Panasonic HDC-DX1 User Manual

Download

Operating Instructions

High Definition Video Camera

Model No. HDC-DX1

Before use, please read these instructions completely.

VQT1A15

Information for Your Safety

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR PRODUCT DAMAGE, ≥DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO

RAIN, MOISTURE, DRIPPING OR SPLASHING AND THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHALL BE PLACED ON THE APPARATUS.

≥USE ONLY THE RECOMMENDED

ACCESSORIES.

≥DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER (OR

BACK); THERE ARE NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The socket outlet shall be installed near the equipment and easily accessible. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable. To completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC Mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from AC receptacle.

IF THE POWER CORD OF THIS EQUIPMENT IS DAMAGED, IT MUST BE REPLACED WITH AN ELECTRICALLY APPROVED POWER CORD.

Use only the recommended accessories.

≥Do not use any other AV cables, Component

cable and USB cables except the supplied one.

≥When you use the cable which are sold

separately, please make sure to use the one whose length is less than 3 metres.

CAUTION!

≥DO NOT INSTALL OR PLACE THIS UNIT

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

≥DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE UNIT’S

VENTILATION OPENINGS WITH NEWSPAPERS, TABLECLOTHS, CURTAINS, AND SIMILAR ITEMS.

≥DO NOT PLACE SOURCES OF NAKED

FLAMES, SUCH AS LIGHTED CANDLES, ON THE UNIT.

≥DISPOSE OF BATTERIES IN AN

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY MANNER.

≥Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children

to prevent swallowing.

VQT1A15

CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT

IEC 60825-1:2001 CAUTION This product contains a laser diode of higher class than 1. To ensure continued safety, do not remove any covers or attempt to gain access to the inside of the product. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

Product Identification Marking is located on the bottom of units.

-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.

VQT1A15

ª Indemnity concerning recording

content

The manufacturer shall in no event be liable for the loss of recordings due to malfunction or defect of this unit, its accessories or recordable media.

ª Carefully observe copyright laws

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

≥SDHC Logo is a trademark. ≥miniSD Logo is a trademark. ≥“AVCHD” and the “AVCHD” logo are

trademarks of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. and Sony Corporation.

≥Manufactured under license from Dolby

Laboratories. Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

≥“HDMI”, the HDMI Logo and the High-Definition

Multimedia Interface are the registered trademarks or trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

≥HDAVI Control™ is a trademark of Matsushita

Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

≥LEICA is a registered trademark of Leica

microsystems IR GmbH and DICOMAR is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.

≥Microsoft

trademarks or trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

≥IBM and PC/AT are registered trademarks of

International Business Machines Corporation of the U.S.

≥Intel

registered trademarks or trademarks of the Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.

≥Microsoft product screen shot(s) reprinted with

permission from Microsoft Corporation.

≥Other names of systems and products

mentioned in these instructions are usually the registered trademarks or trademarks of the manufacturers who developed the system or product concerned.

and Windows® are either registered

, Pentium® and Celeron® are the

This product is licensed under the AVC patent portfolio license for the personal and non-commercial use of a consumer to (i) encode video in compliance with the AVC Standard (“AVC Video”) and/or (ii) decode AVC Video that was encoded by a consumer engaged in a personal and non-commercial activity and/or was obtained from a video provider licensed to provide AVC Video. No license is granted or shall be implied for any other use. Additional information may be obtained from MPEG LA, LLC. See http://www.mpegla.com

VQT1A15

Contents

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

Recording

Before using

Features of the High Definition

Video Camera......................................7

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

Parts identification and handling .......11

Using the LCD monitor........................18

Using the viewfinder............................18

Using the remote control.....................19

Discs that can be used on this

unit .....................................................21

Cards that you can use with this

unit .....................................................24

Disc and card handling........................25

Setup

Charging the battery............................26

Fitting/Removing the battery ..............26

Charging time and recordable

time ....................................................27

Connecting to the AC outlet................28

Selecting a mode

(Turning the unit on/off)...................29

Inserting/removing a disc....................30

Inserting/removing an SD card........... 33

How to use the cursor button ............. 33

Using the menu screen........................38

Setting date and time...........................39

Switching the language.......................40

Adjusting LCD monitor/

viewfinder..........................................41

Before recording ..................................43

Recording motion pictures .................45

Recording modes/recordable time

available for the motion picture ......47

Recording still pictures (JPEG) .......... 48

Number of pixels and picture

quality for still picture recording.....51

Various recording functions ............... 52

Zoom in/out function ................................ 52

Recording yourself................................... 54

Backlight compensation function ............. 54

Fade in/fade out function ......................... 55

Colour night view function........................ 56

Soft skin mode......................................... 57

Tele macro function ................................. 57

Self-timer recording.................................. 58

Built-in flash ............................................. 59

Image stabilizer function .......................... 60

Guide line function ................................... 61

Wind noise reduction function.................. 61

Microphone level...................................... 62

Zebra display ........................................... 63

Colour bar ................................................ 64

Manual recording functions................ 64

Scene mode............................................. 64

Manual focus adjustment ......................... 65

White balance.......................................... 66

Manual shutter speed/aperture

adjustment............................................ 68

VQT1A15

Contents

Playback

Playback of motion pictures on a

disc.....................................................69

Motion picture playback............................69

Playing back motion pictures by date.......72

Repeat playback.......................................72

Resuming the previous playback .............73

Playback of still pictures on an

SD card ..............................................73

Still pictures (JPEG) playback ..................73

Editing

Editing scenes......................................75

Deleting scenes........................................75

Protecting scenes.....................................76

Editing still pictures.............................77

Deleting still pictures ................................ 77

Protecting still pictures .............................78

DPOF setting............................................79

Disc and card management

Formatting ............................................80

Formatting discs.......................................80

Formatting an SD card .............................80

Finalizing a disc ...................................81

Finalizing a disc........................................81

Un-finalizing a DVD-RW...........................82

Creating a top menu.................................82

Protecting a disc ..................................83

Displaying disc information................ 84

With other products

With a TV...............................................85

Playback using VIERA Link

(HDAVI Control) ................................91

Dubbing images onto a connected

DVD recorder or video device .........93

With a printer (PictBridge)...................94

With a computer

Before using with a computer.............96

What you can do with a computer............ 96

Operating environment ............................ 96

Connection and recognition ...............97

Connection and recognition

procedures ........................................... 97

About the computer display ..................... 98

To disconnect USB cable safely .............. 99

Verifying the unit is correctly

recognised by the computer............... 100

If using a Macintosh...........................101

Others

Menus and Indications ......................102

Menu list................................................. 102

Menus related to [ADVANCED] and

[SETUP] ............................................. 104

Indications.............................................. 105

Messages............................................... 107

Functions that cannot be used

simultaneously................................110

Frequently asked questions.............. 111

Troubleshooting.................................112

Cautions for use.................................118

Explanation of terms..........................121

Specifications.....................................123

VQT1A15

Before using

Features of the High Definition Video Camera

Very clear high definition pictures

This unit is an AVCHD format video camera for recording highly detailed high definition images to an 8 cm DVD disc. You can watch images in high-resolution HD video if you connect this unit and a high definition TV and then play back the images. (l 85)

A B

A High Definition images (1440k1080): Number of available scan lines 1080 B Standard images until now (720k576): Number of available scan lines 576

High definition images

≥The still pictures above are images for explanation purposes.

ª What is the AVCHD?

This is a format for recording and playing back highly detailed high definition images. Images are recorded based on the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec for compressing images and audio is recorded in Dolby Digital. It is compatible with various discs such as DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD-R and DVD-R DL.

Important Notice

Do not insert discs which have been recorded in AVCHD format into devices which do not support the AVCHD format. In some cases the disc may get stuck in the device. The disc will not play back on devices that do not support the AVCHD format.

About the compatibility of discs recorded on this unit (Be careful about the following)

≥They are not compatible with devices other than those that support the AVCHD. (Refer to the

operating instructions of the device for details.)

≥There are some cases where the recorded motion pictures cannot be played back, even if the device

supports the AVCHD. In such cases, play the recorded motion picture with this unit instead.

≥Do not insert them into devices that are not compatible (DVD players, computers, etc. that do not

support the AVCHD) as they will not be played back.

≥A format message may appear when you insert a disc into a device that is not compatible. (If you

accidentally format the disc, the pictures you recorded will all be deleted.)

≥We recommend setting [AUTO PROTECT] to

[ON] (l 83) to prevent important scenes being deleted by mistake. (This function’s default setting is [ON].)

Existing DVD recorders, DVD players, computers, etc. that do not support the AVCHD.

VQT1A15

Before using

Watching High Definition images

If you connect this unit and a high definition TV A with a HDMI cable (optional) B and then play back the pictures, you can enjoy watching them in high definition.

≥If you connect this unit to a TV that does not support high definition, the images will be standard

picture quality.

ª When connecting to a TV that does not have a HDMI terminal

Connecting with the component cable and the AV cable Connecting with the AV cable

≥The pictures cannot be played in high definition. They will be played back in standard quality.

Using the remote control for the TV for playback

If you connect this unit to a Panasonic TV (VIERA) compatible with VIERA Link (HDAVI Control™) A with a HDMI cable (optional) B, you can use the remote control for the TV for playback. Refer to the operating instructions of the TV for details.

ª Other linked operations

Turning the power on and off:

If you turn the power off with the remote control for the TV, the power on this unit also turns off.

Automatic input switching:

If you connect with a HDMI cable and then turn on the power on this unit, the input channel on the TV automatically switches to this unit’s screen. If the TV’s power is in standby status, it will turn on automatically (if [Set] has been selected for the TV’s [Power on link] setting). ≥Depending on HDMI terminal of the TV, the input channel may not switch automatically. In this case,

use the remote control for the TV to switch input. (For details on how to switch input, please read the operating instructions for the TV.)

VQT1A15

Before using

Listening in 5.1 channel surround sound

This unit has 5 internal microphones and a Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator so you can record sound with presence that is even closer to the actual sound. The low bass area is sent to the 0.1 channel subwoofer and you can playback sound with three-dimensional presence if you connect to a device that is compatible with the 5.1 surround system.

≥The 5 mounted internal microphones give

better directivity.

≥Far-away sounds can be recorded more

clearly with the zoom microphone function. (l 53)

A AV amplifier with HDMI terminal B HDMI cable (optional)

≥Refer to the operating instructions of the TV, AV amplifier, speakers etc. for details on how to connect. ≥If you record with an external microphone, the recording is in stereo 2 channel sound. ≥Optical digital cables cannot be used for the connection. Connect to an AV amplifier with an HDMI

terminal.

VQT1A15

Before using

Accessories

Check the accessories before using this unit.

Battery pack

VW-VBG260

AC adaptor

VW-AD20E

DC cable

K2GJYYC00001

AV cable

K2KZ9CB00002

Component cable

K2KZ9DB00004

AC cable

K2CJ2DA00008

Remote control

N2QAEC000023

Button-type battery

CR2025

Optional accessories

Some optional accessories may not be available in some countries.

AC adaptor (VW-AD20GN-K)

Battery pack (lithium/VW-VBG260/2640 mAh)

Filter kit (VW-LF43NE)

Video DC light (VW-LDC102E)

Light bulb for video DC light (VZ-LL10E)

Tripod (VW-CT45E)

8 cm DVD-RAM disc (single sided/LM-AF30E)

8 cm DVD-RAM disc (double sided/ LM-AF60E)

8 cm DVD-RW disc (single sided/LM-RW30E)

8 cm DVD-RW disc (double sided/ LM-RW60E)

8 cm DVD-R disc (single sided/LM-RF30E)

8 cm DVD-R disc (double sided/LM-RF60E)

8 cm DVD-R DL disc (dual rayers on single side/LM-RF55LE)

USB cable

K2KZ4CB00011

Disc cleaning cloth

VFC3778-2

VQT1A15

Parts identification and handling

Before using

1) Lens (LEICA DICOMAR)

2) Built-in flash (l 59)

3) Recording lamp (l 104)

4) Lens cover

5) White balance sensor/remote control sensor (l 20, 67)

VQT1A15

Before using

3 4

6) Speaker

7) Viewfinder (l 18)

Due to limitations in LCD production technology, there may be some tiny bright or dark spots on the viewfinder screen. However, this is not a malfunction and does not affect the recorded picture.

8) LCD monitor open part (l 18)

9) Battery holder (l 26)

10) DC input terminal [DC IN 7.3V] (l 28)

11) Menu button [MENU] (l 38)

12) Disc/computer access lamp [ACCESS/PC] (l 30)

13) Delete button [ ] (l 75, 77)

14) Status indicator (l 29)

15) Mode dial (l 29)

16) Cursor button (l 33)

17) Recording start/stop button (l 45)

18) Disc eject lever [DISC EJECT] (l 30)

VQT1A15

Before using

19) Internal microphones (5.1 channel support)

20) Zoom lever [W/T] (In recording mode) (l 52)

Volume lever [sVOLr] (In playback mode) (l 71)

21) Photoshot button [ ] (l 48)

22) Eyepiece corrector knob (l 42)

23) Shoe cover (l 17)

24) Accessory shoe (l 17)

≥Accessories, such as a video DC light/VW-LDC102E (optional), are attached here.

25) Battery release lever [BATT] (l 26)

26) Tripod receptacle (l 17)

VQT1A15

Before using

31 32

35 36

A/V MIC

27) Reset button [RESET] (l 116)

28) LCD monitor (l 18)

Due to limitations in LCD production technology, there may be some tiny bright or dark spots on the LCD monitor screen. However, this is not a malfunction and does not affect the recorded picture.

29) Power LCD button [POWER LCD] (l 41)

30) Mode select switch [AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] (l 44, 64)

31) Viewfinder extension knob (l 18)

32) Card access lamp (l 33)

33) Card slot (l 33)

34) HDMI terminal [HDMI] (l 85, 86, 88)

35) Audio-video output terminal [A/V] (l 89, 90, 93)

≥Use the supplied AV cable only.

36) USB terminal [ ] (l 94, 97)

37) Component terminal [COMPONENT] (l 89)

38) Microphone terminal [MIC]

≥A compatible plug-in powered microphone can be used as an external microphone. ≥When the unit is connected with the AC 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.

COMPONENT

VQT1A15

Before using

39) Disc compartment (l 30)

40) Grip belt (l 16)

41) Outlet

42) Cooling fan (inlet)

≥About the cooling fan: The cooling fan rotates to prevent the internal temperature rising.

Take care not to cover the inlet and outlet when using this unit.

VQT1A15

Before using

Using grip belt

Adjust the belt length so it fits your hand.

Adjust the belt length and the pad position.

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

Lens hood

Rotate the lens hood counter-clockwise A to remove it. In order to attach it, place into slot B, and then rotate it clockwise C.

Attaching the lens cap (Included in the Filter Kit (VW-LF43NE; optional))

Attach the lens cap to protect the surface of the lens. ≥When the MC protector or the ND filter of the

Filter Kit (VW-LF43NE; optional) is attached to the front of the lens hood, use the lens cap included in the Filter Kit.

1 Pass the end of the lens cap cord

through the belt.

2 Pass the lens cap through the

loop.

≥Attach the MC protector or the ND filter of the

Filter Kit (VW-LF43NE; optional) in front of the lens hood. Do not attach the other accessories on the hood. (Except for the lens cap) (Refer to the operating instructions for the Filter Kit.)

(Be careful about the following)

When 2 lens accessories, such as the ND filter, are attached and the W/T lever is pressed toward the W side, the 4 corners of an image will be darkened. (Vignetting)

VQT1A15

3 To attach or remove the lens cap,

hold both sides of the lens cap with the tips of your finger and thumb.

Accessory shoe

The video DC light/VW-LDC102E (optional) should be mounted here.

1 Open the shoe cover.

2 Connect to the accessory shoe.

Before using

Tripod receptacle

This is a hole for attaching the unit to the optional tripod. (Please carefully read the operating instructions for how to attach the unit to the tripod.)

≥When a tripod is used, you can perform

operations easily using the remote control. (l 19)

VQT1A15

Before using

Using the LCD monitor

You can record the image while viewing it on the LCD monitor.

1 Place your finger on LCD monitor

open part and pull the LCD monitor out in the direction of the arrow.

≥It can open up to 90o.

2 Adjust the angle of the LCD

monitor as desired.

Using the viewfinder

Pull out the viewfinder.

≥The brightness of the viewfinder (l 41) and the

field of view (l 42) can be adjusted.

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

or 90o B towards the viewfinder.

≥The brightness and colour level of the LCD

monitor can be adjusted. (l 41)

≥The unit may be damaged or fail if the LCD

monitor is forcibly opened or rotated.

≥If the LCD monitor is rotated by 180x towards

the lens and the viewfinder is extended (when recording yourself), the LCD monitor and the viewfinder simultaneously light.

VQT1A15

Before using

Using the remote control

EXT

DISPLAY

DATE/

TIME

STILL ADV STILL ADV

1) Photoshot button [ ]*

2) On-screen display button [EXT DISPLAY]

(l 85)

3) Date/time button [DATE/TIME] (l 40)

4) Playback operation buttons (l 69, 70, 71)

5) Delete button [ ]*

6) Direction buttons [3, 4, 2, 1] (l 39)

7) Recording start/stop button [START/ STOP]*

8) Zoom/volume buttons [ZOOM, VOL]*

9) Menu button [MENU]* (l 39)

10) Enter button [ENTER] (l 39)

* means that these buttons function in the

same manner as the corresponding buttons on the unit.

START/

PHOTO

STOP

SHOT

ZOOM

VOL

PLAY

PAU S E

STOPSKIP SKIP

ENTER

ª Install a button-type battery

Install the supplied button-type battery in the remote control before using it.

1 While pressing the stopper A,

pull out the battery holder.

2 Set the button-type battery with

its (i) mark facing upward and then put the battery holder back in place.

Concerning the button-type battery

≥When the button-type battery runs down,

replace it with a new battery (part number: CR2025). The battery should normally last about 1 year, however this depends on how frequently the unit is used.

≥Keep the button-type battery out of the reach of

children.

CAUTION

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

Warning

Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 60 xC or incinerate.

Warning

Keep the Button-Type battery out of the reach of children. Never put Button-Type battery in mouth. If swallowed call your doctor.

VQT1A15

Before using

ª Remote control usable range

The distance between the remote control and the unit’s remote control sensor A: Within approx. 5m Angle: Approx. 10o up and 15o down, left, and right

≥The remote control is intended for indoor

operation. Outdoors or under strong light, the unit may not operate properly even within the usable ranges.

VQT1A15

Discs that can be used on this unit

Before using

DIsc type DVD-RAM

8 cm Single sided/ double sided

(DVD-RAM

Ver. 2.1)

DVD-RW

8 cm Single sided/ double sided

[DVD-RW

Ver. 1.1/

2X-SPEED (2X/

DVD-R

8 cm Single sided/ double sided

(DVD-R for

General

Ver. 2.0)

DVD-R DL

8 cm

Dual layer on

single side

(DVD-R for DL

Ver. 3.0)

1X)]

Recording format AVCHD format AVCHD format AVCHD format AVCHD format

Characteristic Rewritable disc Rewritable

disc*

One time recording disc

Display on the screen

Indication in these instructions

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL)

Functions

≥Deleting recorded

scenes

≥Playback on other

products*

≥Recording after

finalizing

¥ –*

¥¥*

–*

¥*

––

¥*

––

¥: available –: not available

*1 By formatting the disc, it can be used repeatedly. Please be aware that if a disc is formatted, then all

the data recorded on the disc will be erased and it cannot be restored. (l 80)

*2 Products that support 8 cm discs and the AVCHD. *3 Must be finalized on this unit. (l 81) *4 Does not need to be finalized. *5 Un-finalize the disc. (l 82)

VQT1A15

Before using

≥Still pictures cannot be recorded on a disc

with this unit.

≥You cannot record or play continuously from

one side of the disc to the other when using a double sided disc. You will need to eject the disc and turn it over.

≥Discs inserted in a holder, cartridge, or caddy

case cannot be used. Always remove bare discs from these containers prior to use.

≥It is recommended that you use Panasonic

discs. Usually discs compatible with the DVD standard can be used for recording and playback with no problems. However, some commercially available discs do not meet the DVD standard for quality and performance. If you use one of these discs, you may not be able to record or playback normally. (The message “FOR BEST PERFORMANCE PANASONIC DISC IS RECOMMENDED.” appears.) Refer to the following support site for information about discs that have been confirmed as compatible by Panasonic.

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

(This website is in English only.)

≥Discs recorded on this unit may not be

playable on other products even if the other products support the AVCHD. In such cases, play back the disc on this unit instead.

≥When using DVD-RW, DVD-R or DVD-R DL

do not perform the following as it may make the disc unusable.

– Record on a disc with other products after

recording on it with this unit.

– Record on a disc with this unit after recording

on it with other products.

– Insert an un-finalized disc in any other

products.

ª About DVD-R DL (dual layer on

single side)

DVD-R DL (dual layer on single side) discs have two layers of recording and playback surface on one side. If a scene does not fit on the first layer (L0), recording continues on the second layer (L1) so one scene is recorded across two layers. This unit automatically switches layers during disc playback so you can play the whole of the disc continuously like a normal disc. However, the image or the sound may momentarily stop at the point where the layers switch.

ª Examples of discs that cannot be

used on this unit

≥DVD-RAM (2.6 GB) Ver. 1.0 ≥DVD-R (3.9 GB) Ver. 1.0 ≥DVD-R (4.7 GB) for Authoring Ver. 2.0 ≥Discs other than those with diameter of 8 cm ≥Dual layer on single side discs other than

DVD-R DL

≥iRW ≥iR ≥DVD-ROM ≥DVD-Video ≥CD-R ≥CD-RW ≥CD-ROM ≥CD ≥LD ≥MO ≥MD ≥iD ≥Floppy disk

VQT1A15

Before using

When using brand-new DVD-RAM or DVD-RW

When using DVD-RAM or DVD-RW, format the disc. When a brand-new DVD-RAM or DVD-RW is inserted in this unit, the screen shown in the illustration may be displayed.

Move the cursor button up or down to select [YES], then press the cursor button.

≥If the disc is formatted, then all the data

recorded on the disc will be erased.

When inserting a disc recorded on another device

When a DVD-RAM or a DVD-RW recorded on another device is inserted in this unit, the screen shown in the illustration may be displayed.

≥If the disc is formatted (l 80), then it can be

used. However, all the data recorded on the disc will be erased. Check the data before formatting.

≥DVD-R or DVD-R DL recorded on another

device cannot be formatted and used for recording.

VQT1A15

Before using

Cards that you can use with this unit

Card type SD Memory Card SDHC Memory Card

Capacity 8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB,

128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB,

1GB, 2GB

Indication in these instructions (SD)

This unit (an SDHC compatible device) is compatible with both SD Memory Cards and SDHC Memory Cards. You can use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them. However, you cannot use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (When using an SDHC Memory Card on another device, always read the operating instructions of that device.)

≥Motion pictures cannot be recorded on an SD card with this unit. ≥Please confirm the latest information on the following website. (This website is in English only.)

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

≥For the purposes of these operating instructions, SD Memory Card and SDHC Memory Card are

referred to as the “SD card”.

≥This unit supports SD Memory Cards formatted in FAT12 system and FAT16 system based on SD

Memory Card Specifications and SDHC Memory Cards formatted in FAT32 system.

≥If you wish to use Memory Cards that are 4 GB, SDHC Memory Cards only can be used. ≥4 GB (or more) Memory Cards that do not have the SDHC logo are not based on SD Memory Card

Specifications.

≥Use this unit to format SD cards. If an SD card is formatted on other products (such as a computer),

the time spent for recording may become longer and you may not be able to use the SD card. (l 80)

(Do not format it on a PC etc.)

≥We recommend that you use a Panasonic brand SD card. ≥When the write-protect switch A on the SD Card is locked, no recording, deletion or editing will be

possible on the card.

4GB

≥Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children to prevent swallowing. ≥A MultiMediaCard cannot be used on this unit.

VQT1A15

Before using

Disc and card handling

ª How to hold a disc or card

Do not touch the recorded surface or the terminal surface.

ª When inserting/removing a disc

Do not allow fingerprints or dirt to get on the recording/playback side of the disc. ≥If there are scratches or dirt (e.g. dust or

fingerprints) on the recording/playback side of the disc, normal recording/playback may not be possible and the following kind of phenomena may occur.

– Recording/playback is not possible. – The image or the sound is interrupted or

stops momentarily. – Noise appears on the image or the sound. – The message “NO DATA.”, “PLEASE

CHECK THE DISC.”, “CHECK THE DISC

AFTER PUSHING THE RESET SWITCH TO

REPAIR IT.”, etc. appears.

ª If there is dirt on the disc

≥Clean it with the supplied disc cleaning cloth.

Wipe the disc from the centre to the outer edge to remove the dirt. Do not use force when wiping the disc as it may scratch it. Also, do not use solvents (thinner, water, antistatic agent, detergent etc.)

ª Handling precautions

≥Be careful about scratches and dirt. ≥Do not attach labels or stickers to discs. (This

may cause disc warping and un-balanced rotation, rendering it unusable.)

≥Write on the label side of the disc only with a

soft, oil-based felt pen. Do not use ballpoint pens or other hard writing implements.

≥Do not use record cleaning sprays, benzine,

thinner, static electricity prevention liquids or any other solvent.

≥Do not use scratch-proof protectors or covers. ≥Do not drop, stack, or impact discs. Do not

place objects on them.

≥Do not use the following discs:

– Discs with exposed adhesive from removed

stickers or labels. – Discs that are badly warped or cracked. – Irregularly shaped discs, such as heart

shapes.

≥Do not expose the terminals of the card to

water, garbage or dust.

≥Do not place in the following areas:

– In direct sunlight. – In very dusty or humid areas. – Near a heater. – Locations susceptible to significant

difference in temperature (condensation can

occur). – Where static electricity or electromagnetic

waves occur.

≥To protect discs and cards, return them to their

cases when you are not using them.

VQT1A15

Setup

Charging the battery

When this unit is purchased, the battery is not charged. Charge the battery before using this unit.

≥If the DC cable is connected to the AC

adaptor, then the battery will not charge. Remove the DC cable from the AC adaptor.

≥The Panasonic battery that can be used

with this unit is VW-VBG260. Other Panasonic batteries will not work. (l 27)

1 Connect the AC cable to the AC

adaptor and the AC outlet.

≥Remove the DC cable beforehand.

2 Put the battery on the battery

mount by aligning the mark, and then securely plug it in.

≥The output plug of the AC cable is not

completely connected to the AC adaptor socket. As shown in A, there is a gap.

≥We recommend using Panasonic batteries

(VW-VBG260).

≥If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee

the quality of this product.

Fitting/Removing the battery

Fitting the battery

Push the battery against the battery holder and slide it until it clicks.

Removing the battery

While sliding the BATT lever, slide the battery to remove it.

ª Charging lamp

Lights up: Charging Goes off: Charging completed Flashing: Make sure that the terminals of the

≥Battery charging time (l 27)

VQT1A15

battery or the AC adaptor are not exposed to dirt, foreign objects or dust, then reconnect them properly. Disconnect the AC cable from the AC outlet when you remove dirt, foreign objects or dust on the terminals of the battery or the AC adaptor. If the charging lamp is still flashing, something may be wrong with the battery or AC adaptor. Contact your dealer.

≥Hold the battery with your hand so it does not

fall.

≥Before removing the battery, be sure to set the

Mode dial to OFF and check that the status indicator is off.

CAUTION

Setup

Charging time and recordable time

ª About batteries that you can use with this unit

The Panasonic battery that can be used with this unit is VW-VBG260.

VW-VBG260 comes with a function to check whether the battery and unit can be safely used together. ≥Batteries made by other companies which have been certified by Panasonic may be used with this

unit, but we offer no guarantee as to the quality, performance or safety of such batteries.

≥In order to safely use the unit we recommend that you use genuine Panasonic batteries which have

been subject to our quality control process.

≥We cannot accept any liability whatsoever for damages to the unit or accidents caused by

non-genuine Panasonic batteries (including those that have been certified by Panasonic).

≥Exercise care when purchasing batteries. Many fake or imitation batteries have been found among

those sold at unusually low prices and those which customers cannot check for themselves before purchasing.

ª Charging time

The times shown in the tables below are for when the temperature is 25 oC and the humidity is 60%. If the temperature is higher or lower than 25 oC, the charging time will become longer.

Battery model number Voltage/capacity Charging time

Supplied battery/

VW-VBG260 (optional)

≥The charging time shown in the table are approximations. ≥“2 h 50 min” indicates 2 hours 50 minutes.

≥When you charge a battery that has not been used for long time, the charging time will become

longer.

ª Recordable time (When using a DVD-RAM disc)

≥The times shown in the table below are for when the temperature is 25 oC and the humidity is 60%.

These times are approximations. The times indicate the recordable time when the viewfinder is used. The times in parentheses indicate the recordable time when the LCD monitor is used.

≥The actual recordable time refers to the recordable time on a disc when repeatedly starting/stopping

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

Battery model

number

Supplied

battery/

VW-VBG260

(optional)

≥The recordable time shown in the table are approximations. ≥“1 h 35 min” indicates 1 hour 35 minutes.

≥The recordable times will vary depending on the status of use. These times are approximations.

The recordable time will become shorter in the following cases:

– When you use both the viewfinder and the LCD monitor simultaneously while rotating the LCD

monitor frontward to record yourself, using the 0 Lux colour night view function, etc.

– When you use this unit with the LCD monitor lit up by pressing the POWER LCD button.

Voltage/

capacity

7.2 V/

2640 mAh

Recording

7.2 V/2640 mAh 2 h 50 min

Maximum

mode

continuously

recordable time

1h35min

(1 h 35 min)

1h45min

(1 h 40 min)

1h50min

(1 h 45 min)

Actual recordable

time

40 min

(40 min)

45 min

(45 min)

45 min

(45 min)

VQT1A15

Setup

≥The batteries heat up after use or charging.

This unit will also heat up while being used. This is not a malfunction.

≥Be aware that the operating time of the battery

will become shorter in low temperatures. We recommend charging a spare battery for use when recording.

ª About the remaining battery

capacity indication

The remaining battery capacity is displayed in minutes when using the Panasonic battery that you can use for this unit. It may take time to display the remaining battery capacity.

90min

≥The display changes as the battery capacity

reduces.

####.

If there are less than 3 minutes, then will become red. If the battery discharges, then

will flash.

≥The remaining battery capacity may not be

displayed correctly where the temperature is low or high or if the battery was not used for a long period of time. To correctly display the remaining battery capacity, recharge the battery, discharge it and then charge it again. (Even if this operation is performed, it may not be possible to display the remaining battery capacity correctly if the battery was used for a long period of time where the temperature is low or high or if the battery was repeatedly charged.)

≥The maximum amount of remaining battery

capacity able to be indicated is 240 minutes. If the actual remaining time exceeds 240 minutes, the indication will stay green and will not change until the remaining time falls below 240 minutes.

≥Depending on the conditions of use, the time

displayed on the remaining battery capacity indication will change so use it as an approximation.

≥When turning the mode dial to switch modes,

the time indication will turn off in order to recalculate the remaining battery capacity time.

≥When using batteries made by other

companies the remaining battery capacity will not be shown.

Connecting to the AC outlet

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.

1 Connect the AC cable to the AC

adaptor and the AC outlet.

2 Connect the DC cable to the AC

adaptor.

3 Connect the DC cable to the DC

input terminal DC IN 7.3V.

≥Do not use the AC cable with any other

equipment as it is designed only for this unit. Do not use the AC cable from other equipment with this unit.

≥While the DC cable is connected to the AC

adaptor, the battery will not charge.

VQT1A15

Setup

Selecting a mode (Turning the unit on/off)

Rotate the mode dial to switch to recording, playback, PC connection or power OFF.

≥Rotate the mode dial slowly.

How to turn on the power

While pressing the lock release button, set the mode dial to , or .

≥Rotate the mode dial while at the same time

pressing in the lock release button A if changing from OFF to another mode.

≥Align with the status indicator B.

OFF

The status indicator lights and the power turns on.

≥The lens cover opens in recording mode. ≥When the unit is turned on for the first time, a

message asking you to set the date and time will appear. Select [YES] and set the date and time. (l 39)

How to turn off the power

Set the mode dial to OFF.

Recording mode (l 45, 48)

Use this to record motion pictures on a disc and still pictures on an SD card.

Playback mode (l 69, 73)

Use this to play back motion pictures recorded on a disc and still pictures recorded on an SD card.

PC Connection mode (l 97)

Use this to view and download still

pictures recorded on an SD card on a computer.

OFF The power turns off.

≥Do not forcefully rotate the dial.

When the power is turned on for the first time after changing the disc or battery, the unit carries out a recognition procedure to check that there are no problems with the disc. This takes approximately 25 seconds with DVD-RAM. If you want to start using the unit as soon as you turn on the power, do the following.

1) Turn on the power.

2) After “READING DISC...” disappears from the screen, turn off the power.

You can start recording approximately 13 seconds after you turn on the power again. ≥Depending on the condition of the disc, it

may take longer than this.

≥If the date and time are not set, it will take

longer than usual before you can start recording.

OFF

The status indicator goes off and the power turns off. ≥The lens cover closes when the mode dial is

set to OFF.

VQT1A15

Setup

How to turn the power on and off with the LCD monitor/viewfinder

When the mode dial is set to , the power can be turned on and off with the LCD monitor and the viewfinder.

ª To turn on the power Open the LCD monitor or extend the viewfinder.

The status indicator A lights and the power turns on. ≥It lights up when the viewfinder is extended with

the LCD monitor closed. (When the LCD monitor is opened, the viewfinder turns off.)

ª To turn off the power Close the LCD monitor and retract the viewfinder.

Inserting/removing a disc

When inserting or removing the disc, fit the charged battery pack or connect the AC adaptor to the unit. The cover of the disc compartment will not open unless the unit is powered.

1 Attach the battery or connect the

AC adaptor.

2 Slide the DISC EJECT lever once

and release it.

ACCESS

/PC

DISC EJECT

A few moments after the ACCESS/PC lamp A blinks, the cover of the disc compartment will open slightly.

3 Open the cover of the disc

compartment by hand and insert/ remove the disc.

≥The status indicator A goes off and the power

turns off. The power will not turn off unless the LCD monitor is closed and the viewfinder is retracted.

≥The power will not turn off while recording

motion pictures even if the LCD monitor is closed and the viewfinder is retracted.

Set the mode dial to OFF when this unit is not being used.

VQT1A15

Setup

Inserting disc

Fit the disc onto the spindle in the centre.

A Recording/playback side B Pickup lens C Press until it clicks.

≥Be careful not to touch the recording/playback

side of the disc when inserting/removing it.

Removing disc

While pressing down on the spindle, grasp the edge of the disc and gently lift it out.

4 Push the section marked

PUSH CLOSE on the cover of the disc compartment to close the cover.

≥When using brand-new DVD-RAM or DVD-RW

(l 23)

≥When inserting a disc recorded on another

device (l 23)

VQT1A15

Setup

ª Identifying recording/playback

sides of disc

A “SIDE A” mark B The opposite side is the “SIDE A” recording/

playback side.

Single sided disc/dual layer on single side disc:

The recording/playback side is opposite to the labelled side.

Double sided disc:

The “SIDE A” recording/playback side is the side opposite the side with the “SIDE A” mark. The “SIDE B” recording/playback side is the side with the “SIDE A” mark.

≥Do not use excessive force when opening the

cover.

≥Do not touch the pickup lens or the recording/

playback side of the disc. This may impair recording and playback.

≥Insert the disc securely to prevent damage. ≥When you open the cover, the ACCESS/PC

lamp flashes. Do not leave the cover open.

≥If the cover is open, the power will not turn off

even if the Mode dial is set to OFF.

≥If the disc is not correctly inserted, the cover

will not close. Never try to forcibly close the cover. This could cause damage. Reinsert the disc properly.

≥If a single sided disc is inserted into the unit

with the printed label facing the inside, an error message will appear. Remove the disc and reinsert it with its recording/playback side facing the inside.

≥Do not allow the recording/playback side to

become dirty or scratched.

≥Do not remove the battery pack or disconnect

the AC adaptor while removing the disc or until power is completely turned off. If you do, the cover will not open. If this happens, reattach the battery pack or reconnect the AC adaptor, slide the DISC EJECT lever once, and then release it. A repair disc message may be displayed when the power is turned back on. (l 109)

≥Do not insert anything other than the 8 cm

DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD-R or DVD-R DL disc into the disc compartment. Doing so could cause malfunctions. (l 22)

≥Do not touch the pickup lens or other parts

inside the disc compartment. Be sure not to touch the area around the pickup lens for it becomes extremely hot.

After inserting a disc/After recording finishes

While the ACCESS/PC lamp is lit, the disc is rotating and disc information is being recorded. If the power supply is interrupted at this time, the disc may become unusable. Do not disconnect the AC adaptor or remove the battery. Also, do not strongly shake or cause impact to the unit.

VQT1A15

Setup

1/3

NEXT

Inserting/removing an SD card

Be sure to set the mode dial to OFF before inserting/removing an SD card.

If the SD card is inserted or removed while the power is on, this unit may malfunction or the data recorded on the SD card may be lost.

1 Set the mode dial to OFF.

≥Check that the status indicator has gone

off.

2 Open the LCD monitor and then

insert/remove the SD card into/ from the card slot.

≥When inserting an SD card, face the label

side A upwards and press it straight in as far as it goes.

≥When removing the SD card, press the

centre of the SD card and then pull it straight out.

ª Card access lamp

≥When this unit accesses the SD card (reading,

recording, playback, erasing, etc.), the access lamp lights up.

≥If the following operations are performed when

the access lamp is lit, then the SD card or the recorded data may be damaged or this unit may malfunction.

– Removing the SD card – Operating the mode dial – Removing the battery or disconnecting the

AC adaptor

How to use the cursor button

This unit has a cursor button A for selecting functions, performing operations, etc. so it is easy to operate this unit with one hand.

OFF

NEXT 1/3

1/3NEXT

ª Concerning the SD card

≥Electrical noise, static electricity or failure of

this unit or the SD card may damage or erase the data stored on the SD card. We recommend saving important data on a computer using the supplied USB cable beforehand. (l 98)

B Operating the operation icons and menu

screens that are displayed

VQT1A15

Setup

Basic operations

Operations on the menu screen and selection of files on the thumbnail view screen, etc.

Move the cursor button up, down, left, or right to select an item or scene, and then press the cursor button to set it.

1 Select by moving up. 2 Select by moving down. 3 Select by moving left. 4 Select by moving right. 5 Press the cursor button to set the item.

≥Menu screen operations (l 38)

Operations during recording

Rotate the mode dial to select .

1 Press the centre of the cursor

button, and icons will be displayed on the screen.

Operations during playback

¬ Rotate the mode dial to select .

1 Move the cursor button up,

down, left or right to select the scene to be played back and press the cursor button.

The selected scene is played back on the full screen. The operation icon is automatically displayed on the screen.

2 Move the cursor button up,

down, left or right to operate.

≥The indication disappears when the centre

of the cursor button is pressed again.

≥The indication changes each time the

cursor button is moved down.

2 Move the cursor button up, left or

right to select an item.

VQT1A15

≥The operation icon appears or disappears

each time the centre of the cursor button is pressed.

About the operation icons displayed in each mode

Recording mode

Icon Direction Function Page

3 Backlight compensation 54

(1/3)

(2/3)

(3/3)

Ø 3 Self-timer recording 58

ß 2 Flash 59

2 Fade 55

1 Help mode 37

3 Colour night view/0 Lux colour night view 56

2 Soft skin mode 57

1 Tele macro 57

1 Red eye reduction 60

Setup

Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to MANUAL.

In manual mode

[MANUAL]

(4/4)

Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to FOCUS.

In manual focus

mode [FOCUS]

(5/5)

≥The shaded operation icons are not displayed while recording. ≥About switching between AUTO and MANUAL (l 44)

3 White balance 66

2 Iris or gain value 68

1 Shutter speed 68

21 Manual focus adjustment 65

VQT1A15

Setup

Playback mode ( In motion picture playback)

Icon Direction Function Page

1/;3Playback/pause 69

∫4Stop playback and show thumbnails 69

2; Reverse slow/frame playback (during pause) 70

;1 Forward slow/frame playback (during pause) 70

Rewind (during playback) 69

Fast forward (during playback) 69

Playback mode ( In still picture playback)

Icon Direction Function Page

1/;3Slide show start/pause 73

∫4Stop playback and show thumbnails 73

E2Playback previous picture (during pause) 73

D1Playback next picture (during pause) 73

VQT1A15

Setup

Help mode

The help mode explains the operation icons displayed when the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch is set to AUTO in recording mode.

¬ Rotate the mode dial to select .

1 Press the cursor button to

display the icon.

2 Move the cursor button right to

select [ ].

3 Move the cursor button up, left or

right to select the desired icon.

To exit the help mode

Press the MENU button or select [END].

≥When the help mode is used, functions cannot

be set.

≥When the help mode is used, motion pictures

and still pictures cannot be recorded.

An explanation of the selected icon scrolls at the bottom of the screen. ≥The indication changes each time the

cursor button is moved down.

VQT1A15

Setup

Using the menu screen

Refer to “Menu list” (l 102) for information about the menus.

1 While stopped, press the MENU

button.

The menu displayed differs depending on the position of the mode dial. ≥Do not switch the mode dial when the

menu is displayed.

2 Move the cursor button up or

down in order to select the desired top menu A.

4 Move the cursor button up or

down in order to select the submenu item.

C Current settings on menus

5 Move the cursor button right or

press the cursor button.

6 Move the cursor button up or

down in order to select the desired item.

3 Move the cursor button right or

press the cursor button.

The submenu B is displayed.

VQT1A15

7 Press the centre of the cursor

button to enter the selection.

To get back to the previous screen

Move the cursor button left.

Setup

To exit the menu screen

Press the MENU button.

≥The menu screen does not appear during

recording or playing. You cannot start other operations while the menu screen appears.

Operating with remote control

The menu screen transition is the same as when the buttons on the main unit are used.

1 Press the MENU button.

ENTER

2 Select a menu item.

ENTER

≥Use the direction buttons (3, 4, 2, 1)

and ENTER button in place of the cursor button on the main unit.

3 Press the MENU button to exit

the menu screen.

ENTER

Setting date and time

When the unit is turned on for the first time, a message asking you to set the date and time will appear. Move the cursor button up or down to select [YES], press the centre of the cursor button and then perform steps 2 and 3 below to set the date and time.

Rotate the mode dial to select .

1 Press the MENU button, then

select [BASIC] [YES]

and press the cursor

button.

# [CLOCK SET] #

2 Move the cursor button left or

right to select the item to be set. Then, move the cursor button up or down to set the desired value.

≥The year will change as follows:

2000, 2001, ..., 2039, 2000, ...

≥The 24-hour system is used to display the

time.

3 Press the cursor button to enter

the selection.

≥The clock function starts at [00] seconds

when the cursor button is pressed.

≥After pressing the MENU button to finish

the setting, check the date and time display.

VQT1A15

Setup

Changing the date and time display style

Press the MENU button, then select [SETUP] # [DATE/TIME] # desired display style and press the cursor button. ≥You can also show or change the date and time

display by repeatedly pressing the DATE/TIME button on the remote control.

[DATE] [D/T]

15.12.2007

[OFF]

15:30 15.12.2007

Changing the display style

Press the MENU button, then select [SETUP] # [DATE FORMAT] # desired display style and press the cursor button.

Display style Screen display

[Y/M/D] 2007.12.15

[M/D/Y] 12 15 2007

[D/M/Y] 15.12.2007

To recharge the built-in lithium battery:

Connect the AC adaptor or attach the battery to the unit, and the built-in lithium battery will be recharged. Leave the unit as it is for approx. 24 hours and the battery will save the date and time for approx. 6 months. (The battery is still being recharged even if the mode dial is set to OFF.)

WARNING

THE LITHIUM BATTERY IN THIS UNIT MUST ONLY BE REPLACED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. IF THIS IS NECESSARY, CONTACT THE PANASONIC CUSTOMER CARE CENTRE ON 132600 FOR YOUR NEAREST AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTRE.

Switching the language

You can switch the language on the screen display or the menu screen.

1 Press the MENU button, then

select [LANGUAGE] and press the cursor button.

≥The date and time function are driven by a

built-in lithium battery.

≥Make sure to check the time before recording. ≥If the time display becomes [- -], the built-in

lithium battery has run down. Use the following steps to charge the battery. When you turn on the power for the first time after charging, a message asking you to set the date and time will appear. Select [YES] and set the date and time.

VQT1A15

2 Select [English] and press the

cursor button.

Setup

Adjusting LCD monitor/ viewfinder

Adjusting the brightness and colour level

1 Press the MENU button, then

select [SETUP] [EVF SET] cursor button.

# [LCD SET] or

# [YES] and press the

2 Move the cursor button up or

down to select the item to be adjusted. Then, press the centre of the cursor button to set and then move the cursor button left or right to make the adjustment.

The bar display moves. ≥After adjustments are made if no operations

are performed for about 2 seconds, the bar will disappear.

≥Press the MENU button to exit the menu

screen.

[LCD SET]

[BRIGHTNESS]: Brightness of the LCD monitor [COLOUR]: Colour level of the LCD monitor

[EVF SET]

[BRIGHTNESS]: Brightness of the viewfinder

ª In order to increase the

brightness of the entire LCD monitor

Press the POWER LCD button.

POWER LCDPOWER LCD

The [ ] indication appears on the LCD monitor. ≥Press the POWER LCD button if the

surroundings are bright and the LCD monitor is difficult to see. The entire LCD monitor will become approx. twice as bright as usual.

≥When the POWER LCD button is pressed

again, the [ ] indication disappears and the original brightness is restored.

≥This will not affect the images to be recorded. ≥If you turn on the unit when the AC adaptor is

used, this function will automatically be activated.

≥This function cannot be used in PC connection

mode.

≥To adjust the brightness of the viewfinder,

close the LCD monitor and extend the viewfinder to activate it.

≥When the LCD monitor is rotated by 180°

towards the lens, the brightness and colour level of the LCD monitor cannot be adjusted.

≥These settings will not affect the images

actually recorded.

VQT1A15

Setup

Changing the picture quality on the LCD monitor ([LCD AI])

Press the MENU button, then select [SETUP]

# [LCD AI] # [DYNAMIC] or

[NORMAL] and press the cursor button.

[DYNAMIC]:

The image on the LCD monitor becomes clear and vivid. Optimum contrast and brightness are set depending on the scenes recorded. Clear and brilliant images are presented.

[NORMAL]:

Switches to the standard picture quality.

≥The effect will vary depending on the scene

recorded.

≥The picture quality on the viewfinder will not be

affected.

≥This function is automatically set to [DYNAMIC]

when the brightness of the LCD monitor is increased (the [ ] indication appears on the LCD monitor) and cannot be set to [NORMAL] independently.

≥This will not affect the images to be recorded. ≥When the LCD monitor is rotated by 180°

towards the lens, the [LCD AI] is set to [NORMAL].

Adjusting the field of view

Adjust the focus by sliding the eyepiece corrector knob.

15.12.2007

VQT1A15

Before recording

Basic camera positioning

Recording

1 Hold the unit with both hands. 2 Put your hand through the grip belt. 3 Do not cover inlet A or outlet B of the cooling fan with your hand as it will prevent heat release.

If heat builds up inside the unit, it could be damaged.

4 Do not cover the microphones C or the sensors D with your hands. 5 Keep your arms near your body. 6 Slightly open your legs.

≥When you are outdoors, record pictures with the sunlight behind you. If the subject is backlit, it will

become dark in the recording.

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

person, a ball etc.

VQT1A15

Recording

ª About auto mode

Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to AUTO, and colour balance (white balance) and focusing will be adjusted automatically.

AUTO MANUAL FOCUS

– Automatic white balance (l 121) – Auto focus (l 122)

Depending on the brightness of the subject etc., the aperture and shutter speed are automatically adjusted for an optimum brightness. (The shutter speed is adjusted to a maximum of 1/250 in recording mode.) ≥Colour balance and focus may not be adjusted

automatically depending on light sources or scenes. If so, manually adjust these settings.

– Scene mode setting (l 64) – White balance setting (l 66) – Shutter speed setting (l 68) – Iris/gain value setting (l 68) – Manual focus setting (l 65)

Anti-Ground-Shooting (AGS)

This function prevents unnecessary recording when you forget to pause recording and walk with the unit tilted upside down while recording continues.

≥If the unit continues to be tilted upside down

from the normal horizontal position while recording motion pictures, it is automatically set to recording pause.

Turning the AGS function on/off

¬ Rotate the mode dial to select .

Press the MENU button, then select [VIDEO]

# [AGS] # [ON] or [OFF]

and press the cursor button.

VQT1A15

≥This function’s default setting is [OFF]. ≥The AGS function may activate and cause the

unit to pause the recording if you are recording a subject right above or right below you. In these cases, set [AGS] to [OFF] then continue the recording.

≥Use the recording start/stop button to pause

the recording. The AGS function is only a backup function for when you forget to pause the recording.

≥The time it takes the unit to be put into

recording pause after being tilted upside down varies depending on the operating conditions.

Recording

Recording motion pictures

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL)

Record motion pictures onto a disc. ≥This unit is compatible with the 16:9 aspect

ratio of a wide-screen TV and images are recorded in high definition video.

1 Rotate the mode dial to select

OFF

The lens cover opens automatically.

2 Open the LCD monitor or extend

the viewfinder.

3 Press the recording start/stop

button to start recording.

To end the recording

Press the recording start/stop button again to pause recording.

≥[¥] and [;] are red during recording. Do not

move this unit until [;] is green.

≥The images recorded between pressing the

recording start/stop button to start recording and pressing it again to pause recording become one scene.

≥When about 5 minutes have passed without

any operation in recording pause, the unit automatically turns off to prevent the battery from running down. When you want to use the unit, turn it on again. This setting can also be set to [OFF]. (l 104)

≥The power will not turn off while recording

on a disc even if the LCD monitor is closed and the viewfinder is retracted.

VQT1A15

Recording

ª Screen indications in the disc

recording mode

A Recording mode B Remaining time left for recording

(When the remaining time is less than 1 minute, [R0min] flashes red.)

C Recording time elapsed

≥The maximum number of scenes on a disc (per

side): 999 (Even if there is remaining capacity for recording on a disc, you may not be able to record 999 scenes.)

≥The maximum number of recordable scenes

with different dates (on one side of the disc): 99 (In some cases, scenes recorded on the same day will be recorded with different dates (l 72))

≥Discs with more than the maximum scenes or

dates cannot be used with this unit.

≥Sound is recorded from the internal

microphones on the top of this unit. Take care not to block this microphone.

≥Put the unit in pause mode when connecting or

disconnecting an external microphone with the MIC terminal. If an external microphone is connected or disconnected while recording, the audio will not be recorded properly.

≥Each time the unit is put into recording pause,

the counter display will be reset to “0h00m00s”.

≥While motion picture recording is in progress,

the recording will not stop even if the LCD monitor is closed and the viewfinder is retracted.

≥While “WRITING CONTROL DATA TO THE

DISC. DO NOT SHAKE THE UNIT.” is displayed, do not disconnect the AC adaptor or remove the battery as doing so may make the disc unusable.

≥While motion picture recording is in progress,

do not disconnect the AC adaptor or remove the battery. If you do, a repair disc message may be displayed when the power is turned back on. (l 109)

The ACCESS/PC lamp lights immediately after recording finishes. While it lights, the disc is rotating and disc information is being recorded. If you run while holding the unit or swing it, the recorded images may be distorted so do not strongly shake or cause impact to it.

VQT1A15

Recording

Recording modes/recordable time available for the motion picture

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL)

Switch the picture quality of the motion pictures to be recorded.

Rotate the mode dial to select . Press the MENU button, then select [VIDEO] and press the cursor button.

Approximate recordable time for 1 disc

Disc type HF HN HE : Motion pictures can be

(RAM) (-RW)

(-R)

(-R\DL) Approx. 26 min Approx. 40 min Approx. 60 min

≥Motion pictures can be recorded with the high definition picture quality. ≥This unit records in CBR in HF mode. CBR is an abbreviation for Constant Bit Rate. CBR recording

does not vary the bit rate (amount of data in a fixed time).

≥This unit records in VBR in HN/HE mode. VBR is an abbreviation for Variable Bit Rate. VBR recording

automatically varies the bit rate (amount of data in a fixed time) depending on the subject being recorded. This means if a subject with sharp movements is recorded, the recording time is reduced.

≥Sound is recorded with the Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator. (when recording with the built-in microphone)

Approx. 14 min Approx. 21 min Approx. 31 min

# [REC MODE] # desired item

recorded with the highest picture quality.

: Motion pictures can be

recorded with normal picture quality.

: Motion pictures can be

recorded for longer time.

≥About batteries that you can use with this unit (l 27) ≥Mosaic-pattern noise may appear on a playback image in the following cases.

– When there is a complicated pattern in the background – When the unit is moved too much or too fast – When a subject with sharp movements has been recorded

(Particularly if it has been recorded in [HE] mode.)

VQT1A15

Recording

Recording still pictures (JPEG)

(SD)

Record the still picture on an SD card. ≥This number of recording pixels for still pictures

is compatible with the 16:9 aspect ratio of a wide-screen TV. They are recorded at [1920k1080].

1 Rotate the mode dial to select

OFF

The lens cover opens automatically.

2 Open the LCD monitor or extend

the viewfinder.

3 Press the PHOTO SHOT button

halfway in order to adjust focusing. (For auto focusing only)

Focus indication:

A B

A Focus indication B Focus area

± (The white lamp flashes.): Focusing ¥ (The green lamp lights up.): When in focus

No mark: When focusing is unsuccessful.

4 Press the PHOTO SHOT button

fully to take the picture.

≥In order to take better still pictures, the

screen will brighten when recording.

The shutter speed and the iris/gain value are fixed and the unit focuses on the subject automatically. ≥If you set [O.I.S.] (l 60) to [ON], then the

image stabilizer function will be more effective. ([ ] (MEGA optical image stabilizer) will be displayed.)

VQT1A15

MEGA

To record still pictures clearly

≥When zooming in on the subject with a

magnification of 4k or higher, it is difficult to reduce the slight shaking from holding this unit by hand. We recommend decreasing the zoom magnification and approaching the subject when recording.

≥When recording still pictures, hold the unit

firmly with your hands and keep your arms stationary at your side so as not to shake the unit.

≥You can record stable pictures without shaking

by using a tripod and the remote control.

≥For information about the number of

recordable still pictures on an SD card (l 51)

≥The sound cannot be recorded. ≥If the write protection switch on the SD card is

set to LOCK, it cannot be used for recording.

Recording

750

ABCD E FG H

≥The PHOTO SHOT button on the remote

control cannot be pressed halfway.

≥If the [PICT. QUALITY] is set to [ ],

mosaic-pattern noise may appear on a playback image depending on the picture content.

≥While this unit accesses the SD card ( is

displayed/the access lamp is lit), do not perform the following operations. The SD card or the recorded data may be damaged.

– Turn the unit off. – Remove the SD card. – Operate the mode dial.

≥Other products may degrade or not play back

still pictures recorded on this unit.

≥The edges of still pictures recorded on this unit

with a 16:9 aspect ratio may be cut at printing. Check the printer or photo studio before printing.

ª About the screen indications

only when the photo shot button is pressed halfway

2.1

Ｍ

MEGA

750

A Flash (l 59) B Flash level (l 60) C Red eye reduction (l 60) D Quality of still pictures E Size of still pictures F Remaining number of still pictures

(Flashes in red when [0] appears.)

G Card indication (l 105) H MEGA optical image stabilizer (l 48)

ª About the focus indication

≥The focus indication does not appear in manual

focus mode.

≥Focus on a subject manually when it is not

easily focused. (l 65)

≥You can record still pictures on the card even if

the focus indication does not appear, but pictures may be recorded without being focused.

≥The focus indication does not appear or has

difficulty displaying in the following cases.

– When the zoom magnification is high. – When the unit is shaken. – When the subject is moving. – When the subject stands in front of a light

source.

– When close subjects and far subjects are

included in the same scene. – When the scene is dark. – When there is a bright part in the scene. – When the scene is filled with only horizontal

lines. – When the scene lacks contrast. – When recording motion pictures. – When the colour night view function is used.

ª Concerning the focusing area

When there is a contrasting object ahead or behind the subject in the focus area, the subject may not be focused. If so, move the contrasting object out of the focus area. Even when it is still difficult to focus, adjust the focus manually. ≥The focusing area is not displayed when the

digital zoom (more than approx. 12k) is used.

VQT1A15

Recording

Switching the shutter effect on/off

You can add a shutter sound when recording still pictures.

Press the MENU button, then select [PICTURE]

# [SHTR EFFECT] #

[ON] or [OFF] and press the cursor button.

≥This function’s default setting is [ON]. ≥This function does not work during motion

picture recording.

About simultaneous recording (recording still pictures while recording motion pictures)

You can record still pictures on an SD card even while recording motion pictures on a disc.

While recording motion pictures, press the PHOTO SHOT button fully (press to the bottom) to take the picture.

≥This function is not activated if the

PHOTO SHOT button is pressed halfway.

≥The screen indications that appear only when

the PHOTO SHOT button is pressed halfway will be displayed.

≥The picture quality is different from normal still

picture recording because priority is given to the motion picture recording. We recommend pausing the motion picture recording to record a still picture with better picture quality.

VQT1A15

Recording

Number of pixels and picture quality for still picture recording

(SD)

Picture quality

Selecting the picture quality.

Press the MENU button, then select [PICTURE] desired item and press the cursor button.

: Still pictures with a high picture quality are

recorded.

: Priority is given to the number of still

pictures recorded. Still pictures are recorded in normal picture quality.

# [PICT. QUALITY] #

Approximate Number of Recordable Pictures on an SD Card

ª Picture quality and number of

recordable pictures

Picture size (1920k1080)

Picture quality

8MB

16 MB

32 MB

64 MB

128 MB

256 MB

512 MB

1GB

2GB

4GB

≥The number of recordable pictures depends

on whether [ ] and [ ] are used together and on the subject being recorded.

≥The numbers shown in the table are

approximations.

2.1

Ｍ

10 17

24 39

51 81

98 155

210 330

410 650

820 1290

1680 2630

3290 5170

VQT1A15

Recording

Various recording functions

Zoom in/out function

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL) (SD)

You can zoom in up to 12k optically.

Rotate the mode dial to select .

Move the zoom lever.

VOL

T side: Close-up recording (zoom in) W side: Wide-angle recording (zoom out)

≥If the zoom lever is pushed to the end, you can

zoom from 1k up to 12k in as fast as approx.

2.2 seconds.

≥When the zoom speed is high, the subject may

not be focused easily.

≥If you take your finger off the zoom lever during

zoom operation, the operation sound may be recorded. When returning the zoom lever to the original position, move it quietly.

≥When zooming in while holding this unit by

hand, we recommend using the image stabilizer function. (l 60)

≥When distant subjects are brought closer, they

are focused at about 1.2 m or more.

≥When the zoom magnification is 1k, this unit

can focus on a subject approx. 4 cm away from the lens. (Macro function)

≥The zoom speed varies depending on the

range over which the zoom lever is moved. (The zoom speed does not vary when operating with the remote control.)

VQT1A15

Recording

Digital zoom function

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL) (SD)

If the zoom magnification exceeds 12k, then the digital zoom function will be activated. The maximum magnification provided by the digital zoom can be switched.

Rotate the mode dial to select .

Press the MENU button, then select [BASIC]

# [D.ZOOM] # desired item

and press the cursor button.

[OFF]: Optical zoom only (Up to 12k) [30k]: Up to 30k [700k]: Up to 700k

≥If [30k] or [700k] is selected, the digital zoom

range is displayed in blue while zooming.

≥The larger the digital zoom magnification, the

more the image quality is degraded.

About using the zoom microphone function

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL)

The zoom microphone is linked to the zooming operation and the sound sensitivity direction (directivity) of the microphone changes as you zoom. Far away sounds are recorded more clearly if you zoom in (close-up) and the surrounding sound is recorded with presence if you zoom out (wide angle).

Press the MENU button, then select [VIDEO]

# [ZOOM MIC] # [ON] and

press the cursor button.

≥The zoom microphone function does not work

with an external microphone.

≥When zooming in, surrounding sounds are

suppressed and the sound to the front of the unit is recorded. When recording music recitals or other events where you wish to record quality sound and keep a realistic sensation, even when zooming in, we recommend that you turn the zoom microphone function off.

VQT1A15

Recording

Recording yourself Backlight compensation

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL) (SD)

You can record yourself while viewing the LCD monitor. You can record persons in front of the unit while showing them the image.

Rotate the mode dial to select .

Rotate the LCD monitor towards the lens side.

function

This is for protecting a backlit subject from being darkened.

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL) (SD)

Use this function when the light is emanating from behind the subject and the subject appears dark.

Rotate the mode dial to select .

1 Press the cursor button. Then

move the cursor button down to

display the icon shown in the

illustration.

The image is horizontally flipped as if you see a mirror image. (However the image recorded is the same as a normal recording.) ≥Extend the viewfinder to see the picture while

recording.

≥When the LCD monitor is rotated towards the

lens side, the icon will not be displayed even if you press the cursor button.

≥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 107)

VQT1A15

2 Move the cursor button up to

select [ ].

The image on the screen will become

brighter.

To return to normal recording

Select [ ] again.

≥If you turn off the power or operate the mode

dial, the backlight compensation function is cancelled.

Recording

Fade in/fade out function

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL)

Fade in: The image and audio gradually

Fade out: The image and audio gradually

Rotate the mode dial to select .

appear.

disappear.

1 Press the cursor button. Then

move the cursor button down to display the icon shown in the illustration.

2 Move the cursor button left to

select [ ].

3 Press the recording start/stop

button. (Fade in)

4 Press the recording start/stop

button. (Fade out)

The image/audio gradually disappears. After the image/audio completely disappears, recording stops.

≥After recording, the fade setting is

cancelled.

To cancel fading

Select [ ] again.

To select the colour for fade in/out

The colour which appears in fading pictures can be selected.

Press the MENU button, then select [VIDEO] [WHITE] or [BLACK] and press the cursor button.

≥If you turn off the power, the fade function is

cancelled.

≥While the fade in/fade out function is selected,

it takes several seconds to display the image when you start recording. It also takes several seconds to pause recording.

≥The thumbnails of scenes recorded using fade

in become black (or white).

# [FADE COLOUR] #

When you start recording, the image/audio gradually appears.

VQT1A15

Recording

Colour night view function

This allows recording in dark locations.

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL) (SD)

This function allows you to record colour subjects in dark locations to stand out against the background. Attach this unit to a tripod, and you can record images free from vibration.

≥Recorded scene is seen as if frames were

missed.

Colour night view function:

You can record dark locations brightly in colour. (Minimum required illumination: approx. 2 lx)

0 Lux colour night view function:

You can record completely dark locations with the light of the LCD monitor.

Rotate the mode dial to select .

1 Press the cursor button. Then

move the cursor button down to display the icon shown in the illustration.

2 Move the cursor button up to

select [ ].

(In the case of 0 Lux colour night view function)

Extend the viewfinder and rotate

the LCD monitor towards the lens

side.

≥When the LCD monitor is reversed, the

screen is lit in white.

≥Extend the viewfinder and view the images

while recording.

≥The light of the LCD monitor reaches

approx. 1.2 m or less.

To cancel the colour night view function

Select [ ] until the colour night view indication disappear.

≥The focus indication does not appear even if

the PHOTO SHOT button is pressed halfway.

≥When using auto focus, it will take some time to

focus in dark areas. If there is difficulty focusing with auto focus, manually adjust the focus.

≥The flash cannot be used. ≥The colour night view function makes the signal

charging time of CCD up to approximately 8k longer than usual, so that dark scenes can be recorded brightly. For this reason, bright dots that are usually invisible may be seen, but this is not a malfunction.

≥If you turn off the power or operate the mode

dial, the colour night view function is cancelled.

≥If set in a bright place, the screen may become

whitish for a while.

≥Each upward press changes the modes:

Colour night view function # 0 Lux colour night view function # Off

VQT1A15

Recording

Soft skin mode

This makes skin colours appear softer for a more attractive appearance.

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL) (SD)

This is more effective if you record the bust image of a person.

Rotate the mode dial to select .

1 Press the cursor button. Then

move the cursor button down to display the icon shown in the illustration.

2 Move the cursor button left to

select [ ].

Tele macro function

This is for bringing only what you want to record into focus to take close-ups.

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL) (SD)

By focusing only on the subject and blurring the background, the image can be impressive. The unit can focus on the subject at a distance of approx. 60 cm.

Rotate the mode dial to select .

1 Press the cursor button. Then

move the cursor button down to

display the icon shown in the

illustration.

2 Move the cursor button right to

select [ ].

To cancel the soft skin mode

Select [ ] again.

≥If the background or anything else in the scene

has colours similar to the skin colour, they will also be smoothed.

≥If the brightness is insufficient, the effect may

not be clear.

≥If you record a person in the distance, the face

may not be recorded clearly. In this case, cancel soft skin mode or zoom in on the face (close-up) to record.

≥If the magnification is 12k or less, then it is

automatically set to 12k.

To cancel the tele macro function

Select [ ] again.

≥If a sharper focus cannot be achieved, adjust

the focus manually. (l 65)

≥In the following cases, the tele macro function

is cancelled.

– The zoom magnification becomes lower than

12k. – The power is turned off or the mode dial is

operated.

VQT1A15

Recording

Self-timer recording

This is for recording shots of yourself as well.

(SD)

You can record still pictures on an SD card using the timer.

Rotate the mode dial to select .

1 Press the cursor button. Then

move the cursor button down to display the icon shown in the illustration.

2 Move the cursor button up to

select [Ø].

To stop the timer midway through

Press the MENU button. (The self-timer setting is cancelled.)

≥The self-timer is cancelled if the power is

turned off or the mode dial is operated.

≥The self-timer standby mode is cancelled when

you press the recording start/stop button to start motion picture recording. Even if you press the recording start/stop button while the self-timer is counting down, motion picture recording is not possible.

≥Depending on the time taken to bring the

subject into focus, the recording may take longer than set to start.

≥Setting the self-timer to [Ø

prevent image shake when the PHOTO SHOT button is pressed while using a tripod etc.

] is a good way to

≥Each time the cursor button is pressed up,

the indication changes by one setting in the following order: [Ø cancelled

: Starts recording after 10 seconds

: Starts recording after 2 seconds

] > [Ø2] > setting

3 Press the PHOTO SHOT button.

A still picture is recorded after the [Ø10] or

] display and the recording lamp flashes

[Ø

for the time which has been set.

≥After recording, the self-timer is cancelled. ≥If you press the PHOTO SHOT button

halfway and then fully in auto focus mode, the subject is focused when the button is pressed halfway.

≥When you press the PHOTO SHOT button

fully in auto focus mode, the subject is focused just before recording.

VQT1A15

Recording

Built-in flash

Use the built-in flash in order to record still pictures in dark places.

Rotate the mode dial to select .

1 Press the cursor button. Then

move the cursor button down to display the icon shown in the illustration.

2 Move the cursor button left to

select [ß].

≥Each time the cursor button is pressed up,

the indication changes by one setting in the following order: [FLASH ON] > [FLASH AUTO] > [FLASH OFF]

≥When the PHOTO SHOT button is pressed

halfway, the flash indicator will appear in the bottom left corner of the screen. [FLASH ON]: ß [FLASH AUTO]: ßA [FLASH OFF]:

≥When [FLASH AUTO] is set, the ambient

brightness is automatically detected, and the flash will activate only when necessary. (If the flash is not necessary, the [ßA] indicator will not appear when the PHOTO SHOT button is pressed halfway.)

≥This function’s default setting is

[FLASH AUTO].

3 Press the PHOTO SHOT button.

The flash is activated and the picture will be recorded.

(SD)

When the flash is not used

Set the flash to [FLASH OFF].

≥Do not block the flash with your hand or by

other means.

≥The unit automatically determines if the flash is

necessary even when it has been set to [FLASH OFF] by detecting the ambient brightness. (If it determines that the flash is necessary, the [ ] indication lights up in red when the PHOTO SHOT button is pressed halfway.)

≥If the [ß] indication etc. flashes or is not

displayed when the PHOTO SHOT button is pressed halfway, the flash is not activated.

≥The available range of the flash is approx. 1 m

to 2.5 m in dark places. Pictures will appear dark or reddish when they are recorded by using the flash at distances greater than 2.5 m.

≥Using the flash fixes the shutter speed of 1/750

or faster to 1/500.

≥The picture may become out of focus in dark

places. If so, adjust the focus manually.

≥The picture may appear dark if the flash is lit in

front of a white background.

≥Set the flash to [FLASH OFF] where using a

flash is prohibited.

≥If the flash will be activated a large number of

times, it may take longer to charge it.

VQT1A15

Recording

Red eye reduction function

Reduces the phenomena where human eyes become red from flashes.

1 Press the cursor button. Then

move the cursor button down to display the icon shown in the illustration.

2 Move the cursor button right to

select [ ].

≥The flash is activated 2 times. Do not move

until the second flash is finished.

≥Use this when you take pictures of people in

dark places.

≥Red eye phenomenon may appear depending

on the recording conditions.

To adjust the brightness of the flash

Press the MENU button, then select [PICTURE] desired item and press the cursor button.

> [FLASH LEVEL] >

Image stabilizer function

This is for reducing image shakes during recording.

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL) (SD)

Reduces the image shaking due to hand movement when recording.

Rotate the mode dial to select .

Press the MENU button, then select [BASIC] the cursor button.

To cancel the image stabilizer function

Press the MENU button, then select [BASIC] # [O.I.S.] # [OFF] and press the cursor button.

≥This function’s default setting is [ON]. ≥In still picture recording mode, pressing the

PHOTO SHOT button halfway increases the effect of the image stabilizer function. (MEGA optical image stabilizer)

≥In the following cases, the image stabilizer

function may not work effectively.

– When the digital zoom is used – When the unit is shaken greatly – When you record a moving subject while

# [O.I.S.] # [ON] and press

tracking it

[ßj]: If the brightness is too high. [ßd0]: In normal recording [ßi]: If the brightness is insufficient.

VQT1A15

Recording

Guide line function

This is for viewing the slope and the balance of the image while recording or playing back.

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL) (SD)

You can check if the image is level while recording or playing back motion pictures and still pictures. The function can also be used to estimate the balance of the composition.

Rotate the mode dial to select or

rotate the mode dial to and then select the [ ] (motion picture playback) tab. (

Press the MENU button, then select [BASIC] or [PLAY SETUP] [GUIDE LINES] desired item and press the cursor button.

l 69)

Wind noise reduction function

This is for reducing the wind noise coming into the microphone when recording.

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL)

¬ Rotate the mode dial to select .

Press the MENU button, then select [VIDEO] press the cursor button.

To cancel the wind noise reduction function

Press the MENU button, then select [VIDEO] # [WIND CUT] # [OFF] and press the cursor button.

≥This function’s default setting is [ON]. ≥The wind noise reduction depends on the wind

strength. (The surround effect may be reduced if this function is activated in strong winds. However, the surround effect is automatically restored when then the wind weakens.)

≥The wind noise reduction function does not

work with an external microphone.

# [WIND CUT] # [ON] and

A [HORIZONTAL] B [GRID1] C [GRID2]

To cancel the guide line function

Press the MENU button, then select [BASIC] or [PLAY SETUP] > [GUIDE LINES] > [OFF].

≥The guide lines do not appear on the images

actually recorded.

VQT1A15

Recording

Microphone level

This is for adjusting the microphone input level

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL)

When recording, the input level from the built-in microphones and the external microphone terminal can be adjusted.

Rotate the mode dial to select .

1 Press the MENU button, then

select [VIDEO] > [MIC LEVEL] > [SET

press the cursor button.

AGC: Auto Gain Control [AUTO]: AGC is activated, and the

[SETrAGC]: The desired recording level can be

[SET]: AGC is not activated and so

rAGC] or [SET] and

recording level is adjusted automatically.

set. AGC will also be activated to reduce the amount of sound distortion.

natural recording can be performed.

2 Move the cursor button left or

right to adjust the microphone

input level.

A Centre B Front left C Back left D Front right E Back right F Microphone input level

≥A gain value for each of the 5 built-in

microphones is displayed. (The input level of the microphones cannot be set individually.)

3 Press the centre of the cursor

button to set and then press the

MENU button to finish the

setting.

VQT1A15

G Microphone input level meter

≥Microphone input level meter is displayed on

the screen.

Recording

To return to automatic setting

Press the MENU button, then select [VIDEO] > [MIC LEVEL] > [AUTO] and press the cursor button.

≥Adjust the gain value so that the last 2 bars of

the microphone input level on the centre of the screen will not light red. (Otherwise, the Sound is distorted.) Select a lower setting for gain value or set [MIC LEVEL] to [AUTO].

≥The front left and front right gain values only

work when input is from an external microphone.

≥The microphone input level meter shows the

largest volume for the microphones.

≥When [ZOOM MIC] is [ON], the volume will be

different depending on the zoom rate. Set [ZOOM MIC] to [OFF] or set the microphone input level after adjusting the zoom rate. (l 53)

Zebra display

This is for displaying the parts that are too bright

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL) (SD)

Parts where white saturation (colour saturation) is likely to occur (extremely brightly lit or shiny parts) are displayed with diagonal lines (zebra pattern).

Rotate the mode dial to select .

Press the MENU button, then select [ADVANCED] press the cursor button.

A Zebra pattern

≥You can record an image with little white

saturation if you manually adjust the shutter speed or brightness (iris/gain) (l 68).

To cancel the zebra display

Press the MENU button, then select [ADVANCED] # [ZEBRA] # [OFF] and press the cursor button.

# [ZEBRA] # [ON] and

≥The zebra pattern does not appear on the

images actually recorded.

VQT1A15

Recording

Colour bar

This is for displaying a colour bar to check the colour tone

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL) (SD)

This unit displays a 7 colour bar which is useful for adjusting the picture quality of the TV or the external monitor.

Rotate the mode dial to select .

Press the MENU button, then select [ADVANCED] [ON] and press the cursor button.

To cancel the colour bar

Press the MENU button, then select [ADVANCED] # [COLOUR BARS] # [OFF] and press the cursor button.

≥This function is cancelled when the power is

turned off.

≥The icon will not be displayed even if you press

the cursor button.

# [COLOUR BARS] #

Manual recording functions

Scene mode

This is for recording in various situations.

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL) (SD)

When you record images in different situations, this mode automatically sets optimum shutter speeds and apertures.

¬ Rotate the mode dial to select .

1 Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS

switch to MANUAL.

AUTO MANUAL FOCUS

2 Press the MENU button, then

select [BASIC]

desired item and press the

cursor button.

[5] Sports

To record sports scenes or scenes where there are quick motions

[ ] Portrait

To make people stand out against the background

[ ] Low light

To make the scene brighter in dark conditions

[ ] Spotlight

To make the subject under a spotlight look more attractive

[ ] Surf & snow

To record images in bright places such as ski slopes and beaches

# [SCENE MODE]

VQT1A15

To cancel the scene mode function

Press the MENU button, then select [BASIC] # [SCENE MODE] # [OFF] and press the cursor button. ≥You can also cancel the scene mode function

by setting the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to AUTO.

Recording

Sports mode

≥For slow-motion playback or playback pause of

recorded pictures, this mode helps diminish camera shake.

≥During normal playback, the image movement

may not look smooth.

≥Avoid recording under fluorescent light,

mercury light or sodium light because the colour and brightness of the playback image may change.

≥If you record a subject illuminated with strong

light or a highly reflective subject, vertical lines of light may appear.

≥If the brightness is insufficient, the sports mode

does not function. The [5] display flashes.

≥If this mode is used indoors, the screen may

flicker.

Portrait mode

≥If this mode is used indoors, the screen may

flicker. If so, change the scene mode setting to [OFF].

Low light mode

≥Extremely dark scenes may not be able to be

recorded finely.

Spotlight mode

≥If the recording subject is extremely bright, the

recorded image may become whitish and the periphery of the recorded image extremely dark.

Surf & snow mode

≥If the subject is extremely bright, the recorded

image may become whitish.

Manual focus adjustment

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL) (SD)

If auto focusing is difficult due to the conditions, then manual focusing is available.

Rotate the mode dial to select .

1 (When MF assist function is used)

Press the MENU button, then

select [ADVANCED]

[MF ASSIST]

# [ON] and press

the cursor button.

≥This function’s default setting is [ON].

2 Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS

switch to MANUAL.

AUTO MANUAL FOCUS

3 Move the switch down and set it

to FOCUS position.

AUTO MANUAL FOCUS

The manual focus indication [MF] and the

icon shown in the illustration appear.

4 Move the cursor button left or

right to bring the subject into

focus.

The centre of the screen is enlarged. The

normal screen returns approximately

2 seconds after you finish bringing the

subject into focus.

VQT1A15

Recording

≥The centre of the screen is not enlarged if

[MF ASSIST] is set to [OFF].

To restore to the automatic adjustment

Press the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch down again to the FOCUS position. ≥You can also restore the auto focusing by

setting the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to AUTO.

≥The subject may not be in focus when zoomed

in if focusing with a wide angle. First, zoom in on the subject, and then focus on it.

About the MF assist function

The centre of the screen is enlarged during manual focus adjustment. This allows you to focus on the subject more easily.

≥MF assist does not work if the zoom

magnification is more than 12k.

≥The part of the screen that is enlarged is not

enlarged on the image actually recorded.

≥The zebra pattern does not appear on the part

of the screen that is enlarged when [ZEBRA] is [ON].

White balance

This is for recording in natural colours.

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL) (SD)

The automatic white balance function may not reproduce natural colours depending on the scenes or lighting conditions. If so, you can adjust the white balance manually.

Rotate the mode dial to select .

1 Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS

switch to MANUAL.

The icon shown in the illustration is displayed

automatically.

2 Move the cursor button up to

select [ ].

3 Move the cursor button left or

right to select the white balance

mode.

VQT1A15

[ ]: Auto white balance adjustment

AWB

[ ]: Indoor mode (for recording under

incandescent lamps)

[ ]: Outdoor mode

[ ]: Manual adjustment mode

≥Incandescent lights, halogen lamps

≥Outdoors under a clear sky

≥Mercury-vapor lamps, sodium lamps,

some fluorescent lights

≥Lights used for wedding receptions at

hotels, stage spotlights in theatres

≥Sunrise, sunset etc.

To restore to the automatic adjustment

Set the white balance mode to [ ]. ≥You can also restore the automatic adjustment

by setting the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to AUTO.

AWB

To set the white balance manually

1 Select [ ], fill the screen with a

white subject.

Recording

ª About the white balance sensor

The white balance sensor A detects the type of light source during recording. Do not cover the white balance sensor during recording, or it may not function properly.

ª About the black balance

adjustment

This is one of the 3CCD system functions that automatically adjusts the black when the white balance is set in the manual adjustment mode. When the black balance is adjusted, the screen will temporarily be black. (The black balance cannot be adjusted manually.)

123

2 Move the cursor button up to

select [ ].

≥When the [ ] display changes from

flashing to on, setting is complete.

≥When the [ ] display continues flashing,

the white balance cannot be set because the place is dark etc. In this case, use the automatic white balance.

1 Black balance adjustment in progress.

(Flashes.)

2 White balance adjustment in progress.

(Flashes.)

3 Adjustment completed. (Lights up.)

≥When the [ ] display flashes, the manual

white balance previously adjusted is stored. Whenever recording conditions change, re-set the white balance for correct adjustment.

≥When setting both the white balance and the

iris/gain, set the white balance first.

VQT1A15

Recording

Manual shutter speed/aperture adjustment

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL) (SD)

Shutter Speed:

Adjust it when recording fast-moving subjects.

Aperture:

Adjust it when the screen is too bright or too dark.

Rotate the mode dial to select .

1 Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS

switch to MANUAL.

The icon shown in the illustration is displayed automatically.

2 Move the cursor button left or

right to select [ ] (aperture) or [ ] (shutter speed).

3 Move the cursor button left or

right to make the adjustment.

≥When the iris value is adjusted to brighter

than [OPEN], it changes to the gain value.

To restore to automatic adjustment

Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to AUTO.

≥When setting both the shutter speed and the

iris/gain value, set the shutter speed and then set the iris/gain value.

Manual shutter speed adjustment

≥Avoid recording under fluorescent light,

mercury light or sodium light because the colour and brightness of the playback image may change.

≥If you increase the shutter speed manually, the

gain value will increase automatically depending on how much the sensitivity lowers and the noise on the screen may increase.

≥When recording still pictures, we recommend

setting the shutter speed to 1/500 or less for even more beautiful pictures.

≥You may see vertical lines of light in the

playback image of a brightly shining subject or highly reflective subject, but this is not a malfunction.

≥During normal playback, image movement may

not look smooth.

≥When recording in an extremely bright place,

the screen may change colour or flicker. If so adjust the shutter speed manually to [1/50] or [1/100].

Manual iris/gain adjustment

≥If the gain value is increased, the noise on the

screen increases.

≥Depending on the zoom magnification, there

are iris values that are not displayed.

A Shutter speed: 1/50 to 1/8000

≥The shutter speed closer to 1/8000 is

faster.

B Iris/Gain value:

CLOSE # (F16 to F2.0) # OPEN # (0dB to 18dB)

≥Value closer to [CLOSE] darken the image. ≥Value closer to [18dB] brighten the image.

VQT1A15

Playback

Playback of motion pictures on a disc

Motion picture playback

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL)

Play back the motion pictures recorded on the disc.

1 Rotate the mode dial to select

OFF

The lens cover closes.

2 Press the cursor button up and

then left to select the [ ] (motion picture playback) tab.

3 Select the scene to be played

back.

B C

B Previous page

C Next page

D Scene number

The selected scene will be encircled by a

yellow frame.

≥If 9 or more scenes have been recorded,

the next (or previous) page can be displayed by moving the cursor button left and right or moving the cursor button down, selecting [ ]/[ ] by moving the cursor button left and right and then pressing the centre of the cursor button.

≥The scene number display switches to the

page number when the motion picture playback tab or [ ]/[ ] is selected.

4 Press the cursor button.

A Motion picture playback tab The motion pictures recorded on the disc are displayed as thumbnails.

The selected scene is played back on the full

screen.

≥The operation icon is automatically

displayed on the screen.

5 Move the cursor button to

operate.

1/;: Playback/Pause 6 (Move and hold): Review playback* 5 (Move and hold): Cue playback* ∫: Stops the playback and

* Press the 6 or 5 button on the remote

control.

shows the thumbnails.

VQT1A15

Playback

ª About motion picture

compatibility

≥This unit is based on the AVCHD format. ≥The video signal that can be played back on

this unit is 1440k1080/50i.

≥This unit may degrade or not playback motion

pictures recorded or created on other products, and other products may degrade or not playback motion pictures recorded on this unit, even if the products support the AVCHD.

≥No sound will be heard except during normal

playback.

≥If pause play is continued for 5 minutes, the

screen returns to the thumbnails.

≥When the amount of time recorded on the

scene is short, playback may not be possible.

≥Scenes which cannot be displayed as

thumbnails (the thumbnails are displayed as [ ]) cannot be played back. An error message appears and the screen shows the thumbnails.

≥The power will not turn off when the LCD

monitor and the viewfinder are closed and retracted.

≥The date/time displayed may be different from

the recording date/time and it may take time to display the thumbnail display when playing back motion pictures not recorded on this unit.

≥The remaining time for playback indication will

be reset to “0h00m00s” each scene.

Skip playback (to the start of a scene)

(Operation is possible with the remote control only.)

Press the : or 9 button on the remote control during playback.

PLAY

STILL ADV STILL ADV

PAU S E

STOPSKIP SKIP

Slow-motion playback

1 Move the cursor button up during

playback to pause the playback.

2 Move and hold the cursor button

right. (Slow-motion pictures will

be played back in reverse when

you move and hold the cursor

button left.)

VQT1A15

≥Normal playback is restored when you

move the cursor button up.

≥When slow-motion pictures are played

back in reverse, they will be shown continuously at intervals of 0.5 seconds.

ª Operating with the remote

control

Press the E or D button.

PLAY

STILL ADV STILL ADV

PAU S E

STOPSKIP SKIP

Playback

Frame-by-frame playback

The motion picture is advanced one frame at a time.

1 Move the cursor button up during

playback to pause the playback.

2 Move the cursor button right.

(The frames will be advanced one at a time in the reverse direction when you move the cursor button left.)

≥Normal playback is restored when you

move the cursor button up.

≥When the frames are advanced one at a

time in the reverse direction, they will be shown in intervals of 0.5 seconds.

ª Operating with the remote

control

1) Press the ; button.

To adjust the volume

Adjust the speaker volume during playback.

Move the volume lever to change the volume level.

VOL

Tow ards “ r”: increases the volume Towards “s”: decreases the volume

≥The further the [ ] indicator moves to the right,

the higher the volume level becomes.

≥When the adjustment is completed, the volume

setting display will disappear.

151515

2) Press the E

PLAY

STILL ADV STILL ADV

PAU S E

STOPSKIP SKIP

or D button.

PLAY

STILL ADV STILL ADV

PAU S E

STOPSKIP SKIP

VQT1A15

Playback

Playing back motion pictures by date

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL)

Recorded scenes are grouped by date on this unit. Scenes recorded on the same day can be played back in succession.

1 Press the MENU button, then

select [PLAY SETUP] [PLAY MODE]

# [BY DATE] and

press the cursor button.

2 Select the date for playback, then

press the cursor button.

The scenes recorded on the same day are displayed as thumbnails.

3 Select the scene to be played

back.

Repeat playback

(-RW) (-R) (-R\DL)

(RAM)

Playback of the first scene starts after playback of the last scene finishes.

Press the MENU button, then select [PLAY SETUP] [ON] and press the cursor button.

The [ ] indication appears on the thumbnail and full screen views. ≥The following scenes can be played back

repeatedly.

– When [PLAY MODE] is set to [VIEW ALL]:

All the scenes on the disc – When [PLAY MODE] is set to [BY DATE]:

All the scenes on the selected date

To cancel the repeat playback function

Press the MENU button, then select [PLAY SETUP] # [REPEAT PLAY] # [OFF] and press the cursor button.

# [REPEAT PLAY] #

To return to playing back all the scenes

Press the MENU button, then select [PLAY SETUP] # [PLAY MODE] # [VIEW ALL] and press the cursor button. ≥When [PLAY MODE] is set to [VIEW ALL], all

recorded motion pictures will be played back in succession. ([ ] is displayed.)

≥Playing back all the scenes returns if the power

is turned off or the mode dial is operated.

≥Even if scenes are recorded on the same day,

they are grouped separately in the following cases.

– When the number of scenes exceeds 99

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL)

– When the disc is repaired (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL)

VQT1A15

Playback

Resuming the previous playback

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL)

If playback of a scene was stopped halfway, the playback can be resumed from where it was stopped.

Press the MENU button, then select [PLAY SETUP] [ON] and press the cursor button.

If playback of a motion picture is stopped, [ ] appears on the thumbnail view of the stopped scene.

To cancel the resume playback function

Press the MENU button, then select [PLAY SETUP] # [RESUME PLAY] # [OFF] and press the cursor button.

≥The memorised resume position is cleared if

you turn off the power, operate the mode dial or eject the disc. (The [RESUME PLAY] setting is kept.)

# [RESUME PLAY] #

Playback of still pictures on an SD card

Still pictures (JPEG) playback

(SD)

Play back the still pictures recorded on the card.

1 Rotate the mode dial to select

OFF

The lens cover closes.

2 Press the cursor button up and

then right to select the [ ] (still

picture playback) tab.

A Still picture playback tab

The still pictures recorded on the SD card

are displayed as thumbnails (reduced-size

images).

3 Select the file to be played back.

B C

B Previous page

C Next page

D File number

E Folder/file name

The selected file will be encircled by a yellow

frame.

VQT1A15

Playback

≥If 9 or more files have been recorded, the

next (or previous) page can be displayed by moving the cursor button left and right or moving the cursor button down, selecting [ ]/[ ] by moving the cursor button left and right and then pressing the centre of the cursor button.

≥The file number display switches to the

page number when the still picture playback tab or [ ]/[ ] is selected.

4 Press the cursor button.

The selected file is played back on the full screen. ≥The operation icon is automatically

displayed on the screen.

5 Move the cursor button to

operate.

1/;: Slide show (playback of the still pictures

on the SD card in numerical order) start/ pause.

E: Plays back the previous picture. D: Plays back the next picture. ∫: Stops the playback and shows the

thumbnails.

ª About still picture compatibility

≥This unit is compliant with the unified standard

DCF (Design rule for Camera File system) established by JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association).

≥The file format supported by this unit is JPEG.

(Not all JPEG formatted files will be played back.)

≥If a non-standard file is played back, the folder/

file name may not be displayed.

≥This unit may degrade or not play back data

recorded or created on another product and another product may degrade or not play back data recorded on this unit.

≥While this unit accesses the SD card (the

access lamp is lit), do not remove the SD card.

≥Do not operate the mode dial during the slide

show.

≥It takes time to display the file depending on the

number of pixels of the file.

≥Files which cannot be displayed as thumbnails

(the thumbnails are displayed as [ ]) cannot be played back.

≥If you attempt to play back a file which is a

different format or a damaged file, an error message appears and the screen shows the thumbnails.

≥The time displayed may be different from the

recording time and it may take time to display the thumbnail display when playing back still pictures not recorded on this unit.

≥The power will not turn off when the LCD

monitor and the viewfinder are closed and retracted.

VQT1A15

Editing

Editing scenes

Deleting scenes

This is for deleting scenes recorded on discs.

(RAM)

The deleted scenes cannot be restored.

≥Scenes on DVD-RW, DVD-R and DVD-R DL

cannot be deleted.

Deleting scenes one at a time

Rotate the mode dial to select

and then select the [ ] (motion picture playback) tab.

1 Press the button during

playback.

2 When the confirmation message

appears, select [YES], then press the cursor button.

Deleting multiple scenes from the thumbnail display

¬ Rotate the mode dial to select

and then select the [ ] (motion picture playback) tab.

1 Press the button while the

thumbnail view screen is

displayed.

2 Move the cursor button up or

down to select [SELECT] or

[ALL SCENES] and press the

cursor button.

≥When [ALL SCENES] is selected, the following

scenes except the protected scenes will be deleted. Proceed to step 5.

– When [PLAY MODE] is set to [VIEW ALL]:

All the scenes on the disc – When [PLAY MODE] is set to [BY DATE]:

All the scenes selected by date

(Only when [SELECT] is selected in step 2)

Select the scene to be deleted,

then press the cursor button.

The selected scene is encircled by a red

frame.

≥When the cursor button is pressed again,

the selected scene will be cancelled.

≥Up to 50 files can be set in succession.

VQT1A15

Editing

(Only when [SELECT] is selected in step 2)

Press the button.

5 When the confirmation message

appears, select [YES], then press the cursor button.

(Only when [SELECT] is selected in step 2)

To continue deleting other scenes

Repeat steps 3-5.

To complete editing

Press the MENU button.

≥Scenes which cannot be played back (the

thumbnails are displayed as [ ]) cannot be deleted.

≥Protected scenes cannot be deleted. ≥In case of [ALL SCENES], the deletion may

take time if there are many scenes on the disc.

≥Do not turn off this unit while deleting. ≥When you delete scenes, use a battery with

sufficient battery power or use the AC adaptor.

≥If you delete scenes recorded on other

products with this unit, all the data related to the scenes may be deleted.

Protecting scenes

This is for preventing scenes from being deleted by mistake.

(RAM)

Scenes recorded on a disc can be protected so that they are not deleted by mistake. (Even if you protect some scenes on a disc, formatting the disc will delete them.)

Rotate the mode dial to select and then select the [ ] (motion picture playback) tab.

1 Press the MENU button, then

select [PLAY SETUP]

[SCENE PROTECT] # [YES] and

press the cursor button.

2 Select the scene to be protected

and then press the centre of the

cursor button.

The [ ] indication appears and the scene is protected.

≥Press the cursor button again to cancel the

setting.

≥2 or more scenes can be set in succession.

VQT1A15

To complete the settings

Press the MENU button.

Editing

Editing still pictures

Deleting still pictures

This is for deleting still picture files recorded on SD cards.

(SD)

The deleted files cannot be restored.

Deleting files one at a time

Rotate the mode dial to select and then select the [ ] (still picture playback) tab.

1 Press the button during

playback.

2 When the confirmation message

appears, select [YES], then press the cursor button.

Deleting multiple files from the thumbnail display

¬ Rotate the mode dial to select

and then select the [ ] (still picture playback) tab.

1 Press the button while the

thumbnail view screen is

displayed.

2 Move the cursor button up or

down to select [SELECT] or

[ALL SCENES] and press the

cursor button.

≥When [ALL SCENES] is selected, all files

on the SD card except the protected files will be erased. Proceed to step 5.

(Only when [SELECT] is selected in step 2)

Select the file to be deleted, then

press the cursor button.

The selected file is encircled by a red frame.

≥When the cursor button is pressed again,

the selected file will be cancelled.

≥Up to 50 files can be set in succession.

(Only when [SELECT] is selected in step 2)

Press the button.

VQT1A15

Editing

5 When the confirmation message

appears, select [YES], then press the cursor button.

(Only when [SELECT] is selected in step 2)

To continue deleting other files

Repeat steps 3-5.

To complete editing

Press the MENU button.

ª Deleting still picture files

recorded on an SD card by other products

A still picture file (other than JPEG) that cannot be played back on this unit may be erased.

≥Protected scenes cannot be deleted. ≥In case of [ALL SCENES], the deletion may

take time if there are many files on the SD card.

≥Do not turn off this unit while deleting. ≥When you delete files, use a battery with

sufficient battery power or use the AC adaptor.

≥Do not remove the SD card while deleting. ≥If files conforming to DCF standard are deleted,

all the data related to the files will be deleted.

Protecting still pictures

This is for preventing still picture files from being deleted by mistake.

(SD)

Files recorded on an SD card can be protected so that they are not deleted by mistake. (Even if you protect some files on an SD card, formatting the SD card will delete them.)

Rotate the mode dial to select and then select the [ ] (still picture playback) tab.

1 Press the MENU button, then

select [PLAY SETUP]

[SCENE PROTECT] # [YES] and

press the cursor button.

2 Select the file to be protected and

then press the centre of the

cursor button.

VQT1A15

The [ ] indication appears and the files is protected.

≥Press the cursor button again to cancel the

setting.

≥2 or more files can be set in succession.

To complete the settings

Press the MENU button.

Editing

DPOF setting

This is for writing the printing data on an SD card.

(SD)

You can write the data of the still pictures to be printed and the number of prints (DPOF data) onto the SD card.

Rotate the mode dial to select and then select the [ ] (still picture playback) tab.

1 Press the MENU button, then

select [PLAY SETUP] [DPOF SET] # [SET] and press the cursor button.

2 Select the file to be set and then

press the centre of the cursor button.

To complete the settings

Press the MENU button.

To cancel all DPOF settings

Press the MENU button, then select [PLAY SETUP] # [DPOF SET] # [CANCEL ALL] and press the cursor button. ≥When the confirmation message appears,

select [YES], then press the cursor button.

ª What is DPOF?

DPOF stands for Digital Print Order Format. This enables picture printing information to be written onto an SD card so that it can be used on a system supporting DPOF.

≥The DPOF setting can be established for up to

999 prints.

≥DPOF setting made on other devices may not

be recognised by this unit. Please perform the DPOF settings on this unit.

≥You cannot add the recording date to pictures

to be printed with the DPOF settings.

The number of prints set to be in DPOF is displayed.

3 Move the cursor button up or

down to select the number of prints, then press the cursor button.

≥You can select from 0 to 999. (The selected

number of pictures can be printed with the printer supporting DPOF.)

≥To cancel the setting, set the number of

prints to [0].

≥You can also select multiple files in

succession.

VQT1A15

Disc and card management

Disc and card

management

Formatting

Formatting discs

This is for initializing discs.

(RAM) (-RW)

Please be aware that if a disc is formatted, then all the data recorded on the disc will be erased.

¬ Rotate the mode dial to select or

rotate the mode dial to and then select the [ ] (motion picture playback) tab.

1 Press the MENU button, then

select [SETUP] [FORMAT DISC] # [YES] and press the cursor button.

Formatting an SD card

This is for initializing SD cards.

(SD)

Please be aware that if an SD card is formatted, then all the data recorded on the card will be erased. Store important data on a computer, etc.

Rotate the mode dial to select or

1 Press the MENU button, then

select [SETUP]

[FORMAT CARD] # [YES] and

press the cursor button.

2 When the confirmation message

appears, select [YES], then press

the cursor button.

≥When formatting is complete, press the

MENU button to exit the message screen.

2 When the confirmation message

appears, select [YES], then press the cursor button.

≥When formatting is complete, press the

MENU button to exit the message screen.

≥Use this unit to format discs. ≥In the case of a double sided disc, format each

side.

≥It may not be possible to format a disc with

many scratches or dirt. Such discs cannot be used.

≥During formatting, do not turn this unit off. ≥When you format the disc, use a battery with

sufficient battery power or the AC adaptor.

VQT1A15

≥Use this unit to format SD cards. If an SD card

is formatted on other products (such as a computer), the time spent for recording may become longer and you may not be able to use the SD card.

≥Depending on the type of SD card being used,

it may take time to format.

≥During formatting, do not turn this unit off. ≥When you format the SD card, use a battery

with sufficient battery power or the AC adaptor.

≥Do not remove the SD card while formatting.

Disc and card management

Finalizing a disc

This allows the discs to be played back on other devices that support the AVCHD.

(-RW) (-R) (-R\DL)

If you insert a DVD-RW, DVD-R or DVD-R DL disc recorded in this unit (that has not been finalized) into another device such as DVD recorder, computer, etc., the disc may become unusable. Be sure to finalize the disc on this unit before inserting it in other devices.

Important Notice

DVD-RW, DVD-R and DVD-R DL:

≥After finalizing, the disc becomes play-only

and you can no longer record.

≥When you un-finalize a DVD-RW, the disc

can be used for recording again. (l 82)

DVD-RAM:

≥It is not necessary to finalize DVD-RAM.

Rotate the mode dial to select

and then select the [ ] (motion picture playback) tab.

1 Connect this unit to the AC

adaptor.

≥Finalization cannot be executed when

using a battery.

≥If the power supply stops while finalizing,

the finalization will fail and the data may be damaged.

2 Press the MENU button, then

select [SETUP]

[YES] and press the cursor

button.

# [FINALIZE] #

3 When the confirmation message

appears, select [YES], then press

the cursor button.

≥When finalizing a DVD-RW, DVD-R or

DVD-R DL a top menu containing thumbnails is created.

≥When finalizing is complete, press the

MENU button to exit the message screen.

≥Do not finalize a disc recorded on this unit

using any other device.

≥In the case of a double sided disc, finalize each

side.

≥The top menu created when finalizing does not

appear on this unit. It appears when the disc is played back on devices that support the AVCHD.

≥Depending on the condition of the disc, the time

it takes for finalizing will differ. It may take up to 17 minutes.

≥Do not allow the unit to be heavily vibrated or

shaken while finalizing a disc. Doing so may prevent the disc from being finalized resulting in an unplayable disc.

≥If the power supply stops while finalizing, the

finalization will fail and the disc may become unplayable on other devices even if disc repair is carried out.

VQT1A15

Disc and card management

Un-finalizing a DVD-RW

This is for un-finalizing a DVD-RW so that it can be used for recording.

(-RW)

¬ Rotate the mode dial to select

and then select the [ ] (motion picture playback) tab.

1 Press the MENU button, then

select [SETUP]

# [YES] and press the cursor

button.

# [UN-FINALIZE]

2 When the confirmation message

appears, select [YES], then press the cursor button.

≥When un-finalizing is complete, press the

MENU button to exit the message screen.

≥Discs other than DVD-RW cannot be

un-finalized. If there is no space remaining on the DVD-RW, the disc may not be un-finalized.

≥When you un-finalize the disc, use a battery

with sufficient battery power or the AC adaptor.

Creating a top menu

A top menu is displayed when a DVD-RAM is played back on other devices that support the AVCHD.

(RAM)

¬ Rotate the mode dial to select

and then select the [ ] (motion picture playback) tab.

1 Connect this unit to the AC

adaptor.

≥Creating a top menu cannot be executed

when using a battery.

≥If the power supply stops while creating a

top menu, the creating a top menu will fail and the data may be damaged.

2 Press the MENU button, then

select [SETUP]

[CREATE TOP MENU] # [YES]

and press the cursor button.

3 When the confirmation message

appears, select [YES], then press

the cursor button.

≥After creating the top menu, press the

MENU button to exit the message screen.

≥If a top menu is created, the disc becomes

play-only and you can no longer record.

≥The top menu that was created is not displayed

on this unit. It is displayed when the disc is played back on other devices that support the AVCHD.

≥Except for DVD-RAM, the top menu is created

during finalizing.

VQT1A15

ª Deleting the top menu

If you insert a DVD-RAM which a top menu was created on, the confirmation message appears when you set a recording mode. If you select [YES] to erase the top menu, the DVD-RAM can be recorded and edited in the same way as before the top menu was created.

Disc and card management

Protecting a disc

(RAM) (-RW)

This is for protecting discs (write protection) when they are being ejected from this unit to prevent them from being formatted if they are inserted in other devices. Discs protected using this unit cannot be edited or used to record on other devices, but they can be used the same as unprotected discs with this unit.

Auto Protect Operation

Protected disc

Insert into unit >

Operations on the unit > Status of ejected disc

Motion picture recording,

Protected

editing, etc.

When auto

Playback only

protect is

Unprotected

disc

[ON]

Motion picture recording, editing, etc.

Playback only Unprotected

Protected disc

Motion picture recording,

Unprotected

editing, etc.

When auto

Playback only

Protected

protect is

Unprotected

disc

[OFF]

Motion picture recording, editing, etc.

Unprotected

Playback only

≥After disc writing operations (recording motion pictures, editing, finalizing, un-finalizing, creating a top

menu and deleting a top menu), the disc is protected when [AUTO PROTECT] is [ON], and it is not protected when [AUTO PROTECT] is [OFF].

≥When the protected disc is ejected, “WRITE PROTECTED DISC-CANNOT BE RECORDED BY

OTHER DEVICES.” appears on the screen.

VQT1A15

Disc and card management

¬ Rotate the mode dial to select or

rotate the mode dial to and then select the [ ] (motion picture playback) tab.

1 Press the MENU button, then

select [SETUP] [AUTO PROTECT] # [ON] and press the cursor button.

≥This function’s default setting is [ON]. ≥We recommend that the auto protect

function is set to [ON] in order to prevent accidental deletion on other devices. If discs recorded on this unit are inserted into other devices without protecting them, a message may be displayed prompting you to format the disc. If the disc is formatted, the data on it will be erased, and the process cannot be reversed.

≥Even if a disc with no recorded motion pictures

is ejected, it will not be protected.

ª To release the disc protection

Erase all the motion pictures on the disc or format the disc. ≥Please be aware that if a disc is formatted, then

all the data recorded will be erased and cannot be recovered.

≥The disc will need to be re-formatted on the

device you will use.

Displaying disc information

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL)

Information such as the type of recorded disc, the number of recorded scenes, the remaining space and whether or not the disc is finalized is displayed.

Rotate the mode dial to select and then select the [ ] (motion picture playback) tab.

Press the MENU button, then select [SETUP] and press the cursor button.

To exit the information screen

Press the MENU button.

# [INFORMATION] # [YES]

VQT1A15

With other products

With a TV

Playback on TV

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL) (SD)

The motion pictures and still pictures recorded on this unit can be played back on a TV screen.

Connect this unit to a TV with one of the following terminals. When connecting to a HDMI terminal, a connection cable (optional) is necessary.

Difference in picture quality

depending on the terminal used for connection

CDE

A High Definition images B Standard images until now C HDMI terminal D Component terminal E Video terminal

TV/Devices you use Reference items

TV with a HDMI terminal

1 Connecting with

a HDMI cable (optional) (l 86)

TV with a HDMI terminal and AV amplifier with a

2 Listening in

5.1 channel sound (l 88)

HDMI terminal

TV with a Component terminal

3 Connecting with

the component cable (supplied) and the AV cable (supplied) (l 89)

Other TVs 4 Connecting with

the AV cable (supplied) (l 90)

≥Do not use any other component cables except

the supplied one.

≥Use the AC adaptor to free you from worrying

about the battery running down.

ª To display the on-screen

information on the TV

The information displayed on the screen (operation icon, time code etc.) can be displayed on the TV.

Press the EXT DISPLAY button on the remote control.

EXT

DISPLAY

DATE/

TIME

SHOT

STOP

ZOOM

VOL

START/

PHOTO

≥Press the button again to erase the information. ≥The screen on this unit will not change.

ª To watch images with a 16:9

aspect ratio on a regular TV (4:3)

When playing back motion pictures or still pictures recorded on this unit with a 16:9 aspect ratio on a TV with a 4:3 aspect ratio, the images on the screen may be squeezed horizontally. In this case, change the menu setting to play back the pictures in the original aspect ratio. (Depending on the TV setting, the pictures may not be displayed correctly. For more information, please read the operating instructions of your TV.)

Press the MENU button, then select [SETUP]

# [TV ASPECT] # [4:3] and

press the cursor button.

Example of images with a 16:9 aspect ratio on a regular TV (4:3)

[TV ASPECT] setting

[16:9] [4:3]

≥Do not use any other AV cables except the

supplied one.

VQT1A15

With other products

1 Connecting with a HDMI cable (optional)

What is HDMI?

HDMI is the next-generation interface for digital devices. When this unit is connected to a HDMI compatible device, the image and audio can be output with a digital signal. If you connect this unit and a HDMI compatible high definition TV and then playback the recorded high definition images (l 7), you can enjoy them in high resolution with high quality sound.

If you connect this unit to a Panasonic TV (VIERA) compatible with VIERA Link, linked operations are possible. (l 91)

1 Connect this unit and a TV with the HDMI cable (optional).

HDMI IN

≥Use a HDMI cable (optional) A with the logo shown on above.

2 Set the mode dial to to turn on the power. 3 Select the input channel on the TV.

Example: Select the [HDMI] channel etc.

(The name of the channel may differ depending on the connected TV.)

4 Start playback on this unit.

The image and audio are output on the TV.

ª If the image or audio from this unit is not output on the TV

≥Check that the plugs are inserted as far as they go. ≥Check the connected terminal. ≥Check the input setting (input switch) and the audio input setting on the TV.

(For more information, please read the operating instructions for the TV.)

≥Check [HDMI RESOLUTION]. (l 87)

VQT1A15

With other products

ª About the settings when

connecting with HDMI

When this unit is connected to another device with a HDMI cable, the output setting on this unit can be changed.

HDMI output resolution

You can switch the method to output the images.

Press the MENU button, then select [SETUP]

> [HDMI RESOLUTION]

desired item and press the cursor button.

[AUTO]: The output resolution is automatically

[1080i]: The interlace method with 1080

[576p]: The progressive method with 576

≥If the images are not output on the TV when the

≥Be sure to connect to a HDMI input terminal.

set based on the information from the connected TV.

Information from

the connected TV

720p, 1080i 1080i

Others 576p

available scan lines is used for output.

setting is [AUTO], switch to the method – [1080i] or [576p] – which enables the images to be displayed on your TV. (Please read the operating instructions for the TV.)

Do not connect to a HDMI output terminal on other products.

Output resolution

1080i

This is an interlace scan method which scans 1080 scan lines to display a high definition image. The 1080 available scan lines are divided in half and scanned on the screen alternatively every 1/50 number of available scan lines is nearly double the 576 scan lines used to display standard images until now so the images have clearer detail and a lot of presence.

576p

This is a progressive scan method which scans all 576 available scan lines on the screen at the same time every 1/50 second. This method reduces the flickering as the scan lines are not scanned on the screen alternatively like in the interlace method.

576i

This is an interlace scan method in which the 576 available scan lines are divided in half and scanned on the screen alternatively every

of a second.

1/50

Interlace method/progressive method

Video signals until now (PAL) are referred to as 576i (“i” is short for interlace) whereas a high-density video signal that doubles the number of scan lines is called 576p (“p” is short for progressive). The component terminal and the HDMI terminal on this unit are also compatible with high definition image output [1080i]. It is necessary to have a compatible TV to enjoy progressive and high definition images.

of a second. The

of a

VQT1A15

With other products

2 Listening in 5.1 channel sound

If you connect this unit and an AV amplifier that has a HDMI terminal using a HDMI cable and then playback, you can listen to 5.1 channel sound recorded from the internal microphones. ≥Please read the operating instructions for the AV amplifier, speakers and TV for more information

about how to connect them etc.

HDMI IN

A HDMI cable (optional)

≥Use a HDMI cable (optional) with the logo shown above.

B Centre speaker C Front speaker D Surround speaker E Subwoofer F AV amplifier (optional)

≥If you connect this unit to a Panasonic AV amplifier and Panasonic TV (VIERA) that are compatible

with VIERA Link (HDAVI Control), linked operations become possible. (l 91)

≥Audio recorded from an external microphone is in stereo (2 ch).

VQT1A15

With other products

3 Connecting with the component cable (supplied) and the AV cable

(supplied)

1 Connect this unit and a TV with the component cable (supplied) and the

AV cable (supplied).

A/V

A Component cable (supplied) B AV cable (supplied)

≥Connect to terminals of the same colour. ≥The component terminal C is for outputting images only so be sure to also connect the AV cable.

(Insert it in the audio input terminal for the component terminal input. Refer to the operating instructions of the TV for details.)

COMPONENT

COMPONENT VIDEO IN

AUDIO IN

2 Set the mode dial to to turn on the power. 3 Select the input channel on the TV.

Example: Select the [Component] channel etc.

(The name of the channel may differ depending on the connected TV.)

4 Start playback on this unit.

The image and audio are output on the TV.

ª About the setting when connecting the component terminals

When this unit is connected to a TV with the component cable, the output setting on this unit can be changed. Set it to match the terminal on the TV that you connect to.

Press the MENU button, then select [SETUP] > [COMPONENT OUT] desired item and press the cursor button.

[576i]: When connecting to the component terminal on the TV compatible with 576i.

(Playback is in standard quality.)

[1080i]: When connecting to the component terminal on the TV compatible with 1080i.

(Playback is in high definition quality.)

VQT1A15

With other products

ª If the image or audio from this unit is not output on the TV

≥Check that the plugs are inserted as far as they go. ≥Check the connected terminal. ≥Check the TV’s input setting (input switch). (For more information, please read the operating

instructions for the TV.)

≥If the images are not displayed correctly on a wide-screen TV, adjust the setting in screen mode on

the TV. (For more information, please read the operating instructions of the TV.) If the pictures are displayed squeezed horizontally on a regular TV (4:3), change the setting on this unit. (l 85)

4 Connecting with the AV cable (supplied)

1 Connect this unit and a TV with the AV cable (supplied).

VIDEO IN

A/V

A AV cable (supplied)

AUDIO IN

2 Set the mode dial to to turn on the power. 3 Select the input channel on the TV.

Example: Select the [Video 2] channel etc.

(The name of the channel may differ depending on the cable.)

4 Start playback on this unit.

The image and audio are output on the TV.

ª If the image or audio from this unit is not output on the TV

≥Check that the plugs are inserted as far as they go. ≥Check the connected terminal. ≥Check the TV’s input setting (input switch). (For more information, please read the operating

instructions for the TV.)

≥When a HDMI cable is connected at the same time, priority is given to the output from the HDMI

cable.

≥When the component cable is connected at the same time, priority is given to the component cable for

image output.

≥If the images are not displayed correctly on a wide-screen TV, adjust the setting in screen mode on

the TV. (For more information, please read the operating instructions of the TV.) If the pictures are displayed squeezed horizontally on a regular TV (4:3), change the setting on this unit. (l 85)

VQT1A15

With other products

Playback using VIERA Link (HDAVI Control)

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL) (SD)

If you connect this unit to a Panasonic TV (VIERA) compatible with VIERA Link (HDAVI Control) with a HDMI cable, the following linked operations become possible.

≥You can use the remote control for the TV to control playback on this unit. ≥If you use the remote control for the TV to turn off the power, the power on this unit also turns off.

(The power cannot be cut off when recording a motion picture, formatting a disc, finalizing a disc, un-finalizing a disc, deleting data, recovering data or connecting the unit to a computer with a USB cable.)

≥If you connect with a HDMI cable and then turn on the power, the input channel on the TV

automatically switches to this unit’s screen. If the TV’s power is in standby status, it will turn on automatically (if [Set] has been selected for the TV’s [Power on Link] setting).

– Depending on the HDMI terminal on the TV, the input channel may not switch automatically. In

this case, use the remote control for the TV to switch the input channel. (For details on how to switch input, please read the operating instructions for the TV.)

≥If VIERA Link does not work properly, refer to page 117.

1 Connect this unit and a Panasonic TV (VIERA) compatible with

VIERA Link with a HDMI cable (optional).

HDMI IN

≥Use a HDMI cable (optional) A with the logo shown on above. ≥If the TV has two or more HDMI input terminals, it is recommended to connect this unit to HDMI2

or HDMI3.

2 Set so that VIERA Link is activated on the connected TV.

≥Read the operating instructions of the TV for how to set etc.

3 Set the mode dial to to turn on the power. 4 Press the MENU button, then select [SETUP] # [VIERA Link] # [ON] and

press the cursor button.

≥The default setting is [ON].

VQT1A15

With other products

5 Operate with the remote control for the TV.

1) 2)

DISPLAY ON/OFF

1) Press the button up, down, left or right to select a scene or file to be played back, and then press the button in the centre to set it.

2) Operate the operation icons that are displayed on TV screen with the remote control for the TV.

A Operation icons B Display operation icons C Cancel operation icons D Display/cancel operation icons

≥The playback operation is performed the same as on this unit.

– Playing back motion pictures (l 69) – Playing back still pictures (l 73)

To cancel VIERA Link (HDAVI Control)

Press the MENU button, then select [SETUP] # [VIERA Link] # [OFF] and press the cursor button.

≥If you are unsure whether or not the TV and AV amplifier you are using are compatible with

VIERA Link, read the operating instructions for the devices.

≥Available linked operations between this unit and a Panasonic TV is different depending on the types

of Panasonic TVs even if they are compatible with VIERA Link. Refer to the operating instructions of the TV for the operations that support on the TV.

≥Operation is not possible with a cable that is not based on the HDMI standard.

We recommend Panasonic cables. Part numbers: RP-CDHG15 (1.5 m), RP-CDHG30 (3.0 m), RP-CDHG50 (5.0 m) etc.

VQT1A15

With other products

Dubbing images onto a connected DVD recorder or video device

(RAM) (-RW) (-R) (-R\DL)

Dubbing images onto a connected DVD recorder or video device

≥Images are dubbed in standard picture

quality.

≥Use the AC adaptor to free you from worrying

about the battery running down.

1 Connect this unit and a video

device.

A/V

VIDEO IN

To stop dubbing

1) Stop recording on the connected device.

2) Then stop playback on this unit.

≥If the date and time display and function

indication are unnecessary, cancel them before dubbing. (l 40, 85)

If the dubbed images are played back on a wide-screen TV, the images may be stretched vertically. In this case, refer to the operating instruction of the device you are connecting to or read the operating instructions of the wide-screen TV and set the aspect ratio to 16:9.

AUDIO IN

A AV cable (supplied)

≥Insert the plugs as far as they will go.

2 Set the mode dial to to turn

on the power.

3 Change the input channel on the

video device and TV.

≥The channel set will differ depending on the

terminal to which the unit is connected.

4 Start playback on this unit. 5 Then start recording on the

connected device.

≥See the operating instructions of the video

device for details.

VQT1A15

With other products

With a printer (PictBridge)

(SD)

To print pictures by directly connecting this unit to the printer, use a printer compatible with PictBridge. (Read the operating instructions for the printer.) ≥Use the AC adaptor to free you from worrying

about the battery running down.

≥Insert an SD card with recorded images in

this unit and then set the mode dial to to turn on the power.

1 Connect this unit and a printer.

2 Select a file to be printed, then

press the cursor button.

The number of pictures set is displayed.

3 Move the cursor button up or

down to select the desired number of prints, then press the cursor button.

≥You can set up to 9 prints. ≥To cancel the setting, set the number of

prints to [0].

≥Up to 8 files displayed can be set in

succession by repeating steps 2 and 3.

4 Press the MENU button to

display the PictBridge menus.

A USB cable (supplied)

≥Insert the plugs as far as they will go. The [PictBridge] indication appears on this unit’s screen. ≥If the [PictBridge] indication does not

appear or continues to flash, disconnect and then reconnect the USB cable or check the printer, SD card and settings on this unit.

≥Do not use any other USB connection

cables except the supplied one. (Operation is not guaranteed with any other USB connection cables.)

VQT1A15

5 Select the date print setting on

[DATE PRINT].

≥If the printer is not capable of date printing,

this setting is unavailable.

With other products

6 Select the paper size setting on

[PAPER SIZE].

[STANDARD]: Size specific to the printer [4k5 INCH]: L size [5k7 INCH]: 2L size [4k6 INCH]: Postcard size [A4]: A4 size ≥You cannot set paper sizes not supported on

the printer.

7 Select the layout setting on

[PAGE LAYOUT].

[STANDARD]: Layout specific to the printer

[ ]: No frame print

[]: Frame print ≥You cannot set page layouts not supported on

the printer.

8 Select [PRINT] # [YES] and press

the cursor button to print the pictures.

When you stop printing halfway

Move the cursor button down. ≥A confirmation message appears. If [YES] is

selected, the number of prints set is cancelled and the screen returns to step 2. If [NO] is selected, all the settings are kept and the screen returns to step 3.

≥Avoid the following operations during printing.

These operations disable proper printing.

– Disconnecting the USB cable – Removing the SD card – Switching the mode dial – Turning off the power

≥Check the settings for the paper size, quality of

print, etc. on the printer.

≥The edges of still pictures recorded on this unit

with a 16:9 aspect ratio may be cut at printing. Check before printing. When using a printer with a trimming or borderless printing function, cancel this function before printing. (Refer to the operating instructions of the printer for details.)

≥You may not be able to print still pictures

recorded with other products.

≥When the unit is connected directly to the

printer, the DPOF settings cannot be used.

≥Connect the printer directly to this unit. Do not

use a USB hub.

≥Exit PictBridge by disconnecting the USB

cable (supplied) after the pictures have been printed.

VQT1A15

With a computer

Before using with a computer

What you can do with a computer

ª When using still pictures recorded on this unit with a computer.

Can do Software used

Playing back still pictures on a computer

Copying still pictures to a computer Windows Explorer

Operating environment

≥When 2 or more USB devices are connected to a computer, or when devices are connected through

USB hubs or by using extension cables, proper operation is not guaranteed.

≥Use the supplied USB cable when connecting to the computer. (Operation is not guaranteed with any

other USB cables.)

≥Even if the system requirements mentioned in these operating instructions are fulfilled, some personal

computers cannot be used.

≥This software is not compatible with Microsoft Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98/98SE,

Windows Me, Windows 2000 and Windows NT.

≥Operation on an upgraded OS is not guaranteed. ≥Operation on an OS other than the one pre-installed is not guaranteed.

ª Operating environment for the card reader function (mass storage)

Standard Windows picture viewer or a commercially available picture viewer

Personal computer IBM PC/AT compatible personal computer

OS Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

CPU Intel Pentium III 450 MHz or higher or Intel Celeron 400 MHz or higher

RAM 128 MB or more (256 MB or more recommended)

Interface USB port

Other requirements Mouse or equivalent pointing device

≥Operates with the driver installed as standard in the OS.

VQT1A15

Microsoft Windows XP Professional

With a computer

Connection and recognition

Connection and recognition procedures

≥If the recognition procedure is not

accomplished properly, operation will not be possible after connecting the unit to the computer.

≥If the unit fails to operate normally it may mean

that the correction procedure was not conducted properly.

1 Connect this unit to the AC

adaptor.

≥If a battery is used, operation is not

possible when this unit is connected to a computer.

2 Insert an SD card with recorded

images in this unit and then set the mode dial to to turn on the power.

OFF

A USB cable (supplied) This unit is automatically recognised by the computer. ≥Insert the plugs as far as they will go. The

unit and computer will not operate properly if the plugs are not inserted fully.

≥Do not use any other USB connection

cables except the supplied one. (Operation is not guaranteed with any other USB connection cables.)

≥When the unit is connected to a computer,

the operation mode cannot be changed and its power cannot be turned off.

In this case, disconnect the USB cable. (l 99)

≥When this unit is connected to a computer, you

cannot use this unit’s DISC EJECT lever to remove a disc.

≥When a computer is accessing the SD card in

this unit, the card access lamp lights. (When a card is being accessed, appears on the LCD monitor.) Do not disconnect the USB cable or AC adaptor while the disc or card is being accessed as it may damage the data.

≥It may be necessary to reboot the computer

after connecting this unit to it for the first time.

3 Connect this unit and a

computer.

VQT1A15

With a computer

About the computer display

When the unit is connected to a computer, it is recognised as an external drive. ≥[Removable Disk] is displayed in

[My Computer].

Example folder structure of an SD card:

Removable Disk

DCIM

100CDPFP

MISC

≥JPEG format still pictures (IMGA0001.JPG

etc.) are stored in the [100CDPFP] folder. These can be opened with picture software that supports JPEG pictures.

≥Up to 999 files can be recorded in the

[100CDPFP] or other such folder.

≥The DPOF setting files are recorded in the

[MISC] folder.

ª Disk drive display

[Optical Disk Drive] is displayed in [My Computer], but it cannot be opened on computers that do not support the AVCHD. In order to access the drive, you will need a computer which has had software installed that supports the AVCHD.

ª Copying still pictures recorded

on the SD card to a computer

Card reader function (mass storage)

When an SD card with recorded data on it is inserted into the unit and the unit is connected to a computer using a USB cable, the SD card can be used as an external drive so that still pictures on the card can be copied to the computer with Explorer or other programmes.

1 Set the mode dial on the unit to

and connect the unit to the

computer.

[Removable Disk] is displayed in [My Computer].

2 Double click the folder that

contains the files on the removable disk ([DCIM]

[100CDPFP]).

3 Drag and drop the files onto the

destination folder (on the computer hard disk).

VQT1A15

≥Always use this unit to format SD cards. ≥When data not supported by this unit has been

recorded on a computer, it will not be recognised by this unit.

To disconnect USB cable safely

1 Double click the icon in task

tray displayed on the computer.

≥Hardware disconnect dialogue appears. ≥Depending on your computer’s settings,

this icon may not be displayed.

2 Select [USB Mass Storage

Device] and click [Stop].

≥Verify [MATSHITA HDC-DX1 USB Device]

is selected and click [OK].

3 Select [USB Mass Storage

Device] and click [Stop].

≥Verify [MATSHITA DVD-RAM LMXK1987

USB Device] is selected and click [OK].

≥Click [Close], and you can safely

disconnect the USB cable.

≥Do not disconnect the USB cable while the

ACCESS/PC lamp or card access lamp lights (

appears on the LCD monitor) as it may

damage the data.

With a computer

VQT1A15

With a computer

Verifying the unit is correctly recognised by the computer

To verify this unit is correctly recognised by the computer, rotate the mode dial on this unit to select PC connection mode, then connect the unit to the computer with a USB cable and follow the steps below. ≥With some computers including those made by

NEC, the Device Manager may not be displayed if a mode that places restrictions on the functions has been established. Consult the manufacturer or follow the steps in your computer’s operating instructions to establish a mode in which all the functions can be used, then proceed with operation.

1 Select [start] # ([Settings] #)

[Control Panel] and Maintenance]

# ([Performance

#) [System].

2 Click the [Hardware] tab, then

click [Device Manager].

3 Verify the following items are

displayed.

ª If the driver has been recognised

properly

[USB Mass Storage Device] is displayed at [Universal Serial Bus controllers].

ª If the driver has not been

recognised properly

[!] or [Unknown device] appears at [Universal Serial Bus controllers] or [Other devices], etc. (Where the display will appear depends on the type of computer you are using.) You can use the following method to enable it to be recognised. Method 1: Turn off the unit and your computer

once and try again.

Method 2: Eject the SD card and try verifying

again.

Method 3: Try connecting the unit to another

USB port on your computer.

100

VQT1A15

Panasonic HDC-DX1 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual