Panasonic Memory Card Camera Recorder Ag-hpx500p, Ag-hpx500e Operating Instructions

							
Before operating this product, please read the instructions carefully and save this manual for future use.
S0407T1067 -P D
Printed in JapanVQT1G18-1
ENGLISH
Operating Instructions
Memory Card Camera-Recorder
FRANÇAISPour des explications en français, veuillez vous reporter au CD-ROM fourni.Model No. 
AG-HPX500P
Model No. AG-HPX500E 
						

							
2Read this first !

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.
FCC Note:
This equipment has been tested and found 
to comply with the limits for a class A digital 
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC 
Rules. These limits are designed to provide 
reasonable protection against harmful 
interference when the equipment is operated 
in a commercial environment. This equipment 
generates, uses, and can radiate radio 
frequency energy, and if not installed and used 
in accordance with the instruction manual, 
may cause harmful interference to radio 
communications. Operation of this equipment 
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful 
interference in which case the user will be 
required to correct the interference at his own 
expense.
Warning:
To assure continued FCC emission limit 
compliance, the user must use only shielded 
interface cables when connecting to external 
units. Also, any unauthorized changes or 
modifications to this equipment could void the 
user’s authority to operate it.
Caution:
●  The interior of this product contains high-voltage components. Do not 
disassemble the product.
●  Do not point the eyepiece directly at the sun.
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.
CAUTIONS:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR 
SHOCK HAZARD AND ANNOYING 
INTERFERENCE, USE THE 
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
 indicates safety information.
Read this first! 
						

							
3Read this first !

< For USA and Canada >
A rechargeable battery that is recyclable powers the product you have purchased.
< 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.
Attention /Attentie
ENGLISH
●  Batteries are used for the main power source and memory back-up in the product. 
At the end of their useful life, you should not throw them away.
 
Instead, hand them in as small chemical waste.
NETHERLANDS
●  Voor de primaire voeding en het reservegeheugen van het apparaat wordt  gebruikgemaakt van een batterij.
 
Wanneer de batterij is uitgeput, mag u deze niet gewoon weggooien, maar dient u 
deze als klein chemisch afval weg te doen.
TO REMOVE BATTERY
Main Power Battery (Ni-Cd / Ni-MH / Li-ion Battery)
●  To detach the battery, please proceed in the reverse order of the installation method described in this manual.
●  If a battery made by any other manufacturer is to be used, check the Operating Instructions accompanying the  battery.
Back-up Battery (Lithium Battery)
●  For the removal of the battery for disposal at the end of its service life, please consult your dealer.
Read this first! 
						

							
4Precautions for Use
Precautions for 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.
PLEASE NOTE: 
●  When preparing to record important images, always shoot some advance test footage, to verify that both pictures and sound are being recorded normally.
●  Should video or audio recording fail due to a malfunction of this camera-recorder or the P2 cards used, we will not assume liability for such failure.
Disposing and transferring ownership of memory card devices
Formatting or deleting a memory card device in this camera or a PC will only change file management data 
and leave data on the card intact. It is recommended that the card either be physically destroyed or that 
commercially sold software be used to completely delete any data on the card. Note that managing card data is 
the owner’s responsibility. 
Information on software for this product
1.  Included with this product is software licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) and GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL), and users are hereby informed that they have the right to obtain, 
change and redistribute the source codes of this software.
 
Details on GPL and LGPL can be found on the installation CD provided with the unit. Refer to the folder 
called “LDOC”.
 
(Details are given in the original (English-language) text.)
 
To obtain the source codes, go to the following home page:
 
https: / /eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp /pro-av/
 
The manufacturer asks users to refrain from directing inquiries concerning the source codes they have 
obtained and other details to its representatives.
2.  Included with this product is software which is licensed under MIT-License.
 
Details on MIT-License can be found on the installation CD provided with the unit. Refer to the folder called 
“LDOC”.
 
(Details are given in the original (English-language) text.)
Trademarks
● SD logo is a trademark.
● Multi Media Card (MMC) is a registered trademark of Infineon Technologies AG.
● Apple, Macintosh, Mac OS are registered trademarks or trademarks of Apple, Inc. in the United States and /or  other countries.
● Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and /or other countries.
● Other names of companies and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. 
						

							
5Contents
Contents
Precautions for Use ...........................................................................................4
Camera Unit Features ........................................................................................
8
Recording and Playback Features .................................................................
10
Outline of operations .......................................................................................
12
Flow of shooting, playing and saving .........................................................
12
Saving and editing on external devices .....................................................
13
System Configuration ......................................................................................
14
Power Supply and Accessory Mounting Section .......................................
15
Audio (input) Function Section ...................................................................
16
Audio (output) Function Section ................................................................
18
Shooting and Recording /Playback Functions Section ..............................
19
Menu /Thumbnail Operation Section ..........................................................
24
Time Code Section ....................................................................................
25
Warning and Status Display Functions ......................................................
26
LCD Monitor ...............................................................................................
26
Viewfinder ..................................................................................................
27
Setting Date and Time of Internal Clock .......................................................
28
P2 Cards ...........................................................................................................
30
Inserting P2 Cards ....................................................................................
30
Removing P2 Cards ...................................................................................
31
To Prevent Accidental Erasure of P2 Card Content ..................................
32
P2 CARD ACCESS LED and status of P2 cards ......................................
32
P2 card recording times ............................................................................
32
Handling P2 Card Recording ....................................................................
32
Basic Procedures ............................................................................................
34
Shooting ....................................................................................................
35
Normal Recording .....................................................................................
36
Variable Frame Rate (VFR) Recording ..........................................................
37
Native recording .........................................................................................
37
Standard recording ...................................................................................
38
Using variable frame rates (VFR) .............................................................
38
Shooting in the 1080i /480i Progressive Mode  .........................................
39
Special Recording Modes ..............................................................................
40
Pre-recording (PRE REC) .........................................................................
40
Interval recording (INTERVAL REC) .........................................................
40
One-shot recording (ONE-SHOT REC) .....................................................
41
Loop recording (LOOP REC) .....................................................................
42
Hot Swap Recording ..................................................................................
42
Recording Check Function ........................................................................
43
Shot Marker (SHOT MARK) Recording Function .....................................
43
Text Memo Recording Function ................................................................
43
Normal and Variable Speed Playback ...........................................................
44
Video and recording formats .........................................................................
45
Multiple HD/SD formats ............................................................................
45
Selecting recording signals in CAMERA MODE .......................................
45
Selecting MCR mode recording and playback signals .............................
46
Selecting video output ...............................................................................
46
List of recording, playback and output formats ..........................................
47
Adjusting the White balance and Black Balance ........................................
50
Adjusting the White Balance .....................................................................
50
Adjusting the Black Balance ......................................................................
51
Setting the Electronic Shutter .......................................................................
53
Setting the Shutter Mode and Speed ........................................................
53
Placing the Camera-recorder in SYNCHRO SCAN Mode ........................
54
Assigning functions to USER buttons .........................................................
55
Selecting Audio Input Signals and Adjusting Recording Levels ..............
56
Selecting Audio Input Signals ...................................................................
56
Adjusting Recording Levels ......................................................................
56
Selecting Function for the FRONT AUDIO LEVEL Control .......................
57
CH3 and CH4 Recording Levels ................................................................
57
Setting Time Data ............................................................................................
58
Time data overview ...................................................................................
58
Chapter 1 
Introductio
n
Chapter 2 
Parts and their 
Function
s
Chapter 3 
Recording and 
Playbac
k
Chapter 4 
Adjustments 
and Settings for 
Recordin
g 
						

