Hitachi VM-H620A Instruction Manual
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Hitachi VM-H620A Instruction Manual

Hitachi VM-H620A Instruction Manual

8mm video camcorder
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For Your Safety

Instruction Manual
8mm Video Camcorder
VM-H620A / VM-H720A
Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc.
3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093
Tel. 770-279-5600
HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF HAWAII, INC
3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
Tel. 808-836-3621
Thank you for buying a Hitachi product. Please take time to become familiar with the manual and
how it is set up. Keep it handy for feature reference.
QR14543 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1995
HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC
3300 Trans Canada Highway, Pointe Claire,
Quebec, H9R 1B1, CANADA
Tel. 514-697-9150
Printed in Japan KG-TF(N)
- 1 -

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Summary of Contents for Hitachi VM-H620A

  • Page 1: For Your Safety

    3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 Tel. 808-836-3621 Thank you for buying a Hitachi product. Please take time to become familiar with the manual and how it is set up. Keep it handy for feature reference. QR14543 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1995...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Using Memory ... 42 Using the Display Button ... 42 Using the Wireless Remote Control ... 43 Creating and Recording A Title ... 43 Dubbing from the camcorder to a VCR... 45 Using Synchro Edit... 45 TABLE OF CONTENTS - 2 -...
  • Page 3 For Your Safety Simple Programmable Edit (Edit remote control is optional accessory)... 46 Controlling Your TV with the Camcorder's Remote Control ... 49 Using Audio/Video Dubbing... 50 Recording Television Programs ... 51 Attaching the Optional Wide or Tele Converter Lens ... 51 Attaching the Optional DC Camera Light ...
  • Page 4 For Your Safety The CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch turns the camcorder on and off, leaving the date/time feature unaffected. If the unit is to be left unattended for a long period of time, turn the camcorder off and attach the lens cap.
  • Page 5 • It cannot record and play back in the LP mode (7.2 mm/sec). • This camcorder uses a Hi-Fi stereo sound system. When a tape recorded by this camcorder is played by a conventional 8mm camcorder, monaural sound is output. When a tape recorded by a conventional 8mm camcorder is played by this machine, monaural sound is output.

  • Page 6: Important Safeguards

    This page lists important information that will help to assure your enjoyment and proper use of a Video camcorder and accessory equipment. Please read it carefully before operating your video product and keep it in a handy place for future reference.
  • Page 7 Important Safeguards bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface. This video product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register. This video product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the video product manufacturer's instructions have been followed.
  • Page 8 Important Safeguards - 8 - 16 Lightning -- For added protection for this video product during a lightning storm, or when it its left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable-system.

  • Page 9: Important Safety Instructions For Ac Adapter/Charger

    IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER 1. Save these Instructions -- This page contains important safety and operating instructions for AC Adapter/Charger Model VM-AC 85A. 2. Before using AC Adapter/Charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) AC Adapter/Charger, (2) battery and (3) product using battery.

  • Page 10: Read This First

    • A quick index for the information you use most often (this page). • A detailed table of contents directing you to specific information quickly (page 10). Get to know your video camcorder by using this manual, and get to know Hitachi. We appreciate your business.

  • Page 11: Before You Begin

    Your camcorder is functioning properly, but the solid-state pickup device (C.C.D) usually causes this as an inherent characteristic. Try to avoid shooting an excessive bright object directly. Be sure not to leave the camcorder in a place where the temperature exceeds 140°F (60°C), or the pickup device may be damaged.

  • Page 12: Optional Rf Adapter

    Before You Begin Optional RF Adapter If you wish to connect this camcorder to a television that does not have audio/video input jacks you will need to use the optional RF adapter model VM-RF86A (R). The RF adapter can be purchased by calling the telephone number below. For your convenience Visa, Master Card, and American Express credit cards are accepted.

  • Page 13: Lens Cap

    Pass the string through the lens cap and grip belt and attach it as shown in the figure. Removing the lens cap Always attach the lens cap to protect the lens when carrying or storing the camcorder. During shooting attach the lens cap as shown in the figure to prevent it from being lost.

  • Page 14: Getting Started

    Set aside some time, relax, and familiarize yourself with this quality instrument. Enjoy getting to know all about your Hitachi 8mm camcorder. The more comfortable and familiar you are with the machine and its features, the more you can make it do for you. Let's get started! It is crucial that you read and understand all the safety instructions before you begin.

  • Page 15: Adjusting The Electronic Viewfinder

    The electronic viewfinder adjusts simply by pivoting it to a position where it is comfortable and easy to see through. Place the viewfinder back in its original position before storing the camcorder in its case or carrying the camera recorder around to avoid damaging the viewfinder or camcorder.

