DZ-HS903A DZ-HS803A DZ-HS903A DZ-HS803A Thank you for purchasing this Hitachi Camcorder. Please read this Instruction Manual to understand its proper use. Before opening the CD-ROM included with this product, please read p.182. After reading the Instruction Manual, store it safely.
Important Information For Your Safety The power switch turns the camcorder on and off, leaving the date/time feature unaffected. If the camcorder is to be left unattended for a long period of time, turn it off. The DVD video camera/recorder and AC adapter/charger have the following caution marks.
Page 3
Warning: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Battery Pack CHARGE lamp status and charging time ... 37 Recording time with a fully charged battery. 37 Connecting the camcorder to a wall outlet... 38 Detaching the DC power cord/battery pack from the camcorder ... 38 Efficient Use of the Battery ... 39 Recording Recording Movies ...
Page 6
Playing back a DVD-RAM Disc on a DVD Player/ Recorder ... 119 Notes on Finalization... 119 Finalizing a Disc... 120 Unfinalizing a Disc... 121 Dubbing With Another Audio/Video (A/V) Device Dubbing from another A/V device (DZ-HS903A) ... 122 Dubbing from the camcorder to another A/V device ... 124...
Page 7
Connecting to Your PC Software installation ... 128 Preparation before importing images... 130 Connecting the camcorder to your PC using the provided USB cable... 130 How to remove/replace a DVD or remove a card during the connection ... 132 Using a PC’s DVD drive to read a DVD recorded on the camcorder ...
Record movies and stills with this one device! Stills Movies After recording View on large screen by hooking up the camcorder to a TV! AV Cable S Cable After Watching Store the recordings! Create a gift disc! Select a disc easily!
* For details, refer to the standards stated in "Recording format" (p.174). How to Read this Instruction Manual This Instruction Manual is intended for the DZ-HS903A and DZ-HS803A models. The following table shows the differences between the two models. HDD (Hard Disk Drive) Capacity...
Page 10
About media descriptions The camcorder functions available vary depending on the media (HDD/DVD/ Card) used. Refer to the icon headings shown below to determine whether the function explained complies with the media in use. RAM -RW (VR) Collective Icon term...
• We recommend using Hitachi Maxell brand discs. The compatibility of the discs with this camcorder is confirmed. • If there is concern that the camcorder may be subjected to large vibrations or impact during transport, remove the DVD and protect the camcorder using soft protective materials.
Page 12
• In the event that your camcorder is sent for repair, whether repair is successful or not, recorded content may be lost. Hitachi cannot be held responsible for any lost data. Copyright • Be aware that recording is restricted for some demonstrations, performances and...
AV/S cable Use this cable to view images from the camcorder on a TV. The DZ-HS903A can input audio and video signals from external AV devices using this cable. (However, note that the S-Video connector is for output signals only.)
Names of Parts Power switch side QUICK START button (p.41) ACCESS/PC indicator (p.11) PHOTO/SELECT button (p.27, 47) DISC EJECT switch (p.25) Disc compartment (p.25) Battery platform (p.21) Battery eject switch (PUSH) (p.38) Record button (p.25) Lock switch (p.22) When the power switch is set to “HDD”, set the LOCK switch to the upper position to prevent accidentally moving the power...
Page 15
FULL AUTO button (p.72) Bottom DISPLAY button (p.42, 48-49, 52) CARD ACCESS indicator Tripod receptacle Used to attach the camcorder to a tripod. Card slot (p.27) QUICK MENU button (p.57) Used to display only basic menu items LCD BRIGHTNESS button (p.20)
Page 16
Lens side Inside the cover Light receiving sensor Used to control flash amount. Do not block the light receiving sensor with your hand when recording still pictures. Flash (p.72) Optical 10x zoom lens (p.62) Zoom lever/volume (p.52, 62, 64) USB terminal (p.131) A/V terminal (p.115) Stereo microphone Do not block the microphone with...
Remote control PHOTO button (p.27) REC button (p.24) MENU button (p.23) SELECT button (p.47) d (reverse search) button (p.54) DELETE button (p.102) DISC NAVIGATION button (p.28) * Functions the same as Inserting the provided lithium battery into the remote control While inserting a thin tipped instrument (paperclip, etc.) into the...
BATTERY MAY EXPLODE IF NOT HANDLED PROPERLY. DO NOT RECHARGE, DISASSEMBLE, OR DISPOSE OF IN FIRE. Note Replace the battery with a Hitachi Maxell, Sony, Panasonic, Sanyo, Toshiba CR2032, or Duracell DL2032. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.
Hold the camcorder with both hands and tuck your elbows to your chest or sides, and move the camcorder at a gentle pace. This will allow you to record effectively without blurring. Effortlessly record small children or pets at their line of sight •...
The brightness changes every time you press LCD BRIGHTNESS. There are three settings available. At time of purchase of this camcorder, the brightness is set to the brightest. The LCD brightness setting is retained in memory even when the power is turned off.
Charge complete Notes • Charge battery pack in temperatures above +50ºF (10ºC) and below +86ºF (30ºC). • Use only the AC adapter/charger which accompanied your camcorder or direct replacement as listed in this manual. Preparing Note Charging will not occur if the DC power cord is connected.
Turning on the Power Turn on the power. Press and hold the gray button, and turn the power switch to “HDD”, “DVD”, or “SD”. Open the LCD monitor. Changing the display language You can change the language used on screens and menus as follows. Press MENU, then select “Initial Setup”...
Select “Language” by pressing f/e, then press c (or the confirmation button). I n i t i a l S e t u p Be e p O f f P o w e r S a v e R e c o r d L E D L a n g u a g e En g l i s h Demo Mode...
