Panasonic AG-HPX500E User Manual

Before operating this product, please read the instructions carefully and save this manual for future use.

S0407T1067 -P

D

Printed in Japan

VQT1G18-1

ENGLISH

Operating Instructions

Memory Card Camera-Recorder

FRANÇAIS Pour des explications en français, veuillez vous reporter au CD-ROM fourni.

Model No.

AG-HPX500P

Model No. AG-HPX500E

2

Read this first!

CAUTION:

In order to maintain adequate
ventilation, do not install or place this
unit in a bookcase, built-in cabinet or
any other confined space. To prevent
risk of electric shock or fire hazard due
to overheating, ensure that curtains and
any other materials do not obstruct the
ventilation.

FCC Note:

This equipment has been tested and found
to comply with the limits for a class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated
in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy, and if not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own
expense.

Warning:

To assure continued FCC emission limit
compliance, the user must use only shielded
interface cables when connecting to external
units. Also, any unauthorized changes or
modifications to this equipment could void the
user’s authority to operate it.

Caution:

● The interior of this product contains
high-voltage components. Do not
disassemble the product.

● Do not point the eyepiece directly at
the sun.

WARNING:

● TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.

● TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE
OR SHOCK HAZARD, KEEP
THIS EQUIPMENT AWAY FROM
ALL LIQUIDS. USE AND STORE
ONLY IN LOCATIONS WHICH ARE
NOT EXPOSED TO THE RISK OF
DRIPPING OR SPLASHING LIQUIDS,
AND DO NOT PLACE ANY LIQUID
CONTAINERS ON TOP OF THE
EQUIPMENT.

CAUTIONS:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
SHOCK HAZARD AND ANNOYING
INTERFERENCE, USE THE
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.

indicates safety information.

Read this first!

3

Read this first!

<For USA and Canada>

A rechargeable battery that is recyclable powers the product you have purchased.

<For USA-California Only>

This product contains a CR Coin Cell Lithium Battery which contains Perchlorate Material — special handling
may apply.
See www.dtsc.ca/gov/hazardouswaste.perchlorate.

Attention/Attentie

ENGLISH

● Batteries are used for the main power source and memory back-up in the product.
At the end of their useful life, you should not throw them away.
Instead, hand them in as small chemical waste.

NETHERLANDS

● Voor de primaire voeding en het reservegeheugen van het apparaat wordt
gebruikgemaakt van een batterij.
Wanneer de batterij is uitgeput, mag u deze niet gewoon weggooien, maar dient u
deze als klein chemisch afval weg te doen.

TO REMOVE BATTERY

Main Power Battery (Ni-Cd / Ni-MH / Li-ion Battery)

● To detach the battery, please proceed in the reverse order of the installation method described in this manual.

● If a battery made by any other manufacturer is to be used, check the Operating Instructions accompanying the

battery.

Back-up Battery (Lithium Battery)

● For the removal of the battery for disposal at the end of its service life, please consult your dealer.

Read this first!

4

Precautions for Use

Precautions for Use

Caution regarding laser beams

The CCD may be damaged if it is subjected to light from a laser beam.
When using the camera-recorder in locations where laser irradiation equipment is used, be careful not to allow
the laser beam to shine directly on the lens.

PLEASE NOTE:

● When preparing to record important images, always shoot some advance test footage, to verify that both
pictures and sound are being recorded normally.

● Should video or audio recording fail due to a malfunction of this camera-recorder or the P2 cards used, we
will not assume liability for such failure.

Disposing and transferring ownership of memory card devices

Formatting or deleting a memory card device in this camera or a PC will only change file management data
and leave data on the card intact. It is recommended that the card either be physically destroyed or that
commercially sold software be used to completely delete any data on the card. Note that managing card data is
the owner’s responsibility.

Information on software for this product

1. Included with this product is software licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) and GNU
Lesser General Public License (LGPL), and users are hereby informed that they have the right to obtain,
change and redistribute the source codes of this software.
Details on GPL and LGPL can be found on the installation CD provided with the unit. Refer to the folder
called “LDOC”.
(Details are given in the original (English-language) text.)
To obtain the source codes, go to the following home page:

https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/

The manufacturer asks users to refrain from directing inquiries concerning the source codes they have
obtained and other details to its representatives.

2. Included with this product is software which is licensed under MIT-License.
Details on MIT-License can be found on the installation CD provided with the unit. Refer to the folder called
“LDOC”.
(Details are given in the original (English-language) text.)

Trademarks

● SD logo is a trademark.

● Multi Media Card (MMC) is a registered trademark of Infineon Technologies AG.

● Apple, Macintosh, Mac OS are registered trademarks or trademarks of Apple, Inc. in the United States and /or

other countries.

● Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and/or other countries.

● Other names of companies and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective
companies.

5

Contents

Contents

Precautions for Use ...........................................................................................4

Camera Unit Features ........................................................................................

8

Recording and Playback Features .................................................................

10

Outline of operations .......................................................................................

12

Flow of shooting, playing and saving .........................................................

12

Saving and editing on external devices .....................................................

13

System Configuration ......................................................................................

14

Power Supply and Accessory Mounting Section .......................................

15

Audio (input) Function Section ...................................................................

16

Audio (output) Function Section ................................................................

18

Shooting and Recording/Playback Functions Section ..............................

19

Menu/Thumbnail Operation Section ..........................................................

24

Time Code Section ....................................................................................

25

Warning and Status Display Functions ......................................................

26

LCD Monitor ...............................................................................................

26

Viewfinder ..................................................................................................

27

Setting Date and Time of Internal Clock .......................................................

28

P2 Cards ...........................................................................................................

30

Inserting P2 Cards ....................................................................................

30

Removing P2 Cards ...................................................................................

31

To Prevent Accidental Erasure of P2 Card Content ..................................

32

P2 CARD ACCESS LED and status of P2 cards ......................................

32

P2 card recording times ............................................................................

32

Handling P2 Card Recording ....................................................................

32

Basic Procedures ............................................................................................

34

Shooting ....................................................................................................

35

Normal Recording .....................................................................................

36

Variable Frame Rate (VFR) Recording ..........................................................

37

Native recording .........................................................................................

37

Standard recording ...................................................................................

38

Using variable frame rates (VFR) .............................................................

38

Shooting in the 1080i/480i Progressive Mode .........................................

39

Special Recording Modes ..............................................................................

40

Pre-recording (PRE REC) .........................................................................

40

Interval recording (INTERVAL REC) .........................................................

40

One-shot recording (ONE-SHOT REC) .....................................................

41

Loop recording (LOOP REC) .....................................................................

42

Hot Swap Recording ..................................................................................

42

Recording Check Function ........................................................................

43

Shot Marker (SHOT MARK) Recording Function .....................................

43

Text Memo Recording Function ................................................................

43

Normal and Variable Speed Playback ...........................................................

44

Video and recording formats .........................................................................

45

Multiple HD/SD formats ............................................................................

45

Selecting recording signals in CAMERA MODE .......................................

45

Selecting MCR mode recording and playback signals .............................

46

Selecting video output ...............................................................................

46

List of recording, playback and output formats ..........................................

47

Adjusting the White balance and Black Balance ........................................

50

Adjusting the White Balance .....................................................................

50

Adjusting the Black Balance ......................................................................

51

Setting the Electronic Shutter .......................................................................

53

Setting the Shutter Mode and Speed ........................................................

53

Placing the Camera-recorder in SYNCHRO SCAN Mode ........................

54

Assigning functions to USER buttons .........................................................

55

Selecting Audio Input Signals and Adjusting Recording Levels ..............

56

Selecting Audio Input Signals ...................................................................

56

Adjusting Recording Levels ......................................................................

56

Selecting Function for the FRONT AUDIO LEVEL Control .......................

57

CH3 and CH4 Recording Levels ................................................................

57

Setting Time Data ............................................................................................

58

Time data overview ...................................................................................

58

Chapter 1
Introductio

n

Chapter 2
Parts and their
Function

s

Chapter 3
Recording and
Playbac

k

Chapter 4
Adjustments
and Settings for
Recording

6

Contents

Recording time codes and user bits ..........................................................59

Setting user bits ........................................................................................

60

Entering the User Bits ...............................................................................

60

Setting the Time Code ..............................................................................

62

Externally Locking the Time Code ............................................................

64

Outputting the time code externally ..........................................................

65

GENLOCK and time code input/output connection and setup .................

66

Counter Setting and Display .....................................................................

66

Viewfinder Screen Status Displays ..............................................................

67

Lamps in the Viewfinder Screen ................................................................

67

Viewfinder Status Indication Layout ...........................................................

67

Selecting Viewfinder Display Information ..................................................

67

Screen displays .........................................................................................

68

Warnings ....................................................................................................

71

P2 card playback data indication ...............................................................

71

Errors ..........................................................................................................

72

Camera status display ................................................................................

72

USER buttons assignment information (at mode check) ...........................

72

! LED light indication (at mode check) .......................................................

72

Checking and displaying shooting status .................................................

73

Setting the Marker Displays .......................................................................

74

Adjusting and setting the LCD monitor .........................................................

75

Handling setup data ........................................................................................

77

Configuration of setup data files ...............................................................

77

Handling SD memory cards .......................................................................

78

Formatting, Writing and Reading an SD memory card ..............................

78

How to Use Scene File Data ......................................................................

79

Saving scene files and other settings on SD memory cards ....................

82

Memory Card Usage .................................................................................

83

Power Supply ..................................................................................................

84

Mounting the Battery and Setting the Battery Type ..................................

84

Use of the external DC power supply .......................................................

86

Mounting the Viewfinder and Adjusting its Position ..................................

88

Mounting the Viewfinder ...........................................................................

88

Adjusting Viewfinder Right-Left Position ...................................................

88

Diopter Adjustments ..................................................................................

89

Screen Adjustments ..................................................................................

89

Removing the Viewfinder ..........................................................................

90

Mounting and Adjusting the Lens ..................................................................

91

Mounting the Lens ......................................................................................

91

Adjusting the Lens Flange Back ...............................................................

92

White Shading Compensation ..................................................................

92

Setting Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC) ...............................

95

Preparing for Audio Input ..............................................................................

98

When Using the Front Microphone ...........................................................

98

When Using Audio Devices .......................................................................

99

Attaching Accessories ................................................................................. 10

0

Mounting the Camera on a Tripod ...........................................................10

0

Attaching the Shoulder Strap ................................................................... 10

1

Attaching the Rain Cover .........................................................................10

1

Attaching the FRONT AUDIO LEVEL Control Knob ................................10

1

Connecting the AJ-RC10G Extension Controller .......................................10

2

Thumbnail Operations ...................................................................................10

3

Thumbnail Overview ................................................................................10

3

Thumbnail Screen ....................................................................................10

4

Selecting Thumbnails ...............................................................................10

4

Switching the Thumbnail Display .............................................................10

5

Setting the Thumbnail Display Mode .......................................................10

6

Clip Operations ..............................................................................................10

7

Playing Back Clips ...................................................................................10

7

Shot Mark .................................................................................................10

7

Deleting Clips ...........................................................................................10

8

Restoring Clips .........................................................................................10

8

Chapter 5
Preparatio

n

Chapter 6
Manipulating Clips
with Thumbnail

s

7

Contents

Chapter 8
Connecting to
External Device

s

Chapter 9
Maintenance and
Inspection

s

Chapter 10
Specification

s

Chapter 7
Menu Operation

s

Setting of Clip Meta Data ..............................................................................109

Formatting P2 and SD Memory Cards .........................................................11

2

Formatting a P2 Card ............................................................................... 11

2

Formatting SD memory cards ..................................................................11

2

Properties .......................................................................................................11

3

Clip Property ............................................................................................ 11

3

P2 Card Status Display ............................................................................11

3

SD memory card Status Display ..............................................................11

5

Confirmation of Metadata Upload ............................................................11

5

Viewfinder and LCD Menus ..........................................................................11

6

Using the menus ......................................................................................11

6

Initializing the menu settings .................................................................... 11

7

Setup menu structure ....................................................................................11

8

Camera (CAM) mode menu .....................................................................11

8

MCR mode menu .....................................................................................11

9

Setup menu list ..............................................................................................12

0

SCENE FILE screen .................................................................................12

0

CAMERA SETUP screen .........................................................................12

1

SW MODE screen ....................................................................................12

2

RECORDING SETUP screen ..................................................................12

3

AUDIO SETUP screen .............................................................................12

4

OUTPUT SEL screen ...............................................................................12

5

DISPLAY SETUP screen .........................................................................12

5

VF! LED screen ........................................................................................12

6

BATTERY SETUP screen ........................................................................12

7

CARD FUNCTION (SD memory card setting) screen .............................12

8

LENS SETUP screen ...............................................................................12

8

OTHER FUNCTIONS screen ...................................................................12

9

OPTION MENU screen ............................................................................13

0

Connecting to External Devices Using USB2.0 Port (PC mode) ..............13

1

Procedures for establishing a connection with a PC ...............................13

1

Connecting to External Devices Using the IEEE1394 Connector

(PC mode) .................................................................................................13

2

Procedures for establishing a connection with a PC ...............................13

2

Procedures for connecting a hard disk ....................................................13

3

Warnings ..................................................................................................13

4

DVCPRO/DV Connection via IEEE1394 Connector ....................................13

5

Recording DVCPRO/DV signals input to 1394 connector .......................13

5

Inspections Before Shooting ........................................................................13

7

Preparing for Inspections ......................................................................... 13

7

Inspecting the Camera Unit .....................................................................13

8

Inspecting the Memory Recording Functions ..........................................13

8

Maintenance ...................................................................................................14

1

Cleaning Inside the Viewfinder ................................................................14

1

Eyepiece Care .......................................................................................... 14

1

Phenomenon Inherent to CCD Cameras .................................................14

1

Charging the internal battery .................................................................... 14

1

Warning System .............................................................................................14

2

Warning Description Tables .....................................................................14

2

Updating Camera Drivers ..............................................................................14

4

Dimensions and specifications ....................................................................14

5

Dimensions ..............................................................................................14

5

Specifications ...........................................................................................14

6

Connector signal description .......................................................................14

9

8

Camera Unit Features

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter1 Introduction

The AG-HPX500P/E memory card camera recorder is equipped with a 2/3-inch lens mount system that enables
use of high-performance interchangeable lenses, and comes with a 50 Hz/59.94 Hz selector function to
permit use of a multitude of HD and SD formats. Also equipped with a variable frame rate feature for cinematic
expression and effects. All these features make possible recording of high-quality image content.
Four P2 card slots enable extended HD recording and deliver the reliability, speed and IT functionality that only
P2 media is capable of revolutionizing the workflow of recording and editing.

Camera Unit Features

■2/3-inch interchangeable lens system

The 2/3-inch bayonet mount for interchangeable lenses provides access to a broad lineup of broadcast and
industrial 2/3-inch zoom lenses from a number of manufacturers.

■Progressive 3CCD

The 2/3-inch progressive 3CCD combines a large light-receiving area with high sensitivity. 3CCD pixel-shift
technology (1/2 pixel) and advanced digital processing produce a high-resolution CCD. The camera unit provides
high resolution and high rate scanning at 1080/60P (or 50P) at all times. This high-resolution native progressive
video is used as a source to produce a vertical resolution with a superior HD/SD image quality that an interlace
CCD simply cannot match.

■14-bit digital circuit

The high-performance DSP (Digital Signal Processor) in the camera uses 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit inner
processing to adjust the gamma settings for each of the R, G and B channels of 1080/60P (50P) video, and
convert to a variety of HD and SD formats (P/I conversion, line conversion and down conversion). This produces
high-quality images in all video formats.

■Multiple HD/SD formats

The camera supports recording in 20 HD and SD image formats making it ready for news gathering, program
production, film making and other applications anywhere in the world. 1080i/720P HD recording uses the
DVCPRO HD codec for broadcast use while SD recording is performed in DVCPRO50 / DVCPRO/DV multi­codec.

■ Variable frame rate makes speed effects possible (when 720P format is selected)

This camera comes with the variable frame rate feature developed for the VariCam HD Cinema camera. In 720P
mode*, the camera enables selection between 11 frame rates between 12P to 60P (50P). This puts features such
as undercranking (dropping frames) and overcranking (high frame rate) for quick motion and slow motion cine­like effects at the disposal of the camera crew.
* In 1080 and 480 mode, the camera records at a fixed frame rate of 24P/30P (25P in 1080 and 576 mode, at

50 Hz mode).

■Native mode/Over 60P (50P) mode selectable

● 720PN (native) mode*: Recording is performed at the frame rate set in the camera. Playing back a recording

made at a frame rate set in the camera at the normal rate provides speed effects without using a frame rate
converter. Native mode also extends the recording time.

● 720P over 60P (or 50P) mode: This lets you produce a backup copy by recording the DVCPRO HD stream
output from the IEEE1394 connector on a hard disk recorder such as the AJ-HD1400 DVCPRO HD recorder or
the FOCUS FS-100 HDD recorder.

* In 720PN (native) mode, the IEEE1394 connector cannot output a DVCPRO HD stream.

■1080/480 24P advance mode

In 59.94Hz mode, recording at 1080/24P or 480/24P allows you to select 24PA (advance) mode. Using 2:3:3:2
pulldown, the 24PA mode performs 60i conversion to enable nonlinear editing* maintaining an image quality that
is better than normal 24P (2:3 pulldown). Recording at 30P or 25P (50 Hz mode) applies a 2:2 pulldown.

* For details on compatible systems, visit our website at:

https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/

* 24P, 30P and 60P/60i indicate recording at 23.98P, 29.97P and 59.94P/59.94i, respectively.

9

Camera Unit Features

Chapter 1 Introduction

■Eight gamma curves, including cine-like gamma

The DSP provides Panasonic’s proprietary selectable gamma feature. To expand camera capabilities, the
camera offers eight gamma modes including cine-like gamma to give the characteristic warm tone of film
recordings and a news gamma curve for newsgathering.

■Slow, synchro and high speed shutter

The shutter speed can be set in a range between 1/12 s to a maximum speed of 1/2000 s. Combined with the
variable frame rate functions, this function allows you to create a blurring effect or an undercranking effect. The
camera also features a synchro scan function for capturing screen shots from a computer monitor.

■Scene file dial

This dial allows you to instantly retrieve settings that suit shooting conditions. Six preset files are provided, and
you can change the file names and their settings as desired. You can also save up to 4 files to an SD memory
card and load the files from the card.

■Shooting assist functions

●User buttons: Three user buttons each of which can be assigned a frequently used function for immediate

access.

●Focus assist: Displays a frequency distribution graph of the video signal as an aid in focusing.

● Eight files for correcting lens aberration and four files for correcting shading for interchangeable lenses are

provided.

● Variable color temperature: Fine adjustment is possible after setting the white balance.

●REC check: Quick check of the last portion recorded results.

●4-position optical ND filter provided.

■Chromatic aberration compensation (CAC)

This function automatically corrects the registration error caused by the slight chromatic aberration that the lens
cannot compensate for, in order to minimize color bleeding into surrounding image areas.

■Remote control support

The camera supports the AJ-RC10G (optional accessory) remote control unit. The remote control allows you to
adjust camera image and recording controls at a distance while viewing what you are shooting.

10

Recording and Playback Features

Chapter 1 Introduction

Recording and Playback Features

■A variety of interfaces

The AG-HPX500P/E can record 48 kHz/16-bit uncompressed high-quality digital audio in all formats. The 4­channel audio capability makes both microphone and line input possible on up to four channels. HD-SDI output,
time code input and output, GEN lock input and USB 2.0 connector are also provided. Also part of standard
equipment is an IEEE1394 interface (6-pin) for transfer of all HD/SD signal formats without degradation. This
interface allows you to transfer video data for nonlinear editing on a Windows

®

PC or Macintosh® with DVCPRO
HD compliant software or for backing up on a connected DVCPRO HD digital VTR (AJ-HD1400) or FOCUS FS­100 HDD recorder.

■P2 cards for high capacity, high speed and high reliability

Comprising four SD memory cards, a P2 card is a broadcast industry standard memory card with four times the
capacity of a conventional SD memory card in a compact and lightweight (45 g) design. In addition to exceptional
resistance to shock, vibration and temperature fluctuations, this semiconductor memory has a reliability that
guarantees long-term repeated recording/initialization that a tape or hard disk system with their moving parts
could never match. The connectors are professional grade to withstand long-term continual insertion and
removal.
AV data is recorded on a P2 card as a single file that is immediately accessible for nonlinear editing or transfer
over a network without digitizing. Transfer speeds far surpassing those of hard disks also help to speed up
production processes. The P2 card complies with PCMCIA standards and can be directly plugged into the P2
card slot on a notebook PC*

1

.
The four P2 card slots allow continuous recording on four P2 cards and also offer the following recording
capabilities in a memory card camera-recorder.

●Card selection: A card in any slot can be instantly selected (switched to) in standby mode*2. Recorded content

can be quickly passed on to editing or transferred to minimize interruptions in recording making
it far more efficient than systems where tapes or disks have to be exchanged.

●Hot-swap recording: Cards can be replaced during recording. A full memory card can be replaced while

recording is made on another card. Successively swapping cards in this way gives you
virtually unlimited recording capacity.

●Loop recording: Setting the camera for consecutive overwriting, you can repeatedly rerecord on the inserted

P2 cards, always maintaining a recording of the most recent, specific period of time.

*1 This requires the installation of a P2 card driver (provided with each device). The P2 card driver runs under

Windows

®

Vista, Windows® XP or Windows® 2000.

