I've had my HC1 for a little over two years now.

Last week it froze-up and started beeping, and an error code -- C:21:00 -- appeared on screen. The manual says this code means there is condensation in the camera, and to open the cassette door and let it dry out for an hour.

I did so, and it seemed to do the trick.

But four days ago the camera began to do the same thing again. Only this time it did NOT sort itself out after one hour. In fact I have left it off with the door open for hours at a time, periodically checking it -- but the error message remains.

Prior to this error message, the camera had been in a case (both times) and the case had been in my car for most of the day, but I never took the camera out of the case.

Any ideas?

Thanx!

Yes...

It's a faulty moisture-sensor and/or a bad contact in that area. Known to be a bit of a problem with some HC1's.

See this long-running thread :
http://www.sonyhdvinfo.com/showthre...ht=condensation

Read through that thread - the "proper" solution is to get the sensor replaced but sony will no doubt charge quite a bit.
The "DIY" solution is to, seriously, give the camera a couple of "whacks". See the last couple of pages of the thread.
Try that at entirely your own risk, but i have done that for another problem with my Sony cam (tape transport issue) and it fixed it instantly.

Tikihut had that problem and cost him US$511 to get it repaired by Sony.
Other members on the sonyhdvinfo.com site solved it by the "thump on the base" method, and these include :
kexicao
Stig Lundberg
Flashfreaker
PeterF
foxfire

Anyway...have a read and maybe save yourself an expensive Sony repair job..

__________________
www.SonyHDVinfo.com

Reading all the posts on this problem. I had the same problem, Couldn't do anything with this camera, tape wouldn't even go in the camera. The climate here is as dry as Death Valley, so I know I didn't have a moisture problem. There is a easy fix. Open the swival LCD screen. You will see a little panel with a Auto/Lock switch and battery info button. Just below it is a little pin hole. It is labeled reset but may be a little hard to read. Take something strong that you can insert in the hole and push hard. This is will reset the camera to its factory default settings and any warning sensor fails. Like I said the camera was totally useless, after this hard reset it performed like a new camera and no more moisture warning messages.

Had the same problem with mine. Open the swival LCD display. You will see a little panel with Auto/Lock and battery info button. Beneath that is a little pin hole labeled reset. With a sharp and strong object insert it into the hole. This will do a hard reset on the camera. It will reset the menues to the default setting as well as all the camera warning sensors. Had no problem after that.