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Canon LEGRIA HF M31 User Manual

Canon LEGRIA HF M31
193 pages
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PUB. DIE-0399-000
HD Camcorder
Instruction Manual

Table of Contents

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Canon LEGRIA HF M31 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Filter size37 mm
Digital zoom300 x
Optical zoom15 x
Image stabilizerYes
Focal length range4.1 - 61.5 mm
Focal length (35mm film equivalent)39.5 - 711 mm
Sensor typeCMOS
Total megapixels3.89 MP
Optical sensor size1/4 \
Effective megapixels (movie)2990000 MP
Closest focusing distance0.1 m
Display diagonal2.7 \
FocusTTL
InterfaceUSB 2.0
Video out1
Photo effectsBlack&White, Neutral, Sepia, Skin tones, Vivid
Minimum illumination0.4 lx
Maximum video resolution1920 x 1080 pixels
Still image resolution(s)640 x 480, 1600 x 1200, 2304 x 1296
Audio systemDolby Digital 5.1
Camera shutter speed1/2 - 1/2000 s
USB 2.0 ports quantityUSB 2.0 ports have a data transmission speed of 480 Mbps, and are backwards compatible with USB 1.1 ports. You can connect all kinds of peripheral devices to them.
Flash memory4 GB
Compatible memory cardsSD, SDHC
Internal storage capacity32 GB
Product colorBlack
Battery typeBP-808
Battery life (max)1.6 h
Bundled softwarePIXELA ImageMixer 3 SE Music Transfer
Weight and Dimensions IconWeight and Dimensions
Depth123 mm
Width68 mm
Height60 mm
Weight320 g

Summary

Important Usage Instructions

Safety Warnings and Cautions

Critical safety information regarding electrical hazards, fire risks, and proper usage.

Key Camcorder Features

High-Definition Video Recording

Details on video resolution, image sensor, and AVCHD recording format.

Memory Card Recording Options

Explains using built-in memory and external memory cards for storage.

Smart AUTO and Intelligent Shooting

Automatic scene selection and features like Face Detection and Image Stabilization.

Enjoying Your Recordings

Connecting to TVs and Sharing Content

How to connect to TVs, upload to the web, and convert video formats.

Getting to Know Your Camcorder

Supplied Accessories and Camcorder Parts

Lists included accessories and identifies external camcorder components.

Camcorder External Components

Detailed identification of parts on the Left, Right, and Front views of the camcorder.

Camcorder Bottom View and Wireless Controller

Identifies bottom view components and details the wireless controller functions.

Preparations for Use

Initial Setup and Battery Charging

Guide to initial camcorder setup, including battery charging and power connection.

Accessory Preparation and Wireless Controller Use

Instructions for preparing and using the wireless controller accessory.

Grip Belt and Strap Fastening

How to attach and adjust the grip belt for secure and comfortable handling.

LCD Screen Adjustment and Brightness

Steps for rotating the LCD panel and adjusting its brightness settings.

Basic Camcorder Operation

Navigating the Touch Screen Interface

Explains touch, drag, and swipe gestures for interacting with the camcorder's interface.

Operating Modes and Menu Navigation

Details on switching modes and using the camcorder's menu system.

Initial Camcorder Settings

Setting Date, Time, and Format

Configuring the camcorder's clock, date format, and time zone settings.

Language and Time Zone Configuration

Changing the user interface language and setting the correct time zone.

Using Memory Cards

Memory Card Compatibility and Handling

Information on compatible memory cards and proper handling procedures.

Memory Card Insertion and Selection

Procedures for inserting/removing cards and selecting recording media.

Relay Recording Feature

How to enable continuous recording by switching between built-in and memory card storage.

Memory Initialization Procedures

Steps for initializing memory cards or built-in memory for optimal performance or data wiping.

Dual Shot Mode Operations

Basic Recording in Dual Shot Mode

Recording video and photos using the camcorder's automatic Dual Shot mode.

Zooming Techniques and Controls

How to use the zoom lever, buttons, and on-screen controls for magnification.

Quick Start Functionality

Enabling fast startup for recording by opening the LCD panel.

Video Recording and Playback

Basic Video Playback and Index Navigation

Steps for playing back recorded video files and navigating through index screens.

Selecting Content from Index Screens

Selecting content for playback using the index screen and its various views.

3D Flip View for Video Organization

A visual method for displaying video recordings in a 3D layout organized by date.

Deleting Unwanted Video Scenes

Removing video scenes to free up memory space and manage the content.

Advanced Video Functions

Manual Video Shooting Mode

Using Manual mode for full creative control over video recording parameters.

Selecting Video Recording Quality

Choosing recording modes to balance quality and recording time.

Special Scene Recording Programs

Utilizing preset scene modes for optimal results in various conditions.

Image Stabilization Modes

Selecting and using image stabilization features to reduce motion blur.

Face Detection for Optimal Shots

How face detection automatically adjusts settings for clear portraits and group shots.

Touch & Track Subject Following

Tracking moving subjects to maintain focus and optimal settings during recording.

Manual Exposure Control (Shutter/Aperture)

Adjusting shutter speed and aperture manually for precise exposure control.

White Balance Adjustment

Setting White Balance for Accurate Colors

Adjusting white balance to ensure natural color reproduction under various lighting conditions.

Image Effects Customization

Applying and Customizing Image Effects

Modifying color saturation, contrast, and sharpness for unique visual styles.

Mini Video Light Operation

Using the Built-in Video Light

Activating the mini video light for shooting in low-light environments.

Self Timer Functionality

Using the Self Timer for Delayed Shots

Setting a delay before recording starts for group photos or self-portraits.

Audio Recording Level Control

Adjusting Manual Audio Levels

Fine-tuning audio input levels for optimal sound recording quality.

Using Headphones for Monitoring

Connecting and Monitoring Audio with Headphones

Connecting headphones to monitor audio levels and playback.

Advanced Accessory Shoe Usage

Attaching External Microphones and Lights

Guidelines for attaching external microphones and video lights to the mini advanced shoe.

Zoom Remote Controller Operation

Connecting and Using Zoom Remote Controllers

How to operate the camcorder remotely using zoom remote controllers.

Selecting Playback Start Points

Using the Timeline for Precise Playback

Selecting specific points within a video scene to begin playback using the timeline ruler.

Playback with Background Music

Using Supplied Music Tracks for Playback

Playing back scenes or photo slideshows with background music from supplied tracks.

Onscreen Displays and Data Code

Customizing Onscreen Information Displays

Turning onscreen displays, icons, and data codes on or off as needed.

Playlist and Scene Management

Creating and Editing Video Playlists

Adding, deleting, and arranging scenes into custom playlists for playback.

Capturing Photos and Snapshots from Video

Extracting still photos or short video clips from recorded movie scenes.

Dividing Video Scenes

Splitting recorded scenes into smaller segments for easier editing or management.

Photo Operations

Basic Photo Playback and Viewing

Viewing recorded still images on the camcorder screen.

Deleting Unwanted Photos

Removing photos to free up memory space and manage the photo library.

Advanced Photo Functions

Manual Mode for Photo Shooting

Using Manual mode for greater control over photo capture settings.

Photo Review and Selection Options

Reviewing photos after capture and selecting size and quality settings.

Flash Control for Photography

Adjusting Flash Modes and Settings

Configuring the flash for different shooting conditions and effects.

Drive Modes: Continuous and Bracketing

Using Continuous Shooting and Exposure Bracketing

Capturing multiple photos in sequence or with varying exposures.

Simultaneous Photo and Video Recording

Capturing Photos While Recording Video

Capturing still photos while simultaneously recording video clips.

Light Metering Modes Explained

Selecting Light Metering Modes for Exposure

Understanding and selecting light metering modes for optimal exposure control.

Slideshow Creation and Playback

Creating Slideshows with Music and Transitions

Creating and playing photo slideshows with optional background music and transitions.

Magnifying Photos for Detail Viewing

Zooming into photos during playback to examine details.

Photo Rotation and Histogram Display

Rotating Photos and Assessing Exposure

Rotating photos for correct orientation and using histograms to assess exposure.

Protecting Photos

Preventing Accidental Photo Deletion

Marking photos as protected to safeguard them from accidental erasure.

Printing Photos

Direct Printing via PictBridge Connection

Connecting to PictBridge printers for direct photo printing from the camcorder.

Print Order Management and Errors

Setting print orders and troubleshooting common printing errors.

External Connections Guide

Understanding Camcorder Terminals

Identifying and understanding the function of all physical connection ports on the camcorder.

Connecting to TVs via HDMI

Detailed steps and considerations for connecting to HDTVs using HDMI for high-quality output.

Component and Composite Video Connections

Connecting to TVs using component (HD) and composite (SD) video cables.

USB Connection for Data Transfer

Connecting the camcorder to computers or printers using the USB cable.

TV Playback Setup

Connecting and Playing Back on a TV Screen

Guide to connecting the camcorder to a TV and playing back recordings.

Saving and Sharing Recordings

Copying Recordings to Memory Cards

Transferring video scenes and photos from the camcorder's internal memory to a memory card.

Saving Recordings to a Computer

Transferring video files and photos to a computer for backup and management.

Saving Photos Using Software

Utilizing supplied software to save and organize photos on a computer.

Converting Movies to Standard Definition DVDs

Converting Scenes for DVD Burning

Converting high-definition video scenes into standard definition format suitable for DVD.

Creating DVDs from Camcorder Footage

Burning converted standard definition scenes onto DVDs using computer software.

Copying Recordings to External Video Recorders

High Definition and Standard Definition Copying

Methods for copying recordings in HD or SD to external devices.

Uploading Movies to Video Sharing Websites

Converting and Uploading Videos Wirelessly

Converting movies to standard definition for wireless upload to video sharing sites.

Standard Definition Conversion Process

Step-by-step guide for converting video scenes into standard definition for web or DVD.

Connecting for Computer Video Uploads

Procedures for connecting the camcorder to a computer to upload converted videos.

Wireless Video Uploads

Using Eye-Fi Cards for Wireless Uploads

Enabling automatic wireless uploads of movies to video sharing websites using Eye-Fi cards.

Additional Information and Appendices

Menu Options Lists and FUNC. Panel Reference

Reference lists for menu options, settings, and FUNC. panel functions.

Camera Setup Menu Options

Configuration settings for digital zoom, focus, image stabilization, and audio.

Photo Settings and Capture Options

Configuring photo quality, size, capture modes, and numbering.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Initial Troubleshooting Checklist

Key checks to perform before diagnosing more complex problems with the camcorder.

Power and Recording Troubleshooting

Solutions for power-related issues and problems starting recordings.

Focus, Image, and Mode Switching Issues

Troubleshooting focus problems, image warping, and slow mode switching.

Picture, Sound, and Artifact Troubleshooting

Resolving issues with dark screens, repeated display issues, sound problems, and visual artifacts.

Memory Card and Wireless Communication Issues

Troubleshooting problems related to memory cards, wireless uploads, and controller functionality.

Common Error Message Solutions

Explanations and solutions for various error messages encountered during operation.

External Device Connection Troubleshooting

TV Display and Sound Issues

Resolving problems with video noise, lack of image, or sound when connected to external devices.

Photo Printing and File Saving Errors

Troubleshooting issues with printing photos and saving files to a computer.

Handling Precautions and Best Practices

Camcorder Care and Maintenance Guidelines

Guidelines for cleaning, handling the touch screen, and protecting the camcorder from damage.

Battery Pack Safety and Storage

Important safety instructions and long-term storage recommendations for the battery pack.

Memory Card Care and Protection

Precautions for handling memory cards to prevent damage, data corruption, or accidental erasure.

Battery Information

Built-in and Button Battery Handling

Information on the camcorder's built-in battery and safety for the lithium button battery.

Product Disposal and Data Security

Securely Erasing Data Before Disposal

Procedures for securely deleting data from the camcorder or memory card before disposal.

Maintenance and Environmental Considerations

Cleaning External Components

Instructions for cleaning the camcorder body, lens, AF sensor, and touch screen.

Condensation Prevention and Management

Tips to prevent condensation formation by managing temperature changes.

International Usage: Power and TV Compatibility

Using the Camcorder Abroad

Information on power sources and TV system compatibility for international use.

General Information and Accessories

Supplied and Optional Accessories Overview

Lists all available accessories, both supplied and optional, for enhancing camcorder functionality.

Optional Battery Packs and Chargers

Details on compatible battery packs and the recommended battery charger.

Battery Performance Specifications

Battery Charging and Usage Time Estimates

Tables providing approximate charging times and recording/playback battery life.

Memory Card Usage Times

Estimated battery life when using memory cards with different recording modes.

Detailed Optional Accessory Descriptions

Microphones, Lights, and Filters

Descriptions of optional audio, lighting, and filter accessories.

Remote Controls, Flash, and Cases

Information on optional remote controls, video flash lights, carrying cases, and waterproof cases.

Camcorder Technical Specifications

System, Recording, and Media Specifications

Technical details on recording system, media, and maximum recording times.

Lens, AF, Illumination, and Terminal Specs

Specifications related to the lens, autofocus, illumination requirements, and external terminals.

Power and Component Specifications

Camcorder Power and Dimension Details

Specifications for power supply, consumption, dimensions, and weight of the camcorder.

Power Adapter and Battery Pack Specifications

Technical details for the compact power adapter and the BP-808 battery pack.

Music File Compatibility Information

Music File Specifications and Folder Structure

Information on compatible music file formats and their storage structure.

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