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

							
11Recording and Playback Features
Chapter 1 Introduction
■Clip thumbnail preview
The camera records each cut as a clip (file) and automatically attaches a thumbnail image and file information 
to it. To preview a clip on the LCD monitor or to check clip data, simply choose the clip you want from the list of 
thumbnails. These thumbnails and the file data can be viewed on a PC (P2 Viewer 
*) or processed in a nonlinear 
editing program. 
*  “P2 Viewer” is a Windows
® PC viewing software that can be downloaded free of charge by P2 card users. 
■ Shot marker and text memo
If desired, you can add a simple OK /reject shot marker to each clip either during or after recording. When a P2 
card is mounted in a PC (P2 Viewer), the PC will display only marked clips. 
A text memo function is also provided. Pressing the USER button to which the text memo function has been 
assigned anywhere in a clip during recording or in preview mode allows you to attach empty post-it like text 
memos (up to 100) that can later be filled with text on a PC (P2 Viewer). 
■SD memory card slot
The camera provides an SD memory card slot for saving and loading scene files and user settings. A metadata 
upload file (created using P2 Viewer) containing the name of the person who shot the video, the name of the 
reporter, the shooting location or a text memo and other information can be saved to an SD memory card. This 
data file can be loaded as clip metadata. 
■HD / SD SDI output and downconverter supported
Video line outputs (both BNC) are provided as standard. These outputs can flexibly handle both monitor and line 
recording. A down-converter is also built-in. Aspect mode can also be selected. 
● SDI OUT (HD/SD):  The HD-SDI output allows you to make backups on an external VTR (with HD-SDI input) in 
synch with REC START/STOP button operation. SD-SDI can also down convert and output 
HD content. 
●VIDEO OUT:  Outputs down converted SD video (composite video). 
■ Fine adjustment of sound recording level
The camera features a front-mounted control for fine adjustment of the sound recording level. This control is 
particularly useful for adjusting the sound level when you have to control both video and audio recording. The 
control can be disabled.   
						

							
12Outline of operations
Chapter 1 Introduction
Outline of operations
This unit is compatible with P2 (Professional Plug-in) cards. Excelling at high transfer speeds, the P2 card enables 
high vision recording and smooth editing and dubbing. 
Flow of shooting, playing and saving
The setting values such as the user file 
are saved to and read from the 
SD memory card.
P2 card
You can use the f ollowing  features:
• HD (High Definition) reco rding
• Multi  format recor din
g
•  Va riable frame rate
s
  Slo w & qui ck motion recor din
g
• Maxim um 4 channel uncompressed
 
  digital audio recor din
g
P2 mode shooting and pla yback 
(Pag es 30 and 34) 
						

							
13Outline of operations
Chapter 1 Introduction
Saving and editing on external devices
Computer/
Memory card recorder
External hard diskComputer
P2 card
Component 
video cable
BNC cable
(composite/SDI) USB2.0 (Windo
ws
®)
IEEE1394 (SBP-2*) (Macintosh®)
IEEE1394 (SBP-2
*)
IEEE1394
(Windo ws
®/Macintosh®)
*Serial Bus Protocol-2
The data (file) is transferred for nonlinear 
editing on your computer or other unit
.
The unit directly controls the external hard 
disk drive, and transfers the data (file) to it.
The contents can be transferred as 
a data stream (digital dubbing).
Connecting external devices via 
the USB connector (Page 131)
Connecting external devices via 
the IEEE1394 connector (Page 132)
Video equipment/
Monito
r 
						

							
14System Configuration
Chapter 1 IntroductionSystem Configuration
Remote control cable
AJ-C10050G
LCD monitor BT-LH80W
USB2.0 compatible devices AJ-RC10
G
Remote control unit
Lens(Bayonet type)
Fujinon, Canon Anton/Bauer Gold Mount type
Battery
 
mount Battery Charger
(supplied)PROPAC14, TRIMPAC14
HYTRON50/100/140
DIONIC90/160
V mount type
Battery
 
plate Batter
y
NP-1 type NP-L7 (battery)Charger
ENDURA E-7/7S
ENDURA E-10/10
S
SD Memory cards*
P2 Cards*
External power supply
AG-MC200GAJ-MC700P
Microphone(Phantom +48 V)
Viewfinder
AJ-VF15BAJ-VF20WBAG-VF11G
SHAN-TM700
Tripod adapter
AJ-HT901G
Hard carrying case
Rain cover
SHAN-RC700
AJ-SC900
Soft carrying case
AG-HPX500P/E
*  For the latest information on P2 cards and SD memory cards not available in the operating Instructions, visit the P2 Support 
Desk at the following Web sites. 
https: / / eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp /pro-av /  
						

							
15
Chapter 2 Parts and their Functions
Chapter2
Parts and their 
Functions
Power Supply and Accessory Mounting Section
1  POWER switch
Used to turn on /off the power.
2  Battery mount
A battery pack from Anton / Bauer is mounted 
here.
For details, refer to [Mounting the Battery and 
Setting the Battery Type] (page 84).
3  DC IN (external power input) socket (XLR, 4P)
This unit is connected to an external AC adapter.
For details, refer to [Use of the external DC power 
supply] (page 86).
4  BREAKER switch
When an excessive amount of current is fed 
through the video camera recorder, due to any 
abnormal event, the breaker automatically turns 
off the power in order to protect the device.
After the interior of the video camera recorder has 
been checked and /or repaired, this button must 
be depressed. If there is no unusual reaction, the 
unit can be powered-up.
5  Light shoe
A video light or similar accessory can be attached 
here.
6  Shoulder strap fittings
The shoulder strap is attached here.
For details, refer to [Attaching the Shoulder Strap] 
(page 101).
7  Lens mount (2 / 3-inch bayonet type)
The lens is attached here.
For details, refer to [Mounting the Lens] 
 
(page 91).
8  Lens lever
Tighten this lever to lock the lens to the lens 
mount.
For details, refer to [Mounting the Lens] 
 
(page 91).
9  Lens mount cap
To remove the cap, raise the lens lever.
When the lens is not mounted, replace the cap.
10  Lens cable /microphone cable clamp
This clamp secures the lens and microphone 
cables.
For details, refer to [Mounting the Lens] 
 
(page 91).
11  Tripod mount
When you want to mount the AG-HPX500P/E 
on a tripod, the optional tripod adapter (SHAN-
TM700) is attached here.
For details, refer to [Mounting the Camera on a 
Tripod] (page 100).
12  LENS jack (12-pin)
The lens connection cord is connected here. 
For a detailed description of your lens, see the 
relevant manufacturer’s instruction manual.
13  Battery release lever
Pull down the release lever to release the battery 
pack. 
14  Viewfinder left-right positioning ring
For details, see [Adjusting Viewfinder Right-Left 
Position] (page 88). 
15  Light control switch 
For details, refer to [Power Supply] (page 84). 
16  Cable holder
Used to secure the light cable and microphone 
cable. 
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16
Chapter 2 Parts and their Functions

1  MIC IN (microphone input) jacks
  FRONT1/ FRONT2 (XLR, 3-pin)
•  Connect microphones (optional accessories) to 
these jacks. Power for the microphone comes 
from this jack.
•  A phantom-powered microphone may be  connected. To use a phantom-powered 
microphone, set the menu option F.MIC 
POWER1/F.MIC POWER2 to ON in the  screen.
For details, refer to [Preparing for Audio Input] 
(page 98).
2  AUDIO LEVEL CH1/ CH2 (audio channel 1  & 2 recording level adjustment) controls
•  With the AUDIO SELECT CH1/CH2 switch 
positioned to [MAN], these controls can be used 
to adjust the recording levels for Audio Channels 
1/2.
•  Note that the controls are designed to be locked.  For adjustment, each control must be depressed 
while turning.
3  AUDIO SELECT CH1/ CH2 (audio channel  1 & 2 automatic /manual level adjustment 
selector) switch
Use this switch to select recording level control 
mode for Audio Channels 1 and 2.
AUTO:  Recording level automatically controlled.
MAN : Recording level manually controlled.
4  AUDIO LEVEL CH3 / CH 4 (audio channel 3 & 4 recording level adjustment) controls
Set the menu option AUTO LEVEL CH3 /AUTO 
LEVEL CH4 to OFF in the  
screen to use these controls to adjust the 
recording level of audio channels 3 and 4.
5  AUDIO IN (audio input selector) switch
Use this switch to select the signals recorded 
through Audio Channels 1 - 4.
FRONT:  Signal from the microphone connected 
to the MIC IN jack is recorded.
REAR:  Signal from the audio device or  microphone connected to the REAR 1/
REAR 2 connector is recorded.
CH1 Input CH2Input
FRONT1 FRONT1 jack FRONTFRONT2 jack
FRONT2 FRONT2 jack REARREAR2 jack
REAR REAR1 jack
——
CH3 Input CH4Input
FRONT FRONT1 jack FRONTFRONT2 jack
REAR REAR1 jack REARREAR2 jack
< Note >
With a front microphone (such as AG-MC200G) 
connected only to the FRONT2 jack, setting CH1 of 
the AUDIO IN switch to FRONT2, setting CH2-CH4 
to FRONT and setting the MONITOR SELECT CH1/ 2 
/ CH3 /4 selector switch to CH3 / CH4 will result in no 
sound output to CH3. 
6  REAR 1/ REAR 2 (audio input channel 1 &  2) connectors (XLR, 3-pin)
Audio devices or a microphone may be 
connected here.
For details, refer to [When Using Audio Devices] 
(page 99).
Audio (input) Function Section
1
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17
Chapter 2 Parts and their Functions

7  LINE / MIC /+ 48V (line input /mic input /mic input + 48V) selector switch
Used to select the audio signal input from the 
REAR1/REAR2 connectors.
LINE:  Audio signal line-input from the audio 
device is input.
MIC:  Audio signal from a self-powered (active)  microphone is input. (The main unit 
does not supply power to the remote 
microphone).
+ 48V:  Audio signal from a passive microphone  is input. (The unit supplies power to the 
remote microphone).
< Note >
Power is supplied when R.MIC POWER in the 
< AUDIO SETUP> screen is set to ON.
8  FRONT AUDIO LEVEL (audio recording level adjustment) control
•  This control adjusts the recording level of Audio 
Channels 1 and 2.
•  Level adjustment is possible when the AUDIO 
SELECT switch is set to MAN.
•  Use the menu options FRONT VR CH1 and  FRONT VR CH2 in the  
screen to select the input connector this control 
will be used for.
9  Viewfinder connector
For details, refer to [Mounting the Viewfinder] 
(page 88). 
						

							
18
Chapter 2 Parts and their Functions

1  MONITOR SELECT (audio channel) CH1/ 2 / CH3 /4 selector switch
Use this switch to select the audio channel whose signals are output to the speakers, earphones or AUDIO 
OUT connector.
CH1/ 2 : Signals on Audio Channels 1 and 2 are output.
CH3 /4: Signals on Audio Channels 3 and 4 are output.
The channel indications on the display window and on the audio level meter in the viewfinder are 
synchronised with this selector switch.
2  MONITOR SELECT (audio selection) CH1/ 3 / ST / CH2 /4 selector switch
In combination with the MONITOR SELECT CH1/2 / CH3 /4 switch, select the audio signal output to the 
speakers and earphones, and from the AUDIO OUT connector.
MONITOR SELECT (Left)MONITOR SELECT (Right)
CH1/ 2 CH3 /4
MONITOR SELECT CH1/ 3
Audio Channel 1 Audio Channel 3
ST Stereo signals from 
 
Audio Channels 1 and 2 Stereo signals from  
Audio Channels 3 and 4
CH2/4 Audio Channel 2 Audio Channel 4
3  MONITOR /ALARM (volume) control
Used to control the volume of sound output from the monitor speakers and earphones.
It also adjusts the alarm sound volume. 
4  Speakers
The speakers output EE sound during recording, and reproduced sound during playback. The speakers emit 
an alarm sound when the warning lamp blinks and /or the indicator activates. EE sound and playback sound 
are not output during alarm sound output. 
When the PHONES jack is connected with earphones, sound from the speaker is automatically muted.
5  PHONES (earphones) jack (mini jack)
This connector is designed for audio monitoring (stereo) earphones. When earphones are connected, sound 
from the speakers is automatically muted.
6  DC OUT (DC power supply) output socket
This output socket is designed for 12-VDC. It provides a maximum current of 1.5 A.
7  AUDIO OUT connector
•  This connector outputs audio signals recorded on Channels 1/2 or 3 /4.
•  Output signals are selected with the MONITOR SELECT CH1/2 / CH3 /4 selector switch.
Audio (output) Function Section
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Chapter 2 Parts and their Functions

