Panasonic

Panasonic AG-HMC150P

Answers and step-by-step fixes from the official Panasonic manual.

What does the screen display say?

• NO CARD: No memory card in the slot. The camera can't find an SD card to record to or play from.
• CARD FULL.: Card has no space left. There is no room left on the SD card to record more video.
• CHECK CARD: Card could not be read correctly. The camera had trouble reading the card when it was inserted.
• CARD ERROR. PLEASE REFORMAT.: Card formatting has failed. The camera could not use the card as it is and needs it reformatted.
• CARD DOOR OPENED.: Card slot cover is open. The memory card door is open, so the camera cannot access the card.
• CHECK USB CABLE.: USB cable not connected. The camera is in PC mode but can't see a computer connection.
• SYSTEM ERROR TURN POWER OFF: A system error has occurred. Something went wrong internally, often while accessing the card.
• THIS BATTERY CANNOT BE USED.: Battery not supported. The camera does not recognize the battery as a compatible Panasonic pack.
• THE CLIP IS PROTECTED. PLEASE CANCEL PROTECTION.: Clip is locked from deletion. You tried to delete a clip that has protection turned on.
• SET DATE AND TIME: Calendar not set. The camera needs the date and time set before it can proceed.
• REPAIR CLIP?: Camera is offering to repair a clip. This appears after a card was removed or power was lost during recording.
• CANNOT RECORD. THE NUMBER OF CLIPS HAS EXCEEDED THE MAXIMUM LIMIT.: Too many clips on the card. The card already has the maximum number of clips the camera allows.
• CANNOT SET PRE-REC, CARD CAPACITY TOO LOW.: Not enough room for PRE REC. PRE REC needs some free space on the card, which is currently too low.
• THE RECORDING IS STOPPED (OVER THE LIMITATION): Recording hit the time limit. The camera can only record continuously for a set maximum length.
• REC WARNING: A recording error occurred. The camera hit a problem while recording.
• CANNOT RECORD: Recording could not start or continue. An error occurred that prevented recording.
• UNABLE TO FORMAT.: Card could not be formatted. The camera could not complete formatting this card.
• INCOMPATIBLE CARD. PLEASE CHECK CARD.: Card may not work with this camera. Recording may not succeed with the card that is inserted.
• DISCONNECT USB CABLE.: USB cable needs to be unplugged. The camera needs the USB cable disconnected before changing modes.
• WRITE PROTECT: Card is locked against writing. The card's physical write-protect switch is set to LOCK.

Common problems

The camera won't turn on, or it shuts off by itself

1. Are the battery and AC adapter connected properly? Check the connections again if there is no power at all.
2. Has it been sitting in recording pause for a while? The camera automatically turns off to save the battery.
3. Is the battery empty? Check the battery display on screen for a blinking or empty icon.

The camera won't record to the SD card

1. Is the write-protect switch set to LOCK? A locked card cannot be recorded to.
2. Is the card nearly full? Save your footage elsewhere and delete clips you don't need, or use a different card.
3. Was the card formatted by this camera? Cards formatted on a computer or other device may not work properly.

Playback or TV viewing isn't working

1. Is the camera in PB (playback) mode? Press the mode button so the PB lamp is lit before trying to play.
2. Is the TV set to the right video input? Select the correct input on the television for the cable you connected.
3. Is the volume turned down? Turn it back up with the AUDIO MON/ADV button.

The computer doesn't recognize the camera

1. Is the camera switched to PC mode? CAM mode and PB mode will not be recognized by the computer.
2. Have you tried a different USB port? Some USB ports on a computer may not work with the camera.
3. Have you restarted the connection? Power cycle the camera and reconnect the cable.

Step-by-step guides

Format an SD memory card

1. Set the camera's power switch to ON.
2. Press the MENU button.
3. Select CARD FUNCTIONS then CARD FORMAT from the menu.
4. Select YES on the screen that appears.
5. Select YES again on the confirmation screen.
6. Press the MENU button to finish.

Recharge the battery

1. Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.
2. Align the battery with the mark and insert it fully.
3. Keep charging until the CHARGE lamp goes out.
4. If the lamp flashes instead, check the connectors for dirt or dust.

Repair a damaged SD memory card

1. Turn the camera on with the card still inserted.
2. Select YES to begin repairing.
3. Wait while the card is repaired.