Panasonic Vdr D250 Operating Instructions Manual

							161LSQT1011
Cautions for use
Others
≥If the battery is warm, charging requires more 
time than normal.
≥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. Wait until the appropriate 
temperature is restored before charging the 
battery again. If the battery still fails to 
charge, something may be wrong with the 
battery or AC adaptor. Contact your dealer.
≥If you use the AC adaptor near a radio, radio 
reception may be disturbed. Keep the AC 
adaptor 1 m (3.3 feet) or more away from the 
radio.
≥When using the AC adaptor, it may generate 
whirring sounds. However, this is normal.
≥After use, be sure to disconnect the AC 
adaptor. (If it is left connected, a minute 
amount of current is consumed.)
≥Always keep the electrodes of the AC 
adaptor and battery clean.
Put this unit near the outlet to make it easy 
for the interrupting device (plug) to reach it.≥If there is dust, a scratch, or dirt on disc or 
if it is warped, the following phenomena 
may occur:
– Block noise in playback image
– Momentary stop of playback image
– Sound interrupted during playback, or 
abnormal sound
– Thumbnail display with shades of blue and 
white
– Disc cannot correctly be recognized
– Delay between video and audio
≥When recording images, this unit may avoid 
the portions of disc where recording is not 
possible, due to dust, scratches, etc. (It will 
pause at such a portion and automatically 
restart recording.)
When the access lamp is illuminated 
(during access to the disc), do not open the 
disc cover, turn off the power, or cause any 
vibrations or impacts.
DVD-R
≥For optimum recording on DVD-R disc, this 
unit writes control data to the disc in order to 
automatically make adjustments when it is 
inserted and ejected accompanying 
recording. If the disc has no area for control 
data to be written, recording may not be 
possible. To prevent this, do not insert a 
DVD-R which has been recorded on more 
than 50 times.
≥Do not insert a DVD-R recorded on this unit 
that has not been finalized into a recordable 
device, such as a DVD recorder. The 
recorded data may be damaged.
About the AC adaptorAbout the disc
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							162LSQT1011
Cautions for use
Others
≥The memory capacity indicated on the label 
of an SD card is the total of the capacity for 
copyright protection and management and 
the capacity which can be used on the unit, a 
computer etc.
≥During prolonged use, the unit’s surfaces and 
the SD card will heat up slightly. This is 
normal.
When inserting or removing the SD card, 
always set the OFF/ON switch to OFF.
While this unit accesses the SD card (while 
 or  is being displayed/the access 
lamp is lit), do not remove the SD card, 
operate the mode dial, turn off the power or 
shake or impact the unit.
≥When the LCD monitor gets dirty, wipe it with 
a dry soft cloth. 
≥In a place with drastic temperature changes, 
condensation may form on the LCD monitor. 
Wipe it with soft dry cloth.
≥When the unit has become very cold, for 
example due to storage in a cold area, its 
LCD monitor will be slightly darker than usual 
immediately after the power is turned on. The 
normal brightness will be restored when the 
unit’s internal temperature rises.When condensation forms on the unit, the lens 
will cloud up and the unit may not work 
properly. Make every effort to ensure that 
condensation does not form. If it does form, 
take the actions described below. 
Causes of condensation
Condensation takes place when the ambient 
temperature or humidity is changed as 
follows.
≥When this unit is brought inside from the cold 
(e.g. a ski slope) to a warm room.
≥When this unit is moved from an 
air-conditioned car to outside.
≥When a cold room has been warmed up 
quickly.
≥When cool wind from an air conditioner is 
directly blown onto this unit.
≥After summer afternoon showers of rain.
≥When this unit is in a very humid place where 
the air is thick with steam. (e.g. a heated 
swimming pool)
When this unit is taken to a location with a 
significant temperature difference such as 
from a cold place to a hot place.
If, for example, you have used this unit for 
recording on a ski slope and are taking it into a 
heated room, place the unit inside a plastic 
bag, remove as much of the air from inside the 
bag as possible, then seal the bag. Leave the 
unit for about an hour in the room so the 
temperature of the unit is close to the ambient 
temperature of the room, then use it.
What to do with the lens is fogged 
up.
Remove the battery or AC adaptor and leave 
the unit for about 1 hour. When the unit 
becomes close to the ambient temperature, the 
fog disappears naturally.
About the SD card
LCD monitor/viewfinder
Extremely high precision technology is 
employed to produce the LCD Monitor 
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.
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.
