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Hitachi VM-E625LA Instruction Manual

8mm video camcorder
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For Your Safety
Instruction Manual
8mm Video Camcorder
VM-E625LA
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.
QR15092 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1996
HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC
3300 Trans Canada Highway, Pointe Claire,
Quebec, H9R 1B1, CANADA
Tel. 514-697-9150
Printed in Japan KR-R(N)
- 1 -
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  • Page 1 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. QR15092 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1996...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Using Memory ... 37 Using the Display Button ... 37 Using the Wireless Remote Control ... 38 Creating and Recording A Title ... 38 Dubbing from the camcorder to a VCR... 40 Using Synchro Edit... 40 TABLE OF CONTENTS - 2 -...

  • Page 3: 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. WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

  • Page 4: Important Safeguards

    • 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 5 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 2 Retain Instructions -- The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. 3 Heed Warnings -- Comply with all warnings on the video product and in the operating instructions. 4 Polarized Plug -- This video product is equipped with a polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other).
  • Page 6 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS - 6 - with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the video product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer's instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer. 11A An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care.

  • Page 7: Important Safety Instructions For Ac Adapter/Charger

    Hitachi VM-E625LA. • "Advanced Techniques" to help you with some of the exciting, sophisticated features of the Hitachi VM-E625LA. We hope you will take the time to learn about these functions since they have been designed for you. You can use the video camcorder without reading this section.

  • Page 8: Before You Begin

    • 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. Quick Index Charging the Battery...12...

  • Page 9: Optional Rf Adapter

    8. Lens cap string 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 10: 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 11: Additional Information

    Getting Started temperatures operation time decreases, while at high temperature the battery may be damaged. After charging set the mark switch to red so that you may quickly identify whether the battery is charged or uncharged. Note: The marker switch does not guarantee the batteries charge status. Additional Information To use a battery in optimum condition: •...

  • Page 12: 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 13: Loading Batteries

    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 14: Camcorder Batteries Using Battery Pack

    1. Lift the OPEN lever and pull it up. The power supply attachment cover will open. 2. With the battery compartment facing you, align arrow on the battery with the arrow on the camcorder. 3. Once the arrows are aligned, push down on the battery.

  • Page 15: Removing The Battery Pack

    CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch is in the OFF position whenever attaching or detaching any power supply (i.e. Battery, AC adapter/charger, etc.) Note: When alkaline batteries are used to power the camcorder, power is not supplied to the LCD monitor, so - 15 -...
  • Page 16 Note: Be careful of the following to prevent the leakage of liquid or an explosion. • Check that the orientation (polarity) of the batteries is correct. • Remove the batteries when not using the camcorder. • Remove the used batteries from the camcorder.

  • Page 17: Using Alternative Power Sources

    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 18: Inserting And Removing Cassettes

    1. Plug the car battery cord into the car's cigarette lighter socket. 2. Connect one end of the DC cord (provided) to the DC IN jack of the camcorder. Connect to other end of the DC cord to the DC OUTPUT of the car battery cord.

  • Page 19: 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 20: Setting 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 34.

  • Page 21: Getting Started, Identifying Controls

    Note: Be sure to insert the clock battery before setting the date and time or creating a title. Right side/Battery cover Illustration 16. Ring of Tape Transport - F.F Button Use this button to fast forward tapes or for visual search. During visual search the camcorder fast forwards at - 21 -...
  • Page 22 29. AV IN/OUT Jack (Behind the jack cover) Use this jack to connect the camcorder to a VCR or television ("Playing Back Your Recording on Your TV," p29, 30, "Dubbing from the Camcorder to a VCR," p45, "Recording Television Programs", p54).

  • Page 23: Opening The Lcd Monitor

    ) button switches to the next higher channel, bottom ( ) button switches to the next lower channel. For these to operate, you must have preset your channels. ("Controlling your TV with the Camcorder's Remote Control" p54). 36. Recorder's Remote Control The shaded buttons on the remote control have the same functions as the corresponding buttons on the camcorder.

  • Page 24: Range In Which The Lcd Monitor Can Be Moved

    If the LCD screen becomes dirty, use a soft cloth to wipe off the dirt. • If the camcorder is used in a cold place and becomes too cold, the LCD screen will be dim for a while after the power is turned on.

  • Page 25: Basic Techniques

    Let's get started! Making a Basic Recording The Hitachi VM-E625LA 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 26: Using Still

    Note: When the LCD monitor is turned on and left as it is, the monitor becomes warm, but this does not indicate fault. Note: When alkaline batteries are used to power the camcorder, power is not supplied to the LCD monitor, so you cannot view a picture on the LCD screen.

