Panasonic Digital Camera Dmc Tz8 Operating Instructions For Advanced Features

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  Using with your PC
Still/motion pictures can be copied from the camera to your computer by connecting the 
two together.
  • If your computer does not support SDXC memory cards, a message will be displayed 
requesting you to format the card. (Do not format the card. This will erase recorded 
pictures.) If the card is not recognised, refer to the following support website.
http://panasonic.net/avc/sdcard/information/SDXC.html
  • Copied pictures can then be printed out or sent by e-mail using the ‘PHOTOfunSTUDIO’ 
software on the CD-ROM (supplied).
  ■Computer specifications
Windows Macintosh
98/98SE Me/2000 XP/Vista/7 OS 9/OS X
Can I use 
‘PHOTOfunSTUDIO’?No Yes∗
1No
Can I copy AVCHD Lite 
motion pictures to my 
computer? 
No Yes∗2No
Can I copy still pictures 
and Motion JPEG motion 
pictures from my camera 
to my computer via USB 
connection cable?No YesYe s
OS 9.2.2
OS X (10.1 - 10.6)
  • USB connection cables cannot be used with Windows 98/98SE, Mac OS 8.x, or older 
versions of either, but still/motion pictures may still be copied with compatible SD 
memory card reader/writers.
∗
1 Internet Explorer 6.0 or above must be installed.
Correct playback and operation depends on your computer’s environment and cannot 
always be guaranteed.
∗
2 Always use ‘PHOTOfunSTUDIO’ when copying AVCHD Lite motion pictures. 
  Copying still pictures and motion pictures 
Getting Ready:
  • Charge the battery sufficiently. Or, connect the AC adaptor (optional) and DC coupler 
(optional). (→14, 15) 
  • Insert card and set mode dial to any except 
. When importing pictures from the built-
in memory, remove any memory cards.
Check socket direction and insert straight in.
(Damage to socket shape can lead to faulty operation.)
[ACCESS] (sending data)
  • Do not disconnect the USB connection 
cable while [ACCESS] is displayed.USB connection cable
(always use cable supplied)
Turn on power of both 
camera and computer
Connect camera to 
computer
  • Please make sure you use the 
supplied USB connection cable.
Use of cables other than the 
supplied USB connection cable 
may cause malfunction.
Select [PC] on the camera
A message may be displayed on screen 
if [USB MODE] (→26) is set to [PictBridge 
(PTP)]. Select [CANCEL] to close the 
screen, and set [USB MODE] to [PC].
Operate with your 
computer
  ■To cancel connection
Click ‘Safely Remove Hardware’ in the Windows System Tray → disconnect USB 
connection cable → turn off camera power → disconnect AC adaptor Some computers can read directly from the camera’s memory card.
For details, see the manual for your computer.
Example of DMC-TZ10 
						

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Using with your PC (Continued)
∗
 New folders are created in the following cases:
  • When pictures are taken to folders containing files numbered 999.
  • When using cards already containing the same folder number (including pictures 
taken with other cameras, etc.).
  • When recording after performing [NO.RESET] (→25).
  • File may not be able to be played back on camera after changing file name.
  • If mode dial is set to 
, built-in memory data (including clipboard pictures) are 
displayed even when card is inserted. Data in card is not displayed.
  •Do not delete or modify folders or data in the AVCHD folder using Windows 
Explorer or other tools. The camera may be unable to play back the motion 
pictures correctly if any of these files are deleted or modified. For data 
management and editing of motion pictures recorded in [AVCHD Lite(GPS 
REC)] or [AVCHD Lite], use the ‘PHOTOfunSTUDIO’ software on the supplied 
CD-ROM. 
 
  ■When using Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Mac OS X
The camera can be connected to your computer even if [USB MODE] (→26) is set to 
[PictBridge (PTP)].
  • Only picture output can be performed from the camera. (Picture deletion can also be 
performed with Windows Vista and Windows 7.)
  • It may not be possible to import if there are 1000 or more pictures on the card.
  • Motion pictures recorded in [AVCHD Lite(GPS REC)] or [AVCHD Lite] format cannot 
be read. 
Built-in 
memory/ 
CardJPG: 
Still pictures 
MOV: 
Motion pictures
You can save pictures to use on your computer by dragging and dropping folders and 
files into separate folders on your computer.
  ■ 
Folder and file names on computer
DCIM (Still/motion pictures)
100_PANA (Up to 999 pictures/folder)
P1000001.JPG
 :
P1000999.JPG
101_PANA
 :                      
∗
999_PANA
MISC (DPOF files, Favourite)
PRIVATE1 (clipboard pictures)Built-in 
memory
MEMO0001.JPG
PRIVATE
When using 
memory card AVCHD 
(Motion pictures in AVCHD Lite)MODELINF  (VIERA Link information)
  ●Windows
Drives are displayed 
in ‘My Computer’ or 
‘Computer’ folder.
  ●Macintosh
Drives are displayed on 
the desktop.
(Displayed as ‘LUMIX’, 
‘NO_NAME’, or 
‘Untitled’.)
  ■Playing motion pictures recorded in [AVCHD Lite(GPS REC)] or [AVCHD 
Lite] on your computer  
Use the ‘PHOTOfunSTUDIO’ software on the supplied CD-ROM.Save the motion picture to your computer, and play it back.
  ■Playing motion pictures recorded in [MOTION JPEG] on your computer
Use the ‘QuickTime’ software on the supplied CD-ROM.
  • Installed as standard on Macintosh
Save motion pictures to your computer before viewing.
  ●Do not use any other USB connection cables except the supplied one.  ●Turn off power before inserting or removing memory cards.  ●When the battery begins to run out during communication, a warning beep sounds. 
Cancel communication via your computer immediately (recharge the battery before 
reconnecting).
  ●Setting the [USB MODE] (→26) to [PC] removes the need to make the setting each time 
the camera is connected to the computer.
  ●For more details, consult your computer operating manual. 
						

