Panasonic Vdr M50pp Operating Instructions Manual

							11
Read This First 
To guide you, weve included the following six chapters.
•The section on “Setups” explains how to set up the 
DVD Video Camera, battery pack, and set the date/
time.
•The section on “Basic Techniques” explains the basic 
operation of this DVD Video Camera-recording of 
movies, still images, external input,  and playback of 
recorded images.
•The section on “Advanced Techniques” explains 
settings on this DVD Video Camera for more 
advanced usage.
•The section on “Disc Navigation” explains editing 
with Disc Navigation: Refer to this section when 
finalizing DVD-R disc and initializing DVD-RAM 
disc.
•The section on “Installing Software” explains the 
contents of provided CD-ROM and how to install the 
included software.
•“Subsidiary Information” includes an introduction to 
products sold separately, proper cleaning, and 
troubleshooting.We want this manual to be as helpful as possible, 
so it includes two easy ways to find the information 
you need:
•A quick index for the information you use most often 
(this page).
•A detailed table of contents directing you to specific 
information quickly (see pages 15-17).
Get to know your DVD Video Camera by using this 
manual, and get to know Panasonic. We appreciate 
your business.
Quick Index
Available Discs................................................. 28
Recording Movie.............................................. 51
Playing Back .................................................... 59
Connecting to a TV .......................................... 69
Functions Available with Disc Navigation ........ 99
Installing Software ......................................... 130
About This Manual
lDisplays in this manual
Understand that the displays in the manual may not appear exactly as those you will actually see in the viewfinder
or on the LCD screen.
lNotation of cancel button
Press the stop/cancel button to stop your operation midway, or return the menu screen to the preceding one. The
expression “press the g button” will be used in this text.
l1 ,  2 and 3 marks beside headings
Some functions of this DVD Video Camera are unavailable with disc or card. Refer to the marks at right above each
function to identify whether the disc or card is compatible with the function. Refer to these marks and identify the
functions and operation to match the disc or card you use.
lIllustrations in this manual
Although the external appearances of VDR-M50PP and VDR-M70PP are different, the method of operating both
models is identical.
The illustrations of VDR-M70PP are used in this text.
With this DVD Video Camera you can view the picture being recorded or the playback picture on the LCD monitor or 
in the viewfinder. Opening or closing the LCD monitor switches the picture to appear on the LCD monitor or in the 
viewfinder. The following text describes operation assuming that the viewfinder is used as a monitor device. 
						

							12
Introduction
lYou can record even during playback (page 51)
Unlike tape devices, you do not need to search for the recording start position or locate the beginning of a blank
portion. 
New recording will not overwrite any previously recorded data.
lYou can immediately play back desired recorded scenes (page 97)
You do not need to rewind, unlike recorders using tape.
You can select any scene you want and immediately play it back (using Disc Navigation function).
lUse Disc Navigation to create your original movie (page 116)
You can delete unnecessary scenes, move any scenes, etc., and create your original movie work (Play List).
lYou can easily edit scenes (page 77)
Using this DVD Video Camera, you can collect scenes of 
your child, for example, on a play list using the Disc 
Navigation function and create an original movie: Then 
simply play back the play list and dub it on VCR. It is also 
easy to make any number of identical tapes.
lCreate original DVDs on PC 
(page 141)
You can use a DVD-R disc to create an original DVD, 
using the provided software CD-ROM.
The created DVD disc can be played back on a DVD 
player, DVD-ROM drive, etc.
If you stop playback midway and start recording, overwrite will not occur.
Recorded scenes
Before editing
After editing
Until now, you had to 
repeatedly press 
buttons.With DVD, you can simply 
play back this DVD Video 
Camera, and press the 
record button on VCR.
Original DVD being 
createdPlayback of DVD 
						

