Panasonic NV-VX55A User manual

Panasonic
VHS-C Movie Camera
Operating Instructions
NV-VX55A
Model No. NV-VX55A
Before use, please read these instructions completely.
VQT7498-2

Information
for
Your
Safety
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard and
annoying interference, use only the
recommended accessories and do not expose
this equipment to rain or moisture. 3
Do not remove the cover (or back); there are no}
user serviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualified service personnel.
: Movie Camera
E> The rating plate is on the underside of the
» Movie Camera.
’ AC Adaptor
The rating plate Is on the underside of the AC
Adaptor.
As this equipment gets hot during use,
operate it in a well ventilated place; do not
install this equipment in a confined space
such as a book case or similar unit.
@ Carefully read the Operating instructions
and use the Movie Camera correctly.
Injury or material damage resulting from any kind
of use that is not in accordance with the operating
procedures explained In these Operating
Instructions are the sole responsibility of the user.
@ Try out the Movie Camera.
Be sure to try out the Movie Camera before
recording your first Important event and check that
it records properly and functions correctly.
@ The manufacturer is not liable for loss of
recorded contents.
The manufacturer shall in no event be liable for the
loss of recordings due to malfunction or defect of
this Movie Camera, its accessories or cassettes.
@ Carefully observe copyright laws.
Recording of pre-recorded tapes or discs or other
published or broadcast material for purposes other
than your own private use may infringe copyright
laws. Even for the purpose of private use,
recording of certain material may be restricted.
IF THE SUPPLY CORD OF THIS
EQUIPMENT IS DAMAGED, IT MUST BE
REPLACED BYTHE SPECIAL CORD.

Contents
If you want to start using the Movie Camera
immediately, be sure to read at least the pages marked
with a.
Standard Accessories .......
Controls and Components.
4 The 3 Types of Power Supplies .
@Using the AC Adaptor as Power Supply Unit
Charging the Battery
Attaching the Charged Battery
Using the LCD Monitor
Adjusting the LCD Monitor .
Using the Menu Function.
@Using the Main Menu......
©Using the Title Menu ..
4 Inserting the Cassette ..
®Selecting the Recording Speed
*Selecting the Correct Tape Length.
©Confirming the Remaining Tape Time
Adjusting the Finder ..
Adjusting the Grip Belt .
Handling the Lens Cap ...
Attaching the Shoulder Strap and Remote
Controller Holder
Setting the Date and Time ..
Recording with the Time and/or Date
Superimposed in the Picture
Charging the Built-in Lithium Battery ..
Basic Operations
4 Recording in the Full Auto Mode.............. 28
Checking the End of a Recorded Scene
(Recording Check Function)... 30
®Searching for a Tape Position Before the End of
the Last Recording
(Camera Search Function) ..
Zooming IN/OUE ..resecccenees
Using the Macro Close-up Function ..
# Playback
Watching Playback on the Movie Camera ....... 34
Watching Playback on the LCD Monitor with
the Movie Camera Placed on a Table ..........06 35
eWatching Playback on a TV Set... serene 36
®Playing Back on a VCR
(Using the Supplied Cassette Adaptor) .
© Fast-Forwarding ....
Rewinding
@Eliminating Picture Distortions
(Tracking Adjustment) ..
e@Cue Playback .
Review Playbac
@Still Playback
After Use....
Cleaning the Finder ...
@Cleaning the Movie Camera Body .
®Cleaning the Lens

No NE-]alot-10 Mm @) o\-¥e71 016) at)
Using the Power Save Functions ose 41
Using the Auto Power Save Function .............41
@Using the Anti-Ground Recording Function ..... 42
Fading In/Out oc ccssssssesessessserssssesecnssescessseeereens 43
Recording a Still Picture
(Snapshot RECOrdINg) ....csccesssscesseserseseceeseesees 44
About the Super Image Stabilizer and Digital
ZOOM FUNCTIONS ..0....sesssceseessssecsesecnssneseestenesensnees
Using the Super Image Stabilizer Function .
eUsing the Digital Zoom Function ..........cceee
About the Digital Effect Functions .
Using the Mirror Function..
@Using the Mix Function ..
Using the Wipe Function ...
®Using the Strobe Function.
Using the Other Digital Effect Functions ..
eUsing the Digital Fade Functions
Motion-Sensor-Controlled Recording
Subjects and Recording Conditions for Which
the Manual Mode Is More Suitable ...
Recording with Manual White Balance
ACJUSEMENE ooo. esecseseeseseesesscscesssveveseesncasesenesansncars 59
Colour Temperature and White Balance
Adjustment
Recording with Manual Focus Adjustment .........
Recording Fast-moving Subjects
(Sports MOE) w....ccssscsesssseeseesecsscesssssesesessesveess 62
Making Your Subject Stand out Sharply from the
Background (Portrait Mode) ...
Recording Dark Scenes More
(Low Light Mode) ...
Recording Backlit Scenes (Backlight Mode) .

No ME: Taterste MO) er-ve- Lire) ats)
Using the Remote Controller oo... cscs OD
*inserting the Button-Type Battery... 66
Recording Yourself with the LCD Monitor
Facing Forward ...ssccssecssesereesnatsesecsersesnsees 67
Recording with Programmed Titles inserted in
the Picture
*Selecting the Desired Language
®Selecting the Desired Title ...
©Selecting the Desired Colour of the Title ..
Selecting the Size of the Title Indication...
Creating Your Own Titles and Inserting Them
During Recording
(Digital Superimposer Function)
Storing the Title in Memory
Selecting the Desired Colour for the Title
Inserting a Title at the Beginning of a
RECOFING sc eecceetesteesscerestscscerseesseees
Inserting a Title During Recording ...
Using the Tape Counter Indication
Checking the Elapsed Tape Time..
Using the Memory Stop Function .
Dubbing (Copying) .........
eda scer-U) (relatcwm=toaltlvorc] Mlavielauir:1aie) ame) (on
Precautions
Precautions for the Movie Camera
®Precautions for the AC Adaptor .
Precautions for the Battery ....
Precautions for the Cassette .
Causes of Condensation and Remedy
®Video Head Clogging and Remedy ........sessee 81
How the White Balance (Tint) Adjustment
WOPKS3s 5. sisscccsvsivesstanas cain sasosandeveetsesvavbcetvathacvncehicesaed
How the Focus Adjustment Works .
Indications
Demonstration Mode...
Optional Accessories .
Specifications ...........
Before Requesting Service

This chapter explains the necessary steps before you
can start using the Movie Camera.
Standard Accessories
1. AC Adaptor (-» 11, 12, 13, 27, 79)
To supply power to the Movie Camera and to charge
the Battery,
DC Input Cable and AC Mains Cable (- 11, 12)
To connect the AC Adaptor to the Movie Camera and
to an AC mains socket.
2. Battery (-> 12, 13, 14, 15, 80)
To supply power to the Movie Camera.
. Cassette Adaptor and Battery (=> 37)
. Shoulder Strap (-> 24)
. AV Cable (~» 36, 78)
To connect the Movie Camera to the Video Input and
Audio Input Sockets on a TV or a VCR.
6. Remote Controller, Remote Controller Holder
and Button-Type Battery (- 24, 65, 66)
7. Cleaning Tissue (-> 16, 40)
To clean the Lens and the LCD Monitor.
a > w

78 910 11
Controls and Components
1 Lens Cap (+ 23, 59)
2 White Balance Sensor (-> 82)
3 Remote Control Sensor (-> 65)
4 Microphone
5 Tally Lamp (> 28, 56)
6 Support Leg (-» 35)
7 Focus Button [FOCUS] (+> 61)
8 White Balance Button [W.B] (> 59)
9 Fade Button [FADE] (-> 43, 54, 55)
10 Backlight Button [BACKLIGHT] (-> 64)
11 Auto Exposure Selector [PROGRAMME AE]
{> 28, 59, 61, 62, 63)
12 Eyecup

