Panasonic Aj Sdc915 Operating Instructions Manual

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Accessory Mounting Section
Hook for mounting shoulder belt
Attach the accessory shoulder belt to this hook.
Light shoe
Mount the video light, etc. onto this shoe.
Lens mount (bayonet type)
Mount the lens here.
Lens clamping lever
Insert the lens into the lens mount , and turn the lens mount ring using this lever to clamp the
lens.
	Lens mount cap
Press up the lens clamping lever  to remove this cap. Keep the cap in place if the lens is not
going to be mounted.

Lens cable clamp
This is for clamping the lens cable.
Tripod mount
When the unit is to be secured to a tripod, mount the tripod attachment (SHAN-TM700) which
is available as an optional accessory.
LENS connector (12-pin)
Hook up the lens connecting cable to this connector. Consult with your dealer concerning the
lens which you are going to use.

Shoulder pad
Adjust this pad to facilitate operation when carrying the unit on your shoulder. Its position can
be brought forward or backward and adjusted by loosening the two set screws.
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Controls and Their Functions 
						

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Controls and Their Functions
Audio Function Section (1)
AUDIO LEVEL CH1 (audio channel 1 recording level) control
When the AUDIO SELECT CH1/CH2 switch  is set to MAN, the recording level of audio
channel 1 can be adjusted by this control in addition to the AUDIO LEVEL CH1 control  on
the side panel.
MIC IN (microphone input) jack (XLR, 3-pin)
Connect an optional microphone to this jack. The power for the microphone is supplied from
this jack.
AUDIO LEVEL CH1/CH2 (audio channel 1/2 recording level) controls
When the AUDIO SELECT CH1/CH2 switch  is set to MAN, the audio level of audio channels
1 and 2 can be adjusted using these controls.
However, the audio CH1 level can also be adjusted using the AUDIO LEVEL CH1 control  on
the front panel.
AUDIO SELECT CH1/CH2 switch (audio channel 1/2 auto/manual level adjustment selec-
tor) switch
This selects the method used to adjust the audio levels of audio channels 1 and 2.
AUTO:For adjusting the levels automatically.
MAN:For adjusting the levels manually.
AUDIO IN (audio input selector) switch
This selects the input signals to be recorded on audio channels 1 and 2.
FRONT [MIC]:The microphone input signals connected to the MIC IN jack  are recorded.
REAR [MIC]:The microphone input signals connected to the AUDIO IN CH1/CH2 connec-
tors  are recorded.
REAR [LINE]:The line input signals connected to the AUDIO IN CH1/CH2 connectors 
are recorded.
REAR MIC POWER switch
ON:The phantom power is supplied to the rear microphone.
OFF:The phantom power is not supplied to the rear microphone.
CUE switch
CH1:The audio CH1 signals are recorded on the cue track.
1/2:The signals of audio CH1 and CH2 are mixed together and recorded on the cue track.
CH2:The audio CH2 signals are recorded on the cue track.
AUDIO IN CH1/CH2 (audio input channel 1/2) connectors (XLR, 3P)
An audio component or microphone is connected here.
AUDIO OUT connector (XLR, 3P)
This is connected to an audio component. The audio channels are coupled to the MONITOR
SELECT switch  and switched in tandem.
DC OUT (DC power output) connector
This is the DC 12 V output connector. A current of approximately 100 mA can be taken out.
sr
The accessory
control knob can be
attached to the
AUDIO LEVEL CH1
control. Knob
(included)
Screw
(included) 
						

							–13–
Audio Function Section (2)
ALARM (warning tone volume) control
This adjusts the warning tone volume heard from the speaker  or the earphone connected to
the PHONES jack . When it is set to the lowest position, the warning tone is not audible.
However, by making changes to the inside parts, the tone can be made audible even when the
control is at its lowest position.
MONITOR (volume) control
This adjusts the volume of the sound other than the warning tone—the sound from the speaker
 or earphone . When it is set to the lowest position, no sound is heard.
Audio Function Section (3)
Speaker
During recording, the EE sound can be monitored; during playback, the playback sound can be
monitored.
The warning tone is heard through the speaker in synchronization with the flashing or lighting
of the warning lamp and warning display.
The speaker sound is automatically muted when an earphone is connected to the PHONES
jack .
MONITOR SELECT (audio channel selector) switch
This selects the audio channel whose sound is to be heard through the speaker AUDIO
OUT connector , or earphone.
CH1:The audio channel 1 sound is output.
1/2:The sound produced by mixing the audio channel 1 and 2 sound or the stereo sound is
output. However, only the mixed sound is output from the speaker  and AUDIO OUT
connector.
CH2:The audio channel 2 sound is output.
MONITOR (sound selector) switch
This selects the sound of the earphone when 1/2 is selected with the MONITOR SELECT
switch .
ST:The stereo sound of audio channels 1 and 2 is output.
MIX:The mixed sound of audio channels 1 and 2 is output.
PHONES (earphone) jack (mini-jack)
When an earphone (option) is connected to this jack, the sound selected by the MONITOR
switch  can be heard. The warning tones relating to the unit’s operation or status can also be
heard. An earphone enabling a sufficiently high volume of sound to be heard is recommended.
When the earphone is connected, speaker  sound is automatically muted.
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Controls and Their Functions 
						

							–14–
Controls and Their Functions
Shooting (Recording)/Playback Function Section (1)
 Viewfinder (optional accessory)
Black-and-white images can be seen in the viewfinder during recording and playback. Warn-
ings and messages relating to the unit’s operating status and settings, zebra pattern, markers
(safety zone marker, center marker), etc. can also be seen.
!PEAKING control
This is used to adjust the contours of the images inside the viewfinder to facilitate focusing. It
does not affect the camera’s output signals.
CONTRAST control
This is used to adjust the contrast of the screen inside the viewfinder. It does not affect the
camera’s output signals.
#BRIGHT control
This is used to adjust the brightness of the screen inside the viewfinder. It does not affect the
camera’s output signals.
$ZEBRA (zebra pattern) switch
This displays the zebra pattern inside the viewfinder.
ON:The zebra pattern is displayed.
OFF:The zebra pattern is not displayed.
When the unit is shipped from the factory, the zebra pattern is set in such a way that those
parts with an IRE video level from approx. 70% to 85% are displayed. The displaying of parts
with a level ranging from 50% to 110% or more or with a certain level can also be set on the
setting menu.
%Diopter control knob
This is adjusted in such a way that the images on the viewfinder screen are seen most clearly
in accordance with the dioptric power of the camera’s operator.
&Eyepiece
Viewfinder forward-backward/left-right position clamp lever
Loosen this lever to adjust the position of the viewfinder   in the forward-backward or left-right
direction.
(Eyepiece forward-backward movement ring
Turn this ring to adjust the position of the eyepiece & in the forward-backward direction.
)Viewfinder stopper screw
To detach the viewfinder   from the camera, loosen this screw and then detach the view-
finder.
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(The viewfinder shown in the illustration is the AJ-VF10P.) 
						

							–15–
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Shooting (Recording)/Playback Function Section (2)
*CC/ND FILTER (filter selector) knob
This selects the filter to match the light source which is illuminating the subject.
If the setting of this knob is changed when the menu display mode has been set to “3” (default
setting), the new setting will appear on the setting change message display area of the view-
finder screen.
(The viewfinder shown in the
illustration is the AJ-VF10P.)
Controls and Their Functions
The knob and filter settings are
listed below.
FILTER
Descriptionknob setting
13200 K
25600 K1/8ND
35600 K
45600 K1/64ND
Examples of filter settings to match
shooting conditions
Filter Shooting condition
1Sunrise, sunset, inside a studio
2Outdoors under a clear sky
3Outdoors under a cloudy or rainy sky
4Snow scenes, high mountains,
coastlines and other extremely clear
and bright scenes
+Synchro scan adjustment switches
These switches are used to adjust the synchro scan speed. Pressing the “” switch reduces
the shutter speed; pressing the “” switch increases the shutter speed. Set these switches to a
position where the side bar noise in the viewfinder is eliminated during personal computer
monitor shooting, etc.
Note	
When these switches are used for UB/TC/CTL settings while the SET position has been select-
ed as the TCG switch position, they will not serve their function as synchro scan adjustment
switches. The TCG switch must be set to F-RUN or R-RUN for these switches to serve their
function.
,WHITE BAL (white balance memory selector) switch
PRST:Set to this position when there is no time to adjust the white balance. The white bal-
ance value for 3200K is stored in the memory.
A or B:When the AUTO W/B BAL switch - is pressed to the AWB side, the white balance
is automatically adjusted in accordance with the setting position of the filter knob *,
and the adjustment value is stored in memory A or memory B.
When the FILTER knob and the WHITE BAL switch are set to the same positions as the ones
set when the adjustment was made, the adjustment value stored in the memory is called, and
the unit is automatically adjusted to the white balance which corresponds to this value.
If the setting of this switch is changed when the menu display mode has been set to “3” (default
setting), the new setting will appear at the WHITE BAL switch display position on the viewfinder
screen. (Example:“A”) 
						

