Panasonic Digital Video Camera Recorder DVX100a Operating Instructions

							61
Shooting
Backup recording
The camera images of the camera recorder can
be recorded and their recording can be backed
up automatically on the external component
connected to the DV connector.
OSet the external component control method
using the DV CONTROL item and DV CMD
SEL item on the setting menu OTHER
FUNCTIONS screen.  (See page 49)Bear in mind the following points when
performing backup recording.
OThe menu item settings remain stored in
the memory even after the power has been
turned off.  Therefore, if the camera
recorder is used while the settings for
backup recording are still in place, the
images may be overwritten on the tape in
the connected component.
Upon completion of the backup recording,
check the menu item settings before
operating the camera recorder.
OIf another model AG-DVX100A is to be
used as the external component which will
perform the backup recording, select OFF
as the setting for the DV CONTROL item of
the external component, and set the
camera recorder to the VCR mode for use.
OWhen backup recording is to be performed,
operation may not proceed properly if two
or more external components are
connected.
OEnsure that the IEEE 1394 cable used for
the connection is not  more than 4.5 meters
long.
OBefore proceeding with backup recording,
establish the status in which the DV signals
can be recorded by the external
component.
OWhen the tape in the camera recorder is
approaching the end during shooting while
backup recording is being performed with
“CHAIN” selected as the setting for the DV
CONTROL item (page 49), recording is
automatically started by the back-up
component which has been set to the
recording standby mode. 
						

							62
Shooting
When editing images using the conventional
24P [2:3] conversion system, the images of
different frames are expanded for the [BoCe]
[CoDe] [FoGe] [GoHe] frames in the figure,
causing the picture quality to further deteriorate.
Under the 24P advanced conversion system,
images with minimal picture quality deterioration
in the 24P mode can be obtained by weeding
out the [BoCe] [FoGe] frames in the figure.
Furthermore, when an editing system that
supports the advanced conversion system is
used, editing can be performed with minimal
picture quality deterioration compared with the
24P mode.
OWhen an editing system that supports the
advanced conversion system is not going to
be used, shoot in the regular 24P mode.Progressive shooting
The progressive mode can be selected using
the PROGRESSIVE item (see page 42) of the
setting menu SCENE FILE screen.
30P mode:
Images are shot in the progressive mode at
30 frames per second.
The 30 frames per second images are
converted into 60-field interlace signals, and
the resulting video signals are output or
recorded.
Shift-free, high-quality still pictures can be
obtained in this mode.
24P mode:
Images are shot in the progressive mode at
24 frames per second.
The 24 frames per second images are
converted into 60-field interlace signals using
the regular [2:3] conversion system, and the
resulting video signals are output or recorded.
Cinema-like images can be obtained in this
mode.
24P advance mode:
Images are shot in the progressive mode at
24 frames per second.
The 24 frames per second images are
converted into 60-field interlace signals by the
advanced conversion system, and the
resulting video signals are output or recorded.
60 i
ABCDEFGH24 PA
Ao Ae Bo Be Bo Ce Co Ce Do De Eo Ee Fo Fe Fo GeGoGe Ho He
60 i 24 P
ABCDEFGH
Ao Ae Bo Be Bo Ce Co De Do De Eo Ee Fo Fe Fo GeGo He Ho He
60 iAo Ae Bo Be Co Ce Do De Eo Ee Fo Fe GoGe Ho He Io Ie Jo Je
30 PABCDEFGH I J
Bear in mind the following points when
shooting in any of the progressive modes.
OThe gain cannot be set to 18 dB.
OWhen the progressive mode has been
selected, the sync signals of the images are
temporarily disturbed.
Furthermore, no images are output for
approximately 3 seconds.
OA shutter speed setting of 1/50 (OFF) or
1/60 is recommended.
OSince the images are recorded in 5-frame
increments when shooting in the 24P mode
or 24P advance mode, the timing at which
recording starts may be delayed slightly. 