*2 This assumes that the SLOT SEL function is assigned to a USER button (USER MAIN, USER1 or USER2).

■Immediate startup and reliable data protection

When you press the REC button in standby mode, the camera instantly finds a blank area on the P2 card and
begins recording. Unlike a VTR system, there is no need to locate a blank section before recording. It can
begin recording immediately even when you are using it to preview video. In normal use, there is no chance of
accidentally deleting a recording. Recordings will not be erased unless you intentionally delete a file or initialize
the card.

■Other features

●Pre-rec: This function provides a way to capture moments you otherwise would have missed. In the standby

mode, the camera will memorize video and audio for up to 3 seconds in HD and 7 seconds in SD.
Starting the recording operation will record the preset duration of video and audio already memorized
in standby.

● One-shot REC: Convenient for producing animation, this mode records for a set time (from 1 frame to 1

second) each time you press the START button.

● Interval REC: Recording one frame at a time at set intervals (from 2 frames to 10 minutes), this mode is useful

for monitoring, supervision and special ultra undercranking effects.

11

Recording and Playback Features

Chapter 1 Introduction

■Clip thumbnail preview

The camera records each cut as a clip (file) and automatically attaches a thumbnail image and file information
to it. To preview a clip on the LCD monitor or to check clip data, simply choose the clip you want from the list of
thumbnails. These thumbnails and the file data can be viewed on a PC (P2 Viewer

*

) or processed in a nonlinear
editing program.
* “P2 Viewer” is a Windows

®

PC viewing software that can be downloaded free of charge by P2 card users.

■Shot marker and text memo

If desired, you can add a simple OK/reject shot marker to each clip either during or after recording. When a P2
card is mounted in a PC (P2 Viewer), the PC will display only marked clips.
A text memo function is also provided. Pressing the USER button to which the text memo function has been
assigned anywhere in a clip during recording or in preview mode allows you to attach empty post-it like text
memos (up to 100) that can later be filled with text on a PC (P2 Viewer).

■SD memory card slot

The camera provides an SD memory card slot for saving and loading scene files and user settings. A metadata
upload file (created using P2 Viewer) containing the name of the person who shot the video, the name of the
reporter, the shooting location or a text memo and other information can be saved to an SD memory card. This
data file can be loaded as clip metadata.

■HD/SD SDI output and downconverter supported

Video line outputs (both BNC) are provided as standard. These outputs can flexibly handle both monitor and line
recording. A down-converter is also built-in. Aspect mode can also be selected.

●SDI OUT (HD/SD): The HD-SDI output allows you to make backups on an external VTR (with HD-SDI input) in

synch with REC START/STOP button operation. SD-SDI can also down convert and output
HD content.

●VIDEO OUT: Outputs down converted SD video (composite video).

■Fine adjustment of sound recording level

The camera features a front-mounted control for fine adjustment of the sound recording level. This control is
particularly useful for adjusting the sound level when you have to control both video and audio recording. The
control can be disabled.

12

Outline of operations

Chapter 1 Introduction

Outline of operations

This unit is compatible with P2 (Professional Plug-in) cards. Excelling at high transfer speeds, the P2 card enables
high vision recording and smooth editing and dubbing.

Flow of shooting, playing and saving

The setting values such as the user file
are saved to and read from the
SD memory card.

P2 card

You can use the following features:

• HD (High Definition) recording

• Multi format recordin

g

• Variable frame rate

s

Slow & quick motion recordin

g

• Maximum 4 channel uncompressed
digital audio recordin

g

P2 mode shooting and playback
(Pages 30 and 34)

13

Outline of operations

Chapter 1 Introduction

Saving and editing on external devices

Computer/
Memory card recorder

External hard disk

Computer

P2 card

Component
video cable

BNC cable
(composite/SDI)

USB2.0 (Windows®)

IEEE1394 (SBP-2*) (Macintosh

®

)

IEEE1394 (SBP-2

*

)

IEEE1394
(Windows®/Macintosh®)

*Serial Bus Protocol-2

The data (file) is transferred for nonlinear
editing on your computer or other unit

.

The unit directly controls the external hard
disk drive, and transfers the data (file) to it.

The contents can be transferred as
a data stream (digital dubbing).

Connecting external devices via
the USB connector (Page 131)

Connecting external devices via
the IEEE1394 connector (Page 132)

Video equipment/
Monito

r

14

System Configuration

Chapter 1 Introduction

System Configuration

Remote control cable

AJ-C10050

G

LCD monitor

BT-LH80W

USB2.0 compatible devices

AJ-RC10

G

Remote control unit

Lens
(Bayonet type)

Fujinon, Canon

Anton/Bauer Gold Mount type

Battery
mount

Battery Charger

(supplied)

PROPAC14, TRIMPAC14
HYTRON50/100/14

0

DIONIC90/160

V mount type

Battery
plate

Batter

y

NP-1 type

NP-L7 (battery)

Charger

ENDURA E-7/7S
ENDURA E-10/10

S

SD Memory cards

*

P2 Cards

*

External power supply

AG-MC200G
AJ-MC700P

Microphone
(Phantom +48 V)

Viewfinder

AJ-VF15B
AJ-VF20WB
AG-VF11G

SHAN-TM700

Tripod adapter

AJ-HT901G

Hard carrying case

Rain cover

SHAN-RC700

AJ-SC900

Soft carrying case

AG-HPX500P/E

* For the latest information on P2 cards and SD memory cards not available in the operating Instructions, visit the P2 Support

Desk at the following Web sites.

https ://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp /pro-av/

15

Chapter 2 Parts and their Functions

Chapter

2

Parts and their
Functions

Power Supply and Accessory Mounting Section

1

POWER switch

Used to turn on/off the power.

2

Battery mount

A battery pack from Anton /Bauer is mounted
here.
For details, refer to [Mounting the Battery and
Setting the Battery Type] (page 84).

3

DC IN (external power input) socket (XLR,

4P)

This unit is connected to an external AC adapter.
For details, refer to [Use of the external DC power
supply] (page 86).

4

BREAKER switch

When an excessive amount of current is fed
through the video camera recorder, due to any
abnormal event, the breaker automatically turns
off the power in order to protect the device.
After the interior of the video camera recorder has
been checked and/or repaired, this button must
be depressed. If there is no unusual reaction, the
unit can be powered-up.

5

Light shoe

A video light or similar accessory can be attached
here.

6

Shoulder strap fittings

The shoulder strap is attached here.
For details, refer to [Attaching the Shoulder Strap]
(page 101).

7

Lens mount (2/3-inch bayonet type)

The lens is attached here.
For details, refer to [Mounting the Lens]
(page 91).

8

Lens lever

Tighten this lever to lock the lens to the lens
mount.
For details, refer to [Mounting the Lens]
(page 91).

9

Lens mount cap

To remove the cap, raise the lens lever.
When the lens is not mounted, replace the cap.

10

Lens cable /microphone cable clamp

This clamp secures the lens and microphone
cables.
For details, refer to [Mounting the Lens]
(page 91).

11

Tripod mount

When you want to mount the AG-HPX500P/E
on a tripod, the optional tripod adapter (SHAN­TM700) is attached here.
For details, refer to [Mounting the Camera on a
Tripod] (page 100).

