Panasonic Pv Gs29 Operating Instructions Manual

							Before attempting to connect, operate or adjust this product, please 
read these instructions thoroughly.
LSQT1000 B
PV-GS59
PV-GS39
PV-GS29
Digital Video Camcorder
Operating Instructions
Models 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
(PV-GS59 Shown)
For assistance, please call : 1-800-561-5505 or visit us at www.panasonic.ca
PPC 
						

							2
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 Camcorders 
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
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 a well ventilated place; do not install this 
equipment in a confined space such as a bookcase or similar unit.
WARNING 
						

							3
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name : Panasonic
Model No. : PV-GS29/PV-GS39/PV-GS59
Responsibility 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.
06
306
3
06
3
- U.S.A. CONSUMERS Only-
This class B digital apparatus complies with CANADIAN ICES-003.
- CANADA CONSUMERS Only-A lithium ion/polymer battery that is recyclable powers the product you 
have purchased. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information on how 
to recycle this battery.
U.S.A. /CANADA CONSUMERS: ATTENTION: 
						

							4
Important Safety Instructions
1)  Read these instructions.
2)  Keep these instructions.
3)  Heed all warnings.
4)  Follow all instructions.
5)  Do not use this apparatus near water.
6)  Clean only with dry cloth.
7)  Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8)  Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus 
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9)  Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two 
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding 
prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not 
fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience 
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or the table specified by the 
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when 
moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when it will be left unused for long 
periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has 
been damaged in any way, such as when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has 
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or 
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. 
						

							5
Apparatus Claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,631,603, 4,577,216, and 4,819,098, licensed for limited 
viewing.
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of 
certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and 
other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision 
Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise 
authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
WARNING
CAUTION
Precautions
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 a 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.
● 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, in 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 finish.
Information on Disposal in other Countries outside the European Union
This symbol is only valid in the European Union.
If you wish to discard this product, please contact your local authorities or dealer and 
ask for the correct method of disposal.
- If you see this symbol - 
						

							6
You (“Licensee”) are granted a license for the Software defined in this End User Software Agreement 
(“Agreement”) on condition that you agree to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. If Licensee 
does not agree to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, promptly return the Software to 
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (“Matsushita”), its distributors or dealers from which you made 
the purchase.
Article 1  License
Licensee is granted the right to use the software, including the information recorded or described on 
the CD-ROM, instruction manuals, and any other media provided to Licensee (collectively “Software”), 
but all applicable rights to patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets in the Software are not 
transferred to Licensee.
Article 2  Use by a Third Party
Licensee may not use, copy, modify, transfer or allow any third party, whether free of charge or not, to 
use, copy or modify the Software, except as expressly provided for in this Agreement.
Article 3  Restrictions on Copying the Software
Licensee may make a single copy of the Software in whole or in part solely for back-up purpose.
Article 4  Computer
Licensee may only use the Software on a single computer at a single location.
Article 5  Reverse Engineering, Decompiling or Disassembly
Licensee may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Software, except to the extent either 
of them is permitted under law or regulation of the country where Licensee resides. Matsushita, or its 
distributors or dealers will not be responsible for any defects in the Software or damage to Licensee 
caused by Licensee’s reverse engineering, decompiling, or disassembly of the Software.
Article 6  Limitation of Liability
The Software is provided “AS-IS” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, 
but not limited to, warranties of non-infringement, merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. 
Further, Matsushita does not warrant that the operation of the Software will be uninterrupted or error 
free. Matsushita or any of its distributors or dealers will not be liable for any damage suffered by 
Licensee arising from or in connection with Licensee’s use of the Software.
Article 7  Export Control
Licensee agrees not to export or re-export to any country the Software in any form without the 
appropriate export licenses under regulations of the country where Licensee resides, if necessary.
Article 8  Termination of License
The right granted to Licensee hereunder will be automatically terminated if Licensee violates any of the 
terms and conditions of this Agreement. Upon such automatic termination, Licensee must destroy the 
Software and related documentation together with all the copies thereof at Licensee’s own expense. Before opening the CD-ROM package (PV-GS59 Only), please read the following.
End User License Agreement (for USB Driver, MotionDV STUDIO and 
Quick Movie Magic) 
						

							7
This operating instruction book is designed for use with models PV-GS29, PV-GS39 and PV-GS59. The 
PV-GS59 is the model used for illustrative purposes. Features may vary, so please read carefully.
Differences between models
Model Number PV-GS29 PV-GS39 PV-GS59
Battery Pack
(Supplied)CGR-DU06
(640 mAh)CGR-DU06
(640 mAh)For U.S.A. customers:
CGR-DU06 (640 mAh)
For Canada customers:
CGA-DU12 (1 150 mAh)
CD-ROM – – Supplied (LSFT0648)
USB Cable –For U.S.A. customers:
– 
For Canada customers:
Supplied (K1HA05CD0014)Supplied (K1HA05CD0014)
Card Feature No Yes Yes
Monitor 2.5-inch LCD 2.7-inch Wide LCD 2.7-inch Wide LCD
USB Jack* No Yes (Full-Speed) Yes (High-Speed)
Audio Dubbing No No Yes 
Recording a Still 
Picture on a TapeYes No No
Cinema Function Yes No No
Wide/4:3 Function No Yes Yes
Remote Control 
SensorNo No Yes
„ How to Turn off the Demo Mode
To terminate the demonstration mode, insert a cassette or set the [  DEMO MODE] to 
[OFF] as follows.
1 Set [  SETUP] >> [  DEMO MODE] >> [OFF].
*  It is only compatible with USB 2.0 PCI Card and/or connection. 
						

							8
Before using the PC function (pp. 56~69), please refer to the OS (operating system) compatibility chart, 
below.
With a PC (Operating System Compatibility Chart)
Model 
NumberWindows OS Built-in SD Drive Web CameraMotionDV STUDIO/
Quick Movie Magic
PV-GS29Windows 2000 – – –
Windows XP – – –
PV-GS39Windows 2000 Yes* Yes (SP4 or later) –
Windows XP Yes* Yes (SP2 or later)* –
PV-GS59Windows 2000 Yes* Yes (SP4 or later) Yes (SP4 or later)
Windows XP Yes* Yes (SP1 or later) Yes (SP2 or later)
Model 
NumberMacintosh OS Built-in SD Drive Web CameraMotionDV STUDIO/
Quick Movie Magic
PV-GS29X v 10.1 - v 10.4  – – –
PV-GS39X v 10.1 - v 10.4  Yes* – –
PV-GS59X v 10.1 - v 10.4  Yes* – –
*  The USB equipment operates with the driver installed standard on your OS.
„ For  Windows
„ For  Macintosh
Model 
NumberMacintosh OS iMovie/iMovieHD
PV-GS29X v 10.3 - v 10.4  Yes
PV-GS39X v 10.3 - v 10.4  Yes
PV-GS59X v 10.3 - v 10.4  Yes
„ For Macintosh (DV connection) 
						

							9
Contents
About Recording ................................................... 30
Recording on a Tape ............................................ 30
To Check the Recording ....................................... 31
Finding the End of Recording 
  (Blank Search Function) ..................................... 31
Recording a Still Picture on a Tape 
  (PV-GS29 Only) .................................................. 31
Recording a Still Picture on a Card (Photoshot) 
  (For PV-GS39/PV-GS59) .................................... 32
Recording Yourself ............................................... 33
Recording with the Built-in LED Video Light ......... 33
Quick Start ............................................................ 34
Self-timer Recording (For PV-GS39/PV-GS59) .... 35
Zoom In/Out Functions ......................................... 35
Digital Zoom Function ........................................... 36
Image Stabilizer Function ..................................... 36
Fade In/Out Functions .......................................... 37
Backlight Compensation Function ........................ 37
MagicPix Function ................................................ 38
Soft-Skin Mode ..................................................... 38
Wind Noise Reduction Function ........................... 39
Cinema Function (PV-GS29 Only) ....................... 39
Wide/4:3 Function (For PV-GS39/PV-GS59) ....... 39
Recording in Special Situations (Scene Mode) .... 40
Recording in Natural Colors (White Balance) ....... 41
Manual Shutter Speed Adjustment ....................... 42
Manual Iris Adjustment (F Number) ...................... 43
Manual Focus Adjustment .................................... 44Playing Back a Tape ............................................. 45
Finding a Scene You Want to Play Back .............. 46
Slow Motion Playback (PV-GS59 Only) ............... 46
Still Playback/Still Advance Playback ................... 47
Playing Back a Memory Card 
  (For PV-GS39/PV-GS59) .................................... 47
Slide Show (For PV-GS39/PV-GS59) .................. 48
Deleting the Files Recorded on a Card 
  (For PV-GS39/PV-GS59) .................................... 49
Writing Printing Data on a Card (DPOF Setting) 
  (For PV-GS39/PV-GS59) .................................... 50
Protecting the Files on a Card (Lock Setting) 
  (For PV-GS39/PV-GS59) .................................... 50
Formatting a Card (For PV-GS39/PV-GS59) ....... 51
Playing Back on Your TV ...................................... 51
Recording from a Tape onto a Card 
  (For PV-GS39/PV-GS59) .................................... 53
Audio Dubbing (PV-GS59 Only) ........................... 53
Copying onto a DVD Recorder or a VCR 
  (Dubbing) ............................................................ 54
Using the DV Cable for Recording 
  (Digital Dubbing) ................................................. 54
PC Connection With DV Interface Cable .............. 55
Using Camcorder with a PC ................................. 56
Using the USB Function  ...................................... 56
To disconnect USB cable safely ........................... 59
Using as a Web Camera ...................................... 60
Using the Motion Picture Editing Software 
  (PV-GS59 Only) .................................................. 64
If you no longer need software or driver 
  (Uninstall) ............................................................ 67
Transferring Motion DV Tape Pictures 
  (Camcorder→Macintosh) via DV Cable 
  (iMovie / iMovie HD) ........................................... 67
Notes .................................................................... 68
Indications ............................................................ 70
Warning/Alarm Indications .................................... 71
Cautions for Use ................................................... 72
Before Requesting Service 
  (Problems and Solutions) ................................... 75
Using the RESET button ...................................... 78
Explanation of Terms ............................................ 79
Specifications ....................................................... 80
Camcorder Accessory System ............................. 81
Camcorder Accessory Order Form 
  (For U.S.A. customers) ....................................... 82
Request for Service Notice 
  (For U.S.A. customers) ....................................... 83
Limited Warranty (For U.S.A. customers) ............. 84
Customer Services Directory ................................ 85
Warranty (For Canada customers) ....................... 86
Spanish Quick Use Guide/Guía Para Uso Rápido
 .............................................................................. 87
Guía rápida ........................................................... 88
Index ..................................................................... 90
Before Using
Things You Should Know ....................................... 2
Safety Precautions ................................................. 2
Precautions ............................................................. 5
End User License Agreement ................................. 6
Differences between models .................................. 7
With a PC (Operating System Compatibility Chart) ... 8
Quick Guide .......................................................... 10
Standard Accessories ........................................... 12
Parts Identification and Handling .......................... 12
The Remote Control (PV-GS59 Only : Optional) .. 14
Power Supply ....................................................... 15
Charging Time and Available Recording Time ..... 16
How to remove the Sensor tag 
  (For U.S.A. customers) ....................................... 17
To Use as a Grip Belt ........................................... 17
Re-attaching the Lens Cap ................................... 17
Attaching the Shoulder Strap ................................ 18
Inserting/Removing a Cassette ............................ 18
Using a Memory Card (Optional) 
  (For PV-GS39/PV-GS59) .................................... 19
Turning on the Camcorder .................................... 20
Setting Date and Time .......................................... 21
Using the Viewfinder/LCD Monitor ....................... 21
Easy to Use Mode Dial ......................................... 23
How to Use the Joystick Control ........................... 23
Using the Menu Screen ........................................ 25
Selecting Language .............................................. 26
List of Menus ........................................................ 26
LP Mode ............................................................... 29
Recording Mode
Playback Mode
Editing Mode
With a PC
Others 
						

							10
•  Before use, fully charge the Battery.
•  Since the Battery will not be charged when 
the DC Cable is connected to the AC Adaptor, 
disconnect it from the AC Adaptor.
•  The [CHARGE] Lamp lights up, and charging 
starts.
•  When the [CHARGE] Lamp goes off, charging 
is completed.
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 up 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  After the Cassette Holder is opened, insert 
a Cassette.
3  Close the Cassette Holder by pressing the 
[PUSH] mark 2.
4  Only after the Cassette Holder is 
completely housed, close the Cassette 
Compartment Cover by pressing the mark 
3.
2
1
Inserting a Card
2  Open the Card Slot Cover 3.
3  While holding the Memory Card with its 
cut corner facing right 4 insert it into the 
Card Slot 5.
4  Close the Card Slot Cover 3 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
3
Quick Guide
Inserting a Cassette
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.
Using the Viewfinder
Using the Battery
4
5
Turning on the Camcorder
„ How to Turn on the Power
1  Set the [OFF/ON] Switch to [ON] while 
pressing the button 1.•  The [STATUS] Indicator lights Red.
„ How to Turn off the Power
2  Set the [OFF/ON] Switch to [OFF] while 
pressing the button 1.•  The [STATUS] Indicator goes off.
1
1
•  Open the LCD Monitor or extend the Viewfinder 
before turning on the power.