Please read these instructions carefully before using this product, and save this manual for future
use.
More detailed operating instructions are available in “Operating
Instructions (PDF format)”. To read it, download it from the website.
https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/hdw/oi/MDH3/
≥ Click the desired language.
DVQX1483ZA
F0218AR0
Information for Your Safety
For the AC mains plug of three pins
∫ Caution for AC mains lead
For your safety, please read the following text
carefully.
This appliance is supplied with a moulded three
pin mains plug for your safety and convenience.
A 5-ampere fuse is fitted in this plug.
Should the fuse need to be replaced please
ensure that the replacement fuse has a rating of
5-ampere and that it is approved by ASTA or
BSI to BS1362.
Check for the ASTA mark Ï or the BSI mark Ì
on the body of the fuse.
If the plug contains a removable fuse cover you
must ensure that it is refitted when the fuse is
replaced.
If you lose the fuse cover the plug must not be
used until a replacement cover is obtained.
A replacement fuse cover can be purchased
from your local dealer.
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or product damage,
≥ Do not expose this unit to rain, moisture, dripping or splashing.
≥ Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on this unit.
≥ Use the recommended accessories.
≥ Do not remove covers.
≥ Do not repair this unit by yourself. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
Before use
Remove the connector cover.
How to replace the fuse
The location of the fuse differ according to the
type of AC mains plug (figures A and B).
Confirm the AC mains plug fitted and follow the
instructions below.
Illustrations may differ from actual AC mains
plug.
1. Open the fuse cover with a screwdriver.
2. Replace the fuse and close or attach the
fuse cover.
CAUTION!
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or product damage,
≥ Do not install or place this unit in a bookcase, built-in cabinet or in another confined space.
Ensure this unit is well ventilated.
≥ Do not obstruct this unit’s ventilation openings with newspapers, tablecloths, curtains, and
similar items.
≥ Do not place sources of naked flames, such as lighted candles, on this unit.
The mains plug is the disconnecting device. Install this unit so that the mains plug can be
unplugged from the socket outlet immediately.
This unit is intended for use in moderate climates. (HC-MDH3E)
This unit is intended for use in moderate and tropical climates. (HC-MDH3GC/GW)
2
DVQX1483 (ENG)
∫ Concerning the battery
Warning
Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not disassemble, heat above 60 oC or incinerate.
CAUTION
≥ Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the type
recommended by the manufacturer.
≥ When disposing of the batteries, please contact your local authorities or dealer and ask for the
correct method of disposal.
For Europe only
∫ EMC Electric and magnetic compatibility
This symbol (CE) is located on the rating plate.
∫ Product identification marking
ProductLocation
High Definition Video CameraBottom
AC adaptorBottom
∫ Disposal of Old Equipment and
Batteries
Only for European Union and
countries with recycling
systems
These symbols on the
products, packaging, and/
or accompanying
documents mean that
used electrical and
electronic products and
batteries must not be
mixed with general
household waste.
For proper treatment, recovery and
recycling of old products and used
batteries, please take them to applicable
collection points in accordance with your
national legislation.
AEEE Yönetmeliğine Uygundur.
AEEE Complies with Directive of Turkey.
By disposing of them correctly, you will
help to save valuable resources and
prevent any potential negative effects on
human health and the environment.
For more information about collection and
recycling, please contact your local
municipality.
Penalties may be applicable for incorrect
disposal of this waste, in accordance with
national legislation.
Note for the battery
symbol (bottom symbol):
This symbol might be used
in combination with a
chemical symbol. In this
case it complies with the
requirement set by the
Directive for the chemical involved.
(ENG) DVQX1483
3
[ For India only ]
IS 616/IEC 60065
R-41016268
IS 16046/IEC 62133
R-41022500
AC adaptor information
Battery pack information
Note regarding the Power Management
function specified under COMMISSION
REGULATION (EC) No 1275/2008
implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of the
European Parliament and of the Council.
