Cannon XL2 manual

0043W166 PUB.DIE-211 0000Ni0.0 © CANON INC. 2004 DY8-9020-142-000 PRINTED IN JAP AN CANON INC. Canon Europa N.V . P .O. Box 2262, 1180 EG Amstelveen, the Netherlands Canon UK Ltd. CCI Service Centre Unit 130, Centennial Park, Borehamwood, Hertfor dshire, WD6 3SE, England T elephone 0870-241-2161 Canon Australia Pty . Ltd. Info-Line: 131383 www .ca[...]

2 Impor tant Usage Instructions W ARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE P ARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SER VICE PERSONNEL. W ARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AND T[...]

3 E Introduction Using this Manual Thank you for purchasing the Canon XL2. Please read this manual carefully before you use the camcorder and retain it for future reference. Symbols and References Used in This Manual ❍ : Precautions r elated to the camcorder operation. ❍ : Additional topics that complement the basic operating procedur es. ❍ :[...]

4 Introduction Important Usage Instructions ..............................................................................................................................2 Using this Manual ................................................................................................................................................3 Checking Suppl[...]

5 E Introduction Playback Playing Back a T ape ............................................................................................................................................81 Playing Back on a TV Screen .................................................................................................... ..........................83 Au[...]

6 Checking Supplied Accessories CA-920 Compact Power Adapter DC-920 DC Coupler BP-930 Battery Pack Lithium Button Battery CR2025 WL-D4000 Wireless Controller T wo AAA (R03) Batteries Colour Viewfinder Microphone Unit Adapter Holder STV -150 Stereo Video Cable PC-A10 SCART Aapter* Lens Cap Lens Dust Cap Lens Hood S-150 S-video Cable 20 × L IS Zoom [...]

7 E Introduction Components Guide Advanced Accessory shoe ( 48) Stereo microphone ( 18) Viewfinder cable ( 15) Zoom ring ( 36) Focus ring ( 38) Lens hood ( 21) EXP. LOCK button ( 57) IRIS/SET dial ( 24, 55) FRAME RATE switch ( 42) END SEARCH button ( 35) ASPECT RATIO switch ( 43) Power indicator Viewfinder locking screw ( 15) Eye cup ( 16) REC LEVE[...]

8 Microphone cable ( 18) Grip belt ( 19) Start/stop button ( 30) Tripod socket* Lens hood locking screw ( 21) EVF DISPLAY button ( 33) CUSTOM KEYS ( 70) CUSTOM PRESET ON/OFF button ( 66) EJECT switch ( 23) CUSTOM PRESET SELECT button ( 66) AE SHIFT dial ( 58) Remote sensor ( 22, 92) Tally lamp ( 79) Screw hole for adapter holder ( 19) Battery attac[...]

9 E Introduction LOCK lever ( 31) PHONES LEVEL dial H (phones) terminal POWER dial ( 51) BARS/F.GRAIN SELECT button ( 73, 74) BARS/F.GRAIN ON/OFF button ( 73, 74) SHUTTER r button ( 54) SHUTTER t button ( 54) External control mode VCR mode Power off Auto Shutter-Priority Aperture-Priority Manual Spotlight Low Light mode Easy Recording Recording pro[...]

10 Transmitter INDEX WRITE button ( 71) END SEARCH button ( 35) START/STOP button ( 30) SELF TIMER button ( 77) TV SCREEN button ( 102) MENU button ( 24) Select buttons ( 24) SEARCH SELECT button ( 88, 89) REC PAUSE button ( 94, 95) Zoom buttons ( 36) DATA CODE button ( 90) ZERO SET MEMORY button ( 87) MIX BALANCE buttons ( 86) Jog/Shuttle dial ( 8[...]

11 E Preparation Pr eparing the Power Supply Charging the Battery Pack Disconnect the DC coupler from the power adapter before charging. Remove the terminal cover of the battery pack. 1. Connect the power cord to the adapter . 2. Plug the power cord into a power outlet. 3. Attach the battery pack to the adapter . •P r ess lightly and slide it in [...]

12 Using a Household Power Source 1. T ur n the POWER dial to OFF . 2. Attach the DC coupler to the camcorder . Press lightly and slide it in the dir ection of the arrow until it clicks. 3. Connect the power cord to the power adapter . 4. Plug the power cord into a power outlet. 5. Connect the DC coupler to the adapter . 6. Detach the DC coupler af[...]

13 E Preparation ❍ Charging, Recording and Playback Times Below times are appr oximate and vary according to the charging, r ecording or playback conditions. * Appr oximate times for recor ding with repeated operations such as start/stop, zooming, power on/of f. Actual time may be shorter . ❍ We r ecommend charging the battery pack in temperatu[...]

14 Installing the Backup Batter y The backup battery (lithium button battery CR2025) allows the camcorder to retain date, time ( 28) and other camcorder settings while the power source is disconnected. Connect a power source to the camcorder when replacing the backup battery to retain the settings. 1. Open the backup battery cover . Screw the cover[...]

15 E Preparation Pr eparing the Camcor der Attaching and Detaching the Colour Viewfinder Unit Attaching the Colour Viewfinder Unit 1. Slide the viewfinder unit onto the bracket and tighten the locking screw . 2. Connect the viewfinder cable to the upper socket of the camcorder body . 3. Hook the viewfinder cable onto the cable clamp. Detaching the [...]

16 Detaching and Attaching the Eye Cup Y ou can change the position of the eye cup for use with either the left or right eye. Detach and reattach the eye cup for use with the left eye. Detaching the Eye Cup Detach the eye cup as shown in the illustration. Attaching the Eye Cup Align the hole for the dioptric adjustment lever with the lever , and pu[...]

17 E Preparation Using the Viewfinder as LCD Panel Y ou can use the viewfinder as LCD panel by opening the eyepiece adapter . Press the lock r elease button and open the eyepiece adapter . Make sure to close the eyepiece adapter when you ar e not using the viewfinder as LCD panel. The screen is slightly brighter when you open the eyepiece adapter .[...]

18 Adjusting the Viewfinder Y ou can adjust the brightness, contrast, colour and sharpness of the viewfinder . These adjustments will not affect the picture of your recording. 1. Press the MENU button to open the menu. 2. T ur n the SET dial to select [DISPLA Y SETUP/ ] and pr ess the SET dial. 3. T ur n the SET dial to select [EVF SETUP] and press[...]

19 E Preparation Fastening the Grip Belt Hold the camcorder with your right hand and adjust the belt with your left. Adjust the grip belt so that you can reach the zoom lever with your index and middle finger , and the start/stop button with your thumb. Attaching the Shoulder Strap Pass the ends through the strap mount and adjust the length of the [...]

20 Pr eparing the Lens Refer also to the instruction manual of the lens. Mounting the Lens 1. Set the POWER dial to OFF . 2. Remove the dust caps from the camcorder and the lens. 3. Align the red mark on the lens with the r ed mark on the camcorder and turn the lens clockwise until it clicks. Unmounting the Lens 1. Set the POWER dial to OFF . 2. Sl[...]

21 E Preparation Attaching the Lens Hood Attach the lens hood to shade the lens from stray light and to protect the lens. 1. Place the lens hood on the front of the lens and screw it clockwise until the Canon logo appears on top. • Be careful not to deform the lens hood. • Make sure that the lens hood is aligned with the thread. 2. Tighten the [...]

22 Using the Wir eless Contr oller Point it at the camcorder’ s r emote sensor when you press the buttons. The camcorder has thr ee remote sensors, two at the front and one at the back. Inserting Batteries The wireless controller operates with two AAA (R03) batteries. 1. Open the battery cover . 2. Insert the batteries following the + and – mar[...]

23 E Preparation Use only videocassettes marked with the D logo. 1. Slide the EJECT switch to open the cassette compartment cover . The cassette compartment opens automatically . 2. Load/unload the cassette. • Load the cassette with the window facing outward. • Unload the cassette by pulling it straight out. 3. Press the P mark on the cassette [...]

24 Many of the camcorder’ s functions are selected from menus that appear on the screen. Selecting Menus and Settings 1. Press the MENU button to open the menu. 2. T ur n the SET dial to select a submenu and press the SET dial. 3. T ur n the SET dial to select a menu item and press the SET dial. 4. T ur n the SET dial to select a setting option a[...]

25 E Preparation Submenu Menu Item Setting Options TIME CODE COUNT -UP REC-RUN , REC-RUN PS., FREE-RUN 44 ST ART V ALUE SET , RESET CAMERA SETUP ZEBRA ON, OFF 62 ZEBRA LEVEL 80, 85, 90 , 95, 100 SKIN D.SET HUE 63 CHROMA AREA Y LEVEL SKIN DET AIL OFF , HIGH , MIDDLE , LOW ZOOM HANDLE LOW , MIDDLE , HIGH 36 F SPEED PSET* LOW , MIDDLE, HIGH 40 CLEAR S[...]

26 Submenu Menu Item Setting Options AUDIO SETUP AUDIO MODE 16bit , 12bit CH , 12bit CH , 46 1kHz TONE OFF , -12dB, -20dB 74 AUD.M.SET NORMAL , LINE OUT 49 R-XLR GAINUP OFF , 12dB 47 DISPLA Y SETUP/ EVF SETUP BRIGHTNESS 18 CONTRAST COLOR SHARPNESS CENTER MARK ON, OFF 33 TV SCREEN ON , OFF 102 AUDIO LEVEL ON , OFF 49 GUIDE INFO OFF , CUSTOM KEYS, D/[...]

27 E Preparation VCR MENU Submenu Menu Item Setting Options TIME CODE COUNT -UP REC-RUN , REC-RUN PS., FREE-RUN 44 ST ART V ALUE SET , RESET VCR SETUP REC MODE SP , LP 79 AV a DV ON, OFF 98 USR BIT DA T A SET , CLEAR 45 AUDIO SETUP SEL AUDIO CH CH /CH , CH /CH , CH /CH 86 MIX SELECT V ARIABLE , FIXED 86 AUDIO MODE 16bit , 12bit CH , 12bit CH , 46 R[...]

28 Set the time zone, date and time when you first start using your camcorder , or when you have replaced the backup battery . Setting the Time Zone/Daylight Saving Time 1. Press the MENU button to open the menu. 2. T ur n the SET dial to select [SYSTEM] and press the SET dial. 3. T ur n the SET dial to select [T .ZONE/DST] and press the SET dial. [...]

29 E Preparation 1 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2 3 5 6 7 9 8 10 4 12 11 13 24 19 20 18 17 21 23 22 15 14 16 Time zone LONDON PARIS CAIRO MOSCOW DUBAI KARACHI DACCA BANGKOK H. KONG (Hong Kong) TOKYO SYDNEY SOLOMON WELLGTN (Wellington) SAMOA HONOLU. (Honolulu) ANCHOR. (Anchorage) L.A. (Los Angeles) DENVER CHICAGO N.[...]

