Canon cinema EOS C300 PL User Manual

							41
Preparing the Camcorder
Attaching the Grip Unit
The grip unit can be attached in any of 24 positions (at 
15º intervals) to give you a convenient grip angle for 
high- and low-angle shooting.
1 Set the  Q switch to OFF.
2 Unscrew the thumb rest and remove it from the  camcorder.
3 Firmly insert the grip unit’s plug all the way into the  grip unit connection terminal on the camcorder. 
• Make sure to insert the plug all the way in, until the white line around the terminal is not visible.
• If the plug is not correctly connected (for example, if  the white line around the termin al is partly visible), all 
the controls on the camcorder may be disabled. 
4 Attach the grip unit to the camcorder aligning it at the  desired angle and tighten the grip unit’s lock screw.
Adjusting the Grip Belt
Adjust the grip belt so that you can reach the START/STOP button 
on the grip unit with your index finger but still have a comfortable but 
secure grip.
IMPORTANT
• Be careful not to drop the camcord er when adjusting the grip belt.
Attaching the Handle Unit
1 Insert the attachment base at the bottom of the handle unit to the 
camcorder’s accessory shoe.
2 Tighten the handle unit’s lock screw while gently pressing it down.
NOTES
• You can use the accessory shoe or th e socket for 0.64 cm (1/4 in.) 
screws on the handle unit to attach  a variety of commercially available 
accessories.
Attaching a Shoulder Strap
Pass the ends through the strap mount and adjust the length of 
the strap.
IMPORTANT
• Be careful not to drop the camcorder when attaching  or adjusting the 
shoulder strap.
White line

 
						

							Preparing the Camcorder
42
Removing and Attaching the Terminal Covers
You can remove the plastic covers of the following terminals and SD card slot to access them more readily.
Removing the Terminal Covers
Open the terminal cover and gently pull it straight out.
Attaching the Terminal Covers
Insert the connecting strip into the opening to attach the terminal cover.
NOTES
• If the connecting strip is difficult to gr asp, use a pair of tweezers or similar 
tool.
• EXT 1 and EXT 2
•SYNC OUT
• GENLOCK and TIME CODE
• HD/SD SDI
• CH1 and CH2  (XLR terminals on the monitor unit) •
× (headphones)
•DC IN
•SD card slot
• REMOTE and HDMI OUT
•MIC
•WFT 
						

							43
Preparing Recording Media
Preparing Recording Media
The camcorder records clips to 1 CompactFlash (CF) cards and photos* to . SD and / SDHC memory 
cards. The camcorder is equipped with two CF  card slots. Initialize recording media (A45) when you use them 
with this camcorder for the first time.
* The camcorder can record custom picture files and a camera settings file onto the SD card as well. The SD card serves also to  store user memo files created with the Canon XF Utility  software (A143) that you can then read and embed in the clips’ 
metadata.
Compatible CF cards
You can use UDMA-compatible* Type I CF cards with a  capacity of at least 512 MB with the camcorder. For 
more details on cards that can be used, visit your local Canon Web site.
* The Ultra Direct Memory Access (UDMA) specification allows data to be transferred between the CF card and device at high  transfer speeds (measured in MB/s). Depending on the CF card, you may not be able to record even when using a UDMA-
compatible CF card.
IMPORTANT
• About high capacity CF cards   You can use CF cards with a capacit y of 128 GB or larger with this 
camcorder but such CF car ds are initialized using the exFAT file system.
- When using exFAT-formatted CF cards with other devices  (digital recorders, card readers, etc.), make sure 
that the external device is compatib le with exFAT. For more information on compatibility, contact the 
computer, operating system or memory card manufacturer.
- If you use exFAT-formatted CF cards with a computer OS that is not exFAT-compatible, you may be  prompted to format the CF card. In such case,  cancel the operation to prevent data loss.
NOTES
• Proper operation cannot be gu aranteed for all CF cards.
Inserting a CF Card
You can insert a CF card into CF card slot A or slot B. If you have two CF 
cards, you can use both slots.
1 Slide the CF card slot cover switch in the direction of the arrow.
• The CF card slot cover will open upward (slot A) or downward 
(slot B).
2 Insert the CF card straight, with the label facing up, all the way into the slot.
3 Close the CF card slot cover.
• Do not force the cover closed if the  CF card is not correctly inserted. 
						

