Panasonic NV-GS50, NV-GS40 User Manual

Others

ª Lock Setting

≥The Lock Setting carried out by this Movie

Camera is only effective for this Movie Camera.

≥The SD Memory Card has a write protection

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

≥The MPEG4 data recorded by another Movie

Camera may not be able to cancel the lock
setting.

Cautions for Use

ª After Use
1 Take out the Cassette. (-12-)
2 Set the [OFF/ON/MODE] Switch to [OFF].
3 Take out the Card. (-38-)
4 Detach the power supply and retract the

Viewfinder or the LCD Monitor. (

5 To protect the Lens, attach the supplied

Lens Cap.

ª Cautions for Use

When you use your Movie Camera in a rainy
or snowy day or on a beach, make sure that
no water enters inside the Movie Camera.

≥Water may cause the Movie Camera or

Cassette to malfunction. (Irreparable failure
may occur.)

≥If sea water splashes onto the Movie Camera,

wet a soft cloth with tap water, wring it well, and
use it to wipe the camera body carefully. Then,
wipe it again thoroughly with a soft dry cloth.

Keep the Movie Camera away from
magnetized equipment (such as a microwave
oven, TV, video game equipment, etc.).

≥If you use the Movie Camera on or near a TV,

images or sounds may be disturbed due to
electromagnetic wave radiation.

≥Do not use near a cell phone because doing so

may cause noise to adversely affect the picture
and sound.

≥By strong magnetic fields created by speakers

or large motors, recording on the tape may be
damaged, or images may be distorted.

≥Electromagnetic wave radiation generated by a

microprocessor may adversely affect the Movie
Camera, causing the disturbance of images and
sounds.

≥If the Movie Camera is affected by magnetically

charged equipment and does not function
properly, turn off the Movie Camera power and
detach the Battery or AC Adaptor and then
connect the Battery or AC Adaptor again.
Thereafter, turn on the Movie Camera power.

-9-, -12-)

Do not use your Movie Camera near radio
transmitters or high-voltage lines.

≥If you record pictures near radio transmitters or

high-voltage lines, recorded images or sounds
may be adversely affected.

Do not use this Movie Camera for surveillance
purpose or other business use.

≥If you use the Movie Camera for a long period of

time, the internal temperature increases and,
consequently, this may cause malfunction.

≥This Movie Camera is not intended for business

use.

When you use your Movie Camera on a beach
or similar place, do not let sand or fine dust
get into the Movie Camera.

≥Sand or dust may damage the Movie Camera or

Cassette. (Care should be taken when inserting
and removing the Cassette.)

Do not spray insecticides or volatile
chemicals onto the Movie Camera.

≥If the Movie Camera is sprayed with such

chemicals, the camera body may be deformed
and the surface finish may peel off.

≥Do not keep rubber or plastic product in contact

with the Movie Camera for a long period of time.

Do not use benzine, thinner or alcohol for
cleaning the Movie Camera.

≥The camera body may be deformed and the

surface finish may peel off.

≥Before cleaning, detach the Battery or pull out

the AC Mains Lead from the AC mains socket.

≥Wipe the Movie Camera with a soft dry cloth. To

remove stubborn stains, wipe with a cloth that is
soaked in a detergent diluted with water and
afterward finish wiping with a dry cloth.

≥For storing or transporting the Movie Camera,

place it in a bag or case lined with soft pads so
as to prevent the coating on the camera body
from being worn.

After use, be sure to take the Cassette out and
detach the Battery from the Movie Camera or
pull out the AC Mains Lead from AC mains
socket.

≥If the Cassette is left in the Movie Camera, the

tape sags and deteriorates.

≥If the Battery is left on the Movie Camera for a

long time, the voltage drops excessively, and
the Battery will not function even after it is
recharged.

-61-

Others

ª About AC Adaptor

≥If the temperature of the Battery is extremely

high or extremely low, the [CHARGE] Lamp
may continue flashing, and the Battery may not
be charged. After the temperature of the Battery
has decreased or increased sufficiently,
charging starts automatically. If the [CHARGE]
Lamp continues to flash even after the Battery
temperature has decreased or increased
sufficiently, the Battery or AC Adaptor may be
faulty. In this case, please contact a dealer.

≥If the Battery is warm, charging takes a longer

time than normal.

≥If you use the AC Adaptor near a radio, radio

reception may be disturbed. Keep the AC
Adaptor 1 metre or more away from radio.

≥When the AC Adaptor is in use, it may generate

whirring sounds. However, this is normal.

≥After use, be sure to pull out the AC Mains Lead

from the AC mains socket. (If they are left
connected, a minute amount of current is
consumed.)

≥Keep the electrodes of the AC Adaptor and

Battery always clean.

ª Condensation

If the Condensation Indication flashes after the
Movie Camera is turned on, condensation has
formed inside the Movie Camera. In this case, the
Movie Camera power is turned off automatically
after about 1 minute.
Follow the steps below:

1 Take out the Cassette.

≥None of the other functions operate.

Depending on the amount of condensation,
removing the Cassette may even become
difficult. If this happens, wait for 2 to 3 hours
before taking the Cassette out.

2 Open the Cassette Compartment Cover and

wait for 2to 3hours.

≥The number of hours to wait depends on the

amount of condensation and ambient
temperature.

3 2 to 3 hours later, turn on the Movie Camera

power and check to see if the Condensation
Indication is displayed.

≥Even if the Condensation Indication is not

displayed, as a precaution, please wait for
another hour before using the Movie Camera.

Watch for Condensation even before the
Condensation Indication is displayed.

≥Because condensation takes place gradually,

the Condensation Indication may not be
displayed during the first 10 to 15 minutes of
condensation formation inside the Movie
Camera.

≥In extremely cold places, condensation may

freeze and form frost. In this case, the frost
melts first, thus forming condensation, and then
it takes another 2 to 3 hours to eliminate the
condensation.

When the Lens is Fogged:

Set the [OFF/ON/MODE] Switch to [OFF] and
leave the Movie Camera in this condition for
about 1 hour. When the lens temperature
becomes close to the ambient temperature, the
fog disappears naturally.

ª Video Head Clogging and Care

If the heads (the parts that make contact with
tape) are dirty, mosaic-pattern noise may appear
on the playback image, or the screen as a whole
becomes black. If the heads are extremely dirty,
recording performance deteriorates, and, in the
worst case, the Movie Camera cannot record at
all.

Causes of Dirty Heads

≥Large quantity of dust in the air
≥High-temperature and high-humidity

environment

≥Damaged tape
≥Long operating hours

Using Mini-DV Format Digital Video Head
Cleaner

1 Insert the Head Cleaner into the Movie

Camera in the same manner as a Video
Cassette.

2 Press the [1] Button, and approximately

20 seconds later, press the [∫] Button. (Do
not rewind the tape.)

3 Take out the Head Cleaner. Insert a Video

Cassette and start recording. Then, play the
tape back to check the recorded image.

4 If the image is not still clear, repeat

Steps 1 to 3. (Do not use the Head Cleaner
for 3 times or more consecutively.)

Notes:

≥Do not rewind every time you use the Head

Cleaner. Rewind only when the tape reaches
the end, and then use it again from the
beginning in the same manner as before.

≥If the heads become dirty soon after cleaning,

the tape may be damaged. In this case,
immediately stop using that Cassette.

≥Do not clean the heads excessively. (Excessive

cleaning may cause excessive wear of the
heads. If the heads are worn, images cannot be
played back even after the heads are cleaned.)

≥If the dirty heads cannot be cleaned with the

Head Cleaner, the Movie Camera needs to be
cleaned at a service centre. Please consult a
dealer.

≥Video Head Cleaners can be purchased from

service centres.

-62-

Others

≥Head cleaning due to dirty heads is not

considered a malfunction of the product. It is not
covered by the warranty.

Periodical Check-up

To maintain the highest image quality, we
recommend replacement of worn parts, such as
heads, etc., after approximately 1000 hours of
use. (This, however, depends on operating
conditions, such as temperature, humidity, dust,
etc.)

ª Optimal Use of the Battery

Battery Characteristics

This Battery is a rechargeable lithium ion battery.
Its ability to generate power is based upon the
chemical reaction that takes place inside it. This
reaction is susceptible to the surrounding
temperature and humidity, and, if the temperature
is too high or too low, the operating time of the
Battery becomes shorter. If the Battery is used in
an extremely cold environment, the Battery may
operate only for about 5 minutes. If the Battery
becomes extremely hot, a protective function may
operate, and the Battery may become unusable
for a while.

Be Sure to Detach the Battery after Use

Be sure to detach the Battery from the Movie
Camera. (If it is left attached to the Movie
Camera, a minute amount of current is consumed
even when the Movie Camera power is off.) If the
Battery is left attached to the Movie Camera for a
long time, over discharge takes place. The
Battery may become unusable after it is charged.

Disposing of an Unusable Battery

≥The Battery has a limited life.
≥Do not throw the Battery into fire because it may

cause an explosion.

Always Keep the Terminals of the Battery
Clean

Prevent the terminals from getting clogged with
dirt, dust, or other substances.
If you drop the Battery accidentally, check to see
if the Battery body and terminals are deformed.
Attaching a deformed Battery to the Movie
Camera or AC Adaptor may damage the Movie
Camera or AC Adaptor.

ª Cautions for Storage

Before storing the Movie Camera, take the
Cassette out and detach the Battery.

Store all the components in a dry place with a
relatively stable temperature.
(Recommended Temperature: 15 to 25oC,
Recommended Humidity: 40 to 60%)

Movie Camera

≥Wrap it with a soft cloth to prevent dust from

getting into the Camera.

≥Do not leave the Movie Camera in places that

expose it to high temperature.

Battery

≥Extremely high temperatures or low

temperatures will shorten the life of the Battery.

≥If the Battery is kept in smoky or dusty places,

the terminal may rust and cause malfunctions.

≥Do not allow the Battery terminals to come

in contact with metal objects (such as
necklaces, hairpins, etc.). This can result in
a short circuit or heat generation and, if you
touch the Battery in this condition, you may
be badly burned.

≥Store the Battery in a completely discharged

state. To store the Battery for a long period of
time, we recommend you charge it once every
year and store it again after you completely use
up the charged capacity.

Cassette

≥Before storing it, rewind the tape to the

beginning. If the Cassette is left for more than
6 months with the tape stopped midway, the
tape sags (although it depends on the storage
condition). Be sure to rewind to the beginning.

≥Store the Cassette in its case. Dust, direct

sunlight (ultraviolet rays), or humidity may
damage the tape. Dust contains hard mineral
particles, and dusty Cassettes damage the
heads of the Movie Camera and other
components. Develop a habit of returning the
Cassette back to its case.

≥Once every half year, wind the tape to the end

and then rewind it to the beginning. If the
Cassette is left for 1 year or longer without
winding or rewinding, temperature and humidity
changes may cause the Cassette to deform due
to swelling, shrinking, and so forth. The wound
tape may stick to itself.

≥Do not place a Cassette near highly magnetic

substances or equipment.

≥The surface of tape is covered with extremely

minute magnetic particles, upon which signals
are recorded. Magnetic necklaces, toys, etc.,
have magnetic force that is stronger than you
may normally expect, and they may erase the
contents of a recording or may cause noise in
images and sounds.

-63-

Others

Card

≥When the Card is being read, do not remove the

Card, turn off the power, or subject it to vibration
or impact.

≥Do not leave the Card in places where there is

high temperature or direct sunlight, or where
electromagnetic waves or static electricity are
easily generated.

