PANASONIC HDC-SD9 User Manual

Operating Instructions

High Definition Video Camera

Model No. HDC-SD9

HDC-SD9D

Before use, please read these instructions completely.

EP

EGE

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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.

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.

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.

Warning

Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not
disassemble.
Do not heat the batteries above the following
temperatures or incinerate.

Button-type battery 60 oC
Battery pack 60 oC

∫ EMC Electric and magnetic

compatibility

This symbol (CE) is located on the rating plate.

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.

≥ Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children

to prevent swallowing.

Product Identification Marking is located
on the bottom of units.

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Information on Disposal for Users of Waste
Electrical & Electronic Equipment (private
households)

This symbol on the products
and/or accompanying
documents means that used
electrical and electronic
products should not be mixed
with general household
waste.

For proper treatment,
recovery and recycling, please take these
products to designated collection points,
where they will be accepted on a free of
charge basis. Alternatively, in some countries
you may be able to return your products to
your local retailer upon the purchase of an
equivalent new product.
Disposing of this product correctly will help to
save valuable resources and prevent any
potential negative effects on human health
and the environment which could otherwise
arise from inappropriate waste handling.
Please contact your local authority for further
details of your nearest designated collection
point.
Penalties may be applicable for incorrect
disposal of this waste, in accordance with
national legislation.

For business users in the European Union

If you wish to discard electrical and electronic
equipment, please contact your dealer or
supplier for further information.

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.

∫ 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.

∫ 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.

∫ Cards that you can use with this

unit

SD Memory Card and SDHC Memory Card

≥ 4 GB or more Memory Cards that do not have

the SDHC logo are not based on SD Memory
Card Specifications.

≥ Refer to page 18 for more details on SD cards.

∫ For the purposes of these

operating instructions

≥ SD Memory Card and SDHC Memory Card are

referred to as the “SD card”.

≥ Functions that can be used for motion picture

recording/motion picture playback are
indicated by in these operating
instructions.

≥ Functions that can be used for still picture

recording/still picture playback are indicated by

PHOTO

≥ “HD Writer 2.5E for HDC” is referred to as the

“HD Writer 2.5E”.

≥ Pages for reference are indicated by an arrow,

for example: l 00

VIDEO

in these operating instructions.

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3

∫ Licenses

≥ SDHC 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

Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

≥ “x.v.Colour” is trademark.
≥ LEICA is a registered trademark of Leica

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

≥ Microsoft

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

≥ Microsoft product screen shot(s) reprinted with

permission from Microsoft Corporation.

≥ IBM and PC/AT are registered trademarks of

International Business Machines Corporation
of the U.S.

®

, Core™, Pentium® and Celeron® are the

≥ Intel

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

≥ AMD Athlon is a trademark of the Advanced

Micro Devices, Inc.

≥ Apple, Mac OS is either registered trademarks

or trademarks of Apple Inc. in the United
States and/or other countries.

≥ PowerPC is a trademark of International

Business Machines 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.

™

is a trademark of Matsushita

®

, Windows®, Windows Vista® and

®

are either registered trademarks or

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

.

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Contents

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

Accessories ..........................................7

Features ................................................8

Preparation

Before using

[1] Parts identification

and handling .................................. 10

Remote control ................................ 13

Setup

[1] Power supply ................................. 14

Charging the battery........................ 14

Inserting/removing the battery ......... 15

Charging and recording time ........... 16

Connecting to the AC outlet............. 17

[2] Preparation of SD cards................ 18

Cards that you can use

with this unit..................................... 18

Inserting/removing an SD card ........ 19

[3] Selecting a mode

(Turning the unit on/off) ................ 20

Turning the power on and off

with the LCD monitor....................... 20

[4] Using the menu screen ................. 21

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

Menu list .......................................... 22

[5] Setting date and time .................... 24

World time setting
(Displaying the time of the travel

destination)...................................... 26

[6] Adjusting LCD monitor ................. 27

Increasing the brightness of the LCD

monitor............................................. 27

Adjusting the brightness and
the colour level of the LCD monitor
Changing the picture quality

on the LCD monitor ......................... 28

Recording Yourself .......................... 28

.... 27

Recording

Recording (Basic)

[1] Before recording ........................... 30

Anti-Ground-Shooting (AGS) .......... 31

[2] Recording motion pictures .......... 32

Recording modes/

approximate recordable time........... 34

Quick start....................................... 35

PRE-REC........................................ 35

Shooting guide ................................ 36

[3] Recording still pictures ................ 37

Picture quality.................................. 39

Number of recordable pictures........ 39

[4] Zoom in/out function .................... 40

Digital zoom function....................... 40

[5] Image stabilizer function .............. 41

[6] Face detection & AE mode........... 42

Recording (Advanced)

[1] Recording functions of

operation icons ............................. 43

Operation icons............................... 43

Fade, Intelligent contrast control,
Help mode, Soft skin mode,
Colour night view, Backlight compensation,
Low light, Self-timer, Tele macro

[2] Recording functions of menus .... 47

Menus ............................................. 47

Guide line, 25p digital cinema,
Wind noise reduction,
Microphone setup, Microphone level,
HD hi-speed burst shooting, Built-in flash,
Red eye reduction, Shutter sound, Zebra,
Colour bar, Auto slow shutter,
Digital cinema colour

[3] Manual recording functions......... 55

Scene mode.................................... 55

Manual focus adjustment ................ 56

White balance ................................. 57

Manual shutter speed/

aperture adjustment ........................ 58

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Playback

With a PC

Playback

[1] Motion picture playback ............... 60

Playing back motion pictures

by date............................................. 63

Intelligent scene selection ............... 63

Repeat playback.............................. 64

Resuming the previous playback..... 64

[2] Still picture playback ..................... 65

Playing back still pictures by date.... 67

Editing

[1] Deleting scenes/still pictures ....... 68

[2] Dividing a scene to delete ............ 70

[3] Protecting scenes/still pictures ... 71

[4] DPOF setting.................................. 72

[5] Formatting...................................... 73

With a TV

[1] Watching Video/

Pictures on your TV....................... 74

Connecting with

a HDMI mini cable........................... 77

Listening in 5.1 channel sound ........ 78

Connecting with

the component cable ....................... 78

[2] Playback using VIERA Link

(HDAVI Control

™

)........................... 79

Backup

With other products

[1] Connecting a DVD burner

to copy to/play back a disc ........... 82

Preparing for copying/

playing back..................................... 82

Copying to discs.............................. 83

Playing back the copied disc ........... 86

Managing the copied disc
(Formatting, Auto protect,

Displaying disc information)............. 87

[2] Dubbing images onto other video

device ............................................. 88

[3] With a printer (PictBridge) ............ 89

Before using

[1] What you can do with a PC .......... 92

End User License Agreement ......... 94

[2] Operating environment................. 95

Setup

[1] Installation ..................................... 97

[2] Connection and recognition ........ 99

About the PC display..................... 100

Using with a PC

[1] Starting HD Writer 2.5E............... 101

Reading the operating instructions

of the software applications........... 101

[2] If using Macintosh....................... 102

Others

Indications

[1] Indications................................... 104

[2] Messages..................................... 107

About recovery .............................. 108

Helpful hints

[1] Functions that cannot be used

simultaneously ............................ 109

[2] Troubleshooting........................... 111

Cautions for use............................... 120

Explanation of terms ....................... 123

Specifications................................... 125

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Accessories

Check the accessories before using this unit.

SDHC memory card (4 GB)

(supplied only for HDC-SD9D)

Battery pack

VW-VBG130

AC adaptor

VSK0698

AC cable

K2CQ2CA00006

DC cable

K2GJYYC00001

Remote control

N2QAEC000023

Button-type battery

CR2025

AV cable

K2KC4CB00027

Component cable

K2KZ9DB00004

Optional accessories

Some optional accessories may not be available
in some countries.

AC adaptor (VW-AD21E-K)

Battery pack (lithium/VW-VBG130/1320 mAh)

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

Battery pack (lithium/VW-VBG6/5800 mAh)*1

Battery pack holder kit (VW-VH04)

HDMI mini cable (RP-CDHM15, RP-CDHM30)

Tele conversion lens (VW-T3714H)

Wide conversion lens (VW-W3707H)

Filter kit (VW-LF37WE)

Video DC light (VW-LDC102E)*2

Light bulb for video DC light (VZ-LL10E)

Shoe adaptor (VW-SK12E)

Tripod (VW-CT45E)

DVD burner (VW-BN1)

*1 The battery pack holder kit VW-VH04

(optional) is necessary.

*2 The shoe adaptor VW-SK12E (optional) is

necessary.

USB cable

K2KZ4CB00011

CD-ROM

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7

Features

∫ Very clear high definition pictures

This unit can record detailed high definition images to an SD card.

A High definition images (1920k1080)

Number of available scan lines 1080

A

*

B Standard images (720k576)

Number of available scan lines 576

B

High definition images

≥ The still pictures above are images for explanation purposes.
* If the recording mode is HA/HG/HX.

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 with the Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator.

≥ Since the recording method is different from an ordinary DVD video etc., the data are not compatible.

∫ Compatibility with other products

With other products Available function Picture quality

Watching Video/
Pictures on your TV
(l 74 to 80)

Using a DVD burner
(l 82 to 87)

What you can do with a
PC
(l 92 to 93)

Dubbing images onto
other video device
(l 88)

Playback with the HDMI mini cable (l 77)

jPlayback using VIERA Link (HDAVI Control™)

(l 79)

Playback with the component cable [1080i] (l 78)

Playback with the component cable [576i] (l 78) Standard images

Playback with the AV cable (l 74)

Connecting a DVD burner to copy to/play back a
disc (l 82)

jPlaying back the copied disc (l 86)

Copying data to a PC and easy editing (l 92)

Writing data to DVD discs and SD cards (l 92)

Converting the motion picture data to MPEG2
(l 92)

Creating a DVD Video disc (l 92)

Dubbing images when connecting with the AV cable
(l 88)

High definition
images

High definition
images

Standard images

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Preparation

Recording

Playback

Backup

With a PC

10 Before using

14 Setup

Others

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9

Before using

1

1

Parts identification and
handling

345 6 7 8 9

2

13
14
15

16 17

19
18

10
11

12

1 LCD monitor open part
2 LCD monitor (l 27)

Pull the LCD monitor out in the direction of the
arrow with your fingers.

≥ It can open up to 90o.

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

90o B towards the opposite direction.

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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.

3 Optical image stabilizer button [ ,

O.I.S.] (l 41)

4 Mode select switch [AUTO/MANUAL/

FOCUS] (l 31, 55)

5 Reset button [RESET] (l 114)
6 Cursor button

Use the cursor button to select the recording
functions and playback operations, and to
operate the menu screen.

1 Select by moving up, down, left, right.
2 Set by pressing the centre.

≥ Menu screen operations (l 21)
≥ To select the recording functions (l 43, 47)
≥ To adjust manually (l 55)
≥ Playback operations (l 60, 65)

7 Face detection & AE button [ ] (l 42)
8 PRE-REC button [PRE-REC] (l 35)
9 DC input terminal [DC IN 9.3V] (l 17)
10 Battery holder (l 15)
11 Battery release lever [BATTERY] (l 15)
12 HDMI mini connector [HDMI] (l 77, 79)
13 Disc copy button [DISC COPY] (l 85)
14 Power LCD Extra button

[POWER LCD EXTRA] (l 27)

15 Delete button [ ] (l 68)

Audio-video output terminal [A/V]

16

≥ Use the supplied AV cable only.

17

Component terminal

18 USB terminal [ ] (l 82, 89, 99)
19 Menu button [MENU] (l 21)

20

[COMPONENT] (l 78)

21

(l 74, 88)

Be careful about the following.

When 2 lens accessories, such as the ND filter
and tele conversion lens, are fitted and the
zoom lever is pressed toward the W side, the 4
corners of an image will be darkened.
(Vignetting)
(When fitting 2 lens accessories, first remove
the lens hood and then fit them.)

Attaching the lens cap
(Included in the Filter Kit
(VW-LF37WE; optional))

≥ When the filter kit (VW-LF37WE; optional) is

used, protect the lens surface while the unit
is not used with the lens cap supplied with
the filter kit.

22

23 24

20 Built-in flash (l 51)
21 Lens (LEICA DICOMAR)

Lens cover A

≥The lens cover opens in

recording mode.

(l 20)

22 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.

≥ Attach the MC protector or the ND filter of the

Filter Kit (VW-LF37WE; optional) in front of the
lens hood.

≥ When fitting the tele conversion lens

(VW-T3714H; optional) or the wide conversion
lens (VW-W3707H; optional), first remove the
lens hood.

≥ To attach or remove the lens cap, hold both

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

23 Remote control sensor (l 13)
24 Recording lamp (l 22)

25

25 Tripod receptacle

This is a hole for attaching the unit to the optional
tripod. (For details on mounting the tripod, refer
to the operating instructions for the tripod.)

A Camera base

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26 27 28 29

31

32

33
34

35
36

26 Mode switch (l 20)
27 Photoshot button [ ] (l 37)
28 Zoom lever [W/T] (In recording mode)

(l 40)
Volume lever [sVOLr] (In playback
mode) (l 61)

29 Speaker
30 Internal microphones (5.1 channel

support)

31 Status indicator (l 20)
32 Recording start/stop button (l 32)
33 Card access lamp [ACCESS] (l 19)
34 SD card open lever [SD CARD OPEN]

(l 19)
35 Card slot (l 19)
36 SD card cover (l 19)
37 Shoulder strap fixture

30

37 38

38 Grip belt

Adjust the length of the grip belt so that it fits your
hand.

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

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Remote control

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

PHOTO

EXT

SHOT

DISPLAY

DATE/

TIME

PLAY

SEARCH

PAU S E

STILL ADV STILL ADV

STOPSKIP SKIP

ENTER

VOL

START/

STOP

ZOOM

SEARCH

MENU

Install a button-type battery
(supplied)

1 While pressing

7

8

9

1

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.

≥ 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.

1 Photoshot button [ ]

*

2 On-screen display button [EXT DISPLAY]

(l 76)
3 Date/time button [DATE/TIME] (l 24)
4 Playback operation buttons (l 61)
5 Delete button [ ]

*

6 Direction buttons [3,4,2,1]

These buttons operate similar to how the cursor
button moves up/down/right/left on the unit.

7 Recording start/stop button [START/

8 Zoom/volume buttons [ZOOM, VOL]
9 Menu button [MENU]

STOP]

*

*

*

10 Enter button [ENTER]

This button operates similar to pressing the
cursor button on the unit.
* means that these buttons function in the same

manner as the corresponding buttons on the
unit.

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

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

∫ Remote control usable range

A Remote control sensor
Distance: Within approx. 5 m
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.

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Setup

Power supply

1

∫ About batteries that you can use with this unit

The Panasonic battery that can be used with this unit is VW-VBG130/VW-VBG260/VW-VBG6.

VW-VBG130/VW-VBG260/VW-VBG6 come with a function to check whether the battery and unit can
be safely used together.

≥ To use the VW-VBG6 for this unit, the battery pack holder kit VW-VH04 (optional) is required.
≥ 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 tested by 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.

Charging the battery

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

Important:
If the DC cable is connected to the AC adaptor, then the battery will not charge. Remove the DC
cable from the AC adaptor.

Charging lamp [CHARGE] A

Lights up:

Charging (Battery charging time: l 16)

Goes off:

Charging completed

Flashing:

Make sure that the terminals of the battery or the
AC adaptor are not exposed to dirt, foreign objects
or dust, then reconnect them properly. (l 121)

1 Connect the AC cable to the AC adaptor and the AC outlet.

2 Insert the battery into the battery charger by aligning the arrows.

≥ We recommend using Panasonic batteries (l 7, 16).
≥ If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee the quality of this product.

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≥ Do not heat or expose to flame.
≥ Do not leave the battery(ies) in an automobile exposed to direct sunlight for a long period of time with

doors and windows closed.

Inserting/removing the battery

Open the LCD monitor and install the battery by inserting it in the direction
shown in the figure.

Removing the battery

Be sure to set the mode switch to OFF and
check that the status indicator is off before
removing the battery.

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

A Insert the battery until it clicks and locks.

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.

Notice about the rechargeable battery

The battery is designated recyclable.
Please follow your local recycling regulations.

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Charging and recording time

≥ Temperature: 25 oC/humidity: 60%
∫ Charging time

Battery model number Voltage/capacity Charging time

Supplied battery/

VW-VBG130 (optional)

VW-VBG260 (optional) 7.2 V/2640 mAh 4 h 40 min

VW-VBG6 (optional)

∫ Recording time

*

7.2 V/1320 mAh 2 h 35 min

7.2 V/5800 mAh 9 h 25 min

Battery model number

Supplied battery/

VW-VBG130 (optional)

VW-VBG260 (optional) 7.2 V/2640 mAh 3 h 30 min 2 h 10 min

VW-VBG6 (optional)

* The battery pack holder kit VW-VH04 (optional) is necessary.

≥ These times are approximations.
≥ The indicated charging time is for when the battery has been discharged completely. The charging

time may vary depending on how the battery has been used. The charging time for the battery in hot/
cold environments or a battery that has not been used for long time may be longer than normal.

≥ The actual recordable time refers to the recordable time when repeatedly starting/stopping recording,

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

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

≥ The batteries heat up after use or charging. This is not a malfunction.
≥ It is not necessary to consume the battery completely. The battery can be recharged even if some

capacity remains.

*

Voltage/

capacity

7.2 V/1320 mAh 1 h 50 min 1 h 10 min

7.2 V/5800 mAh 8 h 35 min 5 h 20 min

Maximum continuously

recordable time

Actual recordable

time

Battery capacity indication

≥ The display changes as the battery capacity reduces. ####.

If there is less than 3 minutes remaining, then will become red. If the battery discharges,
then ( ) will flash.

≥ 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. The actual time can
vary depending on your actual use.

≥ The maximum amount of remaining battery capacity able to be indicated is 999 minutes. If the

actual remaining time exceeds 999 minutes, the indication will stay green and will not change until
the remaining time falls below 999 minutes.

≥ When switching modes, the time indication will turn off momentarily in order to recalculate the

remaining battery capacity time.

≥ When using the AC adaptor or batteries made by other companies, the remaining battery capacity

will not be shown.

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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.

Important:
While the DC cable is connected to the AC adaptor, the battery will not charge.
≥ 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.

A DC output terminal

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 9.3V].

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Setup

Preparation of SD cards

2

This unit (an SDHC compatible device) is compatible with both SD Memory Cards and SDHC
Memory Cards. 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, confirm that the device
supports the SDHC Memory Card.

Cards that you can use with this unit

Card type Capacity Motion picture recording

SD Memory

Card

SDHC

Memory

Card

* The SD Speed Class Rating is the speed standard for successive writes.

≥ Please confirm the latest information about SD

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

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

(This website is in English only.)

Use this unit to format SD cards. (l 73)
Do not format an SD card using any other
equipment such as a PC. The card may not
be used on this unit.

8MB

16 MB

32 MB

64 MB
128 MB
256 MB
512 MB

1 GB RP-SDV01G

2 GB RP-SDV02G, RP-SDM02G

4 GB RP-SDV04G, RP-SDM04G

8 GB RP-SDV08G

16 GB RP-SDV16G

We recommend using SD cards conforming to
Class 4 or higher of the SD Speed Class Rating
the following SD cards made by Panasonic for motion
picture recording.

Cannot be used. Can be used.

Cannot be guaranteed in operation.
The recording may suddenly stop during motion
picture recording depending on the SD card you use.
(l 33)

≥ 4 GB or more Memory Cards that do not have

the SDHC logo are not based on SD Memory
Card Specifications.

≥ When the write-protect

switch A on SD card is
locked, no recording,
deletion or editing will be
possible on the card.

≥ Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children

to prevent swallowing.

*

Still picture

recording

or

16

18

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Inserting/removing an SD card

Caution:
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.

Card access lamp [ACCESS]

≥ When this unit is processing data, the

access lamp A lights up.

1 Set the mode switch to OFF.

(l 20)

≥ Check that the status indicator has gone off.

2 Open the SD card cover while

sliding the SD CARD OPEN lever
B.

3 Insert/remove the SD card.

≥ Face the terminal side C in the direction

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

≥ Press the centre of the SD card and then pull it

straight out.

4 Securely close the SD card cover.

≥ Securely close it until it clicks.

First, format the SD card if one which has been used on another device is going to be used for the
first time on this unit. (l 73) When the SD card is formatted, all of the recorded data is deleted.
Once the data is deleted, it cannot be restored. Copy valuable data onto a PC, DVD disc etc. before
proceeding with the formatting. (l 82, 92)

≥ Do not touch the terminals on the back of the SD card.
≥ Electrical noise, static electricity or the failure of this unit or the SD card may damage or erase the

data stored on the SD card. We recommend saving the important data recorded on this unit to a PC,
DVD disc etc. (l 82, 92)

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

jRemove the SD card
jOperate the mode switch
jTurn the unit off
jInsert and remove the USB cable
jExpose the unit to vibrations or shock

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

VQT1N58

19

Setup

3

Operate the mode switch to recording, playback or power OFF.

Turn on the power by sliding the mode switch to or while pressing
the lock release button A.

The status indicator lights and the power turns on.
≥ 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 24)

To turn off the power

Set the mode switch to OFF.
The status indicator goes off and the power turns off.

Recording mode (l 32, 37)

Selecting a mode
(Turning the unit on/off)

≥ Operate the mode switch while at the same

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

≥ Status indicator B

Playback mode (l 60, 65)

OFF

Turning the power on and off with the LCD monitor

When the mode switch is set to , the power turns on when the LCD monitor opens and turns off
when the LCD monitor closes.

∫ To turn on the power

The status indicator A lights.

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

20

VQT1N58

∫ To turn off the power

The status indicator A goes off.

Setup

Using the menu screen

4

Operate the displayed menu screens with the cursor button.

1 Press the MENU button.

MENU

≥ The menu displayed differs depending on the

position of the mode switch.

2 Select the top menu A and move

the cursor button right or press
the cursor button.

3 Select the submenu item B and

move the cursor button right or
press the cursor button.

4 Select the desired setting and

press the cursor button to enter
the selection.

≥ Move the cursor button left to return to the

previous screen. You can set other items
continuously.

5 Press the MENU button to exit

the menu screen.

MENU

≥ The menu screen does not appear during

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

C Current settings on menus

21

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Language selection

You can select the language on the screen display and the menu screen.

1 Press the MENU button, then select [LANGUAGE] and press the cursor

button.

2 Select [English] and press the cursor button.

Menu list

Recording mode

∫ [BASIC]

[SCENE MODE] (l 55)
[D.ZOOM] (l 40)
[GUIDE LINES] (l 47)
[CLOCK SET] (l 24)
[SET WORLD TIME] (l 26)

∫ [VIDEO]

[REC MODE] (l 34)
[25pDIGITAL CINEMA] (l 47)
[FADE COLOUR] (l 44)
[WIND CUT] (l 48)
[MIC SETUP] (l 48)
[MIC LEVEL] (l 49)
[AGS] (l 31)

∫ [PICTURE]

[PICT.QUALITY] (l 39)
[HI-SPEED BURST] (l 50)
[FLASH] (l 51)
[FLASH LEVEL] (l 51)
[RED EYE] (l 51)
[SHTR SOUND] (l 52)

∫ [ADVANCED]

[REC LAMP]

The recording lamp lights up during recording
and flashes when the unit receives a signal
from the remote control or when the self-timer
is counting down. When this is set to [OFF], it
does not light during recording.

[AUTO SLOW SHTR] (l 53)
[SHOOTING GUIDE] (l 36)
[Digital Cinema Colour] (l 53)

∫ [SETUP]

[FORMAT CARD] (l 73)
[DISPLAY]

The screen indications are selected as shown
in the illustration below.

[OFF] [ON]

+

1

[DATE/TIME] (l 24)
[DATE FORMAT] (l 24)
[POWER SAVE]

[OFF]:

The power saving function is not activated.

[5 MINUTES]:

When about 5 minutes have passed without
any operation, this unit automatically turns off
to save battery life.
≥ When using the AC adaptor, connecting the

unit to a PC, printer or DVD burner or PRE­REC is used, the power saving function will
not activate.

[ZEBRA] (l 52)
[COLOUR BARS] (l 52)
[MF ASSIST] (l 56)

22

VQT1N58

[QUICK START] (l 35)
[BEEP SOUND]

This allows operations such as starting and
ending recording to be signaled by a beep.

1 Beep

When you start recording
When you turn on the power
When this unit is recognised by the PC or the
printer, etc.

2 Beeps

When you pause recording
When you turn off the power

2 Beeps for 4 times

When an error occurs. Check the sentence
displayed on the screen. (l 107)

[LCD AI] (l 28)
[LCD SET] (l 27)
[COMPONENT OUT] (l 78)
[HDMI RESOLUTION] (l 77)
[VIERA Link] (l 79)
[TV ASPECT] (l 76)
[INITIAL SET]

Set to [YES] for changing the menu settings
back to the default condition.
(The language setting cannot be changed
back to the default condition.)

[DEMO MODE]

This item is used to start the unit
demonstration.
(Only when the mode switch is at the
position)
If [DEMO MODE] is switched [ON] when there
is no SD card inserted, the demonstration
automatically starts. If any operation takes
place, the demonstration is cancelled.
However if no operations take place for
approx. 10 minutes, the demonstration
automatically starts again. To stop the
demonstration, set [DEMO MODE] to [OFF] or
insert an SD card.

Playback mode

(

[] motion picture playback)

∫ [VIDEO SETUP]

[REPEAT PLAY] (l 64)
[RESUME PLAY] (l 64)
[SCENE PROTECT] (l 71)

*1

[GUIDE LINES] (l 47)

∫ [EDIT SCENE]

*1

[DIVIDE] (l 70)
[DELETE] (l 69)

∫ [DISC SETUP]

*2

[FORMAT DISC] (l 87)
[AUTO PROTECT] (l 87)
[INFORMATION] (l 87)

≥ For any other menus that are not described

above, refer to menus with the same names for
the recording mode.

([] still picture playback)

∫ [PHOTO SETUP]

[SCENE PROTECT] (l 71)
[DPOF SET] (l 72)
[DELETE] (l 69)

∫ [SETUP]

[FORMAT DISC] (l 87)

≥ For any other menus that are not described

above, refer to menus with the same names for
the recording mode and motion picture
playback.

*1 When the disc playback tab [ ] is

selected while a DVD burner (optional) is
connected, or when [INTEL. SCENE] (l 63)
is selected, this does not appear.

*2 Only when the disc playback tab [ ] is

selected while a DVD burner (optional) is
connected, this appears.

*1

*2

∫ [LANGUAGE] (l 22)

23

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Setup

Setting date and time

5

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 perform steps 2 to 4 below to set the date and time.

¬Operate the mode switch to select

.

1 Select the menu. (l 21)

[BASIC] # [CLOCK SET] # [YES]

2 Select the date or time to be set,

then set the desired value with
the cursor button.

Changing the date and time display mode

Select the menu. (l 21)
[SETUP] # [DATE/TIME] # desired display
style

≥ 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. 2008 15:3015. 12. 2008

[OFF]

≥ The year will change as follows:

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

≥ The 24-hour system is used to display the time.
≥ [ ] appears on the right top of the screen

when [SET WORLD TIME] (l 26) is set to
[HOME], while [ ] appears when it is set to
[DESTINATION].

3 Press the cursor button to enter

the selection.

≥ The clock function starts at [00] seconds when

the cursor button is pressed.

4 Press the MENU button to finish

the setting.

≥ Check the date and time displayed.

24

VQT1N58

Changing the date format

Select the menu. (l 21)
[SETUP] # [DATE FORMAT] # desired
display style

Display style Screen display

[Y/M/D] 2008. 12. 15

[M/D/Y] 12 15 2008

[D/M/Y] 15. 12. 2008

≥ To set daylight saving time, select the daylight

saving time in [HOME] for [SET WORLD TIME]
after setting the clock.

≥ The date and time function is driven by a built-

in lithium battery.

≥ If the time display becomes [- -], the built-in

lithium battery needs to be charged. Use the
following steps to charge the battery.

To recharge the built-in lithium battery

≥ Connect the AC adaptor or attach the battery

to this unit, and the built-in lithium battery will
be recharged. Leave the unit as it is for approx.
24 hours and the battery will maintain the date
and time for approx. 6 months. (The battery is
still being recharged even if the mode switch is
set to OFF.)

25

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World time setting (Displaying the time of the travel
destination)

It is possible to display and record the time at the travel destination by selecting your home region and
the travel destination.

1 Select the menu. (l 21)

[BASIC] # [SET WORLD TIME] # [YES]

≥ If the clock is not set, adjust the clock to the

current time. (l 24)

≥ When the [HOME] (your home region) is not

set, such as the time for the initial settings, the
message appears. Press the cursor button to
move to Step 3.

4 (Only when setting the region of your travel

destination)

Select [DESTINATION] and press
the cursor button.

≥ When the home region is set for the first time,

the screen for selecting travel destination
appears after setting the home region
successively. If the home region has already
been set once, execute the menu operation for
Step 1.

2 (Only when setting your home region)

Select [HOME] with the cursor
button.

3 (Only when setting your home region)

Select your home region and
enter the selection with the
cursor button.

≥ The current time appears on the left top of the

screen. The time difference from GMT
(Greenwich Mean Time) appears on the left
bottom of the screen.

≥ If your home region season is summer, move

the cursor button up. [ ] appears and the
summer time setting is turned on; the clock is
set forward by one hour. Move the cursor
button up again to return to the normal time
setting.

5 (Only when setting the region of your travel

destination)

Select your travel destination
and enter the selection with the
cursor button.

≥ The local time at the selected travel destination

appears on the right top of the screen. The
time difference between the travel destination
and the home region appears on the left
bottom of the screen.

≥ If the travel destination season is summer,

move the cursor button up. [ ] appears
and the summer time setting is turned on; the
clock is set forward by one hour. Move the
cursor button up again to return to the normal
time setting.

≥ Close the setting by pressing the MENU

button. [ ] appears and the time of the
travel destination is indicated.

To return the display to the home setting

Set the home region using Step 1 to 3, and close
the setting by pressing the MENU button.

26

VQT1N58

≥ If you cannot find your travel destination in the

area shown on the screen, set it by using the
time difference from your home region.

Setup

Adjusting LCD monitor

6

≥ These settings will not affect the images actually recorded.

Increasing the brightness of the LCD monitor

POWER LCD EXTRA button

Each time the POWER LCD EXTRA button
is pressed, the indication changes by one
setting in the following order: [ ] >

+

2

[] > setting cancelled (standard)

≥ If you use the AC adaptor, the [ ]

indication appears and the screen
becomes brighter automatically when the
power is turned on.

Adjusting the brightness and the colour level of the LCD
monitor

+

1

+

1

1 Select the menu. (l 21)

[SETUP] # [LCD SET] # [YES]

2 Select the item with the cursor

button.

[BRIGHTNESS]:

Brightness of the LCD monitor

[COLOUR]:

Colour level of the LCD monitor

3 Press the cursor button to make

the adjustment.

≥ 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.

VQT1N58

27

Changing the picture quality
on the LCD monitor

Select the menu. (l 21)

[SETUP] # [LCD AI] # [DYNAMIC] or
[NORMAL]

[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.

≥ This function is automatically set to

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

+

1

+

2

Recording Yourself

¬Operate the mode switch to select

.

Rotate the LCD monitor towards the
lens side.

≥ The image is

horizontally flipped as if
you see a mirror image.
(However the image
recorded is the same
as a normal recording.)

≥ Only some indications will appear on the

screen. When [°] appears, return the
direction of the LCD monitor to normal position
and check the warning/alarm indication.
(l 107)

28

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Preparation

Recording

Playback

Backup

With a PC

30 Recording (Basic)

43 Recording (Advanced)

Others

29

VQT1N58

Recording
(Basic)

Before recording

1

∫ Basic camera positioning

≥ 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 or object.

1 Hold the unit with both hands.
2 Put your hand through the grip belt.
3 Do not cover the microphones A.
4 Keep your arms near your body.
5 Separate your legs for better balance.

30

VQT1N58

About auto mode

Colour balance (white balance) and focusing
are adjusted automatically.
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.)

jAutomatic white balance (l 123)
jAuto focus (l 123)

≥ Colour balance and focus may not be

adjusted automatically depending on light
sources or scenes. If so, manually adjust
these settings. (l 55)

Anti-Ground-Shooting
(AGS)

If the unit continues to be tilted upside down from
the normal horizontal position while recording
motion pictures, it is automatically put into
recording pause.

¬Operate the mode switch to select

.

Select the menu. (l 21)

[VIDEO] # [AGS] # [ON]

≥ 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.

31

VQT1N58

Recording

0h00m00s

R1h20m

Ｈ

G

(Basic)

Recording motion pictures

2

This unit records high definition images that are compatible with the AVCHD format on an SD card.
Sound is recorded with the Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator.

Use an SD card that can be used for motion picture recording. (l 18)

0h00m00s

0h00m00s

1920

R1h20m

R1h20m

≥ Operate the mode switch while at the same time pressing in the lock release button A if changing

from OFF to another mode.

VIDEO

1 Operate the mode switch to

select and open the LCD
monitor.

≥ It is impossible to start recording when closing

the LCD monitor.

2 Press the recording start/stop

button to start recording.

≥ While recording is in progress, the recording

will not stop even if the LCD monitor is closed.

3 Press the recording start/stop

button again to pause recording.

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

move this unit until [;] is green.

About the compatibility of the
recorded motion pictures

≥ They are not compatible with devices other

than those that support AVCHD. Images
cannot be played with equipment that does
not support AVCHD (ordinary DVD
recorders). Confirm that your equipment
supports AVCHD by referring to the
operating instructions.

≥ There are some cases where the recorded

motion pictures cannot be played back,
even if the device supports AVCHD. In such
cases, play the recorded motion picture with
this unit instead.

32

VQT1N58

≥ The images recorded between pressing the recording start/stop button to start recording and

0h00m00s

R1h20m

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 power save feature can also be set to [OFF]. ([POWER SAVE]: l 22)

≥ (The maximum number of recordable pictures on a single SD card)

Maximum number of recordable scenes: 3998
Maximum number of recordable scenes with different dates: 200 (l 63)
When either of them reaches to the maximum limit, more scenes cannot be recorded.

≥ When recording motion pictures, do not remove the battery or disconnect the AC adaptor. Also, do

not remove the SD card while the card access lamp lights up. If you do either of the above, the
recovery operation will begin when the SD card is next inserted or the power is turned back on.
(l 108)

∫ Screen indications in the

recording mode

0h00m00s

R1h20m

R1h20m

0h00m00s

A Recording mode
B Remaining time left for recording

(When the remaining time is less than
1 minute, [R0h00m] flashes red.)

C Recording time elapsed

Each time the unit is put into recording
pause, the counter display will be reset to
“0h00m00s”.

When motion picture recording stops suddenly

For some SD cards, the message appears suddenly, and recording
stops.
Use a Panasonic SD card or another SD card which can be used to
record motion pictures. (l 18)

When the unit stops while a usable SD card for recording motion
pictures (l 18) is used, the data writing rate has deteriorated.

We recommend formatting the SD card being used. (l 73) When an
SD card is formatted, all the data recorded on it will be deleted so copy
valuable data to the PC prior to formatting. (l 92)

REC STOPPED.
NOW WRITING.

33

VQT1N58

Recording modes/approximate recordable time

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

Select the menu. (l 21)

[VIDEO] # [REC MODE] # desired setting

Capacity HA

*1

HG

*2

HX

*3

HE

*4

SD card 1 GB 7 min 9 min 14 min 21 min

2GB 15 min 20 min 30 min 45 min

4GB 30 min 40 min 1 h 1 h 30 min

8GB 1h 1h20min 2 h 3 h

16 GB 2h 2h40min 4h 6h

*1 (1920k1080): Motion pictures can be recorded with the highest picture quality.

HA

*2 (1920k1080): Motion pictures can be recorded with high picture quality.

HG

*3 (1920k1080): Motion pictures can be recorded with normal picture quality.

HX

*4 (1440k1080): Motion pictures can be recorded for a longer time.

HE

*

* This means the highest quality for this unit.

≥ The recording is in high definition picture quality no matter what recording mode is used to

record.

≥ This unit records in VBR (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 recording with a lot
movements is recorded, the recording time is reduced.

≥ Recordable time using the battery (l 16)
≥ Mosaic-pattern noise may appear on a playback image in the following cases.

jWhen there is a complicated pattern in the background
jWhen the unit is moved too fast
jWhen a subject with sharp movements has been recorded

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

≥ Many repeated recording and deletion of motion pictures may reduce the usable time for recording on

an SD card. In that case, format the SD card using this unit. Since all data recorded on the SD card
will be deleted once the SD card has been formatted, save important data to your PC. (l 92)

34

VQT1N58

Quick start

This unit will resume recording/pause mode
about 0.6 seconds after the LCD monitor is
reopened.

≥ When in quick start standby mode about

60% of the power used in recording pause
mode is being consumed, so the recording
time will be reduced.

1 Select the menu. (l 21)

[SETUP] # [QUICK START] # [ON]

2 Close the LCD monitor while the

mode switch is set to .

≥ In the quick start mode, it may take some time

for automatic white balance to adjust, if the
scene being recorded has a light source
different from the scene last recorded. (When
the colour night view function is used, however,
the white balance of the scene last recorded is
retained.)

≥ In the quick start mode, the zoom

magnification becomes 1k and the picture size
may differ from what it was before quick start
standby mode.

≥ If [POWER SAVE] (l 22) is set to

[5 MINUTES] and the unit automatically goes
into quick start standby mode, close the LCD
monitor and then open it again.

≥ If the unit is exposed to vibration or shock, the

time for the quick start mode may be slightly
longer than 0.6 seconds.

PRE-REC

This prevents you missing a shot.

The status indicator A flashes green and the unit
goes into quick start standby mode.
≥ The lens cover does not close.

3 Open the LCD monitor.

The status indicator A lights red and the unit is
put into recording pause approx. 0.6 seconds
after it is turned on.
≥ Set [QUICK START] to [OFF] to cancel the

quick start mode.

≥ Quick start standby mode is cancelled if

jabout 5 minutes elapsed
jSet the mode switch to
jTurn the unit off

≥ In the 25p digital cinema setting, the required

time for the quick start operation is slightly
longer than 0.6 seconds.

This allows recording of the pictures and sound
to start approximately 3 seconds before the
recording start/stop button is pressed.

1 Press the PRE-REC button.

PRE-REC

[ ] appears on the screen and the unit
repeats the update by recording motion pictures
for about 3 seconds onto the built-in memory and
then deleting them.

≥ Aim this unit at the subject and position it

securely.

≥ Press the PRE-REC button again to cancel the

setting.

2 Press the recording start/stop

button to start recording.

≥ Images and audio are recorded for about

3 seconds before pressing the recording start/
stop button.

≥ There is no beep sound.
≥ After recording starts, the PRE-REC setting is

cancelled.

≥ To use the PRE-REC function again, press the

PRE-REC button again.

35

VQT1N58

≥ PRE-REC is cancelled in the following cases.

jIf you operate the mode switch.
jIf you open the SD card cover.
jIf you press the MENU button.
jIf you turn the unit off.

≥ When the remaining time left for recording

motion pictures is less than 1 minute, PRE­REC cannot be set.

≥ If you start recording less than 3 seconds after

pressing the PRE-REC button, or while the
PRE-REC indication flashes within about
3 seconds after initiating the quick start
operation, motion pictures for 3 seconds
cannot be recorded.

≥ When the recording start/stop button is

pressed, image shake and operation sound
may be recorded.

≥ The image when pressing the recording start/

stop button appears in thumbnail view, and it is
different from the image when starting
playback.

Shooting guide

The messages instructing how to record in dark
places and diminish camera shake are displayed
for recording better images.

Select the menu. (l 21)

[ADVANCED] # [SHOOTING GUIDE] #
[ON]

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

A message appears in the following cases.

When you move the unit quickly:

When “CAMERA PANNING IS TOO FAST.”
appears, move the unit slowly while recording.

When the unit is shaken:

When “USE O.I.S.” appears, set [O.I.S.] to [ON].
(When the image stabilizer function is on, the
message does not appear.)

When the image contrast is too strong such
as backlight:

When “USE INTELLIGENT CONTRAST.”
appears, select [ ] on the operation icons.
(When the face detection & AE mode is on, the
message does not appear.)

When the scene is dark:

When “USE LOW LIGHT MODE.” appears,
select [ ] on the operation icons.

≥ Set to [OFF] to turn off the message

indication.

36

VQT1N58

≥ In some recording conditions, messages may

not appear.

≥ A message recommending cancellation of

intelligent contrast control or low light also
appears.

≥ Once the message recommending turning on

the intelligent contrast control or low light
appears, it will not appear again until the
recording starts or stops.

≥ When the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch is

set to MANUAL, messages warning that the
image contrast is too strong such as backlight
or the scene is too dark will not appear.

Recording
(Basic)

Recording still pictures

3

PHOTO

The number of pixels recorded for still pictures is 1920k1080. Still pictures can also be recorded while
recording motion pictures.

≥ Operate the mode switch while at the same time pressing in the lock release button A if changing

from OFF to another mode.

1 Operate the mode switch to

select and open the LCD
monitor.

2 Press the button halfway.

(For auto focus only)

Focus indication appears and the
unit focuses on the subject
automatically. (Focus on a subject
manually when it is not easily
focused automatically.)
≥ If you set [O.I.S.] (l 41) to on, then the image

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

MEGA

will be displayed.)

Focus indication:

A
B

A Focus indication

± (The white lamp flashes.):
Focusing
¥ (The green lamp lights up.):
When in focus
No mark:
When focusing is unsuccessful.
B Focus area (area inside brackets)

3 Press the button fully.

≥ In order to take better still

pictures, the screen will brighten
when the button is fully
pressed.

37

VQT1N58

To record still pictures clearly

3000

≥ While recording motion pictures or during

the PRE-REC operation, the following
arrangements are applied so that motion
picture recording takes preference over still
picture recording. For vivid still pictures, we
recommend pausing motion picture
recording and taking still pictures after
releasing the PRE-REC mode.
jImage quality is different from ordinary still

pictures.

jPressing the button halfway is

disabled.

jThe remaining usable capacity (number of

pictures that can be taken) indication does
not appear.

≥ You can record stable pictures without

shaking by using a tripod and the remote
control. (When a remote control is used,
pressing the button halfway is
disabled.)

≥ For information about the number of

recordable still pictures (l 39)

≥ The sound cannot be recorded while recording

still pictures.

≥ 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.

∫ About the screen indications

when the button is pressed

2.1

Ｍ

3000

3000

MEGA

ß: Flash (l 51)
ßj: Flash level (l 51)

: Red eye reduction (l 51)
: Quality of still pictures (l 39)

2.1

Ｍ

: Size of still pictures

3000: Remaining number of still pictures

(Flashes in red when [0] appears.)

: Card indication (l 105)

MEGA

: MEGA optical image stabilizer

(l 41)

∫ About the focus indication

≥ The focus indication indicates the status of the

auto focus.

≥ The focus indication does not appear in

manual focus mode.

≥ You can record still pictures 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 focusing in the following cases.

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

source.

jWhen close subjects and far subjects are

included in the same scene.

jWhen the scene is dark.
jWhen there is a bright part in the scene.
jWhen the scene is filled with only horizontal

lines.

jWhen the scene lacks contrast.
jWhen the colour night view function is used.

38

VQT1N58

∫ About 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.
≥ The focusing area is not displayed when the

digital zoom (more than approx. 10k) is used.

Picture quality

Selecting the picture quality.

Select the menu. (l 21)

[PICTURE] # [PICT.QUALITY] # desired
setting

: 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.

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

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

Number of recordable
pictures

2.1

Picture size

Picture quality

SD

card

≥ 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.

8MB 46

16 MB 10 17

32 MB 20 32

64 MB 47 74

128 MB 94 150

256 MB 200 320

512 MB 410 640

1GB 820 1290

2GB 1670 2630

4GB 3290 5160

8GB 6690 10520

16 GB 13470 21170

Ｍ

(1920t1080)

39

VQT1N58

Recording

1

t

W

T

5

t

W

T

W

T

10

t

(Basic)

Zoom in/out function

4

The maximum optical zoom ratio is 10k.

¬Operate the mode switch to select

.

1

t

W

T

5

t

W

T

10

10

t

W

Zoom lever

T side:

Close-up recording (zoom in)

W side:

Wide-angle recording (zoom out)
≥ The zoom speed varies depending on the

range over which the zoom lever is moved.

VIDEO

PHOTO

≥ 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 the zoom magnification is 10k, the

subjects 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)

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

zoom from 1k up to 10k in as fast as approx.

2.5 seconds. (The zoom speed does not vary
when operating with the remote control.) When
the zoom speed is high, the subject may not be
focused easily.

Digital zoom function

T

If the zoom magnification exceeds 10k, then the
digital zoom function will be activated. The
maximum magnification provided by the digital
zoom can be selected.

Select the menu. (l 21)

[BASIC] # [D.ZOOM] # desired setting

[OFF]: Optical zoom only (Up to 10k)
[25k]: Up to 25k
[700k]: Up to 700k
≥ If [25k] 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.

40

VQT1N58

Recording
(Basic)

Image stabilizer function

5

VIDEO

Reduces the image shaking (jitter) due to hand movement.

¬Operate the mode switch to select .

Optical image stabilizer button
[ , O.I.S.]

Press this button to switch on/off the
image stabilizer function.

≥ [ ] appears on the screen.

O.I.S.: Optical Image Stabilizer

≥ This function’s default setting is [ON].
≥ In still picture recording mode, pressing the button halfway increases the effect of the image

stabilizer function. (MEGA optical image stabilizer)

≥ When a tripod is used, we recommend that you turn the image stabilizer off.
≥ In the following cases, the image stabilizer function may not work effectively.

jWhen the digital zoom is used
jWhen the unit is shaken greatly
jWhen you record a moving subject while tracking it
jWhen the conversion lens is used

PHOTO

41

VQT1N58

Recording
(Basic)

Face detection & AE mode

6

VIDEO

PHOTO

When a subject is backlit and appears darker, this function detects the face and automatically adjusts
the brightness and picture quality so that the face is recorded clearly.

¬Operate the mode switch to select .

Face detection & AE button

Press this button to switch on/off the face
detection & AE mode.

≥ [ ] appears on the screen.

In the face detection & AE mode, detected faces
appear with frames. Up to 5 frames are
indicated. Larger faces and faces nearer to the
centre of the screen take preference over others.
Faces that do not appear completely on the
screen are not detected.

≥ The face detection frame disappears when the

button is pressed halfway.

≥ In the following case, faces may not be

detected in some recording conditions.

jFaces are not full-faces
jFaces tilt
jFaces are extremely bright or dark
jShadows on faces are a few
jFaces are not completely exposed (for

instance wearing sunglasses)

jThe size of a face is small on the screen.
jThe subject moves quickly.
jWhen the hand shakes
jWhen the digital zoom is used
jWhen the unit is tilted

≥ In the following cases, the function may not

operate properly even if faces are detected. If
this occurs, turn off this function.
jNonhuman subjects are recognised as

faces.

jWhen the brightness or quality cannot be

adjusted clearly since scenes are extremely
dark, or the areas around the faces or the
background is extremely bright.

≥ There is no function to focus preferentially on a

face that is detected.

≥ Since the brightness of the entire image is

adjusted to record faces more vividly,
brightness may change suddenly or images
may flicker under some recording conditions.

≥ When the face detection frame disappears due

to zooming, the brightness may change
suddenly or the images may flicker.

42

VQT1N58

Recording
(Advanced)

1

Select the operation icons to add different effects to the images to be recorded.

¬Operate the mode switch to select .

1 Press the cursor button, and

icons will be displayed on the
screen.

Recording functions of
operation icons

2 (e.g. Intelligent contrast control)

Select an icon with the cursor
button.

≥ The indication changes each time the cursor

button is moved down.

≥ The operation icon appears or disappears

each time the cursor button is pressed.

≥ Select the icon again to cancel the function.

(Refer to page 44 to cancel help mode, and
page 45 to cancel self-timer.)

Operation icons

Fade, Intelligent contrast control, Help mode, Soft skin mode, Colour night view,

Backlight compensation, Low light, Self-timer, Tele macro

Fade Intelligent contrast

control

Soft skin mode Colour night view Backlight

Help mode

compensation

43

VQT1N58

Low light

≥ The shaded operation icons are not displayed while recording.
≥ If you turn off the power or set the mode switch to , help mode, colour night view, backlight

compensation, self timer and tele macro functions are cancelled.

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

Function Effect

Fade

VIDEO

(Fade in)

(Fade out)

When you start recording, the image/audio gradually
appears. (Fade in)
When you pause recording, the image/audio gradually
disappears. (Fade out)

≥ For fade out, the recording stops and the fade setting is

∫ To select the colour for fade in/out

Select the menu. (l 21)
[VIDEO] # [FADE COLOUR] # [WHITE] or [BLACK]

Ø Self-timer Tele macro

cancelled after the image and audio disappeared completely.

Intelligent contrast

control

Help mode

44

VQT1N58

VIDEO

VIDEO

PHOTO

PHOTO

This brightens parts that are in shadow and difficult to see
and suppresses white saturation in bright parts at the same
time. Both bright and dark parts can be recorded clearly.

Select the icon of the function that you want to know with
the cursor button and then an explanation of the selected
icon scrolls at the bottom of the screen. (Only for icons that
can be selected when the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch is
set to AUTO in recording mode.)

≥ To exit the help mode, press

the MENU button or select
[END].

Function Effect

Soft skin mode

Colour night view

Backlight

compensation

Low light

Ø Self-timer

VIDEO

VIDEO

VIDEO

VIDEO

PHOTO

PHOTO

PHOTO

PHOTO

PHOTO

This makes skin colours appear softer for a more attractive
appearance.
This is more effective if you record a person closely from
the torso up.

This function allows you to record colour images in very
low light situations. (Minimum required illumination:
approx. 1 lx)

This makes the image brighter to prevent darkening of a
backlit subject.

This makes the scene brighter in dark conditions such as
evening twilight.

This is for recording still pictures using the timer.

Each time the [Ø] icon is selected, the indication changes by
one setting in the following order:
[Ø10] # [Ø2] # setting cancelled

Ø10: Records after 10 seconds
Ø2: Records after 2 seconds

≥ When the button is pressed, a still picture is recorded

after the [Ø10] or [Ø2] display and the recording lamp flashes
for the time which has been set.

≥ After recording, the self-timer is cancelled.
≥ In auto focus mode, if the button is pressed halfway once

and then fully, the lens focuses on the subject when the
button is pressed halfway.

≥ If the button is pressed fully all at once, the lens focuses

on the subject just before recording.

≥ Depending on the time taken to bring the subject into focus,

the recording may take longer than set to start.

Tele macro

VIDEO

PHOTO

To stop the timer midway through

Press the MENU button.

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

50 cm.

≥ If the magnification is 10k or less, then it is automatically set

to 10k.

VQT1N58

45

Fade:

≥ The thumbnails of scenes recorded using fade

in become black (or white).

Intelligent contrast control:

≥ If there are extremely dark or bright parts or the

brightness is insufficient, the effect may not be
clear.

Help mode:

≥ When the help mode is used, functions cannot

be set.

≥ When the help mode is used, motion pictures

and still pictures cannot be recorded.

Soft skin mode:

≥ 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.

Colour night view:

≥ Recorded scene is seen as if frames were

missed.

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

washed out for a while.

≥ Colour night view function makes dark scenes

that are usually invisible can be recorded in
bright colours. For this reason, bright dots that
are usually invisible may be seen, but this is
not a malfunction.

≥ Attach this unit to a tripod, and you can record

images free from vibration.

≥ In darker areas, auto focus may focus a bit

slower. This is normal. If there is difficulty
focusing with auto focus, manually adjust the
focus.

Low light:

≥ The shutter speed is 1/25 or more.
≥ Extremely dark scenes may not be able to be

recorded finely.

Ø Self-timer:

≥ 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.

≥ Setting the self-timer to [Ø2] is a good way to

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

Tel e macr o:

≥ The tele macro function is cancelled when the

zoom magnification becomes lower than 10k.

≥ If a sharper focus cannot be achieved, adjust

the focus manually. (l 56)

46

VQT1N58

Recording
(Advanced)

2

Recording functions of
menus

Menus

Guide line, 25p digital cinema, Wind noise reduction, Microphone setup,

Microphone level, HD hi-speed burst shooting, Built-in flash, Red eye reduction,

Shutter sound, Zebra, Colour bar, Auto slow shutter, Digital cinema colour

¬Operate the mode switch to select .

≥ Set to [OFF] when the menus are not used. (Set [MIC SETUP] to [SURROUND] and [MIC LEVEL] to

[AUTO].)

Function Effect/Setting method

Guide line

VIDEO

PHOTO

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.

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

Select the menu. (l 21)

[BASIC] # [GUIDE LINES] # desired setting

25p digital cinema

VIDEO

(When (motion picture playback) tab is selected while the
mode switch is set to . (l 60))

[VIDEO SETUP] # [GUIDE LINES] # desired setting

≥ The guide lines do not appear on the images actually recorded.

Images recorded at a rate of 25 frames per second are the
same frame rate as movie films.

≥ Set the recording mode to HA or HG. (l 34)

Select the menu. (l 21)

[VIDEO] # [25pDIGITAL CINEMA] # [ON]

≥ The shutter speed is 1/25 or more. (When [AUTO SLOW SHTR] is

[OFF], it is 1/50 or more.)

≥ In 25p digital cinema mode, the images are recorded at a rate of

25 frames per second so that the images may not be seen as
smooth as the images recorded at a rate of 50 frames per second
when [25pDIGITAL CINEMA] is [OFF].

VQT1N58

47

Function Effect/Setting method

Wind noise reduction

VIDEO

Microphone setup

VIDEO

[SURROUND]:

Sound is recorded with

5.1 ch surround microphone.

[ZOOM MIC]:

Directivity of the microphone
is interlocked with the zoom
operation. Sounds near the
front of the unit are recorded
more clearly if you zoom in
(close-up) and surrounding
sounds are recorded more
realistically if you zoom out
(wide angle).

[FOCUS MIC]:

Directivity of the centre is
enhanced for recording audio
near the front of the unit
more clearly.

This is for reducing the wind noise coming into the built-in
microphones depending on the wind strength.

Select the menu. (l 21)

[VIDEO] # [WIND CUT] # [ON]

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

Directivity (sound sensitivity direction) of the built-in
microphones can be adjusted.

Select the menu. (l 21)

[VIDEO] # [MIC SETUP] # desired setting

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

48

VQT1N58

Function Effect/Setting method

Microphone level

VIDEO

AGC: Auto Gain Control
[AUTO]:

AGC is activated, and the
recording level is adjusted
automatically.

[SETrAGC]:

The desired recording level
can be set. AGC will also be
activated to reduce the
amount of sound distortion.

[SET]:

AGC is not activated and so
natural recording can be
performed.

When recording, the input level from the built-in microphones
can be adjusted.

1 Select the menu. (l 21)

[VIDEO] # [MIC LEVEL] # [SETrAGC] or [SET]

≥ Set [MIC LEVEL] to [AUTO] to set the microphone input level

automatically.

2 Move the cursor button 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.)

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

input level are not red. (Otherwise, the sound is distorted.) Select
a lower setting for gain value or set [MIC LEVEL] to [AUTO].

3 Press the cursor button to set and then press

the MENU button to finish the setting.

MENU

G Microphone input level meter

≥ Microphone input level meter is displayed on the screen.

49

VQT1N58

Function Effect/Setting method

HD hi-speed burst
shooting

PHOTO

72 still pictures are recorded at a rate of 25 per second.

1 Select the menu. (l 21)

[PICTURE] # [HI-SPEED BURST] # [ON]

2 Press the button.

≥ Up to 72 still pictures can be taken in burst mode. ([ ] flashes in

red during recording.)

3 Select the setting to save with the cursor

button and press the cursor button.

[REC ALL]: All pictures are stored.
[SELECT]: Pictures in the selected range are stored.
[DEL ALL]: No picture is stored.

≥ Select the thumbnail on the right bottom of the screen with the

cursor button and move the cursor button right to display the next
page.

4 (Only when the [SELECT] is selected)

Select the range of pictures that will be stored.

50

VQT1N58

A Start point
B Finish point

≥ Select the start point and the finish point and enter them using the

MENU button. When the confirmation message appears, select
[YES] and press the cursor button. (Two or more pictures must be
selected.)

Function Effect/Setting method

Built-in flash

Red eye reduction

PHOTO

PHOTO

When the button is pressed, the flash is activated and the
picture will be recorded. Use the built-in flash in order to record
still pictures in dark places.

Select the menu. (l 21)

[PICTURE] # [FLASH] # [AUTO] or [ON]

≥ This function’s default setting is [AUTO].
≥ When the button is pressed halfway, the flash indicator will

appear in the bottom left corner of the screen.

[ON]: ß
[AUTO]: ßA
[OFF]:
≥ When [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

button is pressed halfway.)

∫ To adjust the brightness of the flash

Select the menu. (l 21)

[PICTURE] # [FLASH LEVEL] # desired setting

[ßj]: Less brighter
[ßd0]: Normal
[ßi]: Much brighter

Reduces the phenomena where human eyes become red from
flashes.

Select the menu. (l 21)

[PICTURE] # [RED EYE] # [ON]

51

VQT1N58

Function Effect/Setting method

Shutter sound

Zebra

VIDEO

A Zebra pattern

Colour bar

VIDEO

PHOTO

PHOTO

PHOTO

You can add a shutter sound when recording still pictures.

Select the menu. (l 21)

[PICTURE] # [SHTR SOUND] # [ON]

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

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

Select the menu. (l 21)

[ADVANCED] # [ZEBRA] # [ON]

≥ You can record an image with little white saturation if you

manually adjust the shutter speed or brightness (iris/gain) (l 58).

≥ The zebra pattern does not appear on the images actually

recorded.

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

Select the menu. (l 21)

[ADVANCED] # [COLOUR BARS] # [ON]

52

VQT1N58

Function Effect/Setting method

Auto slow shutter

VIDEO

PHOTO

Digital cinema colour

VIDEO

You can record bright pictures even in dark places by slowing
the shutter speed.

Select the menu. (l 21)

[ADVANCED] # [AUTO SLOW SHTR] # [ON]

≥ This function’s default setting is [ON].
≥ The shutter speed is adjusted between 1/25 and 1/250 depending

on the surrounding brightness. (When adjusting the shutter speed
manually, it can be adjusted between 1/25 and 1/8000.)

≥ If [AUTO SLOW SHTR] is set to [OFF], then the shutter speed will

be set between 1/50 and 1/250. (When adjusting the shutter
speed manually, it can be adjusted between 1/50 and 1/8000.)

Recording motion pictures with more vivid colours.

Select the menu. (l 21)

[ADVANCED] # [Digital Cinema Colour] # [ON]

≥ For more realistic colours, use an HDMI mini cable with a TV that

supports the x.v.Colour

™

.

25p digital cinema:

≥ [Digital Cinema Colour] is turned [ON] and is

not changeable.

≥ Motion pictures recorded while this is turned to

[ON] may not be played back properly with a
player that does not support 25p.

Wind noise reduction:

≥ The sound quality may be changed if this

function is activated in strong winds. However,
the sound quality is automatically restored to
the original quality when then the wind
weakens.

Microphone setup:

≥ If [MIC SETUP] is set to [FOCUS MIC] or

[ZOOM MIC] when zooming in (close-up),
sounds from the surrounding area are
suppressed and sound near the front of the
unit is recorded. If you wish to record higher
quality sound and maintain realism even when
zooming in, for instance recording a music
recital, we recommend setting [MIC SETUP] to
[SURROUND].

Microphone level:

≥ When [MIC SETUP] is [ZOOM MIC], the

volume will be different depending on the zoom
rate. Set [MIC SETUP] to [SURROUND] or set
the microphone input level after adjusting the
zoom rate. (l 49)

≥ The microphone input level meter shows the

largest volume for the microphones.

HD hi-speed burst shooting:

≥ If this is turned to [ON], motion pictures cannot

be recorded. The following functions are also
disabled.
jChanging the settings in [VIDEO] on the

Menu.

jPRE-REC
jPressing the button halfway
jDigital zoom
jFade
jColour night view
jLow light
jBuilt-in Flash
jAuto slow shutter
jDigital cinema colour
jScene mode
jAdjusting shutter speed and iris/gain

≥ The maximum number of times you can record

on an SD card is 30.

≥ If a sharper focus cannot be achieved, adjust

the focus manually. (l 56)

53

VQT1N58

≥ Noise increases in dark locations. Colour

balance and brightness on the screen may
change with some light sources such as
fluorescent lamps.

≥ Still picture quality can be changed. (l 39)
≥ Image quality is different from ordinary still

picture recording. To record more vivid still
pictures, turn off this function before recording.
(l 37)

≥ If you turn off the power or set the mode switch

to , this function is cancelled.

Built-in flash:

≥ Do not block the flash with your hand or by

other means.

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

prohibited.

≥ Do not use the flash with the ND filter (optional)

attached.

≥ The unit automatically determines if the flash is

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

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

displayed when the 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 a shutter speed to 1/500

or slower.

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

front of a white background.

≥ A conversion lens (optional) can block the flash

and may cause a vignetting effect.

≥ If the flash is activated a large number of times,

it may take longer to charge it.

Red eye reduction:

≥ The flash is activated 2 times. Do not move

until the second flash is finished.

≥ Red eye phenomenon may appear depending

on the recording conditions.

Colour bar:

≥ This function is cancelled when the power is

turned off.

≥ The icon will not be displayed.
≥ When the colour bar is on, the menu settings of

[GUIDE LINES], [25pDIGITAL CINEMA],
[MIC LEVEL], [HI-SPEED BURST], [FLASH],
[RED EYE], [ZEBRA], [MF ASSIST] and
[Digital Cinema Colour] cannot be selected.

Auto slow shutter:

≥ If the scene is low in brightness or contrast, the

subject may not be focused in on.

≥ When the shutter speed becomes 1/25, the

screen may be seen as if frames are missed
and afterimages may appear.

Digital cinema colour:

≥ To play back images recorded in the digital

cinema colour with vivid colours of wider colour
ranges, a device compatible with x.v.Colour

™

is required. When these images are played
back with devices other than ones compatible

™

with x.v.Colour

, it is recommended to record

the images after this function is turned [OFF].

≥ When motion pictures recorded while this

function is turned [ON] are played back with a
TV not compatible with x.v.Colour

™

, colours

may not be reproduced properly.

≥ x.v.Colour

™

is a name for devices that are
compatible with the xvYCC format, an
international standard for expanded colour in
motion pictures, and that follow the rules for
signal transmission.

54

VQT1N58

Recording
(Advanced)

Manual recording functions

3

VIDEO

PHOTO

¬Operate the mode switch to select .

Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to MANUAL.

The icon shown in the illustration appears.

White balance (l 57)

Aperture adjustment (l 58)

Manual shutter speed (l 58)

Scene mode

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

Select the menu. (l 21)

[BASIC] # [SCENE MODE] # desired
setting

Icon Mode/Recording conditions

Sports

5

Used to record fast action.

Portrait

To make people stand out against the
background

Spotlight

Improved quality when subject is
brightly illuminated.

Surf & snow

Improved image quality when shooting
on beaches or snowy locations.

≥ Set [SCENE MODE] to [OFF] or the AUTO/

MANUAL/FOCUS switch to AUTO to cancel
the function.

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 bright

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.

55

VQT1N58

Portrait mode

≥ If this mode is used indoors, the screen may

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

Spotlight mode

≥ If the recording subject is extremely bright, the

subject may become washed out and the
periphery extremely darkened.

Surf & snow mode

≥ If the subject is extremely bright, the recorded

image may become washed out.

Manual focus adjustment

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

≥ Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to MANUAL. (l 55)

1 (When MF assist function is used)

Select the menu. (l 21)

[ADVANCED] # [MF ASSIST] # [ON]

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

2 Move the switch down and set it

to FOCUS position.

AUTO

MANUAL

FOCUS

≥ MF assist does not work if the zoom

magnification is more than 10k.

≥ 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].

The manual focus indication [MF] and the icon
shown in the illustration appear.

3 Move the cursor button 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.
≥ The centre of the screen is not enlarged when

[MF ASSIST] is [OFF].

≥ Move the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch

down again to the FOCUS or AUTO position to
restore to the automatic adjustment.

56

VQT1N58

White balance

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.

≥ Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to MANUAL. (l 55)

1 Move the cursor button to select

[].

2 Select the white balance mode.

Icon Mode/Recording conditions

Auto white balance adjustment

AWB

Indoor mode (for recording under
incandescent lamps)

Incandescent lights, halogen lamps

Outdoor mode

Outdoors under a clear sky

Manual adjustment mode

≥ Mercury-vapor lamps, sodium

lamps, some fluorescent lights

≥ Lights used for wedding receptions

at hotels, stage spotlights in
theaters

≥ Sunrise, sunset, etc.

≥ Set the white balance mode to [ ] or the

AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to AUTO to
restore to the automatic adjustment.

AWB

∫ To set the white balance

manually

1 Select [ ], fill the screen with a white

subject.

2 Select [ ].

≥ When the screen turns black instantly and the

[ ] display stops flashing and then lights
constantly, the setting is complete.

≥ If the [ ] display continues flashing, the

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

≥ 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.

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Manual shutter speed/aperture adjustment

Shutter Speed:

Adjust it when recording fast-moving subjects.

Aperture:

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

≥ Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to MANUAL. (l 55)

1 Move the cursor button to select

[ ] (aperture) or [ ] (shutter
speed).

2 Make the adjustment.

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

noise on the screen may increase.

≥ 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].

A Shutter speed:
1/25 to 1/8000

≥ If [AUTO SLOW SHTR] is set to [OFF], the

shutter speed will be set between 1/50 and
1/8000.

≥ If [25pDIGITAL CINEMA] is set to [ON], the

shutter speed will be set between 1/25 and
1/8000. (When [AUTO SLOW SHTR] is set to
[OFF], the range is 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.
≥ When the iris value is adjusted to brighter than

[OPEN], it changes to the gain value.

≥ Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to

AUTO to restore to automatic adjustment.

≥ When setting both the shutter speed and the

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

58

VQT1N58

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.

Preparation

Recording

Playback

Backup

With a PC

60 Playback

68 Editing

74 With a TV

Others

59

VQT1N58

Playback

Motion picture playback

1

VIDEO

A Lock release button

≥ Operate the mode switch while at the same time pressing in the lock release button if changing from

OFF to another mode.

1 Operate the mode switch to

select .

2 Select [ ] (motion picture

playback) with the cursor button.

3 Select the scene to be played

back and press the cursor
button.

B Motion picture playback

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VQT1N58

C Thumbnail display
D Previous page
E Next page
F Play mode select button
G Scene number

The selected scene is played back on the full
screen, and the operation icon is automatically
displayed on the screen.
≥ 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
selecting / and then pressing
the cursor button.

≥ The scene number display switches to the

page number, except when thumbnails are
selected.

≥ Press the cursor button while selecting the play

VOL

mode select button to switch to the thumbnails
of the following scenes.

(All scenes):

Playback of all scenes

(By date):

Playback of scenes recorded on a selected date
(l 63)

(Intelligent scene selection):

Playback of the detected scenes that have been
recorded vividly (l 63)

∫ Fast forward/rewind playback

Move the cursor button right during playback to
fast forward.
(Move the cursor button left to rewind.)

4 Select the playback operation

with the cursor button.

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

thumbnails.

≥ The operation icon appears or disappears

each time the cursor button is pressed.

∫ Speaker volume adjustment

Move the volume lever to adjust the speaker
volume during playback.

151515

Tow ards “r”:

Increases the volume

Tow ards “s”:

Decreases the volume

≥ The fast forward/rewind speed increases if you

move the cursor button again. (The display on
the screen changes from 5 to .)

≥ Normal playback is restored when you move

the cursor button up.

Operating with the remote control

Press the 6

or 5 button during playback.

PLAY

SEARCH

STILL ADV STILL ADV

SEARCH

PAU S E

∫ Skip playback

(to the start of a scene)

(Operation is possible with the remote

control only.)

Press the : or 9 button during playback.

PLAY

SEARCH

STILL ADV STILL ADV

SEARCH

PAU S E

STOPSKIP SKIP

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∫ Slow-motion playback

1 Pause the playback.
2 Move and hold the cursor button right.

(Move and hold the cursor button left to
play back slow-motion pictures in
reverse.)

≥ 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

rd

approximately 2/3

the speed of normal

playback (intervals of 0.5 seconds).

Operating with the remote control

Press the E or D button during playback.

PLAY

SEARCH

STILL ADV STILL ADV

SEARCH

PAU S E

STOPSKIP SKIP

∫ Frame-by-frame playback

The motion picture is advanced one frame at a
time.

1 Pause the playback.
2 Move the cursor button right. (Move the

cursor button left to advance the frames
one at a time in the reverse direction.)

≥ 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.

Operating with the remote control

1 Press the ; button.

PLAY

SEARCH

STILL ADV STILL ADV

SEARCH

PAU S E

STOPSKIP SKIP

2 Press the E or D button.

PLAY

SEARCH

STILL ADV STILL ADV

SEARCH

PAU S E

STOPSKIP SKIP

Motion picture compatibility

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

this unit is 1920k1080/50i, 1920k1080/25p
or 1440k1080/50i.

≥ This unit may degrade or not play back

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

≥ Sound will be heard only during normal

playback.

≥ If pause play is continued for 5 minutes, the

screen returns to the thumbnails.

≥ Any scenes where the thumbnails are

displayed as cannot be played back. An
error message appears and the screen shows
the thumbnails.

≥ During motion picture playback, the power will

not turn off even if the LCD monitor is closed.

≥ The remaining time for playback indication will

be reset to “0h00m00s” each scene.

≥ A continuous recording of motion picture data

on the SD card that exceeds 4 GB may
momentarily stop at every 4 GB of data when
played back with another device.

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Playing back motion
pictures by date

Scenes recorded on the same day can be played
back in succession.

1 Select (By date), then press

the cursor button.

2 Select the playback date, then

press the cursor button.

The scenes recorded on the date selected are
displayed as thumbnails.
≥ Move the cursor button up or down to select

the playback date. Move the cursor button left
to select the last date of the previous month,
and move it to the right to select the last date of
the following month.

3 Select the scene to be played

back, then press the cursor
button.

≥ Even if scenes are recorded on the same day,

they are grouped separately in the following
cases.

jWhen the number of scenes exceeds 99
jWhen the SD card is repaired
jWhen the setting of [25pDIGITAL CINEMA]

is changed

jWhen the recording mode is changed from

HA/HG/HX to HE

* –1, –2... is added after the recording date

displayed on the screen.

*

*

or HE to HA/HG/HX

*

Intelligent scene selection

(Extracting parts recorded clearly to

play back)

Motion pictures are played back after excepting
some parts that may not have been recorded
clearly such as image shaking or out-of-focus
scenes.

1 Select (Intelligent scene

selection), then press the cursor
button.

2 Select the scene to be played

back, then press the cursor
button.

≥ Select (All scenes) and press the cursor

button to return to the playback of all scenes.

≥ Playing back of all the scenes returns if the

power is turned off or the mode switch is
operated.

≥ Select (All scenes) and press the cursor

button to return to the playback of all scenes.

≥ Select (By date) and press the cursor

button to activate the intelligent scene
selection on the selected date. (l 63)

≥ To return to the intelligent scene selection for

all scenes, select (All scenes) with the
cursor button and then press the cursor button.

VQT1N58

63

≥ The following motion pictures are skipped

jWhen motion pictures are recorded while

moving the unit quickly

jWhen the unit shakes
jWhen the image contrast is too strong such

as backlight

jWhen scenes are too dark
jWhen motion pictures are recorded while the

unit is upside down or downward

jWhen the subject is out of focus

≥ Up to 9 sections can be skipped for a single

scene.

≥ When motion pictures are skipped, the image

stops momentarily.

≥ The position of sections to be skipped may

vary depending on the type of recording, with
some having no skipped parts.

≥ Playing back all the scenes returns if the power

is turned off or the mode switch is operated.

≥ For data that are copied to a PC or written to

media by selecting motion pictures, or edited
with the easy editing function of HD Writer

2.5E, the Intelligent scene selection is
disabled.

Repeat playback

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

Resuming the previous
playback

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

Select the menu. (l 21)

[VIDEO SETUP] # [RESUME PLAY] # [ON]

If playback of a motion picture is stopped, [ ]
appears on the thumbnail view of the stopped
scene.
≥ Set [RESUME PLAY] to [OFF] to cancel the

resume playback function.

≥ The memorised resume position is cleared if

you turn off the power or operate the mode
switch.

Select the menu. (l 21)

[VIDEO SETUP] # [REPEAT PLAY] # [ON]

The [ ] indication appears on the thumbnail
and full screen views.
≥ All the scenes on the SD card are played back

repeatedly. (When the play mode is set to

, all the scenes on the selected date are

played back repeatedly.)

≥ Set [REPEAT PLAY] to [OFF] to cancel the

repeat playback function.

64

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Playback

H

Still picture playback

2

PHOTO

A Lock release button

≥ Operate the mode switch while at the same time pressing in the lock release button if changing from

OFF to another mode.

1 Operate the mode switch to

select .

2 Select [ ] (still picture

playback) with the cursor button.

3 Select the still picture to be

played back and press the cursor
button.

C
D

B Still picture playback

E

G

C Play mode select button
D Thumbnail display
E Previous page
F Next page
G Still picture number
H Folder/file name

F

65

VQT1N58

The selected still picture is played back on the
full screen, and the operation icon is
automatically displayed on the screen.
≥ If 9 or more still pictures have been recorded,

the next (or previous) page can be displayed
by moving the cursor button left and right or
selecting / and then pressing
the cursor button.

≥ The picture number display switches to the

page number, except when thumbnails are
selected.

≥ Select the play mode select button and press

the cursor button to switch the following picture
displays to thumbnail view.

(All scenes):

Playback of all still pictures

(By date):

Playback of still pictures recorded on a selected
date (l 67)

4 Select the playback operation

with the cursor button.

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

in numerical order) start/pause.

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

thumbnails.

≥ The operation icon appears or disappears

each time the centre of the cursor button is
pressed.

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 of still pictures supported by

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

≥ If a non-standard still picture is played back,

the folder/file name may not be displayed.

≥ This unit may degrade or not play back still

pictures recorded or created on other
products and other products may degrade
or not play back still pictures recorded on
this unit.

66

VQT1N58

≥ Any still pictures where the thumbnails are

displayed as cannot be played back. An
error message appears and the screen shows
the thumbnails.

≥ During still picture playback, the power will not

turn off even if the LCD monitor is closed.

Playing back still pictures
by date

Still pictures recorded on the same day can be
played back in succession.

1 Select (By date), then press

the cursor button.

2 Select the playback date, then

press the cursor button.

The still pictures recorded on the date selected
are displayed as thumbnails.
≥ Move the cursor button up or down to select

the playback date. Move the cursor button left
to select the last date of the previous month,
and move it to the right to select the last date of
the following month.

≥ Even if still pictures are recorded on the same

day, they are grouped separately in the
following cases.
jWhen the number of still pictures exceeds

999

jWhen pictures are recorded in HD hi-speed

burst shooting mode ([ ] is indicated
before the date in the list by date).

3 Select the still picture to be

played back.

≥ Select (All scenes) and press the cursor

button to return to the playback of all still
pictures.

≥ Playing back of all the still pictures returns if

the power is turned off or the mode switch is
operated.

67

VQT1N58

Editing

Deleting scenes/still pictures

1

Important:
The deleted scenes/still pictures cannot be restored.

¬Operate the mode switch to select .

To delete by confirming images
being played back

Press the button while scenes or still
pictures to be deleted are being played back.
≥ When the confirmation message appears,

select [YES], then press the cursor button.

∫ Deleting multiple scenes/still pictures from the thumbnail display

1 Press the button while the

thumbnail view screen is
displayed.

2 Move the cursor button to select

[SELECT] or [ALL SCENES] and
press the cursor button.

jWhen the play mode is set to :

All scenes or still pictures

jWhen the play mode is set to :

All the scenes or still pictures on the selected
date

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

Select the scene/still picture to
be deleted, then press the cursor
button.

VIDEO

PHOTO

≥ When [ALL SCENES] is selected, the following

scenes/still pictures except the protected
scenes/still pictures on the SD card will be
deleted. When the confirmation message
appears, select [YES], then press the cursor
button.

68

VQT1N58

≥ To unselect the scene/still picture, press the

cursor button again.

≥ Up to 99 scenes can be selected to be deleted.

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

Press the button.

≥ 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 3-4.

To complete editing

Press the MENU button.

≥ You can also delete scenes by pressing the

MENU button, selecting [EDIT SCENE] #
[DELETE] # [ALL SCENES] or [SELECT].

≥ You can also delete still pictures by pressing

the MENU button, selecting [PHOTO SETUP]
# [DELETE] # [ALL SCENES] or [SELECT].

≥ When play mode is set to [INTEL. SCENE],

scenes cannot be deleted.

≥ To delete an unwanted part of a scene, divide

the scene first, and then delete the
unnecessary part. (l 70)

≥ Scenes/still pictures which cannot be played

back (the thumbnails are displayed as )
cannot be deleted.

≥ Do not open the SD card cover while deleting

motion pictures or still pictures on the SD card.
The deletion will stop.

≥ In case of [ALL SCENES], the deletion may

take time if there are many scenes or still
pictures on the SD card.

≥ Do not turn off this unit while deleting.
≥ When you delete scenes/still pictures, use a

battery with sufficient battery power or use the
AC adaptor.

≥ If you delete scenes recorded on other

products or still pictures conforming to DCF
standard with this unit, all the data related to
the scenes/still pictures may be deleted.

≥ When still pictures recorded on an SD card by

other products are deleted, a still picture (other
than JPEG) that cannot be played back on this
unit may be erased.

69

VQT1N58

Editing

Dividing a scene to delete

2

VIDEO

To delete an unnecessary portion of a scene, first divide the scene and then delete the unnecessary
portion.

¬Select [ ] (motion picture playback) while the mode switch is set to . (l 60)

1 Select the menu. (l 21)

[EDIT SCENE] # [DIVIDE] # [SET]

To continue dividing other scenes

Repeat steps 2-3 before completing dividing in
step 4.

2 Select the scene to be divided,

then press the cursor button.

3 Select [ ] to set the dividing

point.

≥ Using slow-motion playback or frame-by-frame

playback makes it easy to search for the point
where you want to divide the scene. (l 62)

≥ When the confirmation message appears,

select [YES], then press the cursor button.

4 Press the MENU button to

complete dividing.

To delete all the divided points

[DIVIDE] # [CANCEL ALL]

≥ When the confirmation message appears,

select [YES], then press the cursor button.

≥ All divided points set on this unit will be

cancelled.

≥ The scenes that were deleted after division

cannot be recovered.

≥ When play mode is set to [INTEL. SCENE],

scenes cannot be divided.

≥ Scenes cannot be divided if the number of all

scenes has reached 3998 or the number of
scenes played back on a selected date has
reached 99.

≥ It may not be possible to divide scenes with a

short recording time.

≥ If images that have been divided are played

back on another device, the points where the
scenes join may not be clear.

≥ Data that has been recorded or edited on

another device cannot be divided and the
divided points cannot be deleted.

≥ When [CANCEL ALL] is selected, the divided

points of all scenes are deleted and the unit
turns back to the setting that plays back all
scenes even if you selected to play back the
scenes by date.

5 Delete the unnecessary scene.

(l 68)

70

VQT1N58

Editing

3

Scenes/still pictures can be protected so that they are not deleted by mistake.

(Even if you protect some scenes/still pictures on an SD card, formatting the SD card will delete
them.)

¬Operate the mode switch to select .

Protecting scenes/still
pictures

VIDEO

PHOTO

1 Select the menu. (l 21)

[VIDEO SETUP] or [PHOTO SETUP] #
[SCENE PROTECT] # [YES]

2 Select the scene/still picture to

be protected and then press the
cursor button.

The [ ] indication appears and the scene/still
picture is protected.
≥ Press the cursor button again to cancel the

setting.

≥ 2 or more scenes/still pictures can be set in

succession.

≥ Press the MENU button to complete the

settings.

≥ When play mode is set to [INTEL. SCENE]

while playing back motion pictures, scenes
cannot be protected.

71

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Editing

DPOF setting

4

PHOTO

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

¬Select [ ] (still picture playback) while the mode switch is set to . (l 65)

∫ What is DPOF?

DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) is a format
which allows the user of a digital camera to
define which captured images on the SD card
are to be printed, together with information on the
number of copies they wish to print. (Please
note: Not all commercial printing services
support this feature at this time.)

1 Select the menu. (l 21)

[PHOTO SETUP] # [DPOF SET] # [SET]

2 Select the still picture to be set,

then press the cursor button.

To cancel all DPOF settings

Select the menu. (l 21)

[DPOF SET] # [CANCEL ALL]

≥ When the confirmation message appears,

select [YES], then press the cursor button.

≥ Please perform the DPOF settings on this unit.
≥ You cannot add the recording date to pictures

to be printed with the DPOF settings.

3 Select the number of prints, then

press the cursor button.

≥ To cancel the setting, set the number of prints

to [0].

≥ You can also select multiple still pictures in

succession.

≥ Press the MENU button to complete the

settings.

72

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Editing

Formatting

5

VIDEO

PHOTO

Please be aware that if an SD card is formatted, then all the data recorded on the SD card will be
erased. Back up important data on a PC, DVD disc etc.

1 Select the menu. (l 21)

[SETUP] # [FORMAT CARD] # [YES]

≥ Do not turn this unit off or remove the SD card, while formatting. Do not expose the unit to vibrations

or shock.

Use this unit to format SD cards.
Do not format an SD card using any other equipment such as a PC. The card may not be used
on this unit.

≥ 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.

73

VQT1N58

With a TV

1

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

Confirm the terminals on your TV
and use a cable compatible with the
terminals. Image quality may vary
with the connected terminals.

1 High quality
2 HDMI terminal
3 Component terminal
4 Video terminal

≥ Use the AC adaptor to free you from worrying about the battery running down.
≥ Use the supplied component cable to connect the unit via the component terminal on your TV, while

using the supplied AV cable to connect it to the video terminal. Use of the following Panasonic HDMI
mini cables is recommended to connect the unit to the HDMI terminal.

Watching Video/Pictures on
your TV

VIDEO

PHOTO

1 Connect this unit to a TV.

A HDMI mini cable (optional)
B Component cable

(supplied)

C AV cable (supplied)

Picture quality

1 High definition images

when connecting to HDMI
terminal

2 High definition images

when connecting to
component terminal
compatible with 1080i
Standard images when
connecting to component
terminal compatible with
576i

A/V

3 Standard images when

connecting to video
terminal

74

VQT1N58

A/V

≥ Check that the plugs are inserted as far as they go.
≥ We recommend using Panasonic HDMI mini cables (optional).

Part numbers: RP-CDHM15 (1.5 m), RP-CDHM30 (3.0 m)

≥ Do not use any other component cables except the supplied one.
≥ The component terminal is for outputting images only so be sure to also connect the AV cable.

(It is not necessary to connect the yellow plug.)

≥ Do not use any other AV cables except the supplied one.

2 Select the video input on the TV, that this unit is connected to.

≥ Example:

Select the [HDMI] channel with a HDMI mini cable.
Select the [Component] channel with a component cable.
Select the [Video 2] channel with an AV cable.
(The name of the channel may differ depending on the connected TV.)

3 Set the mode switch to to play back.

≥ The image and audio are output on the TV.

Cables Reference items

A HDMI mini cable (optional) ≥ Connecting with a HDMI mini cable (l 77)

B Component cable (supplied) ≥ Connecting with the component cable (l 78)

If the image or audio from this unit does not appear on the TV

≥ Check the connections.
≥ Check that the plugs are inserted as far as they go.
≥ 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] when connecting with a HDMI mini cable. (l 77)

≥ Listening in 5.1 channel sound (l 78)
≥ Playback using VIERA Link (HDAVI Control™) (l 79)

75

VQT1N58

∫ 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.)

Select the menu. (l 21)

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

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

[TV ASPECT] setting

[16:9] [4:3]

≥ If a wide-screen TV is connected, adjust the

aspect setting on the TV. (Refer to the
operating instructions of the TV for details.)

∫ To display the on-screen

information on the TV

When the EXT DISPLAY button on the remote
control is pressed, the information displayed on
the screen (operation icon and time code etc.)
can be displayed on the TV.

START/

PHOTO

EXT

DISPLAY

DATE/

TIME

≥ Press the button again to erase the

information.

≥ The screen on this unit will not change.

≥ When connecting with a HDMI mini cable, be

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

≥ When connecting with a component cable, be

sure to also connect the AV cable.
(Insert it in the audio input terminal for the
component terminal input.)

≥ When a HDMI mini cable and the AV cable are

connected at the same time, priority is given to
the output from the HDMI mini cable.

≥ When the component cable and the AV cable

are connected at the same time, priority is
given to the component cable for image output.

SHOT

STOP

ZOOM

VOL

Refer to the following support site for information about the Panasonic TVs that you can
directly insert an SD card into the SD card slot on the TV and then play it back.
http://panasonic.net/

≥ For details on how to play back, please read the operating instructions for the TV.

76

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Connecting with a HDMI mini cable

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 to
a HDMI compatible high definition TV and then play back the recorded high definition images, you
can enjoy them in high resolution with high quality sound.
If you connect this unit to a Panasonic TV compatible with VIERA Link, linked operations
(VIERA Link) are possible. (l 79)

Select the desired method of HDMI output when using an HDMI mini cable (optional).

Select the menu. (l 21)

[SETUP] # [HDMI RESOLUTION] # desired setting

[AUTO]: The output resolution is automatically set based on the information from the connected TV.

Information from the connected TV Output resolution

720p, 1080i 1080i

Others 576p

[1080i]: The interlace method with 1080 available scan lines is used for output.
[576p]: The progressive method with 576 available scan lines is used for output.

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
a second. The 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.

th

of

576p

This is a progressive scan method which scans all 576 available scan lines on the screen at the
same time every 1/50
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 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 mini connector 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.

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

th

of a second. This method reduces the flickering as the scan lines are not

th

of a second.

VQT1N58

77

Listening in 5.1 channel sound

If you connect this unit and an AV amplifier with a HDMI terminal with a HDMI mini 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.

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

VIERA Link, linked operations (VIERA Link) become possible. (l 79)

≥ The unit cannot be connected to the optical digital cable. Connect it to an AV amplifier with the HDMI

terminals.

Connecting with the component cable

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.

Select the menu. (l 21)

[SETUP] # [COMPONENT OUT] # desired setting

[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.)

78

VQT1N58

With a TV

2

What is the VIERA Link?

≥ This function allows you to use your remote control for the Panasonic TV for easy operations when

this unit has been connected to a VIERA Link compatible device using a HDMI mini cable
(optional) for automatic linked operations. (Not all operations are possible.)

≥ VIERA Link is a unique Panasonic function built on a HDMI control function using the standard

HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) specification. Linked operations with HDMI CEC
compatible devices made by other companies are not guaranteed.
When using devices made by other companies that are compatible with VIERA Link, refer to the
operating instructions for the respective devices.

≥ This unit is compatible with VIERA Link Ver.3. VIERA Link Ver.3 is the newest Panasonic version

and is also compatible with existing Panasonic VIERA Link devices. (As of December 2007)

Playback using VIERA Link
(HDAVI Control

™

)

VIDEO

PHOTO

Connect this unit to a Panasonic TV compatible with VIERA Link with a HDMI
mini cable and then operate with the remote control for the TV.

∫ Setting on this unit

¬Set the mode switch to .

Select the menu. (l 21)

[SETUP] # [VIERA Link] # [ON]

≥ The default setting is [ON].

HDMI IN

A HDMI mini cable (optional)
B Panasonic TV compatible with VIERA Link

∫ Playback operation with the

remote control for the TV

1) 2)

DISPLAY ON/OFF

B

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) Activate 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.

jPlaying back motion pictures (l 60)
jPlaying back still pictures (l 65)

C

D

79

VQT1N58

≥ If the TV has two or more HDMI input terminals, it is recommended to connect this unit to HDMI2 or

HDMI3.

≥ VIERA Link must be activated on the connected TV. (Read the operating instructions of the TV for

how to set etc.)

≥ If you are not using VIERA Link, set [VIERA Link] to [OFF].

∫ Other linked operations

Turning the power off:

If you use the remote control for the TV to turn off the power, the power on this unit also turns off. (When
recording motion pictures, formatting, deleting, recovering or connecting the unit to a PC with a USB
cable, the power will not turn off.)

Automatic input switching:

If you connect with a HDMI mini 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 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 115.

≥ 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 using Panasonic HDMI mini cables (optional).
Part numbers: RP-CDHM15 (1.5 m), RP-CDHM30 (3.0 m)

80

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Preparation

Recording

Playback

Backup

With a PC

82 With other products

Others

81

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With other
products

1

Motion pictures or still pictures recorded with this unit can be copied to a DVD disc by connecting a
DVD burner VW-BN1 (optional) to this unit using a Mini AB USB Connection Cable (supplied with
VW-BN1). The copied DVD disc can also be played back.
≥ Please read the operating instructions of the DVD burner for how to use it.

Connecting a DVD burner to
copy to/play back a disc

VIDEO

Preparing for copying/playing back

We recommend using Panasonic DVD burner VW-BN1.

About discs that can be used for copying

New* 12 cm discs (DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-R DL)

≥ You cannot copy to 8 cm discs or iRW/iR/iR DL/CD-RW/CD-R.
≥ We recommend using the discs that have been recommended in the operating instructions of the

DVD burner. Refer to the operating instructions of the DVD burner for details about recommended
discs, disc handling etc.

* You cannot record on a disc that has already been used. However if a DVD-RAM or a DVD-RW is

formatted, then it can be used for copying.

1 Connect the AC adaptor (supplied with VW-BN1) to the DVD burner.

≥ You cannot supply power to the DVD burner from this unit.

PHOTO

2 Connect this unit to the AC adaptor and set the mode switch to .

≥ If a battery is used, operation is not possible when this unit is connected to a DVD burner.

3 Connect this unit to the DVD burner with the Mini AB USB Connection

Cable (supplied with VW-BN1).

A Mini AB USB Connection Cable (supplied with VW-BN1)
B DVD burner (optional)

≥ Insert the plugs as far as they will go.

82

VQT1N58

4 Insert the disc in the DVD burner.

5 (When copying)

Select [BURN DISC] and press the cursor button.

(When playing back)

Select [PLAY DISC] and press the cursor button.

≥ Refer to page 86 about how to play back the copied discs.

Copying to discs

≥ Motion pictures are copied as AVCHD format high definition images.
≥ We recommend preparing the necessary number of discs that can be used for copying (l 82),

and spare discs.

≥ You cannot copy from multiple SD cards to 1 disc.
≥ Motion pictures and still pictures cannot both be copied to a single disc.
≥ Confirm that auto protection is [ON] before copying data. We recommend that auto protection is

turned [ON] while copying data. (l 87)

1 Connect this unit to the DVD

burner to prepare for copying.
(l 82)

2 Select the item and press the

cursor button.

[ALL SCENES]:

This is for copying all scenes simultaneously.
(Since motion pictures and still pictures are
copied to separate discs, two or more discs are
required.) Proceed to step 6.

[SELECT SCENES]:

This is for selecting the scenes to copy.

[SELECT DATE]:

This is for selecting date of the scenes to copy.

3 (Only when [SELECT SCENES]/

[SELECT DATE] is selected in step 2)

Select [VIDEO] or [PICTURE] and
press the cursor button.

83

VQT1N58

4 (Only when [SELECT SCENES] is selected

in step 2)

Select the scene you want to
copy and press the cursor
button.

5 (Only when [SELECT SCENES] is selected

in step 2)

Select [START] and press the
cursor button.

≥ When the cursor button is pressed again, the

selected scene will be cancelled.

≥ Up to 99 scenes can be selected in

succession.

(Only when [SELECT DATE] is selected in

step 2)

Select the date you want to copy
and press the cursor button.

≥ When the cursor button is pressed again, the

selected date will be cancelled.

≥ Up to 99 dates can be selected in succession.
≥ Move the cursor button up or down to select

the playback date. Move the cursor button left
to select the last date of the previous month,
and move it to the right to select the last date of
the following month.

(Only when [SELECT DATE] is selected in

step 2)

Press the MENU button.

MENU

6 When the confirmation message

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

A

A The number of discs necessary for copying

by disc type

≥ When 2 or more discs are necessary for

copying, follow the on-screen instructions to
switch discs.

≥ A message appears indicating copying is

complete. Eject the disc and disconnect the
Mini AB USB Connection Cable from this unit.

≥ After copying is complete, the disc becomes

play-only and further recording is no longer
possible.

Before you delete the data on the SD card after copying is complete, be sure to play back the
discs to check that they have been copied to correctly. (l 86)

84

VQT1N58

Important Notice

≥ When connecting an optional DVD burner and this unit for copying a disc, do not insert a

disc with recorded motion pictures into devices that 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.

≥ When inserting a disc containing recorded motion/still pictures into other devices, a

message prompting you to format the disc may be displayed. Do not format the disc, since
deleted data cannot be restored later.

About the approximate time it takes for copying to a disc

To copy motion pictures to the full capacity of a disc

Disc type Copy time * The data is written to all areas of the disc to

DVD-RAM Approx. 50 min to 80 min

DVD-RW

To copy 600 still pictures (approx. 600 MB)

≥ DVD-R DL have two layers of recording surface so the copy time is approximately 2 to 3 times

that of DVD-R.

≥ Depending on the following conditions, the time it takes for copying may be longer than the

above times. Wait until a message appears indicating that copying is complete.

jThe number of recorded scenes:

jWhen the temperature of the DVD burner has become high:

*

Approx. 35 min to 75 min

*

DVD-R

DVD-RAM/DVD-RW/DVD-R Approx. 30 min to 40 min

It will take time to copy if the number of recorded scenes is large even when the recording time
is the same.

Example: If multiple discs have been copied to continuously or the surrounding temperature is
high.

Approx. 25 min to 45 min

Disc type Copy time

increase playback compatibility with other
devices so, even if the data capacity to be
copied is small, the time it takes for copying may
be about the same as the time shown in the
table.

∫ To copy the same data on a new disc successively after confirming the

contents of the copied disc by playing it back

Press the DISC COPY button on the
playback thumbnail view to display the
selection screen in Step 2, so that you can
copy data again.

≥

The disc that was copied to can be played back by connecting this unit and a DVD burner.

≥ Do not turn off this unit or the DVD burner or disconnect the Mini AB USB Connection Cable while

copying. Also, do not shake the DVD burner.

≥ It is impossible to stop copying halfway.
≥ The order in which the scenes were copied cannot be changed.

(l 86)

VQT1N58

85

≥ Data that has been recorded on another device may not be copied.
≥ Motion pictures that are recorded on a PC with HD Writer 2.5E cannot be copied.
≥ When 2 or more discs are necessary for copying, the last scene copied to a disc is automatically

divided to fit the space on the disc.

≥ The number of discs necessary for copying is automatically calculated. However, copying may be

completed using less discs than the number displayed if there is other data on the SD card or if
scenes were automatically divided.

≥ When the disc that was copied to is played back on another device, the picture may momentarily stop

at the points where the scenes switch.

Playing back the copied disc

≥ Only discs that have been copied by connecting this unit to the DVD burner or where motion

pictures have been recorded in AVCHD format can be played back. It may not be possible to
play back discs recorded on other devices.

1 Connect this unit to the DVD burner to prepare for playback. (l 82)

2 Use the cursor button to select [ ] (disc playback) tab.

A (Destination disc for motion pictures)

Disc playback tab

B (Destination disc for still pictures)

Disc playback tab

3 Select the scene or still picture to be played back and then play it back.

≥ The playback operation is performed the same as when playing back motion pictures or still pictures.

(l 60, 65)

≥ After playback, eject the disc and disconnect the Mini AB USB Connection Cable from this unit.

≥ Press the DISC COPY button in thumbnail view to display the selection screen for copying data to a

disc. The data can be copied to a new disc inserted in the DVD burner. (l 85)

86

VQT1N58

Managing the copied disc
(Formatting, Auto protect, Displaying disc information)

≥ Connect this unit to the DVD burner and then select [PLAY DISC]. (l 82)

∫ Formatting discs

This is for initializing DVD-RAM and DVD-RW
discs.

≥ Select [ ] tab.

Please be aware that if a disc is formatted,
then all the data recorded on the disc will be
erased. Back up important data on a PC etc.

Select the menu. (l 21)

[DISC SETUP] or [SETUP] #
[FORMAT DISC] # [YES]

≥ 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.

≥ Connect this unit and the DVD burner to format

discs. You may no longer be able to use the
discs if you format them on another device
such as a PC etc.

∫ Auto protect

You can protect (write protect) a DVD-RAM or
DVD-RW disc when copying to it so that it is not
formatted by mistake when you insert it in
another device.

≥ Select [ ] (motion picture playback) of

[] tab.

1 Select the menu. (l 21)

To release the disc protection

≥ If you format a disc, the auto protection is

released. Please be aware that if a disc is
formatted, then all the data recorded on the
disc is erased and cannot be recovered.

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

device you will use.

∫ Displaying disc information

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

≥ Select [ ] (motion picture playback) of

[] tab.

Select the menu. (l 21)

[DISC SETUP] # [INFORMATION] # [YES]

≥ Press the MENU button to exit the information

screen.

[DISC SETUP] # [AUTO PROTECT] # [ON]

≥ The default setting is [ON].
≥ We recommend setting [AUTO PROTECT] to

[ON] in order to prevent accidental deletion on
other devices.
If a disc that you copied to is inserted in
another device without protecting it, a message
may be displayed prompting you to format the
disc. If the disc is formatted, important data will
be erased and the process cannot be
reversed.

2 Copy to the disc. (l 83)

≥ The copied disc is write protected when it is

ejected if [AUTO PROTECT] is [ON].

87

VQT1N58

With other
products

2

Images played back on this unit can be dubbed onto a DVD recorder or video device.

≥ Images are dubbed in standard quality.
≥ Use the AC adaptor to free you from worrying about the battery running down.

A/V

Dubbing images onto other
video device

Change the video input on the
video device and TV that this unit
is connected to.

≥ The channel set will differ depending on

the terminal to which the unit is connected.

≥ See the operating instructions of the video

device for details.

≥ Insert the plugs as far as they will go.
≥ Do not use any other AV cables except the

supplied one.

A AV cable (supplied)

VIDEO

1 Connect this unit to a video device and then set the mode switch to .

2 Start playback on this unit.

3 Start recording on the connected device.

≥ To stop recording (dubbing), stop playback on this unit after stopping recording on the recorder.

≥ If the date and time display and function indication are not wanted, cancel them before dubbing.

(l 24, 76)

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.

88

VQT1N58

With other
products

With a printer (PictBridge)

3

PHOTO

To print pictures by directly connecting this unit to the printer, use a printer compatible with PictBridge.
(Read the operating instructions for the printer.)
PictBridge is an industry standard from the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) for direct
printing. It allows images to be printed directly from digital cameras to a printer, without having to
connect the camera to a PC.

≥ Use the AC adaptor to free you from worrying about the battery running down.
≥ Turn on this unit. (This function is available in all modes.)

A USB cable (supplied)

≥ Insert the plugs as far as they will go.

1 Connect this unit to a printer.

≥ Do not use any other USB connection cables

except the supplied one. (Operation is not
guaranteed with any other USB cables.)

3 Select a still picture to be printed,

then press the cursor button.

2 Select [PictBridge] and press the

cursor button.

≥ If the [PictBridge] indication does not appear or

continues to flash, disconnect and then
reconnect the USB cable.

4 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 can be set in succession by

repeating steps 3 and 4.

VQT1N58

89

5 Press the MENU button to

display the PictBridge menus.

MENU

6 Select the date print setting on

[DATE PRINT].

≥ If the printer is not capable of date printing, this

setting is unavailable.

7 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.

8 Select the desired layout setting

on [PAGE LAYOUT].

9 Select [PRINT] # [YES] and

press the cursor button to print
the pictures.

≥ Exit PictBridge by disconnecting the USB cable

(supplied) after the pictures have been printed.

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 3. 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.

jDisconnecting the USB cable
jOpening the SD card cover and removing

the SD card

jSwitching the mode switch
jTurn the unit off

≥ Check the settings for the paper size, print

quality etc. on the printer.

≥ The print quality varies with paper size.
≥ The edges of still pictures recorded in this unit

with a 16:9 aspect ratio may be cut off. 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.)

≥ 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.

[STANDARD]: Layout specific to the printer
[ ]: No frame print

[]: Frame print
≥ You cannot set page layouts not supported on

the printer.

90

VQT1N58

Preparation

Recording

Playback

Backup

With a PC

92 Before using

97 Setup

101 Using with a PC

Others

91

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Before using

What you can do with a PC

1

Data type Available function Software required

Copying data to a
PC:

A Motion/Still

pictures

Writing data to

*1

media

:

A Motion/Still

pictures

B Motion pictures

A

A

B

CD-ROM (supplied):

HD Writer 2.5E for HDC

*2

Copying data
between media

Motion
picture

Still picture

*1 Compatible media are SD card and discs (DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD-R and DVD-R DL).
*2 Refer to the operating instructions of HD Writer 2.5E (PDF file) for details on how to use it.

C Motion pictures

Easy editing:

Editing motion picture data copied on an HDD of a
PC

≥ Split, merge, delete
≥ Converting the motion picture data to MPEG2
≥ Creating a DVD Video disc

Playing back on a PC:

Play back the motion picture data on an SD card or
a DVD disc in high definition picture quality on a PC.

Formatting discs:

Depending on the type of disc that you use,
formatting is necessary. Discs are formatted using
the UDF 2.5 file system that supports the AVCHD
format.

Playing back on a PC Standard Windows picture

Copying still pictures to a PC (l 100) Windows Explorer

*1

:

Refer to page 102 if using a Macintosh.

C

viewer or a commercially
available picture viewer

92

VQT1N58

Important Notice

≥ Do not insert a disc recorded in AVCHD format with HD Writer 2.5E in a device that does 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.

≥ When inserting a disc containing recorded motion pictures into other devices, a message

prompting you to format the disc may be displayed. Do not format the disc, since deleted
data cannot be restored later.

≥ We cannot guarantee operation if you use software other than that supplied to read motion picture.
≥ Do not start the software supplied with this unit and other software at the same time. Close any other

software if you start the software supplied with this unit and close the software supplied with this unit
if you start any other software.

≥ Be sure to use the supplied USB cable when connecting this unit and a PC. (Operation is not

guaranteed with any other USB cables.)

93

VQT1N58

End User License Agreement

Before opening the CD-ROM package, please read the following.

You (“Licensee”) are granted a license for the
Software defined in this End User Software
Agreement (“Agreement”) on condition that you
agree to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement. If Licensee does not agree to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement, promptly
return the Software to Matsushita Electric
Industrial Co., Ltd. (“Matsushita”), its distributors
or dealers from which you made the purchase.

Article 1 License
Licensee is granted the right to use the software,
including the information recorded or described
on the CD-ROM, instruction manuals, and any
other media provided to Licensee (collectively
“Software”), but all applicable rights to patents,
copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets in the
Software are not transferred to Licensee.

Article 2 Use by a Third Party
Licensee may not use, copy, modify, transfer or
allow any third party, whether free of charge or
not, to use, copy or modify the Software, except
as expressly provided for in this Agreement.

Article 3 Restrictions on Copying the Software
Licensee may make a single copy of the
Software in whole or in part solely for back-up
purposes.

Article 4 PC
Licensee may only use the Software on a single
PC at a single location.

Article 5 Reverse Engineering, Decompiling or
Disassembly
Licensee may not reverse engineer, decompile,
or disassemble the Software, except to the
extent either of them is permitted under law or
regulation of the country where Licensee resides.
Matsushita, or its distributors or dealers will not
be responsible for any defects in the Software or
damage to Licensee caused by Licensee’s
reverse engineering, decompiling, or
disassembly of the Software.

Article 6 Limitation of Liability
The Software is provided “AS-IS” without
warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied,
including, but not limited to, warranties of non­infringement, merchantability and/or fitness for a
particular purpose. Further, Matsushita does not
warrant that the operation of the Software will be
uninterrupted or error free. Matsushita or any of
its distributors or dealers will not be liable for any
damage suffered by Licensee arising from or in
connection with Licensee’s use of the Software.

Article 7 Export Control
Licensee agrees not to export or re-export to any
country the Software in any form without the
appropriate export licenses under regulations of
the country where Licensee resides, if
necessary.

Article 8 Termination of License
The right granted to Licensee hereunder will be
automatically terminated if Licensee violates any
of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Upon such automatic termination, Licensee must
destroy the Software and related documentation
together with all the copies thereof at Licensee’s
own expense.

94

VQT1N58

Before using

Operating environment

2

≥ Even if the system requirements mentioned in these operating instructions are fulfilled, some PCs

cannot be used.

≥ A CD-ROM drive is necessary to install the supplied software applications. (A compatible DVD writer

drive and media are necessary for writing to a DVD.)

≥ Operation is not guaranteed in the following cases.

jWhen 2 or more USB devices are connected to a PC, or when devices are connected through USB

hubs or by using extension cables.

jOperation on an upgraded OS.
jOperation on an OS other than the one pre-installed.

≥ This software is not compatible with Microsoft Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98,

Windows 98SE, Windows Me and Windows NT.

∫ Operating environment for HD Writer 2.5E for HDC

PC IBM PC/AT compatible PC

OS Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Service Pack 4

CPU Intel Pentium III 1.0 GHz or higher (including compatible CPU)

RAM Windows Vista: 1024 MB or more

Display High Colour (16 bit) or more (32 bit or more recommended)

Free hard disk drive
space

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2
Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate
Microsoft Windows Vista Business

(Intel Core 2 Duo 2.16 GHz or higher, Intel Pentium D 3.2 GHz or higher or
AMD Athlon
playback function or MPEG2 output function is used.)

Windows XP/2000: 512 MB or more (1024 MB or more recommended)

Desktop resolution of 1024k768 pixels or more (1280k1024 pixels or
more recommended)
Windows Vista: DirectX 10 compatible video card
Windows XP/2000: DirectX 9.0c compatible video card
Compatible with DirectDraw overlay
PCI Express

Ultra DMA — 100 or more
300 MB or more (for installing the application)
≥ When writing to a DVD, more than double the amount of free space as

the disc being created is necessary.

™

64 X2 Dual-Core 5200+ or higher is recommended when a

™

k16 compatible recommended

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Necessary software Windows Vista: DirectX 10

Sound DirectSound Support

Interface USB port [Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0)]

Other requirements Mouse or equivalent pointing device

≥ Supplied CD-ROM is available for Windows only.
≥ Input is not supported in languages other than English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and

Simplified Chinese.

≥ Operation cannot be guaranteed on all DVD drives.
≥ Operation is not guaranteed on Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise, Windows XP

Media Center Edition, Tablet PC Edition and not compatible with 64 bit operation systems.

≥ This software is not compatible with a multi-boot environment.
≥ This software is not compatible with a multi-monitor environment.
≥ If using Windows XP/2000, an administrative account user only can use this software. If using

Windows Vista, administrative account and standard account users only can use this software. (An
administrative account user should install and uninstall this software.)

Windows XP/2000: DirectX 9.0c
≥ If you install the software on a PC that is not compatible with

DirectX 9.0c, the PC may not work properly. If you are unsure whether or
not your PC is compatible, contact the maker of your PC.

∫ Operating environment for the card reader function (mass storage)

PC IBM PC/AT compatible PC

OS Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Service Pack 4

CPU Windows Vista: Intel Pentium III 1.0 GHz or higher

RAM Windows Vista Home Basic: 512 MB or more

Interface USB port

Other requirements Mouse or equivalent pointing device

≥ The USB equipment operates with the driver installed as standard in the OS.

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate
Microsoft Windows Vista Business
Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise

Windows XP/2000: Intel Pentium III 450 MHz or higher or Intel Celeron
400 MHz or higher

Windows Vista Home Premium/Ultimate/Business/Enterprise:
1GB or more
Windows XP/2000: 128 MB or more (256 MB or more recommended)

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Setup

Installation

1

When installing the software, log on to your PC as the Administrator (or with a user name with
equivalent authorization) or with the user name for a standard user account. (If you do not have
authorization to do this, consult your manager.)

≥ Before starting the installation, close all applications that are running.
≥ Do not perform any other operations on your PC while the software is being installed.

1 Insert the CD-ROM into the PC.

≥ If the installation screen does not appear

automatically, double-click the CD-ROM drive
icon in [My Computer (Computer)].

2 Click [Next].

3 Read the [End User License

Agreement], then place a check
beside [I accept the terms of the
license agreement] if you agree
to them and click [Next].

≥ If you do not agree to the terms and conditions

of the License Agreement, installation is not
possible.

4 Continue to follow the on-screen

messages to install HD Writer

2.5E.

≥ If using Windows 2000, Microsoft DirectX 9.0c

must be installed in order to operate HD Writer

2.5E.
Depending on the operating environment, you
may be required to install DirectX 9.0c. Click
[Yes] to install it.
If you install the software on a PC that is not
compatible with DirectX 9.0c, the PC may not
work properly. If you are unsure whether or not
your PC is compatible, contact the PC
manufacturer.

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5 After the installation is complete, restrictions

are displayed.

6 Click [Finish].

Check the contents, then close
the window.

The PC must be rebooted for the
application to work.

∫ Uninstalling HD Writer 2.5E

Follow the steps below to uninstall any software applications that you no longer require.

1 Select [start] # ([Settings] #)

[Control Panel] #
[Add or Remove Programs
(Applications)] or [Uninstall a
program].

2 Select [HD Writer 2.5E for HDC],

then click [Change/Remove]
([Change or Remove] or [Add/
Remove]) or [Uninstall].

≥ Proceed with the uninstallation by following the

on-screen instructions.

≥ After uninstalling the software, be sure to

reboot the PC.

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Setup

Connection and recognition

2

After the software applications are installed, this unit must be connected to the PC and be correctly
recognised by the PC.
≥ Remove the supplied CD-ROM from your PC.

A USB cable (supplied)

1 Connect this unit to the AC

adaptor.

≥ If a battery is used, operation is not possible

when this unit is connected to a PC.

2 Turn on the unit.

≥ This function is available in all modes.

3 Connect this unit to a PC.

≥

Insert the USB connectors as far as they will go.

≥ Do not use any other USB connection cables

except the supplied one. (Operation is not
guaranteed with any other USB cables.)

4 Select [PC CONNECT] and press

the cursor button.

≥ This unit is automatically detected by the PC.

≥ Do not disconnect the USB cable or the AC

adaptor while the card access lamp is on or
card access icon ( ) appears on the LCD
monitor. Doing so may damage the data.

∫ If the driver has not been

recognised properly

Use the following methods to enable it to be
recognised.

Method 1:

Turn off the unit and your PC once and try
verifying again.

Method 2:

Remove the SD card and try verifying again.

Method 3:

Try connecting the unit to another USB port on
your PC.

∫ To disconnect USB cable safely

1 Double click the ( ) icon in task

tray displayed on the PC.

≥ Depending on your PC’s settings, this icon

may not be displayed.

2 Select [USB Mass Storage Device] and

click [Stop].

3 Verify [MATSHITA HDC-SD9/SD USB

Device] is selected and click [OK].

≥ When the unit is connected to a PC, the

operation mode cannot be changed and its
power cannot be turned off.
Disconnect the USB cable, before turning
this unit off.

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About the PC display

When the unit is connected to a PC, it is recognised as an external drive.
≥ [Removable Disk] (Example: ) is displayed in [My Computer (Computer)].

Example folder structure of an SD card:

Removable Disk

DCIM

100CDPFQ

101CDPFR

MISC

PRIVATE

AVC HD

AVCHDTN

BDMV

IISVPL

We recommend using HD Writer 2.5E to copy
motion picture data recorded on an SD card.
Using Windows Explorer or other programmes
on the PC to copy, move or rename files and
folders recorded with this unit will result in
them being unusable with HD Writer 2.5E.

1 Up to 999 still pictures in JPEG format

can be stored. ([IMGA0001.JPG] etc.)

2 Still pictures are stored in JPEG format

when recorded in HD hi-speed burst
shooting mode.

* These can be opened with picture software

that supports JPEG pictures.

3 The DPOF setting files are recorded.
4 The motion picture thumbnails are

recorded.

5 AVCHD format motion picture files are

saved. ([00000.MTS] etc.)

6 Files for intelligent scene selection

playback are recorded.

∫ Copying your still pictures to

your PC

Card reader function (mass storage)

Still pictures recorded with this unit can be
copied to the PC with Explorer or other
programmes.

1 Connect this unit to the PC and then

select [PC CONNECT].

2 Double click the folder that contains the

still pictures on the removable disk
([DCIM] # [100CDPFQ] etc.).

3 Drag and drop the still pictures onto the

destination folder (on the PC’s HDD).

*

*

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≥ Do not delete the SD card’s folders. Doing so

may make the SD card unuseable in this unit.

≥ When data not supported by this unit has been

recorded on a PC, it will not be recognised by
this unit.

≥ Always use this unit to format SD cards.