Panasonic Digital Video Camcorder PV-GS300 Operating Instructions

							Before using
11LSQT0974
ªHow to turn off the power
1While pressing the button 1, set the [OFF/
ON] switch to [OFF].
ª
Recording on a tape≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.
1Press the recording start/stop button to 
start recording.
2Press the recording start/stop button again 
to pause recording.
ª
Recording still pictures onto a card 
(Photoshot) 
≥Set to Card Recording Mode.
1Press the [PHOTO SHOT] button
ª
Playing back tape≥Set to Tape Playback Mode.
1Operate with joystick.
1/;: Playback/Pause
6: Rewind/Review playback (Reverts to 
playback with the 1/; icon.) 
5: Fast forward/Cue playback (Reverts to 
playback with the 1/; icon.) 
∫:Stop
ª
Playing back card≥Set to Card Playback Mode.
1Operate with joystick.
E: Plays back the previous picture.D: Plays back the next picture.
1/∫: Slide show (Plays back the still pictures 
on the card in order) start/pause
OFF
ON
1
PC
;
PC
PHOTO SHOT
PC
PC
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							Before using
12LSQT0974
Before using
Accessories
The following are the accessories supplied with 
this product.
1) AC adaptor, DC Cable, AC Cable 
-15-2) Battery pack -15-
3) Remote control, button-type battery -26-4) Multi cable -48-5) Shoulder strap -14-6) USB cable and CD-ROM -51-
Parts identification and handling
ªCamcorder
(1)Built-in flash -36-
(2)White balance sensor -40-Remote control sensor -27-
(3)Recording lamp -65-
(4)Grip belt 
(One-touch free-style grip belt) -14-
(5)Lens (LEICA DICOMAR)
≥LEICA is a registered trademark of Leica 
microsystems IR GmbH and DICOMAR is a 
registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.
(6)Lens cover(7)Microphone (built-in, stereo) -33-,-36-
(8)
Speaker -43-
(9)Audio-video/S-Video output terminal 
[A/V] -48-≥Use the supplied Multi cable only.(10)Microphone terminal [MIC]
≥A compatible plug-in powered microphone 
can be used as an external microphone.
≥When the Camcorder is connected with AC 
Adaptor, sometimes noise may be heard 
depending on microphone type. In that 
case, please switch to battery for power 
supply and noise will stop CAUTION:
This unit will operate on 110/120/220/240 V 
AC. An AC plug adaptor may be required for 
voltages other than 120 V AC. Please 
contact either a local or foreign electrical 
parts distributor for assistance in selecting 
an alternate AC plug. We recommend using 
the accessory power plug adaptor 
(VJSS0070) in an area which has special AC 
outlets.
PV-DAC14DK2GJ2DZ00018
1)
2)
4)5)
VFC3506-1A
CR2025
3)
6)
K2CA2CA00029
K2KZ9CB00001N2QAEC000017
VFA0453VFF0304CGA-DU12
(1)
(2)
(3)
(7)
(4)(5)
(6)
A/V
MIC
(9)
(10) (8)
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							Before using
13LSQT0974
(11)Viewfinder -18-,-75-
(12)
Battery holder(13)Battery release lever [BATT] -15-
(14)Power switch [OFF/ON] -16-
(15)Status indicator -16-
(16)Menu button [MENU] -24-
(17)Joystick -22-
(18)Mode dial -21-
(19)Recording start/stop button -29-
(20)
LCD monitor -18-,-75- 
(21)LCD monitor open part [OPEN] -18-
(22)Mode select switch [AUTO/MANUAL/
FOCUS] -28-,-39-,-42-
(23)Power LCD button [POWER LCD] -25-(24)
USB terminal [ ] -51-
(25)DV input/output terminal [DV] -49-
(26)Reset button [RESET] -68-
(27)Card access lamp -21-
(28)Card slot -21-
(29)Card slot cover -20-
(30)
Cassette holder -20-
(31)Accessory shoe
≥Accessories, such as a stereo microphone 
(optional), are attached here.
