Panasonic Sdr S150 Operating Instructions Manual

							101VQT0X39
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.
Functions that cannot be used simultaneously
FunctionsConditions which
disable the 
functions
Digital zoom≥In still picture 
recording mode
MagicPix
Backlight 
compensation≥When the MagicPix 
function is used
≥When the iris/gain is 
set
Soft skin
(set and cancel)
≥While recording 
motion pictures Tele macro
(set and cancel)
MagicPix
(set and cancel)
Flash≥In motion picture 
recording mode
≥During demo mode
Scene mode≥When setting the 
[AUTO/MANUAL/
FOCUS] switch to 
[AUTO]
≥When the MagicPix 
function is used
Zoom≥When the record 
button is pressed 
halfway in still 
picture recording
FunctionsConditions which
disable the 
functions
Change of white 
balance≥When digital zoom 
(10k or higher) 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
Deleting files≥When the write 
protection switch on 
the SD card is set to 
[LOCK] (P16)
≥When the file is 
protected
Formatting≥When the write 
protection switch on 
the SD card is set to 
[LOCK] (P16) DPOF setting
LOCK setting
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Troubleshooting
ProblemCheck points
This unit cannot be 
turned on.≥Is the battery fully charged?
>Charge the battery using the AC adaptor. (P18)
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 the 
battery charge. (P95) To resume recording, turn the 
power back on.
The power will not turn off automatically when the 
power save function (P95) is set to [OFF].
This unit does not stay 
on long enough.≥Is the battery low?
>If the remaining battery power indication is flashing or the 
message “LOW BATTERY.” is displayed, the battery has 
run down. Charge the battery. (P18)
Battery runs down 
quickly.≥Is the battery fully charged?
>Charge it with the AC adaptor. (P18)
≥Are you using the battery in an extremely cold place?
>The battery is affected by ambient temperature. In cold 
places, the operating time of the battery becomes 
shorter.
≥Has the battery worn out?
>The battery has a limited life. If the operating time is still 
too short even after the battery is fully charged, 
depending on the usage, the battery has worn out and 
can no longer be used. 
This unit cannot be 
operated though 
powered up.
This unit does not 
operate normally.≥This unit cannot be operated unless you open the LCD 
monitor.
≥Press the [RESET] button. (P105) If normal conditions 
are not restored yet, remove the battery or disconnect 
the AC adaptor, wait about 1 minute and then reinsert 
the battery or reconnect the 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 SD card.) 
The remote control does 
not function. ≥Has the button-type battery of the remote control run 
out?
>Replace it with a new button-type battery. (P13)
The screen has changed 
suddenly.≥Has the demonstration started?
>If you set [DEMO MODE] to [ON] without inserting an SD 
card in motion picture recording mode or still picture 
recording mode, the unit is automatically set to the 
demonstration mode for introducing its functions. 
Normally this should be set to [OFF]. (P95)
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ProblemCheck points
Recording does not 
start although power is 
supplied to this unit and 
the SD card is correctly 
inserted.≥Has the SD card’s write protect switch been set to 
[LOCK]?
>No recording is possible while the write protect switch is 
set to [LOCK]. (P16)
≥Is the SD card’s memory full?
>If the card has no more available memory, free up some 
memory by copying some scenes to a PC (P83) and then 
deleting unnecessary scenes. (P65)
≥Is the unit set to the motion picture recording mode or 
still picture recording mode?
>No recording is possible unless the mode dial is at   
or . (P21)
≥Is the card slot cover open?
>If the card slot cover is open, this unit may not operate 
normally. Close the card slot cover. (P15)
Motion picture 
recording stops 
suddenly.≥Can the SD card be used for motion picture recording?
>Use an SD card that can be used for motion picture 
recording. (P35, 36)
Auto focus function 
does not work.≥Is manual focus mode selected?
>If auto mode is selected, focus is automatically adjusted. 
(P33)
≥Are you trying to record a scene which is hard to bring 
into focus in auto focus mode?
>There are some recording subjects and surroundings for 
which the auto focus does not operate correctly. (P108) If 
so, use the manual focus mode to adjust the focus. (P48)
≥Is the MagicPix set? 
