Panasonic HC-V250PC, HC-V550P, HC-V550PC Basic Manual

Basic Owner’s Manual

High Definition Video Camera

Model No.

HC-V550P/PC HC-V250P/PC

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

This document explains basic operations of the unit. For more detailed explanation, please refer to “Owner’s Manual (PDF format)” which is recorded in the enclosed CD-ROM.

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

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Dear Customer,

Date of Purchase

Dealer Purchased From

Dealer Address

Dealer Phone No.

Model No.

Serial No.

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.

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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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-V550P/HC-V250P 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-V550P

HC-V250P

THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN CANADA.

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

(ENG) SQT0003

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.

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.

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.

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AC adaptor

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) 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.

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.

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∫ Product Identification Marking

U.S.A. CONSUMERS: ATTENTION:

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.

Product Location

High Definition Video Camera Battery holder

AC adaptor Bottom

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

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

Contains FCC ID: VPYLBVX532

FCC WARNING Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

This transmitter must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment and meets the FCC radio frequency (RF) Exposure Guidelines in Supplement C to OET65. This equipment has very low levels of RF energy that are deemed to comply without testing of specific absorption ratio (SAR).

THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN CANADA.

Contains IC: 772C-LBVX604

This device complies with RSS-210 of the IC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)This device may not cause harmful interference, (2)This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

This equipment complies with IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment and meets RSS-102 of the IC radio frequency (RF) Exposure rules. This equipment has very low levels of RF energy that are deemed to comply without testing of specific absorption ratio (SAR).

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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

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 PC

≥ Do not use any other USB cables except the

supplied one.

About connecting to a TV

≥ Always use the supplied HDMI mini cable or

a genuine Panasonic HDMI mini cable (RP-CDHM15, RP-CDHM30: optional).

∫ About the recording format for

recording motion pictures

You can select from AVCHD*1, MP4 or iFrame recording formats to record motion pictures using this unit. *1 It is compatible with the AVCHD

Progressive (1080/60p).

AVCHD:

It is suitable for viewing on a high-definition TV or for saving to disc *2 The following methods are available for

saving an image recorded in 1080/60p:

j Copy the image to a disc using the

supplied software HD Writer LE 2.1.

j Copy the image to a Panasonic Blu-ray

disc recorder that supports AVCHD Progressive.

≥ Blu-ray recorders are not sold in US.

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.

iFrame:

This is a recording format suitable for playing back or editing on a Mac (iMovie etc.). ≥ 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.

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∫ About Condensation (When

HC-V550

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 14 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”.

≥ The smartphone and tablet are indicated as

“smartphone”.

≥ Function that can be used for Motion Picture

Recording Mode:

Function that can be used for Still Picture Recording Mode:

≥ Function that can be used for the Playback

Mode:

Function that can be used for the Playback Mode (motion pictures only):

Function that can be used for the Playback Mode (still pictures only):

≥ Scene(s) recorded in the recording format

[AVCHD]: “AVCHD scene(s)”

≥ Scene(s) recorded in the recording format

[MP4/iFrame], scene(s) saved in MP4 (Low Quality): “MP4/iFrame scene(s)”

≥ Pages for reference are indicated by an

arrow, for example: l 00

This owner’s manual are designed for use with models and . Pictures

HC-V550 HC-V250

may be slightly different from the original. ≥ The illustrations used in this owner’s manual

show model , however, parts of the explanation refer to different models.

≥ Depending on the model, some functions

are not available.

≥ and are equipped

with the Wi-Fi

≥ Features may vary, so please read carefully. ≥ Not all models may be available depending

on the region of purchase.

HC-V250

function.

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Contents

∫ How to open the Owner’s Manual (PDF format)

When you insert the CD-ROM and open the [INDEX.pdf] in the CD-ROM, the Owner ’s Manual list will be displayed. Click the document name of the Owner’s Manual you would like to open. ≥ Adobe Reader is required to view the PDF file. Please download it from the homepage of

Adobe Systems Incorporated.

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

Others

Preparation

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

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

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

Charging and recording time ................. 13

Recording to a card ..................................... 14

Cards that you can use with this unit ..... 14

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

Turning the unit on/off ................................. 15

Selecting a mode ......................................... 16

Switching this unit between Recording

Mode and Playback Mode ..................... 16

Switching this unit between Motion Picture Recording Mode and

Still Picture Recording Mode ................. 16

How to use the touch screen ...................... 17

About the Touch Menu........................... 18

Setting date and time................................... 18

Basic

About copyright ........................................... 27

Specifications ...............................................28

Optional accessories ................................... 31

Accessory Order Form (For USA and

Puerto Rico Customers)......................... 32

Limited Warranty (ONLY FOR U.S.A.

AND PUERTO RICO) .................................... 33

Warranty (For Canadian Customers).......... 35

Changing the Recording Mode................... 19

Recording motion pictures ......................... 20

Recording still pictures ............................... 20

Using the zoom ............................................ 21

Motion picture/Still picture playback ......... 21

Watching Video/Pictures on your TV ..... 22

Using the menu screen ............................... 23

Language selection ............................... 23

Formatting ............................................. 23

Wi-Fi

What you can do with the

Wi-Fi

function ............................................. 24

If the Wi-Fi connection cannot be

established ............................................ 25

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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 Nov. 2013. These may be subject to change.

Battery pack

VW-VBT190

AC adaptor

VSK0815F

DC cable

K2GHYYS00002

USB cable

K2KYYYY00236

HDMI mini cable

K1HY19YY0021

CD-ROM

Software

CD-ROM

Owner’s manual SFM0001

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Preparation

Removing the battery

Be sure to hold down the power button until the status indicator goes off. Then remove the battery while supporting the unit to prevent it from dropping.

Move the battery release lever in the direction indicated by the arrow and remove the battery when unlocked.

ャモヵヵ

A Battery holder

Insert the battery until it clicks and locks.

Power supply

∫ About batteries that you can use with this unit

The battery that can be used with this unit is VW-VBT190/VW-VBT380. ≥ The unit has a function for distinguishing batteries which can be used safely. The

dedicated battery (VW-VBT190/VW-VBT380) supports this function. The only batteries suitable for use with this unit are genuine Panasonic products and batteries manufactured by other companies and certified by Panasonic. Panasonic cannot in any way guarantee the quality, performance or safety of batteries which have been manufactured by other companies and are not genuine Panasonic products.

It has been found that counterfeit battery packs which look very similar to the genuine product are made available to purchase in some markets. Some of these battery packs are not adequately protected with internal protection to meet the requirements of appropriate safety standards. There is a possibility that these battery packs may lead to fire or explosion. Please be advised that we are not liable for any accident or failure occurring as a result of use of a counterfeit battery pack. To ensure that safe products are used we would recommend that a genuine Panasonic battery pack is used.

Inserting/removing the battery

≥ Press the power button to turn off the unit. (l 15)

Install the battery by inserting it in the direction shown in the figure.

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+ 25 hidden pages