JVC GZ MG555 - Everio Camcorder - 5.4 MP User manual

ENGLISH FRANÇAIS
EN FR
INSTRUCTIONS
MANUEL D’UTILISATION
HARD DISK CAMCORDER
CAMÉSCOPE À DISQUE DUR Dear Customer
Thank you for purchasing
this hard disk camera. Before
use, please read the safety
information and precautions
contained in pages 2 and 3 to
ensure safe use of this product.
For Future Reference:
Enter the Model No. (located on
the bottom of the camera) and
Serial No. (located on the battery
pack mount of the camera)
below.
Model No.
Serial No.
Cher client,
Nous vous remercions d’avoir
acheté cet appareil photo à
disque dur. Avant utilisation,
veuillez lire les informations
et les précautions de sécurité
présentées dans les pages 2 et 3
pour utiliser cet appareil en toute
sécurité.
Pour consultation ultérieure :
Noter ci-dessous le N° de
modèle (figurant sous l’appareil
photo) et le N° de série (figurant
sur le logement de la batterie de
l’appareil photo).
N° de modèle
N° de série
GZ-MG555U

2
Safety Precautions
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the
product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR
SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
NOTES:
•The rating plate and safety caution are on the
bottom and/or the back of the main unit.
•The serial number plate is on the battery pack
mount.
•The rating information and safety caution of the
AC adapter are on its upper and lower sides.
Caution on Replaceable lithium battery
The battery used in this device may present a fire
or chemical burn hazard if mistreated.
Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 100°C
or incinerate.
Replace battery with Panasonic (Matsushita
Electric), Sanyo, Sony or Maxell CR2025.
Danger of explosion or Risk of fire if the battery is
incorrectly replaced.
•Dispose of used battery promptly.
•Keep away from children.
•Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in
fire.
For USA-California Only
This product contains a CR Coin Cell Lithium
Battery which contains Perchlorate Material
– special handling may apply.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
When the equipment is installed in a cabinet or on
a shelf, make sure that it has sufficient space on
all sides to allow for ventilation (10 cm (3-15/16
″ )
or more on both sides, on top and at the rear).
Do not block the ventilation holes.
(If the ventilation holes are blocked by a
newspaper, or cloth etc. the heat may not be able
to get out.)
No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles,
should be placed on the apparatus.
When discarding batteries, environmental
problems must be considered and the local rules
or laws governing the disposal of these batteries
must be followed strictly.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping
or splashing.
Do not use this equipment in a bathroom or
places with water.
Also do not place any containers filled with water
or liquids (such as cosmetics or medicines, flower
vases, potted plants, cups etc.) on top of this unit.
(If water or liquid is allowed to enter this
equipment, fire or electric shock may be caused.)
Do not point the lens directly into the sun. This
can cause eye injuries, as well as lead to the
malfunctioning of internal circuitry. There is also a
risk of fire or electric shock.
CAUTION!
The following notes concern possible physical
damage to the camera and to the user.
Carrying or holding the camera by the LCD monitor
can result in dropping the unit, or in a malfunction.
Do not use a tripod on unsteady or unlevel surfaces.
It could tip over, causing serious damage to the
camera.
CAUTION!
Connecting cables (Audio/Video, S-Video, etc.)
to the camera and leaving it on top of the TV is
not recommended, as tripping on the cables will
cause the camera to fall, resulting in damage.
CAUTION:
The mains plug shall remain readily operable.
WARNING:
Batteries shall not be exposed to excessive heat
such as direct sunshine, fire or the like.

3
ENGLISH
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce
heat.
9. Only use attachments/accessories specified by
the manufacturer.
10.Use only with the cart,
stand, tripod, bracket,
or table specified by
the manufacturer,
or sold with the ap-
paratus. When a cart
is used, use caution
when moving the
cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from
tip-over.
11.Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms
or when unused for long periods of time.
12.Refer all servicing to qualified service person-
nel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as
power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid
has been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or
has been dropped.
Remember that this camera is intended for
private consumer use only.
Any commercial use without proper permission
is prohibited. (Even if you record an event such
as a show, performance or exhibition for personal
enjoyment, it is strongly recommended that you
obtain permission beforehand.)
Trademarks
•Manufactured under license from Dolby
Laboratories. Dolby and double-D symbol are
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
•
MascotCapsule is a registered trademark of HI
CORPORATION in Japan.
Copyright © 2001 HI CORPORATION. All rights
reserved.
•Other product and company names included
in this instruction manual are trademarks
and/or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.

4
Read This First!
Make a backup of important recorded data
JVC will not be responsible for any lost data. It is recommended to copy your important
recorded data to a DVD or other recording media for storage. (pg. 40)
Make a trial recording
Before the actual recording of important data, make a trial recording and play back the
recorded data to check that the video and sound have been recorded correctly.
Reset the camera if it does not operate correctly
This camera uses a microcomputer. Factors such as background noise and interference
can prevent it from operating correctly. If the camera does not operate correctly, reset
the camera. (pg. 51)
Precautions on handling batteries
•Be sure to use the JVC BN-VF808U/VF815U/VF823U battery packs.
•If the camera is subjected to electrostatic discharge, turn the power off before using it
again.
If a malfunction occurs, stop using the camera immediately
and consult your local JVC dealer
•If a problem occurs when using the SD card, take the card together with the camera
for repair. If one of them is not included, the cause of the malfunction cannot be
diagnosed, and the camera cannot be repaired.
•Recorded data may be erased while the camera is being repaired or inspected. Back
up all data before requesting repairs or inspections.
Because the camera may be used for demonstration in a
shop, the demonstration mode is set to on by default
To deactivate the demonstration mode, set [DEMO MODE] to [OFF]. (pg. 48)
When connecting the camera to other device using a DV
cable, make sure to follow the procedure below. Connecting
the cable incorrectly may cause malfunctions to the camera
and/or other device.
•Connect the DV cable first to other device, and then to the camera.
•Connect the DV cable (plugs) correctly according to the shape of the DV connector.

5
ENGLISH
GETTING STARTED
Accessories ............................................ 6
How to Use the Everio Dock .........................6
Attaching the Shoulder Strap ........................7
Preparing the Remote Control.......................7
Index ........................................................ 8
Indications on LCD Monitor ................ 10
Necessary Settings before Use .......... 12
Charging the Battery Pack ..........................12
Language Setting .......................................13
Date/Time Setting .......................................13
Other Settings ...................................... 14
Grip Adjustment ..........................................14
Lens Cover .................................................14
Checking the Remaining Battery Power .....14
Tripod Mounting .......................................... 14
When Using an SD Card ............................15
RECORDING
Recording Files..................................... 16
Video Recording ......................................... 16
Still Image Recording .................................17
Zooming ......................................................18
LED Light ....................................................18
Flash ...........................................................18
Registering Files to Events .........................19
ND Filter .....................................................19
Checking the Remaining Space on the
Recording Media ........................................19
Manual Recording ............................... 20
Program AE ................................................ 20
Changing the Shutter Speed ......................20
Aperture Priority Setting .............................21
Manual Focus .............................................21
Nightalive ....................................................21
Backlight Compensation .............................22
Spot Exposure Control ...............................22
Manual Setting in Function Menu ............... 22
PLAYBACK
Playing Back Files ................................ 24
Video Playback ...........................................24
Still Image Playback ...................................25
File Search Function ...................................26
To Play Back Demonstration Files .................27
Playback with Special Effects .....................28
Watching Images on TV ....................... 29
EDITING/PRINTING
Managing Files ..................................... 30
Deleting/Protecting Files .............................30
Viewing File Information ............................. 32
Changing the Event Registration of
Video Files after Recording ........................32
Partial Delete (EDITED COPY) ...................33
Playlists ................................................ 34
Creating Playlists ........................................34
Playing Back Playlists .................................35
Other Operations of Playlists ......................36
Print Setting ......................................... 37
DPOF Print Setting ..................................... 37
Direct Printing with PictBridge Printer ........38
COPYING
Copying Files ....................................... 40
Using a DVD Burner to Copy Files from
the Camera (DVD Creation Function) .........40
Using a VCR/DVD Recorder to Dub
Files from the Camera................................. 44
Using the Camera to Dub Files from a VCR/
DVD Player .................................................. 44
Copying/Moving Still Image Files ................ 45
MENU SETTINGS
Changing the Menu Settings .............. 46
FURTHER INFORMATION
Troubleshooting ................................... 51
Warning Indications ............................ 54
Cleaning ............................................... 55
Specifications ...................................... 56
Cautions ............................................... 58
Terms ................................................... 60
Contents

6
Accessories
Everio Dock
CU-VC5U ( below) AC Adapter AP-V14U Battery Pack BN-VF808U Audio/Video Cable
USB Cable
( pg. 38, 40 and
PC OPERATION
GUIDE)
Shoulder Strap
( pg. 7) CD-ROM (PC OPERATION
GUIDE)
Remote Control Unit
RM-V750U ( pg. 7)
NOTE
Make sure to use the provided cables for
connections. Do not use any other cables.
Lithium Battery
CR2025
Pre-installed in the
remote control unit.
How to Use the Everio Dock
You can connect cables to the connectors of the Everio dock. The connection is completed when
you place the camera on the dock.
NOTE
For the connection using the S connector and DV Connector, an optional S-Video cable and DV cable
are needed. To purchase these cables, consult the JVC Service Center described on the sheet included
in the package for details on its availability. Make sure to connect the end with a core filter to the
camera. The core filter reduces interference.
•The S-Video cable (optional) enables even higher quality playback on TV. ( pg. 29) Be sure to use
the YTU94146A S-Video cable.
•When dubbing files from the camera using a VCR/DVD recorder ( pg. 44), using the DV cable
enables even higher quality dubbing. Be sure to use the VC-VDV204U DV cable. Operation using the
DV cable is not guaranteed on all of the devices.
Camera
Connection
Terminal
S Connector
AV Connector
DC Connector
DV Connector
USB
Connector

7
ENGLISH
Attaching the Shoulder Strap
Peel off the pad and thread
the end of the strap through
the eyelet.
Thread the strap through the
buckle, adjust its length, and
use the strap guide to fix it
in place.
Position the buckle near the
eyelet and reattach the pad.
Preparing the Remote Control
A battery is included inside the remote control at the time of purchase.
Remove the insulation sheet before use.
Beam Effective Area
NOTE
The transmitted beam may not be effective
or may cause incorrect operation when the
remote sensor is directly exposed to sunlight
or powerful lighting.
To Reinsert the Battery
Pull out the battery holder by pressing the
lock tab.
Eyelet
Strap Guide
Buckle
Effective distance:
5 m (16 ft)
Remote Sensor
Lock Tab
Lithium Battery
(CR2025)

8
Index
NOTES
•The LCD monitor can rotate 270°.
•Power-linked operation
You can also turn the camera on/off by
opening/closing the LCD monitor during the
recording mode.
•Be careful not to cover 5, 6, 8and <
during shooting.

9
ENGLISH
Camera
!Index Button [INDEX] ( pg. 26)/
Remaining Space Button/Data Battery
Button [ 0/1] ( pg. 14, 19)
#Set Lever
Move to ¡:
Reverse Skip ( pg. 24)/Up/Backlight
Compensation [ -] ( pg. 22)/Spot
Exposure Control [ .] ( pg. 22)
Move to ¢:
Forward Skip ( pg. 24)/Down/
Manual Focus ( pg. 21)
Move to £:
Reverse Search ( pg. 24)/Left/
Nightalive [NIGHT] ( pg. 21)
Move to ¤:
Forward Search ( pg. 24)/Right/
Change Flash Setting/Change LED Light
Setting [LIGHT/FLASH] ( pg. 18)
Press down:
Play/Pause ( pg. 24)
$Menu Button [MENU] ( pg. 46)
%Speaker ( pg. 24)
&Playback/Recording Mode Switching
Button [SELECT PLAY/REC] ( pg. 16)
(Zoom Lever [W 7,T ,] ( pg. 18)
Speaker Volume Control [–VOL+]
( pg. 24)
)Still Image Shooting Button [SNAPSHOT]
( pg. 17)
*ND Filter Button [ F/G] ( pg. 19)/
Self Timer Button [ z] ( pg. 17)
+Program AE Dial ( pg. 20)
,Function Button [FUNCTION] ( pg. 22)
-Direct DVD Button [DIRECT DVD]
(pg. 41 and PC OPERATION GUIDE)
.Direct Backup Button [DIRECT BACK UP]
(PC OPERATION GUIDE)/Event Button
[EVENT] ( pg. 19)
/Tele Macro Button [TELE MACRO]
( pg. 16, 17)/Information Button [INFO]
( pg. 32)
0Access/Charge Lamp [ACCESS/CHARGE]
( pg. 12)
(Blinks when you access files or charge
the battery. Do not turn off the power or
remove the battery pack/AC adapter while
accessing files.)
Video/Still Image Mode Lamp [ !, #]
( pg. 16, 17)
1Video Recording Start/Stop Button [REC]
(pg. 16)
2Power/Mode Switch [OFF (CHARGE), ON,
MODE] ( pg. 12)
3Lock Button ( pg. 12)
4Flash ( pg. 18)
5Camera Sensor
Remote Sensor ( pg. 7)
6LED Light ( pg. 18)
7Lens Cover ( pg. 14)
8Lens
9Shoe
:Microphone Input Connector [PLUG IN
POWER]
;USB (Universal Serial Bus) Connector
[ 2] ( pg. 38, 40 and PC OPERATION
GUIDE)
<Stereo Microphone
=Lens Cover Switch [ =, >] ( pg. 14)
>SD Card Slot ( pg. 15)
?Stud Hole ( pg. 14)
@Tripod Mounting Socket ( pg. 14)
ABattery Release Button [BATT.] ( pg. 12)
BBattery Pack Mount ( pg. 12)
CDC Input Connector [DC] ( pg. 12)
DAudio/Video Connector [AV]
EGrip Strap ( pg. 14)
Remote Control
QInfrared Beam Transmitting Window
RZOOM (T/W) Buttons
Zoom In/Out (pg. 18)
SUp Button
Rotate Button (counterclockwise)
(pg. 25)
TSkip Backward Button
ULeft Button
VBack Button
WPLAYLIST Button (pg. 34)
XSTART/STOP Button
YSNAPSHOT Button (pg. 17)
ZINFO Button (pg. 32)
aSkip Forward Button
bPLAY/PAUSE Button
cRight Button
dNext Button
eDown Button
Rotate Button (clockwise) (pg. 25)
fINDEX Button
gDATE Button

10
During both Video and Still Image
Recording
W T
0
PM
4:55
JAN.20.2007
A
200X
F5.6
1/250
N
!Selected Operation Mode Indicator
( pg. 20)
4: Auto Mode
3: Manual Mode
#Tele Macro Mode Indicator ( pg. 16, 17)
$Color Mode Indicator ( pg. 50)
%Approximate Zoom Ratio ( pg. 18)
&Zoom Indicator ( pg. 18)
(AV/S Connector Input Indicator ( pg. 49)
)Shutter Speed ( pg. 20)
*White Balance Indicator ( pg. 23)
+Brightness Control Indicator ( pg. 48)
,Battery Indicator ( pg. 54)
-Date/Time ( pg. 13)
.Manual Focus Adjustment Indicator
( pg. 21)
/Selected Medium Indicator
( pg. 47, 48)
0Drop Detection Indicator (Appears when
[DROP DETECTION] is set to [OFF].)
( pg. 48)
1Effect Mode Indicator ( pg. 23)
2Program AE Mode Indicator ( pg. 20)/
5: Nightalive Indicator ( pg. 21)
3Aperture Value (F-number) ( pg. 21)
4LED Light Indicator ( pg. 18)
5± : Exposure Adjustment Indicator
( pg. 23)
-: Backlight Compensation Indicator
( pg. 22)
.: Spot Exposure Control Indicator
( pg. 22)
6Iris Lock Indicator ( pg. 22)
During Video Recording Only
16:9
0:04:01
[5h56m]
!Mode Indicator ( pg. 16)
#ND Filter Indicator ( pg. 19)
$
Aspect Ratio of the Image (16:9/4:3) ( pg. 47)
%Picture Quality: B(ultra fine), C(fine),
D(normal), E(economy) ( pg. 46)
&Remaining Time ( pg. 16, 57)
(Counter ( pg. 47)
)7REC:
(Appears during recording.) ( pg. 16)
79: (Appears during record-standby mode.)
*Wind Cut Indicator ( pg. 47)
+Event Indicator ( pg. 19)
,
Digital Image Stabilizer (DIS) Indicator (Appears
when [DIS] is set to [OFF].) ( pg. 47)
-External Microphone Input Level Indicator
( pg. 47)
During Still Image Recording Only
PHOTO
[9999]
FINE
10
640
4:3
!Mode Indicator ( pg. 17)
#ISO Sensitivity
(GAIN): When set to [AUTO], there is no
indication. ( pg. 48)
$Focus Indicator ( pg. 17)
%Aspect Ratio of the Image (16:9/4:3)
&Image Size ( pg. 47)
(Picture Quality: FINE (fine) or STD
(standard) ( pg. 47)
)Remaining Number of Shots ( pg. 57)
*{: Continuous Shooting Mode Indicator
( pg. 48)
J: Bracket Shooting Mode Indicator
( pg. 48)
+Shooting Indicator ( pg. 17)
,Self-Timer Recording Indicator ( pg. 48)
-Flash Mode Indicator ( pg. 18)
Indications on LCD Monitor

11
ENGLISH
During Video Playback
9:55:01
PM
4:55
JAN.20.2007
X60
!Mode Indicator ( pg. 24)
#6: Playlist Playback Indicator (Appears
when playing back a playlist.) ( pg. 35)
¨ª : Event Search Playback Indicator
(Appears when playing back a video file
from the event search.) ( pg. 27)
¨© : Date Search Playback Indicator
(Appears when playing back a video file
from the date search.) ( pg. 26)
$Picture Quality: B(ultra fine), C(fine),
D(normal), E(economy) ( pg. 46)
%Playback Mode ( pg. 24)
U: Playback
9: Pause
5 : Forward Search
3 : Reverse Search
9U : Forward Slow-Motion
Y9 : Reverse Slow-Motion
(The number on the left shows speed.)
&Counter ( pg. 47)
(Volume Level Indicator
)Battery Indicator ( pg. 54)
*Date/Time ( pg. 13)
+Selected Medium Indicator ( pg. 47, 48)
,Drop Detection Indicator (Appears when
[DROP DETECTION] is set to [OFF].)
(pg. 48)
-Effect Mode Indicator ( pg. 28)
.Wipe/Fader Effect Indicator ( pg. 28)
During Still Image Playback
PM
4:55
JAN.20.2007
101-0098
!Mode Indicator ( pg. 25)
#Folder/File Number
$Slide Show Playback Indicator ( pg. 25)
%Battery Indicator ( pg. 54)
&Date/Time ( pg. 49)
(Selected Medium Indicator ( pg. 47, 48)
)Drop Detection Indicator (Appears when
[DROP DETECTION] is set to [OFF].)
( pg. 48)
*Effect Mode Indicator ( pg. 28)
Operation guide display
The operation guide is displayed at the
bottom of the screen during menu display
etc.
SELECT SET QUIT

12
Be sure to configure the following three
settings before use.
Charging the Battery Pack
1Set the power/mode switch to OFF.
Slide while pressing down the lock button.
MODE
OFF
(CHARGE)
ON
2Attach the battery pack.
Slide the battery pack down until it locks
in place.
3 Connect the AC adapter.
•You can also connect the AC adapter using
the Everio dock connector. (pg. 6)
•The access/charge lamp blinks to indicate
charging has started.
•When the lamp goes out, charging is
finished. Unplug the AC adapter from the
AC outlet and disconnect the AC adapter
from the camera.
Necessary Settings before Use
MENU
Access/Charge Lamp
Power/Mode Switch
Set Lever
Bottom of the Camera
BATT.
DC
Connector
AC Adapter
To AC Outlet
(110V to 240V)
Required charging / recording time
(approx.)
The values within ( ) are the times when the
LED light is on.
Battery pack Charging time Recording
time
BN-VF808U
(Provided) 1 hr. 30 min. 1 hr. 15 min.
(1 hr. 10 min.)
BN-VF815U 2 hr. 40 min. 2 hr. 30 min.
(2 hr. 25 min.)
BN-VF823U 3 hr. 50 min. 3 hr. 45 min.
(3 hr. 35 min.)
8To detach the battery pack
Slide and hold BATT. (step 2), then
remove the battery pack.
8To check the remaining battery power
See page 14.
NOTES
•You can also use the camera with just the AC
adapter.
•Please do not pull or bend the AC adapter plug
and cable.This may damage the AC adapter.

13
ENGLISH
Language Setting
The language on the display can be changed.
1Set the power/mode switch to ON.
Slide while pressing down the lock button.
MODE
OFF
(CHARGE)
ON
2MENU
ZOOM
QUALITY
DIS
VIDEO
SELECT SET QUIT
SCENE COUNTER
EXTERNAL MIC LEVEL
3
ZOOM
QUALITY
DIS
VIDEO
SELECT SET QUIT
SCENE COUNTER
EXTERNAL MIC LEVEL
4Select [GENERAL].
Select
Set
AUTO POWER OFF
COLOR MODE
DROP DETECTION
BRIGHT
REMOTE
GENERAL
SELECT SET QUIT
5Select [LANGUAGE].
Select
Set
ENGLISH
GENERAL
SELECT SET QUIT
6Select the desired language.
Select
Set
8To return to the previous screen
Move the set lever to £.
8To exit the screen
Press MENU.
Date/Time Setting
After performing steps 1-4 (left column)
5Select [CLOCK ADJUST].
Select
Set
JAN 31 11 AM 07
2007
DATE TIME
GENERAL
SELECT SET QUIT
6Set the date and time.
Select
Set
Repeat this step to input the month, day,
year, hour and minute.
8To return to the previous screen
Move the set lever to £.
8To exit the screen
Press MENU.
You have now finished configuring the
necessary settings.
8To use the camera right away
See page 16.
8To configure other settings
See page 14.

14
Other Settings
Grip Adjustment
Open the pad and make grip adjustments.
Lens Cover
When not using the camera, close the lens
cover to protect the lens.
Open the lens cover
Close the lens cover
NOTE
Do not push the lens cover strongly. Doing so
may cause damage to the lens.
Checking the Remaining Battery
Power
Preparation:
•Set the power/mode switch to OFF.
•Attach the battery pack.
INDEX
BATTERY CONDITION
MAX TIME
min
100%
50%
0%
Battery information is displayed for approx. 5
seconds if the button is pressed and released
quickly, and for approx. 15 seconds if the
button is pressed and held for several seconds.
NOTES
•If “COMMUNICATING ERROR” appears,
there may be a problem with your battery.
In such a case, consult your nearest JVC
dealer.
•The recordable time display should only be
used as a guide. It is displayed in 10 minute
units.
Tripod Mounting
Align the camera stud hole with the tripod
stud, and the mounting socket with the screw,
and then rotate the camera clockwise to
mount it to the tripod.
NOTE
Do not use a tripod on unsteady or unlevel
surfaces. It could tip over, causing serious
damage to the camera.
INDEX
Lens Cover
Switch
Power/Mode
Switch
Bottom of the
Camera

15
ENGLISH
When Using an SD Card
If you want to record to an SD card, the
following three operations need to be
performed.
Compatible SD cards:
Panasonic,TOSHIBA and SanDisk.
128 MB to 4 GB.
•If other media are used, they may fail to
record data correctly, or they may lose data
that had already been recorded.
•For video recording, use a high-speed SD
card (at least 10 MB/s).
•MultiMediaCards are not supported.
QInsert an SD card
Preparation:
Set the power/mode switch to OFF.
1Open the SD card cover.
Bottom of the
Camera
2Firmly insert the card with its clipped
edge first.
Clipped Edge
3Close the SD card cover.
8To remove an SD card
Push the SD card once.
After the card comes out a little, pull it out.
NOTES
•Insert and remove the SD card only while
the power is turned off. Otherwise, data on
the card may be corrupted.
•Do not touch the terminal on the reverse
side of the label.
RChange the recording medium
The camera is programmed to record on the
built-in hard disk when it is shipped from the
factory.You can change the recording medium
to SD card.
Set [REC MEDIA FOR VIDEO] and [REC
MEDIA FOR IMAGE] to [SD]. (pg. 47,
48)
SFormat an SD card when using it for
the first time
This will also ensure stable speeds and
operation when accessing the SD card.
Select [EXECUTE] in [FORMAT SD
CARD] to format the card. (pg. 50)

16
Recording Files
Video Recording
Preparation: Set the power/mode switch to ON.
Press the PLAY/REC button to
select recording mode.
PLAY/REC
SELECT
16:9
[5h56m]
N
Press the REC button to start
recording.
REC
REC
[5h56m]
Approximate remaining time for
recording appears.
8To stop recording
Press the REC button again.
8To change the picture quality
Change the settings in [QUALITY].
(pg. 46)
8To register a file to an event
See page 19.
8To take close-up pictures (up to approx.
51 cm [1.68 ft])
Press the TELE MACRO button (t
indicator appears).
8To change the aspect ratio of the image
(16:9/4:3)
Change the settings in [16:9 WIDE
RECORDING]. (pg. 47)
Slide the power/mode switch to
MODE to select !(video) mode.
MODE
OFF
ON
The switch returns to
the original position
when it is released.
The !lamp on the camera lights up.
NOTES
•The video recording mode is automatically selected when you turn the camera’s power off and then
on again.
•If the camera is not operated for 5 minutes while the power is on, it turns itself off automatically to
conserve power. To turn the camera on again when using the battery pack, set the power/mode switch
to OFF, then to ON. When using the AC adapter, perform any operation such as zooming.
•Video files are given the names MOV_001.MOD to MOV_009.MOD, MOV_00A.MOD to
MOV_00F.MOD, and MOV_010.MOD in order of recording.
•After recording video for 12 consecutive hours, recording stops automatically.
•A new file will be created for every 4 GB of continuous shooting.
•This camera records video in MPEG2 format compliant with SD-VIDEO format. Remember that this
camera is not compatible with other digital video formats.
•Do not move or shake the camera suddenly during recording. If you do so, the sound of the hard disk
drive may be recorded.

17
ENGLISH
N
Still Image Recording
Preparation: Set the power/mode switch to ON.
Slide the power/mode switch to
MODE to select #(still image)
mode.
MODE
OFF
ON
The switch returns
to the original
position when it is
released.
The #lamp on the camera lights up.
Press the PLAY/REC button to
select recording mode.
PLAY/REC
SELECT
[9999]
FINE
640
N
4:3
Press and hold the SNAPSHOT
button halfway.
[
FINE
640
The ?indicator becomes green when
the captured image is focused.
Press the SNAPSHOT button to
start recording.
[9999]
FINE
4
0
NOTE
If the camera is not operated for 5 minutes while the power is on, it turns itself off automatically to
conserve power. To turn the camera on again when using the battery pack, set the power/mode switch
to OFF, then to ON. When using the AC adapter, perform any operation such as zooming.
8To change the picture quality
Change the settings in [QUALITY].
(pg. 47)
8To record still images continuously
Set [CONTINUOUS SHOOTING] to
[ON]. (pg. 48)
8To change the image size
Change the settings in [IMAGE SIZE].
(pg. 47)
8To take close-up pictures (up to
approx. 51 cm [1.68 ft])
Press the TELE MACRO button (t
Indicator appears).
8To record using the timer
Press the zbutton several times to
display the H(2 seconds) or I(10
seconds) indicator.

18
Recording Files (Continued)
Zooming
Preparation:
•Slide the power/mode switch to MODE to
select !or #mode.
•Press the PLAY/REC button to select
recording mode.
Zoom out Zoom in
W: Wide angle T: Telephoto
Maximum zoom ratio is 40X in !mode, and
10X in #mode (factory-preset).
8To change the maximum zoom ratio (for
!mode only)
Change the settings in [ZOOM]. (pg. 46)
NOTE
Macro shooting is possible as close as
approx. 5 cm (2
″ ) to the subject when the
zoom lever is set all the way to W.
LED Light – !mode only
Preparation:
•Slide the power/mode switch to MODE to
select !mode.
•Press the PLAY/REC button to select
recording mode.
A
N
Each time you move the set lever to ¢,
setting changes.
The light remains on regardless
of the surrounding conditions.
The light turns on automatically
when shooting in insufficient
light conditions.
No display Disables this function.
Flash – #mode only
Preparation:
•Slide the power/mode switch to MODE to
select #mode.
•Press the PLAY/REC button to select
recording mode.
[9999]
FINE
4
0
Each time you move the set lever to ¢,
setting changes.
() The flash fires automatically.
()*
The flash fires automatically
but reduces the red-eye
phenomenon of the subject’s
eyes.
(The flash fires regardless of the
shooting condition.
(+
The flash fires. The shutter
speed becomes slower, so
the background can also be
brightened.
No display Disables this function.
INDEX
Zoom Lever
PLAY/REC Button
Set Lever
Power/
Mode
Switch

19
ENGLISH
Registering Files to Events
– !mode only
If you select an event to register the file to
before starting recording, the file will be
registered to the selected event, thus making
the file easy to find at playback. There are up
to 3 different destinations within each event
(for example: BABY1, BABY2, BABY3).
Preparation:
•Slide the power/mode switch to MODE to
select !mode.
•Press the PLAY/REC button to select
recording mode.
1
ON/SELECT
CHANGE EVENT REG.
OFF
2Select [ON/SELECT].
Select
Set
VACATION 1/ 3
NON SECTION NEXT PAGE
SELECT SET QUIT
3Select the event that you want to
register the file to.
•To select a different destination, select
[NEXT PAGE].
•To cancel the event registration, select
[NON SECTION].
Select
Set
The selected event is displayed on the screen.
Press the REC button to start recording.
8To exit the screen
Press EVENT.
8To search by event for a file to play back
See page 26.
NOTE
Once you select to register a file to a certain event,
the setting will remain even if you turn the power off.
Unless you change the setting, you will register a file
to the same event that you had previously selected.
ND Filter – !mode only
The amount of light that enters the lens is
reduced by the filter. Therefore, the aperture
value can be raised or shutter speed lowered,
in situations such as when recording videos
outdoors in sunny weather.
Preparation:
•Slide the power/mode switch to MODE to
select !mode.
•Press the PLAY/REC button to select
recording mode.
N
8To deactivate the ND filter
Press the F/ Gbutton so that the G
indicator turns white.
NOTE
We recommend that the ND Filter is not used
indoors, because there may not be enough
light.
Checking the Remaining Space on
the Recording Media
– !mode only
Preparation:
•Slide the power/mode switch to MODE to
select !mode.
•Press the PLAY/REC button to select
recording mode.
INDEX
MAX RECORDING TIME
7h 15m
10h45m
14h16m
37h44m
HDD
FREE
USED
The maximum recording time is displayed for
each picture quality mode ( B: ULTRA FINE,
C: FINE, D: NORMAL, E: ECONOMY).
8To return to the normal screen
Press the 0button again.

20
Manual recording mode enables you to set
the focus and screen brightness etc. manually.
Preparation:
•Slide the power/mode switch to MODE to
select !or #mode.
•Press the PLAY/REC button to select
recording mode.
Program AE
You can record videos or still images with
optimum brightness by adjusting the exposure
and shutter speed to suit your surroundings or
the subject.
Set the program AE dial to the desired
setting (Ito /).
For details on each setting, see right column.
8To cancel the program AE
Set the program AE dial to 4(auto
recording mode).
8Items for program AE setting
•ITWILIGHT:
Makes evening scenes look more natural.
•6PORTRAIT:
The subject in the foreground is
accentuated by blurring the background.
•HSPORTS:
Records fast moving subjects clearly.
•GSNOW:
Compensates for subjects that may
appear too dark when shooting in
extremely bright surroundings, such as
in snow.
•/SPOTLIGHT:
Select this when a spotlight makes a
subject appear too bright.
Changing the Shutter Speed
A fast shutter speed can freeze the motion
of a fast-moving subject, and a slow shutter
speed can blur the subject to give the
impression of motion.
1Set the program AE dial to “S”.
N
16:9
1/60
2Select the desired setting (1/2 to
1/4000 in !mode, 1/2 to 1/500* in #
mode).
The smaller the value, the faster the
shutter speed.
* 1/2 to 1/250 when using the flash.
Select
Set
8To cancel the shutter speed setting
Set the program AE dial to 4(auto
recording mode).
NOTE
It is recommended to use the tripod (pg. 14)
when recording with a slow shutter speed.
Manual Recording
FUNCTION
Power/Mode
Switch
PLAY/REC
Button
Set Lever Program AE Dial