Digital Video Camcorder
Operating Instructions
(PV-GS15 Shown)
Models No.
PV-GS9
PV-GS12
PV-GS14
PV-GS15
Before attempting to connect, operate or adjust this product, please 
read these instructions thoroughly.
Spanish Quick Use Guide is included.
Guía para rápida consulta en español está incluida.
[For PV-GS12/PV-GS14/ 
PV-GS15]
For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
LSQT0802 A
[For PV-GS12/PV-GS14/ 
PV-GS15]
Things You Should Know
Thank you for choosing Panasonic!
You have purchased one of the most 
sophisticated and reliable products on the 
market today. Used properly, we’re sure it will 
bring you and your family years of enjoyment. 
Please take time to fi ll in the information on the 
right.
The serial number is on the tag located on the 
underside of your Camcorder. Be sure to retain 
this manual as your convenient Camcorder 
information source.
Date of Purchase
Dealer Purchased From
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone No.
Model No.
Serial No.
Safety Precautions
WARNING :
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS 
EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Your 
mode.
It is recommended that only cassette tapes that have been tested and inspected for use in VCR machines 
with the 
  Camcorder is designed to record and play back in Standard Play (SP) mode and Long (LP) 
  mark be used.
This symbol warns the user that uninsulated 
voltage within the unit may have suffi cient 
magnitude to cause electric shock. Therefore, it 
is dangerous to make any kind of contact with 
any inside part of this unit.
This symbol alerts the user that important 
literature concerning the operation and 
maintenance of this unit has been included. 
Therefore, it should be read carefully in order to 
avoid any problems.
The above markings are located on the appliance bottom cover.
2 For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
Panasonic
PV-GS9/PV-GS12/PV-GS14/PV-GS15
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name : 
Model No. : 
Responsibility Party : Matsushita Electric Corporation of America
Address : 
Telephone Number :  1-800-211-PANA(7262)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference 
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
One Panasonic Way Secaucus New Jersey 07094
FCC Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant 
to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful 
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency 
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference 
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular 
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can 
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference 
by one or more of the following measures:
● Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
● Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
● Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
● Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution:
To assure continued compliance, follow the attached installation instructions and use only shielded 
interface cables when connecting to computer or peripheral devices.
Any changes or modifi cations not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void 
the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD AND ANNOYING 
INTERFERENCE, USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO 
WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
CAUTION:
DANGER OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS INCORRECTLY REPLACED. 
REPLACE ONLY WITH THE SAME OR EQUIVALENT TYPE.
• Since this product gets hot during use, operate it in well ventilated place; do not install this equipment in 
a confi ned space such as a bookcase or similar unit.
 WARNING
AS WITH ANY SMALL OBJECT, SD CARDS CAN BE SWALLOWED BY YOUNG CHILDREN. DO NOT 
ALLOW CHILDREN TO HANDLE THE SD CARD.
U.S.A. CONSUMERS: AT TEN TION:
A lithium ion/polymer battery that is 
recyclable powers the product you have 
purchased. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY 
for information on how to recycle this battery.
3
Important Safeguards
1.  Read Instructions — All the safety and operating 
instructions should be read before the unit is operated.
2.  Retain Instructions — The safety and operating 
instructions should be retained for future reference.
3.  Heed Warnings — All warnings on the unit and in the 
operating instructions should be adhered to.
4.  Follow Instructions — All operating and maintenance 
instructions should be followed.
5.  Cleaning — Unplug this video unit from the wall outlet 
before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. 
Use a dry cloth for cleaning.
6.  Attachments — Do not use attachments not 
recommended by the video product manufacturer as 
they may be hazardous.
7.  Water and Moisture — Do not use this video unit near 
water — for example near a bath tub, wash bowl, 
kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near 
a swimming pool, and the like.
8.  Accessories — Do not place this video unit on an 
unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table.  The 
video unit may fall, causing serious injury to a child or 
adult, and serious damage to the unit.  Use only with a 
cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by 
the manufacturer, or sold with the video unit. Any 
mounting of the unit should follow the manufacturer’s 
instructions and should use a 
mounting accessory 
recommended by the 
manufacturer.  An appliance and 
cart combination should be moved 
with care. Quick stops, excessive 
force, and uneven surfaces may 
cause the appliance and cart 
combination to overturn.
