Panasonic Camera Recorder AG-DVC20P Operating Instructions

							Before using
11
ªFitting the batteryPush the battery against the battery holder and slide it until it 
clicks.
ª
Removing the batteryWhile pushing the [PUSH] button, slide the battery to remove it.
≥Hold the battery with your hand so it does not fall.
Charging time and recordable time
The times shown in the table below show the times at a 
temperature of 25oC (77oF) and a humidity of 60%. This is just 
a guide. If the temperature is higher or lower than the specified 
value, the charging time will become longer.
ACharging time
BMaximum continuously recordable time
CIntermittent recordable time
(The intermittent recordable time refers to recordable time 
when the recording and stopping operations are repeated.) 
“1h 30 min” indicates 1 hour 30 minutes.
≥The times shown in the table are rough estimates. The times 
indicate the recordable times when the viewfinder is used. 
The times in parentheses indicate the recordable times when 
the LCD monitor is used.
≥The recordable time will become shorter in the following 
cases:
≥When you use both the viewfinder and the LCD monitor 
simultaneously while rotating the LCD monitor frontward to 
record yourself, using the 0 lux night view function, etc.
≥When you use this camera with the LCD monitor lit up by 
pressing the [POWER LCD] button.
≥The batteries heat up after use or charging. The main unit of 
the camera-recorder being used will also heat up. This is 
normal.
≥Along with the reduction of the battery capacity, the display 
will change:  #  #  #  # 
. If the battery discharges, then   ( ) will 
flash.
PUSHOFFON
≥Do not bring metal objects (such as necklaces or 
hairpins) into contact with the battery terminals. The 
terminals may short circuit and generate heat, and 
touching them in this condition may cause severe 
burns.
≥The battery heats up during operation and during 
charging, as does the camera recorder body.
≥If recording and stop operations are repeated more than 
is necessary, the recording time will be less than the 
values given in the above table.
≥Store the battery only when it is fully discharged. It is 
recommended that the battery be charged once a year 
when it is being stored long-term and that it be placed 
back in storage after it has been fully discharged using 
the camera recorder.
≥When the temperature of the battery unit has risen to an 
extremely high level or dropped to an extremely low 
level or when the battery is not used for prolonged 
periods of time has become fully discharged, the 
“CHARGE” lamp flashes several times, and charging 
commences automatically.
≥If the “CHARGE” lamp continues to flash even though 
the battery temperature is normal, consult your dealer 
as a problem may have developed within the battery or 
AC adapter.
≥When the battery is warm, it takes longer than usual for 
the battery to be charged.
≥When the AC adapter is used near a radio, the radio 
sound may be distorted. Use the adapter at a distance 
of at least one meter from the radio.
≥Noise may be heard while the AC adapter is in use; 
however, this is normal and not indicative of any 
malfunctioning.
≥The battery cannot be charged while supplying power 
from the AC adapter to the camera recorder.
Supplied battery
(7.2 V/1350 mAh) A1h30minB2 h 40 min (2 h 25 min)
C1 h 20 min (1 h 15 min)
CGR-D16A/1B
(7.2 V/1600 mAh) A2h
B3 h 45 min (3 h 30 min)
C1 h 55 min (1 h 45 min)
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							Before using
12
Inserting/removing a cassette
1Slide the [OPEN/EJECT] lever and open the cassette 
cover.
≥When the cover is fully opened, the cassette holder will come 
out.
2After the cassette holder is opened, insert/remove the 
cassette.
≥When inserting a cassette, orient it as shown in the figure, 
and then securely insert it as far as it goes.
≥When removing, pull it straight out.
3Push the [PUSH] mark 1 in order to close the cassette 
holder.
4Only after the cassette holder is completely housed, 
close the cassette cover.