>When the MagicPix is working, focusing shifts into the 
manual mode. (P45)
A sentence is displayed 
in the screen center.≥Read the contents and respond to them. (P98)
A function indication 
such as mode 
indication, remaining 
time indication, or time 
code indication is not 
shown.≥If you set [SETUP]>[DISPLAY]>[OFF], indications 
other than warnings and date indications disappear.
Sound is not played 
back from the built-in 
speaker of this unit.≥Is the volume too low?
>During playback, move the volume lever to display the 
volume indication and adjust it. (P61)
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Troubleshooting (continued)
ProblemCheck points
Although this unit is 
correctly connected to a 
TV, playback images 
cannot be seen.
The images are vertical.≥Have you selected video input on the TV? 
>Please read the operating instructions of your TV and 
select the channel that matches the input used for the 
connection.
≥Is the [TV ASPECT] setting correct?
>Change the setting to match the aspect ratio of the TV. 
Press the menu button, then select [SETUP]> 
[TV ASPECT]>[16:9] or [4:3].
Playback image is not 
clear.
Sound breaks up or 
noise affects the picture 
and/or sound.≥Noise may interfere with the picture and/or sound when 
the multi cable terminal becomes dirty. Wipe off any dirt 
with a soft cloth, then connect to the multi-connector.
Images played back on 
TV are cut.≥Depending on the TV connected, the sides of the images 
being played may not appear. We recommend widening 
the recording range of the objects you want to record 
beforehand.
Recorded pictures are 
not clear.≥Are you trying to record small or finely detailed objects 
with [PICT.QUALITY] set at [ ]?
>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. (P55)
A scene recorded on an 
SD card cannot be 
deleted.≥Is the scene locked?
>Locked scenes cannot be deleted. (P67)
≥For the SD card, if its write protect switch is set to 
[LOCK], then deletion is disabled. (P16)
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. Record important 
data on a PC or other equipment as well. (P83)
During playback, 
[UNPLAYABLE CARD.] is 
displayed.≥Data with different formats or destroyed data is being 
played back.
The indication 
disappears.
The screen is frozen.
No operation can be 
performed.≥Turn off the power to this unit. If the power cannot be 
turned off, press the [RESET] button. You can also 
remove the battery and then reinsert it or disconnect the 
AC adaptor and then reconnect it. After that, turn on the 
power again. If normal operation is still not restored, 
detach the power connected, and consult the dealer who 
you purchased this unit from.
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ProblemCheck points
Even if an SD card is 
formatted, it cannot be 
used.≥Either this unit or the SD card may be damaged. Please 
consult a dealer. Use an SD card from 8 MB to 4 GB with 
this unit.
The scenes are not 
correctly displayed in 
thumbnails.≥Scenes displayed as 
thumbnails in shades of blue 
and white cannot be played 
back or deleted. If the scenes 
are unnecessary, format the 
SD card to erase the data.
≥Please be aware that if an SD card is formatted, then all 
the data recorded on the card will be erased. Store 
important data on a PC, etc. When saving scenes 
recorded using this unit to a PC, you must use 
MotionSD STUDIO etc. (P76)
“PUSH THE RESET 
SWITCH.” is displayed.≥The unit has automatically 
detected an error. To protect the 
data, remove the SD card and then 
press the [RESET] button with the 
projecting part 1 of the hand 
strap. This will restart the unit. 
When you press the [RESET] 
button, the date and time setting 
will also be reset. Set the date and time again.
≥Even after you press the [RESET] button, the indication 
may still appear repeatedly. If so, this unit needs repair. 
Detach the power connected, and consult the dealer 
who you purchased this unit from. Do not attempt to 
repair the appliance by yourself.
If 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. (P16)
>Refer to the operating instructions of the device for 
details.
Even if connected by the 
USB cable, this unit is 
not recognized by the 
PC.≥Have you installed the Web camera driver?
>Install the driver, then check the connections.
≥Have you set this unit to the correct mode?
>The unit is not recognized if it is set to motion picture 
playback mode. (P83)
≥Select another USB terminal on the PC.
≥Check the operating environment. (P78, 79)
≥Turn on the power to this unit.
When the USB cable is 
disconnected, an error 
message will appear on 
PC.≥To disconnect the USB cable safely, double-click the 
 icon in the task tray and follow the instructions on 
the screen.
SETUP PLAY
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Others
When condensation forms on the unit, 
the lens will cloud up and the unit may 
not work properly. Make every effort to 
ensure that condensation does not form. 
If it does form, take the actions described 
below. 
Causes of condensation
Condensation takes place when the 
ambient temperature or humidity is 
changed as follows.
≥When this unit is brought inside from 
the cold (e.g. a ski slope) to a warm 
room.
≥When this unit is moved from an 
air-conditioned car to outside.
≥When a cold room has been warmed 
up quickly.
≥When cool wind from an air conditioner 
is directly blown onto this unit.
≥After summer afternoon showers of 
rain.
≥When this unit is in a very humid place 
where the air is thick with steam. (e.g. 
a heated swimming pool)When this unit is taken to a location 
with a significant temperature 
difference such as from a cold place 
to a hot place.
If, for example, you have used this unit for 
recording on a ski slope and are taking it 
into a heated room, place the unit inside 
a plastic bag, remove as much of the air 
from inside the bag as possible, then seal 
the bag. Leave the unit for about an hour 
in the room so the temperature of the unit 
is close to the ambient temperature of the 
room, then use it.
What to do with the lens is 
fogged up.
Remove the battery or disconnect the AC 
adaptor and leave the unit for about 
1 hour. When the unit becomes close to 
the ambient temperature, the fog 
disappears naturally.
Troubleshooting (continued)
ProblemCheck points
The warning/alarm 
indication [°] appears 
when this unit is 
operated in the WEB 
camera mode.≥Did you press the record button or any other button?
>You cannot record onto the card in the WEB camera 
mode.
≥Have you installed the Web camera driver?
>Install the driver, then check the connections.
The [ ] 
indication flashes when 
this unit is connected to 
a PC.≥The unit is connected to a Windows XP PC in still 
picture playback mode.
>Connect with a printer supporting PictBridge.
The [ ] indication 
appears when the unit is 
connected to the printer.≥The unit is connected to the printer in motion picture 
recording mode or still picture recording mode.
>Change the mode to still picture playback mode.
About condensation
PictBridge
WEB
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Automatic white balance
White balance adjustment recognizes the 
color of light and adjusts so the white 
color will become a purer white. The unit 
determines the hue of light that comes 
through the lens and white balance 
sensor, thereby judging the recording 
condition, and selects the closest hue 
setting.
This is called automatic white balance 
adjustment.
However, since the unit only stores white 
color information under several light 
sources, automatic white balance 
adjustment does not function normally 
under other light sources.
The illustration above shows the range 
over which the auto white balance 
functions. 
1) The effective range of automatic 
white balance adjustment on this unit
2) Blue sky
3) Cloudy sky (rain) 
4) TV screen
5) Sunlight
6) White fluorescent lamp
7) Halogen light bulb
8) Incandescent light bulb
9) Sunrise or sunset
10) CandlelightOutside of the effective range of 
automatic white balance adjustment, the 
image will become reddish or bluish. 
Even within the effective range of 
automatic white balance adjustment, the 
automatic white balance adjustment may 
not function properly if there is more than 
one light source. For light outside the 
functional auto white balance adjustment 
range, use the manual white balance 
adjustment mode.
White balance
The images recorded by the unit may 
become bluish or reddish under the 
influence of certain light sources. To 
avoid such phenomena, adjust the white 
balance.
White balance adjustment determines 
the white color under different light 
sources. By recognizing which is the 
white color under sunlight and which is 
the white color under a fluorescent light, 
the unit can adjust the balance among 
the other colors.
Since the white color is the reference for 
all the colors (that make up light), the unit 
can record pictures in a natural hue if it 
can recognize the reference color white.
Explanation of terms
10 000K
9 000K
8 000K
7 000K
6 000K
5 000K
4 000K
3 000K
2 000K
1 000K2)
1)3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
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Auto focus
The lens is moved forward or backward 
automatically to bring the subject into focus.
Auto focus has the following 
characteristics.
≥Adjusts so that the vertical lines of a 
subject are seen more clearly.
≥Attempts to bring an object with higher 
contrast into focus.
≥Focuses on the screen center only.
Due to these characteristics, auto focus 
does not work correctly in the following 
situations. Record pictures in the manual 
focus mode.
Recording distant and close-up 
objects at the same time
Since the unit focuses on whatever is at 
the center of the screen, it is difficult to 
bring the background into focus when 
close-up objects are placed in focus. 
When recording people with distant 
mountains in the background, you cannot 
focus on both the subject which is 
close-up and the objects which are in the 
distance.
