Canon HG20 User Manual Page 1

PUB. DIE-310BInstruction Manual

10 Photos 59 Basic Recording59 Taking Photos60 Selecting Photo Size and Quality61 Deleting a Photo Right After Recording It61 Basic Playback61 Viewin

Additional Information100PlaybackPressing the playback button does not start playback.- The camcorder has exceeded its operational temperature ( appe

101The CHG (charge) indicator flashes rapidly.- (one flash at 0.5-second intervals) Charging has stopped because the compact power adapter or the bat

Additional Information102The picture is displayed correctly but there is no sound from the built-in speaker.- Open the LCD panel.- Speaker volume is t

103The camcorder is connected using the optional HTC-100 HDMI Cable, but there is no picture or sound from the HDTV.- Disconnect the HTC-100 HDMI Cabl

Additional Information104List of Messages (in alphabetical order)Following the list of messages for the camcorder you can find separate lists for prin

105Cannot edit Check the memory card- The memory card in the camcorder was initialized using a computer. Initialize the memory card with this camcor

Additional Information106Cannot record movies on this memory card- Movies cannot be recorded on a 64 MB or smaller memory card.Cannot record movies on

107Error writing on the memory card. Data may be recovered if the memory card has not been removed. Attempt recovering the data?- This message wi

Additional Information108No memory card- There is no memory card in the camcorder.No photos- There are no photos to play back.No scenes- There are no

109The lens cover is not fully closed. Turn the camcorder off, then on again. - The lens cover did not close completely when you set the camcorder t

11Table of contents Additional Information 88 Appendix: Menu Options Lists88 FUNC. Menu90 Setup Menus98 Trouble?98 Troubleshooting104 List of Message

Additional Information110Disc access failure. Check the disc.- There was an error when reading the disc or attempting to write onto it.- This messag

111File error- You attempted to print a photo that was recorded with another camcorder, has a different compression, or was edited on a computer.Hardw

Additional Information112Printer error- A malfunction has occurred that may require repairs. (Canon inkjet printers: the printer's green power la

113Do’s and Don’tsCamcorderMake sure to observe the following precautions to ensure maximum performance. Make sure to also observe the precautions per

Additional Information114• Use the camcorder within its operating temperature range. If the camcorder’s temperature becomes too hot or too cold, recor

115Battery Pack• Dirty terminals may cause a poor contact between the battery pack and the camcorder. Wipe the terminals with a soft cloth.Long-term s

Additional Information116• Check the direction before inserting the memory card. Forcing a memory card into the slot if it is not correctly oriented m

117DisposalWhen you delete movies or initialize the hard disk or memory card, only the file allocation table is altered and stored data is not physica

Additional Information118CondensationMoving the camcorder rapidly between hot and cold temperatures may cause condensation (water droplets) to form on

119General Information*Accessories that are compatible with the Advanced Accessory Shoe cannot be attached to this camcorder. Look for the Mini ADVANC

Introduction12Thank you for purchasing the Canon HG21/HG20. Please read this manual carefully before you use the camcorder and retain it for future re

Additional Information120Battery PacksWhen you need extra battery packs, select one of the following models: BP-808, BP-819 or BP-827.When you use bat

121Recording and Playback TimesRecording and playback times given in the following tables are approximate and vary according to recording mode and cha

Additional Information122TL-H37 Tele-converterThis Tele-converter lens increases the focal length of the camcorder lens by a factor of 1.5.• The image

123DM-100 Directional Stereo MicrophoneThis highly sensitive, super-directional microphone attaches to the camcorder’s mini advanced shoe. It can be u

Additional Information124HG21/HG20SpecificationsSystemRecording System Movies: AVCHDVideo compression: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264; Audio compression: Dolby Digi

125CA-570 Compact Power AdapterBP-807 Battery PackWeight and dimensions are approximate. Errors and omissions excepted.The information in this manual

Additional Information12625F progressive frame rate . . . . . . . 20, 9025p Cinema Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45AAbroad, using the camcor

127Histogram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65IImage effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49Image stabilizer . . . . . .

