Panasonic HC-V500MK, HC-V500K, HC-V500, HC-V500M Owner's Manual

For USA and Puerto Rico 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: 1-800-561-5505 or visit us at www.panasonic.ca

Owner’s Manual

High Definition Video Camera

Model No. HC-V500

HC-V500M

Before connecting, operating or adjusting this product, please read the instructions completely.

VQT3W31

Dear Customer,

Thank you for choosing Panasonic!

You have purchased one of the most
sophisticated and reliable products on
the market today. Used properl y, we’re
sure it will bring you and your family
years of enjoyment . Please tak e time to
fill in the information on the right.
The serial number is on th e tag locate d
on the back of your camera. Be sure to
retain this manual as your convenient
camera informatio n 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 per so nnel.

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 ve ntilation opening s with newsp apers , tab lecloths , curt ains, an d

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.

HC-V500P

FCC Note:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digita l
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 gen erates, uses, and c an radia te radio fr equenc y energy and, if not ins talled 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 in stallation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television re ce ption, which can be det ermin ed by tur ning the eq uipme nt of f a nd o n, the us er
is encouraged to try to correct the interfer ence 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 c ompliance, follow the attached installation instructions

and use only shielded int erface cables with ferrite core when connecting to

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

Declaration of Co n formity
Trade Name: Panasonic
Model No.: HC-V500P/HC-V500MP
Responsible Party : Panasonic Corporation of North America

One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094

Support Contact: Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America

1-800-211-PA NA (7262)

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the foll owing
two conditions : (1) This devic e may not c ause harmful int erferenc e, and (2) t his device must
accept any interference received, including int erference that may cause undesired
operation.

HC-V500MP

THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN CANADA.

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

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

AC adaptor

VSK0780 ; This AC ad aptor operates on AC between 100 V and 240 V.
VSK0711 ; This AC adaptor operat es 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 on l y.

≥ When connecting to an AC supply out s ide of th e U.S.A . or Canada, us e a plu g adapt or to

suit the AC outlet configuration.

≥ When connecting to a supply of greater than AC 125 V, ensure the cord you use is suited

to the volta ge of the AC supply and the rated current of the AC adaptor.

≥ Contact an electrical parts distributor for assista nce in selecting a suitable AC plug

adaptor or AC cord set.

Install this unit so that the power cord can b e unplugged from the socket outlet immediately
if any problem occurs.

THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRY.

Install this unit so that the AC mains lead can be unplugged from the socket outlet
immediately if any problem occurs.

∫ 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 elect rolyt e sh ould come into con t act with your hand s or clothes , wash it of f thoroughly
with water.
If any electrolyte should come into contact with your eyes, never rub the eyes. Rinse eyes
thoroughly wi th 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 the batteri es, pleas e cont act you r local autho rities or de aler and ask for

the correct method of disposal.

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∫ Product Identification Marking

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.

U.S.A./CANADA CONSUMERS: ATTENTION:

Product Location

High Definition Video Camera Battery holder
AC adaptor Bottom

5

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IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS

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

1) Read these instructions.

2) Keep these instructions.

3) Heed all w arnings.

4) Follow all inst ructions.

5) Do not use this appara tus 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 inst all 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-ty pe plug. A
polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the oth er. A grounding-type
plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. Th e wide blade or the
third prong are prov ided for your safety.
If the provided plug does not fit into your
outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.

11) Only us e at ta chments/ac cessorie s
specified by the manufacturer.

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

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

14) Refer all servicin g to qualified service
personnel. Servicing is required when
the appar atus has be en 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 expos ed 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, convenienc e receptacles , and the
point where they exit from th e
apparatus.

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Precautions

WARNING

CAUTION

USE & LOCATION

≥ TO AVOID SHOCK HAZARD ... Your

camera and power supply should not be
exposed to rain or moisture. Do not
connect the powe r supply or operate your
camera if it gets wet. Your camera has
been designed for out door use, however it
is not designed to sustain direct exposure
to water, rain, sleet, snow, sand, dust, or a
direct splashing from a poo l or even a cup
of coffee. This action could permanent ly
damage the internal parts of your camera.
Do not attempt to dis assemble this unit.
There are no user serviceable parts
inside. Unplug your camera from the
power supply befor e cleaning.

≥ AS WITH ANY SMALL OBJECT, SD

CARDS CAN BE SWALLOWED BY
YOUNG CHILDREN. DO NOT ALLOW
CHILDREN TO HANDLE THE SD CARD.

≥ STORAGE OF YOUR CAMERA ... Store

and handle your camera in a manner that
will not subject it to unnecessary
movement (avoid shaking and striking).
Your camera contains a sensitive pick-up
device which could be damaged by
improper handling or storage.

CARE

≥ TO CLEAN YOUR CAMERA ... Do not

use strong or abrasive detergents when
cleaning your camera body.

≥ TO PROTECT THE LENS ... Do not touch

the surface of the lens with your hand.
Use a commercial camera lens solution
and lens paper wh en cleaning the lens.
Improper cleaning can scratch the lens
coating.

≥ TO PROTECT THE FINISH OF YOUR

CAMERA ... Before handling yo ur

camera, make sure your hands and face
are free from a ny chemic al prod uct s, such
as suntan lotion, as it may damage the
finish.

≥ DO NOT AIM YOUR CAMERA AT THE

SUN OR OTHER BRIGHT OBJECTS

≥ DO NOT EXPOSE YOUR CAMERA TO

EXTENDED HIGH TEMPERATURE ...

Such as, i n direct sunlight, inside a closed
car, next to a heater, etc... This action
could permanently damage the internal
parts of your camera.

≥ AVOID SUDDEN CHANGES IN

TEMPERATURE ... If the unit is suddenly

moved from a cold place to a warm place,
moisture may form on the SD card and
inside the unit.

≥ DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAMERA OR

THE POWER SUPPLY TURNED ON
WHEN NOT IN USE.

-If you see this symbol-

Inform at i on on Dispo s a l 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.

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∫ About the recording format for

recording motion pictures

Yo u ca n record mo ti o n pi ctures in ei t he r
AVCHD
this unit. (l 52, 65)
*1 It is compatible wit h th e

AVCHD:

It is possible to record in the best image
quality of this unit (1080/60p) and high
definition image (1080/60i).
It is suitable for viewing on a large forma t TV
or for saving to disc
*2 T o save an image rec orded in 1080/60p,

iFrame:

This is a recording format suitable for
viewing and editing on a Mac (iMovie’11).
Using iMovie’11, iFrame motion pictures can
be imported faster than AVCHD motion
pictures. Also, the imported file size of
iFrame motion pictures will be smaller than
that of AVCHD motion pictures.

≥ It is not compatible with motion pictures

∫

Panasonic does not accept any
responsibility for damages directly or
indirectly due to any type of prob lems 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
(including any other non-built-in memory
related component).

*1

or iFrame recording formats using

AVCHD Progressive (1080/60p).

*2

.

it is required to copy to a disc using the
supplied software HD Writer AE 4.0.

recorded in AVCHD format.

Indemnity about recorded content

∫ Handling of built-in memory

[HC-V500M]

This unit is equipped with the built-in
memory. When using this component, pay
attention to the following points.

Back up data periodically.

The built-in memory is te mporary storag e. In
order to avoid erasing data due to static
electrici ty, electromagnetic waves,
breakage, and failur es, bac k up th e dat a to a
PC or DVD disc. (l 110, 120)
≥ Access lamp [ACCESS] (l 18)

illuminates while the SD card or built-in
memory is being accesse d (initialization,
recording, playback, deleting etc.). Do not
perform the fo llowin g operat ions when th e
lamp illuminates. It may damage the built­in memory or cause a malfunction in the
unit.

jTurn the un i t off (r e m ove the battery )
jInsert and remove the USB cable
jE xp os e th e un i t to vibration s or sho c k

≥ About disposing of or gi ving away this unit.

(l 144)

∫ About Condensation (When

the lens or the LCD monitor is
fogged up)

≥ Condensation occurs when the ambient

temperature or humidity changes. Be
careful of condensation since it causes
lens or LCD monito r stains, fungus and
camera malfunction.

≥ For more details about the c ause and

action requir ed for condensation, refer to

147.

∫ 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 S DXC
logo are not based on SD Memory Card
Specifications.

≥

Refer to page 23 for more details on SD cards.

8

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∫ For the purposes of this

HC-V500

HC-V500M

HC-V500

owner’s manual

≥ SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card

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

≥ Function that can be used for Mot i on

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 picture only):
Function that can be used for the
playback mode (still pict ures only ) :

≥ Scene(s) recorded in 1080/60p or

1080/60i: “AVCHD scene(s)”

≥ Pages for reference are indicated by an

arrow, for example: l 00

This owner’s manual is designed for use
with models and .
Pictures may be slightly different from the
original.
≥ The illustrations used in this owner ' s

manual show model , howev er,
parts of the explanation refer to different
models.

≥ Depending on the model, some functi ons

are not available.

≥ Features may vary, so please read

carefully.

≥ Not all models may be available

depending on the region of purc hase.

9

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Contents

Accessories........................................... ..12

Quick Guid e. .............. ... ... ... .............. .. ... ..13

Preparat ion

Names and Functions of Main Parts.....17

Power sup ply .. .............. ... ... .............. .. ... ..20

Inserting/removing the battery........... 20

Charging the battery ......................... 21

Charging an d reco rd in g ti m e. ... ......... 22

Recording to a card ................................23

Cards that you can use with

this unit...... ... .............. ... .. ... .............. . 23

Inserting/removing an SD card.......... 24

T urning the unit on/off............................25

Selecting a mode ....................................26

How to use the touch screen.................26

About the Touch Menu.................. ... . 27

Setting date and time..............................28

Basic

Before recording.....................................29

Selecting a media to record

[HC-V500M]..............................................30

Recording motion pictures ....................31

Recording still pictures..........................33

Recording still pictures in

Motion Picture Recording Mode........ 35

Intelligent Auto Mode .............................36

Motion picture/Still picture playback ....38

Using the me nu sc re en ................... .. ... ..41

Using the Se tu p M enu ....................... ... ..42

Advanced (Recording)

Using the zoom ............ .............. ... ... .......50

Zoom ratio during the

Still P icture Recording Mode............. 50

Image Stabilizer Function ......................51

1080/60p recording .................................52

Recording with the Touch Function......53

Touch function icons ......................... 53

Recording functions of

operation ic o ns ............ ... ... .............. .. ... ..56

Operation icons................................. 56

Recording functions of menus.............. 63

Manual recording....................................77

White Balance................................... 78

Manual shutter speed/

iris adjustment................................... 79

Manual Focus adjustment................. 80

Advanced (Playback)

Playback Operations............ ................. .81

Motion picture playback using

operatio n ic on ......... .............. .. ... ....... 81

Creating still picture from

motion pic tu re ......... .. .............. ... ... .... 82

Highlight & Time Frame Index .......... 83

Repeat Pla yb a ck..... .. .............. ... ... .... 83

Resuming the previous playback...... 84

Zooming in on a still picture

during playback (Playback zoom)..... 84

Various playback func t ions........ ........... 8 5

Playing back moti on pictures/

still pictures by date .......................... 85

Highlight Playback ............................ 86

Changi ng the playba ck settings

and playing back the slide show....... 92

Deleting sc e ne s/ st il l pic t u re s ................ 94

Deleting part of a scene (AVCHD) .... 95

Dividing a scene (AVCHD)................ 96

Dividing a scene to partially delete

(iFrame/M P 4 )....... ... .............. .. ... ....... 97

Deleting personal information........... 98

Protecting scenes/still picture s ...... ... 98

Relay scene combinin g [HC-V500M].....99

Watching Video/Pictures on

your TV ......................... .. ... ... .............. ... 101

Connecting with a HDMI mini

cable ............................................... 104

Connecting with the AV multi

cable ............................................... 104

Playback using VIERA Link™ .............105

Converting and playing back

2D images as 3D ...................................107

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Copy/Dubbing

Others

Copying between SD card and

Built-in Memory [HC-V500M]................108

Connecting a DVD burner to copy to/

play back a disc....................................110

Preparing for copying/

playing back.................................... 110

Copying to discs.............................. 112

Playing back the copied disc........... 114

Managin g the co pi e d disc ........ ... .... 115

Dubbing with a Blu-ray disc recorder,

video device, etc. .................................116

With a PC

What you can do with a PC..................120

End User License Agreement ......... 122

Operating environment ........................124

Installation .............................................127

Connecting to a PC...............................128

About the PC d is pla y ...... .............. .. 130

Starting HD Writer AE 4.0.......... ... ........131

Reading the operating instructions

of the software appl ica ti o n s ............. 131

If using Mac...........................................132

Indications.............................................133

Messages .............................................. 136

About recovery................................ 137

Troubleshooting ...................................138

Cautions for use ................................... 143

About copyright....................................148

Recording modes/approximate

recordable time.................................... 149

Approximate number of recordable

pictures.................................................150

Specifications ....................................... 151

Optional accessories ......... ........... .......155

Accessory Order Form
(For USA and

Puerto Rico Customers) ................. 157

Limited Warranty (ONLY FOR U.S.A.

AND PUERTO RICO)...................... .......158

Warranty (For Ca n a d i a n

Customers)............................................160

Useful Information
(Only For Latin American

Countries).............................................161

Index ......................................................162

Span ish Quick Use Guide/

Guía española para el uso rápido .......164

PreparationBasicAdvanced

(Recording)

(Playback)

Copy/DubbingWith a PCOthers Advanced

11

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Accessories

Check the accessories before using this unit.
Keep the accessor ies out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.
Product numbers correct as of Jan. 2012. These may be subject to change.

Battery pack

VW-VBK180

AC adaptor

(P/PC)
VSK0780
or VSK0711

(PU)
VSK0781
or VSK0712

AC cable

K2CA2CA00025

AV multi cable

K1HY12YY0016

USB cable

K2KYYYY00201

CD-ROM

Software

12

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Quick Guide





∫ Inserting the battery

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

≥ Inser t the batt ery until it clicks and locks.

∫ Inserting/removing an SD card







∫ Charging the battery

A DC input terminal

1 Connect the AC cable to the AC

adaptor, then the AC outlet.

2 Connect the AC adapt or to t he DC inp ut

terminal.

≥ The status indicator will flash red at an

interval of 2 seconds (approximately
1 second on, 1 sec ond off), indicating that
charging has begun.
It will turn off when the charging is
completed.

Access lamp [ACCESS] A

≥ When this unit is accessing the SD

card or built-i n memory, the access
lamp lights up.

≥ Check that the access lamp has gone off.

1) Open the SD card cover and insert
(remove) the SD card into (from) the
card slot B.

≥ Face the label side C in the direction

shown in the illustration and press it
straight in as far as it will go.

≥ Press the center of the SD card and then

pull it straight out.

2) Securely close the SD card cov er.

≥ Securely close it until it clicks.

13

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∫ Turning the unit on/off





∫ Selecting a mode

Turning the unit on and off with the
power button

Open the LCD monitor and pres s the power
button to tu rn on the unit.

A The status indicator light s on.
≥ To turn off the unit, hold down the power

button until the status indicator goes off.

Turning the unit on and off with the LCD
monitor

Opening the LCD monit or turns on the unit.
Closing the LCD monitor turns off the unit.

To turn on the unit

Operate the mode switch to change the
mode to , or .

Motion Picture Recording
Mode (l 31)

Still Picture Recording Mode
(l 33)

Playback Mode (l 38, 81)

∫ How to use the touch screen

You can operate by directly touching the
LCD monitor (touch screen) with your finger.

Touch

Touch and releas e the touch s creen to se lect
icon or pi cture.

A The status indicator light s on.

To turn off the unit

B The status indi cator goes off.

14

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Slide while touching

Move your fing er while pres sing on the tou ch
screen.



Touch Menu

MENU

HC-V500M

MENU

T

W



Touch to display the Touch Menu.
Touch (left side)/ (rig ht side) of on
the Touch Menu to switch the operation
icons.

T

∫ Recording motion pictures

1) Change the mode to .

2) Open the LCD monitor.

3) Press the recording start/stop button to
start recording.



W



A Touch Menu

∫ Language selection

1) Touch , then touch [SETUP] #
[LANGUAGE].

2) Touch desired language.

∫ Selecting a media to record

1) Change the mode to or .

2) Select t he menu.

: [MEDIA SELECT]

A When you begin record ing, ; changes

to ¥.

∫ Recording still pictures

1) Change the mode to .

2) Open the LCD monitor.

3) Press the button fully to take the
picture.

3) Touch the media to record motion
pictures or still pictures.

≥ The media is selected separately to

motion pictures or still pictures is
highlighted in yellow.

4) Touch [ENTER].

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∫ Motion picture/Sti ll picture

ALL



HC-V500





HC-V500M







1080/60i

60p



0h01m30s0h01m30s0h01m30s



playback

1) Change the mode to .

2) Touch the pla y mode select icon A.

3)
Select the still picture B or the
recording format of the motio n pictur e C
you wish to play back.

Select the media type D and then select
the still picture B or the recording
format of the motion picture C you wish
to play back.

≥ It will switch to the screen displaying

and thumbnail scroll lever E when no
operation is performed for approx.
5 seconds.

≥ To display the next (previous) page:

jSlide the thumbnail display upward

(downward) while touchin g it.

jTouch (up) / (down) of the

thumbnail scroll lever.

5) Select the playback operation by
touching the operation icon.

F Operation icon

≥ Operation icons and screen display will

disappear when no touch operation is
performed for a specific period of time. To
display them again, touch the screen.

(Motion picture playback)

1/;: Playback/Pause
6: Rewind playba ck
5: Fast forward playback
∫: Stops the playback and shows

the thumbnails.

≥ Touch [ENTER].
≥ The icon is displayed in the thumbnail

display when the item for mot ion pi ctur e is
touched.
( , , , and )

≥ is displayed in the 1080/60p scenes

when [

ALL A V CHD] is touched.

4) Touch the scene or the still picture to be
played back.

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(Still picture playback)
1/;: Slide show (playb ack of the still

pictures in numerical order) start/
pause.

2;: Plays back the previous picture.
;1: Plays back the next picture.
∫: Stops the playback and shows

the thumbnails.

Preparation

10

12

11

13

Names and Functions of Main Parts

1 Power button [ ] (l 25)

1

8

2

3

4
5
6

AV MULTI

7

9

2 Speaker
3 USB terminal [ ] (l 111, 116, 128)
4 Intelligent auto/Manual button

[iA/MANUAL] (l 36, 77)

5 Optical image stabilizer button

[ O.I.S.] (l 51)
6 1080/60p button [1080/60p] (l 52)
7 Battery release lever [BATT] (l 20)
8 HDMI mini connector [HDMI]

(l 101, 105)
9 AV multi connector [AV MULTI]

(l 101, 1 19)

≥ Use the AV multi cable (only the supplied

cable).

10 Lens cover

≥ The lens cover opens in Motion

Picture Recording Mode or Still
Picture Recording Mode. (l 26)

1 1 LED light

≥ It can be used as a Video light or Photo

light. (l 59, 76)

12 Lens
13 Internal stereo microphones

17

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14



15

16

14 Mode switch (l 26)
15 Status indicator (l 25)
16 Recording start/stop button (l 31)
17 LCD monitor (Touch screen) (l 26)

1817

19

≥ It can open up to 90o.

≥ It can rotate up to 180o A towards the lens

or 90o B towards the opposite direction.

Due to limitations in LCD production
technology, there ma y be some ti ny bright
or dark spots on the LCD monitor s creen.
However, this is not a malfunction and
does not affect the recorded picture.

18 Battery holder (l 20)

19 Tripod receptacle

≥ If you attach a tripod which has 5.5 mm

(0.22 q) screw or larger, it may damage
this unit.

20 SD card cover (l 24)
21 Access lamp [ACCESS] (l 24)
22 Card slot (l 24)

20

21

22

18

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23 Photoshot button [ ] (l 33)

24

23

25

26

24 Zoom lever [W/T] (In Motion Picture

Recording Mode or Still Picture

Recording Mode) (l 50)

Thumbnail display switch [ / ]/

Volume lever [sVOLr] (In Playback

Mode) (l 39)
25 Grip belt

Adjust the le ngt h of t he grip bel t s o tha t it f it s
your hand.





1 Flip the belt.
2 Adjust the length.
3 Replace the belt.

26 DC input terminal [DC IN] (l 21)

≥ Do not use any other AC adaptors except

the supplied one.



19

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Preparation

Removing the battery

Be sure to hold down t he power button un til
the status indica to r goes off. Th en rem o ve
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

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-VBK180/VW-VBK360.
≥ The unit has a function for distinguishing batteries which can be used safely. The

dedicated battery (VW-VBK180/VW-VBK360) 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. (Batteries
which do not support this function cannot be used). 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 market s. 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 th ese
battery p ack s ma y lead to fi re or expl osion . Pl eas e be advi se d that w e are n ot l iable
for any accident o r fail ure occ urri ng as a resul t of use of a counte rfei t batter y p a ck.
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 25)

Install the battery by inserting it in the direction shown in the figur e.

20

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Charging the battery

When this unit is purchased, the battery is not charged. Charge the battery fully
before using this unit for the first time.

The unit is in the standby condition when the AC adaptor is connected. The primary circuit is
always “live” as long as the AC adaptor is connected to an electrical outlet.

Important:

≥ Use the supplied AC adaptor. Do not use the AC adaptor of another device.
≥ Do not use the AC cable with any other equipment as it is designed only for this unit.

Also, do not use the AC cable from other equipment with this unit.

≥ The battery can also be charged using a battery charger (VW-BC10PP: optional).
≥ The battery will not be charged if the unit is turned on.
≥ It is recommended to charge the battery in a temperature b etween 10 °C and 30 °C

(50 °F and 86 °F). (The battery temperature should also be the same.)





A DC input terminal

≥ Insert the plugs as far as they will go.

1 Connect the AC cable to the AC adaptor, then the AC outlet.
2 Connect the AC adaptor to the DC input terminal.

≥

The status indicator will flash red at an interval of 2 seconds (approximately 1 second on,
1 second off), indicating that charging has begun. It will turn off when the charging is completed.

∫ Connecting to the AC outlet

It is possible to us e this unit with power su pplied fr om the AC outle t by t urning on th e unit with
the AC adaptor connected.
When recording for a long time, keep the AC adaptor connected and use it together with the
battery.

∫ To charge by connecting to another device

It is possible to charge by connecti ng to another device with the USB cable (supplied).
Please refer to page 129.

≥ If the status indicator flashes at a particularly fast or slow rate, refer to page 145.
≥ We recommend using Panasonic batteries. (l 12, 22, 155)
≥ If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee the quality of this product.
≥ Do not heat or expose to flame.

21

VQT3W31

≥ Do not leave the battery(ies) in a car exposed to direct sunlight for a long period of time

with doors and windows clos ed.

Charging and recording time

∫ Charging/Recording time

≥ Temperature: 25 oC (77 oF)/humidity: 60%RH
≥ Charging times in parenthes es are when charging from the USB terminal.

Battery model

number

[Voltage/Capacity

(minimum)]

Supplied battery/

VW-VBK180 (optional)

[3.6 V/1790 mAh]

VW-VBK360 (optional)

[3.6 V/3580 mAh]

≥ These times are approximations.
≥ The indicated chargin g time is f or when th e batter y has been d ischa rged compl etely.

Charging time and recordable time vary depending on the usage conditions such as
high/low temperature.

Charging

time

2h25min

(5h45min)

4h20min

(10 h 40 min)

Recording

mode

[1080/60p] 1 h 45 min

[HA] 1 h 55 min

[HG],[HX],

[HE]

[iFrame] 2h5min 1h5min

[1080/60p] 3h30min 1h45min

[HA] 3 h 45 min

[HG] 3 h 50 min

[HX],[HE] 3 h 50 min 2 h

[iFrame] 4h10min 2h10min

Maximum

continuous

recordable time

1h55min 1h

recordable

1h55min

Actual

time

55 min

≥ The actual recordable time refers to the recorda ble time when re peat edly st arting/ sto ppin g

recording, turning the unit on/off, moving the zoom lever etc.

≥ The batteries heat up after use or charging. This is not a malfunction.

Battery capacity indication

≥ The display changes as the battery capacity reduces.

####
If there is less than 3 minutes remaining, then will become red. If the batt ery
discharges, then will flash.

≥ Screen display will disappear when no touch operation i s performed. However, it will be

constantly dis played when the remaining battery time becomes less than 30 minutes .

≥ The remaining battery capacity is displayed when using the Panasonic battery that you

can use for this unit . The actual time c an vary depending on your actual use.

≥ When using the AC adaptor or batteries made by other c ompanies, the remaining

battery capacity will not be shown.

22

VQT3W31

Preparation

32

Recording to a card

The unit can record still pictures or motion pictures to an SD card or built-in memory. To
record to an SD card, read the following.

This unit (an SDXC compatible device) is compat ible with SD Memory Cards, SDHC
Memory Cards and SDXC Memory Cards. When using an SDHC Memory Card/SDXC
Memory Card with other equipme nt, check the equipment is compatible with these
Memory Cards.

Cards that you can use with this unit

Use SD cards conforming to Class 4 or hig he r of the SD Speed Class Rating* for
motion picture recording.

Card type Capacity

SD Memory Card 512 MB/1 GB/2 GB
SDHC Memory Card 4GB/6GB/8GB/12GB/16GB/24GB/32GB
SDXC Memory Card 48 GB/64 GB

* SD Speed Class Rating is the speed

standard regarding continuous writing.
Check via the label on the card, etc.

≥ Please confirm the latest information about SD Memory Cards/SDHC Memory Cards/

SDXC Memory Cards that can be used for motion picture recording on the following
website.

http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/e_cam

(This website is in English only.)
≥ Operation of the SD Memory Cards 256 MB or less is not guaranteed. Also, the SD

Memory Card 32 MB or less cannot be used for the motion picture recording.

≥ 4 GB or more Memory Cards that do not have the SDHC logo or 48 GB or more Memory

Cards that do not have t he SDXC logo are not based on SD Memory Card Spec ifications.

≥ The operation of memory cards exceeding 64 GB cannot be guaranteed.
≥ When the write-protect switch A on SD card is locked, no recording,

deletion or editing will be possible on the card.

≥ Keep the Memory Card out of reach of ch ildren to prevent swallowing.

e.g.:

23

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Inserting/removing an SD card







When using an SD card not from Panasonic, or one previous ly used on other equipment,
for the first time on this unit, format the SD card. (l 48) When the SD card is formatte d, all
of the recorded data is deleted. Once the data is deleted, it cann ot be restored.

Caution:
Check that the access lamp has gone off.

Access lamp [ACCESS] A

≥ When this unit is accessing the SD

card

or built-in memory

lights up.

, the access lamp

1 Open the SD card cover and

insert (remove) the SD card
into (from) the card slot B.

≥ Face the label side C in the direction

shown in the illustration and press it
straight in as far as it will go.

≥ Press the center of the SD card and then

pull it straight out.

≥ Do not touch the terminals on the back of

the SD card.

≥ Do not apply strong shocks, bend, or dr op

the SD card.

≥ Electrical noise, static electricity or the

failure of this unit or the SD card may
damage or erase the data stored on the
SD card.

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

jRemove the SD card
jTurn th e un i t off
jInsert and remove the USB cable
jExpose the unit to vibrations or shock

Performing the above while t he lamp is on
may result in damage to data/SD card or
this unit.

≥ Do not expose the terminals of the SD

card to water , dirt or dust.

2 Securely close the SD card

cover.

≥ Securely close it until it clicks.

≥ Do not place SD cards in the following

areas:

jIn direct sunlight
jIn very dusty or humid areas
jNear a heate r
jLocations susceptible to significant

differenc e in temperatur e (cond ensation
can occur.)

jWhere static electricity or

electromagne tic waves occur

≥ To protect SD cards, return them to their

cases when you are not using them.

≥ About disposing of or giving away the SD

card. (l 146)

24

VQT3W31

Preparation



To turn off the unit

Hold down the power button until the status
indicator goes off.





Turning the unit on/off

You can turn the unit on and off using the power button or by opening and closing the LCD
monitor.

Turning the unit on and off with the power button

Open the LCD monitor and pr ess the power button to turn on the unit.

A The status indicator light s on.

Turning the unit on and off with the LCD monitor

The unit is turned on when the LCD monitor is opened, and unit is turned off when it is
closed.

During normal use, opening and closing of the LCD monitor can be conveniently used
to turn the unit on/off.

∫ To turn on the unit

A The status ind i cator lights on.

≥ The unit will not turn off while recording motion pictures even if the LCD monitor is closed.
≥ In the following cases , ope ning the L CD monitor doe s not t urn on th e un it. P res s t he power

button to turn on the unit.

jWhen the unit i s originally purchased
jWhen you have turned off the unit using the power button

∫ To turn off the unit

B The status indic ator goes off.

25

VQT3W31

Preparation

Selecting a mode

Change the mode to recording or playback.

Operate the mode switch to change the mode to , or .

Motion Picture Recording Mode (l 31)
Still Picture Record ing Mode (l 33)
Playback Mode (l 38, 81)

Preparation

How to use the touch screen

You can operate by directly touching the LCD monitor (touch screen) with your finger.

∫ Touch

Touch and release the tou ch screen to select icon or
picture.

≥ Touch the center of the icon.
≥ Touching the touch screen will not operate while

you are touching another part of the touch screen.

∫ Slide while touching

Move your finger while pressing on the touch screen.

26

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∫ About the operation icons



MENU

ALL

2D→3D



///:
These icons are used to switch the menu and thumbnail
display page, for item selection and setting etc.

:
Touch to return to the previous screen such as when
setting menus.

About the Touch Menu

Touch (left side)/ (right side) of on the Touch Menu to switch the operation i cons.

Touch (left side)/ (right side) of on the Touch Menu.

≥ It is also possible to switch the operation icon s by sliding the Touch Menu right or left while

touching it.

A Touch Menu

T



W

Recording Mode Playback Mode

T

W

B You can ch ange the operation icons to display. (l 46)
C Displayed only during the Manual Mode. (l 77)
D Displayed only wh en connected to a TV. (l 107)

FOCUS

WB

SHTR

IRIS

MENU

27

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∫ To display the Touch Menu

MENU

Display of th e Touch Menu will disappea r when no
touch operation is performed for a specific period
of time. To display it again, touch .

≥ Do not touch on the LCD monitor with hard point ed tips, such as ball point pens.

Preparation

Setting date and time

When the unit is t u rned on for the first time, a message ask i ng you to set the date and time
will appear.
Select [YES] and perform steps 2 to 3 below to set the date and time.

1 Select the menu. (l 41)

: [SETUP] # [CLOCK SET]

2 Touch the date or time to b e set, then set the des ired value using /

.

A Displaying the World time setting (l 42):

[HOME]/ [DESTINATION]

≥ The year can be set between 2000 and 2039.
≥ The 12-hour system is used to displa y the time.

3 Touch [ENTER].

≥ A message prompting for World Time setting may be

displayed. Perf orm the Wor l d Time setting by touching the s creen. (l 42)

≥ Touch [EXIT] to complete the setting.

≥ The date and time function is driven by a built-in lithium battery.
≥ If the time display becomes [- -], the built-in lithium battery needs to be charged. To

recharge the built-in lithium battery , connect the AC adaptor or attach the battery to this
unit. Leave the unit as it is for approx. 24 hours and the battery will maintain the date and
time for approx. 4 months. (The battery is still being recharged even if the unit is off.)

28

VQT3W31

Basic





Before recording

∫ Basic camera positioning

1 Hold the unit with both hands.
2 Put your hand through the grip belt.
3 It is convenient to us e the Recording button icon A when holding the unit at waist level.

≥ When recording, make sure your footing is stable and there is no danger of colliding with

another perso n or object.

≥ When you are outdoors, record pictures with the sunlight behind you. If the su bject is

backlit, it will become dark in the recording.

≥ Keep your arms near your body and separate your legs for better balance.
≥ Do not cover the microphones with your hand etc.

∫ Basic motion picture recording

≥ The unit should normally be held steady when recording.
≥ If you move the unit when recording, do so slowly, mainta ining a constant speed.
≥ The zoom operation is u sefu l f or rec o rding s ub ject s you c a nnot get clos e t o, but ov erus e o f

zoom in and zoom out can make the resulting motion picture less enjoyable to watch.

∫ Recording Yourself

Rotate the LCD monitor towards the lens side.

≥ The image is horizontally flippe d as if you see a mirror

image. (However the image recorded is the same as a
normal recording.)

≥ Only some indications will appear on the screen. When

appears, return the direction of the LCD monitor to

normal position and check the warning/alarm indication.
(l 136)

29

VQT3W31

Basic

Selecting a media to record [HC-V500M]

The card and built-in memory can be selected separately to record motion pictures or still
pictures.

1 Change the mode to or .
2 Select the menu. (l 41)

MENU

: [MEDIA SELECT]

3 Touch the media to record motion

pictures or still pictures.

≥ The media is selected separately to motion pictures

or still pictures is highlighted in yellow.

4 Touch [ENTER].

30

VQT3W31