Panasonic HVX200A - Camcorder - 1080p Getting Started Manual

Also see for HVX200: Quick start guide

Panasonic HVX200A - Camcorder - 1080p Getting Started Manual Manual pdf 1 page image

GETTING STARTED WITH THE PANASONIC HVX200(Irene’s Quick Reference Guide)Getting Started / Shooting HD• Always start by calibrating your LCD display and / or viewfinder (use Color Barsbutton inside LCD flip-out; see “Video and Hi Def” reading for step-by-stepinstructions for calibrating your display)• Many cinematographers prefer to shoot using the viewfinder rather than the flip-out screen; the black and white viewfinder display setting (change in DisplaySetup menu) makes it easier to see focus and to assess exposure; also, manydocumentary filmmakers shooting in uncontrolled situations find the flip-out screenproblematic because the subject / bystanders can get distracted trying to look atwhat you’re shooting.• If you’re using the viewfinder, make sure the diopter ring is set correctly for youreyesight; if you wear glasses and prefer shooting without glasses, try calibratingthe diopter for your vision (use ring on viewfinder)• Format your P2 card before starting to record – make sure footage from previoususer is cleared off.• Always keep automatic / manual master switch set to manual for professional-quality recording• Shoot in 720p / 30PN format for optimized recording. 720 is the only trueprogressive HD resolution available in the camera, and gives about 40 minutes ofrecording time on a 16 GB P2 card (as opposed to only 16 min. at 1080i). 30 PNis a native progressive frame rate, meaning it only does not record any extraframes or embed the progressive frames in a standard interlaced videotapestream, so that fewer total frames are stored on the P2 card (= more recordingtime) and no reverse pulldown is necessary in FCP. PN frame rates are possiblewith P2 cards only.• If you’re shooting a documentary and anticipate needing to shoot more than 40minutes at a time, consider using the HVX to shoot miniDV instead of using the P2cards.• Go through and set all menus before you start shooting. Load previously savedscene files and user files from SD card if applicable.• If a menu selection is blue and can’t be changed, it means that you are in thewrong mode to access that particular menu function (for example you can’tchange variable frame rates if you are in VIDEO CAM mode).• When shooting HD, carefully control your highlights to prevent clipping / blowingout. Use a light meter, as well as the camera exposure tools (Marker and zebrastripes) to make sure your exposure is not too hot; when in doubt, err on the sideof underexposing.