Panasonic Memory Card Camera Recorder AG-HMC150P Operating Instructions

							
11
Before use
Precaution for use
Always take some trial shots before actual shooting.When shooting important events (such as weddings), always take some tr\
ial shots and check that the 
sound and images have been recorded properly before actual shooting.
Be sure to check and set the calendar and time zone. These settings affect the control and playback sequence of the recorded contents. Before \
making a 
recording, set and check the calendar and time zone. (Page 28)
Panasonic makes no guarantees for your recordings. Please understand that Panasonic makes no guarantees for your recordings\
 in cases where images and/ 
or sound were not recorded as you intended due to problems with the came\
ra-recorder or SD/SDHC 
Memory Cards.
Respect copyrights Copyright laws forbid the use of video and audio material you have recor\
ded for any purpose other than 
your own personal enjoyment. Remember that restrictions apply to the sho\
oting of certain material even 
if it is intended for private use.
Caution regarding laser beams The CCD may be damaged if it is subjected to light from a laser beam.
When using the camera-recorder in locations where laser irradiation equi\
pment is used, be careful not to 
allow the laser beam to shine directly on the lens.
Media that can be used in this unit SD/SDHC Memory Cards can be used in this unit. For details, refer to pag\
e 9.
Mounting the camera-recorder on a tripod The tripod mounting hole is 5.5 mm deep. Do not force the tripod screw b\
eyond this depth.
You can damage the camera-recorder if you use any screw other than 1/4-20\
UNC.
Attach the tripod to the tripod hole.
For other usage notes, see page 104. •
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The SDHC logo is a trademark.
The miniSD logo is a trademark.
“AVCHD” and the “AVCHD” logo are trademarks 
of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. and 
Sony Corporation.
This product has been manufactured under 
license from Dolby Laboratories. 
Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks 
of Dolby Laboratories.
HDMI, the HDMI logo, and High-Definition 
Multimedia Interface are trademarks or 
registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
LEICA is a registered trademark of Leica 
Microsystems IR GmbH.
DICOMAR is a registered trademark of Leica 
Camera AG.
Microsoft®, Windows®, and Windows Vista® 
are either registered trademarks or trademarks 
of Microsoft Corporation in the United States 
and/or other countries.
Screenshots are used in accordance with 
Microsoft Corporation guidelines.
IBM and PC/AT are registered trademarks of 
International Business Machines Corporation.
Intel® is a registered trademark or a trademark 
of Intel Corporation in the United States and/or 
other countries.
Macintosh® is a trademark of Apple Inc., 
registered in the United States and other 
countries.
Other model names, company names, and 
product names listed in these operating 
instructions are trademarks or registered 
trademarks of their respective companies.
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This product is licensed under the AVC Patent 
Portfolio License for the personal and non-
commercial use of a consumer, and no license 
is granted or shall be implied for any use other 
than the personal uses detailed below.
 –  
To encode video in compliance with the AVC 
standard (“AVC Video”)
 –   To decode AVC Video that was encoded by 
a consumer engaged in a personal and non-
commercial activity
 –   To decode AVC Video that was obtained from a 
video provider licensed to provide AVC Video
•  Additional information may be obtained from 
MPEG LA, LLC (http://www.mpegla.com).
 –   Separate license contracts must be obtained from 
MPEG LA where SD Memory Cards containing 
information recorded with this product are to be 
distributed to end users for commercial purposes. 
“End user” refers to persons or organizations 
handling such contents for personal use.
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About this manualNote concerning illustrations in these instructions
Illustrations (camera-recorder, menu screens, etc.) in these operating instructions differ slightly from the 
actual camera-recorder.
References References are shown as (Page 00).
SD/SDHC Memory Cards Both SD Memory Cards and SDHC Memory Cards as referred to as “SD Memo\
ry Cards” in these 
operating instructions.
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Precaution for use (continued) 
						

							
13
Before use
 

What is AVCHD?    AVCHD is a standard for the recording and playback of highly detailed, hi\
gh-definition video.
    Video is compressed in the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 formats, and audio is recorded in Dolby Digital.
Information regarding compatibility of SDHC Memory Cards and recorded vi\
deo
SDHC Memory CardsSDHC Memory Cards cannot be used with non-SDHC-compatible equipment.
Ensure that all equipment is SDHC-compatible when using card with other \
devices.
(Page 10)
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Compatibility of recorded video
Recorded video cannot be used with non-AVCHD-compatible 
equipment. For details, please see your product’s operating 
instructions.
Recorded video cannot be played back on non-compatible 
(non-AVCHD-compatible) equipment.
Playback may not always be possible on all AVCHD-compatible 
equipment. Please use this product for playback in such 
instances.
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Older, non-AVCHD-compatible 
DVD recorder or DVD player, etc. 
						

							
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Accessories
Battery∗1AC AdapterAC power supply cords/
DC cordWireless remote 
control and battery 
(CR2025)
Eye cupMicrophone holderMicrophone holder 
screws
Length 6-mm (2)
Length 12-mm (2)
Microphone holder 
adapter
Component video 
cablePIN-BNC conversion 
plugs (3)Ferrite core (4) ∗2Binder (4)
Shoulder beltCD-ROMThe following accessories are attached to the unit.
Lens hood cap
INPUT 1/2 terminal 
cover (2)
∗1  For part numbers for the battery, see “Optional accessories”.
∗2  When using a USB connection cable (optional) or HDMI cable (optional)\
, attach the ferrite cores at both 
ends of the cable. (Pages 72, 73)
Please consult a retailer when purchasing additional accessories.
Optional accessories
XLR microphone
 AG-MC200G Battery
  VW-VBG260 (7.2 V, 2640 mAh: equivalent to accessory battery)
  VW-VBG6 (7.2 V, 5800 mAh) •
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Description of parts
Before use
Description of parts
Right side and rear side
PB
35
811
10 12
12
47914
15
16 17
1819
20
22
211323
6
1
2
POWER
ON
OFF
1  POWER switch (Page 22)
2  START/STOP button (Page 30)
3  REC CHECK button (Page 31)
4  Zoom button (Page 34)
5  HANDLE ZOOM switch (Page 34)
6  REC selector switch (Page 41)
7  Handle zoom button (Page 34)
8  Handle START/STOP button (Page 41)
9  Built-in stereo microphone (Page 48)
10  White balance sensor (Page 40)
11  Remote control sensor (Front) (Page 22)
12  Tally lamp (Front) (Page 23)
13  INPUT 1/2 (audio input) switches (Page 48) 14  Viewfinder (Page 24)
15  SD Memory Card slot cover (Page 30)
16  SCENE FILE dial (Page 50)
17  STAND BY button (Page 23)
18  Mode button (Pages 30 and 59)
19  Tally lamp (Rear) (Page 23)
20  Remote control sensor (Rear) (Page 22)
21  Mode lamp (Pages 30 and 59)
22  Battery compartment (Page 20)
23  Battery release button (Page 20) 
						

							
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Description of parts (continued)
Left side
21
AWB
BARSLCD ZEBRA OIS
EVF DTL WFM
CH1 SELECT CH2 SELECTINPUT 1 INPUT 2
SHUTTER
COUNTERRESET/TC SETAUDIO
SPEED SELECT
INT(L)
INPUT1
INPUT2INT(R)
INPUT2ON
MIC POWER +48V
OFFON
OFF
MENU
PUSH-ENTER
AUDIO MON/ADV EXEC
27
26 28 29
31 33 34 35
2223
24
25
16
27
20
111214
1315161817
19
354
303210
8
9
1  Focus ring (Page 36)
2  Zoom ring (Page 34)
If you don’t need the zoom ring pin, fit it into the 
provided pin holder (next page 
4) so that you 
don’t lose it.
3  FOCUS ASSIST button (Page 37)
4  USER buttons (Pages 43 and 88)
5  ZOOM switch (Page 34)
6  Built-in speaker (Page 70)
7  Diopter adjustment dial (Page 24)
8  FOCUS switch (Page 36)
9  PUSH AUTO button (Page 36)
10  AWB button (Page 38)
11  IRIS dial (Page 37)
12  ND FILTER switch (Page 38)
13  IRIS button (Page 37)
14  GAIN switch (Page 38)
15  WHITE BAL switch (Page 38)
16  RING (FOCUS/IRIS) selector switch  (Page 36)
17  DISP/MODE CHK button (Page 42)
18  AUTO/MANUAL switch (Pages 30 and 36) 19  AUDIO control knobs (CH1, CH2) (Page 49)
20  LCD monitor (Page 25)
21  OPEN button (Page 25)
22  MENU button (Page 82)
23  EXEC button (Page 66)
24  Operation lever (Page 82)
25  AUDIO MON/ADV buttons (Pages 44, 70)
26  CH1, CH2 SELECT switches (Page 48)
27  BARS button (Page 43)
28  SHUTTER, SPEED SELECT+/- buttons 
(Page 46)
29  INPUT 1/2 switches (MIC POWER +48 V)  (Page 48)
30  COUNTER - RESET/TC SET buttons  (Page 55)
31  LCD button (Page 27)
32  ZEBRA button (Page 41)
33  EVF DTL button (Page 25)
34  WFM button (Page 44)
35  OIS button (Page 43) 
						

							
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Description of parts
 
Terminals and mounting parts
2910
3
578
6
41
COMPONENT
OUT
CAM REMOTEFOCUS IRISZOOM S/S
USB 2.0
VIDEO OUTTC
PRESET IN/OUTAUDIO OUTCH1 CH2
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14
11 12 13
COMPONENT
OUT
CAM REMOTE
ZOOM S/S
FOCUS IRIS
USB 2.0
1  Security lock hole
The security cable can be attached here.
For details on the connection, refer to the 
instructions supplied to the cable.
The security lock and security cable are 
provided as anti-theft devices. Nevertheless, 
the manufacturer will assume no liability for any 
damage which may be sustained in the event 
of theft.
2 Light shoe
3  Microphone shoe (Page 71)
4  Pin holder (for zoom ring pin)  (previous page 
2)
5  Tripod hole (Page 11)
6  AUDIO OUT CH1/CH2 terminals  (Pages 72 and 73)
7  VIDEO OUT terminal (Pages 72 and 73)
8  INPUT 1/2 terminals (XLR 3 pin) (Page 71)
9  SD Memory Card slot (Page 30)
10  SD Memory Card access lamp (Page 31)
11  USB terminal (Mini-B) (Pages 72 and 75)
12  HDMI OUT terminal (Page 73)
13  COMPONENT OUT terminal (Page 73) 14 CAM REMOTE jack
∗
  FOCUS/IRIS (3.5 mm mini jack)
  You can connect a remote control unit (optional) 
to control the FOCUS and IRIS (aperture).
  ZOOM S/S (2.5 mm super mini jack)
  You can connect a remote control unit to control 
zoom and start/stop of recording.
15  Headphone jack (3.5 mm stereo mini jack)  (Page 71)
∗   Do not connect any equipment except the remote 
controller to the remote control jack. Connecting 
any equipment other than the remote control may 
cause the image brightness to change and/or the 
images to appear out of focus. 
						

							
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Description of parts (continued)
Remote control
To use the remote control, set the IR REMOTE item on the OTHER FUNCTIONS \
menu to ON. The default 
setting for this item is OFF. (Page 98)The following buttons are for functions that 
cannot be executed on this camera-recorder. PHOTO SHOT button   • 
 button
• 1  EXT. DISPLAY button (Page 70)
2  DATE/TIME button (Page 70)
3 START/STOP button
 
Same function as the START/STOP button on 
the camera.
4  ZOOM/VOL buttons (Pages 34 and 70)
5  PLAY button (Page 59)
6  SEARCH buttons (Pages 59 and 69)
7  PAUSE button (Page 59)
8  STILL ADV buttons (Page 70)
9  STOP button (Page 59)
10  SKIP buttons (Pages 59 and 69)
11 OPERATION buttons
  Same function as the Operation lever on the 
camera.
12 MENU button
  Same function as the MENU button on the 
camera.
ZOOM
START/
STOP
PHOTO
SHOT
EXT
DISPLAY
DATE/TIME
VOL
PLAY
STOP
SKIP SKIP
MENU
ENTER
PA U S ESEARCH
STILL ADV STILL ADV SEARCH
3
4
6
8
1
2
5
7
8
9
10
11
6
10
12
Remote control usable range (Page 22)
Recharging the battery
Recharging
The battery does not come ready charged when the camera is purchased. Ch\
arge the battery before use.
It is recommended that you keep one extra battery as a spare.
1  Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.
Disconnect the DC cord. 
(Battery cannot be charged if DC cord is 
connected.)
Insert until fully in place.
2   Insert the battery.
 
Charging lamp [CHARGE]
Align the battery with the 
mark and insert fully.
Charging lamp
  On: Charging in progress
  Off: Charging complete
  Flashing: See below
If charging lamp is flashing
Check that there is no dirt, dust, or other 
substances attached to the connectors on the 
battery or AC adapter, and ensure that the adapter 
has been connected correctly. If there is dirt or dust on the connectors, 
disconnect the power plug from the socket before 
cleaning.
If the charging lamp continues to flash, there 
may be a fault with the battery or the AC adapter. 
Please consult with the place of purchase.■
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Preparation
Description of parts
Charging time and available recording time 
(Approx.)
Battery model Voltage/
capacity Charging 
timeMaximum 
continuous 
recording time
VW-VBG260  (included) 7.2 V/
2640 mAh Approx. 
170 
minutes Approx. 
100 minutes
VW-VBG6  (optional) 7.2 V/
5800 mAh Approx. 
350 
minutes Approx. 
230 minutes
The figures in the table above are guidelines 
for use in normal temperature conditions 
(temperature 25 °C (77 °F), humidity 60%). 
Charging may take longer in higher or lower 
temperatures.
Charging may take longer if the battery has not 
been in use for a long period of time.
Given here are the approximate continuous 
recording times when recording using the 
viewfinder with no connections to any external 
devices and with the LCD monitor closed.
Available recording time may vary according to 
usage conditions.
Charging times are based on charging batteries 
from an empty state.
Remaining battery capacity displays
When using Panasonic-manufactured batteries 
compatible with this product, the remaining battery 
capacity is displayed in minutes.
 90min
Time remaining will be displayed after a brief 
pause.
The battery display will change→→→→as battery capacity decreases.  will be 
displayed in red when less than 3 minutes are 
remaining, and 
 will flash when the battery 
is empty.
Remaining battery capacity may not be displayed 
correctly when using in high or low temperatures, 
or when the battery has not been used for a 
long period of time. To ensure that remaining 
battery capacity is displayed correctly, use the 
battery completely from a fully-charged state, 
and charge the battery again. (Remaining battery 
capacity may still not be displayed correctly if the 
battery has been used for long periods in high 
or low temperatures, or if the battery has been 
recharged a large number of times.)
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The remaining battery capacity display is a 
guideline and may change according to usage 
conditions.
The remaining battery capacity display will 
momentarily disappear when switching between 
modes, when conducting REC CHECK 
operations or when changing the LCD brightness 
since the capacity is recalculated at these times.
Not displayed when using AC adapter.
Keep metal objects (such as necklaces and 
hairpins) away from the battery. 
Short-circuiting may occur across the 
terminals, causing the battery to heat up, 
and you may seriously burn yourself if you 
touch the battery in this state.
The battery becomes hot while it is being used 
or charged. The camera-recorder itself also 
becomes hot during use.
The recordable time reduces if you repeatedly 
start and stop recording.
The battery takes longer to charge when it is 
warm.
The AC adapter can interfere with radio 
reception so keep radios at least 1 meter away 
from it.
The AC adapter may make some noise when 
you are using it, but this is normal.
Battery cannot be recharged when the DC 
cord is connected to the AC adapter.
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Power sources
Using the battery
InstallationInsert the battery until it clicks into place.Removal
1  Set the POWER switch to OFF, and check that the mode lamp is off.
2  Remove the battery while pressing the battery release button. Support the battery with your hand to ensure 
that it will not fall.
Mode lamp
Battery release button
PB
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Using the AC adapter
Installation
1  Connect the DC cord to the AC adapter.
2 Plug the AC power supply cord into the 
power outlet.
3 Insert the DC cord’s battery connector until 
it clicks into place.
DC cord’s battery 
connector
Removal
1 Set the POWER switch to OFF, and check 
that the mode lamp is off.
2 Remove the DC cord’s battery connector 
while pressing the battery release button.
3  Disconnect the AC power supply cord from the power outlet.
Battery cannot be recharged when the DC 
cord is connected to the AC adapter.
Disconnect the AC power supply cord from the 
power outlet when the unit is not going to be used.
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CAUTION: This apparatus can be operated at a 
voltage in the range of 110 – 240 V AC. 
Voltages other than 120 V are not intended 
for U.S.A. and Canada. 
Operation at a voltage other than 120 V AC 
may require the use of a different AC plug. 
Please contact either a local or foreign 
Panasonic authorized service center for 
assistance in selecting an alternate AC plug.
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