Panasonic HX-A100D User Manual

Basic Owner ’s Manual

For USA and Puerto Rico assistance, please call: 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or,
contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo

For Canadian assistance, please call: 1-800-561-5505 or visit us at www.panasonic.ca

Wearable Camera

Model No.

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

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

HX-A100

Register online at www.panasonic.com/register (U.S. customers only)

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Dear Customer,

Thank you for choosing Panasonic!

You have purchased one of the most
sophisticated and reliable products on the
market today. Used properly, we’re sure it
will bring you and your family years of
enjoyment. Please take time to fill in the
information on the right.
The serial number is on the tag located on
the bottom of your camera. Be sure to
retain this manual as your convenient
camera information source.

Date of Purchase
Dealer Purchased From
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone No.
Model No.
Serial No.

Safety Precautions

WARNING:

To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or product damage,

≥ Do not let water or other liquids drip or splash inside the unit.
≥ Do not expose accessories (battery pack, battery charger, AC adaptor, SD memory card and

etc.) to rain, moisture, dripping or splashing.

≥ Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on accessories.
≥ Use only the recommended accessories.
≥ Do not remove covers.
≥ Do not repair this unit by yourself. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

CAUTION!

To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or product damage,
≥ Do not install or place this unit in a bookcase, built-in cabinet or in another confined space.

Ensure this unit is well ventilated.

≥ Do not obstruct this unit’s ventilation openings with newspapers, tablecloths, curtains, and

similar items.

≥ Do not place sources of naked flames, such as lighted candles, on this unit.

THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES.

This unit is intended for use in moderate climates.

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

HX-A100

FCC Note:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:

≥ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
≥ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
≥ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is

connected.

≥ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution: To assure continued compliance, follow the attached installation

instructions and use only shielded interface cables with ferrite core

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

Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: Panasonic
Model No.: HX-A100
Responsible Party: Panasonic Corporation of North America

One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094
Support Contact: Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America

1-800-211-PANA (7262)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two

conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN CANADA.

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

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Product Identification Marking is located on the bottom of the unit.

A lithium ion battery that is recyclable powers the product
you have purchased. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information
on how to recycle this battery.

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

Conforms to UL STD 60065
Certified to CAN/CSA STD C22.2 No.60065
Conforme à la norme CAN/CSA C22.2 No.60065

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

Contains FCC ID: VPYLBVX532

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

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

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

THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN CANADA.

Contains IC: 772C-LBVX604

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

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

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IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS

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

1) Read these instructions.

2) Keep these instructions.

3) Heed all warnings.

4) Follow all instructions.

5) Do not use this apparatus near water.

6) Clean only with dry cloth.

7) Do not block any ventilation openings.
Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instr uctio ns.

8) Do not install near any heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.

9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized or grounding -typ e plug. A
polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding-type plug
has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong
are provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete
outlet.

12) Use only with the
cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table
specified by the
manufacturer, or
sold with the
apparatus. When a
cart is used, use caution when moving the
cart/apparatus combination to avoid inju ry
from tip-over.

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

14) Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has
been dropped.

10) Protect the power cord from being walked
on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.

11) Only use attachments/accessories
specified by the manufacturer.

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-If you see this symbol-

Information on Disposa l in other
Countries outside the European
Union

This symbol is only valid
in the European Union.
If you wish to discard
this product, please
contact your local
authorities or dealer and
ask for the correct
method of disposal.

∫ Cautions for use

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

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

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

≥ Do not use this unit near cell phones because

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

≥ Recorded data may be damaged, or pictures

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

≥ Electromagnetic wave radiation generated by

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

≥ If this unit is adversely affected by

electromagnetic equ ipment and st ops
functioning properly, press the reset button.

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

≥ If you record near radio transmitt ers or

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

About connecting to a PC

≥ Do not use any other USB cables except the

supplied one.

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Contents

∫ How to open the owner’s manual (PDF format)

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

Adobe Systems Incorporated.

(Important) About the Waterproof/

Dustproof...................................................8

Accessories.............................................11

Read this first..........................................12

What you can do with this unit..............13

Preparation

Wearing this unit.... ... ................. ... ..........14

Power supply.. ... ... ................................. ..16

Charging the battery ......................... 16

Charging and reco rdi n g tim e.... ... ...... 17

Recording to a card ................................18

Cards that you can use with this
unit

..................................................... 18

Inserting/removing a microSD

card................................................... 18

Turn this unit on/off ................................19

®

Wi-Fi

function........................................2 0

Connecting directly with a

smartphone .............................................21

Installing Image App.......................... 21

Connecting this unit with a

smartphone ....................................... 21

Starting Image App............................ 22

Setting up with Set up Wiz ar d ................ 23

Setting date and time..............................24

Recordable time/Number of recordable

pictures....................................................27

Requests when disposing of this

unit ........................................................... 28

Specifications ......................................... 30

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

About copyright......................................32

Accessory Order Form (For USA and

Puerto Rico Customers).........................33

Limited Warranty (ONL Y FOR U.S.A.

AND PUERTO RICO)...............................34

Warranty

(For Canadian Cust o me rs ) .. ... ... ............. 36

Useful Information (Only For Latin

American Countries) .............................. 37

Others

Basic

Recording ................................................25

Recording motion pictures ................ 25

Recording still pictures...................... 25

Playback ..................................................26

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(Important) About the Waterproof/ Dustproof

Waterproof/Dustproof Performance

This unit’s waterproof/dustproof rating complies with the “IP58” rating. Provided the care
and maintenance guidelines described in this document are strictly followed, this unit
can operate underwater, to a depth not exceeding 1.5 m (5 feet) for a time not exceeding
30 minutes. *

This does not guarantee no destruction, no malfunction, or waterproofing in all conditions.

* This means that this unit can be used underwater for specified time in specified pressure in

accordance with the handling method established by Panasonic.

∫ Handling of this unit

≥ Waterproofing is not guaranteed if the unit is subject to an impact as a result of being hit or

dropped etc. If an impact to this unit occurs, it should be inspected (subject to a fee) by a
Panasonic’s Service Centre to verify that the waterproofing is still effective.

≥ The waterproof performance may be degraded due to the strong water pressure when this unit is

used deeper than 1.5 m (5 feet) underwater.

≥ When this unit is splashed with detergent, soap, hot spring, bath additive, sun oil, sun screen,

chemical, etc., wipe it off immediately.

≥ Do not rinse with running water, such as tap water.
≥ Waterproof function of this unit is for sea water and fresh water only.
≥ Any malfunction caused by customer misuse, or mishandling will not be covered by the warranty.
≥ Cards are not waterproof. Do not handle with a wet hand. Also, do not insert wet card into this

unit.

≥ Do not open or close the side cover when your hands are wet or water droplets are present on

this unit. Failure to do so may lead to damage such as rusty terminals caused by water droplets.

≥ Foreign objects may adhere to the inner side of the side cover (around the rubber seal or

connecting terminals) when the side cover is opened or closed in places with sand or dust
etc. If you close the side cover with foreign objects adhering to it, water may enter the
inside. Be very careful because doing so may cause malfunctions.

≥ Do not leave this unit for a long period of time in places where temperature is very low (at high

altitude etc.) or very high (inside a car under strong sunlight, close to a heater, on the beach, etc.)
Waterproof performance may be degraded.

≥ The inside of this unit is not waterproof. Water leakage will cause malfunction.
≥ If any foreign object has adhered to the inner side of the side cover, remove it.
≥ If any liquid such as water droplets has adhered to this unit or inner side of the side cover,

wipe off with a soft dry cloth. Do not open or close the side cover near the water, when
underwater, using wet hands, or when this unit is wet. It may cause water leakage.

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∫ When inner side of the lens is fogged (condensation)





A

B

Condensation may occur and the inner side of the lens may be fogged when this unit is moved to a
warm area from a cold area, such as at high altitude.

It is not a malfunction or failure of this unit. It may be caused by the environment in which
this unit is used.

≥ Be careful of condensation since it causes lens stains, fungus and unit malfunction.

What to do when inner side of the lens is fogged

≥ Turn off this unit and open the side cover in a place with constant ambient temperature, away

from high temperatures, humidity, sand and dust. The fog will disappear naturally in about 2 hours
with the side cover open when the temperature of this unit gets close to the ambient temperature.

≥ Contact Panasonic’s Service Centre if the fogging does not disappear.

Check before using underwater

Do not open or close the side cover in places with sand and dust, close to water, or with wet
hands. Sand or dust adhering may cause water leaks.

1 Open the side cover.

1 Slide the LOCK switch A to the left to

unlock the side cover.

B: Unlocked when the red indicator is visible

2 Slide the side cover downward to

open it.

2 Check that there are no foreign objects on the inner side of the side cover.

≥ If there are any foreign objects, such as lint, hair, sand, etc., on the surrounding area, water will

leak within a few seconds causing malfunction.

3 If there is foreign ma tt e r adhering to the unit, remov e i t.

≥ Be extremely careful to remove any sand etc. that may adhere to the sides and corners of the

rubber seal.

≥ Wipe it off with a dry soft cloth if there is any liquid. It may cause water leaks and malfunction if

you use this unit with liquid adhered.

4 Check for cracks and deformation of the rubber seal on the side cover.

≥ The integrity of the rubber seals may decrease after about 1 year, with use and age. To avoid

permanently damaging this unit the seals should be replaced once every two years. Please
contact Panasonic’s Service Centre for related costs and other information.

5 Close the side cover securely.

1 Close the side cover and slide it

upward.

2 Slide the LOCK switch to the right to

lock the side cover.

≥

Lock securely to the points where the
red portion of the LOCK switch is no
longer visible.

≥ Securely close it until it clicks.

≥ To prevent water seeping into this unit, be caref ul not to trap foreign objects such as

liquids, sand, hair or dust etc.





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9

Using this unit underwater

≥ Use this unit underwater at a depth of down to 1.5 m (5 feet) with the water temperature between

0 oC and 35 oC (32 oF and 95 oF).

≥ Do not use this unit at a depth of over 1.5 m (5 feet).
≥ Do not use it in hot water over 35 oC (95 oF) (in a bath or hot spri ng).
≥ Do not use this unit underwater not longer than 30 minutes continuously.
≥ Do not open or close the side cover.
≥ Do not apply shock to this unit underwater. (Waterproof performance may not be maintained, and

there is a chance of water leak.)

≥ Do not dive into the water holding this unit. Do not use this unit in a location where the water will

splash st rong ly, suc h as ra pid f lo w or w at erfal l . (Strong wate r pr essu re m ay b e a ppli ed, and i t may
cause malfunction.)

≥ This unit will sink in the water. Take care not to drop this unit.

Caring for this unit after using it underwater

Do not open or close the side cover until the sand and dust is removed by rinsing the
camera wit h water.
Make sure to clean the camera after using it.

≥ Thoroughly wipe off any water droplets, sand, and saline matter on your hands, body, hair, etc.
≥

It is recommended to clean the camera indoors, avoiding places where water spray or sand may fall.

Do not leave this unit uncared for longer than 60 minutes after using it underwater.

≥ Leaving this unit with foreign objects or saline matter on it may cause damage, discoloration,

corrosion, unusual odour, or deterioration of the waterproof performance.

1 Rinse with water with the side cover closed.

≥ After use at the seaside or underwater, soak the unit in fresh water pooled in a shallow container

for about 10 minutes.

2 Drain water by holding this unit and shaking it lightly a few times.

≥ After us ing this unit at the seaside or underwater, or after washing it, water will remain at

the speaker site or mic site of this un it for a while and it may cause lower sound or sound
distortion.

≥ Pay careful attention to prevent this unit from dropping.

3 Wipe off water drops on this unit with a soft, dry cloth and dry this unit in a

shaded area that is well ventilated.

≥ Dry this unit approx. 1 hour or more.
≥ Dry this unit on a dry cloth.
≥ Do not dry this unit with hot air from dryer or similar. It will deteriorate the waterproof performance

or cause failure due to deformation.

≥ Do not use chemicals such as benzine, thinner, alcohol or cleanser, soap or detergents.

4 Confirm that there are no water droplets, open the side cover, and wipe off

any water droplets or sand left inside using a soft, dry cloth.

≥ Water droplets may adhere to the card, etc. when the side cover is opened without thoroughly

drying. Also, water may accumulate in the gap around the card slot or the terminal connector. Be
sure to wipe any water off with a soft, dry cloth.

≥ The water droplets may seep into this unit when the side cover is closed while it is still wet,

causing condensation or failure.

In case water enters this unit, stop the use and consult your dealer.
Malfuncti ons re sul tin g fro m wate r le aka ge due t o wr ong h andli ng by cus tom ers ar e not subje ct to
compensation.

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Accessories







Check the accessories before using this unit.
Keep the accessories out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.
Product numbers correct as of January 2013. These may be subject to change.

Earhook*

VYK6C87
(Including Adjuster
(Small))

Adjuster (Large)

Adjuster (Large): VGQ1L74
Adjuster (Small): VGQ1L38

Armband Case
Extended Band

VFC4920

USB cable

K2KYYYY00221

CD-ROM

Software

CD-ROM

Owner’s Manual
VFF1186

* Join the earhook parts together before

use.

Slide the adjuster (small) A into the opening
beneath the tabs B and C and push it in until
it clicks into place.

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Read this first

∫ About recording formats and compatibility of this unit

≥ This unit is an MP4 format (MPEG-4 AVC file standard) Wearable Camera for recording high-

definition motion pictures.

≥ AVCHD and MPEG2 motion pictures are different formats, and are not therefore supported by

this unit.

∫ About the portrait rights

Be sure to pay special attention to the privacy, the portrait rights, etc. of the subject when you use
this unit. Use it at your own risk.

∫ 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 this unit.

∫ About the clock setting

Make sure to set date and time before recording. (l 24)

∫ For the purposes of this Owner’s Manual

≥ Pictures may be slightly different from the original.
≥ Depending on the firmware version you are using, captured screens described in this Owner’s

Manual may differ from the actual screens.

≥ Names, icons, contents and services of applications may be changed with no prior notice. Please

note that they may differ from the descriptions of this Owner’s Manual.

≥ microSD Memory Card and microSDHC Memory Card are referred to as the “microSD card”.
≥ Smartphone and tablet computer are referred to as the “smartphone”.
≥ Pages for reference are indicated by an arrow, for example: l 00

∫ Cards that you can use with this unit

microSD Memory Card and microSDHC Memory Card

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