Panasonic Digital Video Camcorder PV-GS55 Operating Instructions

							Spanish Quick Use Guide is included.     
Guía para rápida consulta en español está incluida.       
LSQT0760 B
For USA assistance, please call: 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
For Canadian assistance, please call: 1-800-561-5505 or visit us at www.panasonic.ca
Digital Video  Camcorder
Operating Instructions
Model No. PV-GS55
Mini
Before attempting to connect, operate or adjust this product, 
please read these instructions thoroughly. 
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Things You Should Know
Thank you for choosing Panasonic! 
You have purchased one of the most 
sophisticated and reliable products on the 
market today. Used properly, we’re sure it will 
bring you and your family years of enjoyment. 
Please take time to fill in the information on the 
right.
The serial number is on the tag located on the 
underside of your Palmcorder. Be sure to retain 
this manual as your convenient Palmcorder 
information source.
Safety Precautions
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Your 
 Palmcorder is designed to record and play back in Standard Play (SP) mode and Long Play 
(LP) mode
It is recommended that only cassette tapes that have been tested and inspected for use in Palmcorder 
with the 
 mark be used.
AC Adaptor
≥The rating plate is on the underside of the AC Adaptor.
Ò
Ò
CAUTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK  
DO NOT OPEN     
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, 
 DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)
 NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
 REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
This symbol warns the user 
that uninsulated voltage within 
the unit may have sufficient 
magnitude to cause electric 
shock. 
Therefore, it is dangerous to 
make any kind of contact with 
any inside part of this unit.
This symbol alerts the user that 
important literature concerning 
the operation and maintenance 
of this unit has been included.  
Therefore, it should be read 
carefully in order to avoid any 
problems.
Date of Purchase 
Dealer Purchased From 
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone No. 
Model No.    
Serial No.
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FCC Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital 
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable 
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, 
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the 
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee 
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful 
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and 
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
≥Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
≥Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
≥Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is 
connected.
≥Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution: To assure continued compliance, follow the attached installation instructions and use 
only shielded interface cables with ferrite core when connecting to computer or peripheral devices.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could 
void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
CAUTION: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD AND ANNOYING INTERFERENCE, USE THE 
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, 
FULLY INSERT.
CAUTION: DANGER OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS INCORRECTLY REPLACED. REPLACE 
ONLY WITH THE SAME OR EQUIVALENT TYPE.
≥Since this product gets hot during use, operate it in well ventilated place; do not install this equipment 
in a confined space such as a bookcase or similar unit.
AS WITH ANY SMALL OBJECT, SD CARDS CAN BE SWALLOWED BY YOUNG CHILDREN. DO 
NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO HANDLE THE SD CARD.Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name:Panasonic
Model No.:PV-GS55
Responsible party:Matsushita Electric Corporation of America
One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094
Support Contact:Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
1-800-211-PANA (7262)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two 
conditions: (1)This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept 
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
WARNING
PV-GS55
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus 
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two 
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding 
prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not 
fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience 
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or the table specified by the 
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution 
when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when it will be left unused for 
long periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has 
been damaged in any way, such as when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has 
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or 
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
S3125A
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Precautions
USE & LOCATION
≥TO AVOID SHOCK HAZARD ... Your 
Palmcorder and power supply should not be 
exposed to rain or moisture. Do not connect the 
power supply or operate your Palmcorder if it 
gets wet. Your Palmcorder has been designed 
for outdoor use, however it is not designed to 
sustain direct exposure to water, rain, sleet, 
snow, sand, dust, or a direct splashing from a 
pool or even a cup of coffee. This action could 
permanently damage the internal parts of your 
Palmcorder. Do not attempt to disassemble this 
unit. There are no user serviceable parts inside. 
Unplug your Palmcorder from the power supply 
before cleaning.
≥
DO NOT AIM YOUR PALMCORDER AT THE 
SUN OR OTHER BRIGHT OBJECTS
≥DO NOT LEAVE THE PALMCORDER WITH 
THE EVF AIMED DIRECTLY AT THE SUN AS 
THIS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE 
INTERNAL PARTS OF THE EVF
≥DO NOT EXPOSE YOUR PALMCORDER TO 
EXTENDED HIGH TEMPERATURE ... Such 
as, in direct sunlight, inside a closed car, next 
to a heater, etc... This action could permanently 
damage the internal parts of your Palmcorder.≥
AVOID SUDDEN CHANGES IN 
TEMPERATURE ... If the unit is suddenly 
moved from a cold place to a warm place, 
moisture may form on the tape and inside the 
unit.
