Operating Instructions Model No. PV-L353 Getting Started Camcorder Basic Operation Special Features For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : consumerproducts@panasonic.com LSQT0628B 01.L353 Getting p01-08 1 03.6.4, 4:08 PM For Your Information Please read these instructions carefully before attempting to operate this product. Please save this manual. Guía para rápida consulta en español está incluida.
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, it will bring you years of enjoyment. Please take time to fill in the information to the right. The serial number is on the tag located on the rear side 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.
Things You Should Know WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. Your Compact VHS Camcorder is designed to record and play back in Standard Play (SP) and Super Long Play (SLP) modes. You can also play a Compact VHS Camcorder recording on your VHS VCR using the optional VHS PlayPak. This Camcorder is equipped with the HQ System to provide excellent video pictures, and is compatible with standard VHS equipment.
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.
Important Safeguards b. If any liquid has been spilled into, or objects have fallen onto, the video unit. c. If the video unit has been exposed to rain or water. 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 qualified technician to restore the video unit to its normal operation. e.
Table of Contents Getting Started Things You Should Know ............................................................................. 2~3 Important Safeguards ................................................................................... 4~5 Precautions ........................................................................................................ 5 Self Demo Mode ................................................................................................ 7 Quick Operation Guide ........
Self Demo Mode Before you begin... Getting Started Self Demo mode is on when the screen below appears. To turn it off, follow steps 1-4 below. • Connect Camcorder to power source. EVF or LCD Monitor 1 2 2, 3, 4 1 3 4 Set POWER to CAMERA. Press MENU for MENU mode. Press UP or DOWN to select SELF DEMO . Press M.FOCUS to select OFF. Press MENU to exit. Note: • Self Demo stops automatically if battery is attached (page 9) and cassette tape is inserted (page 11).
Quick Operation Guide Charging the Battery Pack Charge Battery Pack fully before operation (page 9). 1 2 Plug in AC Adaptor. Insert Battery. CHARGE Lamp flashes, then stays lit when charging is complete. Insert Cassette 1 2 3 4 Attach fully charged Battery (page 9). Slide TAPE EJECT to open door. Insert cassette (page 11). Press here to close door. Camera Recording See page 17. 1 2 3 Press LCD-OPEN to unlock the LCD monitor. Swing it fully open and adjust the angle. Set POWER to CAMERA.
Supplying Power Charge Battery Pack fully before use. 2 3 POWER Lamp 1 2 1 3 Plug in AC Adaptor. POWER Lamp lights. Insert Battery. A Align left side of Battery with left edge of AC Adaptor. B Press Battery down and slide in direction of arrow. The CHARGE Lamp flashes, then stays lit when charging is complete. Remove Battery. Slide Battery to the left and lift off. Note: CHARGE Lamp • Charging takes about 1 hour.
Supplying Power Battery Care Caution: To avoid Battery damage: • Charge only with specified charger. • Battery can be charged within a temperature range of 10 °C (50 °F) and 35 °C (95 °F). • Battery is normally warm after charging or just after use. • Do not use an insufficiently charged or worn-out Battery. • Do not drop or jar Battery. • Use Battery with specified units only. • If Battery is used in extremely high temperatures, a safety device will automatically prevent operation.
Cassette Information 1 1 3 2 5 4 2 3 4 5 Turn Tape Wheel in direction of arrow until there is no slack. Attach Battery (page 9). Slide TAPE EJECT to open door. Insert cassette as shown. Press here to close door. • To remove the cassette, slide the TAPE EJECT switch. Record/Playback Time Use tapes with the Tape Speed Selector Position SP (Standard Play) SLP (Super Long Play) mark in this unit.
Before Using How to remove the Sensor tag Hand Strap 1 Open the Hand Strap as illustrated at left. 2 Remove the Sensor tag. Then, replace the Hand Strap. Sensor tag Attaching Shoulder Strap Remove Battery Pack before completing the following steps: 1 2 Adjust the Length of the Shoulder Strap Undo strap ends from buckles. Thread strap ends through Strap Rings on Camcorder. Pull a loop of strap from buckle, then pull strap tight to shorten or lengthen.
Using MENU Mode • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Set POWER to CAMERA or VCR. 1 2 3 4 1, 2, 3, 4 Press MENU for MENU mode. The CAMERA or VCR MENU screen (see below left) appears when Menu mode is entered. Press UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu item. Press M.FOCUS to set selection. Press MENU to exit. Note: • The Menu mode is canceled if UP/DOWN, M.FOCUS, or MENU are not pressed within 5 minutes when Self Demo mode is off with no cassette tape and/or battery inserted.
Setting the Clock Set the following items in order: Time Zone, Daylight Saving Time, Date, and Time. Before you begin... • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Set POWER to CAMERA or VCR. 1 Press MENU for MENU mode. Press UP or DOWN to select CLOCK SET . 1, 2, 3, 4 [ CAMERA MODE ] 2 3 [ VCR MODE ] Press M.FOCUS for CLOCK SET menu. Press UP or DOWN to select TIME ZONE, DST, or DATE/TIME. Press M.FOCUS for menu of item selected in step 2. To change the setting: TIME ZONE ➔ Go to step 3a on page 15. D.
Setting the Clock Setting the Time Zone The Camcorder is preset to Eastern time. [ Time Zone chart ] Press UP or DOWN to select local time zone. Press M.FOCUS to confirm entry. • When traveling, repeat this operation and select one of the 8 listed time zones to set the clock to local time. Note : • Clock may lose or gain up to 2 minutes per month. • When traveling outside the listed time zones, set clock to local time manually. • To adjust or set clock, see “Setting Date and Time” (below).
AccuBrite™ Built-in Light Before you begin... Using the Light • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Set POWER to CAMERA. For recording in dim lighting. 1 1, 2 3 Note: • Using Light reduces battery operating time. • Provide proper ventilation when using Light extensively in a hot environment. • Using Light when the Camcorder is powered by a car battery may shorten bulb life. • Set Light to OFF when not in use. 2 3 Press M.FOCUS to set OFF/ON or OFF/ON/AUTO. Press MENU to exit.
Camera Recording Recording via EVF or LCD Monitor View recording scene on EVF (Electronic Viewer Finder) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor. 1 Before you begin... • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Insert cassette with record tab (page 11). 1 2 4, A, B 3 Built-in Microphone 2, 6 5 3 VISION ADJUSTMENT To adjust LCD BRIGHT A B 4 5 6 Set POWER to CAMERA. • Be sure POWER is fully turned to EVF or LCD Monitor CAMERA position.
Camera Recording Before you begin... • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Insert cassette with record tab (page 11). B a b c 2, 3, 4 Stand-by Quick Release If left in RECORD/PAUSE mode for 5 minutes, Camcorder switches to Stand-by mode to conserve battery. When set to ON, Stand-by Quick Release lets you resume recording by pressing RECORD/ PAUSE two times. Stand-by Quick Release is set to OFF at the factory.
Camera Recording Before you begin... Programmed Recording Set a recording start and stop time. Or, set a 5 or 10 second interval recording to be done each minute. • Connect Camcorder to power source. Use AC Adaptor for longer recordings. • Insert cassette with record tab (page 11). • Set POWER to CAMERA. 1 1, 2, 3 3 4 Basic Operation 2 Press MENU for MENU mode. Press UP or DOWN to select PROGRAMMED REC . Press M.FOCUS. (Current time is displayed.) Each additional press of M.
Playing Back Recordings Before you begin... • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Insert recorded tape. Playback on EVF or LCD Monitor 1 2 1 3 Speaker D A B C 3 E Press LCD-OPEN and swing LCD monitor fully open. Set POWER to VCR. • If tape has no record tab, auto playback begins. • EVF or LCD monitor turns on/off by the POWER switch. Playback function buttons. (REWIND/SEARCH) : Rewind tape. A (PLAY/STILL) : Play tape. B (FAST FORWARD/SEARCH) : C Fast Forward tape. D (STOP) : Stop tape.
Playing Back Recordings Before you begin... TV Playback or Viewing • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Make all TV-Camcorder connections. Connect Camcorder to a TV to view playback or recordings in progress. Connections 1 Audio/ Video Out Turn TV ON and set to LINE INPUT. See TV owner’s manual. Begin playback or recording. VCR Playback using PlayPak (Optional) Load Battery in PlayPak Remove Battery lid and insert AA battery. • Do not reverse polarity.
Copying your Tapes (dubbing) Before you begin... Connections 5 • Make Camcorder-VCR connections (see left). • Turn both units on. • Set VCR input signal to LINE. Please see VCR owner’s manual. • Set Camcorder POWER to VCR. 2, 4 Source (Playing) Camcorder 1 2 3 4 Audio/ Video Out 5 Insert a pre-recorded tape into Camcorder and a blank tape with record tab into VCR. Press (PLAY/STILL) on Camcorder, then press again at starting point. Press REC, then STILL/PAUSE on VCR.
Four-Speed Power Zoom Zoom in (close up) and out (wide angle) in one of four speeds ranging from slow (16 seconds) to fast (2 seconds). Before you begin... • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Set POWER to CAMERA. Zoom In (“T”) POWER ZOOM Zoom Out (“W”) • Zoom slowly: Lightly press “T” (telephoto) or “W” (wide angle) POWER ZOOM button. • Zoom quickly: Apply more pressure to the button. Backlight BACK LIGHT Before you begin... • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Set POWER to CAMERA.
Focus Before you begin... • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Set POWER to CAMERA. Auto Focus Camcorder automatically focuses on subject even during zooming. Auto Focus is on when “MF” is not displayed in EVF or LCD monitor. Press M.FOCUS to remove “MF” in EVF or LCD monitor if necessary. Manual Focus Use Manual Focus (MF) when : • recording through glass. • lighting is poor. • subject is far away with objects in foreground. • subject has distinct horizontal lines.
High Speed Shutter Improves Still or Slow Motion playback picture of high speed subjects (e.g. a tennis stroke), when viewed on Camcorder or 3 or 4 head VCR. Before you begin... • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Insert cassette with record tab (page 11). • Set POWER to CAMERA. Auto Shutter In AUTO mode (no indication in EVF or LCD Monitor), shutter speed is auto-adjusted from 1/60 to 1/350 according to subject brightness. • AUTO mode is selected each time POWER is set to CAMERA.
Auto Fade An interesting way to open and close scenes. Before you begin... • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Set POWER to CAMERA. 1 FADE 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 2 3 RECORD/ PAUSE 4 5 Fade In Press MENU for MENU mode. Press UP or DOWN to select DIGITAL EFFECTS . Press M.FOCUS for DIGITAL EFFECTS menu. Press UP or DOWN to select FADE . Press M.FOCUS for FADE menu. Press UP or DOWN to select AUTO FADE . Press M.FOCUS for AUTO FADE ; COLOR menu. Press UP or DOWN to select BLACK or WHITE. Press M.
Color Digital Fade Choose from 7 fade effects in 8 different colors. 8 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Before you begin... • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Set POWER to CAMERA. 1 2 3 4 7 Press MENU for MENU mode. Press UP or DOWN to select DIGITAL EFFECTS . Press M.FOCUS for DIGITAL EFFECTS menu. Press UP or DOWN to select FADE . Press M.FOCUS for FADE menu. Press UP or DOWN to select DIGITAL FADE .
Digital Zoom Power Zoom magnification is digitally increased. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Before you begin... • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Set POWER to CAMERA. 1 2 3 Press MENU for MENU mode. Press UP or DOWN to select DIGITAL EFFECTS . Press M.FOCUS for DIGITAL EFFECTS menu. Press UP or DOWN to select DIGITAL ZOOM . Press M.FOCUS repeatedly to select D.ZOOM1, D.ZOOM2, or OFF. D.ZOOM 1 : 150× maximum D.ZOOM 2 : 700x maximum OFF : Turn off D.
Digital Electronic Image Stabilization (E.I.S.) Helps stabilize picture when recording in unstable situations. 1, 2 Before you begin... • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Set POWER to CAMERA. 1 2 Press (EIS) to display “EIS” in the EVF or LCD monitor. • Image becomes slightly enlarged and shutter speed auto-adjusts from 1/80 to 1/350 according to brightness. • Use High Speed Shutter (page 25) if needed. Shutter speed setting remains after EIS is canceled. Press in use.
MotionSensor Recording starts automatically if motion is detected. Before you begin... • Connect Camcorder to power source. Use AC Adaptor for longer recordings. • Insert cassette with record tab (page 11). • Set POWER to CAMERA. • Securely position and aim Camcorder. 1 1, 2, 3, 4 2 MotionSensor may mistakenly start when: • background is plain, like a white wall, or has distinct vertical, horizontal, or slanted stripes, like a venetian blind. • brightness suddenly changes.
Viewfinder/LCD Monitor Indications Tape remaining and battery charge level can be displayed. Before you begin... • Connect Camcorder to power source. 1 2 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 3 1 4 5 Set POWER to CAMERA. Press MENU for MENU mode. Press UP or DOWN to select DISPLAY SET . Press M.FOCUS for DISPLAY SET menu. Press UP or DOWN to select MODE SELECT . Press M.FOCUS for MODE SELECT menu. Press M.FOCUS repeatedly to select the following displays.
Viewfinder/LCD Monitor Indications Recording the Date and Time 1 Repeat steps 1-5 on page 31 to select time/date, date only, or no display. 1, B, C, D 2 Start a recording (page 17). • Only the Date and/or Time are recorded. Display-Off Mode A 2 A B Set POWER to CAMERA or VCR. Press MENU for MENU mode. Press UP or DOWN to select DISPLAY SET . [CAMERA MODE] C D [VCR MODE] Press M.FOCUS for DISPLAY SET menu. Press UP or DOWN to select DISPLAY . Press M.FOCUS to select OFF.
Viewfinder/LCD Monitor Indications CAMERA/VCR mode 1 2 3 4 5 12 13 14 15 16 6 7 8, 9, 10 17 18 11 1 Zoom Magnification level (pages 23, 28). 2 Battery Remaining (page 31). (return to 0:00 and continue) 5 TAPE SPEED (pages 11, 17). (SP=standard play, SLP=super long play). 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 “VCR-MODE” appears for 1 minute when POWER is set to VCR or if RECORD/ PAUSE is pressed in VCR mode.
Notes On Operations Notice This product has a fluorescent lamp that contains a small amount of mercury. It also contains lead in some components. Disposal of these materials may be regulated in your community due to environmental considerations. For disposal or recycling information please contact your local authorities, or the Electronics Industries Alliance: U.S.A. CONSUMERS: ATTENTION : A nickel cadmium battery that is recyclable powers the product you have purchased.
Replacing Clock Battery The clock battery is pre-installed. Follow the steps below if replacement becomes necessary. WARNING: Replace battery with Panasonic or Newsun type CR2025 only. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion. Caution: Battery may explode if mistreated. Dispose of used battery promptly. Keep away from children. Do not recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire.
Palmcorder Accessory System To order instructions, see the Accessory Order Form page. • The listed standard battery use times are based on continuous recording using this Palmcorder. Accessory # Figure Description AC Adaptor with DC Power Cable (Charging of the Nickel Cadmium Battery or Nickel Metal Hydride Battery) PV-A20 Price Call For Pricing Up to 6 hr Battery Pack HHR-V60A/1B (Rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride Battery) $119.
