Panasonic Memory Card Camera Recorder AG-HVX200AP Operating Instructions

							
 AG-HVX200AP
Reference
Menu
Displays
Editing
Playback
Shooting
Preparation Description of partsBefore use
Operating Instructions
Memory Card Camera-Recorder
Model No.
Before operating this product, please read the instructions carefully and save this manual for 
future use.
F0208T0 -P
Printed in Japan
D
VQT1Q85
ENGLISH 
						

							
2
indicates safety information.
   
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCKDO NOT OPEN    CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC 
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER TO SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE  PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, 
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to 
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated 
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s 
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude 
to constitute a risk of electric shock to 
persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral 
triangle is intended to alert the user to 
the presence of important operating and 
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the 
literature accompanying the appliance.
 
WARNING:•  TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR 
SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS 
EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
• 
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR 
SHOCK HAZARD, KEEP THIS EQUIPMENT 
AWAY FROM ALL LIQUIDS. USE AND 
STORE ONLY IN LOCATIONS WHICH 
ARE NOT EXPOSED TO THE RISK OF 
DRIPPING OR SPLASHING LIQUIDS, AND 
DO NOT PLACE ANY LIQUID CONTAINERS 
ON TOP OF THE EQUIPMENT.
CAUTION:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK 
HAZARD AND ANNOYING INTERFERENCE, USE 
THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
CAUTION:Do not jar, swing, or shake the unit by its 
handle while the conversion lens or another 
accessory is attached.
Due to the added weight of the conversion 
lens, any strong jolt to the handle may damage 
the unit or result in personal injury.
CAUTION:THE MAINS PLUG OF THE POWER SUPPLY 
CORD SHALL REMAIN READILY OPERABLE.
THE AC RECEPTACLE (MAINS SOCKET OUTLET) 
SHALL BE INSTALLED NEAR THE EQUIPMENT 
AND SHALL BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE.
TO COMPLETELY DISCONNECT THIS 
EQUIPMENT FROM THE AC MAINS, 
DISCONNECT THE POWER CORD PLUG FROM 
THE AC RECEPTACLE.
CAUTION:Danger of explosion or fire if battery is mistreated.For Battery Pack
•  Replace only with same or specified type.
•  Do not disassemble or dispose of in fire.
• 
Do not store in temperatures over 60°C (140°F).• Do not leave the battery in an automobile 
exposed to direct sunlight for a long period of 
time with doors and windows closed.
•  Use specified charger.
For Battery of Remote Controller
•  Replace battery with part No. CR2025 only.
•  Do not recharge the battery.
•  Do not disassemble or dispose of in fire.
• 
Do not store in temperatures over 60°C (140°F).
Camera-Recorder
The rating plate is on the underside of the 
viewfinder.
AC Adapter
The rating plate is on the underside of the AC 
Adapter.
Disconnect the AC mains plug from the AC 
mains socket when not in use.
CAUTION:In order to maintain adequate ventilation, do 
not install or place this unit in a bookcase, 
built-in cabinet or any other confined space. To 
prevent risk of electric shock or fire hazard due 
to overheating, ensure that curtains and any 
other materials do not obstruct the ventilation.
CAUTION:Do not lift the unit by its handle while the 
tripod is attached. When the tripod is attached, 
its weight will also affect the unit’s handle, 
possibly causing the handle to break and 
hurting the user. To carry the unit while the 
tripod is attached, take hold of the tripod.
CAUTION:EXCESSIVE SOUND PRESSURE FROM 
EARPHONS AND HEADPHONES CAN 
CAUSE HEARING LOSS.
CAUTION:Do not leave the unit in direct contact with the 
skin for long periods of time when in use.
Low temperature burn injuries may be suffered if 
the high temperature parts of this unit are in direct 
contact with the skin for long periods of time.  
When using the equipment for long periods of 
time, make use of the tripod.
Read this first! 
						

