For Your Safety -1- Instruction Manual 8mm Video Camcorder VM-E520A / VM-E521A Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. 3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093 Tel. 770-279-5600 HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC 3300 Trans Canada Highway, Pointe Claire, 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.
For Your Safety -2TABLE OF CONTENTS For Your Safety......................................................................................................................................... 3 Important Safeguards .............................................................................................................................. 4 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER .................................... 7 Read This First..............................................................
For Your Safety -3Recording 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 ...............................................................
Important Safeguards -4- 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 reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
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.
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.
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.
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.....
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 address: HiTRON, Inc.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 5.
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 charged battery.
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.
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.
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.
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 completely visible.
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.
Getting Started, Identifying Controls - 21 - 2. Viewfinder BRIGHT, COLOR and TINT controls Refer to page 56. 3. Cassette Holder Close Button CAUTION: Be sure to press this button to close the cassette holder. Otherwise, the tape may become slack and may be damaged. 4. Cassette Holder A power source must be connected to the camcorder before a cassette can be inserted or removed. 5. Microphone 6. Record Indicator This indicator lights when the camcorder is recording. 7.
Basic Techniques - 22 - 19. Camera Light Shoe Attach the DC camera light here. 20. OPEN Lever Use this to open or close the cover of the power supply attachment holder ("Camcorder Batteries", p15). 21. Power Supply Attachment Section (Behind the cover) Attach a battery or alkaline batteries here ("Camcorder Batteries", P.15, 16). 22. Hand Strap Refer to page 13. Right side/Jack covers/Underside Illustration 23.
Basic Techniques - 23 - This section guides you through basic recording and playback. Practice the basic techniques of recording and playback on something unimportant such as traffic or a short tour of your backyard. Once familiar with how the machine works you can move to the more sophisticated features with less stress.
Basic Techniques - 24 - 1. Connect the provided AV stereo output cable to the AUDIO IN and VIDEO IN jacks of your VCR. Connect either the right or left audio plug into your VCR if it has only one AUDIO IN jack. Note: Some VCRs have an S-VIDEO IN jack. Connect the black S-VIDEO plug to the VCR instead of the yellow VIDEO plug.
Basic Techniques - 25 - ohm to 300-ohm transformer). Connect the adapter to the 75-ohm coaxial cable of the RF output adapter and connect the free ends of the adapter to the VHF antenna terminals at the back of your television. 4. Connect the RF output adapter cable to the AV IN/OUT jack of your camcorder. 5. Turn your television on and select channel 3 (channel 4 if channel 3 is a channel used in your area). 6.
Advanced Techniques - 26 - Note: When you engage F.F button or REW button the picture will have some interference or noise. This is normal during search mode. To Play Back a Recording at Double the Normal Speed 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.
Advanced Techniques - 27 - AUTO and Date - Automatic Date Recording This option records the date automatically once a day at the beginning of recording for ten seconds Note: The camcorder records the same date when; - the cassette is replaced. - you select AUTO and date display again. - the recording is less than 10 seconds long. Note: If the date changes while recording continues over 10 seconds, the new date is recorded for about 10 seconds the next time you make a recording.
Advanced Techniques - 28 - Note: When AUTO and date display is selected, the date disappears about 10 seconds after recording is started. Note: When TITLE and date display is selected, the title and date disappear about 10 seconds after recording is started. Using the Power Zoom The power zoom W control widens the picture, moving the subject farther away, while the power zoom T control brings the subject closer, narrowing the picture.
Advanced Techniques - 29 - Press the INST. ZOOM button. I. ZOOM appears at the left of the viewfinder and the picture is magnified 1.5 times. Note: To return to the original zoom position, press the INST. ZOOM button so that I. ZOOM disappears from the viewfinder. Note: This instant zoom has certain limitations and may degradate at extreme magnification and amplify camcorder's movement.
Advanced Techniques - 30 - Rapidly moving objects 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. Using Manual Focus 1. Press the FOCUS control buttons simultaneously. FOCUS displays in the viewfinder. You can adjust the focus manually. 2.
Advanced Techniques - 31 - 1. Press the EIS button. The EIS icon appears in the viewfinder. 2. Press the Start/Stop button to start recording. When EIS is engaged the viewfinder image shakes with a slight delay. Note: EIS may not function if you use a wide or tele converter lens. Note: When the EIS function is engaged in the vicinity of the zoom range with ZOOM displayed in the viewfinder, when moved from the wide-angle end, the image size will change, but this is normal.
Advanced Techniques - 32 - 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. Note: When fading out be sure to wait until the PAUSE indicator ( attempting to put the camcorder into the record mode again.
Advanced Techniques - 33 - Use quick edit to search for the end of previously recorded material, find a particular spot on your tape, begin editing, or record new material. While the camera is in record/pause mode hold down the F.F, REW, or PLAY button and visually search the tape. Release the button and the camcorder stops the tape at the exact position you selected. Using Macro This function allows you to shoot subjects as close as 3/8 inches (1cm). Press and hold the power zoom control W.
Advanced Techniques - 34 - Note: The date search function is released when you press the STOP button during date search mode. Note: If the recorded time is less than 30 seconds, the date search function may not operate normally. 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.
Advanced Techniques - 35 - camcorder. Aiming remote Illustration Note: Use the wireless remote control within the range of the infrared receiver of the camcorder shown above. Note: The wireless remote control may not function in strong light such as direct sunlight or very bright artificial lighting. Note: Clear a direct path from the wireless remote control to the infrared receiver. The wireless remote control won't work if an obstacle blocks the infrared rays.
Advanced Techniques - 36 - 7. Complete the title by repeating steps 5 and 6. 8. When you complete your title, press the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control to store the title in memory and remove the title graphics from the viewfinder. Note: As long as the correct current time can be displayed, the title is held in memory. Correcting Errors 1. Press the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control. 2. Use the STOP button to select the character to be corrected. 3. Use the F.
Advanced Techniques - 37 - Note: If the VCR is connected to a television and the VCR/TV selector is set to VCR, you can monitor the tape being dubbed. Using Synchro Edit 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-E520A/E521A uses a flying erase head to eliminate glitches or rainbow noise that sometimes occurs between edits.
Advanced Techniques - 38 - 1. Turn the VCR on. 2. Aim the remote control at the infrared receiver on the VCR and press the VCR SET button on the remote control and hold it, then press the button corresponding to the VCR's maker code. For example, if you have a RCA VCR, press the VCR SET button and hold it, then press the DISPLAY button.
Advanced Techniques - 39 - Note: The remote control code is held in memory until it is changed or the batteries are replaced. Note: Point the remote control straight at the VCR's infrared receiver for operation. Note: Use the remote control indoors. When the infrared receivers of the VCR and camcorder are exposed to direct sunlight or strong artificial light, the remote control may not operate correctly.
Advanced Techniques - 40 - • The camcorder automatically searches for the beginning of the first segment and starts playback. The recording VCR automatically starts recording • After recording the first segment, the camcorder automatically searches for the beginning of the next segment and resumes playback. The recording VCR is automatically released from the record pause mode and resumes recording. • It continues recording and pausing until all the programmed segments are edited. 12.
Advanced Techniques TV Brands Press CH ( ) and This Button Hitachi AVX Zenith VOL ( ) Sony ZOOM.(W) Magnavox REW Sanyo PLAY Gold Star 1 F.FWD Toshiba AV DUB Gold Star 2 STOP NEC PAUSE (START/STOP) RCA DISPLAY Panasonic TITLE ON/OFF Mitsubishi ZOOM.(T) JVC COUNTER RESET Sharp S.EDIT - 41 - Controlling the TV Once programmed, the camcorder's remote control is ready to control the TV. • Press the button of the TV function that you want.
Advanced Techniques - 42 - previously recorded tape in the camcorder. Remote Control Audio/Video Dubbing Buttons 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). 3. Hold down the red button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch while sliding the switch to VIDEO. 4. Insert a previously recorded tape in the camcorder. 5.
Advanced Techniques - 43 - 2. Remove both caps of the converter lens. 3. Screw the lens into the threads on the camcorder lens assembly. Attaching the Optional DC Camera Light You can use the DC camera light to light subjects in darkened areas or correct unflattering shadows. Use the camera light wisely as it greatly reduces the time you may use a charged battery. NEVER TOUCH THE DC CAMERA LIGHT TERMINAL WHEN THE CAMCORDER IS TURNED ON TO AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK. 1. Slide the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to OFF. 2.
Advanced Techniques - 44 - 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. Replacing the DC Camera Light Bulb 1. Turn the front of the case counter-clockwise and remove it. 2. Remove the bulb by pulling it out through the opened case. 3. Install the new bulb by aligning the notch in the rim of the bulb's base with the " " mark outside the socket. Avoid touching the bulb directly with your fingers.
General Maintenance - 45 - 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. Use a video head cleaner such as a dry type head cleaning tape to clean the heads. If after cleaning the heads the picture does not clear up consult your nearest dealer or VCR service center for professional head cleaning.
General Maintenance - 46 - 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.
General Maintenance - 47 - RECORDING TV PROGRAMS OFF THE AIR Symptom Check Point & Correction The camcorder cannot be set to the § Check the record-protect tab on the recording mode, even when the cassette. See page 19 for details. Start/Stop button on the camcorder is § Set the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to pressed CAM. § Connect the camcorder and TV or VCR. PLAYBACK OF PRE-RECORDED CASSETTE Symptom Check Point & Correction "PLAY" button cannot be engaged.
General Maintenance BATTERY CONDITION - 48 - Symptom The ( ) indication in the electronic viewfinder flashes to indicate battery is discharged. 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. TAPE DISPLAY Symptom TAPE appears in the viewfinder Check Point & Correction § Try another battery or charge the battery. Check Point & Correction § Remove the power source and the date/title battery.
Accessories Add Excitement Video output Audio input Audio output Fast forward/rewind time - 49 - 1.0Vp-p, 75 ohm -7.8dBs (316mVrms) -7.8dBs (316mVrms) Less than 8 minutes with P6-120 cassette Camera Specifications Scanning Required minimum illumination Pickup device Lens diameter 525 lines/60 fields/30 frames 1 lux 1/4" C.C.D. 46mm For U.S.A. only HITACHI Service Hotline To locate an authorized HITACHI service facility in the continental U.S.A.
Accessories Add Excitement - 50 - To Order in the United States In Canada - Please use Canadian order form in French version of this manual - Page 65. By Phone To place an order by phone, have your VISA, MASTERCARD, or DISCOVER card ready and call the toll-free number (8:00AM ~ 6:00PM East Coast Time - workdays). 1-800-995-4500 By Mail Complete the order form on page 67. Detach it and send it to the following address with your credit card information, money order, or check (in U.S.
