Adjusting the Focus. Canon XH G1, XH A1

Adjusting the Focus

The camcorder can be set to Autofocus or Manual Focus.

Autofocus

The autofocus can be set to Normal AF or Instant AF*. The camcorder has also a Push-AF function to allow for a temporary autofocus while focusing manually. When you operate the PUSH AF button, the

Instant AF is activated, regardless of the current setting of the AF mode.

Manual Focus

With the customized functions ( 79 ) you can change the direction of the adjustment when you turn the focus ring and its response sensitivity ([NORMAL] or [SLOW]). To make it easier to focus manually, you can also make use of the Peaking and Magnifying display functions ( 35).

* The Instant AF function can also be used combined with the Push-AF function so you can obtain a very fast initial automatic focus even while focusing manually.

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Focus ring

POSITION PRESET switch

Focus mode switch

PUSH AF button

Autofocus

The autofocus is set when the focus mode switch is set to AF. The camcorder uses the TTL autofocus system with a focusing range of 2 cm (at wide-angle from the front of the lens barrel) to

.

The camcorder focuses on the subject in the center of the screen.

Follow the procedure below to change the autofocus mode.

MENU

( 23)

CAMERA SETUP AF MODE ••• INSTANT AF

Open the menu and select [CAMERA SETUP]. Select [AF MODE], select a setting option and close the menu.

[INSTANT AF]: The focus is adjusted at the highest speed. This mode is useful even when recording in very bright or low-light surroundings. The TTL system and the external sensor are both used for focusing.

[NORMAL AF]: The autofocus adjustment is made at a stable speed. Only the TTL system is used in this mode making it appropriate for use also with the optional Wide Converter attached.

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Temporary Focus Override

Even while in autofocus mode, turn the focus ring to temporarily focus manually.

The camcorder will return to autofocus as soon as you release the focus ring.

Temporary Instant AF

During manual focus or Normal AF, press the PUSH AF button and hold it pressed down.

The autofocus (Instant AF) is activated as long as you hold the PUSH AF button pressed down.

When recording under bright conditions, the camcorder sets a small aperture value, and the picture may appear blurred. Turn the built-in ND filter on/off according to the screen display ( 37).

 When you attach the optional Wide Converter to the camcorder, set the camcorder to a recording mode other than Easy Recording and set the autofocus mode to Normal AF. Also, avoid using the Push AF function.

 In 25F mode, autofocus takes longer than in the 50i mode.

 When recording under dark conditions, the focusing range narrows and the picture may appear blurred.

 Autofocus may not work well on the following subjects. In that case, focus manually.

- Reflective surfaces

- Subjects with low contrast or without vertical lines

- Fast moving subjects

- Through dirty or wet windows

- Night scenes

Manual focus

PEAKING button

MAGN. button

POSITION PRESET switch

Focus ring

POSITION PRESET ON/SET switch

Focus mode switch

PUSH AF switch

1. Set the focus mode switch to M.

“MF” is displayed on screen.

2. Zoom in to telephoto.

3. Turn the focus ring to adjust the focus.

With the customized functions ( 79) you can change the direction of the adjustment when you turn the focus ring and its response sensitivity ([NORMAL] or [SLOW]).

4. Operate the zoom to reframe the subject.

If you focus manually and then leave the camcorder with the power turned on, you may lose the focus on your subject. This possible slight shift in focus is a result of the internal temperature rising in the camcorder and lens. Check the focus before resuming shooting.

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 The manual focus cannot be selected in the

Easy Recording mode. Even if you set the focus mode switch to M, the autofocus (Instant AF) will still be activated.

 The focal distance to the subject will be displayed for approx. 3 seconds when you switch from autofocus to manual focus or when you operate the focus ring in the manual focus mode. It will also be displayed with the focus preset. With the customized functions ( 79) you can change the units for the distance display (meter or feet) and with the custom display ( 86) you can select when to display this information (always, never, or only upon the operation of the focus ring).

 Use the distance display as an estimate.

: Infinity focus

-: Over infinity focus

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Using the Focus Assist Functions (Peaking and Magnifying)

In order to make manual focusing easier, you can use two assist functions: Peaking emphasizes the outlines of the subject creating a clearer contrast, and Magnifying enlarges the image on the screen. You can also combine both for a greater effect. With the customized functions ( 79) you can set the display to change automatically to black & white while using the focus assist functions.

Peaking

While recording or in record pause, press the PEAKING button.

• The outlines of the subject will be emphasized.

• Press the button again to cancel the function.

Magnifying

In record pause, press the MAGN. button.

• The central part of the screen will be magnified approximately 2x.

• Press the button again to cancel the function.

 The Peaking and Magnifying functions will not affect your recordings. However, the magnified picture will be output as is to the HD/SD SDI terminal ( only) and the HDV/DV terminal.

 The Magnifying function will be canceled as you start recording.

 You can use the custom keys (

66) to prevent the accidental operation of the MAGN. button.

With the customized functions ( 79) you can also change the operation of the MAGN. button

(normal or long press).

Focus Preset

This function enables a focus setting to be memorized and to return to that focus setting instantly. You can also select the speed at which the camcorder returns to the preset focus setting.

Presetting the Focus

1. Set the focus mode switch to M.

“MF” appears.

2. Set the POSITION PRESET switch to FOCUS.

The focus preset speed currently selected appears.

3. Adjust the focus with the focus ring.

4. Move the POSITION PRESET ON/SET switch to SET.

“MF” and the focus preset speed display turn yellow.

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Setting the Focus Preset Speed

MENU

( 23)

CAMERA SETUP F SPEED PSET• HIGH

Open the menu and select [CAMERA SETUP]. Select [F SPEED PSET], select a setting option and close the menu.

The selected speed appears next to “MF”.

Returning to the Preset Focus Setting

Move the POSITION PRESET ON/SET switch to ON.

The camcorder returns to the preset focus setting.

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