About condensation
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							163LSQT1011
Explanation of terms
Others
Explanation of terms
Automatic white balance
White balance adjustment recognizes the color 
of light and adjusts so the white color will 
become a purer white. The unit determines the 
hue of light that comes through the lens and 
white balance sensor, thereby judging the 
recording condition, and selects the closest hue 
setting.
This is called automatic white balance 
adjustment.
However, since the unit only stores white color 
information under several light sources, 
automatic white balance adjustment does not 
function normally under other light sources.
The illustration above shows the range over 
which the auto white balance functions. 
1) The effective range of automatic white 
balance adjustment on this unit
2) Blue sky
3) Cloudy sky (rain)
4) TV screen 
5) Sunlight
6) White fluorescent lamp
7) Halogen light bulb
8) Incandescent light bulb
9) Sunrise or sunset
10) Candlelight
Outside of the effective range of automatic 
white balance adjustment, the image will 
become reddish or bluish. Even within the 
effective range of automatic white balance 
adjustment, the automatic white balance 
adjustment may not function properly if there is 
more than one light source. For light outside 
the functional automatic white balance adjustment range, use the manual white 
balance adjustment mode.
White balance
The images recorded by the unit may become 
bluish or reddish under the influence of certain 
light sources. To avoid such phenomena, adjust 
the white balance.
White balance adjustment determines the white 
color under different light sources. By 
recognizing which is the white color under 
sunlight and which is the white color under a 
fluorescent light, the unit can adjust the 
balance among the other colors.
Since the white color is the reference for all the 
colors (that make up light), the unit can record 
pictures in a natural hue if it can recognize the 
reference color white.
10 000K
9 000K
8 000K
7 000K
6 000K
5 000K
4 000K
3 000K
2 000K
1 000K2)
1)3)
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							164LSQT1011
Explanation of terms
Others
Auto focus
The lens is moved forward or backward 
automatically to bring the subject into focus.
Auto focus has the following 
characteristics.
≥Adjusts so that the vertical lines of a subject 
are seen more clearly.
≥Attempts to bring an object with higher 
contrast into focus.
≥Focuses on the screen center only.
Due to these characteristics, auto focus does 
not work correctly in the following situations. 
Record pictures in the manual focus mode.
Recording distant and close-up objects at 
the same time
Since the unit focuses on whatever is at the 
center of the screen, it is difficult to bring the 
background into focus when close-up objects 
are placed in focus. When recording people 
with distant mountains in the background, you 
cannot focus on both the subject which is 
close-up and the objects which are in the 
distance.
Recording a subject behind dirty or dusty 
window
The subject behind the window will not be 
focused because the focus is on the dirty 
window.
Similarly, when recording something on the 
opposite side of a road with heavy traffic, a 
vehicle that happens to pass by may be 
brought into focus.Recording a subject that is surrounded by 
objects with glossy surfaces or by highly 
reflective objects
Since whatever is shiny or glistens is brought 
into focus, it is hard to focus on the subject to 
be recorded. The focus may become blurry 
when recording subjects at the seashore, in 
night views or in scenes involving fireworks or 
special lights.
Recording a subject in dark surroundings
The unit cannot focus correctly because the 
light information that comes through the lens 
decreases considerably.
Recording a fast-moving subject
As the focus lens-inside moves mechanically, it 
cannot keep up with a fast-moving subject.
When, for example, recording a sports event 
with fast moving subjects, the focus may lose 
its sharpness.
Recording a subject with little contrast
It is easy to bring subjects with a sharp contrast 
or vertical lines or stripes into focus. This 
means that a subject with little contrast, such 
as a white wall, may become blurry because 
the unit achieves focus based upon the vertical 
lines of an image.
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							165LSQT1011
Specifications
Others
Specifications
DVD Video Camera: Information for your safety
Power source:DC 7.9 V/7.2 V
Power consumption: VDR-D300 8.0 W/VDR-D250 7.5 W
Signal systemEIA Standard: 525 lines, 60 fields NTSC color signal
Recording formatDVD Video Recording format (DVD-RAM, DVD-RW)
DVD-Video format (DVD-RW, DVD-R)
Image sensor1/6-inch 3CCD image sensor
Total: 800 Kk3
Effective pixels:VDR-D300
Moving picture: 640 Kk3 (4:3), 540 Kk3 (16:9)
Still picture: 710 Kk3 (4:3), 540 Kk3 (16:9)
VDR-D250
Moving picture: 440 Kk3 (4:3), 380 Kk3 (16:9)
Still picture: 530 Kk3 (4:3), 400 Kk3 (16:9)
LensAuto Iris, F1.8 to F2.8
Focal length:VDR-D300  3.0 mm to 30.0 mm
VDR-D250  2.45 mm to 24.5 mm
Macro (Full range AF) 
Filter diameter37 mm
Zoom10k optical zoom, 25/700k digital zoom
Monitor2.7z wide LCD monitor (approx. 123 K pixels)
ViewfinderColor electric viewfinder (approx. 123 K pixels)
MicrophoneStereo (with a zoom function) 
Speaker1 round speaker ‰ 20 mm
Standard illumination1,400 lx
Minimum required 
illumination12 lx (1 lx with the MagicPix function)
Video output level1.0 Vp-p, 75™
S-Video output levelY: 1.0 Vp-p, 75™
C: 0.286 Vp-p, 75™
Audio output level 
(Line)316 mV, 600™
Mic inputMic sensitivity –50 dB (0 dB=1 V/Pa, 1 kHz)
(Stereo mini jack)
USBCard reader/writer function (No copyright protection support)
USB 2.0 compliant (Hi-Speed)
PictBridge-compliant
Motion picture transfer
Flash 
(VDR-D300 only)GN 4.8
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							166LSQT1011
Specifications
Others
Motion pictures
Still pictures
AC adaptor: Information for your safety
Mass and dimensions are approximate values.
Specifications may change without prior notice.
Dimensions
(excluding projecting 
parts)VDR-D300
Approx. 63 mm (W)k87 mm (H) k138 mm (D)
[Approx. 2.48 inch (W)k3.43 inch (H) k5.43 inch (D)]
VDR-D250
Approx. 63 mm (W)k87 mm (H) k136 mm (D)
[Approx. 2.48 inch (W)k3.43 inch (H) k5.35 inch (D)]
Mass(without supplied battery, 
lens cap and a disc)VDR-D300 Approx. 585g (1.29 lbs.)
VDR-D250 Approx. 555g (1.224 lbs.)
Operating 
temperature0°Cto40°C (32°Fto104°F)
[0 °C to 30 °C (32 °F to 86 °F) when connected to the computer]
Operating humidity10% to 80%
Recording media8 cm (3z) DVD-RAM Ver. 2.1
8 cm (3z) DVD-RW Ver. 1.1/2X-SPEED (2X/1X)
8 cm (3z) DVD-R for General Ver. 2.0
CompressionMPEG2
Recording mode and 
transfer rateXP: 9 Mbps (VBR)
(Approx. 18 min recordable time on a single-sided DVD-RAM)
SP: 5 Mbps (VBR)
(Approx. 37 min recordable time on a single-sided DVD-RAM)
LP: 2.5 Mbps (VBR)
(Approx. 75 min recordable time on a single-sided DVD-RAM)
Audio compressionDolby Digital (Dolby AC3), 16 bit (48 kHz/2 ch)
Recording mediaSD Memory Card (8 MB/16 MB/32 MB/64 MB/128 MB/256 MB/512 MB/
1 GB/2 GB (Maximum))
CompressionJPEG (Design rule for Camera File system, based on Exif 2.2 
standard), DPOF corresponding
Picture sizeVDR-D300
2048k1512, 1920k1080 (16:9), 1280k960, 640k480
VDR-D250
1760k1320, 1760k992 (16:9), 1280k960, 640k480
Power source:AC 110 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption:19 W
DC output:DC 7.9 V, 1.4 A (Unit operation)
DC 8.4 V, 0.65 A (Battery charging)
DimensionsApprox. 61 mm (W)k32 mm (H) k91 mm (D)
[Approx. 2.40 inch (W)k1.26 inch (H) k3.58 inch (D)]
MassApprox. 110g (0.24 lbs.)
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							167LSQT1011
Specifications
Others
VDR-D300
VDR-D250
VDR-D300/VDR-D250
≥The number of recordable pictures depends on whether [ ] and [ ] are used together and on 
the subject being recorded.
≥The numbers shown in the table are approximations.
Number of recordable pictures on an SD card
Picture size (2048k1512) (1920k1080)
Picture quality
8MB35 47
16 MB813 1017
32 MB18 29 24 39
64 MB39 61 51 81
128 MB75 120 98 155
256 MB160 250 210 330
512 MB320 490 410 650
1GB630 990 820 1290
2GB1290 2010 1680 2630
Picture size (1760k1320) (1760k992)
Picture quality
8MB47 711
16 MB10 18 18 28
32 MB24 40 40 61
64 MB51 83 83 125
128 MB99 160 160 240
256 MB210 330 330 510
512 MB410 660 660 1010
1GB820 1330 1330 2010
2GB1680 2700 2700 4100
Picture size (1280k960) (640k480)
Picture quality
8MB814 45 95
16 MB21 34 100 200
32 MB47 75 220 440
64 MB97 155 440 880
128 MB185 300 880 1760
256 MB390 620 1760 3520
512 MB780 1230 3520 7040
1GB1550 2470 7040 14080
2GB3160 5030 14080 28160
3.1M2
2.3M1.7
1M0.3M
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							168LSQT1011
Optional accessories
Others
Optional accessories
* Please refer to page 29 concerning the battery charging time and available recording time.
NOTE: Accessories and/or model numbers may vary by country. Please consult your local 
dealer.
DVD video camera accessories
Accessory No.FigureDescription
LM-AF30U 8 cm (3z) DVD-RAM (single sided)
LM-AF60U 8 cm (3z) DVD-RAM (double sided)
LM-RW30U 8 cm (3z) DVD-RW (single sided)
LM-RW60U 8 cm (3z) DVD-RW (double sided)
LM-RF30V 8 cm (3z) DVD-R (single sided)
PV-DAC14 AC adaptor with AC Cable and DC Cables
CGA-DU12A/1B*1150 mAh/Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery 
Pack
CGA-DU21A/1B*2040 mAh/Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery 
Pack
RP-SDK02GU1A
RP-SDK01GU1A
RP-SDK512U1A
RP-SDH256U1A
RP-SDQ02GU1A
RP-SDQ01GU1A
RP-SD512BU1A
RP-SD256BU1A
RP-SD128BU1A
RP-SD064BPPA
RP-SD032BPPAPro High Speed 2 GB SD Memory Card
Pro High Speed 1 GB SD Memory Card
Pro High Speed 512 MB SD Memory Card
Super High Speed 256 MB SD Memory Card
High Speed 2 GB SD Memory Card
High Speed 1 GB SD Memory Card
High Speed 512 MB SD Memory Card
High Speed 256 MB SD Memory Card
High Speed 128 MB SD Memory Card
High Speed 64 MB SD Memory Card 
High Speed 32 MB SD Memory Card
BN-SDPC3E SD PCMCIA High Speed Adaptor
N2QCAD000007 Magic Wire Remote Control
VW-LDC10Video DC Light (10 W)
≥Battery pack (CGR-DU06) is necessary to 
activate it.
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							169LSQT1011
Optional accessories
Others
In CANADA, please contact your local Panasonic dealer for more information on Accessories.
Accessory Order Form (For USA Customers)
TO OBTAIN ANY OF OUR ACCESSORIES YOU CAN DO ANY OF  
THE FOLLOWING:  
VISIT YOUR LOCAL PANASONIC DEALER  
OR  
CALL PANASONIC’S ACCESSORY ORDER LINE AT 1-800-332-5368  
[6 AM-5 PM M-F, 6 AM-10:30 AM SAT, PACIFIC TIME]  
OR 
MAIL THIS ORDER TO: PANASONIC SERVICES COMPANY ACCESSORY ORDER OFFICE  
20421 84th Avenue South Kent, WA. 98032
Ship To: 
Mr.
Mrs.
Ms.
First Last
Street Address 
City State Zip
Phone#: 
Day 
(       ) 
Night(       )
4. Shipping information (UPS delivery requires complete street address)         Please photocopy  this form when placing an order.
3. Method of payment (check one)
Check of Money Order enclosed (NO C.O.D.SHIPMENTS)      
VISA
MasterCard
Make Check or Money Order Payable to: PANASONIC ACCESSORIES
(Please do not send cash)     2. Items Ordered  
Quantity Accessory # Price Each  Description
Total Price 
6.95
Subtotal
Your State & Local Sales Tax
Shipping & Handling
Total Enclosed
1. Model #   
DiscoverExpiration Date  Credit Card #  
Customer Signature 
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							170LSQT1011
Request for Service Notice (USA Only)
Others
Request for Service Notice (USA Only)
Request for Service Notice:   
Please photocopy this form when making a request for service notice, in the 
unlikely event this product needs service.
Please include your proof of purchase.  
 (Failure to do so will delay your repair.)
To further speed your repair, please provide  
 an explanation of what is wrong with the unit  
 and any symptom it is exhibiting.
Mail this completed form and your Proof of Purchase along with your unit to:  
Panasonic Services Company  
410B Airport Road  
Elgin, IL 60123-9333  
Attn: Camcorder Repair
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