Panasonic Vdr M53pp Operating Instructions Manual

							41
Changing Display Format of Date and Time
You can select one of three date display formats: month/day/year, day/month/year, or year/month/day. The
time display format will also change as follows:
1Press the MENU button.
The menu screen will appear.
2Use the control buttons to 
choose “Date Mode” on 
the “Date Setup” menu 
screen, and then press 
the Abutton.
The options will appear to the right of “Date 
Mode”: The Z mark will be attached to the 
currently selected option.
3Use the control buttons to 
select the desired date 
display format, and then 
press the Abutton.
The menu screen for setting date will be 
restored, and the “Date Mode” will have been 
changed as you designated.
4Press the MENU button to switch off the menu 
screen.
Note:If the date display format has been changed, the display 
format during playback as well as during recording will also 
be changed (See page 54).
Display formatExample of display
M/D/Y5:00PM
SEP 30 2005
D/M/Y17:00
30. 9.2005
Y/M/D17:00
2005. 9.30
RAM
M/D/Y
Y/M/D Date Set
ENTER RETURN
Date Mode
D/M/Y
Date SetupRAM
Date Set
ENTER RETURNDate ModeD/M/Y
Date Setup
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							42
About the Battery Pack
Attaching Battery Pack to DVD Video Camera
1Fit the battery pack to the battery attachment 
platform on this DVD Video Camera and slide it 
downward until a click is heard.Note:Make sure that the battery pack is in the correct
orientation.
Make sure that the battery pack is securely attached: 
Incomplete attachment could cause the battery pack to 
fall, resulting in damage.
Removing Battery Pack
After using the DVD Video Camera, remove the battery pack from it.
1Press the BATTERY EJECT button: The battery 
pack can be removed.
2Slide the battery pack upward to remove it.
Note:For safety, be sure to turn the DVD Video Camera off
before attaching or removing the battery pack.
Be careful not to drop the removed battery pack.If the battery remains attached, minute level current will 
flow even if the DVD Video Camera is off, and the battery 
pack will discharge.
Te r m i n a l  
on bottom
BATTERY 
EJECT button
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							43
lRecordable time with fully charged 
battery pack (with no zoom 
operation, etc.)
For your reference, the approximate DVD Video 
Camera recordable time with fully charged battery 
pack:
VDR-M53PP/VDR-M55PP [with model CGA-DU07A]
VDR-M75PP [with model CGA-DU07A]
VDR-M95PP [with model CGA-DU14A]
The time is only for reference. It varies depending on 
recording contents.
Continuous Recording (without zoom):
The continuous recording time of DVD Video 
Camera in the left table shows the available 
recording time when the DVD Video Camera is in 
the recording mode without using any other function 
after recording is started. In actual recording, the 
battery pack will discharge 2-3 times faster than this 
reference since the REC button and zoom are being 
operated, and playback is performed. Assume that 
the recordable time with a fully charged battery 
pack is between 1/2 and 1/3 of the time in the left 
table, and prepare the type and number of batteries 
to allow for the time you are planning to record on 
the DVD Video Camera.
Note that the battery pack discharges faster in cold 
places.
lThe time taken for charging the 
battery pack is as follows 
[at 77 °F (25 °C)]
Note:See page 157 when charging is not possible.The charge time will vary depending on the remaining 
battery level.
During and after charging, the battery pack will be warm, 
but this does not indicate a fault.
If the following phenomena appear, the battery pack 
may be dead: Replace it.
- Charging does not start within 10 seconds (the
CHARGE indicator does not light).
- The battery pack cannot be charged up to 75% if more
than 9 hours have elapsed after charging started.
- The battery pack cannot be fully charged if more than
5 hours have elapsed after it was charged to 75%.
Charge the battery pack at ambient temperature 50°F to 
86°F (10°C to 30°C). Charging at temperatures other 
than this range could damage the battery pack.
XTRA When using viewfinder approx. 85 min
When using LCD monitor approx.  70  min
FINE When using viewfinder approx. 85 min
When using LCD monitor approx.  70  min
STD When using viewfinder approx. 100 min
When using LCD monitor approx.  85  min
XTRA When using viewfinder approx. 70 min
When using LCD monitor approx.  60  min
FINE When using viewfinder approx. 70 min
When using LCD monitor approx.  60  min
STD When using viewfinder approx. 80 min
When using LCD monitor approx.  70  min
XTRA When using viewfinder approx. 125 min
When using LCD monitor approx.  110  min
FINE When using viewfinder approx. 125 min
When using LCD monitor approx.  110  min
STD When using viewfinder approx. 140 min
When using LCD monitor approx.  125  min
CGA-DU07A CGA-DU14A 
90 min 165 min
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							44
Remaining Battery Level Indicator
When the battery pack is used to power the DVD Video Camera, the battery remaining level appears in
the viewfinder or on the LCD screen as follows:
Note:If you use the provided battery pack, the remaining level indicator “ ” may be displayed for an extended period, and
“ ” or “ ” may be displayed for a shorter period.
Efficient Use of Battery Pack
Charge battery pack immediately before using
DVD Video Camera:
The battery pack will slightly discharge even if it is 
detached from the DVD Video Camera. If the 
battery pack is left attached to DVD Video Camera, 
it will consume a slight amount of power.
Important Note:It is recommended that you charge the battery pack 
shortly before using the DVD Video Camera, usually on 
the day before you plan to use it.
Since the battery pack used for this DVD Video 
Camera is free from the memory effect, you do not 
need to completely discharge the battery pack 
before charging it.
When not using the DVD Video Camera for an
extended period:
It is recommended that you fully charge the battery 
pack once a year, attach it to DVD Video Camera 
and use it up; then remove the battery pack and 
store it in a cool place again.Store in cool place:
When you are not using the DVD Video Camera, 
remove the battery pack and store it in a cool place. 
If you store it in a place where the temperature is 
high, the battery life will be shortened. Be especially 
sure not to store the battery pack in an environment 
(in a closed vehicle) over 140°F (60°C). Neglecting 
this could damage the battery pack.
Battery life:
Battery life varies greatly depending on the ambient 
environment and how often the DVD Video Camera 
is used. If the usable time of DVD Video Camera 
with a fully charged battery pack is noticeably short, 
the battery pack is probably dead: Purchase a new 
one.
Power save and discharge of battery pack:
It is recommended that you turn the DVD Video 
Camera off in status other than recording, since 
even during recording pause battery power is 
consumed at the same level as during recording. 
If, when you specify Power Save On, the recording 
pause status continues for approximately 5 
minutes, the DVD Video Camera will automatically 
turn off.
To set or release power save, see “Turning DVD 
Video Camera Off Automatically (Power Save)” on 
page 93.
Fully charged Nearly empty
Shows remaining level(Blinks)
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							45
Using DVD Video Camera with AC adaptor
It is recommended that you use the AC adaptor to power the DVD Video Camera from a household AC outlet
when you perform settings on it, play back or edit images, or use it indoors.
Note:Be sure to use the specified AC adaptor to power the DVD Video Camera. Using other AC adaptors could cause electric
shock or result in fire.
1Connect the power cable to AC adaptor.
2Plug the power cable into household AC outlet.
3Plug one end of DC cord into the DC output jack 
on AC adaptor.
4Attach the other end of DC cord to the battery 
attachment platform on DVD Video Camera.
Note:The AC adaptor can be used around the world. An AC plug 
adaptor is required in some foreign countries. If you need 
one, purchase it from your distributor.
Power cable
AC adaptor DC cord
AC 200-240V
AC Plug Adaptor (not supplied)
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							46
Inserting and Removing Disc
Inserting Disc
1Press the DISC EJECT lever down once and 
release it.
A few moments after the ACCESS/PC indicator 
blinks, the cover of disc insertion compartment 
will open slightly.
2Open the cover by hand and fit the disc onto the 
spindle in the center.
Note:The exposed disc portion must face in the same 
direction as the lens, as shown in figure.
The recording/playback side must face the inside of 
DVD Video Camera.
Do not use excessive force when opening the 
cover.
Do not touch the pickup lens or the recording/
playback side of the disc. 
This may impair recording and playback. 
Insert the disc securely to prevent damage.When you open the lid, the ACCESS/PC indicator 
flashes red. Do not leave the lid open.
lIdentifying recording/playback 
sides of disc:
This section describes double-
sided discs. Note that the
included DVD-RAM disc is a
single-sided disc.
Single sided disc:
The recording/playback side is
opposite to the labelled side. 
Double-sided disc:
The “SIDE A” recording/playback
side is opposite to the “SIDE A”
marked side. The “SIDE B”
recording/playback side is the
“SIDE A” marked side.
3Push the section marked “PUSH CLOSE” on 
the cover of disc insertion compartment, to close 
the cover.
4Turn the DVD Video Camera on (  or  ).
When “DISC ACCESS” disappears, the DVD 
Video Camera is ready for recording.
Note:Immediately after a disc is inserted or recording is finished:
If the ACCESS/PC indicator is lit or blinking immediately 
after a disc is inserted or recording is finished, then the disc 
is spinning and disc information is being saved. If the power 
supply is cut off while this is happening, the disc may 
become unusable. For this reason, the power cord must not 
be unplugged and the battery must not be removed when 
the ACCESS/PC indicator is lit or blinking immediately after 
a disc is inserted.
While the ACCESS/PC indicator is lit or blinking, do not 
cause impact or vibration to the DVD Video Camera.
Recording/
playback side
DISC EJECT 
leverPickup lens
Push the 
shaded portion.
DVD-RAM/SIDEA
The opposite 
side is the “SIDE 
A” recording/ 
playback side.“SIDE A” mark
ACCESS/PC 
indicator
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							47
Note:Disc cannot be inserted or removed unless the battery 
pack or AC adaptor is connected to DVD Video Camera.
If there is some delay before recording starts, refer to 
“Check 4” on page 149.
The disc insertion orientation is specific. Forcibly 
inserting a disc in the wrong orientation could damage 
the DVD Video Camera or disc.
If the disc is not correctly inserted, the cover will not close. 
Never try to forcibly close the cover: this could cause 
damage. Reinsert the disc properly.
If a single-sided disc is inserted into DVD Video Camera 
with the printed label facing the inside, an error message 
will appear. Remove the disc and reinsert it with its 
recording/playback side facing the inside.  See “Error 
Messages” on page 152.
Do not allow the recording/playback side to become dirty 
or scratched.
When using double-sided disc
Recording is possible on both sides of double-sided disc. 
However, when recording or playback on one side is 
finished, recording or playback will not move 
automatically to the other side. Remove the disc once 
from the DVD Video Camera, turn over the disc and insert 
it again for continued use.
lWhen using brand-new DVD-R disc
Recognition of the disc will 
start.
The messages on the right 
will appear in sequence by 
pressing the A button 
between messages.
When recording on this 
DVD Video Camera:
When the first message 
“Format the disc now?” 
appears, choose “YES” and 
then press the A button. 
The disc will be formatted. 
When formatting is 
complete, “DVD-R disc, 
Video mode cannot be 
changed” will appear (See 
page 154): After confirming 
the contents, press the A 
button to erase the 
message.
Once formatted, a DVD-R 
disc can no longer be 
recorded on by a PC, even if it has not been 
recorded on by this DVD Video Camera.
Note:See page 84 for movie quality mode.
When recording data from PC:
While the above messages are being displayed, 
press the g button, or when message “Format the 
disc now?” appears, choose “NO” and then press 
the A button.
If data from PC has not yet been recorded, the disc 
can be made usable on this DVD Video Camera. 
When inserting the disc into this DVD Video 
Camera, the same message will appear: If you wish 
to use it on this DVD Video Camera, choose “YES”.
Note:Do not initialize a disc on which you wish to record data 
created using the application DVDfunSTUDIO on PC.
NEXT
This disc must be formatted
before it can be used by
this camera. Format Disc
CANCEL
ENTER
Format the disc now? Format Disc
YESNO
NEXT
Format Disc
CANCEL
Do not format this disc
if you want to record from
the PC connection terminal.
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							48
Removing Disc
1
2
Open the cover by 
hand and remove 
the disc.
While pressing 
down on the spindle, 
grasp the edge of the disc 
and gently lift it out.
Note:Do not use excessive force 
when opening the cover.
Do not touch the pickup 
lens or the recording/
playback side of the disc.
If the disc cover is open, the power will not turn off even 
if the power switch is set to “OFF”.
When you open the lid, the ACCESS/PC indicator 
flashes red. Do not leave the lid open.
3Gently push the section 
labelled “PUSH CLOSE” 
on the cover of disc 
insertion compartment (on 
side) to close the cover.
Note:It is recommended that you turn the DVD Video Camera
off before inserting or removing disc to prevent
misoperation.
If the disc cover is open, the power will not turn off even 
if the power switch is set to “OFF”.
Do not remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC 
adaptor during removal of the disc or until power is 
completely turned off: If you do, the disc cover will not 
open. If this happens, reattach the battery pack or AC 
adaptor, push down the DISC EJECT lever once, and 
then release it.
Do not insert anything other than the 8 cm DVD-RAM or 
DVD-R disc into the disc insertion block: Doing so could 
cause malfunctions.
Set the power switch to “OFF” to turn the DVD Video 
Camera off.
When inserting or removing the disc, connect a charged 
battery pack or AC adaptor to the DVD Video Camera: 
The disc cover will not open unless the DVD Video 
Camera is powered.
Press down the DISC EJECT
lever once and release it. 
In a moment, the 
cover of disc 
insertion 
compartment 
will open 
slightly.
Pickup lens
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							49
Inserting and Removing Card
1
Turn the DVD Video Camera off.
2Open the LCD monitor.
3Open the cover of card 
insertion block.
4Insert card with its contacts 
inward until it locks.
Removing Card
Push the center of card 
edge: The card will come 
out so that it can be held by 
fingers.
5Close the cover of the card 
insertion block until you 
hear a click.
Note:Do not close the LCD monitor while the cover is open.Do not push the label pasting portion of Card when 
removing it: Doing so could damage Card.
No card is provided with this DVD Video Camera. Buy 
cards if you need them.
Label pasting 
portion
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							50
Basic Techniques
This section explains the basic techniques of recording movies and still images, and also basic settings 
on DVD Video Camera.
Basic Operation of DVD Video Camera
Turning DVD Video Camera On or Off
Set the switch to the appropriate recording function 
while holding down the button to the right of the 
power switch.
Power ON status
During playback, set the power switch to “ ” or 
“ ” when using disc, or set it to “ ” when using 
card.
Turn the switch while holding down the button at the 
right of switch.Note:Once you turn the DVD Video Camera on to let it 
recognize the disc, you can immediately record or play 
back the same disc when the DVD Video Camera is 
turned on again. However, if the disc is left in the camera 
for an extended period, it will take some time for the 
camera to recognize the disc again (See page 149).
It will take some time for the DVD Video Camera to display 
the Disc navigation screen after power is turned on.
When you turn the DVD Video Camera on, the ACCESS 
indicator will light or blink to show that the DVD Video 
Camera is recognizing the disc or card: During this time, 
no operation, such as recording, can be performed.
After several seconds, the ACCESS indicator will go out, 
and operating the DVD Video Camera will be possible. 
If the ACCESS indicator does not go out, refer to “Check 
4” on page 149.
When the DVD Video Camera is turned on, the self-
diagnosis function operates and a message may appear. 
In this case, refer to “Error Messages” on page 151 and 
take corrective action.
While the ACCESS/PC or CARD ACCESS indicator is lit 
or blinking, do not cause impact or vibration to the DVD 
Video Camera.
RotateWhile 
pressing
“”:
To record still on SD 
Memory Card or miniSD 
Memory Card
“OFF”:
The DVD Video Camera 
will turn off.
“”:
To record movie on DVD-
RAM or DVD-R disc
“”:
To record still on DVD-
RAM disc.Align with 
this position
ACCESS/PC 
indicator
CARD ACCESS 
indicator
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