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

							
71Viewfinder Screen Status Displays
Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

27  Special recording display
This display appears when the REC FUNCTION 
option of the setting menu RECORDING SETUP 
screen is set to INTERVAL, ONE SHOT or LOOP, 
and when PRE REC is set to ON.
A P2 card inserted in a free slot after start of a 
special recording mode is not used for recording. 
Insert P2 cards before start of recording. 
Stop special recording and insert the P2 card 
again. 
28  Lens chromatic aberration compensation (CAC) indicator
During a mode check, it indicates that lens 
chromatic aberration compensation (CAC) 
operates normally. 
29  AWB, ABB error indication
In a mode check, the status of AWB and ABB that 
do not operate normally is shown.
■ Safety zone
The range of the zone is indicated by the SAFETY 
ZONE item on the DISPLAY SETUP screen.
• 4:3: 
  This indicates the position which is cropped to 4:3.
• 90%: 
   This indicates the range (90%) in which signals can 
be displayed by an ordinary home-use TV set.
Warnings
• COPY INHIBITED
Input of DV formats via the 1394 connector in MCR 
mode cannot be recorded normally since the contents 
are copyright protected. 
• EXTERNAL 1394 DISCONNECT
When the 1394 CONTROL item of the OTHER 
FUNCTIONS screen of the setup menu is set to EXT 
and recording without connecting external units with 
1394 terminal, this display appears.
• INCOMPATIBLE CARD
The card cannot be used since it does not comply with 
the specified standard.
• DIR ENTRY NG CARD
Indicates a card where folder location has become 
corrupted. This type of card cannot be used for special 
recording modes (interval, ONE SHOT and loop 
recording). 
A warning appears when such a P2 card is inserted in 
a P2 device or when recording is completed. 
• RUN DOWN CARD
Indicates that a P2 card has nearly reached the end 
of its life. This warning message appears each time 
the card is inserted or recording is stopped, and it will 
continue to appear until the card is replaced with a P2 
card with sufficient life remaining. Proper recording 
and playback may not be possible with a P2 card that 
is near the end of its life, so we recommend replacing 
it with another one as soon as possible.
• FORMAT ERR !
Indicates a P2 card that does not meet the P2 card 
standard.

• CANNOT ACCESS
Cannot access clips.
• CANNOT DELETE
Cannot delete clips.
• CANNOT FORMAT
Cannot format P2 cards or SD memory cards.
• CANNOT REPAIR
Cannot repair clips.
• CARD FULL
The P2 card does not have enough free space for 
recording.
• WRITE PROTECTED
The P2 card or SD memory card is writeprotected.
• NO CARD
A P2 card or SD memory card has not been inserted.
• NO FILE
There are no files (version upgrade files, etc.).
P2 card playback data 
indication
• EOS:  End of stream. No more data is available in the  forward playback direction. 
• BOS:  Beginning of stream. No more data is available  in the rearward playback direction. 
• P2 SLOT:  Appears when pressing the USER button  to which SLOT SEL is assigned.  
						

							
72Viewfinder Screen Status Displays
Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

Errors
These are displayed when an error occurs in the unit, 
P2 card, tape, or other component. If the problem is 
not fixed by turning the power off and then on again, 
either replace the card or tape based on the error 
information, or consult with your dealer as to which 
one is to be purchased.
• CANNOT REC
This is displayed during a recording error. 
• CANNOT PLAY
This is displayed when trouble has occurred during 
playback.
•  CARD ERR (1) (2) (3) (4) (1/2/3 /4): 
 
Trouble has occurred in the P2 card found in the slot 
indicated by the number.
• CLIP ERROR: clip trouble
• UPDATING: Reading card data
• ERROR: other type of trouble
• SYSTEM ERROR
This is displayed when trouble has occurred in the 
system. Switch ON the power again.
• P2 MICON ERROR: No P2 microcomputer response
• P2 CONTROL ERROR: Trouble in P2 control
• REC RAM OVERFLOW: Recording RAM overflow
• TURN POWER OFF
This message indicates that an abnormal event has 
occurred, for example, that a card has been removed 
during access or that a change in system frequency 
has been made. Turn the power off and then turn it 
back on again. 
• REC WARNING
This is displayed when trouble has occurred during 
recording. Carry out recording once again. If the 
warning persists, consult your dealer.
•  CARD ERR (1) (2) (3) (4) (1/2/3 /4): 
 
