DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER ENGLISH Instruction Manual E CAMESCOPE ET LECTEUR VIDEO NUMERIQUES FRANÇAIS Mode d’emploi F VIDEOCAMARA Y GRABADORA DIGITAL ESPAÑOL Manual de Instrucciones Es Mini NTSC Digital Video Cassette
Important Usage Instructions WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. E 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.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS In these safety instructions the word “product” refers to the Canon Digital Video Camcorder DM-GL1A and all its accessories. 1. Read Instructions — All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated. 2. Retain Instructions — The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. 3. Heed Warnings — All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to. 4.
19. 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.
Contents Introduction Important Usage Instructions ................................2 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ..........3 Thank you for Choosing a Canon ..........................6 Quick Overview Using the Full Range of Features ~ General ... ~ Turning the Optical Image Stabilizer Off ............33 Selecting from the Menus ....................................34 Using the Wireless Controller/Tally Lamp ..........36 ~ For Recording ...~ Setting the Date and Time....................................
Thank you for Choosing a Canon First, we’d like to thank you for purchasing this Canon camcorder. Its advanced technology makes it very easy to use — you will soon be making high-quality videos which will give you pleasure for years to come.
Introducing the GL1 Digital Video GL1 conforms to the new digital video D standard to give you outstanding picture quality. It is fitted with a DV terminal for digital-to-digital dubbing (IEEE 1394 standard). L Series Fluorite 20× (100× Digital) Zoom Lens From wide-angle to 20× telephoto — with unparalleled optical quality. The digital zoom magnifies this by five times for even more dramatic results. Fluorite incorporated into the lens produces images with high-contrast, true-to-life color.
Finding Your Way Around the GL1 E FF PLAY REW button (p. 28) PAUSE button (p. 28) button (p. 28) STOP REC button (p. 28) button (p. 28) button (p. 75, 77) Program selector (p. 48) BATTERY RELEASE button (p. 16) Quick Overview Viewfinder (p. 82) LCD screen (p. 25) Infra-red signals transmitter (p. 69) LCD panel open button (p. 25) Power source attachment unit (p. 16) MENU button (p. 35) RESET button (p. 94) Image stabilizer button (p. 33) Menu dial (p. 35) Self timer button (p.
E Carrying handle Zoom control (p. 24) PHOTO button (p. 43) LOCK lever (p. 88) MOVIE MODE switch (p. 46) Stereo microphone (p. 80) Strap attachment bar (p. 82) Lens hood locking screw (p. 15) Viewfinder focusing lever (p. 82) Start/stop button (p. 21) Standby lever (p. 21) DC 5V terminal Quick Overview Focus ring (p. 58) MIC terminal (p. 31, 80) DV terminal (p. 75) Grip belt (p. 82) DV IN/OUT REMOTE terminal (p. 74) Audio/video terminal (p. 30) EJECT A/V button (p.
E PHOTO button (p. 43) Zoom control (p. 24) POWER switch (p. 21, 28) START/STOP button (p. 21) Strap attachment bar (p. 82) Power indicator (p. 28) Accessory shoe (p. 45) Quick Overview Tally lamp (p. 38) Remote sensor (p. 36) + REC SEARCH button (p. 47) Record review button (p. 47) – REC SEARCH button (p. 47) Lens hood (p. 15) ND FILTER button (p. 42) WHITE BALANCE (p. 63) FOCUS A/M button (p. 58) WHITE BALANCE SELECT button (p. 63) EXPOSURE dial (p. 55) Tripod socket (p. 31) D.E.
E PHOTO button (p. 43) MENU button (p. 35) Transmitter START/STOP button (p. 21) Zoom buttons (p. 24) Controller buttons (p. 35) SELF TIMER button (p. 54) START /STOP PHOTO TV SCREEN button (p. 35, 95) SELF TIMER ZOOM W SET button (p. 35) MENU TV SCREEN DATA CODE button (p. 65, 95) T SET MIX AUDIO MONITOR button (p. 86) REC PAUSE button (p. 75) ZERO SET MEMORY button (p. 68) AUDIO DUB. button (p. 81) AUDIO BALANCE ST-2 MONITOR ST-1 REC PAUSE Search buttons (p.
The GL1 System Diagram (Availability differs from area to area) E SS-650 Shoulder Strap BP-900 Series Battery Pack Stereo Microphone (Available commercially) WL-D73 Wireless Controller VL-10Li Battery Video Light DC-905 DC Coupler MB-100 Microphone Boom MiniDV Video Cassette BP-900 Series Battery Pack CA-910 Compact Power Adapter 220EX Speedlite Quick Overview CB-900 Car Battery Adapter 380EX Speedlite BP-900 Series Battery Pack CH-910 Dual Battery Charger/Holder (Available soon) 550EX Speedlite
Optional Accessories Call or visit your local retailer/dealer for genuine Canon video accessories. You can also obtain genuine accessories for your Canon camcorder by calling 1-800-828-4040, Canon U.S.A. Information Center. E Battery Packs Extra batteries for use with the GL1. When you use the optional BP-930R (without the CH-910 Dual Battery Charger/Holder), the remaining time indicator appears, showing you how many minutes you can continue to record before the battery is exhausted (see p. 83).
