Canon XA70 User manual

4K Camcorder
Instruction Manual
NTSC
PUB. DIE-0572-000

2
Introduction
Highlights of the Camcorder
The Canon XA70 / XA75 4K Camcorder is a high-performance camcorder whose compact size makes it ideal in
a variety of situations. The following are just some of the many functions featured in the camcorder.
4K Recording
Advanced sensor and image processor
At the heart of the camcorder is the 1.0 in. single
plate CMOS sensor with an 8,290,000 effective pixel
count, and the DIGIC DV 6 imaging platform.
Thanks to its advanced high-sensitivity and noise
reduction technology, the camcorder can shoot
nuanced images with little noise even in low-light
situations.
XF-AVC and MP4 formats
You can choose the video format according to your
workflow needs. You can record in XF-AVC format
or MP4 format. Both formats use the MPEG-4 AVC/
H.264 codec, but XF-AVC clips are recorded as
Material eXchange Format (MXF files), compatible
with all major non-linear (NLE) editing software.
Wide zoom lens
The camcorder features a 15x optical zoom lens
with a focal length at full wide angle of 25.5 mm*
(35 mm equivalent), offering superb wide-angle
shooting capability.
* Except when using Dynamic IS.
Convenience and Functionality
Emphasison versatility
This camcorder has features to make it usable as a
main camera but is also small enough to be very
portable. The advanced image stabilization (A57)
will let you shoot in a variety of situations in the field.
The handle unit is removable so you can attach it to
enjoy additional audio options and infrared
functionality, or remove it when you need improved
portability.
Manual controlsat your fingertips
The focus/zoom ring helps you achieve the focus
you are looking for. You can easily change the ring's
functionality so that you can operate the zoom. You
can also assign certain frequently used functions to
a customizable button and adjust those functions
with the accompanying dial (A91). Additionally,
the camcorder also features 5 assignable buttons
on the camcorder and one onscreen assignable
touch button to which you can assign a variety of
functions to access them with ease (A92).
Infrared recording
Record in darkness using infrared recording
(A85). With the built-in infrared light on the handle
unit, you can record nocturnal animals in their
natural environment or other such scenes.
SD card recording options
The camcorder can record 4K video in MP4 or
XF-AVC format on an SD card. It is equipped with 2
SD card slots, allowing you to use dual recording to
record the same clip on two SD cards, or relay
recording to automatically switch to the other SD
card when the one being used is full (A33).
Time code options(A71)
The time code generated by the camcorder can be
output from the SDI OUT terminal (zonly) or
HDMI OUT terminal in order to synchronize it with
other external devices. A user bit code (A73) can
also be output with the output signal.
Dual Pixel CMOSAF
The camcorder features Dual Pixel CMOS AF
technology for improved autofocus functions
(A45). In addition to continuous AF, AF-boosted
MF lets you focus manually most of the way and let
the camcorder finish focusing automatically. With
AF-boosted MF the camcorder does not perform
unreliable focus adjustments, resulting in a more
stable focusing operation than with continuous AF.
The camcorder can also focus automatically on
people's faces and track moving subjects while
keeping them in focus (A51). Furthermore, the
camcorder can be in manual focus but switch to
autofocus when a face is detected (face-only AF),
ensuring that important subjects are in focus
(A52).
Dual Pixel FocusGuide (A47)
The focus guide serves as a visual, intuitive guide
that you can use to check if the image is in focus
and the required adjustment, if it is not. This can be
very helpful to ensure you always get amazingly
sharp 4K video.

3
Software for aiding production workflow
Canon XF Utility (A119) lets you copy the clips you
recorded from an SD card to a computer, play back
the clips and organize them. You can also use the
Canon XF plugins to work with the clips directly from
Avid non-linear editing (NLE) software.
Additionally, MP4 Join Tool (A119) is a small
application that lets you join MP4 clips that were
split into multiple files.
Creativity and Artistic Expression
Special recording modes
When you make recordings, you can change the
recording frame rate to achieve a fast or slow motion
effect (A44). Alternatively, you can use pre-
recording to record 3 seconds before you press the
button, helping you capture those hard-to-catch
opportunities (A84).
Looks (A70)
You can adjust various aspects of the picture, such
as the color depth, sharpness and brightness, to
create a desired "look". If you prefer, you can use
one of the preset looks offered. The [ Neutral]
look for example produces a more natural perceived
resolution,while the [ Wide DR] look applies a
gamma curve with a very wide dynamic range and
an appropriate color matrix.
Custom picture settings(A94)
Select one of the preset color settings or set the
combination of gamma curve, color space and color
matrix that you wish to use. Then, you can adjust a
number of other image-related parameters in detail.
With the Canon Log 3 gamma curve which features
an expanded dynamic range, you can be sure that
the camcorder covers your creative needs.
Other Features
• Battery packs compatible with Intelligent System
for better remaining usage time information.
• Compatibility with the optional GP-E2 GPS
Receiver to geotag your recordings (A88).
• Compatibility with the optional RC-V100 Remote
Controller when you need a professional level of
remote operation (A86).
• Menu settings file that can be saved in the
camcorder or on an SD card to restore all the
menu settings or replicate them on another XA70
/ XA75 camcorder (A102).
• UVC support, allowing for the camcorder to be
used as a web camera by connecting it to a
computer using a USB cable (A87).

4

5
1. Introduction 7
About thisManual 7
Conventions Used in this Manual 7
Supplied Accessories9
Namesof Parts10
Camcorder 10
Handle Unit 15
2. Preparations 17
Preparing the Power Supply 17
Charging a Battery Pack 17
Using a Power Outlet 18
Preparing the Camcorder 20
Attaching the Handle Unit 20
Attaching the Lens Hood 21
Using the LCD Screen 22
Using the Viewfinder 22
Adjusting the Grip Belt and Using Straps 23
Basic Operation of the Camcorder 24
Turning the Camcorder On and Off 24
Changing the Camcorder's Operating Mode 25
Date, Time and Language Settings26
Setting the Date and Time 26
Changing the Language 27
Changing the Time Zone 27
Using the Menus28
Setup Menus 28
FUNC Menu 29
Using SD Cards31
Compatible SD Cards 31
Inserting and Removing an SD Card 32
Initializing an SD Card 32
Selecting the SD Card for Recordings 33
Dual Recording and Relay Recording 33
Recovering Clips 34
3. Recording 35
Recording Video and Photos35
Recording 35
Reviewing the Latest Clip Recorded 37
Setting the File Name for XF-AVC Clips 37
Onscreen Displays 39
Checking Clips Recorded with Canon Log 3
Gamma (View Assistance) 41
Video Configuration: Video Format, Resolution, Bit
Rate and Frame Rate 42
Selecting the Video Format 42
Selecting the Resolution and Bit Rate 42
Selecting the Frame Rate 42
Slow & Fast Motion Recording 44
Adjusting the Focus45
Manual Focus 45
AF-Boosted MF 49
Continuous AF 50
Changing the AF Frame Size 50
Face Detection & Tracking 51
Zooming 53
Using the Focus/Zoom Ring 53
Using the Grip Zoom Rocker 53
Using the Handle Zoom Rocker 55
Using an Optional Remote Controller 55
Using the Touch Screen’s Zoom Controls 56
Digital Tele-Converter 56
Image Stabilization 57
Dynamic IS or Standard IS 57
Powered IS 57
Automatic Gain Control (AGC) Limit 59
Shooting Modes60
Special Scene Modes 60
Adjusting the Exposure 62
Manual Exposure (n)62
Automatic Exposure: Programmed AE (’)63
Automatic Exposure: Shutter Priority (‚)63
Automatic Exposure: Aperture Priority (“)64
Touch Exposure 64
Exposure Lock (AE Lock) 65
Exposure Compensation 65
Backlight Correction 66
Zebra Pattern 66
ND Filter 67
White Balance 68
Using Looks 70
Setting the Time Code 71
Selecting the Time Code Mode 71
Selecting Drop Frame or Non-Drop Frame 72
Overlaying the Time Code/Date/Time on the
Recorded Image 72
Setting the User Bit 73
Table of Contents

