Panasonic Memory Card Camera Recorder AG-HPX300P Operating Instructions

							
1
ChapterRecordingandPlayback

Handling P2 Card Recording
The P2 card is a semiconductor memory card designed 
for the DVCPRO P2 series, Panasonic’s line of professional 
video and broadcast equipment.
•  Since the DVCPRO P2 format and AVC-Intra record data 
as files, it is ideally suited for computer processing. The 
file structure is in a proprietary format that includes audio 
and video data recorded in the MXF file format as well as 
various other essential data forming an interrelated folder 
structure as shown below.
Drive:\
CONTENTS
AUDIO
CLIP
ICON
PROXY
VIDEO
VOICE
LASTCLIP.TXT.*
Allthesefoldersarerequired.
*Thisfilecontainsthelastclipdatarecorded
onaPdevice.
 NOTE
If any of this data is changed or lost, it will not be recognized 
as P2 data or the P2 card may no longer be possible to use in 
a P2 device.
•   To prevent data loss in transferring P2 card data to a 
PC or write back PC data on a P2 card, use P2 Viewer, 
which can be downloaded from the Web site listed below. 
(Supported operating systems: Windows 2000, Windows 
XP, Windows Vista)
https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/support/
desk/e/index.htm
•  Follow the steps below to use general software such as 
Microsoft Windows Explorer or Apple Finder to transfer 
the data to a PC. Be sure to use P2 Viewer to write data 
back to a P2 card.
•  Treat the CONTENTS folder and the LASTCLIP.TXT file 
as a unit.
•  Do not modify the data below the CONTENTS folder.
•  In copying, be sure to copy both the CONTENTS folder 
and the LASTCLIP.TXT file together. 
•  When transferring data from multiple P2 cards, 
create separate folders for each P2 card to prevent 
overwriting clips with identical names.
•  Do not delete data on a P2 card.
•  Format P2 cards only on a P2 card device. 
						

							

ChapterRecordingandPlayback

Basic Procedures
This section describes the basic procedure for shooting 
and recording.
Before you embark on a shoot, pre-inspect your system to 
ensure that it works properly.
For directions on inspecting your memory card camera-
recorder, see [Inspections Before Shooting] (page 147).
Battery Set-up to P2 card Insertion
1Insertachargedbattery.
2TurnthePOWERswitchtoONtocheckthe
batteryremaininglevelintheviewfinder.
•  When battery capacity is low, replace it with a fully 
charged battery.
 NOTE
When low battery capacity is indicated after replacing 
a battery with a fully charged battery, check battery 
installation.
For details, refer to [BATTERY SETUP screen] (page 134).
3 InsertaPcard,checkthatthePCARD
ACCESSLEDlightsorangeorgreenbefore
closingtheslotcover.
•  When more than one P2 card slot contains a P2 
card, the card in the slot with the lowest number 
is used first. However, regardless of slot number, 
a P2 card inserted later will not be accessed until 
the other cards have been used.
Example: 
If the two slots contain P2 cards, the cards are 
used in order of slot numbers 12. However, if 
the P2 card in Slot 1 is removed and then re-
inserted, the cards will be used in the following 
order: 21.
1
2
Note that the recording order is retained even if the power 
is turned off. When the power is next turned on, the last 
card written before powering-down will be the target card. 
						

							

ChapterRecordingandPlayback
Setting the switches before shooting and 
recording
When a battery and P2 cards are installed, set the switches 
as detailed below, before starting to use your AG-HPX300P.
e
abcdb
f
a Iris
The iris is automatically adjusted when the lens is set to 
the auto iris mode.
b USER MAIN/USER1/USER2
Assigning the SLOT SEL function to a USER button 
allows you to select one of the two inserted P2 cards for 
recording.
The P2 card selected for recording switches with each 
press of the USER button, and the P2 CARD ACCESS 
LED of the selected P2 card lights orange. The slot 
number of the card to be recorded appears in green in 
the LCD monitor and the viewfinder.
For more information on viewfinder displays, see 
[Viewfinder Screen Status Displays] (page 65).
 NOTE
•   
The slot selected for recording cannot be changed when 
recording has started. Perform this operation during 
recording standby.
•   Use the USER MAIN/USER1/USER2 item in setting menu 
SW MODE screen to assign functions to the USER MAIN/
USER1/USER2 button.
c  GAIN switch
Normally, this should be set to L (0 dB). If conditions are 
too dark, an appropriate gain level should be set.
d AUTO KNEE selector switch
Set to ON or OFF. Selecting BARS turns off this function 
and outputs a color bar signal.
e TCG
Set to F-RUN or R-RUN.
f AUDIO SELECT CH 1/CH 2
Set to AUTO.
Shooting
White/Black Balance Adjustment to 
Recording Completion
For shooting, follow the steps below.
3
1
425, 6
1 UsetheNDFILTERcontroltoselectafilter
accordingtoambientlightconditions.
2
Whenthewhitebalanceissaved:
•  Position the WHITE BAL switch to [A] or [B].

