Camcorder Operating Instructions Model No. VM-L152 Getting Started R Basic Operation Special Features For assistance, please call : 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or send e-mail to : consumerproducts@panasonic.com LSQT0598A 01.L152 Getting p01-07 1 02.2.18, 1:38 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 supplied 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 Quick Operation Guide .....................................................................................
Quick Operation Guide Insert Cassette Charge Battery Pack fully before operation (page 8). 1 2 2 Plug in AC Adaptor. Insert Battery. CHARGE Lamp flashes, then stays lit when charging is complete. 1 3 4 Attach fully charged Battery (page 8). Slide TAPE EJECT to open door. Insert cassette (page 10). Press here to Protection Film close door. Note: • Remove the Protection Film before use. Camera Recording See page 16. 1 Press LCD-OPEN to unlock the LCD monitor.
Supplying Power Charging the Battery Pack 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 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 Cassette Insertion/Removal 1 1 3 2 3 4 5 2 4 5 Turn Tape Wheel in direction of arrow until there is no slack. Attach Battery (page 8). 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 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. Hand Strap 3 Re-insert the strap ends into buckles. 3 2 1 min. 25.
Using MENU Mode Before you begin... • 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 DISPLAY to set selection. Press MENU to exit. Note: • The Menu mode is canceled if UP/DOWN, DISPLAY, or MENU are not pressed within 5 minutes when Self Demo mode is off.
Setting the Clock 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 . [ CAMERA MODE ] 2 1, 2, 3, 4 3 [ VCR MODE ] Press DISPLAY for CLOCK SET menu. Press UP or DOWN to select TIME ZONE, DST, or DATE/TIME. Press DISPLAY for menu of item selected in step 2. To change the setting: TIME ZONE ➔ Go to step 3a on page 14. D.S.T. ➔ Go to step 3b on page 14. DATE/TIME ➔ Go to step 3c on page 14.
Setting the Clock 3a Setting the Time Zone The Camcorder is preset to Eastern time. [ Time Zone chart ] Press UP or DOWN to select local time zone. Press DISPLAY 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” bottom of page.
Built-in Auto Light For recording in dim lighting. • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Set POWER to CAMERA. 1 LIGHT 1, 2, 3 CAUTION: Light becomes hot. Never cover Light while on. 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.
Camera Recording Recording via EVF or LCD Monitor View recording scene on EVF (Electronic Viewer Finder) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor. Before you begin... • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Insert cassette with record tab (page 10). 1 1 3 3 BRIGHT ADJUSTMENT 2 VISION ADJUSTMENT CAUTION : Rotating partially open LCD monitor may block cassette door and damage Camcorder body.
Camera Recording Before you begin... • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Insert cassette with record tab (page 10). 2, 3, 4 3 1 , b, c , A, C a , d, D 4 Manual Easy Editing Set POWER to CAMERA. Basic Operation c B 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 Programmed Recording Set a recording start and stop time. Or, set a 5 or 10 second interval recording to be done each minute. Before you begin... • Connect Camcorder to power source. Use AC Adaptor for longer recordings. • Insert cassette with record tab (page 10). • Set POWER to CAMERA. 1 1, 2, 3 2 3 4 Press MENU for MENU mode. Press UP or DOWN to select PROGRAMMED REC . Press DISPLAY. (Current time is displayed.) Each additional press of DISPLAY increases start time by 30 minutes.
Playing Back Recordings Before you begin... • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Insert recorded tape. Playback on EVF or LCD Monitor 1 2 1 Speaker 3D A 3 C E B STILL 3 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. A REW : Rewind tape. B PLAY : Play tape. C STOP : Stop tape. D BRIGHT : Adjust LCD monitor brightness. E VOLUME: During playback, adjust volume of speaker.
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 2 3 Audio/ Video Out Set POWER to: VCR ➞ view playback. CAMERA ➞ view picture as it is recorded. Turn TV ON and set to LINE INPUT. See TV owner’s manual. Begin playback or recording.
Copying your Tapes (dubbing) Before you begin... Connections STOP Source (Playing) Camcorder • 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. PLAY STILL 1 Audio/ Video Out Press PLAY on Camcorder, then press STILL at starting point. Press REC, then STILL/PAUSE on VCR. Press STILL on Camcorder and STILL/ PAUSE on VCR to start copying. Press STOP on both units to stop copying.
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”) WT 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 Use when subject is darker than surroundings, in shadowed area, or in front of the light source.
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 10). • 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 2 FADE 1, 2, 3, 4 3 Press DISPLAY for VIDEO EFFECTS menu. Press UP or DOWN to select AUTO FADE . Press DISPLAY for AUTO FADE ; COLOR menu. Press UP or DOWN to select BLACK or WHITE. Press DISPLAY to confirm entry. Press MENU to exit. RECORD/ PAUSE Fade In Fade In: In RECORD/PAUSE mode, press FADE so “FADE” flashes in EVF or LCD monitor. Press RECORD/PAUSE.
Color Digital Fade Choose from 7 fade effects in 8 different colors. Before you begin... • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Set POWER to CAMERA. 1 2 6 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 3 EVF or LCD monitor 4 ■ For more effects, stop fade in or fade out at any time (except RANDOM mode) by pressing FADE. Then, press FADE to resume fade. Note: • Audio is not affected by fade. • To cancel Digital Fade, do steps 1, 2, and 5. In step 2, select AUTO FADE. 26 5 6 Press MENU for MENU mode.
Digital Zoom Power Zoom magnification is digitally increased. 2 Before you begin... • Connect Camcorder to power source. • Set POWER to CAMERA. 1 1, 3 2 3 Press D. ZOOM. once ➞D.ZOOM 1 (150× maximum) twice ➞D.ZOOM 2 (700x maximum) The Higher digital magnification levels may cause picture distortion. Hold down “T” on POWER ZOOM. Digital Zoom starts when normal zoom reaches maximum (20×). • Zoom level appears in EVF. • POWER ZOOM switch controls digital zoom level.
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 10). • Set POWER to CAMERA. • Securely position and aim Camcorder. 1 2 3 1, 2, 3 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 Set POWER to CAMERA. Press DISPLAY repeatedly to select the following displays. 2, B, C, D 1, A Battery Remaining: Tape Remaining: FULL FULL EMPTY EMPTY • Tape remaining indicator operates a few seconds after tape starts moving. Recording the Date and Time a b Do steps 1 and 2 above to select time/date, date only, or no display.
Viewfinder/LCD Monitor Indications CAMERA/VCR mode 1 2 3 4 12 13 14 15 16 6 7 8, 9, 10 17 18 11 1 Zoom Magnification level (pages 22, 27). 2 Battery Remaining (page 29). “WARNING LOW BATTERY” appears and Camcorder shuts off after 15 seconds. 3 Tape Remaining (page 29). “ ” flashes and “TAPE END” appears for 5 seconds when: • End of tape is reached.
Operation Notes Cleaning EVF (Electronic Viewer Finder) To Remove 1 C A B 2 3 A Remove the screw with a Phillips screwdriver. Turn counterclockwise. B Turn the EVF Eyepiece. C Pull the EVF Eyepiece. Remove any lint or dust particles with a soft clean cloth being careful not to scratch the glass surfaces. Replace the EVF Eyepiece and the screw. Notice This product utilizes both a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) and other components that contain lead.
Replacing Clock Battery The clock battery is pre-installed. Follow the steps below if replacement becomes necessary. WARNING: Replace battery with Panasonic PART NO. VSBW0004 (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.
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.) Video Signal: EIA Standard (525 lines, 60 fields) NTSC color signal Video Recording System: 2 rotary heads plus flying erase head.
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 ... • • • • • Video cassette cannot be inserted ... • Connect Power Source. (pp. 8, 9) • Insert cassette, window side facing out. (p. 10) Video cassette cannot be removed ... • Connect Power Source. (pp. 8, 9) Operation buttons do not work ... • Check for Dew Indication. (p. 30) Recording cannot be done ...
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 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 Inserte el casete Cargue completamente la batería antes de usarla. 1 2 1 2 Enchufe el adaptador de CA. 3 4 Instale la batería. El indicador de carga (CHARGE) parpadea, luego queda encendido si ha terminado la carga. Desmonte la batería. Coloque la batería cargada. Deslice TAPE EJECT para abrir la compuerta. Inserte el casete.
Index A AC Adaptor ....................... 9 Accessories (Optional) ... 33 Accessories (Supplied) .... 2 Audio/Video Cable ... 20, 21 Audio/Video Out ....... 20, 21 Auto Daylight Saving Time .................................... 14 B Backlight ......................... 22 Battery Pack ................. 8, 9 BATTERY RELEASE Button ........................... 8 Before Requesting Service .................................... 36 B.LIGHT Button .............. 22 BRIGHT ADJUSTMENT ..............................
