Panasonic Pv Gs500 Operating Instructions Manual

							Record mode
31LSQT0975
≥Playback on other digital video equipment 
or on digital video equipment without the LP 
mode.
≥Playback of the image on other digital video 
equipment recorded in the LP mode.
≥Slow/frame-by-frame playback.
Recording on a tape
Remove the lens cap. (-14-)
(When the Camcorder is turned on with the lens 
cap fitted, the automatic white balance 
adjustment may not function properly. Please turn 
the Camcorder on after removing the lens cap.)
When this unit is purchased, the aspect ratio is 
set to [16:9] for recording images compatible with 
a wide-screen TV. To make this unit compatible 
with regular TVs (4:3), change the [ASPECT] 
setting before recording the images (
-41-) or 
change the [TV ASPECT] setting when watching 
them on the connected TV (
-49-). 
≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.
1Press the recording start/stop button to 
start recording.
2Press the recording start/stop button again 
to pause recording.
≥For the recording time on a tape, refer to 
-17-.
≥Carry out a recording check (-32-) to verify that 
the image is recorded properly.
≥In order to find the unrecorded section, carry out 
the blank search (
-32-) .≥If you want to preserve the original sound 
recorded when audio dubbing (
-55-), set 
[ADVANCED] >> [AUDIO REC] >> [12bit] to 
record images.
ª
On-screen display in the tape 
recording mode
¢These are only displayed when you press the 
[PHOTO SHOT] button halfway while a card is 
inserted.
These are not displayed when using the remote 
control or a Magic Wire Remote Control.
1) Recording time elapse
2) Remaining tape indication
3) Still picture size
4) Card indication (
-72-)
5) Number of recordable still pictures
(When no picture can be recorded, this 
indication will flash in red.) 
6) Quality of still pictures
ª
Concerning the remaining tape time 
indication on the screen
≥The remaining tape time is indicated in minutes. 
(When it reaches less than 3 minutes, the 
indication starts flashing.) 
≥During a 15-second or shorter recording, the 
remaining tape time indication may not be 
displayed or the remaining tape time may not be 
displayed correctly.
≥In some cases, the remaining tape time 
indication may display remaining tape time that 
is 2 to 3 minutes shorter than the actual 
remaining tape time.
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							Record mode
32LSQT0975
ª[POWER SAVE][OFF]: When 5 minutes passes without 
any operation, the standby mode 
will be automatically set. In the 
standby mode, [;] blinks and it 
takes more time than usual to start 
recording after you press the 
recording start/stop button.
[5 MINUTES]: When 5 minutes passes without 
any operation, the Camcorder 
automatically turns off to protect 
the tape or to prevent the battery 
from running down. When you 
want to use the Camcorder, turn it 
on again.
≥In the following cases, the power may not turn 
off even when set [POWER SAVE] >> 
[5 MINUTES].
≥When connecting to the AC outlet
(When using the AC adaptor)
≥When connecting the USB cable or the DV 
cable to a personal computer or other 
equipment
≥When the PC Connection Mode
Recording check
The last image recorded is played back for 2 to 
3 seconds. After checking, the Camcorder will be 
set to a recording pause.
≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.
1Press the joystick to display the icon during 
the recording pause. Move the joystick 
down until icon 1 appears.
2Move the joystick left to select the 
recording check icon [ ].
≥The [RECORDING CHECK STARTED] 
indication appears on the screen of the 
Camcorder.
Blank search function
Searches for the last part of the image recorded 
(unused part of the tape). After the search is 
finished, the blank search function is canceled 
and the Camcorder is put into recording pause.
≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.
1Press the joystick to display the icon during 
the recording pause. Move the joystick 
down until icon 1 appears.
2Move the joystick right to select the blank 
search icon [ ].
3When the confirmation message appears, 
select [YES] and press the center of the 
joystick.
ª
Stopping blank search midway 
through
Move the joystick down to select the [∫] icon.
≥If the cassette tape has no blank part, then the 
Camcorder will stop at the end of the tape.
≥The Camcorder stops at a point approx. 
1 second before the end of the last image 
recorded. When you start recording at that 
point, the image can be recorded seamlessly 
from the last image.
1
1
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							Record mode
33LSQT0975
Recording still pictures on a card 
while recording image onto a tape
You can record still pictures while recording 
image onto a tape. You can also record mega 
pixel still pictures.
≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.
1Press the [PHOTO SHOT] button fully while 
recording image onto a tape.
≥For the number of still pictures to be recorded 
on a card, refer to -86-.
≥When recording pictures onto a card, the 
recording start/stop button is disabled.
≥You can select the picture quality for still 
pictures to be recorded. (
-34-) 
≥In order to record higher quality still pictures, 
you must use the card recording mode.
≥When recording still pictures, hold the 
Camcorder firmly with your hands and keep 
your arms stationary at your side so as not to 
shake the Camcorder.
ª
Select the size of still pictures to be 
recorded on a card in Tape Recording 
Mode
1
Set [ADVANCED] >> [PICTURE SIZE] >> 
select the desired picture size. 
ASPECT [16:9]/[PRO-CINEMA]:
: 1280k720
: 640k360
ASPECT [4:3]:
: 1280k960
: 640k480
Recording still pictures onto a card 
(Photoshot) 
≥Set to Card Recording Mode.
1Press the [PHOTO SHOT] button halfway in 
order to adjust focusing. (For auto focusing 
only) 
≥If you set [O.I.S.] to [ON], then the image 
stabilizer function will be more effective. 
([ (MEGA Optical image stabilizer)] will 
be indicated.)
≥The iris/gain value is fixed and this 
Camcorder focuses on the subject 
automatically.
1 Shutter chance mark
± (The white lamp flashes.):
Focusing
¥ (The green lamp lights up.):
When in focus
No mark: When focusing is unsuccessful
≥The shutter chance mark is indicated as follows 
when the [PHOTO SHOT] button is not pressed 
halfway. Please use it as a guide for recording.
¥ (The green lamp lights up.):
When in focus and a good picture 
can be recorded
± (The white lamp lights up.):
Almost in focus
2Focus area
2Press the [PHOTO SHOT] button fully.
PHOTO SHOT
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							Record mode
34LSQT0975
ªTo record still pictures clearly≥When zooming in on the subject with a 
magnification of 4k or higher, it is difficult to 
reduce the slight shaking from holding the 
Camcorder by hand. We recommend 
decreasing the zoom magnification and 
approaching the subject when recording.
≥When recording still pictures, hold the 
Camcorder firmly with your hands and keep 
your arms stationary at your side so as not to 
shake the Camcorder.
≥You can record stable pictures without shaking 
by using a tripod and the remote control.
≥For the number of still pictures to be recorded 
on a card, refer to -86-.
≥The moving picture and sound cannot be 
recorded.
≥While data are recorded on a card, do not 
operate the mode dial.
≥When the access lamp is lit, do not insert or 
remove a card.
≥Another product may degrade or not play back 
data recorded on this Camcorder.
≥If set [PICT.QUALITY] >> [ ], mosaic-pattern 
noise may appear on a playback image 
depending on the picture content.
≥When the [PICTURE SIZE] is set to other than 
[ ] or [ ], the mega pixel recording mode 
is set.
ª
On-screen display in the card 
recording mode
1) Still picture size
2) Card indication (-72-)
3) Number of recordable still pictures
(When no picture can be recorded, this 
indication will flash in red.) 
4) Quality of still picturesª
Select the size of still pictures to be 
recorded on a card
1
Set [BASIC] >> [PICTURE SIZE] >> select 
the desired picture size. 
ASPECT [16:9]:
: 2288k1288
: 640k360
ASPECT [4:3]:
: 2288k1728
: 1600k1200
: 1280k960
: 640k480
≥When you purchase this unit, [ASPECT] is set 
to [16:9]. The sides of pictures recorded when 
[16:9] is set may be cut at printing. Check before 
printing.
ª
Select the picture quality for 
photoshot images
1
Set [BASIC] >> [PICT.QUALITY] >> select 
the desired picture quality.
[ ]: High picture quality
[ ]: Normal picture quality
≥You can also change the picture quality on 
[ADVANCED] >> [PICT.QUALITY] in the tape 
recording mode.
ª
Recording with a shutter operation 
effect
You can add a shutter operation simulating 
sound.
1Set [ADVANCED] >> [SHTR EFFECT] >> 
[ON].
ª
About the shutter chance mark≥The shutter chance mark does not appear in 
manual focus mode.
≥When the subject is not easily focused, focus on 
the subject manually.
≥You can record still pictures on the card even if 
the shutter chance mark does not appear, but 
pictures may be recorded without being 
focused.
≥The shutter chance mark does not appear or 
has difficulty displaying in the following cases.
≥When the zoom magnification is high.
≥When the Camcorder is shaken.
≥When the subject is moving.
≥When the subject stands in front of a light 
source.
≥When close subjects and far subjects are 
included in the same scene.
≥When the scene is dark.
≥When there is a bright part in the scene.
≥When the scene is filled with only horizontal 
lines.
≥When the scene lacks contrast.
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							Record mode
35LSQT0975
ªConcerning the focusing area≥When there is a contrasting object ahead or 
behind the subject in the focus area, the subject 
may not be focused. If so, move the contrasting 
object out of the focus area.
≥Even when it is still difficult to focus, adjust the 
focus manually.
Zoom in/out function
You can zoom in up to 12k optically.
≥Set to Tape/Card Recording Mode.
1Wide-angle recording (zoom out):
Push the [W/T] lever towards [W].
Close-up recording (zoom in):
Push the [W/T] lever towards [T].
≥When zooming in and taking a picture while 
holding the Camcorder by hand, we recommend 
using the image stabilizer function.
≥When you are zooming on a faraway subject, a 
sharper focus is achieved if the recording 
subject is 1.2 m (3.9 feet) or further from the 
Camcorder.
≥When the zoom speed is high, the subject may 
not be focused easily.
≥When the zoom magnification is 1k, the 
Camcorder can focus on a subject approx. 
4.0 cm (1.6 inches) away from the lens.ª
Digital zoom functionIf the zoom magnification exceeds 12 times, then 
the digital zoom function will be activated. The 
digital zoom function allows you to select a 
magnification from 30k to 700k.
≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.
1Set [ADVANCED] >> [D.ZOOM] >> [30k] or 
[700k].
[OFF]: Optical zoom only (Up to 12k)
[30k]: Digital zoom (Up to 30k)
[700k]: Digital zoom (Up to 700k)
≥The larger the digital zoom magnification, the 
more the image quality is degraded.
≥When the Card Recording mode is used, the 
digital zoom function cannot be used.
ª
About the variable speed zoom 
function
≥When pushing the [W/T] lever as far as it will go, 
you can zoom from 1k to 12k in 1.7 seconds 
(maximum).
≥The zoom speed varies according to the amount 
of movement of the [W/T] lever.
≥The variable speed zoom function cannot be 
used with the remote control or the Magic Wire 
Remote Control.
ª
To use the zoom microphone functionInterlocked with the zooming operation, the 
microphone will clearly capture sounds far away 
with the tele-shot or those in the vicinity with the 
wide-angle shot.
≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.
1Set [ADVANCED] >> [ZOOM MIC] >> [ON].
VOL
1t t WT
5t t WT
1212t t WT
5050t t WT
ZOOM
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							Record mode
36LSQT0975
Recording yourself
You can record yourself while viewing the LCD 
monitor. You can record persons in front of the 
Camcorder while presenting them the image. The 
image is horizontally flipped as if you see a mirror 
image. (The image to be recorded is the same as 
that recording.) 
≥Extend the viewfinder to see the picture 
while recording.
1Rotate the LCD monitor towards the lens side.
≥When the Wide/Pro-Cinema function is set, a 
vertically oriented display appears on the 
viewfinder screen, this is normal and not 
indicative of any trouble.
≥When the LCD monitor is rotated towards the 
lens side, the icon will not be displayed even if 
you push the center of the joystick.
Backlight compensation function
This protects a backlit subject from being darkened.≥Set to Tape/Card Recording Mode.1Press the joystick to display the icon. Move 
the joystick down until icon 1 appears.
2Move the joystick up to select the backlight 
compensation icon [ ].
≥The [BACKLIGHT COMPENSATION ON] 
indication appears on the screen of the 
Camcorder.
≥The image on the screen will become 
brighter.
ª
To return to normal recordingSelect the [ ] icon again.
≥The [BACKLIGHT COMPENSATION OFF] 
indication appears on the screen of the 
Camcorder.
≥If you turn off the power or operate the mode 
dial, the backlight compensation is canceled.
MagicPix functions
This function allows you to record color subjects 
in dark locations to stand out against the 
background.
Attach the Camcorder to a tripod, and you can 
record images free from vibration.
≥Only manual focusing can be used.
≥Recorded scene is seen as if frames were 
missed.
MagicPix function
You can record dark locations brightly in color.
0 Lux MagicPix function
You can record completely dark locations with the 
light of the LCD monitor.
≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.
1Press the joystick to display the icon. Move 
the joystick down until icon 1 appears.
2Move the joystick up to select the MagicPix 
icon [ ].
≥The [MAGICPIX ON] indication appears on 
the screen of the Camcorder.
≥Each upward press switches the modes.
OFF # MagicPix function # 0 Lux MagicPix 
function # OFF
3(In the case of 0 Lux MagicPix function) 
Extend the viewfinder and rotate the LCD 
monitor towards the lens side.
≥When the LCD monitor is reversed, the 
screen is lit in white.
≥Extend the viewfinder and view the images 
while recording.
≥The light of the LCD monitor reaches approx. 
1.2 m (3.9 feet) or less.
1ª
1
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							Record mode
37LSQT0975
ªTo cancel the MagicPix functionSelect the MagicPix icon until the MagicPix 
indication disappear.
≥The [0 LUX MAGICPIX OFF] indication appears 
on the screen of the Camcorder.
≥If the 0 Lux MagicPix function is selected 
without reversing the LCD monitor, the 
[REVERSE THE LCD MONITOR] indication 
appears.
≥If set in a bright place, the screen may become 
whitish for a while.
≥The MagicPix function makes the signal 
charging time of CCD up to approximately 8k 
longer than usual, so that dark scenes invisible 
to the naked eye can be recorded brightly. For 
this reason, bright dots that are usually invisible 
may be seen, but this is not a malfunction.
≥The MagicPix function is canceled when you 
turn off the power or operate the mode dial.
Soft skin mode
This allows the skin color to be recorded in a 
softer tone. This is more effective if you record the 
bust image of a person.
≥Set to Tape/Card Recording Mode.
1Press the joystick to display the icon. Move 
the joystick down until icon 1 appears.
2Move the joystick left to select the soft skin 
icon [ ].
≥The [SOFT SKIN MODE ON] indication 
appears on the screen of the Camcorder.
ª
To cancel the soft skin modeSelect the [ ] icon again.
≥The [SOFT SKIN MODE OFF] indication 
appears on the screen of the Camcorder.
≥If the background or anything else in the scene 
has colors similar to the skin color, they will also 
be smoothed.
≥If the brightness is insufficient, the effect may 
not be clear.
Tele macro function
By focusing only on the subject and blurring the 
background, the image can be impressive. This 
Camcorder can focus on the subject at a distance 
of approx. 50 cm (20 inches).
≥Set to Tape/Card Recording Mode.
1Press the joystick to display the icon. Move 
the joystick down until icon 1 appears.
2Move the joystick right to select the 
tele-macro icon [ ].
≥The [TELE MACRO ON] indication appears 
on the screen of the Camcorder.
≥If the magnification is 12k or less, then it is 
automatically set to 12k.
ª
To cancel the tele macro functionSelect the [ ] icon again.
≥The [TELE MACRO OFF] indication appears on 
the screen of the Camcorder.
≥If a sharper focus cannot be achieved, adjust 
the focus manually. 
≥In the following cases, the tele macro function is 
canceled.
≥The zoom magnification becomes lower than 
12k.
≥The power is off or the mode dial is operated.
1
1
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							Record mode
38LSQT0975
Fade in/fade out function
Fade in
The image and audio gradually appear.
Fade out
The image and audio gradually disappear.
≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.
1Press the joystick to display the icon. Move 
the joystick down until icon 1 appears.
2Move the joystick left to select the fade icon 
[].
≥The [FADE ON] indication appears on the 
screen of the Camcorder.
3Press the recording start/stop button.
Start recording. (fade in) 
When you start recording, the image/audio 
disappears completely and the image/audio 
gradually appears.
Pause recording. (fade out) 
The image/audio gradually disappears. After the 
image/audio completely disappears, recording 
stops.
ª
To cancel fadingSelect the [ ] icon again.
≥The [FADE OFF] indication appears on the 
screen of the Camcorder.ª
To select the color for fade in/fade outThe color which appears in fading pictures can be 
selected.
1Set [ADVANCED] >> [FADE COLOR] >> 
[WHITE] or [BLACK].
≥While the fade in/fade out function is selected, it 
takes several seconds to display the image 
when you start recording images. Besides, it 
also takes several seconds to pause recording.
Wind noise reduction function
This reduces the wind noise coming into the 
microphone when recording.
≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.
1Set [BASIC] >> [WIND CUT] >> [ON].
ª
To cancel the wind noise reduction 
function
Set [BASIC] >> [WIND CUT] >> [OFF].
≥The default setting is [ON].
≥Reduces the wind noise depending on the wind 
strength. (If this function is activated in strong 
winds, the stereo effect may be reduced. When 
the wind weakens, the stereo effect will be 
restored.) 
1B
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							Record mode
39LSQT0975
Adjusting the Microphone Sensitivity 
Level
When recording, the input level from the built-in 
microphone and the external microphone terminal 
can be adjusted.
≥Set to Tape Recording/Playback Mode.
1Set [ADVANCED] >> [MIC LEVEL] >> 
[AUTO], [SETrAGC] or [SET].
AGC*: Auto Gain Control
[AUTO]:  AGC is activated, and the recording 
level is adjusted automatically.
[SETrAGC]: The desired recording level can be 
set. AGC will also be activated to 
reduce the amount of sound 
distortion.
[SET]: AGC is not activated and so natural 
recording can be performed. Adjust 
in such a way that the sound will not 
be distorted at the maximum volume 
level.
2Move the joystick left or right to increase or 
decrease the bars of the gain value.
3Press the joystick to determine the setting.
≥Adjust the gain value so that the last 3 bars of 
the [ ] on the center of the screen will not light 
red. (Otherwise, the sound is distorted.) Select a 
lower setting for gain value or set [MIC LEVEL] 
to [AUTO].
≥The [MIC LEVEL]  ([AUTO], [SETrAGC] or 
[SET]) setting on the Tape Recording/Playback 
Mode will be the same.
(Microphone sensitivity level can be adjusted on 
each mode separately.)
≥When [ZOOM MIC] is set to [ON], set the zoom 
to the [T] position before performing this 
adjustment.
Auto Ground-Directional Standby 
(AGS)
This function prevents unnecessary recording 
when you forget to pause recording and walk with 
the Camcorder tilted upside down while recording 
continues. 
≥If the Camcorder continues to be tilted upside 
down from the normal horizontal position while 
recording on a tape, it is automatically put into 
recording pause.
[AGS]: Auto Ground-Directional Standby
≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.
Set [SETUP] >> [AGS] >> [ON].
ª
To cancel Auto Ground-Directional 
Standby
Set [SETUP] >> [AGS] >> [OFF].