Recording Movies to the HDD Turn the power switch to “HDD”. * You can change the movie recording quality (p.75). Press the record button. Recording begins. To pause recording, press the record button again.
Recording Movies to a DVD Insert a DVD. Attach the charged battery pack. Place the recording surface of the DVD face down. (For a single-sided disc, the side opposite the label is the recording surface.) When handling a disc: Do not touch the recording surface of a disc (p.11).
Page 26
Turn the power switch to “DVD”. Hint If the format confirmation screen appears after loading a new DVD-RW/+RW, format the disc as guided through the LCD screens (p.36). Formatting is not necessary when recording on a DVD-RAM/DVD-R. Press the record button. Recording begins.
Recording Stills to an SD card Insert an SD card. Pay attention to the orientation of the card. Face up the label side. Turn the power switch to “SD”. Press PHOTO/SELECT. Press PHOTO/SELECT halfway down so that a subject in the center of the screen is focused.
Playing Recorded Movies/Stills Press Choose a scene (movie/still), then press the confirmation button. See p.115 for the instructions on viewing the recordings on your TV screen. A l l P r og r ams 0 01 / 014 PLAY SELECT PHOTO...
Deleting Recorded Movies/Stills Press Select a scene you want to delete, then press MENU. Select “Scene” the confirmation button. Select “YES”, then press the confirmation button. The selected scene is deleted. Scenes on DVD-RW (VF mode)/DVD-R/+RW discs cannot be deleted. On +RW, you can delete only the last recorded scene (p.48).
Functions and Characteristics of HDD/DVD/Cards The following table lists the storage media (discs and cards) and available functions that can be used with this camcorder. Function Built-in ●: Functions available —: Not available ● Recording movies (p.40) Recording stills (p.45) —...
* The versions in the above chart refer to physical standard versions of discs. Function Allows extensive movie recordings. DZ-HS903A: approx. 11 hours in FINE mode DZ-HS803A: approx. 3 hours in FINE mode Allows editing and deleting scenes. Allows editing and deleting scenes.
Notes • Hitachi Maxell single sided discs (HG type) have been confirmed to be compatible with this camcorder and are recommended. Take care not to dirty (including fingerprints) or scratch the surface of the discs when handling. When using a double-sided disc, take great care with handling it. Using non-Hitachi Maxell discs may not allow the camcorder to deliver optimum performance.
• Do not remove the battery and card while reading or writing data. • Do not use the camcorder in a place subject to static electricity or electrical noise. • Do not leave a disc unused in the camcorder for an extended period of long time. Erasure prevention...
Inserting a DVD Close the lid. The ACCESS/PC indicator flashes. During this process, do not remove the power source, shake, or subject the camcorder to impacts. When a new DVD-RW or +RW is inserted, see p.36. Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder or connect the camcorder to a wall outlet.
– close the lid before setting the disc securely into place • The power automatically turns off if the lid is left open for approx. three minutes. • The lid will not open if the camcorder is not connected to a power source. Pickup...
You can play back the disc in a device which supports 8 cm DVD-RW (VR Mode) after finalizing the disc. VF Mode (Video mode) Although editing cannot be done on the camcorder, you can play back the disc on other DVD devices after finalizing the disc.
Battery Pack CHARGE lamp status and charging time Lights Charging Approx. charging time (at approx. 77°F (25°C)) DZ-BP14S (provided) Charge Goes out DZ-BP14SW (separately sold) Complete DZ-BP21SW (separately sold) Blinks See "Troubleshooting" (p.157). Recording time with a fully charged battery Use the following table to estimate continuous recording times (minutes) using a fully charged battery pack.
Connecting the camcorder to a wall outlet Connect to the camcorder. DC power cord Notes • The battery pack will not be charged while the DC power cord is connected to the AC adapter/charger even if the battery pack is attached to the AC adapter/charger.
• The battery will slightly discharge even if it is detached from the camcorder. • If the battery is left attached to the camcorder, it will consume a slight amount of power. Therefore, it is recommended that you charge the battery a day before using the camcorder.
Recording HDD RAM -RW (VR) -RW (VF) Recording Movies You can choose either HDD or DVD to record movies. Turn the power switch to “HDD” or “DVD”. Open the LCD monitor. Press the record button. • “m“(record pause) in the LCD monitor will change to “n”...
• For details on screen displays during recording, see p.42. • You can change the movie recording quality (p.75). • If you cannot record movies, the camcorder does not operate, or it takes too long for recording to start, see “Troubleshooting” (p.157).
8 : 0 0 A M 1 2 / 1 / 2 0 0 8 Warnings/Messages Current time/date Flash Self-timer External Input (DZ-HS903A) Recording status Movie recording time Remaining space on HDD/DVD/Card Remaining number of recordable scenes (DZ-HS903A) Remaining battery...
Page 43
: Flash On : Flash Off Self-timer (p.79) (when using Card) No icon : Off : On (Ten-second countdown) External Input (p.78) (DZ-HS903A) L IN : AV input Recording status Recording Record pause (lit green) Focus is locked (lit purple when...
Page 44
(VR mode) : Finalized DVD-RW (VF mode) : DVD-R : Finalized DVD-R (finalized using this camcorder) : DVD-R finalized using a device other than the DZ-HS903A/ DZ-HS803A. Or DVD-R recorded using a HITACHI camcorder marketed before the DZ-HS903A/ DZ-HS803A : +RW...
CARD Recording Still Pictures Still pictures are recorded on an SD memory Card. Turn the power switch to “SD”. Open the LCD monitor. Press PHOTO/SELECT halfway down. A subject in the center of the screen will be focused. When focus is locked, the green “m”...
Page 46
” lights green in the LCD monitor. Doing so may cause an error in the recorded data and you may not be able to play back the data (p.170). • Hold the camcorder with both hands and tuck your elbows to your chest or sides for best recording results.
Playing back the last recorded scene You can play back the last recorded scene right away. If the camcorder is not in record pause mode, set the camcorder to record pause mode for the medium you want to play back (p.40, p.45).
Still image icon Operation guide PLAY *1 The icon displayed represents a photo recorded that uses another Hitachi DVD camcorder that can record photos on a DVD-RAM disc. (This DVD camcorder cannot record photos on a DVD-RAM disc.) Select “YES” by pressing d, then press the confirmation button.
*2 The operation guide will vary depending on the operation status of the DVD camcorder. Each press of DISPLAY switches the information of the currently selected scene as follows: Date and time of recording, Movie quality (VIDEO mode)/Wide (16:9) mode/Movie length (only HDD), Operation guide.
Select multiple scenes individually Using the current scene as your starting point, select multiple previous or succeeding consecutive scenes Select all scenes from the first scene to the current scene. (Menu option: Start– Current) Select all scenes from the current scene to the final scene.
Page 51
GO TO ENTER CANCEL (When the start of the selected scene is selected) Press the confirmation button. The camcorder will go to the specified point and enter playback pause mode. • To start playback, press the confirmation button again. Hints •...
– the SD memory card is locked. – a finalized DVD-RW (VF mode)/DVD-R/+RW is loaded. – a DVD-RW (VF mode)/DVD-R recorded on a Hitachi DVD camcorder other than this model is loaded. • It may require more time to start playing back if many scenes are chosen.
When using HDD/DVD Recording mode Program/Playlist List* Program/Playlist No.* When using Card Scene No. Recording mode Program or Playlist *2 Not displayed while playing All Scenes. *3 See “Current medium and its status (HDD/DVD/Card)” on p.44. *4 Appears when set (see p.55, 56, 110). *5 There are following playback operations: : Standard playback b: Playback pause...
Simple functions you can use during playback or playback pause HDD RAM -RW (VR) -RW (VF) Movies (during playback) Functions Press The confirmation button Pause Fast- c (Forward)/d forward/ (Reverse) and hold Reverse Skip e (Forward)/ forward/ f (Reverse) backward •...
Notes • If the temperature inside the camcorder gets too high, the camcorder may fail to function normally. Turn off the power and wait awhile before turning the power back on. • In slow playback, images with fast-moving subjects may appear blurred.
– you repeat the steps and select “Off” instead of “On” in step – turn off the power – remove the DVD • Repeat playback will not function when you play the last scene when the camcorder is in record pause mode.
Various Recording Techniques How to Operate the Menu Press MENU. You can also use QUICK MENU to display the Quick Menu screen which contains only basic menu items. Example: Select “Camera Functions Setup” “White Balance” a white balance mode The title of the selected icon on the left appears at the top.
Menu (While Recording) Movie Menu Menu items (1st level) Camera Functions Setup * Not displayed while using the external input function (DZ-HS903A) Record Functions Setup LCD Setup Date Setup Initial Setup Menu items Quick (2nd level) Menu items Program AE...
Stills Menu Menu items (1st level) Program AE Camera Functions Setup White Balance * Not displayed while using the external input function Digital Zoom (DZ-HS903A) Flash Quality Input Source (DZ-HS903A) Record Functions Setup PHOTO Input (DZ-HS903A) Self Timer OSD Output...
If the built-in battery is depleted, the date and time will need to be reset. Periodically (once every six months) recharge the internal battery by connecting the camcorder to a wall outlet or attaching a charged battery pack to the camcorder while leaving the camcorder turned off for 24 hours.
Press the confirmation button. Notes • If a battery pack is connected to the camcorder as a power source, the demonstration will not begin even if “Demo Mode” is set to “Auto”. • The demonstration function does not work when the camcorder is connected to a PC.
HDD RAM -RW (VR) -RW (VF) CARD Magnified Recording (Optical Zoom and Digital Zoom) The zoom lever allows you to choose a range of magnifications from wide- angle to telephoto zooming. Optical zooming up to ten times is the maximum telephoto magnification. W:Wide-angle (Recording over a wide range)
This will allow you to enlarge the subject to cover the entire screen. Recording at close range During record pause or recording, point the camcorder at the subject and push the zoom lever toward the W side until the wide-angle is maximized. ”...
Attach the step-up ring to the camcorder. Then remove the lens cap from the conversion lens and attach the conversion lens to the camcorder. Conversion lens Step-up ring Notes • If you attach the DZ-TL1 conversion lens, the focusing range at the T (telephoto) side will be from approx.
Page 65
(telephoto) side to magnify the subject. Adjust the focus by pressing d/ • When the power is turned off, the camcorder returns to auto focus. • To manually adjust the focus, always magnify the subject as in step 2. When the focus is...
Subjects moving Subjects with rapidly minimal variation in brightness such as a white wall Dark subjects Night views HDD RAM -RW (VR) -RW (VF) CARD Adjusting the Brightness of the Image (Exposure) Normally, the exposure is automatically adjusted. However, depending on the recording conditions, the exposure can be adjusted manually.
CARD Selecting a Program AE Mode to Match the Conditions (Program AE) The camcorder automatically gauges the subject and surrounding conditions and determines the optimal settings for recording (during Auto). However, you can also select a Program AE mode that better suits the situation for even clearer images.