≥Do not bend or drop the Card. The Card or the

recorded content may be damaged.

≥After use, be sure to remove the Card from the

Movie Camera.

≥After usage, store the supplied SD Memory

Card in the enclosed bag.

≥Do not touch the terminals on the back of the

Card with your fingers. Do not allow dirt, dust or
water to enter it.

ª LCD Monitor/Viewfinder/Lens Hood

LCD Monitor

≥In a place with drastic temperature changes,

condensation may form on the LCD Monitor.
Wipe it with soft dry cloth.

≥If your Movie Camera is extremely cold when

you turn its power on, the image on the LCD
Monitor is slightly darker than usual at first.
However, as the internal temperature increases,
it goes back to the normal brightness.

Extremely high precision technology is
employed to produce the LCD Monitor
screen featuring a total of approximately
113,000 pixels. The result is more than

99.99% effective pixels with a mere 0.01% of
the pixels inactive or always lit. However,
this is not a malfunction and does not affect
the recorded picture.

Viewfinder

≥Do not direct the Viewfinder or Lens to the sun.

Internal components may be seriously
damaged.

≥When the Movie Camera is used with a large

capacity Battery (CGA-DU21; optional)
attached to it, it is not practical to look in the
Viewfinder from behind the Battery.

Extremely high precision technology is
employed to produce the Viewfinder screen
featuring a total of approximately 67,500
pixels for NV-GS40 and approximately
113,000 pixels for NV-GS50. The result is
more than 99.99% effective pixels with a
mere 0.01% of the pixels inactive or always
lit. However, this is not a malfunction and
does not affect the recorded picture.

Lens Hood

≥Do not attach other conversion lenses in front of

the Lens Hood; there is no mount to be used for
the attachment.

≥When you wish to attach the Tele Conversion

Lens (VW-LT2714N2E; optional), Wide
Conversion Lens (VW-LW2707N2E; optional),
MC Protector (VW-LMC27E; optional), or ND
Filter (VW-LND27E; optional), first of all, turn
the Lens Hood counterclockwise. If the MC
Protector or ND Filter is used, the Lens Hood
can be mounted on the filter.

≥If you push the [W/T] Lever toward [W] during

recording with the filter and conversion lens
attached together to the Movie Camera,
4 corners of the image may become dark
(vignetting). For details, please refer to the
operating instructions of your accessories.

≥Be sure to keep the Lens Hood attached to the

Movie Camera so as to shut out unnecessary
light.

Before Requesting Repair (Problems
and Solutions)

Power
1: The Movie Camera power cannot be turned

on.

• Is the power source connected correctly? (

2: The Movie Camera power is turned off

automatically.

• If you leave the Movie Camera in Recording
Pause Mode for more than 6 minutes, the
power is turned off automatically to protect the
tape or a Card and to save the Battery power.

-18-, -38-)

(

3: The Movie Camera power does not stay on

long enough.

• Is the Battery low? Charge the Battery or
attach a fully charged Battery. (

• Has condensation occurred? Wait until the
Condensation Indication disappears. (

Battery
1: Battery runs down quickly.

• Is the Battery fully charged? Charge it with the
AC Adaptor. (

• Are you using the Battery in an extremely cold
place? In cold places, the operating time of the
Battery becomes shorter. (

• Has the Battery worn out? If the operating time
is still too short even after the Battery is fully
charged, the Battery has worn out.

2: The Battery cannot be charged.

• If the DC Input Lead is connected to the AC
Adaptor, charging cannot be performed.
Disconnect the DC Input Lead.

-10-)

-10-)

-63-)

-9-)

-62-)

-64-

Others

Normal Recording
1: Recording does not start although power is

supplied to the Movie Camera and the
Cassette is correctly inserted.

• Is the accidental erasure prevention slider on
the Cassette open? If it is open (set to [SAVE]),
recording cannot be performed. (

-12-)

• Is the tape wound to the end? Insert a new
Cassette. (

• Is the Movie Camera power turned on? (

-12-)

-18-)

• Is the [CAMERA] Lamp on? If the [CAMERA]
Lamp is not on, no recording function can be
operated. (

-18-)

• Has condensation occurred? Wait until the
Condensation Indication disappears. (

-62-)

Other Recording
1: Auto Focus Function does not work.

• Is Manual Focus Mode selected? If Auto Focus
Mode is selected, focus is automatically
adjusted. (

-26-)

• There are some recording subjects and
recording surroundings for which the Auto
Focus Function does not operate correctly. In
this case, use the Manual Focus Mode to
adjust the focus. (

-66-)

Editing
1: Audio dubbing cannot be performed.

• Is the accidental erasure prevention slider on
the Cassette open? If it is open (set to [SAVE]),
recording cannot be performed. (

-12-)

• Are you attempting to edit a tape portion that
was recorded in LP Mode? LP Mode does not
allow audio dubbing to operate. (

-17-)

Indications
1: The Time Code becomes inaccurate.

0 The Time Code Indication counter may not be

constant in the reverse direction in Slow Motion
Playback Mode, but this is not a malfunction.

2: The Remaining Tape Time Indication

disappears.

• When you record still pictures in Photoshot
Mode, the Remaining Tape Time Indication
may disappear temporarily. However, it
reappears when recording normally.

3: The Remaining Tape Time Indication does

not match the actual remaining tape time.

• If scenes of less than 15 seconds are
continuously recorded, the remaining tape time
cannot be displayed correctly.

• In some cases, the Remaining Tape Time
Indication may show remaining tape time that
is 2 to 3 minutes shorter than the actual
remaining tape time.

Playback (Pictures)
1: Pictures cannot be played back even when

the [1] Button is pressed.

0 Is the [VCR] Lamp on? If the [VCR] Lamp is not

on, the playback function cannot be used. (

-30-)

2: Mosaic-pattern noise appears on images

during Cue, Review or Slow Motion
Playback.

• This phenomenon is characteristic of digital
video systems. It is not a malfunction.

3: Although the Movie Camera is correctly

connected to a TV, playback images cannot
be seen.

• Have you selected “Video Input” on the TV?
Please read the operating instructions of your
TV and select the channel that matches the
input sockets used for the connection.

4: Playback picture is not clear.

• Are the heads of the Movie Camera dirty? If the
heads are dirty, playback image cannot be

-62-)

clear. (

Playback (Sound)
1: Sound is not played back from the built-in

speaker of the Movie Camera or the
headphones.

0 Is the volume too low? During playback, keep

pressing the [PUSH] Dial until the [VOLUME]
Indication appears. Then, turn the [PUSH] Dial
to adjust the volume. (

-30-)

2: Different sounds are reproduced at the

same time.

• [12bit AUDIO] on the
[PLAYBACK FUNCTIONS] Sub-Menu of the
[VCR FUNCTIONS] Main-Menu has been set
to [MIX]. As a result, the original sound and
sound that was recorded by audio dubbing are
played back together. It is possible to
reproduce the sounds separately. (

-36-)

3: The original sound was erased when audio

dubbing was performed.

• If you perform audio dubbing on a recording
done in [16bit] Mode, the original sound will be
erased. If you wish to preserve the original
sound, be sure to select [12bit] Mode at the
time of recording.

4: Sounds cannot be played back.

• Although a Cassette with no audio dubbing is
being played, is [12bit AUDIO] on the
[PLAYBACK FUNCTIONS] Sub-Menu of the
[VCR FUNCTIONS] Main-Menu set to [ST2]?
To play back a Cassette with no audio dubbing,
[12bit AUDIO] must be set to [ST1]. (

-36-)

• Is the Variable Speed Search Function
working? Press the [1] Button to cancel the
Variable Speed Search Function. (

-30-)

-65-