30 Recor ding Before Y ou Begin Recording Make a test recording first to check if the camcorder operates correctly . If necessary , clean the video heads ( 108). Recording 1. Remove the lens cap. 2. Press the button and set the POWER dial to a recor ding pr ogram. 3. Press the start/stop button to begin r ecording. • The tally lamp starts flashin[...]

31 E Recording Low-angle Recording The carrying handle is equipped with a duplicate set of recording and zoom controls, ideal for low-angle recording. Slide the LOCK lever to the right to prevent accidental operation. Power Saving Mechanisms ST ANDBY Button Pressing the ST ANDBY button for more than 1 second in record pause or VCR STOP mode activat[...]

32 Screen Displays during Recor ding t Recording r eminder r When “ j ” flashes q Time code w Remaining tape e Remaining battery charge The camcorder counts fr om 1 to 10 seconds when you start recor ding. This is helpful to avoid scenes that are too short. Indicates the recor ding time in hours, minutes, seconds and frames ( 44). Indicates the[...]

Y ou can select the amount of information shown on the screen from full, partial or no display . The setting changes with each press of the EVF DISPLA Y button. * When [GUIDE INFO] is set to [D/T DISPLA Y]. Displaying the Centre Marker Use the centre marker to accurately frame subjects. Open the menu and select [DISPLA Y SETUP/ ]. Select [CENTER MA[...]

34 Reviewing and Searching when Recor ding Record Review In record pause mode, this function allows you to review the last few seconds of your recording to check if it has been recorded properly . Press and r elease the c (r ecord r eview) button. The camcorder r ewinds the tape, plays back the last few seconds, and returns to recor d pause mode. R[...]

35 E Recording End Sear ch Y ou can use this function to locate the end of the last recorded scene. Press the END SEARCH button. • ”END SEARCH“ appears. • The camcorder r ewinds/fast forwards the tape, plays back the last few seconds of the r ecording and stops the tape. •P r essing the button again cancels the sear ch. ❍ End search can[...]

36 Zooming Y ou can operate the zoom from either the side grip or the carrying handle. Y ou can also use the zoom ring on the zoom lens or the zoom buttons on the wireless controller . Move the zoom lever toward W to zoom out (wide-angle). Move it towar d T to zoom in (telephoto). About the V ariable Zoom Speeds Zoom lever on the side grip: When th[...]

37 E Recording Zoom ring: The zoom speed is linked to the speed you turn the zoom ring. Zoom buttons on the wireless contr oller: The zoom speed is constant and cannot be adjusted. Zoom Preset (Lenses Equipped with the Zoom Pr eset Function) This function enables any given zoom setting to be memorised and to return to the zoom setting instantly . P[...]

38 Adjusting the Focus Autofocus (Lenses Equipped with the Autofocus Function) Autofocus is set when the focus selector on the lens is set to AF . The camcorder uses TTL autofocus system with a focusing range of 2 cm (at wide-angle from the front of the lens barrel) to ∞ . The camcorder focuses on the subject in the centre of the screen. T empora[...]

39 E Recording Manual focus 1. Lenses equipped with autofocus function: Slide the focus selector on the lens to M. 2. Zoom into telephoto. 3. Rotate the focus ring to adjust the focus. 4. Operate the zoom to reframe the subject. If you focus manually then leave the camcorder with the power turned on, you may lose focus on your subject. This possibl[...]

40 Focus Preset (Lenses Equipped with the Focus Pr eset Function) This function enables a focus setting to be memorised and to return to the focus setting instantly . Y ou can also select the speed with which the camcorder returns to the preset focus setting. Presetting the Focus 1. Set the focus selector to M. “MF” appears. 2. Set the POSITION[...]

41 E Recording When recording under bright conditions, the camcorder sets a small aperture value, and the picture may appear blurred. When you are using a lens with built-in ND filter , turn it on/off according to the screen display . With the 20 × L IS Lens: Press the ND filter unlock button and turn the ND filter operating ring. When the camcord[...]

42 Select between standard 50i and 25p. 50i Mode Records in 50 fps interlace mode, same as TV signals. 25p Mode Records in 25 fps progressive mode and outputs signals converted into 50 fps interlace. Set the FRAME RA TE switch to the desired position. The selected frame rate appears. The frame rate does not change when you operate the FRAME RA TE s[...]

43 E Recording The camcorder uses the full width of the CCD, retaining image quality and providing a larger horizontal angle of view . Set the ASPECT RA TIO switch to 16:9. The screen changes to the “letterbox” format. ❍ If you play back a 16:9 recor ding on a normal TV , the image appears horizontally squeezed. ❍ The aspect ratio does not [...]

44 Selecting the Run Options Y ou can select from record run (REC-RUN), record run preset (REC-RUN PS.) and free-run (FREE-RUN) time code. With record run, the time code runs only when you are recording. With free run, the time code runs regardless of the operation of the camcorder . With record run preset and free-run, you can select the starting [...]

45 E Recording The user bit display works on the hexadecimal system that consists of a mixture of eight numbers or letters. There are sixteen possible characters, numbers 0 to 9 and letters A to F . This is useful for labeling tapes. 1. Open the menu and select [VCR SETUP] and [USR BIT DA T A]. The user bit set/reset options appear . 2. Select [SET[...]

46 Y ou can set the audio mode to 16 bit or 12 bit. With 12 bit, you can select to record on two channels, leaving two channels free for adding sound later (12bit CH ), or to record on four channels simultaneously (12bit CH , ). The sampling frequency in 16 bit is 48 kHz and in 12 bit 32 kHz. The 16 bit mode provides higher sound quality . Audio du[...]

47 E Recording Recording on Channels 1 and 2 Select the audio input from FRONT MIC (supplied microphone unit), AUDIO1 (RCA terminals) or REAR (XLR terminals). Refer also to the audio block diagram ( 120). When Using the Front Micr ophone Set the INPUT SELECT switch to FRONT MIC. Tu rn on the micr ophone attenuator (20 dB) as necessary by setting th[...]

48 Recording on Channels 3 and 4 Select the audio input from SHOE (optional MA-300 Microphone Adapter), AUDIO2 (RCA terminals) or REAR (XLR terminals). Refer also to the audio block diagram ( 120). Make sure to set [AUDIO MODE] to [12bit CH , ]. When Connecting to the Advanced Accessory Shoe 1. Attach the optional MA-300 Microphone Adapter to the a[...]

49 E Recording Adjusting the Audio Recording Level Hiding/Displaying the Audio Level Indicator on the Screen Open the menu and select [DISPLA Y SETUP/ ]. Select [AUDIO LEVEL], select a setting option and close the menu. The audio level indicator can also be turned on/off with the custom key ( 70). Automatic Audio Adjustments Set the REC LEVEL switc[...]

50 Image Stabilizer (Lenses Equipped with Image Stabilizer) The image stabilizer can be turned off. Move the ST ABILIZER ON/OFF switch to OFF . ❍ The image stabilizer cannot be turned off in the Easy Recording mode. ❍ The image stabilizer is designed to compensate a normal degree of camcor der shake. ❍ The image stabilizer may not be effectiv[...]

51 E Recording Programmed auto exposure modes provide automated advanced recording techniques ensuring professional results in various shooting conditions. Selecting the Programmed AE Modes Press the button and turn the POWER dial. The symbol of the selected mode appears. Do not change the mode during recor ding as the brightness of the image may c[...]

52 Manual ( 56) This mode offers the creative freedom of a complete range of manual controls. In the Manual mode, options exist to set the exposure at any combination of shutter speed and aperture levels. Spotlight The Spotlight mode automatically adjusts the exposure to effectively record images and/or subjects lit by a spotlight or other concentr[...]

53 E Recording A vailability of functions in each recording pr ogram. Recording programs EXP . LOCK button IRIS dial SHUTTER button AE SHIFT dial GAIN dial WHITE BALANCE dial Custom preset adjustments CUSTOM PRESET SELECT button CUSTOM PRESET ON/OFF button Skin detail Frequency selection of Clear Scan Clear Scan Film grain i i i i (0) i (auto) i (a[...]

54 A vailable shutter speeds: 1/6, 1/12, 1/25, 1/50, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000, 1/8000, 1/16000, CS (clear scan) 1. Set the POWER dial to Tv . 2. Select the shutter speed with the SHUTTER r or t button. ❍ Other settings such as aperture ar e set automatically . ❍ The shutter speed changes when you lock and change the exposure.[...]

55 E Recording Recor ding in the Aper tur e-Priority (Av) Mode Av ailable apertur e values (with 20 × L IS lens): F1.6, F2.0, F2.8, F4.0, F5.6, F8.0, F11, CLOSE 1. Set the POWER dial to Av . 2. Select the aperture with the IRIS dial. ❍ Other settings such as shutter speed are set automatically . ❍ The aperture changes when you lock and change [...]

56 Y ou can set the exposure at any combination of shutter speed and aperture levels. 1. Set the POWER dial to M . The exposure indicator appears. 2. Select the aperture with the IRIS dial. 3. Select the shutter speed with the SHUTTER r or t button. Recor ding in the Manual Mode A vailable settings Shutter speed 1/6, 1/12, 1/25, 1/50, 1/60, 1/75, 1[...]

57 E Recording Adjusting the Exposur e Exposure Lock 1. Set the POWER dial to n , Tv or Av . 2. Press the EXP . LOCK button. The exposure indicator appears. Changing the Aperture after Exposur e Lock Y ou can select from 23 aperture settings (with 20 × L IS lens). The setting can be adjusted in 1/4 steps. However , only the following numbers are d[...]

58 Y ou can use the AE Shift control to manually override the automatic exposure system to darken or lighten the image. Select from 13 AE levels (+2.0, +1.5, +1.0, +0.75, +0.5, +0.25, ±0, -0.25, -0.5, -0.75, -1.0, -1.5, -2.0). 1. Set the POWER dial to n , Tv or Av . 2. T ur n the AE SHIFT dial to adjust the level. The selected level appears. Using[...]

59 E Recording Gain control adjusts the amount of video signal generated depending upon lighting and shooting conditions. Y ou can select from automatic gain control and preset levels that range from -3 to +18 dB. 1. Set the POWER dial to n , Tv , Av or M . 2. Press the GAIN dial so that it pops out. 3. T ur n the GAIN dial to adjust the level. The[...]

60 Setting the White Balance The camcorder uses an electronic white balance process to calibrate the picture for accurate colour display in different lighting conditions (i.e. sunlight versus indoor incandescent.) Automated white balance settings include a fully automated mode, an indoor mode and an outdoor mode. In addition, you can set the white [...]

61 E Recording Setting a Custom White Balance 1. Press the WHITE BALANCE dial so that it pops out. 2. Set the WHITE BALANCE dial to 1, 2 or 3. 3. Point the camcorder at a white object and zoom in until it fills the whole screen. Keep the camcorder zoomed at the white object until step 4 is completed. 4. Press the WHITE BALANCE W button. ” W “ f[...]

62 Using the Zebra Patter n This camcorder has a zebra pattern feature that shows black and white diagonal stripes over the area that is overexposed. The zebra pattern is only displayed on the screen. Use this feature to guide the adjustment of the aperture and shutter speed. A vailable zebra pattern settings: 80 IRE, 85 IRE, 90 IRE, 95 IRE, and 10[...]

63 E Recording Y ou can adjust hue, chroma, area and Y level to determine the skin area and soften the details to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. A zebra pattern identifying the skin area appears, alternating with the normal picture (a white pattern appears on a connected TV or computer screen). Activating the Skin Detail Function Open[...]

64 Using the Custom Pr eset Y ou can establish three preset registrations for the following 15 camera features: gamma curve, knee, black stretch/press, colour matrix, colour gain, colour phase, R gain, G gain, B gain, V detail, sharpness, coring, setup level, master pedestal and NR. Y ou can also import preset settings from another XL2 and save the[...]

65 E Recording Colour Phase Adjust to [G] for adding more green to the image, and to [R] for more red. R Gain Adjust to [-] for white balance toward cyan, and to [+] for white balance toward red. G Gain Adjust to [-] for white balance toward magenta, and to [+] for white balance toward green. B Gain Adjust to [-] for white balance toward yellow , a[...]

66 Setting the Custom Preset Settings 1. Open the menu and select [CUSTOM PRESET]. 2. Select [PRESET SETUP]. The custom preset items appear . 3. Select [SEL PRESET] and select the custom preset file you wish to change. 4. Select the preset items, select the setting options and close the menu. ❍ The custom preset menu consists of 5 pages. The item[...]

67 E Recording Activating the Custom Preset Settings 1. Press the CUSTOM PRESET SELECT button. • The setting changes with each press of the button in the or der of “CP1”, “CP2”, “CP3” and “CP | ”. • When you are not using the custom pr eset setting, set the camcorder to “CP | ”. 2. Press the CUSTOM PRESET ON/OFF button. The [...]

68 Importing (Operation on the XL2 to which you import) 1. Open the menu and select [CUSTOM PRESET] and [READ PRESET]. The IMPORT PRES. menu appears. 2. Select [SEL PRESET] and set it to the custom preset file you wish to import. 3. Select [SEL POSITION]. The SEL POSITION menu appears. 4. Select [SEL PRESET] and set it to the custom preset file you[...]

69 E Recording This feature allows you to record computer CRT screen or other equipment without displaying black band or flicker on the screen. Y ou can adjust the frequency from 50.0 Hz to 200.7 Hz. 1. Set the POWER dial to Tv or M . 2. Press the SHUTTER r button to display “CS”. 3. Open the menu and select [CAMERA SETUP]. Select [CLEAR SCAN],[...]

70 Using the Custom Keys Y ou can assign frequently used functions to the custom keys (for recording and VCR mode independently). Following functions can be assigned to the custom keys: * Function that can only be operated by the custom keys. To check the current custom key settings: In recor ding mode: Open the menu and select [DISPLA Y SETUP/ ]. [...]

71 E Recording Changing the custom keys setting Open the menu and select [SYSTEM]. Select [CUSTOM KEY 1] or [CUSTOM KEY 2], select the function you wish to assign to the custom key and close the menu. When you do not wish to use the custom keys, select [(NONE)]. Activating the Functions with the Custom Key Time Code ( 44) Press the CUSTOM KEY (1 or[...]

72 VCR STOP ( 31) In VCR STOP mode, the camcorder retains camera settings such as aperture and shutter speed, so you can adjust the camera section without worrying about the automatic shut-off. VCR STOP can only be operated with the custom keys. Press the CUSTOM KEY (1 or 2) button. The VCR STOP mode is activated. Press the button again to r eturn [...]

73 E Recording 1. Press the F .GRAIN SELECT button to display “FILM GRAIN”. The setting changes with each press of the button. “FILM GRAIN” flashes. 2. Press the F .GRAIN ON/OFF button. “FILM GRAIN” stops flashing, and the film grain effect is activated. Pr ess the button again to deactivate the effect. Using the Film Grain Ef fect F .G[...]

74 Recor ding Colour Bars/Audio Refer ence Signal Colour Bars Y ou can generate and record EBU (European Broadcast Union) colour bars. 1. Press the BARS SELECT button to display “COLOR BARS”. The setting changes with each press of the button. “COLOR BARS” flashes. 2. Press the BARS ON/OFF button. “COLOR BARS” stops flashing, and the col[...]

75 E Recording Recor ding with the Inter val Timer With the interval timer , you can record images over a selected time with a selected interval. This function is useful when shooting flowers, animals, and other natural events. Y ou can choose an interval from 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes and 10 minutes, and a recording time from 0.5 seconds, 1 [...]

76 Recording with the Interval Timer Press the start/stop button to start r ecor ding. • Interval recor ding starts and “INT T .” stops flashing. • When the interval is set to 30 seconds or 1 minute, the camcorders goes into r ecord pause mode during the recor dings. When set to 5 or 10 minutes, the camcorder goes into stop mode during the [...]

77 E Recording Recor ding with the Self-Timer 1. Press the SELF TIMER button on the wireless contr oller . “” appears. 2. Press the start/stop button. The camcorder starts r ecording after a 10-second countdown (2 seconds when using the wir eless controller). The countdown appears on the scr een. ❍ To cancel the self-timer , press the SELF TI[...]

78 Using the DV Contr ol This feature enables the XL2 to control the record and stop function of a connected IEEE1394 storage/recording device. The device must comply with the IEEE1394 A V/C protocol. Users of Windows XP can also download the DV -PC Recorder from the Canon Homepage to record video/audio to the computer's hard disk. For details[...]

79 E Recording Changing the Recording Mode (SP/LP) Y ou can choose between SP (standard play) and LP (long play). LP extends the tape usage by 1.5 times. To change to LP mode, open the menu and select [VCR SETUP]. Select [REC MODE], set it to [LP] and close the menu. Depending on the nature and usage condition of the tape, pictur e and sound recor [...]

80 Changing the Display Language The language used in the camcorder displays and menu items can be changed to Simplified Chinese or Japanese. To change the display language, open the menu and select [DISPLA Y SETUP/ ]. Select [LANGUAGE ], select a language and close the menu. ❍ If you have mistakenly changed the language, follow the mark next to [...]

81 E Playback Playing Back a T ape If the playback picture is distorted, clean the video heads using a Canon Head Cleaning Cassette or a commercially available digital video head-cleaning cassette ( 108). 1. Set the POWER dial to VCR. 2. Press the ` button to rewind the tape. 3. Press the e button to begin playback. 4. Press the 3 button to stop pl[...]

82 SLOW M (Slow Forwar d)/(Slow Reverse) Plays back at about 1/3 normal speed. Press the button on the wireless controller during normal or reverse playback. Press the e (play) button to return to normal playback. × 2 (Forward × 2 Playback)/(Reverse × 2 Playback) Plays back at 2 times normal speed. Press the button on the wireless controller dur[...]

83 E Playback Playing Back on a TV Scr een TVs with S (S1)-Video Input T erminal Refer also to the TV or VCR instruction manual. 1. T ur n off all devices befor e starting the connections. 2. Connect the S-150 S-video Cable to the S-video terminals. 3. Connect the STV -150 Ster eo Video Cable to the camcorder’ s AUDIO1 terminals and the audio ter[...]

84 TVs with SCART T erminal Refer also to the TV or VCR instruction manual. 1. T ur n off all devices befor e starting the connections. 2. Connect the PC-A10 SCART Adapter to the TV or VCR’ s SCART terminal. 3. Connect the STV -150 Ster eo Video Cable to the camcorder’ s VIDEO and AUDIO1 terminals and the audio/video terminals on the SCART Adap[...]

85 E Playback TVs with Audio/Video T erminals Refer also to the TV or VCR instruction manual. 1. T ur n off all devices befor e starting the connections. 2. Connect the STV -150 Ster eo Video Cable to the camcorder’ s VIDEO and AUDIO1 terminals and the audio/video terminals on the TV/VCR. 3. If connecting to a TV , set the input selector to VIDEO[...]

86 Audio Output AUDIO MONITOR button AUDIO2 RCA terminals AUDIO1 RCA terminals Selecting the Audio Output of the RCA T erminals Press the AUDIO MONITOR button. The setting changes with each press of the button in the or der of CH , CH and CH +CH . Selecting the Audio Channels Open the menu and select [AUDIO SETUP]. Select [SEL AUDIO CH], select a s[...]

87 E Playback Retur ning to a Pr e-marked Position If you wish to return to a particular scene later , mark the point with the zero set memory , and the tape will stop at that point when you rewind/fast forward the tape. This function is operated with the wireless controller . 1. Press the ZERO SET MEMOR Y button at the point you wish to r eturn to[...]

88 Index Sear ch Y ou can locate the point at which you have recorded the index signal ( 71). This function is operated with the wireless controller . 1. Press the SEARCH SELECT button to display “INDEX SEARCH”. 2. Press the + or - button to begin sear ching. •P r ess mor e than once to search for further index signals (up to 10 times). •P [...]

89 E Playback Date Sear ch Y ou can locate the change of the date/time zone with the date search function. This function is operated with the wireless controller . 1. Press the SEARCH SELECT button to display “DA TE SEARCH”. 2. Press the + or - button to begin searching. •P r ess mor e than once to search for further date changes (up to 10 ti[...]

90 Displaying the Data Code The camcorder maintains a data code containing recording date and time and other camera data such as shutter speed, gain and exposure (f-stop). When you play back a tape, you can display the data code and select the data code combination you wish to display . Selecting the Date/Time Display Combination Open the menu and [...]

91 E Playback Displaying the Data Code Press the DA T A CODE button on the wir eless controller . The data code will not display the next time you turn on the camcorder . Six-Second Auto Date Date and time appear for 6 seconds when you begin playback, or to indicate that date or time zone has changed. Open the menu and select [DISPLA Y SETUP/ ]. Se[...]

