Panasonic Palmcorder PV-L678 User manual

Panasonic
Palmcorder® PalmSight”
Camcorder
Operating Instructions
PV-L678
Please read these instructions carefully before attempting to operate this product. Please save this manual.
Spanish Quick Use Guide is included.
Guía para rápida consulta en español está incluida. MS

Things You Should Know
Thank you for choosing Panasonic!
You have purchased one of the most sophisticated and reliable products on the market
today. Used properly, it will bring you years of enjoyment. Please take time to filt in the
information below. The serial number is on the tag located on the underside of your
Camcorder. Be sure to retain this manual as your convenient Camcorder information
source.
Date of Purchase
Dealer Purchased From
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone No.
Mode! No.
Serial No.
Unpack your Camcorder
These accessories are provided in order to set up or use your Camcorder.
1 pe. AC Adaptor (PV-A17) 1 pe. Battery Pack 1 pc. Audio/Video
with DC Power Cable (PV-BP18) Cable (VJAW0039)
(see page 11) (see pages 9, 10) (see pages 30, 45)
ES
1 pc. Shoulder Strap 1 pc. VHS PlayPak 1 pc. Wiping Cloth
(VYCWO149) (PV-P1/VYMW0009} (VFCWO001)
(see page 21) and one “AA” battery
(see page 31)
EN
&
SS
1 pc. CR2025 Clock Use this wiping cloth to clean
Battery (VSBW0004) the display screen of finger
(installed in Camcorder)
(see page 17)
=>
prints and other smudges.

Things You Should Know
Safety Precautions
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Your Compact VHS Camcorder is designed to record and play back in Standard Play
(SP) and Super Long Play (SLP} modes. You can also play a Compact VHS
Camcorder recording on your VHS VCR using the VHS PlayPak supplied.
This Camcorder is equipped with the HQ System to provide excellent video pictures,
and is compatible with standard VHS equipment.
It is recommended that only cassette tapes that have been tested and inspected for use
in VCR machines with the and/or mark be used.
payers bumag
This symbol wams the user that
CAUTION uninsulated voltage within the unit may ,
have sufficient magnitude to cause electric
shock. Therefore, it is dangerous to make
any kind of contact with any inside part of
this unit.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK} This symbol alerts the user that important
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE literature concerning the operation and
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL maintenance of this unit has been included
Therefore, it should be read carefully in
order to avoid any problems.
The above markings are located on the appliance bottom cover.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two con-
ditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with Part 15 and part 18 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when operated in a residential environment.
If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, use the equipment in another location and/or utilize an electri-
ca! outlet different from that used by the receiver.
If necessary, consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. You may find the
booklet, ‘Something About Interference’ available from FCC local regional offices helpful.

Read Instructions — All the safety and operating
instnictions should be read before the unit is
operated.
. Retain Instructions — The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future reference.
. Heed Wamings — All warnings on the unit and in
the operating instructions should be adhered to.
. Foltow Instructions — Ali operating and
maintenance instructions should be followed.
. Cleaning — Unplug this video unit from the wall
outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol
cleaners. Use a dry cloth for cleaning.
. Attachments — Do not use attachments not
recommended by the video product manufacturer
as they may be hazardous.
Water and Moisture — Do not use this video unit
near water — for example near a bath tub, wash
bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet
basement, or near a swimming pool, and the like.
Accessories — Do not place this video unit on an
unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The
video unit may fall, causing serious injury to a child
or adult, and serious damaga to the unit. Use only
with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the
video unit. Any mounting of the unit should follow
the manufacturer's instructions and should use a
mounting accessory recommended by
the manufacturer. An appliance and
cart combination should be moved
with care. Quick stops, excessive
force, and uneven surfaces may
cause the appliance and cart
combination to overturn.
Ventilation — Slots and openings in the cabinet are
provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable
operation of the video unit and to protect it from
overheating. These openings must not be blocked
or covered. Never place the video unit on a bed,
sofa, rug, or other similar surface, or near or over a
radiator or heat register. This video unit shoutd not
be placed in a built-in installation such as a
bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is
provided or the manufacturer's instructions have
been adhered to.
10. Power Sources — This video unit should be
operated only from the type of power source
indicated on the marking label, If you are not sure
of the type of power supply to your home, consult
your appliance dealer or local power company. For
video units intended to be operated from battery
power, or other sources, refer to the operating
instructions.
11
12.
13
Important Safeguards
1.
. Grounding or Polarization — This video unit may
be equipped with either a polarized 2-wire AC
{Alternating Current) line plug (a plug having ona
blade wider than the other) or 3-wire grounding
type piug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin.
The 2-wire polarized plug will fit into the power
outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you
are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try
reversing the plug. tf the plug still fails to fit, contact
your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do
not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized piug.
The 3-wire grounding type plug will fit into a
grounding type power outlet. This is a safety
feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the
outlet, contact your electrician to replace your
obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of
the grounding type plug.
Power-Cord Protection — Power-supply cords
should be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them. Paying particular attention to cords of
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the unit.
. Outdoor Antenna Grounding — If an outside
antenna or cable system is connected to the video
unit, be sure the antenna or cable system is
grounded so as to provide some protection against
voltage surges and built-up static charges. Part 1 of
the Canadian Electrical Code, in USA Section 810
of the National Electrical Code, provides
information with respect to proper grounding of the
mast and supporting structure, grounding of the
lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of
grounding conductors, location of antanna
discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes,
and requirements for the grounding electrode.
ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION B10-20)
ROUNDING CONDUCTORS
{NEC SECTION 810-21)
GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNI
ELECTROOE SYSTEM
(NEC AAT 250, PART +)
aA RNG
NEC — NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
. Lightning — For added protection of this video unit
receiver during a lightning storm, or when it is left
unattended and unused tor long periods of time,
unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the
antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage
to the video unit due to lightning and power-line
surges.

Important Safeguards
15. Power Lines — An outside antenna system should b. tf any liquid has been spilled onto, or objects
not be located in the vicinity of overhead power have failen into the video unit.
lines or other electric light or power circuits, or c. If the video unit has been exposed to rain or
where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. water.
When installing an outside antenna system, d. If the video unit does not operate normally by
extreme care should be taken to keep from following the operating instructions. Adjust only
touching such power lines or circuits as contact those controls that are covered by the operating
with them might be fatal. instructions, as an improper adjustment of other
16. Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets and controls may result in damage and will often
extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or require extensive work by a qualified technician
electric shock. to restore the video unit to its normal operation.
. 17. Objects and Liquids — Never push objects of any e. If the video unit has been dropped or the cabinet
kind into this video unit through openings as they has been damaged.
may touch dangerous voltage points or short out f. When the video unit exhibits a distinct change in
parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. performance — this indicates a need for service.
Never spill liquid of any kind onto the video unit. 20. Replacement Parts — When replacement parts are
18. Servicing — Do not attempt to service this video required, be sure the service technician has used
unit yourself as opening or removing covers may replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or
expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. have the same characteristics as the original part.
Reter all servicing to qualified service personnel. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
19. Damage Requiring Service — Unplug this video electric shock or other hazards.
unit from the wall outlet and refer servicing to 21. Safety Check— Upon completion of any service or
qualified service personnel under the following repairs to this video unit, ask the service technician
conditions: to perform safety checks to determine that the
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is video unit is in safe operating order.
damaged.
Precautions
USE & LOCATION
» TO AVOID SHOCK HAZARD ... Your Camcorder and power supply should not be exposed to rain or moisture.
Do not connect the power supply or operate your Camcorder if it gets wet. Your Camcorder has been designed
for outdoor use, however it is not designed to sustain direct exposure to water, rain, sleet, snow, sand, dust, or
a direct splashing trom a pool or even a cup of coffee. This action could permanently damage the internal parts
of your Camcorder. Do not attempt to disassemble this unit. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Unplug
your Camcorder from the power supply before cleaning.
« DO NOT AIM YOUR CAMCORDER AT THE SUN OR OTHER BRIGHT OBJECTS.
+ DO NOT LEAVE THE CAMCORDER WITH THE EVF AIMED DIRECTLY AT THE SUN AS THIS MAY CAUSE
DAMAGE TO THE INTERNAL PARTS OF THE EVF.
* DO NOT EXPOSE YOUR CAMCORDER TO EXTENDED HIGH TEMPERATURE ... Such as, in direct sunlight,
inside a closed car, next to a heater, etc... This action could permanently damage the internal parts of your
Camcorder.
* AVOID SUDDEN CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE ... if the unit is suddenly moved from a cold place to a warm
place, moisture may form on the tape and inside the unit.
» DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAMCORDER OR THE POWER SUPPLY TURNED ON WHEN NOT IN USE.
+ STORAGE OF YOUR CAMCORDER ... Store and handle your Camcorder in a manner that will not subject it to
unnecessary movement {avoid shaking and striking). Your Camcorder contains a sensitive pick-up device which
could be damaged by improper handling or storage.
CARE
* TO CLEAN YOUR CAMCORDER ... Do not use strong or abrasive detergents when cleaning your Camcorder
body.
* TO PROTECT THE LENS... Do not touch the surface of the lens with your hand. Use a commercial camcorder
lens solution and lens paper when cleaning the lens. Improper cleaning can scratch the lens coating.
* TO PROTECT THE FINISH OF YOUR CAMCORDER ... Before handling your Camcorder, make sure your
hands and face are free from any chemical products, such as suntan lotion, as it may damage the finish,
payieys buiyja5H

Table of Contents
Getting Started
Things You Should Know .ooooorcccccccccocnccnconoccnancnnnnnnoos A T SETA 2
Important Safeguards oae E E A E E EEE 4
Precautions ............ taa PAA esa ees EAT EEEE EE 5
Quick Operation Guide 0... eee ceeeeceeceeeeeeeeeeeeees PA
Supplying PO WET aii is dica O
Cassette: Information + cri A e wheeled 12
MENU Mod8 .................. A E E |
Setting the Clock .. ES Sei shag dad O OI 14
Electronic Viewfinder/LCD Monitor Indications . sitial E O IO
Attaching the Shoulder Strap ....oooooococicccccoconocccanaconoronoonnaronanonanonanaranonononos EET 21
EA A II A iaa 22
Basic Operation
Camera Recording ....oonoococionccccnccccnnnnnao: A ci ES!
Playing Back your Recordings Diana a AAN 28
Special Features
Four-Speed Power Zoom ccococcnnccconocanconannnos ies el 32
Backlight................. pd PE CART TUR DOE EARS ds ÓN 32
High Speed Shutter... eee Ian S ES 34
Fada aes rni E E E EE EEE E E A EEEE EA 35
Digital Zoom ET ATA A EEE E A A T
Digital Electronic Image Stabilization A A ne 38
Negative/Positive Transposer ...... coges A AS 38
Motion Security .......... A E T RA EEE A TT TESS E,
Time Lapse oo... eee ee eer rene E IA PA 40
Tally Lamp ................... PA E E nea ae e 41
Intelligent Titler ................ ds A A o 42
Copying your Tapes (dubbing) ..................... pol EEE EEE AEAT 45
For Your Information
Palmcorder Accessory System ...........cccceseceeeeeeeseeeens A o
Palmcorder Accessory Order Form....... bi O A Y
Notes Regarding Operations ...ooococoonnocinnonicoonnronnccnononrnonoos ic
Specifications .......oooooocococonnnanacnnnanons sia iia O E
Before Requesting Service .....ooooooconoccccnncnoncnicaccnnós E EE A 50
Index of COMtTOÍS:.. ora a tán PI A 52
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Waray in eiers O s teesitdaaelazdnvetimaanieess A Busha, 58
Spanish Quick Use Guide/Guía Para Uso Rapido c.ooooccccnncncccnocoono.. eaea thie a ieena 59

Self Demo Mode
If the screen at right appears in the
EVF/LCD Monitor, the Self Demo mode
is on. To turn it off, please follow the EVF Screen
steps below.
Panasonic
ITS VHS!
SO ITS TAPES PLAY
IN YOUR VCR
23x HI-DEFINITION LENS
50x DIGITAL ZOOM
DIGITAL STABILIZATION
DEDICATED 5-HEAD
AUTO/PHRASE TIFLER
1 Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.
2 Hold down the STOP button for more
than 5 seconds.
Note:
* The Self Demo mode will automatically
turn itself off if a battery is attached
(see page 9) and a cassette tape is
inserted (see page 12).
* Inserting a tape alone (or attaching a
partially charged battery ) will only
temporarily tum the Self Demo mode off.
* The Self Demo mode will temporarily stop
for 30 seconds when a function key other
than Power, Manual Focus, Tape Speed
Selector, Light, and Still is pressed.
To turn the Self Demo mode on, follow
the steps below.
+ With the DISPLAY button held down, slide
the POWER switch to CAMERA and wait
for the Self Demo screen to appear in the
EVF.
7
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Quick Operation Guide
Camera Recording
Charge the Battery Pack fully before operation (see page 9).
ear: ’
AAN
|
1 Attach a fully charged Battery
(see page 9).
2 Slide the TAPE EJECT switch to open
door.
3 Insert cassette (see page 12).
A press here to close door.
5 Set POWER switch to CAMERA.
Built-In Lens Cover opens and POWER
Lamp lights.
O sia TAPE SPEED Selector to SP or
SLP (see page 12).
Lani looking into the Viewfinder,
adjust the Vision Adjustment Control
to your eyesight.
8 Press RECORD/PAUSE to start
recording.
Press RECORD/PAUSE again to
pause recording (see page 23).
Í Set the POWER switch to VCR.
Deicke the REWIND/SEARCH to rewind
tape.
3 Press PLAY to start playback.
4 Press STOP to stop playback.

Supplying Power
Charge the Battery Pack Y
Charge the Battery Pack fully +
before operation. 5
Q
02)
rm
D
-—
D
POWER
Q.
Lamp
1 Plug in the AC Adaptor.
CHARGE POWER Lamp lights.
2 Insert the Battery
® Align the right side of the Battery with
the line on the AC Adaptor.
® Press the Battery down and slide it in
the direction of the arrow.
CHARGE Lamp lights. When charging is
done (about one and a half hours) the
lamp goes out.
3 Remove the Battery
Slide the Battery out and lift up.
Note:
After recharging the Battery Pack about 5 times, | * The useful operation time of the Battery will
use the BATTERY REFRESH feature as gradually decrease after repeated use and
explained on page 10. recharging. The Battery is no longer
serviceable if the operation time is very short,
even after a sufficient charge.
Use the Battery Pack l
With a fully charged Battery Pack, you will have a maximum of about 2 hours of
continuous use (LCD monitor is off) or about 1 hour of continuous use (LCD monitor is
on). (The actual operating time may vary due to operation conditions. If the Built-in Light
is used, battery operating time decreases.)
I Attach the Battery
® Align the Battery with the top of the
mounting surface.
® Press it into place until it locks with a
click.
2 Remove the Battery
While sliding the BATTERY RELEASE
button, remove the Battery.
9

Supplying Power
Battery Refresh Feature
This feature completely discharges the Battery before recharging begins.
To maintain your Battery’s operating capacity, use the refresh feature after about every five charges.
CHARGE Lamp
1 Plug in the AC Adaptor.
* The POWER Lamp remains lit as long as the
AC Adaptor is plugged in.
2 Place the Battery into
the AC Adaptor.
button.
The CHARGE Lamp flashes until
discharge is complete and then stays lit
until the Battery is fully charged.
A ee the Battery.
* Should you accidentally press the BATTERY
REFRESH button, remove the Battery and
then re-insert it to begin charging.
+ it takes about 7 and a half hours when both
Battery Refresh and recharging are
rf
Battery
Care
performed
Caution: To avoid damage to the Battery:
* Charge only with specified charger. * Do not drop or jar Battery.
e Battery can be charged within a temperature + Use Battery with specified units only.
range of 50° F (10° C) and 95° F {35° C). ¢ If Battery is used in extremely high
» Battery may be warm after charging or just temperatures, a safety device will
after use. This is normal. automatically prevent operation.
+ Do not use an insufficiently charged or worn-
out Battery. To prolong battery life:
Safety precautions: + While not in use, remove Battery from the
Camcorder and AC Adaptor and store ina
cool, dark, dry place.
* Keep Battery terminals clean.
» Do not get the Battery near, or dispose of in
fire.
+ Do not directly connect (short circuit) the
positive (+) and negative (-) terminals.
+ Never attempt to disassemble or reassemble
the Battery.
U.S.A. CONSUMERS:
ATTENTION:
The product you have purchased is powered by a nickel cadmium battery which is
recyclable. At the end of its useful life, under various state and local laws, it is illegal to
dispose of this battery into your municipal waste stream. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY
Mcd for information on how to recycle this battery.
10