Panasonic HX-DC2 Operating Instruction

Owner’s Manual

Dual Camera

Model No. HX-DC2

Preparation

Basic

Advanced

(Recording)

Advanced

(Playback)

Copy/

Dubbing

With a PC

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

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

1AG6P1P6457--(S)

Others

VQT4D14

Dear Customer,

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

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 tak e time
to fill in the informati on on th e
right.
The serial number is on the tag located on the battery holder of your
camera. Be sure to retain this manual as your co nvenient cam e r a
information source.

Safety Precautions

WARNING:

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

≥ Do not expose this unit to rain, moistu re, dripping or splashing.
≥ Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on this unit.
≥ Use only the recommended accessories.
≥ Do not remove covers.
≥ Do not repair this unit by yourself. Refer servicing to qualified s ervice

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 newspap ers,

tablecloths, curtains, and similar items.

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

this unit.

2 VQT4D14

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

HX-DC2

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-DC2
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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The socket outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall be
easily accessible.

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

AC adaptor

This AC adaptor operates on AC between 100 V and 240 V.
But
≥ In the U.S.A. and Canada, the AC adaptor must be connected to a

120 V AC power supply only.

≥ When connecting to an AC supply outside of the U.S.A. or Canada,

use a plug adaptor to suit the AC outlet configuration.

∫ Concerning the battery

Battery pack (Lithium ion battery pack)

≥ Use the specified unit to recharge the battery pack.
≥ Do not use the battery pack with equipment other than the specified

unit.

≥ Do not get dirt, sand, liquids, or ot her foreign matter on the termina ls.
≥ Do not touch the plug terminals (i and j) with metal objects.
≥ Do not disassemble, remodel, heat or throw into fire.

If any electrolyte should come into contact with your hands or c lothes,
wash it off thoroughly with water.
If any electrolyte should come into cont act with your eye s, never rub the
eyes. Rinse eyes thoroughly with water, and then consult a doctor.

4 VQT4D14

Warning

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:

Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not disassemble, heat above
60 oC (140 oF) or incinerate.

CAUTION

≥ Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only

with the type recommended by the manufacturer.

≥ When disposing the batteries, pleas e contact your local authorities

or dealer and ask for the correct method of disposal.

∫ Product Identification Marking

Product Location

Dual Camera Battery holder

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Precautions

WARNING

CAUTION

USE & LOCATION

≥ TO AVOID SHOCK HAZARD ... Y our c amera and power supply sho uld

not be exposed to rain or moisture . Do not co nnect the po wer supp ly or
operate your camera if it gets we t. Your camer a has been desi gned for
outdoor use, however it is no t designed to sustain direc t exposure to
water, rain, sl eet, snow, sand, dus t, or a direct s plash ing f rom a pool or
even a cup of coffee. This action could permanently damage the
internal parts of your cam er a . Do no t attempt to disasse m ble t his un i t.
There are no user serviceable parts inside. Unpl ug your camera from
the power supply before cleaning.

≥ AS WITH ANY SMALL OBJECT, SD CARDS CAN BE SWALLOWED

BY YOUNG CHILDREN. DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO HANDLE
THE SD CARD.

≥ DO NOT AIM YOUR CAMERA AT THE SUN OR OTHER BRIGHT

OBJECTS

≥ DO NOT EXPOSE YOUR CAMERA TO EXTENDED HIGH

TEMPERATURE ... Such as, in direct sunlight, inside a closed car,

next to a heater, etc... This action could permanently damage the
internal parts of your camera.

≥ AVOID SUDDEN CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE ... If the unit is

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

≥ DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAMERA OR THE POWER SUPPLY

TURNED ON WHEN NOT IN USE.

6 VQT4D14

≥ STORAGE OF YOUR CAMERA ... Store and handle your camera in a

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

CARE

≥ TO CLEAN YOUR CAMERA ... Do not use strong or abrasive

detergents when cleaning your camera body.

≥ TO PROTECT THE LENS ... Do not touch the surface of the lens with

your hand. Use a commercial camera lens solution and lens paper
when cleaning the lens. Improper cleaning can scratch the lens
coating.

≥ TO PROTECT THE FINISH OF YO UR CAMERA ... Before handling

your camera, make sure your hands and face are free from any
chemical products, suc h as suntan lotion, as it may damag e the finish.

-If you see this symbol-

Information on Disposa l in other Coun tr ies 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.

VQT4D14 7

∫ About recording format s and compatibility of the unit

≥ The unit is an MP4 format (MPEG-4 AVC file standard) Dual Camera

for recording high-definit ion motion pictures.

≥ AVCHD and MPEG2 motion pictures are different for m ats, and are not

therefore supported by the unit.

∫ 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 doe s not guarantee any content if recor ding or editing
does not work properly. Likewise, the abo ve also app lies in a ca se wher e
any type of repair is made to the unit (including any other non-built-in
memory related component).

∫ Handling of built-in memory

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, elect romagnetic waves, breakage, and failures,
back up the data to a PC or di sc. (l 118)
≥ The status indicator (l 16) illuminates in re d while the SD car d or built -

in memory is being accessed (initialization, recording, playba ck,
deleting etc.). Do not perform the following operations when the
indicator illuminates. It may damage the built-in memory or cause a
malfuncti on in the unit.

jTurn the unit off (re m ove the battery )
jInsert and remove the SD Card
jInsert and remove the USB cable
jExpose the unit to vibrations or shock

≥ About disposing of or giving away this unit. (l 157)

∫ About Condensation (When the lens or the LCD

monitor is fogged up)

≥ Condensation occurs when the ambient temperature or humidity

changes. Be careful of condensa tion since it causes lens or LCD
monitor stains, fun gus and camera malfunction.

≥ For more details about the cause and a ction required f or conden sati on,

refer to page 161.

8 VQT4D14

∫ 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 no t have t he SDHC logo o r 48GB

or more Memory Cards that do not have the SDXC logo are not ba sed
on SD Memory Card Specifications.

≥ Refer to page 23 for more details on SD cards.

∫ For the purposes of this owner's manual

≥ SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card and SDXC Memory Card are

referred to as the “SD ca rd” .

≥ Functions that can be used for motion picture reco rding/motion picture

playback are indicated by in this owner’s manual.

≥ Functions that can be used for still picture recording/still picture

playback are indicated by in this owner’s manual.

≥ Functions that can be used for audio recording/audio playback are

indicated by in this owner’s manual.

≥ Pages for reference are indicated by an arrow, for example: l 00
≥ “File” is used to mean “scene”, “still picture” and “audio file”.

VQT4D14 9

Contents

Accessories............................................. ......................................... 13

Preparation

Names and Functions of Main Parts.............................................. 14

Power supply.. ... ... ................................. ... ... ... .................................. 17

Inserting/removing the battery..................................................... 17

Charging the battery ................................................................... 19

Charging and reco rdi n g tim e....... .. ... ................. ... ... .. .................. 21

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

Cards that you can use with this unit .......................................... 23

Inserting/removing an SD card.................................................... 25

Turning the unit on/off..................................................................... 27

About standby mode ................ ... ................................................ 27

About economy function ............................................................. 28

About the high temperature warning icon ................................... 29

Selecting a mode ............................................................................. 30

Setting date and time....................................................................... 31

Basic

Before recording.............................................................................. 33

Recording motion pictures ............................................................. 35

Recording still pictures................................................................... 38

About recording still pictures during motion picture recording

and audio recordin g ...................... ... ... ... ..................................... 41

Recording audio............................................................................... 42

Intelligent Auto Mode ...................................................................... 44

Motion picture/Still picture/Audio playback.................................. 47

Using the menu scre e n ....... ................................................... ... .. ... . 51

Using Option Menu.......................................................................... 53

OPTION MENU 1........................................................................ 53

OPTION MENU 2........................................................................ 54

OPTION MENU 3........................................................................ 56

10 VQT4D14

Advanced (Recording)

Using the zoom ................................................... ... ... ... .................... 59

Double range zoom..................................................................... 60

Zoom mode................................................................................. 61

Image stabilizer ................................................................................ 62

Burst recording................................................................................ 63

Recording panorama still pictures................................................. 65

Recording functions of menus....................................................... 68

RECORDING MENU 1................................................................ 68

RECORDING MENU 2................................................................ 73

RECORDING MENU 3................................................................ 77

RECORDING MENU 4................................................................ 83

Manual recording............................................................................. 85

White Balance ............................................................................. 85

Setting the focus and recording .................................................. 87

Advanced (Playback)

Playback Operations ....................................................................... 88

Playback using operation icon .................................................... 88

Creating still picture from motion picture..................................... 90

Cutting out a section of a panorama still picture...................... ... 91

Zooming in on a still picture during play back

(Playback zoom) ........ ... .. ................................................... ... .. ... . 92

Various playback functions ............................................................ 93

Changing the playback settings and playing back

the slide show ............................................................................. 93

Displaying file information ........................................................... 95

Using the playba ck m e nu .. .. ... .................................. ... .. ... ............... 97

PLAYBACK MENU 1................................................................... 97

PLAYBACK MENU 2................................................................... 99

Deleting scene s/ still pictures/aud io f ile s .. ... ................ ... ... ... ....... 103

Protecting a fil e ....... ... ................. .. ................. ... ................. ... .... 106

Watching Video/Pictures on your TV........................................... 107

Connecting with an HDMI mini cable ......................................... 11 1

TV format setting........ ... .. ................................................... ... .. ... 111

Playback using VIERALink

™

....................................................... 112

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Copy/Dubbing

Copying from Built-in Memory to SD card .................................. 115

Dubbing images onto other video devices.................................. 116

With a PC

What you can do with a PC ........................................................... 118

End User License Ag ree m e nt ................ ... .. .............................. 121

Operating environment ................................................................. 123

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

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

Use as a card reader ................................................................ 129

Using the unit as a web camera................................................ 132

Starting HD Writer VE 2.0 .............................................................. 134

Reading the operating instructions of

the software applic at ion s............................. ... ... ... ..................... 134

If using Mac .................................................................................... 135

Uploading files to a web service .................................................. 137

Using the Eye-Fi

™

transfer feature ................ ... ........................... 139

Others

Indications............................ ... .................................. ... .. ... ............. 142

Messages........... ... .. ... ................. ... ... .. ............................................ 146

Troubleshooting............................................................................. 146

Cautions for use............................................................................. 155

About copyright .............. ... .. ................. ... ... ... ................................ 162

Recording modes/approximate recordable time ........................ 164

Approximate number of recordable pictures.............................. 166

Specifications ................................................................. ... ... ... ....... 168

Optional access o ri es...... ... .................................................. ... ... .. .. 172

Accessory Order Form

(For USA and Puerto Rico Customers)..................................... 174

Limited Warranty

(ONLY FOR U.S.A. AND PUERTO RICO)...................................... 175

Warranty (For Canadian Cu s to me rs ) ........ ... .. ................. ... ... ... .... 177

Useful Information

(Only For Latin American Countries)........................................... 178

Index ....... .. .................................. ... ... .. ............................................ 179

Spanish Quick Use Guide/Guía española para el uso rápido.... 181

12 VQT4D14

Accessories

Check the accessories before using this unit.
Keep the accessories out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.
Product numbers correct as of Dec. 2011. These may be subject to
change.

Battery pack

VW-VBX070

AC adaptor

VSK0750

AV cable

VFA0543

USB cable

VFA0554

Lens cap

VFC4701

Lens cap strap

VFC4702

Handstrap

VFC4627
T o pre vent th e unit f rom dropp ing, be sure
to attach the hands trap. (l 15)

CD-ROM

Software

VQT4D14 13

Preparation

1

2

3
4

Names and Functions of Main Parts

1 LCD monitor (l 34)

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.

≥ It can open up to 90o.

≥ It can rotate up to 180o A towards the lens or 105o B towards the

opposite direction.

2 Power button [ ] (l 27)
3 USB/AV connector (l 107, 116, 128)

≥ Use the USB cable/AV cable (only the supplied cable).

4 HDMI mini connector (l 107, 113)

14 VQT4D14

5 Hand strap fixture

8

7

13

12

11

10

9

6

5

14
15



6 Zoom range button [ ] (l 60)
7 Photoshot button [ ] (l 38)
8 SET button [SET] (l 47, 51, 79, 88)

≥ Use the SET button to select the recording functions and playback

operations, and to operate the menu screen.

≥ In this owner’s manual, the SET button is denoted as shown below.

Example:

or Select using the SET button

9 In Recording Mode: Zoom lever [W/T] (l 59)

In Playback Mode: Volume lever (l 49, 94)
Zoom lever [W/T] (l 92)

Thumbnail display switch [ / ] (l 49)
10 Recording start/stop button [ ] (l 35)
11 Menu button [MENU] (l 51)
12 REC/ button [REC/ ]
13 Battery/Card cover (l 17, 25)

14 Battery holder
15 Card slot





(

l 30

)

VQT4D14 15

18



16

17

19

20

21

16 Lens

≥ When not using the unit, be sure to fit the lens cap to protect the lens.
≥ Keep the lens cap out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.

17 Speaker
18 Status indicator (l 8, 19, 25)
19 Internal stereo microphones
20 Built-in flash (l 73)

≥ The flash reaches high tempera tures and may cause burns if touched.

Please do not touch the flash.

21 Tripod re ceptacle

≥ If you attach a tripod which has a 5.5 mm (0.22q) screw or larger, it

may damage this unit.

16 VQT4D14

Preparation

Power supply

∫ About batteries that you can use with this unit

The battery that can be used with thi s unit is VW-VBX070.

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 o f t hese battery packs are n ot 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 e xplosion . Please be advise d that
we are not liable f or any acc ident or fail ure occu rring as a resul t of
use of a counterfeit battery p ack. To ensure that s afe pr oducts are
used we would recommend that a genuine Pan asonic battery pack
is used.

Inserting/removing the battery

≥ Press the power button to turn off the unit. (l 27)

1 Open the battery/card cover.

1

Slide while pushing the battery/
card cover.





2 Open the battery/card c over.

VQT4D14 17

2



Insert the battery, taking care to match up the terminal markings.

A terminal markings

≥ It is possible to mistakenly insert the battery upside down, so be sure to

check the orientation carefully.

3 Close the battery/card cover.

≥ Securely close it until it clicks.

Removing the battery

Press and hold down the power button to turn off the unit, then pull up and
remove the battery.

≥ Always check that the LCD monitor and status indicator lamp are off.
≥ Keep the battery pack out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.

18 VQT4D14

Charging the battery

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

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

Important:
≥ Be sure to use the supplied AC adaptor and USB cable. Do not

use parts supplied with other equipment.

≥ The AC adaptor and USB cable are for use with this unit only. Do

not use them with other equipment. Similarly, do not use AC
adaptors and USB cables from other equipment with this unit.

≥ The battery is charged while the unit is off or in th e sleep mode.

(l 28)
The battery cannot be charged while the unit is recording or
playing back.

≥ It is recommended to charge the bat tery in a tem peratur e between

10 oC and 30 oC (50 oF and 86 oF). (The battery temperature should
also be the same.)





A Status indicator
B AC adaptor
C To the AC outlet

≥ Insert the plugs as far as they will go.









VQT4D14 19

1 Connect the USB cable to the AC adaptor.

≥

Check that the plug portion of the AC adaptor is not loose or misaligned.

2 Plug the AC adaptor into the AC outlet.
3 Connect the USB cable to the unit.

≥

The status indicator flashes red with a period of approximately 2 seconds
(approximately 1 second on, 1 second off), and charging begins.
It will turn off when the charging is completed.

≥ Do not use any other AC adaptors except the supplied one.
≥ Do not use any other USB cables except the supplied one.
≥ We recommend using Panasonic batteries (l 13, 21, 172).
≥ 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 a car exposed t o di rect sunlight for a

long period of time with doors and windows closed.

≥ For charging by connecting to another device, refer to page 131.
≥ If the status indicator flashes at a particularly fast or slow rate, refer to

page 159.

20 VQT4D14

Charging and recording time

∫ Charging/Recording time

≥ Temperature: 25 oC (77 oF)/humidity: 60%RH (When using AC

adaptor)

Battery model

number

[Voltage/Capacity

(minimum)]

Supplied battery/

VW-VBX070

(optional)

[3.7 V/700 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.

≥ The actual recordable time refers to the recordable time when

repeatedly starti n g /st op p i ng reco r di n g , tu rn in g th e u ni t o n/ off, moving
the zoom lever etc.

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

Charging

time

2h

Recording

mode

Maximum

continuously

recordable

time

50 min 30 min
55 min 35 min
50 min 30 min

1h5min 35min

1h25min 45min

1h5min 40min

1h30min s

Actual

recordable

time

VQT4D14 21

Battery capacit y indica tion

≥ The display changes as the battery capacity reduces.

#### (red)
When the charge is low , is displayed at the center of the LCD
monitor.

≥ Due to the characteristics of the battery , it may not be possible to

correctly display the charge remaining on the battery. For instance,
at low temperatures, the indicator may turn on earlier.
Because the status of the charge remaining indicator changes
according to the ambient temperature, conditions of us e, etc., the
indicator should be considered as an approximate guide.

∫ Approximate operating time and number of

recordable still pictures

Number of
recordable

pictures

Recording time Approx. 105 min

Playback time Approx. 210 min

Recording conditions by CIPA standard

≥ CIPA is an abbreviation of Camera & Imaging Products Association.
≥ Use of su pp l ied battery
≥ Using a Panasonic SD Memory Card (2 GB)

Approx. 210 pictures

By CIPA standard

22 VQT4D14

Preparation

Recording to a card

The unit can record motion pictures, still pictures or audio 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

SD Memory Card 512 MB/1 GB/2 GB

SDHC Memory Card
SDXC Memory Card 48 GB/64 GB

* SD Speed Class Rating is the speed standard regarding continuous

writing. Check via the label on the card, etc.
e.g.:

≥ 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.)
≥ To use the Eye-Fi transfer feature (l 139), an Eye-Fi X2 series SD

card is required.

≥ Operation of SD Memory Cards with a c apacit y of 25 6 MB or les s is not

guaranteed.

4GB/6GB/8GB/12GB/16GB/
24 GB/32 GB

VQT4D14 23

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

32

or more Memory Cards that do not have the SDXC logo are not ba sed
on SD Memory Card Specifications.

≥ The operation of Memory cards exceeding 64GB cannot be

guaranteed.

≥ When the write-protect switch A on SD card is

locked, no recording, deletion or editing will be
possible on the card.

≥ Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children to

prevent swallowing.

24 VQT4D14

Inserting/removing an SD card

When using an SD car d n ot f rom Panas onic, or one previo us ly used on
other equipment, for the first time on this unit, f ormat the SD
card. (l 55) 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 status indicator has gone off.

1 Open the battery/card cover.



Status indicator A

≥ When this unit is

accessing the SD card
or built-in memory, the



status indicato r light s up
red.

2 Insert (remove) the SD card into (from) the card slot.



≥ Face the label side B in the direction shown in the illustration and

press it straight in as far as it will go.

≥ Press the center of the SD card and then pull it straight out.

VQT4D14 25

3 Close the battery/card cover.

≥ Securely close it until it clicks.

≥ Do not touch the terminals on the back of the SD card.
≥ Do not shock, bend, or drop the SD card.
≥ Electrical noise, static electricity or the failure of this unit or t he SD card

may damage or erase the data stored on the SD card.

≥ When the status indicator illuminates in red, 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 th e ind icato r is on may result in damage to
data/SD card or this unit.

≥ Do not expose the terminals of the SD card to wate r, dirt 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 p rot ect SD card s, r etu rn t hem to t heir cas es whe n you are not us in g

them.

≥ About disposing of or giving away the SD card. (l 160)

26 VQT4D14

Preparation

To turn off the unit

Hold down the po w er bu tton until the
LCD monitor goes off.
≥ Pressing the power button for a short

time sends the unit into sleep mode.
(l 28)

Turning the unit on/off

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

The LCD monitor turns on.

About standby mode

When the LCD monitor is closed while the unit is on, the unit enters
standby mode which consumes very little power.
In standby mode, open ing the LCD monitor turns on the unit, making the
unit ready for recording immediately. Use standby mode when you stop
using the unit but intend to use it again after a short time.

∫ Standby mode ∫ To turn on the unit

≥ The unit does not go into standby mode when you close the LCD

monitor during motion picture recording or audio recording.

VQT4D14 27

≥ If you open the LCD monitor when in standby mode, the unit enters

recording mode.

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

About economy function

To prevent battery c onsumption due to forgetting to turn the unit off et c.,
the economy mode function works to s end the uni t int o sleep mode if the
unit has been on for approximately 5 minutes (defa ult setting) without an
operation being performed. (The LC D mon i tor switches off, and the
status indicator flashes green)
≥ When the unit is in sleep mode, you can turn on the unit by pressing

any of the buttons on t he unit. (The mode prior t o entering sleep mode
is restored.)

≥ The time until the unit goes into sleep mode can be changed. (l 54)
≥ Approximately 1 hour after entering sleep mode, the unit enters

standby mode.

28 VQT4D14

About the high temperature warning icon



If the battery temperature or unit internal temperatur e (excluding batter y)
rises, the high temperature warning icon will provide warning as
indicated below.

Battery/unit

internal

temperature

A High temper a t u r e

≥ When you turn off the unit while the temperature is high ( is

displayed), you will not be able to turn on the unit again until the
temperature lowers. ( will flash.)

Screen
display

(ON)

(ON)

(Flashing)

Unit operation

Although it is possible to
record/play back, please stop
using the unit as soon as
possible and turn off the unit.

Motion picture recording is no
longer possible. (If you are
recording a motion pi ctur e, the
recording stops.) Please turn
off the unit.

After the flash ing of the ,
the unit turns off automat icall y.
The unit does not turn on when
the temperature drop s. (
flashes.)
Wait for the temperature to
drop before using the unit
again.

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Preparation

Selecting a mode

Change the mode to recording or pl ayback.

Press the REC/ button.

≥ Each press of the REC/ button changes the mode.

Recording Mode (l 35, 38, 42)

Playback Mode (l 47, 88)

30 VQT4D14

For recording motion pictures,
still pictures and audio

For playing back motion
pictures, still pictures and audio