Panasonic Sdr H40 Operating Instructions Manual

							101LSQT1337
Helpful hints
1
Functions that cannot be used 
simultaneously
Some functions in this unit are disabled or cannot be selected due to the unit’s specifications. 
The table below shows examples of functions restricted by various conditions.
FunctionsConditions which
disable the functions
Digital zoom≥In picture recording mode
Fade
MagicPix≥While recording (Cannot set or cancel)
≥In picture recording mode
Backlight compensation≥When the MagicPix function is used
≥When the iris/gain is set
Soft skin mode (Set and cancel)≥While recording
Help mode
Scene mode≥In auto mode
≥When the MagicPix function is used
Change of white balance≥When digital zoom is used
≥When the MagicPix function is used
Adjusting the shutter speed, iris/gain≥When the MagicPix function is used
≥When the scene mode is used
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Helpful hints
2
Frequently asked questions
What kind of cards can be used on this unit?
SD Memory Cards and SDHC Memory Cards can be used. (l22)
To record motion pictures, we recommend using SD cards from 256 MB to 8 GB that 
conform to Class 2 or higher of the SD Speed Class Rating.
Can I record continuously from the HDD to an SD card or vice versa?
No, you cannot record continuously.
Use [MEDIA SELECT] on the menu to switch the recording destination. (l35, 38)
Is it possible to copy data on the HDD and an SD card with this unit?
Copying still pictures is possible. (l69)
Copying motion pictures is not possible.
What should I do when the HDD is full?
Use the supplied software to back up the data to a PC or a DVD disc.
Images can also be copied to a disc by connecting this unit to the optional DVD burner.
After that, delete unnecessary scenes or format the HDD. (l59, 71)
∫With a DVD burner
What type of device is required for playback of a disc created with the DVD burner?
A disc created with the DVD burner can be played back with a DVD player. (For disc 
compatibility, refer to the operating instructions of the player.)
The DVD burner is capable of recording a maximum of 9999 still pictures on a single 
disc. Since the maximum number of still pictures that can be played back may vary with 
the player, some of the still pictures on the disc may not play back.
If the device is not capable of playing the disc, connect the DVD burner to this unit for 
playback.
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∫With a PC
Can I write data from a PC onto the unit’s HDD or SD card?
No, you cannot.
This unit’s USB terminal is read only.
Is playback and editing possible on a PC?
Use VideoCam Suite.
Can I use the DVD COPY function to copy motion pictures recorded on SD cards onto 
DVD discs as well?
No, you cannot.
You can use the DVD COPY function to copy only the motion pictures recorded on the 
HDD.
If you want to copy motion pictures from an SD card to a DVD disc, copy the motion 
pictures to a PC first and then copy them to a DVD disc. (l92)
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							104LSQT1337
Helpful hints
3
Troubleshooting
ProblemCheck points
This unit cannot be 
turned on.
This unit does not stay 
on long enough.
Battery runs down 
quickly.≥Charge the battery using the AC adaptor. (l18)
≥The battery protection circuit may have operated. Attach 
the battery to the AC adaptor for 5 to 10 seconds. If the unit 
still cannot be used, the battery is faulty.
≥Make sure the LCD monitor is opened.
≥The battery is affected by ambient temperature. In cold 
places, the battery using time becomes shorter.
≥The battery has a limited life. If the operating time is still too 
short even after the battery is fully charged, the battery has 
worn out and needs to be replaced.
This unit is turned off 
automatically.≥If you do not use the unit for approximately 5 minutes, the 
power is automatically turned off to conserve battery life. To 
resume recording, turn the power back on.
The power will not turn off automatically when the power 
save function (l29) is set to [OFF].
This unit cannot be 
operated though it is 
turned on.
This unit does not 
operate normally.≥The unit cannot be operated unless you open the LCD 
monitor.
≥Remove the SD card then press the RESET button. 
(l107) If normal conditions are not restored yet, remove 
the battery or AC adaptor, wait about 1 minute and then 
reconnect the battery or AC adaptor. Then about 1 minute 
later, turn on the power again. (Conducting the above 
operation when the access lamp is on may destroy the data 
on the HDD or the SD card.)
A clicking sound is heard 
when the power is turned 
off.≥This is the sound of the lens moving and is not a 
malfunction.
The screen has changed 
suddenly. 
