Panasonic HX-DC3 User Manual

Basic Operating Instructions

Dual Camera

Model No. HX-DC3

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 “Operating Instructions
(PDF format)” which is recorded in the
enclosed CD-ROM.

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1AG6P1P6613--(S)

Information for Your Safety

WARNING:

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

≥ Do not expose this unit to rain, moisture, 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

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

∫ Concerning the battery

Warning

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

CAUTION

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

with the type recommended by the manufacturer.

≥ When disposing the batteries, please contact your local authorities

or dealer and ask for the correct method of disposal.

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∫ Product identification marking

Product Location

Dual Camera Battery holder

-If you see this symbol-

Information on Disposal in other Countries outside the
European Union

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

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∫ Cautions for use

For Australia and New Zealand

In the event of abnormal operation (e.g. if the unit emits smoke or an
unusual smell), immediately stop operating the unit and consult the
Panasonic Customer Care Centre on 132600.

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.

About connecting to a PC

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

About connecting to a TV

≥ Do not use any other AV cables except the supplied one.
≥ Always use a genuine Panasonic HDMI mini cable (RP-CDHM15,

RP-CDHM30: optional).

∫ About recording formats and compatibility of the unit

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

for recording high-definition motion pictures.

≥ AVCHD and MPEG2 motion pictures are different formats, 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

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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).

∫ About Condensation (When the lens or the LCD

monitor is fogged up)

Condensation occurs when there is a change in temperature or humidity,
such as when the unit is taken from outside or a cold room to a warm
room. Please be careful, as it may cause the lens or LCD monitor to
become soiled, moldy, or damaged.
When taking the unit to a place which has a different temperature, if the
unit is accustomed to the room temperature of the destination for about
one hour, condensation can be prevented. (When the difference in
temperature is severe, place the unit in a plastic bag or the like, remove
air from the bag, and seal the bag.) When condensation has occurred,
remove the battery and/or the AC adaptor and leave the unit like that for
about one hour. When the unit becomes accustomed to the surrounding
temperature, fogginess will disappear naturally.

∫ 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.

∫ 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.

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

indicated by in these operating instructions.

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

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Contents

∫ How to open the Operating Instructions

(PDF format)

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

from the homepage of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

Information for Your Safety..... 2

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

Optional accessories........... 7

Preparation

Power supply............................ 8

Inserting/removing

the battery ........................... 8

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

Charging and recording

time ................................... 12

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

Cards that you can use

with this unit ...................... 13

Inserting/removing

an SD card ........................ 13

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

Setting date and time............. 15

Recording motion pictures.... 17

Recording still pictures ......... 18

Recording audio ..................... 19

Intelligent Auto Mode ............. 19

Motion picture/Still picture/

Audio playback....................... 20

Using the menu screen .......... 22

Using the zoom....................... 24

About copyright...................... 26

Specifications ......................... 27

Limited Warranty

(ONLY FOR AUSTRALIA) .... 31

Basic

Watching Video/

Pictures on your TV ........... 21

Language selection ........... 24

Formatting ......................... 24

Double range zoom ........... 25

Others

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Accessories

Check the accessories before using this unit.
Product numbers correct as of Dec. 2012. These may be subject to
change.

Battery pack

VW-VBX070

AC adaptor

(GA)

A VSK0751

(GC)

B VSK0752

(GN)

C VSK0753

Lens cap*

VFC4701

Lens cap strap

VFC4702

Handstrap*

VFC4627

1

2

AV cable

VFA0543

USB cable

VFA0554

*1 Keep the lens cap out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.
*2 To prevent the unit from dropping, be sure to attach the handstrap.

CD-ROM

Software

CD-ROM

Operating
Instructions
VFF1167

Optional accessories

Some optional accessories may not be available in some countries.

Battery pack (lithium/VW-VBX070)

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

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Preparation





Power supply

∫ About batteries that you can use with this unit

The battery that can be used with this 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 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)

1 Open the battery/card cover.

1

Slide while pushing the battery/
card cover.

2 Open the battery/card cover.

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2 Insert the battery, taking care to match up the



terminal markings.

A terminal markings

≥

Insert the battery so that the terminal markings face up. 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.

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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:
≥ 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 the Standby Mode.

The battery cannot be charged while the unit is recording or
playing back.

≥ It is recommended to charge the battery in a temperature between

10 oC and 30 oC. (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.

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