Canon VIXIA HF20 User manual

canon
VIXIA
HF20
VIXIA
HF200

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 HF20 A/ VIXIA HF200 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 radion'V 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.
00 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.
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.
2

CAUTION:
• Danger of explosion if the wrong type of battery pack is attached. Use only the same type
of battery pack.
• Do not expose battery pack 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.
3
I

In these safety instructions the word "product" refers to the Canon HD Camcorder
VIXIA HF20 A/ VIXIA HF200 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
atlheretl 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

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
21
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.
22 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 / 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.
26 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.
27 Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of
fire or electric shock.
28 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.
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 be,en 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

Online product registration for USA 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 informatio,:", 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 HF20 A /
VIXIA HF200 A
Purchased From:
Dealer Address:
Dealer Phone No.:
Serial No.:
I
[IJDOLBV
STEREO ~~~11~~ I
Trademark Acknowledgements
• The SO 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 as 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 HDMI Licensing LLC.
• "AVCHD" and the "AVCHD" logo are trademarks of Panasonic 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.
• About the music files
License number: R-0801324
Composer: Keita Miyahara
Track names: The new legend, Speed rock, Amazing story, Hit the ceiling, The techno light.
7

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 aquality 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 (GJII!) only) 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 48) you can open the LCD panel and start recording within
approximately one second.
Any New Functions?
Pre-recording When pre-recording (OJ 68) 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 (CD 72), 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 anew fun way to shoot video with video
snapshot scenes (OJ 66). Shoot short (approx. 4-second) scenes and
arrange them into avideo clip set to your favorite background music. I
Cinema Mode Give your recordings acinematic look by using the
[ltJ Cine Mode] recording program (OJ 65) with the 24 fps progressive
frame rate.
2For details about memory cards that can be used with this camcorder refer to
Using aMemory Card (OJ 41).
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 ([IJ 120). 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-100 DVD Burner
([IJ 122) on the DVD Burner itself or on
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-100 DVD burner. Use the software on the supplied Video Tools
CD-ROM to back up such scenes.
10

11
I

Table of contents
• Introduction
8Enjoying High-Definition Video with your Camcorder
16 About this Manual
18 Getting to Know the Camcorder
18 Supplied Accessories and CD-'ROMs
20 Names of Parts
23 Screen Displays
• Preparations
27 Getting Started
27 Charging the Battery Pack
29 Preparing the Wireless Controller and Accessories
31 Adjusting the Position and Brightness of the LCD
Screen
34 Basic Operation of the Camcorder
34 Operating Modes
36 Joystick and Joystick Guide
36 Using the Menus
39 First Time Settings
39 Setting the Date and Time
40 Changing the Language
40 Changing the Time Zone
41 Using aMemory Card
41 Memory Cards Compatibleforl,jsewiththeCarncorder.
42 Inserting and Removing aMernory Card
42
mm Selecting the Memoryfortl1eRec()rding~
43 Initializing the Built-in Memory(mm only) or Memory
Card
12 •Table of contents

• Video
45 Basic Recording
45 Shooting Video
46 Selecting the Video Quality (Recording Mode)
47 Zooming
48 Quick Start Function
50 Basic Playback
50 Playing Back the Video
52 Selecting
what Recordings to Play Back
53 Searching for Scenes
55 Selecting the Playback Starting Point
57 Pre-selecting Recordings from the Index Screen
58 Deleting Scenes
61 Advanced Functions
61 Special Scene Recording Programs
63 Changing the Shutter Speed and Aperture
65 Cinema Mode: Giving aCinematic Look
to your
Recordings
65 Mini Video Light
66 Video Snapshot
68 Pre-recording Function
69 Self Timer
70 Manual Exposure Adjustment and Automatic Backlight
Correction
71 Manual Focus Adjustment
72 Face Detection
73 White Balance
75 Image Effects
76 Digital Effects
77 On-Screen Displays and Data Code
78 Audio Recording Level
79 Using Headphones
80 Using the Mini Advanced Shoe
81 Using an External Microphone
Table of contents •13
I

83 Playlist and Scene Operations
83 Dividing Scenes
84 Editing
the Playlist: Adding, Deleting, Moving and
Playing
Back
87 mtm Copying Scenes
Basic Recording
Taking Photos
Selecting Photo Size and Quality
Deleting a
Photo Right After Recording It
Basic Playback
Viewing Photos
Deleting Photos
Magnifying Photos during Playback
Additional Functions
Flash
Drive
Mode: Continuous Shooting and Exposure
Bracketing
Taking
Photos while Recording Movies (Simultaneous
Recording)
Light Metering
Mode
Slideshow
Rotating Photos
Histogram Display
Capturing
Photos from the Playback Scene
Protecting Photos
_ Copying Photos
Printing Photos
Printing Photos (Direct Print)
Selecting
the Print Setting~ .
Trimming
Settings
Print Orders
100
101
102
102
103
104
105
108
108
109
112
113
99
• Photos
90
90
91
92
93
93
94
96
97
97
98
14 •Table of contents

