Panasonic Vdr M50pp Operating Instructions Manual

							31
Available Cards 
lHandling card
•Do not use cards other than the
designated ones.
•Do not touch the card terminal or 
allow it to touch metal.
•Do not paste anything other than 
exclusive label on label pasting 
portion.
•Do not subject card to impact, 
bend card or drop it.
•Do not disassemble card or modify it.
•Do not expose card to water.
•Do not use or store card in the following places:
−Where the temperature is high, such as in vehicle at 
high temperatures, in direct sunlight or near a heater.
−Where humidity is high, or in dusty place
•Keep the Memory Card out of reach of Children to
prevent swallowing.
•When the write-protect switch on SD Memory Card is
locked, no recording, deletion or editing will be
possible on the card.
lCommon cautions for disc and card
•It is recommended that you create a backup file for
valuable data on hard disk of PC.
•Do not do the following, or the data on card may be
damaged or lost:
−Do not remove the card or turn DVD Video Camera 
off during reading or writing of data 
−Do not use DVD Video Camera in a place subject to 
static electricity or electrical noise
Note:•The reading/writing speed of MultiMediaCard is slower 
than SD Memory Card. When MultiMediaCard is used, 
the performance of certain features may be slightly 
slower than advertised.
•We recommend that you use a Panasonic brand SD
Memory Card.
•This DVD Video Camera can play back image data
recorded on other digital cameras conforming to the DCF
(Design rule for Camera File system) standard which was
established by the Japan Electronics and Information
Technology  Industries Association (JEITA). The range of
image data playable on this DVD Video Camera is that
with pixels from 80 horizontal × 60 vertical to 4000
horizontal × 3000 vertical.
•DCF is an integrated image file format for digital cameras:
Image files can be used on all digital devices conforming
to DCF.
•Image data edited on PC and certain types of image data
may not be viewable on this DVD Video Camera.
•The image data recorded on another device may not be
playable on this DVD Video Camera.
SD Memory 
Card and 
MultiMediaCard 
can be used in 
this DVD Video 
Camera.
Te r m i n a l
Write-protect switch
Locked status 
						

							32
Storage Capacity of Disc or Card 
Recordable Time of Movie (Video)
The recordable time will vary depending on the recording quality: See page 86 for the setting of recording quality.
Movie recordable time on one disc (on single side) (when recording only movies)
*1:Variable bit recording (recording of more than 18 minutes may be possible because the transfer rate varies automatically
between approx. 3-10 Mbps)
*2:Transfer rate: Approx. 6 Mbps*3:Transfer rate: Approx. 3 Mbps*4:Linear PCM recording (see “Terminology”,  P. 148) (If your DVD player does not conform to MPEG 1 Audio Layer 2,
record in LPCM mode)
Note:•Audio in XTRA, FINE or STD mode is recorded in the
MPEG 1 Audio Layer 2 format, which is the option
standard of DVD video standard.
•No movie can be recorded on SD Memory Card or
MultiMediaCard.
•When using DVD-R disc, you cannot switch the movie 
quality while recording on the disc: The DVD Video 
Camera will be automatically set to the movie quality first 
used with the disc for recording.
Recording qualityDisc used
DVD-RAMDVD -R
XTRA Approx. 18 min *1No recording possible
FINE Approx. 30 min 
*2Approx. 30 min *2
STD Approx. 60 min *3Approx. 60 min *3
LPCM *4No recording possible Approx. 30 min
Image quality prioritized
Recording time prioritized 
						

							33
Recordable Stills (Photos) on Disc
lNumber of recordable stills on one 
side of disc: Up to 999
If the disc still has free space after recording 999 stills on 
it, movies can also be recorded on it.
Recordable Stills (Photos) on Card
The number of recordable stills will vary depending on 
the recording quality: see page 87 for the setting of 
recording quality.
For VDR-M50PP
For VDR-M70PP
(The numbers of recordable stills above are only for 
reference)Note
:•Cards used on other devices can be used on this DVD 
Video Camera.
•No movie or music data recorded on card can be 
checked, viewed or heard on this DVD Video Camera. In 
addition, no such data file can be displayed on this DVD 
Video Camera. 
•Use the remaining capacity function to check the 
remaining free space on disc before use. See “Verifying 
Remaining Free Space on Disc or Card (Capacity)” on 
page 124.
•Some still data recorded on this DVD Video Camera may 
not be playable on another device.
Size and Quality of Photos
The pixel size of JPEG stills that can be recorded on this 
DVD Video Camera is as follows:
The following table shows the file size and quality of one 
JPEG still recorded on card:
Although still images are recorded on DVD-RAM disc 
only in the FINE mode, the quality mode can be changed 
when recording stills on card.
* See page 165 for the number of recordable stills.
Note:No still can be recorded on DVD-R disc.
CapacityRecording quality
FINENORMECO
8 MB
Approx. 45 Approx. 95 Approx. 190
16 MBApprox. 100 Approx. 200 Approx. 400
32 MBApprox. 220 Approx. 440 Approx. 880
64 MBApprox. 440 Approx. 880 Approx. 1,760
128MBApprox. 880 Approx. 1,760 Approx. 3,520
256 MBApprox. 1,760 Approx. 3,520 Approx. 7,040
512 MBApprox. 3,520 Approx. 7,040 Approx. 14,080
CapacityRecording quality
FINENORMECO
8 MB
Approx. 8 Approx. 14 Approx. 20
16 MBApprox. 22 Approx. 35 Approx. 50
32 MBApprox. 50 Approx. 80 Approx. 110
64 MBApprox. 100 Approx. 160 Approx. 220
128MBApprox. 200 Approx. 320 Approx. 440
256 MBApprox. 400 Approx. 640 Approx. 880
512 MBApprox. 800 Approx. 1,280 Approx. 1,760
ModelSetting
Camera inputExternal input
VDR-M50PP 640 × 480 pixels 640 × 480 pixels
VDR-M70PP 1,280 × 960 pixels 640  ×  480  pixels
Quality
File size
ApplicationVDR-
M50PPVDR-
M70PP
FINE Approx. 
128 KBApprox. 
512 KBWhen image 
quality is 
prioritized
NORM Approx. 
64 KBApprox.
384 KBStandard
ECO Approx. 
32 KBApprox. 
256 KBWhen number of 
stills is prioritized 
(quality will be 
slightly inferior) 
						

							34
Setups
This section explains preparations for recording - setting up the DVD Video Camera and battery pack.
Setting Up the DVD Video Camera
Holding DVD Video Camera
Using Grip Belt
Insert your right hand from the bottom of DVD Video
Camera up to the base of your thumb.
Put your hand in a position where you can easily operate
the REC button and the Zoom lever.
Adjust the length of grip belt so that the DVD Video
Camera is stable when you press the REC button with
your thumb.
1) Detach the belt.
2) Ajust the length of grip belt.
3) Attach the belt.
Note:Do not adjust the grip belt while holding the DVD Video Camera: Doing this could cause the DVD Video Camera to fall
and be damaged.
To use as a Hand Strap
Using the Grip Belt as a hand strap makes it easier to carry the DVD Video Camera.
1Detach the Grip Belt from the Video Camera.
1) Open the Lock cover.2) Push the Lock button and pull the grip belt from
the DVD Video Camera.
Support the DVD Video Camera securely by the
hand to avoid falling.
2Make it a hand strap.
1) Turn over the belt.
2) Pull the tip in the derection of the
arrow.
3) Attach the belt.
Lock cover
Lock cover Lock button
Open the lock cover while pinching the protection 
portion of both ends.Return the lock cover to the closed position 
after pulling out the grip belt. 
						

							35
To use as a Grip Belt again
1Attach the tip of the grip belt to the DVD Video 
Camera (1).
Press down the lock cover in the direction of the arrow
so that the belt will not fall out (2).
Attaching Shoulder Belt
Attaching Lens Cap
Pass the provided string through the hole in the Grip Belt Attachment part and pass it through the hole in the lens cap.
1Attach the lens cap string to lens cap.
Shorter side is for the lens cap.
2Attach the string to the attachment hole of DVD 
Video Camera.
Detaching the grip belt makes things easier.
3Push both sides of cap inward and attach it over the 
lens.
Note:•Always keep the lens cap on when not using the DVD
Video Camera, to protect the lens.
•When recording, attach the lens cap to the grip belt by 
hooking the tab inside the cap onto strap for comfortable 
shooting.
When using as a hand strap, you cannot attach the lens 
cap to it.Lock cover
Pass the Shoulder belt through 
the Shoulder belt attachments. Be sure to pass through the 2 slots.
Push and fit 
						

							36
Inserting Battery into Remote Controller
Insert the provided button type battery into remote controller.
1Slide the cover to remove it.
2Insert the button type battery with the positive R 
terminal facing up.
3Slide the cover to close it.
Note:The life of the button type battery is approximately one year. 
If the battery is discharged, no operation is possible with 
remote controller: Replace the battery.
Removing Battery from Remote Controller
1While pushing the battery stopper, slide the battery 
out.
Warning:•KEEP THE BATTERY AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND
PETS.
•IF SWALLOWED CONSULT A PHYSICIAN 
IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY TREATMENT.
•BATTERY MAY EXPLODE IF NOT HANDLED 
PROPERLY. DO NOT RECHARGE, DISASSEMBLE OR 
DISPOSE OF IN FIRE.Note
:•Dispose of  battery safely in accordance with local laws.
Do not dispose of  in fire.
•Do not short circuit the battery.•Do not hold the battery with metallic tweezers.•Keep the battery in a dark, cool, dry place.
Battery stopper
Battery stopperWhile pushing 
battery stopper
Warning:Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. 
Replace only with the same or equivalent type 
recommended by the equipment manufacturer. 
Discard used batteries according to manufacturer’s 
instructions. Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not 
recharge, disassemble, heat above 212°F (100°C) or 
inclnerate, Keep the Button-Type battery out of the 
reach of children. Never put Button-Type battery in 
mouth. If swallowed, call your doctor. 
						

							37
lUsing Remote Controller
To operate the DVD Video Camera with the remote 
controller, point it at the infrared receiver before pressing 
buttons. If it does not work properly, do not forget to point 
it at the receiver to repeat the action. The remote 
controllable distance is up to 16 feet (5 m).
Note:•When using the remote controller, make sure that the
infrared receiver on DVD Video Camera is not exposed to
direct sunlight or any intense light. If the infrared receiver
is subject to light stronger than the infrared light from
remote controller, the DVD Video Camera cannot be
operated by remote controller.
•If there is an obstacle between the remote control and 
infrared receiver on DVD Video Camera, remote control 
may not be possible.
•Depending on the type of fluorescent lamp in the room, 
the remote controller may not work properly.
Viewing Subject Through Viewfinder
1Pull out the viewfinder.
2Turn the diopter control knob to adjust the focus to 
suit your eyesight.
Note:•If no image appears in viewfinder, refer to “Check 6” on
page 151.
•If the LCD monitor is open approximately 90°, the 
viewfinder will be off.
•Focusing will not be correct unless the viewfinder is 
pulled out.
10
10
15 15
Ap
p
r
ox.
 1
6
 f
ee
t
 (
5
m
)
Infrared 
receiver
Pull out the 
viewfinder. Diopter control
8:00AM
SEP 30 2004
Caution:Do not lift the DVD Video Camera by holding the 
viewfinder or LCD monitor: If the viewfinder or LCD 
monitor comes off, the DVD Video Camera will fall. 
						

							38
Viewing Image on LCD Monitor Screen
If you open the LCD monitor, you can monitor subject image on the LCD screen.
1Open the LCD monitor.
The LCD monitor has a spot where you can hook your 
finger. Hook the finger there to open the monitor.
lRange of LCD monitor movement
The LCD monitor can be opened up to approximately
90º.
If the LCD monitor is open 90°, the screen can be tilted
down by as much as 90°, and can also be tilted up and
turned up to 180° so the screen faces in the same direction
as the lens. 
If the LCD monitor is turned 180° so the screen faces in
the same direction as the lens during recording, subject
image will also appear in the viewfinder as a mirror
image (left/right reversed).
Tilt the LCD monitor to adjust its vertical angle so that
you can easily see the screen .
Note:•If no image appears on LCD monitor screen, refer to
“Check 7” on page 151.
•Be sure to open the LCD monitor approximately 90º 
before changing its vertical angle.
•Do not record for a prolonged time with the LCD monitor 
turned approximately 180º in close contact with the DVD 
Video Camera body: Doing this could cause the DVD 
Video Camera and LCD monitor to become hot.
180
90
Hook your finger 90°
(Bottom) 
						

							39
Closing LCD Monitor
Before closing the LCD monitor, be sure to reset it at a 
right angle to the DVD Video Camera.
Close the LCD monitor, with the LCD screen facing
inward, until a click is heard.
Note:•Be sure to return the LCD monitor to a right angles to the
DVD Video Camera before closing it. If the LCD monitor
is tilted or faces outward from the camera body, it cannot
be closed to the DVD Video Camera.
•If the LCD monitor is not securely locked to the DVD Video 
Camera, no image will appear in the viewfinder.
Caution
:Do not lift the DVD Video Camera by holding the 
viewfinder or LCD monitor: If the viewfinder or LCD 
monitor comes off, the DVD Video Camera will fall. 
						

							40
Setting Date and Time
Set the current date and time so that the date and time at which you make a recording can be recorded 
correctly.
The following procedure can also be used to correct the date and time you have already set.
1Turn the DVD Video Camera on.
2Press the MENU button.
The menu screen will 
appear.
3Use the joystick to choose 
“Date Setup” and then “Date 
Set”.
4Tilt the joystick to the right.
The figure for the month will 
be selected.
[The digit that is highlighted 
first depends on the date 
display format (set up in 
Date Mode): The digit on the left end of the date 
display will be highlighted first.]
Note:After setting the figure for the month, tilt the joystick to 
the right to select the digit to be set. If you press the
 A button after selecting the figure for the month, the 
screen for verifying the set date will appear instead of 
the screen for setting day, year or time.
5Tilt the joystick to the left or 
the right to select the digit 
you want to set in sequence.
Tilt the joystick up or down 
to select the number for 
current date/time, and then 
repeat step 5 to set the current date and time.
Note:To stop date/time setting midway, press the C button.
6After setting the current date 
and time, press the A 
button.
The screen for verifying the 
set date will appear.
7If the displayed date and time are correct, use the 
joystick to choose “YES”, and then press the 
Abutton.
The date and time will be set, and the DVD Video 
Camera will enter recording pause mode.
Choosing “NO” will restore the menu screen.
Important Note:This DVD Video Camera incorporates a rechargeable 
battery to store the date and time in memory. If this 
built-in battery is exhausted, the date and time will be 
reset. To prevent this, connect the AC adaptor to DVD 
Video Camera every 3 months, and leave it to charge 
for at least 24 hours with the DVD Video Camera turned 
off: The built-in battery will be charged.
MENU
Tilt up/down and left/right 
to select, and then press 
A to designate.
Camera Funct i ons Setup
Program AE : A u t oWhi te Ba l. : Auto
Dig. Z
oom: 40xWind Cut:OffWide 
EIS :On
ENTER RETURN
RAM:4:3
RAM
Da t e  Mode
ENTER RETURN12: 00AM
D a t e  Se t u p
Da t e  Se t JAN  1  2004
RAM
Da t e  Mode
ENTER RETURN
12: 00AM Da t e  Se t  JAN  1  2004
D a t e  Se t u p
RAM
8: 00AM Da t e  Mode
ENTER RETURN
Da t e  Se t  SEP 30 2004
D a t e  Se t u p
ENTERRAM SEP
 30 2004  8 : 00AMDate set up?
YESNO
D a t e  Se t