6
Recording Audio 74
Selecting the Audio Format of MP4 Clips 74
Audio Settings and Recorded Audio Channels 75
Connecting an External Microphone or External
Audio Input Source to the Camcorder 76
Recording Audio from the INPUT Terminals to
CH1/CH2 76
Recording Audio from the Built-In Microphone or
MIC Terminal to CH1/CH2 77
Adjusting the Audio Recording Level 78
Advanced Audio Input Settings 80
Using Headphones82
Color Bars/Audio Reference Signal 83
Color Bars 83
Audio Reference Signal 83
Pre-Recording 84
Infrared Recording 85
Using the RC-V100 Remote Controller 86
Web Camera Function 87
Using the Optional GP-E2 GPSReceiver 88
4. Customization 91
CUSTOM Dial and Button 91
Assignable Buttons92
Assignable functions 93
Custom Picture Settings94
Selecting Custom Picture Files 94
Editing a Custom Picture File’s Settings 95
Displaying the Current Custom Picture File
Settings 96
Saving a Custom Picture File 96
Available Custom Picture Settings 98
Saving and Loading Menu Settings102
Saving Menu Settings 102
Loading Menu Settings 102
5. Playback 103
Playback103
The Playback Index Screen 103
Changing the Index Screen 103
Playing Back Recordings 104
Playback Controls 105
Adjusting the Volume 105
Displaying Clip Information 106
Clip and Photo Operations107
Deleting Clips and Photos 107
Trimming MP4 Clips 108
Copying Clips and Photos 109
6. External Connections 111
Video Output Configuration 111
Video Output Configuration (Recording) 111
Video Output Configuration (Playback) 112
Connecting to an External Monitor 113
Connection Diagram 113
zUsing the SDI OUT Terminal 113
Using the HDMI OUT Terminal 114
Selecting the Video Output’s Scan Mode 115
Audio Output 116
Selecting the Audio Channels for Headphone or
Speaker Output 116
Selecting the Audio Channels for HDMI
Output 117
7. Saving Clips 119
Working with Clipson a Computer 119
Saving MP4 Clips 119
Saving XF-AVC Clips 119
8. Additional Information 121
Menu Options121
FUNC menu in mode 121
FUNC menu in mode 122
Setup Menus 122
Troubleshooting 129
List of Messages 133
Safety Instructionsand Handling Precautions135
Maintenance/Others139
Optional Accessories140
Specifications142
Reference Tables145
Approximate Recording Time on an SD Card 145
Charging Times 145
Approximate Usage Times with a Fully Charged
Battery Pack 145
Index 148

1
7
Introduction
About this Manual
Thank you for purchasing the Canon XA70 / XA75. Please read this manual carefully before you use the
camcorder and retain it for future reference. Should the camcorder fail to operate correctly, refer to
Troubleshooting (A129).
Conventions Used in this Manual
• IMPORTANT: Precautions related to the camcorder’s operation.
• NOTES: Additional topics that complement the basic operating procedures.
•A: Reference page number within this manual.
•z: Text and/or illustrations that apply only to the model indicated in the icon.
• The following terms are used in this manual:
“Screen” refers to the LCD screen and the viewfinder screen.
“Card” refers to an SD, SDHC or SDXC card.
“Clip” refers to a single movie unit recorded with a single recording operation (for example, from the point when
the REC button is pressed to start recording until it is pressed again to stop).
• Photographs in the manual are simulated pictures taken with a still camera. Unless indicated otherwise,
illustrations refer to the z.
• Some screenshots in this manual have been simplified to make them easier to read.
Before Using the Camcorder
• Before making important recordings for the first time, make test recordings using the video configuration(s)
you plan to use to check that the camcorder operates correctly. Should it fail to operate correctly, refer to
Troubleshooting (A129).
•Copyright notice: Unauthorized recording of copyrighted materials may infringe on the rights of copyright
owners and be contrary to copyright laws.
•Notes on privacy and publicity rights regarding the use of video: When using the camcorder, exercise proper
caution in order to protect privacy and avoid any violation of publicity rights.
•About the LCD screen and viewfinder: The screen is produced using extremely high-precision manufacturing
techniques, with more than 99.99% of the pixels operating to specification. Very rarely, pixels may misfire or
light up permanently. This has no effect on the recorded image and does not constitute a malfunction.
•About the access indicator: Observe the following precautions while the ACCESS indicator (A32) is
illuminated or flashing in red. Failing to do so may result in permanent data loss.
- Do not disconnect the power source or turn off the camcorder.
- Do not open the card compartment cover.
- Do not change the camcorder’s operating mode.
- When a USB cable is connected to the camcorder, do not disconnect the USB cable.

About thisManual
8
• Operating mode icons: A shaded icon (like ) indicates that the function described can be used in the
operating mode or video format shown; a non-shaded icon (like ) indicates that the function cannot be
used.
• The following style is used to represent menu selections. For a detailed explanation on how to use the menus,
refer to Using the Menus (A28). For a summary of all available menu options and settings, refer to Menu
Options (A121).
Operating modes:
Position of the power switch: shooting (CAMERA) or playback (MEDIA) mode.
For details, refer to Turning the Camcorder On and Off (A24).
Position of the mode switch. For details refer to
Changing the Camcorder's Operating Mode (A25).
Video format (MP4 or XF-AVC). For details,
refer to Selecting the Video Format (A42).
This indicates to press
the MENU button.
Brackets [ ] indicate text as it appears on the
camcorder's screen (menu options, onscreen
buttons, messages, etc.).
This arrow indicates a deeper
level in the menu hierarchy or
the next step in a procedure.
1Select [Initialize] for the desired SD card.
>[3"Recording Setup] >[Initialize 8] >[6Mem. Card A]
2Select [Yes].
The menu page number is given
only for main procedures.

