Panasonic AG-DVX100A Operating Manual

Panasonic AG-DVX100A Operating Manual

Digital video camera recorder
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Ò
PAL
Digital Video Camera Recorder
Model AG-
E
Before operating this product, please read the instructions carefully and save this
manual for future use.

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Summary of Contents for Panasonic AG-DVX100A

  • Page 1 Ò Digital Video Camera Recorder Model AG- Before operating this product, please read the instructions carefully and save this manual for future use.
  • Page 2: Caution For Ac Mains Lead

    If you lose the fuse cover the plug must not be used until a replacement cover is obtained. A replacement fuse cover can be purchased from your local Panasonic Dealer. FITTED MOULDED UNSUITABLE FOR THE SOCKET OUTLET IN YOUR HOME THEN THE FUSE SHOULD BE REMOVED AND THE PLUG CUT OFF AND DISPOSED OF SAFELY.
  • Page 3: Operating Precaution

    IMPORTANT “Unauthorized recording television programmes, video tapes and other materials may infringe the right of copyright owners and be contrary to copyright laws.” $ DO NOT REMOVE PANEL COVER BY UNSCREWING. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover.
  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Contents Accessories ......5 Precautions for use ....6 Storage tips .
  • Page 5: Accessories

    Accessories OBattery (2) OAC adapter (2) OAC cable (U.K. only: K2CT3DA00001) (All areas except U.K.: K2CR2DA00005) ODC cable (VEK8722) O Wireless remote control unit (VFA0402) OBattery for remote control unit (CR2025) OEye cup (VMG1458) OMicrophone holder (VYC0870) OScrews 6 mm in length (XSB4+6FZ) a2 12 mm in length (XSB4+12FZ) a2 OMicrophone holder adapter (VYC0890) OShoulder strap (VFC3891)
  • Page 6: Precautions For Use

    Precautions for use Take care to prevent water from entering inside the camera recorder when using it in the rain or snow or at the seashore or in other similar environments. O Failure to heed this caution may cause the camera recorder and/or...
  • Page 7 Precautions for use Battery characteristics This camera recorder uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery which produces electrical energy by means of an internal chemical reaction. This reaction tends to be easily affected by the ambient temperature and humidity, and the period during which the battery can be effectively used decreases as the temperature becomes very high or low.
  • Page 8: Storage Tips

    Storage tips When storing the camera recorder, eject the cassette from the camera recorder and remove the battery. Store all components in a location where the humidity level is low and the temperature is relatively stable. Recommended temperature range: 15°C to 25°C Recommended relative humidity: 40% to 60% Camera recorder...
  • Page 9: Parts And Their Functions

    Parts and their functions POWER switch Move this switch while pressing the lock release button. Lock release button START/STOP button When this button is pressed in the camera mode, shooting can be started or stopped. Operation is switched between the camera mode mode CAMERA/VCR button...
  • Page 10 Parts and their functions CAMERA/VCR button and lamp Each time this button is pressed, the operation mode is switched between the camera mode and VCR mode, and the lamp of the selected mode lights. Select the camera mode for shooting. Select the VCR mode to check the tape contents or input and record video signals from an external source.
  • Page 11 Parts and their functions Zoom ring pin AWB button When this button is pressed while the WHITE BAL switch is set to the A or B position, the white balance is automatically adjusted, and the white balance value is stored in the memory.
  • Page 12 Parts and their functions AUTO button When the AUTO button is pressed, the operation mode which was set on the setting menu AUTO SW screen is established, and “ ” appears in the upper part of the viewfinder and LCD monitor. On the setting menu AUTO SW screen, the mode of the operation to be performed automatically (auto iris, auto gain control,...
  • Page 13 Parts and their functions OPERATION lever This lever is used to operate the VCR and conduct the menu operations. [In the VCR mode] “1” : When the lever is tilted in the “1” direction in the stop mode, the tape is played back. When it is tilted in the same direction during playback, the variable speed search mode (see page 63) is established, and the...
  • Page 14 Parts and their functions ZOOM switch This is used to select motor-driven zoom operations or manual zoom operations. SERVO: For motor-driven zoom operations (At this position, do not attempt to perform manual zoom operations or malfunctioning may result.) MANU: For manual zoom operations START/STOP button (on the handle) When this button is pressed in the camera mode, shooting start or stop is selected.
  • Page 15 Parts and their functions OPEN button Press the OPEN button in the direction of the arrow to open the LCD monitor When the LCD monitor is opened, the image on the viewfinder switches to the LCD monitor. The image can be switched using the EVF MODE item on the setting menu DISPLAY SETUP screen.
  • Page 16 Parts and their functions COUNTER RESET button This button is used to reset the counter value on the counter display and the memory counter value to zero. It cannot reset the time code or user’s bit. COUNTER button This button is used to select what data is to be displayed on the counter display which is in the viewfinder and on the LCD monitor.
  • Page 17: Remote Control Unit

