Panasonic Hdc Sx5 Operating Instructions

							Recording
51VQT1J42
Recording
Before recording
First, format the SD card or the disc if one which has been used on another device is going to be used 
for the first time on this unit. (l93, 94) When the SD card or the disc is formatted, all of the recorded 
data is deleted. Once the data is deleted, it cannot be restored. Copy valuable data onto a PC or other 
device before proceeding with the formatting.
We recommend using HD Writer 2.0E for SX/SD to import data recorded on this unit. (l123)
1Hold the unit with both hands.
2Put your hand through the grip belt.
3Do not cover inlet A or outlet B of the cooling fan with your hand as it will prevent heat release.
If heat builds up inside the unit, it could be damaged.
4Do not cover the microphones C or the sensors D with your hands.
5Keep your arms near your body.
6Separate your legs for better balance.
≥When you are outdoors, record pictures with the sunlight behind you. If the subject is backlit, it will 
become dark in the recording.
≥When recording, make sure your footing is stable and there is no danger of colliding with another 
person or object.
Basic camera positioning
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Recording
ªAbout auto mode
Set the AUTO/MANUAL/FOCUS switch to 
AUTO, color balance (white balance) and 
focusing will be adjusted automatically.
jAutomatic white balance (l154)
jAuto focus (l155)
Depending on the brightness of the subject etc., 
the aperture and shutter speed are automatically 
adjusted for an optimum brightness. 
(The shutter speed is adjusted to a maximum of 
1/250 in recording mode.)
≥Color balance and focus may not be adjusted 
automatically depending on light sources or 
scenes. If so, manually adjust these settings.
jScene mode setting (l74)
jWhite balance setting (l76)
jShutter speed setting (l77)
jIris/gain value setting (l77)
jManual focus setting (l75)This function prevents unnecessary recording 
when you forget to pause recording and walk 
with the unit tilted upside down while recording 
continues.
≥If the unit continues to be tilted upside down 
from the normal horizontal position while 
recording motion pictures, it is automatically 
set to recording pause.
Turning the AGS function on/off
¬
Rotate the mode dial to select  
or
 .
Press the MENU button, then select 
[VIDEO] (HD mode) or [SETUP] (STD 
mode) 
# [AGS] # [ON] or [OFF] and 
press the cursor button.
≥This function’s default setting is [OFF].
≥The AGS function may activate and cause the 
unit to pause the recording if you are recording 
a subject right above or right below you. In 
these cases, set [AGS] to [OFF] then continue 
the recording.
≥Use the recording start/stop button to pause 
the recording. The AGS function is only a 
backup function for when you forget to pause 
the recording. 
≥The time it takes the unit to be put into 
recording pause after being tilted upside down 
varies depending on the operating conditions.
AUTO
MANUAL
FOCUS
Auto Ground-directional Standby 
(AGS)
MENU
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							53VQT1J42
Recording
Recording motion pictures
Record motion pictures to a disc or an SD card.
≥Use an SD card that can be used for motion 
picture recording. (l29)
≥This unit is compatible with the 16:9 aspect 
ratio of a wide-screen TV and images are 
recorded in high definition or conventional 
standard picture quality.
1Rotate the mode dial to select   
or .
The lens cover opens automatically.
¬HD mode
≥Records motion pictures in high definition 
picture quality on a disc or an SD card.
¬STD mode
≥Records motion pictures in conventional 
standard picture quality on a disc.
2Open the LCD monitor or extend 
the viewfinder.
3Press the recording start/stop 
button to start recording.
≥The power will not turn off while recording 
motion pictures even if the LCD monitor is 
closed and the viewfinder is retracted.
To end the recording
Press the recording start/stop button again to 
pause recording.
≥[¥] and [;] are red during recording. Do not 
move this unit until [;] is green.
≥The images recorded between pressing the 
recording start/stop button to start recording 
and pressing it again to pause recording 
become one scene.
≥When about 5 minutes have passed without 
any operation in recording pause, the unit 
automatically turns off to prevent the battery 
from running down. When you want to use the 
unit, turn it on again. 
This setting can also be set to [OFF]. (l131)
ªScreen indications in the disc 
recording mode (HD mode)
ARecording mode
BRemaining time left for recording
(When the remaining time is less than 
1 minute, [R0min] flashes red.)
CRecording time elapsed
≥Maximum number of scenes (on one side if a 
disc): 999
Maximum number of recordable scenes with 
different dates (on one side if a disc): 99
(In some cases, scenes shot on the same day 
will be recorded with different dates (l83))
When either of them reaches to the maximum 
limit, more scenes cannot be recorded.
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OFF
HD
S
T
D
B
C
A
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							54VQT1J42
Recording
≥Discs or SD cards with more than the 
maximum scenes or dates cannot be used with 
this unit.
≥Sound is recorded from the internal 
microphones on the top of this unit. Take care 
not to cover the microphone with your hand.
≥Each time the unit is put into recording pause, 
the counter display will be reset to 
“0h00m00s”.
≥When recording motion pictures, do not 
remove the battery or disconnect the AC 
adaptor. Also do not remove the SD card while 
the card access lamp is lit. If you do either of 
the above, the scene recovery message is 
displayed and the recovery operation will begin 
when the SD card is next inserted or the power 
is turned back on. (l137)
≥While “WRITING CONTROL DATA TO THE 
DISC. DO NOT SHAKE THE UNIT.” is 
displayed, do not disconnect the AC adaptor or 
remove the battery as doing so may make the 
disc unusable.
≥While motion picture recording is in progress, 
do not disconnect the AC adaptor or remove 
the battery. If you do, a repair disc message 
may be displayed when the power is turned 
back on. (l137)ªWhen recording stops suddenly 
during motion picture recording 
on an SD card
When using an SD card other than one that can 
be used for motion picture recording (l29), the 
recording may stop suddenly. At this time, the 
following message appears.
When motion pictures are to be recorded, use a 
Panasonic SD card or another SD card which 
can be used to record motion pictures. (l29)
Even if you use an SD card that can be used 
for motion picture recording (l29), this kind 
of message may appear.
The data on the card has been written many 
times and the data writing speed has reduced. 
We recommend formatting the SD card being 
used. (l94) When an SD card is formatted, all 
the data recorded on it will be deleted so copy 
valuable data to the PC prior to formatting. 
(l123) (When acquiring data recorded on this 
unit, we recommend using HD Writer 2.0E for 
SX/SD to acquire it. (l123))
The ACCESS/PC lamp lights immediately 
after recording finishes. While it lights, the disc 
is rotating and disc information is being 
recorded. If you shake the unit or swing it, the 
recorded images may be distorted so do not 
strongly shake or cause impact to it.
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							55VQT1J42
Recording
This allows recording of the pictures and sound 
to start approximately 3 seconds before the 
recording start/stop button is pressed so you can 
capture moments you would otherwise have 
missed.
¬When the mode dial is set to   and 
an SD card is inserted in this unit.
1Open the LCD monitor or extend 
the viewfinder.
2Press the PRE-REC button.
The   indication appears.
≥Aim this unit at the subject and position it 
securely.
≥Recording of the pictures and sound starts 
approximately 3 seconds before the recording 
start/stop button is pressed.
3Press the recording start/stop 
button to start recording.
≥There is no beep sound.
≥After recording starts, the PRE-REC setting is 
canceled.
To end PRE-REC
≥PRE-REC is also ended if you press the 
PRE-REC button in PRE-REC.
≥PRE-REC is canceled in the following cases.
jIf you operate the mode dial.
jIf you turn the unit off.
jIf you open the card slot cover.
jIf you press the MENU button.
jIn quick start standby mode.
≥When the remaining time left for recording 
motion pictures is less than 1 minute, 
PRE-REC cannot be set.
≥If you start recording less than 3 seconds after 
pressing the PRE-REC button, the PRE-REC 
function is not activated and the pictures are 
recorded normally.
≥When the recording start/stop button is 
pressed, image shake and operation sound 
may be recorded.PRE-REC function
This prevents you missing a shot.
VIDEO
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							Recording
56VQT1J42
Switch the picture quality of the motion pictures to be recorded.
¬Rotate the mode dial to select   or .
Press the MENU button, then select [VIDEO] (HD mode) or [BASIC] (STD 
mode) 
# [REC MODE] # desired item and press the cursor button.
ªApproximate recordable time for a disc
HD mode
≥The recordable times shown in the table are approximations.
≥The recording is in high definition picture quality no matter what recording mode is used to 
record.
≥This unit records in CBR in HG mode. CBR is an abbreviation for Constant Bit Rate. CBR recording 
does not vary the bit rate (amount of data in a fixed time).
≥This unit records in VBR in HN/HE mode. VBR is an abbreviation for Variable Bit Rate. VBR recording 
automatically varies the bit rate (amount of data in a fixed time) depending on the subject being 
recorded. This means if a subject with sharp movements is recorded, the recording time is reduced.
STD mode
≥The recordable times shown in the table are approximations.
≥The recording is in standard picture quality no matter what recording mode is used to record.
≥This unit records in VBR (Variable Bit Rate) in XP/SP/LP mode. VBR recording automatically varies 
the bit rate (amount of data in a fixed time) depending on the subject being recorded. This means if a 
subject with sharp movements is recorded, the recording time is reduced.
Recording modes and recordable time available for the motion picture
Disc typeHGHNHE (1920k1080):
Motion pictures can be recorded 
with the highest picture quality.
 (1440k1080):
Motion pictures can be recorded 
with normal picture quality.
 (1440k1080):
Motion pictures can be recorded 
for a longer time.
14 min 21 min 31 min
26 min 40 min 60 min
Disc typeXPSPLP:Motion pictures can be recorded 
with the highest picture quality.
:Motion pictures can be recorded 
with normal picture quality.
:Motion pictures can be recorded 
for longer time.
18 min 37 min 1 h 15 min
18 min 37 min 1 h 14 min
35 min 1 h 9 min 2 h 18 min
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HN
HE

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LP

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							Recording
57VQT1J42
ªApproximate recordable time for an SD card made by Panasonic
≥The recordable times shown in the table are approximations.
≥The recording is in high definition picture quality no matter what recording mode is used to 
record.
≥This unit records in CBR (Constant Bit Rate) in HG mode. CBR recording does not vary the bit rate 
(amount of data in a fixed time).
≥This unit records in VBR in HN/HE mode. VBR is an abbreviation for Variable Bit Rate. VBR recording 
automatically varies the bit rate (amount of data in a fixed time) depending on the subject being 
recorded. This means if a subject with sharp movements is recorded, the recording time is reduced.
≥Recordable time using the battery (l33)
≥8 MB and 16 MB SD cards cannot be used for motion picture recording.
≥If the write protection switch on the SD card is set to LOCK, it cannot be used for recording. (l29)
≥If an SD card is recorded on or erased many times, it may no longer be possible to record motion 
pictures even if there is available memory on the SD card. In this case, after saving the data on PC, 
format the SD card.
≥Mosaic-pattern noise may appear on a playback image in the following cases.
jWhen there is a complicated pattern in the background
jWhen the unit is moved too much or too fast
jWhen a subject with sharp movements has been recorded
(Particularly if it has been recorded in [HE] or [LP] mode.)
≥Sound is recorded with the Dolby Digital.
SD card 
memoryHGHNHE (1920k1080):
Motion pictures can be recorded 
with the highest picture quality.
 (1440k1080):
Motion pictures can be recorded 
with normal picture quality.
 (1440k1080):
Motion pictures can be recorded 
for longer time.
256 MB2 min 3 min 5 min
512 MB5 min 7 min 10 min
1GB10 min 15 min 22 min
2GB20 min 30 min 45 min
4GB40 min 1 h 1 h 30 min
8GB1 h 20 min 2 h 3 h
HG
HN
HE
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							58VQT1J42
Recording
Recording still pictures (JPEG 
images) on an SD card
Record the still picture on an SD card.
≥This number of recording pixels for still pictures 
is compatible with the 16:9 aspect ratio of a 
wide-screen TV. They are recorded at 
[1920k1080].
≥Still pictures cannot be recorded in STD mode.
1Rotate the mode dial to select   
or .
The lens cover opens automatically.
2Open the LCD monitor or extend 
the viewfinder.
3Press the PHOTO SHOT button 
halfway in order to adjust the 
focus. (For auto focus only)
The shutter speed and the iris/gain value are 
fixed and the unit focuses on the subject 
automatically.
≥If you set [O.I.S.] (l69) to [ON], then the 
image stabilizer function will be more effective. 
([ ] (MEGA optical image stabilizer) 
will be displayed.)
Focus indication:
AFocus indication
BFocus area (area inside brackets)
± (The white lamp flashes.):
Focusing
¥ (The green lamp lights up.):
When in focus
No mark:
When focusing is unsuccessful.
4Press the PHOTO SHOT button 
fully to take the picture.
≥In order to take better still pictures, the screen 
will brighten when the PHOTO SHOT button is 
fully pressed.
To record still pictures clearly
≥When zooming in on the subject with a 
magnification of 4k or higher, it is difficult to 
reduce the slight shaking from holding this unit 
by hand. We recommend decreasing the zoom 
magnification and approaching the subject 
when recording.
≥When recording still pictures, hold the unit 
firmly with your hands and keep your arms 
stationary at your side so as not to shake the 
unit.
≥You can record stable pictures without shaking 
by using a tripod and the remote control.
≥For information about the number of 
recordable still pictures on an SD card 
(l61)
PHOTO
OFF
HD
STD
MEGA
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							59VQT1J42
Recording
≥The sound cannot be recorded.
≥If the write protection switch on the SD card is 
set to LOCK, it cannot be used for recording.
≥The PHOTO SHOT button on the remote 
control cannot be pressed halfway.
≥If the [PICT.QUALITY] is set to [ ], 
mosaic-pattern noise may appear on a 
playback image depending on the picture 
content.
≥While this unit accesses the SD card (  is 
displayed/the access lamp is lit), do not 
perform the following operations. The SD card 
or the recorded data may be damaged.
jTurn the unit off.
jOpen the card slot cover and remove the SD 
card.
jOperate the mode dial.
≥Other products may degrade or not play back 
still pictures recorded on this unit.
≥
The edges of still pictures recorded on this unit 
with a 16:9 aspect ratio may be cut at printing. 
Check the printer or photo studio before printing.
ªAbout the screen indications 
when the PHOTO SHOT button is 
pressed halfway
AFlash (l67)
BFlash level (l68)
CRed eye reduction (l68)
DQuality of still pictures (l60)
ESize of still pictures
FRemaining number of still pictures
(Flashes in red when [0] appears.) 
GCard indication (l132)
HMEGA optical image stabilizer (l58)
ªAbout the focus indication
≥The focus indication indicates the status of the 
auto focus.
≥The focus indication does not appear in 
manual focus mode.
≥Focus on a subject manually when it is not 
easily focused. (l75)≥You can record still pictures on the card even if 
the focus indication does not appear, but 
pictures may be recorded without being 
focused.
≥The focus indication does not appear or has 
difficulty displaying in the following cases.
jWhen the zoom magnification is high.
jWhen the unit is shaken.
jWhen the subject is moving.
jWhen the subject stands in front of a light 
source.
jWhen close subjects and far subjects are 
included in the same scene.
jWhen the scene is dark.
jWhen there is a bright part in the scene.
jWhen the scene is filled with only horizontal 
lines.
jWhen the scene lacks contrast.
jWhen recording motion pictures.
jWhen the MagicPix function is used.
jWhen PRE-REC is used.
ªConcerning the focusing area
When there is a contrasting object ahead or 
behind the subject in the focus area, the subject 
may not be focused. If so, move the contrasting 
object out of the focus area.
If it is still difficult to focus, adjust the focus 
manually.
≥The focusing area is not displayed when the 
digital zoom (more than approx. 10k) is used.
You can add a shutter sound when recording still 
pictures.
Press the MENU button, then select 
[PICTURE] 
# [SHTR SOUND] # [ON] 
or [OFF] and press the cursor 
button.
≥This function’s default setting is [ON].
≥This function does not work during motion 
picture recording.
2.1750750750MEGA
ABC D E F GHSwitching the shutter sound on/off
MENU
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							60VQT1J42
Recording
You can record still pictures on an SD card even 
while recording motion pictures on SD card and/
or disc.
While recording motion pictures, 
press the PHOTO SHOT button fully 
(press to the bottom) to take the 
picture.
≥The PHOTO SHOT button cannot be pressed 
halfway in the simultaneous recording.
≥The screen indications that appear when the 
PHOTO SHOT button is pressed halfway will 
be displayed.
≥The picture quality is different from normal still 
picture recording because priority is given to 
the motion picture recording. We recommend 
pausing the motion picture recording to record 
a still picture with better picture quality.
≥Still pictures cannot be recorded in STD mode.Selecting the picture quality.
Press the MENU button, then select 
[PICTURE] 
# [PICT.QUALITY] # 
desired item and press the cursor 
button.
: Still pictures with a high picture quality 
are recorded.
:Priority is given to the number of still 
pictures recorded. Still pictures are 
recorded in normal picture quality.
About simultaneous recording 
(recording still pictures while 
recording motion pictures)Number of pixels and picture 
quality for still picture 
recording
Picture quality
PHOTO
MENU
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