Panasonic Digital Video Camera Recorder AG-DVC80P Operating Instructions

							Before operating this product, please read the instructions carefully and save this
manual for future use.
Model AG- P
Digital Video Camera-Recorder
ÒNTSC
VQT0E16-1 Printed in Japan
F0403W1043 @
P 
						

							2
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.”
indicates safety information.
CAUTION
RISK 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 TO SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL.
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 persons.
The exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user to the presence of
important operating and
maintenance (service)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF 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.
FCC Note:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. To assure continued
compliance follow the attached installation
instructions and do not make any
unauthorized modifications.
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 limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment
is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate 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 interference
in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own
expense.
CAUTION:
Do not install or place this unit in a
bookcase, built-in cabinet or any other
confined space in order to maintain
adequate ventilation. Ensure that
curtains and any other materials do not
obstruct the ventilation to prevent risk
of electric shock or fire hazard due to
overheating.
CAUTION:Danger of explosion or fire if battery is
mistreated.
OReplace only with same or specified type.
ODo not disassemble or dispose of in fire.
ODo not store in temperatures over 60°C.
OUse specified charger for rechargeable
batteries.
ODo not recharge the battery if it is not a
rechargeable type.
For Remote Controller
OReplace battery with part No. CR2025 only.
ODo not recharge the battery.
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
SHOCK HAZARD, KEEP THIS
EQUIPMENT 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. 
						

							3
Important Safeguards
1. Read Instructions — All the safety and
operating instructions should be read before
the unit is operated.
2. Retain Instructions — The safety and
operating instructions should be retained for
future reference.
3. Heed Warnings — All warnings on the unit
and in the operating instructions should be
adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions — All operating and
maintenance 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
recommended 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 basement, 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
recommended 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
recommended by the manufacturer. 
An appliance and cart
combination should be
moved with care. Quick
stops, excessive force,
and uneven surfaces
may cause the appliance
and cart combination 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 bookcase or rack unless proper
ventilation is provided or the manufacturers
instructions have been adhered to.
10. Power Sources — This video unit should be
operated 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 appliance dealer or local
power company. For video units intended to
be operated from battery power, or other
sources, refer to the operating instructions.
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 outlet 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
feature. 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
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
information 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 discharge 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 touching 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 qualified service personnel
under the following conditions:
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is
damaged.
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 peration.
e. If the video unit has been dropped or the
cabinet has been damaged.
f. When the video unit exhibits a distinct
change in performance – this indicates a
need for service.
20. Replacement Parts — When replacement
parts are required, be sure the service
technician has used replacement parts
specified by the manufacturer or have the
same characteristics as the original 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 technician to perform safety checks
to determine that the video unit is in safe
operating order.
FCC Warning:Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment would void the
user’s authority to operate.
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
O“LEICA” is the registered trademark of Leica Microsystems.
O“DICOMAR” is the registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.
Other model names, company names, products names, etc. are the trademarks and registered
trademarks of the companies concerned.
Contents
Accessories  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Precautions for use  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Storage tips  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Parts and their functions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Remote control unit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Charging the battery  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Mounting the battery  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Supplying power from the AC adapter  . . . .22
Cassette tapes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Adjusting the hand strap  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Attaching the shoulder strap . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Mounting the lens hood  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Viewfinders  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Setting the calendar  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Charging the internal battery  . . . . . . . . . . .28
Setting the electronic shutter  . . . . . . . . . . .29
White balance and black balance  . . . . . . . .30
Adjusting the white balance  . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Adjusting the black balance  . . . . . . . . . . . .31
ATW (Auto Tracking White) function  . . . . .31
Setting the time data  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Setting the user’s bit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Setting the time code  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Scene files  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Changing the scene file settings . . . . . . . . .34
Setting menus  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Operation method  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Configuration of setting menus  . . . . . . . . . .37
SCENE FILE screen  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
CAMERA SETUP screen  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
SW MODE screen  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
AUTO SW screen  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
PLAYBACK FUNCTIONS screen  . . . . . . . .41
RECORDING SETUP screen  . . . . . . . . . . .42
AV IN/OUT SETUP screen  . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
DISPLAY SETUP screen  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
OTHER FUNCTIONS screen  . . . . . . . . . . .44Screen displays  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Camera mode and VCR mode  . . . . . . . . . .45
VCR mode  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Selecting the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Connecting external components . . . . . . . .49
Inputting to and outputting from analog
components  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Inputting to and outputting from digital
components  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Shooting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Preparation and inspections  . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Regular shooting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
REC check  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Face-to-face shooting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Index recording  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Using the USER buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Playback  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Normal playback  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Tape blank search  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Variable speed search  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Index search  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Condensation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Video heads  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Troubleshooting (Q&A)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Power supply-related problems  . . . . . . . . .55
Battery-related problems  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Problems during normal video recording  . .55
Problems during various kinds of video
recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Editing-related problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Display-related problems  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Playback-related problems (video)  . . . . . . .56
Playback-related problems (audio)  . . . . . . .57
Other types of problems  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Maintenance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 
						

							6
Accessories
OBattery (2)
OAC adapter (2)
OAC cable (K2CB2DB00001)
ODC cable (VEK8722)
OWireless remote control unit
(VFA0393)
OBattery for remote control unit (CR2025)OEye cup (VMG1458)
OMicrophone holder (VYC0870)
OScrews
6 mm in length (XSB4+6FZ) a2
12 mm in length (XSB4+12FZ) a2
OMicrophone holder adapter (VYC0890)
OShoulder strap (VFC3891)
OCleaning tape (AY-DVMCLA)
2:
Refer to the “OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES”
item (on page 60) for the model numbers of
the battery and AC adapter. 
						

