Troubleshooting - General Camcorder Information

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A Clicking sound is heard when the unit is shaken


This is the sound of the lens moving and is not a defect.


This sound will no longer be heard when the unit is turned on and switch to Recording Mode.


This information applies to models: HC-V770, HC-VX870, HC-WX970, HC-X1, HC-WXF1, HC-V800, HC-VX1, HC-V180, HC-V210, HC-V270, HC-V380, HC-V500, HC-V510, HC-V520, HC-V550, HC-V700, HC-V720, HC-W580, HC-X1500, HC-X2000

Battery runs down quickly


Possible cause and solutions

  • Charge the battery again to ensure it is sufficiently charged.
  • When this unit is purchased, the battery is not charged. Charge the battery fully before using this unit for the first time
  • In cold places, the battery using time becomes shorter. It is recommended to charge the battery in a temperature between 10 °DegreesC and 30 °DegreesC (50 °DegreesF and 86 °DegreesF). (The battery temperature should also be the same.)
  • The battery has a limited life. If the operating time is still too short even after the battery is fully charged, the battery has worn out and needs to be replaced.

Please note:

We recommend using Panasonic batteries. If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee the quality of this product.


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.


This information applies to models: HC-V770, HC-VX870, HC-WX970, HC-X1, HC-WXF1, HC-V800, HC-VX1, HC-V180, HC-V210, HC-V270, HC-V380, HC-V500, HC-V510, HC-V520, HC-V550, HC-V700, HC-V720, HC-W580, HC-X1500, HC-X2000

Images/sounds cannot be seen/heard when connected to an external monitor

  • Change the setting of the unit depending on the cable connecting to the external monitor.
  • Check if the HDMI cable is connected correctly.
  • Insert the HDMI cable all the way in.
  • Please read the operating instructions of your TV and select the channel that matches the input used for the connection.
  • For models HC-V720, HC-WXF1, HC-V800, HC-VX1:
    • The audio during playback mode is not output from this unit when connected to a TV. Sound levels cannot be adjusted using this unit, so adjust the sound on the TV.

This information applies to models: HC-V720, HC-WXF1, HC-V800, HC-VX1, HC-X1, HC-X1500, HC-X2000

SD Card is not recognized if inserted in another device


Check that the device is compatible with the capacity or type of SD card that you inserted. Refer to the operating instructions of your device for details.


Compatible SD Card Types

  • SD Memory Card (Not applicable to models: HC-X1, HC-X1500, HC-X2000)
  • SDHC Memory Card
  • SDXC Memory Card

This information applies to models: HC-WXF1, HC-V800, HC-VX1, HC-V180, HC-V210, HC-V270, HC-V380, HC-V500, HC-V510, HC-V520, HC-V550, HC-V700, HC-V720, HC-W580, HC-VX870, HC-X1, HC-X1500, HC-X2000

Unit cannot be operated though it is turned on


Possible cause and solutions

  • Remove the battery or AC adaptor, wait about 1 minute and then reconnect the battery or AC adaptor. Then about 1 minute later, turn on the unit again. (Conducting this operation while the media is being accessed (SD card, external drive) may damage the data on the media.)
  • If normal operation is still not restored, detach the power connected, and Contact an Authorized Panasonic Service center. For information on service select "Support Links" then "Service locator".

This information applies to models: HC-WXF1, HC-V800, HC-VX1, HC-X1, HC-V180, HC-V210, HC-V270, HC-V380, HC-V500, HC-V510, HC-V520, HC-V550, HC-V700, HC-V720, HC-W580, HC-VX870

Unit cannot be turned on. No Power


Possible cause and solutions

  • Charge the battery again to ensure it is sufficiently charged.
  • When this unit is purchased, the battery is not charged. Charge the battery fully before using this unit for the first time.
  • In cold places, the battery using time becomes shorter. It is recommended to charge the battery in a temperature between 10 °C and 30 °C (50 °F and 86 °F). (The battery temperature should also be the same.)
  • Make sure the power is set to the On position.
  • The battery has a limited life. If the operating time is still too short even after the battery is fully charged, the battery has worn out and needs to be replaced.
  • If the battery is charged and the power is set to the On position, service may be required.

We recommend using Panasonic batteries. If you use other batteries, we cannot guarantee the quality of this product.

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.


This information applies to models: HC-V770, HC-VX870, HC-WX970, HC-X1, HC-WXF1, HC-V800, HC-VX1, HC-V180, HC-V210, HC-V270, HC-V380, HC-V500, HC-V510, HC-V520, HC-V550, HC-V700, HC-V720, HC-W580, HC-X1500, HC-X2000

Unit does not operate normally


Possible cause and solutions

  • Remove the battery or AC adaptor, wait about 1 minute and then reconnect the battery or AC adaptor. Then about 1 minute later, turn on the unit again. (Conducting this operation while the media is being accessed (SD card, external drive) may damage the data on the media.)
  • If normal operation is still not restored, detach the power connected, and Contact an Authorized Panasonic Service center. For information on service select "Support Links" then "Service locator".

This information applies to models: HC-WXF1, HC-V800, HC-VX1, HC-X1, HC-V180, HC-V210, HC-V270, HC-V380, HC-V500, HC-V510, HC-V520, HC-V550, HC-V700, HC-V720, HC-W580, HC-VX870

When connected by the USB Cable, this unit is not detected by the other devices


Possible cause and solutions

  • Disconnect USB cable and remove card, the re-insert the SD card into the unit, then reconnect the USB Cable.
  • Select another USB terminal on the PC.
  • Connect the USB Cable again after restarting the PC and turning on this unit again.
  • For models HC-X1, HC-X1500, HC-X2000: These units support a USB 3.0 connection.

This information applies to models: HC-V180, HC-V210, HC-V270, HC-V380, HC-V500, HC-V510, HC-V520, HC-V550, HC-V700, HC-V720, HC-V800, HC-VX1, HC-VX870, HC-W580, HC-WXF1, HC-X1, HC-X1500, HC-X2000

When the USB Cable is disconnected, an error message will appear on the PC


To disconnect the USB Cable safely, double-click the USB Safe-eject icon in the task tray and follow the instructions on the screen.


This information applies to models: HC-WXF1, HC-V800, HC-VX1, HC-X1, HC-V180, HC-V210, HC-V270, HC-V380, HC-V500, HC-V510, HC-V520, HC-V550, HC-V700, HC-V720, HC-W580, HC-VX870, HC-X1500, HC-X2000

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