Frequently asked questions

AG-HPX250 series P2HD camera recorder

Version 17.45
+ "THUMBNAIL" has been added to the assignment menu for USER buttons.

Switching between PB/THUMBNAIL mode and CAMERA mode by a USER button has been made possible without using the slide switch of Power button.

Click here to see "FAQ" about the FOCUS FS-P250

FOCUS FS-P250 and FS-PCS are products and software of VITEC Multimedia.
See the information about how to use or set FOCUS FS-P250 and FS-PCS on the operating instruction attached to the FS-P250 or on the support page of VITEC Multimedia. http://www.vitecmm.com
http://www.focusinfo.com/FS-P250.asp
http://www.focusinfo.com/support/


General

  1. Is a function that magnifies picture available for easy focusing?
  2. What kind of video outputs are available?
  3. Can the USB terminal be used as audio/video output? I want to use AG-HPX250 as a webcam (get realtime video stream from an USB terminal).
  4. What is the operating (recording) time?
  5. What is the purpose of an SD memory card slot? Can clips be recorded on an SD memroy card?
  6. What is the Flash Band Compensation (FBC)?
  7. How can I update firmware version?
  8. What is "Focus-in-Red" function, which was added with firmware version 10.36?


How can I...

  1. In HD mode, can the 4:3 marker be displayed on viewfinder?
  2. Can REC audio level be adjusted automatically?


Truobleshooting

  1. Is there any way to display built-in LCD monitor and viewfinder simultaneously? When I open the LCD monitor, the image on the viewfinder disappears.
  2. White balance cyclically changes under artificial lights.
  3. P2 Viewer does not recognize files that have been copied to a computer or external HDD.
  4. A rattling sound comes from the lens barrel when the power is off and the camera is waved around.
  5. Computer (Win/Mac) does not recognize my AG-HPX250 when connect them with a USB cable.


Accessories

  1. What is the lens size for attachable filters?
  2. I have a wired remote controller for AG-DVX100, AG-HVX200 series, are they compatible with AG-HPX250 series?
  3. Are battery packs for the AG-DVX100, AG-HVX200/A series compatible with AG-HPX250 series?
  4. What is the applicable range for AC voltage of the AC adaptor? I will use it in some foreign countries.
  5. How can I obtain, an extra "Wind screen" part that comes with AG-MC200G dynamic microphone?
  6. How can I obtain, an extra Lens cap?
  7. How can I obtain, an extra Lens hood part?



Is a function that magnifies picture available for easy focusing?
Yes, AG-HPX250 is equipped with a picture magnification function, which expands center part of the picture (approx. 3 times , display on built-in EVF and LCD monitor only, not for recording).
This function can be turned ON/OFF with a FOCUS ASSIST button.





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What kind of video outputs are available?
AG-HPX250 is equipped with following outputs (all terminals supply signals simultaneously).
> SDI, HDMI, VIDEO (composite), DV (IEEE1394)


* In HD mode, downconverted signal is supplied from a VIDEO terminal.
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Can the USB terminal be used as audio/video output? I want to use AG-HPX250 as a webcam (get realtime video stream from an USB terminal).
The USB terminal is for file transfer between computers. Audio or video signal is not supplied from the terminal. Please use SDI, HDMI, DV, or VIDEO (composite) outs for audio/video signal transfer.
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What is the operating (recording) time?
Guidelines of continuous recording time (*) Approx. 2hours 30 min., with CGA-D54 (7.2V, 5400mAh)

*At 20 degrees C (68 degrees F), humidity 60%. The operating time varies according to the conditions of use.
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What is the purpose of an SD memory card slot? Can clips be recorded on an SD memroy card?
The purpose of the SD memory card slot is to store menu data and firmware update. It is not for recording.
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What is the Flash Band Compensation (FBC)?
Flash Band Compensation (FBC) is to eliminate color tears in the video (often seen with other MOS based cameras) when shooting in areas where external flashes are used.
The AG-HPX250 series is equipped with highly accurate flash band detection and compensation software.
By generating pairs of frames containing flash bands, and frames in which a flash extends from the previous frame to the entire screen.