To record white colored subjects as white images, adjust the white balance. The camcorder normally adjusts the color automatically (during Auto). Change the white balance setting according to the recording conditions. White balance mode Auto (No icon appears.)
Page 69
Selecting a white balance mode During record pause, press MENU. Select “Camera Functions Setup” “White Balance” a white balance mode Press the confirmation button to confirm, then MENU to end. The selected white balance mode (other than Auto) will appear on the screen (p.42).
(Set) Prepare a white object such a thick sheet of white paper that is not translucent. Point the camcorder at the white object so that it fills the screen. Thick white paper During record pause, press MENU. Select “Camera Functions Setup”...
EIS corrects for fuzziness in an image when you zoom in on a subject. We recommend turning EIS Off when you position the camcorder on a table or use a tripod when recording. Turning EIS Off/On During record pause, press MENU.
Press the confirmation button to confirm, then MENU to end. When the function is turned On, “ ” appears in the LCD monitor (p.42). • The MIC. filter setting is retained in memory even when the power is turned off. •...
Flash mode Auto The flash fires only when necessary. When the flash is needed, “ appears in the LCD monitor when you press PHOTO/SELECT halfway, and then the flash fires when you press PHOTO/SELECT all the way. “ ” is displayed in the LCD monitor all the time.
• When recording consecutive shots using the flash, the flash may not fire or the amount of light emitted may not be sufficiently adjusted. After using the flash to record, it is recommended that you wait for a while and then press PHOTO/ SELECT to record again.
Quality (VIDEO Mode) You can change the movie recording quality to make high quality recordings or lower the quality to record over longer periods of time. HDD movie quality and recordable time (DZ-HS903A) Video Quality Recordable time Mode XTRA* Best Approx.
Page 76
• If you play back movies recorded in “16:9 Off” mode on this camcorder, black bands will appear on both sides of the LCD screen. Notes • If “Input Source” is set to “LINE”, movies are recorded in...
TV may not be switched to wide mode automatically.) • If you connect the camcorder to a TV that supports only 4:3 aspect ratio display and play a DVD recorded in “16:9” mode, the image will appear vertically distorted on the TV screen.
See “Dubbing from another A/V device (DZ-HS903A)” (p.122) on how to connect to an external device and record images from it. (The DZ-HS803A does not have an external input feature.)
Switching capture quality During record pause, press MENU. Select “Record Functions Setup” “PHOTO Input” “Frame”/“Field” Press the confirmation button to confirm, then MENU to end. Hint You can confirm the current “PHOTO Input” mode by the icon appearing on the LCD screen (p.42).
Dubbing on DVD This camcorder allows you to choose from four options when dubbing images recorded on HDD to a DVD. Dubbing options • “New” Among the scenes recorded to the HDD, scenes which have not yet been dubbed to DVD are dubbed in order from the first scene.
Please note that Hitachi will not accept any responsibility for compensation for loss of data, or direct or indirect damage if dubbing is not performed normally due to a fault in this camcorder.
ENTER EXIT Select “New”, then press the confirmation button. Choose a disc for dubbing and insert it into the camcorder (p.34). Check the screen for finalization setting. If you are using a DVD-RW (VF mode) or DVD-R, you can finalize the disc continuously after dubbing is complete.
ENTER Select a date for dubbing, then press the confirmation button. Choose a disc for dubbing and insert it into the camcorder (p.34). Check the screen for finalization setting. If you are using a DVD-RW (VF mode) or DVD-R, you can finalize the disc continuously after dubbing is complete.
Select “All”, then press the confirmation button. The “Dubbing(All)” screen appears. Choose a disc for dubbing and insert it into the camcorder (p.34). Check the screen for finalization setting. If you are using a DVD-RW (VF mode) or DVD-R, you can finalize the disc continuously after dubbing is complete.
The Dubbing Menu appears. Select “Select”, then press the confirmation button. Choose a disc for dubbing and insert it into the camcorder (p.34). Select a scene for dubbing by pressing the confirmation button. DVD remaining bar D u b b i n g ( S e l e c t )
Displaying only Dubbed or Not Dubbed Scenes (Category) You can display all scenes recorded on the HDD according to their dubbed status. Category Settings “All” All scenes will be displayed in chronological order of recording regardless of whether they have been dubbed or not.
By using the and MENU buttons, you can also edit recorded scenes. The following edit functions are available on the camcorder. Convenient playback The following are the functions that enable you to play back the scenes as if they were edited without changing the original data.
You can copy photos recorded on a DVD-RAM to a card set in the camcorder. (Note that this camcorder cannot record stills on a DVD-RAM.) You can lock any scene so that it will not be deleted by mistake.
Page 89
*2 Additional recording can be made on a finalized DVD-RW (VR mode). Note Adding special effects to movies is a capability of this camcorder. If you play a disc with effects set on this camcorder on another DVD recorder/player or copy such movies to your PC, the set effects will not be reflected.
Menu flows for the disc navigation After pressing MENU on the disc navigation screen, the Menu screen appears. The Menu varies depending on the medium as shown below. To operate the Menu, use d/c/f/e. See "How to Operate the Menu" (p.57). When using HDD/DVD-RAM/DVD-RW (VR mode) •...
Page 91
When using DVD-RW (VF (Video) mode)/DVD-R/+RW • :Quick Menu items) Start → Current Current → Select (p.49) Scene Detail (p.111) Select Program (p.92) Play Go To (p.109) When using a card • :Quick Menu items) Delete (p.102) Lock (p.110) Start → Current Scene Current →...
• Pressing C on the “Select Program” screen will restore the disc navigation screen. • If a disc recorded on another device is loaded in this camcorder, the program may not necessarily be a collection of recordings made on the same date.
HDD RAM -RW (VR) -RW (VF) Playing back a program (Play) Press , then press MENU. Select “Program” “Play”, then press the confirmation button. The “Start Program” screen appears. Select the program to be played, then press the confirmation button. Playback begins from the first scene of the selected program.
Page 94
Note Titles set on this camcorder may not be visible on other devices. a t a Pa r k F i n i s h t i t l e s e t t i n g ?
What is “Playlist”? A Playlist is a compilation of scenes from various movies. You can create a Playlist on this camcorder by gathering your favorite scenes. Since a Playlist is not created by copying data, very little HDD/DVD space is required to make one.
When creation is complete, the created Playlist will appear on the Disc Navigation Playlist screen. The camcorder automatically generates the Playlist title from the date, time, and sequential number of Playlist creations. • You can rename the Playlist title as you like (p.101).
Displaying a desired Playlist (PlayList) After selecting the desired playlist, the disc navigation screen will appear. Press , then press MENU. Select “PlayList” “Select”, then press the confirmation button. The “Select PlayList” screen appears. Select the playlist you want to display, then press the confirmation button.
Adding scenes to a Playlist (Edit) Press , then press MENU. Select “PlayList” “Edit”, then press the confirmation button. The “Edit PlayList” screen appears. Select the playlist you want to edit, then press the confirmation button. The “Edit PlayList” screen appears.
Deleting scenes from Playlist (Edit) Press , then press MENU. Display the “Edit PlayList” screen of the playlist you wish to delete. Perform steps 2 and 3 in "Adding scenes to a Playlist (Edit)" (p.98). Press e to move the cursor to the lower row, then choose a scene you wish to delete by pressing d/ c.
Deleting scenes using the Submenu for Editing (Edit) You can delete scenes from a Playlist using the “Edit” menu screen. Press , then press MENU. Display the “Edit PlayList” screen of the Playlist you wish to edit. Perform steps 2 and 3 in "Adding scenes to a Playlist (Edit)"...
Arranging the order of scenes in the Playlist (Edit) Press , then press MENU. Select “PlayList” “Select”, then press the confirmation button. The “Select PlayList” screen appears. Select the playlist you want to edit, then press the confirmation button. The targeted playlist screen appears.
Deleting a Playlist (Delete) Even if you delete a playlist, the original scenes stored on the HDD/ DVD will not be deleted. Press , then press MENU. Select “PlayList” “Delete”, then press the confirmation button. The “Delete PlayList” screen appears. Select the playlist you wan to delete, then press the confirmation button.
Hints • You can also delete a scene by pressing DELETE on the remote control after placing the cursor on the scene you want to delete on the disc navigation screen. • To delete an unwanted part of a scene on HDD/DVD-RAM/ DVD-RW (VR mode) disc, divide the scene first, then delete the unnecessary part (p.103).
Page 104
If you do not need to change the dividing scene, press the confirmation button again. The selected scene will be played back. • If you press MENU before pressing the confirmation button, the Submenu appears (p.103). When you reach the desired point of division, press PHOTO/SELECT.
HDD RAM -RW (VR) Combining Multiple Scenes (Edit – Combine) If you have recorded numerous short scenes, combining them can be convenient. Be sure to select consecutive multiple scenes. When using the HDD or a DVD-RAM, combining scenes is possible only if “Category: All” is specified (p.86, 114).
Hints • With fade effects, the “IN” effect of the first scene in the selected range and the “OUT” effect of the last scene will be attached to the combined scene. • Each time you press DISPLAY, the operation guide, the recording date/time of the selected scene, movie quality (VIDEO Mode), screen aspect...
“IN” effect “OUT” effect Notes • If a DVD disc with a special effect created on this camcorder is played on another DVD recorder/player, or the scene is captured on a PC, the special effect will not be reflected.
Notes • If a DVD containing scenes with the skip setting set on this camcorder is played on another DVD recorder/player, or such scenes are captured on a PC, the skip setting will not be reflected ("Note" (p.89)).
Copying still pictures on a DVD-RAM to the Card (Copy) Insert a DVD-RAM (recorded on an Hitachi DVD camcorder that can record still pictures on a DVD-RAM) that includes the photos you wish to copy, and a card with recordable space, into this camcorder.
Select “Scene” “Copy”, then press the confirmation button. The “Copy to card” screen appears. Press the confirmation button if no change is needed. • You can change the scene(s) to be copied in this step if you wish. • If you press MENU before pressing the confirmation button, the Submenu appears (p.103).
Press C to end the procedure. The icon “ ” appears on the locked still picture on the disc navigation screen. 7 / 19 Lock icon To unlock the scene Select the scene you wish to unlock, then perform steps 4 and 5 in "Locking Scenes on a Card (Lock)".
(movie quality) is unknown because, for example, the scene was recorded on another device. *2 Displayed when a DVD-RAM with photos recorded using an Hitachi DVD camcorder that can record still pictures on a DVD-RAM is set in this camcorder.
PC or another device. • If you connect the camcorder and your PC using the USB cable and format a DVD or card set in the camcorder, formatting may fail and the disc or card may become unusable.
Stills Independently (Category) If you insert a DVD-RAM that includes photos recorded on another HITACHI camcorder, the scenes on the disc will be displayed on the disc navigation screen in the order of recording, regardless of whether they are movies or stills in the default setting.
Connecting to Your TV for Viewing Connecting to a TV Connect the camcorder to the TV using the provided AV/S cable as shown in the illustration below. Notes • Before connecting, always turn down the volume of your TV set, to prevent feedback noise (howling) from your TV speakers.
