Use only the recomended accessories.

Preparations

Check List for the Standard Accessories. 3 Controls and Functions. 4 The 2 Types of Power Supply. 6 Using the Viewfinder. 8 Using the LCD Monitor (NV-VZ14/VZ15 only). 8 Using the Menu Screen. 10 Menu Functions. 12 Setting the Date and Time. 16 Adjusting the LCD Monitor/Viewfinder. 17 Inserting/Ejecting the Cassette. 18

Advanced Operations

Recording with Special Effects (Digital Effects). Using the Digital Zoom Function. Using the Fade Functions. Interval Recording. Motion-Sensor-Controlled Recording. Recording in Dark Places without Any Illumination (0 Lux Night View Function). Recording with Minimised Camera Shake (Super Image Stabilizer). Recording with Automatic White Balance Adjustment. Recording with Manual White Balance Adjustment. Recording Yourself (Recording with the LCD Monitor Facing Forward) (NV-VZ14/VZ15 only). Focusing on the Subject Manually (Manual Focus). Recording in Special Situations (Programme AE). Insert Editing. Adding New Sound on a Recorded Cassette (Audio Dubbing). Remote Controller (NV-VZ15/RZ15 only). Recording with Pre-programmed Titles Inserted in the Picture. Using Various Functions during Playback. Playback Digital Fade. Using the Tape Counter Indication. Copying onto an VHS Cassette (Dubbing). 60 62

Basic Operations

Recording (Filming). Checking If the Picture Is Recorded (Recording Check). Viewing Recorded Scenes During Recording Pause (Camera Search). Recording Backlit Scenes (Backlight Compensation). Enlarging Your Subject or Widening the Recording Angle (Zooming In/Out). Recording with the Time and/or Date Superimposed in the Picture. Viewing the Just Recorded Scenes on the Movie Camera (Playback). Eliminating Picture Distortions (Manual Tracking Adjustment). Using the Cue, Review and Still Playback Functions During Normal Playback. Play Back on a TV. After Use. 30
Precautions, Technical Information, etc.
Optional Accessories. Cautions for Use. Glossary. Indications. Specifications. Before Requesting Service (Problems&Solutions). Index. 77
Check List for the Standard Accessories

. AC Adaptor. AV Cable

. Shoulder Strap. AC Mains Lead. Remote Controller (NV-VZ15/RZ15 only). Battery Pack. Batteries for Remote Controller (NV-VZ15/RZ15 only). Lens Cap
Standard Accessories are subject to change without notice. For purchasing additional Battery Packs, see the list of optional accessories on p. 64
Order accessory and consumable items for all Audio Visual Products with ease and confidence either by telephoning our Customer Care Centre on MonFriday 9:00am5:30pm. Or go on line through our Internet Accessory ordering application at www.panasonic.co.uk. Most major credit and debit cards accepted. All enquires transactions and distribution facilities are provided directly by Panasonic UK Ltd. It couldnt be simpler!

Turn the [34] Dial to select the desired Sub-Menu. Turning the [34] Dial changes the highlighted item.
Press the [SET] Button to set the selected item to the desired mode. Every press moves the cursor [1] to the next mode.

1 Camera Mode Main-Menu

2 VCR Mode Main-Menu

CAMERA

FUNCTIONS

VCR FUNCTIONS

1.CAMERA SETUP 2.DIGITAL EFFECT 3.FADE SETUP 4.TITLE SETUP 5.DATE/TIME SETUP 6.DISPLAY SETUP 7.LCD/EVF SETUP 8.OTHER FUNCTIONS PRESS MENU TO EXIT
1.DIGITAL EFFECT 2.FADE SETUP 3.TITLE SETUP 4.DATE/TIME SETUP 5.DISPLAY SETUP 6.LCD/EVF SETUP 7.OTHER FUNCTIONS

PRESS MENU TO EXIT

Press the [SET] Button to display the selected SubMenu.
Turn the [34] Dial to select the item to be set.
Note About the Settings Made on the Menu The settings you selected on the Menu are maintained when you turn the Movie Camera off. However, if you disconnect the power supply unit (Battery or AC Adaptor) from the Movie Camera before turning it off, the selected settings may not be maintained. The method for making settings on the [DATE/TIME SETUP] Sub-Menu (p.16) and [LCD/EVF SETUP] Sub-Menu (p. 17) (NV-VZ14/VZ15) or [EVF SETUP] Sub-Menu (NV-RZ15) differs slightly from that of other Sub-Menus. You can display the menu during playback, but not during recording. Also, it is possible to start playback while the menu is displayed, but if you start recording, the displayed menu disappears. Do not turn off the power while performing a menu operation. Turn the [34] Dial slowly. If you turn it fastly, selecting the item may stop halfway.

Exiting the Menu

Press the [MENU] Button again.

Menu Functions

Camera Mode Menu 1`[CAMERA SETUP] Sub-Menu 1 2
CAMERA SETUP MOTION SENSOR OFF ON DIGITAL ZOOM 45X 100X 700X SHUTTER EFFECT OFF ON
2 [DIGITAL EFFECT] Sub-Menu

DIGITAL EFFECT

DIGITAL EFFECT OFF D.ZOOM B/W SEPIA MOSAIC NEGA SOLARI STRETCH RED FILTER BLUE FILTER
RETURN ---- YES PRESS MENU TO EXIT
RETURN ---YES PRESS MENU TO EXIT
3 [FADE SETUP] Sub-Menu :
FADE SETUP DIGITAL FADE OFF ON FADE IN SLIDE DOOR CORNER WINDOW SHUTTER FADE OUT SLIDE FADE COLOUR BLACK RETURN ---YES PRESS MENU TO EXIT
4 [TITLE SETUP] Sub-Menu ; < = > ? @
TITLE SETUP DATE/TITLE DATE TIME+SECONDS TITLE BODA LANGUAGE FOR TITLE SPANISH SIZE LARGE COLOUR MAGENTA RETURN ---YES PRESS MENU TO EXIT

For Recording Check, the Movie Camera must be in the same mode (SP or LP) as used for recording, otherwise the playback picture is distorted. The noise bars may appear when switching from Recording Pause to the last recorded scene.
Starting to Record from the Desired Position:
Release the pressed Search Button. The Movie Camera is in the Recording Pause Mode.
Press the Recording Start/Stop Button to start recording. The Movie Camera starts recording a new scene with smooth scene-toCAMERA OFF scene VCR transition.
If the Recording Speed Mode (SP/LP) of the previous and the new recording are different, the playback picture may be distorted.
Returning to Normal Recording
Release the Backlight Button [BLC].
The sky may appear whitish. When recording with the sun striking the subject at an angle, star-shaped light reflections may be recorded in the picture. When recording a subject in front of a very bright background, the subject may still appear dark in the picture. In some cases, the subject may look clear, but the background may be overexposed (almost completely white). However, this is normal and not a malfunction.
TITLE DATE/TITLE DATE TITLE LANGUAGE FOR TITLE SIZE COLOUR RETURN PRESS
TIME HOLIDAY ENGLISH NORMAL WHITE ---TO EXIT
Enlarging Your Subject or Widening the Recording Angle

(Zooming In/Out)

Recording close-ups of your subjects and recording wide-angle shots adds special effects to your videos.

Zooming Out

To record a wider view (Zooming-out): Push the [W/T] Zoom Lever toward [W]. To enlarge your subject (Zooming-in): Push the [W/T] Zoom Lever toward [T]. The Zoom Magnification Indication appears for a few seconds.

Zooming In

zooming magnification
Recording with the Time and/or Date Superimposed in the Picture
Confirm that [CAMERA] Lamp is lit.
After displaying the [TITLE SETUP] Sub-Menu. (p. 10):
Press the [SET] Button to select the desired indication.
Turn the [34] Dial to select [DATE/TITLE].
Deleting the Date/Time/Title Indication
During recording or when the Movie Camera is in the Recording Pause Mode, press the [DATE/TITLE] Button to make the Date/Time/Title Indication disappear.

MF/ TRACKING FOCUS / SET

DATE/ TITLE
The Date/Time/Title Indication 1

14:30 15.10.2002

14:30 HOLIDAY 15.10.2002

15.10.2002

[DATE TIME] Date and Time (h/m)

[DATE] Date only

4 Mosaic Mode [MOSAIC]

The picture becomes mosaic-like.

5 Negative Mode [NEGA]

The picture has reversed colours similar to photographic negatives.

700 D.ZOOM

MOSAIC

SOLARI

STRETCH
Turn the [34] Dial to select [DIGITAL EFFECT] and then press the [SET] Button to select the desired digital effect.
Press the [MENU] Button to exit the Menu.
If you set the [CAMERA/OFF/VCR] Switch to [OFF] and then set it to [CAMERA] again, the indication of the selected digital effect flashes for a few seconds to inform you of the selected setting. If you have set [DIGITAL EFFECT] on the [DIGITAL EFFECT] Sub-Menu to [B/W], [SEPIA], [RED FILTER] or [BLUE FILTER], it is not possible to manually adjust the white balance.
Cancelling the Digital Effect
Set [DIGITAL EFFECT] on the [DIGITAL EFFECT] Sub-Menu to [OFF].
6 Solarisation Mode [SOLARI]
The picture has an effect similar to a painting.

7 Stretch Mode [STRETCH]

The picture is stretched horizontally while its height remains unchanged.

8 Red Mode [RED FILTER]

The picture becomes reddish.
9 Blue Mode [BLUE FILTER]
The picture becomes bluish.
Using the Digital Zoom Function
This function is convenient when you want to enlarge a very distant subject even more than is possible with the normal (optical) zoom which offers a magnification range of 1k18k. For the Digital Zoom Function, you can choose between up to 45k, up to 100k and up to 700k magnification.
After displaying the [DIGITAL EFFECT] Sub-Menu. (p. 32)
Press the [SET] Button to select [D.ZOOM].
Turn the [34] Dial to select [DIGITAL EFFECT].
Press the [SET] Button to select the desired digital zoom range (up to 45t, up to 100t or up to 700t).
Press the [MENU] Button to exit the Menu. The [D.ZOOM] Indication appears.
1.CAMERA SETUP 2.DIGITAL EFFECT 3.FADE SETUP 4.TITLE SETUP 5.DATE/TIME SETUP 6.DISPLAY SETUP 7.LCD/EVF SETUP 8.OTHER FUNCTIONS

Press the [MENU] Button to exit the Menu. The [STDBY] Indication appears.
Approximately 1 second after the Movie Cameras Motion Sensor has detected movement in the picture, recording automatically starts. Approximately 10 seconds after movement in the picture has stopped, recording automatically stops and the Movie Camera is in the Motion Sensor Function Stand-by Mode. When the Movie Camera remains in the Motion Sensor Function Stand-by Mode for more than 6 minutes, the Viewfinder or *LCD Monitor turns off to conserve power. When the Motion Sensor again detects movement in the picture, recording automatically restarts after approximately 4 seconds, and the Viewfinder or LCD Monitor turns on. LCD Monitor: NV-VZ14/VZ15 only

O LUX OFF

Built-in Infra-red Beam Emitters
Recording in Dark Places without Any Illumination
(0 Lux Night View Function)
This function is convenient when you want to record at night in places without any illumination, for example for observing the behaviour of nocturnal animals, etc. In this mode, the Movie Camera emits infrared rays which makes it possible to record subjects that are invisible to the naked eye.
Set the [0 LUX OFF/ON] Switch to [ON] to make the [0LUX] Indication appear. The built-in Infra-red Beam Emitters light. Be careful not to cover them with your hand when recording.
Recording with Minimised Camera Shake

(Super Image Stabilizer)

In recording situations where shaking of the Movie Camera is likely to happen, for example when you have zoomed in on a distant subject or when you record while walking, you can use this function to stabilize the image. In case of very strong camera shake, it may not be possible to stabilize the picture.
Press the Super Image Stabilizer Button [SIS]. The [[] Indication appears.
Notes for Recording in Dark Places without Any Illumination
Cancelling the 0 Lux Night View Function Set the [0 LUX OFF/ON] Switch to [OFF] to make the [0LUX] Indication disappear. Do not use the 0 Lux Night View Function in brightly lit places and never aim the Movie Camera against the sun, as this could cause irreparable damage. The playback picture of scenes recorded with the 0 Lux Night View Function will be in black and white. If you change the setting of the [0 LUX OFF/ON] Switch during recording, a switching noise is also recorded. When recording in the 0 Lux Night View Function, it is not possible to adjust the white balance manually or to cancel the manually adjusted white balance setting. It is not possible to use any of the Programme AE Modes when the 0 Lux Night View Mode is activated. When using the 0 Lux Night View Function, the subject should be within 3 metres from the Movie Camera. When the automatic focusing is not precise, adjust the focus manually. As the iris is fully opened in the 0 Lux Night View Mode, subjects in white or other light colours may be recorded whitish, blurred and with weak contrast. If you use the 0 Lux Night View Function together with the Motion-Sensor-Controlled Recording Function, recording starts automatically when the Movie Cameras built-in Motion Sensor detects some movement in the picture. This combined function is convenient for easy, unattended animal observation recordings at night.

Cancelling the Super Image Stabilizer Function Press the [SIS] Button again.
In the Following Recording Conditions, the
Picture Stabilizing Effect May Not Be Sufficient: Subjects with horizontal or vertical stripes Flat subjects Dark subjects (In this case, the [[] Indication flashes. Increase the amount of light.) Subject under many fluorescent lamps.
Recording with Automatic White Balance Adjustment
After pressing the [PROG. AE] Button so that the [AUTO] Indication appears, it is possible to record pictures with natural colours under almost any recording condition.
Press the [PROG. AE] Button repeatedly until the [AUTO] Indication appears.
Recording with Manual White Balance Adjustment
With this Movie Camera, you can also adjust the white balance manually. Use this mode for special subjects and recording conditions, for which the Full Auto Mode is not suitable, and for light sources outside the Auto White Balance Adjustment range (p. 69). Use it also when you want to manually adjust the white balance for each new scene as professionals do.
Press the [PROG. AE] Button repeatedly until an indication other than [AUTO] Indication appears.
Attach the White Lens Cap and zoom in until the entire screen is white.
In the following cases, you cannot change White Balance:
When you set [DIGITAL EFFECT] on the [DIGITAL EFFECT] Sub-Menu to [B/W], [SEPIA], [RED FILTER] or [BLUE FILTER] During 0 Lux Night View Mode
During manual adjustment of the white balance. (If the surroundings are dark and the white balance cannot be adjusted, the [1] Indication keeps flashing.) When the previously Manual White Balance Adjustment is maintained. We recommend that you adjust the white balance anew whenever there is a change in the recording situation.
Keep the [W.B] Button pressed until the [1] Indication 1 stops flashing and remains lit.
Returning to the Auto White Balance Adjustment Mode Press the [W.B] Button once. Or, press the [PROG. AE] Button repeatedly until the [AUTO] Indication appears.
Subjects and Recording Conditions Not Suitable for Recording in the Full Auto Mode
Subjects with dark surfaces Subjects lit by natrium lamps

;W.B ;W.B

In the Following Cases, the [1] Indication Flashes:

MENU MF/ TRACKING

Recording Yourself
(Recording with the LCD Monitor Facing Forward) (NV-VZ14/VZ15 only)
Turning the LCD Monitor so that it faces forward, allows you to aim the Movie Camera and view the picture in the Viewfinder, while the persons in front of the camera can check the picture on the LCD Monitor during recording. If you mount the Movie Camera on a tripod and use the Remote Controller, you can also take part in the action that you are recording and check the picture from the front on the LCD Monitor. Remote Controller: NV-VZ15 only
Slide the [3OPEN] Lever to the left and simultaneously open the LCD Monitor in the direction of the arrow approximately 90u.
After displaying the Camera Mode Main-Menu. (p. 10)
Turn the [34] Dial to select the [DISPLAY SETUP] Sub-Menu and then press the [SET] Button.
Turn the LCD Monitor until it faces forward approximately 180u.
Focusing on the Subject Manually

(Manual Focus)

This makes it possible to adjust the focus manually for subjects and recording situations for which automatic focusing is not precise.
Keep the [W/T] Zoom Lever pushed toward [T] to zoom in on the subject. Zooming in on the subject before adjusting the focus ensures that the subject remains precisely focused even when you later zoom out.

Mirror Mode

When recording yourself with the LCD Monitor facing forward, the picture shown on it the way it is being recorded may be difficult to get used to. This is because we usually look at ourselves in the mirror, so we see a mirror-image and this feels more natural. This Movie Camera features the Mirror Mode which displays the picture as a mirror-image. However, even if you have selected in the Mirror Mode, the picture is recorded in the normal way. It is not possible to display and record the Date, Time and/or When you want to confirm other indications, return the LCD Title Indication in the Mirror Mode. Monitor to position 1 or 2 shown in the illustration above. Especially when the [] Indication is displayed, be sure to In the Mirror Mode, only the following indications can be return the LCD Monitor to position 1 or 2 so that you can displayed on the LCD Monitor and in the Viewfinder: confirm the actual Warning/Alarm Indication. [] : Recording Mode Indication If you turn the LCD Monitor so that it faces forward, the [;] : Recording Pause Mode Indication Viewfinder also automatically turns on. However, in the [x] : Remaining Battery Indication following cases, the Viewfinder turns off: [] : General Warning/ Changing from the Camera to the VCR Mode. Alarm Indication Closing the LCD Monitor with the screen facing outward (as shown above 1).

Deleting the Title
Press the [DATE/TITLE] Button to make the title disappear.
CAMERA FUNCTIONS 1.CAMERA SETUP 2.DIGITAL EFFECT 3.FADE SETUP 4.TITLE SETUP 5.DATE/TIME SETUP 6.DISPLAY SETUP 7.LCD/EVF SETUP 8.OTHER FUNCTIONS PRESS MENU TO EXIT
DATE/TITLE DATE TIME TITLE TITLE HOLIDAY LANGUAGE FOR TITLE ENGLISH SIZE LARGE COLOUR WHITE RETURN ---PRESS MENU TO EXIT

Remarks etc.

Press the [SET] Button repeatedly to select the desired title.
Turn the [34] Dial to select [COLOUR] 3.

WHITE BLACK

YELLOW GREEN

RED CYAN

MAGENTA BLUE
Press the [SET] Button to select the desired size ([NORMAL] or [LARGE]). You can choose either of 2 sizes for the title.
When a large-size title is displayed, some indications do not appear even if the corresponding modes are activated. If you set [SIZE] on the [TITLE SETUP] Sub-Menu to [LARGE], the large [RECORD] and [PAUSE] Indications, which usually appear briefly when you start or stop recording, do not appear. When you change the title size from [NORMAL] to [LARGE], the Title Indication changes as shown below.
The Date/Time/Title Indication remains displayed when you exit the [TITLE SETUP] Sub-Menu after having changed the language of the title, the type of Date/Time/Title Indication (p. 25), the title itself, the size of the title or the colour of the title.
Repeatedly pressing the [SET] Button changes the language of the title in the following order: [ENGLISH]>[GERMAN]>[FRENCH]>[ITALIAN] >[SPANISH]>[RUSSIAN]>[CHINESE]>[ARABIC] >[ENGLISH]> Repeatedly pressing of the [SET] Button changes the title in the following order: (In the other available languages, they are arranged in the same order.) [HOLIDAY]>[HAPPY BIRTHDAY]> [WEDDING]>[FAMILY]>[PARTY]> [THE END]>[CONGRATULATIONS]> [MERRY CHRISTMAS]> [HAPPY MEMORIES]> [HAPPY NEW YEAR]>[HOLIDAY]> You can select the colour of the title from among 8 colours. Repeatedly pressing the [SET] Button changes the colours of the title in the following order:
DIGITAL EFFECT EFFECT ON DIGITAL EFFECT OFF B/W SEPIA MOSAIC NEGA SOLARI STRETCH RED FILTER BLUE FILTER
Playback Title Indication The Date/Time/Title Indication that can be inserted in the pictures during recording (p. 25, 54) can also be inserted in the picture during playback (editing). You can select the desired language, title, colour and size on the [TITLE SETUP] Sub-Menu. The Playback Title Indication Function can be used only when the TBC Function is activated. Make sure that the [TBC] Indication is displayed. (p. 27)
Using Various Functions during Playback
With this Movie Camera you can add various effects to the recorded picture during playback. This is especially convenient for creatively enhancing certain scenes when you edit individual recorded scenes into a finished video. 1. Playback Title Indication 2. Playback Digital Effects 3. Playback Digital Fade (p. 58) You can use these functions only when the TBC Function is activated. Make sure that the [TBC] Indication is displayed. (p. 27)

Cautions for Use (cont.)

Condensation
If Condensation Has Formed Inside the Movie Camera, Recording is Not Possible. Symptoms of Condensation If the following symptoms occur, condensation has formed inside the Movie Camera.
Optimum Use of the Battery
Special Characteristics of the Battery This Battery is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Its ability to generate electric energy is based on an internal chemical reaction. This reaction is easily influenced by ambient temperature and humidity, and the useful operation time that the Battery can provide becomes shorter at high and low temperatures. When used in extremely cold surroundings, the Battery may only be able to provide approximately 5 minutes of operation time. If the Battery becomes extremely hot, a protection function is activated and prevents the use of the Battery for some time. After Use, Always Remove the Battery. Be sure to remove the Battery from the Movie Camera. (If it is attached to the Movie Camera, a small amount of electric current is consumed even if the Movie Camera is turned off.) Leaving the Battery attached to the Movie Camera for a very long time could cause it to become excessively discharged, so that it cannot be used any more even after charging. Discarding a Battery That Has Become Unusable The usable life of the Battery is limited. Do not throw the Battery in a fire because it could explode. Keep the Batterys Terminals Clean. Be careful that the terminals do not get plugged up with dust, dirt or other substances. If you accidentally drop the Battery, confirm that the Battery itself and the terminals are not deformed. Attaching a deformed Battery to the Movie Camera could damage the Movie Camera.
1 The Condensation Indication [3] on the
LCD Monitor or in the Viewfinder flashes. After this indication flashes for a few seconds, the Movie Camera automatically turns off.
2 When you turn on the Movie Camera, it
turns off. However, the Movie Camera also turns off when the Battery is discharged. Remedy Wait a few hours before operating the Movie Camera again. (The actual time depends on the surrounding conditions.) Turn on the Movie Camera. Confirm that the Condensation Indication is not displayed any more. For added safety, wait about 1 more hour. Remarks about Condensation Condensation can form if the Movie Camera is suddenly brought from cold surroundings to a place where it is hot or humid. Since condensation forms gradually, there may already be some condensation inside the Movie Camera even before the Condensation Indication begins to flash. In an extremely cold place, condensation may freeze and turn into frost. As the Movie Camera cannot detect frost, the Condensation Indication does not appear until the frost melts. Precautions against Condensation When moving it from a very cold place to a very warm place, keep it in a tightly closed plastic bag or similar to prevent condensation from forming.

Extremely high precision technology is employed to produce the LCD Monitor. 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.
Viewfinder Do not leave the Viewfinder or the Lens aimed at the sun. This could seriously damage internal parts. Lens Hood When you want to attach the Tele Conversion Lens (VW-LT3714ME, optional), the Wide Conversion Lens (VW-LW3707ME, optional), the ND Filter (VW-LND37E, optional) or the MC Protecter (VW-LMC37E, optional), be sure to first remove the Lens Hood by turning it counterclockwise. If you attach the ND Filter or the MC Protector, you can attach the Lens Hood onto it.
During recording with a filter or conversions lens attached, the four corners of the picture may become dark (vignetting effect), when you push the [W/T] Zoom Lever toward [W]. For details, please also read the operating instructions of the accessory being used.

Glossary (cont.)

Focus
If you look at an object through a magnifying glass and move it closer or further away from your eye, you will reach a point where the object becomes clearly visible. Being focused or in focus means that the subject can be seen with optimum clarity and sharpness. Human Eyes Human eyes have lenses as well, and when we look at objects at different distances, the shape of these lenses changes automatically so that we can always see these objects clearly. Movie Camera The image of the subject enters the Movie Camera through the lens and is converted into an electric signal (video signal) for recording onto magnetic tape. The focus is adjusted either manually or automatically by moving a focusing lens. Auto Focus Adjustment The Auto Focus System automatically moves the internal focusing lens forward or backward and adjusts the focus so that the subject can be seen clearly. The Auto Focus Adjustment has the following characteristics: It adjusts until the vertical contours of the subject are as sharp and clean as possible. It adjusts the focus on the subjects with strong contrast. It adjusts the focus on the subject in the centre of the LCD Monitor or Viewfinder. Unlike human eyes, the lens of the Movie Camera cannot instantaneously change the focus from a nearby to a distant subject and vice versa. LCD Monitor: NV-VZ14/VZ15 only
For the following subjects and recording situations, the Auto Focus system cannot provide precise adjustment. Use the Manual Focus Mode instead. (p. 46)
1 Recording subjects with a part of it near the
Movie Camera and another part far away from it As the Auto Focus adjusts on the centre part of the image, it is often impossible to bring the nearby and distant parts of the subject into focus. When you want to record a person with a distant mountain in the back, it is not possible to focus on both.

2 Recording subjects behind glass covered
with dirt or dust As the focus is adjusted on the dirty glass, the subject behind the glass is out of focus. When recording a subject across a street on which cars are running, the focus may be adjusted on the cars.
3 Recording subjects in dark surroundings
As the amount of light information entering through the lens is greatly reduced, the Movie Camera cannot adjust the focus precisely.
4 Recording subjects surrounded by objects
with shiny surfaces or much light reflection As the Movie Camera adjusts the focus on objects with shiny surfaces or much light reflection, the subject may go out of focus. Therefore, when recording at a lake or the sea, evening scenes, fireworks, or under special types of lighting, the subject may be out of focus.
5 Recording fast-moving subjects
As the internal focusing lens is moved mechanically, it cannot follow fast-moving subjects without delay. Therefore, subjects like children running back and forth may temporarily go out of focus.
6 Subjects with weak contrast
As the Movie Camera adjusts the focus based on vertical contours in the picture, subjects with little contrast such as a white wall may be out of focus.

White Balance Adjustment

While most recording with a Movie Camera is probably done outdoors under sunlight, video recording is also done very often under artificial light sources, both indoors and outdoors. However, each of these light sources gives the subject slightly different colours. Human Eyes Human eyes can easily adjust to different kinds of lighting and see an object with the same colours even under different lighting. Movie Camera Unlike human eyes, the Movie Camera does not have the innate ability to adapt to changes in lighting, and they influence the colours being recorded. Therefore, depending on the light source, the picture would be recorded with a bluish or reddish tint. To minimise the influence of the lighting on the colours of the subject, an adjustment called White Balance Adjustment is necessary. White Balance Adjustment The White Balance Adjustment determines the colour of the light and adjusts the colours so that white remains pure white. As white is the basic colour of the entire colour spectrum, if white is reproduced correctly, the other colours are correct and natural, too. Auto White Balance Adjustment This Movie Camera stores the optimum settings for several common light sources in memory. The Movie Camera judges the recording situation by determining the tint of the light received through the lens and by the White Balance Sensor (p. 4), and it selects the setting for the most similar tint. This function is called Auto White Balance Adjustment. However, as the white balance settings for only a few light sources are stored in memory, the white balance is not correctly adjusted for other lighting conditions. For the range of different types of lighting within which the Auto White Balance Function can provide precise adjustment, refer to the chart. For recording under lighting conditions outside this range, the Auto White Balance Function does not work correctly, and the recorded picture has a red or blue cast. However, the same also applies, if the subject is lit by more than one light source, even if these light sources are within this range.

Programme AE Mode (p. 48) The Programme AE Function offers the following settings: 5: Sports Mode 7: Portrait Mode 4: Low Light Mode : Spotlight Mode : Surf & Snow Mode
< Manual Focus (p. 46)
If you select the Manual Focus Mode, the [MF] Indication is displayed. Tracking Adjustment Mode (p. 28) If you select the Tracking adjustment Mode, the [TRACK.] Indication is displayed.
= White Balance Mode (p. 44)
1: When the White Balance Mode is activated, this indication is displayed.
When the Movie Camera is in the Auto Mode, the above indication is not displayed.
> Time Base Corrector (p. 27)
TBC: When the Time Base Corrector function is activated, this indication is displayed.

INT.REC

INSERT

FAMILY

15 : 30 : 45 15. 10. 2002

A Warning/Alarm

When any of the following indications lights or flashes, confirm the condition of the Movie Camera. 3: Condensation has occurred. (p. 66) Y: The erasure prevention tab of the inserted cassette is broken out. (p. 19) No cassette is inserted. (p. 18) 6: The Battery is discharged. Charge it. (p. 7) 0: The Date and Time cannot be stored in memory if the built-in clock battery is exhausted. Consult your dealer for replacement, or set the Date and Time as necessary before you start recording. (p. 16) :: The heads are dirty. (p. 76) 2END: During recording, the tape has reached its end.
E Interval Recording Mode (p. 38)
When the Interval Recording Mode is activated, this indication is displayed.
F Insert Editing Mode (p. 50)
When the Insert Editing Mode is activated, this indication is displayed.
G Audio Dubbing Mode (p. 50)
B Sound Volume (p. 27) (NV-VZ14/VZ15 only)
Use this indication to adjust the volume of the playback sound from the built-in speaker. With the [VCR] Lamp lit, pressing the [sVOLr] Lever toward [W] or [T] , the [VOLUME] Indication appears. Then press the [sVOLr] Lever toward [W] or [T] to adjust the volume.
C Title (small indication) (p. 54)
This indication shows the selected preprogrammed small title.

D Date and Time (p. 24)

The time is indicated in the 24-hour system.

Specifications

VHS-C Movie Camera Power Source: Power Consumption: (Battery Operation) DC 7.2V (Battery) DC 11.0V (via AC Adaptor) Recording: (NV-VZ14/VZ15) 3.4 W (When using Viewfinder) 4.6 W (When using LCD Monitor) (NV-RZ15) 3.4 W VHS-C Cassette LP: 2 hours with EC60 Information for your safety

W Warning/Alarm Indications (p. 73) White Balance (p. 44)
Z 0 Lux Night View Function (p. 42) Zoom (p. 24)

F1201Nm0

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
Web site: http://www.panasonic.co.jp/global/