Panasonic Pv Gs16 Operating Instructions Manual

							Before attempting to connect, operate or adjust this product, please read these 
instructions thoroughly.
LSQT0885 A
PV-GS16
Digital Video Camcorder
Operating Instructions
Model No.
Spanish Quick Use Guide is included.
Guía para rápida consulta en español está incluida.
For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo 
						

							2For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
WARNING :
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS 
EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Date of Purchase
Dealer Purchased From
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone No.
Model No.
Serial No.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 Camcorder. Be sure to retain 
this manual as your convenient Camcorder 
information source.
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.
The above markings are located on the appliance bottom cover. Your 
 Camcorder is designed to record and play back in Standard Play (SP) mode and Long (LP) 
mode.
It is recommended that only cassette tapes that have been tested and inspected for use in VCR machines 
with the 
 mark be used.
Thank you for choosing Panasonic!
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.
Things You Should Know
Safety Precautions 
						

							3
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name : Panasonic
Model No. : 
PV-GS16Responsibility Party :  Panasonic Corporation of North America
Address :  One Panasonic Way Secaucus New Jersey 07094
Telephone Number : 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.
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 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.
AS WITH ANY SMALL OBJECT, SD CARDS CAN BE SWALLOWED BY YOUNG CHILDREN. DO NOT 
ALLOW CHILDREN TO HANDLE THE SD CARD.
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD AND ANNOYING 
INTERFERENCE, USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
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.
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. CONSUMERS: ATTENTION:
WARNING 
						

							4For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
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.
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. 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 
manufacturer’s 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.
Important Safeguards 
						

							5
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 into, or objects have 
fallen onto, 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 operation.
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.
USE & LOCATION
• TO AVOID SHOCK HAZARD ...  Your Camcorder and power supply should not be exposed to rain or moisture. Do not 
connect the power supply or operate your Camcorder if it gets wet. Your Camcorder has been designed for outdoor 
use, however, it is not designed to sustain direct exposure to water, rain, sleet, snow, sand, dust, or direct splashing 
from a pool or even a cup of coffee. This action could permanently damage the internal parts of your Camcorder. Do not 
attempt to disassemble this unit. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Unplug your Camcorder from the power 
supply before cleaning.
Precautions
•  DO NOT AIM YOUR CAMCORDER AT THE SUN OR OTHER BRIGHT OBJECTS
•  DO NOT LEAVE THE CAMCORDER WITH THE EVF AIMED DIRECTLY AT THE SUN AS THIS MAY CAUSE 
DAMAGE TO THE INTERNAL PARTS OF THE EVF
•  DO NOT EXPOSE YOUR CAMCORDER TO EXTENDED HIGH TEMPERATURE ...  Such as, direct sunlight, inside a 
closed car, next to a heater, etc...  This action could permanently damage the internal parts of your Camcorder.
• 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 CAMCORDER OR THE POWER SUPPLY TURNED ON WHEN NOT IN USE.
• STORAGE OF YOUR CAMCORDER ...  Store and handle your Camcorder in a manner that will not subject it to 
unnecessary movement (avoid shaking and striking). Your Camcorder contains a sensitive pick-up device which could 
be damaged by improper handling or storage.
CARE
• TO CLEAN YOUR CAMCORDER ...  Do not use strong or abrasive detergents when cleaning your Camcorder body.
• TO PROTECT THE LENS ...  Do not touch the surface of the lens with your hand. Use a commercial Camcorder lens 
solution and lens paper when cleaning the lens. Improper cleaning can scratch the lens coating.
• TO PROTECT THE FINISH OF YOUR CAMCORDER ...  Before handling your Camcorder, make sure your hands and 
face are free from any chemical products, such as suntan lotion, as it may damage the fi nish.
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.
CAUTION
WARNING 
						