(Demo mode is on)≥If you set [DEMO MODE] to [ON] without inserting an SD 
card in video recording mode or picture recording mode, 
the unit is automatically set to the demonstration mode for 
introducing its functions. Normally this should be set to 
[OFF]. (l30)
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ProblemCheck points
A function indication 
such as the remaining 
time indication or the 
elapsed time indication is 
not shown.≥If you set [SETUP]>[DISPLAY]>[OFF], indications other 
than warnings and date are not displayed.
Recording does not start 
although power is 
supplied to this unit.≥No recording is possible while the SD card’s write protect 
switch is set to LOCK. (l23)
≥If the HDD or SD card has no more available memory, free 
up some memory by deleting unnecessary scenes (l59) 
or use a new SD card.
≥Is the unit set to the video recording mode or picture 
recording mode?
≥If the SD card slot cover is open, this unit may not operate 
normally. Close the card slot cover.
Recording starts but 
stops immediately.
The playback picture 
breaks up for a moment.≥The unit is hot. Follow the messages on the display. To use 
the unit again, turn the unit off and leave it for a while.
≥If the recording stops when the HDD is used, back up the 
data on the HDD to a PC, etc. and then format the HDD. 
(l71)
The operation arbitrarily 
stops.≥The drop detection function has activated to protect the 
HDD. Do not drop or shake this unit while operating it.
Recording stops 
suddenly during motion 
picture recording on an 
SD card.≥Use an SD card that can be used for motion picture 
recording. (l24)
≥When using an SD card on which data has been written 
many times and the data writing speed has reduced, the 
recording may suddenly stop during motion picture 
recording. Back up the data on the SD card to a PC, etc. 
and then format the SD card. (l71)
Recorded still pictures 
are not clear.≥If you try to record small or finely detailed objects with 
[PICT.QUALITY] set at [ ], the images may break up into 
a mosaic-like pattern. Record with [PICT.QUALITY] set at 
[ ] instead. (l39)
Auto focus function does 
not work.≥Press the AUTO button.
≥There are some recording subjects and surroundings for 
which the auto focus does not operate correctly. (l112) If 
so, use the manual focus mode to adjust the focus. (l50)
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“CHECK THE LENS 
COVER.” is displayed.≥Open the lens cover before turning the unit on.
≥This message may appear if you try to record in extremely 
dark places.
Sound is not played back 
from the built-in speaker 
of this unit.≥During playback, move the volume lever to display the 
volume indication and adjust it. (l55)
Although this unit is 
correctly connected to a 
TV, playback images 
cannot be seen.
The playback images are 
squeezed horizontally.≥Please read the operating instructions of your TV and 
select the video input that this unit is connected to.
≥Change the setting to match the aspect ratio of the TV. 
(l72)
Scenes or files cannot be 
deleted or edited.≥Locked scenes or files cannot be deleted. Release the lock 
setting. (l61, 67)
≥It may not be possible to delete scenes that are displayed 
as [ ] on the thumbnail display. If the scenes are 
unnecessary, format the HDD or the SD card to erase the 
data. (l71) Please be aware that if the HDD or the SD 
card is formatted then all the data recorded on the HDD or 
the SD card will be erased.
≥If the SD card’s write protect switch is set to LOCK, then 
deletion and editing are disabled. (l23)
The images on the SD 
card do not look normal.≥The data may be destroyed. It may have been destroyed by 
static or electromagnetic waves. Store important data on a 
PC or other products as well.
Even if HDD or an SD 
card is formatted, it 
cannot be used.≥Either this unit or the SD card may be damaged. Please 
contact consumer support (l122, 123).
≥Use an SD card from 8 MB to 8 GB with this unit. (l22)
The indication 
disappears.
The screen is frozen.
No operation can be 
performed.≥No operation can be performed on this unit when it is 
connected to a PC.
≥Turn off the power to this unit. If the power cannot be turned 
off, remove the SD card then press the RESET button, or 
remove the battery or AC adaptor and then reinsert it. Turn 
on the power again. If normal operation is still not restored, 
detach the power connected, and contact consumer 
support (l122, 123).
ProblemCheck points
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							107LSQT1337
“PUSH THE RESET 
SWITCH.” is displayed.≥The unit has automatically detected an error. Remove the 
SD card then press the RESET button to restart the unit. 
Press the RESET button with the projecting part of the grip 
belt A.
≥If you do not press the RESET button, the power to this unit 
is turned off automatically about 1 minute later.
≥Even after you press the RESET button, the indication may 
still appear repeatedly. If so, this unit needs repair. Detach 
the power connected, and contact consumer support 
(l122, 123). Do not attempt to repair the appliance by 
yourself.
When the SD card is 
inserted in this unit, it is 
not recognized.≥Use this unit to format SD cards. Please be aware that if an 
SD card is formatted, then all the data recorded on the card 
will be erased. (l71)
When the SD card is 
inserted in another 
device, it is not 
recognized.≥Check that the device is compatible with the capacity or 
type of SD card (SD Memory Card/SDHC Memory Card) 
that you inserted. Refer to the operating instructions of the 
device for details.
ProblemCheck points
A
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With other products
With a PC
ProblemCheck points
The sound does not play 
back properly when a 
DVD disc that has been 
copied using the DVD 
burner is played back.≥When the scenes recorded on an SD card by setting 
[AUDIO REC] to [MPEG] are copied to a DVD disc using 
the DVD burner and then played back with any other 
devices, sound may not play back properly.
In this case, record scenes by setting [AUDIO REC] to 
[DOLBY] and then copy to the disc. Or use the software 
supplied with this unit to copy the scenes.
ProblemCheck points
When connected by the 
USB cable, this unit is not 
detected by the PC.≥Close the menu screen before connecting the USB cable.
≥Select another USB terminal on the PC.
≥Check the operating environment. (l85)
≥Disconnect the USB cable, turn the unit off then on and 
then reconnect the USB cable.
When the USB cable is 
disconnected, an error 
message will appear on 
the PC.≥To disconnect the USB cable safely, double-click the
  
( ) icon in the task tray and follow the instructions on the 
screen.
The DVD COPY function 
will not start even when I 
press the DVD COPY 
button.≥To create DVD-Video discs using the DVD COPY function, 
you need to install VideoCam Suite from the supplied CD-
ROM to your PC. (l88)
I cannot copy motion 
pictures using the DVD 
COPY function.≥Once motion pictures have been copied using the DVD 
COPY function, they cannot be copied a second or 
subsequent time.
Import the motion pictures onto the PC, and then write them 
on the DVD disc.
It takes a long time to 
create a DVD.≥Creating a DVD may take some time even if the size of the 
motion picture files are small.
The DVD player cannot 
play back the discs I have 
created using VideoCam 
Suite.≥To playback a DVD disc created using VideoCam Suite, the 
player must support playback of that DVD disc. (Refer to 
the operating instructions of the player.)
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Cautions for use
≥The unit and SD card become warm after long 
operation, but this is not a malfunction.
Keep the SD Card/Hard Disk Video Camera as 
far away as possible from electromagnetic 
equipment (such as microwave ovens, TVs, 
video games etc.).
≥If you use the SD Card/Hard Disk Video 
Camera on top of or near a TV, the pictures 
and sound on the SD Card/Hard Disk Video 
Camera may be disrupted by electromagnetic 
wave radiation.
≥Do not use the SD Card/Hard Disk Video 
Camera near cell phones because doing so 
may result in noise adversely affecting the 
pictures and sound.
≥Recorded data may be damaged, or pictures 
may be distorted, by strong magnetic fields 
created by speakers or large motors.
≥Electromagnetic wave radiation generated by 
microprocessors may adversely affect the SD 
Card/Hard Disk Video Camera, disturbing the 
pictures and sound.
≥If the SD Card/Hard Disk Video Camera is 
adversely affected by electromagnetic 
equipment and stops functioning properly, turn 
the SD Card/Hard Disk Video Camera off and 
remove the battery or disconnect AC adaptor. 
Then reinsert the battery or reconnect AC 
adaptor and turn the SD Card/Hard Disk Video 
Camera on.
Do not use the SD Card/Hard Disk Video 
Camera near radio transmitters or high-
voltage lines.
≥If you record near radio transmitters or 
high-voltage lines, the recorded pictures and 
sound may be adversely affected.
Make sure to use the supplied cords and 
cables. If you use optional accessories, use 
the cords and the cables supplied with them.
Do not extend the cords and the cables.Do not spray insecticides or volatile 
chemicals onto the unit.
≥If the unit is sprayed with such chemicals, its 
body may be marred and the surface finish 
may peel off.
≥Do not leave rubber or plastic products in 
contact with the unit for a long time.
When you use the unit in a sandy or dusty 
place such as a beach, do not let sand or fine 
dust get into the body and terminals of the 
unit.
Also, keep the unit away from sea water.
≥Sand or dust may damage the unit. (Care 
should be taken when inserting and removing 
an SD card.)
≥If sea water splashes onto the unit, wipe off the 
water with a well wrung cloth. Then wipe the 
unit again with a dry cloth.
When carrying the unit, do not drop or bump 
it.
≥A strong impact can break the unit’s casing, 
causing it to malfunction.
Do not use benzine, paint thinner or alcohol 
for cleaning the unit.
≥Before cleaning, detach the battery or pull out 
the AC cable from the AC outlet.
≥The camera body may be discolored and the 
surface finish may peel off.
≥Wipe the unit with a soft dry cloth to remove 
dust and fingerprints. To remove stubborn 
stains, thoroughly wring a cloth that has been 
soaked in a neutral detergent diluted with 
water and wipe the unit with it. Afterwards, 
wipe it with a dry cloth.
≥When you use a chemical dust cloth, follow the 
instructions that came with the cloth.
Do not use the unit for surveillance purposes 
or other business uses.
≥This unit was designed for consumer 
intermittent use. It was not intended for 
continuous use, or for any industrial or 
commercial application resulting in prolonged 
use.
≥In certain situations, continuous use could 
cause the unit to overheat and cause a 
malfunction. Such use is strongly discouraged.
About this unit
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							110LSQT1337
When you are not going to use the unit for an 
extended time
≥When storing the unit in a cupboard or cabinet, 
it is recommended that you place a desiccant 
(silica gel) in with it.
The battery used in this unit is a rechargeable 
lithium-ion battery. It is susceptible to humidity 
and temperature and the effect increases the 
more the temperature rises or falls. In cold areas, 
the full charge indication may not appear or the 
low battery indication may appear for about 
5 minutes after starting use. At high 
temperatures, the protection function may be 
triggered, making it impossible to use the unit.
Be sure to detach the battery after use.
≥If the battery is left inserted, a minute amount 
of current continues to flow even if the unit’s 
power is off. Keeping the unit in this state may 
result in over discharge of the battery. This 
may result in you not being able to use the 
battery even after it is charged.
≥The battery should be stored in the vinyl bag 
so metal does not come into contact with the 
terminals.
≥The battery should be stored in a cool place 
free from humidity, with as constant 
temperature as possible. (Recommended 
temperature: 15 °C to 25 °C (59 °F to 77 °F), 
Recommended humidity: 40% to 60%)
≥Extremely high temperatures or low 
temperatures will shorten the life of the battery.
≥If the battery is kept in high-temperature, high-
humidity, or oily-smoky places, the terminals 
may rust and cause malfunctions.
≥To store the battery for a long period of time, 
we recommend you charge it once every year 
and store it again after you have completely 
used up the charged capacity.
≥Dust and other matter attached to the battery 
terminals should be removed.
Prepare spare batteries when going out for 
recording.
≥Prepare enough batteries to last 3 to 4 times 
the period you are planning to record.
≥Cold weather, such as when skiing, can 
shorten the recording period.If you drop the battery accidentally, check to 
see if the terminals are damaged.
≥Inserting a battery with damaged terminals can 
damage the unit or AC adaptor.
Do not throw old battery into fire.
≥Heating a battery or throwing it into a fire may 
result in an explosion.
≥If the operating time is very short even after the 
battery has been recharged, the battery has 
worn out. Please purchase a new battery.
≥If the temperature of the battery is extremely 
high or extremely low, charging may take time 
or the battery may not be charged.
≥If the CHARGE lamp keeps flashing, make 
sure that the terminals of the battery or the AC 
adaptor are not exposed to dirt, foreign objects 
or dust, then reconnect them properly.
If the charging lamp is still flashing, something 
may be wrong with the battery or AC adaptor. 
Contact consumer support (l122, 123).
≥If you use the AC adaptor near a radio, radio 
reception may be disturbed. Keep the AC 
adaptor 1 m (3.3 feet) or more away from the 
radio.
≥When using the AC adaptor, it may generate 
whirring sounds. However, this is normal.
≥After use, be sure to disconnect the AC 
adaptor. (If it is left connected, a minute 
amount of current is consumed.)
≥Always keep the electrodes of the AC adaptor 
and battery clean.
≥When the LCD monitor gets dirty, wipe it with a 
dry soft cloth.
≥In a place with drastic temperature changes, 
condensation may form on the LCD monitor. 
Wipe it with a soft dry cloth.
≥When the unit has become very cold, for 
example due to storage in a cold area, its LCD 
monitor will be slightly darker than usual 
immediately after the power is turned on. The 
normal brightness will be restored when the 
unit’s internal temperature rises.
About the battery
About the AC adaptor
LCD monitor
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