Canon Hv20 A Manual

							
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HDV Camcorder
Instruction Manual
Caméscope HDV
Manuel d’instruction
Cámara HDV
Manual de Instrucciones
MiniDigital
Video
Cassette
Please read also the following instruction manual 
(electronic version on PDF file). For further details refer to 
the installation guide.
Veuillez lire aussi le manuel d’instruction suivant (version 
électronique sur fichier PDF). Pour d’autres détails référez-
vous au guide d’installation.
Lea también el siguiente manual de instrucciones (versión 
electrónica en archivo PDF). Para mayores detalles, 
refiérase a la guía de instalación.
• Digital Video Software
EDigital Video Software Ve r s i o n  2 3
Instruction Manual  
						

							
2
IntroductionImpor tant Usage Instructions
WARNING!TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS 
PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
WARNING! TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AND TO REDUCE ANNOYING 
INTERFERENCE, USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
COPYRIGHT WARNING: Unauthorized recording of copyrighted materials may infringe on the rights of 
copyright owners and be contrary to copyright laws.
HDV Camcorder, HV20 A systems
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This 
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including 
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for class B digital device, pursuant to 
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful 
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy 
and, if not installed and use in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio 
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this 
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning 
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following 
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Use of shielded cable is required to comply with class B limits in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the manual.
If such changes or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop operation of the equipment.
Canon U.S.A. Inc.
One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042, U.S.A.
Tel No. (516)328-5600
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY 
INSERT.
ImportantWarning
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC 
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR 
BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS 
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO 
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
CAUTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, 
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to 
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated 
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s 
enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude 
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point, within an equilateral 
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the 
presence of important operating and 
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the 
literature accompanying the product.  
						

							
Introduction
3
In these safety instructions the word “product” 
refers to the Canon HDV Camcorder HV20 A 
and all its accessories.
1Read Instructions — All the safety and 
operating instructions should be read 
before the product is operated.
2Retain Instructions — The safety and 
operating instructions should be retained 
for future reference.
3Heed Warnings — All warnings on the 
product and in the operating instructions 
should be adhered to.
4Follow Instructions — All operating and 
maintenance instructions should be 
followed.
5Cleaning — Unplug this product from the 
wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use 
liquid or aerosol cleaners. The product 
should be cleaned only as recommended 
in this manual.
6Accessories — Do not use accessories not  
recommended in this manual as they may 
be hazardous.
7Avoid magnetic or electric fields — Do not 
use the camera close to TV transmitters, 
portable communication devices or other 
sources of electric or magnetic radiation. 
They may cause picture interference, or 
permanently damage the camera.
8Water and Moisture — Hazard of electric 
shock — Do not use this product near 
water or in rainy/moist situations.
9Placing or Moving — Do not place on an 
unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or 
table. The  product may fall, causing 
serious injury to a child or adult, and 
serious damage to the 
product.
A product and cart 
combination should be 
moved with care. Quick 
stops, excessive force, 
and uneven surfaces may 
cause the product and cart 
combination to overturn.
10Power Sources — The CA-570 Compact 
Power Adapter should be operated only 
from the type of power source indicated on 
the marking label. If you are not sure of the 
type of power supply to your home, consult 
your product dealer or local power 
company. Regarding other power sources 
such as battery power, refer to instructions 
in this manual.
11Polarization — The CA-570 Compact 
Power Adapter is equipped with a 
polarized 2-prong plug (a plug having one 
blade wider than the other).
The 2-prong polarized plug will fit into the 
power outlet only one way. This is a safety 
feature. If you are unable to insert the plug 
fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If 
the plug still fails to fit, contact your 
electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. 
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the 
polarized plug.
12Power Cord Protection — Power cords 
should be routed so that they are not likely 
to be walked on or pinched by items placed 
upon or against them. Pay particular 
attention to plugs and the point from which 
the cords exit the product.
13Outdoor Antenna Grounding — If an 
outside antenna is connected to the 
product, be sure the antenna is grounded 
so as to provide some protection against 
voltage surges and built-up static charges. 
Section 810 of the National Electrical 
Code, ANSI / NFPA No. 70—1984, 
provides information with respect to proper 
grounding of the mast and supporting 
structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to 
an antenna discharge unit, size of 
grounding conductors, location of antenna 
discharge unit, connection to grounding 
electrodes, and requirements for the 
grounding electrode. See figure 1.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  
						

							
4
14Lightning — For added protection of this 
product during a lightning storm, or when it 
is left unattended and unused for long 
periods of time, disconnect it from the wall 
outlet and disconnect the antenna. This will 
prevent damage to the product due to 
lightning and power-line surges.
15Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets 
and extension cords as this can result in a 
risk of fire or electric shock.
16Objects and Liquid Entry — Never push 
objects of any kind into this product 
through openings as they may touch 
dangerous voltage points or short out parts 
that could result in a fire or electric shock. 
Be careful not to spill liquid of any kind onto 
the product.
17Servicing — Do not attempt to service this 
product yourself as opening or removing 
covers may expose you to dangerous 
voltage or other hazards. Refer all 
servicing to qualified service personnel.
18Damage Requiring Service — Disconnect 
this product from the wall outlet and all 
power sources including battery, and refer 
servicing to qualified service personnel 
under the following conditions:
a.  When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
b. If any liquid has been spilled onto, or  objects have fallen into, the product.
c.  If the product has been exposed to rain 
or water.
d.  If the product does not operate normally  even if you follow the operating 
instructions. Adjust only those controls 
that are covered by the operation 
instructions. Improper adjustment of 
other controls may result in damage and 
will often require extensive work by a 
qualified technician to restore the 
product to its normal operation.
e. If the product has been dropped or the 
cabinet has been damaged.
f.  When the product exhibits a distinct  change in performance. This indicates a 
need for service.
19Replacement Parts — When replacement 
parts are required, be sure the service 
technician has used replacement parts that 
are specified by Canon or that have the 
same characteristics as the original part. 
Unauthorized substitutions may result in 
fire, electric shock or other hazards.
20Safety Check — Upon completion of any 
service or repairs to this product, ask the 
service technician to perform safety checks 
to determine that the product is in safe 
operating order.
EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS 
PER NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
ANTENNA 
LEAD IN 
WIRE
ANTENNA DISCHARGE 
UNIT (NEC SECTION 810-20)
GROUNDING
CONDUCTORS 
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING 
ELECTRODE SYSTEM 
(NEC ART 250. PART H)
NEC - NATIONAL 
ELECTRICAL CODE
ELECTRIC 
SERVICE 
EQUIPMENT
GROUND
CLAMPFig. 1
When replacement of the power supply is required, please return it to the responsible nearest 
Canon Service Center and please replace it with the same type number CA-570.
The Adapter can be used with a power supply between 100 and 240 V AC. For areas where 
120 V AC power is not used, you will need a special plug adapter. Contact your nearest Canon 
Service Center for further information.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.  
						

							
5
Introduction
Enjoying High-Definition VideoPreserve your most treasured memories, be it unforgettable scenery or 
cherished moments spent with family and friends, with high-definition video 
recordings of a quality second only to actually being there.
What is High-Definition Video?
High-definition video (HDV) allows you to record 
video of unparalleled high quality on regular 
miniDV tapes. HDV is composed of 1,080 
horizontal lines –that is more than twice the 
number of horizontal lines and approximately 4 
times the number of pixels in standard-definition 
TV broadcasts– resulting in eye-catching colors 
and richly detailed video recordings.
How to play back your HDV recordings?

  On a high-definition TV (HDTV) ( 67)
HDV recordings will be played back in their original high quality.

  On standard definition TVs ( 68)
HDV recordings will be down-converted to match the resolution of the TV set.
What is the Cinema Mode?
Give your recordings a cinematic look by using the [ CINE MODE] 
recording program ( 45). Combine this recording mode with the high-
definition, 24 fps progressive frame rate [ HDV (PF24)] ( 38) to get 
the enhanced effect of the 24p Cinema Mode.
1,080 lines  
						

							
6
Introduction
Enjoying High-Definition Video ....................................................................... 5
About this Manual ........................................................................................... 9
Getting to Know the Camcorder Supplied Accessories.................................................................................... 11
Components Guide ....................................................................................... 12
Screen Displays ............................................................................................ 15
Preparations
Getting StartedCharging the Battery Pack ............................................................................ 18
Inserting and Removing a Tape .................................................................... 20
Inserting and Removing a Memory Card ...................................................... 20
Preparing the Camcorder.............................................................................. 21
The Wireless Controller ................................................................................ 21
Adjusting the LCD Screen............................................................................. 22
Using the Menus Selecting an Option from the FUNC. Menu .................................................. 23
Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus .................................................. 23
First Time Settings Changing the Language................................................................................ 24
Changing the Time Zone............................................................................... 24
Setting the Date and Time ............................................................................ 25
Basic Functions
RecordingRecording Movies ......................................................................................... 26
Recording Still Images .................................................................................. 27
Zooming ........................................................................................................ 28
Playback Playing Back Movies ..................................................................................... 29
Adjusting the Volume: Speaker and Headphones......................................... 30
Locating the End of the Last Scene .............................................................. 32
Locating Scenes by Recording Date............................................................. 32
Viewing Still Images ...................................................................................... 33
Magnifying the Playback Image .................................................................... 34
Advanced Functions
Menu Options ListsFUNC. Menu Options.................................................................................... 35
Setup Menus ................................................................................................. 37 Camera Setup (Digital Zoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.) .......................... 37
Recording/Video Input Setup (HD Standard, DV Recording Mode, etc.) ........................................ 38
Card Operations (Initialization, Erase All Images, etc.) ...................... 40
Playback/Video Output Setup  (Playback Standard, Component Video Out, DV Out etc.) ............... 40
Display Setup (LCD Brightness, Language, etc.) ............................... 43
Table of contents  
						

							
7
Introduction
System Setup (Beep, etc.) ..................................................................44
Date/Time Setup .................................................................................44
Recording Programs Using the Recording Programs .....................................................................45 Flexible Recording: Changing the Aperture and Shutter Speed................46
Special Scene: Recording Programs to Match Special Conditions ...............47
Adjusting the Picture: Exposure, Focus and Color Manual Exposure Adjustment and Automatic Backlight Correction ..............48
Manual Focus Adjustment .............................................................................49
Focus Assist Functions..................................................................................50
White Balance ...............................................................................................50
Image Effects.................................................................................................51
Still Image Recording Options Selecting the Size and Quality of Still Images ...............................................52
Capturing a Still Image while Recording Movies ...........................................53
Light Metering Mode ......................................................................................54
Automatic Focus Priority................................................................................55
Continuous Shooting and Exposure Bracketing ............................................56
Other Functions On-Screen Displays.......................................................................................57
Flash ..............................................................................................................58
Mini Video Light .............................................................................................59
Self Timer ......................................................................................................60
Audio Recording Level ..................................................................................60
Digital Effects .................................................................................................62
Editing Functions
Still Image OptionsErasing Still Images .......................................................................................64
Protecting Still Images ...................................................................................64
Initializing the Memory Card ..........................................................................65
External Connections
Connecting to a TV or VCRConnection Diagrams ....................................................................................66
Playback on a TV Screen ..............................................................................69
Recording to a VCR or Digital Video Recorder .............................................70
Analog Line-In Recording ..............................................................................71
Digital Video Dubbing ....................................................................................72
Analog/Digital Conversion .............................................................................73
Connecting to a Computer PC Connection Diagrams ..............................................................................75
Transferring Video Recordings ......................................................................76
Transferring Still Images – Direct Transfer ....................................................77
Transfer Orders .............................................................................................78
Connecting to a Printer Printing Still Images – Direct Print .................................................................79
Selecting the Print Settings ...........................................................................80
Trimming Settings ..........................................................................................82
Print Orders ...................................................................................................82  
						

							
8
Additional Information
Trouble?Troubleshooting ............................................................................................ 84
List of Messages ........................................................................................... 88
Do’s and Don’ts Handling Precautions .................................................................................... 91
Maintenance/Others...................................................................................... 94
Cleaning the Video Heads ............................................................................ 94
Using the Camcorder Abroad ....................................................................... 95
General Information System Diagram ........................................................................................... 96
Optional Accessories .................................................................................... 97
Product Codes ............................................................................................ 100
Specifications .............................................................................................. 101
Index ........................................................................................................... 103
Trademark Acknowledgements• miniSD™ is a trademark of SD Card Association.
•Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or 
other countries.
• Macintosh and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the United 
States and other countries.
•  is a trademark.
• HDV and the HDV logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation and Victor Company of Japan,  Ltd. (JVC).
• HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or  registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
• Other names and products not mentioned above may be trademarks or registered  trademarks of their respective companies.
• ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT OTHER THAN CONSUMER PERSONAL USE IN ANY MANNER  THAT COMPLIES WITH THE MPEG-2 STANDARD FOR ENCODING VIDEO INFORMATION 
FOR PACKAGED MEDIA IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED WITHOUT A LICENSE UNDER 
APPLICABLE PATENTS IN THE MPEG-2 PATENT PORTFOLIO, WHICH LICENSE IS 
AVAILABLE FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C., 250 STEELE STREET, SUITE 300, DENVER, 
COLORADO 80206.  
						

							
9
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Canon HV20. Please read this manual carefully before 
you use the camcorder and retain it for future reference. Should your camcorder fail to 
operate correctly, refer to the  Troubleshooting table ( 84).
Conventions Used in the Manual

  IMPORTANT: Precautions related to the camcorder operation.

  NOTES: Additional topics that complement the basic operating procedures.

  POINTS TO CHECK: Restrictions that apply if the function described is not 
available in all operating modes (the operating mode to which the camcorder should be 
set, etc.).

  : Reference page number.

  “Screen” refers to the LCD and the viewfinder screen.

  The photos included in the manual are simulated pictures taken with a still camera.
About this Manual
Setting the Date and Time
1Press .2Select ( ) the   icon and press 
( ) to open the setup menus. 3Select ( ) [DATE/TIME SETUP] 
and press ( ).4Select ( ) [DATE/TIME] and press 
().
The first field of the date will be 
indicated with blinking up/down 
arrows. 
5Change ( ) each field of the date 
and time and move ( ) to the next 
field.
6Press ( ) to start the clock.7Press   to close the menu.IMPORTANT
 If you do not use the camcorder for about 3 
months, the built-in rechargeable lithium battery 
may discharge completely and the date and 
time setting may be lost. In such case, recharge 
the built-in lithium battery ( 93) and set the 
time zone, date and time again.

 You can also change the date format ( 44).
DATE/TIME SETUP
DATE/TIME  
JAN. 1, 2007 12:00 AM
FUNC.( 23)FUNC.
FUNC.
Brackets [ ] and capital letters are used to refer to menu 
options as they are displayed on screen. Menu options in 
boldface indicate the default setting (for example  [ON],
[OFF]).
Buttons and switches to be operated
Menu item shown at its default position
Names of buttons and switches other than the joystick are 
indicated within a “button” frame (for example  ).FUNC.  
						

							
10
About the Joystick and the Joystick Guide 
The mini joystick allows you to control many of the camcorder’s operations and to 
make selections and changes in the camcorder’s menus.
The functions assigned to the joystick change according to the operation mode and the 
camcorder’s settings. Press () to display/hide the joystick guide to remind you of the 
joystick’s functions.
About the Operating Modes
The camcorder’s operating mode is determined by the positions of the   switch and the  /  switch. In the manual,   indicates that a function is available in the operating 
mode shown and   indicates that the function is not available. When no operating mode 
icons are given, the function is available in all operating modes.
Operating Mode  Switch/Switch Icon Display Operation
CAMERA (Tape) Recording movies 
on the tape
26
(Memory card) Recording still images 
on the memory card
27
PLAY (Tape) Playing movies 
from the tape
29
(Memory card) Viewing still images 
from the memory card
33
Push the joystick up, down, left or right 
( ,  ) to select an item or change 
settings.Press the joystick itself ( ) to save the 
settings or confirm an action. On menu 
screens, this is indicated by the SET icon 
.
When the guide contains multiple `pages´, [NEXT] and the page number 
icon ( ) will appear at the bottom position. Push the joystick () toward [NEXT] to display the next `page´ of the guide.