9.  Ventilation — Slots and openings in the cabinet are 
provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable operation 
of the video unit and to protect it from overheating. 
These openings must not be blocked or covered. 
Never place the video unit on a bed, sofa, rug, or other 
similar surface, or near or over a radiator or heat 
register. This video unit should not be placed in a 
built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless 
proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s 
instructions have been adhered to.
10. Power Sources — This video unit should be operated 
only from the type of power source indicated on the 
marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power 
supply to your home, consult your appliance dealer or 
local power company. For video units intended to be 
operated from battery power, or other sources, refer to 
the operating instructions.
 
 
11. Grounding or Polarization — This video unit may be 
equipped with either a polarized 2-wire AC (Alternating 
Current) line plug (a plug having one blade wider than 
the other) or 3-wire grounding type plug, a plug having 
a third (grounding) pin.
The 2-wire polarized plug will fi t into the power outlet 
only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable 
to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the 
plug. If the plug still fails to fi t, contact your electrician 
to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the 
safety purpose of the polarized plug.
The 3-wire grounding type plug will fi t into a grounding 
type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are 
unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your 
electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not 
defeat the safety purpose of the grounding type plug.
12. Power-Cord Protection — Power-supply cords should 
be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or 
pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying 
particular attention to cords of plugs, convenience 
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the 
unit.
13. Outdoor Antenna Grounding — If an outside antenna 
or cable system is connected to the video unit, be sure 
the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to 
provide some protection against voltage surges and 
built-up static charges. Part 1 of the Canadian 
Electrical Code, in USA Section 810 of the National 
Electrical Code, provides information with respect to 
proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, 
grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge 
unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna 
discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, 
and requirements for the grounding electrode.
14. Lightning — For added protection of this video unit 
receiver during a lightning storm, or when it is left 
unattended and unused for long periods of time, 
unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the 
antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to 
the video unit due to lightning and power-line surges.
4 For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
15. Power Lines — An outside antenna system should not 
be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or 
other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall 
into such power lines or circuits. When installing an 
outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken 
to keep from touching such power lines or circuits as 
contact with them might be fatal.
16. Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets and 
extension cords as this can result in a risk of fi re or 
electric shock.
17. Objects and Liquids — Never push objects of any kind 
into this video unit through openings as they may touch 
dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could 
result in a fi re or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any 
kind onto the video unit.
18. Servicing — Do not attempt to service this video unit 
yourself as opening or removing covers may expose 
you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all 
servicing to qualifi ed service personnel.
19. Damage Requiring Service — Unplug this video unit 
from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualifi ed 
service personnel under the following conditions:
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
Precautions
b.  If any liquid has been spilled into, or objects have 
fallen onto, the video unit.
If the video unit has been exposed to rain or water.
c. 
d.  If the video unit does not operate normally by 
following the operating instructions. Adjust only 
those controls that are covered by the operating 
instructions, as an improper adjustment of other 
controls may result in damage and will often 
require extensive work by a qualifi ed technician to 
restore the video unit to its normal operation.
e.  If the video unit has been dropped or the cabinet 
has been damaged.
f.  When the video unit exhibits a distinct change in 
performance — this indicates a need for service.
20. Replacement Parts — When replacement parts are 
required, be sure the service technician has used 
replacement parts specifi ed by the manufacturer or 
have the same characteristics as the original part. 
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fi re, electric 
shock or other hazards.
21. Safety Check— Upon completion of any service or 
repairs to this video unit, ask the service technician to 
perform safety checks to determine that the video unit 
is in safe operating order.
USE & LOCATION
• TO AVOID SHOCK HAZARD ...  Your Camcorder and power supply should not be exposed to rain or moisture. Do not 
connect the power supply or operate your Camcorder if it gets wet. Your Camcorder has been designed for outdoor 
use, however, it is not designed to sustain direct exposure to water, rain, sleet, snow, sand, dust, or direct splashing 
from a pool or even a cup of coffee. This action could permanently damage the internal parts of your Camcorder. Do not 
attempt to disassemble this unit. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Unplug your Camcorder from the power 
supply before cleaning.
 WARNING
 CAUTION
• DO NOT AIM YOUR CAMCORDER AT THE SUN OR OTHER BRIGHT OBJECTS
• DO NOT LEAVE THE CAMCORDER WITH THE EVF AIMED DIRECTLY AT THE SUN AS THIS MAY CAUSE 
DAMAGE TO THE INTERNAL PARTS OF THE EVF
• DO NOT EXPOSE YOUR CAMCORDER TO EXTENDED HIGH TEMPERATURE ...  Such as, direct sunlight, inside a 
closed car, next to a heater, etc...  This action could permanently damage the internal parts of your Camcorder.
• AVOID SUDDEN CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE ...  If the unit is suddenly moved from a cold place to a warm place, 
moisture may form on the tape and inside the unit.
• DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAMCORDER OR THE POWER SUPPLY TURNED ON WHEN NOT IN USE.
• STORAGE OF YOUR CAMCORDER ...  Store and handle your Camcorder in a manner that will not subject it to 
unnecessary movement (avoid shaking and striking). Your Camcorder contains a sensitive pick-up device which could 
be damaged by improper handling or storage.
CARE
• TO CLEAN YOUR CAMCORDER ...  Do not use strong or abrasive detergents when cleaning your Camcorder body.
• TO PROTECT THE LENS ...  Do not touch the surface of the lens with your hand. Use a commercial Camcorder lens 
solution and lens paper when cleaning the lens. Improper cleaning can scratch the lens coating.
• TO PROTECT THE FINISH OF YOUR CAMCORDER ...  Before handling your Camcorder, make sure your hands and 
face are free from any chemical products, such as suntan lotion, as it may damage the fi nish.
Apparatus Claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,631,603, 4,577,216, and 4,819,098, licensed for limited viewing.
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. 
patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. 
Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is 
intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision 
Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
5
License
Before opening the CD-ROM package (PV-GS15: Supplied, PV-GS9/PV-GS12/PV-GS14: Optional 
Software), please read the following.
End User License Agreement (for USB Driver, WebCam Driver and 
DV STUDIO (Optional Software))
You (“Licensee”) are granted a license for the Software defi ned in this End User Software Agreement 
(“Agreement”) on condition that you agree to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. If Licensee does 
not agree to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, promptly return the Software to Matsushita 
Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (“Matsushita”), its distributors or dealers from which you made the purchase.
Article 1 
Licensee is granted the right to use the software, including the information recorded or described on the 
CD-ROM, instruction manuals, and any other media provided to Licensee (collectively “Software”), but all 
applicable rights to patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets in the Software are not transferred to 
Licensee.
Article 2  Use by a Third Party
Licensee may not use, copy, modify, transfer or allow any third party, whether free of charge or not, to use, 
copy or modify the Software, except as expressly provided for in this Agreement.
Article 3  Restrictions on Copying the Software
Licensee may make a single copy of the Software in whole or in part solely for back-up purpose.
Article 4  Computer
Licensee may only use the Software on a single computer at a single location.
Article 5  Reverse Engineering, Decompiling or Disassembly
Licensee may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Software, except to the extent either of 
them is permitted under law or regulation of the country where Licensee resides. Matsushita, or its 
distributors or dealers will not be responsible for any defects in the Software or damage to Licensee 
caused by Licensee’s reverse engineering, decompiling, or disassembly of the Software.
Article 6 
The Software is provided “AS-IS” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but 
not limited to, warranties of non-infringement, merchantability and/or fi tness for a particular purpose. 
Further, Matsushita does not warrant that the operation of the Software will be uninterrupted or error free. 
Matsushita or any of its distributors or dealers will not be liable for any damage suffered by Licensee 
arising from or in connection with Licensee’s use of the Software.
Article 7 
Licensee agrees not to export or re-export to any country the Software in any form without the appropriate 
export licenses under regulations of the country where Licensee resides, if necessary.
Article 8 
The right granted to Licensee hereunder will be automatically terminated if Licensee violates any of the 
terms and conditions of this Agreement. Upon such automatic termination, Licensee must destroy the 
Software and related documentation together with all the copies thereof at Licensee’s own expense.
Termination of License
Limitation of Liability
Export Control
6 For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
This operating instruction book is designed for use with models PV-GS9, PV-GS12, PV-GS14, and 
PV-GS15. The PV-GS15 is the model used for illustrative purposes. Features may vary, so please read 
carefully.