This device is designed and manufactured for
use at a broadcasting station and/or in a similar
environment.
This device is not equipped with a Power
Management function or the Power
Management function is set to OFF as it will
prevent the device from fulfilling its intended
purpose for the reasons below.
1. If the device is a Studio Camera, a
Weather Camera, a Mixer or other
processor:
A Power Management function may
cause the device to suddenly stop
during recording or while On Air.
2. If the device is a Studio Monitor:
A Power Management function may
cause video for the confirmation of
whether a signal is normal, or whether
the signal has been lost, to be unviewable.
3. If the device is a Camera Recorder:
A professional camera recorder must be
able to start quickly at any time, but a
Power Management function will cause
an increase in the time taken to resume
from Stand-by mode.
4
DVQX1483 (ENG)
∫ Cautions for use
About this unit
The unit and the SD card become warm
during use. This is not a malfunction.
Keep this unit as far away as possible from
electromagnetic equipment (such as
microwave ovens, TVs, video games etc.).
≥ If you use this unit on top of or near a TV, the
pictures and/or sound on this unit may be
disrupted by electromagnetic wave radiation.
≥ Do not use this unit near cell phones because
doing so may result in noise adversely
affecting the pictures and/or sound.
≥ Recorded data may be damaged, or pictures
may be distorted, by strong magnetic fields
created by speakers or large motors.
≥ Electromagnetic wave radiation generated by
microprocessors may adversely affect this
unit, disturbing the pictures and/or sound.
≥ If this unit is adversely affected by
electromagnetic equipment and stops
functioning properly, turn this unit off and
remove the battery or disconnect AC adaptor.
Then reinsert the battery or reconnect AC
adaptor and turn this unit on.
Do not use this unit near radio transmitters
or high-voltage lines.
≥ If you record near radio transmitters or
high-voltage lines, the recorded pictures and/
or sound may be adversely affected.
About using a headphone
≥ Excessive sound pressure from earphones
and headphones can cause hearing loss.
≥ Listening at full volume for long periods may
damage the user’s ears.
Make sure to use the supplied cords and
cables. If you use optional accessories, use
the cords and the cables supplied with
them.
Do not extend the cords and the cables.
Do not spray insecticides or volatile
chemicals onto the unit.
≥ If the unit is sprayed with such chemicals, its
body may be marred and the surface finish
may peel off.
≥ Do not leave rubber or plastic products in
contact with the unit for a long time.
When you use the unit in a sandy or dusty
place such as a beach, do not let sand or
fine dust get into the body and terminals of
the unit.
Also, keep the unit away from sea water.
≥ Sand or dust may damage the unit. (Care
should be taken when inserting and removing
a card.)
≥ If sea water splashes onto the unit, wipe off
the water with a well wrung cloth. Then wipe
the unit again with a dry cloth.
When carrying the unit, do not drop or bump
it.
≥ A strong impact can break the unit’s casing,
causing it to malfunction.
≥ When carrying this unit, please hold the
handle, grip belt or shoulder strap firmly and
treat it with care.
Cleaning
≥ Before cleaning, detach the battery or pull the
AC cable from the AC outlet, and then wipe
the unit with a soft, dry cloth.
≥ If the unit is very dirty, dip a cloth in water and
squeeze firmly, and then wipe the unit with
the damp cloth. Next, dry the unit with a dry
cloth.
≥ Use of benzine, paint thinner, alcohol, or
dishwashing liquid may alter the camera body
or peel the surface finish. Do not use these
solvents.
≥ When using a chemical dust cloth, follow the
instructions that came with the cloth.
When you are not going to use the unit for
an extended time
≥ When storing the unit, it is recommended that
you place a desiccant (silica gel) in with it.
(ENG) DVQX1483
5
Do not lift up this unit by the handle with the
tripod still attached
≥ When the tripod is attached, its weight will
also affect the unit’s handle, possibly causing
the handle to break and hurting the user.
≥ To carry the unit while the tripod is attached,
take hold of the tripod.
Do not swing the unit around, shake it by, or
allow it hang from the handle
≥ Do not jar, swing, or shake the unit by its
handle. Any strong jolt to the handle may
damage the unit or result in personal injury.
Do not allow the cord to drag on the ground
or pull a connected cord along the passage
≥ The cord will be damaged, causing fire or
electrical shock, when the cord gets caught
by the feet, excite will also cause personal
injury.
Do not look at the light-emitting portion of
the built-in LED light directly while the light
is turned on.
Do not bring the portion close to human
eyes and turn on the light.
≥ The bright light may hurt the eyes.
Do not touch the light-emitting portion of the
built-in LED light directly with your hands.
Do not use the built-in LED light if there is
dust or other foreign matter on it.
Do not cover the built-in LED light with an
object such as tape.
≥ Doing so may cause burns.
≥ Do not touch the built-in LED light for a while
even after turning it off.
≥ Hold both the left and right sides of the
supplied filter to remove it.
About the battery
The battery used in this unit is a rechargeable
lithium-ion battery. It is susceptible to humidity
and temperature and the effect increases the
more the temperature rises or falls. In cold
areas, the full charge indication may not appear
or the low battery indication may appear about
5 minutes after starting use. At high
temperatures, the protection function may be
triggered, making it impossible to use the unit.
Be sure to detach the battery after use.
≥ If the battery is left attached, a minute amount
of current continues to flow even if the unit is
off. Keeping the unit in this state may result in
over discharge of the battery. This may result
in you not being able to use the battery even
after it is charged.
≥ The battery should be stored in the vinyl bag
so metal does not come into contact with the
terminals.
≥ The battery should be stored in a cool place
free from humidity, with as constant
temperature as possible. (Recommended
temperature: 15 oC to 25 oC, Recommended
humidity: 40%RH to 60%RH)
≥ Extremely high temperatures or low
temperatures will shorten the life of the
battery.
≥ If the battery is kept in high-temperature,
high-humidity, or oily-smoky places, the
terminals may rust and cause malfunctions.
≥ To store the battery for a long period of time,
we recommend you charge it once every year
and store it again after you have completely
used up the charged capacity.
≥ Dust and other matter attached to the battery
terminals should be removed.
Prepare spare batteries when going out for
recording.
≥ Prepare batteries enough to last for 3 to 4
times the period you are planning to record
for. Cold places such as a ski resort can
shorten recording time.
If you drop the battery accidentally, check to
see if the terminals are damaged.
≥ When this unit is attached with the terminal
part in a deformed state, this unit may be
damaged.
6
DVQX1483 (ENG)
Do not throw old battery into fire.
≥ Heating a battery or throwing it into a fire may
result in an explosion.
If the operating time is very short even after
the battery has been recharged, the battery
has worn out. Please purchase a new
battery.
About the AC adaptor
≥ If the temperature of the battery is extremely
high or extremely low, charging may take time
or the battery may not be charged.
≥ If you use the AC adaptor near a radio, radio
reception may be disturbed. Keep the AC
adaptor 1 m or more away from the radio.
≥ When using the AC adaptor, it may generate
whirring sounds. However, this is normal.
≥ After use, be sure to disconnect the AC cable
from the AC outlet. (If you leave this unit
connected, the AC adaptor will consume
approximately 0.3 W.)
≥ Always keep the electrodes of the AC
adaptor and battery clean.
≥ Install the device near an AC outlet so
that the power disconnection device
(AC mains plug) can be accessed
easily by hand.
About charging lamp during
charging
When the charging lamp is flashing, the
following should be considered.
Flashing with approx. 4 second period (off
for approx. 2 seconds, on for approx.
2 seconds):
≥ When the battery is over discharged or the
temperature of the battery is too high or low.
It can be charged, but it may take a few hours
to complete the charging normally.
≥ Once normal charging starts, the charging
lamp lights up green. However, depending on
the conditions of use, even when normal
charging is taking place, the charging lamp
may keep flashing in approx. 4 second
intervals until charging is completed.
Flashing with approx. 0.5 second period (off
for approx. 0.25 second, on for approx.
0.25 second):
≥ The battery is not charged. Remove the
battery from the unit, and try charging again.
≥ Check that the terminals of the unit or battery
are not dirty or covered with a foreign object,
and connect the battery correctly once again.
If a foreign object or dirt is present, turn off
the unit before removing.
≥ The battery or environment is at an extremely
high or low temperature. Wait until the
temperature has returned to an appropriate
level and try charging again. If you are still
unable to charge, there may be a fault in the
unit, battery or AC adaptor.
Off:
≥ Charging has finished.
≥ If the status indicator stays off despite the
charging being unfinished, there may be a
fault in the unit, battery or AC adaptor. Refer
to page 6 for details on the battery.
About the SD card
When disposing of or giving away the SD
card, note that:
≥ Formatting and deletion of this unit or
computer only changes the file management
information and does not completely delete
the data in the SD card.
≥ It is recommended that the main SD card is
either physically destroyed or the SD card is
physically formatted using this unit when
disposing of or giving away the SD card.
≥ To physically format, connect this unit to the
AC adaptor, select [OTHER FUNCTION] #
[FORMAT MEDIA] # [SD CARD 1] or [SD
CARD 2] from the menu, and touch [YES].
Press and hold recording start/stop button in
the following screen for three seconds.
Screen to delete the SD card data is
displayed, so select [YES] and follow the
instruction on the screen.
(ENG) DVQX1483
7
≥ The customer is responsible for the
management of the data in the SD card.
LCD monitor/viewfinder
≥ When the LCD screen is dirty or
condensation has occurred, please wipe it
using a soft cloth such as a lens cloth.
≥ Do not touch the LCD monitor with your finger
nails, or rub or press with strong force.
≥ It may become hard to see or hard to
recognize the touch when the LCD protection
sheet is affixed.
≥ When the unit has become very cold, for
example due to storage in a cold area, its
LCD monitor will be slightly darker than usual
immediately after the unit is turned on. The
normal brightness will be restored when the
unit’s internal temperature rises.
Extremely high precision technology is
employed to produce the LCD Monitor
screen. The result is more than 99.99%
effective dots with a mere 0.01% of the dots
inactive or always lit. However, this is not a
malfunction and does not affect the recorded
picture.
Extremely high precision technology is
employed to produce the viewfinder screen.
The result is more than 99.99% effective
dots with a mere 0.01% of the dots inactive
or always lit. However, this is not a
malfunction and does not affect the recorded
picture.
∫ About the recording method
for recording motion pictures
This unit can record motion pictures using three
different recording methods, including MOV,
MP4 and AVCHD
* AVCHD Progressive (1080/50p) supported.
MOV and MP4:
These recording methods are suitable for
editing images. Audio is recorded in linear
PCM.
≥ Those methods are not compatible with
motion pictures recorded in AVCHD format.
AVCHD:
This recording method is suitable for playback
on a high-definition TV.
Audio is recorded in Dolby Audio™.
*
.
∫ Indemnity about recorded
content
Panasonic does not accept any responsibility
for damages directly or indirectly due to any
type of problems that result in loss of recording
or edited content, and does not guarantee any
content if recording or editing does not work
properly. Likewise, the above also applies in a
case where any type of repair is made to the
unit.
∫ About Condensation
(When the lens, the viewfinder
or LCD Monitor is fogged up)
Condensation occurs when there is a change in
temperature or humidity, such as when the unit
is taken from outside or a cold room to a warm
room. Please be careful, as it may cause the
lens, the viewfinder or LCD monitor to become
soiled, moldy, or damaged.
When taking the unit to a place which has a
different temperature, if the unit is accustomed
to the room temperature of the destination for
about one hour, condensation can be
prevented. (When the difference in temperature
is severe, place the unit in a plastic bag or the
like, remove air from the bag, and seal the bag.)
When condensation has occurred, remove the
battery and/or the AC adapter and leave the
unit like that for about one hour. When the unit
becomes accustomed to the surrounding
temperature, fogginess will disappear naturally.
8
DVQX1483 (ENG)
∫ About security
Be careful about the possibility of theft or loss of
the unit, and be careful not to leave the unit
unattended. Please note that Panasonic does
not accept any responsibility for the
compromise, manipulation, and loss of
information caused by these events.
∫ Caution regarding laser beams
The lens may suffer damage if struck by a laser
beam. Make sure that laser beams do not strike
the lens when shooting in an environment
where laser devices are used.
∫ Caution regarding the lens and
the viewfinder
Do not aim the lens or viewfinder at the sun or
strong light. Doing so may cause the unit to
malfunction.
∫ Cards that you can use with
this unit
SDHC Memory Card and SDXC Memory
Card
≥ 4 GB or more Memory Cards that do not have
the SDHC logo or 48 GB or more Memory
Cards that do not have the SDXC logo are
not based on SD Memory Card
Specifications.
≥ Refer to page 22 for more details on SD
cards.
∫ For the purposes of these
operating instructions
≥ The battery pack is referred to as the
“Battery”.
≥ SDHC Memory Card and SDXC Memory
Card are referred to as the “SD card”.
≥ Function that can be used for Recording
Mode:
Function that can be used for Playback
Mode:
≥ Scene(s) recorded with [REC MODE] set to
[MOV] or [MP4]: "MOV/MP4 scene(s)".
≥ Scene(s) recorded with [REC MODE] set to
[AVCHD]: "AVCHD scene(s)".
≥ Notation of < > indicates the setup item name
of the USER button that can be set with the
menu of [USER SW]→[USER1] to [USER7].
≥ Pages for reference are indicated by an
arrow, for example: l 00
For United Kingdom and Ireland
customers
Sales and Support Information
Customer Communications Centre
≥ For customers within the UK: 0344 844 3899
≥ For customers within lreland: 01 289 8333
≥ Monday–Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
(Excluding public holidays).
≥ For further support on your product, please
visit our website:
www.panasonic.co.uk
Direct Sales at Panasonic UK
≥ Order accessory and consumable items for
your product with ease and confidence by
phoning our Customer Communications
Centre
Monday–Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
(Excluding public holidays).
≥ Or go on line through our Internet Accessory
ordering application at www.pas-europe.com
≥ Most major credit and debit cards accepted.
≥ All enquiries transactions and distribution
facilities are provided directly by Panasonic
UK.
≥ It couldn’t be simpler!
≥ Also available through our Internet is direct
shopping for a wide range of finished
products. Take a browse on our website for
further details.
.
(ENG) DVQX1483
9
Contents
Information for Your Safety ..................... 2
Check the accessories before using this unit.
Keep the accessories out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.
Product numbers correct as of Feb. 2018. These may be subject to change.
Battery pack
VW-VBD29
AC adaptor
SAE0011
AC cable
(HC-MDH3E/HC-MDH3GC)
A K2CT2YY00095
B K2CQ2YY00117
≥ In Saudi Arabia, always use
A.
(HC-MDH3GW)
C K2CP2YY00083
Eyecup (l 18)
VYC1080
Lens cap (l 17)
SYA0073
Diffusion filter (white)
(l 18)
1ZE1HCMDH3GCZ
Optional accessories
Some optional accessories may not be
available in some countries.
Stereo microphone (VW-VMS10)
Battery pack (VW-VBD58/AG-VBR59/
AG-VBR89)
Battery charger (AG-BRD50)
Filter kit (VW-LF49N)
Product numbers correct as of Feb. 2018.
These may be subject to change.
(ENG) DVQX1483
11
Preparation
What you can do with this unit
Recording to the SD card
It is possible to record motion pictures and still pictures to the SD card (SDHC Memory Card/SDXC
Memory Card) using a variety of recording functions.
≥ This unit supports relay/simultaneous recording using double card slots.
Linking to external devices
Using an external media device for copying/playback
If you connect an external media device, such as USB HDD or USB flash memory (commerciallyavailable) to this unit, you can copy motion pictures and still pictures recorded on this unit to the
external media device.
It can also play back the scenes and still pictures copied to the external media device.
≥ This unit supports USB 2.0.
≥ Use the USB cable supplied with a USB HDD.
If possible, we recommend using a cable with a length of 1.5 m or less.
Refer to the following support site for information about an external media device.
http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/e_cam
(This Site is English only)
A USB 2.0
B External media device (commercially-available)
12
DVQX1483 (ENG)
Importing data to a PC
Image data can be imported to a PC for editing by inserting the SD card used for recording with the
unit into that PC.
≥ A PC with an SD card slot or an SD card reader is required.
A SDHC Memory Card/SDXC Memory Card*
B PC
* SD cards are optional and not supplied with this unit.
Connecting to a TV
Connect to a TV to output images.
A AV cable (commercially-available)
B HDMI cable (commercially-available)
C TV
≥ Use a commercially-available AV cable.
≥ Use a commercially-available High Speed HDMI cable.
If possible, we recommend using a cable with a length of 3 m or less.
When connecting with an HDMI cable using an HDMI-to-DVI converter, etc., be sure to
connect the HDMI cable to the connector of this unit last.
Connecting the HDMI cable to the connector of this unit first may result in malfunction.
(ENG) DVQX1483
13
Preparation
Names and Functions of Main Parts
2
1
3
14
ヤモヮチンユヮヰヵユ
ョヰヤヶヴチリンリヴ ・ヰヰヮチヴバヴ
1Shoulder strap fixture
2Handle
3Sub zoom lever (l 30)
≥ This lever functions in the same manner as
the zoom lever.
≥ The zoom speed is controlled with this lever
in a way different from the way it is controlled
with the zoom lever.
adaptor, sometimes noise may be heard
depending on the microphone type. In this
case, please switch to the battery for the
power supply and the noise will stop.
6
4
5
7
8
9
10
171615
ヶヴャ
≥ Check that the unit is turned off. Connecting
or removing the microphone while the unit is
turned on may cause malfunction.
8User 3 button [FOCUS ASSIST]
(l 35)
9Zoom lever [T/W] (In Recording Mode)
(l 30)
Volume lever [rVOLs]/
Thumbnail display switch [/] (In
Playback Mode)
10 Grip belt (l 17)
11 Status indicator (l 24)
12 Power switch (l 24)
13 Recording start/stop button (l 28)
14 Camera remote terminal [CAM
REMOTE]
≥ FOCUS IRIS terminal (3.5 mm diameter mini
jack)
≥ ZOOM S/S terminal (2.5 mm diameter super
mini jack)
15 Headphone terminal []
16 USB terminal
17 HDMI out terminal [HDMI]
11
12
13
14
DVQX1483 (ENG)
18 Ring LED
ヱヶヴラチモョヸラリヵユチャモロ
ヒビヶヴユン
ヮモワヶモロ
ョヰヤヶヴ
ヮユワヶ
リンリヴ
ヴユロバヱヶヴラチヴユヵ
ロユュチロリヨラヵ
ヰョョヰワ
31323334
2930
2827
35
36
20
18
22
23
24
19
21
26
25
19 Shoulder strap fixture
20 Built-in microphone
21 Built-in LED light
22 Recording lamp
23 Lens
24 Lens hood
25 Multi-manual ring (l 31)
26 Camera function button