Whenthewhiteorblackbalanceisnotsaved
andyouhavenotimetoadjustthewhite
balance:
• Position the WHITE BAL switch to [PRST].
•  The color temperature can be set to 3200K or 
5600K.

Ifthewhitebalanceisadjustedonthespot:
•  Select a filter according to ambient light 
conditions. Then, position the WHITE BAL 
switch to [A] or [B] and shoot a white test 
subject so that it appears at the center of the 
screen. Then, follow the steps below to adjust 
the white balance.
1.    Turn the AUTO W/B BAL switch toward [AWB] 
to adjust the white balance. 
2.   Turn the AUTO W/B BAL switch toward [ABB] 
to adjust the black balance. 
3.   Turn the AUTO W/B BAL switch toward [AWB] 
to adjust the white balance again.
For directions on making adjustments, see 
[Adjusting the White Balance] (page 49) and 
[Adjusting the Black Balance] (page 50). 
						

							

ChapterRecordingandPlayback
3Pointthecameraatyoursubjecttoadjustthe
focus,andzoom.
4Tousetheelectronicshutter,settheshutter
speedandshuttermode.
For more information, see [Setting the Electronic 
Shutter] (page 52).
5PresstheRECbuttontostartrecording.
6Tostoprecording,presstheRECbutton.
 NOTE
•   Shooting the sun and other very bright subjects may produce 
a color cast in surrounding areas.
Operation Buttons
During recording, all operation buttons (REW, FF, PLAY/PAUSE, 
STOP) are disabled.
Normal Recording
•   Pressing the REC button starts recording of video and 
sound on the P2 card.
•  The video and audio (including additional information) 
recorded in one session is referred to as a clip.
RECbutton
 NOTE
Pressing the REC button will not immediately stop data write 
operations to a P2 card in the following situations. And the 
REC button operation is not recognized.
•   
When terminating a short recording
•  
When terminating a recording that has just continued onto a 
second P2 card 
						

							

ChapterRecordingandPlayback

Standard and Native Recording
This camera is capable both of native recording, when it 
records video data at the frame rate used by the camera, 
and is also capable of standard recording or recording 
59.94 frames with a pulldown.
Standard recording  
(pull-down recording)
In 24P and 30P mode, 59.94i or 59.94P will be recorded 
with 2:3 and 2:2 pulldown, respectively.
The camera can also handle video shot in the 24PA mode 
(2:3:3:2 advanced pulldown).
Note that AVC-Intra does not support pulldown recording.
CamerarecordingA
AoAeBoBeBoCeCoDeDoDe
B CD
:pull-downrecording
(100/Pover0i)

Activeframe
Camerarecording
:pull-downrecording
A
A�A B�B BC� C D�D D
B CD
(0/Pover0P)
Native recording
Native recording extracts only the active frames during 
1080i AVC-Intra recording as well as 720P DVCPRO HD 
and AVC-Intra recording.
At 720P, this lengthens the recording time 2 to 2.5 times 
over pull-down recording.
Also in native recording, the output of camera video and 
playback video is a 59.94 frame rate.
Camerarecording
:pull-downA
Ao
A B
AeBoBeBoCeCoDeDoDe
B CD
C DRecording
(100/PN)

Activeframe
Camerarecording
:pull-down
A
A�A B�B BC�C D�
A BC D
D D
B CD
Recording
(0/PN)
 
NOTE
• In 24P/24PA, 24PN (native recording) and in 30PN (native recording) at 720P, the camera starts recording in 5-frame, 4-frame 
and 2-frame segments, respectively. For this reason, to continue recording clips in a system mode using a different recording 
segmentation may break the continuity of the time code.
• The camera uses internal memory for recording, when recording starts as soon as a P2 card is inserted or the camera is powered 
up. In this situation, recording cannot be stopped until P2 card recognition ends.
  To check P2 card status, press the DISP/MODE CHK button and check the row for SLOT 1 and 2.
•  An editing system that supports 24PA (2:3:3:2 advanced pulldown) will enable editing with less quality loss than 24P (2:3 
pulldown).
•  Record at standard 24P if a 24PA compatible editing system will not be used. 
						

							

ChapterRecordingandPlayback

Variable Frame Rate (VFR) Recording
In 720P mode, this camera is capable of frame skipping 
(undercranking) and high-speed (overcranking) recording. 
The camera operator can select between native (PN) 
recording mode and standard (OVER) recording.
Native VFR Recording
1IntheSYSTEMSETUPscreen,setthemenu
optionSYSTEMMODEto0-.Pand
themenuoptionRECFORMATtoAVC-I
100/PN.
2IntheSCENEFILEscreen,setthemenu
option VFRtoONandthemenuoptionFRAME
RATEtosuitshootingpurposes.
•  The frame rate can be set to a value between 12 
(12P) to 60 frames (60P).
 NOTE
Pressing the SYNCHRO SCAN switch while the JOG 
dial button is held down and the frame rate indication 
is blinking allows you to change the frame rate as long 
as recording is not in progress.
3 PresstheRECbutton.
This starts recording in the VFR mode (native VFR).
This mode can be combined with the AVC-I 100, AVC-I 50, 
DVCPRO HD, 30PN, and 24PN recording formats.
For details, refer to [List of recording, playback and output 
formats] (page 47).
For details, refer to [SYSTEM SETUP screen] (page 126).
 NOTE
Note the following about native VFR recording.
-   
The P2 card that is being recorded cannot be changed 
during recording.
-   Pre-recording, loop recording, interval recording and one-
shot recording are not available.
-  1394 output is not available during recording and recording 
standby. 
-  Changing Scene Dial position during recording does not 
change VFR on and off position.
-  Sound cannot be recorded. *1
-  
The time code is locked to Rec Run. *1
-  
Thumbnail screens are created 1 frame later than video 
recorded on a P2 card, but this is not a malfunction.
*1   In 24PN/30PN recording modes, when the frame rate is 24 
and 30 frames per second, respectively, audio can also be 
recorded. The time code can be set to Free Run (F-RUN).
Standard VFR recording 
(pulldown recording)
1 IntheSYSTEMSETUPscreen,setthemenu
optionSYSTEMMODEto0-.Pandthe
menuoptionRECFORMATtoAVC-I100/0P.
2IntheSCENEFILEscreen,setthemenu
option VFRtoONandthemenuoptionFRAME
RATEtosuitshootingpurposes.
•  The frame rate can be set to a value between 12 
(12P) to 60 frames (60P).
 NOTE
Pressing the SYNCHRO SCAN switch while the JOG 
dial button is held down and the frame rate indication 
is blinking allows you to change the frame rate without 
opening a setting menu as long as recording is not in 
progress.
3 PresstheRECbutton.
This starts recording in the VFR mode (OVER 60P).
This mode can be combined with the AVC-I 100/60P, AVC-I 
50/60P and DVCPRO HD/60P recording formats.
For details, refer to [List of recording, playback and output 
formats] (page 47).
For details, refer to [SYSTEM SETUP screen] (page 126).
Setting a low frame rate and recording a fast-moving 
subject at 60P will produce a smoothly flowing sequence at 
playback.
 NOTE
•   Audio playback is disabled when a frame rate converter is 
used to extract active frames for over and under-cranking.
•  Note the following about standard VFR recording.
-  
The P2 card that is being recorded cannot be changed 
during recording.
-   Pre-recording, loop recording, interval recording and one-
shot recording are not available.
-  1394 output is available during recording and recording 
standby, but not in AVC Intra mode.
-  Changing Scene Dial position during recording does not 
change VFR on and off position.
-  Sound is recorded. 
						

							

ChapterRecordingandPlayback

Using VFR Recording Function
Standard speed for film production
Screen production normally requires a 24 fps (24 frames per second) frame rate (normal speed) for screening a film.  
Making the settings described below will provide film-quality playback. The 720P progressive mode and cine-like gamma 
will make video look like it was shot with a film camera.
Standard setting for film production
SYSTEM MODE settingsRecording frame rateSYSTEM MODEOther settings
720 - 59.94PREC FORMAT
AVC-I 100/24PN
(AVC-I 50/24PN)
(DVCPRO HD/24PN)
24 framesVFROFF
1080 - 59.94iREC FORMAT
AVC-I 100/24PN
(AVC-I 50/24PN)
(DVCPRO HD/60i)
CAMERA MODE *124P
*1 Only when the menu option REC FORMAT is set to DVCPRO HD/60i in the SYSTEM SETUP screen.
Shooting at standard speed for producing commercials and TV programs
Production aimed at HDTV and SDTV broadcasts for TV audiences must use the frame rate (x1) of 30fps (30 f\
rames/s). The 
settings below allow you to obtain the kind of playback used for broadcast programs. This permits film-like video recording 
of commercials and music clips that also provide a frame rate suitable for broadcasting.
Standard settings for producing commercials and dramas
SYSTEM MODE settingsRecording frame rateSYSTEM MODEOther settings
720 - 59.94PREC FORMAT
AVC-I 100/30PN  
(AVC-I 50/30PN)  
(DVCPRO HD/30PN)
30 frameVFROFF
1080 - 59.94iREC FORMAT
AVC-I 100/30PN 
(AVC-I 50/30PN)
(DVCPRO HD/60i)
CAMERA MODE *230P
*2 Only when the menu option REC FORMAT is set to DVCPRO HD/60i in the SYSTEM SETUP screen. 
						

							

ChapterRecordingandPlayback

Undercranking effects
This effect produces the quick motion often used for showing clouds drifting across the sky, crowds of people swarming 
past a solitary standing individual, a kung fu demonstration and other performances. For example, selecting a VFR 
recording frame rate of 12 fps when shooting at a 24P recording format yields a fast-motion effect of 2x normal speed.
Standard setup for undercranking effects
SYSTEM MODE setupRecording frame rateSYSTEM MODEOther settings
720-59.94P
REC FORMAT
AVC-I 100/24PN 
(AVC-I 50/24PN)
(DVCPRO HD/24PN)12 to 22 frames
VFRON
FRAME RATE Set to 23 frames or less
•  With the menu option REC FORMAT set to DVCPRO HD/60P, you can use a nonlinear editing system to generate quick 
motion effects from the resulting footage.
Overcranking effects
Overcranking produces slow-motion playback, which is frequently used in climax scenes, or for dramatic effects like car 
chases and action scenes. For example, selecting a recording frame rate of 60 fps when shooting a 24P recording format 
yields a slow-motion effect that is 2.5 times normal speed. Shooting 720P progressive video will produce smooth and high-
quality slow-motion.
Standard setup for overcranking effects
SYSTEM MODE setupRecording frame rateSYSTEM MODEOther settings
720-59.94P
REC FORMAT
AVC-I 100/24PN 
(AVC-I 50/24PN) 
(DVCPRO HD/24PN)25 to 60 frames
VFRON
FRAME RATE Set to 25 frames or more
•  With the menu option REC FORMAT set to DVCPRO HD/60P, you can use a nonlinear editing system to generate slow 
motion effects from the resulting footage. 
						

							

ChapterRecordingandPlayback

During P2 card recording, setting items in the menu option 
RECORDING SETUP screen provides the following special 
recording modes: pre-recording, interval recording, one-
shot recording, and loop recording.
These recording modes are available only with the 
following settings.
SYSTEM MODEREC FORMATOther conditions
1080 - 59.94i
DVCPRO HD/60i
AVC-I 100/60i
AVC-I 50/60i
Set CAMERA 
MODE to 60i or 
30P
720 - 59.94P
DVCPRO HD/60P
AVC-I 100/60P
AVC-I 50/60P
Turn VFR OFF
480 - 59.94i
DVCPRO 50/60i
DVCPRO/60i
DV/60i
Set CAMERA 
MODE to 60i or 
30P
Pre-recording (PRE REC)
This function is used to start recording a certain number of 
seconds (approx. 3 seconds for HD recordings or approx. 
7 seconds for SD recordings) before actual recording 
starts.
Startingrecording Stoppingrecording
(time)
Actualrecordingtime
PRERECtime
1 CheckthattheSYSTEMSETUPscreenisset
upasdescribedabove.
For details on menu operation, refer to [Using the 
menus] (page 120).
2SetthemenuoptionPRERECMODEtoONin
theRECORDINGSETUPscreen.
•  The following indications appear in the special 
recording display area in the viewfinder.
Recording: P-REC lights
Pause: P-PAUSE lights
For details, refer to [Screen displays] (page 66).
3 PresstheRECbutton.
This setting will record audio and video a time 
period prior to start of recording.
•  The following recording modes will disable the 
pre-recording function and start respective 
recording function when selected.
•  Recording of video input via the IEEE1394 
connector
• When changing recording formats
• After a change from playback to recording
• During interval recording
• During one-shot recording
• During loop recording
•  There may be a short delay in start of audio and 
video recording when the REC button is pressed 
directly after switching from thumbnail display 
or playback to view what you are shooting, after 
turning the power on and after changing the 
PREREC MODE.
Special Recording Modes 
						

							
0
ChapterRecordingandPlayback

Interval recording (INTERVAL REC)
This function is used to record 1 frame (1/30 s) at the time 
interval set in the INTERVAL TIME item.
1framerecording 1framerecording1framerecording
(time)
SetINTERVAL TIMEsetting
SetINTERVAL
TIMEsetting
1 CheckthattheSYSTEMSETUPscreenisset
upasdescribedonpage.
For details on menu operation, refer to [Using the 
menus] (page 120).
2SelectINTERVALinthemenuoptionREC
FUNCTIONintheRECORDINGSETUP
screen.
3SetthetimeinthemenuoptionINTERVAL
TIMEintheRECORDINGSETUPscreen.
4PresstheRECbutton.
•  The camera will repeat 1-frame recording for the 
time interval set in the INTERVAL TIME option.
•  Press the STOP button to stop recording.
•  To cancel this function, turn the camera off or 
select NORMAL in the REC FUNCTION option.
•  The following indications appear to the left of the 
operation status display.
• During recording: “I-REC” stays lit.
•  During a pause: “I-PAUSE” stays lit.
When a setting of less than 2 seconds is made 
in step 3, “I-REC” blinks according to time 
setting during recording.
• When stopped: “I-” in “I-PAUSE” blinks.
 NOTE
• The pre-recording function is not available.
• Sound is not recorded.
•   Data recorded (until the STOP button is pressed) in 
this mode is recorded as a single file.
•  
There is no output from the DVCPRO/DV connector.
One-shot recording  
(ONE SHOT REC)
This function records a single shot at each unit of time 
which has been set.
1 CheckthattheSYSTEMSETUPscreenisset
upasdescribedonpage.
For details on menu operation, refer to [Using the 
menus] (page 120).
2SelectONESHOTinthemenuoptionREC
FUNCTIONintheRECORDINGSETUP
screen.
3SetthetimeinthemenuoptionONESHOT
TIMEintheRECORDINGSETUPscreen.
4PresstheRECbutton.
•  The camera will pause recording after making a 
recording that lasts the duration set in step 3.
• Press the STOP button to stop recording.
•  To cancel this function, turn the camera off or 
select NORMAL in the REC FUNCTION option.
•  The following indications appear to the left of the 
operation status display.
• During recording: “I-REC” stays lit.
• During a pause: “I-PAUSE” stays lit.
• When stopped: ”I-“ in “I-PAUSE” blinks.
 NOTE
•   No other functions are available during operation.
•  
The pre-recording function is not available.
•   Sound is not recorded.
•  Data recorded (until the STOP button is pressed) in 
this mode is recorded as a single file.
•  
There is no output from the DVCPRO/DV connector.
•   During continuous one-shot recording, recording 
operation speed may be decreased.