Viewing on your TV Turn on the TV and switch the TV input to the terminal where the camcorder is connected. • Refer to your TV’s operation manual on how to switch the TV input. Turn on the camcorder. The image shown in the camcorder’s LCD monitor appears on the TV screen, allowing you to view playback, recording, and editing on the large screen of your TV.
Playing back wide-mode images on a 4:3 TV (TV Type) If you connect the camcorder to a 4:3 TV and play a disc recorded in “16:9” (wide) mode, the image on the TV will be vertically distorted. In this case, set “TV Type”...
DVD recorder/player that supports 8 cm DVD-RAM/DVD-RW (VR mode) without finalizing it. However, you need to finalize a DVD-RW (VR mode) disc using this camcorder before importing scenes from the disc to your PC. About DVD-RW (VF...
DVD recorder may not be playable on this camcorder depending on the editing software or recording status of the disc. If you insert a DVD-R disc recorded on another Hitachi camcorder into this camcorder, the disc navigation screen will appear...
Do not insert a DVD-RW/DVD-R disc recorded, but not finalized, on a recorder manufactured by a company other than Hitachi into this camcorder. Doing so may make the disc unusable. -RW (VR) -RW (VF)
The screen above is an example when a DVD-RW (VF mode)/DVD-R/+RW is viewed on a DVD player. Notes • If the disc in the camcorder has already been finalized, “Finalize Disc” does not appear in the Menu. • The time required to finalize that appears on the “Finalize DVD”...
• Connect the camcorder to a wall outlet instead of using the battery pack to secure the power supply during dubbing. • If the other A/V device is HITACHI brand, the A/V device may respond to the camcorder’s remote control. In such a case, change the remote control code of the other A/V device.
Page 123
• Images not privately recorded may be copy protected by the copy-guard signal to protect the copyright. In such a case, “COPY PROTECTED” appears on the camcorder’s LCD screen and you cannot proceed with recording. Typical copyright protected materials are commercially available DVD movies, pay- TV programs, etc.
Dubbing from the camcorder to another A/V device Make the connection between the camcorder and the other A/V device using the provided AV/S input/output cable as shown in the illustration below. To A/V terminal AV/S cable (provided) * Connect the S-Video connector if available for the other A/V device for better picture quality.
Macintosh. Windows ImageMixer 3 This allows you to import the images recorded on the camcorder to your PC. You can play back imported images and edit movies, for example, cut-edit them, add titles and BGM, and add image switching effects, etc.
Page 126
At least one or more USB 1.1 or 2.0 free ports are necessary. (May not operate if the camcorder is connected through a USB hub.) • Display screen of 1024×768 pixel, 16 bit (High color) or greater •...
Page 127
Graphic At least 1024 × 768 pixels (full-color is recommended.) At least one or more USB 1.1 or 2.0 free ports are necessary. (May not operate if the camcorder is connected through a USB hub.) Compatible SuperDrive mounted in Macintosh in standard...
Software installation Windows Turn on the power to your PC. If you are using your PC for other applications, quit all software you are using. Insert the provided CD-ROM into your PC’s CD-ROM drive. The software installer automatically starts up, and the “Choose Setup Language”...
Select your country’s video system. Click Perform installation. Preparations for installation are now complete. Click “Install” to begin the installation process. Click After installation is complete, the following message screen will appear. Click “Finish” to restart your PC. Software installation is now complete.
PC before installing software. Preparation before importing images When importing from a DVD-RW/ DVD-R set in the camcorder, be sure to finalize the disc (p.120). A +RW disc set in the camcorder will be automatically finalized when you connect the camcorder to your PC (auto finalization).
Page 131
Restart the PC if prompted. To USB terminal Notes • The USB cable does not supply power to the camcorder. Use the AC adapter/ charger to power the camcorder. • Before connecting, disconnect any cables other than the USB cable and AC adapter/charger.
If the camcorder is set to HDD or DVD mode and connected to your PC, it will be recognized as a disc drive. If the camcorder is set to SD mode and connected to a PC, it will be recognized as a removable disc.
If you insert a different DVD and close the lid, the DVD will be recognized. Macintosh Place the drive icon of this camcorder (displayed on desktop) in Trash Box: Then the lid of the camcorder’s disc compartment will open. Load another disc and close the lid, then the disc will be recognized.
8 cm DVD-RAM/ 8 cm DVD-RW/8 cm DVD-R/ 8 cm +RW. • Finalize a DVD-RW/DVD-R/ +RW recorded on the camcorder before using it on the PC (p.120). • Some DVD-ROM drives cannot read a DVD-RW/DVD-R/+RW recorded on the camcorder.
Turn the camcorder’s power switch position to the medium you wish to use with the PC. Then connect the camcorder to your PC using the provided USB cable. • If you want to use images recorded on a DVD, insert the DVD into the camcorder before making the USB connection.
Page 136
Click on “Hitachi DVDCAM” on the left side of the screen. The recorded images on the camcorder’s medium you chose will be displayed. Double-click the thumbnail of the movie you wish to play back (or choose a thumbnail and click “Playback”).
Page 137
USA. Then click “OK”. Click Select “Hitachi DVDCAM (HDD)” when the power switch is set to “HDD”, or “Hitachi DVDCAM” when the power switch is set to “DVD”, then click “Import”. Click The “ImageMixer 3 DVD Authoring”...
Page 138
Click the “Authoring” tab to display the editing screen. The video files you just imported will appear under “Source”. Choose the desired video file, and click “Add titles” to register the file. To register a previously imported video file (using ImageMixer 3), click “File”...
Page 139
After checking it, click the “OK” button. Once the contents on the disc have been deleted, the disc compartment on the camcorder will open. Close the cover following the message instructions. • If the disc contains a video file...
Page 140
DVD, insert the DVD into the camcorder before making the USB connection. Launch ImageMixer 3 Mac Edition by clicking “Hitachi DVDCAM” displayed in the left of screen. The images recorded on the HDD (DVD when DVD is chosen) will appear.
Page 141
Click to play back. Hint The DVD player may start automatically when you insert a DVD in the camcorder or the Macintosh drive. To cancel automatic start of the DVD player: from the “Apple” menu, choose “System Preferences” - “CDs&DVDs” - “When you insert a video DVD”...
Page 142
Choose the movie you wish to import and click “Import” at the bottom of screen. Importing will start. Choose an image to import. Choose the movie you wish to import and click “Import” at the bottom of screen. Importing will start. Choose an image to import.
Page 143
Creating a DVD-RW/ DVD-R playable on your DVD recorder/player After storing the images recorded on the camcorder onto your Macintosh (p.141), you can create a DVD-Video (DVD-RW/DVD-R) playable on your DVD recorder/player. Launch ImageMixer 3 Mac Edition. Click “Library” at the top left of the screen.
Page 144
Hints • You can also use Album or Smart Album to easily prepare a DVD creation list, by choosing the video files to create a DVD- Video with, and then clicking “DVD List” at the bottom of the screen. • Even after creating a DVD list, you can drag a video file from the library and drop it on the DVD list on the left of screen to...
PC, use the AC adapter/ charger as a power source. Although you can also use the battery pack, if the camcorder power is cut during data transfer, your valuable recorded data may be lost. If this occurs while writing to disc, the disc will no longer be usable.
Support Center phone numbers for software provided: PIXELA CORPORATION +1-800-458-4029 (Toll-free) +1-213-341-0163 URL: http://www.pixela.co.jp/oem/ hitachi/e/index.html For inquiries on connecting a PC to this camcorder: Hitachi Camcorder PC Software Support Center URL: http://dvdcam-pc.support.hitachi.ca/...
Additional Information Optional Accessories CAMERA ACCESSORIES Wide conversion lens (DZ-WL1) Tele-conversion lens (DZ-TL1) Step-up ring (DZ-SR3037) • When using camera accessories, be sure to read the instruction manuals for each accessory. POWER SUPPLY Battery (DZ-BP14SW) Battery (DZ-BP21SW) • Refer to the catalog for details. •...
Error Messages If an error message appears while operating the camcorder, refer to the following table for details and remedies. Messages are arranged in alphabetical order. Message (1) Data error in a The system cannot normally complete writing of a file if part of image file.
Page 149
Message (1) DVD is not A DVD-RW/+RW disc that was formatted on a PC, but formatted. Format not for camera use is inserted. the DVD now? (2) DVD Format. Select record format. (Displayed only when DVD-RW is used.) All scenes are This message will appear if you attempt to a “New”...
Page 150
Card error has Card error could have occurred during editing of scenes. occurred. Keep card Turn off the camcorder with the card inserted, connect the inside & restart. AC adapter/charger, and then turn it on again. Card full. Delete unnecessary stills, or use another card.
Page 151
DVD error has Disc error could have occurred during editing of scenes. occurred. Keep DVD Turn off the camcorder with the disc being used in it, inside & restart. connect AC adapter/charger, and then power the camcorder again. Repair of scenes will be tried.
Page 152
• See *5 on p.156. on DVD player or DVD recorder. Drive overheat. The temperature inside the camcorder is too high. In this Please retry later. case, proper writing/reading HDD/DVD may not be possible. Turn off the power, then wait for a while.
Page 153
HDD/DVD includes The disc may be software protected from a device other protected scenes. than this camcorder. To release, use the device that Delete scenes? executed the software-protect. HDD/DVD is full. The number of entered scenes has reached the limit that...
Page 154
“HDD”. The video file will be repaired. NO DVD This message may appear when the camcorder or disc is moved from a cold place to a warm place. Condensation has occurred on the lens or the HDD/DVD drive.
Page 155
This message will appear if the temperature of the HDD HDD is outside the in this camcorder is outside the operating temperature operating range. Turn the camcorder off and wait for a while. The temperature range. temperature will be effectively decreased if the Please retry later.
Page 156
• This message may also appear when condensation occurs. In this case, do not repair the disc; turn the camcorder off, wait until it dries out, and then turn it on again. • If the repair message appears when you turn the camcorder on from off with a disc loaded after recording on it, select repair.
Troubleshooting If you have any trouble with your camcorder, first use this troubleshooting guide to try to solve the problem. If the problem persists, consult your dealer. Do not attempt to make any physical repairs yourself. Power supplies Symptom Battery cannot be Is the DC power cord connected to the AC adapter/ charged.
Page 158
You can also specify “Power Save: Off” to stop automatic power off. Is the camcorder set to the sleep mode? If 30 minutes or more has elapsed with the camcorder in the sleep mode, it will automatically turn off.
AV selector, the video signal may not be transmitted correctly. In such a case, reduce the number of devices through which the video signal is transmitted, or connect the AV device directly. (DZ-HS903A) Are you attempting to record images from a video game or PC? From some video games or PCs, images cannot be recorded on this camcorder.
Page 160
Focus is not correct. Is it difficult to use auto focus with your subject? Focus manually. Does the manual focus icon appear? The camcorder is set to manual focus. Focus the subject manually, or release manual focus. If the above causes do not apply, turn off the power and turn it on again.
Was the image input from an analog VCR (VHS, 8 mm) quality is poor and recorded? The problem may be improved if a VCR equipped with a TBC circuit is used for playback. (DZ-HS903A) Still picture is very Was recording of external input made with “Frame” blurred.
