Using the Panasonic VHS Video Camera

Setting up the camera:

 

  • Insert battery: Make sure the battery is fully charged. If not, connect the power adapter in the carrying case to the camera to charge the battery. Insert the battery into the camera and slide the battery down, clicking into place.

     

  • Power on: Slide the Power switch on the top of the camera. A red light should turn on next to it.

     

  • Load tape: Note: Power should be ON before loading or unloading tape. Push the blue Eject button on top of the camera until the tape door opens. Insert the tape with the white wheels pointing into the camera and the label on the outside. Push tape door shut. You can turn off the camera unless you are ready to use it.

     

 

 

Recording:

  • Remove the lenscap by pressing in on its tabs along the edge of cap and pulling off.

     

  • Power on camera: Slide the Power switch at top of camera. Red light comes on.

     

  • Front light: To turn on the front light of the camera, slide the switch marked Light on the left side of the camera.

     

  • View the recording scene: Swing the Viewfinder at front top of camera to the left so that it is perpendicular to the camera. Spin the large dial on the left side of the camera to Camera position. Looking through the Viewfinder, you should be able to see the scene from the camera's lens.

     

  • Adjust focus: The camera has an Autofocus feature. If you wish to manually adjust focus, slide the Focus switch on the bottom left of the camera to the MAN position. There is also a Manual Focus dial on the front left of the camera to adjust the focus. To return to Automatic Focus, slide the Focus switch to Auto.

     

  • Adjust brightness of display screen: To adjust brightness of the display screen, dial the small black Bright button on the left side of the Viewfinder.

     

  • Start Recording: Find the red button in the thumbgroove on the right side of the camera. There is a black plastic sliding switch surrounding the button that you must slide down first before pressing the red button to record.

     

  • Zoom: In order to zoom in and out, use the buttons labeled W and T on the top right side of the camera. Dial towards T (telephoto) to zoom in; dial towards W (wide angle) to zoom out.

     

  • Stop recording: Find the red button in the thumbgroove on the right side of the camera. Slide up the black plastic switch (surrounding the red button in the thumbgroove on the right side of the camera) and press the red button.
  • Power off the camera: Slide the Power switch at top of camera. Red light goes off.

 

Playback of video

  • The tape must be in tape holder.
  • Playback: Set the large black dial on the left side of the camera to the VCR position. Use the controls on top left of camera to control playback: Play, pause, rewind, fast forward.

 

Finishing up:

  • Turn camera power off and replace lens cap. Remove your tape.
  • Remove the battery by pressing the Battery Eject button on top of battery compartment and hold it while allowing the battery to pop up out of the compartment.
  • Return camera, battery and adapter and extension cord to carrying case.

 

Editing your video:

The Multimedia Center on the second floor of the Olin Library has video editing resources available. Contact the staff on duty for assistance in using the equipment.

 

Getting help:

There is a Users Manual in the carrying case for instructions on more advanced features and troubeshooting hints. For additional assistance, contact the HelpLine at 5700.