Panasonic Digital Video Camera Recorder DVX100a Operating Instructions

							11
OThis function may not operate properly if
there is an unrecorded blank near the tape
start or at a point along the tape.
OBefore proceeding with recording, check
the picture which has been searched.
AGAIN switch
When the camera screen is too dark, change
the setting of this switch to boost the gain and
make the screen brighter.  The M and H gain
values are set using the MID GAIN item and
HIGH GAIN item on the setting menu SW
MODE screen.  (See page 43)
L:The switch is normally kept at this
position.  (0 dB)
M:The gain of the camera video amplifier is
boosted.  (Factory setting: 6 dB)
H:The gain of the camera video amplifier is
further boosted.  (Factory setting: 12 dB)
BWHITE BAL switch
This is used to set the white balance.
A or B:
The white balance value adjusted by the
AWB button Cis stored in the memory.
PRST (preset):
Set the switch to this position in cases
where, for instance, there is no time to
adjust the white balance.
The 3200K and 5600K white balance
values are stored in the memory.
Press the AWB button to switch between
the two values.
OThe ATW (Auto Tracking White) function
can be allocated to the A, B or PRST
position using the ATW item on the setting
menu SW MODE screen.  (See page 43)
OWhat kind of light source is being used
during shooting is determined by the white
balance sensor.
Do not block the front of the white balance
sensor with your hand or any other object
during shooting or the ATW function will
not operate properly.
B
A
Parts and their functions
>CAMERA/VCR button and lamp
Each time this button is pressed, the
operation mode is switched between the
camera mode and VCR mode, and the lamp
of the selected mode lights.
Select the camera mode for shooting.
Select the VCR mode to check the tape
contents or input and record video signals
from an external source.
?Scene file dial
This is used to select the scene files. (See
page 36)  
Settings tailored to various shooting
conditions are stored in the positions of this
dial.  
During shooting, the necessary file can
be instantly loaded using the dial.
@EVF DTL/END SEARCH button
When this button is pressed inthe camera
mode, the outlines of the images in the
viewfinder and on the LCD monitor are
accentuated, and focusing is thereby facilitated.
“EVF DTL ON” will also be displayed on the
center of the screen for approximately 2
seconds.  However, the images which are
recorded at this time will be the regular images
whose outlines are not accentuated.
Pressing the button once again will return the
unit to its original status.  “EVF DTL OFF” will
also be displayed on the center of the screen
for approximately 2 seconds.
When this button is pressed in the VCR
mode, the unrecorded blanks on the video
tape are searched, and the still picture mode
is established about one second before an
unrecorded blank.
The part which was shot last can also be
searched using the END SEARCH item
setting on the setting menu PLAYBACK
FUNCTIONS screen.  (See page 44)
OWhen one tape is replaced with another,
the part which was shot last cannot be
searched using this button.
OIf no signals have been recorded on the
tape, the tape stops at the tape end.
>?@
White balance sensor 
						

							12
Parts and their functions
CAWB button
When this button is pressed while the WHITE
BAL switch Bis set to the A or B position,
the white balance is automatically adjusted,
and the white balance value is stored in the
memory.
If this button is then held down, the black
balance is adjusted.
When this button is pressed while the WHITE
BAL switch Bis set to the PRST position, the
current white balance value is displayed.
When the AWB button is pressed again, the
3200K and 5600K white balance values are
selected alternately.
OWhile recording is in progress, the black
balance cannot be adjusted.
DIRIS button
Each time this button is pressed, the method
of adjusting the lens iris is switched between
the auto mode and manual mode.

