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For Your Safety - 1 -
Instruction Manual
8mm Video Camcorder
VM-E520A / VM-E521A
Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC
3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093 3300 Trans Canada Highway, Pointe Claire,
Tel. 770-279-5600 Quebec, H9R 1B1, CANADA
Tel. 514-697-9150
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 familia
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For Your Safety - 2 - TABLE OF CONTENTS For Your Safety......................................................................................................................................... 3 Important Safeguards .............................................................................................................................. 4 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER .................................... 7 Read This First...........................................
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For Your Safety - 3 - Recording Television Programs....................................................................................................... 42 Attaching the Optional Wide or Tele Converter Lens ................................................................... 42 Attaching the Optional DC Camera Light ....................................................................................... 43 Viewfinder Bright, Color and Tint Control ............................................
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Important Safeguards - 4 - 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. Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant of Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reaso
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Important Safeguards - 5 - 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). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the
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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. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn. 12 Outdoor Antenna Grounding -- If
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER - 7 - e. If the video product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged. f. When the video product exhibits a distinct change in performance - this indicates a need for service. 19 Replacement Parts -- When replacement parts are required, have the service technician verify that the replacements he uses have the same safety characteristics as the original parts. Use of replacements specified by the video product manufacturer can pr
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Before You Begin - 8 - • 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 Making a Basic Recording.....26 Playing Back Your Recording.....27 Using Power Zoom.....34 Using Digital Zoom.....34 Using the Wireless Remote Control.....42 Dub
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Before You Begin - 9 - 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. The RF adapter can also be purchased by mail by sending either money order or your credit card information to the following addr
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Getting Started - 10 - 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. Getting Started This section guides you through the initial preparation of the camcorder. None of these processes are complex. Set aside some time, relax, and familiarize yoursel
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Getting Started - 11 - 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: • Use the battery until the low charge light ( ) flashes. Using a battery for a short time and then recharging it may shorten the operation time. • It is recommended to refresh a battery before recharging it when it
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Getting Started - 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. Eyepiece Adjustment To use the electronic viewfinder, turn this control for your optimum focus adjustment. Adjustment the Hand Stra
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Getting Started - 13 - Clock 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. 2. Press the PLAY button and hold it for about two seconds. 3. Insert the battery with the "+" terminal facing up as shown in the figure. 4. Replace the battery holder with battery in t
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Getting Started - 14 - Before you install the battery for the first time it must be fully charged. Refer to "Charging the Battery" on page 12 for details. 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. 4. While pushing down the battery, slide it to the right until it "clicks" into place.
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Getting Started - 15 - Removing the Battery Pack 1. Lift the OPEN lever and pull it up. The power supply attachment cover will open. 2. Push the side of the battery in the direction of the arrow. A click will be heard and the battery is released. 3. Remove the battery and close the cover. Checking the Battery's Charge A battery charge indicator is located on the upper right corner of the viewfinder. One of three symbols displays when the battery is used. This symbol indicates a fully
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Getting Started - 16 - 2. Lift the battery holder plates at the center of the attachment holder. 3. Insert six alkaline batteries with the correct polarities. 4. After installing the batteries, close the cover. Hold the OPEN lever and align the tabs on both sides of the cover with the end of the attachment section. Note: Use only "AA" alkaline batteries marked "LR6". (Manganese batteries cannot be used to power the camcorder.) Note: It is recommended that you use alkaline batterie
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Getting Started - 17 - 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. Note: It is recommended that you use a battery pack to power the camcorder when using a DC camera light. If a camera light is used when the camcorder is powered by batteries, the required supply voltage will be very short and the camcorder will turn off soon. Note: When the batteries are used to power the camcorder in a cold
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Getting Started - 18 - 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. Note: Only use the car battery cord with cars having 12/24 volt negative ground system. Inserting and Removing Cassettes A power source must be connected before inserting or removing cassettes. Once connected cassettes can be inserted or r
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Getting Started - 19 - slack or no dust adheres to it, etc. After making sure that there is no abnormality, reinsert the cassette. If TAPE reappears, see "Troubleshooting" on page 60. Removing a Cassette Slide the EJECT switch in the direction of the arrow. The cassette door opens automatically. Remove the cassette. Protecting Recorded Material Protect 8mm cassettes from accidental erasure by sliding the tab on the side of the cassette towards the opposite side until the tab is completel
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Getting Started, Identifying Controls - 20 - reference when viewing them later. Use the following procedure to set up the display for the current date and time. Note: Be sure to insert the clock battery before setting the date and time. Although the date and time can be set without the clock battery inserted, they will disappear when the battery providing power to the camcorder is removed. Make sure that the current time is displayed correctly before you start filming. 1. Load the batte
