Panasonic Memory Card Camera Recorder AG-AC160AP, AG-AC160AEJ, AG-AC160AEN Operating Instructions

							11
How to use the camera
This	camera	is	equipped	with	a	1/3,	2.2	mega	pixel	3MOS	sensor	and	an	optical	22X	cam-type	zoom	lens.	It	supports	simultaneous	and	relay	recording	using	two	memory	card	slots.	In	addition,	it	is	a	hand-held	camera-recorder	that	supports	commercial	HD	mode	(A
VCHD)/SD
	mode	(DV)	recording	that	can	deliver	diverse	image	representations	by	supporting	slow/quick	motion.	•In	this	document,	“HD	mode”	is	referred	to	as	“A

VCHD
	mode”	and	“SD	mode”	is	referred	to	as	“DV	mode”.
LOCKAG-AC160A
DV tape equipment\fm\nemory \bard 
\bamera-re\border\f\bomput\ner, et\b.
Computer
Video equipment\ftel\nevision\fmonitor
Data can be transf\gerred for 
backup/dubbing/edit\ging\f
IEEE1394 (DV) \bable 
(can only be used i\gn D\b mode)
BNC Cable (SDI)
Audio pin \bable
Video pin \bable
HDMI \bable 
(can only be  used in 
A\bCHD mode)
Memory \bard
AVCHD mode Speed class 6 or hig\gher can be used when\g in PS 
mode\f
Speed class 6 or hig\gher can be used dur\ging \bFR 
recording\f
DV mode Speed class 6 or hig\gher can be used\f
USB2.0 \bonne\btion \bab\nle
* The AG-AC160AEJ c\gannot write to a m\gemory card from  a computer\f
Saves and reads the\g setting 
values of scene fil\ges or user 
files on the memory \gcard\f
Speed class 2 or hig\gher can be used when\g in PM/HE 
mode\f Speed class 4 or hig\gher can be used when\g in PH/HA 
mode\f 
						

							12
Read this first! ................................................ 2
How to use the camera ................................ 11
Please read before use
 ................................ 14Compatible memory card for this camera ..... 14 (SD speed class 4) ....................... 15 (SD speed class 6) ....................... 15Operating precautions ................................. 16
Before use
Before using the camera.............................. 18
Accessories .................................................. 20
Optional accessories ................................... 20
Description of parts
Description of parts ...................................... 21Left side ........................................................ 21
Top and right side ......................................... 22
Front side and rear side
 ................................

23
Remote control
 .............................................

24
Preparation
Recharging the battery ................................ 24Recharging ...................................................24Power sources .............................................. 26Using the battery........................................... 26
Using the AC adaptor.................................... 27
Adjusting the hand strap ............................. 27
Attaching the shoulder strap ....................... 28
Attaching/removing the lens hood ............. 28
Attaching/removing the lens cap ................ 28
Fitting the eye cup ........................................ 29
The remote control ....................................... 29Inserting the battery ...................................... 29
Remote control usable range........................ 29
Turning the camera ON/OFF ........................ 30Switching	to	AVCHD	mode/DV	mode ........... 30Setup menu basic operations ..................... 31Using the setup menu ................................... 31
Initializing	the	setup	menu ............................ 32Setting the calendar ..................................... 33
Menu
Setup menu structure .................................. 35 mode menu .............................. 35
Playback  mode menu ......................... 37
Reference
Specifications ............................................... 38
Contents
Volume 1 (This Book) 
						

							13
 
Volume	2	(CD)
Shooting
Using the viewfinder
Tally lamp
Basic shooting operations
Using the zoom function
Shooting in manual mode
Shooting in 1080i/480i/576i progressive mode
Using convenient shooting functions
Using special functions for recording
Adjusting the shutter speed
Changing audio input
Using shooting settings (scene files)
Storing scene files and other settings on  memory cards
Clip metadata (AVCHD mode only)
Using the counter
Charging the built-in battery/setting the  time code
Playback
Basic playback operations
Thumbnail screen
Playback settings [PLAY SETUP]
Thumbnail operations
Useful playback functions
Editing
Connecting external devices
Nonlinear editing
How to handle data recorded on the memory card
Dubbing
Displays
Screen displays
Menu
Setup menu list
Reference
Before calling for service
Updating the firmware incorporated into  the unit
Cleaning
Storage precautions
Recording format list
Index
 „How to open the operating instruction manual PDF files
Discontinue
	installation	if	the	installation	screen	of	the	software	opens	as	a	result	of	inserting	the	CD-ROM.
When	[INDEX.pdf]	on	the	CD-ROM	is	opened,	a	list	of	the	operating	instruction	manuals	will	be	displayed.
Click	on	the	document	name	of	the	manual	to	be	opened.
 „Adobe® Reader® is required to read PDF files.
It can be downloaded from the home page of Adobe Systems. 
						

							14
Compatible memory card for this camera
 „Shooting in AVCHD mode
Speed
	class	4	or	above	is	required	for	recording	in	PH	mode/HA	mode.	Speed	class	2	or	above	is	required	for	recording	in	PM	mode/HE	mode.	Speed	class	6	or	above	is	required	for	recording	in	PS	mode	or	when	using	the	VFR	function.	It	is	recommended	that	you	use	the	following	Panasonic	memory	cards.	(As	of	September,	201

1)
 „Shooting in DV mode
Speed
	class	6	or	above	memory	cards	are	required.	It	is	recommended	that	you	use	the	following	Panasonic	memory	cards.	(As	of	September

,
	201
 1)
Memory card type Storage 
capacity AVCHD 
shooting/playback DV 
shooting/playback Saving/reading user 
files and scene files 
and reading metadata  (AVCHD only)
SD
	memory	card 8
	MB
16	MB Cannot	be	used.
Cannot
	be	used.
Can
	be	used.
32
	MB
64	MB
128	MB
256	MB Successful
	operation	is	not	guaranteed.
Shooting	may	suddenly	stop	with	certain	SD	memory	cards.
512
	MB
Can
	be	used. Can
	be	used.
1	GB
2
	GB
SDHC
	memory	card 4
	GB
Can	be	used.
6
	GB —
8
	GB Can	be	used.
12
	GB —
16
	GB
Can
	be	used.
32	GB
SDXC
	memory	card 48
	GB
64
	GB
—:	No	available	Panasonic	memory	cards
	• Please	see	our	support	page	at	the	following	website	for	the	latest	information	not	included	in	these	operating	instructions.
http://pro-av

.panasonic.net/
	• This	camera	supports	F

AT12
	and	F

AT16
	formatted	SD	memory	cards,	F
 AT32
	formatted	SDHC	memory	cards,	and	exF

AT
	formatted	SDXC	memory	cards	that	are	compliant	with	the	SD	standard.	• SDHC	memory	cards	of	4	GB	or	above	that	do	not	have	the	SDHC	logo	and	SDXC	memory	cards	of	48	GB	or	above	that	do	not	have	the	SDXC	logo	are	not	compliant	with	the	SD	standard.	•Use	this	camera	to	format	memory	cards.	Formatting	memory	cards	on	computers	or	other	devices	may	cause	recording	to	take	longer	than	normal,	or	may	cause	memory	cards	to	become	incompatible	with	th

is
	pr

oduct.
	(P

age
	13	of	Vo

l.2)
	(U

se
	th

is
	ca

mera
	to	re

format
	an
 y
	me
 mory
	ca
 rds
	th
 at
	ha
 ve
	be
 en
	fo
 rmatted
	on	computers	or	other	devices.)	•Multimedia	cards	cannot	be	used.
Please read before use 
						

							15
 
 (SD speed class 4)
This refers to a class 4 speed standard (SD speed class) for the continuous writing of data between SD 
compatible devices and memory cards as designated by the SD standard.
When the use of an SD speed class 4 memory card is recommended for SD-compatible products, this 
indicates that stable recording operation can be achieved by using memory cards of class 4 and above.
 (SD speed class 6)
This refers to a class 6 speed standard (SD speed class) for the continuous writing of data between SD 
compatible devices and memory cards as designated by the SD standard.
When the use of an SD speed class 6 memory card is recommended for SD-compatible products, this 
indicates that stable recording operation can be achieved by using memory cards of class 6 and above.
UHS-I
 compatibility • UHS- I
 (Ultra High Speed  I
) is speed standard for SD memory card. You can use a UHS- I
 memory 
card, which performs as an SD speed class 10 memory card on this camera.
Reminders for handling
 • Do not allow dirt, water, or other substances to come into contact with the terminal on the back of the 
memory card.
 •Do not leave the memory card in the following places:
- Direct sunlight or places of high temperature, such as near heating equipment
- Humid and dusty locations
- Locations with high variations in temperature (where condensation occurs)
- Locations that are subject to static electricity and electromagnetic waves • Store memory cards in bags or cases after use. 
						

							16
When using the camera in the rain, snow, or at 
the beach, do not allow water to get into it.
 •Doing so will cause damage to the camera and 
the memory card. (This may result in irreparable 
damage.)
Keep the camera away from devices (such 
as TV sets and video game machines) that 
generate magnetic fields.
 • Using the camera on top of or near a television 
set may cause distortions in the image or sound 
due to the electromagnetic waves that the 
television emits.
 •The powerful magnetic fields generated by 
speakers or large motors may damage recorded 
content or distort images.
 •The electromagnetic waves emitted from a 
microcomputer may adversely affect the camera 
and cause images or sound to be distorted.
 •If the camera is adversely affected by devices 
that generate magnetic fields and it no longer 
operates properly, turn it off and remove the 
battery or unplug the 

AC adaptor from the power 
outlet. Then install the battery again or reconnect 
the AC adaptor. After this, turn the camera back 
on.
Do not use the camera near radio transmitters 
or high-voltage equipment.
 • Using the camera near radio transmitters or high-
voltage equipment may adversely affect the 
recorded images or sound.
Do not allow sand or dust to get into the 
camera when using it at the beach or other 
similar places.
 • Sand and dust can damage the camera or 
memory card. (Be careful when inserting or 
removing a memory card.) AC adaptor (battery charger) and battery
 •
If the  lamp continues to flash even 
when the battery temperature is normal, the 
battery or AC adaptor (battery charger) might be 
damaged. Contact your dealer.
 •The battery takes longer to charge when it is 
warm.
 •Using the AC adaptor (battery charger) near 
radios may distort their sound. Keep the AC 
adaptor (battery charger) 1 meter or more away 
from radios.
 •The AC adaptor (battery charger) may make 
some noise when in use, but this is normal.
Be careful not to drop the camera when 
carrying it around.
 • Strong impacts may damage the camera unit and 
cause it to stop working properly.
 •Handle the camera with care using the hand 
strap or shoulder strap to carry it.
Do not spray the camera with insecticides or 
other volatile substances.
 • Spraying the camera with insecticides or other 
volatile substances may deform it or cause the 
coating to peel off.
 •Do not leave the camera in contact with rubber or 
PVC products for extended periods of time.
After use, remove the battery or disconnect the 
AC power supply cord from the power outlet.
Battery characteristics
This camera uses a rechargeable lithium ion 
battery. It generates electrical energy through 
an internal chemical reaction. This reaction is 
easily influenced by the ambient temperature 
and humidity, and the ef

fective operating time of 
the battery is reduced as the temperature rises 
or falls. If you use this camera at locations  with 
extremely low temperatures, its operating time will 
be reduced.
If the battery becomes extremely hot, a protective 
function will engage and you will not be able to use 
it for a while. 
Operating precautions 
						

							17
 
Make sure to remove the battery after use.
Completely remove the battery from the camera.
(Even if you turn the camera off, leaving the 
battery attached still consumes a small amount of 
electricity.) The battery will over-discharge if you 
leave it in the camera for long periods of time and 
may become impossible to recharge.
Do not remove the battery when the POWER 
switch is ON.
Turn the POWER switch OFF and make sure that 
the mode lamp is completely off before removing 
the battery.
Protect the battery terminals.
Do not allow dust or foreign substances to cling to 
the battery terminals.
If you accidentally drop the battery, check the body 
and terminals if they have been deformed.
Inserting a deformed battery into the camera or 
the AC adaptor (battery charger) may damage the 
camera or the AC adaptor (battery charger).
Reminders when discarding memory cards or 
transferring them to others
Formatting memory cards or deleting data using 
the functions of this camera or a computer will 
merely
	change	the	file	management	information	and will not completely erase the data stored 
in the memory cards. It is recommended that 
you physically destroy memory cards when 
discarding them, or use data deletion software for 
commercially available for computers to completely 
erase the data when transferring them to others. 
Use
rs are responsible for managing the data stored 
in their memory cards. Liquid crystal displays •
Images or characters can linger on the screen of 
the	LCD	or	viewfinder	if	they	are	left	displayed	for	a	long	time,	but	you	can	fix	this	by	leaving	the	camera off for several hours. •The LCD monitor is managed with high precision 
to	ensure	that	99.99%	of	the	pixels	are	effective	leaving	only	0.01%	of	pixels	that	are	either	dead	or remain on all the time. This is normal and will 
have no effect on recorded images.
 •Dew may form on the LCD monitor if you use 
the camera in locations of intensely varying 
temperatures.  Wipe it dry with a soft, dry cloth.
 •The LCD monitor may appear a little dimmer right 
aft

er turning on a cold camera. The brightness will 
go back to normal when the internal temperature 
increases.
Do not point the eyepiece of the lens or 
viewfinder at the sun.
Doing so may damage the internal parts.
Protective caps for the terminals
Keep
	protective	caps	fitted	over	connecting	terminals that are not being used.
Mosaic-like noise may appear on the playback 
images in the following shooting conditions.
 • When	there	is	a	complex	pattern	in	the	background •When moving the camera a long distance or 
moving quickly
 •When the subject is moving quickly 
(Especially when shooting in HE mode)
Depending on the signal reading system of the 
pickup devices (MOS sensor), the following 
problems may occur.
 • A subject that quickly crosses the screen may 
appear distorted in some shooting conditions.
 •When	a	subject	is	lit	by	the	flash,	the	screen	may	appear	split	horizontally.	 
(The possibility of the occurrence may be 
reduced by setting the shutter speed lower.) 
						

							18
Before using the camera
Always take trial shots•
• When•shooting•important•events•(such•as•weddings),•make•sure•to•take•trial•shots•to•confirm•that•sound•and•image•are•being•properly•recorded•before•actual•shooting.
Be sure to check and set the calendar and time zone •
• These
•settings•affect•the•control•and•playback•sequence•of•recorded•contents.•Check•and•set•the•calendar•and•time•zone•before•shooting.•(Page•33)
There are no guarantees for recorded content •
• In
•the•unl

ikely
•eve
 nt
•tha
 t
•con
 tent
•tha
 t
•was•not•rec
 orded
•due•to•a•mal
 function
•in•the•cam
 era
•or•the•mem
 ory
•card•in•use,•please•understand•that•no•compensation•can•be•provided.
Copyrights •
• Copyright
•laws•forbid•the•use•of•video•and•audio•material•that•you•recorded•for•any•purpose•other•than•your•own•personal•enjoyment.
Caution regarding laser beams •
• The
•MOS•sensor•may•suffer•damage•if•the•lens•is•subjected•to•light•from•a•laser•beam.•When•using•the•camera-recorder•in•locations•where•laser•irradiation•equipment•is•used,•be•careful•not•to•allow•the•laser•beam•to•shine•directly•on•the•lens.
Media that can be used with this camera •
• SD/SDHC/SDXC
•memory•cards•can•be•used.•See•page•14•for•details.
Attaching the camera to a tripod •
• The
•tripod•hole•supports•1/4-20UNC•and•3/8-16UNC•screws.•Use•it•according•to•the•fixing•screw•diameter•of•the•tripod.
•
• The•depth•of•the•tripod•hole•is•5.5•mm.•Do•not•tighten•the•tripod•screw•excessively•when•attaching•this•camera•to•a•tripod.
Attach the tripod \
to the tripod hole\
 on the bottom sid\
e.
Before use 
						

							19
Before use
 
 ■What is AVCHD?
AVCHD	is	a	standard	for	recording	and	playback	of	high	definition	video.
Video	is	compressed	in	the	MPEG-4	AVC/H.264	format,	and	audio	is	recorded	in	Dolby	Digital	or	linear	PCM.
 ■ What is DV?
DV	is	a	format	that	adopts	the	AVI	Type2	file	format	that	can	record	and	play	back	video	in	DV	mode.
It records audio in linear PCM format.
Regarding SDHC/SDXC memory card and recorded video compatibility, take note 
of the following:
SDHC/SDXC memory cards
 • SDHC/SDXC	memory	cards	cannot	be	used	with	non-SDHC/SDXC-
compatible equipment.
 •	When	using	another	device,	ensure	that	it	supports	SDHC/SDXC	memory	cards.
Compatibility of video recorded in AVCHD mode
 • Recorded video cannot be used with non-AVCHD-compatible equipment.
 •Playback may not always be possible on all AVCHD-compatible equipment. In such instances, play your 
video using this camera.
 •This	camera	supports	the	system	formats	59.94	Hz	and	50	Hz.
In	AVCHD	mode,	contents	in	different	system	formats,	recorded	in	59.94	Hz	and	in	50	Hz	cannot	exist	on the same memory card. 
Compatibility of video recorded in DV mode
 • This	camera	supports	the	system	formats	59.94	Hz	and	50	Hz.	In	DV	mode,	contents	in	different	system	formats,	recorded	in	59.94	Hz	and	in	50	Hz	can	exist	on	the	same memory card. 
 •When playing back memory cards recorded using the DV mode of the camera \
in Panasonic AG-HMC80 
series
-
 [?] is displayed on the clip on the thumbnail screen.
- The playback will be images only. Audio is not played back.
- You cannot delete or repair a recorded clip, or add or remove a shot mark\
.
 • When playing back a memory card recorded using a camera in Panasonic AG-HMC80 series on this 
camera
-
 [?] is displayed on the clip on the thumbnail screen.
- Both image and audio can be played back.
- You cannot delete or repair a recorded clip, or add or remove a shot mark\
.
 • For details about clips, see “Thumbnail screen” (Page 55 of Vol.2). 
						

							20
Optional accessories
 •XLR microphone
AG-MC200G
 •Battery
VW-VBG6	(7.2	V

,
	5800/5400	(typ./min.)	mAh)
Battery*Battery charger(for AG-AC160AEJ)AC power supply cables (for AG-AC160AEJ/AEN)
TYPE BFTYPE C
Eye cup (Page
 29)AC adaptor/DC cord (for AG-AC160AEJ)AC power supply cables (for AG-AC160AEJ)
For the U.K.For areas other than the U.K.
Shoulder strap (Page 28)AC adaptor (Battery charger)/
DC cord
(for AG-AC160AP/AEN)
AC power supply cables (for AG-AC160AP)Wireless remote control and 
coin battery (CR2025) (Page
 29)
Microphone holder(Page 67 of V ol.2)Microphone holder screws(Page 67 of V ol.2)
M4 length 6 mm (2 pieces)
M4 length 12 mm (2 pieces)
Microphone holder adaptor (Page 67 of V ol.2)CD-ROM
	- Operating	Instructions	(PDF)	- AVCCAM	Restorer	Software	- AVCCAM	SD	Card	File	Recovery	Software
The	following	accessories	are	attached	to	the	unit.
Lens cap (Page 28)INPUT terminal cap(2 pieces)Lens hood (Page 28)Hand strap (Page 27)
*	 The	battery	provided	with	this	product	is	CGA-E/625.	If	you	need	an	additional	battery ,	see	the	following	optional	
accessories	list.
	•Consult	your	dealer	when	purchasing	additional	accessories.	•Adequately	process	the	AC	cord	cap	and	the	packaging	material	after	taking	out	the	product.
Accessories