13 14 15 16 17
D,MODE >
@- seanc+
22 ost catoun ST
23 9
24-~ cevrcrmposs ~33
C je @ol ) 5-2
L_p.errect 26~~ 27
8
13 Digital Mode Selector Button [D.MODE >]
(-» 45, 46, 47)
14 Super Image Stabilizer Indication Lamp [ @]
(7 45, 46)
15 Digital Zoom Indication Lamp [@] (~ 45, 47)
16 Digital Effect Indication Lamp [(0)]
(> 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55)
17 Digital Effect Selector Button [D.EFFECT]
(> 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55)
18 Date/Time Shift Button/Tracking Button
[DATE/TIME/SHIFT « <4 TRACKING] (> 25, 38)
19 Memory Button [MEMORY] (- 75, 76, 77)
20 Playback Button/Menu Button [PLAY/MENU]
{+> 19, 21, 26, 34, 36, 47, 56, 67, 69, 70, 71, 77, 78)
21 Pause Button/Item Selector Button
[PAUSE/ITEM]
(+ 19, 21, 26, 39, 47, 56, 67, 69, 70, 71)
22 Rewind/Review Button [<4</-SEARCH]
(% 30, 31, 34, 38, 39, 77)
23 Date/Time/Title Button (DATE/TITLE]
(9 25, 26, 71)
24 Digital Image Store Button [STORE] (> 72)
25 VCR (Playback) Mode Lamp [VCR]
(-> 34, 36, 41, 77, 78)
26 VCR/Camera Mode Selector Button
[VCR/ICAMERA] (~ 34, 36, 77, 78)
27 Camera (Recording) Mode Lamp [CAMERA]
(+ 19, 23, 25, 28, 34)
28 Date/Time Set Button/Tracking Button
[DATE/TIME/SET + TRACKING >] (-> 25, 38)
29 Tape Counter Reset Button [RESET]
(> 75, 77)
30 Stop Button/item Set Button [STOP/SET]
(> 19, 21, 26, 34, 47, 56, 67, 69, 70, 71, 77, 78)
31 Fast Forward/Cue Button [>/SEARCH+]
(> 31, 38, 39, 77)
32 Colour Selector Button for Digital Image
[COLOUR] (+ 73)
33 Digital Image Superimpose Button [OFF/ON]
(7 72, 73, 74)

34 LCD Monitor Open Lever [AOPEN]
(> 16, 20, 35, 67)
35 Volume Control [VOLUME] (> 17)
36 Bright Control [BRIGHT] (> 17)
37 Colour Control [COLOUR] (- 17)
38 LCD Monitor (~> 16, 17)
39 Cassette Compartment (> 20)
40 Cassette Compartment Lock Button [LOCK]
(> 20)
41 Microphone Socket [MIC]
42 Edit Socket [EDIT] (-> 78)
43 Shoulder Strap Holders (-> 24)
44 Tripod Receptacie
45 Power Switch [POWER]
(> 15, 19, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 31, 34, 40)

56 57 58 59
46
Video
Output
Socket
[VIDEO
OUT]
(-»
36,
78)
47 Radio Frequency DC Output Socket
[RF DC OUT] (- 36)
48
Audio
Output
Socket
[AUDIO
OUT]
(+
36,
78)
49
Finder
(+>
23,
40)
50
Eyepiece
Corrector
Ring
(>
23)
51
DC
Input
Socket
[DC
IN]
(>
11)
52
Battery
Eject
Lever
[BATTERY
EJECT}
(+
15)
53
Recording
Start/Stop
Button
(>
23,
26,
28, 29, 30, 31, 49, 50,
51,
52, 54,
55)
54
Grip
Belt
(>
23)
55
Cassette
Eject
Lever
[4
EJECT]
(+
20)
56 Snapshot Recording Button [SNAP SHOT]
(> 44)
57 Zoom Lever [W « T] (> 32, 33, 47, 59, 61)
58 Focus Ring (> 61, 72)
59 Speaker (-> 17)

