Panasonic Vdr D250 Operating Instructions Manual

							Others With a computer With other products Disc and card managementEditing Playback RecordingSetup Before using
(VDR-D300)
For USA assistance, please call: 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
For Canadian assistance, please call: 1-800-561-5505 or visit us at www.panasonic.ca
LSQT1011 BPPC
Operating Instructions
DVD Video Camera
Model No.VDR-D300
VDR-D250
Cover
≥The illustration shows VDR-D300.
≥VDR-D250 does not have a built-in flash.
Before connecting, operating or adjusting this 
product, please read the instructions completely.
Spanish Quick Use Guide is included.
Guía para rápida consulta en español está incluida.
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Left/Right
Things You Should Know
Thank you for choosing Panasonic! 
You have purchased one of the most 
sophisticated and reliable products on the 
market today. Used properly, we’re sure it 
will bring you and your family years of 
enjoyment. Please take time to fill in the 
information on the right.
The serial number is on the tag located on 
the underside of your camera. Be sure to 
retain this manual as your convenient 
camera information source.
Safety Precautions
≥Since this product gets hot during use, operate it in a well ventilated place; do not install this 
equipment in a confined space such as a bookcase or similar unit.
AC Adaptor
≥The rating plate is on the underside of the AC 
Adaptor.
AS WITH ANY SMALL OBJECT, SD CARDS 
CAN BE SWALLOWED BY YOUNG 
CHILDREN. DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO 
HANDLE THE SD CARD.
WARNING:TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS 
EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION:TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD AND ANNOYING 
INTERFERENCE, USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
CAUTION:DANGER OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS INCORRECTLY REPLACED. 
REPLACE ONLY WITH THE SAME OR EQUIVALENT TYPE.
CAUTION:USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE OF 
PROCEDURES OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT 
IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION EXPOSURE.
Date of Purchase 
Dealer Purchased From 
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone No. 
Model No.    
Serial No.
CAUTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK  
DO NOT OPEN     
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, 
 DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)
 NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
 REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
This symbol warns the user 
that uninsulated voltage within 
the unit may have sufficient 
magnitude to cause electric 
shock. 
Therefore, it is dangerous to 
make any kind of contact with 
any inside part of this unit.
This symbol alerts the user that 
important literature concerning 
the operation and maintenance 
of this unit has been included.  
Therefore, it should be read 
carefully in order to avoid any 
problems.
WARNING
 IEC 60825-1:2001
CAUTION
This product contains a laser diode of higher 
class than 1. To ensure continued safety, do 
not remove any covers or attempt to gain 
access to the inside of the product. Refer all 
servicing to qualified personnel.
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
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FCC Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital 
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable 
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, 
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the 
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no 
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause 
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the 
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the 
following measures:
≥Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
≥Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
≥Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is 
connected.
≥Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution: To assure continued compliance, follow the attached installation instructions and 
use only shielded interface cables with ferrite core when connecting to computer or peripheral 
devices.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance 
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Declaration of Conformity (U.S.A. only)
Trade Name:Panasonic
Model No.:VDR-D250/VDR-D300
Responsible party:Panasonic Corporation of North America
One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094
Support Contact:Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
1-800-211-PANA (7262)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two 
conditions: (1)This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept 
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This class B digital apparatus complies with CANADIAN ICES-003.
A lithium ion/polymer battery that is recyclable powers the product 
you have  purchased. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information  
on how to recycle this battery.
U.S.A./CANADA CONSUMERS:  ATTENTION:
VDR-D250/
VDR-D300
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s 
instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other 
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has 
two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third 
grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided 
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience 
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or the table specified by the 
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution 
when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when it will be left unused 
for long periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has 
been damaged in any way, such as when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has 
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain 
or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
S3125A
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Precautions
USE & LOCATION
≥TO AVOID SHOCK HAZARD ... Your camera 
and power supply should not be exposed to 
rain or moisture. Do not connect the power 
supply or operate your camera if it gets wet. 
Your camera 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 camera. Do not attempt to disassemble 
this unit. There are no user serviceable parts 
inside. Unplug your camera from the power 
supply before cleaning.
≥DO NOT AIM YOUR CAMERA AT THE SUN 
OR OTHER BRIGHT OBJECTS
≥DO NOT LEAVE THE CAMERA WITH THE 
EVF AIMED DIRECTLY AT THE SUN AS 
THIS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE 
INTERNAL PARTS OF THE EVF
≥DO NOT EXPOSE YOUR CAMERA 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 camera.≥AVOID SUDDEN CHANGES IN 
TEMPERATURE ... If the unit is suddenly 
moved from a cold place to a warm place, 
moisture may form on the disc and inside the 
unit.
