Hello and welcome to another tutorial from our MEA How-To Series.

This is the Panasonic X1 ENG camera.

We also have the Panasonic UX-90 ENG camera.

While these cameras may slightly differ, our training is the same for each.

Let’s first talk about how the Panasonics are packed when you receive them.

The camera is housed in this black Manfrotto bag.

Inside the bag, you’ll find:

The Panasonic camera.

A Rode Wireless Go compact wireless microphone system. 

A handheld microphone.

A 10-foot XLR cable.

One camera battery.

And a camera light.

Remember, the camera kit MUST ALWAYS be returned to us in this manner.

But first, let’s focus on the camera.

You can see, the camera is sitting with the lens side facing the red foam barrier.

The back end of the camera rests alongside the cushion.

Next to the camera is the Rode wireless mic pack.

Notice how the pack is laying in its own compartment.

Be sure to watch our tutorial on this item.

Below that, you’ll find a stick microphone, XLR cable, and a light panel.

To the right is one battery – this is housed in its own compartment and should be the only item in this area.

Now that you know what comes with the camera kit, we must remind you – all items must be returned to us in the same condition and location that you received it.

We recommend that you take a photo of how each item is packed before you use them.

Now, let’s talk more about the physical nature of the camera.

The top of the camera is home to one of two zoom rockers, one of two record buttons, the LCD screen, a cold shoe mount, and the shotgun microphone connected to audio input 1. 

To pull out the LCD screen, grip the exposed part of the screen and gently pull it out. 

Turn the screen to the angle that works for you.

The battery is housed in the battery slot on the back of the camera. 

Align the battery properly with the contacts facing down and slide it into place. 

The battery is locked once you hear a click and feel it become immobile.

To remove the battery, press and hold the battery release button while sliding the battery up and out.

On the left side of the camera body, you’ll find several buttons.

The selector for ND filter, the auto iris, focus assist, the selector for auto focus and manual focus, the SD card slots, the audio switches, the buttons for gain, white balance, menu, shutter and a switch for auto and manual.

Taking a look at the lens, The smallest ring is the iris ring.

Moving further to the left is the zoom ring.

Finally, you have the focus ring.

Next to that is the switch that opens and closes the lens.

Moving the switch up opens the lens.

Moving the switch down closes the lens. 

On the top right side of the camera body, you’ll find the other zoom rocker.

Audio Input 1 is where your shotgun microphone is plugged in. 

It should not be removed for any reason.

Behind the rear right side door of the camera, you’ll find the headphone jack.

Below is Audio Input 2. This is where your XLR cable connects the camera to your handheld microphone or your wireless microphone.

Moving further to the right is the power switch and record button.

Move the white switch down to turn the camera on, and up to turn the camera off.

But Let’s leave that switch on and dive into the camera’s OS.

On the screen, you’ll see several status items. 

On the top left, your timecode

Below, the recording media status for the SD cards. You can use up to two at a time.

Next, the resolution, bitrate, and frame rate.

On the top right you’ll see the battery life.

Below that optical image stabilization

Next is white balance.

Following that is gain.

Next is shutter. 

After that is Focus

Finally is zoom.

On the bottom are the audio channels.

Next, we’ll discuss how to format your SD card.

It should be noted that formatting your card deletes all data on the card.

You should format your card only after you’ve downloaded your footage to a secure folder.

First, press the menu button.

Scroll down to other functions.

Then format media.

Select SD Card 1

Select YES twice.

The camera is now formatting.

Your card has now been formatted.

Now, let’s move on to the main menu.

Press the menu button. 

Go to system mode.

Then record format.

You should select FHD 1080/29.97p 50M.

Now that your video settings are ready to go, let’s move on to audio.

Open this door to access the audio settings.

Input 1 should be set to Mic +48 volts, also known as phantom power.

Channel 1 select should be Input 1.

Input 2 should be set to Mic.

Channel 2 select should be Input 2.

And that’s it! 

You’ve now completed basic training on the Panasonic ENG camera.