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Some printers can print directly from the camera’s memory card.
For details, see the manual for your printer.  Printing
  ■To cancel print    Press [MENU/SET]
  ●Do not use any other USB connection cables except the supplied one.  ●Disconnect USB connection cable after printing.  ●Turn off power before inserting or removing memory cards.  ●When the battery begins to run out during communication, a warning beep sounds. 
Cancel printing and disconnect USB connection cable (recharge the battery before 
reconnecting).
  ●Setting the [USB MODE] to [PictBridge (PTP)] removes the need to make the setting 
each time the camera is connected to the printer.
  ●Motion pictures recorded in [AVCHD Lite] format cannot be printed. 
You can connect directly to a PictBridge-
compatible printer for printing.
Getting Ready:
  • Charge the battery sufficiently. Or, connect 
the AC adaptor (optional) and DC coupler 
(optional). 
  • Insert card and set mode dial to any setting 
except 
. When copying pictures from the 
built-in memory, remove any memory cards.
(Copy [CLIPBOARD] pictures to the card in 
advance)
  • Adjust the print quality or other settings on 
your printer, as needed.
Turn on power of camera 
and printer
Connect camera to printer 
  • Please make sure you use the 
supplied USB connection cable. Use 
of cables other than the supplied 
USB connection cable may cause 
malfunction.
Select [PictBridge (PTP)] 
on the camera
When [CONNECTING TO PC…] 
is displayed, cancel the connection 
and set [USB MODE] (→26) to either 
[SELECT ON CONNECTION] or 
[PictBridge (PTP)].
Press ◄► to select a 
picture to print and press 
[MENU/SET]
Select [PRINT START]
(Print settings (→146)) Check socket direction and insert straight in.
(Damage to socket shape can lead to faulty 
operation.)   • Do not disconnect the USB connection cable when 
the cable disconnection icon 
 is displayed (may 
not be displayed with some printers).
USB connection cable
(always use cable supplied)
Printing multiple pictures
Select [MULTI PRINT] in 
step  on the previous 
pageSelect item
(See below for details)Print 
(Previous page )
  •[MULTI SELECT] :  Scroll between pictures with ▲▼◄►, select pictures to print with the 
[DISPLAY] button. (Press [DISPLAY] button again to release selection.)
                               Press [MENU/SET] when selection is complete.
  •[SELECT ALL]    :Print all pictures.
  •[PRINT SET (DPOF)] : Print pictures selected in [PRINT SET]. (→134)
  •[FAVORITE]        : Print pictures selected as [FAVORITE]. (→133)
(displayed only when [FAVORITE] pictures are present and setting 
is set to [ON]).
  ●Select [YES] if print confirmation screen is displayed.  ●An orange ● displayed during printing indicates an error message.   ●Print may be divided into several times if printing a large amount of pictures.
(Remaining sheets display may differ from set number.)
Print with date and text
  ■With [TEXT STAMP]
Recording date and following information can be embedded into still pictures (→128):
  ●Recording date ●[NAME] and [AGE] from [BABY] and [PET] Scene Modes  ●[TRAVEL DATE] elapsed days and destination ●Text registered in [TITLE EDIT]  ●Names registered in [FACE RECOG.]   ●Location name information recorded with the GPS function   • Do not add date printing in stores or with printers to still pictures where [TEXT 
STAMP] is applied (text may overlap).
  ■Printing date without [TEXT STAMP]
  ●Printing in store: Only recording date can be printed. Request date printing in store.
  •Making [PRINT SET] settings on the camera in advance allows settings for numbers 
of copies and date printing to be designated before giving the card to the store.
  • When printing still pictures of 16:9 Aspect Ratio, check in advance that the store 
can accept this size.
  ●Using computer : Print settings for recording date and text information can be made 
using the supplied CD-ROM ‘PHOTOfunSTUDIO’.
  ●Using printer    : Recording date can be printed by setting [PRINT SET] on the 
camera, or by setting [PRINT WITH DATE] to [ON] when connecting 
to a printer compatible with date printing.
Example of DMC-TZ10 
						