≥DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAMERA OR THE 
POWER SUPPLY TURNED ON WHEN NOT 
IN USE.
≥STORAGE OF YOUR CAMERA ... Store and 
handle your camera in a manner that will not 
subject it to unnecessary movement (avoid 
shaking and striking). Your camera contains a 
sensitive pick-up device which could be 
damaged by improper handling or storage.
CARE
≥TO CLEAN YOUR CAMERA ... Do not use 
strong or abrasive detergents when cleaning 
your camera body.
≥TO PROTECT THE LENS ... Do not touch 
the surface of the lens with your hand. Use a 
commercial camera lens solution and lens 
paper when cleaning the lens. Improper 
cleaning can scratch the lens coating.
≥TO PROTECT THE FINISH OF YOUR 
CAMERA ... Before handling your camera, 
make sure your hands and face are free from 
any chemical products, such as suntan lotion, 
as it may damage the finish.
∫Indemnity concerning recording content
The manufacturer shall in no event be liable for the loss of recordings due to malfunction or defect 
of this unit, its accessories or recordable media.
IMPORTANT
∫Carefully observe copyright laws
Whatever you have recorded and created can be used for your personal entertainment only. 
Under copyright laws, other materials cannot be used without obtaining permission from 
the holders of the copyrights.
WARNING
CAUTION
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-If you see this symbol-
≥SD Logo is a trademark.
≥Apparatus Claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,631,603, 4,577,216, and 4,819,098, licensed for limited 
viewing.
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of 
certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and 
other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by 
Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless 
otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is 
prohibited.
≥Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
“Dolby” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
≥LEICA is a registered trademark of Leica microsystems IR GmbH and DICOMAR is a registered 
trademark of Leica Camera AG.
≥Microsoft
®, Windows® and DirectX® are either registered trademarks or trademarks of the 
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
≥IBM and PC/AT are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation of the 
U.S.
≥Intel
®, Pentium® and Celeron® are the registered trademarks or trademarks of the Intel 
Corporation.
≥Macintosh, Mac OS and QuickTime are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the 
U.S. and other countries.
≥Microsoft product screen shot(s) reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation.
≥Other names of systems and products mentioned in these instructions are usually the registered 
trademarks or trademarks of the manufacturers who developed the system or product concerned.
These operating instructions are designed for use with models VDR-D300 and VDR-D250. Pictures 
may be slightly different from the original.
≥The illustrations used in these operating instructions show model VDR-D300, however, parts of 
the explanation refer to different models.
≥Depending on the model, some functions are not available.
≥Features may vary, so please read carefully.Information on Disposal in other Countries outside the European Union
This symbol is only valid in the European Union. 
If you wish to discard this product, please contact your local authorities or dealer 
and ask for the correct method of disposal.
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Contents
Before using
Features  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Quick Guide  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Accessories  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Parts identification and handling . . . 15
Using the LCD monitor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Using the viewfinder  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Using the remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Discs and cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Discs that can be used on this unit  . . . . . 23
Cards that you can use with this unit . . . . 26
Disc and card handling  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Setup
Power supply  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Charging the battery  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Connecting to the AC outlet. . . . . . . . . . . 30
Turning the unit on/off  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Inserting/removing a disc . . . . . . . . . 32
Inserting/removing an SD card . . . . . 34
Selecting a mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
How to use the joystick . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Switching the language . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Using the menu screen . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Setting date and time . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Adjusting LCD monitor/viewfinder. . . . 47
Recording
Before recording  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Recording motion pictures . . . . . . . . 50
Changing the recording mode 
of the motion picture  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Recording still pictures . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Number of pixels and picture quality 
for still picture recording  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Various recording functions . . . . . . . 56
Zoom in/out function  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Recording yourself. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Backlight compensation function . . . . . . . 58
Fade in/fade out function . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Soft skin mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Tele macro function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
MagicPix function  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Self-timer recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Wind noise reduction function . . . . . . . . . 65
Wide mode  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Image stabilizer function  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67Built-in flash (VDR-D300 only) . . . . . . . .  68
Manual recording functions . . . . . . .  70
Scene mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  70
Manual focus adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . .  72
White balance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  73
Manual shutter speed/
aperture adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  75
Playback
Motion picture playback . . . . . . . . . .  76
Still picture playback. . . . . . . . . . . . .  79
Playing back still pictures as a 
slide show  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  80
Editing
Editing scenes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  81
Deleting scenes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  81
Dividing a scene. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  83
Combining scenes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  84
Using playlists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  85
What is a playlist?  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  85
Creating a new playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  86
Playing back a playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  87
Editing a playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  88
Editing still pictures  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  94
Deleting still pictures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  94
Locking still pictures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  96
DPOF setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  97
Disc and card management
Formatting discs and cards . . . . . . .  98
Formatting discs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  98
Formatting an SD card . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  99
Finalizing a disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  100
Finalizing a disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  100
Un-finalizing a DVD-RW. . . . . . . . . . . .  101
Protecting a disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  102
Displaying disc information . . . . . .  103
With other products
With a TV  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  104
Playback on TV  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  104
With a DVD recorder/player  . . . . . .  106
Playback on DVD recorder/player . . . .  106
Copying (dubbing) recordings onto a 
DVD recorder’s hard disk . . . . . . . . . . .  107
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With a VCR  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Recording (dubbing) images onto 
other video devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
With a printer (PictBridge) . . . . . . . . 109
With a computer
Before using with a computer 
(Windows) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
What you can do with a computer . . . . .  111
Contents on provided CD-ROM  . . . . . . 112
Operating environment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
End User License Agreement . . . . . . . . 117
Installation (Windows) . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Installing DVD-RAM Driver  . . . . . . . . . . 118
Installing DVD-MovieAlbumSE  . . . . . . . 120
Installing DVDfunSTUDIO . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Reading the operating instructions of 
the software applications . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Software application uninstallation  . . . . 122
Connection and recognition 
(Windows) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Connection and recognition procedures. . . . 123
About the computer display . . . . . . . . . . 124
To disconnect USB cable safely  . . . . . . 125
Verifying the unit is correctly recognized 
by the computer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Creating a DVD-Video disc on a 
computer (Windows)  . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Creating a DVD-Video on a computer from 
a DVD-RAM or DVD-RW (VR format)
. . . . 127
Before using with a computer 
(Macintosh) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
What you can do with a computer . . . . . 130
Contents on provided CD-ROM  . . . . . . 131
Operating environment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Installation (Macintosh) . . . . . . . . . . 135
Reading the operating instructions of 
the software applications . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Software application uninstallation  . . . . 136
Using discs on a computer 
(Macintosh) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Creating a DVD-Video on a computer 
from a recorded disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
To disconnect USB cable safely  . . . . . . 139
Using an SD card on a computer 
(Macintosh) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Connection  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140Copying still picture files to a computer. . . 141
To disconnect USB cable safely  . . . . . . 141
Others
Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Menu list  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Other menus  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Indications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Indications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Messages  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Functions that cannot be used 
simultaneously  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Frequently asked questions . . . . . . 150
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Cautions for use  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Explanation of terms . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Number of recordable pictures on 
an SD card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Optional accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . 168
DVD video camera accessories  . . . . . . 168
Accessory Order Form 
(For USA Customers)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Request for Service Notice 
(USA Only)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Limited Warranty 
(For USA Customers)  . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Customer Services Directory . . . . . 172
Warranty 
(For Canadian Customers)  . . . . . . . 173
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Spanish Quick Use Guide/
Guía española para el uso rápido
 . . . 176
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Before using
Features
Before using
Features
∫Easy recording! (l50)
No need to search for the recording start position.
The new recording will not overwrite any previously recorded scene.
∫Easy playback! (l76)
Recorded scenes are displayed as thumbnails.
You can easily search for the scenes you want to watch.
∫Editing scenes! (l 81, 85)
You can create an original video (playlist) by collecting your favorite scenes together and then 
easily record (dub) this video to a VCR or a DVD recorder hard disk.
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Before using
Features
∫Using with DVD player/recorder! (l106, 107)
Just insert the disc into a DVD player/recorder compatible with 8 cm (3z) discs to play back the 
scenes recorded with this unit on it.
If you have a DVD recorder with hard disk, you can copy (dub) scenes recorded on a disc with this 
unit to the hard disk.
∫Using with a computer! (l111 )
You can enjoy editing scenes with the software on the supplied CD-ROM and creating original 
DVD-Video discs.
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