Panasonic Sdr Sw21 Operating Instructions Manual

							20VQT2A1721VQT2A17
The following SD and SDHC Memory Cards can be used.
Type of cardCapacity
SD Memory Card
(SD speed Class 2 or higher recommended) 256 MB
512 MB
1 GB
2 GB
SDHC Memory Card
(Use cards bearing the 
 logo.) 4 GB
6 GB
8 GB
12 GB
16 GB
32 GB
8 MB and 16 MB SD Memory Cards are for still picture recording only.
With 32 MB, 64 MB and 128 MB SD Memory Cards, still pictures can be 
recorded, but motion picture recording may stop during use. 
Multimedia cards cannot be used.
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Recommended Panasonic SD/SDHC Memory Cards 
(as of January 2009)
The following Panasonic SD/SDHC Memory Cards and SD speed Class 2 or 
higher Memory Cards are recommended for this unit. With other types of S\
D 
cards, motion picture recording may stop during use.
SD Memory Card SD/SDHC Memory Card
High Speed Class 2 Class 4 Class 6
256 MB RP-SDH256 RP-SDR256 ――
512 MB RP-SDK512 RP-SDR512 ――
1 GB RP-SDH01G RP-SDR01G ―RP-SDV01G
2 GB RP-SDK02G RP-SDR02G RP-SDM02G RP-SDV02G
4 GB ―RP-SDR04G RP-SDM04G RP-SDV04G
6 GB ―― RP-SDM06G―
8 GB ――― RP-SDV08G
12 GB ―― RP-SDM12G―
16 GB ――― RP-SDV16G
32 GB ――― RP-SDV32G
SDHC Memory Cards can be used only with SDHC devices.
Be careful when sharing cards between devices.
Be sure to format SD cards with this unit only.
If cards are formatted on a PC or other device, recording may take time \
and 
the card may become unusable with the unit. 
Before using an SD card from another device, copy the data onto a PC or \
other storage device and then format the card with this unit.
Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.
This unit supports SD Memory Cards formatted to FAT12 or FAT16 file 
systems and SDHC Memory Cards formatted to a FAT32 file system. 
SD speed Class 2    
Class 2 speed standard for SD cards. This and higher types of SD cards 
operate stably in devices for which Class 2 or higher SD cards are 
recommended, such as this unit.
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Precautions in handlingDo not touch the terminals on the back of the card. Also, prevent dirt, water 
and foreign matter from adhering to terminals.
Do not leave cards in the following areas:
· Where exposed to direct sunlight
· Humid or dusty places
· Near heaters or other sources of heat
·  Where subjected to sharp temperature changes (condensation can occur)
· Where exposed to static electricity or electromagnetic waves
After use, return cards to their pouch or case.
SD card data may be corrupted or lost due to electrical noise, static 
electricity, damage to the unit or card, etc. Save important data on a PC 
using the supplied USB cable, VideoCam Suite, etc. (P.74)
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•
Applicable SD cards (sold separately)
 Write-protecting  cardsWhen the write-protect switch on the SD card is set to the LOCK position\
, 
data cannot be written onto or deleted from the card, and the card canno\
t be 
formatted.
Write-protect switch 
						

							22VQT2A1723VQT2A17
We recommend using Panasonic batteries. (VW-VBJ10)
If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee the quality of this prod\
uct.
CAUTION
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only wit\
h the 
same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used 
batteries according to the manufacturers instructions.Do not heat or expose to flame.
Do not leave the battery in an automobile exposed to direct sunlight for\
 a long 
period of time with doors and windows closed.
●
●
3Insert the battery.
Ensure that battery is oriented 
correctly, and push it into the 
compartment in the direction of the 
[▲
] until it snaps into place and it is 
locked by the lever.
( To remove the battery,  press the lever downward.)
5Connect the AC adaptor 
(supplied).
 Connect the AC cable to the AC 
adaptor and then to an AC outlet. Use only the AC adaptor supplied 
with the unit.
●
To AC outlet AC adaptor
AC cableÎ
Insert the battery into the unit and charge it.
Î Do not use the AC cable and AC adaptor of this unit with other devices. Also, do not use  the AC cables and AC adaptors of other devices with this unit.
Setup1Charging
The battery is not charged at the time of purchase. Be sure to charge it\
 
before use.
For charging time (P.24)
Lever
1Set the mode dial to [OFF].The unit runs on AC power (status indicator lit red) and 
the battery cannot be charged when the mode dial is set 
to any position other than [OFF].
2Open the card/battery 
door.
Lift the flap upright and turn it 
counter-clockwise until it clicks for 
unlocking and then open the door.
4Close the card/battery 
door.
Close the door and turn the flap 
clockwise to the locking position and 
then push the flap back flat.
If the status indicator does the following:Does not flash:  Remove and reinsert the battery, and disconnect and reconnect the AC adaptor.
If the status indicator still does not flash, contact your dealer.
Flashes rapidly at approx. 0.25 seconds intervals:   The battery cannot be charged. Try doing the following:Remove and reinsert the battery, and try recharging the battery.
The battery temperature or surrounding temperature is too high/low, therefore wait until 
the unit and the battery are at suitable temperatures and try recharging\
 the battery.
If battery charging still does not commence, contact your dealer.
Flashes slowly at approx. 3 seconds intervals:   Charging requires time for the following reasons:The battery has been excessively discharged.
The battery temperature or ambient temperature is too high/low.
If power to the unit is activated while the battery is charging, the AC power 
supply will be used and charging interrupted.
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•
•
•
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6Open the terminal cover.
Lift the flap upright and turn it counter-
clockwise until it clicks for unlocking 
and then open the cover.
7Plug the DC plug into the DC 
input terminal on the unit.
Status indicatorFlashing red at approx. 1 second intervals:
     Charging in progress
Off: Charging complete
Small gap here. 
						

							22VQT2A1723VQT2A17
We recommend using Panasonic batteries. (VW-VBJ10)
If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee the quality of this prod\
uct.
CAUTION
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only wit\
h the 
same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used 
batteries according to the manufacturers instructions.Do not heat or expose to flame.
Do not leave the battery in an automobile exposed to direct sunlight for\
 a long 
period of time with doors and windows closed.
●
●
3Insert the battery.
Ensure that battery is oriented 
correctly, and push it into the 
compartment in the direction of the 
[▲
] until it snaps into place and it is 
locked by the lever.
( To remove the battery,  press the lever downward.)
5Connect the AC adaptor 
(supplied).
 Connect the AC cable to the AC 
adaptor and then to an AC outlet. Use only the AC adaptor supplied 
with the unit.
●
To AC outlet AC adaptor
AC cableÎ
Insert the battery into the unit and charge it.
Î Do not use the AC cable and AC adaptor of this unit with other devices. Also, do not use  the AC cables and AC adaptors of other devices with this unit.
Setup1Charging
The battery is not charged at the time of purchase. Be sure to charge it\
 
before use.
For charging time (P.24)
Lever
1Set the mode dial to [OFF].The unit runs on AC power (status indicator lit red) and 
the battery cannot be charged when the mode dial is set 
to any position other than [OFF].
2Open the card/battery 
door.
Lift the flap upright and turn it 
counter-clockwise until it clicks for 
unlocking and then open the door.
4Close the card/battery 
door.
Close the door and turn the flap 
clockwise to the locking position and 
then push the flap back flat.
If the status indicator does the following:Does not flash:  Remove and reinsert the battery, and disconnect and reconnect the AC adaptor.
If the status indicator still does not flash, contact your dealer.
Flashes rapidly at approx. 0.25 seconds intervals:   The battery cannot be charged. Try doing the following:Remove and reinsert the battery, and try recharging the battery.
The battery temperature or surrounding temperature is too high/low, therefore wait until 
the unit and the battery are at suitable temperatures and try recharging\
 the battery.
If battery charging still does not commence, contact your dealer.
Flashes slowly at approx. 3 seconds intervals:   Charging requires time for the following reasons:The battery has been excessively discharged.
The battery temperature or ambient temperature is too high/low.
If power to the unit is activated while the battery is charging, the AC power 
supply will be used and charging interrupted.
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•
•
•
●
6Open the terminal cover.
Lift the flap upright and turn it counter-
clockwise until it clicks for unlocking 
and then open the cover.
7Plug the DC plug into the DC 
input terminal on the unit.
Status indicatorFlashing red at approx. 1 second intervals:
     Charging in progress
Off: Charging complete
Small gap here. 
						

							24VQT2A1725VQT2A17
Setup2
Charging time, recordable time and 
Remaining battery capacity indication
Charging time and recordable time
Times are given for a temperature of 25 ˚C (77 ˚F) and humidity of 60 %. 
The charging time shown in the table are approximations. In high or low \
temperatures, charging requires more time.
Supplied battery VW-VBJ10 (3.6 V, 940 mAh (minimum))
Charging time Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes
Recordable time Maximum continuously 
recordable time Actual recordable time
Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes Approx. 40 minutes
Actual recordable time includes recording and stopping, power ON/OFF 
switching, zooming and other operations.
Recordable time varies according to conditions of use. For example, the \
recordable time shortens when the [POWER LCD] setting is on while 
recording. 
The recordable time shortens in some environments (i.e., low temperatur\
es, 
etc.), therefore it is recommended to charge a spare battery. 
Remaining battery capacity indication
The battery indication changes, as the remaining battery power decreases\
.
High Low
Flashing (Charge battery.)
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Setup3
Inserting/Removing SD 
cards 
(sold separately)
SD cards are sold separately.
Preparations:  Set the mode dial to [OFF].
(Check that the status indicator is out.)
Inserting or removing an SD card with the power ON may 
damage the unit and destroy data on the card. 
Place label upwards.
 While the card access lamp is lit, reading, recording, playback, deletio\
n 
or other processing is being executed. Performing the following 
operations while the lamp is lit may damage the SD card and its content \
and the unit may not function properly.
  • Switching off power
  • Removing battery or AC adaptor
  • Opening card/battery door and removing SD card
  • Rotating the mode dial
  • Shaking or impacting the unit
  • Disconnecting the USB cable
Card access lamp
The access lamp is supposed to light up while rotating the dial to selec\
t 
a mode. In this case, there is no problem.
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2Insert/Remove the SD 
card.
To insert:
Face the label upwards and slide 
the card in straight until hearing it 
catch. 
To remove:
Press the center of the SD card and 
pull the card out straight.
•
•
1Open the card/battery 
door.
Lift the flap upright and turn it 
counter-clockwise until it clicks for 
unlocking and then open the door.
3Close the card/battery 
door.
Close the door and turn the flap 
clockwise to the locking position 
and then push the flap back flat.
If the door does not close 
completely, remove the SD card, 
check its orientation and reinsert it 
into the slot.
•
•
It has been found that counterfeit battery packs which look very similar\
 to the genuine 
product are available to purchase in some markets. Some of these battery\
 packs are 
not adequately protected to meet the requirements of appropriate safety \
standards. 
These battery packs may lead to fire or explosion. Please be advised tha\
t we are not 
liable for any accident or failure occurring as a result of use of a cou\
nterfeit battery 
pack. To ensure that safe products are used we would recommend that a genuine 
Panasonic battery pack is used. 
						

							24VQT2A1725VQT2A17
Setup2
Charging time, recordable time and 
Remaining battery capacity indication
Charging time and recordable time
Times are given for a temperature of 25 ˚C (77 ˚F) and humidity of 60 %. 
The charging time shown in the table are approximations. In high or low \
temperatures, charging requires more time.
Supplied battery VW-VBJ10 (3.6 V, 940 mAh (minimum))
Charging time Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes
Recordable time Maximum continuously 
recordable time Actual recordable time
Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes Approx. 40 minutes
Actual recordable time includes recording and stopping, power ON/OFF 
switching, zooming and other operations.
Recordable time varies according to conditions of use. For example, the \
recordable time shortens when the [POWER LCD] setting is on while 
recording. 
The recordable time shortens in some environments (i.e., low temperatur\
es, 
etc.), therefore it is recommended to charge a spare battery. 
Remaining battery capacity indication
The battery indication changes, as the remaining battery power decreases\
.
High Low
Flashing (Charge battery.)
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Setup3
Inserting/Removing SD 
cards 
(sold separately)
SD cards are sold separately.
Preparations:  Set the mode dial to [OFF].
(Check that the status indicator is out.)
Inserting or removing an SD card with the power ON may 
damage the unit and destroy data on the card. 
Place label upwards.
 While the card access lamp is lit, reading, recording, playback, deletio\
n 
or other processing is being executed. Performing the following 
operations while the lamp is lit may damage the SD card and its content \
and the unit may not function properly.
  • Switching off power
  • Removing battery or AC adaptor
  • Opening card/battery door and removing SD card
  • Rotating the mode dial
  • Shaking or impacting the unit
  • Disconnecting the USB cable
Card access lamp
The access lamp is supposed to light up while rotating the dial to selec\
t 
a mode. In this case, there is no problem.
●
●
2Insert/Remove the SD 
card.
To insert:
Face the label upwards and slide 
the card in straight until hearing it 
catch. 
To remove:
Press the center of the SD card and 
pull the card out straight.
•
•
1Open the card/battery 
door.
Lift the flap upright and turn it 
counter-clockwise until it clicks for 
unlocking and then open the door.
3Close the card/battery 
door.
Close the door and turn the flap 
clockwise to the locking position 
and then push the flap back flat.
If the door does not close 
completely, remove the SD card, 
check its orientation and reinsert it 
into the slot.
•
•
It has been found that counterfeit battery packs which look very similar\
 to the genuine 
product are available to purchase in some markets. Some of these battery\
 packs are 
not adequately protected to meet the requirements of appropriate safety \
standards. 
These battery packs may lead to fire or explosion. Please be advised tha\
t we are not 
liable for any accident or failure occurring as a result of use of a cou\
nterfeit battery 
pack. To ensure that safe products are used we would recommend that a genuine 
Panasonic battery pack is used. 
						

							26VQT2A1727VQT2A17
Setup4
Turning power ON/OFF 
(Selecting modes)Rotate the mode dial to motion picture recording/playback, still picture\
 
recording/playback or power OFF.
Set to icon of desired mode.
Power OFF
Motion picture recording mode 
(P.34)
Motion picture playback mode 
(P.56)
Still picture recording mode 
(P.36)
Still picture playback mode 
(P.59)
Rotate the mode dial slowly but surely to the desired position without t\
urning it 
recklessly.The very first time that power is turned ON, a message appears prompting\
 
you to set the date and time. (P.30)
During use, the main unit and SD card become hot, but this is normal and\
 not 
indicative of a malfunction.
●
● Status indicator
When power is ON: Lit red
(When selecting 
   )
When power is OFF: Off
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Turning power ON/OFF from the LCD monitorWhen [] or [] is selected, power turns ON when the LCD monitor is 
opened and OFF when it is closed. (During motion picture recording, pow\
er 
does not turn OFF when the LCD monitor is closed.) When [QUICK START] (next page) is [ON], the unit goes on quick start 
standby when the LCD monitor is closed.
When not in use, set the mode dial to [OFF].
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•
 Quick starts
Quick starts are available when the mode is set to [] and []. 
When [QUICK START] is [ON], the unit responds as follows to LCD monitor 
operations:
LCD monitor  operation Unit response Status 
indicator
When opened
Shooting can start in approx. 0.6 seconds.Lit red
When closed The unit goes on Quick Start StandbyÎ.Flashing green
Î  
The unit consumes about half as much power as when recording is stopped.\
 Setting [QUICK START]
Select settings from the 
menus. (P.28)
→[SETUP]→[QUICK 
START]→[ON]
(To turn OFF, select [OFF].)
[QUICK START] is [ON] at the time of purchase.•
The quick start standby is canceled and power shuts OFF (status indicat\
or 
out) in the following situations.  When Quick Start Standby Mode continues for more than about 5 minutes
When the mode dial is rotated
When the white balance has been set to the automatic adjustment (during\
 
automatic recording or when it is set to [
] during manual recording) 
and quick start has been initiated, quick start may take longer if a dif\
ferent 
light source is used from the one prior to initiating quick start. This happens 
because the automatic adjustments are performed again.
Starting may require more time than usual if the unit is impacted.
Zoom magnification becomes 1x after quick starts.
If [ECONOMY] (P.90) is set to [5 MINUTES] and the unit automatically goes 
on quick start standby, close and reopen the LCD monitor.
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							26VQT2A1727VQT2A17
Setup4
Turning power ON/OFF 
(Selecting modes)Rotate the mode dial to motion picture recording/playback, still picture\
 
recording/playback or power OFF.
Set to icon of desired mode.
Power OFF
Motion picture recording mode 
(P.34)
Motion picture playback mode 
(P.56)
Still picture recording mode 
(P.36)
Still picture playback mode 
(P.59)
Rotate the mode dial slowly but surely to the desired position without t\
urning it 
recklessly.The very first time that power is turned ON, a message appears prompting\
 
you to set the date and time. (P.30)
During use, the main unit and SD card become hot, but this is normal and\
 not 
indicative of a malfunction.
●
● Status indicator
When power is ON: Lit red
(When selecting 
   )
When power is OFF: Off
•
•
Turning power ON/OFF from the LCD monitorWhen [] or [] is selected, power turns ON when the LCD monitor is 
opened and OFF when it is closed. (During motion picture recording, pow\
er 
does not turn OFF when the LCD monitor is closed.) When [QUICK START] (next page) is [ON], the unit goes on quick start 
standby when the LCD monitor is closed.
When not in use, set the mode dial to [OFF].
•
•
 Quick starts
Quick starts are available when the mode is set to [] and []. 
When [QUICK START] is [ON], the unit responds as follows to LCD monitor 
operations:
LCD monitor  operation Unit response Status 
indicator
When opened
Shooting can start in approx. 0.6 seconds.Lit red
When closed The unit goes on Quick Start StandbyÎ.Flashing green
Î  
The unit consumes about half as much power as when recording is stopped.\
 Setting [QUICK START]
Select settings from the 
menus. (P.28)
→[SETUP]→[QUICK 
START]→[ON]
(To turn OFF, select [OFF].)
[QUICK START] is [ON] at the time of purchase.•
The quick start standby is canceled and power shuts OFF (status indicat\
or 
out) in the following situations.  When Quick Start Standby Mode continues for more than about 5 minutes
When the mode dial is rotated
When the white balance has been set to the automatic adjustment (during\
 
automatic recording or when it is set to [
] during manual recording) 
and quick start has been initiated, quick start may take longer if a dif\
ferent 
light source is used from the one prior to initiating quick start. This happens 
because the automatic adjustments are performed again.
Starting may require more time than usual if the unit is impacted.
Zoom magnification becomes 1x after quick starts.
If [ECONOMY] (P.90) is set to [5 MINUTES] and the unit automatically goes 
on quick start standby, close and reopen the LCD monitor.
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							28VQT2A1729VQT2A17
1Display the menu.
The menu displayed differs 
according to mode.
2Select the top menu.
(Top menu for [] and [] 
modes)
3Enter the top menu.
or
4Select a submenu.
5Enter the selected 
submenu.
or
6Select an item.
7Enter the selected item.
Do not rotate the mode dial while menus appear on the LCD monitor.
You cannot record or perform other operations while menus appear on the 
LCD monitor.
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●
Using the cursor buttonsThe cursor buttons are used to select and enter items on menus or 
thumbnail displays.
Upwards
Downwards
Left
RightTo move the cursor
The cursor moves in the direction of 
the respective cursor buttons 
 
when pressed.
●
Pressing the center enters the selection.
●
Setup5
Setting from the menu, 
changing the display languageThe cursor buttons are used to select functions, execute operations and \
make menu settings.
 To return to the previous screen
  
   To quit an operation halfway 
through
  
The menu cannot be displayed during recording or playback.
For menu items (P.88 “Menu List”)
8Close the menu.
 Changing the display language
The display and menu language can be changed.
    →[LANGUAGE] 
						

							28VQT2A1729VQT2A17
1Display the menu.
The menu displayed differs 
according to mode.
2Select the top menu.
(Top menu for [] and [] 
modes)
3Enter the top menu.
or
4Select a submenu.
5Enter the selected 
submenu.
or
6Select an item.
7Enter the selected item.
Do not rotate the mode dial while menus appear on the LCD monitor.
You cannot record or perform other operations while menus appear on the 
LCD monitor.
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●
Using the cursor buttonsThe cursor buttons are used to select and enter items on menus or 
thumbnail displays.
Upwards
Downwards
Left
RightTo move the cursor
The cursor moves in the direction of 
the respective cursor buttons 
 
when pressed.
●
Pressing the center enters the selection.
●
Setup5
Setting from the menu, 
changing the display languageThe cursor buttons are used to select functions, execute operations and \
make menu settings.
 To return to the previous screen
  
   To quit an operation halfway 
through
  
The menu cannot be displayed during recording or playback.
For menu items (P.88 “Menu List”)
8Close the menu.
 Changing the display language
The display and menu language can be changed.
    →[LANGUAGE] 
						

							30VQT2A1731VQT2A17
After setting the date and time, summer time can be set as in “Settin\
g home 
city and region” of the world time function (P.54).
If [
] is displayed for the date and time, the built-in lithium battery has r\
un 
down. Charge the battery and set the time as follows. The built-in lithium 
battery is charged when the AC adaptor is connected to the unit or when a 
battery is inserted into the unit. If charged for about 24 hours, the da\
te and 
time can be saved in memory for about 6 months. (The battery is charged\
 
even if the power is turned OFF.)
 Adjusting the LCD monitor
LCD monitor color and brightness can be adjusted. (Settings do not affect 
recorded images.) For setting from the menu (P.28)
1Select the desired menu.
   If the LCD monitor is hard to 
see in bright places (POWER 
LCD)
Brighten the entire LCD monitor.
    →[SETUP]→
[POWER LCD]
 :     Normal brightness
 :  The LCD monitor brightens.
 :    The LCD monitor brightens 
more.
[
] is automatically selected 
when the AC adaptor is used.
•
  →[SETUP]→
[LCD SET]→[YES]
2Select and adjust the 
item.
Select an item.To adjust
The bar moves.
[BRIGHTNESS]: Adjusts brightness.
[COLOR]: Adjusts color density.
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●
Setup6Setting the date and time  and adjusting the LCD monitor
1Set to [] or [].
2Select the desired menu.
    →[BASIC]→
[CLOCK SET]→[YES]
3Set the date and time.
To select settingsTo change 
numerical values
The year is displayed up to 2099 
and the 12-hour system is used 
to display the time.
4Enter the date and time.
The clock function starts at [00] 
seconds.
After pressing the [MENU] 
button and closing the menu, 
check the date and time 
displays.
•
•
  
To change the date and time 
display
To change an item
  
   →[SETUP]→
[DATE/TIME]
[OFF]   :    Date and time are not 
displayed.
[D/T]    :    Date and time are 
displayed.
[DATE] :  Only the date is displayed.
To change the date format
  
   →[SETUP]→
[DATE FORMAT]
Format 
indication Appearance on 
LCD monitor
[Y/M/D] 2009.DEC.15
[M/D/Y] DEC.15.2009
[D/M/Y] 15.DEC.2009
●
●
 Setting the date and time
Before recording, check that the date and time have been set.
The very first time that power is turned ON, a message appears prompting\
 you 
to set the date and time. Select [YES], press the center of the cursor b\
uttons 
and proceed to step 
3.