(32)Cassette eject lever [OPEN/EJECT] -20-
(33)Cassette cover -20-
(34)Zoom lever [W/T] -32-Volume lever [s/VOLr] -43-
(35)Photoshot button [PHOTO SHOT] -30-
(36)
Tripod receptacle
This is a hole for attaching the Camcorder to 
optional tripod. (Please carefully read the 
operating instructions for how to attach the tripod 
to the Camcorder.) 
≥You cannot open the card slot cover when the 
tripod is used. Insert the card first and then 
attach the tripod. 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.
BATT
(11)
(12)(14)
(15)
(16)
(17)
(18)
(19)
(13)
(20)
(21)(22)
(23)
(24)
(25)
(26)
(27)
(28)
(29)
(30)(32)
(33)
(34)
(35)
(31)
(36)
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							Before using
14LSQT0974
(37)Shoulder strap fixture
This is a fixture for attaching the shoulder strap to 
hang the Camcorder from your neck or shoulder.
≥Put the strap through the fixture 1 and through 
the stopper 2 so it will not come off. Extend 
part 3 by at least 2 cm (1 inch).
≥Fit the other end of the belt similarly.
(38)Lens hood
In order to remove the lens hood, rotate it 
counter-clockwise 1. In order to fit it, place into 
slot 2, and then rotate it clockwise.
≥The lens hood has a built-in lens cover.
The one-touch free-style grip belt
ªTo use as a grip beltAdjust the belt length so it fits your hand.1Adjust the belt length and the pad position.
1 Flip the belt.
2 Adjust the length.
3 Fix the belt.
ª
To use as a hand strapIf you use the grip belt as a hand strap, then you 
can carry or handle this Camcorder more easily.
1Flip the belt.
1 Flip the belt.
2 Adjust the length.
2Put your hand through the strap.
≥Hold the Camcorder without covering the 
microphones or sensors with your hands.
(37)
3
2
1
12
(38)
13
2
1
2
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							Before using
15LSQT0974
Power supply
ªCharging the batteryWhen this product is purchased, the battery is not 
charged. Charge the battery before using this 
product.
≥Battery charging time (
-16-) 
≥We recommend using Panasonic batteries.
≥If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee 
the quality of this product.
≥If the DC Cable is connected to the AC adaptor, 
then the battery will not get charged. Remove 
the DC Cable from the AC adaptor.
1Connect the AC Cable to the AC adaptor 
and the AC Jack.
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 outlet1
Connect the AC Cable to the AC adaptor 
and the AC Jack.
2Connect the DC Cable to the AC adaptor.3Connect the DC Cable to this product.
≥The output plug of the AC Cable is not 
completely connected to the AC adaptor jack. 
As shown in 1, there is a gap.
≥Do not use the power cord for other 
equipment since the power cord is exclusively 
designed for this Camcorder. Do not use the 
power cord from other equipment for this 
Camcorder.
ª
Fitting the batteryPush the battery against the battery holder and 
slide it until it clicks.
ª
Removing the batteryWhile sliding the [BATT] lever, slide the battery 
(or the DC Cable) to remove it.
≥Hold the battery with your hand so it does not 
fall.
≥Before removing the battery, be sure to set the 
[OFF/ON] switch to [OFF].
1
BATT
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							Before using
16LSQT0974
Charging time and recordable time
The times shown in the tables below are for when 
the temperature is 25oC (77oF) and the humidity 
is 60%. If the temperature is higher or lower than 
25oC (77oF), the charging time will become 
longer.
ACharging time
BMaximum continuously recordable time
“1 h 10 min” indicates 1 hour 10 minutes.
≥The battery CGA-DU12 is supplied.
≥The charging time and recordable time shown in 
the table are approximations. The times indicate 
the recordable time when the viewfinder is used. 
The times in parentheses indicate the 
recordable time when the LCD monitor is used.
≥We recommend the Battery Pack CGA-DU12 
and CGA-DU21 for long recording time (2 hours 
or more for continuous recording, 1 hour or 
more for intermittent recording).
≥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 MAGICPIX function, etc.
≥When you use this Camcorder 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 Camcorder 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.
Turning the Camcorder on
ªHow to turn on the power
1While pressing the button 1, set the [OFF/
ON] switch to [ON].
