Panasonic Camera Recorder AG-DVX100BP Operating Instructions

							Shooting
Menus
Displays
Editing
Playback
Reference
Preparation
Description of parts
Before use
Operating Instructions
Camera-Recorder
Model No. AG- P
.
F0805S0 -H 
VQT0U08ENGLISH
Before operating this product, please read the instructions carefully and save this manual for 
future use 
						

							2
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 per-
sons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral tri-
angle is intended to alert the user to the pres-
ence of important operating and maintenance 
(servicing) instructions in the literature accom-
panying the appliance.  
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.
WARNING:
• TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR 
SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE 
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOIS-
TURE. 
• TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR 
SHOCK HAZARD, KEEP THIS EQUIP-
MENT 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 RECOM-
MENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
CAUTION:
In order to maintain adequate ventilation, 
do not install or place this unit in a book-
case, 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
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK 
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION:
THE AC RECEPTACLE (MAINS SOCKET OUT-
LET) SHALL BE INSTALLED NEAR THE 
EQUIPMENT AND SHALL BE EASILY ACCES-
SIBLE.
TO COMPLETELY DISCONNECT THIS EQUIP-
MENT FROM THE AC MAINS, DISCONNECT 
THE POWER CORD PLUG FROM THE AC 
RECEPTACLE.
FCC Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to 
comply with the limits for a class A digital device, 
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These lim-
its are designed to provide reasonable protection 
against harmful interference when the equip-
ment is operated in a commercial environment. 
This equipment generates, uses, and can radi-
ate radio frequency energy and, if not installed 
and used in accordance with the instruction 
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio 
communications. Operation of this equipment in 
a residential area is likely to cause harmful inter-
ference in which case the user will be required to 
correct the interference at his own expense.
Warning:
To assure continued FCC emission limit compli-
ance, the user must use only shielded interface 
cables when connecting to external units. Also, 
any unauthorized changes or modifications to 
this equipment could void the user’s authority to 
operate it.
CAUTION:
Danger of explosion or fire if battery is mis-
treated.
• Replace only with same or specified type.
• Do not disassemble or dispose of in fire.
• Do not store in temperatures over 140°F (60°C).
• Use specified charger for rechargeable batter-
ies.
• Do not recharge the battery if it is not a 
rechargeable type.
For Remote Controller• Replace battery with part No. CR2025 only.
• Do not recharge the battery.
Camera-RecorderThe rating plate is on the underside of the 
Camera-Recorder
AC  Adap terThe rating plate is on the underside of the AC 
Adapter.
Disconnect the AC mains plug from the AC mains 
socket when not in use.
indicates safety information. 
						

							3
Important Safeguards
1. Read Instructions — All the safety and operating 
instructions should be read before the unit is oper-
ated.
2. Retain Instructions — The safety and operating 
instructions should be retained for future refer-
ence.
3. Heed Warnings — All warnings on the unit and in 
the operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions — All operating and mainte-
nance 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 rec-
ommended 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 base-
ment, 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 recom-
mended 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 recom-
mended by the manufacturer. 
An appliance and cart combina-
tion should be moved with care. 
Quick stops, excessive force, 
and uneven surfaces may cause 
the appliance and cart combina-
tion 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 book-
case or rack unless proper ventilation is provided 
or the manufacturers instructions have been 
adhered to.10. Power Sources — This video unit should be oper-
ated 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 appli-
ance dealer or local power company. For video 
units intended to be operated from battery power, 
or other sources, refer to the operating instruc-
tions.
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 out-
let 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 fea-
ture. 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. 
						

							4
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 built-up static charges. Part 1 
of the Canadian Electrical Code, in USA Section 
810 of the National Electrical Code, provides infor-
mation 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 dis-
charge 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 touch-
ing 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 qual-
ified service personnel under the following condi-
tions:
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is dam-
aged.
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 operation.
e. If the video unit has been dropped or the cabi-
net has been damaged.
f. When the video unit exhibits a distinct change in 
performance — this indicates a need for ser-
vice.
20. Replacement Parts — When replacement parts 
are required, be sure the service technician has 
used replacement parts specified by the manufac-
turer or have the same characteristics as the origi-
nal 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 techni-
cian to perform safety checks to determine that the 
video unit is in safe operating order.
ANTENNA LEAD IN WIRE
GROUND CLAMP ELECTRIC 
SERVICE 
EQUIPMENT
NEC — NATIONAL 
ELECTRICAL CODEANTENNA DISCHARGE UNIT 
(NEC SECTION 810-20)
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS 
(NEC SECTION 810-21) GROUND  
CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING 
ELECTRODE SYSTEM 
(NEC ART 250, PART H) 
						