Page 162
Symptom Not displayed DVD-RAM, DVD-RW(VR mode) recorded on this normally in the disc camcorder and edited on another device may not be navigation screen. displayed normally in the disc navigation screen. In this event, use “Update control info.”. If too much time is required to display the HDD disc navigation screen, try the following.
Page 163
Disconnect the camcorder from the PC, remove the disc from the camcorder, and then turn it off. After a few moments, connect them again and write to a brand-new disc. Transfer of images Connect the camcorder to another USB terminal of the stops.
Page 164
ImageMixer 3 Mac Edition for DVDCAM for playback. playback component adopted. When the time stamp The file system of this camcorder is operated on of a file on a disc is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and time lag information viewed on a PC, it is has not been set.
Page 165
The camcorder could be damaged. Consult your dealer. any button. The date and time Has the camcorder been left unused for a long period of are incorrect. time? The internal backup memory battery may be discharged. Connect the AC power adapter/charger to recharge it.
Page 166
• Immediately after a disc or card is inserted. ACCESS/PC or • When a long time has elapsed since the camcorder was CARD ACCESS turned off last. indicator on this • When the temperature is greatly different from the camcorder remains status of previous recording.
• To back up the data recorded on HDD, save it on a DVD. It is also recommended that you use this camcorder to dub the data. You can also use a PC to save the data on a DVD.
Page 168
Do not subject the camcorder to impact. • This camcorder is a precision machine. Take great care that you do not strike it against a hard object or let it fall. • When using a tripod, firmly secure the camcorder on it. Do not use the camcorder with a tripod in a place where it is subject to severe vibrations or impact.
Page 169
• Cleaning the DVD lens is not necessary when using this camcorder in the usual way. • Using 8 cm CD lens cleaner could cause this camcorder to be faulty. • If you have to clean the lens, use a Hitachi Maxell cleaner that is exclusively for 8 cm DVD discs.
Page 170
Cleaning the surface of the camcorder • Do not wipe the surface of the camcorder hard with any foreign object, such as grit adhering to the camcorder, and do not use rough fabrics to clean the surface of the camcorder. Doing so could scratch it.
Page 171
(generally available) to completely delete the data on it. It is user's responsibility to control the data on disc and memory card. • Hitachi will not accept any responsibility for leaking of personal data. Fig. 1 A l l scenes...
If the camcorder does not operate normally, perform “System Reset”. The camcorder may recover to normal. “System Reset” will reset all settings to the factory defaults. The date and time will also be reset. Set the date and time again before using the camcorder.
In Auto: 24 lx (1/30) In Low Light: 1 lx (1/4) 2.7-inch color TFT (approx. 120,000 pixels) Electronic type Still recording only DZ-HS903A: Approx. 30 GB DZ-HS803A: Approx. 8 GB Movie (with sound) Still (with SD memory card) DZ-HS903A: Approx. 7 hours (XTRA)/Approx. 11 hours (FINE)/ Approx.
Page 174
Movie: DVD+RW video format Audio: Dolby Digital Still: Conforming to JPEG 2016 × 1512 pixels External input (DZ-HS903A): 640 × 480 pixels 8 cm DVD-RAM (conforming to DVD-RAM Ver. 2.1) 8 cm DVD-RW (conforming to DVD-RW Ver. 1.1, 2x speed [2x/1x]) 8 cm DVD-R (conforming to DVD-R for General Ver.
As a result of this, multiple thumbnails will appear for this recording. (DZ-HS903A) 2: Variable bit recording (recording of more than 7 hours (DZ-HS903A)/1 hour 50 minutes (DZ- HS803A) on the HDD or more than 18 minutes on a DVD may be possible as the transfer rate varies automatically between approx.
Page 176
• Maximum number of scenes that can be recorded/dubbed on HDD/DVD Recording media DVD-RAM /DVD-RW DVD-R Recording only Per disc (one side) Combining scenes will not increase the remaining number of recordable scenes. If there are combined scenes, the maximum number of scenes in the table may not be the same as the actual maximum number of scenes that can be recorded/dubbed.
Page 177
(Input Source: LINE) (DZ-HS903A) Still picture quality Capacity 32 MB 64 MB 128 MB 256 MB 512 MB 1 GB • Still picture size and quality The following table shows the picture quality and the corresponding file size of a still picture (JPEG) when you are using a card.
A screeching noise which may be produced when the camcorder is connected to a TV or speakers. To prevent the noise, keep a distance between the camcorder and the TV or speakers, or turn off the volume of the connected device. Double-sided disc A disc which allows recording on both sides.
This License Agreement certifies that you were granted license in the past. ■ Grant of License • Hitachi, Ltd. nonexclusively grants you the right to install this program in one computer and use it, but this right cannot be transferred to a third party.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Responsible Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. Party: 900 Hitachi Way Chula Vista, CA 91914-3556 U.S.A...
DAMAGES OR LOSS OF PROFIT OF PRODUCT RESULTING FROM ANY DEFECT IN OR MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF THIS HITACHI PRODUCT. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, OR THE EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
If this product is found to be defective, Hitachi will repair or replace defective parts at no charge to the original owner. Parts used for replacement are warranted for the remainder of the original Limited Warranty period.
Page 187
HITACHI.COM/TV OR MAIL IN TO ADDRESS ON THIS CARD. “In order to allow Hitachi to better serve customer needs, please complete this card and return it to Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. Completion of this card is not required in order to validate your Hitachi limited warranty, but would assist us in developing better services and programs for our customers.”...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the DZ-HS903A and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers