Panasonic Camera Recorder Ajhdc27hp Operating Instructions

							61
Variable frame rate
This camera-recorder enables the frame rate
(shooting speed) to be set from 4 fps to 60 fps.
Since the 720P/59.94 Hz or 720P/60.00 Hz format is
used for recording onto the tape or outputting to the
HD SDI MON connector and the HD SDI EE
connector , users now have the exciting opportunity to
create a whole new dimension of moving images with
clearer slow-motion images and blur effects—a world
which was hitherto confined to the field of film
production—in their own video productions.
This unit automatically stores as the tape
management information both the frame rate
information which indicates the shooting speed and
the active frame information which indicates the first
frame where the frame image was switched in the
user bits of the sub-code track area (this used to be
the LTC area).  This information is output from the TC
OUT connector, HD SDI MON connector and HD SDI
EE connector.  Further, the active frame information is
stored in the least significant digit of the user bits
while the frame rate information is stored in its lower
third and fourth digits.
Setting the frame rate
There are three ways in which the frame rate can be
set.
Using menu operations
1Perform the menu operations (pages 86 to 88),
and display the “FRAME MODE” screen of FILM
(CAM) MAIN MENU 2.
2Turn the JOG dial button to move the arrow
(cursor) to the “FRAME RATE” item.
3Press the JOG dial button, and set the desired
frame rate.
Turn the JOG dial button to select the frame rate,
and press the JOG dial button to enter the
selection.
4Press the MENU button to exit the menu
operations.
The setting menu is cleared, and the displays
showing the unit’s current statuses appear at the
top and bottom of the viewfinder screen.
n< FRAME MODE >
FRAME RATE RANGE   :60-12
FRAME RATE         :24
SCAN REVERSE       :OFF
USER SW FRAME RA
TE :24
Using the synchro scan adjustment switches 
(“+” and “–”)
1Set the unit to a status other than the menu
operation status.
2When the JOG dial button is pressed, the frame
rate information display at the top left of the
viewfinder screen starts flashing.
3Press the synchro scan adjustment switches (“+”
and “–”) to set the desired frame rate.

After about 5 seconds, the frame rate information
display stops flashing and lights.  Press the
synchro scan adjustment switches (“+” and “–”)
while this display is flashing.
4Press the JOG dial button to enter the frame rate.
Refrain from further operation, and in about 5
seconds the frame rate information display on the
viewfinder screen will stop flashing, and the frame
rate will be set.
24
EX21/250 S 10min 14.6V
/46 BP402
1B A 12dBTCG 00:00:00:00
F5.6 Z99iREC
!D.L.

When the frame rate has been changed, adjust the
black balance once again.



						

							62
n< FRAME MODE >
FRAME RATE RANGE   :60-12
FRAME RATE         :24
SCAN REVERSE       :OFF
USER SW FRAME RA
TE :24
Variable frame rate (continued)
After setting your desired frame rate with the USER
(USER1 or USER2) button through menu operations,
you can shoot with the set frame rate simply by
pressing the USER button.
You can recover the previous frame rate by pressing
the USER button again.
5Turn the JOG dial button to move the arrow
(cursor) to the  screen title
and then press the JOG dial button.
6Turn the JOG dial button to move the arrow
(cursor) to the “USER1 SW” or “USER2 SW” item.
< CAMERA SW MODE >
FILTER INH       :ON
SHOCKLESS AWB    :OFF
COLOR BARS       :FULL BARS
S.GAIN OFF     
  :L/M/H
nUSER1 SW         :INH
USER2 SW         :Y GET
S.BLK LVL        :OFF
ECU DATA SAVE    :OFF
AUTO K
NEE SW     :OFF
2Turn the JOG dial button to move the arrow
(cursor) to the “USER SW FRAME RATE” item.
4Turn the JOG dial button to move the arrow
(cursor) to the  screen title and
then press the JOG dial button.
3Press the JOG dial button for setting the frame
rate.
Turn the JOG dial button to select a frame rate (12
fps to 60 fps) and then press the JOG dial button to
enter the setting.
7Turn the JOG dial button until “F.RATE” is
displayed and then press the JOG dial button to
enter the setting.
8Press the MENU button to end the menu
operations.
9When the USER button is pressed in the rec-pause
mode or stop mode, the frame rate is switched to
the rate you have set.  When you press the USER
button again, the previous frame rate is retrieved.
OIf you press the USER button during recording,
the frame rate will not be changed to the set rate.
OWhile the frame rate can be changed by the
USER button operation, you cannot change the
frame rate by pressing the JOG dial button and
then a SYNCHRO (“+” or “–”) button.
1Perform the menu operations (pages 86 to 88),
and display the “FRAME MODE” screen of FILM
(CAM) MAIN MENU 2. Setting the frame rate using the USER1 or USER2
button



						

							63
Variable frame rate(continued)

In this unit, the frame rate is set by changing the
storage time of the optical signals sensed by the CCD.
Depending on the frame rate setting, the following
problems may arise.
1White blemish
White blemishes may be seen on the screen on
account of the fluctuations in the dark current of the
photodiodes which make up the CCD picture
elements. This current increases in direct
proportion to the rise in the CCD’s temperature and
storage time in the photodiode.
In short, the white blemish increase in inverse
proportion to the frame rate setting.
When a lower frame rate setting is desired, reduce
the master gain setting and, where possible, avoid
direct sunlight and use the unit in a cool
environment.
When using this unit particularly at a low frame rate
of 11 fps or less, the extremely small white streaks
generated by the CCD are minimized using a
special method.  For this reason, when subjects
with extremely small bright spots are shot, these
spots may appear less bright.
2Delayed response time in automatic processing
When the frame rate setting has been lowered, it
takes longer for the unit to perform the automatic
processing (such as auto white balance, flare
compensation, auto knee and auto iris), possibly
giving the user the impression that something is
odd or wrong.
The response time for automatic processes is
particularly slow at a frame rate of 20 fps and
below.
When the frame rate has been set to 20 fps or
below, it is recommended that the unit be operated
with the automatic processing released.3Disturbed images
The images may be disturbed for an instant when
shooting while maintaining the frame-to-frame
continuity of the scenes with the time code set to
the rec run mode and with the frame rate set at 24
fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 50 fps.
This occurs in order to reset the video signals from
the camera so as to maintain the continuity of the
time code recorded on the tape.
The disturbed images are not recorded on the tape
but they will affect the signals which are output from
the HD SDI MON connector.
Similarly, the images may also be disturbed for an
instant when the time code has been locked to
external signals or preset while the frame rate is set
at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 50 fps. 
If the time code has been set to the free run mode,
the images may also be disturbed at that instant
when the frame rate is switched to 24 fps, 25 fps,
30 fps or 50 fps. 
However, the images will not be disturbed
during recording even if the frame rate is
switched to 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 50 fps.



						

							64
Adjusting the audio level
When the AUTO SELECT CH1 and CH2 selector
switches are set to AUTO, the audio CH1 and CH2
input levels are adjusted automatically.
Proceed as follows to adjust the audio channel 1 and
2 levels manually.
Manual audio level adjustments
When the audio levels have been adjusted manually,
the limiter circuit is tripped by an excessively high
input level.  This circuit can be turned ON or OFF on
the MIC/AUDIO screen of the VTR menu.
(The factory setting is OFF.)
Limiter
1Set the AUTO SELECT CH1 and CH2 selector
switches to MAN.AUTO SELECT CH1
selector switch
AUTO SELECT CH2
selector switch AUDIO LEVEL
CH1 control
AUDIO LEVEL
CH2 control
2Adjust the AUDIO LEVEL CH1 and CH2 controls in
such a way that, when audio signals are input, the
level meter reading will not exceed 0 dBu even
under maximum signal input level conditions.
Scan reverse
Using an HD lens adapter made by Angenieux, this
unit supports the ultra-prime lenses used for film
cameras as a standard feature.  Furthermore, it can
also select the setting of the scan reverse function for
canceling the image correction (reversal of the
top/bottom and left/right of the images) that is
performed when this adapter is used.
Setting the scan reverse
1Perform the menu operations (pages 86 to 88),
and display the “FRAME MODE” screen of FILM
(CAM) MAIN MENU 2.
2Turn the JOG dial button to move the arrow
(cursor) to the “SCAN REVERSE” item.
3Press the JOG dial button, and set the desired
scan reverse.
Turn the JOG dial button, ON or OFF and press
the JOG dial button to enter the selection.
4Press the MENU button to exit the menu
operations.
The setting menu is cleared, and the displays
showing the unit’s current statuses appear at the
top and bottom of the viewfinder screen.
n< FRAME MODE >
FRAME RATE RANGE  :60-12
FRAME RATE        :24
SCAN REVERSE      :OFF
USER SW FRAME RATE:
24



						

							65
Setting the time data
When the user bits and time code are both to be used,
the user bits are set first.
If the time code is set first, the time code generator
will stop while the user bits are being set so that the
time code setting will be off.
The time code setting range extends from 00:00:00:00
to 23:59:59:29.
In the internal color bar signal recording mode,
memos (dates and times) of up to six hexadecimal
digits can be recorded on the sub-code track by
setting the user bits.User bits memory function
The user bits settings (except for the actual time) are
automatically saved in the memory and retained even
after the power is turned off.

OIn the camera image recording mode, the tape
management information shown on page 68 is
output.
OWhen DATE is selected from the UB MODE items,
the real time operations for year/month/day of the
TIME/DATE screen are adhered to. 
OWhen TIME is selected from the UB MODE items,
the real time operations for hours/minutes/seconds
of the TIME/DATE screen are adhered to.
OThe user bits setting contents are output to the six
higher digits of the user bits in the VIDEO AUX area
(which used to be the VITC area).  In the internal
color bar signal recording mode, they are also
output to the six higher digits of the LTC user bits.
OThe user bits cannot be set since the active frame
information and other tape management
information is always output to the two lower digits
of the user bits.
Setting the user bits
2Set the DISPLAY switch to UB.
3Set the TCG switch to SET.
6Select UB MODE item on the TC/UB screen of
VTR MENU.
4Set the user bits using the SHIFT button, “+” button
and “–” button.
SHIFT button:
This is used to start the digit to be set flashing.
Each time it is pressed, the flashing moves by
one digit to the right.
“+” button:
This increments by 1 the numerical value of the
flashing digit.
“–” button:
This decrements by 1 the numerical value of the
flashing digit.
5Set the TCG switch to F-RUN or R-RUN.
Hexadecimal
notation
DisplayABCDEF
A to F in hexadecimal notation are displayed as follows:
2
4
13,5
1Set the OUTPUT (output signal selector)/AUTO
KNEE switch to BARS.



						

							66
Setting the time code
1Set the DISPLAY switch to TC.
2Set the TCG switch to SET.
3Switch the TC MODE to DF or NDF on the TC/UB
screen of VTR MENU.
Select DF to run the time code in the drop frame
mode or select NDF to run the time code in the
non-drop frame mode.
4Set the time code using the SHIFT button, “+”
button and “–” button.
SHIFT button:
This is used to start the digit to be set flashing.
Each time it is pressed, the flashing moves by
one digit to the right.
“+” button:
This increments by 1 the numerical value of the
flashing digit.
“–” button:
This decrements by 1 the numerical value of the
flashing digit.
5Select the TCG switch position.
Select F-RUN for running the time code in the free-
run mode or select R-RUN for running it in the rec-
run mode.
Setting the time data(continued)
Time code when the battery is replaced
The backup function works even when the battery is
replaced, and the time code generator continues to
operate for a prolonged duration (approx. 1 year).

When the POWER switch is set to ON 5OFF5
ON, the backup accuracy of the time code is
approximately ±2 frames.
1
42,5

OWhen the frame rate is set to 24 fps, this unit will
perform the processing in the non-drop frame mode
in order to maintain the continuity of the frames
even when the time code has been set to the drop
frame mode.
Furthermore, when the frame rate has been set to
24 fps, it will not be possible to set the time code
while recording is in progress since the images will
be disturbed if the advancing of the time code is
discontinuous.
OWhen the frame frequency has been set to 60.00
Hz, the unit always performs the processing in the
non-drop frame mode.
6Set the number of frames per seconds (24, 25 or
30) displayed in the frame digits of the time code
using the TC DISP SEL item on the TC/UB screen
of VTR MENU.
The time code is converted to the number of
frames which has been set here, and displayed.