HC-4000 System Case A solid, lockable case that provides safe and stylish protection for the camera during transportation and storage. E VL-10Li Battery Video Light This compact yet powerful video light can be used for both indoor and outdoor shooting. • Lithium ion battery packs can be used to power the light. Approximate usage times are as follows: BP-914 50 min. BP-915 1 hr. BP-941 2 hrs. 40 min. BP-930 2 hrs. BP-930R 2 hrs.
Attaching the Lens Hood E 1. Remove the lens cap. • When you purchase the GL1, the lens cap cord is attached in the middle of the velcro grip belt. Open the velcro and slide the lens cap cord to the position shown in the illustration. 2. Align the hood to the lens with the Canon logo facing to the left. 3. Twist it into position (clockwise), so that the Canon logo is to the top. • You do not need to assert any pressure — screw the hood lightly into place. 4. Finally, tighten the locking screw.
Powering the GL1 Before operating your camera, you will need to use the power adapter to: E provide power from an AC outlet or charge a battery pack Notes: • The power adapter converts current from a household power socket (100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz) to the DC current used by your camera. • If the adapter is used next to a TV, it may cause the TV to emit noise — move the adapter away from the TV or the antenna cable.
Charging and attaching the battery pack E 1 2 3 4 Your battery pack was partially charged before it left the factory. It should have enough power for you to check that your camera is working properly. However, you must charge the battery pack fully if you want it to power the camera for more than a few minutes. 1. Attach the battery pack to the power adapter. • Make sure the DC coupler is not connected. • Align the triangle on the battery pack with the line on the power adapter.
CA-910 Compact Power Adapter E Specifications Power supply Power consumption Rated output Operating temperature range Dimensions Weight 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz 16 W Adapter mode: 6.0 V, 1.7 A DC Charger mode: 8.4 V, 1.2 A DC 32°F–104°F (0°C–40°C) 2 1/2 × 5 × 1 3/4 in (63 × 127.5 × 43 mm) 10 7/8 oz (310 g) Weight and dimensions are approximate. Errors and omissions excepted. Subject to change without notice.
Loading a Cassette OPEN E EJECT T. PU SH SE FIRS THIS CLO SH PU SE CLO ST. IR IS F TH Only use videocassettes marked with the D logo.* Loading and unloading 1. Make sure that you have attached a power source. 2. Slide the OPEN button across to release the cover. • Pull the cover fully open (while holding the button in the OPEN position). 3. Press the EJECT 5 button and wait for the cassette compartment to open. • The confirmation beep sounds. 4. Load or unload the cassette.
Protecting tapes from accidental erasure E REC SAVE REC SAVE To protect your recording from accidental erasure, slide the tab on the cassette so that it exposes the hole and the red mark. (This switch position is usually labeled SAVE or ERASE OFF.) If you load this cassette and put the camera in record pause mode (p. 21), “THE TAPE IS SET FOR ERASURE PREVENTION” is displayed for approx. 4 seconds and then the v mark flashes in the display.
Basic Recording OFF CAMERA VCR 1 STANDBY LOCK 2 STANDBY LOCK START /STOP 4 E POWER 3 Before you start recording • • • • • • Attach a power source (p. 16). Load a cassette (p. 19). Fasten the grip belt (p. 82). Attach the lens hood (p. 15). Choose the display: viewfinder (p. 82) or LCD screen (p. 25). Adjust the viewfinder or the LCD screen. You may also want to charge the backup battery (p. 84) in order to set the date and time display (p. 39). To set the movie mode, refer to p. 46. 1.
When you have finished recording E • Close the LCD panel. • Unload the cassette. • Turn the standby lever to LOCK. • Slide the POWER switch to OFF. • Disconnect the power source. (If you have used the viewfinder, return it to its lowered and retracted position.) Notes: • To check that the camera is recording correctly, make a test recording first.
Turning the camera recording displays ON/OFF You can show/hide non-essential camera recording displays by pressing the DISPLAY/DATA CODE button. You cannot hide the following: • Recording displays (REC, PAUSE etc.) • Remaining battery power, flash information display • Caution phrases (“CONDENSATION HAS BEEN DETECTED,” etc.) E DISPLAY /DATA CODE Even if you have the displays hidden, all displays will appear for 4 seconds if you operate any of the recording functions.
Zooming E Zoom in ZOOM W T W T Zoom out 20× optical zoom Operate the zoom controls from either the side grip, the camera handle or the wireless controller. The camera’s 20× zoom lens allows you to choose the best picture angle for each scene: • Press the zoom control towards W to zoom out to wide-angle. • Press it towards T to zoom in to telephoto. Quick Overview You can control the speed of zooming from the side grip: • Press the control slightly to zoom slowly.
Using the LCD Screen Open the LCD screen E Push the LCD panel open button and open the panel by pulling it away from the camera. This automatically switches the LCD screen on and the viewfinder off. When you close the LCD panel, the LCD screen automatically switches off and the viewfinder switches back on. Changing the angle of the LCD screen First open out the LCD panel at a right angle (90°) to the camera.
Adjusting the LCD screen E You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen. Adjust the level with the +/– LCD BRIGHT buttons. A bar showing the level appears in the display and disappears after 4 seconds. • Press the + button to make the display brighter. • Press the – button to make the display darker. LCD BRIGHT Quick Overview Notes: • The camera will remember your brightness setting even if you slide the POWER switch to OFF.
Indicators that appear in the LCD display when “mirror” is selected: E REC REC PAUSE EJECT • All indicators appear normally in the viewfinder. Built-in speaker and headphone terminal The camcorder has a built-in speaker and a headphone terminal so you can review the sound track alongside the picture during playback. Use the speaker or headphones when viewing playback with the LCD screen, and use headphones when viewing with the viewfinder.
Playing Back a Cassette E OFF CAMERA VCR POWER You can use the LCD screen or the viewfinder for instant, on-the-spot playback. The camera also plays back the sound track via the built-in speaker (p. 27). • When you play back a tape, you can close the LCD panel with its screen side facing up. • When the LCD panel is closed, you can monitor the playback using the viewfinder. To play back your recordings on a TV, see p. 30. To use the wireless controller, see p. 36.
Special playback E These can only be operated from the wireless controller (p. 36). Frame Advance To play back frame by frame, press the +/ae button repeatedly during playback pause. Press and hold to play back continuous frame advance. REC PAUSE SEARCH SELECT ZERO SET MEMORY REW PLAY FF STOP PAUSE SLOW 2 Frame Reverse To play back in reverse frame by frame, press the –/4a button repeatedly during playback pause. Press and hold to play back continuous frame reverse.
Connections for Playback on a TV Screen You can connect the camera to a TV or VCR in order to play back your recordings. You will need to attach a power source to the camera (see p. 16). E See your TV or VCR instruction manual for further details. If your TV (or VCR) has an S-video input terminal INPUT S-150 S-video Cable DV S-VIDEO IN/OUT VIDEO STV-250N Stereo Video Cable A/V AUDIO L IN/ OUT R Quick Overview • Use the S-150 S-video Cable to connect the S-video terminal d.
Tips for Making Better Videos Holding the camera E For maximum stability, grip the camera in your right hand and keep your right elbow pressed against your body. If necessary support the camera with your left hand. With practice, you will be able to operate the controls by touch, without taking your eye off the action. Using a tripod To prevent any unwanted movement, you can mount the camera on a tripod, (or any flat surface at a suitable height) and operate it with the wireless controller.
Composition E The most important element in the scene does not have to be in the center. For a more interesting picture, try to position your subject so it is slightly to one side. Leave some space on the side of the frame that the subject is facing or moving towards. Don’t cut off the top of the subject’s head, and don’t cut people off at the neck, hips or knees (move a little bit above or below). Watch out for distracting objects in the background.
Turning the Optical Image Stabilizer Off E With most camcorders, even the slightest hand movements will be noticeable during telephoto recording. However, the GL1’s Optical Image Stabilizer allows you to obtain steady recordings even at high magnification. Unlike electronic image stabilizers, it causes no loss of picture quality. The Optical Image Stabilizer can compensate for a wide range of camera movement — you can record stable images even if you are shooting from a moving car.
Selecting from the Menus E Many of the camera’s advanced functions are selected from menus which appear in the display. You must first pause recording before the functions in the menus can be changed. There are two main menus: 1. Camera menu (when the camera is in record pause mode: the POWER switch set to CAMERA and the standby lever set to STANDBY) 2. VCR menu (when the camera is in VCR mode: the POWER switch is set to VCR) Camera menu (CAM.MENU) CAM .
E 1,5 MENU MENU TV SCREEN SET 2,4 3 You can also close the LCD panel with its screen facing up when you select items from the menus. 1. Press the MENU button to open the menu. 2. Turn the menu dial up or down to move the arrow up or down the display. 3. Press the menu dial in to select your chosen option from the menu. • Your selected option remains on the screen and all other options are removed. 4. Turn the menu dial up or down to choose its setting. 5. Press the MENU button to close the menu.
Using the Wireless Controller/Tally Lamp E The supplied wireless controller can operate the camera from a distance of up to 16 feet (5 m). Point it at the camera’s remote sensor while you press the buttons. The tally lamp lights up to let you know that the camera is in range and responding to your commands. t 16f There are six functions which can only be operated using the wireless controller: • Special playback (p. 29) • Photo/date search (p. 67) • Zero set memory (p. 68) • Audio mix (p.
Setting the remote sensor mode E To prevent interference from other Canon wireless controllers being used nearby, there are two remote sensor modes and an off setting. The wireless controller and the camera have to be set to the same mode in order to be compatible. ZOOM W T REMOTE SET The wireless controller and the camera have been preset to mode 1. If you change the mode on the camera, be sure to change the mode on the wireless controller to the same mode. WL.REMOTE••• (see p.
E Turning off the tally lamp The tally lamp lets you know that the camera is recording. However, its flashing may be reflected into the lens during close-up recording, or when recording through glass. You may therefore decide to turn it off. TALLY LAMP••ON (see p. 34) 1. Open the camera menu and point the arrow at TALLY LAMP. 2. Select the OFF setting and close the menu.
Setting the Date and Time E MENU The date and/or time display forms part of the data code. You can choose to display or hide it during playback (see p. 65). Set the date and time display when you first start using your camera. Charge the backup battery for a full day (approx. 24 hours) before you begin (see p. 84). • Before you start setting the date and time, select your home time zone from the menu. • If you are on daylight saving time now, you should set the camera to daylight saving time.
E 16 1 4 19 18 2 24 20 3 17 6 7 10 9 15 8 5 21 23 14 12 22 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1 No. Time zone LONDON PARIS CAIRO MOSCOW DUBAI KARACHI DACCA BANGKOK H. KONG (Hong Kong) TOKYO SYDNEY SOLOMON 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 No. Time zone WELLGTN (Wellington) SAMOA HONOLU (Honolulu) ANCHOR (Anchorage) L.A. (Los Angeles) DENVER CHICAGO N.Y. (New York) CARACAS RIO (Rio de Janeiro) FERNAN.
Setting the display style E Select whether you want the date, the time, or both to show up on your data code display (p. 66). D/TIME SEL.•DATE & TIME (see p. 34) 1. 2. 3. 4. Turn the POWER switch to VCR. Open the menu and select D/TIME SEL. Choose between DATE, TIME and DATE & TIME. Press the MENU button to close the menu. Date and time display You can choose to display or hide the date and time display during recording.
Using the ND Filter E N FI D LT ER On bright days or when recording very bright scenes, despite the iris being at its smallest aperture, blurring of the image may occur. If this happens, using the ND filter should remove this problem. Turn the ND filter on by pressing the ND FILTER button. • ND is shown continuously in the display while the ND filter is turned on. – ND ON flashes in the display to advise you to switch the ND filter on. (However it doesn’t appear in the Manual mode or during exposure lock.
Taking Still Pictures (Photo Mode) E PHOTO PHO TO PHOTO Take still photos to download into your PC for image enhancement and printout. Also, starting your shooting with a still photo makes it easy to find the beginning again later with the Photo Search function (p. 67). You can record still pictures like a photograph. The camera records the picture and sound to tape for approximately 6 seconds. The exposure is automatically adjusted.
Using the Full Range of Features E 44 Notes: • While the camera records the still, you cannot use the camera functions (POWER switch/STANDBY lever do not respond until recording is complete). This applies even when you haven’t loaded a cassette. • The wireless controller’s PHOTO button has no half-way setting, press the button fully and the camera immediately takes the “photo”.
Using a Canon Speedlite for Flash Photography (optional) For SLR-style flash photography, attach a Canon Speedlite 220EX, 380EX or 550EX to the camcorder’s accessory shoe. Attach the Speedlite 380EX and 550EX with their locking collars as in the illustration. Attach the Speedlite 220EX with its hot shoe lock release. E Set the camera to record pause mode. Turn on the Speedlite using its main switch, and wait for it to charge.
Choosing the Movie Mode (Normal/Frame) E The Frame mode can be used when you want to look at a video, scene by scene, free from field slippage (the “flicker” that normally occurs when you pause a video). The vertical resolution of the image is improved by 1.5×. During playback, pause the video any time you like to view a crystal clear still image in the display or on a connected TV screen. It is also possible to transfer your favorite still pictures to a PC for image enhancement and print out.
Searching and Reviewing While Recording Record search When the camera is in record pause mode, you can use record search to play the tape forwards or backwards to find the point where you want to start or restart recording. This is useful when you want to add a new scene to a previously used cassette. By using record search, you can ensure a smooth, noise-free join between the new scene and the old one. E REC SEARCH 1. Make sure the camera is in record pause mode. 2.
Using the Various Recording Programs E The camera provides you with a choice of seven recording programs. They use different combinations of camera settings in order to adjust the exposure and other functions to match the recording situation. The name of your selected recording program appears constantly on the left of the display, with the exception of the AUTO Recording program whose n mark is displayed and then disappears after 4 seconds.
Auto In normal recording conditions, set the program selector to n (Auto). This is the same as the Easy Recording program, except that you now have the option of using any of the camera’s manual functions. E AUTO A Giving priority to shutter speed (shutter-priority: Tv) Use this program to select the shutter speed. The camera automatically sets all other values necessary to give the correct exposure. When you turn the program selector to Tv, the current shutter speed is shown in the display.
E Giving priority to the aperture (aperture-priority: Av) Use this program to select the aperture (iris diameter) to give you maximum control over the depth of field. A large F number (a small aperture) gives a greater depth of field. You can choose 12 F numbers between f/1.6 and f/11. If you try to set an F number that is too high or too low for the shooting conditions, the indicator flashes in the display. In this case, increase or decrease the setting until the flashing stops. Av F1.
Using Digital Effects Add the camera’s digital effects during recording for more interesting productions. Except for the fade trigger, all digital effects can be used for both still photos and video, and sound is recorded normally. E Fade Trigger When you start recording, the scene gradually fades in from a black screen. When you stop recording, it gradually fades out. Set the fade trigger each time you wish to use it (both before you fade in and again before you fade out).
E Operating the digital effects 1. 2. 3. 4. Set the camera to record pause mode. Set the program selector to any mode other than [ Easy Recording. Open the camera menu and select D.EFFECT. Select your desired effect and close the menu. • Your chosen effect flashes in the display. • Select OFF to deselect all effects. 5. Press the D.E. ON/OFF button. • If you have chosen FADE-T, FADE-T stops flashing. • If you have chosen any other effect, it will take effect on the screen. 6.
Audio Recording Selecting the audio mode E The GL1 can record sound in two audio modes: • 16-bit (48 kHz, 2 channel) for the highest sound quality • 12-bit (32 kHz, 2 from 4 channels) for recording on two channels (stereo 1), leaving two channels (stereo 2) free for you to add new sound at a later date. AUDIO MODE••12bit (see p. 34) 1. To switch the mode, open the camera or VCR menu and select AUDIO MODE. 2. Select a mode, and close the menu. • The name of your chosen mode is displayed for 4 seconds.
