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Using an Optional Flash
You can use E-TTL II compatible Canon Speedlite flashes designed for use with Canon SLR cameras,
including the 420EX/430EX/550EX/580EX models, to record natural still images under low light
conditions. Refer also to the instruction manual of the Speedlite flash.
Connecting a Speedlite Flash
When connecting a Canon Speedlite flash you cannot use the Off-Camera Shoe Cord designed for
Canon EOS SLR cameras.
Always turn off the camcorder when connecting or detaching the flash.
1. Insert the mounting foot of the flash straight, fully into the hot shoe.
2. Tighten the locking ring.
As you turn the locking ring, the locking pin will come out and lock the flash in position.
To detach the flash:
Turn the locking ring all the way to the opposite direction. Verify that the locking pin was released and only
then detach the flash from the advanced accessory shoe.
Using the Flash
1. Set the
dial to a recording mode other than
M
and turn on the flash.
• While the Speedlite flash is charging, the indicator will flash in white. Once charged, the indicator will
stay on in green.
• If the indicator keeps flashing in white for a long time, replace the flash’s batteries.
2. Press the PHOTO button to record a still image.
Wait until the flash is charged before recording the still image. You can record a still image while the
flash is charging, but the flash will not go off.
Turn off the Speedlite flash when you are not using it.
The flash will not go off during exposure lock and in the
M
Manual mode.
While using the flash, the shutter speeds that can be set in Tv mode are 1/4 - 1/500.
The camcorder does not support the Bounce Flash function or the Wireless Multiple Flash System
function of the Speedlite 420EX/430EX/550EX/580EX flashes.
The camcorder does not support the ST-E2 Wireless Speedlite Flash Transmitter or the Wireless
Master/Slave Control function of the Speedlite 420EX/430EX/550EX/580EX flashes.
When recording under very dark conditions, as you keep the PHOTO button pressed halfway the
AF assist lamp of the Speedlite flash may light on (when recording using the autofocus and with
[FOCUS PRIORITY] set to [ON]).
The Speedlite flash will not go off when the drive mode is set to Auto Exposure Bracketing.