Panasonic PV-L353D User Manual

Camcorder

Operating Instructions

Model No. PV-L353

Please read these instructions carefully before attempting to operate this product. Please save this manual.

Guía para rápida consulta en español está incluida.

For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : [e-mail]

LSQT0628A

Started Getting

Operation Basic

Features Special

Your For

Information

Things You Should Know

Thank you for choosing Panasonic!

You have purchased one of the most sophisticated and reliable products on the market today. Used properly, it will bring you years of enjoyment. Please take time to fill in the information to the right.

The serial number is on the tag located on the rear side of your Camcorder. Be sure to retain this manual as your convenient Camcorder information source.

Date of Purchase

Dealer Purchased From

Dealer Address

Dealer Phone No.

Model No.

Serial No.

Unpack your Camcorder

These accessories are provided in order to set up or use your Camcorder.

1 pc. AC Adaptor (PV-A20)	1 pc. Audio/Video Cable	1 pc. Battery Pack
with DC Power Cable	(LSJA0390) (pages 21, 22)	(PV-BP15/LSSB0007)
(page 10)		(pages 9, 10)

1 pc. Shoulder Strap (LSFC0012) (page 12)

1 pc. Lens Cap (LSKM0937) with Lens Cap Strap (LSGQ0049) (page 12)

1 pc. CR2025 Clock Battery (installed in Camcorder) (page 35)

Battery Charging

Confirmation

Marker

Use this marker as a reminder to yourself when the battery is fully charged or in need of a charge. This marker performs no function and is for your reference only.

2	For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : [e-mail]

Things You Should Know

Safety Precautions

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

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

This Camcorder 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 and/or mark be used.

This symbol warns the user that uninsulated voltage within the unit may have sufficient magnitude to cause electric shock. Therefore, it is dangerous to make any kind of contact with any inside part of this unit.

This symbol alerts the user that important literature concerning the operation and maintenance of this unit has been included.

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

The above markings are located on the appliance’s bottom cover.

FCC Warning : Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment would void the users authority to operate.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with Part 15 and part 18 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when operated in a residential environment.

If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, use the equipment in another location and/or utilize an electrical outlet different from that used by the receiver.

If necessary, consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. You may find the booklet, ‘Something About Interference’ available from FCC local regional offices helpful.

This product may cause interference to radio equipment and should not be installed near maritime safety communications equipment or other critical navigation or communication equipment operating between 0.45-30 MHz.

Started Getting

3

Important Safeguards

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.

9.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.

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.

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.

4	For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : [e-mail]

Important Safeguards

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 into, or objects have fallen onto, 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.

Started Getting

Precautions

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, sand, dust, or a direct splashing from a pool or even a cup of coffee. This action could permanently damage the internal parts of your Camcorder. 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 LEAVE THE CAMCORDER WITH THE EVF AIMED DIRECTLY AT THE SUN AS THIS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE INTERNAL PARTS OF THE EVF.

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

•AVOID SUDDEN CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE ... If the 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.

5

Started Getting

Operation Basic

Table of Contents
Things You Should Know .............................................................................	2~3
Important Safeguards ...................................................................................	4~5
Precautions ........................................................................................................	5
Self Demo Mode ................................................................................................	7
Quick Operation Guide .....................................................................................	8
Supplying Power (Battery Charge/Use/Refresh/Care, AC Adaptor, Car Battery Cord) ....	9~10
Cassette Information ......................................................................................	11
Before Using (Remove the Sensor tag, Using the Shoulder and Hand Straps, Lens Cap) ......	12
Using MENU Mode ..........................................................................................	13
Setting the Clock (Time Zone, Auto Daylight Saving Time) ...................................	14~15
AccuBrite™ Built-in Light (Using the Light, Replacing the Bulb) ...............................	16
Camera Recording (Basic, Stand-by, Programmed Recording) .............................	17~19
Playing Back Recordings
(Basic Playback, Visual Search, Still Picture, Tracking, TV/VCR Playback) .................	20~21
Copying your Tapes (dubbing) ......................................................................	22

