Scene files





About Scene Files for the AG-HVX200/HVX200A

The AG-HVX200A, AG-HPX170 and the AG-HPX500 are cameras that have a similar menu structure that is unique among the Panasonic line of cameras because each of these cameras has a scene file dial, allowing the operator to choose one of six scene files, also referred to as "looks." In reality, the look is only a portion of the total scene file. A look changes the way the camera sees tones and color, but a scene file can change everything about the way a camera performs.

Each of these scene files contains only one look, rather than six different looks that customarily change with each turn of the scene file dial.

To change a look, you must change the scene file's parameters for tone and color. Panasonic has done that for you by creating many different scene files for each of these cameras.

There are 20 scene files for the HVX200A. Eighteen are for color variations, and two are for quick shutter/frame rate manipulation (FILMFPS, SHUTEFX). Each file contains six scene files that change with the rotation of the scene file dial on the rear of the camera (F1-F6).

When taken with the factory defaults, these provide a total of 26 different looks for the camera. FILMFPS is based on the FILMIC look. Each file advances the frame rate accordingly to facilitate rapid frame rate selection without entering the menus.

  • (F1) 12fps
  • (F2) 18 fps
  • (F3) 24 fps
  • (F4) 30 fps
  • (F5) 48 fps
  • (F6) 60 fps

SHUTEFX is also based on FILMIC, with the following fps and shutter combinations that are used most frequently. The first number represents the frame rate, and the second number corresponds to the shutter angle. Shutter must be set to synchro scan.

  • (F1) 24-10A frame rate for film that produces a very sharp image or can be used when more ND is needed.
  • (F2) 24-180The normal exposure for film use.
  • (F3) 24-350Will soften the image slightly, while increasing the exposure one stop.
  • (F4) 60-10Extremely crisp slomo, useful for motion analysis. Requires a LOT of light.
  • (F5) 60-350Smoothes out slomo, while increasing exposure to compensate for the light loss of the frame rate.
  • (F6) 12-10Useful for movies and music videos to produce that edgy effect that, when played at 12fps, allows frames to be up twice as long on the screen and small particles of explosions, dirt, liquid etc. to be clearly visible.

Many of the files have color spaces that are not "legal" by NTSC standards. This is because the colors are oversaturated. Because HD has no such "legal" limits, these colors can be captured by the camera but will be clipped in an NTSC transmission. However, they are useful when used in HD display or in a filmout. Nevertheless, it must be understood that oversaturation produces a diminished sense of form in the oversaturated colors that tend to emphasize a graphic or 2D effect on the image consistent with the flattening of the three-dimensional form. These effects are further enhanced or diminished by lighting choices on the set.

The scene files, CRISP, ADDSTOP and MUSICVD2 all use the synchro scan shutter. While the choice of degrees has been made in the menu, you are required to use the Shutter switch on the front of the camera to set the shutter to the synchro scan position, at which time the degree angle from the menu appears on your LCD display.

Installing Scene Files

To change the scene files in your camera please follow these steps.
  1. Insert an SD card into the SD slot in your camera. Press MENU. Navigate to Card functions and format the card.
  2. Now, you must save the current scene files that are in the camera to the SD card in order to create a folder that will be used to receive the new scene files. CARD FUNCTIONS>SCENE FILE>YES>FILE SELECT>WRITE
  3. Remove the SD card and insert it in your computer using a card reader (or the SD slot in your PC).
  4. Click on and open the SD card's icon to see its contents. You will see a folder named PRIVATE. Navigate down through the layers of folders until you get to the last folder, P2SD, and you will see that its contents contain one or more files labeled SCENE1.TXT, SCENE2.TXT and so on, but be aware that no more than four will function on a card.
  5. Drag these files to the trash.
  6. Using up to four of the files supplied by Panasonic, replace their names with the same names as the files that went to the trash. All files at this level must be named accordingly or they will not be seen and read by the camera. No names can be duplicated. That is there can only be one SCENE1.TXT etc.
  7. Now, drag these files to the folder that formerly held the other .TXT files and eject the card from the computer
  8. Insert the SD card in the camera.
  9. Press MENU and navigate to 8. CARD FUNCTIONS>SCENE FILE.
  10. 10. The four names of the scene files will appear in a list. You must choose one of these to load into your camera. Once you do that, you may choose from the six files by rotating the scene fie dial on your camera.
  11. For the 200A and 500 cameras, each of the looks supplied by Panasonic starts with a file that has a default frame rate in position one. The other five files are identical, except for a change in frame rate. They are:
  12. DEFAULT
    24 fps
    12 fps
    18 fps
    48 fps
    60 fps