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Panasonic AG-DVC180AMC Operating Instructions Manual
Panasonic AG-DVC180AMC Operating Instructions Manual

Panasonic AG-DVC180AMC Operating Instructions Manual

Digital video camera recorder

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Ò
PAL
Digital Video Camera Recorder
Model AG-
MC
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-DVC180AMC

  • 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: Operating Precaution

    IMPORTANT Operating precaution “Unauthorized recording copyrighted Operation near any appliance which generates television programmes, video tapes and other strong magnetic fields may give rise to noise in the materials may infringe the right of copyright video and audio signals. If this should be the case, owners and be contrary to copyright laws.”...
  • Page 3 To remove the battery/ Attention/Attentie Verwijderen van de batterij O Batteries are used for the main power source, Main Power Battery memory back-up in the product and remote controller. Batterij Voor Primaire Voeding At the end of their useful life, you should not throw them away.
  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Contents Accessories ......5 Screen displays ..... .50 Camera mode and VCR mode .
  • Page 5: Accessories

    Accessories OBattery (2) OMicrophone holder (VYC0870) OScrews 6 mm in length (XSB4+6FZ) a2 OAC adapter (2) 12 mm in length (XSB4+12FZ) a2 OMicrophone holder adapter (VYC0890) OAC cable (K2CA2DA00030) OShoulder strap (VFC3891) ODC cable (VEK8722) OCleaning tape (AY-DVMCLC) OFerrite Cores O Wireless remote control unit (VFA0402) Ferrite Cores for DV Interface Cable: (J0KG00000013)
  • Page 6: Precautions For Use

    Precautions for use Take care to prevent water from entering AC adapter and battery inside the camera recorder when using it in O When the temperature of the battery unit has the rain or snow or at the seashore or in risen to an extremely high level or dropped to other similar environments.
  • Page 7 Precautions for use Battery characteristics This camera recorder uses a rechargeable OIf the same image or characters are left displayed for a prolonged period on the LCD lithium-ion battery which produces electrical energy by means of an internal chemical monitor or viewfinder, the image may be reaction.
  • Page 8: Storage Tips

    Storage tips When storing the camera recorder, eject the Cassette tapes cassette from the camera recorder and remove OBefore storing a cassette tape, rewind the tape to its start. If a tape that has been the battery. Store all components in a location where the stopped at some interim point along its length humidity level is low and the temperature is is stored for six months or more (this period...
  • Page 9: Parts And Their Functions

    Parts and their functions (Eye cup) (Eye-piece) < 1POWER switch 4Cassette holder Move this switch while pressing the lock release button. 5CAM REMOTE jack (2.5 mm mini jack) The remote control unit is connected to this jack to enable zooming and record start/stop to be initiated by remote control.
  • Page 10 Parts and their functions White balance sensor > >CAMERA/VCR button and lamp OThis function may not operate properly if Each time this button is pressed, the there is an unrecorded blank near the tape operation mode is switched between the start or at a point along the tape.
  • Page 11 Parts and their functions Zoom ring pin EIRIS dial This is used to adjust the lens iris. When the IRIS button D is set to the manual mode, this dial is used to adjust the lens iris. Even in the auto mode, the lens iris can be adjusted using this dial.
  • Page 12 Parts and their functions MAUDIO controls These are used to adjust the recording level of the audio signals which have been input to the built-in microphone P and INPUT 1 and 2 connectors Y. Adjust the recording level of the audio signals using these controls, irrespective of the setting selected for the MIC ALC item on the RECORDING SETUP screen of the setting...
  • Page 13 Parts and their functions [In the camera mode] “5” : When the lever is tilted in the “5” direction in the shooting pause mode, the tape is played back in the “5” direction at 1a speed while the lever is tilted. “6”...
  • Page 14 Parts and their functions ZOOM SERVO MANU [ZOOM switch aAUDIO DUB button This is used to select motor-driven zoom When the pause status is established in the operations or manual zoom operations. VCR mode and this button is pressed, the SERVO: mode in which audio dubbing can be started For motor-driven zoom operations...
  • Page 15 Parts and their functions dOPEN button iSPEED SEL button Press the OPEN button in the direction of the After pressing the SHUTTER button h or arrow to open the LCD monitor e. when the slow shutter mode is established, When the LCD monitor is opened, the image press this button to select the shutter speed.
  • Page 16 Parts and their functions nCOUNTER RESET button pMODE CHK button This button is used to reset the counter value When this button is pressed, the current on the counter display and the memory camera status setting can be checked in the counter value to zero.
  • Page 17 Parts and their functions Remote control unit START/ DATE/ PHOTO STOP TIME SHOT COUNTER RESET TITLE ZOOM MULTI/ P-IN-P A.DUB /REW PLAY STILL ADV PAUSE STILL ADV INDEX STOP INDEX SELECT VAR. SEARCH ZOOM STORE MENU OFF/ON ITEM P.B.DIGITAL 5COUNTER button The buttons listed below are for functions This button has the same function as the which are not featured on the camera...
  • Page 18 Parts and their functions START/ DATE/ PHOTO STOP TIME SHOT COUNTER RESET TITLE ZOOM MULTI/ P-IN-P A.DUB /REW PLAY STILL ADV PAUSE STILL ADV INDEX STOP INDEX SELECT VAR. SEARCH ZOOM STORE MENU OFF/ON ITEM P.B.DIGITAL 9VCR operation buttons :VAR. SEARCH button C/REW button (6) When this button is pressed during playback, This button has the same function as the...
  • Page 19: Remote Control Unit

    Remote control unit Installing the battery Remote control unit settings In order to prevent mistakes made in operations performed using remote control when two While pushing the knob in the direction of the camera recorders are operated at the same arrow, pull out the holder.
  • Page 20: Charging The Battery

    Charging the battery Fully charge the battery using the AC adapter Charging and recording times of accessory before use. battery It is recommended that a spare battery be kept Charging time Continuous recording time on hand just in case it is needed. Approx.
  • Page 21: Mounting The Battery

    Mounting the battery Raise the viewfinder. Removing the battery While pressing the battery eject button, slide the battery upward to remove. O Set the POWER switch to OFF, and check that the CAMERA/VCR lamp has gone off before removing the battery. O Support the battery with your hand to ensure that it will not drop.
  • Page 22: Cassette Tapes

    Cassette tapes Inserting a cassette tape O Also, before removing the cassette tape, check that the power supply is connected to the camera recorder, then slide the EJECT Do not insert or eject a cassette tape by switch. taking hold of the cassette holder alone. O If the a cassette is not going to be inserted Insert or eject the tape with the camera immediately after one has been removed,...
  • 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 Select YES as the setting for the EVF SET viewfinder that uses a small LCD, and a 3.5- item on the setting menu DISPLAY SETUP inch LCD monitor. screen. Use the one that better suits the application and OFor details on the menu operations, refer the shooting conditions concerned.
  • Page 25: Using The Lcd Monitor

    Viewfinders Using the LCD monitor Press the MENU button three times to release the menu mode. Set the camera recorder’s POWER switch to 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 Press the OPEN button in the direction of the it is possible to change the setting.
  • Page 26 Viewfinders Select the LCD COLOUR LEVEL item, and Press the MENU button three times to tilt the OPERATION lever in the 3 or 4 release the menu mode. direction to adjust the screen’s colour level. (If the remote control unit is used, press the OThe setting for the LCD SET item can be “M”...
  • Page 27: Setting The Calendar

    Setting the calendar Presented below is a sample setting where the Tilt the OPERATION lever in the 3 or 4 calendar is set to December 25, 2003 and the direction and set MONTH to DEC. time is set to 5:20 PM. (If the remote control unit is used, press the “M”...
  • 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 Shutter speeds which can be selected using SPEED SEL button Standard (OFF) Progressive mode shutter speed SYNCHRO SCAN Shutter speed settings OFF (50i) 1/50 1/50.2 --- 1/248.0 1/60, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000 1/50 1/25.1 --- 1/248.0 1/25, 1/60, 1/120, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000...
  • Page 30: Slow Shutter Mode