						

							63
Playback
Normal playback
Set the POWER switch to ON, and press the
CAMERA/VCR button to switch to the VCR
mode.
Normal playback operations can be performed
using the OPERATION lever or accessory
wireless remote control unit.
Tape blank search
By pressing the EVF DTL/END SEARCH button
in the VCR mode, it is possible to search for
unrecorded parts on the tape or the part which
was shot last.  For details, refer to the section
on the EVF DTL/END SEARCH button (page
11).
Index search
This function is used to search the index signals
recorded on the tape.  An index search can be
performed using the accessory wireless remote
control unit.
ODuring tape playback, press the INDEX
button (9or :) on the wireless remote
control unit.
“S1” appears in the viewfinder and on the
LCD monitor, and the search for the next
scene is started.
OTo stop the search at any time, press the
STOP ($) button.
OEach time the INDEX button is pressed after
the search operation has commenced, “S2”
“S3” are displayed, and the second or any
subsequent scene can be searched.  When a
scene is located, playback commences from
that part of the tape.  (Any scene up to the
ninth in the reverse or forward direction from
the present position of the tape can be
specified.)
The index search function may not operate
smoothly if any of the intervals between one
index and the next are less than one minute.
Variable speed search
This function changes the playback speed to
locate scenes.
OWhen the OPERATION lever is tilted in the 1
direction during tape playback, the variable
search mode is established, “1a” appears in
the viewfinder and on the LCD monitor, and
the tape is played back at the 1aspeed.  No
sound is played back at this time.
OThe playback speed changes when the
AUDIO MON/VAR button is pressed.  Each
time the button is pressed, the playback
speed changes by one setting in the following
sequence: 1/5a(or 1/3ain the LP mode),
1a, 2a, 5a, 10aand 20a.
OThe speed is varied in the forward direction
using the “+” button; conversely it is varied in
the reverse direction using the “–” button.
OWhen the remote control is used, pressing
the VAR.SEARCH button establishes the
variable speed search mode, and the
playback direction and playback speed are
changed using the “V” and “B” buttons
among the SET buttons.
OTo return to normal playback, tilt the
OPERATION lever in the 1direction.
MENU
PUSH-SET
1
5
∫ 63
4 ;
OPERATION lever
EVF DTL/END SEARCH button
Tape protection mode
When the camera recorder remains in the
playback pause or recording pause mode for
more than 5 minutes, it is automatically set to
the stop mode in order to protect the tape.
However, if it remains in the playback pause
mode when the temperature is low, the stop
mode may be established sooner. 
						

							64
Condensation
How to tell when condensation has formed
inside and what to do about it
If, after the camera recorder’s power has been
turned on, the  condensation display symbol
flashes, it means that condensation has formed
inside the camera recorder.  If this happens, the
power will be automatically turned off after
several seconds.
Take the following action.
1Remove the cassette.
No other functions will work.  Depending on
the degree of condensation, it may not be
possible to eject the cassette, either.  In this
case, wait two or three hours, and then try
ejecting the cassette.
2Wait two or three hours with the cassette
holder open.
The wait time differs depending on the
degree of condensation and the ambient
temperature.3After two or three hours have elapsed,
turn on the power, and check whether the
condensation display has gone off.
Even if the condensation display has gone
off, wait another hour to be on the safe side
before attempting to operate the camera
recorder.
Bear in mind that condensation may be
forming before the condensation display
comes on.
OCondensation forms gradually so that the
condensation display may not appear for the
first 10 to 15 minutes after it has started to
form inside.
OIn very cold climates, condensation may
freeze and turn into frost.  In this case, it will
take two or three hours for the frost to melt
and become condensation again.
Video heads
If the video heads are dirty, mosaic-type noise
may occur in some areas or the whole image
may turn blue when playing back a tape.
If the dirt accumulates, the recording capability
will deteriorate, and in the end it will not be
possible to record.
