How to Troubleshoot a Canon XL2
Although the Canon XL2 offers a plethora of automated functions, the occasional operating issue is bound to occur. Whether the playback options refuse to function, a menu jams on the screen or the camera simply won’t turn on, there are a number of simple troubleshooting steps owners can take before rushing to the manufacturer for costly repairs.
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Instructions
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Check the battery. This is the first troubleshooting step to take if your Canon XL2 won't turn on. If the battery pack isn't properly connected, the camera may not work at all. If this is the case, simply slide the battery pack into place until it clicks.
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Recharge or replace your battery if your viewfinder flickers or turns off. Low battery power will tend to shut the viewfinder down first. This is an early sign that the battery being used needs to be replaced.
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Set the Canon XL2 "Power Dial" to an appropriate recording setting. The "Power Dial" or "Wheel" on the XL2 controls a number of the camera's record and playback options. If the camera refuses to record, or if no image appears on the screen, the camera may simply not be set to record.
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Clean the lens if the autofocus feature doesn't work. Debris on the lens can cause the autofocus feature to fail finding the proper focus. If the autofocus still doesn't work, adjust the viewfinder. If you are still unable to focus on your subject with the autofocus, switch the camera to manual focus.
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Adjust your input select switch if the XL2 does not record sound. If, for example, you are using an external microphone in one of the XLR inputs, make sure to select the appropriate audio channel (channel 1, channel 2 or a mix of both). You should see audio bars on your display when the input select switch is in the appropriate position.
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Set the +48V switch to "On" if you use a microphone via the XLR inputs that requires phantom power. If this switch isn't turned on, the Canon XL2 will either be unable to record sound or record it a very low level, even if the input select switch is set correctly.
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Tips & Warnings
Use the DC power adapter when troubleshooting the Canon XL2 if you are having issues with battery power.
Shoot some test footage you can replay before beginning your shoot to ensure that your camera is capturing both video and audio correctly.
Clean your lens with a product specifically designed for camera lenses. Glass cleaners can erode the protective coating on the lens, while water could actually smudge the debris, creating a greasy lens.
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Comments
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johngreasy
Feb 01, 2009
For some reason my xlr input Ch 2/4 won't read on the lcd when I plug an xlr mic into it. All the setting are correct and the Ch 1/3 xlr works just fine. This camera was purchase from Canon brandnew. I've only been using it for a year now. I haven't dropped it or anything major like that. I was working just fine tried to figure it out but it doesn't read on the display bars. When I switch the record channel set to Ch1 the Ch 2/4 does read on the display but on reads on the channel two bar not both 1&2 outputs. Just trying to figure out what it could be I think it's minor let me know what you think thanks!! -
johngreasy
Feb 01, 2009
For some reason my xlr input Ch 2/4 won't read on the lcd when I plug an xlr mic into it. All the setting are correct and the Ch 1/3 xlr works just fine. This camera was purchase from Canon brandnew. I've only been using it for a year now. I haven't dropped it or anything major like that. I was working just fine tried to figure it out but it doesn't read on the display bars. When I switch the record channel set to Ch1 the Ch 2/4 does read on the display but on reads on the channel two bar not both 1&2 outputs. Just trying to figure out what it could be I think it's minor let me know what you think thanks!!