12

LENS jack (12-pin)

The lens connection cord is connected here.
For a detailed description of your lens, see the
relevant manufacturer’s instruction manual.

13

Battery release lever

Pull down the release lever to release the battery
pack.

14

Viewfinder left-right positioning ring

For details, see [Adjusting Viewfinder Right-Left
Position] (page 88).

15

Light control switch

For details, refer to [Power Supply] (page 84).

16

Cable holder

Used to secure the light cable and microphone
cable.

1 3

6 2 6 5

12 11

7108

9

13

15

14

4

16

16

Chapter 2 Parts and their Functions

1

MIC IN (microphone input) jacks

FRONT1/FRONT2 (XLR, 3-pin)

• Connect microphones (optional accessories) to
these jacks. Power for the microphone comes
from this jack.

• A phantom-powered microphone may be
connected. To use a phantom-powered
microphone, set the menu option F.MIC
POWER1/F.MIC POWER2 to ON in the <AUDIO
SETUP> screen.

For details, refer to [Preparing for Audio Input]
(page 98).

2

AUDIO LEVEL CH1/CH2 (audio channel 1

& 2 recording level adjustment) controls

• With the AUDIO SELECT CH1/CH2 switch
positioned to [MAN], these controls can be used
to adjust the recording levels for Audio Channels
1/2.

• Note that the controls are designed to be locked.
For adjustment, each control must be depressed
while turning.

3

AUDIO SELECT CH1/CH2 (audio channel

1 & 2 automatic/manual level adjustment
selector) switch

Use this switch to select recording level control
mode for Audio Channels 1 and 2.

AUTO: Recording level automatically controlled.
MAN: Recording level manually controlled.

4

AUDIO LEVEL CH3/CH 4 (audio channel 3

& 4 recording level adjustment) controls

Set the menu option AUTO LEVEL CH3/AUTO
LEVEL CH4 to OFF in the <AUDIO SETUP>
screen to use these controls to adjust the
recording level of audio channels 3 and 4.

5

AUDIO IN (audio input selector) switch

Use this switch to select the signals recorded
through Audio Channels 1 - 4.
FRONT: Signal from the microphone connected

to the MIC IN jack is recorded.

REAR: Signal from the audio device or

microphone connected to the REAR 1/
REAR 2 connector is recorded.

CH1 Input CH2 Input

FRONT1 FRONT1 jack FRONT FRONT2 jack
FRONT2 FRONT2 jack REAR REAR2 jack

REAR REAR1 jack

— —

CH3 Input CH4 Input

FRONT FRONT1 jack FRONT FRONT2 jack

REAR REAR1 jack REAR REAR2 jack

<Note>
With a front microphone (such as AG-MC200G)
connected only to the FRONT2 jack, setting CH1 of
the AUDIO IN switch to FRONT2, setting CH2-CH4
to FRONT and setting the MONITOR SELECT CH1/2
/ CH3/4 selector switch to CH3/ CH4 will result in no
sound output to CH3.

6

REAR 1/REAR 2 (audio input channel 1 &

2) connectors (XLR, 3-pin)

Audio devices or a microphone may be
connected here.
For details, refer to [When Using Audio Devices]
(page 99).

Audio (input) Function Section

1

8

64

2 3 7

5

9

17

Chapter 2 Parts and their Functions

7

LINE/MIC/+48V (line input/mic input/mic

input + 48V) selector switch

Used to select the audio signal input from the
REAR1/REAR2 connectors.
LINE: Audio signal line-input from the audio

device is input.

MIC: Audio signal from a self-powered (active)

microphone is input. (The main unit
does not supply power to the remote
microphone).

+ 48V: Audio signal from a passive microphone

is input. (The unit supplies power to the
remote microphone).

<Note>
Power is supplied when R.MIC POWER in the
<AUDIO SETUP> screen is set to ON.

8

FRONT AUDIO LEVEL (audio recording

level adjustment) control

• This control adjusts the recording level of Audio
Channels 1 and 2.

• Level adjustment is possible when the AUDIO
SELECT switch is set to MAN.

• Use the menu options FRONT VR CH1 and
FRONT VR CH2 in the <AUDIO SETUP>
screen to select the input connector this control
will be used for.

9

Viewfinder connector

For details, refer to [Mounting the Viewfinder]
(page 88).

18

Chapter 2 Parts and their Functions

1

MONITOR SELECT (audio channel) CH1/2 / CH3 /4 selector switch

Use this switch to select the audio channel whose signals are output to the speakers, earphones or AUDIO
OUT connector.

CH1/2: Signals on Audio Channels 1 and 2 are output.
CH3/4: Signals on Audio Channels 3 and 4 are output.

The channel indications on the display window and on the audio level meter in the viewfinder are
synchronised with this selector switch.

2

MONITOR SELECT (audio selection) CH1/3 / ST / CH2/4 selector switch

In combination with the MONITOR SELECT CH1/2 / CH3/4 switch, select the audio signal output to the
speakers and earphones, and from the AUDIO OUT connector.

MONITOR SELECT (Left)

MONITOR SELECT (Right)

CH1/2 CH3/4

MONITOR SELECT

CH1/3 Audio Channel 1 Audio Channel 3

ST

Stereo signals from

Audio Channels 1 and 2

Stereo signals from

Audio Channels 3 and 4

CH2/4 Audio Channel 2 Audio Channel 4

3

MONITOR/ALARM (volume) control

Used to control the volume of sound output from the monitor speakers and earphones.
It also adjusts the alarm sound volume.

4

Speakers

The speakers output EE sound during recording, and reproduced sound during playback. The speakers emit
an alarm sound when the warning lamp blinks and/or the indicator activates. EE sound and playback sound
are not output during alarm sound output.
When the PHONES jack is connected with earphones, sound from the speaker is automatically muted.

5

PHONES (earphones) jack (mini jack)

This connector is designed for audio monitoring (stereo) earphones. When earphones are connected, sound
from the speakers is automatically muted.

6

DC OUT (DC power supply) output socket

This output socket is designed for 12-VDC. It provides a maximum current of 1.5 A.

7

AUDIO OUT connector

• This connector outputs audio signals recorded on Channels 1/2 or 3/4.

• Output signals are selected with the MONITOR SELECT CH1/2 / CH3/4 selector switch.

Audio (output) Function Section

3 14

652

7

19

Chapter 2 Parts and their Functions

Shooting and Recording (camera unit)

1

ND FILTER (filter switching) control

This control adjusts the amount of light entering
the CCD. Use this control in strong outdoor
lighting.

Control

position

Setting Description

1 OFF Do not use the ND filter.

2 1/4

Reduces the amount of light
entering the CCD to 1/4.

3 1/16

Reduces the amount of light
entering the CCD to 1/16.

4 1/64

Reduces the amount of light
entering the CCD to 1/64.

2

USER MAIN, USER 1 and USER 2 buttons

These buttons can be assigned user-selected
functions, using a menu option. Each button,
when pressed, performs the assigned function.
For more information, see [Assigning Functions to
USER Buttons] (page 55).

3

SHUTTER switch

Used to enable or disable the electronic shutter.

OFF: Electronic shutter disabled.
ON: Electronic shutter enabled.
SEL: Used to change the speed of the electronic

shutter.
This dial switch returns to its original position.
Each turn of the switch alters the shutter speed.
For more information, see [Setting the Electronic
Shutter] (page 53).

4

AUTO W/B (white/black) BAL switch

AWB

Automatically adjusts the white balance.
Set the WHITE BAL switch on the side to
[A] or [B] and use this switch to adjust the
white balance, which takes a few seconds.
The adjusted value is stored in memory.
When the WHITE BAL switch is set
to PRST and the color temperature is
indicated with the AUTO W/B BAL switch
set to AWB, setting the switch to AWB
again makes it possible to change the
preset color temperature.

ABB Back balance is automatically adjusted.

For details, refer to [Adjusting the White Balance
and Black Balance] (page 50).

5

GAIN selector switch

• This switch adjusts video amplifier gain to suit
ambient lighting conditions at the time of the
shooting.

• Use the menu options MID GAIN and HIGH
GAIN in the <SW MODE> screen to set the M /H
position gain values.

• The factory settings for L, M and H are 0 dB,
6 dB, and 12 dB, respectively.

<Note>
The camera is locked to 0 dB gain regardless of
GAIN switch position and setting when the FRAME
RATE is 22 fps (59.94 Hz) or less than 23 fps
(50 Hz).

Shooting and Recording/Playback Functions Section

1 8

53 4 6 7

2

9

20

Chapter 2 Parts and their Functions

6

OUTPUT/AUTO KNEE selector switch

This switch selects the video signals sent from
the camera unit to the memory card recorder unit,
viewfinder and video monitor.

CAM.
AUTO

KNEE ON

Video being recorded through the camera
is output with the AUTO KNEE circuit
activated. The compression level (KNEE
point) of the video signal is automatically
changed according to the received signal.

CAM.
AUTO

KNEE OFF

Video being recorded through the camera
is output with the AUTO KNEE circuit
turned off. The KNEE point is locked to
the level set in the menu.

BARS

Color bar signals are output with the
AUTO KNEE circuit turned off.

■AUTO KNEE function
Usually, when you adjust levels to shoot people
or scenery against a strongly lit background,
the background will be totally whited-out, with
buildings and other objects blurred.
In this case, the AUTO KNEE function reproduces
the background clearly.
This function is effective when:

• The subject is a person positioned in the shade
under a clear sky.

• The subject is a person inside a car or building,
and you also want to capture the background
visible through a window.

• The subject is a high-contrast scene.

7

WHITE BAL (white balance memory

selector) switch

Used to select the white balance adjustment
method.
PRST: Use this when you have no time to adjust

the white balance.

• The value for the white balance is
factory-set to 3200 K.

• While the setting menu or the color
temperature is displayed, turn the
AUTO W/B BAL switch to AWB to set
the color temperature to 3200K or
5600K.

A • B: Pressing the AUTO W/B BAL Switch

toward [AWB] automatically adjusts the
white balance, saving the adjusted value in
Memory A or B. For more information, see
[Adjusting the White Balance] (page 50).

8

DISP/MODE CHK button

• Press this button to turn off the LCD monitor and
viewfinder display. (The time code indication
stays on.)

• A second press of the button turns the display
back on and holding it down displays shooting
conditions and functions assigned to USER
switches.

• It also serves to turn off the alarm sound.

9

MODE button

• This button toggles between the CAMERA
mode and MCR mode at each press.

• Holding down this button for 2 seconds or longer
in the MCR mode will engage the PC mode.
Since this button does not work in the PC mode,
power off the camera to exit the PC mode and
switch to another mode. The camera will start
up in the CAMERA mode when powered up next
time.

• Use the mode LED to check current mode.

21

Chapter 2 Parts and their Functions

31

292328

30

27

16

1513 17 14

18

12

32

33

25

2422 20

19

2110 11

1034

26

22

Chapter 2 Parts and their Functions

Shooting and Recording/Playback
Function Section (recording)

10

REC START/STOP button

Pressing this button starts recording, pressing
again stops recording.
This button has the same function as the VTR
button at the lens.
When pressed in the MCR mode, the camera
automatically switches to the CAMERA mode and
starts recording.

11

SAVE switch

This switch selects the power saving mode.

ON: Forcibly turns off the LCD.
OFF: LCD is on.

The operating status display in the viewfinder
goes off when the SAVE switch is set to ON.
But it remains on during special recording.

12

OUTPUT CHARACTER switch

This switch controls the superimposition of
characters onto the video output (VIDEO OUT,
COMPONENT OUT and SDI OUT) to indicate
status or menus.

ON: Superimposes characters.
OFF: Does not superimpose characters.

13

REW (fast-reverse) button

During pause, this button performs fast-reverse
playback.
During playback, it fast-reverses playback at
about 4× normal speed.
If this button is pressed when playback is paused,
the beginning of the clip being played is located in
pause mode (cue-up mode).

14

FF (fast forward) button

During pause, this button performs fast playback.
During playback, it performs fast playback at
about 4× normal speed.
If this button is pressed when playback is paused,
the beginning of the next clip is located in pause
mode (cue-up mode).

15

■STOP button

This button stops playback.
The menu cursor moves in the thumbnail display.

16

PLAY button

This button is used to view playback using the
viewfinder screen or a color video monitor.

17

STILL (pause) button

Press to pause playback.

18

REC buttons (red and white)

Press the red and white buttons simultaneously
to start recording the 1394 input signal and press
the STOP button to stop recording.

<Note>
To record 1394 input signals, be sure to set the
MCR format to the input signal format before
starting recording. Do not change the format or
terminate signal input during recording.

19

P2 CARD ACCESS LED

This LED indicates the recording and playback
status of each card.
For details, refer to [P2 CARD ACCESS LED and
status of P2 cards] (page 32).

20

Slide lock button

Used to open the slide-out door for inserting P2
cards. While depressing this button, slide the
door to the left.

21

USB 2.0 connector

Connect a USB 2.0 cable to this connector.
Select USB DEVICE under the menu option PC
MODE in the <OTHER FUNCTIONS> screen to
send data via the USB 2.0 connector. The camera
cannot be used for recording, playback or clip
operations when this function is used.
For details, refer to [Connecting to External
Devices Using USB2.0 Port (PC mode)] (page

131).

22

GENLOCK IN connector

This connector inputs a reference signal when the
camera unit is gen-locked, or when the time code
is externally locked.

<Note>

• The reference signal must be a Y signal (1080/60i,

720 /60P, 1080/50i or 720/50P) (HD) or a composite
signal (480 / 60i or 576/50i).

• GENLOCK cannot be engaged during playback.

23

REMOTE (remote control) connector

By connecting the extension control unit AJ­RC10G (optional accessory), some functions of
the camera can be remote-controlled.
For details, refer to [Connecting the AJ-RC10G
Extension Controller] (page 102).

24

VIDEO OUT (video signal output)

connector

This connector outputs video signals.

• In HD mode, down-converted composite video
signals are output.

• Use the DOWNCON MODE in the setup menu
DISPLAY SETUP screen to change output. (The
factory setting is LETTER BOX.)

<Note>

13

to 18 work only in MCR mode.

25

SD memory card insertion slot

Insert an SD memory card (optional accessory) in
this slot. It is used for uploading meta data as well
as for reading and writing USER files and SCENE
files.

<Note>

■SD memory card precautions

• Use only cards that conform to the SD card

standard or the SDHC standard in this camera.

• Multimedia cards (MMC) cannot be used. (Use of

such cards may prevent recording.)

• Be sure to use mini SD card adapter only when

using mini SD cards. (Note that this camera will
not operate normally when a mini SD adapter is
installed without also inserting a card. Be sure to
insert a card when an adapter is installed.)

• Use of Panasonic SD/SDHC memory cards and

mini SD cards is recommended. Be sure to format
such cards in this camera.

• To format a memory card on a PC, use the

dedicated software that can be downloaded from
the support site listed below.
https ://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp /pro-av/

• This camera supports 8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB,

128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB and 2 GB SD
memory cards and 4 GB SDHC memory cards.

• For the latest information not available in the

Operating Instructions, visit the P2 Support site at
the above Web site.

23

Chapter 2 Parts and their Functions

■About SD and SDHC memory cards

• SD logo is a trademark.

• The SDHC ( SD High Capacity) card is a new
standard, established by the SD Card Association
in 2006, for large-scale memory cards with
capacities above 2 GB.

• Multi Media Card (MMC) is a registered trademark
of Infineon Technologies AG.

26

BUSY (operation mode display) lamp

This lamp indicates the active status of the SD
memory card.
It stays illuminated when the card is active.

<Note>
While the lamp is on, do not insert or remove the
card.

27

R-SIDE P2 card access LED

This LED indicates access status for all four P2
card slots. It blinks when any of the inserted
P2 cards is accessed and lights when a card is
inserted.
For details, refer to [P2 CARD ACCESS LED and
status of P2 cards] (page 32).

28

COMPONENT OUT connector (D4

connector)

• This connector outputs component video
signals.

• Use the menu option CMPNT/SDI SEL in the
setting menu <OUTPUT SEL> screen to select
AUTO, 1080i, 480i, or 576i. This connector does
not support up-conversion.

29

1394 connector

• Connect an IEEE1394 cable to this connector.

• Select 1394 DEVICE or 1394 HOST under
the menu option PC MODE in the <OTHER
FUNCTIONS> screen to send data via the 1394
connector.

For details, refer to [Connecting to External
Devices Using the IEEE1394 Connector (PC
mode)] (page 132).

30

SDI OUT connector

• This connector outputs SDI signals.

• Use the menu option CMPNT/SDI SEL in the
setting menu <OUTPUT SEL> screen to select
AUTO, 1080i, 480i, or 576i. This connector does
not support up-conversion.

31

SCENE FILE dial

This dial allows you to load and set the shooting
conditions for a scene file already recorded with
the conditions corresponding to the dial position.

<Note>
During recording, selecting a position with a
different frame rate will not change the frame rate
until the camera is set to recording standby mode.

For details, refer to [How to Use Scene File Data]
(page 79).

32

PAGE/ VAR button

• In the thumbnail display, press this button to turn
pages.

• During variable speed playback press this
button to change playback speed and in still
mode, press to start frame-by-frame playback.

33

FOCUS ASSIST button

This button turns focus assist on and off.
Turning on the focus assist function displays
a frequency distribution graph in the top right
corner of the viewfinder and LCD display.
Turn the focus ring on the lens to place the graph
further to the right.

34

Recording enable/disable switch

This switch enables/disables the REC START/
STOP button on the handle.

ON: Enables the REC START/STOP button.
OFF: Disables the REC START/STOP button.

The white area moves
to the right as the image
comes into focus.

When the image is out of
focus

24

Chapter 2 Parts and their Functions

1

MENU button

• Press and hold this button to display the setting
menu and press it again to return to the previous
image.

• This button is not available in the thumbnail
display.

<NOTE>
Use the SET button or the JOG dial button to go
between menus and select items. For details, see
section [Viewfinder and LCD menus] (page 116).

2

Thumbnail button

In MCR mode, press this button to switch
between the thumbnail screen and 1394 input
mode. Note that this switchover is not performed
during recording or playback.

3

Thumbnail menu button

In thumbnail display mode, use this button to
access thumbnail menu functions to delete clips,
for example.

<Note>
Use the CURSOR and SET buttons to select
thumbnails and access menu functions. For details,
see [Manipulating Clips with Thumbnails] (page

103) .

4

MODE button

This button toggles between the CAMERA mode
and MCR mode. For details, see [Shooting and

Recording/Playback Function Section] (page 19).

5

CURSOR and SET buttons

Use these buttons to manipulate menus, the
menu bar and thumbnails.
The four triangular buttons are CURSOR buttons
and the square center button is the SET button.

6

PAGE/ VAR button

Pressing this button during thumbnail display
scrolls thumbnail pages forwards and backwards
in page units.

7

JOG dial button

• Use this button to go between menu pages and
to select and set items in open setting menus
(camera menu or MCR menu).

• In a setting menu, turning the JOG dial
downwards moves the menu cursor downwards
and turning it upwards moves the menu cursor
upwards.
Press the JOG dial button to confirm made
settings.

Menu/Thumbnail Operation Section

7 1

2

5

6

3

4

25

Chapter 2 Parts and their Functions

1

GENLOCK IN connector (BNC)

This connector is used to input a reference signal
before the camera unit is gen-locked, or before
the time code is externally locked.
For details, refer to [Externally Locking the Time
Code] (page 64).

2

TC IN connector (BNC)

This connector is used to input a reference time
code when you externally lock the time code.
For details, refer to [Externally Locking the Time
Code] (page 64).

3

TC OUT connector (BNC)

When you inter-lock the time code of the AG­HPX500P/E with that of an external device this
must be connected with the time code input (TC
IN) connector of the external device.
For details, refer to [Outputting the time code
externally] (page 65).

4

HOLD button

Pressing this button freezes the time data
indication on the counter. Note that time code
generation continues. Pressing the button again
reactivates the counter.
This function is used to ascertain the time code or
CTL count of a particular recorded scene.

5

RESET button

Use this button to reset the counter value on the
time code display to 0:00:00.
When the TCG switch is positioned at [SET] and
the setting menus TC PRESET screen and UB
PRESET screen are open, press this button to
reset all set values to 0 and press the SET button
to preset.

6

COUNTER (counter display selector)

button

The LCD monitor and the viewfinder show the
counter value, time code, user bit and frame rate
data.

7

TCG (time code selector) switch

This switch is used to specify the stepping mode
for the built-in time code generator.

F-RUN

Select this position to continuously
advance the time code independently of
the P2 card recording status. Use this
mode to synchronise the time code with
the time of day, or to externally lock the
time code.

SET

Select this position to set the time code
and/or user bits.

R-RUN

Select this position to advance the time
code only during recording. The time
code is continuously recorded during
normal recording. But deleting clips
and continuing recording of clips at a
frame rate of 24P or 24PA that have
been recorded at any other frame rate
may break the sequence of time code
recording.

<Note>
Always use the CURSOR and SET buttons to set
the time code and user bits. The JOG dial button
cannot be used for this purpose.

8

CURSOR and SET buttons

Use these buttons to set the time code and user
bits.
The four triangular buttons are the CURSOR
buttons, and the center rectangular one is the
SET button.
For guidance in setting the time code and user
bits, see [Setting Time Data] (page 58).

Time Code Section

3

6

7 8

54

1

2

26

Chapter 2 Parts and their Functions

1

Back tally lamp

When the BACK TALLY switch is set to [ON], the
lamp behaves in the same way as the front tally
lamp at the viewfinder.

2

BACK TALLY switch

This switch controls the action of the back and
rear tally lamps.

ON: Back and rear tally lamps enabled.
OFF: Back and rear tally lamps disabled.

3

WARNING lamp

This lamp starts blinking or lights up if something
unusual occurs in the memory.

4

Rear tally lamp

When the BACK TALLY switch is set on [ON], the
rear tally lamp behaves in the same way as the
back tally lamp.

5

Mode LED

Shows the camera unit mode.

CAM: Lights red in CAMERA mode.
MCR: Lights green in MCR mode.
PC: Lights orange in PC mode.

1

LCD monitor

The LCD monitor displays the video in the
viewfinder.
Alternatively, it can show clips on the P2 card in a
thumbnail format.
In thumbnail display mode, you can use the
thumbnail menu buttons, CURSOR and SET
buttons to manipulate or delete clips, or format P2
cards.
For details, refer to [Adjusting and setting the
LCD monitor] (page 75).

2

OPEN button

Used to open the LCD monitor.

Warning and Status Display Functions

LCD Monitor

1 2 3

4

21

5

27

Chapter 2 Parts and their Functions

1

Viewfinder (supplied accessory)

During recording or playback, the viewfinder
displays the video image in monochrome. It also
displays warnings, messages, zebra patterns,
markers (safety zone and center markers), etc.

2

ZEBRA (zebra pattern) switch

This switch is used to display the zebra pattern in
the viewfinder.

ON: Zebra pattern displayed.
OFF: No zebra pattern displayed.

3

TALLY switch

Used to control the front tally lamp.

ON: Tally lamp goes on.
OFF: Tally lamp goes out.

4

PEAKING control

Used to adjust the outlines of the video image
in the viewfinder for easier focusing. Recorded
video and output camera signals are not affected.

5

CONTRAST control

Used to adjust the contrast of the video image
in the viewfinder. Recorded video and output
camera signals are not affected.

6

BRIGHT control

Used to adjust the brightness of the video image
in the viewfinder. Recorded video and output
camera signals are not affected.

7

Front tally lamp

This lamp goes on during recording when
the TALLY switch is set to [ON]. It also blinks
in synchronisation with the REC lamp in the
viewfinder, and provides alerts.

8

Viewfinder securing screw

Used to attach or remove the viewfinder.

9

Eyepiece

10

Diopter adjustment ring

Use this to make adjustments in line with your
diopter, in order to obtain optimum clarity in the
viewfinder image.

11

Connecting plug

12

Locking button

13

Microphone holder

Viewfinder

13

524 3 6

11 9817 10

12

28

Setting Date and Time of Internal Clock

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

Chapter

3

Recording and
Playback

Setting Date and Time of Internal Clock

The CLOCK SET value is recorded in the contents
(clip), and affects the sequence of playback of the
thumbnails. Before carrying out recording, be sure to
check and set CLOCK SET and TIME ZONE.

• This shows you how to adjust the calendar to
5:20 PM on December 25, 2007.

1

Set the POWER switch to ON.

2

Press the MENU button.

3

Use the JOG dial button to select
setting menu OTHER FUNCTIONS, then
press the JOG dial button to open the
OTHER FUNCTIONS screen.

For details on menu operation, refer to [Using
the menus] (page 116).

4

Use the JOG dial button to select TIME
ZONE, then press the JOG dial button.

5

Turn the JOG dial button to set the time
difference from Greenwich Mean Time.

• Check what time zone you are in and set
accordingly.

PUSH MENU TO RETURN

LANGUAGE
GL SELECT
GL PHASE
H PHASE
SYSEM FREQ

+ 9:00

ENGLISH

SDI

OFF

0

59.94Hz

TIME ZONE

OTHER FUNC T I O N S

■Time zone

Time

difference

Area

Time

difference

Area

00: 00 Greenwich -00:30

-01:00 Azores Islands -01:30

-02:00 Mid-Atlantic -02:30

-03:00 Buenos Aires -03:30

Newfoundland

Island

-04:00 Halifax -04:30

-05:00 New York -05:30

-06:00 Chicago -06:30

-07:00 Denver -07:30

-08:00 Los Angeles -08:30

-09:00 Alaska -09:30 Marquesas Islands

-10:00 Hawaii -10:30

-11:00 Midway Island -11:30

-12:00 Kwajalein +11:30 Norfolk Island
+13:00 +10:30 Lord Howe Island
+12:00 New Zealand +09 :30 Darwin
+11:00 Solomon Islands +08:30
+10:00 Guam +07:30

+09 :00 Tokyo +06:30 Rangoon
+08:00 Beijing +05:30 Bombay

+07:00 Bangkok +04:30 Kabul

+06:00 Dacca + 03:30 Tehran
+05:00 Islamabad +02:30
+04:00 Abu Dhabi +01:30
+03:00 Moscow +00:30
+02:00 Eastern Europe +12:45 Chatham Islands

+01:00 Central Europe

<NOTE>

• The clock is accurate to within about ±30 seconds a
month with the power turned off.

• Check and set the time when accurate time is required.
After setting the time, change the setting menu TIME
ZONE item and the display and the recorded local time

will be reset accordingly.

6

Select YES at the CLOCK SET item in
OTHER FUNCTIONS, then press the
JOG dial button.

• The CLOCK SET screen appears.

PUSH MENU TO RETURN

1394 CONTROL
1394 CMD SEL
PC MODE
ACCESS LED
ALARM
SAVE LED

CLOCK SET

OTHER FUNC T I O N S

OFF

REC_P

1394DEVICE

OFF
OFF

SAVE

YES

USER FILE

29

Setting Date and Time of Internal Clock

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

7

Turn the JOG dial button to select
YEAR, then press the JOG dial button.

PUSH MENU TO RETURN

2007

MONTH MAY
DAY

1
HOUR 13
MIN

7

YEAR

CLOCK SET

8

Turn the JOG dial button to set YEAR to
2007, then press the JOG dial button.

• A year between 2000 to 2030 can be set.

9

Turn the JOG dial button to select
MONTH, then press the JOG dial
button.

10

Turn the JOG dial button to set MONTH
to DEC, then press the JOG dial button.

11

Set DAY, HOUR and MIN in the same
way as setting YEAR and MONTH.

• This is a 24-hour clock.

PUSH MENU TO RETURN

2007

MONTH DEC
DAY 25
HOUR 17

MIN 20

YEAR

CLOCK SET

30

P2 Cards

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

Inserting P2 Cards

<Note>
When using the camera recorder for the first time, be
sure to set the time data beforehand. On how the time
data is set, see [Setting Date and Time of Internal Clock]
(page 28) .

1

Turn on the POWER switch.

2

While pressing the slide lock button,
move the slide-out door to the left.

• The door opens.

3

Insert a P2 card in a P2 card slot.

• Press in the card until the eject button pops
up.

4

Tilt up the popped-up EJECT button.

• Insert a P2 card into the AG-HPX500P/E. The
P2 CARD ACCESS LED for the appropriate
slot indicates the status of the P2 card.

For how the P2 card status is indicated, see
[P2 CARD ACCESS LED and status of P2
cards] (page 32).

P2 Cards

The card must be
inserted with the logo
right way up.

Slide-out door

Slide lock button

EJECT button

P2 CARD ACCESS LED