Canon Hv20 A Manual

							
 Menu Options Lists
Advanced Functions
41

  This setting will be unavailable while 
the camcorder is connected to an 
external device using the HDMI cable.
[ L/R] , [  L/L], [  R/R]
You can select the audio channel to use 
during the playback of a tape with audio 
recorded on two channels.
[ L/R]: Left and Right channels 
(stereo) / Main + Sub tracks (bilingual).
[ L/L]: Left channel only (stereo) / Main 
track only (bilingual).
[ R/R]: Right channel only (stereo) / 
Sub track only (bilingual).
[  STEREO1] , [  STEREO2], 
[ MIX/FIXED], [  MIX/VAR.]
You can select the audio track to use 
during the playback of a tape with audio 
dubbed over the recording.
[ STEREO1]: Original sound only.
[  STEREO2]: Dubbed audio only.
[  MIX/FIXED]: Mixed audio with the 
original sound and dubbed audio at the 
same level.
[  MIX/VAR.]: Mixed audio where the 
balance between the original sound ( ) 
and the dubbed audio ( ) can be 
adjusted.
When [AUDIO OUT] is set to [  MIX/
VAR.], adjust ( ) the sound balance 
with the joystick. 
  The camcorder will retain the audio 
balance adjustment; however if you turn 
off the camcorder, [AUDIO OUT] will be 
reset to [  STEREO1].
[AV] , [  PHONES]
When [AV/PHONES] is set to 
[ PHONES], adjust ( ) the volume 
of the headphones with the joystick.
* In   mode, adjust the volume 
using the joystick guide ( 31).
[  480i],  [  1080i/480i]
You can select the video specifications to 
use when connecting the camcorder to a 
high-definition TV using the video 
component connection.
[  480i]: To use the 480i specification 
(standard definition). 
[  1080i/480i]: To use the full 1080i high 
definition specification when possible, or 
switch automatically to 480i specification 
when 1080i is not supported by the TV. 

  Select the [PLAYBACK STD] and 
[COMP.OUT] settings according to the 
specifications you want to use for 
playback on a high-definition TV. Refer to 
the table below.

  When the playback standard selected is 
different from that of the original recording, 
no video will be output.
OUTPUT CH
AUDI O OUT
MIX BALANCE 
 AV/PHONES ( 30)
PHONES VOL.
COMP.OUT
*  
						

							
Menu Options Lists 42

  This setting will be unavailable while 
the camcorder is connected to an 
external device using the HDMI cable.
[  DV LOCKED],  [  HDV/DV] 
You can select the video standard to use 
when connecting to an external device 
using the HDV/DV terminal. 
[  HDV/DV]: Switch 
automatically between standards to 
match the original standard of the 
recordings.
[  DV LOCKED]: All video output will 
be in DV standard (recordings made in 
HDV will be down-converted).

  Select the [PLAYBACK STD] and [DV 
OUTPUT] settings according to the 
specifications you want to use for  playback on a high-definition TV. Refer to 
the table below.

  The DV output cannot be changed 
while a DV cable is connected to the 
HDV/DV terminal.
NOTES
About the [HDMI OUT] display
[HDMI OUT] appears at the bottom of the 
[ PLAY/OUT SETUP2] menu screen in 
mode ([ PLAY/OUT SETUP] 
menu in other modes). This is not a selectable 
menu option, but rather an information item that 
displays the specification of the video output 
when the camcorder is connected to an 
external device using the HDMI cable. For 
further details about the HDMI connection, refer 
to 69.
DV OUTPUT   
Settings for Video Output from the COMPONENT OUT Terminal
Settings for Video Output from the HDV/DV Terminal
Video Output 
SignalStandard of the 
Recording on the  Ta p e[PLAYBACK STD] Setting[COMP.OUT] Setting
High 
Definition  (1080i) HDV[ AUTO] or [ HDV] [ 1080i/480i] 
Standard 
Definition  (480i)  [ AUTO] or [ HDV] [ 480i] 
DV [ AUTO] or [ DV] [ 1080i/480i] or [ 480i] 
Video Output 
SignalStandard of the 
Recording on the 
Ta p e[PLAYBACK STD] Setting[DV OUTPUT] Setting
High 
Definition 
(1080i) HDV[ AUTO] or [ HDV] [  HDV/DV]
Standard 
Definition 
(480i)  [ AUTO] or [ HDV] [  DV LOCKED]
DV [ AUTO] or [ DV] [  HDV/DV] or 
[  DV LOCKED]  
						

							
 Menu Options Lists
Advanced Functions
43
Display Setup (LCD Brightness, Language, etc.)DISPLAY SETUP
Adjust ( ) the brightness of the LCD 
display with the joystick.

  Changing the brightness of the LCD 
display does not affect that of the 
viewfinder or the recordings.
[ OFF] , [  LEVEL(WHT)], 
[ LEVEL(GRY)], [ GRID(WHT)], 
[ GRID(GRY)]
You can display a grid or a horizontal line 
at the center of the screen. The markers 
are available in white or gray. Use the 
markers as a reference to make sure your 
subject is framed correctly (vertically and/
or horizontally).

  Using the markers will not affect the 
recordings on the tape or memory card.
[ OFF] , [  ZEBRA(70%)], 
[ ZEBRA(100%)], [  PEAKING]
You can use the assist functions to make 
sure you adjust the focus and exposure 
correctly.
[ZEBRA]: A striped pattern (zebra 
pattern) will appear over areas of the 
picture that are overexposed (too bright). 
[  ZEBRA(70%)] is more sensitive 
than [  ZEBRA(100%)].
[  PEAKING]: The silhouettes of 
objects in the picture will be emphasized  in order to allow you to focus manually 
more easily.

  Using the assist functions will not affect 
the recordings on the tape or memory card.
[ ON],  [OFF]
[ON] *, [ OFF]
When set to [  ON], the camcorder’s 
on-screen displays will appear also on the 
screen of a connected TV or monitor.

  You can also use   on the wireless 
controller.

  When the the data code is displayed on 
the camcorder’s screen, the same 
information will also appear on a 
connected TV regardless of the [TV 
SCREEN] setting. Turn off the data code 
display by repeatedly pressing  .
* The default value is [ OFF] in the 
playback modes.
[ ON],  [OFF]
When you start playing back a tape or 
when the date of the recording changes, 
the date and time will be displayed for 6 
seconds.
[ DATE], [ TIME],  [DATE & TIME],
[ CAMERA DATA]
BRIGHTNESS
MARKERS
ASSIST FUNC. 
AUDIO LEVEL ( 61)
TV SCREEN
6SEC.DATE
DATA CODE ( 57)
DISP.
DISP.  
						

							
Menu Options Lists 44
[DEUTSCH], [ENGLISH], [ESPAÑOL], 
[FRANÇAIS], [ITALIANO], [POLSKI], 
[ ], [TÜRKÇE], [ ], 
[ ], [ ], [ ], 
[ ], [ ], [ ], [ ], 
[]
[ON] , [ OFF]
The demonstration mode displays the 
camcorder’s main features. It starts 
automatically when the camcorder is 
powered with the power adapter if you 
leave it turned on without loading a 
recording media for more than 5 minutes.

  To cancel the demo mode once it 
started, press any button, turn off the 
camcorder or load a recording media.
System Setup (Beep, etc.)SYSTEM SETUP
[ON] , [ OFF  ]
Allows the camcorder to be operated with 
the wireless controller.
[HIGH VOLUME] ,
[ LOW VOLUME], [ OFF]
A beep will accompany some operations 
like turning on the camcorder, the self-
timer countdown, etc. It also serves as a 
warning beep under unusual conditions. [ON]
, [ OFF]
In order to save power when the 
camcorder is powered by a battery pack, 
it will automatically shut off if left without 
any operation for 5 minutes. 
Approximately 30 seconds before the 
camcorder shuts off, the message 
“ AUTO POWER OFF” will appear.
You can verify the current version of the 
camcorder’s firmware. This menu option 
is usually grayed out.
Date/Time SetupDATE/TIME SETUP
[Y.M.D (2007.1.1 AM 12:00)], 
[M.D,Y (JAN. 1, 2007 12:00 AM)] ,
[D.M.Y (1.JAN.2007 12:00 AM)]
Changes the date format for on-screen 
displays and for date printing.
LANGUAGE ( 24)
DEMO MODE
WL.REMOTE
BEEP
POWER SAVE
FIRMWARE
T.ZONE/DST ( 24)
DATE/ TI ME ( 25)
DATE FORMAT  
						

							
 Recording Programs
Advanced Functions
45
Recording Programs
Using the Recording Programs
Auto
The camcorder adjusts the focus, 
exposure and other settings 
automatically, allowing you to just 
point and shoot.
Special Scene Recording Programs ( 47)
[ PORTRAIT]The camcorder uses a 
large aperture, achieving a 
focus on the subject while 
blurring other distracting 
details.[SNOW]Use this mode to record 
in bright ski resorts. It 
prevents the subject from 
being underexposed.[CINE MODE]*
Give a cinematic look to 
your recordings.
*  only.
[ SPORTS]Use this mode to record 
sports scenes such as 
tennis or golf.[BEACH]Use this mode to record 
on a sunny beach. It 
prevents the subject from 
being underexposed.[ SPOTLIGHT]Use this mode to record 
spotlit scenes.
[NIGHT]Use this mode to record in 
low-light conditions.[ SUNSET]Use this mode to record 
sunsets in vibrant colors.[ FIREWORKS]Use this mode to record 
fireworks.
[ PROGRAM AE]The camcorder sets the 
aperture and shutter speed.[ SHUTTER-PRIO. AE]You select the shutter 
speed.[ APERTURE-PRIO. AE]You select the aperture 
value.
 : Flexible Recording Programs ( 46)  
						

							
Recording Programs 46
 Flexible Recording: Changing the 
Aper ture and Shutter Speed 
Use the automatic exposure (AE) 
program or give priority to the exposure 
value or the shutter speed.
POINTS TO CHECK
*: Only settings other than 
[ CINE MODE].
Mode switch: 
Options Default value
*  only.
TO SET THE APER TURE VALUE OR SHUTTER SPEED
When you select [ SHUTTER-
PRIO.AE] or [ APERTURE-PRIO.AE], 
a numeric value will appear next to the 
recording program icon. 
1If the joystick guide appears on the 
screen, press ( ) to hide it.
2Adjust ( ) the shutter speed or 
aperture to the desired value.
Shutter speed guidelines
(10)
[  PROGRAM AE]
The camcorder automatically adjusts the 
aperture and shutter speed to obtain the 
optimal exposure for the subject.
[  SHUTTER-PRIO.AE]
Set the shutter speed value. The 
camcorder automatically sets the 
appropriate aperture value. Use a high 
shutter speed to record fast moving 
subjects or a slow shutter speed to add 
motion blur, emphasizing the feel of 
movement.
[  APERTURE-PRIO.AE]
Set the aperture value. The camcorder 
automatically sets the appropriate shutter 
speed. Use low aperture values (larger 
lens opening) to softly blur the background 
in a portrait or high aperture values 
(smaller lens opening) to get a wider depth 
of field, giving a sharp focus all throughout 
a landscape.
*
[CINE MODE]*
The camcorder adjusts various image 
settings to give a cinematic look to your 
recordings. The effect will be enhanced 
when this recording mode is combined 
with the [ HDV(PF24)] setting 
( 38) to get the 24p Cinema Mode.
FUNC.
( 23)
Icon of the currently selected 
Recording Program
Desired option
1/8, 1/15, 1/30 with cinema effect 
[HDV (PF24)]
1/6, 1/12, 1/241/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30
For recording subjects in dark places.
1/60 with cinema effect 
[ HDV (PF24)]  
1/48, 1/601/60
For general recordings.
FUNC.
FUNC.  
						

							
 Recording Programs
Advanced Functions
47
Note that on screen only the denominator 
is displayed – [ 250] indicates a 
shutter speed of 1/250 second, etc.
Available Aperture Values
[1.8], [2.0], [2.4], [2.8], [3.4], 
[4.0], [4.8], [5.6], [6.7], [8.0]
[2.8], [3.4], [4.0], [4.8], [5.6], 
[6.7], [8.0]
NOTES

  When the mode switch is set to  , the 
joystick guide will not appear.

  Do not change the position of the mode 
switch while recording, as the brightness of the 
image may change abruptly.

  When setting a numeric value (aperture or 
shutter speed), the number display will flash if 
the aperture or shutter speed is not appropriate 
for the recording conditions. In such case, 
select a different value.

  [ SHUTTER-PRIO.AE]
- If you use a slow shutter speed in dark places, 
you can obtain a brighter image, but the image 
quality may be lower, and the autofocus may 
not work well.
- The image may flicker when recording with 
high shutter speeds.
-
Recording movies under fluorescent lights: If the 
screen starts to flicker, select [ SHUTTER-
PRIO.AE] and set the shutter speed to 1/100.

  [ APERTURE-PRIO.AE]
- The actual range of values available for 
selection will vary depending on the initial zoom 
position.
Special Scene: Recording Programs to 
Match Special Conditions
Recording in a very bright ski resort or 
capturing the full colors of a sunset or a 
fireworks display becomes as easy as 
selecting a Special Scene recording 
program.
POINTS TO CHECK
Mode switch: 
NOTES

  Do not change the position of the mode 
switch while recording, as the brightness of the 
image may change abruptly.

  [  PORTRAIT]/[  SPORTS]/[  BEACH]/
[ SNOW]
- The picture may not appear smooth during 
playback.

  [ PORTRAIT]
- The blur effect of the background increases 
the more you zoom in (
T).
1/100
1/100
For recording indoor sports scenes.
1/250, 1/500, 1/1000
1/250, 1/500
For recording from within a car or train, or 
for recording moving subjects such as 
roller coasters.
1/2000
For recording outdoor sports such as golf 
or tennis on sunny days.
( 10)
FUNC.(23)
Icon of the currently selected 
Recording Program
Last icon on the right 
(icon of the currently selected 
Special Scene)
Desired option
FUNC.
FUNC.  
						

