Panasonic Sdr S15 Operating Instructions Manual

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Recording1Before recordingRecord motion and still pictures onto the SD card.
Recorded motion and still pictures are referred to as “scenes” wit\
h this unit.
Hold the unit firmly 
with both hands
Be careful not to block 
microphone or sensor Using the “sub record” 
button can be helpful 
when recording at 
waist height
Stand with legs slightly 
apart for stabilityStand with back 
to sun to avoid 
subject being in 
shadow
Do not perform any of the following operations while the SD card 
is being accessed (card access lamp illuminated). Performing 
these actions may damage the card and its data.
• Switching off power
• Removing battery or AC adaptor
•  Opening card/battery door and removing 
SD card
•  Rotating the mode dial
•  Shaking or impacting the unit
•  Disconnecting the USB cable
Card access lamp
Card/battery door
Keep elbows close to 
body
Microphone
Note
Basic stanceRecording can be done in two ways: “Automatic Recording” 
or “Manual Recording”.
Automatic Recording (motion/still pictures)
(This is the default setting at the time of purchase)
To have coloring, focus, and brightness settings made 
automatically
● See
P

.32-35
Manual Recording (motion/still pictures)
(Manually adjust settings such as focus, white balance, shutter speed, \
iris/gain, etc.)
To record with your own settings
When automatic recording is unsatisfactory
To use settings for particular scenes (Scene Mode)
●
●
● See
P

.50-55
For SD cards applicable with this unit (P.18)
●
Before recording, open the lens cover

.
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Recording2
  Automatic Recording 
(motion pictures)Record motion picture with settings such as focus and coloring made 
automatically.
For maximum recording times with battery, see (P.22)
1Set to [].
2Press  and set to [AUTO].
Press  to switch modes 
between [iA] and [AUTO].
3Start recording.
Auto Mode icon Time elapsed
Time remaining 
(flashes red when 
under 1 minute)
Recording in progress (red)
Recording continues even if the 
LCD monitor is closed.
4Stop recording.Paused (green)
The unit is still recording if [] is 
red. Do not move the unit.
When the unit is running on battery power, power is automatically shut OFF 
to conserve battery life if no operations are performed for about 5 minu\
tes. To 
reuse the unit, set the mode dial to [OFF] and then reselect a mode.
To prevent power from shutting OFF automatically: P.92 [ECONOMY]
The interval between starting and stopping recording is recorded as one \
single 
scene. The counter is reset to “0h00m00s” after each scene.
At the time when the unit is purchased, the audio recording mode is set \
to [DOLBY]. For 
playback in a device which does not support Dolby Digital, set [AUDIO RE\
C] to [MPEG]. (P.92)
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 To change aspect ratio to 4:3
  →[BASIC]→[ASPECT]→
[4:3]
Default aspect ratio at the time of 
purchase is set to 16:9 (widescreen).
   To remove sound when record 
button is pressed
  →[SETUP]→
[BEEP SOUND]→[OFF]
   To remove on-screen display
  →[SETUP]→
[DISPLAY]→[OFF]
   To ensure that you won’t pass 
up any recording opportunities
PRE-REC function (P.46)
 Recording mode and recording times
Recording times depend on the recording mode selected.
Recording times for Panasonic SD cards (approximate)
SD card 
capacity Recording mode
(Highest picture quality)(Standard)(Longest recording time)
256 MB
3 min 6 min 12 min
512 MB 6 min12 min 25 min
1GB 12 min 25 min 50 min
2GB 25 min 50 min1 h 40 min
4GB 50 min 1 h 40 min 3 h 20 min
6GB 1 h 15 min 2 h 30 min 5 h
8GB 1 h 40 min 3 h 20 min 6 h 40 min
12 GB 2 h 30 min 5 h10 h
16 GB 3 h 20 min 6 h 40 min 13 h 20 min
32 GB 6 h 40 min 13 h 20 min 26 h 40 min
If a single scene exceeds 4 GB during motion picture recording, recordin\
g 
continues as a separate scene.