Recording a subject behind dirty or 
dusty window
The subject behind the window will not be 
focused because the focus is on the dirty 
window.
Similarly, when recording something on 
the opposite side of a road with heavy 
traffic, a vehicle that happens to pass by 
may be brought into focus.
Recording a subject that is 
surrounded by objects with glossy 
surfaces or by highly reflective 
objects
Since whatever is shiny or glistens is 
brought into focus, it is hard to focus on 
the subject to be recorded. The focus 
may become blurry when recording 
subjects at the seashore, in night views 
or in scenes involving fireworks or special 
lights.Recording a subject in dark 
surroundings
The unit cannot focus correctly because 
the light information that comes through 
the lens decreases considerably.
Recording a fast-moving subject
As the focus lens-inside moves 
mechanically, it cannot keep up with a 
fast-moving subject.
When, for example, recording a sports 
event with fast moving subjects, the focus 
may lose its sharpness.
Recording a subject with little contrast
It is easy to bring subjects with a sharp 
contrast or vertical lines or stripes into 
focus. This means that a subject with little 
contrast, such as a white wall, may 
become blurry because the unit achieves 
focus based upon the vertical lines of an 
image.
Concerning MPEG2 motion 
pictures
“MPEG” stands for Moving Pictures 
Experts Group. It refers to a format for 
compressing video.
MPEG2 enables motion pictures to be 
played back more smoothly and 
attractively by sending the image data at 
a rate of 30 frames per second.
(SD Speed Class Rating 
Class 2)
This indicates a Class 2 rating in the high 
speed standards (SD Speed Class) 
stipulated by the SD Card Association for 
high speed writing between SD 
compatible products and SD Memory 
cards.
If you use a Class 2 card compatible with 
the SD Speed Class in an SD compatible 
product, you can obtain stable recording 
by using a SD card conformed with Class 
2 or more.
Explanation of terms (continued)
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							109VQT0X39
s
≥The unit and SD card become warm 
after long operation, but this is not a 
malfunction.
Keep the unit away from magnetized 
equipment/mobile phones, microwave 
ovens, TVs and video game 
equipment.
≥If you use the unit on or near a TV, the 
images or sound may be disturbed due 
to electromagnetic wave radiation.
≥Do not use near cell phone because 
doing so may cause noise to adversely 
affect the picture and sound.
≥Recordings may be damaged, or 
images may be distorted, by the strong 
magnetic fields created by speakers or 
large motors.
≥Electromagnetic wave radiation 
generated by digital circuits including 
microprocessors may adversely affect 
the unit, causing the disturbance of 
images and sounds.
≥If the unit is affected by such 
equipment and does not function 
properly, remove the battery or 
disconnect the AC adaptor. Then insert 
the battery again or connect the AC 
adaptor again.
Do not use the unit near radio 
transmitters or high-voltage cables.
≥If you record pictures near radio 
transmitters or high-voltage cables, 
recorded images or sounds 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 mains lead from the AC 
mains socket.
≥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.
Do not use the unit for surveillance 
purposes or other business uses.
≥If you use the unit for a long time, heat 
will build up inside it and this may 
cause a malfunction.
≥The unit is not intended for business 
use.
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 
put a desiccant (silica gel) in with it.
Cautions for Use
About this unit
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							110VQT0X39
s
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 
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. The battery 
may become unusable 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: 15oC to 
25oC (59oF to 77oF), 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.≥In cold places such as a ski resort, the 
period during which you can record 
pictures is shortened. 
≥When you travel, do not forget to bring 
an AC adaptor (supplied) so that you 
can recharge the batteries at your 
destination.
If you drop the battery accidentally, 
check to see if the terminals are 
damaged.
≥Attaching a battery with damaged 
terminals can damage the unit.
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.
≥Be sure to use the supplied AC 
adaptor.
≥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, about 
0.1 W of current is consumed at most.)
≥Always keep the electrodes of the AC 
adaptor and battery clean.
Put this unit near the outlet to make it 
easy for the interrupting device (plug) 
to reach it.
About charging errors
When the status indicator flashes 
rapidly or slowly, one of the following 
situations may be to blame.
When the status indicator flashes at 
intervals of about 6 seconds (on for 
about 3 sec. and off for about 3 sec.):
Cautions for Use (continued)
About the battery
About the AC adaptor
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