							6For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
Contents 
Things You Should Know ..................................2
Safety Precautions ............................................2
Precautions .......................................................5
Quick Guide ......................................................8
Standard Accessories .....................................10
Controls and Components ..............................10
The Remote Control (Optional) .......................12
Power Supply ..................................................13
Charging Time and Available Recording Time
 ........................................................................14
To Use as a Grip Belt ......................................14
Re-attaching the Lens Cap .............................14
Attaching the Shoulder Strap ..........................15
Inserting a Cassette ........................................15
Using a Memory Card (Optional) ....................15
Turning on the Camcorder ..............................16
Easy to Use Mode Dial ...................................16
Using the Viewfinder/LCD Monitor ..................16
Using the Menu Screen ..................................17
List of Menus ...................................................18
Setting Date and Time ....................................21
Internal Lithium Battery Recharge ..................21
LP Mode ..........................................................21
Audio Recording Mode ...................................21About Recording .............................................22
Recording on a Tape ......................................22
Recording a Still Picture on a Card 
  (Photoshot) ...................................................23
Recording Yourself .........................................24
Recording with the Built-in LED Video Light ...24
Quick Start ......................................................24
Self-timer Recording .......................................24
Zoom In/Out Functions ...................................25
Digital Zoom Function .....................................25
Image Stabilizer Function ...............................25
Fade In/Out Functions ....................................26
Backlight Compensation Function ..................26
MagicPix Function ...........................................27
Soft-Skin Mode ...............................................27
Wind Noise Reduction Function ......................27
Cinema Function .............................................27
Recording in Special Situations 
  (Program AE) ................................................27
Recording in Natural Colors 
  (White Balance) ............................................28
Adjusting White Balance Manually ..................28
Manual Shutter Speed Adjustment .................29
Manual Iris Adjustment (F Number) ................30
Manual Focus Adjustment ..............................30
Digital Effect Functions ...................................30
Before UseRecording Mode 
						

							7
Playing Back a Tape .......................................33
Finding a Scene You Want to Play Back ........33
Slow Motion Playback 
  (Optional Remote Control Only) ....................34
Still Playback/Still Advance Playback .............34
Index Search Functions 
  (Optional Remote Control Only) ....................35
Playback Zoom Function 
  (Optional Remote Control Only) ....................35
Playback Digital Effect Functions ....................36
Playing Back a Memory Card .........................36
Slide Show ......................................................37
Creating a Title ................................................37
Adding a Title ..................................................38
Writing Printing Data on a Card 
  (DPOF Setting) .............................................39
Protecting the Files on a Card 
  (Lock Setting) ................................................39
Deleting the Files Recorded on a Card  ..........39
Formatting a Card ...........................................40
Playing Back on Your TV ................................40
Recording from a Tape onto a Card ...............41
Recording Pictures from a Card onto a Tape
 ........................................................................41
Audio Dubbing 
  (Optional Remote Control Only) ....................41
Copying on a VHS Cassette (Dubbing) ..........42
Using the DV Cable for Recording 
  (Digital Dubbing) ...........................................42
PC Connection With DV Interface Cable ........43Using the Software with a Personal Computer
 ........................................................................44
Using USB Driver ............................................44
To disconnect USB cable safely .....................46
Using as a Web Camera .................................47
If you no longer need software or driver 
  (Uninstall) ......................................................50
Notes ...............................................................50
Indications .......................................................53
Initializing the Modes ......................................54
Warning/Alarm Indications ..............................54
Notes and Hints ..............................................55
Cautions for Use .............................................59
Before Requesting Service 
  (Problems and Solutions) ..............................62
Using the RESET button .................................64
Explanation of Terms ......................................64
Specifications ..................................................66
Camcorder Accessory System ........................67
Camcorder Accessory Order Form .................68
Request for Service Notice .............................69
Limited Warranty .............................................70
Customer Services Directory ..........................71
Spanish Quick Use Guide/
  Guía Para Uso Rápido ..................................72
Guía rápida .....................................................73
Index ...............................................................75
Playback Mode
Others
With a PC
Editing Mode 
						

							8For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
Before Use
Quick Guide
•  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 [POWER] Lamp and [CHARGE] Lamp light 
up, and charging starts.
•  When the [CHARGE] Lamp goes off, charging is 
completed.
1  Attach the Battery to the AC Adaptor and 
charge it.
2  Attach the charged Battery to the 
Camcorder.
1  Slide the [OPEN/EJECT] Lever 1 toward 
the front and pull down to fully open the 
Cassette Compartment Cover.
•  To protect the tape, if the cover is not fully 
opened, the cassette holder cannot be ejected.
2  Insert a Cassette.
3  Close the Cassette Holder by pressing the 
[PUSH] mark 2.
4  Close the Cassette Compartment Cover by 
pressing the mark 3.
2
1
Inserting a Cassette
Inserting a Card
2  Slide the [OPEN] Lever 3 to open the Card 
Slot Cover 4.
3  While holding the Memory Card with its cut 
corner facing right 5 insert it into the Card 
Slot 6.
4  Close the Card Slot Cover 4 securely.
3
1  Place your Thumb on the [OPEN▼] 1 
Knob and pull the LCD Monitor 2 out in the 
direction of the arrow.
1
2
5
3
46
Before using the Viewfinder, adjust the field of view so 
that the displays inside the Viewfinder become clear 
and easy to read.
1  Pull the Viewfi nder.
2  Adjust by turning the Eyepiece Corrector 
Knob 1.
1
Using the Viewfinder 
						