• External Connections
116 Terminals on the Camcorder
117 Connection Diagrams
120 Playback on aTV Screen
121 Saving Your Recordings
121 Saving Your Recordings on a Computer
122 Authoring High-Definition (AVCHD) Discs and Photo
DVDs
126 Copying
your Recordings to an E)(ternafVideo
Recorder
127 Transferring Photos
to a Computer (Direct Transfer)
131 Transfer Orders
• Additional Information
133 Appendix: Menu Options Lists
133 FUNC. Menu
136 Setup Menus
147 Trouble?
147 Troubleshooting
152 List
of Messages
162 Do's and Don'ts
162 Handling Precautions
167 Maintenance/Others
168 Using the Camcorder Abroad
169 General Information
169 System Diagram
170 Optional Accessories
175 Product Codes
176 Specifications
180 Index
Table of contents •15
I

About this Manual
Thank you for purchasing the Canon VIXIA HF20NIXIA HF200. 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 (OJ 147).
Conventions Used in this Manual
• 0 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.
IOW-l00) Refer to the instruction manual of the optional DW-100
DVD Burner.
• IIIIm :Text that applies only to the model shown in the icon.
•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.
•The photos included in this manual are simulated pictures taken with
astill camera. Unless indicated otherwise, illustrations and menu
icons refer to the
1IIIm.
16 •Introduction

Advanced Functions
Special Scene Recording Programs
Recording in avery bright ski resort or capturing the full colors of a
sunset or afireworks display becomes as easy as selecting aSpecial
Scene recording program. For details about the available options, refer
to the following sidebar.
ave atrailing afterrmage
ood
as in other n Jdes.
creen.
thermoc~
1:;;II;;ll
t
8;,11 (CD 34)
Brackets [ ] are used to refer to I I" ... '.., '. I . . I
menu options as they are jflFUNCJ E) IP Programmed AE] E) [. Portrait] C
.Press ® to display the Special Scene (SeN) recording
displayed on screen. programs CDesired recording program C [FUNC I
CD NOTES
The names of mostbuttonsand • ~-t~N"I,9,_h..;..tJ __ --..,.,
switches are indicated within a
"button" frame.
For exampie
I=FU:-::N--;-;;Co-I.).
In this manual, the €) arrow is used to abbreviate menu selections.
For adetailed explanation refer
to Using the Menus (CD 36).
In this manual, I;(.,;! 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 ([IJ 34).
I
Introduction • 17

Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs
The following accessories are supplied with the camcorder:
.... CA-570 Compact Power Adapter
(inc!. power cord)
BP-809 Battery Pack .....
.... WL-D88 Wireless Controller
(inc!. CR2025 lithium button battery)
SlV-250N Stereo Video Cable'"
Yellow • Red • White plugs
~t!5~~~~~~ J~; OO/S Component Cable
.. Red • Green • Blue plugs
IFC-400PCU USB Cable 1llII
.... WS-30 Wrist Strap
18 •Introduction

The following CD-ROMs and software are supplied with the camcorder:
•PIXELA Application -Disc 1CD-ROM* and 'PIXELA ImageMixer 3SE'
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 3SE Video
Tools. For more details, refer
to the 'Music Transfer Utility Software
Guide' and 'ImageMixer 3SE Software Guide' on the PIXELA Applica-
tion -Disc 1CD-ROM.
*The CD-ROM includes the instruction manual of the software (on PDF file).
Introduction •19
I

Names of Parts
®®
CD RESET button (CO 150)
@VIDEO SNAP (video snapshot) button
(CD 66)/
~ /IV (print/share) button
(CD 109, 129)
® DISP. (on-screen display) button
(CO 77)/
BAD. INFO button (CO 26)
@) Speaker (CD 50)
®Memory card slot cover
®Memory card slot (CD 42)
CD AV OUT terminal (CD 116, 118)/
o(headphones) terminal (CD 79)
®Camera mode dial (CD 34)
®Strap mount (CO 30)
@USB terminal (OJ 116, 119)
~5::§~>---,--r---n @HDMI OUT terminal (CD 116, 117)
@Grip belt (OJ 30)
@Instant AF sensor (OJ 138)
(j3) Stereo microphone (CO 78)
@Mini video light (OJ 65)
@Flash (OJ 97)
®
Right side view
Left side view
Front view
@@
20 •Introduction