Panasonic DMC-FX500 Operating Instruction

Operating Instructions

Digital Camera

Model No. DMC-FX500

Before connecting, operating or adjusting this product,

please read the instructions completely.

For USA assistance, please call: 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo

For Canadian assistance, please call: 1-800-99-LUMIX (1-800-995-8649) or send e-mail to: lumixconcierge@ca.panasonic.com

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Before Use

Dear Customer,

Thank you for choosing Panasonic!

You have purchased one of the most sophisticated and reliable products on the market today. Used properly, we’re sure it will bring you and your family years of enjoyment. Please take time to fill in the information on the below. The serial number is on the tag located on the underside of your Camera. Be sure to retain this manual as your convenient Camera information source.

Model No.

Serial No.

RBRC

Li-ion

A lithium ion battery that is recyclable powers the product you have purchased. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information on how to

recycle this battery.

Information for Your Safety

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR PRODUCT DAMAGE,

• DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN, MOISTURE, DRIPPING OR SPLASHING AND THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHALL BE PLACED ON THE APPARATUS.

• USE ONLY THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES.

• DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER (OR BACK); THERE ARE NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

Carefully observe copyright laws. Recording of pre-recorded tapes or discs or other published or broadcast material for purposes other than your own private use may infringe copyright laws. Even for the purpose of private use, recording of certain material may be restricted.

• Please note that the actual controls and components, menu items, etc. of your Digital Camera may look somewhat different from those shown in the illustrations in these Operating Instructions.

• SDHC Logo is a trademark.

• Microsoft product screen shot(s) reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation.

• Other names, company names, and product names printed in these instructions are trademarks or registered trademarks of the companies concerned.

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Before Use

THE SOCKET OUTLET SHALL BE INSTALLED NEAR THE EQUIPMENT AND SHALL BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE.

CAUTION

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Warning

Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not disassemble, heat above 60 xC (140 oF) or incinerate.

Product Identification Marking is located on the bottom of units.

THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN CANADA.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN THE U.S.A.

FCC Note:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC Caution: To assure continued compliance, follow the attached installation

instructions and use only shielded interface cables with ferrite core when

connecting to computer or peripheral devices. Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

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Before Use

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: Panasonic Model No.: DMC-FX500 Responsible party: Panasonic Corporation of North America One Panasonic Way,

Secaucus, NJ 07094

Support Contact: Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company 1-800-211-PANA (7262) This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following

two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

-If you see this symbol-

Information on Disposal in other Countries outside the European Union

This symbol is only valid in the European Union. If you wish to discard this product, please contact your local authorities or dealer and ask for the correct method of disposal.

∫ About the battery pack

CAUTION

Battery pack (Lithium ion battery pack)

• Use the specified unit to recharge the battery pack.

• Do not use the battery pack with equipment other than the specified unit.

• Do not get dirt, sand, liquids, or other foreign matter on the terminals.

• Do not touch the plug terminals (i and j) with metal objects.

• Do not disassemble, remodel, heat or throw into fire.

If any electrolyte should come into contact with your hands or clothes, wash it off thoroughly with water. If any electrolyte should come into contact with your eyes, never rub the eyes. Rinse eyes thoroughly with water, and then consult a doctor.

• Do not heat or expose to flame.

• Do not leave the battery(ies) in an automobile exposed to direct sunlight for a long period of time with doors and windows closed.

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Before Use

∫ About the battery charger

CAUTION! DO NOT INSTALL OR PLACE THIS UNIT IN A BOOKCASE, BUILT-IN CABINET OR IN ANOTHER CONFINED SPACE. ENSURE THE UNIT IS WELL VENTILATED. TO PREVENT RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE HAZARD DUE TO OVERHEATING, ENSURE THAT CURTAINS AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE VENTILATION VENTS.

Battery charger

This battery charger operates on AC between 110 V and 240 V. But

• In the U.S.A. and Canada, the battery charger must be connected to a 120 V AC power supply only.

• When connecting to an AC supply outside of the U.S.A. or Canada, use a plug adaptor to suit the AC outlet configuration.

∫ Care of the camera

• Do not strongly shake or bump the camera by dropping it, etc.

This unit may malfunction, recording pictures may no longer be possible or the lens or the LCD monitor may be damaged.

• We strongly recommend you do not leave the camera in your pants pocket when you sit down or forcefully insert it into a full or tight bag, etc. Damage to the LCD monitor or personal injury may result.

• Be particularly careful in the following places as they may cause this

unit to malfunction.

– Places with a lot of sand or dust. – Places where water can come into contact with this unit such as when using

it on a rainy day or on a beach.

• Do not touch the lens or the sockets with dirty hands. Also, be careful not to allow

liquids, sand and other foreign matter to get into the space around the lens, buttons etc.

• If water or seawater splashes on the camera, use a dry cloth to wipe the camera body carefully.

∫ About Condensation (When the lens and LCD monitor are fogged up)

• Condensation occurs when the ambient temperature or humidity changes. Be careful of condensation since it causes lens and LCD monitor stains, fungus and camera malfunction.

• If condensation occurs, turn the camera off and leave it for about 2 hours. The fog will disappear naturally when the temperature of the camera becomes close to the ambient temperature.

∫ Read together with “Cautions for Use”. (P110)

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Contents

Before Use

Information for Your Safety ............................2

Quick Guide ...................................................8

Standard Accessories ....................................9

Names of the Components ..........................10

How to Use the Touch Panel .......................12

• What can be done

by touch operation ................................13

Preparation

Charging the Battery ....................................14

About the Battery (charging/number of

recordable pictures) .....................................15

Inserting and Removing the Card

(optional)/the Battery....................................16

About the Built-in Memory/the Card.............17

Setting Date/Time (Clock Set) .....................18

• Changing the clock setting

(In program AE mode)...........................19

Setting the Menu ..........................................20

• Setting menu items................................21

• Using the quick menu ............................22

About the Setup Menu .................................23

Selecting the [REC] Mode............................28

Basic

Taking pictures using

he automatic function

(ñ: Intelligent Auto Mode)...........................29

• Scene detection.....................................30

• The Backlight Compensation.................30

• About the flash.......................................31

• Settings in Intelligent auto mode ...........31

Taking pictures with your favorite settings

(³: Program AE mode)...............................32

• Focusing ................................................33

• When the subject is not in focus (such as when it is not in the center of the composition of

the picture you want to take).................33

• Preventing jitter (camera shake)............33

Taking Pictures with the Zoom.....................34

• Using the Optical Zoom/ Using the Extended Optical Zoom (EZ)/

Using the Digital Zoom..........................34

Playing back Pictures

([NORMAL PLAY]) .......................................36

• Using the Touch Zoom ..........................36

• Switching the [PLAYBACK] mode .........37

Deleting Pictures..........................................38

• To delete a single picture ......................38

• To delete multiple pictures

(up to 50) or all the pictures

................38

Advanced (Recording pictures)

About the LCD Monitor ...............................40

Taking Pictures using

the Built-in Flash ..........................................42

• Switching to

the appropriate flash setting..................42

Taking Close-up Pictures.............................45

Taking Pictures with the Self-timer ..............46

Taking Pictures with Focus and Exposure Set on Subject

(Touch AF/AE) .............................................47

Taking Pictures with Set Aperture

(±: Aperture-priority AE) .............................48

Taking Pictures with Set Shutter Speed

(´: Shutter-priority AE) ...............................49

Taking Pictures with Exposure Set Manually

(²: Manual exposure) .................................50

Aperture Value and Shutter Speed ..............51

Compensating the Exposure........................52

Taking Pictures using Auto Bracket .............53

Taking pictures that match the scene being recorded

(¿: Scene mode).........................................54

• * [PORTRAIT].....................................54

• + [SOFT SKIN] ....................................55

• 0 [SELF PORTRAIT]...........................55

• , [SCENERY] .....................................55

• - [SPORTS] ........................................55

• . [NIGHT PORTRAIT] ........................56

• / [NIGHT SCENERY] .........................56

• 1 [FOOD] ...........................................56

• 2 [PARTY]...........................................56

• 3 [CANDLE LIGHT].............................57

• : [BABY1]/; [BABY2].......................57

• í [PET]................................................58

• ï [SUNSET] ........................................58

• 9 [HIGH SENS.] ..................................58

• ô [HI-SPEED BURST].........................59

• 5 [STARRY SKY]................................59

• 4 [FIREWORKS] .................................60

• 6 [BEACH] ..........................................60

• 8 [SNOW]............................................60

• 7 [AERIAL PHOTO] ............................60

Motion Picture Mode ....................................61

Useful Functions at Travel Destinations ......63

• Recording which Day of

the Vacation You Take the Picture........63

• Recording Dates/ Times at Overseas

Travel Destinations (World Time)..........64

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Using the [REC] Mode Menu.......................66

• @ [PICTURE SIZE] ............................... 66

• A [QUALITY] ....................................... 67

• ? [ASPECT RATIO]............................ 67

• [INTELLIGENT ISO]....................... 67

• > [SENSITIVITY] ................................ 68

• = [WHITE BALANCE]......................... 68

• C [METERING MODE]........................ 70

• [AF MODE]..................................... 71

• [QUICK AF] .................................... 72

• ˜ [BURST] .......................................... 73

• [I.EXPOSURE] ................................ 73

• ) [DIGITAL ZOOM] ............................ 74

• H [COLOR EFFECT] ........................... 74

• I [PICT.ADJ.]..................................... 74

• [STABILIZER] ................................ 75

• [MIN. SHTR SPEED] ...................... 75

• B [AUDIO REC.] ................................... 76

• F [AF ASSIST LAMP]....................... 76

• U [CLOCK SET] ................................76

• B [AUDIO DUB.].................................... 98

• S [COPY]........................................... 99

Connecting to other equipment

Connecting to a PC ...................................100

Printing the Pictures .................................. 102

• Selecting a single picture and

printing it ............................................. 103

• Selecting multiple pictures and

printing them ....................................... 103

• Print Settings....................................... 104

Playing Back Pictures on

a TV Screen .............................................. 106

• Playing back pictures using

the AV cable (supplied) ...................... 106

• Playing back pictures on a TV with

an SD Memory Card slot .................... 106

• Playing back on

the TV with component socket

..........107

Advanced (Playback)

Playing Back Pictures in Sequence

(Slide Show)................................................ 77

Displaying Multiple Pictures

([MULTI PLAYBACK]) ................................. 79

Displaying Pictures by Recording Date

([CALENDAR]) ............................................ 80

Playing Back Pictures on

the Dual Display ([DUAL PLAY]) ................. 81

Selecting Pictures and Playing them Back ([CATEGORY PLAY]/

[FAVORITE PLAY]) ..................................... 82

• [CATEGORY PLAY].............................. 82

• [FAVORITE PLAY]................................ 83

Organizing pictures

([EASY ORG.]) ............................................ 84

• Ü [FAVORITE] ..................................... 85

• [EDIT] .............................................. 86

• ‚ [DELETE] .......................................... 89

Playing Back Motion Pictures/

Pictures with Audio...................................... 90

• Motion pictures...................................... 90

• Pictures with audio................................ 90

Creating still pictures from

a motion picture........................................... 91

Using the [PLAYBACK] mode menu ........... 92

• [TEXT STAMP]............................... 92

• Q [MULTI RESIZE]

Reducing the picture size

(number of pixels)................................. 93

• ? [ASPECT CONV.] ........................... 94

• N [ROTATE]/

M [ROTATE DISP.]............................. 95

• O [DPOF PRINT] ................................. 96

• P [PROTECT] ..................................... 97

Others

Screen Display .......................................... 108

Cautions for Use........................................ 110

Message Display ....................................... 113

Functions that cannot be set or

will not work under some conditions.......... 115

Troubleshooting.........................................118

Number of Recordable Pictures and

Available Recording Time ......................... 124

Specifications ............................................ 127

Digital Camera Accessory System ............ 130

Digital Camera Accessory Order Form

(For USA Customers)................................ 131

Request for Service Notice

(For USA Only).......................................... 132

Limited Warranty (For USA Only).............. 133

Customer Services Directory

(For USA Only).......................................... 135

Précautions à prendre

(pour le Canada) .......................................136

Index.......................................................... 138

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Before Use

Quick Guide

This is an overview of how to record and play back pictures with the camera. For each step, be sure to refer to the pages indicated in brackets.

Charge the battery. (P14)

• The battery is not charged when the

camera is shipped. Charge the battery before use.

90°

Insert the battery and the card.

(P16)

• When you do not use the card, you can

record or play back pictures on the built-in memory. (P17) Refer to P17 when you use a card.

Turn the camera on to take

pictures.

1 Slide the [REC]/[PLAYBACK] selector

switch to [¦/!].

2 Press the shutter button to take

pictures. (P29)

Play back the pictures.

1 Slide the [REC]/[PLAYBACK] selector

switch to [(].

2 Select the picture you want to view.

(P36)

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ONOFF

Standard Accessories

Check that all the accessories are included before using the camera.

1Battery Pack

(Indicated as battery in the text)

2 Battery Charger

(Indicated as charger in the text)

3 USB Connection Cable 4AV Cable 5CD-ROM

Software

•

6Strap 7 Battery Carrying Case 8 Stylus pen

SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card and

•

MultiMediaCard are indicated as card in the text.

• The card is optional.

You can record or play back pictures on the built-in memory when you are not using a card.

• For information about optional accessories,

refer to the “Digital Camera Accessory System”. (P130)

• If any accessories are lost, customers in the

USA should contact Panasonic’s parts department at 1 800 833-9626 and customers in Canada should contact 1 800 99-LUMIX (1-800-995-8649) for further information about obtaining replacement parts.

DMW-BCE10PP

K1HA08CD0007

Before Use

DE-A39B

K1HA08CD0008

VFC4304

VYQ3914

VGQ9790

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Before Use

Names of the Components

1 Flash (P42) 2 Lens (P5, 111) 3 Self-timer indicator (P46)/

AF assist lamp (P76)

4 Touch panel/LCD monitor (P12, 40, 108) 5 Status indicator (P16, 24, 29) 6 [MENU/SET] button (P18) 7 [DISPLAY] button (P40) 8 [Q.MENU] (P22)/Delete (P38) button 9 [MODE] button (P28) 10 [REC]/[PLAYBACK] selector switch

(P20)

11 Joystick

A: 3/Exposure compensation (P52)/

Auto bracket (P53)/White balance fine adjustment (P69)/The Backlight Compensation (P30)

B: 4/Macro mode (P45) C: 2/Self-timer (P46) D: 1/Flash setting (P42)

The joystick is operated in two different ways: it can be moved in the up, down, left and right directions to perform an operation, or it can be pressed to select. In these operating instructions, it is pictured as shown in the figure below or described with 3/4/2/1.

Example: When the joystick is moved toward 2 (left) Place your finger on the joystick, and move the joystick toward the left.

123

104 9

or Move 2

Example: When the [MENU/SET] button is pressed Push the joystick straight in.

or Press [MENU/SET]

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12 Camera ON/OFF switch (P18)

13 Zoom lever (P34) 14 Speaker (P90) 15 Microphone (P61, 76, 98) 16 Shutter button (P29, 61)

121413

15 16

17 Strap eyelet

Be sure to attach the strap when using

•

the camera to ensure that you will not drop it.

18 Lens barrel 19 [COMPONENT OUT] socket (P107) 20 [AV OUT/DIGITAL] socket (P100, 102,

106)

21 [DC IN] socket (P100, 102)

Always use a genuine Panasonic AC adaptor (DMW-AC5PP; optional).

•

• This camera cannot charge the battery even when the AC adaptor (DMW-AC5PP;

optional) is connected to it.

22 Tripod receptacle

When you use a tripod, make sure the

•

tripod is stable when the camera is attached to it.

23 Card/Battery door (P16) 24 Release lever (P16)

22 23

Before Use

1 1

1 2 21

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Before Use

How to Use the Touch Panel

You can operate by directly touching the LCD monitor (touch panel) with your finger. It is easier to use the stylus pen (supplied) for detailed operation such as title editing or if it is hard to operate with your fingers.

∫ Touch

To touch and release the touch panel. It is used to select icon or picture.

∫ Drag

A movement without releasing the touch panel. It is used to change the range of displayed picture, or switch the screen with the scroll bar.

If you select wrong icon, you can drag to different icon, and it

•

will select that icon by releasing the finger.

Note

Do not press on the LCD monitor with hard pointed tips, such as ball point pens.

•

• Do not operate with your fingernails.

• Wipe the LCD monitor with dry soft cloth when it gets dirty with finger prints and others.

• Do not scratch or press the LCD monitor too hard.

About the Stylus pen

• Only use the supplied stylus pen.

• Do not place it where small children can reach.

• The stylus pen can be attached to a strap (supplied) as shown.

• Do not place the stylus pen on the LCD monitor when storing. LCD monitor may break when

the

stylus pen is pressed strongly against the LCD monitor.

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What can be done by touch operation

Following are examples of what can be done by touch operation.

When recording

Before Use

Select [REC] mode (P28)

[REC] mode can be selected by touching.

Select [PLAYBACK] mode (P37)

[PLAYBACK] mode can be selected by touching.

Touch AF/AE (P47)

It is possible to set the focus and exposure to the subject specified on the touch panel.

When playing back

Picture Playback Touch Zoom (P36)

A picture can be forwarded/rewound or enlarged in playback by touching the screen.

Aperture Value Set (P48, 50) Shutter Speed Set (P49, 50) Exposure Compensation (P48,

49)

Setting for aperture value or shutter speed, or exposure compensation can be set by touching the set bars displayed on the screen.

[EASY ORG.] (P84)

Following operations can be done by using the touch panel.

• Favorite Settings

• Touch Zoom

• Edit – [RESIZE] – [TRIMMING] – [TITLE EDIT]

• Delete

[SLIDE SHOW] (P77)

Setting for slide show can be done by using the touch panel.

Note

• Menu item cannot be set with touch operation. Set with the joystick.

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Preparation

Charging the Battery

• Use the dedicated charger and battery.

• The battery is not charged when the camera is shipped. Charge the battery before use.

• Charge the battery with the charger indoors.

• Charge the battery in a temperature between 10 oC to 35 oC (50 oF to 95 oF). (The battery

temperature should also be the same.)

Attach the battery with attention to

the direction of the battery.

Connect the charger to the electrical

outlet.

• Charging starts when the [CHARGE] indicator

A lights green.

• Charging is complete when the [CHARGE]

indicator A turns off (after approx. 120 min maximum).

Detach the battery after charging is

completed.

∫ When the [CHARGE] indicator flashes

•

The battery temperature is excessively high or low. The charging time will be longer than normal. Also, charging may not be completed.

• The terminals of the charger or the battery are dirty. In this case, wipe them with a dry cloth. Note

•

After charging is completed, be sure to disconnect the power supply device from the electrical outlet.

• The battery becomes warm after using it and during and after charging. The camera also

becomes warm during use. This is not a malfunction.

• The battery will be exhausted if left for a long period of time after being charged.

• The battery can be recharged even when it still has some charge left, but it is not

recommended that the battery charge be frequently topped up while the battery is fully charged. (The battery has characteristics that will reduce its operating duration and cause the battery to swell up.)

• When the operating time of the camera becomes extremely short even after properly charging

the battery, the life of the battery may have expired. Buy a new battery.

• Do not leave any metal items (such as clips) near the contact areas of the power plug.

Otherwise, a fire and/or electric shocks may be caused by short-circuiting or the resulting heat generated.

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Preparation

About the Battery (charging/number of recordable pictures)

∫ Battery indication

The battery indication is displayed on the LCD monitor. [It does not appear when you use the camera with the AC adaptor (DMW-AC5PP; optional) connected.]

The indication turns red and blinks if the remaining battery power is exhausted. (The status

•

indicator blinks when the LCD monitor turns off.) Recharge the battery or replace it with a fully charged battery.

∫ The battery life

Number of recordable

pictures

Recording conditions by CIPA standard

CIPA is an abbreviation of [Camera & Imaging Products Association].

•

• Temperature: 23 oC (73.4 oF)/Humidity: 50% when LCD monitor is on.

• Using a Panasonic SD Memory Card (16 MB).

• Using the supplied battery.

• Starting recording 30 seconds after the camera is turned on. (When the optical image stabilizer

function is set to [MODE2].)

• Recording once every 30 seconds with full flash every second recording.

• Rotating the zoom lever from Tele to Wide or vice versa in every recording.

• Turning the camera off every 10 recordings and leaving it until the temperature of the battery

decreases.

¢ The number of recordable pictures decreases in Auto Power LCD mode, Power LCD mode

and High angle mode (P23).

The number of recordable pictures varies depending on the recording interval time. If the recording interval time becomes longer, the number of recordable pictures decreases. [e.g. When recording once every 2 minutes, the number of recordable pictures decreases to about 70.]

Playback time Approx. 300 min

The number of recordable pictures and playback time will vary depending on the

operating conditions and storing condition of the battery.

∫ Charging

Charging time Approx. 120 min maximum

Charging time and number of recordable pictures with the optional battery pack (DMW-BCE10PP) are the same as above. The charging time will vary slightly depending on the status of the battery and the conditions in the charging environment. When the charging has been completed successfully, the [CHARGE] indicator turns off.

Note

The battery may swell and its operating time may become shorter as the number of times it is

•

charged increases. For long term battery use, we recommend you do not frequently charge the battery before it is exhausted.

• The performance of the battery may temporarily deteriorate and the operating time may

become shorter in low temperature conditions (e.g. skiing/snowboarding).

Approx. 280 pictures (Approx. 140 min)

(By CIPA standard in program AE mode)

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Preparation

Inserting and Removing the Card (optional)/the Battery

• Check that this unit is turned off.

• We recommend using a Panasonic card.

Slide the release lever in the direction of

the arrow and open the card/battery door.

• Always use genuine Panasonic batteries

(DMW-BCE10PP).

• If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee

the quality of this product.

Battery: Insert it fully being careful about

the direction you insert it. Pull the lever A in the direction of the arrow to remove the battery.

Card: Push it fully until it clicks being careful about the direction you insert it. To remove the card, push the card until it clicks, then pull the card out upright.

B: Do not touch the connection terminals of the

card.

The card may be damaged if it is not fully inserted.

•

1: Close the card/battery door.

2: Slide the release lever in the direction

of the arrow.

• If the card/battery door cannot be completely

closed, remove the card, check its direction and then insert it again.

Note

•

Remove the battery after use. Store the removed battery in the battery carrying case (supplied).

• Do not remove the battery until the LCD monitor and the status indicator (green) turn off as the

settings on the camera may not be stored properly.

• The supplied battery is designed only for the camera. Do not use it with any other equipment.

• Before removing the card or battery, turn the camera off, and wait until the status indicator has

gone off completely. (Otherwise, this unit may no longer operate normally and the card itself may be damaged or the recorded pictures may be lost.)

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Preparation

About the Built-in Memory/the Card

The following operations can be performed using this unit.

•

When a card has not been inserted: Pictures can be recorded in the built-in memory and played back.

• When a card has been inserted: Pictures can be recorded on the

card and played back.

• When using the built-in memory

>ð (access indication

• When using the card

† (access indication

¢ The access indication lights red when pictures are being recorded on the built-in memory (or

the card).

• Memory size: Approx. 50 MB

• Recordable motion pictures: QVGA (320k240 pixels) only

• The built-in memory can be used as a temporary storage device when the card being used

becomes full.

• You can copy the recorded pictures to a card. (P99)

• The access time for the built-in memory may be longer than the access time for a card.

The following types of cards can be used with this unit. (These cards are indicated as card in the text.)

Type of card Characteristics

SD Memory Card (8 MB to 2 GB)

(Formatted using the FAT12 or FAT16 format in compliance with the SD standard)

SDHC Memory Card (4 GB, 8 GB,

16 GB)

(Formatted using the FAT32 format in compliance with the SD standard)

MultiMediaCard • Still pictures only.

¢ The SDHC Memory Card is a memory card standard decided by the SD Association in 2006

for high capacity memory cards more than 2 GB.

¢ You can use an SDHC Memory Card in equipment that is compatible with SDHC Memory

Cards however you cannot use an SDHC Memory Card in equipment that is only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (Always read the operating instructions for the equipment being used.)

• You can only use cards with SDHC logo (indicating compliance with the SD standard) if using

cards with 4 GB or more capacity.

• Please confirm the latest information on the following website. http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/cs

(This Site is English only.)

)

Built-in Memory

Card

• Fast recording and writing speed.

• Write-Protect switch A provided. (When

this switch is set to the [LOCK] position, no further data writing, deletion or formatting is possible. The ability to write, delete and format data is restored when the switch is returned to its original position.)

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Preparation

Note

•

Do not turn this unit off, remove its battery or card or disconnect the AC adaptor (DMW-AC5PP; optional) when the access indication is lit [when pictures are being read or deleted or the built-in memory or the card is being formatted (P26)]. Furthermore, do not subject the camera to vibration or impact. The card or the data on the card may be damaged, and this unit may no longer operate normally.

• The data on the built-in memory or the card may be damaged or lost due to electromagnetic

waves, static electricity or breakdown of the camera or the card. We recommend storing important data on a PC etc.

• Do not format the card on your PC or other equipment. Format it on the camera only to ensure

proper operation. (P26)

• Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.

Setting Date/Time (Clock Set)

We recommend selecting [LANGUAGE] (P27) from the [SETUP] menu (P23) before setting date/time.

The clock is not set when the camera is shipped.

•

Turn the camera on.

• The [PLEASE SET THE CLOCK] message appears.

(This message does not appear in [PLAYBACK] mode.)

A Joystick

Press [MENU/SET].

Move 2/1 to select the items (year, month,

day, hour, minute or display sequence), and

: :

move 3/4 to set.

A: Time at the home area B: Time at the travel destination (P64)

‚: Cancel without setting the clock.

Press [MENU/SET] to set.

• After completing the clock settings, turn the camera off.

Then turn the camera back on, switch to recording mode, and check that the display reflects the settings that were performed.

• When [MENU/SET] has been pressed to complete the settings without the clock having

been set, set the clock correctly by following the “Changing the clock setting (In program AE mode)” procedure below.

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ONOFF

Preparation

Changing the clock setting (In program AE mode)

1 Press [MENU/SET]. 2 Move 3/4 to select [CLOCK SET].

3 Move 1 and then perform steps 3 and 4 to set the clock. 4 Press [MENU/SET] to close the menu.

You can also set the clock in the [SETUP] menu. (P23)

•

Note

•

The clock is displayed when [DISPLAY] is pressed several times during recording.

• When a fully charged battery has been inserted for more than 24 hours, charging of the built-in

battery for the clock is completed so the clock setting will be stored (in the camera) for at least 3 months even if the battery is removed. (If you insert a battery that is not sufficiently charged, the length of time that the clock setting is stored may become less.)

• You can set the year from 2000 to 2099. The 24-hour system is used.

• If the clock is not set, the correct date cannot be printed when you stamp the date on the

pictures with [TEXT STAMP] (P92) or order a photo studio to print the pictures.

• If the clock is set, the correct date can be printed even if the date is not displayed on the screen

of the camera.

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Preparation

Setting the Menu

The camera comes with menus that allow you to set the settings for taking pictures and playing them back just as you like and menus that enable you to have more fun with the camera and use it more easily. In particular, the [SETUP] menu contains some important settings relating to the camera’s clock and power. Check the settings of this menu before proceeding to use the camera.

A [REC]/[PLAYBACK] selector

switch

( [PLAYBACK] mode menu (P92 to 99) ! [REC] mode menu (P66 to 76)

• This menu lets you

make the rotation, protection or DPOF settings, etc. of recorded pictures.

[SETUP] menu (P23 to 27)

• This menu lets you perform the clock settings, select the operating

beep tone settings and set other settings which make it easier for you to operate the camera.

• The [SETUP] menu can be set from either the [REC MODE] or

[PLAYBACK MODE].

• This menu lets you set

the coloring, sensitivity, aspect ratio, number of pixels and other aspects of the pictures you are recording.

∫ Functions that cannot be set or will not work under some conditions

Due to the camera’s specifications, it may not be possible to set some of the functions or some functions may not work in some of the conditions under which the camera is used. For details, refer to P115.

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Preparation

Setting menu items

This section describes how to select the program AE mode settings, and the same setting can be used for the [PLAYBACK] menu and [SETUP] menu as well. Example: Setting [AF MODE] from [

Turn the camera on.

A [MENU/SET] button B [REC]/[PLAYBACK] selector switch C [MODE] button

Slide the [REC]/[PLAYBACK] selector

switch to [¦/!], and then press [MODE].

• When selecting the [PLAYBACK] mode menu

settings, set the [REC]/[PLAYBACK] selector switch to [(], and proceed to step

Touch [PROGRAM AE].

Press [MENU/SET] to display the menu.

• Menu item cannot be set with touch operation. Set

with the joystick.

• You can switch menu screens from any menu item by

rotating the zoom lever.

Ø] to [š] in the program AE mode

ONOFF

B C

Switching to the [SETUP] menu

Move 2.

Move 4 to select the [SETUP] menu

icon [ ].

Move 1.

• Select a menu item next and set it.

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Preparation

Move 3/4 to select [AF MODE].

• Select the item at the very bottom, and move 4 to

move to the second screen.

Move 1.

• Depending on the item, its setting may not appear or it

may be displayed in a different way.

Move 3/4 to select [š].

Press [MENU/SET] to set.

Press [MENU/SET] to close the menu.

Using the quick menu

By using the quick menu, some of the menu settings can be easily found.

Some of the menu items cannot be set by the modes.

•

• When [DISPLAY] is pressed while [STABILIZER] (P75) is selected, [JITTER, SUBJ. MOVE

DEMO.] can be displayed.

Press and hold [Q.MENU] when

recording.

Move 3/4/2/1 to select the menu item

and the setting and then press [MENU/ SET] to close the menu.

A The items to be set and the settings are displayed.

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Q.MENU

Preparation

Perform these settings if you need to.

About the Setup Menu

[CLOCK SET], [AUTO REVIEW] and [ECONOMY] are important items. Check their settings before using them.

In the Intelligent auto mode, only [CLOCK SET], [WORLD TIME], [TRAVEL DATE], [BEEP] and

•

[LANGUAGE] can be set.

For details on how to select the [SETUP] menu settings, refer to P21.

U [CLOCK SET]

Refer to P18 for details.

•

Setting Date/Time.

Set the time in your home area and travel destination.

“ [DESTINATION]:

[WORLD TIME]

Travel destination area

– [HOME]:

Your home area

• Refer to P64 for details.

[MONITOR]

Adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor in 7 steps.

These menu settings make it easier to see the LCD monitor when you are in bright places or when you are holding the camera high above your head.

[OFF] „ [AUTO POWER LCD]:

[LCD MODE]

LCD

The brightness is adjusted automatically depending on how bright it is around the camera.

… [POWER LCD]:

The LCD monitor becomes brighter and easier to see even when taking pictures outdoors.

Å [HIGH ANGLE]:

The LCD monitor is easier to see when taking pictures with the camera held high above your head.

• High angle mode is also canceled if you turn the camera off or [POWER SAVE] is activated.

• The brightness of the pictures displayed on the LCD monitor is increased so some subjects

may appear differently from actuality on the LCD monitor. However, this does not affect the recorded pictures.

• The LCD monitor automatically returns to normal brightness after 30 seconds when recording

in Power LCD mode. Press any button to make the LCD monitor bright again.

• If the screen is difficult to see because of light from the sun etc. shining on it, use your hand or

another object to block the light.

• The number of recordable pictures decreases in Auto Power LCD mode, Power LCD mode and

High angle mode.

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Preparation

r [BEEP]

This allows you to set the beep and shutter sound.

r [BEEP LEVEL]:

[s] (Muted) [t] (Low) [u] (High)

[BEEP TONE]:

1 2 3

[]/[]/[]

[SHUTTER VOL.]:

[] (Muted) [] (Low) [ ] (High)

[SHUTTER TONE]:

1 2 3

[]/[]/[]

u [VOLUME]

Adjust the volume of the speaker to any of 7 levels.

• When you connect the camera to a TV, the volume of the TV speakers does not change.

Set the pattern of the guide lines displayed when taking pictures. You can also set whether or not to have the recording information

[GUIDE LINE]

displayed when the guide lines are displayed. (P40)

[REC. INFO.]: [OFF]/[ON]

[PATTERN]: []/[ ]

• The [PATTERN] setting is fixed to [ ] in the Intelligent auto mode.

This allows you to set either to display or not display the

[HISTOGRAM]

histogram. (P41)

[OFF]/[ON]

— [TRAVEL DATE]

Set the departure date and the return date of the vacation.

[OFF]/[SET]

• Refer to P63 for details.

The camera is automatically turned off if the camera has not been used for the time selected on the setting. Also, it will turn off the LCD monitor automatically when not in use to prevent discharge of the battery.

p [POWER SAVE]:

The camera is automatically turned off if the camera has not been

q [ECONOMY]

used for the time selected on the setting.

[OFF]/[2MIN.]/[5MIN.]/[10MIN.]

[AUTO LCD OFF]:

When taking pictures, the LCD monitor is automatically turned off if the camera has not been used for the time selected on the setting.

[OFF]/[15SEC.]/[30SEC.]

• Press the shutter button halfway or turn the camera off and on to cancel [POWER SAVE].

• [POWER SAVE] is set to [5MIN.] in the Intelligent auto mode.

• [POWER SAVE] is fixed to [2MIN.] when [AUTO LCD OFF] is set to [15SEC.] or [30SEC.].

• The status indicator lights while the LCD monitor is turned off. Press any button to turn on the

LCD monitor again.

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Preparation

Set the length of time that the picture is displayed after taking it.

[OFF] [1SEC.]

o [AUTO REVIEW]

[2SEC.] [HOLD]: The pictures are displayed until one any of the buttons

is pressed.

[ZOOM]: The picture is displayed for 1 second and then

enlarged 4k and displayed for 1 more second.

• The auto review function is activated regardless of its setting when using auto bracket (P53),

[HI-SPEED BURST] (P59) in scene mode, burst mode (P73) and when recording still pictures with audio (P76). (The pictures cannot be enlarged.)

• In Intelligent auto mode, the auto review function is fixed to [2SEC.].

v [NO.RESET] Reset the file number of the next recording to 0001.

• The folder number is updated and the file number starts from 0001. (P101)

• A folder number between 100 and 999 can be assigned.

When the folder number reaches 999, the number cannot be reset. We recommend formatting the card (P26) after saving the data on a PC or elsewhere.

• To reset the folder number to 100, format the built-in memory or the card first and then use this

function to reset the file number. A reset screen for the folder number will then appear. Select [YES] to reset the folder number.

w [RESET]

The [REC] or [SETUP] menu settings are reset to the initial settings.

• When the [RESET] setting is selected during recording, the operation that resets the lens is

also performed at the same time. You will hear the sound of the lens operating but this is normal and not indicative of malfunctioning.

• When [SETUP] menu settings are reset, the following settings are also reset. In addition,

[ROTATE DISP.] (P95) in [PLAYBACK] mode menu is set to [ON].

– The birthday and name settings for [BABY1]/[BABY2] (P57) and [PET] (P58) in scene mode. – The number of days that have passed since the departure date in [TRAVEL DATE]. (P63) – The [WORLD TIME] (P64) setting.

• The folder number and the clock setting are not changed.

Select the USB communication system after or before connecting the camera to your PC or your printer with the USB connection cable (supplied).

y [SELECT ON CONNECTION]:

x [USB MODE]

Select either [PC] or [PictBridge(PTP)] if you connected the camera to a PC or a printer supporting PictBridge.

{ [PictBridge(PTP)]:

Set after or before connecting to a printer supporting PictBridge.

z [PC]:

Set after or before connecting to a PC.

• When [PC] is selected, the camera is connected via the “USB Mass Storage” communication

system.

• When [PictBridge(PTP)] is selected, the camera is connected via the “PTP (Picture Transfer

Protocol)” communication system.

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Preparation

Set to match the color television system in each country. (Playback mode only)

| [VIDEO OUT]

[NTSC]: Video output is set to NTSC system. [PAL]: Video output is set to PAL system.

• This will work when the AV cable is connected.

Set to match the type of TV. (Playback mode only)

[TV ASPECT]

[W]: When connecting to a 16:9 screen TV. [X]: When connecting to a 4:3 screen TV.

• This will work when the AV cable is connected.

Change the unit displayed for the distance at which pictures can be taken.

[m/ft]

[m]: The distance is displayed in meters. [ft]: The distance is displayed in feet.

Set the guide screen including Touch AF/AE or Touch Zoom to

[TOUCH GUIDE]

display on the LCD or not.

[OFF]/[ON]

[FORMAT]

irretrievably deletes all the data so check the data carefully before formatting.

• Use a battery with sufficient battery power or the AC adaptor (DMW-AC5PP; optional) when

The built-in memory or card is formatted. Formatting

formatting. Do not turn the camera off during formatting.

• If a card has been inserted, only the card is formatted. To format the built-in memory, remove

the card.

• If the card has been formatted on a PC or other equipment, format it on the camera again.

• It may take longer to format the built-in memory than the card.

• If the built-in memory or the card cannot be formatted, consult your nearest Service

Center.

For USA assistance, please call: 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo

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For Canadian assistance, please call: 1-800-99-LUMIX (1-800-995-8649) or send e-mail to: lumixconcierge@ca.panasonic.com

Preparation

Adjust the position of the touch panel if a different thing gets selected from what you touched or touch operation does not respond.

1 Press [MENU/SET].

[CALIBRATION]

2 Touch the orange [r] mark

displayed on the screen in order with the stylus pen (supplied) (5 places).

• A message is displayed once the

position is set.

3 Press [MENU/SET] to finish.

• Calibration is not done if correct position is not touched. Touch the [i] mark again.

Set the language displayed on the screen.

~ [LA NGUAGE]

• If you set a different language by mistake, select [~] from the menu icons to set the desired

language.

[DEMO MODE]

DEM

A Jitter detection demonstration B Movement detection demonstration

• In playback mode, [JITTER, SUBJ. MOVE DEMO.] cannot be

displayed.

• Press [DISPLAY] to close [JITTER, SUBJ. MOVE DEMO.].

Press [MENU/SET] to close [AUTO DEMO].

• [JITTER, SUBJ. MOVE DEMO.] is an approximation.

• [AUTO DEMO] has no TV output capability.

[ENGLISH]/[DEUTSCH]/[FRANÇAIS]/[ESPAÑOL]/[ITALIANO]/ [ 繁體中文 ]

¢ Not displayed on DMC-FX500P

/[¢]

Select this to display [JITTER, SUBJ. MOVE DEMO.] or the camera’s features.

[JITTER, SUBJ. MOVE DEMO.] [AUTO DEMO]: The camera’s features are displayed as a slide

show.

A B

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Preparation

Mode switching

Selecting the [REC] Mode

When the [REC] mode is selected, the camera can be set to the Intelligent auto mode in which the optimal settings are established in line with the subject to be recorded and the recording conditions, or to the scene mode which enables you to take pictures that match the scene being recorded.

Turn the camera on.

A [REC]/[PLAYBACK] selector switch B [MODE] button

Slide the [REC]/[PLAYBACK] selector

switch to [¦/!]. Press [MODE].

Touch the recording mode to select.

∫ List of [REC] modes

¦ Intelligent auto mode (P29)

The subjects are recorded using settings automatically selected by the camera.

» Program AE mode (P32)

The subjects are recorded using your own settings.

¹ Aperture-priority AE mode (P48)

The subjects are recorded with set aperture.

¼ Shutter-priority AE mode (P49)

The subjects are recorded with set shutter speed.

º Manual exposure mode (P50)

The subjects are recorded with set aperture and shutter speed.

Û Scene mode (P54)

This allows you to take pictures that match the scene being recorded.

$ Motion picture mode (P61)

This mode allows you to record motion pictures with audio.

ONOFF

A B

Note

When the mode has been switched from [PLAYBACK] mode to [REC] mode, the previously set

•

[REC] mode will be set.

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Basic

[REC] mode: ñ

Basic

Taking pictures using the automatic function

(ñ: Intelligent Auto Mode)

The camera will set the most appropriate settings to match the subject and the recording conditions so we recommend this mode for beginners or those who want to leave the settings to the camera and take pictures easily.

The following functions are activated automatically.

• – Scene detection/[STABILIZER]/[INTELLIGENT ISO]/Face detection/[QUICK AF]/

[I.EXPOSURE] (Intelligent Exposure)/Digital Red-eye Correction

• The status indicator 3 lights when you turn this

unit on 2. (It turns off after about 1 second.) (1: Shutter button)

Slide the [REC]/[PLAYBACK] selector switch to [¦/!], and then

press [MODE].

Touch [INTELLIGENT AUTO].

ONOFF

Hold this unit gently with both hands, keep

your arms still at your side and stand with your feet slightly apart.

A Flash B AF assist lamp

Press the shutter button halfway to focus.

• The focus indication 1 (green) lights when the subject

is focused.

• The AF area 2 is displayed around the subject’s face

by the face detection function. In other cases, it is displayed at the point on the subject which is in focus.

• The focus range is 5 cm (0.17 feet) (Wide)/1 m

(3.28 feet) (Tele) to ¶ (infinity).

Press the shutter button fully (push it in

further), and take the picture.

• The access indication (P17) lights red when pictures

are being recorded on the built-in memory (or the card).

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Basic

∫ When taking pictures using the flash (P42) ∫ When taking pictures using the zoom (P34) ∫ When taking pictures using Touch AF/AE (P47)

Note

Be careful not to move the camera when you press the shutter button.

•

• Do not cover the flash or the AF assist lamp with your fingers or other objects.

• Do not touch the front of the lens.

Scene detection

When the camera identifies the optimum scene, the icon of the scene concerned is displayed in blue for 2 seconds, after which its color changes to the usual red.

[i-PORTRAIT] [i-SCENERY] [i-MACRO]

Only when [‡] is selected

[i-NIGHT PORTRAIT] [i-NIGHT SCENERY]

[¦] is set if none of the scenes are applicable, and the standard settings are set.

•

Only when [Œ] is selected

•

• If a tripod is used, for instance, and the camera has judged that camera shake is minimal when

the scene mode has been identified as [ ], the shutter speed will be set to a maximum of 8 seconds. Take care not to move the camera while taking pictures.

• Most appropriate scene is selected for the touched subject during Touch AF/AE (P47). ∫ Face detection

When [ ] or [ ] is selected, the camera automatically detects a person’s face, and it will adjust the focus and exposure (P72). Under backlight conditions, the lighting is automatically corrected so that the brightness of the faces will be optimal.

Note

Due to conditions such as the ones below, a different scene may be

•

identified for the same subject.

– Subject conditions: When the face is bright or dark, The size of the

subject, The distance to the subject, The contrast of the subject, When the subject is moving, When zoom is used

– Recording conditions: Sunset, Sunrise, Under low brightness conditions, When the camera is

shaken

• To take pictures in an intended scene, it is recommended that you take pictures in the

appropriate recording mode.

The Backlight Compensation

Backlight refers to when light comes from the back of a subject. In this case, the subject will become dark so this function compensates the backlight by brightening the whole of the picture.

Move 3.

• Backlight can also be compensated by touching

[BACKLIGHT].

• When the backlight compensation function is activated, [ ]

appears. Move 3 again to cancel this function.

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