The maximum aperture of the lens iris of this
unit is F1.6 when the lens is at the full zoom
(W) position and F2.8 at the full TELE (T)
position.
The display shown for the F-number in the
viewfinder and/or LCD monitor is “OPEN”
when the lens is at the full zoom (W) position
and “F2.8” or “OPEN” when the lens is at the
full TELE (T) position.EIRIS dial
This is used to adjust the lens iris.
When the IRIS button Dis set to the manual
mode, this dial is used to adjust the lens iris.
Even in the auto mode, the lens iris can be
adjusted using this dial.
OThe direction in which the IRIS dial is
turned and iris control can be set using the
IRIS DIAL item on the setting menu SW
MODE screen.  (See page 43)
FFOCUS switch
This is used to select the method of
controlling the focus.
A (AUTO):
Auto focus mode
M (MANUAL):
Manual focus mode
The focus ring His controlled manually to
adjust the focus.
∞:
After the focal length has been set to
infinity, the manual focus mode is
established.  Even if the FOCUS switch is
set to the 
∞position, it will return to the M
(MANUAL) position.
OEven when the manual focus mode is
established, the AUTO button Jsetting
takes priority if it is pressed.
OIf flicker occurs, the auto focus control may
not be exercised properly, so select a
shutter speed suited to the lighting.  (See
page 30)
OThe focus assist mode is established if the
auto focus mode is selected in the
progressive mode or slow shutter mode.
Focusing can be conducted more precisely
than in the manual focus mode, but it takes
slightly longer to exercise focus control
compared with the regular auto focus
mode.
GPUSH AUTO button
While this button is pressed with the FOCUS
switch set to the M (MANUAL) position, the
auto focus mode is established, and the focus
is adjusted.
HFocus ring
IZoom ring
If the zoom ring pin is not required, fit it into
the threaded hole under the handle so that it
will not be lost.
F
I
H
G
D
E
C
Zoom ring pin 
						

							13
Parts and their functions
JAUTO button
When the AUTO button is pressed, the
operation mode which was set on the setting
menu AUTO SW screen is established, and
“ ” appears in the upper part of the
viewfinder and LCD monitor.
On the setting menu AUTO SW screen, the
mode of the operation to be performed
automatically (auto iris, auto gain control,
auto tracking white or auto focus) when the
AUTO button is pressed is set.  
(See page 44)
The setting is released when the button is
pressed again.
KUSER1, USER2 and USER3 buttons
One of 11 functions can be allocated in turn
to each of the USER1, USER2 and USER3
buttons.
In accordance with the subject concerned,
the shooting conditions can be instantly
selected or fade effects can be added to the
images.
For details, refer to the USER1 item, USER2
item and USER3 item (page 43) on the
setting menu SW MODE screen.
LND FILTER switch
This is used to select the ND filter (for
adjusting the light quantity) to be used.
OFF:The ND filter is not used.
1/8 :The light quantity is reduced to about
one eighth.
1/64 :The light quantity is reduced to about
one sixty-fourth.
A
MAUDIO controls
These are used to adjust the recording level
of the audio signals which have been input to
the built-in microphone Pand INPUT 1 and 2
connectors Y.
Adjust the recording level of the audio signals
using these controls, irrespective of the
setting selected for the MIC ALC item on the
RECORDING SETUP screen of the setting
menu (page 45).
It is recommended that the center position
normally be selected for use. 
OThey cannot be used to adjust the audio
signals which have been input to the
AUDIO IN/OUT CH1 and CH2 connectors
V.
NLight shoe
A video light, for instance, is attached to this
shoe.
OMicrophone shoe
The accessory microphone holder is attached
to this shoe so that a microphone (optional
accessory), etc. can be mounted.  (See page
58)
PMicrophone (built-in, stereo)
Do not apply a strong load from an external
source to this microphone as it may damage
the microphone.
QTally lamp (front)
Refer to the details on the tally lamp (rear) 8.
RRemote control sensor (front)
SMENU button
When this button is pressed, the menu mode
is established, and the setting menu screen is
displayed in the viewfinder and on the LCD
monitor.
When it is pressed again, the menu mode is
released.
P
M
K
O
L
J
QS
R
N 
						

							14
[In the camera mode]
“5” 
When the lever is tilted in the “5”
direction in the shooting pause mode, the
tape is played back in the “5” direction
at 1aspeed while the lever is tilted.
“6” 
When the lever is tilted in the “6”
direction in the shooting pause mode, the
tape is played back in the “6” direction
at 1aspeed while the lever is tilted.
OThe scenes shot up until now can be
checked in the shooting pause mode.
US-VIDEO IN/OUT connector
This is the S-video input/output connector.
VAUDIO IN/OUT CH1 and CH2 connectors
(pin jacks)
These are the input/output connectors for the
audio signals.
WVIDEO IN/OUT connector
(pin jack)
This is the input/output connector for the
video signals.
XDV connector
An IEEE1394 (4-pin) cable (optional
accessory) is connected here.
Video signals, audio signals or time codes,
for instance, can be transmitted digitally.
YINPUT 1, 2 connectors (XLR, 3-pin)
External microphones or audio components
are connected here.
ZINPUT 1/2 switch
This is used to switch the audio input signals
which are connected to the INPUT 1 and 2
connectors.
LINE:
The audio input signals from the audio
component serving as the line input are
selected; their input level is 0 dBu.
MIC:
The audio input signals from the external
microphone(s) are selected; their input
level is –50 dBu.
The input level can be changed to –60 dBu
using the MIC GAIN 1 and MIC GAIN 2
items on the setting menu RECORDING
SETUP screen.  (See page 45)
Parts and their functions
TOPERATION lever
This lever is used to operate the VCR and
conduct the menu operations.
[In the VCR mode]
“1” :
When the lever is tilted in the “1” direction
in the stop mode, the tape is played back.
When it is tilted in the same direction
during playback, the variable speed search
mode (see page 63) is established, and the
tape is played back at the 1aspeed.
(Sound is not played back.)
“5” :
When the lever is tilted in the “5”
direction in the stop mode, the tape is fast
forwarded.
When it is tilted in the same direction
during playback, the tape is cued at 10a
speed.
“6” :
When the lever is tilted in the “6”
direction in the stop mode, the tape is
rewound.
When it is tilted in the same direction
during playback, the tape is reviewed at
10aspeed.
“$” :
When the lever is tilted in the “$” direction,
the tape is stopped.
“;” :
When the lever is pressed during playback,
the tape is set to the pause (temporary
stop) mode.
[In the menu mode]
“3” :
When the lever is tilted in the “3” direction,
the items displayed on the menu screen
are moved upward.
“4” :
When the lever is tilted in the “4” direction,
the items displayed on the menu screen
are moved downward.
“;” :
Press the lever to change a setting.
U
ZXYW
VT 
						

							[ZOOM switch
This is used to select motor-driven zoom
operations or manual zoom operations.
SERVO:
For motor-driven zoom operations
(At this position, do not attempt to perform
manual zoom operations or malfunctioning
may result.)
MANU:
For manual zoom operations
\START/STOP button (on the handle)
When this button is pressed in the camera
mode, shooting start or stop is selected.
The camera mode and VCR mode are
switched using the CAMERA/VCR button >.
]REC CHECK button
When this button is pressed in the shooting
pause mode, the picture and sound
immediately before shooting was stopped are
played back for several seconds, and the
shooting pause mode is established at the
original position on the tape.
^Zoom button
When the ZOOM switch is at the SERVO
position, motor-driven zoom operations are
performed.
When this button is pressed lightly, zoom
operations are performed at a low speed;
when it is pressed with force, they are
performed at a high speed.
_Zoom button (on the handle)
`HANDLE ZOOM switch
This switch is used to select one of the three
speeds for the zoom operations conducted
using the zoom button _on the handle.
The speed is set using the HANDLE ZOOM
item on the setting menu SW MODE screen.
(See page 43)
`
]_^
\
aAUDIO DUB button
When the pause status is established in the
VCR mode and this button is pressed, the
mode in which audio dubbing can be started
is established.
Press “
;” of the OPERATION lever Tto
record the sound.  To stop the recording, tilt
the OPERATION lever in the “
$” direction. 
The audio input used for audio dubbing is set
using the A DUB INPUT item on the setting
menu AV IN/OUT SETUP screen.  (See page
47)
OBefore proceeding with the audio dubbing,
select “32K (12 bit)” as the AUDIO REC
item setting on the setting menu
RECORDING SETUP screen and then
start shooting.  (See page 45)
bVCR REC buttons
When these two buttons are pressed at the
same time in the stop status of the VCR
mode, the video signals from the connected
component are recorded.
When they are pressed at the same time in
the playback pause status of the VCR mode,
the recording standby status is established. 
Each time “
;” of the OPERATION lever Tis
pressed, the status alternates between
recording and recording standby.
To stop recording, tilt the OPERATION lever
in the “
$” direction. 
OBefore proceeding to record, check that the
video signals have been input.
cAUDIO MON/VAR buttons
These buttons are used to adjust the volume
at which the sound is to be output from the
internal speaker for PHONES jack 6.
The playback direction and playback speed
are changed in the variable speed search
mode.  (See page 63)
When these buttons are pressed in the pause
status, the tape is played back frame by
frame.
b
c
ZOOMSERVO MANU
[a
15
Parts and their functions 
						

							16
Parts and their functions
dOPEN button
Press the OPEN button in the direction of the
arrow to open the LCD monitor e.
When the LCD monitor is opened, the image
on the viewfinder switches to the LCD
monitor.
The image can be switched using the EVF
MODE item on the setting menu DISPLAY
SETUP screen.  (See page 45)iSPEED SEL button
After pressing the SHUTTER button hor
when the slow shutter mode is established,
press this button to select the shutter speed.
(See page 30)
jCH1 SELECT switch
This switch is used to select the input signals
which are to be recorded on the audio
channel 1 track.
INT (L):
Audio signals of the left (L) channel of the
internal microphone
INPUT1:
Audio signals which are input to the INPUT
1 connector
INPUT2:
Audio signals which are input to the INPUT
2 connector
kCH2 SELECT switch
This switch is used to select the input signals
which are to be recorded on the audio
channel 2 track.
INT (R):
Audio signals of the right (R) channel of the
internal microphone
INPUT2:
Audio signals which are input to the INPUT
2 connector
lINPUT 1 switch (MIC POWER +48 V)
When this switch is set to ON, +48 V power
(power supply for the phantom mic) is
supplied to the INPUT 1 connector.
mINPUT 2 switch (MIC POWER +48 V)
When this switch is set to ON, +48 V power
(power supply for the phantom mic) is
supplied to the INPUT 2 connector. eLCD monitor
fInternal speaker
gRESET button
If the camera recorder cannot be operated
even though its power is on or some other
form of trouble has occurred, use a pointed
object to press the RESET button.  This will
reset the system microcomputer.
Even after resetting has been initiated, the
entered setting menu values and memory
contents will not be erased.
Refrain from pressing the RESET button
when the camera recorder is operating
properly.
hSHUTTER button
Press this button to change the shutter
speed.
After pressing this button, press the SPEED
SEL button ito select the shutter speed.
(See page 30)
This button cannot be operated in the slow
shutter mode.
f
el
mk
j
i
h
g
d
OPEN 
						

							nCOUNTER RESET button
This button is used to reset the counter value
on the counter display and the memory
counter value to zero.
It cannot reset the time code or user’s bit.
oCOUNTER button
This button is used to select what data is to
be displayed on the counter display which is
in the viewfinder and on the LCD monitor.  
Each time it is pressed, the data to be
displayed changes.
COUNTER:
The counter value is displayed.
M COUNTER:
The counter value in the memory stop
mode is displayed.
TC :The time code is displayed.
UB :The user’s bit is displayed.
FR :The frame rate information (30P, 24P or
24PA) when shooting is to be performed
in the progressive mode, and the
sequence information used for frame
conversion are displayed.
Blank display :
No data is displayed.pMODE CHK button
When this button is pressed, the current
camera status setting can be checked in the
viewfinder and on the LCD monitor.
qZEBRA button
When this button is pressed in camera mode,
a zebra pattern or marker appears in the
viewfinder and on the LCD monitor, enabling
the brightness of the subject to be checked.
Each time it is pressed, the display changes
as shown below.
The level of each zebra pattern can be set
using the ZEBRA DETECT 1 item and
ZEBRA DETECT 2 item on the setting menu
DISPLAY SETUP screen.
The zebra pattern which has been set is
displayed as a percentage for the prescribed
time (approx. 2 seconds).
Display of the marker can also be switched
ON/OFF with the MARKER item on this
screen.  (See page 48)
rOIS button
This button is used to set camera shake
compensation to ON or OFF.  When the
compensation is ON,  appears in the
viewfinder and on the LCD monitor.
Select ON or OFF to suit the shooting
conditions.
When shooting using a tripod, the OFF
setting is recommended.
sTripod mounting hole
Zebra pattern
Parts that may be whitened out due to overexposure
are displayed using a striped pattern.
o
p
q
rn
Memory stop mode
The memory stop mode is established when the
display is switched to M COUNTER using the
COUNTER button.
1Switch the display to M COUNTER, and press the
COUNTER RESET button nat any tape position to
reset the counter value.
2Proceed with playback or shooting.
3Establish the VCR mode using the CAMERA/VCR
button.
4When the tape is now rewound or fast forwarded, it
stops traveling automatically near where the counter
value was reset.
OIf the counter value is reset at the OUT point during
audio dubbing, audio dubbing can be stopped in the
memory stop mode.
17
Parts and their functions
s
OFF
ZEBRA 1 ZEBRA 2Marker 
						

							Remote control unit
1OSD button
When this button is pressed, the information
displayed in the viewfinder and on the LCD
monitor is added to the video signals, and it
can be displayed on a TV monitor as well.
When it is pressed again, the display on the
TV monitor is cleared.
2DATE/TIME button
When this button is pressed, the shooting
date (year/month/day) and/or time are
displayed in the viewfinder and on the LCD
monitor.
Each time it is pressed, the display is
switched in the sequence shown below.
3START/STOP button
This button has the same function as the
START/STOP button on the camera recorder
body.
4ZOOM/VOL buttons
During shooting, these buttons are used to
conduct motor-driven zoom operations.
The zoom speed is fixed at the medium
speed.
During tape playback, they are used to adjust
the volume at which the sound is to be output
from the internal speaker and PHONES jack.
OSD
COUNTERRESET TITLE
STILL ADVPAUSESTILL ADV
INDEX
SELECT
STORE
OFF/ONP.B.DIGITAL
VAR.
SEARCH
– VOL +
PB.
ZOOM
MENU
SET
ITEM
STOP INDEX
MULTI/
P-IN-PREC A.DUB
PLAYC/REW FF/ B
ZOOM DATE/
TIMEPHOTO
SHOTSTART/
STOP1
5
76
23
4
8
No display
Time display
Date display
Time and date display
The buttons listed below are for functions
which are not featured on the camera
recorder.
OPHOTO SHOTOTITLE
OMULTI/P-IN-POSELECT
OSTOREOOFF/ON
OPB. ZOOMON5COUNTER button
This button has the same function as the
COUNTER button on the camera recorder
body.
6COUNTER RESET button
This button has the same function as the
COUNTER RESET button on the camera
recorder body.
7REC button
When this button is pressed together with the
PLAY button while operation is stopped in the
VCR mode, the video signals from the
connected component are recorded.
When it is pressed together with the PLAY
button during playback pause in the VCR
mode, the recording standby status is
established.
Each time the PAUSE (;) button is pressed,
the status is switched between recording and
recording standby.
To stop recording, press the STOP ($)
button.
8A. DUB button
This button has the same function as the
AUDIO DUB button on the camera recorder
body.
18
Parts and their functions 
						

							19
Parts and their functions
:VAR. SEARCH button
When this button is pressed during playback,
the variable search mode is established, and
“1a” is displayed in the viewfinder and on the
LCD monitor.  When the “V” or “B” button
among the SET buttons ;is pressed, the
playback speed is changed.
Each time the “V” or “B” button is pressed,
the playback speed is changed by one setting
in the following sequence: 1/5a(or 1/3ain
the LP mode), 1a, 2a, 5a, 10aand 20a.
Use the “V” button to change the speed in
the forward direction and the “B” button to
change it in the reverse direction.
;SET buttons
MENU button:
This button has the same function as the
MENU button on the camera recorder
body.
“V” button:
When this is pressed in the menu mode,
the items displayed on the menu screen
are moved upward.
When it is pressed in the search mode, the
speed is changed in the forward direction.
“B” button:
When this is pressed in the menu mode,
the items displayed on the menu screen
are moved downward.
When it is pressed in the search mode, the
speed is changed in the reverse direction.
“M” button:
Press this in the menu mode to change
settings. 9VCR operation buttons
C/REW button (6)
This button has the same function as the
OPERATION lever on the camera recorder
body.
FF/Bbutton (5)
This button has the same function as the
OPERATION lever on the camera recorder
body.
PLAY button (1)
When this button is pressed in the VCR
mode, the tape is played back.
When it pressed together with the REC
button, the video signals from the
connected component are recorded.
STILL ADV buttons (E, D)
When either button is pressed during tape
playback, slow-motion playback results.
When it is pressed in the pause status,
frame advance playback results.
(Ein the reverse direction, Din the
forward direction)
INDEX buttons (:, 9)
When either button is pressed during tape
playback, the start of a recorded section is
searched.
(:in the reverse direction, 9in the
forward direction)
PAUSE button (;)
This button has the same function as the
OPERATION lever on the camera recorder
body.
STOP button ($)
This button has the same function as the
OPERATION lever on the camera recorder
body.
OSD
COUNTERRESET TITLE
STILL ADVPAUSESTILL ADV
INDEX
SELECT
STORE
OFF/ONP.B.DIGITAL
VAR.
SEARCH
– VOL +
PB.
ZOOM
MENU
SET
ITEM
STOP INDEX
MULTI/
P-IN-PREC A.DUB
PLAYC/REW FF/ B
ZOOM DATE/
TIMEPHOTO
SHOTSTART/
STOP
9
;
: 
						

							20
Remote control unit
Remote control unit settings
In order to prevent mistakes made in operations
performed using remote control when two
camera recorders are operated at the same
time, the operation buttons on the camera
recorder and accessory wireless remote control
unit can be set to work for “VCR1” applications
and for “VCR2” applications.
Setting method
OWireless remote control unit
When the STOP ($) and STILL ADV (D)
buttons among the VCR operation buttons
are pressed at the same time, the operation
buttons on the remote control unit are set to
be used for VCR1.
Similarly, when the STOP ($) and STILL ADV
(E) buttons among the VCR operation
buttons are pressed at the same time, the
operation buttons on the remote control unit
are set to be used for VCR2.
When the battery in the remote control unit
has been replaced, the operation buttons are
set to be used for VCR1.
OCamera recorder body
Set VCR1 and VCR2 using the REMOTE
item on the setting menu OTHER
FUNCTIONS screen.  (See page 49)
If the camera recorder body and remote control
unit settings are at variance, “REMOTE” in red
letters lights up and is displayed in the
viewfinder and on the LCD monitor.
1While pushing the knob in the direction of the
arrow, pull out the holder.
2Insert the battery with the “+” marking face
up.
3Return the holder to its original position.
Installing the battery
OWhen the battery (CR2025) has completely
run down, replace it with a new one.  (The
battery life is about one year although it
depends on how often the remote control unit
is used.)  If the remote control unit is
operated near the camera recorder’s remote
control sensor and the camera recorder fails
to operate, it means that the battery has run
down.
OKeep batteries out of the reach of small
children.
OSD
COUNTERRESET TITLE
STILL ADVPAUSESTILL ADV
INDEX
SELECT
STORE
OFF/ONP.B.DIGITAL
VAR.
SEARCH
– VOL +
PB.
ZOOM
MENU
SET
ITEM
STOP INDEX
MULTI/
P-IN-PREC A.DUB
PLAYC/REW FF/ B
ZOOM DATE/
TIMEPHOTO
SHOTSTART/
STOP
VCR 2VCR 1