The HV20 includes a feature called Power Save that automatically shuts off the camcorder after 5 minutes when running on battery power. While this keeps you from running out of battery by accident, it also keeps you from doing things like leaving the camera on for stop motion shots.

To turn off the Power Save automatic shutoff feature, tap the Function button on the camera and scroll down to the Menu. Select menu and browse to the System Setup, where you can turn Power Save from the default On to Off.