Panasonic NV-GS150EP, NV-GS140EP User Manual

Operating Instructions

Instrukcja obsługi

Digital Video Camera

Model No. NV-GS150EP

NV-GS140EP

R

Before use, please read these instructions completely.

Przed pierwszym włączeniem kamery prosimy o dokładne przeczytanie
instrukcji obsługi.

VQT0P88

Information for your safety

As this equipment gets hot during use,
operate it in a well-ventilated place; do
not install this equipment in a confined
space such as a bookcase or similar unit.

To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock
or product damage, do not expose this
equipment to rain, moisture, dripping or
splashing and ensure that no objects
filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be
placed on the equipment.

AC Adaptor
≥The rating plate is on the underside of

the AC Adaptor.

ª Carefully read the Operating

Instructions and use the Movie
Camera correctly.

≥Injury or material damage resulting from any

kind of use that is not in accordance with the
operating procedures explained in these
Operating Instructions are the sole
responsibility of the user.

Operating instructions

≥These operating instructions cover the

NV-GS150 and NV-GS140.

≥The illustrations in these operating instructions

are for the model NV-GS150, but part of the
description is for other models.

≥Some functions are not available depending on

the model.

Try out the Movie Camera.

Be sure to try out the Movie Camera before
recording your first important event and check
that it records properly and functions correctly.

≥The Movie Camera uses copyright-protected

technologies and is protected by the patented
technologies and intellectual properties of
Japan and the U.S. To use these copyright­protected technologies, authorization of the
Macrovision Company is required. It is
prohibited to disassemble or modify the Movie
Camera.

≥Windows is a trademark or registered trademark

of Microsoft Corporation U.S.A.

≥SD Logo is a trademark.
≥Leica is a registered trademark of Leica

microsystems IR GmbH and Dicomar is a
registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.

≥All other company and product names in the

operating instructions are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective
corporations.

Files recorded on SD Memory Card

It may not be possible to play back the files on
this Movie Camera recorded on and created by
other equipment or vice versa. For this reason,
check the compatibility of the equipment in
advance.
≥Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children

to prevent swallowing.

Pages for reference

Pages for reference are indicated by dashes
either side of a number, for example:

The menu operation flow is indicated by >> in the
description.

-00-

ª Warning

To prevent electric shock, do not remove the
cover (or back); there are no user serviceable
parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

The manufacturer is not liable for loss of
recorded contents.

The manufacturer shall in no event be liable for
the loss of recordings due to malfunction or defect
of this Movie Camera, its accessories or
cassettes.

Carefully observe copyright laws.

Recording of pre-recorded tapes or discs or other
published or broadcast material for purposes
other than your own private use may infringe
copyright laws. Even for the purpose of private
use, recording of certain material may be
restricted.

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ª EMC Electric and magnetic

compatibility

This symbol (CE) is located on the rating
plate.

Use only the recommended accessories.

≥Do not use any other AV cables and USB

cables except the supplied one.

≥When you use the cable which are sold

separately, please make sure to use the one
whose length is less than 3 metres.

Contents

ENGLISH

Information for your safety ................................... 2

Before using

Accessories.......................................................... 4

Optional................................................................ 4

Parts identification and handling .......................... 4

Fitting the lens cap (optional) ............................... 7

The one-touch free-style grip belt ........................ 7

Using the LCD monitor......................................... 8

Using the viewfinder............................................. 8

Power supply ....................................................... 9

Charging time and recordable time .................... 10

Inserting/removing a cassette............................ 10

Inserting/removing a card .................................. 11

Using the lens cover .......................................... 12

Turning the camera on....................................... 12

Selecting a mode ............................................... 13

How to use the joystick ...................................... 13

Switching the language ...................................... 14

Using the menu screen ...................................... 15

Setting date and time ......................................... 16

Adjusting LCD monitor/viewfinder ...................... 16

Using the remote control.................................... 17

Free style remote control with mic ..................... 19

Record mode

Check before recording...................................... 20

Recording on a tape........................................... 21

Recording still pictures on a card while

recording image onto a tape............................ 21

Check the recording........................................... 22

Blank search function......................................... 22

Recording still pictures onto a card

(Photoshot)...................................................... 22

Zoom in/out function .......................................... 24

Recording yourself ............................................. 24

Quick start.......................................................... 25

Backlight compensation function ....................... 25

Night view functions........................................... 25

Soft skin mode ................................................... 26

Tele-macro function ........................................... 26

Fade in/fade out function ................................... 27

Wind noise reduction function............................ 27

Using the built-in video flash .............................. 27

Self-timer recording............................................ 28

Recording images for wide-screen TVs ............. 29

Image stabilizer function .................................... 29

Continuous Photoshot........................................ 30

Recording in various situations

(Scene mode).................................................. 30

Recording in natural colours

(White balance)............................................... 31

Manual focus adjustment ................................... 32

Manual shutter speed/aperture adjustment........ 32

Playback mode

Playing back tape............................................... 34

Slow-motion playback/

frame-by-frame playback................................. 35

Variable-speed search function.......................... 35

Playback on TV .................................................. 36

Playing back card............................................... 36

Deleting files recorded on a card ....................... 37

Formatting a card............................................... 38

Protecting files on a card.................................... 38

Writing the printing data on a card

(DPOF setting) ................................................ 38

Edit mode

Recording from a tape onto a card..................... 39

Copying onto a DVD recorder or a VCR

(Dubbing)......................................................... 39

Using the DV Cable for Recording

(Digital Dubbing).............................................. 40

Audio dubbing .................................................... 41

Printing pictures by directly connecting to

the printer (PictBridge) .................................... 42

Menu

Menu list............................................................. 43

Menus related to taking pictures ........................ 45

Menus related to playback ................................. 45

Other menus ...................................................... 46

Others

Indications.......................................................... 47

Warning/alarm indications.................................. 48

Functions cannot be used simultaneously ......... 49

Before requesting repair

(Problems and solutions)................................. 50

Cautions for Use ................................................ 54

Explanation of terms .......................................... 57

Specifications

Specifications ..................................................... 59

3

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Before using

Before using

Accessories

The followings are the accessories supplied with
this product.

1)

VSK0651B

2)

5)

K2KC4CB00018

7)

K2GJ2DZ00018

3)

CR2025

N2QAEC000012

VFA0425B

1) AC adaptor, DC input lead, AC mains lead

-9-

2) Battery pack -9-

3) Remote control, button-type battery -17-

4) Free style remote control with mic -19-

5) AV cable -39-

6) Shoulder strap -6-

7) USB cable and CD-ROM -42-

Optional

1) AC adaptor (VW-AD11E)

2) Battery pack (lithium/CGR-DU06/640mAh)

3) Battery pack (lithium/CGA-DU07/680mAh)

4) Battery pack (lithium/CGA-DU12/1150mAh)

5) Battery pack (lithium/CGA-DU14/1360mAh)

6) Battery pack (lithium/CGA-DU21/2040mAh)

7) Wide conversion lens (VW-LW3707M3E)

8) Tele conversion lens (VW-LT3714M2E)

9) Filter kit (VW-LF37WE)

10) Video DC light (VW-LDC10E)

11) Video DC light (VW-LDH3E)

12) Light bulb for video DC light (VZ-LL10E)

13) Light bulb for video DC light (VW-LL3E)

14) Stereo zoom microphone (VW-VMH3E)

15) Stereo microphone (VW-VMS2E)

16) Video flash (VW-FLH3E)

17) Tripod (VW-CT45E)

18) DV cable (VW-CD1E)

19) Jacket pouch (VW-SJ05E)
≥Some optional accessories may not be

available in some countries.

K2CQ2DA00003

4)

N2QCBD000030

6)

VFC3506-1A

Parts identification and handling

ª Camera

(1)

(2)
(3)

(4)

(1) Built-in video flash -27-

Recording lamp -45-

(2)

Microphone (built-in, stereo) -24-, -27-

(3)

Grip belt

(4)

(One-touch free style grip belt)
Lens (LEICA DICOMAR)

(5)
(6) White balance sensor -31-

Remote control sensor -18-
Lock button -7-

(7)

Lock cover -7-

(8)

(12)

AV/

(9)

REMOTE/MIC

(10)

(11)

Audio-video output terminal [AV] -39-

(9)

≥Use the supplied AV cable or headphones

only, otherwise audio may not be played
back normally.

Headphone terminal [Ë]

(10) Terminal for free style remote control

with mic [REMOTE]

-19-

Microphone terminal [MIC]

≥A compatible plug-in powered microphone

can be used as an external microphone.

≥When the movie camera is connected with

AC Adaptor, sometimes noise may be heard
depending on microphone type. In that
case, please switch to battery for power
supply and noise will stop.

(11) USB terminal [ ] -42-

Speaker -34-

(12)

(5)

(6)

(7)
(8)

-7-

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(13)

(14)

(15)

S-VIDEO

(16)
(17)

(18)
(19)

(20)
(21)
(22)

(23)

Before using

(26)
(27)

(28)

(29)
(30)

(31)
(32)

Reset button [RESET] -49-
Power LCD button [POWER LCD] -16-
Power LCD lamp -16-
Mode select switch [AUTO/MANUAL/
FOCUS]

-20-, -30-, -32-

Card access lamp -12-
DV terminal [DV] (Input function on
NV-GS150 Model only)

-40-

Card slot cover -11-
Card slot -11-

(34)

(35)

(13) Viewfinder -8-, -57-

Due to limitations in LCD production
technology, there may be some tiny bright or
dark spots on the Viewfinder screen.
However, this is not a malfunction and does
not affect the recorded picture.

(14)

Battery holder

(15) Battery release lever [BATT] -9-

Power switch [OFF/ON] -12-

(16)

Power lamp -12-

(17)

Quick start recording button

(18)

[QUICK START]

-25-

Quick start recording lamp -25-
Menu button [MENU] -1 5-

(19)

Joystick -13-

(20)

Mode dial -13-

(21)

Recording start/stop button -21-

(22)
(23)

S-Video output terminal [S-VIDEO] -36-

(26)
(27)

(24)
(25)

(24)

LCD monitor -8-, -57-

(28)
(29)

(30)
(31)

(32)

Due to limitations in LCD production
technology, there may be some tiny bright or
dark spots on the LCD monitor screen.
However, this is not a malfunction and does
not affect the recorded picture.

(25) LCD monitor open part [OPEN] -8-

(33)

(33)

Cassette holder -10-
Lens cover open/close ring -12-

(34)

Cassette eject lever [OPEN/EJECT] -10-

(35)

Cassette cover -10-

(36)

Zoom lever [W/T] -24-

(37)

Volume lever [s /VOLr] -34-

(38)

Photoshot button [PHOTO SHOT] -21-

(39)

(39)

Smart accessory shoe

The stereo zoom microphone /VW-VMH3E
(optional) or the video DC light/VW-LDH3E
(optional) should be mounted here.
≥When using an accessory for the smart

accessory shoe, the power is supplied from this

product.

(36)

(37)
(38)

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Before using

(40)

(40) Tripod receptacle

This is a hole for attaching the camera to optional
tripod/VW-CT45E. (Please carefully read the
operating instructions for how to attach the tripod
to the camera.)
≥When the tripod is used, operate the camera

from the free style remote control with mic for
convenience. (When not using the remote
control, attach the clip to the grip belt for
convenience. When you move with remote
control attached to a pocket, etc., take care to
avoid falling of the tripod.)

≥You cannot open the card slot cover when the

tripod is used. Insert the card first and then
attach the tripod.

1

(42)

(42) Lens hood

2

In order to remove the lens hood, rotate it
counterclockwise 1. In order to fit it, put into slot
2, and then rotate it clockwise.
≥Fit the MC protector or the ND filter of the Filter

Kit (VW-LF37WE; optional) in front of the lens

hood. Do not fit the other accessories on the

hood.
≥When fitting the tele conversion lens

(VW-LT3714M2E; optional) or the wide

conversion lens (VW-LW3707M3E; optional),

first remove the lens hood.
≥When 2 lens accessories, such as the ND filter

and tele conversion lens, are fitted and the

[W/T] lever is pressed toward the [W] side, the

4 corners of an image will be darkened.

(Vignetting)
≥The lens hood has a built-in lens cover.

(41)

(41) Shoulder strap fixture

1

3

2

≥Put the strap through the fixture 1 and through

the stopper 2 so it will not come off. Extend
part 3 by at least 2 cm.

≥Fit the other end of the belt similarly.

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Before using

Fitting the lens cap (optional)

Fit the lens cap to protect the surface of the lens.
If you do not use the movie camera when the MC
protector or the ND filter of the Filter Kit
(VW-LF37WE; optional) is attached to the front of
the lens hood, attach the lens cap to protect the
surface of the lens.

1 Remove the grip belt. Run the end of the

lens cap cord through the hole in the grip
belt attachment part and run the lens cap
through the lens cap cord.

≥The lens cap removed can be hung on the lens

cap fixture. (It cannot be hung if the grip belt is
used as a hand strap.)

≥To fit or remove the lens cap, hold both sides of

the lens cap with the tips of your first 2 fingers.

The one-touch free-style grip belt

ª To use as a hand strap

If you use the grip belt as a hand strap, then you
can carry or handle this camera more easily.

1 Open the lock cover 1 by pinching the

projections 2 on both sides. Press the lock
button 3 to remove the grip belt.

2

1

≥When removing the grip belt, tightly hold the

camera with both hands.
≥After removing the grip belt, restore the lock

cover to the original position.

2 Adjust the belt length.

1 Flip the belt.
2 Slide 1 in the direction indicated by the arrow.
3 Fix the belt.

3 Put your hand through the strap.

1

1

3

2

3

≥Use the free style remote control with mic for

more convenience.
≥Hold the movie camera not to cover the

microphones or the sensors with your hands.

To restore the strap to the grip belt

ª
≥When returning the grip belt to the grip belt

attachment part, press the lock cover 1 and

check if the grip belt is securely locked.

1

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Before using

ª To use as a grip belt

Adjust the belt length so it fits your hand.

1 Adjust the belt length and the pad position.

2

3

1

1 Flip the belt.
2 Adjust the length.
3 Fix the belt.

Using the LCD monitor

You can record the image while viewing it on the
LCD monitor opened.

1 Put a finger on the LCD monitor open part

and pull the LCD monitor out in the
direction of the arrow.

OPEN

≥The viewfinder will go off.
≥It can open up to 90o.

2 Adjust the angle of the LCD monitor as you

prefer.

Using the viewfinder

ª Extending the viewfinder

1 Pull out the viewfinder and extend it by

pinching the extension knob.

ª

Adjusting the field of view

1 Adjust the focus by sliding the eyepiece

corrector knob.

12:30:4512:30:4512:30:45

1.4. 20051.4. 20051.4. 2005

≥You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder

from the menu.

12:30:45

1.4. 2005

2 90o1 180o

≥It can rotate up to 180o 1 towards the lens or

90o 2 towards the viewfinder.

≥The brightness and colour level of the LCD

monitor can be adjusted from the menu.

≥If it is forcibly opened or rotated, the camera

may be damaged or fail.

≥Check that the card slot cover is closed.
≥When the LCD monitor is rotated by 180o

towards the lens (when recording yourself), the
LCD monitor and the viewfinder will be
simultaneously activated.

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Before using

Power supply

ª Charging the battery

When this product is purchased, the battery is not
charged. Charge the battery before using this
product.

≥Battery charging time (
≥We recommend using Panasonic batteries.
≥If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee

the quality of this product.