≥
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PALMCORDER OR 
THE POWER SUPPLY TURNED ON WHEN 
NOT IN USE.
≥STORAGE OF YOUR PALMCORDER ... Store 
and handle your Palmcorder in a manner that 
will not subject it to unnecessary movement 
(avoid shaking and striking). Your Palmcorder 
contains a sensitive pick-up device which could 
be damaged by improper handling or storage.
CARE≥TO CLEAN YOUR PALMCORDER ... Do not 
use strong or abrasive detergents when cleaning 
your Palmcorder body.
≥
TO PROTECT THE LENS ... Do not touch the 
surface of the lens with your hand. Use a 
commercial Palmcorder lens solution and lens 
paper when cleaning the lens. Improper cleaning 
can scratch the lens coating.
≥
TO PROTECT THE FINISH OF YOUR 
PALMCORDER ... Before handling your 
Palmcorder, make sure your hands and face are 
free from any chemical products, such as suntan 
lotion, as it may damage the finish.
Apparatus Claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,631,603, 4,577,216, and 4,819,098, licensed for limited 
viewing.
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain 
U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights 
owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, 
and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by 
Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
WARNING
CAUTION
This class B digital apparatus complies with CANADIAN ICES-003.
A lithium ion/polymer battery that is recyclable powers the product 
you have  purchased. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information  
on how to recycle this battery.
U.S.A./CANADA CONSUMERS:  AT TENTION:
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Before opening the CD-ROM package, please read the following.
End User License Agreement (for USB Driver, WebCam Driver 
and DV STUDIO)
You (“Licensee”) are granted a license for the Software defined in this End User Software Agreement 
(“Agreement”) on condition that you agree to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. If Licensee 
does not agree to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, promptly return the Software to 
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (“Matsushita”), its distributors or dealers from which you made 
the purchase. 
Article 1 License
Licensee is granted the right to use the software, including the information recorded or described on 
the CD-ROM, instruction manuals, and any other media provided to Licensee (collectively “Software”), 
but all applicable rights to patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets in the Software are not 
transferred to Licensee.
Article 2 Use by a Third Party
Licensee may not use, copy, modify, transfer or allow any third party, whether free of charge or not, to 
use, copy or modify the Software, except as expressly provided for in this Agreement.
Article 3 Restrictions on Copying the Software
Licensee may make a single copy of the Software in whole or in part solely for back-up purpose.
Article 4 Computer
Licensee may only use the Software on a single computer at a single location.
Article 5 Reverse Engineering, Decompiling or Disassembly
Licensee may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Software, except to the extent 
either of them is permitted under law or regulation of the country where Licensee resides. Matsushita, 
or its distributors or dealers will not be responsible for any defects in the Software or damage to 
Licensee caused by Licensee’s reverse engineering, decompiling, or disassembly of the Software.
Article 6 Limitation of Liability
The Software is provided “AS-IS” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, 
but not limited to, warranties of non-infringement, merchantability and/or fitness for a particular 
purpose. Further, Matsushita does not warrant that the operation of the Software will be uninterrupted 
or error free. Matsushita or any of its distributors or dealers will not be liable for any damage suffered by 
Licensee arising from or in connection with Licensee’s use of the Software.
Article 7 Export Control
Licensee agrees not to export or re-export to any country the Software in any form without the 
appropriate export licenses under regulations of the country where Licensee resides, if necessary.
Article 8 Termination of License
The right granted to Licensee hereunder will be automatically terminated if Licensee violates any of the 
terms and conditions of this Agreement. Upon such automatic termination, Licensee must destroy the 
Software and related documentation together with all the copies thereof at Licensee’s own expense.
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Before opening the CD-ROM package, please read the following.
G.726 Audio Decoder End User License Agreement
YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS. THIS IS A 
LEGAL DOCUMENT WHICH CONSTITUTES YOUR AGREEMENT AS END USER FOR THE USE 
OF THE SOFTWARE IN THAT PACKAGE. BY INSTALLING THIS SOFTWARE, YOU INDICATE 
YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THIS LIMITED USE SOFTWARE LICENSE.
IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, PROMPTLY RETURN THE DISK 
PACKAGE AND THE ACCOMPANYING ITEMS WITH YOUR SALES RECEIPT TO YOUR VENDOR.
LIMITED USE SOFTWARE LICENSEYou, the Licensee, are granted a non-exclusive software license to use the Software and related 
documentation supplied herein. The terms of this license are as follows:
1) You may use the Software on a single computer at a single location.
2) As you, the Licensee, own the physical media on which the Software is recorded, the Licensor of 
the Software retains title and ownership thereof, regardless of the form or media in or on which the 
original and other copies may exist. This License is not a sale of the original Software or any copy 
thereof.
3) You are required to protect the copyright of the Software. You may NOT distribute or otherwise 
make the Software or documentation available to any third party without the prior written consent of 
the Licensor. You may be held legally responsible for any copyright infringement that is caused or 
encouraged by your failure to abide by the terms of this License.
4) You may NOT modify or alter the Software. Any portion of the Software that is merged into or used 
in conjunction with other software will continue to be the property of the Licensor and will be subject 
to the terms of this License.
5) You are permitted to copy the Software for exclusive use as your working copy. Any such copy 
must contain the same copyright notice and proprietary marking as the original Software.
6) You may not transfer or assign the Software or this License to any other person without the prior 
written consent of the Licensor. Any authorized transferee of the Software shall be bound by the 
same terms and conditions of this License and, in such case your license is automatically 
terminated. In no event may you transfer, assign, rent, sell, or otherwise dispose of the Software on 
a temporary or permanent basis except as expressly provided herein.
7) This License is effective until terminated. This License will terminate automatically without notice 
from the Licensor if you fail to comply with any provision of this Agreement. Upon termination you 
will destroy the Software together with all copies and modifications in any form.
8) The Software has been tested and the documentation has been reviewed. However, THE 
LICENSOR MAKES NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION INCLUDING THE IMPLIED 
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR USE, ALL OF WHICH ARE 
EXCLUDED. Some states do not allow exclusion of implied warranties so the above disclaimer 
may not apply to you.
9) The Licensor will not be liable or in any way responsible for any incidental or consequential 
economic or property damage in connection with the Software or its documentation. Some states 
do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages so the above exclusion may not 
apply to you.
10) (Notice to U.S. Government End Users) The Software and Documentation are “Commercial Items”, 
as that term is defined at 48 C.F.R. 2.101, consisting of “Commercial Computer Software” and 
“Commercial Computer Software Documentation”, as such terms are used in 48 C.F.R. 12.212 or 
48 C.F.R. 227.7202, as applicable. Consistent with 48 C.F.R. 12.212 or 48 C.F.R. 227.7202-1 
through 227.7202-4, as applicable, the Commercial Computer Software and Commercial Computer 
Software Documentation are being licensed to U.S. Government end users (A) only as Commercial 
Items and (B) with only those rights as are granted to all other end users pursuant to the terms and 
conditions herein.
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Contents
Before Use
Quick Guide ...................................................  10
Standard Accessories....................................  12
Controls and Components .............................  12
The Remote Controller ..................................  15
Power Supply ................................................  16
Charging Time and Available Recording 
Time ............................................................  16
The One-touch Free Style Grip Belt ..............  17
Attaching the Lens Cap .................................  17
Attaching the Shoulder Strap.........................  17
Inserting a Cassette.......................................  18
Using a Memory Card....................................  18
Turning on the Palmcorder ............................  19
Selecting Modes ............................................  19
Using the Viewfinder/LCD Monitor ................  19
Using the Menu Screen .................................  20
List of Menus .................................................  21
Setting Date and Time ...................................  24
Internal Lithium Battery Recharge .................  24
LP Mode ........................................................  24
Audio Recording Mode ..................................  24
Recording Mode
About Recording ............................................  25
Recording on a Tape .....................................  25
Recording a Still Picture on a Card 
(Photoshot) .................................................  26
Recording a Moving Picture on a Card 
(MPEG4) .....................................................  27
Quick Start .....................................................  28
Self-timer Recording ......................................  28
Zoom In/Out Functions ..................................  28