							
6Contents

Recording time codes and user bits ..........................................................59
Setting user bits ........................................................................................
60
Enter ing the User Bits ...............................................................................
60
Setting the Time Code ..............................................................................
62
Externally Locking the Time Code ............................................................
64
Outputting the time code externally ..........................................................
65
GENLOCK and time code input /output connection and setup .................
66
Counter Setting and Display .....................................................................
66
Viewfinder Screen Status Displays ..............................................................
67
Lamps in the Viewfinder Screen ................................................................
67
Viewfinder Status Indication Layout ...........................................................
67
Selecting Viewfinder Display Information ..................................................
67
Screen displays .........................................................................................
68
Warnings ....................................................................................................
71
P2 card playback data indication ...............................................................
71
Errors ..........................................................................................................
72
Camera status display ................................................................................
72
USER buttons assignment information (at mode check) ...........................
72
! LED light indication (at mode check) .......................................................
72
Checking and displaying shooting status  .................................................
73
Setting the Marker Displays .......................................................................
74
Adjusting and setting the LCD monitor .........................................................
75
Handling setup data ........................................................................................
77
Configuration of setup data files ...............................................................
77
Handling SD memory cards .......................................................................
78
Formatting, Writing and Reading an SD memory card ..............................
78
How to Use Scene File Data ......................................................................
79
Saving scene files and other settings on SD memory cards ....................
82
Memory Card Usage .................................................................................
83
Power Supply ..................................................................................................
84
Mounting the Battery and Setting the Battery Type ..................................
84
Use of the external DC power supply .......................................................
86
Mounting the Viewfinder and Adjusting its Position ..................................
88
Mounting the Viewfinder ...........................................................................
88
Adjusting Viewfinder Right-Left Position ...................................................
88
Diopter Adjustments ..................................................................................
89
Screen Adjustments ..................................................................................
89
Removing the Viewfinder ..........................................................................
90
Mounting and Adjusting the Lens ..................................................................
91
Mounting the Lens ......................................................................................
91
Adjusting the Lens Flange Back ...............................................................
92
White Shading Compensation ..................................................................
92
Setting Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC)  ...............................
95
Preparing for Audio Input ..............................................................................
98
When Using the Front Microphone ...........................................................
98
When Using Audio Devices .......................................................................
99
Attaching Accessories ................................................................................. 10
0
Mounting the Camera on a Tripod ........................................................... 10
0
Attaching the Shoulder Strap ................................................................... 10
1
Attaching the Rain Cover ......................................................................... 10
1
Attaching the FRONT AUDIO LEVEL Control Knob ................................ 10
1
Connecting the AJ-RC10G Extension Controller ....................................... 10
2
Thumbnail Operations ................................................................................... 10
3
Thumbnail Overview ................................................................................ 10
3
Thumbnail Screen .................................................................................... 10
4
Selecting Thumbnails ............................................................................... 10
4
Switching the Thumbnail Display ............................................................. 10
5
Setting the Thumbnail Display Mode ....................................................... 10
6
Clip Operations .............................................................................................. 10
7
Playing Back Clips ................................................................................... 10
7
Shot Mark ................................................................................................. 10
7
Deleting Clips ........................................................................................... 10
8
Restoring Clips ......................................................................................... 10
8
Chapter 5 
Preparatio
n
Chapter 6 
Manipulating Clips 
with Thumbnail
s 
						

							
7Contents

Chapter 8 
Connecting to 
External Device
s
Chapter 9 
Maintenance and 
Inspection
s
Chapter 10 
Specification
s
Chapter 7 
Menu Operation
s
Setting of Clip Meta Data .............................................................................. 109
Formatting P2 and SD Memory Cards ......................................................... 11
2
Formatting a P2 Card ............................................................................... 11
2
Formatting SD memory cards .................................................................. 11
2
Properties ....................................................................................................... 11
3
Clip Property ............................................................................................ 11
3
P2 Card Status Display ............................................................................ 11
3
SD memory card Status Display .............................................................. 11
5
Confirmation of Metadata Upload ............................................................ 11
5
Viewfinder and LCD Menus .......................................................................... 11
6
Using the menus ...................................................................................... 11
6
Initializing the menu settings .................................................................... 11
7
Setup menu structure .................................................................................... 11
8
Camera (CAM) mode menu ..................................................................... 11
8
MCR mode menu ..................................................................................... 11
9
Setup menu list .............................................................................................. 12
0
SCENE FILE screen ................................................................................. 12
0
CAMERA SETUP screen ......................................................................... 12
1
SW MODE screen .................................................................................... 12
2
RECORDING SETUP screen .................................................................. 12
3
AUDIO SETUP screen ............................................................................. 12
4
OUTPUT SEL screen ............................................................................... 12
5
DISPLAY SETUP screen ......................................................................... 12
5
VF! LED screen ........................................................................................ 12
6
BATTERY SETUP screen ........................................................................ 12
7
CARD FUNCTION (SD memory card setting) screen ............................. 12
8
LENS SETUP screen ............................................................................... 12
8
OTHER FUNCTIONS screen ................................................................... 12
9
OPTION MENU screen ............................................................................ 13
0
Connecting to External Devices Using USB2.0 Port (PC mode) .............. 13
1
Procedures for establishing a connection with a PC ............................... 13
1
Connecting to External Devices Using the IEEE1394 Connector 
 
(PC mode) ................................................................................................. 13
2
Procedures for establishing a connection with a PC ............................... 13
2
Procedures for connecting a hard disk .................................................... 13
3
Warnings .................................................................................................. 13
4
DVCPRO / DV Connection via IEEE1394 Connector .................................... 13
5
Recording DVCPRO/DV signals input to 1394 connector ....................... 13
5
Inspections Before Shooting ........................................................................ 13
7
Preparing for Inspections ......................................................................... 13
7
Inspecting the Camera Unit ..................................................................... 13
8
Inspecting the Memory Recording Functions .......................................... 13
8
Maintenance ................................................................................................... 14
1
Cleaning Inside the Viewfinder ................................................................ 14
1
Eyepiece Care .......................................................................................... 14
1
Phenomenon Inherent to CCD Cameras ................................................. 14
1
Charging the internal battery .................................................................... 14
1
Warning System ............................................................................................. 14
2
Warning Description Tables ..................................................................... 14
2
Updating Camera Drivers .............................................................................. 14
4
Dimensions and specifications .................................................................... 14
5
Dimensions .............................................................................................. 14
5
Specifications ........................................................................................... 14
6
Connector signal description ....................................................................... 14
9 
						

							
8Camera Unit Features
Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter1Introduction
The AG-HPX500P/E memory card camera recorder is equipped with a 2/3-inch lens mount system that enables 
use of high-performance interchangeable lenses, and comes with a 50 Hz/59.94 Hz selector function to 
permit use of a multitude of HD and SD formats. Also equipped with a variable frame rate feature for cinematic 
expression and effects. All these features make possible recording of high-quality image content. 
Four P2 card slots enable extended HD recording and deliver the reliability, speed and IT functionality that only 
P2 media is capable of revolutionizing the workflow of recording and editing. 
Camera Unit Features
■2 / 3-inch interchangeable lens system
The 2/3-inch bayonet mount for interchangeable lenses provides access to a broad lineup of broadcast and 
industrial 2/3-inch zoom lenses from a number of manufacturers. 
■Progressive 3CCD
The 2/3-inch progressive 3CCD combines a large light-receiving area with high sensitivity. 3CCD pixel-shift 
technology (1/2 pixel) and advanced digital processing produce a high-resolution CCD. The camera unit provides 
high resolution and high rate scanning at 1080 /60P (or 50P) at all times. This high-resolution native progressive 
video is used as a source to produce a vertical resolution with a superior HD/SD image quality that an interlace 
CCD simply cannot match. 
■14-bit digital circuit
The high-performance DSP (Digital Signal Processor) in the camera uses 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit inner 
processing to adjust the gamma settings for each of the R, G and B channels of 1080 /60P (50P) video, and 
convert to a variety of HD and SD formats (P/I conversion, line conversion and down conversion). This produces 
high-quality images in all video formats. 
■ Multiple HD / SD formats
The camera supports recording in 20 HD and SD image formats making it ready for news gathering, program 
production, film making and other applications anywhere in the world. 1080i /720P HD recording uses the 
DVCPRO HD codec for broadcast use while SD recording is performed in DVCPRO50 / DVCPRO/DV multi-
codec. 
■ Variable frame rate makes speed effects possible (when 720P format is selected)
This camera comes with the variable frame rate feature developed for the VariCam HD Cinema camera.  In 720P 
mode*, the camera enables selection between 11 frame rates between 12P to 60P (50P). This puts features such 
as undercranking (dropping frames) and overcranking (high frame rate) for quick motion and slow motion cine-
like effects at the disposal of the camera crew. 
*  In 1080 and 480 mode, the camera records at a fixed frame rate of 24P/30P (25P in 1080 and 576 mode, at 
50 Hz mode). 
■ Native mode / Over 60P (50P) mode selectable
● 720PN (native) mode*: Recording is performed at the frame rate set in the camera. Playing back a recording 
made at a frame rate set in the camera at the normal rate provides speed effects without using a frame rate 
converter. Native mode also extends the recording time. 
● 720P over 60P (or 50P) mode: This lets you produce a backup copy by recording the DVCPRO HD stream 
output from the IEEE1394 connector on a hard disk recorder such as the AJ-HD1400 DVCPRO HD recorder or 
the FOCUS FS-100 HDD recorder. 
*  In 720PN (native) mode, the IEEE1394 connector cannot output a DVCPRO HD stream.
■ 1080 /480 24P advance mode
In 59.94Hz mode, recording at 1080 /24P or 480 /24P allows you to select 24PA (advance) mode. Using 2:3:3:2 
pulldown, the 24PA mode performs 60i conversion to enable nonlinear editing* maintaining an image quality that 
is better than normal 24P (2:3 pulldown). Recording at 30P or 25P (50 Hz mode) applies a 2:2 pulldown. 
*  For details on compatible systems, visit our website at: 
 
https: / /eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp /pro-av/
*  24P, 30P and 60P/60i indicate recording at 23.98P, 29.97P and 59.94P/59.94i, respectively.   
						

							
9Camera Unit Features
Chapter 1 Introduction
■Eight gamma curves, including cine-like gamma
The DSP provides Panasonic’s proprietary selectable gamma feature. To expand camera capabilities, the 
camera offers eight gamma modes including cine-like gamma to give the characteristic warm tone of film 
recordings and a news gamma curve for newsgathering. 
■ Slow, synchro and high speed shutter
The shutter speed can be set in a range between 1/12 s to a maximum speed of 1/2000 s. Combined with the 
variable frame rate functions, this function allows you to create a blurring effect or an undercranking effect. The 
camera also features a synchro scan function for capturing screen shots from a computer monitor. 
■Scene file dial
This dial allows you to instantly retrieve settings that suit shooting conditions. Six preset files are provided, and 
you can change the file names and their settings as desired. You can also save up to 4 files to an SD memory 
card and load the files from the card. 
■Shooting assist functions
● User buttons:  Three user buttons each of which can be assigned a frequently used function for immediate 
access.
●Focus assist:  Displays a frequency distribution graph of the video signal as an aid in focusing. 
● Eight files for correcting lens aberration and four files for correcting shading for interchangeable lenses are 
provided. 
● Variable color temperature: Fine adjustment is possible after setting the white balance. 
● REC check: Quick check of the last portion recorded results. 
● 4-position optical ND filter provided. 
■Chromatic aberration compensation (CAC)
This function automatically corrects the registration error caused by the slight chromatic aberration that the lens 
cannot compensate for, in order to minimize color bleeding into surrounding image areas.
■Remote control support
The camera supports the AJ-RC10G (optional accessory) remote control unit.  The remote control allows you to 
adjust camera image and recording controls at a distance while viewing what you are shooting.   
						

							
10Recording and Playback Features
Chapter 1 Introduction
Recording and Playback Features
■A variety of interfaces
The AG-HPX500P/E can record 48 kHz/16-bit uncompressed high-quality digital audio in all formats. The 4-
channel audio capability makes both microphone and line input possible on up to four channels. HD-SDI output, 
time code input and output, GEN lock input and USB 2.0 connector are also provided. Also part of standard 
equipment is an IEEE1394 interface (6-pin) for transfer of all HD/SD signal formats without degradation. This 
interface allows you to transfer video data for nonlinear editing on a Windows
® PC or Macintosh® with DVCPRO 
HD compliant software or for backing up on a connected DVCPRO HD digital VTR (AJ-HD1400) or FOCUS FS-
100 HDD recorder. 
■ P2 cards for high capacity, high speed and high reliability 
Comprising four SD memory cards, a P2 card is a broadcast industry standard memory card with four times the 
capacity of a conventional SD memory card in a compact and lightweight (45 g) design. In addition to exceptional 
resistance to shock, vibration and temperature fluctuations, this semiconductor memory has a reliability that 
guarantees long-term repeated recording /initialization that a tape or hard disk system with their moving parts 
could never match. The connectors are professional grade to withstand long-term continual insertion and 
removal. 
AV data is recorded on a P2 card as a single file that is immediately accessible for nonlinear editing or transfer 
over a network without digitizing. Transfer speeds far surpassing those of hard disks also help to speed up 
production processes. The P2 card complies with PCMCIA standards and can be directly plugged into the P2 
card slot on a notebook PC*
1.
The four P2 card slots allow continuous recording on four P2 cards and also offer the following recording 
capabilities in a memory card camera-recorder. 
● Card selection:  A card in any slot can be instantly selected (switched to) in standby mode*2. Recorded content 
can be quickly passed on to editing or transferred to minimize interruptions in recording making 
it far more efficient than systems where tapes or disks have to be exchanged. 
● Hot-swap recording:  Cards can be replaced during recording. A full memory card can be replaced while 
recording is made on another card. Successively swapping cards in this way gives you 
virtually unlimited recording capacity. 
●Loop recording:  Setting the camera for consecutive overwriting, you can repeatedly rerecord on the inserted 
P2 cards, always maintaining a recording of the most recent, specific period of time.
*1  This requires the installation of a P2 card driver (provided with each device). The P2 card driver runs under Windows® Vista, Windows® XP or Windows® 2000. 
*2  This assumes that the SLOT SEL function is assigned to a USER button (USER MAIN, USER1 or USER2). 
■ Immediate startup and reliable data protection
When you press the REC button in standby mode, the camera instantly finds a blank area on the P2 card and 
begins recording. Unlike a VTR system, there is no need to locate a blank section before recording. It can 
begin recording immediately even when you are using it to preview video. In normal use, there is no chance of 
accidentally deleting a recording. Recordings will not be erased unless you intentionally delete a file or initialize 
the card. 
■Other features
● Pre-rec:  This function provides a way to capture moments you otherwise would have missed. In the standby 
mode, the camera will memorize video and audio for up to 3 seconds in HD and 7 seconds in SD. 
Starting the recording operation will record the preset duration of video and audio already memorized 
in standby.
● One-shot REC:  Convenient for producing animation, this mode records for a set time (from 1 frame to 1 
second) each time you press the START button. 
● Interval REC:  Recording one frame at a time at set intervals (from 2 frames to 10 minutes), this mode is useful 
for monitoring, supervision and special ultra undercranking effects.