≥After using, make sure to rewind the cassette completely, 
remove it, and put it in a case. Store the case in an upright 
position. (
-38-) 
≥When condensation is formed on the lens or the main unit of 
the camera-recorder, even if no condensation alarm is 
indicated, condensation may have formed on the heads or the 
cassette tape. Do not open the cassette cover. (
-36-) 
ª
When the cassette holder does not come out≥Close the cassette cover completely, and then open it again 
completely.
≥Check if the battery has run down.
ª
When the cassette holder cannot be housed≥Set the [OFF/ON] switch to [OFF], then to [ON] again.
≥Check if the battery has run down.ª
Inserting/removing the cassette≥When the cassette holder is in action, do not touch anything 
except the [PUSH] mark.
≥When inserting a previously recorded cassette, use the blank 
search function to find the position where you want to 
continue recording. If you overwrite-record on a previously 
recorded cassette, be sure to find the position where you 
continue recording.
≥Close the cassette cover tightly.
≥When closing the cassette cover, do not get anything, such as 
a cable, caught in the cover.
ª
Accidental erasure preventionIf the accidental erasure prevention slider 1 of a cassette is 
opened (slide in the direction of the [SAVE] arrow), the cassette 
cannot be recorded. When recording, close the accidental 
erasure prevention slider of the cassette (slide in the direction 
of the [REC] arrow).OPEN/
EJECT
PUSH
1
1
R E C
SAVE
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							Before using
13
Turning the camera on
When the camera is turned on with the lens cap fitted, the 
automatic white balance adjustment may not function properly. 
Please turn the camera on after removing the lens cap.
ª
How to turn on the power
1Set the [OFF/ON] switch to [ON].
≥The power lamp lights up.
ª
How to turn off the power
1Set the [OFF/ON] switch to [OFF].
≥The power lamp goes off.
Selecting a mode
1Set the mode switch to [CAMERA] or [VCR].
[CAMERA]: Tape recording mode
Use this when you record the image on a tape.
[VCR]: Tape playback mode
Use this to play back a tape.
Using the screen display
Press the [ENTER] button at the center of cursor buttons, and 
icons will be displayed on the screen. Each press switches the 
display as follows depending on the mode.
(In the Tape playback mode, the icons will be automatically 
displayed on the screen.)
1) Tape recording mode
([AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] switch is set to [AUTO]) 
2) Tape recording mode
([AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] switch is set to [MANUAL]) 
3) Tape playback mode
OFFON
OFFON
CAMERA
VCR
 3  Tele-macro -22-
 4   Soft skin mode -22-
 2  Fade -22-
 1  Backlight compensation -21-
 3   Night view/0 Lux night view -21-
 4   Recording check -19-
 4  White balance
 Shutter speed
 Iris or gain value -24-
 1  Select/Adjust -24-
 2  Select/Adjust -24-
 3  Playback/pause -26-
 4  Stop -26-
 2   Rewind (review playback) -26-
 1   Fast forward (cue playback)  -26-
OFF
OFF
OFF
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							Before using
14
Switching the language
You can switch the language on the screen display or the menu 
screen.
1Set [LANGUAGE] >> select the desired language.
Using the menu screen
For each individual menu, please refer to -31-.1Press the [MENU] button.
≥The menu corresponding to the mode selected by the 
mode switch is displayed.
≥Do not switch the mode switch when the menu is displayed.
2Press the [3] or [4] button in order to select the top 
menu.
3Press the [1] or [ENTER] button to set the selection.
4Press the [3] or [4] button to select the sub-menu.
5Press the [1] or [ENTER] button to set the selection.
6Press the [3] or [4] button in order to select the item to 
be set.
7Press the [ENTER] button to determine the setting.
ª
To exit the menu screen Press the [MENU] button.
ª
To get back to the previous screenPress the [2] button.
ª
About the menu setting≥The menu screen does not appear during recording. And you 
cannot record when the menu screen appears.
ª
Operating with remote controlThe menu screen transition is the same as when the buttons on 
the main unit are used.
