How to Take Still Pictures with a Canon XH A1

The Canon XH A1 is primarily a video camera not a still camera, so while its quality is very good for shooting video, the still images do not hold up to that of a still digital camera. The maximum quality of this camera’s still images is only around 1.2 megs, far lower than a typical still camera. Even so, the ability to take a still image from the same camera you’re shooting video with comes in handy.There are three modes for taking still pictures with the XH-A1. They are VCR/Play mode, to capture a still image from a tape, Camera mode, to capture a still image while shooting video and Camera-card mode, which uses the camera as if it were a still camera.This tutorial covers using the A1 as a still camera.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Canon XH A1 video camera
• SDHC or SD memory card

Taking Still Pictures with a Canon XH-A1

1. Place an SD or SDHC memory card in the camera. You do this by pushing the open switch at the back of the camera. This opens the battery/memory card door. The memory card slot is at the top of this compartment. Close the door once the card is inserted.

2. Turn the power dial to any recording mode.

3. Press the “Photo” button halfway down to focus the image. In Autofocus mode, the camera will focus on the area in the center of the viewer.

4. Once the camera is focused, press the “Photo” button all the way down to take the picture.

Tips & Warnings

• There are actually two power buttons to choose from. One is on top of the camera body near the rear, and the other is on top of the viewfinder boom. The two buttons work the same way.
• Do not open the battery/memory card door or remove the memory card until the camera has finished writing the image to the card. Doing so could cause you to lose data or damage the card.