Panasonic Camera Recorder AG-DVC20P Operating Instructions

							Operating Instructions
Camera-Recorder
Model No.  AG- P
Before operating this product, please read the instructions carefully and save this manual for future 
use.
ENGLISHS0406T0 -F @
Printed in Japan
VQT0S55
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							2
IMPORTANT
“Unauthorized recording of copyrighted television programmes, video tapes and other materials may infringe the
rights of copyright holders and contravene copyright laws.”
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and
maintenance (service) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
WARNING:
 TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.
 TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, KEEP THIS EQUIPMENT AWAY FROM ALL
LIQUIDS. USE AND STORE ONLY IN LOCATIONS
WHICH ARE NOT EXPOSED TO THE RISK OF
DRIPPING OR SPLASHING LIQUIDS, AND DO NOT
PLACE ANY LIQUID CONTAINERS ON TOP OF THE
EQUIPMENT.
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD
AND ANNOYING INTERFERENCE, USE THE
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
CAUTION:
In order to maintain adequate ventilation, do not
install or place this unit in a bookcase, built-in cabinet
or any other confined space.
To prevent risk of electric shock or fire hazard due to
overheating, ensure that curtains and any other
materials do not obstruct the ventilation.
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE
BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
CAUTION:
THE AC RECEPTACLE (MAINS SOCKET OUTLET)
SHALL BE INSTALLED NEAR THE EQUIPMENT AND
SHALL BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE.
TO COMPLETELY DISCONNECT THIS EQUIPMENT
FROM THE AC MAINS, DISCONNECT THE POWER
CORD PLUG FROM THE AC RECEPTACLE.
Camera-Recorder
The rating plate is on the underside of the Camera-
Recorder
AC Adapter
The rating plate is on the underside of the AC Adapter.
Disconnect the AC mains plug from the AC mains socket
when not in use.
CAUTION:
Danger of explosion or fire if battery is mistreated.
For Battery Pack
Replace only with same or specified type.
Do not disassemble or dispose of in fire.
Do not store in temperatures over 60 oC (140 oF).
Use specified charger.
For Battery of Remote Controller
Replace battery with part No. CR2025 only.
Do not recharge the battery.
Do not disassemble or dispose of in fire.
Do not store in temperatures over 60 oC (140 oF).
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC 
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER TO SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE 
PERSONNEL.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
indicates safety information.
Caution regarding laser beams
The CCD may be damaged if it is subjected to light from a laser beam. When using the camera-recorder in locations where laser
irradiation equipment is used, be careful not to allow the laser beam to shine directly on the lens.
Do not continuously record the same scene for a long time.
This camera is designed for making video movies.
If you continuously record the same scene for a long time, like a surveillance camera, the camera may suffer internal damage.
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Declaration of Conformity
Model Number:  AG-DVC20P
Trade Name:  PANASONIC
Responsible Party:  Panasonic Corporation of North America One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ07094
Support contact:  Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Company 1-800-524-1448
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
To assure continued compliance, follow the attached installation instructions and do not make any unauthorized
modifications.
CAUTION:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one of the following measures:
ŠReorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
ŠIncrease the separation between the equipment and receiver.
ŠConnect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
ŠConsult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The user may find the booklet Something About Interference available from FCC local regional offices helpful.
FCC Warning:
To assure continued FCC emission limit compliance, the user must use only shielded interface cables when connecting to
host computer or peripheral devices. Also, any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment could void the
user’s authority to operate this device.
FCC NOTICE (USA)
NOTIFICATION (Canada)
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numéique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
indicates safety information.
A lithium ion/polymer battery that is recyclable powers the product you have purchased. 
Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information on how to recycle this battery.
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Important Safeguards
1. Read Instructions — All the safety and operating
instructions should be read before the unit is
operated.
2. Retain Instructions — The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings — All warnings on the unit and in
the operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions — All operating and
maintenance instructions should be followed.
5. Cleaning — Unplug this video unit from the wall
outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol
cleaners. Use a dry cloth for cleaning.