    Parts and their functions Remote control unit The buttons listed below are for functions which are not featured on the camera recorder. OPHOTO SHOT OTITLE OMULTI/P-IN-P OSELECT OSTORE OOFF/ON OPB. ZOOM OSD button When this button is pressed, the information displayed in the viewfinder and on the LCD monitor is added to the video signals, and it can be displayed on a TV monitor as well.
  • Page 18 Parts and their functions VCR operation buttons C/REW button (6) This button has the same function as the OPERATION lever on the camera recorder body. FF/B button (5) This button has the same function as the OPERATION lever on the camera recorder body.
  • Page 19: Remote Control Unit

    Remote control unit Installing the battery While pushing the knob in the direction of the arrow, pull out the holder. Insert the battery with the “+” marking face Return the holder to its original position. OWhen the battery (CR2025) has completely run down, replace it with a new one.
  • Page 20: Charging The Battery

    Charging the battery Fully charge the battery using the AC adapter before use. It is recommended that a spare battery be kept on hand just in case it is needed. Place the battery flat along the on the AC adapter, and slide it into position.
  • Page 21: Mounting The Battery

    Mounting the battery Raise the viewfinder. Push the battery straight in, and slide it downward until it clicks into position. Return the viewfinder to its original position. Supplying power from the AC adapter Raise the viewfinder. Push the battery-type connector on the DC cable straight in, and slide it downward until it clicks into position.
  • Page 22: Cassette Tapes

    Cassette tapes Inserting a cassette tape Do not insert or eject a cassette tape by taking hold of the cassette holder alone. Insert or eject the tape with the camera recorder placed on a flat and stable surface or, alternatively, support the camera recorder with both hands so that it will be kept in a stable condition even if the cassette holder is opened.
  • Page 23: Adjusting The Hand Strap

    Adjusting the hand strap Adjust the hand strap to match the size of your hand. Open the cover, and adjust the strap length. Return the cover to its original position. OEnsure that the cover is closed securely and tightly. Attaching the shoulder strap It is recommended that the shoulder strap be attached to ensure that you do not drop the camera recorder.
  • Page 24: Viewfinders

    Viewfinders This camera recorder has two viewfinders: a viewfinder that uses a small LCD, and a 3.5- inch LCD monitor. Use the one that better suits the application and the shooting conditions concerned. OThe brightness and colour tones may differ between the images in the viewfinder and on the LCD monitor and the images on a TV monitor.
  • Page 25: Using The Lcd Monitor

    Viewfinders Press the MENU button three times to release the menu mode. OThe setting for the EVF SET item can be returned to the factory setting by pressing the COUNTER RESET button when the item concerned has been selected so that it is possible to change the setting.
  • Page 26 Viewfinders Select the LCD COLOUR LEVEL item, and tilt the OPERATION lever in the 3 or 4 direction to adjust the screen’s colour level. (If the remote control unit is used, press the “M” button among the SET buttons.) L C D S E T L C D C O L O U R L E V E L [ –...
  • Page 27: Setting The Calendar

    Setting the calendar Presented below is a sample setting where the calendar is set to December 25, 2003 and the time is set to 5:20 PM. Set the camera recorder’s POWER switch to Select YES as the setting for the CLOCK SET item on the setting menu OTHER FUNCTIONS screen.
  • Page 28: Charging The Internal Battery

    Charging the internal battery The date and time are stored in the memory using the internal battery. When the “ display appears in the viewfinder and on the LCD monitor screens, it means that the internal battery has run down. Recharge it by following the steps below.
  • Page 29: Setting The Electronic Shutter

    Setting the electronic shutter Shutter speeds which can be set Standard (OFF) Progressive mode shutter speed OFF (50i) 1/50 1/50 Each time the SHUTTER button is pressed, the standard (OFF) shutter speed and the shutter speed selected by the SPEED SEL button are selected alternately.
  • Page 30 Setting the electronic shutter Slow shutter mode Allocate SLOWSHUT to the USER1, USER2 or USER3 item from the setting menu SW MODE screen. (See page 42) The slow shutter mode is established by pressing USER button SLOWSHUT has been allocated. Each time the SPEED SEL button is pressed, the shutter speed changes in the sequences shown below.
  • Page 31: White Balance And Black Balance

    White balance and black balance Adjusting the white balance The white balance must always be re-adjusted when the lighting conditions have changed. The white balance adjustment values can be stored in the memory at the A and B positions of the WHITE BAL switch.
  • Page 32: Adjusting The Black Balance

    White balance and black balance Adjusting the black balance There is normally no need to re-adjust the black balance. Adjustment is required only in the following cases. OWhen the camera recorder is to be used for the first time OWhen the camera recorder is to be used after it has not been used for an extended period OWhen the camera recorder is to be used in a situation where the ambient temperature will...
  • Page 33: Setting The Time Data

    Setting the time data Setting the user’s bit By setting the user’s bit, memos (dates, times) and other information consisting of up to 8 digits in hexadecimal notation can be recorded on the sub-code track. The user’s bit settings are automatically stored in the memory and retained even after the power has been turned off.
  • Page 34: Setting The Time Code

    Setting the time data Setting the time code The various settings related to the time code are performed using the following items on the setting menu RECORDING SETUP screen. OTCG item OFIRST REC TC item OTC PRESET item O1394 TC REGEN item (appears in the VCR mode) For further details, refer to page 45.
  • Page 35: Scene Files

    Scene files The settings selected to suit various shooting situations are stored in the positions of the scene file dial. During shooting, the required file can be read out in an instant using this dial. The following files were stored as factory settings prior to shipment.
  • Page 36: Changing The Scene File Settings

    Scene files Changing the scene file settings Scene file settings can be changed. In addition, scene files in which changes have been made can be stored in the positions of the scene file dial. Set the camera recorder’s POWER switch to Turn the scene file dial, and select the scene file in which changes are to be made.
  • Page 37 Scene files The screen shown below appears. Press “;” of the OPERATION lever, and move “1” to YES. F I L E F 1 : 222222 H – – – – – – – I N I T I A L H –...
  • Page 38: Setting Menus

    Setting menus The camera recorder’s settings can be changed to suit the scenes to be shot or what is to be recorded using the setting menus. Operation method In any operation mode except the shooting mode or recording mode, press the MENU button.
  • Page 39: Configuration Of Setting Menus

    Setting menus Configuration of setting menus Menus in the camera mode SCENE FILE CAMERA SETUP SW MODE AUTO SW RECORDING SETUP DISPLAY SETUP OTHER FUNCTIONS Menus in the VCR mode PLAYBACK FUNCTIONS RECORDING SETUP AV IN/OUT SETUP DISPLAY SETUP OTHER FUNCTIONS SYNCRO SCAN ASPECT CONV COLOUR BAR...
  • Page 40: Scene File Screen

    Setting menus SCENE FILE screen Item/ Description of settings (display mode) DETAIL LEVEL For adjusting the detail amount. (Camera) –7 --- 0 --- +7 V DETAIL For adjusting the strength of the outline (Camera) compensation in the vertical direction of the images.
  • Page 41: Camera Setup Screen

    Setting menus SCENE FILE screen Item/ Description of settings (display mode) SKIN TONE DTL For switching the skin tone detail ON or (Camera) OFF. When ON is selected, the detail in the skin tone areas is diminished and the graininess of the skin is reduced.
  • Page 42: Sw Mode Screen

    Setting menus SW MODE screen Item/ Description of settings (display mode) MID GAIN For setting the gain value which is to be (Camera) allocated to the M position of the GAIN switch. 0 dB, 3 dB, 6 dB, 9 dB, 12 dB HIGH GAIN For setting the gain value which is to be (Camera)
  • Page 43: Auto Sw Screen

    Setting menus AUTO SW screen Item/ Description of settings (display mode) A. IRIS (Camera) When the AUTO button is pressed, the auto iris control operation is performed. The IRIS button does not work at this time. OFF: The auto iris control operation is not performed even if the AUTO button is pressed.
  • Page 44: Recording Setup Screen

