Panasonic Hx A1 Owners Manual

							Owner’s Manual
Wearable Camera
Model No.HX-A1M
Please read these instructions carefully before using this product, and save this manual for 
future use.
SQW0376
until 
2015/4/20
Register online at www.panasonic.com/register (U.S. customers only) 
						

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Preparation
(Important) About the Waterproof/Dustproof 
and Anti-shock Performance of 
this unit ........................................................... 3
When using in a cold climate or at low 
temperatures .................................................. 6
Read this first .................................................7
Names and Functions of Main Parts ............ 9
Power supply................................................ 10 Charging the battery ..............................  10
Charging and recording time .................  11
Recording to a card ..................................... 13 Cards that you can use with this unit .....  13
Inserting/removing a microSD card .......  14
Turning this unit on/off ................................ 15 About overheat detection.......................  15
About battery level indications ...............  15
Wi-Fi
® function ............................................. 16
Install the “Image App” ............................... 17
Connecting to a smartphone ...................... 18 Setting up a Wi-Fi connection to a 
smartphone............................................  18
Setting up this unit ...................................... 19 Setting date and time.............................  19
Using the Setup Menu ...........................  20
Attaching this unit to a Multi Mount or 
Tripod Mount ................................................ 22 Using a Multi Mount ...............................  22
Using a Tripod Mount ............................  26
Recording
Recording ..................................................... 2 8
Check before recording .........................  28
Recording with this unit .........................  29
Recording in dark locations
(Night Mode) ..........................................  31
Using the Recording menu ......................... 32
Playback
Playback ....................................................... 35
Playback using a smartphone ...............  35
Playing back on a TV.............................  36
Wireless Twin Camera
Wireless Twin Camera function ..................37 Using this unit as a 
Wireless Sub Camera ............................  37
With a PC
What you can do with a PC ......................... 39
Card reader function (mass storage) ......... 40Operating environment ..........................  40
Connecting this unit to a PC ..................  41
Copying motion/still pictures on PC .......  41
About the PC display .............................  42
How to view OSS licences .....................  42
Using this unit as a web camera................. 43 Operating environment ..........................  43
Connecting this unit to a PC ..................  44
Others
Troubleshooting ........................................... 45
Cautions for use ........................................... 49
Recordable time/Number of recordable 
pictures ....................................................... ..52
Optional accessories ................................... 54
Requests when disposing of this unit........55
About copyright ........................................... 57
Contents 
						

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This does not guarantee no destruction, no malfunction, or waterproofing in all conditions.
*1 This means that this unit can be used underwater for specifie d time in specified pressure in 
accordance with the handling method established by Panasonic.
*2 “MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock” is the test method standard  of the U.S. Defense 
Department, which specifies performing drop tests from a height  of 122 cm (4.0 feet), at 
26 orientations (8 corners, 12 ridges, 6 faces) using 5 sets of dev ices, and passing the 
26 orientation drops within 5 devices. (If failure occurs during  the test, a new set is used to pass 
the drop orientation test within a total of 5 devices.)
Panasonic’s test method is based on the above “MIL-STD 810F Met hod 516.5-Shock”. 
However, the drop height was changed from 122 cm (4.0 feet) to 15 0 cm (5.0 feet) dropping 
onto 3 cm (0.10 feet) thick plyboard. This drop test was passed.
(Disregarding appearance change such as loss of paint or distor tion of the part where drop 
impact is applied.)
∫ Handling of this unit
≥The waterproof performance may be degraded due to the strong wa ter pressure when this unit is 
used deeper than 1.5 m (5.0 feet) underwater.
≥ When this unit is splashed with detergent, soap, hot spring, ba th additive, sun oil, sun screen, 
chemical, etc., wipe it off immediately.
≥ Do not rinse with running water, such as tap water.
≥ Waterproof function of this unit is for sea water and fresh wat er only.
≥ Any malfunction caused by customer misuse, or mishandling will  not be covered by the warranty.
≥ Cards are not waterproof. Do not handle with a wet hand. Also,  do not insert wet card into this 
unit.
≥ Do not attach/remove the terminal cover (waterproof) or glassco ver when your hands are wet or 
water droplets are present on this unit. If water droplets get  inside this unit, the terminals may rust 
and cause malfunctions. Other types of damage may also result.
≥ If you attach/remove the terminal cover (waterproof) or glassco ver in a sandy or dusty 
place, sand or other foreign objects may adhere to the internal  components, threaded 
portions (portions of this unit, terminal cover (waterproof) an d glasscover with helical 
threads), rubber seals or other parts of this unit. Be extra careful when attaching parts to 
Preparation
(Important) About the Waterproof/
Dustproof and Anti-shock 
Performance of this unit
Waterproof/Dustproof Performance This unit’s waterproof/dustproof rating complies with the “IP68 ” rating. Provided the care 
and maintenance guidelines described in this document are stric tly followed, this unit 
can operate underwater, to a depth not exceeding 1.5 m (5.0 feet)  for a time not exceeding 
30 minutes. 
*1
Anti-shock Performance This unit has cleared a test conducted by Panasonic, which comp lies with MIL-STD 810F 
Method 516.5-Shock (a drop test performed from a height of 1.5  m (5.0 feet) onto 3 cm 
(0.10 feet) thick plywood). 
*2
Waterproofing is not guaranteed if the unit is subject to an im pact as a result of being hit or 
dropped etc. If an impact to this unit occurs, it should be ins pected (subject to a fee) by a 
Panasonic’s Service Center to verify that the waterproofing is  still effective. 
						

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this unit. If foreign objects are caught in it, water may leak in and cause malfunctions and 
other problems.
≥ Do not leave this unit for a long  period of time in places where temperature is very low (at high 
altitude etc.) or very high (inside a car under strong sunlight , close to a heater, on the beach, etc.) 
waterproof performance may be degraded.
≥ The inside of this unit is no t waterproof. Water leakage will cause malfunction.
≥ If any foreign objects are found on the internal components, th readed portions, rubber 
seals or other parts of this unit, remove them with a soft dry  cloth.
≥ If any liquid such as water droplets are found on the internal  components, threaded 
portions, rubber seals or other parts of this unit, wipe it off  with a soft dry cloth. Do not 
attach/remove the terminal cover (waterproof) or glasscover nea r water, underwater, with 
wet hands or when this unit is wet. Doing so may cause water to  leak in.
≥ The alert sound and shutter sound may be lowered when using thi s unit. This is for ensuring the 
waterproof performance of this unit, and not a malfunction. Att aching/removing the terminal cover 
(waterproof) or glasscover will restore the original volume.
≥ This unit is not waterproof when the terminal cover (USB connec tion) is in use. In this case, do 
not use this unit underwater or touch it with wet hands.
∫ About Condensation (When the lens is fogged up)
Condensation occurs when there is a change in temperature or hu midity, 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 to 
become soiled, moldy, or damaged.
When taking the unit to a place which has a different temperatu re, 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 plasti c bag or the like, remove air from the 
bag, and seal the bag.)
When condensation occurs, turn off this unit, remove the termin al cover (waterproof) and 
glasscover, and leave this unit for approximately 2 hours. Once  this unit adjusts to the ambient 
temperature, the condensation will disappear naturally.
1 Rotate the terminal cover (waterproof) and glasscover in the di rections of the 
arrows to remove them.
2 Check that no foreign objects are found on the internal compone nts, 
threaded portions and rubber seals of this unit.
≥ If there are any foreign objects, such as lint, hair, sand, etc ., water will leak within a few seconds 
causing malfunction.
3 If there is foreign objects adhering to the unit, remove it wit h a soft dry cloth.≥Check to see if any foreign obj ects such as lint is adhering to this unit.
≥ Wipe it off with a dry soft cloth if there is any liquid. It ma y cause water leaks and malfunction if 
you use this unit with liquid adhered.
≥ Use a blower (commercially available) to remove foreign objects  that cannot be removed with a 
dry soft cloth.
Check before using underwater
Do not attach/remove the terminal cover (waterproof) or glassco ver in sandy or dusty 
locations, near water or with wet hands. If sand or dust adhere s to this unit, water may leak 
in.
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4Check that the terminal cover (waterproof), glasscover and rubb er seals are 
neither cracked nor deformed.
≥ Be sure to read the supplied  leaflet about the rubber seals.5Rotate the terminal cover (waterproof) and glasscover until they are attached 
firmly.
≥Rotate them in the opposite directions of Step 1.
≥ Tighten them firmly to ensure that they are not loose.
≥ To prevent water seeping into this unit, be careful not to trap  foreign objects such as liquids, sand, 
hair or dust etc.
≥ Use this unit underwater at a depth of down to 1.5 m (5.0 feet) w ith the water temperature 
between 0 oC and 35 oC (32  oF and 95  oF).
≥ Do not use this unit at a depth of over 1.5 m (5.0 feet).
≥ Do not use it in hot water over 35 oC (95  oF) (in a bath or hot spring).
≥ Do not use this unit underwater not longer than 30 minutes conti nuously.
≥ Do not attach/remove the terminal cover (waterproof) or glassco ver.
≥ Do not apply shock to this unit underwater. (Waterproof perform ance may not be maintained, and 
there is a chance of water leak.)
≥ Do not dive into the water holding this unit. Do not use this u nit in a location where the water will 
splash strongly, such as rapid flow or waterfall. (Strong water  pressure may be applied, and it may  
cause malfunction.)
≥ This unit will sink in the water. Take care not to drop this un it.
1Rinse this unit without removing the terminal cover (waterproof ) and 
glasscover.
≥ After use at the seaside or underwater, soak the unit in fresh  water pooled in a shallow container 
for about 10 minutes.
2 Drain water by holding this unit and shaking it lightly a few t imes.≥After using this unit at the seaside or underwater, or after wa shing it, water will remain at the mic 
site of this unit for a while and  it may cause lower sound or s ound distortion.
≥ Pay careful attention to prevent this unit from dropping.
3 Wipe off water drops on this unit with a soft dry cloth and dry this unit in a 
shaded area that is well ventilated.
≥Dry this unit 1 hour or more.
≥ Dry this unit on a dry cloth.
≥ Do not dry this unit with hot air from dryer or similar. It wil l deteriorate the waterproof performance 
or cause failure due to deformation.
≥ Do not use chemicals such as benzine, thinner, alcohol or clean ser, soap or detergents.
4After checking that there are no water droplets, remove the ter minal cover 
(waterproof) and glasscover, and wipe off any water droplets or sand left 
inside with a soft, dry cloth.
Using this unit underwater
Caring for this unit after using it underwater
Do not attach/remove the terminal cover (waterproof) or glassco ver until you remove the 
sand and dust by rinsing this unit.
Make sure to clean the camera after using it.
≥ Thoroughly wipe off any water droplets, sand, and saline matter  on your hands, body, hair, etc.
≥
It is recommended to clean the ca mera indoors, avoiding places where water spray or sand may fall.Do not leave this unit uncared for longer than 60 minutes after  using it underwater.
≥ Leaving this unit with foreign objects or saline matter on it m ay cause damage, discoloration, 
corrosion, unusual odour, or deterioration of the waterproof pe rformance. 
						