    Setting the electronic shutter Slow shutter mode OEven if the USER button to which SLOWSHUT has been allocated is pressed while the shutter speed set using Allocate SLOWSHUT to the USER1, USER2 the SPEED SEL button is being used (see or USER3 item from the setting menu SW page 29), “INVALID”...
  • Page 31: White Balance And Black Balance

    White balance and black balance Adjusting the white balance If it has not been possible to adjust the white balance automatically, an error message The white balance must always be re-adjusted appears in the viewfinder and on the LCD when the lighting conditions have changed. monitor screen.
  • Page 32: Adjusting The Black Balance

    White balance and black balance Adjusting the black balance ATW (Auto Tracking White) function There is normally no need to re-adjust the black balance. Adjustment is required only in the The ATW function can be allocated to the following cases. WHITE BAL switch (A, B or PRST position) OWhen the camera recorder is to be used for using the ATW item on the setting menu SW...
  • Page 33: Setting The Time Data

    Setting the time data Setting the user’s bit The screen shown below appears. Set the By setting the user’s bit, memos (dates, times) user’s bit using the OPERATION lever. and other information consisting of up to 8 digits Tilt the OPERATION lever in the 3 or 4 in hexadecimal notation can be recorded on the direction, select the user’s bit characters, sub-code track.
  • Page 34: Setting The Time Code

    Setting the time data Setting the time code Press “;” of the OPERATION lever, and move “1” to YES. The various settings related to the time code are performed using the following items on the T C P R E S E T setting menu RECORDING SETUP screen.
  • Page 35: Scene Files

    Scene files The settings selected to suit various shooting F1: SCENE situations are stored in the positions of the File containing the settings suited to scene file dial. During shooting, the required file standard shooting can be read out in an instant using this dial. F2: SCENE FLOU.
  • Page 36: Changing The Scene File Settings

    Scene files Changing the scene file settings The screen shown below appears. Set a filename consisting of six characters using Scene file settings can be changed. the OPERATION lever. In addition, scene files in which changes have OCharacters which can be set been made can be stored in the positions of the ) (space), letters A to Z, numbers 0 to 9, scene file dial.
  • Page 37 Scene files The screen shown below appears. Press To return the scene file settings to the factory “;” of the OPERATION lever, and move settings, select INITIAL in step , and then “1” to YES. perform the same steps F I L E F 1 : 222222 H –...
  • Page 38: Setting Menus

    Setting menus The camera recorder’s settings can be changed Tilt the OPERATION lever in the 3 or 4 to suit the scenes to be shot or what is to be direction, and move the highlighted part to recorded using the setting menus. the function which is to be set.
  • Page 39: Configuration Of Setting Menus

    Setting menus Configuration of setting menus Menus in the camera mode SCENE FILE DETAIL LEVEL V DETAIL LEVEL CAMERA SETUP SYNCRO SCAN DETAIL CORING ASPECT CONV CHROMA LEVEL COLOUR BAR CHROMA PHASE SW MODE MID GAIN COLOUR TEMP HIGH GAIN MASTER PED A.
  • Page 40: Scene File Screen

    Setting menus SCENE FILE screen Item/ Item/ Description of settings Description of settings (display mode) (display mode) DETAIL LEVEL For adjusting the detail amount. GAMMA For selecting the gamma curve. (Camera) –7 --- 0 --- +7 (Camera) LOW: Using a gamma curve with a moderate V DETAIL For adjusting the strength of the outline gradient for the low-luminance areas, the...
  • Page 41: Camera Setup Screen

    Setting menus SCENE FILE screen CAMERA SETUP screen Item/ Item/ Description of settings Description of settings (display mode) (display mode) SKIN TONE DTL For switching the skin tone detail ON or SYNCRO SCAN For adjusting the shutter speed of synchro (Camera) OFF.
  • Page 42: Sw Mode Screen

    Setting menus SW MODE screen Item/ Item/ Description of settings Description of settings (display mode) (display mode) MID GAIN For setting the gain value which is to be USER1 For setting the operation of the function allocated to the USER1 button. (Camera) allocated to the M position of the GAIN (Camera)
  • Page 43: Auto Sw Screen

    Setting menus AUTO SW screen PLAYBACK FUNCTIONS screen Item/ Item/ Description of settings Description of settings (display mode) (display mode) A. IRIS END SEARCH For setting what kind of operation is to be (Camera) When the AUTO button is pressed, the (VCR) performed when...
  • Page 44: Recording Setup Screen

    Setting menus PLAYBACK FUNCTIONS screen RECORDING SETUP screen Item/ Item/ Description of settings Description of settings (display mode) (display mode) AUDIO OUT For setting the audio signals to be output REC SPEED For selecting the recording time mode. (VCR) from the AUDIO IN/OUT connectors (pin (Camera) SP : SP (standard play) mode jacks) when a tape is played back.
  • Page 45 Setting menus RECORDING SETUP screen Item/ Item/ Description of settings Description of settings (display mode) (display mode) 1394 TC REGEN For selecting the time code to be recorded 1394 UB REGEN For selecting the user’s bit to be recorded (VCR) when recording the signals of a component (VCR) when...
  • Page 46: Av In/Out Setup Screen

    Setting menus RECORDING SETUP screen AV IN/OUT SETUP screen Item/ Item/ Description of settings Description of settings (display mode) (display mode) INTERVAL REC For setting the intermittent recording mode. A DUB INPUT For selecting the sound which is to be (Camera) OFF: Intermittent recording is not performed.
  • Page 47: Display Setup Screen

    Setting menus DISPLAY SETUP screen Item/ Item/ Description of settings Description of settings (display mode) (display mode) ZEBRA DETECT For setting the level of the zebra pattern CAMERA DATA When ON is set, the camera information leaning to the left and displayed in the (VCR) (such as camera shake correction, iris (Camera)
  • Page 48: Other Functions Screen

    Setting menus DISPLAY SETUP screen OTHER FUNCTIONS screen Item/ Item/ Description of settings Description of settings (display mode) (display mode) SELF SHOOT For selecting the LCD monitor’s mirror REMOTE For setting the operations which are (Camera) function for face-to-face shooting. When (Camera) performed using the accessory wireless MIRROR is set, the image on the LCD...
  • 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 Marker I – P A U S E U S E R - 1 1 2 : 3 4 : 5 6 : 0 0 Z 7 8 2 5 P M F 2 5 S Q U M A C R O 2 2 2 2...
  • Page 51 Screen displays I – P A U S E U S E R - 1 > 1 2 : 3 4 : 5 6 : 0 0 Z 7 8 < 2 5 P M F 2 5 M A C R O S Q U 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 P 3.2 K...
  • Page 52 Screen displays I – P A U S E U S E R - 1 1 2 : 3 4 : 5 6 : 0 0 Z 7 8 2 5 P M F 2 5 M A C R O S Q U 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 P 3.2 K...
  • Page 53 Screen displays I – P A U S E U S E R - 1 1 2 : 3 4 : 5 6 : 0 0 Z 7 8 2 5 P M F 2 5 M A C R O S Q U 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 P 3.2 K...
  • Page 54 Screen displays I – P A U S E U S E R - 1 1 2 : 3 4 : 5 6 : 0 0 Z 7 8 2 5 P M F 2 5 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 M A C R O S Q U 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2...
  • Page 55: Vcr Mode

    Screen displays VCR mode 1 2 : 3 4 : 5 6 : 0 0 F 5 . 6 1 8 dB 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2...
  • 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. OTHER DISPLAY item setting Display item MODE CHK button...
  • Page 57: Connecting External Components

    Connecting external components Inputting to and outputting from OBefore recording signals from an external component, check that the video signals are analog components input. OWhen signals from an external component $ When an external component is to be are being recorded, do not stop the signal connected and its video and audio signals output at the external component side or are to be input to the camera recorder,...
  • Page 58: Inputting To And Outputting From Digital Components

    Connecting external components Inputting to and outputting from OBefore recording signals from an external component, check that the video signals are digital components input. OWhen signals from an external component $ A digital video component equipped with a are being recorded, do not stop the signal DV connector can be connected for output at the external component side or digitally recording and playing back video...
  • Page 59: Shooting

