PANASONIC HXDC3GA User Manual

Operating Instructions

Dual Camera

Model No. HX-DC3

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

VQT4U96

Read this first

∫ 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 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 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, electromagnetic waves, breakage, and failures, back up the data to a PC or disc. (l 115 ) ≥ The status indicator (l 9) illuminates in red while the SD card or built-

in memory is being accessed (initialization, recording, playback, deleting etc.). Do not perform the following operations when the indicator 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 SD Card jInsert and remove the USB cable jExpose the unit to vibrations or shock

≥ About disposing of or giving away this unit. (l 152)

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∫ 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 16 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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Read this first ..................................................................................... 2

Preparation

Names and Functions of Main Parts ................................................ 7

Power supply.................................................................................... 10

Inserting/removing the battery..................................................... 10

Charging the battery ................................................................... 12

Charging and recording time....................................................... 14

Recording to a card ......................................................................... 16

Cards that you can use with this unit .......................................... 16

Inserting/removing an SD card.................................................... 18

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

About Standby Mode................................................................... 20

About the high temperature warning icon ................................... 21

Selecting a mode ............................................................................. 22

Setting date and time....................................................................... 23

Basic

Before recording .............................................................................. 25

Recording motion pictures ............................................................. 27

Recording still pictures ................................................................... 30

About recording still pictures during motion picture recording

and audio recording .................................................................... 33

Recording audio............................................................................... 34

Intelligent Auto Mode ...................................................................... 36

Motion picture/Still picture/Audio playback .................................. 39

Using the menu screen ................................................................... 43

Using Option Menu .......................................................................... 45

OPTION MENU 1 ........................................................................ 45

OPTION MENU 2 ........................................................................ 47

OPTION MENU 3 ........................................................................ 49

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Advanced (Recording)

Using the zoom ................................................................................ 52

Double range zoom..................................................................... 53

Zoom Mode ................................................................................. 54

Image Stabiliser ............................................................................... 55

Burst recording ................................................................................ 57

Recording panorama still pictures ................................................. 59

Recording functions of menus ....................................................... 62

RECORDING MENU 1................................................................ 62

RECORDING MENU 2................................................................ 70

RECORDING MENU 3................................................................ 73

RECORDING MENU 4................................................................ 75

Manual recording ............................................................................. 81

White Balance ............................................................................. 81

Setting the focus and recording .................................................. 83

Advanced (Playback)

Playback Operations ....................................................................... 84

Playback using operation icon .................................................... 84

Creating still picture from motion picture..................................... 86

Cutting out a section of a panorama still picture......................... 87

Zooming in on a still picture during playback

(Playback zoom) ......................................................................... 87

Various playback functions ............................................................ 89

Changing the playback settings and playing back

the slide show ............................................................................. 89

Displaying file information ........................................................... 91

Using the playback menu................................................................ 93

PLAYBACK MENU 1 ................................................................... 93

PLAYBACK MENU 2 ................................................................... 95

Deleting files/folders...................................................................... 100

Protecting a file ......................................................................... 103

Watching Video/Pictures on your TV ........................................... 104

Connecting with an HDMI mini cable ........................................ 108

TV format setting ....................................................................... 108

Playback using VIERA Link .......................................................... 109

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Copy/Dubbing

Copying from Built-in Memory to SD card .................................. 111

Dubbing images onto other video devices.................................. 113

With a PC

What you can do with a PC ........................................................... 115

End User License Agreement ................................................... 118

Operating environment ................................................................. 120

Installation ...................................................................................... 124

Connecting to a PC........................................................................ 125

Use as a card reader ................................................................ 126

Using the unit as a web camera................................................ 129

Starting HD Writer VE 3.0 .............................................................. 131

Reading the operating instructions of the

software applications................................................................. 131

If using Mac .................................................................................... 132

Using the Eye-Fi™ card................................................................. 134

Others

Indications ...................................................................................... 138

Messages ........................................................................................ 142

Troubleshooting............................................................................. 143

Cautions for use............................................................................. 151

About copyright ............................................................................. 157

Recording Modes/approximate recordable time......................... 159

Approximate number of recordable pictures .............................. 161

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Preparation

Names and Functions of Main Parts

1 LCD monitor (l 26)

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 20) 3 USB/AV connector (l 12, 104, 113, 125)

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

4 HDMI mini connector (l 104, 109)

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5 Hand strap fixture



6 Zoom range button [ ] (l 53) 7 Photoshot button [ ] (l 30) 8 SET button [SET] (l 39, 43, 77, 84)

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

operations, and to operate the menu screen.

≥

In these operating instructions denoted as shown below.

Example: or Select using the SET button





, the operation of the SET button is

9 In Recording Mode: Zoom lever [W/T] (l 52)

In Playback Mode: Volume lever (l 41, 90)

10 Recording start/stop button [ ] (l 27) 11 MENU button [MENU] (l 43) 12 REC/ button [REC/ ] 13 Battery/Card cover (l 10, 18) 14 Battery holder 15 Card slot

Zoom lever [W/T] (l 87) Thumbnail display switch [ / ] (l 41)

(

l 22

)

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

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 2, 12, 18, 155) 19 Internal stereo microphones 20 Built-in flash (l 70) 21 Tripod receptacle

≥ If you attach a tripod which has a 5.5 mm screw or larger, it may

damage this unit. The screw may also be difficult to tighten depending on the type of tripod used.

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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 20)

1 Open the battery/card cover.

Slide while pushing the battery/ card cover.





2 Open the battery/card cover.

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

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.

- 11 -

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.

(l 20) 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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1 Connect the USB cable to the AC adaptor.

≥

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

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

≥

Connecting the USB cable in the wrong direction may cause damage to the USB/AV connector of the unit. If the connector has become damaged, it may not operate correctly, including failure to recognise the cable even if it has been connected.

≥

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 14). ≥ 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 to direct sunlight for a

long period of time with doors and windows closed.

≥ For charging by connecting to another device, refer to page 128. ≥ If the status indicator flashes at a particularly fast or slow rate, refer to

page 155.

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Charging and recording time

∫ Charging/Recording time

≥ Temperature: 25 oC/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 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.

Charging

time

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

- 14 -

Battery capacity indication

≥ The display changes as the battery capacity reduces.

#### (red)

When the charge is low, is displayed.

≥ 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 use, 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 supplied battery ≥ Using a Panasonic SD Memory Card (2 GB)

Approx. 210 pictures

By CIPA standard

- 15 -

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.:

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

- 16 -

≥ 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 134), an Eye-Fi X2 series SD

card is required.

≥ Operation of SD Memory Cards with a capacity of 256 MB or less is not

guaranteed.

≥ 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.

≥ The operation of Memory cards exceeding 64 GB cannot be

guaranteed.

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

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

≥ Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children to

prevent swallowing.

- 17 -

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 48) 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 indicator lights 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 centre of the SD card and then pull it straight out.

- 18 -

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 the SD card

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

≥ When the status indicator (l 9) 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 the indicator is on may result in damage to data/SD card or this unit.

≥ Do not expose the terminals of the SD card to water, 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 protect SD cards, return them to their cases when you are not using

them.

≥ About disposing of or giving away the SD card. (l 156)

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Preparation

To turn off the unit

Hold down the power button until the LCD monitor goes off. ≥ Pressing the power button for a short

time sends the unit into Standby Mode. (l 20)

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. Standby Mode allows pictures to be recorded as soon as the LCD monitor is opened. Setting [QUICK START] to [ON] will allow the device to switch to Recording Standby Status even faster. (l 45) Use Standby Mode when you stop using the unit but intend to use it again after a short time.

≥ The unit does not go into Standby Mode when you close the LCD

monitor during motion picture recording or audio recording.

≥ If you open the LCD monitor when in Standby Mode, the unit enters

Recording Mode.

- 20 -

≥ If the unit has not been operated for approximately 5 minutes (settings



at the time of purchase) when the power is turned on, the ECONOMY function will activate and switch to Standby Mode to limit power consumption in situations such as the user forgetting to turn the unit off. jWhen the unit is in Standby Mode, you can turn on the unit by

pressing the power button.

jThe time until the unit goes into Standby Mode can be changed.

(l 47)

About the high temperature warning icon

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

Battery/unit

internal

temperature

A High temperature

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

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

Screen display

(Lighting)

(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 picture, the recording stops.) Please turn off the unit.

After the flashing of the , the unit turns off automatically. The unit does not turn on when the temperature drops. ( 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 playback.

Press the REC/ button.

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

Recording Mode (l 27, 30, 34)

Playback Mode (l 39, 84)

For recording motion pictures, still pictures and audio

For playing back motion pictures, still pictures and audio

- 22 -

Preparation

Setting date and time

If the screen to set the date and time appears when you turn on the unit, skip to step 2 and follow the steps to set the date and time.

1 Select the menu. (l 43)

[MENU]: # [CLOCK SET]

2 Select an item ([DATE]/[TIME]/[DISP]) using the SET

button and then tilt the SET button to the right or press the SET button.

3 (When [DATE] or [TIME] is selected)

Tilt the SET button to the left or right to select the desired item and then up and down to set the numerical values.

e.g.: When [DATE] is selected

≥ The year can be set between 2000 and 2039.

- 23 -

(When [DISP] is selected)

Select the date format display method using the SET button.

4 Press the SET button. 5 Select [SAVE DATE AND TIME] using the SET button

and then press the SET button.

≥ To return to the recording screen or playback screen, press the MENU

button.

≥ At the time of purchase, the [CLOCK SET] is not set. ≥ If the [CLOCK SET] have not been set or the built-in clock battery has

run down, the screen display and recording time information will appear as follows. Recording screen display: --.--.---- -:-Recording time information: 01.01.2013 0:00

≥ To charge the built-in clock battery, install a fully charged battery in the

unit. If you leave the battery for approximately 24 hours, the time settings will be stored for approximately 7 days. (The charging continues even when the unit is turned off)

- 24 -

Basic

Before recording

∫ Basic camera positioning

Example 1: Grip the unit with the forefinger of your right hand above the lens and the middle finger to little finger surrounding the body.

≥ To avoid dropping the unit, be sure to attach a handstrap. ≥ 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.

≥ When performing zoom operations, you can prevent the jitter

associated with zoom operations by placing your other hand on the LCD monitor to stabilise the unit.

≥ Ensure that the lens and flash are not obstructed by your fingers or the

handstrap. Also, ensure that your hand is not blocking the microphones on the LCD monitor.

Example 2: Grip the unit with the forefinger to little finger of your right hand surrounding the body.

- 25 -

∫ 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.)

∫ If the surface of the unit gets hot

Due to the characteristics of the unit, the outer surface may become warm during use, but this does not indicate a malfunction. ≥ If the unit starts to feel uncomfortably hot during use, you might

temporarily discontinue use until it cools down, or try holding it in your other hand for a while. Please use a tripod or other support when using the unit for a long time.

- 26 -

Basic

000:00:00

Recording motion pictures

≥ Before turning on the unit, remove the lens cap. ≥

Motion pictures are recorded to the SD card if one is inserted. If no SD card is inserted, the motion pictures are recorded to the built-in memory.

1 Open the LCD monitor. 2 Press the recording start/stop button to start

recording.



000:00:00

A When you begin recording, ¥ appears.

3 Press the recording start/stop button again to pause

recording.

- 27 -

∫ About the screen indications in the motion picture

000:00:15000:00:15000:00:15

MINI

recording

Recording Mode (l 62)

Motion picture operation indicator (l 140)

μ (Red)

000:00:15

* When [CREATIVE CONTROL] (l 64) is set to (Miniature Effect

(MINI)) or (Time Lapse Rec (INTV)), the maximum recordable time for one scene (012:00:00) is displayed. (When the remaining space on the SD card is equal to less than 12 hours or when recording to the built-in memory, the remaining recordable time on the SD card or builtin memory is displayed.)

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

to start recording and pressing it again to pause recording become one scene.

≥ If the file size exceeds 4 GB during recording, the unit saves the file

and saves the continuation in a new file. (A new file is created automatically every 4 GB (l 42))

≥ While recording is in progress, the recording will not stop even if the

LCD monitor is closed.

During motion picture recording

When the remaining recordable time drops to approximately 30 seconds or less, μ flashes.

During recording: Recording time elapsed

Each time the unit is put into recording pause, the counter display will be reset to 000:00:00.

During recording standby: Approximate remaining recordable time*

INTV

- 28 -

≥ Recording may become out of focus if the unit is subjected to shock

while the power is turned on. If this happens, hold the power button until the LCD monitor turns off to turn the power to the unit off, and turn the power on again.

≥ Maximum number of recordings per SD card

file : 899100 folder : 900

≥ Please refer to page 159 for details about approximate recordable

time.

About the compatibility of the recorded motion pictures

≥ They are not compatible with devices other than those that support

MP4. Images cannot be played with equipment that does not support MP4. Confirm that your equipment supports MP4 by referring to the operating instructions.

≥ There are some cases where the recorded motion pictures cannot

be played back, even if the device supports MP4. In such a case, play back on this unit instead.

- 29 -

Basic

F3.5 1/30

Recording still pictures

≥ Before turning on the unit, remove the lens cap. ≥ Still pictures are recorded to SD card if one is inserted. If no SD card is

inserted, the still pictures are recorded to the built-in memory.

1 Open the LCD monitor. 2 (For Auto Focus only)

Press the button halfway.

F3.5

1/30

A Focus area (area inside brackets)

3 Press the button fully.



≥ If you continue to hold down the button, you can check the

recorded image on the LCD monitor.

- 30 -

+ 133 hidden pages

PANASONIC HXDC3GA User Manual

Read this first

Contents

Preparation

Names and Functions of Main Parts

Power supply

Inserting/removing the battery

Charging the battery

Charging and recording time

Recording to a card

Cards that you can use with this unit

Inserting/removing an SD card

Turning the unit on/off

About Standby Mode

About the high temperature warning icon

Selecting a mode

Setting date and time

Basic

Before recording

Recording motion pictures

Recording still pictures