Causes of dirty heads
OHigh concentrations of dust in the
atmosphere
OEnvironments which are very hot and very
humid
OTape damage
OProlonged operation
Using the cleaning cassette tape (accessory)
1Insert the cleaning tape in the camera
recorder, and set the POWER switch to
ON.
2Press the CAMERA/VCR button, and
check that the VCR lamp has lighted.
3Tilt the OPERATION lever in the 1
direction, and allow 10 seconds to pass
before tilting it in the $direction.
(Do not rewind the tape at this point.)
4Remove the cleaning tape, proceed with a
test recording and playback using another
tape, and check the images.5If the images are not clear, repeat steps 1
to 4.
(Do not run the cleaning tape continuously
more than 4 times.)
ODo not rewind the cleaning tape at any
interim point.  At the end of the tape, rewind
it, and use it again from the start.
OIf the heads are still dirty even after cleaning,
it may mean that the tape itself has
deteriorated so stop using it immediately.
OOveruse of the cleaning tape causes head
wear.  If the heads are worn, clear pictures
will not be played back even immediately
after the heads have been cleaned.
OIf the cleanliness of the heads is not improved
by the cleaning tape, the camera recorder
must be cleaned and/or repaired by your local
dealer.  Consult with your dealer.
Regular inspections
In order to view clean and clear images, it is
recommended that the video heads and other
worn parts be replaced after they have been
used for about 1,000 hours.  (This period will
vary significantly depending on the temperature,
humidity, dust and other conditions in the
operating environment.) 
						

							65
Troubleshooting (Q&A)
Power supply-related problems
Q1: No power.
A1: Has the battery or AC adapter been
connected correctly?  Check the
connections.  (See page 22)
Q2: The power goes off on its own.
A2: The power will automatically go off if
shooting is temporarily stopped for more
than 5 minutes in order to prevent the
battery from running down and keep the
tape from wearing.
Check the setting selected for the TAPE
PROTECT item on the setting menu
OTHER FUNCTIONS screen.  (See page
50)
Q3: The power is turned on but it goes off
immediately.
A3-1: Has the battery run down?
If the remaining battery charge display
flashes or the  display has
appeared, it means that the battery has
run down.
Recharge the battery or insert an
adequately charged battery.  (See page
21)
A3-2: Has condensation formed?
When the camera recorder has been
carried into a warm room from a cold
place, condensation may form inside.  If
this happens, the power is automatically
turned off, and ejecting the cassette is the
only operation which can be performed.
Wait until the condensation has dried up.
(See page 64)
Battery-related problems
Q1: The battery runs down quickly.
A1-1:Has the battery been adequately
charged?  Charge it until the CHARGE
lamp of the AC adapter has gone off.
(See page 21)
A1-2: Is the camera recorder being used in cold
place?
The battery is easily affected by the
ambient temperature.  Its operating time is
reduced in cold locations.
A1-3:Has the battery reached the end of its
service life?
The service life of the battery differs
depending on how it is used.  If it works
only for a short time even after it has
adequately charged, it means that the
battery has reached the end of its service
life.
Q2: The battery cannot be charged.
A2: Is the DC cable connected to the AC
adapter?  The battery cannot be charged
if this cable is connected.
Problems during normal video
recording
Q1: Recording is not possible even though
the cassette tape has been inserted
properly.
A1-1:Has the accidental erasure prevention
knob on the cassette tape been set to
“SAVE?”  If it has, recording cannot be
performed.  (See page 23)
A1-2:Has the cassette tape reached the end?
Replace it with a new one.
A1-3: Is the POWER switch at the ON position?
A1-4: Is the VCR lamp lighted?
Shooting is not possible in the VCR mode.
A1-5: Is the cassette holder open?
If the cassette holder is open, it is not
possible to perform any VCR operations.
A1-6: Has condensation formed?
If condensation has formed, ejecting the
cassette tape is the only operation which
can be performed.  Wait until the
condensation dries up.  (See page 64)
A1-7: If AUTO OFF/T REEL LOCK appears on
the display, the tape may have snapped.
