Panasonic Pv Gs29 Operating Instructions Manual

							Others
71
Warning/Alarm Indications
If any one of the following indications lights up or 
flashes, please check the Camcorder.
Confirmatory Indications
 :A cassette with the accidental erasure 
prevention slider placed in the [SAVE] 
position is inserted.
No cassette is inserted.
[--] / 
:The built-in battery is low. (p. 21)
 :The Warning/Alarm Indication appears 
when you record yourself. Turn the LCD 
Monitor towards the Viewfinder and 
check the Warning/Alarm Indication.
 :No card is inserted.
REMOTE: An incorrect Remote Control mode has 
been selected. (p. 15)
 END :The tape came to the end during 
recording.
 :The video heads are dirty. (p. 73)
Textual Indications
 DEW DETECT/ EJECT TAPE:
Condensation has occurred. Take out the 
cassette and wait for a while. It takes some time 
until the cassette holder opens, but this is not a 
malfunction. (p. 73)
TAPE END:
The tape came to the end during recording.
NEED HEAD CLEANING:
The video heads are dirty. (p. 73)
PUSH THE RESET SWITCH:
An irregularity in the equipment has been 
detected. Press the [RESET] Button (p. 78). This 
may solve the problem.
LOW BATTERY:
The Battery is low. Recharge it. (p. 15)
NO TAPE:
No tape is inserted. (p. 18)
CHECK REMOTE MODE:
An incorrect Remote Control Mode has 
been selected. This is only displayed at the 
first operation of the Remote Control after 
powering-on. (p. 15)
CHECK REC TAB:
You are attempting to record pictures on a tape 
with the accidental erasure prevention slider 
placed in the [SAVE] position.
You are attempting Audio Dubbing or Digital 
Dubbing on a tape with the accidental erasure 
prevention slider placed in the [SAVE] position.
WRONG TAPE FORMAT:
You are attempting to play back a tape section 
that has been recorded with a different TV 
system. This cassette is incompatible.CLOSE CASSETTE DOOR:
The cassette cover is open. Close the cassette 
cover. (pp. 18~19)
UNABLE TO A.DUB
(LP RECORDED):
Because the original recording was in LP Mode, 
audio dubbing cannot be performed.
UNABLE TO A.DUB:
You are attempting to perform audio dubbing on 
a non-recorded tape.
COPY PROTECTED:
Images cannot be recorded correctly because 
the medium is protected by a copy guard.
CARD ERROR:
The Card is not compatible with this Camcorder.
You are attempting to format a failed card.
It displays, when you attempt to insert the 
incompatible card to Card Slot.
NO CARD:
No card is inserted.
CARD FULL:
Card does not have sufficient memory 
remaining.
Select Picture Playback Mode and delete 
unnecessary files.
NO DATA:
There are no recorded files on the card.
UNPLAYABLE CARD:
You are attempting to play back data not 
compatible with this Camcorder.
FILE LOCKED:
You are attempting to erase protected files.
CARD LOCKED:
The write protection switch on the SD Memory 
Card is set to [LOCK].
CHANGE MODE TO USE USB:
The USB Cable is connected to the Camcorder 
in Card Recording Mode.
CANCEL MAGICPIX MODE:
You are attempting to select an item other than 
[OFF] in [ 
 SCENE MODE] during MagicPix 
Mode.
DISCONNECT USB CABLE:
You are attempting to turn the Mode Dial in PC 
Mode with the USB Cable connected to the 
Camcorder.
You are attempting to record pictures on a 
Tape/Card with the USB Cable connected to the 
Camcorder.
PC DOES NOT SUPPORT USB2.0:
The Camcorder is connected to a personal 
computer that does not support USB2.0.
CAN NOT USE USB:
You are connecting the USB Cable with the DV 
Cable connected in MotionDV Mode. 
						

							72
CHANGE TO MANUAL MODE:
You are attempting to select an item other than 
[OFF] in [ 
 SCENE MODE] when the [AUTO/
MANUAL/FOCUS] Switch is set to [AUTO].
CAN NOT OPERATE
(MOTION DV MODE) (PV-GS59 Only):
You are attempting to change [ 
 D.ZOOM] 
setting during MotionDV Mode.
TURN OFF THE VIDEO LIGHT:
You are attempting to select an item in [ 
 
SCENE MODE] when Light is on.
REVERSE THE LCD MONITOR:
When the LCD Monitor is rotated by 180° 
towards the lens, the brightness of the LCD 
Monitor cannot be adjusted.
Cautions for Use
„ After  Use
1  Take out the Cassette. (pp. 18~19)
2  Set the [OFF/ON] Switch to [OFF].
3  Take out the Card. (pp. 19~20)
4  Detach the power supply and retract the 
Viewfi nder or the LCD Monitor. (pp. 21~22)
5  To protect the Lens, attach the supplied 
Lens Cap.
„ Cautions for UseWhen you use your Camcorder on a rainy or 
snowy day or on a beach, make sure that no 
water enters the Camcorder.
•  Water may cause the Camcorder or Cassette to 
malfunction. (Irreparable failure may occur.)
•  If sea water splashes onto the Camcorder, wet a 
soft cloth with tap water, wring it well, and use it to 
wipe the camera body carefully. Then, wipe it again 
thoroughly with a soft dry cloth.
Keep the Camcorder away from magnetized 
equipment (such as a microwave oven, TV, 
video game equipment, etc.).
•  If you use the Camcorder on or near a TV, images 
or sounds may be disturbed due to electromagnetic 
wave radiation.
•  Do not use near a cell phone because doing so 
may cause noise to adversely affect the picture and 
sound.
•  Recordings on the tape may be damaged, or 
images may be distorted, by strong magnetic fields 
created by speakers or large motors.
•  Electromagnetic wave radiation generated by 
a microprocessor may adversely affect the 
Camcorder, causing the disturbance of images and 
sounds.•  If the Camcorder is affected by magnetically 
charged equipment and does not function properly, 
turn off the Camcorder power and detach the 
Battery or AC Adaptor and then connect the Battery 
or AC Adaptor again. Thereafter, turn on the 
Camcorder power.
Do not use your Camcorder near radio 
transmitters or high-voltage cables.
•  If you record pictures near radio transmitters or 
high-voltage cables, recorded images or sounds 
may be adversely affected.
Do not use this Camcorder for surveillance 
purposes or other business use.
•  If you use the Camcorder for a long period of 
time, the internal temperature increases and, 
consequently, this may cause malfunction.
•  This Camcorder is not intended for business use.
When you use your Camcorder on a beach or 
similar place, do not let sand or fine dust get 
into the Camcorder.
•  Sand or dust may damage the Camcorder or 
Cassette. (Care should be taken when inserting 
and removing the Cassette.)
Do not spray insecticides or volatile 
chemicals onto the Camcorder.
•  If the Camcorder is sprayed with such chemicals, 
the camera body may be deformed and the surface 
finish may peel off.
•  Do not keep rubber or plastic products in contact 
with the Camcorder for a long period of time.
Do not use benzine, thinner or alcohol for 
cleaning the Camcorder.
•  The Camcorder body may be deformed and the 
surface finish may peel off.
•  Before cleaning, detach the Battery or pull out the 
AC Cable from the AC Jack.
•  Wipe the Camcorder with a soft dry cloth. To 
remove stubborn stains, wipe with a cloth that 
is soaked in a detergent diluted with water and 
afterwards finish wiping with a dry cloth.
•  For storing or transporting the Camcorder, place 
it in a bag or case lined with soft pads so as to 
prevent the coating on the camera body from being 
worn.
After use, be sure to take the Cassette out and 
detach the Battery from the Camcorder or pull 
out the AC Cable from AC Jack.
•  If the Cassette is left in the Camcorder, the tape 
sags and deteriorates.
•  If the Battery is left on the Camcorder for a long 
time, the voltage drops excessively, and the Battery 
will not function even after it is recharged. 
						

							Others
73
„ About   AC Adaptor•  If the temperature of the Battery is extremely 
high or extremely low, the [CHARGE] Lamp may 
continue flashing, and the Battery may not be 
charged. After the temperature of the Battery has 
decreased or increased sufficiently, charging starts 
automatically. If the [CHARGE] Lamp continues 
to flash even after the Battery temperature has 
decreased or increased sufficiently, the Battery 
or AC Adaptor may be faulty. In this case, please 
contact a dealer.
•  If the Battery is warm, charging takes a longer time 
than normal.
•  If you use the AC Adaptor near a radio, radio 
reception may be disturbed. Keep the AC Adaptor 
3 feet (1 meter) or more away from radio.
•  When using the AC Adaptor, it may generate 
whirring sounds. However, this is normal.
•  After use, be sure to pull out the AC Cable from 
the AC Jack. (If they are left connected, a minute 
amount of current is consumed.)
•  Always keep the electrodes of the AC Adaptor and 
Battery clean.
„  CondensationIf you turn the Camcorder on when condensation 
occurs on the head or the tape, Condensation 
Indication [ 
 ] is displayed on the Viewfinder 
or the LCD Monitor and the messages [DEW 
DETECT] or [EJECT TAPE] (only when the tape 
is inserted) appear. In this case, follow the procedure 
below.
1  Remove the tape if it is inserted.•  It takes about 20 seconds to open the Cassette 
Holder. This is not a malfunction.
2  Leave the Camcorder with the Cassette 
Compartment Cover closed to cool or 
warm it to the ambient temperature.
3  Turn the Camcorder on again, set it to 
the Tape Recording/Playback Mode and 
then check if the condensation indication 
disappears.
Especially in cold conditions, dew may be frozen. 
In this case, it may take more time before the 
condensation indication disappears.
Watch for Condensation even before the 
Condensation Indication is displayed.
•  The condensation indication may not appear 
depending on circumstances. When condensation 
occurs on the lens or the Camcorder, it also may 
occur on the head and the tape. Do not open the 
Cassette Compartment Cover.
When the Lens Is Fogged:Set the [OFF/ON] Switch to [OFF] and leave the 
Camcorder in this condition for about 1 hour. When 
the lens temperature becomes close to the ambient 
temperature, the fog disappears naturally.
„  Video Head Clogging and CareIf the heads (the parts that make contact with the 
tape) are dirty, mosaic-pattern noise may appear 
on the playback image, or the screen as a whole 
becomes black. If the heads are extremely dirty, 
recording performance deteriorates, and, in the worst 
case, the Camcorder cannot record at all.
Causes of Dirty Heads•  Large quantity of dust in the air
•  High-temperature and high-humidity environment
• Damaged tape
•  Long operating hours
Using Panasonic cleaning cassette 
(AY-DVMCLA)
1  Set the Mode Dial to Tape 
Playback Mode.
•  The One-Touch Navigation icon is 
displayed on the lower right of the 
screen.
2 Insert the Head Cleaner into the Camcorder 
in the same manner as a Video Cassette.
3  Move the Joystick Control [▲], and 
approximately 15 seconds later, move the 
Joystick Control [▼]. (Do not rewind the 
tape.)
4  Take out the Head Cleaner. Insert a Video 
Cassette and start recording. Then, play 
the tape back to check the recorded 
image.
5  If the image is not still clear, repeat Steps 
1 to 4. (Do not use the Head Cleaner 3 
times or more consecutively.)
Notes:
•  Do not rewind every time you use the Head 
Cleaner. Rewind only when the tape reaches the 
end, and then use it again from the beginning in the 
same manner as before.
•  If the heads become dirty soon after cleaning, the 
tape may be damaged. In this case, immediately 
stop using that Cassette.
•  Do not clean the heads excessively. (Excessive 
cleaning may cause excessive wear of the heads. If 
the heads are worn, images cannot be played back 
even after the heads are cleaned.)
•  If the dirty heads cannot be cleaned with the Head 
Cleaner, the Camcorder needs to be cleaned at a 
Servicenter. Please consult a dealer.
•  Head cleaning due to dirty heads is not considered 
a malfunction of the product. It is not covered by 
the warranty.
Periodical Check-upTo maintain the highest image quality, we 
recommend replacement of worn parts, such as 
heads, etc., after approximately 1000 hours of use. 
(This, however, depends on operating conditions, 
such as temperature, humidity, dust, etc.) 
						

							74
„ Optimal Use of the BatteryBattery CharacteristicsThis Battery is a rechargeable lithium ion battery. Its 
ability to generate power is based upon the chemical 
reaction that takes place inside it. This reaction is 
susceptible to the surrounding temperature and 
humidity, and, if the temperature is too high or too 
low, the operating time of the Battery becomes 
shorter. If the Battery is used in an extremely cold 
environment, the Battery may operate only for about 
5 minutes. If the Battery becomes extremely hot, a 
protective function may operate, and the Battery may 
become unusable for a while.
Be Sure to Detach the Battery after UseBe sure to detach the Battery from the Camcorder. (If 
it is left attached to the Camcorder, a minute amount 
of current is consumed even when the Camcorder 
power is off.) If the Battery is left attached to the 
Camcorder for a long time, over-discharge takes 
place. The Battery may become unusable after it is 
charged.
Disposing of an Unusable Battery•  The Battery has a limited life.
•  Do not throw the Battery into fire because it may 
cause an explosion.
Always Keep the Terminals of the Battery 
Clean
Prevent the terminals from getting clogged with dirt, 
dust, or other substances. If you drop the Battery 
accidentally, check to see if the Battery body and 
terminals are deformed. Attaching a deformed 
Battery to the Camcorder or AC Adaptor may 
damage the Camcorder or AC Adaptor.
„ Cautions for StorageBefore storing the Camcorder, take the 
Cassette out and detach the Battery.
Store all the components in a dry place with a 
relatively stable temperature.
(Recommended Temperature: 15 °C to 25 °C (59 °F 
to 77 °F), Recommended Humidity: 40 % to 60 %)
Camcorder•  Wrap it with a soft cloth to prevent dust from getting 
into the Camera.
•  Do not leave the Camcorder in places that expose 
it to high temperature.
Battery•  Extremely high temperatures or low temperatures 
will shorten the life of the Battery.
•  If the Battery is kept in smoky or dusty places, the 
terminals may rust and cause malfunctions.
• Do not allow the Battery terminals to come in 
contact with metal objects (such as necklaces, 
hairpins, etc.). This can result in a short circuit 
or heat generation and, if you touch the Battery 
in this condition, you may be badly burned.•  Store the Battery in a completely discharged state. 
To store the Battery for a long period of time, we 
recommend you charge it once every year and 
store it again after you completely use up the 
charged capacity.
Cassette•  Before storing it, rewind the tape to the beginning. 
If the Cassette is left for more than 6 months with 
the tape stopped midway, the tape sags (although 
it depends on the storage condition). Be sure to 
rewind to the beginning.
•  Store the Cassette in its case. Dust, direct sunlight 
(ultraviolet rays), or humidity may damage the tape. 
Dust contains hard mineral particles, and dusty 
Cassettes damage the heads of the Camcorder 
and other components. Develop a habit of returning 
the Cassette back to its case.
•  Once every half year, wind the tape to the end 
and then rewind it to the beginning. If the Cassette 
is left for 1 year or longer without winding or 
rewinding, temperature and humidity changes 
may cause the Cassette to deform due to swelling, 
shrinking, and so forth. The wound tape may stick 
to itself.
•  Do not place a Cassette near highly magnetic 
substances or equipment.
•  The surface of tape is covered with extremely 
minute magnetic particles, upon which signals are 
recorded. Magnetic necklaces, toys, etc., have 
magnetic force that is stronger than you may 
normally expect, and they may erase the contents 
of a recording or may cause noise in images and 
sounds.
Card•  When the Card is being read, do not remove the 
Card, turn off the power, or subject it to vibration or 
impact.
•  Do not leave the Card in places where there is 
high temperature or direct sunlight, or where 
electromagnetic waves or static electricity are 
easily generated.
•  Do not bend or drop the Card. The Card or the 
recorded content may be damaged.
•  After use, be sure to remove the Card from the 
Camcorder.
•  After usage, store the supplied SD Memory Card in 
the enclosed bag.
•  Do not touch the terminals on the back of the Card 
with your fingers. Do not allow dirt, dust or water to 
enter it.
•  Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children to 
prevent swallowing. 
						

							Others
75
„ LCD Monitor/Viewfinder/Lens Hood 
LCD Monitor•  In a place with drastic temperature changes, 
condensation may form on the LCD Monitor. Wipe 
it with a soft dry cloth.
•  If your Camcorder is extremely cold when you turn 
its power on, the image on the LCD Monitor is 
slightly darker than usual at first. However, as the 
internal temperature increases, it goes back to the 
normal brightness.
  Viewfinder•  Do not direct the Viewfinder or Lens to the sun. 
Internal components may be seriously damaged.
• 
When the Camcorder is used with a large capacity 
Battery attached to it, it is not practical to look in the 
Viewfinder from behind the Battery.
Lens Hood•  When you wish to attach the Tele Conversion 
Lens (not supplied), Wide Conversion Lens (not 
supplied), MC Protector (not supplied), or ND Filter 
(not supplied), rotate these in a clockwise direction.
•  If you push the [W/T] Lever toward [W] during 
recording with the filter and conversion lens 
attached to the Camcorder, 4 corners of the 
image may become dark (vignetting). For details, 
please refer to the operating instructions of your 
accessories.Extremely high precision technology is employed 
to produce the LCD Monitor screen featuring a 
total of approximately 105,000 pixels (PV-GS29) 
/ 112,000 pixels (PV-GS39/PV-GS59). The result 
is more than 99.99 % effective pixels with a 
mere 0.01 % of the pixels inactive or always lit. 
However, this is not a malfunction and does not 
affect the recorded picture.
Extremely high precision technology is employed 
to produce the Viewfinder screen featuring a 
total of approximately 113,000 pixels. The result 
is more than 99.99 % effective pixels with a 
mere 0.01 % of the pixels inactive or always lit. 
However, this is not a malfunction and does not 
affect the recorded picture.
Before Requesting Service 
(Problems and Solutions)
Power/Body
The Camcorder power cannot be turned on.
•  Is the battery fully charged? Use a fully charged 
battery.
•  The battery protection circuit may have operated. 
Attach the battery to the AC adaptor for 5 to 
10 seconds. If the Camcorder still cannot be used, 
the battery is faulty.
•  Is the LCD Monitor or the Viewfinder open?
The Camcorder power is turned off 
automatically.
•  If you set [  POWER SAVE] to [5 MINUTES] 
and do not operate the Camcorder for about 
5 continuous minutes, the power is automatically 
turned off for tape protection and power 
conservation. To resume recording, turn the [OFF/
ON] switch to [OFF]. Then turn it to [ON] again. 
(p. 29) Also, if you set [ 
 POWER SAVE] to 
[OFF], the power does not automatically turn off.
The Camcorder power does not stay on long 
enough.
•  Is the battery low? If the remaining battery power 
indication is flashing or the message [LOW 
BATTERY] is displayed, the battery has run 
down. Charge the battery or attach a fully charged 
battery. (p. 15)
•  Has condensation occurred? When you carry the 
Camcorder from a cold place into a warm place, 
condensation may occur inside it. If so, the power 
is turned off automatically, disabling all operations 
except for taking cassettes out. Wait until the 
condensation indication disappears. (p. 73)
Battery runs down quickly.•  Is the battery fully charged? Charge it with the AC 
adaptor. (p. 15)
•  Are you using the battery in an extremely cold 
place? The battery is affected by ambient 
temperature. In cold places, the operating time of 
the battery becomes shorter.
•  Has the battery worn out? The battery has a 
limited life. If the operating time is still too short 
even after the battery is fully charged, depending 
on the usage, the battery has worn out and can no 
longer be used. 
						

							76
The screen has changed suddenly.•  Has the demonstration started? In the Tape 
Recording mode, if you set [  DEMO MODE] 
>> [ON] without inserting a cassette or a card, 
the demonstration starts. For normal use, set this 
function to [OFF]. (p. 29)
A cassette cannot be inserted.•  Has condensation occurred? Wait until the 
condensation indication disappears.
Auto focus function does not work.•  Is manual focus mode selected? If auto focus 
mode is selected, focus is automatically adjusted.
•  There are some recording subjects and 
surroundings for which the auto focus does not 
operate correctly. (p. 79) If so, use the manual 
focus mode to adjust the focus. (p. 44) 
•  Is the MagicPix function set? When the MagicPix 
function is working, focusing shifts into the manual 
mode.
Indications
A sentence is displayed in red or yellow in 
the screen center.
•  Read the contents and respond to them. 
(pp. 71~72)
The time code becomes inaccurate.•  The time code indication counter may not be 
constant in the reversed slow-motion playback, 
but this is not a malfunction.
The remaining tape time indication 
disappears.
•  The remaining tape time indication may disappear 
temporarily during Still Advance Playback or other 
operation. If you continue ordinary recording or 
playback, the indication is restored.
The remaining tape time Indication does not 
match the actual remaining tape time.
•  If scenes of less than 15 seconds are continuously 
recorded, the remaining tape time cannot be 
correctly displayed.
•  In some cases, the remaining tape time indication 
may show remaining tape time that is 2 to 
3 minutes shorter than the actual remaining tape 
time.
A function indication such as mode 
indication, remaining tape time indication, or 
time code indication is not shown.
•  If you set [  SETUP] >> [  DISPLAY] >> [OFF], 
indications other than the tape running condition, 
warning, and date indications disappear.
The Camcorder cannot be operated though 
powered up.
The Camcorder does not operate normally.
•  The Camcorder cannot be operated unless you 
open the LCD Monitor or extend the Viewfinder.
•  Remove the cassette and then press the 
[RESET] button. (p. 78) If normal conditions 
are not restored yet, turn off the power. Then, 
about 1 minute later, turn on the power again. 
(Conducting the above operation when the Access 
Lamp is on may destroy the data on the card.)
The cassette cannot be removed.•  Does the power lamp comes on when opening the 
cassette cover? (p. 18) Make sure that the battery 
and the AC adaptor are properly connected. 
(p. 15)
•  Is the battery in use discharged? Charge the 
battery and remove the cassette.
•  Close the cassette cover completely, and fully 
open it again. (p. 18)
No operation other than cassette removal 
can be performed.
•  Has condensation occurred? Wait until the 
condensation indication disappears. (p. 73)
The Remote Control does not function 
(PV-GS59 Only).
•  Has the button-type battery of the Remote Control 
run out? Replace it with a new button-type battery. 
(p. 14)
•  Is the setting on the Remote Control correct? 
If the setting on the Remote Control is not in 
agreement with the [ 
 REMOTE] setting on the 
Camcorder, the Remote Control does not operate. 
(p. 15)
Recording
Recording does not start although power is 
supplied to the Camcorder and the cassette 
is correctly inserted.
•  Is the accidental erasure prevention slider on 
the cassette open? If it is open (set to [SAVE]), 
recording cannot be performed. (p. 19)
•  Is the tape wound to the end? Insert a new 
cassette.
•  Is the Recording Mode set? When in the Playback 
Mode, recording cannot be performed. (p. 30)
•  Has condensation occurred? No operation other 
than cassette removal can be performed when 
condensation occurs. Wait until the condensation 
indication disappears. (p. 73)
•  Is the cassette cover open? If the cover is open, 
the Camcorder may not operate normally. Close 
the cassette cover. (p. 18) 
						

							Others
77
Although the Camcorder is correctly 
connected to a TV, playback images cannot 
be seen.
•  Have you selected video input on the TV? 
Please read the operating instructions of your TV 
and select the channel that matches the input 
terminals used for the connection.
Playback picture is not clear.•  Are the heads of the Camcorder dirty? If the 
heads are dirty, playback image cannot be clear. 
Clean the heads by using the head cleaner for 
digital video. (p. 73)
•  If the terminal for the AV cable is soiled, noises 
may appear on the screen. Wipe the soil off the 
terminal with a soft cloth, and then connect the 
cable to the AV terminal.
•  Is a picture containing a copyright protection 
signal (copy guard) being recorded? When 
a protected picture is played back by the 
Camcorder, mosaic-like patterns appear on the 
picture.
Card
Recorded pictures are not clear.
•  Have you set [  BASIC] >> [  PICT. QUALITY] 
>> [  (Normal)]? If recording is done with it set 
to [  (Normal)], pictures with fine details may 
include a mosaic-like pattern. Set [  PICT. 
QUALITY] >> [  (High)]. (p. 32)
A file recorded on a card cannot be deleted.•  Is the file locked? Locked files cannot be deleted. 
(p. 50)
•  For the SD Memory Card, if its write protect switch 
is set to [LOCK], then deletion is disabled. (p. 20)
Photoshot playback images do not look 
normal.
•  The picture may be damaged. In order to prevent 
the loss of image data, backing up on a cassette 
or a personal computer is recommended.
Even if a card is formatted, it cannot be used.•  Either the Camcorder or the card may be 
damaged. Please consult a dealer.
During playback, [UNPLAYABLE CARD] is 
displayed.
•  The image was either recorded in a different 
format, or data is damaged.
Playback (Sound)
Sound is not played back from the built-in 
speaker of the Camcorder.
•  Is the volume too low? During playback, push 
the [–  / VOL +] lever to display the volume 
indication and adjust it. (p. 45)
Different sounds are reproduced at the same 
time.
•  Have you set [  SETUP] >> [  12bit AUDIO] >> 
[MIX]? If you set [  AUDIO REC] >> [12bit] and 
dub audio to a recorded tape, you can hear the 
sound on recording and the sound dubbed at a 
later time. To hear the sounds separately, set to 
[ST1] or [ST2]. (p. 53)
•  Have you set [ 
 SETUP] >> [  AUDIO OUT] >> 
[STEREO] and reproduced a picture containing 
the main sound and sub sound? Set to [L] to hear 
main sound, and set to [R] to hear the sub sound. 
(p. 29)
Audio dubbing cannot be performed 
(PV-GS59 Only).
•  Is the accidental erasure prevention slider on the 
cassette open? If it is open (set to [SAVE]), audio 
dubbing cannot be performed. (p. 19)
•  Are you attempting to edit a tape portion that was 
recorded in LP mode? LP mode does not allow 
audio dubbing. (p. 29)
The original sound was erased when audio 
dubbing was performed (PV-GS59 Only).
•  If you perform audio dubbing on a recording made 
in [16bit] mode, the original sound will be erased. 
If you wish to preserve the original sound, be sure 
to select [12bit] mode when recording.
Sounds cannot be played back.•  Although a cassette with no audio dubbing is 
being played, have you set [  SETUP] >> [  
12bit AUDIO] >> [ST2]? To play back a cassette 
with no audio dubbing, set [ 
 12bit AUDIO] >> 
[ST1].  (PV-GS59 Only) (p. 53)
•  Is the variable speed search function activated? 
Press the [VER SEARCH] button on the Remote 
Control to cancel the variable speed search 
function. (PV-GS59 Only) (p. 46)
Playback (Pictures)
Mosaic-pattern noise appears on images 
during cue or review playback.
•  This phenomenon is characteristic of digital video 
systems. It is not a malfunction.
Horizontal stripes appear on images during 
cue and review playback.
•  Horizontal stripes may appear depending on the 
scene, but this is not a malfunction. 
						

							78
1
2
Using the RESET button
2  Undo Grip Belt end 1 and pull Lens Cap 
Cord 2 downward to loosen Grip Belt.
3 Use projection 3 on the Lens Cap to press 
the [RESET] Button 4.
4
3
Others
The indication disappears, the screen is 
frozen, or no operation can be performed.
•  Turn off the power to the Camcorder. If the power 
cannot be turned off, press the [RESET] button 
(p. 78), or detach the battery or AC adaptor and 
then reattach it. After that, turn on the power 
again. If normal operation is still not restored, 
detach the power connected, and consult the 
dealer who you purchased the Camcorder from.
[PUSH THE RESET SWITCH] is displayed.•  An irregularity in the Camcorder has been 
automatically detected. Remove the cassette or 
the card for data protection and then press the 
[RESET] Button with the protection on the Lens 
Cap. The Camcorder will be activated.
•  An irregularity in the Camcorder has been 
automatically detected. Remove the cassette or 
the card for data protection and then press the 
[RESET] Button. The Camcorder will be activated.
•  If you do not press the [RESET] Button, the power 
to the Camcorder is turned off automatically about 
1 minute later.
•  Even after you press the [RESET] button, the 
indication may still appear repeatedly. If so, 
the Camcorder needs repair. Detach the power 
connected, and consult the dealer who you 
purchased the Camcorder from. Do not attempt to 
repair the appliance by yourself.
Even if connected by the USB cable, the 
Camcorder is not recognized by the PC.
•  Is the USB driver installed? For information, refer 
to pages 56~58.
When the USB cable is disconnected, an 
error message will appear on PC.
•  For Windows: To disconnect the USB cable 
safely, double-click the [] icon in the task tray 
and follow the instructions on the screen.
•  For Macintosh: To disconnect the USB cable 
safely, drop the [NO_NAME] icon which appeared 
when you connected the Camcorder with the USB 
Cable into the recycle bin.
The Camcorder malfunctions on editing, 
dubbing from digital video equipment, or 
using “MotionDV STUDIO 5.6E LE for DV”.
•  If a tape is recorded in multiple modes such as SP 
and LP (recording mode), 12bit and 16bit (sound 
recording mode), recorded and unrecorded parts, 
the Camcorder may malfunction at a point where 
the mode switches. When you edit, do not record 
in multiple modes.
1  Open the LCD Monitor.
The Warning/Alarm indication [  ] appears 
when the Camcorder is operated in the Web 
Camera mode.
•  Did you press the [MENU] Button, the Recording 
Start/Stop Button or the [PHOTO SHOT] Button? 
You cannot use the menu or record onto the 
Tape/Card in the Web Camera mode.
•  Is the setting for the Remote Control correct?
•  Did you attempt to play a tape without inserting it? 
Insert a tape.
•  Did you attempt to play a tape with copyright 
protection (copy guard)? Pictures of the tape 
with copyright protection (copy guard) cannot be 
displayed on the PC. (The audio of the tape can 
be played.)
•  Is the USB Driver installed? (pp. 56~58) 
						

							Others
79
Explanation of Terms
„ Digital Video SystemIn a digital video system, images and sounds are 
converted into digital signals and recorded on a 
tape. This complete digital recording is capable of 
recording and playback with minimal image and 
sound deterioration.
In addition, it automatically records data, such as 
Time Code and Date/Time, as digital signals.
Compatibility with S-VHS or VHS CassettesBecause this Camcorder employs a digital system for 
recording image and sound data, it is not compatible 
with conventional S-VHS or VHS video equipment 
that employs an analog recording system.
The size and shape of the Cassettes are also 
different.
Compatibility with Output SignalsBecause AV signal output from the AV signal output 
Jack is analog (the same as conventional video 
systems), this Camcorder can be connected with 
S-VHS or VHS video or a TV for playback.
„ Focus 
Auto Focus AdjustmentThe Auto Focus System automatically moves 
forward and backward the focusing lens inside the 
Camcorder to bring the subject into focus so that the 
subject can be seen clearly.
However, the Auto Focus System does not function 
properly for the following subjects or under the 
following recording conditions.
Please use the Manual Focus Mode instead.
1)  Recording a subject whose one end is 
located closer to the Camcorder and the 
other end farther away from it
•  Because Auto Focus makes adjustments at 
the center of an image, it may be impossible 
to focus on a subject that is located in both 
foreground and background.
2)  Recording a subject behind dirty or dusty 
glass
•  Because the focus is on the dirty glass, the 
subject behind the glass will not be focused.
3)  Recording a subject in dark surroundings•  Because the light information that comes 
through the lens decreases considerably, the 
Camcorder cannot focus correctly.
4)  Recording a subject that is surrounded by 
objects with glossy surfaces or by highly 
reflective objects
•  Because the Camcorder focuses on the objects 
with glossy surfaces or on highly reflective 
objects, the subject may become blurry.
5)  Recording a fast-moving subject•  Because the focus lens-inside moves 
mechanically, it cannot keep up with the 
fast-moving subject.
6)  Recording a subject with little contrast•  Because the Camcorder achieves focus based 
upon the vertical lines of an image, a subject 
with little contrast, such as a white wall, may 
become blurry.
„  Time CodeTime Code signals are data that indicate time 
measured in hours, minutes, seconds, and frames
(30 frames per second). If this data is included in a 
recording, an address is assigned to each image on 
the tape.
•  The Time Code is automatically recorded as a part 
of the sub-code at each recording.
•  When a new (previously unrecorded) Cassette is 
inserted, the Time Code automatically starts from 
zero. If a recorded Cassette is inserted, the Time 
Code picks up from the point where the last scene 
was recorded. (In this case, when the Cassette 
is inserted, the zero display [0h00m00s00f] may 
appear, but the Time Code starts from the previous 
value.)
•  The Time Code cannot be reset to zero.
•  Unless the Time Code is continuously recorded 
from the beginning of a tape, accurate editing may 
not be possible. To ensure that the Time Code will 
be recorded with no breaks, we recommend the 
use of the Blank Search Function (p. 31) before 
recording a new scene. 
						

							80
Specifications
Digital CamcorderInformation for your safety
AC Adaptor
Information for your safety
Mass and dimensions are approximate values.
Specifications may change without prior notice. Recording Format:
Mini DV (Consumer-use Digital Video SD 
Format) 
Tape Used:
6.35 mm digital video tape
Recording/Playback Time:
SP: 80 min.; LP: 120 min. (with DVM80)
Video
Recording System:
Digital Component
Television System:
EIA Standard: 525 lines, 60 fields NTSC color 
signal
Audio
Recording System:
PCM Digital Recording
16 bit (48 kHz/2ch), 12 bit (32 kHz/4ch)
Image Sensor:
1/6-inch CCD Image Sensor
Lens:
Auto Iris, F1.8 to F3.9, Focal Length; 1.9-57 mm, 
Macro (Full Range AF)
Filter Diameter:
30.5 mm
Zoom:
30:1 Power Zoom
Monitor:
2.5-inch LCD (PV-GS29)
2.7-inch Wide LCD (PV-GS39/PV-GS59)
Viewfinder:
Color Electronic Viewfinder
Microphone:
Stereo
Speaker:
1 round speaker 20 mm
Standard Illumination:
1,400 lx
Minimum Required Illumination:
2 lx (MagicPix Mode)
Video Output Level:
1.0 Vp-p, 75 Ω
Audio Output Level (Line):
316 mV, 600 Ω
Mic Input:
Mic sensitivity -50 dB (0 dB=1 V/Pa, 1 kHz)Power Source:
DC 7.9/7.2 V
Power Consumption:
Recording
4.2 W (PV-GS29)
4.4 W (PV-GS39/PV-GS59)
USB:
Card reader/writer function, USB 2.0 compliant
(Hi-Speed (PV-GS59)) (Full-Speed (PV-GS39))
No copyright protection support
Digital Interface:
DV Input/Output Jack (IEEE1394, 4-pin)
Dimensions:
Approx. 69 (H) × 82 (W) × 120 (D) mm
Approx. 2-11/16 (H) × 3-1/4 (W) × 4-3/4 (D) inch
Mass:
Approx. 0.41 kg (0.90 lbs.)
(without Battery and DV cassette)
Operating Temperature:
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
Operating Humidity:
10 % to 80 %
Card Memory Functions
Recording Media:
SD Memory Card 
(8 MB /16 MB /32 MB /64 MB / 128 MB /256 MB 
/512 MB /1 GB/2 GB (Maximum))
Still picture recording file format:
JPEG (Design rule for Camera File system, 
based on Exif 2.2 standard), DPOF 
corresponding
Still Image Size:
640 × 480 pixels (VGA)
WEB Camera
Compression:
Motion JPEG
Image Size:
320 × 240 pixels (QVGA)
Power Source:
AC 110 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption:
19 W
DC Output:
DC 7.9 V, 1.4 A (Camcorder Operation)
DC 8.4 V, 0.65 A (Battery Charging)
Dimensions:
61 (W) × 32 (H) × 91 (D) mm
2-6/16 (W) × 1-4/16 (H) × 3-9/16 (D) inch
Mass:
Approx. 0.11 kg (0.24 lbs.)
Please confirm the latest information on the 
following website.
http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/cs
(This Site is English only.)