Panasonic Aj Spx800p Operating Instructions Manual

							21
3
Chapter 3  Recording and Playback
3-1 P2 Cards
Inserting P2 Cards

When using the camera-recorder for the first time, be sure to set
the time data beforehand.  On how the time data is set, see [4-5
Setting Time Data]. 
1Turn on the POWER switch.
2While pressing down the slide lock button, slide the slide-
out door to the left. 
The door opens.
3Insert a P2 card into the P2 card slot until the EJECT button
pops up.
4Tilt up the popped-up EJECT button, to lock-in the P2 card. 
5Insert a P2 card into the AJ-SPX800P. The P2 CARD
ACCESS LED for the appropriate slot indicates the status
of the P2 card.
For how the P2 card status is indicated, see [P2 CARD
STATUS LED and status of P2 cards] on the next page. 
6Close the slide-out door.

Do not leave the slide-out door open when moving the AJ-
SPX800P.
POWER: ON
Slide-out doorSlide lock 
button
EJECT button
The card must be 
inserted with the 
logo right way up. 
P2 card
LED 
						

							22 Removing P2 Cards
1While pressing down the slide lock button, move the slide-
out door to the left. 
The door opens.
2Tilt down the EJECT button.
3Then, depress the EJECT button to release the P2 card so
that you can remove it.

zWhen a P2 card is being accessed or it is being recognised
after insertion (P2 CARD ACCESS LED blinks in orange), do
not remove the P2 card.
If your AJ-SPX800P is not set to turn on the P2 CARD
ACCESS LED, before removing the card ensure that pre-
recording and/or voice memo recording have finished (the P-
REC indication has stopped blinking and the V mark or VOICE
REC indication on the viewfinder screen has turned off) after
stopping recording or playback.
zIf a P2 card being accessed is removed, the viewfinder
displays “TURN POWER OFF” and the AJ-SPX800P gives a
warning using an alarm and the WARNING LED. In addition,
all P2 CARD ACCESS LEDs blink rapidly in green. If this is the
case, turn the power off. For more information on warning
indications, see “7-3 Warning System”.
zIf a P2 card is removed while being accessed, clips on it may
become irregular although the data will not be corrupted.
Check the clips and restore them if required. For more
information about how to restore clips, see “6-9 Restoring
Clips”.
zIf a P2 card being formatted is removed, it may be not be
formatted properly. In this case, the viewfinder displays “TURN
POWER OFF”. If this message appears, turn off the power,
then restart the AJ-SPX800P to reformat the card.
zIf a P2 card is inserted while another P2 card is being played
back, the inserted P2 card is not recognised and the P2 CARD
ACCESS LED for that card does not come on. Card
recognition starts when the playback ends. 

The P2 CARD ACCESS LEDs may be set to stay off using the
menu option ACESS LED. This option can be found on the
 screen, which is accessible from the
SYSTEM SETTING page.
To Prevent Accidental Erasure of P2 Card Content
To prevent the content of a P2 card being accidentally erased,
position the write-protect switch on the P2 card at [Pprotect].

Write-protect switchover can be performed while the card is
being accessed (during recording or playback), but does not
take effect until access to the card ceases.
* The mode check indication is shown in the viewfinder. For more
information, see [4-7-2 Viewfinder Status Indication Layout].
Depress the tilted-down 
EJECT button to release 
the P2 card. Tilt down the EJECT 
button.P2 CARD STATUS LED and status of P2 cards
P2 CARD
STATUS LEDMODE CHECK 
indication*Status of P2 Card
Stays on in green ACTIVE Writing and reading enabled
Stays on in 
orangeACTIVEWriting and reading enabled. 
The card is recordable (loop 
recording also enabled).
Stays on in 
orange or greenACTIVE !Writing and reading enabled. 
However, some clips 
recorded on the P2 card may 
not be able to be read 
successfully.
Blinks in orange ACCESSINGWriting or reading being 
performed.
Quickly blinks in 
greenINFO READINGThe P2 card is being 
recognised. 
Blinks in greenFULLThe P2 card has no free 
space. Only reading is 
enabled. 
PROTECTEDThe write-protect switch on 
the P2 card is positioned at 
[PROTECT]. Only reading is 
enabled. 
Stays offNOT 
SUPPORTEDThe card is not supported by 
your AJ-SPX800P. Replace 
the card.
FORMAT ERRORThe P2 card is not properly 
formatted. Reformat the 
card.
NO CARD No P2 card is inserted.
Protect
Write-protect switch 
						