≥The AGS function may activate and cause the 
Camcorder to pause the recording if you are 
recording a subject right above or right below 
you. In these cases, set [AGS] >> [OFF] then 
continue the recording.
≥Use the recording start/stop button to pause or 
stop the recording. The AGS function is only a 
backup function for when you forget to pause 
the recording. 
≥The time it takes the Camcorder to be put into 
recording pause after being tilted upside down 
varies depending on the operating conditions.
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							Record mode
40LSQT0975
Using the built-in flash
Use the built-in flash in order to record still 
pictures in dark places.
≥Set to Tape/Card Recording Mode.
1Set [ADVANCED] >> [FLASH] >> [ß] or [ßA].
≥If [ßA] is selected, then the flash will 
automatically flash as necessary.
2Press the [PHOTO SHOT] button.
≥The flash is activated and the picture will be 
recorded.
≥You cannot use the built-in flash unless the card 
is inserted in the Camcorder.
≥The Camcorder, even when its flash has been 
turned off, automatically determines if the flash 
is necessary by detecting the ambient 
brightness. (If it determines that the flash is 
necessary, the [ ] indication lights up in 
yellow.) 
≥When the [ß] ([ßi]/[ßj]) indication or the [ßA] 
([ßAi]/[ßAj]) indication is displayed, the flash 
can be lit. If the indication is flashing or not 
displayed, the flash cannot be lit. You can take a 
picture even if the indication is flashing.
≥The available range of the flash is approx. 1 m 
to 2.5 m  (3.3 feet to 8.2 feet) in a dark place. 
Pictures will appear dark or reddish when they 
are recorded by using the flash at distances 
greater than 2.5 m (8.2 feet ). 
≥When set [FLASH] >> [ßA] and the shutter 
speed, iris or gain is adjusted, the indication 
(either [ßA], [ßAi], or [ßAj]) may disappear 
and the flash may not be lit.
≥Using the flash fixes a shutter speed of 1/750 or 
faster to 1/500.
≥The picture may become out of focus in a dark 
place. If so, adjust the focus manually.
≥The picture may appear dark if flash is lit in front 
of a white background.
≥Set the flash to [ ] where using a flash is 
prohibited.
≥Do not block the flash by hand or any other 
means.
ª
When the flash is not usedSet [ADVANCED] >> [FLASH] >> [ ].ª
To adjust the brightness of the flash
1Set [ADVANCED] >> [FLASH LEVEL] >> 
select the desired brightness level.
[ßj]: If the brightness is too high ([ßj] or 
[ßAj] indication will appear.) 
[ßd0]: In normal recording (the [ß] or [ßA] 
indication will appear.) 
[ßi]: If the brightness is insufficient ([ßi] 
or [ßAi] indication will appear.) 
ª
Red eye reduction functionReduces the phenomena where human eyes 
become red from flashes.
1Set [ADVANCED] >> [RED EYE] >> [ON].
≥
The [ ] indication appears.≥The flash is activated 2 times. Do not move until 
the second flash is finished.
≥Use this when you take pictures of people in 
dark places.
≥Red eye phenomenon may appear depending 
on the recording conditions.
ª
Using the flash VW-FLH3 (optional)≥The flash permits still picture recording in a dark 
place 2.5 m (8.2 feet) or more distant from the 
subject. The available range of the flash is 
approx. 1 m to 4 m (3.3 feet to 13.1 feet).
≥When the flash is ready, the [ß] indication 
appears.
≥The optional flash and the built-in flash cannot 
be used simultaneously.
≥The brightness of the flash cannot be adjusted.
≥The shutter speed, iris/gain, and white balance 
become fixed.
≥Using the flash outdoors or with backlight or 
other bright conditions may result in white 
blotches (color blotches) on the pictures. If so, 
either adjust the iris manually or use the 
backlight compensation function, without using 
the flash.
≥Carefully read the operating instructions for the 
flash.
PHOTO SHOT
A
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