    Shooting Preparation and inspections Regular shooting Set the camera recorder’s POWER switch to ON, and switch between shooting and shooting Before shooting, check that the camera recorder pause using the START/STOP button. is operating properly. Also check that the When shooting from a low angle, the equipment is set up in a way that is suited to the START/STOP button on the handle can be used shooting conditions.
  • Page 60: Face-To-Face Shooting

    Shooting Face-to-face shooting Index recording When the LCD monitor is opened and rotated (When the INDEX function has been allocated 180 degrees toward the lens, and the person to one of the USER buttons) operating the camera recorder records images When the INDEX button is pressed during of himself or herself, the impression of the shot shooting or recording, the index signal is...
  • Page 61: Backup Recording

    Shooting Backup recording Bear in mind the following points when The camera images of the camera recorder can performing backup recording. be recorded and their recording can be backed O The menu item settings remain stored in up automatically on the external component the memory even after the power has been connected to the DV connector.
  • Page 62: Progressive Shooting

    Shooting Progressive shooting Bear in mind the following points when The progressive mode can be selected using shooting in any of the progressive modes. the PROGRESSIVE item (see page 41) of the O The gain cannot be set to18 dB. setting menu SCENE FILE screen.
  • Page 63: Playback

    Playback Normal playback Variable speed search Set the POWER switch to ON, and press the This function changes the playback speed to CAMERA/VCR button to switch to the VCR locate scenes. mode. OWhen the OPERATION lever is tilted in the 1 Normal playback operations can be performed direction during tape playback, the variable using the OPERATION lever or accessory...
  • Page 64: Condensation

    Condensation How to tell when condensation has formed 3After two or three hours have elapsed, inside and what to do about it turn on the power, and check whether the If, after the camera recorder’s power has been condensation display has gone off. turned on, the condensation display symbol Even if the condensation display has gone...
  • Page 65: Troubleshooting (Q&A)

    Troubleshooting (Q&A) Power supply-related problems Battery-related problems Q1: No power. Q1: The battery runs down quickly. Has the battery or AC adapter been A1-1: Has battery been adequately connected correctly? Check charged? Charge it until the CHARGE connections. (See page 21) lamp of the AC adapter has gone off.
  • Page 66: Editing-Related Problems

    Troubleshooting (Q&A) Problems during various kinds of Display-related problems Q1: Something is wrong with the time code video recording display. Q1: No automatic focusing When the reverse slow playback mode is A1-1: Has the manual focus mode been set? set, the count shown on the time code The focus is adjusted automatically in the display becomes inconsistent;...
  • Page 67: Playback-Related Problems (Audio)

    Troubleshooting (Q&A) Playback-related problems Other types of problems Q1: The cassette tape cannot be ejected. (audio) Is power being supplied? Q1: No playback sound is heard from the Has the AC adapter been plugged in or camera recorder’s speaker. the battery inserted properly? Has the camera recorder’s volume level When the power is supplied, the cassette been set too low?
  • Page 68: Maintenance

    Maintenance Do not use benzine or paint thinners to clean Viewfinder maintenance the camera recorder. When dust has collected inside the viewfinder, O Use of benzine or paint thinners may cause take off the eye cup holder, and remove the the camera recorder body to become dust.
  • Page 69: Specifications

    Specifications Pick-up device [GENERAL] Interline transfer 1/3-inch CCD image sensor (a3) Number of pixels Supply voltage: DC 7.2 V (Battery) Total number of pixels: 470,000, Number of effective pixels: 440,000 DC 7.9 V (AC adapter) Power consumption: (pixel offset system) Lens 6.8 W (when viewfinder is used) 7.8 W (when LCD monitor is used)
  • Page 70 Specifications [VIDEO] [AC ADAPTER] Sampling frequency Input: Y: 13.5 MHz, PB/PR: 6.75 MHz 100 – 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 20 W Quantizing Output: 8 bits Video camera: DC 7.9 V, 1.4 A (max.) Video compression system Charge: DC 8.4 V, 1.2 A DCT + variable length code Error correction indicates safety information.
  • 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 / Printed in China F0704W0 VQT0N33...