15B-ENG.book 1

Operating Instructions

Digital Video Camera

Model No.
NV-GS 8 EB NV-GS11EB NV-GS15EB
Before use, please read these instructions completely.

LSQT0782 A

15B-ENG.book 2
Dear Customer, We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for purchasing this Panasonic Movie Camera. Please read these Operating Instructions carefully and keep them handy for future reference. Please note that the actual controls and components, menu items, etc. of your Movie Camera may look somewhat different from those shown in the illustrations in these Operating Instructions.
Information for Your Safety
As this equipment gets hot during use, operate it in well ventilated place; do not install this equipment in a confined space such as a bookcase or similar unit. To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or product damage, do not expose this equipment to rain, moisture, dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the equipment. Movie Camera The rating plate is on the underside of the Movie Camera. AC Adaptor The rating plate is on the underside of the AC Adaptor. IS INSERTED INTO ANY 13-AMPERE SOCKET. If a new plug is to be fitted, please observe the wiring code as shown below. If in any doubt, please consult a qualified electrician.

IMPORTANT

The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code: Blue: Neutral Brown: Live As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows: The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK. The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED. Under no circumstances should either of these wires be connected to the earth terminal of the three-pin plug, marked with the letter E or the Earth Symbol.
Caution for AC mains lead For your safety, please read the following text carefully.
This appliance is supplied with a moulded three-pin mains plug for your safety and convenience. A 5-ampere fuse is fitted in this plug. Should the fuse need to be replaced, please ensure that the replacement fuse has a rating of 5-amperes and it is approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362. Check for the ASTA mark or the BSI mark on the body of the fuse. If the plug contains a removable fuse cover you must ensure that it is refitted when the fuse is replaced. If you lose the fuse cover, the plug must not be used until a replacement cover is obtained. A replacement fuse cover can be purchased from your local Panasonic Dealer. IF THE FITTED MOULDED PLUG IS UNSUITABLE FOR THE SOCKET OUTLET IN YOUR HOME THEN THE FUSE SHOULD BE REMOVED AND THE PLUG CUT OFF AND DISPOSED OF SAFELY. THERE IS A DANGER OF SEVERE ELECTRICAL SHOCK IF THE CUT OFF PLUG

Before Use

Connector Cover
Remove the Connector Cover as follows.

How to replace the Fuse

Fuse Cover
1)Remove the Fuse Cover with a screwdriver. 2)Replace the fuse and attach the Fuse Cover.

15B-ENG.book 3

Operating Instructions These Operating Instructions apply to models NV-GS8, NV-GS11, and NV-GS15. The illustrations used in these Operating Instructions show model NV-GS15, however, parts of the explanation refer to different models. Depending on the model, some functions are not available. Windows is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation U.S.A. SD Logo is a trademark. All other company and product names in the operating instructions are trademarks of their respective corporations. Files recorded on a MultiMediaCard or SD Memory Card It may not be possible to play back the files on this Movie Camera recorded on and created by other equipment or vice versa. For this reason, check the compatibility of the equipment in advance. Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children to prevent swallowing. Pages for reference Pages for reference are indicated by dashes either side of a number, for example: -00Use only the recommended accessories.

WARNING

Do not remove the cover (or back); there are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
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. The Movie Camera uses copyright-protected technologies and is protected by the patented technologies and intellectual properties of Japan and the U.S. To use these copyright-protected technologies, authorization of the Macrovision Company is required. It is prohibited to disassemble or modify the Movie Camera.

To Remove the Battery Set the [OFF/ON] Switch (43) to [OFF], and while sliding the [BATTERY RELEASE] Lever (49), slide the Battery to remove it. When attaching or removing Battery, set the [OFF/ON] Switch to [OFF] and make sure the [POWER] Lamp is not lit.

15B-ENG.book 12

The Grip Belt

To Use as a Grip Belt

Adjust the length of the Grip Belt to the size of your hand. 1 Detach the end of the Grip Belt.
When you are not recording, be sure to cover the Lens with the Lens Cap for protection. 2
2 Adjust the length of the Grip Belt to the size

of your hand.

When you remove the Lens Cap, press the knobs firmly.
3 Reattach the Grip Belt.
Attaching the Shoulder Strap
We recommend that you attach the Shoulder Strap before going out of doors to record so as to avoid dropping the Movie Camera. 1 Pull the end of the Shoulder Strap through the Shoulder Strap Holder on the Movie Camera.
Re-attaching the Lens Cap
To protect the Lens surface, attach the Lens Cap. 1 The Lens Cap and Lens Cap Cord comes preattached to the Grip Belt.
2 Fold the end of the Shoulder Strap, run it
through the Shoulder Strap Length Adjuster, and pull it. Pull it out more than 2 cm 1 from the Shoulder Strap Length Adjuster so that it cannot slip off.
2 Pass the end of the Lens Cap Cord through
the attached eye on the Lens Cap. Then pass the Lens Cap through the loop made by itself and pull tight.
Attach the other end of the Shoulder Strap to the other Shoulder Strap Holder in the same way. When not using the Lens Cap, pull the Lens Cap Cord in the direction of the arrow. 1

15B-ENG.book 13

Inserting a Cassette
1 Slide the [OPEN/EJECT] Lever (38) toward
the front and pull down to fully open the Cassette Compartment Cover. To protect the tape, if the cover is not fully opened, the cassette cannot be ejected.

