Panasonic ag-ez50 Operating Guide

ª Digital Video System

In a digital video system, images and sounds are converted 
into digital signals and recorded on a tape. This complete 
digital recording is capable of recording and playback with 
minimal image and sound deterioration.
In addition, it automatically records data, such as Time Code 
and date/time, as digital signals.
Compatibility with S-VHS or VHS Cassettes
Because this Camera/Recorder employs a digital system for 
recording image and sound data, it is not compatible with 
conventional S-VHS or VHS video equipment that employs 
an analogue recording system.
The size and shape of the Cassette are also different.
Compatibility with Output Signals
Because AV signal output from the AV signal output jack is 
analogue (the same as conventional video systems), this 
Camera/Recorder can be connected with S-VHS or VHS 
video or a TV for playback.

ª Focus

The Auto Focus System automatically moves the internal 
focusing lens forward or backward and adjusts the focus so 
that the subject can be seen clearly.
However, the Auto Focus System does not function properly  
under the following recording conditions.
Please use the Manual Focus Mode instead.
1) Recording a subject whose one end is located closer 

to the Camera/Recorder and the other end farther 
away from it.
≥Because Auto Focus makes adjustments at the center 

of an image, it may be impossible to focus on a subject 
that is located in both foreground and background.

≥Because the focus is on the dirty glass, the subject 

behind the glass will not be focused.

≥Because the light information that comes through the 

lens decreases considerably, the Camera/Recorder 
cannot focus correctly.

with glossy surfaces or by highly reflective objects.
≥Because the Camera/Recorder focuses on the objects 

with glossy surfaces or on highly reflective objects, the 
recording subject may become blurry.

≥Because the focus lens inside moves mechanically, it 

cannot keep up with the fast-moving subject.

≥Because the Camera/Recorder achieves focus based 

upon the vertical lines of an image, a subject with little 
contrast, such as a white wall, may become blurry.

ª White Balance Adjustment

Depending on the type of light source, the colors recorded by 
the Camera/Recorder may be affected. In some cases, 
images may be recorded with bluish or reddish hue. To 
minimize the effect of light on the subject’s color, what is 
called White Balance Adjustment becomes necessary.

White Balance Adjustment recognizes the color of light and 
makes adjustment so that the white color will become pure 
white.

This Camera/Recorder stores settings that are optimal for 
several kinds of general light sources. The Camera/Recorder 
determines the hue of light that it receives through the lens 
and White Balance Sensor, thereby judging the recording 
condition, and selects the closest hue setting. This function 
is called Auto White Balance Adjustment.
However, since white balance settings for only certain kinds 
of light sources are stored, the Auto White Balance Function 
does not operate properly when recording occurs under light 
that is out of the range of the setting values.

ª Time Code

Time Code signals are data that indicate time measured in 
hours, minutes, seconds, and frames (30 frames per 
second). If this data is included in a recording, an address is 
assigned to each image on the tape.
≥The Time Code is automatically recorded as a part of the 

sub-code at each recording.

≥When a new (previously unrecorded) Cassette is inserted, 

the Time Code automatically starts from zero. If a recorded 
Cassette is inserted, the Time Code picks up from the point 
where the last scene was recorded. (In this case, when the 
Cassette is inserted, the zero display [0h00m00s00f] may 
appear, but the Time Code starts from the previous value.)

≥The Time Code cannot be reset to zero.
≥Unless the Time Code is continuously recorded from the 

beginning of a tape, accurate editing may not be possible. 
To ensure that the Time Code will be recorded with no 
breaks, we recommend the use of the Camera Search 
Function 

l 20) or the Blank Search Function (l 29) 

before recording a new scene.

ª Memory Stop Function

The Memory Stop Function is useful for the following 
operations.
Rewinding or fast-forwarding a tape to a desired 
position

l 10, 16)

Start playback or recording.

≥The [VCR] Lamp lights up.

≥The tape automatically stops approximately at the 

position where the counter was set to zero.

l 33)

≥Audio dubbing automatically stops at the position 

where the counter was set to zero.