Panasonic PV-L453D User Manual

Camcorder

Operating Instructions

Getting Started

Model No.

PV-L453

Basic Operation

Special Features

For Your Information

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]

LSQT0629A

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.

Unpack your Camcorder

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

1 pc. AC Adaptor (PV-A20)
with DC Power Cable
(page 10)

1 pc. Audio/Video Cable
(LSJA0390) (pages 21, 22)

Date of Purchase

Dealer Purchased From

Dealer Address

Dealer Phone No.

Model No.

Serial No.

1 pc. Battery Pack
(PV-BP18/LSSB0008)
(pages 9, 10)

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

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

SD is a trademark of the SD Card Association.
MultiMediaCard is a registered trademark of the MultiMediaCard Association.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft in the United States and
other countries.
All product/brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective holders.

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

2

1 pc. CR2025 Clock Battery
(installed in Camcorder)
(page 51)

1 pc. Digital PhotoShot Disk
for Windows 95/98/Me/2000/
XP (LSFT0541) (page 41)

1 pc. PC Connection Cable
(RS232C-2.5P)
(LSJA0276) (page 41)

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 optional 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

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

Model Number : PV-L453
Trade Name : Panasonic
Responsibility Party : Matsushita Electric Corporation of America
Address : One Panasonic Way Secaucus New Jersey 07094
Telephone Number : 1-800-211-PANA(7262)

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.

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.

Declaration of Conformity

Getting Started

FCC Warning : To assure continued FCC compliance, the user must use only provided

shielded interfacing cable with ferrite cores when connecting to
computer. Also, any unauthorized changes or modifications to this
equipment would void the users authority to operate.

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.

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.

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

4

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.

Precautions

Getting Started

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

Table of Contents

Getting Started

Things You Should Know .............................................................................2~3

Important Safeguards ...................................................................................4~5

Precautions........................................................................................................5

Self Demo Mode ................................................................................................ 7

Quick Operation Guide .....................................................................................8

Supplying Power

Cassette Information ...................................................................................... 11

Before Using (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

Basic Operation

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

(Battery Charge/Use/Refresh/Care, AC Adaptor, Car Battery Cord) .... 9~10

Four-Speed Power Zoom............. 23

Backlight ....................................... 23

Special Features

MagicPix™ Images....................... 24

Focus (Auto/Manual Focus) ................. 25

High Speed Shutter

Auto Fade...................................... 27

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

Color Digital Filter ........................ 29

Digital Zoom ................................. 30

Digital Electronic Image

Stabilization (E.I.S.) .................... 31

Still/Strobe/Wide........................... 32

MotionSensor ............................... 33

(Auto/Manual Shutter)

Digital Still Camera .................. 34~40

• Memory Card (optional)

Insertion/Removal ..................... 34

• Recording ..................................... 35

26

• Using the Light ............................. 36

• Playback........................................ 36

• Displayed Directory/Image Number . 37

• Delete Specific Images ................ 38

• Picture in Picture Wipe Title ........ 39

• Digital Wipe Mode ........................ 40

PC Connection ......................... 41~44

Using a SD PCMCIA Adaptor

(optional) ........................................ 45

For Your Information

Viewfinder/LCD Monitor Indications ....................................................... 46~49

Notes On Operations ......................................................................................50

Replacing Clock Battery ................................................................................. 51

Palmcorder Accessory System ..................................................................... 52

Palmcorder Accessory Order Form .............................................................. 53

Specifications .................................................................................................. 54

Before Requesting Service (Video Head Cleaning, Self Diagnostic System) ......... 55~56

Request for Service Notice ............................................................................ 56

Limited Warranty ............................................................................................. 57

Customer Services Directory ......................................................................... 58

Spanish Quick Use Guide/Guía Para Uso Rápido........................................ 59

Index ................................................................................................................. 60

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

6

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

2, 3, 4

1

Before you begin...

• Connect Camcorder to power source.

1 Set POWER to CAMERA.
2 Press MENU for

MENU mode.

Press UP or
DOWN to select

SELF DEMO .

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.

Getting Started

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 Set POWER to CAMERA.
3 Press RECORD/PAUSE to start recording.

RECORD/PAUSE again to pause

Press

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 Set POWER to VCR.
3 Press (REWIND/SEARCH) to rewind tape.
4 Press (PLAY/STILL) to start playback.
5 Press (STOP) to stop playback.

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

8

Supplying Power

Charging the Battery Pack

Charge Battery Pack fully before use.

3

2

POWER
Lamp

1

1 Plug in AC Adaptor.

POWER Lamp lights.

2 Insert Battery.

A Align left side of Battery with left edge of

AC Adaptor.

B Press Battery down and slide in direction

of arrow.

The CHARGE Lamp flashes, then stays lit
when charging is complete.

3 Remove Battery.

Slide Battery to the left and lift off.

CHARGE
Lamp

A

B

(Top View)

Using the Battery Pack

A fully charged Battery provides a maximum of about 2 hours of continuous use (LCD
monitor off) or about 1.5 hours (LCD monitor on). Actual time may vary due to operating
conditions. Using the Built-in Light decreases operating time.

Note:

• Charging takes about 1 and 1/2 hours.

• While the DC Power Cable (supplied) is connected

to the AC Adaptor, the Battery cannot be charged.

• After charging 5 times, use Battery Refresh feature
as explained below.

• Battery life gradually decreases after repeated use
and recharging. If operation time becomes very
short even after a sufficient charge, discard Battery
properly (pages 10, 50).

Getting Started

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

A

Lift up EVF and attach Battery.

a Insert top of Battery into top of mounting

surface.

b Press and snap into place.

B

Remove 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 7 and 1/2 hours when
Battery Refresh is used.

• Battery will not operate in extremely high
temperatures.

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

1 Connect AC Adaptor DC OUT to

Camcorder DC IN with supplied DC

DC Power Cable

Power Cable.

2 Plug in AC Adaptor.

POWER Lamp

DC IN
Connector

DC OUT Connector

CAUTION:

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.

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.)

Car Battery Cord (Optional)

1 Connect PV-C16 Car Battery Cord

(optional) to

Camcorder DC IN.

2 A Start engine first.

B Plug Car Battery Cord into

Cigarette
Lighter
Socket (12 V)

DC IN
Connector

Car Battery Cord
(optional)

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

10

Cigarette
Lighter Plug

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.

Cassette Information

Cassette Insertion/Removal

1

3

2

5

Record/Playback Time

Use tapes with the mark in this unit.

Tape Speed
Selector Position

SP

(Standard Play)

SLP

(Super Long Play)

4

TC-20

20 minutes

1 hour

Cassette type

TC-30 TC-40

30 minutes

1 hour

30 minutes

Getting Started

1 Turn Tape Wheel in direction of arrow

until there is no slack.

2 Attach Battery (page 9).
3 Slide TAPE EJECT to open door.
4 Insert cassette as shown.
5 Press here to close door.

• To remove the cassette, slide the TAPE

EJECT switch.

40 minutes

2 hours

• SLP playback may contain more picture noise.

Erase Protection Tab

Protects tapes from being accidentally
erased.

12

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

Sensor tag

1 Open the Hand Strap as illustrated

at left.

2 Remove the Sensor tag.

Then, replace the Hand Strap.

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.

2

3 Re-insert the strap

ends into buckles.

Lens Cap

3

min. 25.4 mm (1 inch)

Attaching the Lens Cap Strap:

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

Adjust the Length of the
Shoulder Strap

Pull a loop of strap from buckle, then pull

strap tight to shorten or lengthen.

Hand Strap

1

Adjust Hand Strap length to fit your hand as
shown.

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.

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

12

Using MENU Mode

1, 2, 3, 4

Camera Mode Menu Screen

1
2
3
4
5
6

7
8
9

10

VCR Mode Menu Screen

3
6
7

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.

1 REC MODE (page 17).

Change to desired tape speed, SP/SLP.

2 SHUTTER (page 26).

Select desired shutter speed.

3 LCD BRIGHT (pages 17, 20).

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

4 DIGITAL EFFECTS (pages 24, 27~30, 33, 39).

DIGITAL EFFECTS sub menu is displayed.
To select DIGITAL ZOOM, DIGITAL WIPE,
MAGICPIX, MOTIONSENSOR, or FADE/
FILTER.

5 PROGRAMMED REC (page 19).

Camcorder starts and stops recording at a
preset time.

6 DISPLAY SET (pages 46, 47).

DISPLAY SET sub menu is displayed.
To select DISPLAY or MODE SELECT.

7 CLOCK SET (pages 14, 15).

CLOCK SET sub menu is displayed.
Set the Date and Time.

8 STAND-BY RELEASE (page 18).

ON : Enables quick resumption of recording

from Stand-by mode.

9 LIGHT MODE (page 16).

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

10 SELF DEMO (page 7).

ON : SELF DEMO screen is displayed.

: Light can be set ON or OFF.

13

Getting Started

Setting the Clock

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

1, 2, 3, 4

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 .

[ VCR MODE ][ CAMERA 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.

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

14

Setting the Clock

3a

The Camcorder is preset to Eastern time.

3b

Clock will auto-adjust to daylight saving time (DST).

Autumn (Last Sunday in October) :

back one hour.

Setting the Time Zone

[ Time Zone chart ]

Auto Daylight Saving Time

DST: AUTO

Spring (First Sunday in April) :

ahead one hour.

Press

select local time zone.
Press M.FOCUS to
confirm entry.

• When traveling, repeat this operation and

select one of the 8 listed time zones to
set the clock to local time.

Note :

• Clock may lose or gain up to 2 minutes

per month.

• When traveling outside the listed time
zones, set clock to local time manually.

• To adjust or set clock, see “Setting Date
and Time” (below).

The Camcorder is preset to DST: AUTO .
If DST is not observed in your area, set
to OFF by doing the following.

Press UP or DOWN to

select OFF or AUTO.
Press M.FOCUS to
confirm entry.

Note:

• Auto DST does not function if time zone
is set to Hawaii or Samoa (see “Setting
the Time Zone” above).

Getting Started

UP or DOWN to

3c

Date and time including leap year are
calculated up to DEC 31, 2099.

Setting Date and Time

EXAMPLE :

Press or hold down UP or
DOWN to select hour, then
press M.FOCUS to fix.

Repeat for minute, month, day,
and year.

Clock starts when year is
entered and
pressed.

M.FOCUS is

15

AccuBrite™ Built-in Light

Using the Light

For recording in dim lighting.

1, 2

3

Note:

• Using Light reduces battery operating time.

• Provide proper ventilation when using Light

extensively in a hot environment.

• Using Light when the Camcorder is powered
by a car battery may shorten bulb life.

• Set Light to OFF when not in use.

• When Camcorder is in CAMERA or PHOTO

Rec mode with LIGHT MODE set to ON or
AUTO, changing to VCR or PHOTO Play
mode will cause the light to go out and the
menu setting will revert to OFF.
When returning to CAMERA or PHOTO Rec
mode, the LIGHT MODE must be set again.

Replacing the Bulb

B

Before you begin...

• Connect Camcorder to power source.

• Set POWER to CAMERA.

1 Press MENU for

MENU mode. Press
UP or DOWN to
select LIGHT MODE .

2 Press M.FOCUS to set OFF/ON or

OFF/ON/AUTO. Press

MENU to exit.

3 Press LIGHT repeatedly for Light ON,

AUTO, or OFF.

• In AUTO, light turns itself on/off
according to lighting conditions.

EVF or LCD Monitor

A : Light is on.

A : Light mode is auto.

CAUTION:

mark is indicated that light becomes
hot. Never cover Light while on.

Before you begin...

• Order Part No. VLLW0015 for replacement bulb.

• Set POWER to OFF.

1

A

2

1 Slightly raise portion A of lens cover

to unhook, and slide portion B
forward to remove.

2 Using Tweezers or needle-nose pliers,

carefully remove bulb.

•

Take unit to service center if you need
assistance.

3 Replace bulb using a clean cloth or

tissue. (Do not touch with fingers.)

3

4 Replace lens cover.

Note:

• Handle bulb gently. Excessive force may
cause bulb to crack.

DANGER:

Use only replacement bulb (PART NO. VLLW0015) supplied by Panasonic to reduce risk
of fire. Handle new bulb with cloth or tissue as skin oils will decrease bulb life.
Remove lens cover and allow bulb to cool before replacing to avoid possible burn hazard.

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

16

Camera Recording

Recording via EVF or LCD
Monitor

View recording scene on EVF (Electronic
Viewer Finder) or LCD (Liquid Crystal
Display) monitor.

1

CAUTION :

Rotating partially open LCD monitor may block
cassette door and damage Camcorder body.

4,

A, B

Built-in
Microphone

2, 6
5

Before you begin...

• Connect Camcorder to power source.

• Insert cassette with record tab (page 11).

1 Press LCD-OPEN to unlock the LCD

monitor. Swing LCD monitor fully

open and adjust viewing angle.

2 Set POWER to

CAMERA.

• Be sure POWER
is fully turned to
CAMERA position.

• EVF or LCD monitor
turns on/off by the POWER switch.

• Both EVF and LCD monitor turn on
when LCD is at 180° (see above left).
This allows both you and the subject
to view the recording.

EVF or LCD Monitor

(Record/Pause mode)

3 LCD : Adjust LCD monitor brightness

level. See “To adjust LCD

BRIGHT” below.

EVF : Look into EVF and adjust

VISION ADJUSTMENT to your

eyesight.

4 Set REC MODE to “SP” or “SLP” in

the CAMERA MODE Menu (page 13).

Basic Operation

VISION

3

ADJUSTMENT

To adjust LCD BRIGHT

A

Press MENU for

MENU mode.

UP or DOWN

Press

to select

LCD BRIGHT .

B

Press M.FOCUS for

LCD BRIGHT
SETTING menu.

Press

adjust LCD monitor
brightness level.

or to

5 Press RECORD/PAUSE to start or

pause recording.

6 Set POWER to OFF when finished.

• To remove the cassette, slide the
TAPE EJECT switch (page 11).

Note:

• When Camcorder is aimed at excessively
bright objects, or bright lights, a vertical
bar may appear in the picture. This is
normal for the CCD pick-up. Try to avoid
this when possible.

• Using LCD monitor reduces battery
operation time. Return LCD monitor to
locked position when not in use.

17

Camera Recording

Before you begin...

• Connect Camcorder to power source.

• Insert cassette with record tab (page 11).

B

a

c

b

2, 3, 4

1,

A, C

b, c

D,

a, d

Stand-by Quick Release

If left in RECORD/PAUSE mode for 5
minutes, Camcorder switches to Stand-by
mode to conserve battery. When set to
ON, Stand-by Quick Release lets you
resume recording by pressing
PAUSE two times. Stand-by Quick Release
is set to OFF at the factory.

RECORD/

1 Set POWER to

CAMERA.

2 Press MENU for

MENU mode.

Press

UP or DOWN to select

STAND-BY RELEASE .

3 Press M.FOCUS to select ON or OFF.

,

ON : From Stand-by mode, press

RECORD/PAUSE two times to
resume recording.

OFF : From Stand-by mode, set

POWER to OFF, then to
CAMERA. Press RECORD/
PAUSE to record.

4 Press MENU to exit.

Manual Easy Editing

For proper continuity when taping from Stop
mode or after attaching a new Battery.

ASet POWER to VCR.
Ba Press (REWIND/SEARCH) to

rewind a few seconds of tape.

b Press

recording.

c Press (PLAY/STILL) where

you want to continue recording.

(PLAY/STILL) to review

CSet POWER to CAMERA.
DPress RECORD/PAUSE to resume

recording.

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

18

Easy Edit Stand-by

For a smooth transition between scenes if
recording is stopped, and then started
within 24 hours.

a Press RECORD/PAUSE to stop

recording.

bSet POWER to OFF and leave

cassette in Camcorder.

c To resume recording, set POWER to

CAMERA.

dPress RECORD/PAUSE to resume

recording.

Note:

• Use Manual Easy Edit (left) if more than

24 hours before recording is resumed.