Panasonic HC-MDH2 User manual

Operating Instructions
High Definition Video Camera
Model No. HC-MDH2
HC-MDH2M
Please read these instructions carefully before using this product, and save this manual for future
use.
VQT5E10
until
2013/9/30

- 2 -
∫About the recording format for
recording motion pictures
You can record motion pictures with AVCHD
recording formats using this unit. (l27,54)
≥AVCHD Progressive (1080/50p) supported.
AVCHD Progressive:
It is possible to record video with highest quality
(1080/50p) possible with this unit.
∫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
related component).
∫About security
Be careful about the possibility of theft or loss of
the unit, and be careful not to leave the unit
unattended. Please note that Panasonic does
not accept any responsibility for the
compromise, manipulation, and loss of
information caused by these events.
∫Handling of built-in memory
[HC-MDH2M]
This unit is equipped with the built-in 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. (l96)
≥Access lamp (l9) illuminates while the built-
in memory is being accessed (initialisation,
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.
jTurn the unit off (remove the battery)
jInsert and remove the USB cable
jExpose the unit to vibrations or shock
≥About disposing of or giving away this unit.
(l129)
∫About Condensation
(When the lens, the viewfinder
or LCD Monitor is fogged up)
Condensation occurs when there is a change in
temperature or humidity, such as when the unit
is taken from outside or a cold room to a warm
room. Please be careful, as it may cause the
lens, the viewfinder or LCD monitor to become
soiled, moldy, or damaged.
When taking the unit to a place which has a
different temperature, if the unit is accustomed
to the room temperature of the destination for
about one hour, condensation can be
prevented. (When the difference in temperature
is severe, place the unit in a plastic bag or the
like, remove air from the bag, and seal the bag.)
When condensation has occurred, remove the
battery and/or the AC adapter and leave the
unit like that for about one hour. When the unit
becomes accustomed to the surrounding
temperature, fogginess will disappear naturally.
Read this first

- 3 -
∫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 16 for more details on SD
cards.
∫For the purposes of these
operating instructions
≥SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card and
SDXC Memory Card are referred to as the
“SD card”.
≥Function that can be used for Motion Picture
Recording Mode:
Function that can be used for Still Picture
Recording Mode:
≥Function that can be used for the Playback
Mode:
Function that can be used for the Playback
Mode (motion pictures only):
Function that can be used for the Playback
Mode (still pictures only):
≥Scene(s) recorded in 1080/50p or
1080/50i: “AVCHD scene(s)”
≥Pages for reference are indicated by an
arrow, for example: l00
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.
≥Not all models may be available depending
on the region of purchase.
HC-MDH2
HC-MDH2M
HC-MDH2

- 4 -
Read this first ................................................. 2
Preparation
Names and Functions of Main Parts ............ 6
Power supply................................................ 12
Inserting/removing the battery ............... 12
Charging the battery .............................. 13
Charging and recording time ................. 14
Recording to a card ..................................... 16
Cards that you can use with this unit..... 16
Inserting/removing an SD card .............. 17
Turning the unit on/off................................. 18
Selecting a mode ......................................... 18
Using the LCD monitor/Viewfinder............. 19
How to use the touch screen ................. 19
LCD monitor adjustment........................ 20
Viewfinder adjustment ........................... 21
Recording yourself................................. 21
Setting date and time................................... 22
Using the menu screen ...............................23
Basic
Before recording .......................................... 24
Formatting cards.................................... 25
Selecting a media to record ........................ 26
Recording motion pictures ......................... 27
Recording still pictures ............................... 29
Recording still pictures
in Motion Picture Recording Mode ........ 30
Intelligent Auto Mode .................................. 31
Motion picture/Still picture playback ......... 33
Advanced (Recording)
Using the zoom ............................................36
Ring zoom.............................................. 37
Zoom ratio during the Still Picture
Recording Mode..................................... 37
Image Stabilizer Function............................38
Manual recording .........................................39
White Balance........................................ 41
Manual shutter speed/iris adjustment .... 42
Recording with Manual Focus................ 43
Recording functions
of operation icons ........................................44
Operation icons...................................... 44
Recording functions of
[CAMERA SETUP] menus ...........................49
Recording functions of
[RECORD SETUP] menus............................54
Advanced (Playback)
Playback Operations....................................63
Motion picture playback
using operation icon............................... 63
Creating still picture
from motion picture ................................ 64
Repeat Playback.................................... 65
Resuming the previous playback ........... 65
Highlight Playback ................................. 66
Playing back motion pictures/
still pictures by date ............................... 72
Deleting scenes/still pictures......................73
Protecting scenes/still pictures............... 74
Watching Video/Pictures on your TV .........75
Connecting with a HDMI cable............... 77
Connecting with the component cable ... 77
Playback using VIERA Link.........................78
Contents

