The AG-AC30

V1.00E1

Table of contents
1.Available formats.........................................................................................................................................................4
1-1. AG-AC30PJ, AG-AC30PB (59.94Hz model) .......................................................................5
1-2. AG-AC30EJ (50Hz model) .................................................................................................5

2.Preparation before Shooting....................................................................................................................................6
2-1. Major IN/OUT connectors ..................................................................................................7
2-2. Record mode settings ........................................................................................................8
2-3. Audio input settings ............................................................................................................8
2-4. Record modes and required speed class of SD memory cards ..........................................92-5. Mounting to Tripod .............................................................................................................9

3. MENU settings........................................................................................................................................................ 10
CAMERA SETUP.................................................................................................................... 12
SYSTEM MODE ..................................................................................................................... 13
USER SW ............................................................................................................................... 15
SW SETUP ............................................................................................................................. 17
RECORD SETUP ................................................................................................................... 19
AUDIO SETUP ....................................................................................................................... 20
OUTPUT SETUP .................................................................................................................... 21
DISP SETUP .......................................................................................................................... 22
OTHER FUNCTIONS ............................................................................................................. 23
MAINTENANCE...................................................................................................................... 24

4.Understanding advanced features..................................................................................................................... 25
4-1. Understanding Focus assist features ............................................................................... 26
4-2. Understanding Dual memory card slots ........................................................................... 27
4-3. Using built-in LED light..................................................................................................... 28
4-4. Understanding Time stamp feature .................................................................................. 29

5. Understanding CAMERASETUP operations............................................................................................ 30
5-1. Expressing the texture of objects (detail enhancement) ................................................... 31
5-2. COLOR adjustment ......................................................................................................... 35

6.After recording.......................................................................................................................................................... 36
6-1. Connecting to PC/Mac ..................................................................................................... 37
6-2. File structure of SD memory card ..................................................................................... 37
6-3. Folder name structure for MOV/MP4 folders .................................................................... 382

7.Appendix.................................................................................................................................................................... 39
7-1. Recording time in each video setting (AG-AC30PB,PJ - 59.94Hz model) ......................... 40
7-2. Recording time in each video setting (AG-AC30EJ - 50Hz model) ................................... 41
7-3. Battery runtime ................................................................................................................ 42
7-4. Output signal format (AG-AC30PJ,PB - 59.94Hz model).................................................. 43
7-5. Output signal format (AG-AC30EJ - 50Hz model) ............................................................ 44
7-6. Genuine accessories ....................................................................................................... 45

3

1. Available formats4

1. Available formats
The AG-AC30 camera recorder is a full HD and SDTV ready camera recorder that is equipped with
1/3.1 type(inch), 60.3M pixel imager and wide-angle 29.5mm (35mm equivalent) built-in lens A fullHD images in MP4/MOV formats can be selected. And also possible to select lower bitrate
HD/SD images in AVCHD format.

1-1. AG-AC30PJ, AG-AC30PB (59.94Hz model)
MP4/MOV

Resolution

Bit-rate (Average)

Audio

50Mbps

LPCM

59.94p1920x1080

59.94i29.97p23.98p59.94p(PS mode)

25Mbps

59.94i(PH mode)

21Mbps23.98p(PH mode)

21Mbps1920x1080

59.94i(HA mode)

17Mbps1440x1080

59.94i(HE mode)

5Mbps

1280x720

59.94p(PM mode)

8Mbps

720x480

59.94i(SA mode)

9Mbps

1920x1080
AVCHD

Frame rate

Dolby Digital

1-2. AG-AC30EJ (50Hz model)
MP4/MOV

Resolution

Frame rate

Bit-rate (Average)

Audio

50Mbps

LPCM

50p
1920x1080

50i
25p
50p

(PS mode)

25Mbps

AVCHD

1920x1080
50i(PH mode)

21Mbps1920x1080

50i(HA mode)

17Mbps1440x1080

50i(HE mode)

5Mbps

1280x720

50p(PM mode)

8Mbps

720x576

50i(SA mode)

9Mbps

Dolby Digital52. Preparation before
Shooting

62. Preparation before shooting
2-1. Major IN/OUT connectors
Image resolution of HDMI and VIDEO OUT signals vary depend on the system settings. See P.43
for the details.

Battery charge indicator
12V DC IN(Capable of battery
charge)Headphones out(Ø3.5mm stereo mini jack)
Wired remoteterminals

Analog audio & video out

USB2.0 DEVICE terminal(Type micro-B connector)
For connection between acomputerUSB2.0 HOST terminal(Type-A connector)
For external storage
device connection.

HDMI output(Type-A connector)

7

2. Preparation before shooting
2-2. Record mode settings
Set the resolution and frame-rate, etc. with MENU > “SYSTEM MODE” where the following menu
items are available.
MENU > SYSTEM MODE
- REC MODE : MOV, MP4 or AVCHD- REC FORMAT: Choose a combination of the number of pixels and bitrate (see P.4)

2-3. Audio input settings
The AG-AC30 can handle up to 2 channels of audio and record them.
1. Set CH SELECT switches (A) for audio source selection (built-in MIC / external)
2. When external input is chosen, set attenuation type (LINE, MIC) and phantom powering option
with INPUT1/2 switches (B). Input levels for LINE and MIC inputs can be set with MENU >AUDIO SETUP.
3. Set record level adjustment mode (AUTO / MANUAL) with MENU > AUDIO LEVEL CH1/CH2.

(B) (A)

Audio record level can be set with the AUDIO LEVEL knob (c) when set to MANUAL.

(C)
-12dB

0dB

8

2. Preparation before shooting
2-4. Record modes and required speed class of SD memory cards
SD memory cards require a higher writing speed when recording at high bitrates.
table shows the minimum speed class necessary for each bitrate.
Recordmode

Minimum required speed
class

Record bit rate
Super slow mode

The following

Speed classsymbols

UHS Speed Class3

MOV/MP4UHS Speed Class1
50MbpsClass10

AVCHD

5 to 28Mbps

Class4* UHS-II SD memory cards are not supported.

2-5. Mounting to Tripod
The AG-AC30 is equipped with an industrial standard 1/4-20UNC sized screw hole.

Use screws shorter than 5.5mm in length, otherwise damage may occur to internal parts.

93. MENU settings10

3. MENU settings
3-1. MENU items overview

MENU
CAMERA SETUP (Image related settings)[P.12]SYSTEM MODE (Fundamental settings such as CODEC etc.)[P.13]

USER SW (Assign functions to USER buttons)[P.14]SW SETUP (Gain, WB and other operation related settings)[P.17]

RECORD SETUP (Recording related such as Pre-REC, TC set)

[P.19]

AUDIO SETUP (Input gain and other audio related settings)[P.20]OUTPUT SETUP (HDMI, EVF/LCD output related settings)[P.21]DISP SETUP (Selection of items to be shown on EVF etc.)[P.22]OTHER FUNCTION (Media format, Calendar setting etc.)[P.23]

MAINTENANCE (Firmware version display etc.)[P.24]

11

3. MENU settings
CAMERA SETUP
Value
Menu item

Description(Factory default setting
underlined)

SCENE MODE

Recall CAMERA SETUPs.

OFF / Sports / Portrait /Soft skin / Spotlight / Snow
/ Beach / Sunset / Scenery/ Fireworks / Night Scenery

SHARPNESS

Adjust image contour correction level for
entire image.

-5 - 0 - +5

COLOR

Adjust saturation of color.

-5 - 0 - +5

EXPOSURE

Adjust brightness-10 - 0 - +10

AWB Ach ADJUSTAWB Bch ADJUSTBACKLIGHT
COMPENS.
DRSLEVEL SHOTFLASH BANDCOMPENSATION

NR CONTROL

Fine-tune the AWB adjustment result inA-channel (to make it more/less Blueish
or Reddish).
Fine-tune the AWB adjustment result in
B-channel (to make it more/less Blueish
or Reddish).
Switch auto iris mode to backlight mode.
The backlight mode can prevent
underexposure when the lighting is
illuminating from behind the subject.
Turn ON/OFF Dynamic Range Stretcher(DRS) function.
Turn ON/OFF horizontal image balancecompensation.
Turn ON/OFF the image compensation
function, which allows removing
flash-band effects from an image.
Sets noise reduction level. Effectbecomes stronger when value isincreased, and image aliasing could beseen in exchange for that.

12-5 - 0 - +5

-5 - 0 - +5

ON / OFFON / OFFON / OFFON / OFF-5 - 0 - +5

3. MENU settings
SYSTEM MODE
Menu item

Description

Value(Factory default setting underlined)

REC MODE

Set record file format.

MOV / MP4 / AVCHDREC FORMAT

Set image quality of video to berecorded. (resolution, frame rate,
and bit-rate)

Available formats vary dependingon the system frequency and REC
mode settings.
See P.4 for the details.

ASPECT CONVERTCAMERA NUMBER
SET

Set image aspect ratio when
REC FORMAT is set to
SA 480/59.94i (AG-AC30P)
or SA 576/50i (AG-AC30EJ).
Set camera identification
number. This number is used asa part of footage folder’s title
when MOV or MP4 file format isselected.
See P.38 for the footage folder
name structure.

13

SIDE CROP / SQUEEZE

0–9

3. MENU settings
USER SW feature
Features can quickly be recalled from 9 user assignable buttons. (5 of them are physical buttons
and 4 are available as a part of the touch screen.)
USER 5(REC CHECK)USER 1(LCD/EVF)

LCD screen

USER 2(BACK LIGHT)

USER 3(O.I.S.)

USER 4(FOCUS ASSIST)

How to assign?

MENU > USER SW > Assign any function to any button.

* See next page for assignable functions including their details.

14

3. MENU settings
USER SW
The following table shows all functions that can be assigned to the USER buttons.
Menu item
Description
INHIBITThe USER button is disabled (nothing is assigned).

FOCUS
ASSIST1,2

BLACK FADE
WHITE FADE

Turn ON/OFF the FOCUS ASSIST function. See 4-1. Understanding Focus
assist features (P.26) for further details of this function.
Switch auto iris mode to backlight mode. The backlight mode can prevent
underexposure when the lighting is illuminating from behind the subject.
Apply fade-in/out effect to video (black) and audio.
Apply fade-in/out effect to video (white) and audio.

SLOT SEL

Switch SD memory card slots for recording/playing back.

ATW LOCK

Fix the white balance aligned by ATW mode.
Use Digital Zoom (electronic image magnification) feature.
The magnification ratio can be chosen from x2, x5, x10, or can be toggled
through them.
Plays last 2 seconds of the last recorded clip on the SD memory card.
Delete the last clip from the SD memory card.
Turn ON/OFF the dynamic range stretcher function. The DRS works tominimize saturated blacks and overexposure.
Turn ON/OFF freeze frame feature. A still image is on the screen while thisfeature is working.
Turn ON/OFF the Super Gain control. The gain value to be boosted can be
set using the “SUPER GAIN” item of the SW SETUP menu.
[SUPER GAIN values that can be set] 30dB or 36dB
The following features can be enabled by touching (pointing) the subjects
on the built-in LCD screen.

BACKLIGHT

D.ZOOM
REC CHECKLAST SCN DELDRSFRZ FRAME
SUPER GAIN

AREA

PUSH AF[Selectable items for AREA mode]
INH： No function is assigned.
FOCUS： Adjust the focus so that the pointed subject is in focus.
IRIS： Adjust the iris so that aperture level is appropriate for the pointed
subject.
Y GET： Indicate Y level of the pointed subject.
FOCUS/IRIS： Adjust both focus and iris for the pointed subject.
FOCUS/YGET： Adjust focus and indicate Y level of the pointed subject.
Focus mode becomes AUTO while keep pressing the button in MANUAL
focus mode.

CAPTURE

Create a still image from camera image or recorded video.

EVF/LCD DETAIL

Make focusing easier by enhancing the subject’s edge on the viewfinderand built-in LCD monitor.
The level of this enhancement and the frequency can be set using the“EVF/LCD PEAK LEVEL” and “EVF/LCD PEAK FREQ.” items of the DISP
menu.

15

3. MENU settings
USER SW <continued>
The following table shows all functions that can be assigned to the USER buttons.
Menu item
Description
Select the display device. (Always displayed on either Built-in LCD
LCD/EVF OUTPUT
monitor or EVF)
Display a level gauge on the viewfinder for the horizontal and vertical
LEVEL GAUGE
axis’. Inclinations can be indicated up to approx. 45 degrees in thehorizontal, and up to approx. 10 degrees in the vertical directions.
LEVEL SHOT
Turn ON/OFF horizontal image balance compensation.
Turn ON/OFF the image compensation function, which allows removing
FLASH BAND
flash-bands from the image.
Turn ON/OFF the pre-record mode. This mode allows the camera to start
PRE-REC
recording video and audio approx. 4 sec (in MOV/MP4 mode, 3 sec in the
AVCHD mode) before the REC/PAUSE button is pressed.
SUPER SLOW

Turn ON/OFF super slow (120fps) record mode.

AUTO REC

Turn ON/OFF sending the embedded REC-Start/-Stop signal to external
recorders connected via HDMI OUT.

O.I.S.

Turn ON/OFF the optical image stabilizer.

ZEBRA

Turn ON/OFF the ZEBRA indicator.

MENU

Open MENU.

16

3. MENU settings
SW SETUP
Menu item
IRIS RING

SUPER GAIN

AGC LIMITHYBRID O.I.S

SLOW SHUTTER

Value

Description(Factory default setting underlined)

Set the IRIS control direction of
the IRIS ring.
Set GAIN value in the SUPERGAIN mode, which is available
as one of the user assignable
functions.
Set the upper limit of theamplifier while in AUTO mode.
Turn ON/OFF electrical image
stabilizer which works inaddition to the optical one.
Set auto slow shutter mode
(ON or OFF) while in AUTO
mode.
The auto slow shutter mode
adjusts shutter speed (to makeit slower) when light intensity is
not sufficient.

DOWN OPEN / UP OPEN

33dB / 36dB

3 / 6 / 9 / 12 / 15 / 18 / 21 / 24 / 27 / 30dB
ON / OFFON / OFF

FOCUS ASSIST1

Set focus assist type

EXPAND / PEAKING / BOTH

FOCUS ASSIST2

Set focus assist type

EXPAND / PEAKINGPEAKING
COLOR

Set highlighting color for thepeaking focus assist.
Set highlighting level of thepeaking focus assist.

PEAKING LEVEL

Red / Blue / Yellow / White-7 – 0 – +7

INH, FOCUS, IRIS, YGET, FOCUS/IRIS,
FOCUS/YGET
INH：No function is assigned.
FOCUS：Adjust the focus so that the
pointed subject is in focus.

AREA MODE

Choose the feature that works
when tapping the subject on
the built-in LCD.

IRIS：Adjust the iris so that aperture levelis appropriate for the pointed subject.
Y GET：Indicate Y level of the pointed
subject.
FOCUS/IRIS：Adjust both focus and iris
for the pointed subject.
FOCUS/YGET：Adjust focus and indicate
Y level of the pointed subject.

17

3. MENU settings
SW SETUP <continued>
Menu item
ZEBRA MODE

Description
Set the display period of
ZEBRA.

Value (Factory default setting underlined)
CONTINUE / MOMENT (5sec)
TYPE 1

TYPE 2BARS TYPE

Set the type of color bars.

TYPE 3

SUB REC BUTTON

Use one of the REC buttons
on the carrying handle.

SUB ZOOMUse one of the zoom leverson the carrying handle.

ACTIVE / INHIBITOFF / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

DIGITAL ZOOM

i. ZOOM

Set magnification ratio of thedigital zoom.
Activate electronic image
zoom feature, which can
extend zoom ratio up to x40
while maintaining a certain
image quality.

18* Zoom speed becomes faster as thenumber increases.
x2 / x5 / x10 / TOGGLE

ON / OFF3. MENU settings
RECORD SETUP
Menu item

Value

Description(Factory default setting underlined)

MEDIA SELECT

Select media slot for recording.

SD CARD1 / SD CARD22SLOT FUNC.

Set the record mode, which uses
dual memory card slots.

OFF / RELAY REC /SIMULTANEOUS
OFF / 1SEC / 10SEC / 30SEC /1MIN / 2MIN

INTERVAL REC

Set record interval time (pausetime) of time-lapse recording.

For AG-AC30PJ,PB*Available in FHD1080/29.97p
50M, and HA1080/59.94i modes.
For AG-AC30EJ*Available in FHD1080/25p 50M,
and HA1080/50i modes.

SUPER SLOW

Turn ON/OFF high frame rate
record mode.
at 120fps (AG-AC30PB, PJ)
at 100fps (AG-AC30EJ)

ON / OFF

PRE-REC

Turn ON/OFF the pre-record
mode. This mode allows thecamera to start recording the video
and audio (approx. 4 sec in the
MOV/MP4 mode, 3 sec in the
AVCHD modes) before the REC
button is pressed.

ON / OFFON / OFF
Superimpose calendar information
on video image and record.
TIME STAMP(Available since firmware version
1.03)*Does not function underfollowing conditions.
- SA480i or SA576i is chosen as
REC FORMAT.
- DATE/TIME item is set to OFF- Freeze frame function is ON- Super Slow mode is ON

DF MODE

Set timecode drop frame mode.

DF / NDF

TCG

Set timecode count mode.

FREE RUN / REC RUNTC PRESET

Set initial value of timecode.

--193. MENU settings
AUDIO SETUP
Menu item
AUDIO LOW CUT CH1

AUDIO LOW CUT CH2

Description
Reduce the level of low
frequency sound on audio
channel 1.
Reduce the level of low
frequency sound on audio
channel 2.

Value(Factory default setting underlined)

ON / OFFON / OFF

AUDIO LEVEL CH1

Set audio level adjustmentmode for audio channel1.

AUTO / MANUAL

AUDIO LEVEL CH2

Set audio level adjustmentmode for audio channel2.

AUTO / MANUAL
ON / OFF

AUDIO ALC LINK

Auto Level Control (ALC)
effect links audio CH1 andCH2.
When this item is set to“ON”, ALC works on both
CH1 audio and CH2 audio.

AUDIO ALC CH1

Use Auto Level Control on
audio channel 1.

ON / OFF

AUDIO ALC CH2

Use Auto Level Control on
audio channel 2.

ON / OFFINPUT1 LINE LEVEL

Set audio level of audio
channel 1. (LINE level)+4dBu / 0dBu

INPUT2 LINE LEVEL

Set audio level of audio
channel 2. (LINE level)+4dBu / 0dBu

INPUT1 MIC LEVEL

Set audio level of audio
channel 1. (MIC level)-40dB / -50dB / -60dB

INPUT2 MIC LEVEL

Set audio level of audio
channel 2. (MIC level)-40dB / -50dB / -60dB

20

Set the following menu items asshown below to use this feature.
- AUDIO LEVEL CH1: MANUAL- AUDIO LEVEL CH2: MANUAL- AUDIO ALC CH1: ON- AUDIO ALC CH2: ON

3. MENU settings
OUTPUT SETUP
Menu item

Value (Factory default setting

Description

underlined)

RESOLUTION

Set resolution of output video
signal.

SYSTEM /1080p /1080i /DOWN
CONV.
The type of signal available on the
output varies and will depend on REC
format setting. See P.43 for the details.

DOWN CONV.

Set the display mode of adown converted image.

SIDE CROP / LETTERBOX /SQUEEZE

REMOTE REC

Inserts the REC/PAUSE
trigger signal on HDMI OUT.
This allows the camera tocontrol REC/PAUSE functionsof an external recorder.

ON / OFFREMOTE REC LINK

Set the way to control the
remote REC/PAUSE of an
external recorder.

ON: Remote REC/PAUSE can be
performed with the REC button.
OFF: Remote REC/PAUSE can be
performed with the user assignablebuttons (AUTO REC function).

HDMI TC OUTPUT

H/PHONE MODE

VOLUMETEST TONE
LCD/EVF OUTPUT

Insert timecode signal on
HDMI OUT.
Select audio output mode on
headphones out and AV out.
Choose “LIVE” when delay is
audible between audio andactual sound.
Headphone volume
adjustments can be made withthe built-in jog dial.
Set the test tone level.
Set the way to use the LCD
and EVF monitors.

21

ON / OFFLIVE / RECORDING
Fixed to “RECORDING” when an
HDMI cable connected.
ON / OFFOFF / LEVEL1 (loud) / LEVEL2 (low)LCD / EVF

3. MENU settings
DISP SETUP
Menu item
ZEBRA DETECT1ZEBRA DETECT2
MARKERGUIDE LINES

Value (Factory default setting

Description

underlined)

Set the zebra pattern(right downward).
Set the zebra pattern(right upward).
Display the spot meter marker.
Select and show the guide line
pattern.

50% - 80% - 105%
50% - 100% - 105%
ON / OFF

/

/

/ OFF

16:9 90% / 4:3 / 14:9 / 1.85:1 / 2:1 /2.35:1 / 2.39:1 / OFF
SAFETY ZONECENTER MARKER
REC COUNTERVIDEO OUT OSD
DATE/TIMEDATE FORMATLEVEL GAUGEHISTOGRAM

AUDIO LEVELMETERLENS STATUS

CARD&BATTERY

Select and show the safety zone
marker.

Show the center marker.
Set the counting method ofrecord counter.
Show the EVF characters on an
external video monitor.
Set the display format of date
and time.
Set the display format ofcalendar.
Show a level gauge to check thepitch and roll levels.
Display distribution of brightnessof the image for a quick check of
exposure. The histogram chartconsists of “brightness” on thehorizontal axis, and “frequency
of appearance” on the vertical
axis.
Show audio level meter.
Show following item information.
Zoom, OIS, Iris, Gain, focus
position, white balance, shutter
speed, horizontal balancecompensation, built-in LED light.
Show remaining time of SD cardand battery.

22*Following items can be selected
when SA 480i or 576i mode isselected and “SIDE CROP” isselected for the ASPECT CONV
menu item.
 4:3 90% / 4:3 / OFF
ON / OFFTOTAL / SCENE
ON / OFFOFF / TIME / DATE / DATE&TIME
Y/M/D, M/D/Y, D/M/Y
ON / OFFON / OFFON / OFFON / OFFON / OFF3. MENU settings
DISP SETUP <continued>
Menu item

Value

Description(Factory default setting underlined)

Show the information otherthan the following.
OTHER DISPLAY

POWER LCD
LCD SETEVF SETSELF SHOOTEVF COLOR

EVF/LCD DETAIL
EVF/LCD PEAKLEVEL
EVF/LCD PEAKFREQ.

USER buttons, Guide lines,
Safety zone, Center marker,
Date&time, Audio level meter,
Lens status, remaining time
(SD card and battery)
Boost up brightness of LCD
panel for outdoor use.
Adjust image characteristics ofthe built-in LCD monitor.
Set brightness of the
viewfinder.
Set display mode of thebuilt-in LCD monitor. Choose“MIRROR” when performing
self-portrait recording. (Image
can be inverted horizontally.)
Turn OFF color image display
on the Viewfinder.
Turn ON edge enhancement
feature on the viewfinder andthe built-in LCD monitor foreasy focusing.
Set enhancement level in the
EVF/LCD DETAIL setting.
Set enhancement frequency in
the EVF/LCD DETAIL setting.

ON / OFF-1 / 0 / +1
COLOR, BRIGHTNESS, CONTRAST
BRIGHT / NORMAL / DARKMIRROR / NORMAL

ON / OFFON / OFF
-3 – 0 - +3
HIGH / LOW

OTHER FUNCTIONS
Menu item
FORMAT MEDIA
MEDIA STATUS
REC LAMP
CLOCK SETTIME ZONERING LED (BLUE)
RING LED (RED)

Description
SD cards and external drives
can be formatted.

Value (Factory default setting underlined)---

Show remaining record timeof SD cards.
Set the tally lamp to be usedduring the recording.
Set the clock.
Set the time difference
between the current location
and Greenwich Mean Time
(GMT).
Turn ON/OFF Built-in LED
ring light in blue.
Built-in LED ring lights inblue while in recording.

23--ON / OFF-----

ON / 5SEC. / OFF
ON / OFF3. MENU settings
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Menu item

QUICK POWER
ON

ALERT SOUNDECONOMY(BATTERY)

Description
Time to be ready to start
recording after power ON
can be shorten to approx. 1
sec when set to ON.
Zoom position returns to x1
when switched ON with it.
Set the beep alert volume,
which occurs when touching
the screen or
starting/stopping recording.
Turn ON/OFF the economy
mode, which automaticallyturns power OFF when no
operation is detected forfive minutes while thecamera is battery-powered.

Value (Factory default setting underlined)

ON / OFFON / OFF*It does not function under the following
conditions.
-PRE-REC is activated-While in USB connection mode
ON / OFFECONOMY(AC)

Turn ON/OFF the economy
mode, which automaticallyturns power OFF when no
operation is detected for 15
minutes while AC-powered.

USB MODE

Enable/disable the USB
connection mode

ON / OFFUSB MODESELECT

Set USB connection mode.

HOST / DEVICEHOST: When connect to external storages.
DEVICE: When connect to PC/Mac.

INITIAL SET

NUMBER RESETSOFTWARE INFOLANGUAGE

Restore the product tofactory settings.
Return the clip number to“0001” when MOV/MP4 files
or still pictures are recorded
next time.
Show license information on
a PC connected via USB
interface.
Set the MENU language.

*It does not function under the following
conditions.
-PRE-REC is activated-While in USB connection mode

YES / NO--License information can be viewed on the
PC with “LICENSE.txt” generated from thecamera.
---MAINTENANCE
Menu item
VERSION
UPDATE
HOUR METER

Value

Description(Factory default setting underlined)

Show the current firmware
version.
Executes the firmware
update.
Show the following operation
hours and times (cumulative)

24-------

4. Understanding
advanced features

25

4. Understanding advanced features
4-1. Understanding Focus assist features
How to use
1. Set the FOCUS mode to MANUAL.
2. Press the FOCUS ASSIST button located at the left side of the unit or assign the FOCUS
ASSIST function to any assignable USER buttons. (MENU > USER SW > any USER button
number : FOCUS ASSIST1 or FOCUS ASSIST2)

FOCUS ASSIST button

3. Choose assist type to be recalled with the USER button.
(MENU > SW SETUP > FOCUS ASSIST1 or 2: EXPAND / PEAKING / BOTH)

EXPANDPart of image can be magnified from 3 to 10
times.
The position to be magnified can be specified bytapping the touch screen).
Image magnification turns OFF when the REC
button is hit.

PEAKING

Adding colored highlights to in-focus edges.
Highlighting level can be adjusted and its color
can also be selected from four different colors:
MENU> SW SETUP > PEAKING COLOR(Parameter: RED, BLUE, YELLOW, WHITE)> SW SETUP > PEAKING LEVEL:(Parameter: -7 – 0 – +7)26

4. Understanding advanced features
4-2. Understanding Dual memory card slots
Following two recording modes are available with dual SD memory card slots.
RELAY REC
Recording is taken over between two slots continuously and automatically (video and audio
data are seamlessly record). Cards became full can be exchanged even while in recording.

Slot #1

RecordSlot #2

RecordCard change

RecordCard change

RecordNote: The maximum record duration per scene (clip) is 10 hours, recording stops once whenrecord time reached at 10 hours and start recording automatically after a few second.

SIMULTANEOUS
Record the same content onto two SD cards simultaneously. Even if recording stops on one
card, recording on the other card continues.
This mode cannot be used if mounted SD card types (example SDHC or SDXC) are different.
Slot #1

RecordSlot #2

RecordUsing the 2Slot features
MENU > RECORD SETUP > 2SLOT FUNC: OFF / RELAY REC / SIMULTANEOUS
NOTE: RELAY record mode does not function under the following conditions.
- When Super Slow mode is ON.
- When Interval recording mode is ON.

27

4. Understanding advanced features
4-3. Using built-in LED light
The AG-AC30 is equipped with an LED light withfollowing performanceLux : Approx. 300lx(70lx with a diffusion filter comes standard)Color temperature : Approx. 5,000K(3,000K with a color conversion filter comes standard)
Illuminating angle : Approx. 30°

With a diffusion filter (70lx)

With a color conversion filter (3,000K)

Without filter (300lx, 5,000K)

28Light switch

4. Understanding advanced features
4-4. Understanding Time stamp feature
A Time stamp feature is available since firmware ver1.03. The feature allows to burn in thetime/date information in the footage. Download the firmware at http://panasonic.biz/sav/pass_e.

Date/time is burnt-in as a part of image.
1. Set MENU > DISP SETUP > DATE/TIME item to show date/time information.

2. Set MENU > RECORD SETUP > TIME STAMP to “ON” to enable the feature.

3. R symbol appears at the lower-bottom corner while the time stamp feature is functioning.

* Time stamp feature does not function under following conditions.
- REC FORMAT is set to SA480/59.94i or SA576i/50i- DISP SETUP menu is set to OFF (TIME STAMP item can be set to ON but it does not function.)- Freeze frame or Super Slow record mode is in use.

29

5. Understanding
CAMERA SETUP
operations30

5. Understanding CAMERA SETUP operations
5-1. Expressing the texture of objects (detail enhancement)
When expressing the outline or surface texture of an object, faint reflection of light may beintensified or, to the contrary, the picture may look blurred. This is a phenomenon caused by thestrength / weakness of Detail signal to intensify the video signal for the object’s outline.
Adjustment of Detail signal can make the object’s luster or texture look more natural.
SHARPNESS +5

SHARPNESS -5

31

5. Understanding CAMERA SETUP operations
SHARPNESS +5

Magnified

SHARPNESS -5

Magnified32

5. Understanding CAMERA SETUP operations
Detail control
This is an outline signal which is added to a video signal.
If the Detail level is increased, the edges of video signal will be intensified and outlines in the
picture will look sharper. If the Detail level is decreased, the edges of video signal will be
weakened and the picture will look softer with its outline enhancement suppressed.

Luminance level

Luminance signal
with No detail signal

Black & White chart
time
Waveform for 1 line

Luminance signal
with detail signal

Detail level: LOW

MENU > CAMERA SETUP >Detail level: HIGH

(Factory default settings underlined)[SHARPNESS] -5 - - - 0 - - - +5
Adjusts the level of overall Detail effect.

33

5. Understanding CAMERA SETUP operations
Effect comparison of detail control by changing SHARPNESSSHARPNESS +5 (Border becomes sharper)
Brightness

Details signal level : Max

SHARPNESS -5 (Border becomes softer)

No detail signal on the edge.

34

5. Understanding CAMERA SETUP operations
5-2. COLOR adjustment
MENU > CAMERA SETUP >(Factory default settings underlined)[COLOR] -5 - - - 0 - - - +5
Adjusts the level of overall color.

COLOR +5

COLOR -535

6. After recording36

6. After recording
6-1. Connecting to PC/Mac
Recorded clips can be transferred rapidly between PC/Mac over USB2.0 interface.

USB2.0 cableUSB
Micro-B connector

How to connect
1. Turn ON the power of the AG-AC30 camera.
2. Set MENU > OTHER FUNCTIONS > USB MODE SELECT: DEVICE
3. Turn OFF the power of the camera and connect to the PC/Mac with a USB2.0 cable.
4. Turn ON the power and tap “PC” on the touch screen to switch to the PC connection mode.
* The built-in LCD panel will turn OFF for 5 seconds straight after connection is establishedwhen battery powered (the LCD panel works again when tapped).
* Data cannot be written from PC/Mac to the mounted SD card.

6-2. File structure of SD memory card
Files stored:a) Still pictures captured with AG-AC30b) Video clips in MOV formatc) Video clips in MP4 formatd) Still pictures generated from video clipse) Thumbnails (AVCHD clips)f) AVCHD video clips (.MTS format)g) For file management only

* Several kind of different files are stored under PRIVATE folder for AVCHD clips. Always copy the
PRIVATE folder as a file set. Copying *.MTS files only may cause clip to be unplayable.

37

6. After recording
6-3. Folder name structure for MOV/MP4 folders
Following information determines the folder names that stores clips in MOV/MP4 formats.

Folder name example

100YARH0
Camera number (D)Video format (C)Frame rate (B)Resolution (A)Folder number

Foldernumber

100 -(A) Resolution(B) Framerate(fps)(C) Video format(D) Camera
number

Y: 1920 x 1080

A: 59.94
B: 50
C: 29.97
D: 25
F: 23.98

J:Interlace (MOV, LPCM)
K:Interlace (MP4, LPCM)
Q:Progressive (MOV, LPCM)
R:Progressive (MP4, LPCM)

0 to 9What is ‘Camera number’?
This is to allow users to identify the camera by looking at recorded folders. Any number from0 to 9 can be set with the following menu item.
MENU > SYSTEM MODE > CAMERA NUMBER SET: 0 to 938

7. Appendix

39

7. Appendix
7-1. Recording time in each video setting (AG-AC30PB,PJ - 59.94Hz
model)

MP4, MOV format
Memory card capacity

Record format
FHD

1080/59.94p

50MbpsFHD

1080/29.97p

50MbpsFHD

1080/23.98p

50MbpsFHD

1080/59.94i

50Mbps

16GB

64GB

40min

2h 40min

AVCHD
Memory card capacity

Record format

16GB

64GB

1080/59.94p

1h 20min

5h 20minPH 1080/59.94i

1h 30min

6h 00minPH 1080/23.98p

1h 30min

6h 00min

HA 1080/59.94i

2h 00min

8h 30minHE1080/59.94i

6h 40min27h 30minPM

720/59.94p

4h 15min17h 10min

SA 480/59.94i

4h 00min16h 30min

PS40

7. Appendix
7-2. Recording time in each video setting (AG-AC30EJ - 50Hz model)

MP4, MOV format
Memory card capacity

Record format
FHD

1080/50.00p 50Mbps

FHD

1080/25.00p 50Mbps

FHD

1080/50.00i

16GB

64GB

40min

2h 40min

50Mbps

AVCHD
Memory card capacity

Record format

16GB

64GB

1080/50.00p

1h 20min

5h 20minPH 1080/50.00i

1h 30min

6h 00min

HA 1080/50.00i

2h 00min

8h 30minHE1080/50.00i

6h 40min27h 30minPM

720/50.00p

4h 15min17h 10min

SA 480/50.00i

4h 00min16h 30min

PS41

7. Appendix
7-3. Battery runtime
Part number

VW-VBD29(Comesstandard/optional)

Voltage & Capacity(Minimum)

Hours tocharge *1

Operation
time A *2

Operation
time B *3

7.2V, 2,900mAh

3h 15min4h 5min2h 10min

7.2V, 5,800mAh

5h 15min

8h 30min

4h 30min

7.28V, 5,900mAh

5h 30min

8h 30min

4h 30min

7.28V, 8,850mAh

8h 5min12h 50min

6h 45minVW-VBD58 (Optional)

VW-VBR59 (Optional)

VW-VBR89 (Optional)*1. When power switch of the AG-AC30 unit is turned OFF. The times may become longer when
the unit is turned ON.
*2. Reference time without performing any operation, in AVCHD PH1080/59.94i mode, built-in LCD
monitor “ON”, no device connected to HDMI & ANALOG OUT.
*3. Reference time when perform “REC Start/stop”, “Power ON/OFF”, and “Zoom IN/OUT”
repeatedly as an assumption of actual operations.

42

7. Appendix
7-4. Output signal format (AG-AC30PJ,PB - 59.94Hz model)
Output signal

Setting
FormatFHD 59.94p
PS 59.94p

FHD 59.94i
PH 59.94i
HA 59.94i
HE 59.94i

RESOLUTION setting

HDMI OUT

VIDEO OUTSYSTEM

1080/59.94p

--

1080p

1080/59.94p

--

1080i

1080/59.94i--

DOWN CONV

480/59.94p

480/59.94i

SYSTEM

1080/59.94i

--

1080p

1080/59.94p

--

1080i

1080/59.94i--

DOWN CONV

480/59.94p

480/59.94i

SYSTEM

1080/29.97p

--

1080p

1080/59.94p

--

1080i

1080/59.94i--

DOWN CONV

480/59.94p

480/59.94i

SYSTEM

1080/23.98p

--

1080p

1080/59.94p

--

1080i

1080/59.94i--

DOWN CONV

480/59.94p

480/59.94i

SYSTEM

720/59.94p

--

1080p

1080/59.94p

--

1080i

1080/59.94i--

DOWN CONV

480/59.94p

480/59.94i

SYSTEM

480/59.94p

480/59.94i

FHD 29.97p

FHD 23.98p
PH 23.98p

PM 720/59.94p

SA 480i437.
付録
7. Appendix
7-5. Output signal format (AG-AC30EJ - 50Hz model)
Output signal

Setting
FormatFHD 50.00p
PS 50.00p

FHD 50.00i
PH 50.00i
HA 50.00i
HE 50.00i

RESOLUTION setting

HDMI OUT

VIDEO OUTSYSTEM

1080/50.00p

--

1080p

1080/50.00p

--

1080i

1080/50.00i--

DOWN CONV

576/50.00p

576/50.00i

SYSTEM

1080/50.00i

--

1080p

1080/50.00p

--

1080i

1080/50.00i--

DOWN CONV

576/50.00p

576/50.00i

SYSTEM

1080/25.00p

--

1080p

1080/50.00p

--

1080i

1080/50.00i--

DOWN CONV

576/50.00p

576/50.00i

SYSTEM

720/50.00p

--

1080p

1080/50.00p

--

1080i

1080/50.00i--

DOWN CONV

576/50.00p

576/50.00i

SYSTEM

576/50.00p

576/50.00i

FHD 25.00p

PM 720/50.00p

SA 576i

44

7. Appendix
7-6. Genuine accessories
Fixing screw for Mic holder(12mm in length)
Part No. XSB4+12FJK (1pc)

Eye cupPart No. SYA0019

Diffusion filter
Part No. SYA0071

Lens hoodPart No. SYK1497

Color conversion filter
Part No. SYA0072

Battery pack (2,900mAh)

AC Adaptor

AV CablePart No.：AG-VBD29

Part No. SAE0011AF

Part No. K2KYYYY00048

Mic holder

XLS connector cap

Lens cap

Part No. VYC1146

Part No. VJF1468 (1pc)Part No. SYA0073* Part number and design are subject to change without notice.

45

7. Appendix
Optional accessory
Battery pack (AG-VBR batteries support quick charging with AG-BRD50 quick charger)

AG-VBR89G(8,850mAh)

AG-VBR59(5,900mAh)

Battery charger

AG-BRD50(Support quick charging with
AG-VBR batteries)

VW-VBD58(5,800mAh)

Microphone

AG-B23(AC cord comes standard)Part number and design are subject to change without notice.

46

AG-MC200G(+48V, XLR)

Revision history
IssuedMay 2017

Revision history
First edition issued

Documentver.
v1.00E47

Panasonic Corporation
Download firmware, check frequently asked questions at
https://panasonic.biz/cns/sav/pass_e

48