1Press the [MENU] button.
2Select a menu item.
≥Use the direction buttons (π,∑,∏,∫) and [ENTER] 
button in place of the cursor buttons on the main unit.
3Press the [MENU] button to exit the menu screen.
MENU
ENTER
VA R .
SEARCHMENU
ENTER
VA R .
SEARCHMENU
ENTER
VA R .
SEARCHMENU
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							Before using
15
Setting date and time
If the screen shows the incorrect date/time, then adjust it.
≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.
1Set [BASIC] >> [CLOCK SET] >> [YES].
2Press the [2] or [1] button in order to select the item to 
be set. Then press the [3] or [4] button to set the 
desired value.
≥The year will change as follows:
2000, 2001, ..., 2089, 2000, ...
≥The 24-hour clock is used.
3Press the [ENTER] button to determine the setting.
≥The clock function starts at [00] seconds.
ª
About date/time≥The date and time function are driven by a built-in lithium 
battery.
≥Make sure to check the time before recording because the 
built-in clock is not very accurate.
ª
Recharging the built-in lithium battery≥If [0] or [--] is indicated when the camera is turned on, then 
the built-in lithium battery runs down. Connect the AC adapter 
to the camera or place the battery on the camera, and the 
built-in lithium battery will be recharged. Leave the camera as 
is for approx. 24 hours, and the battery will drive the date and 
time for approx. 6 months. (Even if the [OFF/ON] switch is set 
to [OFF], the battery is still being recharged.)
Adjusting LCD monitor/viewfinder
ªAdjusting the brightness and color level
1Set [SETUP] >> [LCD SET] or [EVF SET] >> [YES].
2Press the [3] or [4] button in order to select the item to 
be adjusted.
[LCD SET]
: Brightness of the LCD monitor
: Color level of the LCD monitor
[EVF SET]
: Brightness of the viewfinder
3Press the [2] or [1] button to move the bar indication 
representing the brightness.
4Press the [MENU] or [ENTER] button to complete the 
settings.
≥In order to adjust the brightness of the viewfinder, close the 
LCD monitor, and the viewfinder will be activated.
≥When the LCD monitor is rotated by 180° towards the lens, 
the brightness of the LCD monitor cannot be adjusted.
≥These settings will not affect the images actually recorded.
ª
In order to increase the brightness of the entire 
LCD monitor
1
Press the [POWER LCD] button.
≥The [POWER LCD] lamp lights up.
≥If the [POWER LCD] button is pressed, the entire LCD 
monitor will become approx. twice as bright as the normal.
≥Press this button again, and the lamp will go off and the 
brightness will revert back to the original brightness.
≥This will not affect the images to be recorded.
≥If you turn on the camera when the AC adapter is used, the 
[POWER LCD] function will not be activated.
EVF
POWER
LCD
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							Before using
16
Using the remote control
ªRemote controlUsing the remote control supplied will enable controlling almost 
all the functions of this camera to be controlled.
(1)Date/time button [DATE/TIME] -32-
(2)On-screen display button [OSD] -27-
(3)Record button [¥REC] -29-
(4)Audio dubbing button [A.DUB] -30-
(5)Direction buttons [π,∑,∏,∫] ¢ -14-
(6)
Slow/frame-by-frame forward button [E,D] 
(E: reverse, D: forward) -26-
(7)Zoom/volume button [ZOOM/VOL] ¢(8)Search button [VAR. SEARCH] -27-
(9)Menu button [MENU] ¢ -14-
(10)
Photoshot button [PHOTO SHOT] (not operable)(11)Rewind/review button [6] (12)Pause button [;] (13)Stop button [∫] (14)Recording start/stop button [START/STOP] ¢(15)Playback button [1] (16)Fast forward/cue button [5](17)Enter button [ENTER] ¢ -13-, -14-¢ means that these buttons function in the same manner as the 
corresponding buttons on the camera-recorder.ª
Install a coin-type batteryInstall the coin-type battery supplied in the remote control 
before using it.