							
A
djusting the Picture: Exposure, Focus and Color 48

  [ NIGHT]
- Moving subjects may leave a trailing 
afterimage.
- Picture quality may not be as good as in other 
modes.
- White points may appear on the screen.
- Autofocus may not work as well as in other 
modes. In such case, adjust the focus manually.

  [ SNOW]/[ BEACH]
- The subject may become overexposed on 
cloudy days or in shaded places. Check the 
image on the screen.

  [ FIREWORKS]
- To avoid camcorder shake, we recommend 
using a tripod. Make sure to use a tripod 
especially in  , as the shutter speed 
slows down.Adjusting the Picture: Exposure, Focus and Color
Manual Exposure Adjustment and 
Automatic Backlight Correction
At times, backlit subjects may appear too 
dark (underexposed) or subjects under 
very strong lights may appear too bright 
or glaring (overexposed). To correct this 
you can use the automatic backlight 
correction or manually adjust the 
exposure.
Automatic Backlight Cor rection
When shooting subjects with a strong 
light source behind them, you can have 
the camcorder automatically correct for 
the backlight with the press of a single 
button.
Press .
•  appears.
• Press   again to end the backlight 
correction mode.
Manual Exposure Adjustment
POINTS TO CHECK
Adjusting the Picture: 
Exposure, Focus and Color
( 10)
BLC
BLC  
						

							
 Adjusting the Picture: Exposure, Focus and Color
Advanced Functions
49
Mode switch:   (except for the 
[ FIREWORKS] recording program).
1If the joystick guide does not appear 
on screen, press ( ) to display it.
2Push the joystick ( ) toward [EXP].
• If [EXP] does not appear on the 
joystick guide, repeatedly push the 
joystick ( ) toward [NEXT] to display 
the joystick guide in the illustration 
above.
• The exposure adjustment indicator  and the neutral value “±0” 
appear on the screen.
• If you operate the zoom while the 
exposure is locked, the brightness of 
the image may change.
3Adjust ( ) the brightness of the 
image as required.
• The adjustment range and the length 
of the exposure adjustment indicator 
will vary depending on the initial 
brightness of the picture.
• Pushing the joystick ( ) toward 
[EXP] again will return the camcorder 
to automatic exposure.
Manual Focus Adjustment
Autofocus may not work well on the 
following subjects. In such case, focus 
manually.
Reflective surfaces
Subjects with low contrast or 
without vertical lines Fast moving subjects
Through wet windows
Night scenes
POINTS TO CHECK
Adjust the zoom before you start the 
procedure.
Mode switch: 
1Press .
“MF” appears.
2Adjust the focus as necessary with 
the FOCUS dial until the image 
appears focused.Pressing   again will return the 
camcorder to autofocus.
NOTES
The camcorder will automatically return to 
autofocus when you set the mode switch to  .
Infinity Focus
Use this function when you wish to focus 
on faraway subjects such as mountains or 
fireworks.
( 10)
FOCUS
FOCUS  
						

							
A
djusting the Picture: Exposure, Focus and Color 50
1Adjust the zoom.
2In autofocus mode, keep   
pressed down for more than 2 
seconds.
•  appears.
•Pressing again will return the 
camcorder to autofocus.
• Operating the zoom or the FOCUS 
dial will return the camcorder to 
manual focus adjustment (MF).
Focus Assist Functions
The focus assist function will magnify the 
center of the picture and emphasize the 
outlines of the objects on screen 
(peaking) to make it easier for you to 
focus manually.
POINTS TO CHECK
Mode switch: 
1Press . “MF” appears.
2Press .The center of the picture will be 
magnified and the silhouettes will be 
emphasized. 
3Adjust the focus as necessary with 
the FOCUS dial until the image 
appears focused.
NOTES

  Using the focus assist functions will not affect 
the recordings on the tape or memory card. 
When you start recording, the assist functions 
will be canceled.

  You can also apply the peaking function 
(without the magnification) by setting [ASSIST 
FUNC.] to [  PEAKING] ( 43). In that 
case, the peaking function will not be canceled 
even when you start recording.

  In   mode, you can also use the 
focus assist functions after pressing   
halfway.

  The camcorder will automatically return to 
autofocus when you set the mode switch to  .
White Balance
The white balance function helps you 
accurately reproduce colors under 
different lighting conditions so that white 
objects will always look truly white in your 
recordings.
POINTS TO CHECK
Mode switch:   (except for the Special 
Scene recording programs)
Options Default value
(10)
FOCUS
FOCUS
FOCUS
FOCUS ASSIST
( 10)
[ AUTO]
Settings are automatically set by the 
camcorder. Use this setting for outdoor 
scenes.
[DAYLIGHT]
For recording outdoors on a bright day.
[ SHADE]
For recording in shaded places.
[ CLOUDY]
For recording on a cloudy day.
PHOTO