							7
Precautions for use
Take care to prevent water from entering
inside the camera recorder when using it in
the rain or snow or at the seashore or in
other similar environments.
OFailure to heed this caution may cause the
camera recorder and/or cassette to
malfunction (possibly leading to irreparable
damage).
Keep the camera recorder away from
equipment (such as TV sets and TV game
machines) that generate magnetic fields.
OWhen the camera recorder is used on top of or
in the vicinity of a TV set, the radiation of
electromagnetic waves from the set may give
rise to interference in the picture and/or sound.
OThe strong magnetic fields generated by
speakers or large motors may ruin the tape
recordings or distort the images.
OThe electromagnetic waves from
microcomputers may have an adverse effect
on the camera recorder or give rise to
distortion in the images and sound.
OIf the camera recorder is adversely affected by
a component that generates magnetic fields to
such an extent that it can no longer operate
normally, turn off the power and remove the
battery or disconnect the AC adapter from the
power outlet, then re-install the battery or
reconnect the AC adapter to the outlet.  After
this, switch the camera recorder’s power back
on.
Do not use the camera recorder near radio
transmitters or high-voltage equipment.
OIf the camera recorder is used near a radio
transmitter or high-voltage equipment, the
recorded pictures and/or sound may be
adversely affected.
When using the camera recorder on the
seashore or other similar environment, take
care to ensure that no sand or dust enter
inside the camera recorder.
OSand and dust may damage the camera
recorder and/or cassette.  (Take particular
care when inserting and ejecting the cassette.)
AC adapter and battery
OWhen the temperature of the battery unit has
risen to an extremely high level or dropped to
an extremely low level or when the battery is
not used for prolonged periods of time and has
become fully discharged, the “CHARGE” lamp
flashes several times, and charging
commences automatically.
OIf the “CHARGE” lamp continues to flash even
though the battery temperature is normal,
consult your dealer as a problem may have
developed within the battery or AC adapter.
OWhen the battery is warm, it takes longer than
usual for the battery to be charged.
OWhen the AC adapter is used near a radio, the
radio sound may be distorted.  Use the
adapter at a distance of at least one meter
from the radio.
ONoise may be heard while the AC adapter is in
use; however, this is normal and not indicative
of any malfunctioning.
When carrying the camera recorder, take
care not to drop it.
OA strong impact may damage the camera
recorder body and render it incapable of
proper operation.
OWhen carrying the camera recorder, always
use the hand strap or shoulder strap and
handle the camera carefully.
Keep the camera recorder away from
insecticide sprays and volatile liquids.
OIf the camera recorder comes into contact with
insecticide sprays or volatile liquids, the
camera body may become deformed or the
surface coating may peel off.
OEnsure that the camera recorder does not
remain in close contact with rubber or plastic
products for prolonged periods of time.
After use, be absolutely sure to remove the
cassette and either remove the camera
recorder’s battery or disconnect its AC cable
from the power outlet.
OIf a cassette is left inside the camera recorder,
tape slack may develop and result in damage
to the tape.
OIf the battery is left inside the camera recorder
for a prolonged period, its voltage may drop to
such a low level that even after it has been
recharged, it may not be possible to re-use it. 
						

							8
Precautions for use
Battery characteristics
This camera recorder uses a rechargeable
lithium-ion battery which produces electrical
energy by means of an internal chemical
reaction.  This reaction tends to be easily
affected by the ambient temperature and
humidity, and the period during which the
battery can be effectively used decreases as the
temperature becomes very high or low.  The
battery charge will last for only 5 minutes if the
battery is used in an environment where the
temperature is extremely low.
When the battery temperature rises to an
abnormally high level, the protection function is
activated, and it is not possible to use the
battery for a while.
Always remove the battery upon completion
of operation.
Never fail to remove the battery from the
camera recorder.  (If it is left in the camera, a
small amount of current will be consumed even
when the camera recorder’s power is off.)  If the
battery is left in the camera for a prolonged
period, it will become excessively discharged to
the extent that even after it has been recharged,
it may not be possible to re-use it. 
Disposing of the battery
ODispose of the battery when it has reached
the end of its service life.
ODo not dispose of the battery in a fire as it
may explode.
Protect the battery terminals.
Ensure that the battery terminals are free from
dust and foreign matter.
If the battery has been dropped, check that the
battery body and terminals have not been bent
out of shape.
Inserting a deformed battery into the camera
recorder or mounting it in the AC adapter may
result in damage to the camera recorder or AC
adapter.LCD
OIf the same image or characters are left
displayed for a prolonged period on the LCD
monitor or viewfinder, the image may be
burned onto the screen.  If this happens,
keep the power off for several hours to
restore the screen to its original condition.
OThe liquid crystal parts are fabricated using
high-precision technology.  The screen has
effective pixels that cover more than 99.99%
of its area, but pixels may be missing or
remain permanently lighted in less than
0.01% of the area.  This is neither indicative
of malfunctioning nor does it affect the
images in any way.
OIn locations where the temperature fluctuates
considerably, condensation may form on the
liquid crystal parts of LCD monitor.  If this
happens, wipe off the moisture using a soft,
dry cloth.
OIf the temperature of the camera recorder
itself is very low, the LCD monitor may be
slightly darker than usual immediately after
the power has been turned on.  Normal
brightness is restored after the internal
temperature has risen.
Do not point the lens or viewfinder’s eye-
piece at the sun.
Doing so may damage the internal parts.
Protective caps for the connectors
Keep the protective caps in place over any
connectors which are not being used. 
						

							9
Storage tips
When storing the camera recorder, eject the
cassette from the camera recorder and remove
the battery.
Store all components in a location where the
humidity level is low and the temperature is
relatively stable.
Recommended temperature range:
59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C)
Recommended relative humidity:
40% to 60%
Camera recorder
OWrap the camera recorder in soft cloth to
keep out dust.
Battery
OThe battery’s service life is reduced if the
battery is stored in a location where the
temperature is extremely high or extremely
low.
OIf the battery is stored in a location exposed
to high concentrations of oily vapors and/or
dust, the terminals may corrode or other
problems may develop, possibly resulting in
malfunctioning.
ODo not bring metal objects (such as
necklaces or hairpins) into contact with
the battery terminals.  The terminals may
short circuit and generate heat, and
touching them in this condition may cause
severe burns.
OStore the battery only when it is fully
discharged.  It is recommended that the
battery be charged once a year when it is
being stored long-term and that it be placed
back in storage after it has been fully
discharged using the camera recorder.Cassette tapes
OBefore storing a cassette tape, rewind the
tape to its start.  If a tape that has been
stopped at some interim point along its length
is stored for six months or more (this period
of time differs depending on the storage
conditions), tape slack will develop.  Always
rewind the tape to its start before storing it.
OReturn cassette tapes to their original cases
before storing them.  Dust, direct sunlight
(ultraviolet rays), humidity and other such
conditions may damage the tapes.  Dust
contains particles of hard mineral substances,
and if dust should enter inside a cassette,
these particles may in turn be transferred to
the heads and other parts, possibly resulting
in their damage.  Make a habit of always
returning the cassettes to their original cases.
OFast forward and rewind cassette tapes once
every six months.  If tapes are kept wound up
for more than a year, they may become
warped or distorted due to the expansion and
contraction caused by changes in the
temperature and humidity.  In addition, layers
of tape may stick together.
ODo not place cassette tapes near matter or
equipment which emits strong magnetic
fields.
OExtremely fine magnetic particles are
contained in the coating of the tape surface,
and it is here that the signals are recorded.
Magnetic necklaces, toys and other such
items may have stronger magnetic fields than
suspected, which may erase recordings or
give rise to noise in the pictures and sound. 
						

							Lights: While shooting is in progress.
Blinks: 
OWhen a remote control operation has been received 
(about 8 blinks per second)
OWhen shooting is commenced
(about 8 blinks per second)
OWhen the tape has come to the end
(about 4 blinks per second)
OWhen a problem has arisen in the tape transport
system (about 4 blinks per seconds)
OWhen there is little tape or battery charge remaining 
(once a second)
10
Parts and their functions
1POWER switch
Move this switch while pressing the lock
release button.
2START/STOP button
When this button is pressed in the camera
mode, shooting can be started or stopped.
3EJECT switch
To open the cassette holder, slide this switch
in the direction of the arrow while pressing
the lock release button.
Do not operate the switch while recording is
in progress.  The cassette holder will open
but recording will continue, so external light
and/or dust will adversely affect the tape.
O
Do not insert or eject the cassette tape
holding onto the cassette holder alone.
Insert or eject the tape with the camera
recorder placed on a flat and stable
surface or, alternatively, support the
camera recorder with both hands so that it
will be kept in a stable condition even if
the cassette holder is opened.
OClose the cassette holder after
ensuring that the cassette mechanism
has completed the eject operation.
4Cassette holder
5CAM REMOTE jack (2.5 mm mini jack)
The remote control unit is connected to this
jack to enable zooming and record start/stop
to be initiated by remote control.
6PHONES jack (3.5 mm stereo mini jack)
The headphones are connected to this jack to
monitor the sound.
7Remote control sensor (rear)
8Tally lamp (rear)
This lights or blinks depending on the status
of the camera recorder.
The settings for causing the tally lamp to flash
are performed using the REC LAMP item on
the setting menu OTHER FUNCTIONS
screen.  (See page 44)
9Viewfinder
:Diopter adjustment dial
This is adjusted in such a way that the
viewfinder screen comes into sharp focus.
;Power socket