Panasonic DVCPro User Manual

Operating Guide for the RTN Panasonic DVCPro Camera
Revised January 22, 2003
Tripod
The tripod is the first thing to set-up. Use the tripod whenever possible as your
shoulder is not nearly as steady as the tripod is (plus, the camera isn't exactly "light.")
Your instructors will notice when normally stationary objects, especially buildings and
signs, jiggle around on the screen.
1. The best way to set up a tripod quickly and keep it level is to extend the legs to
the desired height before separating them. Extend the legs by loosening the larger
square-like knobs by turning them counterclockwise and pulling the leg down until the
desired level. Then tighten the knobs to lock them in place by turning them clockwise.
To separate the legs, loosen the smaller knobs on the inside extender bar. Once you've
separated the legs, tighten the smaller knobs to lock the legs in place.
Note: To ensure that the camera is steady and won't tip over, spread the legs out as
far as they can go. If your shooting space restricts you from doing this, spread the
legs out as far as reasonably possible.
2. Make sure the tripod is level by checking the green bubbles located on the base
and head of the tripod. If the bubble on the head is in the little black circle then you are
level. Adjust leg heights accordingly to get the bubble in the circle if it is not there. You
can make subtle adjustments by turning the black tips of the tripod legs.
3. The panning handles are down when the camera is stored in the carrying case
so you will need to loosen the adjustments which clamp the handles in place, raise the
handles up and retighten the adjustments. The handles can be further extended by
loosening the knobs that are attached to clamps on the handles, pulling the handles out,
and tightening the knobs back up.
4. In order to tilt the camera, first loosen the tilt lock, which is located on the
upper right-hand side of the tripod by the Manfrotto logo if you are standing behind it.
When you have found the desired tilt level, tighten the knob back up. In order to pan the
camera, you have to loosen the pan lock, which is on the back of the tripod under the
upper bubble. Do not try to tilt or pan the camera without loosening these knobs, as you
will damage the tripod.
5. The tripod can be raised further by using the crank located on the base of the
tripod below the panning handles. To release the crank, push the black ring around the
crank towards the center of the tripod and pull the crank handle out. Raise the tripod by
turning the crank to the right. Lower by turning the crank to the left. When you finish
shooting, make sure the tripod is lowered all the way down. Return the crank handle to
its original position by once again pushing the ring inward and pushing the handle in
towards the tripod until it clicks into place.

Panasonic DVCPro Specifications

General

Brand	Panasonic
Model	DVCPro
Category	Digital Camera
Language	English

Summary

Tripod Operation

Setting Up the Tripod

Extend legs, level tripod using bubbles, adjust handles, and set tilt/pan locks.

Camera Mounting and Release

Mounting Camera to Tripod

Slide adapter into tripod, secure with knob, and attach camera.

Releasing Camera from Tripod

Use red button and black lever to detach camera from tripod.

Power and Initial Configuration

Battery Installation and Removal

Connect and disconnect the battery pack securely.

Default Camera Settings

Verify Gain, AWB, Output, and Shutter settings after powering up.

Core Camera Operations

Iris Adjustment and Tape Loading

Set iris to automatic and load tape correctly into the camera.

White Balance Procedure

Perform white balance using a white paper in front of the camera.

Lens and Audio Controls

Focus and Zoom Adjustment

Adjust focus ring and use T/W switches for zoom control.

Audio Input Configuration

Set audio channels and adjust recording levels via dials.

Recording and Playback Functions

Recording Footage

Use the VTR button to start and stop recording footage.

Playback Footage

Use the RET button or VCR controls to review recorded tapes.

Handheld Camera Techniques

Proper Handheld Holding

Maintain correct posture and elbow position for stability.

Handheld Panning

Twist body and move back slowly to achieve smooth pans.

Advanced Camera Features

Gain for Low Light

Boost gain to increase brightness in low-light conditions, noting potential grain.

Macro Lens Operation

Use the macro lens for extreme close-up shots of small objects.

Macro Lens and Pre-Shoot Checks

Exiting Macro Mode

Turn macro lens ring left to return to normal position.

Pre-shooting Checklist

Review settings and switches before starting to shoot.

Default Setup Procedures

Resetting Camera Settings

Return Gain, AWB, Output, Shutter, ND Filter, Iris, Light Control, Macro, and Zoom to defaults.

Resetting Viewfinder Settings

Adjust Peaking, Contrast, Brightness, Character, Zebra, and Tally to defaults.

Final Configuration and Checks

Resetting Microphone Settings

Set Channel 1 to Rear and Channel 2 to Front, and recording levels.

Physical Locking Ring Checks

Verify lens and viewfinder locking rings are secure.