Digital Video Camcorder
Operating Instructions
PV-GS59
PV-GS39
PV-GS29
Models No.
(PV-GS59 Shown)
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 assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
For assistance, please call : 1-800-561-5505 or visit us at www.panasonic.ca
P
PC
LSQT1000 B
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 fill 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 Camcorders 
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 sufficient 
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.
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD AND ANNOYING 
INTERFERENCE, USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
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 a well ventilated place; do not install this 
equipment in a confined 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.
2
- U.S.A. CONSUMERS Only-
Panasonic
PV-GS29/PV-GS39/PV-GS59
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name : 
Model No. : 
Responsibility Party : Panasonic Corporation of North 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 modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could 
void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
U.S.A. /CANADA CONSUMERS: ATTENTION:
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.
- CANADA CONSUMERS Only-
This class B digital apparatus complies with CANADIAN ICES-003.
3
Important Safety Instructions
1)  Read these instructions.
2)  Keep these instructions.
3)  Heed all warnings.
4)  Follow all instructions.
5)  Do not use this apparatus near water.
6)  Clean only with dry cloth.
7)  Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8)  Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus 
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9)  Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two 
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding 
prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not 
fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience 
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or the table specified by the 
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when 
moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when it will be left unused for long 
periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has 
been damaged in any way, such as when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has 
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or 
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
4
Precautions
USE & LOCATION
WARNING
● 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 a 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.
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, in 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 finish.
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.
- If you see this symbol -
Information on Disposal in other Countries outside the European Union
This symbol is only valid in the European Union.
If you wish to discard this product, please contact your local authorities or dealer and 
ask for the correct method of disposal.
5
End User License Agreement (for USB Driver, MotionDV STUDIO and 
Quick Movie Magic)
Before opening the CD-ROM package (PV-GS59 Only), please read the following.
License
You (“Licensee”) are granted a license for the Software defined 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 fitness 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
Differences between models
This operating instruction book is designed for use with models PV-GS29, PV-GS39 and PV-GS59. The 
PV-GS59 is the model used for illustrative purposes. Features may vary, so please read carefully.
Model Number
PV-GS29
PV-GS39
PV-GS59
Battery Pack
(Supplied)
CGR-DU06
(640 mAh)
CGR-DU06
(640 mAh)
For U.S.A. customers:
CGR-DU06 (640 mAh)
For Canada customers:
CGA-DU12 (1 150 mAh)
CD-ROM
USB Cable
Card Feature
–
–
No
–
Supplied (LSFT0648)
For U.S.A. customers:
– 
For Canada customers:
Supplied (K1HA05CD0014)
Supplied (K1HA05CD0014)
Yes
Yes
Monitor
2.5-inch LCD
2.7-inch Wide LCD
2.7-inch Wide LCD
Yes (Full-Speed)
Yes (High-Speed)
Yes 
No
No
Yes
Yes
 DEMO MODE] to 
7
USB Jack*
Audio Dubbing
Recording a Still 
Picture on a Tape
Cinema Function
Wide/4:3 Function
Remote Control 
Sensor
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
* It is only compatible with USB 2.0 PCI Card and/or connection.
 How to Turn off the Demo Mode
To terminate the demonstration mode, insert a cassette or set the [ 
[OFF] as follows.
1  Set [   SETUP] >> [ 
 DEMO MODE] >> [OFF].
With a PC (Operating System Compatibility Chart)
Before using the PC function (pp. 56~69), please refer to the OS (operating system) compatibility chart, 
below.
 For Windows
Model 
Number Windows OS
PV-GS29
PV-GS39
PV-GS59
Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows 2000
Windows XP
 For Macintosh
Model 
Number Macintosh OS
PV-GS29 X v 10.1 - v 10.4 
PV-GS39 X v 10.1 - v 10.4 
PV-GS59 X v 10.1 - v 10.4 
Built-in SD Drive
Web Camera
MotionDV STUDIO/
Quick Movie Magic
–
–
Yes*
Yes*
Yes*
Yes*
–
–
Yes (SP4 or later)
Yes (SP2 or later)*
–
–
–
–
Yes (SP4 or later)
Yes (SP4 or later)
Yes (SP1 or later)
Yes (SP2 or later)
Built-in SD Drive
Web Camera
MotionDV STUDIO/
Quick Movie Magic
–
Yes*
Yes*
–
–
–
–
–
–
* The USB equipment operates with the driver installed standard on your OS.
 For Macintosh (DV connection)
Model 
Number Macintosh OS
iMovie/iMovieHD
PV-GS29 X v 10.3 - v 10.4 
PV-GS39 X v 10.3 - v 10.4 
PV-GS59 X v 10.3 - v 10.4 
Yes
Yes
Yes
8