Panasonic HX-DC3 Technical specifications

Basic Operating Instructions
Dual Camera
Model No. HX-DC3
Please read these instructions carefully before using this product,
and save this manual for future use.
This document explains basic operations
of the unit. For more detailed explanation,
please refer to “Operating Instructions
(PDF format)” which is recorded in the
enclosed CD-ROM.
until
2013/1/21
VQT4U81
1AG6P1P6613--(S)
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2 VQT4U81
∫Concerning the battery
Information for Your Safety
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or product damage,
≥Do not expose this unit to rain, moisture, dripping or splashing.
≥Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on this unit.
≥Use only the recommended accessories.
≥Do not remove covers.
≥Do not repair this unit by yourself. Refer servicing to qualified
service personnel.
CAUTION!
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or product damage,
≥Do not install or place this unit in a bookcase, built-in cabinet or in
another confined space. Ensure this unit is well ventilated.
≥Do not obstruct this unit’s ventilation openings with newspapers,
tablecloths, curtains, and similar items.
≥Do not place sources of naked flames, such as lighted candles, on
this unit.
The socket outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall be
easily accessible.
Warning
Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not disassemble, heat above
60 oC or incinerate.
CAUTION
≥Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only
with the type recommended by the manufacturer.
≥When disposing the batteries, please contact your local authorities
or dealer and ask for the correct method of disposal.
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VQT4U81 3
∫Product identification marking
-If you see this symbol-
Product Location
Dual Camera Battery holder
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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4 VQT4U81
∫Cautions for use
For Australia and New Zealand
In the event of abnormal operation (e.g. if the unit emits smoke or an
unusual smell), immediately stop operating the unit and consult the
Panasonic Customer Care Centre on 132600.
Keep this unit as far away as possible from electromagnetic
equipment (such as microwave ovens, TVs, video games etc.).
≥If you use this unit on top of or near a TV, the pictures and/or sound on
this unit may be disrupted by electromagnetic wave radiation.
≥Do not use this unit near cell phones because doing so may result in
noise adversely affecting the pictures and/or sound.
≥Recorded data may be damaged, or pictures may be distorted, by
strong magnetic fields created by speakers or large motors.
≥Electromagnetic wave radiation generated by microprocessors may
adversely affect this unit, disturbing the pictures and/or sound.
≥If this unit is adversely affected by electromagnetic equipment and
stops functioning properly, turn this unit off and remove the battery or
disconnect AC adaptor. Then reinsert the battery or reconnect AC
adaptor and turn this unit on.
Do not use this unit near radio transmitters or high-voltage lines.
≥If you record near radio transmitters or high-voltage lines, the recorded
pictures and/or sound may be adversely affected.
About connecting to a PC
≥Do not use any other USB cables except the supplied one.
About connecting to a TV
≥Do not use any other AV cables except the supplied one.
≥Always use a genuine Panasonic HDMI mini cable (RP-CDHM15,
RP-CDHM30: optional).
∫About recording formats and compatibility of the unit
≥The unit is an MP4 format (MPEG-4 AVC file standard) Dual Camera
for recording high-definition motion pictures.
≥AVCHD and MPEG2 motion pictures are different formats, and are not
therefore supported by the 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
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VQT4U81 5
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 Condensation (When the lens or the 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 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 adaptor and leave the unit like that for
about one hour. When the unit becomes accustomed to the surrounding
temperature, fogginess will disappear naturally.
∫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 13 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”.
≥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.
≥Functions that can be used for audio recording/audio playback are
indicated by in these operating instructions.
≥Pages for reference are indicated by an arrow, for example: l00
≥“File” is used to mean “scene”, “still picture” and “audio file”.
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6 VQT4U81
Information for Your Safety..... 2
Accessories.............................. 7
Optional accessories........... 7
Preparation
Power supply............................ 8
Inserting/removing
the battery ........................... 8
Charging the battery ......... 10
Charging and recording
time ................................... 12
Recording to a card ............... 13
Cards that you can use
with this unit ...................... 13
Inserting/removing
an SD card ........................ 13
Turning the unit on/off........... 15
Setting date and time............. 15
Basic
Recording motion pictures.... 17
Recording still pictures ......... 18
Recording audio ..................... 19
Intelligent Auto Mode............. 19
Motion picture/Still picture/
Audio playback....................... 20
Watching Video/
Pictures on your TV ........... 21
Using the menu screen.......... 22
Language selection ........... 24
Formatting ......................... 24
Using the zoom....................... 24
Double range zoom ........... 25
Others
About copyright...................... 26
Specifications ......................... 27
Limited Warranty
(ONLY FOR AUSTRALIA) .... 31
Contents
∫How to open the Operating Instructions
(PDF format)
When you insert the CD-ROM and open the [INDEX.pdf] in the CD-
ROM, the Operating Instructions list will be displayed. Click the
document name of the Operating Instructions you would like to open.
≥Adobe Reader is required to view the PDF file. Please download it
from the homepage of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
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VQT4U81 7
*1 Keep the lens cap out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.
*2 To prevent the unit from dropping, be sure to attach the handstrap.
Optional accessories
Some optional accessories may not be available in some countries.
Accessories
Check the accessories before using this unit.
Product numbers correct as of Dec. 2012. These may be subject to
change.
Battery pack
VW-VBX070
Lens cap*1
VFC4701
Lens cap strap
VFC4702
AC adaptor
(GA)
AVSK0751
(GC)
BVSK0752
(GN)
CVSK0753
Handstrap*2
VFC4627
AV cable
VFA0543
CD-ROM
Software
USB cable
VFA0554
CD-ROM
Operating
Instructions
VFF1167
Battery pack (lithium/VW-VBX070)
HDMI mini cable (RP-CDHM15, RP-CDHM30)
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8 VQT4U81
∫About batteries that you can use with this unit
The battery that can be used with this unit is VW-VBX070.
Inserting/removing the battery
≥Press the power button to turn off the unit. (l15)
1Open the battery/card cover.
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.
1 Slide while pushing the battery/
card cover.
2Open the battery/card cover.


