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3-088-336-11(1)
© 2004 Sony Corporation
Camera
Operations Guide
Read this first
Digital Video Camera Recorder
DCR-HC20


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2
Read this first
Before operating the unit, please read this
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future
reference.
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.
This symbol 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.
This symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the
appliance.
For customers in the U.S.A. and
CANADA
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion batteries are
recyclable.
You can help preserve our
environment by returning your
used rechargeable batteries to the
collection and recycling location nearest you.
For more information regarding recycling of
rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822-
8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking
Lithium-Ion batteries.
Battery pack
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.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with
Canadian ICES-003.
For customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this product, you
may call:
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222-
SONY (7669)
The number below is for FCC related matters only.
Regulatory Information
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-HC20
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 680 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell,
NJ 07649 U.S.A.
Telephone No.: 201-930-6972
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.


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Owner's Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the
bottom. Record the serial number in the space
provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever
you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this
product.
Model No. DCR-HC
Serial No.
Model No.AC-
Serial No.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
b
Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a 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 used 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 to an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
­ Consult a Sony dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
The supplied interface cable must be used with the
equipment in order to comply with the limits for a
digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of
FCC Rules.
Notes on use
Note on Cassette Memory
Your camcorder is based on the DV format. You can
use only mini DV cassettes in your camcorder. Use of
mini DV cassettes with Cassette Memory is
recommended as you can use Title search (p. 40), Date
search (p. 41), Photo search (p. 41), [TITLE] (p. 52),
[TAPE TITLE] (p. 54).
Cassettes with Cassette Memory are marked with
.
Notes on recording
· Before starting to record, test the recording function
to make sure the picture and sound are recorded
without any problems.
· Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot
be provided, even if recording or playback is not
possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder, etc.
· TV color systems differ depending on the countries/
regions. To view your recordings on a TV, you need
an NTSC system-based TV.
· Television programs, films, video tapes, and other
materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized
recording of such materials may be contrary to the
copyright laws.
Notes on the LCD panel, viewfinder, and
lens
· The LCD screen and the viewfinder are
manufactured using extremely high-precision
technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are
operational for effective use.
However, there may be some tiny black points and/
or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in color)
that appear constantly on the LCD screen and the
viewfinder.
These points are normal results of the manufacturing
process and do not affect the recording in any way.
· Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder, or the lens
to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause
malfunctions. Be careful when placing the camera
near a window or outdoors.
· Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might cause your
camcorder to malfunction. Take pictures of the sun
only in low light conditions, such as at dusk.
Note on connecting other device
Before connecting your camcorder to other device
such as a VCR or a computer with a USB or i.LINK
cable, be sure to insert the connector plug in the proper
direction. If you insert the connector plug forcibly in
the wrong direction, the terminal may be damaged, or
this may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.
Note on using this manual
· The images of the LCD screen and the viewfinder
used on this manual are captured using a digital still
camera, and thus may appear different from what
you see.
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Notes on using the camcorder
· Hold your camcorder correctly.
· If the Strap Belt is too long, fasten the Strap Belt as
shown in the following illustration.
· You can also use the Strap Belt as a wrist strap. For
details on the Strap Belt, see page 94.
· When you are using the touch panel, place your hand
on the back side of the LCD panel to support it.
Then, touch the buttons displayed on the screen.
· Unavailable buttons will be grayed out.
· You can change the language to be used for screen
display on your camcorder (p. 20).
· Be careful not to press buttons beside the LCD
screen accidentally when you open or close the LCD
panel, or when you adjust the angle of the LCD
panel.
· Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.
Touch the button on the LCD screen.
Viewfinder
LCD panel
Battery pack


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Read this first ............................................................................................. 2
Quick Start Guide
Recording movies ...................................................................................... 8
Recording/Playing back with ease ........................................................... 10
Getting started
Step 1: Checking supplied items.............................................................. 11
Step 2: Charging the battery pack............................................................ 12
Using an outside power source ................................................................................. 14
Step 3: Turning the power on................................................................... 15
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder...................................... 16
Adjusting the LCD panel ........................................................................................... 16
Adjusting the viewfinder ............................................................................................ 16
Step 5: Setting the date and time............................................................. 17
Step 6: Inserting a cassette tape.............................................................. 19
Step 7: Setting the screen language ........................................................ 20
Recording
Recording movies .................................................................................... 21
Recording for a longer time ....................................................................................... 22
Using zoom ............................................................................................................... 22
Recording in mirror mode ......................................................................................... 22
Using the self-timer ................................................................................................... 23
Recording still images ­ Tape photo recording........................................ 24
Recording with ease ­ Easy Handycam .................................................. 25
Adjusting the exposure............................................................................. 26
Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects ............................................................... 26
Fixing the exposure for the selected subject ­ Flexible spot meter .......................... 26
Adjusting the white balance manually ....................................................................... 27
Adjusting the exposure manually .............................................................................. 28
Recording in dark places ­ NightShot plus .............................................. 29
Adjusting the focus................................................................................... 29
Adjusting the focus for an off-center subject ­ SPOT FOCUS .................................. 29
Adjusting the focus manually .................................................................................... 30
Table of Contents
,continued