Panasonic Hx A500 Owners Manual

							Owner’s Manual
Wearable Camera
Model No.HX-A500
Please read these instructions carefully before using this product, and save this manual for 
future use.
SQW0001
until 
2014/5/12
Register online at www.panasonic.com/register (U.S. customers only) 
						

							- 2 -
Preparation
(Important) About the Waterproof/
Dustproof ........................................................ 4
Read this first ................................................. 7
What you can do with this unit ..................... 9
Names and Functions of Main Parts .......... 10
Power supply................................................ 11Charging the battery ..............................  11
Charging and recording time .................  12
Recording to a card ..................................... 14 Cards that you can use with this unit .....  14
Inserting/removing a microSD card .......  15
Turning this unit on/off ................................ 16 About overheat detection.......................  16
Setting date and time................................... 17
Using the menu screen ............................... 18
Using the Setup Menu ................................. 19
Recording
Before recording .......................................... 22 Wearing this unit ....................................  22
Recording ..................................................... 27
Changing the Recording Mode ................... 30
Recording functions of menus ................... 32
Playback
Playback using a smartphone .................... 37
Using playback functions on 
a smartphone ............................................... 38
Playing back on a TV ................................... 39
Playing back on a PC................................... 39
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi® function .............................................40
Using Wi-Fi modes .......................................42 Changing the Wi-Fi mode ......................  42
Remote operation......................................... 43 Preparations before using 
remote operation ....................................  44
Using remote operation with 
a direct connection 
([Smartphone Direct Connect]) ..............  44
Using remote operation with 
a wireless access point connection 
([Wireless Network Mode]).....................  46
Screen display during 
remote operations ..................................  47
Live broadcasting ........................................48 Preparations before broadcasting live ...  49
Broadcasting live....................................  50
Playback on a DLNA-compatible TV........... 54 Preparations before using 
Playback on a DLNA-compatible TV......  54
Playing back on 
a DLNA-compatible TV ..........................  55
Install the “Image App”................................ 56
Setting Up a Wi-Fi Connection.................... 57 Setting up a direct connection to 
a smartphone .........................................  57
Setting up with [Wi-Fi Easy Setup].........  58
Connecting to a wireless access point ...  59
How to Use the [Wi-Fi SETUP] Menu .......... 66
Contents 
						

							- 3 -
With a PC
What you can do with a PC ......................... 71
Card reader function (mass storage) ......... 72Operating environment ..........................  72
Copying motion/still pictures on PC .......  73
About the PC display .............................  74
Using the HD Writer WE 2.0 
(Windows only) ............................................ 75 The feature of HD Writer WE 2.0 ...........  75
Before Installing HD Writer WE 2.0 .......  76
Operating environment for 
HD Writer WE 2.0 ..................................  77
Installation .............................................  78
Starting HD Writer WE 2.0 .....................  79
Others
Indications .................................................... 80
Messages ...................................................... 82About recovery ......................................  82
Troubleshooting ........................................... 83
Cautions for use........................................... 86
Approximate recordable time ..................... 89
Approximate number of recordable 
pictures ......................................................... 90
Optional accessories ................................... 91
Requests when disposing of this unit ....... 92
About copyright ........................................... 94 
						

							- 4 -
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 leakage.
≥ 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. * 
						

							- 5 -
∫
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.

 
						

							- 6 -
≥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  oF 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 recommended to clean the camera indoors, avoiding places where water spray or sand may fall.Do not leave this unit uncared for longer 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. 
						

							- 7 -
∫
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 rights
Be 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. ( l9)
≥ For information about the installation of the “Image App”, refer to page  56.
∫ About the clock setting
Make sure to set date and time before recording. ( l17)
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. 
						

							- 8 -
∫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
≥ Smartphone operations are described as follows:
∫ Cards that you can use with this unit
microSD Memory Card and microSDHC Memory Card Ta p
Touch the screen lightly and 
release your finger.
Drag
Move your finger while still 
touching the screen.
Ta p  a n d  H o l d
Touch and hold the screen.
(1 second or longer) Drag and Drop
Move your finger while still 
touching the screen, and 
release the finger. 
						

							- 9 -
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 ( l27)
≥ Menu settings ( l18, 19 , 32 , 66 )
Wi-Fi Connection with a smartphone
≥ Playback ( l37)
≥ Deletion/Copy ( l37, 38 )
≥ Remote operation ( l43)
Wi-Fi Connection with a wireless access point
Live broadcasting
Using the “LUMIX CLUB” and USTREAM services, you can 
broadcast live motion pictures. ( l48)
Playback on DLNA-compatible devices
You can play back the contents stored in this unit on the DLNA-
compatible TV. ( l54)
A DLNA-compatible devices
XXXXXXXXX
1080/30p

Image App
USTREAM
LUMIX CLUB 
						

							- 10 -
1LCD monitor
2 Power lamp ( l13, 16 )
3 Power button [ ] ( l16)
4 Wi-Fi Transmitter
5 Access lamp ( l15)
6 Joystick
Use the joystick to operate the menu screen or 
to use a Wi-Fi mode. Move the joystick up, 
down, left or right, and then press the joystick to 
set an item. jUsing the menu screen ( l18)
j Using Wi-Fi modes ( l42)
j Displaying the information screen ( l28)
j Checking the motion picture/still picture 
you have recorded (Rec Review) ( l29)
j Using the lock function ( l29)
7 Recording start/stop button ( l27)
8 NFC touch area [ ] ( l44, 46 )
9 Speaker
10 Camera ( l24)
11 Lens ( l5)
12 Mic
13 Camera/main unit connection cable
≥ This cable is not removable. 14
USB terminal [ ] ( l11)
15 Reset button [RESET]
≥ If this unit fails to operate correctly, such as 
when this unit cannot be turned on/off, press 
the reset button by using a paper clip or a 
similar object.
16 Card slot ( l15)
17 LOCK switch (
l5, 11 , 15 )
18 S
i

de cover (l 5, 11 , 15 )
Preparation
Names and Functions of Main Parts
6
4
13
25
710
12 13
9
11
18
17
14 15 16
8
Main unit
Camera 
unit