							9
Before Use
Recording on a Tape
1  Set the [OFF/ON] Switch 1 to [ON].•  The [POWER] Lamp 2 lights up.
2  Set the Mode Dial to Tape Recording Mode.
3  Press the Recording Start/Stop Button.• Recording starts.
1
2
1  Set the Mode Dial to Card Recording Mode.
2  Press the [PHOTO SHOT] Button.
Recording a Still Picture on Card 
(Photoshot)
1  Set the [OFF/ON] Switch 1 to [ON].• The [POWER] Lamp 2 lights up.
2  Set the Mode Dial to Tape Playback Mode.
3  Press the [◄◄] Button to rewind the tape.
4  Press the [►] Button to start playback.
5  Press the [ ■ ] Button to stop playback.
Playing Back a Tape
1
2
1  Set the Mode Dial to Picture Playback 
Mode.
► : Starting the Slide Show
►► : Playing back the next picture
◄◄ : Playing back the previous picture
■ : Stop the Slide Show
 :Pause the Slide Show
2 Start Playback.
Playing Back a Card
4  Press the Recording Start/Stop Button 
again to pause the recording. 
						

							10For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
Before Use
Standard Accessories
Illustrated are accessories supplied with the 
Camcorder.
1)  AC Adaptor, DC Cable and AC Cable (p. 13)
1)
2) 3) 4)
5)
PV-DAC11
LSJA0280
LSFC0018
2)  Battery Pack (p. 13)
3)  Mini DV Tape (60 min.) (p. 15)
4)  AV Cable (pp. 40, 42)
5)  Shoulder Strap (p. 15)CAUTION:
This unit will operate on 110/120/220/240 
V AC. An AC plug adaptor may be required 
for voltages other than 120 V AC. Please 
contact either a local or foreign electrical 
parts distributor for assistance in selecting an 
alternate AC plug.
We recommend using the accessory power plug 
adaptor (VJSS0070/KZDB4ZE00001) in an area 
which has special AC outlets.
Controls and Components
„ Camcorder
CGR-D08R
1
2
345
6
789
1LCD Monitor Open Knob [OPEN▼] (p. 16)
19
2021
11
10
131415161718
3Card Slot Cover Open Lever [◄OPEN] 
(p. 15)
4Card Slot (p. 15)
5Card Slot Cover (p. 15)
6Speaker (p. 33)
7Recording Check Button [  ] (p. 22)
Recording Button [REC] (p. 42)
8MagicPix Button [MAGICPIX] (p. 27)
9Soft Skin Button [SOFT SKIN] (p. 27)
10Backlight Button [BACK LIGHT] (p. 26)
11Light Button [LIGHT] (p. 24)
12Card Access Lamp (p. 16)
13Pause Button [  ] (p. 23)
Still Button [STILL] (p. 23)
14Fast Forward/Cue Button [►►] (p. 33)
15Play Button [►] (p. 33)
Enter Button [ENTER] (p. 17)
16Stop Button [ ■ ] (p. 33)
Fade Button [FADE] (p. 26)
17Rewind/Review Button [◄◄] (p. 33)
18Mode Selector Switch
[AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] (pp. 22, 27~30)
19Menu Button [MENU] (p. 17)
20Multi Button [MULTI] (p. 31)
Picture-in-Picture Button [P-IN-P] (p. 32)
21Reset Button [RESET] (pp. 54, 63, 64) Due to limitations in LCD production technology, 
there may be some tiny bright or dark spots on 
the LCD Monitor screen.
However, this is not a malfunction and does not 
affect the recorded picture.
LSJA0288 K2CB2CB00014
2423
22
26
22Lens Hood (p. 62)
23Lens
24Microphone (built-in, stereo) (pp. 25, 27)
25Built-in LED Light (p. 24)
26Zoom Lever [W/T] (pp. 25, 33)
12
25
2LCD Monitor (pp. 16~17, 62)Before Use
AY-DVM60EJ