The 3 Types of Power
Supplies
To try out the Movie Camera at home, we recommend
that you use the AC Adaptor @.
1. AC Adaptor (supplied)
®To use the Movie Camera indoors.
©To charge the Battery, (-» 12)
2. Battery (supplied)
®To use the Movie Camera outdoors, and also indoors
when there is no AC mains socket nearby. (> 12)
3. Car Battery Cord (optional) or Car Battery
Charger (optional)
@To use the Movie Camera in a car,
Using the AC Adaptor as Power
Supply Unit
1 Connect the DC Input Cable to the
[DC IN] Socket on the Movie Camera.
2 Connect the other end of the cable to
the [DC OUT] Socket on the AC Adaptor.
3 Connect the AC Mains Cable to the AC
Adaptor and to an AC mains socket.
The AC Adaptor features automatic universal voltage
adjustment (AC 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz), therefore, there
is no need for any manual voltage adjustment for use in
other countries.

12
Charging the Battery
1
Attach the Battery.
®Align the Battery with line @ and push it in the
direction of the arrow while holding it down.
2 Securely connect the AC Mains Cable to
the AC Adaptor and an AC Mains
Socket.
©The Power Lamp @ lights and then the Charging
Lamp @ lights, too.
@ Charging Lamp
Lit: During charging
Not lit: Charging has finished. For an optimum
charge, continue charging for 2 hours
after the lamp goes out.
@ Removing the Battery
Slide it in the opposite direction of that indicated in step 1
above.
Charge the Battery at a room temperature between
10°C and 35°C.
When the AC Adaptor is used to supply the Movie
Camera with power, it cannot charge the Battery.
©Do not charge the Battery again when it is already fully
charged.
®During recording or charging, the Battery (especially
the supplied Nickel-Hydride Battery) becomes warm.
However, this is normal.

13
CHARGE f—— DISCHARGE
@ For Optimum Charging
\f a Battery is recharged repeatedly when not
completely discharged, the so-called “memory effect”
will occur, and the operation time of the recharged
Battery will graduatly become shorter. Therefore, we
recommend that you regenerate the Battery before
approximately every sixth charging by using the
Discharge Function.
When using the Discharge Function, the charging takes
five to six times as long as normal charging.
1 Press the [DISCHARGE] Button.
@The [DISCHARGE] Indication Lamp e lights.
When the discharging has been completed, the
[CHARGE] Lamp @ lights instead, and charging
starts.
lf you want to cancel the discharging for some reason,
simply remove the Battery from the AC Adaptor. In this
case, however, be sure to use the Discharge Function
again when you are going to charge the Battery.

14
B Charging Time and Maximum Time for
Continuous Recording in the Manual
Recording Mode
Max. Continuous
Battery Charging Recording Time
Model No. Time
supplied
VW-VBS10E| 80min. | 40min. | 55min. |
Vw-vBS20E| 160min. | 80min. | 110min.
HHR-V211 | 120min. | 70min,
HHR-V212 240 min. 140 min. 180 min.
@: Using LCD Monitor @): Using Finder
(The times shown in the above chart are
approximations.)
Maximum Continuous Recording Time means the
duration of continuous recording performed at an
ambient temperature of 20°C and 60% relative
humidity.
eln actual recording, however, the use of LCD Monitor
facing forward or using the zoom and other functions
increases the power consumption, and higher or lower
temperatures reduce the Baittery’s ability to generate
electricity. Therefore, the actual recording time per
Battery may be approximately 30%~-50% shorter than
listed above.
@Charging the Battery at a temperature above 35°C
also reduces the possible maximum recording time by
30%~-50%.
@ Using the Charge Confirmation Marker
You can use this marker to easily distinguish between
charged and discharged Batteries.
For example, slide the knob so that the red dot @ is
visible after charging is completed.
Contains a Nickel-Cadmium Battery. (VW-VBS10E,
VW-VBS20E) Must be recycled or disposed properly.

