Panasonic Camera Recorder AG-DVC20P Operating Instructions

							Menu
31
Menu
Menu list
Menu figures and illustrations are provided for 
easy-to-understand explanations, and so they are different from 
the actual menu indications.
ª
[TAPE RECORDING MENU]
1) [BASIC]
[SCENE MODE] -23-[REC SPEED] -19-[BLANK SEARCH] -19-[WIND CUT] -22-[CLOCK SET] -15-
2) [ADVANCE]
[EIS] -23-[CINEMA] -23-[D.ZOOM] -20-[ZOOM MIC] -20-[MIC LEVEL] -20-[DATE/TIME] -32-[INITIAL SET] -32-
3) [SETUP]
[FADE COLOR] -22-[AUDIO REC] -32-[REC LAMP] -32-[DISPLAY] -32-[REMOTE] -17-[BEEP SOUND] -32-[LCD SET] -15-[EVF SET] -15-[POWER SAVE] -32-
4) [LANGUAGE] -14-
ª[TAPE PLAYBACK MENU] 
1) [BASIC]
[DATE/TIME] -32-
2) [ADVANCE]
[BLANK SEARCH] -19-[REC SPEED] -19-[REC STDBY] -29-[REC DATA] -32-[REPEAT PLAY] -26-[MIC LEVEL] -20-
3) [SETUP]
[12bit AUDIO] -30-[AUDIO OUT] -32-[DISPLAY] -32-[REMOTE] -17-[LCD SET] -15-[EVF SET] -15-[POWER SAVE] -32-
4) [LANGUAGE] -14-
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							Menu
32
Menus related to taking pictures
ª[DATE/TIME]This switches between date and time indications.
≥The camera-recorder automatically records the date and time 
of picture taking on the tape.
≥You can also show or change the date/time indication by 
repeatedly pressing the [DATE/TIME] button on the remote 
control.
ª
[AUDIO REC]Switches the audio (PCM audio) recording systems.
[12bit]: Records audio in “12 bit 32 kHz 4 tracks”.
(The original audio signals can be kept after the other 
audio signals are dubbed.) 
[16bit]: Records audio in “16 bit 48 kHz 2 tracks”. Audio can be 
recorded in higher quality.
(If audio signals are dubbed, then the original audio 
signals will be erased.) 
ª
[REC LAMP]Set to [ON] and this turns the recording lamp on during 
recording, which indicates that recording is underway. Set to 
[OFF] and this does not turn on the lamp even when recording 
is underway.
ª
[DISPLAY]Set to [ON] and the display mode can be switched to all 
functions. Set to [OFF] and it can be switched to minimum 
display.
ª
[BEEP SOUND]Set to [ON] and confirmation/alarm beeps are issued as 
follows.
1 Beep
≥When you start recording
≥When you turn on the power
2 Beeps
≥When you pause recording
2 Beeps for 4 times
≥When a cassette with its erasure prevention tab set to [SAVE] 
is inserted, condensation occurs, and at other times. Check 
the sentence displayed on the screen.
ª
[POWER SAVE][OFF]: When about 5 minutes passed without any 
operation, the standby mode automatically will 
be set. In the standby mode, [;] blinks and it 
takes time more than usual to start recording 
after you press the recording start/stop button.
[5 MINUTES]: When about 5 minutes passes without any 
operation, the camera-recorder automatically 
turns off to protect the tape or to prevent the 
battery from running down. When you use the 
camera-recorder, turn it on again.
≥In the following cases, the power may not turn off even when 
set [POWER SAVE] >> [5 MINUTES].
≥When connecting to the AC outlet (When using the AC 
adapter)
≥When connecting the DV cable to other equipment
Menus related to playback
ª[REC DATA]Set to [ON] and the settings (shutter speed, iris/gain values, 
and white balance settings (-24-), etc.) used during the 
recordings are displayed during playback.
≥When the [AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] switch is set to [AUTO], 
the indication [AUTO] will appear.
≥When there is no data, [---] appears on the display. 
≥If the camera-recorder data of the camera-recorder are 
played back on other equipment, the settings information is 
sometimes not displayed normally.
ª
[AUDIO OUT]This switches the sound to be played back.
[STEREO]: Stereo sound (main sound and sub sound) 
[L]: Left channel sound (main sound) 
[R]: Right channel sound (sub sound) 
Other menus
ª[INITIAL SET]When there is a menu that cannot be selected depending on a 
combination of functions, set to [YES] for changing the menu 
settings back to the initial shipping condition.
(Language setting cannot be back to the initial shipping 
condition.)
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							Others
33
Others
Indications
Various functions and the camera-recorder status are shown on 
the screen.
Basic indications
: Remaining battery power
0h00m00s00f: Time code
3:30:45PM: Date/Time indication
Recording indications
R0:45: Remaining tape time
≥Remaining tape time is indicated in minutes. (When it reaches 
less than 3 minutes, the indication starts flashing.) 
SP: Standard Play mode
(Recording speed mode) 
-19-LP: Long Play mode
(Recording speed mode) -19-¥: Recording -19-; (Green): Recording pause -19-Fade out (when the DV terminal is connected); (Green flash): Standby mode
; (Red): Fade out
: Recording check 
-19-: Cinema mode -23-: Digital zoom -20-: Automatic mode -18-: Manual mode -23-, -24-, -25-MF: Manual focus -25-5k: Zoom magnification indication -20-: Backlight mode -21-: Image stabilizer -23-1/500: Shutter speed -25-F2.4: F number -25-6dB: Gain value -25-: Soft skin mode -22-: Tele macro -22-: Fade (White) -22-: Fade (Black) -22-: Color night view function -21-: 0 Lux night view function -21-: Zoom microphone -20-: Microphone sensitivity level -20-: Wind noise reduction -22-5: Sports mode (Scene mode) -23-: Portrait mode (Scene mode) -23-: Low light mode (Scene mode) -23-: Spotlight mode (Scene mode) -23-: Surf & snow mode (Scene mode) -23-: Auto white balance -24-: Indoor mode (recording under 
incandescent lamp) -24-: Outdoor mode -24-: White balance adjustment mode -24-: Blank search -19-Playback indications
¥: Recording underway
1: Playback 
-26-;: Pause -26-5: Fast-forward/Cue playback -26-6: Rewind/Review playback -26-D/E: Slow motion playback -26-;1/2;: Frame-by-frame playback -26-2k5: Variable-speed search -27-: Repeat playback -26-A.DUB¥: Audio dubbing -30-A.DUB;: Audio dubbing pause -30-: Blank search -19-12bit, 16bit: Audio recording mode -32-: Volume adjustment -26-
Warning/alarm indications
If any one of the following indications lights up or flashes, 
please check the camera-recorder.
Confirmatory indications
Y: A cassette with the accidental erasure prevention slider 
placed in the [SAVE] position is inserted.
No cassette is inserted.
[--]/0:
The built-in battery is low. 
-15-°: The warning/alarm indication appears when you record 
yourself. Turn the LCD monitor towards the viewfinder 
and check the warning/alarm indication.
REMOTE:
An incorrect remote control mode has been selected. 
-17-2END:
The tape came to the end during recording.
:: The video heads are dirty. 
-36-Textual indications
3DEW DETECT/3EJECT TAPE:
Condensation has occurred. Take out the cassette and 
wait for a while. It takes some time until the cassette 
holder opens, but this is not a malfunction. 
-36-LOW BATTERY: 
The battery is low. Recharge it. -10-NO TAPE: 
No tape is inserted. -12-TAPE END: 
The tape came to the end during recording.
CHECK REC TAB: 
You are attempting to record pictures on a tape with the 
accidental erasure prevention slider placed in the [SAVE] 
position. 
You are attempting audio dubbing or digital dubbing on a 
tape with the accidental erasure prevention slider placed 
in the [SAVE] position. 
CHECK REMOTE MODE:
An incorrect remote control mode has been selected. This 
is only displayed at the first operation of the remote 
control after powering-on. 
-17-WRONG TAPE FORMAT: 
You are attempting to play back a tape section that has 
been recorded with a different TV system. This cassette is 
incompatible.
UNABLE TO A.DUB (LP RECORDED): 
Audio dubbing cannot be performed because the original 
recording was in LP mode.
UNABLE TO A.DUB:
You are attempting to perform audio dubbing on a 
non-recorded tape.
COPY PROTECTED: 
Images cannot be recorded correctly because the 
medium is protected by a copy guard.
NEED HEAD CLEANING: 
The video heads are dirty. 
-36-PUSH THE RESET SWITCH: 
An irregularity in the equipment has been detected.Press 
the reset button (
-8-). This may solve the problem.
You connect a device except for the DV format to the DV 
terminal. Pull out the DV cable, and press the reset button 
(
-8-).
CHANGE TO MANUAL MODE:
You are attempting to select the item on the [SCENE MODE] 
when the [AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] switch is set to [AUTO].
REVERSE THE LCD MONITOR:
At the time of 0 Lux night view mode, when LCD monitor 
is not reversed, it displays. When the LCD monitor is 
rotated by 180° towards the lens, the brightness of the 
LCD monitor cannot be adjusted.
CINEMA
AUTO
MNL
EIS
0LuxZOOM
AWB
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Functions cannot be used simultaneously
Some functions in the camera-recorder are disabled or cannot 
be selected due to its specifications. The table below shows 
examples of functions restricted by conditions.
Before requesting repair (Problems and 
solutions)
Power/Body
1: The camera-recorder power cannot be turned on.
 Is the battery fully charged? Use a fully charged battery.
 The battery protection circuit may have operated. Attach the 
battery to the AC adapter for 5 to 10 seconds. If the camera-
recorder still cannot be used, the battery is faulty.
2: The camera-recorder power is turned off automatically.
 If you set [POWER SAVE] to [5 MINUTES] and do not 
operate the camera-recorder for about 5 continuous minutes, 
the power is automatically turned off for tape protection and 
power conservation. To resume recording, turn the [OFF/ON] 
switch to [OFF]. Then turn it to [ON] again. (
-32-) 
3: The camera-recorder power does not stay on long 
enough.
 Is the battery low? If the remaining battery power indication is 
flashing or the message “LOW BATTERY” is displayed, the 
battery has run down. Charge the battery or attach a fully 
charged battery. (
-10-) 
 Has condensation occurred? When you carry the camera-
recorder from a cold place into a warm place, condensation 
may occur inside it. If so, the power is turned off 
automatically, disabling all operations except for taking 
cassettes out. Wait until the condensation indication 
disappears. (
-36-) 
4: Battery runs down quickly.
 Is the battery fully charged? Charge it with the AC adapter. 
(
-10-) 
 Are you using the battery in an extremely cold place? The 
battery is affected by ambient temperature. In cold places, 
the operating time of the battery becomes shorter.
 Has the battery worn out? The battery has a limited life. If the 
operating time is still too short even after the battery is fully 
charged, depending on the usage, the battery has worn out 
and can no longer be used. 
5: The camera-recorder cannot be operated though 
powered up. The camera-recorder does not operate 
normally.
 Remove the cassette and then press the reset button. (
-36-) If 
normal conditions are not restored yet, turn off the power. 
Then, about 1 minute later, turn on the power again. 
6: The cassette cannot be removed.
 Does the power lamp comes on when opening the cassette 
cover? (
-12-) Make sure that the battery and the AC adapter 
are properly connected. (-10-) 
 Is the battery in use discharged? Charge the battery and 
remove the cassette.
 Close the cassette cover completely, and fully open it again. 
(
-12-) 
7: No operation other than cassette removal can be 
performed.
 Has condensation occurred? Wait until the condensation 
indication disappears. (
-36-) 
8: The remote control does not function.
 Has the coin-type battery of the remote control run out? 
Replace it with a new button-type battery. (
-16-) 
 Is the setting on the remote control correct? If the setting on 
the remote control is not in agreement with the [REMOTE] 
setting on the camera-recorder, the remote control does not 
operate. (
-17-) 
FunctionsConditions which disable the 
functions
≥Image stabilizer≥When the color night view 
function is used
≥Backlight 
compensation≥When the iris/gain is set
≥When the color night view 
function is used
≥Soft skin
≥Tele-macro
≥Recording check
≥Color Night View≥While recording to a tape
≥Zoom microphone
≥Wind noise reduction≥An external microphone is used
≥Scene mode≥When setting the 
[AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] 
switch to [AUTO]
≥When the color night view 
function is used
≥Change of white 
balance≥When digital zoom (exceeds 
10k) is used
≥When the color night view 
function is used
≥When a menu is displayed
≥Adjusting the shutter 
speed, iris/gain≥When the color night view 
function is used
≥When the scene mode is used
≥Variable-speed search≥During repeat playback
≥Audio dubbing≥The section of a tape recorded in 
LP mode
≥The blank section of a tape
≥Sounds sent through the DV 
terminal
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Recording
1: Recording does not start although power is supplied to 
the camera-recorder and the cassette is correctly 
inserted.
 Is the accidental erasure prevention slider on the cassette 
open? If it is open (set to [SAVE]), recording cannot be 
performed. (
-12-) 
 Is the tape wound to the end? Insert a new cassette.
 Is the recording mode set? When in the playback mode, 
recording cannot be performed. (
-19-) 
 Has condensation occurred? No operation other than 
cassette removal can be performed when condensation 
occurs. Wait until the condensation indication disappears. 
(
-36-) 
 Is the cassette cover open? If the cover is open, the camera-
recorder may not operate normally. Close the cassette cover. 
(
-12-) 
2: A cassette cannot be inserted.
 Has condensation occurred? Wait until the condensation 
indication disappears.
