Panasonic Multi Format Camera Ak Hc3500 Operating Instructions

							Before operating this product, please read the instructions carefully and save this manual for future use.
Operating Instructions
Multi-Format Camera
Model No.  AK-HC3500P 
						

							
For your safety
CAUTION:
This product uses a semiconductor laser system 
a n d i s a l a s e r c l a s s 1 p r o d u c t c o m p l i e s w i t h 
R
a d i a t i o n   Pe r f o r m a n c e   S t a n d a r d s ,   1 C F R 
SUBCHAPTER J.
Use of controls or adjustments or perfor mance 
of procedures other than those specified herein 
may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
Don’t make any modifications.
Don’t repair by yourself.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
CAUTION:
Invisible Laser radiation is emitted from the 
Optical fiber connector when this product is 
turned on.
Don’t look into directly into the Optical fiber 
connector of this product.
 indicates safety information.
CAUTION:
TO  REDUCE  THE  RISK  OF  FIRE  OR  SHOCK 
HAZARD  AND  ANNOYING  INTERFERENCE,  USE 
THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
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.
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
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
 DO 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  aler t  the  user  to  the  
p r e s e n c e   o f   i m p o r t a n t   o p e ra t i n g   a n d 
maintenance  (ser vice)  instructions  in  the 
literature accompanying the appliance.
This  class  A  digital  apparatus  complies  with 
Canadian ICES-003.
Cet  appareil  numérique  de  la  classe  A  est 
conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
For CANADA
This  product  contains  a  CR  Coin  Cell  Lithium  Battery 
which  contains  Perchlorate  Mater ial  —  special 
handling may apply.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate. 
						

							3
 1)  Read these instructions.
  )  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 manufacturer’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  blades  and  a  third  grounding 
prong.  The  wide  blade  or  the  third  prong  are 
provided  for  your  safety.  If  the  provided  plug  does 
not  fit  into  your  outlet,  consult  an  electrician  for 
replacement of the obsolete outlet.  
10)
   
Protect  the  power  cord  form  being  walked  on  or   
pinched  particularly  at  plugs,  convenience 
receptacles,  and  the  point  where  they  exit  from  
the apparatus.
  11)

   Only  use  attachments/accessories  specified  by   
the manufacturer.
  1

)   Use  only  with  the  cart,  stand,  tripod,   
bracket,  or  table  specified  by  the 
manufacturer,  or  sold  with  the 
apparatus.  When  a  cart  is  used,  use   
caution  when  moving  the   
cart/apparatus  combination  to  avoid 
injury from tip-over.
  13)

   Unplug  this  apparatus  during  lightning  storms  or 
when unused for long periods of time.
  14)

   Refer  all  servicing  to  qualified  service  personnel. 
Servicing  is  required  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  apparatus,  the 
apparatus  has  been  exposed  to  rain  or  moisture, 
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Read  these  operating  instructions  carefully  before  using  the  unit.  Follow  the  safety  instructions  on  the  unit  and  the 
applicable safety instructions listed below. Keep these operating instructions handy for future reference.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
For your safety
Contents
For your safety  
..........................................................  
Overview   ...................................................................  4
Accessories   ..............................................................  4
Features   ...................................................................  4
Precautions for use   ...................................................  5
Controls and their functions   ......................................  6
Mounting the lens   ...................................................  11
Adjusting the lens flange back   ................................  1
 
Performing the viewfinder adjustments   ...................  13
Connecting a microphone   .......................................  15
Mounting the camera on a tripod   ............................  16Component system configuration  
...........................  17
System connections 1 (with Multi-Format Camera)  ...  19
System connections  (with Buildup Unit)  .................  0
System connections 3 (with MSU)  ............................  1
Status displays on viewfinder screen   ......................  
 
Menu operations   .....................................................  
 3
Setting menu configuration   .....................................  
 5
Table of adjustment setting ranges   .........................  30
SD card operations   .................................................  37
AK-HC3500 connector pin assignment   ..................  38
External dimension drawings   ..................................  39
Specifications   .........................................................  40 
						

							4
Overview
This unit is a new-generation multi-format HD camera that 
supports the 1080i format.
It uses a ne
w-generation /3-inch .-megapixel IT-CCD 
[190 (H)   1080 (V)] imaging device. This newly developed 
CCD employs leading-edge processes and embodies a 
fresh look taken at the on-chip lens and CCD structure 
to improve the sensitivity, smear and dynamic range by 
a significant margin over previous CCDs. Furthermore, 
Panasonic’s horizontal single-line readout CCD and 
high
 -precision signal processing combine to achieve pixel 
shifting and a dramatic reduction in moire within the band.
Another salient feature is the newly developed digital signal 
processor LSI chip which is mounted in the camera head 
and supports 14-bit A/D conversion: This chip processes 
the gamma, knee, detail, matrix and other process signals, 
delivers the kind of multi-functionality, high quality and 
high stability that digital technology alone can provide, and 
improves the operating ease.
The 14-bit A/D converter is instrumental in creating a 
stable wide dynamic circuit with a high signal-to-noise ratio 
from the dark area all the way to the highlights. Using the 
dynamic range stretch (DRS) function which adjusts the 
gamma correction optimally in real time, both the dark areas 
and light areas can now be reproduced with startling clarity. With buildup applications in mind, the camera head 
incorporates a chassis which features a low center of gravity  
while at the same time it has a compact size and a low 
profile and it offers outstanding operating ease. The range 
of these b

uildup applications which include cable-free 
connections, mounting of a large-size lens and the shared 
use of the large-size lens and barrel lens has been greatly 
extended.
The amount of heat generated by the camera has also been 
slashed as a result of adopting a low-power-consumption 
design for the new circuits and a heat-dissipation design for 
the new chassis.
When this Multi-Format Camera is connected to a CCU 
(AK
 -HCU931, optional accessory), not only can HD signals 
be input and output but SD signals (D1, VBS) can be output 
and RET/PROMPT signals can be input as well.
The iris, pedestal, gain and other camera adjustments can 
be carried out by remote control using a unit such as the 
ROP (AK-HRP931) or MSU (AK-MSU935) available as 
optional accessories.
Accessories
Operating Instructions   ........................................................  1
Camer
a No. plate (1 to 1)   ...........................................  1 set
Camera hangers   .................................................................  
 
Screws (M3  8 mm)   .........................................................  4
Mount cap   ........................................................................\
...  1
Features
Newly developed 1080I, 2.2 million-pixel CCDs 
incorporated
   This achie
 ves a high sensitivity that surpasses the 
standard sensitivity of F10 and is on a par with SD.
 
  
Smear has been cut to 130 dB and the number of 
white marks has been drastically reduced by process 
improvements.
 
   H-CCD drive is accomplished at a frequency of 74 MHz to 
attain a high response and high resolution.
Digital signal processing LSI with high picture quality 
featured in the camera unit
 
   After the process circuits, the signals undergo 14-bit, 
74 MHz high-picture-quality digital processing, yielding a 
high reliability, more functions and enhanced operating 
ease as a result.
Multi-functional enhancer
 
   In addition to the many functions such as chroma DTL, 
skin DTL and dynamic DTL, there is a choice of 8 boost 
frequencies. (For both HD and SD) Designed to achieve low noise levels of below NC15
 

  Power consumption can be reduced since the fan mode 
can be switched according to the situation in which 
the camera system is being applied. As a result, the 
heat
 -dissipation design has also been optimized.
Fuller complement of control circuits and auto setup 
(ASU) function
 Users can select the standard mode or simplified mode.
Peripheral components
 
   Ease of operation can be further improved by configuring 
a system where the Multi-Format Camera is used in 
combination with the remote operation panel (ROP) and 
master setup unit (MSU).
Data trunk function
    T
wo RS-4 and two RS-3C circuits are provided as a 
standard feature. 
They obviate the need for the cables used with virtual 
control, pan-tilt head and lens control, etc. 
						

							5
Precautions for use
DON’TS
   Do not attempt to disassemble the camera or other units. 
In order to prevent electric shock, do not remove screws 
or covers. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
 
  Do not abuse the camera. Avoid striking, shaking, etc. 
The camera contains sensitive components which could 
be damaged by improper handling or storage.
 
  Do not let the lens remain uncapped when the camera is 
not use. If the lens is not installed, do not leave the lens 
mount hole uncovered.
  Do not touch the surf
 ace of the lens or prism.
 
  Do not use strong of abrasive detergents when cleaning 
the camera body.
 
  Do not aim the camera toward the sun, no matter whether 
it is turned on or not.
 
  Do not expose the camera to rain or moisture, and do not 
try to operate the equipment in wet conditions. Do not 
operate the camera if it becomes wet.
 
  Do not operate the camera outdoors during a lightning 
storm.
 
  Do not use the camera in an extreme environment where 
high temperatures or high humidity exist.
 
  Do not leave the camera turned on when not in use. 
Do not unnecessarily turn the camera power on and off 
repeatedly. 
Do not block the ventilation slots.
 
  Do not cover the port otherwise block ventilation during 
operation. Internal heat buildup can cause a fire.
DO’S
  Refer any servicing to qualified service personnel.
  Handle the camer
 a with care.
 
  Protect the precision made lens by placing the lens cap 
over when the camera is not in use. If the lens is not 
installed, protect the surface of the prism by placing the 
body cap into the lens mount hole.
 
  Use a mild blower or lens cleaning tissue designed for 
coated lenses, to clean the surface of the lens or prism in 
the event that it should become dirty.
 
  Use a dry cloth to clean the camera if it is dirty. In case 
the dirt is hard to remove, use mild detergent and wipe 
gently.
 
  Use caution when operating the camera in the vicinity 
of spot lights or bright lights, as well as light reflecting 
objects and surfaces.
 
  Take immediate action if ever the camera should become 
wet. Turn the power off and have the unit checked by an 
authorized service facility.
  F
ollow normal safety precaution to avoid personal injury.
 
 Use the camera in an environment where the temperature 
is within 14  °F to +113  °F (–10  °C to +45  °C), and the 
relative humidity is less than 85 % (no condensation).
 
  Always turn the power off when the camera is not going 
to be used. Operate the camera only when there is 
adequate ventilation.
 
  Cooling fan 
There is internally provided a cooling fan. 
Since the cooling fan is a consumable part, replace it 
after about 50,000 hours of operation. 
(Be sure to ask the dealer for the replacement.) 
						

							6
Controls and their functions 
						

							7
Controls and their functions 
						

							8
Controls and their functions
 Lens mount (Bayonet type)
This is where the lens is mounted.
 Lens clamp lever
The lens is inserted into the lens mount , and this lever 
is then turned to clamp the lens in place.
 Lens cable, mic cable clamps
These are used to clamp the lens cable and mic cable in 
place.
D Camera hangers (supplied)
When the buildup unit (AK-HBU3500) is used, install 
these hangers to the camera with supplied screws 
(M3

  
 8 mm).
For details, refer to the Operating Instructions for 
AK
 -HBU3500.
E Tripod mount
Before securing the Multi-Format Camera to a tripod, 
attach the tripod adapter (SHAN-TM700) which is 
available as an optional accessory.
F Shoulder pad
This is used when the Multi-Format Camera is to be 
carried on the shoulder.
G Slide lock release lever
This is held down while it is used to adjust the front/back 
position of the shoulder pad F.
H Shoulder strap fitting
This enables the shoulder belt to be attached.
I Optical cable clamp
This enables the optical cable to be clamped.
J Camera No. plate holder
This enables the accessory camera No. plate to be 
attached.
K  Optical fiber connector 
(EDW.3K made by LEMO)
  Camera po
 wer switch [POWER]
This is used to select the camera power input (power 
supplied from the CCU or from an external connector) 
and turn the power ON and OFF.
 Power LED
This lights up green when power is supplied to the 
camera.
When the camera’s power switch is set to OFF, this lights 
up red if the CCU is connected, and it goes off if the CCU 
is not connected.
 Power circuit breaker [BREAKER]
This shuts off the power in the event of an overcurrent 
while the DC 1 V power supply is used.
To reset it, press the circuit breaker button.
 INCOM connectors 1, 2 [INCOM1, INCOM2]
The INCOM or headset plugs are connected here.
 INCOM1 MIC ON/OFF switch [MIC1 TALK]
This is the INCOM1 MIC ON/OFF selector switch.
 INCOM1 level control [INCOM1 LEVEL]
This is used to adjust the INCOM1 receive level.
 INCOM2 MIC ON/OFF switch [MIC2 TALK]
This is the INCOM MIC ON/OFF selector switch.
 INCOM2 level control [INCOM2 LEVEL]
This is used to adjust the INCOM receive level.
9 INCOM1 PGM1 level control [INCOM1 PGM1]
This is used to adjust the INCOM1 and PGM1 mixing 
level.
 INCOM1 PGM2 level control [INCOM1 PGM2]
This is used to adjust the INCOM1 and PGM mixing 
level.
 INCOM2 PGM1 level control [INCOM2 PGM1]
This is used to adjust the INCOM and PGM1 mixing 
level.
 INCOM2 PGM2 level control [INCOM2 PGM2]
This is used to adjust the INCOM and PGM mixing 
level.
 RET-A selector switch [RET A]
This switch is used to select the return images to be 
switched by RET-A.
 RET-B selector switch [RET B]
This switch is used to select the return images to be 
switched by RET-B.
 CALL LED
This lights up green when the CALL switch is pressed.  
It also lights in response to a call from the ROP or MSU.
 CALL switch [CALL]
This lights the CALL LED on the ROP or MSU and 
sounds the buzzer.
 OPT LED
This indicates the camera’s optical signal reception 
status. It normally lights up green. When any problem has 
occurred, it lights up red.
When a problem has occurred, clean the optical fiber 
connector. 
						