1While pressing the stopper 1, pull out the battery 
holder.
2Set the coin-type battery (CR2025) with its (i) mark 
facing upward and get the battery holder back in place.
ª
Remote control usable range
≥The distance between the remote control and the camera: 
Within approx. 5 m (15 feet)
Angle: Approx. 10o up and 15o down, left, and right
STOP OSD
V/REWSTILL ADV
DATE/
TIME
VOL
ZOOM¥RECPHOTO
SHOT
START/
STOP
A.DUB
PLAY
PAU S EFF /WSTILL ADV
ENTER
VA R .
SEARCHMENU
T
W
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
STOP OSD
V/REWSTILL ADV
DATE/
TIME
VOL
ZOOM¥RECPHOTO
SHOT
START/
STOP
A.DUB
PLAY
PAU S EFF /WSTILL ADV
VA R .
SEARCHMENUENTER
T
W
(6)(7)
(8)
(9)
STOP OSD
V/REWSTILL ADV
DATE/
TIME
VOL
ZOOM¥RECPHOTO
SHOT
START/
STOP
A.DUB
PLAY
PAU S EFF /WSTILL ADV
VA R .
SEARCHMENUENTER
T
W
(10)
(14)
(17) (15)
(16)
(11)
(12)
(13)
Warning
Keep the coin-type battery out of the reach of children. 
Never put Coin-Type battery in mouth. If swallowed call 
your doctor.
1
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							Before using
17
ªSelecting the remote control modeIf 2 cameras are used simultaneously, set the mode for one pair 
of camera-recorder and remote control to [VCR1] and that of 
the other pair to [VCR2]. This will prevent interference between 
the 2 pairs. (The default setting is [VCR1]. When the coin-type 
battery is replaced, the setting will revert to the default [VCR1].) 
1Setting on the camera:
Set [SETUP] >> [REMOTE] >> [VCR1] or [VCR2].
2Setting on the remote control:
[VCR1]:
Press [D] and [∫] simultaneously. 1
[VCR2]:
Press [E] and [∫] simultaneously. 2
ª
Concerning the coin-type battery≥When the coin-type battery runs down, replace it with a new 
battery (part number: CR2025). The battery is normally 
expected to last about 1 year, but it depends on operation 
frequency.
≥Keep the coin-type battery out of the reach of children.
≥If the remote control mode of the camera and that of the 
remote control do not match with each other, “REMOTE” will 
appear. When the remote control is operated for the first time 
after the camera is turned on, “CHECK REMOTE MODE” 
(
-33-) will appear and operation is impossible. Set the same 
remote control mode.
≥The remote control is intended for indoor operation. Outdoors 
or under strong light, the camera-recorder may not operate 
properly even within the usable ranges.
≥Within a 1 m (3 feet) range, you can operate the remote 
control from beside the remote control sensor (LCD monitor 
side) of the camera-recorder.
STOP
STILL ADVVOLPAUSESTILL ADV
VA R
21
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							Record mode
18
Record mode
Check before recording
Check the following by trying recording before important events 
such as weddings in order to verify that the image recording 
and audio recording work properly and that you know how to 
use the camera-recorder.
ª
Holding the camera-recorder for recordingNormal recording.
≥When walking while recording, keep both eyes open so that 
you can see where you are going and what is happening 
around you.
≥Place the camera-recorder on your right shoulder and hold it 
firmly with both hands.
≥Hold the eyecup of the viewfinder as close as possible to your 
right eye.
≥Take a firm stance with the legs slightly apart.
≥For stable images, it is recommended to use a tripod 
(optional) whenever possible.
Low-angle recording.
Adjust the angle of the LCD monitor according to the position in 
which the camera-recorder is held.
≥If the camera-recorder is not held firmly in stable position, the 
picture in the LCD monitor cannot be watched properly.
≥For easier low-angle recording, the sub recording start/stop 
button and the sub zoom lever on the front of the camera-
recorder can be used.
Recording from a high position.For more stable pictures.
≥Stabilize the camera-recorder by resting your elbows on a 
table or another stable horizontal surface.
ª
Check points≥Remove the lens cap. (-9-)
(When the camera is turned on with the lens cap fitted, the 
automatic white balance adjustment may not function 
properly. Please turn the camera on after removing the lens 
cap.)
≥Grip belt adjustment (
-9-) 
≥Power supply (-10-) 
≥Insert a cassette (-12-) 
≥Setting date/time (-15-) 
≥Adjustment of LCD monitor/viewfinder (-15-) 
≥Getting the remote control ready (-16-) 
≥Setting SP/LP mode (-19-)
ª
About auto mode≥Set the [AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] switch to [AUTO], and 
color balance (white balance) and focusing will be adjusted 
automatically.
≥Auto white balance: 
-39-≥Auto focusing: -39-
≥Color balance and focus may not be adjusted depending on 
light sources or scenes. If so, manually adjust the white 
balance and focus.
≥Scene mode setting (
-23-) 
≥White balance setting (-24-) 
≥Shutter speed setting (-25-) 
≥Iris/gain value setting (-25-) 
≥Focus setting (-25-) 
AUTO
MANUAL
FOCUS
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							Record mode
19
ªRecording modeYou can switch the tape recording mode.
≥Set to Tape Recording/Playback Mode.
1Set [BASIC] or [ADVANCE] >> [REC SPEED] >> [SP] or 
[LP].
If the LP mode is selected, the recording time will be 1.5 times 
the SP mode, but some functions will be disabled.
≥We recommend using the SP mode for important recording.
≥In order to fully exhibit the performances of the LP mode, we 
recommend using Panasonic cassettes marked LP mode.
≥It is not possible to dub audio onto image recorded in the LP 
mode. (
-30-) 
≥In the LP mode, the picture quality will not be degraded in 
comparison with the SP mode, but mosaic noise may appear 
on the playback image or some functions may be disabled.
≥Playback on other digital video equipment or on digital 
video equipment without the LP mode
≥Playback of the image on other digital video equipment 
recorded in the LP mode
≥Slow/frame-by-frame playback
Recording on a tape
Remove the lens cap. (-9-)
(When the camera-recorder is turned on with the lens cap fitted, 
the automatic white balance adjustment may not function 
properly. Please turn the camera on after removing the lens 
cap.)
≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.
1Press the recording start/stop button (or sub recording 
start/stop button) to start recording.
2Press the recording start/stop button (or sub recording 
start/stop button) again to pause recording.
≥For the recording time on a tape, refer to 
-11-.
≥Carry out a recording check (-19-) to verify that the image is 
recorded properly.
≥In order to find the unrecorded section, carry out the blank 
search (
-19-).ª
On-screen display in the tape recording mode
1) Recording time elapse
2) Remaining tape indication
ª
Concerning the remaining tape time indication on 
the screen
≥The remaining tape time is indicated in minutes. (When it 
reaches less than 3 minutes, the indication starts flashing.) 
≥During a 15-second or shorter recording, the remaining tape 
time indication may not be displayed or the remaining tape 
time may not be displayed correctly.
≥In some cases, the remaining tape time indication may 
display remaining tape time that is 2 to 3 minutes shorter than 
the actual remaining tape time.
Check the recording
The last image recorded is played back for 2 to 3 seconds. 
After checking, the camera-recorder will be set to a recording 
pause.
≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.
1Press the [ENTER] button during the recording pause 
until the icon 1 appears.
2Press the [4] button to select the recording check icon 
[].
Blank search function
Searches for the last part of the image recorded (unused part of 
the tape).
≥Set to Tape Recording/Playback Mode.
1Set [BASIC] or [ADVANCE] >> [BLANK SEARCH] >> 
[YES].
ª
Stopping blank search midway throughPress the [4] button to select the [∫] icon.
≥If the cassette tape has no blank part, then the camera-
recorder will stop at the end of the tape.
≥The camera-recorder stops at a point approx. 1 second 
before the end of the last image recorded. When you start 
recording at that point, the image can be recorded seamlessly 
from the last image.
CAMERA
VCR
OFFON
;

ç÷

ú÷÷
/÷÷
4ø÷
:÷÷
-
1)
2)
1
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							Record mode
20
Zoom in/out function
You can zoom in up to 10koptically.
≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.
1Wide-angle recording (zoom out):
Push the [W/T] lever (or sub zoom lever) towards [W].
Close-up recording (zoom in):
Push the [W/T] lever (or sub zoom lever) towards [T].
≥When zooming in and taking a picture while holding the 
camera-recorder by hand, we recommend using the image 
stabilizer function.
≥When you are zooming on a faraway subject, a sharper focus 
is achieved if the recording subject is 1.2 m (3.9 feet) or 
further from the camera-recorder.
≥When the zoom speed is high, the subject may not be 
focused easily.
≥When the zoom magnification is 1k, the camera-recorder can 
focus on a subject approx. 4 cm (1.6 inches) distant from the 
lens.
ª
Digital zoom functionIf the zoom magnification exceeds 10 times, then the digital 
zoom function will be activated. The digital zoom function 
allows you to select a magnification from 20k to 500k.
1Set [ADVANCE] >> [D.ZOOM] >> [20k] or [500k].
[OFF]: Optical zoom only (Up to 10k) 
[20k]: Up to 20k
[500k]: Up to 500k
≥The larger the digital zoom magnification, the more the image 
quality is degraded.
ª
To use the zoom microphone functionInterlocked with the zooming operation, the microphone will 
collect sounds clearly far away with the tele-shot or those in the 
vicinity with the wide-angle shot.
≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.
1Set [ADVANCE] >> [ZOOM MIC] >> [ON].
ª
About the variable speed zoom function≥When pushing the [W/T] lever as far as it will go, you can 
zoom from 1k to 10k in 2.1 second at the maximum.
≥The zoom speed varies according to the amount of movement 
of the [W/T] lever.
≥The variable speed zoom function cannot be used with the 
remote control and sub zoom lever.
Adjusting the Microphone Sensitivity Level
You can adjust the microphone sensitivity for recording.1Set [ADVANCE] >> [MIC LEVEL] >> [AUTO], [SETrAGC] 
or [SET].
≥AGC*: Auto Gain Control
[AUTO]:  AGC is activated, and the recording level is 
adjusted automatically.
[SETrAGC]:  The desired recording level can be set. AGC will 
also be activated to reduce the amount of 
distortion in the music.
[SET]: AGC is not activated and so natural recording 
can be performed. Adjust in such a way that the 
sound will not be distorted at the maximum 
volume level.
2Press the [2] or [1] button to increase or decrease the 
bars of the gain value.
3Press the [MENU] or [ENTER] button to complete the 
settings.
≥Adjust the gain value so that the last 3 Bars of the [ ] will not 
light red. (Otherwise,the Sound is distorted.)
≥The [MIC LEVEL]  ([AUTO], [SETrAGC] or [SET]) setting on 
the [TAPE RECORDING MENU] and 
[TAPE PLAYBACK MENU] will be the same.
(Microphone sensitivity level can be adjusted on each mode 
separately.)
≥When [ZOOM MIC] is set to [ON], set the zoom to the [T] 
position before performing this adjustment.
≥Select a lower setting for gain value or set [MIC LEVEL] to 
[AUTO].
≥It is recommended that you check through the headphones 
before recording to ensure that the sound is not distorted.
1tW
5tW10tWT
T
T
20tWT
ZOOM
MENU
MENU
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