Canon PowerShot TX1 HD Camera Tips

If you've recently purchased the Canon PowerShot TX1, or are considering getting one, your have to read these real-world tips. The TX1 is a tiny, digital camera that takes great still pictures and also movies compatible for viewing on a widescreen HDTV. It is an ELPH-sized camera with a 10X optical zoom that not only captures 7.1 megapixels but also shoots movies at 720p. (1280 by 720 @ 30 fps). It started shipping in the US on April 30th, 07.

If you are taking a vacation, have children or grandchildren, will be attending a wedding or other special occasion then you MUST get a TX1. It solves all the problems and hassles with taking photos and videos. This is a unique camera and the first of its kind.

First off, it is small. It disappears in the palm of my hand and would take up little room in a coat pocket or purse. We all have cameras and camcorders that we don't use that often, mainly because they are a bit large. We use them for a while but after some time they stay at home. This camera is so small and light that you can take it everywhere. Think of all the times you wish you had your camcorder because you saw something you wished to record. Get the Canon TX1 and you'll always have your camera at your side.

Second, it takes great photos and fantastic videos. The TX-1 is made for HDTV compatible video. Your precious memories no longer need to be recorded on 50-year old video technology (NTSC) but can use the latest HDTV.

Third, it has other great features like a 10X optical zoom, all metal construction and built-in lens cap.

I received my Canon TX1 in early-May (serial # 000023) and ran into a few problems getting everything to work as I'd hoped. I'm writing this guide so you can benefit from what I've learned. This is just a few tips. For the best review, including a link to raw video from the TX1, see Digital Camera Resource.

Unpacking

When you first get you camera (like, from Amazon) and open up the box you will notice something peculiar. There are manuals in different languages, a CD with software, cables galore... but where is the camera ...they forgot to include the camera ...oh ...what's that small thing in the corner. Hey, that's the camera? Geesh, it's small.

When you take it out of its shipping wrapper you'll notice two things. One, it's tiny and two, you've gotten your finger prints all over its nice new metal case. A little polishing with your shirt tail ...and they don't come completely off. Your shiny new toy now doesn't look so new, now.

Don't worry, here is what to do. Go down to your local Apple Store or other computer dealer and get iKlear Apple Polish. Spritz a little on the outside and polish your TX1. The fingerprints will go away and they won't come back so easily. This cleaner was created to clean LCD screens for PowerBooks or computer monitors so it is gentle. I do not use anything else to clean the outside of my TX1. You can also use it to clean the flip-out LCD monitor but I wouldn't recommend cleaning the lens with iKlear.

Consumables

Though the Canon TX-1 does not consume much space it does consume two other resources: electricity and memory card space. Prepare your self for both.

The TX1 uses High-Speed Secure Digital (SD) or MMC memory cards. The one that comes with he camera is only 32MB which is enough for about 14 seconds of HDTV video at full frame rate. So, you'll have to get another card for your camera. The maximum file size is 4 GB so get one of those. But, be sure to only get one that is fast enough, at least 20.0MB/sec or 150x speed. The Transcend 4GB from Amazon is rated at 22.5MB/sec and is the one I purchased for my TX1.

A 4GB card will record about 14 minutes of HDTV video. If you are planning to shoot longer clips you will need to either get more cards or a Photo Bank. I acquired a 60 GB photo bank. (see below)

Though I have yet to run out of battery power during a day I plan on taking a few long trips this summer so I ordered an extra battery for the TX1. An external charger comes with the TX1 and you can keep the spare battery always plugged in to it so a fully charged battery is always available.

Photo Bank

Instead of a second SD card I purchased a blank Photo Bank and a used 2.5 inch 60GB hard drive from eBay. This gives me 3.5 hours of HDTV recording before I have to download to my computer. I purchased the blank Photo Bank from eBay user digipro_hk for $20 plus $17 for shipping. It came directly from Hong King and has a built-in screen, card-readers for many formats, rechargeable battery and cable for connecting to your computer (Mac or PC) via USB 2.0 Hi-Speed.

It holds any 2.5 inch ATA hard drive, the type made for portable computers. I found a good deal from someone on eBay for a used, 60 GB drive and my photo bank is all set.

Getting a Case

One thing that is missing from the package is a camera case. I found a solution readily available. I recently purchased a pair of small, inexpensive binoculars. It came in a small, inexpensive case which I really didn't need. The Canon TX1 fits the case perfectly. Now I have a case, with a belt loop, to store my camera in while traveling.

Camera Set-up

The manual explains in detail how to set-up the camera to capture video in HD format. The short version is: Turn on the camera, press the "Func/Set button. Set the Aspect ratio to 16:9 by moving the Func/Set button to the right, if needed. Press Func/Set button down and set the format to 1280. Press the F/S button down one more time and set the quality to Superfine. Now your camera will record in 720p.

The button on the very top-back of the camera can be set to one of frequently used function. See page 67 of the manual. I set mine to Display Overlay and set that to put a Grid Lines on the screen which divides the monitor into 9 sections. (page 37) Great for keeping the camera lined up with the horizon.

Playing Back Video on Intel-based iMac

The Canon TX1 uses JPEG1 video codec for compression. That is why the files it creates are so large compared to MPEG 4 video. Though video created will take up more space on your hard drive it also means an older computer will be able to play and edit the files. Remember, newer video codecs like MPEG4 create smaller files by compressing (removing) more video information. But to play back and keep the quality high a faster processor is needed.

For instance, my older Power Mac with one 1.2 GHz Power PC processor cannot play back a 720p MPEG4 video without a lot of stuttering. However, the 720p MPEG1 videos from the TX1 play back flawlessly. Needing less processor power to create and playback video is most likely why Canon choose MPEG1.

One drawback to having an MPEG1 encoded file within an AVI container is the videos would not play back on a brand-new 24" iMac, which has a fast Intel processor. Every time I tried to play the files QuickTIme (or iMovie or Front Row, or VLC) would crash, even after installing the software Canon included with the camera. (which, BTW, their web site states is not approved to work with Mac OS X 10.4)

I found the solution after a few minutes on VersionTracker.com. Perian is a free, open source QuickTime component that adds native support for many popular video formats. They call it the swiss-army knife for QuickTime. Once I installed the Perian QuickTime component into /Library/QuickTime/ I was able to play back videos from the TX1 on an Intel-base iMac. Putting videos into my Movies folder Front Row can now play them back in full-screen. They look fantastic!

Editing Video from TX1 on 24" iMac

To edit videos from the TX1 with an iMac use iMovie HD. It is free with every new Mac or as a part of Apple's iLife. When you create a new project be sure to set the Video Format to HDV 720p so the importing, transitions, and exporting all work correctly. Thanks to David at the Apple iMovie forum for the tip.

Final Thoughts

The Canon Powershot TX1 is everything I've ever wanted in a digital life-recording device: photos, HDTV video and audio. I highly recommend it.

Enjoy!

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