Panasonic Vdr M53pp Operating Instructions Manual

							11
Read This First 
To guide you, weve included the following six chapters.
The section on “Setup” 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.
“Supplementary 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 .......................................... 71
Functions Available with Disc Navigation ...... 100
Installing Software (Only for VDR-M55PP/VDR-
M75PP/VDR-M95PP) .................................... 130
About This Manual
lDisplays in this manual
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-M53PP, VDR-M55PP, VDR-M75PP and VDR-M95PP are
different, they are both operated in the same way.
Illustrations of VDR-M95PP are used in this text.
lSome of the illustrations in this manual may differ slightly in shape from the 
actual items in order to make the explanation easier to understand.
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.
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Introduction
lYou can record even immediately following 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 98)
You do not need to rewind, unlike recorders using tape.
You can select any scene you want and immediately play it back).
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 by 
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 143)
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
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Quick Start Guide for Software
Only for VDR-M55PP/VDR-M75PP/VDR-M95PP
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)
1Connect this DVD Video Camera to the PC as illustrated below.
2Install the software (DVD-RAM Driver, DVDfunSTUDIO and DVD-MovieAlbumSE).
The software can also be installed from the “Setup Menu”.
If the “Setup Menu” does not appear, double-click the CD-ROM drive icon.
Suggestions for using software (see page 143 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 video clips using DVD-MovieAlbumSE.
You can edit motion image files on the DVD-RAM disc.
SoftwareFeature
DVD-RAM Driver Install this driver when using stills and video clips recorded on a DVD-
RAM disc on a PC.
DVD-MovieAlbumSE By using DVD-MovieAlbumSE with DVD Video Camera, it is possible to 
perform playback, recording and editing of the DVD-RAM disc. It is also 
possible to transfer extracted data and title information, etc. to 
DVDfunSTUDIO.
DVDfunSTUDIO Use this software when burning a DVD-Video disc from motion images 
edited using DVD-MovieAlbumSE.
To USB port
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3Export video clips to PC using DVD-MovieAlbumSE.
4DVDfunSTUDIO program will automatically start. (see page 144 for details)
5Edit video clip files and introduce interactive DVD menus using DVDfunSTUDIO Software.
6Insert a new DVD-R disc into the DVD Video Camera.
When making an original DVD-R disc using DVDfunSTUDIO 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 of the DVD-R disc on the
Video Camera when using a DVD-R disc with your computer.
7Write the final movie to the DVD-R disc with DVDfunSTUDIO.
Write the final movie to an 8 cm DVD-R disc in this DVD Video Camera using DVDfunSTUDIO 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 video clips. DVD-RAM disc and SD Memory 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 DVDfunSTUDIO, you cannot edit it again.
 When using DVD-MovieAlbumSE software on Windows
® 2000 Professional / XP Home Edition /
XP Professional, log on to your PC as Administrator.
 Set the display resolution to 1024 × 768 (16 bits color) or higher.
Display Settings method as follows:
Select “Start” >> “Control Panel” >> “Display” and select “Settings” tab on “Display”, and then adjust “Screen 
Resolution” and “Color quality”.
 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
Check Provided Accessories  ..........................  18
Names of Parts  ...............................................  19
Setting Up the Battery Pack ............................  23
Charging Battery Pack ......................................... 23Record and Play Back Using Disc (Video and 
Photo) ...........................................................  24
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  ................................................... 30
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
Setup
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  (Not 
included with VDR-M53PP)  .............................. 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
Remaining Battery Level Indicator ....................... 44
Efficient Use of Battery Pack  ............................... 44
Using 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  .................................................  58Playing 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
Built-in Flash (Only for VDR-M95PP)  .............  68
Setting Flash ...................................................  69
Recording in Dark Locations Using the Light 
from the LCD Monitor ...................................  70
Using External Microphone  ............................  70
Viewing on TV Screen  ....................................  71
Connecting to a TV ..............................................  71
Viewing on TV Screen  .........................................  72
Playback on DVD Video Recorder/Player  ......  73
To Customers who Have a DVD Video 
Recorder with a hard disk  ............................  73
Playback on DVD Player  ................................  74
Recording (Dubbing) Images ..........................  75
Recording (Dubbing) Images from Other Video 
Device ..............................................................  75
Recording (Dubbing) Images from Other Video 
Cameras ...........................................................  76
Recording (Dubbing) Images on Other Video 
Devices .............................................................  77
Advanced Techniques
Understanding Flow of Menus  ........................  78
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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 Up Record Functions  ..........................  84
Switching Movie Quality (VIDEO Mode)  .............. 84
Switching Quality of Still Image (Quality) ............. 85
Setting to Wide TV Screen Mode (Wide) (Only for 
VDR-M75PP / VDR-M95PP)  ............................ 86
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/EVF Setup  ..............................................  91
Setting Brightness of LCD Screen (Brightness)  .. 91
Setting Brightness of Viewfinder (EVF 
Brightness) ........................................................ 91
Setting Color Density (Color Level)  ..................... 92
Always Display Image in Viewfinder  .................... 92
Initial Settings  .................................................  93
Switching Operating Sound On or Off (Beep)  ..... 93
Turning DVD Video Camera Off Automatically 
(Power Save)  .................................................... 93
Turning Record LED On or Off (Record LED)  ..... 94
Changing Display Language (Language)  ............ 94
Resetting Menu Settings to Defaults (Reset)  ...... 95
Disc Navigation
Using Disc Navigation .....................................  96
Starting or Terminating Disc Navigation  .............. 96
Playing Back from Disc Navigation Screen  ......... 98
Selecting Multiple Scenes  ................................... 99
Selecting Consecutive Scenes Together ............. 99
Disc Navigation Menu  ...................................  100
Functions Available with Disc Navigation  .......... 100
Understanding Flow of Disc Navigation Menu ... 101
Scene ............................................................  102
Deleting Scenes (Edit-Delete)  ........................... 102
Changing Images for Thumbnails (Effect - 
Thumbnail) ...................................................... 104
Playing Back by Skipping Scenes (Effect - Skip) 
......................................................................... 105
Arranging Order of Scenes (Edit - Move)  .......... 105
Directing Scenes Effectively (Effect - Fade)  ...... 106
Combining Multiple Scenes (Edit - Combine)  .... 107
Dividing Movies (Edit - Divide) ........................... 108
Copying Stills on DVD-RAM Disc to Card 
(Copy) ............................................................. 109
Locking Scenes on Card (Lock)  ........................ 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
Installing Software (Only for VDR-
M55PP/VDR-M75PP/VDR-M95PP)
Compatible PC for use with DVD Video 
Camera ......................................................  130
Contents on Provided CD-ROM  ...................  133
Recognizing the DVD Video Camera on your 
computer (only when it is connected for the 
first time) .........................................................  134
Installing DVD-RAM Driver  ................................  136
Installing DVD-MovieAlbumSE ..........................  139
Installing DVDfunSTUDIO  .................................  141
If you insert an unformatted DVD-R disc in the 
DVD Video Camera. . . .  .................................  142
Before closing the USB connection 
(disconnecting the USB cable) or toggling the 
power switch ...................................................  142
Creating DVD Video on PC from DVD-RAM 
Disc Recorded on DVD Video Camera  ......  143
Uninstalling Software  ....................................  144
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Supplementary Information
Introduction to Optional Accessories  ............  145
Video Camera Accessories  ............................... 145Cleaning ........................................................  146
Terminology ..................................................  147
Before Requesting Service  ...........................  149
Error Messages  ............................................  151
Troubleshooting ............................................  157
System Reset  ...............................................  163
Major Specifications ......................................  164
Request for Service Notice (USA Only)  ........  166
Limited Warranty (For USA Customers)  .......  167
Customer Services Directory  ........................  168
Warranty (For Canadian Customers) ............  169
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Check Provided Accessories
Make sure that you have found all the following accessories in the package: 
 : Not included with VDR-M53PP.
Battery Pack: VDR-M53PP/VDR-M55PP/VDR-M75PP:(CGA-DU07A) 
VDR-M95PP:(CGA-DU14A)
Portable power supply for this DVD Video 
Camera. Charge it before use.AC Adaptor/Charger (VSK0677):
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.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.
AV/S Input/Output Cable: (EW12525)
Used to play back the DVD Video Camera 
picture on a TV screen, or to input or output 
video from/to another video device.Disc Cleaning Cloth:
Used to clean discs. (P. 30)
Do not use for purposes other than cleaning 
discs.
8 cm DVD-RAM Disc:
To record video (movie) on this DVD Video 
Camera.
This disc can be recorded on one side only 
(single-sided).Software CD-ROM:
Use this CD-ROM on PC when connecting 
the DVD Video Camera to PC.USB Cable: (EW12531)
Remote Controller (VEQ4504):
Use to control the DVD Video Camera from a 
distance.Button Type Battery (CR2032):
To power the remote controller.
WARNING: Keep 
this battery away 
from children. If 
swallowed, consult 
a physician 
immediately for 
emergency 
treatment.
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Names of Parts 
1 Built-in flash (VDR-M95PP) (P.68)
There is a sensor at the top of the flash.
2 Lens cap string attachment hole (P. 35)
3 Internal stereo microphone (P. 51)
4 Infrared receiver (VDR-M55PP/VDR-M75PP/
VDR-M95PP) (P. 37)
When the remote controller is used to operate 
the DVD Video Camera, this receiver will receive 
the infrared signal.
5 Recording indicator (P. 94)
The red indicator will light during recording.
6 Optical 10x zoom lens (VDR-M75PP/VDR-
M95PP)
Optical 24× zoom lens (VDR-M53PP/VDR-
M55PP) (P. 57)
7 Lens hood8 Zoom lever (P. 57)
Push the lever to the T side for telephoto, or to 
the W side for wide-angle.
9 Accessory shoe (P. 69)
Attach the optional flash.
10 Lock cover and Lock button (P. 34)
11 USB port (VDR-M55PP/VDR-M75PP/VDR-
M95PP) (P.13)
12 AV input/output jack (P. 71, 75, 77)
13 External microphone jack (P. 70)
14 2.5 type Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 
(inside) (P. 7, 38)
(Inside the cover) 12 345
12
1113
14 67 89
10
Although the external appearances of VDR-
M53PP, VDR-M55PP, VDR-M75PP and VDR-
M95PP are different, they are both operated in 
the same way. VDR-M95PP illustrations are 
used in this manual.
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15 Viewfinder (P. 7, 37)
16 Diopter control (P. 37)
To adjust the focus of image appearing in the 
viewfinder (pull out the viewfinder).
17 ACCESS/PC indicator (VDR-M55PP/VDR-
M75PP/VDR-M95PP) (P. 9, 51, 52)
ACCESS indicator* (VDR-M53PP)
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.
18 Photo shot button (P.52)
Used when shooting still images.
19 DISC EJECT lever (P. 46)
Press and release this lever to open disc 
insertion block.
20 Disc insertion block (P. 46)
21 BATTERY EJECT button (P. 42)
Press it when removing the battery pack.
* Labeled “ACCESS/PC indicator” in this 
manual. 22 Battery attachment platform (P. 42)
23 Record (REC) button (P. 51)
Used when recording movies. 
24 LOCK switch (P. 25,  51)
In   mode, set the LOCK switch to   (to the 
upper left) to lock the power switch so that it does 
not accidentally move to  .
From   mode, you cannot move the LOCK 
switch to the upper left to lock the power switch.
25 Power switch (P. 50, 51, 52)
26 Shoulder belt attachment buckles (P. 35)
27 Grip Belt (Free Style Grip Belt) (P. 34)
28 Power switch toggle button
With this button depressed, the power switch 
can be turned. 
However, when set to “OFF,” the power switch 
can be turned even if this button is not 
depressed.
16
22171819 20
2321242526 27
15
28
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