6. Attachments — Do not use attachments not
recommended by the video product manufacturer as
they may be hazardous.
7. Water and Moisture — Do not use this video unit
near water — for example near a bath tub, wash
bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet
basement, or near a swimming pool, and the like.
8. Accessories — Do not place this video unit on an
unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The
video unit may fall, causing serious injury to a child
or adult, and serious damage to the unit. Use only
with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the
video unit. Any mounting of the unit should follow the
manufacturer’s instructions and should use a
mounting accessory recommended by the
manufacturer.
An appliance and cart combination
should be moved with care. Quick
stops, excessive force, and uneven
surfaces may cause the appliance
and cart combination to overturn.9. Ventilation — Slots and openings in the cabinet are
provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable
operation of the video unit and to protect it from
overheating. These openings must not be blocked or
covered.
Never place the video unit on a bed, sofa, rug, or
other similar surface, or near or over a radiator or
heat register. This video unit should not be placed in
a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack
unless proper ventilation is provided or the
manufacturers instructions have been adhered to.
10. Power Sources — This video unit should be
operated only from the type of power source
indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of
the type of power supply to your home, consult your
appliance dealer or local power company. For video
units intended to be operated from battery power, or
other sources, refer to the operating instructions.
11. Grounding or Polarization — This video unit may be
equipped with either a polarized 2- wire AC
(Alternating Current) line plug (a plug having one
blade wider than the other) or 3-wire grounding type
plug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin.
The 2-wire polarized plug will fit into the power outlet
only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are
unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try
reversing the plug. If the plug still fails to fit, contact
your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
plug.
The 3-wire grounding type plug will fit into a
grounding type power outlet. This is a safety feature.
If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet,
contact your electrician to replace your obsolete
outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
grounding type plug.
12. Power-Cord Protection — Power-supply cords
should be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them, paying particular attention to cords of
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the unit.
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							5
Important Safeguards (continued)
13. Outdoor Antenna Grounding — If an outside
antenna or cable system is connected to the video
unit, be sure the antenna or cable system is
grounded so as to provide some protection against
voltage surges and builtup static charges. Part 1 of
the Canadian Electrical Code, in USA Section 810 of
the National Electrical Code, provides information
with respect to proper grounding of the mast and
supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to
an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding
conductors, location of antenna discharge unit,
connection to grounding electrodes, and
requirements for the grounding electrode.
14. Lightning — For added protection of this video unit
receiver during a lightning storm, or when it is left
unattended and unused for long periods of time,
unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the
antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage
to the video unit due to lightning and power-line
surges.
15. Power Lines — An outside antenna system should
not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines
or other electric light or power circuits, or where it
can fall into such power lines or circuits. When
installing an outside antenna system, extreme care
should be taken to keep from touching such power
lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.
16. Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets and
extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or
electric shock.17. Objects and Liquids — Never push objects of any
kind into this video unit through openings as they
may touch dangerous voltage points or short out
parts that could result in a fire or electric shock.
Never spill liquid of any kind onto the video unit.
18. Servicing — Do not attempt to service this video unit
yourself as opening or removing covers may expose
you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all
servicing to qualified service personnel.
19. Damage Requiring Service — Unplug this video unit
from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified
service personnel under the following conditions:
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
b. If any liquid has been spilled onto, or objects have
fallen into the video unit.
c. If the video unit has been exposed to rain or
water.
d. If the video unit does not operate normally by
following the operating instructions.
Adjust only those controls that are covered by the
operating instructions, as an improper adjustment
of other controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the video unit to its normal
peration.
e. If the video unit has been dropped or the cabinet
has been damaged.
f. When the video unit exhibits a distinct change in
performance – this indicates a need for service.
20. Replacement Parts — When replacement parts are
required, be sure the service technician has used
replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or
have the same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric
shock or other hazards.
21. Safety Check — Upon completion of any service or
repairs to this video unit, ask the service technician
to perform safety checks to determine that the video
unit is in safe operating order.
