Panasonic Aj Sdx900 Operating Instructions Manual

							11
Chapter 2  Parts and their functions
2
5GAIN selector switch
This is used to select the gain of the video amplifier in
accordance with the lighting conditions prevailing at the
time of the shooting.  The gain values for the L, M and H
settings are set ahead of time on the setting menu.  Their
factory settings are 0 dB, 9 dB and 18 dB, respectively.
3SHUTTER switch
This is the ON/OFF selector switch of the electronic
shutter.
OFF:The electronic shutter does not operate.
ON:The electronic shutter operates.
SEL:This is used when the electronic shutter speed is to
be changed.
The switch is a non-locking type.  The shutter speed
changes each time it is operated.  For further details, refer
to “4-2 Setting the electronic shutter.”
4Synchro scan adjustment switches
These switches become effective when the shutter switch
3 is set to ON and SYNCHRO SCAN is selected.  They
are used to adjust the synchro scan speed.
When the “–” switch is pressed, the shutter speed is
reduced; conversely, when the “+” switch is pressed, it is
increased.
During personal computer monitor shooting, etc. adjust
these switches to the positions where the horizontal bar
noise inside the viewfinder is decreased.
1CC FILTER/ND FILTER (filter switching)
controls
These are used to select the filter in accordance with the
subject’s brightness and color temperature.
CC FILTER knob (outside, large diameter)
A: Cross filter B: 3200 K
C: 4300 K D: 6300 K
ND FILTER knob (inside, small diameter)
1: CLEAR (transparent) 2: 1/4 ND
3: 1/16 ND 4: 1/64 ND
When white balance or black balance are being
automatically adjusted and the switch is pressed again to
either the AWB side or to the ABB side, the automatic
adjustment for the side pressed will be stopped.
The adjusted value in this case is the value before
automatic adjustment was performed.
2AUTO W/B (white/black) BAL switch
AWB:The white balance is automatically adjusted.  When
the AWB memory selector switch on the side panel
is set to A or B and then the AUTO W/B BAL switch
is operated, the adjustment value is recorded in the
memory.  When VAR has been selected as the
setting for AWB A and/or AWB B menus, the value
will be the one set in the menu and this switch will
not function. Note that this switch will also not
function at the PRST position.
ABB:The black balance is automatically adjusted.
If the AUTO W/B BAL switch is held down at the
ABB position for 5 or more seconds, the black
shading is compensated automatically.
1
2
3
4
567<
ª 6
5
1/;EJECT/REW FF/STOP PLAY/PAUSE
AB
;
=>
@
H
CFG
DE
?
:
89
2-3 Shooting and recording/
playback function section
Shooting and recording (camera unit)
∫Examples of filter selection
Shooting conditionsCC filter
Sunrise, sunset, inside a studio B (3200 K)
ND filter
1 (CLEAR)
Outdoors under a clear sky C (4300 K) or
D (6300 K)
2 (1/4 ND) or
3 (1/16 ND)
Outdoors under cloudy or rainy
skiesD (6300 K)
1 (CLEAR) or
2 (1/4 ND)
Snowscapes, high mountains,
seashores or other perfectly clear
sceneryC (4300 K) or
D (6300 K)3 (1/16 ND) or
4 (1/64 ND) 
						

							12
Chapter 2  Parts and their functions
6OUTPUT/AUTO KNEE selector switch
This switch selects the video signals which are to be
output from the camera unit to the VTR unit, viewfinder
and/or video monitor.
CAM. AUTO KNEE ON:
The images shot by the camera are output.  The AUTO
KNEE circuit operates.
CAM. AUTO KNEE OFF:
The images shot by the camera are output.  The
MANUAL KNEE circuit operates.
BARS:
Color bar signals are output.  The AUTO KNEE circuit
does not operate.
7WHITE BAL (white balance memory selector)
switch
This is used to select the method used to adjust the white
balance.
PRST:Set the switch to this position at times when, for
instance, there is no time to adjust the white
balance.  The factory setting for the white balance
is 3200K, but this can be changed to any other
value by a menu setting.  For details, refer to “4-
8-5 Setting the color temperature manually.”
A or B:When the AUTO W/B BAL switch 2is set to
AWB, the white balance is automatically adjusted,
and the adjusted value is stored in memory A or
memory B.  For details, refer to “4-1-1 Ajusting
the white balance.”
As the factory setting, the settings are to be allocated to the
memory.  
Using a menu setting, it is also possible to
allocate the setting for the auto tracking white balance
(ATW) performed with the automatic tracking system to
memory B or allocate the color temperatures of the users
choice to memory A and memory B.  For details, refer to
“4-8-5 Setting the color temperature manually.”
8MODE CHECK button
Each time this button is pressed, one of the four screen
pages (STATUS screen display, !LED screen display,
FUNCTION screen display and AUDIO screen display) is
selected and displayed on the viewfinder to indicate the
camera’s settings.
This does not affect the output signals of the camera.
9MARKER SELECT button
This is used to select the marker information displays on the
viewfinder screen.  Each time it is pressed, the two marker
information display screens set by the menu are switched in
the following sequence: A (A marker display) >B (B
marker display) >OFF (no marker display) >A, and so on
repeatedly.  Note that when the power is switched ON, the
display on the viewfinder screen immediately before the
power was switched OFF will appear.
For details, refer to “4-7-8 Marker check screen displays.”
:USER MAIN, USER 1 and USER 2 buttons
A user setting can be allocated to each of these buttons
using the setting menu.  When a button is pressed, the
user setting mode allocated to it is selected.
When the button is pressed again, the selected mode is
released.
Shooting and recording (VTR unit)
AUTO KNEE function
When shooting with the level set to people or scenes against a high-
brightness background, the background will be whitened out, and the
buildings and scene in the background will be blurred.  If the AUTO
KNEE function is activated at times like this, the background will be
reproduced clearly.  This function is effective for shooting in the following
situations:
≥When shooting people in the shade under a clear sky
≥When simultaneously shooting people in a car or indoors and the
outside scenery through a window
≥When shooting scenes with a strong contrast
;VTR START/STOP button
When this is pressed, recording starts; when it is pressed
again, recording stops.  This button functions in the same
way as the lens VTR button.

						

							13
Chapter 2  Parts and their functions
2
?VIDEO OUT (video signal output) connector
This is the video signal output connector.  The video
signals linked to the setting of the OUTPUT SEL switch are
output from here.
>VIDEO OUT CHARACTER switch
This is used to control the superimposing of the characters
onto the images which are output from the VIDEO OUT
connector.
ON:The characters are superimposed onto the images.
OFF:The characters are not superimposed onto the
images.
For details on the character types, refer to “4-8-2 Selecting
the video output signals.”
AMON OUT (monitor output) connector
This is the connector for outputting the video signal which
is used for monitoring.  The video signals linked to the
setting of the OUTPUT SEL switch are output from here.
Whether characters are to be superimposed onto the
images output from the VIDEO OUT connector can be
selected separately using the internal menu.
For details, refer to “4-8-2 Selecting the video output signals.”
@ECU REMOTE (remote control) connector
The AJ-EC3P extension control unit (optional accessory) is
connected here.
CEJECT button
This is pressed to insert or eject the cassette.
BGENLOCK IN connector
The reference signal is input to this connector when
genlock is to be established with the camera unit or when
the time code is to be externally locked.  This signal can
also be used as the return signal.

A standard VBS signal (a composite signal including a
burst signal) should be supplied as the input reference
signal.
EPLAY/PAUSE button
This is pressed to view the playback picture on the
viewfinder screen or using a color video monitor.  The
button’s lamp comes on during playback.
When it is pressed during playback, the unit is set to pause
in the playback mode (PLAY PAUSE), and the button’s
lamp flashes.  If the unit is left in the pause mode for two
minutes, it automatically changes to the stop (STOP) mode.
DSTOP button
This is pressed to stop the tape travel.
GFF (fast forward) button and lamp
When this button is pressed during stop, the tape is cued
at high speed.  Its lamp lights at this time.
When it is pressed during playback or pause, the tape is
cued at approximately 4 times the normal tape speed.
Both the PLAY lamp and FF lamp light at this time.
HEMERGENCY screw (inside rubber cap)
If the cassette does not eject even when the EJECT button
is pressed, use a screwdriver or similar implement to push
and turn the EMERGENCY screw at the same time: this
will cause the cassette to be ejected.  For details, refer to
“6-3-3 Emergency eject.”
FREW (rewind) button and lamp
When this button is pressed during stop, the tape is
reviewed at high speed.  Its lamp lights at this time.
When it is pressed during playback or pause, the tape is
reviewed at approximately 4 times the normal tape speed.
Both the PLAY lamp and REW lamp light at this time.
4
3
2
1
2-4 Menu operation section
1MENU button
This is used to switch the menu ON and OFF.
3Setup card insertion slot
This is where the SD card (optional accessory) or
Multimedia card (optional accessory) is inserted into the
unit.
2JOG dial button
This is used to select the menu items and perform settings
when the MENU button 1 is at the ON position.
4BUSY (operation mode display) lamp
This lamp shows the operation mode of the setup card.  It
lights during operation.

When this lamp is lighted, refrain from inserting or
removing the card. 
						

							14
Chapter 2  Parts and their functions
123
9
87
465
2-5 Time code related section
1GENLOCK IN connector (BNC)
The reference signal is input to this connector when
genlock is to be established with the camera unit or when
the time code is to be externally locked.
3TC OUT connector (BNC)
To lock the time code of an external VTR to the unit’s time
code, connect this connector to the time code input (TC IN)
connector on the external VTR.
2TC IN connector (BNC)
Supply the time code which will serve as the reference to
this connector when externally locking the time code.
4HOLD button
The time data display of the counter display section which
was on the screen at the moment when this button is
pressed is held.  (However, the time code generator keeps
running.)  When the button is pressed again, the hold
status is released.
It is used, for instance, to find out the time code or CTL
counter value at which a particular scene was shot.
5RESET button
This is used to reset the time data on the counter display
section to “00:00:00:00.”  If it is pressed while the TCG
switch 9 is at the SET position, the time code data and
user’s bit data are respectively reset to “00:00:00:00.”
6DISPLAY switch
This is used to display the time code, CTL or user’s bit on
the counter display section depending on the setting
positions of this switch and the TCG switch 9.
UB:The user’s bit is displayed.
TC:The time code is displayed.
CTL:CTL is displayed.
7“+” button, “–” button
These are used to increment or decrement by 1 the figure
in the digit which was made to flash by the SHIFT button
8 when the time code or user’s bit is to be set.
8SHIFT button
This causes the digit to be set to flash when the time code
or user’s bit is to be set.
9TCG (time code selector) switch
This is used to set the running mode of the built-in time
code generator.
F-RUN:Set here to have the time code run all the time
regardless of the VTR’s operation.
This position is used to align the time code with
the time or externally lock the time code.
SET:Set here when the time code or user’s bit is to be
set.
R-RUN:Set here to have the time code run only during
recording.  The time code on the tape with scene-
to-scene continuity is recorded continuously. 
						

							15
Chapter 2  Parts and their functions
2
5
1
2
4
3
6
2-6 Warning/status display
section2-7 Display window and its
displays
Remaining tape and remaining battery charge
and audio channel level displays
Displays relating to the VTR unit’s operations
and modes
CTL
RFSERVOHUMIDSLACK
h
TAPEEB
Y minMsfrm
13 24
0
D
VTCGTIME DATEP-iREC
SLAVE HOLD W GPS
BATTEF
OVEROVER
10
OO40
-dB
30
20
NDF
Remaining tape displayThe remaining tape time is displayed using 7 segments.
The remaining tape time indicated by each segment is set to 3 minutes or 5
minutes using TAPE REMAIN/∫on the VTR MENU “BATTERY/TAPE”
screen.  Each time the number of minutes set for the segments elapses, one
segment is cleared.
Remaining battery charge displayIf a battery with a digital display (% display) is used, all 7 segments up
to the “F” position light when the 70% or more of the battery charge
remains.
When there is less than 70% of the battery charge remaining, the
segments go out one by one in sequence every time the remaining
charge drops by 10%.  It is also possible to set all 7 segments to light at
a 100% battery charge by selecting 100% as the setting for BATT
REMAIN FULL on the  screen of the VTR menu.
Audio channel level meterWhen the MONITOR SELECT CH1/2 / CH3/4 switch is set to CH1/2,
numbers 1 and 2 indicating the audio channels appear, and the CH1
and CH2 audio levels are displayed.  Conversely, when it is set to
CH3/4, numbers 3 and 4 indicating the audio channels appear, and
the CH3 and CH4 audio levels are displayed.
1Back tally lamp
When the back tally switch 2 is set to ON, this lamp
serves the same function as the front tally lamp in the
viewfinder.
3WARNING lamp
When a problem of some form or other occurs within the
VTR unit, this lamp flashes or lights.
2Back tally switch
This is used to control the unit’s back tally lamp 1 and
rear tally lamp 6.
ON:The back tally lamp and rear tally lamp operate.
OFF:The back tally lamp and rear tally lamp do not
operate.
4LIGHT switch
This controls the lighting of the display window.
Each time is it pressed, the lighting of the display window
5is set in turn from on to off or vice versa.
5Display window
This displays the alarms, remaining battery charge, audio
levels, time data, etc. relating to the VTR unit.
6REAR TALLY lamp
When the BACK TALLY switch is set to ON, this lamp
operates in exactly the same way as the back tally lamp.
CTL
RFSERVOHUMIDSLACK
h
TAPEEB
Y minMsfrm
13 24
0
D
VTCGTIME DATEP-iREC
SLAVE HOLD W GPS
BATTEF
OVEROVER
10
OO40
-dB
30
20
NDF
Error code display (for details, refer to “6-3 Warning
system”)
Warning displays
RF:Clogged video head
SERVO:Servo disturbance
HUMID:Formation of condensation on the head drum
SLACK:Problem in tape take-up
For details, refer to “6-3  Warning system.” 
						

							16
Chapter 2  Parts and their functions
CTL
RFSERVOHUMIDSLACK
h
TAPEEB
Y minMsfrm
13 24
0
D
VTCGTIME DATEP-iREC
SLAVE HOLD W GPS
BATTEF
OVE ROV ER
10
OO40
-dB
30
20
NDF
Mode displaysW: Lights when the 16:9 aspect ratio mode is established.
GPS:Lights when signals cannot be received during GPS
operation.
GPS : Lights when signals are being received during GPS
operation.
P-REC: Lights in pre-recording mode and flashes during the time set
for pre-recording after the tally lamp for recording has
turned off.
iREC: Lights during recording when the interval recording mode is
established; flashes during recording standby.
i: Flashes when the interval recording mode has been
selected.
Displays relating to the time codeNDF:Lights when the time code is in the non-drop frame mode.
DF:Lights when the time code is in the drop frame mode.
SLAVE:Lights when the time code is locked externally.
HOLD:Lights when the time generator/reader value is being held.
CTL:Lights when CTL is selected by the DISPLAY switch and the
CTL count value is displayed.
TCG:Lights when TC (or UB) is selected by the DISPLAY switch
and the TC (or UB) generator value is displayed.
TC:Lights when TC (or UB) is selected by the DISPLAY switch
and the TC (or UB) reader value is displayed.
VTCG:Lights when UB is selected by the DISPLAY switch and the
VIUB generator value is displayed.
VTC:Lights when UB is selected by the DISPLAY switch and the
VIUB reader value is displayed.
TIME:Lights when UB is selected by the DISPLAY switch and the
values of the hour, minutes and seconds in real time are
displayed.
DATE:Lights when UB is selected by the DISPLAY switch and the
values of the year, month and day are displayed in real time.
No display:Remains off when UB is selected by the DISPLAY switch and
the real-time values of the hour and minutes in the time zone
are displayed.
Time counter display:
The time code, CTL, user’s bit and real time are displayed.
When UB has been selected by the DISPLAY switch, each time the HOLD
button is pressed, the setting is switched in the following sequence: VTCG
(VTC) >DATE >TIME >no display (time zone) >TCG (TC) and so on
repeatedly.
Time code-related switch settings and display
items
TCG switch positionDISPLAY switch
positionDisplay item
SETTC or CTL Time code
F-RUN or R-RUNUB User’s bit
CTL CTL
TC Time code
UB User’s bit 
						