							9
Controls and their functions
 Back tally LED selector switch
This is used to set the back tally LED to ON or OFF.
 Back tally LED
This lights when the tally signal is supplied.
This lights up red when the R tally signal is supplied, 
green when the G tally signal is supplied, and red when 
both the R and G tally signals are supplied.
 RET switching control connector [RET CONT]
The cable of the RET switching box (optional accessory) 
is connected here for controlling the ON/OFF settings of 
RET1, 

, 3 and INCOM1,  MIC.
 External I/O [EXT I/O]
This is the signal connector for interfacing with an 
external device.
  Camera HD-SDI output1 connector (BNC)  
[HD-SDI1]
The camera HD-SDI images are output from this 
connector.
   Camera HD-SDI output2 connector (BNC)  
[HD-SDI2]
Camera images, VF images or RET images can be 
selected on the camera menu to output HD-SDI signals 
from this connector.
  Optional video connector (BNC) [AUX]
This is an auxiliary input/output connector.
Analog Y input or Prompt output signals can be 
selected. When a down-converter (optional accessory) 
has been installed in the camera, this connector can be 
used as a VBS or D1 output connector.
  Genlock sync input/PROMPT output connector 
[PROMPT/GL]
When the GL/PROMPT selector switch is set to GL, the 
reference signal (tri-level SYNC or B.B.) which is used to 
genlock the camera is input to this connector; Genlock 
sync signals are input to this connector when the CCU 
is not connected. When it is set to Prompt1, the images 
input from the CCU are output from this connector.
  GL/PROMPT selector switch
This is used to select the genlock input or the input/output 
(genlock input and PROMPT output) signals of the 
PROMPT output connector.
 ROP connector [REMOTE]
The remote operation panel (ROP, optional accessory) is 
connected to this connector.
 External power supply input connector [DC IN]
The input of the external DC power supply is connected 
to this connector. (DC 10.8 V to 17 V)
 MIC1 selector switch [LINE/FRONT MIC/MIC]
This is used to switch the input signal to LINE, FRONT 
MIC or rear MIC.
 Rear MIC1 connector [MIC1]
An audio component or microphone is connected to this 
connector.
 Rear MIC2 connector [MIC2]
An audio component or microphone is connected to this 
connector.
 Tally/DC output connector [TALLY/DC OUT]
The R or G tally signal is output from this connector 
(open collector). A DC 1 V power supply (up to 1.0 A) 
can also be supplied.
If the current exceeds the rating, the overcurrent 
protection function is activated and the power is turned 
off forcibly.
 Earphone jack [EARPHONE]
When an earphone (optional accessory) is connected to 
this jack, the INCOM1 receive signal and MIC1 monitor 
signal can be heard.
 Data trunk connector [TRUNK]
The trunk data [RS-4    or RS-3C  ] of the CCU 
is input to and output from this connector.
  MIC1 power selector switch
This is used to select what kind of power is to be supplied 
to MIC1. (The switch is set to phantom 48 V, AB 1 V or 
OFF.)
 MIC2 power selector switch
This is used to select what kind of power is to be supplied 
to MIC. (The switch is set to phantom 48 V, AB 1 V or 
OFF.)
 Grip PTT switch [PTT]
This selector switch is used to set the INCOM1 MIC to 
ON or OFF.
 Grip RET switch [RET]
This is used as return image selector switch.
 Optical filter selector switch [FILTER LOCAL]
This is pressed to adjust the optical filter manually.
When it is pressed again, the optical filter can be 
controlled by the ROP.
 Filter local LED [LOCAL]
This LED lights when the optical filter can be adjusted 
manually. 
						