Check the tape. 
						

							66
Troubleshooting (Q&A)
Problems during various kinds of
video recording
Q1: No automatic focusing
A1-1:Has the manual focus mode been set?
The focus is adjusted automatically in the
auto focus mode.  (See page 12)
A1-2: Is a scene which is hard to bring into
focus in the auto focus mode being shot?
Some scenes are hard to bring into focus
using auto focus.  In cases like this, use
the manual focus mode instead for
focusing.
Scenes hard to bring into focus
OShooting both distant and close-up
subjects
OShooting subjects through dirty window
panes
OShooting subjects in dark locations
OShooting while objects that glitter or
dazzle are around the subject
OShooting fast-moving subjects
OShooting subjects with minimal contrast
Editing-related problems
Q1: No audio dubbing.
A1-1:Has the accidental erasure prevention
knob on the cassette tape been set to
“SAVE?”  If it has, recording cannot be
performed.  (See page 23)
A1-2:Has an attempt been made to edit parts
shot in the LP mode?  Audio dubbing
cannot be performed as the track width on
the tape is narrower than the head width
in the LP mode.
Display-related problems
Q1: Something is wrong with the time code
display.
A1: When the reverse slow playback mode is
set, the count shown on the time code
display becomes inconsistent; however,
this is normal and not indicative of
malfunctioning.
Q2: The remaining tape display does not
match the actual amount of tape
remaining.
A2-1:The remaining tape is not displayed
accurately with continuous shooting
sessions lasting less than 30 seconds.
A2-2: A display which is two to three minutes
less than the actual tape remaining time
sometimes appears.
Playback-related problems
(video)
Q1: No playback, even when the play
button is pressed.
A1: Has the CAMERA/VCR button been
pressed and has the VCR lamp lighted?
If the VCR lamp is not lighted, playback-
related operations cannot be performed.
(See page 11)
Q2: Mosaic-type noise is generated during
cue and review.
A2: This is a phenomenon inherent to digital
video. It is not indicative of malfunctioning.
Q3: No playback images are seen even
though the camera recorder is
connected with the TV set correctly.
A3: Is the TV set’s input selector at “video
input?”  Read through the operating
instructions of the TV set, and select the
video input connector to which the camera
recorder has been connected.
Q4: The playback images are not displayed
clearly.
A4: Are the camera recorder’s heads dirty?
If they are dirty, the playback images will
not be displayed clearly. 
						

							67
Troubleshooting (Q&A)
Other types of problems
Q1: The cassette tape cannot be ejected.
A1: Is power being supplied?
Has the AC adapter been plugged in or
the battery inserted properly?
When the power is supplied, the cassette
can be ejected without setting the
POWER switch to ON.
Q2: Ejecting the cassette tape is the only
operation which can be performed.
A2-1: Has any condensation formed?  
If condensation forms, ejecting the
cassette tape is the only operation which
can be performed.  Wait until the
condensation dries up.  (See page 64)
A2-2:When the cassette holder is closed
immediately after opening (by sliding the
EJECT switch), operations other than
eject may not be possible.
If this does happen, slide the EJECT
switch to open the cassette holder once
again, then close the holder after ensuring
that the cassette mechanism has
completed the eject operation.
Q3: The remote control unit does not work.
A3-1:Has the battery in the remote control unit
run down?
If the remote control unit fails to operate
even when it is operated near the remote
control sensor of the camera recorder, it
means that the button battery has run
down.
Replace it with a new one.  (See page 20)
A3-2: Do the remote control settings match
properly?
If the [REMOTE] settings of the remote
control unit and camera recorder do not
match, the remote control unit will not
work even when it is operated.  (See page
20)
Q4: A rattling sound is heard when the
camera recorder is tilted toward the
front or back.
A4: When the VCR mode is established or the
power switch is at OFF, a rattling sound
may be heard from the camera unit due to
its structure.  This is not indicative of
malfunctioning.
Playback-related problems
(audio)
Q1: No playback sound is heard from the
camera recorder’s speaker.
A1: Has the camera recorder’s volume level
been set too low?
In the VCR mode, press the AUDIO
MON/VAR button “+” to increase the
volume.  (See page 15)
Q2: More than one recorded stream of
sound is heard.
A2: Has MIX been selected as the setting for
the 32K (12-bit) AUDIO item on the
setting menu PLAYBACK FUNCTIONS
screen?  (See page 45)
If audio dubbing editing is performed on a
tape recorded with 32K (12-bit) selected
as the setting for the AUDIO REC item on
the setting menu RECORDING SETUP
screen, the sound heard during the
recording and the sound recorded later
will be heard together.  It is also possible
to listen to each stream of sound
separately.  (See page 45)
Q3: When audio dubbing is performed, the
original sound is erased.
A3: When audio dubbing is performed for a
part which was shot with 48K (16-bit)
selected as the setting for the AUDIO
REC item on the setting menu
RECORDING SETUP screen, the original
sound will be erased.  Use the 32K (12-
bit) setting during shooting.  (See page
45) 
						

							68
Maintenance
Viewfinder maintenance
When dust has collected inside the viewfinder,
take off the eye cup holder, and remove the
dust.
OThe inside of the eye cup holder has a
special coating: for this reason, it must not be
wiped under any circumstances.  When dust
has collected, use an air blower or similar
device to blow off the dust.
OPoint the viewfinder slightly upward, then
remove the eye cup holder by turning it
counterclockwise.
OTo attach the eye cup holder, turn it clockwise
with the index mark on the eye cup holder
face up. Do not use benzine or paint thinners to clean
the camera recorder.
OUse of benzine or paint thinners may cause
the camera recorder body to become
deformed or the surface coating to peel off.
OWhen cleaning or otherwise maintaining the
camera recorder, either remove its battery or
disconnect its AC cable from the power outlet.
OUse a soft, clean cloth to wipe the camera
recorder.  To remove stubborn stains, dilute
some kitchen detergent, dip a cloth into the
solution and use it to wipe off the dirt, and then
remove any remaining moisture with a dry
cloth.
Index mark
Eye cup holder 
						

							69
Specifications
indicates safety information. Supply voltage:DC 7.2/7.9 V
Power consumption:
6.8 W (when viewfinder is used)
7.8 W (when LCD monitor is used)
9.2 W (max.)
Ambient operating temperature
32°F to +104°F (0°C to +40°C)
Ambient operating humidity
10% to 85% (no condensation)
Weight
3.731 lb (1.69 kg) 
(excluding battery and accessories)
Dimensions (WaHaD)
5 
1/2a6 5/16a14 3/8inches
(139a160a364 mm)
Recording format
Digital video SD format
Tape format
Mini DV
Recorded video signals
525i (NTSC)
In the progressive mode, the signals are
converted into the 525i system and recorded.
Shooting mode
60i (525i)
Progressive mode (30P, 24P or 24P
advance)
Recorded audio signals
PCM digital recording
16 bits: 48 kHz/2 channels
12 bits: 32 kHz/4 channels
Recording tracks
Digital video, audio signals:
helical track
Time code:
helical track (sub-code area)
Tape speed
SP mode: 18.812 mm/sec.
LP mode: 12.555 mm/sec.
Recording time (when AY-DVM60 is used)
SP mode: 60 minutes
LP mode: 90 minutes
Tape used
6.35 mm wide metal tape
FF/REW time
Approx. 85 sec. (when AY-DVM60 is used)
Pick-up device
Interline transfer 1/3-inch CCD image senser
(a3)
[GENERAL]Number of pixels
Total number of pixels: 410,000, 
Number of effective pixels: 380,000
(pixel offset system)
Lens
Leica DICOMAR optical image stabilizer lens,
motorized/manual mode switching, 10azoom
F1.6 (f = 4.5 to 45 mm)
(35 mm equivalent: 32.5 to 325 mm)
Optical system
Prism system
ND filters
1/8, 1/64
Gain
0, +3, +6, +9, +12, +18 dB (60i mode)
0, +3, +6, +9, +12 dB (progressive mode)
(Fixed at 0 dB in the slow shutter mode)
Shutter speeds
Preset
60i mode:
1/60 (OFF), 1/100, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500,
1/1000, 1/2000 sec.
30P mode:
1/30, 1/50 (OFF), 1/60, 1/120, 1/250,
1/500, 1/1000 sec.
24P, 24P (ADV) mode:
1/24, 1/50 (OFF), 1/60, 1/120, 1/250,
1/500, 1/1000 sec.
Synchro scan
60i mode : 1/60.3 to 1/250.0 sec.
30P mode: 1/30.1 to 1/250.0 sec.
24P, 24P (ADV) mode:
1/24.1 to 1/250.0 sec.
Slow shutter
60i mode :
1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30
30P mode:1/4, 1/8, 1/15
24P/24P (ADV) mode:
1/6, 1/12
Minimum subject illuminance
3 lux (F1.6, 18 dB gain, 50 IRE video output)
Lens hood
Large-sized lens hood with wide angle of
view
Filter diameter
72 mm
LCD monitor
3.5-inch LCD color monitor, 200,000 pixels
Viewfinder
0.44-inch LCD color viewfinder, 180,000
pixels
Internal microphone
Stereo microphone
Internal speaker
20 mm diameter 
						

							70
Specifications
[VIDEO]
Sampling frequency
Y: 13.5 MHz, PB/PR: 3.375 MHz
Quantizing
8 bits
Video compression system
DCT + variable length code
Error correction
Reed-Solomon product code
[AUDIO]
Sampling frequency
48 kHz/32 kHz
Quantizing
16 bits/12 bits
Frequency response
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Wow & flutter
Below measurable limits
[CONNECTORS]
VIDEO IN/OUT (input/output automatically
switched)
Pin jack, analog composite input/output, 1.0 V
[p-p], 75 Ω
S-VIDEO IN/OUT (input/output automatically
switched)
S-connector, Y/C separate signal
input/output, Y: 1.0 V [p-p], C: 0.286 V [p-p],
75 Ω
AUDIO IN/OUT (input/output automatically
switched)
Pin jacks a2 (CH1, CH2)
Input: 316 mV, high impedance
Output: 316 mV, 600 Ω
DV
4-pin, digital input/output, IEEE 1394
standard complied with
INPUT 1, INPUT 2
XLR (3 pins) a2 (CH1, CH2)
LINE/MIC switching, high impedance
LINE : 0 dBu
MIC :–50 dBu/–60 dBu (menu selection)
DC INPUT
7.9 V
PHONES
Stereo (3.5 mm diameter)
CAM REMOTE
Mini jack (2.5 mm diameter)
[OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES]
Wide conversion lens
AG-LW7208G
16:9 conversion lens
AG-LA7200G
XLR microphone
AG-MC100G
Hard carrying case
AG-HT100G
Soft carrying case
AG-SC100G
Battery
CGR-D16 (1600 mAh: product equivalent to
battery supplied)
CGP-D28 (2800 mAh)
CGA-D54 (5400 mAh)
AC adapter kit
AG-B15 (product equivalent to AC cable, DC
cable and AC adapter supplied)
Cleaning tape
AY-DVMCLA
indicates safety information. Power Source:
110/120/220/240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption:
18 W
Weight
0.35 Ib (0.16 kg)
Dimensions (WaHaD)
2 
13/16a1 13/16a4 5/8inches
(70a44.5a116 mm)
[AC ADAPTER]
Weight and dimensions shown are approximate.
Specifications are subject to change without
notice.