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≥If you remove the terminal cover (waterproof) or glasscover wit hout thoroughly drying this unit, 
water droplets may form on the card or other parts. Also, water  may accumulate in the gap 
around the card slot or the terminal connector. Be sure to wipe  any water off with a soft, dry cloth.
≥ If you attach the terminal cover (waterproof) or glasscover whi le still wet, water droplets may seep 
into this unit and cause condensation or malfunctions.
≥ If the Multi Mount or Tripod Mount are exposed to seawater, rin se off the salt water with fresh 
wat er. When the Multi Mount or Tripod Mount are expos ed t o wate r, wipe them off with a dry towel 
or something similar, and dry them thoroughly in the shade.
≥ It may cause injury to the skin if you directly touch the metal  parts of the unit in places 
where temperature is very low (environments under 0 oC (32  oF), such as ski resorts or 
places at high altitude) for a long period of time.
Keep this point in mind when using this unit for a long period of time.
≥ The performance of the battery (recording time/operating time)  may decrease temporarily when 
using in a temperature between  j10 oC and 0 oC (14  oF and 32  oF) (cold places such as ski 
resorts or places at high altitude). (Charge the battery suffic iently before use.)
≥ The battery cannot be recharged at temperatures lower than 0 oC (32  oF). (The power lamp 
flashes fast when the battery cannot be recharged.) Charge the battery sufficiently in a place 
where the ambient temperature is between 10 oC and 30 oC (50  oF and 86  oF).
≥ If the unit is used in cold places such as ski resorts or place s at high altitude with snow or water 
droplets adhered to the unit, some parts of the unit may become  hard to move or the sound may 
become dim with snow or water droplets freezing in the gap of t he buttons and microphone. This 
is not a malfunction.
≥ If the Wi-Fi
® function is used in cold places such as ski resorts or places  at high altitude, playback 
may not be performed correctly.
In case water enters this unit, stop the use and consult your d ealer.
Malfunctions resulting from water leakage due to wrong handling  by customers are not subject to 
compensation.
Preparation
When using in a cold climate or at low 
temperatures 
						

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∫
About recording formats and compatibility of this unit
≥This unit is an MP4 format (MPEG-4 AVC file standard) Wearable  Camera for recording high-
definition motion pictures.
≥ AVCHD and MPEG2 motion pictures are different formats, and are  not therefore supported by 
this unit.
∫ About the portrait rights
Be sure to pay special attention to the privacy, the portrait rights, etc. of the subject when you use 
this unit. Use it at your own risk.
∫About the “Image App”
Install the smartphone application “Image App” on your smartpho ne.
You can change this unit’s settings and record and play back im ages by setting up a Wi-Fi 
connection between this unit and a smartphone.
≥ For information about the installation of the “Image App”, refe r to page 17.
∫About the clock setting
Make sure to set date and time before recording. ( l19)
Preparation
Read this first
∫ Indemnity about recorded content
Panasonic does not accept any responsibility for damages direct ly 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. Likewis e, the above also applies in a case 
where any type of repair is made to this unit. 
						

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∫
For the purposes of this owner’s manual
≥Pictures may be slightly different from the original.
≥ Depending on the firmware version you are using, captured scree ns described in this owner’s 
manual may differ from the actual screens.
≥ Names, icons, contents and services of applications may be chan ged with no prior notice. Please 
note that they may differ from the descriptions of this owner’s manual.
≥ microSD card, microSDHC card and microSDXC card are referred to  as the “microSD card”.
≥ Smartphone and tablet computer are referred to as the “smartpho ne”.
≥ Pages for reference are indicated by an arrow, for example:  l00
≥ Smartphone operations are described as follows:
Ta p
Touch the screen lightly and 
release your finger.Drag
Move your finger while still 
touching the screen.
Ta p   a n d   H o l d
Touch and hold the screen.
(1 second or longer)Drag and Drop
Move your finger while still 
touching the screen, and 
release the finger. 
						

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1Microphone
2 Access lamp ( l14)
3 Recording mode lamps
≥ [ ]: Motion picture recording lamp
≥ [ ]: Slow motion recording lamp
≥ [ ]: Still picture recording lamp
4 Power lamp ( l12, 15 )
5 Recording start/stop button ( l29)
6 Recording mode/Wi-Fi button [MODE]
7 Wi-Fi lamp [ ]
8 Power button [ ] ( l15)
9 Lens ( l4)
10 Glasscover
≥ The glasscover (normal shooting) is attached 
to this unit at the time of purchase. When 
recording in dark locations, replace it with the 
supplied glasscover (night mode). 11
Wi-Fi Transmitter
12 Speaker
13 Terminal cover
≥ The terminal cover (waterproof) is attached to 
this unit at the time of purchase. When using 
this unit with the USB cable, replace the 
cover with the supplied terminal cover (USB 
connection).
14 Reset button [RESET]
≥ If this unit fails to operate correctly, such as 
when this unit cannot be turned on/off, press 
the reset button by using a paper clip or a 
similar object.
15 USB terminal [ ] ( l10)
16 Card slot ( l14)
Preparation
Names and Functions of Main Parts
1
2
3
4
5
6
8 9 10 11 13
7
15
16
14
12
Inside the terminal 
cover 
						

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Charging the battery
≥This unit has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Do n ot remove except when 
disposing of this unit. ( l55)
≥ It is recommended to charge the battery in a temperature betwee n 10oC and 30 oC (50  oF 
and 86  oF).
≥ When this unit is turned on, i t takes longer than usual to char ge the battery.
A USB cable (supplied)
B Turn the side with the symbol up to connect the micro B end of  the USB cable to the USB 
terminal of this unit.
1Rotate the terminal cover (waterproof) in the direction of the  arrow to remove it.≥It is not necessary to remove the terminal cover when using the terminal cover (USB connection) (supplied).
2Connect the USB terminal of this unit to a PC with the USB cable (supplied).≥Insert the connector all the way in until it touches the end.
* When the connector is inserted to the end, even though the met al portion of the connector will be 
slightly visible, the USB cable is connected correctly. Do not  apply too much force as doing so 
may cause malfunctions.
≥ The Power lamp will flash red at an interval of 2 seconds (appr oximately 1 second on, 1 second 
off), indicating that charging has begun.
It will turn off when the charging is completed.
≥
When the charging is complete,  disconnect the USB cable from th is unit and rotate the terminal cover 
(waterproof) in the opposite direction of Step 1 to attach it.  Tighten it firmly to ensure that it is not loose.
≥Do not use any other USB cables except the supplied one. (Opera tion is not guaranteed with any 
other USB cables.)
≥ Do not heat or expose to flame.
≥ Do not leave the unit (including built-in battery) in a car exposed to direct sunlight for a long 
period of time with doors and windows closed.
≥
If the operating time is very short even after the battery has  been recharged, the battery has worn out.≥When the PC is in a power saving mode such as a standby state,  the battery may not be charged. 
Cancel the power saving mode, and connect this unit again.
≥ Operation is not guaranteed when devices are connected through  USB hubs or by using 
extension cables.
≥ Operation cannot be guaranteed on all devices having a USB term inal.
≥ When this unit is turned on, the power lamp stays lit even if c harging is in progress.
Preparation
Power supply
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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