Recording fast-moving objects or repeatedly writing on the same SD card \
numerous times shortens recording time.
Mosaic-like interference may be generated on playback screens in the 
following circumstances: Complicated pictures in background
The unit is moved greatly or quickly
Recording is of a rapidly moving object (particularly if recording mode\
 is set 
to [
])
 To change recording mode
  →[BASIC]→[REC MODE]→[] / [] / []
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•
•
•
If recording stopsRecording may stop suddenly if an incompatible SD card has been 
inserted. (P.18)
Even with usable SD cards, recording may stop if you repeatedly write 
on the same SD card. Copy data onto a PC using VideoCam Suite, then 
format the SD card with this unit. (When formatted, all data on the SD \
card 
is erased.)
•
•
Before recording, open the lens cover. 
						

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Recording2
  Automatic Recording 
(motion pictures)Record motion picture with settings such as focus and coloring made 
automatically.
For maximum recording times with battery, see (P.22)
1Set to [].
2Press  and set to [AUTO].
Press  to switch modes 
between [iA] and [AUTO].
3Start recording.
Auto Mode icon Time elapsed
Time remaining 
(flashes red when 
under 1 minute)
Recording in progress (red)
Recording continues even if the 
LCD monitor is closed.
4Stop recording.Paused (green)
The unit is still recording if [] is 
red. Do not move the unit.
When the unit is running on battery power, power is automatically shut OFF 
to conserve battery life if no operations are performed for about 5 minu\
tes. To 
reuse the unit, set the mode dial to [OFF] and then reselect a mode.
To prevent power from shutting OFF automatically: P.92 [ECONOMY]
The interval between starting and stopping recording is recorded as one \
single 
scene. The counter is reset to “0h00m00s” after each scene.
At the time when the unit is purchased, the audio recording mode is set \
to [DOLBY]. For 
playback in a device which does not support Dolby Digital, set [AUDIO RE\
C] to [MPEG]. (P.92)
●
●
●
 To change aspect ratio to 4:3
  →[BASIC]→[ASPECT]→
[4:3]
Default aspect ratio at the time of 
purchase is set to 16:9 (widescreen).
   To remove sound when record 
button is pressed
  →[SETUP]→
[BEEP SOUND]→[OFF]
   To remove on-screen display
  →[SETUP]→
[DISPLAY]→[OFF]
   To ensure that you won’t pass 
up any recording opportunities
PRE-REC function (P.46)
 Recording mode and recording times
Recording times depend on the recording mode selected.
Recording times for Panasonic SD cards (approximate)
SD card 
capacity Recording mode
(Highest picture quality)(Standard)(Longest recording time)
256 MB
3 min 6 min 12 min
512 MB 6 min12 min 25 min
1GB 12 min 25 min 50 min
2GB 25 min 50 min1 h 40 min
4GB 50 min 1 h 40 min 3 h 20 min
6GB 1 h 15 min 2 h 30 min 5 h
8GB 1 h 40 min 3 h 20 min 6 h 40 min
12 GB 2 h 30 min 5 h10 h
16 GB 3 h 20 min 6 h 40 min 13 h 20 min
32 GB 6 h 40 min 13 h 20 min 26 h 40 min
If a single scene exceeds 4 GB during motion picture recording, recordin\
g 
continues as a separate scene.
Recording fast-moving objects or repeatedly writing on the same SD card \
numerous times shortens recording time.
Mosaic-like interference may be generated on playback screens in the 
following circumstances: Complicated pictures in background
The unit is moved greatly or quickly
Recording is of a rapidly moving object (particularly if recording mode\
 is set 
to [
])
 To change recording mode
  →[BASIC]→[REC MODE]→[] / [] / []
●
●
●
•
•
•
If recording stopsRecording may stop suddenly if an incompatible SD card has been 
inserted. (P.18)
Even with usable SD cards, recording may stop if you repeatedly write 
on the same SD card. Copy data onto a PC using VideoCam Suite, then 
format the SD card with this unit. (When formatted, all data on the SD \
card 
is erased.)
•
•
Before recording, open the lens cover. 
						

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1Set to [].
2Press  and set to [AUTO].
Press  to switch the modes 
between [iA] and [AUTO].
3Take picture.Picture 
resolution
Pictures remaining 
(flashes red when zero)
Focus is aligned to object in 
center of shot.
Sound is not recorded.
Recorded still pictures are referred to as “scenes” with this unit\
.
●
●
 To remove shutter sound
  →[ADVANCED]→[SHTR 
EFFECT] →[OFF]
  To remove on-screen display
  →[SETUP]→
[DISPLAY]→[OFF]
Recording3
   Automatic Recording 
(still pictures)Take still pictures with settings such as focus and coloring made 
automatically.
For maximum recording times with battery see (P.22)
Number of recordable pictures
Picture size is 640×480 (0.3 M).
SD card capacity The number of pictures 
for Panasonic SD cards (approximate)
8MB 37
16 MB 92
32 MB 200
64 MB 430
128 MB 820
256 MB 1710
512 MB 3390
1GB 6790
2GB 13820
4GB 27150
6GB 41280
8GB 55260
12 GB 83350
16 GB 99999
Î
32 GB99999Î
ÎThis unit can record only up to 99,999 still pictures in these SD cards.\
●
To avoid jitter (The image stabilizer function (P.37) cannot be used during still picture 
recording.)
Hold the unit firmly with both hands, and keep elbows close to your body\
.
Jitter becomes particularly difficult to avoid with zoom ratios of 4x and 
above. It is recommended that you reduce the zoom ratio and move closer \
to the object.
Try using a tripod.
•
•
•
Before recording, open the lens cover. 
						

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1Set to [].
2Press  and set to [AUTO].
Press  to switch the modes 
between [iA] and [AUTO].
3Take picture.Picture 
resolution
Pictures remaining 
(flashes red when zero)
Focus is aligned to object in 
center of shot.
Sound is not recorded.
Recorded still pictures are referred to as “scenes” with this unit\
.
●
●
 To remove shutter sound
  →[ADVANCED]→[SHTR 
EFFECT] →[OFF]
  To remove on-screen display
  →[SETUP]→
[DISPLAY]→[OFF]
Recording3
   Automatic Recording 
(still pictures)Take still pictures with settings such as focus and coloring made 
automatically.
For maximum recording times with battery see (P.22)
Number of recordable pictures
Picture size is 640×480 (0.3 M).
SD card capacity The number of pictures 
for Panasonic SD cards (approximate)
8MB 37
16 MB 92
32 MB 200
64 MB 430
128 MB 820
256 MB 1710
512 MB 3390
1GB 6790
2GB 13820
4GB 27150
6GB 41280
8GB 55260
12 GB 83350
16 GB 99999
Î
32 GB99999Î
ÎThis unit can record only up to 99,999 still pictures in these SD cards.\
●
To avoid jitter (The image stabilizer function (P.37) cannot be used during still picture 
recording.)
Hold the unit firmly with both hands, and keep elbows close to your body\
.
Jitter becomes particularly difficult to avoid with zoom ratios of 4x and 
above. It is recommended that you reduce the zoom ratio and move closer \
to the object.
Try using a tripod.
•
•
•
Before recording, open the lens cover. 
						

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Recording4Zoom/avoid jitter/maintain  picture brightness in dark locations
 indicates functions used with motion pictures and  functions used with 
still pictures.
Enlarging (zoom)  
Optical zoom can be used to enlarge objects by up to 10 times without 
degradation.
Enlarge
Restore
Zoom ratio: 1x
This unit can focus on a subject 
approx. 4 cm (1.6˝) away from 
the lens.
After enlarging the image, the 
subject is brought into focus 
at 1.0 m (3.3 feet) or greater 
distance.
 To enlarge further Digital zoom can be used to enlarge 
objects by a maximum of 700 times. 
(Cannot be used during still picture 
recording.)
  →[ADVANCED]→
[D.ZOOM]
[OFF] : No digital zoom
[25x] :   Up to maximum of 25x
[700x] : Up to maximum of 700x Picture quality will be reduced by 
the same factor as the zoom ratio is 
increased by.
The digital zoom range is displayed 
in blue in the zoom bar on the LCD 
monitor.
•
•
Release zoom button quietly (any sounds may be recorded).
The image stabilizer function is recommended for motion picture recordin\
g at 
high zoom rates.
Focus may not be aligned if zooming in too quickly.
Zooming has two speeds. When the buttons are pressed lightly, zooming is 
done at slow speed. When pressed strongly, zooming is done at high speed.
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 Apply zoom effect to sounds (zoom microphone) Synched with zooming operations, distance sounds are recorded when 
enlarging and peripheral sounds are recorded at wide angles.
  →[ADVANCED]→[ZOOM MIC]
→[ON]
Avoid jitter (Image Stabilizer function) 
  →[ADVANCED]→[EIS]→[ON]
Default setting at the time of purchase is [ON].
The image stabilizer function cannot be used in shooting still pictures \
or with 
MagicPix.
Brightness may change and coloring may appear unnatural when using 
beneath fluorescent lighting.
The image stabilizer function may not perform successfully in the follow\
ing 
circumstances:
  • Using digital zoom         • Location is extremely dark
  • Jitter is significant          • When following moving object The function can be set in Auto or Manual Mode, but not in Intelligent Auto 
Mode (P.38).
Maintain brightness in dark locations (Auto slow shutter)  
Shutter speed is automatically slowed in dark places in order to brighte\
n 
captured images.
  →[ADVANCED]→[AUTO SLW SHTR] →[ON]
Default setting at the time of purchase is [OFF]. [
]: ( When [ON], shutter speed is automatically adjusted between 1/30 and 1/35\
0. When [OFF], shutter speed is automatically adjusted between 1/60 and 1/3\
50.)
[]: ( When [ON], shutter speed is automatically adjusted between 1/30 and 1/50\
0. When [OFF], shutter speed is automatically adjusted between 1/60 and 1/5\
00.)
Focus may not be aligned perfectly in extremely dark locations or where \
there 
is little contrast.
When shutter speed is 1/30 - 1/59:
Images may appear as if frames were skipped and ghost images may appear.The Image Stabilizer function does not work even when [] appears.During manual recording, shutter speed can be adjusted manually. The range in which 
shutter speed may be adjusted depends on the auto slow shutter setting. \
(P.54)
The function can be set in Auto or Manual Mode, but not in Intelligent Auto 
Mode (P.38).
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Recording4Zoom/avoid jitter/maintain  picture brightness in dark locations
 indicates functions used with motion pictures and  functions used with 
still pictures.
Enlarging (zoom)  
Optical zoom can be used to enlarge objects by up to 10 times without 
degradation.
Enlarge
Restore
Zoom ratio: 1x
This unit can focus on a subject 
approx. 4 cm (1.6˝) away from 
the lens.
After enlarging the image, the 
subject is brought into focus 
at 1.0 m (3.3 feet) or greater 
distance.
 To enlarge further Digital zoom can be used to enlarge 
objects by a maximum of 700 times. 
(Cannot be used during still picture 
recording.)
  →[ADVANCED]→
[D.ZOOM]
[OFF] : No digital zoom
[25x] :   Up to maximum of 25x
[700x] : Up to maximum of 700x Picture quality will be reduced by 
the same factor as the zoom ratio is 
increased by.
The digital zoom range is displayed 
in blue in the zoom bar on the LCD 
monitor.
•
•
Release zoom button quietly (any sounds may be recorded).
The image stabilizer function is recommended for motion picture recordin\
g at 
high zoom rates.
Focus may not be aligned if zooming in too quickly.
Zooming has two speeds. When the buttons are pressed lightly, zooming is 
done at slow speed. When pressed strongly, zooming is done at high speed.
●
●
●
●
 Apply zoom effect to sounds (zoom microphone) Synched with zooming operations, distance sounds are recorded when 
enlarging and peripheral sounds are recorded at wide angles.
  →[ADVANCED]→[ZOOM MIC]
→[ON]
Avoid jitter (Image Stabilizer function) 
  →[ADVANCED]→[EIS]→[ON]
Default setting at the time of purchase is [ON].
The image stabilizer function cannot be used in shooting still pictures \
or with 
MagicPix.
Brightness may change and coloring may appear unnatural when using 
beneath fluorescent lighting.
The image stabilizer function may not perform successfully in the follow\
ing 
circumstances:
  • Using digital zoom         • Location is extremely dark
  • Jitter is significant          • When following moving object The function can be set in Auto or Manual Mode, but not in Intelligent Auto 
Mode (P.38).
Maintain brightness in dark locations (Auto slow shutter)  
Shutter speed is automatically slowed in dark places in order to brighte\
n 
captured images.
  →[ADVANCED]→[AUTO SLW SHTR] →[ON]
Default setting at the time of purchase is [OFF]. [
]: ( When [ON], shutter speed is automatically adjusted between 1/30 and 1/35\
0. When [OFF], shutter speed is automatically adjusted between 1/60 and 1/3\
50.)
[]: ( When [ON], shutter speed is automatically adjusted between 1/30 and 1/50\
0. When [OFF], shutter speed is automatically adjusted between 1/60 and 1/5\
00.)
Focus may not be aligned perfectly in extremely dark locations or where \
there 
is little contrast.
When shutter speed is 1/30 - 1/59:
Images may appear as if frames were skipped and ghost images may appear.The Image Stabilizer function does not work even when [] appears.During manual recording, shutter speed can be adjusted manually. The range in which 
shutter speed may be adjusted depends on the auto slow shutter setting. \
(P.54)
The function can be set in Auto or Manual Mode, but not in Intelligent Auto 
Mode (P.38).
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Recording5Intelligent Auto Mode
When the camera is pointed at a subject, the optimum settings are 
established automatically based on “brightness”, “contrast”,\
 “face”, “distance” 
and other information.
1Set to [] or [].
2Press .
3Start recording.[] displayed  To cancel Intelligent Auto Mode
  The mode is set to [AUTO] when 
the [iA] button is pressed to cancel 
Intelligent Auto  Mode.
Default setting at the time of 
purchase is [ON].•
•
Before recording, open the lens cover.
When the camera is pointed at a subject, the mode is determined automati\
cally, 
and adjustment is made automatically to the optimum settings.
Portrait
The subject’s face is recorded clearly with adequate 
brightness.
Spotlight
A bright subject, such as a person illuminated by a 
spotlight, is recorded clearly.
Scenery
The entire scene from nearby to distant objects is 
recorded clearly.
Low light
Even evening, twilight or other dark scenes are 
recorded with adequate brightness.
Normal
If none of the modes is applicable to the subject, brightness and color \
balance 
are adjusted automatically for clear image.
Depending on the recording conditions, the mode may differ even when the 
subject is the same.
Since the unit identifies the mode automatically, the mode desired by the user 
may not be established under certain recording conditions.
When Intelligent Auto Mode is set to ON, the brightness may change suddenly 
or the image may flicker.
When Intelligent Auto Mode is set to ON, the following functions are set to 
[ON] in all of the modes. Image Stabilizer function (P.37)
Face Detection function (P.48)
Wind Noise Reduction function (P.57)
When Intelligent Auto Mode is set to ON, the following functions cannot be 
used in any of the modes. Auto slow shutter (P.37)
Guidelines (P.57)
Intelligent Auto Mode cannot be set to ON while the MagicPix function (P.45) 
setting is on.
