For new Panasonics 300, 170's is the date and time correctly set straight out of the box? In other words, do you need to set the date and time on a new straight out of the box camera?

Anyone?

Yes, you do need to set the correct time and time zone if you want your metadata to be correct. And the 170 even has the capacity to superimpose the time and date just like your dad used to do with that big old VHS shoulder mounted monster from the late 70s/early 80s. Why they put that and digital zoom on a $5,000.00 prosumer camera is beyond me.

Dan

Dan B is correct.
Unless they are using GPS to get the date and time how would Panasonic know where in the world the camera would end up with a customer.

The date and time stamp is important for legal depositions style recording. Of course it can be derived from the signal but Lawyers are reassured when it is part of the visual picture.

Digital zoom might be used on an emergency basis but is not something they should have spent time on with this level of camera

Thanks...that's what I needed to know.