Digital Zoom Function....................................  29
Image Stabilizer Function ..............................  29
Fade In/Out Functions ...................................  30
Backlight Compensation Function .................  30
MagicPix Functions .......................................  30
Soft Skin Function .........................................  31
Wind Noise Reduction Function ....................  31
Cinema Function ...........................................  31
Recording in Special Situations .....................  32
Recording in Natural Colors ..........................  32
Adjusting White Balance Manually ................  33
Manual Shutter Speed Adjustment ................  34
Manual Iris Adjustment ..................................  34
Manual Focus Adjustment .............................  34
Digital Effect Functions ..................................  35
Playback Mode
Playing Back a Tape .....................................  37
Finding a Scene You Want to Play Back.......  37
Slow Motion Playback ...................................  38
Still Playback/Still Advance Playback ............  38
Index Search Functions.................................  39
Playback Zoom Function ...............................  39
Playback Digital Effect Functions ..................  40
Playing Back a Card ......................................  40
Slide Show ....................................................  41
Creating a Title ..............................................  42
Adding a Title ................................................  42
Writing Printing Data on a Card.....................  43
Protecting the Files on a Card .......................  43
Deleting the Files Recorded on a Card .........  43
Formatting a Card .........................................  44
Enlarging a Movie Picture Size .....................  44
Playing Back on Your TV ..............................  45
Editing Mode
Recording from a Tape onto a Card ..............  46
Recording Pictures from a Card onto a 
Tape............................................................  46
Audio Dubbing ...............................................  46
Copying on an S-VHS (or a VHS) 
Cassette ......................................................  47
Recording the Contents of Other 
Equipment...................................................  48
Using the DV Cable for Recording ................  48
With a PC
Using the Software with a Computer .............  49
Using USB Driver ..........................................  49
Using as a Web Camera ...............................  51
Using the DV STUDIO 3.1E-SE ....................  53
Using the G.726 Audio Decoder....................  54
Using the ArcSoft Software ...........................  55
To disconnect USB cable safely ....................  57
If you no longer need software or driver 
(Uninstall) ....................................................  58
Notes .............................................................  58
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Others
Indications .....................................................  61
Initializing the Modes .....................................  62
Warning/Alarm Indications.............................  62
Notes and Hints .............................................  63
Cautions for Use ............................................  69
Before Requesting Service (Problems and 
Solutions) ....................................................  73
Explanation of Terms.....................................  74
Specifications ................................................  76
Palmcorder Accessory System......................  78
Palmcorder Accessory Order Form 
(For USA Customers) .................................  79
Request for Service Notice (USA Only).........  80
Limited Warranty (For USA Customers) ........  81
Customer Services Directory .........................  82
Warranty (For Canadian Customers) ............  83
Index ..............................................................  84
Spanish Quick Use Guide/
Guía española para el uso rápido ...............  86
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							Before Use
-10-
Quick Guide
1Attach the Battery to the AC Adaptor and 
charge it.
≥Before use, fully charge the Battery.
≥Since the Battery will not be charged when 
the DC Cable is connected to the AC 
Adaptor, disconnect it from the AC Adaptor.
≥The [CHARGE] Lamp lights up, and charging 
starts.
≥When the [CHARGE] Lamp goes off, 
charging is completed.
2Attach the charged Battery to the 
Palmcorder.
ªInserting a Cassette
1Slide the [OPEN/EJECT] Lever 1 toward 
the front and pull down to open the 
Cassette Compartment Cover.
2Insert a Cassette.
3Close the Cassette Holder by pressing the 
[PUSH] mark 2.4Close the Cassette Compartment Cover.
OPEN /
EJECT1
PUSH2
ªInserting a Card
1Slide the [OPEN] Lever 1 to open the Card 
Slot Cover 2.2While holding the Memory Card with its cut 
corner facing right 4, insert it into the Card 
Slot 3.3Close the Card Slot Cover 2 securely.
ªRecording on a Tape
1Set the [OFF/ON] Switch 1 to [ON].≥The [POWER] Lamp 2 lights up.
2Set the Mode Dial to Tape Recording Mode.
3Press the Recording Start/Stop Button.≥Recording starts.
4Press the Recording Start/Stop Button 
again to pause the recording.
ªRecording a Still Picture on a Card 
(Photoshot)
1
Set the Mode Dial to Card Recording Mode.
2Press the [PHOTO SHOT] Button.
42 1
3
OPEN
ONOFF
1
2
POWER
PC
SD
PCSD
PHOTO SHOT
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