Frequently asked questions, AG-HMC40 series camera recorder


General

  1. What is AVCCAM?
  2. How should I format SD/SDHC cards?
  3. My PC has no SD/SDHC memory card slot, how can it read the cards?
  4. What is the operating (recording) time?
  5. What is the HDMI terminal?

How can I...

  1. Can the 4:3 marker be displayed on viewfinder?
  2. Can SDXC memory card be used?
  3. How can I get composite video and analog audio out? I want to capture them into a computer using an analog interface board.
  4. Can the AG-HMC40 series record in SDTV format?
  5. Is the 4:3 aspect ratio available for recording?
  6. Is there any viewing software for AVCHD footage from Panasonic?
  7. Is there any restriction for SDHC/SD memory cards in recording modes?
  8. About AG-MYA30G XLR microphone adaptor:What is recommended setting to record a MONO audio to CH1 and CH2 both?
  9. Can the characters displayed on the screen of the AG-HMC40 series be output for display on an external monitor?

Troubleshooting

  1. White balance cyclically changes under artificial rights.

Accessories

  1. How can I obtain, an extra Lens cap that comes standard with the product?
  2. What is the lens size for attachable filters? Does Panasonic have recommended conversion lens?
  3. I want to purchase a spare AC adaptor (battery charger) and battery pack. What are the part numbers for them?
  4. Are battery packs for the AG-DVX100, AG-DVC30 series compatible with AG-HMC40 series?
  5. What is the applicable range for AC voltage of the AC adaptor? I will use it in some foreign countries.
  6. How can I obtain, an extra component cable that comes standard with the product?

Software

  1. Does P2 viewer support AVCCAM?
  2. Can I use "HD Writer, AVCHD viewing application" for AG-HMC40 series camera recorder?



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. 7hours, with VW-VBG6K (7.2V, 5800mAh(typ.) 5400mAh(min.))
Approx. 3hour 15min., with VW-VBG260 (7.2V, 2640mAh(typ.) 2500mAh(min.), comes with AG-HMC40 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-HMC40P)
1080i or 576p (AG-HMC41E, HMC43MC)

AG-HMC40 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 → SW & DISP : "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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How can I get composite video and analog audio out? I want to capture them into a computer using an analog interface board.
Composite video and analog audio (left and right) signals can be output using an AV cable (RCA type plug) that comes standard with the product.


NOTE:
* When an HDMI cable is connected simultaneously with a Component cable and/or an AV cable, priority for signal output is given in the order HDMI > Component > AV OUT. Multiple outputs cannot work simultaneously.
* The AV cable is available also as a spare part. Part number: K2KYYYY00054
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Can the AG-HMC40 series record in SDTV format?
AG-HMC40 series records in HDTV (1080i/720p) only, but down-converted signals can be output from HDMI, component or A/V OUT 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-HMC40 series records in HD.

The 4:3 mode is available for down convert out from the HDMI, Component and A/V OUT 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), a message "Cannot record PH mode and HA mode into this card" is displayed.
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About AG-MYA30G XLR microphone adaptor: What is recommended setting to record a MONO audio to CH1 and CH2 both? I want to use a shotgun microphone using with AG-MYA30G adaptor.
Please set an AG-MYA30G as follows
- Connect the microphone to the "INPUT2" XLR terminal.
- Set the MIC/LINE SELECT switch (INPUT2 side) from LINE to "MIC".
- Set the CH SELECT switch from CH2 to "CH1.2".



AG-MYA30G's operating panel
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Can the characters displayed on the screen of the AG-HMC40 series be output for display on an external monitor?
Yes, the information can be imposed onto video out from HDMI, Component and A/VOUT terminals. Set "VIDEO OUT OSD" item in the SETUP MENU → SW & DISP to "ON".

* Timecode and audio level information are not output.
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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: VGQ0H03
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What is the lens size for attachable filters? Does Panasonic have recommended conversion lens?
43mm diameter, the following conversion lenses are available.

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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-DVC30 series compatible with AG-HMC40 series?
No, those battery packs are not compatible. The type employed for AG-HMC40 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: K1HY10YY0005
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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-HMC40 series camera recorder?
No, "HD Writer" is not compatible with data recorded with AG-HMC40 series.
Please use P2 Viewer Plus (Ver 2.1 or later) instead.
Download P2 Viewer Plus  (Free)
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© Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd. 2013