Panasonic Hdc Sx5 Operating Instructions

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Cautions for use
≥The unit, disc and SD card become warm after 
long operation, but this is not a malfunction.
Keep the High Definition Video Camera as far 
away as possible from electromagnetic 
equipment (such as microwave ovens, TVs, 
video games etc.).
≥If you use the High Definition Video Camera on 
top of or near a TV, the pictures and sound on 
the High Definition Video Camera may be 
disrupted by electromagnetic wave radiation.
≥Do not use the High Definition Video Camera 
near cell phones because doing so may result 
in noise adversely affecting the pictures and 
sound.
≥Recorded data may be damaged, or pictures 
may be distorted, by strong magnetic fields 
created by speakers or large motors.
≥Electromagnetic wave radiation generated by 
microprocessors may adversely affect the High 
Definition Video Camera, disturbing the 
pictures and sound.
≥If the High Definition Video Camera is 
adversely affected by electromagnetic 
equipment and stops functioning properly, turn 
the High Definition Video Camera off and 
remove the battery or disconnect AC adaptor. 
Then reinsert the battery or reconnect AC 
adaptor and turn the High Definition Video 
Camera on.
Do not use the High Definition Video Camera 
near radio transmitters or high-voltage lines.
≥If you record near radio transmitters or 
high-voltage lines, the recorded pictures and 
sound may be adversely affected.
Make sure to use the supplied cords and 
cables. If you use optional accessories, use 
the cords and the cables supplied with them.
Do not extend the cords and the cables.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.
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 disc or 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.
When carrying the unit, do not drop or bump 
it.
≥A strong impact can break the unit’s casing, 
causing it to malfunction.
Do not use benzine, paint thinner or alcohol 
for cleaning the unit.
≥Before cleaning, detach the battery or pull out 
the AC cable from the AC outlet.
≥The camera body may be discolored and the 
surface finish may peel off.
≥Wipe the unit with a soft dry cloth to remove 
dust and fingerprints. To remove stubborn 
stains, thoroughly wring a cloth that has been 
soaked in a neutral detergent diluted with 
water and wipe the unit with it. Afterwards, 
wipe it with a dry cloth.
≥When you use a chemical dust cloth, follow the 
instructions that came with the cloth.
Do not touch the laser pickup lens.
≥If you touch the laser pickup lens directly it may 
cause malfunctions.
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.
About this unit
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≥In certain situations, continuous use could 
cause the unit to overheat and cause a 
malfunction. Such use is strongly discouraged.
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.
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.
Be sure to detach the battery after use.
≥If the battery is left attached, a minute amount 
of current continues to flow even if the unit’s 
power is off. Keeping the unit in this state may 
result in over discharge of the battery. This 
may result in you not being able to use the 
battery even after it is charged.
≥The battery should be stored in the vinyl bag 
so metal does not come into contact with the 
terminals.
≥The battery should be stored in a cool place 
free from humidity, with as constant 
temperature as possible. (Recommended 
temperature: 15 °C to 25 °C (59 °F to 77 °F), 
Recommended humidity: 40% to 60%) 
≥Extremely high temperatures or low 
temperatures will shorten the life of the battery.
≥If the battery is kept in high-temperature, 
high-humidity, or oily-smoky places, the 
terminals may rust and cause malfunctions.
≥To store the battery for a long period of time, 
we recommend you charge it once every year 
and store it again after you have completely 
used up the charged capacity. 
≥Dust and other matter attached to the battery 
terminals should be removed.Prepare spare batteries when going out for 
recording.
≥Prepare batteries enough to last for 3 to 4 
times the period during you want to record 
pictures in. In cold places such as a ski resort, 
the period during which you can record 
pictures is shortened. 
≥When you travel, do not forget to bring an AC 
adaptor so that you can recharge the batteries 
at your destination.
If you drop the battery accidentally, check to 
see if the terminals are damaged.
≥Attaching a battery with damaged terminals 
can damage the unit or AC adaptor.
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 even after 
the battery has been recharged, the battery 
has worn out. Please purchase a new battery. 
≥
If the temperature of the battery is extremely high 
or extremely low, charging may take time or the 
battery may not be charged.
≥If the charging lamp keeps flashing, make sure 
that the terminals of the battery or the AC adaptor 
are not exposed to dirt, foreign objects or dust, 
then reconnect them properly. Disconnect the AC 
cable from the AC outlet when you remove dirt, 
foreign objects or dust on the terminals of the 
battery or the AC adaptor. If the charging lamp is 
still flashing, something may be wrong with the 
battery or AC adaptor. Contact your dealer.
≥If you use the AC adaptor near a radio, radio 
reception may be disturbed. Keep the AC adaptor 
1 m (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.
Put this unit near the outlet to make it easy 
for the interrupting device (plug) to reach it.
About the battery
About the AC adaptor
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≥If there is dust, a scratch, or dirt on disc or 
if it is warped, the following phenomena 
may occur:
jBlock noise in playback image
jMomentary stop of playback image
jSound interrupted during playback, or 
abnormal sound
j[ ] appears for thumbnail displays
jDisc cannot correctly be recognized
jDelay between video and audio
When the ACCESS/PC lamp is illuminated 
(during access to the disc), do not open the 
disc cover, turn off the power, or cause any 
vibrations or impacts.
DVD-R/DVD-R DL
≥For optimum recording on DVD-R or 
DVD-R DL discs, this unit writes control data to 
a DVD-R or DVD-R DL used for recording 
when it is being inserted and ejected. If the 
disc has no area for control data to be written, 
recording may not be possible. To prevent this, 
do not insert a DVD-R or DVD-R DL which has 
been recorded on more than 50 times.
≥Do not insert a DVD-R or DVD-R DL recorded 
on this unit that has not been finalized into a 
recordable device, such as a DVD recorder. 
The recorded data may be damaged.
≥The memory capacity indicated on the label of 
an SD card is the total of the capacity for 
copyright protection and management and the 
capacity which can be used on the unit, a 
computer etc.
≥During prolonged use, the unit’s surfaces and 
the SD card will heat up slightly. This is normal.
Always set the mode dial to OFF when 
inserting or removing an SD card.
While this unit accesses the SD card (while 
 or   is being displayed/the access lamp 
is lit), do not remove the SD card, operate the 
mode dial, turn off the power or shake or 
impact the unit.
ªAbout the miniSD Card
≥Be sure to insert miniSD Cards in the 
dedicated card adaptor before use. Inserting a 
card in this unit without the adaptor may 
damage the unit or the card. 
≥Do not insert an empty card adaptor in this 
unit. Do not leave the adaptor in this unit while 
inserting or removing miniSD Cards. This may 
cause the unit to malfunction.
≥When the LCD monitor gets dirty, wipe it with a 
dry soft cloth. 
≥In a place with drastic temperature changes, 
condensation may form on the LCD monitor. 
Wipe it with soft dry cloth.
≥When the unit has become very cold, for 
example due to storage in a cold area, its LCD 
monitor will be slightly darker than usual 
immediately after the power is turned on. The 
normal brightness will be restored when the 
unit’s internal temperature rises.About the disc
About the SD card
LCD monitor/viewfinder
Extremely high precision technology is 
employed to produce the LCD Monitor screen 
featuring a total of approximately 
300,000 pixels. The result is more than 
99.99% effective pixels with a mere 0.01% of 
the pixels inactive or always lit. However, this 
is not a malfunction and does not affect the 
recorded picture.
Extremely high precision technology is 
employed to produce the viewfinder screen 
featuring a total of approximately 
183,000 pixels. The result is more than 
99.99% effective pixels with a mere 0.01% of 
the pixels inactive or always lit. However, this 
is not a malfunction and does not affect the 
recorded picture.
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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 summer afternoon showers of rain.
≥When this unit is in a very humid place where 
the air is thick with steam. (e.g. a heated 
swimming pool)
When this unit is taken to a location with a 
significant temperature difference such as 
from a cold place to a hot place.
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.
What to do with the lens is fogged 
up.
Remove the battery or AC adaptor and leave the 
unit for about 1 hour. When the unit becomes 
close to the ambient temperature, the fog 
disappears naturally.
Explanation of terms
Automatic white balance
White balance adjustment recognizes the color 
of light and adjusts so the white color will 
become a purer white. The unit determines the 
hue of light that comes through the lens and 
white balance sensor, thereby judging the 
recording condition, and selects the closest hue 
setting.
This is called automatic white balance 
adjustment.
However, since the unit only stores white color 
information under several light sources, 
automatic white balance adjustment does not 
function normally under other light sources.
The illustration above shows the range over 
which the auto white balance functions. 
1) The effective range of automatic white 
balance adjustment on this unit
2) Blue sky
3) Cloudy sky (rain)
4) TV screen 
5) Sunlight
6) White fluorescent lamp
7) Halogen light bulb
8) Incandescent light bulb
9) Sunrise or sunset
10) Candlelight
About condensation
10 000K
9 000K
8 000K
7 000K
6 000K
5 000K
4 000K
3 000K
2 000K
1 000K2)
1)3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
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Outside of the effective range of automatic white 
balance adjustment, the image will become 
reddish or bluish. Even within the effective range 
of automatic white balance adjustment, the 
automatic white balance adjustment may not 
function properly if there is more than one light 
source. For light outside the functional automatic 
white balance adjustment range, use the manual 
white balance adjustment mode.
White balance
The images recorded by the unit may become 
bluish or reddish under the influence of certain 
light sources. To avoid such phenomena, adjust 
the white balance.
White balance adjustment determines the white 
color under different light sources. By 
recognizing which is the white color under 
sunlight and which is the white color under a 
fluorescent light, the unit can adjust the balance 
among the other colors.
Since the white color is the reference for all the 
colors (that make up light), the unit can record 
pictures in a natural hue if it can recognize the 
reference color white.
Auto focus
The lens is moved forward or backward 
automatically to bring the subject into focus.
Auto focus has the following characteristics.
≥Adjusts so that the vertical lines of a 
subject are seen more clearly.
≥Attempts to bring an object with higher 
contrast into focus.
≥Focuses on the screen center only.
Due to these characteristics, auto focus does not 
work correctly in the following situations. Record 
pictures in the manual focus mode.
≥Recording distant and close-up objects at 
the same time
Since the unit focuses on whatever is at the 
center of the screen, it is difficult to bring the 
background into focus when close-up objects are 
placed in focus. When recording people with 
distant mountains in the background, you cannot 
focus on both the subject which is close-up and 
the objects which are in the distance.≥Recording a subject behind dirty or dusty 
window
The subject behind the window will not be 
focused because the focus is on the dirty 
window.
Similarly, when recording something on the 
opposite side of a road with heavy traffic, a 
vehicle that happens to pass by may be brought 
into focus.
≥Recording a subject that is surrounded by 
objects with glossy surfaces or by highly 
reflective objects
Since whatever is shiny or glistens is brought into 
focus, it is hard to focus on the subject to be 
recorded. The focus may become blurry when 
recording subjects at the beach, in night views or 
in scenes involving fireworks or special lights.
≥Recording a subject in dark surroundings
The unit cannot focus correctly because the light 
information that comes through the lens 
decreases considerably.
≥Recording a fast-moving subject
As the focus lens-inside moves mechanically, it 
cannot keep up with a fast-moving subject.
When, for example, recording a sports event with 
fast moving subjects, the focus may lose its 
sharpness.
≥Recording a subject with little contrast
It is easy to bring subjects with a sharp contrast 
or vertical lines or stripes into focus. This means 
that a subject with little contrast, such as a white 
wall, may become blurry because the unit 
achieves focus based upon the vertical lines of 
an image.
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Specifications
High Definition Video Camera
Information for your safety
Power source:
Power consumption:DC 9.3 V (When using AC adaptor)/7.2 V (When using battery)
Recording 10.2 W
Signal systemHD mode:
1080/60i
STD mode:
525/60i
Recording formatHD mode:
Motion picture: AVCHD format compliant
Still picture: JPEG
STD mode:
Motion picture: DVD Video Recording format (DVD-RAM, DVD-RW)
DVD-Video format (DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-R DL)
Image sensor1/6z 3CCD image sensor
Total: 560 Kk3
Effective pixels:
Motion picture/still picture: 520 Kk3
LensAuto Iris, F1.8 to F2.8
Focal length: 3.0 mm to 30.0 mm
Macro (Full range AF) 
Filter diameter37 mm
Zoom10k optical zoom, 25/700k digital zoom
Monitor2.7z wide LCD monitor (approx. 300 K pixels)
Viewfinder0.44z wide EVF (approx. 183 K pixels)
MicrophoneStereo (with a zoom function) 
Speaker1 round speaker ‰ 20 mm
White balance 
adjustmentAuto tracking white balance system
Standard illumination1,400 lx
Minimum required 
illuminationApprox. 5 lx (Low light mode: 1/30)
Approx. 1 lx (MagicPix mode)
Video output level1.0 Vp-p, 75h
Component terminal 
output levelY:  1.0 Vp-p, 75h
Pb:  0.7 Vp-p, 75h
Pr:  0.7 Vp-p, 75h
1125i (1080i)/525i (480i)
HDMI terminal output levelHDMI 1125i (1080i)/525p (480p)
Audio output level (Line)316 mV, 600h
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Motion pictures
USBCard reader/writer function (No copyright protection support)
Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0), USB terminal Type miniB
PictBridge-compliant
FlashAvailable range: Approx. 1 m to 2.5 m (3.3 feet to 8.2 feet)
Dimensions83.5 mm (W)k93.5 mm (H)k151.5 mm (D)
[3.30z (W)k3.70z (H)k6.00z (D)]
(excluding projecting parts)
Mass (Weight)Approx. 540g (1.20 lbs.)
(without supplied battery, disc and an SD card)
Mass (Weight) in 
operationApprox. 660g (1.46 lbs.) (with supplied battery, disc and an SD card)
Operating temperature0°Cto40°C (32°Fto104°F)
(0 °C to 30 °C (32 °F to 86 °F) when connected to the computer)
Operating humidity10% to 80%
Battery operation timeSee page 32
Recording mediaDisc:
8cm (3q) DVD-RAM Ver. 2.1
8cm (3q) DVD-RW Ver. 1.1/2X-SPEED (2X/1X)
8cm (3q) DVD-R for General Ver. 2.0
8cm (3q) DVD-R for DL Ver. 3.0
SD Memory Card:
256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB (FAT12 and FAT16 system compliant)
SDHC Memory Card:
4 GB, 8 GB (FAT32 system compliant)
CompressionHD mode:
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
STD mode:
MPEG2
Recording mode and 
transfer rateHD mode:
HG: Approx. 13 Mbps (CBR)
(Approx. 14 min recordable time on a single-sided DVD-RAM)
HN: Approx. 9 Mbps (VBR)
(Approx. 21 min recordable time on a single-sided DVD-RAM)
HE: Approx. 6 Mbps (VBR)
(Approx. 31 min recordable time on a single-sided DVD-RAM)
STD mode:
XP: 10 Mbps (VBR)
(Approx. 18 min recordable time on a single-sided DVD-RAM)
SP: 5 Mbps (VBR)
(Approx. 37 min recordable time on a single-sided DVD-RAM)
LP: 2.5 Mbps (VBR)
(Approx. 75 min recordable time on a single-sided DVD-RAM)
Picture sizeHG: 1920k1080
HN/HE: 1440k1080
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158VQT1J42
Still pictures
AC adaptor
Information for your safety
Battery pack
Information for your safety
Specifications may change without prior notice.
Audio compressionDolby Digital (Dolby AC3)/2 ch
Recording mediaSD Memory Card:
8 MB/16 MB/32 MB/64 MB/128 MB/256 MB/512 MB/1 GB/2 GB
(FAT12 and FAT16 format corresponding)
SDHC Memory Card:
4 GB, 8 GB (FAT32 format corresponding)
CompressionJPEG (Design rule for Camera File system, based on Exif 2.2 
standard), DPOF corresponding
Picture size1920k1080
Power source:
Power consumption:
DC output:AC 110 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz
19 W
DC 9.3 V, 1.2 A (Unit operation)
DC 8.4 V, 0.75 A (Battery charging)
Dimensions92 mm (W)k33 mm (H)k61 mm (D)
[3.6z (W)k1.3z (H)k2.4z (D)]
Mass (Weight)Approx. 115g (0.25 lbs.)
Maximum voltage:
Nominal voltage:
Rated capacitance:DC 8.4 V
DC 7.2 V
2640 mAh
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OthersOptional accessories
Accessory No.FigureDescription
LM-AF30U 8 cm (3z) DVD-RAM (single sided)
LM-AF60U 8 cm (3z) DVD-RAM (double sided)
LM-RW30U 8 cm (3z) DVD-RW (single sided)
LM-RW60U 8 cm (3z) DVD-RW (double sided)
LM-RF30V 8 cm (3z) DVD-R (single sided)
LM-RF60V 8 cm (3z) DVD-R (double sided)
LM-RF55LV8cm (3z) DVD-R DL (dual layer on single 
side)
VW-AD21PP-KAC adaptor with AC Cable and DC 
Cables
VW-VBG260*
12640 mAh/Rechargeable Lithium Ion 
Battery Pack
VW-VBG130*
11320 mAh/Rechargeable Lithium Ion 
Battery Pack
VW-VBG6*
1*25800 mAh/Rechargeable Lithium Ion 
Battery Pack
VW-VH04 Battery Pack Holder Kit
VW-LDH3 Video DC Light (3 W)
VW-FLH3 Video Flash
VW-VMH3 Stereo Zoom Microphone
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*1 Please refer to page 32 concerning the battery charging time and available recording time.
*2 The battery pack holder kit VW-VH04 (optional) is necessary.
NOTE:
Accessories and/or model numbers may vary by country. Please consult your local dealer.
Accessory No.FigureDescription
VW-T3714H Tele Conversion Lens
VW-W3707H Wide Conversion Lens
RP-SDR01GU1A
RP-SDR512U1AClass 2 1 GB SD Memory Card
Class 2 512 MB SD Memory Card
RP-SDM04GU1K
RP-SDM02GU1AClass 4 4 GB SDHC Memory Card
Class 4 2 GB SD Memory Card
RP-SDV08GU1K
RP-SDV08GU1A (USA only)
RP-SDV04GU1K
RP-SDV02GU1A
RP-SDV01GU1AClass 6 8 GB SDHC Memory Card
Class 6 4 GB SDHC Memory Card
Class 6 2 GB SD Memory Card
Class 6 1 GB SD Memory Card
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