Panasonic Aj Pd900 Operating Instructions Manual

							Operating Instructions
Digital Camera/VTR
P AJ- 
						

							–2–
For your safety
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert
the user to the presence of uninsulated “dan-
gerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure
that may be of sufficient magnitude to consti-
tute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral tri-
angle is intended to alert the user to the pres-
ence of important operating and maintenance
(service) instructions in the literature accompa-
nying the appliance.
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
SHOCK HAZARD AND ANNOYING INTER-
FERENCE, USE THE RECOMMENDED
ACCESSORIES ONLY.
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
FCC NOTE:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. To assure continued compliance follow
the attached installation instructions and do not
make any unauthorized modifications.
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These lim-
its are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment
is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate ra-
dio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio commu-
nications. Operation of this equipment in a resi-
dential area is likely to cause harmful interference
in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense.
ATTENTION:
The product you have purchased is powered by a
nickel cadmium battery which is recyclable. At
the end of it’s useful life, under various state and
local laws, it is illegal to dispose of this battery
into your municipal waste stream.
Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information on
how to recycle this battery.
ATTENTION:
Le produit que vous avez acheté est alimenté par
une pile au nickel-cadmium. La pile est recycla-
ble. Pour obtenir des renseignements sur les
façons de recycler cette pile, appeler au 1-800-8
BATTERY.
Memory Back-Up Battery
Replace battery with part No. CR2032 only.
Use of another battery may present a risk of fire
or explosion.
Caution — Battery may explode if mistreated.
Do not recharge, disassemble or dispose of in
fire.
Ni-Cd
RBRC
RBRC
is the safety information. 
						

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Contents
Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
General and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ÁFeatures of the Camera Section . . . . . 5
ÁFeatures of the VTR Section . . . . . . . 8
ÁSystem Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Controls and Their Functions
ÁPower Supply Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
ÁAccessory Mounting Section . . . . . . . 11
ÁAudio Function Section . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
ÁShooting (Recording)/Playback
Function Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
ÁMenu Operation Section . . . . . . . . . . . 20
ÁTime Code-Related Section . . . . . . . . 20
ÁWarning/Status Display Section . . . . . 22
Power Supply
ÁUsing an Anton Bauer Battery
Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
ÁUsing the Panasonic AU-BP402
Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
ÁUsing a Sony Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . 26
ÁUsing the Sony BP-90 Battery
Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
ÁUsing the Sony BP-L60/BP-L90
lithium-ion Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . 27
ÁUsing an AC Power Supply (When
Using the AJ-B75 AC Adaptor) . . . . . . 28
Mounting the Lens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Adjusting the Lens Flange. . . . . . . . . 30
Adjusting the White Shading. . . . . . . 31
Adjusting the Viewfinder
ÁAdjusting the Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
ÁAdjusting the Diopter and
Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
ÁAdjusting the Eyecup Position . . . . . . 34
ÁDetaching the Eyecup . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
ÁDetaching and Mounting the
Viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Bold letters should be set or adjusted immediately after
purchase.
Audio Input Preparations
ÁUsing the Microphone Mounted to the
Main Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
ÁUsing the AJ-MC700P Microphone Kit
(Option) Mounted to the Main Unit . . . 37
ÁMounting the AJ-MH700P Microphone
Holder (Option) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
ÁUsing the Microphone not Mounted to
the Main Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
ÁMounting a Wireless Microphone . . . . 41
Connecting an Audio Component . . . . . 41
Mounting the Unit to a Tripod . . . . . . . . 42
Mounting the Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . 43
Adjusting the Shoulder Pad Position . . . 44
Attaching the Rain Cover . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Connecting the AQ-EC1 Extension
Control Unit (Option) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Warning/Status Displays in the
Viewfinder and Display Window
ÁDisplaying the Setting Menu Inside the
Viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
ÁSetting Menu Configuration . . . . . . . . 47
ÁBasic Setting Menu Operations . . . . . 49
Lamp Displays Inside the
Viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
ÁSetting the ! Lamp Display . . . . . . . . . 52
Status Displays Inside the Viewfinder
Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
ÁSelecting Display Items . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
ÁDisplay Mode and Setting Change
Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
ÁChanging the Display Mode . . . . . . . . 58
ÁSetting the Marker Displays . . . . . . . . 58
ÁSetting the Camera ID . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 
						

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Contents
Displays
ÁRemaining Battery Level and Audio
Level Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
ÁVTR Section Operation/Status-Related
Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
ÁTime Code-Related Displays . . . . . . . 61
Adjusting the Time and Date . . . . . . . . . 62
Adjustments and Setup During Recording
ÁAdjustments and Setup using the Setting
Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
ÁSetting the Gain Selector Value . . . . . 64
ÁSelecting Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Adjusting the White Balance/Black Balance
ÁAdjusting the White Balance . . . . . . . . 66
ÁAdjusting the Black Balance . . . . . . . . 69
Setting the Electronic Shutter
ÁShutter Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
ÁSelecting the Shutter Mode/Speed . . . 72
ÁSetting the Synchro Scan Mode . . . . . 73
ÁChanging the Shutter Speed/Mode
Selection Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Changing the Iris Automatic Adjustment
Reference Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Adjusting the Audio Level . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Setting the Time Data
ÁSetting the Time Code . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
ÁSetting the User Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
ÁLocking the Time Code to an External
Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
ÁExternal Lock Operation
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Setup Card Operations
ÁSetup Card Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
ÁSetup Card Data Operations . . . . . . . 82
Cassettes
ÁInserting and Ejecting Cassettes . . . . 87
ÁPreventing Accidental Erasure . . . . . . 88
Recording
ÁBasic Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
ÁSuccessive Shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92Playback — Checking Recorded Contents
ÁRec Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
ÁColor Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Connection With an External VTR . . . . . 95
Recording Simultaneously with the
Internal VTR and an External
VTR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Recording With an External VTR Instead
of the Internal VTR
ÁUsing the 26-pin/12-pin Output
Adaptor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
RET Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Replacing the Backup Battery . . . . . . . . 101
Setting Menu Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Warning System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Emergency eject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Error Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Maintenance
ÁCondensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
ÁCleaning the Video Heads . . . . . . . . . 128
ÁCleaning the Viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . 128
ÁCharacteristic Phenomenon of CCD
Cameras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Inspections Before Shooting
ÁInspection  Preparations . . . . . . . . . . . 129
ÁInspecting the Camera Section . . . . . . 129
ÁInspecting the Viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . 130
ÁInspecting the Iris and Zoom
Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
ÁInspecting the VTR Section . . . . . . . . 131
Specifications
ÁGeneral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
ÁCamera Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
ÁViewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
ÁVTR Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
ÁAccessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
ÁRelated Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 
						

							–5–
General and Features
The AJ-PD900W combines a color video camera, which features a 520,000-pixel high-sensitivity
M-FIT 3-CCD configuration and an on-chip lens, with a DVCPRO format VTR which in turn fea-
tures the latest compression technology in a single unit.
In addition to the existing interlace signals (525i), progressive signals (525P) can also be record-
ed. Either 16:9 or 4:3 can be selected as the screen aspect ratio, and the rate at which the sig-
nals are recorded onto the VTR tape can be set to 50 Mbps for a higher picture quality or
25 Mbps for longer recording duration. (Six recording modes are available for selection.)
The AJ-PD900W is compact and light weight with low power consumption, and realizes the opti-
mal functions and performance for an electronic news gathering (ENG) VTR-integrated camera
such as high picture quality and sensitivity, mobility, dustproofing and dampproofing, etc. In ad-
dition, both the camera section and the VTR employ a digital signal processing system which
further improves picture quality and realizes a system for controlling setting menu and subject
data by using world standard memory cards.
Features of the Camera Section
The camera section of the AJ-PD900W has the following features.
ÁHigh sensitivity: 2000 lux (F8)
ÁHigh S/N ratio: 60 dB
ÁUltra-low smear
ÁUltra-low flare
Digital signal processing
Signal processing is digitized by a 36 MHz (typ.) 10-bit AD/DA converter. This improves picture
quality, stability and reliability, and allows the viewfinder screen displays as well as numerous
adjustment and setup items to be converted to menus.
Setting menu
The setting menu is displayed on the viewfinder screen, and controls the status displays, mes-
sages, marker displays, etc. Whether or not to display each item, as well as the display condi-
tions when items are to be displayed, can be selected according to the user’s convenience. For
example, display ON/OFF for the ! lamp display which informs the user that the unit has entered
irregular status can be selected for 6 different conditions.
The setting menu is also used to select various settings and functions and execute memory card
operations, etc.
Setup cards
Setting menu and subject data can be stored on SRAM memory cards with a capacity of 64 kilo-
bytes or greater which conform to PCMCIA standard ratings as setup cards. Stored data can be
saved individually or according to the shooting conditions, allowing the same setup conditions to
be easily reproduced and assisting in standardizing setup conditions between individual data.
High-function electronic shutter
Using the built-in electronic shutter achieves steady images even of quickly moving subjects. In
addition, the following special operation modes can also be selected.
ÁSynchro scan mode: This mode is suited for shooting personal computer and workstation mon-
itor screens, and provides images with little horizontal stripe noise.
Wide range of video gain selections
Gain values can be selected from p3 dB to o30 dB using the setting menu and the GAIN
switch. The high S/N ratio allows images with little noise to be obtained even when the gain is
increased for shooting in dark locations. Using the SUPER GAIN switch provided specially to
implement the super gain function, the video gain can be set to 30 dB.
Automatic adjustment and memory functions for black balance/white balance
The black set, black balance and white balance can be automatically adjusted by simple switch
operations. Adjustment values are held in the memory even if the power for the unit is turned off,
so there is no need to readjust the balance each time the power is turned on.
There are two memory systems for white balance which can hold four adjustment values each
for the CC and ND filters, making a total of eight adjustment values. When adjustment values
matching the illumination conditions are selected from among the values stored in the memory,
the unit is automatically adjusted to the corresponding white balance. (A menu setting also al-
lows adjustment of only two values instead of the values for each filter.) In addition, when the
unit is shipped from the factory, the white balance value for 3200K is stored in the memory as a
preset value. This value can be called when there is no time to adjust the white balance, etc. 
						

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Features
High-performance viewfinder
ÁThe high-resolution CRT projects a detailed picture which facilitates focus operations.
ÁThe viewfinder employs a low flare CRT which makes the screen easy to see.
ÁA center marker which indicates the center of the screen and a safety zone marker which indi-
cates the effective screen region can be displayed by menu operations.
ÁA large aperture allows the screen to be easily seen even when the operator’s eye is removed
from the eyepiece.
ÁThe eyepiece can easily be detached. When the eyepiece is detached, the center of the
screen will not become blurred even when viewed from a distance.
ÁOne-touch position adjustment is possible not only in the right-left direction but also in the
forward-backward direction.
Character display function
The unit is equipped with a function that displays switch settings, the automatic adjustment sta-
tus for black balance and white balance, warning displays, etc. on the viewfinder screen.
In addition, when using an Anton Bauer Digital Magnum series battery as the unit’s power sup-
ply, the remaining battery level can be displayed numerically on the viewfinder screen.
Warning system for displaying the VTR section status
The unit informs of VTR trouble, the end of the tape, battery wear, etc. with various warning
lamps and a warning tone. The remaining tape time can also be checked by the character dis-
play inside the viewfinder.
Four filter disks as standard equipment
CC (color temperature conversion) and ND (neutral density) filters are provided as standard
equipment. This allows the optimal filter setting to be selected from among four combinations in
accordance with the brightness of the subject.
Fine adjustment of the automatic iris reference value
The reference value for automatic iris adjustment can be finely adjusted by setting menu opera-
tions.
Auto close function
The unit is equipped with an auto close function which automatically closes the lens in the fol-
lowing cases.
ÁWhen the black balance is automatically adjusted.
ÁWhen the power is turned off in the auto iris mode.
Generation of SMPTE/SNG color bar and reference audio signals
The camera section contains a circuit which generates an SMPTE type color bar signal to facili-
tate color monitor adjustments, and a circuit which generates a reference level audio signal to
facilitate audio level adjustments.
The unit also contains a circuit for generating SNG color bar signals which come in handy for
sending signals to communication satellites.
Functions and circuits for assuring high picture quality
The AJ-PD900W is equipped with the following functions (and circuits) in order to assure high
picture quality and is designed to make the fullest use of the advantages of the high-perfor-
mance CCD.
ÁA built-in AUTO KNEE circuit achieves a wide dynamic range which allows large signals to
pass through.
ÁA built-in 2-line image enhancer
ÁA built-in shading compensation function for use with a lens extender
ÁA built-in sawtooth wave generator for adjustments
ÁA zebra pattern ON/OFF selector switch which selects three types of zebra patterns including
spot zebra from two levels of zebra patterns.
Audio functions
ÁA phantom power supply type super-cardioid microphone (option) can be attached and it can
also be detached from the main unit for use in interviews.
ÁMicrophone can also be connected, and can be attached to the main unit using the
AJ-MH700P microphone holder (option).
ÁThe audio CH1 recording level can be easily adjusted at the front panel of the unit. 
						

							–7–
Recording by an external VTR
When an external VTR is connected using the 26-pin/12-pin output adaptor (option,
AJ-YA900P), recording can be performed by the external VTR instead of the internal VTR.
Remote control
Connecting the Extension Control Unit (option, AQ-EC1) allows a portion of the camera section
functions to be operated by remote control. 
						

							–8–
Features
Features of the VTR section
Digital system
The VTR section features a component digital recording system that employs the latest com-
pression technology and non-compressed PCM recording for audio. This system provides supe-
rior S/N, frequency band and waveform characteristics as well as reproduction of detailed areas,
etc., and realizes even higher picture and sound quality.
One of the following 6 modes can be selected for conducting recording and playback: 16:9P
(50 Mbps), 4:3P (50 Mbps), 16:9i (50 Mbps), 4:3i (50 Mbps), 16:9i (25 Mbps), 4:3i (25 Mbps).
Rec review function
This function automatically rewinds the tape and plays back the last two seconds recorded, al-
lowing recorded contents to be quickly checked.
Playback function
Playback pictures (black-and-white pictures) can be seen on the viewfinder screen. In addition,
color playback pictures can be seen on a color monitor connected to the VIDEO OUT connector
on the main unit.
Built-in time code generator/reader
Time code information can be recorded and played back on a dedicated subcode track.
Locking of the time code to an external source
The built-in time code generator can be locked to an external generator. Also, the built-in time
code generator uses a lithium battery as its back-up power supply, allowing time codes to be
backed up for approximately one year even if power is not supplied to the unit.
Built-in DOLBY NR SystemF
A Dolby B Noise Reduction System is built in for audio recording in the longitudinal direction.
Successive shooting
Images can be shot successively within an accuracy of 0 –o1 frame simply by pressing the VTR
START button or the lens VTR button.
FDolby noise reduction manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
“Dolby” and the double-D symbol 0 are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. 
						

							–9–
System Configuration
Setup memory
card
SHL-064HSRVSMulti connector
cable
SHAN-C12TCA
Carrying case
AJ-HT900 Microphone kit
AJ-MC700PShoulder
belt Wireless
microphone
receiver
WX-RA70026P/12P
output
adaptor
AJ-YA900PVTR cable VTR
Microphone holder
AJ-MH700P
Lens
(Bayonet type)
Fujinon/Canon
Camera/VTR
AJ-PD900W
Battery case
SHAN-B220
Battery case
AU-M402H
Battery case/
Battery holder
AC adaptor
AJ-B75Sony Battery
BP-90
BP-L60/BP-L90 Panasonic Battery
AU-BP220
Sony Battery
NP-1
Panasonic Battery
AU-BP402
Anton Bauer BatteryBattery
charger
AG-B425
Rain cover
SHAN-RC700
Soft carrying
case
AJ-SC900
Tripot mount
adaptor
SHAN-TM700
Extension control
unit
AQ-EC1Cleaning tape
AJ-CL12MP Cassette tape
ÁM size cassette tape
exclusively for
DVCPRO 5w EVF
WV-VF65B/C 5w EVF mount
adaptor
AJ-YA711 5w EVF
AJ-VF53 5w EVF mount
adaptor
AJ-QVF900 
						

							–10–
Controls and Their Functions
Power Supply Section
eBattery holder
The battery pack (option) made by Anton Bauer is mounted onto this holder.
fDC IN (external power input) connector (XLR, 4P)
The AJ-B75 AC adaptor (option) is plugged into this socket when the unit is to be operated by
AC power. An external battery is plugged in when an external battery is to be used to operate
the unit.
gBREAKER (circuit breaker) button
In order to protect the equipment, the circuit breaker is tripped and the power is automatically
turned off when an excessively high level of power flows inside. Upon completion of the inter-
nal inspection and adjustments, push this button back in. The power will come back on pro-
vided that there is no trouble inside the unit.
hPOWER switch
ON:Set to this position to turn on the unit’s power.
OFF:Set to this position to turn off the unit’s power.
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