							10
Controls and their functions
 Monitor output selector switch [MONI SEL]
This is used to select the images (Y, NAM, R, G, B) which 
are to be output from the monitor output connector.
 ND filter selector knob
This is used to adjust the optical filter manually when 
LOCAL has been selected as the filter setting.
1:

 CAP, : Through, 3: 1/4, 4: 1/16, 5: 1/64
  CC filter selector knob
This is used to adjust the optical filter manually when 
LOCAL has been selected as the filter setting.
A:

 300K, B: 4300K, C: 6300K, D: Cross, E: DF0
  Gain selector switch [GAIN]
This is used to select the gain for the camera images.
It is not effective when the CCU is connected to the 
camera.
 Camera output selector switch [OUTPUT]
This is used to select the video output (CAM, BAR or 
TEST).
It is not effective when the CCU is connected to the 
camera.
 White balance memory selector switch [W.BAL]
This is used to select the white balance memory.  
Data can be recorded in A or B.
The factory settings are established when the switch is 
set to PRST.
It is not effective when the CCU is connected to the 
camera.
 Assignable switch [USER 1, 2, 3]
Using the setting menu, user settings can be assigned to 
this switch.
 SD card connector [SD CARD]
The SD card (optional accessory) is inserted here.
For the recording items, refer to the “Table of the 
adjustment setting ranges”.
(SDHC cards or SD cards with a memor

y size of  GB or 
more cannot be used.)
  Menu switch [MENU]
When this switch is pressed, the camera’s user menu is 
output; when it is pressed again, the menu screen display 
is cleared.
 JOG dial button
Turning the JOG dial while the menu screen is displayed 
moves the cursor to the setting items. The menu settings 
are established by operating this dial button.
For details on the menu operations, refer to the section 
on the menu operations.
 Electronic shutter selector switch [SHUTTER]
This is set to ON when the electronic shutter is to be 
used. When it is set to the SEL position, the shutter 
speed is switched in the preset range and the mode is 
also switched.
It is not effective when the CCU is connected to the 
camera.
 AWB/ABB start switch [AUTO W/B BAL]
This is used for conducting automatic white balance 
adjustments (AWB) or automatic black balance 
adjustments (ABB).
It is not effective when the CCU is connected to the 
camera.
 Lens connector [LENS]
The lens cable is connected to this connector.
 Front MIC1 connector [MIC1]
A microphone (optional accessory) is connected here. 
The power supply for the microphone can be connected 
from this connector. What kind power is to be supplied is 
set using the MIC1 power selector switch.
 VF connector [VF]
The ˝ viewfinder cable is connected to this connector.
 Rear VF connector
This D-sub connector is used for Viewfinder interface.
 Back light switch [LIGHT]
This light switch is used to make it easier to read the 
characters on the camera’s back panel.
The brightness can be adjusted using the camera menu.
 MIC1 Talk LED [TALK]
This LED lights up green when the INCOM1 MIC is 
operational.
It blinks when the MIC has been forcibly set to OFF by a 
remote control operation.
 MIC2 Talk LED [TALK]
This LED lights up green when the INCOM MIC is 
operational.
It blinks when the MIC has been forcibly set to OFF by a 
remote control operation.
 MIC2 selector switch [LINE/MIC]
This switch is used to select LINE or MIC for the input 
signals.
 Buildup unit I/F
This signal interface connector is used to connect the 
Buildup unit.