    Setting menus PLAYBACK FUNCTIONS screen Item/ Description of settings (display mode) AUDIO OUT For setting the audio signals to be output (VCR) from the AUDIO IN/OUT connectors (pin jacks) when a tape is played back. CH1•CH2: CH1 connector = CH1 signals CH2 connector = CH2 signals CH1: CH1 connector = CH1 signals...
  • Page 45 Setting menus RECORDING SETUP screen Item/ Description of settings (display mode) 1394 TC REGEN For selecting the time code to be recorded (VCR) when recording the signals of a component connected to the DV connector. OFF: The signals are recorded using the time code which was set using the TC MODE item, TCG item and FIRST REC TC item.
  • Page 46: Av In/Out Setup Screen

    Setting menus RECORDING SETUP screen Item/ Description of settings (display mode) INTERVAL REC For setting the intermittent recording mode. (Camera) OFF: Intermittent recording is not performed. ON: When the START/STOP button is pressed, intermittent recording is performed with the cycle set by the REC TIME item and INTERVAL TIME item.
  • Page 47: Display Setup Screen

    Setting menus DISPLAY SETUP screen Item/ Description of settings (display mode) ZEBRA DETECT For setting the level of the zebra pattern leaning to the left and displayed in the (Camera) viewfinder and on the LCD monitor. 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105% ZEBRA DETECT For setting the level of the zebra pattern leaning to the right and displayed in the...
  • Page 48: Other Functions Screen

    Setting menus DISPLAY SETUP screen Item/ Description of settings (display mode) SELF SHOOT For selecting the LCD monitor’s mirror (Camera) function for face-to-face shooting. When MIRROR is set, the image on the LCD monitor is reversed at the left and right for display during face-to-face shooting.
  • Page 49 Setting menus OTHER FUNCTIONS screen Item/ Description of settings (display mode) BEEP SOUND For setting the beep tone to ON or OFF. (Camera) When ON is selected as the setting, the beep tone is sounded at the times given below. O When the beep tone is sounded, the audio signals from the output connectors are muted, and the beep tone is output...
  • Page 50: Screen Displays

    Screen displays Camera mode and VCR mode 2 5 P S Q U S P O T 1/ 1 2 3 . 4 4 8 K Counter display Each time the COUNTER button is pressed, the data is selected in the sequence given below.
  • Page 51 Screen displays 2 5 P S Q U S P O T 1/ 1 2 3 . 4 4 8 K Shutter speed display The shutter speed is normally displayed here. “SLOW” is displayed in the slow shutter mode. When the ZEBRA button is pressed and the marker is displayed (see page 17), the video level of the image near the center of the screen is displayed as a value from 0% to...
  • Page 52 Screen displays 2 5 P S Q U S P O T 1/ 1 2 3 . 4 4 8 K Gain display The gain value setting of the video amplifier appears here. ND filter display The selected ND filter appears here. “ND –...
  • Page 53 Screen displays 2 5 P S Q U S P O T 1/ 1 2 3 . 4 4 8 K Operation mode displays : Recording : Recording (during face-to-face shooting) PAUSE : Recording standby : Recording standby (during face- to-face shooting) : Playback pause STNDBY : Standby (cylinder head rotation...
  • Page 54 Screen displays 2 5 P S Q U S P O T 1/ 1 2 3 . 4 4 8 K V O L U M E Warning displays UNPLAYABLE TAPE (OTHER FORMAT) The tape cannot be played back since it has the wrong format.
  • Page 55: Vcr Mode

    Screen displays VCR mode 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 8 K Search number display The index number used to perform the index search appears here. (S1 to S9) Camera shake compensation When ON has been selected as the setting for the CAMERA DATA item on the setting menu DISPLAY SETUP screen,...
  • Page 56: Selecting The Display

    Screen displays Selecting the display The items listed below which appear in the viewfinder and on the LCD monitor are displayed by the setting selected for the OTHER DISPLAY item (see page 47) of the setting menu DISPLAY SETUP screen. Display item Counter display Recording time mode display (SP or LP)
  • Page 57: Connecting External Components

    Connecting external components Inputting to and outputting from analog components $ When an external component is to be connected and its video and audio signals are to be input to the camera recorder, connect the camera recorder to the output connectors on the external component.
  • Page 58: Inputting To And Outputting From Digital Components

    Connecting external components Inputting to and outputting from digital components $ A digital video component equipped with a DV connector can be connected for digitally recording and playing back video and audio signals as well as time codes, etc. $ When signals from an external component are to be recorded, set the unit to the VCR mode and operate the VCR REC button to initiate recording.
  • Page 59: Shooting

    Shooting Preparation and inspections Before shooting, check that the camera recorder is operating properly. Also check that the equipment is set up in a way that is suited to the shooting conditions. $ Batteries Have a fully charged battery ready. It is also recommended that a spare battery be kept on hand as well.
  • Page 60: Face-To-Face Shooting

    Shooting Face-to-face shooting When the LCD monitor is opened and rotated 180 degrees toward the lens, and the person operating the camera recorder records images of himself or herself, the impression of the shot images may appear to be different from usual. If MIRROR is selected as the setting for the SELFSHOOT item on the setting menu DISPLAY SETUP screen, a left-right reversed...
  • Page 61: Backup Recording

    Upon completion of the backup recording, check the menu item settings before operating the camera recorder. O If another model AG-DVX100A is to be used as the external component which will perform the backup recording, select OFF as the setting for the DV CONTROL item of the external component, and set the camera recorder to the VCR mode for use.
  • Page 62: Progressive Shooting

    Shooting Progressive shooting The progressive mode can be selected using the PROGRESSIVE item (see page 42) of the setting menu SCENE FILE screen. 25P mode: Images are shot in the progressive mode at 25 frames per second. The 25 frames per second images are converted into 50-field interlace signals, and the resulting video signals are output or recorded.
  • Page 63: Playback

    Playback Normal playback Set the POWER switch to ON, and press the CAMERA/VCR button to switch to the VCR mode. Normal playback operations can be performed using the OPERATION lever or accessory wireless remote control unit. OPERATION lever MENU ∫ PUSH-SET Tape protection mode When the camera recorder remains in the...
  • Page 64: Condensation

    Condensation How to tell when condensation has formed inside and what to do about it If, after the camera recorder’s power has been turned on, the condensation display symbol flashes, it means that condensation has formed inside the camera recorder. If this happens, the power will be automatically turned off after several seconds.
  • Page 65: Troubleshooting (Q&A)

    Troubleshooting (Q&A) Power supply-related problems Q1: No power. Has the battery or AC adapter been connected correctly? connections. (See page 21) Q2: The power goes off on its own. The power will automatically go off if shooting is temporarily stopped for more than 5 minutes in order to prevent the battery from running down and keep the tape from wearing.
  • Page 66: Editing-Related Problems

    Troubleshooting (Q&A) Problems during various kinds of video recording Q1: No automatic focusing A1-1: Has the manual focus mode been set? The focus is adjusted automatically in the auto focus mode. (See page 11) A1-2: Is a scene which is hard to bring into focus in the auto focus mode being shot? Some scenes are hard to bring into focus using auto focus.
  • Page 67: Playback-Related Problems (Audio)

    Troubleshooting (Q&A) Playback-related problems (audio) Q1: No playback sound is heard from the camera recorder’s speaker. Has the camera recorder’s volume level been set too low? In the VCR mode, press the AUDIO MON/VAR button “+” to increase the volume. (See page 14) Q2: More than one recorded stream of sound is heard.
  • Page 68: Maintenance

    Maintenance Do not use benzine or paint thinners to clean the camera recorder. O Use of benzine or paint thinners may cause the camera recorder body to become deformed or the surface coating to peel off. O When cleaning or otherwise maintaining the camera recorder, either remove its battery or disconnect its AC cable from the power outlet.
  • Page 69: Specifications

    Specifications [GENERAL] Supply voltage: DC 7.2 V (Battery) DC 7.9 V (AC adapter) Power consumption: 6.8 W (when viewfinder is used) 7.8 W (when LCD monitor is used) 9.2 W (max.) indicates safety information. Ambient operating temperature 0°C to +40°C Ambient operating humidity 10% to 85% (no condensation) Weight...
  • Page 70: Optional Accessories

    Specifications [VIDEO] Sampling frequency Y: 13.5 MHz, PB/PR: 6.75 MHz Quantizing 8 bits Video compression system DCT + variable length code Error correction Reed-Solomon product code [AUDIO] Sampling frequency 48 kHz/32 kHz Quantizing 16 bits/12 bits Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz Wow &...
  • Page 71 Memo...
  • Page 72 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Web Site: h t t p : / / w w w . p a n a s o n i c . c o . j p / g l o b a l / F0903T1103 @ Printed in Japan...

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Agdvx100ap - dv camcorderAg-dvx100 pAg-dvx100ae

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