Canon VIXIA HF S11 User manual

Canon
VIXIA
HFS11
NTSC

Important Usage Instructions
WARNING!
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
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 rights of copyright
owners and be contrary to copyright laws.
HD Camcorder, VIXIA HF S 11 A 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 any 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 protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and use in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio 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 equipment 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 that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The cable with the ferrite core provided with the digital video camcorder must be used with this
equipment in order to comply with Class B limits in Subpart B of Part 15 of the FCC rules.
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. [phone]
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
CAUTION:
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not expose this product to dripping or splashing.
2

The Mains plug is used as the disconnect device. The Mains plug shall remain readily operable
to disconnect the plug in case of an accident.
CAUTION:
• Danger of explosion if the wrong type of batteries are attached. Use only the same type of
batteries.
• Do not expose batteries or product to excessive heat such as the inside of a car under
direct sunlight, fire, etc.
Important Warning
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
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.
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.
I
3

In these safety instructions the word "product" refers to the Canon HD Camcorder
VIXIA HF S11 A and all its accessories.
1 Read these instructions.
2 Keep these instructions.
3 Heed all warnings.
4 Follow all instructions.
5 Do not use this apparatus near water.
6 Clean only with dry cloth.
7 Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
8 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug
has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a
third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
9 Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
10 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
11 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
12 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
13 Read Instructions - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the
product is operated.
14 Retain Instructions - The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future
reference.
15 Heed Warnings - All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be
adhered to.
16 Follow Instructions - All operating and maintenance instructions should be followed.
17 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.
18 Accessories - Do not use accessories not recommended in this manual as they may be
hazardous.
19 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.
20 Water and Moisture - Hazard of electric shock - Do not use this product near water or in
rainy/moist situations.
4

I
ANTENNA LEAD
IN WIRE
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
ANTENNA DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)
~~ GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250. PART H)
NEC - NATIONAL
ELECTRICAL CODE
ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
Fig. 1 EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER NATIONAL
ELECTRICAL CODE
27
26
28
22
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.
Power Sources - The CA-570 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.
23 Polarization - The CA-570 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.
24 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.
25 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 I 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.
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.
Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of
fire or electric shock.
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.
29 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.
21
5

30 Damage Requiring Service - Disconnect this product from 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 have fallen 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.
31 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.
32 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.
33 Heat - The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
When replacement of the power supply is required, please return it to the responsible
nearest Canon Service Center and please replace it with the same type number CA-570.
The Adapter can be used with a power supply between 100 and 240 V AC. For areas
where 120 V AC power is not used, you will need a special plug adapter. Contact your
nearest Canon Service Center for further information.
I This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
6

IIIDOLBV
DIGITAL I
STEREO CREATOR
Online product registration for U.S.A. Customers only.
Register your product online at www.registercanon.com
./ Protect your product
We will keep the model number and date of purchase of your new
Canon product on
file to help you refer to this information in the event
of an insurance claim such as loss or theft.
./ Receive information on new products and promotions
Upon your request, we will send you information on Canon new prod-
ucts and promotions.
The serial number of this product can be found at the battery attach-
ment unit of the camcorder. Write down the number and other informa-
tion here and retain this book as apermanent record of your purchase
to aid identification
in case of theft.
Date of Purchase: Model Name: VIXIA HF
S11 A
Purchased From:
Dealer Address: Serial No.:
Dealer Phone No.:
Trademark Acknowledgements
• The SD logo is a trademark. The SDHC logo is a trademark.
• Microsoft, Windows and Windows Vista are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in
the United States and/or other countries.
• Macintosh and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Inc" registered in the U.S. and other countries.
• x.v.Color and the x.v.Color logo are trademarks.
• HDMI, the HDMIIogo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are
trademarks or registered trademarks of HOMI Licensing llC. .
•
"AVCHD" and the "AVCHO" logo are trademarks of Panasonie Corporation
and Sony Corporation.
• Manufactured under license from Dolby laboratories.
"Dolby" and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby laboratories.
• Other names and products not mentioned above may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
• This product is licensed under AT&T patents for the MPEG-4 standard and may be used for encoding MPEG-4
compliant video and/or decoding MPEG-4 compliant video that was encoded only (1) for a personal and non-
commercial purpose or (2) by a video provider licensed under the AT&T patents to provide MPEG-4 compliant
video. No license is granted or implied for any other use for MPEG-4 standard.
7
I

Enjoying High-Definition Video with
your Camcorder
Preserve your most treasured memories, be it unforgettable scenery or
cherished moments spent with family and friends, with high-definition
video recordings of a quality second only to actually being there.
What is High-Definition Video?
1
1,080
lines
1
Capture the finest detail, like the
movement or shine of a single
strand of hair
Your camcorder features afull high-definition image sensor (Full HD CMOS)
that captures video at aresolution of 1,920 x1,080 pixels1.This results
in
video recordings of unparalleled high quality, fine detail and lifelike vivid
colors.
How does full high definition compare with standard-definition
TV
broadcasts?
II Approximately 6times the number of pixels.
II More than twice the number of scanning lines.
"Full HD 1080" refers to Canon camcorders compliant with
high-definition video composed of 1,080 vertical pixels
(scanning lines).
1Video is recorded at this resolution only when the recording mode is set to MXP or
FXP mode. In other recording modes, the picture is recorded at 1,440 x1,080
pixels.
8

What are the advantages of flash memory?
Your videos and photos are recorded in the built-in memory or on
commercially available SD/SDHC memory cards2using AVCHD
specifications3.Recording on flash memory means that there are no moving
parts
in the recorder unit of the camcorder. To you, it means acamcorder
that is smaller, lighter and faster.
In fact, using the Quick Start function
(OJ 47) you can open the LCD panel and start recording within
approximately one second.
Any New Functions?
Pre-recording When pre-recording (OJ 66) is activated, the camcorder
starts recording video continuously into atemporary 3-second memory.
When you press the [START/STOP] button, the scene recorded will have
started 3seconds before you started shooting. This
is especially useful
when it is difficult to predict when to start recording.
Face Detection With face detection (OJ 70), have the camcorder
automatically detect people's faces and use this information to adjust the
focus and set the best exposure for beautiful videos and photos.
Video Snapshot Discover afun, new way to play back video. Shoot or
capture
(CO 63) short scenes about 4seconds in length and arrange them I
into avideo clip set to your favorite background music.
Cinema Mode Give your recordings acinematic look by using the
[Ill Cine Mode] recording program (OJ 62) with the 24 fps progressive
frame rate.
2For details about memory cards that can be used with this camcorder refer to
Using aMemoryCard(OJ 39).
3AVCHD is the new standard for recording high-definition video. With AVCHD
specifications, the video signal
is recorded using MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compres-
sion and the audio signal
is recorded in Dolby Digital.
9

Can I play back my high-definition video on
other devices?
Needless to say, you can connect your camcorder to an HDTV to enjoy your
recordings with family and friends (OJ 122). You also have
the following
options:
• You can easily play back video recorded on the memory card by
inserting the memory card directly into AVCHD-compatible
TV sets
and HOD or DVD recorders that feature an SD/SDHC memory card
slot4.For details, refer to the instruction manual
of your TV or digital
video recorder.
•
You can play back AVCHD discs of your recordings created using the
optional DW-1
00 DVD Burner (CD 124) on the DVD Burner itself oron
AVCHD-compatible
DVD players or Blu-ray Disc players5.
4Depending on the device used, correct playback may not be possible even if the
device
is AVCHD-compatible. In such case, play back the recordings on the
memory card using the camcorder.
5AVCHD discs containing scenes recorded in MXP mode cannot be created with
the optional
DW-1 00 DVD burner. Use the software on the supplied Video Tools
CD-ROM to back up such scenes.
10

Table of contents
• Introduction
8Enjoying High-Definition Video with your Camcorder
15 About this tvlanual
17 Getting to Know the Camcorder
17 Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs
19 Names
of Parts
22 Screen Displays
• Preparations
26 Getting Started
26 Charging the Battery Pack
28 Preparing the Wireless Controller and Accessories
30 Adjusting the Position and Brightness
of the LCD
Screen
32 Basic Operation of the Camcorder
32 Operating Modes
34 Joystick and Joystick Guide
34 Using the Menus
37 First Time Settings I
37 Setting the Date and Time
38 Changing the Language
38 Changing the Time Zone
39 Using aMemory Card
39 Memory Cards Compatible for Use with the Camcorder
40 Inserting and Removing aMemory Card
40 Selecting the Memory for the Recordings
41 Initializing the Built-in Memory or Memory Card
Table of contents • 11

Basic Playback
Playing Back the Video
Selecting what Recordings
to Play Back
Searching
for Scenes
Selecting the Playback Starting Point
Pre-selecting Recordings from the Index Screen
Deleting Scenes
Advanced Functions
Special Scene Recording Programs
Changing the Shutter Speed and Aperture
Cinema Mode: Giving aCinematic Look
to your
Recordings
Mini Video Light
Video Snapshot
Pre-recording Function
Self Timer
Manual Exposure
Adjustment and Automatic Backlight
Correction
Manual Focus Adjustment
Face Detection
White Balance
Image Effects
Digital Effects
On-Screen Displays and Data
Code
Digital Tele-Converter
Audio Recording Level
Using Headphones
Using the Mini Advanced Shoe
Using
an External Microphone
Using the
Custom Key and Dial
Using aZoom Remote Controller
Basic Recording
Shooting Video
Selecting the Video Quality (Recording Mode)
Zooming
Quick Start Function
69
70
71
73
74
75
76
77
78
80
80
81
82
62
63
66
67
68
• Video
43
43
44
46
47
48
48
50
51
53
55
56
58
58
60
62
12 •Table of contents

84 Playlist and Scene Operations
84 Dividing Scenes
85 Editing the Playlist: Adding, Deleting, Moving and
Playing Back
89 Copying Scenes
• Photos
91 Basic Recording
91 Taking Photos
92 Selecting Photo Size and Quality
93 Deleting aPhoto Right After Recording It
94 Basic Playback
94 Viewing Photos
95 Deleting Photos
97 Magnifying Photos during Playback
98 Additional Functions
98 Flash
100 Drive Mode: Continuous Shooting and Exposure
Bracketing
101 Taking Photos while Recording Movies (Simultaneous
Recording)
102 Light Metering Mode
102 Slideshow
103 Rotating Photos
104 Histogram Display
104 Capturing Photos from aMovie I
105 Protecting Photos
106 Copying Photos
109 Printing Photos
109 Printing Photos (Direct Print)
111 Selecting the Print Settings
114 Trimming Settings
115 Print Orders
Table of contents •'13

• External Connections
118 Terminals on the Camcorder
119 Connection Diagrams
122 Playback on aTV Screen
123 Saving Your Recordings
123 Saving Your Recordings on aComputer
124 Authoring High-Definition
(AVCHD) Discs and Photo
DVDs
128 Copying your Recordings to
an External Video
Recorder
129 Transferring Photos to aComputer (Direct Transfer)
133 Transfer Orders
•Additional Information
135 Appendix: Menu Options Lists
135 FUNC. Menu
138 Setup Menus
151 Trouble?
151 Troubleshooting
156 List
of Messages
167 Do's and Don'ts
167 Handling Precautions
172 Maintenance/Others
173 Using the Camcorder Abroad
174 General Information
174 Aee~ssori~s
175 Optional Accessories
180 Product Codes
181 Specifications
185 Index
14 •Table of contents

About this Manual
Thank you for purchasing the Canon VIXIA HF S11. Please read this
manual carefully before you use the camcorder and retain it for future
reference. Should your camcorder fail
to operate correctly, refer to
Troubleshooting
(CD 151).
Conventions Used in this Manual
... IMPORTANT: Precautions related to the camcorder's operation.
• CD NOTES: Additional topics that complement the basic operating
procedures.
·e POINTS TO CHECK: Restrictions or requirements regarding the
function described.
• OJ: Reference page number within this manual.
To complete some operations you will need to refer also to other
instruction manuals. This will be indicated with the following icons:
I DVSD >Refer to the 'Digital Video Software' instruction manual,
included as aPDF file
in the supplied DIGITAL VIDEO
Solution
Disk CD-ROM.
[DW-100> Refer to the instruction manual of the optional DW-100
DVD Burner.
•The following terms are used
in this manual:
When not specified as
"memory card" or "built-in memory", the term
"memory" by itself refers to both.
"Scene" refers to one movie unit from the point you press the
[START/STOP) button to start recording until you press again to pause
the recording. I
•The photos included in this manual are simulated pictures taken with
astill camera.
Introduction. 15

00 indicates that afunction is available in the
operating mode indicated and
'. indicates that the
function is not available. For adetailed explanation
refer
to Operating Modes (CO 32).
Self Timer
Brackets [ Jare used to refer
to menu options as they are
displayed on screen.
B appea i.
(![) ma Ie: In record pause mode. press (S!..A!tTISTOPI.
The cam orOOl" starts recordlllQ after a lO-secoo;;J cCllXndown'. The
oountclo' m appears on the screen
caJ m,de: Press C~O'@. first haltws" to activate the autofocus
and thE 1fully.
The car ~order wi~ fE' .ord the photo ,Iter ato·second countdown', The
countd .wn appear::, Jl"I the screer.
. 2 sec nds when IT ng the Wl'ale: • CO"Itroier
recording movieS) or (PHO@ fully (when
The names of most buttons
and switches
are indicated
within a"button" frame.
For example
[FUNc.l.
16 •Introduction
The 0arrow is used to abbreviate menu selections.
For adetailed explanation on how
to use the menus,
refer to Using the Menus (CO 34). For aconcise
summary of all available menu options and settings,
refer
to the appendix Menu Options Lists (CO 135).

Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs
The following accessories are supplied with the camcorder:
~CA-570 Compact Power Adapter
(inc!. power cord)
BP-807 Battery Pack ...
~ WL -088 Wireless Controller
(inc!. CR2025 lithium button battery)
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable'"
Yellow. Red.
White plugs
:J>
I
~ CTC-1 OO/S Component Cable
Red. Green. Blue plugs
IFC-400PCU USB Cable'"
Introduction. 17
I

The following CD-ROMs and software are supplied with the camcorder:
•PIXELA Application - Disc 1CD-ROM* and 'PIXELA ImageMixer3SE'
Installation Guide
-ImageMixer 3
SE Transfer Utility -Software for saving and transferring
movies.
-Music Transfer Utility -Software for transferring to the camcorder
music data for video snapshot playback.
•PIXELA Application -Disc 2CD-ROM*
-ImageMixer 3
SE Video Tools -Software for managing, editing, and
playing back movies.
•DIGITAL VIDEO Solution Disk CD-ROM* and Installation Guide -Soft-
ware for saving, managing, and printing photos.
•Music Data CD-ROM -Contains music files that can be used as back-
ground music during playback.
The music files on this CD-ROM are for exclusive use with the supplied
PIXELA applications, Music Transfer Utility and ImageMixer 3
SE Video
Tools. For more details, refer to the 'Music Transfer Utility Software
Guide' and 'ImageMixer 3
SE Software Guide' on the PIXELA Applica-
tion -Disc 1CD-ROM.
*The CD-ROM includes the instruction manual of the software (on PDF file).
18 • Introduction

Names of Parts
I
CD Stereo microphone (L) (CO 77)
@Speaker (CO 48)
Q) VIDEO SNAP (video snapshot) button
(CO 63)/
.Q, .tV (print/share) button
(CO 110,132)
@) OISP. (on-screen display) button
(CO 53, 75)/
BAn. INFO button (CO 25)
®CUSTOM dial (CO 81)
® ® ®CUSTOM button (CO 81)
(J) Memory card slot cover
®Memory card slot (CO 40)
® BAnERY RELEASE switch (CO 27)
@ACCESS indicator (CO 43, 91)
Qj) Strap mount (CO 29)
@Grip belt (CO 29)
@COMPONENT OUT terminal
(CO 118,120)
@USB terminal (CO 118, 121)
®HOMI OUT terminal (CO 118, 119)
@MIC terminal (CO 81)
@Stereo microphone (R) (CO 77)
@Mini video light (CO 62)
@@®Flash (CO 98)
@Instant AF sensor (CO 140)
@Qj)@
Right side view
Left side view
Front view
Introduction. 19

Back view
@@ @
@ DC IN terminal (CD 26)
@Camera mode dial (CD 32)
@ AV OUT terminal (CD 118, 120)/
o(headphones) terminal (CD 78)
@START/STOP button (CD 43)
@Battery attachment unit (CD 26)
@ RESET button (CD 154)
@Remote sensor (CD 28)
@LCD screen (CD 30)
@i Joystick (CD 34)
®FUNC. button (CD 35,135)
® ~ /11 (play/pause) button (CD 48)/
START/STOP button
(CD 43)
@ • (stop) button (CD 48)/
Zoom out W(wide-angle) button
(CD 46)
@ PLAY LIST button (CD 85)/
Zoom
in T(telephoto) button (CD 46)
@ '''~[E) (camera/play) button (CD 33)
@Mini advanced shoe (CD 80)
@I Pop-up flash (CD 98) and mini video
light
(CD 62)
®Zoom lever (CD 46)
@PHOTO button (CD 91)
@ON/OFF (CHG) (charge) indicator:
Green
-ON
Orange -Standby (CD 47)
Red -Charging
(CD 26)
@POWER button
o
0·0
00
Top view
LCD panel
@
,
,
......••........•. -.
20 • Introduction