3: Auto focus function does not work.
 Is manual focus mode selected? If auto focus mode is 
selected, focus is automatically adjusted.
 There are some recording subjects and surroundings for 
which the auto focus does not operate correctly. (
-39-) If so, 
use the manual focus mode to adjust the focus. (-25-)
 Is the color night view function set? When the color night 
view function is working, focusing shifts into the manual 
mode.
Indications
1: A sentence is displayed in red or yellow in the screen 
center.
 Read the contents and respond to them. (
-33-)
2: The time code becomes inaccurate.
0The time code indication counter may not be constant in the 
reversed slow-motion playback, but this is not a malfunction.
3: The remaining tape time indication disappears.
 The remaining tape time indication may disappear 
temporarily during frame-by-frame playback or other 
operation. If you continue ordinary recording or playback, the 
indication is restored.
4: The remaining tape time Indication does not match the 
actual remaining tape time.
 If scenes of less than 15 seconds are continuously recorded, 
the remaining tape time cannot be correctly displayed.
 In some cases, the remaining tape time indication may show 
remaining tape time that is 2 to 3 minutes shorter than the 
actual remaining tape time.
5: A function indication such as mode indication, 
remaining tape time indication, or time code indication is 
not shown.
 If you set [SETUP] >> [DISPLAY] >> [OFF], indications other 
than the tape running condition, warning, and date 
indications disappear.Playback (Sound) 
1: Sound is not played back from the built-in speaker of the 
camera-recorder or the headphones.
0Is the volume too low? During playback, push the [W/T] lever 
to display the volume indication and adjust it. (
-26-) 
2: Different sounds are reproduced at the same time.
 Have you set [SETUP] >> [12bit AUDIO] >> [MIX]? If you set 
[AUDIO REC] >> [12bit] and dub audio to a recorded tape, 
you can hear the sound on recording and the sound dubbed 
at a later time. To hear the sounds separately, set to [ST1] or 
[ST2]. (
-30-) 
 Have you set [SETUP] >> [AUDIO OUT] >> [STEREO] and 
reproduced a picture containing the main sound and sub 
sound? Set to [L] to hear main sound, and set to [R] to hear 
the sub sound. (
-32-) 
3: Audio dubbing cannot be performed.
 Is the accidental erasure prevention slider on the cassette 
open? If it is open (set to [SAVE]), audio dubbing cannot be 
performed. (
-12-) 
 Are you attempting to edit a tape portion that was recorded in 
LP mode? LP mode does not allow audio dubbing. (
-19-) 
4: The original sound was erased when audio dubbing was 
performed.
 If you perform audio dubbing on a recording made in [16bit] 
mode, the original sound will be erased. If you wish to 
preserve the original sound, be sure to select [12bit] mode 
when recording. 
5: Sounds cannot be played back.
 Although a cassette with no audio dubbing is being played, 
have you set [SETUP] >> [12bit AUDIO] >> [ST2]? To play 
back a cassette with no audio dubbing, set [12bit AUDIO] >> 
[ST1]. (
-30-) 
 Is the variable speed search function working? Press the 
[VAR. SEARCH] button on the remote control to cancel the 
variable speed search function. (
-27-) 
Playback (Pictures) 
1: Mosaic-pattern noise appears on images during cue or 
review playback.
 This phenomenon is characteristic of digital video systems. It 
is not a malfunction.
2: Horizontal stripes appear on images during cue and 
review playback.
 Horizontal stripes may appear depending on the scene, but 
this is not a malfunction.
3: Although the camera-recorder is correctly connected to 
a TV, playback images cannot be seen.
 Have you selected video input on the TV? Please read the 
operating instructions of your TV and select the channel that 
matches the input terminals used for the connection.
4: Playback picture is not clear.
 Are the heads of the camera-recorder dirty? If the heads are 
dirty, playback image cannot be clear. Clean the heads by 
using the head cleaner for digital video. (
-36-)
 If the terminal for the AV cable is soiled, noises may appear 
on the screen. Wipe the soil off the terminal with a soft cloth, 
and then connect the cable to the AV terminal.
 Is a picture containing a copyright protection signal (copy 
guard) being recorded? When a protected picture is played 
back by the camera-recorder, mosaic-like patterns appear on 
the picture.
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Others
1: The indication disappears, the screen is frozen, or no 
operation can be performed.
 Turn off the power to the camera-recorder. If the power 
cannot be turned off, press the [RESET] button, or detach 
the battery or AC adapter and then reattach it. After that, turn 
on the power again. If normal operation is still not restored, 
detach the power connected, and consult the dealer who you 
purchased the camera-recorder from.