Trouble has occurred in the P2 card found in the slot 
indicated by the number.
● If the warning continues, turn off the power.
● If the warning appears even when recording is 
carried out again, replace the card with another 
one.
• ERROR: Other type of trouble
• 1394
This is displayed when trouble has occurred in the 
1394 connections or signals. 
• 1394 INITIAL ERROR: Connection error
• 1394 INPUT ERROR: Input error
•  1394 INPUT ERROR (OTHER FORMAT): 
 
(Wrong input format)
•  LOW BATTERY: 
 
Indicates that the battery is exhausted. 
Camera status display
• AWB: AWB indicator
• ABB: ABB indicator
•   AWB P3.2 K /AWB P5.6K: Displays the color 
temperature assigned to PRST when the WHITE BAL 
switch is set to PRST. Also displayed when AWB is 
performed in the PRST position. 
• GAIN **dB: Displayed when GAIN is switched.
•  BACK LIGHT (OFF) : Displayed during iris control 
when back light status is changed by pressing the 
user button to which BACK LIGHT is assigned. 
•  SPOT LIGHT (OFF) : Displayed during iris control 
when back light status is changed by pressing the 
user button to which SPOT LIGHT is assigned. 
•  SHUTTER 1/ **** (OFF) : Displayed when the shutter 
speed is changed. 
•  SCENE ******: Displays the name of a scene file 
selected by turning the SCENE FILE dial. 
•  ND NG : Displayed when the ND filter is not working 
normally. 
•  AUTO KNEE (ON / OFF) : Displayed when changing 
the AUTO KNEE switch position.
USER buttons assignment 
information (at mode check)
Displays the function assigned to each USER button. 
For details, see [Assigning Functions to USER 
buttons] (page 55).
! LED light indication  
(at mode check)
Indicates why an ! LED is lit according to setting menu 
VF! LED screen settings. 
•  GAIN : Indicates the camera is using a gain value  other than 0 dB. 
•  AWB: Indicates that the WHITE BAL switch is set to 
PRST. 
• SHUT: Indicates the electronic shutter is operating. 
• FILT: Appears when the filter set by menu is met.
• EXT: Indicates when the lens extender is inserted.  
						

							
73Viewfinder Screen Status Displays
Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

Checking and displaying 
shooting status 
•  Hold down the DISP/ MODE CHK button in recording standby or during recording to display the settings of 
each shooting function, the list of functions assigned 
to USER buttons and all other information. Press 
again to return to the regular screen. 
•  Press the DISP/ MODE CHK button during recording  standby or recording clears all displays. Press again 
to return to the regular display.
•  These settings are maintained when the unit is  turned off and also when switching media and 
operating mode. 
•  Display the following items on the viewfinder and 
LCD monitor screen by pressing the DISP/ MODE 
CHK button or by configuring OTHER DISPLAY of 
the DISPLAY SETUP screen of the setup menus.
DisplaysMODE
CHECKDISPLAYAudio dubbing  mode
ALL
PARTIALOFF1  Time code display❍————3 Backup unit display—×❍❍❍
4Recording format and 
system frequency
indication❍❍❍××
5
Information display❍————6Squeeze information❍❍❍❍×
8Marker luminance 
display❍❍———
9
Calendar❍❍———
10 Recording /playback 
frame rate display
❍❍❍*1××
11 Shutter speed
❍❍❍❍×
12 Audio level meter display❍❍———
13 IRIS display❍❍❍❍×
14 Zoom position display❍❍———
15 Auto-iris control display❍❍❍❍×
16 Remaining battery 
charge
❍❍*4———
18 Recommended ND filter
❍❍❍❍×
19 ND filter display❍❍❍××
20 Gain display❍❍❍❍*2×
21 WHITE BAL switch 
position indication
❍❍❍❍*3×
22 Center marker display
❍×———
23 Scene file name display❍❍❍××
24 Media remaining 
memory display
❍❍*4———
25 Operating status display
❍❍———
26 Media information 
display
❍❍———
27 Special recording 
display
❍❍———
28 Lens chromatic 
aberration compensation
(CAC) indicator
❍—×××
29 AWB, ABB error 
indication
❍××××
Safety zone display
—×———
❍ : Displayed
×: Not displayed
—: Displayed depending on other settings
The item in 
❍ in the MODE CHECK space appears when you 
press and hold the DISP/ MODE CHK button.
The item in 
❍ in the DISPLAY space disappears when you 
press the DISP/ MODE CHK button.
*1 Not displayed when FRAME RATE is set to 60i or 50i.*2 0 dB is not displayed.*3 Only preset 3.2K and 5.6K are displayed.*4 Blinks when there is little remaining time left. 
DISP/ MODE CHK button 
						

							
74Viewfinder Screen Status Displays
Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording
Setting the Marker Displays
Turn marker display on or off.
Select the display mode from the setting menu 
DISPLAY SETUP screen.  
For directions on navigating the menu, see [Using the 
menus] (page 116).
PUSH  MENU  TO  RETURN 
MARKERSAFETY ZONEDATE/TIMELEVEL MATERZOOMCARD/BATTP2CARD REMAIN
ZEBRA DETECT
DISPLAY SETUPOFF
ON
ONONON
80%
90%
TOTAL
You can also press the USER button to which the 
MARKER function has been assigned to turn the 
marker on and off.  
						

							
75Adjusting and setting the LCD monitor
Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording
Adjusting and setting the LCD monitor
Using the LCD Monitor
1Turn on the POWER switch of the AG-
HPX500P/ E.
2Slide the OPEN button in the arrow ➀ 
direction to open the LCD monitor.
1
< Note >
The LCD monitor opens to an angle of 120 
degrees. Attempts to open it further will damage 
the monitor. 
3Adjust the angle of the LCD monitor for 
most convenient viewing.
•  The monitor can turn up to 180 degrees  towards the lens and up to 90 degrees 
towards you.
< Note >
To prevent camera-recorder failure, do not allow 
undue force to be applied to the monitor (when it 
is open) .
4Use the menu option LCD SET 
(DISPLAY SETUP) to adjust the 
brightness, color level and contrast of 
the screen.
For details on menu operation, refer to [Using 
the menus] (page 116).
•  At LCD SET of the DISPLAY SETUP screen, 
select YES.
PUSH  MENU  TO  RETURN 
LCD BACKLIGHTNORMALLCD SETSELF SHOOTS-CROPDOWNCON MODEAUTODISPLAY ASPECTON
OTHER DISPLAY
DISPLAY SETUP
MENU BACK
PARTIAL
YES
5Use the JOG dial button to select an 
item. 
[  ]
LCD  COLOR  LEVEL
PUSH  MENU  TO  RETURN 
LCD SET
[+]
LCD  BRIGHTNESS 
LCD  CONTRAST
[  ][+]
[  ][+]
6Press the JOG dial button, and turn the 
JOG dial button to adjust the selected 
item. 
[  ]
LCD  COLOR  LEVEL
PUSH  MENU  TO  RETURN 
LCD SET
[+]
LCD  BRIGHTNESS 
LCD  CONTRAST
[  ][+]
[  ][+] 
						

							
76Adjusting and setting the LCD monitor
Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording
< Note >
•  Pressing the RESET button when a value that can be adjusted is selected in the setting menu LCD SET will 
return the setting to its factory default. 
•  When closing the LCD monitor make sure that it is shut  tight.
•  In an environment with sudden temperature changes,  condensation may form on the liquid crystal surface of 
the monitor. If this happens, wipe off the moisture with 
a soft, dry cloth.
•  When the camera-recorder is very cold, the video  image in the LCD monitor will appear slightly darker 
immediately after the power is turned on. Once the 
interior of the camera-recorder warms up, the LCD 
monitor delivers normal brightness.
•  When the SAVE switch is set to ON, the LCD monitor is  forcibly disabled.
Self-portrait Shooting
When shooting with the LCD display angled 180 
degrees towards the lens, you can set the menu option 
SELF SHOOT to MIRROR, to horizontally flip the 
video image on the LCD display, and allow you to view 
a mirror image while shooting.
Note that only the video image on the LCD monitor 
is horizontally flipped, not the actual video being 
recorded.
The menu option SELF SHOOT can be found in the 
DISPLAY SETUP screen. 
						

