The Canon XH A1 HD camcorder
5
Quick Guide
Zoom (continued):
Go to the switch at the front of the camcorder near the rocker button:
var = variable
c = constant
Zoom speed shows up on the zoom bar on the LCD screen
higher number = higher speed
The zoom ring, on the lens, is always variable and cannot be set to constant
speed
There is an additional smaller zoom button on the handle, and this is always a
constant zoom
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FOCUS OPTIONS
Programmed modes are turned on in EASY and AUTO operating modes.
If auto focus is on, the camera will always be trying to find the focus on its own,
and sometimes it doesn't know what to focus on, so the camera will continually
try to focus. XH A1 has good auto focus in that it focuses very quickly.
The Focus switch is on side of camera - A = auto, F = manual
Manual focus gives you more control over the picture
In manual focus, you can go into a quick auto focus mode by pushing the AF
button. This will give you a quick auto focus but keeps you in the manual mode.
Auto focus will stop when you release the AF button.
The last ring on the lens is your manual focus ring
Tricks to use - Magnify button allows you to digitally zoom (without changing your
zoom settings) so that you can see a close-up of your subject, enabling you to
more easily set manual focus.
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THE ND FILTER – Neutral Density Filter
Daylight shooting in manual mode
ND filter - neutral density filter should be switched on in daylight
1/6 = shady scene
1/32 = direct sunlight
Then go to the iris ring and adjust it according to lighting conditions
Set shutter speed a little higher if you are using the ND filter
An ND filter used outdoors results in a crisper image