Panasonic Memory Card Camera Recorder AG-HMC150P Operating Instructions

							
Reference
Menu
Displays
Editing
Playback
Shooting
Preparation
Description of parts
Before use
Operating Instructions
Memory Card Camera-Recorder
Before operating this product, please read the instructions carefully an\
d save this manual for 
future use.
S0808K1088 -M 
D
Printed in Japan VQT1V33
Model No.
 AG-HMC150P
ENGLISH
  
This product is eligible for the AVCCAM 
3 Year Warranty Repair Program. For 
details, see page 5. 
						

							
 
2
indicates safety information.
   
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCKDO NOT OPEN    
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC 
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER TO SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE  PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to
the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR 
SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS 
EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR 
SHOCK HAZARD, KEEP THIS EQUIPMENT 
AWAY FROM ALL LIQUIDS. USE AND 
STORE ONLY IN LOCATIONS WHICH 
ARE NOT EXPOSED TO THE RISK OF 
DRIPPING OR SPLASHING LIQUIDS, AND 
DO NOT PLACE ANY LIQUID CONTAINERS 
ON TOP OF THE EQUIPMENT.
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WARNING: Always keep memory cards or accessories (coin 
battery, microphone holder screws, microphone 
holder adapter, ferrite cores, binders, INPUT terminal 
covers) out of the reach of babies and small children.
CAUTION:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK 
HAZARD AND ANNOYING  INTERFERENCE,  USE 
THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
CAUTION:Do not jar, swing, or shake the unit by its handle while 
the conversion lens or another accessory is attached.
Due to the added weight of the conversion lens, any 
strong jolt to the handle may damage the unit or 
result in personal injury.
CAUTION:THE MAINS PLUG OF THE POWER SUPPLY 
CORD SHALL REMAIN READILY OPERABLE.
THE AC RECEPTACLE (MAINS SOCKET OUTLET) 
SHALL BE INSTALLED NEAR THE EQUIPMENT 
AND SHALL BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE.
TO COMPLETELY DISCONNECT THIS EQUIPMENT 
FROM THE AC MAINS, DISCONNECT THE POWER 
CORD PLUG FROM THE AC RECEPTACLE.
CAUTION:Danger of explosion or fire if battery is mistreated.For Battery Pack
Replace only with same or specified type.
Do not disassemble or dispose of in fire.
Do not store in temperatures over 60°C (140°F).Do not leave the battery in an automobile 
exposed to direct sunlight for a long period 
of time with doors and windows closed.
Use specified charger.
For Battery of Remote Controller Replace battery with part No. CR2025 only.
Do not recharge the battery.
Do not disassemble or dispose of in fire.
Do not store in temperatures over 60°C (140°F).
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Camera-Recorder
The rating plate is on the underside of the viewfinder.AC Adapter
The rating plate is on the underside of the AC 
Adapter. Disconnect the AC mains plug from 
the AC mains socket when not in use.
CAUTION:In order to maintain adequate ventilation, do 
not install or place this unit in a bookcase, 
built-in cabinet or any other confined space. 
To prevent risk of electric shock or fire hazard 
due to overheating, ensure that curtains and any 
other materials do not obstruct the ventilation.
CAUTION:Do not lift the unit by its handle while the 
tripod is 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.
CAUTION:EXCESSIVE SOUND PRESSURE FROM 
EARPHONES AND HEADPHONES CAN 
CAUSE HEARING LOSS.
CAUTION:Do not leave the unit in direct contact with the 
skin for long periods of time when in use. 
Low temperature burn injuries may be suffered 
if the high temperature parts of this unit are 
in direct contact with the skin for long periods 
of time. When using the equipment for long 
periods of time, make use of the tripod.
Read this first! 
						

							
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IMPORTANT“Unauthorized recording of copyrighted television programs, video tap\
es and other materials may infringe the 
right of copyright owners and be contrary to copyright laws.”
FCC NOTICE (USA)Declaration of Conformity
Model Number:    AG-HMC150P
Trade Name:    PANASONIC
Responsible Party:    Panasonic Corporation of North America One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 
07094
Support contact:   Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Company 1-800-524-1448
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device mu\
st accept any interference 
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
To assure continued compliance, follow the attached installation instruct\
ions and do not make any 
unauthorized modifications.
CAUTION: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 accorda\
nce 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 e\
quipment does cause harmful 
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined b\
y turning the equipment off 
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one\
 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.
The user may find the booklet “Something About Interference”
available from FCC local regional offices helpful.
FCC Warning:To assure continued FCC emission limit compliance, follow the attached in\
stallation instructions and 
the user must use only shielded interface cables when connecting to host\
 computer or peripheral 
devices. Also any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment could v\
oid the users 
authority to operate this device. •
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NOTIFICATION (Canada)
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numéique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-0\
03 du Canada.
indicates safety information.
For USA-California Only 
This product contains a CR Coin Cell Lithium Battery which contains Perc\
hlorate Material – special 
handling may apply.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
A lithium ion/polymer battery that is recyclable powers the product you h\
ave purchased.
Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information on how to recycle this battery. 
						

							
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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 ma\
nufacturer’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 p\
lugs, 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 th\
e 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 pe\
riods of time.
14)   Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is require\
d 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 apparat\
us, the apparatus has been 
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. 
						

							
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Recommendation for Use of Genuine Panasonic Battery (Rechargeable Batte\
ry)
Thank you for using a Panasonic product.
It has been found that counterfeit battery packs which look very similar\
 to the genuine product are 
made available to purchase in some markets. Some of these battery packs \
are not adequately 
protected with internal protection to meet the requirements of appropria\
te safety standards. There is 
a possibility that these battery packs may lead to fire or explosion. Pl\
ease be advised that we are not 
liable for any accident or failure occurring as a result of use of a cou\
nterfeit battery pack. To ensure that 
safe products are used we would recommend that a genuine Panasonic batte\
ry pack is used.Be aware that many batteries sold at extremely cheap prices or in situat\
ions where it is difficult to 
verify the actual products before purchase have proven to be counterfeit\
.
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Batteries that may be used with this product (Correct as of August 2008)
   Panasonic VW-VBG260 and VW-VBG6 batteries may be used with this product. 
   The VW-VBG260 and VW-VBG6 batteries contain a function to enable verification as to whether \
they 
may be safely used with this product.
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*1: Please note that this extended warranty is not available in some cou\
ntries/regions.  *2: Not all models eligible for extend ed warranty coverage.
*3: The basic warranty period may vary depending on the country/region. \
 *4: Not all repair work is covered by this extended wa rranty.
Purchase
AVCCAM product Register online 
within 1 month“Registration Notice”  e-mail sent
Details about user registration and the extended warranty: http://panasonic.biz/sav/pass_e
Free 3 years of  Warranty Repairs
Customers who register as users on the website will receive an extended \
warranty repair valid for up to 
three years. 
AVCCAM 3 Year Warranty Repair Program *1
Thank you for purchasing this Panasonic AVCCAM device.
Register as a user for this device to receive a special service warranty\
 up to three years of free warranty repairs.
Make sure to save the “Registration Notice” e-mail 
during the warranty period.
Please note, this is a site that is not maintained by Panasonic Canada I\
nc. The Panasonic Canada Inc. privacy policy does not a pply and is not applicable in relation to any 
information submitted. This link is provided to you for convenience.
1st year 2nd year 3rd year
AVCCAM device*2Basic warranty*3Extended warranty repair*4 
						

							
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Contents
Read this first! ................................................ 2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ......... 4
Recommendation for Use of Genuine Panasonic Battery 
(Rechargeable Battery) .......................... 5
Outline of operations ..................................... 8
Please read before use .................................. 9
SD Memory Cards compatible with this product ..... 9 (SD speed class 4) ........................ 10
Before use
Precaution for use ........................................ 11
Accessories .................................................. 14
Optional accessories ................................... 14
Description of parts
Description of parts  ...................................... 15Right side and rear side .................................. 15
Left side ........................................................... 16
Terminals and mounting parts ......................... 17
Remote control ................................................ 18
Preparation
Recharging the battery ................................ 18Recharging ...................................................... 18Power sources .............................................. 20Using the battery ............................................. 20
Using the AC adapter ...................................... 20
Adjusting the hand strap ............................. 21
Attaching the shoulder strap  ....................... 21
Detaching and attaching the lens hood ..... 21
The remote control ....................................... 22
Insert the battery ............................................. 22
Remote control usable range .......................... 22
Turn on/off the camera ................................. 22
Standby mode ............................................... 23
Tally lamp ...................................................... 23
Viewfinder ..................................................... 24
Using the viewfinder ........................................ 24
Using the LCD ................................................. 25
Emphasizing outlines ...................................... 25
Adjusting the screen display ............................ 26
Changing backlight brightness ........................ 27
Reversing image display ................................. 27
Setting the calendar ..................................... 28
Shooting
Basic shooting operations .......................... 30Preparing for recording .................................... 30
Shooting in auto mode .................................... 30
Checking photos taken (REC CHECK) ........... 31
SD Memory Card access lamp ........................ 31
Formatting SD Memory Cards ......................... 32
SD Memory Card recording times ................... 32 Removing SD Memory Card ........................... 33
Protecting SD Memory Cards .......................... 33
Repairing SD Memory Cards .......................... 33
Using the zoom function 
.............................. 34Digital zoom function ....................................... 34Shooting in progressive mode .................... 35
Shooting in manual mode  ............................ 36
Switching to manual mode  ............................. 36
Manual focusing  ............................................. 36
Using focus assist ........................................... 37
Iris adjustments ............................................... 37
Adjusting the gain ............................................ 38
Light intensity adjustments .............................. 38
Adjusting the white balance ............................. 38
Shooting techniques for different targets .. 41Low angle recording ........................................ 41
Self-portrait shooting  ...................................... 41
Zebra pattern  .................................................. 41
Marker ............................................................. 42
Checking and displaying shooting status ........ 42
PRE REC ........................................................ 42
Optical Image Stabilizer .................................. 43
Adding effects to images ................................. 43
Using the USER buttons  ................................ 43
Backlight compensation .................................. 43
Color bars ........................................................ 43
Wave form monitor function ............................. 44
Adjusting the volume while shooting ............... 44
Shot mark function .......................................... 45
Index recording ................................................ 45
Time stamp function ........................................ 45
LAST CLIP function ......................................... 45
Adjusting the shutter speed ........................ 46Synchro scan ................................................... 47Switching Audio Input .................................. 48Using the built-in microphone .......................... 48
Using an external microphone and audio  equipment  .................................................... 48
Adjusting the recording level ........................... 49
Using scene files .......................................... 50Changing scene file settings ........................... 50Saving scene files and other settings on SD  Memory Cards ........................................ 52
Clip metadata ................................................ 53
Uploading the metadata (META DATA) ........... 54
Selecting the USER CLIP NAME 
recording method ........................................ 54
Using the Counter ........................................ 55Counter display ............................................... 55
TC preset mode ............................................... 55
Charging the built-in battery/ Setting the time code ........................... 56
Recharging the built-in battery ........................ 56
Setting the time code ....................................... 56
Specifying the time code (TC PRESET) .......... 56
Setting user information .................................. 58 
						

							
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Playback
Basic playback operations .......................... 59
Thumbnail screen ......................................... 60
Basic thumbnail screen operations ................. 60
Adding shot marks to clips .............................. 62
Direct shooting functions ................................. 62
Playback settings (PLAY SETUP)................ 63Set playback format (PB FORMAT)................. 63
Repeat playback (REPEAT PLAY) .................. 63
Resume playback (RESUME PLAY) ............... 64
Set skip method (SKIP MODE) ....................... 64
Thumbnail operations .................................. 65Selecting the thumbnail display method (THUMBNAIL SETUP) ................................ 65
Deleting and protecting clips (OPERATION) ... 66
Format card and check clip and  card information (CARD FUNCTIONS) ....... 67
Useful playback functions ........................... 69Fast forward/rewind ......................................... 69
Next/previous clip ............................................ 69
Frame-by-frame playback ............................... 70
Adjust volume .................................................. 70
Viewing images on a television ....................... 70
Checking the date and time  ............................. 70
Editing
Connecting external units ........................... 71Headphones .................................................... 71
External microphone ....................................... 71
Computer (non-linear editing/file transfer) ....... 72
Video deck (Dubbing) ...................................... 72
TV/Monitor ....................................................... 73
Nonlinear editing (PC mode) ....................... 75
Displays
Screen displays ............................................ 76Regular displays .............................................. 76
Main warning displays ..................................... 79
Setting the DISPLAY items .............................. 81
Menu
Using the setup menus ................................ 82Using the menus ............................................. 82
Initializing the menu settings ........................... 83
Setup menu structure .................................. 84Camera mode menu ........................................ 84
Playback mode menu ...................................... 85
Setup menu list ............................................. 86SCENE FILE screen ........................................ 86
SW MODE screen ........................................... 88
AUTO SW screen ............................................ 90
RECORDING SETUP screen .......................... 91
TC/UB SETUP screen ..................................... 92
AV OUT SETUP screen ................................... 93
DISPLAY SETUP screen ................................. 94
CARD FUNCTIONS screen ............................ 96
USER FILE screen .......................................... 96
META DATA screen ......................................... 96
PLAY SETUP screen ....................................... 97
THUMBNAIL SETUP screen ........................... 97
OPERATION screen ........................................ 98
OTHER FUNCTIONS screen .......................... 98
Reference
Before calling for service........................... 100
Operating precautions ............................... 104
Updating the driver in the camera ............ 106
Cleaning ...................................................... 106
Storage Precautions................................... 107
Recording format ........................................ 108
How to handle data recorded on  SD Memory Card ................................. 109
Specifications ............................................. 110 
						

							
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Outline of operations
This camera-recorder is compatible with the AVCHD standard, and uses low-cost and easily-available 
SD/SDHC Memory Cards as recording media.
The unit enables high-quality picture recording of close to broadcasting\
 standard, as well as highly creative 
video production.
SD/SDHC Memory Card
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Images can be recorded in HD 
(high definition).
Please see page 109 for details on 
the handling of recorded data.
A set number of user files can be 
recorded to and read from the SD 
Memory Card. (Page 52)
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Computer
Send data (files) to your computer 
for non-linear editing, etc.
2PC mode
(Page 75)
USB2.0
Recording to and 
playback from SD/SDHC 
Memory Cards
(Pages 30, 59)
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SD/SDHC 
Memory Card
Television/Video device/Monitor
    
HDMI cable
Video cable
Component video 
cable 
						

							
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Please read before use
SD Memory Cards compatible with this product
It is recommended that you use SD Memory Cards or SDHC Memory Cards∗
 of SD speed class 2 or 
above, or the following Panasonic SD Memory Cards (correct as of August 2008).
∗  Speed class 4 or above is required for recording in PH mode or HA mode.
Card type Recording capacity Recording/playbackSaving/reading of scene files and 
user files, reading of metadata
SD Memory  Card 8 MB
16 MB Cannot be used.
Can be used.
32 MB
64 MB
128 MB
256 MB Successful operation cannot be 
guaranteed. Recording may be 
suddenly terminated with certain 
SD Memory Cards.
512 MB RP-SDV512
1 GB RP-SDV01G
RP-SDM01G
2 GB RP-SDV02G
RP-SDM02G
SDHC Memory  Card 4 GB
RP-SDV04G
RP-SDM04G
6 GB RP-SDM06G
8 GB RP-SDV08G
RP-SDM08G
12 GB RP-SDM12G
16 GB RP-SDV16G
RP-SDM16G
AG-SDV016G
32 GB RP-SDV32G
AG-SDV032G
Please see our support page at the following website for the latest info\
rmation not included in these 
operating instructions.
https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/ 
This product is compatible with SD Memory Cards formatted under the SD-s\
tandard FAT12 and FAT16 
formats, and with SDHC Memory Cards formatted under the FAT32 format.
Only SDHC Memory Cards may be used for capacities of 4 GB or greater.
4 GB (or greater) memory cards without the SDHC logo are not based on \
the SD standard.
Use this product to format the SD Memory Cards to be used. Formatting me\
mory cards on computers 
or other devices may cause recording to take longer than normal, or may \
cause cards to become 
incompatible with this product. (Page 32) (Use this product to reform\
at any cards that have already been 
formatted on computers, etc.)
Always install the relevant special adapter when using miniSD/miniSDHC c\
ards with this product. (The 
product will not operate correctly if only the adapter is inserted – \
always insert a memory card into the 
adapter first.)
MultiMediaCards cannot be used with this product.
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(Continued on the next page) 
						

							
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This product (SDHC-compatible device) is compatible both with SD Memor\
y Cards and with 
SDHC Memory Cards. SDHC Memory Cards may be used with SDHC Memory Card-c\
ompatible 
devices, but cannot be used with devices that are only compatible with S\
D Memory Cards. 
(Always check the relevant product’s operating instructions when using SDHC Memory Cards 
with other devices.)
SDHC-compatible device
SDHC Memory Card SD Memory Card SDHC Memory Card SD Memory Card
Can be used Can be usedCannot be usedCan be used
SD-compatible device
 (SD speed class 4)
This refers to a class 4 speed standard (SD speed class) for the conti\
nuous writing of data between SD-
compatible devices and SD Memory Cards, as designated by the SD standard\
s.
When the use of an SD speed class 4 card is recommended for SD-compatibl\
e products, this indicates 
that stable recording operation can be achieved when using SD Memory Car\
ds of class 4 and above.
Cautions for usage Do not allow dirt, water, or other substances to come into contact with the connector part on th\
e 
reverse of the card.
Do not leave the card in the following places:
  – In direct sunlight or in places of high humidity, e.g. close to heating equipment
  – In highly humid or dusty locations
  – In locations with high variations in temperature (condensation may\
 appear on card)
  – In places subject to static electricity or electromagnetic waves Store cards in bags or cases after use.
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Please read before use (continued)