Panasonic Hm Ta2 Owners Manual

							Before connecting, operating or adjusting this product, please read the 
instructions completely.
Spanish Quick Use Guide is included.
Guía para rápida consulta en español está incluida.
Owner’s Manual
High Definition Mobile Camera
Model No.HM-TA20
                                              HM-TA2
VQT3N87
1AG6P1P6253--(S)
For USA and Puerto Rico assistance, please call: 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, 
contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
For Canadian assistance, please call: 1-800-561-5505 or visit us at www.panasonic.ca
PPC
until 
2011/4/8
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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 inner side of the HDMI/
Headphone cover of your camera.
The serial number is on the tag located on the inner side of the SD card 
door of your camera.
Be sure to retain this manual  as your convenient camera information 
source.
Safety Precautions
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR 
PRODUCT DAMAGE,
≥ Do not let water or other liquids drip or splash inside the unit.
≥ Do not expose accessories 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 your self. Refer servicing to qualified 
service personnel.
Date of Purchase 
Dealer Purchased From 
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone No. 
Model No.
Serial No.
HM-TA20
HM-TA2
HM-TA20
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							 VQT3N87 3
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR 
PRODUCT DAMAGE,
≥Do not expose this unit to rain, moisture, dripping or splashing.
≥ Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on this unit.
≥ Use only the recommended accessories.
≥ Do not remove covers.
≥ Do not repair this unit by your self. Refer servicing to qualified 
service personnel.
CAUTION!
DO NOT INSTALL OR PLACE THIS UNIT IN A BOOKCASE, BUILT-
IN CABINET OR IN ANOTHER CONFINED SPACE. ENSURE THE 
UNIT IS WELL VENTILATED. TO PREVENT RISK OF ELECTRIC 
SHOCK OR FIRE HAZARD DUE TO OVERHEATING, ENSURE 
THAT CURTAINS AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS DO NOT 
OBSTRUCT THE VENTILATION VENTS.
AC adaptor (optional)
This AC adaptor operates on AC between 100 V and 240 V.
But
≥ In the U.S.A. and Canada, the AC adaptor must be connected to a 
120 V AC power supply only.
≥ When connecting to an AC supply outside of the U.S.A. or Canada, 
use a plug adaptor to suit the AC outlet configuration.
THE SOCKET OUTLET SHALL BE INSTALLED NEAR THE 
EQUIPMENT AND SHALL BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE.
HM-TA2
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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 limits 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. This equipment generates, uses, 
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in 
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 this equipment does cause harmful 
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by 
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct 
the interference 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 outlet on a circuit different from that 
to which the receiver is connected.
≥ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution: To assure continued compliance, follow the 
attached installation instructions and use only 
shielded interface cables with ferrite core when 
connecting to computer or peripheral devices.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party 
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate 
this equipment.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: Panasonic
Model No.: HM-TA20/HM-TA2
Responsible party: Panasonic Corporation of North America One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094
Support Contact: Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
1-800-211-PANA (7262)
This device complies with Part 15 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 cause undesired operation.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
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							 VQT3N87 5
Precautions
USE & LOCATION
≥TO AVOID SHOCK HAZARD ... Your camera and power supply should 
not be exposed to rain or moisture. Do not connect the power supply or 
operate your camera if it gets wet. Your camera has been designed for 
outdoor use, however it is not designed to sustain direct exposure to 
water, rain, sleet, snow, sand, dust, or a direct splashing from a pool or 
even a cup of coffee. This action could permanently damage the 
internal parts of your camera. Do not attempt to disassemble this unit. 
There are no user serviceable parts inside. Unplug your camera from 
the power supply before cleaning.
≥ AS WITH ANY SMALL OBJECT, SD CARDS CAN BE SWALLOWED 
BY YOUNG CHILDREN. DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO HANDLE 
THE SD CARD.
Product Identification Marking is located on the bottom of unit.

This product contains a CR Coin Cell Lithium Battery which contains 
Perchlorate Material – special handling may apply.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
.
HM-TA20HM-TA2
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.
U.S.A./CANADA CONSUMERS:  ATTENTION:
WARNING
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							6 VQT3N87
≥DO NOT AIM YOUR CAMERA AT THE SUN OR OTHER BRIGHT 
OBJECTS
≥ DO NOT EXPOSE YOUR CAMERA TO EXTENDED HIGH 
TEMPERATURE  ... Such as, in direct sunlight, inside a closed car, 
next to a heater, etc... This action could permanently damage the 
internal parts of your camera.
≥ AVOID SUDDEN CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE  ... If the unit is 
suddenly moved from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may form 
on the SD card and inside the unit.
≥ DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAMERA OR THE POWER SUPPLY 
TURNED ON WHEN NOT IN USE.
≥ STORAGE OF YOUR CAMERA  ... Store and handle your camera in a 
manner that will not subject it to unnecessary movement (avoid 
shaking and striking). Your camera contains a sensitive pick-up device 
which could be damaged by improper handling or storage.
CARE
≥ TO CLEAN YOUR CAMERA ... Do not use strong or abrasive 
detergents when cleaning your camera body.
≥
TO PROTECT THE LENS ... Do not touch the surface of the lens with 
your hand. Use a commercial camera lens solution and lens paper 
when cleaning the lens. Improper cleaning can scratch the lens coating.
≥ TO PROTECT THE FINISH OF YOUR CAMERA  ... Before handling 
your camera, make sure your hands and face are free from any 
chemical products, such as suntan lotion, as it may damage the finish.
-If you see this symbol-
Information on Disposal in other Countries outside the 
European Union This symbol is only valid in the European Union.
