Panasonic HDC-TM40, HDC-SD40 User Manual

Operating Instructions

High Definition Video Camera

Model No. HDC-SD40

Before use, please read these instructions completely.

HDC-TM40

VQT3K27

Information for Your Safety

∫ About the recording format for

recording motion pictures

You can select from either AVCHD or iFrame
recording formats to record motion pictures
using this unit. (l 43)

AVCHD:

You can record high definition quality images
with this format. It is suitable for viewing on a
large format TV or for saving to disc.

iFrame:

This is a recording format suitable for
playing back or editing on Mac (iMovie’11).
Using iMovie’11, iFrame motion pictures can
be imported faster than AVCHD motion
pictures. Also, the imported file size of
iFrame motion pictures will be smaller than
that of AVCHD motion pictures.
≥ It is not compatible with motion picture

recorded in AVCHD format.

∫ Indemnity about recorded

content

Panasonic does not accept any
responsibility for damages directly or
indirectly due to any type of problems that
result in loss of recording or edited content,
and does not guarantee any content if
recording or editing does not work properly.
Likewise, the above also applies in a case
where any type of repair is made to the unit
(including any other non-built-in memory
related component).

∫ Handling of built-in memory

[HDC-TM40]

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

Back up data periodically.

The built-in memory is temporary storage. In
order to avoid erasing data due to static
electricity, electromagnetic waves,
breakage, and failures, back up the data to a
PC or DVD disc. (l 75)
≥ Access lamp [ACCESS] (l 6) illuminates

while the SD card or built-in memory is
being accessed (initialization, recording,
playback, deleting etc.). Do not perform
the following operations when the lamp
illuminates. It may damage the built-in
memory or cause a malfunction in the unit.

jTurn the unit off (remove the battery)
jInsert and remove the USB cable
jExpose the unit to vibrations or shock

≥ About disposing of or giving away this unit.

(l 98)

∫ Cards that you can use with

this unit

SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card
and SDXC Memory Card

≥ 4 GB or more Memory Cards that do not

have the SDHC logo or 48 GB or more
Memory Cards that do not have the SDXC
logo are not based on SD Memory Card
Specifications.

≥ Refer to page 13 for more details on SD

cards.

- 2 -

∫ For the purposes of these

operating instructions

≥ SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card

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

≥ Functions that can be used for motion

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

≥ Functions that can be used for still picture

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

≥ Pages for reference are indicated by an

arrow, for example: l 00

These operating instructions are designed
for use with models and

different from the original.
≥ The illustrations used in these operating

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

≥ Depending on the model, some functions

are not available.

≥ Features may vary, so please read

carefully.

≥ Not all models may be available

depending on the region of purchase.

. Pictures may be slightly

- 3 -

Contents

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

Preparation

Parts identification and handling ............ 6

Power supply............................................. 9

Inserting/removing the battery............. 9

Charging the battery ......................... 10

Charging and recording time............. 11

Recording to a card ................................ 13

Cards that you can use with this

unit .................................................... 13

Inserting/removing an SD card.......... 14

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

Turning the unit on and off with the

power button ..................................... 15

Turning the unit on and off with the

LCD monitor ...................................... 15

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

Setting date and time.............................. 17

Basic

Before recording ..................................... 18

Selecting a media to record

[HDC-TM40] .............................................19

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

Recording still pictures .......................... 22

Intelligent auto mode.............................. 23

Motion picture/Still picture playback ....25

Using the menu screen ..........................28

Using the Setup Menu ............................ 29

Manual shutter speed/iris

adjustment ........................................ 50

Recording with manual focus............ 51

Advanced (Playback)

Playback Operations ..............................52

Motion picture playback using

operation icon ................................... 52

Creating still picture from motion

picture ............................................... 53

Repeat playback ............................... 53

Resuming the previous playback...... 54

Zooming in on a still picture during

playback (Playback zoom) ................ 54

Various playback functions ................... 55

Playing back motion pictures/still

pictures by date ................................ 55

Changing the playback settings and

playing back the slide show.............. 56

Deleting scenes/still pictures ................ 58

Dividing a scene (AVCHD)................ 60

Dividing a scene to partially delete

(iFrame) ............................................ 61

Protecting scenes/still pictures ......... 62

Watching Video/Pictures on your TV.... 63

Connecting with a HDMI mini

cable ................................................. 66

Connecting with the AV multi

cable ................................................. 66

Playback using VIERA Link ...................67

Copy/Dubbing

Advanced (Recording)

Zoom in/out function ..............................36

Optical image stabilizer function........... 37

Recording with the video light...............37

Recording functions of operation

icons ........................................................ 38

Operation icons ................................. 38

Recording functions of menus ..............42

Manual recording .................................... 48

White balance ................................... 48

Copying from Built-in Memory to SD

card [HDC-TM40] ....................................69

Dubbing with a Blu-ray disc recorder,

video devices, etc. .................................. 71

With a PC

What you can do with a PC .................... 75

End User License Agreement........... 77

Operating environment .......................... 78

Installation ............................................... 81

- 4 -

Connecting to a PC................................. 83

About the PC display ........................ 85

Starting HD Writer LE 1.0 ....................... 86

Reading the operating instructions of

the software applications................... 86

If using Mac ............................................. 87

Others

Indications ............................................... 88

Messages .................................................90

About recovery .................................. 91

Troubleshooting...................................... 92

Cautions for use...................................... 97

About copyright .................................... 102

Recording modes/approximate

recordable time ..................................... 103

Approximate number of recordable

pictures .................................................. 104

- 5 -

Preparation

Parts identification and handling

7 8 9

13

12 34

AV MULTI

1 Power button [ ] (l 15)

5

2 Delete/Video light button

[ /LIGHT] (l 37, 58)

3 Intelligent auto/Manual button

[iA/MANUAL] (l 23, 48)

4 Optical image stabilizer button

[ O.I.S.] (l 37)
5 Recording start/stop button (l 20)
6 Battery holder (l 9)

6

10

11

12

7 HDMI mini connector [HDMI]

(l 63, 67)
8 USB terminal [ ] (l 71, 83)
9 AV multi connector (l 63, 74)

≥ Use the AV multi cable (only the supplied

cable).

10 Access lamp [ACCESS] (l 14)
11 Ca rd slo t ( l 14)
12 SD card cover (l 14)

13 Speaker
14 Lens cover opening/closing switch

14

When not using the unit, close the lens
cover to protect the lens.

≥ Slide the opening/closing switch to

15

open/close the cover.

16

17
18

15 Lens cover
16 Lens
17 Internal stereo microphones
18 Video light (l 37)

- 6 -

19 Menu button [MENU] (l 28)

19

21

20

22

20 LCD monitor (l 18)

≥ It can open up to 90o.

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

or 90o B towards the opposite direction.

Due to limitations in LCD production
technology, there 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.

21 cursor button (l 25, 28, 38)

≥ Use the cursor button to select the

recording functions and playback
operations, and to operate the menu
screen.

≥ In these operating instructions, the cursor

button is denoted as shown below or as
3/4/2/1.
Example: For pressing the (down) button

or Press 4

22 Enter button [ENTER] (l 25, 28, 38)

- 7 -

23

24

27

25

30

26

29

28

23 Tripod receptacle

≥ This unit may get damaged when a tripod

with a screw longer than 5.5 mm is
attached.

24 Battery release lever [BATT] (l 9)

25 Photoshot button [ ] (l 22)
26 Zoom lever [W/T] (In recording mode)

(l 36)

Thumbnail display switch [ / ]/

Volume lever [sVOLr] (In playback

mode) (l 26)
27 Mode switch (l 16)
28 Status indicator (l 15)
29 DC input terminal [DC IN] (l 10)

≥ Do not use any other AC adaptors except

the supplied one.

30 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.

- 8 -

Preparation



Removing the battery

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

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

ャモヵヵ

A Insert the battery until it clicks and

locks.

Power supply

∫ About batteries that you can use with this unit

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

dedicated battery (VW-VBK180/VW-VBK360) supports this function. The only
batteries suitable for use with this unit are genuine Panasonic products and
batteries manufactured by other companies and certified by Panasonic. (Batteries
which do not support this function cannot be used). Panasonic cannot in any way
guarantee the quality, performance or safety of batteries which have been
manufactured by other companies and are not genuine Panasonic products.

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

Inserting/removing the battery

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

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

- 9 -

Charging the battery



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

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

Important:

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

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

≥ The battery will not be charged if the unit is turned on.
≥ It is recommended to charge the battery in a temperature between 10 oC to 30 oC.

(The battery temperature should also be the same.)

A DC input terminal

≥ Insert the plugs as far as they will go.

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

≥ The status indicator will flash red at an interval of 2 seconds, indicating that charging has

begun.
It will turn off when the charging is completed.

∫ Connecting to the AC outlet

If you turn on the unit while connecting with the AC adaptor, you can use the unit with power
supplied from the outlet.

≥ If the status indicator flashes at a particularly fast or slow rate, refer to page 99.
≥ We recommend using Panasonic batteries (l 11).
≥ If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee the quality of this product.
≥ 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.

- 10 -

Charging and recording time

∫ Charging/Recording time

≥ Temperature: 25 oC/humidity: 60%RH (When using AC adaptor)

HDC-SD40

Battery model number

[Voltage/Capacity

(minimum)]

Supplied battery/

VW-VBK180 (optional)

[3.6 V/1790 mAh]

VW-VBK360 (optional)

[3.6 V/3580 mAh]

Battery model number

[Voltage/Capacity

(minimum)]

Supplied battery/

VW-VBK180 (optional)

[3.6 V/1790 mAh]

VW-VBK360 (optional)

[3.6 V/3580 mAh]

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

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

Charging

time

2h25min

4h20min

Charging

time

2h25min

4h20min

Recording

mode

[HA], [HG],

[HX]

[iFrame] 2h40min 1h25min

[HA], [HG] 4 h 30 min 2 h 20 min

[HX] 4h35min 2h20min

[iFrame] 5h20min 2h45min

HDC-TM40

Recording

mode

[HA], [HG],

[HX]

[iFrame] 2h40min 1h25min

[HA], [HG] 4 h 30 min 2 h 20 min

[HX] 4h35min 2h20min

[iFrame] 5h20min 2h45min

Maximum

continuously

recordable time

2h15min 1h10min

Maximum

continuously

recordable time

2h15min 1h10min

Actual

recordable

Actual

recordable

time

time

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

- 11 -

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 when using the Panasonic battery that you

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

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

battery capacity will not be shown.

- 12 -

Preparation

32

Recording to a card

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

This unit (an SDXC compatible device) is compatible with SD Memory Cards, SDHC
Memory Cards and SDXC Memory Cards. When using an SDHC memory card/SDXC
memory card with other equipment, check the equipment is compatible with these memory
cards.

Cards that you can use with this unit

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

Card type Capacity Motion picture recording

8 MB/16 MB/32 MB Cannot be used.

SD

Memory Card

SDHC

Memory Card

SDXC

Memory Card

* SD Speed Class Rating is the speed

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

64 MB/128 MB/

256 MB

512MB/1GB/2GB

4GB/6GB/8GB/

12 GB/16 GB/

24 GB/32 GB

48 GB/64 GB

Cannot be guaranteed in
operation.

Can be used. Can be used.

e.g.:

Still picture

recording

Cannot be
guaranteed in
operation.

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

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

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

(This website is in English only.)
≥ 4 GB or more Memory Cards that do not have the SDHC logo or 48 GB or more Memory

Cards that do not have the SDXC logo are not based on SD Memory Card Specifications.

≥ Memory cards that exceed 64 GB cannot be used.
≥ 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.

- 13 -

Inserting/removing an SD card

When using an SD card not from Panasonic, or one previously used on other equipment,
for the first time on this unit, format the SD card. (l 33) When the SD card is formatted, all
of the recorded data is deleted. Once the data is deleted, it cannot be restored.

Caution:
Check that the access lamp has gone off.

Access lamp [ACCESS] A

≥ When this unit is accessing the SD

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

1 Open the LCD monitor.
2 Open the SD card cover and

insert (remove) the SD card

into (from) the card slot B.

≥ Face the label side C in the direction

shown in the illustration and press it







straight in as far as it will go.

≥ Press the centre of the SD card and then

pull it straight out.

3 Securely close the SD card

cover.

≥ Securely close it until it clicks.

≥ Do not touch the terminals on the back of

the SD card.

≥ Do not apply strong shocks, bend, or drop

the SD card.

≥ Electrical noise, static electricity or the

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

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

jRemove the SD card
jTurn 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.

≥ Do not expose the terminals of the SD

card to water, garbage or dust.

≥

Do not place SD cards in the following areas:

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

difference in temperature (condensation

can occur.)

jWhere static electricity or

electromagnetic waves occur
≥ To protect SD cards, return them to their

cases when you are not using them.

≥ About disposing of or giving away the SD

card. (l 100)

- 14 -

Preparation



To turn off the unit

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





Turning the unit on/off

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

A clicking sound is heard when the unit is shaken.

≥ This is the sound of the lens moving and is not a defect.

This sound will no longer be heard when the unit is turned on

.

Turning the unit on and off with the power button

Press the power button to turn on the unit.

A The status indicator lights.

Turning the unit on and off with the LCD monitor

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

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

∫ To turn on the unit

∫ To turn off the unit

and change the mode to

A The status indicator lights.

≥ The unit will not turn off while recording motion pictures even if the LCD monitor is closed.
≥ In the following cases, opening the LCD monitor does not turn on the unit. Press the power

button to turn on the unit.

jWhen the unit is purchased
jWhen you have turned off the unit using the power button

B The status indicator goes off.

- 15 -

Preparation

Selecting a mode

Change the mode to recording or playback.

Operate the mode switch to change the mode to or .

Recording mode (l 20)

Playback mode (l 25, 52)

- 16 -

Preparation

Setting date and time

When the unit is turned on for the first time, a message asking you to set the date and time
will appear.
Select [YES] and perform steps 2 to 3 below to set the date and time.

¬ Change the mode to .

1 Select the menu. (l 28)

: [SETUP] # [CLOCK SET]

2 Select the date or time using 2/1 and set the desired value using

3/4.

A Displaying the World time setting

(l 29):

[HOME]/ [DESTINATION]

≥ The year can be set between 2000 and

2039.

≥ The 24-hour system is used to display the

time.

3 Press the ENTER button.

≥ A message prompting for World time setting may be displayed. Perform the World time

setting by pressing the ENTER button. (l 29)

≥ Press the MENU button to complete the setting.

≥ The date and time function is driven by a built-in lithium battery.
≥ When this unit is purchased, the clock is set. If the time display becomes [- -], the built-in

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

- 17 -

Basic

Before recording

∫ Basic camera positioning

1 Hold the unit with both hands.
2 Put your hand through the grip belt.

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

another person or object.

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

backlit, it will become dark in the recording.

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

∫ Basic motion picture recording

≥ The unit should normally be held steady when recording.
≥ If you move the unit when recording, do so slowly, maintaining a constant speed.
≥ The zoom operation is useful for recording subjects you cannot get close to, but overuse of

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

∫ Recording yourself
Rotate the LCD monitor towards the lens side.

≥ The image is horizontally 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 90)

- 18 -

Basic






Selecting a media to record [HDC-TM40]

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

1 Change the mode to .
2 Select the menu. (l 28)

: [MEDIA SELECT]

3 Select the media for recording the motion pictures and the media for

recording the still pictures using 3/4/2/1, and press the ENTER
button.

A [VIDEO/SD CARD]
B [VIDEO/Built-inMemory]
C [PICTURE/SD CARD]
D [PICTURE/Built-inMemory]

≥ The media is selected separately to motion pictures or still pictures is highlighted in yellow.
≥ Select and press the ENTER button to return to the previous screen.

4 Press the MENU button to complete the settings.

- 19 -

Basic



0h00m00s0h00m00s0h00m00s

R 1h20mR 1h20mR 1h20m

A Recording mode
B Approximate remaining recordable

time

(When the remaining time is less than
1 minute, R 0h00m flashes red.)

C Recording time elapsed

Each time the unit is put into recording
pause, the counter display will be reset
to 0h00m00s.
(“h” is an abbreviation for hour, “m” for
minute and “s” for second.)

Recording motion pictures

≥ Open the lens cover before turning on the unit. (l 6)

1 Change the mode to and

open the LCD monitor.

2 Press the recording start/

stop button to start
recording.

A When you begin recording, ;

changes to ¥.

3 Press the recording start/

stop button again to pause
recording.

∫ About the screen indications in the motion picture recording

- 20 -

≥ There are 2 recording formats that can be used with this unit: AVCHD that records

high-definition motion pictures and iFrame that records motion pictures suitable for
playback and editing on Mac (iMovie’11). To change the recording format, change
the recording mode. (l 43)

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

and pressing it again to pause recording become one scene.
When you record with the [REC MODE] set to [iFrame], the scenes longer than
approximately 20 minutes will be automatically divided. (Recording will continue.)
(Maximum recordable scenes of a single SD card or built-in memory)

Recording formats [HA]/[HG]/[HX] [iFrame]

Recordable scenes Approx. 3900 Approx. 89100

Different dates (l 55) Approx. 200 Approx. 900

≥ Maximum number of recordable scenes and maximum number of different dates will be

less than above table when there are both iFrame scenes and still pictures recorded on SD
card or built-in memory.

≥ While recording is in progress, the recording will not stop even if the LCD monitor is closed.
≥ Please refer to page 103 for detail about the approximate recordable time.

About the compatibility of the recorded motion pictures

When motion picture is recorded in AVCHD format

≥ Only motion pictures recorded with the recording format set to AVCHD are supported

by AVCHD compatible equipment. 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.

≥ It is not always possible to play back motion pictures recorded with the recording

format set to AVCHD on AVCHD compatible equipment. In such a case, play back on
this unit instead.

When motion picture is recorded in iFrame format

≥ You can play back on a Mac (iMovie’11).
≥ It is not compatible with motion picture recorded in AVCHD format.

- 21 -

Basic

2.1

M

R3000

2.1

M

Recording still pictures

Still picture recorded with size of (1920k1080) and an aspect ratio of 16:9.
≥ Open the lens cover before turning on the unit. (l 6)

1 Change the mode to and

open the LCD monitor.

2 Press the button.

∫ About the screen indications in still picture recording

: Quality of still pictures (l 46)

: Size of still pictures

R3000: Remaining number of still pictures (Flashes in

≥ During motion picture recording or when set to PRE-REC, you cannot record still pictures.
≥ It is recommended using a tripod when recording still pictures in dark places because the

shutter speed becomes slow.

≥ To print a picture, save the picture to the SD card (l 69) and print using a PC or a printer.
≥ 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.

≥ Please refer to page 104 about the number of recordable pictures.

red when [0] appears.)

: Still picture operation indicator (l 89)

2.1

M

R3000

R3000

- 22 -

Basic

Intelligent auto/Manual
button

Press this button to switch
intelligent auto mode/manual
mode.

≥ Please refer to page 48 about

manual mode.

Intelligent auto mode

The following modes appropriate for the condition are set just by pointing the unit to what you
want to record.

Mode Scene Effect

Portrait When the object is a

person

Scenery Recording outdoors The whole landscape will be recorded

Spotlight Under a spotlight Very bright object is recorded clearly.

Low light Dark room or twilight It can record very clearly even in a dark

Normal Other situations Contrast is adjusted automatically for

Faces are detected and focused
automatically, and the brightness is
adjusted so it is recorded clearly.

vividly without whiting out the
background sky, which may be very
bright.

room or twilight.

clear image.

≥ Depending on the recording conditions, the unit may not enter the desired mode.
≥ In the portrait, spotlight and low light mode, the face will be surrounded by white frame

when detected. In the portrait mode, a subject that is bigger and close to centre of the
screen will be surrounded by an orange frame. (l 44)

≥ Faces cannot be detected depending on the recording conditions, such as when faces are

of certain sizes or at certain tilts or when digital zoom is used.

- 23 -

∫ Intelligent auto mode

4)

5)

6)

7)

8)

10 000K

9 000K
8 000K

7 000K

6 000K

5 000K

4 000K

3 000K

2 000K

1 000K

2)

1)

3)

9)

When switching to intelligent auto mode, the auto white balance and auto focus operate and
automatically adjust the colour balance and focusing.
Depending on the brightness of the subject etc., the aperture and shutter speed are
automatically adjusted for an optimum brightness.
≥ Colour balance and focus may not be adjusted automatically depending on light sources or

scenes. If so, manually adjust these settings. (l 48, 51)

Automatic white balance

The illustration shows the range over which automatic white balance functions.

1) The effective range of automatic white balance
adjustment on this unit

2) Blue sky

3) Cloudy sky (rain)

4) Sunlight

5) White fluorescent lamp

6) Halogen light bulb

7) Incandescent light bulb

8) Sunrise or sunset

9) Candlelight

If the automatic white balance is not functioning normally,
adjust the white balance manually. (l 48)

Auto focus

The unit focuses automatically.
≥ Auto focus does not work correctly in the following

situations. Record pictures in the manual focus mode. (l 51)

jRecording distant and close-up objects at the same time
jRecording a subject behind dirty or dusty window
jRecording a subject that is surrounded by objects with glossy surfaces or by highly

reflective objects

- 24 -

Basic



15.11 .2011
0

h00m15s



Motion picture/Still picture playback

1 Change the mode to .
2 Select the play mode select

icon A using 3/4/2 and
press the ENTER button.

3

Select the [VIDEO/PICTURE] you wish to play back, then press the
ENTER button.

Select the [MEDIA] and [VIDEO/PICTURE] you wish to play back,
then press the ENTER button.

≥ Press the MENU button.

4 Select the scene or the still

picture to be played back using
3/4/2/1, then press the
ENTER button.

B is displayed when [AVCHD] is

selected or is displayed when
[iFrame] is selected in step 3.

≥ When you select / and press the ENTER button, the next (previous) page is

displayed.

- 25 -

5 Select the operation icon using

0h00m00s0h00m00s0h00m00s



3/4/2/1.

A Operation icon

≥ Press the ENTER button to display/not-display

the operation icon.

Motion picture playback Still picture playback

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

the thumbnails.

∫ Change the thumbnail display

While the thumbnail is displayed, the thumbnail display changes in the following order if the
zoom lever is operated to side or side.
20 scenes () 9 scenes () 1 scene
≥ 9 scenes display returns if the unit is turned off or the mode is

changed.

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.

∫ Speaker volume adjustment

Operate the volume lever to adjust the
speaker volume during motion picture
playback.

Tow ard s “r”:

Increases the volume

Tow ard s “s”:

Decreases the volume

≥ Sound will be heard only during normal playback.
≥ If pause play is continued for 5 minutes, the screen returns to the thumbnails.
≥ The elapsed time for playback indication will be reset to 0h00m00s each scene.
≥ When playing back iFrame scenes, the image will pause momentarily and the screen may

turn black when the scenes are switching.

- 26 -

Motion picture compatibility

≥ This unit is based on AVCHD format/MPEG-4 AVC file format.
≥ Video signal for the AVCHD that can be played back with this unit is 1920k1080/50i.
≥ Video signal for the iFrame that can be played back with this unit is 960k540/25p.
≥ Motion pictures recorded using other equipment cannot be played back on this unit.
≥ Motion pictures recorded in AVCHD and iFrame are not compatible with each other.

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.)

≥ 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.

- 27 -

Basic

Using the menu screen

1 Press the MENU button.
2 Select the top menu A using

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

3 Select the submenu B using

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

4 Select the desired item using

3/4/2/1, and press the
ENTER button to set.

To get back to the previous screen

Press 2 of the cursor button.

To exit the menu screen

Press the MENU button.

∫ About the information display

Descriptions of the selected submenus and
items displayed in steps 3 and 4, and
messages to confirm settings are displayed.

∫ About the operation icons

/:
Select and then press the ENTER button
to switch the menu and thumbnail
display page.

:
Select and then press the ENTER button
to return to the previous screen in cases
such as menu setting, etc.

- 28 -

Basic

A The current time
B The time difference from GMT

(Greenwich Mean Time)

Using the Setup Menu

≥ The items displayed differ depending on the position or settings of the mode switch.

Select the menu.

: [SETUP] # desired setting

[DISPLAY]

The screen display can be changed to [OFF] (a portion of information displayed) or [ON] (all
information displayed).

[OFF]/[ON]

[CLOCK SET]

Please refer to page 17.

[SET WORLD TIME]

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

1 Select [SET WORLD TIME] and press the ENTER button.

≥ If the clock is not set, adjust the clock to the current time. (l 17)
≥ When the [HOME] (your home region) is not set, the message appears. Press the ENTER

button and proceed to step 3.

2 (Only when setting your home region)

Select [HOME] using 2/1and press the ENTER button.

(Only when setting your home region)

3

Select your home region using

2/1and press the ENTER button.

≥ Press 3 to set daylight saving time.

appears and the summer time
setting is turned on; the time
difference from GMT is set forward by
one hour. Press 3 again to return to
the normal time setting.

4 (Only when setting the region of your

travel destination)

Select [DESTINATION] using 2/1 and press the ENTER button.

≥ When the home region is set for the first time, the screen for selecting home/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.





- 29 -

5 (Only when setting the region of your





C The local time at the selected travel

destination

D The time difference between the

travel destination and the home
region

travel destination)

Select your travel destination

2/1 and press the

using
ENTER button.

≥ Press 3 to set daylight saving time.

appears and the summer
time setting is turned on. The travel
destination time and time difference
from the home region time are set
forward by one hour. Press 3 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.

≥ 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.

[DATE/TIME]

It is possible to change the date and time display mode.

[DATE FORMAT]

It is possible to change the date format.

[ECONOMY]

When about 5 minutes have passed without any operation, this unit automatically turns off to
save battery life.