- 5 -
Copy/Dubbing
Copying between SD card
and Built-in Memory [HC-MDH2M] ............. 80
Copying/playing back
with an external drive .................................. 82
Preparing for copying/playing back ....... 82
Simple copy ........................................... 84
Copy selected files ................................ 85
Playing back the external drive.............. 86
Relay scene combining ......................... 87
Dubbing with a Blu-ray disc recorder,
video device, etc. ......................................... 89
Using the Eye-Fi card .................................. 93
With a PC
Connecting to a PC
(File transfer/nonlinear editing) .................. 96
Operating environment
(mass storage)....................................... 96
Connecting to a PC...................................... 98
About the PC display ........................... 100
Menu
Using the Menu .......................................... 101
Camera Setup ..................................... 101
Recording Setup.................................. 103
Switch and display setting ................... 106
Other Functions ................................... 112
Video Setup ......................................... 117
Picture Setup ....................................... 118
Copy .................................................... 118
Others
Indications .................................................. 119
Messages ....................................................122
About recovery..................................... 122
Troubleshooting .........................................123
Cautions for use.........................................128
About copyright .........................................132
Recording formats/
approximate recordable time ....................133
Approximate number
of recordable pictures ...............................134
Optional accessories .................................135

- 6 -
1Shoulder strap fixture
2Handle
3Sub zoom lever [W/T] (l36,110)
≥This lever functions in the same manner as
the zoom lever.
4Sub recording start/stop button
(l24,110)
≥This button functions in the same manner as
the recording start/stop button.
5Microphone cable holder
6Accessory shoe
7External microphone terminal [EXT MIC]
(l11)
≥A compatible plug-in powered microphone
can be used as an external microphone.
≥When the unit is connected with the AC
adaptor, sometimes noise may be heard
depending on the microphone type. In this
case, please switch to the battery for the
power supply and the noise will stop.
8Photoshot button [ ] (l29)
9Zoom lever [W/T] (In Recording Mode)
(l36)
Volume lever [rVOLs]/Thumbnail
display switch [ / ] (In Playback
Mode) (l34,35)
10 Grip belt (l10)
11 Status indicator (l18)
12 Power switch (l18)
13 Recording start/stop button (l27)
14 Charging lamp [CHG] (l13)
15 DC input terminal [DC IN] (l13)
≥Do not use any other AC adaptors except the
supplied one.
16 Headphone terminal [ ] (l48)
17 USB terminal [HOST]/[USB 2.0] (l82)
18 USB terminal [DEVICE]/[USB 2.0]
(l90,98)
19 HDMI terminal [HDMI] (l75)
Preparation
Names and Functions of Main Parts
18 1917
1514 16
11
13
12
32
1456
10
9
7
8

- 7 -
20 Ring LED (l113)
21 Shoulder strap fixture
22 Internal microphones
23 Recording lamp (l113)
24 Lens (l10)
25 Lens hood
26 Multi manual ring (l39, 43)
27 Camera function button
[CAMERA FUNCTION] (l39)
28 Mode switch (l18)
29 Intelligent auto/Manual/Manual focus
switch [iA/MANUAL/FOCUS] (l31)
30 Cursor button
31 Optical Image Stabilizer button
[ O.I.S.] (l38)
32 Menu button [MENU] (l23)
33 Eyepiece corrector lever (l21)
34 Tripod receptacle
≥Attaching a tripod with a screw length of
5.5 mm or more may damage the unit.
MENU
MANUAL
FOCUS
31
29 3028
32
O.I.S.
33
34
22
20
23
24
25
21
27
26

- 8 -
35 LCD monitor (Touch screen) (l19)
≥It can open up to 90o.
≥It can rotate up to 180oAtowards the lens or
90o B towards the opposite direction.
36 Eye cup attachment part (l10)
37 Eye cup (l10)
38 Accessory shoe
39 Viewfinder (l21)
≥Extend the viewfinder before use.
40 Speaker
41 Battery release button [PUSH] (l12)
42 Battery holder (l12)
43 Video output terminal [VIDEO OUT] ( l 75)
44 Audio output terminal [AUDIO OUT] (
l 75)
45 Component terminal
[Y]/[PB/CB]/[PR/CR] (l75)
35 36
37
39
38
40
42
41 43
44
45


