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Battery and AC Power

The C-100 can be powered using a battery pack or directly to the AC outlet using the power adapter. If you connect the power adapter whilst the battery is attached, the camera will still draw power from the AC. Before the shoot, make sure the batteries are fully charged. You are allowed two batteries at checkout.

Attaching the Battery

• Make sure the camera is OFF.
• Insert the battery into the compartment and slide toward the left until the battery gently clicks.

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Charging the Battery

• Connect the power cord to the charger.
• Insert the battery – press lightly and slide in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.
• Plug in the power cord – the charge indicator starts flashing. The battery is charged when the indicator light stays on.
• Remove the battery.
• Unplug the power cord and return it to the case.

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Powering Up the Camera

The C-100 has two operating modes – CAMERA and MEDIA. Select the operating mode using the switch as shown.

• Switch to CAMERA to record video
• Switch to MEDIA to review (playback) the video
• Set the switch to OFF when the camera is not in use and to save battery power.

NOTE: The MEDIA mode is especially useful when you need to

confirm the quality of the footage (and sound) whilst still in the

field. Before you release the interview guest, review the footage

to make sure everything is okay.

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Removing the Battery

• Make sure the camera is OFF.
• Press the Battery Release button as shown and gently slide the battery to the right and pull out

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Connecting the Camera to AC Power

• Make sure the camera is OFF.
• Connect the DC cable (attached to the charger unit) to the DC IN terminal on the camera.
• Connect the power cord to the charger unit and plug it into an outlet.

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Attaching the Lens

Be gentle with the lenses as they are fragile and expensive. This is not to dissuade you from handling lenses, but handle them with

care and you'll be fine! It helps to practice attaching and removing lenses before you go out on a shoot.

It also helps to mount the camera to the tripod first so that the camera remains stable as you attach and remove lenses.

• Make sure the camera is OFF
• Remove the camera body cap and put it in the case

(do not set it on the ground, on a table or put it in your pocket). Do not lose any caps from this kit.

NOTE: During this operation, make sure nothing gets inside the camera body, including your fingers! If outdoors on a windy day, point the camera body away from the wind before you remove the camera body cap.

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• Align the lens using the white or red dots - one on the lens and the other on the camera body's lens attachment ring. Insert the lens and turn gently clockwise until it clicks.
• Make sure the lens is fitted securely, meaning that it doesn't feel loose.

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• Set the camera to OFF
• With a gentle grip on the lens in one hand, hold down the release button with your other hand and turn the lens counter-clockwise until it stops.
• Remove the lens and replace the body cap on the camera body.

NOTE: Always make sure you have a firm grip on the lens. Also, as soon as you return the lens to its carrying bag, immediately fit the camera body cap to close the opening and reduce the chances of anything getting inside.

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Connect the handle unit’s cable to the EXT terminal as shown – align the arrows to connect

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• Take out a lens and remove the back cap.
• Put the cap in the case

NOTE: When you remove the cap on the front of the lens prior to shooting video, as always, put the cap in the case so you don't lose it.

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NOTE: Some lenses are aligned using red dots.

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Attaching and Removing the XLR Handle Unit

Attaching

• Make sure the camera is OFF
• Insert the attachment base as shown by sliding it into the camera’s accessory shoe track
• While gently pressing down, tighten the wheel lock until the handle unit is secure

NOTE: You might find attaching the handle is easier when the camera is mounted securely to the tripod. Always make sure you have a firm grip on the camera when you mount it to the tripod.

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Removing the XLR Handle Unit

• Set the camera to OFF
• Unplug the handle unit cable from the camera by pulling back the metallic tip of the cable
• Loosen the handle wheel lock until it comes loose and you can remove the unit from the camera’s accessory shoe

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SD Card Formatting

Before you start recording, it's imperative that you format, or initialise the SD card. Doing so helps the camera's firmware communicate smoothly with the card so that it operates correctly. If you don't initialise the card, then you might experience problems with the video files. You should format the card prior to every shoot, and always format the card to the camera that you're using. Never format on another camera and then use it in the C-100, and never try formatting the card on your computer. Formatting (Initialisation) must always happen in the camera device that you're using.

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• Make sure the C-100 is turned OFF.
• Open the SD card compartment cover, located at the camera’s rear.
• With the label facing up, insert the SD card into either the A or B slot, making sure that it goes in straight all the way until it clicks.
• Close the SD compartment cover (the camera will not record until the cover is closed).
• Power up the camera.

NOTE: There are two sides to the card, one with the label and the other showing the leads that connect to the camera's electronics. Do not touch these leads as body oils could potentially damage the card and even corrupt existing data. Hold the card directly from the back. When inserting it, keep the label side facing up (as shown in the illustration above). Do not try to force the card into the slot. Make sure the card inserts into the slot with ease before pushing it in all the way. Simply exercise care.

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To remove a card

• Press gently on the card until it springs out, and then remove it all the way.

To format (initialize) the SD card

• In MENU, scroll to OTHER FUNCTIONS > Initialize Media

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NOTE: The initialisation process deletes any existing content on the card. If you used it on a prior production, make sure to copy the contents into a safe place (a portable hard drive, inside a project folder) before you initialise. Never use the SD card as a storage drive to keep files other than those that are recorded in the camera.

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SD Card Status

The status indicator is located next to the SD card slot. Refer to the following to know if the SD card is being accessed by the camera:

• RED – the camera is accessing the card – do not remove the card for any reason.
• GREEN – the card is ready for recording/playback.
• Indicator Off – An SD card is not inserted or is not currently selected.

Precaution

To avoid damaging the card or its contents, observe the following precautions:

• Never disconnect the power source or turn off the camera when the card is being accessed (indicator is RED).
• Never open the SD compartment cover and remove a card when the camera is turned on. Power off the camera before you remove a card.

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• Use the joystick (located in the lower left corner of the camera's viewfinder screen) to select slot A or B and then press the joystick to SET.
• Select Complete or Quick and then press the joystick.

Note: Initializing an SD card will erase permanently all the data on the card. Before you initialize the card, make sure you saved the media in advance.

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Manual Focus

Make sure the lens mode is switched to MF - you'll see this switch on the lens itself.

NOTE: AF (Automatic Focus) has its uses on some occasions, but we don't recommend you use it, especially when shooting interviews. The AF might shift focus from the interview subject to something in the background, or we might see the focus "breathe" if the camera keeps trying to focus on the person (or object). When the focus shifts during the recording, the shot will be ruined. Should this happen during an interview shot, then you will need to reshoot the interview.

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One-Shot AF (Automatic Focus)

Using this function will let the camera focus automatically on the subject at the centre of the screen.

To operate One-Shot AF, you need to first switch the lens mode to AF. The switch is on the lens itself.

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Peaking

This focus assist function will detect straight lines in the image and highlight them in a bright colour (red or blue) when they are in focus.

Press the PEAKING button as shown. Then focus the lens until the lines in the subject are highlighted sharply.

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Magnification

This focus assist option will magnify the image in the viewfinder to help you focus the subject more sharply. The centre of the viewfinder is magnified approximately 2 times.

When you press the MAGN. button. Use the joystick to move the magnified frame to other parts of the image.

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Simply turn the focus ring on the lens until the image looks sharp.Ìý

When using a telephoto lens, always zoom in on the subject first and then focus. Zoom out and frame the shot.

The Canon C-100 also offers focus assist features.

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Then use the One-Shot AF button, located at the front of the camera just beneath the lens. The camera will focus automatically on the subject at the centre of the screen.

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In this illustration, the edges of the subject are emphasized with highlighted lines (in red).

Peaking lines will not show up in the actual recording.

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As stated above, the camera will not record the magnified image. But remember not to try framing shots when magnified is engaged (you can tell in the viewfinder screen when you see the MAGN. icon. Press MAGN. again to cancel magnification first, and then you can frame your shot properly.

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Recording and Getting the Exposure Right

To Record

Use the red START/STOP button on the grip to start recording. Press again to stop. Another START/STOP button is located on the XLR handle unit and at the front of the camera below the lens.

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Exposure

First, a word about using automatic exposure: If all you do is use the camera's automatic features, then you're undermining your creative control. Naturally there are times when you need automatic exposure, such as when you are moving quickly between different lighting conditions. But shooting in auto-mode should not be your default. Using auto-exposure not only gives the camera creative control, but during the recording, the camera might continually adjust the exposure in mid-recording, leaving signs of what is called "iris breathing." Evidence of iris breathing is the hallmark of the unsophisticated shooter and will cause numerous problems in post-production. Instead, take control of your craft. It's not hard to learn how to adjust the exposure manually. Mastering a craft just takes practice, so make the time and be patient with yourself.

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The current Gain value seen in the viewfinder. Use the joystick up or down to change the Gain. Pressing the joystick will set the value. In this illustration, the gain value is 0.0dB (decibels). In other words, no gain, or the gain is off. Use this setting when lighting conditions are adequate.

NOTE: When you increase the gain, you might not see the noise readily in the camera's LCD screen, but on a computer monitor, the noise will definitely jump out at you.

The range of Gain values are -6dB to -30dB. The higher the Gain value, the brighter the picture, but never apply Gain unless you have to. Don’t rely on Gain for setting the exposure. Use Gain only after you allow as much light to enter the lens as possible (adjusting the aperture first).

BEST PRACTICE: start with the Gain off (0.0dB) and then set the ND filter, Shutter Speed and Aperture.

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To set the exposure manually, remember this sequence:

ND filter

Gain

Shutter Speed

Aperture

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ND (Neutral Density) Filter

Depending on the lighting conditions you will need to adjust the ND (Neutral Density) filter within an appropriate range. The ND filter is only ever used in bright surroundings. Think of this filter like a pair of sunglasses for the camera, helping to reduce the intensity of bright light, which will help you achieve the right exposure.

The ND filter operates using a dial as shown. Turn the dial up

towards + and the ND filter will change in the following order:

ND1 – 2 stops (good for cloudy days)

ND2 – 4 stops (good for sunny days)

ND3 – 6 stops (good for very bright sunny days)

ND filter off

(OFF when shooting indoors or even during dusk or dawn sequences)

Turning the dial towards the - will change the settings in the reverse order.

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The ND value appears in the viewfinder. When you don’t see the ND value, then the ND filter is off. Depending on the lighting conditions, the colour may change when you change the ND filter. Set the white balance again when you change ND settings.

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Gain

Under low light conditions, you can brighten an image by adjusting the Canon C100's ISO/Gain. ISO is a term used more prominently in digital photography that expresses the sensitivity of the image sensor. The higher the ISO the more sensitive the sensor. However, in digital video, we simply refer to this as Gain, which has nothing to do with allowing more light to enter the lens. Gain represents signal strength whether it's video or audio. Signal strength is expressed in terms of decibels. When you increase the signal strength, you're amplifying the signal so that the image is brighter or the sound is louder.

Therefore, Gain is used only during low-light conditions when you need to see more detail in the picture. But with greater signal strength comes a price: increased strength generates more noise or graininess in the image (or in audio, you will hear the sound is distorted).

Sometimes more noise in the video might serve the mood of the story, such as when you're shooting a police reality show. But in the majority of your shots, especially during interviews, the grainy quality we see with increased gain is undesirable and even distracting. It's better to bring extra lighting to your production shoot than to rely on gain.

As shown here, the ISO/Gain is a button that will highlight the Gain value in the viewfinder. To change the Gain value, press the ISO/GAIN button.

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Shutter Speed

The Shutter Speed is most useful when you are shooting fast motion, such as sports events. Shutter Speed is a measurement of how long the camera allows light to enter the aperture. Think of it as a gate that opens and closes. A shutter speed of 1/60 means that light enters 1/60 of a second; a faster shutter speed of 1/500 means that it takes light 1/500 of a second to enter.

Therefore, the higher the shutter speed, the faster the camera is opening and closer the shutter.

The faster shutter speeds have a way of "stopping action." A great example is when you shoot a helicopter in flight. Setting a fast shutter speed effectively slows down the rotors to the point where you can actually see the individual rotors. In other words, if you

want to avoid motion blur in the action, then set for a higher shutter speed. Faster shutter speeds will let you see the detail in fast moving subjects.

But when you increase the shutter speed, you'll notice that it also reduces the amount of light that enters the lens. The gate that opens and closes is closed as much as it's open, letting in even less light. If you want to use fast shutter speeds, you’re going to need more light on the subject.

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To adjust the Shutter Speed

• Press the Shutter button on the camera as shown, which will highlight the current value seen in the viewfinder.
• Use the joystick to adjust the value. Note that as the shutter speed increases the picture gets darker.
• Press the joystick to set the new value.

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Aperture

The brightness of the image and its depth of field can be changed by adjusting the aperture, which is strictly the hole in the lens that permits light to enter. The Iris is a diaphragm that controls how much light enters the aperture, which is why sometimes aperture and iris are used interchangeably.

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Manual Aperture

Simply use the control dial as shown to change the f/stop values. Turn the control dial to the desired aperture.

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Momentary Automatic Aperture

Press the PUSH AUTO IRIS button as shown to temporarily apply automatic aperture. Ideally, leave the camera in Manual Aperture mode so you can adjust the exposure yourself. You can then use the PUSH AUTO IRIS to allow the camcorder to take control of the aperture and then compare the difference between what your manual setting and what the camera sets.

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The Zebra Pattern Feature shows black and white stripes over the image to indicate areas that are overexposed.The pattern is displayed only in the viewfinder and isn't recorded into the image.

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Before you adjust the aperture to allow more light into the lens, check the Shutter Speed value first. If the previous camera user left the shutter speed at 1/500th of a second, then you might have some problems getting the right exposure if not enough light is entering the lens.

Here are some recommended settings for Shutter Speed depending on the lighting conditions:

Indoors – 1/60

Outdoors under sunny skies – 1/100

1/60th of a second is a good baseline. But what happens if the shutter speed falls below 1/60th?

In places with insufficient lighting, you could set the Shutter Speed to a lower value (less than 1/60 th

of a second) to brighten the

image. But a speed less than 1/60 will increase motion blur. Also, a very low shutter speed might produce severe motion blur that appears to trail your subject's motion. This image quality is not acceptable in standard professional broadcast unless you’re deliberately trying to add this effect.

Otherwise, never use anything lower than 1/60 when are shooting in low light. Try to bring in more lighting.

F-stops

The amount of light that enters the lens determines the f/stop value. An f/stop that is large indicates a small aperture size, and less light can enter; an f/stop value that is small indicates a wider aperture size, and more light can enter. Also, using a larger f/stop value (smaller aperture) increases the depth of field – meaning more of the subject is in focus. A small f/stop value (larger aperture size) renders a more shallow depth of field, meaning the subject may be nicely in focus, but the background is a soft blur.

The Canon C-100 can automatically set the aperture or it can be set manually to give the user more control over the quality of the image. By default, the camera is set to Manual mode.

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Using Automatic Aperture

In MENU, open CAMERA SETUP > IRIS > MODE > change to AUTOMATIC.

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In the viewfinder, use the Exposure Bar as a reference.

• The midpoint of the bar indicates optimal exposure.
• The indicator inside the bar tells you the current exposure.
• The negative side of the bar shows less light entering the aperture; the positive side shows more light is entering.

When the difference between current and optimal exposure is large you may have either an underexposed or an overexposed image.

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Zebra Pattern Feature

The Zebra Pattern is an exposure assist that lets you see areas in the image that are overexposed. The stripes that appear over overexposed parts of an image is an indicator where detail might be potentially lost unless the exposure is corrected. Lost detail in an overexposed (or an underexposed) shot cannot be restored in post-production.

The Zebra Pattern can be selected with a simple press of the Zebra button.

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White Balance

White Balance is simply a process of calibrating the colour of the picture under different colour temperatures - it tells the camera what is white under different colour temperatures. For example, the colour temperature outdoors is typically 5600 Kelvin (expressed as 5600K), which appears to the camera as blue; the colour temperature indoors is about 3200K and images to the camera appear reddish.

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Custom White Balance

You can custom set the white balance using the A or B mode icons. This is perhaps the easiest and fastest way to white balance when you want to get accurate colour reproductions. Always set the White Balance in the same lighting conditions where you will be doing the shoot. In other words, don't do a white balance at home and then move the camera to a new location. Press the WB button as shown, which will highlight the white balance mode icon in the viewfinder.

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Press the White Balance wedge icon (just above the WB button on the camera). The mode in the viewfinder will flash a few times before it settles when the white balance is set. You will also see a new value for the color temperature next to the mode.

Basically, you're storing a white balance value in the A and B mode, which is helpful when you're on a shoot that has two locations where the lighting conditions are different. You could set the white balance in A for an outdoor location and B for an indoor location. As long as you set the white balance previously, then use the joystick to select the custom white balance for that location.

We recommend, however, that you always set the white balance when you enter a new location. The process takes only seconds and you'll be getting better color reproduction every time.

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Push the joystick to the right to select the adjustment value. Then push the joystick up or down to change the value. The adjustment value helps you to fine tune the color temperature.

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Auto White Balance (AWB)

Letting the camcorder adjust the white balance automatically might be useful if the lighting in the environment keeps changing.

Press the WB button and use the joystick to change the mode to AWB. Now the camera will set the white balance for you. NOTE: Although the automatic white balance does a good job, we believe that manually setting the white balance will provide the best color reproduction.

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Before you white balance, make sure you have enough lighting and that you adjusted the exposure. You will also need a white card or make sure that there is something white in the shot from which you can calibrate the camera's white balance.Ìý

NOTE: use as pure a white as you can find to set the white balance. The better the white, the more accurate the colour reproduction.

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Use the joystick to select the custom mode, A or B icon. Point the camera at a white card (set the card where the subject is, don’t just hold it in front of the lens), and zoom in to fill the frame with white.

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Preset White Balance

Press the WB button to highlight the white balance mode and use the joystick to select either the incandescent lamp or the daylight settings.

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Colour Temperature Setting

Use this function when you know the desired color temperature (often when using a light meter). You can make the image warmer by selecting a higher color temperature, or cooler when using a lower one. Press the WB button and use the joystick to change the mode to K. The push the joystick to the right to highlight the color temperature value. Push the joystick up or down to change the value.

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