≥If the DC input lead is connected to the AC

adaptor, then the battery will not get charged.
Remove the DC input lead from the AC adaptor.

1 Connect the AC mains lead to the AC

adaptor and the AC mains socket.

2 Put the battery on the battery mount by

aligning the mark, and then securely plug it
in.

Charging lamp

ª

Lights up:Charging
Goes off: Charging completed
Flashing: The battery is over discharged

ª

(discharged excessively). In a while,
the lamp will light up and normal
charging will start.
When the battery temperature is
excessively high or low, the [CHARGE]
lamp flashes and the charging time will
be longer than normal.

Connecting to the AC outlet

-10-)

3 Connect the DC input lead to this product.

≥The output plug of the AC mains lead is not

completely connected to the AC adaptor
socket. As shown in 1, there is a gap.

≥Do not use the power cord for other

equipment since the power cord is exclusively
designed for the movie camera. Or do not use
the power cord of other equipment for the
movie camera.

Fitting the battery

ª

Push the battery against the battery holder and
slide it until it clicks.

Removing the battery

ª

While sliding the [BATT] lever, slide the battery
(or the DC input lead) to remove it.

BATT

≥Hold the battery with your hand so it does not

fall.

1

1 Connect the AC mains lead to the AC

adaptor and the AC mains socket.

2 Connect the DC input lead to the AC

adaptor.

9

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Before using

/

T

Charging time and recordable time

The times shown in the table below show the
times at a temperature of 25oC and a humidity of
60%. This is just a guide. If the temperature is
higher or lower than the specified value, the
charging time will become longer.

Supplied

battery/

CGA-DU12

(7.2 V/

1150 mAh)
CGA-DU14

(7.2 V/

1360 mAh)

CGA-DU21

(7.2 V/

2040 mAh)

CGR-DU06

(7.2 V/

640 mAh)

CGA-DU07

(7.2 V/

680 mAh)

A Charging time
B Maximum continuously recordable time
C Intermittent recordable time

(The intermittent recordable time refers to
recordable time when the recording and stopping
operations are repeated.)
“1 h. 10 min.” indicates 1 hour 10 minutes.

≥The battery CGA-DU12 is supplied.
≥The times shown in the table are rough

estimates. The times indicate the recordable
times when the viewfinder is used. The times in
parentheses indicate the recordable times when
the LCD monitor is used.

≥We recommend the Battery Pack CGA-DU12,

CGA-DU14 and CGA-DU21 for long time
recording (2 hours or more for continuous
recording, 1 hour or more for intermittent
recording).

≥The recordable time will become shorter in the

following cases:

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A 2 h. 25 min.
B 2 h. 15 min.

(2 h. 5 min.)

C 1 h. 10 min.

(1 h. 5 min.)

A 2 h. 45 min.
B 2 h. 40 min.

(2 h. 30 min.)

C 1 h. 20 min.

(1 h. 15 min.)

A 3 h. 55 min.
B 4 h.

(3 h. 45 min.)

C 2 h.

(1 h. 55 min.)

A 1 h. 40 min.
B 1 h. 15 min.

(1 h. 10 min.)

C 40 min.

(35 min.)

A 1 h. 30 min.
B 1 h. 20 min.

(1 h. 15 min.)

C 40 min.

(40 min.)

≥When you use both the viewfinder and the

LCD monitor simultaneously while rotating
the LCD monitor frontward to record yourself,
using the 0 lux night view function, etc.

≥When you use this camera with the LCD

monitor lit up by pressing the [POWER LCD]
button.

≥When you use accessories fitted on the

camera’s smart accessory shoe such as the
stereo zoom microphone and video DC light,
etc.

≥The batteries heat up after use or charging. The

main unit of the movie camera being used will

also heat up. This is normal.
≥Along with the reduction of the battery capacity,

the display will change: r # s #

t # u # v. If the battery

discharges, then u (v) will flash.

Inserting/removing a cassette

1 Slide the [OPEN/EJECT] lever and open the

cassette cover.

OPEN
EJEC

≥When the cover is fully opened, the cassette

holder will come out.

2 After the cassette holder is opened, insert/

remove the cassette.

≥When inserting a cassette, orient it as shown

in the figure, and then securely insert it as far
as it goes.

≥When removing, pull it straight out.

3 Push the [PUSH] mark 1 in order to close

the cassette holder.

1

PUSH

4 Only after the cassette holder is completely

housed, close the cassette cover.

≥After using, make sure to rewind the cassette

completely, remove it, and put it in a case. Store

the case in an upright position. (

-56-)

Before using

≥When condensation is formed on the lens or the

main unit of the movie camera, even if no
condensation alarm is indicated, condensation
may have formed on the heads or the cassette
tape. Do not open the cassette cover. (

When the cassette holder does not

ª

-54-)

come out

≥Close the cassette cover completely, and then

open it again completely.

≥Check if the battery has run down.

When the cassette holder cannot be

ª

housed

≥Set the [OFF/ON] switch to [OFF], then to [ON]

again.

≥Check if the battery has run down.

Inserting/removing the cassette

ª
≥When the cassette holder is in action, do not

touch anything except the [PUSH] mark.

≥When inserting a previously recorded cassette,

use the blank search function to find the position
where you want to continue recording. If you
overwrite-record on a previously recorded
cassette, be sure to find the position where you
continue recording.

≥Close the cassette cover tightly.
≥When closing the cassette cover, do not get

anything, such as a cable, caught in the cover.

Accidental erasure prevention

ª

If the accidental erasure prevention slider 1 of a
cassette is opened (slide in the direction of the
[SAVE] arrow), the cassette cannot be recorded.
When recording, close the accidental erasure
prevention slider of the cassette (slide in the
direction of the [REC] arrow).

1

R E C

SAVE

Inserting/removing a card

Before inserting/removing a card, be sure to turn
the power [OFF].
≥If the card is inserted or removed with the power

turned on, this camera may malfunction or the

data recorded on the card may be lost.

1 Open the LCD monitor and then open the

card slot cover.

2 Insert/remove the card into/from the card

slot.

1

≥When inserting a card, face the label side 1

towards you and push it straight in with one
stroke as far as it goes.

≥When removing the card, open the card slot

cover and press the centre of the card and
then pull it straight out.

3 Securely close the card slot cover.

Concerning the card

ª
≥Do not touch the terminals on the back of the

card.
≥Do not format the card with another movie

camera or any personal computer. This

operation may make the card unusable.
≥Electrical noise, static electricity, or failure of the

movie camera or the card may damage or erase

the data stored on the card. We recommend

saving important data on a personal computer

by using a USB cable, PC card adaptor, and

USB reader/writer.

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Before using

ª Card access lamp

≥When the camera accesses the card (reading,

recording, playback, erasing, etc.), the access
lamp lights up.

≥If the following operations are performed when

the access lamp is lit, then the card or the
recorded data may be damaged or the camera
may malfunction.

≥Opening the card slot cover and inserting or

removing the card

≥Operating the [OFF/ON] switch or the mode

dial

SD Memory Card

ª
≥The memory capacity indicated on the SD

Memory Card label corresponds to the total
amount of capacity to protect and manage the
copyright and the capacity available as
conventional memory for a movie camera,
personal computer or other equipment.

Concerning the write protection

ª

switch on the SD Memory Card

≥The SD Memory Card has a write protection

switch on it. If the switch is moved to [LOCK],
you cannot write to the card, erase the data on
it, or format it. If it is moved back, you can.

Using the lens cover

For the lens protection, be sure to close the lens
cover when not in use.

1 Rotate the lens cover open/close ring.

Turning the camera on

When the camera is turned on with the lens cover
closed, the automatic white balance adjustment
may not function properly. Please turn the camera
on after opening the lens cover.

How to turn on the power

ª

While pressing the button 1, set the

1

[OFF/ON] switch to [ON].

≥The power lamp lights up.

1

OFF

ON

POWER

ª

How to turn off the power

1 While pressing the button 1, set the

[OFF/ON] switch to [OFF].

≥The power lamp goes off.

1

OFF

ON

POWER

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Before using

Selecting a mode

Rotate the mode dial to select the desired mode.

1 Rotate the mode dial.

≥Set your desired mode to 1.

P

1

: Tape recording mode

Use this when you record the image on a tape.
(Also, you can simultaneously record still pictures
on a card while recording images on a tape.)

: Tape playback mode

Use this to play back a tape.

: Card recording mode

Use this to record still pictures on a card.

: Picture playback mode

Use this to play back the still pictures recorded on
a card.

:PC mode

PC

You can view or edit the images recorded on a
card on your personal computer.
(Refer to the operating instructions for PC
connection.)

C

How to use the joystick

ª Basic joystick operations

Operations on the menu screen and selection
of files to be played back on the multi-image
display

Move the joystick up, down, left, or right to select
an item or file, and then push in the centre to set
it.

1

3

4

2

1 Select by moving up.
2 Select by moving down.
3 Select by moving left.
4 Select by moving right.
5 Determine by pushing the centre.

Joystick and screen display

ª

Push the centre of the joystick, and icons will be
displayed on the screen. Each push switches the
display as follows depending on the mode.
(In the Tape playback mode or the Picture
playback mode, the icons will be automatically
displayed on the screen.)

1) Tape recording mode

([AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] switch is set to
[AUTO])

5

OFF

3 Tele-macro
4 Soft skin mode -26-
2 Fade -27-
1 Backlight compensation -25-
3 Night view/0 Lux night view -25-
4 Recording check -22-

-26-

13

VQT0P88

Before using

2) Tape recording mode
([AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] switch is set to
[MANUAL])

4 White balance

Shutter speed
Iris or gain value

1 Select/Adjust -31-
2 Select/Adjust -31-

3) Tape playback mode

OFF

3 Playback/pause -34-
4 Stop -34-
2 Rewind (review playback) -34-
1 Fast forward (cue playback) -34-

4) Card recording mode
([AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] switch is set to
[AUTO])

OFF

OFF

-31-

5) Card recording mode
([AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] switch is set to
[MANUAL])

OFF

4 White balance

Shutter speed
Iris or gain value

1 Select/Adjust -31-
2 Select/Adjust -31-

6) Picture playback mode

OFF

3 Playback/stop -36-
4 Erase -37-
2 Playback previous picture -36-
1 Playback next picture -36-

Switching the language

You can switch the language on the screen
display or the menu screen.

1 Set [LANGUAGE] >> select the desired

language.

-31-

3 Tele-macro -26-
4 Soft skin mode -26-
1 Backlight compensation -25-

14

VQT0P88

Before using

Using the menu screen

For each individual menu, please refer to -43-.

1 Press the [MENU] button.

MENU

≥The menu corresponding to the mode

selected by the mode dial is displayed.

≥Do not switch the mode dial when the menu is

displayed.

2 Move the joystick up or down in order to

select the top menu.

3 Move the joystick right or press it to set the

selection.

4 Move the joystick up or down in order to

select the sub-menu.

6 Move the joystick up or down in order to

select the item to be set.

7 Press the joystick to determine the setting.

To exit the menu screen

ª

Press the [MENU] button.

To get back to the previous screen

ª

Move the joystick left.

About the menu setting

ª
≥The menu screen does not appear during

recording. And you cannot record when the
menu screen appears.

ª

Operating with remote control

The menu screen transition is the same as when
the buttons on the main unit are used.

1 Press the [MENU] button.

5 Move the joystick right or press it to set the

selection.

VAR .

SEARCH

MENU

ENTER

2 Select a menu item.

≥Use the direction buttons (π, ∑, ∏, ∫) and

[ENTER] button in place of the joystick on the
main unit.

VAR .

SEARCH

MENU

ENTER

15

VQT0P88

Before using

3 Press the [MENU] button to exit the menu

screen.

VAR .

SEARCH

MENU

ENTER

Setting date and time

If the screen shows the incorrect date/time, then
adjust it.

≥Set to Tape Recording Mode or Card

Recording Mode.

1 Set [BASIC] >> [CLOCK SET] >> [YES].

2 Move the joystick left or right in order to

select the item to be set. Then move the
joystick up or down to set the desired value.

≥The year will change as follows:

2000, 2001, ..., 2089, 2000, ...

≥The 24-hour clock is used.

3 Press the joystick to determine the setting.

≥The clock function starts at [00] seconds.

About date/time

ª
≥The date and time function are driven by a built-

in lithium battery.

≥Make sure to check the time before recording

because the built-in clock is not very accurate.

Recharging the built-in lithium battery

ª
≥If [0] or [--] is indicated when the camera is

turned on, then the built-in lithium battery runs
down. Connect the AC adaptor to the camera or
place the battery on the camera, and the built-in
lithium battery will be recharged. Leave the
camera as is for approx. 24 hours, and the
battery will drive the date and time for approx. 6
months. (Even if the [OFF/ON] switch is set to
[OFF], the battery is still being recharged.)

Adjusting LCD monitor/viewfinder

ª Adjusting the brightness and colour

level

Set [SETUP] >> [LCD SET] or [EVF SET] >>

1

[YES].

2 Move the joystick up or down in order to

select the item to be adjusted.

[LCD SET]

:Brightness of the LCD monitor

:Colour level of the LCD monitor

[EVF SET]

:Brightness of the viewfinder

EVF

3 Move the joystick left or right to move the

bar indication representing the brightness.

4 Press the [MENU] button or the joystick to

complete the settings.

≥In order to adjust the brightness of the

viewfinder, close the LCD monitor, and the
viewfinder will be activated.

≥When the LCD monitor is rotated by 180°

towards the lens, the brightness of the LCD
monitor cannot be adjusted.

≥These settings will not affect the images actually

recorded.

In order to increase the brightness of

ª

the entire LCD monitor

Press the [POWER LCD] button.

1

POWER LCD

≥The [POWER LCD] lamp lights up.
≥If the [POWER LCD] button is pressed, the

entire LCD monitor will become approx. twice
as bright as the normal.

16

VQT0P88

Before using

≥Press this button again, and the lamp will go off

and the brightness will revert back to the original
brightness.

≥This will not affect the images to be recorded.
≥If you turn on the camera when the AC adaptor

is used, the [POWER LCD] function will
automatically be activated.

Changing the picture quality on the

ª

LCD monitor

Set [SETUP] >> [LCD AI] >> [DYNAMIC] or

1

[NORMAL].

[DYNAMIC]: The image on the LCD monitor

[NORMAL]: Switches to the standard picture

≥The effect will vary depending on the scene

recorded.

≥The picture quality on the viewfinder will not be

affected.

≥This function is automatically set to [DYNAMIC]

when the brightness of the LCD monitor is
increased (when the [POWER LCD] lamp lights
up) and cannot be set to [NORMAL]
independently.

≥This will not affect the images to be recorded.
≥When the LCD monitor is rotated by 180°

towards the lens, the picture quality of the LCD
monitor is temporarily adjusted as if the
[LCD AI] is set to [NORMAL].

becomes clear and vivid. Optimum
contrast and brightness are set
depending on the scenes recorded.
Clear and brilliant images are
presented. (The effect will vary
depending on the images
recorded.)

quality.

Using the remote control

ª Remote control

Using the remote control supplied will enable
controlling almost all the functions of this camera
to be controlled.

(1)
(2)

V

STILL ADV

(1) Date/time button [DATE/TIME] -43-

On-screen display button [OSD] -36-

(2)

Record button [¥REC]

(3)

(NV-GS150 only)

(4)

Audio dubbing button [A.DUB] -41-
Direction buttons [π, ∑, ∏, ∫] -15-

(5)

V

STILL ADV

(6)

Slow/frame-by-frame forward button

(6)

[E, D] (E: reverse, D: forward)
Zoom/volume button [ZOOM/VOL] ¢

(7)
(8) Search button [VAR. SEARCH] -35-

Menu button [MENU] -15-

(9)

START/

PHOTO

DATE/

STOP

SHOT

OSD

TIME

ZOOM

(3)

T

¥REC

A.DUB

(4)

W

PLAY

/REW

FF/

W

VOL

PAUSE

STILL ADV

STOP

VAR.

MENU

SEARCH

(5)

ENTER

-40-

START/

PHOTO

DATE/

STOP

SHOT

OSD

TIME

ZOOM

T

¥REC

A.DUB

(7)

W

/REW

FF/

PLAY

W

VOL

PAUSE

STILL ADV

STOP

SEARCH

VAR.

(8)

MENU

(9)

ENTER

-35-

STILL ADV

START/

PHOTO

DATE/

STOP

(14)

SHOT

OSD

TIME

ZOOM

(15)

T

¥REC

A.DUB

(16)

W

/REW

FF/

PLAY

W

VOL

PAUSE

STILL ADV

STOP

VAR.

MENU

SEARCH

ENTER

(10)

V

(11)
(12)
(13)

Photoshot button [PHOTO SHOT] ¢

(10)
(11) Rewind/review button [6]
(12) Pause button [;]

(17)

17

VQT0P88

Before using

(13) Stop button [∫]
(14) Recording start/stop button [START/

STOP] ¢

(15) Playback button [1]
(16) Fast forward/cue button [5]
(17) Enter button [ENTER] -15-

¢ means that these buttons function in the same
manner as the corresponding buttons on the
movie camera.

Install a button-type battery

ª

Install the button-type battery supplied in the
remote control before using it.

1 While pressing the stopper 1, pull out the

battery holder.

1

2 Set the button-type battery with its (i) mark

facing upward and get the battery holder
back in place.

Caution

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.

Warning

Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not
recharge, disassemble, heat above 100xC or
incinerate. Keep the Button-Type battery out
of the reach of children. Never put Button­Type battery in mouth. If swallowed call your
doctor.

Remote control usable range

ª

Selecting the remote control mode

ª

If 2 cameras are used simultaneously, set the
mode for one pair of movie camera and remote
control to [VCR1] and that of the other pair to
[VCR2]. This will prevent interference between
the 2 pairs. (The default setting is [VCR1]. When
the button-type battery is replaced, the setting will
revert to the default [VCR1].)

1 Setting on the camera:

Set [SETUP] >> [REMOTE] >> [VCR1] or
[VCR2].

2 Setting on the remote control:

STILL ADV

VOL

STILL ADV

2 1

PAUSE

STOP

[VCR1]:
Press [D] and [∫] simultaneously. 1
[VCR2]:
Press [E] and [∫] simultaneously. 2

Concerning the button-type battery

ª
≥When the button-type battery runs down,

replace it with a new battery (part number:
CR2025). The battery is normally expected to
last about 1 year, but it depends on operation
frequency.

≥Keep the button-type battery out of the reach of

children.

≥If the remote control mode of the camera and

that of the remote control do not match with
each other, “REMOTE” will appear. When the
remote control is operated for the first time after
the camera is turned on, “CHECK REMOTE
MODE” (

-48-) will appear and operation is

impossible. Set the same remote control mode.

≥The remote control is intended for indoor

operation. Outdoors or under strong light, the
movie camera may not operate properly even
within the usable ranges.

≥Within a 1 metre range, you can operate the

remote control from beside the remote control
sensor (LCD monitor side) of the movie camera.

≥The distance between the remote control and

the camera: Within approx. 5 m
Angle: Approx. 10o up and 15o down, left, and
right

18

VQT0P88

Before using

Free style remote control with mic

This controller can be used from different high
and low angles. It is also handy when a tripod is
used. When you do not use the controller, attach
the clip to the grip belt. Left-handed users can use
this camera more easily.

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(1) Microphone [MIC]
(2) Recording start/stop button [REC]
(3) Zoom lever [W/T]
(4) Photoshot button [PHOTO SHOT]
(5) Microphone switch button [TALK]

ª

Connect the free style remote control
with mic to the camera

1 Plug the free style remote control with mic

into the [REMOTE] terminal as far as it
goes.

REMOTE/MIC

About the clip (on the backside)

ª

When you move with the clip fitted to your pocket
or elsewhere, beware of knocking over the tripod
and causing the camera to fall off the table.

≥The [PHOTO SHOT] button on the free style

remote control with mic cannot be pressed
halfway.

≥If the pin plug of the control is not inserted

securely into the [REMOTE] terminal as far as it
will go, normal operation may not be ensured.

≥Before using, make sure that the plug is

inserted securely into the terminal as far as it
will go.

Switching the microphone

ª

Press the [TALK] button on the free style remote
control with mic, and the microphone on the
remote control will be activated instead of that on
the camera.

≥While this button is being pressed, [ ] appears

and the microphone on the remote control is
activated.

≥We recommend you talk with the microphone

approx. 10 cm away from your mouth.

19

VQT0P88

Record mode

Check before recording

Check the following by trying recording before
important events such as weddings in order to
verify that the image recording and audio
recording work properly and that you know how to
use the movie camera.

Basic camera holding

ª

1)

2)

3)

1) Hold the camera with both hands.

2) Run your hand through the grip belt.

3) Do not cover the microphones or sensors with
your hands.

4) Keep your arms near your body.

5) Slightly open your legs.

≥When you are in the open air, record pictures

with the sunlight as far in the background as
possible. If the subject is backlit, it will become
dark in the recording.

Check points

ª
≥Open the lens cover. (-12-)

(When the camera is turned on with the lens
cover closed, the automatic white balance
adjustment may not function properly. Please
turn the camera on after opening the lens
cover.)

≥Grip belt adjustment (
≥Power supply (
≥Insert a cassette/card (
≥Setting date/time (
≥Adjustment of LCD monitor/viewfinder (
≥Getting the remote control ready (
≥Setting SP/LP mode (

20

VQT0P88

-7-)

-9-)

-10-, -11-)

-16-)

-17-)

-20-)

Record mode

4)

5)

-16-)

About auto mode

ª
≥Set the [AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] switch to

[AUTO], and colour balance (white balance) and
focusing will be adjusted automatically.

≥Auto white balance:
≥Auto focusing: -58-

≥Colour balance and focus may not be adjusted

depending on light sources or scenes. If so,
manually adjust the white balance and focus.

≥Scene mode setting (
≥White balance setting (
≥Shutter speed setting (
≥Iris/gain value setting (
≥Focus setting (

Recording mode

ª

You can switch the tape recording mode.

≥Set to Tape Recording/Playback Mode.

(Tape Playback Mode on NV-GS150 Model
only)

-58-

AUTO
MANUAL

FOCUS

-30-)

-31-)

-32-)

-32-)

-32-)

1 Set [BASIC] or [ADVANCE] >> [REC SPEED]

>> [SP] or [LP].

If the LP mode is selected, the recording time will
be 1.5 times the SP mode, but some functions will
be disabled.

≥We recommend using the SP mode for

important recording.

≥In order to fully exhibit the performances of the

LP mode, we recommend using Panasonic
cassettes marked LP mode.

≥It is not possible to dub audio onto image

recorded in the LP mode. (

≥In the LP mode, the picture quality will not be

degraded in comparison with the SP mode, but
mosaic noise may appear on the playback
image or some functions may be disabled.

≥Playback on other digital video equipment

or on digital video equipment without the LP
mode

≥Playback of the image on other digital video

equipment recorded in the LP mode

≥Slow/frame-by-frame playback

-41-)

Record mode

Recording on a tape

Open the lens cover. (-12-)
(When the camera is turned on with the lens
cover closed, the automatic white balance
adjustment may not function properly. Please turn
the camera on after opening the lens cover.)

≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.

P

C

1 Press the recording start/stop button to

start recording.

2 Press the recording start/stop button again

to pause recording.

Concerning the remaining tape time

ª

indication on the screen

≥The remaining tape time is indicated in minutes.

(When it reaches less than 3 minutes, the
indication starts flashing.)

≥During a 15-second or shorter recording, the

remaining tape time indication may not be
displayed or the remaining tape time may not be
displayed correctly.

≥In some cases, the remaining tape time

indication may display remaining tape time that
is 2 to 3 minutes shorter than the actual
remaining tape time.

Recording still pictures on a card
while recording image onto a tape

You can record still pictures while recording
image onto a tape.

≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.

1 Press the [PHOTO SHOT] button fully while

recording image onto a tape.

;

≥For the recording time on a tape, refer to
≥Carry out a recording check (

-22-) to verify that

-10-.

the image is recorded properly.

≥In order to find the unrecorded section, carry out

the blank search (

ª

On-screen display in the tape

-22-) .

recording mode

1)

R0:30

¢These indications are displayed only when the

card is inserted.

1) Recording time elapse

2) Remaining tape indication

3) Still picture size

4) Number of recordable still pictures
(When no picture can be recorded, this
indication will flash in red.)

5) Quality of still pictures

0h00m10s00f

2)

3)¢

100

4)¢

5)¢

PHOTO
SHOT

≥For the number of still pictures to be recorded

on a card, refer to

-60-.

≥When recording pictures onto a card, the

recording start/stop button is disabled.

≥You can select a picture quality for still pictures

to be recorded. (

-23-)

≥The sizes of pictures to be recorded are [640].
≥In order to record still pictures with higher

quality, we recommend using the card recording
mode.

≥If the wide mode is used, you cannot record

images onto the card.

≥The [PHOTO SHOT] button does not work if it is

pressed halfway.

VQT0P88

21

Record mode

Check the recording

The last image recorded is played back for 2 to
3 seconds. After checking, the camera will be set
to a recording pause.

≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.

1 Press the joystick during the recording

pause until the icon 1 appears.

2 Move the joystick down to select the

recording check icon [ ].

1

Blank search function

Searches for the last part of the image recorded
(unused part of the tape).

≥Set to Tape Recording/Playback Mode.

(Tape Playback Mode on NV-GS150 Model
only)

1 Set [BASIC] or [ADVANCE] >>

[BLANK SEARCH] >> [YES].

Stopping blank search midway

ª

through

Move the joystick down.

≥If the cassette tape has no blank part, then the

camera will stop at the end of the tape.

≥The camera stops at a point approx. 1 second

before the end of the last image recorded.
When you start recording at that point, the
image can be recorded seamlessly from the last
image.

Recording still pictures onto a card
(Photoshot)

≥Set to Card Recording Mode.

PC

1 Press the [PHOTO SHOT] button halfway in

order to adjust focusing. (For auto focusing
only)

≥The iris/gain value is fixed and this camera

focuses on the subject automatically.

PHOTO
SHOT

1

2

1 Shutter chance mark

± (The white lamp flashes.):

¥ (The green lamp lights up.):

No mark: When focusing is unsuccessful
≥The shutter chance mark is indicated as follows

when the [PHOTO SHOT] button is not pressed
halfway. Please use it as a guide for recording.

¥ (The green lamp lights up.):

± (White lamp lights up.):

2 Focus area

2 Press the [PHOTO SHOT] button fully.

To record still pictures clearly

ª
≥When zooming in on the subject with a

magnification of 4k to 10k or higher, it is
difficult to reduce the slight shaking from holding
the movie camera by hand. We recommend
decreasing the zoom magnification and
approaching the subject when recording.

≥When recording still pictures, hold the movie

camera firmly with your hands and keep your
arms stationary at your side so as not to shake
the movie camera.

≥You can record stable pictures without shaking

by using a tripod and the remote control.

Focusing

When in focus

When in focus and a good picture
can be recorded

Almost in focus

22

VQT0P88

Record mode

≥For the number of still pictures to be recorded

on a card, refer to

≥The sound cannot be recorded.
≥While data are recorded on a card, do not

operate the mode dial.

≥When the access lamp is lit, do not insert or

remove a card.

≥Another product may degrade or not play back

data recorded on this camera.

≥If set [PICT. QUALITY] >> [ ], mosaic-pattern

noise may appear on a playback image
depending on the picture content.

≥When the [PICTURE SIZE] is set to other than

[640], the mega pixel recording mode is set.

≥When the picture size setting is other than [640],

the scene around the subject can be recorded
wider than that in [640].

On-screen display in the card

ª

-60-.

recording mode

1)

100

2)

1) Still picture size

2) Number of recordable still pictures
(When no pictures can be recorded, the red
light will flash.)

3) Quality of still pictures

Progressive Photoshot

ª

You can record still pictures with higher picture
quality and frames. (You cannot switch the
progressive function off/on.)

3)

Select the picture quality for

ª

photoshot images

Set [BASIC] >> [PICT. QUALITY] >> select

1

the desired picture quality.

[ ]: High picture quality
[ ]: Normal picture quality
≥You can also change the picture quality on

[ADVANCE] >> [PICT. QUALITY] in the tape
recording mode.

Recording with a shutter operation

ª

effect

You can add a shutter operation simulating
sound.

1 Set [ADVANCE] >> [SHTR EFFECT] >> [ON].

About the shutter chance mark

ª
≥The shutter chance mark does not appear in

manual focus mode.

≥When the subject is not easily focused, focus on

the subject manually.

≥You can record still pictures on the card even if

the shutter chance mark does not appear, but
pictures may be recorded without being
focused.

≥The shutter chance mark does not appear or

becomes difficult to be displayed in the following
cases.

≥When the zoom magnification is high.
≥When the movie camera is shaken.
≥When the subject is moving.
≥When the subject stands against the light

source.

≥When close subjects and far subjects are

included in the same scene.

≥When the scene is dark.
≥When there is a bright part in the scene.
≥When the scene is filled with only horizontal

lines.

≥When the scene lacks contrast.

Concerning the focusing area

ª
≥When there is a contrasting object ahead or

behind the subject in the focus area, the subject
may not be focused. If so, move the contrasting
object out of the focus area.

≥In the tape recording mode, the progressive

function may be disabled depending on the
other functions used. (

ª

Select the size of still pictures to be

-49-)

recorded on a card

1 Set [BASIC] >> [PICTURE SIZE] >> select

the desired picture size.

[1760]: 1760k1320
[1280]: 1280k960
[640]: 640k480

23

VQT0P88

Record mode

Zoom in/out function

You can zoom in up to 10koptically.
≥Set to Tape/Card Recording Mode.

1 Wide-angle recording (zoom out):

Push the [W/T] lever towards [W].
Close-up recording (zoom in):
Push the [W/T] lever towards [T].

VOL

5tW

T

T

10tW

T

1tW

≥When zooming in and taking a picture while

holding the movie camera by hand, we
recommend using the image stabilizer function.

≥When you are zooming on a faraway subject, a

sharper focus is achieved if the recording
subject is 1.2 metres or further from the movie
camera.

≥When the zoom speed is high, the subject may

not be focused easily.

≥When the zoom magnification is 1k, the movie

camera can focus on a subject approx. 4 cm
distant from the lens.

Digital zoom function

ª

If the zoom magnification exceeds 10 times, then
the digital zoom function will be activated. The
digital zoom function allows you to select a
magnification from 20k to 500k.

1 Set [ADVANCE] >> [D.ZOOM] >> [20k] or

[500k].

To use the zoom microphone function

ª

Interlocked with the zooming operation, the
microphone will collect sounds clearly far away
with the tele-shot or those in the vicinity with the
wide-angle shot.

≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.

1 Set [ADVANCE] >> [ZOOM MIC] >> [ON].

ZOOM

About the variable speed zoom

ª

function

≥When pushing the [W/T] lever as far as it will go,

you can zoom from 1k to 10k in 2.1 second at
the maximum.

≥The zoom speed varies according to the amount

of movement of the [W/T] lever.

≥For the free style remote control with mic, the

zoom speed changes in 2 stages.

≥The variable speed zoom function cannot be

used with the remote control.

Recording yourself

You can record yourself while viewing the LCD
monitor. You can record persons in front of the
camera while presenting them the image. The
image is horizontally flipped as if you see a mirror
image. (The image to be recorded is the same as
that recording.)

1 Rotate the LCD monitor towards the lens

side.

20tW

T

[OFF]: Optical zoom only (Up to 10k)
[20k]: Up to 20k
[500k]: Up to 500k
≥The larger the digital zoom magnification, the

more the image quality is degraded.

≥When the Card Recording mode is used, the

digital zoom function cannot be used.

24

VQT0P88

≥When the LCD monitor is opened, the

viewfinder will be automatically turned off. If the
LCD monitor is rotated towards the lens side
though, then the viewfinder will be activated.

≥When the LCD monitor is rotated towards the

lens side, the icon will not be displayed even if
you push the centre of the joystick.

Record mode

Quick start

This camera will be put into standby in approx.

1.7 seconds after the power is turned on.

≥This is only activated in the following cases.

≥A tape or a card is inserted, while the Tape

Recording Mode is set.

≥A card is inserted, while the Card Recording

Mode is set.

1 Press the [QUICK START] button.

QUICK

START

≥The quick start recording lamp lights up.

(Press the button again to cancel it.)

2 Set the [OFF/ON] switch to [OFF].

OFF

ON

POWER

≥The quick start is now ready.

3 Set the [OFF/ON] switch to [ON].

≥This camera will be put into a recording

pause in approx. 1.7 seconds after it is turned
on.

To cancel the quick start when the

ª

power is [OFF]

Press and hold the [QUICK START] button for
approx. 2 seconds. The lamp will go off and the
camera will be completely turned off.
≥If the standby continues for approx. 30 minutes,

then the lamp will go off and the camera will be
completely turned off.

≥When you rotate the mode dial or remove the

battery, the quick start recording lamp is turned
off and the quick start mode is cancelled. If the
movie camera is turned on and the Tape/Card
Recording Mode is set though, the lamp turns
on and the quick start mode is restored.

≥When the camera is quick-started with the white

balance on automatic, it may take some time
until the white balance is adjusted if the scene
being recorded has a light source different from
the scene last recorded. (When the colour night
view function is used, however, the white
balance of the scene last recorded is retained.)

≥The zoom magnification may differ from when it

is in the quick start standby mode and when the
recording starts.

≥Since about half the power of normal recording

is used in quick start standby, using quick start
reduces the recordable time.

Backlight compensation function

This protects a backlit subject from being
darkened.

≥Set to Tape/Card Recording Mode.

1 Press the joystick until the icon 1 appears.
2 Move the joystick right to select the

backlight compensation icon [ ].

ª

≥The image on the screen will become

brighter.

To return to normal recording

ª

Select the [ ] icon again.

≥If you operate the [OFF/ON] switch or the mode

dial, the backlight compensation is cancelled.

1

Night view functions

This function allows you to record colour subjects
in dark locations to stand out against the
background.
Attach the camera to a tripod, and you can record
images free from vibration.

≥Only manual focusing can be used.
≥Recorded scene is seen as if frames were

missed.

Colour night view function

You can record dark locations brightly in colour.

0 Lux night view function

You can record completely dark locations with the
light of the LCD monitor.

≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.

1 Press the joystick until the icon 1 appears.
2 Move the joystick up to select the night

view icon [ ].

1

≥Each upward press switches the modes.

OFF # Colour night view function # 0 Lux
night view function # OFF

VQT0P88

25

Record mode

3 (In the case of 0 lux night view function)

Rotate the LCD monitor towards the lens
side.

≥When the LCD monitor is reversed, the

Power LCD Lamp turns on and the screen is
lit in white.

≥Record the subject while viewing it on the

viewfinder.

≥The light of the LCD monitor reaches approx.

1.2 m or less.

To cancel the colour night view

ª

function

Select the night view icon until the night view
indication disappear.

≥If set in a bright place, the screen may become

whitish for a while.

≥The night view function makes the signal

charging time of CCD up to approximately 25k
longer than usual, so that dark scenes invisible
to the naked eye can be recorded brightly. For
this reason, bright dots that are usually invisible
may be seen, but this is not a malfunction.

≥The night view function is canceled when you

operate the power switch or the mode dial.

Soft skin mode

This allows the skin colour to be recorded in a
softer tone. This is more effective if you record the
bust image of a person.

≥Set to Tape/Card Recording Mode.

1 Press the joystick until the icon 1 appears.
2 Move the joystick down to select the soft

skin icon [ ].

1

ª

To cancel the soft skin mode

Select the [ ] icon again.

≥If the background or anything else in the scene

has colours similar to the skin colour, they will
also be smoothed.

≥If the brightness is insufficient, the effect may

not be clear.

Tele-macro function

By focusing only on the subject and blurring the
background, the image can be impressive. This
camera can focus on the subject at a distance of
approx. 40 cm.

≥Set to Tape/Card Recording Mode.

1 Press the joystick until the icon 1 appears.
2 Move the joystick up to select the

tele-macro icon [ ].

1

26

VQT0P88

≥If the magnification is 10k or less, then it is

automatically set to 10k.

ª

To cancel the tele-macro function

Select the [ ] icon again.

≥If a sharper focus cannot be achieved, adjust

the focus manually.

≥In the following cases, the tele-macro function is

cancelled.

≥The zoom magnification becomes lower than

10k.

≥The [OFF/ON] switch or the mode dial is

operated.

Record mode

Fade in/fade out function

Fade in

The image and audio gradually appear.

Fade out

The image and audio gradually disappear.

≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.

1 Press the joystick until the icon 1 appears.
2 Move the joystick left to select the fade icon

[].

B

3 Press the recording start/stop button.

Start recording. (fade in)

When you start recording, the image/audio
disappeared completely and the image/audio
gradually appears.

Pause recording. (fade out)

The image/audio gradually disappears. After the
image/audio completely disappears, recording
stops.

1

Wind noise reduction function

This reduces the wind noise coming into the
microphone when recording.

≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.

1 Set [BASIC] >> [WIND CUT] >> [ON].

To cancel the wind noise reduction

ª

function

Set [BASIC] >> [WIND CUT] >> [OFF].

≥Reduces the wind noise depending on the wind

strength. (If this function is activated in strong
winds, the stereo effect may be reduced. When
the wind weakens, the stereo effect will be
restored.)

Using the built-in video flash

Use the built-in video flash in order to record still
pictures in dark places.

≥Set to Tape/Card Recording Mode.

1 Set [ADVANCE] >> [FLASH] >> [ß] or [ßA].

≥If [ßA] is selected, then the video flash will

automatically flash as necessary.

2 Press the [PHOTO SHOT] button.

PHOTO
SHOT

To cancel fading

ª

Select the [ ] icon again.

To select the colour for fade in/out

ª

The colour which appears in fading pictures can
be selected.

1 Set [SETUP] >> [FADE COLOUR] >>

[WHITE] or [BLACK].

≥While the fade in/fade out function is selected, it

takes several seconds to display the image
when you start recording images. Besides, it
also takes several seconds to pause recording.

≥The video flash is activated and the picture

will be recorded.

≥You cannot use the built-in video flash unless

the card is inserted in the movie camera.

≥The movie camera, even when its video flash

has been turned off, automatically determines if
the flash is necessary by detecting the ambient
brightness. (If it determines that the flash is
necessary, the [ ] indication lights up in
yellow.)

≥When the [ß] ([ßi]/[ßj]) indication or the [ßA]

([ßAi]/[ßAj]) indication is displayed, the video
flash can be lit. If the indication is flashing or not
displayed, the flash cannot be lit.

≥The available range of the video flash is approx.

1 to 2.0 metres in a dark place. Pictures will
appear dark or reddish when they are recorded
by using the video flash at distances greater
than 2.0 metres.

27

VQT0P88

Record mode

≥When set [FLASH] >> [ßA] and the shutter

speed, iris or gain is adjusted, the indication
(either [ßA], [ßAi], or [ßAj]) may disappear
and the video flash may not be lighted.

≥Using the video flash fixes the shutter speed of

1/750 s or faster to 1/500.

≥The picture may become out of focus in a dark

place. If so, adjust the focus manually.

≥The picture may appear dark if video flash is lit

in front of a white background.

≥A conversion lens (optional) can block the flash

and may cause a vignetting effect.

≥Do not use the flash with the ND filter (optional)

attached.

≥Set the flash to [ ] where using a flash is

prohibited.

≥Do not block the flash by hand or any other

means.

When the video flash is not used

ª

Set [ADVANCE] >> [FLASH] >> [ ].

ª

To adjust the brightness of the video
flash

Set [ADVANCE] >> [FLASH LEVEL] >>

1

select the desired brightness level.

[ßj]: If the brightness is too high ([ßj] or

[ßd0]: In normal recording (the [ß] or [ßA]

[ßi]: If the brightness is insufficient ([ßi]

Red eye reduction function

ª

Reduces the phenomena where human eyes
become red from flashes.

[ßAj] indication will appear.)

indication will appear.)

or [ßAi] indication will appear.)

1 Set [ADVANCE] >> [RED EYE] >> [ON].

≥Using the video flash outdoors or with backlight

or other bright conditions may result in white
blotches (colour blotches) on the pictures. If so,
either adjust the iris manually or use the
backlight compensation function, without using
the flash.

≥Carefully read the operating instructions for the

video flash.

Self-timer recording

You can record still pictures on a card using the
timer.

≥Set to Card Recording Mode.

1 Set [BASIC] >> [SELF TIMER] >> [YES].
2 Press the [PHOTO SHOT] button.

PHOTO
SHOT

≥After the recording lamp and the [ ]

indication flashes for approx. 10 seconds,
recording will start. After recording, the
self-timer will be cancelled.

≥You cannot press the [PHOTO SHOT] button

half way. Focusing will be carried out with
reference to the focusing frame.

To stop the timer midway through

ª

Press the [MENU] button.

≥By operating the [OFF/ON] switch or mode dial,

the self-timer standby mode is cancelled.

≥If the continuous photoshot recording is set, the

maximum recordable pictures are recorded.

≥Red eye phenomenon may appear depending

on the recording conditions.

Using the video flash VW-FLH3E

ª

(optional)

≥The video flash permits still picture recording in

a dark place 2.0 metres or more distant. The
available range of the video flash is approx. 1 to
4metres.

≥When the video flash becomes ready to flash,

the [ß] indication appears.

≥The optional video flash and the built-in video

flash cannot be used simultaneously.

≥The brightness of the video flash cannot be

adjusted.

≥The shutter speed, iris/gain, and white balance

become fixed.

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VQT0P88

Record mode

Recording images for wide-screen
TVs

This allows you to record images compatible with
wide-screen TVs.

Wide Function

Images are recorded with a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Cinema Function

Images are recorded with a black belt appearing
along the top and bottom of the screen so that
they look like theatre movies.

≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.

1 Wide Function

Set [ADVANCE] >> [ASPECT] >> [16:9].
Cinema Function
Set [ADVANCE] >> [CINEMA] >> [ON].

CINEMA

To cancel the Wide/Cinema function

ª

Wide Function

Set [ADVANCE] >> [ASPECT] >> [4:3].

Cinema Function

Set [ADVANCE] >> [CINEMA] >> [OFF].

≥When the Wide Function is activated, the

display such as the menu screen or the
operation icon is expanded horizontally.

≥Images played back vary depending on the TV

connected. Please refer to the operating
instructions for your TV.

≥This function does not widen the recording

range.

≥When images are played back on a TV screen,

the date/time indication may be erased in some
cases.

≥Depending on the TV, the picture quality may

deteriorate.

≥When a cinema picture is imported into a

personal computer, the imported picture may
not be displayed correctly, depending on the
software in used.

≥If you use a TV with an aspect ratio of 4:3, we

do not recommend using the wide mode.
(Images are vertically stretched.)

≥If the wide function is set when the Image

stabilizer function is used, the image stabilizer
function will be canceled.

Image stabilizer function

Reduces the image shaking due to hand
movement when recording.

≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.

1 Set [ADVANCE] >> [SIS] >> [ON].

To cancel the image stabilizer function

ª

Set [ADVANCE] >> [SIS] >> [OFF].

≥When a tripod is used, we recommend that you

turn the image stabilizer off.

≥Under fluorescent lighting, image brightness

may change or colours may not look natural.

≥If the image stabilizer is set when the wide

function is used, the wide function will be
canceled.

≥When the night view function is used, the image

stabilizer function does not work. If so, the [[]
indication flashes.

≥In the following cases, the image stabilizer

function may not work effectively.

≥When the digital zoom is used
≥When a conversion lens is used
≥When recording is done in an extremely dark

place

≥When the camera is shaken greatly
≥When you record a moving subject while

tracking it

29

VQT0P88

Record mode

Continuous Photoshot

Records still pictures continuously at a certain
interval.

≥Set to Card Recording Mode.

1 Set [BASIC] >> [PICTURE SIZE] >> [640].
2 Set [ADVANCE] >> [BURST MODE] >> [ON].

3 Press and hold the [PHOTO SHOT] button.

PHOTO
SHOT

To stop continuous photoshot

ª

midway through

Release the [PHOTO SHOT] button.

≥The camera records up to 10 still pictures at

intervals of 0.5 seconds. If the shutter speed is
manually set to 1/25, then the still pictures can
be recorded at intervals of 0.7 seconds.

≥One more still picture may be recorded after you

release the [PHOTO SHOT] button.

≥The flash is not used.
≥If set [SELF TIMER] >> [YES], the movie

camera records the maximum number of
pictures recordable.

≥Intervals between recording pictures may

become longer depending on the card. We
recommend using a Panasonic SD Memory
Card.

≥When using the card formatted by other

equipment or a card that was recorded and
erased repeatedly, the intervals between
recording pictures may become longer. If so,
back up your important data on a PC, and
format your card with this movie camera.

Recording in various situations
(Scene mode)

When you record images in different situations,
this mode automatically sets optimum shutter
speeds and apertures.

≥Set to Tape/Card Recording Mode.

1 Set the [AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] switch to

[MANUAL].

AUTO
MANUAL

FOCUS

2 Set [BASIC] >> [SCENE MODE] >> select the

desired mode.

1)

3)

5)

1) [5] Sports mode

≥To record sports scenes or scenes where

there are quick motions

2) [ ] Portrait mode

≥To make persons stand out against the

background

3) [ ] Low light mode

≥To record dark scenes so they are brighter

4) [ ] Spotlight mode

≥To record subjects spotlit in a party or

theatre

5) [ ] Surf & snow mode

≥To record images at dazzling places such

as ski slopes and beaches

To cancel the scene mode function

ª

Set [BASIC] >> [SCENE MODE] >> [OFF] or set
the [AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] switch to [AUTO].

2)

4)

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VQT0P88

Sports mode

≥For slow-motion playback or playback pause

of recorded pictures, this mode presents free
of camera shakes.

≥During normal playback, the image

movement may not look smooth.

≥Avoid recording under fluorescent light,

mercury light or sodium light because the
colour and brightness of the playback image
may change.