How to Use a Panasonic Palmcorder

By Dave Wilson

The Panasonic Palmcorder can function as a VCR tape deck to play family videos.
i Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images

The Panasonic Palmcorder video camera sports a unique size (reflected in the name) that makes it easy to carry and perfect for making impromptu video recordings. Although small, the Palmcorder offers a large assortment of features including VCR playback, on-board LCD display, manual focus, digital zoom and a picture-in-picture capability that be challenging during initial operation. Follow this step-by-step procedure to start recording video with a Panasonic Palmcorder camera.

Step 1

Plug the Panasonic Palmcorder battery charger into a power outlet. Insert the Palmcorder battery into the slot on the charger. Align the two notches on the sides of the battery with the bumps on the battery slot; then, push down on the battery and slide it into the charger. Wait for the charge light to turn off and remove the battery.

Step 2

Insert the battery into the battery slot on the back of the Palmcorder, just below the eyepiece. Align the two notches on the sides of the battery with the bumps on the battery slot. Push down on the battery and slide it into the Palmcorder.

Step 3

Pick up a 6.35 mm digital cassette and push the "Record" tab toward the center of the cassette. Press the "LCD Open" button on the Palmcorder and pull the LCD monitor outward to open it. Push up the "Tape Eject" latch to open the cassette compartment. Place the cassette in the compartment with the "Record" tab facing up and the cassette window facing out. Close the cassette compartment by pressing the "Push Close" button.

Step 4

Switch the "Power" button, located to the right of the battery, to the "Camera" setting. While looking through the eyepiece at an object, move the dial at the top of the eyepiece to the left or right until the view is in sharp focus.

Step 5

Point the Panasonic Palmcorder at the scene that you wish to record. Press the "REC/PAUSE" button, located between the battery and the power button. When you've finished recording, press the "REC/PAUSE" button again to stop the Palmcorder.

Step 6

Press the "REW" button on the top of the Palmcorder to rewind the video recording. Press the "STOP" button. With the LCD monitor still open, press the "PLAY" button on the top of the Palmcorder to view the video that you just recorded.

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