Setting the Self-Timer E STANDBY LOCK START /STOP SELF TIMER This is useful when you want to include yourself in the picture when recording. 1. Set the camera to record pause mode. 2. Press the self-timer button on the body of the camera or the SELF TIMER button on the wireless controller. • SELF T. appears in the display. • To have the subject monitor recording, rotate the LCD panel 180° (p. 26). 3. Press the start/stop button.
Manual Exposure Adjustment E RE OSU EXP 1. Turn the program selector to the Manual recording program. 2. Press the EXPOSURE dial in. shutter speed iris no display gain • An arrow appears next to the shutter speed value. 3. Turn the EXPOSURE dial to increase or decrease the shutter speed. • You can choose 27 shutter speeds between 1/60 and 1/15000 of a second. • See “About the shutter speed” (p. 56). 4. Press the EXPOSURE dial in again. • The arrow moves next to the F number. 5.
● About the shutter speed E Turn the EXPOSURE dial toward + for a slower shutter speed or – for a faster shutter speed.
Exposure lock/adjustment E ● Exposure lock Lock the exposure at the current level in order to control the brightness of the image. RE OSU EXP To lock the exposure, press the EXPOSURE dial in once. Press it again to return to the automatically set exposure level. Notes: • You cannot lock the exposure in the [ (Easy Recording) or M (Manual) recording programs. • The standard exposure level depends on which recording program you have selected, but the shutter normally operates at 1/60 of a second.
Adjusting the Focus E The camera can focus automatically. All you have to do is point it, and whatever is in the center of the display will usually be in sharp focus. If it does not seem to be focusing well, it may be because the subject is not suitable for autofocus (page 93). Also, if you attach a filter other than UV or ND, the autofocus may not work as effectively. Temporary focus override You can adjust the focus temporarily without turning autofocus off.
Using AE Shift By controlling the level of the automatic exposure (AE) function, you can lighten or darken the image slightly. This allows you to compensate for backlit, overexposed scenes. E 1. Turn the program selector to the Auto, Tv or Av recording program. 2. Open the camera menu and select AE SHIFT. 3. Turn the menu dial to choose your desired level. • Levels are from –2 to +2, in 0.25 intervals (excluding –1.75 and +1.75). • The higher the setting, the brighter the image. 4. Close the menu.
Adjusting Camera Sharpness Change the sharpness level before shooting for more creative videos. E C.SHARPNESS•– + (see p. 34) 1. Select C.SHARPNESS from the camera menu. 2. Set your desired sharpness level. Using the Full Range of Features • Adjust toward + for a sharper picture, and toward – to soften the contour. • CP (custom preset) appears in the display.
Adjusting Color Phase Change the color phase level before shooting for more creative videos. E C.PHASE•••••R G (see p. 34) 1. Select C. (color) PHASE from the camera menu. 2. Set your desired color level. • Adjust toward R for a redder picture, and toward G for a greener picture. • CP (custom preset) appears in the display.
Using the Zebra Pattern E MENU The zebra pattern is a series of diagonal stripes that appear in the display to highlight areas of overexposure. Use as a guide to setting the aperture (iris) and shutter speed. ZEBRA•••••••OFF (see p. 34) 1. Open the camera menu and select ZEBRA. 2. Select the ON setting and close the menu. Using the Full Range of Features Note: • The camera does not record the zebra pattern, it is only shown in the display.
Adjusting the White Balance The camera’s auto white balance system compensates for a wide range of lighting conditions. Although slight variations are unavoidable, colors will appear natural in virtually every situation.
Using the Full Range of Features E 64 Notes: • Turn the digital zoom off (if necessary) to set a more accurate white balance. • If the lighting conditions change, reset the white balance by first returning to the auto setting, and then reselecting the manual balance. • Try to record with light from a single source. Correct white balance cannot be obtained for two types of lighting at once.
Displaying Data Code A data code, containing the date and time the recording was made and other camera data (shutter speed, exposure and gain settings) is automatically recorded on a special data section of the tape. E DISPLAY /DATA CODE DATA CODE During VCR mode, the data code can be displayed or hidden while the camera is in play, slow, or still mode. Camera data may be displayed as “— — —” during fast forward, rewind, reverse playback, forward and reverse ×2 playback.
E Notes: • To avoid accidental recording, make sure that you slide the tab on the cassette so that it exposes the hole (the switch position is usually labeled SAVE or ERASE OFF). • The data code will read “— — —” in the following situations: – During playback of a blank section of tape. – If the tape was recorded before entering the date and time in the camera’s memory. – If the tape was recorded on a camera without a data code function. – If noise or tape damage prevents the data code from being read.
Searching the Tape (Photo Search/Date Search) E OFF CAMERA VCR POWER REC PAUSE SEARCH SELECT ZERO SET MEMORY REW PLAY FF AUDIO DUB. STOP +/ –/ A/V INSERT PAUSE SLOW ×2 This allows you to move quickly through still pictures recorded anywhere on a tape (photo search) or between different days or areas of recording (date search). • You can only use this function from the wireless controller. 1. Slide the POWER switch to VCR. 2. Press the SEARCH SELECT button to choose between photo/date search.
Returning to a Pre-Marked Position E OFF CAMERA VCR POWER REC PAUSE SEARCH SELECT ZERO SET MEMORY REW PLAY FF AUDIO DUB. STOP +/ –/ A/V INSERT PAUSE SLOW ×2 Use the wireless controller to go back to a pre-determined point on a tape following playback. 1. Press the ZERO SET MEMORY button on the wireless controller at a point you want to return to later. • The time code is replaced by a tape counter that is set to zero with the  indication.
The Dubbing Function The GL1 dubs your pre-recorded scenes onto a tape in your VCR or another camcorder. You can add audio to a tape (audio dubbing, p. 80) or both audio and visual (A/V insert, p. 78). You can also adjust the starting and ending points of the scene (the “cut-in” and “cut-out” points, p. 73). In addition, the GL1 can record from a VCR, TV or analog camcorder (analog linein, p. 76).
Using the Dubbing Function for the First Time When you use the dubbing function for the first time, or with a different VCR, you should set your camcorder to send the correct remote control signals to your VCR. The camera will not forget this setting unless you change it. Do not alter it again unless you change VCR. E R E C . S E T UP SE L . SE T SE T ME N UC L OS E D UB MODE R E COR D E R . . . . [ ] – [ ] CUT- I N A D J . . . 0 : 0 0 CUT-OU T A D J . . 0 : 0 0 Preparations & setting up 1.
RECORDER The camera’s Dubbing Function can remotely control almost all brands and models of VCR. VCR remote control signals vary depending on model and brand. First, choose the right RECORDER setting for your VCR. The number indicates the VCR brand. The letter indicates the set of signals.
Dubbing to a VCR E 1. Make sure you are in DUB MODE (see p. 69). • WIND THE TAPES AND PAUSE \ SET appears in the display. 2. Set the tape in the VCR to the point where you want to start recording, set it to record pause mode. Set the tape in the camera to the point where you want to start dubbing, set the camera to playback pause mode. • You can use the `, 1, e, a and 3 buttons or special playback functions in the same way as in playback mode. 3. Press the menu dial in. • START .......
Cut-In and Cut-Out Adjustments Setting the Cut-In and Cut-Out Adjustments E The point where a scene starts is called the “cut-in” point, and the point where it ends is called the “cutout” point. Some VCR models take a second or more to actually start recording after they receive the command signal. If this happens you could lose the beginning of the scene. CUT-IN ADJ. prevents this by sending the command a little early. Similarly, some models take some time to react to the command to stop recording.
Simple Editing to a VCR If you cannot find the appropriate remote control setting for the camcorder to control your VCR, you still can edit a tape to the VCR as follows. E Preparations 1. Connect the camera to the VCR. • See “Connections for Playback on a TV Screen” on p. 30. 2. Prepare the TV and VCR. • Turn on the TV and set it to the video channel, or set the TV/VIDEO selector to VIDEO. • Turn on the VCR, and set its input selector to LINE. Load a blank cassette, and put the VCR in record pause mode.
Dubbing with Digital Video Equipment DV terminal/connections E REC PAUSE SEARCH SELECT ZERO SET MEMORY REW PLAY FF AUDIO DUB. STOP +/ –/ A/V INSERT PAUSE SLOW ×2 Digital video equipment fitted with this terminal lets you edit, copy and transfer data digitally, with virtually no generation loss in image and sound quality. The DV terminal is for both line-in and line-out, since a single DV cable can handle data in both directions.
Recording from a VCR, TV or Other Camcorder (Analog Line-in) You can record a TV program or a video played on your VCR or analog camcorder (digital camcorders, see p. 75) onto a tape in the GL1, if the TV or other device has audio/video outputs. • If an anomalous signal is sent from the TV or VCR, the images recorded on the tape may also be anomalous (although it may not appear so on the TV image), or not recorded at all. • You may not be able to dub tapes recorded with the copyright protective signal.
Basic editing E 1. Find a point on your recorded cassette slightly before the section you want to copy. 2. Start to play it back while you monitor the picture on the TV. 3. Press the 2 and a buttons on the body of the GL1 simultaneously or REC PAUSE on the wireless controller. • S-video and A/V IN/OUT terminals automatically work as input terminals. 4. Press the pause button. • Recording starts. 5. When you get to the point where you want to stop recording, press the stop button or the pause button.
Recording Over Existing Scenes (A/V Insert Editing) You can insert new scenes from your VCR or other camcorder onto your pre-recorded tape using the GL1’s analog line-in or DV in terminals. Original video and audio will be replaced with the new video and audio.
Scene to be inserted E The playback tape Insert start point Insert end point Before inserting The tape in the camera After inserting The tape in the camera The video and audio of the new scene replace that of the old. 1. Connect the camera to the VCR (p. 30), load recorded tapes into both the camcorder and VCR. • Make sure the REC/SAVE tab on the tape has been slid to REC (closed position). 2. Slide the POWER switch to VCR. 3.
Audio Dubbing You can add sound to the original sound on a prerecorded tape from audio products (AUDIO IN) or with the internal or an external microphone (MIC IN). Audio added through audio dubbing is dubbed onto Stereo 2. The original sound will not be erased. For best results, add sound to tapes that have been recorded with this camera in SP mode with 12-bit sound.
E OFF CAMERA VCR POWER AUDIO DUB. AUDIO DUB.••AUDIO IN (see p. 34) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Load your recorded tape into the camcorder. Slide the POWER switch to VCR. Open the VCR menu, select AUDIO DUB. Select AUDIO IN or MIC IN with the menu dial and close the menu. Set the tape to the point where you want to start audio dubbing. • You can use the `, 1, e, a and 3 buttons or special playback functions just as when in playback mode. 6. Press the pause button. • The camera becomes set to playback pause mode.
Preparing the Camera E Adjust the viewfinder • In record pause mode, adjust the viewfinder focusing lever to suit your eyesight. • The viewfinder extends straight out and rotates upwards for comfortable viewing. Store the camera with the viewfinder flush with the body of the camera. • To view with the viewfinder, make sure the LCD panel is either turned so that the subject can monitor viewing, or totally closed with the screen facing inwards.
Notes on Using the Batteries Charging and recording times E • These times vary — the safest policy is always to have two or three times as many battery packs as you think you will need. • You will get more recording time if you turn the camera off between shots, instead of leaving it in record pause mode. Battery pack BP-915 Time needed for full recharge 2 hrs. 10 min. Maximum recording time Using the viewfinder: Using the LCD screen: 65 min. 60 min.
E Taking care of the battery pack Always attach the terminal cover. • Do not allow any metal objects to touch the terminals, as this can cause a short circuit and damage the battery pack. Attach the terminal cover whenever the battery pack is not being used. Keep the terminals clean. • The camera, adapter or battery pack will not work properly if the terminals are dirty. Check them before use, and wipe them with a dry cloth or tissue if necessary. Storing the battery pack.
DANGER! Treat the battery pack with care. • Keep it away from fire (or it might explode). • Do not expose the battery pack to temperatures greater than 140°F (60°C). Do not leave it near a heater, or inside a car in hot weather, for example. • Do not try to disassemble or modify it. • Do not drop or knock it. • Do not get it wet.
Setting the Audio Mix E OFF CAMERA VCR POWER MIX AUDIO BALANCE MONITOR ST-1 ST-2 When you play back a tape that was recorded in 12-bit mode, you can set the audio output to play: stereo 1 (the original sound), stereo 2 (any new sound, dubbed to the tape after recording), or mix the balance between the two. • Audio from the 16-bit mode only contains stereo 1 sound and so you cannot/do not need to select the audio mix.
Selecting audio output channels E When you play back a tape whose audio has been recorded on multiple channels, you can change the output channels of that sound. OUTPUT CH•••L/R (see p. 34) 1. Set the camera to VCR, load a tape recorded with multiple-channel audio. 2. Open the VCR menu and select OUTPUT CH. 3. Select the output channel. • Refer to the following list.
Camera Holding Styles E Choose the grip • You can grip the camera from the side grip or the top handle. • Either gripping position allows you to start/stop recording, take a “photo’’ and zoom in and out. • Lock the top controls to prevent accidental operation by sliding across the LOCK lever. START/ STOP PHOTO LOCK Standard holding style For maximum stability, place your right hand through the side grip belt and keep your right elbow pressed against your body. Support the lens with your left hand.
Maintenance Cautions E Avoid high temperatures and high humidity. • Do not leave the camera inside a car in hot weather, for example. • Be careful of heat radiating from video lighting equipment. • Do not take the camera into a humid room. Avoid sudden changes in temperature. • If you take the camera from a cold place to a warm place, condensation may form on the lens and internal parts (see p. 91). Do not point the lens or viewfinder at strong light sources.
E Maintenance LCD • Clean the LCD screen using a commercially available glass cleaner. • Where there is a big change in temperature, moisture may form on the surface of the screen. Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth. • At low temperatures the display may appear to be much darker than usual. This is not a fault, and as the screen warms up the display will return to normal. Camera body and lens • Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the camera body or lens.
Condensation E Condensation may form on the camera when it is moved from a cold place to a warm place. Using the camera while condensation is present can damage both the tape and the camera.
Troubleshooting E Refer to this checklist first if you have any problems with your camcorder. Possible explanations are given for each problem on the list — turn to the page numbers in brackets for more information. Make sure that the camera is properly connected if you are using it with a TV or VCR. Consult your dealer or service outlet if problems persist. Additional Information Recording/Playback 92 Problem Cause and/or what to do about it ? Nothing happens when I press the buttons.
Note: • Some subjects are not suitable for autofocus. In these situations, you will often get better results using manual focus (see p. 58). Focus on something which is about the same distance away, lock the focus, and then point the camera at your original, hard-to-focus subject. Horizontal stripes Many subjects at different distances Behind glass Without much contrast (e.g. a white wall) Reflective surfaces (e.g.
E Miscellaneous Problem Cause and/or what to do about it ? The wireless controller doesn’t work. • The remote sensor mode is set to OFFB in the menu (p. 37). • The remote sensor modes of the wireless controller and the camera itself are different (p. 37). • The batteries are dead or not inserted. ? The tally lamp doesn’t flash. • It is turned off (p. 38). ? There are air bubbles inside the lens.
Screen Displays To display the date and time on a connected TV, press the wireless controller’s DATA CODE button when the camera is in VCR mode with a tape loaded. See p. 65 also. Press the wireless controller’s TV SCREEN button to see or hide the other displays on the TV screen. (The displays appear white on-screen.) They will not be added to any recordings you make with the camera. You can also display or hide (for a clear screen while recording) the displays through TV SCREEN in the camera menu.
E Frame reverse playback (p. 29) VCR menu (p. 34) Playback pause (forward and reverse) (p. 28) Slow playback (forward and reverse) (p. 29) /5 Record set up menu (p. 70) /5 ×2 playback (forward and reverse) (p. 29) ×2 SEL . SETSET MEN UC L OS E D UB MODE R E C . S E T UP . . . WL . REMOT E 1 R E C MO D E . . . . S P D A T A C O D E . . . DA T E / T I ME D / T I ME S E L . . DA T E & T I ME D I S P L A Y S . . . . ON 6 S EC . D A T E . . . OF F VCR MENU R E C . S E T UP SE L .
Manual exposure display (p. 57): Exposure locked Volume level (p. 27) E – E .LOCK ± 0 Brighter than standard exposure level V O L UM E OFF Screen brightness (p. 26) E . L OCK + 5 – Darker than standard exposure level Manual setting of shutter speed, F number and gain value (p. 55) V O L UM E + Gain (p. 56) E . L OCK – 5 – BR I G H T + 0 dB + MANUA L S1 / 6 0 F1. 6 3 dB Audio output (p. 86) S T ER EO 1 S T ER EO 2 The iris is closed. M I X / F I X ED F C LO S E M I X / VAR I .
Time Code Refer to page 20. E THE TAPE I S SET FOR ERASURE PREVENT ION 0 : 12 : 34 : 56 Refer to page 91. This records counter information, including hour, minute, second, and frame number on a special data code area on the tape itself. It is reset automatically when a new tape is loaded. In camera mode, the frame number doesn’t appear in the display. Recording reminder 0sec CONDENSAT ION HAS BEEN DETECTED Appears as a warning to protect the tape and also when condensation is detected.
Specifications GL1 E Output level: Video terminal: ø 3.5 mm, 1 Vp-p/75 Ω unbalanced S-video terminal: 4 pin mini DIN, 1 Vp-p (Y signal), 0.286 Vp-p (C signal) Audio terminal: ø 3.5 mm 4 dBm (47 kΩ load)/3 kΩ or less, unbalanced Input level: Audio terminal: ø 3.5 mm (L, R) 0 dBV/47 kΩ (LINE ATT), unbalanced –10 dBV/47 kΩ (LINE), unbalanced Microphone terminal: ø 3.
Index Å E Ï Abroad, Using the Camera, 90 Accessories, 6 Adapter, AC, 16 AE Programs, 48 AE Shift, 59 Analog Line-in, 76 Audio Dubbing, 80 Audio Mix, 86 Audio Mode, 53 Audio Output, 87 Audio Recording, 53 Audio/Video Terminal, 30 Auto, 49 Autofocus, 58 A/V Insert, 78 Av Recording Mode, 50 ı F Number, 56 Fade Trigger, 51 Fast Forward, 28 Feedback, 30 Finding Your Way Around the GL1, 8-11 Flash Photography, 45 Focusing, 58 Frame Mode, 46 Ì Gain, 56 Grip Belt, 82 Ó Head Cleaning, 90 Headphones, 27 È Back
∏ ◊ Photo Mode, 43 Photo Search, 67 Playback, 28 Playback Connection, 30 Playback Pause, 28 Power Adapter, 6, 16 Powering Your Camcoder, 16 Pre-marked Position, 68 Preparing the Camera, 82 Problems, 92 Â VCR, 30 Video Heads, 90 Videocassettes, 19 Viewfinder, 82 E „ White Balance, 63 Wide-angle, 24 Widescreen TV, 52 Wireless Controller, 6, 36 Û Recharging the Battery Pack, 83 Record Pause Mode, 21 Record Review, 47 Record Search, 47 Recording, 21 Recording Programs, 48 Remote Control, 36 Remote Sensor,
U.S.A. E CANON® GL1 DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER LIMITED WARRANTY The limited warranty set forth below is given by Canon U.S.A., Inc. (“CUSA”) with respect to each Canon GL1 Digital Video Camcorder (“DV Camcorder”) purchased and used in the United States.
CANADA CANON CONSUMER DIGITAL VIDEO EQUIPMENT LIMITED WARRANTY The limited warranty set forth below is given by Canon Canada Inc. (“Canon Canada”) with respect to Canon digital video equipment purchased in Canada. This limited warranty is only effective upon presentation of a bill of sale or other proof of purchase for this Canon digital video equipment to a Canon Service Facility when repairs are required.
CANON INC. U.S.A. CANON U.S.A., INC. NEW JERSEY OFFICE 100 Jamesburg Road, Jamesburg, NJ 08831 USA CANON U.S.A., INC. CHICAGO OFFICE 100 Park Blvd., Itasca, IL 60143 USA CANON U.S.A., INC. LOS ANGELES OFFICE 15955 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92718 USA CANON U.S.A., INC. HONOLULU OFFICE 1020 Auahi Street, Bldg. #8, Honolulu, HI 96814 USA ● If you have any questions, call the Canon U.S.A. Information Center toll-free at 1-800-828-4040 (U.S.A. only). CANADA CANON CANADA INC.
