Panasonic HDC SD1 User Manual

Operating Instructions  
High Definition Video Camera  
Model No.  
HDC-SD1  
Before use, please read these instructions completely.  
GC  
VQT1A34  
HDMI, the HDMI Logo and the High-Definition  
Multimedia Interface are the registered  
trademarks or trademarks of HDMI Licensing  
LLC.  
-If you see this symbol-  
Information on Disposal in other Countries  
outside the European Union  
HDAVI Control™ is a trademark of Matsushita  
Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.  
LEICA is a registered trademark of Leica  
microsystems IR GmbH and DICOMAR is a  
registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.  
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.  
®
®
®
Microsoft , Windows and DirectX are either  
registered trademarks or trademarks of the  
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/  
or other countries.  
Microsoft product screen shot(s) reprinted with  
permission from Microsoft Corporation.  
IBM and PC/AT are registered trademarks of  
International Business Machines Corporation of  
the U.S.  
Intel , Pentium and Celeron are the  
registered trademarks or trademarks of the  
Intel Corporation in the United States and other  
countries.  
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.  
ª 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.  
®
®
®
ª Carefully observe copyright laws  
Recording of pre-recorded tapes or discs or  
other published or broadcast material for  
purposes other than your own private use  
may infringe copyright laws. Even for the  
purpose of private use, recording of certain  
material may be restricted.  
This product is licensed under the AVC patent  
portfolio license for the personal and non-  
commercial use of a consumer to (i) encode  
video in compliance with the AVC Standard  
(“AVC Video”) and/or (ii) decode AVC Video that  
was encoded by a consumer engaged in a  
personal and non-commercial activity and/or was  
obtained from a video provider licensed to  
provide AVC Video. No license is granted or shall  
be implied for any other use. Additional  
ª Cards that you can use with this  
unit  
SD Memory Card and SDHC Memory Card  
For the purposes of these operating instructions,  
the following cards are referred to as “the SD  
card”.  
SD Memory Card  
SDHC Memory Card  
information may be obtained from MPEG LA,  
LLC. See http://www.mpegla.com.  
SDHC Logo is a trademark.  
miniSD Logo is a trademark.  
“AVCHD” and the “AVCHD” logo are  
trademarks of Matsushita Electric Industrial  
Co., Ltd. and Sony Corporation.  
Manufactured under license from Dolby  
Laboratories.  
“Dolby” and the double-D symbol are  
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.  
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Contents  
Information for your safety ...................2  
Recording  
Before recording ..................................38  
Anti-Ground-Shooting (AGS) ................... 39  
Recording motion pictures .................40  
Recording modes/recordable time  
available for the motion picture ......42  
Recording still pictures (JPEG) ..........43  
Picture Quality/Approximate  
Before using  
Features of the High Definition Video  
Camera.................................................6  
Accessories..........................................11  
Parts identification and handling .......12  
Using the LCD monitor........................18  
Using the remote control.....................18  
Cards that you can use  
Number of Recordable Pictures  
on an SD Card...................................46  
Various recording functions ...............47  
Zoom in/out function ................................ 47  
Recording yourself................................... 48  
Backlight compensation function ............. 49  
Fade in/fade out function ......................... 49  
Colour night view function........................ 50  
Soft skin mode ......................................... 51  
Tele macro function ................................. 51  
Self-timer recording.................................. 52  
Built-in flash ............................................. 53  
Image stabilizer function .......................... 54  
Guide line function ................................... 55  
Wind noise reduction function.................. 55  
Microphone level...................................... 56  
Zebra display ........................................... 57  
Colour bar ................................................ 58  
Manual recording functions................58  
Scene mode............................................. 58  
Manual focus adjustment......................... 59  
White balance .......................................... 60  
Manual shutter speed/aperture  
with this unit......................................20  
Setup  
Charging the battery............................22  
Inserting/removing the battery ...........23  
Charging time and recordable time....24  
Connecting to the AC outlet................25  
Selecting a mode  
(Turning the unit on/off)...................26  
Quick start ............................................27  
Inserting/removing an SD card...........28  
How to use the cursor button .............29  
Using the menu screen........................33  
Setting date and time...........................35  
Switching the language.......................36  
Adjusting LCD monitor........................36  
adjustment............................................ 62  
Playback  
Motion picture playback......................63  
Playing back motion pictures by date ...... 66  
Repeat playback ...................................... 66  
Resuming the previous playback............. 67  
Still picture (JPEG) playback ..............67  
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Contents  
Editing  
Others  
Editing scenes......................................69  
Deleting scenes........................................69  
Protecting scenes.....................................70  
Editing still pictures.............................71  
Deleting still pictures ................................71  
Protecting still pictures .............................72  
DPOF setting............................................73  
Menus and Indications ......................100  
Menu list................................................. 100  
Menus related to [ADVANCED] and  
[SETUP] ............................................. 102  
Indications.............................................. 103  
Messages............................................... 105  
Functions that cannot be used  
simultaneously.................................... 108  
Troubleshooting.................................109  
Cautions for use.................................115  
Explanation of terms..........................118  
Specifications.....................................120  
Card management  
Formatting ............................................74  
Formatting an SD card .............................74  
With other products  
With a TV...............................................75  
Playback using VIERA Link  
(HDAVI Control) ................................82  
Dubbing images onto a connected  
DVD recorder or video device .........84  
With a printer (PictBridge)...................85  
With a computer  
Before using with a computer.............87  
What you can do with a computer............87  
Contents on provided CD-ROM ...............88  
End User License Agreement ..................89  
Operating environment.............................90  
Installation ............................................92  
Installing HD Writer Ver1.0E for SD1 .......92  
Reading the operating instructions  
of the software applications..................93  
Software application uninstallation...........93  
Connection and recognition ...............94  
Connection and recognition procedures...94  
About the computer display......................95  
To disconnect USB cable safely...............96  
Verifying the unit is correctly recognised  
by the computer....................................96  
Using HD Writer Ver1.0E for SD1........97  
If using Macintosh................................99  
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Before using  
Before using  
Features of the High Definition Video Camera  
Very clear high definition pictures  
This unit is an AVCHD format video camera for recording highly detailed high definition images on an  
SD card.  
You can watch images in high-resolution HD video if you connect this unit and a high definition TV and  
then play back the images. (l 75)  
A
B
A High definition images (1440k1080)  
Number of available scan lines 1080  
B Standard images (720k576)  
Number of available scan lines 576  
High definition images  
The still pictures above are images for explanation purposes.  
ª What is the AVCHD?  
This is a format for recording and playing back highly detailed high definition images.  
Images are recorded based on the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec for compressing images and audio is  
recorded in Dolby Digital.  
About the SDHC Memory Card supplied with this unit and the compatibility of the  
recorded motion pictures  
About the SDHC Memory Card (Be careful about the following.)  
It is not compatible with devices other than those that support SDHC.  
If you use the SDHC Memory Card in another device, use a device that is SDHC compatible. (l 20)  
About the compatibility of the recorded motion pictures  
They are not compatible with devices other than those that support the AVCHD. Refer to the  
operating instructions of the device for details.  
The recorded motion pictures cannot be played back in a device that is not compatible (does not  
support the AVCHD).  
There are some cases where the recorded motion pictures cannot be played back, even if the device  
supports the AVCHD. In such cases, play the recorded motion picture with this unit instead.  
Existing DVD recorders and DVD players that do not support the  
AVCHD  
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Before using  
Watching high definition images  
If you connect this unit and a high definition TV with a HDMI cable (optional) and then play back the  
pictures, you can enjoy watching them in high definition.  
A
B
A High definition TV  
B HDMI cable (optional)  
If you connect this unit to a TV that does not support high definition, the images will be standard  
quality.  
ª When connecting to a TV that does not have a HDMI terminal  
Connecting with the component cable and the AV cable  
Connecting with the AV cable  
The pictures cannot be played in high definition. They will be played back in standard quality.  
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VQT1A34  
Before using  
Using the remote control for the TV for playback  
TM  
If you connect this unit to a Panasonic TV (VIERA) compatible with VIERA Link (HDAVI Control ) with  
a HDMI cable, you can use the remote control for the TV for playback. Refer to the operating  
instructions of the TV for details.  
A
B
A TV (VIERA) compatible with VIERA Link  
B HDMI cable (optional)  
ª Other linked operations  
Turning the power on and off  
If you turn off the power on the TV with the remote control for the TV, the power on this unit also turns  
off.  
Automatic input switching  
If you connect with a HDMI cable and then turn on the power on this unit, the input channel on the TV  
automatically switches to this unit’s screen. If the TV’s power is in standby status, it will turn on  
automatically (if [Set] has been selected for the TV’s [Power on link] setting).  
Depending on HDMI terminal of the TV, the input channel may not switch automatically. In this case,  
use the remote control for the TV to switch input. (For details on how to switch input, please read the  
operating instructions for the TV.)  
8
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Before using  
Listening in 5.1 channel surround sound  
This unit has 5 internal microphones and a Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator so you can record sound with  
presence that is even closer to the actual sound. The low bass area is sent to the 0.1 channel  
subwoofer and you can playback sound with three-dimensional presence if you connect to a device that  
is compatible with the 5.1 surround system.  
Internal microphones  
The 5 mounted internal microphones give  
better directivity.  
Far-away sounds can be recorded more  
clearly with the zoom microphone function.  
(l 48)  
A
B
A AV amplifier with HDMI terminal  
B HDMI cable (optional)  
Refer to the operating instructions of the TV, AV amplifier, speakers etc. for details on how to connect.  
If you record with an external microphone, the recording is in stereo 2 channel sound.  
Optical digital cables cannot be used for the connection. Connect to an AV amplifier with an HDMI  
terminal.  
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Before using  
Saving the data on the SD card  
When the SD card is full or to prevent the data from being deleted, use the supplied software  
(HD Writer Ver1.0E for SD1) to copy the data on the SD card to the hard disk of the computer.  
A
A USB cable (supplied)  
ª What you can do with HD Writer  
[Copy to PC]  
You can copy motion picture data and still picture data on an SD card to the hard disk of the computer.  
[Write data to media]  
You can copy motion picture data from the hard disk of the computer to an SD card or a DVD disc.  
[Copy between media]  
You can copy motion picture data from an SD card to a DVD disc or from a DVD disc to an SD card.  
[Easy editing]  
You can easily edit (split, merge, delete etc.) motion picture data that was copied to the hard disk of the  
computer.  
For details on how to use the software application, read the PDF operating instructions.  
Important note  
Do not insert a disc created with the supplied HD Writer Ver1.0E for SD1 in a device that does  
not support the AVCHD format. It may no longer be possible to eject it. Also, the disc cannot  
be played back on devices that do not support the AVCHD format.  
ª The SD Media Storage  
The SD Media Storage (VW-PT2: optional) is convenient if you are on the move.  
It is an extremely compact, lightweight and easy to carry HDD (hard disk).  
If you insert an SD card with recorded motion pictures and still pictures in the SD  
Media Storage, the data can easily be saved to the SD Media Storage by  
pressing the copy button only.  
You can save all the data from approximately ten 4 GB cards (one 4 GB card is  
supplied) to its 40 GB HDD capacity.  
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Before using  
Accessories  
Check the accessories before using this unit.  
Optional accessories  
Some optional accessories may not be available  
in some countries.  
SDHC memory card (4 GB)  
AC adaptor (VW-AD21E/EB/GN-K)  
Battery pack (lithium/VW-VBG130/1320 mAh)  
Filter kit (VW-LF43NE)  
Battery pack  
VW-VBG130  
AC adaptor  
Shoe adaptor (VW-SK12E)  
VW-AD21E  
Tripod (VW-CT45E)  
Battery pack holder kit (VW-VH04)  
AC cable  
A K2CT3CA00004  
B K2CJ2DA00008  
C K2CQ2CA00006  
A
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of  
China and Saudi Arabia  
B
C
Australia and New Zealand  
Areas other than Hong Kong Special  
Administrative Region of China, Saudi  
Arabia, Australia and New Zealand  
DC cable  
K2GJYYC00001  
Remote control  
N2QAEC000023  
Button-type battery  
CR2025  
AV cable  
K2KZ9CB00002  
Component cable  
K2KZ9DB00004  
USB cable  
K2KZ4CB00011  
CD-ROM  
11  
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Before using  
Parts identification and handling  
1
5
2
3
4
1) Lens (LEICA DICOMAR)  
2) Built-in flash (l 53)  
3) Recording lamp (l 102)  
4) White balance sensor/remote control sensor (l 19, 61)  
5) Lens cover  
6
7
11  
12  
13  
14  
8
9
10  
6) Status indicator (l 26)  
7) Mode dial (l 26)  
8) LCD monitor open part (l 18)  
9) Menu button [MENU] (l 33)  
10) Battery cable cover (l 15)  
11) Cursor button (l 29)  
12) Recording start/stop button (l 40)  
13) Cooling fan (inlet)  
14) Delete button [ ] (l 69, 71)  
ª About the cooling fan  
The cooling fan rotates to prevent the internal temperature rising. Take care not to cover the inlet and  
outlet when using this unit.  
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Before using  
15  
16  
17  
15) Internal microphones (5.1 channel support)  
16) Zoom lever [W/T] (In recording mode) (l 47)  
Volume lever [sVOLr] (In playback mode) (l 65)  
17) Photoshot button [  
] (l 43)  
18  
19  
18) Tripod receptacle (l 17)  
19) Battery cover (l 23)  
13  
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Before using  
20  
21  
23  
24  
22  
MIC  
A/V COMPONENT  
28  
29  
30  
DC IN 9.3V  
25 26 27  
20) Power LCD button [POWER LCD] (l 37)  
21) Reset button [RESET] (l 113)  
22) LCD monitor (l 18)  
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.  
23) Mode select switch [AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS] (l 39, 58)  
24) Card access lamp [ACCESS] (l 29)  
25) Audio-video output terminal [A/V] (l 79, 81, 84)  
Use the supplied AV cable only.  
26) Component terminal [COMPONENT] (l 79)  
27) Microphone terminal [MIC]  
A compatible plug-in powered microphone can be used as an external microphone.  
When the unit is connected with the AC adaptor, sometimes noise may be heard depending on  
the microphone type. In this case, please switch to the battery for the power supply and the noise  
will stop.  
28) DC input terminal [DC IN 9.3V] (l 25)  
29) Card slot cover (l 28)  
30) Card slot (l 28)  
14  
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Before using  
33  
31  
34  
35  
32  
31) Speaker  
32) Grip belt (l 16)  
33) Outlet  
34) USB terminal [ ] (l 85, 94)  
35) HDMI terminal [HDMI] (l 76, 78, 82)  
Battery cable cover  
Open the battery cable cover when you use the battery pack holder kit (VW-VH04; optional).  
1 Open the battery cover.  
3 Attach the battery pack holder  
kit.  
Read the operating instructions of the  
battery pack holder kit for details on how to  
use it.  
4 Close the battery cover.  
A
Push A while sliding it.  
The cable of the battery pack holder kit can  
pass through the hole.  
2 Open the battery cable cover.  
Keep the battery cable cover closed when  
using this unit normally.  
15  
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Before using  
Using grip belt  
Lens hood  
Adjust the length of the grip belt so that it fits your  
hand, and hold it properly.  
Rotate the lens hood  
counter-clockwise A to remove it. In  
order to attach it, place into slot B,  
and then rotate it clockwise C.  
1 Flip the belt.  
A
B
C
2
Put your hand through the grip belt.  
Attach the MC protector or the ND filter of the  
Filter Kit (VW-LF43NE; optional) in front of the  
lens hood. Do not attach the other accessories  
on the hood. (Except for the lens cap)  
(Refer to the operating instructions for the Filter  
Kit.)  
(Be careful about the following.)  
When 2 lens accessories, such as the ND filter,  
are attached and the W/T lever is pressed toward  
the W side, the 4 corners of an image will be  
darkened. (Vignetting)  
A Rubber grip  
1 Loosen the belt.  
2 Put your hand through the belt as far as it  
goes.  
Slip your hand through the belt as far as it  
goes so that your fingers will grip the  
rubber area firmly.  
3 Replace the belt.  
Tighten up the belt so that your hand  
remains firmly in place.  
16  
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Before using  
Attaching the lens cap (Included  
in the Filter Kit (VW-LF43NE;  
optional))  
Tripod receptacle  
The tripod receptacle is a hole used to mount a  
tripod for the unit. Use of Panasonic’s  
VW-CT45E (optional) standard tripod is  
recommended. (For details on mounting the  
tripod, refer to the operating instructions for the  
tripod.)  
Attach the lens cap to protect the surface of the  
lens.  
When the MC protector or the ND filter of the  
Filter Kit (VW-LF43NE; optional) is attached to  
the front of the lens hood, use the lens cap  
included in the Filter Kit.  
You cannot use a tripod with a fixed tripod pin.  
1 Pass the end of the lens cap cord  
through the belt.  
A Camera base  
B Screw for mounting the unit  
2 Pass the lens cap through the  
C Tripod pin  
You can perform operations easily using the  
remote control when the tripod is used. (l 18)  
The battery cover cannot be opened when the  
tripod is used. Insert the battery before  
attaching this unit to the tripod. (l 23)  
loop.  
3 To attach or remove the lens cap,  
hold both sides of the lens cap  
with the tips of your finger and  
thumb.  
17  
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Before using  
Using the LCD monitor  
Using the remote control  
You can record the image while viewing it on the  
LCD monitor.  
1
START/  
PHOTO  
SHOT  
EXT  
STOP  
DISPLAY  
1 Place your finger on LCD monitor  
open part and pull the LCD  
monitor out in the direction of the  
arrow.  
7
8
2
3
DATE/  
TIME  
ZOOM  
VOL  
SEARCH  
STILL ADV  
SKIP  
PLAY  
PAUSE  
STOP  
SEARCH  
STILL ADV  
SKIP  
4
MENU  
9
5
6
ENTER  
It can open up to 90o.  
10  
2 Adjust the angle of the LCD  
monitor as desired.  
A
1) Photoshot button [  
]*  
2) On-screen display button [EXT DISPLAY]  
(l 75)  
3) Date/time button [DATE/TIME] (l 35)  
4) Playback operation buttons (l 63, 64, 65)  
5) Delete button [ ]*  
B
6) Direction buttons [3,4,2,1] (l 34)  
7) Recording start/stop button [START/  
STOP]*  
8) Zoom/volume buttons [ZOOM, VOL]*  
9) Menu button [MENU]* (l 34)  
10) Enter button [ENTER] (l 34)  
* means that these buttons function in the  
same manner as the corresponding  
buttons on the unit.  
It can be rotated 180° towards the lens A  
and 90° towards the opposite direction B.  
The brightness and colour level of the LCD  
monitor can be adjusted. (l 36)  
The unit may be damaged or fail if the LCD  
monitor is forcibly opened or rotated.  
Check that the terminal cover is closed before  
closing the LCD monitor.  
18  
VQT1A34  
Before using  
ª Install a button-type battery  
Install the supplied button-type battery in the  
remote control before using it.  
Warning  
Keep the Button-Type battery out of the reach  
of children. Never put Button-Type battery in  
mouth. If swallowed call your doctor.  
1 While pressing the stopper A,  
pull out the battery holder.  
ª Remote control usable range  
The distance between the remote control and the  
unit’s remote control sensor A: Within approx.  
5 m  
Angle: Approx. 10o up and 15o down, left, and  
right  
A
2 Set the button-type battery with  
its (i) mark facing upward and  
then put the battery holder back  
in place.  
A
The remote control is intended for indoor  
operation. Outdoors or under strong light, the  
unit may not operate properly even within the  
usable ranges.  
Concerning the button-type battery  
When the button-type battery runs down,  
replace it with a new battery (part number:  
CR2025). The battery should normally last  
about 1 year, however this depends on how  
frequently the unit is used.  
Keep the button-type battery out of the reach of  
children.  
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.  
Warning  
Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not  
recharge, disassemble, heat above 60 xC or  
incinerate.  
19  
VQT1A34  
Before using  
Cards that you can use with this unit  
SDHC Memory  
Card  
Card type  
Capacity  
SD Memory Card  
32 MB, 64 MB,  
128 MB  
256 MB, 512 MB,  
1 GB, 2 GB  
8 MB, 16 MB  
4 GB  
Cannot be  
guaranteed in  
operation.¢  
Cannot be  
used.  
Refer to “About SD cards that you can use  
for motion picture recording”.  
Motionpicture  
recording  
Still picture  
recording  
Can be used.  
¢The recording may suddenly stop during motion picture recording depending on the SD card you use.  
(l 41)  
This unit (an SDHC compatible device) is compatible with both SD Memory Cards and SDHC  
Memory Cards. You can use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them.  
However, you cannot use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are only compatible with SD  
Memory Cards. (When using an SDHC Memory Card on another device, always read the operating  
instructions of that device.)  
ª About SD cards that you can use for motion picture recording  
We recommend using SD Memory cards and SDHC Memory cards conforming to Class 2 or higher of  
the SD Speed Class Rating or the following SD cards made by Panasonic for motion picture recording.  
Pro High Speed Super High Speed  
SD Memory Card SD Memory Card SD Memory Card  
High Speed  
SDHC Memory  
Card  
Card type  
256 MB  
512 MB  
RP-SDH256  
RP-SDK512  
RP-SDH512¢  
RP-SDR512  
RP-SDQ01G¢  
RP-SDR01G  
1 GB  
2 GB  
RP-SDK01G  
RP-SDH01G¢  
RP-SDQ02G¢  
RP-SDR02G  
RP-SDK02G  
4 GB  
RP-SDR04G  
¢No longer made.  
Operation in motion picture recording is not guaranteed with an SD card memory from 32 MB to 4 GB  
except the cards above. (The recording may suddenly stop during motion picture recording.)  
Please confirm the latest information about SD Memory Cards/SDHC 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.)  
For the purposes of these operating instructions, SD Memory Card and SDHC Memory Card are  
referred to as the “SD card”.  
This unit supports SD Memory Cards formatted in FAT12 system and FAT16 system based on SD  
Memory Card Specifications and SDHC Memory Cards formatted in FAT32 system.  
If you wish to use Memory Cards that are 4 GB, SDHC Memory Cards only can be used.  
4 GB (or more) Memory Cards that do not have the SDHC logo are not based on SD Memory Card  
Specifications.  
20  
VQT1A34  
Before using  
Use this unit to format SD cards. If an SD card  
is formatted on other products (such as a  
computer), the time spent for recording may  
become longer and you may not be able to use  
the SD card. (l 74) (Do not format it on a PC  
etc.)  
When the write-protect switch A on SD card is  
locked, no recording, deletion or editing will be  
possible on the card.  
A
4
Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children  
to prevent swallowing.  
A MultiMediaCard cannot be used on this unit.  
ª
(SD Speed Class  
Rating Class 2)  
This indicates a Class 2 rating in the high speed  
standards (SD Speed Class) stipulated by the  
SD Card Association for high speed writing  
between SD compatible products and SD  
Memory cards.  
If you use a Class 2 card compatible with the SD  
Speed Class in an SD compatible product, you  
can obtain stable recording by using an SD card  
conformed with Class 2 or more.  
ª Handling precautions  
Do not expose the terminals of the card to  
water, garbage or dust.  
Do not place in the following areas:  
– In direct sunlight.  
– In very dusty or humid areas.  
– Near a heater.  
– Locations susceptible to significant  
difference in temperature (condensation can  
occur).  
– Where static electricity or electromagnetic  
waves occur.  
To protect cards, return them to their cases  
when you are not using them.  
21  
VQT1A34  
Setup  
ª Charging lamp  
Lights up: Charging  
Setup  
Goes off: Charging completed  
Flashing: Make sure that the terminals of the  
battery or the AC adaptor are not  
exposed to dirt, foreign objects or  
dust, then reconnect them properly.  
Disconnect the AC cable from the AC  
outlet when you remove dirt, foreign  
objects or dust on the terminals of the  
battery or the AC adaptor.  
Charging the battery  
When this unit is purchased, the battery is not  
charged. Charge the battery before using this  
unit.  
Connect the battery to an AC adaptor to  
recharge it.  
The battery cannot be recharged by simply  
inserting it into the unit.  
If the DC cable is connected to the AC  
adaptor, then the battery will not charge.  
Remove the DC cable from the AC adaptor.  
The Panasonic battery that can be used  
with this unit is VW-VBG130. Other  
Panasonic batteries will not work. (l 24)  
If the charging lamp is still flashing,  
something may be wrong with the  
battery or AC adaptor. Contact your  
dealer.  
Battery charging time (l 24)  
We recommend using Panasonic batteries  
(VW-VBG130).  
A
If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee  
the quality of this product.  
1 Connect the AC cable to the AC  
adaptor and the AC outlet.  
Remove the DC cable beforehand.  
2 Put the battery on the battery  
mount by aligning the mark, and  
then securely plug it in.  
The output plug of the AC cable is not  
completely connected to the AC adaptor  
socket. As shown in A, there is a gap.  
22  
VQT1A34  
Setup  
Inserting/removing the battery  
Removing the battery  
1 Open the battery cover.  
Inserting the battery  
1 Open the battery cover.  
Push A while sliding it.  
2 Remove the battery.  
Move A in the direction of the arrow to  
unlock it and then remove the battery.  
A
2 Insert the battery until it clicks  
paying attention to the direction  
of the battery.  
B Push the centre of the battery until it  
locks.  
A
3 Close the battery cover.  
B
3 Close the battery cover.  
Be sure to set the mode dial to OFF and check  
that the status indicator is off before removing  
the battery.  
The battery cover opens up to 180o.  
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.  
23  
VQT1A34  
Setup  
Charging time and recordable time  
ª About batteries that you can use for this unit  
The Panasonic battery that can be used with this unit is VW-VBG130.  
VW-VBG130 comes with a function to check whether the battery and unit can be safely used together.  
Batteries made by other companies which have been certified by Panasonic may be used with this  
unit, but we offer no guarantee as to the quality, performance or safety of such batteries.  
In order to safely use the unit, we recommend that you use genuine Panasonic batteries which have  
been subject to our quality control process.  
We cannot accept any liability whatsoever for damages to the unit or accidents caused by  
non-genuine Panasonic batteries (including those that have been certified by Panasonic).  
Exercise care when purchasing batteries. Many fake or imitation batteries have been found among  
those sold at unusually low prices and those which customers cannot check for themselves before  
purchasing.  
ª Charging time  
The times shown in the tables below are for when the temperature is 25 oC and the humidity is 60%. If  
the temperature is higher or lower than 25 oC, the charging time will become longer.  
Battery model number  
Voltage/capacity  
Charging time  
Supplied battery/  
VW-VBG130 (optional)  
7.2 V/1320 mAh  
2 h 20 min  
The charging time shown in the table are approximations.  
“2 h 20 min” indicates 2 hours 20 minutes.  
When you charge a battery that has not been used for long time, the charging time will become  
longer.  
ª Recordable time  
The times shown in the table below are for when the temperature is 25 oC and the humidity is 60%.  
These times are approximations.  
The actual recordable time refers to the recordable time on a card when repeatedly starting/stopping  
recording, turning the unit on/off, moving the zoom lever etc.  
Battery model  
number  
Voltage/  
capacity  
Maximum continuously  
recordable time  
Actual recordable time  
Supplied battery/  
VW-VBG130  
(optional)  
7.2 V/1320 mAh  
1 h 10 min  
40 min  
The recordable time shown in the table are approximations.  
“1 h 10 min” indicates 1 hour 10 minutes.  
The recordable times will vary depending on the status of use. These times are approximations.  
The recordable time will become shorter in the following case:  
– The recordable time will become shorter when you use this unit with the LCD monitor lit up by  
pressing the POWER LCD button.  
The batteries heat up after use or charging. This unit will also heat up while being used. This is not a  
malfunction.  
Be aware that the operating time of the battery will become shorter in low temperatures. We  
recommend charging a spare battery for use when recording.  
24  
VQT1A34  
Setup  
ª About the remaining battery  
Connecting to the AC outlet  
capacity indication  
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.  
Even if the battery is inserted in this unit, it  
will not charge.  
The remaining battery capacity is displayed in  
minutes when using the Panasonic battery that  
you can use for this unit. It may take time to  
display the remaining battery capacity.  
30min  
DC IN 9.3V  
The display changes as the battery capacity  
reduces.  
#
#
#
#
.
If there are less than 3 minutes, then  
will become red. If the battery discharges, then  
) will flash.  
(
The remaining battery capacity may not be  
displayed correctly where the temperature is  
low or high or if the battery was not used for a  
long period of time.  
To correctly display the remaining battery  
capacity, recharge the battery, discharge it and  
then charge it again. (Even if this operation is  
performed, it may not be possible to display the  
remaining battery capacity correctly if the  
battery was used for a long period of time  
where the temperature is low or high or if the  
battery was repeatedly charged.)  
The times of remaining battery capacity  
indication will vary depending on the status of  
use. These times are approximations.  
When turning the mode dial to switch modes,  
the time indication will turn off in order to  
recalculate the remaining battery capacity time.  
When using batteries made by other  
companies, the remaining battery capacity will  
not be shown.  
1 Connect the AC cable to the AC  
adaptor.  
2 Connect the DC cable to the AC  
adaptor.  
3 Open the terminal cover on this  
unit and connect the DC cable to  
the DC input terminal  
[DC IN 9.3V].  
Do not use the AC cable with any other  
equipment as it is designed only for this  
unit. Do not use the AC cable from other  
equipment with this unit.  
Put the battery on the AC adaptor to charge it.  
(l 22)  
While the DC cable is connected to the AC  
adaptor, the battery will not charge.  
25  
VQT1A34  
Setup  
Selecting a mode  
(Turning the unit on/off)  
Rotate the mode dial to switch to recording,  
playback, PC connection or power OFF.  
Rotate the mode dial slowly.  
How to turn off the power  
Set the mode dial to OFF.  
How to turn on the power  
While pressing the lock release  
button, set the mode dial to  
,
The status indicator goes off and the power turns  
off.  
PC  
or  
.
Rotate the mode dial while at the same time  
pressing in the lock release button A if  
changing from OFF to another mode.  
Align with the status indicator B.  
The lens cover closes when the mode dial is  
set to OFF.  
Recording mode (l 40, 43)  
Use this to record motion pictures and  
still pictures on an SD card.  
B
Playback mode (l 63, 67)  
Use this to play back motion pictures  
and still pictures recorded on an SD  
card.  
A
PC Connection mode (l 94)  
Use this to import motion pictures and  
The status indicator lights and the power turns  
on.  
PC  
still pictures recorded on an SD card  
with a computer by using HD Writer  
Ver1.0E for SD1 etc.  
The lens cover opens in recording mode.  
When the unit is turned on for the first time, a  
message asking you to set the date and time  
will appear. Select [YES] and set the date and  
time. (l 35)  
OFF The power turns off.  
Do not forcefully rotate the mode dial.  
26  
VQT1A34  
Setup  
Quick start  
When quick start is ON the battery power is still  
being consumed, even when the LCD monitor is  
closed.  
This unit will resume recording/pause mode  
about 1.7 seconds after the LCD monitor is  
reopened.  
Turning the power on and off with  
the LCD monitor  
The power can be turned on and off with the LCD  
monitor when the mode dial is set to  
.
ª To turn on the power  
Open the LCD monitor.  
When in quick start standby mode about  
70% of the power used in recording pause  
mode is being consumed, so the recording  
time will be reduced.  
This is only activated in the following case.  
A
– When the mode dial is set to  
SD card is inserted.  
and an  
1 Press the MENU button, then  
select [SETUP] # [QUICK START]  
# [ON] and press the cursor  
button.  
The status indicator A lights and the power turns  
on.  
ª To turn off the power  
Close the LCD monitor.  
A
2 Close the LCD monitor while the  
mode dial is set to  
.
The status indicator A goes off and the power  
turns off. (If [QUICK START] is set to [ON], the  
unit goes into quick start standby mode and the  
status indicator lights green.)  
A
The power will not turn off while recording a  
motion picture even if the LCD monitor is  
closed.  
Set the mode dial to OFF when this unit is not  
being used.  
The status indicator A lights green and the  
unit goes into quick start standby mode.  
The lens cover does not close.  
27  
VQT1A34  
Setup  
3 Open the LCD monitor.  
Inserting/removing an SD  
card  
A
Be sure to set the mode dial to OFF before  
inserting/removing an SD card.  
If the SD card is inserted or removed while the  
power is on, this unit may malfunction or the  
data recorded on the SD card may be lost.  
The status indicator A lights red and the unit  
is put into recording pause approx.  
1.7 seconds after it is turned on.  
1 Set the mode dial to OFF.  
Check that the status indicator has gone  
off.  
ª To cancel Quick start  
2 Open the LCD monitor and then  
Press the MENU button, then select [SETUP]  
# [QUICK START] # [OFF] and press the  
cursor button.  
open the card slot cover.  
The status indicator goes off, the lens cover  
closes and the power turns off if the mode dial  
is set to OFF while the unit is in quick start  
standby mode.  
The status indicator goes off and the power  
turns off if quick start standby mode continues  
for approx. 5 minutes.  
3 Insert/remove the SD card into/  
from the card slot.  
Quick start standby mode is cancelled, the  
status indicator goes off and the power turns off  
in the following cases.  
– the mode dial is switched  
– the battery is removed  
When this unit is quick-started with the white  
balance on automatic, it may take some time  
until the white balance is adjusted if the scene  
being recorded has a light source different from  
the scene last recorded. (When the colour night  
view function is used, however, the white  
balance of the scene last recorded is retained.)  
When this unit is quick-started, the zoom  
magnification becomes 1k and the picture size  
may differ from what it was before quick start  
standby mode.  
A
When inserting an SD card, face the label  
side A upwards and press it straight in as  
far as it goes.  
When removing the SD card, press the  
centre of the SD card and then pull it  
straight out.  
4 Securely close the card slot  
If [POWER SAVE] (l 102) is set to  
[5 MINUTES] and the unit automatically goes  
into quick start standby mode, close the LCD  
monitor and then open it again.  
cover.  
28  
VQT1A34  
Setup  
ª Concerning the SD card  
Do not touch the terminals on the back of the  
SD card.  
How to use the cursor button  
This unit has a cursor button A for selecting  
functions, performing operations etc. so it is easy  
to operate this unit with one hand.  
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. Save important  
data recorded on this unit to a PC using the  
USB cable (supplied), HD Writer Ver1.0E for  
SD1 etc. (l 97) (We recommend using  
HD Writer Ver1.0E for SD1 to acquire data  
recorded on this unit.)  
T
X
E
N
NEXT  
3
/
1/3  
A
B
When using an SD card on which data has  
been written many times, the remaining time  
left for recording may be reduced. (l 41)  
B Operating the operation icons and menu  
screens that are displayed  
ª Card access lamp  
Basic operations  
Operations on the menu screen and selection of  
files on the thumbnail view screen etc.  
Move the cursor button up, down,  
left, or right to select an item or  
scene, and then press the cursor  
button to set it.  
When this unit accesses the SD card (reading,  
recording, playback, erasing etc.), the access  
lamp lights up.  
If the following operations are performed when  
the access lamp is lit, then the SD card or the  
recorded data may be damaged or this unit  
may malfunction.  
– Opening the card slot cover and removing  
the SD card  
– Operating the mode dial  
1
5
3
4
2
1 Select by moving up.  
2 Select by moving down.  
3 Select by moving left.  
– Removing the battery or disconnecting the  
AC adaptor  
4 Select by moving right.  
5 Press the cursor button to set the item.  
Menu screen operations (l 33)  
29  
VQT1A34  
Setup  
Operations during recording  
Operations during playback  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
1 Move the cursor button up,  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
.
1 Press the centre of the cursor  
button, and icons will be  
down, left or right to select the  
scene to be played back and  
press the cursor button.  
displayed on the screen.  
The indication disappears when the centre  
of the cursor button is pressed again.  
The indication changes each time the  
cursor button is moved down.  
2 Move the cursor button up, left or  
The selected scene is played back on the  
full screen.  
right to select an item.  
The operation icon is automatically  
displayed on the screen.  
2 Move the cursor button up,  
down, left or right to operate.  
The operation icon appears or disappears  
each time the centre of the cursor button is  
pressed.  
30  
VQT1A34  
Setup  
About the operation icons displayed in each mode  
Recording mode  
Icon  
Direction  
Function  
Backlight compensation  
Page  
3
2
1
3
2
1
3
2
1
49  
49  
33  
50  
51  
51  
52  
53  
54  
(1/3)  
(2/3)  
(3/3)  
Fade  
Help mode  
Colour night view  
Soft skin mode  
Tele macro  
Self-timer  
Ø
ß
Flash  
Red eye reduction  
Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to MANUAL.  
3
2
1
White balance  
60  
62  
62  
In manual mode  
[MANUAL] (4/4)  
Iris or gain value  
Shutter speed  
Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to FOCUS.  
In manual focus  
mode [FOCUS]  
(5/5)  
21  
Manual focus adjustment  
59  
The shaded operation icons are not displayed while recording.  
About switching between AUTO and MANUAL (l 39)  
31  
VQT1A34  
Setup  
Playback mode ( In motion picture playback)  
Icon  
Direction  
Function  
Page  
63  
1/;  
3
4
Playback/pause  
Stop playback and show thumbnails  
Rewind (during playback)  
63  
6
2;  
5
;1  
63  
2
1
Reverse slow/frame playback (during pause)  
Fast forward (during playback)  
64  
63  
Forward slow/frame playback (during pause)  
64  
Playback mode (  
In still picture playback)  
Icon  
1/;  
Direction  
Function  
Slide show start/pause  
Page  
68  
3
4
2
1
Stop playback and show thumbnails  
Playback previous picture (during pause)  
Playback next picture (during pause)  
68  
E
68  
D
68  
32  
VQT1A34  
Setup  
Using the menu screen  
Refer to “Menu list” (l 100) for information about  
Help mode  
The help mode explains the operation icons  
displayed when the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS  
switch is set to AUTO in recording mode.  
the menus.  
1 While stopped, press the MENU  
button.  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
1 Press the cursor button to  
display the icon.  
The menu displayed differs depending on  
the position of the mode dial.  
Do not switch the mode dial when the  
menu is displayed.  
2 Move the cursor button right to  
select [  
].  
2 Move the cursor button up or  
down in order to select the  
desired top menu A.  
A
3 Move the cursor button up, left or  
right to select the desired icon.  
3 Move the cursor button right or  
press the cursor button.  
B
An explanation of the selected icon scrolls at  
the bottom of the screen.  
The indication changes each time the  
cursor button is moved down.  
To exit the help mode  
The submenu B is displayed.  
Press the MENU button or select [END].  
When the help mode is used, functions cannot  
be set.  
When the help mode is used, motion pictures  
and still pictures cannot be recorded.  
33  
VQT1A34  
Setup  
To exit the menu screen  
Press the MENU button.  
4 Move the cursor button up or  
down in order to select the  
submenu item.  
C
The menu screen does not appear during  
recording or playing. You cannot start other  
operations while the menu screen appears.  
Operating with remote control  
C Current settings on menus  
The menu screen transition is the same as when  
the buttons on the main unit are used.  
5 Move the cursor button right or  
press the cursor button.  
1 Press the MENU button.  
MENU  
ENTER  
2 Select a menu item.  
MENU  
6 Move the cursor button up or  
down in order to select the  
desired item.  
ENTER  
Use the direction buttons (3,4,2,1) and  
ENTER button in place of the cursor button  
on the main unit.  
3 Press the MENU button to exit  
7 Press the cursor button to enter  
the menu screen.  
the selection.  
MENU  
ENTER  
To get back to the previous screen  
Move the cursor button left.  
34  
VQT1A34  
Setup  
Changing the date and time display style  
Press the MENU button, then select [SETUP] #  
[DATE/TIME] # desired display style and press  
the cursor button.  
You can also show or change the date and time  
display by repeatedly pressing the DATE/TIME  
button on the remote control.  
Setting date and time  
When the unit is turned on for the first time, a  
message asking you to set the date and time will  
appear.  
Move the cursor button up or down to select  
[YES], press the centre of the cursor button and  
then perform steps 2 and 3 below to set the  
date and time.  
[DATE]  
[D/T]  
If the screen shows the incorrect date and time,  
then adjust it.  
15.12.2007 15:30  
15.12.2007  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
[OFF]  
1 Press the MENU button, then  
select [BASIC] # [CLOCK SET] #  
[YES] and press the cursor  
button.  
Changing the display style  
Press the MENU button, then select [SETUP] #  
[DATE FORMAT] # desired display style and  
press the cursor button.  
Display style  
[Y/M/D]  
Screen display  
2007.12.15  
2 Move the cursor button left or  
right to select the item to be set.  
Then, move the cursor button up  
or down to set the desired value.  
[M/D/Y]  
12 15 2007  
15.12.2007  
[D/M/Y]  
The date and time function are driven by a  
built-in lithium battery.  
Make sure to check the time before recording.  
If the time display becomes [- -], the built-in  
lithium battery has run down. Use the following  
steps to charge the battery. When you turn on  
the power for the first time after charging, a  
message asking you to set the date and time  
will appear. Select [YES] and set the date and  
time.  
The year will change as follows:  
2000, 2001, ..., 2039, 2000, ...  
The 24-hour system is used to display the  
time.  
3 Press the cursor button to enter  
the selection.  
The clock function starts at [00] seconds  
when the cursor button is pressed.  
After pressing the MENU button to finish  
the setting, check the date and time  
display.  
35  
VQT1A34  
Setup  
To recharge the built-in lithium battery:  
If you connect the AC adaptor or insert the  
battery in this unit, the built-in lithium battery will  
be recharged. Leave the unit as it is for approx.  
24 hours and the battery will save the date and  
time for approx. 6 months. (The battery is still  
being recharged even if the mode dial is set to  
OFF.)  
Adjusting LCD monitor  
Adjusting the brightness and the  
colour level of the LCD monitor  
1 Press the MENU button, then  
select [SETUP] # [LCD SET] #  
[YES] and press the cursor  
button.  
(For Australia)  
WARNING  
THE LITHIUM BATTERY IN THIS UNIT  
MUST ONLY BE REPLACED BY QUALIFIED  
PERSONNEL. IF THIS IS NECESSARY,  
CONTACT THE PANASONIC CUSTOMER  
CARE CENTRE ON 132600 FOR YOUR  
NEAREST AUTHORIZED SERVICE  
CENTRE.  
2 Move the cursor button up or  
down to select the item to be  
adjusted. Then, press the cursor  
button and move the cursor  
button left or right to make the  
adjustment.  
Switching the language  
You can switch the language on the screen  
display or the menu screen.  
1 Press the MENU button, then  
select [LANGUAGE] and press  
the centre of the cursor button.  
The bar display moves.  
After adjustments are made if no operations  
are performed for about 2 seconds, the bar will  
disappear.  
Press the MENU button to exit the menu  
screen.  
2 Select [English] and press the  
centre of the cursor button.  
[BRIGHTNESS]: Brightness of the LCD monitor  
[COLOUR]:  
Colour level of the LCD monitor  
These settings will not affect the images  
actually recorded.  
36  
VQT1A34  
Setup  
ª In order to increase the  
brightness of the entire LCD  
monitor  
Changing the picture quality on  
the LCD monitor  
Press the POWER LCD button.  
Press the MENU button, then select  
[SETUP] # [LCD AI] # [DYNAMIC] or  
[NORMAL] and press the cursor  
button.  
POWER LCD  
The [  
] indication appears on the LCD  
monitor.  
Press the POWER LCD button if the  
surroundings are bright and the LCD monitor is  
difficult to see. The entire LCD monitor will  
become approx. twice as bright as usual.  
[DYNAMIC]:  
The image on the LCD monitor becomes clear  
and vivid. Optimum contrast and brightness are  
set depending on the scenes recorded. Clear  
and brilliant images are presented.  
[NORMAL]:  
When the POWER LCD button is pressed  
again, the [  
] indication disappears and the  
original brightness is restored.  
This will not affect the images to be recorded.  
If you turn on the unit when the AC adaptor is  
used, this function will automatically be  
activated.  
Switches to the standard picture quality.  
The effect will vary depending on the scene  
recorded.  
This function is automatically set to [DYNAMIC]  
when the brightness of the LCD monitor is  
This function cannot be used in PC Connection  
mode.  
increased (the [  
] indication appears on the  
LCD monitor) and cannot be set to [NORMAL]  
independently.  
This will not affect the images to be recorded.  
37  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
Recording  
Before recording  
First, format the SD card if one which has been used on another device is going to be used for the first  
time on this unit. (l 74) When the SD card is formatted, all of the recorded data is deleted. Once the  
data is deleted, it cannot be restored. Copy valuable data onto a PC or other device before proceeding  
with the formatting.  
We recommend using HD Writer Ver1.0E for SD1 to import data recorded on this unit. (l 97)  
Basic camera positioning  
1
3
5
2
B
C
4
D
A
6
E
1 Hold the unit with both hands.  
2 Put your hand through the grip belt. Place your fingers on the rubber grip A and grasp the unit  
firmly.  
3 Do not cover inlet B or outlet C of the cooling fan with your hand as it will prevent heat release.  
If heat builds up inside the unit, it could be damaged.  
4 Do not cover the microphones D or the sensors E with your hands.  
5 Keep your arms near your body.  
6 Slightly open your legs.  
When you are outdoors, record pictures with the sunlight behind you. If the subject is backlit, it will  
become dark in the recording.  
When recording, make sure your footing is stable and there is no danger of colliding with another  
person, a ball etc.  
38  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
ª About auto mode  
Anti-Ground-Shooting (AGS)  
Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to  
AUTO, and colour balance (white balance) and  
focusing will be adjusted automatically.  
This function prevents unnecessary recording  
when you forget to pause recording and walk  
with the unit tilted upside down while recording  
continues.  
AUTO  
MANUAL  
FOCUS  
– Automatic white balance (l 118)  
– Auto focus (l 119)  
Depending on the brightness of the subject etc.,  
the aperture and shutter speed are automatically  
adjusted for an optimum brightness.  
(The shutter speed is adjusted to a maximum of  
1/250 in recording mode.)  
Colour balance and focus may not be adjusted  
automatically depending on light sources or  
scenes. If so, manually adjust these settings.  
– Scene mode setting (l 58)  
– White balance setting (l 60)  
– Shutter speed setting (l 62)  
If the unit continues to be tilted upside down  
from the normal horizontal position while  
recording motion pictures, it is automatically put  
into recording pause.  
– Iris/gain value setting (l 62)  
– Manual focus setting (l 59)  
Turning the AGS function on/off  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
Press the MENU button, then select  
[VIDEO] # [AGS] # [ON] or [OFF]  
and press the cursor button.  
.
This function’s default setting is [OFF].  
The AGS function may activate and cause the  
unit to pause the recording if you are recording  
a subject right above or right below you. In  
these cases, set [AGS] to [OFF] then continue  
the recording.  
Use the recording start/stop button to pause  
the recording. The AGS function is only a  
backup function for when you forget to pause  
the recording.  
The time it takes the unit to be put into  
recording pause after being tilted upside down  
varies depending on the operating conditions.  
39  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
To end the recording  
Press the recording start/stop button again to  
pause recording.  
Recording motion pictures  
Record motion pictures on an SD card.  
Use an SD card that can be used for motion  
picture recording. (l 20)  
This unit records high definition images that are  
compatible with the 16:9 aspect ratio of a  
wide-screen TV.  
1 Rotate the mode dial to select  
[¥] and [;] are red during recording. Do not  
move this unit until [;] is green.  
.
The images recorded between pressing the  
recording start/stop button to start recording  
and pressing it again to pause recording  
become one scene.  
When about 5 minutes have passed without  
any operation in recording pause, the unit  
automatically turns off to prevent the battery  
from running down. When you want to use the  
unit, turn it on again.  
The lens cover opens automatically.  
This setting can also be set to [OFF]. (l 102,  
[POWER SAVE])  
2 Open the LCD monitor.  
3 Press the recording start/stop  
button to start recording.  
While recording is in progress, the  
recording will not stop even if the LCD  
monitor is closed.  
40  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
ª Screen indications in the  
ª When recording stops suddenly  
recording mode  
during motion picture recording  
When using an SD card other than one that can  
be used for motion picture recording (l 20), the  
recording may stop suddenly. At this time, the  
following message appears.  
When motion pictures are to be recorded, use a  
Panasonic SD card or another SD card which  
can be used to record motion pictures. (l 20)  
A
B
C
A Recording mode  
B Remaining time left for recording  
(When the remaining time is less than  
1 minute, [R0min] flashes red.)  
C Recording time elapsed  
REC STOPPED.  
NOW WRITING.  
Maximum number of recordable scenes: 999 (It  
may not be possible to record 999 scenes even  
if there is available memory on the SD card.)  
Maximum number of recordable scenes with  
different dates: 99  
(In some cases, scenes shot on the same day  
will be recorded with different dates. (l 66))  
SD cards with more than the maximum scenes  
or different dates cannot be used with this unit.  
Sound is recorded from the internal  
INCOMPATIBLE CARD.  
PLEASE CHECK CARD.  
Even if you use an SD card that can be used  
for motion picture recording (l 20), this kind  
of message may appear.  
microphones on the top of this unit. Take care  
not to block this microphone.  
The data on the card has been written many  
times and the data writing speed has reduced.  
We recommend formatting the SD card being  
used. (l 74) When an SD card is formatted, all  
the data recorded on it will be deleted so copy  
valuable data to the PC prior to formatting.  
(l 97) (When acquiring data recorded on this  
unit, we recommend using HD Writer Ver1.0E for  
SD1 to acquire it. (l 97))  
Put the unit in pause mode when connecting or  
disconnecting an external microphone with the  
MIC terminal. If an external microphone is  
connected or disconnected while recording, the  
audio will not be recorded properly.  
Each time the unit is put into recording pause,  
the counter display will be reset to “0h00m00s”.  
When recording motion pictures, do not remove  
the battery or disconnect the AC adaptor. Also  
do not remove the SD card while the card  
access lamp is lit. If you do either of the above,  
the scene recovery message is displayed and  
the recovery operation will begin when the SD  
card is next inserted or the power is turned  
back on. (l 107)  
41  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
Recording modes/recordable time available for the motion  
picture  
Switch the picture quality of the motion pictures to be recorded.  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
Press the MENU button, then select [VIDEO]  
# [REC MODE] # desired item and press the  
cursor button.  
Approximate recording times of motion pictures per SD card made by Panasonic  
SD card  
memory  
:
HF  
HF  
HN  
HE  
Motion pictures can be recorded with the  
highest picture quality.  
256 MB  
512 MB  
2 min  
5 min  
3 min  
7 min  
5 min  
10 min  
:
HN  
Motion pictures can be recorded with normal  
picture quality.  
1 GB  
10 min  
15 min  
22 min  
2 GB  
4 GB  
20 min  
40 min  
30 min  
1 h  
45 min  
:
HE  
Motion pictures can be recorded for longer.  
1 h 30 min  
The recordable time shown in the table are approximations.  
Motion pictures can be recorded with the high definition picture quality.  
This unit records in CBR in  
mode. CBR is an abbreviation for Constant Bit Rate. CBR recording  
HF  
does not vary the bit rate (amount of data in a fixed time).  
This unit records in VBR in mode. VBR is an abbreviation for Variable Bit Rate. VBR recording  
/
HN HE  
automatically varies the bit rate (amount of data in a fixed time) depending on the subject being  
recorded. This means if a subject with sharp movements is recorded, the recording time is reduced.  
Sound is recorded with the Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator. (when recording with the built-in microphone)  
Recordable time using the battery (l 24)  
8 MB and 16 MB SD cards cannot be used for motion picture recording.  
If the write protection switch on the SD card is set to LOCK, it cannot be used for recording. (l 21)  
If an SD card is recorded on or erased many times, it may no longer be possible to record motion  
pictures even if there is available memory on the SD card. In this case, after saving the data on PC,  
format the SD card.  
Mosaic-pattern noise may appear on a playback image in the following cases.  
– When there is a complicated pattern in the background  
– When the unit is moved too much or too fast  
– When a subject with sharp movements has been recorded  
(Particularly if it has been recorded in  
mode.)  
HE  
42  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
Recording still pictures  
(JPEG)  
Record the still picture on an SD card.  
This number of recording pixels for still pictures  
is compatible with the 16:9 aspect ratio of a  
wide-screen TV. They are recorded at  
1920k1080.  
A
B
A Focus indication  
± (The white lamp flashes.):  
Focusing  
1 Rotate the mode dial to select  
¥ (The green lamp lights up.):  
When in focus  
.
No mark:  
When focusing is unsuccessful.  
B Focus area  
4 Press the PHOTO SHOT button  
fully to take the picture.  
The lens cover opens automatically.  
2 Open the LCD monitor.  
3 Press the PHOTO SHOT button  
halfway in order to adjust  
focusing. (For auto focusing  
only)  
In order to take better still pictures, the  
screen will brighten when recording.  
To record still pictures clearly  
When zooming in on the subject with a  
magnification of 4k or higher, it is difficult to  
reduce the slight shaking from holding this unit  
by hand. We recommend decreasing the zoom  
magnification and approaching the subject  
when recording.  
When recording still pictures, hold the unit  
firmly with your hands and keep your arms  
stationary at your side so as not to shake the  
unit.  
You can record stable pictures without shaking  
by using a tripod and the remote control.  
The shutter speed and the iris/gain value are  
fixed and the unit focuses on the subject  
automatically.  
If you set [O.I.S.] (l 54) to [ON], then the  
image stabilizer function will be more  
effective. ([  
] (MEGA optical image  
MEGA  
stabilizer) will be displayed.)  
For information about the number of  
recordable still pictures on an SD card  
(l 46)  
The sound cannot be recorded.  
If the write protection switch on the SD card is  
set to LOCK, it cannot be used for recording.  
43  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
The PHOTO SHOT button on the remote  
control cannot be pressed halfway.  
ª About the focus indication  
The focus indication does not appear in manual  
focus mode.  
If the [PICT. QUALITY] is set to [  
],  
mosaic-pattern noise may appear on a  
playback image depending on the picture  
content.  
Focus on a subject manually when it is not  
easily focused automatically.  
You can record still pictures on the card even if  
the focus indication does not appear, but  
pictures may be recorded without being  
focused.  
The focus indication does not appear or has  
difficulty displaying in the following cases.  
– When the zoom magnification is high.  
– When the unit is shaken.  
While this unit accesses the SD card (  
is  
displayed/the card access lamp is lit), do not  
perform the following operations. The SD card  
or the recorded data may be damaged.  
– Turn the unit off.  
– Open the card slot cover and remove the SD  
card.  
– Operate the mode dial.  
– When the subject is moving.  
Other products may degrade or not playback  
still pictures recorded on this unit.  
The edges of still pictures recorded on this unit  
with a 16:9 aspect ratio may be cut at printing.  
Check the printer or photo studio before  
printing.  
– When the subject stands in front of a light  
source.  
– When close subjects and far subjects are  
included in the same scene.  
– When the scene is dark.  
– When there is a bright part in the scene.  
– When the scene is filled with only horizontal  
lines.  
– When the scene lacks contrast.  
– When recording motion pictures.  
– When the colour night view function is used.  
ª About the screen indications  
only when the PHOTO SHOT  
button is pressed halfway  
ª Concerning the focusing area  
When there is a contrasting object ahead or  
behind the subject in the focus area, the subject  
may not be focused. If so, move the contrasting  
object out of the focus area.  
2.1  
MEGA  
750  
A BC D E F G H  
A Flash (l 53)  
Even when it is still difficult to focus, adjust the  
focus manually.  
B Flash level (l 54)  
C Red eye reduction (l 54)  
D Quality of still pictures  
The focusing area is not displayed when the  
digital zoom (more than approx. 12k) is used.  
E Size of still pictures  
F Remaining number of still pictures  
(Flashes in red when [0] appears.)  
G Card indication (l 103)  
H MEGA optical image stabilizer (l 54)  
44  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
Switching the shutter effect on/off  
About simultaneous recording  
(recording still pictures while  
recording motion pictures)  
You can add a shutter sound when recording still  
pictures.  
Press the MENU button, then select  
[PICTURE] # [SHTR EFFECT] #  
[ON] or [OFF] and press the cursor  
button.  
You can record still pictures even while recording  
motion pictures.  
While recording motion pictures,  
press the PHOTO SHOT button fully  
(press to the bottom) to take the  
picture.  
This function’s default setting is [ON].  
This function does not work during motion  
picture recording.  
This function is not activated if the  
PHOTO SHOT button is pressed halfway.  
The screen indications that appear only when  
the PHOTO SHOT button is pressed halfway  
will be displayed. (l 44) However, the  
remaining number of still pictures will not be  
displayed.  
The picture quality is different from normal still  
picture recording because priority is given to  
the motion picture recording. We recommend  
pausing the motion picture recording to record  
a still picture with better picture quality.  
45  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
Picture Quality/Approximate  
Number of Recordable  
Pictures on an SD Card  
Approximate Number of  
Recordable Pictures on an SD  
Card  
ª Picture quality and number of  
Picture quality  
recordable pictures  
Selecting the picture quality.  
Press the MENU button, then select  
[PICTURE] # [PICT. QUALITY] #  
desired item and press the cursor  
button.  
2.1  
(1920t1080)  
Picture size  
Picture quality  
8 MB  
16 MB  
32 MB  
64 MB  
128 MB  
256 MB  
512 MB  
1 GB  
4
6
10  
20  
17  
32  
47  
74  
94  
150  
320  
640  
1290  
2630  
5160  
200  
410  
820  
:
Still pictures with a high picture quality are  
recorded.  
2 GB  
1670  
3290  
:
Priority is given to the number of still  
pictures recorded. Still pictures are  
recorded in normal picture quality.  
4 GB  
The number of recordable pictures depends  
on whether [ ] and [ ] are used  
together and on the subject being recorded.  
The numbers shown in the table are  
approximations.  
46  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
If the zoom lever is pushed to the end, you can  
zoom from 1k up to 12k in as fast as approx.  
2.2 seconds.  
Various recording functions  
When the zoom speed is high, the subject may  
not be focused easily.  
Zoom in/out function  
You can zoom in up to 12k optically.  
Digital zoom function  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
Move the zoom lever.  
If the zoom magnification exceeds 12k, then the  
digital zoom function will be activated. The  
maximum magnification provided by the digital  
zoom can be switched.  
VOL  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
Press the MENU button, then select  
[BASIC] # [D.ZOOM] # desired item  
and press the cursor button.  
W
T
T side: Close-up recording (zoom in)  
W side: Wide-angle recording (zoom out)  
[OFF]:  
Optical zoom only (Up to 12k)  
[30k]:  
Up to 30k  
[700k]: Up to 700k  
If [30k] or [700k] is selected, the digital zoom  
range is displayed in blue while zooming.  
The larger the digital zoom magnification, the  
more the image quality is degraded.  
If you take your finger off the zoom lever during  
zoom operation, the operation sound may be  
recorded. When returning the zoom lever to the  
original position, move it quietly.  
When zooming in while holding this unit by  
hand, we recommend using the image  
stabilizer function. (l 54)  
When distant subjects are brought closer, they  
are focused at about 1.2 m or more.  
When the zoom magnification is 1k, this unit  
can focus on a subject approx. 4 cm away from  
the lens. (Macro function)  
The zoom speed varies depending on the  
range over which the zoom lever is moved.  
(The zoom speed does not vary when  
operating with the remote control.)  
47  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
About using the zoom  
microphone function  
Recording yourself  
You can record yourself while viewing the LCD  
monitor.  
The zoom microphone is linked to the zooming  
operation and the sound sensitivity direction  
(directivity) of the microphone changes as you  
zoom. Far away sounds are recorded more  
clearly if you zoom in (close-up) and the  
surrounding sound is recorded with presence if  
you zoom out (wide angle).  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
Rotate the LCD monitor towards the  
lens side.  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
Press the MENU button, then select  
[VIDEO] # [ZOOM MIC] # [ON] and  
press the cursor button.  
The image is horizontally flipped as if you see a  
mirror image. (However the image recorded is  
the same as a normal recording.)  
When the LCD monitor is rotated towards the  
lens side, the icon will not be displayed even if  
you press the cursor button.  
Only some indications will appear on the  
screen. When [°] appears, return the  
direction of the LCD monitor to normal position  
and check the warning/alarm indication.  
(l 105)  
The zoom microphone function does not work  
with an external microphone.  
When zooming in, surrounding sounds are  
suppressed and the sound to the front of the  
unit is recorded. When recording music recitals  
or other events where you wish to record  
quality sound and keep a realistic sensation,  
even when zooming in, we recommend that  
you turn the zoom microphone function off.  
48  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
Backlight compensation  
function  
This is for protecting a backlit subject  
from being darkened.  
Fade in/fade out function  
Fade in:  
The image and audio gradually  
appear.  
Fade out: The image and audio gradually  
disappear.  
Use this function when the light is emanating  
from behind the subject and the subject appears  
dark.  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
1 Press the cursor button. Then  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
move the cursor button down to  
display the icon shown in the  
illustration.  
1 Press the cursor button. Then  
move the cursor button down to  
display the icon shown in the  
illustration.  
2 Move the cursor button left to  
select [  
].  
2 Move the cursor button up to  
select [ ].  
3 Press the recording start/stop  
button.  
The image on the screen will become  
brighter.  
Start recording. (Fade in)  
To return to normal recording  
Select [  
] again.  
If you turn off the power or operate the mode  
dial, the backlight compensation function is  
cancelled.  
When you start recording, the image/audio  
gradually appears.  
4 Press the recording start/stop  
button.  
49  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
Pause recording. (Fade out)  
Colour night view function  
This allows recording in dark  
locations.  
This function allows you to record colour subjects  
in dark locations (Minimum required illumination:  
approx. 2 lx) to stand out against the  
background.  
Attach this unit to a tripod, and you can record  
images free from vibration.  
Recorded scene is seen as if frames were  
missed.  
The image/audio gradually disappears. After the  
image/audio completely disappears, recording  
stops.  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
1 Press the cursor button. Then  
After recording, the fade setting is cancelled.  
move the cursor button down to  
display the icon shown in the  
illustration.  
To cancel fading  
Select [  
] again.  
To select the colour for fade in/out  
The colour which appears in fading pictures can  
be selected.  
2 Move the cursor button up to  
select [  
].  
Press the MENU button, then select  
[VIDEO] # [FADE COLOUR] #  
[WHITE] or [BLACK] and press the  
cursor button.  
If you turn off the power, the fade function is  
cancelled.  
While the fade in/fade out function is selected,  
it takes several seconds to display the image  
when you start recording. It also takes several  
seconds to pause recording.  
To cancel the colour night view function  
Select [  
] again.  
The focus indication does not appear even if  
the PHOTO SHOT button is pressed halfway.  
When using auto focus, it will take some time to  
focus in dark areas. If there is difficulty focusing  
with auto focus, manually adjust the focus.  
The flash cannot be used.  
The thumbnails of scenes recorded using fade  
in become black (or white).  
The colour night view function makes the signal  
charging time of CCD up to approximately 8k  
longer than usual, so that dark scenes can be  
recorded brightly. For this reason, bright dots  
that are usually invisible may be seen, but this  
is not a malfunction.  
If you turn off the power or operate the mode  
dial, the colour night view function is cancelled.  
If set in a bright place, the screen may become  
whitish for a while.  
50  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
Soft skin mode  
Tele macro function  
This makes skin colours appear softer  
for a more attractive appearance.  
This is for bringing only what you  
want to record into focus to take  
close-ups.  
This is more effective if you record the bust  
image of a person.  
By focusing only on the subject and blurring the  
background, the image can be impressive.  
The unit can focus on the subject at a distance of  
approx. 60 cm.  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
1 Press the cursor button. Then  
move the cursor button down to  
display the icon shown in the  
illustration.  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
1 Press the cursor button. Then  
move the cursor button down to  
display the icon shown in the  
illustration.  
2 Move the cursor button left to  
select [  
].  
2 Move the cursor button right to  
select [  
].  
To cancel the soft skin mode  
Select [  
] again.  
If the magnification is 12k or less, then it is  
automatically set to 12k.  
If the background or anything else in the scene  
has colours similar to the skin colour, they will  
also be smoothed.  
If the brightness is insufficient, the effect may  
not be clear.  
To cancel the tele macro function  
Select [  
] again.  
If you record a person in the distance, the face  
may not be recorded clearly. In this case,  
cancel soft skin mode or zoom in on the face  
(close-up) to record.  
If a sharper focus cannot be achieved, adjust  
the focus manually. (l 59)  
In the following cases, the tele macro function  
is cancelled.  
– The zoom magnification becomes lower than  
12k.  
– The power is turned off or the mode dial is  
operated.  
51  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
To stop the timer midway through  
Press the MENU button. (The self-timer setting is  
cancelled.)  
Self-timer recording  
This is for recording shots of yourself  
as well.  
The self-timer is cancelled if the power is  
turned off or the mode dial is operated.  
The self-timer standby mode is cancelled when  
you press the recording start/stop button to  
start motion picture recording.  
Even if you press the recording start/stop  
button while the self-timer is counting down,  
motion picture recording is not possible.  
Depending on the time taken to bring the  
subject into focus, the recording may take  
longer than set to start.  
You can record still pictures on an SD card using  
the timer.  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
1 Press the cursor button. Then  
move the cursor button down to  
display the icon shown in the  
illustration.  
Setting the self-timer to [Ø ] is a good way to  
2
prevent image shake when the PHOTO SHOT  
button is pressed while using a tripod etc.  
2 Move the cursor button up to  
select [Ø].  
Each time the cursor button is pressed up,  
the indication changes by one setting in the  
following order:  
[Ø ] # [Ø ] # setting cancelled  
10  
2
Ø
: Records after 10 seconds  
10  
Ø : Records after 2 seconds  
2
3 Press the PHOTO SHOT button.  
A still picture is recorded after the [Ø ] or  
10  
[Ø ] display and the recording lamp flashes  
2
for the time which has been set.  
After recording, the self-timer is cancelled.  
If you press the PHOTO SHOT button  
halfway and then fully in auto focus mode,  
the subject is focused when the button is  
pressed halfway.  
When you press the PHOTO SHOT button  
fully in auto focus mode, the subject is  
focused just before recording.  
52  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
When the flash is not used  
Set the flash to [FLASH OFF].  
Built-in flash  
Use the built-in flash in order to record still  
pictures in dark places.  
Do not block the flash with your hand or by  
other means.  
The unit automatically determines if the flash is  
necessary even when it has been set to  
[FLASH OFF] by detecting the ambient  
brightness. (If it determines that the flash is  
necessary, the [ ] indication lights up in red  
when the PHOTO SHOT button is pressed  
halfway.)  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
1 Press the cursor button. Then  
move the cursor button down to  
display the icon shown in the  
illustration.  
If the [ß] indication etc. flashes or is not  
displayed when the PHOTO SHOT button is  
pressed halfway, the flash is not activated.  
The available range of the flash is approx. 1 m  
to 2.5 m in dark places. Pictures will appear  
dark or reddish when they are recorded by  
using the flash at distances greater than 2.5 m.  
Using the flash fixes the shutter speed of 1/750  
or faster to 1/500.  
2 Move the cursor button left to  
select [ß].  
The picture may become out of focus in dark  
places. If so, adjust the focus manually.  
The picture may appear dark if the flash is lit in  
front of a white background.  
Set the flash to [FLASH OFF] where using a  
flash is prohibited.  
If the flash will be activated a large number of  
times, it may take longer to charge it.  
Each time the cursor button is pressed left,  
the indication changes by one setting in the  
following order: [FLASH ON] >  
[FLASH AUTO] > [FLASH OFF]  
When the PHOTO SHOT button is pressed  
halfway, the flash indicator will appear in  
the bottom left corner of the screen.  
[FLASH ON]:  
ß
[FLASH AUTO]: ßA  
[FLASH OFF]:  
When [FLASH AUTO] is set, the ambient  
brightness is automatically detected, and  
the flash will activate only when necessary.  
(If the flash is not necessary, the [ßA]  
indicator will not appear when the  
PHOTO SHOT button is pressed halfway.)  
This function’s default setting is  
[FLASH AUTO].  
3 Press the PHOTO SHOT button.  
The flash is activated and the picture will be  
recorded.  
53  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
Red eye reduction function  
Image stabilizer function  
This is for reducing image shakes  
during recording.  
Reduces the phenomena where human eyes  
become red from flashes.  
Reduces the image shaking due to hand  
movement when recording.  
1 Press the cursor button. Then  
move the cursor button down to  
display the icon shown in the  
illustration.  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
Press the MENU button, then select  
[BASIC] # [O.I.S.] # [ON] and press  
the cursor button.  
2 Move the cursor button right to  
select [  
].  
To cancel the image stabilizer function  
Press the MENU button, then select [BASIC] #  
[O.I.S.] # [OFF] and press the cursor button.  
This function’s default setting is [ON].  
In still picture recording mode, pressing the  
PHOTO SHOT button halfway increases the  
effect of the image stabilizer function. (MEGA  
optical image stabilizer)  
In the following cases, the image stabilizer  
function may not work effectively.  
– When the digital zoom is used  
The flash is activated 2 times. Do not move  
until the second flash is finished.  
Use this when you take pictures of people in  
dark places.  
Red eye phenomenon may appear depending  
on the recording conditions.  
– When the unit is shaken greatly  
– When you record a moving subject while  
tracking it  
To adjust the brightness of the  
flash  
Press the MENU button, then select  
[PICTURE] > [FLASH LEVEL] #  
desired item and press the cursor  
button.  
[ßj]: If the brightness is too high.  
[ßd0]: In normal recording  
[ßi]: If the brightness is insufficient.  
54  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
To cancel the guide line function  
Guide line function  
Press the MENU button, then select [BASIC] or  
[PLAY SETUP] # [GUIDE LINES] # [OFF] and  
press the cursor button.  
This is for viewing the slope and the  
balance of the image while recording  
or playing back.  
The guide lines do not appear on the images  
You can check if the image is level while  
recording or playing back motion pictures and  
still pictures. The function can also be used to  
estimate the balance of the composition.  
actually recorded.  
Wind noise reduction function  
This is for reducing the wind noise  
coming into the microphone when  
recording.  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
rotate the mode dial to and then  
(motion picture  
or  
select the  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
playback) tab.  
Press the MENU button, then select  
[VIDEO] # [WIND CUT] # [ON] and  
press the cursor button.  
Press the MENU button, then select  
[BASIC] or [PLAY SETUP] #  
[GUIDE LINES] # desired item and  
press the cursor button.  
To cancel the wind noise reduction  
function  
Press the MENU button, then select [VIDEO] #  
[WIND CUT] # [OFF] and press the cursor  
button.  
This function’s default setting is [ON].  
The wind noise reduction depends on the wind  
strength. (The surround effect may be reduced  
if this function is activated in strong winds.  
However, the surround effect is automatically  
restored when then the wind weakens.)  
The wind noise reduction function does not  
work with an external microphone.  
A [HORIZONTAL]  
B [GRID1]  
C [GRID2]  
55  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
2 Move the cursor button left or  
right to adjust the microphone  
input level.  
Microphone level  
This is for adjusting the microphone  
input level.  
A
When recording, the input level from the built-in  
microphones and the external microphone  
terminal can be adjusted.  
B
C
D
E
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
1 Press the MENU button, then  
F
select [VIDEO] # [MIC LEVEL] #  
[SETrAGC] or [SET] and press  
the cursor button.  
A
B
D
AGC: Auto Gain Control  
E
E
C
[AUTO]:  
AGC is activated, and the  
recording level is adjusted  
automatically.  
A Centre  
[SETrAGC]: The desired recording level can be  
set. AGC will also be activated to  
reduce the amount of sound  
distortion.  
B Front left  
C Back left  
D Front right  
E Back right  
[SET]:  
AGC is not activated and so natural  
recording can be performed.  
F Microphone input level  
A gain value for each of the 5 built-in  
microphones is displayed. (The input level of  
the microphones cannot be set individually.)  
3 Press the centre of the cursor  
button to set and then press the  
MENU button to finish the  
setting.  
G
G Microphone input level meter  
Microphone input level meter is displayed on  
the screen.  
56  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
To return to automatic setting  
Press the MENU button, then select [VIDEO] #  
[MIC LEVEL] # [AUTO], and press the cursor  
button.  
Zebra display  
This is for displaying the parts that  
are too bright.  
Parts where white saturation (colour saturation)  
is likely to occur (extremely brightly lit or shiny  
parts) are displayed with diagonal lines (zebra  
pattern).  
Adjust the gain value so that the last 2 bars of  
the microphone input level on the centre of the  
screen will not light red. (Otherwise, the sound  
is distorted.) Select a lower setting for gain  
value or set [MIC LEVEL] to [AUTO].  
The front left and front right gain values only  
work when input is from an external  
microphone.  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
Press the MENU button, then select  
[ADVANCED] # [ZEBRA]# [ON] and  
press the cursor button.  
The microphone input level meter shows the  
largest volume for the microphones.  
When [ZOOM MIC] is [ON], the volume will be  
different depending on the zoom rate. Set  
[ZOOM MIC] to [OFF] or set the microphone  
input level after adjusting the zoom rate. (l 48)  
A
A Zebra pattern  
You can record an image with little white  
saturation if you manually adjust the shutter  
speed or brightness (iris/gain) (l 62).  
To cancel the zebra display  
Press the MENU button, then select  
[ADVANCED] # [ZEBRA] # [OFF] and press  
the cursor button.  
The zebra pattern does not appear on the  
images actually recorded.  
57  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
Manual recording functions  
Colour bar  
This is for displaying a colour bar to  
check the colour tone.  
Scene mode  
This is for recording in various  
situations.  
This unit displays a 7 colour bar which is useful  
for adjusting the picture quality of the TV or the  
external monitor.  
When you record images in different situations,  
this mode automatically sets optimum shutter  
speeds and apertures.  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
Press the MENU button, then select  
[ADVANCED] # [COLOUR BARS]#  
[ON] and press the cursor button.  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
1 Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS  
switch to MANUAL.  
AUTO  
MANUAL  
FOCUS  
To cancel the colour bar  
Press the MENU button, then select  
[ADVANCED] # [COLOUR BARS] # [OFF] and  
press the cursor button.  
2 Press the MENU button, then  
select [BASIC] # [SCENE MODE]  
# desired item and press the  
cursor button.  
This function is cancelled when the power is  
turned off.  
The icon will not be displayed even if you press  
the cursor button.  
[5] Sports  
To record sports scenes or scenes where there  
are quick motions  
[
] Portrait  
To make people stand out against the  
background  
[
] Low light  
To make the scene brighter in dark conditions  
] Spotlight  
[
To make the subject under a spotlight look more  
attractive  
[
] Surf & snow  
To record images in bright places such as ski  
slopes and beaches  
58  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
To cancel the scene mode function  
Press the MENU button, then select [BASIC] #  
[SCENE MODE] # [OFF].  
You can also cancel the scene mode function  
by setting the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch  
to AUTO.  
Manual focus adjustment  
If auto focusing is difficult due to the conditions,  
then manual focusing is available.  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
1
(When MF assist function is used)  
Press the MENU button, then  
select [ADVANCED] #  
[MF ASSIST] # [ON] and press  
the cursor button.  
Sports mode  
For slow-motion playback or playback pause of  
recorded pictures, this mode helps diminish  
camera shake.  
During normal playback, the image movement  
may not look smooth.  
Avoid recording under fluorescent light,  
mercury light or sodium light because the  
colour and brightness of the playback image  
may change.  
If you record a subject illuminated with strong  
light or a highly reflective subject, vertical lines  
of light may appear.  
The default setting is [ON].  
2 Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS  
If the brightness is insufficient, the sports mode  
does not function. The [5] display flashes.  
If this mode is used indoors, the screen may  
flicker.  
switch to MANUAL.  
AUTO  
MANUAL  
FOCUS  
Portrait mode  
If this mode is used indoors, the screen may  
flicker. If so, change the scene mode setting to  
[OFF].  
Low light mode  
Extremely dark scenes may not be able to be  
recorded finely.  
3 Move the switch down and set it  
to FOCUS position.  
Spotlight mode  
If the recording subject is extremely bright, the  
recorded image may become whitish and the  
periphery of the recorded image extremely  
dark.  
AUTO  
MANUAL  
FOCUS  
Surf & snow mode  
If the subject is extremely bright, the recorded  
image may become whitish.  
The manual focus indication [MF] and the  
icon shown in the illustration appear.  
59  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
4 Move the cursor button left or  
right to bring the subject into  
focus.  
White balance  
This is for recording in natural  
colours.  
The automatic white balance function may not  
reproduce natural colours depending on the  
scenes or lighting conditions. If so, you can  
adjust the white balance manually.  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
The centre of the screen is enlarged. The  
normal screen returns approximately  
2 seconds after you finish bringing the  
subject into focus.  
1 Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS  
switch to MANUAL.  
The centre of the screen is not enlarged  
when [MF ASSIST] is [OFF].  
To restore to the automatic adjustment  
Press the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch down  
again to the FOCUS position.  
You can also restore the auto focusing by  
setting the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to  
AUTO.  
The icon shown in the illustration is displayed  
automatically.  
2 Move the cursor button up to  
The subject may not be in focus when zoomed  
in if focusing with a wide angle. First, zoom in  
on the subject, and then focus on it.  
select [  
].  
3 Move the cursor button left or  
right to select the white balance  
mode.  
About the MF assist function  
The centre of the screen is enlarged during  
manual focus adjustment. This allows you to  
focus on the subject more easily.  
MF assist does not work if the zoom  
magnification is more than 12k.  
The part of the screen that is enlarged is not  
enlarged on the image actually recorded.  
The zebra pattern does not appear on the part  
of the screen that is enlarged when [ZEBRA] is  
[ON].  
[
[
AWB ]: Auto white balance adjustment  
]:  
Indoor mode (for recording under  
incandescent lamps)  
Incandescent lights, halogen lamps  
[
]:  
Outdoor mode  
Outdoors under a clear sky  
60  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
[
]:  
Manual adjustment mode  
Mercury-vapor lamps, sodium lamps,  
some fluorescent lights  
ª About the white balance sensor  
Lights used for wedding receptions at  
hotels, stage spotlights in theatres  
Sunrise, sunset etc.  
A
To restore to the automatic adjustment  
The white balance sensor A detects the type of  
light source during recording.  
Set the white balance mode to [  
].  
AWB  
You can also restore the automatic adjustment  
by setting the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch  
to AUTO.  
Do not cover the white balance sensor during  
recording, or it may not function properly.  
ª About the black balance  
adjustment  
To set the white balance manually  
This is one of the 3CCD system functions that  
automatically adjusts the black when the white  
balance is set in the manual adjustment mode.  
When the black balance is adjusted, the screen  
will temporarily be black. (The black balance  
cannot be adjusted manually.)  
1 Select [ ], fill the screen with a  
white subject.  
1
2
3
2 Move the cursor button up to  
1 Black balance adjustment in progress.  
(Flashes.)  
select [ ].  
2 White balance adjustment in progress.  
(Flashes.)  
3 Adjustment completed. (Lights up.)  
When the [ ] display flashes, the manual  
white balance previously adjusted is stored.  
Whenever recording conditions change, re-set  
the white balance for correct adjustment.  
When setting both the white balance and the  
iris/gain, set the white balance first.  
When the [  
flashing to on, setting is complete.  
When the [  
the white balance cannot be set because  
the place is dark etc. In this case, use the  
automatic white balance.  
] display changes from  
] display continues flashing,  
61  
VQT1A34  
Recording  
When the iris value is adjusted to brighter than  
Manual shutter speed/aperture  
adjustment  
[OPEN], it changes to the gain value.  
To restore to automatic adjustment  
Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to  
AUTO.  
Shutter Speed:  
Adjust it when recording fast-moving subjects.  
Aperture:  
Adjust it when the screen is too bright or too  
dark.  
When setting both the shutter speed and the  
iris/gain value, set the shutter speed and then  
set the iris/gain value.  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
.
Manual shutter speed adjustment  
Avoid recording under fluorescent light,  
mercury light or sodium light because the  
colour and brightness of the playback image  
may change.  
1 Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS  
switch to MANUAL.  
If you increase the shutter speed manually, the  
gain value will increase automatically  
depending on how much the sensitivity lowers  
and the noise on the screen may increase.  
When recording still pictures, we recommend  
setting the shutter speed to 1/500 or less for  
even more beautiful pictures.  
The icon shown in the illustration is displayed  
automatically.  
You may see vertical lines of light in the  
playback image of a brightly shining subject or  
highly reflective subject, but this is not a  
malfunction.  
2 Move the cursor button left or  
right to select [ ] (aperture) or  
[
] (shutter speed).  
During normal playback, image movement may  
not look smooth.  
When recording in an extremely bright place,  
the screen may change colour or flicker. If so  
adjust the shutter speed manually to [1/50] or  
[1/100].  
3 Move the cursor button left or  
Manual iris/gain adjustment  
If the gain value is increased, the noise on the  
screen increases.  
right to make the adjustment.  
Depending on the zoom magnification, there  
are iris values that are not displayed.  
A Shutter speed:  
1/50 to 1/8000  
The shutter speed closer to 1/8000 is faster.  
B Iris/Gain value:  
CLOSE # (F16 to F2.0) # OPEN # (0dB to  
18dB)  
Value closer to [CLOSE] darken the image.  
Value closer to [18dB] brighten the image.  
62  
VQT1A34  
Playback  
3 Select the scene to be played  
Playback  
back.  
Motion picture playback  
Play back motion pictures.  
1 Rotate the mode dial to select  
B
C
.
D
B Previous page  
C Next page  
D Scene number  
The selected scene will be encircled by a  
yellow frame.  
If 9 or more scenes have been recorded,  
the next (or previous) page can be  
displayed by moving the cursor button left  
and right or moving the cursor button down,  
The lens cover closes.  
2 Press the cursor button up and  
then left to select the  
picture playback) tab.  
(motion  
selecting  
/
by moving the  
cursor button left and right and then  
pressing the centre of the cursor button.  
The scene number display switches to the  
page number when the motion picture  
A
playback tab or  
selected.  
/
is  
4 Press the cursor button.  
A Motion picture playback tab  
The motion pictures are displayed as  
thumbnails (reduced-size images).  
The selected scene is played back on the full  
screen.  
The operation icon is automatically  
displayed on the screen.  
5 Move the cursor button to  
operate.  
1/;:  
Playback/Pause  
6 (Move and hold): Review playback*  
5 (Move and hold): Cue playback*  
:  
Stops the playback  
and shows the  
thumbnails.  
* Press the 6 or 5 button on the remote  
control.  
63  
VQT1A34  
Playback  
ª About motion picture  
Skip playback (to the start of a  
scene)  
(Operation is possible with the remote  
compatibility  
This unit is based on the AVCHD format.  
The video signal that can be played back on  
this unit is 1440k1080/50i.  
control only.)  
This unit may degrade or not playback motion  
pictures recorded or created on other products,  
and other products may degrade or not  
playback motion pictures recorded on this unit,  
even if the products support the AVCHD.  
Press the : or 9 button on the  
remote control during playback.  
SEARCH  
STILL ADV  
SKIP  
PLAY  
PAUSE  
STOP  
SEARCH  
STILL ADV  
SKIP  
No sound will be heard except during normal  
playback.  
If pause play is continued for 5 minutes, the  
screen returns to the thumbnails.  
When the amount of time recorded on the  
scene is short, playback may not be possible.  
Scenes which cannot be displayed as  
thumbnails (the thumbnails are displayed as  
) cannot be played back. An error  
message appears and the screen shows the  
thumbnails.  
The power will not turn off even if the LCD  
monitor is closed.  
The date/time displayed may be different from  
the recording date/time and it may take time to  
display the thumbnail display when playing  
back motion pictures not recorded on this unit.  
The remaining time for playback indication will  
be reset to “0h00m00s” each scene.  
Slow-motion playback  
1 Move the cursor button up during  
playback to pause the playback.  
2 Move and hold the cursor button  
right. (Slow-motion pictures will  
be played back in reverse when  
you move and hold the cursor  
button left.)  
Normal playback is restored when you  
move the cursor button up.  
When slow-motion pictures are played  
back in reverse, they will be shown  
continuously at intervals of 0.5 seconds.  
ª Operating with the remote  
control  
Press the E or D button.  
SEARCH  
STILL ADV  
SKIP  
PLAY  
PAUSE  
STOP  
SEARCH  
STILL ADV  
SKIP  
64  
VQT1A34  
Playback  
Frame-by-frame playback  
To adjust the volume  
The motion picture is advanced one frame at a  
time.  
Adjust the speaker volume during playback.  
Move the volume lever to change  
the volume level.  
1 Move the cursor button up during  
playback to pause the playback.  
2 Move the cursor button right.  
(The frames will be advanced one  
at a time in the reverse direction  
when you move the cursor  
button left.)  
VOL  
15  
W
T
Towards “r”: increases the volume  
Towards “s”: decreases the volume  
The further the [ ] indicator moves to the right,  
the higher the volume level becomes.  
When the adjustment is completed, the volume  
setting display will disappear.  
Normal playback is restored when you  
move the cursor button up.  
When the frames are advanced one at a  
time in the reverse direction, they will be  
shown in intervals of 0.5 seconds.  
ª Operating with the remote  
control  
1) Press the ; button.  
SEARCH  
STILL ADV  
SKIP  
PLAY  
PAUSE  
STOP  
SEARCH  
STILL ADV  
SKIP  
2) Press the E or D button.  
SEARCH  
STILL ADV  
SKIP  
PLAY  
PAUSE  
STOP  
SEARCH  
STILL ADV  
SKIP  
65  
VQT1A34  
Playback  
Playing back motion pictures  
by date  
Repeat playback  
Playback of the first scene starts after playback  
of the last scene finishes.  
Recorded scenes are grouped by date on this  
unit.  
Press the MENU button, then select  
[PLAY SETUP] # [REPEAT PLAY] #  
[ON] and press the cursor button.  
Scenes recorded on the same day can be played  
back in succession.  
1 Press the MENU button, then  
select [PLAY SETUP] #  
[PLAY MODE] # [BY DATE] and  
press the cursor button.  
The [  
] indication appears on the thumbnail  
and full screen views.  
The following scenes can be played back  
repeatedly.  
– When [PLAY MODE] is set to [VIEW ALL]:  
All the scenes on the SD card  
– When [PLAY MODE] is set to [BY DATE]:  
All the scenes on the selected date  
2 Select the date for playback, then  
press the cursor button.  
To cancel the repeat playback function  
Press the MENU button, then select  
[PLAY SETUP] # [REPEAT PLAY] # [OFF] and  
press the cursor button.  
The scenes recorded on the same day are  
displayed as thumbnails.  
3 Select the scene to be played  
back.  
To return to playing back all the scenes  
Press the MENU button, then select  
[PLAY SETUP] # [PLAY MODE] # [VIEW ALL]  
and press the cursor button.  
When [PLAY MODE] is set to [VIEW ALL], all  
recorded motion pictures will be played back in  
succession. ([  
] is displayed.)  
Playing back all the scenes returns if the power  
is turned off or the mode dial is operated.  
Even if scenes are recorded on the same day,  
they are grouped separately in the following  
cases.  
– When the number of scenes exceeds 99  
– When the card is repaired  
66  
VQT1A34  
Playback  
Still picture (JPEG) playback  
Play back the still pictures recorded on the card.  
Resuming the previous  
playback  
1 Rotate the mode dial to select  
If playback of a scene was stopped halfway, the  
playback can be resumed from where it was  
stopped.  
.
Press the MENU button, then select  
[PLAY SETUP] # [RESUME PLAY] #  
[ON] and press the cursor button.  
The lens cover closes.  
2 Press the cursor button up and  
then right to select the  
picture playback) tab.  
(still  
If playback of a motion picture is stopped, [  
appears on the thumbnail view of the stopped  
scene.  
]
A
To cancel the resume playback function  
Press the MENU button, then select  
[PLAY SETUP] # [RESUME PLAY] # [OFF]  
and press the cursor button.  
The memorised resume position is cleared if  
you turn off the power or operate the mode dial.  
(The [RESUME PLAY] setting is kept.)  
A Still picture playback tab  
The still pictures recorded on the SD card  
are displayed as thumbnails (reduced-size  
images).  
3 Select the file to be played back.  
B
C
D
E
B Previous page  
C Next page  
D File number display  
E Folder/file name  
The selected file will be encircled by a yellow  
frame.  
67  
VQT1A34  
Playback  
If 9 or more files have been recorded, the  
ª About still picture compatibility  
This unit is compliant with the unified standard  
DCF (Design rule for Camera File system)  
established by JEITA (Japan Electronics and  
Information Technology Industries  
next (or previous) page can be displayed  
by moving the cursor button left and right or  
moving the cursor button down, selecting  
/
by moving the cursor  
button left and right and then pressing the  
centre of the cursor button.  
The file number display switches to the  
page number when the still picture  
Association).  
The file format supported by this unit is JPEG.  
(Not all JPEG formatted files will be played  
back.)  
If a non-standard file is played back, the folder/  
file name may not be displayed.  
playback tab or  
selected.  
/
is  
This unit may degrade or not play back data  
recorded or created on other products and  
other products may degrade or not play back  
data recorded on this unit.  
4 Press the cursor button.  
While this unit accesses the SD card (the  
access lamp is lit), do not remove the SD card.  
Do not operate the mode dial during the slide  
show.  
It takes time to display the file depending on the  
number of pixels of the file.  
The selected file is played back on the full  
screen.  
The operation icon is automatically  
displayed on the screen.  
Files which cannot be displayed as thumbnails  
(the thumbnails are displayed as  
be played back.  
) cannot  
5 Move the cursor button to  
If you attempt to play back a file which is a  
different format or a damaged file, an error  
message appears and the screen shows the  
thumbnails.  
The date/time displayed may be different from  
the recording date/time and it may take time to  
display the thumbnail display when playing  
back still pictures not recorded on this unit.  
The power will not turn off even if the LCD  
monitor is closed.  
operate.  
1/;: Slide show (playback of the still  
pictures on the SD card in numerical  
order) start/pause.  
E:  
D:  
:  
Plays back the previous picture.  
Plays back the next picture.  
Stops the playback and shows the  
thumbnails.  
68  
VQT1A34  
Editing  
Editing  
Deleting multiple scenes from the  
thumbnail display  
Editing scenes  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
and then select the  
picture playback) tab.  
(motion  
Deleting scenes  
This is for deleting scenes recorded  
on SD cards.  
1 Press the  
button while the  
thumbnail view screen is  
displayed.  
The deleted scenes cannot be restored.  
Deleting scenes one at a time  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
and then select the  
(motion  
picture playback) tab.  
2 Move the cursor button up or  
down to select [ALL SCENES] or  
[SELECT] and press the cursor  
button.  
1 Press the  
button during  
playback.  
2 When the confirmation message  
appears, select [YES], then press  
the cursor button.  
When [ALL SCENES] is selected, the  
following scenes except the protected  
scenes will be deleted. Proceed to step 5.  
When [PLAY MODE] is set to [VIEW ALL]:  
All the scenes on the SD card  
When [PLAY MODE] is set to [BY DATE]:  
All the scenes selected by date  
3
(Only when [SELECT] is selected in step 2)  
Select the scene to be deleted,  
then press the cursor button.  
The selected scene is encircled by a red  
frame.  
When the cursor button is pressed again,  
the selected scene will be cancelled.  
Up to 50 scenes can be set in succession.  
69  
VQT1A34  
Editing  
4
(Only when [SELECT] is selected in step 2)  
Protecting scenes  
Press the  
button.  
This is for preventing scenes from  
being deleted by mistake.  
5 When the confirmation message  
appears, select [YES], then press  
the cursor button.  
Scenes can be protected so that they are not  
deleted by mistake. (Even if you protect some  
scenes on an SD card, formatting the SD card  
will delete them.)  
(Only when [SELECT] is selected in step 2)  
To continue deleting other scenes  
Repeat steps 3-5.  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
and then select the  
(motion  
To complete editing  
Press the MENU button.  
picture playback) tab.  
1 Press the MENU button, then  
select [PLAY SETUP] #  
Scenes which cannot be played back (the  
thumbnails are displayed as  
deleted.  
) cannot be  
[SCENE PROTECT] # [YES] and  
press the cursor button.  
Protected scenes cannot be deleted.  
Do not open the card slot cover while deleting.  
The deletion will stop.  
In case of [ALL SCENES], the deletion may  
take time if there are many scenes on the SD  
card.  
Do not turn off this unit while deleting.  
When you delete scenes, use a battery with  
sufficient battery power or use the AC adaptor.  
If you delete scenes recorded on other  
products with this unit, all the data related to  
the scenes may be deleted.  
2 Select the scene to be protected  
and then press the centre of the  
cursor button.  
The [  
] indication appears and the scene  
is protected.  
Press the cursor button again to cancel the  
setting.  
2 or more scenes can be set in succession.  
To complete the settings  
Press the MENU button.  
70  
VQT1A34  
Editing  
Editing still pictures  
Deleting multiple files from the  
thumbnail display  
Deleting still pictures  
This is for deleting still picture files  
recorded on SD cards.  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
and then select the  
playback) tab.  
(still picture  
The deleted files cannot be restored.  
1 Press the  
button while the  
thumbnail view screen is  
displayed.  
Deleting files one at a time  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
and then select the  
playback) tab.  
(still picture  
1 Press the  
button during  
playback.  
2 Move the cursor button up or  
down to select [ALL SCENES] or  
[SELECT] and press the cursor  
button.  
2 When the confirmation message  
appears, select [YES], then press  
the cursor button.  
When [ALL SCENES] is selected, all files  
on the SD card except the protected files  
will be erased. Proceed to step 5.  
3
(Only when [SELECT] is selected in step 2)  
Select the file to be deleted, then  
press the cursor button.  
The selected file is encircled by a red frame.  
When the cursor button is pressed again,  
the selected file will be cancelled.  
Up to 50 files can be set in succession.  
4
(Only when [SELECT] is selected in step 2)  
Press the  
button.  
71  
VQT1A34  
Editing  
5 When the confirmation message  
appears, select [YES], then press  
the cursor button.  
Protecting still pictures  
This is for preventing still picture files  
from being deleted by mistake.  
(Only when [SELECT] is selected in step 2)  
To continue deleting other files  
Repeat steps 3-5.  
Files recorded on an SD card can be protected  
so that they are not deleted by mistake. (Even if  
you protect some files on an SD card, formatting  
the SD card will delete them.)  
To complete editing  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
Press the MENU button.  
and then select the  
playback) tab.  
(still picture  
ª Deleting still picture files  
recorded on an SD card by other  
products  
A still picture file (other than JPEG) that cannot  
be played back on this unit may be erased.  
1 Press the MENU button, then  
select [PLAY SETUP] #  
[SCENE PROTECT] # [YES] and  
press the cursor button.  
Protected files cannot be deleted.  
Do not open the card slot cover while deleting.  
The deletion will stop.  
In case of [ALL SCENES], the deletion may  
take time if there are many files on the SD card.  
Do not turn off this unit while deleting.  
When you delete files, use a battery with  
sufficient battery power or use the AC adaptor.  
If files conforming to DCF standard are deleted,  
all the data related to the files will be deleted.  
2 Select the file to be protected and  
then press the centre of the  
cursor button.  
The [  
] indication appears and the file is  
protected.  
Press the cursor button again to cancel the  
setting.  
You can also select multiple files in  
succession.  
To complete the settings  
Press the MENU button.  
72  
VQT1A34  
Editing  
To cancel all DPOF settings  
Press the MENU button, then select  
[PLAY SETUP] # [DPOF SET] #  
[CANCEL ALL] and press the cursor button.  
When the confirmation message appears,  
select [YES], then press the cursor button.  
DPOF setting  
This is for writing the printing data on  
an SD card.  
You can write the data of the still pictures to be  
printed and the number of prints (DPOF data)  
onto the SD card.  
ª What is DPOF?  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
and then select the  
playback) tab.  
DPOF stands for Digital Print Order Format. This  
enables picture printing information to be written  
onto an SD card so that it can be used on a  
system supporting DPOF.  
(still picture  
1 Press the MENU button, then  
select [PLAY SETUP] #  
The DPOF setting can be established for up to  
999 prints.  
DPOF setting made on other devices may not  
be recognised by this unit. Please perform the  
DPOF settings on this unit.  
[DPOF SET] # [SET] and press  
the cursor button.  
You cannot add the recording date to pictures  
to be printed with the DPOF settings.  
2 Select the file to be set and then  
press the centre of the cursor  
button.  
The number of prints set to be in DPOF is  
displayed.  
3 Move the cursor button up or  
down to select the number of  
prints, then press the cursor  
button.  
You can select from 0 to 999. (The selected  
number of pictures can be printed with the  
printer supporting DPOF.)  
To cancel the setting, set the number of  
prints to [0].  
You can also select multiple files in  
succession.  
To complete the settings  
Press the MENU button.  
73  
VQT1A34  
Card management  
Card management  
Formatting  
Formatting an SD card  
This is for initializing cards.  
Please be aware that if an SD card is  
formatted, then all the data recorded on the  
card will be erased. Store important data on a  
computer etc.  
¬ Rotate the mode dial to select  
or  
.
1 Press the MENU button, then  
select [SETUP] #  
[FORMAT CARD] # [YES] and  
press the cursor button.  
2 When the confirmation message  
appears, select [YES], then press  
the cursor button.  
When formatting is complete, press the  
MENU button to exit the message screen.  
Use this unit to format SD cards. If an SD card  
is formatted on other products (such as a  
computer), the time spent for recording may  
become longer and you may not be able to use  
the SD card.  
Depending on the type of SD card being used,  
it may take time to format.  
During formatting, do not turn this unit off.  
When you format the SD card, use a battery  
with sufficient battery power or the AC adaptor.  
Do not remove the SD card while formatting.  
74  
VQT1A34  
With other products  
Use the AC adaptor to free you from worrying  
about the battery running down.  
With other products  
With a TV  
ª To display the on-screen  
information on the TV  
The information displayed on the screen  
(operation icon and time code etc.) can be  
displayed on the TV.  
Press the EXT DISPLAY button on the remote  
control.  
Playback on TV  
The motion pictures and still pictures recorded  
on this unit can be played back on a TV screen.  
Connect this unit to a TV with one of the  
following terminals. When connecting to a  
HDMI terminal, a connection cable (optional)  
is necessary.  
START/  
STOP  
PHOTO  
EXT  
SHOT  
DISPLAY  
¬ Difference in picture quality  
depending on the terminal used for  
connection  
DATE/  
TIME  
ZOOM  
VOL  
Press the button again to erase the information.  
The screen on this unit will not change.  
A
B
ª To watch images with a 16:9  
aspect ratio on a regular TV (4:3)  
When playing back motion pictures or still  
pictures recorded on this unit with a 16:9 aspect  
ratio on a TV with a 4:3 aspect ratio, the images  
on the screen may be squeezed horizontally.  
In this case, change the menu setting to play  
back the pictures in the original aspect ratio.  
(Depending on the TV setting, the pictures may  
not be displayed correctly. For more information,  
please read the operating instructions of your  
TV.)  
C
D
E
A High quality  
B Standard quality  
C HDMI terminal  
D Component terminal  
E Video terminal  
TV/Devices you use  
Reference items  
TV with a HDMI  
terminal  
1 Connecting with  
a HDMI cable  
(optional) (l 76)  
Press the MENU button, then select  
[SETUP] # [TV ASPECT] # [4:3] and  
TV with a HDMI  
terminal and AV  
amplifier with a  
HDMI terminal  
2 Listening in 5.1  
channel sound  
(l 78)  
press the cursor button.  
Example of images with a 16:9 aspect ratio on a  
regular TV (4:3)  
TV with a  
component  
terminal  
3 Connecting with  
the component  
cable (supplied)  
and the AV cable  
(supplied) (l 79)  
[TV ASPECT] setting  
[16:9]  
[4:3]  
Other TVs  
4 Connecting with  
the AV cable  
(supplied) (l 81)  
Do not use any other AV cables except the  
supplied one.  
Do not use any other component cables except  
the supplied one.  
75  
VQT1A34  
With other products  
1 Connecting with a HDMI cable (optional)  
What is HDMI?  
HDMI is the next-generation interface for digital devices. When this unit is connected to a HDMI  
compatible device, the image and audio can be output with a digital signal. If you connect this unit  
and a HDMI compatible high definition TV and then play back the recorded high definition images  
(l 6), you can enjoy them in high resolution with high quality sound.  
If you connect this unit to a Panasonic TV (VIERA) compatible with VIERA Link (HDAVI  
Control), linked operations are possible. (l 82)  
1 Connect this unit and a TV with the HDMI cable (optional).  
HDMI IN  
A
Use a HDMI cable (optional) A with the logo shown above.  
2 Set the mode dial to  
to turn on the power.  
3 Select the input channel on the TV.  
Example: Select the [HDMI] channel etc.  
(The name of the channel may differ depending on the connected TV.)  
4 Start playback on this unit.  
The image and audio are output on the TV.  
ª If the image or audio from this unit is not output on the TV  
Check that the plugs are inserted as far as they go.  
Check the connected terminal.  
Check the input setting (input switch) and the audio input setting on the TV. (For more  
information, please read the operating instructions for the TV.)  
Check [HDMI RESOLUTION]. (l 77)  
76  
VQT1A34  
With other products  
ª About the settings when  
1080i  
connecting with HDMI  
When this unit is connected to another device  
with a HDMI cable, the output setting on this unit  
can be changed.  
This is an interlace scan method which scans  
1080 scan lines to display a high definition  
image. The 1080 available scan lines are  
divided in half and scanned on the screen  
th  
alternatively every 1/50 of a second. The  
HDMI output resolution  
You can switch the method to output the images.  
number of available scan lines is nearly  
double the 576 scan lines used to display  
standard images until now so the images have  
clearer detail and a lot of presence.  
576p  
This is a progressive scan method which  
scans all 576 available scan lines on the  
screen at the same time every 1/50 of a  
second. This method reduces the flickering as  
the scan lines are not scanned on the screen  
alternatively like in the interlace method.  
576i  
Press the MENU button, then select  
[SETUP] # [HDMI RESOLUTION] #  
desired item and press the cursor  
button.  
[AUTO]: The output resolution is automatically  
set based on the information from the  
connected TV.  
th  
Information from the  
Output resolution  
connected TV  
This is an interlace scan method in which the  
576 available scan lines are divided in half  
and scanned on the screen alternatively every  
720p, 1080i  
Others  
1080i  
576p  
th  
1/50 of a second.  
[1080i]: The interlace method with 1080  
available scan lines is used for output.  
[576p]: The progressive method with 576  
available scan lines is used for output.  
Interlace method/progressive method  
Video signals until now (PAL) are referred to  
as 576i (i is short for interlace) whereas a  
high-density video signal that doubles the  
number of scan lines is called 576p (p is short  
for progressive).  
The component terminal and the HDMI  
terminal on this unit are also compatible with  
high definition image output 1080i. It is  
necessary to have a compatible TV to enjoy  
progressive and high definition images.  
If the images are not output on the TV when the  
setting is [AUTO], switch to the method [1080i]  
or [576p] which enables the images to be  
displayed on your TV. (Please read the  
operating instructions for the TV.)  
Be sure to connect to an HDMI input terminal.  
Do not connect to an HDMI output terminal on  
other products.  
77  
VQT1A34  
With other products  
2 Listening in 5.1 channel sound  
If you connect this unit and an AV amplifier with a HDMI terminal with a HDMI cable and then playback,  
you can listen to 5.1 channel sound recorded from the internal microphones.  
Please read the operating instructions for the AV amplifier, speakers and TV for more information  
about how to connect them etc.  
C
C
E
B
A
F
HDMI IN  
D
D
A
A HDMI cable (optional)  
Use a HDMI cable (optional) with the logo shown above.  
B Centre speaker  
C Front speaker  
D Surround speaker  
E Subwoofer  
F AV amplifier (optional)  
If you connect this unit to a Panasonic AV amplifier and Panasonic TV (VIERA) that are compatible  
with VIERA Link (HDAVI Control), linked operations become possible. (l 82)  
Audio recorded from an external microphone is in stereo (2ch).  
78  
VQT1A34  
With other products  
3 Connecting with the component cable (supplied) and the AV cable  
(supplied)  
1 Connect this unit and a TV with the component cable (supplied) and the  
AV cable (supplied).  
A
C
A/V  
COMPONENT  
COMPONENT  
VIDEO IN  
AUDIO IN  
B
A Component cable (supplied)  
B AV cable (supplied)  
Connect to terminals of the same colour.  
The component terminal C is for outputting images only so be sure to also connect the AV cable.  
(Insert it in the audio input terminal for the component terminal input. Refer to the operating  
instructions of the TV for details.)  
2 Set the mode dial to  
to turn on the power.  
3 Select the input channel on the TV.  
Example: Select the [Component] channel etc.  
(The name of the channel may differ depending on the connected TV.)  
4 Start playback on this unit.  
The image and audio are output on the TV.  
ª About the setting when connecting the component terminals  
When this unit is connected to a TV with the component cable, the output setting on this unit can be  
changed. Set it to match the terminal on the TV that you connect to.  
Press the MENU button, then select [SETUP] # [COMPONENT OUT] #  
desired item and press the cursor button.  
[576i]: When connecting to the component terminal on the TV compatible with 576i.  
(Playback is in standard quality.)  
[1080i]: When connecting to the component terminal on the TV compatible with 1080i.  
(Playback is in high definition quality.)  
79  
VQT1A34  
With other products  
ª If the image or audio from this  
unit is not output on the TV  
Check that the plugs are inserted as far as they  
go.  
Check the connected terminal.  
Check the TV’s input setting (input switch).  
(For more information, please read the  
operating instructions for the TV.)  
If the images are not displayed correctly on a  
wide-screen TV, adjust the aspect setting on  
the TV. (Refer to the operating instructions of  
the TV for details.) If the pictures are displayed  
squeezed horizontally on a regular TV (4:3),  
change the setting on this unit. (l 75)  
80  
VQT1A34  
With other products  
4 Connecting with the AV cable (supplied)  
1 Connect this unit and a TV with the AV cable (supplied).  
VIDEO IN  
AUDIO IN  
A
A AV cable (supplied)  
2 Set the mode dial to  
to turn on the power.  
3 Change the input channel on the TV.  
Example: Select the [Video 2] channel etc.  
(The name of the channel may differ depending on the connected terminal.)  
4 Start playback on this unit.  
The image and audio are output on the TV.  
ª If the image or audio from this unit is not output on the TV  
Check that the plugs are inserted as far as they go.  
Check the connected terminal.  
Check the TV’s input setting (input switch). (For more information, please read the operating  
instructions for the TV.)  
When a HDMI cable is connected at the same time, priority is given to the output from the HDMI  
cable.  
When the component cable is connected at the same time, priority is given to the component cable for  
image output.  
If the images are not displayed correctly on a wide-screen TV, adjust the aspect setting on the TV.  
(Refer to the operating instructions of the TV for details.) If the pictures are displayed squeezed  
horizontally on a regular TV (4:3), change the setting on this unit. (l 75)  
81  
VQT1A34  
With other products  
Playback using VIERA Link (HDAVI Control)  
If you connect this unit to a Panasonic TV (VIERA) compatible with VIERA Link (HDAVI Control) with a  
HDMI cable, the following linked operations become possible.  
You can use the remote control for the TV to control playback on this unit.  
If you use the remote control for the TV to turn off the power, the power on this unit also turns off.  
(When recording motion pictures, formatting, deleting, recovering or connecting the unit to a  
computer with a USB cable, the power will not turn off.)  
If you connect with a HDMI cable and then turn on the power on this unit, the input channel on the  
TV automatically switches to this unit’s screen. If the TV’s power is in standby status, it will turn on  
automatically (if [Set] has been selected for the TV’s [Power on link] setting).  
– Depending on the HDMI terminal on the TV, the input channel may not switch automatically. In  
this case, use the remote control for the TV to switch the input channel. (For details on how to  
switch input, please read the operating instructions for the TV.)  
If VIERA Link does not work properly, refer to page 114.  
1 Connect this unit and a Panasonic TV (VIERA) compatible with  
VIERA Link with a HDMI cable (optional).  
HDMI IN  
A
Use a HDMI cable (optional) A with the logo shown above.  
If the TV has two or more HDMI input terminals, it is recommended to connect this unit to HDMI2  
or HDMI3.  
2 Set so that VIERA Link is activated on the connected TV.  
Read the operating instructions of the TV for how to set etc.  
3 Set the mode dial to  
to turn on the power.  
4 Press the MENU button, then select [SETUP] # [VIERA Link] # [ON] and  
press the cursor button.  
The default setting is [ON].  
82  
VQT1A34  
With other products  
5 Operate with the remote control for the TV.  
1)  
2)  
A
DISPLAY ON/OFF  
B
C
D
1) Press the button up, down, left or right to select a scene or file to be played back, and then press  
the button in the centre to set it.  
2) Operate the operation icons that are displayed on TV screen with the remote control for the TV.  
A
B
C
D
Operating icons  
Display operation icons  
Cancel operation icons  
Display/Cancel operation icons  
The playback operation is performed the same as on this unit.  
– Playing back motion pictures (l 63)  
– Playing back still pictures (l 67)  
To cancel VIERA Link (HDAVI Control)  
Press the MENU button, then select [SETUP] # [VIERA Link] # [OFF] and press the cursor button.  
If you are unsure whether or not the TV and AV amplifier you are using are compatible with  
VIERA Link, read the operating instructions for the devices.  
Available linked operations between this unit and a Panasonic TV is different depending on the types  
of Panasonic TVs even if they are compatible with VIERA Link. Refer to the operating instructions of  
the TV for the operations that support on the TV.  
Operation is not possible with a cable that is not based on the HDMI standard. We recommend  
Panasonic cables.  
Part numbers: RP-CDHG15 (1.5 m), RP-CDHG30 (3.0 m), RP-CDHG50 (5.0 m), etc.  
83  
VQT1A34  
With other products  
To stop dubbing  
1) Stop recording on the connected device.  
2) Then stop playback on this unit.  
Dubbing images onto a  
connected DVD recorder or  
video device  
This is for dubbing images recorded on this unit  
onto a DVD recorder, video device etc.  
Images are dubbed in standard quality.  
Use the AC adaptor to free you from worrying  
about the battery running down.  
If the date and time display and function  
indication are unnecessary, cancel them before  
dubbing. (l 35, 75)  
If the dubbed images are played back on a  
wide-screen TV, the images may be stretched  
vertically.  
In this case, refer to the operating instruction  
of the device you are connecting to or read the  
operating instructions of the wide-screen TV  
and set the aspect ratio to 16:9.  
1 Connect this unit and a video  
device.  
A
VIDEO IN  
AUDIO IN  
A AV cable (supplied)  
Insert the plugs as far as they will go.  
2 Set the mode dial to  
to turn  
on the power.  
3 Change the input channel on the  
video device and TV.  
The channel set will differ depending on the  
terminal to which the unit is connected.  
4 Start playback on this unit. Then  
start recording on the connected  
device.  
See the operating instructions of the video  
device for details.  
84  
VQT1A34  
With other products  
3 Move the cursor button up or  
With a printer (PictBridge)  
down to select the desired  
To print pictures by directly connecting this unit  
to the printer, use a printer compatible with  
PictBridge. (Read the operating instructions for  
the printer.)  
Use the AC adaptor to free you from worrying  
about the battery running down.  
number of prints, then press the  
cursor button.  
You can set up to 9 prints.  
To cancel the setting, set the number of  
prints to [0].  
Up to 8 files displayed can be set in  
succession by repeating steps 2 and 3.  
¬ Insert an SD card with recorded  
images in this unit and then set the  
4 Press the MENU button to  
mode dial to  
to turn on the power.  
display the PictBridge menus.  
1 Connect this unit and a printer.  
5 Select the date print setting on  
[DATE PRINT].  
A
A USB cable (supplied)  
Insert the plugs as far as they will go.  
The [PictBridge] indication appears on this unit’s  
screen.  
If the printer is not capable of date printing,  
this setting is unavailable.  
If the [PictBridge] indication does not appear or  
continues to flash, disconnect and then  
reconnect the USB cable or check the printer,  
SD card and settings on this unit.  
6 Select the paper size setting on  
[PAPER SIZE].  
Do not use any other USB connection cables  
except the supplied one. (Operation is not  
guaranteed with any other USB cables.)  
2 Select a file to be printed, then  
press the cursor button.  
[STANDARD]: Size specific to the printer  
[4k5 INCH]:  
[5k7 INCH]:  
[4k6 INCH]:  
[A4]:  
L size  
2L size  
Postcard size  
A4 size  
You cannot set paper sizes not supported on  
the printer.  
The number of pictures set is displayed.  
85  
VQT1A34  
With other products  
When you stop printing halfway  
Move the cursor button down.  
7 Select the layout setting on  
[PAGE LAYOUT].  
A confirmation message appears. If [YES] is  
selected, the number of prints set is cancelled  
and the screen returns to step 2. If [NO] is  
selected, all the settings are kept and the screen  
returns to step 3.  
Avoid the following operations during printing.  
These operations disable proper printing.  
– Disconnecting the USB cable  
– Removing the SD card  
– Switching the mode dial  
– Turning off the power  
Check the settings for the paper size, print  
quality etc. on the printer.  
The edges of still pictures recorded on this unit  
with a 16:9 aspect ratio may be cut at printing.  
When using a printer with a trimming or  
borderless printing function, cancel this  
function before printing. (Refer to the operating  
instructions of the printer for details.)  
You may not be able to print still pictures  
recorded with other products.  
[STANDARD]: Layout specific to the printer  
[
[
]:  
No frame print  
Frame print  
]:  
You cannot set page layouts not supported on  
the printer.  
8 Select [PRINT] # [YES] and press  
the cursor button to print the  
pictures.  
When the unit is connected directly to the  
printer, the DPOF settings cannot be used.  
Connect the printer directly to this unit. Do not  
use a USB hub.  
Exit PictBridge by disconnecting the USB cable  
(supplied) after the pictures have been printed.  
86  
VQT1A34  
With a computer  
With a computer  
Before using with a computer  
What you can do with a computer  
Data type  
Can do  
Software used  
[Copy to PC]  
[Write data to media]*  
[Copy between media]*  
[Easy editing]  
Motion picture  
HD Writer Ver1.0E for SD1  
Standard Windows picture viewer or a  
commercially available picture viewer  
Playing back on a computer  
Copying files to a computer  
Still picture  
Windows Explorer  
Refer to P99 if using a Macintosh.  
*Compatible media are SD card and discs (DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD-R and DVD-R DL).  
When you connect this unit and a computer, always insert the battery and connect the AC adaptor. If  
you do not insert the battery and connect the AC adaptor, operation will not be possible after  
connecting this unit to the computer.  
We cannot guarantee operation of this unit if you use software other than that supplied to read/write  
motion picture data to this unit.  
87  
VQT1A34  
With a computer  
Contents on provided CD-ROM  
The following software applications are contained on the provided CD-ROM.  
ª HD Writer Ver1.0E for SD1  
You can acquire data of motion pictures and still pictures on an SD card to the hard disk of the  
computer, easily edit (split, merge, delete) the motion pictures, then write the data to an SD card or  
disc.  
[Copy to PC]:  
If there is no more available memory on the SD card, copy the data to the hard disk of the computer.  
You can then easily edit it (split or delete scenes etc.).  
[Write data to media]:  
You can copy motion picture data and still picture data from the hard disk of the computer to an SD  
card. You can also copy motion picture data to a disc.  
[Copy between media]:  
You can copy motion picture data from an SD card to a disc or from a disc to an SD card.  
[Easy editing]:  
You can easily edit (split, merge, delete etc.) motion picture data that was copied to the hard disk of the  
computer.  
[Format disc]:  
Depending on the type of disc that you use, formatting is necessary. Discs are formatted using the UDF  
2.5 file system that supports the AVCHD.  
ª DirectX  
Microsoft DirectX 9.0c must be installed in order to operate the HD Writer Ver1.0E for SD1.  
If DirectX is not already installed on your computer, you can install it from the CD-ROM. Click [DirectX]  
and follow the on-screen messages to install.  
If you install the software on a computer that is not compatible with DirectX 9.0c, the computer may not  
work properly. If you are unsure whether or not your computer is compatible, contact the maker of your  
computer.  
88  
VQT1A34  
With a computer  
Article 6 Limitation of Liability  
End User License Agreement  
The Software is provided “AS-IS” without  
warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied,  
including, but not limited to, warranties of  
non-infringement, merchantability and/or fitness  
for a particular purpose. Further, Matsushita  
does not warrant that the operation of the  
Software will be uninterrupted or error free.  
Matsushita or any of its distributors or dealers will  
not be liable for any damage suffered by  
Licensee arising from or in connection with  
Licensee’s use of the Software.  
Before opening the CD-ROM package, please  
read the following.  
You (“Licensee”) are granted a license for the  
Software defined in this End User Software  
Agreement (“Agreement”) on condition that you  
agree to the terms and conditions of this  
Agreement. If Licensee does not agree to the  
terms and conditions of this Agreement, promptly  
return the Software to Matsushita Electric  
Industrial Co., Ltd. (“Matsushita”), its distributors  
or dealers from which you made the purchase.  
Article 7 Export Control  
Licensee agrees not to export or re-export to any  
country the Software in any form without the  
appropriate export licenses under regulations of  
the country where Licensee resides, if  
necessary.  
Article 1 License  
Licensee is granted the right to use the software,  
including the information recorded or described  
on the CD-ROM, instruction manuals, and any  
other media provided to Licensee (collectively  
“Software”), but all applicable rights to patents,  
copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets in the  
Software are not transferred to Licensee.  
Article 8 Termination of License  
The right granted to Licensee hereunder will be  
automatically terminated if Licensee violates any  
of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.  
Upon such automatic termination, Licensee must  
destroy the Software and related documentation  
together with all the copies thereof at Licensee’s  
own expense.  
Article 2 Use by a Third Party  
Licensee may not use, copy, modify, transfer or  
allow any third party, whether free of charge or  
not, to use, copy or modify the Software, except  
as expressly provided for in this Agreement.  
Article 3 Restrictions on Copying the Software  
Licensee may make a single copy of the  
Software in whole or in part solely for back-up  
purposes.  
Article 4 Computer  
Licensee may only use the Software on a single  
computer at a single location.  
Article 5 Reverse Engineering, Decompiling or  
Disassembly  
Licensee may not reverse engineer, decompile,  
or disassemble the Software, except to the  
extent either of them is permitted under law or  
regulation of the country where Licensee resides.  
Matsushita, or its distributors or dealers will not  
be responsible for any defects in the Software or  
damage to Licensee caused by Licensee’s  
reverse engineering, decompiling, or  
disassembly of the Software.  
89  
VQT1A34  
With a computer  
Operating environment  
A CD-ROM drive is necessary to install the supplied software applications. (A compatible drive and  
media are necessary for writing to a DVD.)  
When 2 or more USB devices are connected to a computer, or when devices are connected through  
USB hubs or by using extension cables, proper operation is not guaranteed.  
Use the supplied USB cable when connecting to the computer. (Operation is not guaranteed with any  
other USB cables.)  
Even if the system requirements mentioned in these operating instructions are fulfilled, some  
computers cannot be used.  
This software is not compatible with Microsoft Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98/98SE,  
Windows Me and Windows NT.  
Operation on an upgraded OS is not guaranteed.  
ª Operating environment for HD Writer Ver1.0E for SD1  
Personal computer  
OS  
IBM PC/AT compatible personal computer  
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Service Pack 4  
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2  
Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2  
CPU  
Intel Pentium III 1.0 GHz or higher (Intel Pentium 4 HyperThread  
3.0 GHz or higher when a “Preview function” is used)  
(including compatible CPU)  
RAM  
512 MB or more (1024 MB or more recommended)  
Display  
High Colour (16 bit) or more (32 bit or more recommended)  
Desktop resolution of 1024k768 pixels or more (1280k1024 pixels or  
more recommended)  
Graphics card complying with DirectX 9.0c, and DirectDraw Overlay  
64 MB video memory or more  
Free hard disk space  
Necessary software  
Ultra DMA — 100 or more  
250 MB or more  
When writing to a DVD, more than double the amount of free space as  
the disc being created is necessary.  
DirectX 9.0c  
If you install the software on a computer that is not compatible with  
DirectX 9.0c, the computer may not work properly. If you are unsure  
whether or not your computer is compatible, contact the maker of your  
computer.  
Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or later  
Sound  
DirectSound Support  
Interface  
USB port [Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0)]  
Mouse or equivalent pointing device  
Other requirements  
Supplied CD-ROM is available for Windows only.  
Operation on an OS other than the one pre-installed is not guaranteed.  
Operation is not guaranteed on computers that are not PC/AT compatible.  
Input is not supported in languages other than English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and  
Simplified Chinese.  
90  
VQT1A34  
With a computer  
Operation cannot be guaranteed on all DVD drives.  
DVD discs authored with this software are not guaranteed to play in all DVD players that do not  
support the AVCHD.  
Operation is not guaranteed on Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition, Tablet PC Edition and  
not compatible with 64 bit operation systems.  
This software is not compatible with a multi-boot environment.  
This software is not compatible with a multi-CPU environment.  
If your computer does not satisfy the above system requirements, an error may occur when writing  
data to disc.  
Set the display resolution to 1024k768 (16 bits colour) or higher.  
Select [start] # ([Settings] #) [Control Panel] # ([Appearance and Themes] #) [Display] and select  
[Settings] tab, and then adjust [Screen resolution] and [Color quality].  
ª Operating environment for the card reader function (mass storage)  
Personal computer  
OS  
IBM PC/AT compatible personal computer  
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Service Pack 4  
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition  
Microsoft Windows XP Professional  
CPU  
Intel Pentium III 450 MHz or higher/Intel Celeron 400 MHz or higher  
128 MB or more (256 MB or more recommended)  
USB port  
RAM  
Interface  
Other requirements  
Mouse or equivalent pointing device  
The USB equipment operates with the driver installed as standard in the OS.  
91  
VQT1A34  
With a computer  
3 Click [Next].  
Installation  
When installing the software, log on to your  
computer as the Administrator or with a user  
name with equivalent authorization. (If you do not  
have authorization to do this, consult your  
manager.)  
Before starting the installation, close any other  
software applications which are running.  
Do not perform any other operations on your  
computer while the software is being installed.  
4 Read carefully through the [End  
User License Agreement], then  
place a check beside [I accept  
the terms of the license  
Installing HD Writer Ver1.0E for  
SD1  
1 Insert the CD-ROM into the  
agreement] if you agree to them  
and click [Next].  
computer.  
The [Setup Menu] screen will appear.  
If the [Setup Menu] screen does not  
appear, double-click the CD-ROM drive  
icon in [My Computer].  
If you do not agree to the terms and  
conditions of the License Agreement,  
installation is not possible.  
Continue to follow the on-screen messages  
to install it.  
2 Click [HD Writer Ver1.0E for  
SD1].  
5 After the installation is complete, restrictions  
are displayed.  
Check the contents, then click [t]  
on the top right of the window.  
The software application may not run  
properly if you cancel the installation at any  
point e.g. by pressing [Cancel].  
Microsoft DirectX 9.0c must be installed in  
order to operate the HD Writer Ver1.0E for  
SD1. (l 88)  
If you install the software on a computer  
that is not compatible with DirectX 9.0c, the  
computer may not work properly. If you are  
unsure whether or not your computer is  
compatible, contact the maker of your  
computer.  
92  
VQT1A34  
With a computer  
6 Click [Finish].  
Software application  
uninstallation  
Follow the steps below to uninstall any software  
applications that you no longer require.  
1 Select [start] # ([Settings] #)  
[Control Panel] #  
[Add or Remove Programs  
(Applications)].  
The computer must be rebooted for the  
application to work.  
Reading the operating  
instructions of the software  
applications  
2 Select [HD Writer Ver1.0E for  
SD1], then click [Change/  
Remove] ([Change or Remove] or  
[Add/Remove]).  
For details on how to use the software  
applications, read the PDF operating  
instructions.  
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or  
later to read the PDF operating instructions.  
Select [start] #  
[All Programs (Programs)] #  
[Panasonic] # [HD Writer Ver1.0E  
for SD1] # [Manual (PDF Format)].  
Proceed with the uninstallation by following  
the on-screen instructions.  
After uninstalling the software, be sure to  
reboot the computer.  
93  
VQT1A34  
With a computer  
3 Connect this unit and a  
Connection and recognition  
computer.  
Connection and recognition  
procedures  
After the software applications are installed, this  
unit must be connected to the computer and be  
correctly recognised by the computer.  
Connect after installing the software  
applications.  
Remove the supplied CD-ROM if it is inserted  
in the computer. (If the [Setup Menu] screen is  
displayed, wait until it finishes and then remove  
the CD-ROM.)  
A
A USB cable (supplied)  
This unit is automatically recognised by the  
computer.  
Insert the plugs as far as they will go. The unit  
and computer will not operate properly if the  
plugs are not inserted fully.  
Do not use any other USB connection cables  
except the supplied one. (Operation is not  
guaranteed with any other USB cables.)  
If the recognition procedure is not  
accomplished properly, operation will not be  
possible after connecting the unit to the  
computer.  
If the unit fails to operate normally, it may mean  
that you have not conducted the installation or  
recognition procedure properly.  
1 Insert the battery and connect  
the AC adaptor.  
When the unit is connected to a computer,  
the operation mode cannot be changed and  
its power cannot be turned off.  
In this case, disconnect the USB cable (l 96).  
When a computer is accessing the SD card in  
If you do not insert the battery and connect  
the AC adaptor, operation will not be  
possible after connecting this unit to the  
computer.  
2 Insert an SD card with recorded  
this unit, the card access lamp lights. (When a  
card is being accessed,  
appears on the  
images in this unit and then set  
LCD monitor.) Do not disconnect the USB  
cable or AC adaptor while the card is being  
accessed as it may damage the data.  
PC  
the mode dial to  
the power.  
to turn on  
It may be necessary to reboot the computer  
after connecting this unit to it for the first time.  
94  
VQT1A34  
With a computer  
ª Copying still pictures recorded  
on the SD card to a computer  
Card reader function (mass storage)  
When an SD card with recorded data on it is  
inserted into the unit and the unit is connected to  
a computer using a USB cable, the SD card can  
be used as an external drive so that still pictures  
on the card can be copied to the computer with  
Explorer or other programmes.  
About the computer display  
When the unit is connected to a computer, it is  
recognised as an external drive.  
[Removable Disk] is displayed in [My Computer].  
Example folder structure of an SD card:  
1 Set the mode dial on the unit to  
Removable Disk  
PC  
and connect the unit to the  
DCIM  
computer.  
[Removable Disk] is displayed in [My  
Computer].  
100CDPFP  
MISC  
2 Double click the folder that  
contains the files on the  
removable disk ([DCIM] #  
[100CDPFP]).  
PRIVATE  
AVCHD  
AVCHDTN  
BDMV  
3 Drag and drop the files onto the  
destination folder (on the  
computer hard disk).  
AVCHD format motion picture files  
([00000.MTS] etc.) are saved in the [BDMV]  
folder.  
The motion picture thumbnails are recorded in  
the [AVCHDTN] folder.  
JPEG format still pictures ([IMGA0001.JPG]  
etc.) are stored in the [100CDPFP] folder.  
These can be opened with picture software that  
supports JPEG pictures.  
Up to 999 files can be recorded in the  
[100CDPFP] or other such folder.  
The DPOF setting files are recorded in the  
[MISC] folder.  
Do not use the computer to delete the SD  
card’s folders. Otherwise, it may no longer be  
possible for this unit to read the SD card.  
Always use this unit to format SD cards.  
When data not supported by this unit has been  
recorded on a computer, it will not be  
recognised by this unit.  
We recommend HD Writer Ver1.0E for SD1  
for copying motion picture data to and from  
the SD card.  
Using Windows Explorer or other programmes  
on the computer to copy, move or rename  
files and folders recorded with this unit will  
result in them being unusable with HD Writer  
Ver1.0E for SD1.  
95  
VQT1A34  
With a computer  
2 Click the [Hardware] tab, then  
To disconnect USB cable safely  
click [Device Manager].  
1 Double click the  
icon in task  
tray displayed on the computer.  
Hardware disconnect dialogue appears.  
Depending on your computer’s settings,  
this icon may not be displayed.  
2 Select [USB Mass Storage  
Device] and click [Stop].  
3
Verify [MATSHITA HDC-SD1 USB  
Device] is selected and click [OK].  
Click [Close], and you can safely disconnect  
the cable.  
3 Verify the following items are  
displayed.  
Do not disconnect the USB cable while the card  
access lamp lights ( appears on the LCD  
monitor) as it may damage the data.  
Verifying the unit is correctly  
recognised by the computer  
To verify this unit is correctly recognised by the  
computer, rotate the mode dial on this unit to  
select PC connection mode, then connect the  
unit to the computer with a USB cable and follow  
the steps below.  
With some computers including those made by  
NEC, the Device Manager may not be  
displayed if a mode that places restrictions on  
the functions has been established. Consult the  
manufacturer or follow the steps in your  
computer’s operating instructions to establish a  
mode in which all the functions can be used,  
then proceed with operation.  
ª If the driver has been recognised  
properly  
[USB Mass Storage Device] is displayed at  
[Universal Serial Bus controllers].  
ª If the driver has not been  
recognised properly  
[!] or [Unknown device] appears at [Universal  
Serial Bus controllers] or [Other devices] etc.  
(Where the display will appear depends on the  
type of computer you are using.)  
1 Select [start] # ([Settings] #)  
[Control Panel] # ([Performance  
and Maintenance] #) [System].  
You can use the following methods to enable it to  
be recognised.  
Method 1: Turn off the unit and your computer  
once and try verifying again.  
Method 2: Remove the SD card and try verifying  
again.  
Method 3: Try connecting the unit to another  
USB port on your computer.  
96  
VQT1A34  
With a computer  
3 Connect this unit and a  
Using HD Writer Ver1.0E for  
SD1  
computer.  
Using HD Writer Ver1.0E for SD1, you can copy  
images recorded on this unit to the hard disk of  
the computer. When you want to playback  
images, write back the images from the hard disk  
of the computer to an SD card. You can then  
connect this unit to a TV to watch the images.  
(l 75)  
When using HD Writer Ver1.0E for SD1, log on  
to your computer as Administrator with a login  
name equally authorized. If you log on with a  
login name other than Administrator, you  
cannot use the applications.  
A
A USB cable (supplied)  
ª Copying data on an SD card to  
Insert the plugs as far as they will go. The  
unit and computer will not operate properly  
if the plugs are not inserted fully.  
Do not use any other USB connection  
cables except the supplied one. (Operation  
is not guaranteed with any other USB  
cables.)  
the hard disk of the computer  
1 Insert the battery and connect  
the AC adaptor.  
If you do not insert the battery and connect  
the AC adaptor, operation will not be  
possible after connecting this unit to the  
computer.  
4 (On the computer)  
Select [start] #  
2 Insert an SD card with recorded  
[All Programs (Programs)] #  
[Panasonic] # [HD Writer Ver1.0E  
for SD1] # [HD Writer].  
images in this unit and then set  
PC  
the mode dial to  
the power.  
to turn on  
The HD Writer Ver1.0E for SD1  
introductory screen is displayed. If [OK] is  
clicked, the software will start.  
5 Click the [Copy to PC] button.  
97  
VQT1A34  
With a computer  
6 Click the [Start copying] button.  
2 Click  
on the top right and  
select the folder with the image  
data you want to copy to the SD  
card.  
A confirmation message appears. Click  
[Yes] and copying starts.  
After copying is complete, a message  
appears. If [Yes] is clicked, all the motion  
pictures and still pictures on the SD card  
will be deleted.  
3 Select [Start writing] to copy the  
images from the hard disk of the  
computer to the SD card.  
ª Writing back to an SD card  
Insert an SD card in this unit and format the  
card. (l 74)  
(Use an SD card that can be used for motion  
picture recording. (l 20))  
Please be aware that if an SD card is  
formatted, then all the data recorded on the  
card will be erased. Store important data on a  
computer etc.  
Insert the battery and connect the AC  
adaptor, then rotate the mode dial to select  
A confirmation message appears. Click  
[Yes] and copying starts.  
PC  
.
Connect this unit to the computer and start  
HD Writer Ver1.0E for SD1.  
Refer to the operating instructions of the  
software (PDF file) for details on how to use it.  
Do not insert a disc created with HD Writer  
Ver1.0E for SD1 in a device that does not  
support the AVCHD format. It may no longer be  
possible to eject it. Also, the disc cannot be  
played back on devices that do not support the  
AVCHD format.  
1 Click the [Write data to media]  
button.  
Some discs created with HD Writer Ver1.0E for  
SD1 cannot be played on other devices, even if  
they support the AVCHD. In such cases,  
rewrite the motion pictures to the SD card and  
play them back on this unit instead.  
The menu screen created with HD Writer  
Ver1.0E for SD1 does not appear on this unit.  
Use a device that supports the AVCHD for  
playback.  
98  
VQT1A34  
With a computer  
If using Macintosh  
Even if the system requirements mentioned in these operating instructions are fulfilled, some personal  
computers cannot be used.  
Apple, Mac OS is either registered trademarks or trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. in the United  
States and/or other countries.  
PowerPC is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.  
®
TM  
®
TM  
Intel Core Solo and Intel Core Duo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Intel  
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.  
ª Operating environment for the card reader function (mass storage)  
Personal computer  
Macintosh  
OS  
Mac OS X v10.3 to v10.4  
CPU  
PowerPC G3 (400 MHz or higher)  
PowerPC G4  
PowerPC G5  
Intel Core Duo  
Intel Core Solo  
RAM  
64 MB or more  
USB port  
Interface  
The USB equipment operates with the driver installed as standard in the OS.  
Supplied CD-ROM is available for Windows only.  
ª Copying still pictures on PC  
1 Connect this unit to the personal computer via the supplied USB cable.  
2 Double-click [NO_NAME] or [Untitled] displayed on the desktop.  
Files are stored in [100CDPFP] folder etc. in the [DCIM] folder.  
3 Using a drag-and-drop operation, move the pictures you want to acquire  
or the folder storing those pictures to any different folder on the personal  
computer.  
ª To disconnect USB cable safely  
Drag [NO_NAME] or [Untitled] disk icon to the [Trash], and then disconnect the USB cable.  
99  
VQT1A34  
Others  
ª [SETUP]  
[FORMAT CARD] (l 74)  
[DISPLAY] (l 102)  
[DATE/TIME] (l 35)  
[DATE FORMAT] (l 35)  
[POWER SAVE] (l 102)  
[QUICK START] (l 27)  
[BEEP SOUND] (l 102)  
[LCD AI] (l 37)  
Others  
Menus and Indications  
Menu list  
Recording menus  
[LCD SET] (l 36)  
[COMPONENT OUT] (l 79)  
[HDMI RESOLUTION] (l 77)  
[VIERA Link] (l 82)  
[TV ASPECT] (l 75)  
[INITIAL SET] (l 102)  
[DEMO MODE] (l 102)  
ª [BASIC]  
[SCENE MODE] (l 58)  
[D.ZOOM] (l 47)  
[O.I.S.] (l 54)  
ª [LANGUAGE] (l 36)  
[GUIDE LINES] (l 55)  
[CLOCK SET] (l 35)  
ª [VIDEO]  
[REC MODE] (l 42)  
[FADE COLOUR] (l 50)  
[WIND CUT] (l 55)  
[ZOOM MIC] (l 48)  
[MIC LEVEL] (l 56)  
[AGS] (l 39)  
ª [PICTURE]  
[PICT. QUALITY] (l 46)  
[FLASH LEVEL] (l 54)  
[SHTR EFFECT] (l 45)  
ª [ADVANCED]  
[REC LAMP] (l 102)  
[ZEBRA] (l 57)  
[COLOUR BARS] (l 58)  
[MF ASSIST] (l 59)  
100  
VQT1A34  
Others  
Playback menus  
Playback menus  
(motion picture playback)  
(still picture playback)  
ª [PLAY SETUP]  
[PLAY MODE] (l 66)  
ª [PLAY SETUP]  
[SCENE PROTECT] (l 72)  
[REPEAT PLAY] (l 66)  
[RESUME PLAY] (l 67)  
[SCENE PROTECT] (l 70)  
[GUIDE LINES] (l 55)  
[DPOF SET] (l 73)  
ª [SETUP]  
[FORMAT CARD] (l 74)  
[DISPLAY] (l 102)  
ª [SETUP]  
[FORMAT CARD] (l 74)  
[DISPLAY] (l 102)  
[DATE/TIME] (l 35)  
[DATE FORMAT] (l 35)  
[POWER SAVE] (l 102)  
[BEEP SOUND] (l 102)  
[LCD AI] (l 37)  
[DATE/TIME] (l 35)  
[DATE FORMAT] (l 35)  
[POWER SAVE] (l 102)  
[BEEP SOUND] (l 102)  
[LCD AI] (l 37)  
[LCD SET] (l 36)  
[COMPONENT OUT] (l 79)  
[HDMI RESOLUTION] (l 77)  
[VIERA Link] (l 82)  
[TV ASPECT] (l 75)  
[LCD SET] (l 36)  
[COMPONENT OUT] (l 79)  
[HDMI RESOLUTION] (l 77)  
[VIERA Link] (l 82)  
[TV ASPECT] (l 75)  
ª [LANGUAGE] (l 36)  
ª [LANGUAGE] (l 36)  
101  
VQT1A34  
Others  
ª [BEEP SOUND]  
Menus related to [ADVANCED]  
and [SETUP]  
[OFF]  
[ON]  
This allows operations such as starting and  
ending recording to be signaled by a beep.  
When [OFF] is set, no beep is heard when an  
operation such as recording is started or ended.  
1 Beep  
ª [REC LAMP]  
[OFF]  
[ON]  
The recording lamp lights during recording and  
flashes when the unit receives a signal from the  
remote control or when the self-timer is counting  
down. When this is set to [OFF], it does not light  
during recording.  
When you start recording  
When you turn on the power  
When this unit is recognised by the computer or  
the printer etc.  
2 Beeps  
When you pause recording  
ª [DISPLAY]  
[OFF]  
[ON]  
When you turn off the power  
2 Beeps for 4 times  
When an error occurs e.g. recording not starting.  
Check the sentence displayed on the screen.  
(l 105)  
The screen indications are selected as shown in  
the illustration below.  
[OFF]  
ª [INITIAL SET]  
[YES]  
[NO]  
When there is a menu that cannot be selected  
due another function or mode being activated,  
set to [YES] for changing the menu settings back  
to the initial shipping condition.  
[ON]  
30min  
0h00m00s  
HN  
R30min  
AUTO  
(The language setting cannot be changed back  
to the initial shipping condition.)  
15.12.2006  
ª [DEMO MODE]  
ª [POWER SAVE]  
[OFF]  
This item is used to start the unit demonstration.  
(Only when the mode dial is at the position)  
[ON]  
[OFF]  
[5 MINUTES]  
[OFF]:  
If you set [DEMO MODE] to [ON] without  
inserting an SD card, the demonstration  
automatically starts. If any operation takes place,  
the demonstration is cancelled. However if no  
operations take place for approx. 10 minutes, the  
demonstration automatically starts again. To  
stop the demonstration, set [DEMO MODE] to  
[OFF] or insert an SD card. For normal use, set  
[DEMO MODE] to [OFF].  
The power saving function is not activated.  
[5 MINUTES]:  
When about 5 minutes have passed without any  
operation, this unit automatically turns off to  
prevent the battery from running down. When  
you use this unit, turn it on again.  
In the following cases, the unit may not turn off  
even when you set this to [5 MINUTES].  
– When using the AC adaptor  
– When connecting the unit to a computer or  
printer via the USB cable  
102  
VQT1A34  
Others  
Colour night view function  
Indications  
Zoom microphone  
Wind noise reduction  
Microphone level  
Zebra display  
ª Recording indications  
Motion picture recording  
30min  
0h00m00s  
HN  
R30min  
MNL  
MF  
,
,
Motion picture recording mode  
Sports mode  
AWB  
HF  
HN  
HE  
1
/
100  
OPEN  
0dB  
5
15. 12. 2007 15:30  
Portrait mode  
Still picture recording  
(when the PHOTO SHOT button is pressed  
halfway)  
Low light mode  
Spotlight mode  
Surf & snow mode  
Auto white balance  
30min  
0h00m00s  
HN  
R30min  
AWB  
MNL  
MF  
AWB  
Indoor mode (recording under  
incandescent lamp)  
1
/
100  
OPEN  
0dB  
MEGA  
2.1M  
100  
Outdoor mode  
Manual adjustment mode  
Flash  
Remaining battery power  
Remaining battery time  
ß/ßA/  
30min  
ßi/ßj  
Flash level  
R30min  
Remaining time for motion  
picture recording  
Red eye reduction  
Focus indication  
± (White)  
¥ (Green)  
0h00m00s  
15.12.2007  
15:30  
Elapsed recording time  
Date indication  
Ø
, Ø  
Self-Timer recording  
MEGA OIS  
10  
2
Time indication  
MEGA  
¥/; (Red)  
; (Green)  
Recording/writing to a card  
Recording pause  
Auto mode  
2.1M  
Number of recording pixels for  
still pictures  
1920k1080  
AUTO  
MNL  
MF  
(White)  
(Green)  
(Red)  
Card can be recorded to  
Recognizing the card  
Manual mode  
Manual focus  
Recording/accessing the card  
Still picture quality  
10t  
Zoom magnification indication  
Backlight compensation  
Image stabilizer  
Power LCD  
,
100  
Remaining number of still  
pictures  
1/100  
Shutter speed  
OPEN, F2.0  
0dB  
F number  
Gain value  
Soft skin mode  
Tele macro  
,
Fade (White), Fade (Black)  
103  
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Others  
ª Playback indications  
Motion picture playback  
Number of recording pixels for  
still pictures  
2.1M  
1920k1080  
The picture size is not displayed for still  
pictures recorded with other products that have  
different picture sizes from the sizes shown  
above.  
Still picture playback  
ª PC connection indications  
Accessing the card (When  
connected to a computer)  
ª Confirmatory indications  
–– (Time  
display)  
The built-in battery is low. (l 36)  
1
Playback  
;
Pause  
The warning/alarm indication  
appears when LCD monitor is  
rotated towards the lens side.  
Return the direction of the LCD  
monitor to normal position and  
check the warning/alarm  
indication.  
°
5/6  
7/8  
Cue/Review playback  
Last/first scene paused  
Skip playback  
9/:  
D/E  
Slow motion playback  
Frame-by-frame playback  
Playback time  
;1/2;  
0h00m00s  
No SD card is inserted/unusable  
card.  
Play mode  
All scenes  
Scenes recorded on the  
selected date  
No.10  
Scene number  
Volume adjustment  
Repeat playback  
Resume playback  
15  
100-0001  
PictBridge  
1
Still picture folder/file number  
display  
When a printer compatible  
with PictBridge is connected  
DPOF already set  
(to more than 1)  
Protected still pictures  
104  
VQT1A34  
Others  
Messages  
CANNOT RECORD.  
NO DATA.  
Data writing to the SD card has failed.  
There are no motion pictures or still pictures recorded on the SD  
card.  
If this message appears although data is recorded on the SD card,  
the condition of the card is probably not stable.  
Turn off the power and then turn it on again.  
CANNOT BE USED DUE  
The recording format is different so it cannot be used. Save the data  
TO INCOMPATIBLE DATA.  
on the SD card to a computer, then use the SD card after formatting  
it.  
CANNOT RECORD -  
INCOMPATIBLE CONTROL  
DATA.  
CHECK CARD.  
This card is not compatible or it cannot be recognised by the unit.  
THIS CARD CANNOT  
RECORD IN VIDEO MODE.  
An 8 MB or 16 MB SD card on which motion pictures cannot be  
recorded is inserted.  
CARD LOCKED.  
The write protection switch on the SD Card is set to LOCK. (l 21)  
NOW ACCESSING.  
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE  
CARD.  
The data is being processed. Close the card slot cover and wait for  
a while.  
CARD FULL.  
The SD card is full so no further data can be recorded. Delete  
unnecessary scenes/files or insert a new SD card. (l 28, 69, 71)  
CANNOT RECORD.  
THE NUMBER OF SCENES  
HAS EXCEEDED THE  
MAXIMUM LIMIT.  
The maximum number of recordable scenes on 1 SD card has been  
reached so recording is not possible. Delete unnecessary scenes or  
insert a new SD card. (l 28, 69, 71)  
CANNOT RECORD - DATE  
CAPACITY IS FULL.  
The number of scenes grouped together on a date has reached the  
maximum number so recording is not possible. Delete unnecessary  
scenes or insert a new SD card. (l 28, 69, 71)  
INTERNALTEMPERATURE The internal temperature of this unit is high so it cannot be operated.  
TOO HIGH. PLEASE TURN  
UNIT OFF AND WAIT A  
WHILE.  
Turn off the power, wait until the temperature falls and then turn on  
the power again.  
THIS BATTERY CANNOT  
BE USED.  
Use a battery that you can use for this unit. (l 24)  
You are attempting to connect an AC adaptor not compatible with  
this unit. Use the supplied AC adaptor. (l 25)  
If using a Panasonic battery compatible with this unit (l 24),  
remove the battery and then insert it again. If the message appears  
even after repeating this several times, this unit needs repair.  
Detach the power and consult the dealer who you purchased this  
unit from. Do not attempt to repair it by yourself.  
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CANNOT PROTECT.  
Scenes on SD cards for which the top menu has been created with  
HD Writer Ver1.0E for SD1 cannot be protected. (l 70)  
CANNOT RECORD IN AGS  
MODE.  
The AGS function is activated. (l 39)  
PUSH THE RESET  
SWITCH.  
An irregularity in the unit has been detected. Press the RESET  
button to restart the unit. (l 113)  
CANNOT SET.  
The [GUIDE LINES], [ZEBRA], [MF ASSIST] and [MIC LEVEL]  
menu settings cannot be set when the colour bar is set.  
CHANGE MODE TO USE  
USB.  
The USB cable is connected in recording mode.  
DISCONNECT USB  
CABLE.  
You are attempting to switch the mode dial from PC Connection  
mode to another mode with the USB cable connected.  
PLEASE CONNECT AC  
ADAPTOR AND BATTERY.  
You are attempting to connect to a computer in PC Connection  
mode when the AC adaptor is not connected or the battery is not  
inserted.  
RECONNECT USB CABLE. Disconnect the USB cable, then connect the AC adaptor with the  
battery inserted in this unit and reconnect the USB cable.  
DISCONNECT USB  
CABLE.  
The unit cannot correctly establish the connection to the computer  
or printer. Disconnect and then reconnect the USB cable.  
DISCONNECT USB  
CABLE.  
When the unit is connected to a computer, its power cannot be  
turned off.  
106  
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About recovery  
When the SD card is accessed, you try to playback a scene or faulty control information is read, one of  
the messages below may be displayed. (Depending on the error, this may take time.)  
CONTROL DATA ERROR HAS BEEN  
DETECTED.  
When connecting to AC adaptor or the remaining capacity of the battery is enough:  
[FINISHED.]  
When the remaining capacity of the battery is low:  
[PLEASE CONNECT AC ADAPTOR OR CHANGE BATTERY.]  
THUMBNAIL DATA ERROR IS  
DETECTED.  
When connecting to AC adaptor or the remaining capacity of the battery is enough:  
[THUMBNAIL DATA HAS BEEN REPAIRED SUCCESSFULLY.]  
When the remaining capacity of the battery is low:  
[PLEASE CONNECT AC ADAPTOR OR CHANGE BATTERY.]  
Use a sufficiently charged battery or the AC adaptor.  
Depending on the condition of the data, it may not be possible to completely repair the data.  
If the recovery fails, you will no longer be able to playback the scenes recorded before the power went  
off.  
When data recorded on another device is recovered, it may not be possible to play back the data on  
this unit or the other device.  
If the recovery fails, format the SD card on this unit.  
If the thumbnail information is recovered, displaying the thumbnails may become slower.  
107  
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Functions that cannot be used simultaneously  
Some functions in this unit are disabled or cannot be selected due to the unit’s specifications.  
The table below shows examples of functions restricted by various conditions.  
Functions  
Conditions which disable the functions  
Backlight compensation  
When the colour night view function is used  
When the iris/gain is set  
Colour night view (Set and cancel)  
Soft skin mode (Set and cancel)  
Tele macro (Set and cancel)  
Help mode  
While recording  
Shutter effect  
While recording motion pictures  
Flash  
While recording motion pictures  
When the colour night view function is used  
Zoom  
When the PHOTO SHOT button is pressed halfway  
Zoom microphone  
Wind noise reduction  
Scene mode  
An external microphone is used  
When setting the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to  
AUTO  
When the colour night view function is used  
MF assist function  
When digital zoom (12k or higher) is used  
Change of white balance  
When digital zoom (12k or higher) is used  
When the colour night view function is used  
Adjusting the shutter speed, iris/gain  
When the colour night view function is used  
When the scene mode is used  
108  
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Troubleshooting  
ª Unit operations  
Problem  
Check points  
Is the battery fully charged?  
# Charge it with the AC adaptor. (l 22)  
This unit cannot be  
turned on.  
The battery protection circuit may have operated. Attach the battery  
to the AC adaptor for 5 to 10 seconds. If the unit still cannot be  
used, the battery is faulty.  
Is the LCD monitor open?  
This unit is turned off  
automatically.  
If you do not use the unit for approximately 5 minutes, the power is  
automatically turned off to conserve the battery charge. To resume  
recording, turn the power back on.  
The power will not turn off automatically when the power save  
function (l 102) is set to [OFF].  
Are you connecting to a TV compatible with VIERA Link with a  
HDMI cable?  
# If you connect to a TV compatible with VIERA Link with a HDMI  
cable and turn off the power on the TV with the remote control for  
the TV, the power on this unit also turns off. If you are not using  
VIERA Link, set [VIERA Link] to [OFF]. (l 83)  
This unit does not stay  
on long enough.  
Is the battery low?  
# If the remaining battery power indication is flashing or the  
message “LOW BATTERY.” is displayed, the battery has run  
down. Charge the battery. (l 22)  
A clicking sound is heard This is the sound of the lens moving and is not a defect.  
when the unit is shaken.  
This sound will no longer be heard when the unit’s power is turned  
on.  
Battery runs down  
quickly.  
Is the battery fully charged?  
# Charge it with the AC adaptor. (l 22)  
Are you using the battery in an extremely cold place?  
# The battery is affected by ambient temperature. In cold places,  
the operating time of the battery becomes shorter.  
Has the battery worn out?  
# The battery has a limited life. If the operating time is still too short  
even after the battery is fully charged, the battery has worn out  
and can no longer be used.  
The minute display of the  
remaining battery power  
indication is not  
The remaining battery capacity indication is an approximation.  
If you think the remaining battery capacity indication is not displayed  
correctly, fully charge the battery, discharge it and then charge it  
again. (Even if this operation is performed, it may not be possible to  
display the remaining battery capacity correctly if the battery was  
used for a long period of time where the temperature was low or  
high or if the battery was repeatedly charged.)  
displayed correctly.  
109  
VQT1A34  
Others  
Problem  
Check points  
This unit cannot be  
operated though  
powered up.  
The unit cannot be operated if the LCD monitor is not opened.  
Press the RESET button. (l 113) If normal conditions are not  
restored yet, remove the battery or AC adaptor, wait about 1 minute  
and then reconnect the battery or AC adaptor. Then about 1 minute  
later, turn on the power again. (Conducting the above operation  
while the card is being accessed may damage the data on the  
SD card.)  
This unit does not  
operate normally.  
The remote control does  
not function.  
Has the button-type battery of the remote control run out?  
# Replace it with a new button-type battery. (l 19)  
The screen has changed  
suddenly.  
Has the demonstration started?  
# If you set [DEMO MODE] to [ON] without inserting an SD card in  
recording mode, the demonstration automatically starts.  
Normally this should be set to [OFF]. Press the MENU button,  
then select [SETUP] # [DEMO MODE] # [OFF] and press the  
cursor button.  
A function indication  
such as the remaining  
time indication or the  
elapsed time indication is  
not shown.  
If you set [SETUP] > [DISPLAY] > [OFF], indications other than  
warnings and date indications disappear.  
Recording does not start  
although power is  
supplied to this unit and  
the SD card is correctly  
inserted.  
Has the SD card’s write protect switch been set to LOCK?  
# No recording is possible while the write protect switch is set to  
LOCK. (l 21)  
Is the memory of the SD card full?  
# If there is no more available memory, free up some memory by  
deleting unnecessary scenes or use a new SD card. (l 28, 69,  
71)  
Is the unit set to recording mode?  
# No recording is possible if the mode dial is set to other than  
Is the card slot cover open?  
.
# If the card slot cover is open, this unit may not operate normally.  
Close the card slot cover.  
The unit arbitrarily stops  
recording.  
Can the SD card be used for motion picture recording?  
# Use an SD card that can be used for motion picture recording.  
(l 20)  
Is the AGS function activated?  
# Record in the normal horizontal position or set [AGS] to [OFF].  
(l 39)  
110  
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Others  
Problem  
Check points  
Is manual focus mode selected?  
# Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to AUTO.  
Auto focus function does  
not work.  
Are you trying to record a scene which is hard to bring into focus in  
auto focus mode?  
# There are some recording subjects and surroundings for which  
the auto focus does not operate correctly. (l 119) If so, use the  
manual focus mode to adjust the focus. (l 59)  
Recorded still pictures  
are not clear.  
Are you trying to record small or finely detailed objects with  
[PICT. QUALITY] set at [  
# If you try to record small or finely detailed objects with  
[PICT. QUALITY] set at [ ], the images may break up into a  
]?  
mosaic-like pattern. Record with [PICT. QUALITY] set at [  
]
instead. (l 46)  
Sound is not played back  
from the built-in speaker  
of this unit.  
Is the volume too low?  
# During playback, move the volume lever to display the volume  
indication and adjust it. (l 65)  
Sound is played back  
from one side of  
speakers when motion  
pictures recorded on this  
unit are played back on  
another device.  
The internal microphones of this unit record sound with Dolby Digital  
5.1 Creator. When the sound is played back on another device, if  
stereo 2 channel speakers on TV are used, the sound may be  
played back from one side of the speakers.  
When the TV has surround sound effect function, we recommend  
using it.  
Refer to the operating instructions of the TV for how to operate the  
surround sound effect.  
Although this unit is  
correctly connected to a  
TV, images cannot be  
seen.  
Does the input switch on the TV match the connected terminal?  
# Please read the operating instructions of your TV and select the  
channel that matches the input used for the connection.  
Is the [TV ASPECT] setting correct?  
# Change the setting to match the aspect ratio of the TV.  
Press the MENU button, then select [SETUP] # [TV ASPECT]  
# [16:9] or [4:3] and press the cursor button.  
The images are squeezed  
horizontally.  
Are the HDMI and component cables connected to the unit while in  
recording or PC connection mode?  
# If both HDMI and component cables are to be connected, set the  
unit to playback mode.  
111  
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Others  
Problem  
Check points  
Scenes cannot be  
deleted.  
Is the scene on the SD card protected?  
# Protected scenes cannot be deleted. Release the protect setting.  
(l 70)  
Scene which cannot be displayed as thumbnails (the thumbnails are  
displayed as  
) cannot be deleted. If the scenes are  
unnecessary, format the card to erase the data. (l 74) Please be  
aware that if a card is formatted then all the data recorded on the  
card will be erased.  
Is the file on the SD card protected?  
# Protected files cannot be deleted. Release the protect setting.  
(l 72)  
If the SD card’s write protect switch is set to LOCK, then deletion is  
disabled. (l 21)  
The images on the SD  
card do not look normal.  
The data may be destroyed. It may have been destroyed by static or  
electromagnetic waves. Store important data on a computer or other  
products as well.  
Even if an SD card is  
formatted, it cannot be  
used.  
Either this unit or the SD card may be damaged. Please consult a  
dealer. Use an SD card from 8 MB to 4 GB with this unit.  
If the SD card is inserted  
in this unit, it is not  
recognised.  
Is the SD card formatted on a computer inserted?  
# Use this unit to format SD cards. Please be aware that if an SD  
card is formatted, then all the data recorded on the card will be  
erased. (l 74)  
If the SD card is inserted  
in another device, it is not  
recognised.  
Check that the device is compatible with the capacity or type of SD  
card (SD Memory Card/SDHC Memory Card) that you inserted.  
(l 20)  
# Refer to the operating instructions of the device for details.  
The indication  
disappears.  
Is this unit connected to a computer?  
# No operation can be performed on this unit when it is connected  
to a computer.  
The screen is frozen.  
Turn off the power to this unit. If the power cannot be turned off,  
press the RESET button, or remove the battery or AC adaptor and  
then reattach it. After that, turn on the power again. If normal  
operation is still not restored, detach the power connected, and  
consult the dealer who you purchased this unit from.  
No operation can be  
performed.  
112  
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Others  
Problem  
Check points  
“PUSH THE RESET  
SWITCH.” is displayed.  
The unit has automatically detected an error. Press the RESET  
button with the projecting part of the grip belt A. This will restart the  
unit.  
1A  
If you do not press the RESET button, the power to this unit is  
turned off automatically about 1 minute later.  
Even after you press the RESET button, the indication may still  
appear repeatedly. If so, this unit needs repair. Detach the power  
connected, and consult the dealer who you purchased this unit  
from. Do not attempt to repair the unit by yourself.  
113  
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Others  
ª When connected to another device  
Problem  
Check points  
VIERA Link does not  
work.  
Are you connecting with the component cable or the AV cable?  
# Connect with a HDMI cable (optional). (l 82)  
Is the [VIERA Link] setting appropriate?  
# Press the MENU button, then select [SETUP] # [VIERA Link] #  
[ON] with the cursor button.  
Depending on HDMI terminal of the TV, the input channel may not  
switch automatically. In this case, use the remote control for the TV  
to switch input. (For details on how to switch input, please read the  
operating instructions for the TV.)  
Check the VIERA Link setting on the connected device.  
Turn the power to the unit off and then back on again.  
Set [Ctrl with HDMI] to [Off] on the TV (VIERA) and then turn it back  
to [On]. (Refer to the operating instructions of the TV (VIERA) for  
details.)  
With the VIERA Link on,  
the power to the unit  
does not turn off even if  
the TV is turned off.  
Is the mode dial on the unit set to PC connection mode?  
# VIERA Link does not work with the unit in PC connection mode.  
ª With a computer  
Problem  
Check points  
Even if connected by the  
USB cable, this unit is not  
recognised by the  
computer.  
Have you set this unit to the correct mode?  
# This unit is not recognised in recording/playback mode. Set it to  
PC connection mode.  
Is the battery inserted and the AC adaptor connected?  
# Insert the battery and connect the AC adapter when connecting  
this unit on the computer.  
Select another USB terminal on the computer.  
Check the operating environment. (l 90)  
Turn the power to the unit off and then back on again and reconnect  
the USB cable.  
When the USB cable is  
disconnected, an error  
message will appear on  
the computer.  
To disconnect the USB cable safely, double-click the  
task tray and follow the instructions on the screen.  
icon in the  
Cannot playback a disc  
written to with HD Writer  
Ver1.0E for SD1.  
There is no playback function on HD Writer Ver1.0E for SD1. To  
playback the disc, use commercially available playback software  
that supports the AVCHD.  
Cannot see the PDF  
operating instructions for  
HD Writer Ver1.0E for  
SD1.  
Is Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or later installed in the computer you  
are using?  
# You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or later to read the PDF  
operating instructions for HD Writer Ver1.0E for SD1.  
114  
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Do not spray insecticides or volatile  
chemicals onto the unit.  
If the unit is sprayed with such chemicals, its  
body may be marred and the surface finish may  
peel off.  
Cautions for use  
(For Australia)  
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.  
Do not leave rubber or plastic products in  
contact with the unit for a long time.  
When you use the unit in a sandy or dusty  
place such as a beach, do not let sand or fine  
dust get into the body and terminals of the  
unit.  
About this unit  
The unit and the SD card become warm during  
use. However, this is not a malfunction.  
Also, keep the unit away from sea water.  
Sand or dust may damage the unit. (Care  
should be taken when inserting and removing a  
card.)  
If sea water splashes onto the unit, wipe off the  
water with a well wrung cloth. Then wipe the  
unit again with a dry cloth.  
Keep the High Definition Video Camera as far  
away as possible from electromagnetic  
equipment (such as microwave ovens, TVs,  
video games etc.).  
If you use the High Definition Video Camera on  
top of or near a TV, the pictures and sound on  
the High Definition Video Camera may be  
disrupted by electromagnetic wave radiation.  
Do not use the High Definition Video Camera  
near cell phones because doing so may result  
in noise adversely affecting the pictures and  
sound.  
When carrying the unit, do not drop or bump  
it.  
A strong impact can break the unit’s casing,  
causing it to malfunction.  
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 the High  
Definition Video Camera, disturbing the  
pictures and sound.  
If the High Definition Video Camera is  
adversely affected by electromagnetic  
equipment and stops functioning properly, turn  
the High Definition Video Camera off and  
remove the battery or disconnect AC adaptor.  
Then reinsert the battery or reconnect the AC  
adaptor and turn the High Definition Video  
Camera on.  
Do not use benzine, paint thinner or alcohol  
for cleaning the unit.  
Before cleaning, detach the battery or pull out  
the AC cable from the AC outlet.  
The camera body may be discoloured and the  
surface finish may peel off.  
Wipe the unit with a soft dry cloth to remove  
dust and fingerprints. To remove stubborn  
stains, thoroughly wring a cloth that has been  
soaked in a neutral detergent diluted with water  
and wipe the unit with it. Afterwards, wipe it  
with a dry cloth.  
When you use a chemical dust cloth, follow the  
instructions that came with the cloth.  
Do not use the unit for surveillance purposes  
or other business uses.  
If you use the unit for a long time, heat will build  
up inside it and this may cause a malfunction.  
This unit is not intended for business use.  
Do not use the High Definition Video Camera  
near radio transmitters or high-voltage lines.  
If you record near radio transmitters or  
high-voltage lines, the recorded pictures and  
sound may be adversely affected.  
Make sure to use the supplied cords and  
cables. If you use optional accessories, use  
the cords and the cables supplied with them.  
Do not extend the cords and the cables.  
When you are not going to use the unit for an  
extended time  
When storing the unit in a cupboard or cabinet,  
it is recommended that you place a desiccant  
(silica gel) in with it.  
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If you drop the battery accidentally, check to  
see if the terminals are damaged.  
Attaching a battery with damaged terminals can  
damage the unit or AC adaptor.  
About the battery  
The battery used in this unit is a rechargeable  
lithium-ion battery. It is susceptible to humidity  
and temperature and the effect increases the  
more the temperature rises or falls. In cold areas,  
the full charge indication may not appear or the  
low battery indication may appear about  
Do not throw old battery into fire.  
Heating a battery or throwing it into a fire may  
result in an explosion.  
5 minutes after starting use. At high  
temperatures, the protection function may be  
triggered, making it impossible to use the unit.  
If the operating time is very short even after  
the battery has been recharged, the battery  
has worn out. Please purchase a new battery.  
Be sure to detach the battery after use.  
If the battery is left attached, a minute amount  
of current continues to flow even if the unit’s  
power is off. Keeping the unit in this state may  
result in over discharge of the battery. This may  
result in you not being able to use the battery  
even after it is charged.  
The battery should be stored in the vinyl bag so  
metal does not come into contact with the  
terminals.  
The battery should be stored in a cool place  
free from humidity, with as constant  
temperature as possible. (Recommended  
temperature: 15 °C to 25 °C, Recommended  
humidity: 40% to 60%)  
Extremely high temperatures or low  
temperatures will shorten the life of the battery.  
If the battery is kept in high-temperature,  
high-humidity, or oily-smoky places, the  
terminals may rust and cause malfunctions.  
To store the battery for a long period of time,  
we recommend you charge it once every year  
and store it again after you have completely  
used up the charged capacity.  
About the AC adaptor  
If the temperature of the battery is extremely  
high or extremely low, charging may take time  
or the battery may not be charged.  
If the charging lamp keeps flashing, make sure  
that the terminals of the battery or the AC  
adaptor are not exposed to dirt, foreign objects  
or dust, then reconnect them properly.  
Disconnect the AC cable from the AC outlet  
when you remove dirt, foreign objects or dust  
on the terminals of the battery or the AC  
adaptor.  
If the charging lamp is still flashing, something  
may be wrong with the battery or AC adaptor.  
Contact your dealer.  
If you use the AC adaptor near a radio, radio  
reception may be disturbed. Keep the AC  
adaptor 1 m or more away from the radio.  
When using the AC adaptor, it may generate  
whirring sounds. However, this is normal.  
After use, be sure to disconnect the AC  
adaptor. (If it is left connected, a minute amount  
of current is consumed.)  
Dust and other matter attached to the battery  
terminals should be removed.  
Always keep the electrodes of the AC adaptor  
and battery clean.  
Prepare spare batteries when going out for  
recording.  
Put this unit near the outlet to make it easy  
for the interrupting device (plug) to reach it.  
Prepare batteries appropriate to 3 to 4 times  
the period during you want to record pictures in.  
In cold places such as a ski resort, the period  
during which you can record pictures is  
shortened.  
When you travel, do not forget to bring an AC  
adaptor so that you can recharge the batteries  
at your destination.  
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About the SD card  
LCD monitor  
The memory capacity indicated on the label of  
an SD card is the total of the capacity for  
copyright protection and management and the  
capacity which can be used on the unit, a  
computer etc.  
When the LCD monitor gets dirty, wipe it with a  
dry soft cloth.  
In a place with drastic temperature changes,  
condensation may form on the LCD monitor.  
Wipe it with soft dry cloth.  
During prolonged use, the unit’s surfaces and  
the SD card will heat up slightly. This is normal.  
When the unit has become very cold, for  
example due to storage in a cold area, its LCD  
monitor will be slightly darker than usual  
immediately after the power is turned on. The  
normal brightness will be restored when the  
unit’s internal temperature rises.  
Always set the mode dial to OFF when  
inserting or removing an SD card.  
While this unit accesses the SD card (while  
or  
is being displayed/the access  
Extremely high precision technology is  
employed to produce the LCD Monitor screen  
featuring a total of approximately 251,000  
pixels. The result is more than 99.99%  
effective pixels with a mere 0.01% of the  
pixels inactive or always lit. However, this is  
not a malfunction and does not affect the  
recorded picture.  
lamp is lit), do not remove the SD card,  
operate the mode dial, turn off the power or  
shake or impact the unit.  
About the miniSD Card  
Be sure to insert miniSD Cards in the dedicated  
card adaptor before use. Inserting a card in this  
unit without the adaptor may damage the unit  
or the card.  
Do not insert an empty card adaptor in this unit.  
Do not leave the adaptor in this unit while  
inserting or removing miniSD Cards. This may  
cause the unit to malfunction.  
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Explanation of terms  
About condensation  
Automatic white balance  
When condensation forms on the unit, the lens  
will cloud up and the unit may not work properly.  
Make every effort to ensure that condensation  
does not form. If it does form, take the actions  
described below.  
White balance adjustment recognises the colour  
of light and adjusts so the white colour will  
become a purer white. The unit determines the  
hue of light that comes through the lens and  
white balance sensor, thereby judging the  
recording condition, and selects the closest hue  
setting.  
This is called automatic white balance  
adjustment.  
However, since the unit only stores white colour  
information under several light sources,  
automatic white balance adjustment does not  
function normally under other light sources.  
Causes of condensation  
Condensation takes place when the ambient  
temperature or humidity is changed as  
follows.  
When this unit is brought inside from the cold  
(e.g. a ski slope) to a warm room.  
When this unit is moved from an  
air-conditioned car to outside.  
When a cold room has been warmed up  
quickly.  
2)  
10 000K  
9
8
000K  
000K  
3)  
7
6
000K  
000K  
When cool wind from an air conditioner is  
directly blown onto this unit.  
4)  
5)  
5
4
000K  
000K  
After summer afternoon showers of rain.  
When this unit is in a very humid place where  
the air is thick with steam. (e.g. a heated  
swimming pool)  
6)  
1)  
7)  
3
000K  
8)  
When this unit is taken to a location with a  
significant temperature difference such as  
from a cold place to a hot place.  
9)  
2
1
000K  
000K  
10)  
If, for example, you have used this unit for  
recording on a ski slope and are taking it into a  
heated room, place the unit inside a plastic bag,  
remove as much of the air from inside the bag as  
possible, then seal the bag. Leave the unit for  
about an hour in the room so the temperature of  
the unit is close to the ambient temperature of  
the room, then use it.  
The illustration above shows the range over  
which the auto white balance functions.  
1) The effective range of automatic white  
balance adjustment on this unit  
2) Blue sky  
3) Cloudy sky (rain)  
4) TV screen  
5) Sunlight  
6) White fluorescent lamp  
7) Halogen light bulb  
8) Incandescent light bulb  
9) Sunrise or sunset  
10) Candlelight  
What to do with the lens is fogged  
up.  
Remove the battery or AC adaptor and leave the  
unit for about 1 hour. When the unit becomes  
close to the ambient temperature, the fog  
disappears naturally.  
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Outside of the effective range of automatic white  
balance adjustment, the image will become  
reddish or bluish. Even within the effective range  
of automatic white balance adjustment, the  
automatic white balance adjustment may not  
function properly if there is more than one light  
source. For light outside the functional automatic  
white balance adjustment range, use the manual  
white balance adjustment mode.  
Recording a subject behind dirty or dusty  
window  
The subject behind the window will not be  
focused because the focus is on the dirty  
window.  
Similarly, when recording something on the  
opposite side of a road with heavy traffic, a  
vehicle that happens to pass by may be brought  
into focus.  
Recording a subject that is surrounded by  
objects with glossy surfaces or by highly  
reflective objects  
Since whatever is shiny or glistens is brought into  
focus, it is hard to focus on the subject to be  
recorded. The focus may become blurry when  
recording subjects at the seashore, in night  
views or in scenes involving fireworks or special  
lights.  
White balance  
The images recorded by the unit may become  
bluish or reddish under the influence of certain  
light sources. To avoid such phenomena, adjust  
the white balance.  
White balance adjustment determines the white  
colour under different light sources. By  
recognizing which is the white colour under  
sunlight and which is the white colour under a  
fluorescent light, the unit can adjust the balance  
among the other colours.  
Recording a subject in dark surroundings  
The unit cannot focus correctly because the light  
information that comes through the lens  
decreases considerably.  
Since the white colour is the reference for all the  
colours (that make up light), the unit can record  
pictures in a natural hue if it can recognise the  
reference colour white.  
Recording a fast-moving subject  
As the focus lens-inside moves mechanically, it  
cannot keep up with a fast-moving subject.  
When, for example, recording a sports event with  
fast moving subjects, the focus may lose its  
sharpness.  
Auto focus  
The lens is moved forward or backward  
automatically to bring the subject into focus.  
Auto focus has the following characteristics.  
Adjusts so that the vertical lines of a subject are  
seen more clearly.  
Attempts to bring an object with higher contrast  
into focus.  
Recording a subject with little contrast  
It is easy to bring subjects with a sharp contrast  
or vertical lines or stripes into focus. This means  
that a subject with little contrast, such as a white  
wall, may become blurry because the unit  
achieves focus based upon the vertical lines of  
an image.  
Focuses on the screen centre only.  
Due to these characteristics, auto focus does not  
work correctly in the following situations. Record  
pictures in the manual focus mode.  
Recording distant and close-up objects at the  
same time  
Since the unit focuses on whatever is at the  
centre of the screen, it is difficult to bring the  
background into focus when close-up objects are  
placed in focus. When recording people with  
distant mountains in the background, you cannot  
focus on both the subject which is close-up and  
the objects which are in the distance.  
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Specifications  
High Definition Video Camera  
Information for your safety  
Power source:  
DC 9.3 V (When using AC adaptor)  
DC 7.2 V (When using battery)  
Recording: 8.0 W  
Power consumption:  
Signal system  
Recording format  
Image sensor  
1080/50i  
AVCHD format compliant  
1/4z 3CCD image sensor  
Total: 560 Kk3  
Effective pixels:  
Motion picture: 520 Kk3  
Still picture: 520 Kk3  
Lens  
Auto Iris, F1.8 to F2.8  
Focal length:  
4.0 mm to 48.0 mm  
Macro (Full range AF)  
Filter diameter  
Zoom  
43 mm  
12k optical zoom, 30k/700k digital zoom  
3z wide LCD monitor (approx. 251 K pixels)  
5.1 channel surround microphone (with a zoom function)  
1 round speaker 20 mm  
Monitor  
Microphone  
Speaker  
White balance  
adjustment  
Auto tracking white balance system  
Standard illumination  
1,400 lx  
Minimum required  
illumination  
Approx. 6 lx (1/50 in Low light mode)  
Approx. 2 lx with the colour night view function  
Video output level  
1.0 Vp-p, 75 h  
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Component terminal  
output level  
Y: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 h  
Pb: 0.7 Vp-p, 75 h  
Pr: 0.7 Vp-p, 75 h  
HDMI terminal output  
level  
HDMI Ver. 1.2a [1125i (1080i)/625p (576p)]  
Audio output level (Line)  
Mic input  
316 mV, 600 h  
Mic sensitivity j50 dB (0 dB=1 V/Pa, 1 kHz)  
(3.5 mm stereo mini jack)  
USB  
Card reader/writer function (No copyright protection support)  
Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0), USB terminal Type miniB  
PictBridge-compliant  
Flash  
Available range: Approx. 1.0 m to 2.5 m  
Dimensions  
74.1 mm (W)k67.0 mm (H)k137 mm (D)  
(excluding projecting parts)  
Mass  
Approx. 430 g  
(without supplied battery and an SD card)  
Mass in operation  
Operating temperature  
Approx. 490 g  
(with supplied battery and an SD card)  
0 °C to 40 °C  
(0 °C to 30 °C when connected to the computer)  
Operating humidity  
10% to 80%  
See page 24  
Battery operation time  
Motion pictures  
Recording media  
SD Memory Card:  
256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB (FAT12 and FAT16 system compliant)  
SDHC Memory Card:  
4 GB (FAT32 system compliant)  
Compression  
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264  
Recording mode and  
transfer rate  
: Approx. 13 Mbps (CBR)  
: Approx. 9 Mbps (VBR)  
: Approx. 6 Mbps (VBR)  
HF  
HN  
HE  
Audio compression  
Dolby Digital (Dolby AC3), 5.1 ch  
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Still pictures  
Recording media  
SD Memory Card:  
8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB  
(FAT12 and FAT16 system corresponding)  
SDHC Memory Card:  
4 GB (FAT32 system corresponding)  
Compression  
Picture size  
JPEG (Design rule for Camera File system, based on Exif 2.2  
standard), DPOF corresponding  
1920k1080  
AC adaptor  
Information for your safety  
Power source:  
Power consumption:  
DC output:  
AC 110 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz  
19 W  
DC 9.3 V, 1.2 A (Unit operation)  
DC 8.4 V, 0.75 A (Battery charging)  
Dimensions  
Mass  
92 mm (W)k33 mm (H)k61 mm (D)  
Approx. 115 g  
Battery pack  
Information for your safety  
Maximum voltage:  
Nominal voltage:  
Rated capacitance:  
DC 8.4 V  
DC 7.2 V  
1320 mAh  
Specifications may change without prior notice.  
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F0107Mk0 ( 1000 A )  
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.  
Web site: http://panasonic.net  

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