Panasonic 456 Digital Effects, Portrait Feature, AC Power Adapter, Audio / Video Output, Misc

Digital Effects

The Digital Mode Select switch allows you to select among the various digital effects.

For Still or Strobe images, flip the Digital Mode Select switch up, then hit the Still/Strobe button once. The image is now a still, regardless of how much you move the camera. The effect can be seen inside the viewfinder. Record for whatever length desired. Press the button again to get a strobe effect with your camera. Press the button again to return the camera to its normal record mode.

The cameras also have Digital Zoom. Normal zoom ratio is x12; by hitting "DZoom" once and also zooming in, you can go up to x24. By hitting "DZoom" again and zooming in, you can get up to x100. Press the button again to return the camera to its normal record mode.

For a Tracer effect, flip the Digital Mode Select down, then press the Tracer button. The camera will now record with an intentional after-image effect. Press Tracer again to record in normal mode.

For Gain Up, flip the Digital Mode Select down and press the Gain Up button. This increases the light sensitivity when recording in the dark. Press once for Gain x4, and again for Gain x8 (indicated in the viewfinder). Note that increasing the gain increases the graininess of your picture and lowers the quality.

Portrait Feature

The Portrait feature makes it possible to record a portrait with the face in focus and the background blurred. Set the switch to Portrait. The F number indication “Open” and Shutter Speed indication appear. The portrait effect is now controlled by the iris; opening the iris reduces depth of field (more of the background will blur). Closing the iris puts more of the background in focus.

AC Power Adapter

There is a power unit in the camera case, with a cable in one of the hatches that runs from the back of the camcorder to the power supply.

If you intend to use outlet power, take out the battery beforehand; the camera uses battery power first (even if plugged into the wall), and the camera could shut off on you when the battery power has drained.

Audio / Video Output

The new camcorders have the RCA A/V outputs in the back of the camera. Monitors are available for tape playback or watching while you shoot.

Headsets are recommended whenever recording sound on tape is important. Headsets plug into the audio out jacks at the back of the camera (either left or right). An Stereo-to-RCA adapter is needed to plug the headset unit into the camera.

Counter Display

When recording, the viewfinder rolls a number sequence starting at 0000. That's not very helpful; to make the VF display actual hours/minutes/seconds, flip up the hatch by the power button. Your "Counter" buttons are here. Hitting Memory/Display twice puts the counter numbers into actual time.

VCR / Camera Mode

When the hatch on top of the camera is closed, your camera functions, well, like a camera. When the hatch is opened, your camera becomes a VCR; in fact you'll see a bunch of VCR functions. While this hatch is up, you cannot record tape.

Misc.

If you see a flashing dotted rectangle in the viewfinder, it doesn't mean low battery; it's indicating there is no tape in the camcorder.

If you want to record the date and time on the video, hit the Date/Time button for new camcorders. You'll be able to toggle through options in the VF.

The fade button fades your video to black (a nice function).

To review what you’ve recorded in the viewfinder, press and hold the “ – Camera Search + “ button. You can view in either high speed in reverse or at normal speed going forward.

A battery charger connector cable is available upon request. This allows batteries to be recharged using the power supply in each camera kit. A battery should be charged at least three hours for extended use.