Panasonic Camera Not Recording? A Troubleshooting Guide
A Panasonic security camera is a reliable piece of equipment, but when it stops recording, it can be a real concern. Whether you're recording to an SD card, a network drive (NAS), or a DVR/NVR, this guide will help you diagnose and solve the most common recording problems.
Recording failures typically fall into three categories: issues with the storage media, incorrect configuration and settings, or network problems.
Step 1: Troubleshoot SD Card Recording
For cameras recording locally to a microSD or SD card, the card itself is the most common point of failure.
- Check Compatibility: Ensure you are using an SD card that meets Panasonic's specifications. It should be a reputable brand and have a sufficient speed class (Class 10 or higher is recommended for video).
- Format the Card in the Camera: This is a crucial step. An SD card needs to be formatted by the camera to ensure the correct file system and directory structure are created. Go into the camera's setup menu (usually via a web browser or the dedicated app), find the 'SD Card' settings, and use the 'Format' or 'Initialise' function. Be aware that this will erase all data on the card.
- Check Card Health: SD cards have a finite lifespan, and the constant writing process of a security camera can wear them out. If the camera reports an error with the card or formatting fails, the card may be faulty. Test it in a computer to see if it can be read from and written to. If not, it needs replacing.
- Overwrite Settings: Check if the 'Overwrite' or 'Loop Recording' feature is enabled. If this is turned off, the camera will stop recording once the SD card is full.
Step 2: Verify Recording Configuration and Schedule
A simple misconfiguration is often the reason for a lack of recordings.
Check the Recording Mode
Access your camera's settings and navigate to the recording section. You will typically find several modes:
- Off: No recording will take place.
- Continuous / Always: The camera records 24/7.
- Event / Motion / Alarm: The camera only records when motion is detected or another alarm is triggered.
- Schedule: Recording is dictated by a user-defined timetable.
Ensure you have selected the correct mode for your needs.
Review the Schedule
If you are using schedule-based recording, open the schedule settings. It is usually displayed as a grid representing the hours of the day and days of the week. Make sure the time slots where you expect recording to happen are correctly enabled. Also, verify that the camera's internal clock has the correct date, time, and time zone. An incorrect clock will cause the schedule to fail.
Motion Detection Settings
If you're using motion-triggered recording, ensure the 'Motion Detection' feature is enabled. You may also need to configure 'Activity Zones' to define the specific areas of the image where you want to detect motion. Check the sensitivity level—if it's too low, it may not pick up the movement you want to capture.
Step 3: Troubleshoot Network Recording (NAS/DVR)
If you're recording to a network location, the troubleshooting is different.
- Check Network Connectivity: Can the camera successfully 'ping' the network storage device? Use the camera's network diagnostic tools to test the connection. Ensure both the camera and the storage device are on the same network.
- Verify Credentials: The camera will need a username and password to access the network share. Double-check that these credentials are correct and that the user account has 'read and write' permissions for the target folder.
- Check Firewall Rules: A firewall on your router, NAS, or computer could be blocking the connection from the camera. Temporarily disable the firewall to see if recording starts. If it does, you will need to create a specific rule to allow traffic from the camera's IP address.
By methodically working through these storage, configuration, and network checks, you can identify the root cause of the recording failure and get your Panasonic camera working correctly again.