Panasonic HCMDH3E Operations Instructions

Operating InstructionsHigh Definition Video CameraModel No. HC-MDH3Please read these instructions carefully before using this product, and save this m

- 10 -Information for Your Safety ... 2Accessories ... 12Optional accessories ...

- 100 -The external output resolution varies depending on the [RESOLUTION] setting and connected terminal.≥ When [RESOLUTION] is set to [SYSTEM], the

- 101 -Image data can be imported to a PC for editing by inserting the SD card used for recording with the unit into that PC.≥ A PC with an SD card sl

- 102 -∫ Folder names for motion picture data recorded in MOV/MP4 formatThe fifth, sixth, and eighth characters of the folder name of a recorded MOV/M

- 103 -≥ In these Operating Instructions, “USB hard disk drive” is indicated as “USB HDD”.If you connect an external media device, such as USB HDD or

- 104 -1 (When using USB HDD) Connect the AC adaptor (supplied with USB HDD) to the USB HDD.≥ If you are using a bus-powered or portable USB HDD, this

- 105 -∫ FormattingThis is for initializing the external media device.≥ Please be aware that if a media is formatted then all the data recorded on the

- 106 -Copy selected files1 Connect this unit to the external media device to prepare for copying. (l 103)2 Touch [SELECT COPY].≥ You can also access

- 107 -Playing back the External Media≥ Only motion picture/still picture that have been copied by connecting this unit to the external media device c

- 108 -∫ Check before dubbingCheck the equipment used for dubbing.* Some equipment may not be compatible with high-definition (AVCHD) picture quality

- 109 -∫ Dubbing using equipment without an SD card slot or using a video deviceYou can dub by connecting an AV cable (commercially-available).≥ Use t

- 11 -MenuUsing the Menu ... 110Camera Setup ... 110System mode ...

- 110 -Refer to page 34 for how to set up the Menu.Camera SetupAll default settings are indicated with underlined text.Changes the contrast of the ove

- 111 -≥ This function is disabled during Super Slow Recording (l 74)≥ (Sunset/Scenery/Fireworks/Night Scenery)j Image may get blurry when close objec

- 112 -Adjusts color balance.≥ Switch to Manual Mode. (l 40)1 Touch [EXPOSURE].2 Touch / to adjust settings.≥ You can select a value between s10 and

- 113 -Selects the DRS (Dynamic Range Stretcher) function. (l 69)≥ Switch to Manual Mode. (l 40)This function detects the horizontal tilt of the unit,

- 114 -System modeAll default settings are indicated with underlined text.Switch the recording mode of the motion pictures to record.* It is not compa

- 115 -≥ When [MOV] or [MP4] in [REC MODE] is selected≥ When [AVCHD] in [REC MODE] is selected≥ Recordable time using the battery (l 23)≥ The default

- 116 -This sets the aspect ratio of images to be recorded with a [REC FORMAT] setting of [SA 576/50.00i].≥ Set [REC FORMAT] to [SA 576/50.00i]. (l 11

- 117 -User switchAll default settings are indicated with underlined text.Sets the function to assign to the USER buttons. (l 63)≥ For the functions o

- 118 -Switch settingAll default settings are indicated with underlined text.Sets the rotational direction and aperture control of the multi-manual ri

- 119 -You can record bright pictures even in dark places by slowing the shutter speed.Slow Shutter works in Auto Shutter Mode. (l 57)≥ The shutter sp

- 12 -Check the accessories before using this unit.Keep the accessories out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.Product numbers correct as of F

- 120 -You can set the peaking strength for Focus Assist. (l 49)≥ This function’s default setting is “0”.You can set an Area Mode effect. (l 70)This s

- 121 -Changes the zoom magnification setting of Digital Zoom. (l 67)You can zoom in while maintaining the beauty of high-definition picture quality u

- 122 -∫ Relay recordingThis is simple Relay Recording. It is possible to continuously record on the SD card in the other card slot even when the avai

- 123 -(Relay recording)≥ Destination to record still pictures will be switched to other SD card after performing the relay recording. In addition, a

- 124 -This enables/disables Super Slow Recording.≥ Switch to Manual Mode. (l 40)This allows the recording of an image and audio to start before you p

- 125 -If you set this item to [ON], you can reduce the audio noise.It will record with natural sound when set to [OFF]. (l 60)Output SetupDifferent m

- 126 -Switches the output setting of time code information when this unit is connected to another device (HDMI-SDI converter, etc.) with an HDMI cabl

- 127 -Display settingDifferent menu items are displayed depending on whether this unit is in Recording Mode or Playback Mode.All default settings are

- 128 -You can check if the image is level while recording motion pictures and still pictures. The function can also be used to estimate the balance o

- 129 -The information displayed on the screen (operation icon and counter display etc.) can be displayed/not displayed on the TV. (l 99)It is possibl

- 13 -Some optional accessories may not be available in some countries.Product numbers correct as of Feb. 2018. These may be subject to change.Attach

- 130 -Display can be switched between the remaining recordable time of the SD card and the remaining battery capacity indication.This shows or hides

- 131 -Setting this item to [ON] helps you achieve focus easier by emphasizing the outlines of an image displayed on the LCD monitor and viewfinder. (

- 132 -Other FunctionsDifferent menu items are displayed depending on whether this unit is in Recording Mode or Playback Mode.All default settings are

- 133 -The ring LED lights up red during recording.≥ When the [REC LAMP] is set to [OFF], this item cannot be set.The unit is put into recording pause

- 134 -The menu settings is reset to the default.* Settings for [CLOCK SET] and [TIME ZONE] will not be changed.≥ Returning all settings to the defaul

- 135 -MaintenanceThe version of the firmware of this unit is displayed.The firmware of this unit is updated.This displays the operation time of this

- 136 -Video SetupAll default settings are indicated with underlined text.≥ Set the mode switch to . (l 26)≥ Touch the play mode select icon, and set

- 137 -Picture Setup≥ Set the mode switch to . (l 26)≥ Touch the play mode select icon, and set this unit to Still Picture Playback Mode. (l 84)Still

- 138 -∫ Recording indicationsDisplayIndicationsExample: Display in English1/100A.SHTRFBCSUPER SLOWI- REC50MAF50D 5XSHARPZ000dBOPENZOOM99%VAR5600KD

- 139 -∫ Playback indicationsExample: Display in EnglishD 2X, D 5X, D10XDigital Zoom (l 67)SUPER SLOWSuper Slow Recording (l 74, 124)5600K Color tempe

- 14 -Recording to the SD cardIt is possible to record motion pictures and still pictures to the SD card (SDHC Memory Card/SDXC Memory Card) using a v

- 140 -∫ Indication of connection to the external media device∫ Confirmatory indications, , , , , , Recording format (When thumbnails are display

- 141 -Major confirmation/error messages to be indicated on the screen in text.DisplayMessagesDuring recording/playbackDisplay Description Behavior an

- 142 -CANNOT USE SD CARD IN VIDEO MODE, CONTROL DATA ERROR.This is displayed when the management information cannot be recovered.≥ The operation will

- 143 -When an error is detected immediately after this unit is turned on or while it is being operated, the status indicator and on-screen displays i

- 144 -The battery is depleted (Low input voltage)Status indicator It flashes once per second.On-screen displayThe message [LOW BATTERY.] is displayed

- 145 -∫ It is not a malfunction in following casesThe card is nearly fullStatus indicator sOn-screen displayThe remaining recordable time flashes red

- 146 -“ERROR OCCURRED. PLEASE TURN UNIT OFF, THEN TURN ON AGAIN.” is displayed.≥ The unit has automatically detected an error. Restart the unit by tu

- 147 -Scenes/still pictures cannot be played back.≥ Any scenes/still pictures where the thumbnails are displayed as cannot be played back.≥ In most

- 148 -∫ If AVCHD scenes do not change smoothly when played back on another deviceThe images may be still for several seconds at the joins between the

- 149 -∫ Carefully observe copyright lawsRecording of pre-recorded tapes or discs or other published or broadcast material for purposes other than you

- 15 -Image data can be imported to a PC for editing by inserting the SD card used for recording with the unit into that PC.≥ A PC with an SD card slo

- 150 -Due to the specifications of this unit, depending on the recording function being used, it is not possible to use or select certain other recor

- 151 -≥ SD cards are only mentioned with their main memory size. The stated times are the approximate recordable times for continuous recording.≥ “h”

- 152 -≥ SD cards are only mentioned with their main memory size. The stated number is the approximate number of recordable pictures.≥ Maximum number

- 153 -High Definition Video Camera indicates safety informationOthersSpecificationPower source:7.2 V (When using battery)12 V (When using AC adapto

- 154 -AC adaptor indicates safety informationThe symbols on this product (including the accessories) represent the following:Level Shot Function:[ON]

Panasonic CorporationWeb site: http://www.panasonic.com© Panasonic Corporation 2018Manufactured by: Panasonic Corporation Kadoma, Osaka, JapanImport

- 16 -1 Shoulder strap fixture2 Handle3 Sub zoom lever (l 42, 120)≥ This lever functions in the same manner as the zoom lever.≥ The zoom speed is cont

- 17 -18 Ring LED (l 132)19 Shoulder strap fixture20 Built-in microphone21 Built-in LED light (l 43)22 Recording lamp (l 132)23 Lens24 Lens hood25 Mul

- 18 -37 LCD monitor (Touch screen) (l 28)≥ It can open up to 90o.≥ It can rotate up to 180o A towards the lens or 90o B towards the opposite directio

- 19 -49 SD Card slot cover (l 25)50 Card slot 2 (l 25)51 Access lamp (card 2) (l 25)52 Card slot 1 (l 25)53 Access lamp (card 1) (l 25)∫ Attaching/re

- 2 -For the AC mains plug of three pins∫ Caution for AC mains leadFor your safety, please read the following text carefully.This appliance is supplie

- 20 -∫ Attaching the eyecupAttach by aligning the notch of the eyecup attachment part with the protrusion at the inside of the eyecup.A NotchB Protru

- 21 -∫ About batteries that you can use with this unit (as of February 2018)The battery that can be used with this unit is VW-VBD29/VW-VBD58/AG-VBR59

- 22 -Charging the batteryThe unit is in the standby condition when the AC adaptor is connected. The primary circuit is always “live” as long as the A

- 23 -Charging and recording time≥ The times given apply when the ambient operating temperature is 25 oC and the relative operating humidity is 60%. C

- 24 -The unit can record motion pictures or still pictures to an SD card.Cards that you can use with this unit≥ The cards that you can use are correc

- 25 -Inserting/removing an SD cardCaution:Check that the access lamp has gone off.1 Open the SD card slot cover and insert (remove) the SD card into

- 26 -Set the power switch to ON while pressing the lock release button B to turn on the unit.A The status indicator lights on.≥ To turn on the unit a

- 27 -The viewfinder is turned off and the LCD monitor is turned on when the LCD monitor is opened.The viewfinder is turned on when the LCD monitor is

- 28 -How to use the touch screenYou can operate by directly touching the LCD monitor (touch screen) with your finger.∫ TouchTouch and release the tou

- 29 -LCD monitor adjustment≥ These settings will not affect the images actually recorded.This makes it easier to view the LCD monitor in bright place

- 3 -∫ Concerning the batteryFor Europe only∫ EMC Electric and magnetic compatibilityThis symbol (CE) is located on the rating plate.∫ Product identif

- 30 -Viewfinder adjustment≥ These settings will not affect the images actually recorded.It adjusts the field of view to show the image on the viewfin

- 31 -Recording yourself≥ Change the mode to Recording Mode. (l 26)Rotate the LCD monitor towards the lens side.≥ Displaying during the recording your

- 32 -When this unit is turned on, the message [SET TIME ZONE AND DATE/TIME] may appear.To make these settings, select [YES], and follow the instructi

- 33 -∫ Time zone tableTime differenceRegionTime differenceRegion0:00 London, Casablanca r3:30 Tehrans1:00 Azores r4:00 Dubai, Abu Dhabis2:00 Fernando

- 34 -≥ You can also select menu items by operating the jog dial. (l 81)1 Press the MENU button A.2 Touch the top menu B.3 Touch the submenu C.≥ Next

- 35 -≥ When recording, make sure your footing is stable and there is no danger of colliding with another person or object.≥ Hold the eyecup of the vi

- 36 -Formatting mediaIf you use the SD cards for the first time for recording with this unit, format the cards.Please be aware that if a medium is fo

- 37 -1 Set the mode switch to to switch to Recording Mode. (l 26)≥ Open the LCD monitor.2 Press the recording start/stop button A to start recordin

- 38 -≥ When the file size of a recorded scene exceeds one of the following sizes or the recording time exceeds one of the following lengths of time,

- 39 -≥ Register <CAPTURE> to a USER button. (l 63)1 Set the mode switch to to switch to Recording Mode. (l 26)≥ Open the LCD monitor.2 Press

- 4 -[ For India only ]AC adaptor informationBattery pack informationNote regarding the Power Management function specified under COMMISSION REGULATIO

- 40 -∫ Intelligent Auto ModeWhen switching to Intelligent Auto Mode, the Automatic Tracking White Balance and Auto Focus operate and automatically ad

- 41 -Automatic Tracking White BalanceThe Auto Tracking White (ATW) Balance function of this unit automatically adjusts the White Balance according to

- 42 -It can be zoomed up to 20k.≥ It can zoom up to approx. 40k when the [i.Zoom] is set to [ON]. (l 121)≥ Zoom magnification can be checked in the s

- 43 -Even in dark locations, you can record brighter scenes by turning on the built-in LED light.Slide the LED LIGHT switch to turn on the built-in L

- 44 -Zoom, focus, and iris can be adjusted by operating the multi-manual ring. Gain, White Balance and shutter speed can be adjusted by operating the

- 45 -Use the multi-manual ring to adjust focus. If auto focusing is difficult due to the conditions, then use Manual Focus.≥ Switch to Manual Mode. (

- 46 -∫ To emphasize the outline of imagesSetting [EVF/LCD DETAIL] to [ON] helps you achieve focus easier by emphasizing the outlines of an image disp

- 47 -Push AFIf you press and hold the USER button to which <PUSH AF> is registered, Manual Focus will be temporarily switched to Auto Focus.≥ T

- 48 -∫ To adjust the magnified displayIf you set Focus Assist to ON by following either of the procedures below, the central area of the screen will

- 49 -∫ To change the peaking settingsIf you set Focus Assist to ON by following either of the procedures below, in-focus portions are highlighted wit

- 5 -∫ Cautions for useKeep this unit as far away as possible from electromagnetic equipment (such as microwave ovens, TVs, video games etc.).≥ If you

- 50 -(Notes on the magnified display of Focus Assist)≥ Some information on the screen disappears when the screen is magnified.≥ Still pictures cannot

- 51 -When recording a scene that is too dark (or bright) or a scene in a similar situation, manually adjust the iris and gain.Iris adjustment≥ Switch

- 52 -∫ To enable Backlight CompensationIf you enable [BACKLIGHT COMPENS.] in Auto Iris Mode, automatic iris control will be activated for backlight c

- 53 -≥ To return to Auto Gain Mode, perform one of the following operations:j Touch .j Set the iA/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to iA to switch to Intelligent

- 54 -Automatic White Balance function may not reproduce natural colors depending on the scenes or lighting conditions. If so, you can adjust the Whit

- 55 -About White Balance modes≥ To return to ATW (Auto Tracking White Balance), perform one of the following operations:j Touch .j Press the USER bu

- 56 -Setting the White Balance mode to [VAR] allows you to set a White Balance value between 2000K and 15000K.≥ Use the jog dial to change the settin

- 57 -Adjust the shutter speed when recording fast-moving subjects.≥ Use the jog dial to change the settings.≥ Switch to Manual Mode. (l 40)1 Touch th

- 58 -≥ The shutter speed cannot be adjusted in the following cases:j When a setting in [SCENE MODE] is enabled (l 110)j During Freeze Frame (l 69)≥ Y

- 59 -This unit can record audio in 2 ch.∫ About audio recording methodsThe audio recording method varies depending on the [REC MODE] setting. (l 114)

- 6 -Do not lift up this unit by the handle with the tripod still attached≥ When the tripod is attached, its weight will also affect the unit’s handle

- 60 -ALC can reduce audio noise.1 Set [AUDIO LEVEL] to [MANUAL]. (l 59)2 Select the menu.Using the ALC function: [AUDIO SETUP] # [AUDIO ALC] # desire

- 61 -You can change a counter display that indicates how much time has elapsed during recording or playback.1 Touch the LCD monitor while the recordi

- 62 -≥ The time code will reset when the built-in lithium battery is exhausted when it is set to [FREE RUN].You can set the initial time code.1 Selec

- 63 -Each of the USER button can register one function from the 30 available functions.≥ There are 3 USER buttons (USER1 to 3) on the main body and 4

- 64 -≥ To cancel, press the USER button or touch the USER button icon again.For canceling or using of the following functions for the USER buttons, r

- 65 -* These functions are not available in Intelligent Auto Mode.≥ The following USER button function can also be set from the menu.j [BACKLIGHT COM

- 66 -≥ Register <FOCUS ASSIST 2> to a USER button. (l 63)You can set the Focus Assist. (l 47)≥ You can set the Focus Assist method in [FOCUS AS

- 67 -≥ Register <SLOT SEL> to a USER button. (l 63)You can change the card slot used for motion picture recording or the playback media.≥ You c

- 68 -≥ Register <HISTOGRAM> to a USER button. (l 63)A graph with brightness as horizontal axis and number of pixels at that brightness as verti

- 69 -≥ Register <DRS> to a USER button. (l 63)≥ Switch to Manual Mode. (l 40)Selects the DRS (Dynamic Range Stretcher) function.It is possible

- 7 -Do not throw 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

- 70 -You can apply a variety of effects to the subject you touch.∫ Setting an Area Mode effectYou can select the following menu items to set an effec

- 71 -≥ Area Function is not possible in following cases:j When a setting in [SCENE MODE] is enabled (l 110)j During Super Slow Recording (l 74)≥ Area

- 72 -≥ Register <LEVEL GAUGE> to a USER button. (l 63)This function displays the horizontal/vertical tilt of the unit with the electronic level

- 73 -≥ The image may move while zooming depending on the tilt of this unit.≥ When recording horizontal images using a tripod, attach the unit on the

- 74 -≥ The setting will be turned off in the following cases:j If you turn the unit offj When the mode switch position is changedj If you switch to I

- 75 -≥ / will be displayed. Audio is not recorded during recording.2 Press the recording start/stop button to start recording.≥ When recording in Su

- 76 -≥ Register <AUTO REC> to a USER button. (l 63)This enables/disables a function that controls recording performed with an external device (

- 77 -≥ Register <WHITE BAL> to a USER button. (l 63)You can switch between Auto White Balance Mode and Manual White Balance Mode by pressing th

- 78 -You can use convenient functions just by the easy operation of touching the screen.1 Touch the LCD monitor in the recording screen.≥ The operati

- 79 -Image Stabilizer FunctionUse the Image Stabilizer to reduce the effects of shake during recording.This unit is equipped with Hybrid Optical Imag

- 8 -≥ The customer is responsible for the management of the data in the SD card.≥ When the LCD screen is dirty or condensation has occurred, please w

- 80 -ZebraYou can switch between the zebra display and marker display.Touch .Each time the icon is selected, the indication changes in the following

- 81 -You can select and set menu items (l 34), etc. using the jog dial.1 Rotate the jog dial on the menu screen, etc., to move the cursor.≥ The selec

- 82 -You can select the following functions and adjust their settings using the jog dial.You can also switch between the functions and adjust their s

- 83 -To switch the function set in the recording screen1 Set so the function to be used can be selected.≥ If the desired function cannot be selected,

- 84 -1 Set this unit to playback mode. (l 26)2 Touch the play mode select icon A.C Media displayThe selected media is displayed in yellow.3 Select th

- 85 -(To set this unit to Still Picture Playback Mode)Touch the still picture (JPEG) G .5 Touch the scene or the still picture to be played back.≥ Ne

- 86 -∫ Change the thumbnail displayWhile the thumbnail is displayed, the thumbnail display changes in the following order if the zoom lever or the su

- 87 -2 Rotate the jog dial to adjust the volume.3 Push the jog dial to finish the adjustment.≥ Sound will be heard only during normal motion picture

- 88 -Motion picture playback using operation iconFor details on the basic playback operations, refer to page 84.≥ Scenes that are large in file size

- 89 -Creating still picture from motion pictureYou can save a frame of a recorded motion picture as a still picture. The picture size with which a st

- 9 -∫ About securityBe careful about the possibility of theft or loss of the unit, and be careful not to leave the unit unattended. Please note that

- 90 -Repeat PlaybackPlayback of the first scene starts after playback of the last scene finishes.Select the menu.The indication appears on the full

- 91 -Playing back scenes or still pictures by dateThe scenes or still pictures recorded on the same day can be played back in succession.1 Touch the

- 92 -≥ Set the mode switch to . (l 26)∫ To delete the scene or still picture being played backTouch while scenes or still pictures to be deleted a

- 93 -≥ The scenes or still pictures that have already been deleted when the deletion is canceled cannot be restored.To complete editing:Touch [Return

- 94 -Motion pictures or still pictures recorded with this unit can be copied between SD Cards inserted in this unit.≥ Copying is not possible if the

- 95 -≥ Depending on the following conditions, the time it takes for copying may be longer.j The number of recorded scenes is large.≥ If some motion p

- 96 -HeadphonesYou can connect headphones (commercially-available) to the headphone output jack (3.5 mm diameter stereo mini jack).≥ Sound is not ou

- 97 -TV ≥ If you connect this unit to an HDMI compatible high definition TV and then play back the recorded high definition images, you can enjoy the

- 98 -≥ This unit is not compatible with the VIERA Link.≥ Use a commercially-available High Speed HDMI cable. If possible, we recommend using a cable

- 99 -∫ To display the on-screen information on the TVWhen the menu setting is changed, the information displayed on the screen (operation icon and Co