							5
Contents
Important Safeguards  ................................... 3
Read this first! ................................................ 7
Accessories .................................................... 7
Operating precautions................................... 8
Checking the system operations................ 10Items to prepare..............................................  10Connect the AC power supply cord  ...............  10Insert the Mini DV cassette tape .....................  10Start shooting..................................................  11Check what you have shot (rec check) ...........  12Eject the tape  .................................................. 12Turn off the unit ..............................................  13Disconnect the power cord  ............................  13Adjusting the hand strap............................. 14
Attaching the shoulder strap ...................... 14
Attaching the lens hood .............................. 15Attaching the lens-cap strap....................... 15
Cassette tapes.............................................. 15
Description of parts  .................................... 16Camera-recorder ............................................  16Remote control  ..............................................  19
The remote control ...................................... 20Insert the battery .............................................  20Remote control setup......................................  20The battery ................................................... 21Charging .........................................................  21Attaching the battery .......................................  22Detaching the battery......................................  22Viewfinder .................................................... 23Using the viewfinder .......................................  23Using the LCD ................................................  24Emphasizing outlines ......................................  24Adjusting the screen display ...........................  25Time data  ..................................................... 26Setting the calendar ........................................  26Recharging the built-in battery  .......................  27Setting user information ..................................  27Setting the time code  .....................................  28Specifying the time code (TC PRESET) .........  29
Regular shooting ......................................... 31Preparation and inspections...........................  31Shooting in auto mode ...................................  31Shooting techniques for different targets  32Check what you have shot (rec check) ..........  32Finding specific scenes (image search) .........  32Zoom .............................................................  32Low-angle shooting ........................................  33Self-portrait shooting ......................................  33Zebra pattern..................................................  33Marker ............................................................  33ONE-SHOT recording ....................................  34Changing the image size................................  34Optical Image Stabilizer  ................................  35Using the USER buttons  ...............................  35Backlight compensation .................................  35Index recording ..............................................  35Color bars .......................................................  35Adding effects to images ................................  35Backup recording ...........................................  36Switching to manual mode .............................  36Adjusting the volume while shooting ..............  36Shooting in progressive mode  .................  37
Focus ...........................................................  38
Adjusting the shutter speed ......................  39Slow shutter mode .........................................  40Synchro scan .................................................  40Adjusting the white balance ......................  41White balance adjustments ............................  41Using presets .................................................  42Black balance adjustments ............................  42Auto Tracking White (ATW) ...........................  42Adjusting Iris, Gain, and Light Intensity ...  43Iris adjustments ..............................................  43Adjusting the gain...........................................  43Light intensity adjustments .............................  43Switching Audio Input ................................  44Using the built-in microphone .........................  44Using another microphone and  audio equipment.........................................  44Adjusting the recording level ..........................  44Using scene files.........................................  45Changing scene file settings ..........................  45Transferring scene files  ............................. 47
Before use
Description of parts
PreparationShooting 
						

							6
Contents (continued)
Playback .......................................................  48Adjusting the volume ......................................  49Viewing images on a television ....................... 49Checking the date and time ............................  49Variable-speed playback  ............................. 50Slow playback  ................................................. 50Frame-by-frame playback ...............................  50Fast-forward and rewind .................................  50Index search  ................................................... 50Variable speed search  .................................... 51End search ...................................................... 51Using the Counter ........................................ 52Counter display  ............................................... 52Memory stop mode  ......................................... 521394TC preset mode  ...................................... 52
Connecting external units ........................... 53Headphones ................................................... 53External microphone  ....................................... 53Digital video equipment  .................................. 54Television ........................................................ 55Video deck  ...................................................... 55Audio dubbing  ............................................. 56
Dubbing ........................................................ 58Analog input  .................................................... 58Analog output .................................................. 59Digital input/output  .......................................... 60
Screen displays  ........................................... 61Displays in CAMERA and VCR modes ........... 61In VCR mode only ........................................... 64Warnings ......................................................... 64Setting the DISPLAY items  ............................. 65
Using the setup menus  ...............................66Using the setup menus ................................... 66Initializing the menu settings  .......................... 67Setup menu structure  ..................................68Camera mode menu ....................................... 68VCR mode menu  ............................................ 68Setup menu list  ............................................69SCENE FILE screen ....................................... 69CAMERA SETUP screen  ............................... 71SW MODE screen  .......................................... 71AUTO SW screen  ........................................... 72PLAYBACK FUNCTIONS screen ................... 73RECORDING SETUP screen ......................... 74AV IN/OUT SETUP screen ............................. 75DISPLAY SETUP screen  ............................... 76OTHER FUNCTIONS screen  ......................... 77
Before calling for service  ............................79
Condensation ...............................................82
Tally lamp  .....................................................82
System resetting  ..........................................82
Video Heads  .................................................83
Cleaning ........................................................83Storage Precautions  ....................................84
Specifications ..............................................85
Playback
Editing
Displays
Menus
Reference
• LEICA is a trademark of Leica Microsystems IRGmbH. 
• DICOMAR is a trademark of Leica Camera AG. 
All other explanations, company names, and product names are the registered trademarks of the 
respective companies.  
						

							7
Read this first!
Always take some trial shots before actual shooting.• When shooting important events (such as weddings), always take some trial shots and check that the 
sound and images have been recorded properly before actual shooting.
Panasonic makes no guarantees for your recordings.• Please understand that Panasonic makes no guarantees for your recordings in cases where images and/
or sound were not recorded as you intended due to problems with the camera-recorder or cassette.
Respect copyrights• Copyright laws forbid the use of video and audio material you have recorded for any purpose other than 
your own personal enjoyment. Remember that restrictions apply to the shooting of certain material even if 
it is intended for private use.
Note concerning illustrations in these instructions• Illustrations (camera-recorder, menu screens, etc.) in these operating instructions differ slightly from the 
actual camera-recorder.
References• References are shown as (Page 10).
Tapes you can use
• You can use tapes with this mark-   .
Accessories
IMPORTANT“Unauthorized recording of copyrighted television programs, video tapes and other materials may infringe the 
right of copyright owners and be contrary to copyright laws.”
Battery * AC Adapter * AC power supply cord DC cord 
Wireless remote 
control and button 
battery (CR2025) Eye cup Microphone holder 2x 6-mm screws 
2x 12-mm screws
Microphone holder 
adapter Shoulder belt  Lens cap strap Mini DV cassette tape 
(AY-DVM63MQ)
* For part numbers for the battery and AC adapter, see “Optional Units” (Page 86).
Before use 
						

							8
Operating precautions
Do not allow any water to get into the cam-
era-recorder when using it in the rain or 
snow or at the beach.
•Failure to heed this caution will cause the camera-
recorder or cassette to malfunction (and may result in 
irreparable damage).
Keep the camera-recorder away from equip-
ment (such as TV sets and video game 
machines) that generate magnetic fields.
•Using the camera-recorder on top of or near a TV set 
may cause distortion in the images and/or sound due 
to the electromagnetic waves that the set emits.
•The powerful magnetic fields generated by speakers 
or large motors may damage your tape recordings or 
distort the images.
•The electromagnetic waves emitted from a micro-
computer will adversely affect the camera-recorder, 
causing the images and/or sound to be distorted.
•If the camera-recorder is so adversely affected by 
products that generate magnetic fields that it no 
longer operates properly, turn it off and remove the 
battery or unplug the AC adapter from the power out-
let. Then install the battery again or re-connect the 
AC adapter. After this, turn the camera-recorder back 
on.
Do not use the camera-recorder near radio 
transmitters or high-voltage equipment.
•Using the camera-recorder near a radio transmitter or 
high-voltage equipment may adversely affect the 
recorded images and/or sound.
Do not allow any sand or dust to get into the 
camera-recorder when using it at the beach 
and other similar places.
•Sand and dust can damage the camera-recorder and 
cassette. (Be especially careful when inserting or 
removing the cassettes.)
AC adapter and battery
• If the battery is extremely hot or cold, the CHARGE 
lamp will blink several times before charging starts.
• If the CHARGE lamp continues to blink even when 
the battery temperature is normal, there may be 
something wrong with the battery or AC adapter. 
Contact your dealer.
• The battery takes longer to charge when it is warm.
• The AC adapter can interfere with radio reception so 
keep radios at least 1 meter away from it.
• The AC adapter may make some noise when you are 
using it, but this is normal.
Take precautions not to drop the camera when 
moving it.
• Strong impacts may damage the camera and cause it 
to stop working.
• Handle the camera with care, using the hand strap or 
shoulder strap to carry it.
Do not spray the camera with insect sprays or 
other volatile substances.
• These can warp the camera or cause the finish to 
come off.
• Do not leave the camera-recorder in contact with 
rubber or PVC products for extended periods of time.
After use, remove the cassette and battery and 
disconnect the AC power supply cord.
• The tape can become slack or damaged if you leave 
it in the camera.
• The battery can over discharge if you leave it in the 
camera and it may become impossible to recharge it. 
						

							9
Battery characteristics
This camera-recorder uses a rechargeable lithium-
ion battery that uses its internal chemical reaction 
to generate electrical energy. This reaction is easily 
influenced by the ambient temperature and 
humidity, and the battery’s effective operating time 
is reduced as the temperature rises or falls. In very 
low temperatures, the battery may last only 5 
minutes.
Protective circuitry functions if you use the battery 
where it is very hot and you will have to wait before 
you can use it again.
Remove the battery after use
Completely remove the battery. (The battery 
continues to be used even if you have turned the 
camera off.) The battery can over discharge if you 
leave it in the camera and it may become 
impossible to recharge it.
Disposing of spent batteries
• The battery will become unchargeable. 
Rather than throwing the battery into the garbage, 
take it to a store that can assist in recycling it.
Protect the battery terminals.
Keep the battery’s terminal area free of dust and 
other foreign matter.
If you accidentally drop the battery, check that the 
battery and its terminals have not been damaged.
You can damage the camera and AC adapter if you 
try to use or recharge a damaged battery.Liquid crystal displays
• Images or letters can get burned onto the screen of 
the LCD or viewfinder if they are displayed for a long 
time, but you can fix this by leaving the camera off for 
several hours.
• The liquid crystal parts are highly precise with 
99.99% of the pixels effective 
This leaves less than 0.01% of pixels that may not 
light or may remain on all the time. These 
phenomena are normal and will have no effect on the 
images you shoot.
• Condensation may form if you use the camera where 
temperatures fluctuate. Wipe dry with a soft, dry 
cloth.
• The LCD may appear dim after immediately turning 
on a cold camera, but will brighten as the camera 
warms up.
Do not point the lens or viewfinder at the sun.
Doing so may damage the parts inside.
Protective caps for the connectors
Keep the protective caps fitted over any connectors 
that are not being used.
Mounting the camera-recorder on a tripod
The tripod mounting hole is 5.5 mm deep. Do not 
force the tripod screw beyond this depth.
You can damage the camera-recorder if you use 
any screw other than 1/4-20UNC.
Attach the tripod 
to the tripod 
hole
Before use 
						

							10
Checking the system operations
After purchase, do these system checks to ensure 
that the unit is working properly before you attempt 
to shoot anything.
1Lift up the viewfinder.
2Press on the DC cord’s battery connector and 
move it down until it clicks into place.
3Connect the DC cord to the AC adapter.
4Plug the AC cord into the power outlet.
5Return the viewfinder to its original position.
1Slide the EJECT switch in the direction shown 
by the arrow to open the cassette holder. 
The cassette holder opens automatically when 
the cassette cover is fully open. 
• The cassette holder will not open if the 
camera is not supplied with power (AC 
adapter or battery).
2Insert the cassette as shown in the diagram.
Items to prepare
AC adapter AC power supply cord
DC cord Mini DV cassette tape
Connect the AC power supply cord
Connect the cords properly as shown in the 
figure above.
• You cannot charge the battery when supplying 
power to the camera-recorder from the AC 
adapter.
CAUTION: 
• This unit will operate on 110/120/220/240 V AC. 
An AC plug adapter may be required for voltages 
other than 120 V AC. 
If a conversion plug is required, consult with your 
dealer as to which one is to be purchased.
Insert the Mini DV cassette tape
EJECT switch
P
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