Shooting and Recording (camera unit)
1  ND FILTER (filter switching) control
This control adjusts the amount of light entering 
the CCD. Use this control in strong outdoor 
lighting.
Control 
position Setting
Description
1OFFDo not use the ND filter.
2 1/4Reduces the amount of light 
entering the CCD to 1/4.
3
1/16Reduces the amount of light 
entering the CCD to 1/16.
4
1/ 64Reduces the amount of light 
entering the CCD to 1/ 64.
2  USER MAIN, USER 1 and USER 2 buttons
These buttons can be assigned user-selected 
functions, using a menu option. Each button, 
when pressed, performs the assigned function.
For more information, see [Assigning Functions to 
USER Buttons] (page 55).
3  SHUTTER switch
Used to enable or disable the electronic shutter.
OFF: Electronic shutter disabled.
ON : Electronic shutter enabled.
SEL:  Used to change the speed of the electronic 
shutter.
This dial switch returns to its original position.
Each turn of the switch alters the shutter speed.
For more information, see [Setting the Electronic 
Shutter] (page 53).
4  AUTO W/ B (white /black) BAL switch
AWB Automatically adjusts the white balance. 
Set the WHITE BAL switch on the side to 
[A] or [B] and use this switch to adjust the 
white balance, which takes a few seconds. 
The adjusted value is stored in memory. 
When the WHITE BAL switch is set 
to PRST and the color temperature is 
indicated with the AUTO W/ B BAL switch 
set to AWB, setting the switch to AWB 
again makes it possible to change the 
preset color temperature. 
ABB Back balance is automatically adjusted.
For details, refer to [Adjusting the White Balance 
and Black Balance] (page 50).
5  GAIN selector switch
•  This switch adjusts video amplifier gain to suit 
ambient lighting conditions at the time of the 
shooting.
•  Use the menu options MID GAIN and HIGH  GAIN in the  screen to set the M / H 
position gain values.
•  The factory settings for L, M and H are 0 dB, 
6 dB, and 12 dB, respectively.
< Note >
The camera is locked to 0 dB gain regardless of 
GAIN switch position and setting when the FRAME 
RATE is 22 fps (59.94 Hz) or less than 23 fps 
(50 Hz) .
Shooting and Recording / Playback Functions Section
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20
Chapter 2 Parts and their Functions

6  OUTPUT/AUTO KNEE selector switch
This switch selects the video signals sent from 
the camera unit to the memory card recorder unit, 
viewfinder and video monitor.
CAM.
AUTO
KNEE ON Video being recorded through the camera 
is output with the AUTO KNEE circuit 
activated. The compression level (KNEE 
point) of the video signal is automatically 
changed according to the received signal.
CAM.
AUTO
KNEE OFF Video being recorded through the camera 
is output with the AUTO KNEE circuit 
turned off. The KNEE point is locked to 
the level set in the menu.
BARS Color bar signals are output with the 
AUTO KNEE circuit turned off.
■
AUTO KNEE function
Usually, when you adjust levels to shoot people 
or scenery against a strongly lit background, 
the background will be totally whited-out, with 
buildings and other objects blurred.
In this case, the AUTO KNEE function reproduces 
the background clearly.
This function is effective when:
•  The subject is a person positioned in the shade  under a clear sky.
•  The subject is a person inside a car or building,  and you also want to capture the background 
visible through a window.
•  The subject is a high-contrast scene.
7  WHITE BAL (white balance memory  selector) switch
Used to select the white balance adjustment 
method.
PRST:  Use this when you have no time to adjust 
the white balance.•  The value for the white balance is  factory-set to 3200 K.
•  While the setting menu or the color 
temperature is displayed, turn the 
AUTO W/ B BAL switch to AWB to set 
the color temperature to 3200K or 
5600K. 
A • B:  Pressing the AUTO W/ B BAL Switch 
toward [AWB] automatically adjusts the 
white balance, saving the adjusted value in 
Memory A or B. For more information, see 
[Adjusting the White Balance] (page 50).
8  DISP/ MODE CHK button
•  Press this button to turn off the LCD monitor and viewfinder display. (The time code indication 
stays on.) 
•  A second press of the button turns the display  back on and holding it down displays shooting 
conditions and functions assigned to USER 
switches. 
•  It also serves to turn off the alarm sound. 
9  MODE button
•  This button toggles between the CAMERA  mode and MCR mode at each press.
•  Holding down this button for 2 seconds or longer 
in the MCR mode will engage the PC mode. 
Since this button does not work in the PC mode, 
power off the camera to exit the PC mode and 
switch to another mode. The camera will start 
up in the CAMERA mode when powered up next 
time.
•  Use the mode LED to check current mode.