Additional Information128Special Scene (recording programs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Sports (recording program) . . . . . . . . . . 43Spotlight (r

0121W054 PUB. DIE-310B © 2008 CANON INC. 30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 146-8501, JapanCanon Europa N.V.Bovenkerkerweg 59-6

13Special Scene Recording ProgramsRecording in a very bright ski resort or capturing the full colors of a sunset or a fireworks display becomes as eas

Introduction14Getting to Know the Cam corder1Software for saving, managing, editing and playing back movies on your computer ( 80). The CD-ROM includ

15Components GuideLeft side viewFront viewRight side view button ( 25)/ (print/share) button ( 71, 84)DISP. (on-screen display) button ( 40, 51)/BATT.

Introduction16* only.Back viewTop viewLCD panelVIEWFINDER button* ( 33)Viewfinder* ( 24, 33)Dioptric adjustment lever* ( 33)Battery attachment unit (

17Wireless Controller WL-D88Bottom viewTripod socket ( 114)BATTERY RELEASE switch ( 22)Serial numberThe serial number label is located on the top surf

Introduction18 Recording Movies Playing Movies (During Playback)Screen DisplaysOperating modeRecording program ( 43, 44)White balance ( 48)Image effec

19 Recording Photos Viewing PhotosZoom ( 34), Exposure ( 46)Recording program ( 43, 44)Light metering mode ( 67)White balance ( 48)Image effect ( 49

2IntroductionImportant Usage InstructionsWARNING!TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE

Introduction20Hard disk/memory card operationRecord, Record pause, Playback, Playback pause, Fast playback, Fast reverse playback,Slow playback, Slow

21PreparationsThis chapter describes basic operations, such as navigating the menus, and first time settings to help you learn more about your camcord

Preparations221 Slide in the direction of the arrow and hold it pressed down.2 Slide the battery pack down and then pull it out.IMPORTANT• Turn off

23Point the wireless controller at the camcorder’s remote sensor when you press the buttons.You can rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to use the wirele

Preparations24Adjusting the Position and Brightness of the LCD ScreenRotating the LCD PanelOpen the LCD panel 90 degrees.• You can rotate the panel 90

25The Button: Mode or Flexible RecordingThe camcorder offers two basic modes for recording video or photos: mode for beginners or if you just pref

Preparations26Joystick and Joystick GuideUse the joystick to operate the camcorder's menus.Press to display/hide the joystick guide. The functi

27Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus1 Press .2 Select ( , ) the icon and press to open the setup menus.You can also hold pressed down for

Preparations28Setting the Date and TimeYou will need to set the date and time of the camcorder before you can start using it. The [Date/Time] screen w

29Changing the Time ZoneChange the time zone to match your location. The default setting is Paris. [ Menu] [Time Zone/DST] Your local time zon

3Trademark Acknowledgements• The SD logo is a trademark. The SDHC logo is a trademark.• Microsoft, Windows and Windows Vista are trademarks or registe

Preparations30Inserting and Removing a Memory CardMake sure to initialize all memory cards before using them with this camcorder (31).1 Turn off the c

31Selecting the Recording MediaYou can select to record your movies and photos on the built-in hard disk or on a memory card. The hard disk is the def

32VideoThis chapter covers functions related to shooting movies, including recording, playback, menu options and playlist and scene operations.Shootin

33• When recording in very loud places (such as fireworks shows or concerts), sound may become distorted or it may not be recorded at the actual level

Video34Zooming mode: In addition to the optical zoom, digital zoom is also available ( 91).12x Optical ZoomMove the zoom lever toward W to zoom out (w

35Quick Start FunctionWhen you close the LCD panel with the camcorder on, the camcorder enters the standby mode. In standby mode the camcorder consume

Video361 Press to display the joystick guide.If does not appear on the joystick guide, repeatedly push the joystick ( ) toward [Next] to display i

37• Press to stop the playback and return to the scene index screen.1 During playback, press to display the joystick guide.2 Adjust ( ) the volume

Video38NOTESDuring some special playback modes, you may notice some anomalies (blocky video artifacts, banding, etc.) in the playback picture.Changing

39Selecting Scenes by Recording DateFrom the original movies index screen, you can search for recordings you made on a particular date (for example, t

4Enjoying High-Definition Video with your CamcorderPreserve your most treasured memories, be it unforgettable scenery or cherished moments spent with

Video40• You can select ( ) the year or month field and change ( ) the year or month to move faster between calendar months.• You can press or to

41 Desired interval Selecting Recordings from the Index ScreenYou can select in advance a number of original movies or photos from the index scree

Video42Deleting ScenesYou can delete those scenes that you are not interested in keeping. Deleting scenes allows you also to free up space on the reco

43Special Scene Recording ProgramsRecording in a very bright ski resort or capturing the full colors of a sunset or a fireworks display becomes as eas

Video44- White points may appear on the screen.- Autofocus may not work as well as in other modes. In such case, adjust the focus manually.•[ Firework

45* mode only. ** mode only.Available Aperture Values[F1.8], [F2.0], [F2.4], [F2.8], [F3.4], [F4.0], [F4.8], [F5.6], [F6.7], [F8.0]NOTES• [ Shutt

Video46Self Timer [ Menu] or [Self Timer] [On ] appears. mode:In record pause mode, press .The camcorder starts recording after a 10-seco

47• If you operate the zoom, the brightness of the image may change.3 Adjust the ( ) the brightness of the image as required and press .• The exposur

Video48Infinity FocusUse this function when you wish to focus on faraway subjects such as mountains or fireworks.Instead of step 2 in the previous pro

49NOTES• When you select the custom white balance:- Set the custom white balance in a sufficiently illuminated place.- Turn off the digital zoom ( 91)

5Enjoying High-Definition Video with your CamcorderWhat are the advantages of a hard disk?Your videos and photos are recorded on the built-in hard dis

Video501 Press and select ( ) the custom setting options.2 Adjust ( ) each setting as desired.3 When you finish all the adjustments, press then t

51 mode: Activate the selected effect while recording or in record pause mode. mode: Activate the selected effect and then press to record the phot

Video52Manual Adjustment of the Audio Recording Level1 Press to display the joystick guide.If [ MIC] does not appear on the joystick guide, repeated

53 [ Menu] [AV/Headphones] [Headphones] appears.In mode, adjust ( ) the volume of the headphones with the [Headphone Volume] setting ( 94

Video54NOTESAccessories designed for the Advanced Accessory Shoe cannot be used with this camcorder. Look for video accessories bearing this logo to e

55Using a Video LightYou can use the optional VL-5 Video Light to shoot video or take photos in dark places.Attach the optional VL-5 Video Light to th

Video56NOTES• In this mode, the scene playback will pause only at points where the scene can be divided. Advancing/reversing frames will skip only bet

57NOTES• You can copy scenes from the hard disk to the memory card ( 58) to include in the memory card’s playlist also scenes that were originally rec

Video58Copying ScenesYou can copy original movies or the entire playlist only from the hard disk to the corresponding location on the memory card.Copy

59PhotosRefer to this chapter for details on shooting photos – taking photos and playing them back, capturing photos from video and printing photos.Ta

6Important Notes About the Hard Disk DriveYour hard disk camcorder allows you to shoot and store many hours of video. However, there are differences b

Photos60Selecting Photo Size and QualityPhotos are recorded as JPG files. As a general rule, select a larger photo size for higher quality. Select the

61• When printing photos, use the following guidelines as a reference for selecting the print size.Deleting a Photo Right After Recording ItYou can de

Photos62Index Screen1 Move the zoom lever toward W.• The photo index screen appears.• You can switch to the index screen of the photos recorded on the

63Deleting PhotosYou can delete those photos that you are not interested in keeping.Deleting a Single Photo1Select ( ) the photo you want to delete.2

Photos64Magnifying Photos during PlaybackDuring playback, photos can be magnified up to 5 times. will appear for photos that cannot be enlarged.1 Mo

65NOTES• The flash will not fire in the following cases:- When you manually adjust the exposure in (auto) mode.- During auto exposure bracketing.- I

Photos66 [ Single] Desired option 1 Press halfway to activate the autofocus.2 Press fully and hold it pressed down.Press , first halfway to act

67Light Metering ModeThe camcorder measures the light reflected from the subject in order to calculate the optimal exposure settings. Depending on the

Photos68• Photos will be recorded on the media selected for recording photos ( 31). Protecting PhotosYou can protect photos from accidental erasure.Pr

69Copying Photos from the Index ScreenOptions1 Select the index screen of the photos recorded on the hard disk. Move the zoom lever toward W and then

7Important Notes About the Hard Disk DriveDo not turn off the camcorder while the camcorder is on and the ACCESS indicator is on or flashing or while

Photos70Printing Photos (Direct Print)The camcorder can be connected to any PictBridge-compatible printer. You can mark in advance the photos you want

71Printing with the (Print/Share) ButtonYou can print a photo without changing the settings simply by pressing .1 Select ( ) the photo you wish to

Photos722 Push the joystick ( ) toward .The print settings menu appears.3 In the print settings menu, select (, ) the setting you want to change and

73•Canon's PictBridge-compatible printers: If printing does not resume automatically after you solved the problem, select [Continue] and press

Photos74NOTES• The trimming settings are canceled in the following cases:- When you turn off the camcorder.- When you disconnect the USB cable.- When

752 Open the print menu. [ Menu] [ Print]• The print menu appears.• If there are no photos marked with print orders, [No print orders have

76External ConnectionsThis chapter explains how to connect your camcorder to an external device such as a TV, VCR, or computer.* When connecting a cab

77Connection DiagramsConnections that can be used to connect the camcorder to a TV are listed in falling order of picture quality. Connection Type: Di

External Connections78Connection Type: Analog Quality: Standard definition Output onlyConnect to a standard TV or a VCR with audio/video input ter

79Connect the camcorder to a TV to enjoy your recordings with family and friends. Playback on an HDTV using one of the high-definition connections wil

Table of contents8 Introduction 4 Enjoying High-Definition Video with your Camcorder6 Important Notes About the Hard Disk Drive12 About this Manual14

External Connections80Backing Up Your Recordings on a ComputerMovies recorded with this camcorder are saved on the hard disk or memory card. Because s

81Options for creating AVCHD discs (mode)Options for creating Photo DVDs (mode)Preparations on the Camcorder1 Turn on the camcorder and set it to mo

External Connections824 Press the start button on the DVD Burner.• A progress bar will be displayed on the screen. • After pressing the start button (

83NOTESIf a scene does not fit entirely in one disc, it may be divided and continue on the next disc.Playing Back AVCHD Discs Using the DW-100 DVD Bur

External Connections84Copying your Recordings to an External Video RecorderYou can copy your recordings by connecting the camcorder to a VCR or a digi

85• If the device type selection screen appears, select [Computer/Printer] and press . • The direct transfer menu appears on the camcorder screen and

External Connections86Transferring PhotosAutomatic Transfer OptionsAll the relevant photos will be transferred to the computer in one batch and their

87Transfer OrdersYou can mark in advance the photos you want to transfer to the computer as transfer orders. You can set transfer orders for up to 998

88Additional InformationThis chapter contains troubleshooting advice, screen messages, handling and maintenance tips, and other information.Menu items

89Setup MenusFUNC. Menu - Playback ModesRecording mode [ High Quality 24 Mbps], [ High Quality 17 Mbps], [ High Quality 12 Mbps], [ Standard Play

9Table of contents Video 32 Basic Recording32 Shooting Video33 Selecting the Video Quality (Recording Mode)34 Zooming35 Quick Start Function35 Review

Additional Information901Option available only from the original movies index screen. 2Option available only from the playlist index screen. Setup Men

91[Onscreen Markers]: You can display a grid or a horizontal line at the center of the screen. Use the markers as a reference to make sure your subjec

Additional Information92[Focus Priority]: When the focus priority is activated, the camcorder records a photo only after the focus has been adjusted a

93 / Playback Setup[Photo Capture Quality]: Select the quality of a photo captured from a scene.[Data Code]: Displays the date and/or time when the

Additional Information94 System Setup 1* Option not available when the camcorder is connected to an HDTV using the HDMI cable. [Font Size]: Changes th

95[ Wide TV]: TV sets with 16:9 aspect ratio.• When the TV type is set to [ Normal TV], during the playback of video originally recorded with an aspec

Additional Information96• In standby mode, the camcorder will shut off after the time selected for the [Quick Start] setting.[Quick Start]: Select whe

97 Date/Time Setup[Date Format]: Select the date format to be used for most on-screen displays, and (if selected) for the date printed on photos.[Cale

Additional Information98Tro ub le ?If you have a problem with your camcorder, refer to this section. Sometimes what you think is a malfunction of the

99RecordingPressing will not start recording.- You cannot record while the camcorder is writing previous recordings on the hard disk/memory card (wh