Panasonic Hx A500 Basic Owners Manual

							11(ENG) SQT0251
∫About recording formats and compatibility of this unit≥This unit is an MP4 format (MPEG-4 AVC file standard)* Wearable Camera for recording high-
definition motion pictures.
* You can record 4K motion pictures ([3840 k2160/30p]).
≥ AVCHD and MPEG2 motion pictures are different formats, and are not therefore supported by 
this unit.
≥ Motion pictures recorded with other devices are not supported by this unit.
∫ About the portrait rightsBe sure to pay special attention to the privacy, the portrait rights, etc. of the subject when you use 
this unit. Use it at your own risk.
∫About the “Image App”Install the smartphone application “Image App” on your smartphone. You can enjoy a variety of 
functions by setting up a Wi-Fi connection between this unit and a smartphone. ( l13)
≥ For information about the installation of the “Image App”, refer to page 26.
∫ Installing HD Writer WE 2.0
∫ About the clock setting
Make sure to set date and time before recording. ( l18)
∫ For the purposes of this owner’s manual≥Pictures may be slightly different from the original.
≥ Depending on the firmware version you are using, captured screens described in this owner’s 
manual may differ from the actual screens.
≥ Names, icons, contents and services of applications may be changed with no prior notice. Please 
note that they may differ from the descriptions of this owner’s manual.
≥ microSD card and microSDHC card are referred to as the “microSD card”.
≥ Smartphone and tablet computer are referred to as the “smartphone”.
≥ Pages for reference are indicated by an arrow, for example:  l00
Preparation
Read this first
∫ 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 this unit.
Check the website below to download/install the software.
http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/soft/download/f_we20.html
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							12SQT0251 (ENG)
≥Smartphone operations are described as follows:
∫ Cards that you can use with this unitmicroSD Memory Card and microSDHC Memory Card
Check the accessories before using this unit.
Keep the accessories out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.
Product numbers correct as of April 2014. These may be subject to change.
* For information on how to assemble the Head 
Mount, refer to page 22.
Ta p
Touch the screen 
lightly and release 
your finger.Drag
Move your finger 
while still touching 
the screen.Drag and Drop
Move your finger 
while still touching 
the screen, and 
release the finger.
Preparation
Accessories
Armband Case
SFC0147
Head Mount (L)
*
SYA0004
Head Mount (R)
*
SYA0006
Headband
SFC0159
≥The Headband comes standard with the 
Head Mount (R).
USB cable
K2KYYYY00221
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							13(ENG) SQT0251
You can enjoy a variety of functions by setting up a Wi-Fi connection between this unit and a 
smartphone or a wireless access point.
Preparation
What you can do with this unit
≥Recording motion pictures/still pictures ( l24)
≥ Menu settings ( l19)
Wi-Fi Connection with a smartphone
≥ Playback ( l25)
≥ Deletion/Copy
≥ Remote operation ( l27)
Wi-Fi Connection with a wireless access point
Live broa dc asting
Using the “LUMIX CLUB” and USTREAM services, you can 
broadcast live motion pictures.
Playback on DLNA-compatible devices
You can play back the contents stored in this unit on the DLNA-
compatible TV.
A DLNA-compatible devicesXXXXXXXXX
1080/30p

Image App
USTREAM
LUMIX CLUB
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							14SQT0251 (ENG)
Charging the battery
≥This unit has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Do not remove except when 
disposing of this unit. ( l30)
≥ The battery will not be charged if this unit is turned on. C onnect it with the PC to charge 
the battery after turning it off.
≥ It is recommended to charge the battery in a temperature between 10 oC and 30 oC (50 o F 
and 86  oF).
A LOCK switch
B USB cable (supplied)
C Unlocked when the red indicator is visible
D Turn the side with the symbol up to connect the micro B end of the USB cable to the USB 
terminal of this unit.
1Slide the LOCK switch to the left to unlock the side cover and slide the side 
cover downward to open it.
2Connect the USB terminal of this unit to a PC with the USB cable (supplied).≥Insert the USB cable securely all the way.
≥ The Power lamp will flash red at an interval of 2 seconds (approximately 1 second on, 1 second 
off), indicating that charging has begun.
It will turn off when the charging is completed.
≥Do not use any other USB cables except the supplied one. (Operation is not guaranteed with any 
other USB cables.)
≥ Do not heat or expose to flame.
≥ Do not leave the unit (including built-in battery) in a car exposed to direct sunlight for a long 
period of time with doors and windows closed.
≥ If operating time is short even after fully charging the battery, the battery is worn out and needs to 
be replaced. Please contact your dealer.
Preparation
Power supply
When this unit is purchased, the battery is not charged. Charge the battery fully before 
us ing this unit for the first time.


 
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							15(ENG) SQT0251
≥When the PC is in a power saving mode such as a standby state, the battery may not be charged. 
Cancel the power saving mode, and connect this unit again.
≥ Operation is not guaranteed when devices are connected through USB hubs or by using 
extension cables.
≥ Operation cannot be guaranteed on all devices having a USB terminal.
Charging and recording time
∫ Charging/Recording time≥Temperature: 25 oC (77 o F)/humidity: 60%RH
≥ “h” is an abbreviation for hour, “min” for minute and “s” for second.
≥ These times are approximations.
≥ The indicated charging time is for when the battery has been discharged completely. 
Charging time and recordable time vary depending on the usage conditions such as high/
low temperature.
≥The actual recordable time refers to the recordable time when repeatedly starting/stopping 
recording, turning this unit on/off, etc.
≥ The power lamp flashes (Flashing with approx. 1 second period (off for approx. 0.5 second, on for 
approx. 0.5 second)) when the remaining battery time becomes low.
≥ The main unit heats up after use or charging. This is not a malfunction.
≥ For information about charging with a mobile USB charger or an AC adaptor, check the support 
site.
http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/e_cam/index.html
(This site is English only.)
Charging timePicture size/Frame rateMaximum continuous 
recordable timeActual recordable  time
4h30min [3840
k2160/30p] 1 h 20 min 40 min
[1920 k1080/60p] 1 h 50 min 55 min
[1920 k1080/30p] 2 h 10 min 1 h 5 min
[1280 k720/60p] 1 h 45 min 55 min
[1280 k720/30p] 2 h 5 min
1h5min
[848 k480/30p] 2 h 10 min
[1920 k1080/60fps] 2 h 5 min
[1280 k720/120fps] 2 h
1h
[848 k480/240fps] 1 h 55 min
The power plug is the disconnecting device. Install this unit so that the power plug can be 
unplugged from the socket outlet immediately.
Battery capacity indication≥ The display changes as the battery capacity reduces.  #### 
If the battery discharges, then   will flash red.
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							16SQT0251 (ENG)
Flashing with approx. 0.5 second period (off for approx. 0.25 second, on for approx. 0.25 second):≥Check that the USB terminals of this unit or the connecting device, such as PC are not dirty or 
covered with a foreign object, and reconnect correctly. If a foreign object or dirt is present, turn off 
this unit before removing.
≥ The environment is at an extremely high or low temperature. Wait until the temperature has 
returned to an appropriate level and try charging again. If you are still unable to charge, there may 
be a fault in this unit or the connecting device.
Flashing with approx. 4 second period (off for approx. 2 seconds, on for approx. 2 seconds):
≥ When the battery is over discharged or the temperature of the battery is too high or low. It can be 
charged, but it may take a few hours to complete the charging normally.
≥ It will flash in approx. 2 second intervals when normal charging resumes. Even in such cases, it 
may start flashing in approx. 4 second intervals until charging is completed depending on the 
conditions of use.
Off:
≥ Charging has finished.
This unit can record motion pictures or still pictures to a microSD card.
Cards that you can use with this unit
≥ To record motion pictures, use a microSD card that supports one of the following SD 
Speed Class Ratings.
If you use a microSD card with an SD Speed Class Rating that does not support the 
current recording setting, recording may stop suddenly.
≥ Operation is not guaranteed for all microSD cards.
≥Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.
When the Power lamp is flashing during charging
Preparation
Recording to a card
Recording settingsSupported SD Speed Class Ratings 
When [PIXELS / FRAME RATE] is set to 
[3840k 2160/30p] Class 10 or higher of the SD Speed 
Class Rating
When [RECORDING MODE] is set to [SLOW 
MOTION] ( l24) Class 6 or higher of the SD Speed 
Class Rating
Settings other than the above Class 4 or higher of the SD Speed 
Class Rating
≥ Please check the latest information on the support website below.
http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/e_cam/index.html
(This website is in English only.)
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							17(ENG) SQT0251
Inserting/removing a microSD card
Caution:
Check that the access lamp has gone off.
1Slide the LOCK switch to the left to unlock the side cover and slide the side 
cover downward to open it and then insert (remove) the microSD card into 
(from) the card slot.
≥Face the terminal side  D upward and press it straight in as far as it will go.
≥ Press the center of the microSD card and then pull it straight out.
2Close the side cover and slide the LOCK switch to the right to lock it.≥Close the side cover and slide it upward and then lock it.
≥ Securely lock it until it clicks.
When using a microSD card not from Panasonic, or one previously used on other equipment, for 
the first time on this unit, format the microSD card. (
l19) When the microSD card is formatted, 
all of the recorded data is deleted. Once the data is deleted, it cannot be restored.
AAccess lamp
≥ When this unit is accessing the 
microSD card (such as 
recognition, recording, playback 
and deletion), the access lamp 
lights up.
B LOCK switch
C Unlocked when the red 
indicator is visible




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							18SQT0251 (ENG)
Press the power button to turn on this unit.
The clock is not set at the time of purchase. Make sure to set the clock.
1Press the joystick to select the menu. (l19)
2Move the joystick right or left to select the date to be set, then move the 
joystick up or down to select the desired value.
≥Press the joystick or recording start/stop button to enter the selection.
≥ The year can be set between 2000 and 2039.
3Move the joystick right or left to select the time to be set, then move the 
joystick up or down to select the desired value.
≥Press the joystick to enter the selection.
4Press the recording start/stop button to complete the setting.
≥When the unit is turned on for the first time, a message asking you to set the date and time will 
appear. Select [YES] and perform Steps 2 to 3 to set the date and time.
Preparation
Turning this unit on/off
The power lamp is turned on.To turn off this unitHold down the power button until the power 
lamp goes off.
Preparation
Setting date and time
[SETUP]  # [CLOCK SET]
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							19(ENG) SQT0251
1Press the joystick.
2Select the top menu A, 
then press the joystick.
3Select the submenu B, then press 
the joystick.
4Select the desired item, 
then press the joystick 
to enter the selection. To get back to the previous screen
Move the joystick left.
To exit the menu screenPress the recording start/stop button.
Language selection
Formatting
Preparation
Using the menu screen
RECORD SETUPEXIT

RECORD SETUPRECORDING MODE
PIXELS / FRAME RATE
ANGLE OF VIEW
Delay-Start REC
EXIT

1/3
You can select the language on the screen 
display and the menu screen.
[SETUP] 
# [LANGUAGE]  # 
desired language
Please be aware that if a microSD card is 
formatted, then all the data recorded on the 
microSD card will be erased and cannot be 
restored. Back up important data on a PC, 
etc.
[SETUP]  # [FORMAT MEDIA]  # [YES]
≥ Do not format a microSD card using 
any other equipment such as a PC. The 
card may not be used on this unit.
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							20SQT0251 (ENG)
This unit is designed to record images when attached to the Armband Case and the Head Mount.
Wearing this unit
Wear the main unit and camera unit.
1Insert the main unit so that you can see the 
buttons on it
≥Make sure to insert the main unit all the way in.
2Fasten the main unit with the hook and 
loop fastener.
3Adjust the length of the band.
Basic
Before recording


≥If a feeling of discomfort arises after a long 
period of use, stop the use or adjust the 
size of the Head Mount/Armband Case/
Headband to loosen them a little. Please 
note that the parts may leave marks on 
your face and other body parts after use.
≥ For the direction of the camera, check the 
actual image on the LCD monitor.
A Camera unit
B Main unit
Fastening the main unit using the Armband Case



AHook and loop fastener



B Hard surface of the hook and loop 
fastener
C Hook and loop fastener
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