9
Supplied Accessories
Supplied Accessories
The following accessories are supplied with the camcorder:
Handle unit (incl. screws) Microphone holder unit
(incl. screws)
PD-E1 USB Power Adapter BP-820 Battery Pack
Cable Clamp
(comes pre-attached to
the camcorder)
Lens cap Lens hood with lens barrier Quick Guide

Namesof Parts
10
Names of Parts
Camcorder
1 ND FILTER +/– buttons (A67)
2 PRE REC (pre-recording) button (A84)/
Assignable button 3 (A92)
3u(review recording) button (A37)/
Assignable button 4 (A92)
4 Lens barrier switch (A35)
5Lenshood(A21)
6 Focus/Zoom ring (A45, 53)
7 CUSTOM (customizable) dial (A91)
8 CUSTOM (customizable) button (A91)
9 Focus/Zoom ring switch (A45, 53)
10 INFRARED switch (A85)
11 DISP (onscreen display) button (A39)/
BATT. INFO (battery information) button (A18)
1
78 9 10 11
23
45 6

11
Namesof Parts
1DCINterminal(A17)
2 REMOTE terminal
For connecting the optional RC-V100 Remote
Controller (A86) or commercially available
remote controllers.
3 Built-in speaker (A105)
4 Lens hood release button (A21)
5 Grip belt (A23)
6USBterminal(A88)
7 HDMI OUT terminal (A113, 114)
8×(headphones) terminal (A82, 116)
9zSDI OUT terminal (A113)
10 MIC terminal (A76)
11 Cable clamp (A18)
2
7
9
1011
34
1
5
6
8

Namesof Parts
12
1 Joystick/SET button (A28)
2 MENU button (A28)
3 AF/MF button (A45)/
Assignable button 1 (A92)
4 POWERED IS button (A57)/
Assignable button 2 (A92)
5 LCD touch screen (A22)
6 Serial number
7 Viewfinder (A22)
8 ACCESS (card access) indicator (A35)
9 Dioptric adjustment lever (A22)
10 MAGN. (magnification) button (A48)/
Assignable button 5 (A92)
11 Strap mount (A23)
12 REC (start/stop recording video) button (A35)
13 Battery attachment unit (A17)
1
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
2
3
4
5
6

13
Namesof Parts
1 Handle attachment unit (A20)
2 POWER/CHG (battery charging) indicator
(A17)
3 Power switch (A24)
4 Cold shoe/Handle attachment unit (A20)
5 Built-in stereo microphone (A74)
6Gripzoomrocker(A53)
7 Mode switch (A25)
8 Card compartment cover (A32)
9 SD card slot 2
10 SD card slot 3
11 SD CARD (open the card compartment cover)
switch (A32)
1
68
91011
7
23 4 5

Namesof Parts
14
1 Socket for tripod's anti-rotation pin
2 Tripod socket (A136)
For use with tripods with a mounting screw up to 6.3 mm (0.25 in.) long
3 BATTERY RELEASE switch (A18)
4Eyecup(A22)
134
2

15
Namesof Parts
Handle Unit
1 Cold shoe
2 Handle zoom rocker (A55)
3 REC button's lock (C) lever (A36)
4 REC (start/stop recording video) button (A35)
5 Audio level dials: for CH1 (left) and CH2 (right)
(A79)
6 Audio level switches: for CH1 (left) and CH2
(right) (A78)
7 AUDIO IN switches (audio input selection): for
CH1 (left) and CH2 (right) (A76, 77)
8INPUT1(left)/INPUT 2 (right) switches
(audio source selection) (A76)
9 INPUT terminals: INPUT 1 (right), INPUT 2 (left)
(A76)
10 Infrared light (A85)
11 Tally lamp (A36)
12 Audio controls cover (A78)
13 Handle unit front screw (A20)
14 Handle unit rear screws (A20)
Microphone Holder Unit (A20, 76)
1 Microphone lock screw
2 Microphone holder
3 Microphone cable clamp
1
7
8
91011121314
234 5
6
1
2
3

Namesof Parts
16

2
17
Preparations
Preparing the Power Supply
You can power the camcorder using a battery pack or directly using the PD-E1 USB Power Adapter. If you
connect the USB power adapter to the camcorder while a battery pack is attached, the camcorder will draw
power from the power outlet.
Charging a Battery Pack
You can power the camcorder using the supplied BP-820 Battery Pack or the optional BP-828 Battery Pack.
Both battery packs are compatible with Intelligent System so you can check the approximate remaining battery
usage time (in minutes) on the screen. For more accurate readings, when using a battery pack for the first time,
charge it fully and then use the camcorder until the battery pack is completely depleted.
1 Connect the USB power adapter to the camcorder and plug the power cord into a power outlet.
2 Attach the battery packto the camcorder.
3 Charging will start when the camcorder isturned off.
• The POWER/CHG (charge) indicator will illuminate in red while the battery is charging. If the POWER/CHG
indicator starts flashing, refer to Troubleshooting (A130).
4 When the POWER/CHG indicator goesout, the battery isfully charged.
• Disconnect the USB power adapter from the camcorder and unplug the power cord.
Illuminated in red while
the battery is charging

Preparing the Power Supply
18
To remove the battery pack
1 Slide the BATTERY RELEASE switch in the direction of the arrow
and hold it pressed down.
2 Slide the battery pack down and then pull it out.
Checking the Remaining Battery Charge
With the camcorder turned off, press the BATT. INFO button to
display for about 5 seconds a screen showing the approximate
battery charge level. Note that if the battery charge is too low,
the battery information screen may not appear.
Using a Power Outlet
You can power the camcorder directly from a power outlet
using the USB power adapter.
1 Plug the USB power adapter into a power outlet.
2 Attach the cable clamp to the grip belt and use it
to secure the cable.
• The ferrite core should be placed between the USB
plug and the cable clamp.
3 Connect the USB plug to the DC IN terminal.
• [DC IN] will be displayed when you turn on the
camcorder.
IMPORTANT
• Do not connect to the USB power adapter any product that is not expressly recommended for use with this
camcorder.
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19
Preparing the Power Supply
• Turn off the camcorder before connecting or disconnecting the USB power adapter. After you turn off the
camcorder, important data is updated on the SD card. Be sure to wait until the green POWER/CHG indicator
goes out.
• When using the USB power adapter, do not fix it permanently to one place as this may cause a malfunction.
• To prevent equipment breakdowns and excessive heating, do not connect the supplied USB power adapter to
voltage converters for overseas travels or special power sources such as those on aircraft and ships, DC-AC
inverters, etc.
NOTES
• We recommend charging the battery pack in temperatures between 10 °C and 30 °C (50 °F and 86 °F). If
either the ambient temperature or the battery pack’s temperature is outside the range of approx. 0 °C to 40 °C
(32 °F to 104 °F), charging will not start.
• The battery pack will be charged only when the camcorder is off.
• If the power supply was disconnected while charging a battery pack, make sure the POWER/CHG indicator
has gone out before restoring the power supply.
• If remaining battery time is an issue, you can power the camcorder using the USB power adapter so the
battery pack will not be consumed.
• While recording, it is recommended to attach a battery pack to the camcorder even when the USB power
adapter is connected. This will prevent the camcorder from turning off in case of a power outage or an
accidental disconnection of the cable.
• Charged battery packs continue to discharge naturally. Therefore, charge them on the day of use, or the day
before, to ensure a full charge.
• We recommend that you prepare battery packs to last 2 to 3 times longer than you think you might need.
• For handling precautions regarding the battery pack, refer to Safety Instructions and Handling Precautions
(A136). For charging times and approximate usage times, refer to Reference Tables (A145).

Preparing the Camcorder
20
Preparing the Camcorder
This section covers basic preparations for the camcorder such as attaching the supplied handle unit and lens
hood, and adjusting the viewfinder and LCD screen.
IMPORTANT
• Be careful not to drop the camcorder when attaching, removing or adjusting the various accessories. Using a
table or other stable surface is recommended.
Attaching the Handle Unit
The camcorder is functional even if you remove the handle unit. However, to use the INPUT terminals (A76),
infrared light (A85) and tally lamp (A35), the handle unit must be correctly attached to the camcorder.
1 Attach the microphone holder unit to the handle unit.
• Use a commercially available Phillips head ("crosshead")
screwdriver and the two supplied screws.
2 Align the handle unit with the handle attachment unit and
then slide the handle unit forward all the way.
3 Firmly tighten the front and rear screws.
• To tighten the rear screws of the handle unit you can use a
coin or similar object.