ANTENNA LEAD IN WIRE
ANTENNA DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250, PART H) NEC – NATIONAL
ELECTRICAL CODEELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENTGROUND
CLAMP
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							6
Contents
Important Safeguards .........................................................  4
Before using
Standard Accessories .........................................................  7
Optional Accessories ..........................................................  7
Parts identification and handling .........................................  7
Lens cap and grip belt ........................................................  9
Attaching the shoulder strap ...............................................  9
Using the LCD monitor .......................................................  9
Using the viewfinder .........................................................  10
Power supply ....................................................................  10
Charging time and recordable time...................................  11
Inserting/removing a cassette ...........................................  12
Turning the camera on......................................................  13
Selecting a mode ..............................................................  13
Using the screen display...................................................  13
Switching the language.....................................................  14
Using the menu screen .....................................................  14
Setting date and time ........................................................  15
Adjusting LCD monitor/viewfinder.....................................  15
Using the remote control...................................................  16
Record mode
Check before recording ....................................................  18
Recording on a tape .........................................................  19
Check the recording..........................................................  19
Blank search function .......................................................  19
Zoom in/out function .........................................................  20
Adjusting the Microphone Sensitivity Level ......................  20
Recording yourself ............................................................  21
Backlight compensation function ......................................  21
Night view functions ..........................................................  21
Soft skin mode ..................................................................  22
Tele-macro function ..........................................................  22
Fade in/fade out function ..................................................  22
Wind noise reduction function...........................................  22
Recording images for wide-screen TVs ............................  23
Image stabilizer function ...................................................  23
Recording in various situations (Scene mode) .................  23
Recording in natural colors (White balance) .....................  24
Manual focus adjustment ..................................................  25
Manual shutter speed/aperture adjustment ......................  25
Playback mode
Playing back tape .............................................................  26
Slow-motion playback/frame-by-frame playback ..............  26
Variable-speed search function ........................................  27
Playback on TV.................................................................  27
Edit mode
Copying onto a DVD recorder or a VCR (Dubbing) ..........  28
Using the DV Cable for Recording (Digital Dubbing) ........  29
Audio dubbing ...................................................................  30
Menu
Menu list ...........................................................................  31
Menus related to taking pictures .......................................  32
Menus related to playback ................................................  32
Other menus .....................................................................  32
Others
Indications.........................................................................  33
Warning/alarm indications ................................................  33
Functions cannot be used simultaneously ........................  34
Before requesting repair (Problems and solutions) ..........  34
Cautions for Use ...............................................................  36
Explanation of terms .........................................................  39
Specifications
Specifications....................................................................  40
ªCarefully read the Operating Instructions and use the 
Camera-Recorder correctly.
≥Injury or material damage resulting from any kind of use 
that is not in accordance with the operating procedures 
explained in these Operating Instructions are the sole 
responsibility of the user.
Try out the Camera-Recorder.
Be sure to try out the Camera-Recorder before recording your 
first important event and check that it records properly and 
functions correctly.
The manufacturer is not liable for loss of recorded 
contents.
The manufacturer shall in no event be liable for the loss of 
recordings due to malfunction or defect of this Camera-
Recorder, its accessories or cassettes.
Carefully observe copyright laws.
Recording of pre-recorded tapes or discs or other published 
or broadcast material for purposes other than your own 
private use may infringe copyright laws. Even for the purpose 
of private use, recording of certain material may be restricted.≥The Camera-Recorder uses copyright-protected 
technologies and is protected by the patented technologies 
and intellectual properties of Japan and the U.S. To use 
these copyright-protected technologies, authorization of the 
Macrovision Company is required. It is prohibited to 
disassemble or modify the Camera-Recorder.
≥All other company and product names in the operating 
instructions are trademarks or registered trademarks of their 
respective corporations.
Pages for reference
Pages for reference are indicated by dashes either side of a 
number, for example:-00- 
The menu operation flow is indicated by >> in the description.
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							Before using
7
Before using
Standard Accessories
The followings are the accessories supplied with this product.
1) AC adapter, DC input lead, AC mains lead 
-10-2) Battery pack -10-, -11-3) Remote control, coin-type battery (CR2025) -16-4) Lens cap -9-5) Digital video head cleaner -36-6) Shoulder strap -9-
Optional Accessories
1) AC adapter (AG-B15P) 
2) Battery pack (lithium / CGR-D16A/1B / 1600mAh) 
3) Wide conversion lens (AG-LW4307P) 
Parts identification and handling
ªCamera
(1)Focus ring -25-
(2)White balance sensor -24-
(3)Recording lamp -32-
(4)Remote control sensor -16-
(5)Lens(6)Lens hood(7)Lens hood attachment knob
≥Do not attach other conversion lenses in front of the lens 
hood; there is no mount to be used for the attachment.
≥When you wish to attach the wide conversion lens 
(AJ-LW4307P; optional), MC protector, or ND filter in the 
Filter Kit (optional), first of all, loosen the lens hood 
attachment knob 1. If the MC protector or ND filter is used, 
the lens hood can be mounted on the filter.
≥When you attach the lens hood back, unite the marks and 
fasten the lens hood attachment knob 1.
≥If you push the [W/T] lever toward [W] during recording with 
the filter or conversion lens attached to the camera-recorder, 
4 corners of the image may become dark (vignetting). For 
details, please refer to the operating instructions of your 
accessories.
≥Be sure to keep the lens hood attached to the camera-
recorder so as to shut out unnecessary light.
(8)Mode switch [CAMERA/VCR] -13-,-19-,-26-
(9)Mode selector switch [AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS]-18-,-23-
(10)Cursor buttons -13-, -14-/[ENTER] button
3/Playback/Pause button [1/;]
2/Rewind/Review button [6]
4/Stop button [∫]
1/Fast forward/cue button [5]
(11)Power LCD button [POWER LCD] -15-Power LCD lamp(12)Menu button [MENU] -14-
1)
2)
5) 4)
6)
3)
(2)
(3)
(4)
POWER
LCDMENU
AUTOMANUALFOCUS
CAMERA
VCR
(5)    (6) (7) 
(1)
(8)
       (9)
(11)
     (12) 
(10)
1
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							Before using
8
(13)Eyecup -38-
(14)Viewfinder -10-,-38-
(15)
LCD monitor -9-,-38- 
(16)LCD monitor open button [PUSH OPEN] -9-
(17)Reset button -33-,-36-
(18)Eyepiece corrector knob -10-
(19)Speaker -26-
(20)
Smart accessory shoes 
≥The External Stereo Microphone (optional), etc. can be 
attached here.
(21)Microphone (built-in, stereo) -20-
(22)External microphone socket [EXT MIC] 
≥Connect with an external microphone or audio equipment. 
(When this socket is in use, the built-in microphone does 
not operate.)
(23)Zoom lever [W/T] -20-, -26-
(24)Grip belt -9-(25)
Shoulder strap holders -9-
(26)Sub zoom lever [W/T] -20-, -26-
(27)Sub recording start/stop button -19-
(28)Battery eject button [PUSH] -11-
(29)Battery holder -11-
(30)Headphone socket [PHONES](31)Cassette holder -12-
(32)Cassette compartment cover -12-
(33)Cassette eject lever [OPEN/EJECT] -12-
(34)
DC Input socket [DC IN] -10-
(35)DV terminal [DV] -29-≥Connect this to the digital video equipment.(36)S-Video output socket [S-VIDEO OUT] -27-, -28-
(37)Video output socket [VIDEO OUT] -27-, -28-
(38)Audio output sockets [AUDIO OUT] -27-, -28-
(39)Power lamp -13-
(40)Recording start/stop button -19-
(41)Off/On switch [OFF/ON] -13-
(42)Tripod receptacle
This is a hole for attaching the camera to optional tripod. 
(Please carefully read the operating instructions for how to 
attach the tripod to the camera.)  Due to limitations in LCD production 
technology, there may be some tiny bright or 
dark spots on the Viewfinder screen. 
However, this is not a malfunction and does 
not affect the recorded picture.
Due to limitations in LCD production 
technology, there may be some tiny bright or 
dark spots on the LCD monitor screen. 
