Digital Video Camcorder
Operating Instructions
PV-GS2
Model No.
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
LSQT0832 A
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-GS2
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 (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
Contents
Before Use
Things You Should Know .........................................2
Safety Precautions ...................................................2
Important Safeguards...............................................4
Precautions ..............................................................5
Quick Guide..............................................................8
Standard Accessories.............................................10
Controls and Components......................................10
The Remote Control (Optional) ..............................12
Power Supply .........................................................13
Charging Time and Available Recording Time........14
The Grip Belt ..........................................................14
Re-attaching the Lens Cap.....................................14
Attaching the Shoulder Strap .................................15
Inserting a Cassette ...............................................15
Using a Memory Card (Optional)............................15
Turning on the Camcorder......................................16
Easy to Use Mode Dial...........................................16
Using the Viewfi nder/LCD Monitor .........................16
Using the Menu Screen..........................................17
List of Menus ..........................................................18
Setting Date and Time............................................20
Internal Lithium Battery Recharge..........................21
LP Mode .................................................................21
Audio Recording Mode...........................................21
Recording Mode
About Recording.....................................................22
Recording on a Tape ..............................................22
Recording a Still Picture on a Card (Photoshot).....23
Recording Yourself .................................................24
Quick Start..............................................................24
Self-timer Recording...............................................24
Zoom In/Out Functions...........................................24
Digital Zoom Function ............................................25
Image Stabilizer Function.......................................25
Fade In/Out Functions............................................25
Backlight Compensation Function..........................26
MagicPix Function ..................................................26
Soft-Skin Mode.......................................................26
Wind Noise Reduction Function .............................27
Cinema Function ....................................................27
Recording in Special Situations..............................27
Recording in Natural Colors ...................................28
Adjusting White Balance Manually .........................28
Manual Shutter Speed Adjustment.........................29
Manual Iris Adjustment ...........................................29
Manual Focus Adjustment ......................................30
Digital Effect Functions...........................................30
Playback Mode
Playing Back a Tape...............................................33
Finding a Scene You Want to Play Back ................33
Slow Motion Playback
(Optional Remote Control Only) ...........................34
Still Playback/Still Advance Playback.....................34
Index Search Functions
(Optional Remote Control Only) ...........................35
Playback Zoom Function
(Optional Remote Control Only) ...........................35
Playback Digital Effect Functions ...........................36
Playing Back a Memory Card.................................36
Slide Show .............................................................37
Creating a Title .......................................................37
Adding a Title..........................................................38
Writing Printing Data on a Card..............................39
Protecting the Files on a Card................................39
Deleting the Files Recorded on a Card .................39
Formatting a Card ..................................................40
Playing Back on Your TV........................................40
Editing Mode
Recording from a Tape onto a Card .......................41
Recording Pictures from a Card onto a Tape .........41
Audio Dubbing (Optional Remote Control Only) ....41
Copying on an S-VHS (or a VHS) Cassette ...........42
Using the DV Cable for Recording .........................42
PC Connection With DV Interface Cable................43
With a PC
Using the Software (Optional) with a Personal
Computer..............................................................44
Using USB Driver (Optional Software) ...................44
To disconnect USB cable safely .............................46
Using as a Web Camera (Optional Software) ........47
Using the DV STUDIO 3.1E-SE
(Optional Software) ..............................................50
If you no longer need software or driver
(Uninstall) .............................................................52
Notes ......................................................................52
Others
Indications ..............................................................54
Initializing the Modes..............................................55
Warning/Alarm Indications......................................55
Notes and Hints......................................................56
Cautions for Use.....................................................60
Before Requesting Service
(Problems and Solutions) .....................................63
Using the RESET button ........................................65
Explanation of Terms..............................................65
Specifi cations .........................................................67
Camcorder Accessory System ...............................68
Camcorder Accessory Order Form.........................69
Request for Service Notice.....................................70
Limited Warranty ....................................................71
Customer Services Directory..................................72
Spanish Quick Use Guide/
Guía Para Uso Rápido .........................................73
Guía rápida.............................................................74
Index.......................................................................76
7
Before Use
Quick Guide
1 Attach the Battery to the AC Adaptor and
charge it.
Inserting a Card
1 Place your Thumb on the [OPEN▼] 1 Knob
and pull the LCD Monitor 2 out in the
direction of the arrow.
2
1
2 Slide the [OPEN] Lever 3 to open the Card
Slot Cover 4 .
3 While holding the Memory Card with its cut
corner facing right 5 insert it into the Card
Slot 6 .
4 Close the Card Slot Cover 4 securely.
3
4
6
5
Using the Viewfi nder
Before using the Viewfi nder, adjust the fi eld of view so
that the displays inside the Viewfi nder become clear
and easy to read.
1 Pull the Viewfi nder.
• Before use, fully charge the Battery.
• Since the Battery will not be charged when the DC
Cable is connected to the AC Adaptor, disconnect
it from the AC Adaptor.
• The [POWER] Lamp and [CHARGE] Lamp light
up, and charging starts.
• When the [CHARGE] Lamp goes off, charging is
completed.
2 Attach the charged Battery to the Camcorder.
Inserting a Cassette
1 Slide the [OPEN/EJECT] Lever 1 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.
2 Insert a Cassette.
2 Adjust by turning the Eyepiece Corrector
Knob 1 .
1
3 Close the Cassette Holder by pressing the
[PUSH] mark 2 .
4 Close the Cassette Compartment Cover by
pressing the mark 3 .
2
3
1
Recording on a Tape
1 Set the [OFF/ON] Switch 1 to [ON].
• The [POWER] Lamp 2 lights up.
1
2
8 For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo