Panasonic Hx A100 Owners Manual

							Owner’s Manual
Wearable Camera
Model No.HX-A100
Please read these instructions carefully before using this product, and save this manual for 
future use.
VQT4X94
until 
2013/2/28
Register online at www.panasonic.com/register (U.S. customers only) 
						

							- 2 -
Preparation
(Important) About the Waterproof/
Dustproof ........................................................ 3
Read this first ................................................. 6
What you can do with this unit ..................... 7
Names and Functions of Main Parts ............ 8
Wearing this unit ............................................ 9
Power supply................................................ 11Charging the battery ..............................  11
Charging and recording time .................  12
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
Wi-Fi
® function ............................................. 16Connecting directly with a smartphone......... 17
Installing Image App ..............................  17
Connecting this unit with a smartphone....  17
Starting Image App ................................  18
Setting up with Setup wizard ...................... 19
Setting date and time................................... 20
Using the Setup Menu ................................. 21
Basic
Recording ..................................................... 22 Recording motion pictures .....................  22
Recording still pictures ..........................  22
Using the Recording menu ......................... 24
Playback ....................................................... 27
Using the Playback menu ........................... 28 Playback settings ...................................  28
Camera function ....................................  29
Required settings for sending data, etc............ 30
“LUMIX CLUB” settings .........................  31
Picture Share settings .........................  32
Data uploading ............................................. 33
Advanced
Setting the connection destination for Live 
broadcasting
(Connecting in Live broadcast mode)........ 35 Connecting this unit with an access point 
(such as a wireless router) ....................  35 Live broadcasting ........................................37
Setting for Live broadcasting .................  37
Performing a live broadcast ...................  40
Connecting to devices on the network
(Connecting in Access Point mode)........... 41 1 Connecting this unit to an access 
point (such as a wireless LAN router) ....  41
2  Connecting this unit and a device 
on the network .......................................  42
Playing back on a DLNA-compatible TV .... 43 Controlling from a DLNA-compatible 
device.....................................................  43
Controlling from a smartphone...............  43
About network information of this unit ...... 44
With a PC
What you can do with a PC ......................... 45
Card reader function (mass storage) ......... 45 Operating environment ..........................  45
Copying motion/still pictures on PC .......  46
About the PC display .............................  47
Using the HD Writer WE 1.0 
(Windows only) .............................................48 The feature of HD Writer WE 1.0 ...........  48
End User License Agreement ................  49
Operating environment for HD Writer WE 
1.0 ..........................................................  50
Installation ..............................................  51
Starting HD Writer WE 1.0 .....................  52
Others
Initializing this unit.......................................53Initializing the network settings ..............  53
Troubleshooting ........................................... 54
Cautions for use ........................................... 58
Recordable time/Number of recordable 
pictures ......................................................... 60
Requests when disposing of this unit........... 61
About copyright ........................................... 63
Contents 
						

							- 3 -
Preparation
This does not guarantee no destruction, no malfunction, or waterproofing in all conditions.
* This means that this unit can be used underwater for specified time in specified pressure in accordance with the handling method established by Panasonic.
∫ Handling of this unit
≥Waterproofing is not guaranteed if the unit is subject to an impact as a result of being hit or 
dropped etc. If an impact to this unit occurs, it should be inspected (subject to a fee) by a 
Panasonic’s Service Centre to verify that the waterproofing is still effective.
≥ The waterproof performance may be degraded due to the strong water pressure when this unit is 
used deeper than 1.5 m (5 feet) underwater.
≥ When this unit is splashed with detergent, soap, hot spring, bath 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 water 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 open or close the side cover when your hands are wet or water droplets are present on 
this unit. Failure to do so may lead to damage such as rusty terminals caused by water droplets.
≥ Foreign objects may adhere to the inner side of the side cover (around the rubber seal or 
connecting terminals) when the side cover is opened or closed in places with sand or dust 
etc. If you close the side cover with foreign objects adhering to it, water may enter the 
inside. Be very careful because doing so may cause malfunctions.
≥ 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 not waterproof. Water leakage will cause malfunction.
≥ If any foreign object has adhered to the inner side of the side cover, remove it.
≥ If any liquid such as water droplets has adhered to this unit or inner side of the side cover, 
wipe off with a soft dry cloth. Do not open or close the side cover near the water, when 
underwater, using wet hands, or when this unit is wet. It may cause water leakage.
(Important) About the Waterproof/
Dustproof
Waterproof/Dustproof Performance
This unit’s waterproof/dustproof rating complies with the “IP58” rating. Provided the care 
and maintenance guidelines described in this document are strictly followed, this unit 
can operate underwater, to a depth not exceeding 1.5 m (5 feet) for a time not exceeding 
30 minutes. * 
						

							- 4 -
∫
When inner side of the lens is fogged (condensation)
Condensation may occur and the inner side of the lens may be fogged when this unit is moved to a 
warm area from a cold area, such as at high altitude.
It is not a malfunction or failure of this unit. It may be caused by the environment in which 
this unit is used.
≥Be careful of condensation since it causes lens stains, fungus and unit malfunction.
What to do when inner side of the lens is fogged
≥ Turn off this unit and open the side cover in a place with constant ambient temperature, away 
from high temperatures, humidity, sand and dust. The fog will disappear naturally in about 2 hours 
with the side cover open when the temperature of this unit gets close to the ambient temperature.
≥ Contact Panasonic’s Service Centre if the fogging does not disappear.
1 Open the side cover.
2 Check that there are no foreign objects on the inner side of the side cover.
≥If there are any foreign objects, such as lint, hair, sand, etc., on the surrounding area, water will 
leak within a few seconds causing malfunction.
3 If there is foreign matter adhering to the unit, remove it.≥Be extremely careful to remove any sand etc. that may adhere to the sides and corners of the 
rubber seal.
≥ Wipe it off with a dry soft cloth if there is any liquid. It may cause water leaks and malfunction if 
you use this unit with liquid adhered.
4 Check for cracks and deformation of the rubber seal on the side cover.≥The integrity of the rubber seals may decrease after about 1 year, with use and age. To avoid 
permanently damaging this unit the seals should be replaced once every two years. Please 
contact Panasonic’s Service Centre for related costs and other information.
5 Close the side cover securely.
≥To prevent water seeping into this unit, be careful not to trap foreign objects such as liquids, sand, 
hair or dust etc.
Check before using underwater
Do not open or close the side cover in places with sand and dust, close to water, or with wet 
hands. Sand or dust adhering may cause water leaks.
1 Slide the LOCK switch  A to the left to 
unlock the side cover.
B: Unlocked when the red indicator is visible
2 Slide the side cover downward to 
open it.


A B
1
Close the side cover and slide it 
upward.
2 Slide the LOCK switch to the right to 
lock the side cover.
≥ Lock securely to the points where the red 
portion of the LOCK switch is no longer 
visible.
≥ Securely close it until it clicks.

 
						

							- 5 -
≥Use this unit underwater at a depth of down to 1.5 m (5 feet) with the water temperature between 
0oC and 35 oC (32 oF and 95 oF).
≥ Do not use this unit at a depth of over 1.5 m (5 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 continuously.
≥ Do not open or close the side cover.
≥ Do not apply shock to this unit underwater. (Waterproof performance 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 unit 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 unit.
1 Rinse with water with the side cover closed.≥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 times.≥After using this unit at the seaside or underwater, or after washing it, water will remain at the 
speaker site or mic site of this unit for a while and it may cause lower sound or sound 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 approx. 1 hour or more.
≥ Dry this unit on a dry cloth.
≥ Do not dry this unit with hot air from dryer or similar. It will deteriorate the waterproof performance 
or cause failure due to deformation.
≥ Do not use chemicals such as benzine, thinner, alcohol or cleanser, soap or detergents.
4 Confirm that there are no water droplets, open the side cover, and wipe off 
any water droplets or sand left inside using a soft, dry cloth.
≥Water droplets may adhere to the card, etc. when the side cover is opened without thoroughly 
drying. 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.
≥ The water droplets may seep into this unit when the side cover is closed while it is still wet, 
causing condensation or failure.
Using this unit underwater
Caring for this unit after using it underwater
Do not open or close the side cover until the sand and dust is removed by rinsing the 
camera with water.
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 camera 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 may cause damage, discoloration, 
corrosion, unusual odor, or deterioration of the waterproof performance.
In case water enters this unit, stop the use and consult your dealer.
Malfunctions resulting from water leakage due to wrong handling by customers are not subject to 
compensation. 
						

							- 6 -
∫
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 clock setting
Make sure to set date and time before recording. ( l20)
∫ 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 screens described in this Owner’s 
Manual may differ from the actual screens.
≥ Names, icons, contents and services of applications may be changed with no prior notice. Please 
note that they may differ from the descriptions of this Owner’s Manual.
≥ microSD Memory Card and microSDHC Memory Card are referred to as the “microSD card”.
≥ Smartphone and tablet computer are referred to as the “smartphone”.
≥ Pages for reference are indicated by an arrow, for example:  l00
∫ Cards that you can use with this unit
microSD Memory Card and microSDHC Memory Card
Read this first
∫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 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 this unit. 
						

							- 7 -
You can enjoy a variety of functions by connecting this unit to a smartphone or an access point.
*1 Once you make the settings, you can perform a live broadcast with only the button operation on this unit from the next time on.
*2 The functions available for the direct connection to the smartphone are also available for the 
connection via an access point.
*3 You can record motion pictures or still pictures without connecting to the smartphone.
What you can do with this unit
Image 
App
USTREAM
LUMIX CLUB
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Live broadcasting *1
Using the “LUMIX CLUB” and 
USTREAM services, you can 
broadcast live motion pictures. ( l37)
Playback on DLNA-compatible 
devices
You can play back the contents stored in 
this unit on the DLNA-compatible 
devices. (
l43)
≥ Live view ( l22)
≥ Remote control ( l22)
≥ Playback ( l27)
≥ Deletion/Copy ( l29, 32 )
≥ Data uploading to web 
services ( l33)
Recording
*3 ( l 22) ≥
Facebook
≥ YouTube
™, etc.
DLNA-compatible devices
Connecting to Access Point
Connecting direct to the 
smartphone
*2 
						

							- 8 -
1Power lamp ( l12, 15 )
2 Access lamp ( l14)
3 Wi-Fi
®/WPS button [ ] ( l17, 35 , 40 , 
41 , 53 )
Wi-Fi mode lamp (l 17, 35 , 40 , 41 , 53 )
Switches to Wi-Fi mode. Each press of the 
button switches the lamp.
≥ [ ]: Smartphone mode
≥ [ ]: Live broadcasting mode
≥ [ ]: Access point mode
≥ Off: Wi-Fi mode is turned off
4 Wi-Fi Transmitter
5 Power button [ ] ( l15, 53 )
6 Recording start/stop button ( l22)
7 Photoshot button [ ] ( l22)
8 Hold button [ ] 
Hold lamp [] 9
Camera ( l10)
10 Lens ( l4)
11 Mic
12 Camera/main unit connection cable
≥ This cable is not removable.
13 Speaker
14 LOCK switch ( l4, 11 , 14 )
15 Side cover (l 4, 11 , 14 )
16 USB terminal [ ] ( l11)
17 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.
18 Card slot ( l14)
Names and Functions of Main Parts
9
10 11 1213
15
145
67
8
3
4
2
1
16 17 18
Main unit
Camera 
unit
Hold function
The lock lamp [ ] lights up, and the 
operation buttons on this unit are locked.
≥Even when the operation buttons are 
locked, you can perform operation from a 
smartphone. (when connected to Wi-Fi)
Press and hold the 
button for approx. 
2 seconds.
To release the Hold function:
Press and hold the button for approx. 
2 seconds when the Hold function is 
activated.
≥Even when the operation buttons are 
locked, you can perform operation by 
pressing any of them while pressing and 
holding the hold button [ ]. 
						

							- 9 -
≥When removing the camera/main unit from the Armband Case, avoid pulling the camera/main 
unit connection cable.
≥ You can use an optional Multi Mount (VW-MKA100) for a variety of scenes.
Wearing this unit
Wear the main unit and camera unit.
≥If you have felt discomfort after a long period of use, 
stop the use or loosen the tight fit by slightly 
loosening the adjuster, etc.
≥ For the direction of the camera, check the actual 
image on the Live view screen. ( l23)
Main unit
Camera unit
Fastening the main unit using the Armband Case
1Insert so that you can see the 
buttons on the main unit.2If the band is not long enough, 
attach the extended band 
C.
A: Hook and loop fastener
≥ Attach by passing the tip of the armband 
through the buckle portion  B of the extended 
band.
3Fasten to your arm.
≥ When fastening the main unit, try not to drop 
the camera unit to avoid a shock and try not 
to scratch the lens.
∫ About the Armband Case
The Armband Case can be used as a portable 
holder.
≥When fastening to your arm, remove the 
camera unit from the armband case.
 
 
 
						

							- 10 -
≥Do not touch the lens or pull the cable while attaching or removing.
≥ When you adjust the adjuster, do so slowly without applying too much force. 
≥ If the adjustment knob comes off, attach it as indicated in 
the right figure.
Attaching the camera unit to the earhook to wear
1Insert the camera unit until it 
clicks into place.
≥Insert so that the projecting part  A of the 
camera will face up.
2Loosen the camera/main unit 
connection cable  B to the 
shape of an ear, and fit it in the 
holder  C.
3Hook the earpieces D to ears 
so that the camera unit will be 
positioned on the left, and 
adjust the size.
≥Adjust by slowly pulling the adjuster  E 
sideways.
≥ If you adjust in such a way that the camera 
unit comes into close contact with the cheek, 
you can record less blurry images.
4Hold the camera attachment 
portion F
 , and adjust the 
direction of the lens.
≥ If the direction of the lens cannot be changed, 
loosen the adjustment knob  G slightly and 
tighten it after adjusting the direction of the 
lens.
≥ If the camera unit is shaky, tighten the 
adjustment knob  G.
∫ How to remove the 
camera
Hold the camera attachment 
portion as shown in the figure, and 
remove the camera unit in the 
direction of the arrow.
∫How to attach the adjuster (Large) 
(supplied)
When the earhook is too tight, 
remove the adjuster of the earhook, 
and replace it with the supplied 
adjuster (Large).
1 Press  H in the direction 
of the arrow using the 
supplied adjuster (Large) 
to pull out the attached adjuster.
2 Insert the both side of supplied adjuster 
(Large) until it clicks into place.
UPL



UPL



\bUNLOCK
LOCK
PUSH
