Panasonic Digital Video Camera Recorder DVC7 Operating Instructions

							Before operating this product, please read the instructions carefully and save this
manual for future use.
Model No. AG- P
Digital Video Camera Recorder
ÒNTSC
VQT0C34 Printed in Japan
S1202Y0 @
P 
						

							2
IMPORTANT
“Unauthorized recording of copyrighted television programs, video tapes and
other materials may infringe the right of copyright owners and be contrary to
copyright laws.”
indicates safety information.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR  BACK).
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER TO SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with
arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product’s enclosure
that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user to the presence of
important operating and main-
tenance (service) instructions in
the literature accompanying the
appliance.
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD AND ANNOYING INTERFERENCE,
USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES
ONLY.
FCC Note:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. To assure continued
compliance follow the attached installation
instructions and do not make any
unauthorized modifications.
This equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a class
A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment
is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his
own expense.
CAUTION:
Do not install or place this unit in a
bookcase, built-in cabinet or any other
confined space in order to maintain
adequate ventilation. Ensure that
curtains and any other materials do not
obstruct the ventilation to prevent risk
of electric shock or fire hazard due to
overheating.
CAUTION:Danger of explosion or fire if battery is
mistreated.
OReplace only with same or specified type.
ODo not disassemble or dispose of in fire.
ODo not store in temperatures over 60°C.
OUse specified charger for rechargeable
batteries.
ODo not recharge the battery if it is not a
rechargeable type.
For Remote Controller
OReplace battery with part No. CR2025 only.
ODo not recharge the battery.
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
SHOCK HAZARD, KEEP THIS
EQUIPMENT AWAY FROM ALL
LIQUIDS-USE AND STORE ONLY IN
LOCATIONS WHICH ARE NOT
EXPOSED TO THE RISK OF DRIPPING
OR SPLASHING LIQUIDS, AND DO
NOT PLACE ANY LIQUID CONTAINERS
ON TOP OF THE EQUIPMENT. 
						

							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 manufacturers
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 fit 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 fit, 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 fit 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. 
						

							4
Important Safeguards
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.
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 fire 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 fire 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 qualified service personnel.
19. Damage Requiring Service — Unplug this
video unit from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to qualified service personnel
under the following conditions:
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is
damaged.
b. If any liquid has been spilled onto, or
objects have fallen into 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 peration.
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
specified by the manufacturer or have the
same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
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.
FCC Warning:Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment would void the user’s
authority to operate.
ANTENNA LEAD IN WIRE
GROUND
CLAMP
ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
NEC – NATIONAL
ELECTRICAL CODEANTENNA DISCHARGE UNIT 
(NEC SECTION 810-20)
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM 
(NEC ART 250, PART H) 
						

							5
Information for Your Safety
As this equipment 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.
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or
product damage, do not expose this
equipment to rain, moisture, dripping or
splashing and ensure that no objects filled
with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on
the equipment.
Camera Recorder
OThe rating plate is on the underside of the
Camera Recorder.
AC Adaptor
OThe rating plate is on the underside of the
AC Adaptor.
$Carefully read the Operating
Instructions and use the Camera
Recorder correctly.
OInjury or material damage resulting from any
kind of use that is not in accordance with the
operating procedures explained in these
Operating Instructions are the sole
responsibility of the user.
Try out the Camera Recorder.
Be sure to try out the Camera Recorder before
recording your first important event and check that it
records properly and functions correctly.
The manufacturer is not liable for loss of recorded
contents.
The manufacturer shall in no event be liable for the
loss of recordings due to malfunction or defect of this
Camera Recorder, its accessories or cassettes.
Carefully observe copyright laws.
Recording of pre-recorded tapes or discs or other
published or broadcast material for purposes other
than your own private use may infringe copyright laws.
Even for the purpose of private use, recording of
certain material may be restricted.
OAll company and product names in the operating
instructions are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective corporations.
Pages for reference
Pages for reference are indicated by dashes either
side of a number, for example:  -00-
$WARNINGTo prevent electric shock, do not remove the
cover (or back); there are no user serviceable
parts inside. 
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
Use only the recommended accessories.
$Notes about Video Head CloggingOWhen the Camera Recorder’s video heads have
become clogged with dirt (dust and tape coating
particles), the [ ] Indication appears.  In addition,
the playback picture Ais distorted with mosaic-like
patterns (1 or 2 ).  When the clogging further
worsens, the whole screen may be black during
playback 3 .
OTo clean video heads that have become clogged
with dirt, use the Digital Video Head Cleaner.
OIf you want to purchase the same Digital Video
Head Cleaner, please contact your Panasonic
dealer to obtain it from the Panasonic spare parts
department (part number VFK1451).
OIf the video heads again become clogged with dirt
soon after cleaning, this might be caused by
damaged tape.
In this case, stop using that cassette.  We
recommend that you use Panasonic cassettes. 
						

