Panasonic Aj D215 Operating Instructions Manual

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Tips on outdoor shooting
If the subject is too bright when, for instance, shooting outdoors under a clear sky, adjust the
brightness either using the electronic shutter or the built-in ND filter.
Phenomena inherent to CCD cameras
Smear
Although this unit has extremely low smear characteristics, smear may arise when shooting an
extremely bright subject.
Flicker
Flickering may occur if fluorescent lights are used for the lighting.  This is the case in areas
where the commercial power line frequency is 50 Hz or when a high shutter speed is used.  To
prevent flicker, set the electronic shutter speed to 1/100 where the commercial power line
frequency is 50 Hz and to OFF where it is 60 Hz. The following phenomena are known to arise in CCD cameras.
Moiré
Shooting a subject with striped patterns may give rise to the formation of Moiré patterns.
White streaks
White streaks may appear at high temperatures.  They may be more conspicuous when the gain
has been increased.
Picture roughness
Roughness in a specific pattern may appear all over the screen when the temperature is
extremely high.
Extremely bright subjectVertical lines made down the
screen 
						

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Troubleshooting
If you suspect trouble in your unit, proceed with the inspections or adjustments described below.  Consult your
dealer if the trouble persists even after you have taken the remedial action suggested.
SymptomReference
page no. Inspection/adjustment
OThe power fails to come on.
OCheck if the battery still has a sufficient charge.  
OCheck if the AC adaptor has been connected securely.
OThe low battery warning is
given (BATT LED or TALLY
LED lights or flashes).15
50 OCheck if the battery still has a sufficient charge.  
OCheck if the battery setting menu item has been set
correctly.  If the AC adaptor is being used, use the NiCd12
setting for the battery selection menu item.
OThe “BACKUP BATTERY
EMPTY” message appears
when the power is turned on.
OThe real time is not correct.16
58 OThe back-up battery may have reached the end of its
service life (approx. 1 year).  Consult with your dealer and
replace it with a new one.
ONo operation results when the
function buttons are pressed.1617
OCheck the viewfinder for error messages.
OThe tape cannot be fast
forwarded or rewound.OCheck if the tape has already been fast forwarded or
rewound all the way to the end or beginning of the tape. 
						

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Condensation
Condensation may form on the head cylinder when the unit is moved from a cold location into a warm room or
when it is operated in a humid environment. 
The principle behind this phenomenon is the same as when droplets of water form on the window panes of a
heated room.  
These droplets are called condensation. If the tape is made to travel when condensation has formed, the head
cylinder and tape may be damaged.
Take the following precautions regarding condensation:
OBefore inserting the cassette tape, set the power switch to ON, and check that the VTR LED or TALLY LED is
not lighted or flashing and that the HUMID display is not lighted on the display panel.
OWhenever possible, avoid operating the unit in situations where condensation is likely to form.
OWhen the unit is to be moved, remove the cassette tape before moving it.
OIf the HUMID display flashes while the cassette tape is already loaded, take the following steps.
1. Turn on the power.
2. Press the EJECT button to eject the cassette tape.
3. Wait until the HUMID display stops flashing.
4. Once the HUMID display has stopped flashing, insert the cassette tape and run it.
5. Check that no trouble occurs.
Emergency eject
2•5 2•5 41
3
Cassette
holder
EMERGENCY screw Set the power to OFF.
Push in and turn at the same time.
Set the power to OFF.1
Remove the rubber cap where shown in the
figure.  Insert a Phillips head screwdriver into
the cross-shaped part of the EMERGENCY
screw (red).23
Remove the cassette.4
Return the rubber cap to its original position.5
If the cassette cannot be ejected by pressing the
EJECT button, use a screwdriver or similar tool to
press and turn the EMERGENCY screw.  This
enables the cassette to be removed.

ODo not turn the EMERGENCY screw except in an
emergency.
ODo not turn the screw clockwise.  Stop turning the
screw as soon as the tape is ejected.  Otherwise,
the mechanism may be damaged.
OAfter the tape is ejected, the cassette holder will not
lock into placed even when an attempt is made to
close it.  Be sure to turn the power off and turn it
back on to reset the mechanism’s operation, and
then close the cassette holder.
OA clicking sound will be heard when the
EMERGENCY screw is turned: this sound is made
by the reel drive operation and is therefore not
indicative of a malfunction.While pushing in with the screwdriver, turn
the EMERGENCY screw counterclockwise
until the tape is ejected.
OThis screw needs to be rotated through about
30 turns after the first turn until the unloading
can be started.
OThis screw needs to be rotated through about
120 turns after the first turn until the tape is
ejected.
OThis screw needs to be rotated through about 30 turns
after the first turn until the unloading can be started.
OThis screw needs to be rotated through about 120 turns
after the first turn until the tape is ejected. 
						

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Maintenance
OThe unit has a precision-made construction inside which is designed to deliver a high
performance.  Take care to conduct proper maintenance in order to keep the unit in perfect
working order for many years to come. Sophisticated technology and equipment are required
to replenish the oil, replace the parts or adjust the electrical components.  Consult your dealer
as to when these steps need to be taken.
OFailure to adhere to the maintenance and inspection routine, which involves removing the dirt
and dust from inside, replenishing the lubricating oil and replacing the worn parts (such as
heads), will make it impossible for the unit to produce quality pictures and proper recordings.
It will also shorten the unit’s service life.  Ensure that the unit is maintained and inspected well
ahead of time.
Cleaning the heads
When the heads need to be cleaned, use the AJ-CL12LP cleaning cassette. Follow the handling
instructions accompanying the cleaning cassette since the video heads may be damaged if it is
used incorrectly.
Cleaning the lens
OMaintain and inspect the lens once a year.
OWiping the lens may leave scratches on it.  Use an air blower or a brush with soft bristles to
blow or brush away the dirt or dust which may have accumulated on the lens surface.
OIf grease or fingerprints have been left on the lens, use a lens cleaner available from a camera
shop, and wipe the lens starting from its center.  Make circular motions and work toward the
edges.
Ensure that droplets of water will not find their way to the lens when shooting in rainy or snowy
conditions. 
Once the lens has been removed from the camera, attach the lens cap to prevent dust and dirt
accumulating on the inside of the lens.
Cleaning the viewfinder
ODo not use paint thinners or other solvents to remove dirt on the viewfinder.
OUse a lens cleaner available from a camera store to wipe the lens.
OUnder no circumstances must the mirrors be touched. Use an air blower available from a
camera store to blow away any dirt or dust which may have accumulated on them. 
						

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Specifications
[GENERAL]
Power supply:DC12 V (10.5V to 17.0V)
Power consumption:16W (main unit including viewfinder)
Operating ambient temperature:
32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)
Storage ambient temperature:
–4°F to 140°F (–20°C to 60°C)
Operating ambient humidity:
Less than 80% (relative humidity)
Continuous operation time:
Approx. 120 minutes
(with Anton Bauer Trimpack 14, continuous recording time)
Dimensions
(W a a
H a a
D):4-15/16˝ a
11-1/2˝ a
13-5/16˝ (126 a
292 a
337 mm)
Weight:7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) for main unit only
13.0 lbs (5.9 kg) for with NP-1 battery, viewfinder, Fujinon 14a
lens,
184-minute tape
[CAMERA]
Image sensor:1/3˝ IT-type CCD with on-chip lens (pixel shift system) a
3
Pixels:542 (H) a
492 (V)
Horizontal drive frequency:
11.25 MHz
Sensitivity:2000 lux, f/5.6
Minimum illumination:5 lux (f/1.4 +18 dB)
S/N ratio:60 dB (TYP)
Horizontal resolution:Approx. 500 lines (center)
Vertical resolution:400 lines 
Sampling frequency:13.5 MHz/27 MHz
Shutter speeds:1/100, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000, 1/8000
Gain selection:0/6/12 dB or 0/9/18 dB
Lens mount:1/3˝ bayonet mount
Color separation optical system:
Prism system (f/1.4)
Registration error:Less than 0.03% (full range, excluding lens distortion)
ND filter:1/16 ND, manual ON/OFF setting enabled by slide switch
[VIEWFINDER]
Display tube:1.5˝ high-resolution monochrome tube
Horizontal resolution:600 lines (center)
External controls:BRIGHT, CONTRAST, PEAKING controls,
TALLY ON/OFF, ZEBRA ON/OFF, CHARACTER ON/OFF switches 
						

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DC IN (XLR, 4P)
LENS (12P)
DVCPRO interface connector (option):
Complies with IEEE 1394-1995 standard OTHER
[CONNECTORS]
FRONT MIC:Phantom +48V (built-in microphone), –60 dBu, balanced, 3 k½
(–60, –50 or –40 dBu setting possible on menu)
AUDIO IN CH1/CH2 (XLR, 3P):
–60, –50 or –40 dBu setting possible on menu, balanced, 10 k½
Internal DIP switch setting:
Phantom 48V output possible
line (–6/0/+4 dBu) switchable INPUT
[ACCESSORIES]
1.5˝ viewfinder   
Microphone (attached to main unit)
Battery holder (attached to main unit)
Battery mounting connector and screw supporting Sony-made battery (NP-1B) AUDIO OUT CH1/CH2 (Phono pin jack):
–6 dBu, unbalanced, low impedance output
HEADPHONE OUT:Stereo mini jack
VIDEO OUT (BNC):1.0 V
P-P, 75 ½
S-VIDEO OUT:Y signal = 1.0 V
P-P, 75 ½
C signal = 0.286 V
P-P(burst), 75 ½ OUTPUT
[VTR]The video and audio performance specifications apply for a tape which has been recorded on
this unit and played back on a standard player (ANALOG COMPONENT OUT).
Tape speed:33.8201 mm/sec
Recording/playback time:
Approx. 184 min. (
using AJ-5P92LP)
FF/REW time:Less than 8 min. (using AJ-5P92LP)
Video signal band:Brightness = 0 Hz to 5.75 MHz, +1.0 dB/–3.0 dB
S/N ratio:55 dB
Linearity:Less than 2%
Y/C delay:Within 30 ns
Audio sampling frequency:
48 kHz (synchronized with video)
Quantizing:16 bits/sample
Frequency response:20 Hz to 20 kHz, +1.0 dB/–1.5 dB (at reference level)
Distortion:Less than 0.2% (at 1 kHz, operating level)
Crosstalk:Less than –65 dB (between channels, at 1 kHz)
Wow and flutter:Below measurable limits
Headroom:20 dB
For AJ-5P92LP cassette tapes, use a VTR supporting DVCPRO (25
Mbps) 184 minute tapes. 
						

							PANASONIC BROADCAST & DIGITAL SYSTEMS COMPANY
DIVISION OF MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC CORPORATION OF AMERICA
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