Differences between models
Model 
Number
Battery Pack
(Supplied)
Memory 
Card
CD-ROM
Remote 
Control
USB Cable
Lens
Photoshot 
(Tape) 
Feature
PV-GS9
CGR-D08R
(800 mAh)
PV-GS12
CGR-D08R
(800 mAh)
Optional
PV-GS14
CGR-D08R
(800 mAh)
Optional
Optional Software
Optional Software
Optional Software
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
PV-GS15
CGR-D14
(1 350 mAh)
Supplied 
(RP-SD008MMK0)
Supplied (LSFT0575)
Supplied (LSSQ0411)
Supplied 
(K1HA05CD0005)
f2.1-42 mm, F1.8-3.1
(35 mm equivalent: 
39.5-790 mm),
20x zoom lens
f2.1-42 mm, F1.8-3.1
(35 mm equivalent: 
39.5-790 mm),
20x zoom lens
f2.1-46.2 mm, F1.8-3.4
(35 mm equivalent: 
39.5-869 mm),
22x zoom lens
f2.1-50.4 mm, F1.8-3.6
(35 mm equivalent: 
39.5-948 mm),
24x zoom lens
Yes
No
No
No
(Tape Recording Mode)
(Tape Recording Mode)
(Tape Recording Mode)
Mode Dial
(Tape Recording Mode)
(Tape Playback Mode)
(Tape Playback Mode)
(Tape Playback Mode)
(Tape Playback Mode)
(Card Recording Mode)
(Card Recording Mode)
(Card Recording Mode)
 (Picture Playback 
Mode)
Yes
(Picture Playback 
Mode)
Yes
(Picture Playback 
Mode)
Yes
No
Electronic Viewfi nder
Electronic Viewfi nder
Liquid Crystal Color 
Electronic Viewfi nder
Liquid Crystal Color 
Electronic Viewfi nder
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Card 
Feature
Viewfi nder
LED Video 
Light
S-Video 
Output Jack
Microphone 
Jack
7
Contents
Before Use
Things You Should Know ....................................2
Safety Precautions ..............................................2
Important Safeguards..........................................4
Precautions .........................................................5
End User License Agreement..............................6
Differences between models ...............................7
Quick Guide.......................................................10
Standard Accessories........................................12
Controls and Components.................................12
The Remote Control (PV-GS15 Only) ...............14
Power Supply ....................................................15
Charging Time and Available Recording Time...16
How to remove the Sensor tag..........................16
The Grip Belt .....................................................16
Re-attaching the Lens Cap................................17
Attaching the Shoulder Strap ............................17
Inserting a Cassette ..........................................17
Using a Memory Card
  (For PV-GS12/PV-GS14/PV-GS15).................18
Turning on the Camcorder.................................18
Easy to Use Mode Dial......................................18
Using the Viewfi nder/LCD Monitor ....................19
Using the Menu Screen.....................................19
List of Menus .....................................................20
Setting Date and Time.......................................23
Internal Lithium Battery Recharge.....................23
LP Mode ............................................................23
Audio Recording Mode......................................23
Recording Mode
About Recording................................................24
Recording on a Tape .........................................24
Recording a Still Picture on a Tape
  (PV-GS9 Only).................................................25
Recording a Still Picture on a Card (Photoshot)
  (For PV-GS12/PV-GS14/PV-GS15).................25
Recording Yourself ............................................26
Recording with the Built-in LED Video Light 
  (For PV-GS12/PV-GS14/PV-GS15).................26
Quick Start.........................................................26
Self-timer Recording..........................................27
Zoom In/Out Functions......................................27
Digital Zoom Function .......................................27
Image Stabilizer Function..................................28
Fade In/Out Functions.......................................28
Backlight Compensation Function.....................29
MagicPix Function .............................................29
Soft-Skin Mode..................................................29
Wind Noise Reduction Function ........................29
Cinema Function ...............................................29
Recording in Special Situations.........................30
Recording in Natural Colors ..............................30
Adjusting White Balance Manually ....................31
Manual Shutter Speed Adjustment....................32
Manual Iris Adjustment ......................................32
Manual Focus Adjustment .................................32
Digital Effect Functions......................................33
8 For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo