Panasonic Pv L591 Operating Instructions Manual

							Basic Operation
Special Features
For Your Information Getting Started
Camcorder
Operating Instructions
Please read these instructions carefully before attempting to operate this product.
Please save this manual.
 Model No.
LSQT0503A
PV-L591
For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or
send e-mail to : [email protected] 
						

							2For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : [email protected]
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, it will bring
you years of enjoyment. Please take time
to fill in the information at the right.
The serial number is on the tag located on
the rear side of your Camcorder. Be sure
to retain this manual as your convenient
Camcorder information source.Date of Purchase
Dealer Purchased From
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone No.
Model No.
Serial No.
1 pc. AC Adaptor
(PV-A19) with DC Power
Cable (page 10)
1 pc. VHS PlayPak
(PV-P1/VYMW0009) and
one “AA” battery (page 20)1 pc. CR2025 Clock Battery
(VSBW0004)
(installed in Camcorder)
(page 34)
1 pc. Shoulder Strap
(LSFC0012) (page 33)
1 pc. Audio/Video Cable
(LSJA0283) (pages 20, 21)1 pc. Battery Pack
(PV-BP18) (pages 9, 10)
These accessories are provided in order to set up or use your Camcorder.
Unpack your Camcorder 
						

							3
Getting StartedSafety Precautions
WARNING : TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Your Compact VHS Camcorder is designed to record and play back in Standard Play (SP)
and Super Long Play (SLP) modes. You can also play a Compact VHS Camcorder
recording on your VHS VCR using the VHS PlayPak supplied.
This Camcorder is equipped with the HQ System to provide excellent video pictures, and is
compatible with standard VHS equipment.
It is recommended that only cassette tapes that have been tested and inspected for use in
VCR machines with the 
 and/or  mark be used.
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.
The above markings are located on the appliance’s bottom cover.
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.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with Part 15 and part 18 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when
operated in a residential environment.
If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, use the equipment in another location and/or utilize an electrical
outlet different from that used by the receiver.
If necessary, consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. You may find the
booklet, ‘Something About Interference’ available from FCC local regional offices helpful.
This product may cause interference to radio equipment and should not be installed near maritime
safety communications equipment or other critical navigation or communication equipment operating
between 0.45-30 MHz.
FCC Warning:Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment would
void the user’s authority to operate.
Things You Should Know 
						

							4For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : [email protected]
1. Read Instructions – All the safety and
operating instructions should be read before
the unit is operated.
2. Retain Instructions – The safety and
operating instructions should be retained for
future reference.
3. Heed Warnings – All warnings on the unit
and in the operating instructions should be
adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions – All operating and
maintenance instructions should be followed.
5. Cleaning – Unplug this video unit from the
wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid
or aerosol cleaners. Use a dry cloth for
cleaning.
6. Attachments – Do not use attachments not
recommended by the video product
manufacturer as they may be hazardous.
7. Water and Moisture – Do not use this video
unit near water – for example near a bath tub,
wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a
wet basement, or near a swimming pool, and
the like.
8. Accessories – Do not place this video unit
on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table. The video unit may fall, causing serious
injury to a child or adult, and serious damage
to the unit. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table recommended by the
manufacturer, or sold with the video unit. Any
mounting of the unit should follow the
manufacturer’s instructions and should use a
mounting accessory recommended by the
manufacturer. An appliance and cart
combination should be moved
with care. Quick stops,
excessive force, and uneven
surfaces may cause the
appliance and cart combination
to overturn.
9. Ventilation – Slots and openings in the
cabinet are provided for ventilation and to
ensure reliable operation of the video unit
and to protect it from overheating. These
openings must not be blocked or covered.
Never place the video unit on a bed, sofa,
rug, or other similar surface, or near or over a
radiator or heat register. This video unit
should not be placed in a built-in installation
such as a bookcase or rack unless proper
ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s
instructions have been adhered to.
10. Power Sources – This video unit should be
operated only from the type of power source
indicated on the marking label. If you are not
sure of the type of power supply to your
home, consult your appliance dealer or local
power company. For video units intended to
be operated from battery power, or other
sources, refer to the operating instructions.
Important Safeguards
11. Grounding or Polarization – This video unit
may be equipped with either a polarized 2-
wire AC (Alternating Current) line plug (a
plug having one blade wider than the other)
or 3-wire grounding type plug, a plug having
a third (grounding) pin.
The 2-wire polarized plug will fit into the
power outlet only one way. This is a safety
feature. If you are unable to insert the plug
fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If
the plug still fails to fit, contact your
electrician to replace your obsolete outlet.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized plug.
The 3-wire grounding type plug will fit into a
grounding type power outlet. This is a safety
feature. If you are unable to insert the plug
into the outlet, contact your electrician to
replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the
safety purpose of the grounding type plug.
12. Power-Cord Protection – Power-supply
cords should be routed so that they are not
likely to be walked on or pinched by items
placed upon or against them. Paying
particular attention to cords of plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the unit.
13. Outdoor Antenna Grounding – If an
outside antenna or cable system is
connected to the video unit, be sure the
antenna or cable system is grounded so as
to provide some protection against voltage
surges and built-up static charges. Part 1 of
the Canadian Electrical Code, in USA
Section 810 of the National Electrical Code,
provides information with respect to proper
grounding of the mast and supporting
structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an
antenna discharge unit, size of grounding
conductors, location of antenna discharge
unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and
requirements for the grounding electrode.
14. Lightning – For added protection of this
video unit receiver during a lightning storm, or
when it is left unattended and unused for long
periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet
and disconnect the antenna or cable system.
This will prevent damage to the video unit due
to lightning and power-line surges. 
						

							5
Getting Started
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.
Important Safeguards
15. Power Lines – An outside antenna system
should not be located in the vicinity of overhead
power lines or other electric light or power
circuits, or where it can fall into such power
lines or circuits. When installing an outside
antenna system, extreme care should be taken
to keep from touching such power lines or
circuits as contact with them might be fatal.
16. Overloading – Do not overload wall outlets
and extension cords as this can result in a
risk of fire or electric shock.
17. Objects and Liquids – Never push objects
of any kind into this video unit through
openings as they may touch dangerous
voltage points or short out parts that could
result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill
liquid of any kind onto the video unit.
18. Servicing – Do not attempt to service this
video unit yourself as opening or removing
covers may expose you to dangerous voltage
or other hazards. Refer all servicing to
qualified service personnel.
19. Damage Requiring Service – Unplug this
video unit from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to qualified service personnel under
the following conditions:
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is
damaged.b. If any liquid has been spilled into, or
objects have fallen onto, the video unit.
c. If the video unit has been exposed to rain
or water.
d. If the video unit does not operate normally
by following the operating instructions.
Adjust only those controls that are covered
by the operating instructions, as an improper
adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive
work by a qualified technician to restore the
video unit to its normal operation.
e. If the video unit has been dropped or the
cabinet has been damaged.
f. When the video unit exhibits a distinct
change in performance – this indicates a
need for service.
20. Replacement Parts – When replacement
parts are required, be sure the service
technician has used replacement parts
specified by the manufacturer or have the
same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock or other hazards.
21. Safety Check – Upon completion of any
service or repairs to this video unit, ask the
service technician to perform safety checks
to determine that the video unit is in safe
operating order. 
						

							6For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : [email protected]
Table of Contents
Viewfinder/LCD Monitor Indications ....................................................... 31~32
Operation Notes 
(Using the Shoulder and Hand Straps, Cleaning EVF)..................33
Replacing Clock Battery ................................................................................. 34
Palmcorder Accessory System ..................................................................... 35
Palmcorder Accessory Order Form .............................................................. 36
Specifications .................................................................................................. 37
Before Requesting Service 
(Video Head Cleaning)...............................................38
Request for Service Notice ............................................................................ 39
Limited Warranty ............................................................................................. 40
Servicenter List ............................................................................................... 41
Index ................................................................................................................. 42 Things You Should Know ............................................................................. 2~3
Important Safeguards ................................................................................... 4~5
Precautions ........................................................................................................ 5
Self Demo Mode ................................................................................................ 7
Quick Operation Guide ..................................................................................... 8
Supplying Power 
(Battery Charge/Use/Refresh/Care, AC Adaptor, Car Battery Cord)...9~10
Cassette Information ...................................................................................... 11
Using MENU Mode .......................................................................................... 12
Setting the Clock
 (Time Zone, Auto Daylight Saving Time)................................13~14
Built-in Auto Light
 (Using the Light, Replacing the Bulb).........................................15
Camera Recording
 (Basic, Stand-by, Programmed Recording).........................16~18
Playing Back Recordings 
(Basic Playback, Visual Search, Still Picture,
                                            Tracking, TV/VCR Playback)..................................
19~20
Copying your Tapes (dubbing) ...................................................................... 21
Four-Speed Power Zoom ................................................................................ 22
Backlight .......................................................................................................... 22
Focus 
(Auto/Manual Focus).........................................................................................23
High Speed Shutter 
(Auto/Manual Shutter)..............................................................24
Auto Fade ......................................................................................................... 25
Color Digital Fade ........................................................................................... 26
Digital Zoom .................................................................................................... 27
Digital Electronic Image Stabilization (E.I.S.) ............................................... 27
Security Mode .................................................................................................. 28
Intelligent Titler
 (Auto/Manual Title, Phrase Title)...............................................29~30
Basic Operation
Special Features
For Your Information
Getting Started 
						

							7
Getting Started
Self Demo Mode
EVF or LCD Monitor
Note:
• Self Demo stops automatically if battery
is attached (page 9) and cassette tape is
inserted (page 11).
• Inserting a tape alone (or attaching a
partially charged battery) only temporarily
stops Self Demo.
• Self Demo stops for 30 seconds when a
function key other than Light, Play, Rewind
Search, Fast Forward Search, Stop, and
Still is pressed.
To turn Self Demo back on:
• Set to SELF DEMO : ON in MENU screen.
Before you begin...
• Connect Camcorder to power source.
Self Demo mode is on when the screen
below appears. To turn it off, follow
steps 1-4 below.
1Set POWER to CAMERA.
2Press MENU for
MENU mode.
Press 
UP 
 or
DOWN  to select
SELF DEMO .
3Press DISPLAY to select OFF.
4Press MENU to exit.
2, 3, 4
1 
						

							8For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : [email protected]
Quick Operation Guide
When the LCD monitor is open, the EVF automatically turns OFF (page 19).
1Press LCD-OPEN to unlock the LCD monitor.
Swing it fully open and adjust the angle (see above).
2Set POWER to VCR.
Charging the Battery Pack
Charge Battery Pack fully before
operation (page 9).
1Plug in ACAdaptor.
Playback using the LCD Monitor
3Press REWIND/SEARCH to
rewind tape.
4Press PLAY to start playback.
5Press STOP to stop playback.
2Insert Battery. CHARGE
Lamp flashes, then stays lit
when charging is complete.
1Attach fully
charged Battery
(page 9).
2Slide TAPE EJECT
to open door.
3Insert cassette
(page 11).
4Press here to close
door.
Insert Cassette
Note:
• Remove the Protection Film before use. Protection Film
1Press LCD-OPEN to unlock the LCD monitor.
Swing it fully open and adjust the angle.
2Set POWER to CAMERA.
3Press RECORD/PAUSEto start recording
Press RECORD/PAUSE
again 
to pause recording. When the LCD monitor is open, the EVF automatically turns OFF (page 16).
Camera Recording
Note:
• Remove the Protection Film before use. Protection Film 
						

							9
Getting Started
Supplying Power
To use battery refresh, insert Battery on AC
Adaptor (see steps 1~2 above), then press
BATTERY REFRESH.
The REFRESH Lamp lights, then goes out when
discharge is complete. Battery charging will then
start automatically.
If 
BATTERY REFRESH is pressed by mistake,
remove Battery from AC Adaptor and reinsert it
for normal charging.
Note:
•Charging takes about 7 and 1/2 hours when Battery
Refresh is used.
•Battery will not operate in extremely high
temperatures.
BATTERY
REFRESH
Note:•Charging takes about 1 and 1/2 hours.
•While the DC Power Cable (supplied) is connected
to the AC Adaptor, the Battery cannot be charged.
•After charging 5 times, use Battery Refresh feature
as explained below.
•Battery life gradually decreases after repeated use
and recharging. If operation time becomes very
short even after a sufficient charge, discard Battery
properly (page 10).
Charge Battery Pack fully before use.
POWER
Lamp
CHARGE
Lamp1Plug in AC Adaptor.
POWER Lamp lights.
2Insert Battery.
AAlign left side of Battery with left edge of
AC Adaptor.
BPress Battery down and slide in direction
of arrow.
The CHARGE Lamp flashes, then stays lit
when charging is complete.
3Remove Battery.
Slide Battery to the left and lift off.
1
23
Charging the Battery Pack
Battery Refresh
This feature completely discharges
Battery before recharging begins.
Use after every 5 charges for optimum
Battery performance.
A fully charged Battery provides a maximum of about 2 hours of continuous use (LCD
monitor off) or about 1.5 hours (LCD monitor on). Actual time may vary due to operating
conditions. Using the Built-in Light decreases operating time.
Using the Battery Pack
bA
B
A
REFRESH
Lamp
a
(Top View)
B
AAttach Battery.
aInsert top of Battery into top of mounting
surface.
bPress and snap into place.
BRemove Battery.
Slide BATTERY RELEASE and remove
Battery. 
						

							10For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : [email protected]
Supplying Power
Caution:
•Charge only with specified charger.
•Battery can be charged within a temperature range of
10 °C (50 °F) and 35 °C (95 °F).
•Battery is normally warm after charging or just after use.
•Do not use an insufficiently charged or worn-out Battery.
Safety precautions:
•Do not get Battery near, or dispose of in fire.
•Do not directly connect (short circuit) the positive (+) and
negative (–) terminals.
•Never attempt to disassemble or reassemble Battery.To avoid Battery damage:
•Do not drop or jar Battery.
•Use Battery with specified units only.
•If Battery is used in extremely high
temperatures, a safety device will
automatically prevent operation.
To prolong Battery life:
•While not in use, remove Battery
from the Camcorder and AC Adaptor
and store in a cool, dark, dry place.
•Keep Battery terminals clean.
U.S.A. CONSUMERS:   ATTENTION:
A nickel cadmium battery that is recyclable powers the product you have
purchased. At the end of its useful life, under various state and local laws, it is
illegal to dispose of this battery into your municipal waste stream. Please call
1-800-8-BATTERY for information on how to recycle this battery.
Note:
•While the DC Power Cable (supplied) is
connected to the AC Adaptor, the Battery
cannot be charged.
•When not in use, unplug AC Adaptor from
AC outlet. (Adaptor uses 1.2 W of electricity
while plugged in.)
1Connect AC Adaptor VCR DC OUT toCamcorder DC IN with supplied DC
Power Cable.
2Plug in AC Adaptor.
POWER Lamp lights.DC IN
Connector
DC Power Cable
POWER Lamp
VCR DC OUT
Connector
DC IN
Connector
This unit will operate on 110/120/220/240 V AC.
An AC plug adaptor may be required for voltages
other than 120 V AC. Please contact either a
local or foreign electrical parts distributor for
assistance in selecting an alternate AC plug. We
recommend using the accessory power plug
adaptor (VJSS0070) in an area which has
special AC outlets.CAUTION:
1Connect PV-C16 Car Battery Cord
(optional) to Camcorder DC IN.
2A Start engine first.
B Plug Car Battery Cord into
Cigarette lighter socket.
•If Car Battery cord fuse needs
replacing, use exact current rating
(in amps).
Note:
•This cord only works in vehicles
equipped with DC 12 V (negative
ground) battery. Check with your car/
truck dealer. Use only specified car
battery cord.
•To avoid blowing the car battery cord
fuse, do step 2 in the proper order.
•Running vehicles must be well ventilated.
•When not in use, disconnect cigarette
lighter plug.
Battery Care
AC Adaptor
Cigarette
Lighter
Socket (12 V)
Car Battery Cord
(optional)Cigarette
Lighter Plug
Car Battery Cord (Optional)