≥The Status indicator lights red and the power 
turns on.
≥In Tape Recording Mode or Card Recording 
Mode, the lens cover opens.
≥In Tape Recording Mode or Card Recording 
Mode, if the [OFF/ON] switch is set to [ON] 
while the LCD monitor is closed and the 
viewfinder is retracted, the power turns off 
and the lens cover closes.
ª
How to turn off the power
1While pressing the button 1, set the [OFF/
ON] switch to [OFF].
≥Set the [OFF/ON] switch to [OFF] when not 
using the Camcorder.
≥The Status indicator goes off when the power 
turns off.
Supplied 
battery/
CGA-DU12
 (7.2 V/
1150 mAh) A2 h 25 min
B2 h 15 min
(2 h 5 min)
CGA-DU21
 (7.2 V/
2040 mAh) A3 h 55 min
B4 h 
(3 h 45 min)
CGR-DU06
 (7.2 V/
640 mAh) A1 h 40 min
B1 h 15 min
(1 h 10 min) 
OFF
ON
1
OFF
ON
1
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							Before using
17LSQT0974
ªHow to turn the power on and off with 
the LCD monitor/viewfinder
When the power switch is set to [ON], the power 
can be turned on and off with the LCD monitor 
and the viewfinder when the unit is in Tape 
Recording Mode or Card Recording Mode.
1Open the LCD monitor out or extend the 
viewfinder to use. (-18-)
≥The LCD monitor or viewfinder will be 
activated.
2Close the LCD monitor and retract the 
viewfinder.
≥The power will not turn off unless the LCD 
monitor is closed and the viewfinder is 
retracted.
≥The Status indicator automatically goes off 
and the power turns off. (If quick start is set to 
[ON] (
-19-), the unit goes into quick start 
standby mode and the Status indicator lights 
green.)
≥The power does not turn off even if the 
LCD monitor is closed and the viewfinder 
is retracted while recording on a tape.
3Open the LCD monitor or extend the 
viewfinder to turn the power on and use the 
Camcorder again.
≥The Status indicator lights red and the power 
turns on.
Setting date and time
When the Camcorder is turned on for the first 
time, [SET DATE AND TIME] will appear. 
≥Select [YES] and press the center of the 
joystick. Perform steps 2 and 3 below to set the 
date/time.
If the screen shows the incorrect date/time, then 
adjust it.
≥Set to Tape Recording Mode or Card 
Recording Mode.
1Set [BASIC] >> [CLOCK SET] >> [YES]. (-24-)
2Move the joystick left or right in order to 
select the item to be set. Then move the 
joystick up or down to set the desired value.
≥The year will change as follows:
2000, 2001, ..., 2089, 2000, ...
≥The 12-hour clock is used.
3Press the joystick 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 appears when the Camcorder is 
turned on, then the built-in lithium battery has 
run down. Use the steps below to charge the 
battery. When turn on the power for the first time 
after charging, [SET DATE AND TIME] will 
appear. Select [YES] and set the date and time.
Connect the AC adaptor to the Camcorder or 
attach the battery to the Camcorder, and the 
built-in lithium battery will be recharged. Leave 
the Camcorder 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.)
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
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							Before using
18LSQT0974
Using the LCD monitor
You can record the image while viewing it on the 
opened LCD monitor.
1Place your finger on OPEN and pull the LCD 
monitor out in the direction of the arrow.
≥It can open up to 90o.
2Adjust the angle of the LCD monitor 
according to your preference.
≥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 Camcorder 
may be damaged or fail.
≥If the LCD monitor is rotated by 180o towards 
the lens and the viewfinder is extended (when 
recording yourself), the LCD monitor and the 
viewfinder simultaneously light.
Using the viewfinder
ªExtending the viewfinder
1Pull out the viewfinder and extend it by 
pinching the extension knob.
≥The viewfinder will be activated. (If the LCD 
monitor is opened, the viewfinder will be 
deactivated.)
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.
OPEN
2 90o1 180o
12:30:45PM 12:30:45PM12:30:45PM
OCT 15 2006 OCT 15 2006OCT 15 2006
12:30:45PM
OCT 15 2006
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							Before using
19LSQT0974
Quick Start
When Quick Start is ON the battery power is still 
being consumed, even when the LCD Monitor 
and the Viewfinder are closed.