							17
Chapter 2  Parts and their functions
2
2-8 Viewfinder section
1Viewfinder (optional accessory)
While recording or playback is underway, pictures can be
viewed through the viewfinder in black and white.  The
warning displays concerning the unit’s operation statuses
and settings, messages, zebra patterns and markers
(safety zone markers and center marker) can also be seen
in the viewfinder.
3TALLY switch
This is used to control the front tally lamp 7.
HIGH:The brightness of the front tally lamp is increased.
OFF:The front tally lamp is turned off.
LOW:The brightness of the front tally lamp is reduced.
2ZEBRA (zebra pattern) switch
This is used to display the zebra pattern in the viewfinder.
ON:The zebra pattern is displayed.
OFF:The zebra pattern is not displayed.
4PEAKING control
This is used to adjust the outlines of the images seen
inside the viewfinder to make focusing easier.  Its
adjustment does not affect the output signals of the
camera.
5CONTRAST control
This is used to adjust the contrast of the picture seen
inside the viewfinder.  Its adjustment does not affect the
output signals of the camera.
6BRIGHT control
This is used to adjust the brightness of the picture seen
inside the viewfinder.  Its adjustment does not affect the
output signals of the camera.
ON
OFF28 7 ; =
<
1:9
36 45
>
7Front tally lamp
This lamp is activated when the TALLY switch 3 is set to
the HIGH or LOW position, and it lights while the VTR unit
is recording.  It also flashes to provide a warning display
like the REC lamp inside the viewfinder.  The lamp’s
brightness (HIGH or LOW) when it is lighted can be
selected using the TALLY switch.
9Eyepiece
8Back tally lamp
This lamp lights while the VTR unit is recording.  It also
flashes to provide a warning display like the REC lamp
inside the viewfinder.
When the lever is set to OFF, the back tally lamp is hidden.
Viewfinder stopper
This is used to attach and remove the viewfinder.
?Viewfinder left-right position anchoring ring
This is used to adjust the left-right position of the
viewfinder.
@Viewfinder front-back position anchoring
ring
This is used to adjust the front-back position of the
viewfinder.
=Microphone holder

For details, refer to “5-2 Attaching the viewfinder and
adjusting its position.”
?
@ 
						

							18
Chapter 3  Recording and playback
3-1 Cassette tapes
Loading a cassette tape
1Set the POWER switch to ON.

When condensation has formed inside the unit, the
HUMID display lights. Wait until this display is cleared
before proceeding with the intended operation.
Ejecting the cassette tape
While the power is still on, press the EJECT button to open
the cassette holder, and take out the cassette tape.  If another
cassette is not going to be loaded immediately after this tape
is ejected, close the cassette holder.
Ejecting the cassette when the battery has no
charge
First, set the POWER switch to OFF to turn off the unit’s
power.
Then turn the power back on, and immediately hold down the
EJECT button.
The cassette can be removed when there is still some power
left in the battery. However, do not repeat this operation.
To prevent accidental erasure
Set the cassette’s tab to SAVE to prevent the recordings on
the tape from being erased accidentally.
2Press the EJECT button.
The cassette holder opens.
3Insert the cassette tape and press the part marked with
the arrow to close the cassette holder securely.

Check that there is no slack in the tape of the cassette.
REC
SAVE
HUMID display
POWER: ON
EJECT button
Cassette holder
Checking for tape slack
Gently push in the reel using your finger and turn the reel in
the direction of the arrow.  If the reel fails to turn, it means
there is no tape slack. 
						

							19
Chapter 3  Recording and playback
3
3-2 Basic procedures
This section describes the basic steps for shooting and
recording.
Before actually departing to shoot scenes, carry out
inspections to ensure that the system is functioning properly.
* For details on how to perform these inspections, refer to “6-1
Inspections prior to shooting.”
From providing the power supply to loading
the cassetteUp to performing the switch settings
Provide the power supply, and load the cassette.  Next set
each switch as shown in the figure below, and then proceed
to operate.
1Attach a fully charged battery pack.
2Set the POWER switch to ON.  Now check that the
HUMID display is not showing and that at least 5
segments of the remaining battery charge display are
lighted.
≥If the HUMID display is showing, wait until it goes off.
≥When five or more segments of the remaining battery
charge display have not lighted, first check the battery
setting.  If there is nothing wrong with the battery
setting, replace the existing battery pack with a fully
charged battery pack.
3Check that there are no cables around the cassette
holder or top panel, and then press the EJECT button to
open the cassette holder.
4After checking the following points, insert the cassette
tape and close the cassette holder.
≥Position of the accidental erasure prevent tab
≥Tape slack
1
2
2
3
4
Switch settings for shooting and recording
AUDIO SELECT
CH 1/CH 2:
AUTO
TCG:
F-RUN or R-RUN OUTPUT:
CAM/AUTO KNEE ON
GAIN:
Normally set to 0 dB; change to
a more suitable value if the
picture is too dark. Aperture:
Automatic 
						

							20
Chapter 3  Recording and playback
Procedure for shooting
From adjusting the white balance and black
balance to stopping the recording
1Select the filter to match the lighting conditions.
2-1If the white balance has been stored in the memory
ahead of time:
Set the WHITE BAL switch to “A” or “B.”
2-2If the white balance and/or black balance have not
been stored in the memory and there is no time to
adjust the white balance:
Set the WHITE BAL switch to PRST.
The white balance for the filter is achieved in
accordance with the setting position of the FILTER
control (outer).
2-3When adjusting the white balance on the spot:
Select the filter to match the lighting conditions, set the
WHITE BAL switch to “A” or “B” and adjust the white
balance as follows:
1Press the AUTO W/B BAL switch to the AWB
position and adjust the white balance.
2Press the AUTO W/B BAL switch to the ABB
position and adjust the black balance.
3Press the AUTO W/B BAL switch to the AWB
position and adjust the white balance again.
* For details on how to perform the adjustments, refer to “4-1-1
Adjusting the white balance” and “4-1-2 Adjusting the black
balance.”
3Point the camera at the subject, and adjust the focus and
zoom.
4When the electronic shutter is to be used, set the shutter
speed and operating mode.
* For further details, refer to “4-2 Setting the electronic shutter.”
5Press the VTR START button or lens VTR button to start
recording.
During recording, the REC lamp inside the viewfinder
lights.
6To stop the recording, press the VTR START button
again.
The REC lamp inside the viewfinder goes off.
From adjusting the white balance and black balance to stopping the recording
1 32-1, 2, 32-34 5, 6
Tape function buttons
During recording, the tape function buttons (EJECT, REW,
FF, PLAY/PAUSE and STOP) will not work.