If you wish to discard this product, please contact 
your local authorities or dealer and ask for the 
correct method of disposal.
CAUTION
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							 VQT3N87 7
∫
Indemnity about recorded content
Panasonic does not accept any responsibility for damages directly or 
indirectly due to any type of problems that result in loss of recording or 
edited content, and does not guarantee any content if recording or editing 
does not work properly. Likewise, the above also applies in a case where 
any type of repair is made to the unit.
∫About recording method and compatibility of this unit
This unit can record detailed high definition images based on the MP4 
format (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec).
≥Since the recording method is different from the AVCHD format, the 
data is not compatible.
∫ Cards that you can use with this unit
SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card and SDXC Memory Card
≥4 GB or more Memory Cards that do not have the SDHC logo or 48 GB 
or more Memory Cards that do not have the SDXC logo are not based 
on SD Memory Card Specifications.
≥ Refer to page 27 for more details on SD cards.
∫ For the purposes of this owner’s manual
≥SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card and SDXC Memory Card are 
referred to as the “SD card”.
≥ Pages for reference are indicated by an arrow, for example:  l00
This owner’s manual is designed for use with models   
and  . Pictures may be slightly different from the original.
≥ The illustrations used in this owner’s manual show model 
, however, parts of the explanation refer to different 
models.
≥ Depending on the model, some  functions are not available.
≥ Features may vary, so please read carefully.
≥ Not all models may be available depending on the region of 
purchase.
HM-TA20HM-TA2
HM-TA20
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							8 VQT3N87
(Important) 
About the Waterproof/
Dustproof and Anti-shock 
Performance of this unit 
[HM-TA20] ................................. 10Check before using 
underwater .............................. 12
Using this unit underwater....... 14
Care of this unit after 
using it underwater .................. 15
Accessories.............................. 17
Preparation
Parts identification and 
handling .................................... 18
Charging the battery ................ 22
Charging and motion pictures 
recording time ......................... 25
Approximate operating time and 
number of recordable 
still pictures ............................. 25
Charging and voices recording 
time ......................................... 26
Preparing the card ................... 27
Cards that you can use 
with this unit ............................ 27
Inserting/removing 
an SD card .............................. 29
Turning the unit on/off ............. 31
How to use the touch 
screen ....................................... 32
Setting date and time............... 33
Recording/Playback
Recording .................................  34
Selecting a mode ....................  34
Recording motion pictures ......  35
Recording still pictures ............  36
Recording voices ....................  37
Intelligent Auto Mode ..............  38
Digital zoom in/out function .....  39
Recording with the LED light...  39
Night View mode .....................  40
Effect function 
(applying special effects) ........  40
For underwater recording 
[HM-TA20] ...............................  41
Playback ...................................  42
Playing back the slide show/
continuous playback ...............  46
Zooming in on a still picture 
during playback 
(Playback zoom) .....................  47
Deleting scenes, still pictures 
or voices..................................  48
Creating still picture from 
motion picture .........................  50
To delete unwanted parts of a 
motion picture .........................  51
Setting of online sharing of 
motion pictures........................  52
Using the Setup menu 
screen .......................................  53
Menu list..................................  53
Watching Motion/Still Pictures 
on your TV ................................  58
Contents
Please be sure to read “(Important) About the Waterproof/
Dustproof and Anti-shock Performance of this unit 
[HM-TA20]” (
l10) before using this unit underwater to prevent the 
unit from being mishandled, which may cause water to seep in.
HM-TA20
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							 VQT3N87 9
With a PC
What you can do with a PC ..... 60
Operating environment ........... 62
Installation ................................ 65
Connecting to a PC .................. 67About the PC display............... 68
Starting HD Writer PE 2.0 ........ 69
Reading the operating 
instructions of the software 
applications ............................. 69
If using Mac .............................. 70
To use as a camera for 
Skype ........................................ 71
How to connect ....................... 73
Others
Indications ................................ 74
Messages/Troubleshooting..... 77
Cautions for use....................... 81
Requests when disposing 
of this unit................................. 86
About copyright ....................... 89
Recording modes/approximate 
recordable time 
(motion pictures).......................90
Approximate number of 
recordable pictures ................. 91
Recording modes/approximate 
recordable time (voices)...........91
Specifications........................... 92
Optional accessories ................98Accessory Order Form 
(For USA and Puerto Rico 
Customers).............................. 99
Limited Warranty (ONLY FOR 
U.S.A. AND PUERTO RICO) ...100
Warranty 
(For Canadian Customers) .....102
Index ........................................103
Spanish Quick Use Guide/
Guía española para el 
uso rápido................................104
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							10 VQT3N87
(Important) 
About the Waterproof/Dustproof 
and Anti-shock Performance of this 
unit [HM-TA20]
This does not guarantee no destruction, no malfunction, or 
waterproofing in all conditions.
*1 This means that this unit can be used underwater for specified 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 devices, 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 
Method 516.5-Shock”. However, the drop height was changed from 
122 cm (4.0 feet) to 150 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 distortion 
of the part where drop impact is applied.)
Waterproof/Dustproof Performance
This unit’s waterproof/dustproof rating complies with the 
“IP58” rating. Provided the care and maintenance guidelines 
described in this document are strictly followed, this unit can 
operate underwater, to a depth not exceeding 3 m (10 feet) for 
a time not exceeding 60 minutes. (*1)
Anti-shock Performance
This unit also complies with “MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-
Shock”. This unit has cleared a drop test from a height of 
1.5 m (5.0 feet) onto 3 cm (0.10 feet) thick plywood. In most 
cases this unit should not sustain any damage if dropped from 
a height not exceeding 1.5 m (5.0 feet). (*2)
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