							6
Contents
Standard Accessories  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Optional Accessories  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Controls and Components  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
The Remote Controller  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Power Supply  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Charging Time and Available Recording Time . . . . .13
Lens Cap and Grip Belt  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Attaching the Shoulder Strap  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Inserting a Cassette  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Turning on the Camera Recorder and Selecting 
Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Using the Viewfinder/LCD Monitor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Using the Menu Screen  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
List of Menus  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Setting Date and Time  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Internal Lithium Battery Recharge  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
LP Mode  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Audio Recording Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Holding the Camera Recorder for Recording  . . . . . .19
Recording  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Photoshot  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Zoom In/Out Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Digital Zoom Function  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Image Stabilizer Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Fade In/Out Functions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Backlight Compensation Function  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Wind Noise Reduction Function  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Cinema Function  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Recording in Special Situations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Recording in Natural Colors  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Adjusting White Balance Manually  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Manual Shutter Speed Adjustment  . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Manual Iris Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Manual Focus Adjustment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Picture Effect Functions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Adjusting the Microphone Sensitivity Level  . . . . . . .31Playing Back  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Finding a Scene You Want to Play Back  . . . . . . . . .33
Slow Motion Playback  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Still Playback/Still Advance Playback  . . . . . . . . . . .34
Finding the End of Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Index Search Functions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Playback Zoom Function  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Playback Digital Effect Functions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Playing Back on Your TV  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Audio Dubbing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Copying on an S-VHS (or a VHS) Cassette  . . . . . . .39
Recording the Contents of Other Equipment  . . . . . .39
Using the DV Cable for Recording  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Indications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Warning/Alarm Indications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Notes and Hints  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Cautions for Use  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Before Requesting Repair (Problems and 
Solutions)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Explanation of Terms  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 
						

							7
B B B B
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U U U U
s s s s
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Standard Accessories
Illustrated are accessories supplied with the Camera
Recorder.
Optional Accessories
1) AC Adaptor (AG-B15)
2) Stereo Microphone (AG-MC15)
3) Battery Pack (Lithium/CGR-D16/
CGR-D220/1600mAh)
4) Battery Pack (Lithium/CGP-D28/
CGP-D320/2800mAh)
5) Wide Conversion Lens (AG-LW4307)
OSome optional accessories may not be available
in some countries.
1) AC Adaptor, DC Input Lead and AC Mains
Lead -12-
2) Battery Pack -12-
3) Remote Controller and Button-Type Battery
-10-, -11-
4) Lens Cap -13-
5) Shoulder Strap -13-
6) Digital Video Head Cleaner -47-
1)2)
5)4)
6)
3) 
						

							8
B B B B
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APicture Effect Button [PIC.E.] -29-
BMenu Button [MENU] -16-
CFocus Button [FOCUS] -29-
DRewind/Review Button [6] -32-
Reverse Search Button [SEARCH –] -20-
Recording Check Button [ ] -20-
EStop Button [$] -32-
Fade Button [FADE] -24-
FPlay Button [1] -32-
Backlight Button [BLC] -25-
GFast Forward/Cue Button [5] -32-
Forward Search Button [SEARCH +] -20-
HPause Button [;] -34-
Still Button [STILL] -22-
IEyepiece Corrector Knob -15-
JSmart Accessory Shoes
OThe External Stereo Microphone (option), etc.
can be attached here.
KMicrophone (built-in, stereo) -23-
LExternal Microphone Socket [EXT MIC]
OConnect with an external microphone or audio
equipment. (When this socket is in use, the built-
in microphone does not operate.)
MPhotoshot Button [PHOTO SHOT] -22-
NZoom Lever [W/T] -23-
OGrip Belt -13-
PShoulder Strap Holders -13-
QSub Zoom Lever [W/T] -19-
RSub Recording Start/Stop Button -19-
SBattery Eject Button [PUSH] -12-
TBattery Holder
UDC Input Socket [DC IN] -12-
VDV Terminal [DV] -40-
OConnect this to the digital video equipment.
J
K
L
MNO
DC IN 7.9V
VIDEO
IN/OUTAUDIO
L––R
IN/OUTS-VIDEO
IN/OUT
Q
P
S
T
U
V
WX YZ[\]^ R
Controls and Components
$Camera Recorder
1White Balance Sensor -27-
2Recording Lamp -20-
3Remote Control Sensor -11-
4Lens
5Lens Hood -49-
6Lens Hood Attachment knob -49-
7Focus Ring -29-
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
8Eyecup -49-9Viewfinder -15-, -49-
ODue to limitations in LCD production technology,
there may be some tiny bright or dark spots on the
Viewfinder screen. However, this is not a
malfunction and does not affect the recorded
picture.
:LCD Monitor Open Button [PUSH OPEN] -15-
;LCD Monitor -15-, -49-
ODue to limitations in LCD production technology,
there may be some tiny bright or dark spots on the
LCD Monitor screen. However, this is not a
malfunction and does not affect the recorded
picture.
Multi-Function Dial [PUSH] -16-, -26-, -32-
?Mode Selector Switch
[AUTO/MANUAL/PROG.AE] -20-, -26-
@Digital Effect Button [DIG.E.] -24-
MENUFOCUS
W.B/SHUTTER/IRIS
PUSHDIG.E.PIC.E.
BLC
FADESTILL
SEARCHSEARCH
MANUALPROG. AE
AUTO
VOL/JOG
8
9
:
;
BC D EF
G
H ?@ AI 
						

							9
B B B B
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U U U U
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Controls and Components
$Camera Recorder
WS-Video Input/Output Socket [S-VIDEO IN/OUT] 
-37-, -39-
XVideo Input/Output Socket [VIDEO IN/OUT] 
-37-, -39-
YAudio Input/Output Sockets [AUDIO IN/OUT] 
-37-, -39-
ZHeadphone Socket [PHONES] -44-
[Cassette Eject Lever [
						

							10
B B B B
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Controls and Components
$Remote ControllerUsing the wireless Remote Controller that is supplied
with the Camera Recorder, most of the Camera
Recorder functions can be operated from a distance.
dDate/Time Button [DATE/TIME] -41-
eIndication Output Button [OSD] -37-
fCounter Indication Shift Button [COUNTER] 
-41-
gReset Button [RESET] -52-
hRecording Button [REC] -39-, -40-
iAudio Dubbing Button [A.DUB] -38-
jCursor Buttons for Variable Speed Search
Function [V,B] -33-
Direction Buttons for Playback Zoom Function 
[V,B, N, M] -36-
kSlow Motion/Still Advance Buttons [E, D] 
(E: reverse, D:forward) -33-
lIndex Search Buttons [:,9] 
(:: reverse, 9:forward) -35-
mSelection Button [SELECT] -36-
nStore Button [STORE] -36-
oOff/On Button [OFF/ON] -36-
pZoom/Volume Button [ZOOM/VOL] 
-23-, -32-, -36-
qVariable Speed Search Button [VAR. SEARCH] 
-33-
rPlayback Zoom Button [P.B. ZOOM] -36-
The following buttons function in the same manner as
the corresponding buttons on the Camera Recorder.sPhotoshot Button [PHOTO SHOT] -22-
tRewind/Review Button [6] -20-, -33-
uPause Button [;] -34-
vStop Button [$] -32-
wRecording Start/Stop Button [START/STOP] 
-20-
xPlay Button [1] -32-
yFast-forward/Cue Button [5] -32-
zMenu Button [MENU] -16-
{Set Button [SET] -16-
|Item Button [ITEM] -16-
OSDCOUNTERRESET TITLE
STILL ADVPAUSESTILL ADVINDEXSELECTSTOREOFF/ONP.B.DIGITAL
VAR.
SEARCH
– VOL +
PB.
ZOOMMENU
SET
ITEM
STOP INDEX
MULTI/
P-IN-PREC A.DUB
PLAYC/REW FF/ B
ZOOM DATE/
TIMEPHOTO
SHOTSTART/
STOP
d
e
f
gh
i
j
OSDCOUNTERRESET TITLE
STILL ADVPAUSESTILL ADVINDEXSELECTSTOREOFF/ONP.B.DIGITAL
VAR.
SEARCH
– VOL +
PB.
ZOOMMENU
SET
ITEM
STOP INDEX
MULTI/
P-IN-PREC A.DUB
PLAYC/REW FF/ B
ZOOM DATE/
TIMEPHOTO
SHOTSTART/
STOP
kp
q
r l
m
n
o
OSDCOUNTERRESET TITLE
STILL ADVPAUSESTILL ADVINDEXSELECTSTOREOFF/ONP.B.DIGITAL
VAR.
SEARCH
– VOL  +
PB.
ZOOMMENU
SET
ITEM
STOP INDEX
MULTI/
P-IN-PREC A.DUB
PLAYC/REW FF/ B
ZOOM DATE/
TIMEPHOTO
SHOTSTART/
STOPs
t
u
vw
x
y
z
{
|