HD Camcorder
Important Usage Instructions
HD Camcorder, VIXIA HF M52 / VIXIA HF M50 / VIXIA HF M500 systems
Model ID0008 (including WLAN Module Model WM217)
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
REGIONS OF USE
REGIONS
Canada, Hong Kong S.A.R., USA
Trademark Acknowledgements
Exciting Features and New Functions
Audio Scene Select
Wi-FiFunctions
(A114)
(A163)
Smart AUTO (A47)
47)
Video Snapshot
Face Detection
(A71)
Enjoying Your Recordings on Other Devices
Use an Eye-Ficard
(A160) to wirelessly
(A162) to the Web
your computer (A148)
Enjoying Your Recordings Using the Camcorder's Wi-FiFunctions
LAN cable
(A165)
Introduction
16Getting to Know the Camcorder
Preparations
21Getting Started
27Basic Operation of the Camcorder
AUTO Mode
Basic Recording
Video
54Basic Playback
67 Video Stories and Cinema Style
Photos
External Connections
138Terminals on the Camcorder
142Playback on a TV Screen
143Saving and Sharing Your Recordings
-/,Wi-FiFunctions
Additional Information
182Appendix: Menu Options Lists
198 Appendix: Onscreen Icons and Displays
203 Trouble
About this Manual
Introduction
Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs
The following CD-ROMsand software are supplied with the camcorder:
•PIXELA CD-ROM
-/,You
•Canon VIXIA CD-ROM.Contains the following components
Instruction Manual - The
Names of Parts
Top view
LCD panel
Back view
Bottom view
20 Introduction
Preparations
Getting Started
4 Charging will start when the camcorder is turned off
• If the camcorder was on, the green ON/OFF (CHG) indicator
(CHG) indicator will go out when the battery pack is fully
charged
• If the indicator flashes, refer to Troubleshooting (A207)
NOTES
•We recommend charging the battery pack in temperatures between
•The battery pack will be charged only when the camcorder is off
•USA and Canada only: The Lithium ion/polymer battery that
powers the product is recyclable. Please call
Grip Belt and Straps
To attach an optional wrist strap
To attach an optional shoulder strap
Rotating the LCD Panel
Basic Operation of the Camcorder
HOME Menu
[Main Functions] Panel
[Edit] Panel
[Other Settings] Menus
Recording
Camera mode
Operation
2Touch [Recording Standard] and then touch the desired recording standard
Recording Control
standard button
Playback
First Time Settings
Changing the Language
1 Press
2 Select the desired language
[Other Settings] >q>[Language !]* > Desired language >[OK] >[X]
Changing the Time Zone
Using a Memory Card
SDXC Memory Cards
Eye-FiCards
Inserting and Removing a Memory Card
To remove the memory card
-/,Selectingthe Memory (Built-inMemory/Memory Card) for the Recordings
POINTS TO CHECK
Be sure you understand the information provided in
Eye-Fi
Cards
3 Activate the relay recording
[Other Settings] >r>[Rec Media for Movies] > [&] >[Relay Recording] >[%]* >[X]
•Any of the following actions will deactivate the relay recording function:
-Turning off the camcorder
-Opening the memory card slot cover
3 Initialize the memory
•Initializing the memory will permanently erase all recordings. Lost origi
-Mac OS users: Use Finder to transfer music files from the [MUSIC]
About the music files
At the time of purchase
Using the Optional Wireless Controller
Wireless Controller’s Buttons
AUTO Mode
Basic Recording
2Press
To change the recording standard, refer to Recording (A31)
3 Set the camcorder to mode
[Camera Mode] >[N] >[OK]
To record video
About AUTO mode
•Only the following functions are available in mode
-Zoom (A50)
-Quick Start (A52)
-Video snapshot (A71)
Smart AUTO icons
Intelligent IS
Shooting method
Icon
Ä(Dynamic IS)
Zooming in (zooming toward S)
Using the Zoom Lever
Using the Touch Screen’s Zoom Controls
Quick Start
1 second*, allowing you to record the subject right away
1With the camcorder on and in a recording mode, close the LCD panel
2When you wish to resume recording, open the LCD panel
•The camcorder will not enter standby mode if the LCD panel is closed
•About standby mode and auto power off:
Video
Basic Playback
3Look for the scene you want to play back
!Open the index selection screen. "Memory being read
#Recording date
$Division line between recording dates
%Drag your finger left/right for the next/previous index page
During playback:
Jump to the beginning of the scene
"Jump to the beginning of the next scene
#Pause the playback
$Fast playback** backward/forward
During playback pause:
!Resume playback
"Slow playback* backward/forward
#Capture the displayed frame as a photo (A128)**. $Decoration (A72)
•The speed indicated on the screen is approximate
3D Flip View
The [Index Selection] Screen: Selecting the Content to Play Back
Deleting a Single Scene
3 Delete the scene
[Ý] >[Edit] >[Delete] >[Yes] >[OK]
Deleting Scenes from the [Movies] or [Movies] Index Screen
1Open the [Movies] or [Movies] index screen
2 Delete the scenes
Deleting a Single Scene from a Story
Deleting Scenes from a Story by Rating
Deleting Stories
•Be careful when deleting recordings. Once deleted, scenes cannot be recovered
•Deleting a story permanently deletes all the scenes it contains
•When deleting scenes, scenes will be removed from the [Movies]
•Save copies of important scenes before deleting them (A146)
Selecting the Playback Starting Point
To change the interval between frames
Onscreen Displays and Data Code
Video Stories and Cinema Style
Creating a New Story
Recording a Scene within a Story
Recording Additional Scenes within an Existing Story
Cinema Mode and Cinema-LookFilters
2 Set the camcorder to mode
[Camera Mode] >[] >[OK]
3 Select the desired cinema-lookfilter
[FILTER 1] >Desired cinema-lookfilter* >[OK]
[1: Cinema Standard]
[2: Vivid]
[3: Dream]
[4: Cool]
[5: Nostalgic]
• A blue border appears on the screen
• Press Vagain to return to normal video recording mode
2 Press Y
• The camcorder records for a
few seconds (the blue frame serves as a visual progress
Decorating Scenes while Recording
frozen image
To use [Pens and Stamps]
1Touch [Ó]
The [Pens and Stamps] screen will appear
2 Select the desired pen or stamp from [Tools]
To use [Animated Stamps]
1Touch [×]
The [Animated Stamps] screen will appear
2 Touch one of the control buttons
To use [Captions]
Mixing Your Own Images with Live Video
To use the Chroma Key function
Decorating Scenes during Playback
Playing Back Stories from the Gallery
3 Select the rating of the scenes you want to play back
[Story Details] >[Select by Rating] >Desired rating > [K] >[K]
4Touch the story’s thumbnail to start the playback
•Playback controls are the same as when playing back scenes from
the [Movies] or [Movies] index screen (A56)
Rating Scenes Immediately After Recording
Rating Scenes from the List of Scenes
Rating Scenes During Playback
Using One of the Supplied Music Tracks as Background Music
To adjust the background music balance during playback
To delete a music track
Using an External Audio Player for Background Music
Playback with the video not linked to the external audio
•About video playback linked to the external player:
Copying and Moving Scenes Within/Between Stories
4Select the destination
Drag your finger right/left to select the desired story and touch its
thumbnail. Then, drag your finger up/down to select the desired
5 Copy or move the scene
Selecting a Story’s Thumbnail Image
Changing a Story’s Title
Page
Advanced Functions
Reviewing the Latest Scene Recorded
Selecting the Video Quality (Recording Mode)
Movies recorded in MXP mode cannot be saved on AVCHD discs. Use an external
92 Video
Approximate recording times
Recording mode →
Memory ↓
GB Memory card
GB Memory card
Selecting the Frame Rate
Options for AVCHD movies ( Default value)
[´60i (Standard)]
[·PF30]
[¹PF24]
Special Scene Recording Programs
[úSCN: Portrait]
[ûSCN: Sports]
[üSCN: Night Scene] To record nightscapes with lower noise
[ýSCN: Snow]
[ÿSCN: Sunset]
[ŒSCN: Low Light]
[œSCN: Spotlight]
[ŠSCN: Fireworks]
[šSCN: Underwater]
-White points may appear on the screen
•[ŠSCN: Fireworks]:
-When the optional Wide-converteror Tele-converteris attached to the
camcorder, autofocus will not be effective. Make sure to focus manually (A108)
•[šSCN: Underwater]/[ŸSCN: Surface]:
Advanced Image Stabilization
Dynamic]
Standard]
[jOff]
Powered IS
•For surveying and following shots, when you pan the camcorder from
side to side or tilt it up and down, we recommend setting the IS mode
to [Dynamic] or [Standard]
Pre-Recording
1 Activate the pre-recordingfunction
•Any of the following actions will deactivate the pre-recordingfunction
-Leaving the camcorder without any operation for 5 minutes
-Changing the operating mode
-Pressing
-Opening the decoration screen
To select the main subject
Touch & Track
1Make sure face detection is activated (A100)
Face detection is always activated in mode
•A white double frame will appear around the subject and track it as it moves
•Touch [Cancel £] to remove the frame and cancel the tracking
Faders
To fade in/out
Manually Setting the Shutter Speed or Aperture
[‚Shutter-Pri
AE]
[“Aperture-Pri
•[‚Shutter-Pri.AE]:
Shutter Speed and Aperture Value Guidelines
1/15
1/30
1/60
1/100
Manual Exposure Adjustment
•When shooting subjects with a strong light source behind them, the
-In mode, when using a cinema-lookfilter other than [Cinema Standard]
-When using the [üSCN: Night Scene], [ýSCN: Snow], [þSCN:
Beach], [ÿSCN: Sunset] or [œSCN: Spotlight] recording program
Automatic Gain Control (AGC) Limit
Manual Focus Adjustment
3Touch and hold [F] or [E] to adjust the focus
•The focusing distance displayed will change as you adjust the focus
•When the recording program is set to [šSCN: Underwater] or
[ŸSCN: Surface], the camcorder will return to autofocus
•See Specifications (A238) for additional notes about the
[FUNC.] >[ZOOM Zoom] >[W]* (tele macro) >[X]
•The camcorder will automatically adjust the zoom to the telephoto end
•Any of the following actions will deactivate the tele macro function
-Pressing T
-Setting the camcorder to mode
To set the custom white balance
[ÃAutomatic]
[¼Daylight]
[½Shade]
[¾Cloudy] To record on a cloudy day
Image Effects
Self Timer
2 Activate the self timer
[Other Settings] >p>[Self Timer] > [iOn <] >[X]
•<will appear on the screen
•Repeat, selecting [jOff], to turn off the self timer
Audio Scenes and Other Audio Settings
Settings for each audio scene
[FUNC.] >[Audio Scene] >Desired audio scene > [X]
[Music] To vibrantly record music performances and singing indoors
[Speech] Best for recording human voices and dialog
Settings for each audio scene
Auto Wind Screen
Audio Equalizer
Built-inMicrophone Directionality
[íMonaural]
[îWide]
[ïZoom]
Except when using the audio mix function, an external microphone overrides the
Audio Recording Level
Manual Adjustment of the Audio Recording Level
When you are using a microphone connected to the MIC terminal, including the
Using Headphones
2 Change the function of the terminal to headphones output
[Other Settings] >q>[AV/Headphones] > [ÓHeadphones] >[K]
3 Connect the headphones to the AV OUT/×terminal
To adjust the volume during playback
Using the Mini Advanced Shoe
1Open the mini advanced shoe cover
2 Attach the optional accessory to the mini advanced shoe
Using the SM-V1Surround Microphone or DM-100Directional Stereo Microphone
Using the WM-V1Wireless Microphone
Using Commercially Available Microphones
If necessary, activate and adjust the audio mix balance with the
When an external microphone is connected to the camcorder
•If the audio level is too high and the sound gets distorted, adjust the
•When using the optional SM-V1Surround Microphone:
Using an External Video Light
Attach the optional video light to the mini advanced shoe
•Refer to Using the Mini Advanced Shoe (A122)
122)
The optional
Capturing a Video Snapshot Scene
Capturing Photos
2 Select the photo capture setting
[Other Settings] >r>[Photo Capture from Video]
>[ÚSingle Photo] or [pPhoto Sequence] >[X]
To capture the photos
1Play back the scene or story from which you want to capture the photo
Dividing Scenes
1 Play back the scene you want to divide
2Pause the playback at the point where you want to divide the scene
3Open the scene division screen
[Edit] >[Divide]
•The following scenes cannot be divided:
Photos
Photo Jump Function
Deleting a Single Photo
Deleting Photos from the Index Screen
2 Delete the photos
To select individual photos
1Touch on the individual photos you want to delete
2 After selecting all the desired photos, touch [OK]
[Select] Select individual photos to delete
Slideshow
You can play a slideshow of all the photos and even set it to music
2Select the background music to use during the photo slideshow
Music tracks: Steps 3 and 4 (A82). External audio: Steps 4 - 5 (A84)
Touch the screen to display the playback controls, then touch
To change the slideshow’s transition effects
External Connections
Terminals on the Camcorder
Connection Diagrams
Connection
Type: Digital Quality: High definition Output only
About the HDMITM connection
While the camcorder is connected to an HDTV using connection
2 -/,only
Page
Playback on a TV Screen
1 Turn off the camcorder and the TV
2Connect the camcorder to the TV
Connection Diagrams
3Turn on the connected TV
Saving and Sharing Your Recordings
Copying Scenes from a Story by Rating
Copying a Single Photo
Copying Photos from the Index Screen
-If the memory card slot cover is open
-If the LOCK switch on the memory card is set to prevent writing
-If the file numbering is at maximum (A192)
-If there is no memory card in the memory card slot
Saving Recordings on a Computer
Saving AVCHD Movies (Windows only)
Saving MP4 Movies and Photos (Windows/Mac OS)
To check that the software was installed correctly
First-timeconnection to a computer running Windows
•When the camcorder is connected to a computer:
-Do not disconnect the USB cable
-Do not turn off the camcorder or the computer
With the supplied software VideoBrowser
If you connect the camcorder to the computer while it is set to
Saving a Memory onto an External Hard Drive
Before disconnecting the external hard drive
To delete a memory save folder
Initializing the External Hard Drive
In High Definition
In Standard Definition
-/,UploadingAVCHD Movies to the Web
Converting Scenes into Standard Definition from the [Movies] Index Screen
Converting Scenes into Standard Definition from a Story by Rating
Connecting to the Computer and Uploading your Videos
Uploading your Videos Using an Eye-FiCard
2Convert the desired movies (A157)
The status of the wireless communication is shown by the
-•(grayed out) Communication not established
-•(animated) Wireless upload in progress
-…[Eye-FiCommunication] is set to [jOff]
Connecting to the Computer and Uploading your Recordings
Wi-FiFunctions
About the camcorder's Wi-Fistandard
While using
164 Wi-FiFunctions
Connecting to a Wi-FiNetwork
Wi-Fi
Protected Setup
Manual Setup
General requirements
Wi-FiProtected Setup (WPS)
4Within 2 minutes, touch [OK] on the camcorder's screen
5Touch [Automatic] to automatically obtain an IP address
To assign the IP address manually, touch [Manual] and perform the procedure in
To manually assign an IP address
•A screen to test the settings will appear
Manual Setup
To manually enter a wireless access point (step 3)
Enter the details of the wireless access point
When using
Transferring Files to a Computer or FTP server
If you have not done so already, complete the
For computers running Windows:
File Transfer Destination Setup for Windows Computers
File Transfer Destination Setup for FTP Servers
Transferring Recordings
•You can select more than one memory
•Once connected, the wireless transfer will begin automatically
You can touch [Stop] and then
5 Touch [OK]
•Do not open the memory card slot cover during wireless transfer
Uploading Recordings to YouTube and Facebook
2 Select the service you wish to upload to
[Edit] >[Network Utility] >Desired service >Touch the desired recording
Setting Up a Wi-FiConnection (Ad Hoc Mode)
[ Wi-Fi] >[Wi-FiSetup] >[Network Setup] >[] >[Set Up New]
3 Enter the details of the connection
4 Touch [Automatic] to automatically obtain an IP address
5 Touch [No]
• You can touch [Check urrent Configuration] to review the network settings
Uploading Videos
Wireless Playback on a DLNA-CompatibleDevice
2Camcorder: Touch [ Wi-Fi]and then touch [DLNA Media Server]
178 Wi-FiFunctions
If playback is not smooth
Page
Glossary
Additional Information
Appendix: Menu Options Lists
[ON], [OFF]
Powered IS]1
[ZOOM Zoom]
[W] (tele macro): Toggle on or off
Standard]
[Edit] Panel
Mode
[zSD
Index
memory:
In the gallery:
[Delete] or [ ]
[Delete Story]
[Edit Title]
[Copy]
[Other Settings] Menus
When the camcorder is in mode, you will not be able to access the pmenu
pCamera Setup
Menu item
Setting options
[hNormal], [çBoost LF Range]
Response]1
[èLow Cut Filter]
[éBoost MF Range]
[êBoost HF+LF Range]
Minimum shutter speed used: 1/30; 1/12 when the frame rate is set to
[30P]
if you set the camcorder to mode
•If a trailing afterimage appears, set the slow shutter to [jOff]
[Conversion Lens]:
[Surround Mic Directionality]:
[Surround Mic Attenuator]:
Playback Setup
[Data Code]:
[TV Type]:
rRecording & Connections Setup
[Rate Scenes
(Recording)]1
[&]* (built-inmemory)
Memory]
[*]* (memory card)
[x.v.Color]:
[File Numbering]:
•We recommend using the [nContinuous] setting
192 Additional Information
qSystem Setup
Page
[Reset All]
[No], [Yes]
[Eye-Fi
[kAutomatic], [jOff]
Communication]3
[Custom Control Button]:
[Autostart Decoration]:
[Power Saving Mode]: Controls the camcorder’s automatic power off set- tings
battery charge (as a percentage) and the remaining recording time
mode) or playback time (, mode)
•The remote control of the TV can only be used to play back movies or
photos (or mode only). If the camcorder is connected to the
•We recommend not connecting more than 3 HDMI-CECcompatible devices at a time
[HDMI Status]:
[Distance Units]:
Appendix: Onscreen Icons and Displays
Recording Movies
Playing Movies (during playback)
200 Additional Information
Viewing Photos
7 Memory operation
ÓFrame advance, ÔFrame reverse
9 Remaining battery time
100%
75%
Troubleshooting
204 Additional Information
Page
Indicators and Onscreen Displays
206 Additional Information
Picture and Sound
Memory Card and Accessories
208 Additional Information
Connections with External Devices
-/,Wi-FiFunctions
210 Additional Information
List of Messages (in alphabetical order)
-/,Refer
218)
for external hard drive related messages. Refer to
for
212 Additional Information
Page
214 Additional Information
Page
216 Additional Information
Page
List of Messages for the Optional Video Light
-/,Listof Messages for Connecting to an External Hard Drive
-/,Listof Messages for Wi-FiFunctions
218 Additional Information
Page
220 Additional Information
Page
Handling Precautions
Camcorder
Long-termstorage
Battery Pack
Remaining battery time
Regarding the use of non-Canonbattery packs
Memory Card
Built-inRechargeable Lithium Battery
Disposal
Maintenance/Others
Cleaning
Condensation
To avoid condensation
When condensation is detected
Using the Camcorder Abroad
Power Sources
Playback on a TV Screen
Accessories
Optional Accessories
Use of genuine Canon accessories is recommended
3WL-D89Wireless Controller
To purchase this accessory, contact your local Canon office
4 Battery Packs
5CG-700Battery Charger
Use the battery charger to charge the battery packs
Charging, Recording and Playback Times
Battery pack→
BP-718
-/,RecordingAVCHD movies using the built-inmemory
Battery
Playback
190 min
270 min
7TL-H43 Tele-converter
8WD-43 Wide-converter
9FS-43UII Filter Set
aA WM-V1Wireless Microphone
fA SM-V1Surround Microphone
Ag DM-100Directional Stereo
Microphone
hA VL-5Video Light
jA VFL-2Video Flash Light
•The VFL-2cannot be used as a flash with this camcorder
aS WP-V4Waterproof Case
sS SC-2000Soft Carrying Case
Specifications
VIXIA HF M52 / VIXIA HF M50 / VIXIA HF M500
Terminals
CA-110Compact Power Adapter
BP-718Battery Pack
About the music files
Audio encoding: Linear PCM
Audio sampling: 48 kHz, 16 bits, 2 channels
Minimum length: 1 second
File type: WAV
Index
Pre-recording
Quick Start
Manual focus
Manual mode
Markers
USB terminal . . . . . . . .138, 140
YouTube
242 Additional Information
USA
CANON CONSUMER DIGITAL VIDEO EQUIPMENT LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE UNITED STATES
Page
CANADA
CANON CONSUMER DIGITAL VIDEO EQUIPMENT LIMITED WARRANTY