Panasonic sd-sr15 Operation Manual

Operating Instructions

SD Video Camera

Model No. SDR-S15P/PC

Before connecting, operating or adjusting this product, please read the instructions completely.
Spanish Quick Use Guide is included.
Guía para rápida consulta en español está incluida.

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

LSQT1426 A

Things You Should Know

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. Be sure to retain this
manual as your convenient
camera information source.
The serial number is on the
tag located on the underside
of your camera.

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 EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN, MOISTURE, DRIPPING

•
OR SPLASHING AND THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS,
SUCH AS VASES, SHALL BE PLACED ON THE APPARATUS.

•

USE ONLY THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES.

•

DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER (OR BACK); THERE ARE NO USER
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.

CAUTION!

DO NOT INSTALL OR PLACE THIS UNIT IN A BOOKCASE, BUILT-IN
CABINET OR IN ANOTHER CONFINED SPACE. ENSURE THE UNIT IS
WELL VENTILATED. TO PREVENT RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR
FIRE HAZARD DUE TO OVERHEATING, ENSURE THAT CURTAINS
AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE VENTILATION
VENTS.

WARNING

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

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

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

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.: SDR-S15P
Responsible party: Panasonic Corporation of North America

One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094

Support Contact: Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company

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.

SDR-S15P

THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN CANADA.

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

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 instructions.

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-type plug.
A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding­type 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.

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.

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 injury 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.

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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 other foreign matter on the terminals.

•
Do not touch the plug terminals (+ and −) with metal objects.

•
Do not disassemble, remodel, heat or throw into fire.

•

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

Warning

Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not disassemble, heat above 60 °C
(140 °F) or incinerate.

AC adaptor

This AC adaptor operates on AC between 110 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.
When connecting to a supply of greater than AC 125 V, ensure the cord

•
you use is suited to the voltage of the AC supply and the rated current of
the AC adaptor.

•

Contact an electrical parts distributor for assistance in selecting a suitable
AC plug adaptor or AC cord set.

The socket outlet shall be installed near the equipment and easily
accessible. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily
operable. To completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC Mains,
disconnect the power supply cord plug from AC receptacle.

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

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.

PRECAUTIONS

USE & LOCATION

WARNING

TO AVOID SHOCK HAZARD…

●

Your camera and power supply should not be exposed to rain or moisture.
Your camera has been designed for outdoor use, however accessories are
not designed to sustain direct exposure to water, rain, sleet, snow, sand, dust,
or a direct splashing from a pool or even a cup of coffee. This action could
permanently damage the internal parts. Do not attempt to disassemble this
unit. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Unplug your camera from the
power supply before cleaning.

CAUTION

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.

●

STORAGE OF YOUR CAMERA…

Store and handle your camera in a manner that will not subject it to
unnecessary 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 YOUR CAMERA…

Before handling your camera, make sure your hands and face are free from
any chemical products, such as suntan lotion, as it may damage the finish.

Camera and SD card (sold separately) temperature

After use and battery charging, the battery will be hot. Also, during use,
although the unit’s body and SD card become hot, there is nothing wrong with
the unit.

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IMPORTANT

Carefully observe copyright laws

●

Whatever you have recorded and created can be used for your personal
entertainment only. Under copyright laws, other materials cannot be used
without obtaining permission from the holders of the copyrights.

●

Indemnity concerning recording content

The manufacturer shall in no event be liable for the loss of recordings due to
malfunction or defect of this unit, its accessories or recordable media.

For the purposes of these operating instructions

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

LCD monitor

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.

-If you see this symbol­Information 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.

SDHC Logo is a trademark.

•

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.

•

Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
Microsoft

•

®

, Windows® and DirectX® are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other
countries.
IBM and PC/AT are registered trademarks of International Business Machines

•
Corporation of the U.S.

®

Celeron

•

, Intel®, Intel® Core™ Solo and Pentium® are the registered
trademarks or trademarks of the Intel Corporation in the United States and
other countries.
Apple and MacOS are trademarks of Apple Inc.

•
Microsoft product screen shot(s) reprinted with permission from Microsoft

•
Corporation.
YouTube and the YouTube logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of

•
YouTube LLC.
Other names of systems and products mentioned in these instructions are

•
usually the registered trademarks or trademarks of the manufacturers who
developed the system or product concerned.

Contents

Before using

PRECAUTIONS ...........................6

Quick guide ............................... 10

Accessories ..............................14

Parts identification and

handling ..................................... 14

Using the hand strap

(supplied) .................................16

Using the LCD monitor .............17

How to use the lens cover open

lever .........................................17

Applicable SD cards

(sold separately) ....................... 18

Setup

Charging ....................................20

Charging time, recordable time
and Remaining battery capacity

indication ................................... 22

Inserting/Removing SD cards

(sold separately) ....................... 23

Turning power ON/OFF

(Selecting modes).....................24

Quick starts ..............................25

Setting from the menu, changing
the display language
Setting the date and time and
adjusting the LCD monitor

..................26

..28-29

Recording

Before recording.......................30

Basic stance .............................30

Automatic Recording

(motion pictures) ......................32

Recording mode and recording

times .........................................33

Automatic Recording

(still pictures) ............................ 34

Number of recordable pictures

..35

Zoom/avoid jitter/maintain
picture brightness in dark

locations ...............................36-37

Intelligent Auto Mode ...............38

Recording in WEB Mode/using

the video light ...........................40

Recording for posting videos on

YouTube (WEB Mode)..............40

Brightening up dark scenes for

recording ..................................41

Other recording options ..........42

Fade-in/Fade-out ......................43

Backlight Compensation function

Self-timer ..................................44

Soft Skin Mode .........................45

MagicPix function .....................45

PRE-REC function ...................46

Self-portrait Recording function

Face Detection function ...........48

Recording manually

(motion/still pictures) ............... 50

Adjusting focus manually

(manual focus adjustment) .......50

Using situation-specific settings

(Scene Mode) ........................... 51

Achieve natural colors

(White Balance) ........................ 52

Adjusting shutter speed

(Shutter speed) ........................54

Adjusting brightness (Iris/Gain)

Useful functions .......................56

Recording dates and times at
travel destinations (Set world

time) .........................................56

View slants and composition

(Guidelines) ..............................57

Avoid wind noise
(Wind Noise Reduction function)

.. 44

..47

..55

..57

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Playback

Viewing motion pictures .......... 58

Displaying thumbnails by date

..59
Fast forward/rewind playback ..60

Slow-motion playback .............. 60

Frame-by-frame playback ........ 60

Resuming the previous playback

..60

Viewing still pictures ................61

Editing

Deleting motion/still pictures ..62

Deleting one picture at a time ..62

Deleting all pictures ..................63

Selecting and deleting multiple pictures

..63

Preventing accidental deletion

of motion/still pictures ............. 64

Formatting cards ......................64

Setting DPOF for still pictures

..65

With other products

Playback on TV ......................... 66

Copying to video recorders or

DVD recorders ..........................67

Printing pictures from

PictBridge printers ...................68

Using DVD burners (sold separately)

..70

With a computer

Software on the CD-ROM .........76

End User License Agreement .. 77

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

Installing VideoCam Suite .......80

Using VideoCam Suite .............82

Uploading video clips to YouTube
Using this unit as an external

drive (Mass storage).................86

Checking the connections .......88

Connecting to a Macintosh

computer ...................................89

..84

Others

Menus ........................................90

Recording menu .......................90

Playback menu ......................... 90

SETUP menu ........................... 92

LCD monitor displays ..............94

When recording ........................94

During playback .......................95

Messages ..................................96

Troubleshooting ......................98

Cautions for use .....................104

Specifications .........................108

Optional accessories .............110

Accessory Order Form

(For USA and Puerto Rico Customers)

Request for Service Notice

(USA and Puerto Rico Only) .......112

Customer Services Directory

(United States and Puerto Rico) .. 113

Limited Warranty

(United States and Puerto Rico) .. 114

Warranty

(For Canadian Customers) ......... 116

Index ........................................ 117

Spanish Quick Use Guide/
Guía española para el uso

rápido ....................................... 118

..111

Before usingSetupRecordingPlaybackEditingWith other

products

With a

computer

Others

Quick guide

Charging

Set the mode dial to

1

[OFF].

Open the card/battery

2

door.

Open the door by sliding the card/
battery door lever to the “OPEN”
position.

Insert the battery.

3

Inserting SD cards
(sold separately)

Place label upwards.

Slide straight in until hearing card catch.

Close the card/battery

4

door.

Close the card/battery door and
slide the card/battery door lever to
the “LOCK” position.

Connect the AC adaptor

5

(supplied).

To AC outlet

AC cable

Lever

Press until hearing lever lock.

AC adaptor

Small gap here.

10 LSQT1426 11LSQT1426

Setting the date and time

Open the terminal cover.

6

Plug the DC plug into the

7

DC input terminal on the
unit.

Status indicator
Flashing red: Charging in

Off: Charging complete

progress

Set the mode dial to

1

a position other than
[OFF].

Select [YES].

2

Set the date and time.

3

To select settings To change

Enter the date and time.

4

numerical values

This procedure is for setting the

•
date and the time the very first
time. For the setting procedure for
the second and subsequent times
(P.28).

Quick guide (cont.)

The display and menu

language can be changed

→[LANGUAGE]

Recording

Motion pictures Still pictures

Set to [ ].

1

Start recording.

2

Stop recording.

3

Set to [ ].

1

Take picture.

2

12 LSQT1426 13LSQT1426

Playback

Motion pictures Still pictures

Set to [ ].

1

Set to [ ].

1

Select and enter the

2

picture to view.

Play/Pause

Return to step

Deleting pictures

During playback

1

Select and enter the

2

picture to view.

Slideshow start/pause

NextBack

2

Select [YES].

Return to step

NextBack

2

2

(LCD monitor display in
motion picture viewing)

Accessories

Parts identification

Make sure all of the following
accessories were included in the
product package.

Battery pack

•
VW-VBJ10
The battery is
shipped in a
discharged state. Be
sure to charge the
battery before using
this unit (P.20).

AC adaptor

•
VSK0694

AC cable

•
K2CA2CA00025

AV cable

•
K2KZ9CB00002

Hand strap

•
VFC4308

DC input terminal
[DC IN 5.0 V] (P.21)

Audio-video output
terminal [A/V] (P.66, 67)

USB terminal
[

] (P.68, 71, 82)

• Do not use any other AC adaptors
except the supplied one.

Card access lamp
[ACCESS] (P.23, 31)

Card/battery door lever
[

] (P.20, 23)

Card/Battery door
(P.20, 23)

Card slot

USB cable

•
K1HA05AD0005

[SD CARD]
(P.23)

Battery slot
[BATT] (P.20)

Tripod mounting hole

For tripod (sold separately) mounting

CD-ROM

•
LSFT0771

instructions, see the user’s guide of the
tripod. (With some tripods, the card/
battery door cannot be opened when
the unit is mounted on the tripod. If
this is the case, insert the SD card and
battery before mounting the unit on the
tripod.)

14 LSQT1426 15LSQT1426

and handling

Lens cover open lever
(P.17)

Strap fixture
(P.16)

LCD monitor (P.17)

Light button [LIGHT] (P.41)
Intelligent auto button

[ ] (P.38)
WEB Mode button

[WEB MODE] (P.40)
Cursor buttons (P.26)
Delete button

[

] (P.62)

Manual button
[MANUAL AF/MF]
(P.50)

Menu button [MENU] (P.26)

Lens

Light (P.41)

Microphone
(built-in, stereo)

Sub record button (P.30)

(Same as record button)

When recording: Zoom button

[T/W] (P.36)

During playback: Volume button

[+VOL–] (P.58)

Speaker

Terminal cover (P.21)
Record button

(P.32, 34)
Status indicator

(P.21, 24, 25)

Mode dial (P.24)

: Motion picture

recording (P.32)

: Motion picture

playback (P.58)

: Still picture recording

(P.34)

: Still picture playback

(P.61)

: Power OFF (P.24)

Parts identification and handling (cont.)

Using the hand strap (supplied)

Using as strap

Fit over your wrist and adjust the

length of the strap.

16 LSQT1426 17LSQT1426

Using the LCD monitor

Images can be checked on the LCD monitor when recording.

Open the LCD monitor. Adjust the angle.

Up to 180 ˚

Up to 90 ˚

Forcing the LCD monitor open or rotating it past the angle to which it can be

●

rotated will cause trouble or malfunctioning.

●

Brightness and color density can be adjusted. (P.29)

How to use the lens cover open lever

Before recording, open the
lens cover.

Open the lens cover by sliding
the lens cover open lever to the

] position.

[

●

In order to protect the lens, slide
the lens cover open lever to the

] position when the unit is not

[
in use, and close the lens cover.

Applicable SD cards (sold separately)

The following SD and SDHC Memory Cards can be used.

Type of card Capacity

SD Memory Card
(SD speed Class 2 or higher recommended)

SDHC Memory Card
(Use cards bearing the

•

8 MB and 16 MB SD Memory Cards are for still picture recording only.

•

With 32 MB, 64 MB and 128 MB SD Memory Cards, still pictures can be
recorded, but motion picture recording may stop during use.

•

Multimedia cards cannot be used.

logo.)

Recommended Panasonic SD/SDHC Memory Cards

(as of January 2009)

The following Panasonic SD/SDHC Memory Cards and SD speed Class 2 or
higher Memory Cards are recommended for this unit. With other types of SD
cards, motion picture recording may stop during use.

SD Memory Card SD/SDHC Memory Card

High Speed Class 2 Class 4 Class 6

256 MB RP-SDH256 RP-SDR256 ――
512 MB RP-SDK512 RP-SDR512 ――

1 GB RP-SDH01G RP-SDR01G ― RP-SDV01G
2 GB RP-SDK02G RP-SDR02G RP-SDM02G RP-SDV02G
4 GB ― RP-SDR04G RP-SDM04G RP-SDV04G
6 GB ――RP-SDM06G ―

8 GB ―――RP-SDV08G
12 GB ――RP-SDM12G ―
16 GB ―――RP-SDV16G
32 GB ―――RP-SDV32G

256 MB
512 MB

1 GB
2 GB
4 GB
6 GB

8 GB
12 GB
16 GB
32 GB

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Precautions in handling

Do not touch the terminals on the back of the card. Also, prevent dirt, water

•
and foreign matter from adhering to terminals.
Do not leave cards in the following areas:

•

· Where exposed to direct sunlight

· Humid or dusty places

· Near heaters or other sources of heat

· Where subjected to sharp temperature changes (condensation can occur)

· Where exposed to static electricity or electromagnetic waves
After use, return cards to their pouch or case.

•
SD card data may be corrupted or lost due to electrical noise, static

•
electricity, damage to the unit or card, etc. Save important data on a PC
using the supplied USB cable, VideoCam Suite, etc. (P.76)

Write-protecting cards

When the write-protect switch on the SD card is set to the LOCK position,
data cannot be written onto or deleted from the card, and the card cannot be
formatted.

Write-protect switch

SDHC Memory Cards can be used only with SDHC devices.

●

Be careful when sharing cards between devices.

Be sure to format SD cards with this unit only.

●

If cards are formatted on a PC or other device, recording may take time and
the card may become unusable with the unit.

●

Before using an SD card from another device, copy the data onto a PC or
other storage device and then format the card with this unit.

●

Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.

●

This unit supports SD Memory Cards formatted to FAT12 or FAT16 file
systems and SDHC Memory Cards formatted to a FAT32 file system.

●

SD speed Class 2
Class 2 speed standard for SD cards. This and higher types of SD cards

operate stably in devices for which Class 2 or higher SD cards are
recommended, such as this unit.

Setup

Insert the battery into the unit and charge it.

Set the mode dial to [OFF].

1

The unit runs on AC power (status indicator lit red) and
the battery cannot be charged when the mode dial is set
to any position other than [OFF].

Open the card/battery

2

door.

Open the door by sliding the card/
battery door lever to the “OPEN”
position.

Insert the battery.

3

Ensure that battery is oriented
correctly, and push it into the
compartment in the direction of the
[▲] until it snaps into place and it is
locked by the lever.

(To remove the battery, press the
lever in the direction of the [

Close the card/battery

4

door.

Close the card/battery door and
slide the card/battery door lever to
the “LOCK” position.

Charging

1

].)

Lever

Connect the AC adaptor

5

(supplied).

Connect the AC cable to the AC
adaptor and then to an AC outlet.

Use only the AC adaptor supplied

●

with the unit.

To AC outlet

＊ Do not use the AC cable and AC adaptor of this unit with other devices. Also, do not use

the AC cables and AC adaptors of other devices with this unit.

AC cable

Small gap here.

AC adaptor

＊

20 LSQT1426 21LSQT1426

The battery is not charged at the time of purchase. Be sure to charge it
before use.
For charging time (P.22)

We recommend using Panasonic batteries. (VW-VBJ10)
If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee the quality of this product.

CAUTION

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the
same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used
batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Do not heat or expose to flame.

●

Do not leave the battery in an automobile exposed to direct sunlight for a long

●

period of time with doors and windows closed.

Open the terminal cover.

6

Plug the DC plug into the DC

7

input terminal on the unit.

Status indicator

Flashing red at approx. 1 second
intervals: Charging in progress
Off: Charging complete

If the status indicator does the following:

Does not flash:

Remove and reinsert the battery, and disconnect and reconnect the AC adaptor.
If the status indicator still does not flash, contact your dealer.

Flashes rapidly at approx. 0.25 seconds intervals:

The battery cannot be charged. Try doing the following:

Remove and reinsert the battery, and try recharging the battery.

•
The battery temperature or surrounding temperature is too high/low, therefore wait until

•

the unit and the battery are at suitable temperatures and try recharging the battery.

If battery charging still does not commence, contact your dealer.

Flashes slowly at approx. 3 seconds intervals:

Charging requires time for the following reasons:

The battery has been excessively discharged.

•
The battery temperature or ambient temperature is too high/low.

•

If power to the unit is activated while the battery is charging, the AC power

●

supply will be used and charging interrupted.

Setup

Charging time, recordable time and

2

Remaining battery capacity indication

Charging time and recordable time

Times are given for a temperature of 25 ˚C (77 ˚F) and humidity of 60 %.
The charging time shown in the table are approximations. In high or low
temperatures, charging requires more time.

●

Supplied battery VW-VBJ10 (3.6 V, 940 mAh (minimum))

Charging time Approx. 2 h 15 min

Maximum continuously

Recordable time

●

Actual recordable time includes recording and stopping, power ON/OFF
switching, zooming and other operations.

●

Recordable time varies according to conditions of use. For example, the
recordable time shortens when the [POWER LCD] setting is on while recording.

●

The recordable time shortens in some environments (i.e., low temperatures,
etc.), therefore it is recommended to charge a spare battery.

recordable time

Approx. 1 h 15 min Approx. 40 min

Actual recordable time

Remaining battery capacity indication

The battery indication changes, as the remaining battery power decreases.

High Low

Flashing (Charge battery.)

It has been found that counterfeit battery packs which look very similar to the genuine
product are available to purchase in some markets. Some of these battery packs are
not adequately protected to meet the requirements of appropriate safety standards.
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.

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Setup

SD cards are sold separately.
Preparations: Set the mode dial to [OFF].

Inserting or removing an SD card with the power ON may
damage the unit and destroy data on the card.

Open the card/battery

1

door.

Open the door by sliding the card/
battery door lever to the “OPEN”
position.

Insert/Remove the SD

2

card.

•

To insert:
Face the label upwards and slide
the card in straight until hearing it
catch.

•

To remove:
Press the center of the SD card and
pull the card out straight.

Close the card/battery

3

door.

•

Close the card/battery door and
slide the card/battery door lever to
the “LOCK” position.

•

If the door does not close
completely, remove the SD card,
check its orientation and reinsert it
into the slot.

(Check that the status indicator is out.)

Inserting/Removing SD

3

cards (sold separately)

Place label upwards.

While the card access lamp is lit, reading, recording, playback, deletion

●

or other processing is being executed. Performing the following
operations while the lamp is lit may damage the SD card and its content
and the unit may not function properly.

• Switching off power

• Removing battery or AC adaptor

• Opening card/battery door and removing SD card

• Rotating the mode dial

• Shaking or impacting the unit

• Disconnecting the USB cable

The access lamp is supposed to light up while rotating the dial to select

●

a mode. In this case, there is no problem.

Card access lamp

Setup

Rotate the mode dial slowly but surely to the desired position.

Turning power ON/OFF

4

(Selecting modes)

Set to icon of desired mode.

Power OFF
Motion picture recording mode

(P.32)
Motion picture playback mode

Status indicator

•

When power is ON: Lit red
(When selecting
When power is OFF: Off

•

The very first time that power is turned ON, a message appears prompting

●

you to set the date and time. (P.28)
During use, the main unit and SD card become hot, but this is normal and not

●

indicative of a malfunction.

)

(P.58)
Still picture recording mode

(P.34)
Still picture playback mode

(P.61)

Turning power ON/OFF from the LCD monitor

When [ ] or [ ] is selected, power turns ON when the LCD monitor is
opened and OFF when it is closed. (During motion picture recording, power
does not turn OFF when the LCD monitor is closed.)

• When [QUICK START] (next page) is [ON], the unit goes on quick start

standby when the LCD monitor is closed.

• When not in use, set the mode dial to [OFF].

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Rotate the mode dial to motion picture recording/playback, still picture
recording/playback or power OFF.

Quick starts

Quick starts are available when the mode is set to [ ] and [ ].
When [QUICK START] is [ON], the unit responds as follows to LCD monitor
operations:

LCD monitor

operation

When opened

When closed

＊ The unit consumes about half as much power as when recording is stopped.

Shooting can start in approx. 0.6 seconds.
The unit goes on quick start standby

Unit response

＊

.

Status

indicator

Lit red

Flashing green

Setting [QUICK START]

Select settings from the
menus. (P.26)

→[SETUP]→

[QUICK START]→[ON]
(To turn OFF, select [OFF].)

[QUICK START] is [ON] at the time of purchase.•

The quick start standby is canceled and power shuts OFF (status indicator

●

out) in the following situations.

When quick start standby mode continues for more than about 5 minutes

•
When the mode dial is rotated

•

When the white balance has been set to the automatic adjustment (during

●

automatic recording or when it is set to [
and quick start has been initiated, quick start may take longer if a different
light source is used from the one prior to initiating quick start: This happens
because the automatic adjustments are performed again.
Starting may require more time than usual if the unit is impacted.

●

Zoom magnification becomes 1x after quick starts.

●

If [ECONOMY] (P.92) is set to [5 MINUTES] and the unit automatically goes

●

on quick start standby, close and reopen the LCD monitor.

] during manual recording)

Setup

The menu cannot be displayed during recording or playback.
For menu items (P.90 “Menu List”)

To return to the previous screen

Setting from the menu,

5

changing the display language

Display the menu.

1

The menu displayed differs
according to mode.

Select the top menu.

2

(Top menu for [ ] and [ ]
modes)

To quit an operation halfway

through

Enter the top menu.

3

Select a submenu.

4

Enter the selected

5

submenu.

or

or

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The cursor buttons are used to select functions, execute operations and
make menu settings.

Select an item.

6

Enter the selected item.

7

Using the cursor buttons

The cursor buttons are used to select and enter items on menus or
thumbnail displays.

Upwards

Left Right

Downwards

To move the cursor

●

The cursor moves in the direction of the
respective cursor buttons
when pressed.

Pressing the center enters the selection.●

Close the menu.

8

Do not rotate the mode dial while menus appear on the LCD monitor.

●

You cannot record or perform other operations while menus appear on the

●

LCD monitor.

Changing the display language

The display and menu language can be changed.

→[LANGUAGE]

Setup

Setting the date and time and adjusting the LCD monitor

6

Setting the date and time

Before recording, check that the date and time have been set.
The very first time that power is turned ON, a message appears prompting you
to set the date and time. Select [YES], press the center of the cursor buttons
and proceed to step

.

3

Set to [ ] or [ ].

1

Select the desired menu.

2

→[BASIC]→

[CLOCK SET]→[YES]

Set the date and time.

3

To change the date and time

display

To change an item

●

→[SETUP]→

[DATE/TIME]

[OFF] : Date and time are not
[D/T] : Date and time are
[DATE] : Only the date is displayed.

●

displayed.
displayed.

To change the date format

→[SETUP]→

[DATE FORMAT]

Format

indication

[Y/M/D] 2009.DEC.15
[M/D/Y] DEC.15.2009
[D/M/Y] 15.DEC.2009

Appearance on

LCD monitor

To select settings To change

The year is displayed up to 2099
and the 12-hour system is used
to display the time.

Enter the date and time.

4

The clock function starts at [00]

•
seconds.
After pressing the [MENU]

•
button and closing the menu,
check the date and time
displays.

numerical values

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After setting the date and time, summer time can be set as in “Setting home

●

city and region” of the world time function (P.56).

] is displayed for the date and time, the built-in lithium battery has run

If [

●

down. Charge the battery and set the time as follows. The built-in lithium
battery is charged when the AC adaptor is connected to the unit or when a
battery is inserted into the unit. If charged for about 24 hours, the date and
time can be saved in memory for about 6 months. (The battery is charged
even if the power is turned OFF.)

Adjusting the LCD monitor

LCD monitor color and brightness can be adjusted. (Settings do not affect
recorded images.) For settings from the menu see P.26.
The LCD monitor cannot be adjusted for self-portrait recording (P.47).

Select the desired menu.

1

→[SETUP]→

[LCD SET]→[YES]

Select and adjust the

2

item.

Select an item. To adjust

[BRIGHTNESS]:

Adjusts brightness.

[COLOR]:

Adjusts color density.

The bar moves.

If the LCD monitor is hard to

see in bright or dark places
(POWER LCD)

Adjust the brightness of the LCD
monitor.

→[SETUP]→

[POWER LCD]
[AUTO] :
The LCD monitor brightness

is automatically adjusted
in line with the ambient
brightness.

: The LCD monitor brightens

more.
: The LCD monitor brightens.
: Normal brightness
: The LCD monitor darkens.

[

] is automatically selected

•
when the AC adaptor is used.

Recording

Basic stance

Hold the unit firmly
with both hands

Be careful not to block
microphone or sensor

1

Microphone

Before recording

Stand with back
to sun to avoid
subject being in
shadow

Keep elbows close to
body

Using the “sub record”
button can be helpful
when recording at
waist height

Stand with legs slightly
apart for stability

Before recording, open the lens cover

.●

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