Panasonic PV-A16, PV-53D Owner’s Manual

nason/c

Palrnco dc

Camcorder

Operating Instructions

TM

PV-53 [v.sl_

Consists of PV-53D/PV-A16

Before attempting to connect, operate or adjust this product, please read these instructions completely.

Spanish Quick Use Guide is included. Gufa para rapida consulta en espa5ol esta_incluida.

VQTW0456

Thank you for choosing Panasonic!

You have purchased one of the most
sophisticated and reliable products on the market

today. Used properly, we're sure it will bring you

and your family years of enjoyment. Please take

time to fill in the information at right. The serial

number is on the tag located on the underside of
your Palmcorder. Be sure to retain this manual as

your convenient Palmcorder information source.

Make sure the accessories shown below are packed

with your Palmcorder. They are provided to help you

use or set up the Palmcorder.

_Date of Purchase

Dealer Purchased From

Dealer Address
Dealer Phone No.

Model No. PV-53D/PV-A16

Serial No.

1 pc. AC Adaptor
(PV-A16)

Cable

with DC _

1 pc. VHS PlayPak
(PV-P1) and one

"AA" battery

(VYMS006_

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMEN[ IO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.

Your Compact VHS Palmcorder is designed to
record and play back in Standard Play (SP) and
Super Long Play (SLP) modes. You can also play
a Compact VHS Palmcorder recording on your

VHS VCR using the VHS PlayPak supplied.

1 pc. Battery Pack
(PV-BP17)

1 pc. 8-Function

Remote (VSQS1200)

1 pc. Colo_
Enhancement Light
(VUAW0481)

] p_;.Audio/Video
Cable (VJAW0017 or

VJPS0216)

Q

2 pc. CR2025 Battery
(VSBW0004)

This Palmcorder is equipped with the HQ System

to provide excellent video pictures, and is
compatible with standard VHS equipment.

It is recommended that only cassette tapes that
have been tested and inspected for use in VCR
machines with the V_l"d and/or _ mark be

used.

1 pc. Shoulder Strap

(VYCW0028)

2

itude to cause electric shock.

erous to make any kind of contact with

Therefore, it should be read carefully in order to
avoid any problems.

1.

Read Instructions -- All the safety and operating
instructions should be read before the unit is operated.

2.

Retain Instructions -- The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future reference.

3.

Heed Warnings -- All warnings on the unit and in the
operating instructions should be adhered to.

4.

Follow Instructions -- All operating and maintenance

instructions should be followed.

5.

Cleaning -- Unplug this video unit from the wall outlet
before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

Use a dry cloth for cleaning.

6.

Attachments -- Do not use attachments not
recommended by the video product manufacturer as they

may be hazardous.

7.

Water and Moisture -- Do not use this video unit near
water-- for example near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen

sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a
swimming pool, and the like.

8,

Accessories -- Do not place this video unit on an

unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The video
unit may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult,
and serious damage to the unit. Use only with a cart,
stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the

manufacturer, or sold with the video unit. Any mounting
of the unit should follow the manufacturer's instructions

and should use a mounting

accessory recommended by the

manufacturer. An appliance and cart

combination should be moved with

care. Quick stops, excessive force,

and uneven surfaces may cause the

appliance and cart combination to

overturn.

11.

Grounding or Polarization -- This video unit may be
equipped with either a polarized 2-wire AC (Alternating

Current) line plug (a plug having one blade wider than
the other) or 3-wire grounding type plug, a plug having a

third (grounding) pin.
The 2-wire polarized plug will fit into the power outlet only

one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to
insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug.

If the plug still fails to fit, contact your electrician to
replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety
purpose of the polarized plug.

The 3-wire grounding type plug will fit into a grounding
type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are

unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your
electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat
the safety purpose of the grounding type plug.

12.

Power-Cord Protection -- Power-supply cords should be
routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or

pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying

particular attention to cords of plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the unit.

13.

Outdoor Antenna Grounding -- If an outside antenna or
cable system is connected to the video unit, be sure the
antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide
some protection against voltage surges and built-up
static charges. Part 1 of the Canadian Electrical Code, in

USA Section 810 of the National Electrical Code,
provides information with respect to proper grounding of

the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-

in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding

conductors, location of antenna discharge unit,

connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for
the grounding electrode.