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Printing (Continued)  Viewing on TV screen
 
Making print settings on camera
(Make settings before selecting [PRINT START])
Select itemSelect setting
Item Settings
[PRINT WITH 
DATE][OFF]/[ON]
[NUM.OF 
PRINTS]Set number of pictures (up to 999 pictures)
[PAPER 
SIZE]
 (printer takes priority)
[L/3.5”×5”]    (89×127 mm)
[2L/5”×7”]     (127×178 mm)
[POSTCARD] (100×148 mm)
[16:9]          (101.6×180.6 mm)
[A4]             (210 ×297 mm)[A3]            (297×420 mm)
[10×15 cm]   (100×150 mm)
[4”×6”]       (101.6×152.4 mm)
[8”×10”]      (203.2 ×254 mm)
[LETTER]    (216×279.4 mm)
[CARD SIZE] (54×85.6 mm)
[PAGE 
LAYOUT]
 (printer takes priority) /  (1 picture, no border) /  (1 picture, with border) /  (2 pictures) /  (4 pictures)
  ●Items may not be displayed if incompatible with printer.  ●To arrange  ‘2 pictures’ or  ‘4 pictures’ in the same still picture, set the 
number of prints for the still picture to 2 or 4.
  ●To print to paper sizes/layouts not supported by this camera, set to  and make 
settings on the printer. (Consult your printer’s operating manual.)
  ●[PRINT WITH DATE] and [NUM.OF PRINTS] are not shown when you have 
selected [PRINT SET] settings.
  ●Even with completed [PRINT SET] settings, dates may not be printed, depending 
on the shop or printer used.
  ●When setting [PRINT WITH DATE] to [ON], check the date printing settings on the 
printer (printer settings may be prioritized).You can view pictures on a TV screen by 
connecting your camera to your TV with 
the AV cable (supplied) or HDMI mini cable 
(optional 
 ).  ●Also consult TV operating manual.
Getting Ready:
  • Set [TV ASPECT]. (→26)
  • Turn off both camera and TV.
Connect camera to TV
Turn on TV
  ●Set to auxiliary input.
Turn on camera
Set REC/PLAY switch to 
  ■When TVs or DVD recorders have an SD card slot
Insert the SD memory card into the SD card slot
  • Still pictures only can be played back.    • AVCHD Lite motion pictures can be played back on Panasonic televisions (VIERA) 
displaying the AVCHD logo.  
To play motion pictures on other televisions, please connect the camera to the 
television with the AV cable (supplied). 
  • When using both SDHC and SDXC memory cards, be sure to play each type of card 
in equipment compatible with the particular format.
  ●Do not use any other AV cables except the supplied one.  ●You can play back pictures on TVs in other countries (regions) which use the NTSC or 
PAL system when you set [VIDEO OUT] in [SETUP] menu.
  ●[LCD MODE] setting is not reflected on TV.  ●Some televisions may cut off the edges of pictures, or not display them full screen. 
Pictures rotated to portrait may be blurred slightly.
  ●Change picture mode settings on TV if aspect ratios are not displayed correctly on 
widescreen or high-definition televisions.Check socket direction and insert straight in. 
(Damage to socket shape can lead to faulty 
operation.)
AV cable
(always use cable supplied)
Yellow: To video socket
White: To audio socket 
  (L)  (Monaural)
Red: To audio socket (R)  
Example of DMC-TZ10 
						

