Canon XH-A1 HDV Camera Setup Checklist

1. Check for all necessary items: Camera, 2 Batteries, Charger, Tape and Tripod. Check for dirt on the lens.
2. Insert battery (remove masking tape from battery terminals) and Panasonic DVM63AMQ tape, and shoot a short test

1. Ensure Lock/Standby switch (around the Start button) is on Standby, and Tape/Card switch (right side) is set to Tape
2. Ensure Audio Level is set to "A" (Auto) and Mic Att (underneath folded viewfinder and above XLR mic connectors) is Off
3. Ensure +48V phantom power (in front of XLR mic connectors) is Off
4. Press power dial locking button and turn to "A" (Auto) mode

Press Menu button to check Camera Menu settings:

1. Signal Setup:
   • Signal Std HD for high definition
   • Frame Rate 60i
2. Audio Setup:
   • XLR Input On (for XLR mic cables) or Off (for built-in mic)
3. System Setup:
   • Custom Key 1 set to "VCR Stop"

1. Ensure ND Filter is Off unless shooting in bright daylight
2. AGC (Auto Gain Control) switch Off
3. Gain switch to "L" (Low)
4. Adjust exposure if necessary using Exp. Lock button and turning rear lens ring
5. White Balance:
   • AWB (Auto White Balance) switch Off
   • White Bal. Select switch set to A or B
   • Push White Balance button until indicator stops flashing
6. Adjust viewfinder for your eye
7. Set Focus AF/M switch to Manual ("MF" in viewfinder)

1. Start the tape with 60 sec. of colour bars (use the Cam/Bars switch) and 10 sec. of your slate.
2. Press Disp button (below external viewfinder) to turn onscreen data off or on
3. Record Review (looping arrow button below external viewfinder) rolls back to review end of previous shot
4. Between shots, to avoid camera turning OFF after 5 minutes:
   • Set Lock/Standby switch to Lock to put camera to sleep
   • Or press Custom Key 1 for "VCR Stop" which keeps viewfinder on -- press again to return to "Pause"