OPEN/ EJECT

Using a Card (NV-GS15 only)
A Card can be used to record pictures. Before inserting or removing a Card, be sure to turn off the Movie Camera. Otherwise, the Movie Camera may not function properly or it may cause the loss of recorded data in a Card.
Inserting a Card 1 Slide the [OPEN] Lever (3) to open the Card

Slot Cover (5).

2 Insert a Cassette.
2 While holding the Memory Card with its cut 3 Close the Cassette Holder by pressing the

[PUSH] mark 1.

corner facing right 1, insert it into the Card Slot (4).
3 Close the Card Slot Cover (5) securely. 4 Close the Cassette Compartment Cover.
Removing the Card Open the Card Slot Cover and press the centre of the Card and then pull it straight out. After removing the Card, close the Card Slot Cover. The Movie Camera may be damaged if the Card is forced out when the Card is fully inserted.

With the LCD Monitor open, you can also record the picture while watching it. 1 Put a finger on the [OPEN4] Knob (1) and pull the LCD Monitor (2) out in the direction of the arrow. The Viewfinder is deactivated. The LCD Monitor can be opened a maximum of 120o. If you open the LCD monitor by 120o, it becomes convenient to operate menus or to play back pictures.

(2) (1)

15B-ENG.book 15
2 Adjust the LCD Monitor angle according to
the desired recording angle. The LCD Monitor can rotate a maximum of 180o 1 from the vertical position upwards and a maximum of 90o 2 to the downward direction. Forcefully rotating the LCD Monitor beyond these ranges will damage the Movie Camera.

Using the Menu Screen

To facilitate the selection of a desired function or setup, this Movie Camera displays various function setups on Menus. When operating the menu with the Viewfinder, set [LCD/EVF] >> [EVF ON/AUTO] >> [ON] or rotate the LCD monitor by 180o. 1 Press the [MENU] Button (20).
The Menu corresponding to the Mode selected by using the Mode Dial (39) is displayed.
Closing the LCD Monitor Push the LCD Monitor until it is securely locked. Make sure the Card Slot Cover is closed (NV-GS15 only).
Adjusting Brightness and Colour Level
When [LCD/EVF SET] on the [LCD/EVF] Sub-Menu is set to [YES], the following items are displayed.
LCD/EVF SETUP 1LCD BRIGHTNESS [-]||||----[+] LCD COLOUR LEVEL [-]||||----[+] BRIGHTNESS [-]||||----[+]
;/:SELECT &/%:SETUP !/MENU:EXIT
LCD Brightness [LCD BRIGHTNESS] Adjusts the brightness of the image on the LCD screen. LCD Colour Level [LCD COLOUR LEVEL] Adjusts the colour saturation of the image on the LCD screen. Brightness of the Viewfinder [EVF BRIGHTNESS] Adjusts the brightness of the image in the Viewfinder.
To Adjust Press the [;/] Button and select the item to be adjusted, and then press the [6/5] Button to raise or lower the number of vertical bars in the Bar Indication. A larger number of vertical bars indicates stronger brightness or colour saturation.
For other notes concerning this item, see -56.
NV-GS8/ NV-GSPress the [;/] Button to select a desired Sub-Menu. Press the [;/] Button to display the highlighted item. 3 Press the [5] Button to display the selected Sub-Menu. 4 Press the [;/] Button to select the item. 5 Press the [5] Button to display the selected item. 6 Press the [;/] Button to select the desired mode and press [ENTER] Button to determine the setting. While a Menu is displayed, you cannot record or play back. Menus can be displayed during playback but not during recording. The above operations can be done using the [MENU] Button, [, , , ] Buttons and [ENTER] Button on the Remote Controller (supplied with NV-GS11 and NV-GS15). (-8-)

To Return the Previous Screen Press the [6] Button. To Exit the Menu Screen Press the [MENU] Button again. About the Menu Mode Setting The setting selected on the Menu will be retained even when the Movie Camera is turned off. However, if the Battery or AC Adaptor is disconnected before turning off the Movie Camera, the selected setup may not be retained. (The setups of [EFFECT2] (-30-) are not retained.)
Menu operation flow is shown in this text by >>.

