Panasonic Memory Card Camera Recorder AG-HPX170P Operating Instructions

							
F0808T0 -P DPrinted in Japan
ENGLISH
VQT1U92
Before use
Description of 
parts
Preparation
Shooting
Playback
Editing
Displays
Menu
Reference
Operating Instructions
Memory Card Camera-Recorder
Model No. AG-HPX170P
Before operating this product, please read the instructions carefully and save this 
manual for future use.
This product is eligible for the P2HD 5 Year Warranty Repair Program. For details, see page 5.
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Read this first! indicates safety information.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO 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.
WARNING:Always keep memory cards or accessories (coin battery, microphone holder screws, microphone holder adapter, ferrite cores, INPUT terminal cover) 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).
Camera-RecorderThe rating plate is on the underside of the viewfinder.AC AdapterThe 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 CANCAUSE 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. 
						

							


FCC NOTICE (USA)
Declaration of ConformityModel Number: AG-HPX170P
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 must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.To assure continued compliance, follow the attached installation instructions 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 accordance 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 equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by 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 installation 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 void the user’s authority to operate this device.
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-003 du Canada.
IMPORTANT“Unauthorized recording of copyrighted television programs, video tapes and other materials may infringe the right of copyright owners and be contrary to copyright laws.”
A lithium ion/polymer battery that is recyclable powers the product you have purchased.Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information on how to recycle this battery.
For USA-California Only
This product contains a CR Coin Cell Lithium Battery which contains Perchlorate Material – special handling may apply.See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
 indicates safety information. 
						

							


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 manufacturer’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 plugs, 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 the 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 periods of time.14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required 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 apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Recommendation for Use of Genuine Panasonic Battery Pack  
(Rechargeable Battery)
Thank you for using a Panasonic product.
It has been our policy to recommend that the genuine Panasonic battery pack be used for any Panasonic product that uses a battery pack, including digital cameras. It has, however, been found that imitation battery packs that look very similar to the genuine Panasonic battery pack are marketed in some markets.
Some of these imitation battery packs are not equipped with any protective devices that meet given quality standards for permitting use at high power outputs and for long hours.If any of these battery packs of inferior quality is used, it could lead to an accident or failure 
involving firing or explosion.
To ensure that our products are used in utmost safety, we once again remind you that we recommend the use of a genuine Panasonic battery pack for any Panasonic product that is to use a battery pack.The genuine Panasonic battery packs are sold under our stringent quality control.
Please be advised that we are not liable for any accident or failure occurring as a result of use of an imitation battery pack.
We appreciate your kind understanding and cooperation in this regard. 
						

							


Software information for this product1. Customer advisory: This product includes software licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) and GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL); customers have the right to download, modify, and redistribute source code for this software.  Descriptions of the GPL and LGPL are stored on the installation CD included with this camera-recorder. See the folder named \LDOC. (The description is the original (written in English).) To download the relevant source code, visit https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/ Please note that we cannot answer any questions you may have about the content, etc. of any source code you may obtain from the above Web site.
2. This product includes software licensed under the MIT License. A description of the MIT is stored on the installation CD included with this camera-recorder. See the folder named \LDOC. (The description is the original (written in English).)
• LEICA is a trademark of Leica Microsystems IRGmbH.• DICOMAR is a trademark of Leica Camera AG.• SD logo is a trademark.
All other explanations, company names, and product names are the registered trademarks of the respective companies.
PHD  Year Warranty Repair Program*1
Thank you for purchasing this Panasonic PHD device.Register as a user for this device to receive a special service warranty up to five years of free warranty repairs.Customers who register as users on the website will receive a extended warranty repair valid for up to five years.
1st yearnd yearrd yearth yearth year*
PHD device*Basic warranty*Extended warranty repair*
*1: Please note that this extended warranty is not available in some countries/regions see web site below for details.  *2: Not all models eligible for extended warranty coverage.  *3: The basic warranty period may vary depending on the country/region see enclosed warranty for warranty coverage.  *4: Not all repair work is covered by this extended warranty see enclosed warranty card for warranty coverage.  *5: The maximum warranty period may be adjusted depending on the number of hours the device has been used.
Purchase  P2 productRegister online  within 1 month“Registration Notice”  e-mail sent
Free  years of Warranty Repairs
Make sure to save the “Registration Notice”  e-mail during the warranty period.
Details about user registration and the extended warranty:  http://panasonic.biz/sav/pass_ePlease note, this is a site that is not maintained by Panasonic Canada Inc. The Panasonic Canada Inc. privacy policy does not apply and is not applicable in relation to any information submitted. This link is provided to you for convenience. 
						