Ventilation -- Slots and openings in the cabinet are

provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable operation
of the video unit and to protect it from overheating. These
openings must not be blocked or covered. Never place
the video unit on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar

surface, or near or over a radiator or heat register. This

video unit should not be placed in a built-in installation

such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is

provided or the manufacturer's instructions have been

adhered to.

10. Power Sources -- This video unit should be operated
only from the type of power source indicated on the

marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power

supply to your home, consult your appliance dealer or
local power company. For video units intended to be
operated from battery power, or other sources, refer to

the operating instructions.

, ANTENNA
,_LEAD IN

WIRE

OROONO,#,,,

1/ _GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
J ,_/ (NEC SECTION 810-21)

_ _-- G ROUND CLAMPS

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING

NEC -- NATIONAL ELECTRICAL COD= (NEC ART 250, PART H)

ELECTRODE SYSTEM

3

14. Lightning -- For added protection of this video unit
receiver during a lightning storm, or when it is left

unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it
from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable

system. This will prevent damage to the video unit due to

lightning and power-line surges.

15. Power Lines-- An outside antenna system should not be

located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other
electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into
such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside
antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep
from touching such power lines or circuits as contact with
them might be fatal.

16. Overloading -- Do not overload wall outlets and

extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or
electric shock.

17. Objects and Liquids -- Never push objects of any kind
into this video unit through openings as they may touch

dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could

result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any
kind onto the video unit.

18. Servicing -- Do not attempt to service this video unit
yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you
to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing
to qualified service personnel.

19. Damage Requiring Service -- Unplug this video unit from
the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following conditions:
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.

b. If any liquid has been spilled onto, or objects have

fallen into the video unit.

c. If the video unit has been exposed to rain or water.

d. If the video unit does not operate normally by

following the operating instructions. Adjust only those
controls that are covered by the operating
instructions, as an improper adjustment of other

controls may result in damage and will often require

extensive work by a qualified technician to restore

the video unit to its normal operation.

e. If the video unit has been dropped or the cabinet has

been damaged.

f. When the video unit exhibits a distinct change in

performance- this indicates a need for service.

20.

Replacement Parts -- When replacement parts are

required, be sure the service technician has used
replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have
the same characteristics as the original part.

Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric

shock or other hazards.

21.

Safety Check-- Upon completion of any service or
repairs to this video unit, ask the service technician to

perform safety checks to determine that the video unit is
in safe operating order.

b

USE & LOCATION

• TO AVOID SHOCK HAZARD ... Your Camcorder and power supply should not be exposed to rain or moisture.
Do not connect the power supply or operate your Camcorder if it gets wet. Your Camcorder has been designed

for outdoor use, however it is not designed to sustain direct exposure to water, rain, sleet, snow, or a direct

splashing from a pool or even a cup of coffee. Do not attempt to disassemble this unit. There are no user
serviceable parts inside. Unplug your Camcorder from the power supply before cleaning.

• DO NOT AIM YOUR CAMCORDER AT THE SUN OR OTHER BRIGHT OBJECTS

• DO NOT EXPOSE YOUR CAMCORDER TO EXTENDED HIGH TEMPERATURE ... Such as, in direct
sunlight, inside a closed car, next to heater, etc... This action could permanently damage the internal parts of

your Camcorder.

• AVOID SUDDEN CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE ... Ifthe unit is suddenly moved from a cold place to a warm
place, moisture may form on the tape and inside the unit.

• DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAMCORDER OR THE POWER SUPPLY TURNED ON WHEN NOT IN USE

• STORAGE OF YOUR CAMCORDER ... Store and handle your Camcorder in a manner that will not subject it to
unnecessary movement (avoid shaking and striking). Your Camcorder contains a sensitive pick-up device which

could be damaged by improper handling or storage.

CARE

• TO CLEAN YOUR CAMCORDER ... Do not use strong or abrasive detergents when cleaning your Camcorder

body.

• TO PROTECT THE LENS ... Do not touch the surface of the lens with your hand. Use a commercial camcorder

lens solution and lens paper when cleaning the lens. Improper cleaning can scratch the lens coating.

• TO PROTECT THE FINISH OF YOUR CAMCORDER ... Before handling your Camcorder, make sure your
hands and face are free from any chemical products such as suntan lotion as it may damage the finish.

4

Getting Started

Things You Should Know ........................................................................................................ 2

Important Safeguards and Precautions .............................................................................. 3

Palmcorder Accessory System ............................................................................................. 6

Attaching the shoulder strap .................................................................................................. 7

Cassette Information ................................................................................................................. 8

Supplying Power ......................................................................................................................... 9

Battery Care ................................................................................................................................ 10

Auto Lock Mode ........................................................................................................................ 12

Setting the Date/Time .............................................................................................................. 13

Electronic Viewfinder Indications ......................................................................... 15

Color Enhancement Light ..................................................................................... 16

Basic Operation

Camera Recording ................................................................................................ 17

8-Function Remote Control .................................................................................. 19

Playback your Recordings .................................................................................................... 20

Special Features

Tape Counter/Counter Memory/Lap Time Counter/Tape Remaining Functions ............................. 23

Variable Speed Power Zoom/High Speed Shutter ......................................................................... 24

Focusing ........................................................................................................................................ 25

White Balance/Backlight Button ..................................................................................................... 26

VHS Index Search System/Book Mark Search .............................................................................. 27

Digital Color Fade .......................................................................................................................... 28

Digital Zoom .................................................................................................................................. 29

Electronic Image Stabilization System (E.I.S.) ............................................................................... 30

Still/StrobeNVide ............................................................................................................................ 31

Copying your Tapes (dubbing) ............................................................................. 32

Dubbing over Recordings

Dubbing over Audio ....................................................................................................................... 34

Dubbing over Video ....................................................................................................................... 35

Dubbing over Audio/Video ............................................................................................................. 36

For Your Information

Notes on Operations ............................................................................................. 37

Spanish Quick Use Guide/Guia Para Uso Rdpido ............................................... 39

Index of Controls .......................................................................................................................41

Index .............................................................................................................................................. 45

Specifications ............................................................................................................................. 46

Before Requesting Service ....................................................................................................47

5

For more information and ordering instructions see the separate Selection Guide and Accessory Order
Form.

Power Supplies

AC Adaptor

(supplied, optional:

PV-A16)

Battery Pack

(supplied, optional:

PV-BP17)

To Transport

Car Battery Cord

(optional: PV-C16)

Battery Pack

(optional: PV-BP15)

Connection

Audio/Video Cable

(supplied:

VJAW0017 or

VJPS0216)

To Record and Playback

Compact Video Cassette

Tape (optional:

NV-TC20P,
NV-TC30P)

RF Adaptor

(optional: PV-RF15)

VHS PlayPak

(supplied, optional:

PV-P1)

To Enhance your Recording

System Carrying Case

(optional: PV-H18)

For Special Effects

Video Corrector

(optional: PV-CC50)

Shoulder Strap

(supplied: VYCW0028)

5W Color Enhancement

Light

(supplied: VUAW0481)

(optional: PV-L5)

®

Wide Angle Lens

(optional: PV-LW491Q)

Note:

Use only Panasonic PV-LW491Q wide conversion lens;
use of other wide conversion lenses may distort the
picture.

Filter Kit

(optional: PV-F49)

©

Telephoto Lens

(optional: PV-LT49)

To Copy your Tapes and for Dubbing Over the Audio and/or Fwleo

Audio/Video Cable Super Directional Synchro Edit Cord VCR (not supplied)

(supplied: Microphone (optional: PV-EC1)

VJAW0017 or (not supplied)

VJPS0216) (M3 connector)

6

1

Pinch the tabs together on either side of
the clasp and open the buckle.

2

Unhook the strap from the Buckle Catch.

3

Thread the strap ends through the Strap
Attachment Rings. Then re-hook them onto

the Buckle Catch.

4

Snap the clasp shut to lock the strap in
place.

Pull a loop of the strap loose from the

buckle, then pull the strap firmly through the
buckle to adjust the length.

7

Use tapes with the _[_ mark in this unit.

Tape Speed Selector Cassette type

Position T-20 T-30 T-40

SP (Standard Play) 20 Minutes 30 Minutes 40 Minutes
SLP (Super Long Play) One Hour One Hour Two Hours

30 Minutes

The Palmcorder may be ON or OFF when

you insert or remove a cassette.

1

Turn the Tape Wheel in the direction of the
arrow until there is no slack.

,.., EJECT

2

Slide the EJECT switch to open the door.

8

3

Hold the cassette vertically with the
window facing away from the Palmcorder

body.

4

Press the Door Close Area to close the
door.

Cassettes have a record tab to ensure that
recordings are not accidentally erased.

To prevent accidental erasure

Break off the tab with a screwdriver
(Some tapes have a slide type tab.)

To record again
Cover the hole with cellophane tape

1

Indicator

Indicator

(A)

Plug in the AC Adaptor. _EH_

POWER CHARGE

REFRESH

o

2

Power Indicator lights up.

Insert the Battery

Slide the top of the Battery forward then

press down and release.

• The Battery Pack should charge in about
2 hours. BATTERY

POWER CHARGE

Charge Indicator lights up.

Remove the Battery
(A) Slide Battery forward.

(B)Liftup and out. BATTERY

POWER CHARGE

C o 0

Charge Indicator goes out when
charging is done. (About two hours.)

Note:

After recharging the Battery Pack about 5
times, use the BATTERY REFRESH button

on the AC Adaptor as explained on page 10.

REFRESH

REFRESH

]

To Attach the Battery
Align the battery with the top of the _=ountll_y

surface and press it firmly into place.

To Remove the Battery
While sliding the BATTERY RELEASE
button, pull the Battery out and off the
mounting surface.

• With a fully charged Battery Pack, you will
have about 1.5 hours of continuous use.

9

This feature allows you to completely
discharge the power from the Battery Pack
before recharging. It is recommended to use
this feature after about every 5 charges to
keep your Battery in top operating condition.

1

Place the Battery into the AC Adaptor.

BATTERY
REFRESH

2 J,czm

Press the BATTERY REFRESH button.

The Charging indicator will flash and

discharging will begin. When discharging is
complete, the indicator will stop flashing.

• Should you accidentally press the
BATTERY REFRESH button, remove the
Battery Pack then re-insert it to begin
charging.

• It takes about 10 hours when both Battery
Refresh and charging are performed.

Caution:

• Charge only with specified charger.

• The battery pack can be charged within a
temperature range of 32° F (0° C) and 104°

F (40° C).

• The battery pack may be warm after
charging or just after use. This is normal.

• To preserve the life of your battery, remove
the battery pack from the Palmcorder and the

AC Adaptor while not in use.

• Do not use an insufficiently charged or worn
out Battery Pack.

Safety precautions:

• Do not dispose of in fire. Keep the battery
away from fire.

• Do not directly connect (short circuit) the
positive (+) and negative (-) terminals.

• Never attempt to disassemble or reassemble
the battery pack.

10

To avoid damage to the

battery pack:

• Do not drop the battery pack or subject it
to a strong mechanical shock.

• Use the battery pack only with specified

units.

• If the battery pack is used in an extremely

high temperature, a safety device will

automatically prevent operation of the

battery pack.

Toobtain longer ba#ery life:

• While the battery pack is not in use
remove it from the Palmcorder and AC

Adaptor and store it in a cool, dark and dry
place.

• Keep the battery pack terminals clean.

]

Connect the DC Output on the AC
Adaptor to the DC Input on the

Palmcorder with the DC Power Cable

(supplied).

DC

2

Plug in the AC Adaptor.

• The Power indicator will light up.

]

Connect a PV-C16 Car Battery Cord to

the DO Input of the Palmcorder.

2

Start your car engine and then insert the
Car Battery Cord plug into your cigarette

lighter socket.

hter Socket

• There is a fuse located in the lighter plug end
of the cord.

Should fuse replacement be necessary use the
exact current rating (in amps).

Note:

This cord can only be used in vehicles equipped

with DO 12V (negative ground) batteries.

Use only the specified car battery cord.

11

i_iiii_i!_ i __/ _,il¸ !_! i_ii__i_ii!_ii¸_!i_:i_i

When the AUTO LOCK switch is set to the
AUTO LOCK position, the white balance and

focus are automatically adjusted while the

more advanced features listed below are
locked.

Auto Lock is especially helpful for the first
time Palmcorder user and ensures "point

and shoot" operation under most conditions.

AUTO LOCK --_

NORMAL

FEATURES

FOCUS
AUTO WHITE BALANCE
HIGH SPEED SHUTTER

BACKLIGHT (LOCK)

FADE
EDIT SEARCH

CLOCK SET

DIGITAL COLOR FADE

STILL/STROBE/WIDE

DIGITAL ZOOM
BOOK MARK SEARCH
DATE/TIME
REC REVIEW
FEATURE PREVIEW

ELECTRONIC IMAGE
STABILIZATION SYSTEM

AUTO LOCK MODE

AUTO
AUTO
AUTO

NON FUNCTIONAL
NON FUNCTIONAL

NON FUNCTIONAL
NON FUNCTIONAL

NON FUNCTIONAL
NON FUNCTIONAL

NON 'FUNCTIONAL
NON FUNCTIONAL

FUNCTIONAL
FUNCTIONAL
FUNCTIONAL

(only DATE/TIME)

FUNCTIONAL

TIME

LIGHT

12

The three functions used most often during
recording are the DATE/TIME, FADE and

BACK LIGHT. When you softly touch one of
these buttons, the function indicator will flash

in the EVF. This means you won't have to
look down from the EVF to locate a particular

button.

Touch buttons softly

to display the function preview.

Push buttons

to operate the function.

Thedateandtimeiscalculated,includingleap
year,uptoDec.31,2089.Thisfunction

operatesonaminiaturebattery(supplied)even
whenthePalmcorderisOFF.

1

While pinching the stopper tabs together,

pull the tray out of the Battery
Compartment.

2

Insert the battery (supplied) into the
Battery tray with the @mark facing down.

• Do not reverse the polarity.

.... Replace the Battery tray so that the small

REPLACE BA-I-FERY WITH PANASONIC PART

NO. VSBW0004 (CR2025) ONLY. USE OF
ANOTHER BATTERYMAY PRESENT A RISK

OF FIRE OR EXPLOSION.CAUTION-BATTERY

MAY EXPLODE IF MISTREATED.DISPOSE OF
USED BATTERY PROMPTLY. KEEP AWAY
FROM CHILDREN. DO NOT RECHARGE,

DISASSEMBLE OR DISPOSE OF IN FIRE.

triangle marks meet.

Note:

• Make sure your Palmcorder is off when
replacing the battery.

• Keep the Battery out of the reach of
children since swallowing it may be

harmful.

• When the Battery is installed improperly, is

discharged, or is missing, the words
"CLOCK BATTERY" appears on the EVF.

• Battery life is approximately 5 years.

13

2

&6

POWER

VCR OFF CAMERA

Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

AUTO LOCK -_

Set the AUTO LOCK switch to "NORMAL."

Press DATE/TIME in /
Record/Pause mode to I AM12:00

displaythe date and time.\ aA" 1 1993

the first portion flashing.

P_ressSEL(ect) to start IA

5 _ \aA..11993

Press SET repeatedly (or hold down)

to enter the desired numbers.
Then press SEL(ect) to fix that portion and

move to the next.

SEL

SET M_I'_..00

SEL CLOCK

4,6

SET

5

I Repeat until the hour, minute, month,

day and year have been entered. I

SEL

6

Press SEL(ect) again to lock in all the
settings and start the clock.

Press DATE/TIME twice to remove display
from EVF.

DATE/TIME

Note:
Whenever"AM12:00JAN. 1 1993"appears,it
indicatesthattheclockneedsadjustment.

in Record mode to
display and record the

date/time.

'ress'AT'"°ncel

Press twice to remove. _AN. 11993

Press DATE/TIME

disp ay and record the

time only.

twice in Record mode to Ij 1

Press once more to

remove. AN. 1 1993

AM12:00

I

14