pixel is as pure as
possible, with minimal noise or other aberrations.
It’s the ideal sensor for HD.
The HG10 uses an RGB Primary Color Filter with
Bayer Placement Pattern that separates light
into red, green and blue color components. This
results in vibrant images with deep, rich, accurate
color and natural-looking tones similar to what
you’d obtain from 3CCD camcorders. In addition,
the Bayer Placement Pattern delivers sharp high definition images with true-to-life color reproduction.
As an added benefit, the CMOS sensor provides outstanding image capture in
low light conditions.
Canon Exclusive: 1920x1080 Full HD CMOS Sensor

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Canon 10x HD Video Zoom Lens
Since 1934, Canon has been producing exceptional photographic lenses that are synonymous with
unsurpassed optical performance. Because of Genuine Canon Optics, every Canon broadcast lens,
35mm film camera, digital camera and camcorder assures brilliant optical quality — and the HG10 is
no exception.
The HG10 comes with an outstanding High Definition video
lens — a 10x HD Genuine Canon zoom lens. It’s the tool
you need to record long shots of your child on the soccer
field, wide shots of beautiful landscapes, and everything
in-between. And because it comes with three pre-set zoom
speeds, you always get smooth, steady, professional-looking
zoom shots.
Super Spectra Coating technology results in images with
minimal flare and ghosting. Plus, the new lens’ aspheric design reduces aberration and increases
resolution, ensuring crisp, sharp video and enhancing the HD image quality. Not only that, but a new
gradation neutral density (ND) system gives you better exposures in bright shooting situations.
In addition, for those times when you need to get a particular shot from a very long distance, this
flexible lens also has a 200x digital zoom.

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Canon Exclusive: DIGIC DV II
DIGIC DV II is the next generation of Canon’s exclusive DIGIC DV signal processing technology.
Designed specifically for HD, DIGIC DV II ensures optimal image quality. It also ensures optimal
image quality for still images, even though video and still images have different color requirements.
DIGIC DV II is just another one of Canon’s advanced technologies that make the HG10 an
exceptional performer.
Thanks to DIGIC DV II image processing, the HG10 produces video with improved color reproduction
— especially in skin tones, and dark and light scenes. It also uses a hybrid noise reduction system
that employs two types of noise reduction — for high definition images that are crystal clear.
Plus, DIGIC DV II features improved continuous shooting of digital photographs with the HG10. You
can shoot five (3.1 Megapixel) still images per second, and enjoy faster processing of your images to
your memory card (1.4x normal card; 2.5x Hi Speed card). It also helps lower power consumption for
longer battery life.

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Canon Exclusive: SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization
The high-resolution images of High Definition video demand a steady hand. It’s easier to get those
clear, steady images with the HG10, thanks to Canon’s innovative SuperRange Optical Image
Stabilization. It combines gyro- and image-sensors to give image stabilization through a wider range
of camera motions. Some image stabilization systems correct one type of camera motion or vibration
better than another. But Canon’s SuperRange OIS corrects for a wide range of camcorder motion: the
fast vibration you’d experience while recording from a moving car; the medium-speed motion of hand-
held recording; and the slower motion of body sway. No matter what you’re recording and how you’re
recording it, the HG10’s stabilization design corrects camcorder shake instantly. SuperRange OIS
also delivers steady images when shooting at long focal lengths.
In addition, optical stabilization keeps your shot steady without a loss
in image quality — something that can’t be said for electronic image
stabilization. And image stabilization isn’t just for video; you can even use
it for taking sharper, clearer digital photographs with your HG10. Thanks to
Canon’s expertise, it’s easy to eliminate one of the telltale signs of amateur
video and photography.

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Another critical objective when shooting in High Definition is achieving a very sharp focus. The
HG10 camcorder features Canon’s revolutionary Instant AF focusing system which offers a dramatic
improvement in auto focus speed and accuracy (compared to traditional auto focus systems). The
Instant AF feature uses an external sensor, in combination with Canon’s auto focus system, to
help significantly decrease the time it takes to find focus, even in low light conditions. This system
achieves focus instantaneously, reducing focus “hunting.” The benefits of Instant AF are especially
seen in high brightness and night shooting situations. With Instant AF, it’s possible to capture fast,
accurate focusing, even when following a moving subject.
Canon Exclusive: Instant AF
24p Cinema Mode
24p Cinema Mode enables all aspiring moviemakers to achieve a
professional “film-look.” You can change the camcorder’s frame capture
rate to 24p (recorded at 60i), which provides the appearance of the
same frame rate as movie film. In addition, you can use the HG10’s
CINE setting, which changes the color and tonal characteristics, evoking
the look and feel of a movie shown in a theater. For added flexibility,
these settings can be used together or independently.
Normal Recording 24p Cinema Mode

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Another useful and advanced feature you will find on the HG10 is the capability to capture still
frame images onto a miniSD™ card from recorded video on the hard disk drive. None of Canon’s
competitors in this class allows you to review your already shot footage to select just the right still
to save and share.* It’s just one more way the HG10 gives you more flexibility to meet your creative
desires.
*As of August 1, 2007
Canon Exclusive: 2.7” Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD
The 2.7” Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD on the HG10 lets you see more of what your camcorder
is recording. Using a hard coat Anti Reflective surface and improved color reproduction, the scene
in the viewfinder is more accurate to what you’re capturing in the camcorder. An added benefit is
the wider range of viewing angles possible with this new LCD screen. With less glare and deeper
contrasts, groups of people can gather around it and see the image displayed more clearly than ever
before.
HDD Still Photo Grab from Video

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Superb Shooting Control
Navigation Control Dial
The HG10’s direct-operation Navigation Control Dial makes it easy and convenient
to operate. Located on the LCD control panel, it allows you to select the navigation
buttons you want with a turn of the dial. Simply press the “Set” button on the LCD
monitor and your choice is confirmed. You can also select footage for playback by
using this button.
Variable Zoom Speed Control
Another sure sign of amateur video is the unsteady zoom
shot. But with the HG10’s zoom control, you simply select
one of three pre-set zoom speeds for smooth, steady,
professional looking zooms.
Focus Assist Function
The image quality of High Definition demands a properly focused subject. The Focus Assist feature
on the HG10 gives you sharp focus by zooming into your image to let you focus on a close up of
your subject. It’s the way professional videographers and photographers work manually. A Peaking
function also helps, by emphasizing image contours.
Level and Grid Markers
With the Level Marker feature, it’s easy to keep
your camera level for more professional looking
video. Line up any horizontal lines in your shot --
such as the horizon -- to the marker and you can
be sure your camcorder is level.
The HG10’s Grid Marker feature lets you
compose your shot accurately, according to the
grid in your viewfinder. You can even choose from
two different colors for the grid. This ensures that
you see the grid, no matter what the background
color of your shot is.

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Quick Start
Never miss a quickly unfolding shot again. Push the Quick Start button
between shots -it places the HG10 in standby mode. When the action starts,
push the Quick Start button again to begin recording in less than one second.
You’ll also help extend your battery life compared with leaving the camcorder
in regular recording mode.
Low Light Performance
By increasing the sensitivity of the HG10s HD CMOS sensor
and using improved fixed-pattern “noise” reduction technology,
you can now shoot clearer, sharper video at very low light levels.
When taken with a 1/30 sec. slow shutter, subjects can be shot
at light levels as low as just 3 lux. You won’t be afraid to shoot
indoors or in poorly lit outdoor locations again.
For the best exposure for various situations, the HG10’s Program AE mode
will automatically adjust the settings to compensate for the conditions and
subject. Choose from Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight
and Fireworks. You won’t have to guess if you’re capturing all the action just
the way you want it because the HG10 will do it for you.
Program AE Mode
Built-in Electronic Lens Cover
Never worry about a lost lens cover or one that gets in your way when shooting.
The built-in electronic lens cover on the HG10 automatically opens when you turn
the camcorder on and closes when you turn it off.

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Advanced Accessory Shoe Terminal
Shoot video like the professionals do, with the accessories that give you
the best in audio and lighting. The HG10’s advanced accessory shoe
provides the power for an accessory video light, video flash or directional
stereo microphone- the things you need to bring your video to the next
level.
Microphone / Headphone Terminal
Enhance the quality of your audio by using an accessory microphone to capture better sound and
headphones to monitor the audio as you hear it. Your videos will sound as good as they look.
Built-in Ultra Video Light
Some of the most magical shots are taken at the end of the day or long after
the sun has set. You won’t miss any of them, thanks to the HG10’s bright
built-in Ultra Video Light. The light lets you shoot subjects in color in low light
up to 4.9 feet away. So, whether it’s a shot of a sleeping baby or a dramatic
skyline at night, the HG10 captures all the moments you want to record.
Long Recording Time
You can truly take advantage of the long recording times offered by
HDD video thanks to the performance of the HG10. It allows you to
record up to 5 hours and 30 minutes of video in XP+ mode, 11 hours
30 minutes in SP mode or up to 15 hours in LP mode. All this without
the worry of running out of recording media. Your Actual Recording
Time (continuous on battery charge) can be up to 70 minutes with the
LCD used in the Normal brightness mode. Getting the shots you want,
when you want them, will be easier than ever.

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Advanced Photo Features
HDD Still Photo Grab from Video
Another Canon exclusive feature on the HG10 is the capability to capture still frame images from
video recorded onto the hard disk drive. None of Canon’s competitors allow you to review your
already shot footage to select just the right still to save and share.* It’s just one more way the HG10
gives you more flexibility to meet your creative desires.
*As of August 1, 2007
3.1 Megapixel Photos
The same Canon CMOS image sensor that ensures sharp, vivid HD video also gives you brilliant
digital photographs. Like the CMOS image sensors in Canon’s EOS Series digital SLR cameras, the
HG10’s image sensor results in outstanding digital photographs. It gives an impressive resolution of
1920 x 1440 for sharp, crisp still images.
DIGIC DV II
DIGIC DV II features improved continuous shooting of digital photographs with the HG10. You can
shoot five (3.1 Megapixel) still images per second, and enjoy faster processing of your images to your
memory card (1.4x normal card; 2.5x Hi Speed card).
The HG10 has many advanced photo features which make it a camera that rivals other state-of-the-
art digital cameras. You get the best of both video and photos.

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Since it is critical to achieve very sharp focus when shooting in High Definition, the HG10 camcorder
features Canon’s revolutionary and exclusive Instant AF focusing system. It offers a dramatic
improvement in auto focus speed and accuracy (compared to traditional auto focus systems). The
Instant AF feature uses an external sensor, in combination with Canon’s auto focus system, to help
significantly decrease the time it takes to find focus, even in low light conditions. This new system
achieves focus instantaneously, reducing focus “hunting.” The benefits of Instant AF are especially
seen in high brightness, and night shooting situations. It’s even possible to capture fast, accurate
focusing, even when following a moving subject.
And because a properly focused subject is more critical than ever with HD, the HG10 also features
Focus Assist. This helps in capturing your subject in razor sharp focus. (When you start recording,
this assistance is automatically cancelled.)
Focus Features
Auto Intelligent Auto Focus (AiAF) ensures sharp images and gives creative flexibility. Even when
your subject isn’t in the center of the frame, the HG10’s 9-Point AiAF will automatically select from
nine metering frames on the screen to help bring images into sharp focus.
Auto Exposure Modes
Like any good digital still camera, the HG10 lets you choose from a range of exposure modes. Auto
mode automatically sets the exposure, letting you concentrate on your subject. AV (aperture priority)
mode lets you control depth of field by letting you choose the aperture. TV (shutter priority) mode lets
you select the shutter speed for sharp, action shots. In P (program) mode, the camcorder adjusts
camera settings automatically.

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Program AE Mode
Your life happens everywhere, so the HG10 gives you settings that automatically result in the best
exposure settings for different conditions and different subjects.
Portrait mode ensures shallow depth of field for a pleasing background to your shots of friends and
family. Sports mode stops the action with faster shutter speeds. Night mode is designed to give you
great shots after the sun goes down. Snow and Beach modes compensate for bright surroundings
and give you the proper exposure on your subject. Sunset mode results in vibrant, well-exposed
colors for one of the toughest subjects to capture. Use Spotlight mode when your child is on stage
and in the spotlight — literally — and you want to make sure the exposure is right for them. And
Fireworks mode records brilliant images of another tough subject: the holiday fireworks display.
Simultaneous Photo Recording
With the HG10, you can record HD video and capture a 2 Megapixel
photo to a memory card — simultaneously. Simply press the photo
button and you’ve got an email-ready digital photo to share with friends
and family.
Histogram Display
For the advanced digital photographer, the HG10 comes with a
Histogram Display — a feature found in Canon’s line of digital SLR
cameras. The display allows you to see the brightness information of
your still images, so you can adjust your exposures as you shoot.

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Level and Grid Markers
With the Level Marker feature, it’s easy to keep your camera
level for more professional-looking photographs. Line up any
horizontal lines in your shot — such as the horizon — to the
marker and you can be sure your camcorder is level.
The HG10’s Grid Marker feature lets you compose your
shot accurately, according to the grid in your viewfinder.
You can even choose from two different colors for the grid.
This ensures that you see the grid, no matter what the
background color of your shot is.
Photo Grab from Hard Drive
The versatile HG10 even lets you capture a still image from an already recorded movie. While
playing the movie in your camcorder, simply press the photo button to capture a 2.07 Megapixel 16:9
still frame on a miniSD™ card. It’s another way the HG10 lets you enjoy and share your precious
memories.
Built-in Flash
Your HG10’s built-in flash lets you capture superb photos indoors and in low light conditions. The
HG10 also features red-eye reduction.

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Share Your Photos
Print/Share
Print/Share turns your HG10 into a photo lab in the palm of your hand. Simply connect your
camcorder directly to select Canon printers or any PictBridge-compatible printer with the supplied
USB cable. Then, with a simple touch of the Print/Share button, print directly from your HG10 without
going through a computer.
Print/Share also makes it easy to transfer your still images to your computer. Simply connect your
HG10 with your computer, press the Print/Share button and your photos are downloaded to your
computer.
Your HG10 comes with features that make it simple to share your still photos.
miniSD™ Memory Card Compatible
The HG10 makes it easy to store digital photos on an optional miniSD Memory Card. Popularly used
in today’s newest cell phones and half the size of a standard SD card, the miniSD Card offers the
benefit of high-capacity storage in a very small size.
Corel Application Disc
The Canon HG10 High Definition Camcorder is bundled with a powerful software suite from Corel™.
WinDVD SE lets you play back your recorded video on your computer. You can also easily perform
AVCHD Editing in which you can trim, reorder, and combine scenes, as well as add music, titles, and
transitions. With the Corel Application Disc, you can use DVD Moviewriter SE when finished to burn
your edited video onto either a full size AVCHD DVD or Standard Definition DVD.
*The bundled application is compatible with Windows XP and Windows Vista

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Additional Features
• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Terminal for digital video streaming and ultra-fast transfer of movies and
photos.
• Backup Utility Disc allows you to safely back up your recorded video onto your computer’s hard
disk, so your video files are preserved.
• Wireless Remote Control lets you operate your HG10 from a distance, so you don’t have to be
left out of the picture.
• 1 Year Parts And Labor Limited Warranty provides protection long after other manufacturers’
warranties expire.

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Specifications
Digital Video
Power Consumption Approx. 3.6W-4.9W
Image Sensor 1/2.7” CMOS Sensor, RGB Primary Color Filter
Total Pixels Approx. 2.96 Megapixels
Effective Pixels Movies (HDD): Approx 2.07 Megapixels (1920 x 1080); Still Images (Card): 4:3
mode: Approx 2.76 Megapixels (1920 x 1440); 16:9 mode: 2.07 Megapixels
(1920 x 1080)
Still Recording Pixels: Approximately 3.1 Megapixels (2048 x 1536)
Maximum Recording Time XP+: 5 hours 30 minutes
XP: 9 hours 30 minutes
SP: 11 hours 30 minutes
LP: 15 hours
Lens Zoom Ratio 10x Optical/200x Digital
Focal Length 6.1-61mm
Zoom Speed Variable/3 Fixed Zoom Speeds
Max. F/Stop f/1.8-3.0mm (HDD)
Filter Size 43 mm
Focusing System Instant AF, through the lens
Manual focusing possible
Manual Focus Assist Functions Magnifying, Peaking
Manual Exposure Yes
Programmed AE Auto, Program, Av, Tv, Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight,
Fireworks
Supported Playback Modes 1080/60i, 1080/24F
Max Shutter Speed 1/2000
1/500 (card)
Auto Date/Time Yes
Record Search/Review Yes
Minimum Focusing Distance 10 mm (wide)/ 1m (tele)
White Balance Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H
Image Stabilization SuperRange Optical (lens shift)
Viewfinder Widescreen 0.27” Color Viewfinder/ (Approx. 123,000 pixels)
LCD Screen 2.7” Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD (Approx. 211,000 pixels)
Recording Media Hard Disk Drive 40 GB (Internal)