  • Page 27: Playing Back Your Recording On Your Tv

    2. Connect the free square plug to the AV IN/OUT jack of the camcorder. 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 - 27 -...

  • Page 28: Advanced Techniques

    10. Press the STOP button when finished. Advanced Techniques The Hitachi VM-E625LA 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 29: Date Recording

    Date Recording When the date has been set, the camcorder will enter the automatic date recording mode automatically. 1. Press the red button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch as you slide it to CAM. 2. Press the DATE/TITLE button to specify the date display you want to record.

  • Page 30: 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 31: Using The Digital Zoom

    LCD monitor. Note: This digital zoom has certain limitation and may degradate at extreme magnification and amplify camcorder's movement. Press and hold the power zoom T control until you find the picture you want. You control the zoom with the power zoom T and W controls.

  • Page 32: Using Auto Focus

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

  • Page 33: Using Manual Focus

    Advanced Techniques Dark objects Note: With the T zoom control you can use the auto focus with subjects that are 3.3 feet away from the lens and further away to infinity. With the W zoom control you can use the auto focus with subjects 3/8 inches (1cm) away from the lens and further away to infinity.

  • Page 34: 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 35: 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 36: 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 or LCD monitor.

  • Page 37: Using Memory

    Advanced Techniques - 37 - Using Memory The linear time counter memory stops a rewinding tape at approximately 0;00;00M. This feature helps in locating a specific point in the tape to which you wish to return. An example might be that you have recorded some tape that you have already watched, you continue recording but do not care to watch the tape you recorded earlier.

  • Page 38: 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 39: Creating A Title

    - 39 - Creating a Title 1. Connect the camcorder to a power source. 2. Hold down the red button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch and slide it to either CAM or VIDEO. 3. Press the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control and a flashing cursor appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor.

  • Page 40: 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-E625LA uses a flying erase head to eliminate glitches or rainbow noise that sometimes occurs between edits. Your VCR must have the EDIT IN jack to use the synchro edit.

  • Page 41: 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. The linear time counter resets to 0:00:00M.
  • Page 42 Note: The remote control cannot be operated if there is an obstacle between the remote control and infrared receiver. Especially, be careful of this during dubbing. Note: When the edit remote control is connected to the camcorder, the buttons marked * in the figure above perform the same operations as those of the other remote control provided.

  • Page 43: To End Programmable Simple Edit

    7. Press the button to search for the end of the segment you want to copy. Press camcorder to the play pause mode. Use the FORWARD or REVERSE button as required to fine adjust the tape position. 8. Press the OUT button to store the counter reading at the end of the scene.

  • Page 44: 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.

  • Page 45: Using Audio/Video Dubbing

    7. Use the REW and PLAY buttons to find where you wish to start dubbing. Press the PAUSE (START/STOP) button. 8. Press and hold the A/V DUB button while pressing the PLAY button. This places the camcorder in A/V DUB pause mode.

  • Page 46: Attaching The Optional Wide Or Tele Converter Lens

    8. Press the Start/Stop button again to stop recording. Note: If the tape is played back while the AV input cable is left connected to the camcorder, noise may appear in the picture. In this event, press the STOP button to stop the camcorder, unplug the AV input cable and play back the tape again.

  • Page 47: Removing The Dc Camera Light

    • If the DC camera light is turned on and off during recording, there could be noise in the picture. 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.

  • Page 48: General Maintenance

    Note: Only replace the camera light bulb with VM-CP4L (optional) to reduce the risk of fire. 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.

  • Page 49: 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 50 The LCD monitor does not turn on. The optional DC camera light cannot be used. 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 51 NO OPERATION IS ACCEPTED Symptom Power is turned on, but no button operations are accepted The camcorder does not operate when alkaline batteries are inserted. § TV receiver is of older type. It needs to be modified to work properly with camcorder.

  • Page 52: Specifications

    46mm For U.S.A. only HITACHI Service Hotline To locate an authorized HITACHI service facility Check Point & Correction § Have you moved the camcorder or cassette from a cold place to a warm place so that its temperature changed abruptly? §...

  • Page 53: Accessories Add Excitement

    Accessories Add Excitement We know that once you discover how much your Hitachi VM-E625LA 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.
  • Page 54 Do not use cotton swabs, they will damage LCD. First use a dry lens cloth. If dry lens cloth does not do the job, spray a little Windex on the cloth and then clean the LCD. According to Hitachi these LCDs can be easily damaged, so this must be done with the utmost care.

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