Panasonic VDR-M30PP User manual

DVD Video Camera/Recorder
•VDR-M30PP
VDR-M30EG
VDR-M30B
VDR-M30EN
VOL.1
(PP) or“TYPE PP” and (EG) or“TYPE EG” in this
manual stands for the model shown below.
(PP) or“TYPE PP”: VDR-M30PP (NTSC)
(EG) or“TYPE EG”: VDR-M30EG/B/EN (PAL)
© 2003 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. Unauthorized
copying and distribution is a violation of law.

2 - 1
General Description
2
2-1 Servicing method
Table 2-1-1 shows the method for servicing each circuit board and each unit.
Refer to "4 Troubleshooting" for the method of judging defects in each circuit board and each unit.
Information:
These servicing methods are subject to change without notice for the purpose of facilitating service
procedures.
Circuit board/Unit
AEL circuit board
DRF circuit board
DRV circuit board
FAF circuit board
FRT circuit board
GYR circuit board
HDM circuit board
LCD circuit board
MAN circuit board
MR circuit board
SAF circuit board
SHE circuit board
SID circuit board
USB circuit board
Disc drive unit
Table 2-1-1 Circuit Board and Unit Servicing
Method
Servicing method
Component replacement.
Included in disc drive unit.
Component replacement.
Included in disc drive unit.
Component replacement.
Circuit board assembly
replacement (Order format).
Unit replacement.
Included in disc drive unit.
Unit replacement.
Unit replacement (Order
format). Which incorporates
the DRV, SID and HDM
circuit boards.
Fig. 2-1-1 External Views of the Circuit Board/Unit
DISC
DRIVE UNIT
MR
CIRCUIT
BOARD
GYR
CIRCUIT
BOARD SHE
CIRCUIT
BOARD
MAN
CIRCUIT
BOARD
AEL
CIRCUIT
BOARD
LCD
CIRCUIT
BOARD
FRT
CIRCUIT
BOARD
FAF CIRCUIT
BOARD
SAF
CIRCUIT
BOARD
DRF
CIRCUIT
BOARD
USB
CIRCUIT
BOARD
Unit replacement.
Unit replacement.

2 - 2
General Description > Features
2-2 Features
Slim & Compact
The volume of VDR-M30 series body has been
reduced to approximately half that of the
previous VDR-M20 series, by using a compact
disc drive unit, increasing the parts mounting
density on circuit boards while decreasing the
number of circuit boards, and using a round
DVD holder and compact zoom lens.
Complying with SD memory card/
MultiMediaCard:
The previous models could record photos only
on DVD-RAM disc, but the VDR-M30 can also
record them on SD memory card and
MultiMediaCard (sometimes referred to as “a
card” hereafter).
The VDR-M30 can also copy to a card photos
recorded on DVD-RAM disc.
The VDR-M30 adopts the DCF standard*1 and
complies with DPOF*1 so that photos recorded
on card can be utilized on various devices.
*1: Refer to "3-2-2 Standards for recording photos
on card" for details on DCF standard and
DPOF.
PC connection kit/software for editing
provided:
The VDR-M30 is provided with the PC
connection kit and editing software, which were
optional accessories with previous models.
Connecting to PC and editing on it are easy.
Fig. 2-2-1 Reduced Body Volume
Fig. 2-2-2 Media Storage Available on
VDR-M30
VDR-M20 Series
VDR-M30 Series
Round DVD holder
DVD-RAM/
DVD-R disc
Card (SD memory card/
MultiMediaCard)

2 - 3
General Description > Specifications
2-3 Specifications
Specifications are subject to change without notice for the purpose of improvement.
Item
Power source
Power consumption
CCD
Lens
Focus
Zoom
Required minimum
illumination
Viewfinder
LCD monitor
Image Stabilizer
Shutter speed
Self-timer recording
External microphone jack
Recording mode
Maximum
recordable
time
(per side)
Maximum
number of
recordable
photos
VDR-M30PP
DC7.9/7.2V
Recording 5.8W
1/4-inch interlaced
Total number of pixels:
Approx. 680,000
Number of effective pixels:
Video: Approx. 340,000
Photo: Approx. 310,000
F1.8 - 2.5, f = 1/8 - 1-1/4 (3.15 - 31.5
mm)
Filter diameter: 1-3/16 (30.5 mm)
Auto/Manual
Optical 10×, 40 - 240× with digital
zoom added (40× for photo)
12 lx (3 lx: When Low Light mode is
selected)
0.44-inch color TFT
(approx. 110,000 pixels)
2.5-inch color TFT
(approx. 1,200,000 pixels)
Electronic Type
1/60 - 1/4000 (video)
Photo recording only
Ø 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack
Video (with audio)
Photo (DVD-RAM disc, SD memory
card, MultiMediaCard)
XTRA mode: Approx. 18 min.
FINE mode: Approx. 30 min.
STD mode: Approx. 60 min.
FINE mode: Approx. 30 min.
STD mode: Approx. 60 min.
LPCM mode: Approx. 30 min.
999 (However, if video and photo are
mixed on one disc, the recordable
number will decrease)
Varies depending on the recording
quality and the type of card
VDR-M30EG/B/EN
DC7.9/7.2V
Recording (FINE)
4.7W (When using Viewfinder)
5.7W (When using LCD Monitor)
1/4-inch interlaced
Total number of pixels:
Approx. 800,000
Number of effective pixels:
Video: Approx. 410,000
Photo: Approx. 410,000
F1.8 - 2.5, f = 3.15 - 31.5 mm
Filter diameter: 30.5 mm
Auto/Manual
Optical 10×, 40 - 240× with digital
zoom added (40× for photo)
12 lx (3 lx: When Low Light mode is
selected)
0.44-inch color TFT
(approx. 110,000 pixels)
2.5-inch color TFT
(approx. 1,200,000 pixels)
Electronic Type
1/50 - 1/4000 (video)
Photo recording only
Ø 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack
Video (with audio)
Photo (DVD-RAM disc, SD memory
card, MultiMediaCard)
XTRA mode: Approx. 18 min.
FINE mode: Approx. 30 min.
STD mode: Approx. 60 min.
FINE mode: Approx. 30 min.
STD mode: Approx. 60 min.
999 (However, if video and photo are
mixed on one disc, the recordable
number will decrease)
Varies depending on the recording
quality and the type of card
DVD-RAM disc
DVD-R disc
DVD-RAM disc
(per side)
Card

2 - 4
General Description > Specifications
Recording
format
Audio playback format
Recording media
Jacks
USB
Battery system
Dimensions (W × H × D,
excluding projections)
Operating temperature
(humidity)
Storage temperature
Weight (excluding battery and
disc)
Total weight when recording
Provided accessories
Item VDR-M30PP VDR-M30EG/B/EN
Video: Conforming to DVD video
recording format (MPEG 1
Audio layer 2)
Photo: Simultaneous recording,
conforming to DVD video
recording format (704 × 480
pixels) and JPEG (640 × 480
pixels)
Video: Conforming to DVD video
format (MPEG1 Audio layer 2
or Linear PCM(*1) selected)
Photo: Conforming to JPEG (640 ×
480 pixels) standard
MPEG1 Audio layer 2, Linear PCM,
Dolby AC3
8 cm DVD-RAM disc (conforming to
DVD-RAM Ver. 2.1)
8 cm DVD-R disc (conforming to
DVD-R for General Ver. 2.0)
SD memory card
MultiMediaCard
Video/audio input/output × 1
External microphone input × 1
USB terminal (connected
to PC USB port) × 1
USB2.0 compliant (max. 12Mbps)
Lithium-ion
Approx. 2.24 × 3.5 × 5.28 inch
(57 × 89 × 134 mm)
32-104°F (0-40°C) (less than 80%)
32-86°F (0-30°C) when connected to
PC
-4 - 104°F (-20 - 60°C)
Approx. 1.058 lbs (480 g)
Approx. 1.246 lbs (565 g) (when using
CGA-DU14A battery pack)
AC adapter/charger, battery pack,
AV/S input/output cable, remote
controller, button type battery for
remote controller, lens cap, lens cap
string, shoulder belt, power cable, DC
cord, ferrite core, software CD-ROM,
USB cable, 8cm DVD-RAM disc (in
round DVD holder)
Video: Conforming to DVD video
recording format (MPEG 1
Audio layer 2)
Photo: Simultaneous recording,
conforming to DVD video
recording format (704 × 576
pixels) and JPEG (640 × 480
pixels)
Video: Conforming to DVD video
format (MPEG1 Audio layer
2)
Photo: Conforming to JPEG (640 ×
480 pixels) standard
MPEG1 Audio layer 2, Dolby AC3
8 cm DVD-RAM disc (conforming to
DVD-RAM Ver. 2.1)
8 cm DVD-R disc (conforming to
DVD-R for General Ver. 2.0)
SD memory card
MultiMediaCard
Video/audio output × 1
External microphone input × 1
USB terminal (connected
to PC USB port) × 1
USB2.0 compliant (max. 12Mbps)
Lithium-ion
Approx. 57 × 89 × 134 mm
0-40°C (less than 80%)
0-30°C when connected to PC
-20 - 60°C
Approx. 480 g
Approx. 565 g
AC adapter/charger, battery, AV/S
output cable, infrared remote control,
Lithium battery for remote control,
lens cap, lens cap string, shoulder
strap, mains lead, DC power cord,
ferrite core, software CD-ROM, USB
cable, 8cm DVD-RAM disc (in round
DVD holder)
*1: The VDR-M30PP records audio on DVD-R disc using the MPEG1 Audio layer 2 format in FINE or STD
mode, and using the Linear PCM format in LPCM mode.
The MPEG1 Audio layer 2 format is an option of DVD video format. Record a DVD-R disc in LPCM mode
to play it back on a DVD player that does not comply with this option standard.
DVD-RAM disc
DVD-R disc
Card

2 - 5
General Description > List of Functions
2-4 List of Functions
Item
Switching on-screen language
Full Auto button
Disc protect
Camera
functions
Disc record
functions
Card record
functions
VDR-M30PP
English/French/German/Spanish/
Italian
Equipped
Software disc-protect
Wide-angle side: Approx. 2 cm
Telephoto side: Approx. 1 m
Auto/Sports/Portrait/Spotlight/
Surf&Snow/Low Light
Auto/Set/Outdoor/Indoor 1/Indoor 2
240×/40×/Off
--------------------------
On/Off
Exclusive button equipped
(Auto/Manual)
Exclusive button equipped
CAMERA/LINE (analog video signal
input from external device)
Frame/Field
XTRA/FINE: 704 × 480 pixels
STD/LPCM: 352 × 480 pixels
JPEG: 640 × 480 pixels
MPEG: 704 × 480 pixels
JPEG: 640 × 480 pixels
MPEG: 704 × 480 pixels
Enable on Disc Navigation function
CAMERA/LINE (analog video signal
input from external device)
Frame/Field
JPEG: 640 × 480 pixels
FINE: Approx. 128KB
NORM: Approx. 64KB
ECO: Approx. 32KB
VDR-M30EG/B/EN
English/French/German/Spanish/
Italian
Equipped
Software disc-protect
Wide-angle side: Approx. 2 cm
Telephoto side: Approx. 1 m
Auto/Sports/Portrait/Spotlight/
Surf&Snow/Low Light
Auto/Set/Outdoor/Indoor
240×/40×/Off
On/Off
On/Off
Exclusive button equipped
(Auto/Manual)
Exclusive button equipped
--------------------------
--------------------------
XTRA/FINE: 704 × 576 pixels
STD: 352 × 576 pixels
JPEG: 640 × 480 pixels
MPEG: 704 × 576 pixels
JPEG: 640 × 480 pixels
MPEG: 704 × 576 pixels
Enable on Disc Navigation function
--------------------------
--------------------------
JPEG: 640 × 480 pixels
FINE: Approx. 128KB
NORM: Approx. 64KB
ECO: Approx. 32KB
Minimum distance
for recording
Program AE
White balance
Digital zoom
Cinema
Wind cut
Exposure
correction
Backlight
correction
Input selection
External photo
input
Number of pixels
for video (MPEG2)
Number of pixels
for photo during
camera recording
Number of pixels
for photo during
line-input
recording
Copying photos to
card
Input selection
External photo
input
Number of pixels
on photo
File size of photo

2 - 6
General Description > List of Functions
Item VDR-M30PP VDR-M30EG/M30B/M30EN
Jacks
Disc
Navigation
function
10-pin exclusive input/output
terminal [S (output only)/video/audio
L/audio R] × 1
Ø 3.5 mm stereo × 1
Type B (mini USB)
Power/control terminal not provided
10-pin exclusive output terminal [S/
video/audio L/audio R] × 1
Ø 3.5 mm stereo × 1
Type B (mini USB)
Power/control terminal not provided
Video/audio input/
output
External
microphone
PC connection
Accessory shoe
With disc
With card
Program Switch [RAM/R]
Play [RAM/R]
Title [RAM]
Playlist
[RAM]
Switch
Play
Create
Edit
Title
Delete
Scene Delete [RAM]
Edit [RAM]
Copy [RAM]
Select
[RAM/R]
Detail [RAM/R]
Disc Capacity [RAM/R]
Protect Disc [RAM]
Format Disc [RAM]
Update Control Info. [RAM]
Finalize Disk [R]
Go To
[RAM/R]
ETC. Other
settings Repeat Play [RAM/R]
Category [RAM]
Thumbnail
Skip
Fade
Combine
Divide
Move
Top
End
Start -> Current
Current -> End
All
[RAM/R]: Operable with both DVD-RAM and R discs
[RAM]: Operable with DVD-RAM disc only
[R]: Operable with DVD-R disc only
Scene Delete
Lock
DPOF
Select
Detail
Card
Top
End
Go To
Capacity
Format Card
All
DPOF
Slide Show
Start -> Current
Current -> End
All
Program Switch [RAM/R]
Play [RAM/R]
Title [RAM]
Playlist
[RAM]
Switch
Play
Create
Edit
Title
Delete
Scene Delete [RAM]
Edit [RAM]
Copy [RAM]
Select
[RAM/R]
Detail [RAM/R]
Disc Capacity [RAM/R]
Protect Disc [RAM]
Format Disc [RAM]
Update Control Info. [RAM]
Finalize Disk [R]
Go To
[RAM/R]
ETC. Other
settings Repeat Play [RAM/R]
Category [RAM]
Thumbnail
Skip
Fade
Combine
Divide
Move
Top
End
Start -> Current
Current -> End
All
Scene Delete
Lock
DPOF
Select
Detail
Card
Top
End
Go To
Capacity
Format Card
All
DPOF
Slide Show
Start -> Current
Current -> End
All

2 - 9
2-6 Inserting Disc
(1) Inserting disc to DVD video camera/recorder
(2) Removing disc from round DVD holder
General Description > Inserting Disc
4Push the section marked “PUSH CLOSE” on
the cover of disc inser tion block, to close the
co ver .
5Turn the DVD video camera /r ecorder on
( VIDEO or PHOTO).
When “DISC ACCESS” disappears, the DVD
video camera/recorder is ready for recording.
Identifying recording/playback
sides of disc :
Single sided disc:
The rec ord ing/playback side
is opposite to the printed label.
Double -sided disc :
The rec ord ing/playback side
of “SIDE A” is opposite to the
“SIDE A” marked side.
The rec ord ing/playback side
of “SIDE B” is the “SIDE A”
marked side.
Disc
guide
Correct
orientation Incorrect orientation
Incorrect orientation
“SIDE A” mark
The opposite side is
the “SIDE A”
recording/playback
side.
1Press down the DISC EJECT button once and
release it.
A few moments after the ACCESS/ PC indicator
blinks,thecover of disc insertion block will open
slightly.
2Gently open the cover by hand until it stops.
3Inser t the disc, in Round DVD Holder, into the
disc guide until it stops.
Note that the recording/playback surface of
disc must face the inside of DVD video camera/
recorder. The orientation for inserting the disc
into the disc guide is also predetermined: Load
the disc correctly, referring to the figure .
Disc cover
DISC EJECT
button
PUSH CLOSE
portion
1Hold the Round DVD Holder with SIDE A facing up. While pushing the two release levers in the direction of arrows(1)
marked on holder, slowly open SIDE A of the holder in the direction of arrows (2),taking care not to drop the disc.
2Without touching the recording/playback surface, hold the disc edge and center hole to remove it.
1
1
2
2
SIDE A mark
Release
levers
Do not open
more than 90˚.

2 - 10
(3) Replacing disc in round DVD holder
(4) When the hinge of round DVD holder comes off
General Description > Inserting Disc
1 Open SIDE A of the Round DVD Holder, and replace the disc in
the holder with the SIDE A mark or label sur face facing up,
taking care not to touch the disc sur face.
2 Close SIDE A of the Round DVD Holder, and push it to lock the
release levers at positions(3).
3
3
SIDE A
mark
OPEN marks
SIDE A mark side or
Label surface
1Push thehinged portion of the holder piece marked SIDE A with
thumb and middle finger, and warp it in the direction of arrows(4).
2Fit the hinged por tion of the other holder piece into the war ped
hinge por tion.
Note :
• Handle the disc carefully so that no scratch, dirt, fingerprint or dust adheres
to the recording/playback surface.
• When not using the Round DVD Holder, store it in case:
Do not leave a bare holder as is.
• Be careful of drop or impact: If you drop the Round DVD Holder, the disc may
pop out.
• Do not subject the Round DVD Holder to force.
4
SIDE A mark side Hinged portions
Approx. 90˚

2 - 11
Index
A
C
D
E
F
I
J
L
M
2-7 List of Abbreviations and Terms for DVD Video
Camera/Recorders
Explanation
See Dolby AC3.
Content Protection for Recordable Media: Security technology (cross-certification
technology) for SD memory card.
Design rule for Camera File system standard: This camera file system standard,
established by JEIDA (now merged to JEITA).
Audio coding format developed by Dolby Laboratories in U.S, also simply referred
as AC3 format: Supports 5-channel full-range sound and one channel for sub-woofer
sound playback.
Digital Print Order Format: DPOF allows user to record print information along
with photos on storage media to facilitate printing of photos.
Digital Versatile Disc. A huge amount of digital data for video (movie) and audio
can be recorded on this disc, whose size is the same as CD.
International organization that formulates the technical standards of DVD
One type of DVD standard disc, on which high-quality audio can be recorded
One type of DVD standard disc, to which writing once is possible (recordable type)
One type of DVD standard disc, to which writing up to 100,000 times is possible
One type of DVD standard disc, to which data for computer can be recorded
One type of DVD standard disc, to which writing up to 1000 times is possible
One type of DVD standard disc, on which high-quality video and audio can be
recorded
Video recording/playback standard that applies to DVD-Video, DVD-R and DVD-
RW
Video recording/playback standard that applies to DVD-RAM and DVD-RW: This
allows versatile editing functions, differing from the DVD Video Format.
Exchangeable image file format. File format used for recording photos on digital
cameras, established by JEIDA (now merged to JEITA).
See IEEE1394.
Also referred to as FireWire or i-LINK: Standard for serial interface that connects
PC and peripheral devices
This CCD scans one image twice (scans roughly once and interpolates between first
scanning lines the second time) and interlaces the images obtained by scanning
twice to create a one-image signal.
See IEEE1394.
JEIDA stands for Japan Electronic Industry Development Association.
JEITA stands for Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries
Association, which came into existence when JEIDA merged with EIAJ (Electronic
Industries Association of Japan).
JEITA has established Exif and DCF standard.
Joint Photographic Expert Group: International standard format for compressing
still images
Liquid Crystal Display. LCD formats include STN and TFT.
Linear Pulse Code Modulation. Also referred to as linear PCM. LPCM is a format
that digitizes analog audio data during recording and converts it to analog data
during playback.
See MultiMediaCard.
See MultiMediaCard Association.
Abbreviation/Term
AC3
CPRM
DCF
Dolby AC3
DPOF
DVD
DVD Forum
DVD-Audio
DVD-R
DVD-RAM
DVD-ROM
DVD-RW
DVD-Video
DVD Video
Format
DVD Video
Recording Format
Exif
FireWire
IEEE1394
Interlaced CCD
i-LINK
JEIDA
JEITA
JPEG
LCD
LPCM
MMC
MMCA
General Description > List of Abbreviations and Terms for DVD Video Camera/Recorders

2 - 12
Index Abbreviation/Term Explanation
M
O
S
T
U
V
MPEG
MPEG 1 Audio
Layer 2
MultiMediaCard
MultiMediaCard
Association
OSTA
SCSI
SDA
SD Card
Association
SDMI
SD Memory Card
SecureMMC
Secure
MultiMediaCard
Software disc-
Protect
STN LCD
TFT LCD
UDF
USB
VBR
Motion Picture Experts Group: Standard related to compression of digital video and
audio. MPEG2 is a higher standard of MPEG and is applied to video (movie)
requiring higher quality.
One of three audio compression standards (layers 1-3) defined by MPEG.
Also referred to as MMC. Compact memory card, 32 mm long × 24 mm wide × 1.4
mm thick.
Also referred to as MMCA. This association promotes the widespread use of
multimedia cards.
Optical Storage Technology Association, which is an international industry
organization that promotes recordable optical storage used to store computer data
and images.
Small Computer System Interface: A standard for connecting computer and
peripheral devices. Frequently notated by prefixing or suffixing the number that
indicates the data transfer rate, and First, Ultra, Wide, etc., to SCSI.
See SD Card Association.
Also referred to as SDA. This organization promotes the popularization of SD
memory card.
Secure Digital Music Initiative: This conference was established by hardware
makers, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and music industry
companies, to protect copyrights of musical compositions.
Formally named Secure Digital Memory Card. This compact memory card, 32 mm
long × 24 mm wide × 2.1 mm thick, is equipped with an advanced copyright
protection function.
See Secure MultiMediaCard.
Also referred to as SecureMMC. This compact memory card has multimedia card
specifications, to which an advanced copyright protection function is added.
Unusable on the DVD video camera/recorder.
This function writes the protect information to DVD-RAM disc to prevent accidental
erasure. Software Disc-Protect is included in DVD-RAM disc specifications defined
by DVD Forum.
Super-Twisted Nematic Liquid Crystal Display: This type of color LCD is inferior to
TFT LCD in coloring, view angle, etc.
Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display: This type of color LCD features clear
display, high contrast, wide view angle, etc.
Universal Disc Format, which is a file format of recordable disc defined by OSTA.
The version 2.01 UDF is used on DVD video camera/recorder.
Universal Serial Bus: Standard of serial interface that connects PC and peripheral
devices. Two versions - USB1.1 and USB2.0, with different data transfer rates -
exist at present.
Stands for Variable Bit Rate: This format of coding audio and video varies the
amount of data depending on the subject image.
General Description > List of Abbreviations and Terms for DVD Video Camera/Recorders

3 - 1
Description of Operation
3
3-1 Description of Mechanism
(1) Lock mechanism of disc loading block (lock unit)
Since the structure of disc loading block in VDR-M30 is different from that of the lock unit in
previous models, it will not open unless a power supply (battery or AC adapter/charger) is
connected.
The lock arm in VDR-M30 lock unit is driven by the DC motor controlled by a microprocessor (see
Fig. 3-1-1).
The lock arm is usually in locked status: When the DISC EJECT button is pressed, the DC motor
drives the lock arm in the release direction.
The lock arm in lock units of previous models is mechanically coupled with the DISC EJECT button
via a solenoid*1, except when disc is being accessed (see Fig. 3-1-2).
The solenoid is controlled by the current supplied from camera control microprocessor.
While the disc is being accessed, the camera control microprocessor outputs the current and controls
the solenoid to release the coupling between DISC EJECT button and lock arm, so that the disc
loading block does not open.
If no power supply is connected, the camera control microprocessor will not operate, and the
solenoid will not release the coupling.
*1: A device that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy, using the magnetic force that is generated
when current flows to electromagnetic coil.
Fig. 3-1-1 Lock Unit in VDR-M30
Fig. 3-1-2 Lock Unit on Previous Models
M
Camera
control µP
DISC
EJECT
button
Lock unit
DC
motor
Lock arm
Spring
Release
direction
SH µP µP in disc
drive unit
In status other than
disc access During disc access
Lock unit
Lever DISC
EJECT
button
Open
Solenoid
Lock arm Case
Current
Camera
control µP
Lock unit
Lever DISC
EJECT
button
Open
Solenoid
Lock arm Case
Camera
control µP

3 - 2
(2) Structure schematics
1) Disc cover (includes power switch, speaker
and card slot)
2) Lock arm in lock unit
3) DC motor in lock unit
4) Lock unit
5) Disc drive unit
6) Lens cover
7) Hood
8) LCD case U
9) Front cover
10) FRT circuit board
11) Jack cover
12) R case
13) Hand strap
14) Lens unit*1 (includes CCD and circuit board
that incorporates CCD)
15) GYR circuit board*1
16) Accessory shoe
17) SHE circuit board*1
18) EVF unit
19) Eyecup
20) MAN circuit board*1
21) Rear cover (includes zoom, REC and disc
eject switches)
22) L cover
23) L case
24) AEL circuit board*1
25) 2.5 LCD unit
26) LCD case B
27) LCD circuit board
28) Backlight
*1: These components are shown as if they were
viewed from the L case, but actually they are
assembled in the R case.
Fig. 3-1-3 Structure Schematics
Description of Operation > Description of Mechanism
12
34567
8
9
10
12
11
13
14 15 16 17 18
19
20
21
22
24
25
26
27 28
23

3 - 3
Description of Operation > Description of Newly Adopted Technology
3-2 Description of Newly Adopted Technology
3-2-1 Standards for photo recording on card
The VDR-M30 records photos on SD memory card or MultiMediaCard, conforming to Exif and the
DCF standard. The VDR-M30 also supports DPOF to facilitate printing of photos recorded on SD
memory card or MultiMediaCard.
(1) Exif (Exchangeable image file format)
Exif is a file format based on JPEG, and is used for recording photos on digital cameras.
Almost all devices that handle photos, such as digital cameras, use high-compression and high-
quality JPEG: To apply JPEG, the basic photo technique, to devices, the file format, etc., used must
be specified. To meet this requirement, Exif was established by JEIDA*1.
Exif has also been adopted for storage media other than SD memory card and MultiMediaCard.
(2) DCF (Design rule for Camera File system) standard
The DCF standard further strictly specifies the Exif specifications in order to enhance compatibility
between various makers and models of digital cameras. It clearly defines the storage names of JPEG
files and folders conforming to Exif, along with additional information, such as recording date,
recording device, etc.
The widespread use of digital cameras has increased the need for direct exchange of images between
devices, including playback of recorded images on another camera or cameras made by other
companies, direct image output on printers, etc.: To meet this demand, the DCF standard was
established by JEIDA*1. The DCF standard can also be adapted to storage media other than SD
memory card and MultiMediaCard.
Almost all digital cameras conform to the DCF standard, which makes it a de facto standard of
digital camera.
*1: JEIDA stands for Japan Electronic Industry Development Association. JEIDA merged with EIAJ
(Electronic Industries Association of Japan), and the Japan Electronics and Information Technology
Industries Association (JEITA) was formed.
(3) DPOF (Digital Print Order Format)
DPOF included in card navigation functions of VDR-M30 allows user to record print information
along with recorded photos, such as the selection of recorded photos to be printed and specification
of number of prints, on SD memory card or MultiMediaCard.
The print information thus stored on card means user does not need to select scenes and specify the
number of prints later at photo lab or on home-use printer, thereby facilitating printing.
The DPOF standard was jointly proposed by Cannon, Kodak, FUJIFILM and Matsushita in 1998, so
that photos recorded on compact memory card could easily be output. DPOF also conforms to
storage media other than SD memory card and MultiMediaCard, and is accepted by numerous
companies.

3 - 4
3-2-2 Software disc-protect function
The VDR-M30 is equipped with a software disc-protect function instead of an erase-prevention
mechanism: The erase-prevention mechanism is not provided with new round disc holder because of
its structure.
The software disc-protect function writes the protect data to DVD-RAM disc to prevent data on it
from being accidentally erased: It performs the same function as the write-protect tab of
conventional disc cartridge, using software. Software disc-protect can repeatedly be set and released
on one disc, in the same way as the mechanical write-protect tab.
The software disc-protect function is included in the DVD-RAM disc specifications defined by DVD
Forum. Therefore, the disc-protect set on VDR-M30 can be released or set again on devices equipped
with the same function.
DVD video camera/recorders that use DVD-RAM disc packed in a cartridge are not equipped with
the software disc-protect function, since a write-protect tab is provided on the cartridge. Therefore, if
a disc for which software disc-protect has been set is put in a cartridge and the write-protect tab is
released, the disc can be played back on those DVD video camera/recorders, but no recording or
editing can be performed on them. To record or edit such discs, release the software disc-protect on
VDR-M30 or on another device equipped with the same function.
Description of Operation > Description of Newly Adopted Technology

4 - 1
4
4-1 Procedure for Troubleshooting
Perform troubleshooting in the order shown in Fig. 4-1-1.
Troubleshooting
*1: Messages and error codes will appear on LCD monitor or in viewfinder.
Fig. 4-1-1 Troubleshooting Procedure
Note:
1) Before troubleshooting or servicing, be sure to obtain customer approval for the following:
a) The image data stored on disc may be lost depending on the details and situation of fault
(defect).
b) The date/time and various settings, including video recording mode, designated by customer
after purchase may in some cases be reset to the defaults before purchase (factory settings).
2) Take note of settings on received product, referring to “4-2 System Resetting/Resetting Camera
Functions”: The notes will be necessary not only for resetting, but for checking defects that occur
under the particular setting conditions.
Check
phenomenon System reset
(section 4-2)
No message or
error code
appears
*1
Message
appears
*1
Error code
appears
*1
Check firmware
version
(section 4-6-1)
Problem guide
(section 4-3)
Messages and
Troubleshooting
(section 4-4)
Major Error
Codes and
Troubleshooting
(section 4-5-3)
Update firmware
(section 4-6-2)
Updating
needed
:Troubleshooting
: Phenomenon
: Check
Updating
unneeded
No improvement
after updating
No improvement
Trouble
Diagnosis
(section 4-7)

4 - 2
Troubleshooting > System Resetting/Resetting Camera Functions
4-2 System Resetting/Resetting Camera Functions
The VDR-M30 has two types of reset function: “System reset” and “Resetting camera functions”.
The reset operation will return the various settings to the defaults when the VDR-M30 was shipped
form factory.
Information:
If a defect occurs in product, take note of settings, and then execute system reset first: The defect
may disappear.
4-2-1 List of setting items to be reset
Table 4-2-1 shows the setting items that will be reset to defaults at the factory by the two types of
reset operation: “system reset” and “resetting camera functions”.
Utilize the memo column and note column provided in the table to enter the settings of any received
device.
Table 4-2-1 Settings to Be Reset (1/2)
Yes: Will be reset
No: Will not be reset
Item
Program AE
White Bal.
EIS/SIS
Dig. Zoom
(For VDR-M30PP)
Dig. Zoom
(For VDR-M30EG/
B/EN)
Wind Cut
Cinema
(VDR-M30EG/B/
EN only)
Default at
factory
Auto
Auto
On
40×
Off
Off
Off
System
reset
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Camera
function
reset
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Setting range
Auto, Sports, Portrait,
Spotlight, Surf & Snow,
Low Light
VDR-M30PP:
Auto, Set, Outdoor,
Indoor 1, Indoor 2
VDR-M30EG/B/EN:
Auto, Set, Outdoor,
Indoor
On, Off
240×, 40×, Off
Off, On
Off,On
Remarks
Displayed
when disc is
used
Memo
Camera Functions Setup

4 - 2
Troubleshooting > System Resetting/Resetting Camera Functions
4-2 System Resetting/Resetting Camera Functions
The VDR-M30 has two types of reset function: “System reset” and “Resetting camera functions”.
The reset operation will return the various settings to the defaults when the VDR-M30 was shipped
form factory.
Information:
If a defect occurs in product, take note of settings, and then execute system reset first: The defect
may disappear.
4-2-1 List of setting items to be reset
Table 4-2-1 shows the setting items that will be reset to defaults at the factory by the two types of
reset operation: “system reset” and “resetting camera functions”.
Utilize the memo column and note column provided in the table to enter the settings of any received
device.
Table 4-2-1 Settings to Be Reset (1/2)
Yes: Will be reset
No: Will not be reset
Item
Program AE
White Bal.
EIS/SIS
Dig. Zoom
(For VDR-M30PP)
Dig. Zoom
(For VDR-M30EG/
B/EN)
Wind Cut
Cinema
(VDR-M30EG/B/
EN only)
Default at
factory
Auto
Auto
On
40×
Off
Off
Off
System
reset
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Camera
function
reset
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Setting range
Auto, Sports, Portrait,
Spotlight, Surf & Snow,
Low Light
VDR-M30PP:
Auto, Set, Outdoor,
Indoor 1, Indoor 2
VDR-M30EG/B/EN:
Auto, Set, Outdoor,
Indoor
On, Off
240×, 40×, Off
Off, On
Off,On
Remarks
Displayed
when disc is
used
Memo
Camera Functions Setup

4 - 3
Item Default at
factory
System
reset
Camera
function
reset
Setting range Remarks Memo
VIDEO Mode
Quality
Input Source
(VDR-M30PP
only)
PHOTO Input
(VDR-M30PP
only)
Self Timer
OSD Output
Date Mode
(For VDR-M30PP)
Date Mode
(For VDR-M30EG/
B/EN)
Date Set
(For VDR-M30PP)
Date Set
(For VDR-M30EG/
B/EN)
Brightness
Color Level
Beep
Power Save
Record LED
Language
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
FINE
FINE
CAMERA
Field
Off
On
M/D/Y
D/M//Y
JAN 1 2003
00:00AM
1 1 2003
00:00
Center
Center
On
Off
On
English
With DVD-RAM disc:
XTRA, FINE, STD
With DVD-R disc:
FINE, STD,
LPCM (VDR-
M30PP only)
FINE, NORM, ECO
CAMERA, LINE
Frame, Field
On, Off
On, Off
year/month/day PM5:00,
month/day/year 5:00PM,
day/month/year 17:00
-----------------
On, Off
On, Off
On, Off
English, French,
Spanish, German, Italian
Displayed
when disc is
used
Displayed
when card is
used
Date Setup
LCD Setup
Initial Setup
Table 4-2-1 Settings to Be Reset (2/2)
Yes: Will be reset
No: Will not be reset
Troubleshooting > System Resetting/Resetting Camera Functions
Record Functions Setup
Note Column

4 - 4
1) Set the power switch to “POWER OFF”, and then disconnect
the battery or AC adapter/charger.
2) Use a fine tipped pen, etc. to hold down the RESET button for
approx. 2 seconds.
4-2-3 Procedure for resetting camera functions
1) Connect the battery or AC adapter/charger to power the VDR-M30.
2) Set the power switch to “VIDEO” and place the VDR-M30 in the recording pause status; loading
disc is not necessary at this time. For the following steps, operate VDR-M30 while viewing the
LCD monitor or viewfinder.
3) Press the MENU button to display the camera setting menu screen.
4) Use the joystick to choose “Initial Setup”, and then press the playback/pause button (press the
center of joystick).
5) Use the joystick to choose “Reset”, and then press the playback/pause button: The screen for
verifying reset will appear.
6) Use the joystick to choose “YES”, and then press the playback/pause button: Reset will be
executed.
7) After reset, press the MENU button to close the camera setting menu.
Fig. 4-2-1 System Reset
RESET Button
Troubleshooting > System Resetting/Resetting Camera Functions