Panasonic Memory Card Camera Recorder AG-AC8P Operating Instructions

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Major confirmation/error messages to be indicated on the screen in text.
About recovery
If faulty management information is found, the messages may appear and a repair is performed. 
(Repairing may take time depending on the error.)
≥   is displayed when abnormal management information is detected when the scenes are 
displayed in thumbnail.
∫ AVCCAM Restorer
Restoration can be performed using AVCCAM Restorer.
It can be downloaded from the website. See the following web site and click the Service and 
Support tab.
http://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/
≥ For details on usage, please read the AVCCAM Restorer Operating Instructions (PDF file).
≥Use a sufficiently charged battery or the AC adaptor.
≥ Depending on the condition of the data, it may not be possible to completely repair the data.
≥ If recovery fails, it will not be possible to play back scenes recorded before the unit turned off.
≥ When data recorded on another device is recovered, it may not be possible to play back the data 
on this unit or the other device.
≥ If recovery fails, turn the unit off and on again after waiting awhile. If recovery fails repeatedly, 
format a media on the unit. Please be aware that if a media is formatted, then all the data 
recorded on the media will be erased.
≥ If the thumbnail information is recovered, displaying the thumbnails may become slower.
Others
Messages
CHECK CARD.
This card is not compatible or it cannot be recognized by the unit.
If this message appears even though motion pictures and still pictures are recorded on an SD 
card, the card may be unstable. Reinsert the SD card, then turn the unit off and then on again.
THIS EXTERNAL DRIVE CANNOT BE USED./
PLEASE CHECK THE EXTERNAL DRIVE.
The external drive that this unit cannot recognize is connected. Check if the external drive can 
be connected and used with this unit and try to reconnect. ( l75)
INVALID/CANNOT SET.
Since there is a condition to use the function, it is required to cancel/change other settings. 
						

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∫
It is not a malfunction in following cases
Others
Troubleshooting
A clicking sound is heard 
when the unit is shaken. ≥
This is the sound of the lens moving and is not a defect.
This sound will no longer be heard when the unit is turned on 
and change the mode to   or  .
Object seems to be 
warped. ≥
Object seems to be warped slightly when the object moves 
across the image very fast, but this is because the unit is 
using MOS for the image sensor. This is not a malfunction.
The lens or LCD monitor 
fog up. ≥
This is due to condensation. It is not a malfunction. Please 
refer to page  2.
Power
ProblemCheck points
This unit cannot be turned 
on.
This unit does not stay on 
long enough.
Battery runs down quickly. ≥
Charge the battery again to ensure it is sufficiently charged. 
(l 13)
≥ In cold places, the battery using time becomes shorter.
≥ The battery has a limited life. If the operating time is still too 
short even after the battery is fully charged, the battery has 
worn out and needs to be replaced.
This unit cannot be 
operated though it is 
turned on.
This unit does not operate 
normally. ≥
Remove the battery or AC adaptor, wait about 1 minute and 
then reconnect the battery or AC adaptor. Then about 1 
minute later, turn on the unit again. (Conducting the above 
operation while the media is being accessed may damage the 
data on the media.)
≥ If normal operation is still not restored, detach the power 
connected, and consult the dealer who you purchased this 
unit from.
“ERROR OCCURRED. 
PLEASE TURN UNIT OFF, 
THEN TURN ON AGAIN.” 
is displayed. ≥
The unit has automatically detected an error. Restart the unit 
by turning the unit off and on.
≥ The unit will be turned off in about 1 minute if the unit is not 
turned off and on.
≥ Repair is needed if it is repeatedly displayed even if it is 
restarted. Detach the power connected, and consult the 
dealer who you purchased this unit from. Do not attempt to 
repair the unit by yourself.
Indication
ProblemCheck points
Function display 
(Remaining Display, 
Counter Display, etc.) is 
not displayed ≥
[MEDIA & BATTERY] or [OTHER DISPLAY] of the 
[SW & DISP SETUP] is [OFF]. ( l98) 
						

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Recording
ProblemCheck points
The unit arbitrarily stops 
recording. ≥
Use an SD card that can be used for motion picture recording. 
(l 16)
≥ The recordable time may have shortened due to the 
deterioration of the data writing speed or repeated recording 
and deletion. Using the unit, format the SD card. ( l101 )
Auto Focus function does 
not work. ≥
Switch to Intelligent Auto Mode or Intelligent Auto Plus Mode.
≥ If you are trying to record a scene which is hard to bring into 
focus in Auto Focus Mode, use the Manual Focus Mode to 
adjust the focus. ( l31, 42 )
Color balance of images is 
strange when recording in 
a place such as a 
gymnasium. ≥
In a place with multiple light sources, such as a gymnasium or 
a hall, set the White Balance setting to   (Indoor mode 2). 
If you cannot record clearly with the   (Indoor mode 2), set 
it to   (Manual adjustment mode). ( l40)
Color or brightness of the 
image changes, or you 
may see horizontal bars in 
the image.
The LCD monitor flickers 
indoors. ≥
Color or brightness of the image may change, or you may see 
horizontal bars in the image when the object is recorded 
under fluorescent light, mercury light or sodium light, etc., but 
this is not a malfunction.
≥ In Motion Picture Recording Mode, record in Intelligent Auto 
Mode or set the shutter speed to 1/60 in areas where the 
power supply frequency is 60 Hz, or 1/100 in areas of 50 Hz.
≥ In Still Picture Recording Mode, this will not affect the 
recorded image. 
						

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Playback
ProblemCheck points
Scenes/still pictures 
cannot be played back. ≥
Any scenes/still pictures where the thumbnails are displayed 
as   cannot be played back.
Scenes cannot be deleted. ≥Release the protect setting. (l 71)
≥ Any scenes/still pictures where the thumbnails are displayed 
as   cannot be deleted. If the scenes/still pictures are 
unnecessary, format the media to erase the data. ( l101 ) 
Please be aware that if a media is formatted then all the data 
recorded on the media is erased and cannot be recovered. 
Back up important data on a PC, disc etc.
With other products
ProblemCheck points
Although this unit is 
correctly connected to a 
TV, images or sounds 
cannot be seen.
The images are squeezed 
horizontally. ≥
Please read the operating instructions of your TV and select 
the channel that matches the input used for the connection.
≥ Change the [TV ASPECT] setting to match the aspect ratio of 
the TV. ( l73)
≥ The audio during playback mode is not output from this unit 
when connected to a TV. Sound levels cannot be adjusted 
using this unit, so adjust the sound on the TV.
If the SD card is inserted in 
another device, it is not 
recognized. ≥
Check that the device is compatible with the capacity or type 
of SD card (SD Memory Card/SDHC Memory Card/SDXC 
Memory Card) that you inserted. Refer to the operating 
instructions of the device for details.
When connected by the 
USB cable, this unit is not 
detected by the other 
devices. ≥
When connected to other devices using only the battery, 
reconnect using the AC adaptor.
Cannot copy scenes on 
the SD card by connecting 
to other equipment with 
the USB cable. ≥
Other equipment might have not recognized the SD card. 
Unplug the USB cable once, and reconnect it. 
						

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∫
If AVCHD scenes do not change smoothly when played back on 
another device
The images may be still for several seconds at the joins between the scenes if the following 
operations are performed when multiple scenes have been continuously played back using another 
unit.
≥Just how smoothly the scenes will be played back depends on the playback unit. Depending on 
the unit used, the images may stop moving and become still for a moment even when none of the 
following conditions are applicable.
≥ A continuous recording of motion picture data that exceeds 4 GB may momentarily stop at every 
4 GB of data when played back with another device.
With a PC
ProblemCheck points
When connected by the 
USB cable, this unit is not 
detected by the PC. ≥
After re-inserting the SD card into the unit, reconnect the 
supplied USB cable.
≥ Select another USB terminal on the PC.
≥ Check the operating environment. ( l85, 86 )
≥ Connect the supplied USB cable again after restarting the PC 
and turning on this unit again.
When the USB cable is 
disconnected, an error 
message will appear on 
the PC. ≥
To disconnect the USB cable safely, double-click the   
icon in the task tray and follow the instructions on the screen.
Others
ProblemCheck points
If the SD card is inserted in 
this unit, it is not 
recognized. ≥
If the SD card is formatted on a PC, it may not be recognized 
by this unit. Use this unit to format SD cards. ( l25)
Principal reasons for not playing back smoothly
≥ When [REC FORMAT] is changed
≥ When the scenes were recorded on different dates
≥ When scenes lasting under 3 seconds have been recorded
≥ When PRE-REC was used for recording
≥ When the Time Lapse Recording is used
≥ When deleting scenes
≥ When scenes recorded more than 99 scenes on the same date 
						

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To check the latest information on the firmware and update methods, see the following web site and 
click the Service and Support tab.
http://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/
Others
Updating the firmware incorporated 
into the unit 
						

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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, turn this unit off and 
remove the battery or disconnect AC adaptor. 
Then reinsert the battery or reconnect AC 
adaptor and turn this unit on.
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.
Make sure to use the supplied cords and 
cables. If you use optional accessories, use 
the cords and the cables supplied with 
them.
Do not extend the cords and the cables.
Do not spray insecticides or volatile 
chemicals onto the unit.
≥ If the unit is sprayed with such chemicals, its 
body may be marred and the surface finish 
may peel off.
≥ Do not leave rubber or plastic products in 
contact with the unit for a long time. When you use the unit in a sandy or dusty 
place such as a beach, do not let sand or 
fine dust get into the body and terminals of 
the unit.
Also, keep the unit away from sea water.
≥
Sand or dust may damage the unit. (Care 
should be taken when inserting and removing 
a card.)
≥ If sea water splashes onto the unit, wipe off 
the water with a well wrung cloth. Then wipe 
the unit again with a dry cloth.
When carrying the unit, do not drop or bump it.≥A strong impact can break the unit’s casing, 
causing it to malfunction.
≥ When carrying this unit, please hold the hand 
strap or shoulder strap firmly and treat it with 
care.
Cleaning
≥ Before cleaning, detach the battery or pull the 
AC cable from the AC outlet, and then wipe 
the unit with a soft, dry cloth.
≥ If the unit is very dirty, dip a cloth in water and 
squeeze firmly, and then wipe the unit with 
the damp cloth. Next, dry the unit with a 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.
≥ When using a chemical dust cloth, follow the 
instructions that came with the cloth.
Do not use the unit for surveillance 
purposes or other business uses.
≥ This unit was designed for consumer 
intermittent use. It was not intended for 
continuous use, or for any industrial or 
commercial application resulting in prolonged 
use.
≥ In certain situations, continuous use could 
cause the unit to overheat and cause a 
malfunction. Such use is strongly 
discouraged.
When you are not going to use the unit for 
an extended time
Others
Cautions for use
About this unit
The unit and the SD card become warm 
during use. This is not a malfunction. 
						

							- 118 -
≥When storing the unit in a cupboard or 
cabinet, it is recommended that you place a 
desiccant (silica gel) in with it.
Do not lift up this unit by the handle with the 
tripod still attached
≥ When the tripod is attached, its weight will 
also affect the unit’s handle, possibly causing 
the handle to break and hurting the user.
≥ To carry the unit while the tripod is attached, 
take hold of the tripod.
Do not swing the unit around, shake it by, or 
allow it hang from the handle
≥ Do not jar, swing, or shake the unit by its 
handle. Any strong jolt to the handle may 
damage the unit or result in personal injury.
Do not allow the cord to drag on the ground 
or pull a connected cord along the passage
≥
The cord will be damaged, causing fire or 
electrical shock, when the cord gets caught by 
the feet, excite will also cause personal injury.
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. In cold 
areas, the full charge indication may not appear 
or the low battery indication may appear about 
5 minutes after starting use. At high 
temperatures, the protection function may be 
triggered, making it impossible to use the unit.
Be sure to detach the battery after use.
≥ If the battery is left attached, a minute amount 
of current continues to flow even if the unit is 
off. Keeping the unit in this state may result in 
over discharge of the battery. This may result 
in you not being able to use the battery even 
after it is charged.
≥ The battery should be stored in the vinyl bag 
so metal does not come into contact with the 
terminals.
≥ The battery should be stored in a cool place 
free from humidity, with as constant 
temperature as possible. (Recommended 
temperature: 15 oC to 25 oC (59  oF to 77  oF), 
Recommended humidity: 40%RH to 60%RH)
≥ Extremely high temperatures or low 
temperatures will shorten the life of the 
battery.
≥ If the battery is kept in high-temperature, 
high-humidity, or oily-smoky places, the 
terminals may rust and cause malfunctions.
≥ To store the battery for a long period of time, 
we recommend you charge it once every year 
and store it again after you have completely 
used up the charged capacity.
≥ Dust and other matter attached to the battery 
terminals should be removed.
Prepare spare batteries when going out for 
recording.
≥ Prepare batteries enough to last for 3 to 4 
times the period you are planning to record 
for. Cold places such as a ski resort can 
shorten recording time.
About the battery 
						

							- 119 -
If you drop the battery accidentally, check to 
see if the terminals are damaged.
≥Inserting a battery with damaged terminals 
can damage the unit.
Do not throw an old battery into fire.
≥ Heating a battery or throwing it into a fire may 
result in an explosion.
If the operating time is very short even after 
the battery has been recharged, the battery 
has worn out. Please purchase a new 
battery.
≥ If the temperature of the battery is extremely 
high or extremely low, charging may take time 
or the battery may not be charged.
≥ If you use the AC adaptor near a radio, radio 
reception may be disturbed. Keep the AC 
adaptor 1 m (3.3 feet) or more away from the 
radio.
≥ When using the AC adaptor, it may generate 
whirring sounds. However, this is normal.
≥ After use, be sure to disconnect the AC 
adaptor. (If it is left connected, a minute 
amount of current is consumed.)
≥ Always keep the electrodes of the AC 
adaptor and battery clean. When the charging lamp is flashing, the 
following should be considered.
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.
≥ Once normal charging starts, the charging 
lamp lights up green. However, depending on 
the conditions of use, even when normal 
charging is taking place, the charging lamp 
may keep flashing in approx. 4 second 
intervals until charging is completed.
Flashing with approx. 0.5 second period (off 
for approx. 0.25 second, on for approx. 
0.25 second):
≥ The battery is not charged. Remove the 
battery from the unit, and try charging again.
≥ Check that the terminals of the unit or battery 
are not dirty or covered with a foreign object, 
and connect the battery correctly once again. 
If a foreign object or dirt is present, turn off 
the unit before removing.
≥ The battery or 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 the 
unit, battery or AC adaptor.
Off:
≥ Charging has finished.
≥ If the status indicator stays off despite the 
charging being unfinished, there may be a 
fault in the unit, battery or AC adaptor. Refer 
to page  11 8 for details on the battery.
About the AC adaptor
About charging lamp during 
charging 
						

							- 120 -
When disposing of or giving away the SD 
card, note that:
≥Formatting and deletion of data on this unit or 
computer only changes the file management 
information and does not completely delete 
the data in the SD card.
≥ It is recommended that the SD card is 
physically destroyed or the SD card is 
physically formatted using this unit when 
disposing of or giving away the SD card.
To physically format the SD card, connect the 
unit via the AC adaptor, select 
[OTHER FUNCTION]  # [FORMAT MEDIA] 
#  [SD CARD 1] or [SD CARD 2] from the 
menu, and then press and hold the recording 
start/stop button or sub recording start/stop 
button on the screen below for about 
3 seconds. When the SD card data deletion 
screen appears, select [YES], and then follow 
the on-screen instructions. ≥
When the LCD screen is dirty or 
condensation has occurred, please wipe it 
using a soft cloth such as eyeglass cleaner.
≥ Do not touch the LCD monitor with your 
fingernails, or rub or press with strong force.
≥ It may become hard to see or hard to 
recognize the touch when the LCD protection 
sheet is affixed.
≥ When the unit has become very cold, for 
example due to storage in a cold area, its 
LCD monitor will be slightly darker than usual 
immediately after the unit is turned on. The 
normal brightness will be restored when the 
unit’s internal temperature rises.
About the SD cardLCD monitor/viewfinder
Extremely high precision technology is 
employed to produce the LCD Monitor 
screen. The result is more than 99.99% 
effective dots with a mere 0.01% of the dots 
inactive or always lit. However, this is not a 
malfunction and does not affect the recorded 
picture.
Extremely high precision technology is 
employed to produce the viewfinder screen. 
The result is more than 99.99% effective 
dots with a mere 0.01% of the dots inactive 
or always lit. However, this is not a 
malfunction and does not affect the recorded 
picture.