How to Use the Manual Mode on a Canon XH A1

The Canon XH A1 video camera gives you additional control by enabling you to switch to manual mode, allowing you to set the exposure at any combination of aperture and shutter speed.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Using the Manual Mode on the Canon XH A1 Video Camera

1. Set the POWER dial on the left side of the camera to M. When you do this, the exposure indicator will appear, and show you a preliminary estimate. The triangular mark above the indicator indicates the setting for Automatic Exposure. The rectangular marker on the indicator indicates the current exposure within two stops. Note that if the exposure is beyond two stops, the rectangular marker will blink.

2. Choose your desired aperture with the Iris ring, the ridged ring that encircles the base of the lens. You can adjust your settings by gently turning the ring.

3. Use the Shutter dial to select the shutter speed, located on the camera’s left side, below and to the right of the Iris ring.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a notepad handy to jot down your settings (aperture and shutter speed) as you go along. Then, when you’re reviewing your video, and see a particular combination that produced a sequence you like, you know which settings to use in the future.

Resources

• Canon XH A1 Instruction Manual