Panasonic Sdr S50 Operating Instructions Manual

							until 
2010/1/25
Operating Instructions
Before connecting, operating or adjusting this product, please read the instructions completely.Spanish Quick Use Guide is included.
Guía para rápida consulta en español está incluida.
VQT2L14
For USA and Puerto Rico assistance, please call: 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or, 
contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
For Canadian assistance, please call: 1-800-561-5505 or visit us at www.panasonic.ca
SD Video Camera
Model No.SDR-S50P/PCSDR-T55P/PC
SDR-T50P/PC
SD/HDD Video Camera
Model No. SDR-H85P/PC
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Things You Should 
Know
Thank you for choosing Panasonic!
You have purchased one of the most 
sophisticated and reliable products on 
the market today. Used properly, we’re 
sure it will bring you and your family 
years of enjoyment. Please take time to 
fill in the information on the right.
The serial number is on the tag located 
on the back of your camera. Be sure to 
retain this manual as your convenient 
camera information source.
Safety Precautions
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR PRODUCT DAMAGE,
≥ DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN, MOISTURE, DRIPPING OR 
SPLASHING AND THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, 
SHALL BE PLACED ON THE APPARATUS.
≥ USE ONLY THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES.
≥ DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER (OR BACK); THERE ARE NO USER SERVICEABLE 
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
CAUTION!
DO NOT INSTALL OR PLACE THIS UNIT IN A BOOKCASE, BUILT-IN CABINET OR IN 
ANOTHER CONFINED SPACE. ENSURE THE UNIT IS WELL VENTILATED. TO 
PREVENT RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE HAZARD DUE TO OVERHEATING, 
ENSURE THAT CURTAINS AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE 
VENTILATION VENTS.
Date of Purchase 
Dealer Purchased From 
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone No. 
Model No.
Serial No.
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THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN THE U.S.A.
THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN CANADA.FCC Note:
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 or more 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.
FCC Caution: To assure continued compliance, follow the attached installation 
instructions and use only shielded interface cables with ferrite 
core when connecting to computer or peripheral devices.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for 
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: Panasonic
Model No.: SDR-S50P/SDR-T55P/SDR-T50P/SDR-H85P
Responsible party: Panasonic Corporation of North America One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094
Support Contact: Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company 1-800-211-PANA (7262)
This device complies with Part 15 of the 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.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
SDR-S50PSDR-T55PSDR-T50P
SDR-H85P
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Battery pack (Lithium ion battery pack)
≥Use the specified unit to recharge the battery pack.
≥ Do not use the battery pack with equipment other than the specified unit.
≥ Do not get dirt, sand, liquids, or  other foreign matter on the terminals.
≥ Do not touch the plug terminals ( i and  j) with metal objects.
≥ Do not disassemble, remodel, heat or throw into fire.
If any electrolyte should come into contact with yo ur hands or clothes, wash it off thoroughly 
with water.
If any electrolyte should come into contact with your eyes, never rub the eyes. Rinse eyes 
thoroughly with water, and then consult a doctor.
Warning
Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not disassemble, heat above 60  oC (140  oF) or 
incinerate.
AC adaptor
This AC adaptor operates on AC between 110 V and 240 V.
But
≥ In the U.S.A. and Canada, the AC adaptor must be connected to a 120 V AC power 
supply only.
≥ When connecting to an AC supply outside of the U.S.A. or Canada, use a plug adaptor to 
suit the AC outlet configuration.
≥ When connecting to a supply of greater than AC 125 V, ensure the cord you use is suited 
to the voltage of the AC supply and the rated current of the AC adaptor.
≥ Contact an electrical parts distributor for assistance in selecting a suitable AC plug 
adaptor or AC cord set.
The socket outlet shall be installed near the equipment and easily accessible. The mains 
plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable. To completely disconnect this 
apparatus from the AC Mains, disconnect the pow er supply cord plug from AC receptacle.
Product Identification Marking is located on the bottom of units.

This product contains a CR Coin Cell Lithium Battery which contains Perchlorate Material – 
special handling may apply.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
.
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.
U.S.A./CANADA CONSUMERS:  ATTENTION:
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IMPORTANT SAFETY 
INSTRUCTIONS
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.
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 
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 from 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.
12) 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.
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Precautions
USE & LOCATION
≥TO AVOID SHOCK HAZARD ... Your 
camera and power supply should not be 
exposed to rain or moisture. Do not 
connect the power supply or operate your 
camera if it gets wet. Your camera has 
been designed for outdoor use, however it 
is not designed to sustain direct exposure 
to water, rain, sleet, snow, sand, dust, or a 
direct splashing from a pool or even a cup 
of coffee. This action could permanently 
damage the internal parts of your camera. 
Do not attempt to disassemble this unit. 
There are no user serviceable parts 
inside. Unplug your camera from the 
power supply before cleaning.
≥ AS WITH ANY SMALL OBJECT, SD 
CARDS CAN BE SWALLOWED BY 
YOUNG CHILDREN. DO NOT ALLOW 
CHILDREN TO HANDLE THE SD CARD.
≥ DO NOT AIM YOUR CAMERA AT THE 
SUN OR OTHER BRIGHT OBJECTS
≥ DO NOT EXPOSE YOUR CAMERA TO 
EXTENDED HIGH TEMPERATURE  ... 
Such as, in direct sunlight, inside a closed 
car, next to a heater, etc... This action 
could permanently damage the internal 
parts of your camera.
≥ AVOID SUDDEN CHANGES IN 
TEMPERATURE  ... If the unit is suddenly 
moved from a cold place to a warm place, 
moisture may form on the SD card and 
inside the unit.
≥ DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAMERA OR 
THE POWER SUPPLY TURNED ON 
WHEN NOT IN USE.
≥ STORAGE OF YOUR CAMERA  ... Store 
and handle your camera in a manner that 
will not subject it to unnecessary 
movement (avoid shaking and striking). 
Your camera contains a sensitive pick-up  device which could be damaged by 
improper handling or storage.
CARE
≥ TO CLEAN YOUR CAMERA ... Do not 
use strong or abrasive detergents when 
cleaning your camera body.
≥ TO PROTECT THE LENS  ... Do not touch 
the surface of the lens with your hand. 
Use a commercial camera lens solution 
and lens paper when cleaning the lens. 
Improper cleaning can scratch the lens 
coating.
≥ TO PROTECT THE FINISH OF YOUR 
CAMERA ... Before handling your 
camera, make sure your hands and face 
are free from any chemical products, such 
as suntan lotion, as it may damage the 
finish.
-If you see this symbol-
WARNING
CAUTION
Information on Disposal in other 
Countries outside the European Union
This symbol is only valid 
in the European Union.
If you wish to discard this 
product, please contact your 
local authorities or dealer 
and ask for the correct 
method of disposal.
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∫Indemnity about recorded 
content
Panasonic does not accept any 
responsibility for damages directly or 
indirectly due to any type of problems that 
result in loss of recording or edited content, 
and does not guarantee any content if 
recording or editing does not work properly. 
Likewise, the above also applies in a case 
where any type of repair is made to the unit 
(including any other non-built-in memory/
HDD related component).
∫For the purposes of these 
operating instructions
≥SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card 
and SDXC Memory Card are referred to 
as the “SD card”.
≥ Functions that can be used for motion 
picture recording/motion picture playback 
are indicated by   in these 
operating instructions.
≥ Functions that can be used for still picture 
recording/still picture playback are 
indicated by   in these operating 
instructions.
≥ Pages for reference are indicated by an 
arrow, for example:  l00
∫ Handling of built-in memory 
[SDR-T55]/[SDR-T50]
This unit is equipped with the built-in 8 GB 
memory. When using this component, pay 
attention to the following points.
This unit is equipped with the built-in 4 GB 
memory. When using this component, pay 
attention to the following points.
Back up data periodically.
The built-in memory is temporary storage. In 
order to avoid erasing data due to static 
electricity, electromagnetic waves, 
breakage, and failures, back up the data to a 
PC or DVD disc. ( l79, 86)
≥ Access lamp [ACCESS] ( l16) 
illuminates while the SD card or built-in  memory is being accessed (initialization, 
recording, playback, deleting etc.). Do not 
perform the following operations when the 
lamp illuminates. It may damage the built-
in memory or cause a malfunction in the 
unit.
j
Turn off the power (remove the battery)
j Insert and remove the USB cable
j Expose the unit to vibrations or shock
≥ About disposing of or giving away this unit. 
(l 111 )
∫ Handling of HDD [SDR-H85]
This unit is equipped with the built-in 80 GB 
HDD. While the HDD is capable of storing a 
large amount of data, there are a few things 
to look out for. When using this component, 
pay attention to the following points.
Do not expose the HDD to vibrations and 
shocks.
Due to the environment and handling 
conditions, the HDD may be subject to 
partial damages or may not be able to read, 
record, and play back data. Do not expose 
the unit to vibrations or shock, and do not 
turn off the power during recording or 
playback.
If the unit is used in a place with loud 
sounds, such as a club or similar venue, 
the recording may stop due to sound 
vibrations. Recording data on an SD card 
is recommended in these places.
Back up data periodically.
The HDD is temporary storage. In order to 
avoid erasing data due to static electricity, 
electromagnetic waves, breakage, and 
failures, back up the data to a PC or DVD 
disc. ( l79, 86)
If the HDD experiences any abnormality, 
back up data immediately.
Failure in the HDD may produce continuous 
noise or choppy sound during recording or 
playing back. Continuous use will cause 
further deterioration, and may eventually 
disable the HDD. If these phenomena are 
observed, copy the data on the HDD to a 
PC, a DVD disc etc. immediately and 
contact consumer support. ( l124, 125)
SDR-T55
SDR-T50
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Once the HDD is out of order, data cannot 
be restored.
Operation may stop in hot or cold 
environments.
The unit is disabled in order to protect the 
HDD.
Do not use the unit in low atmospheric 
pressures.
The HDD may fail if it is used at altitudes of 
3000 m (9800 feet) or higher above sea 
level.
Transportation
When the unit is transported, turn off the 
power and be careful not to shake, drop, or 
cause impact to the unit.
Falling detection
[ ] is indicated on the screen when it 
detects a falling state (a weightless state). If 
the falling state is detected repeatedly, the 
unit may stop the recording or playback 
operation in order to protect the HDD.
≥HDD access lamp [ACCESS HDD] ( l18) 
illuminates while the HDD is being 
accessed (initialization, recording, 
playback, deleting etc.). Do not perform 
the following operations when the lamp 
illuminates. It may damage the HDD or 
cause a malfunction in the unit.
j Turn off the power (remove the battery)
j Insert and remove the USB cable
j Expose the unit to vibrations or shock
≥ About disposing of or giving away this unit. 
(l 111 )
IMPORTANT
∫ Carefully observe copyright 
laws
Whatever you have recorded and created 
can be used for your personal 
entertainment only. Under copyright 
laws, other materials cannot be used 
without obtaining permission from the 
holders of the copyrights.
These operating instructions are designed 
for use with models  , 
,  and  . Pictures may be slightly 
different from the original.
≥ The illustrations used in these operating 
instructions show model  , 
however, parts of the explanation refer to 
different models.
≥ Depending on the model, some functions 
are not available.
≥ Features may vary, so please read 
carefully.
∫ Cards that you can use with 
this unit
SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card 
and SDXC Memory Card
≥4 GB (or more) Memory Cards that do not 
have the SDHC logo or 48 GB (or more) 
Memory Cards that do not have the SDXC 
logo are not based on SD Memory Card 
Specifications.
≥ Refer to page 23 for more details on SD 
cards.
∫ Licenses
≥SDXC Logo is a trademark of SD-3C, 
LLC.
≥ U.S. Patent Nos. 6,836,549; 6,381,747; 
7,050,698; 6,516,132; and 5,583,936.
This product incorporates copyright 
protection technology that is protected by 
U.S. patents and other intellectual 
property rights. Use of this copyright 
protection technology must be authorized 
by Macrovision, and is intended for home 
and other limited viewing uses only unless 
otherwise authorized by Macrovision. 
Reverse engineering or disassembly is 
prohibited.
≥ Manufactured under license from Dolby 
Laboratories.
Dolby and the double-D symbol are 
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
≥ Microsoft
®, Windows® and Windows 
Vista® are either registered trademarks or 
trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation in 
the United States and/or other countries.
≥ Microsoft product screen shot(s) reprinted 
with permission from Microsoft 
Corporation.
G
SDR-S50SDR-T55SDR-T50
SDR-H85
SDR-S50
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≥IBM and PC/AT are registered trademarks 
of International Business Machines 
Corporation of the U.S.
≥ Intel
®, Core™, Pentium® and Celeron® are 
the registered trademarks or trademarks 
of the Intel Corporation in the United 
States and other countries.
≥ iMovie and Mac are trademarks of 
Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and 
other countries.
≥ PowerPC is a trademark of International 
Business Machines Corporation.
≥ YouTube and Picasa are trademarks of 
Google, Inc.
≥ Other names of systems and products 
mentioned in these instructions are 
usually the registered trademarks or 
trademarks of the manufacturers who 
developed the system or product 
concerned.
This product is licensed under the AVC 
patent portfolio license for the personal and 
non-commercial use of a consumer to (i) 
encode video in compliance with the AVC 
Standard (“AVC Video”) and/or (ii) decode 
AVC Video that was encoded by a consumer 
engaged in a personal and non-commercial 
activity and/or was obtained from a video 
provider licensed to provide AVC Video. No 
license is granted or shall be implied for any 
other use. Additional information may be 
obtained from MPEG LA, LLC.
See http://www.mpegla.com
.
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Accessories ............................................12
Quick Guide ............................................13
Preparation
Before using
[1]Parts identification and 
handling .......................................16
Setup
[1]Power supply.............................. 19
Inserting the battery ..................... 19
Charging the battery .................... 20
Charging and recording time........ 21
[2] Recording to a card ................... 23
Cards that you can use with 
this unit......................................... 23
Inserting/removing an SD card..... 24
[3] Turning the unit on/off ............... 25
Turning the power on and off 
with the power button ................... 25
Turning the power on and off 
with the LCD monitor ................... 25
[4] Selecting a mode ....................... 26
[5] Using the menu screen ............. 27
Language selection ...................... 28
Menu list....................................... 28
[6] Setting date and time................. 32
World time setting 
(Displaying the time of the travel 
destination) .................................. 33
[7] Adjusting LCD monitor.............. 34
LCD monitor adjustment .............. 34
Recording Yourself ....................... 34
Recording
Recording (Basic)
[1]Before recording ........................  35
Intelligent Auto Mode ...................  36
Quick start....................................  38
Quick power on ............................  38
[2] Recording motion pictures .......  39
Selecting a media to record 
[SDR-T55]/[SDR-T50]/
[SDR-H85] ...................................  40
Recording in long recording mode....  41
Recording modes/approximate 
recordable time ............................  42
Audio recording modes ................  44
Shooting guide .............................  44
[3] Recording still pictures .............  45
Picture size ..................................  46
Simultaneous recording
(recording still pictures while 
recording motion pictures) ...........  46
Number of recordable pictures.....  46
[4] Recording functions ..................  47
Enhanced optical zoom ...............  47
Digital zoom function ...................  47
Image stabilizer function ..............  48
[5] AF/AE tracking ...........................  49
Recording (Advanced)
[1]Recording functions of 
operation icons ........................... 50
Operation icons............................  50
[2] Recording functions of 
menus .......................................... 54
[3] Manual recording functions......  58
White balance ..............................  59
Manual shutter speed/
iris adjustment..............................  60
Recording with Manual focus.......  61
Contents
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