Panasonic Memory Card Camera Recorder AG-AC8P Operating Instructions

							- 11 -
∫
About the external stereo 
microphone
External stereo microphone
1 Microphone condenser
2 Cable Holder
3 Lock ring
4 Mini plug and Cable
5 Shoe
6 Plug section
Attaching the external stereo 
microphone to the unit
1 Attach the microphone to the 
accessory shoe.
1 Loosen the lock ring.
2 Attach the microphone.
3 Firmly tighten the lock ring.
≥ Do not apply excessive force on the lock ring.
≥ Make sure that the microphone is securely 
attached.
2 Connect the plug to the external 
microphone terminal.
≥Check that the unit is turned off. Connecting 
or removing the microphone while the unit is 
turned on may cause malfunction.
≥ You can fasten the excess cable by tucking it 
into the cable holder.
≥ When removing the microphone, disconnect 
the plug, and then remove the microphone in 
reverse order of attaching.
≥ Hold the lock ring when mounting or 
removing the microphone.
1
2
3
4
6
5
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							- 12 -
∫
About batteries that you can use with this unit
The battery that can be used with this unit is VW-VBD29/CGA-D54.
Inserting/removing the battery
≥Set the power switch to OFF to turn off the unit. ( l18)Install the battery by inserting it in the direction shown in the figure.
Preparation
Power supply
It has been found that counterfeit battery packs which look very similar to the genuine 
product are made available to purchase in some markets. Some of these battery packs 
are not adequately protected with internal protection to meet the requirements of 
appropriate safety standards. There is a possibility that these battery packs may lead to 
fire or explosion. Please be advised that we are not liable for any accident or failure 
occurring as a result of use of a counterfeit battery pack. To ensure that safe products are 
used we would recommend that a genuine Panasonic battery pack is used.
Removing the batteryBe sure to set the power switch to OFF and 
the status indicator goes off. Then remove the 
battery while supporting the unit to prevent it 
from dropping.
While pressing the battery release button, 
remove the battery.
Insert the battery until it clicks and locks. 
						

							- 13 -
Charging the battery
The unit is in the standby condition when the AC adaptor is connected. The primary circuit is always 
“live” as long as the AC adaptor is connected to an electrical outlet.
Important:
≥Use the supplied AC adaptor. Do not use the AC adaptor of another device.
≥ Do not use the AC cable with any other equipment as it is designed only for this unit. Also, 
do not use the AC cable from other equipment with this unit.
≥ The battery can be charged if the unit is turned on.
≥ It is recommended to charge the battery in a temperature between 10 oC and 30 oC (50  oF 
and 86 o F). (The battery temperature should also be the same.)
A DC input terminal
B Charging lamp
1Connect the AC cable to the AC adaptor, then the AC outlet.
2Connect the AC adaptor to the DC input terminal.≥As the charging lamp lights up green, charging starts. It will turn off when the charging is 
completed.
≥
When the charging lamp is flashing at approximately 4 second intervals (off for approx. 2 seconds, 
on for approx. 2 seconds), the battery is over discharged or the temperature of the battery is too 
high or low. It can be charged, but it may take a few hours to complete the charging normally. 
When the charging lamp is flashing at approximately 0.5 second intervals (off for approx. 0.25 
seconds, on for approx. 0.25 seconds), the battery is not charged. Please refer to page 11 9 .
∫Connecting to the AC outlet
It is possible to use this unit with power supplied from the AC outlet by turning on the unit with the 
AC adaptor connected.
When recording for a long time, keep the AC adaptor connected and use it together with the battery. 
This allows you to continue the recording even if a power failure occurs or the AC adaptor is 
unplugged from the AC outlet by accident.
≥We recommend using Panasonic batteries ( l14).
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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							- 14 -
≥If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee the quality of this product.
≥ Do not heat or expose to flame.
≥ Do not leave the battery(ies) in a car exposed to direct sunlight for a long period of time with 
doors and windows closed.
Charging and recording time
∫ Charging/Recording time
≥Temperature: 25 oC (77  oF)/humidity: 60%RH
≥ When using the viewfinder (times in parentheses are when using the LCD monitor)
≥ These charging times are for when the unit is turned off.
≥ “h” is an abbreviation for hour, “min” for minute.
≥ These times are approximations.
≥ The indicated charging time is for when the battery has been discharged completely. 
Charging time and recordable time vary depending on the usage conditions such as high/
low temperature.
≥ If the unit is turned on, charging will take twice to three times longer than the table above.
Battery model number
[Voltage/Capacity  (minimum)]Charging timeRecording formatMaximum 
continuous 
recordable timeActual 
recordable  time
Supplied battery/
[7.2 V/2900 mAh] 4h[PS 1080/60p]
5h5min
(4 h 50 min) 3h5min
(3 h)
[PH 1080/60i] 5h20min
(5 h 5 min) 3h15min
(3 h 5 min)
[HA 1080/60i]/ [HG 1080/60i] 5h20min
(5 h 5 min) 3h20min
(3h10min)
[HE 1080/60i] 5h30min
(5 h 15 min) 3h25min
(3h15min)
[PM 720/60p] 5h25min
(5 h 5 min) 3h20min
(3h10min)
[SA 480/60i] 5h40min
(5 h 20 min) 3h30min
(3h20min)
CGA-D54 (optional) [7.2 V/5400 mAh] 7h[PS 1080/60p]
9h55min
(9 h 30 min) 6h10min
(5h50min)
[PH 1080/60i] 10h25min
(9 h 55 min) 6h30min
(6h10min)
[HA 1080/60i] 10h30min
(10 h) 6h30min
(6h10min)
[HG 1080/60i] 10h35min
(10 h) 6h30min
(6h10min)
[HE 1080/60i] 10h50min
(10 h 20 min) 6h45min
(6h20min)
[PM 720/60p] 10h35min
(10h5min) 6h35min
(6h15min)
[SA 480/60i] 11h10min
(10 h 35 min) 6h55min
(6h30min) 
						

							- 15 -
≥The actual recordable time refers to the recordable time when repeatedly starting/stopping 
recording, turning the unit on/off, moving the zoom lever etc.
≥ The batteries heat up after use or charging. This is not a malfunction.
Battery capacity indication≥The display changes as the battery capacity reduces.  #### 
If the battery discharges, then   will flashes red.
≥ If the unit is charged while it is turned on,   will be displayed on the screen.   will 
disappear after charging is complete.
≥ As long as the charging lamp is flashing, charging is not complete even after   has 
disappeared. For more details, please refer to page  11 9. 
						

							- 16 -
The unit can record still pictures or motion pictures to an SD card. To record to an SD card, read the 
following.
Cards that you can use with this unit
Use SD cards conforming to Class 4 or higher of the SD Speed Class Rating* for motion 
picture recording.
* SD Speed Class Rating is the speed standard regarding continuous writing. Check 
via the label on the card, etc.
≥When using an SDHC Memory Card/SDXC Memory Card with other equipment, check the 
equipment is compatible with these Memory Cards.
≥ An Eye-Fi X2 series SD card is required to use functions related to Eye-Fi. ( l82)
≥ We do not guarantee the operation of SD cards other than the ones above. Further, SD cards 
with a capacity of less than 32 MB cannot be used for motion picture recording.
≥ 4 GB or more Memory Cards that do not have the SDHC logo or 48 GB or more Memory Cards 
that do not have the SDXC logo are not based on SD Memory Card Specifications.
≥ When the write-protect switch  A on SD card is locked, no recording, deletion 
or editing will be possible on the card.
≥ Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.
Preparation
Recording to a card
Card typeCapacity
SD Memory Card 512MB/1GB/2GB
SDHC Memory Card 4 GB/6 GB/8 GB/12 GB/16 GB/24 GB/32 GB
SDXC Memory Card48 GB/64 GB
e.g.:
32 
						

							- 17 -
Inserting/removing an SD card
Caution:
Check that the access lamp has gone off.
1Open the SD card cover and insert 
(remove) the SD card into (from) 
the card slot B.
≥ One SD card can be inserted into each of the 
card slot 1 and the card slot 2.
≥ Face the label side  C in the direction shown 
in the illustration and press it straight in as far 
as it will go.
≥ Press the center of the SD card and then pull 
it straight out.
2Securely close the SD card cover.≥Securely close it until it clicks.
≥Do not touch the terminals on the back of the 
SD card.
≥ Do not apply strong shocks, bend, or drop the 
SD card.
≥ Electrical noise, static electricity or the failure 
of this unit or the SD card may damage or 
erase the data stored on the SD card.
≥ When the card access lamp is lit, do not:
jRemove the SD card
j Turn the unit off
j Insert and remove the USB cable
j Expose the unit to vibrations or shock
Performing the above while the lamp is on 
may result in damage to data/SD card or this 
unit.
≥ Do not expose the terminals of the SD card to 
water, dirt or dust. ≥
Do not place SD cards in the following areas:
jIn direct sunlight
j In very dusty or humid areas
j Near a heater
j Locations susceptible to significant 
difference in temperature (condensation 
can occur.)
j Where static electricity or electromagnetic 
waves occur
≥ To protect SD cards, return them to their 
cases when you are not using them.
≥ About disposing of or giving away the SD 
card. ( l120 )
When using an SD card not from Panasonic, or one previously used on other equipment, for the 
first time on this unit, format the SD card. (
l25) When the SD card is formatted, all of the 
recorded data is deleted. Once the data is deleted, it cannot be restored.


Access lamp  A≥When this unit is accessing the SD card, 
the access lamp lights up. 
						

							- 18 -
Set the power switch to ON while pressing the lock release button B to turn on 
the unit.
A The status indicator lights on.
≥To turn on the unit again after the [ECONOMY (BATT)] or [ECONOMY (AC)] is activated, set the 
power switch to OFF once, and then to ON again. ( l103 )
Operate the mode switch to change the mode to  ,   or  .
Preparation
Turning the unit on/off
Preparation
Selecting a mode
Motion Picture Recording Mode ( l27)
Still Picture Recording Mode (l 28)
Playback Mode ( l32, 67 )

To turn off the unitSet the power switch to OFF while 
pressing the lock release button.
The status indicator goes off. 
						

							- 19 -
The viewfinder is turned off and the LCD monitor is turned on when the LCD monitor is opened. 
The viewfinder is turned on when the LCD monitor is closed.
How to use the touch screen
You can operate by directly touching the LCD monitor (touch screen) with your finger.≥The unit supports both operations using the cursor buttons and operations using the touch 
screen. Select the optimal method according to the situation.
≥ In this operating instructions, the majority of functions are described on the basis of 
operations using the cursor buttons.
∫ Touch
Touch and release the touch screen to select icon or 
picture.
≥Touch the center of the icon.
≥ Touching the touch screen will not operate while you 
are touching another part of the touch screen.
∫ Slide while touching
Move your finger while pressing on the touch screen.
∫About the operation icons
≥To operate the following icons using the cursor buttons, select the desired icon using the 
cursor buttons and then press the button in the center. (Excluding some functions)
///:
These icons are used to switch the menu and 
thumbnail display page, for item selection and setting 
etc. :
This icon is used to return to the previous screen such 
as when setting menus.
≥ Do not touch on the LCD monitor with hard pointed tips, such as ball point pens.
Preparation
Using the LCD monitor/Viewfinder 
						

							- 20 -
LCD monitor adjustment
≥These settings will not affect the images actually recorded.
This makes it easier to view the LCD monitor in bright places including outdoors.
Select the menu. ( l23)
* It is not displayed in the Manual Mode or in the Playback Mode.
≥ When the AC adaptor is in use, the LCD monitor is set to   automatically.
≥ Recordable time with the battery is shortened when the LCD is made brighter.
It adjusts brightness and color density on the LCD monitor.
1 Select the menu. (l23)
2 Select the desired setting items and press the button in the center.
3 Adjust settings using the cursor button right or left.
4 Select [ENTER] and press the button in the center.
≥Select [EXIT], then press the button in the center or press the MENU button to complete the 
setting.
[POWER LCD]
: [SW & DISP SETUP]  # [POWER LCD] # desired setting
(Makes even brighter)/ (Makes brighter)/ (Normal)/ (Makes less bright)/
*(Automatic adjustment)
[LCD SET]
: [SW & DISP SETUP]  # [LCD SET]
[BRIGHTNESS]:Brightness of the LCD monitor
[COLOR]:Color level of the LCD monitor
MENU
+2+10-1A
+1
MENU