Panasonic Vdr M53pp Operating Instructions Manual

							31
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.
 miniSD memory cards must be inserted in a 
special card adapter in order to be used.
lSuitable SD Memory Card
On the Camcorder, you can use SD Memory Cards 
of the following capacity (from 8 MB to 1 GB).
SD Memory Cards over 2 GB are not compatible 
with the Camcorder.
In order to maintain full compatibility, you must 
format the SD Memory Card using the Camcorder.
PC formatted SD Memory Cards are not 
compatible with the Camcorder.
The Camcorder supports SD Memory Cards 
formatted in FAT12 system (for SD Memory Card 
of 8, 16, 32 and 64 MB) and FAT16 system (for SD 
Memory Card of 128, 256, 512 MB and 1 GB).
Please confirm the latest information on the 
following website:
http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/cs
lminiSD Memory Cards
Be sure to insert miniSD Memory Cards in the 
dedicated card adapter before use. Inserting a 
card in the DVD Video Camera without the 
adapter may damage the camera or the card. 
Do not insert an empty card adapter in the DVD 
Video Camera. Do not leave the adapter in the 
DVD Video Camera while inserting or removing 
miniSD Memory Cards. This may cause the DVD 
Video Camera to malfunction.
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: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.
Image data recorded on another device may not be
playable on this DVD Video Camera.
8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB,
128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB (Maximum)
Te r m i n a l
Write-protect switch
Locked status
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							32
Storage Capacity of Disc or Card 
Recordable Time of Movie (Video)
The recordable time will vary depending on the recording quality: See page 84 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
Note
:Audio in XTRA, FINE or STD mode is recorded in the
Dolby Digital format, which is the DVD video standard.
No movie can be recorded on SD Memory Card.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
Movie recordable time
XTRA Approx. 18 min *1
FINE Approx. 30 min *2
STD Approx. 60 min *3
Image quality prioritized
Recording time prioritized
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							33
Recordable Stills (Photos) on Disc
lNumber of recordable stills on one 
side of disc: 
Up to 999 (VDR-M53PP / VDR-M55PP 
/ VDR-M75PP)
Up to 750 (VDR-M95PP)
If the disc still has free space after recording 999 
stills (VDR-M53PP / VDR-M55PP / VDR-M75PP) 
or 750 stills (VDR-M95PP) 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 85 for the setting 
of recording quality.
For VDR-M53PP/VDR-M55PP
For VDR-M75PP
For VDR-M95PP
(The numbers of recordable stills above are only for 
reference)Note
:Cards used in other devices can be used in 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.
Note:No still can be recorded on DVD-R disc.See page 31 for “Suitable SD Memory Card”.
CapacityRecording quality
FINENORMECO
16 MBApprox. 108 Approx. 216 Approx. 432
32 MBApprox. 232 Approx. 464 Approx. 928
64 MBApprox. 480 Approx. 960Approx. 1,920
128 MBApprox. 960Approx. 1,920 Approx. 3,840
256 MBApprox. 1,920 Approx. 3,840 Approx. 7,680
512 MBApprox. 3,840 Approx. 7,680Approx. 15,360
1 GBApprox. 7,500Approx. 15,000 Approx. 30,000
CapacityRecording quality
FINENORMECO
16 MBApprox. 27 Approx. 36 Approx. 54
32 MBApprox. 58 Approx. 76 Approx. 116
64 MBApprox. 120 Approx. 160 Approx. 240
128 MBApprox. 240 Approx. 320 Approx. 480
256 MBApprox. 480 Approx. 640 Approx. 960
512 MBApprox. 960Approx. 1,280 Approx. 1,920
1 GBApprox. 1,800 Approx. 2,400 Approx. 3,600
CapacityRecording qualityFINENORMECO
16 MBApprox. 13 Approx. 18 Approx. 27
32 MBApprox. 29 Approx. 38 Approx. 58
64 MBApprox. 60 Approx. 80 Approx. 120
128 MBApprox. 120 Approx. 160 Approx. 240
256 MBApprox. 240 Approx. 320 Approx. 480
512 MBApprox. 480 Approx. 640 Approx. 960
1 GBApprox. 900Approx. 1,200 Approx. 1,800
ModelSetting
Camera inputExternal input
VDR-M53PP / 
VDR-M55PP640 × 480 pixels 640 × 480 pixels
VDR-M75PP 1,280 × 960 pixels 640 × 480 pixels
VDR-M95PP 1,600 × 1,200 pixels 640  ×  480  pixels
Quality
File size
ApplicationVDR-
M53PP /
VDR-
M55PPVDR-
M75PPVDR-
M95PP
FINE Approx. 
128 KBApprox. 
512 KBApprox. 
1024 KBWhen image 
quality is 
prioritized
NORM Approx. 
64 KBApprox.
384 KBApprox.
768 KBStandard
ECO Approx. 
32 KBApprox. 
256 KBApprox. 
512 KBWhen number 
of stills is 
prioritized 
(quality will be 
slightly inferior)
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Setup
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, Photo
shot 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 (Only for VDR-M95PP)
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.
VDR-M95PP
VDR-M53PP/VDR-M55PP/VDR-M75PP
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.
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To use as a Grip Belt again  (Only for VDR-M95PP)
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
Lock cover
Pass the Shoulder belt through 
the Shoulder belt attachments. Be sure to pass through the 2 slots.
Push and fit
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Inserting Battery into Remote Controller  (Not included with VDR-M53PP)
Insert the provided button type battery into remote controller.
1Pull the battery holder out towards yourself while 
pressing a thin rod or other object into the PUSH 
hole.
2Insert the button type battery with the positive R 
terminal facing down.
3Slide the battery holder 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
1Pull the battery holder out towards yourself while 
pressing a thin rod or other object into the PUSH 
hole.
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.Make sure that none of the remote control buttons are left 
pressed down as this will cause the battery to discharge 
rapidly.
Battery holder
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.
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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 150.
If the LCD monitor is open approximately 90°, the 
viewfinder will be off.
Focusing will not be correct unless the viewfinder is 
pulled out.
See “LCD/EVF Setup” (P.92) for information on 
displaying the viewfinder image regardless of whether 
the LCD monitor is open or closed.
A
p
pr
ox
. 1
6
 
fe
e
t 
(5
m
)
Infrared 
receiver
Pull out the 
viewfinder. Diopter controlCaution
: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.
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							38
Viewing Image on LCD Monitor 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.
Note:See “LCD/EVF Setup” (P.92) for information on
displaying the viewfinder image regardless of whether
the LCD monitor is open or closed.
lRange of LCD monitor movement
The LCD monitor can be opened up to approximately
90°.
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 150.
Be sure to open the LCD monitor approximately 90° 
before changing its vertical angle.
Do not record for a prolonged time with the LCD monitor 
facing outside in close contact with the DVD Video 
Camera body (see diagram, right): Doing this could 
cause the DVD Video Camera and LCD monitor to 
become hot.
Grab the bottom 
with your finger 
and pull it out.
90°
180°
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							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 angle 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.
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							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.
3Press the f / e button  
to choose “Date Setup” 
and then press the c 
button to choose “Date 
Set”.
4Press the c button.
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 highlighting the month, press the  f / e 
button to change the month. If you press the A button 
after changing the month, the screen for verifying the set 
date will appear instead of the screen for setting day, 
year or time.
5Press the f / e button to change the month.
Press the d / c button to move the highlight 
to the day of the month, 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 
control buttons 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.
Press f/ e/d/c buttons 
to select, and then press A to 
activate.
Camera Functions Setup
On Auto
RAM
Program AE
White Bal.
Dig.Zoom EIS
ENTER RETURN40x Auto
Wind CutOff :
:
: :
:
RAM
Date Set
ENTER RETURNJAN  1 2005 Date Setup
Date Mode12:00AM
RAM
Date Set
ENTER RETURN
JAN  1 2005
Date Mode
Date Setup
12:00AM
ENTERRAM SEP 30 2005  8:00AM
Date set up?
YESNO
Date Set
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