						

							67
Externally locking the time code
1Set the POWER switch to ON.
2Set the TCG switch to F-RUN.
3Set the DISPLAY switch to TC.
4Supply the reference time code and reference
video signal which are in a phase relationship that
satisfies the time code standard to the TC IN
connector and GENLOCK IN connector
respectively.
When the external lock operation is performed, the
time code is instantly locked to the external time code,
and the same value as the external code value
appears on the counter display.
Do not set the unit to the recording mode during the
few seconds it takes for the sync generator to
stabilize.
User bits setting when the time code is externally
locked
When the time code is externally locked, only the time
data is locked to the time data of the external time
code.
This means that the user bits can be set separately for
each unit.
The user bits can also be locked to the user bits of the
external time code.  For details, consult your dealer.
To release the external lock
First stop supplying the external time code, and set
the TCG switch to R-RUN.
When switching the power from the battery to an
external power supply while the time code is
externally locked
In order to ensure the continuity of the time code
generator’s power, connect the external power supply
to the DC IN connector, and then remove the battery
pack.  If the battery pack is removed first, no
guarantees can be made for the continuity of the
external locking of the time code.
Gen-locking of the camera unit while the time
code is externally locked
While the time code is externally locked, the camera
unit is gen-locked by the reference video signal which
is supplied to the GEN LOCK IN connector.

OWhen the frame rate is set to 24 fps, this unit will
perform the processing in the non-drop frame mode
in order to maintain the continuity of the frames
even when the time code has been set to the drop
frame mode.
Furthermore, when the frame frequency has been
set to 60.00 Hz as well, the unit performs the
processing in the non-drop frame mode.
If an external time code generator is used, set it to
the non-drop frame mode.
OUse the same frame frequency setting for the
reference time code and reference videos signal as
the unit’s setting.
When the frame rate is used at 24 fps, the image
may be disturbed if the frame frequencies differ.
Setting the time data(continued)
3
2
1
GENLOCK INTC IN
The time code generator of the VTR unit can be
locked to an external generator.
Example of connections for external
lock
When locking to an external signal
Reference
time code
Reference
video signal
The built-in time code generator is now locked to the
reference time code.
About 10 seconds after locking, the external lock
status will be retained even if the connection of the
externally supplied reference time code is
disconnected.  However, the servo lock will be subject
to disturbances if it is connected or disconnected
during recording (REC).



						

							68
Tape management information
This unit automatically stores as the tape management information both the frame rate information which
indicates the shooting speed and the active frame information which indicates the first frame where the frame
image was switched in the user bits of the sub-code track area (this used to be the LTC area).  This information
is output from the TC OUT connector, HD SDI MON connector and HD SDI EE connector.  Further, the active
frame information is stored in the least significant digit of the user bits while the frame rate information is stored
in its lower third and fourth digits.
Example of display
01:12:01:50
User bits setting
Frame frequency
5: 59.94 Hz
6: 60.00 Hz
Tape management information
OActive frame information
OREC START/STOP mark
01:12:01:xx
User bits setting
Tape management information
LTC user bits verification information
To verify the VITC user bits, set the DISPLAY
switch to UB, and hold down the HOLD button.
While the HOLD button is held down, the VITC user
bits information appears on the counter display.
02:40:24:50
OWhen the camera’s video signals are being
recorded
Recorded frame number count
This indicates the number of frames
recorded.
When the frame rate has been set to
24 fps and recording has been
performed for 10 seconds, “0240”
will be displayed as the count.
When recording is started, the count
is reset to “0000,” and the number of
recorded frames per cut is counted
up to “9999.”
Frame rate information
24 fps
(23.98 fps)
Frame frequency
5: 59.94 Hz
6: 60.00 Hz
Tape management information
OActive frame information
OREC START/STOP mark
VITC user bits
OWhen the internal color bar signals are being
recorded LTC user bits

The table below shows the correlation between the
active frame rate and time code in the 24P, 25P, 30P
and 50P modes.
00010203040506•••23242526272829
CDDDAABBBCCDDDAABBBCCDDDAABB•••
10100101001010•••01001010010100
Frame rate: 24 fps (2:3)
Active frame
Time code frame
digit
Image
Active frame
information
00010203040506•••23242526272829
EEAABBBCCDDDEEAABBBCCDDDEEAA•••
1010 01 01 00 1010•••10101001010010
Frame rate: 25 fps (2:3:2:3:2)
Time code frame
digit
Image
Active frame
information
000102•••
AABBCC•••
1010 10•••
Frame rate: 30 fps (2:2)
Time code frame
digit
Image
Active frame
information
00010203040506•••23242526272829
DEAABCDEAABCDEAABCDEAABCDEAA•••
1011 11 10 11 1110•••11101111101111
Frame rate: 50 fps (2:1:1:1:1)
Time code frame
digit
Image
Active frame
information



						