							

Contents
Read this first! ..................................................... IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  .............. Recommendation for Use of Genuine Panasonic Battery Pack  (Rechargeable Battery) ................................... Software information for this product  ............... 
Before use
Outline of operations  .......................................... 8Precaution for use ............................................... 9Accessories  ....................................................... 10Optional units  .................................................... 10About this manual  ............................................. 10
Description of parts
Description of parts  .......................................... 11Right side and rear side  .................................. 11Left side ...........................................................  12Terminals and mounting parts  ......................... 13Remote control  ................................................ 14
Preparation
The battery  ......................................................... 1Charging ..........................................................  15Installing and removing the power supply ......  1Installing and removing the battery  ................. 16Connecting and disconnecting  the power cord .............................................  16Adjusting the hand strap  .................................. 17Attaching the shoulder strap ............................  17Detaching and attaching the lens hood  .......... 17The remote control  ............................................ 18Insert the battery  ............................................. 18Remote control setup  ...................................... 18Turn on/off the camera ......................................  19Tally lamp  ........................................................... 19Viewfinder  .......................................................... 0Using the viewfinder ........................................ 20Using the LCD  ................................................. 21Emphasizing outlines  ...................................... 21Adjusting the screen display ............................  22Adjusting the backlight .....................................  23Flipping images vertically and horizontally  ...... 23Switching between overscan and  underscan ....................................................  23Setting the calendar  .......................................... 
Shooting
Basic shooting operations  ............................... Preparing to shoot ........................................... 25Shooting in auto mode  .................................... 25Checking photos taken (REC CHECK)  ........... 26
P2 card access lamps  ..................................... 26Protecting against a possible erasure  ............. 26Formatting P2 cards  ........................................ 26Recording times  .............................................. 27Remove the P2 card ........................................  28Using SD/SDHC memory cards ........................ 9Installing and removing  the SD memory card  ................................... 29Formatting SD memory card  ........................... 29Cautions in using SD memory cards ...............  29Using the zoom function ................................... 0Digital zoom function  ....................................... 30Variable frame rates (VFR) ................................ 1Native recording  .............................................. 32Standard recording ..........................................  32Using variable frame rates (VFR)  .................... 33Shooting in 1080i/480i progressive mode ....... Shooting in manual mode ................................. Switching to manual mode  .............................. 35Manual focusing  .............................................. 35Using focus assist ............................................  36Iris adjustments  ............................................... 36Adjusting the gain ............................................  37Light intensity adjustments  .............................. 37Adjusting the white balance .............................  38Black balance adjustments ..............................  39Auto Tracking White (ATW)  .............................. 39Shooting techniques for different targets ....... 0Low-angle shooting  ......................................... 40Self-portrait shooting  ....................................... 40Zebra pattern ...................................................  40Marker  ............................................................. 40Checking and displaying shooting status  ........ 41Changing the image size .................................  41Optical Image Stabilizer................................... 42Adding effects to images  ................................. 42Using the USER buttons ..................................  42Backlight compensation ...................................  42Color bars ........................................................  42Waveform monitor function ..............................  43Adjusting the volume while shooting  ............... 43Backup recording .............................................  432-slot continuous recording  ............................. 44Shot mark function  .......................................... 44Text memo recording  ....................................... 44Time stamp function  ........................................ 44LAST CLIP DELETE function ..........................  45Using the special recording functions  ............ Pre-recording (PRE REC)  ............................... 46Interval recording (INTERVAL REC) ................  46One-shot recording (ONE-SHOT REC) ...........  47Loop recording (LOOP REC)  .......................... 47Adjusting the shutter speed ............................. 9 
						

							
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Synchro scan ...................................................  50Switching Audio Input ....................................... 1Using the built-in microphone  ..........................  51Using another microphone and  audio equipment ..........................................  51Adjusting the recording level  ........................... 52Using scene files  ............................................... Changing scene file settings  ........................... 53Saving scene files and other settings on  SD memory cards .......................................... Clip metadata  ..................................................... 7Using the Counter  ............................................. 8Counter display ................................................  581394TC preset mode .......................................  58Charging the built-in battery/ Setting the time data  ..................................... 9Recharging the built-in battery  ........................ 59Setting the time code .......................................  59Specifying the time code (TC PRESET) ..........  59Setting user information................................... 61
Playback
Basic playback operations  ............................... Thumbnail screen .............................................. Basic thumbnail screen operations..................  64Adding shot marks to clips  .............................. 66Clearing the thumbnail screen .........................  66Direct shooting functions  ................................. 66Thumbnail operations ....................................... 7Selecting the thumbnail display method (THUMBNAIL)  ............................................. 67Deleting clips and formatting cards (OPERATION)  ............................................. 68Checking the clip or card information (PROPERTY)  .............................................. 69Editing the recorded clip metadata ..................  71Uploading the metadata (META DATA) ............  72Useful playback functions  ................................ 7Variable speed search .....................................  74Slow playback ..................................................  74Fast forward/rewind playback  .......................... 74Frame-by-frame playback ................................  74
Clip skip ...........................................................  75Adjusting the volume  ....................................... 75Viewing images on a monitor  .......................... 75Checking the date and time .............................  75
Editing
Connecting external units  ................................ 7Headphones  .................................................... 76External microphone  ....................................... 76Computer (non-linear editing/file transfer)  ....... 77
Hard disk drive (data copying) .........................  78Digital video equipment (Dubbing)  .................. 79Video deck (Dubbing) ......................................  80TV/Monitor (playback/dubbing) ........................  80Nonlinear editing with P card (PC mode)  ...... 81Copying from P cards to the hard disk drive (19 HOST mode)  ........................................ 8Warnings  ......................................................... 85Dubbing ..............................................................  8Digital input/output ...........................................  86Analog output  .................................................. 86
Displays
Screen displays  ................................................. 87Regular displays ..............................................  87Warnings  ......................................................... 91Setting the DISPLAY items ..............................  93
Menu
Using the setup menus  ..................................... 9Using the menus.............................................. 94Initializing the menu settings  ........................... 95Setup menu structure  ....................................... 9CAM (camera) mode menu  ............................. 96MCR (playback) mode menu ...........................  97Setup menu list ..................................................  98SCENE FILE screen ........................................  98CAMERA SETUP screen  .............................. 100SW MODE screen  ......................................... 101AUTO SW screen  .......................................... 103RECORDING SETUP screen ........................  104PLAYBACK FUNCTIONS screen  .................. 107AV IN/OUT SETUP screen ............................  107DISPLAY SETUP screen ...............................  108CARD FUNCTIONS screen........................... 109OTHER FUNCTIONS screen  ........................ 110OPTION MENU screen  ................................. 112
Reference
Before calling for service ................................  11Operating precautions  .................................... 11Updating the driver in the camera  ................. 118Cleaning  ........................................................... 119Storage Precautions ........................................  10How to handle data recorded on P cards ....  11Checkpoints for using memory cards  ........... 1Recording format list....................................... 1Appendix  .......................................................... 1
Specifications  .................................................. 1 
						

							
8

Outline of operations
This unit is compatible with P2 (Professional Plug-in) cards.The P2 card has a large capacity with a high transfer rate, and allows you sophisticated movie-making on this handy camera, including HD (High Definition) recording and smooth editing/dubbing.
BNC cable(HD-SDI)
Video equipment/Monitor
The setting values such as the user file are saved to and read from the SD memory card.
P card
You can use the following features:HD (High Definition) recordingMulti format recordingVariable frame ratesSlow & quick motion recordingMaximum 4 channel uncompressed digital audio recordingDV recording (80i)For details on how to handle recorded data, see page 121
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1P mode shooting and 
playback (Pages  and )
Computer
The data (file) is transferred for nonlinear editing on your computer or other unit.
2PC mode (Page 81)
External hard disk
The unit directly controls the external hard disk drive, and transfers the data (file) to it.
319 host mode (Page 8)
Video equipment/Television
Computer/ Memory card recorder
 
The contents can be transferred as a data stream (digital dubbing).
AV cableComponent video cable
IEEE19 (SBP-*)
USB.0 (Windows)IEEE19 (Macintosh)
P card
*Serial Bus Protocol-
IEEE19 (Windows/Macintosh)
Before use 
						

							
Before use
9

Precaution for use
Always take some trial shots before actual shooting.
When shooting important events (such as weddings), always take some trial 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 24)
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 camera-recorder.
Respect copyrights
Copyright laws forbid the use of video and audio material you have recorded for any purpose other than your own personal enjoyment. Remember that restrictions apply to the shooting 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 equipment is used, be careful not to allow the laser beam to shine directly on the lens.
Notes when connecting a 19 cable
Windows:Before connecting, turn off the main unit power, and check the shape and orientation of the terminal.Macintosh:After turning on the power of the Apple Macintosh computer, check the shape and orientation of the terminal, and then connect the cable.(Pages 77, 78)
Media that can be used in this unit
The following media can be used in this unit. For details, refer to the respective pages.P2 card (Pages 25, 121)SD/SDHC memory cards (Pages 29, 122)
Mounting the camera-recorder on a tripod
The tripod mounting hole is 5.5 mm deep. Do not force the tripod screw beyond this depth.You can damage the camera-recorder if you use any screw other than 1/4-20UNC.
Attach the tripod to the tripod hole.
For other usage notes, see page 116.
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10

Accessories
Battery *1AC AdapterAC power supply cord/DC cordWireless remote control and battery (CR2025)
Eye cupMicrophone holderScrews for microphone holder6-mm screws (2)
12-mm screws (2)
Microphone holder adapter
Shoulder beltComponent video cablePIN-BNC conversion plugs (3)30-mm ferrite core (2)*235-mm ferrite core (2)*2
CD-ROMThe following accessories are attached to the camera-recorder.
Lens hoodINPUT terminal cover (2)
*1 For part numbers for the battery, see “Optional units”. (see below)*2  
When using a 1394 cable (sold separately) or a USB cable (sold separately), attach ferrite cores to the both ends of the cable. (Page 77)
Optional units
XLR microphoneAG-MC200G
BatteryCGA-D54 (5400 mAh: equivalent to accessory battery)
About this manual
Note concerning illustrations in these instructionsIllustrations (camera-recorder, menu screens, etc.) in these operating instructions differ slightly from the actual camera-recorder.
ReferencesReferences are shown as (Page @).
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