							–16–
Controls and Their Functions
Shooting (Recording)/Playback Function Section (3)
.OUTPUT (output signal selector)/AUTO KNEE switch
This switch selects the video signals which are to be output from the camera unit to the VTR
unit, viewfinder and video monitor. The AUTO KNEE function can be used when the images
shot by the camera have been selected.
OUTPUT/AUTO KNEE switch setting positions
BARS Color bar signals are output. The AUTO KNEE circuit
is not activated. Set the switch to this position in the
following cases:

When adjusting the video monitor

When recording color bar signals
CAM, AUTO KNEE OFF The images shot by the camera are output.
The AUTO KNEE circuit is not activated. The default
setting is “MANUAL KNEE”.
CAM, AUTO KNEE ON The images shot by the camera are output.
The AUTO KNEE circuit is activated.
/GAIN (gain selector) switch
This is used to change the video amplifier’s gain in accordance with the lighting conditions
during shooting. The gain values corresponding to the L, M and H settings are assigned be-
forehand on the setting menu. When the unit is shipped from the factory, these settings are:
L
0 dB, M
9 dB and H
18 dB.
If the setting of this switch is changed when the display mode has been set to “3”, the new
setting will appear at the gain display position on the viewfinder screen. (Example:“12 dB”)
-AUTO W/B BAL (white balance/black balance automatic adjustment) switch
AWB:Set to this position for automatically adjusting the white balance. When the WHITE BAL
switch , is now set to “A or B”, the adjusted value will be stored in memory A or
memory B.
ABB:Set to this position for automatically adjusting the black balance. When this switch is
held down for at least 10 seconds at the ABB position, the auto black shading will be
compensated automatically.
0SHUTTER switch
Set this to ON when using the electronic shutter. When it is pressed to the SEL side, the shutter
speed and mode displays change in the ranges preset on the setting menu. If the setting of this
switch is changed when the display mode has been set to “2” or “3”, the new setting will appear
at the shutter display position on the viewfinder screen. (Example:“:1/250”, “:1/60.8”)
1) AUTO KNEE function
When the level is adjusted to people, scenes, etc. for shooting against a very bright background, the background will be whited out and the
buildings or scenes in the background will become blurred. If the AUTO KNEE function is activated in cases like these, the background can be
reproduced in clear detail. This function is especially effective for shooting in the following conditions:

When shooting people in shade under a clear sky

When simultaneously shooting people in vehicles or indoor and the outdoor scenery seen through the windows

When shooting scenes with a high contrast
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1ECU REMOTE (remote control) connector (6-pin)
Connect the AJ-EC3 extension control unit (option) here.
Note	
The POWER switches on unit and extension control unit must be set to OFF before the remote
control cable is connected or disconnected.
226-pin/12-pin output adaptor (See page 104 for mounting method.)
The 26-pin/12-pin output adaptor AJ-YA900P (option) is mounted on this section. When the
portable VTR is connected as the external VTR, recording can be performed simultaneously
with the unit’s built-in VTR.
Furthermore, by connecting the SHAN-C12TCA multi-connector cable (optional accessory) to
the 12-pin connector, it is possible to output the sound of audio channels 1 and 2 separately.
3VIDEO OUT connector (BNC)
This outputs the video signals (75 termination, rated level) to be monitored. During recording,
EE images can be monitored; during playback, playback images can be monitored.
While performing settings on the menu, the setting menu can be superimposed onto the shot
images appearing on the monitor screen so that the settings can also be checked.
4CAM OUT (camera output) connector (BNC)
This outputs the composite video signals (75 termination, rated level). When a video monitor
is connected, the images shot by the camera can be monitored. Even while the VTR is playing
back, the camera’s images are output at all times.
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Controls and Their Functions 
						

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Controls and Their Functions
Shooting (Recording)/Playback Function Section (4)
5VTR START button
When this pressed, recording commences; when it is pressed again, recording stops. This
button has the same function as the VTR button on the lens side.
6VTR SAVE/STBY (tape protection) switch
This selects the power supply status while the VTR recording is temporarily stopped (REC
PAUSE).
SAVE:This is the tape protection mode. The cylinder is stopped in the half-loading status.
Compared with the STBY position, less power is consumed and the unit can be
operated longer using the battery. It takes longer for recording to commence after
the VTR START button 5 is pressed in the SAVE position than in the STBY po-
sition.
When the switch is set to this position, the VTR SAVE lamp inside the viewfinder
lights.
STBY:Recording commences immediately when the VTR START button is pressed.
Note	
This unit will automatically go into SAVE mode when the designated time for standby (STBY)
condition is exceeded. To return to standby mode, press the VTR SAVE/STBY switch once to
select SAVE mode, then once again to return to STBY mode.
7MODE CHECK button
While this button is kept depressed, the camera’s setting status is displayed in the viewfinder. It
does not affect the camera’s output signals.
8SUPER GAIN button (inside sliding cover)
The super gain mode is forcibly established when this button is pressed, and each time the
button is pressed when all the super gain values have been set using “SUPER GAIN” on the
MAIN menu 2 of 4 screen, the gain is switched by one level in the following sequence: 30 dB

36 dB
OFF
30 dB, etc. However, the DTL and other menu settings cannot be performed.
9SUPER IRIS button (inside sliding cover)
This is used when backlight compensation (or the super black function
1) is to be provided.
When it is pressed, the switch settings are displayed inside the viewfinder for 3 seconds. When
it is pressed again, backlight compensation (or the super black function
1) is released.
1See Main Menu Screen 2 of 4 on page 126 for details on the super black function.
Super gain:When 30 dB is allotted to the SUPER IRIS button, DTL and other menu settings cannot be performed for this
30 dB.
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							–19–
:MARK button
This is used when the Picture Link (Pix Link)1 function is to be used. Each time it is pressed M1
(MARK1), M2 (MARK2) or no display appears in the viewfinder.
1Picture Link adaptor board (AJ-YAP900) is sold as an option.
;EJECT (cassette eject) button
Press this to insert or eject the cassette.
PLAY/PAUSE button
Press this to view the playback images on the viewfinder screen or color video monitor. Its
lamp lights during playback.
If this button is pressed again during playback, playback is paused and the lamp goes off. After
playback has been paused for 2 minutes, the unit automatically switches to stop status
(STOP).
?STOP button
Press this to stop the tape travel.
@EMERGENCY screw (inside the rubber cap)
For details, refer to the “emergency eject” function (on page 151).
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Controls and Their Functions 
						

							–20–
Controls and Their Functions
Menu Operation Section
ASetup card insertion slot
The optional setup cards are inserted into this slot.
BMENU SET/OFF switch
This displays the setting menu on the viewfinder screen through VIDEO OUT connector.
SET:The page on which the previous setting menu operations were completed appears on
the viewfinder screen. (When the menu is used for the first time, the first of the pages
which can be displayed appears.)
OFF:The setting menu is not displayed on the viewfinder screen through VIDEO OUT con-
nector.
CSHIFT/ITEM button
Each time this button is pressed, the cursor moves on the setting menu page now displayed.
Use it when selecting items.
Note	
This switch functions differently depending on the operation item. Check the function by oper-
ating the menu item by item.
DUP button
This is used to increment the setting of the item selected on the setting menu by 1 level each
time it is pressed or to switch the setting between ON and OFF.
EDOWN button
This is used to decrement the setting of the item selected on the setting menu by 1 level each
time it is pressed or to switch the setting between ON and OFF.
FPAGE button
This is used to select the setting menu page.
Time Code-Related Section (1)
GGENLOCK IN/(VIDEO IN) connector (BNC)
The reference signal is supplied to this connector when the camera section is to be subject to
genlock operation or when the time code is to be locked externally. This connector serves as
an external video input connector when REC SIGNAL: VIDEO has been selected on the setting
menu.
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