Panasonic AJ-D215P Operating Instructions Manual
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Panasonic AJ-D215P Operating Instructions Manual

Panasonic AJ-D215P Operating Instructions Manual

Dvcpro digital camera recorder
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Digital Camera Recorder
AJ-
P

Operating Instructions

Printed in Japan
P
F0199W1049 @
@
VQT8067-1

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Summary of Contents for Panasonic AJ-D215P

  • Page 1: Operating Instructions

    Digital Camera Recorder Operating Instructions Printed in Japan F0199W1049 @ VQT8067-1...
  • Page 2 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”...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Precaution for Use...5 Features...5 Points to be borne in mind ...5 System chart ...6 Parts and their functions ...7–12 14a a power zoom lens (option) ...13, 14 Viewfinder displays ...15-18 LED displays ...15 Character displays ...15 Error message displays...16, 17 Preparations...18–34 OAttaching the peripheral units ...18–30 Attaching the lens...18...
  • Page 4 Normal recording...43–45 Zebra pattern display ...44 Gain settings ...44 High-speed shutter...45 Audio recording...46 Rec review...47 Retake ...47 Still-picture playback ...47 Menu items...48–57 Setting procedure...48, 49 MAIN FUNCTION menu...50 AUDIO menu...51 VF DISPLAY menu...52 CAMERA SETTING menu ...53 TIME/DATE menu ...54 MAINTENANCE menu ...55 SCENE data (news gathering data recording) ...56, 57 Replacing the back-up battery ...58...

  • Page 5: Precaution For Use

    Precautions for Use 1. Vibration Avoid using this product in any location where it will be subjected to a great deal of vibration. 2. Ambient operating temperature This product is designed to operate across a temperature range of 32°F to 104°F (0°C to +40°C). Adequate care should be taken when the product stet operated outside this range since it may develop differences in interchangeability or it may not function properly, and its active service life will be shortened.

  • Page 6: System Chart

    ABDT14 ABT14 ABDP14 ABP14 Anton/Bauer battery charger ABC800H Camera light Carrying case ABUL2S SHAN-B800 Digital Camera Recorder AJ-D215P Tripod mount adaptor SHAN-TM700 Battery case AU-M402H Battery pack Battery pack AU-BP402 AU-BP220 Battery charger AG-B425 – 6 – Digital Video...

  • Page 7: Parts And Their Functions

    Parts and their functions > < 1 2 3 4 5 6 GAIN selector switch When the camera picture is too dark, increase the gain to brighten the picture by setting this switch. 0dB: The switch is normally kept at this position.
  • Page 8 OUTPUT selector switch CAM: The video signals shot by the camera are output. BAR: The color bar signals are output. <Note> Shown in the figure below are the output levels which are shown as color bar signals by this unit. It should be noted that these are not SMPTE color bars.
  • Page 9 AUDIO OUT connectors (pin jacks) S-VIDEO OUT connector (Y/C connector) CAUTION: Bear in mind that if any action that involves playing back a tape on this VTR (such as REC CHECK or retake) is taken while a back-up VTR is connected to the S-VIDEO OUT connector to record pictures, the pictures played back by this unit will be recorded on the back-up VTR.
  • Page 10 Lens locking lever After the lens has been attached to the lens mount, this lever is tightened up to lock the lens in position. Lens mount (bayonet type) This attaches the lens. < LENS connector (12-pin) The connecting cord of the lens is connected here.

  • Page 11: Function Buttons

    Function buttons STOP PLAY 1 2 1 3 REW (rewind)/FF (fast forward) buttons O When the REW or FF button is pressed while the tape has stopped traveling, the tape is rewound or fast forwarded at the normal rewinding or fast forwarding speed in the E-E mode.
  • Page 12 Audio input selector (MIC SELECT) switches These switches are used to select the CH1 and CH2 audio input. FRONT: Set to this position when recording audio signals from incorporated in the camera. REAR: Set to this position when connecting external microphones to the audio input connectors (XLR 3P) on the rear panel and recording the audio signals from these microphones.

  • Page 13: 14A A Power Zoom Lens (Option)

    14 a a Power Zoom Lens (option) Automatic iris control This enables the automatic iris speed to be adjusted. Removal of the rubber cap reveals the control inside. The speed is increasing by turning the control clockwise but take care not to turn it too far since hunting (continuous cycling) will occur.
  • Page 14 Iris ring To adjust the iris, set the lens iris selector switch (IRIS) to M, and turn this ring. Flange back adjustment ring To adjust the flange back, loosen the flange back locking knob, and turn this ring. The ring must be adjusted when the lens has been replaced or when a lens has been mounted for the first time.

  • Page 15: Viewfinder Displays

    Viewfinder displays LED displays AUDIO TALLY STBY GAIN BATT Character displays Remaining tape display Audio CH1 level meter ----------+++++ ----------+++++ SHUTTER 1/100 Audio CH2 level meter TCG 00:00:00:00 Time code display AUDIO (yellow): This is not used in this system. TALLY (red): This lights during recording.

  • Page 16: Error Message Displays

    Error message displays When an error occurs, an error message appears in the viewfinder. There are two types of error messages: those which appear when the power is switched on, and those which appear during operation. The tables given below indicate the causes and remedial action for the corresponding error messages. Error messages which appear when the power is switched on Error display BACKUP...
  • Page 17 Error messages which appear during operation Error display BRIGHT This appears when the white balance is to be ERROR adjusted (when the AUTO W/B BAL switch was operated) or when the screen is excessively bright. TOO DARK ERROR This appears when the white balance is to be adjusted (when the AUTO W/B BAL switch was operated) or when the screen is excessively dark.

  • Page 18: Preparations

    Preparations $ Attaching the peripheral units Attaching the lens Position the lens, insert it, and lock it in place using the lens locking lever. Connect the cord to the LENS connector, and secure it using the cable clamp. Notes: LENS connector $ Refer to the operating instructions accompanying the lens for details on handling the lens.

  • Page 19: Mounting The Viewfinder

    Mounting the viewfinder Align the positions of the marks (red), and fit into place. Turn the viewfinder locking ring to lock the viewfinder into place. Marks (red) Viewfinder locking ring The viewfinder can be turned by 90 degrees by loosening the locking ring. –...

  • Page 20: Removing The Eye Cup

    Removing the eye cup Eye cup unlocking lever Adjusting the eyepiece position Adjusting the eye cup position LOCK Eye cup stopper 1Move the eye cup unlocking lever is the direction indicated by the arrow. Eye cup 2Slide the eye cup in the direction indicated to remove it.

  • Page 21: When Using A Battery Pack Made By Anton Bauer

    When using a battery pack made by Anton/Bauer Before using the battery pack, charge it using the special battery charger made by Anton/Bauer. For the charging time and other details, refer to the operating instructions of the battery charger used. Attach the battery pack made by Anton/Bauer.

  • Page 22: When Using The Au-Bp402 Battery Pack

    When using the AU-BP402 battery pack Charge the AU-BP402 battery pack using the AG-B425 battery charger. It takes about an hour to charge the battery pack. For further details, refer to the operating instructions accompanying the AG-B425 battery charger. Remove the battery holder. Connect the unit’s cables to the AU-M402H battery case cables.
  • Page 23 Mount the AU-M402H battery case onto the unit using a screwdriver. Holes with the screws recessed inside can be seen when the cover is opened and the rubber caps are lifted. Tighten up these screws using a screwdriver so that the battery case is mounted onto the unit. Tighten the screws up all the way.
  • Page 24 Set menu item 7. BATTERY (BATT.SELECT) to NiCd12V. Menu item screen (viewfinder) – MAIN FUNCTION – TCG CLEAR RECRUN/FREERUN DF/NDF SCENE DATA SAVE SCENE DATA UNDEL F BATT. SELECT BACK TALLY MENU INITIALIZE For further details, refer to the menu items (pages 48 to 50). : REC : DF : NiCd12...

  • Page 25: When Using The Np-1B Battery Made By Sony

    When using the NP-1B battery made by Sony Charge the NP-1B battery using the special battery charger made by Sony. For the charging time and other details, refer to the operating instructions accompanying the battery charger used. Remove the battery holder. Attach the accessory NP-1B mounting connector.
  • Page 26 Mount the battery holder made by Sony Before proceeding any further, remove the battery holder cover. 1Mount the battery case using the mounting screws. 2Tighten the power contact screw. 3Insert the top of the cover in the direction indicated by the arrow. 4Align the hole at the bottom (metal part) of the cover with the hole at the bottom of the battery case and mount the battery holder using the screw provided with the NP-1B mounting connector.

  • Page 27: When Using An Ac Power Source (When Using The Au-B110/Aj-B75 Ac Adaptor)

    When using an AC power source (when using the AU-B110/AJ-B75 AC adaptor) Connect the unit’s external DC input socket to the DC OUT connector on the AU-B110/AJ-B75 AC adaptor. AC adaptor OAU-B110 (optional accessory) OAJ-B75 (optional accessory) Turn on the AC adaptor’s power. Set the unit’s POWER switch to the ON position.

  • Page 28: Attaching The Microphone Holder (Option)

    Attaching the microphone holder (option) The AJ-MC700/WM-L30 or other optional microphone can be used in place of the microphone which accompanies the unit. Remove the microphone on the main unit. Attach the microphone holder. Screws Remove the two screws to remove the connector and then remove the microphone.

  • Page 29: Mounting The Unit Onto A Tripod

    Mounting the unit onto a tripod The tripod mount adaptor, which is sold separately, is used to mount the unit onto a tripod. Attach the tripod mount adaptor to the tripod. NOTE: Mount the unit onto the tripod mount adaptor. Tripod head Take the center of gravity of the unit and tripod mount adaptor into consideration when selecting the hole for the attachment.

  • Page 30: Fastening The Shoulder Belt (Option)

    Disengaging the unit from the tripod mount adaptor NOTE: Fastening the shoulder belt (option) The tab opens when pressed. NOTE: Black lever Red lever Move the black lever in the direction indicated by the arrow while holding down the red lever, and disengage the unit by sliding it toward you. If the pin of the tripod mount adaptor fails to return to its original position after the unit has been disengaged, again move the black lever in the direction indicated by the arrow while holding down the...

  • Page 31: Adjusting The Shoulder Pad Position

    Adjusting the shoulder pad position The shoulder pad can be adjusted by sliding it in the forward or backward direction from its center position (shipment position) by up to 15 mm on either side. Adjust it to the position where you find it easiest to operate. Loosen the two screws.

  • Page 32: Osetting The Date And Time

    $ Setting the date and time The first step to take after purchasing the unit is to set the date and time. (With a DVCPRO VTR, the shooting date and time data is recorded separately from the images. In order for this data to be recorded correctly, first set the date and time.) POWER Set the POWER switch to ON.
  • Page 33 Set the date and time using the ITEM, UP and DOWN buttons. Keep pressing the ITEM button until the arrow indicates “ $ TIME/DATE SET.” Setting screen (viewfinder) – TIME/DATE – YEAR MONTH HOUR MINUTE $ TIME/DATE SET The date and time settings are entered when the UP or DOWN button is pressed.

  • Page 34: Adjusting The Viewfinder

    $ Adjusting the viewfinder Adjusting the viewfinder diopter GAIN MEMO PRST 12/18 A T W Set the POWER switch to ON. Turn the diopter control and adjust it so that the viewfinder image can be seen clearly. Adjusting the viewfinder’s brightness and contrast GAIN OUTPUT MEMO...

  • Page 35: Adjusting The Lens Flange

    $ Adjusting the lens flange The lens flange is adjusted when the lens fails to be focused at both the telephoto and wide-angle positions because it has been mounted for the first time or because it has been replaced. This adjustment need be done only once provided that the lens is not replaced. Approx.

  • Page 36: Adjustments During Shooting

    Adjustments during shooting Camera posture If the camera is held rather than secured on the tripod for shooting, the images will feature plenty of movement but there will be a lack of stability. Hold the camera in such a way as to prevent camera shake. Camera movements Basically, the camera should be fixed in position for shooting.

  • Page 37: Exposure Adjustment

    Exposure adjustment The exposure varies according to the lens iris. The lens iris can be adjusted using the automatic iris or manual iris settings. Lens iris selector switch O Automatic iris Set the lens iris selector switch (IRIS) to “A.” The iris is automatically adjusted to obtain the brightness which is commensurate with the subject.

  • Page 38: Zooming

    Zooming Both power zoom and manual zoom functions are available for zooming. Power zoom involves simply pressing a switch and selecting telephoto (TELE) or wide angle (WIDE); manual zoom involves operating the zoom ring and selecting telephoto or wide angle. Zooming Telephoto Wide angle...

  • Page 39: How To Take Close-Ups

    How to take close-ups The close-up (macro) function comes in handy when shooting insects, flowers or other subjects positioned at close distances of up to 1 meter or so from the unit. (FUJINON lens) (CANON lens) Also refer to the operating instructions accompanying the lens you have purchased. Bring the lens up close to the subject.

  • Page 40: Light Sources And Color Temperatures

    Light sources and color temperatures When shooting a subject, it is necessary to adjust the white balance to a setting which matches the light source. A light source is expressed using a color temperature (K). The bluer the light, the higher the temperature; conversely, the redder the light, the lower the temperature.

  • Page 41: White Balance Adjustment

    White balance adjustment This adjustment may be skipped when the white balance selector switch is used at the ATW position (automatic tracking wide balance mode) or PRST position (for shooting under a predetermined light source). Set the POWER switch to ON. Set the white balance selector switch to MEMO.

  • Page 42: White Balance Adjustment

    Shoot the white object so that it fills the screen, and set the AUTO W/B BAL switch to AWB. How to use the automatic tracking white (ATW) balance mode The automatic tracking white balance mode is established when the white balance selector switch (AUTO W/B BAL) is set to the ATW position.

  • Page 43: Normal Recording

    Normal recording Set the POWER switch to ON. Press the EJECT button to open the cassette holder, and insert the cassette tape. Set the camera switches as shown below. Point the camera at the subject and adjust the focus and zoom. Press the VTR START/STOP button to start the recording.

  • Page 44: Zebra Pattern Display

    Zebra pattern display A zebra pattern can be displayed on a bright part (over approx. 85 IRE) of the image. ZEBRA Lens iris selector switch Gain settings When shooting in locations with insufficient lighting, a brighter image can be produced by increasing the gain. However, it should be borne in mind that the noise will also increase when the gain is raised.

  • Page 45: High-Speed Shutter

    High-speed shutter Camera shake can be minimized when shooting moving subjects by increasing the shutter speed. Furthermore, shooting under fluorescent lights produces flickering images, and this flickering can be reduced by changing the shutter speed when shooting. How to change the shutter speed Notes: The SHUTTER switch is non-locking at the SELECT position.

  • Page 46: Audio Recording

    Audio recording Audio monitor level control Select the desired input signals using the audio input selector switches. Adjust the recording levels using the audio level controls. Notes: Remarks: CH 1 MENU CTL RESET When using the built-in microphone i FRONT When using external microphones The recording levels can be checked in the viewfinder.

  • Page 47: Rec Review

    Rec review When the camera’s RET button is pressed while the VTR is in the REC PAUSE mode (which is established after the tape has finished moving back automatically), rec review is conducted so that the quality of what has already been recorded can be checked. O The amount by which the tape moves backward can be controlled from 3 to 10 seconds by either pressing the camera’s RET button and releasing it immediately or holding it down.

  • Page 48: Menu Items

    Menu items Setting procedure Set the MENU SET/OFF switch to SET. When the MENU SET/OFF switch is set to SET while the unit is in the stop, eject or rec pause mode, the menu screen is displayed. Press the PAGE button. The menu screens are switched in succession as shown below by pressing the PAGE button.
  • Page 49 Press the ITEM button. The ITEM button is pressed to select items on each of the menu screens. Each time the ITEM button is pressed, the arrow at the left of the screen moves. The item indicated by the arrow is the item currently selected. Press the UP or DOWN button.

  • Page 50: Main Function Menu

    MAIN FUNCTION menu iTCG CLEAR RECRUN/FREERUN DF/NDF SCENE DATA SAVE SCENE DATA UNDEL BATT. SELECT BACK TALLY MENU INITIALIZE Menu item Mode setting TCG CLEAR RECRUN/FREERUN FREE DF/NDF SCENE DATA SAVE SCENE DATA UNDEL BATT. SELECT NiCd12 NiCd13 NiCd14 DIGIT BACK TALLY MENU INITIALIZE The underlining for the mode settings indicates the modes selected before the unit was shipped from the...

  • Page 51: Audio Menu

    AUDIO menu iFRONT PHANTOM FRONT MIC REAR CH1 MIC REAR CH2 MIC CUE REC SELECT Menu item Mode setting FRONT PHANTOM FRONT MIC –60 dB –50 dB –40 dB REAR CH1 MIC –60 dB –50 dB –40 dB REAR CH2 MIC –60 dB –50 dB –40 dB...

  • Page 52: Vf Display Menu

    VF DISPLAY menu iLEVEL METER IRIS (F No.) BATTERY TAPE REMAIN TC/CTL COUNTER Menu item Mode setting LEVEL METER IRIS (F No.) BATTERY TAPE REMAIN TC/CTL COUNTER The underlining for the mode settings indicates the modes selected before the unit was shipped from the factory.

  • Page 53: Camera Setting Menu

    CAMERA SETTING menu iGAIN SELECT WHITE PRESET AUTO IRIS SETUP LEVEL DETAIL LEVEL CHROMA PHASE CHROMA GAIN TV 4 : 3 16 : 9 PICTURE MODE Menu item Mode setting GAIN SELECT 0/6/12 0/9/18 WHITE PRESET INDOOR OUTDOOR FLUOR AUTO IRIS –3.0 SETUP LEVEL 7.5%...

  • Page 54: Time/Date Menu

    TIME/DATE menu iYEAR MONTH HOUR MINUTE $ TIME/DATE SET Note: Menu item Mode setting YEAR MONTH HOUR MINUTE – TIME/DATE – : 97 : 06 : 13 : 10 : 02 Make absolutely sure that the arrow is moved to the “ SET”...

  • Page 55: Maintenance Menu

    MAINTENANCE menu OPERATION DRUM RUNNING THREADING i GARBAGE COLLECTION (Don’t power off) Menu item OPERATION Indicates the number of hours during which power has been supplied to the unit to date. DRUM RUNNING Indicates the total accumulated number of hours during which the head cylinder has been operating to date.

  • Page 56: Scene Data (News Gathering Data Recording)

    SCENE data (news gathering data recording) If SCENE data is used for future non-linear editing or other such applications, it will be possible to do the job extremely efficiently. SCENE data is an information exchange system for enhancing efficiency during editing.
  • Page 57 Saving the SCENE data onto the tape The SCENE data is saved before the tape is ejected. Normally, it is saved after the final cut has been shot. Set the menu SET/OFF selector switch to SET and display the MAIN FUNCTION MENU.

  • Page 58: Replacing The Back-Up Battery

    Replacing the back-up battery The unit is shipped from the factory with a back-up battery already installed. The “BACKUP BATTERY EMPTY” message appears in the viewfinder when the back-up battery has run down. Consult with your dealer, and replace the battery with a new one (CR2032 or BR2032). Backup (lithium) battery –...

  • Page 59: Selecting The Audio Input

    Selecting the audio input To connect phantom microphones or the line input to the audio input connectors on the rear panel, set the internal switches (audio input selector switches) to the appropriate positions. When an ordinary microphone is used (factory settings): When a phantom microphone is to be used: Set the switches to the above positions.

  • Page 60: Tips On Lighting

    Tips on lighting Studio lighting Use halogen lamps with a color temperature of 3,000K to 3,200K for lighting in a studio. If the color temperature of the light source differs from this value, the colors of the subject will appear differently to what is seen by eye. The shadows may take on colors or the image may not appear with the proper colors.

  • Page 61: Tips On Outdoor Shooting

    Tips on outdoor shooting If the subject is too bright when, for instance, shooting outdoors under a clear sky, adjust the brightness either using the electronic shutter or the built-in ND filter. Phenomena inherent to CCD cameras The following phenomena are known to arise in CCD cameras. Smear Although this unit has extremely low smear characteristics, smear may arise when shooting an extremely bright subject.

  • Page 62: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting If you suspect trouble in your unit, proceed with the inspections or adjustments described below. Consult your dealer if the trouble persists even after you have taken the remedial action suggested. Symptom O The power fails to come on. O The low battery warning is given (BATT LED or TALLY LED lights or flashes).

  • Page 63: Condensation

    Condensation Condensation may form on the head cylinder when the unit is moved from a cold location into a warm room or when it is operated in a humid environment. The principle behind this phenomenon is the same as when droplets of water form on the window panes of a heated room.

  • Page 64: Maintenance

    Maintenance O The unit has a precision-made construction inside which is designed to deliver a high performance. Take care to conduct proper maintenance in order to keep the unit in perfect working order for many years to come. Sophisticated technology and equipment are required to replenish the oil, replace the parts or adjust the electrical components.

  • Page 65: Specifications

    Specifications [GENERAL] Power supply: Power consumption: 16W (main unit including viewfinder) Operating ambient temperature: Storage ambient temperature: Operating ambient humidity: Continuous operation time: Dimensions (W a a H a a D): Weight: [CAMERA] Image sensor: Pixels: Horizontal drive frequency: Sensitivity: Minimum illumination: 5 lux (f/1.4 +18 dB) S/N ratio: Horizontal resolution: Approx.
  • Page 66 [VTR] The video and audio performance specifications apply for a tape which has been recorded on this unit and played back on a standard player (ANALOG COMPONENT OUT). Tape speed: Recording/playback time: FF/REW time: Video signal band: S/N ratio: Linearity: Y/C delay: Audio sampling frequency: Quantizing:...
  • Page 68 DIVISION OF MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC CORPORATION OF AMERICA Executive Office: 3330 Cahuenga Blvd W., Los Angeles, CA 90068 (323) 436-3500 EASTERN ZONE: One Panasonic Way 4E-7, Secaucus, NJ 07094 (201) 348-7621 Mid-Atlantic/New England: One Panasonic Way 4E-7, Secaucus, NJ 07094 (201) 348-7621 Southeast Region:...

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