Canon VIXIA HF11 User manual

Canon
VIXIA HFll
PUB. DIM-883A
English
HD Camcorder
Instruction Manual
Camescope HD
Manuel d1instruction
Videocamara HD
Manual de Instrucciones
Espanol
t(
PictBridge Hum. l\VCHD
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 HF11 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 radiotTV 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.
Important Warning
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
00 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.
2
The lightning nash 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 arisk 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.

In these safety instructions the word "product" refers
to the Canon HD Camcorder VIXIA HF11 A and all its
accessories.
Fig. 1 EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING r.s 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 ------u 1-'
10 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 I
power company. Regarding other power sources
such as battery power, refer to instructions in this
manual.
11 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.
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 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.
Read Instructions - All the safety and operating
instructions should be read before the product is
operated.
Retain Instructions - The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future
reference.
Heed Warnings - All warnings on the product
and in the operating instructions should be
adhered to.
Follow Instructions - All operating and
maintenance instructions should be followed.
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.
Accessories - Do not use accessories not
recommended in this manual as they may be
hazardous.
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.
Water and Moisture - Hazard of electric shock
- Do not use this product near water or in rainy/
moist situations.
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.
7
9
6
2
8
3
4
5
1
3

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 Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets and
extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire
or electric shock.
16 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.
17 Servicing - Do not attempt to service thjs
product yourself as opening or removing covers
may expose you to dangerous voltage or other
hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.
18 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.
19 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.
20 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 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'
---_--.:....._:...:..- __ -.:._---------------------
I This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
4

Model Name: VIXIA HF11 A
Serial No.:
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 products and
promotions.
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 apermanent record of your purchase to aid identification in case of
theft.
Date of Purchase:
Purchased From:
Dealer Address:
Dealer Phone No.:
5
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?
1,080
lines
1Capture the finest detail,
like the movement or shine
of asingle 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).
,Video
is recorded at this resolution only in MXP or FXP mode. In other recording modes, the
picture
is resized to 1,440 x1,080 pixels before being recorded. Even in that case, the picture
captured
is detailed enough to render richly detailed recordings.
6

What is so special about recording on flash memory?
Your videos and photos are recorded in the built-in memory or on amemory card (SD or I
SDHC card2)using 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 (CD 37) you can
open the LCD panel and start recording within approximately one second.
If your high-definition TV features an SD memory card slot and supports AVCHD
specifications, you can easily play back your high-definition recordings directly from the
memory card (CD 39). Refer to the TV's instruction manual for more details.4
What is Cinema Mode?
Give your recordings acinematic look by using the [0 CINE MODE] recording program
(CD 45). Combine this recording program with the 24 fps progressive frame rate
[mm PF24] to get the enhanced effect of the 24p Cinema Mode.
[]
2For usable memory cards, see Recommended Memory Cards (OJ 31).
3AVCHD is the new standard for recording high-definition video. With AVCHD specifications the
video signal is recorded using MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compression and the audio signal is
recorded
in Dolby Digital.
4Discs created with the optional DW-100 DVD Burner that contain recordings in MXP mode
cannot be played back on AVCHD-compatible devices. Use the DW-1 00 to play back such
discs
(CD 86).
7

Table of contents
Introduction
--------------------
6Enjoying High-Definition Video with Your Camcorder
12 About this Manual
13 Getting to Know the Camcorder
13 Supplied Accessories
14 Components Guide
17 Screen Displays
Preparations
20 Getting Started
20 Charging the Battery Pack
22 Preparing the Wireless Controller and Accessories
24 Adjusting the Position and Brightness
of the LCD Screen
25 Basic Operation of the Camcorder
25 The mm Button: mm Mode or Flexible Recording
26 Operating Modes
27 Joystick and Joystick Guide
27 Using the Menus
29 First Time Settings
29 Setting the Date and Time
30 Changing the Language
30 Changing the Time Zone
31 Using aMemory Card
31 Recommended Memory Cards
32 Inserting and Removing aMemory
Carcf
33 Selecting the Memory for JQ~R~c;9r:c1i9~s
33 Initializing the Built-In MernQJ':yorMernory
8

Table of contents
Video
--------------------------
35 Basic Recording I
35 Shooting Video
36 Selecting the Video Quality (Recording Mode)
37 Zooming
37 Quick Start Function
38 Reviewing and Deleting the Last Scen'e Recorded
39 Basic Playback
39 Playing Back the Video
40 Special Playback Modes
41 Selecting Scenes by Recording Date
42 Selecting the Playback Starting Point from.Jh~MovieTirnE:lin¢
43 Deleting Scenes
45 Advanced Functions
45 Cinema Mode: Giving a Cirlerrt~tic4ookto YOlJrRecordings
45 Special Scene Recording Programs . ·;1 ..
47 Changing the Shutter Speed and Apertlire .
48 Mini Video Light
49 Self Timer
50 Automatic Backlight
Adjustment
51 Manual Focus Adjustment
51 White Balance
53 Image Effects
54 Digital Effects
55 On-Screen Displays and Data Code
55 Audio Recording Level
57 Using Headphones
or an External Microphone
59 Managing Scenes and the Memory
59 Creating aPlaylist
59 Deleting Scenes from the Playlist
60 Moving Scenes in the Playlist
60 Copying Scenes
9

Photos
79 Terminals on the Camcorder
80 Connection Diagrams
82 Playback on aTV Screen
i":~
:::> ~«,;-,::--,~_.
83 Saving and Backing Up Your Repordings
83 Backing Up Your Recordings on aComputer 1
62 Basic Recording
62 Taking Photos
62 Selecting Photo Size and Quality
64 Erasing aPhoto Right After Recording It
64 Basic Playback
64 Viewing Ph'otos
66 Magnifying Photos during Playbaqkc"
,';,c
66 Erasing Photos <
67 Additional Functions
67 Flash .c·. i ?.
68 Drive Mode: Continuous'$hootingand Exposure BrGlC.ki~tirrg
69 Capturing aStill Image woile Recording Movies
(Simultaneous Recording)'
..
69 Light Metering Mode
70 Histogram Display
70 Capturing aStill Image from
71 Protecting Photos
71 Copying Photos
72 Other Functions You Can Use when Taking Photos
73 Printing Photos
73 Printing Photos (Direct Print)
74 Selecting the Print Settings
76 Trimming Settings
77 Print Orders
External Connections
--------...- .................... _-------
10

Table of contents
83
86
87
90
Authoring High-Definition (AVCHD) Discs and Photo DVDs
Copying your Recordings
to an External Video Recorder
Transferring Photos
to aComputer (Direct Transfer)
Transfer Orders I
Additional Information
91 Appendix: Menu Options Lists
91 FUNC. Menu
93 Setup Menus
93 Camera Setup (Digital Zoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.)
95 Memory Operations (Initialization, etc.)
96 Display Setup (LCD Brightness, Language,efc.)
97 System Setup (Speaker Volume, Beep,etc.)
99 DatefTime Setup
100 Trouble?
100 Troubleshooting
104 List
of Messages
112 Do's and Don'ts
112 Handling Precautions
115 Maintenance/Others
116 Using the Camcorder Abroad
117 General Information
117 System Diagram
118 Optional Accessories
122 Product Codes
123 Specifications
126 Index
11

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Canon VIXIA HF11. 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 ([IJ 100).
Conventions Used in this Manual
... IMPORTANT: Precautions related to the camcorder's operation.
• CD NOTES: Additional topics that complement the basic operating procedures.
•• 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 and the name
of the relevant
chapter or section.
I OVSO >Refer to the "Digital Video Software" instruction ma.nual, included as a
PDF file in the supplied DIGITAL VIDEO Solution Disk CD-ROM.
IOW-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.
"Photo" and "still image" are used interchangeably with the same meaning.
• The photos included in this manual are simulated pictures taken with astill camera.
FUNe.
/:..~
(CIJ 32) S
+~+
..
IFUNC·I ~
~[1liOI MENU] E:l
[til DISPLAY SETUP] ~
[LANGUAGE®] ~
o .
n DeSired language ~
nL!FUNCI
Names of buttons and switches other than the
joystick are indicated within a
"button" frame.
For example [FUNC.I.
Brackets [] and capital letters are used to refer t
menu options as they are displayed on screen. I
tables in this manual the default value is shown i
boldface.
For example [ON], [OFF]. Buttons and switches
to be operated
12

Supplied Accessories
WL -088 Wireless Controller
CA-570 Compact Power
Adapter (inc!. power cord)
Lithium Button Battery
CR2025 for Wireless
Controller
BP-809 Battery Pack
I
CTC-100/S
Component Cable
Red • Green • Blue plugs
STV-250N
Stereo Video Cable
'" Yellow. Red • White plugs
iFC-400PCU USB Cable
WS-30 Wrist Strap
Software CD-ROM
1
and Installation Guide
PIXELA ImageMixer 3 SE
Software CD-ROM
2
and Installation Guide
DIGITAL VIDEO
Solution Disk
1Software for saving, managing, editing and playing back movies on your computer (CD 83).
The CD-ROM includes the instruction manual
of the software (electronic version on PDF file).
2Software for saving, managing, retouching and printing photos (CD 87). The CD-ROM includes
the instruction manual
of the software (electronic version on PDF file).
•
13

Introduction
Names of buttons and switches other than the
joystick
are indicated within a"button" frame
(for example IFUNC.]).
CD II\\D button (CD 25)/
I!dJ tIV' (print/share) button (CD 74, 87)
@ DISP. (on-screen display) button
(CD 55,42)/
BAn. INFO button (CD 19)
®Speaker (CD 41)
®CARD OPEN switch (open the memory
card slot cover)
(CD 32)
®Memory card slot (CD 32)
®COMPONENT OUT terminal (CD 80)
(j) Mode dial (CD 26)
®HDMI OUT terminal (CD 80, 82)
®USB terminal (CD 81)
@Instant AF sensor (CD 93)
@Flash (CD 67)
@Stereo microphone
@Mini video light (CD 48)
...
III ®
COWONENT
OUT
CD
USB
.-®
J
PUSH EJECT
!J.&«;·~~inI
y>><:w;;g;;;:)
®
HDMIOUT
®T·
Right side view
(j)
Lett side view
Front view
14

Top view
Back view
(g)@
1-.
-
MIC
LCD panel
@
(g) MIC terminal (CD 58)
@ AV OUT/O terminal (CD 80)
®ACCESS (memory access) indicator
(CD 35, 62)/CHG (charge) indicator
(CD 20)
@Serial number
@START/STOP button (CD 35)
@Strap mount (CD 23)
@DC IN terminal (CD 20)
@RESET button (CD 102)
@Remote sensor (CD 22)
@LCD screen (CD 24)
@Joystick (CD 27)
@FUNC. button (CD 28,91)
@ ~ /11 (play/pause) button (OJ 39)/
START/STOP button
(CD 35)
@ ~ (fast reverse) button (CD 39)/
Zoom out W(wide-angle) button
(CD 37)
@ ~ (fast forward) button (CD 39)/
Zoom in T(telephoto) button
(CD 37)
@ • (stop) button (CD 39)/
BLC (backlight correction) button
(CD 50)
®Zoom lever (CD 37)
®PHOTO button (CD 62)
@Mini advanced shoe (CD 58)
@ Iil!lDil indicator
@ON/OFF button
Names of buttons and switches other than the
joystick are indicated within a
"button" frame
(for example
!FUNC. ]).
15
I

Introduction
Bottom view
@Tripod socket (OJ 112)
@BATTERY RELEASE switch (OJ 21)
®Grip belt
Wireless Controller WL-D88
CD STARTISTOP button (OJ 35)
CD
@®FUNC. button (OJ
28,91)
®MENU button (OJ 28, 93)
®®PLAYLIST button (OJ 39)
©®Navigation buttons (
./T I ..... /~ )
®®
..... 11 (frame reverse) button (OJ 40)
®(j)
.... (fast reverse) button (OJ 40)
®@®
~ (play) button (OJ 39)
®®
.. (pause) button (OJ 39)
®
(@)
® • (stop) button (OJ 39)
(j) @@PHOTO button (OJ
62)
®©Zoom buttons (OJ 37)
®@
@SETbutton
®@
II~ (frame advance) button (OJ 40)
@ ~ (fast forward) button (OJ 40)
@ DISP. (on-screen display) button
(OJ
42,55)
16

Iyeiwl Recording Movies
®
@
@)@ @
lilll Playing Movies
(During Playback)
I
CD Operating mode (CD 26)
®Recording program (CD 45,47)
®White balance (CD 51)
®Image effect (CD 53)
®Digital effects (CD 54)
®Recording mode (CD 36)
Q) Still image quality/size
(simultaneous recording)
(CD 69)
®Remote sensor off (CD 98)
® ~ Instant AF (CD 93),
MF Manual focus
(CD 51)
®24F progressive frame rate (CD 19)
@Memory operation (CD 19)
@Time code/Playback time
(hours: minutes: seconds)
@Remaining recording time
[Q On the memory card
GEl In the built-in memory
@Remaining battery time (CD 19)
@Image stabilizer (CD 94)
®Wind screen off (CD 95)
@Headphones output (CD 57)
@Microphone attenuator (CD 55)
@Audio level indicator (CD 55)
@) Level marker (CD 96)
@Mini advanced shoe (CD 58)
@Backlight correction (CD 50)
@Scene number
@Data code (CD 55)
@
@
@
@
@
®
@
~==~@
CD
®
®
®
®
®
Q)
17

Introduction
li'EI Recording Still Images
@ @@
I'f.;~l Viewing Still Images
18
@Zoom (CD 37), Exposure 0-1-0 (CD 50)
@Recording program (CD 45,47)
@Light metering mode (CD 69)
@White balance (CD 51)
@Image effect (CD 53)
@Digital effects (CD 54)
®Drive mode (CD 68)
@Still image quality/size (CD 62)
@ lI!fl Instant AF (CD 93),
MF Manual focus
(CD 51)
@Remaining battery time (CD 19)
@> Number of still images available
CQ On the memory card
(!!) In the built-in memory
@Self timer (CD 49)
®Image stabilizer (CD 94)
@ AF frame (CD 94)
~ Mini video light (CD 48)
@Camcorder shake warning (CD 94)
@Focus and exposure lock (CD 62)
@Flash (CD 67)
@Image number (CD 98)
@Current image /Total number of images
@Histogram (CD 70)
@Image protection mark (CD 71)
@Date and time of recording
@Manual focus (CD 51)
@Manual exposure (CD 50)
@Image size (CD 62)
@File size
@Aperture value (CD 47)
@Shutter speed (CD 47)

19
I

Preparations
This chapter describes basic operations, such as navigating the
menus, and first time settings to help you learn more about your
camcorder.
Charging the Battery Pack
The camcorder can be powered with a
battery pack or directly using the
compact power adapter. Charge the
battery pack before use.
For approximate charging times and
recording/playback times with afull
battery pack, refer to the tables on
pages 118-119.
1Connect the power cord to the
compact power adapter.
2Plug the power cord into apower
outlet.
20
3Connect the compact power
adapter to the camcorder's DC
IN
terminal.
®
4Attach the battery pack to the
camcorder.
Press the battery pack softly into the
battery attachment unit and slide it
up until it clicks
in place.
5Charging will start when the
camcorder
is turned off (the !BIB
indicator is off).
•The CHG (charge) indicator starts
flashing. The indicator will stay on
when the charging is completed.
•If the indicator flashes but
in a
different pattern, refer to
Troubleshooting (CD 100).
I ONCE THE BATTERY PACK IS FULLY CHARGED
1Disconnect the compact power
adapter from the camcorder.
2Unplug the power cord from the
power outlet and the compact
power adapter.