2: “PUSH THE RESET SWITCH” is displayed.
 An irregularity in the camera-recorder has been automatically 
detected. Remove the cassette for data protection and then 
press the [RESET] button. The camera-recorder will be 
activated.
 If you do not press the [RESET] button, the power to the 
camera-recorder is turned off automatically about 1 minute 
later.
 Even after you press the [RESET] button, the indication may 
still appear repeatedly. If so, the camera-recorder needs 
repair. Detach the power connected, and consult the dealer 
who you purchased the camera-recorder from. Do not 
attempt to repair the appliance by yourself.Cautions for Use
ªAbout condensationIf you turn the camera-recorder on when condensation occurs 
on the head or the tape, condensation Indication [3] (yellow 
or red) is displayed on the viewfinder or the LCD monitor and 
the messages [3DEW DETECT] or [3EJECT TAPE] (only 
when the tape is inserted) appear. If so, follow the procedure 
below.
3 in yellow:
Dews are slightly adhering on the head or the tape.
3 in red:
Dews are adhering on the head or the tape.
1Remove the tape if it is inserted.
≥It takes about 20 seconds to open the cassette holder. This 
is not a malfunction.
2Leave the camera-recorder with the cassette cover 
closed to cool or warm it to the ambient temperature.
When [3] in yellow
≥You cannot use the Tape Recording/Playback Mode. 
Leave the camera-recorder for about 30 minutes.
When [3] in red
≥The power lamp blinks for about 1 minute and then the 
camera-recorder automatically turns off. Leave it for about 
2 to 3 hours.
3Turn the camera-recorder on again, set it to the Tape 
Recording/Playback Mode and then check if the 
condensation indication disappears.
Especially in cold areas, moisture may be frozen. If so, it may 
take more time before the condensation indication disappears.
Watch for condensation even before the condensation 
Indication is displayed.
≥The condensation indication may not appear depending on 
circumstances. When condensation occurs on the lens or the 
camera-recorder, it may also occur on the head and the tape. 
Do not open the cassette cover.
When the lens is fogged:
Set the [OFF/ON] switch to [OFF] and leave the camera-
recorder in this condition for about 1 hour. When the lens 
temperature becomes close to the ambient temperature, the 
fogging disappears naturally.
ª
About dirty headsIf video heads (the parts that closely contact with the tape) 
become dirty, normal recording and playback are not 
properly performed. Clean the heads with the digital video 
head cleaner.
≥Insert the head cleaner into the camera-recorder, set it to the 
Tape Playback Mode, and play it back for about 10 seconds. 
(If you do not stop the playback, it automatically stops about 
15 seconds later.) 
≥We recommend cleaning the heads periodically.
If the heads become dirty, “NEED HEAD CLEANING” 
appears during recording. During playback, moreover, the 
following symptoms appear.
≥Mosaic-like noise appears partially or the sound is 
interrupted.
≥Black or blue mosaic-like horizontal stripes appear.
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When normal playback cannot be performed even after the 
head cleaning
One possible cause is that normal recording could not be 
performed because the heads were dirty at the time of 
recording. Clean the heads, and perform recording and 
playback again. If normal playback can be performed, the 
heads are clean. Before an important recording, be sure to 
conduct a test recording to make sure that normal recording 
can be performed.
≥If the heads become dirty soon after cleaning, the problem 
may be attributable to the tape. If so, try another cassette.
≥During playback, the picture or sound may be interrupted 
momentarily, but this is not a malfunction of the camera-
recorder. (One possible cause is that the playback is 
interrupted by dirt or dust that momentarily adheres to the 
heads.) 
ª
About the camera-recorder≥When the camera-recorder is used for a long time, the 
camera-recorder body becomes warm, but this is not a 
malfunction.
Keep the camera-recorder away from magnetized 
equipment such as a cellular phones, microwave ovens, 
TVs, and video game equipment.
≥If you use the camera-recorder on or near a TV, images or 
sounds may be disturbed due to electromagnetic wave 
radiation.
≥Recordings on the tape may be damaged, or images may be 
distorted, by strong magnetic fields created by speakers or 
large motors.
≥Electromagnetic wave radiation generated by digital circuits 
including microprocessor may adversely affect the camera-
recorder, causing the disturbance of images and sounds.
≥If the camera-recorder is affected by such equipment and 
does not function properly, turn off the camera-recorder 
power and detach the battery or AC adapter. Then, connect 
the battery or AC adapter again and turn on the camera-
recorder power.
Do not use your camera-recorder near radio transmitters 
or high-voltage cables.
≥If you record pictures near radio transmitters or high-voltage 
cables, recorded images or sounds may be adversely 
affected.
Do not spray insecticides or volatile chemicals onto the 
camera-recorder.
≥If the camera-recorder is sprayed with such chemicals, the 
camera-recorder body may become deformed and the 
surface finish may peel off.
≥Do not keep rubber or plastic products in contact with the 
camera-recorder for a long time.
When you use your camera-recorder in a sandy or dusty 
place such as on a beach, do not let sand or fine dust get 
into the body and terminals of the camera-recorder. Also, 
protect the camera-recorder from getting wet.
≥Sand or dust may damage the camera-recorder or cassette. 
(Care should be taken when inserting and removing a 
cassette.) 
≥If sea water splashes onto the camera-recorder, wet a soft 
cloth with tap water, wring it well, and use it to wipe the 
camera-recorder body carefully. Then, wipe it again 
thoroughly with a soft dry cloth.
While carrying the camera-recorder, do not drop or bump 
it.
≥A strong impact on the camera-recorder may break its 
housing, causing it to malfunction.Do not use benzine, paint thinner or alcohol for cleaning 
the camera-recorder.
≥Before cleaning, detach the battery or pull out the AC mains 
lead from the AC mains socket.
≥The camera-recorder body may be discolored and the surface 
finish may peel off.
≥Wipe the camera-recorder with a soft dry cloth to remove dust 
and fingerprints. To remove stubborn stains, wring well a cloth 
that is soaked in a neutral detergent diluted with water and 
wipe the camera-recorder with it. Afterwards, wipe it with a dry 
cloth.
≥When you use a chemical dust cloth, follow the instructions.
Do not use this camera-recorder for surveillance purposes 
or other business use.
≥If you use the camera-recorder for a long time, the internal 
temperature increases and, consequently, this may cause 
malfunction.
ªAbout the batteryThe battery used in the camera-recorder is a rechargeable 
lithium ion battery. This battery is susceptible to temperature 
and humidity, and the effect of temperature increases with 
increasing or decreasing temperature. In the low temperature 
range, the fully charged indication may not appear, or the low 
battery indication may appear about 5 minutes after the start of 
use. At high temperature, moreover, the protection function 
may work, disabling use of the camera-recorder.
Be sure to detach the battery after use
≥If the battery is left attached to the camera-recorder, a minute 
amount of current is consumed even when the camera-
recorder power is [OFF]. If the battery is left attached to the 
camera-recorder for a long time, over-discharge takes place. 
The battery may become unusable after it is charged.
Prepare spare batteries when going out for recording.
≥Prepare batteries appropriate to 3 to 4 times the period during 
you want to record pictures in. In cold places such as a ski 
resort, the period during which you can record pictures is 
shortened. 
≥When you travel, do not forget to bring an AC adapter so that 
you can recharge the batteries at your destination.
If you drop the battery accidentally, check to see if the 
terminals are deformed.
≥Attaching a deformed battery to the camera-recorder or AC 
adapter may damage the camera-recorder or AC adapter.
After use, be sure to take the cassette out and detach the 
battery from the camera-recorder or pull out the AC mains 
lead from AC mains socket.
≥The battery should be stored in a cool place free from 
humidity, with as constant temperature as possible. 
(Recommended temperature: 15oC (59oF) to 25oC (77oF), 
Recommended humidity: 40% to 60%) 
≥Extremely high temperatures or low temperatures will shorten 
the life of the battery.
≥If the battery is kept in a high-temperature, high-humidity, or 
oily-smoky places, the terminals may rust and cause 
malfunctions.
≥To store the battery for a long period of time, we recommend 
you charge it once every year and store it again after you 
have completely used up the charged capacity. 
≥Dust and other matter attached to the battery terminals should 
be removed.
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Do not throw old battery into fire.
≥Heating a battery or throwing it into a fire may result in an 
explosion.
≥If the operating time is very short even after the battery has 
been recharged, the battery has worn out. Please purchase a 
new battery. 
ª
About the AC adapter≥If the battery is warm, charging requires more time than 
normal.
≥If the temperature of the battery is extremely high or 
extremely low, the [CHARGE] lamp may continue flashing, 
and the battery may not be charged. After the battery 
temperature has decreased or increased sufficiently, 
recharging starts automatically. So, wait for a while. If the 
lamp still continues flashing even after the recharging, the 
battery or AC adapter may be faulty. If so, please contact a 
dealer.
≥If you use the AC adapter near a radio, radio reception may 
be disturbed. Keep the AC adapter 1 m (3 feet) or more away 
from radio.
≥When using the AC adapter, it may generate whirring sounds. 
However, this is normal.
≥After use, be sure to pull out the AC mains lead from the AC 
mains socket. (If they are left connected, a minute amount of 
current is consumed.) 
≥Always keep the electrodes of the AC adapter and battery 
clean.
ª
About the cassetteNever place the cassette in a high temperature place.
≥The tape may be damaged, producing mosaic-like noise at 
the time of playback.
When storing the cassette after use, be sure to rewind the 
tape to the beginning and take it out. 
≥If the cassette is left for more than 6 months (depending on 
the storage condition) in the camera-recorder or stopped 
midway, the tape may sag and be damaged.
≥Once every 6 months, wind the tape to the end and then 
rewind it to the beginning. If the cassette is left for 1 year or 
longer without winding or rewinding, the tape may be 
deformed by expansion or shrinkage attributable to 
temperature and humidity. The wound tape may stick to itself.
≥Dust, direct sunlight (ultraviolet rays), and humidity may 
damage the tape. Such usage may cause damage to the 
camera-recorder and the heads.
≥After use, be sure to rewind the tape to the beginning, put the 
cassette in the case to protect it from dust, and store it 
upright.
Keep the cassette away from strong magnetism.
≥Apparatuses using magnets such as magnetic necklaces and 
toys have magnetic force that is stronger than expected, and 
they may erase the contents of a recording or may increase 
noise.ª
LCD monitor/viewfinderLCD monitor
≥When the LCD monitor gets dirty, wipe it with a dry soft cloth. 
≥In a place with drastic temperature changes, condensation 
may form on the LCD monitor. Wipe it with soft dry cloth.
≥If your camera-recorder is extremely cold, the LCD monitor is 
slightly darker than usual immediately after you turn the 
power on. However, as the internal temperature increases, it 
goes back to normal brightness.
Viewfinder
≥To remove dust from inside the viewfinder, dismount the 
viewfinder first. When the dust is difficult to remove, get rid of 
it with a cotton swab dampened with water. Then wipe the 
viewfinder with a dry cotton swab.
≥To clean the inside of the Viewfinder, remove the Eyecup 1, 
then keep pressing 2 and pull the cover 3 out.
ª
Periodical check-ups≥To maintain the highest image quality, we recommend 
replacing worn parts such as heads after approx. 1000 hours 
of use. (This, however, depends on operating conditions 
including temperature, humidity and dust.) Extremely high precision technology is employed to 
produce the LCD monitor screen featuring a total of 
approximately 113,000 pixels. The result is more than 
99.99% effective pixels with a mere 0.01% of the pixels 
inactive or always lit. However, this is not a malfunction 
and does not affect the recorded picture.
Extremely high precision technology is employed to 
produce the viewfinder screen featuring a total of 
approximately 113,000 pixels. The result is more than 
99.99% effective pixels with a mere 0.01% of the pixels 
inactive or always lit. However, this is not a malfunction 
and does not affect the recorded picture.
The range of view shown in the LCD or viewfinder is 
slightly narrower than that outputted from the video 
output socket.
23
1
DVC20_Eng.book  38 ページ  ２００６年４月６日　木曜日　午前１０時１０分 
						

							Others
39
Explanation of terms
ªAutomatic white balanceWhite balance adjustment recognizes the color of light and 
adjusts so the white color will become a pure white. The 
camera-recorder determines the hue of light that comes 
through the lens and white balance sensor, thereby judging the 
recording condition, and selects the closest hue setting. This is 
called automatic white balance adjustment. However, since the 
camera-recorder only stores white color information under 
several light sources, automatic white balance adjustment does 
not function normally under the other light sources. 
Outside of the effective range of automatic white balance 
adjustment, the image will become reddish or bluish. Even 
within the effective range of automatic white balance 
adjustment, the automatic white balance adjustment may not 
function properly if there is more than one light source. For light 
outside the functional auto white balance adjustment range, 
use the manual white balance adjustment mode.
1) The effective range of automatic white balance adjustment 
on this camera-recorder
2) Blue sky
3) TV screen 
4) Cloudy sky (rain)
5) Sunlight
6) White fluorescent lamp
7) 2 hours after sunrise or before sunset
8) 1 hour after sunrise or before sunset
9) Halogen light bulb
10) Incandescent light bulb
11) Sunrise or sunset
12) Candlelightª
White balanceThe image recorded by the camera-recorder may become 
bluish or reddish under the influence of light sources. To avoid 
such phenomena, adjust the white balance.
White balance adjustment determines the white color under 
different light sources. By recognizing which is the white color 
under sunlight and which is the white color under a fluorescent 
lamp, the camera-recorder can adjust the balance among the 
other colors.
Since white color is the reference of all colors (light), the 
camera-recorder can record pictures in a natural hue if it can 
recognize the reference white color. 
ª
Auto focusAuto focus automatically moves the focusing lens forward and 
backward inside the camera-recorder to bring the subject into 
focus.
Auto focus has the following characteristics
≥Adjusts so that the vertical lines of a subject are seen more 
clearly.
≥Attempts to bring an object with higher contrast into focus.
≥Focuses on the screen center only.
Due to these characteristics, auto focus does not work correctly 
in the following situations. Record pictures in the manual focus 
mode.
Recording a subject with one end located closer to the 
camera-recorder and the other end farther away from it
≥As auto focus adjusts at the center of an image, it may be 
impossible to focus on a subject that is located in both the 
foreground and background.
Recording a subject behind dirty or dusty glass
≥The subject behind the glass will not be focused because 
the focus is on the dirty glass.
Recording a subject that is surrounded by objects with 
glossy surfaces or by highly reflective objects
≥The recording subject may become blurry because the 
camera-recorder focuses on the objects with glossy 
surfaces or on highly reflective objects.
Recording a subject in dark surroundings
≥The camera-recorder cannot focus correctly because the 
light information that comes through the lens decreases 
considerably.
Recording a fast-moving subject
≥As the focus lens-inside moves mechanically, it cannot 
keep up with a fast-moving subject.
Recording a subject with little contrast
≥A subject with little contrast, such as a white wall, may 
become blurry because the camera-recorder achieves 
focus based upon the vertical lines of an image.2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)10 000K
9 000K
8 000K
7 000K
6 000K
5 000K
4 000K
3 000K
2 000K
1 000K
1)
DVC20_Eng.book  39 ページ  ２００６年４月６日　木曜日　午前１０時１０分 
						

							Specifications
40
Specifications
Specifications
Camera-Recorder
Recording format:
Mini DV (Consumer-use digital video SD format) 
Tape used: 
1/4-inch digital video tape
Recording/playback time:
SP: 60 min; LP: 90 min (with AY-DVM63) 
Video
Recording system:
Digital component
Television system:
EIA Standard: 525 lines, 60 fields NTSC color signal
Audio
Recording system:
PCM digital recording
16 bit (48 kHz/2 ch), 12 bit (32 kHz/4 ch) 
Image sensor:
1/6-inch 3CCD image sensor
(Effective pixels: moving picture/290 K
k3, Total: 460 Kk3) 
Lens:
Auto Iris, F1.8 to F2.8, Focal length; 2.45 mm to 24.5 mm, 
Macro (Full range AF) 
Filter diameter:
43 mm
Zoom:
10:1 Power zoom 
Monitor:
2.5-inch LCD
Viewfinder:
Color electronic viewfinder
Microphone:
Stereo (with a zoom function) 
Speaker:
1 round speaker 
‰ 20 mm
Standard illumination:
1,400 lx
Minimum required illumination:
1 lx (Color Night View Mode) 
Video output level:
1.0 Vp-p, 75
hS-Video output level:
Y Output: 1.0 Vp-p, 75hC Output: 0.286 Vp-p, 75hAudio output level (Line):
316 mV, 600hMic input:
Mic sensitivity –70 dBv/–50 dB (0 dB=1 V/Pa, 1 kHz)
(Stereo mini jack) 
Digital interface:
DV input/output terminal (IEEE1394, 4-pin) 
Dimensions (W
kHkD):
Approx. 216 mm k225 mm k432 mm 
(8-9/16 inches k8-7/8 inches k17-1/16 inches )
(excluding the projection part)
Mass:
Approx. 2000g (4.48 lb)
(without supplied battery, DV cassette and lens cap) 
Operating temperature:
0
oC to 40oC (32oF to 104oF)
Operating humidity:
10% to 80%AC adapter
Dimensions (W
kHkD):
70 mm k44.5 mm k116 mm
(2-13/16 inches k1-13/16 inches k4-5/8 inches )
Mass:
Approx. 160g (0.35 lb)
Weight and dimensions are approximate values.
Specifications may change without prior notice. Power source:
DC 7.9/7.2 V
Power consumption:
3.2 W (When the viewfinder is used)
3.4 W (When the LCD monitor is used)
6.3 W (Maximum)indicates safety information.Power source:
AC 110/120/220/240 V, 50/60 Hz, 18 w
DC OUT:
8.4 V, 1.2 A (CHARGE)
7.8V, 1.4A (VTR)
indicates safety information.
DVC20_Eng.book  40 ページ  ２００６年４月６日　木曜日　午前１０時１０分