Panasonic Sdr Sw20 Operating Instructions Manual

							Operating Instructions
SD Video Camera
Model No.SDR-SW20P/PC
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.
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For USA 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 
						

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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. Be sure to retain this 
manual as your convenient 
camera information source.Date of Purchase
Dealer Purchased From
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone No.
Model No.
Serial No.
Safety Precautions
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR PRODUCT 
DAMAGE,
•  DO NOT EXPOSE ACCESSORIES (AC ADAPTOR, AC CABLE, 
BATTERY PACK, SD MEMORY CARD AND ETC.) TO RAIN, MOISTURE, 
DRIPPING OR SPLASHING AND THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH 
LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHALL BE PLACED ON THEM.
• 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.
  WARNING
•  AS WITH ANY SMALL OBJECT, SD CARDS CAN BE SWALLOWED BY 
YOUNG CHILDREN. DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO HANDLE THE SD 
CARD. 
						

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THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN THE U.S.A.
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-SW20P
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.
SDR-SW20P
THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN CANADA
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. 
						

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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 accessories 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 the 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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BatteryBattery 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 (+ and −) with metal objects.
      • Do not disassemble, remodel, heat or throw into fire.
If any electrolyte should come into contact with your 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.
WarningRisk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not disassemble, heat above 60 °C 
(140 °F) or incinerate.
AC adaptorThis 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 power supply cord plug from AC receptacle.
U.S.A./CANADA CONSUMERS: ATTENTION:
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. 
						

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PRECAUTIONS
 USE & LOCATION
  WARNING
● TO AVOID SHOCK HAZARD…
   Accessories (AC adaptor, AC cable, battery pack, SD memory card and etc.) 
should not be exposed to rain or moisture. Do not connect the power supply 
if it gets wet. Your camera has been designed for outdoor use, however 
accessories are 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. Do not attempt to 
disassemble this unit. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Unplug your 
camera from the power supply before cleaning.
  CAUTION
●  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.
 Camera and SD card (sold separately) temperature    After use and battery charging, the battery will be hot. Also, during use, 
although the unit’s body and SD card become hot, there is nothing wrong with 
the unit. 
						

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-If you see this symbol-
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.
• SDHC Logo is a trademark.
• miniSD Logo is a trademark.
•  Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
•  Microsoft
®, Windows® and DirectX® are either registered trademarks or 
trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other 
countries.
•  IBM and PC/AT are registered trademarks of International Business Machines 
Corporation of the U.S.
•  Celeron
®, Intel®, Intel® Core™ Solo and Pentium® are the registered 
trademarks or trademarks of the Intel Corporation in the United States and 
other countries.
•  Apple and MacOS are trademarks of Apple Inc.
•  Microsoft product screen shot(s) reprinted with permission from Microsoft 
Corporation.
•  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.
 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.
●  Indemnity concerning recording content
   The manufacturer shall in no event be liable for the loss of recordings due to 
malfunction or defect of this unit, its accessories or recordable media.
 For the purposes of these operating instructions    SD Memory Card and SDHC Memory Card are referred to as the “SD card”.
 LCD  monitor   Due to limitations in LCD production technology, there may be some tiny bright 
or dark spots on the LCD monitor screen. However, this is not a malfunction 
and does not affect the recorded picture. 
						

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(IMPORTANT) Water resistance
Water resistance
The water-resistance and dustproofing of this unit comply with IP58 of IEC 
60529 “Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)”. The unit 
passed water-resistance tests (IEC 60529), in which it was submerged to a 
depth of 1.5 m (5 feet) for 30 minutes, and dustproof tests (IP Code: IP58) in 
accordance with Panasonic standards, but this does not guarantee that the unit 
will not be destroyed or damaged by contact with water and dust.
Observe the following precautions and avoid use in water pressure above the 
guaranteed performance level and in very dusty environments. (Accessories 
are not water-resistant.)
The penetration of water into the unit due to mishandling by the user is not 
covered by the guarantee given for the unit’s water resistance performance. If 
water should penetrate the unit, stop using the unit, and consult the dealer from 
whom you purchased the unit.
 Underwater  use•  Use the unit at depths no deeper than 1.5 m (5 feet) in water of 0 °C to 
40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F). Do not use it underwater for 30 continuous minutes 
or longer. After use underwater, wipe off adhering water and dry in a well-
ventilated location before using the unit underwater again.
•  Do not open the card/battery door or the terminal cover underwater.
•  Do not impact the unit against anything underwater. (Impacts may lead to 
water infiltration.)
•  Do not dive or jump into water with the unit in your hands. Also, do not use 
the unit in swift currents, waterfalls or other places where exposed to high 
water pressure. (Doing so may subject the unit to high water pressure levels 
which may lead to damage.)
•  Securely attach the strap when submerging in water so as not to lose hold 
of the unit.
 Care after underwater use•  Promptly wipe off any detergent, soap, hot spring water, bath liquids, suntan 
oil, sun block, medicines or other chemicals that splash on the unit. (The 
unit’s water-resistance is effective only in fresh and saltwater.)
•  After use in water or near the sea, swish in fresh water (in a shallow 
container) with the LCD monitor open and closed to rinse off salt water, 
sand and other matter, then let soak for 30 minutes or less. After that, wipe 
off water with a dry cloth. (Washing the unit in soap or neutral detergents 
or leaving the unit with salt water adhering to it can cause corrosion, 
discoloring and degrade water-resistant performance.) 
After rinsing, set the unit with the drain port facing downward in a well-
ventilated shady place to dry.
Drying with the hot air of a hairdryer or other device can cause deformation 
and degrade water-resistant performance.
Water may run from the drain port (P.17) if the unit is not dry on the inside. 
						

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 Handling•   Avoid impacting the unit against anything, for example, when carrying it by the strap. 
Strong impacts can deform the unit’s body and degrade water-resistant performance.
The unit’s water resistance performance will no longer be guaranteed in the 
event that the unit has been dropped or otherwise subjected to strong impact.
•  Do not leave the unit where exposed to low temperatures of 0 °C (32 °F) and 
below or high temperatures of 40 °C (104 °F) and above. (Extreme temperatures 
can degrade water-resistant performance.) In particular, do not leave the unit 
sitting on sandy beaches. (The unit can become hot and sand can adhere to it.)
•  Do not insert pointed objects into the microphone or speaker holes. (The 
internal water-resistant sheet can be damaged and compromise water-
resistant performance.)
•  Do not plug the unit in or unplug it with wet hands.
 Replacing the water-resistant packingThe performance of the unit’s water-resistant packing degrades over the 
course of 18 months or more. It is recommended to have your dealer replace 
this packing (you will be charged for this) at least once every 18 months.
 Card/Battery door and terminal cover•  Slide the lock to the OPEN side and lift the projection with a finger to open. 
•   
When closing, be careful that sand, hair, dust and other foreign matter are 
not trapped in the door and the cover, and press [
] until hearing them snap 
closed, to prevent water infiltration. (Check that the red marker of the lock is 
no longer visible.)
   
OPENOPEN
Check that the red 
marker of the lock is 
no longer visible.
Projection
Projection
Press 
here.
Press here.
OPENOPEN
OKNG
•  Do not open and close the card/battery door and terminal cover with wet 
hands or when in or near water.
•  If the unit is wet, wipe off water before opening the card/battery door and 
terminal cover.
•  If water gets inside the compartments, wipe completely dry before closing 
the covers.
 Lens, microphone and speaker•  Wipe water and dirt from the lens with a cleaning cloth before recording.
•  The sound may be muffled or distorted by water droplets on the microphone 
or speaker. In such a case, wipe off water and dry the unit before using it. 
						

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Contents
Before using
PRECAUTIONS ........................... 6
(IMPORTANT) Water resistance .. 8
Quick guide ............................... 12
Accessories .............................. 16
Parts identification and 
handling ..................................... 16
Using the 2-way hand strap 
(supplied) ................................. 18
Using the LCD monitor ............. 19
Applicable SD cards 
(sold separately) ....................... 20
Setup
Charging .................................... 22
Charging time, recordable time 
and Remaining battery capacity 
indication ................................... 24
Inserting/Removing SD cards 
(sold separately) ....................... 25
Turning power ON/OFF 
(Selecting modes)..................... 26
Quick starts .............................. 27
Setting from the menu ............. 28
Setting the date and time, 
changing the display language 
and adjusting the LCD monitor
 .. 30
Recording
Before recording....................... 32
Basic stance ............................. 32
Taking pictures underwater ...... 32
Automatic recording 
(motion pictures) ...................... 34
Recording mode and recording 
times ......................................... 35
Automatic recording 
(still pictures) ............................ 36
Picture quality ........................... 37
Zoom/avoid jitter/maintain 
picture brightness in dark 
locations .................................... 38
Other recording options .......... 40
Fade-in/Fade-out ...................... 41
Backlight compensation 
function ..................................... 42
Self-timer .................................. 42
Soft skin mode ......................... 43
MagicPix function ..................... 43
Recording manually 
(motion/still pictures) ............... 44
Adjusting focus manually 
(manual focus adjustment) ....... 44
Using situation-specific settings 
(scene mode) ........................... 45
Achieve natural colors 
(white balance) ......................... 46
Adjusting shutter speed 
(shutter speed) ......................... 48
Adjusting brightness 
(iris/gain) .................................. 49
Useful functions ....................... 50
Recording dates and times at 
travel destinations 
(set world time) ......................... 50
View slants and composition 
(guide lines) .............................. 51
Avoid wind noise 
(wind noise reduction function) .. 51
Playback
Viewing motion pictures .......... 52
Displaying thumbnails by date .. 53
Fast forward/rewind playback .. 54
Slow-motion playback .............. 54
Frame-by-frame playback ........ 54
Resuming the previous playback .. 54
Viewing still pictures ................ 55