Panasonic Camera HX A1 Owners Manual

							Basic Owner’s Manual
Wearable Camera
Model No.HX-A1M
More detailed operating instructions are available in “Owner’s Manual (PDF format)”. To read it, 
download it from the website.
https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/hdw/oi/A1/
≥ Click the desired language.
* You will need Adobe Reader to browse or print the Owner’s Manual (PDF format). You can download and install a version of Adobe Reader that you  can use with your OS from 
the following website. (As of March 2015)
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
SQT0885
until 
2015/4/20
Please read these instructions carefully before using 
this product, and save this manual for future use.
Register online at www.panasonic.com/register (U.S. customers only)
If you have any questions, visit : 
U.S.A. : www.panasonic.com/support
Canada : www.panasonic.ca/english/support
HX-A1M-SQT0885_mst.book  1 ページ  ２０１５年４月６日　月曜日　午前９時４４分 
						

							2SQT0885 (ENG)
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing Panasonic!
You have purchased one of the most 
sophisticated and reliable products on the 
market today. Used properly, we’re sure it 
will bring you and your family years of 
enjoyment. Please take time to fill in the 
information on the right.
The serial number is on the tag located on 
the side of the terminal section of your 
camera. Be sure to retain this manual as 
your convenient camera information 
source.
Safety Precautions
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.
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of fire, el ectric shock or product damage,
≥ Do not let water or other liquids drip or splash inside the unit.
≥ Do not expose accessories (battery pack, battery charger, AC ad aptor, SD memory card and 
etc.) to rain, moisture, dripping or splashing.
≥ Do not place objects filled with  liquids, such as vases, on accessories.
≥ Use only the recommended accessories.
≥ Do not remove covers.
≥ Do not repair this unit by yourself. Refer servicing to qualifi ed service personnel.
CAUTION!
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or product damage,
≥ Do not install or place this uni t in a bookcase, built-in cabinet or in another confined space. 
Ensure this unit is well ventilated.
≥ Do not obstruct this unit’s ventilation openings with newspaper s, tablecloths, curtains, and 
similar items.
≥ Do not place sources of naked flames, such as lighted candles,  on this unit.
Date of Purchase 
Dealer Purchased From 
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone No. 
Model No.
Serial No.
HX-A1M-SQT0885_mst.book  2 ページ  ２０１５年４月６日　月曜日　午前９時４４分 
						

							3(ENG) SQT0885
THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN THE U.S.A.
THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN CANADA.FCC Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the lim
its 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. Thi s equipment generates, uses, and can 
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used i n 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 th is equipment does cause harmful 
interference to radio or television reception, which can be det ermined by turning the equipment off 
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interferen ce 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 o utlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is 
connected.
≥ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for he lp.
FCC Caution: To assure continued compliance, follow the attached  installation 
instructions and use only shield ed interface cables with ferrite 
core when connecting to computer or peripheral devices.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the part y responsible for compliance 
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: Panasonic
Model No.: HX-A1M
Responsible Party: Panasonic Corporation of North America
Two Riverfront Plaza, Newark, NJ 07102-5490
Support Contact: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
This device complies with Part 1 5 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 caus e undesired operation.
CAN ICES-3(B)/NMB-3(B)
HX-A1M
HX-A1M-SQT0885_mst.book  3 ページ  ２０１５年４月６日　月曜日　午前９時４４分 
						

							4SQT0885 (ENG)
THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN THE U.S.A.
THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN CANADA.FCC ID : ACJ-HX-A1M
FCC CAUTION
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party re
sponsible for compliance could 
void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or 
transmitter.
The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated with 
using low power wireless devices. There is no proof, however, t hat these low power wireless 
devices are absolutely safe. Low power Wireless devices emit lo w levels of radio frequency 
energy (RF) in the microwave range while being used. Whereas hi gh levels of RF can produce 
health effects (by heating tissue), exposure of low-level RF th at does not produce heating effects 
causes no known adverse health effects. Many studies of low-lev el RF exposures have not 
found any biological effects. Some studies have suggested that  some biological effects might 
occur, but such findings have not been confirmed by additional  research. HX-A1M has been 
tested and found to comply with FCC radiation exposure limits s et forth for an uncontrolled 
environment and meets the FCC radio frequency(RF) Exposure Guid elines.
IC : 216A-HXA1M This device complies with RSS-210 of the IC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1)This device may not cau se harmful interference,
(2)This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation of th e device.
The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated with 
using low power wireless devices. There is no proof, however, t hat these low power wireless 
devices are absolutely safe. Low power Wireless devices emit lo w levels of radio frequency 
energy (RF) in the microwave range while being used. Whereas hi gh levels of RF can produce 
health effects (by heating tissu e), exposure of low-level RF th at does not produce heating 
effects causes no known adverse health effects. Many studies of  low-level RF exposures have 
not found any biological effects. Some studies have suggested t hat some biological effects 
might occur, but such findings have not been confirmed by addit ional research. HX-A1M has 
been tested and found to comply with IC radiation exposure limi ts set forth for an uncontrolled 
environment and meets RSS-102 of the IC radio frequency (RF) Ex posure rules. 
U.S.A./CANADA CONSUMERS: ATTENTION:
A lithium ion battery that is recyclable powers the product 
you have  purchased. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for 
information on how to recycle this battery.
HX-A1M-SQT0885_mst.book  4 ページ  ２０１５年４月６日　月曜日　午前９時４４分 
						

							5(ENG) SQT0885
∫Cautions for use
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 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.
≥ If this unit is adversely affected by 
electromagnetic equipment and stops 
functioning properly, press the reset button. 
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.
About connecting to a PC
≥ Do not use any other USB cables except the 
supplied one.
Make sure to use the supplied cable.
Do not extend the cable.
Do not spray insecticides or volatile 
chemicals onto this unit.
≥ If this 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 this unit for a long time.
Cleaning
≥ Before cleaning, pull the USB cable from the 
PC, and then wipe this unit with a soft, dry 
cloth.
≥ I f  t hi s  un it  i s  v ery  di r t y,  d ip  a  c l ot h i n  w at er an d 
squeeze firmly, and then wipe this unit with 
the damp cloth. Next, dry this unit with a dry 
cloth. ≥
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.
When you are not going to use this unit for 
an extended time
≥ Store this unit in a cool place with minimal 
humidity, and with a constant temperature 
where possible (recommended temperature: 
15 oC to 25 oC (59  oF to 77  oF), recommended 
humidity: 40%RH to 60%RH).
≥ Always remove the card from this unit.
≥ When storing this unit for an extended time, it 
is recommended that you charge it once 
every year.
≥ The battery discharges slowly even if this unit 
is not used. The remaining battery level will 
decrease when this unit is not used for an 
extended time.
≥ When storing this unit in a cupboard or 
cabinet, it is recommended that you place a 
desiccant (silica gel) in with it.
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.
Due to the waterproof, dustproof, and anti-
shock design of this product, it is not 
possible to replace the built-in battery.
If the operating time is very short even after 
the battery has been recharged, the battery 
has worn out.
About the microSD card
When the microSD card is being accessed 
(when  the access lamp is lit or flashing), do 
not perform the following: jRemove the microSD card
j Turn the unit off
j Insert and remove the USB cable
j Expose the unit to vibrations or shock
≥ Keep the glasscover (night mode), 
glasscover (normal shooting), terminal cover 
(waterproof) and terminal cover (USB 
connection) out of reach of children to 
prevent swallowing.
This unit and the microSD card become 
warm during use. This is not a 
malfunction.
HX-A1M-SQT0885_mst.book  5 ページ  ２０１５年４月６日　月曜日　午前９時４４分 
						

							6SQT0885 (ENG)
Preparation
(Important) About the Waterproof/
Dustproof and Anti-shock Performance 
of this unit.................................................. 7
When using in a cold climate or at low 
temperatures ........................................... 10
Read this first .......................................... 11
Accessories ............................................. 12
Power supply........................................... 13Charging the battery .........................  13
Charging and recording time .............  14
Recording to a card ................................ 15 Cards that you can use with 
this unit ..............................................  15
Inserting/removing a 
microSD card ....................................  15
Turning this unit on/off ........................... 16
About overheat detection ..................  16
About battery level indications ..........  16
Wi-Fi
® function ........................................ 17
Install the “Image App” ......................  18
Connecting to a smartphone ................. 19 Setting up a Wi-Fi connection to a 
smartphone .......................................  19
Setting up this unit ................................. 19 Setting date and time ........................  20
Initializing the network settings .........  20
Attaching this unit to a Multi Mount or 
Tripod Mount ........................................... 21
Using a Multi Mount ..........................  21
Using a Tripod Mount ........................  24
Basic
Recording ................................................ 26Check before recording .....................  26
Recording with this unit .....................  27
Playback .................................................. 28
Others
Troubleshooting ..................................... 29Requests when disposing of this unit... 30
Specifications ......................................... 32
About copyright ...................................... 33
Optional accessories ............................. 35 Accessory Order Form 
(For USA Customers) .......................  37
Limited Warranty (ONLY FOR U.S.A.) ... 38
Warranty (For Canadian Customers) .... 40
Useful Information 
(Only For Latin American Countries).... 41
Contents
HX-A1M-SQT0885_mst.book  6 ページ  ２０１５年４月６日　月曜日　午前９時４４分 
						

							7(ENG) SQT0885
This does not guarantee no destruction, no malfunction, or waterproofing in all conditions.
*1 This means that this unit can be used underwater for specifie d time in specified pressure in 
accordance with the handling method established by Panasonic.
*2 “MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock” is the test method standard  of the U.S. Defense 
Department, which specifies performing drop tests from a height  of 122 cm (4.0 feet), at 
26 orientations (8 corners, 12 ridges, 6 faces) using 5 sets of dev ices, and passing the 
26 orientation drops within 5 devices. (If failure occurs during  the test, a new set is used to pass 
the drop orientation test within a total of 5 devices.)
Panasonic’s test method is based on the above “MIL-STD 810F Met hod 516.5-Shock”. 
However, the drop height was changed from 122 cm (4.0 feet) to 15 0 cm (5.0 feet) dropping 
onto 3 cm (0.10 feet) thick plyboard. This drop test was passed.
(Disregarding appearance change such as loss of paint or distor tion of the part where drop 
impact is applied.)
∫ Handling of this unit
≥The waterproof performance may be degraded due to the strong wa ter pressure when this unit is 
used deeper than 1.5 m (5.0 feet) underwater.
≥ When this unit is splashed with detergent, soap, hot spring, ba th additive, sun oil, sun screen, 
chemical, etc., wipe it off immediately.
≥ Do not rinse with running water, such as tap water.
≥ Waterproof function of this unit is for sea water and fresh wat er only.
≥ Any malfunction caused by customer misuse, or mishandling will  not be covered by the warranty.
≥
Cards are not waterproof. Do not handle with a wet hand. Also,  do not insert wet card into this unit.≥Do not attach/remove the terminal cover (waterproof) or glassco ver when your hands are wet or 
water droplets are present on this unit. If water droplets get  inside this unit, the terminals may rust 
and cause malfunctions. Other types of damage may also result.
≥
If you attach/remove the terminal cover (waterproof) or glassco ver in a sandy or dusty place, 
sand or other foreign objects may adhere to the internal compon ents, threaded portions 
(portions of this unit, terminal cover (waterproof) and glasscover with helical threads), rubber 
seals or other parts of this unit. Be extra careful when attach ing parts to this unit. If foreign 
objects are caught in it, water may leak in and cause malfunctions and other problems.
Preparation
(Important) About the Waterproof/
Dustproof and Anti-shock 
Performance of this unit
Waterproof/Dustproof Performance
This unit’s waterproof/dustproof rating complies with the “IP68 ” rating. Provided the care 
and maintenance guidelines described in this document are stric tly followed, this unit 
can operate underwater, to a depth not exceeding 1.5 m (5.0 feet)  for a time not exceeding 
30 minutes. 
*1
Anti-shock Performance This unit has cleared a test conducted by Panasonic, which comp lies with MIL-STD 810F 
Method 516.5-Shock (a drop test performed from a height of 1.5  m (5.0 feet) onto 3 cm 
(0.10 feet) thick plywood). 
*2
Waterproofing is not guaranteed if the unit is subject to an im pact as a result of being hit or 
dropped etc. If an impact to this unit occurs, it should be ins pected (subject to a fee) by a 
Panasonic’s Service center to verify that the waterproofing is  still effective.
HX-A1M-SQT0885_mst.book  7 ページ  ２０１５年４月６日　月曜日　午前９時４４分 
						

							8SQT0885 (ENG)
≥Do not leave this unit for a long  period of time in places where temperature is very low (at high 
altitude etc.) or very high (inside a car under strong sunlight , close to a heater, on the beach, etc.) 
waterproof performance may be degraded.
≥ The inside of this unit is no t waterproof. Water leakage will cause malfunction.
≥ If any foreign objects are found on the internal components, th readed portions, rubber 
seals or other parts of this unit, remove them with a soft dry  cloth.
≥ If any liquid such as water droplets are found on the internal  components, threaded 
portions, rubber seals or other parts of this unit, wipe it off  with a soft dry cloth. Do not 
attach/remove the terminal cover (waterproof) or glasscover nea r water, underwater, with 
wet hands or when this unit is wet. Doing so may cause water to  leak in.
≥ The alert sound and shutter sound may be lowered when using thi s unit. This is for ensuring the 
waterproof performance of this unit, and not a malfunction. Att aching/removing the terminal cover 
(waterproof) or glasscover will restore the original volume.
≥ This unit is not waterproof when the terminal cover (USB connec tion) is in use. In this case, do 
not use this unit underwater or touch it with wet hands.
∫ About Condensation (When the lens is fogged up)
Condensation occurs when there is a change in temperature or hu midity, such as when the unit is 
taken from outside or a cold room to a warm room. Please be careful, as it may cause the lens to 
become soiled, moldy, or damaged.
When taking the unit to a place which has a different temperatu re, if the unit is accustomed to the 
room temperature of the destination for about one hour, condensation can be prevented. (When the 
difference in temperature is severe, place the unit in a plasti c bag or the like, remove air from the 
bag, and seal the bag.)
When condensation occurs, turn off this unit, remove the termin al cover (waterproof) and 
glasscover, and leave this unit for approximately 2 hours. Once  this unit adjusts to the ambient 
temperature, the condensation will disappear naturally.
1 Rotate the terminal cover (waterproof) and glasscover in the d irections of the 
arrows to remove them.
2 Check that no foreign objects are found on the internal compon ents, 
threaded portions and rubber seals of this unit.
≥ If there are any foreign objects, such as lint, hair, sand, etc ., water will leak within a few seconds 
causing malfunction.
3 If there is foreign objects adhering to the unit, remove it with a soft dry cloth.≥ Check to see if any foreign obj ects such as lint is adhering to this unit.
≥ Wipe it off with a dry soft cloth if there is any liquid. It ma y cause water leaks and malfunction if 
you use this unit with liquid adhered.
≥ Use a blower (commercially available) to remove foreign objects  that cannot be removed with a 
dry soft cloth.
Check before using underwater
Do not attach/remove the terminal cover (waterproof) or glassco ver in sandy or dusty 
locations, near water or with wet hands. If sand or dust adhere s to this unit, water may leak 
in.

 

HX-A1M-SQT0885_mst.book  8 ページ  ２０１５年４月６日　月曜日　午前９時４４分 
						

							9(ENG) SQT0885
4 Check that the terminal cover (waterproof), glasscover and rubber seals are 
neither cracked nor deformed.
≥ Be sure to read the supplied  leaflet about the rubber seals.5 Rotate the terminal cover (waterproof) and glasscover until they are attached 
firmly.
≥Rotate them in the opposite directions of Step 1.
≥ Tighten them firmly to ensure that they are not loose.
≥ To prevent water seeping into this unit, be careful not to trap  foreign objects such as liquids, sand, 
hair or dust etc.
≥ Use this unit underwater at a depth of down to 1.5 m (5.0 feet) w ith the water temperature 
between 0 oC and 35 oC (32  oF and 95  oF).
≥ Do not use this unit at a depth of over 1.5 m (5.0 feet).
≥ Do not use it in hot water over 35 oC (95  oF) (in a bath or hot spring).
≥ Do not use this unit underwater not longer than 30 minutes conti nuously.
≥ Do not attach/remove the terminal cover (waterproof) or glassco ver.
≥ Do not apply shock to this unit underwater. (Waterproof perform ance may not be maintained, and 
there is a chance of water leak.)
≥ Do not dive into the water holding this unit. Do not use this u nit in a location where the water will 
splash strongly, such as rapid flow or waterfall. (Strong water  pressure may be applied, and it may  
cause malfunction.)
≥ This unit will sink in the water. Take care not to drop this un it.
1 Rinse this unit without removing the terminal cover (waterproo f) and 
glasscover.
≥ After use at the seaside or underwater, soak the unit in fresh  water pooled in a shallow container 
for about 10 minutes.
2 Drain water by holding this unit and shaking it lightly a few  times.≥After using this unit at the seaside or underwater, or after wa shing it, water will remain at the mic 
site of this unit for a while and  it may cause lower sound or s ound distortion.
≥ Pay careful attention to prevent this unit from dropping.
3 Wipe off water drops on this unit with a soft dry cloth and dr y this unit in a 
shaded area that is well ventilated.
≥ Dry this unit 1 hour or more.
≥ Dry this unit on a dry cloth.
≥ Do not dry this unit with hot air from dryer or similar. It wil l deteriorate the waterproof performance 
or cause failure due to deformation.
≥ Do not use chemicals such as benzine, thinner, alcohol or clean ser, soap or detergents.
4 After checking that there are no water droplets, remove the te rminal cover 
(waterproof) and glasscover, and wipe off any water droplets or sand left 
inside with a soft, dry cloth.
Using this unit underwater
Caring for this unit after using it underwater
Do not attach/remove the terminal cover (waterproof) or glassco ver until you remove the 
sand and dust by rinsing this unit.
Make sure to clean the camera after using it.
≥ Thoroughly wipe off any water droplets, sand, and saline matter  on your hands, body, hair, etc.
≥
It is recommended to clean the ca mera indoors, avoiding places where water spray or sand may fall.Do not leave this unit uncared for longer than 60 minutes after  using it underwater.
≥ Leaving this unit with foreign objects or saline matter on it m ay cause damage, discoloration, 
corrosion, unusual odour, or deterioration of the waterproof pe rformance.
HX-A1M-SQT0885_mst.book  9 ページ  ２０１５年４月６日　月曜日　午前９時４４分 
						

							10SQT0885 (ENG)
≥If you remove the terminal cover (waterproof) or glasscover wit hout thoroughly drying this unit, 
water droplets may form on the card or other parts. Also, water  may accumulate in the gap 
around the card slot or the terminal connector. Be sure to wipe  any water off with a soft, dry cloth.
≥ If you attach the terminal cover (waterproof) or glasscover whi le still wet, water droplets may seep 
into this unit and cause condensation or malfunctions.
≥ If the Multi Mount or Tripod Mount are exposed to seawater, rin se off the salt water with fresh 
wat er. When the Multi Mount or Tripod Mount are expos ed t o wate r, wipe them off with a dry towel 
or something similar, and dry them thoroughly in the shade.
≥ It may cause injury to the skin if you directly touch the metal  parts of the unit in places 
where temperature is very low (environments under 0 oC (32  oF), such as ski resorts or 
places at high altitude) for a long period of time.
Keep this point in mind when using this unit for a long period of time.
≥ The performance of the battery (recording time/operating time)  may decrease temporarily when 
using in a temperature between  j10 oC and 0 oC (14  oF and 32  oF) (cold places such as ski 
resorts or places at high altitude). (Charge the battery suffic iently before use.)
≥ The battery cannot be recharged at temperatures lower than 0 oC (32  oF). (The power lamp 
flashes fast when the battery cannot be recharged.) Charge the battery sufficiently in a place 
where the ambient temperature is between 10 oC and 30 oC (50  oF and 86  oF).
≥ If the unit is used in cold places such as ski resorts or place s at high altitude with snow or water 
droplets adhered to the unit, some parts of the unit may become  hard to move or the sound may 
become dim with snow or water droplets freezing in the gap of t he buttons and microphone. This 
is not a malfunction.
≥ If the Wi-Fi
® function is used in cold places such as ski resorts or places  at high altitude, playback 
may not be performed correctly.
In case water enters this unit, stop the use and consult your d ealer.
Malfunctions resulting from water leakage due to wrong handling  by customers are not subject to 
compensation.
Preparation
When using in a cold climate or at low 
temperatures
HX-A1M-SQT0885_mst.book  10 ページ  ２０１５年４月６日　月曜日　午前９時４４分