							Preparing Recording Media
44
Checking the Status of the CF Card Slots
You can check the status of the CF card slots immediately by looking at the 
CF 2/CF 3 access indicator. Refer to the following table.
Removing a CF card
1 Wait until the access indicator for the card slot with the CF card 
to be removed is off.
2 Slide the CF card slot cover switch in the direction of the arrow.
• The CF card slot cover will open upward (slot A) or downward (slot B).
3 Push the CF card release button.
• The release button partially pops out.
4 Push in the CF card release button to release the CF card.
5 Pull the CF card all the way out and close the CF card slot cover.
IMPORTANT
• Observe the following precautions while the CF 2 or CF 3 access indicator is illuminated in red. Failure to do 
so may result in permanent data loss.
- Do not disconnect the power source or turn off the camcorder.
- Do not open the cover of the CF card slot being accessed.
NOTES
• If you set the [ wOther Functions]  > [Media Access LED] function to [Off], the access indicators will not 
illuminate.
Inserting and Removing an SD Card
1 Turn off the camcorder.
2 Open the SD card slot cover.
3 Insert the SD card all the way into the SD card slot until it clicks.
• The SD card slot is positioned at an  angle. Align the SD card straight in 
relation to the SD card slot, with the label facing the lens.
4 Close the SD card slot cover.
• Do not force the cover closed if the SD card is not correctly inserted.
Access indicator colorCF card slot status
RedAccessing CF card.
GreenRecording/playback is possible and the CF card slot is selected 
for recording/playback.
Indicator offA CF card is not inserted, the CF card slot is not currently 
selected, or the CF card is not being accessed.
,
SD card access 
indicator 
						

							45
Preparing Recording Media
IMPORTANT
• Observe the following precautions while the SD card access  indicator is flashing. Failure to do so may result in 
permanent data loss.
- Do not disconnect the power source or turn off the camcorder.
- Do not remove the SD card.
• Turn off the camcorder before inserting or removing an  SD card. Inserting or removing the SD card with the 
camcorder on may result in permanent data loss.
• SD cards have front and back sides that are not in terchangeable. Inserting an SD card facing the wrong 
direction can cause a malfunction of the camcorder. Be su re to insert the SD card as described in step 3.
NOTES
• To remove the SD card:  Push the SD card once to release it. When  the SD card springs out, pull it all the way 
out.
• If you set the [ wOther Functions]  > [Media Access LED] function to [Off], the access indicators will not 
illuminate.
Initializing the Recording Media
The first time you use any recording media with this camcorder, initialize it first. You can also initialize a recording 
media to permanently delete all the data it contains.
When initializing an SD card, you can select quick initialization, which clears the file allocation table but does not 
physically erase the stored data, or complete initialization, which deletes all data completely.
1 Open the [Initialize Media] submenu.
[ w Other Functions]  > [Initialize Media]
2 Select [CF A], [CF B] or [SD Card] and then press SET.
To initialize a CF card
3 Select [OK] and then press SET.
4 When the confirmation message appears, press SET.
• The CF card is initialized and all  the data it contains is erased.
To initialize an SD card
3 Select [Complete] (complete initialization) or [Quick] (quick initialization) and then press SET.
4 Select [OK] and then press SET.
• If you are using the [Complete] initialization option, pr ess SET twice to cancel the operation while it is in 
progress. You can use the SD card but all data will be erased.
5 When the confirmation message appears, press SET.
• The SD card is initialized and all the data it contains is erased.
IMPORTANT
• Initializing a recording media will permanently erase all data, including clips with an  $ mark, protected photos, 
and custom picture files. Lost data cannot be recove red. Make sure you save important recordings in 
advance.
• Depending on the SD card, the complete in itialization may take up to a few minutes.
Operating modes:
[
w Other Functions]
[Initialize Media] 
						

							Preparing Recording Media
46
NOTES
• While recording on a CF card, you can initialize another CF  card in the other CF card slot.
• If you set an assignable button to [Initialize Media] ( A111), you can press the button to open the initialization 
submenu.
Switching Between the CF Card Slots
The camcorder features two CF card slots, CF 2 (CF card slot A) and 
CF 3 (CF card slot B). If both slots  contain a CF card, you can switch 
between them as necessary.
Press the SLOT SELECT button.
• The access indicator of the selected CF card slot will illuminate in green. On the screen, the CF card selected 
is indicated with a  Ð mark next to CF card icon  and in the rear panel, with a  Î mark on top of the CF card 
icon.
NOTES
• If both CF card slots contain a CF card  and you open the cover of the selected 
slot, the camcorder will automatically switch to the other slot.
• You cannot use the SLOT SELECT butto n to switch between CF card slots 
while recording.
• When using an optional WFT-E6 Wireless File Transmitter, you can also switch  between CF card slots remotely by pr essing [SLOT SELECT] on the Wi-Fi 
Remote screen.
Selecting the CF Card Recording Method
The camcorder features two useful CF card recording  methods, relay recording and double slot recording.
Relay recording: This function allows you to continue recording on another CF card without interruption if the CF 
card you are using becomes full. Relay recording is availa ble from CF card slot A to CF card slot B, and vice 
versa.
Double slot recording: This function records the same  clip simultaneously to both CF cards, which is a 
convenient way to make a backup copy of your recording while you record.
To use relay recording
By default, this function is activated . If it has been deactivated, follow the 
procedure below to activate it.
1 Open the [Relay Rec] submenu.
[w Other Functions]  > [Relay Rec]
2 Select [On] and then press SET. Operating modes:
Operating modes:
[ w Other Functions]
[Relay Rec] [On] 
						

							47
Preparing Recording Media
To use double slot recording
1 Open the [Double Slot Rec] submenu.[w Other Functions]  > [Double Slot Rec]
2 Select [On] and then press SET.
NOTES
• When the bit rate is set to 50 Mbps ( A59), relay recording is not 
available during slow motion recording.
• If a CF card becomes full during double slot recording, recording on both cards will stop. On the other hand, if  an error occurs with one of the cards, recording will continue on the other card.
• Double slot recording cannot be used with rela y recording or slow & fast motion recording.
Checking the Available Recording Time for CF Cards
When the camcorder is in   mode, the display on the up per left of the screen indicates which CF card slot 
is in use and the available recording time (in minutes*)  that remains on each CF card. The same information is 
displayed in the rear panel. When th e camcorder is in   mode, the available recording time is displayed only 
in the rear panel.
On the [Media] status screen ( A167), you can check the total space and  used space of each recording media, 
as well as the available recording time* on each CF car d and the available number of photos on the SD card.
* The approximate available recording time is based on the current bit rate ( A59).
Recovering Data on the CF Card
Some actions, such as suddenly turn ing off the camcorder or removing the CF card while data is being 
recorded, can cause data errors on th e CF card. In such case, you may be able to recover the data on the CF 
card. 
1 Insert the CF card with the data to be recovered into the camcorder.
2 When the screen prompts you to recover the data, select [OK] and then press SET.
3 When the confirmation message appears, press SET.
NOTES
• This procedure will delete clips shorter than 10 seconds in length. Additionally, up to 10 seconds will be  deleted from the end of clips on the CF card.
• In some cases, data may not be recovered, such as when  the FAT32 file system is corrupted or the CF card is 
physically damaged.
• While recording on a CF card, you can recover data from another CF card  by inserting it into the other CF card 
slot.
Operating modes: [
w Other Functions]
[Double Slot Rec] [Off] 
						

							Adjusting the Black Balance
48
Adjusting the Black Balance
You can have the camcorder adjust the black balance automatically when ambient temperature changes 
considerably or if there is a noticeable  change in a true black video signal.
1 Open the [ABB] screen.
[~  Camera Setup]  > [ABB]
2 Attach the body cap to the lens mount.
• If a lens was attached, remove the lens and replace the body cap.
3 Select [OK] and then press SET.
• The automatic black balance procedure will start.
4 When the confirmation message appears, press SET.
• If the body cap is not correctly attached, [Error]  will appear on the screen. Press SET and repeat the 
procedure from the beginning.
NOTES
• Adjusting the black balance may be necessary in the following cases: - When using the camcorder for the very first ti me or after a long period of not using it.
- After sudden or extreme chan ges in ambient temperature.
- After changing the ISO speed/gain settings.
• The automatic black balance procedure will take approximately 40 seconds when the frame rate is set to  23.98P or 24.00P.
• During the adjustment of the black ba lance, you may notice some irregular displays appear on the screen. This 
is not a malfunction.
• Resetting the camcorder’s settings using the [ w Other Functions]  > [Reset]  > [All Settings] or 
[Camera Settings] menu option will reset also the bl ack balance adjustment. In such case, perform the 
procedure again.
Operating modes:
[
~  Camera Setup]
[ABB] 
						

							49
Operating the Camcorder Remotely
Operating the Camcorder Remotely
There are two methods in which the camcorder can be operated remotely. The first is to connect the optional 
RC-V100 Remote Controller to the camcorder’s REMOTE term inal. The second is to attach the optional WFT-E6 
Wireless File Transmitter to the camcorder’s WFT terminal to use the Wi-Fi Remote application.
Using the RC-V100 Remote Controller
You can connect the optional RC-V10 0 Remote Controller to control the camcorder (including the advanced 
recording functions) from a distance. The remote controlle r lets you turn the camcorder on, navigate the menus 
and remotely control the aperture ( #) and shutter speed, change pictur e-related settings like the knee and 
sharpness, and more.
Use the cable supplied with the remote controller to connect it to the camcorder. For details on how to connect 
and use the remote controller,  refer to its instruction manual.
1 Turn off the camcorder and connect the optional RC-V100 
Remote Controller to the camcorder.
2 Turn on the camcorder and open the [REMOTE Term.] submenu.
   [ w Other Functions]  > [REMOTE Term.]
3 Select [RC-V100] and then press SET.
Options
NOTES
• The camcorder’s ND filter cannot be changed  using the ND button on the remote controller.
• The following controls on the remote controller will not operate the camcorder: AGC button, AUTO KNEE  button, AWB button and AF button.
• # The AUTO IRIS button on the remote controller will  operate the camcorder only when a compatible EF 
lens ( A187) is attached to the camcorder.
• Adjusting picture-related setti ngs with the remote controller can be perfor med only after a custom picture file is 
selected ( A114).
• The ZOOM dial on the remote controller will operate the lens only when a CINE-SERVO CN7x17 KAS S/E1  lens
* is attached to the camcorder.
* Depending on when you purchased the lens, you may need to update the lens’s firmware. For details, consult a Canon Service Center.
Operating modes:
[RC-V100]: Select this option to use the optional RC-V100 Remote Controller.
[Standard]: Select this option to use commercially available remote controls.
Remote cable
(supplied with the RC-V100) REMOTE A terminal
[
w Other Functions]
[REMOTE Term.] [Standard] 
						

							Operating the Camcorder Remotely
50
Using the WFT-E6 Wireless File Transmitter
You can attach an optional WFT-E6 Wireless File Transmitter to the camcorder’s WFT 
terminal and operate the camcorder remotely  via Wi-Fi Remote, a Web browser application 
that can be accessed using the Web browse r on any device compatible with Wi-Fi 
networks*. The Wi-Fi Remote application lets you monitor the image through live view, start 
and stop recording and remotely control th e shutter speed, ISO speed/gain and other 
settings. You can also create, edit and transf er a metadata profile, set various shot marks 
and check the recording media, remaining recording time, time code, etc.
* For details about compatible devices, operating systems, Web browsers, etc. please visit your local Canon  Web site.
Preparing the System for Wi-Fi Remote
To be able to operate the camcorder remotely via the  Wi-Fi Remote application you will need to attach an 
optional WFT-E6 Wireless File Transmitter to the camcorder’s WFT terminal and complete the wireless network 
setup. Download ‘WFT-E6 Wireless File Transmitter - Guide for Canon Camcorders’ (PDF file) from your local 
Canon Web site and follow the instructio ns to complete the necessary setup.
Operating modes: