Panasonic Digital Video Camcorder PV-GS300 Operating Instructions

							Before using
21LSQT0974
3Insert/remove the card into/from the card 
slot.
 
≥When inserting a card, face the label side 1 
towards you and push it straight in with one 
stroke as far as it goes.
≥When removing the card, press the center of 
the card and then pull it straight out.
4Securely close the card slot cover.
ª
Concerning the card≥Do not format the card with another 
Camcorder or any personal computer. This 
operation may make the card unusable.
≥Do not touch the terminals on the back of the 
card.
≥Electrical noise, static electricity, or failure of the 
Camcorder or the card may damage or erase 
the data stored on the card. We recommend 
saving important data on a personal computer 
by using a USB cable, PC card adaptor, and 
USB reader/writer.
ª
Card access lamp
≥When the Camcorder accesses the card 
(reading, recording, playback, erasing, etc.), the 
access lamp lights up.
≥If the following operations are performed when 
the access lamp is lit, then the card or the 
recorded data may be damaged or the 
Camcorder may malfunction.
≥Inserting or removing the card.
≥Operating the [OFF/ON] switch or the mode 
dial.
≥Attaching and removing the battery.
ª
SD Memory Card≥The memory capacity indicated on the SD 
Memory Card label corresponds to the total 
amount of capacity to protect and manage the 
copyright and the capacity available as 
conventional memory for a Camcorder, 
personal computer or other equipment.ª
Concerning the write protection 
switch on the SD Memory Card
≥The SD Memory Card has a write protection 
switch on it. If the switch is moved to [LOCK], 
you cannot write to the card, erase the data on 
it, or format it. If it is moved back, you can.
Selecting a mode
Rotate the mode dial to select the desired mode.1Rotate the mode dial.
≥Set your desired mode to 1.
: TAPE RECORDING MODE
Use this when you record the image on a tape. 
(Also, you can simultaneously record still pictures 
on a card while recording images on a tape.)
: TAPE PLAYBACK MODE
Use this to play back a tape.
: CARD RECORDING MODE
Use this to record still pictures on a card.
: CARD PLAYBACK MODE
Use this to play back the still pictures recorded on 
a card.
: PC CONNECTION MODE
You can view or edit the images recorded on a 
card on your personal computer. 
-53-
1
1PC
Joystick
PC
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							Before using
22LSQT0974
How to use the joystick
ªBasic joystick operationsOperations on the menu screen and selection 
of files to be played back on the multi-image 
display
Move the joystick up, down, left, or right to select 
an item or file, and then push in the center to set 
it.
ª
Joystick and screen displayPush the center of the joystick, and icons will be 
displayed on the screen. Each time the joystick is 
moved down, the indication changes.
(In the Tape playback mode or the Card playback 
mode, the icons will be automatically displayed on 
the screen.)
1) Tape recording mode
([AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] switch is set to 
[AUTO]) 
≥1 is displayed while recording on a tape.2) Tape recording mode
([AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] switch is set to 
[MANUAL]) 
≥1 is displayed while recording on a tape.
≥2 is displayed only when the ([AUTO/MANUAL/
FOCUS] switch is set to [FOCUS]).
3) Tape playback mode 1 Select by moving up.
2 Select by moving down.
3 Select by moving left.
4 Select by moving right.
5 Determine by pushing the center.
 1/42 
Fade
-35-
3 
Backlight compensation-33-
1 
Help mode-23-
 2/42 
Soft skin mode-34-
1 
Tele macro-35-
 3/43  MagicPix/0 Lux MagicPix-34-
 4/42 
Recording check-30-
1 
Blank search-30-
1
3
2
4
5
1
5/52 
Iris or gain value
-42-
3 
White balance -40-
1 
Shutter speed -42-
6/62 
Manual focus adjustment
(When set to [FOCUS])-41-1 
  3 
Playback/pause 
-43-
 4 
Stop -43-
 2 
Rewind (review playback) -43-
 1 
Fast forward (cue playback)  -43-
2
1
55
555
2
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							Before using
23LSQT0974
4) Card recording mode
([AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] switch is set to 
[AUTO]) 
5) Card recording mode
([AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] switch is set to 
[MANUAL]) 
≥1 is displayed only when the ([AUTO/
MANUAL/FOCUS] switch is set to [FOCUS]).
6) Card playback modeHelp mode
Select an icon for an explanation of the function.
≥Set to Tape/Card Recording Mode.
1Press the joystick to display the icon during 
the recording pause. Move the joystick 
down until icon 1 appears.
2Move the joystick right to select the Help 
mode icon [ ].
≥The help mode explains the operation icons 
displayed when the [AUTO/MANUAL/
FOCUS] switch is set to [AUTO] in Tape/Card 
Recording Mode.
3Move the joystick up, left, or right to select 
the desired icon.
≥An explanation of the selected icon is 
displayed on the screen.
≥Each time the joystick is moved down, the 
indication changes.
ª
To exit the Help modeSelect [EXIT] icon or press the [MENU] button.
≥When the Help mode is used, functions cannot 
be set.  1/22  Self-timer recording
-37-
3  Backlight compensation-33-
 1  Help mode-23-
 2/22   Soft skin mode-34-
1   Tele macro-35-
 3/32   Iris or gain value
-42-
3  White balance -40-
1   Shutter speed -42-
 4/42 
 Manual focus adjustment
 (Set to [FOCUS])-41-1 
  3 
Slide show start/pause 
-45-
 4 
 Delete -46-
 2 
 Playback previous picture -45-
 1 
 Playback next picture  -45-
1
31
1
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							Before using
24LSQT0974
Switching the language
You can switch the language on the screen 
display or the menu screen.
1Set [LANGUAGE] >> select the desired 
language.
Using the menu screen
For each individual menu, please refer to -63-.1Press the [MENU] button.
≥The menu corresponding to the mode 
selected by the mode dial is displayed.
≥Do not switch the mode dial when the menu is 
displayed.
2Move the joystick up or down in order to 
select the top menu.
3Move the joystick right or press it to set the 
selection.
4Move the joystick up or down in order to 
select the sub-menu.
5Move the joystick right or press it to set the 
selection.
6Move the joystick up or down in order to 
select the item to be set.
7Press the joystick to determine the setting.
ª
To exit the menu screen Press the [MENU] button.
ª
To get back to the previous screenMove the joystick left.
ª
About the menu setting≥The menu is not displayed while recording on a 
tape or a card. Also, you cannot record on a 
tape or a card while the menu is displayed.
MENU
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							Before using
25LSQT0974
ªOperating with remote controlThe menu screen transition is the same as when 
the buttons on the main unit are used.
1Press the [MENU] button.
2Select a menu item.
≥Use the direction buttons (3,2,1,4) and 
[ENTER] button in place of the joystick on the 
main unit.
3Press the [MENU] button to exit the menu 
screen.
Adjusting LCD monitor/viewfinder
ªAdjusting the brightness and color 
level
1
Set [SETUP] >> [LCD SET] or [EVF SET] >> 
[YES].
2Move the joystick up or down in order to 
select the item to be adjusted.
[LCD SET]
 : Brightness of the LCD monitor
 : Color level of the LCD monitor
[EVF SET]
 :Brightness of the viewfinder
3Move the joystick left or right to move the 
bar indication representing the brightness.
4Press the [MENU] button or the joystick to 
complete the settings.
≥When the LCD monitor is rotated by 180° 
towards the lens, the brightness of the LCD 
monitor cannot be adjusted.
≥To adjust the brightness of the viewfinder, close 
the LCD monitor and extend the viewfinder to 
activate it.
≥These settings will not affect the images actually 
recorded.
ª
In order to increase the brightness of 
the entire LCD monitor
1
Press the [POWER LCD] button.
≥The [ ] indication appears on the LCD 
monitor.
≥If the [POWER LCD] button is pressed, the 
entire LCD monitor will become approx. twice 
as bright as the normal.
≥When the [POWER LCD] button is pressed 
again, the [ ] indication disappears and the 
original brightness is restored.
≥This will not affect the images to be recorded.
≥If you turn on the Camcorder when the AC 
adaptor is used, the [POWER LCD] function will 
automatically be activated.
≥You cannot use this function in PC Connection 
Mode.
EVF
POWER 
LCD
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							Before using
26LSQT0974
Using the remote control
ªRemote controlUsing the remote control supplied will enable 
control of almost all functions of this Camcorder.
(1)On-screen display button [EXT DISPLAY] -45-
(2)Date/time button [DATE/TIME] -65-
(3)Audio dubbing button [AUDIO DUB] -50-
(4)Record button [¥REC] -49-
(5)Direction buttons [3,2,1,4] -25-
(6)
Slow/frame-by-frame forward buttons 
[E,D] (E: reverse, D: forward) -44-
(7)Zoom/volume button [ZOOM/VOL] ¢(8)Search button [VAR SEARCH] -44-
(9)Menu button [MENU] ¢-25-(10)
Photoshot button [PHOTO SHOT] ¢(11)Rewind/review button [6] (12)Pause button [;] (13)Stop button [∫] (14)Recording start/stop button 
[START/STOP] ¢
(15)Playback button [PLAY1] (16)Fast forward/cue button [5](17)Enter button [ENTER] -25-¢ means that these buttons function in the same 
manner as the corresponding buttons on the 
Camcorder.
ª
Install a button-type batteryInstall the button-type battery supplied in the 
remote control before using it.
1While pressing the stopper 1, pull out the 
battery holder.
2Set the button-type battery with its (i) mark 
facing upward and get the battery holder 
back in place.
(1)
(2)(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(14)
(17) (15)
(16)
(11)
(12)
(13)
1
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							Before using
27LSQT0974
ªRemote control usable range
≥The distance between the remote control and 
the Camcorder: Within approx. 5 m (16 feet)
Angle: Approx. 10o up and 15o down, left, and 
rightª
Selecting the remote control modeIf 2 Camcorders are used simultaneously, set the 
mode for one pair of Camcorder and remote 
control to [VCR1] and that of the other pair to 
[VCR2]. This will prevent interference between 
the 2 pairs. (The default setting is [VCR1]. When 
the button-type battery is replaced, the setting will 
revert to the default [VCR1].) 
1Setting on the Camcorder:
Set [SETUP] >> [REMOTE] >> [VCR1] or 
[VCR2].
2Setting on the remote control:
[VCR1]:
Press [D] and [∫] simultaneously. 1
[VCR2]:
Press [E] and [∫] simultaneously. 2
ª
Concerning the button-type battery≥When the button-type battery runs down, 
replace it with a new battery (part number: 
CR2025). The battery is normally expected to 
last about 1 year, but it depends on operation 
frequency.
≥Keep the button-type battery out of the reach of 
children.
≥If the remote control mode of the Camcorder 
and that of the remote control do not match with 
each other, “REMOTE” will appear. When the 
remote control is operated for the first time after 
the Camcorder is turned on, “CHECK REMOTE 
MODE” (
-67-) will appear and operation is 
impossible. Set the same remote control mode.
≥The remote control is intended for indoor 
operation. Outdoors or under strong light, the 
Camcorder may not operate properly even 
within the usable ranges. Warning
Danger of explosion if battery is 
incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent 
type recommended by the equipment 
manufacturer. Discard used batteries 
according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not 
recharge, disassemble, heat above 100 °C 
(212 °F) or incinerate. Keep the Button-
Type battery out of the reach of children. 
Never put Button-Type battery in mouth. 
If swallowed, call your doctor.
Replace battery with Panasonic PART NO. 
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.
21
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							Record mode
28LSQT0974
Record mode
Check before recording
Check the following before recording important 
events such as weddings or when the Camcorder 
has not been used for a long time.
Conduct a test recording to make sure that the 
image recording and the audio recording work 
properly.
ª
Basic Camcorder positioning
1) Hold the Camcorder with both hands.
2) Run your hand through the grip belt.
3) Do not cover the microphones or sensors with 
your hands.
4) Keep your arms near your body.
5) Slightly open your legs.
≥When you are outdoors, record pictures with the 
sunlight as far in the background as possible. If 
the subject is backlit, it will become dark in the 
recording.
ª
Check points≥Grip belt adjustment (-14-) 
≥Open the LCD monitor or extend the viewfinder.
(Recording cannot start while the LCD monitor 
and viewfinder are closed. Even if the LCD 
monitor and viewfinder are closed during 
recording, the power will not turn off until 
recording stops.)
≥Adjusting LCD monitor/viewfinder (
-25-)
≥Power supply (-15-) 
≥Insert a cassette/card (-20-,-20-)
≥Setting date/time (-17-) 
≥Getting the remote control ready (-26-) ≥Setting SP/LP mode (
-28-)
ª
About auto mode≥Set the [AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] switch to 
[AUTO], and color balance (white balance) and 
focusing will be adjusted automatically.
≥Auto white balance: 
-75-≥Auto focusing: -76-≥Depending on the brightness of the subject etc., 
the aperture and shutter speed are 
automatically adjusted for an optimum 
brightness. (When set to the tape recording 
mode: The shutter speed is adjusted to a 
maximum of 1/250.)
≥Color balance and focus may not be adjusted 
depending on light sources or scenes. If so, 
manually adjust the white balance and focus.
≥Scene mode setting (
-39-) 
≥White balance setting (-40-) 
≥Shutter speed setting (-42-) 
≥Iris/gain value setting (-42-) 
≥Focus setting (-41-) 
ª
Recording modeYou can switch the tape recording mode.
≥Set to Tape Recording/Playback Mode.
1Set [BASIC] or [ADVANCED] >> 
[REC SPEED] >> [SP] or [LP].
If the LP mode is selected, the recording time will 
be 1.5 times the SP mode, but some functions will 
be disabled.
≥We recommend using the SP mode for 
important recording.
≥In order to fully exhibit the performances of the 
LP mode, we recommend using Panasonic 
cassettes marked LP mode.
