Frequently asked questions, AG-HMC150 series camera recorder General
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Troubleshooting
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| What is AVCCAM? | ||
| AVCCAM is the name of Panasonic's professional video line up employing the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (AVCHD) codec. It employs SD/SDHC memory cards as recording media. | ||
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| How should I format SD/SDHC cards? | ||
| Formatting should be done with AVCCAM equipment only. Cards which are formatted with PCs cannot be used in AVCCAM equipment because the file format is different. | ||
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| My PC has no SD/SDHC memory card slot, how can it read the cards? | ||
| Please use a memory card reader supporting USB 2.0. |
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| What is the operating (recording) time? | ||
| Guidelines of continuous recording time (*) Approx. 3hours 50 min., with VW-VBG6K (7.2V, 5800mAh(typ.) 5400mAh(min.)) Approx. 1hour 40 min., with VW-VBG260 (7.2V, 2640mAh(typ.) 2500mAh(min.), comes with AG-HMC150 series) *At 25 degrees C (77 degrees F), humidity 60%. The operating time varies according to the conditions of use. |
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| What is the HDMI terminal? | ||
| HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). HDMI enables you to transfer digital Audio & Video streams with one cable. The output format can be selected through the MENU. 1080i or 480p (AG-HMC150P, AG-HMC151E) 1080i or 576p (AG-HMC151E, HMC152EN, HMC153MC and HMC154ER)  AG-HMC150 series uses HDMI TYPE A connector. |
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| Can the 4:3 marker be displayed on viewfinder? | ||
| Yes, 4:3 marker can be displayed on the viewfinder and LCD monitor with the following menu item. MENU → DISPLAY SETUP → SAFETY ZONE : “4:3” |
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| Can SDXC memory card be used? | ||
| The SDXC memory cards, a new generation SD memory card cannot be used. Please use SD/SDHC memory cards instead. | ||
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| Can the AG-HMC150 series record in SDTV format? | ||
| AG-HMC150 series records in HDTV (1080i/720p) only, but down-converted signals can be output from HDMI, component and composite connectors. | ||
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| Is the 4:3 aspect ratio available for recording? | ||
No, only the 16:9 mode is available for recording because AG-HMC150 series records in HD. The 4:3 mode is available for down convert out from the HDMI, Component
and Composite connectors.The conversion mode can be selected from "LETTER BOX", "SQUEEZE" and "SIDE CROP". |
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| Is there any viewing software for AVCHD footage from Panasonic? | ||
| P2 Viewer plus ( ver 2.1 or later) supports AVCCAM clips. To select AVCCAM Viewing Features, click the AVCCAM Viewing button in the feature selection area. 1.Display of a list of clips (AVCHD clips are collectively referred to as "clips") 2.Arranging Clips 3.Clip playback 4.Copy/deletion of clips 5.Editing of metadata, Uploading of metadata 6.Clip media management 7.Clip operation settings 8.Registration and deletion of clips in the favorites folder <NOTE> * This software does not support the display or copy of still images taken with an AVCCAM, the capture of still images from a video, or writing to BD. * The clips that can be handled with AVCCAM Viewing Features are limited to AVCHD content taken with an AVCCAM. Other AVCHD content may not operate correctly with this software. * This software does not support the copied clips by the Explorer of Windows or the Finder of Mac.Please use the copy of the clips by the AVCCAM Viewing of the P2 Viewer Plus. Download P2 Viewer Plus (Free) |
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| Is there any restriction for SDHC/SD memory cards in recording modes? | ||
High speed SDHC/SD memory card is required for PH and HA (high picture quality) recording modes. See the table below for the required speed (SD speed class) by recording mode. When attempted to record with a card that does not satisfy required SD speed class (example: trying to record in PH mode onto Class2 card), the following message is displayed.  |
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| Can the characters displayed on the screen of the AG-HMC150 series be output for display on an external monitor? | ||
| Yes, the information can be imposed onto video out from HDMI, Component and Composite out. Set “OUTPUT OSD” item in the SETUP MENU → DISPLAY SETUP to “ON”. * Timecode and audio level information are not output. |
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| An error message “CANNOT RECORD PH MODE AND HA MODE INTO THIS CARD” is displayed when I attempt to record onto the CLASS10 speed specification SDHC card... | ||
Class 10 SDHC memory cards can be used after updating firmware to version 1.20. Click here to download the latest firmware package and update instructions. |
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| A rattling sound comes from the lens barrel when the power is off and the camera is waved around. | ||
| Your camera recorder is not defective. This sound is made by the optical image stabilizer (OIS). The sound does not occur when the power is turned on. | ||
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 icon often flashes on the viewfinder, what does it mean? |
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 This icon appears and flashes while accessing an SD/SDHC memory card; typically
it happens right after a memory card is inserted or while in record/play
back mode). |
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| White balance cyclically changes under artificial rights. | ||
| This happens under artificial lights such as fluorescent lamps and mercury-vapor lamps. Their luminance fluctuates in relation to the AC power frequency. Mutual interference will occur when the camera-recorder’s vertical synchronization frequency (example 59.94Hz) and the lighting frequency (example 50Hz) is mismatched. It may cause the cyclical change of the white balance. Before shooting or adjusting the white balance in such an environment, set the shutter speed as follows.  |
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| How can I obtain, an extra Lens cap that comes standard with the product? | ||
| It is available as a spare part. Part number: VGQ0B04 |
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| What is the lens size for attachable filters? | ||
| 72mm diameter, a size commonly used in the broadcast and professional industry. | ||
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| I want to purchase a spare AC adaptor (battery charger) and battery pack. What are the part numbers for them? Can the battery packs for consumer AVCHD camera recorders be used? | ||
Please refer below for available AC adaptor and battery packs. |
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| Are battery packs for the AG-DVX100, AG-HVX200/A series compatible with AG-HMC150 series? | ||
| No, those battery packs are not compatible. The type employed for AG-HMC150 series display precise remaining times on their viewfinder. | ||
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| What is the applicable range for AC voltage of the AC adaptor? I will use it in some foreign countries. | ||
| The applicable range is from AC100V to 240V. | ||
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| How can I obtain, an extra component cable that comes standard with the product? | ||
| It is available as a spare part. Part number: K2KZ9DB00004 |
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| Does P2 viewer support AVCCAM? | ||
| P2 Viewer plus ( ver 2.1 or later) supports AVCCAM clips. To select AVCCAM Viewing Features, click the AVCCAM Viewing button in the feature selection area. 1.Display of a list of clips (AVCHD clips are collectively referred to as "clips") 2.Arranging Clips 3.Clip playback 4.Copy/deletion of clips 5.Editing of metadata, Uploading of metadata 6.Clip media management 7.Clip operation settings 8.Registration and deletion of clips in the favorites folder <NOTE> * This software does not support the display or copy of still images taken with an AVCCAM, the capture of still images from a video, or writing to BD. * The clips that can be handled with AVCCAM Viewing Features are limited to AVCHD content taken with an AVCCAM. Other AVCHD content may not operate correctly with this software. * This software does not support the copied clips by the Explorer of Windows or the Finder of Mac.Please use the copy of the clips by the AVCCAM Viewing of the P2 Viewer Plus. Download P2 Viewer Plus (Free) |
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| Can I use "HD Writer, AVCHD viewing application" for AG-HMC150 & AG-HMC40 series camera recorder? | ||
| No, "HD Writer" is not compatible with data recorded with AG-HMC150 and AG-HMC40 series. Please use P2 Viewer Plus (Ver 2.1 or later) instead. Download P2 Viewer Plus (Free) |
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