							
77Handling setup data
Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording
Handling setup data
Configuration of setup data files
This camera makes it possible to save a scene file to each of the F1 to F6 positions on the SCENE FILE dial. 
Use of an SD memory card makes it possible to save up to four of the F1 to F6 files on an SD card for later 
retrieval. 
The setting menu values can be stored as a user file in the camera and up to four files can be stored on the SD 
memory card. 
The setting data files are configured as shown below. 
F1 Default value
SCENE FILE(Factory defaults)
SCENE FILE screen INTIAL *1SCENE FILE screenLOAD/SAVE *1F2 Default value
F3 Default value
F4 Default value
F5 Default value
F6 Default value
F1 Current value
SCENE FILE
(Current operating status values)
F2 Current value
F3 Current value
F4 Current value
F5 Current value
F6 Current value F1 Saved value
SCENE FILE
(Saved camera values)
F1F2F3F4F5F6
SCENE FILE 1
F1F2F3F4F5F6
SCENEFILE 2
F1F2F3F4F5F6
SCENE
FILE 3
F1F2F3F4F5F6
SCENEFILE 4
USER FILE
1
USER FILE
2
USER FILE
3
USER FILE
4
USER FILE initial value
USER FILE(Factory defaults)
OTHER FUNCTIONS screenUSER FILE    INTIALOTHER FUNCTIONS screenUSER FILE    LOAD/SAVE
CARD FUNCTIONS screen
SCENE FILE    LOAD/SAVE *2*1: SCENE FILE dial unit*2: All files F1 to F6
Current USER FILE values
USER FILE
(Current operating status values)
Saved USER FILE values
USER FILE
(Saved camera values) SCENE FILE
(SD CARD)
USER FILE (SD CARD)
F2 Saved value
F3 Saved value
F4 Saved value
F5 Saved value
F6 Saved value
CARD FUNCTIONS screen
USER FILE    LOAD/SAVE
AG-HPX500P/E
SD CARD 
						

							
78Handling setup data
Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

Setting Data Using an SD memory 
card
An SD or SDHC memory card (optional accessory) 
can be used as a setup card that stores up to four files 
of settings menu specifications.
This data allows you to quickly reproduce an optimum 
state. 
See [Memory Card Usage] (page 83).
Handling SD memory cards
An SD memory card may be inserted or removed, 
either before or after the power is turned on.
To insert an SD memory card
Open the lid of the switch cover, and insert an SD 
memory card (optional accessory) into the SD memory 
card slot with the notch upward. Close the lid.
< Note >
An SD memory card must be inserted with the right side 
facing the slot. If the card is hard to insert, it may be 
reversed or upside down. Do not force it into the slot. 
Check the card before reinserting it.
To remove the SD memory card
Open the lid of the switch cover, and ensure that the 
BUSY lamp is not illuminated. Then, further depress 
the SD memory card towards the main unit. This 
releases the SD memory card from the insertion slot. 
Take hold of the SD memory card and remove it. Close 
the lid.
SD memory cards must not be used or stored in 
an environment where they may be
• Exposed to high temperatures /humidities;
• Exposed to water droplets; or
• Electrically charged.
For storage, the SD memory card must be kept 
inserted into the AG-HPX500P/E with the lid closed.
Formatting, Writing and 
Reading an SD memory 
card
Open the CARD FUNCTIONS screen from the setting 
menu to format SD memory cards, write setting data 
to SD memory cards and to read data stored on an SD 
memory card. 
PUSH  MENU  TO  RETURN 
USER FILESD CARD FORMAT
SCENE FILE
CARD  FUNCTIONS
YES
For an SD memory card formatted with a device that 
does not support SD/SDHC standards, the message 
“FORMAT ERROR” appears at the upper right of the 
screen. In this case, reformat the card as follows. 
See [To format an SD memory card] (page 78).
To format an SD memory card
< Note >
SD memory cards may be formatted via the thumbnail 
screen. For more information, see [Formatting SD 
memory cards] (page 112) .
1Navigate the menu to the < CARD 
FUNCTIONS > screen.
For details on menu operation, refer to [Using 
the menus] (page 116).
2Turn the JOG dial button to move the 
cursor to the menu option SD CARD 
FORMAT.
3Press the JOG dial button. 
						

							
79Handling setup data
Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

4To format the SD memory card, turn the 
JOG dial button to move the cursor to 
YES. Then, press the dial button.
•  “SD CARD FORMAT OK” appears and the SD memory card is formatted. 
PUSH  MENU  TO  RETURN 
USER FILESD CARD FORMAT
SCENE FILE
CARD  FUNCTIONS
YES
The card will not be formatted if the following message 
appears when the JOG dial button is pressed:
Error message Remedy
SD CARD FORMAT NG NO 
CARD 
 
(No SD memory card inserted.) Insert an SD memory card.
SD CARD FORMAT NG 
ERROR
 
(SD memory card cannot be 
formatted.) The card may be defective.
Replace the card.
SD CARD FORMAT NG WRITE 
PROTECT
 
(SD memory card is write-
protected.) Remove the card and 
cancel the protect.
SD CARD FORMAT NG 
CANNOT ACCESS
 
(SD memory card not 
accessible). The SD memory card is 
not accessible. When the 
current access operation 
ends, reformat the card. 
How to Use Scene File Data
•  The settings according to the variety of shooting 
circumstances are stored in each position of scene 
file dial.
•  When shooting, you can retrieve the necessary file  instantly using scene file dial.
•  You can also use menu options to change set scene  file values. A modified scene file can be saved to 
each scene file dial position. 
•  During recording, the OPERATION TYPE and FRAME RATE settings remain unchanged even 
when the scene file is changed. 
 
To change these settings, set the camera-recorder to 
recording standby state.
■ Factory setting
• F1: SCENE
File suitable for normal shooting.
• F2 : SCENE FLUO.
File suitable for shooting under fluorescent lights, ie. 
indoors.
• F3: SCENE SPARK
File suitable for SD shooting with fuller variations of 
resolution, coloring and contrast.
• F4: SCENE B-STR
File for broadening the contrast of dark parts, such as 
when shooting sunsets.
• F5: SCENE CINE V
File suitable for shooting movie-like scenes where 
the contrast is to be emphasized. (The recording 
format remains unchanged even when the scene file 
is changed. It must be set using the REC FORMAT 
option on the RECORDING SETUP screen.) 
• F6: SCENE CINE D
File suitable for shooting movie-like scenes where the 
dynamic range is to be emphasized.
(The recording format remains unchanged even when 
the scene file is changed. It must be set using the REC 
FORMAT option on the RECORDING SETUP screen.)
Scene file dial 
						

							
80Handling setup data
Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

Changing scene file settings
■Example1:  Change the name of the scene 
file.
1Turn the scene file dial, then select the 
scene file to be changed.
2In the setup menus, open the SCENE 
FILE screen.
3Turn the JOG dial button to move the 
cursor to the option NAME EDIT. Then, 
press the JOG dial button.
For details on menu operation, refer to [Using 
the menus] (page 116).
SKIN TONE DTLV DETAIL FREQNAME EDIT
MATRIX
PUSH  MENU  TO  RETURN 
SCENE F1
OFFNORM1
THIN
4Turn the JOG dial button to move the 
cursor to YES. Then, press the JOG dial 
button. 
SKIN TONE DTLV DETAIL FREQNAME EDIT
MATRIX
PUSH  MENU  TO  RETURN 
SCENE F1
OFFNORM1
THIN
YES
5When the screen shown below appears, 
use the JOG dial button to enter a 6-
character file name. 
•  Turning the JOG dial button changes the 
character display in the following order: space 
(❏)→ alphabet (A to Z) → numerics (0 to 9) → 
symbols (; : < = > ? @ [ \ ] ^_-. /).
•  If the RESET button is pressed when the  filename has been set, the characters are 
cleared.
PUSH  MENU  TO  RETURN  
NAME EDIT 
SW POSITION F2
FLU0.
6After you finish setting the filename, 
press the MENU button.
•  This completes the NAME EDIT change. A change that has been confirmed is retained 
after a power down and is not affected by dial 
position.  Items set for the scene file are also 
retained.