Panasonic Pv Gs400 Operating Instructions Manual

							Spanish Quick Use Guide is included.     
Guía para rápida consulta en español está incluida.       
LSQT0801 A
For USA assistance, please call: 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
For Canadian assistance, please call: 1-800-561-5505 or visit us at www.panasonic.ca
Digital Video  Camcorder
Operating Instructions
Model No. PV-GS400
Mini
Before attempting to connect, operate or adjust this product, 
please read these instructions thoroughly. 
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Things You Should Know
Thank you for choosing Panasonic! 
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.
Safety Precautions
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Your 
 Camcorder is designed to record and play back in Standard Play (SP) mode and Long Play 
(LP) mode
It is recommended that only cassette tapes that have been tested and inspected for use in Camcorder 
with the 
 mark be used.
AC Adaptor
≥The rating plate is on the underside of the AC Adaptor.
Ò
Ò
CAUTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK  
DO NOT OPEN     
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, 
 DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)
 NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
 REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
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.
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.
Date of Purchase 
Dealer Purchased From 
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone No. 
Model No.    
Serial No.
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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 with ferrite core 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.
CAUTION: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD AND ANNOYING INTERFERENCE, USE THE 
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, 
FULLY INSERT.
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.
AS WITH ANY SMALL OBJECT, SD CARDS CAN BE SWALLOWED BY YOUNG CHILDREN. DO 
NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO HANDLE THE SD CARD.Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name:Panasonic
Model No.:PV-GS400
Responsible party:Matsushita Electric Corporation of America
One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094
Support Contact:Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
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.
WARNING
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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.
S3125A
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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.
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.
U.S.A. CONSUMERS ONLY
WARNING
CAUTION
This class B digital apparatus complies with CANADIAN ICES-003.
This Product has a fluorescent lamp that contains a small amount of mercury. It also contains lead 
in some components. Disposal of these materials may be regulated in your community due to 
environmental considerations. For disposal or recycling information please contact your local 
authorities, or the Electronics Industries Alliance: 
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:  AT TENTION:
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Before opening the CD-ROM package, please read the following.
End User License Agreement (for USB Driver, Video Stream 
Driver, MotionDV STUDIO and SD Viewer)
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.
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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.
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Contents
Before Use
Quick Guide ...................................................  10
Standard Accessories ....................................  12
Controls and Components .............................  12
The Remote Controller ..................................  15
Power Supply.................................................  16
Charging Time and Available Recording 
Time ............................................................  17
The One-touch Free Style Grip Belt ..............  17
Attaching the Lens Cap .................................  18
Attaching the Shoulder Strap .........................  18
Inserting a Cassette .......................................  18
Using a Memory Card ....................................  19
Turning on the Camcorder .............................  19
Selecting Modes ............................................  20
Using the Viewfinder/LCD Monitor.................  20
Using the Menu Screen .................................  21
List of Menus .................................................  22
Setting Date and Time ...................................  26
Internal Lithium Battery Recharge .................  26
LP Mode ........................................................  26
Audio Recording Mode ..................................  26
Recording Mode
About Recording............................................  27
Recording on a Tape .....................................  27
Recording a Still Picture on a Card 
(Photoshot) .................................................  29
Quick Start.....................................................  31
Self-timer Recording......................................  31
Zoom In/Out Functions ..................................  31
Digital Zoom Function ...................................  32
Image Stabilizer Function ..............................  32
Fade In/Out Functions ...................................  33
Backlight Compensation Function .................  33
MagicPix Functions .......................................  34
Soft Skin Function .........................................  34
Wind Noise Reduction Function ....................  34
Wide/Pro-Cinema Function ...........................  35
Cinema Function ...........................................  35
Recording in Special Situations.....................  35
Recording in Natural Colors ..........................  36
Adjusting White Balance Manually ................  36
Manual Shutter Speed Adjustment ................  37
Manual Iris Adjustment ..................................  38
Manual Focus Adjustment .............................  38
Recording with Fixed Brightness ...................  38
Advanced Functions ......................................  39
Using the Auto Pop-up Flash ........................  40
Red Eye Reduction Function.........................  41
Digital Effect Functions..................................  41
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Playback Mode
Playing Back a Tape ......................................  44
Finding a Scene You Want to Play Back .......  44
Slow Motion Playback....................................  45
Still Playback/Still Advance Playback ............  45
Index Search Function ...................................  46
Playback Zoom Function ...............................  46
Playback Digital Effect Functions ..................  47
Playing Back a Card ......................................  47
Slide Show .....................................................  48
Creating a Title ..............................................  49
Adding a Title .................................................  49
Writing Printing Data on a Card .....................  50
Protecting the Files on a Card .......................  50
Deleting the Files Recorded on a Card..........  51
Formatting a Card ..........................................  51
Playing Back on Your TV ...............................  52
Editing Mode
Recording from a Tape onto a Card ..............  53
Audio Dubbing ...............................................  53
Copying on a DVD-R or an S-VHS 
(or a VHS) Cassette ....................................  54
Recording the Contents of Other 
Equipment ...................................................  54
Using the DV Cable for Recording.................  55
PC Connection With DV Interface Cable .......  56
Printing pictures by directly connecting to 
the printer (PictBridge) ................................  56
With a PC
Using the Software with a Computer .............  58
Using USB Driver ..........................................  58
Connecting Computer and Camcorder ..........  59
Using as a Web Camera ...............................  59
Using MotionDV STUDIO ..............................  62
Using the SD Viewer .....................................  65
Using the ArcSoft Software ...........................  66
To disconnect USB Cable safely ...................  68
If you no longer need software or driver 
(Uninstall) ....................................................  68
Notes .............................................................  69
Others
Indicators .......................................................  71
Initializing the Modes .....................................  72
Warning/Alarm Indicators ..............................  73
Notes and Hints .............................................  74
Cautions for Use............................................  82
Before Requesting Service (Problems and 
Solutions) ....................................................  86
Explanation of Terms ....................................  87
Specifications ................................................  89
Camcorder Accessory System ......................  91
Camcorder Accessory Order Form 
(For USA Customers) .................................  92
Request for Service Notice (USA Only) ........  93
Limited Warranty (For USA Customers) ........  94
Customer Services Directory .........................  95
Warranty (For Canadian Customers) ............  96
Index..............................................................  97
Spanish Quick Use Guide/
Guía española para el uso rápido ...............  99
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							Before Use
10
Quick Guide
1Attach the Battery to the AC Adaptor and 
charge it.
≥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.
2Attach the charged Battery to the 
Camcorder.
ªInserting a Cassette
1Slide the [OPEN/EJECT] Lever 1 toward the 
front and pull down to open the Cassette 
Compartment Cover.
2Insert a Cassette.
3Close the Cassette Holder by pressing the 
[PUSH] mark 2.
4Close the Cassette Compartment Cover.
1
OPEN/
EJECT
PUSH
2
ªInserting a Card
1Slide the [OPEN] Lever 1 to open the Card 
Slot Cover 2.
2While holding the Memory Card with its cut 
corner on top 3, insert it into the Card Slot.
3Close the Card Slot Cover 2 securely.
ªRecording on a Tape
1Set the [OFF/ON] Switch 1 to [ON].
≥The [POWER] Lamp 2 lights up.
2Set the Mode Dial to Tape Recording Mode.
3Press the Recording Start/Stop Button.
≥Recording starts.
4Press the Recording Start/Stop Button 
again to pause the recording.
12OPEN
3
12OFFON
POWER
PCSD
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