							69
How to use the user data
The contents of the setting menus can be saved in the
user area of the camera’s memory, and they can be
loaded from this area.  Use of this data speeds up the
process of reproducing suitable setup statuses.
User data operation
Menus are used to save the setting menu contents in
the user area of the camera’s memory and load them
from this area.
Saving the user dataLoading the user data
1Perform the menu operations (pages 86 to 88),
and display the “INITIALIZE” screen of FILM
(CAM) MAIN MENU 4.
2Turn the JOG dial button to move the arrow
(cursor) to the WRITE USER DATA item.
4Turn the JOG dial button to move the arrow
(cursor) to YES, and press the JOG dial button.
The data settings are saved in the user area of the
camera’s memory.
5After the data has been saved, press the MENU
button twice.
The setting menu is cleared, and the displays
showing the unit’s current statuses appear at the
top and bottom of the viewfinder screen.
1Perform the menu operations (pages 86 to 88),
and display the “CAM CARD READ/WRITE”
screen of FILM (CAM) MAIN MENU 3.
2Turn the JOG dial button to move the arrow
(cursor) to the READ USER DATA item.
4Turn the JOG dial button to move the arrow
(cursor) to YES, and press the JOG dial button.
The data settings saved in the user area of the
camera’s memory are loaded, and the settings are
completed.
5Press the MENU button twice.
The setting menu is cleared, and the displays
showing the unit’s current statuses appear at the
top and bottom of the viewfinder screen.
n< CAM CARD READ/WRITE >
SELECT      :1
READ
SELECT      :1
WRITE
CARD CONFIG
TITLE READ
READ USER DATA
TITLE
:
1:             5:
2:             6:
3:             7:
4:             8:
< CAM CARD READ/WRITE >
SELECT      :1
READ
SELECT      :1
WRITE
CARD CONFIG
TITLE READ
nREAD USER DATA
TITLE
:
1:             5:
2:             6:
3:             7:
4:             8:
n< INITIALIZE >
READ FACTORY DATA
WRITE USER DATA
SCENE SEL          :1
READ
WRITE
RESET
TITLE1:
TITLE2:
TITLE
3:
TITLE4:
3When the JOG dial button is pressed, the following
message appears.
READ ?
YES
nNO
3When the JOG dial button is pressed, the following
message appears.
WRITE ?
YES
nNO
6When the frame frequency setting has been
changed, it is necessary to restart the unit by
turning the POWER switch to OFF and then to ON
again for the setting to be switched.



						

							70
How to use the scene file
The contents of the setting menus can be saved in the
scene file area of the camera’s memory, and they can
be loaded from this area.
Four scene files are provided in the unit.
Use of this data speeds up the process of reproducing
suitable setup statuses.
Scene file operation
Menus are used to save the setting menu contents in
the scene file area of the camera’s memory and load
them from this area.
Saving the scene file
1Perform the menu operations (pages 86 to 88),
and display the “INITIALIZE” screen of FILM
(CAM) MAIN MENU 4.
2Turn the JOG dial button to move the arrow
(cursor) to the SCENE SEL item.
n< INITIALIZE >
READ FACTORY DATA
WRITE USER DATA
SCENE SEL          :1
READ
WRITE
RESET
TITLE1:
TITLE2:
TITLE
3:
TITLE4:
< INITIALIZE >
READ FACTORY DATA
WRITE USER DATA
nSCENE SEL          :1
READ
WRITE
RESET
TITLE1:
TITLE2:
TITLE
3:
TITLE4:
3When the JOG dial button is pressed, the scene
file number starts flashing.  Turn the JOG dial
button to select the scene file in which data is to be
saved.
4Press the JOG dial button to enter the scene file.
5Turn the JOG dial button to move the arrow
(cursor) to the TITLE1, TITLE2, TITLE3 or TITLE4
item that corresponds to the scene file whose title
is to be provided.
< INITIALIZE >
READ FACTORY DATA
WRITE USER DATA
SCENE SEL          :1
READ
WRITE
RESET
nTITLE1:
TITLE2:
TITLE
3:
TITLE4:
< INITIALIZE >
READ FACTORY DATA
WRITE USER DATA
SCENE SEL          :1
READ
WRITE
RESET
m
TITLE1:
TITLE2:
TITLE
3:
TITLE4:
6When the JOG dial button is pressed, the arrow
(cursor) moves to the title input area, and the input
mode is established.
7Press the JOG dial button again and turn it until the
character to be set is displayed.
When the button is turned, the character displayed
is switched in the following sequence:
Space:)
7
letters: A—Z
7
numbers: 0—9
7
symbols: ’, >,