Panasonic HC-V160 Basic Manual

Basic Owner’s Manual

High Definition Video Camera

Model No. HC-V160

Please read these instructions carefully before using this product, and save this manual for future
use.

More detailed operating instructions are available in “Owner’s Manual (PDF format)”. To read it,
download it from the website.

https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/hdw/oi/V160/

≥ Click the desired language.

Register online at www.panasonic.com/register (U.S. customers only)

If you have any questions, visit :
U.S.A. : www.panasonic.com/support
Canada : www.panasonic.ca/english/support

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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 right.
The serial number is on the tag located on
the back of your camera. Be sure to retain
this manual as your convenient camera
information source.

Date of Purchase
Dealer Purchased From
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone No.
Model No.
Serial No.

Safety Precautions

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 only the recommended accessories.
≥ Do not remove covers.
≥ Do not repair this unit by yourself. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

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.

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AC adaptor

U.S.A. CONSUMERS: ATTENTION:

This AC adaptor operates on AC between 110 V and 240 V.
But

≥ In the U.S.A. and Canada, the AC adaptor 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.

The power plug is the disconnecting device. Install this unit so that the power plug can be
unplugged from the socket outlet immediately.

∫ Concerning the battery

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
≥ 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.

) with metal objects.

Warning

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

∫ Product Identification Marking

Product Location

High Definition Video Camera Battery holder

AC adaptor Bottom

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.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS

Read these operating instructions carefully before using the unit. Follow the safety instructions on
the unit and the applicable safety instructions listed below. Keep these operating instructions handy
for future reference.

1) Read these instructions.

2) Keep these instructions.

3) Heed all warnings.

4) Follow all instructions.

5) Do not use this apparatus near water.

6) Clean only with dry cloth.

7) Do not block any ventilation openings.
Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.

8) Do not install near any heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.

9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized or grounding-type plug. A
polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding-type plug
has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong
are provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete
outlet.

10) Protect the power cord from being walked
on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.

11) Only use attachments/accessories
specified by the manufacturer.

12) Use only with the
cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table
specified by the
manufacturer, or
sold with the
apparatus. When a
cart is used, use caution when moving the
cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.

13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning
storms or when unused for long periods of
time.

14) Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has
been dropped.

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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.

Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: Panasonic
Model No.: HC-V160
Responsible Party: Panasonic Corporation of North America

Two Riverfront Plaza, Newark, NJ 07102-5490
Support Contact: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo

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.

HC-V160

THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN CANADA.

CAN ICES-3(B)/NMB-3(B)

Conforms to UL STD 60065
Certified to CAN/CSA STD C22.2 No.60065.

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-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.

∫ Cautions for use

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 connecting to a TV

≥ Do not use any other AV cables except the

supplied one.

≥ Always use a genuine Panasonic HDMI mini

cable (RP-CDHM15, RP-CDHM30: optional).

About connecting to a PC

≥ Do not use any other USB cables except the

supplied one.

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.

Cleaning

≥ Before cleaning, detach the battery or pull the

AC adaptor 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 in a cupboard or

cabinet, it is recommended that you place a
desiccant (silica gel) in with it.

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.

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≥ 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 (59 oF to 77 oF),
Recommended humidity: 40%RH to 60%RH)

≥ To store the battery for a long period of time,

we recommend that you charge it once every
year and store it again after you have
completely used up the charged capacity.

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 SD card

≥ When the card access lamp is lit, do not:

j Remove the SD card
j Turn the unit off
j Insert and remove the USB cable
j Expose the unit to vibrations or shock

∫ About the recording format for

recording motion pictures

You can select from AVCHD, iFrame or MP4
recording formats to record motion pictures
using this unit.

AVCHD:

It is suitable for viewing on a high-definition TV
or for saving to disc.

iFrame:

This is a recording format suitable for playing
back or editing on Mac (iMovie etc.).
≥ It is not compatible with motion pictures

recorded in AVCHD format.

MP4:

This is a recording format suitable for playing
back or editing on a PC.
≥ It is not compatible with motion pictures

recorded in AVCHD format.

∫ 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 or the 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 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.

∫ Cards that you can use with

this unit

SD Memory Card, 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 15 for more details on SD

cards.

∫ For the purposes of this

owner’s manual

≥ SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card and

SDXC Memory Card are referred to as the
“SD card”.

≥ Functions that can be used for motion picture

recording/motion picture playback are
indicated by in this owner’s manual.

≥ Functions that can be used for still picture

recording/still picture playback are indicated
by in this owner’s manual.

≥ Scene(s) recorded in 1080/60i: “AVCHD

scene(s)”

≥ Pages for reference are indicated by an

arrow, for example: l 00

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∫ Installing HD Writer LE 3.0

ユワヵユン

ヮユワヶ

Check the website below to download/install
the software.
≥ The software is available for download

until the end of March 2018.
http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/soft/
download/f_le30.html

∫ Downloading the Owner’s

Manual (PDF format)

You can check the URL of the website where
you can download the Owner’s Manual (PDF
format) in [ONLINE MANUAL] in the Setup
menu.

1 Press the MENU

button.

2 Select [SETUP] using

3/4/2/1 and press
the ENTER button.

3 Select [ONLINE

MANUAL] using 3/4
and press the ENTER
button.

4 Select the access method you

want to check.

[URL display]:

Displays the URL of the website on the LCD
monitor of this unit.

[USB connect]:

Displays the website on a PC connected to
this unit with the USB cable. Click [OIBOOK],
which will be displayed on the PC.

≥ You will need Adobe Reader to browse or

print the Owner’s Manual (PDF format).
You can download and install a version of
Adobe Reader that you can use with your OS
from the following website. (As of October

2014)

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/
readstep2.html

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Contents

Accessories.................................................. 10

Preparation

Power supply................................................ 11

Inserting/removing the battery ............... 11

Charging the battery .............................. 12

Charging and recording time ................. 14

Recording to a card ..................................... 15

Cards that you can use with this unit..... 15

Inserting/removing an SD card .............. 15

Turning the unit on/off................................. 16

Setting date and time................................... 16

Setting your home region for the

first time........................................................ 17

Basic

Intelligent Auto Mode .................................. 18

Recording motion pictures ......................... 18

Recording still pictures ............................... 19

Using the Zoom ............................................ 19

Motion picture/Still picture playback ......... 20

Watching Video/Pictures on your TV ..... 21

Using the menu screen ............................... 22

Language selection ............................... 22

Formatting ............................................. 22

Others

Troubleshooting........................................... 23

About copyright ........................................... 24

Specifications............................................... 25

Optional accessories ................................... 27

Accessory Order Form

(For USA Customers) ............................ 28

Limited Warranty (ONLY FOR U.S.A.) ........ 29

Warranty (For Canadian Customers) .........31

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Accessories

Check the accessories before using this unit.
Keep the accessories out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.
Product numbers correct as of October 2014. These may be subject to change.

Battery pack

VW-VBY100

AC adaptor

VSK0784

AV cable

K2KYYYY00223

USB cable

K2KYYYY00225

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