							
3
FCC NOTICE (USA)
Declaration of ConformityModel Number:    AG-HVX200AP
Trade Name:   PANASONIC
Responsible Party:    Panasonic Corporation of North America One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 
07094
Support contact:   Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Company 1-800-524-1448
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference 
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
To assure continued compliance, follow the attached installation instructions and do not make any 
unauthorized modifications.
CAUTION:This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, 
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection 
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can 
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with \
the instructions, 
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that 
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful 
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off 
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following measures:
•  Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•  Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•  Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is  connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The user may find the booklet “Something About Interference”
available from FCC local regional offices helpful.
FCC Warning:To assure continued FCC emission limit compliance, the user must use only shielded interface 
cables when connecting to host computer or peripheral devices. Also, any unauthorized changes or 
modifications to this equipment could void the user’s authority to operate this device.
NOTIFICATION (Canada)
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numéique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
IMPORTANT“Unauthorized recording of copyrighted television programs, video tapes and other materials may infringe the 
right of copyright owners and be contrary to copyright laws.”
indicates safety information.
A lithium ion/polymer battery that is recyclable powers the product you have purchased.
Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information on how to recycle this battery.
For USA-California Only
This product contains a CR Coin Cell Lithium Battery which contains Perchlorate Material – special 
handling may apply.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate. 
						

							
4
Software information for this product1.  Customer advisory: This product includes software licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) and GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL); customers have the right to download, modify, 
and redistribute source code for this software.
  Descriptions of the GPL and LGPL are stored on the installation CD included w\
ith this camera-recorder.
  See the folder named \LDOC. (The description is the original (written in English).) To download the  relevant source code, visit https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/
  Please note that we cannot answer any questions you may have about the content, etc. of any source  code you may obtain from the above Web site.
2.  This product includes software licensed under the MIT License. A description of the MIT is stored on  the installation CD included with this camera-recorder. See the folder named \LDOC. (The description is 
the original (written in English).)
•  LEICA is a trademark of Leica Microsystems IRGmbH.
•  DICOMAR is a trademark of Leica Camera AG.
•  SD logo is a trademark.
All other explanations, company names, and product names are the registered trademarks of the 
respective companies. 
Recommendation for Use of Genuine Panasonic Battery Pack 
(Rechargeable Battery)
Thank you for using a Panasonic product.
It has been our policy to recommend that the genuine Panasonic battery pack be used for any 
Panasonic product that uses a battery pack, including digital cameras. It has, however, been found that 
imitation battery packs that look very similar to the genuine Panasonic battery pack are marketed in 
some markets.
Some of these imitation battery packs are not equipped with any protective devices that meet given 
quality standards for permitting use at high power outputs and for long hours.
If any of these battery packs of inferior quality is used, it could lead to an accident or failure 
involving firing or explosion.
To ensure that our products are used in utmost safety, we once again remind you that we recommend 
the use of a genuine Panasonic battery pack for any Panasonic product that is to use a battery pack. 
The genuine Panasonic battery packs are sold under our stringent quality control.
Please be advised that we are not liable for any accident or failure occurring as a result of use of an 
imitation battery pack.
We appreciate your kind understanding and cooperation in this regard. 
						

							
5
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1)  Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3)  Heed all warnings.
4)  Follow all instructions.
5)  Do not use this apparatus near water.
6)  Clean only with dry cloth.
7)  Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the ma\
nufacturer’s instructions.
8)  Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, \
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9)  Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug\
. A polarized plug has two  blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blad\
es and a third grounding 
prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. I\
f the provided plug does not fit 
into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete\
 outlet.
10)  Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at p\
lugs, convenience  receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11)  Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12)  Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by th\
e manufacturer, or  sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving th\
e cart/ 
apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13)  Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long pe\
riods of time.
14)  Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is require\
d when the  apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug\
 is 
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparat\
us, the apparatus has been 
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been drop\
ped. 
						

							
6
Contents
Read this first! ................................................ 2
Before use
Recommendation for Use of Genuine Panasonic Battery Pack 
(Rechargeable Battery)  ........................... 4
Software information for this product .......... 4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ......... 5
Outline of operations ..................................... 8
Precaution for use ........................................ 10
Accessories .................................................. 11
About this manual ........................................ 11
Description of parts
Description of parts ..................................... 12Right side and rear side .................................. 12
Left side ........................................................... 13
Terminals and mounting parts ......................... 14
Remote control ................................................ 15
Preparation
The battery .................................................... 16Charging .......................................................... 16Installing and removing the power supply ... 17Installing and removing the battery ................. 17Connecting and disconnecting the power cord ... 17Adjusting the hand strap ............................. 18
Attaching the shoulder strap  ....................... 18
Detaching and attaching the lens hood ..... 18
The remote control ....................................... 19
Insert the battery ............................................. 19
Remote control setup ...................................... 19
Turn on/off the camera ................................. 20
Tally lamp ...................................................... 20
Viewfinder ..................................................... 21
Using the viewfinder ........................................ 21
Using the LCD ................................................. 22
Emphasizing outlines ...................................... 22
Adjusting the screen display ............................ 23
Setting the calendar ..................................... 24
Shooting
Basic shooting operations (P2 card) .......... 25Preparing to shoot using a P2 card ................. 25
Shooting in auto mode .................................... 25
Checking photos taken (REC CHECK) ........... 26
P2 card access lamps ..................................... 26
Protecting against a possible erasure ............. 26
Formatting P2 cards ........................................ 27
Recording times .............................................. 27
Remove the P2 card ........................................ 28
Basic shooting operations (Cassette tape) ... 29
Preparing to shoot using a tape ...................... 29
Shooting in auto mode .................................... 29
Checking scenes taken (REC CHECK) ........... 30
Remove the cassette tape ............................... 30
Cassette tapes ................................................ 31
Using SD/SDHC memory cards ................... 32Installing and removing the SD memory card . 32
Formatting SD memory card ........................... 32
Cautions in using SD memory cards ............... 32
Using the zoom function  .............................. 33
Variable frame rates (VFR) ........................... 34
Native recording .............................................. 35
Standard recording .......................................... 35
Using variable frame rates (VFR) .................... 36
Shooting in 1080i/480i progressive mode .. 37
Shooting in manual mode  ............................ 38
Switching to manual mode  ............................. 38
Manual focusing  ............................................. 38
Using focus assist ............................................ 38
Iris adjustments ............................................... 39
Adjusting the gain ............................................ 39
Light intensity adjustments .............................. 39
Adjusting the white balance ............................. 40
Shooting techniques for different targets .. 42Low-angle shooting ......................................... 42
Self-portrait shooting  ...................................... 42
Zebra pattern  .................................................. 43
Marker ............................................................. 43
Checking and displaying shooting status ........ 44
Changing the image size ................................. 44
Optical Image Stabilizer .................................. 45
Adding effects to images ................................. 45
Using the USER buttons   ................................. 45
Backlight compensation  ................................... 45
Color bars ........................................................ 45
Adjusting the volume while shooting ............... 46
Backup recording   ............................................ 46
2-slot continuous recording ............................. 47
Shot mark function .......................................... 47
Text memo recording ....................................... 47
Finding specific scenes (image search) .......... 48
Index recording ................................................ 48
Using the special recording functions ....... 48Pre-recording (PRE REC) ............................... 48
Interval recording (INTERVAL REC)  ................ 49
One-shot recording (ONE-SHOT REC) ........... 50
Loop recording (LOOP REC) .......................... 50
Adjusting the shutter speed ........................ 51Synchro scan ................................................... 52Switching Audio Input .................................. 53Using the built-in microphone .......................... 53
Using another microphone 
and audio equipment ................................... 53
Adjusting the recording level ........................... 54
Using scene files .......................................... 55Changing scene file settings ........................... 55 
						

							
7
Saving scene files and other settings on SD memory cards ............................ 57
Clip metadata ................................................ 58
Using the Counter ........................................ 59
Counter display (P2 card / Tape) ..................... 59
Memory stop mode (Tape) .............................. 59
 1394TC preset mode ...................................... 59
Charging the built-in battery/Setting the time data ... 60Recharging the built-in battery ........................ 60
Setting the time code ....................................... 60
Specifying the time code (TC PRESET) .......... 60
Setting user information .................................. 61
Playback
Basic playback operations (P2 card) .......... 63
Basic playback operations (Tape) ............... 64
Thumbnail screen ......................................... 65
Basic thumbnail screen operations ................. 65
Adding shot marks to clips .............................. 67
Clearing the thumbnail screen  ......................... 67
Direct shooting functions ................................. 67
Thumbnail operations .................................. 68Selecting the thumbnail display method  (THUMBNAIL) ............................................. 68
Deleting clips and formatting cards  (OPERATION) ............................................. 70
Checking the clip or card information  (PROPERTY) .............................................. 71
Uploading the metadata (META DATA) ............ 73
Useful playback functions ........................... 74Variable speed search (P2 card / Tape)  ........... 74
Slow playback (P2 card / Tape) ....................... 74
Fast forward/rewind playback (P2 card) .......... 74
Fast forward/rewind playback (Tape) ............... 74
Frame-by-frame playback (P2 card / Tape)  ...... 75
Clip skip (P2 card) ........................................... 75
End search (Tape) ........................................... 75
Index search (Tape) ......................................... 76
Adjusting the volume (P2 card / Tape) ............. 76
Viewing images on a television  (P2 card / Tape) ........................................... 76
Checking the date and time (P2 card / Tape) .. 76
Editing
Connecting external units ........................... 77Headphones .................................................... 77
External microphone ....................................... 77
Computer (non-linear editing/file transfer) ....... 78
Hard disk drive (data copying) ......................... 78
Digital video equipment (Dubbing) .................. 79
Video deck (Dubbing) ...................................... 80
TV/Monitor (playback/dubbing) ........................ 80
Audio dubbing .............................................. 81Nonlinear editing with P2 card (PC mode) ... 83
Copying from P2 cards to the hard disk drive 
(1394 HOST mode) ................................ 85
Warnings ......................................................... 86Dubbing ......................................................... 87Dubbing the contents of P2 cards onto a tape 
(dubbing mode) ........................................... 87
Digital input/output (P2 card/Tape) .................. 88
Analog output (P2 card/Tape) .......................... 89
Analog input (Tape) ......................................... 90
Displays
Screen displays ............................................ 91Regular displays .............................................. 91
Warnings ......................................................... 94
Setting the DISPLAY items .............................. 96
Menus
Using the setup menus ................................ 97Using the menus  ............................................ 97
Initializing the menu settings  .......................... 98
Setup menu structure .................................. 99Camera mode menu ........................................ 99
MCR/VCR (playback and external input)  mode menu ............................................... 100
Dubbing mode menu ..................................... 100
Setup menu list ........................................... 101SCENE FILE screen ...................................... 101
CAMERA SETUP screen .............................. 103
SW MODE screen ......................................... 104
AUTO SW screen .......................................... 106
RECORDING SETUP screen ........................ 107
PLAYBACK FUNCTIONS screen .................. 110
DUBBING SETUP screen ............................. 112
AV IN/OUT SETUP screen ............................ 112
DISPLAY SETUP screen ............................... 113
CARD FUNCTIONS screen .......................... 115
OTHER FUNCTIONS screen ........................ 115
OPTION MENU ............................................. 119
Reference
Before calling for service ........................... 120
Operating precautions ............................... 124
Updating the driver in the camera ............ 126
Condensation  .............................................. 126
System resetting  ......................................... 127
Cleaning ...................................................... 127
Video Heads ................................................ 128
Storage Precautions  ................................... 129
How to handle data recorded on P2 cards ... 130
Checkpoints for using memory cards ...... 131
Recording format ........................................ 132
Appendix ..................................................... 133
Specifications ............................................. 134 
						

							
8
DV cassette tape
•  DV recording (480i)
•  Dubbing mode recording from a P2 card is possible.
Outline of operations
This unit is compatible with P2 (Professional Plug-in) cards or DV cassette tapes.
The P2 card has a large capacity with a high transfer rate, and allows you sophisticated movie-making on
this handy camera, including HD (High Definition) recording and smooth editing/dubbing.
The setting values such as the user 
file are saved to and read from the 
SD memory card.
1P2 mode shooting and playback 
(Pages 25 and 74)2
3
•  You cannot simultaneously shoot on both the P2 card and the DV cassette tape.
•  High-definition (HD) recording to a DV tape is not possible.
P2 card
You can use the following features:
•  HD (High Definition) recording
•  Multi format recording
•  Variable frame rates
  Slow & quick motion recording
•  Maximum 4 channel uncompressed digital audio recording
•  DV recording (480i)
For details on how to handle recorded data, see 
page 130.
Flow of shooting, playing and saving
Cassette tape shooting and 
playback (Pages 29 and 74)
Dubbing mode (Page 87)
Dubbing mode is a function for down-converting contents recorded in 
HD (1080i, 720P) on the P2 card to an DV format (480i) and recording it 
to tape. You can record onto DV tape contents that have a slow & quick 
motion effect.
This is useful when backing up images and checking images on AV 
equipment. 
						

							
9
Before use
Computer/
Memory card recorder
The contents can be transferred as a data 
stream (digital dubbing).
USB2.0 (Windows)
IEEE1394 (Macintosh)
IEEE1394 (SBP-2 ∗
)
∗Serial Bus Protocol-2
4
The data (file) is transferred for nonlinear 
editing on your computer or other unit.
51394 host mode (Page 85)
The unit directly controls the external hard 
disk drive, and transfers the data (file) to it. Computer
External hard disk
P2 card
DV cassette tape AV cable
Component 
video cable
Video equipment/
Television
PC mode (Page 83)
Saving and editing on external devices
IEEE1394 
(Windows/Macintosh) 
						

							
10
Always take some trial shots before actual shooting.
•  When shooting important events (such as weddings), always take some trial shots and check that the sound and images have been recorded properly before actual shooting.
Be sure to check and set the calendar and time zone.
•  These settings affect the control and playback sequence of the recorded contents. Before making a  recording, set and check the calendar and time zone. (Page 24)
Panasonic makes no guarantees for your recordings.
•  Please understand that Panasonic makes no guarantees for your recordings in cases where images and/  or sound were not recorded as you intended due to problems with the camera-recorder or cassette.
Respect copyrights
•  Copyright laws forbid the use of video and audio material you have recorded for any purpose other than  your own personal enjoyment. Remember that restrictions apply to the shooting of certain material even if 
it is intended for private use.
Caution regarding laser beams
•  The CCD may be damaged if it is subjected to light from a laser beam.
  When using the camera-recorder in locations where laser irradiation equipment is used, be careful not to  allow the laser beam to shine directly on the lens.
Notes when connecting a DV (IEEE1394) cable
• Windows:
  Before connecting, turn off the main unit power, and check the shape and orientation of the terminal. 
• Macintosh:
  After turning on the power of the Apple Macintosh computer, check the shape and orientation of the  terminal, and then connect the cable.
(Pages 78, 79)
Media that can be used in this unit
The following media can be used in this unit. For details, refer to the respective pages.
•  P2 card (Page 27)
•  Digital video cassette tape (Page 29)
•  SD/SDHC memory cards (Page 32)
Mounting the camera-recorder on a tripod
The tripod mounting hole is 5.5 mm deep. Do not force 
the tripod screw beyond this depth.
You can damage the camera-recorder if you use any 
screw other than 1/4-20UNC.
For other usage notes, see page 124. Attach the tripod to the tripod hole.
Precaution for use