92 Changing the Remote Sensor Mode T wo remote sensor modes and an off setting are available to prevent interference from other Canon wireless controllers being used nearby . Tu r ning the Remote Sensor Off Open the menu and select [SYSTEM]. Select [WL.REMOTE], set it to [OFF B ] and close the menu. “ B “ appears. Changing the Remote Sensor Mod[...]

93 E Editing Recor ding to a VCR or Digital V ideo Device Y ou can copy your recordings by connecting the camcorder to a VCR or a digital video device. If you connect a digital video device, you can copy recordings with virtually no generation loss in image and sound quality . Connecting the Devices q Connecting a VCR See Playing Back on a TV Scree[...]

94 Recor ding fr om Analog V ideo Devices (VCR, TV or Camcor der) Y ou can record videos or TV programs from a VCR or analog camcorder on the tape in the camcorder . 1. Connect the camcorder to the analog video device. See Playing Back on a TV Screen ( 83). 2. Set the POWER dial to VCR and load a blank cassette. 3. Open the menu and select [AUDIO S[...]

95 E Editing Recor ding fr om Digital V ideo Devices (DV Dubbing) Y ou can record from other digital video devices equipped with a DV terminal with virtually no loss in picture and sound quality . 1. Connect the camcorder to the digital video device. See Connecting a Digital Video Device ( 93). 2. Set the POWER dial to VCR and load a blank cassette[...]

96 Concer ning Copyright Copyright Precaution Certain pre-recorded video tapes, films and other materials, as well as some television programmes are copyrighted. Unauthorised recording of these materials may violate copyright protection laws. Copyright Signals During playback: If you try to play back a tape that contains copyright control signals f[...]

97 E Editing Conver ting Analog Signals into Digital Signals (Analog-Digital Conver ter) By connecting the camcorder to a VCR or 8mm video camcorder , you can convert analog video/audio signals to digital signals and output the digital signals via the DV terminal. The DV terminal serves as output terminal only . Connecting the Devices Tu rn off all[...]

98 Tu r ning On the Analog-Digital Converter Open the menu and select [VCR SETUP]. Select [A V DV], set it to [ON] and close the menu. ❍ Depending on the signal sent from the connected device, the conversion fr om analog to digital signals might not work properly (e.g., signals that include copyright pr otective signals or anomalous signals suc[...]

99 E Editing Y ou can transfer recordings to a computer equipped with a IEEE1394 (DV) terminal or IEEE1394 capture board. Use the editing software supplied with your computer/capture board to transfer video recording from tape to computer . Refer to the instruction manual of the software. A driver is preinstalled on Windows operating systems later [...]

100 Aperture setting in Av mode Shutter speed setting in Tv mode Aperture, shutter speed setting in Manual mode Custom white balance Exposure lock on/off Aperture, shutter speed setting during exposure lock Colour bars setting Colour bars on/off Film grain setting Film grain on/off CAMERA MENU settings* Self-timer on/off Interval timer on/off TV SC[...]

101 E Additional Information Aperture setting in Av mode Shutter speed setting in Tv mode Aperture, shutter speed setting in Manual mode Custom white balance Exposure lock on/off Aperture, shutter speed setting during exposure lock Colour bars setting Colour bars on/off Film grain setting Film grain on/off CAMERA MENU setting Self-timer on/off Inte[...]

102 Hiding the Displays on the Camcorder Scr een Y ou can hide the displays on the screen to have a clear screen for playback. Open the menu and select [DISPLA Y SETUP/ ]. Select [DISPLA YS], set it to [OFF <PLA YBK>] and close the menu. •W arning messages still appear , and the data code appears if tur ned on. •T ape operation displays a[...]

103 E Additional Information Screen Displays during Recor ding See also 32. Programmed AE ( 51) Aperture* ( 55, 56) Exposure lock ( 57)/ AE shift ( 58) Remote sensor mode ( 92) Interval timer ( 75) Frame rate ( 42) Audio mode ( 46) DV control ( 78) Accessory attached to the advanced accessory shoe White balance ( 60) Manual focus ( 39) Colour bars [...]

104 Screen Displays during Playback Side panel Audio mode [AUDIO LEVEL] is set to [MANUAL] T ape has reached the end Remaining battery charge Audio output during playback Recording mode T ime code Audio level indicator Audio output ( 86) Mix balance ( 86) Data code ( 90) Audio mode ( 46) User bit ( 45) Custom keys ( 70) Audio level indicator ( 49) [...]

105 E Additional Information List of Messages Message Explanation You have not set the time zone, date and time. This message appears each time you turn the power on until you set the time zone, date and time. Battery pack is exhausted. Replace or charge the battery pack. Cassette is protected. Replace the cassette or change the position of the pro[...]

106 Maintenance/Others Camcorder Handling Pr ecautions ❍ Do not carry the camcorder by the viewfinder or the microphone. ❍ Do not leave the camcorder in places subject to high temperatures, such as a sun-heated car , and high humidity . ❍ Do not use the camcorder in places subject to magnetic or electric fields such as near the TV transmitter[...]

107 E Additional Information V iewfinder 1. Pull up the eye cup and open the protect cover (e.g. using a flathead screwdriver). 2. Clean the glass with a cotton swab. 3. Reattach the protect cover . Be careful not to scratch the glass when cleaning.[...]

108 V ideo Heads ❍ When the message “HEADS DIRTY , USE CLEANING CASSETTE” appears, or when the playback picture becomes distorted, the video heads need to be cleaned. ❍ To maintain the best picture quality , we recommend cleaning the video heads frequently with the Canon DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette or a commercially availabl[...]

109 E Additional Information How to avoid condensation: ❍ Unload the cassette, place the camcorder in an airtight plastic bag and let it adjust to temperature changes slowly before removing it from the bag. When condensation is detected: ❍ The camcorder stops operating, and the warning message “CONDENSA TION HAS BEEN DETECTED” appears for a[...]

110 Cassette Handling Precautions ❍ Rewind tapes after use. If the tape becomes slack and damaged, it may cause picture and sound distortion. ❍ Return cassettes in the case and store them upright. ❍ Do not leave the cassette in the camcorder after use. ❍ Do not use spliced tapes or nonstandard cassettes as they may damage the camcorder . ?[...]

111 E Additional Information Tr oubleshooting If you have a problem with your camcorder , refer to this checklist. Consult your dealer or a Canon Service Centre if the problem persists. Power Source Problem Cause Solution Battery pack is not correctly attached. Power save function has been activated. Battery pack is exhausted. Attach the battery pa[...]

112 Recording Bright light in a dark scene may cause a vertical light bar (smear) to appear. This is not a malfunction. Viewfinder is not adjusted. The INPUT SELECT switch is not set to the correct position. The REC LEVEL switch is set to M, and recording level is set too low. Microphone connected to the XLR terminal needs to be powered by the phan[...]

113 E Additional Information TV Digital Device CV -150F/CV -250F D V Cable STV -150 Stereo Video Cable S-150 S-video Cable PC-A10 SCART Adapter VCR FS-72U Filter Set 16 × IS II Zoom Lens XL 5.5-88 mm 16 × Manual Zoom Lens XL 5.4-86.4 mm 3 × Zoom Lens XL 3.4-10.2 mm EF Adapter XL EF lens ** WL-D4000 Wireless Controller MiniD V Video Cassette Exte[...]

114 3 × Zoom Lens XL 3.4–10.2 mm A super wide-angle lens that gives a range of 32.1–96.3 mm (35mm film equivalent). HC-3200 System Case A solid, lockable case that provides safe and stylish protection for the camcorder during transportation and storage. FS-72U Filter Set Ultraviolet, neutral density and circular polarizing filters to help you [...]

115 E Additional Information Extender XL 1.6 × Attach this extender between a Canon XL lens and the XL2 to boost the focal length of the lens by 1.6 × . EF Adapter XL This allows you to attach Canon EF lenses to the XL2. The difference in size between the XL2’ s 1/3-inch CCD’ s and 35mm film means that the effective focal length of still came[...]

116 Zoom Remote Controller ZR-1000 When this product is plugged into the LANC m terminal of a Canon camcorder , it is possible to control functions such as the start and stop of recording and the zoom and focusing functions while the camcorder is mounted on a tripod, without touching the camcorder body itself. This mark identifies genuine Canon vid[...]

117 E Additional Information XL2 System V ideo Recor ding System 2 rotary heads, helical scanning DV system (consumer digital VCR SD system), digital component recording Audio Recording System PCM digital sound: 16 bit (48 kHz/2 ch); 12 bit (32 kHz/4 ch) T elevision System CCIR standard (625 lines, 50 fields) P AL colour signal Image Sensor 1/3-inc[...]

118 Power/Others Power supply (rated) 7.2 V DC Power consumption 7.1 W (recording with autofocus, 20 × L IS Lens mounted) Operating temperature 0 – 40 ˚C Dimensions (W × H × D) 225 × 220 × 496 mm W eight (camcorder body only) 2410 g (fully loaded) 3545 g Lens Some lens specifications change as shown below when mounting on the XL2. CA-920 Co[...]

119 E Additional Information 16:9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Abroad, using the camcorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 114 AE shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Analog-digital converter . . . . . 97 Analog line-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Audio level indicator . . . [...]

120 Audio Block Diagram Input Output Audio process 1 R-XLR GAINUP (menu) INPUT SELECT SW Pre Amp A / D D / A Line Amp Digital Process Filters ALC EVR SEL AUDIO CH (menu) PHONE VOL OUT INPUT SELECT SW Pre Amp A / D D / A Line Amp Digital Process Filters ALC EVR PHONE VOL OUT 48kHz : CH 1/ CH 2 32kHz : CH 1/ CH 2 48kHz : 32kHz : CH 3/ CH 4 R-XLR GAIN[...]

121 E Additional Information Audio process 2 AUD. M. SET (menu) CH 1 CH 2 CH 3 CH 4 AUDIO MONITOR Driver RCA CH 1/CH 3 PHONE Lch METER Lch RCA CH 2/CH 4 PHONE Rch METER Rch DELAY DELAY from Tape from 1394 to Tape to 1394 normal normal Line Out Line Out PB PB CH1 CH3 CH2 CH4 MIX MIX CH1 CH2 CH1 REC CH SELECT SW AUD. M. SET (menu) DELAY DELAY AUDIO M[...]

0043W166 PUB.DIE-211 0000Ni0.0 © CANON INC. 2004 DY8-9020-142-000 PRINTED IN JAP AN CANON INC. Canon Europa N.V . P .O. Box 2262, 1180 EG Amstelveen, the Netherlands Canon UK Ltd. CCI Service Centre Unit 130, Centennial Park, Borehamwood, Hertfor dshire, WD6 3SE, England T elephone 0870-241-2161 Canon Australia Pty . Ltd. Info-Line: 131383 www .ca[...]