≥It is not possible to dub audio onto image 
recorded in the LP mode. (
-50-) 
≥In the LP mode, the picture quality will not be 
degraded in comparison with the SP mode, but 
mosaic noise may appear on the playback 
image or some functions may be disabled.
≥Playback on other digital video equipment 
or on digital video equipment without the LP 
mode.
≥Playback of the image on other digital video 
equipment recorded in the LP mode.
≥Slow/frame-by-frame playback.
1)
4)
5) 2)
3)
AUTO
MANUAL
FOCUS
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							Record mode
29LSQT0974
Recording on a tape
≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.
≥The lens cover opens automatically.
1Press the recording start/stop button to 
start recording.
2Press the recording start/stop button again 
to pause recording.
≥For the recording time on a tape, refer to 
-16-.
≥Carry out a recording check (-30-) to verify that 
the image is recorded properly.
≥In order to find the unrecorded section, carry out 
the blank search (
-30-) .
≥If you want to preserve the original sound 
recorded when audio dubbing (
-50-), set 
[ADVANCED] >> [AUDIO REC] >> [12bit] to 
take pictures.
ª
On-screen display in the tape 
recording mode
¢These are only displayed when you press the 
[PHOTO SHOT] button halfway while a card is 
inserted.
These are not displayed when using the remote 
control.
1) Recording time elapse
2) Remaining tape indication
3) Still picture size
4) Card indication (
-66-)
5) Number of recordable still pictures
(When no picture can be recorded, this 
indication will flash in red.) 
6) Quality of still pictures
ª
Concerning the remaining tape time 
indication on the screen
≥The remaining tape time is indicated in minutes. 
(When it reaches less than 3 minutes, the 
indication starts flashing.) 
≥During a 15-second or shorter recording, the 
remaining tape time indication may not be 
displayed or the remaining tape time may not be 
displayed correctly.
≥In some cases, the remaining tape time 
indication may display remaining tape time that 
is 2 to 3 minutes shorter than the actual 
remaining tape time.
ª
[POWER SAVE][OFF]: When 5 minutes passes without 
any operation, the standby mode 
will be automatically set. In the 
standby mode, [;] blinks and it 
takes more time than usual to start 
recording after you press the 
recording start/stop button.
[5 MINUTES]: When 5 minutes passes without 
any operation, the Camcorder 
automatically turns off to protect 
the tape or to prevent the battery 
from running down. When you 
want to use the Camcorder, turn it 
on again.
≥In the following cases, the power may not turn 
off even when set [POWER SAVE] >> 
[5 MINUTES].
≥When connecting to the AC outlet
(When using the AC adaptor)
≥When connecting the USB cable or the DV 
cable to a personal computer or other 
equipment
≥When the PC Connection Mode
PC
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							Record mode
30LSQT0974
Recording check
The last image recorded is played back for 2 to 
3 seconds. After checking, the Camcorder will be 
set to a recording pause.
≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.
1Press the joystick to display the icon during 
the recording pause. Move the joystick 
down until icon 1 appears.
2Move the joystick left to select the 
recording check icon [ ].
≥The [RECORDING CHECK STARTED] 
indication appears on the screen of the 
Camcorder.
Blank search function
Searches for the last part of the image recorded 
(unused part of the tape). After the search is 
finished, the blank search function is canceled 
and the Camcorder is put into recording pause.
≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.
1Press the joystick to display the icon during 
the recording pause. Move the joystick 
down until icon 1 appears.
2Move the joystick right to select the blank 
search icon [ ].
3When the confirmation message appears, 
select [YES] and press the center of the 
joystick.
ª
Stopping blank search midway 
through
Move the joystick down to select the [∫] icon.
≥If the cassette tape has no blank part, then the 
Camcorder will stop at the end of the tape.
≥The Camcorder stops at a point approx. 
1 second before the end of the last image 
recorded. When you start recording at that 
point, the image can be recorded seamlessly 
from the last image.
Recording still pictures on a card 
while recording image onto a tape
You can record still pictures while recording 
image onto a tape.
≥Set to Tape Recording Mode.
1Press the [PHOTO SHOT] button fully while 
recording image onto a tape.
≥For the number of still pictures to be recorded 
on a card, refer to -78-.
≥When recording pictures onto a card, the 
recording start/stop button is disabled.
≥You can select the picture quality for still 
pictures to be recorded. (
-32-) 
≥The sizes of pictures to be recorded are [ ] 
(16:9) or [ ] (4:3). (This is not mega pixel 
still picture recording.)
≥In order to record higher quality still pictures, 
you must use the card recording mode.
≥When recording still pictures, hold the 
Camcorder firmly with your hands and keep 
your arms stationary at your side so as not to 
shake the Camcorder.
1
1
PHOTO SHOT
0.20.3M
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