Palmcorder Accessory Order Form Please photocopy this form when placing an order. 1. Palmcorder Model # 2. Items Ordered Accessory # Description Price Each Quantity Total Price Subtotal Your State & Local Sales Tax Shipping & Handling 6.95 Total Enclosed 3. Method of payment (check one) Check or Money Order enclosed (NO C.O.D.SHIPMENTS) VISA Credit Card # MasterCard Expiration Date Discover Customer Signature Make Check or Money Order to: PANASONIC ACCESSORIES (Please do not send cash) 4.
Specifications Power Source: Compact VHS Camcorder: DC 6 V AC Adaptor: 110/120/220/240 V AC, 50/60 Hz Battery: Nickel-Cadmium Type DC 6 V Power Consumption: Compact VHS Camcorder: 6V DC 8.5 W (Max. 11.5 W) AC Adaptor: 19 W 1.2 W (when not in use.
Before Requesting Service If a problem arises, you may be able to correct it yourself. See Symptom and Correction list below. Symptom Correction No picture in EVF or LCD monitor ... • Connect Power Source. (pp. 9, 10) • Set POWER to VCR or CAMERA. (pp. 17, 20) • Check for Dew Indication. (p. 33) • Use fully charged Battery. (p. 9) • Firmly connect all needed cables. (p. 10) Video cassette cannot be inserted ... • Connect Power Source. (pp. 9, 10) • Insert cassette, window side facing out. (p.
Request for Service Notice Please photocopy this form when making a request for service notice. Request for Service Notice: In the unlikely event this product needs service. • Please include your proof of purchase. (Failure to due so will delay your repair.) • To further speed your repair please provide an explanation of what is wrong with the unit and any symptom it is exhibiting. Mail this completed form and your Proof of Purchase along with your unit to: Panasonic Services Company 1705 N.
Limited Warranty PANASONIC CONSUMER ELECTRONICS COMPANY, DIVISION OF MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC CORPORATION OF AMERICA One Panasonic Way Secaucus, New Jersey 07094 Limited Warranty Coverage PANASONIC SALES COMPANY, DIVISION OF MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC OF PUERTO RICO, INC., AVE. 65 de Infantería, Km. 9.
Customer Services Directory For Product Information, Operating Assistance, Literature Request, Dealer Locations, and all Customer Service inquiries please contact: 1-800-211-PANA (7262), Monday-Friday 9 am-9 pm; Saturday-Sunday 9 am-7 pm, EST. or send e-mail : consumerproducts@panasonic.com For hearing or speech impaired TTY users, TTY : 1-877-833-8855 Web Site: http://www.panasonic.com You can purchase parts, accessories or locate your nearest servicenter by visiting our Web Site.
Spanish Quick Use Guide/Guía Para Uso Rápido Antes de comenzar... • Inserte un casete con lengüeta para prevención del grabado. Cargue la batería Cargue completamente la batería antes de usarla. 1 2 Enchufe el adaptador de CA. Instale la batería. El indicador de carga (CHARGE) parpadea, luego queda encendido si ha terminado la carga. Desmonte la batería. Inserte el casete 1 2 3 4 Coloque la batería cargada. Deslice TAPE EJECT para abrir la compuerta. Inserte el casete.
Index A AC Adaptor ..................... 10 Accessories (Optional) ... 36 Accessories (Supplied) .... 2 AccuBrite™ Built-in Light 16 Audio/Video Cable ... 21, 22 Audio/Video Out ....... 21, 22 Auto Daylight Saving Time .................................... 15 B Backlight ......................... 23 BACK LIGHT Button ...... 23 Battery Pack ............... 9, 10 BATTERY RELEASE Button ........................... 9 Before Requesting Service .................................... 39 Built-in Microphone ........