15B-ENG.book 16

File Selection in the Picture Playback Mode (NV-GS15 only)
A File Selection Operation may be necessary during Menu Operations. In this case, carry out the following procedure. 1 Press the [;//6/5] Button and select a file. The selected file is marked by a frame.

PICTURE

100-0012
2 Press the [ENTER] Button (17) to confirm
the selection of the file. After the above File Selection Procedure, carry out the various Menu Operations. (The above procedure will not be repeated in the following instructions.)

List of Menus

The figures of the Menus are for explanation purposes only, and they are different from the actual Menus.

[TAPE RECORDING MENU]

TAPE RECORDING MENU CAMERA !PROG.AE SIS DIGITAL D.ZOOM CARD SELF TIMER RECORDING USB FUNCTION DISPLAY LCD/EVF INITIAL ;/:SELECT %:NEXT MENU:EXIT

Tape Recording Mode

NV-GS8/ NV-GS11
TAPE RECORDING MENU CAMERA !PROG.AE SIS DIGITAL D.ZOOM RECORDING SHTR EFFECT DISPLAY SELF TIMER LCD/EVF INITIAL USB FUNCTION

;/:SELECT

%:NEXT MENU:EXIT
1) [CAMERA] Camera Setup Sub-Menu [PROG.AE] Auto Exposure Mode -26[SIS] Image Stabilizer -24[D.ZOOM] Digital Zoom -24[SHTR EFFECT] (NV-GS8 and NV-GS11 only) Shutter Effect -21You can add a sound like releasing the shutter. [SELF TIMER] Self-timer Recording -23[USB FUNCTION] USB Functions Mode -44-
If you press [6] Button, the menu changes back to the previous screen. 2) [DIGITAL] Digital Setup Sub-Menu [EFFECT1] Digital Effects 1 -30[EFFECT2] Digital Effects 2 -30[MULTI MODE] Multi-Picture Mode -30[TITLE IN] (NV-GS15 only) Adding a Title -383) [CARD] (NV-GS15 only) Card Setup Sub-Menu [PICT QUALITY] Picture Quality -22[CREATE TITLE] Title Creation -374) [RECORDING] Recording Setup Sub-Menu [REC SPEED] Recording Speed Mode -19[AUDIO REC] Audio Recording Mode -19[SCENE INDEX] Scene Index Mode -34[WIND CUT] Wind Noise Reduction -26[ZOOM MIC] Zoom Microphone -24[CINEMA] Cinema-like Format Recording -265) [DISPLAY] Display Setup Sub-Menu [DISPLAY] Display Mode -47[DATE/TIME] Date and Time Indication -47[C.DISPLAY] Counter Display Mode -47[C.RESET] Counter Reset -60It resets the counter to zero. However, it cannot reset the Time Code. 6) [LCD/EVF] LCD/EVF Setup Sub-Menu [LCD/EVF SET] LCD and Viewfinder Adjustment -15[SELF REC] Recording Yourself -20[EVF ON/AUTO] Using the Viewfinder -147) [INITIAL] Initial Setup Sub-Menu [BLANK SEARCH] Blank Search -21-

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To Take Close-up Shots of Small Subjects
(Macro Close-up Function) When the zoom magnification is 1k, the Movie Camera can focus on a subject that is as close as approximately 20 mm from the Lens. Small subjects like insects can be recorded with this function.
To Cancel the Digital Zoom Function Set [TAPE RECORDING MENU] >> [CAMERA] >> [D.ZOOM] >> [OFF].
For other notes concerning this item, see -50-.
Image Stabilizer Function
If the Movie Camera is shaken while recording, the camera shake in the image can be corrected. If the Movie Camera shakes too much, the images may not be stabilized. 1 Set [TAPE RECORDING MENU] >> [CAMERA] >> [SIS] >> [ON].
To Use the Zoom Microphone Function
Along with the zooming operation, the microphones directional angle and sensitivity are varied for recording sounds. Set [TAPE RECORDING MENU] >> [RECORDING] >> [ZOOM MIC] >> [ON]. (The [Z.MIC] Indication is displayed.)
The [[] Indication appears.

Digital Zoom Function

This function is useful when you want to record close-up shots of subjects located beyond a normal zoom range of 1k to 24k magnification. With the Digital Zoom Function, you can select a magnification from 60k up to 800k. 1 Set [TAPE RECORDING MENU] >> [CAMERA] >> [D.ZOOM] >> [60k] or [800k].
2 Press the Recording Start/Stop Button (42)
or [PHOTO SHOT] Button (36) to start recording.
60k: Digital zooming to 60k 800k: Digital zooming to 800k

D.ZOOM

To Cancel Image Stabilizer Function Set [TAPE RECORDING MENU] >> [CAMERA] >> [SIS] >> [OFF].

Fade In/Out Functions

Fade In Fade In brings out images and sounds gradually from a black screen at the beginning of a scene.
2 Push the [W/T] Lever (37) towards [W] or
towards [T] to zoom in or out.

15B-ENG.book 25

1 Keep pressing the [FADE] Button (18)
during the Recording Pause Mode.
Backlight Compensation Function
This prevents the subject from being recorded too darkly when backlit. (Backlight is the light that shines from behind the subject being recorded.) 1 Press the [BACK LIGHT] Button (12). NV-GS15 NV-GS8/ NV-GS11

BACK LIGHT

The image fades out gradually. 2 When the image is completely gone, press the Recording Start/Stop Button (42) to start recording.
The [] Indication flashes and then is displayed. The entire screen becomes brighter.
3 Release the [FADE] Button (18) about
3 seconds after starting recording. The image reappears gradually. Fade Out Fade Out causes images and sounds to disappear gradually, leaving a black screen at the end of a scene.
To Resume Normal Recording Press the [BACK LIGHT] Button.

Night View Functions

Colour Night View Function This function allows you to record colour images brightly in a dark place. 1 Press the [COLOUR NIGHT VIEW] Button (7).

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Recording Mode The Indication of the selected Mode appears.
2 Press the [ENTER] Button (17).

(19)(17)(16)

The [AWB] Indication appears.
3 Press the [5] Button (16) or [6] Button
1) [5] Sports Mode For recording scenes involving quick movements, such as sports scenes. 2) [7] Portrait Mode For bringing up people clearly from the background. 3) [4] Low Light Mode For recording a dark scene brighter. 4) [] Spotlight Mode For recording a subject under a spotlight in a party, theatre, etc. 5) [] Surf & Snow Mode For recording in a glaring surrounding, such as ski slopes, beaches, etc.
(19) to select a desired White Balance Mode.
1) Automatic White Balance Adjustment [AWB] 2) The white balance setting that was previously set manually [1] 3) Outdoor Mode [z] 4) Indoor Mode (recording under incandescent lamp) [{]
To Cancel the Programme AE Function Set the [PROG.AE] on the [CAMERA] Sub-menu to [OFF]. Or, set the [AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] Switch to [AUTO].
To Resume Automatic Adjustment Press the [5] Button (16) or [6] Button (19) until the [AWB] Indication appears. Or, set the [AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] Switch to [AUTO].
Adjusting White Balance Manually
White Balance Adjustment recognizes the colour of light and adjusts so that white will appear pure white. The Movie Camera determines the hue of light that comes through the Lens and White Balance Sensor, thereby judging the recording condition, and selects the closest hue setting. This function is called Automatic White Balance Adjustment. For light outside the functional Auto White Balance Adjustment range, use the Manual White Balance Adjustment Mode. 1 Set the [AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] Switch (21) to [MANUAL].
Recording in Natural Colours
(White Balance) Depending on the scene or lighting conditions, the Automatic White Balance Adjustment Mode may not be able to bring out natural colours. In this case, the white balance can be adjusted manually. When the Movie Camera is turned on with the Lens Cap on, the Automatic White Balance Adjustment may not function properly. Please turn on the Movie Camera after removing the Lens Cap. 1 Set the [AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] Switch (21) to [MANUAL].

AUTO FOCUS MANUAL

The [MNL] Indication appears.
The [MNL] Indication appears. 2 Point the Movie Camera at a full-screen white subject.

A small still picture is displayed in a normal picture. If the [P-IN-P] Button is pressed again, the small still picture is cleared. For other notes concerning this item, see -51-.

Wipe Mode and Mix Mode

Wipe Mode: Like drawing a curtain, the still picture of the last recorded scene gradually changes to the moving image of a new scene.

WIPE WIPE WIPE

15B-ENG.book 32

Playing Back a Tape

The recorded scene can be played back immediately after the recording. 1 Set the [OFF/ON] Switch (43) to [ON]. The [POWER] Lamp (40) lights up.
Adjusting the Sound Volume
To adjust the volume, push the [W/T] Lever (37) to display the [VOLUME] Indication. Push the [W/T] Lever towards [T] to increase the volume or push the [W/T] Lever towards [W] to decrease the volume. The [VOLUME] Indication goes off after the adjustment is finished.

(37) (43)

2 Set the Mode Dial (39) to Tape Playback
To adjust the volume with the Remote Controller (supplied with NV-GS11 and NV-GS15), press the [T] or [W] Button to display the [VOLUME] Indication. Press the [T] Button to increase the volume or press the [W] Button to decrease the volume. The [VOLUME] Indication goes off after the adjustment is finished.
NV-GS8/ NV-GSPress the [6] Button (19) to rewind the tape.
The sound volume cannot be adjusted using the Remote Controller (supplied with NV-GS11 and NV-GS15) in Playback Zoom Mode. (-35-) For other notes concerning this item, see -51-.
Rewind the tape to the point where you want to start playback. When the tape reaches the beginning, rewinding stops automatically. 4 Press the [1] Button (17) to start playback. The [!] Indication appears.
Finding a Scene You Want to Play Back

Cue/Review Playback

If a cassette recorded with a copyright protection signal is played back, the picture is distorted by mosaic-like patterns.
If the [5] Button (16) or [6] Button (19) is pressed during Playback, it turns to Cue Playback A or Review Playback B.

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Others Sports Mode/Portrait Mode If you record a still picture in Progressive Photoshot Mode, the brightness and hue of the recorded still picture may become unstable. If this mode is used for indoor recording, playback images may flicker. Low Light Mode Extremely dark scenes may not be able to be made brighter to a satisfactory degree. Spotlight Mode With this mode, recorded images may become extremely dark. If the recording subject is extremely bright, its recorded image may becomes whitish. Surf & Snow Mode If the recording subject is extremely bright, its recorded image may turn out to be whitish. If you attempt to adjust the Shutter Speed after setting the Iris, the value set for the Iris will be cancelled.

Digital Effect Functions

If you have set [EFFECT2] to [B/W] or [SEPIA], changing the selected White Balance Mode is not possible. (-27-) Setting the Cinema Mode cancels the Picture-in-Picture Mode and the Multi-Picture Mode. During the Digital Still Picture Mode, the Digital Effect Functions cannot be set. In the following cases, using the [EFFECT1] on the [DIGITAL] Sub-Menu is not possible. When the Night View Mode is set (-25-) When the Built-in LED Video Light lights and the Gain Up mode is set to on. In the following cases, using the Digital Effect Function is not possible. Title In Wipe Mode and Mix Mode If the following operation is carried out, stored images will be erased, and Wipe and Mix Functions cannot be used. Set other item of Digital Effect Operate the [OFF/ON] switch or Mode Dial Insert or eject a cassette Picture-in-Picture Mode If Mode Dial is operated, the smaller picture disappears. Titles cannot be inserted into the smaller picture. Multi-Picture Mode If the [MULTI] Button is pressed while self-recording Mirror Mode (-20-) is used, the still picture is displayed from the upper right corner of the screen, but, in reality, the picture is recorded from the upper left corner as usual. The quality of Multi images deteriorates slightly. The top and bottom of the Multi pictures will be cut off slightly.

White Balance

In the following cases, you cannot change White Balance: When you set [EFFECT2] to [SEPIA] or to [B/W]. When you set the Zoom to higher than 24k During Digital Still Picture Mode When you display a Menu When you use the Night View Mode In the following cases, the [1] Indication flashes: The flashing indicates that the previously adjusted White Balance setting is still kept. This setting will be kept until White Balance is adjusted again. You may not be able to achieve correct White Balance Adjustment manually under weak illumination.
Manual Shutter Speed Adjustment
You may see vertical lines of light in the playback image of a brightly shining subject or highly reflective subject. During normal playback, movement in the images may not look smooth. Because the colour and brightness of the playback image may become unstable, avoid recording under fluorescent light, mercury light or sodium light. If you are using Night View Mode (-25-) or Programme AE Mode (-26-), you cannot adjust the shutter speed.

Condensation

If you turn the Movie Camera on when condensation occurs on the head or the tape, Condensation Indication [3DEW] (yellow or red) blinks on the Viewfinder or the LCD monitor and the messages [DEW DETECT] or [EJECT TAPE] (only when the tape is inserted) appear. In this case, follow the procedure below. Blink in yellow: Dews are slightly adhering on the head or the tape. Blink in red: Dews are adhere on the head or the tape. 1 Remove the tape if it is inserted. It takes about 20 seconds to open the Cassette Holder. This is not a malfunction. 2 Leave the Movie Camera with the Cassette Compartment Cover closed to cool or warm it to the ambient temperature. When [3DEW] blinks in yellow You cannot use the Tape Recording/ Playback Mode. Leave the Movie Camera for about 30 minutes. However, you can use the Card Recording Mode or Picture Playback Mode when the cassette is not inserted. When [3DEW] blinks in red The Power Indicator Lamp blinks for about 1 minute and then the Movie Camera automatically turns off. Leave it for about 2 to 3 hours.