							13
Quick Start Guide for Software
Features
The following software programs are contained on the provided CD-ROM.
•Confirming the environment of connecting equipment: see page 130.
Installation Guide (see page 130 for details)
1Installing USB Driver.
•Be sure you do not connect the USB Cable before installing the USB Driver.
•Insert the provided CD-ROM into the PC and “Setup Menu” will activate: you can install the USB Driver from
the “Setup Menu”.
•After the installation completes, the PC can recognize the DVD Video Camera when the DVD Video Camera
and the PC are connected with the USB cable.
2Install the software (DVD-RAM Driver, MyDVD and DVD-MovieAlbumSE).
•The software can also be installed from the “Setup Menu”.
Note:If the “Setup Menu” does not appear, double-click the CD-ROM drive icon.
Suggestions for using software (see page 141 for details)
1Connect this DVD Video Camera to the PC as illustrated below.
•Please ensure a DVD-RAM disc with recorded material is loaded into the DVD Video Camera before
proceeding.
2Edit motion image files using DVD-MovieAlbumSE.
•You can edit motion image files on the DVD-RAM disc.
SoftwareFeature
USB Driver Install this driver when using the provided USB Cable to connect this 
DVD Video Camera to a PC.
DVD-RAM Driver Install this driver when using stills and images recorded on a DVD-RAM 
disc on a PC.
DVD-MovieAlbumSE By combining DVD-MovieAlbumSE with VDR-M50PP/VDR-M70PP DVD 
Video Camera, it is possible to use playback, recording and editing on 
the DVD-RAM disc. It is also possible to transfer extracted data and title 
information etc. to MyDVD.
MyDVD Use this software when creating a DVD-Video disc from motion images 
edited using DVD-MovieAlbumSE.
To USB port 
						

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3Export motion image data to PC using DVD-MovieAlbumSE.
4MyDVD program will automatically start. (see page 142 for details)
5Edit motion images and introduce interactive DVD menus using MyDVD Software.
6Insert a new DVD-R disc into the DVD Video Camera.
•When making an original DVD-R disc using MyDVD software, a message for initialization appears on the
LCD of DVD Video Camera. Select “No” and then follow the instructions on the screen of your PC to make
the original DVD-R disc. Do not perform initialization on DVD Video Camera when using a DVD-R disc with
your computer.
7Write motion image files to the DVD-R disc with MyDVD.
•Write edited motion images to an 8 cm DVD-R disc in this DVD Video Camera using MyDVD software.
Cautions for use
•When you are making a recording on a new DVD-R disc in your DVD Video Camera, you must initialize the disc
before recording motion images. DVD-RAM disc and Card do not require initialization.
•DVD-R discs are a one time write format; therefore when you write information to the DVD-R disc with
DVD-MovieAlbum or MyDVD, you cannot edit it again.
•When using DVD-MovieAlbum software on Windows
® 2000 Professional / XP Home Edition / XP
Professional, log on to your PC as Administrator or with a login name equally authorized. If you log on with
a login name other than Administrator, you cannot use DVD-MovieAlbum.
•Set the display resolution to 1024 ~ 768 (16 bits color) when using DVD-MovieAlbum.
Display Settings method as follows:
Select “Start” >> “Settings” (except  Windows® XP Home Edition / XP Professional)>> “Control Panel” >> “Display” 
and select “Settings” tab on “Display”, and then adjust “Screen Resolution” and “Color quality” to the above.
•MyDVD included in the provided CD-ROM does not contain the slideshows function. Therefore you can not
edit stills on MyDVD.
•Depending on the condition of your PC,  it may take a long time to install the software. 
						

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Table of Contents
Important Information ........................................ 2
Be sure to read the following before 
opening the CD-ROM package  ...................... 4
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS  ........................... 5
Cautions When Using ........................................ 7
Cautions When Storing .................................... 10
Suggestions and Restrictions .......................... 10
Read This First ................................................ 11
About This Manual ........................................... 11
Introduction ...................................................... 12
Quick Start Guide for Software ........................ 13
Table of Contents ............................................ 15
Checking Provided Accessories ...................... 18
Names of Parts ................................................ 19
Setting Up the Battery Pack............................. 23
Charging Battery Pack......................................... 23Try to Record and Play Back Using Disc 
(Video and Photo) ............................................ 24
Try to Record and Play Back Using Card 
(Photo) ............................................................. 26
Discs and Cards .............................................. 28
Available Discs .................................................... 28
Information on DVD-R Disc ................................. 29
Examples of Discs that Cannot be 
Used on this DVD Video Camera ..................... 29
Handling Discs..................................................... 30
Available Cards ................................................... 31
Storage Capacity of Disc or Card .................... 32
Recordable Time of Movie (Video) ...................... 32
Recordable Stills (Photos) on Disc ...................... 33
Recordable Stills (Photos) on Card ..................... 33
Size and Quality of Photos .................................. 33
Setups
Setting Up the DVD Video Camera ................. 34
Holding DVD Video Camera ................................ 34
Attaching Shoulder Belt ....................................... 35
Attaching Lens Cap ............................................. 35
Inserting Battery into Remote 
Controller .......................................................... 36
Removing Battery from Remote Controller.......... 36
Viewing Subject Through Viewfinder ................... 37
Viewing Image on LCD Monitor Screen .............. 38
Closing LCD Monitor ........................................... 39
Setting Date and Time ......................................... 40
Changing Display Format of Date 
and Time ........................................................... 41
About the Battery Pack .................................... 42
Attaching Battery Pack to DVD Video Camera.... 42
Removing Battery Pack ....................................... 42
Battery Remaining Level Indicator....................... 44
Efficient Use of Battery Pack ............................... 44Using DVD Video Camera 
with AC adaptor ................................................ 45
Inserting and Removing Disc........................... 46
Inserting Disc....................................................... 46
Removing Disc .................................................... 48
Inserting and Removing Card .......................... 49
Basic Techniques
Basic Operation of DVD Video Camera .......... 50
Turning DVD Video Camera On or Off ................ 50Recording Movie.............................................. 51
Recording Stills................................................ 52
Compensating for Backlight............................. 53
On-Screen Information .................................... 54
Information Display during Recording ................. 54Zooming........................................................... 57
Macro Recording ................................................. 58
Using Conversion Lens 
(Optional-User Provided).................................. 58
Playing Back .................................................... 59
Playing Back........................................................ 59
Playback from Start of Disc or Card .................... 60
Search Playback of Movie ................................... 60
Frame Advance/Frame Back/Slow Playback of 
Movie ................................................................ 60
Skip Playback of Movie ....................................... 61
Playing Back Stills ............................................... 61
Jumping to Specified Point (Go To) .................... 62
On-Screen Information Display ....................... 63
Information Display during Playback ................... 63Manually Focusing Subject.............................. 64
Focusing during Recording ................................. 64Adjusting Exposure Manually .......................... 66
Using Auto Function ........................................ 67
Using External Microphone ............................. 68
Setting Video Flash (Only for VDR-M70PP) .... 68
Viewing on TV Screen ..................................... 69
Connecting to a TV.............................................. 69
Viewing on TV Screen ......................................... 70
Playback on DVD Video Recorder/Player ....... 71
To Customers Who Have a DVD Video 
Recorder with hard disk ................................... 71
Playback on DVD Player ................................. 72
Removing from/and Replacing in Round 
DVD Holder ................................................... 73
How to Remove Disc ........................................... 73
Replacing Disc in Round DVD Holder ................. 74
When the Hinge of Round DVD 
Holder Comes off ............................................. 74
Disc Cleaning ...................................................... 74
Recording (Dubbing) Images........................... 75
Recording (Dubbing) Images from 
Other Video Device .......................................... 75 
						

							16
Recording (Dubbing) Images from 
Other Video Cameras ....................................... 76
Recording (Dubbing) Images on Other Video 
Devices ............................................................. 77
Advanced Techniques
Understanding Flow of Menus ......................... 78
Setting Up Camera Functions.......................... 80
Selecting Shooting Mode to Match the Subject 
(Switching Program AE Mode) ......................... 80
Adjusting Color (White Balance).......................... 81
Using the Electronic Image Stabilizer (EIS)......... 83
Reducing Wind Noise during Recording 
(Wind Cut)......................................................... 83
Setting to Wide TV Screen Mode 
(Wide) (Only for VDR-M70PP).......................... 84
Setting Up Record Functions ........................... 86
Switching Movie Quality (VIDEO Mode) .............. 86
Switching Quality of Still Image (Quality)............. 87
Receiving Image from Another Device 
(Input Source) ................................................... 88
Switching External Input Recording Method
 (PHOTO Input)................................................. 88
Self Timer ............................................................ 89
Setting OSD Output On or Off 
(On-Screen Display) ......................................... 90
LCD Setup ....................................................... 91
Setting Brightness of LCD Screen 
(Brightness) ...................................................... 91
Setting Color Density of LCD Screen
 (Color Level) .................................................... 91
Initial Settings .................................................. 92
Switching Operating Sound On or Off 
(Beep) ............................................................... 92
Turning DVD Video Camera Off Automatically 
(Power Save) .................................................... 92
Turning Record LED On or Off 
(Record LED) .................................................... 93
Changing Display Language 
(Language) ....................................................... 93
Resetting Menu Settings to Defaults 
(Reset) .............................................................. 94
Disc Navigation
Using Disc Navigation...................................... 95
Starting or Terminating Disc Navigation .............. 95
Playing Back from Disc Navigation Screen ......... 97
Selecting Multiple Scenes ................................... 98
Selecting Consecutive Scenes Together............. 98
Disc Navigation Menu ...................................... 99
Functions Available with Disc Navigation ............ 99
Understanding Flow of Disc 
Navigation Menu ............................................. 100
Scene............................................................. 101
Deleting Scenes (Delete)................................... 101
Changing Images for Thumbnails 
(Edit - Thumbnail) ........................................... 103
Playing Back by Skipping Scenes 
(Edit - Skip) ..................................................... 104
Arranging Order of Scenes (Edit - Move) .......... 104Directing Scenes Effectively 
(Edit - Fade) ................................................... 105
Combining Multiple Scenes 
(Edit - Combine) ............................................. 106
Dividing Movies (Edit - Divide) .......................... 107
Copying Stills on DVD-RAM Disc to Card 
(Copy)............................................................. 108
Locking Scenes on Card (Lock) ........................ 109
Designating Scenes to be Printed 
(DPOF) ........................................................... 110
Selecting Scenes Using Menu Screen 
(Select) ........................................................... 111
Displaying Information Using Menu Screen
 (Detail) ........................................................... 112
Program ......................................................... 113
What is “program”?............................................ 113
Switching to Thumbnail Display of Specific Date 
(Switch) .......................................................... 113
Playing Back Program (Play) ............................ 114
Changing Title of Program (Title) ...................... 114
Play List ......................................................... 116
What is “Play List”? ........................................... 116
Creating New Play List (Create) ........................ 116
Switching to Display of Each Play List 
(Switch) .......................................................... 117
Playing Back a Play List (Play).......................... 117
Adding Scenes to Play List 
(Editing Play List) ........................................... 118
Deleting Scenes from Play List 
(Editing Play List) ........................................... 119
Adding Scenes Using Submenu for Editing 
(Editing Play List) ........................................... 119
Deleting Scenes Using Submenu for Editing
 (Editing Play List) .......................................... 120
Selecting Scenes Using Submenu for Editing 
(Editing Play List) ........................................... 120
Arranging Order of Scenes (Move) ................... 121
Changing Title of Play List (Title) ...................... 122
Deleting Play List (Delete) ................................. 122
Go To............................................................. 123
Top (End) .......................................................... 123Disc or Card Management............................. 124
Verifying Remaining Free Space on 
Disc or Card (Capacity) .................................. 124
Protecting Disc from Writing 
(Protect Disc).................................................. 124
Initializing DVD-RAM Disc or Card 
(Format Disc. Format card) ............................ 125
Updating Control Information of DVD-RAM Disc
(Update Control Info.) ..................................... 126
Finalizing DVD-R Disc (Finalize Disc) ............... 127
Other Functions (Others) ............................... 128
Displaying Movies or Stills Independently 
(Category) ...................................................... 128
Playing Back Scenes Repeatedly 
(Repeat Play) ................................................. 128
Slide Show (Continuous Playback of Stills)....... 129 
						

							17
Installing Software
Compatible PC for use with DVD Video Camera: 
VDR-M50PP/VDR-M70PP............................. 130
Operations will not be guaranteed under the 
following conditions ..................................... 130
Contents on Provided CD-ROM .................... 131
Installing USB Driver ......................................... 133
Installing DVD-RAM Driver ................................ 135
Installing DVD-MovieAlbumSE.......................... 138
Installing MyDVD ............................................... 140
Creating DVD Video on PC from DVD-RAM 
Disc Recorded on DVD Video Camera ....... 141
Uninstalling Software ..................................... 143
Uninstalling USB Driver ..................................... 143
Deleting Other Applications ............................... 144
Supplementary Information
Introduction to Optional Accessories ............. 145
Video Camera Accessories ............................... 145
Information on Round DVD Holder .................... 146
Cleaning......................................................... 147
Terminology ................................................... 148
Before Requesting Service ............................ 150
Error Messages ............................................. 152
Troubleshooting ............................................. 158
System Reset ................................................ 164
Major Specifications....................................... 165
Request for Service Notice (USA Only) ......... 168
Limited Warranty (For USA Customers) ........ 169
Customer Services Directory ......................... 170
Warranty (For Canadian Customers)............. 171 
						

							18
Checking Provided Accessories
Make sure that you found all the following accessories in the package: 
Battery Pack (CGA-DU14A):
Portable power supply for this DVD Video 
Camera. Charge it before use.AC Adaptor/Charger (PV-DAC13):
Used to power the DVD Video Camera from 
AC outlet, or charge battery pack.DC Cord:
When powering the DVD Video Camera from 
household AC outlet, use this cord to connect 
the DVD Video Camera and AC adaptor.
Power Ca ble :
Connect between household AC outlet and 
AC adaptor.Remote Controller (VEQ3993):
Use to control the DVD Video Camera from a 
distance.Button Type Battery (CR2025):
To power the remote controller.
AV/S Input/Output Cable: (EW12522)
Used when playing back the DVD Video 
Camera picture to a TV screen, or input or 
output video from/to another video device.Shoulder Belt:
Attach to the DVD Video Camera to hang it 
from shoulder.Lens Cap and Lens Cap String:
Attach the lens cap when not recording, to 
protect the lens.
8 cm DVD-RAM Disc (in Round DVD 
Holder):
To record video (movie) on this DVD Video 
Camera.Software CD-ROM:
Use this CD-ROM on PC when connecting 
the DVD Video Camera to PC.USB Cable: (EW12531)
WARNING: Keep 
this battery away 
from children. If 
swallowed, consult 
a physician 
immediately for 
emergency 
treatment. 
						

							19
Names of Parts 
1 Infrared receiver (P. 37)
When the remote controller is used to operate the 
DVD Video Camera, this receiver will receive the 
infrared signal.
2 Lens cap string attachment hole (P. 35)
3 Recording indicator (P. 93)
The red indicator will light during recording.
4 Internal stereo microphone (P. 51)
5 Lock cover and Lock button (P. 34)
6 Optical 10x zoom lens (VDR-M70PP)
Optical 18× zoom lens (VDR-M50PP)
(P. 57)
7 Lens hood (P. 58)
Always remove this lens hood when using optional-
user provided tele-conversion or wide-conversion 
lens.
8 Zoom lever (P. 57)
Push the lever to the T side for telephoto, or to the W 
side for wide-angle.9 Hot shoe (P. 68)
Only for VDR-M70PP:
Attach the optional video flash here.
10 AV input/output jack (P. 69, 75)
11 External microphone jack (P. 68)
12 2.5 type Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 
(inside) (P. 7, 38)
13 BATTERY EJECT switch (P. 42)
The BATTERY EJECT switch is located on the 
bottom of this DVD Video Camera: Slide it when 
removing the battery pack.
DISC
NAVIGATIO
N
SELECTMENU
uity
BATTERY EJECT
A/V
MIC
78
123 46 59
10
11
12
(Inside the cover)
(Bottom)
13
Although the external appearances of VDR-M50PP 
and VDR-M70PP are different, the method of 
operating both models is identical. VDR-M70PP 
illustrations are used in this manual. 
						

							20
14 Viewfinder (P. 7, 37)
15 Diopter control (P. 37)
To adjust the focus of image appearing in the 
viewfinder (Pull out the viewfinder.).
16 ACCESS/PC indicator (P. 9, 51, 52)
Will blink or light when the disc in DVD Video 
Camera is accessed (write or read is executed) or the 
DVD Video Camera is connected to PC.
17 DISC EJECT lever (P. 46)
Press and release this lever to open the disc guide.
18 CARD ACCESS indicator (P. 9, 52)
19 Card insertion block (P. 49)
20 Battery attachment platform (P. 42)
21 Record (REC) button (P. 51, 52)22 Power switch (P. 50, 51, 52)
23 Shoulder belt attachments portion (P. 35)
24 LOCK switch (P. 25,  51)
In   mode, set the LOCK switch to    (to the left) 
to lock the power switch so that it does not 
accidentally move to  .
From   mode, you cannot move the LOCK switch 
to the left to lock the power switch.
25 Speaker (P. 59)
26 Grip Belt (Free Style Grip Belt) (P. 34)
27 Disc insertion block (P. 46)
ACCESS/PCDISC EJECTC
A
R
D
 A
C
CE
S
S
14 15 16 1917
20 21 23 2618
25 22 24 27