Canon Hf G20 Owners Manual

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HD Camcorder
Instruction Manual
Caméscope HD
Manuel dinstruction
Videocámara HD
Manual de Instrucciones
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Introduction
Important Usage Instructions
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
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.
HD Camcorder, VIXIA HF G20 systems
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful 
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operat ion.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the  FCC Rules. These 
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment  generates, uses 
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and use in accordance with the instructio\
ns, may cause harmful int erference to 
radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause 
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be dete\
rmined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to 
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit di fferent from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Use of shielded cable is required to comply with class B limits in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the manual. If such changes or modifica tions should 
be made, you could be required to stop operation of the equipment.
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
One Canon Park, Melville, New York 11747, USA
Tel No. 1-800-OK-CANON (1-800-652-2666)
The Mains plug is used as the disconnect device. The Mains plug shall remain readily operable to disconnect the plug in case of  an accident.
CAUTION:
• Danger of explosion if the wrong type of batteries are attached. Use only the same type of batteries.
• Do not expose batteries or product to excessive heat such as the inside of a car under direct sunlight, fire, etc.
Important Warning
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT 
REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE 
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED 
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
CAUTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within 
an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user 
to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous 
voltage” within the product’s enclosure, that may 
be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of 
electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point, within an equilateral 
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the 
presence of important operating and maintenance 
(servicing) instructions in the literature 
accompanying the product.
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In these safety instructions the word “product” refers to the Canon HD Camcorder VIXIA HF G20 and all its accessories.
1 Read these instructions.
2 Keep these instructions.
3 Heed all warnings.
4 Follow all instructions.
5 Do not use this apparatus near water.
6 Clean only with dry cloth.
7 Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat  registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that 
produce heat.
8 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than  the 
other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for you r 
safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, co nsult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
9 Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where the y 
exit from the apparatus.
10 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
11 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
12 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, suc h as 
power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been  
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CA-570 identification plate is located on the bottom.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Trademark Acknowledgements• SD, SDHC and SDXC Logos are trademarks of SD-3C, LLC.
• Microsoft and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of  Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
• Apple and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
• “x.v.Color” and the “x.v.Color” logo are trademarks.
• HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC in  the 
United States and other countries.
• “AVCHD” and the “AVCHD” logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
• Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
• YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.
• Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.
• Other names and products not mentioned above may be trademar ks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
• This device incorporates exFAT technology licensed from Microsoft.
• "Full HD 1080" refers to Canon camcorders compliant with  high-definition video composed of 1,080 vertical pixels 
(scanning lines).
• ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT OTHER THAN CONSUMER PERSONAL USE IN ANY MANNER THAT COMPLIES WITH THE  MPEG-2 STANDARD FOR ENCODING VIDEO INFORMATION FOR PACKAGED MEDIA IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED WITHOUT A LICENSE 
UNDER APPLICABLE PATENTS IN THE MPEG-2 PATENT PORTFOLIO, WHICH LICENSE IS AVAILABLE FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C., 250 
STEELE STREET, SUITE 300, DENVER, COLORADO 80206.
• This product is licensed under AT&T patents for the MPEG-4 stan dard and may be used for encoding MPEG-4 compliant video and/or 
decoding MPEG-4 compliant video that was encoded only (1) for a  personal and non-commercial purpose or (2) by a video provider 
licensed under the AT&T patents to provide MPEG-4 compliant video. No license is granted or implied for any other use for MPEG- 4 
standard.
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Highlights of the VIXIA HF G20 
The Canon VIXIA HF G20 HD Camcorder is a high-performance camcorder whose compact size 
makes it ideal in a variety of situations. The following are just some of the many functions featured in 
the camcorder.
HD Recording
HD CMOS PRO and DIGIC DV III 
processor
The camcorder is equipped with a 
1/3-inch CMOS sensor that captures video at 
an effective pixel count of approximately 2.07 
megapixels (1920x1080). The video is then 
processed by the state-of-the-art DIGIC DV III 
image processor. This allows the camcorder to 
excel in low-light situations and produce a 
wide dynamic range.
Wide zoom lens
With a focal length at full wide angle of 
30.4 mm (35 mm equivalent), the camcorder 
has superb wide-angle shooting capability. The 
minimum object distance is 60 cm (2 ft.) 
throughout the entire zoom range, which 
means that you can create a pleasing blurred 
background effect at full telephoto. The 
8-bladed iris aperture also enhances the 
blurred background effect.
Shoot cinematic video
Using CINEMA mode and the cinema-look 
filters (A101), you can make recordings that 
truly look and feel cinematic. 
Operability
Emphasis on versatility
This camcorder has features to make it usable 
as a main camera but is also small enough to 
be very portable. The advanced image 
stabilization ( A55) will let you shoot in a 
variety of situations in the field. Moreover, in 
full-automatic mode, Intelligent IS ( A40) will 
select the optimal type of image stabilization 
for the recording situation.
Manual controls at your fingertips
The focus ring helps you achieve the focus you 
are looking for. Furthermore, you can assign 
certain frequently used functions to a 
customizable button and adjust those 
functions with the accompanying dial ( A84).
Face detection
When a subject's face is detected, the 
camcorder can track and focus on it ( A49). 
Furthermore, you can have the camcorder in 
manual focus but switch to autofocus only 
when a face is detected, ensuring that 
important subjects are in focus.
Relay recording and double slot 
recording
When you use relay recording ( A35), you 
can use the double memory card slot to keep 
on recording video without interruption. Double 
slot recording ( A36) allows you to record 
movies simultaneously to two memory cards, 
which is a convenient way to back up your 
recordings.
Other Features
Audio
With the audio scene select function ( A68), 
you can optimize the audio settings of the 
built-in microphone by selecting the audio 
scene that matches your surroundings. Your 
audience will feel even more immersed in the 
scene during playback.
Smart AUTO
Smart AUTO ( A40) automatically selects the 
best scene mode for the scene you want to 
shoot. You get spectacular recordings every 
time without worrying about settings.
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							5LCD screen and viewfinder
The LCD screen and viewfinder both have 
100% frame coverage, which will ensure that 
you can accurately check that your shots are 
framed how you want them.
To u c h  A E
By simply touching the screen, you can make 
dark areas in the picture appear brighter 
(A 60). This operation is simple yet allows 
you to shoot with the desired exposure.
Added and improved functionality
Other functions include two types of video 
scopes ( A79), conversion to standard 
definition ( A133) and Story Creator mode 
( A 99), which allows you to create 
engrossing video stories.
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Enjoying your Recordings on Other Devices
Eye-Fi
Connect the camcorder to an HDTV ( A119)
Play video directly 
from your recorded  memory card AVCHD-compatible HDTVs and 
digital recorders with a card slot  compatible with the type of  memory card used *
Use an Eye-Fi card ( A136) 
to wirelessly upload 
recordings to your computer  or a video sharing Web site Save or upload to 
the Web
Standard Definition
Convert your HD movies, in the camcorder itself, to standard  definition files (A133)
High Definition
Use the supplied PIXELA’s 
software ( A127, 133) Create discs
* Refer to the instruction manual of the device. Depending on the device used, correct playback may 
not be possible even if the device is AVCHD-compatible. In such case, play back the recordings on the 
memory card using the camcorder.
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1 Introduction 10
About this Manual 10Conventions Used in this Manual 10
Supplied Accessories and CD-ROMs 12
Names of Parts 14
2 Preparations 20
Charging the Battery Pack 20
Preparing the Camcorder 22 Attaching the Lens Hood 22
Using the Viewfinder 22
Adjusting the Position and Brightness of 
the LCD Screen 23
Grip Belt and Straps 24
Wireless Controller 25
Using a Tripod 26
Basic Operation of the Camcorder 27 Using the Touch Screen 27
Operating Modes 28
Using the Menus 29
First Time Settings 31 Setting the Date and Time 31
Changing the Language 31
Changing the Time Zone 32
Using a Memory Card 33 Memory Cards Compatible for Use with 
the Camcorder 33
Inserting and Removing a Memory  Card 34
Selecting the Memory for the 
Recordings 34
Relay Recording 35
Double Slot Recording 36
Initializing the Memory 36
3 Recording 38
Recording Movies and Photos 38 Preparing to Record 38
Recording in AUTO Mode 39
Recording in n  (Manual) Mode 42
Quick Start Function 44
Selecting the Video Quality (Recording  Mode) 45
Selecting the Frame Rate 46 Focus Adjustment 47
Manual Focus 47
Autofocus 48
Face Detection 49
Touch & Track 51
Zooming 52 Using the Zoom Lever or Wireless 
Controller 52
Using the Touch Screen’s Zoom  Controls 53
Soft Zoom Control 54
Digital Tele-Converter 54
Advanced Image Stabilization 55
Automatic Gain Control (AGC) Limit 56
Automatic Exposure Recording  Programs 57
Exposure Adjustment 59 Using the Manual Exposure Recording 
Program 59
Exposure Compensation 60
White Balance 62
Special Scene Recording Programs 64
Image Effects 66
Self Timer 67
Audio Scenes and Other Audio  Settings 68
Audio Recording Level 69
Built-In Microphone Directionality 70
Audio Equalizer 71
Auto Wind Screen 71
Audio Mix 72
Using Headphones 73
Using the Mini Advanced Shoe 74
Using an External Microphone 75 Using the SM-V1 Surround Microphone 
or DM-100 Directional Stereo 
Microphone 75
Using the WM-V1 Wireless  Microphone 76
Using Commercially Available  Microphones 76
Using an External Video Light 77
Color Bars/Audio Reference Signal 78
Table of contents
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Video Scopes 79Displaying the Waveform Monitor during 
[’ Programmed AE] Recording 
Program 79
Displaying the Waveform Monitor during  [n Manual Exposure] Recording 
Program 79
Displaying the Edge Monitor 79
Video Snapshot 80
Pre-Recording 81
Onscreen Displays and Data Code 82
Faders 83
4 Customization 84
Custom Button and Dial 84
Assignable Buttons 85 Changing the Assigned Function 85
Using an Assignable Button 85
Saving and Loading Menu Settings 86 Saving Menu Settings to a Memory 
Card 86
Loading Menu Settings from a Memory  Card 86
5 Playback 87
Playing Back Video 87Adjusting the volume 88
3D Flip View 90
The Index Selection Screen: Selecting the  Content to Play Back 91
Deleting Scenes and Stories 92 Deleting a Single Scene 92
Deleting Scenes from the Date Index 
Screen 92
Deleting a Single Scene from a Story 93
Deleting Scenes from a Story by  Rating 93
Deleting Stories 94
Dividing Scenes 95
Selecting the Playback Starting Point 96
Capturing Video Snapshot Scenes and  Photos from a Movie 97
Capturing a Video Snapshot Scene 97
Capturing Photos 98
6 Video Stories and Cinema 
Style 99
Using Story Creator  to Create Video 
Stories 99
Creating a New Story 99
Recording a Scene within a Story 99
Recording Additional Scenes within an 
Existing Story 100
CINEMA Mode and Cinema-Look  Filters 101
Adding Decorations 103 Decorating Scenes while 
Recording 103
Decorating Scenes during 
Playback 106
Playing Back Stories from the  Gallery 107
Rating Scenes 109 Rating Scenes Immediately After 
Recording 109
Rating Scenes from the List of 
Scenes 109
Rating Scenes during Playback 109
Playback with Background Music 110 Using One of the Supplied Music Tracks 
as Background Music 110
Using an External Audio Player for 
Background Music 111
Copying and Moving Scenes Within/ Between Stories 113
Selecting a Story’s Thumbnail Image 114
Changing a Story’s Title 115
7 External Connections 116
Terminals on the Camcorder 116
Connection Diagrams 117
Playback on a TV Screen 119
8 Photos 120
Viewing Photos 120 Photo Jump Function 121
Slideshow 122
Deleting Photos 123 Deleting a Single Photo 123
Deleting Photos from the Index 
Screen 123
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9 Saving/Sharing Recordings 124
Copying Recordings to a Memory Card 124
Copying Scenes from the Date Index 
Screen 124
Copying Scenes from a Story by 
Rating 125
Copying a Single Photo 125
Copying Photos from the Index 
Screen 126
Saving Recordings on a Computer 127 Saving Movies (Windows only) 127
Saving Photos (Windows/Mac OS) 128
Copying Recordings to an External Video  Recorder 131
In High Definition 131
In Standard Definition 131
Uploading Recordings to the Web 133 Converting Scenes into Standard 
Definition from the Date Index 
Screen 133
Converting Scenes into Standard 
Definition from a Story by Rating 135
Converting Only Part of a Scene or  Story 135
Uploading your Videos Wirelessly 136
Uploading Photos to the Web 137
10 Additional Information 138
Appendix: Menu Options Lists 138 FUNC. Panel 138
Setup Menus 141
Appendix: Onscreen Icons and  Displays 150
Troubleshooting 154 List of Messages 159
Handling Precautions 165 Camcorder 165
Battery Pack 166
Memory Card 166
Built-in Rechargeable Lithium 
Battery 167
Lithium Button Battery 167
Disposal 167
Maintenance/Others 168 Cleaning 168
Condensation 168
Using the Camcorder Abroad 169
Optional Accessories 170
Specifications 175
Index 179
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							About this Manual
10
Introduction
About this Manual
Thank you for purchasing the Canon VIXIA HF G20. Please read this manual carefully before you use 
the camcorder and retain it for future reference. Should your camcorder fail to operate correctly, refer 
to  Troubleshooting  (A 154).
Conventions Used in this Manual
•  IMPORTANT: Precautions related to the camcorder’s operation.
•  NOTES: Additional topics that complement the basic operating procedures.
•  POINTS TO CHECK: Restrictions or requirements regarding the function described.
•A : Reference page number within this manual.
• The following terms are used in this manual: When not specified as “memory card” or “built-in memory”, the term “memory” by itself refers to 
both.
“Scene” refers to one movie unit from the point you press the  Y button to start recording 
until you press again to pause the recording.
• The photos included in this manual are simulated pictures taken with a still camera.
• Some screenshots in this manual have been simplified to show only relevant icons.
1
Introduction
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