  • Page 16: Eyepiece Adjustment

    Getting Started - 16 - Eyepiece Adjustment To use the electronic viewfinder, turn this control for your optimum focus adjustment. Adjustment the Hand Strap Adjust the hand strap to best fit your hand. After adjustment, hook the hand strap's pad securely. Loading Batteries Install the batteries to prevent misplacing them.

  • Page 17: Remote Control Battery

    1. Pull out the battery holder. 2. Insert the battery with the "+" terminal facing up. 3. Fully insert the battery holder into the camcorder. Remote Control Battery 1. Push the tab to the right of the remote control and hold it, then remove the battery holder.

  • Page 18: Camcorder Batteries Using Battery Pack

    - 18 - Note: Keep the batteries in a dark, cool, dry place. Camcorder Batteries Using Battery Pack Before you install the battery for the first time it must be fully charged. Refer to "Charging the Battery" on page 12 for details.

  • Page 19: Removing The Battery Pack

    Note: If the OPEN lever is flat, the cover will not close. Note: Always remove the battery from the camcorder after use. Note: We cannot guarantee against malfunctions of the camcorder which occur when you use battery packs other than those specified.
  • Page 20 Using Alkaline Dry-Cell Batteries The camcorder can be powered by six alkaline dry-cell batteries inserted into the power supply attachment holder. The continuous operation time of the camcorder depends on the type of alkaline batteries used.

  • Page 21: Using Alternative Power Sources

    Note: If the liquid leaks, remove the batteries immediately and ask your nearest dealer to inspect the camcorder (this will be at your own expense). Note: Do not let the batteries or the terminals of the camcorder get dirty. If they are dirty, use a dry cloth to wipe off the dirt completely.

  • Page 22: Inserting And Removing Cassettes

    AC adaptor/charger. Ignore this indicator when using the AC adaptor/charger. Using a Car Battery The camcorder can be powered with a car battery by using an optional car battery cord (Hitachi VM-CC80A) to plug the camcorder into the car's cigarette lighter socket. Please ensure that the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch is in the OFF position whenever attaching or detaching any power supply (ie.

  • Page 23: Inserting A Cassette

    2. Place the cassette in the cassette holder so that the transparent window faces away from the body of the camcorder and the sprockets toward the body of the camcorder. 3. Push the cassette holder, which is embossed PUSH LOCK on the left hand side, until it "clicks"...

  • Page 24: Using The Linear Time Counter

    Turn the camcorder on to display the linear time counter. The linear time counter keeps track from when you load a cassette into the camcorder and clears to 0:00:00 when the cassette is ejected.

  • Page 25: Correcting The Date And Time

    4. After setting the AM/PM, press the DATE/TITLE button. The display changes and the internal clock starts. Note: After the date and time are set, " AUTO" appears and the camcorder enters the automatic date recording mode. See "Date Recording" on page 33.

  • Page 26: Getting Started, Identifying Controls

    12. Ring of Tape Transport (ffwd.pcx) - F.F Button Use this button to fast forward tapes or for visual search. During visual search the camcorder fast forwards at approximately 9 times normal playback speed. Also use this button to set date and time.
  • Page 27 Pressing a second time resumes normal playback. 25. AV IN/OUT Jack (Behind the jack cover) Use this jack to connect the camcorder to a VCR or television ("Playing Back Your Recording," p27,28, "Dubbing from the Camcorder to a VCR," p45 "Recording Television Programs", p54).
  • Page 28 Use this button to select the viewfinder and TV display ("Using the Display Button," p41). This button can be used instead of the DATE/TITLE button on the camcorder in the VIDEO mode. 35. A/V DUB Button (only on the remote control)

  • Page 29: Basic Techniques

    Let's get started! Making a Basic Recording The Hitachi VM-H620A/H720A uses PROGRAM AE auto exposure that automatically selects the optimum shutter speed (either 1/60, 1/120, 1/180, 1/250, 1/350, 1/500, 1/750, 1/1000, 1/1500, 1/2000, or 1/4000 of a second). The iris adjusts automatically in response to shutter speed.

  • Page 30: Playing Back Your Recording

    3. Insert a previously recorded cassette into the camcorder. 4. Turn on your VCR and place it in the camcorder input mode (consult your VCR manual for details). Operate the television as you normally do to see the signal coming from the VCR.

  • Page 31: Connecting To A Television Without Audio In And Video In Jacks

    2. Connect the free square plug to the AV IN/OUT jack of the camcorder. 3. Insert a recorded cassette into the camcorder. 4. Turn on your television and set to the camcorder input mode (consult your television manual for details).

  • Page 32: Using Forward And Reverse Search

    Activate the video playback mode by moving the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to "VIDEO". Press the PLAY button located on either the remote control or the camcorder one time and the video will appear in the viewfinder or a connected monitor. While the tape is playing press the PLAY button again and the camcorder will now play both audio and video at double speed.
  • Page 33 Basic Techniques - 33 - Note: The indication showing double speed playback does not appear. Note: When double speed playback is activated, both the picture and sound are played back at twice the normal speed. This will cause noise lines to appear on the picture and the sound to become warbled.

  • Page 34: Advanced Techniques

    Advanced Techniques Advanced Techniques The Hitachi VM-H620A/H720A offers a diverse group of features that add interest and excitement to your video. Adding fades to smooth transitions creates video with a professional look. As you learn and practice with these features think of situations that they might fit in and add a special touch.

  • Page 35: Using The Power Zoom

    No Display - No Date Recording The camcorder does not record the date. Date and Time - Date and Time Recording The camcorder records the date and time with the picture all the time. 3. Press the start/stop button. Recording will start. Note: When AUTO and date display is selected, the date disappears about 10 seconds after recording is started.

  • Page 36: Using The Inst. Zoom (Instant Zoom) Button

    Using Auto Focus The camcorder focuses the subject in the center of the viewfinder automatically unless the manual focus is engaged. If FOCUS appears in the viewfinder, manual focus is engaged. Press the FOCUS control buttons simultaneously to return to auto focus.

  • Page 37: Using Manual Focus

    Advanced Techniques The auto focus will not work under the following conditions and you must focus manually: Objects outside the center of the viewfinder Objects at different distances in the center of the viewfinder Brightly lit objects such as a neon light, objects lit by spotlight, etc. Objects behind water dappled or dusty glass Objects with little difference in light reflection such as a white wall Rapidly moving objects...

  • Page 38: Using The Electronic Image Stabilizer

    Advanced Techniques control to zoom to the picture you want, the picture may fall out of focus when actual recording starts. 3. Press the Focus control F (far) or N (near) button until the subject is in focus. 4. Use the power zoom W control to zoom back to the picture you desire. Note: To return to auto focus press the FOCUS control buttons and the FOCUS disappears from the viewfinder.

  • Page 39: Using Fade

    2. Press the Start/Stop button to start recording; fade begins automatically. Fading Out 1. While recording with the camcorder use the FADE button to select a fade option. 2. Press the Start/Stop button to stop recording; the fade begins automatically and REC flashes until the fade ends.

  • Page 40: Using 16X9

    Use this feature to view the last few seconds of the tape you shot. 1. Set the camcorder to record/pause mode and tap the REW button. The last few seconds of tape play back in reverse and then in normal playback mode.

  • Page 41: Using Macro

    3. Press the REW button to search for the start position from which you last made a recording or the F.F button (the F.FWD button on the remote control) to recording end position. 4. When the required position is located, the camcorder enters the stop mode and "SEARCH" disappears from the viewfinder.

  • Page 42: Using Memory

    • Pressing the DISPLAY button once displays the linear time counter with the memory feature. • When a recorded tape is in the camcorder during the VIDEO mode, "SEARCH" appears in the viewfinder. (Refer to "Date Search" on page 40).

  • Page 43: Using The Wireless Remote Control

    Note: The remote control code of this camcorder is Hitachi code VCR2. If you have a VCR with the same code your Hitachi VCR may malfunction when you use the camcorder's wireless remote control.

  • Page 44: Correcting Errors

    5. Press the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control to stop recording the title. The title graphics disappear from the viewfinder and the camcorder can record normally. Note: Create and store your title before an event you plan to record. Just press the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control to superimpose the title over the scene as you record it.

  • Page 45: Dubbing From The Camcorder To A Vcr

    Use synchro edit to record segments of a previously recorded tape when dubbing from the camcorder to a VCR. This requires an optional synchro edit cable. The Hitachi VM-H620A/H720A uses a flying erase head to eliminate glitches or rainbow noise that sometimes occurs between edits.

  • Page 46: Simple Programmable Edit (Edit Remote Control Is Optional Accessory)

    VCR, press the STOP button, then the PLAY button, then the Start/Stop button, and then the S.EDIT button. 8. To stop recording at a certain point turn on the camcorder's linear time counter with memory ("Using Memory," p.41). Press the COUNTER RESET button on the remote control where you wish the recording to stop.
  • Page 47 Note: If sunlight or strong artificial light strikes the camcorder's infrared receiver, the editing operation may not be possible. Programmable Edit Hookup 1. Connect the edit remote control to the camcorder, and then connect the AV stereo output cable as illustrated above. 2. Insert a recorded tape into the camcorder.
  • Page 48 Advanced Techniques 3. Set the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch of the camcorder to VIDEO. Turn the recording VCR on and select line input. 4. Press the PROGRAM button of the remote control. The program display appears in the viewfinder. Note: If your VCR is connected to a TV, the program display will also appear on the TV screen.

  • Page 49: Controlling Your Tv With The Camcorder's Remote Control

    Once you have programmed the remote, you won't have to do it again until you change the batteries. This remote control can be used with your TV as well as the camcorder, as long as your TV comes with a remote control. This feature comes in handy - you don't have to juggle two remotes.

  • Page 50: Using Audio/Video Dubbing

    1. Connect your camcorder to the television, following "Connecting to a Television with Audio In and Video In Jacks" on page 28. 2. Turn on your television and place it in the camcorder input mode (consult your television manual for details).

  • Page 51: Recording Television Programs

    0:00:00M the camcorder stops automatically, recording only the portion of the tape that you selected. Note: If the camcorder is in AV DUB pause or STILL mode for more than 5 minutes, the camcorder stops automatically to protect the tape.

  • Page 52: Attaching The Optional Dc Camera Light

    THE CAMCORDER IS TURNED ON TO 1. Slide the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to OFF. 2. Connect a fully charged batteries or the AC adapter/charger ("Loading Batteries; Camcorder Batteries" p.15, "Using Alternative Power Sources" p.17). 3. Slide the DC camera light onto the DC camera light shoe with the camera light lens facing the same direction as the camcorder's lens.

  • Page 53: Removing The Dc Camera Light

    Watch the battery charge indicator especially when using a battery as the power source. • When the DC camera light is used, the operation time of the camcorder when a fully- charged battery pack is attached is halved. Removing the DC Camera Light Depress the light to release the tab from the hook and then move the light in the direction of the arrow as shown in the figure.

  • Page 54: Viewfinder Bright, Color And Tint Control (Only For Vm-H720A)

    Advanced Techniques - 54 - Viewfinder Bright, Color and Tint Control (Only for VM-H720A) This small "BRIGHT", "COLOR" and "TINT" controls are set at the factory and should require no adjustment. If they ever require adjustment, use a plastic screwdriver. Make the adjustments with caution to prevent damaging the miniature controls.

  • Page 55: General Maintenance

    - 55 - General Maintenance Cleaning the camcorder Heads Dirt can accumulate on the video heads on the camera causing the playback picture to become blurred or appear as if video information is lost. This often means that the video heads are dirty.

  • Page 56: Periodic Maintenance

    Troubleshooting Quality is very important at Hitachi. We inspect and check every camcorder carefully at the factory under the most rigid quality control and inspection systems. If problems develop please check the following possible solutions before inquiring about professional service.
  • Page 57 Auto focus does not operate. The created title does not appear. RECORDING TV PROGRAMS OFF THE AIR Symptom The camcorder cannot be set to the recording mode, even when the Start/Stop button on the camcorder is pressed. PLAYBACK OF PRE-RECORDED CASSETTE Symptom “Play”...
  • Page 58 Do not remove the clock battery after recording. Do not eject the recorded cassette. Leave it in the camcorder. The camcorder is set to the double speed playback mode. Pressing the playback button to restore the normal playback mode. The sound also returns to normal speed.

  • Page 59: Specifications

    VM-H720A: 5.9W (when recording) Dimensions 3-11/16" W x 4-3/4" H x 8-5/16" D (94mm x 120mm x 211mm) Weight VM-H620A: 1.91 lbs (approx. 870g) without battery pack, lens hood, lens cap or cassette VM-H720A: 1.89 lbs (approx. 860g) without battery pack, lens...

  • Page 60: Video Recorder Specifications

    1-800-448-2244 Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. Hitachi has made every effort to assure you hours of trouble free operation from your unit. However, should you require service, a network of Hitachi Authorized Service Facilities has been established in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Each facility will provide you with convenient and expedient assistance.

  • Page 61: Accessories Add Excitement

    - 61 - Accessories Add Excitement We know that once you discover how much your Hitachi VM-H620A/720A can add to your life you will want to use these accessories for even more excitement. Converter lenses, adapters for synchro editing, and car cords are just a few of the exciting accessories available to you from Hitachi.

This manual is also suitable for:

Vm-h720a

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