							23
3
3-2 Basic Procedures
This section describes the basic procedure for shooting and
recording.
Before you embark on a shoot, pre-inspect your system to
ensure that it works properly.
* For directions on inspecting your video camera-recorder, see [7-1
Inspections Before Shooting].
Battery Set-up to P2 card Insertion 
1Insert a charged battery pack.
2Turn on the POWER switch and ensure that more than four
segments of the battery-remaining amount indication bar
are illuminated.
zIf the number of illuminated segments is fewer than five,
first check the battery placement. If placement is not the
problem, replace the battery with a fully charged one.
3Insert a P2 card and ensure that the P2 CARD STATUS
LED stays on in orange or green. Then, close the slide-out
door.
When more than one P2 card slot contains a P2 card, the
card in the slot with the lowest number is used first.
However, regardless of slot number, a P2 card inserted
later will not be accessed until the other cards have been
used. 
Example:
If all five slots contain P2 cards, the cards are used in order
of slot numbers 12345. However, if the P2 card in
Slot 1 is removed and then re-inserted, the cards will be
used in the following order: 23451.Note that the recording order is retained even if the power is
turned off. When the power is next turned on, the last card
written before powering-down will be the target card.
Switch Setting
When a battery and P2 cards are installed, set the switches as
detailed below, before starting to use your AJ-SPX800P.
Setting the switches before shooting and recording

The USER MAIN button is factory-set to perform the slot
selection function, which selects the target card from among
several P2 cards.
When a new target P2 card is selected, the appropriate slot
number appears on the P2 card remaining amount indicator in
the viewfinder.
For more information about the indications in the viewfinder, see
[4-7-2 Viewfinder Status Indication Layout].
1 2 3 4 5
3
2
1
2
OUTPUT:
CAM/AUTO KNEE ONAUDIO SELECT 
CH 1/CH 2:
AU TO
Iris: AutoTCG:
F-RUN or 
R-RUN
GAIN:
Normally, this should be set to 0 dB. If 
conditions are too dark, an 
appropriate gain level should be set. USER MAIN:
This switch is factory-set to perform 
slot selection. 
						

							24
Shooting
White/Black Balance Adjustment to Recording 
Completion
For shooting, follow the steps below.
1Select a filter according to light conditions.
2AWhen the white balance is saved:
Position the WHITE BAL switch to [A] or [B].
2BWhen the white or black balance is not saved and you
have no time to adjust the white balance:
Position the WHITE BAL switch to [PRST].
This adjusts the white balance against the filter according
to the position of the FILTER control.
2CIf the white balance is adjusted on the spot:
Select a filter according to light conditions. Then, position
the WHITE BAL switch to [A] or [B] and shoot a white test
subject so that it appears at the center of the screen. Then,
follow the steps below to adjust the white balance.
1. Press the AUTO W/B BAL switch toward [AWB] to adjust
the white balance.
2. Press the AUTO W/B BAL switch toward [ABB] to adjust
the black balance.
3. Press the AUTO W/B BAL switch toward [AWB] to adjust
the white balance again.
For directions on making adjustments, see [4-1-1 Adjusting
the White Balance] and [4-1-2 Adjusting the Black
Balance].
3Point the camera at your subject to adjust the focus, and
zoom.
4To use the electronic shutter, set the shutter speed and
operation mode.
For more information, see [4-2 Setting the Electronic
Shutter].
5Press either the REC START/STOP button, REC button on
the handle or VTR button at the lens to start recording.
During recording, the REC lamp in the viewfinder stays
illuminated. 
6To stop recording, press either the REC START/STOP
button, REC button on the handle or VTR button at the lens.
The REC lamp in the viewfinder goes out. 
White/Black balance adjustment to recording completion
Operation Buttons
During recording, all operation buttons (REW, FF, PLAY/
PAUSE, STOP) are disabled.
132A, B, C 2C45, 6 
						

							25
3
3-3 Normal Recording
Pressing either the REC START/STOP button, REC button on
the handle or VTR button at the lens starts recording of video
and sound on the P2 card.
A cluster of data that consists of video and sound generated
through a shooting action, together with such added information
as a voice memo, is called a “clip”.

Even if a P2 card has just been inserted, or the power has been
just turned on, you can start recording using the internal
memory of the AJ-SPX800P. In this case, recording cannot be
stopped until the P2 card is recognised.
However, if the AJ-SPX800P determines that the inserted P2
card is non-recordable, the data in the internal memory will be
deleted, with the message “CANNOT REC” appearing on the
viewfinder screen. In this case, press the MODE CHECK button
to check the status of the P2 CARD via the P2 CARD STATUS
indication on the viewfinder screen.
3-4 PRE-RECORDING function
The internal memory of your AJ-SPS800 is capable of storing
several seconds of video and sound data coming from the
camera. This capability can be used to record video and sound
several seconds before either the REC START/STOP button,
REC button on the handle or VTR button at the lens is pressed
to start recording. 
To use this capability, the storage duration of the internal
memory must be set through the menu option PRE REC TIME.
This option can be found in the  screen on
the SYSTEM SETTING page.
These are the options for PRE REC TIME.
0-15 SEC (for DVCPRO 25M or DV)
0-8 SEC (for DVCPRO 50M):
Specify the duration for which data may be recorded
before either the REC START/STOP button, REC button
on the handle or VTR button at the lens is pressed.

zImmediately after the power is turned on, the menu option
PRE REC TIME is selected and/or the storage duration is
changed, the content in internal memory will be undefined. In
these situations, the video or sound will not be recorded for
the duration specified, even if either the REC START/STOP
button, REC button on the handle or VTR button at the lens is
pressed to start recording.
zA P2 card that has been just inserted takes some time to
recognise. In this situation, video or sound may not be
recorded for the duration specified, even if either the REC
START/STOP button, REC button on the handle, or VTR
button at the lens is pressed to start a recording.
zThe internal memory does not store video or sound when a
playback or recording review is being performed. For this
reason, no video or sound can be recorded during such
operation.
zWhen recording starts, the time code indication (TCG) may be
shown as “HOLD” until the P2 card has been recognised.
Mode check button Rec start/stop button
A
AB
BC
Previous clip
New clip
REC start
(Recording starts)REC/PAUSE
(Recording pauses)
Real-time video
Real-time sound
Specified PRE-REC 
duration
Content on P2 card 
						

							26
3-5 Loop Recording
When two or more P2 card slots contain cards, this function
allows the target P2 card to be switched in order. Even when the
free space of a P2 card is used up, this function continues
recording while erasing existing data. 
To use this function, the menu option LOOP REC MODE must
be set to “ON” The option LOOP REC MODE can be found in
the 
						

							27
3
3-7 Normal and Variable Speed
Playback
The PLAY/PAUSE button provides monochrome playback
through the viewfinder and color playback on the LCD monitor. A
color video monitor connected to the VIDEO OUT or MON OUT
connector of the AJ-SPX800P also provides color playback.
When the extension board AJ-YA902AG is attached, the VIDEO
OUT connector outputs an SDI playback (to view the playback,
the OUTPUT SEL switch on the side panel must be positioned to
[MEM]).
Variable speed playback
The FF and REW buttons provide 32C and 4C fast playbacks
and fast reverse playbacks.
When playback is paused, the FF button locates the beginning
of the next clip while maintaining the pause mode.
When playback is paused, the REW button locates the
beginning of the current clip while maintaining the pause mode.

zWhen a P2 card has been just removed or inserted, or when
the power has been just turned on for playback, it may take
some time for the AJ-SPX800P to read clip information.   If this
is the case, the viewfinder displays “UPDATING”. 
zIf a P2 card is inserted while another P2 card is being played
back, the clips on the inserted P2 card will not be played back.
A P2 card inserted during playback will be recognised after
playback ends.
zIf you perform variable speed playback on a clip split across
more than one P2 card, sound may disappear for a moment.
This is not a fault.
3-8 Voice Memo Function
A voice memo is voice data which can be added to a clip
independently of the normal sound data recorded in the clip. 
Voice memos may recorded during recording or playback, or
when recording or playback is paused. They can be played back
in thumbnail display mode.

Each clip can accommodate up to 100 voice memos.
If the menu option VOICE MEMO RESERVE is set to “ON”, you
can record at least 10 minutes of voice memos for each P2 card
while clip recording is paused or after recording ends.
Recording a Voice Memo
To add a voice memo to a clip during recording or playback, or
when recording or playback is paused, press the VOICE MEMO
button. A voice memo may be recorded using the voice memo
microphone. Another press of the button stops recording of the
voice memo.

zVoice memos can also be recorded when the LCD monitor is
in thumbnail mode. For more information, see [6-7-2
Recording a Voice Memo].
zVoice memos cannot be recorded when color bars are being
output, video input through the GENLOCK IN connector is
being recorded, or loop recording is being performed.
zDuring voice memo recording, turn down the speaker volume
to prevent the voice memo microphone from picking up sound
from the speakers of the AJ-SPX800P. 
zWhen voice memo recording is performed during recording/
playback of a clip, the voice memo recording also
automatically ends when recording/playback of the clip ends.
Also, when voice memo recording is performed during
playback of a clip, playback of the clip also automatically ends
when the voice memo recording is ended by pressing the
VOICE MEMO button. 
Voice memo 
microphone
VOICE MEMO button 
						

							28 Associating Voice Memos with a Clip
The portion of the clip with which a voice memo is associated
depends on when the voice memo is recorded.
A voice memo recorded during recording or playback is
associated with the picture in view at the time the VOICE MEMO
button is pressed. A voice memo recorded when recording is
paused is associated with the beginning picture of the
immediately preceding clip. A voice memo recorded when
playback is paused is associated with the still picture in view at
the time the VOICE MEMO button is pressed. 

When, with PRE RECORDING executed, a voice memo is
recorded, the voice memo may be associated with a picture in
view prior to point when the VOICE MEMO button is pressed.
Playing Back and Deleting Voice Memos
For information on how to play back and delete voice memos,
see [6-7-1 Playing Back Voice Memos] and [6-7-3 Deleting Voice
Memos].
3-9 Shot Mark Function
A shot mark is added to the thumbnail of a clip to distinguish that
clip from others. With the LCD monitor, only clips that have shot
marks can be viewed and/or played back.
Adding Shot Marks
To add a shot mark during recording, press the SHOT MARK
button. The viewfinder displays “MARK ON” and adds a shot
mark to the thumbnail of the appropriate clip. Another press of
the button erases the shot mark.
Shot marks may also be added or erased using clip thumbnails.
For more information, see [6-6 Shot Mark].

Shot marks cannot be added or deleted when color bars are
being output, or when video input through the GENLOCK IN
connector is being recorded.
Voice memo recording starts Voice memoRecorded clip
Clip being played back
Clip being recordedRecording or 
playback
Recording
paused
Playback
paused
SHOT MARK 
button 
						

							29
4
Chapter 4  Adjustments and Settings for Recording
To record high-quality video with the AJ-SPX800P, the black and
white balances must be adjusted according to conditions. 
For higher quality, it is recommended that the adjustments
should be made in this order AWB (white balance adjustment)
 ABB (black balance adjustment)  AWB (white balance
adjustment).
4-1 Adjusting the White balance 
and Black Balance
4-1-1 Adjusting the White Balance
Whenever light conditions change, the white balance must be re-
adjusted.
To adjust the white balance, follow the steps below.
1Set the switches as illustrated below.
2Adjust the CC/ND FILTER control according to the light
conditions.

For examples of CC/ND FILTER adjustments, see [2-4
Shooting and Recording/Playback Functions Section].
3Place a white pattern at a point where the light conditions
match those for the light source of the subject. Then zoom-
in on the white pattern so that white color appears in the
screen. A white object (cloth or wall) may be used instead
of a white pattern.
The illustration below shows the required size for the white
space. 

zDo not include a high-intensity spot in the screen.
zThe white object must appear at the center of the screen.
4Adjust the lens iris.
5Flip up the AUTO W/B BAL switch so that it is positioned at
[AWB], then release it.
The switch returns to the central position with the white
balance automatically adjusted.

To cancel automatic white balance adjustment in process
(the viewfinder displays “AWB ACTIVE”), re-position the
AUTO W/B BAL switch at [AWB].
If automatic adjustment is cancelled, the value in effect
before automatic adjustment will be used. 
6During an adjustment, the viewfinder displays the following
message:
7The adjustment will take effect in a few seconds, and the
following message will appear:
The adjusted value is automatically stored in the memory
specified in Step 
1 ([A] or [B]).
8For the 3200K CC/ND filter, if the subject’s color
temperature is lower than 2300K or higher than 9900K the
following message appears:
If the arrow points down () the actual color temperature is
lower than the temperature indicated. If the arrow points up
() the actual temperature is higher than the temperature
indicated. 
OUTPUT: CAM CC/ND FILTER control
AUTO W/B BA L 
switch: 
Used to perform AWB.GAIN:Under normal conditions, set to 0 dB
If it is too dark, an appropriate gain 
should be set.WHITE BAL: A or B
1/4 or more of the screen in width
1/4 or more of the 
screen in height
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							30 Detection area for the white balance
The detection area for the white balance is selectable between
90%, 50% and 25%, using the menu option AWB AREA. 
This option can be found in the 
screen, which is accessible from the CAM OPERATION page. 
The detection area is factory-set to 25%.
When you have no time to adjust the white balance:
Position the WHITE BAL switch at [PRST].
This adjusts the white balance for the filter according to the
position of the CC/ND FILTER control.
When the white balance has not been automatically 
adjusted:
When the white balance has not been successfully adjusted, the
viewfinder displays an error message.
If one of the error messages listed below appears, take the
appropriate steps, then adjust the white balance again. 
If the error message appears after repeated readjustments, the
interior of the unit must be inspected. For more information,
contact a service center or your distributor.
Retaining white balances
Each value in memory is retained even if the video camera-
recorder is turned off; it will not be lost until the white balance is
re-adjusted. White balances are stored in either of two systems:
A or B. 
When the menu option FILTER INH is set to “ON” (default), each
system stores only one value. If this is the case, the values are
not synchronised with the filters.
This option can be found in the 
screen, which is accessible from the CAM OPERATION page.
When the menu option FILTER INH is set to “OFF”, the adjusted
value for each filter can be automatically stored in the memory
that corresponds to the position of the WHITE BAL switch (A or
B). Your AJ-SPX800P has four built-in filters; it stores eight (4 C
2) adjusted values.
Note that, when the menu options AWB A and AWB B are set to
“VAR”, the color temperatures specified through COLOR TEMP
A and COLOR TEMP B are used, meaning that the white
balances cannot be adjusted with the AWB switch. The menu
options are found in the  screen,
which is accessible from the CAM OPERATION page. 
Setting the auto-tracking white balance (ATW)
The AJ-SPX800P has an auto-tracking white balance (ATW)
feature that automatically tracks the white balance for pictures
according to lighting conditions.
The ATW feature can be assigned to Position [B] of the WHITE
BAL switch. To do so, the menu option AWB B must be set to
“ATW”. This option can be found in the  screen, which is accessible from the CAM
OPERATION page.
The ATW feature may be assigned to the USER MAIN, USER1,
or USER2 button. For more information, see [4-9-4 Assigning
Functions to USER MAIN, USER1 and USER2 Buttons].
To cancel the auto-tracking white balance: 
Press the user button that has the ATW feature assigned, or
change the position of the WHITE BAL switch. Note that, when
the ATW feature is assigned to [B] of the WHITE BAL switch, the
auto-tracking white balance cannot be cancelled with a user
button.

This function does not guarantee 100% accuracy of the white
balance. 
When using the AJ-SPX800P, remember that there will be some
allowance in the trackability of changes in lighting conditions and
pull-in accuracy of white balances.
Viewfinder displays related to white balance
See [4-7 Viewfinder Screen Status Displays].
Error message Description Remedies
COLOR TEMP. 
HIGHThe color 
temperature is too 
high.Select an appropriate 
filter.
COLOR TEMP. 
LOWThe color 
temperature is too 
low.Select an appropriate 
filter.
LOW LIGHT There is insufficient 
light.Increase the light level or 
gain.
LEVEL OVER There is too much 
light.Decrease the light level or 
gain.
CHECK FILTER The FILTER control 
is displaced.Check the FILTER 
control.
TIME OVER AWB was not 
completed within 
the time allowed.Shooting conditions may 
be unstable. If flicker 
occurs, press the shutter 
and readjust the AWB 
under stable conditions.
90%
50%
25%
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