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VQT4U81 9
2Insert the battery, taking care to match up the
terminal markings.
Aterminal markings
≥
Insert the battery so that the terminal markings face up. It is possible to mistakenly
Insert the battery upside down, so be sure to check the orientation carefully.
3Close the battery/card cover.
≥Securely close it until it clicks.
Removing the battery
Press and hold down the power button to turn off the unit, then pull up and
remove the battery.
≥Always check that the LCD monitor and status indicator lamp are off.
≥Keep the battery pack out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.

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10 VQT4U81
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:
≥The AC adaptor and USB cable are for use with this unit only. Do
not use them with other equipment. Similarly, do not use AC
adaptors and USB cables from other equipment with this unit.
≥The battery is charged while the unit is off or in the Standby Mode.
The battery cannot be charged while the unit is recording or
playing back.
≥It is recommended to charge the battery in a temperature between
10 oC and 30 oC. (The battery temperature should also be the
same.)
AStatus indicator
BAC adaptor
CTo the AC outlet
≥Insert the plugs as far as they will go.
When this unit is purchased, the battery is not charged. Charge
the battery fully before using this unit for the first time.





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VQT4U81 11
1Connect the USB cable to the AC adaptor.
≥ Check that the plug portion of the AC adaptor is not misaligned.
2Connect the AC adaptor into the AC outlet.
3Connect the USB cable to the unit.
≥Connecting the USB cable in the wrong direction may cause damage
to the USB/AV connector of the unit. If the connector has become
damaged, it may not operate correctly, including failure to recognise
the cable even if it has been connected.
≥The status indicator flashes red with a period of approximately
2 seconds (approximately 1 second on, 1 second off), and charging
begins. It will turn off when the charging is completed.
≥Do not use any other AC adaptors except the supplied one.
≥Do not use any other USB cables except the supplied one.
≥We recommend using Panasonic batteries (l7, 12).
≥If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee the quality of this
product.
≥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.
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Charging and recording time
∫Charging/Recording time
≥Temperature: 25 oC/humidity: 60%RH (When using AC adaptor)
≥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.
≥The actual recordable time refers to the recordable time when
repeatedly starting/stopping recording, turning the unit on/off, moving
the zoom lever etc.
∫Remaining battery level display
The remaining battery level is displayed on the LCD monitor.
≥The display will turn red and start flashing when the remaining battery
level has been used up.
Charge the battery or replace with a fully charged battery.
Battery model
number
[Voltage/Capacity
(minimum)]
Charging
time
Recording
mode
Maximum
continuously
recordable
time
Actual
recordable
time
Supplied battery/
VW-VBX070
(optional)
[3.7 V/700 mAh]
2h
50 min 30 min
55 min 35 min
50 min 30 min
1h5min 35min
1h25min 45min
1h5min 40min
1h30min s
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The unit can record motion pictures, still pictures or audio 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.
≥Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.
Inserting/removing an SD card
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. (l24)
When the SD card is formatted, all of the recorded data is deleted. Once
the data is deleted, it cannot be restored.
Caution:
Check that the status indicator has gone off.
1Open the battery/card cover.
Preparation
Recording to a card
Please confirm the latest information about SD Memory Cards/SDHC
Memory Cards/SDXC Memory Cards that can be used for motion
picture recording on the following website.
http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/e_cam
(This website is in English only.)
Status indicator A
≥When this unit is accessing the
SD card or built-in memory, the
status indicator lights up red.


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14 VQT4U81
2Insert (remove) the SD card into (from) the card slot.
≥Face the label side Bin 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.
3Close the battery/card cover.
≥Securely close it until it clicks.

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VQT4U81 15
Open the LCD monitor and press the power button to
turn on the unit.
The LCD monitor turns on.
If the screen to set the date and time appears when you turn on the unit,
skip to step 2 and follow the steps to set the date and time.
1Select the menu. (l22)
2Select an item ([DATE] /[TIME]/[DISP]) using the SET
button and then tilt the SET button to the right or
press the SET button.
Preparation
Turning the unit on/off
Preparation
Setting date and time
[MENU]: # [CLOCK SET]
To turn off the unit
Hold down the power button until the
LCD monitor goes off.
≥Pressing the power button for a short
time sends the unit into Standby
Mode.
1
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16 VQT4U81
3(When [DATE] or [TIME] is selected)
Tilt the SET button to the left or right to select the
desired item and then up and down to set the
numerical values.
e.g.: When [DATE] is selected
≥The year can be set between 2000 and 2039.
(When [DISP] is selected)
Select the date format display method using the SET
button.
4Press the SET button.
5Select [SAVE DATE AND TIME] using the SET button
and then press the SET button.
≥To return to the recording screen or playback screen, press the MENU
button.
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VQT4U81 17
≥Before turning on the unit, remove the lens cap.
≥Motion pictures are recorded to the SD card if one is inserted. If no SD
card is inserted, the motion pictures are recorded to the built-in
memory.
1Open the LCD monitor.
2Press the REC/ button to change to recording
mode.
3Press the recording start/stop button to start
recording.
AWhen you begin recording, ¥appears.
4Press the recording start/stop button again to pause
recording.
Basic
Recording motion pictures
000:00:00000:00:00000:00:00

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18 VQT4U81
≥Before turning on the unit, remove the lens cap.
≥Still pictures are recorded to SD card if one is inserted. If no SD card is
inserted, the still pictures are recorded to the built-in memory.
1Open the LCD monitor.
2Press the REC/ button to change to recording
mode.
3(For auto focus only)
Press the button halfway.
AFocus area (area inside brackets)
4Press the button fully.
≥If you continue to hold down the button, you can check the
recorded image on the LCD monitor.
Basic
Recording still pictures
F3.5
F3.5
F3.5
1/30
1/30
1/30

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VQT4U81 19
≥Audio is recorded to the SD card if one is inserted. If no SD card is
inserted, the audio is recorded to the built-in memory.
1Open the LCD monitor.
2 Press the REC/ button to change to recording mode.
3Select the menu. (l22)
4Start recording by pressing the recording start/stop
button.
5Press the recording start/stop button again to stop
recording.
The modes (appropriate for the condition) are set just by pointing the unit
to what you want to record.
Select the menu. (l22)
Basic
Recording audio
[MENU]: # [REC MODE] # [ (VOICE RECORD)]
Basic
Intelligent Auto Mode
[MENU]: # [INTELLIGENT AUTO] #[ (ON)]
1
1
MENU
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20 VQT4U81
1 Press the REC/ button to change to playback mode.
2Select the file to play back using the SET button and
press the SET button.
AThe information for the file in the yellow frame is displayed.
≥
Tilt and hold the SET button up or down to display the next (or previous) page.
3Play back using the SET button.
BOperation icon*
* If the operation icon disappears, perform a SET button operation to display it.
≥Tilt the SET button up to start/pause playback of motion pictures.
Basic
Motion picture/Still picture/Audio
playback

Thumbnail display

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