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How can I update firmware version?
Download a firmware package from our support website and then copy it to an SD memory card.
Please refer an update instructions for the concrete procedure.

Download the latest firmware package
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What is "Focus-in-Red" function, which was added with firmware version 10.36?
Focus In Red is one of focus assist functions, which ensures the camcorder quickly attains focus by peaking focused edge in Red.


Example of Focus In Red feature

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In HD mode, 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 REC audio level be adjusted automatically?
Yes, by setting AUDIO AUTO/MANU switch to "AUTO", automatic gain control (AGC) is activated. AGC reduces the volume of loud sounds or amplifies of quiet sounds automatically.
If you want to surpress the volume of loud sounds only (limitter effect), set AUDIO LIMITER menu item to "ON".

MENU > AUDIO SETUP > AUDIO LIMITER CH1 (or CH2) : "ON"

* AUDIO LIMITER functions is forcely disabled while the AUTO/MANU switch is set "ON".


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Is there any way to display built-in LCD monitor and viewfinder simultaneously? When I open the LCD monitor, the image on the viewfinder disappears.
When SDI output is ON, built-in LCD monitor and viewfinder cannot display simultaneously.
To display simultaneously, please turn "SDI OUT" menu item OFF.

MENU > AV OUT SETUP > SDI OUT : OFF MENU > DISPLAY SETUP > EVF MODE : ON
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White balance cyclically changes under artificial lights.
This occurs 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 sync 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.

Mode AC power frequency & recommended shutter speed setting
50Hz 60Hz
60i 1/100 Shutter OFF (1/60)
30p 1/100 Shutter OFF (1/60)
24p 1/100 Shutter OFF (1/60)
50i Shutter OFF (1/50) 1/60
25p Shutter OFF (1/50) 1/60

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P2 Viewer does not recognize files that have been copied to a computer or external HDD.
Check if the clips were copied with the P2 file structure intact. Clips may not be able to be recognized by P2 viewer (and some Nonlinear Editing systems) if renamed or missing the contents of the "CONTENTS" folder.

Click here for the details of the P2 file structure and a guide to its handling.
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A rattling sound comes from the lens barrel when the power is off and the camera is waved around.
When SDI output is ON, built-in LCD monitor and viewfinder cannot display simultaneously.
To display simultaneously, please turn "SDI OUT" menu item OFF.

MENU > AV OUT SETUP > SDI OUT : OFF
MENU > DISPLAY SETUP > EVF MODE : ON
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Computer (Win/Mac) does not recognize my AG-HPX250 when connect them with a USB cable.
Please check following points.

- Is USB HOST mode chosen as a connection mode?
  The USB HOST mode is to connect an external Hard Drive, when connect with a PC/Mac, "USB DEVICE" has to be chosen as a connection mode instead.
  [How to set USB DEVICE mode]
  MENU > SYSTEM SETUP > PC MODE SELECT > "USB DEVICE"

- Is USB driver properly installed? (for Windows users only)
  Download the latest USB driver from here and install it. Installing a USB driver for AG-HPX250 is Not necessary for Mac.
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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 have a wired remote controller for AG-DVX100, AG-HVX200 series, are they compatible with AG-HPX250 series?
Remote protocol is the sames as AG-DVX100 and AG-HVX200 sereis therefore it should work on AG-HPX250 series. Please contact vendor of your remote controller if it does not work.
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Are battery packs for the AG-DVX100, AG-HVX200/A series compatible with AG-HPX250 series?
Yes, they are compatible with AG-HPX250. Panasonic recommends using Panasonic genuine battery.
Part number: CGA-D55 (7.2V, 5400mAh)
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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 "Wind screen" part that comes with AG-MC200G dynamic microphone?
Wind screen sponge is available as a spare part.
Part number: VSQ1121WS
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How can I obtain, an extra Lens cap?
It is available as a spare part.
Part number: VYK0Z96
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How can I obtain, an extra Lens hood part?
It is available as a spare part.
Part number: VYQ6941
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© Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd. 2013