Panasonic Pv Gs400 Operating Instructions Manual

							Others
81
ªPlaying Back on Your TV≥Depending on your TV, nothing may be shown 
even if you correctly connect the Camcorder 
with your TV. In this case, set [AV JACK] on the 
[AV IN/OUT] or [INITIAL] Sub-Menu to [OUT].
≥If you set [AV JACK] on the [AV IN/OUT] 
Sub-Menu to [IN/OUT], nothing will be shown on 
the TV screen except during playback.
≥Picture size may be displayed differently when 
playing back a Cinema picture on a wide-screen 
TV with Playback Digital Effect.
ªAudio Dubbing≥The blank section of a tape cannot be dubbed.
≥Sounds sent through the DV Terminal cannot be 
dubbed.
≥If a tape has a non-recorded portion when the 
tape is dubbed, images and sounds may be 
disturbed when this portion of the tape is played 
back.
≥If you set the tape counter back to 0 at the 
position where you want to stop Audio Dubbing 
so as to make it possible to use the Memory 
Stop Function (
-88-), Audio Dubbing is 
terminated automatically when the tape reaches 
this position.
≥In the case of importing data recorded with 
Audio Dubbing to a PC using the PC’s software, 
only the original sound (ST1) may be imported, 
depending on the software.
ªRecording the Contents of Other 
Equipment 
≥You cannot record on a card when recording on 
a tape from external input signals is in progress.
Recording to a Card
If you set the Mode Dial to Card Recording Mode, 
you can use the Photoshot function for external 
input signals.
≥Black streaks may appear at the 4 edges of the 
image.
Analog-Digital Conversion
≥When the Camcorder is connected with other 
digital video equipment through its DV Terminal, 
images recorded in analog form from other 
external equipment can be output to the digital 
video equipment through the DV Terminal.
≥To DV-output analog video signals sent from 
other equipment, set [DV OUT] on the 
[AV IN/OUT] Sub-Menu to [ON]. (Normally, 
keep the [DV OUT] set to [OFF]. If it is set to 
[ON], the quality of the image may be 
disturbed.)
≥When using AV Cable and DV Cable (optional) 
at the same time, detach the Grip Belt first for 
easy connecting.
ªUsing the DV Cable for Recording 
(Digital Dubbing)
≥Regardless of the setting, digital dubbing is 
carried out automatically in the same audio 
recording mode as that of the playback 
Cassette.
≥The images on the recorded monitor may be 
disturbed, but it does not affect the recorded 
images.
≥Even if Playback Digital Effects, Playback 
Zoom, or Playback Title In have been used, 
these effects are not output from the DV 
Terminal.
≥Even if you use a device equipped with DV 
Terminals, you may not be able to perform 
Digital Dubbing in some cases.
≥Date or other information to be displayed cannot 
be displayed if the software of the connected 
equipment does not support the display 
function.
≥You cannot record on a card when recording on 
a tape from external input signals is in progress.
≥Disconnect the USB Cable since input signals 
from external input terminal cannot be recorded 
when the USB Cable is connected.
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Cautions for Use
ªAfter Use
1Take out the Cassette. (-18-)2Set the [OFF/ON] Switch to [OFF].3Take out the Card. (-19-)4Detach the power supply and retract the 
Viewfinder or the LCD Monitor. (-16-,-20-)5To protect the Lens, attach the supplied 
Lens Cap.
ªCautions 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 in the Camcorder for a long 
time, the voltage drops excessively, and the 
Battery will not function even after it is 
recharged.
ªAbout 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.
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≥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.
ªCondensationIf you turn the Camcorder on when there is 
condensation on the head or the tape, the 
Condensation Indicator [3DEW] (yellow or red) 
blinks 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.
Blinking in yellow:
Dew is slightly adhering to the head or the tape.
Blinking in red:
Dew is adhering to the head or the tape.
1Remove the tape if it is inserted.
≥It takes about 20 seconds to open the 
Cassette Holder. This is not a malfunction.
2Leave the Camcorder with the Cassette 
Compartment Cover closed to cool or warm 
it to the ambient temperature.
When [3DEW] blinks in yellow
≥You cannot use the Tape Recording/ 
Playback Mode. Leave the Camcorder for 
about 30 minutes.
≥However, you can use the Card Recording 
Mode or Picture Playback Mode when the 
cassette is not inserted.
When [3DEW] blinks in red
≥The Power Indicator Lamp blinks for about 
1 minute and then the Camcorder 
automatically turns off. Leave it for about 
2 to 3 hours.
3Turn the Camcorder on again, set it to the 
Tape Recording/Playback Mode and then 
check if the Condensation Indicator 
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 Indicator is displayed.
≥The Condensation Indicator 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.
ªVideo 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 Mini-DV Format Digital Video Head 
Cleaner
1Insert the Head Cleaner into the Camcorder 
in the same manner as a Video Cassette.
2Press the [1] Button, and approximately 
20 seconds later, press the [∫] Button. (Do 
not rewind the tape.)
3Take out the Head Cleaner. Insert a Video 
Cassette and start recording. Then, play the 
tape back to check the recorded image.
4If the image is not still clear, repeat 
Steps 1 to 3. (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 service center. Please consult a 
dealer.
≥Video Head Cleaners can be purchased from 
service centres.
≥Head cleaning due to dirty heads is not 
considered a malfunction of the product. It is not 
covered by the warranty.
Periodical Check-up
To 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.) Please contact a Panasonic Service Center.
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ªOptimal Use of the BatteryBattery Characteristics
This 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 
be activated, and the Battery may become 
unusable for a while.
Be Sure to Detach the Battery after Use
Be 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.
ªCautions 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: 59oF to 77oF (15oC 
to 25oC), 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.
≥Twice a 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 the tape is covered with 
extremely minute magnetic particles, upon 
which signals are recorded. Magnetic 
necklaces, toys, etc., have a magnetic force that 
is stronger than you may 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.
≥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.
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ªLCD Monitor/Viewfinder/Lens HoodLCD Monitor
≥In a place with drastic temperature changes, 
condensation may form on the LCD Monitor. 
Wipe it with 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 at the sun. 
Internal components may be seriously 
damaged.
≥To clean the inside of the Viewfinder, keep 
pressing 1 while holding the Eyecup 2 and 
pull it out. Extremely high precision technology is 
employed to produce the LCD Monitor 
screen featuring a total of approximately 
200,000 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.
Extremely high precision technology is 
employed to produce the Viewfinder screen 
featuring a total of approximately 
123,000 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.
2
1
Lens Hood
≥When attaching the ND Filter or MC Protector of 
the Filter Kit (not supplied), attach it on the 
inside of the Lens Hood without removing the 
Lens Hood.
≥Attach the MC Protector (not supplied) or the 
ND Filter (not supplied) on the Lens Hood.
≥Do not attach anything other than the MC 
Protector (not supplied) or the ND Filter (not 
supplied) to the Lens Hood.
≥When you wish to attach the Tele Conversion 
Lens (not supplied) or Wide Conversion Lens 
(not supplied), first of all, turn the Lens Hood 
counterclockwise and take it off. Then attach the 
conversion lens by turning it clockwise. When 
you attach the Lens Hood back, insert 1 into 
the slot 2 and turn it clockwise.
≥If you push the [W/T] Lever toward [W] during 
recording with the filter and conversion lens 
attached together to the Camcorder, 4 corners 
of the image may become dark (vignetting). For 
details, please refer to the operating instructions 
of your accessories.
≥Be sure to keep the Lens Hood attached to the 
Camcorder so as to shut out unnecessary light.
12
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Before Requesting Service 
(Problems and Solutions)
Power
1: The Camcorder power cannot be turned on.
 Is the power source connected correctly? (
-16-)
2: The Camcorder power is turned off 
automatically.
 When the Recording Pause Mode continues for 
more than 5 minutes, the power is turned off 
automatically for tape protection and power 
conservation. (If the AC Adaptor is used, the 
power is turned off only when the tape is 
inserted in Tape Recording Mode.) When the 
tape is inserted in Tape Recording Mode and if 
the Recording Pause Mode continues for more 
than 5 minutes the power is turned off 
automatically. To resume recording from this 
condition, turn off, then turn on the power 
again. (
-27-,-29-)
3: The Camcorder power does not stay on 
long enough.
 Is the Battery low? Charge the Battery or attach 
a fully charged Battery. (
-16-)
 Has condensation occurred? Wait until the 
Condensation Indicator disappears. (
-83-)
Battery
1: Battery runs down quickly.
 Is the Battery fully charged? Charge it with the 
AC Adaptor. (
-16-)
 Are you using the Battery in an extremely cold 
place? In cold places, the operating time of the 
Battery becomes shorter. (
-84-)
 Has the Battery worn out? If the operating time 
is still too short even after the Battery is fully 
charged, the Battery has worn out.
2: The Battery cannot be charged.
 If the DC Cable is connected to the AC 
Adaptor, charging cannot be performed. 
Disconnect the DC Cable.
Normal Recording
1: 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. (
-19-)
 Is the tape wound to the end? Insert a new 
Cassette. (
-18-)
 Is the Camcorder power turned on? (-27-)
 Has condensation occurred? Wait until the 
Condensation Indicator disappears. (
-83-)Other Recording
1: Auto Focus Function does not work.
 Is Manual Focus Mode selected? If Auto Focus 
Mode is selected, focus is automatically 
adjusted. (
-38-)
 There are some recording subjects and 
recording surroundings for which the Auto 
Focus Function does not operate correctly. In 
this case, use the Manual Focus Mode to 
adjust the focus. (
-88-)
Editing
1: Audio dubbing cannot be performed.
 Is the accidental erasure prevention slider on 
the Cassette open? If it is open (set to [SAVE]), 
recording cannot be performed. (
-19-)
 Are you attempting to edit a tape portion that 
was recorded in LP Mode? LP Mode does not 
allow audio dubbing to operate. (
-26-)
Indications
1: The Time Code becomes inaccurate.
0The Time Code Indication counter may not be 
constant in the reverse direction in Slow Motion 
Playback Mode, but this is not a malfunction.
2: 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 displayed correctly.
 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.
Playback (Pictures)
1: Pictures cannot be played back even when 
the [1] Button is pressed.
0Is the Mode Dial set to Playback Mode? If not, 
the playback function cannot be used. (
-44-)
2: Mosaic-pattern noise appears on images 
during Cue, Review or Slow Motion 
Playback.
 This phenomenon is characteristic of digital 
video systems. It is not a malfunction.
3: 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 jack used for the connection.
 Depending on your TV, nothing may be shown 
even if you correctly connect the Camcorder 
with your TV. In this case, set [AV JACK] to 
[OUT].
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4: Playback picture is not clear.
 Are the heads of the Camcorder dirty? If the 
heads are dirty, playback image cannot be 
clear. (
-83-)
5: Playing back or recording do not function, 
the screen has frozen or the indicator has 
disappeared.
 Turn the Camcorder off. If the Camcorder is not 
turned off after operating the [OFF/ON] switch, 
press the [RESET] Button (
-13-) first. And 
detach the Battery or AC Adaptor and then 
reattach it.
Playback (Sound)
1: Sound is not played back from the built-in 
speaker of the Camcorder or the 
headphones.
0Is the volume too low? During playback, push 
the [`VOL/JOG_] Lever to display the 
[VOLUME] Indicator and adjust the volume. 
(
-44-)
2: Different sounds are reproduced at the 
same time.
 [12bit AUDIO] on the [PLAYBACK] Sub-Menu 
of the [TAPE PLAYBACK MENU] has been set 
to [MIX]. As a result, the original sound and 
sound that was recorded by audio dubbing are 
played back together. It is possible to 
reproduce the sounds separately. (
-53-)
3: The original sound was erased when audio 
dubbing was performed.
 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 at the 
time of recording.
4: Sounds cannot be played back.
 Although a Cassette with no audio dubbing is 
being played, is [12bit AUDIO] on the 
[PLAYBACK] Sub-Menu of the 
[TAPE PLAYBACK MENU] set to [ST2]? To 
play back a Cassette with no audio dubbing, 
[12bit AUDIO] must be set to [ST1]. (
-53-)
 Is the Variable Speed Search Function 
working? Press the [1] Button to cancel the 
Variable Speed Search Function. (
-45-)
Card
1: Recorded pictures are not clear.
0Is [PICT QUALITY] on the [CARD] Sub-Menu 
set to [NORMAL] or [ECONOMY]? If recording 
is done with it set to [NORMAL] or 
[ECONOMY], images with fine details may 
include a mosaic-like pattern. Set 
[PICT QUALITY] to [FINE]. (
-30-)2: 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 
personal computer is recommended. (
-58-)
3: During Playback [UNPLAYABLE CARD] is 
displayed.
 The image was either recorded in a different 
format, or data is damaged.
4: Even if a Card is formatted, it cannot be 
used.
 Either the Camcorder or the Card may be 
damaged. Please consult a dealer.
Others
1: The Magic Wire Remote Control with 
Narration Mic does not operate correctly.
 If it is not plugged in tightly, it will not operate 
correctly.
2: The Camcorder clatters when shaking it.
 It is the sound of the lens moving, not a 
malfunction.
3: When the USB Cable is disconnected, an 
error message will appear on PC.
 To disconnect the USB Cable safely, 
double-click the [ ] Icon in the task tray and 
follow the instructions on the screen. (
-68-)
Explanation of Terms
ªDigital 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 Cassettes
Because 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 Signals
Because 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.
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ªFocus
Auto Focus AdjustmentThe Auto Focus System automatically moves the 
focusing lens inside the Camcorder forward and 
backward 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 close 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 a 
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.
ªTime 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 (
-28-) before recording a new scene.
ªMemory Stop FunctionThe Memory Stop Function is useful for the 
following operations.
Rewinding or fast-forwarding a tape to a 
desired position
1Set [DISPLAY] >> [C.DISPLAY] >> 
[MEMORY].
2Reset the Tape Counter to zero at the tape 
position from which you want to play it back 
later. (
-14-,-23-)3Start playback or recording.4After playback or recording has finished: 
Set the Camcorder to Tape Playback Mode.
5Rewind the tape.
≥The tape automatically stops approximately 
at the position where the counter was set to 
zero.
Stopping editing automatically during audio 
dubbing
1Set [DISPLAY] >> [C.DISPLAY] >> 
[MEMORY].
2Reset the Tape Counter to zero at the 
position where you want to stop editing.
3Play back the still picture where you want to 
start audio dubbing.
4Start audio dubbing. (-53-)
≥Audio dubbing automatically stops at the 
position where the counter was set to zero.
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89
Specifications
Digital Video Camera
Information for your safety
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:
1/4.7-inch 3CCD Image Sensor
(Effective Pixels: moving picture/700Kk3, still 
picture/990Kk3, Total: 1070Kk3)
Lens:
Auto Iris, F1.6, Focal Length; 3.3–39.6 mm, Macro 
(Full Range AF)
Filter Diameter:
43 mm
Zoom:
12:1 Power Zoom
Monitor:
3.5-inch LCD
Viewfinder:
Color Electronic Viewfinder
Microphone:
Stereo
Speaker:
1 round speaker 20 mm
Standard Illumination:
1,400 lx
Minimum Required Illumination: 
2 lx (Advanced MagicPix Mode)
Video Output Level:
1.0 Vp-p, 75 ohm
S-Video Output Level:
Y Output: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 ohm
C Output: 0.286 Vp-p, 75 ohm
Audio Output Level (Line):
316 mV, 600 ohm
Video Input Level:
1.0 Vp-p, 75 ohm
S-Video Input Level:
Y Input: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 ohm
C Input: 0.286 Vp-p, 75 ohm
Audio Input Level (Line):
316 mV, 10 kohm or more Power Source:
DC 7.9/7.2 V
Power Consumption:
Recording
7.5 W
Mic Input:
Mic sensitivity –50 dB (0 dB=1 V/Pa, 1 kHz) 
(Stereo mini jack)
USB:
Card reader/writer function, USB 2.0 compliant 
(Hi-Speed)
No copyright protection support
PictBridge-compliant
Digital Interface:
DV Input/Output Terminal (IEEE1394, 4-pin)
Flash:
GN 6.0
Dimensions:
Approx. 3.19 inch (W)
k3.15 inch (H)k7.01 inch (D)
Approx. 81 mm (W)k80 mm (H)k178 mm (D)
Weight:
Approx. 1.54 lbs. (700g)
(without Battery, DV cassette and Lens Cap)
Operating Temperature:
32
oF–104oF (0oC–40oC)
Operating Humidity:
10%–80%
Card Memory Functions
Recording Media:
MultiMediaCard (4 MB/8 MB/16 MB), 
SD Memory Card (8 MB/16 MB/32 MB/64 MB/ 
128 MB/256 MB/512 MB/1 GB)
Still picture recording file format:
JPEG (Design rule for Camera File system, based 
on Exif 2.2 standard), DPOF corresponding
Still Image Size:
Mega-Pixel Recording; 
2288k1728 (4.0 million pixels)
1600k1200 (1.9 million pixels)
1280k960 (1.2 million pixels)
VGA Recording; 640k480
WEB Camera Compression:
Motion JPEG
Image Size:
320
k240 pixels (QVGA)
Frame rate:
Approx. 6 fps
AC Adaptor
Information for your safety
Dimensions: 
2.40 inch (W)
k1.26 inch (H)k3.58 inch (D)
61 mm (W)k32 mm (H)k91 mm (D)
Weight:
Approx. 0.24 lbs. (110g)
Weight and dimensions are approximate values.
Specifications may change without prior notice. Power Source:
AC 110–240 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)
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90
≥These figures vary depending on the subject being photographed.
≥The numbers shown in the table are approximations. Maximum number of still pictures recordable on an SD Memory Card (optional)
PICTURE 
SIZE640k480 1280k960 1600k1200 2288k1728
PICTURE 
QUALITYFINE
NORMALECONOMYFINENORMALECONOMYFINENORMALECONOMYFINENORMALECONOMY
8 MB 45 95 190 9 16 23 5 9 14 1 3 5
16 MB 100 200 400 22 36 51 13 22 32 5 9 14
32 MB 220 440 880 49 79 112 31 49 70 14 23 33
64 MB 440 880 1760 104 165 232 66 104 146 30 49 70
128 MB 880 1760 3520 214 337 473 136 214 298 64 102 144
256 MB 1760 3520 7040 428 674 945 273 428 597 130 206 290
512 MB 3520 7040 14080 866 1362 1908 553 866 1207 265 418 587
1 GB 7040 14080 28160 1668 2622 3672 1066 1668 2323 512 807 1132
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