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Viewing on TV screen (Continued)
  Viewing on a TV with HDMI Socket
An HDMI mini cable (optional) can be used to enable viewing of still and motion pictures 
in high resolution.
What is HDMI?High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an interface for digital video devices. Digital video 
and audio signals can be output by connecting the camera to an HDMI-compatible device. This 
camera can be connected to a High-definition TV compatible with HDMI to enjoy recorded pictures 
and motion pictures at high resolution. Connecting the camera to a Panasonic TV (VIERA) 
compatible with VIERA Link (HDMI) enables linked operation (VIERA Link). (→149)
Preparation:   • Check the [HDMI MODE]. (→27)
  • Turn off the camera and TV.
  ●Do not use any other cables except a genuine Panasonic HDMI mini cable (optional).  ●Playback cannot be performed in [CLIPBOARD] Mode.  ●Blank stripes may appear at the sides or at the top and bottom of the screen, depending on Aspect 
Ratio setting.
  ●Cables that do not comply with HDMI standards will not work.  ●When an HDMI mini cable is connected, pictures are not displayed on the LCD monitor.  ●The following functions are not available:
[TITLE EDIT], [VIDEO DIVIDE], [TEXT STAMP], [RESIZE], [CROPPING], [LEVELING], [ASPECT 
CONV.] [FACE REC EDIT], [COPY], multiple selection (delete, etc.), etc.
  ●HDMI output will be cancelled if a USB connection cable is connected simultaneously.  ●No picture output will occur through AV cables connected.  ●When playing motion pictures/still pictures with audio recorded with other devices, video/audio may 
not always be played back correctly.
  ●Pictures may be momentarily distorted immediately after commencing playback or pausing on 
certain televisions. 
  ●Always read your television’s operating instructions.  ●Audio output is stereo.
Connect camera to TV
Turn on TV
  ●Set to HDMI input.
Turn on camera
Set REC/PLAY switch 
to 
Check the socket direction and insert straight in. 
(Damage to socket can lead to faulty operation.)
HDMI mini cable (optional)To HDMI video/audio input socket 
(When there are multiple sockets, 
connect to one besides HDMI1.)
The DMC-TZ8 does not have an HDMI socket.
  VIERA Link (HDMI) (HDAVI Control™)
What is VIERA Link (HDMI)?  ●VIERA Link is a function that automatically links this camera to VIERA Link-
compatible devices by connecting HDMI mini cables (optional) for enabling easy 
operation with the VIERA remote control. (Some operations are not available.)
  ●VIERA Link (HDMI) is an exclusive Panasonic function added to the industry-
standard HDMI control functions known as HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics 
Control). Operation is not guaranteed when connecting with non-Panasonic HDMI 
CEC-compatible devices. Refer to your product manual to verify compatibility with 
VIERA Link (HDMI).
  ●This camera supports VIERA Link (HDMI) Version 5. This is the latest Panasonic 
standard that also supports previous Panasonic VIERA Link devices. (As of 
December 2009)
Preparation:   • Set [VIERA Link] to [ON]. (→27)
 
Connect the camera to a VIERA Link (HDMI)-compatible 
Panasonic television (VIERA) with an HDMI mini cable 
(optional) (→148).
Turn on camera
Set REC/PLAY switch to 
Perform the following operations with the VIERA remote control
TV (VIERA) 
remote controlConnecting with an HDMI 
mini cable (optional) Panasonic TV (VIERA)
The DMC-TZ8 does not support VIERA Link.(Continued on the next page) 
						

							150   VQT2R24VQT2R24   151
Viewing on TV screen (Continued)
The DMC-TZ8 does not support VIERA Link.
Select a picture with ▲▼◄►, and press [OK]
  • When operating, refer to the VIERA Link operating panel.
Types of pictures displayed (switch between them with 
the red button) 
Operating panel 
  ■Switching Playback Mode 
You can press [OPTION] to switch between Playback Modes. 
[NORMAL PLAY] Plays back all subject pictures.
[SLIDE SHOW]Plays back pictures as a Slide Show. 
[GPS AREA PLAY] 
Plays back pictures for which place name information has been 
recorded, by place name. 
[TRAVEL PLAY]Plays back pictures for which [TRAVEL DATE] has been set. 
[CATEGORY PLAY]Plays back pictures by category. 
[CALENDAR]Displays calendar screen and plays back pictures by recording date. 
[FAVORITE PLAY]Plays back pictures that have been set as [FAVORITE]. 
  ●Refer to camera operations for operations and settings. (These may differ 
partially.)
View pictures 
  • The operating panel turns off automatically if it 
has not been operated for about 5 seconds. (If 
any button is pressed, the panel will be displayed 
again.) If you wish to dim the operating panel, press 
[RETURN]. 
  • Playback of motion pictures/still pictures with audio 
→ press [OK]. 
  • Slide Show playback → press the red button.
  • Slide Show settings → press [OPTION].
  • To display the picture information → press ▲.
  • To return to the previous screen → press ▼. Operating panel
  ■Other related operations
  ●Power OFF
The camera’s power can also be switched off when switching the television’s power 
off with the remote control.
  ●Automatic input select
  • This function automatically switches the television input to the camera screen 
whenever the camera’s power is switched on while it is connected via the HDMI 
mini cable. The television can also be switched on via the camera from Standby 
Mode (if ‘Power on link’ on the television is set to ‘on’).
  • The input setting may not be able to be changed automatically with certain 
television HDMI sockets. In this case, please change the input setting with your 
television remote control (consult your television operating instructions for details).
  • If VIERA Link (HDMI) does not function correctly (→161)
  ●Do not use any other cables except a genuine Panasonic HDMI mini cable (optional).  ●The shape of remote control will differ depending on the country or area where the TV 
was purchased.
  ●Cables that do not comply with HDMI standards will not work.  ●If you are unsure whether or not the TV you are using is compatible with VIERA Link, 
read the operating instructions for the TV.
  ●If the [VIERA Link] setting on the camera is [ON], operations via the camera buttons will 
be limited.
  ●Ensure that the television you are connecting to has been set up to enable VIERA Link 
(HDMI) (consult your television operating instructions for details).
  ●If you do not wish to use VIERA Link (HDMI), turn the camera’s [VIERA Link] setting 
[OFF].
  ●When operating with VIERA Link, the [HDMI MODE] (→27) of the camera is selected 
automatically.
  ●When playing back AVCHD Lite motion pictures on this camera that were recorded with 
another camera, the resolution may change automatically. If this happens, the screen 
may go dark for a while, but this is not a malfunction. 
  ●If the  tab on the TV screen is selected, it will not be possible to select either  ([AVCHD Lite]) , or  ([MOTION JPEG]) in [SLIDE SHOW] [CATEGORY 
SELECTION]. 
						

							152   VQT2R24VQT2R24   153
Press the [DISPLAY] button to change display (→46). 
List of LCD monitor displays
In recordingIn playback
Screens shown here are only examples. The actual display may vary.
1Recording Mode 
( →31, 108,   →33)
Flash (→47)
Recording quality 
 (→108)
AF Tracking (→36, 99)
Wind cut 
 (→109)
Macro recording (→49)
2AF area (→37)
Spot AF area (→100)
Spot metering target (→101)
3Focus (→34)
4Picture Size (→95)
Quality (→96)
5Battery capacity (→16)
6Number of recordable pictures 
(
 →174,   →176)
7Save destination (→16)
8Recording state
9Histogram (→46)
10Travel Date (→90)
11Exposure Compensation (→53)
Aperture value/Shutter speed (→37, 56, 57, 58)
ISO Sensitivity (→97)
Intelligent ISO (→96)
12
Focus range (→51)
Zoom (→39)/Macro Zoom (→50)13Optical Image Stabilizer (→105)/
Jitter alert (→37)
Metering Mode (→101)
Pre AF  (→101)
Burst Mode (→103)
Auto Bracket (→54)
Multi Aspect  (→55)
I.resolution (→41, 103)
Intelligent exposure (→102)
LCD Mode (→23)
LCD power save (→24)
14White Balance (→98)
ISO Sensitivity (→97)/ISO max (→96)
Colour effect (→104)
15Available recording time 
(
 →72,   →76)
16
GPS 
 (→84)
17Self-timer Mode (→52)
18Elapsed recording time 
(
 →72,   →76)
19Minimum shutter speed (→102)
20Travel elapsed days
(
 →90,   →91)
Age in years/months (→65, 80)
Destination settings (→92)
Place name information (→84)
Current date/time (→17, 19)
21Audio recording (→106)
22AF Assist Lamp (→106)1Playback Mode (→118)
Protected picture (→135)
Favourites (→133)
Text stamped display (→128)
2Picture size (→95)
Quality (→96)
3Battery capacity (→16)
4Folder/File number (→25, 44, 142)
Picture number/Total pictures (→44)
Motion picture recording time/
Elapsed playback time (→115)
Save destination (→16)
5
GPS 
 (→84)
Histogram (→46)
Recording information
6Favourites settings (→133)7
Recorded date and timePlace name information∗
 (→84)
Destination∗
 (→92)
Name∗
 (→65, 78)
Title∗
 (→126)
8Destination settings (→93)
9Travel elapsed days (→90)
10LCD Mode (→23)
11Colour effect (→104)
12Quantity of pictures to print (→134)
13Motion pictures/Still picture with audio (→115)
Cable disconnection warning icon (→144)
∗
  The order of priority for display is location 
name information, title, destination, name 
([BABY]/[PET]), name ([FACE RECOG.]).
1321 22 6
7
8
10
11, 12 20 12 14
15
17
18 34 5
916
197 1
13
4
5
6 12
11
10
923
8 
						

							154   VQT2R24VQT2R24   155
Meanings of and required responses to major messages displayed on LCD monitor.Message displays
[THIS MEMORY CARD CANNOT BE USED]
  ●A MultiMediaCard was inserted. 
 → Not compatible with the camera. Use a compatible card.
[THIS MEMORY CARD IS WRITE-PROTECTED]
  ●Unlock the write-protect switch on the card. (→16)
[NO VALID PICTURE TO PLAY]
  ●Take pictures, or insert a different card already containing pictures.
[THIS PICTURE IS PROTECTED]
  ●Release the protection before deleting, etc. (→135)
[SOME PICTURES CANNOT BE DELETED]     [THIS PICTURE CANNOT BE DELETED]
  ●Non-DCF pictures (→44) cannot be deleted.
 →  Save needed data on a computer or other device, and then use [FORMAT] on the camera to 
erase the card. (→28)
[NO ADDITIONAL SELECTIONS CAN BE MADE]
  ●The number of pictures that can be deleted at once has been exceeded.  ●More than 999 pictures have been set as favourites. (Other than AVCHD Lite motion pictures )  ●The number of pictures allowing [TITLE EDIT], [TEXT STAMP] or [RESIZE] (multiple settings) at 
once has been exceeded. 
[CANNOT BE SET ON THIS PICTURE]
  ●[PRINT SET], [TITLE EDIT], or [TEXT STAMP] cannot be made for non-DCF pictures (→44).
[PLEASE TURN CAMERA OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN]     [SYSTEM ERROR]
  ●The lens is not working correctly.
 →  Turn on power again.
(Consult the dealer or your nearest Service Centre if display still remains)
[SOME PICTURES CANNOT BE COPIED]     [COPY COULD NOT BE COMPLETED]
  ●Pictures cannot be copied in following cases.
 →  Picture of same name already exists in built-in memory when copying from card.
 →  File is not of DCF standard.
 →  Picture taken or edited on a different device.
[NOT ENOUGH SPACE ON BUILT-IN MEMORY]     [NOT ENOUGH MEMORY ON THE CARD]
  ●There is no space left on the built-in memory or the card. When you copy pictures from the built-in 
memory to the card (batch copy), the pictures are copied until the capacity of the card becomes full.
[BUILT-IN MEMORY ERROR]     [FORMAT BUILT-IN MEMORY?]
  ●Displayed when formatting built-in memory via computer, etc.
 → Reformat directly using camera. Data will be deleted.
[MEMORY CARD ERROR]     [FORMAT THIS CARD?]
  ●The card format cannot be used with this camera.
 →  Save needed data on a computer or other device, and then use [FORMAT] on the camera. (→28)
[INSERT SD CARD AGAIN]     [TRY ANOTHER CARD]
  ●Access to card has failed.
 → Insert card again.
  ●Try with a different card.
[MEMORY CARD ERROR]     [MEMORY CARD PARAMETER ERROR]
  ●Card is not of SD standard.  ●When cards in capacities of 4 GB or more are used, only SDHC or SDXC memory cards are 
supported.
[READ ERROR]/[WRITE ERROR]     [PLEASE CHECK THE CARD]
  ●Data read has failed.
 → Check whether card has been inserted correctly (→14).
  ●Data write has failed.
 → Turn off power and remove card, before re-inserting and turning on power again.
  ●Card may possibly be damaged.  ●Try with a different card.
[CANNOT RECORD DUE TO INCOMPATIBLE FORMAT(NTSC/PAL) DATA ON THIS CARD.]
  ●A card that has been used in another camera to record an AVCHD motion picture in a different 
broadcast system cannot be used to record AVCHD Lite motion pictures with this camera.
 → Format the card with this camera. The data will be deleted.
[MOTION RECORDING WAS CANCELLED DUE TO THE LIMITATION OF THE WRITING SPEED OF THE CARD]
  ●Using a card of SD speed ‘Class 4’∗
 or above is recommended for recording motion pictures in 
[AVCHD Lite(GPS REC)]/[AVCHD Lite]. 
Using a card of SD speed ‘Class 6’∗
 or above is recommended for recording motion pictures in 
‘MOTION JPEG’.
 ∗
 The SD speed class is a speed rating for continuous writing.  ●If recording stops even when using the card above, the data writing speed is low. We recommend 
backing up the data on the memory card and reformatting it (→28).
  ●Motion picture recording may be automatically terminated with certain cards.
[A FOLDER CANNOT BE CREATED]
  ●Folder numbers in use have reached 999.
 →  Save all necessary data to computer (or other device), and [FORMAT] (→28).
Folder number is reset to 100 when performing [NO.RESET] (→25).
[PICTURE IS DISPLAYED FOR 16:9 TV]     [PICTURE IS DISPLAYED FOR 4:3 TV]
  ●AV cable is connected to camera.
 → To remove message immediately → Press [MENU/SET].
 → To change aspect ratio → Change [TV ASPECT] (→26).
  ●USB connection cable is only connected to camera.
 → Message disappears when cable is also connected to another device.
[THIS BATTERY CANNOT BE USED]
  ●Use a genuine Panasonic battery.  ●Battery cannot be recognised as terminal is dirty.
 → Wipe any dirt away from the battery terminal.
[NO BATTERY POWER REMAINS]
  ●The battery level is low.
 → Charge the battery before use. (→11 )
[GPS FEATURE IS NOT AVAILABLE IN THIS REGION.] 
  ●GPS may not work in China or in the border regions of countries neighboring China. (Current as of 
February 2010) 
						

							156   VQT2R24VQT2R24   157
Try checking these items (→156 - 162) first.
(Restoring menu settings to default values may solve certain problems.
 Try using [RESET] in [SETUP] menu in Recording Mode (→26).) 
 
Q&A  Troubleshooting
Battery, power
Camera does not work even if power is turned on.  ●Battery is not inserted correctly (→14), or needs recharging.
LCD monitor shuts off even if power is turned on.  ●[SLEEP MODE] is activated. (→24)
 → Press shutter button halfway to release.
  ●Battery needs recharging.
Camera switches off as soon as power is turned on.  ●Battery needs recharging.  ●Camera is set to [SLEEP MODE]. (→24)
 → Press shutter button halfway to release. 
This unit is turned off automatically.  ●If you connect to a TV compatible with VIERA Link with an HDMI mini cable (optional) and turn off 
the power on the TV with the remote control for the TV, the power on this unit also turns off.
 → If you are not using VIERA Link, set [VIERA Link] to [OFF]. (→27) 
 
GPS 
Cannot perform positioning.  ●When [GPS SETTING] is set to [OFF]. (→85)  ●Depending on the recording environment, such as when indoors or near buildings, it may not be 
possible to correctly receive the signals from the GPS satellites. (→84)
 →  When using the GPS, we recommend holding the camera still for a while with the GPS antenna 
facing upward in an outdoor location where you can see the entire sky.
The status indicator flashes while the camera’s power is off.  ●[GPS SETTING] is [ON].  ●When turning off the camera’s power in an airplane, hospital or other restricted area, set [GPS 
SETTING] to [OFF] or .
Positioning takes time.  ●When using the camera for the first time or after not using it for a while, positioning may take several 
minutes.
  ●Positioning usually takes less than two minutes, but because the positions of the GPS satellites 
change, it may take longer depending on the recording location and environment.
  ●Positioning will take time in environments where it is difficult to receive the signals from the GPS 
satellites. (→84)
The location name information is different from the recording location.  ●Immediately after the camera’s power is turned on or when the GPS icon is something other than , the location name information that is recorded in the camera may vary significantly from the 
current position.
  ●When  is displayed for the location name information, the information can be changed to a 
different candidate before starting to record. (→87)
The location name information is not displayed.  ●“- - -” is displayed if there is no nearby landmark or other points, or no information registered in the 
camera’s database. (→87)
 →  During playback, a location name or other information can be entered with [PLACE-NAME EDIT]. 
(→127)
Recording
Cannot record pictures.  ●REC/PLAY switch is not set to  (record).  ●Built-in memory/card is full. → Free space by deleting unwanted pictures (→45).
Cannot record to cards.  ●The card was formatted with a different device.
 → Please format cards with this camera. (→28)
  ●For details about compatible cards (→16).
Recording capacity is low.  ●Battery needs recharging .
 → Use a fully charged battery (not sold pre-charged). (→11 )
 →  If you leave the camera on, the battery will be exhausted. Turn the camera off frequently by using 
[SLEEP MODE] (→24) etc.
  ●Please check the recording picture capacity for cards and built-in memory. ( →174,   →176)
Recorded pictures look white.  ●Lens is dirty (fingerprints, etc.).
 → Turn on power to extract lens barrel, and clean lens surface with a soft, dry cloth.
  ●Lens is foggy (→7).
Recorded pictures are too bright/too dark.  ●Pictures taken in dark locations, or bright subjects (snow, bright conditions, etc.) occupy 
most of the screen. (Brightness of LCD monitor may differ from that of actual picture) 
 → Adjust the exposure (→53).
  ●[MIN. SHTR SPEED] is set to fast speeds, e.g. [1/250] (→102).
2-3 pictures are taken when I press the shutter button just once.  ●Camera set to use [AUTO BRACKET] (→54), [MULTI ASPECT] (→55), [BURST] (→103), or the [HI-
SPEED BURST] (→66) or [FLASH BURST] (→67) Scene Modes. 
Focus not aligned correctly.  ●Not set to mode appropriate for distance to subject. (Focus range varies according to Recording Mode.)  ●Subject outside of focus range.  ●Caused by jitter or subject movement (→96, 105).
Recorded pictures are blurred. Optical Image Stabilizer ineffective.  ●Shutter speed is slower in dark locations and Optical Image Stabilizer is less effective.
 → Hold camera firmly with both hands, keeping arms close to body.
  ●Use a tripod and the self-timer (→52) when using slower shutter speed with [MIN. SHTR SPEED].
Cannot use [AUTO BRACKET] or [MULTI ASPECT].  ●Only enough memory for 2 pictures or fewer.
Recorded pictures appear coarse, or there is interference.  ●ISO Sensitivity is high, or shutter speed is low.
  (Default [SENSITIVITY] setting is [AUTO] – interference may appear with indoor pictures.)
 → Lower [SENSITIVITY] (→97).
 → Set [NOISE REDUCTION] in [PICT.ADJ.] in the + direction. (→105)
 → Take pictures in brighter locations.
  ●Camera set to [HIGH SENS.] or [HI-SPEED BURST] Scene Modes. 
  (Picture becomes slightly coarser in response to high sensitivity)
Pictures appear dark or have poor colouring.  ●Colours may appear unnatural due to the effects of light source.
 → Use [WHITE BALANCE] to adjust the colouring. (→98) 
						

							158   VQT2R24VQT2R24   159
Q&A  Troubleshooting (Continued)
Recording (continued)
Brightness or colouring of recorded picture different from real life.  ●Taking pictures under fluorescent lighting may require a faster shutter speed and result in slightly 
changed brightness or colouring, but this is not a fault.
Red banding may appear on the LCD monitor or part or the entire screen 
may have a reddish tint, when recording or pressing the shutter button 
halfway.
  ●This is a characteristic of CCD and may appear if subject contains brighter areas. 
Some blurring may occur around these areas, but this is not a fault. This will be 
recorded in motion pictures, but not in still pictures.
  ●We recommend keeping the screen away from strong light sources such as sunlight when taking 
pictures.
Motion picture recording stops midway.  ●With some cards, access display may appear briefly after recording, and recording may end midway.  ●Using a card of SD speed ‘Class 4’∗
 or above is recommended for recording motion pictures in 
[AVCHD Lite(GPS REC)]/[AVCHD Lite]. 
Using a card of SD speed ‘Class 6’∗
 or above is recommended for recording motion pictures in 
‘MOTION JPEG’.
 ∗
 The SD speed class is a speed rating for continuous writing.  ●If recording stops even when using the card above, the data writing speed is low. We recommend 
backing up the data on the memory card and reformatting it (→28).
The subject cannot be locked. (AF track fails)  ●If the subject has different colours as the periphery, set the AF area to those colours specific to the 
subject by aligning that area with the AF area. (→100)
 
LCD monitor 
LCD monitor dims during motion picture recording.  ●LCD monitor may dim if continuing motion picture recording for long periods.
Brightness is unstable.  ●Aperture value is set while shutter button is pressed halfway.
  (Does not affect recorded picture.)
Monitor flickers indoors.  ●Monitor may flicker after turning on (prevents influence from fluorescent lighting).
Monitor is too bright/too dark.  ●Camera set to [LCD MODE] (→23).
Black/blue/red/green dots or interference appears. Monitor looks distorted when 
touched.
  ●This is not a fault, and will not be recorded on the actual pictures, so there is no need to worry.
Date/age is not displayed.  ●Current date, travel elapsed days (→90), and names and ages in [BABY] and [PET] (→65) Scene 
Modes are only displayed for approx. 5 sec. when the camera is turned on, after these settings 
are made, or after switching from Playback Mode to Recording Mode, etc. They cannot be always 
displayed.
Flash
No flash emitted.  ●Flash set to [FORCED FLASH OFF]  (→47).  ●When set to [AUTO] , flash may not be emitted in certain conditions.  ●Flash cannot be emitted in the [SCENERY], [PANORAMA ASSIST], [NIGHT SCENERY], [SUNSET], 
[HI-SPEED BURST], [STARRY SKY], [FIREWORKS], and [AERIAL PHOTO] Scene Modes, or when 
using [AUTO BRACKET] or [BURST].
  ●No flash is emitted when recording a motion picture.
Multiple flashes are emitted.  ●Red-eye reduction is active (→47). (Flashes twice to prevent eyes appearing red.)  ●The Scene Mode is set to [FLASH BURST].
Playback
Pictures have been rotated.  ●[ROTATE DISP.] is set to [ON].
(Automatically rotates pictures from portrait to landscape. Some pictures taken facing up or facing 
down may be interpreted as being portrait.)
 → Set [ROTATE DISP.] to [OFF].(→132)
Cannot view pictures. There are no recorded pictures.  ●REC/PLAY switch is not set to  (play).  ●No pictures in built-in memory or card (pictures played from card if inserted, from built-in memory if 
not).
  ●The Playback Mode has been changed.
 → Set Playback Mode to [NORMAL PLAY] (→118).
Folder/file number displayed as [-]. Picture is black.  ●Picture edited on computer or taken on different device.  ●Battery removed immediately after picture taken, or picture taken with low battery.
 → Use [FORMAT] to delete (→28).
Incorrect date displayed in Calendar Playback.  ●Picture edited on computer or taken on different device.  ●[CLOCK SET] is incorrect (→17, 19).
(Incorrect date may be displayed in Calendar Playback on pictures copied to computer and then 
back to camera, if computer and camera dates differ.)
Depending on the subject, an interference fringe may appear on the screen.   ●This is called moire. This is not a malfunction.
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 particles of dust in the air. This is 
not a fault. A characteristic of this is that the number of round spots and their position 
differ in every picture.
[THUMBNAIL IS DISPLAYED] is shown on the screen.  ●The pictures may have been recorded on another device. If so, they may be displayed with poor 
picture quality.