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							38LSQT142639LSQT142639LSQT1426
Recording5Intelligent Auto Mode
When the camera is pointed at a subject, the optimum settings are 
established automatically based on “brightness”, “contrast”,\
 “face”, “distance” 
and other information.
1Set to [] or [].
2Press .
3Start recording.[] displayed  To cancel Intelligent Auto Mode
  The mode is set to [AUTO] when 
the [iA] button is pressed to cancel 
Intelligent Auto  Mode.
Default setting at the time of 
purchase is [ON].•
•
Before recording, open the lens cover.
When the camera is pointed at a subject, the mode is determined automati\
cally, 
and adjustment is made automatically to the optimum settings.
Portrait
The subject’s face is recorded clearly with adequate 
brightness.
Spotlight
A bright subject, such as a person illuminated by a 
spotlight, is recorded clearly.
Scenery
The entire scene from nearby to distant objects is 
recorded clearly.
Low light
Even evening, twilight or other dark scenes are 
recorded with adequate brightness.
Normal
If none of the modes is applicable to the subject, brightness and color \
balance 
are adjusted automatically for clear image.
Depending on the recording conditions, the mode may differ even when the 
subject is the same.
Since the unit identifies the mode automatically, the mode desired by the user 
may not be established under certain recording conditions.
When Intelligent Auto Mode is set to ON, the brightness may change suddenly 
or the image may flicker.
When Intelligent Auto Mode is set to ON, the following functions are set to 
[ON] in all of the modes. Image Stabilizer function (P.37)
Face Detection function (P.48)
Wind Noise Reduction function (P.57)
When Intelligent Auto Mode is set to ON, the following functions cannot be 
used in any of the modes. Auto slow shutter (P.37)
Guidelines (P.57)
Intelligent Auto Mode cannot be set to ON while the MagicPix function (P.45) 
setting is on.
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							40LSQT142641LSQT142641LSQT1426
 indicates functions used with motion pictures and  functions used with 
still pictures.
Recording for posting videos on YouTube (WEB Mode) 
You can record video clips in the right file sizes for uploading to the YouTube 
video sharing website.
Recording6Recording in WEB Mode/ using the video light
1Set to [].
2Press .
3Start recording.
[] displayed
 To cancel WEB Mode
  WEB Mode is canceled when the 
unit’s power is turned off.
•
Remaining recordable timeIn WEB Mode, the remaining recordable time is 
displayed instead of the elapsed recording time.
The remaining recordable time is counted down on 
the display from “9m59s” (the maximum length of 
the video clips that can be uploaded to YouTube) 
when recording starts.
The remaining recordable time appears in red 
when it falls below 1 minute.
Recording is automatically stopped before the 
recording time exceeds 10 minutes.
The thumbnails (P.58) of the motion pictures 
recorded in WEB Mode are displayed with [
].
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The remaining recordable time is counted down on the display from 9 m 58\
 s, 
57 s or 56 s down to 0 while the PRE-REC function (P. 46) setting is on.
When the remaining recordable time falls below 5 seconds while the fade-\
in/
fade-out function (P.43) setting is on, the fade-in/fade-out function is canceled.
●
●
Brightening up dark scenes for recording  
The built-in video light can be used when the subject is in dark surroun\
dings.
1Set to [] or [].2Press .
[LIGHT] icon displayed
Each time  is pressed, the icon changes as shown below.
(No icon displayed)
Permanently ON Turns ON or OFF  automatically depending 
on the brightness of the 
surroundings. OFF
In Intelligent Auto Mode, 
the light turns on when 
[
] appears.
●
The light automatically turns off at the following times: When the mode dial is set to [
] or []
When a computer is connected to the unit
During quick start standby (P.25)
In Demo Mode (P.92), the light automatically turns on.
Set the video light to off in locations where the use of a video light is prohibited 
or when the auto video light cannot be deactivated under sufficient light 
conditions.
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