≥ The power save function will not activate when:

jconnected to AC adaptor
jusing the USB cable for PC
jPRE-REC is used

[OFF]/[D/T]/[DATE]

[Y/M/D]/[M/D/Y]/[D/M/Y]

[OFF]/[5 MINUTES]

- 30 -

[QUICK START]





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

≥

Quick start will not work if there is no SD card inserted.

≥

Quick start will not work if the [SD CARD] is selected in the [MEDIA SELECT], even if there
is no SD card inserted.

≥ Change the mode to .

[OFF]/[ON]

1 Set [QUICK START] to [ON].

2 Close the LCD monitor while the mode is set to

.

The status indicator A flashes green and the unit goes
into quick start standby mode.

3 Open the LCD monitor.

The status indicator A lights red and the unit
is put into recording pause.

≥ 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.

≥ Quick start standby mode is cancelled if

jabout 5 minutes elapsed
jmode is set to

≥ It may take some time for automatic white balance to adjust.
≥ In the quick start mode, the zoom magnification becomes 1k.
≥ If [ECONOMY] (l 30) is set to [5 MINUTES] and the unit automatically goes into quick

start standby mode, close the LCD monitor and then open it again.

≥ Turn the unit off using the power button.

[ALERT SOUND]

Start and stop of recording and unit on/off can be confirmed with this sound.

(Volume low)/ (Volume high)

2 Beeps for 4 times

When an error occurs. Check the sentence displayed on the screen. (l 90)

[OFF]/ /

- 31 -

[POWER LCD]

+2

+1

0

-

1

+2

-

1

+1

///

This makes it easier to view the LCD monitor in bright places including outdoors.
≥ These settings will not affect the images actually recorded.

(Makes even brighter)/ (Makes brighter)/ (Normal)/ (Makes less bright)

+1

0

≥ When the AC adaptor is in use, the LCD monitor is set to automatically.
≥ When the LCD monitor is bright, the recordable time with the battery will be shorter.

[LCD SET]

It adjusts brightness and colour density on the LCD monitor.
≥ These settings will not affect the images actually recorded.

1 Select [LCD SET] and press the ENTER button.
2 Select the item using 3/4, and press the ENTER button to set.

[BRIGHTNESS]:

Brightness of the LCD monitor

[COLOUR]:

Colour level of the LCD monitor

3 Press 2/1 to adjust, and press the

ENTER button.

≥ Press the MENU button to exit the menu

screen.

[AV MULTI]

Please refer to page 66.

[COMPONENT OUT]

Please refer to page 66.

[HDMI RESOLUTION]

Please refer to page 66.

[VIERA Link]

Please refer to page 67.

[TV ASPECT]

Please refer to page 65.

[COMPONENT]/[AV OUT]

[576i]/[1080i]

[AUTO]/[1080i]/[576p]

[OFF]/[ON]

[16:9]/[4:3]

- 32 -

[INITIAL SET]

Set to [YES] for changing the menu settings back to the default condition.
(Only when the mode is at the position)
≥ Settings for [MEDIA SELECT]
* For users who have , this menu is not displayed.

*

, [CLOCK SET] and [LANGUAGE] will not be changed.

[FORMAT CARD]

Please be aware that if a medium is formatted, then all the data recorded on the medium will
be erased and cannot be restored. Back up important data on a PC, DVD disc etc. (l 75)

≥ When formatting is complete, press MENU button to exit the message screen.
≥ Perform a physical formatting of the SD card when the SD card is to be disposed/

transferred. (l 100)

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

[FORMAT MEDIA]

Please be aware that if a medium is formatted, then all the data recorded on the medium will
be erased and cannot be restored. Back up important data on a PC, DVD disc etc. (l 75)

1 Select [FORMAT MEDIA] and press the ENTER button.
2 Select [Built-inMemory] or [SD CARD] using 3/2/1, then press the ENTER

button.

≥ When formatting is complete, press MENU button to exit the message screen.
≥ Perform a physical formatting of the SD card when the SD card is to be disposed/

transferred. (l 100)

≥ Perform a physical formatting of the built-in memory when this unit is to be disposed/

transferred. (l 98)

≥ 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 media.
Formatting built-in memory is only available with this unit.
Do not format an SD card using any other equipment such as a PC. The card may
not be used on this unit.

- 33 -

[CARD STATUS]

The used space and remaining recordable time of the SD card can be checked.
≥ When the mode switch is set to , remaining recordable time for the selected recording

mode is displayed.

≥ Press the MENU button to close the indication.

≥ The SD card requires some space to store information and manage system files, so the

actual usable space is slightly less than the indicated value. The usable space is generally
calculated as 1 GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. The capacities of this unit, PCs and software are
expressed as 1 GB=1,024k1,024k1,024=1,073,741,824 bytes. Therefore, the indicated
value of the capacity appears to be smaller.

[MEDIA STATUS]

The used space and remaining recordable time of the SD card and built-in memory can be
checked.

≥ Pressing the ENTER button switches between SD card and built-in memory display.
≥ When the mode switch is set to , remaining recordable time for the selected recording

mode is displayed.

≥ Press the MENU button to close the indication.

≥ The SD card or built-in memory requires some space to store information and manage

system files, so the actual usable space is slightly less than the indicated value. The
usable SD card/built-in memory space is generally calculated as 1 GB=1,000,000,000
bytes. The capacities of this unit, PCs and software are expressed as
1 GB=1,024k1,024k1,024=1,073,741,824 bytes. Therefore, the indicated value of the
capacity appears to be smaller.

- 34 -

[DEMO MODE]

This item is used to start the unit demonstration.
(Only when the mode is at the position)
If [DEMO MODE] is switched to [ON] and you press the MENU button when there is no SD
card inserted and while this unit is connected to the AC adaptor, the demonstration
automatically starts.
If any operation takes place, the demonstration is cancelled. However if no operations take
place for approx. 5 minutes, the demonstration automatically starts again. To stop the
demonstration, set [DEMO MODE] to [OFF] or insert an SD card.

[OFF]/[ON]

[O.I.S. DEMO]

This item is used to start the optical image stabilizer demo.
(Only when the mode is at the position)
Select [O.I.S. DEMO] and press the ENTER button, the demonstration automatically starts.
When you press MENU button, the demonstration will be cancelled.

[LANGUAGE]

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

- 35 -

Advanced (Recording)

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.

6



W

T

6



W

T

Zoom in/out function

¬ Change the mode to .

≥ Maximum zoom magnification can be set with [D.ZOOM]. (l 43)

≥ 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 16.8k, 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.

- 36 -

Advanced (Recording)

Optical image stabilizer button

Press the button to turn optical image
stabilizer on/off.

(On) # setting cancelled

≥ When you wish to record as you walk, we

recommend that turn the optical image
stabilizer on.

≥ When recording with a tripod, we recommend

that you set the optical image stabilizer off.

Delete/Video light button

Setting of the video light switches every
time the button is pressed while in recording
mode.

(On) # setting cancelled

Optical image stabilizer function

Optical image stabilizer can stabilize the image without decreasing the image quality as
much.

¬ Change the mode to .

≥ Stabilization may not be possible under strong shaking conditions.

Advanced (Recording)

Recording with the video light

The video light enables brightening of the images taken in a dimly-lit place.

¬ Change the mode to .

≥ When the video light is in use, the recordable time when using the battery is shortened.
≥ The subject should be within 1.2 m of the unit.
≥ Using the colour night view function at the same time will make conditions even brighter.

- 37 -

Advanced (Recording)

1/2 1/2

ワユヹヵワユヹヵ

1/2

ワユヹヵ

1/2 1/2

ワユヹヵワユヹヵ

1/2

ワユヹヵ

Recording functions of operation icons

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

¬ Change the mode to .

1 Press the ENTER button to

display the operation icons on
the screen.

≥ The indication changes each time you

press 4 of the cursor button.

≥ Press the ENTER button to display/not-

display the operation icon.

Operation icons

Fade

Backlight compensation

Help mode

Guideline

Te l e m a c r o

PRE-REC

Soft skin mode

Intelligent contrast control

Colour night view

*1 Not displayed during recording.
*2 It is not displayed in the intelligent auto

mode.

≥ If you turn off the unit or change the mode

to , PRE-REC, backlight
compensation, colour night view and tele
macro functions are cancelled.

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

cancelled.

*1

*1

*1

*1,2

*2

*1,2

2 (e.g. Backlight compensation)

Select an operation icon.

≥ Select the operation icon again to cancel

the function.

≥ Refer to the respective pages for

cancelling the following functions.

jHelp mode (l 39)
jGuideline (l 39)

≥ It is possible to set from the menu.

(Except for the PRE-REC and Help mode)

- 38 -

Fade

(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)

≥ The fade setting is cancelled when the recording stops.

∫ To select the colour for fade in/out

: [RECORD SETUP] # [FADE COLOUR] #

[WHITE] or [BLACK]

≥ The thumbnails of scenes recorded using fade in become black (or white).

Backlight compensation

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

Help mode

Select the desired icon using the cursor
button to display an explanation on the
screen.

To exit the help mode

Press the MENU button or select [END].

≥ You cannot record or set functions while in help mode.

Guideline

You can check if the image is level while recording. The function can also be used to
estimate the balance of the composition.

It will switch every time the icon is selected.

# # # Setting cancelled

≥ The guidelines do not appear on the images actually recorded.

- 39 -

Tele macro

PRE-REC

A more impressive image can be obtained by focusing on the object only in close-up
and shading off the background.

≥ The unit can focus on the subject at a distance of approx. 50 cm.
≥ If you set the tele macro function when the zoom is set to less than 16.8a, the zoom is

automatically adjusted to 16.8a.

≥

The tele macro function is cancelled when the zoom magnification becomes lower than

16.8

k

.

PRE-REC

This prevents you from missing a shot.

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

≥ appears on the screen.

≥ Aim the unit at the subject beforehand.
≥ There is no beep sound.
≥ PRE-REC is cancelled in the following cases.

jIf you change the mode
j

If you remove the SD card

j

If you remove the SD card

jIf you press the MENU button
jIf you turn the unit off
jIf you start recording
jAfter 3 hours have passed

≥ After setting PRE-REC, if recording starts in less than 3 seconds, or while the PRE-REC

indication flashes within about 3 seconds after initiating the quick start operation, motion
pictures taken 3 seconds before pressing the recording start/stop button cannot be
recorded.

≥ Images displayed on the thumbnail in playback mode will differ from the motion pictures

displayed at the start of playback.

while [MEDIA SELECT] is set to [VIDEO/SD CARD]

Soft skin mode

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.

≥ 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.

- 40 -

Intelligent contrast control

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.

≥ If there are extremely dark or bright parts or the brightness is insufficient, the effect may not

be clear.

Colour night view

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

≥ Recorded scene is seen as if frames were missed.
≥ If set in a bright place, the screen may become washed out for a while.
≥ Bright dots that are usually invisible may be seen, but this is not a malfunction.
≥ Using a tripod is recommended.
≥ In darker areas, auto focus may focus a bit slower. This is normal.

- 41 -

Advanced (Recording)

Recording functions of menus

≥ Change the mode to .

[SCENE MODE]

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

: [RECORD SETUP] # [SCENE MODE] # desired setting

[OFF]: Cancel the setting

5Sports: To make fast moving scenes less shaky with slow playback

Portrait: To make people stand out against the background

Spotlight: Improved quality when subject is brightly illuminated.

Snow: Improved image quality when shooting on snowy locations.

Beach: To make blue in the sea or sky vibrant

Sunset: To make red in the sunrise or sunset vibrant

Fireworks: To capture the fireworks in the night sky beautifully

Scenery: For spatial scenery

Night scenery: To capture the evening or night scenery beautifully.

Low light: For dark scenes, such as at dusk

≥ (Sunset/Low light)

jThe shutter speed is 1/25 or more.

≥ (Sunset/Fireworks/Scenery/Night scenery)

jImage may get blurry when close object is recorded.

≥ (Sports)

jDuring normal playback, the image movement may not look smooth.
jColour and screen brightness may change under indoor lighting.
jIf the brightness is insufficient, the sports mode does not function. The display

flashes.

≥ (Portrait)

jColour and screen brightness may change under indoor lighting.

≥ (Fireworks)

jThe shutter speed is 1/25.
jImage may get washed out when recorded in bright surrounding.

≥ (Night scenery)

jIt is recommended using a tripod.

and pause of playback

- 42 -

[D.ZOOM]

Set the maximum zoom ratio.

: [RECORD SETUP] # [D.ZOOM] # desired setting

[OFF]: Optical zoom only (Up to 16.8k)

[50k]: Digital zoom (Up to 50k)

[1200k]: Digital zoom (Up to 1200k)

≥ The larger the digital zoom magnification, the more the image quality is degraded.

[REC MODE]

Switch the picture quality and recording format of the motion pictures to be recorded.

: [RECORD SETUP] # [REC MODE] # desired setting

[HA]/[HG]/[HX]*1: Set the recording mode to AVCHD.

[iFrame]*2: Set the recording mode to iFrame.

*1 Recording will have higher quality in the order of [HA], [HG] and [HX].
*2 [iFrame] is a format suitable for Mac (iMovie’11). It is recommended for when using a

Mac.

≥ Recordable time using the battery (l 11)
≥ This function’s default setting is [HG] mode.
≥ Please refer to page 103 about approximate recordable time.
≥ When the unit is moved a lot or moved quickly, or when a fast-moving subject is recorded

(particularly when recording in [HX] mode), mosaic-type noise may appear at playback.

- 43 -

[FACE FRAMING]

Detected faces appear with frames.

: [RECORD SETUP] # [FACE FRAMING] # desired setting

[OFF]:

Cancel the setting.

[PRIMARY]:

Only the prioritised face framing is displayed.

[ALL]:

All face detection framings are displayed.

≥ Up to 15 frames are indicated. Larger faces and faces nearer to the centre of the screen

take preference over others.

∫ Prioritised face framing

Prioritised face framing is displayed as orange frames. Focus and adjustment of brightness
will be performed against the prioritised face framing.

≥ Prioritised face framing is only displayed with portrait mode in the intelligent auto mode.
≥ The white frame is for face detection only.

[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.

: [RECORD SETUP] # [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.

- 44 -

[AUTO SLOW SHTR]

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

≥ Switch to manual mode. (l 48)

: [RECORD SETUP] # [AUTO SLOW SHTR] # [ON]

≥ The shutter speed is set to 1/25 or more depending on the surrounding brightness.

≥ When the shutter speed becomes 1/25, the screen may be seen as if frames are missed

and afterimages may appear.

[WIND CUT]

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

≥ Switch to manual mode. (l 48)

: [RECORD SETUP] # [WIND CUT] # [ON]

≥ This function’s default setting is [OFF].
≥ When switching to intelligent auto mode, [WIND CUT] is set to [OFF], and the setting

cannot be changed.

≥ You may not see the full effect depending on the recording conditions.

- 45 -

[MIC LEVEL]

A Left
B Right
C Microphone input level

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

≥ Switch to manual mode. (l 48)

1 Select the menu.

: [RECORD SETUP] # [MIC LEVEL] # desired setting

[AUTO]: AGC is activated, and the recording level is adjusted

[SETr ]: The desired recording level can be set.

[SET]: The desired recording level can be set.

(When [SETr ]/[SET] is selected)

2

automatically.

AGC is activated, reducing noise.

You will be able to record natural-sounding audio.

Press 2/1 to adjust.

≥ Adjust the microphone input level so that the

last 2 bars of the gain value are not red.
(Otherwise, the sound is distorted.) Select a
lower setting for microphone input level.

3 Press the ENTER button to determine

the microphone input level and then
press the MENU button.

≥ (Microphone input level meter)

appears on the screen.

≥ When switching to intelligent auto mode, the setting is fixed to [AUTO] and cannot be

changed.

≥ The microphone input level meter shows the larger of the inputs from the 2 built-in

microphones.

≥ You cannot record with the audio completely muted.

[QUALITY]

Selecting the picture quality.

: [PICTURE] # [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.

- 46 -

[SELF TIMER]

This is for recording still pictures using the timer.

: [PICTURE] # [SELF TIMER] # desired setting

[OFF]: Cancel the setting.

[10 SECONDS]: Records after 10 seconds

[2 SECONDS]: Records after 2 seconds

≥ When the button is pressed, a still picture is recorded after the Ø10 or Ø2 display

flashes for the time which has been set. After recording, the self-timer is cancelled.

To stop the timer midway through

Press the MENU button.

≥ Setting the self-timer to [2 SECONDS] is a good way to prevent image shake when the

button is pressed while using a tripod etc.

≥ [SELF TIMER] is cancelled in the following cases.

jIf you change the mode
jIf you turn the unit off
jIf you start recording motion picture

[SHTR SOUND]

You can add a shutter sound when recording still pictures.

: [PICTURE] # [SHTR SOUND] # desired setting

[OFF]: Cancel the setting.

: Volume low

: Volu me hi gh

- 47 -

Advanced (Recording)

MNL

4/5 NEXT

5/5 NEXT

White balance

Manual shutter speed (l 50)

Iris adjustment (l 50)

Focus (l 51)

BACKBACKBACK

Manual recording

¬ Change the mode to .

Press the iA/MANUAL button to switch to manual mode.

≥ appears on the screen.

5/5 NEXT

4/5 NEXT

4/5 NEXT

≥ Press the ENTER button to display/not-display the manual icon.
≥ The page changes with each press of 4.

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.

≥ Press the iA/MANUAL button to switch to manual mode.

1 Select [WB] using the cursor button.
2 Press 2/1 to select white balance

mode.

≥ Select the optimal mode by confirming the colour

on the screen.

5/5 NEXT

- 48 -

Icon Mode/Recording conditions

AWB

BACKBACKBACK

AWB

AWB

AWB

Auto white balance adjustment

Sunny mode:

Outdoors under a clear sky

Cloudy mode:

Outdoors under cloudy sky

Indoor mode 1:

Incandescent light, video lights like in the studio, etc.

Indoor mode 2:

Colour fluorescent lamps, sodium lamps in gymnasiums etc.

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.

≥ To return to auto setting, select or press the iA/MANUAL button.

∫ To set the white balance manually

1Press 2/1 to select , and fill the screen

with a white subject.

2Press 3 to set.

≥ When the display stops flashing and then lights

constantly, the setting is complete.

≥ If the display continues flashing, the white

balance cannot be set. In this case, use other white
balance modes.

≥ If you turn on the unit with the lens cover closed, the auto white balance will not be

performed correctly. Always open the lens cover before turning on the unit.

≥ When the display flashes, the manual white balance previously adjusted is stored.

Whenever recording conditions change, re-set the white balance.

≥ When setting both the white balance and the iris/gain, set the white balance first.
≥ is not displayed on the screen when is being set.

- 49 -

Manual shutter speed/iris adjustment

未

OPENOPEN

1/100100





BACKBACKBACK

IRISIRISIRISIRISIRISIRIS

Shutter Speed:

Adjust it when recording fast-moving subjects.

Iris:

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

≥ Press the iA/MANUAL button to switch to manual mode. (l 48)

1 Select [SHTR] or [IRIS] using the cursor button.
2 Press 2/1 to adjust settings.

A : Shutter speed:
1/50 to 1/8000

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

shutter speed will be set between 1/25 and
1/8000.

≥ The shutter speed closer to 1/8000 is faster.

B : Iris/Gain value:
CLOSE

!#

≥ 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.
≥ To return to auto setting, press the iA/MANUAL button.

≥ When setting both the shutter speed and the iris/gain value, set the shutter speed and then

Manual shutter speed adjustment

≥ You may see a band of light around the object that is shining very bright, or having very

≥ During normal playback, image movement may not look smooth.
≥ If you record an extremely bright object or record under indoor lighting, colour and screen

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.

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

set the iris/gain value.

high reflection.

brightness may change or a horizontal line may appear on the screen. In this case, record
in the intelligent auto mode or set the shutter speed to 1/100 in areas where the power
supply frequency is 50 Hz, or 1/125 in areas of 60 Hz.

- 50 -

Recording with manual focus

MFMF

5/5 NEXT5/5 NEXT5/5 NEXT

MF

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

≥ Press the iA/MANUAL button to switch to manual mode. (l 48)

1 Press 4 to switch the manual icon.
2 Select [MF] with the cursor button to change to manual focus.

≥ MF appears on the screen.

3 Press 2/1 to adjust the focus.

MF

:To focus on a close subject

:To focus on a faraway subject

≥ To restore auto focus, select [AF] or press the iA/MANUAL button.

- 51 -

Advanced (Playback)

Playback Operations

Motion picture playback using operation icon

For details on the basic playback operations, refer to page 25.

Playback

operation

Fast forward/

rewind playback

Slow-motion

playback

Frame-by-frame

playback

The motion
picture is
advanced one
frame at a time.

Cursor button/

Playback display

During Playback Press 1 of the cursor button during

During Pause

playback to fast forward.
(Press 2 to rewind.)

≥ Normal playback is restored when you

press 3.

With the playback paused, press and
hold 1 of the cursor button.
(Press and hold 2 for slow rewind
playback)

Slow-motion play back will continue over
the period that the button is pressed.
≥ Normal playback is restored when you

press 3.

≥ When slow-motion pictures are played

back in reverse, they will be shown
continuously at approximately 2/3
speed of normal playback (intervals of

0.5 seconds).

With the playback paused, press 1 of
the cursor button.
(Press 2 to advance the frames one at
a time in the reverse direction.)

≥ Normal playback is restored when you

press 3.

≥ When the frames are advanced one at a

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

Operating steps

rd

the

- 52 -

Creating still picture from motion picture

A single frame from the recorded motion picture can be saved as a still picture.
Picture size of the still picture to be created will differ depending on the recording mode of the
recorded motion picture.

Recording mode Aspect ratio Picture size after creating still picture

M

[HA]/[HG]/[HX]

[iFrame] 960k540

16:9

2.1

0.5

1920k1080

M

1 Pause at the scene you want to save as a still picture during

playback.

≥ It is convenient to use slow-motion playback and frame-by-frame playback.

2 Press the button.

≥ Date the motion picture was recorded will be registered as date of the still picture.
≥ Quality will be different from the normal still picture.

Repeat playback

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

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

The indication appears on the full screen views.
≥ All the scenes are played back repeatedly. (When playing back motion pictures by date, all

the scenes on the selected date are played back repeatedly.)

- 53 -

Resuming the previous playback

ReturnReturnReturn

A Displayed location of

the zoom

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

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

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

≥ The memorised resume position is cleared if you turn off the unit or change the mode. (The

setting of [RESUME PLAY] does not change.)

Zooming in on a still picture during playback (Playback zoom)

You can zoom in on still pictures during playback.

1 Move the zoom lever to side.

≥ You can zoom to a maximum of 4a. (k1 # k2 # k4)

2 Shift the position of the zoomed

portion using the cursor button.

≥ The location of the zoom displays for about

1 second when zooming in (zooming out) or
moving the displayed location.

≥ The more picture is enlarged, the more its

quality deteriorates.

Zooming out from the zoomed still picture

Move the zoom lever to side to zoom out. (k4 # k2 # k1)

- 54 -

Advanced (Playback)

A Date select icon

Various playback functions

Playing back motion pictures/still pictures by date

The scenes or the still pictures recorded on the same day can be played back in succession.

1 Select the date select icon

using the cursor button, then
press the ENTER button.

2 Select the playback date, then press the ENTER button.

The scenes or the still pictures recorded on the date selected are displayed as thumbnails.

3 Select the scene or the still picture to be played back, then press the

ENTER button.

≥ Playing back of all the scenes or the still pictures returns if the unit is turned off or the mode

is changed.

≥ Even if AVCHD scenes are recorded on the same day, they are grouped separately in the

following case. –1, –2... is added after the recording date displayed on the screen.

jWhen the number of scenes exceeds 99

≥ Even if iFrame scenes are recorded on the same day, they are grouped separately when

the number of scenes exceeds 99.

≥ Even if still pictures are recorded on the same day, they are grouped separately when the

number of still pictures exceeds 999.

≥ is displayed after the date in the list by date for the still pictures created from the motion

picture. (l 53)

- 55 -

Changing the playback settings and playing back the slide show

1 Select using the cursor button,

then press the ENTER button.

2 Select the desired item and press

the ENTER button.

[DATE SETUP]: Select the date to be played back.

[SLIDES INTERVAL]: Selects the interval between still pictures at playback.

[MUSIC SELECT]: Select the music to be played on playback.

3 (When [DATE SETUP] is selected)

Select the playback date, then
press the ENTER button.

(When [SLIDES INTERVAL] is selected)

Select the desired item and press the ENTER button.

[SHORT]: Approx. 1 second

[NORMAL]: Approx. 5 seconds

[LONG]: Approx. 15 seconds

(When [MUSIC SELECT] is selected)

Select the desired sound and
press the ENTER button.

- 56 -

4 Select [START] and press the ENTER button.
5 Select the playback operation. (l 25)

≥ When the playback is finished or stopped, the screen to select [REPLAY], [SELECT

AGAIN] or [EXIT] is displayed. Select the desired item and press the ENTER button.

≥ To adjust the volume of music during playback of the slide show, operate the volume lever.

(l 26)

- 57 -

Advanced (Playback)

To delete by confirming images
being played back

Press the /LIGHT button while scenes
or still pictures to be deleted are being
played back.

Deleting scenes/still pictures

Deleted scenes/still pictures cannot be restored, so perform appropriate
confirmation of the contents before proceeding with deletion.

¬ Change the mode to .

∫ Deleting multiple scenes/still pictures from the thumbnail display

1 Press the /LIGHT button while the thumbnail view screen is

displayed.

2 Select [ALL SCENES] or [SELECT]

using the cursor button, then
press the ENTER button.

≥ All the scenes or still pictures displayed as

thumbnails will be deleted by selecting
[ALL SCENES].
(In case of playing back scenes or still pictures by date, all the scenes or still pictures on
the selected date will be deleted.)

≥ Protected scenes/still pictures cannot be deleted.

3 (When [SELECT] is selected in step 2)

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

≥ The scene/still picture is selected and the indication appears on the thumbnail. Press

the ENTER button again to cancell the operation.

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

4 (When [SELECT] is selected in step 2)

Select [Delete], and press the ENTER button, or the /LIGHT
button.

≥ To continuously delete other scenes/still pictures, repeat steps 3-4.

When you stop deleting halfway

Press the MENU button while deleting.
≥ The scenes or still pictures that have already been deleted when the deletion is cancelled

cannot be restored.

- 58 -

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].

≥ Scenes which cannot be played back (the thumbnails are displayed as ) cannot be

deleted.

≥ In case of [ALL SCENES], the deletion may take time if there are many scenes or still

pictures.

≥ 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.

- 59 -

Dividing a scene (AVCHD)

0h00m15s0h00m15s0h00m15s

It is possible to divide an AVCHD scene. Any unwanted parts in the scene can be deleted
after dividing.

≥ Change the mode to , and set [VIDEO/PICTURE] of the play mode selection to

[AVCHD]. (l 25)

1 Select the menu.

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

2 Select the scene you wish to divide using the cursor button and

press the ENTER 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 52)

≥ Select [YES] to continue dividing the same scene.

To continue dividing other scenes, select [NO] and
repeat steps 2-3.

4 Press the MENU button to complete dividing.

≥ Unwanted parts can be deleted. (l 58)

To delete all the divided points

: [EDIT SCENE] # [DIVIDE] # [CANCEL ALL]

≥ The scenes that were deleted after division cannot be recovered.

≥ You cannot divide a scene if the number of scenes of a given date would exceed 99

scenes.

≥ It may not be possible to divide scenes with a short recording time.
≥ Data that has been recorded or edited on another device cannot be divided and the divided

points cannot be deleted.

- 60 -

Dividing a scene to partially delete (iFrame)

0h00m15s0h00m15s0h00m15s

Divide the iFrame scene, and delete unnecessary parts.
This divides the recorded scenes in two and deletes the front half or back half.

The scenes that were deleted after division cannot be recovered.
≥ Change the mode to , and set [VIDEO/PICTURE] of the play mode selection to

[iFrame]. (l 25)

1 Select the menu.

: [EDIT SCENE] # [SPLIT&DELETE

]

2 Select the scene you wish to divide using the cursor button and

press the ENTER 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 52)

≥ Set to at least 2 seconds for the portions to be deleted

and least 3 seconds for the portion that is to remain.

4 Select the part for deletion, then

press the ENTER button.

5 Select [YES] and press the ENTER

button to confirm (play back) the
part for deletion.

≥ A confirmation message appears when [NO] is selected.

Proceed to step 7.

6 Stop the playback.

≥ A confirmation message appears.

7 Select [YES] and press the ENTER button.

≥ To continue dividing and deleting other scenes, repeat steps 2-7.

To complete dividing

≥ Press the MENU button.

≥ It may not be possible to divide scenes with a short recording time.
≥ The actual division may slightly slip off the previously designated dividing point.

- 61 -

Protecting scenes/still pictures

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

(Even if you protect some scenes/still pictures, formatting the media will delete them.)
≥ Change the mode to .

1 Select the menu.

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

2 Select the scene/still picture to be protected using the cursor button,

then press the ENTER button.

≥ The scene/still picture is selected and the indication appears on the thumbnail. Press

the ENTER button again to cancel the operation.

≥ Press the MENU button to complete the settings.

- 62 -

Advanced (Playback)

AV MULTI

AV MULTI

Watching Video/Pictures on your TV

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

A High quality

1 HDMI terminal
2 Component

terminal

3 Video terminal

≥ Use the AV multi cable (supplied) or HDMI mini cable (optional) and check the output

settings. (l 66)

≥ HDMI is the interface for digital devices. 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.

1 Connect this unit to a TV.

A HDMI mini cable

(optional)

≥ Be sure to connect to the

HDMI terminal.

B AV multi 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

3 Standard images when

connecting to video
terminal

≥ Check that the plugs are inserted as far as they go.
≥ Always use a genuine Panasonic HDMI mini cable (RP-CDHM15, RP-CDHM30; optional).
≥ Do not use any other AV multi cables except the supplied one.
≥ When connecting to the component terminal of the TV, the yellow plug of the AV multi cable

is not required.

- 63 -

≥ When connecting to the AV terminal of the TV, do not connect the component terminal plug

of the AV multi cable. Image may not display when the component terminal plug is
connected simultaneously.

2 Select the video input on the TV.

≥ Example:

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

≥ 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.)

3 Change the mode to to play back.

≥ If you connect to a TV using an HDMI mini cable or an AV multi cable with the unit in play

back mode, images will not be displayed on the screen of the unit. Check on the TV screen
instead.

Cables Reference items

A HDMI mini cable (optional) ≥ Connecting with a HDMI mini cable (l 66)

B AV multi cable (supplied) ≥ Connecting with the AV multi cable (l 66)

≥ When the AV multi cable is connected to this unit, the setup screen of the AV multi

destination is displayed on the screen of this unit. Select either [COMPONENT] or [AV
OUT] in accordance with the terminal connecting to the TV. (l 66)

≥ If the HDMI mini cable and AV multi cable are connected at the same time, output will be

prioritised in order of the HDMI mini cable, AV multi cable.

≥ If you connect to a TV using an HDMI mini cable or an AV multi cable with the unit

recording motion picture or with the PRE-REC setting on, images will not be displayed on
the TV. Check on the screen of the unit instead.
Also, no audio will be played on the TV during recording mode.

≥ Playback using VIERA Link (l 67)

- 64 -

∫ To watch images on a regular

TV (4:3) or when both sides of
the images do not appear on
the screen

Change the menu setting to display the
images correctly. (Check the TV setting.)

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

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/

≥ Scenes recorded in [iFrame] cannot be played back on a TV.
≥ For details on how to play back, please read the operating instructions for the TV.

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.)

- 65 -

Connecting with a HDMI mini cable

Select the desired method of HDMI output.

: [SETUP] # [HDMI RESOLUTION] # [AUTO]/[1080i]/[576p]

≥ [AUTO] determines the output resolution automatically based on information from the

connected TV.
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.)

Connecting with the AV multi cable

AV multi connector output setting can be changed.

: [SETUP] # [AV MULTI] # desired setting

[COMPONENT]: When connecting to the component terminal

[AV OUT]: When connecting to the video terminal

Changing the component output setting

: [SETUP] # [COMPONENT OUT] # desired setting

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

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

(Playback is in standard quality.)

1080i.
(Playback is in high definition quality.)

- 66 -

Advanced (Playback)

HDMI IN





Playback using VIERA Link

What is the VIERA Link (HDAVI Control™)?

≥ 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.5. VIERA Link Ver.5 is the newest

Panasonic version and is also compatible with existing Panasonic VIERA Link devices.
(As of Dec 2010)

¬ Change the mode to .

1 Select the menu.

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

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

2 Connect this unit to a Panasonic TV compatible with VIERA Link

with a HDMI mini cable.

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

≥ It is recommended to connect this unit to an HDMI terminal other than the HDMI1 if there

are 2 or more HDMI input terminals on the TV.

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

TV for how to set etc.)

≥ Always use a genuine Panasonic HDMI mini cable (RP-CDHM15, RP-CDHM30; optional).

- 67 -

3 Operate with the remote control for the TV.





1)

2)



15.11 .2011
0

h00m15s

1) Press the button up, down, left or right to select a scene or still picture 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 following operations are available by pressing the colour buttons on the remote control.
jGreen: Switching the number of scenes/still pictures in thumbnail display

(9 thumbnails > 20 thumbnails > 9 thumbnails...)
Zoom in on still picture

jYellow: Deleting scenes/still pictures
jRed: Zoom out from still picture

≥ To change the media for playback and [VIDEO/PICTURE], change the play mode selection

using the cursor button on the unit. (l 25)

∫ Other linked operations

Turning the unit off:

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

Automatic input switching:

If you connect with a HDMI mini cable and then turn 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.

≥ 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.

- 68 -

Copy/Dubbing

Copying from Built-in Memory to SD
card

Motion pictures or still pictures recorded with this unit can be copied from a built-in memory to
an SD card inserted in this unit.

∫ Check the used space of the SD card

It is possible to check the used space of the SD card by [MEDIA STATUS] (l 34).
≥ Depending on the media condition, some remaining capacity of the SD card may not be

used.

≥ If the remaining capacity on a single SD card is not enough, you can copy to multiple SD

cards following the instruction on the screen. In this case, the last scene copied to an SD
card is automatically divided to fit the space on the SD card.

≥ If you divide the scenes (l 60), and copy by scene selection, it is possible to copy

matching the remaining capacity of the SD card, or only the necessary parts.

Copying

≥ If there is not much remaining capacity in the SD card, a confirmation message asking to

copy after deleting all data on the SD card is displayed. Be aware that deleted data cannot
be restored.

1 Change the mode to .

≥ Use a sufficiently charged battery or the AC adaptor.

2 Select the menu.

[HDC-TM40]

: [COPY]

3 Following the screen display, select the desired item using the

cursor button, and press the ENTER button.

≥ Select and press the ENTER button to return to the previous screen.
≥ (When [SELECT SCENES] is selected)

When you press the ENTER button, the scene/still picture is selected and indication
appears on the thumbnail. Press the ENTER button again to cancell the operation.

≥ (When [SELECT DATE] is selected)

When you press the ENTER button, a date is selected and surrounded by red. Press the
ENTER button again to cancel the operation.

≥ Up to 99 scenes/still pictures or 99 dates can be set in succession.
≥ If 2 or more SD cards are necessary to copy, change the card following the instructions on

the screen.

4 Press the MENU button when the copy complete message is

displayed.

≥ The thumbnail view of the copy destination is indicated.

- 69 -

When you stop copying halfway

Press the MENU button while copying.

If you will delete the motion pictures or still pictures after copying is complete, be
sure to play back the motion pictures or still pictures to check that they have been
copied to correctly before deleting.

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

jThe number of recorded scenes is large.
jThe temperature of the unit is high.

≥ If some motion pictures or still pictures have already been recorded to the copy destination,

then the same date may be assigned or images may not display by date when the list by
date is selected.

≥ Motion pictures that have been recorded on another device may not be copied. Data

recorded on a PC with HD Writer LE 1.0, etc. cannot be copied.

≥ Protection setting will be cleared on the copied motion pictures and still pictures when

copying motion pictures and still pictures with protection setting.

≥ The order in which the scenes or still pictures were copied cannot be changed.

- 70 -

Copy/Dubbing

Dubbing with a Blu-ray disc recorder, video devices, etc.

∫ Check before dubbing

Check the equipment used for dubbing.

Equipment

used for
dubbing

Equipment
with SD card
slot

Dubbing picture quality To dub

high-definition picture

*

quality

Insert the SD card
directly (l 72)

Equipment
with USB
terminal

Equipment
without SD
card slot or
USB terminal

* Some equipment may not be compatible with high-definition (AVCHD) picture quality. In

such a case, connect with the AV multi cable and dub with standard picture quality. (l 74)

≥ For the positions of the SD card slot, USB terminal, or terminal for connecting the AV multi

cable, refer to the operating instructions of the equipment used.

≥ The iFrame scenes cannot be dubbed to SD cards or by connecting with the USB cable. To

dub iFrame scenes, refer to page 74.

high-definition picture

*

quality

standard picture quality

This can be played back on
equipment not compatible with
high-definition (AVCHD), so is
convenient if you are dubbing
for distribution.

Connect with supplied
USB cable (l 72)

Connect with supplied
AV multi cable (l 74)

- 71 -

Dubbing in high-definition picture quality

You can dub using a Panasonic Blu-ray disc recorder or high-definition (AVCHD)
compatible DVD recorder.
≥ Depending on the recorders or the media to be copied to, you may not be able to

copy in high-definition (AVCHD) picture quality. For further details, see the
operating instructions of your recorder.

≥ Note that the equipment described may not be available in certain countries and

regions.

∫ To dub using equipment with an SD card slot

You can dub by directly inserting an SD card.

≥

The scenes and still pictures in the built-in
memory can be dubbed by copying them to an
SD card. (l 69)

∫ To dub using equipment with a USB terminal

You can dub by connecting a USB cable.

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

A USB cable (supplied)

≥ Insert the plugs as far as they will go.

1 Connect the unit to the Blu-ray disc recorder or high-definition

(AVCHD) compatible DVD recorder.

≥ The USB function selection screen will appear on the screen of the unit.

2 Select [RECORDER] using the cursor button on the unit and press

the ENTER button.

≥ When you select an option other than [RECORDER], reconnect the USB cable.
≥

When using the battery, the LCD monitor turns off after about 5 seconds. Press the cursor
button to turn the LCD monitor on.

- 72 -

3

Select the media you wish to dub, then press the ENTER button.

≥ When using the battery, the LCD monitor turns off after about 5 seconds. Press the cursor

button to turn the LCD monitor on.

4 Dub through operations on the Blu-ray disc recorder or high-

definition (AVCHD) compatible DVD recorder.

≥ Do not press the ENTER button of the unit during dubbing.

About the screen indication of the unit

≥ When the unit is accessing the SD card, card access icon ( ) appears on the unit

screen or the access lamp is on.

≥

When the unit is accessing the built-in memory, built-in memory access icon ( )
appears on the unit screen or the access lamp is on.

≥ Be careful not to disconnect the USB cable, AC adaptor or battery while the unit is

accessing media, as this may result in the loss of recorded content.

≥ Do not use any other USB cables except the supplied one. (Operation is not guaranteed

with any other USB cables.)

≥ When this unit is connected to a Panasonic Blu-ray disc recorder or a DVD recorder using

a USB cable while the unit is turned on, power is also supplied from the connected
equipment to this unit.

≥ For details on dubbing and playback methods, read the operating instructions of the

Blu-ray disc recorder or DVD recorder.

≥ When you connect the unit to a Blu-ray disc recorder, a dubbing operations screen may

appear on the television connected to the Blu-ray disc recorder. In this case as well,
perform the operations of steps 1 to 4.

≥ You cannot change the mode of the unit or turn off the unit while it is connected to a Blu-ray

disc recorder or DVD recorder. Disconnect the USB cable before performing either of these
operations.

≥ If the battery runs down during dubbing, a message will appear. Operate the Blu-ray disc

recorder to cancel the dubbing.

- 73 -

Dubbing in standard picture quality



AV MULTI

∫ Dubbing using equipment without an SD card slot or a USB terminal,

or using a video device

You can dub by connecting an AV multi cable.

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

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 multi cables

except the supplied one.

A AV multi cable (supplied)

1 Connect this unit to a video device and then change the mode to

≥ If the unit is connected to a video device using an AV multi cable, the screen of the unit will

.

not display images when in play back mode. Check on the TV screen instead.

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 30)

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.

- 74 -

With a PC

What you can do with a PC

HD Writer LE 1.0

You can copy the motion/still picture data to the HDD of PCs or write to media like Blu-ray
discs, DVD discs or SD cards using HD Writer LE 1.0, the software installed in the supplied
CD-ROM.
Refer to the operating instructions of HD Writer LE 1.0 (PDF file) for details on how to use it.

∫ Smart wizard

The Smart wizard screen is automatically displayed when you connect this unit to a PC with
HD Writer LE 1.0 installed. (l 83)

Copy to PC:

You can copy motion/still picture data to the HDD of PCs.

Copy to disc:

You can copy to disc in high definition picture quality or conventional standard picture quality
(MPEG2 format).
≥ Select the function you wish to use and follow the on-screen instructions for easy copying.

What can be done with the HD Writer LE 1.0 Data type

Copying data to a PC

Copying in BD/AVCHD format:

≥ iFrame scenes cannot be copied to BD/AVCHD format.

Copying in DVD-Video format:

≥ Converted to conventional standard quality (MPEG2 format).

Editing:

Editing motion picture data copied on an HDD of a PC
≥ Divide, Trimming, Still picture, Title, Effect, Transition, BGM, Delete

partially

≥ Converting the motion picture data to MPEG2
≥ Converting part of motion picture into still picture

Online sharing:

You can upload motion pictures on the Internet and share them with your
family and friends.

Playing back on a PC:

Play back the motion picture data in high definition picture quality on a PC.

Formatting discs:

Depending on the type of disc that you use, formatting is necessary.

Motion

picture and

still picture

Motion
picture

- 75 -

≥ It is possible to play back on a PC using a image viewer standard to Windows or

commercially available image browsing software, and copy pictures to a PC using
Windows Explorer.

≥ Please refer to page 87 for details about using a Mac.

Important Notice

≥ When using an SDXC Memory Card, check the following support site.

http://panasonic.net/avc/sdcard/information/SDXC.html

≥ Do not insert a disc recorded in AVCHD format with HD Writer LE 1.0 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.

≥

It is impossible to write data to the built-in memory on this unit from a PC.

≥ Motion pictures that have been recorded on another device cannot be written to the

software supplied with this unit. To write motion picture data recorded with the
Panasonic High Definition Video Camera sold previously, use the HD Writer supplied
with the unit.

≥ We cannot guarantee operation if you use software other than that supplied to read/write

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.

- 76 -

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
License 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 Panasonic Corporation
(“Panasonic”), 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 a part solely for back­up purpose.

Article 4 Computer
Licensee may use the Software only on one
computer, and may not use it on more than
one computer.

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. Panasonic,
or its distributors 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 Indemnification
The Software is provided “AS-IS” without
warranty of any kind, either expressed or
implied, including, but not limited to,
warranties of non-infringement,
merchantability and/or fitness for a particular
purpose. Further, Panasonic does not
warrant that the operation of the Software
will be uninterrupted or error free. Panasonic
or any of its distributors 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
contravenes any of the terms and conditions
of this Agreement. In this event, Licensee
must destroy the Software and related
documentation together with all the copies
thereof at Licensee’s own expense.

- 77 -

With a PC

Operating environment

≥ 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

Blu-ray disc/DVD writer drive and media are necessary for writing to a Blu-ray disc/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, Windows NT and Windows 2000.

∫ Operating environment for HD Writer LE 1.0

PC IBM PC/AT compatible PC

OS Windows 7

Professional/Ultimate
Windows Vista
Ultimate
Windows XP

CPU Intel Pentium 4 2.8 GHz or higher

≥ Intel Core 2 Duo 2.16 GHz or higher or AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-

≥ Intel Core 2 Quad 2.6 GHz or higher is recommended when using

RAM Windows 7: 1 GB or more (32 bit)/2 GB or more (64 bit)

Windows Vista: 1 GB or more
Windows XP: 512 MB or more (1 GB or more recommended)

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

Desktop resolution of 1024k768 pixels or more (1920k1080 pixels
or more recommended)
Windows 7/Windows Vista: DirectX 9.0c compatible video card
(DirectX 10 recommended)
Windows XP: DirectX 9.0c compatible video card
Compatible with DirectDraw overlay
PCI Express
Video memory of 256 MB or more recommended

(32bit/64bit)

(32 bit)

(SP1/SP

(32 bit) (SP

Core 5200+ or higher is recommended when using playback
function or MPEG2 output function.

the editing function.

™

k16 compatible recommended

Starter/Home Basic/Home Premium/

Home Basic/Home Premium/Business/

2)

3)

- 78 -

Free hard disk
drive space

Sound DirectSound Support

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

Other
requirements

≥ Supplied CD-ROM is available for Windows only.
≥ Input is not supported in languages other than English, German, French, Simplified

Chinese and Russian.

≥ Operation cannot be guaranteed on all Blu-ray disc/DVD drives.
≥ Operation is not guaranteed on Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise, Windows XP

Media Center Edition, Tablet PC Edition and Windows 7 Enterprise.

≥ This software is not compatible with a multi-boot environment.
≥ This software is not compatible with a multi-monitor environment.
≥ If using Windows XP, an administrative account user only can use this software. If using

Windows Vista/Windows 7, administrative account and standard account users only can
use this software. (An administrative account user should install and uninstall this
software.)

Ultra DMA — 100 or more
450 MB or more (for installing the software)
≥ When writing to a DVD/Blu-ray disc/SD, more than double the

amount of free space as the disc being created is necessary.

Mouse or equivalent pointing device
Internet connection

∫ To use the HD Writer LE 1.0

You will need a high performance PC depending on the functions to be used. It may not
properly play back or properly operate depending on the environment of the PC used. Refer
to the operating environment and notes.

≥ Operation during the playback may become slow if the CPU or memory is not fulfilling the

requirements of the operating environment.

≥ Always use the most current driver for the video card.
≥ Always make sure there is enough capacity on the HDD in the PC. It may become

inoperable or the operation may stop suddenly if the capacity gets low.

- 79 -

∫ Operating environment for the card reader function (mass storage)

PC IBM PC/AT compatible PC

OS Windows 7 (32 bit/64 bit)

CPU Windows 7/Windows Vista: 1.0 GHz or higher

RAM Windows 7: 1 GB or more (32 bit)/2 GB or more (64 bit)

Interface USB port

Other
requirements

≥ The USB equipment operates with the driver installed as standard in the OS.

Windows Vista
Windows XP

Windows XP: Intel Pentium
400 MHz or higher

Windows Vista Home Basic: 512 MB or more
Windows Vista Home Premium/Business/Ultimate/Enterprise:
1GB or more
Windows XP: 128 MB or more (256 MB or more recommended)

Mouse or equivalent pointing device

(32 bit)

(SP1/SP2)

(32 bit) (SP

3)

III 450 MHz or higher or Intel Celeron

- 80 -

With a PC

Installation

When installing the software, log on to your computer as the Administrator or with a user
name with equivalent authorization. (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.
≥ Explanation of operations and screens is based on Windows 7.

1 Insert the CD-ROM into the PC.

≥ The following screen is displayed automatically. Click [Run setup.exe] # [Yes].
≥ When using Windows 7 or the following screen is not displayed automatically, select [Start]

# [Computer] (or double-click on [Computer] on the desktop), and then double-click
[Panasonic].

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].

4 Select the country or region where you live,

then click [Next].

≥ If the country or region cannot be selected, select [PAL

Area].

≥ When the confirmation message appears, click [Yes].

5 Select where the application is to be

installed, then click [Next].

6 Select [Yes] or [No] to create shortcut.

≥ A message regarding the playback in the environment used

may be displayed depending on the performance of the PC
used. Click [OK] after confirming.

- 81 -

未

7 When installation is complete, some notes will appear.

Check the contents, then close the window.

8 Select [Yes, I want to restart my computer

now.], then click [Finish].

The PC must be rebooted for the
application to work.

∫ Uninstalling HD Writer LE 1.0

Follow the steps below to uninstall any software applications that you no longer require.

1 Select [Start] # [Control Panel] #

[Uninstall a program].

2 Select [HD Writer LE 1.0], then click

[Uninstall].

≥ Proceed with the uninstallation by following the

on-screen instructions.

≥ After uninstalling the software, be sure to reboot the

PC.

- 82 -

With a PC



Connecting to a PC

≥ Connect this unit to the PC after the software applications are installed.
≥ Remove the supplied CD-ROM from your PC.

A USB cable (supplied)

≥ Insert the plugs as far as they will go.

1 Connect this unit to the AC adaptor.

≥ It is possible to use it connected to the PC with the batteries only, but you will not be able to

write data into the unit. Use the AC adaptor to free you from worrying about the battery
running down.

2 Turn on the unit.

≥ This function is available in all modes.

3 Connect this unit to a PC.

≥ The USB function selection screen will appear.

4 Select [PC] using the cursor button on the unit and press the ENTER

button.

≥ The Smart wizard screen is automatically displayed when HD Writer LE 1.0 is installed.
≥ This unit is automatically recognised as an external drive of the PC. (l 85)
≥ When you select an option other than [PC], reconnect the USB cable.
≥ When using the battery, the LCD monitor turns off after about 5 seconds. Press the cursor

button to turn the LCD monitor on.

≥ Do not use any other USB cables except the supplied one. (Operation is not guaranteed

with any other USB cables.)

≥ When this unit is connected to a PC using a USB cable while the unit is turned on, power is

also supplied from the PC to this unit.

≥ When the unit is connected to a PC it cannot be turned off.

Disconnect the USB cable, before turning this unit off.

≥ When performing reading/writing between a PC and an SD card, be aware that some SD

card slots built into PCs and some SD card readers are not compatible with the SDHC
memory card or SDXC memory card.

≥ When using an SDXC Memory Card, check the following support site.

http://panasonic.net/avc/sdcard/information/SDXC.html

- 83 -

∫ To disconnect USB cable safely

Select the icon in task tray displayed on the PC, and then click [Eject Panasonic
Camcorder].

≥ Depending on your PC’s settings, this icon may not be displayed.

About the screen indication of the unit

≥ Do not disconnect the USB cable, battery, or AC adaptor while the access lamp is on or

card access icon ( ) appears on the unit screen.

≥

Do not disconnect the USB cable, the battery or the AC adaptor while the access lamp
is on or built-in memory access icon ( ) appears on the unit screen.

≥ If the screen does not change when the unit is operated while connected to a PC,

disconnect the battery and/or AC adaptor, wait approximately 1 minute, reconnect the
battery and/or AC adaptor, wait approximately 1 minute again, and then turn the unit
back on. (Data may be destroyed when above operation is performed while accessing
the SD card or built-in memory.)

∫ Charging the battery by connecting it to different devices

When using the battery, if you turn off the unit and connect it to a PC, Panasonic Blu-ray disc
recorder or Panasonic DVD recorder, the battery will charge.

≥ When connecting this unit to a PC for the first time, make sure to connect this unit to

the PC with this unit turned on.

≥ Insert the USB cable securely all the way. It will not operate properly if it is not inserted all

the way.

≥ Do not use any other USB cables except the supplied one. (Operation is not guaranteed

with any other USB cables.)

≥ Be sure to connect the unit directly to the PC, Blu-ray disc recorder or DVD recorder.
≥ During charging, the status indicator flashes.
≥ You cannot charge when the status indicator flashes rapidly, or when it does not light at all.

Charge using the AC adaptor. (l 10)

≥ It will take 2 or 3 times longer to charge compared to when using the AC adaptor.
≥ If the status indicator flashes at a particularly fast or slow rate, refer to page 99.

- 84 -

About the PC display

DCIM

CAM_MEM

100CDPFQ

101UDPHH





102CDPFS



AVCHDTN

BDMV

AVCHD





When the unit is connected to a PC, it is recognised as an external drive.
≥ Removable disk (Example: ) is displayed in [Computer].

We recommend using HD Writer LE 1.0 to
copy or write back motion picture data.
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 LE 1.0.
It is impossible to write data to the built-in
memory on this unit from a PC.

Example folder structure of an SD card:

CAM_SD

DCIM

100CDPFQ

101UDPHH

102CDPFS

PR IVATE

AVCHD

AVCHDTN

BDMV











The following data will be recorded.

1 Up to 999 still pictures in JPEG

format ([S1000001.JPG] etc.)

2 iFrame format motion picture files

([S1000001.MP4] etc.)

3 JPEG format still pictures created

from the motion picture

4 The motion picture thumbnails
5 AVCHD format motion picture files

([00000.MTS] etc.)

∫ 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 Double click the folder that contains

the still pictures. ([DCIM] #
[100CDPFQ] etc.)

2 Drag and drop the still pictures onto

the destination folder (on the PC’s
HDD).

Example folder structure of built-in
memory:

≥ Do not delete the SD card’s folders. Doing

so may make the SD card unusable 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.

- 85 -

With a PC

Starting HD Writer LE 1.0

To use the software, log on as an Administrator or as user name for standard user account
(only for Windows 7/Windows Vista).
The software cannot be used with the user name for a guest account.

(On the PC)

Select [Start] # [All Programs] # [Panasonic] # [HD Writer LE 1.0] #
[HD Writer LE].

≥ For details on how to use the software applications, read the PDF operating instructions of

the software.

Reading the operating instructions of the software applications

≥ You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or later or Adobe Reader 7.0 or later to read the

PDF operating instructions.

Select [Start] # [All Programs] # [Panasonic] # [HD Writer LE 1.0] #
[Operating Instructions].

- 86 -

With a PC

If using Mac

≥ HD Writer LE 1.0 is not available for Mac.
≥ iMovie’11 supported. For details about iMovie’11, please contact Apple Inc.
≥ There are some limitations in the functions when iMovie’11 is used. Refer to page 95 for

details.

∫ Operating environment

PC Mac
OS Mac OS X 10.6.3
CPU Intel Core Duo or better
RAM 1 GB or more
Interface USB port

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

some PCs cannot be used.

≥ The USB equipment operates with the driver installed as standard in the OS.
≥ Supplied CD-ROM is available for Windows only.

∫ Copying still pictures on PC

1 Connect this unit to a PC via the supplied USB cable.

≥ The USB function selection screen will appear.

2 Select [PC] using the cursor button on the unit and press the ENTER

button.

≥ This unit is automatically recognised as an external drive of Mac.
≥ When you select an option other than [PC], reconnect the USB cable.
≥ When using the battery, the LCD monitor turns off after about 5 seconds. Press the cursor

button to turn the LCD monitor on.

3 Double-click [CAM_SD] displayed on the desktop.

≥ For users who have , [CAM_SD] and [CAM_MEM] are displayed on the

desktop.

≥ Files are stored in [100CDPFQ] folder etc. in the [DCIM] folder.

4 Using a drag-and-drop operation, move the pictures you want to

acquire or the folder storing those pictures to any different folder on
the PC.

∫ To disconnect USB cable safely

Drag [CAM_SD] disk icon to the [Trash], and then disconnect the USB cable.
≥ For users who have , [CAM_SD] and [CAM_MEM] are displayed on the

desktop.

≥ Do not remove the SD card from this unit when this unit is connected to the PC using a

USB cable.

- 87 -

Others

OPEN

0dB

0h00m00s

1/100

MF

R 1h20m

R 3000

1h30m

15. 11. 2011 12:34

+1







PRE-REC

MNL

+2

+1

-

1

PRE-REC

Indications

* only

∫ Recording indications

M

2.1

////

Intelligent auto mode (l 23)

Manual mode (l 48)

////////

/

Scene mode (l 42)

//

Power LCD (l 32)

¥/; (Red) Recording

; (Green) Recording pause

0h00m00s Elapsed recording time

(“h” is an abbreviation for hour, “m” for
minute and “s” for second.)

1h30m Remaining battery time

(l 20)

Image stabilizer (l 37)

Remaining battery power
(l 12)

(l 12)

MF Manual focus (l 51)

Built-in memory recording
possible status (motion

*

picture)

(White) Card recording possible

status (motion picture)

(Green) Recognising the card (motion

picture)

///

A

Recording mode (l 43)

R 1h20m Remaining time for motion

picture recording (l 20)

Wind cut (l 45)

Backlight compensation
(l 39)

B

// / / /

AWB

White balance (l 48)

Video Light (l 37)

Ø10/Ø2 Self-Timer recording (l 47)

PRE-REC (l 40)

1/100 Shutter speed (l 50)

OPEN/F2.0 Iris value (l 50)

0dB Gain value (l 50)

Microphone level (l 46)

Soft skin mode (l 40)

Tele macro (l 40)

/ Fade (White), Fade (Black)

(l 39)

Colour night view function
(l 41)

Intelligent contrast control
(l 41)

- 88 -

C

2.1M0.5

M

Built-in memory recording
possible status (still picture)

(White) Card recording possible

status (still picture)

(Green) Recognising the card (still

picture)

/ Picture quality (l 46)

/ Number of recording pixels

for still pictures (l 22, 53)

In playback mode, the picture size is not
displayed for still pictures recorded with
other products that have different picture
sizes from the sizes shown above.

R3000 Remaining number of still

pictures (l 22)

(White) Still picture recording icon

(Red) Recording still picture

World time setting (l 29)

15. 11. 2011 Date indication (l 17)

12:34 Time indication (l 17)

∫ Playback indications

1/;/5/6/7/8/D/E/;1/2;

*

Display during playback (l 25, 52)

0h00m00s Playback time (l 25)

No.10 Scene number

Repeat playback (l 53)

Resume playback (l 54)

100-0001 Still picture folder/file name

Protected motion pictures/
still pictures (l 62)

AVCHD recorded scene
(l 25)

iFrame recorded scene
(l 25)

∫ Indication of connection to

other devices

Accessing the card (l 73, 84)

Accessing the built-in memory
(l 73, 84)

*

∫ Confirmatory indications

–– (Time
display)

The built-in battery is low.
(l 17)

Warning for recording yourself
(l 18)

SD card is not inserted or is
non-compatible.

- 89 -

Others

Messages

Major confirmation/error messages to be indicated on the screen in text.
* only

PERIODICALLY MAKE BACK UP OF DATA IN BUILT-IN MEMORY.

We recommend backing up important recorded motion pictures and still pictures
periodically to a PC, DVD disc etc. to protect it. (l 75) This message does not indicate
that there is a problem with this unit.

CHECK CARD.

This card is not compatible or it cannot be recognised by the unit.
If this message appears even though motion pictures and still pictures are recorded on an
SD card, the card may be unstable. Reinsert the SD card, then turn the unit off and then
on again.

THIS BATTERY CANNOT BE USED.

≥ Use a battery that is compatible with this unit. (l 9)

If using a Panasonic battery compatible with this unit, remove the battery and then
insert it again. If the message appears even after repeating this several times, this unit
needs repair. Detach the power and consult the dealer who you purchased this unit
from. Do not attempt to repair it by yourself.

≥ You are attempting to connect an AC adaptor not compatible with this unit. Use the

supplied AC adaptor. (l 10)

*

- 90 -

About recovery

If faulty management information is found, the messages may appear and a repair is
performed. (Repairing may take time depending on the error.)

SOME SCENES NEED REPAIRING. PLAY SCENES TO BE REPAIRED.
(IRREPARABLE SCENES WILL BE DELETED.)

≥ The above message is displayed when abnormal management information is detected

when the scenes are displayed in thumbnail. To perform the repair, select the scene with

in the thumbnail, and start the play back. Please be aware that if the repair fails,

scenes with will be deleted.

≥ Use a sufficiently charged battery or the AC adaptor.
≥ Depending on the condition of the data, it may not be possible to completely repair the

data.

≥ If recovery fails, it will not be possible to play back scenes recorded before the unit turned

off.

≥ When data recorded on another device is recovered, it may not be possible to play back

the data on this unit or the other device.

≥ If recovery fails, turn the unit off and on again after waiting a while. If recovery fails

repeatedly, format a media on the unit. Please be aware that if a media is formatted, then
all the data recorded on the media will be erased.

≥ If the thumbnail information is recovered, displaying the thumbnails may become slower.

- 91 -

Others

Troubleshooting

Power

Problem Check points

This unit cannot be
turned on.

This unit does not stay
on long enough.

Battery runs down
quickly.

This unit is turned off
automatically.

This unit cannot be
operated though it is
turned on.

This unit does not
operate normally.

“ERROR OCCURRED.
PLEASE TURN UNIT
OFF, THEN TURN ON
AGAIN.” is displayed.

≥ Charge the battery again to ensure it is sufficiently

charged. (l 10)

≥ In cold places, the battery using time becomes shorter.
≥ The battery has a limited life. If the operating time is still

too short even after the battery is fully charged, the
battery has worn out and needs to be replaced.

≥ If the unit turns off when you turn off the power to the TV

using the TV remote control, the VIERA Link is at work. If
you are not using the VIERA Link, set [VIERA Link] to
[OFF]. (l 67)

≥ Remove the battery or AC adaptor, wait about 1 minute

and then reconnect the battery or AC adaptor. Then
about 1 minute later, turn on the unit again. (Conducting
the above operation while the media is being accessed
may damage the data on the media.)

≥ If normal operation is still not restored, detach the power

connected, and consult the dealer who you purchased
this unit from.

≥ The unit has automatically detected an error. Restart the

unit by turning off and on.

≥ The unit will be turned off in about 1 minute if the unit is

not turned off and on.

≥ Repair is needed if it is repeatedly displayed even if it is

restarted. Detach the power connected, and consult the
dealer who you purchased this unit from. Do not attempt
to repair the unit by yourself.

Indication

Problem Check points

Remaining battery
indication is not
displayed properly.

≥ The remaining battery capacity indication is an

approximation.
If the remaining battery capacity indication is not
displayed correctly, fully charge the battery, discharge it
and then charge it again.

- 92 -

Indication

Problem Check points

The remaining time
indication or the elapsed
time indication is not
shown.

≥ [DISPLAY] of the [SETUP] is [OFF]. (l 29)

Recording

Problem Check points

The unit arbitrarily stops
recording.

Auto focus function
does not work.

“CONDITION TOO
DARK, OR OPEN LENS
COVER.” is displayed.

Colour balance of
images is strange when
recording in a place
such as a gymnasium.

Colour or brightness of
the image changes, or
you may see horizontal
bars in the image.

The LCD monitor flickers
indoors.

Object seems to be
warped.

≥ Use an SD card that can be used for motion picture

recording. (l 13)

≥ The recordable time may have shortened due to the

deterioration of the data writing speed or repeated
recording and deletion. Using the unit, format the SD card
or built-in memory. (l 33)

≥ If [AGS] is [ON], record in the normal horizontal position

or set [AGS] to [OFF]. (l 44)

≥ Switch to intelligent auto mode.
≥ If you are trying to record a scene which is hard to bring

into focus in auto focus mode, use the manual focus
mode to adjust the focus. (l 24, 51)

≥ Before turning on the unit, open the lens cover.
≥ This message may also be displayed when recording in a

very dark location.

≥ In a place with multiple light sources, such as a

gymnasium or a hall, set the white balance setting to
(Indoor mode 2). If you cannot record clearly with the
(Indoor mode 2), set it to (Manual adjustment mode).
(l 48)

≥ Colour or brightness of the image may change, or you

may see horizontal bars in the image when the object is
recorded under fluorescent light, mercury light or sodium
light, etc., but this is not a malfunction.

≥ Record in intelligent auto mode or set the shutter speed

to 1/100 in areas where the power supply frequency is
50 Hz, or 1/125 in areas of 60 Hz.

≥ Object seems to be warped slightly when the object

moves across the image very fast, but this is because the
unit is using MOS for the image sensor. This is not a
malfunction.

- 93 -

Playback

Problem Check points

Any scenes/still pictures
cannot be played back.

Scenes cannot be
deleted.

≥ Any scenes/still pictures where the thumbnails are

displayed as cannot be played back.

≥ Release the protect setting. (l 62)
≥ Any scenes/still pictures where the thumbnails are

displayed as cannot be deleted. If the scenes/still
pictures are unnecessary, format the media to erase the
data. (l 33) Please be aware that if a media is formatted
then all the data recorded on the media is erased and
cannot be recovered. Back up important data on a PC,
disc etc.

With other products

Problem Check points

Video or audio is not
output even though it is
connected to TV
correctly.

The images are
squeezed horizontally.

If the SD card is inserted
in another device, it is
not recognised.

When connected by the
USB cable, this unit is
not detected by the other
devices.

VIERA Link does not
work.

≥ Please read the operating instructions of your TV and

select the channel that matches the input used for the
connection.

≥ Change the [TV ASPECT] setting to match the aspect

ratio of the TV. (l 65)

≥ Change the setting of the unit depending on the cable

connecting to the TV. (l 66)

≥ TV screen is not displayed during recording or when

PRE-REC is set. Check on the screen of the unit. Also,
audio is not output from the TV during recording mode.

≥ Check that the device is compatible with the capacity or

type of SD card (SD Memory Card/SDHC Memory Card/
SDXC Memory Card) that you inserted. Refer to the
operating instructions of the device for details.

≥ When connected to other devices using only the battery,

reconnect using the AC adaptor.

(Setting on this unit)

≥ Connect with a HDMI mini cable (optional). (l 67)
≥ Set [VIERA Link] to [ON]. (l 67)
≥ Turn the unit off and then back on again.

(Setting on other devices)
≥ If the TV input does not switch automatically, switch the

input using the TV remote control.

≥ Check the VIERA Link setting on the connected device.
≥ Please refer to the operating instructions of the

connected device.

- 94 -

With other products

Problem Check points

Cannot copy scenes on
the SD card by
connecting to other
equipment with the USB
cable.

≥ Other equipment might have not recognised the SD card.

Unplug the USB cable once, and reconnect it.

With a PC

Problem Check points

When connected by the
USB cable, this unit is
not detected by the PC.

When the USB cable is
disconnected, an error
message will appear on
the PC.

Cannot see the PDF
operating instructions
for HD Writer LE 1.0.

Cannot import AVCHD
scenes with iMovie’11.

≥ After re-inserting the SD card into the unit, reconnect the

supplied USB cable.

≥ Select another USB terminal on the PC.
≥ Check the operating environment. (l 78, 87)
≥ Connect the supplied USB cable again after restarting the

PC and turning on this unit again.

≥ To disconnect the USB cable safely, double-click the

icon in the task tray and follow the instructions on the
screen.

≥ You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or later or

Adobe Reader 7.0 or later to read the PDF operating
instructions for HD Writer LE 1.0.

≥ You may not be able to import AVCHD scenes with

iMovie’11 when both AVCHD scenes and iFrame scenes
are recorded on a single media (an SD card or built-in
memory). In such a case, first copy all the iFrame scenes
data to iMovie’11, delete all the iFrame scenes data on
the media, and then import the AVCHD scenes with
iMovie’11.

Others

Problem Check points

If the SD card is inserted
in this unit, it is not
recognised.

≥ If the SD card is formatted on a PC, it may not be

recognised by this unit. Use this unit to format SD cards.
(l 33)

- 95 -

∫ If AVCHD scenes do not change smoothly when played back on

another device

The images may be still for several seconds at the joins between the scenes if the following
operations are performed when multiple scenes have been continuously played back using
another unit.
≥ Just how smoothly the scenes will be played back depends on the playback unit.

Depending on the unit used, the images may stop moving and become still for a moment
even when none of the following conditions are applicable.

≥ A continuous recording of motion picture data that exceeds 4 GB may momentarily stop at

every 4 GB of data when played back with another device.

≥ It may not play back smoothly when the editing of scenes was done with the HD Writer LE

1.0, but it will play back smoothly if you set the seamless settings in the HD Writer LE 1.0.
Refer to the operating instructions for the HD Writer LE 1.0.

Principal reasons for not playing back smoothly

≥ When the scenes were recorded on different dates

≥ When scenes lasting under 3 seconds have been recorded

≥ When PRE-REC was used for recording

≥ When deleting scenes

≥ When selected scenes are copied from the built-in memory to an SD card

≥ When scenes recorded more than 99 scenes on the same date

- 96 -

Others

Cautions for use

About this unit

The unit and the SD card become
warm during use. This is not a
malfunction.

Keep this unit as far away as possible from
electromagnetic equipment (such as
microwave ovens, TVs, video games etc.).

≥ If you use this unit on top of or near a TV,

the pictures and/or sound on this unit may
be disrupted by electromagnetic wave
radiation.

≥ Do not use this unit near cell phones

because doing so may result in noise
adversely affecting the pictures and/or
sound.

≥ Recorded data may be damaged, or

pictures may be distorted, by strong
magnetic fields created by speakers or
large motors.

≥ Electromagnetic wave radiation generated

by microprocessors may adversely affect
this unit, disturbing the pictures and/or
sound.

≥

If this unit is adversely affected by
electromagnetic equipment and stops
functioning properly, turn this unit off and
remove the battery or disconnect AC
adaptor. Then reinsert the battery or
reconnect AC adaptor and turn this unit on.

Do not use this unit near radio
transmitters or high-voltage lines.

≥ If you record near radio transmitters or

high-voltage lines, the recorded pictures
and/or sound may be adversely affected.

Make sure to use the supplied cords and
cables. If you use optional accessories,
use the cords and the cables supplied
with them.
Do not extend the cords and the cables.

Do not spray insecticides or volatile
chemicals onto the unit.

≥ If the unit is sprayed with such chemicals,

its body may be marred and the surface
finish may peel off.

≥ Do not leave rubber or plastic products in

contact with the unit for a long time.

When you use the unit in a sandy or
dusty place such as a beach, do not let
sand or fine dust get into the body and
terminals of the unit.
Also, keep the unit away from sea water.

≥ Sand or dust may damage the unit. (Care

should be taken when inserting and
removing a card.)

≥ If sea water splashes onto the unit, wipe

off the water with a well wrung cloth. Then
wipe the unit again with a dry cloth.

When carrying the unit, do not drop or
bump it.

≥ A strong impact can break the unit’s

casing, causing it to malfunction.

Cleaning

≥ Before cleaning, detach the battery or pull

the AC cable from the AC outlet, and then
wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth.

≥ If the unit is very dirty, dip a cloth in water

and squeeze firmly, and then wipe the unit
with the damp cloth. Next, dry the unit with
a dry cloth.

≥ Use of benzine, paint thinner, alcohol, or

dishwashing liquid may alter the camera
body or peel the surface finish. Do not use
these solvents.

≥ When using a chemical dust cloth, follow

the instructions that came with the cloth.

Do not use the unit for surveillance
purposes or other business uses.

≥ This unit was designed for consumer

intermittent use. It was not intended for
continuous use, or for any industrial or

- 97 -

commercial application resulting in
prolonged use.

≥ In certain situations, continuous use could

cause the unit to overheat and cause a
malfunction. Such use is strongly
discouraged.

When you are not going to use the unit
for an extended time

≥ When storing the unit in a cupboard or

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

When disposing of or giving away this
unit, note that:

≥ Formatting and deletion simply change the

file management information and cannot
be used to completely erase the data in
built-in memory of this unit. The data can
be recovered using commercially available
software or the like.

≥ We recommend that you physically format

the built-in memory before disposing of or
giving away this unit.
To physically format the built-in memory,
connect the unit via the AC adaptor, select
[SETUP] #[FORMAT MEDIA] # [Built­inMemory] from the menu, and then press
and hold the delete/video light button on
the screen below for about 3 seconds.
When the built-in memory data deletion
screen appears, select [YES], and then
follow the on-screen instructions.

≥ Please look after the data in your built-in

memory carefully. Panasonic will not be
held responsible in the unlikely case that
private data is divulged.

About the battery

The battery used in this unit is a
rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It is
susceptible to humidity and temperature and
the effect increases the more the
temperature rises or falls. In cold areas, the
full charge indication may not appear or the
low battery indication may appear about
5 minutes after starting use. At high
temperatures, the protection function may
be triggered, making it impossible to use the
unit.

Be sure to detach the battery after use.

≥ If the battery is left attached, a minute

amount of current continues to flow even if
the unit is off. Keeping the unit in this state
may result in over discharge of the battery.
This may result in you not being able to
use the battery even after it is charged.

≥ The battery should be stored in the vinyl

bag so metal does not come into contact
with the terminals.

≥ The battery should be stored in a cool

place free from humidity, with as constant
temperature as possible. (Recommended
temperature: 15 oC to 25 oC,
Recommended humidity: 40%RH to
60%RH)

≥ Extremely high temperatures or low

temperatures will shorten the life of the
battery.

≥ If the battery is kept in high-temperature,

high-humidity, or oily-smoky places, the
terminals may rust and cause
malfunctions.

≥ To store the battery for a long period of

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

≥ Dust and other matter attached to the

battery terminals should be removed.

Prepare spare batteries when going out
for recording.

≥ Prepare batteries appropriate to 3 to 4

times the period you are planning to

- 98 -

record for. Cold places such as a ski resort
can shorten the period which you can
record for.

If you drop the battery accidentally,
check to see if the terminals are
damaged.

≥ Inserting a battery with damaged terminals

can damage the unit.

Do not throw old battery into fire.

≥ Heating a battery or throwing it into a fire

may result in an explosion.

If the operating time is very short even
after the battery has been recharged, the
battery has worn out. Please purchase a
new battery.

About the AC adaptor

≥ If the temperature of the battery is

extremely high or extremely low, charging
may take time or the battery may not be
charged.

≥ If you use the AC adaptor near a radio,

radio reception may be disturbed. Keep
the AC adaptor 1 m or more away from
the radio.

≥ When using the AC adaptor, it may

generate whirring sounds. However, this is
normal.

≥ After use, be sure to disconnect the AC

adaptor. (If it is left connected, a minute
amount of current is consumed.)

≥ Always keep the electrodes of the AC

adaptor and battery clean.

About status indicator during
charging

When the status indicator is flashing at a
particularly fast or slow rate, the
following should be considered.

Flashing with approx. 4 second period
(off for approx. 2 seconds, on for approx.
2 seconds):

≥ When the battery is over discharged or the

temperature of the battery is too high or
low. It can be charged, but it may take a
few hours to complete the charging
normally.

≥ It will flash in 2 second intervals when

normal charging resumes. Even in such
cases, it may start flashing in 4 second
intervals until charging is completed
depending on the conditions of use.

Flashing with approx. 0.5 second period
(off for approx. 0.25 second, on for
approx. 0.25 second):

≥ The battery is not charged. Remove the

battery from the unit, and try charging
again.

≥ Check that the terminals of the unit or

battery are not dirty or covered in a foreign
object, and connect the battery correctly
once again. If a foreign object or dirt is
present, turn off the unit before removing.

≥ The battery or environment is at an

extremely high or low temperature. Wait
until the temperature has returned to an
appropriate level and try charging again. If
you are still unable to charge, there may
be a fault in the unit, battery or AC
adaptor.

Off:

≥ Charging has finished.
≥ If the status indicator stays off despite the

charging being unfinished, there may be a
fault in the unit, battery or AC adaptor.
Refer to page 98 for details on the battery.

- 99 -

About the SD card LCD monitor

When disposing of or giving away the SD
card, note that:

≥ Formatting and deletion of this unit or

computer only changes the file
management information and does not
completely delete the data in the SD card.

≥ It is recommended that the SD card is

physically destroyed or the SD card is
physically formatted using this unit when
disposing of or giving away the SD card.

To physically format the SD card, connect
the unit via the AC adaptor, select
[SETUP] # [FORMAT CARD] # [YES]
from the menu, and then press and hold
the delete/video light button on the screen
below for about 3 seconds. When the SD
card data deletion screen appears, select
[YES], and then follow the on-screen
instructions.

To physically format the SD card, connect
the unit via the AC adaptor, select
[SETUP] #[FORMAT MEDIA] # [SD
CARD] from the menu, and then press
and hold the delete/video light button on
the screen below for about 3 seconds.
When the SD card data deletion screen
appears, select [YES], and then follow the
on-screen instructions.

≥ When the LCD monitor gets dirty, wipe it

with a soft cloth, such as eye glass
cleaner.

≥ In a place with drastic temperature

changes, condensation may form on the
LCD monitor. Wipe it with a soft cloth,
such as eye glass cleaner.

≥ When the unit has become very cold, for

example due to storage in a cold area, its
LCD monitor will be slightly darker than
usual immediately after the unit is turned
on. The normal brightness will be restored
when the unit’s internal temperature rises.

Extremely high precision technology is
employed to produce the LCD Monitor
screen featuring a total of approximately
230,000 dots. The result is more than

99.99% effective dots with a mere 0.01%
of the dots inactive or always lit.
However, this is not a malfunction and
does not affect the recorded picture.

≥ The customer is responsible for the

management of the data in the SD card.

- 100 -