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Panasonic Palmcorder PV-GS500 User Manual

Panasonic Palmcorder PV-GS500
96 pages
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Spanish Quick Use Guide is included.
Guía para rápida consulta en español está incluida.
LSQT0975 A
For USA assistance, please call: 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
For Canadian assistance, please call: 1-800-561-5505 or visit us at www.panasonic.ca
Digital Video Camcorder
Operating Instructions
Model No. PV-GS500
Mini
Before connecting, operating or adjusting this product,
please read the instructions completely.
P PC
LSQT0975_ENG.book 1 ージ 2005年12月19日 月曜日 午前9時51分

Table of Contents

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Panasonic Palmcorder PV-GS500 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Optical Zoom10x
Digital Zoom700x
Image Sensor3 CCD
Optical Sensor TypeCCD
LCD Screen Size2.7 inches
Video Resolution720 x 480
Focus AdjustmentAutomatic, Manual
Display TypeLCD
Display Size2.7 inches
MicrophoneBuilt-in
Battery TypeLithium-ion
FocusAuto/Manual
White BalanceAuto/Manual
Recording MediaMiniDV
TypeCamcorder
Optical Sensor Size1/4.7 inch
Image StabilizerOptical
Lens ApertureF/1.8-3.6
Connector TypeIEEE 1394, USB
Sensor3CCD
Effective Pixels800, 000
LCD ScreenYes
ViewfinderColor
InterfaceUSB
BatteryLithium-ion rechargeable

Summary

Things You Should Know

Safety Precautions

Important warnings for preventing fire, shock hazards, and proper usage.

FCC Compliance and Safety Notes

FCC Note

Information on FCC compliance and potential interference.

Declaration of Conformity

Details on compliance with FCC rules and manufacturer information.

Important Cautions and Warnings

Cautions regarding accessories, heat, battery replacement, and small objects.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

General Usage and Electrical Safety

Instructions on water, ventilation, heat, plugs, cords, accessories, and stands.

Servicing and Maintenance

Referencing servicing to qualified personnel for repairs.

Precautions for Use and Care

Use & Location Warnings

Warnings about shock hazard, water exposure, and avoiding bright objects.

Care and Maintenance

Instructions for cleaning the camcorder body and lens.

End User License Agreement

Software Usage Terms

Covers license grant, third-party use, copying, and computer limitations.

Software Restrictions & Liability

Details reverse engineering, liability limits, export control, and termination clauses.

Quick Guide - Getting Started

Battery Charging and Attachment

Steps for charging and attaching the battery.

Cassette and Card Insertion/Removal

How to insert and remove cassettes and memory cards.

Powering On the Camcorder

Steps to turn on the camcorder using the power switch.

Before Using the Camcorder

Powering Off the Camcorder

Steps to turn off the camcorder using the power switch.

Recording and Playback Operations

Basic operations for recording on tape and playing back tape/card.

Accessories

Supplied Accessories List

Lists all accessories included with the camcorder.

Parts Identification and Handling

Camcorder Components

Identifies and describes the main parts of the camcorder.

Camcorder Controls and Features

Top and Side Controls

Details buttons like Power LCD, USB Terminal, DV Terminal, Reset, Card Access Lamp.

Rear and Bottom Controls

Details Cassette Holder, Eject Lever, Zoom Lever, Volume, Photo Shot, Tripod Receptacle.

Camcorder Attachments and Accessories

Lens Cap, Strap, and Hood

Instructions for attaching lens cap, shoulder strap, and lens hood.

Smart Accessory Shoe

Description of the smart accessory shoe for mounting optional accessories.

Power Supply and Usage

Grip Belt Usage

How to use the grip belt as a grip or a hand strap.

Battery Charging and Indicators

Information on charging the battery and interpreting charging lamp indicators.

Power Connection and Battery Handling

Connecting to AC Outlet

Steps to connect the camcorder to the AC outlet.

Battery Removal and Attachment

How to remove and attach the battery pack.

Battery Information and Power Operations

Charging and Recordable Time

Table showing battery charging and recordable times for different battery packs.

Turning the Camcorder On and Off

How to turn the camcorder on and off using the power switch.

Power Management and Initial Setup

Power Control via LCD/Viewfinder

Using LCD or viewfinder to control power in specific modes.

Setting Date and Time

Initial setup for setting the date and time.

Built-in Battery Maintenance

Notes on the clock battery and its recharging.

Viewing Options

Using the LCD Monitor

How to open, adjust, and use the LCD monitor for recording.

Using the Viewfinder

How to extend, lift, and adjust the viewfinder for recording.

Advanced Features: Quick Start

Quick Start Functionality

How to enable and use the Quick Start feature for faster startup.

Canceling Quick Start

How to disable the Quick Start feature.

Cassette Operations

Inserting and Removing Cassettes

Detailed steps for inserting and removing cassettes, including troubleshooting.

Accidental Erasure Prevention

Explains the function of the write-protect slider on cassettes.

SD Memory Card Operations

Inserting and Removing SD Cards

Detailed steps for inserting and removing SD memory cards.

Card Access Lamp and SD Card Information

Explains the card access lamp, SD card capacity, and write-protect switch.

Card Handling Precautions

Notes on card handling, formatting, and data safety.

Mode Selection

Camcorder Mode Selection

How to select Tape Recording, Playback, Card Recording, or PC Connection modes.

Joystick Operation

Joystick Navigation and Screen Display

How to navigate menus and understand joystick screen feedback.

Record Mode: Overview of Functions

Tape Recording and Playback Modes

Details icons and functions for tape recording and playback.

Card Recording and Playback Modes

Details icons and functions for card recording and playback.

Navigating Menus and Help Features

Help Mode Functionality

How to access and use the help mode for function explanations.

Language and Menu Navigation

How to change display language and navigate the menu system.

Menu Operations and Display Adjustments

Remote Control Menu Operation

How to navigate menus using the remote control.

Adjusting LCD Monitor and Viewfinder Settings

How to adjust brightness and color levels of the LCD and viewfinder.

Remote Control and LCD Brightness Adjustment

Adjusting LCD Brightness

How to use the POWER LCD button for increased brightness.

Remote Control Overview

Overview of the remote control buttons and functions.

Remote Control Usage Details

Remote Control Button Functions

Details the functions of various remote control buttons.

Remote Control Battery Installation and Range

Steps for installing the battery and its usable range.

Remote Control Modes and Connection

Selecting Remote Control Mode

How to set the remote control mode for multiple camcorders.

Magic Wire Remote Control Usage

Information on using the Magic Wire Remote Control and its connection.

Record Mode: Preparation and Basic Settings

Pre-Recording Checks and Auto Mode

Pre-recording checks, basic positioning, and auto mode adjustments.

Recording Speed and Mode Settings

How to switch between SP/LP recording speeds and select modes.

Record Mode: Tape Recording Operations

Recording on Tape

Steps for recording video onto a tape.

Tape Recording Screen Indicators

Explains the icons displayed during tape recording.

Remaining Tape Time Display

How the remaining tape time is displayed and its limitations.

Record Mode: Power Saving and Tape Search

Power Save Settings

Settings for power saving modes to protect tape and battery.

Recording Check and Blank Search

How to perform a recording check and search for unrecorded tape sections.

Record Mode: Still Picture Recording

Recording Still Pictures During Tape Recording

How to record still pictures simultaneously with tape recording.

Photoshot Mode for Still Pictures

How to record still pictures onto a card in Photoshot mode.

Selecting Still Picture Size

How to choose the picture size for still photos in tape recording mode.

Record Mode: Still Picture Quality and Effects

Tips for Clear Still Picture Recording

Tips for clearer still picture recording, including zoom and stabilization.

Card Recording Screen Indicators

Explains icons displayed during card recording.

Selecting Still Picture Size and Quality

How to select still picture size and quality for card recording.

Shutter Operation Effect and Mark Explanation

How to add shutter sound effect and explanations of the shutter chance mark.

Record Mode: Zoom and Microphone Features

Focus Area and Zoom Functions

How to adjust focus and use optical/digital zoom.

Variable Speed Zoom and Zoom Microphone

Explains variable speed zoom and enabling the zoom microphone feature.

Record Mode: Special Shooting Functions

Recording Yourself, Backlight Compensation

How to rotate LCD for self-recording and use backlight compensation.

MagicPix and 0 Lux MagicPix Functions

How to use MagicPix for color subjects and 0 Lux for dark locations.

Record Mode: Advanced Shooting Functions

MagicPix and Tele Macro Functionality

How to use MagicPix, Tele Macro, and how to cancel them.

Soft Skin Mode

How to record skin colors in a softer tone.

Record Mode: Transition Effects and Noise Reduction

Fade In/Fade Out Function

How to apply fade in and fade out effects to recordings.

Wind Noise Reduction

How to reduce wind noise during recording.

Record Mode: Audio and Stability Features

Microphone Sensitivity and AGS Function

How to adjust microphone sensitivity and use the AGS function.

Canceling AGS

How to turn off the AGS function.

Record Mode: Flash and Lighting Adjustments

Built-in Flash Usage and Settings

How to use the built-in flash, adjust brightness, and reduce red eye.

Optional Flash Usage

Information on using an optional external flash unit.

Record Mode: Timer and Aspect Ratio Settings

Self-Timer Recording

How to record still pictures using the self-timer.

Wide and Pro-Cinema Aspect Ratio Functions

How to record in 16:9 aspect ratio or Pro-Cinema mode.

Setting 4:3 Aspect Ratio

How to set the aspect ratio to 4:3.

Record Mode: Image Stabilization and Burst Shooting

Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.)

How to use the O.I.S. function to reduce jitter.

RapidFire Consecutive Photoshot

How to record multiple still pictures continuously.

Record Mode: Scene Modes

Recording in Various Situations (Scene Mode)

How to use scene modes for different shooting conditions.

Specific Scene Mode Details and Cancellation

Details on various scene modes and how to cancel them.

Record Mode: White Balance Adjustments

Recording in Natural Colors (White Balance)

How to adjust white balance manually for natural colors.

Manual White Balance Settings and Sensor Information

Steps for manual WB, sensor details, and black balance.

Restoring Automatic White Balance

How to revert to automatic white balance.

Record Mode: Focus and Exposure Adjustments

Manual Focus Adjustment

How to manually adjust focus when auto focus is difficult.

Manual Shutter Speed/Aperture Adjustment

How to manually adjust shutter speed and aperture.

Restoring Automatic Focus/Exposure

How to revert to automatic focus/shutter/aperture settings.

Record Mode: Iris/Gain and Special Shutter Modes

Manual Iris/Gain Adjustment

How to manually adjust iris/gain for brightness.

Shutter Speed and Iris/Gain Ranges

Lists shutter speed and iris/gain value ranges.

Card Slow Shutter Mode

Explains the card slow shutter mode and its conditions.

Playback Mode: Tape Playback Operations

Basic Tape Playback Controls

How to play back recorded tapes using the camcorder.

Volume, Repeat Playback, and Audio Settings

How to adjust volume, set repeat playback, and select audio options.

Playback Mode: Advanced Tape Playback Features

Slow-Motion and Frame-by-Frame Playback

How to perform slow-motion and frame-by-frame playback.

Variable-Speed Search Function

How to use the variable-speed search feature.

Playback Mode: TV Output

Playing Back on TV

How to connect the camcorder to a TV for playback.

Displaying On-Screen Information on TV

How to display camcorder information on the TV screen.

Playback Mode: Card Playback Operations

Playing Back Card Files

How to play back still pictures from an SD memory card.

Viewing Multiple Playback Files and Compatibility

How to view multiple files and information on still picture compatibility.

Playback Mode: Card File Management

Deleting Card Files

How to delete individual or all files from the memory card.

Formatting an SD Memory Card

How to format an SD memory card, and warnings about data loss.

Playback Mode: Card File Protection and Printing Setup

Protecting Files on a Card

How to protect files from accidental deletion.

Writing DPOF Printing Data

How to set DPOF for printing pictures.

Edit Mode: Tape to Card and Dubbing Operations

Recording Still Pictures from Tape to Card

How to record still pictures from tape to a memory card.

Copying to DVD Recorder or VCR (Dubbing)

How to copy recorded content to external devices.

Edit Mode: Digital Dubbing via DV Cable

Digital Dubbing Using DV Cable

How to perform digital dubbing using a DV cable.

Edit Mode: Audio Dubbing

Audio Dubbing Procedure

How to add music or narration to recorded tapes.

Edit Mode: Direct Printing via PictBridge

PictBridge Printing Setup

How to print photos directly from the camcorder using PictBridge.

PictBridge Printing Options and Settings

Selecting Pictures and Print Settings

How to select pictures, number of prints, date printing, paper size, and layout.

Connecting to a PC: Software and Driver Installation

PC Connection Prerequisites and Software Installation

Information on software and driver installation for PC connection.

Transferring DV Cassette Images to PC

Overview of transferring DV cassette images to a PC.

PC Connectivity: Computer and Camcorder Connection

Connecting Computer and Camcorder

Instructions for connecting the camcorder and PC via USB or DV cable.

Using Built-in SD Drive for PC Transfer

How to transfer still images from memory card using USB.

Operating Environment Requirements

System requirements for Windows and Macintosh.

PC Connectivity: Web Camera Setup

Using as a Web Camera

How to use the camcorder as a web camera for video calls.

Installing the USB Driver

Steps for installing the USB driver.

PC Connectivity: Web Camera Configuration

Connecting Camcorder for Web Camera Use

Detailed steps for setting up the web camera function.

Setting up Windows Messenger

How to configure Windows Messenger for web camera use.

PC Connectivity: MSN Messenger Configuration

Setting up MSN Messenger

How to configure MSN Messenger for web camera use.

PC Connectivity: Editing Software Installation

Using Quick Movie Magic or MotionDV STUDIO

How to use software for video editing and transfer.

Installing USB Driver and Software

Steps for installing USB driver and editing software.

PC Connectivity: Launching Editing Software and Manuals

Starting Editing Software

How to launch the installed editing software.

Software Manuals Location

Where to find PDF manuals for the software.

PC Connectivity: USB and DV Cable Connections

USB Connection and Driver Confirmation

Steps for connecting via USB and driver confirmation for Windows.

DV Cable Connection for Editing

Steps for connecting via DV cable and recording PC-edited video.

PC Connectivity: Macintosh and Uninstall Procedures

Using on Macintosh

How to copy still pictures to a PC on Macintosh.

Safely Disconnecting USB Cable

Steps for safely disconnecting the USB cable.

Uninstalling Software and Drivers

How to uninstall software and drivers.

PC Connectivity: Important Notes and Warnings

PC Connection Notes and Data Transfer Warnings

Important notes regarding PC connection, software, and data transfer.

SD Memory Card Information for PC Use

SD Memory Card Details and Protection

Information about SD memory cards, including capacity and protection.

Card File Compatibility and Folder Structure

Details on DCF compliance, cross-device compatibility, and folder structure.

Camcorder Menus: Recording and Playback Modes

Menu Overview and Lists

Overview of menu categories available in Tape Recording and Playback modes.

Tape Recording Menu Items

Lists menu items and their page numbers for tape recording.

Tape Playback Menu Items

Lists menu items and their page numbers for tape playback.

Camcorder Menus: Card Operations

Card Recording Menu Items

Lists menu items for card recording mode.

Card Playback Menu Items

Lists menu items for card playback mode.

Camcorder Menus: Detailed Explanations

Recording Menu Details

Explains specific recording-related menu options.

Playback Menu Details

Explains specific playback-related menu options.

Other Menu Options

Explains other menu options like joystick LED and demo mode.

Status Indicators and Indications

General Indications Overview

Explains various icons and indicators shown on the screen.

Recording and Playback Indications

Explains indications related to tape time, recording/playback status, and modes.

Card Operation Indications

Explains indications related to card operations and status.

Warning, Alarm, and Textual Indications

Warning and Alarm Indications

Explains various warning and alarm indications and their meanings.

Confirmatory and Textual Indications

Explains confirmatory indications and textual messages for errors.

Common Error and Status Messages

Cassette, Card, and File Status Messages

Messages for cassette door, audio dubbing, card errors, and file status.

Equipment, Mode, and PC Connection Messages

Messages for head cleaning, reset switch, USB usage, and PC connection status.

Function Restrictions and Incompatibilities

Table of Simultaneous Function Restrictions

Shows which functions cannot be used together based on camcorder specifications.

Troubleshooting: Power and Recording Issues

Power and Body Problems

Troubleshooting for power not turning on, turning off automatically, or short battery life.

Recording Start and Cassette Problems

Troubleshooting for recording not starting or cassette removal issues.

Troubleshooting: Screen, Focus, and Playback Issues

Screen, Focus, and Recording Stop Issues

Troubleshooting for screen changes, focus problems, and arbitrary recording stops.

Indication and Playback Sound Issues

Explains indications and troubleshoots sound playback problems.

Troubleshooting: Playback Picture and Card Issues

Playback Picture Quality and Noise Issues

Troubleshooting for no playback images, mosaic noise, and unclear pictures.

Card Playback and File Deletion Issues

Troubleshooting for unclear pictures, undeletable files, and abnormal photoshot playback.

General Operation and PC Recognition Issues

Troubleshooting for frozen screen, reset message, PC recognition, and USB disconnection errors.

Cautions for Use: Condensation and Lens Fogging

Handling Condensation

How to handle condensation inside the camcorder and prevent it.

Clearing Lens Fogging

How to clear fogging from the lens.

Camcorder Care and Maintenance

Cleaning Video Heads

How to clean dirty video heads and troubleshooting if playback is still poor.

General Camcorder Care

General handling advice, protection from magnets, and cleaning instructions.

Camcorder and Battery Care

Battery Information and Handling

Information on the rechargeable battery, its care, and lifespan.

AC Adapter and Battery Safety

Information on the AC adapter's operation and care, and battery safety.

Cassette and Card Handling Precautions

Cassette Handling and Storage

Precautions for handling and storing cassettes.

SD Memory Card Handling and Storage

Precautions for handling and storing SD memory cards.

LCD Monitor and Viewfinder Care

Care instructions for the LCD monitor and viewfinder.

Viewfinder and Technical Explanations

Viewfinder Cleaning

How to clean the viewfinder.

Periodical Check-ups

Recommendation for replacing worn parts.

Explanation of Automatic White Balance

Explains how automatic white balance works and its limitations.

Technical Explanations: White Balance and Focus

White Balance Adjustment

Explains the importance of white balance for natural color recording.

Auto Focus Functionality and Limitations

Explains how auto focus works and its limitations.

Specifications - Camcorder

Camcorder Technical Specifications

Technical specifications for the camcorder itself.

Interface and Memory Card Specifications

USB, DV interface, and supported SD memory card details.

Still Picture and Web Camera Specs

Available still picture resolutions and web camera specifications.

Specifications - AC Adapter and SD Card Capacity

AC Adapter Specifications

AC adapter power input and output specifications.

Maximum Still Pictures per SD Card

Table showing maximum photos per card size and quality.

Camcorder Accessory System

List of Available Accessories

Lists available optional accessories for the camcorder.

Ordering Camcorder Accessories

USA Customer Accessory Order Form

Form for ordering camcorder accessories.

Service and Support Information

USA Service Request Notice

Form for requesting service and providing repair details.

Limited Warranty Information (USA)

USA Limited Warranty Coverage and Exclusions

Details the limited warranty coverage, terms, and exclusions for US customers.

Customer Services Directory

Panasonic Customer Support Contacts

Contact information for customer support, service, and accessory purchases.

Warranty Information (Canada)

Canadian Limited Warranty Coverage

Details the limited warranty for Canadian customers.

Spanish Quick Use Guide: Battery and Cassette Operations

Battery Charging and Mounting

Steps for charging and mounting the battery in Spanish.

Cassette and Card Insertion/Removal

Steps for inserting/removing cassettes and cards in Spanish.

Powering On the Camcorder

How to turn on the power in Spanish.

Spanish Quick Use Guide: Basic Operations

Powering Off the Camcorder

How to turn off the power in Spanish.

Tape and Card Recording/Playback

How to record and play back tape/card in Spanish.

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