The Camcorder will resume recording/pause 
mode about 1.7 seconds after the LCD Monitor 
and the Viewfinder are reopened.
≥Please note in Quick Start Mode approximately 
half the pause recording power is being 
consumed.
Using Quick Start Mode will reduce the battery 
recording/playback time.
≥This is only activated in the following cases.
≥A tape or a card is inserted, while the Tape 
Recording Mode is set.
≥A card is inserted, while the Card Recording 
Mode is set.
≥Set to Tape/Card Recording Mode.
1Set [SETUP] >> [QUICK START] >> [ON]. 
(-24-)2While the [OFF/ON] switch is still set to 
[ON], close the LCD monitor and retract the 
Viewfinder.
≥The Status indicator lights green and the unit 
goes into quick start standby mode.
≥The lens cover does not close.
≥The Camcorder will not go into quick start 
standby unless the LCD monitor is closed and 
the viewfinder is retracted.
3Open the LCD monitor or extend the 
Viewfinder.
≥The Status indicator lights red and the 
Camcorder is put into recording pause 
approx. 1.7 seconds after it is turned on.ª
To cancel Quick Start
1Set [SETUP] >> [QUICK START] >> [OFF]. 
(-24-)
≥If the [OFF/ON] switch is set to [OFF] while the 
unit is in quick start standby, the lens cover 
closes and the power turns off.
≥If the standby continues for approx. 30 minutes, 
then the Status indicator will go off and the 
Camcorder will be completely turned off.
≥If the Mode dial is moved or the battery is 
removed in quick start standby mode, quick 
start is canceled and the power turns off. 
≥When the Camcorder is quick-started with the 
white balance on automatic, it may take some 
time until the white balance is adjusted if the 
scene being recorded has a light source 
different from the scene last recorded. (When 
the MagicPix function is used, however, the 
white balance of the scene last recorded is 
retained.) 
≥If the power is turned on in quick start standby, 
the zoom magnification becomes 1t and the 
picture size may differ from what it was before 
quick start standby.
≥If [POWER SAVE] (
-29-) is set to [5 MINUTES] 
and the unit automatically goes into quick start 
standby mode, set the [OFF/ON] switch to 
[OFF], then to [ON] again. Also, close the LCD 
monitor and retract the viewfinder and then 
open the LCD monitor or extend the viewfinder 
again.
≥When using the AC adaptor, Quick Start can be 
used even if a tape/card is not inserted.
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
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							Before using
20LSQT0974
Inserting/removing a cassette
1Fit the AC adaptor or the battery and turn on 
the power.
2Slide the [OPEN/EJECT] lever and open the 
cassette cover.
≥When the cover is fully opened, the cassette 
holder will come out.
3After 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.
4Push the [PUSH] mark 1 in order to close 
the cassette holder.
≥The cassette holder is housed.
5Only after the cassette holder is completely 
housed, close the cassette cover tightly.
≥When inserting a previously recorded cassette, 
use the blank search function to find the position 
where you want to continue recording. If you are 
overwriting a previously recorded cassette, be 
sure to find the position where you want to 
continue recording.
≥When closing the cassette cover, do not get 
anything, such as a cable, caught in the cover.
≥After use, be sure to rewind the cassette 
completely, remove it and put it in a case. Store 
the case in an upright position. (
-74-) 
≥If the indicator of the condensation does not 
display on the LCD screen and/or EVF and you 
notice condensation on the lens or the main unit, do not open the cassette cover otherwise 
condensation may be formed on the heads or 
the cassette tape. (
-72-) 
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
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).
Inserting/removing a card
Before inserting/removing a card, set the [OFF/
ON] switch to [OFF].
≥If the card is inserted or removed with the power 
turned on, this Camcorder may malfunction or 
the data recorded on the card may be lost.
1Turn off the power 1.
≥Check that the Status indicator has gone off.
2Open the card slot cover.
OPEN/EJECT
PUSH
1
R E C
SAVE
1
OFF
ON
1
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