Features Special

Your For

Information

Four-Speed Power Zoom................................................................................	23
Backlight ..........................................................................................................	23
Focus (Auto/Manual Focus) ....................................................................................	24
High Speed Shutter (Auto/Manual Shutter) ............................................................	25
Auto Fade.........................................................................................................	26
Color Digital Fade ...........................................................................................	27
Digital Zoom ....................................................................................................	28
Digital Electronic Image Stabilization (E.I.S.) ...............................................	29
MotionSensor ..................................................................................................	30
Viewfinder/LCD Monitor Indications .......................................................	31~33
Notes On Operations ......................................................................................	34
Replacing Clock Battery .................................................................................	35
Palmcorder Accessory System .....................................................................	36
Palmcorder Accessory Order Form ..............................................................	37
Specifications ..................................................................................................	38
Before Requesting Service (Video Head Cleaning) ..............................................	39
Request for Service Notice ............................................................................	40
Limited Warranty .............................................................................................	41
Customer Services Directory .........................................................................	42
Spanish Quick Use Guide/Guía Para Uso Rápido ........................................	43
Index .................................................................................................................	44

6	For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : [e-mail]

Self Demo Mode

Self Demo mode is on when the screen below appears. To turn it off, follow steps 1-4 below.

EVF or LCD Monitor

Before you begin...

• Connect Camcorder to power source.

Started Getting

2, 3, 4	1 Set POWER to CAMERA.
	2 Press MENU for
	MENU mode.
	Press UP or
	DOWN to select
	SELF DEMO .
1	3 Press M.FOCUS to select OFF.
	4 Press MENU to exit.
	Note:
	• Self Demo stops automatically if battery
	is attached (page 9) and cassette tape is
	inserted (page 11).
	• Inserting a tape alone (or attaching a
	partially charged battery) only temporarily
	stops Self Demo.

•Self Demo stops for 30 seconds when the Back Light is pressed.

To turn Self Demo back on:

• Set to SELF DEMO : ON in MENU screen.

7

Quick Operation Guide

Charging the Battery Pack

Charge Battery Pack fully before operation

(page 9).

1 Plug in AC Adaptor.

2 Insert Battery. CHARGE Lamp flashes, then stays lit when charging is complete.

Insert Cassette

1Attach fully charged Battery (page 9).

2Slide TAPE EJECT to open door.

3Insert cassette (page 11).

4Press here to close door.

Camera Recording

See page 17.

1 Press LCD-OPEN to unlock the LCD monitor.

Swing it fully open and adjust the angle.

2

3

Set POWER to CAMERA.

Press RECORD/PAUSE to start recording. Press RECORD/PAUSE again to pause recording.

Playback using the LCD Monitor

See page 20.

1 Press LCD-OPEN to unlock the LCD monitor.

Swing it fully open and adjust the angle.

2

3

4

5

Set POWER to VCR.

Press (REWIND/SEARCH) to rewind tape.

Press (PLAY/STILL) to start playback.

Press (STOP) to stop playback.

8	For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : [e-mail]

Supplying Power

Charging the Battery Pack			1 Plug in AC Adaptor.
Charge Battery Pack fully before use.
			POWER Lamp lights.
	2	3	2 Insert Battery.
			A Align left side of Battery with left edge of
			AC Adaptor.
			B Press Battery down and slide in direction
POWER		1	of arrow.
			The CHARGE Lamp flashes, then stays lit
Lamp
			when charging is complete.
			3 Remove Battery.
			Slide Battery to the left and lift off.
CHARGE			Note:
Lamp			• Charging takes about 1 hour.
			• While the DC Power Cable (supplied) is connected
	A		to the AC Adaptor, the Battery cannot be charged.
		B	• After charging 5 times, use Battery Refresh feature
			as explained below.
			• Battery life gradually decreases after repeated use
	(Top View)		and recharging. If operation time becomes very
			short even after a sufficient charge, discard Battery

properly (pages 10, 34).

Using the Battery Pack

A fully charged Battery provides a maximum of about 1 hour 10 minutes of continuous use (LCD monitor off) or about 55 minutes (LCD monitor on). Actual time may vary due to operating conditions. Using the Built-in Light decreases operating time.

a

A	b
B

Battery Refresh

This feature completely discharges Battery before recharging begins. Use after every 5 charges for optimum Battery performance.

REFRESH

Lamp

BATTERY

REFRESH

ALift up EVF and attach Battery.

aInsert top of Battery into top of mounting surface.

bPress and snap into place.

BRemove Battery.

Slide BATTERY RELEASE and remove

Battery.

To use battery refresh, insert Battery on AC Adaptor (see steps 1~2 above), then press BATTERY REFRESH.

The REFRESH Lamp lights, then goes out when discharge is complete. Battery charging will then start automatically.

If BATTERY REFRESH is pressed by mistake, remove Battery from AC Adaptor and reinsert it for normal charging.

Note:

•Charging takes about 5 hours when Battery Refresh is used.

•Battery will not operate in extremely high temperatures.

Started Getting

9

Supplying Power

Battery Care

Caution:

•Charge only with specified charger.

•Battery can be charged within a temperature range of

10 °C (50 °F) and 35 °C (95 °F).

•Battery is normally warm after charging or just after use.

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

Safety precautions:

•Do not get Battery near, or dispose of in, fire.

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

•Never attempt to disassemble or reassemble Battery.

To avoid Battery damage:

•Do not drop or jar Battery.

•Use Battery with specified units only.

•If Battery is used in extremely high temperatures, a safety device will automatically prevent operation.

To prolong Battery life:

•While not in use, remove Battery from the Camcorder and AC Adaptor, and store in a cool, dark, dry place.

•Keep Battery terminals clean.

AC Adaptor

DC Power Cable

POWER Lamp

DC IN

Connector

DC OUT Connector

CAUTION:

1 Connect AC Adaptor DC OUT to Camcorder DC IN with supplied DC Power Cable.

2 Plug in AC Adaptor.

POWER Lamp lights.

Note:

•While the DC Power Cable (supplied) is connected to the AC Adaptor, the Battery cannot be charged.

•When not in use, unplug AC Adaptor from AC outlet. (Adaptor uses 1.2 W of electricity while plugged in.)

This unit will operate on 110/120/220/240 V AC 50/60 Hz. An AC plug adaptor may be required for voltages other than 120 V AC. Please contact either a local or foreign electrical parts distributor for assistance in selecting an alternate AC plug. We recommend using the accessory power plug adaptor (VJSS0070/K2DB42E00001) in an area which has special AC outlets.

Car Battery Cord (Optional)

Cigarette

Lighter

Socket (12 V)

DC IN

Connector

Car Battery Cord	Cigarette
(optional)	Lighter Plug

1 Connect PV-C16 Car Battery Cord (optional) to Camcorder DC IN.

2 A Start engine first.

BPlug Car Battery Cord into Cigarette lighter socket.

•If Car Battery cord fuse needs replacing, use exact current rating (in amps).

Note:

•This cord only works in vehicles equipped with DC 12 V (negative ground) battery. Check with your car/truck dealer. Use only specified car battery cord.

•To avoid blowing the car battery cord fuse, do step 2 in the proper order.

•Running vehicles must be well ventilated.

•When not in use, disconnect cigarette lighter plug.

•For personal safety the driver of the vehicle should not attempt to operate the camcorder while driving.

10 For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : [e-mail]

Cassette Information

Cassette Insertion/Removal

			1 Turn Tape Wheel in direction of arrow
	1		until there is no slack.
		3	2 Attach Battery (page 9).
			3 Slide TAPE EJECT to open door.
		2	4 Insert cassette as shown.
5		4	5 Press here to close door.

• To remove the cassette, slide the TAPE EJECT switch.

Record/Playback Time

Use tapes with the				mark in this unit.
Tape Speed					Cassette type
Selector Position		TC-20				TC-30		TC-40
SP		20 minutes				30 minutes		40 minutes
(Standard Play)
SLP		1 hour				1 hour		2 hours
(Super Long Play)						30 minutes

• SLP playback may contain more picture noise.

Started Getting

Erase Protection Tab

Protects tapes from being accidentally erased.

1 2

Slide tab type

1 To prevent accidental erasing, break off tab with screwdriver. (Or, slide tab open.)

2 To record again,

cover hole with adhesive tape. (Or, slide tab closed.)

11

Before Using

How to remove the Sensor tag

Hand Strap

1 Open the Hand Strap as illustrated at left.

2 Remove the Sensor tag.

Then, replace the Hand Strap.

Sensor tag

Attaching Shoulder Strap

Remove Battery Pack before completing the following steps:

1 Undo strap ends from buckles.

2 Thread strap ends through Strap Rings on Camcorder.

Adjust the Length of the

Shoulder Strap

Pull a loop of strap from buckle, then pull strap tight to shorten or lengthen.

Hand Strap

3 Re-insert the strap 3	2
	1

ends into buckles.

Adjust Hand Strap length to fit your hand as min. 25.4 mm (1 inch) shown.

Lens Cap

Attaching the Lens Cap Strap:

Thread the Strap through the Lens Cap attachment ring as illustrated at left.

Attaching the Lens Cap Cord to the Hand Strap:

Remove the Hand Strap from the front clasp and thread the Strap through the loop in the Lens Cap Cord. Reattach the Hand Strap.

12 For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : [e-mail]

Using MENU Mode

1, 2, 3, 4

Before you begin...

•Connect Camcorder to power source.

•Set POWER to CAMERA or VCR.

1 Press MENU for MENU mode.

The CAMERA or VCR MENU screen (see below left) appears when Menu mode is entered.

2 Press UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu item.

3 Press M.FOCUS to set selection.

4 Press MENU to exit.

Note:

•The Menu mode is canceled if UP/DOWN, M.FOCUS, or MENU are not pressed within 5 minutes when Self

Demo mode is off with no cassette tape and/or battery inserted.

•The Menu mode is canceled if UP/DOWN, M.FOCUS, or MENU are not pressed within 30 seconds when Self Demo mode is on with no cassette tape and/or battery inserted.

Started Getting

Camera Mode Menu Screen

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

VCR Mode Menu Screen

3

6

7

1REC MODE (page 17).

Change to desired tape speed, SP/SLP.

2SHUTTER (page 25).

Select desired shutter speed.

3LCD BRIGHT (pages 17, 20).

LCD BRIGHT SETTING sub menu is displayed. Adjust LCD monitor brightness level.

4DIGITAL EFFECTS (pages 26~28, 30). DIGITAL EFFECTS sub menu is displayed. To select DIGITAL ZOOM, MOTIONSENSOR, or FADE.

5PROGRAMMED REC (page 19). Camcorder starts and stops recording at a preset time.

6DISPLAY SET (pages 31, 32). DISPLAY SET sub menu is displayed. To select DISPLAY or MODE SELECT.

7CLOCK SET (pages 14, 15). CLOCK SET sub menu is displayed. Set the Date and Time.

8STAND-BY RELEASE (page 18).

ON : Enables quick resumption of recording from Stand-by mode.

9LIGHT MODE (page 16).

OFF/ON : Light can be set ON or OFF. OFF/ON/AUTO : Light can be set ON, OFF, or AUTO.

10 SELF DEMO (page 7).

ON : SELF DEMO screen is displayed.

13

Setting the Clock

Set the following items in order: Time Zone, Daylight Saving Time, Date, and Time.

Before you begin...

•Connect Camcorder to power source.

•Set POWER to CAMERA or VCR.

1 Press MENU for MENU mode.

Press UP or DOWN to select CLOCK SET .

1, 2, 3, 4

[ CAMERA MODE ] [ VCR MODE ]

2 Press M.FOCUS for CLOCK SET menu.

Press UP or DOWN to select TIME ZONE, DST, or DATE/TIME.

3 Press M.FOCUS for menu of item selected in step 2.

To change the setting:

TIME ZONE Go to step 3a on page 15.

D.S.T. Go to step 3b on page 15.

DATE/TIME Go to step 3c on page 15.

4 Press MENU twice to exit.

14 For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : [e-mail]