Last Updated: Apr 29, 2025     Views: 2

How do I use the video camera?

The Canon VIXIA HF R800 camcorder is a compact and lightweight camcorder that records Full HD 1080p video with a powerful 57x advanced zoom. It features an advanced image stabilization system for smooth footage and a DIGIC DV 4 image processor for enhanced clarity in various lighting conditions. Ideal for personal and professional use, it offers a user-friendly touchscreen interface and SD card compatibility for easy storage and transfer. To learn more about this and other loanable equipment or its current availability, please visit our Equipment for Loan page.


What is in the camcorder kit?

A picture of the camera equipment with a list below labeling everything pictured

A. Canon VIXIA HF R800 camcorder
B. AC power adapter
C. Battery pack x3
D. USB SD card reader
E. SD card x2 
F. USB-C cable x2
G. Røde Receiver with Aux Cable
H. Røde Mic with Lapel


FAQ Topics

Charging the battery

Initializing the memory card

Recording your project

Using the lapel mics

Turing your camera off

Exporting your project


Skip to Video Tutorials


How do I charge the battery?

  1. Pull down the battery release tab, and insert the battery into the back of the camera until it clicks.
    A camera with the battery packed installed
     
  2. Plug the AC power adapter into the camera and connect it to a power outlet.
    A camera with the compact power adapter plugged in
     
  3. The red charging indicator light will turn off when the battery is fully charged (approximately 8 hours).
  4. To remove the battery, pull down the battery release tab on the bottom of the camera and slide the battery out.

How do I initialize the memory card?

  1. Open the LCD screen and insert an SD card into the slot (printed side facing up).
    A camera with the SD card inserted
     
  2. Camera might turn on automatically. If not, press the ON/OFF button to power on the camera.
  3. Tap the Home icon on the LCD screen.
    The camera screen having the home button being pointed being pointed out
     
  4. Then select Other Settings.
    Other settings with the screw driver and hammer icon
     
  5. Click the Wrench tab.
    The camera screen with the wrench menu tab being pointed out
     
  6. Scroll down to Initialize SD and tap the triangle to the left of Initialize SD.
    A camera screen with the Initialize choice being pointed out
     
  7. Tap Initialize
    A picture of the Initialize option on the camera screen
     
  8. Confirm by selecting Yes. 
    WARNING : 
    All previous recordings will be erased.
    The warning screen that all recordings will be erased once initialized
     
  9. Then tap OK when done.
    The process completed message on the camera screen
     
  10. To return to the main screen, tap the X in the upper right hand corner of the screen.
    The closing menu option being pointed out

How to I use the lapel mics?

Follow this link to this optional step in adding the Lapel Mics to the camcorder. This Lapel Mic FAQ will walk you through how to use the lapels effectively.


How do I record?

  1. Open the lens cap by sliding the switch down.
  2. Power on the camera and ensure an initialized SD card is inserted.
  3. Use the zoom control near the rear of the camera to adjust framing.
  4. Press the silver and red record button to start/stop recording.
  5. To view recordings, press the Play button while the camera is on but not recording.

I'm done recording my project. How do I turn the camera off?

  1. Press the record button to stop recording.
  2. Turn off the camera and close the lens cap.
  3. Open the LCD screen, slide open the SD card cover, and gently press the SD card inward to release it.
  4. Remove the battery if needed.

How do I export my project?

  1. Insert the SD card into the USB SD card reader and connect it to your computer.
    The SD Card Reader with an SD Card in it
  2. Open the DCIM folder on the USB drive.
  3. Drag and drop the video files onto your computer or import them into your video editing software.

Video Tutorials for Assembling the Camera and Initializing the SD Cards 

Video Tutorials for Recording and Extracting Files

Details


Last updated: Apr 29, 2025

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