Panasonic HDC SDX1P User Manual

Operating Instructions  
High Definition Video Camera  
Model No.  
HDC-SDX1P  
Before connecting, operating or adjusting this product, please read the instructions completely.  
Spanish Quick Use Guide is included.  
Guía para rápida consulta en español está incluida.  
For USA and Puerto Rico assistance, please call: 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or,  
contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo  
VQT2W55  
FCC Note:  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital  
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide  
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This  
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed  
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio  
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a  
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or  
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the  
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following  
measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the  
receiver is connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
FCC Caution:  
To assure continued compliance, follow the attached installation  
instructions and use only shielded interface cables with ferrite  
core when connecting to computer or peripheral devices.  
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for  
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.  
Declaration of Conformity  
Trade Name:  
Model No.:  
Panasonic  
HDC-SDX1P  
Responsible party:  
Panasonic Corporation of North America  
One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094  
Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company  
1-800-211-PANA (7262)  
Support Contact:  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following  
two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device  
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired  
operation.  
HDC-SDX1P  
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Battery pack (Lithium ion battery pack)  
Use the specified unit to recharge the battery pack.  
Do not use the battery pack with equipment other than the specified unit.  
Do not get dirt, sand, liquids, or other foreign matter on the terminals.  
Do not touch the plug terminals (i and j) with metal objects.  
Do not disassemble, remodel, heat or throw into fire.  
If any electrolyte should come into contact with your hands or clothes, wash it off  
thoroughly with water.  
If any electrolyte should come into contact with your eyes, never rub the eyes. Rinse eyes  
thoroughly with water, and then consult a doctor.  
Warning  
Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not disassemble, heat above 60 oC (140 oF) or  
incinerate.  
AC adaptor  
This AC adaptor operates on AC between 110 V and 240 V.  
But  
In the U.S.A. and Canada, the AC adaptor must be connected to a 120 V AC power  
supply only.  
When connecting to an AC supply outside of the U.S.A. or Canada, use a plug adaptor  
to suit the AC outlet configuration.  
When connecting to a supply of greater than AC 125 V, ensure the cord you use is  
suited to the voltage of the AC supply and the rated current of the AC adaptor.  
Contact an electrical parts distributor for assistance in selecting a suitable AC plug  
adaptor or AC cord set.  
The unit should be installed near an accessible AC power outlet, with the power cord  
connected directly to it.  
To completely disconnect power from the unit, unplug the power cord from the AC power  
outlet.  
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Product Identification Marking  
Product  
High Definition Video Camera  
AC adaptor  
Location  
Battery holder  
Bottom  
U.S.A. CONSUMERS: ATTENTION:  
A lithium ion/polymer battery that is recyclable powers the product  
you have purchased. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information  
on how to recycle this battery.  
<For USA-California only>  
This product contains a CR Coin Cell Lithium Battery which contains Perchlorate Material –  
special handling may apply.  
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.  
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IMPORTANT SAFETY  
INSTRUCTIONS  
Read these operating instructions carefully before using the unit. Follow the safety  
instructions on the unit and the applicable safety instructions listed below. Keep these  
operating instructions handy for future reference.  
1) Read these instructions.  
2) Keep these instructions.  
3) Heed all warnings.  
11) Only use attachments/accessories  
specified by the manufacturer.  
12) Use only with the  
cart, stand, tripod,  
bracket, or table  
specified by the  
4) Follow all instructions.  
manufacturer, or  
sold with the  
apparatus. When a  
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.  
6) Clean only with dry cloth.  
cart is used, use caution when moving  
the cart/apparatus combination to avoid  
injury from tip-over.  
7) Do not block any ventilation openings.  
Install in accordance with the  
manufacturer’s instructions.  
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning  
storms or when unused for long periods  
of time.  
8) Do not install near any heat sources  
such as radiators, heat registers,  
stoves, or other apparatus (including  
amplifiers) that produce heat.  
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service  
personnel. Servicing is required when  
the apparatus has been damaged in any  
way, such as power-supply cord or plug  
is damaged, liquid has been spilled or  
objects have fallen into the apparatus,  
the apparatus has been exposed to rain  
or moisture, does not operate normally,  
or has been dropped.  
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the  
polarized or grounding-type plug. A  
polarized plug has two blades with one  
wider than the other. A grounding-type  
plug has two blades and a third  
grounding prong. The wide blade or the  
third prong are provided for your safety.  
If the provided plug does not fit into your  
outlet, consult an electrician for  
replacement of the obsolete outlet.  
10) Protect the power cord from being  
walked on or pinched particularly at  
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the  
point where they exit from the  
apparatus.  
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Precautions  
USE & LOCATION  
STORAGE OF YOUR CAMERA ... Store  
and handle your camera in a manner that  
will not subject it to unnecessary  
movement (avoid shaking and striking).  
Your camera contains a sensitive pick-up  
device which could be damaged by  
improper handling or storage.  
WARNING  
TO AVOID SHOCK HAZARD ... Your  
camera and power supply should not be  
exposed to rain or moisture. Do not  
connect the power supply or operate your  
camera if it gets wet. Your camera has  
been designed for outdoor use, however it  
is not designed to sustain direct exposure  
to water, rain, sleet, snow, sand, dust, or a  
direct splashing from a pool or even a cup  
of coffee. This action could permanently  
damage the internal parts of your camera.  
Do not attempt to disassemble this unit.  
There are no user serviceable parts  
inside. Unplug your camera from the  
power supply before cleaning.  
CARE  
TO CLEAN YOUR CAMERA ... Do not  
use strong or abrasive detergents when  
cleaning your camera body.  
TO PROTECT THE LENS ... Do not touch  
the surface of the lens with your hand.  
Use a commercial camera lens solution  
and lens paper when cleaning the lens.  
Improper cleaning can scratch the lens  
coating.  
TO PROTECT THE FINISH OF YOUR  
CAMERA ... Before handling your  
camera, make sure your hands and face  
are free from any chemical products, such  
as suntan lotion, as it may damage the  
finish.  
AS WITH ANY SMALL OBJECT, SD  
CARDS CAN BE SWALLOWED BY  
YOUNG CHILDREN. DO NOT ALLOW  
CHILDREN TO HANDLE THE SD CARD.  
CAUTION  
-If you see this symbol-  
DO NOT AIM YOUR CAMERA AT THE  
SUN OR OTHER BRIGHT OBJECTS  
DO NOT EXPOSE YOUR CAMERA TO  
EXTENDED HIGH TEMPERATURE ...  
Such as, in direct sunlight, inside a closed  
car, next to a heater, etc... This action  
could permanently damage the internal  
parts of your camera.  
Information on Disposal in other  
Countries outside the European  
Union  
This symbol is only  
valid in the European  
Union.  
If you wish to discard  
this product, please  
contact your local  
authorities or dealer  
and ask for the correct  
method of disposal.  
AVOID SUDDEN CHANGES IN  
TEMPERATURE ... If the unit is suddenly  
moved from a cold place to a warm place,  
moisture may form on the SD card and  
inside the unit.  
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAMERA OR  
THE POWER SUPPLY TURNED ON  
WHEN NOT IN USE.  
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Functions that can be used for still picture  
recording (including the still picture  
recording in Motion Picture Recording  
Mode)/still picture playback are indicated  
About the recording format for  
recording motion pictures  
You can select from either AVCHD or MP4  
recording formats to record motion pictures  
using this unit. (l 57)  
by  
in these operating  
instructions.  
AVCHD: You can record high definition  
quality images with this format. It is suitable  
for viewing on a large format TV or for  
saving to disc.  
Pages for reference are indicated by an  
arrow, for example: l 00  
MP4: This is a recording format suitable for  
playing back or editing on a PC. It can be  
processed faster than AVCHD when it is  
imported to a PC.  
Indemnity about recorded  
content  
Panasonic does not accept any  
responsibility for damages directly or  
indirectly due to any type of problems that  
result in loss of recording or edited content,  
and does not guarantee any content if  
recording or editing does not work properly.  
Likewise, the above also applies in a case  
where any type of repair is made to the unit.  
Cards that you can use with  
this unit  
SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card  
and SDXC Memory Card  
4 GB or more Memory Cards that do not  
have the SDHC logo or 48 GB or more  
Memory Cards that do not have the SDXC  
logo are not based on SD Memory Card  
Specifications.  
Refer to page 22 for more details on SD  
cards.  
For the purposes of these  
operating instructions  
SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card  
and SDXC Memory Card are referred to  
as the “SD card”.  
Functions that can be used for motion  
picture recording/motion picture playback  
are indicated by  
in these  
operating instructions.  
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Contents  
Accessories........................................... 11  
Quick Guide........................................... 12  
Advanced  
Recording (Advanced)  
Preparation  
[1] Zoom in/out function................. 46  
Extra Optical Zoom...................... 46  
[2] Image Stabilizer Function ......... 47  
Optical Image Stabilizer Lock ...... 48  
[3] AF/AE tracking ........................... 49  
[4] Recording with  
the video light ............................ 50  
[5] Recording functions of  
operation icons.......................... 51  
Operation icons............................ 51  
[6] Recording functions  
Before using  
[1] Parts identification and  
handling...................................... 15  
Setup  
[1] Power supply.............................. 18  
Inserting/removing the battery ..... 19  
Charging the battery .................... 20  
Charging and recording time........ 21  
[2] Recording to a card ................... 22  
Cards that you can use  
with this unit ................................. 22  
Inserting/removing an SD card .... 23  
[3] Turning the unit on/off............... 24  
Turning the unit on and off with  
of menus..................................... 56  
[7] Manual recording....................... 70  
White balance.............................. 71  
Manual shutter speed/  
iris adjustment.............................. 72  
Manual focus adjustment............. 73  
the power button .......................... 24  
Turning the unit on and off with  
Playback (Advanced)  
the LCD monitor........................... 24  
[4] Selecting a mode ....................... 25  
[5] Adjusting LCD monitor.............. 26  
How to use the touch screen ....... 26  
Recording Yourself....................... 26  
[6] Setting date and time................. 27  
[1] Playback Operations ................. 74  
Motion picture playback using  
operation icon .............................. 74  
Creating still picture from  
motion picture .............................. 75  
Highlight&Time frame index......... 76  
Repeat playback.......................... 76  
Resuming the previous  
playback....................................... 77  
Zooming in on a still picture  
Basic  
Recording/Playback  
[1] Before recording........................ 28  
[2] Recording motion pictures ....... 29  
[3] Recording still pictures............. 31  
Recording still pictures in Motion  
Picture Recording Mode .............. 32  
[4] Intelligent Auto Mode ................ 33  
[5] Motion picture/Still picture  
during playback  
(Playback zoom).......................... 77  
[2] Various playback functions ...... 78  
Playing back motion pictures/  
still pictures by date ..................... 78  
Face Highlight Playback/  
playback...................................... 35  
Highlight Playback/  
Intelligent Scene Selection .......... 79  
Changing the playback setting  
and playing back  
Setup  
[1] Using the menu screen ............. 39  
[2] Using the Setup Menu ............... 40  
the slide show.............................. 82  
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Editing  
Using with a PC  
[1] Deleting scenes/  
[1] Starting HD Writer AE 2.6X ..... 113  
Reading the operating  
still pictures................................ 83  
Dividing a scene to partially  
instructions of the software  
delete (AVCHD) ........................... 84  
Dividing a scene to partially  
delete (MP4) ................................ 85  
Deleting personal information ...... 86  
Protecting scenes/still pictures..... 87  
[2] DPOF setting .............................. 88  
applications................................ 113  
[2] If using Mac.............................. 114  
[3] To use as a camera for  
Skype ........................................ 115  
How to connect.......................... 116  
Others  
With a TV  
Indications  
[1] Watching Video/Pictures  
on your TV .................................. 89  
Connecting with  
[1] Indications................................ 117  
[2] Messages.................................. 120  
About recovery........................... 121  
Troubleshooting ................................. 122  
Cautions for use ................................. 128  
About copyright.................................. 134  
Recording modes/approximate  
a HDMI mini cable........................ 92  
Connecting with  
the AV multi cable ........................ 92  
[2] Playback using VIERA Link  
(HDAVI Control )....................... 93  
recordable time................................... 135  
Approximate number of recordable  
pictures................................................ 136  
Specifications ..................................... 137  
Optional accessories ......................... 141  
Accessory Order Form  
Copy/Dubbing  
With this unit/other products  
[1] Connecting a DVD burner to  
copy to/play back a disc................ 95  
Preparing for copying/  
(For USA and Puerto Rico  
playing back................................. 95  
Copying to discs........................... 97  
Playing back the copied disc........ 99  
Managing the copied disc .......... 100  
[2] Dubbing images onto other  
video devices ........................... 101  
Customers) ................................ 143  
Limited Warranty  
(ONLY FOR U.S.A. AND  
PUERTO RICO).................................... 144  
Index .................................................... 146  
Spanish Quick Use Guide/  
Guía española para  
el uso rápido ....................................... 148  
With a PC  
Before using  
[1] What you can do with a PC..... 102  
End User License Agreement.... 104  
[2] Operating environment ........... 105  
Setup  
[1] Installation ................................ 108  
[2] Connecting to a PC.................. 110  
About the PC display ................. 112  
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Accessories  
Check the accessories before using this unit.  
Keep the accessories out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.  
Product numbers correct as of Jun. 2010. These may be subject to change.  
Battery pack  
VW-VBK180  
AC adaptor  
VSK0711  
AC cable  
K2CA2CA00025  
AV multi cable  
K1HY12YY0004  
USB cable  
K1HY04YY0032  
Stylus pen  
VGQ0C14  
CD-ROM  
Software  
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Quick Guide  
Inserting the battery  
Install the battery by inserting it in the  
direction shown in the figure.  
Access lamp [ACCESS] A  
When this unit is accessing the SD  
card, the access lamp lights up.  
1) Open the LCD monitor.  
2) Open the SD card cover and insert  
(remove) the SD card into (from) the  
card slot B.  
Face the label side C in the direction  
shown in the illustration and press it  
straight in as far as it will go.  
A
Insert the battery until it clicks and locks.  
Press the center of the SD card and then  
pull it straight out.  
Charging the battery  
3) Securely close the SD card cover.  
Securely close it until it clicks.  
Turning the unit on/off  
Turning the unit on and off with the  
power button  
Press the power button to turn on the unit.  
A
1
DC input terminal  
Connect the AC adaptor to the DC input  
terminal.  
2
Connect the AC cable to the AC  
adaptor, then the AC outlet.  
The status indicator will flash red at an  
interval of 2 seconds, indicating that  
charging has begun.  
A
The status indicator lights on.  
It will turn off when the charging is  
completed.  
To turn off the unit, hold down the power  
button until the status indicator goes off.  
Turning the unit on and off with the LCD  
monitor  
Inserting/removing an SD card  
Unit is turned on when the LCD monitor is  
opened, and unit is turned off when it is closed.  
To turn on the unit  
A
The status indicator lights on.  
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To turn off the unit  
Language selection  
1) Press the MENU button, then touch  
[SETUP] # [LANGUAGE].  
2) Touch [English].  
Recording motion pictures  
B
The status indicator goes off.  
1) Change the mode to  
.
2) Open the LCD monitor.  
3) Press the recording start/stop button to  
start recording.  
Selecting a mode  
Operate the mode switch to change the  
mode to  
,
or  
.
Motion Picture Recording  
Mode (l 29)  
A
When you begin recording,  
;
changes to  
¥.  
Still Picture Recording Mode  
(l 31)  
Recording still pictures  
1) Change the mode to  
2) Open the LCD monitor.  
.
Playback Mode (l 35, 74)  
3) Press the  
picture.  
button fully to take the  
How to use the touch screen  
You can operate by directly touching the  
LCD monitor (touch screen) with your finger.  
It is easier to use the stylus pen (supplied)  
for detailed operation or if it is hard to  
operate with your fingers.  
Touch and release the touch screen to select  
icon or picture.  
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(Motion picture playback)  
1/;: Playback/Pause  
Motion picture/Still picture  
playback  
6:  
5:  
:  
Rewind playback  
1) Change the mode to  
.
Fast forward playback  
Stops the playback and shows  
the thumbnails.  
2) Touch the play mode select icon A.  
1:  
Displays the direct playback bar.  
(l 75)  
(Still picture playback)  
1/;: Slide show (playback of the still  
pictures in numerical order)  
start/pause.  
3) Select the [VIDEO/PICTURE] you wish  
to play back.  
Touch [ENTER].  
4) Touch the scene or the still picture to be  
played back.  
2;: Plays back the previous picture.  
;1: Plays back the next picture.  
:  
Stops the playback and shows  
the thumbnails.  
F
Touch  
/
F
to display/not-display the  
operation icon.  
B
is displayed when [AVCHD] is  
touched or is displayed when  
[MP4] is touched in step 3.  
Next (previous) page can be displayed by  
touching  
/
.
5) Select the playback operation by  
touching the operation icon.  
0h00m00s  
F
C
Operation icon  
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Preparation  
Before using  
Parts identification and  
handling  
1
1
2
Power button [  
Delete/Video light button  
/LIGHT] ( l 50, 83)  
] (l 24)  
1 2 34  
5
[
3
4
Intelligent auto/Manual button  
[iA/MANUAL] (l 33, 70)  
Optical image stabilizer button  
[
O.I.S.] (l 47)  
5
6
7
Recording start/stop button (l 29)  
Battery holder (l 19)  
HDMI mini connector [HDMI]  
6
(l 89, 93)  
AV MULTI  
8
9
USB terminal [ ] (l 96, 110, 116)  
AV multi connector [AV MULTI]  
(l 89, 101)  
10  
7
8 9  
Use the AV multi cable (only the supplied  
cable).  
10 Access lamp [ACCESS] (l 23)  
11 Card slot (l 23)  
11  
12  
12 SD card cover (l 23)  
13 Speaker  
14 Lens cover opening/closing switch  
When not using the unit, close the lens  
cover to protect the lens.  
Slide the opening/closing switch to  
open/close the cover.  
14  
15  
13  
16  
17  
15 Lens cover  
16 Built-in flash (l 53)  
17 Lens  
18 Internal stereo microphones  
19 Video light (l 50, 69)  
18  
19  
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20 LCD monitor (Touch screen) (l 26)  
21  
22  
20  
It can open up to 90o.  
23  
It can rotate up to 180o A towards the lens  
or 90o B towards the opposite direction.  
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.  
21 Menu button [MENU] (l 39)  
22 Adjust zoom buttons (l 46)  
23 Sub recording start/stop button  
(l 28)  
This button functions in the same manner  
as the recording start/stop button.  
24 Tripod receptacle  
24  
25 Battery release lever [BATT] (l 19)  
25  
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26 Photoshot button [  
] (l 31)  
2728  
26  
27 Zoom lever [W/T] (In Motion Picture  
Recording Mode or Still Picture  
Recording Mode) (l 46)  
Thumbnail display switch [  
/
]/  
Volume lever [sVOLr] (In Playback  
Mode) (l 37)  
28 Mode switch (l 25)  
29 Status indicator (l 24)  
30 DC input terminal (l 20)  
Do not use any other AC adaptors except  
the supplied one.  
31 Grip belt  
Adjust the length of the grip belt so that it fits  
your hand.  
29  
31  
30  
1
2
3
Flip the belt.  
Adjust the length.  
Replace the belt.  
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Preparation  
Setup  
Power supply  
1
About batteries that you can use with this unit  
The battery that can be used with this unit is VW-VBK180/VW-VBK360.  
The unit has a function for distinguishing batteries which can be used safely. The  
dedicated battery (VW-VBK180/VW-VBK360) supports this function. The only  
batteries suitable for use with this unit are genuine Panasonic products and  
batteries manufactured by other companies and certified by Panasonic. (Batteries  
which do not support this function cannot be used). Panasonic cannot in any way  
guarantee the quality, performance or safety of batteries which have been  
manufactured by other companies and are not genuine Panasonic products.  
It has been found that counterfeit battery packs which look very similar to the genuine  
product are made available to purchase in some markets. Some of these battery packs  
are not adequately protected with internal protection to meet the requirements of  
appropriate safety standards. There is a possibility that these battery packs may lead  
to fire or explosion. Please be advised that we are not liable for any accident or failure  
occurring as a result of use of a counterfeit battery pack. To ensure that safe products  
are used we would recommend that a genuine Panasonic battery pack is used.  
18  
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Inserting/removing the battery  
Press the power button to turn off the unit. (l 24)  
Install the battery by inserting it in the direction shown in the figure.  
Removing the battery  
Be sure to hold down the power button until  
the status indicator goes off. Then remove  
the battery while supporting the unit to  
prevent it from dropping.  
Move the battery release lever in the  
direction indicated by the arrow and  
remove the battery when unlocked.  
A
Insert the battery until it clicks  
and locks.  
ャ モ ヵ  
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.  
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Charging the battery  
When this unit is purchased, the battery is not charged. Charge the battery fully  
before using this unit for the first time.  
Important:  
Use the supplied AC adaptor. Do not use the AC adaptor of another device.  
Do not use the AC cable with any other equipment as it is designed only for this unit.  
Also, do not use the AC cable from other equipment with this unit.  
The battery can also be charged using a battery charger (VW-BC10PP; optional).  
The battery will not be charged if the unit is turned on.  
A
DC input terminal  
1 Connect the AC adaptor to the DC input terminal.  
2 Connect the AC cable to the AC adaptor, then the AC outlet.  
The status indicator will flash red at an interval of 2 seconds, indicating that charging has  
begun.  
It will turn off when the charging is completed.  
Connecting to the AC outlet  
If you turn on the unit while charging with the AC adaptor, you can use the unit with power  
supplied from the outlet.  
If the status indicator flashes at a particularly fast or slow rate, refer to page 131.  
We recommend using Panasonic batteries (l 11, 21, 141).  
If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee the quality of this product.  
Do not heat or expose to flame.  
Do not leave the battery(ies) in an automobile exposed to direct sunlight for a long period  
of time with doors and windows closed.  
20  
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Charging and recording time  
Charging/Recording time  
Temperature: 25 oC (77 oF)/humidity: 60%RH  
Battery model  
Maximum  
Recording continuous  
Actual  
recordable  
time  
number  
[Voltage/Capacity  
(minimum)]  
Charging  
time  
Recording  
format  
mode  
recordable  
time  
HA/HG  
HX/HE  
1 h 45 min  
1 h 50 min  
1 h 55 min  
2 h  
AVCHD  
MP4  
55 min  
Supplied battery/  
VW-VBK180  
(optional)  
[3.6 V/1790 mAh]  
1280k  
720p  
2 h 50 min  
1 h  
640k480p  
1 h 50 min  
3 h 40 min  
55 min  
960k540p  
HA  
1 h 50 min  
1 h 55 min  
2 h  
AVCHD  
MP4  
HG/HX/HE  
VW-VBK360  
(optional)  
1280k  
720p  
3 h 55 min  
4 h 5 min  
4 h 50 min  
[3.6 V/3580 mAh]  
640k480p  
2 h 5 min  
3 h 50 min  
2 h  
960k540p  
These times are approximations.  
The indicated charging time is for when the battery has been discharged completely.  
Charging time and recordable time vary depending on the usage conditions such as  
high/low temperature.  
The actual recordable time refers to the recordable time when repeatedly starting/stopping  
recording, turning the unit on/off, moving the zoom lever etc.  
The batteries heat up after use or charging. This is not a malfunction.  
Battery capacity indication  
The display changes as the battery capacity reduces.  
#
#
#
#
If there is less than 3 minutes remaining, then  
will become red. If the battery  
discharges, then will flash.  
The remaining battery capacity is displayed when using the Panasonic battery that you  
can use for this unit. The actual time can vary depending on your actual use.  
When using the AC adaptor or batteries made by other companies, the remaining  
battery capacity will not be shown.  
21  
VQT2W55  
Preparation  
Setup  
Recording to a card  
2
This unit (an SDXC compatible device) is compatible with SD Memory Cards, SDHC  
Memory Cards and SDXC Memory Cards. When using an SDHC memory card/SDXC  
memory card with other equipment, check the equipment is compatible with these  
memory cards.  
Cards that you can use with this unit  
Use SD cards conforming to Class 4 or higher of the SD Speed Class Rating* for  
motion picture recording.  
Still  
Card type  
Capacity  
Motion picture recording  
picture  
recording  
8 MB/16 MB Cannot be used.  
32 MB/64 MB/  
SD  
Memory  
Card  
Cannot be guaranteed in operation.  
128 MB/256 MB  
512 MB/1 GB/  
2 GB  
Can be  
used.  
4 GB/6 GB/8 GB/  
12 GB/16 GB/  
24 GB/32 GB  
SDHC  
Memory  
Card  
Can be used.  
SDXC  
Memory  
Card  
48 GB/64 GB  
* The SD Speed Class Rating is the speed standard for successive writes.  
4 GB or more Memory Cards that do not  
have the SDHC logo or 48 GB or more  
When the write-protect  
switch A on SD card is  
Memory Cards that do not have the SDXC  
locked, no recording,  
32  
logo are not based on SD Memory Card  
deletion or editing will be  
Specifications.  
possible on the card.  
Keep the Memory Card out of reach of  
children to prevent swallowing.  
22  
VQT2W55  
Inserting/removing an SD card  
When using an SD card not from Panasonic, or one previously used on other equipment,  
for the first time on this unit, format the SD card. (l 44) When the SD card is formatted, all  
of the recorded data is deleted. Once the data is deleted, it cannot be restored.  
Caution:  
Check that the access lamp has gone off.  
Access lamp [ACCESS] A  
When this unit is accessing the SD  
card, the access lamp lights up.  
1 Open the LCD monitor.  
2 Open the SD card cover and  
insert (remove) the SD card  
into (from) the card slot B.  
Face the label side C in the direction  
shown in the illustration and press it  
straight in as far as it will go.  
Press the center of the SD card and then  
pull it straight out.  
3
Securely close the SD card cover.  
Securely close it until it clicks.  
Do not touch the terminals on the back of  
the SD card.  
Do not place SD cards in the following  
areas:  
Do not apply strong shocks, bend, or drop  
the SD card.  
Electrical noise, static electricity or the  
failure of this unit or the SD card may  
damage or erase the data stored on the  
SD card.  
jIn direct sunlight  
jIn very dusty or humid areas  
jNear a heater  
jLocations susceptible to significant  
difference in temperature (condensation  
can occur.)  
When the card access lamp is lit, do not:  
jRemove the SD card  
jTurn the unit off  
jInsert and remove the USB cable  
jExpose the unit to vibrations or shock  
Performing the above while the lamp is on  
may result in damage to data/SD card or  
this unit.  
jWhere static electricity or  
electromagnetic waves occur  
To protect SD cards, return them to their  
cases when you are not using them.  
About disposing of or giving away the SD  
card. (l 131)  
Do not expose the terminals of the SD  
card to water, garbage or dust.  
23  
VQT2W55  
Preparation  
Setup  
Turning the unit on/off  
3
You can turn the unit on and off using the power button or by opening and closing the LCD  
monitor.  
Turning the unit on and off with the power button  
Press the power button to turn on the unit.  
To turn off the unit  
Hold down the power button  
until the status indicator  
goes off.  
A
The status indicator lights on.  
Turning the unit on and off with the LCD monitor  
Unit is turned on when the LCD monitor is opened, and unit is turned off when it is closed.  
During normal use, opening and closing of the LCD monitor can be conveniently used  
to turn the unit on/off.  
To turn on the unit  
To turn off the unit  
A
The status indicator lights on.  
B
The status indicator goes off.  
The unit will not turn off while recording motion pictures even if the LCD monitor is closed.  
In the following cases, opening the LCD monitor does not turn on the unit. Press the power  
button to turn on the unit.  
jWhen the unit is originally purchased  
jWhen you have turned off the unit using the power button  
24  
VQT2W55  
Preparation  
Setup  
Selecting a mode  
4
Change the mode to recording or playback.  
Operate the mode switch to change the mode to  
,
or  
.
Motion Picture Recording Mode (l 29)  
Still Picture Recording Mode (l 31)  
Playback Mode (l 35, 74)  
25  
VQT2W55  
Preparation  
Setup  
Adjusting LCD monitor  
5
About the operation icons  
How to use the touch  
screen  
/
/
/
:
These icons are used to switch the menu  
and thumbnail display page, for item  
selection and setting etc.  
You can operate by directly touching the  
LCD monitor (touch screen) with your finger.  
It is easier to use the stylus pen (supplied)  
for detailed operation or if it is hard to  
operate with your fingers.  
:
Touch to return to the previous screen  
such as when setting menus  
Touch  
Touch and release the touch screen to select  
icon or picture.  
Do not touch on the LCD monitor with  
hard pointed tips, such as ball point pens.  
Perform the touch screen calibration when  
the touch is not recognized or wrong  
location is recognized. (l 44)  
Recording Yourself  
Touch the center of the icon.  
Touching the touch screen will not operate  
while you are touching another part of the  
touch screen.  
¬ Change the mode to  
or  
.
Rotate the LCD monitor towards  
the lens side.  
Drag  
Move your finger while pressing on the touch  
screen. Can be used during direct playback  
and playback zoom.  
The image is horizontally flipped as if you  
see a mirror image. (However the image  
recorded is the same as a normal recording.)  
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 120)  
26  
VQT2W55  
Preparation  
Setup  
Setting date and time  
6
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 perform steps 2 to 3 below to set the date and time.  
¬ Change the mode to  
or  
.
The date and time function is driven by a  
built-in lithium battery.  
When this unit is purchased, the clock is  
set. If the time display becomes [- -], the  
built-in lithium battery needs to be  
charged. To recharge the built-in lithium  
battery, connect the AC adaptor or attach  
the battery to this unit. Leave the unit as it  
is for approx. 24 hours and the battery will  
maintain the date and time for approx.  
6 months. (The battery is still being  
recharged even if the unit is off.)  
1 Select the menu.  
: [SETUP] # [CLOCK SET]  
2 Touch the date or time to be  
set, then set the desired value  
using  
/
.
A
Displaying the World time setting  
(l 40):  
[HOME]/  
[DESTINATION]  
The year can be set between 2000 and  
2039.  
The 12-hour system is used to display the  
time.  
3 Touch [ENTER].  
The clock function starts at [00] seconds.  
A message prompting for World time  
setting may be displayed. Perform the  
World time setting by touching the screen.  
(l 40)  
Touch [EXIT] or press the MENU button to  
complete the setting.  
27  
VQT2W55  
Basic  
Recording/  
Playback  
Before recording  
1
Basic camera positioning  
1
2
3
Hold the unit with both hands.  
Put your hand through the grip belt.  
It is convenient to use the Sub-recording Start/Stop button A when holding the unit at  
waist level.  
When recording, make sure your footing is stable and there is no danger of colliding with  
another person or object.  
When you are outdoors, record pictures with the sunlight behind you. If the subject is  
backlit, it will become dark in the recording.  
Keep your arms near your body and separate your legs for better balance.  
Do not cover the microphones.  
Basic motion picture recording  
The unit should normally be held steady when recording.  
If you move the unit when recording, do so slowly, maintaining a constant speed.  
The zoom operation is useful for recording subjects you cannot get close to, but overuse of  
zoom in and zoom out can make the resulting motion picture less enjoyable to watch.  
28  
VQT2W55  
Basic  
Recording/  
Playback  
Recording motion  
pictures  
2
Open the lens cover before turning on the unit. (l 15)  
1 Change the mode to  
.
2 Open the LCD monitor.  
3 Press the recording start/  
stop button to start  
recording.  
A
When you begin recording, ;  
changes to ¥.  
4 Press the recording start/  
stop button again to pause  
recording.  
There are 2 recording formats that can be used with this unit: AVCHD that records  
full high-definition motion pictures, and MP4 that records motion pictures suitable  
for playback and editing on a PC. To change the recording format, refer to page 57.  
Still pictures can be recorded while recording the motion picture. (l 32)  
The images recorded between pressing the recording start/stop button to start recording  
and pressing it again to pause recording become one scene.  
When you record with the recording format set to MP4, the scene will automatically be  
divided to a specific period of time or specific file size. (Recording will continue.)  
In the case of SD cards it is the maximum number of recordable scenes per card.  
Recording formats  
AVCHD  
MP4  
Maximum number of recordable scenes  
Maximum number of different dates(l 78)  
Approx. 3900  
Approx. 200  
Approx. 89100  
Approx. 900  
When the number of recordable scenes or number of different dates reaches to the  
maximum limit, additional scenes cannot be recorded.  
While recording is in progress, the recording will not stop even if the LCD monitor is closed.  
Maximum number of recordable scenes and maximum number of different dates will be  
less than above when there are both MP4 scenes and still pictures recorded on an SD  
card.  
29  
VQT2W55  
Screen indications in the Motion Picture Recording Mode  
A
B
Recording mode  
Approximate remaining recordable  
time  
0h00m00s  
R 1h20m  
HG  
(When the remaining time is less than  
1 minute, [R 0h00m] flashes red.)  
Recording time elapsed  
C
Each time the unit is put into recording  
pause, the counter display will be reset  
to “0h00m00s”.  
(“h” is an abbreviation for hour, “m” for  
minute and “s” for second.)  
About the compatibility of the recorded motion pictures  
Only motion pictures recorded with the recording format set to AVCHD are supported by  
AVCHD compatible equipment. Also, there is no compatibility with non-AVCHD  
compatible equipment. Images cannot be played with equipment that does not support  
AVCHD (ordinary DVD recorders). Confirm that your equipment supports AVCHD by  
referring to the operating instructions.  
Only motion pictures recorded with the recording format set to MP4 are supported by  
MP4 compatible equipment. Also, there is no compatibility with non-MP4 compatible  
equipment. Images cannot be played with equipment that does not support MP4.  
Confirm that your equipment supports MP4 by referring to the operating instructions.  
It is not always possible to play back motion pictures recorded with the recording format  
set to “AVCHD” on AVCHD compatible equipment. In such a case, play back on this unit  
instead.  
It is not always possible to play back motion pictures recorded with the recording format  
set to “MP4” on MP4 compatible equipment. In such a case, play back on this unit  
instead.  
30  
VQT2W55  
Basic  
Recording/  
Playback  
Recording still pictures  
3
Open the lens cover before turning on the unit. (l 15)  
1 Change the mode to  
.
2 Open the LCD monitor.  
3 Press the  
button  
halfway. (For Auto focus  
only)  
4 Press the  
button fully.  
Focus indication:  
A
B
Focus indication  
± (The white lamp flashes.):  
Focusing  
¥ (The green lamp lights up.):  
When in focus  
No mark:  
When focusing is unsuccessful.  
Focus area (area inside brackets)  
If you set the Optical image stabilizer function (l 47) to  
(MODE1), then the Image  
Stabilizer function will be more effective. ( (MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer) will be  
MEGA  
displayed when the  
button is pressed halfway.)  
In dark environments, the video light will turn on.  
Focus indication will change to registered focus icon when [FACE RECOG.] is set to [ON].  
(l 60)  
Using a flash or tripod is recommended when recording still pictures in dark places  
because the shutter speed becomes slow.  
The screen will become darker when the  
speed is 1/30 or slower.  
button is pressed halfway if the shutter  
To print a picture, print using a PC or a printer.  
31  
VQT2W55  
Focus area is not displayed in the  
following conditions.  
jWhen the Intelligent Auto Mode  
(Portrait) is used  
About the screen indications in  
Still Picture Recording  
MEGA  
jWhen AF/AE tracking is used  
jWhen the Extra optical zoom is used  
jWhen it is judged that the video light is  
required  
2.9M  
R3000  
:
Still picture operation indicator  
(l 118)  
Flash (l 53)  
Recording still pictures in  
Motion Picture Recording  
Mode  
ß:  
ßj:  
Flash level (l 53)  
:
Red-eye reduction (l 54)  
MEGA optical image stabilizer  
(l 31)  
Optical image stabilizer (l 47)  
Quality of still pictures (l 67)  
Size of still pictures (l 66)  
Remaining number of still pictures  
(Flashes in red when [0] appears.)  
AF assist lamp (l 69)  
You can record still pictures even in Motion  
Picture Recording Mode.  
:
:
MEGA  
¬ Change the mode to  
.
:
Press the  
button fully (press  
:
2.9M  
to the bottom) to take the picture.  
R3000:  
:
About the focus indication  
The focus indication indicates the status of  
the Auto focus.  
The focus indication does not appear in  
Manual Focus Mode.  
It is possible to record still pictures while  
recording motion pictures. (Simultaneous  
recording)  
Remaining number of recordable pictures  
is displayed while still pictures are being  
recorded.  
The focus indication does not appear or has  
difficulty focusing in the following cases.  
jWhen close subjects and far subjects  
are included in the same scene  
jWhen the scene is dark  
Built-in flash, Red-eye reduction,  
Self-timer (l 54) do not work.  
While recording motion pictures or during  
the PRE-REC operation, image quality is  
different from ordinary still pictures so that  
motion picture recording takes preference  
over still picture recording.  
jWhen there is a bright part in the scene  
jWhen the scene is filled with only  
horizontal lines  
About 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.  
If simultaneous recording is used while  
recording a motion picture, the recordable  
time remaining will shorten. If the unit is  
turned off or the mode switch operated,  
the recordable time remaining may  
lengthen.  
32  
VQT2W55  
Basic  
Recording/  
Playback  
Intelligent Auto Mode  
4
The following modes appropriate for the condition are set just by pointing the unit to what you want to record.  
Intelligent auto/Manual button  
Press this button to switch Intelligent  
Auto Mode/Manual Mode.  
Please refer to page 70 for details about  
Manual Mode.  
Mode  
Scene  
Effect  
Portrait  
When the object is a Faces are detected and focused  
person  
automatically, and the brightness is  
adjusted so it is recorded clearly.  
Scenery  
Recording outdoors The whole landscape will be recorded  
vividly without whiting out the background  
sky, which may be very bright.  
*1  
*1  
Spotlight  
Low light  
Under a spotlight  
Very bright object is recorded clearly.  
Dark room or twilight It can record very clearly even in a dark  
room or twilight.  
*2  
*2  
*2  
Night portrait Recording night  
portrait  
A subject and the background are  
recorded with near real-life brightness.  
Night scenery Recording night  
scenery  
You can record night scenery vividly by  
slowing the shutter speed.  
Macro  
Recording zooming  
in on a flower etc.  
This allows recording at very close  
proximity to the object of recording.  
*1  
*2  
Normal  
Other situations  
Contrast is adjusted automatically for  
clear images.  
*1 In Motion Picture Recording Mode only  
*2 In Still Picture Recording Mode only  
Depending on the recording conditions, the unit may not enter the desired mode.  
In the Portrait, Spotlight and Low light mode, a subject that is bigger and close to center of  
the screen will be surrounded by an orange frame. (l 61)  
Using a tripod is recommended in Night Portrait and Night Scenery Mode.  
Faces cannot be detected depending on the recording conditions, such as when faces are  
of certain sizes or at certain tilts or when digital zoom is used.  
The zoom microphone is set to [OFF] in the Intelligent Auto Mode. (l 63)  
33  
VQT2W55  
Intelligent Auto Mode  
Auto focus  
The unit focuses automatically.  
Auto focus does not work correctly in the  
following situations. Record pictures in the  
Manual Focus Mode. (l 73)  
jRecording distant and close-up objects  
at the same time  
When switching to Intelligent Auto Mode, the  
Auto White Balance and Auto Focus operate  
and automatically adjust the color balance  
and focusing.  
Depending on the brightness of the subject  
etc., the aperture and shutter speed are  
automatically adjusted for an optimum  
brightness.  
jRecording a subject behind a dirty or  
dusty window  
jRecording a subject that is surrounded  
by objects with glossy surfaces or by  
highly reflective objects  
Color balance and focus may not be  
adjusted automatically depending on light  
sources or scenes. If so, manually adjust  
these settings. (l 71, 73)  
Automatic white balance  
The illustration shows the range over which  
Automatic white balance functions.  
2)  
10 000K  
9 000K  
8 000K  
3)  
7 000K  
6 000K  
4)  
5 000K  
4 000K  
5)  
1)  
6)  
3 000K  
7)  
8)  
9)  
2 000K  
1 000K  
1) The effective range of Automatic white  
balance adjustment on this unit  
2) Blue sky  
3) Cloudy sky (rain)  
4) Sunlight  
5) White fluorescent lamp  
6) Halogen light bulb  
7) Incandescent light bulb  
8) Sunrise or sunset  
9) Candlelight  
If the Automatic White Balance is not  
functioning normally, adjust the white  
balance manually. (l 71)  
34  
VQT2W55  
Basic  
Recording/  
Playback  
Motion picture/Still  
picture playback  
5
1 Change the mode to  
.
2 Touch the play mode select icon A.  
3 Select the [VIDEO/PICTURE] you wish  
to play back.  
Touch [ENTER].  
35  
VQT2W55  
4 Touch the scene or the still picture to be  
played back.  
A
is displayed when [AVCHD] is touched or  
is  
displayed when [MP4] is touched in step 3.  
Next (previous) page can be displayed by touching  
/
.
5 Select the playback operation by touching the operation icon.  
B
Operation icon  
0h00m00s  
F
Touch  
icon.  
/
F
to display/not-display the operation  
F
Motion picture playback  
1/;: Playback/Pause  
Still picture playback  
1/;: Slide show (playback of the still  
pictures in numerical order)  
start/pause.  
2;: Plays back the previous picture.  
;1: Plays back the next picture.  
6:  
5:  
:  
Rewind playback  
Fast forward playback  
Stops the playback and shows  
the thumbnails.  
1:  
Displays the direct playback  
bar. (l 75)  
:  
Stops the playback and shows  
the thumbnails.  
36  
VQT2W55  
Change the thumbnail display  
While the thumbnail is displayed, the thumbnail display changes in the following order if the  
zoom lever or adjust zoom buttons are operated to  
side or  
side.  
20 scenes () 9 scenes () 1 scene () Highlight&Time frame index* (l 76)  
* Highlight&Time frame index can only set in Motion Picture Playback Mode.  
Even in Motion Picture Playback Mode, [FACE] and [HIGHLIGHT] cannot be used when  
[MP4] is selected.  
9 scenes display returns if the unit is turned off or the mode is changed.  
When the thumbnail display is changed to 1 scene during motion picture playback, the  
recording date and time can be checked. Similarly, when the thumbnail display is changed  
to 1 still picture during still picture playback, the recording date and file number can be  
checked.  
Speaker volume adjustment  
Operate the volume lever or the adjust zoom buttons to adjust the speaker volume during  
motion picture playback.  
Towards “r”:  
Increases the volume  
Towards “s”:  
Decreases the volume  
Sound will be heard only during normal playback.  
If pause play is continued for 5 minutes, the screen returns to the thumbnails.  
The elapsed time for playback indication will be reset to “0h00m00s” for each scene.  
When playing back MP4 scenes, the image will pause momentarily and the screen may  
turn black when the scenes are switching.  
37  
VQT2W55  
Motion picture compatibility  
This unit is based on AVCHD format/MPEG-4 AVC file format.  
Video signals for the AVCHD that can be played back with this unit are 1920k1080/60i,  
1920k1080/24p and 1440k1080/60i.  
Video signals for the MP4 that can be played back with this unit are 1280k720/30p,  
960k540/30p and 640k480/30p.  
This unit may degrade or not play back motion pictures recorded or created on other  
products, and other products may degrade or not play back motion pictures recorded on  
this unit, even if the products support AVCHD.  
This unit may degrade or not play back motion pictures recorded or created on other  
products, and other products may degrade or not play back motion pictures recorded on  
this unit, even if the products support MP4.  
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  
Association).  
The file format of still pictures supported by this unit is JPEG. (Not all JPEG formatted  
files will be played back.)  
This unit may degrade or not play back still pictures recorded or created on other  
products and other products may degrade or not play back still pictures recorded on this  
unit.  
38  
VQT2W55  
Basic  
Setup  
Using the menu screen  
1
1 Press the MENU button.  
2 Touch the top menu A.  
4 Touch the desired item to enter  
the setting.  
5 Touch [EXIT] or press the  
MENU button to exit the menu  
setting.  
3 Touch the submenu B.  
About  
guide display  
After touching  
, touching the submenus  
and items will cause function descriptions  
and settings confirmation messages to  
appear.  
After the messages have been displayed,  
the guide display is canceled.  
Next (previous) page can be displayed by  
touching  
/
.
39  
VQT2W55  
Basic  
Setup  
Using the Setup Menu  
2
The items displayed differ depending on the position or settings of the mode switch.  
Select the menu.  
: [SETUP] # desired setting  
[OFF]/[ON]  
[DISPLAY]  
The screen display can be changed to [OFF] (a portion of information displayed) or [ON] (all  
information displayed).  
[OFF]/[SIMPLE]/[DETAIL]  
[EXT. DISPLAY]  
Please refer to page 91.  
[CLOCK SET]  
Please refer to page 27.  
[SET WORLD TIME]  
It is possible to display and record the time at the travel destination by selecting your home  
region and the travel destination.  
1
Touch [SET WORLD TIME].  
If the clock is not set, adjust the clock to the current time. (l 27)  
When the [HOME] (your home region) is not set, the message appears. Touch [ENTER]  
and proceed to Step 3.  
2
(Only when setting your home region)  
Touch [HOME].  
Touch [ENTER].  
(Only when setting your home region)  
Touch to select your home  
region and touch [ENTER].  
Touch [SUMMER TIME SET] to set daylight  
saving time. appears and the  
3
/
summer time setting is turned on; the time  
difference from GMT is set forward by one  
hour. Touch [SUMMER TIME SET] again to  
return to the normal time setting.  
A
B
The current time  
The time difference from GMT  
(Greenwich Mean Time)  
40  
VQT2W55  
4
(Only when setting the region of your travel destination)  
Touch [DESTINATION].  
Touch [ENTER].  
When the home region is set for the first time, the screen for selecting home/travel  
destination appears after setting the home region successively. If the home region has  
already been set once, execute the menu operation for Step 1.  
5
(Only when setting the region of your travel  
destination)  
Touch  
destination and touch [ENTER].  
Touch [SUMMER TIME SET] to set daylight  
saving time. appears and the  
/
to select your travel  
summer time setting is turned on. The  
travel destination time and time difference  
from the home region time are set forward  
by one hour. Touch [SUMMER TIME SET]  
again to return to the normal time setting.  
Close the setting by pressing the MENU  
C
D
The local time at the selected  
travel destination  
The time difference between  
the travel destination and the  
home region  
button.  
appears and the time of the  
travel destination is indicated.  
To return the display to the home setting  
Set the home region using Step 1 to 3, and close the setting by touching [EXIT] or pressing  
the MENU button.  
If you cannot find your travel destination in the area shown on the screen, set it by using  
the time difference from your home region.  
[OFF]/[D/T]/[DATE]  
[DATE/TIME]  
It is possible to change the date and time display mode.  
[Y/M/D]/[M/D/Y]/[D/M/Y]  
[DATE FORMAT]  
It is possible to change the date format.  
[OFF]/[5 MINUTES]  
[ECONOMY]  
When about 5 minutes have passed without any operation, this unit automatically turns off to  
save battery life.  
The Power Save Function will not activate when:  
jconnected to AC adaptor  
jusing the USB cable for PC, DVD burner etc.  
jPRE-REC is used  
41  
VQT2W55  
[OFF]/[ON]  
[QUICK POWER ON]  
The unit is put into recording pause approx. 1 second when the unit is turned on with the  
mode set to or  
.
Depending on the recording conditions, start time may be longer than 1 second.  
In the Quick power on mode, the zoom magnification becomes 1k.  
[OFF]/[ON]  
[QUICK START]  
This unit is put into recording pause approx. 0.6 seconds after the LCD monitor is reopened.  
When in Quick start standby mode about 80% of the power used in Recording pause  
mode is being consumed, so the recording time will be reduced.  
Start time will not be shortened if there is no SD card inserted.  
Change the mode to  
1
2
or  
Set [QUICK START] to [ON].  
Close the LCD monitor while the mode is set  
to or  
.
.
The status indicator A flashes green and the unit goes  
into Quick start standby mode.  
3
Open the LCD monitor.  
The status indicator A lights red and the unit is  
put into recording pause.  
Quick Start Standby Mode is canceled if  
jabout 5 minutes have elapsed  
jmode is set to  
Depending on the recording conditions, time for Quick Start may be more than 0.6 seconds  
slower in Still Picture Recording Mode.  
It may take some time for Automatic white balance to adjust.  
In the Quick Start Mode, the zoom magnification becomes 1k.  
If [ECONOMY] (l 41) is set to [5 MINUTES] and the unit automatically goes into Quick  
Start Standby Mode, close the LCD monitor and then open it again.  
Turn the unit off using the power button.  
42  
VQT2W55  
[OFF]/  
/
[ALERT SOUND]  
Touch screen operation, starting and stopping of recording and unit on/off can be confirmed  
with this sound.  
(Volume low)/  
(Volume high)  
2 Beeps for 4 times  
When an error occurs. Check the sentence displayed on the screen. (l 120)  
/
/
/
/
+2  
+1  
0
-
1
A
[POWER LCD]  
This makes it easier to view the LCD monitor in bright places including outdoors.  
These settings will not affect the images actually recorded.  
+2  
A
+1  
0
(Makes even brighter)/  
*(Automatic adjustment)  
(Makes brighter)/  
(Normal)/  
-1 (Makes less bright)/  
* It is not displayed in the Manual Mode or in the Playback Mode.  
+1  
When the AC adaptor is in use, the LCD monitor is set to  
automatically.  
The recordable time will become shorter when you use this unit with the LCD monitor lit up.  
[LCD SET]  
It adjusts brightness and color density on the LCD monitor.  
These settings will not affect the images actually recorded.  
1
2
Touch [LCD SET].  
Touch the desired setting item.  
[BRIGHTNESS]:  
Brightness of the LCD monitor  
[COLOR]:  
Color level of the LCD monitor  
3
4
Touch  
Touch [ENTER].  
/
to adjust settings.  
Touch [EXIT] or press the MENU button to exit the menu  
screen.  
[COMPONENT]/[AV OUT]  
[AV MULTI]  
Please refer to page 92.  
[480i]/[1080i]  
[COMPONENT OUT]  
Please refer to page 92.  
[AUTO]/[1080i]/[480p]  
[HDMI RESOLUTION]  
Please refer to page 92.  
[OFF]/[ON]  
[VIERA Link]  
Please refer to page 93.  
43  
VQT2W55  
[16:9]/[4:3]  
[TV ASPECT]  
Please refer to page 91.  
[INITIAL SET]  
Set to [YES] for changing the menu settings back to the default condition.  
Settings for [CLOCK SET] and [LANGUAGE] will not be changed.  
[FORMAT CARD]  
Please be aware that if a medium is formatted, then all the data recorded on the medium will be  
erased and cannot be restored. Back up important data on a PC, DVD disc etc. (  
l
95, 102)  
When formatting is complete, touch [EXIT] to exit the message screen.  
Perform a physical formatting of the SD card when the SD card is to be disposed/  
transferred. (l 131)  
Do not turn this unit off or remove the SD card, while formatting. Do not expose the unit to  
vibrations or shock.  
Use this unit to format media.  
Do not format an SD card using any other equipment such as a PC. The card may  
not be used on this unit.  
[CARD STATUS]  
The amount of space left on the SD card can be checked.  
(Only when the mode is at the  
position)  
Touch [EXIT] or press the MENU button to close the indication.  
The SD card requires some space to store information and manage system files, so the  
actual usable space is slightly less than the indicated value. The usable space is generally  
calculated as 1 GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. The capacities of this unit, PCs and software are  
expressed as 1 GB=1,024k1,024k1,024=1,073,741,824 bytes. Therefore, the indicated  
value of the capacity appears to be smaller.  
Check the remaining recordable time for motion pictures in motion picture recording mode.  
(l 30)  
[CALIBRATION]  
Perform the touch screen calibration if a different object to the one touched is selected.  
1
Touch [CALIBRATION].  
Touch [ENTER].  
Touch the [_] that appears on the screen with the supplied stylus pen.  
Touch [_] in sequence (up left # down left # down right # up right # center).  
Touch [ENTER].  
2
3
Calibration cannot be performed when the LCD monitor is turned 180o.  
44  
VQT2W55  
[OFF]/[ON]  
[DEMO MODE]  
This item is used to start the unit demonstration.  
(Only when the mode is at the or position)  
If [DEMO MODE] is switched to [ON] and you touch [EXIT] when there is no SD card  
inserted, the demonstration automatically starts.  
If any operation takes place, the demonstration is canceled. 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.  
[O.I.S. DEMO]  
This item is used to start the Optical Image Stabilizer demo.  
(Only when the mode is at the  
position)  
Touch [O.I.S. DEMO], the demonstration automatically starts.  
When you touch [EXIT], the demonstration will be canceled.  
[English]/[Français]/[Español]  
[LANGUAGE]  
You can select the language on the screen display and the menu screen.  
45  
VQT2W55  
Advanced  
Recording  
(Advanced)  
Zoom in/out function  
1
The default setting of the [ZOOM MODE] is [i.Zoom 23k]. It can be extended to a maximum  
of 23k during Motion Picture Recording Mode. (l 57)  
¬ Change the mode to  
or  
.
Zoom lever/Adjust zoom buttons  
T side:  
Close-up recording (zoom in)  
W side:  
Wide-angle recording (zoom out)  
The zoom speed varies depending on the  
range over which the zoom lever is moved.  
The adjust zoom buttons are useful for  
making fine adjustments to the zoom  
magnification.  
T
W
6  
Extra Optical Zoom  
When in Still Picture Recording Mode, it is possible to take a picture with zoom up to a  
maximum of 40k without degrading the picture quality by setting the picture size to [ 4:3  
0.3M] (l 66)  
Extra optical zoom mechanism  
When you set the picture size to [ 4:3 0.3M], the maximum [ 4:3 2.9M] area is cropped to the  
center [ 4:3 0.3M] area, allowing a picture with a higher zoom effect.  
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 the zoom magnification is 20k, the subjects are focused at approx. 1.2 m (3.9 feet)  
or more.  
When the zoom magnification is 1k, this unit can focus on a subject approx. 4 cm (1.6q)  
away from the lens.  
The zoom speed does not vary when operating with the adjust zoom buttons.  
46  
VQT2W55  
Advanced  
Recording  
(Advanced)  
Image Stabilizer  
Function  
2
Use the image stabilizer to reduce the effects of shake during recording.  
¬ Change the mode to  
or  
.
Optical image stabilizer button  
Press the button to turn optical image stabilizer  
on/off.  
(Motion Picture Recording Mode)  
/
# OFF  
When [HYBRID O.I.S.] is [ON],  
displayed. When [OFF], is displayed.  
is  
When recording with a tripod in Motion Picture  
Recording Mode, we recommend that you set to  
OFF.  
(Still Picture Recording Mode)  
/
# OFF  
When [O.I.S.] is [MODE1],  
When [MODE2], is displayed.  
is displayed.  
Changing Image stabilizer mode  
(Motion Picture Recording Mode)  
: [RECORD SETUP] # [HYBRID O.I.S.] # [ON] or [OFF]  
When set to [ON], you can further improve image stabilization for recording while walking, or  
holding the unit and recording a distant subject with zoom.  
This function’s default setting is [ON].  
(Still Picture Recording Mode)  
: [RECORD SETUP] # [O.I.S.] # [MODE1] or [MODE2]  
[MODE1]:  
The function works all the time.  
[MODE2]:  
The function works when the  
button is pressed. We recommend you are recording  
yourself or recording with a tripod in Still Picture Recording Mode.  
47  
VQT2W55  
Optical Image Stabilizer Lock  
In Motion Picture Recording Mode, you can further improve optical image stabilization by  
touching and holding O.I.S. LOCK icon. With this function, you can further reduce the effects  
of the shake that tends to occur when using zoom.  
F
A
O.I.S. LOCK icon  
Press the Optical image stabilizer button to switch the image stabilizer to ON.  
is displayed while you are touching the icon.  
Optical Image Stabilizer Lock is released when you remove your finger from the icon.  
Operation icon will disappear when no function is performed for a specific period of time if  
[DISPLAY] is set to [OFF]. Touch the screen to display it again.  
Setting to display/not-display the O.I.S. LOCK icon  
: [RECORD SETUP] # [O.I.S. LOCK DISPLAY] # [ON] or [OFF]  
Stabilization may not be possible under strong shaking conditions.  
To record while moving the unit quickly, release Optical Image Stabilizer Lock.  
48  
VQT2W55  
Advanced  
Recording  
(Advanced)  
AF/AE tracking  
3
It is possible to set the focus and exposure to the subject specified on the touch screen.  
The focus and exposure will keep following the subject automatically even if it moves. (Dynamic tracking)  
¬ Change the mode to  
or  
.
About target frame  
When target lock fails, the target frame  
blinks in red and then disappears. Touch a  
characteristic part (color etc.) on the object  
to lock onto it again.  
1 Touch  
.
When the  
button is pressed halfway  
in Still Picture Recording Mode, the focus  
is set to the object that is locked. The  
target frame turns green when it focuses,  
and the target cannot be changed.  
will be displayed on the screen.  
When [FACE RECOG.] (l 58) is [ON] and  
a registered face is detected, the target is  
automatically locked.  
This function cannot be used in the  
Manual Mode.  
It may track different objects or may not  
lock the target depending on the recording  
conditions such as the following:  
jWhen the object is too large or too small  
jWhen color of the object is similar to the  
background  
2 Touch the object and lock the  
target.  
jWhen the scene is dark  
When the target is locked in Still Picture  
Recording Mode, the screen may become  
dark or the video light may turn on.  
AF/AE tracking will be canceled in the  
following cases.  
jWhen the mode is changed  
jWhen the unit is turned off  
jWhen the Scene mode is set  
jSwitch to Intelligent Auto Mode/Manual  
Mode  
A
Target frame  
When you touch the head of the object,  
the target frame on the head gets locked  
and tracking starts.  
Touch the object to be changed again  
when you want to change the target.  
When the Intelligent Auto Mode is  
selected, the setting becomes  
(Normal) and touched object is tracked.  
jSwitch to recording of yourself.  
After setting [DISPLAY] to [OFF] if no  
operation is performed for a few seconds,  
the operation icon disappears. Touch the  
screen to display the icon again. When the  
AF/AE tracking is used, the icon does not  
disappear.  
Selection becomes  
target frame is locked on a face. (It may  
turn to (Normal) even if the target is  
(Portrait) when  
locked on the face when a spotlight is  
shining or with a dark scene.)  
3 Start recording.  
When you touch [RETURN], the tracking  
function will be canceled.  
49  
VQT2W55  
Advanced  
Recording  
(Advanced)  
Recording with the video  
light  
4
The video light enables brightening of the images taken in a dimly-lit place.  
¬ Change the mode to or  
.
Delete/Video light button  
Setting of the video light switches every  
time the button is pressed while in recording  
mode.  
#
/
# Setting canceled  
:
Always on.  
/
:
Turns on/off automatically according to  
brightness of the surroundings.  
Lights up when the lens cover is closed.  
When set to  
/
, the video light turns on in Low Light Mode in Intelligent Auto Mode.  
When the video light is in use, the recordable time when using the battery is shortened.  
The subject should be within 1.5 m (4.9 feet) of the unit.  
Using the Color Night Rec Function at the same time will make conditions even brighter.  
If you turn off the unit or change the mode to  
, the video light is turned off.  
If [AF ASSIST LAMP] is set to [AUTO] (l 69) and the video light is set to  
/
or  
OFF, the video light will turn on when taking pictures in a dark place to make the focusing  
easier.  
Set the video light to off at places where using a light is prohibited.  
50  
VQT2W55  
Advanced  
Recording  
(Advanced)  
Recording functions of  
operation icons  
5
Select the operation icons to add different effects to the images to be recorded.  
¬ Change the mode to  
or  
.
F
1 Touch  
to display the  
2
(e.g. Backlight compensation)  
operation icons on the screen.  
Select an operation icon.  
F
F
Touch 1 at the bottom right of the screen  
Select the operation icon again to cancel  
the function.  
F
to change the page and touch  
/
to  
F
display/not-display the operation icon.  
Refer to the respective pages for  
canceling the following functions.  
jSmile Shot (l 53)  
jBuilt-in flash (l 53)  
jSelf-timer (l 54)  
jGuideline (l 55)  
Operation icons  
*1 Not displayed in Still Picture Recording  
Mode.  
*2 Not displayed in the Intelligent Auto  
Mode.  
*3 Not displayed in Motion Picture  
Recording Mode.  
If you turn off the unit or change the mode  
*1  
Fade  
*1, 2  
Intelligent contrast control  
*1  
PRE-REC  
Smile Shot  
PRE-REC  
*1  
*3  
Built-in flash  
*2, 3  
*2, 3  
to  
, PRE-REC, Backlight  
Red-Eye Reduction  
compensation, Color Night Rec, Self-timer  
and Tele macro functions are canceled.  
If you turn off the unit, the Fade function is  
canceled.  
*3  
Self-timer  
Intelligent exposure  
Backlight compensation  
It is possible to set from the menu.  
(Except for the PRE-REC)  
After setting [DISPLAY] to [OFF] if no  
operation is performed for a few seconds,  
the operation icon disappears. Touch the  
screen to display the icon again.  
*2  
Soft skin mode  
Tele macro  
Guideline  
*1, 2  
Color Night Rec  
51  
VQT2W55  
Fade  
When you start recording, the image/audio gradually  
appears. (Fade in)  
(Fade in)  
When you pause recording, the image/audio gradually  
disappears. (Fade out)  
The Fade setting is canceled when the recording stops.  
To select the color for Fade in/out  
(Fade out)  
: [RECORD SETUP] # [FADE COLOR] #  
[WHITE] or [BLACK]  
The thumbnails of scenes recorded using fade in become black (or white).  
Intelligent contrast control  
This brightens parts that are in shadow and difficult to see and suppresses white saturation  
in bright parts at the same time. Both bright and dark parts can be recorded clearly.  
If there are extremely dark or bright parts or the brightness is insufficient, the effect may not  
be clear.  
PRE-REC  
This prevents you from missing a shot.  
PRE-REC  
This allows recording of the pictures and sound to start approximately 3 seconds  
before the recording start/stop button is pressed.  
PRE-REC  
appears on the screen.  
Aim the unit at the subject beforehand.  
There is no beep sound.  
PRE-REC is canceled in the following cases.  
jIf you change the mode.  
jIf you remove the SD card.  
jIf you press the MENU button.  
jIf you turn the unit off.  
jIf you start recording.  
jAfter 3 hours have passed  
After setting PRE-REC, if recording starts in less than 3 seconds, or while the PRE-REC  
indication flashes within about 3 seconds after initiating the Quick start operation, motion  
pictures taken 3 seconds before pressing the recording start/stop button cannot be recorded.  
Images displayed on the thumbnail in Playback Mode will differ from the motion pictures  
displayed at the start of playback.  
52  
VQT2W55  
Smile Shot  
When a smiling face is detected during motion picture recording, the unit  
automatically records a still picture.  
The icon changes each time it is touched.  
(ON) #  
(Face Recognition) # OFF  
:
The unit records a still picture on detecting a smiling face.  
Still pictures are only recorded when the face of a person registered using Face  
Recognition (l 58) is detected.  
:
OFF:  
Cancel the setting.  
During Smile Shot recording, the face detected as a smiling face is surrounded by a green  
frame and are red.  
Smile Shot recording will not work in the following cases. (  
When there is no SD card inserted  
jWhen it is set to manual focus  
When [FACE RECOG.] is set to [OFF], or no one is registered (In  
/
/
will flash)  
j
j
(Face Recognition) only)  
The face of the subject may not be detected correctly depending on the recording conditions.  
2.1  
M
The number of recording pixels are  
(1920k1080) or M (640k480). (l 66)  
0.3  
When still pictures that have been recorded using the Smile Shot are displayed as  
thumbnails, the appears.  
When the AF/AE tracking function is target locking a face of the subject, still pictures are  
only recorded if a smiling face is detected on the locked subject. When the Smile Shot  
function is set to  
(Face Recognition), it will record only if the face of a subject  
registered with [FACE RECOG.] is locked as a target.  
Built-in flash  
When the  
button is pressed, the flash is activated and the picture will be  
recorded. Use the Built-in flash in order to record still pictures in dark places.  
Each time the ß icon is selected, the indication changes by one setting in the following order:  
ß ([ON]) # ßA ([AUTO]) #  
([OFF])  
The unit automatically determines if the flash is necessary even when it has been set to  
by detecting the ambient brightness. (If it determines that the flash is necessary, the  
indication lights up in red.)  
To adjust the brightness of the flash  
: [PICTURE] # [FLASH LEVEL] # desired setting  
[ßj]: Less bright  
[ßd0]: Normal  
[ßi]: Much brighter  
Set the flash to  
prohibited.  
If the ß indication etc. flashes when the  
button is pressed halfway, the flash  
is not activated.  
where using a flash is  
The available range of the flash is approx.  
1 m to 2.5 m (3.3 feet to 8.2 feet) in dark  
places.  
Using the flash fixes a shutter speed to  
1/500 or slower.  
53  
VQT2W55  
Red-Eye Reduction  
Reduces the phenomena where human eyes become red from flashes.  
The flash is activated 2 times.  
The red-eye phenomenon tends to appear in certain recording conditions and more with  
some people than with others.  
When faces are detected in the Intelligent Auto Mode, the Red-Eye Reduction is set to on.  
Self-timer  
This is for recording still pictures using the timer.  
Each time the  
order:  
icon is selected, the indication changes by one setting in the following  
Ø10 (Records after 10 seconds) # Ø2 (Records after 2 seconds) # setting canceled  
When you press the button, Ø10 or Ø2 flashes for the set period before a still picture  
is recorded. After recording, the Self-timer is canceled.  
In Auto Focus Mode, if the  
button is pressed halfway once and then fully, the lens  
focuses on the subject when the button is pressed halfway. If the  
fully all at once, the lens focuses on the subject just before recording.  
button is pressed  
To stop the timer midway through  
Press the MENU button.  
Setting the Self-timer to Ø2 is a good way to prevent image shake when the  
button is  
pressed while using a tripod etc.  
Intelligent exposure  
This brightens dark areas so the image can be recorded clearly.  
If there are extremely dark parts or the brightness is insufficient, the effect may not be clear.  
Backlight compensation  
This makes the image brighter to prevent darkening of a backlit subject.  
Soft skin mode  
This makes skin colors appear softer for a more attractive appearance.  
This is more effective if you record a person closely from the torso up.  
If the background or anything else in the scene has colors similar to the skin color, they will  
also be smoothed.  
If the brightness is insufficient, the effect may not be clear.  
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.  
54  
VQT2W55  
Tele macro  
A more impressive image can be obtained by focusing on the object only in close-up  
and shading off the background.  
The unit can focus on the subject at a distance of approx. 50 cm (20q).  
If the magnification is 20k or less, then it is automatically set to 20k.  
Tele Macro Function is canceled when the zoom magnification becomes lower than 20k.  
Guideline  
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.  
It will switch every time the icon is touched.  
#
#
# Setting canceled  
The guidelines do not appear on the images actually recorded.  
Displaying Guidelines at playback  
Change the mode to  
and touch the play mode select icon to select [SD CARD]/  
[AVCHD] or [SD CARD]/[MP4]. (l 35)  
: [VIDEO SETUP] # [GUIDE LINES] # desired setting  
To cancel the Guideline function during playback, set to [OFF].  
It cannot be set while in Still Picture Playback Mode.  
Color Night Rec  
This function allows you to record color images in very low light situations. (Minimum  
required illumination: approx. 1 lx)  
Recorded scene is seen as if frames were missed.  
If set in a bright place, the screen may become washed out for a while.  
Bright dots that are usually invisible may be seen, but this is not a malfunction.  
Using a tripod is recommended.  
In darker areas, Auto Focus may focus a bit slower. This is normal.  
55  
VQT2W55  
Advanced  
Recording  
(Advanced)  
Recording functions of  
menus  
6
[SCENE MODE]  
When you record images in different situations, this mode automatically sets optimum shutter  
speeds and apertures.  
Change the mode to  
or  
.
: [RECORD SETUP] # [SCENE MODE] # desired setting  
[OFF]:  
Cancel the setting  
5Sports:  
To make fast moving scenes less shaky with slow playback  
and pause of playback  
Portrait:  
Spotlight:  
Snow:  
To make people stand out against the background  
Improved quality when subject is brightly illuminated.  
Improved image quality when shooting in snowy locations.  
To make blue in the sea or sky vibrant  
Beach:  
Sunset:  
To make red in the sunrise or sunset vibrant  
To capture the fireworks in the night sky beautifully  
For spatial scenery  
Fireworks:  
Scenery:  
Low light:  
For dark scenes, such as at dusk  
(In Motion Picture Recording Mode only)  
Night scenery:  
Night portrait:  
To capture the evening or night scenery beautifully.  
To capture a person and the background brightly.  
(In Still Picture Recording Mode only)  
(Sports/Portrait/Spotlight/Snow/Beach/  
Sunset/Scenery)  
jThe shutter speed is 1/8 or more in Still  
Picture Recording Mode.  
(Sunset/Low light)  
jThe shutter speed is 1/30 or more in  
Motion Picture Recording Mode.  
(Portrait)  
jColor and screen brightness may  
change under indoor lighting.  
(Fireworks)  
jThe shutter speed is 1/30.  
jImage may get washed out when  
recorded in bright surroundings.  
(Night scenery/Night portrait)  
jThe shutter speed is 1/2 or more in Still  
Picture Recording Mode.  
(Sunset/Fireworks/Scenery/Night scenery)  
jImage may get blurry when a close  
object is recorded.  
(Sports)  
jDuring normal playback, the image  
jUsing a tripod is recommended.  
(Night portrait)  
jThe flash is set to [ON].  
movement may not look smooth.  
jColor and screen brightness may  
change under indoor lighting.  
jIf the brightness is insufficient, the  
Sports mode does not function. The  
5 display flashes.  
56  
VQT2W55  
[ZOOM MODE]  
Set the maximum zoom ratio for the Motion Picture Recording Mode.  
Change the mode to  
.
: [RECORD SETUP] # [ZOOM MODE] # desired setting  
[i.Zoom OFF]:  
Up to 20k  
[i.Zoom 23k]:  
This zoom function allows you to maintain high-definition  
picture quality. (Up to 23k)  
[D.Zoom 50k]:  
Digital zoom (Up to 50k)  
[D.Zoom 1200k]:  
Digital zoom (Up to 1200k)  
The larger the digital zoom magnification, the more the image quality is degraded.  
This function cannot be used in Still Picture Recording Mode.  
[REC FORMAT]  
Switch the recording format of the motion picture.  
Change the mode to  
.
: [RECORD SETUP] # [REC FORMAT] # desired setting  
[AVCHD]:  
[MP4]:  
You can record high definition quality images with this  
format. It is suitable for viewing on a large format TV or for  
saving to disc.  
This is a recording format suitable for playing back or  
editing on a PC. It can be processed faster than AVCHD  
when it is imported to a PC.  
This function’s default setting is [AVCHD].  
57  
VQT2W55  
[REC MODE]  
Switch the picture quality of the motion pictures to be recorded.  
The recording mode that can be selected will differ depending on the recording format.  
(l 57)  
Change the mode to  
.
: [RECORD SETUP] # [REC MODE] # desired setting  
(When [AVCHD] is selected)  
(When [MP4] is selected)  
*
[HA]/[HG]/[HX]/[HE]  
[1280  
k
720p]/[640  
k
480p]/[  
960k540p]  
* It will record in iFrame format suitable for  
editing with iMovie’09.  
A
B
Favors image quality  
Favors recording time  
Recordable time using the battery (l 21)  
This function’s default setting is [HG] mode in [AVCHD]/[1280k720p] in [MP4].  
Please refer to page 135 for details about approximate recordable time.  
When the unit is moved a lot or moved quickly, or when a fast-moving subject is recorded  
(particularly when recording in [HE] mode), mosaic-type noise may appear at playback.  
When [REC MODE] is set to [640k480p], black bands are displayed on the sides of the  
screen.  
[FACE RECOG.]  
Face Recognition is a function for finding faces that resemble faces which have already been  
registered and automatically prioritizing focus and exposure for those faces. This function  
makes it possible to keep the face of your loved ones in focus even when they are at the  
back or on the end of a line in a group picture.  
Change the mode to  
or  
.
: [RECORD SETUP] # [FACE RECOG.] # desired setting  
[OFF]:  
Cancel the setting  
[ON]:  
The Face Recognition function is available  
Face Recognition registration/editing/cancellation  
[SET]:  
58  
VQT2W55  
Registering a face for face recognition  
[RECORD SETUP] # [FACE RECOG.] # [SET] # [SET]  
Up to a maximum of 6 people can be registered.  
1
Align the person’s face with the guide.  
Take a picture of the persons face from the front,  
ensuring that their hair does not hide the outline of  
their face, their eyes or their eyebrows.  
2
Touch [REC] or press the  
button fully.  
Touch [ENTER].  
It may not be possible to register a face depending  
on the recording conditions. In this case, try  
recording the face again.  
A
Guide  
3
Entering the person’s name.  
Touch the text entry icon in the center of the screen  
and enter the name.  
After entering the name, touch [Enter].  
Text entry icon  
B
Entering text  
Icon  
Description of operation  
[A] etc.  
Enters a character.  
Moves cursor left.  
Moves cursor right.  
[A/a]  
Switches between [A]/[a] (alphabet) and [&/1] (symbols/numbers).  
Deletes a character.  
Deletes the previous character if the cursor is in an empty space.  
[Delete]  
[Enter]  
Ends text entry.  
A maximum of 9 characters can be entered.  
Touch [ENTER] to end registration.  
Touch [EXIT].  
4
59  
VQT2W55  
Changing the information of a registered person  
1
Select the menu.  
[RECORD SETUP] # [FACE RECOG.] # [SET] # [EDIT]  
2
Touch the desired item to enter the setting.  
Up to 3 face shots can be registered. To additionally register  
or to change/delete the registered face shots, touch  
the face shot.  
or  
[SET NAME]:  
Change the name.  
[PRIORITY]:  
Focus and exposure will be set in priority according to the  
registration order setting from the first person. Target will be  
locked according to the registration order setting from the first  
person when AF/AE tracking is active.  
To change the registration order, select the person you wish  
to change.  
1
4
2
5
3
6
KEN  
ANNA  
MARY  
JOE  
JESSICA  
CATHY  
[FOCUS ICON]:  
This changes the focus indication icon that appears during still  
picture recording. (Only displayed when Face Recognition is in  
use.)  
Touch the icon you wish to have displayed.  
3
Touch [ENTER].  
Canceling a registered person  
1
Select the menu.  
[RECORD SETUP] # [FACE RECOG.] # [SET] # [DELETE] or [DELETE ALL]  
Touching [DELETE ALL] cancels all the registered people.  
2
(When [DELETE] is selected)  
Touch the person to cancel.  
When touched, the person is selected and  
touch again.  
is displayed. To cancel the selected person,  
Touch [ENTER].  
Since face recognition searches for faces that resemble the registered faces, there is no  
guarantee of positive recognition.  
It may not be possible to correctly recognize a person who has been registered due to  
differences in facial expression and environment.  
Perform the registration again if recognition becomes unstable in cases such as when  
facial features change with age.  
60  
VQT2W55  
[NAME DISPLAY]  
When a registered person is detected by face recognition during recording, the name  
registered for that person is displayed.  
Change the mode to  
or  
.
: [RECORD SETUP] # [NAME DISPLAY] # desired number  
[OFF]/[1]/[2]/[3]  
Displayed name will disappear after a while.  
It is displayed according to the registration order setting from the first person.  
This function is not displayed during recording of yourself or Playback Mode.  
[FACE FRAMING]  
Detected faces appear with frames.  
Change the mode to  
or  
.
: [RECORD SETUP] # [FACE FRAMING] # desired setting  
[OFF]:  
Cancel the setting.  
[PRIMARY]:  
Only the prioritized face framing is displayed.  
[ALL]:  
All face detection framings are displayed.  
Up to 15 frames are indicated. Larger faces and faces nearer to the center of the screen  
take preference over others. When [FACE RECOG.] is [ON], registered people are given  
priority.  
Prioritized face framing  
Prioritized face framing is displayed as orange frames. Focus and adjustment of brightness  
will be performed against the prioritized face framing.  
Prioritized face framing is only displayed in Intelligent Auto Mode.  
Focus will be set to prioritized face framing and the brightness adjusted when the unit is set  
to Portrait mode in Intelligent Auto Mode. Focus will be set to prioritized face framing when  
the unit is in Spotlight or Low light modes.  
Focus will be set to prioritized face framing when the  
button is pressed halfway when  
recording still pictures. Prioritized face framing will turn to green when the focus is set.  
61  
VQT2W55  
[AGS]  
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.  
Change the mode to  
.
: [RECORD SETUP] # [AGS] # [ON]  
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.  
[AUTO SLOW SHTR]  
You can record bright pictures even in dark places by slowing the shutter speed.  
Change the mode to  
.
Switch to Manual Mode. (l 70)  
: [RECORD SETUP] # [AUTO SLOW SHTR] # [ON]  
The shutter speed is set to 1/30 or more depending on the surrounding brightness.  
This function cannot be used in Still Picture Recording Mode.  
When the shutter speed becomes 1/30, the screen may be seen as if frames are missed  
and afterimages may appear.  
[Digital Cinema Color]  
Recording motion pictures with more vivid colors, using x.v.Color technology.  
Change the mode to  
.
Switch to Manual Mode. (l 70)  
: [RECORD SETUP] # [Digital Cinema Color] # [ON]  
For more realistic colors, use an HDMI mini cable with a TV that supports the x.v.Color  
.
This function cannot be used when switched to Intelligent Auto Mode.  
When motion pictures recorded while this function is turned [ON] are played back  
with a TV not compatible with x.v.Color , colors may not be reproduced properly.  
To play back images recorded in Digital cinema color with vivid colors of wider color  
ranges, a device compatible with x.v.Color is required. When these images are played  
back with devices other than ones compatible with x.v.Color , it is recommended to record  
the images after this function is turned [OFF].  
x.v.Color is a name for devices that are compatible with the xvYCC format, an  
international standard for expanded color in motion pictures, and that follow the rules for  
signal transmission.  
This function cannot be used when [REC FORMAT] is set to [MP4]. (l 57)  
62  
VQT2W55  
[SHOOTING GUIDE]  
Message is displayed when this unit is moved rapidly.  
Change the mode to  
.
: [RECORD SETUP] #  
[SHOOTING GUIDE] # [ON]  
When “CAMERA PANNING IS TOO FAST.” appears,  
move the unit slowly while recording.  
Set to [OFF] to turn off the message indication.  
Message will not appear while pausing the recording. (Message will appear even if it is  
pausing the recording if [DEMO MODE] is set to [ON].)  
In some recording conditions, messages may not appear.  
[WIND NOISE CANCELER]  
This will reduce the wind noise coming into the built-in microphones while maintaining the  
realism.  
Change the mode to  
.
Switch to Manual Mode. (l 70)  
: [RECORD SETUP] # [WIND NOISE CANCELER] # [ON]  
This function’s default setting is [ON].  
When switching to Intelligent Auto Mode, [WIND NOISE CANCELER] is set to [ON], and  
the setting cannot be changed.  
You may not see the full effect depending on the recording conditions.  
[ZOOM MIC]  
Directivity of the microphone is synchronized with the zoom operation. Sounds near the front  
of the unit are recorded more clearly if you zoom in (close-up) and surrounding sounds are  
recorded more realistically if you zoom out (wide angle).  
Change the mode to  
.
Switch to Manual Mode. (l 70)  
: [RECORD SETUP] # [ZOOM MIC] # [ON]  
63  
VQT2W55  
[MIC LEVEL]  
When recording, the input level from the built-in microphones can be adjusted.  
Change the mode to  
.
Switch to Manual Mode. (l 70)  
1
Select the menu.  
: [RECORD SETUP] # [MIC LEVEL] # desired setting  
[AUTO]:  
AGC is activated, and the recording level is adjusted  
automatically.  
[SETr  
]/[SET]:  
The desired recording level can be set.  
2
(When [SETr  
Touch  
level.  
Touch  
]/[SET] is selected)  
to adjust the microphone input  
/
to activate/disactivate AGC.  
When AGC is activated, the icon is surrounded by  
yellow and the amount of sound distortion can be  
reduced. When AGC is disactivated, natural recording  
can be performed.  
Adjust the microphone input level so that the last 2 bars  
of the gain value are not red. (Otherwise, the sound is  
distorted.) Select a lower setting for microphone input  
level.  
A
B
C
Left  
Right  
Microphone input level  
3
Touch [ENTER] to determine the microphone input level and then touch  
[EXIT].  
(Microphone input level meter) appears on the screen.  
When switching to Intelligent Auto Mode, the setting is fixed to [AUTO] and cannot be  
changed.  
When [ZOOM MIC] is [ON], the volume will be different depending on the zoom rate.  
The microphone input level meter shows the larger of the inputs from the 2 built-in  
microphones.  
You cannot record with the audio completely muted.  
64  
VQT2W55  
[PICTURE ADJUST]  
Adjust the quality of the image while recording.  
Adjust by outputting to a TV while adjusting the quality of the image.  
Change the mode to  
or  
.
(This setting is retained when you change between Motion Picture Recording Mode and  
Still Picture Recording Mode)  
Switch to Manual Mode. (l 70)  
1
Select the menu.  
: [RECORD SETUP] # [PICTURE ADJUST]  
2
Touch the desired setting items.  
[SHARPNESS]:  
[COLOR]:  
Sharpness of the edge  
Depth of the color of the image  
Brightness of the image  
Picture color balance  
[EXPOSURE]:  
[WB ADJUST]:  
3
4
Touch  
Touch [ENTER].  
/
to adjust settings.  
Touch [EXIT] or press the MENU button to complete the settings.  
appears on the screen.  
65  
VQT2W55  
[PICTURE SIZE]  
The higher the number of pixels, the higher the clarity of the picture when printing.  
Change the mode to  
.
: [PICTURE] # [PICTURE SIZE] # desired setting  
Picture size and Maximum zoom ratio  
Aspect ratio will change depending on the picture size.  
4:3:  
Aspect ratio of 4:3 television  
3:2:  
Aspect ratio of conventional film camera or prints (such as L-size print)  
Aspect ratio of high-definition television, etc.  
16:9:  
Extra optical zoom  
Picture size  
1952k1464  
Aspect ratio  
(l 46)  
*
2.9M  
0.3M  
2.8M  
2.1M  
4:3  
4:3  
4:3  
640k480  
2064k1376  
1920k1080  
40k  
*
3:2  
:
3 2  
*
16:9  
16:9  
* Extra optical zoom cannot be used. The maximum zoom magnification is 20k.  
Picture size in Motion Picture Recording Mode  
Picture size will change depending on recording mode.  
Picture size  
Aspect ratio  
16:9  
Recording mode  
HA/HG/HX/HE  
1280k720p  
2.1  
M
1920k1080  
960k540p  
640k480  
4:3  
640k480p  
0.3M  
This function’s default settings are [  
2.9M] in Still Picture Recording Mode and  
2.1  
M
in  
4:3  
Motion Picture Recording Mode.  
The recording will become longer depending on the picture size.  
Please refer to page 136 for details about the number of recordable pictures.  
:
3 2  
2.8M] or M , black bands may  
0.3  
When the picture size is [  
2.9M], [  
0.3M], [  
4:3  
4:3  
appear on the left and right of the screen.  
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.  
66  
VQT2W55  
[QUALITY]  
Selecting the picture quality.  
Change the mode to  
or  
.
: [PICTURE] # [QUALITY] # desired setting  
:
:
Still pictures with a high picture quality are recorded.  
Priority is given to the number of still pictures recorded. Still pictures are recorded  
in normal picture quality.  
67  
VQT2W55  
[HI-SPEED BURST]  
Recording is done continuously at the rate of 30 or 60 still pictures per second.  
Use this function to record an object with fast movement.  
Change the mode to  
.
1
Select the menu.  
4
(When [Record] is selected in step 3)  
Touch [REC ALL] or [SELECT].  
: [PICTURE] #  
[HI-SPEED BURST] # desired setting  
[REC ALL]: All pictures are stored.  
[SELECT]: Pictures are stored by  
specifying range.  
5
(When [SELECT] is selected in step 4)  
Touch the range of pictures that  
will be stored.  
[OFF]:  
Cancel the setting.  
[30 frames/sec]:  
90 still pictures are recorded continuously  
at the rate of 30 per second.  
The picture size is  
(1920k1080).  
2.1  
M
[60 frames/sec]:  
180 still pictures are recorded  
continuously at the rate of 60 per second.  
*
A
B
Start point  
The picture size is  
M
(1280k720).  
0.9  
Finish point  
2
Press the  
flashes in red during recording.  
button halfway, then  
button.  
Previous (Next) page is displayed by  
touching  
/
.
First press the  
* Only select the picture for start point if only  
1 picture is to be stored.  
A confirmation message is displayed  
when [Enter] is touched after selecting the  
start point and finish point.  
press it fully to set the focus and record. It  
will automatically focus if you press fully  
once, so it is convenient when recording  
objects moving back and forth.  
3
Touch [Record] or [Delete].  
Touch [YES] to store the pictures.  
[Record]:  
[Delete]:  
Pictures are stored.  
All pictures are deleted.  
If you turn off the unit or change the mode, this function is canceled.  
The maximum number of times you can record on a media is 15.  
(In the case of SD cards it is the maximum number of recordable scenes per card.)  
Color balance and brightness on the screen may change with some light sources such as  
fluorescent lamps.  
Image quality is different from ordinary still picture recording.  
68  
VQT2W55  
[AF ASSIST LAMP]  
When the recording environment is dark and focusing is difficult, the video light turns on to  
make focusing easier.  
Change the mode to  
.
Switch to Manual Mode. (l 70)  
: [PICTURE] # [AF ASSIST LAMP] # [AUTO]  
Set the video light to  
/
or OFF. (l 50)  
When switching to Intelligent Auto Mode, the setting is fixed to [AUTO] and cannot be  
changed.  
[SHTR SOUND]  
You can add a shutter sound when recording still pictures.  
Change the mode to  
.
: [PICTURE] # [SHTR SOUND] # [OFF]/  
/
No shutter sound is emitted in Motion Picture Recording Mode.  
69  
VQT2W55  
Advanced  
Recording  
(Advanced)  
Manual recording  
7
¬ Change the mode to  
or  
.
(The manual focus, white balance, shutter speed, brightness (Iris and Gain) settings are  
retained when you change between Motion Picture Recording Mode and Still Picture  
Recording Mode)  
Press the iA/MANUAL button to switch to Manual Mode.  
appears on the screen.  
MNL  
FOCUS  
WB  
SHTR  
IRIS  
F
FOCUS  
WB  
Focus (l 73)  
White balance (l 71)  
SHTR  
IRIS  
Manual shutter speed (l 72)  
Iris adjustment (l 72)  
Perform the setting by touching the desired item to be set.  
F
Touch 1 to change the page and the manual icon appears or disappears each time  
/
is touched.  
F
70  
VQT2W55  
White balance  
Automatic white balance function may not reproduce natural colors depending on the scenes  
or lighting conditions. If so, you can adjust the white balance manually.  
Press the iA/MANUAL button to switch to Manual Mode. (l 70)  
1 Touch [WB].  
To set the white balance  
manually  
2 Touch  
/
to select White  
1
2
Select  
white subject.  
Touch and set the blinking  
, fill the screen with a  
balance mode.  
.
AWB  
FOCUS  
WB  
SHTR IRIS  
F
FOCUS  
WB  
SHTR  
IRIS  
F
Select the optimal mode by confirming the  
color on the screen.  
When the screen turns black instantly and  
the display stops flashing and then  
lights constantly, the setting is complete.  
Icon  
Mode/Recording conditions  
Auto white balance  
adjustment  
If the  
display continues flashing, the  
white balance cannot be set. In this case,  
use other White balance modes.  
AWB  
Sunny mode  
Outdoors under a clear sky  
If you turn on the unit with the lens cover  
closed, the auto white balance will not be  
performed correctly. Always open the lens  
cover before turning on the unit.  
Cloudy mode  
Outdoors under cloudy sky  
Indoor mode 1  
Incandescent light, video lights  
like in the studio, etc.  
When the  
display flashes, the manual  
white balance previously adjusted is  
stored.Whenever recording conditions  
change, re-set the white balance.  
When setting both the white balance and  
the iris/gain, set the white balance first.  
Indoor mode 2  
Color fluorescent lamps, sodium  
lamps in gymnasiums etc.  
Manual adjustment mode  
Mercury-vapor lamps,  
sodium lamps, some  
AWB  
is not displayed on the screen  
AWB  
when  
is being set.  
fluorescent lights  
Lights used for wedding  
receptions at hotels, stage  
spotlights in theaters  
Sunrise, sunset, etc.  
AWB  
To return to auto setting, set to  
or  
press the iA/MANUAL button again.  
71  
VQT2W55  
Manual shutter speed/iris adjustment  
Shutter Speed:  
Adjust it when recording fast-moving subjects.  
Iris:  
Adjust it when the screen is too bright or too dark.  
Press the iA/MANUAL button to switch to Manual Mode. (l 70)  
1 Touch [SHTR] or [IRIS].  
Manual shutter speed adjustment  
When the shutter speed is set lower than  
1/15 in the Still Picture Recording Mode,  
using a tripod is recommended. Also,  
white balance cannot be set. The shutter  
speed will be set to 1/30 when the unit is  
turned on again or when the Quick start is  
performed.  
You may see a band of light around an  
object that is shining very bright, or highly  
reflective.  
2 Touch  
/
to adjust  
settings.  
SHTR  
Shutter speed:  
1/60 to 1/8000  
If [AUTO SLOW SHTR] is set to [ON], the  
shutter speed will be set between 1/30  
and 1/8000.  
The shutter speed closer to 1/8000 is  
faster.  
During normal playback, image movement  
may not look smooth.  
The shutter speed will be set between 1/2  
and 1/2000 in Still Picture Recording  
Mode.  
If you record an extremely bright object or  
record under indoor lighting, color and  
screen brightness may change or a  
horizontal line may appear on the screen.  
In this case, record in the Intelligent Auto  
Mode or set the shutter speed to 1/60 in  
areas where the power supply frequency  
is 60 Hz, or 1/100 in areas of 50 Hz.  
IRIS  
Iris/Gain value:  
CLOSE  
to 18dB)  
!#  
(F16 to F2.0)  
!#  
OPEN  
!#  
(0dB  
Value closer to [CLOSE] darkens the  
image.  
Value closer to [18dB] brightens the  
image.  
When the iris value is adjusted to brighter  
than [OPEN], it changes to the gain value.  
Manual iris/gain adjustment  
If the gain value is increased, the noise on  
the screen increases.  
Depending on the zoom magnification,  
there are iris values that are not displayed.  
To return to auto setting, press the  
iA/MANUAL button again.  
When setting both the shutter speed and  
the iris/gain value, set the shutter speed  
and then set the iris/gain value.  
72  
VQT2W55  
Manual focus adjustment  
If auto focusing is difficult due to the conditions, then use Manual Focus.  
Change the mode to  
or  
.
Press the iA/MANUAL button to switch to Manual Mode. (l 70)  
1
(When MF assist function is used)  
When [MF ASSIST] is [OFF], the blue  
area is not displayed.  
Select the menu.  
To restore Auto Focus, touch [AF] in step  
3 or press the iA/MANUAL button again.  
: [RECORD SETUP] #  
[MF ASSIST] # [ON]  
The blue display does not appear on the  
images actually recorded.  
F
Touch  
to display the manual icon.  
2 Touch [FOCUS].  
3 Touch [MF] to change to  
Manual Focus.  
MF appears on the screen.  
4 Adjust the focus by touching  
MF MF  
/
.
MF  
MF  
:To focus on a close subject  
:To focus on a faraway subject  
MF  
MF  
MF  
MF  
FOCUS  
WB  
SHTR  
IRIS  
F
A
Part displayed in blue  
The in-focus area is displayed in blue. The  
normal screen returns approximately  
2 seconds after you finish bringing the  
subject into focus.  
73  
VQT2W55  
Advanced  
Playback  
(Advanced)  
Playback Operations  
1
Motion picture playback using operation icon  
For details on the basic playback operations, refer to page 35.  
Playback  
operation  
Playback display  
Operating steps  
Touch 5 during playback to fast  
forward.  
(Touch 6 to rewind.)  
During Playback  
The fast forward/rewind speed  
increases if you touch 5/6 again.  
(The display on the screen changes  
Fast forward/  
rewind playback  
from 5 to  
Normal playback is restored when you  
touch  
.)  
.
With the playback paused, continue  
touching  
is for slow rewind playback)  
.
(
Playback is slow while touching.  
Normal playback is restored when you  
touch  
.
Slow-motion  
playback  
When slow-motion pictures are played  
back in reverse, they will be shown  
continuously at approximately 2/3 the  
During Pause  
rd  
speed of normal playback (intervals of  
0.5 seconds).  
Slow-motion playback for MP4 scenes  
will be in 1 second intervals.  
When the operation  
icon disappears,  
touch the screen to  
display the icon  
again.  
With the playback paused, touch  
(Touch to advance the frames one  
at a time in the reverse direction.)  
Normal playback is restored when you  
touch  
.
Frame-by-frame  
playback  
.
The motion picture  
is advanced one  
frame at a time.  
When the frames are advanced one at a  
time in the reverse direction, they will be  
shown in intervals of 0.5 seconds.  
Frame-by-frame playback for MP4  
scenes will be in 1 second intervals.  
74  
VQT2W55  
Playback  
operation  
Playback display  
During Playback  
Operating steps  
1) Touch 1 to display the direct  
playback bar A.  
2) Touch or drag the direct playback bar.  
(l 26)  
The playback pauses temporarily and  
skips to the touched or dragged  
position.  
Direct playback  
Playback will start by releasing your  
touching or dragging finger.  
Touch 2 to display the operation icon.  
Creating still picture from motion picture  
A single frame from the recorded motion picture can be saved as a still picture.  
Picture size of the still picture to be created will differ depending on the recording mode of the  
recorded motion picture.  
Recording mode  
HA/HG/HX/HE  
1280k720p  
Aspect ratio  
Picture size after creating still picture  
2.1  
0.9  
M
1920k1080  
M
1280k720  
16:9  
2.1  
M
1920k1080  
960k540p  
640k480p  
4:3  
640k480  
0.3
M  
1 Pause at the scene you want to save as a still picture during  
playback.  
It is convenient to use slow-motion playback and frame-by-frame playback.  
2 Press the  
button fully.  
Date the motion picture was recorded will be registered as date of the still picture.  
Quality will be different from the normal still picture.  
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VQT2W55  
Highlight&Time frame index  
An image of one scene is displayed as a thumbnail at set search condition. Scene can be  
played back from any midway point of the scene you wish to see.  
Operate the zoom lever or the adjust zoom buttons to  
side and change over the  
thumbnail display to Highlight&Time frame index. (l 37)  
1 Touch selected search condition.  
Next (previous) scene can be displayed by touching  
/
.
2 Touch the desired search condition.  
[3 SECONDS]/[6 SECONDS]/[12 SECONDS]/  
*
*
[MINUTES]/[FACE] /[HIGHLIGHT]  
A
B
Selected search condition  
Scene selection  
* It is not displayed on MP4 scenes.  
When select [FACE], it will select the portion for which  
face recognition was performed from the scenes  
judged to be clearly recorded. This will then be displayed as a thumbnail.  
A portion judged to be clearly recorded will be detected and displayed in thumbnail if you  
select [HIGHLIGHT].  
3
(When [MINUTES] is selected)  
Touch  
/
to set the time.  
It can be set up to a maximum of 60 minutes.  
Touch [ENTER].  
4 Touch the thumbnail to be played back.  
Next (previous) thumbnail can be displayed by touching  
/
.
Repeat playback  
Playback of the first scene starts after playback of the last scene finishes.  
: [VIDEO SETUP] # [REPEAT PLAY] # [ON]  
The  
indication appears on the full screen views.  
All the scenes are played back repeatedly. (When playing back motion pictures by date, all  
the scenes on the selected date are played back repeatedly.)  
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VQT2W55  
Resuming the previous playback  
If playback of a scene was stopped halfway, the playback can be resumed from where it was  
stopped.  
: [VIDEO SETUP] # [RESUME PLAY] # [ON]  
If playback of a motion picture is stopped,  
scene.  
appears on the thumbnail view of the stopped  
The memorized resume position is cleared if you turn off the unit or change the mode.  
(The setting of [RESUME PLAY] does not change.)  
Zooming in on a still picture during playback (Playback  
zoom)  
You can zoom in by touching a still picture during playback.  
1 Touch the part you wish to zoom in on during still picture playback.  
The still picture is zoomed in on, centering on the part you touched. With each touch, you  
zoom in further. (k1 # k2 # k4)  
2 Touch  
/
/
/
or drag the screen  
(l 26) to move the zoomed position.  
The location of the zoom displays for about 1 second  
when zooming in (zooming out) or moving the displayed  
location.  
The more picture is enlarged, the more its quality  
deteriorates.  
A
Displayed location of  
the zoom  
Zooming out from the zoomed still picture  
Touch  
Touch  
to zoom out. (k4 # k2 # k1)  
to return to normal playback (k1).  
You can also perform zoom operations using the zoom lever or the adjust zoom buttons.  
77  
VQT2W55  
Advanced  
Playback  
(Advanced)  
Various playback  
functions  
2
Playing back motion pictures/still pictures by date  
The scenes or the still pictures recorded on the same day can be played back in succession.  
1 Touch the date select icon.  
A
Date select icon  
2 Touch the playback date.  
The scenes or the still pictures recorded on the date  
selected are displayed as thumbnails.  
3 Touch the scene or the still picture to be played back.  
Playing back of all the scenes or the still pictures returns if the unit is turned off or the mode  
is changed.  
Even with AVCHD scenes recorded on the same day, they will be displayed separately in  
the following cases. -1, -2 ... are added after the date displayed on the date list.  
jWhen the number of scenes exceeds 99  
jWhen the media is repaired  
Even with MP4 scenes recorded on the same day, they will be displayed separately when  
ꢀꢁꢂ2  
ꢃꢄꢂ2  
ꢄꢅꢂ2  
are displayed after the date in the date  
the recording mode is changed. (  
list.)  
,
,
Even if still pictures are recorded on the same day, they are grouped separately in the  
following cases.  
jWhen the number of still pictures exceeds 999  
jWhen pictures are recorded in Hi-Speed Burst Shooting mode (  
is indicated after the  
date in the list by date.)  
is displayed after the date in the list by date for the still pictures created from the motion  
picture. (l 75)  
78  
VQT2W55  
Face Highlight Playback/Highlight Playback/Intelligent  
Scene Selection  
A part can be extracted and played back even when the AVCHD scene is not set to normal  
playback.  
Change the mode to  
and touch the play mode select icon to select [SD CARD]/  
[AVCHD]. (l 35)  
Face Highlight Playback, Highlight Playback or Intelligent Scene Selection cannot be used  
for MP4 scenes.  
1 Touch  
.
2 Touch the desired playback mode.  
[FACE HIGHLIGHT]:  
Giving priority to the parts with detected faces, the part that was  
recognized as clearly recorded is extracted from a long  
recording, and it can be played back in a short time with music  
added.  
[HIGHLIGHT]:  
Part that was recognized as clearly recorded is extracted from a  
long recording, and it can be played back in a short time with  
music added.  
[INTEL. SCENE]:  
Scenes can be played back with music, excluding a portion of  
the scene judged to have failed to shoot due to fast movement  
of this unit, camera shake, or focus error.  
3 Touch the desired item.  
When [FACE HIGHLIGHT]/[HIGHLIGHT] is selected  
[SCENE SETUP]:  
Select the scene or date to be played back. (l 80)  
[PRIORITY SETUP]*:  
Select the person registered for face recognition to be played  
back. (l 80)  
[PLAYBACK TIME]:  
[MUSIC SELECT]:  
Select the time to play back. (l 81)  
Select the music to be played on playback. (l 81)  
* This appears only when [FACE HIGHLIGHT] is selected.  
When [INTEL. SCENE] is selected  
[DATE SETUP]:  
Select the date to be played back. (l 81)  
[MUSIC SELECT]:  
Select the music to be played on playback. (l 81)  
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VQT2W55  
4 Touch [START].  
When Face Highlight Playback/Highlight Playback is selected, the playback time is  
displayed and playback is paused.  
5 Select the playback operation. (l 35, 74)  
When the playback is finished or stopped, the screen to select [REPLAY],  
[SELECT AGAIN] or [EXIT] is displayed.Touch the desired item.  
Playing back of all the scenes returns if the unit is turned off or the mode is changed.  
(Intelligent scene selection)  
Up to 9 sections can be skipped for a single scene.  
When motion pictures are skipped, the image stops momentarily.  
Divided scene will not be skipped.  
For data that are edited with the editing function of HD Writer AE 2.6X, the Intelligent scene  
selection is disabled.  
Scene setting  
1
2
Touch [SELECT SCENES] or [SELECT DATE].  
(When [SELECT SCENES] is selected)  
Touch the scenes to be played back.  
Up to 99 scenes can be selected in succession.  
When touched, the scene is selected and is  
displayed. Touch the scene again to cancel the  
operation.  
(When [SELECT DATE] is selected)  
Touch the date to be played back.  
A maximum of 7 days can be selected.  
When touched, the date is selected and surrounded  
by red. Touch the date again to cancel the operation.  
3
Touch [Enter]/[ENTER].  
Priority setting  
1
Touch [SELECTED FACE].  
If you touch [NONE], any detected face, including the face of person registered for Face  
Recognition, is given priority on playback.  
2
(When [SELECTED FACE] is selected)  
Touch a face to specify.  
You can specify up to 6 faces, which are to be played  
back in priority.  
1
4
2
5
3
6
KEN  
ANNA  
MARY  
JOE  
JESSICA  
CATHY  
When touched, the registered face is selected and  
surrounded by red. Touch the registered face again to  
cancel the operation.  
Touch [ENTER]. When a single face is specified, the name registered for that face is  
displayed. When multiple faces are specified, the number of faces is displayed.  
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VQT2W55  
Playback time setting  
Touch the playback time.  
The playback time of [AUTO] is a maximum of  
approx. 5 minutes.  
Playback time may become shorter than the setting,  
or it may not even play back if the part recognized as  
clearly recorded is short.  
Date setting  
Touch the playback date.  
Music setting  
1
Touch your favorite music.  
When [NO MUSIC] is selected, the audio recorded at  
the time of shooting is played back.  
To adjust the volume of music during playback or  
audio testing, operate the volume lever or the adjust  
zoom buttons. (l 37)  
2
Touch [ENTER].  
To test the music audio  
Touch [START].  
Touch the other music option to change the music to be tested.  
When you touch [STOP], the music playback stops.  
81  
VQT2W55  
Changing the playback setting and playing back the  
slide show  
1 Touch  
.
2 Touch the desired item.  
[DATE SETUP]:  
Select the date to be played back.  
[SLIDE INTERVAL]:  
[MUSIC SELECT]:  
Selects the interval between still pictures at playback.  
Select the music to be played on playback  
3
(When [DATE SETUP] is selected)  
Touch the playback date.  
(When [SLIDE INTERVAL] is selected)  
Touch the interval of playback for the slide show.  
[SHORT]:  
[NORMAL]:  
[LONG]:  
Approx. 1 second  
Approx. 5 seconds  
Approx. 15 seconds  
(When [MUSIC SELECT] is selected)  
Touch the desired sound.  
To adjust the volume of music during playback of the  
slide show or audio testing, operate the volume lever  
or the adjust zoom buttons. (l 37)  
Touch [ENTER].  
(To test the music audio)  
Touch [START] and start the audio testing.  
Touch the other music option to change the music to be tested.  
When you touch [STOP], the music playback stops.  
4 Touch [START].  
5 Select the playback operation. (l 35)  
When the playback is finished or stopped, the screen to select [REPLAY],  
[SELECT AGAIN] or [EXIT] is displayed.Touch the desired item.  
82  
VQT2W55  
Advanced  
Editing  
Deleting scenes/still  
pictures  
1
Deleted scenes/still pictures cannot be restored, so perform appropriate  
confirmation of the contents before proceeding with deletion.  
¬ Change the mode to  
and touch the play mode select icon to select  
[SD CARD]/[AVCHD], [SD CARD]/[MP4] or [SD CARD]/[PICTURE]. (l 35)  
To delete by confirming images  
being played back  
Press the  
/LIGHT button while  
scenes or still pictures to be deleted are  
being played back.  
Deleting multiple scenes/still pictures from the thumbnail display  
1 Press the /LIGHT button while the thumbnail view screen is  
displayed.  
2 Touch [ALL SCENES] or [SELECT].  
When [ALL SCENES] is selected, all the scenes or  
still pictures on the media will be deleted.  
(In case of playing back scenes or still pictures by  
date, all the scenes or still pictures on the selected  
date will be deleted.)  
Protected scenes/still pictures cannot be deleted.  
3
(When [SELECT] is selected in step 2)  
Touch the scene/still picture to be deleted.  
When touched, the scene/still picture is selected and the  
indication appears on the  
thumbnail. Touch the scene/still picture again to cancel the operation.  
Up to 99 scenes can be selected to be deleted.  
4
(When [SELECT] is selected in step 2)  
Touch [Delete] or press the  
/LIGHT button.  
To continuously delete other scenes/still pictures, repeat steps 3-4.  
When you stop deleting halfway  
Touch [CANCEL] or press the MENU button while deleting.  
The scenes or still pictures that have already been deleted when the deletion is canceled  
cannot be restored.  
83  
VQT2W55  
To complete editing  
Press the MENU button.  
You can also delete scenes by pressing the MENU button, selecting [EDIT SCENE] #  
[DELETE] # [ALL SCENES] or [SELECT].  
You can also delete still pictures by pressing the MENU button, selecting [PICT. SETUP] #  
[DELETE] # [ALL SCENES] or [SELECT].  
During Face Highlight Playback, Highlight Playback, Intelligent Scene Selection, or Disc  
Playback when connected to a DVD burner (optional), scenes/still pictures cannot be  
deleted.  
Scenes/still pictures which cannot be played back (the thumbnails are displayed as  
cannot be deleted.  
)
In case of [ALL SCENES], the deletion may take time if there are many scenes or still  
pictures.  
If you delete scenes recorded on other products or still pictures conforming to DCF  
standard with this unit, all the data related to the scenes/still pictures may be deleted.  
When still pictures recorded on an SD card by other products are deleted, a still picture  
(other than JPEG) that cannot be played back on this unit may be erased.  
Dividing a scene to partially delete (AVCHD)  
To delete unnecessary parts from AVCHD scenes, perform the deletion after dividing the  
scenes.  
Change the mode to  
and touch the play mode select icon to select [SD CARD]/  
[AVCHD]. (l 35)  
1 Select the menu.  
: [EDIT SCENE] # [DIVIDE] # [SET]  
2 Touch the scene to be divided.  
3 Touch  
to set the dividing point.  
0h00m00s  
Using slow-motion playback or frame-by-frame  
playback makes it easy to search for the point where  
you want to divide the scene. (l 74)  
Touch [YES] to continue dividing the same scene. To  
continue dividing other scenes, touch [NO] and  
repeat steps 2-3.  
4 Press the MENU button to complete dividing.  
5 Delete the unnecessary scene. (l 83)  
84  
VQT2W55  
To delete all the divided points  
[DIVIDE] # [CANCEL ALL]  
The scenes that were deleted after division cannot be recovered.  
You cannot divide a scene if you are playing back a disc with a DVD burner (optional)  
connected, or if the number of scenes of a given date would exceed 99 scenes.  
It may not be possible to divide scenes with a short recording time.  
Data that has been recorded or edited on another device cannot be divided and the divided  
points cannot be deleted.  
If personal information in the divided scenes is deleted, the personal information is deleted  
when the divided scenes are canceled.  
Dividing a scene to partially delete (MP4)  
Divide the MP4 scene, and delete unnecessary parts.  
This divides the recorded scenes in two and deletes the front half or back half.  
Change the mode to  
and touch the play mode select icon to select [SD CARD]/  
[MP4]. (l 35)  
1 Select the menu.  
: [EDIT SCENE] # [SPLIT&DELETE]  
2 Touch the scene to be divided.  
3 Touch  
to set the dividing point.  
0h00m00s  
Using slow-motion playback or frame-by-frame  
playback makes it easy to search for the point where  
you want to divide the scene. (l 74)  
4 Touch the part for deletion.  
5 Touch [YES] and confirm (playback) the  
part for deletion.  
A confirmation message appears when [NO] is  
touched or playback is canceled.  
6 Touch [YES].  
To continue dividing other scenes, repeat steps 2-6.  
Press the MENU button to complete dividing.  
The scenes that were deleted after division cannot be recovered.  
It may not be possible to divide scenes with a short recording time.  
The actual division may slightly slip off the previously designated dividing point.  
85  
VQT2W55  
Deleting personal information  
Delete personal information from the AVCHD scene for which faces were recognized.  
Change the mode to  
and touch the play mode select icon to select  
[SD CARD]/[AVCHD]. (l 35)  
Personal information is not recorded in the MP4 scenes.  
1 Select the menu.  
: [VIDEO SETUP] # [DELETE PERSONAL INFO]  
2 Touch the desired scenes with personal information to be deleted.  
appears at scenes for which faces were recognized. Touch one of the scenes where  
appears.  
will change to  
operation.  
(red) when touched. Touch the  
(red) again to cancel the  
Up to 99 scenes can be selected in succession.  
3 Touch [Delete].  
To continuously delete other personal information, repeat steps 2-3.  
Press the MENU button to complete the settings.  
When you stop deleting halfway  
Touch [CANCEL] or press the MENU button while deleting personal information.  
The personal information that has already been deleted when the deletion is canceled  
cannot be restored.  
During Disc Playback when connected to a DVD burner (optional), scenes/still pictures  
cannot be deleted.  
86  
VQT2W55  
Protecting scenes/still pictures  
Scenes/still pictures can be protected so that they are not deleted by mistake.  
(Even if you protect some scenes/still pictures, formatting the media will delete them.)  
Change the mode to  
.
1 Select the menu.  
: [VIDEO SETUP] or [PICT. SETUP] # [SCENE PROTECT]  
2 Touch the scene/still picture to be protected.  
When touched, the scene/still picture is selected and the  
thumbnail. Touch the scene/still picture again to cancel the operation.  
Press the MENU button to complete the settings.  
indication appears on the  
When the disc playback is selected while a DVD burner (optional) is connected, scenes/  
still pictures cannot be protected.  
87  
VQT2W55  
Advanced  
Editing  
DPOF setting  
2
You can write the data selecting still pictures to be printed and the number of prints (DPOF  
data) onto the SD card.  
¬ Change the mode to  
and touch the play mode select icon to select  
[SD CARD]/[PICTURE]. (l 35)  
What is DPOF?  
DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) is a format which allows the user of a digital camera to  
define which captured images on the SD card are to be printed, together with information on  
the number of copies they wish to print. (Please note: Not all commercial printing services  
support this feature at this time.)  
1 Select the menu.  
: [PICT. SETUP] # [DPOF SET] # [SET]  
2 Touch the still picture to be set.  
3 Touch  
/
to set the number of  
prints.  
Up to 999 prints can be selected. (Prints for set  
number can be printed with a printer that supports  
DPOF.)  
To cancel the setting, set the number of prints to [0].  
4 Touch [ENTER].  
To continuously set other still pictures, repeat steps 2-4.  
Press the MENU button to complete the settings.  
To cancel all DPOF settings  
[DPOF SET] # [CANCEL ALL]  
When the disc playback is selected while a DVD burner (optional) is connected, scenes/  
still pictures cannot be set DPOF.  
You cannot add the recording date to pictures to be printed with the DPOF settings.  
88  
VQT2W55  
Advanced  
With a TV  
Watching Video/Pictures  
on your TV  
1
Confirm the terminals on your TV and use a cable compatible with the terminals.  
Image quality may vary with the connected terminals.  
1
2
3
4
High quality  
HDMI terminal  
Component terminal  
Video terminal  
Use the supplied AV multi cable. Check the output settings when connecting the  
component terminal or the video terminal with the AV multi cable. (l 92)  
Use of the following Panasonic HDMI mini cables is recommended to connect the unit to  
the HDMI terminal.  
HDMI is the interface for digital devices. If you connect this unit to a HDMI compatible high  
definition TV and then play back the recorded high definition images, you can enjoy them  
in high resolution with high quality sound.  
1 Connect this unit to a TV.  
A
HDMI mini cable (optional)  
Be sure to connect to the HDMI  
terminal.  
B
AV multi cable (supplied)  
Picture quality  
1
2
High definition images when  
connecting to HDMI terminal  
High definition images when  
connecting to component  
terminal compatible with  
1080i  
AV MULTI  
Standard images when  
connecting to component  
terminal compatible with 480i  
Standard images when  
connecting to video terminal  
3
AV MULTI  
89  
VQT2W55  
Check that the plugs are inserted as far as they go.  
Always use a genuine Panasonic HDMI mini cable (RP-CDHM15, RP-CDHM30; optional).  
Do not use any other AV multi cables except the supplied one.  
When connecting to the component terminal of the TV, the yellow plug of the AV multi cable  
is not required.  
When connecting to the AV terminal of the TV, do not connect the component terminal plug  
of the AV multi cable. Image may not display when the component terminal plug is  
connected simultaneously.  
2 Select the video input on the TV.  
Example:  
Select the [HDMI] channel with a HDMI mini cable.  
Select the [Component] or [Video 2] channel with an AV multi cable.  
(The name of the channel may differ depending on the connected TV.)  
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.)  
3 Change the mode to  
to play back.  
Cables  
Reference items  
A
B
HDMI mini cable (optional) Connecting with a HDMI mini cable (l 92)  
Playback using VIERA Link (HDAVI Control  
(l 93)  
)
AV multi cable (supplied)  
Connecting with the AV multi cable (l 92)  
90  
VQT2W55  
To watch images on a regular  
TV (4:3) or when both sides of  
the images do not appear on  
the screen  
Change the menu setting to display the  
images correctly. (Check the TV setting.)  
To display the on-screen  
information on the TV  
When the menu setting is changed, the  
information displayed on the screen  
(operation icon and time code etc.) can be  
displayed/not displayed on the TV.  
: [SETUP] # [EXT. DISPLAY] #  
desired setting  
: [SETUP] # [TV ASPECT] # [4:3]  
Example of images with a 16:9 aspect  
ratio on a regular TV (4:3)  
[OFF]:  
Not displayed  
[TV ASPECT] setting  
[SIMPLE]*:  
Information partially displayed  
[DETAIL]:  
[16:9]  
[4:3]  
All information displayed  
* This setting is only available in Recording  
Mode.  
If a wide-screen TV is connected, adjust  
the aspect setting on the TV. (Refer to the  
operating instructions of the TV for  
details.)  
When the AV multi cable is connected to  
this unit, the setup screen of the AV multi  
destination is displayed on the screen of  
this unit. Touch either [COMPONENT] or  
[AV OUT] in accordance with the terminal  
connecting to the TV. (l 92)  
If the HDMI mini cable and AV multi cable  
are connected at the same time, output  
will be prioritized in order of the HDMI mini  
cable, AV multi cable.  
When viewing images recorded using  
0.3M  
(640k480) on a [16:9] TV, the images may  
be stretched horizontally. Adjust the  
aspect setting on the TV. (Refer to the  
operating instructions of the TV for  
details.)  
Refer to the following support site for information about Panasonic TVs with an SD  
card slot for playing back your pictures.  
http://panasonic.net/  
For details on how to play back, please read the operating instructions for the TV.  
91  
VQT2W55  
Connecting with a HDMI mini cable  
Select the desired method of HDMI output.  
: [SETUP] # [HDMI RESOLUTION] # [AUTO]/[1080i]/[480p]  
[AUTO] determines the output resolution automatically based on information from the  
connected TV.  
If the images are not output on the TV when the setting is [AUTO], switch to the method  
[1080i] or [480p] which enables the images to be displayed on your TV. (Please read the  
operating instructions for the TV.)  
When multiple scenes with different recording modes are played back among the MP4  
scenes, the image may not display for a few seconds on the TV during the switching of  
scenes.  
Connecting with the AV multi cable  
AV multi connector output setting can be changed.  
: [SETUP] # [AV MULTI] # desired setting  
[COMPONENT]:  
[AV OUT]:  
When connecting to the component terminal  
When connecting to the video terminal  
Changing the component output setting  
: [SETUP] # [COMPONENT OUT] # desired setting  
[480i]:  
When connecting to the component terminal on the TV compatible with 480i.  
(Playback is in standard quality.)  
[1080i]:  
When connecting to the component terminal on the TV compatible with  
1080i. (Playback is in high definition quality.)  
92  
VQT2W55  
Advanced  
Playback using VIERA Link™  
(HDAVI Control)  
With a TV  
2
What is the VIERA Link?  
VIERA Link is a new name for EZ Sync  
.
This function allows you to use your remote control for the Panasonic TV for easy  
operations when this unit has been connected to a VIERA Link compatible device using  
a HDMI mini cable (optional) for automatic linked operations. (Not all operations are  
possible.)  
VIERA Link is a unique Panasonic function built on a HDMI control function using the  
standard HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) specification. Linked operations  
with HDMI CEC compatible devices made by other companies are not guaranteed.  
When using devices made by other companies that are compatible with VIERA Link,  
refer to the operating instructions for the respective devices.  
This unit is compatible with VIERA Link Ver.5. VIERA Link Ver.5 is the newest  
Panasonic version and is also compatible with existing Panasonic VIERA Link devices.  
(As of Dec. 2009)  
¬ Change the mode to  
.
1 Select the menu.  
: [SETUP] # [VIERA Link] # [ON]  
If you are not using VIERA Link, set to [OFF].  
2 Connect this unit to a Panasonic TV compatible with VIERA Link  
with a HDMI mini cable.  
HDMI IN  
A
B
HDMI mini cable (optional)  
Panasonic TV compatible with VIERA Link  
It is recommended to connect this unit to an HDMI terminal other than the HDMI1 if there  
are 2 or more HDMI input terminals on the TV.  
VIERA Link must be activated on the connected TV. (Read the operating instructions of the  
TV for how to set etc.)  
Always use a genuine Panasonic HDMI mini cable (RP-CDHM15, RP-CDHM30; optional).  
93  
VQT2W55  
3 Operate with the remote control for the TV.  
2)  
1)  
1) Press the button up, down, left or right to select a scene or still picture to be played back,  
and then press the button in the center to set it.  
2) Activate the operation icons that are displayed on TV screen with the remote control for  
the TV.  
A
B
C
D
Operation icons  
Display operation icons  
Cancel operation icons  
Display/Cancel operation icons  
The following operations are available by pressing the color buttons on the remote control.  
jGreen: Switching the number of scenes/still pictures in thumbnail display  
(9 thumbnails # 20 thumbnails # 9 thumbnails...)  
Zoom in on still picture  
jYellow: Deleting scenes/still pictures  
jRed: Zoom out from still picture  
Other linked operations  
Turning the unit off:  
If you use the remote control for the TV to turn off the power, this unit also turns off.  
Automatic input switching:  
If you connect with a HDMI mini cable and then turn 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.  
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.  
94  
VQT2W55  
Copy/Dubbing  
With this unit/other  
products  
Connecting a DVD burner  
to copy to/play back a disc  
1
AVCHD scenes or still pictures recorded with this unit can be copied to a DVD disc by  
connecting a DVD burner (optional) to this unit using a Mini AB USB Connection Cable  
(supplied with DVD burner). The copied DVD disc can also be played back.  
Please read the operating instructions of the DVD burner for how to use it.  
MP4 scenes cannot be copied to disc. Copy to PC to make a backup. (l 102)  
Preparing for copying/playing back  
We recommend using Panasonic DVD burner VW-BN2/VW-BN01.  
About discs that can be used for copying  
Disc type  
DVD-R  
DVD-R DL  
+R  
/
DVD-RW  
+RW  
/
/
DVD-RAM  
+R DL  
*1  
Copy  
*2  
Additional copy  
*3  
Format  
*1 Use a new disc. You can additionally copy only to a DVD-RAM. When you copy to  
DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-R DL, +RW, +R or +R DL, the disc is automatically finalized to  
allow playback on other devices and additional copying will not be possible.  
*2 Only DVD-RAM copied with the DVD burner or HD Writer AE 2.6X can additionally copy.  
*3 Connect this unit and a DVD burner before formatting. If you format a used disc, you can  
copy on that disc. Please be aware that if a disc is formatted, then all the data recorded  
on the disc will be erased. (l 100)  
We recommend using the discs that have been recommended in the operating instructions  
of the DVD burner. Refer to the operating instructions of the DVD burner for details about  
recommended discs, disc handling etc.  
95  
VQT2W55  
1 Connect the AC adaptor (supplied with DVD burner) to the DVD  
burner.  
You cannot supply power to the DVD burner from this unit.  
2 Connect this unit to the AC adaptor and change the mode to  
.
3 Connect this unit to the DVD burner with the Mini AB USB  
Connection Cable (supplied with DVD burner).  
A
B
Mini AB USB Connection Cable (supplied with DVD burner)  
DVD burner (optional)  
Insert the plugs as far as they will go.  
4 Insert the disc in the DVD burner.  
Insert the DVD disc with the recording side down when using the DVD burner.  
5 Touch the desired item.  
[BURN DISC]:  
Refer to page 97 for how to copy discs.  
[PLAY DISC]:  
Refer to page 99 for how to play back the copied discs.  
To terminate the connection with the DVD burner  
Touch [EXIT].  
Disconnect the Mini AB USB Connection Cable from this unit.  
96  
VQT2W55  
Copying to discs  
You cannot copy from multiple SD cards to 1 disc. (You can additionally copy only to a  
DVD-RAM.)  
You cannot copy AVCHD scenes together with still pictures or high-definition images  
together with standard images to the same disc.  
MP4 scenes cannot be copied to disc. Copy to PC to make a backup. (l 102)  
1 Connect this unit to the DVD  
burner to prepare for copying.  
(l 96)  
3 Touch [START].  
When 2 or more discs are necessary for  
copying, follow the on-screen instructions  
to switch discs.  
2 Touch the desired items  
following the instructions on  
the screen.  
You may need more discs than displayed  
number of discs when you are copying  
additionally to a used DVD-RAM.  
Eject the disc after copying is completed.  
When the copied disc is played back on  
another device and the list of scenes is  
displayed, they are ordered by date.  
It will return to the previous step by  
touching  
.
(When [SELECT SCENES] is selected)  
When touched, the scene/still picture is  
selected and the  
indication appears  
About recording formats when  
copying AVCHD scenes  
[High Definition]:  
The images recorded in high definition  
picture quality with this unit are copied as  
they are.  
on the thumbnail. Touch the scene/still  
picture again to cancel the operation.  
(When [SELECT DATE] is selected)  
When touched, the date is selected and  
surrounded by red. Touch the date again  
to cancel the operation.  
[Standard] ([XP]/[SP]):  
Up to 99 scenes/99 dates can be selected  
in succession.  
Images are converted into the original  
standard picture quality and then copied.  
Since XP has a higher picture quality  
compared to SP, the data capacity  
becomes large so that you may need  
more discs for copying than SP.  
Before you delete the data on the media after copying is complete, be sure to play  
back the discs to check that they have been copied to correctly. (l 99)  
Important Notice  
When connecting an optional DVD burner and this unit for copying a disc, do not  
insert a disc with recorded AVCHD scenes in high definition picture quality into  
devices that do not support the AVCHD format. In some cases the disc may get  
stuck in the device. The disc will not play back on devices that do not support the  
AVCHD format.  
When inserting a disc containing recorded AVCHD scenes/still pictures into other  
devices, a message prompting you to format the disc may be displayed. Do not  
format the disc, since deleted data cannot be restored later.  
97  
VQT2W55  
Approximate time for copying to a disc  
To copy AVCHD scenes to the full capacity of a disc  
Copy time  
Disc type  
[High Definition]  
[Standard] ([XP])  
[Standard] ([SP])  
Approx.  
50 min to 1 h 20 min  
DVD-RAM  
Approx.  
1 h 30 min to  
2 h 30 min  
*
DVD-RW /  
+RW  
Approx.  
35 min to 1 h 15 min  
Approx.  
3 h to 5 h  
*
Approx.  
15 min to 45 min  
*
*
DVD-R /+R  
* Even if the data capacity to be copied is small, the time it takes for copying may be  
about the same as the time shown in the table.  
When copying motion pictures in standard picture quality to a disc, the recordable time  
of [Standard] ([XP]) is approx. 1 hour and that of [Standard] ([SP]) is approx. 2 hours.  
To copy approx. 600 MB still pictures (picture size  
Disc type  
)
2.9
M  
Copy time  
Approx. 10 min to 20 min  
DVD-RAM/DVD-RW/DVD-R/+RW/+R  
Copy time of DVD-R DL/+R DL is approximately 2 to 3 times that of DVD-R/+R.  
Depending on the following conditions or discs, the time it takes for copying may be  
longer than the above times. Wait until the end of copying is displayed.  
jWhen the number of recorded scenes is large  
jWhen the temperature of the DVD burner has become high  
The disc that was copied to can be played back by connecting this unit and a DVD  
burner.  
Do not turn off this unit or the DVD burner or disconnect the Mini AB USB Connection  
Cable while copying. Also, do not shake this unit or the DVD burner.  
It is impossible to stop copying halfway.  
The order in which the scenes were copied cannot be changed.  
Data that has been recorded on another device may not be copied.  
When 2 or more discs are necessary for copying, the last scene copied to a disc is  
automatically divided to fit the space on the disc.  
Copying may complete with more or less than the number of discs displayed when dividing  
of scenes was performed automatically etc.  
For discs being copied using [Standard] ([XP])/[Standard] ([SP]), you cannot select Face  
Highlight Playback, Highlight Playback, Intelligent Scene Selection and [HIGHLIGHT] or  
[FACE] of Highlight & Time Frame Index.  
The remaining copy time displayed while copying is the approximate time for a single disc.  
98  
VQT2W55  
Playing back the copied disc  
Only discs that have been copied by connecting this unit to the DVD burner or  
created with HD Writer AE 2.6X can be played back.  
A
Mini AB USB Connection Cable (supplied with DVD burner)  
1 Connect this unit to the DVD burner to prepare for playback. (l 96)  
When playing back on a TV, connect this unit to the TV. (l 89)  
2 Touch the scene or still picture to be played back and then play it  
back.  
The playback operation is performed the same as when playing back motion pictures or  
still pictures. (l 35, 74)  
It will return to Step 5 on page 96 when [RETURN] is selected in the thumbnail screen.  
It is also possible to switch the media to play back by touching the play mode select icon.  
It is possible to select [DISC]/[VIDEO] or [DISC]/[PICTURE] when the DVD burner is  
connected.  
Black bands may appear on the left and right of the screen when it is played back  
connected to a TV with 4:3 ratio.  
99  
VQT2W55  
Managing the copied disc  
Connect this unit to the DVD burner and then touch [PLAY DISC]. (l 96)  
Formatting discs  
This is for initializing DVD-RAM, DVD-RW and +RW discs.  
Please be aware that if a disc is formatted, then all the data recorded on the disc will  
be erased. Back up important data on a PC etc.  
: [DISC SETUP] # [FORMAT DISC]  
When formatting is complete, touch [EXIT] to exit the message screen.  
Connect this unit and the DVD burner to format discs.  
You may no longer be able to use the discs if you format them on another device such as a  
PC etc.  
Auto protect  
You can protect (write protect) a DVD-RAM disc when copying motion pictures in high  
definition picture quality or DVD-RW disc when copying motion pictures or still pictures in  
high definition picture quality to the disc.  
1 Select the menu.  
: [DISC SETUP] # [AUTO PROTECT] # [ON]  
If a disc that you copied to is inserted in another device without protecting it, a message  
may be displayed prompting you to format the disc. We recommend setting  
[AUTO PROTECT] to [ON] in order to prevent accidental deletion.  
2 Copy to the disc. (l 97)  
After copying, the disc is write protected.  
To release the disc protection  
[DISC SETUP] # [CANCEL PROTECT]  
Touch [EXIT] and close the message screen after the auto protection is released.  
Displaying disc information  
Information such as the type of recorded disc, the number of recorded scenes and whether  
or not the disc is finalized is displayed.  
: [DISC SETUP] # [DISC STATUS]  
Touch [EXIT] to exit the information screen.  
100  
VQT2W55  
Copy/Dubbing  
With this unit/other  
products  
Dubbing images onto  
other video devices  
2
Images played back on this unit can be dubbed onto a DVD recorder or video device.  
Images are dubbed in standard quality.  
Use the AC adaptor to free you from worrying about the battery running down.  
Change the video input on the video  
device and TV that this unit is  
connected to.  
The channel set will differ depending on the  
terminal to which the unit is connected.  
AV MULTI  
See the operating instructions of the video  
device for details.  
Insert the plugs as far as they will go.  
Do not use any other AV multi cables except  
the supplied one.  
A
AV multi cable (supplied)  
1 Connect this unit to a video device and then change the mode to  
.
2 Start playback on this unit.  
3 Start recording on the connected device.  
To stop recording (dubbing), stop playback on this unit after stopping recording on the  
recorder.  
If the date and time display and function indication are not wanted, cancel them before  
dubbing. (l 41, 91)  
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 instructions for the device you are connecting to or read  
the operating instructions of the wide-screen TV and set the aspect ratio to 16:9.  
101  
VQT2W55  
With a PC  
Before using  
What you can do with a  
PC  
1
HD Writer AE 2.6X  
You can copy the motion/still picture data to the HDD of PCs or write to media like Blu-ray discs (BD),  
DVD discs or SD cards using HD Writer AE 2.6 , the software installed in the supplied CD-ROM.  
X
Refer to the operating instructions of HD Writer AE 2.6X (PDF file) for details on how to use it.  
Smart wizard  
The Smart wizard screen is automatically displayed when you connect this unit to a PC with  
HD Writer AE 2.6X installed. (l 110)  
Copy to PC:  
You can copy motion/still picture data to the HDD of PCs.  
Copy to disc:  
You can copy to disc in high definition picture quality or conventional standard picture quality  
(MPEG2 format).  
Select the function you wish to use and follow the on-screen instructions for easy copying.  
Available function  
Copying data to a PC  
Data type  
Software required  
CD-ROM (supplied):  
HD Writer AE 2.6X  
Motion  
picture and  
still picture  
Copying in BD/AVCHD format*  
* MP4 scenes cannot be copied to BD/AVCHD  
format.  
Copying in DVD-Video format:  
Converted to conventional standard quality  
(MPEG2 format).  
Editing:  
Editing motion picture data copied on an HDD of a PC  
Title, Transition, Delete partially, Divide Scene  
Converting the motion picture data to MPEG2  
Converting part of motion picture into still picture  
Motion  
picture  
Online sharing:  
You can upload motion pictures on the Internet  
and share them with your family and friends.  
Playing back on a PC:  
Play back the motion picture data in high definition  
picture quality on a PC.  
Formatting discs:  
Depending on the type of disc that you use,  
formatting is necessary.  
102  
VQT2W55  
Available function  
Playing back on a PC  
Data type  
Software required  
HD Writer AE 2.6X or  
Standard Windows  
picture viewer or a  
commercially available  
picture viewer  
Still  
picture  
Copying still pictures to a PC (l 112)  
Windows Explorer  
Refer to page 114 if using a Mac.  
Important Notice  
When using an SDXC Memory Card, check the following support site.  
http://panasonic.net/avc/sdcard/information/SDXC.html  
Do not insert a disc recorded in AVCHD format with HD Writer AE 2.6X in a device  
that does not support the AVCHD format. In some cases the disc may get stuck in  
the device. The disc will not play back on devices that do not support the AVCHD  
format.  
When inserting a disc containing recorded motion pictures into other devices, a  
message prompting you to format the disc may be displayed. Do not format the  
disc, since deleted data cannot be restored later.  
Motion pictures that have been recorded on another device cannot be written to the  
software supplied with this unit. To write motion picture data recorded with the  
Panasonic High Definition Video Camera sold previously, use the HD Writer supplied  
with the unit.  
We cannot guarantee operation if you use software other than that supplied to read/write  
motion picture.  
Do not start the software supplied with this unit and other software at the same time. Close  
any other software if you start the software supplied with this unit and close the software  
supplied with this unit if you start any other software.  
About Conversion Assist Function  
When you want to convert the recording quality and write to media, the “Conversion Assist  
Function”, which is a linking function between this unit and the HD Writer AE 2.6X, is  
activated by connecting this unit to the PC with the USB cable. When the “Conversion Assist  
Function” is used, it is possible to write to media faster than when operating only on PC.  
Please refer to page 110 for details about the connection of this unit and a PC.  
Refer to the operating instructions of the software for details. (l 113)  
103  
VQT2W55  
End User License Agreement  
Before opening the CD-ROM package, please read the following.  
You (“Licensee”) are granted a license for  
the Software defined in this End User  
License 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 Panasonic Corporation  
permitted under law or regulation of the  
country where Licensee resides. Panasonic,  
and its distributors 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.  
(“Panasonic”), its distributors or dealers from  
which you made the purchase.  
Article 6 Indemnification  
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, Panasonic does not  
warrant that the operation of the Software  
will be uninterrupted or error free. Panasonic  
or any of its distributors will not be liable for  
any damage suffered by Licensee arising  
from or in connection with Licensee’s use of  
the Software.  
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 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 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 3 Restrictions on Copying the  
Software  
Article 8 Termination of License  
Licensee may make a single copy of the  
Software in whole or a part solely for back-  
up purposes.  
The right granted to Licensee hereunder will  
be automatically terminated if Licensee  
contravenes any of the terms and conditions  
of this Agreement. In this event, Licensee  
must destroy the Software and related  
documentation together with all the copies  
thereof at Licensee’s own expense.  
Article 4 Computer  
Licensee may use the Software only on one  
computer, and may not use it on more than  
one computer.  
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  
104  
VQT2W55  
With a PC  
Before using  
Operating environment  
2
Even if the system requirements mentioned in these operating instructions are fulfilled,  
some PCs cannot be used.  
A CD-ROM drive is necessary to install the supplied software applications. (A compatible  
BD/DVD writer drive and media are necessary for writing to a BD/DVD.)  
Operation is not guaranteed in the following cases.  
jWhen 2 or more USB devices are connected to a PC, or when devices are connected  
through USB hubs or by using extension cables.  
jOperation on an upgraded OS.  
jOperation on an OS other than the one pre-installed.  
This software is not compatible with Microsoft Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98,  
Windows 98SE, Windows Me, Windows NT and Windows 2000.  
Operating environment for HD Writer AE 2.6X  
PC  
OS  
IBM PC/AT compatible PC  
Microsoft Windows XP (32 bit) Home Edition Service Pack 2/Service Pack 3  
Microsoft Windows XP (32 bit) Professional Service Pack 2/Service Pack 3  
Microsoft Windows Vista (32 bit) Home Basic Service Pack 1/Service Pack 2  
Microsoft Windows Vista (32 bit) Home Premium Service Pack 1/Service Pack 2  
Microsoft Windows Vista (32 bit) Business Service Pack 1/Service Pack 2  
Microsoft Windows Vista (32 bit) Ultimate Service Pack 1/Service Pack 2  
Microsoft Windows 7 (32 bit) Starter  
Microsoft Windows 7 (32 bit/64 bit) Home Basic  
Microsoft Windows 7 (32 bit/64 bit) Home Premium  
Microsoft Windows 7 (32 bit/64 bit) Professional  
Microsoft Windows 7 (32 bit/64 bit) Ultimate  
CPU  
RAM  
Intel Pentium 4 2.8 GHz or higher (including compatible CPU)  
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.16 GHz or higher or  
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 5200+ or higher is recommended  
when a playback function or MPEG2 output function is used.  
Intel Core 2 Quad 2.6 GHz or higher is recommended when  
using the editing or Continuous Photo Playback function.  
Windows 7: 1 GB or more (32 bit)/2 GB or more (64 bit)  
Windows Vista: 1 GB or more  
Windows XP: 512 MB or more (1 GB or more recommended)  
105  
VQT2W55  
Display  
High Color (16 bit) or more (32 bit or more recommended)  
Desktop resolution of 1024k768 pixels or more (1280k1024  
pixels or more recommended)  
Windows Vista/Windows 7: DirectX 9.0c compatible video card  
(DirectX 10 recommended) with DirectDraw overlay  
Windows XP: DirectX 9.0c compatible video card  
Compatible with DirectDraw overlay  
PCI Express k16 compatible recommended  
Free hard disk  
drive space  
Ultra DMA — 100 or more  
450 MB or more (for installing the software)  
When writing to a DVD/BD/SD, more than double the amount of  
free space as the disc being created is necessary.  
Sound  
DirectSound Support  
Interface  
USB port [Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0)]  
Other requirements Mouse or equivalent pointing device  
Internet connection  
Supplied CD-ROM is available for Windows only.  
Input is not supported in languages other than English, German, French and Simplified  
Chinese.  
Operation cannot be guaranteed on all BD/DVD drives.  
Operation is not guaranteed on Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise, Windows XP  
Media Center Edition, Tablet PC Edition and Windows 7 Enterprise.  
This software is not compatible with a multi-boot environment.  
This software is not compatible with a multi-monitor environment.  
If using Windows XP, an administrative account user only can use this software. If using  
Windows Vista/Windows 7, administrative account and standard account users only can  
use this software. (An administrative account user should install and uninstall this  
software.)  
To use the HD Writer AE 2.6X  
You will need a high performance PC depending on the functions to be used. It may not  
properly play back or properly operate depending on the environment of the PC used. Refer  
to the operating environment and notes.  
Operation during the playback may become slow if the CPU or memory is not fulfilling the  
requirements of the operating environment.  
Always use the most current driver for the video card.  
Always make sure there is enough capacity on the HDD in the PC. It may become  
inoperable or the operation may stop suddenly if the capacity gets low.  
106  
VQT2W55  
Operating environment for the card reader function (mass storage)  
PC  
OS  
IBM PC/AT compatible PC  
Microsoft Windows XP (32 bit) Home Edition Service Pack 2/Service Pack 3  
Microsoft Windows XP (32 bit) Professional Service Pack 2/Service Pack 3  
Microsoft Windows Vista (32 bit) Home Basic Service Pack 1/Service Pack 2  
Microsoft Windows Vista (32 bit) Home Premium Service Pack 1/Service Pack 2  
Microsoft Windows Vista (32 bit) Business Service Pack 1/Service Pack 2  
Microsoft Windows Vista (32 bit) Ultimate Service Pack 1/Service Pack 2  
Microsoft Windows Vista (32 bit) Enterprise Service Pack 1/Service Pack 2  
Microsoft Windows 7 (32 bit) Starter  
Microsoft Windows 7 (32 bit/64 bit) Home Basic  
Microsoft Windows 7 (32 bit/64 bit) Home Premium  
Microsoft Windows 7 (32 bit/64 bit) Professional  
Microsoft Windows 7 (32 bit/64 bit) Ultimate  
CPU  
RAM  
Windows Vista/Windows 7: 1.0 GHz or higher  
Windows XP: Intel Pentium III 450 MHz or higher or Intel Celeron  
400 MHz or higher  
Windows 7: 1 GB or more (32 bit)/2 GB or more (64 bit)  
Windows Vista Home Basic: 512 MB or more  
Windows Vista Home Premium/Business/Ultimate/Enterprise:  
1 GB or more  
Windows XP: 128 MB or more (256 MB or more recommended)  
Interface  
USB port  
Other requirements Mouse or equivalent pointing device  
The USB equipment operates with the driver installed as standard in the OS.  
107  
VQT2W55  
With a PC  
Setup  
Installation  
1
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 all applications that are running.  
Do not perform any other operations on your PC while the software is being installed.  
Explanation of operations and screens is based on Windows Vista.  
1 Insert the CD-ROM into the PC.  
The following screen is displayed automatically. Click [Run setup.exe] # [Continue].  
If the following screen is not displayed automatically, select [Start] # [Computer] (or  
double-click on [Computer] on the desktop), and then double-click [PANASONIC].  
2 Click [Next].  
3 Read the [End User License Agreement], then place a check beside  
[I accept the terms of the license agreement] if you agree to them  
and click [Next].  
4 Select the country or region where you  
live, then click [Next].  
If the country or region cannot be selected, select  
[NTSC Area].  
When the confirmation message appears, click [Yes].  
108  
VQT2W55  
5 Select where the application is to be  
installed, then click [Next].  
6 Select [Yes] or [No] to create shortcut.  
A message regarding the playback in the environment  
used may be displayed depending on the performance  
of the PC used. Click [OK] after confirming.  
7
When installation is complete, some notes will appear.  
Check the contents, then close the window.  
8 Select [Yes, I want to restart my  
computer now.], then click [Finish].  
The PC must be rebooted for the  
application to work.  
Uninstalling HD Writer AE 2.6X  
Follow the steps below to uninstall any software applications that you no longer require.  
1 Select [Start] #  
[Control Panel] #  
[Uninstall a Program].  
2 Select [HD Writer AE 2.6X], then  
click [Uninstall].  
Proceed with the uninstallation by following  
the on-screen instructions.  
After uninstalling the software, be sure to  
reboot the PC.  
109  
VQT2W55  
With a PC  
Setup  
Connecting to a PC  
2
Connect this unit to the PC after the software applications are installed.  
Remove the supplied CD-ROM from your PC.  
A
USB cable (supplied)  
1 Connect this unit to the AC adaptor.  
It is possible to use the unit connected to the PC with the batteries only, but you will not be  
able to write data into the unit.  
Connect with the AC adaptor when using the Conversion Assist Function.  
2 Turn on the unit.  
This function is available in all modes.  
3 Connect this unit to a PC.  
The USB function selection screen will appear.  
4 Touch [PC] on the screen of this unit.  
The Smart wizard screen is automatically displayed when HD Writer AE 2.6X is installed.  
This unit is automatically recognized as an external drive of the PC. (l 112)  
When you select an option other than [PC], reconnect the USB cable.  
When using the battery, the LCD monitor turns off after about 5 seconds. Touch the screen  
to turn the LCD monitor on.  
Do not use any other USB cables except the supplied one. (Operation is not guaranteed  
with any other USB cables.)  
When the unit is connected to a PC, it cannot be turned off.  
Disconnect the USB cable, before turning this unit off.  
Do not disconnect the USB cable or the AC adaptor while the access lamp is on or card  
access icon (  
) appears on the unit screen.  
When performing reading/writing between a PC and an SD card, be aware that some SD  
card slots built into PCs and some SD card readers are not compatible with the SDHC  
Memory Card or SDXC Memory Card.  
When using an SDXC Memory Card, check the following support site.  
http://panasonic.net/avc/sdcard/information/SDXC.html  
110  
VQT2W55  
To disconnect USB cable safely  
1
Double click the  
icon in task tray displayed on the PC.  
Depending on your PC’s settings, this icon may not be displayed.  
2
3
Select [USB Mass Storage Device] and click [Stop].  
Verify [MATSHITA HDC-SDX1/SD USB Device] is selected and click [OK].  
Charging the battery by connecting it to different devices  
When using the battery, if you turn off the unit and connect it to a PC, Panasonic Blu-ray disc  
recorder or Panasonic DVD recorder, the battery will charge.  
When connecting this unit to a PC for the first time, make sure to connect this unit to  
the PC with this unit turned on.  
Insert the USB cable securely all the way. It will not operate properly if it is not inserted all  
the way.  
Do not use any other USB cables except the supplied one. (Operation is not guaranteed  
with any other USB cables.)  
Be sure to connect the unit directly to the PC, Blu-ray disc recorder or DVD recorder.  
During charging, the status indicator flashes. When charging is finished, the status  
indicator turns off.  
You cannot charge when the status indicator flashes rapidly for approx. 1 minute, or when  
it does not light at all. Charge using the AC adaptor. (l 20)  
It will take 2 or 3 times longer to charge compared to when using the AC adaptor.  
Use the AC adapter to charge the large capacity battery (VW-VBK360; optional).  
If the status indicator flashes at a particularly fast or slow rate, refer to page 131.  
When this unit is connected to a PC, Blu-ray disc recorder or DVD recorder using a USB  
cable while the unit is turned on, power is also supplied from the connected equipment to  
this unit.  
111  
VQT2W55  
About the PC display  
When the unit is connected to a PC, it is recognized as an external drive.  
Removable disk (Example:  
) is displayed in [Computer].  
The following data will be recorded.  
We recommend using HD Writer AE 2.6X  
to copy or write back motion picture data.  
Using Windows Explorer or other  
programs on the PC to copy, move or  
rename files and folders recorded with  
this unit will result in them being unusable  
with HD Writer AE 2.6X.  
1
2
3
4
5
6
Up to 999 still pictures in JPEG  
format ([S1000001.JPG] etc.)  
1280k720p MP4 format motion  
picture files ([S1000001.MP4] etc.)  
640k480p MP4 format motion picture  
files ([S1000001.MP4] etc.)  
iFrame 960k540p MP4 format motion  
picture files ([S1000001.MP4] etc.)  
JPEG format still pictures recorded  
in Hi-speed Burst Shooting Mode  
JPEG format still pictures created  
from the motion picture  
Example folder structure of an SD card:  
CAM_SD  
DCIM  
100CDPFQ  
101XCPBH  
102VCPBH  
103UCPBH  
7
8
The DPOF setting files  
AVCHD format motion picture  
thumbnails  
104CDPFR  
105CDPFS  
9
:
AVCHD format motion picture files  
([00000.MTS] etc.)  
Files for Intelligent Scene Selection  
playback  
MISC  
PRIVATE  
AVCHD  
AVCHDTN  
Copying your still pictures to  
your PC  
BDMV  
IISVPL  
Card reader function (mass storage)  
Still pictures recorded with this unit can be  
copied to the PC with Explorer or other  
programs.  
1
Double click the folder that contains  
the still pictures. ([DCIM] #  
[100CDPFQ] etc.)  
2
Drag and drop the still pictures onto  
the destination folder (on the PC’s  
HDD).  
Do not delete the SD card’s folders. Doing  
so may make the SD card unusable in this  
unit.  
When data not supported by this unit has  
been recorded on a PC, it will not be  
recognized by this unit.  
Always use this unit to format SD cards.  
112  
VQT2W55  
With a PC  
Using with a PC  
Starting HD Writer AE  
2.6X  
1
When using HD Writer AE 2.6X on Windows XP, log on to your computer as Administrator  
(or with a login name equally authorized). If you log on with a login name other than  
Administrator, you cannot use the applications.  
When using HD Writer AE 2.6X on Windows Vista/Windows 7, log on to your computer as  
Administrator (or with a login name equally authorized) or with the user name for a  
standard user account. If you log on with a user name for a guest user account, the  
software cannot be used.  
(On the PC)  
Select [Start] # [All Programs] # [Panasonic] # [HD Writer AE 2.6X] #  
[HD Writer AE].  
For details on how to use the software applications, read the PDF operating instructions of  
the software.  
Reading the operating instructions of the software  
applications  
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or later or Adobe Reader 7.0 or later to read the  
PDF operating instructions.  
Select [Start] # [All Programs] # [Panasonic] # [HD Writer AE 2.6X] #  
[Operating Instructions].  
113  
VQT2W55  
With a PC  
Using with a PC  
If using Mac  
2
HD Writer AE 2.6X is not available for Mac.  
iMovie’09 supported. For details about iMovie’09, please contact Apple Inc.  
There are some limitations in the functions when iMovie’09 is used. Refer to page 126 for  
details.  
Operating environment  
PC  
OS  
Mac  
Mac OS X 10.5.8  
Mac OS X 10.6  
CPU  
Intel Core Duo  
Intel Core 2 Duo  
RAM  
1 GB or more  
USB port  
Interface  
Even if the system requirements mentioned in these operating instructions are fulfilled,  
some PCs cannot be used.  
The USB equipment operates with the driver installed as standard in the OS.  
Supplied CD-ROM is available for Windows only.  
Copying still pictures on PC  
1 Connect this unit to a PC via the supplied USB cable.  
The USB function selection screen will appear.  
2 Touch [PC] on the screen of this unit.  
This unit is automatically recognized as an external drive of Mac.  
When you select an option other than [PC], reconnect the USB cable.  
When using the battery, the LCD monitor turns off after about 5 seconds. Touch the screen  
to turn the LCD monitor on.  
3 Double-click [CAM_SD] displayed on the desktop.  
Files are stored in [100CDPFQ] or [104CDPFR] folder etc. in the [DCIM] folder.  
4 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 PC.  
To disconnect USB cable safely  
Drag [CAM_SD] disk icon to the [Trash], and then disconnect the USB cable.  
114  
VQT2W55  
With a PC  
Using with a PC  
To use as a camera for  
Skype  
3
It is possible to perform video conferencing using Skype when this unit is connected to a PC  
that is connected to the Internet.  
Skype is a software that allows you to perform video conferencing using an Internet connection.  
Skype must first be installed before use.  
For downloading or details regarding Skype, refer to the Skype Website.  
For information on how to use Skype, refer to the Skype help file.  
Depending on the PC or Internet environment used, you may not be able to use Skype,  
images may be disrupted, cut off, the resolution may be low or the audio may be cut off.  
(l 126)  
Operating environment for Skype  
PC  
IBM PC/AT compatible PC  
Skype 4.2 for Windows  
Mac  
Software  
Skype 2.8 for  
Mac OS X  
OS  
Microsoft Windows XP (32 bit) Home Edition Service Pack 2/ Mac OS X 10.6  
Service Pack 3  
Microsoft Windows XP (32 bit) Professional Service Pack 2/  
Service Pack 3  
Microsoft Windows Vista (32 bit) Home Basic Service Pack 1  
Service Pack 2  
/
Microsoft Windows Vista (32 bit) Home Premium Service Pack 1/  
Service Pack 2  
Microsoft Windows Vista (32 bit) Business Service Pack 1/  
Service Pack 2  
Microsoft Windows Vista (32 bit) Ultimate Service Pack 1/  
Service Pack 2  
Microsoft Windows Vista (32 bit) Enterprise Service Pack 1/  
Service Pack 2  
Microsoft Windows 7 (32 bit) Starter  
Microsoft Windows 7 (32 bit/64 bit) Home Basic  
Microsoft Windows 7 (32 bit/64 bit) Home Premium  
Microsoft Windows 7 (32 bit/64 bit) Professional  
Microsoft Windows 7 (32 bit/64 bit) Ultimate  
CPU  
RAM  
Intel Pentium 4 1.7 GHz or higher  
Intel Core Duo  
Intel Core 2 Duo  
Windows 7: 1 GB or more (32 bit)/2 GB or more (64 bit) 512 MB or more  
Windows Vista Home Basic: 512 MB or more  
Windows Vista Home Premium/Business/Ultimate/  
Enterprise: 1 GB or more  
Windows XP: 512 MB or more  
115  
VQT2W55  
Free hard disk  
drive space  
100 MB free disc space  
Sound  
Speaker or headphones  
USB port  
Interface  
Other  
High-speed broadband internet connection  
requirements  
Even if the system requirements mentioned in these operating instructions are fulfilled,  
some PCs cannot be used.  
The USB equipment operates with the driver installed as standard in the OS.  
How to connect  
1 Connect this unit to the AC adaptor.  
Use the AC adaptor to free you from worrying about the battery running down.  
2 Turn on the unit.  
Change the mode to  
or  
.
3 Connect this unit to a PC.  
A
USB cable (supplied)  
Insert the USB cable securely all the way. It will not operate properly if it is not inserted all the way.  
Do not use any other USB cables except the supplied one. (Operation is not guaranteed  
with any other USB cables.)  
The USB function selection screen will appear.  
4 Touch [WEB CAM] on the screen of this  
unit.  
When you select an option other than [WEB CAM],  
reconnect the USB cable.  
Sides of the image will be truncated and displayed in  
4:3 aspect ratio on you and your partner’s PCs.  
When you use the camera as a Web camera continuously for 8 hours, it will stop the  
operation and return to the USB function selection screen.  
Do not operate any other function on this unit while the camera is connected to a PC in  
Web camera mode.  
5 Disconnect the USB cable after shutting down Skype.  
116  
VQT2W55  
Others  
Indications  
Indications  
1
Recording indications  
World time setting (l 40)  
Motion Picture Recording Mode  
/
/
/
/
/
/
A
0h00m00s  
1h30m  
HG1920  
MF  
100  
R 1h20m  
Motion picture recording mode (l 58)  
PRE-REC  
(White) Card recording possible  
1
/
OPEN 0dB  
status  
(Green) Recognizing the card  
12:34PM  
F
¥/; (Red)  
; (Green)  
PRE-REC  
Recording  
NOV 15 2010  
Recording pause  
PRE-REC (l 52)  
Manual Mode (l 70)  
Still Picture Recording Mode  
MNL  
MEGA  
MNL  
A
1h30m  
MF  
2.9M  
R 3000  
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
Intelligent Auto Mode (l 33)  
1/100  
1/100  
O
O
P
P
E
E
N
N
0dB  
F
/
Operation icon is  
F
displayed/not displayed.  
(l 51)  
F
MF  
AWB  
White Balance (l 71)  
Manual Focus (l 73)  
/
/
/
/
/
Remaining battery power  
(l 21)  
1h30m  
Remaining battery time  
(l 21)  
R 1h20m  
Remaining time for motion  
picture recording (l 30)  
0h00m00s  
Elapsed recording time  
(l 30)  
(“h” is an abbreviation for hour, “m” for  
minute and “s” for second.)  
NOV 15 2010 Date indication (l 27)  
12:34PM  
Time indication (l 27)  
117  
VQT2W55  
± (White)/¥ (Green)/  
/
/
/
/
1/100  
Shutter Speed (l 72)  
Focus Indication (l 31)  
OPEN/F2.0 Iris Value (l 72)  
Ø10/Ø2  
Self-Timer Recording  
(l 54)  
0dB  
Gain Value (l 72)  
5/  
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
ß/ßA/  
Flash (l 53)  
/
ßi/ßj  
Flash Level (l 53)  
Scene Mode (l 56)  
Red-Eye Reduction (l 54)  
+2  
+1  
-
1
A
/
/
/
Power LCD (l 43)  
/
Picture Quality (l 67)  
/
/
/
/
/
2.1  
M
0.9  
M
2.9
M  
/
0.3
M  
/
2.8M  
/
/
Image Stabilizer (l 47)/Optical Image  
Number of recording pixels for still pictures  
Stabilizer Lock (l 48)  
(l 32, 66, 68, 75)  
/
The picture size is not displayed for still  
pictures recorded with other products that  
have different picture sizes from the sizes  
shown above.  
AF/AE Tracking (l 49)  
/
/
Video Light (l 50)  
R3000  
Remaining number of still  
pictures (l 32)  
Picture Adjustment (l 65)  
Hi-Speed Burst Shooting  
(l 68)  
(White) Still picture recording icon  
(Red)  
Recording still picture  
MEGA OIS (l 31)  
Digital Cinema Color (l 62)  
AF Assist Lamp (l 69)  
MEGA  
WEB camera (l 115)  
Zoom Microphone (l 63)  
Wind Noise Canceler  
(l 63)  
/
Smile Shot (l 53)  
Microphone Level (l 64)  
Backlight Compensation  
(l 54)  
Soft Skin Mode (l 54)  
Tele Macro (l 55)  
/
Fade (White), Fade (Black)  
(l 52)  
Color Night Rec Function  
(l 55)  
Intelligent Contrast Control  
(l 52)  
Intelligent Exposure (l 54)  
118  
VQT2W55  
Playback indications  
Indication of connection to  
other devices  
1/;/5/  
/6/  
/7/8/D/E/;1/  
2;  
Accessing the card (l 110)  
Display during playback (l 35, 74)  
Confirmatory indications  
F
/
Operation Icon is  
displayed/not displayed.  
(l 35)  
F
–– (Time The built-in battery is low.  
display)  
(l 27)  
0h00m00s  
No.10  
Playback Time (l 35)  
Scene Number  
Warning for recording yourself  
(l 26)  
Repeat Playback (l 76)  
Resume Playback (l 77)  
Still picture folder/file name  
SD card is not inserted or is  
non-compatible.  
100-0001  
Confirmatory indications when  
DPOF already set  
(to more than 1) (l 88)  
a DVD burner is connected  
Protected motion pictures/  
still pictures (l 87)  
Disc playback (l 99)  
XP  
Scene copied in [Standard]  
([XP])  
AVCHD thumbnail (l 35)  
MP4 thumbnail (l 35)  
SP  
Scene copied in [Standard]  
([SP])  
Still picture recorded using  
Smile Shot (l 53)  
/
/
/
/
/
/
Disc type (l 95)  
Unusable disc  
119  
VQT2W55  
Others  
Indications  
Messages  
2
Major confirmation/error messages to be indicated on the screen in text.  
CHECK CARD.  
This card is not compatible or it cannot be recognized by the unit.  
If this message appears even though motion pictures and still pictures are recorded on  
an SD card, the card may be unstable. Reinsert the SD card, then turn the unit off and  
then on again.  
THIS BATTERY CANNOT BE USED.  
Use a battery that is compatible with this unit. (l 18)  
If using a Panasonic battery compatible with this unit, 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 contact consumer support. (l 145) Do not attempt  
to repair it by yourself.  
You are attempting to connect an AC adaptor not compatible with this unit. Use the  
supplied AC adaptor. (l 20)  
PLEASE CHECK EXTERNAL DRIVE OR DISC.  
A disc that cannot be used when connecting the unit to the DVD burner has been  
inserted, or the DVD burner is not recognized properly. Connect the Mini AB USB  
Connection Cable again and insert a disc to copy the data. (l 95)  
120  
VQT2W55  
About recovery  
If faulty management information is found, the messages may appear and a repair is  
performed. (Repairing may take time depending on the error.)  
SOME SCENES NEED REPAIRING. PLAY SCENES TO BE REPAIRED.  
(IRREPARABLE SCENES WILL BE DELETED.)  
The above message is displayed when abnormal management information is detected  
when the scenes are displayed in thumbnail. To perform the repair, touch the scene with  
in the thumbnail, and start the playback. Please be aware that if the repair fails,  
scenes with  
will be deleted.  
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.  
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 recovery fails, turn the unit off and on again after waiting a while. If recovery fails  
repeatedly, format a media on the unit. Please be aware that if a media is formatted, then  
all the data recorded on the media will be erased.  
If the thumbnail information is recovered, displaying the thumbnails may become slower.  
121  
VQT2W55  
Others  
Troubleshooting  
Problem  
Check points  
This unit cannot be  
turned on.  
Charge the battery again to ensure it is sufficiently  
charged. (l 20)  
In cold places, the battery using time becomes  
This unit does not stay  
on long enough.  
shorter.  
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 needs to be replaced.  
Battery runs down  
quickly.  
This unit is turned off  
automatically.  
If the unit turns off when you turn off the power to the  
TV using the TV remote control, the VIERA Link is at  
work. If you are not using the VIERA Link, set  
[VIERA Link] to [OFF]. (l 93)  
When this unit is connected to a DVD burner to copy  
or play back images (a disc is being accessed), the  
unit turns off automatically if the Mini AB USB  
Connection Cable is removed.  
A clicking sound is  
heard when the unit is  
shaken.  
This is the sound of the lens moving and is not a  
defect.  
This sound will no longer be heard when the unit is  
turned on and change the mode to  
or  
.
Remaining battery  
indication is not  
The remaining battery capacity indication is an  
approximation.  
displayed properly.  
If the remaining battery capacity indication is not  
displayed correctly, fully charge the battery,  
discharge it and then charge it again.  
This unit cannot be  
operated though it is  
turned on.  
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 unit  
again. (Conducting the above operation while the  
media is being accessed may damage the data on  
the media.)  
This unit does not  
operate normally.  
If normal operation is still not restored, detach the  
power connected, and contact consumer support.  
(l 145)  
122  
VQT2W55  
Problem  
Check points  
Item other than the  
touched one is  
selected.  
Calibrate the touch screen. (l 44)  
The remaining time  
indication or the  
elapsed time  
[DISPLAY] of the [SETUP] is [OFF]. (l 40)  
indication is not  
shown.  
The unit arbitrarily  
stops recording.  
Use an SD card that can be used for motion picture  
recording. (l 22)  
The recordable time may have shortened due to the  
deterioration of the data writing speed or repeated  
recording and deletion. Using the unit, format the SD  
card. (l 44)  
If [AGS] is [ON], record in the normal horizontal  
position or set [AGS] to [OFF]. (l 62)  
Auto focus function  
does not work.  
Switch to Intelligent Auto Mode.  
If you are trying to record a scene which is hard to  
bring into focus in Auto Focus Mode, use the Manual  
Focus Mode to adjust the focus. (l 34, 73)  
“ENVIRONMENT TOO  
DARK, OR LENS  
COVER CLOSED.” is  
displayed.  
Before turning on the unit, open the lens cover.  
This message may also be displayed when recording  
in a very dark location.  
Color balance of  
images is strange  
when recording in a  
place such as a  
gymnasium.  
In a place with multiple light sources, such as a  
gymnasium or a hall, set the white balance setting to  
(Indoor mode 2). If you cannot record clearly  
with the  
(Indoor mode 2), set it to  
(Manual  
adjustment mode). (l 71)  
Any scenes/still  
pictures cannot be  
played back.  
Any scenes/still pictures where the thumbnails are  
displayed as cannot be played back.  
123  
VQT2W55  
Problem  
Check points  
Although this unit is  
correctly connected to  
a TV, images cannot  
be seen.  
Please read the operating instructions of your TV and  
select the channel that matches the input used for  
the connection.  
Change the [TV ASPECT] setting to match the  
aspect ratio of the TV. (l 91)  
The images are  
squeezed horizontally.  
Change the setting of the unit depending on the  
cable connecting to the TV. (l 92)  
Scenes cannot be  
deleted.  
Release the protect setting. (l 87)  
Any scenes/still pictures where the thumbnails are  
displayed as  
cannot be deleted. If the scenes/  
still pictures are unnecessary, format the media to  
erase the data. (l 44) Please be aware that if a  
media is formatted then all the data recorded on the  
media is erased and cannot be recovered. Back up  
important data on a PC, disc etc.  
If the SD card is  
inserted in this unit, it  
is not recognized.  
If the SD card is formatted on a PC, it may not be  
recognized by this unit. Use this unit to format SD  
cards. (l 44)  
If the SD card is  
inserted in another  
device, it is not  
recognized.  
Check that the device is compatible with the capacity  
or type of SD card (SD Memory Card/SDHC Memory  
Card/SDXC Memory Card) that you inserted. Refer  
to the operating instructions of the device for details.  
Color or brightness of  
the image changes, or  
you may see  
horizontal bars in the  
image.  
Color or brightness of the image may change, or you  
may see horizontal bars in the image when the object  
is recorded under fluorescent light, mercury light or  
sodium light, etc., but this is not a malfunction.  
In Motion Picture Recording Mode, record in  
Intelligent Auto Mode or set the shutter speed to 1/60  
in areas where the power supply frequency is 60 Hz,  
or 1/100 in areas of 50 Hz.  
The LCD monitor  
flickers indoors.  
In Still Picture Recording Mode, this will not affect the  
recorded image.  
Object seems to be  
warped.  
Object seems to be warped slightly when the object  
moves across the image very fast, but this is  
because the unit is using MOS for the image sensor.  
This is not a malfunction.  
124  
VQT2W55  
Problem  
Check points  
White round spots like  
soap bubbles appear  
on the recorded  
picture.  
If you take a picture with the  
flash in a dark place or  
indoors, white round spots  
may appear on the picture  
caused by the flash  
reflecting of particles of dust in the air. This is not a  
malfunction.  
A characteristic of this is that the number of round  
spots and their position differ in every picture.  
“ERROR OCCURRED.  
PLEASE TURN UNIT  
OFF, THEN TURN ON  
AGAIN.” is displayed.  
The unit has automatically detected an error. Restart  
the unit by turning off and on.  
The unit will be turned off in about 1 minute if the unit  
is not turned off and on.  
Repair is needed if it is repeatedly displayed even if it  
is restarted. Detach the power connected, contact  
consumer support. (l 145) Do not attempt to repair  
the unit by yourself.  
VIERA Link does not  
work.  
[Setting on this unit]  
Connect with a HDMI mini cable (optional). (l 93)  
Press the MENU button, then touch [SETUP] #  
[VIERA Link] # [ON]. (l 93)  
Turn the unit off and then back on again.  
[Setting on other devices]  
If the TV input does not switch automatically, switch  
the input using the TV remote control.  
Check the VIERA Link setting on the connected  
device.  
Please refer to the operating instructions of the  
connected device.  
When connected by  
the USB cable, this  
unit is not detected by  
the PC.  
After re-inserting the SD card into the unit, reconnect  
the supplied USB cable.  
Select another USB terminal on the PC.  
Check the operating environment. (l 105, 114, 115)  
Connect the supplied USB cable again after  
restarting the PC and turning on this unit again.  
125  
VQT2W55  
Problem  
Check points  
When the USB cable is  
disconnected, an error  
message will appear  
on the PC.  
To disconnect the USB cable safely, double-click the  
icon in the task tray and follow the instructions  
on the screen.  
The power of the DVD  
burner cannot be  
turned on.  
When the unit is connected to the DVD burner, use  
the respective AC adaptors for both this unit and the  
DVD burner.  
Cannot see the PDF  
operating instructions  
for HD Writer AE 2.6X.  
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or later or  
Adobe Reader 7.0 or later to read the PDF operating  
instructions for HD Writer AE 2.6X.  
Cannot copy scenes  
on the SD card by  
connecting to other  
equipment with the  
USB cable.  
Other equipment might have not recognized the SD  
card. Unplug the USB cable once, and reconnect it.  
Cannot import AVCHD  
scenes with iMovie’09.  
You may not be able to import AVCHD scenes with  
iMovie’09 when both AVCHD scenes and MP4  
scenes (included iFrame) are recorded on a single  
SD card. In such a case, first copy all the MP4  
scenes data (included iFrame) to iMovie’09, delete all  
the MP4 scenes data on the SD card, and then  
import the AVCHD scenes with iMovie’09.  
When using Skype,  
the image/audio is cut  
off.  
Reconnect the USB cable after shutting down Skype,  
and connect to Skype again.  
126  
VQT2W55  
If scenes do not change smoothly when played back on another  
device (AVCHD)  
The images may be still for several seconds at the joins between the scenes if the following  
operations are performed when multiple scenes have been continuously played back using  
another unit.  
Just how smoothly the scenes will be played back depends on the playback unit.  
Depending on the unit used, the images may stop moving and become still for a moment  
even when none of the following conditions are applicable.  
A continuous recording of motion picture data that exceeds 4 GB may momentarily stop at  
every 4 GB of data when played back with another device.  
It may not play back smoothly when the editing of scenes was done with the HD Writer AE  
2.6X, but it will play back smoothly if you set the seamless settings in the HD Writer AE  
2.6X. Refer to the operating instructions for the HD Writer AE 2.6X.  
Principal reasons for not playing back smoothly  
When the scenes were recorded on different dates  
When scenes lasting under 3 seconds have been recorded  
When PRE-REC was used for recording  
When deleting scenes  
When selected scenes are copied to a disc in a connected DVD burner  
When scenes recorded with more than 99 scenes on the same date  
127  
VQT2W55  
Others  
Cautions for use  
Make sure to use the supplied cords and  
cables. If you use optional accessories,  
use the cords and the cables supplied  
with them.  
About this unit  
The unit and the SD card become warm  
during use. This is not a malfunction.  
Do not extend the cords and the cables.  
Keep this unit as far away as possible  
from electromagnetic equipment (such  
as microwave ovens, TVs, video games  
etc.).  
If you use this unit on top of or near a TV,  
the pictures and/or sound on this unit may  
be disrupted by electromagnetic wave  
radiation.  
Do not 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.  
Do not leave rubber or plastic products in  
contact with the unit for a long time.  
Do not use this unit near cell phones  
because doing so may result in noise  
adversely affecting the pictures and/or  
sound.  
Recorded data may be damaged, or  
pictures may be distorted, by strong  
magnetic fields created by speakers or  
large motors.  
Electromagnetic wave radiation generated  
by microprocessors may adversely affect  
this unit, disturbing the pictures and/or  
sound.  
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.  
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.  
If this unit is adversely affected by  
electromagnetic equipment and stops  
functioning properly, turn this unit off and  
remove the battery or disconnect AC  
adaptor. Then reinsert the battery or  
reconnect AC adaptor and turn this unit  
on.  
When carrying the unit, do not drop or  
bump it.  
A strong impact can break the unit’s  
casing, causing it to malfunction.  
Cleaning  
Before cleaning, detach the battery or pull  
the AC cable from the AC outlet, and then  
wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth.  
If the unit is very dirty, dip a cloth in water  
and squeeze firmly, and then wipe the unit  
with the damp cloth. Next, dry the unit with  
a dry cloth.  
Do not use this unit near radio  
transmitters or high-voltage lines.  
If you record near radio transmitters or  
high-voltage lines, the recorded pictures  
and/or sound may be adversely affected.  
Use of benzine, paint thinner, alcohol, or  
dishwashing liquid may alter the camera  
body or peel the surface finish. Do not use  
these solvents.  
When using a chemical dust cloth, follow  
the instructions that came with the cloth.  
128  
VQT2W55  
Do not use the unit for surveillance  
purposes or other business uses.  
This unit was designed for consumer  
intermittent use. It was not intended for  
continuous use, or for any industrial or  
commercial application resulting in  
prolonged use.  
In certain situations, continuous use could  
cause the unit to overheat and cause a  
malfunction. Such use is strongly  
discouraged.  
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  
5 minutes after starting use. At high  
temperatures, the protection function may  
be triggered, making it impossible to use the  
unit.  
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.  
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 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 (59 °F to  
77 °F), Recommended humidity: 40%RH  
to 60%RH)  
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.  
Dust and other matter attached to the  
battery terminals should be removed.  
129  
VQT2W55  
Prepare spare batteries when going out  
for recording.  
About the AC adaptor  
Prepare batteries enough to last for 3 to 4  
times the period you are planning to  
record for. Cold places such as a ski resort  
can shorten recording time.  
If the temperature of the battery is  
extremely high or extremely low, charging  
may take time or the battery may not be  
charged.  
If you use the AC adaptor near a radio,  
radio reception may be disturbed. Keep  
the AC adaptor 1 m (3.3 feet) 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.)  
Always keep the electrodes of the AC  
adaptor and battery clean.  
If you drop the battery accidentally,  
check to see if the terminals are  
damaged.  
Inserting a battery with damaged terminals  
can damage the unit.  
Do not throw an old battery into fire.  
Heating a battery or throwing it into a fire  
may result in an explosion.  
If the operating time is very short even  
after the battery has been recharged, the  
battery has worn out. Please purchase a  
new battery.  
130  
VQT2W55  
About status indicator during  
charging  
About the SD card  
When disposing of or giving away the SD  
card, note that:  
Formatting and deletion of this unit or  
computer only changes the file  
When the status indicator is flashing at a  
particularly fast or slow rate, the  
following should be considered.  
management information and does not  
completely delete the data in the SD card.  
It is recommended that the SD card is  
physically destroyed or the SD card is  
physically formatted using this unit when  
disposing of or giving away the SD card.  
To physically format the SD card, connect  
the unit via the AC adaptor, select  
[SETUP] # [FORMAT CARD] # [YES]  
from the menu, and then press and hold  
the delete/video light button on the screen  
below for about 3 seconds. When the SD  
card data deletion screen appears, select  
[YES], and then follow the on-screen  
instructions.  
Flashing with approx. 4 second period  
(off for approx. 2 seconds, on for approx.  
2 seconds):  
When the battery is over discharged or the  
temperature of the battery is too high or  
low. It can be charged, but it may take a  
few hours to complete the charging  
normally.  
It will flash in 2 second intervals when  
normal charging resumes. Even in such  
cases, it may start flashing in 4 second  
intervals until charging is completed  
depending on the conditions of use.  
Flashing with approx. 0.5 second period  
(off for approx. 0.25 second, on for  
approx. 0.25 second):  
The battery is not charged. Remove the  
battery from the unit, and try charging  
again.  
Check that the terminals of the unit or  
battery are not dirty or covered with a  
foreign object, and connect the battery  
correctly once again. If a foreign object or  
dirt is present, turn off the unit before  
removing.  
The customer is responsible for the  
management of the data in the SD card.  
The battery or environment is at an  
extremely high or low temperature. Wait  
until the temperature has returned to an  
appropriate level and try charging again. If  
you are still unable to charge, there may  
be a fault in the unit, battery or AC  
adaptor.  
Off:  
Charging has finished.  
If the status indicator stays off despite the  
charging being unfinished, there may be a  
fault in the unit, battery or AC adaptor.  
Refer to page 129 for details on the  
battery.  
131  
VQT2W55  
LCD monitor  
About personal information  
When the LCD monitor gets dirty, wipe it  
with a soft cloth such as eye glass cleaner.  
Do not touch the LCD monitor with your  
finger nails, or rub or press with strong  
force.  
It may become hard to see or hard to  
recognize the touch when the LCD  
protection sheet is affixed.  
In a place with drastic temperature  
changes, condensation may form on the  
LCD monitor. Wipe it with a soft cloth such  
as eye glass cleaner.  
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 unit is turned  
on. The normal brightness will be restored  
when the unit’s internal temperature rises.  
After you have set up the face recognition  
function, personal information will be held in  
this unit and included in recorded images.  
When the unit is serviced, or given away/  
disposed of, the personal information  
should be deleted in the interests of  
protecting personal information. (l 86)  
Indemnity  
Information, including personal  
information, may be changed or lost as a  
result of mistaken operation, static  
electricity effects, accident, breakage,  
repair or other handling.  
It should be noted before use that  
Panasonic does not accept any  
responsibility for direct or indirect  
problems which occur as the result of the  
change to or loss of the information  
including personal information.  
Extremely high precision technology is  
employed to produce the LCD Monitor  
screen featuring a total of approximately  
230,000 dots. The result is more than  
99.99% effective dots with a mere 0.01%  
of the dots inactive or always lit.  
However, this is not a malfunction and  
does not affect the recorded picture.  
132  
VQT2W55  
About condensation  
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.  
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.  
When cool wind from an air conditioner is  
directly blown onto this unit.  
After rain showers.  
When this unit is in a very humid place  
where the air is thick with steam. (e.g. a  
heated swimming pool)  
Helpful hint  
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.  
133  
VQT2W55  
Others  
About copyright  
AMD Athlon is a trademark of Advanced  
Carefully observe copyright  
Micro Devices, Inc.  
laws  
iMovie and Mac are trademarks of  
Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and  
other countries.  
Whatever you have recorded and created  
can be used for your personal  
entertainment only. Under copyright  
laws, other materials cannot be used  
without obtaining permission from the  
holders of the copyrights.  
PowerPC is a trademark of International  
Business Machines Corporation.  
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.  
Licenses  
SDXC Logo is a trademark of SD-3C,  
LLC.  
“AVCHD” and the “AVCHD” Logo are  
trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and  
Sony Corporation.  
Manufactured under license from Dolby  
Laboratories.  
Dolby and the double-D symbol are  
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.  
HDMI, the HDMI Logo, and High-  
Definition Multimedia Interface are  
trademarks or registered trademarks of  
HDMI Licensing LLC in the United States  
and other countries.  
VIERA Link™ is a trademark of Panasonic  
Corporation.  
EZ Sync™ is a trademark of Panasonic  
Corporation.  
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 information may be  
obtained from MPEG LA, LLC.  
See http://www.mpegla.com.  
HDAVI Control™ is a trademark of  
Panasonic Corporation.  
x.v.Color™ is a trademark.  
®
®
Microsoft , Windows and Windows  
®
Vista are either registered trademarks or  
trademarks of 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 , Core , Pentium and Celeron are  
the registered trademarks or trademarks  
of Intel Corporation in the United States  
and other countries.  
134  
VQT2W55  
Others  
Recording modes/approximate  
recordable time  
SD cards are only mentioned with their main memory size. The stated times are the  
approximate recordable times for continuous recording.  
Recording format  
Recording mode  
Picture size  
AVCHD  
HA  
1920k1080  
30 min  
HG  
HX  
HE  
1920k1080  
40 min  
1920k1080  
1 h  
1920k1080  
1 h 30 min  
3 h 20 min  
6 h 40 min  
13 h 40 min  
20 h 20 min  
27 h 30 min  
4 GB  
8 GB  
16 GB  
32 GB  
48 GB  
64 GB  
1 h  
1 h 20 min  
2 h 40 min  
5 h 30 min  
8 h 10 min  
11 h  
2 h  
2 h  
4 h 10 min  
8 h 20 min  
12 h 30 min  
16 h 50 min  
SD card  
4 h 10 min  
6 h 20 min  
8 h 30 min  
Recording format  
Recording mode  
Picture size  
4 GB  
MP4  
1280k720p  
1280k720  
50 min  
640k480p  
640k480  
3 h 20 min  
7 h  
iFrame  
960k540  
19 min  
8 GB  
1 h 45 min  
3 h 30 min  
7 h 30 min  
11 h  
40 min  
16 GB  
SD card  
14 h  
1 h 20 min  
2 h 40 min  
4 h  
32 GB  
30 h  
48 GB  
64 GB  
44 h 50 min  
60 h 30 min  
15 h  
5 h 20 min  
A
B
Favors image quality  
Favors recording time  
If recording for long periods, prepare batteries for 3 or 4 times the period you wish to record  
for. (l 21)  
The default setting is [HG] mode.  
Maximum continuously recordable time for one scene: 12 hours  
The recording is paused once when the recording time for one scene exceeds 12 hours,  
and the recording will automatically resume after a few seconds.  
If a recording with a lot of action is recorded, the recording time is reduced.  
The recordable time may be reduced if recording of short scene is repeated.  
Use time in the row of 4 GB in above table as a guideline for the time that can be copied  
onto one DVD disc (4.7 GB).  
135  
VQT2W55  
Others  
Approximate number of recordable  
pictures  
SD cards are only mentioned with their main memory size. The stated number is the  
approximate number of recordable pictures.  
Aspect ratio  
Picture size  
4:3  
2.9M  
0.3M  
640k480  
1952k1464  
Picture quality  
512 MB  
300  
500  
3600  
6100  
1 GB  
2 GB  
600  
1200  
1000  
2000  
4000  
8000  
7400  
15000  
30000  
12000  
25000  
50000  
4 GB  
2500  
SD card  
8 GB  
5000  
60500 102000  
16 GB  
32 GB  
48 GB  
64 GB  
10000  
20000  
31000  
42000  
16000 122000 205000  
32000 246000 414000  
49000 364000 613000  
66000 492000 829000  
Aspect ratio  
Picture size  
Picture quality  
512 MB  
3:2  
16:9  
2.1  
M
2.8M  
2064k1376  
1920k1080  
300  
500  
440  
690  
1 GB  
2 GB  
600  
1200  
1000  
2000  
900  
1800  
1400  
2800  
4 GB  
2500  
4000  
3600  
5600  
SD card  
8 GB  
5000  
8000  
7300  
11000  
23000  
46000  
69000  
93000  
16 GB  
32 GB  
48 GB  
64 GB  
10000  
20000  
31000  
42000  
16000  
32000  
49000  
66000  
14000  
29000  
44000  
59000  
The number of recordable pictures depends on whether  
and  
are used  
together and on the subject being recorded.  
Maximum number of recordable pictures that can be displayed is 99999.  
If the number of recordable pictures exceeds 99999, the number will not change when the  
picture is taken until the number of recordable pictures gets less than 99999.  
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  
PC etc.  
136  
VQT2W55  
Others  
Specifications  
High Definition Video Camera  
Information for your safety  
Power source: DC 5.0 V (When using AC adaptor)/DC 3.6 V (When using battery)  
Power consumption: Recording; 4.4 W/Charging; 7.7 W  
Signal system:  
AVCHD;1080/60i  
MP4; 720/30p, 540/30p, 480/30p  
Recording format:  
AVCHD; AVCHD format compliant  
MP4, iFrame; MPEG-4 AVC file format compliant (.MP4)  
Image sensor: 1/4.1z 1MOS image sensor  
Total; 3320 K  
Effective pixels;  
Motion picture; 1920 K to 1360 K (16:9), 1440 K to 1020 K (4:3)  
Still picture; 2160 K to 1520 K (4:3), 2080 K to 1460 K (3:2), 1920 K to 1360 K (16:9)  
Lens: Auto Iris, 16.8k Optical Zoom, F1.8 to F2.6  
Focal length; 2.9 mm to 48.7 mm  
Macro (Full range AF)  
35 mm equivalent;  
Motion picture; 35.8 mm to 716 mm (16:9)/43.9 mm to 878 mm (4:3)  
Still picture; 35.8 mm to 716 mm (4:3/3:2/16:9)  
Minimum focus distance;  
Normal; Approx. 4 cm (1.6q) (Wide)/Approx. 1.2 m (3.9 feet) (Tele)  
Tele macro; Approx. 50 cm (20q) (Tele)  
Intelligent auto Macro; Approx. 1 cm (0.4q) (Wide)/Approx. 50 cm (20q) (Tele)  
Zoom: i.Zoom OFF 20k, 23k i.Zoom, 50k/1200k Digital Zoom  
Using image sensor effective area  
Image Stabilizer Function:  
Optical (HYBRID O.I.S., active mode, O.I.S. LOCK function)  
Monitor: 2.7z wide LCD monitor (Approx. 230 K dots)  
Microphone: Stereo (with a zoom microphone function)  
Speaker: 1 round speaker, dynamic type  
137  
VQT2W55  
White balance adjustment: Auto tracking white balance system  
Standard illumination: 1,400 lx  
Minimum required illumination:  
Approx. 4 lx (1/30 with Low light mode in the Scene mode)  
Approx. 1 lx with the Color Night Rec function  
AV multi connector video output level:  
AV video output level; 1.0 Vp-p, 75 h, NTSC system  
Component video output level; Y; 1.0 Vp-p, 75 h/Pb; 0.7 Vp-p, 75 h/Pr; 0.7 Vp-p, 75 h  
HDMI mini connector video output level: HDMI (x.v.Color ) 1080i/480p  
AV multi connector audio output level (Line): 316 mV, 600 h, 2 ch  
HDMI mini connector audio output level:  
AVCHD; Dolby Digital/Linear PCM  
MP4; Linear PCM  
USB:  
Card reader/writer function (No copyright protection support)  
Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0), USB terminal Type Mini AB  
USB host function (for DVD burner)  
Battery charging function (Charges from USB terminal when the main unit is off)  
WEB camera;  
Compression; Motion JPEG  
Picture size; 640k480(VGA), 320k240(QVGA), 160k120(QQVGA)  
Flash: Available range; Approx. 1.0 m to 2.5 m (3.3 feet to 8.2 feet)  
Dimensions:  
51.5 mm (W)k57.5 mm (H)k107.5 mm (D)  
[2.03 q (W)k2.26 q (H)k4.23 q (D)] (excluding projecting parts)  
Mass (Weight):  
Approx. 185 g (Approx. 0.41 lbs.) [without battery (supplied) and an SD card (optional)]  
Mass (Weight) in operation:  
Approx. 229 g (Approx. 0.5 lbs.) [with battery (supplied) and an SD card (optional)]  
Operating temperature: 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
Operating humidity: 10%RH to 80%RH  
Battery operation time: See page 21  
138  
VQT2W55  
Motion pictures  
Recording media:  
SD Memory Card (FAT12 and FAT16 system compliant)  
SDHC Memory Card (FAT32 system compliant)  
SDXC Memory Card (exFAT system compliant)  
Refer to page 22 for details on SD cards usable in this unit.  
Compression: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264  
Recording mode and transfer rate:  
AVCHD;  
HA; Approx. 17 Mbps (VBR)  
HG; Approx. 13 Mbps (VBR)  
HX; Approx. 9 Mbps (VBR)  
HE; Approx. 5 Mbps (VBR)  
MP4;  
1280k720p; Approx. 10 Mbps (VBR)  
640k480p; Approx. 2.5 Mbps (VBR)  
iFrame 960k540p; Approx. 28 Mbps (VBR)  
Refer to page 135 for the recordable time.  
Picture size:  
AVCHD;  
HA/HG/HX/HE; 1920k1080/60i  
MP4;  
1280k720p; 1280k720/30p  
640k480p; 640k480/30p  
iFrame 960k540p; 960k540/30p  
Audio compression:  
AVCHD; Dolby Digital/2ch  
MP4; AAC/2ch  
139  
VQT2W55  
Still pictures  
Recording media:  
SD Memory Card (FAT12 and FAT16 system compliant)  
SDHC Memory Card (FAT32 system compliant)  
SDXC Memory Card (exFAT system compliant)  
Refer to page 22 for details on SD cards usable in this unit.  
Compression:  
JPEG (Design rule for Camera File system, based on Exif 2.2 standard),  
DPOF corresponding  
Picture size:  
Picture aspect [4:3]; 1952k1464/640k480  
Picture aspect [3:2]; 2064k1376  
Picture aspect [16:9]; 1920k1080  
Refer to page 136 for the number of recordable pictures.  
AC adaptor  
Information for your safety  
Power source:  
Power consumption:  
DC output:  
AC 110 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz  
12 W  
DC 5.0 V, 1.6 A  
Dimensions:  
46 mm (W)k25 mm (H)k75.5 mm (D)  
[1.8 q (W)k1.0 q (H)k3.0 q (D)]  
Mass (Weight):  
Approx. 115 g (Approx. 0.25 lbs.)  
Specifications may change without prior notice.  
140  
VQT2W55  
Others  
Optional accessories  
Accessory No.  
Figure  
Description  
VW-BC10PP  
Battery charger  
*1  
*1  
VW-VBK180  
VW-VBK360  
Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery  
Pack  
Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery  
Pack  
RP-CDHM15  
RP-CDHM30  
HDMI mini cable  
*2  
VW-LDC103PP  
Video DC Light  
VZ-LL10PP  
Light bulb for video DC light  
Shoe adaptor  
VW-SK12PP  
VW-ACK180PP  
Accessory kit  
141  
VQT2W55  
Accessory No.  
Figure  
Description  
RP-SDP16GU1K  
RP-SDP12GU1K  
RP-SDP08GU1K  
RP-SDP04GU1K  
RP-SDP02GU1K  
Class 4 16 GB SDHC Memory Card  
Class 4 12 GB SDHC Memory Card  
Class 4 8 GB SDHC Memory Card  
Class 4 4 GB SDHC Memory Card  
Class 4 2 GB SD Memory Card  
RP-SDW64GU1K  
RP-SDW48GU1K  
RP-SDW32GU1K  
RP-SDW16GU1K  
RP-SDW08GU1K  
RP-SDW04GU1K  
RP-SDW02GU1K  
Class 10 64 GB SDXC Memory Card  
Class 10 48 GB SDXC Memory Card  
Class 10 32 GB SDHC Memory Card  
Class 10 16 GB SDHC Memory Card  
Class 10 8 GB SDHC Memory Card  
Class 10 4 GB SDHC Memory Card  
Class 6 2 GB SD Memory Card  
VW-BN2  
DVD burner  
VW-BN01  
DVD burner  
*1 Please refer to page 21, concerning the battery charging time and available recording  
time.  
*2 To use the VW-LDC103PP, the shoe adaptor/VW-SK12PP and the battery pack/  
VW-VBG130, VW-VBG260 are required. To charge the battery pack/VW-VBG130,  
VW-VBG260, the AC adaptor/VW-AD21PP-K, VW-AD20PP-K is required.  
NOTE:  
Accessories and/or model numbers may vary by country. Please consult your local  
dealer.  
Product numbers correct as of Jun. 2010. These may be subject to change.  
142  
VQT2W55  
Accessory Order Form (For USA and Puerto Rico  
Customers)  
Please photocopy this form when placing an order.  
1. Model #  
2. Items Ordered  
Accessory #  
Description  
Price Each  
Quantity  
Total Price  
Subtotal  
Your State & Local Sales Tax  
Shipping & Handling  
Total Enclosed  
6.95  
3. Method of payment (check one)  
Check of Money Order enclosed (NO C.O.D.SHIPMENTS)  
VISA  
Credit Card #  
MasterCard  
Discover  
Expiration Date  
Customer Signature  
Make Check or Money Order Payable to: PANASONIC ACCESSORIES  
(Please do not send cash)  
4. Shipping information (UPS delivery requires complete street address)  
Ship To:  
Mr.  
Mrs.  
Ms.  
Phone#:  
First  
Last  
Day  
(
)
)
Street Address  
City  
Night  
(
State  
Zip  
TO OBTAIN ANY OF OUR ACCESSORIES YOU CAN DO ANY OF  
THE FOLLOWING:  
VISIT YOUR LOCAL PANASONIC DEALER  
OR  
CALL PANASONIC’S ACCESSORY ORDER LINE AT 1-800-332-5368  
[6 AM-6 PM M-F, PACIFIC TIME]  
OR  
MAIL THIS ORDER TO: PANASONIC SERVICE AND TECHNOLOGY COMPANY ACCESSORY ORDER OFFICE  
20421 84th Avenue South Kent, WA. 98032  
143  
VQT2W55  
Limited Warranty  
(ONLY FOR U.S.A. AND PUERTO RICO)  
Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company,  
Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America  
One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, New Jersey 07094  
Panasonic Camcorder Products  
Limited Warranty  
Limited Warranty Coverage (For USA and Puerto Rico Only)  
If your product does not work properly because of a defect in materials or workmanship,  
Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (referred to as “the warrantor”) will, for the length of  
the period indicated on the chart below, which starts with the date of original purchase (“warranty  
period”), at its option either (a) repair your product with new or refurbished parts, (b) replace it  
with a new or a refurbished equivalent value product, or (c) refund your purchase price. The  
decision to repair, replace or refund will be made by the warrantor.  
Product or Part Name  
Parts  
1 year  
Labor  
90 days  
Camcorder  
Rechargeable Batteries (defective exchange)  
SD Memory Cards (defective exchange)  
10 days  
Not Applicable  
90 days  
Not Applicable  
During the “Labor” warranty period there will be no charge for labor. During the “Parts” warranty  
period, there will be no charge for parts. This Limited Warranty excludes both parts and labor for  
non-rechargeable batteries, antennas, and cosmetic parts (cabinet). This warranty only applies  
to products purchased and serviced in the United States or Puerto Rico. This warranty is  
extended only to the original purchaser of a new product which was not sold “as is”.  
Carry-In or Mail-In Service  
To find a service center please visit http://www.panasonic.com/help or call 1-800-211-PANA  
(7262).  
When shipping the unit, carefully pack, include all accessories, and send it prepaid, adequately  
insured and preferably in the original carton. If Lithium Ion batteries are shipped by air the  
package must be labeled “Contains Lithium Ion Battery (No lithium metal)”. Damaged batteries  
are prohibited from shipment by US Mail. Batteries must be securely packed in a manner to  
prevent short-circuiting and a package cannot contain more than 3 Lithium Ion batteries. Include  
a letter detailing the complaint, a return address and provide a daytime phone number where you  
can be reached. A valid registered receipt is required under the Limited Warranty.  
IF REPAIR IS NEEDED DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD, THE PURCHASER WILL BE  
REQUIRED TO FURNISH A SALES RECEIPT/PROOF OF PURCHASE INDICATING DATE  
OF PURCHASE, AMOUNT PAID AND PLACE OF PURCHASE. CUSTOMER WILL BE  
CHARGED FOR THE REPAIR OF ANY UNIT RECEIVED WITHOUT SUCH PROOF OF  
PURCHASE.  
Limited Warranty Limits And Exclusions  
This warranty ONLY COVERS failures due to defects in materials or workmanship, and DOES  
NOT COVER normal wear and tear or cosmetic damage. The warranty ALSO DOES NOT  
COVER damages which occurred in shipment, or failures which are caused by products not  
supplied by the warrantor, or failures which result from accidents, misuse, abuse, neglect,  
mishandling, misapplication, alteration, faulty installation, set-up adjustments, misadjustment of  
consumer controls, improper maintenance, power line surge, lightning damage, modification,  
introduction of sand, humidity or liquids, commercial use such as hotel, office, restaurant, or  
other business or rental use of the product, or service by anyone other than a Factory Service  
Center or other Authorized Servicer, or damage that is attributable to acts of God.  
144  
VQT2W55  
THERE ARE NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES EXCEPT AS LISTED UNDER “LIMITED  
WARRANTY COVERAGE”.  
THE WARRANTOR IS NOT LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES  
RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT, OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF  
THIS WARRANTY.  
(As examples, this excludes damages for lost time, travel to and from the servicer, loss of or  
damage to media or images, data or other memory or recorded content. The items listed are not  
exclusive, but for illustration only.)  
ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE WARRANTY OF  
MERCHANTABILITY, ARE LIMITED TO THE PERIOD OF THE LIMITED WARRANTY.  
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or  
limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the exclusions may not apply to you.  
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from  
state to state. If a problem with this product develops during or after the warranty period, you  
may contact your dealer or Service Center. If the problem is not handled to your satisfaction,  
then write to the warrantor’s Consumer Affairs Department at the addresses listed for the  
warrantor.  
PARTS AND SERVICE, WHICH ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS LIMITED WARRANTY, ARE  
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.  
Customer Services Directory (United States and Puerto Rico)  
Obtain Product Information and Operating Assistance; locate your nearest  
Dealer or Service Center; purchase Parts and Accessories; or make Customer  
Service and Literature requests by visiting our Web Site at:  
http://www.panasonic.com/help  
or, contact us via the web at:  
http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo  
You may also contact us directly at:  
1-800-211-PANA (7262)  
Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-7pm EST  
For hearing or speech impaired TTY users, TTY: 1-877-833-8855  
Accessory Purchases (United States and Puerto Rico)  
Purchase Parts, Accessories and Instruction Books online for all Panasonic Products  
by visiting our Web Site at:  
http://www.pstc.panasonic.com  
Or, send your request by E-mail to:  
You may also contact us directly at:  
1-800-332-5368 (Phone) 1-800-237-9080 (Fax Only)  
(Monday-Friday 9am-9pm EST)  
Panasonic Service and Technology Company  
20421 84th Avenue South, Kent, WA 98032  
(We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, American Express, and Personal  
Checks)  
For hearing or speech impaired TTY users, TTY: 1-866-605-1277  
As of November 2009  
145  
VQT2W55  
Index  
Divide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84  
Dividing a scene to partially delete  
(AVCHD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84  
Dividing a scene to partially delete  
(MP4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85  
DPOF setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88  
Dubbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101  
DVD burner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95  
A  
AC adaptor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20, 130  
AF assist lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69  
AF/AE tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49  
Alert sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43  
Approximate number of recordable  
pictures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136  
Auto focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34  
Auto Ground-Directional Standby  
E  
(AGS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62  
Auto protect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100  
Auto slow shutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62  
Automatic face framing . . . . . . . . . . . . .61  
Automatic white balance . . . . . . . . . . . .34  
AV multi connector . . . . . . . . . .15, 89, 101  
AV multi connector output . . . . . . . . . . .92  
AVCHD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8, 57  
Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41  
Extra optical zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46  
F  
Face highlight playback . . . . . . . . . . . . 79  
Face recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58  
Fade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52  
Fade color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52  
Flash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53  
Flash level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53  
Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31, 73  
Format disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100  
Formatting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44, 100  
Frame-by-frame playback . . . . . . . . . . . 74  
B  
Backlight compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . .54  
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18, 129  
Battery capacity indication . . . . . . . . . . .21  
C  
Cancel protect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 G  
Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22  
Card status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44  
Changing the display style . . . . . . . . . . .41  
Charging time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21  
Color night rec function . . . . . . . . . . . . .55  
Component out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92  
Component terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89  
Conversion Assist Function . . . . . . . . .103  
Copy  
Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97  
Dubbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101  
Creating still picture from  
motion picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75  
D  
Date and time display . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41  
Date and time setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27  
Delete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83  
Deleting personal information . . . . . . . . .86  
Demo mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45  
Digital cinema color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62  
Digital zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57  
Direct playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75  
Disc status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100  
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40  
Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72  
Grip belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17  
Guide display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39  
Guideline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55  
H  
HD Writer AE 2.6X . . . . . . . . . . . 102, 113  
HDMI mini connector . . . . . . . . 15, 89, 93  
HDMI resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92  
Highlight playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79  
Highlight&Time frame index . . . . . . . . . 76  
Hi-speed burst shooting mode . . . . . . . 68  
Hybrid O.I.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47  
I  
i.Zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57  
iFrame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58  
Image stabilizer function . . . . . . . . . . . . 47  
Indications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117  
Initial setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44  
Intelligent auto mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33  
Intelligent contrast control . . . . . . . . . . . 52  
Intelligent exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54  
Intelligent scene selection . . . . . . . . . . . 79  
Iris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72  
146  
VQT2W55  
L  
S  
Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Scene mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56  
LCD monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16, 26, 132 Scene protect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87  
LCD set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 SD Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22  
Limited Warranty  
SD Speed Class Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . 22  
(USA and Puerto Rico) . . . . . . . . . . . .144 SDHC Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22  
SDXC Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22  
Self-recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26  
Self-timer recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54  
Shooting guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63  
Shutter sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69  
Shutter speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72  
Simultaneous recording . . . . . . . . . . . . 32  
Skype . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115  
Slide show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36, 82  
Slow-motion playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74  
Smile shot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53  
Soft skin mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54  
Still picture compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . 38  
Sub recording start/stop button . . . . . . . 28  
M  
Manual focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73  
Manual recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70  
Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39  
MF assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73  
Microphone level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64  
Mode switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25  
Motion picture compatibility . . . . . . . . . .38  
MP4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8, 57  
N  
Name display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61  
O  
O.I.S. LOCK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48  
Operation icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51  
Optical image stabilizer demo . . . . . . . . .45  
T  
Tele macro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55  
Touch screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26  
Touch screen calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . 44  
Tripod receptacle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16  
TV aspect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91  
P  
Picture adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65  
Picture quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67  
Picture size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66  
Playback Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74  
Playback zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77  
Playing back motion pictures by date . . .78  
Power button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24  
Power LCD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43  
PRE-REC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52  
Protect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87  
V  
Video light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50  
VIERA Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93  
Volume adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37  
W  
White balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71  
Wind noise canceler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63  
World time setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40  
Q  
Quick power on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42  
Quick start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42  
R  
Z  
Zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46  
Zoom microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63  
Zoom mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57  
Rec format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57  
Recordable time . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21, 135  
Recording modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58  
Recording time elapsed . . . . . . . . . . . . .30  
Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121  
Red-eye reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54  
Remaining number of still pictures . . . . .32  
Remaining time left for recording . . . . . .30  
Repeat playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76  
Resume playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77  
147  
VQT2W55  
Spanish Quick Use Guide/  
Guía española para el uso rápido  
Insertar la batería  
Insertar/extraer una tarjeta SD  
Meta la batería insertándola en la dirección  
señalada en la figura.  
A
Introduzca la batería hasta que dispare  
y se cierre.  
Lámpara de acceso [ACCESS] A  
Cuando la unidad accede a la tarjeta  
SD, se enciende la lámpara de acceso.  
Carga de la batería  
1) Abra la pantalla LCD.  
2) Abra la tapa de la tarjeta SD e  
introduzca (retire) la tarjeta SD en (de)  
la ranura correspondiente B.  
Coloque el lado de la etiqueta C en la  
dirección mostrada en la figura y empújela  
hasta que tope manteniéndola derecha.  
Presione el centro de la tarjeta SD, luego  
sáquela fuera recta.  
A
1
Terminal de entrada de CC  
Conecte el adaptador de CA al terminal  
de entrada de CC.  
Conecte el cable de CA al adaptador de  
CA, luego a la toma de CA.  
3) Cierre de forma segura la tapa de la  
tarjeta SD.  
Ciérrelo firmemente hasta que haga clic.  
2
El indicador de estado parpadeará de  
color rojo en un intervalo de 2 segundos,  
indicando que comenzó la carga.  
El indicador de estado se apaga cargado  
completamente la batería.  
148  
VQT2W55  
Encender/apagar la unidad  
Selección del modo  
Encender y apagar el dispositivo con el  
botón de alimentación  
Utilice el selector de modo para cambiar el  
modo a  
,
o
.
Pulse el botón de alimentación para  
encender el dispositivo.  
Modo de grabación de  
películas (l 29)  
A
El indicador de estado se ilumina.  
Modo de grabación de  
fotografías (l 31)  
Para apagar la unidad,mantenga pulsado  
el botón de alimentación hasta que el  
indicador de estado se apague.  
Modo de reproducción  
(l 35, 74)  
Encendido y apagado del monitor LCD  
El dispositivo se enciende al abrir el monitor  
LCD, y se apaga al cerrarlo.  
Cómo usar la pantalla táctil  
Puede actuar directamente tocando el  
monitor LCD (pantalla táctil) con el dedo.  
Es más sencillo utilizar el lápiz electrónico  
(suministrado) para operaciones detalladas  
o bien si es difícil de actuar con los dedos.  
Para encender la unidad  
Toque y suelte la pantalla táctil para  
seleccionar el icono o la imagen.  
A
El indicador de estado se ilumina.  
Para apagar la unidad  
B
El indicador de estado se apaga.  
149  
VQT2W55  
Selección del idioma  
Reproducción de película/  
1) Pulse el botón MENU, luego toque  
[CONFIGURAR] > [LANGUAGE].  
2) Toque [Español].  
fotografía  
1) Cambie el modo a  
2) Toque el icono de selección del modo  
.
de reproducción A.  
Grabación de películas  
1) Cambie el modo a  
.
2) Abra el monitor LCD.  
3) Pulse el botón de inicio/parada de  
grabación para iniciar la grabación.  
3) Seleccione [VIDEO/FOTO].  
Toque [ENTRAR].  
4) Toque la escena o la fotografía que  
desea reproducir.  
A
Cuando comienza a grabar, ; cambia a  
¥.  
B
Se visualiza  
cuando se toque  
[AVCHD] o Se visualiza  
cuando  
Grabación de películas  
se toque [MP4] en el paso 3.  
Puede visualizarse la página siguiente  
(anterior) tocando  
1) Cambie el modo a  
2) Abra el monitor LCD.  
3) Pulse el botón  
.
/
.
5) Seleccione la operación de  
reproducción tocando el icono de  
operación.  
totalmente.  
0h00m00s  
F
C
Icono de funcionamiento  
150  
VQT2W55  
(Reproducción de películas)  
1/;: Reproducción/Pausa  
6:  
5:  
:  
Rebobinado  
(durante la reproducción)  
Avance rápido  
(durante la reproducción)  
Detener la reproducción y  
visualizar las miniaturas.  
Visualiza la barra de  
reproducción directa. (l 75)  
1:  
(Reproducción de fotografías)  
1/;: Iniciar o hacer una pausa en la  
presentación de diapositivas  
(reproducción de las fotografías  
que contiene en orden  
numérico).  
2;: Reproducción de la imagen  
anterior.  
;1: Reproducción de la siguiente  
imagen.  
:  
Detener la reproducción y  
visualizar las miniaturas.  
F
Toque  
/
F
para visualizar/no  
visualizar el icono de funcionamiento.  
151  
VQT2W55  
Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company,  
Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America  
One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094  
P
VQT2W55  
F0610LE0 ( 1000 )  
© Panasonic Corporation 2010  
Printed in Japan  

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