15
Ci) }
4=>
Attaching the Charged Battery
1
Insert the Battery with its top (the end
with the Charge Confirmation Marker)
into the top Battery Holder.
2 Press the bottom of the Battery toward
the Movie Camera until it locks with a
click,
eThe remaining battery power can be confirmed
with the Remaining Battery Power Indication @
displayed.
After attaching the Battery, the Remaining Battery
Power Indication briefly indicates a fully charged
Battery regardless of the actual charging condition.
After a few seconds, it indicates the actual remaining.
battery power.
When the Battery is exhausted, the [ Xp] Indication
flashes and the Movie Camera automatically turns off.
@ Removing the Battery
3 Turn in the [POWER] Switch to turn the
Movie Camera off.
4 Hold the Battery firmly to prevent it
from dropping and pull it off while
sliding the [BATTERY EJECT] Lever in
the direction of the arrow.

Using the LCD Monitor
Improved LCD backlight transmission makes the
picture extra bright. In addition, special coating of the
LCD's
surface
diffuses
the
light
from
outside
to
minimize
light
reflection,
so
the
picture
has
vivid
colours
and
is
easy to see.
@ Opening the LCD Monitor
1 Slide the [A OPEN] Lever to the left and
_ Simultaneously open the LCD Monitor
in the direction of the arrow
approximately 90°.
@ Closing the LCD Monitor
Turn the LCD Monitor back toward the
Movie Camera body until it locks with a
click.
©Return the LCD Monitor to its vertical position before
closing it, Also, make sure that the Cassette
Compartment is securely closed before closing the
LCD Monitor.
®Opening the LCD Monitor automatically turns the
Finder off. However, when you turn the LCD Monitor
so that is faces forward, the Finder turns on again.
eExtremely high precision technology is employed in
producing the LCD Monitor. The result is more than
99.99 % effective pixels with a mere 0.01 % of the
pixels inactive or always lit.
When the Movie Camera is very cold when turning it
on, the picture on the LCD Monitor is darker than
normally. However, as it reaches normal temperature,
it regains its normal brightness.
®To remove fingerprints, wipe the LCD Monitor with the
supplied Cleaning Tissue or a similar soft cloth.
®Do not expose the LCD Monitor to direct suntight.
When sunlight falls onto the LCD Monitor, it may be
difficult to view the picture.
©Do not apply any pressure to the surface of the LCD
Monitor or subject it to strong shocks.
®Before transporting the Movie Camera, securely close
the LCD Monitor.

Adjusting the LCD Monitor
Use the following controls to adjust the picture quality
when the picture on the LCD Monitor is not easy to see
because of the surrounding conditions.
@ [VOLUME] Controt
To adjust the volume of the sound.
Q@IBRIGHT] Control
To adjust the LCD’s luminance intensity.
@[COLouR] Control
To adjust the LCD's colour saturation.
M@ Adjusting the Volume of the Speaker
The volume of the sound can be adjusted with the
[VOLUME] Control @.
Do not cover the Speaker €) during playback. (- 34)
Because the speaker contains a magnet, do not bring
a cassette near the speaker. It could adversely
influence the recorded content.
@ Adjusting the Angle of the LCD Monitor
The LCD Monitor rotates upward a maximum of 180° (1)
and downward a maximum of 90° @) from its normal
vertical position. Trying to forcefully rotate it beyond this
range could seriously damage the Movie Camera.

eo
@
13]
4
9
Qe
QO
f3)
MAIN MENU
SPEED »SP
TAPERS 30
TITLE SET > OFF
APS » OFF
D.ZOOM » 42x
M.SENSOR >» OFF
SHUTTER REC OFF
SELF SHOOT »NOR,
PRESS MENU TO EXIT
18
TITLE MENU
DATE/TITLE
DATE TIME
TITLE
HOLIDAY
LANGUAGE
FOR TITLE ENGLISH
SIZE »NORMAL LARGE
COLOUR WHITE
PRESS MENU TO RETURN
Using the Menu Function
With the Menu Function, you can select the desired
modes and functions on the two menus shown above,
MAIN MENU
@ SPEED (~ 21)
To select the recording speed.
Q@ TAPE «a (+ 21)
To select the tape length of the video cassette being
used.
OTITLE SET (- 19)
To select the Titie Menu [TITLE MENU}.
Oars (+ 41)
To turn the Power Save Functions on or off.
@D.Z00M (+ 47)
To select the desired digital zoom range: up to 42x
or up to 250x.
@M.SENSOR (+ 56)
To turn the Motion-Sensor-Controlled Recording
Function on or off.
@ SHUTTER REC (7 44)
To turn the visual shutter effect on or off for still
pictures that you record in the Snapshot Recording
Mode.
@SELF SHOOT (+ 68)
To reverse the picture disptayed on the LCD Monitor
when you record with the LCD Monitor facing
forward (Mirror Mode).
TITLE MENU
@ DATE/TITLE (- 26)
To select the Date, Time and/or Title Indication
@ TITLE (- 70)
To select the title.
QD LANGUAGE FOR TITLE (~ 69)
To select the language of the title.
@SIZE (+ 71)
To select the size of the Title Indication.
@®COLour (+ 70)
To select the colour of the Date, Time and/or Title
Indication.

MENU
»
2 nes
PAUSE STOP a0
TITLESET = OFF
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Areal
a
D.Z00M
pb
42x
ean
v7)
MSENSOR
OFF
SHUTTER REC ® OFF
SELF SHOOT »NOR. .
PRESS MENU TO &xIT
fe TITLE MENU
DATE/TITLE
DATE TIME
TITLE HOLIDAY
LANGUAGE
FOR TITLE ENGLISH
SIZE NORMAL LARGE
COLOUR WHITE
PRESS MENU TO RETURN
NX 4
Using the Main Menu
1 turn out the [POWER] Switch to turn the
Movie Camera on.
©The [CAMERA] Indication Lamp @ lights.
2 Press the [MENU] Button.
®The Main Menu [MAIN MENU} appears.
3 Press the [ITEM] Button repeatedly to
select the desired item.
©The indication of the selected item @ flashes.
4 Press the [SET] Button to select the
desired mode.
eThe selected mode is marked with the [>] mark,
Using the Title Menu
After displaying the Main Menu [MAIN MENU]...
Press the [ITEM] Button repeatedly to
select [TITLE SET].
6 Press the [SET] Button to select [ON].
©The Title Menu [TITLE MENU] appears.
7 Press the [ITEM] Button repeatedly to
select the desired item.
8 Press the [SET] Button to select the
desired mode.
@ Returning to the Main Menu
Press the [MENU] Button.
@ Exiting the Menu Function
Press the [MENU] Button.
The selections made on the Menu will be maintained
even when the Movie Camera is turned off.
@When the Movie Camera is connected to a TV, it is
possible to display the Menu on the TV.
19

20
Inserting the Cassette
6
Connect the AC Adaptor or attach a
charged Battery. (<> 11, 15)
Turn the cog wheel @ to tighten the
tape.
Slide the [A OPEN] Lever to the left and
simultaneously open the LCD Monitor
in the direction of the arrow
approximately 90°.
®Be sure to keep the LCD Monitor in its vertical
position, so that the Cassette Compartment
Cover, when it opens, does not hit the LCD
Monitor.
Slide the [4 EJECT] Lever @ in the
direction of the arrow.
Insert the cassette with the cassette
window © facing outward and push it
ail the way in.
Close the Cassette Compartment by
pressing the [LOCK] Button @.
Bi Ejecting the Cassette
Slide the [4 EJECT] Lever @ in the direction of the
arrow and pull out the cassette.
Close the Cassette Compartment by pressing the
[LOCK] Button @.