- 9 -
46 SD card cover (l17)
47 Card slot 2 (left) (l17)
48 Access lamp (card 2) (l17)
49 Card slot 1 (right) (l17)
50 Access lamp (card 1) (l17)
51 SD card cover (l17)
52 Access lamp [BUILT-IN MEMORY]
53 Card slot (l17)
54 Access lamp (SD card) (l17)
HC-MDH2
46
47 48 49 50
HC-MDH2M
51
53 5452

- 10 -
∫Adjust the length of the grip belt so that it fits your hand.
∫Attaching the eye cup
Attach by aligning the notch of the eye cup attachment part with the protrusion at the inside of the
eye cup.
∫Attaching the lens cap
Protect the lens surface with the lens cap while the unit is not used.





1, 2Flip the belt cover and the belt.
3Adjust the length.
4, 5Replace the belt.
ANotch
BProtrusion


Attach or remove it by pinching on it.

- 11 -
∫About the external stereo
microphone
External stereo microphone
1Microphone condenser
2Cable Holder
3Lock ring
4Mini plug and Cable
5Shoe
6Plug section
Attaching the external stereo
microphone to the unit
1 Attach the microphone to the
accessory shoe.
1Loosen the lock ring.
2Attach the microphone.
3Firmly tighten the lock ring.
≥Do not apply excessive force on the lock ring.
≥Make sure that the microphone is securely
attached.
2 Connect the plug to the external
microphone terminal.
≥Check that the unit is turned off. Connecting
or removing the microphone while the unit is
turned on may cause malfunction.
≥You can fasten the excess cable by tucking it
into the cable holder.
≥When removing the microphone, disconnect
the plug, and then remove the microphone in
reverse order of attaching.
≥Hold the lock ring when mounting or
removing the microphone.
1
2
3
4
6
5




- 12 -
∫About batteries that you can use with this unit
The battery that can be used with this unit is VW-VBD29/CGA-D54s.
Inserting/removing the battery
≥Set the power switch to OFF to turn off the unit. (l18)
Install the battery by inserting it in the direction shown in the figure.
Preparation
Power supply
It has been found that counterfeit battery packs which look very similar to the genuine
product are made available to purchase in some markets. Some of these battery packs
are not adequately protected with internal protection to meet the requirements of
appropriate safety standards. There is a possibility that these battery packs may lead to
fire or explosion. Please be advised that we are not liable for any accident or failure
occurring as a result of use of a counterfeit battery pack. To ensure that safe products are
used we would recommend that a genuine Panasonic battery pack is used.
Removing the battery
Be sure to set the power switch to OFF and
the status indicator goes off. Then remove the
battery while supporting the unit to prevent it
from dropping.
While pressing the battery release button,
remove the battery.
Insert the battery until it clicks and locks.

- 13 -
Charging the battery
The unit is in the standby condition when the AC adaptor is connected. The primary circuit is always
“live” as long as the AC adaptor is connected to an electrical outlet.
Important:
≥Use the supplied AC adaptor. Do not use the AC adaptor of another device.
≥Do not use the AC cable with any other equipment as it is designed only for this unit. Also,
do not use the AC cable from other equipment with this unit.
≥The battery can be charged if the unit is turned on.
≥It is recommended to charge the battery in a temperature between 10 oC and 30 oC. (The
battery temperature should also be the same.)
ADC input terminal
BCharging lamp
1Connect the AC cable to the AC adaptor, then the AC outlet.
2Connect the AC adaptor to the DC input terminal.
≥ As the charging lamp lights up green, charging starts. It will turn off when the charging is completed.
≥ When the charging lamp is flashing at approximately 4 second intervals (off for approx. 2 seconds,
on for approx. 2 seconds), the battery is over discharged or the temperature of the battery is too
high or low. It can be charged, but it may take a few hours to complete the charging normally.
When the charging lamp is flashing at approximately 0.5 second intervals (off for approx. 0.25
seconds, on for approx. 0.25 seconds), the battery is not charged. Please refer to page 130.
∫Connecting to the AC outlet
It is possible to use this unit with power supplied from the AC outlet by turning on the unit with the
AC adaptor connected.
When recording for a long time, keep the AC adaptor connected and use it together with the battery.
This allows you to continue the recording even if a power failure occurs or the AC adaptor is
unplugged from the AC outlet by accident.
≥We recommend using Panasonic batteries (l14).
≥If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee the quality of this product.
When this unit is purchased, the battery is not charged. Charge the battery fully before
using this unit for the first time.




- 14 -
≥Do not heat or expose to flame.
≥Do not leave the battery(ies) in a car exposed to direct sunlight for a long period of time with
doors and windows closed.
Charging and recording time
∫Charging/Recording time
≥Temperature: 25 oC/humidity: 60%RH
≥When using the viewfinder (times in parentheses are when using the LCD monitor)
≥These charging times are for when the unit is turned off.
≥“h” is an abbreviation for hour and “min” for minute.
≥These times are approximations.
≥The indicated charging time is for when the battery has been discharged completely.
Charging time and recordable time vary depending on the usage conditions such as high/
low temperature.
≥If the unit is turned on, charging will take twice to three times longer than the table above.
≥The actual recordable time refers to the recordable time when repeatedly starting/stopping
recording, turning the unit on/off, moving the zoom lever etc.
≥The batteries heat up after use or charging. This is not a malfunction.
Battery model number
[Voltage/Capacity
(minimum)]
Charging
time
Recording
format
Maximum
continuous
recordable time
Actual
recordable
time
Supplied battery
[7.2 V/2900 mAh] 4h
[1080/50p] 5h25min
(5 h 10 min)
3h20min
(3h10min)
[PH 1080/50i] 5h45min
(5 h 25 min)
3h35min
(3h20min)
[HA 1080/50i] 5h45min
(5 h 30 min)
3h35min
(3h20min)
[HG 1080/50i]/
[HE 1080/50i]
5h50min
(5 h 30 min)
3h35min
(3h25min)
[SA 576/50i]/
[SX 576/50i]
6h10min
(5 h 50 min)
3h50min
(3h35min)
CGA-D54s (optional)
[7.2 V/5400 mAh] 7h
[1080/50p] 10h40min
(10 h 10 min)
6h35min
(6h15min)
[PH 1080/50i] 11h15min
(10 h 40 min)
7h
(6h35min)
[HA 1080/50i] 11h20min
(10 h 45 min)
7h
(6h40min)
[HG 1080/50i] 11h25min
(10 h 50 min)
7h5min
(6h40min)
[HE 1080/50i] 11h30min
(10 h 55 min)
7h5min
(6h45min)
[SA 576/50i]/
[SX 576/50i]
12 h 5 min
(11 h 25 min)
7h30min
(7 h 5 min)

- 15 -
Battery capacity indication
≥The display changes as the battery capacity reduces. ####
If the battery discharges, then will flashes red.
≥If the unit is charged while it is turned on, will be displayed on the screen. will
disappear after charging is complete.
≥As long as the charging lamp is flashing, charging is not complete even after has
disappeared. For more details, please refer to page 130.

- 16 -
The unit can record still pictures or motion pictures to an SD card or built-in memory. To record to an
SD card, read the following.
Cards that you can use with this unit
Use SD cards conforming to Class 4 or higher of the SD Speed Class Rating* for motion
picture recording.
* SD Speed Class Rating is the speed
standard regarding continuous writing. Check
via the label on the card, etc.
≥Please check the latest information on the support website below.
http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/e_cam
(This website is in English only.)
≥When using an SDHC Memory Card/SDXC Memory Card with other equipment, check the
equipment is compatible with these Memory Cards.
≥An Eye-Fi X2 series SD card is required to use functions related to Eye-Fi. (l93)
≥We do not guarantee the operation of SD cards other than the ones above. Further, SD cards
with a capacity of less than 32 MB cannot be used for motion picture recording.
≥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.
≥When the write-protect switch A on SD card is locked, no recording, deletion
or editing will be possible on the card.
≥Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.
Preparation
Recording to a card
Card type Capacity
SD Memory Card 512MB/1GB/2GB
SDHC Memory Card 4 GB/6 GB/8 GB/12 GB/16 GB/24 GB/32 GB
SDXC Memory Card 48 GB/64 GB
e.g.:
32

- 17 -
Inserting/removing an SD card
Caution:
Check that the access lamp has gone off.
1Open the SD card cover and insert
(remove) the SD card into (from)
the card slot B.
≥
One SD card can be inserted into each of the
card slot 1 and the card slot 2.
≥Face the label side Cin the direction shown
in the illustration and press it straight in as far
as it will go.
≥Press the centre of the SD card and then pull
it straight out.
2Securely close the SD card cover.
≥Securely close it until it clicks.
≥Do not touch the terminals on the back of the
SD card.
≥Do not apply strong shocks, bend, or drop the
SD card.
≥Electrical noise, static electricity or the failure
of this unit or the SD card may damage or
erase the data stored on the SD card.
≥When the card access lamp is lit, do not:
jRemove the SD card
jTurn the unit off
jInsert and remove the USB cable
jExpose the unit to vibrations or shock
Performing the above while the lamp is on
may result in damage to data/SD card or this
unit.
≥Do not expose the terminals of the SD card to
water, dirt or dust.
≥Do not place SD cards in the following areas:
jIn direct sunlight
jIn very dusty or humid areas
jNear a heater
jLocations susceptible to significant
difference in temperature (condensation
can occur.)
jWhere static electricity or electromagnetic
waves occur
≥To protect SD cards, return them to their
cases when you are not using them.
≥About disposing of or giving away the SD
card. (l131)
When using an SD card not from Panasonic, or one previously used on other equipment, for the
first time on this unit, format the SD card. (l25) When the SD card is formatted, all of the
recorded data is deleted. Once the data is deleted, it cannot be restored.
HC-MDH2



HC-MDH2M



Access lamp A
≥When this unit is accessing the SD card,
the access lamp lights up.
HC-MDH2

- 18 -
Set the power switch to ON while pressing the lock release button Bto turn on
the unit.
AThe status indicator lights on.
≥To turn on the unit again after the [ECONOMY (BATT)] or [ECONOMY (AC)] is activated, set the
power switch to OFF once, and then to ON again. (l114)
Operate the mode switch to change the mode to , or .
Preparation
Turning the unit on/off
Preparation
Selecting a mode
Motion Picture Recording Mode (l27)
Still Picture Recording Mode (l29)
Playback Mode (l33, 63)


To turn off the unit
Set the power switch to OFF while
pressing the lock release button.
The status indicator goes off.

- 19 -
The viewfinder is turned off and the LCD monitor is turned on when the LCD monitor is opened.
The viewfinder is turned on when the LCD monitor is closed.
How to use the touch screen
You can operate by directly touching the LCD monitor (touch screen) with your finger.
≥The unit supports both operations using the cursor buttons and operations using the touch
screen. Select the optimal method according to the situation.
≥In this operating instructions, the majority of functions are described on the basis of
operations using the cursor buttons.
∫Touch
Touch and release the touch screen to select icon or
picture.
≥Touch the centre of the icon.
≥Touching the touch screen will not operate while you
are touching another part of the touch screen.
∫Slide while touching
Move your finger while pressing on the touch screen.
∫About the operation icons
≥To operate the following icons using the cursor buttons, select the desired icon using the
cursor buttons and then press the button in the centre. (Excluding some functions)
///:
These icons are used to switch the menu and
thumbnail display page, for item selection and setting
etc.
:
This icon is used to return to the previous screen such
as when setting menus.
≥Do not touch on the LCD monitor with hard pointed tips, such as ball point pens.
Preparation
Using the LCD monitor/Viewfinder

- 20 -
LCD monitor adjustment
≥These settings will not affect the images actually recorded.
This makes it easier to view the LCD monitor in bright places including outdoors.
Select the menu. (l23)
* It is not displayed in the Manual Mode or in the Playback Mode.
≥When the AC adaptor is in use, the LCD monitor is set to automatically.
≥Recordable time with the battery is shortened when the LCD is made brighter.
It adjusts brightness and colour density on the LCD monitor.
1Select the menu. (l23)
2Select the desired setting items and press the button in the centre.
3Adjust settings using the cursor button right or left.
4Select [ENTER] and press the button in the centre.
≥Select [EXIT], then press the button in the centre or press the MENU button to
complete the setting.
[POWER LCD]
: [SW & DISP SETUP] #[POWER LCD] #desired setting
(Makes even brighter)/ (Makes brighter)/ (Normal)/ (Makes less bright)/
*(Automatic adjustment)
[LCD SET]
: [SW & DISP SETUP] #[LCD SET]
[BRIGHTNESS]: Brightness of the LCD monitor
[COLOUR]: Colour level of the LCD monitor
MENU
+2
+1
0
- 1
A
+1
MENU