Panasonic Hx A500 Basic Owners Manual

							Basic Owner’s Manual
Wearable Camera
Model No.HX-A500
More detailed operating instructions are available in “Owner’s Manual (PDF format)”. To read it, 
download it from the website.
https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/hdw/oi/A500/
≥Click the desired language.
* You will need Adobe Reader to browse or print the Owner’s Manual (PDF format). You can download and install a version of Adobe Reader that you can use with your OS from 
the following website. (As of April 2014)
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
SQT0251
until 
2014/5/12
Please read these instructions carefully before using 
this product, and save this manual for future use.
Register online at www.panasonic.com/register (U.S. customers only)
If you have any questions, visit : 
U.S.A. : www.panasonic.com/support
Canada : www.panasonic.ca/english/support
HX-A500-SQT0251_mst.book  1 ページ  ２０１４年４月１４日　月曜日　午後６時１５分 
						

							2SQT0251 (ENG)
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing Panasonic!
You have purchased one of the most 
sophisticated and reliable products on the 
market today. Used properly, we’re sure it 
will bring you and your family years of 
enjoyment. Please take time to fill in the 
information on the right.
The serial number is on the tag located on 
the bottom 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 (battery pack, battery charger, AC adaptor, SD memory card and 
etc.) to rain, moisture, dripping or splashing.
≥ Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on accessories.
≥ Use only the recommended accessories.
≥ Do not remove covers.
≥ Do not repair this unit by yourself. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
CAUTION!
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or product damage,
≥Do not install or place this unit in a bookcase, built-in cabinet or in another confined space. 
Ensure this unit is well ventilated.
≥ Do not obstruct this unit’s ventilation openings with newspapers, tablecloths, curtains, and 
similar items.
≥ Do not place sources of naked flames, such as lighted candles, on this unit.
Date of Purchase 
Dealer Purchased From 
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone No. 
Model No.
Serial No.
HX-A500-SQT0251_mst.book  2 ページ  ２０１４年４月１４日　月曜日　午後６時１５分 
						

							3(ENG) SQT0251
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.: HX-A500
Responsible Party: Panasonic Corporation of North America Two Riverfront Plaza, Newark, NJ 07102-5490
Support Contact: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
This device complies with Part 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.
CAN ICES-3 (B)/ NMB-3(B)
HX-A500
HX-A500-SQT0251_mst.book  3 ページ  ２０１４年４月１４日　月曜日　午後６時１５分 
						

							4SQT0251 (ENG)
IMPORTANT SAFETY 
INSTRUCTIONS
Read these operating instructions carefully before using the unit. Follow the safety instructions on 
the unit and the applicable safety instructions listed below. Keep these operating instructions handy 
for future reference.
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the 
manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such  as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or 
other apparatus (including amplifiers) that 
produce heat.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the  polarized or grounding-type plug. A 
polarized plug has two blades with one 
wider than the other. A grounding-type plug 
has two blades and a third grounding 
prong. The wide blade or the third prong 
are provided for your safety. If the provided 
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an 
electrician for replacement of the obsolete 
outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked  on or pinched particularly at plugs, 
convenience receptacles, and the point 
where they exit from the apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/accessories  specified by the manufacturer. 12) Use only with the 
cart, stand, tripod, 
bracket, or table 
specified by the 
manufacturer, or 
sold with the 
apparatus. When a 
cart is used, use caution when moving the 
cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury 
from tip-over.
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning  storms or when unused for long periods of 
time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service  personnel. Servicing is required when the 
apparatus has been damaged in any way, 
such as power-supply cord or plug is 
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects 
have fallen into the apparatus, the 
apparatus has been exposed to rain or 
moisture, does not operate normally, or has 
been dropped.
HX-A500-SQT0251_mst.book  4 ページ  ２０１４年４月１４日　月曜日　午後６時１５分 
						

							5(ENG) SQT0251
Conforms to UL STD 60065.
Certified to CAN/CSA STD C22.2 No.60065.
THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN THE U.S.A.
THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN CANADA.Product Identification Marking is located on the bottom of the unit.
Contains FCC ID: VPYLBVX532
FCC WARNING
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could 
void the users authority to operate the equipment.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or 
transmitter.
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled 
environment and meets the FCC radio frequency (RF) Exposure Guidelines in Supplement C to 
OET65.
This equipment has very low levels of RF energy that are deemed to comply without testing of 
specific absorption ratio (SAR).
Contains IC: 772C-LBVX604This device complies with RSS-210 of the IC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1)This device may not cause harmful interference,
(2)This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
This equipment complies with IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled 
environment and meets RSS-102 of the IC radio frequency (RF) Exposure rules.
This equipment has very low levels of RF energy that are deemed to comply without testing of 
specific absorption ratio (SAR).
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:
HX-A500-SQT0251_mst.book  5 ページ  ２０１４年４月１４日　月曜日　午後６時１５分 
						

							6SQT0251 (ENG)
-If you see this symbol-
∫Cautions for use
Keep this unit as far away as possible from 
electromagnetic equipment (such as 
microwave ovens, TVs, video games etc.).
≥If you use this unit on top of or near a TV, the 
pictures and/or sound on this unit may be 
disrupted by electromagnetic wave radiation.
≥ Do not use this unit near cell phones because 
doing so may result in noise adversely 
affecting the pictures and/or sound.
≥ Recorded data may be damaged, or pictures 
may be distorted, by strong magnetic fields 
created by speakers or large motors.
≥ Electromagnetic wave radiation generated by 
microprocessors may adversely affect this 
unit, disturbing the pictures and/or sound.
≥ If this unit is adversely affected by 
electromagnetic equipment and stops 
functioning properly, press the reset button. 
Do not use this unit near radio transmitters 
or high-voltage lines.
≥ If you record near radio transmitters or 
high-voltage lines, the recorded pictures and/
or sound may be adversely affected.
About connecting to a PC
≥ Do not use any other USB cables except the 
supplied one.
≥Make sure to use the supplied cable.
≥ Do not extend the cable.
≥ Do not spray insecticides or volatile 
chemicals onto this unit.
≥ Do not leave rubber or plastic products in 
contact with this unit for a long time.
≥ Before cleaning, pull the USB cable from the 
PC, and then wipe this unit with a soft, dry 
cloth.
≥ Use of benzine, paint thinner, alcohol, or 
dishwashing liquid may alter the camera body 
or peel the surface finish. Do not use these 
solvents.
≥ Store this unit in a cool place with minimal 
humidity, and with a constant temperature 
where possible (recommended temperature: 
15 oC to 25 oC (59 o F to 77 o F), recommended 
humidity: 40%RH to 60%RH).
≥ Always remove the card from this unit.
≥ When storing this unit for an extended time, it 
is recommended that you charge it once 
every year.
≥ The battery 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.
≥ If the operating time is very short even 
after the battery has been recharged, the 
battery has worn out.
Consult with your dealer.
≥ When the microSD card is being accessed 
(when   is displayed or the access 
lamp is lit), do not perform the following:
j Remove the microSD card
j Turn the unit off
j Insert and remove the USB cable
j Expose the unit to vibrations or shock
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.
This unit and the microSD card become 
warm during use. This is not a 
malfunction.
HX-A500-SQT0251_mst.book  6 ページ  ２０１４年４月１４日　月曜日　午後６時１５分 
						

							7(ENG) SQT0251
Preparation
(Important) About the Waterproof/
Dustproof................................................... 8
Read this first .......................................... 11
Accessories ............................................. 12
What you can do with this unit .............. 13
Power supply........................................... 14
Charging the battery .........................  14
Charging and recording time .............  15
Recording to a card ................................ 16 Cards that you can use 
with this unit ......................................  16
Inserting/removing 
a microSD card .................................  17
Turning this unit on/off ........................... 18
Setting date and time.............................. 18
Using the menu screen .......................... 19 Language selection ...........................  19
Formatting .........................................  19
Basic
Before recording ..................................... 20Wearing this unit ...............................  20
Recording ................................................ 24
Changing the Recording Mode .............. 24
Playback using a smartphone ............... 25
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi® function ........................................ 26
Install the “Image App”......................  26
Using remote operation with 
a direct connection 
([Smartphone Direct Connect]) .........  27
If the Wi-Fi connection cannot be 
established........................................  28
Reset Wi-Fi settings..........................  28
Others
Troubleshooting ......................... ............ 29
Requests when disposing of 
this unit.................................................... 30
Specifications ......................................... 32
Optional accessories ............................. 33
About copyright .......................... ............ 34
Accessory Order F orm 
(For USA Customers) .......................  36
Limited Warranty 
(ONLY FOR U.S.A.) ................................. 37
Warranty 
(For Canadian Customers)..................... 39
Contents
HX-A500-SQT0251_mst.book  7 ページ  ２０１４年４月１４日　月曜日　午後６時１５分 
						

							8SQT0251 (ENG)
This does not guarantee no destruction, no malfunction, or waterproofing in all conditions.
* This means that this unit can be used underwater for specified time in specified pressure in accordance with the handling method established by Panasonic.
∫ Handling of this unit≥Waterproofing is not guaranteed if the unit is subject to an impact as a result of being hit or 
dropped etc. If an impact to this unit occurs, it should be inspected (subject to a fee) by a 
Panasonic’s Service Center to verify that the waterproofing is still effective.
≥ The waterproof performance may be degraded due to the strong water pressure when this unit is 
used deeper than 3.0 m (10 feet) underwater.
≥ When this unit is splashed with detergent, soap, hot spring, bath additive, sun oil, sun screen, 
chemical, etc., wipe it off immediately.
≥ Do not rinse with running water, such as tap water.
≥ Waterproof function of this unit is for sea water and fresh water only.
≥ Any malfunction caused by customer misuse, or mishandling will not be covered by the warranty.
≥ Cards are not waterproof. Do not handle with a wet hand. Also, do not insert wet card into this 
unit.
≥ Do not open or close the side cover when your hands are wet or water droplets are present on 
this unit. Failure to do so may lead to damage such as rusty terminals caused by water droplets.
≥ Foreign objects may adhere to the inner side of the side cover (around the rubber  seal or 
connecting terminals) when the side cover is opened or closed in places with sand or dust 
etc. If you close the side cover with foreign objects adhering to it, water may enter the 
inside. Be very careful because doing so may cause malfunctions.
≥ Do not leave this unit for a long period of time in places where temperature is very low (at high 
altitude etc.) or very high (inside a car under strong sunlight, close to a heater, on the beach, etc.) 
Waterproof performance may be degraded.
≥ The inside of this unit is not waterproof. Water leakage will cause malfunction.
≥ If any foreign object has adhered to the inner side of the side cover, remove it.
≥ If any liquid such as water droplets has adhered to this unit or inner side of the side cover, 
wipe off with a soft dry cloth. Do not open or close the side cover near the water, when 
underwater, using wet hands, or when this unit is wet. It may cause water l eakage.
≥ The alert sound and shutter sound may be lowered when using this unit. This is for ensuring the 
waterproof performance of this unit, and not a malfunction. Opening and closing the side cover 
will restore the original volume.
Preparation
(Important) About the Waterproof/
Dustproof
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 3.0 m (10 feet) for a time not exceeding 
30 minutes. *
HX-A500-SQT0251_mst.book  8 ページ  ２０１４年４月１４日　月曜日　午後６時１５分 
						

							9(ENG) SQT0251
∫About Condensation (When the lens or the LCD monitor is fogged 
up)
Condensation occurs when there is a change in temperature or humidity, such as when the unit is 
taken from outside or a cold room to a warm room. Please be careful, as it may cause the lens or 
LCD monitor to become soiled, moldy, or damaged.
When taking the unit to a place which has a different temperature, if the unit is accustomed to the 
room temperature of the destination for about one hour, condensation can be prevented. (When the 
difference in temperature is severe, place the unit in a plastic bag or the like, remove air from the 
bag, and seal the bag.)
When condensation has occurred, turn the unit off, open the side cover and leave the unit like that 
for about 2 hours. When the unit becomes accustomed to the surrounding temperature, fogginess 
will disappear naturally.
1 Open the side cover.
2 Check that there are no foreign objects on the inner side of the side cover.
≥If there are any foreign objects, such as lint, hair, sand, etc., on the surrounding area, water will 
leak within a few seconds causing malfunction.
3 If there is foreign matter adhering to the unit, remove it.≥Be extremely careful to remove any sand etc. that may adhere to the sides and corners of the 
rubber seal.
≥ Wipe it off with a dry soft cloth if there is any liquid. It may cause water leaks and malfunction if 
you use this unit with liquid adhered.
4 Check for cracks and deformation of the rubber seal on the side cover.≥The integrity of the rubber seals may decrease after about 1 year, with use and age. To avoid 
permanently damaging this unit the seals should be replaced once every two years. Please 
contact Panasonic’s Service Center for related costs and other information.
5 Close the side cover securely.
≥To prevent water seeping into this unit, be careful not to trap foreign objects such as liquids, sand, 
hair or dust etc.
Check before using underwater
Do not open or close the side cover in places with sand and dust, close to water, or with wet 
hands. Sand or dust adhering may cause water leaks.
1 Slide the LOCK switch A to the left to 
unlock the side cover.
B: Unlocked when the red indicator is visible
2 Slide the side cover downward to 
open it.




1Close the side cover and slide it 
upward.
2 Slide the LOCK switch to the right to 
lock the side cover.
≥ Lock securely to the points where the red 
portion of the LOCK switch is no longer 
visible.
≥ Securely lock it until it clicks.


HX-A500-SQT0251_mst.book  9 ページ  ２０１４年４月１４日　月曜日　午後６時１５分 
						

							10SQT0251 (ENG)
≥Use this unit underwater at a depth of down to 3.0 m (10 feet) with the water temperature 
between 0 oC and 35 oC (32 o F and 95 o F).
≥ Do not use this unit at a depth of over 3.0 m (10 feet).
≥ Do not use it in hot water over 35 oC (95  oF) (in a bath or hot spring).
≥ Do not use this unit underwater not longer than 30 minutes continuously.
≥ Do not open or close the side cover.
≥ Do not apply shock to this unit underwater. (Waterproof performance may not be maintained, and 
there is a chance of water leak.)
≥ Do not dive into the water holding this unit. Do not use this unit in a location where the water will 
splash strongly, such as rapid flow or waterfall. (Strong water pressure may be applied, and it may 
cause malfunction.)
≥ This unit will sink in the water. Take care not to drop this unit.
1 Rinse with water with the side cover closed.≥After use at the seaside or underwater, soak the unit in fresh water pooled in a shallow container 
for about 10 minutes.
2 Drain water by holding this unit and shaking it lightly a few times.≥After using this unit at the seaside or underwater, or after washing it, water will remain at the 
speaker site or mic site of this unit for a while and it may cause lower sound or sound distortion.
≥ Pay careful attention to prevent this unit from dropping.
3 Wipe off water drops on this unit with a soft, dry cloth and dry this unit in a 
shaded area that is well ventilated.
≥Dry this unit approx. 1 hour or more.
≥ Dry this unit on a dry cloth.
≥ Do not dry this unit with hot air from dryer or similar. It will deteriorate the waterproof performance 
or cause failure due to deformation.
≥ Do not use chemicals such as benzine, thinner, alcohol or cleanser, soap or detergents.
4 Confirm that there are no water droplets, open the side cover, and wipe off 
any water droplets or sand left inside using a soft, dry cloth.
≥Water droplets may adhere to the card, etc. when the side cover is opened without thoroughly 
drying. Also, water may accumulate in the gap around the card slot or the terminal connector. Be 
sure to wipe any water off with a soft, dry cloth.
≥ The water droplets may seep into this unit when the side cover is closed while it is still wet, 
causing condensation or failure.
≥If the Head Mount is exposed to seawater, rinse off the salt water with fresh water. When the 
Head Mount is exposed to water, wipe it off with a dry towel or something similar, and dry it 
thoroughly in the shade.
Using this unit underwater
Caring for this unit after using it underwater
Do not open or close the side cover until the sand and dust is removed by rinsing the 
camera with water.
Make sure to clean the camera after using it.
≥Thoroughly wipe off any water droplets, sand, and saline matter on your hands, body, hair, etc.
≥
It is r ecommended to cl ean the camera i ndoors, avoiding places where water spr ay or sand may fal l.Do not leave this unit uncared for l onger than 60 minutes after using it underwater.
≥ Leaving this unit with foreign objects or saline matter on it may cause damage, discoloration, 
corrosion, unusual odor, or deterioration of the waterproof performance.
In case water enters this unit, stop the use and consult your dealer.
Malfunctions resulting from water leakage due to wrong handling by customers are not subject to 
compensation.
HX-A500-SQT0251_mst.book  10 ページ  ２０１４年４月１４日　月曜日　午後６時１５分