However, this is not a malfunction and does 
not affect the recorded picture.
(13)
(14)
(15)
(16)
(17)(19) (18)
(20)
(21)
 (22) (23)(24)
(30)  (31) (32) (33) (25)
       (26) (27)
(28)
(29)
DC IN 7.9V
VIDEO OUTDVAUDIO
L––R
OUTS-VIDEO OUT
OFF    ON 
(40)(41) (34)
(35)
  (36) (37)      (38)(42) (39)
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							Before using
9
Lens cap and grip belt
ªAttach the lens capTo protect the lens surface, attach the lens cap.
ª
Adjust the grip beltAdjust the length of the Grip Belt to the size of your hand.1Detach the tip of the grip belt.
2Adjust the length.3Reattach the grip belt.
Attaching the shoulder strap
We recommend that you attach the shoulder strap before going 
out of doors to record so as to avoid dropping the camera-
recorder.
1Pull the end of the shoulder strap through the shoulder 
strap holder on the camera-recorder.
2Fold the tip of the shoulder strap, run it through the 
shoulder strap length adjuster, and pull it.
≥Pull it out more than 2 cm 1 from the shoulder strap length 
adjuster so that it cannot slip off.
Using the LCD monitor
You can record the image while viewing it on the LCD monitor 
opened.
1Press the [PUSH OPEN] button and, at the same time, 
bring the LCD Monitor out about 90o in the direction of 
the arrow.
≥The viewfinder will go off.
2Adjust the angle of the LCD monitor as you prefer.
≥It can rotate up to 180o 1 towards the lens or 90o 2 
towards the viewfinder.
≥The brightness and color level of the LCD monitor can be 
adjusted from the menu.
≥If it is forcibly opened or rotated, the camera may be damaged 
or fail.
≥When the LCD monitor is rotated by 180o towards the lens 
(when recording yourself), the LCD monitor and the 
viewfinder will be simultaneously activated.
1
PUSH
OPEN
1 180o2 90o
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							Before using
10
Using the viewfinder
ªUsing the viewfinder
1Pull out the viewfinder and turn it upward/downward by 
pinching the viewfinder extension knob.
ª
Adjusting the field of view
1Adjust the focus by sliding the eyepiece corrector knob.
≥You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder from the 
menu.
Power supply
ªCharging the batteryWhen this product is purchased, the battery is not charged. 
Charge the battery before using this product.
≥Battery charging time (
-11-) 
≥We recommend using Panasonic batteries.
≥If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee the quality of 
this product.
≥If the DC input lead is connected to the AC adapter, then the 
battery will not get charged. Remove the DC input lead from 
the AC adapter.
1Connect the AC mains lead to the AC adapter and the AC 
mains socket.
2Put the battery on the battery mount by aligning the 
mark, and then securely plug it in.
ª
Charging lampLights up: Charging
Goes off: Charging completed
Flashing: The battery is over discharged (discharged 
excessively). In a while, the lamp will light up and 
normal charging will start.
When the battery temperature is excessively high 
or low, the [CHARGE] lamp flashes and the 
charging time will be longer than normal.
ª
Connecting to the AC outlet
1
Connect the AC mains lead to the AC adapter and the AC 
mains socket.
2Connect the DC Input Lead to the [DC IN] Socket on the 
camera-recorder.
3Connect the DC input lead to the AC adapter.
≥Do not use the power cord for other equipment since the 
power cord is exclusively designed for the camera-
recorder. Or do not use the power cord of other equipment 
for the camera-recorder.
12:30:45PM
OCT 15 200512:30:45PM
OCT 15 2005 12:30:45PM
OCT 15 200512:30:45PM
OCT 15 2005
The range of view shown in the LCD or viewfinder is slightly 
narrower than that outputted from the video output socket.
DC IN 7.9V
CAUTION:This unit will operate on 110/120/220/240V AC.
An AC plug adapter may be required for voltages other than 
120V AC.
If a conversion plug is required, consult with your dealer as 
to which one is to be purchased.
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