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3 Turn the Movie Camera on again, set it to
the Tape Recording/Playback Mode and then check if the condensation indication disappears. Especially in cold districts, dews may be frozen. In this case, it may take more time before the condensation indication disappears. Watch for Condensation even before the Condensation Indication is displayed. The condensation indication may not appear depending on circumstances. When condensation occurs on the lens or the Movie Camera, it also may occur on the head and the tape. Do not open the Cassette Compartment Cover. When the Lens is Fogged: Set the [OFF/ON] Switch to [OFF] and leave the Movie Camera in this condition for about 1 hour. When the lens temperature becomes close to the ambient temperature, the fogging disappears naturally.
Do not clean the heads excessively. (Excessive cleaning may cause excessive wear of the heads. If the heads are worn, images cannot be played back even after the heads are cleaned.)
Video Head Clogging and Care
If the heads (the parts that make contact with the tape) are dirty, mosaic-pattern noise may appear on the playback image, or the screen as a whole becomes black. If the heads are extremely dirty, recording performance deteriorates, and, in the worst case, the Movie Camera cannot record at all. Causes of Dirty Heads Large quantity of dust in the air High-temperature and high-humidity environment Damaged tape Long operating hours Using Mini-DV Format Digital Video Head Cleaner 1 Insert the Head Cleaner into the Movie Camera in the same manner as a Video Cassette. 2 Press the [1] Button, and approximately 20 seconds later, press the [] Button. (Do not rewind the tape.) 3 Take out the Head Cleaner. Insert a Video Cassette and start recording. Then, play the tape back to check the recorded image. 4 If the image is not still clear, repeat Steps 1 to 3. (Do not use the Head Cleaner for 3 times or more consecutively.) Notes: Do not rewind every time you use the Head Cleaner. Rewind only when the tape reaches the end, and then use it again from the beginning in the same manner as before. If the heads become dirty soon after cleaning, the tape may be damaged. In this case, immediately stop using that Cassette.

If the dirty heads cannot be cleaned with the Head Cleaner, the Movie Camera needs to be cleaned at a service centre. Please consult a dealer. Video Head Cleaners can be purchased from service centres. Head cleaning due to dirty heads is not considered a malfunction of the product. It is not covered by the warranty. Periodical Check-up To maintain the highest image quality, we recommend replacement of worn parts, such as heads, etc., after approximately 1,000 hours of use. (This, however, depends on operating conditions, such as temperature, humidity, dust, etc.)
Optimal Use of the Battery
Battery Characteristics This Battery is a rechargeable lithium ion battery. Its ability to generate power is based upon the chemical reaction that takes place inside it. This reaction is susceptible to the surrounding temperature and humidity, and, if the temperature is too high or too low, the operating time of the Battery becomes shorter. If the Battery is used in an extremely cold environment, the Battery may operate only for about 5 minutes. If the Battery becomes extremely hot, a protective function may operate, and the Battery may become unusable for a while. Be Sure to Detach the Battery after Use Be sure to detach the Battery from the Movie Camera. (If it is left attached to the Movie Camera, a minute amount of current is consumed even when the Movie Camera power is off.) If the Battery is left attached to the Movie Camera for a long time, over-discharge takes place. The Battery may become unusable after it is charged. Disposing of an Unusable Battery The Battery has a limited life. Do not throw the Battery into fire because it may cause an explosion.

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Others Always Keep the Terminals of the Battery Clean Prevent the terminals from getting clogged with dirt, dust, or other substances. If you drop the Battery accidentally, check to see if the Battery body and terminals are deformed. Attaching a deformed Battery to the Movie Camera or AC Adaptor may damage the Movie Camera or AC Adaptor. Do not place a Cassette near highly magnetic substances or equipment. The surface of tape is covered with extremely minute magnetic particles, upon which signals are recorded. Magnetic necklaces, toys, etc., have magnetic force that is stronger than you may normally expect, and they may erase the contents of a recording or may cause noise in images and sounds. Card (NV-GS15 only) When the Card is being read, do not remove the Card, turn off the power, or subject it to vibration or impact. Do not leave the Card in places where there is high temperature or direct sunlight, or where electromagnetic waves or static electricity are easily generated. Do not bend or drop the Card. The Card or the recorded content may be damaged. After use, be sure to remove the Card from the Movie Camera. After usage, store the supplied SD Memory Card in the enclosed bag. Do not touch the terminals on the back of the Card with your fingers. Do not allow dirt, dust or water to enter it.

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Others When the Movie Camera is used with a large capacity Battery (CGR-D16S, CGP-D28S; optional) attached to it, it is not practical to look in the Viewfinder from behind the Battery. Extremely high precision technology is employed to produce the Viewfinder screen featuring a total of approximately 67,000 pixels. The result is more than 99.99% effective pixels with a mere 0.01% of the pixels inactive or always lit. However, this is not a malfunction and does not affect the recorded picture. Lens Hood Do not attach other conversion lenses in front of the Lens Hood; there is no mount to be used for the attachment. When you wish to attach the Tele Conversion Lens (VW-LT2714N2E; optional), Wide Conversion Lens (VW-LW2707N2E; optional), MC Protector (VW-LMC27E; optional), or ND Filter (VW-LND27E; optional), first of all, turn the Lens Hood counterclockwise. If the MC Protector or ND Filter is used, the Lens Hood can be mounted on the filter. If you push the [W/T] Lever toward [W] during recording with the filter and conversion lens attached together to the Movie Camera, 4 corners of the image may become dark (vignetting). For details, please refer to the operating instructions of your accessories. Be sure to keep the Lens Hood attached to the Movie Camera so as to shut out unnecessary light. 3: The Movie Camera power does not stay on long enough. Is the Battery low? Charge the Battery or attach a fully charged Battery. (-11-) Has condensation occurred? Wait until the Condensation Indication disappears. (-54-) Battery 1: Battery runs down quickly. Is the Battery fully charged? Charge it with the AC Adaptor. (-11-) Are you using the Battery in an extremely cold place? In cold places, the operating time of the Battery becomes shorter. (-55-) Has the Battery worn out? If the operating time is still too short even after the Battery is fully charged, the Battery has worn out. 2: The Battery cannot be charged. If the DC Input Lead is connected to the AC Adaptor, charging cannot be performed. Disconnect the DC Input Lead. Normal Recording 1: Recording does not start although power is supplied to the Movie Camera and the Cassette is correctly inserted. Is the accidental erasure prevention slider on the Cassette open? If it is open (set to [SAVE]), recording cannot be performed. (-13-) Is the tape wound to the end? Insert a new Cassette. (-13-) Is the Movie Camera power turned on? (-20-) Has condensation occurred? Wait until the Condensation Indication disappears. (-54-) Other Recording 1: Auto Focus Function does not work. Is Manual Focus Mode selected? If Auto Focus Mode is selected, focus is automatically adjusted. (-29-) There are some recording subjects and recording surroundings for which the Auto Focus Function does not operate correctly. In this case, use the Manual Focus Mode to adjust the focus. (-59-) Editing 1: Audio dubbing cannot be performed. Is the accidental erasure prevention slider on the Cassette open? If it is open (set to [SAVE]), recording cannot be performed. (-13-) Are you attempting to edit a tape portion that was recorded in LP Mode? LP Mode does not allow audio dubbing to operate. (-19-) Indications 1: The Time Code becomes inaccurate. 0 The Time Code Indication counter may not be constant in the reverse direction in Slow Motion Playback Mode, but this is not a malfunction.

Before Requesting Repair (Problems and Solutions)
Power 1: The Movie Camera power cannot be turned on. Is the power source connected correctly? (-10-) 2: The Movie Camera power is turned off automatically. When the Recording Pause Mode continues for more than 6 minutes, the power is turned off automatically for tape protection and power conservation. (If the AC Adaptor is used, the power is turned off only when the tape is inserted in Tape Recording Mode.) When the tape is inserted in Tape Recording Mode and if the Recording Pause Mode continues for more than 6 minutes, the power is turned off automatically. To resume recording from this condition, turn off, then turn on the power again. (-20-)

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Others 2: The Remaining Tape Time Indication does not match the actual remaining tape time. If scenes of less than 15 seconds are continuously recorded, the remaining tape time cannot be displayed correctly. In some cases, the Remaining Tape Time Indication may show remaining tape time that is 2 to 3 minutes shorter than the actual remaining tape time. Playback (Pictures) 1: Pictures cannot be played back even when the [1] Button is pressed. 0 Is the Mode Dial set to Playback Mode? If not, the playback function cannot be used. (-32-) 2: Mosaic-pattern noise appears on images during Cue, Review or Slow Motion Playback. This phenomenon is characteristic of digital video systems. It is not a malfunction. 3: Although the Movie Camera is correctly connected to a TV, playback images cannot be seen. Have you selected Video Input on the TV? Please read the operating instructions of your TV and select the channel that matches the input sockets used for the connection. Depending on your TV, nothing may be shown even if you correctly connect the movie camera with your TV. In this case, set [AV JACK] on the [INITIAL] Sub-Menu to [OUT]. 4: Playback picture is not clear. Are the heads of the Movie Camera dirty? If the heads are dirty, playback image cannot be clear. (-55-) 5: Playing back or recording do not function, the screen has frozen or the indication has disappeared. Turn the Movie Camera off. If the Movie Camera is not turned off after operating the [OFF/ON] switch, press the [RESET] Button (-7-, -59-) first. And detach the Battery or AC Adaptor and then reattach it. Playback (Sound) 1: Sound is not played back from the built-in speaker of the Movie Camera or the headphones. 0 Is the volume too low? During playback, push the [W/T] Lever to display the [VOLUME] Indication and adjust the volume. (-32-) 2: Different sounds are reproduced at the same time. [12bit AUDIO] on the [PLAYBACK] Sub-Menu of the [TAPE PLAYBACK MENU] has been set to [MIX]. As a result, the original sound and sound that was recorded by audio dubbing are played back together. It is possible to reproduce the sounds separately. (-42-) 3: The original sound was erased when audio dubbing was performed. If you perform audio dubbing on a recording made in [16bit] Mode, the original sound will be erased. If you wish to preserve the original sound, be sure to select [12bit] Mode at the time of recording. 4: Sounds cannot be played back. Although a Cassette with no audio dubbing is being played, is [12bit AUDIO] on the [PLAYBACK] Sub-Menu of the [TAPE PLAYBACK MENU] set to [ST2]? To play back a Cassette with no audio dubbing, [12bit AUDIO] must be set to [ST1]. (-42-) Is the Variable Speed Search Function working? Press the [1] Button to cancel the Variable Speed Search Function. (-33-) Card (NV-GS15 only) 1: Recorded pictures are not clear. 0 Is [PICT QUALITY] on the [CARD] Sub-Menu set to [NORMAL] or [ECONOMY]? If recording is done with it set to [NORMAL] or [ECONOMY], images with fine details may include a mosaic-like pattern. Set [PICT QUALITY] to [FINE]. (-22-) 2: Photoshot Playback images do not look normal. The picture may be damaged. In order to prevent the loss of image data, backing up on a Cassette or a personal computer is recommended. (-41-, -44-) 3: During Playback, [UNPLAYABLE CARD] is displayed. The image was either recorded in a different format, or data is damaged. 4: Even if a Card is formatted, it cannot be used. Either the Movie Camera or the Card may be damaged. Please consult a dealer. Others 1: The Free Style Remote Controller does not operate correctly. If it is not plugged in tightly, it will not operate correctly. 2: The Movie Camera clatters when shaking it. It is a sound of the lens moving, not a malfunction. 3: When the USB Cable is disconnected, an error message will appear on PC. To disconnect the USB cable safely, double-click the [ ] icon in the task tray and follow the instructions on the screen. (-44-)

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Using the RESET button
1 Open the LCD Monitor. (-14-) 2 Undo Grip Belt end 1 and pull Lens Cap
Cord 2 downward to loosen Grip Belt.

the [RESET] Button 4.

3 Use projection 3 on the Lens Cap to press

Explanation of Terms

Digital Video System
In a digital video system, images and sounds are converted into digital signals and recorded on a tape. This complete digital recording is capable of recording and playback with minimal image and sound deterioration. In addition, it automatically records data, such as Time Code and Date/Time, as digital signals. Compatibility with S-VHS or VHS Cassettes Because this Movie Camera employs a digital system for recording image and sound data, it is not compatible with conventional S-VHS or VHS video equipment that employs an analog recording system. The size and shape of the Cassettes are also different. Compatibility with Output Signals Because AV signal output from the AV signal output socket is analog (the same as conventional video systems), this Movie Camera can be connected with S-VHS or VHS video or a TV for playback.
Please use the Manual Focus Mode instead. 1) Recording a subject whose one end is located closer to the Movie Camera and the other end farther away from it Because Auto Focus makes adjustments at the centre of an image, it may be impossible to focus on a subject that is located in both foreground and background. 2) Recording a subject behind dirty or dusty glass Because the focus is on the dirty glass, the subject behind the glass will not be focused. 3) Recording a subject in dark surroundings Because the light information that comes through the lens decreases considerably, the Movie Camera cannot focus correctly. 4) Recording a subject that is surrounded by objects with glossy surfaces or by highly reflective objects Because the Movie Camera focuses on the objects with glossy surfaces or on highly reflective objects, the recording subject may become blurry. 5) Recording a fast-moving subject Because the focus lens-inside moves mechanically, it cannot keep up with the fast-moving subject. 6) Recording a subject with little contrast Because the Movie Camera achieves focus based upon the vertical lines of an image, a subject with little contrast, such as a white wall, may become blurry.

Time Code

Time Code signals are data that indicate time measured in hours, minutes, seconds, and frames (25 frames per second). If this data is included in a recording, an address is assigned to each image on the tape. The Time Code is automatically recorded as a part of the sub-code at each recording. When a new (previously unrecorded) Cassette is inserted, the Time Code automatically starts from zero. If a recorded Cassette is inserted, the Time Code picks up from the point where the last scene was recorded. (In this case, when the Cassette is inserted, the zero display [0h00m00s00f] may appear, but the Time Code starts from the previous value.) The Time Code cannot be reset to zero. Unless the Time Code is continuously recorded from the beginning of a tape, accurate editing may not be possible. To ensure that the Time Code will be recorded with no breaks, we recommend the use of the Blank Search Function (-21-) before recording a new scene.