TABLE OF CONTENTS HITACHI Instruction Manual Video Camcorder VM-8400LA HITACHI HOME ELECTRONICS (AMERICA), INC. 3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093 Tel. 770-279-5600 HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC. 6740 Campobello Road Mississauga, Ontario L5N 2L8 Tel. 905-821-4545 HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF HAWAII, INC. 3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, HI 96819 Tel. 808-836-3621 Thank you for choosing the video camcorder.
TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................................................2 PRECAUTIONS..........................................................................................................................3 FEATURES ............................................................................................................................................................................4 ACCESSORIES.................
PRECAUTIONS PRECAUTIONS WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. CAUTION: TO REDUCE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER - SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. This symbol warns the user that uninsulated voltage within the unit may have sufficient magnitude to cause electric shock. Therefore, it is dangerous to make any kind of contact with any inside part of this unit.
PRECAUTIONS Caution: Avoid operating your camcorder immediately after moving it from a cold area to a warm humid area. Give the camcorder 2 to 3 hours to acclimate to the surroundings before inserting a video cassette. When moved from a cold area to a warm humid area, moisture may condense on the head drum inside the machine. This moisture could cause the tape to stick to the headwheel and damage the headwheel or tape. See the bottom of the AC adaptor/charger.
PRECAUTIONS • Titler • Index signal recording • Audio / video Input function • Audio / video dub • Audio dub • Built-in automatic camera light This video camcorder with this marking incorporates high-quality picture * technology and is compatible with any video cassette recorder bearing the mark. With this camcorder you can view the picture being recorded or the playback picture whether on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS In addition to the careful attention devoted to quality standards in the manufacture of your video product, safety is a major factor in the design of every instrument. But, safety is your responsibility too. This page lists important information that will help to assure your enjoyment and proper use of a Video Camcorder and accessory equipment. Please read it carefully before operating your video product and keep it in a handy place for future reference.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance. 8 Ventilation -- Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the video product and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the video product on a bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS professional antenna installer. USE 14 Cleaning -- Unplug this video product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. 15 Object and Liquid Entry -- Never push objects of any kind into this video product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the video product.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER 1. Save these instructions--This page contains important safety and operating instructions for AC Adaptor/Charger Model VM-ACV41A. 2. Before using AC Adaptor/Charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) AC Adaptor/Charger, (2) battery and (3) product using battery. 3. Also read all instructions on pages 4 and 5. 4.
ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER (EVF) ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER (EVF) Set the viewfinder to the position shown in the figure when carrying the camcorder or storing it in the carrying case. Turn the viewfinder to the position shown below when shooting pictures. 1. Turn the viewfinder 2. Turn the eyepiece. You can adjust the position and angle of the viewfinder so you can see through it easily. Cautions: • Do not force the viewfinder to rotate completely around. This will damage the viewfinder and/or camcorder.
ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER (EVF) focus adjustment.
LCD MONITOR LCD MONITOR When using the LCD monitor during recording and playback and playback, you can adjust the brightness of its screen and the angle of the monitor. Opening the LCD monitor 1. Press the OPEN button to open the LCD monitor. NOTE: Opening or closing the LCD monitor switches the picture to appear on the monitor or in the viewfinder. Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen NOTE: Even when the picture on the LCD monitor is adjusted, the recorded video will not change. 1.
LCD MONITOR • If the LCD monitor is turned 90* so that it faces the same direction as the lens when the camera signal is being recorded during recording, recording pause, instant review, editing, A/V dubbing or A/V dubbing pause, the image on the monitor screen will become a mirror image, and the viewfinder will turn on. The on-screen display on the LCD monitor will also be as if reflected on a mirror.
ACTIVE SCREEN ACTIVE SCREEN The camcorder automatically brightens the backlight of the LCD monitor when you are recording a bright subject outdoors, so that the LCD screen is easy to see. NOTES: • When you record a bright subject outdoors, the camcorder operating time will be less than when recording indoors. • Even if you record outdoors, the LCD monitor backlight may not brighten, if you are aiming at a dark subject.
ACTIVE SCREEN NOTES: • The AC adaptor/charger cannot charge the battery and operate the camcorder at the same time. • When using the AC adaptor/charger to power the camcorder, the battery level indicator may display " ". This indicator is used for battery operation and has no meaning when using the AC adaptor/charger to power the camcorder. WHEN USING WITH THE CAR BATTERY (By using optional car battery cord Hitachi VM-CC70A) 1. Connect the small plug of the car battery cord to the "DC IN 9.
ACTIVE SCREEN 17
CHARGING THE BATTERY CHARGING THE BATTERY 1. Plug the AC adaptor/charger power cord into AC electrical outlet. 2. Attach the battery to the AC adaptor/charger. Align the mark " " on the battery with that of AC adaptor/charger and push the battery flush with the AC adaptor/charger and slide it in the direction of arrow. NOTE: You must remove the DC cord from the AC adaptor/charger to charge the battery. If the DC cord is connected, the "CHARGE" light will not light. 3.
CHARGING THE BATTERY battery tends to discharge if not used for an extended period of time. If the battery is stored for a extended length of time without being recharged, you may not be able to recharge it. • A battery charged after being stored for a long period may not supply power for the specified time. Additional rechargings will help restore the battery's operation time. • The battery should be charged at a temperature of 50ºF - 86ºF (10ºC - 30ºC) to prevent damage.
INSERTING AND REMOVING CASSETTES INSERTING AND REMOVING CASSETTES A power source must be connected before inserting or removing cassettes. Once connected, cassettes can be inserted or removed whether the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch is on or off. Inserting a cassette 1. Connect the POWER SOURCE. (See pages 10 and 11.) 2. Press "STOP/EJECT". The cassette door will open automatically. 3. Insert the cassette so the transparent window is toward you and the arrow toward the cassette holder.
IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS click for image of camcorder click for image of camcorder click for images of camcorder 21
MAKING A SAMPLE CAMERA RECORDING MAKING A SAMPLE CAMERA RECORDING 1. Connect the power source. 2. Insert the cassette. 3. Unfold the extension shoulder pad. When recording while viewing the LCD monitor, fit the extension shoulder pad on your shoulder; the LCD screen will be easy to see. 4. Open the LCD monitor if you want to view the picture being recorded on the LCD monitor. If you want to view the picture in the viewfinder, leave the monitor close.
MAKING A SAMPLE CAMERA RECORDING 7. Press "REC/PAUSE" to stop recording. Press the button again to resume recording. The " " indication will appear in the viewfinder or LCD monitor instead of "REC" while the camcorder is in the record/pause (stand-by) mode. NOTES: • The "TAPE END" indication starts flashing in the viewfinder or LCD monitor when there is about five minutes recording time left on the cassette.
MAKING A SAMPLE CAMERA RECORDING an image of yourself; the image displayed on the LCD monitor will be the reverse of a mirror image.
PLAYBACK PLAYBACK You can view recorded pictures on the 3-inch LCD monitor immediately after recording. • If you connect the camcorder to your TV, you can see the picture played back on your TV. Open the LCD monitor, and then adjust the angle of the monitor 2. Press and hold the small button on "CAM/OFF/ VIDEO", and then slide it to the "VIDEO" position. 3. Press "REW/REVIEW" to the position where you want to start playback. 4. Press "PLAY" and play back the tape.
PLAYBACK Using still When "REC/PAUSE" is pressed during playback, a still picture can be seen. To start again press "REC/PAUSE" and playback will be resumed. NOTE: There will be some noise (interference) in the still picture. Using forward and reverse search When you press "F.FWD" or "REW/REVIEW" during playback, the tape will be played back at a speed about 3 times faster than the normal playback speed, and you can easily locate a certain spot on the tape.
DATE/TIME SETTING DATE/TIME SETTING The date and time can be recorded on your tapes to act as a handy reference when viewing them at a later time. Use the following procedure to set up this display for the current date and time. The time backup battery is rechargeable. Charge the backup battery every two months. Set "CAM/OFF/VIDEO" to "OFF" position and connect a charged battery or AC adaptor/charger to the camcorder for 24 hours.
DATE/TIME SETTING 6. Press "F.FWD" or "REW/REVIEW" as many times as may be required to select correct hour, and then press "STOP/EJECT". 7. Repeat step 6 to select minute and AM/PM. 8. After setting AM or PM, press "DATE/TIME" to change the display and start the internal clock. It is recommended that you press "DATE/TIME" to match the time signal. NOTE: After the date and time are set, AUTO" appears and the camcorder enters the automatic date recording mode. See "DATE RECORDING" on page 25.
DATE RECORDING DATE RECORDING When the date has been set, the camcorder will enter the automatic date recording mode automatically. Specify the required date mode option before recording. 1. Press and hold the small button on "CAM/OFF/ VIDEO", and then slide it to "CAM" position. 2. Press "DATE/TIME" repeatedly to select the date display you want to record. and date - Automatic date recording This option records the date automatically once a day at the beginning of recording for 10 seconds.
AUTO FOCUS AUTO FOCUS The camcorder focuses the subject in the center of the viewfinder or LCD monitor automatically. The range of object with which auto focus can be used • On "T" side: about 2.6 feet (80 cm) from the lens surface to infinity. • On "W" side: about 3/8 inch (1 cm) from the lens surface to infinity. The auto focus will not work under the following conditions 1. Objects not in the center of the viewfinder or LCD monitor. 2. Objects at far and near positions at the same time. 3.
AUTO FOCUS 6. Objects moving rapidly. 7. Dark objects.
DISPLAY BUTTON DISPLAY BUTTON When "DISPLAY" is pressed, the information on the shutter speed, tape remaining, remaining battery level, etc. is displayed. • When "DISPLAY" is pressed so the display appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor, the same display appears on the screen of the connected TV/monitor receiver.
DISPLAY BUTTON 33
REMAINING TAPE REMAINING TAPE When "DISPLAY" is pressed so the display appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor, the tape remaining display shows the remaining length of tape that can be used for recording and playback, using seven dashes. This feature is handy when recording since it lets you know how long you can record on the loaded tape. Insert a cassette in the camcorder and start recording or playback; 10 seconds later, the remaining tape will be displayed.
DIGITAL ZOOM DIGITAL ZOOM The digital zoom increases the magnification of the power zoom by 2 times. You must place the subject you wish to magnify at the center of the viewfinder or LCD monitor. 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. When "DISPLAY" is pressed and the display appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor, "ZOOM" is displayed to signal to you that the camcorder is in the digital zoom area.
DIGITAL ZOOM NOTES: • To return to the original zoom position, press "INST. ZOOM" so that "I.ZOOM" disappears from the viewfinder or LCD monitor. • When the instant zoom is used, the more the image is magnified, the rougher the picture becomes. Also even slight shaking of the camcorder is conspicuous.
DIGITAL EFFECTS RECORDING DIGITAL EFFECTS RECORDING The digital processor in this camcorder allows you to record pictures and add special effects; 16X9 recording mode, a negative image (negative/positive recording), 200 times digital zoom feature (with instant zoom), a symmetric image, obtained by placing a mirror at the centre of the screen (half-mirror recording), and an image in mosaic (mosaic recording).
DIGITAL EFFECTS RECORDING viewfinder or LCD monitor. The image in the viewfinder or LCD monitor will become negative. 3. Press "REC/PAUSE" to start recording. • To release the negative mode, press "DIGITAL EFFECT" repeatedly in recording pause until normal mode is restored. X200 Digital Zoom Recording 1. Place the camcorder in record pause. 2. Press "DISPLAY" and repeatedly press "DIGITAL EFFECT" until "ZM: 2" appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor. 3.
DIGITAL EFFECTS RECORDING 3. Press "REC/PAUSE" to start recording. • To release the mosaic mode, press "DIGITAL EFFECT " repeatedly in recording pause until normal mode is restored. NOTE: This function cannot be used with digital zoom, instant zoom, stable pix or zoom fade function.
FADE IN /FADE OUT FADE IN /FADE OUT Use the fade feature to add a professional touch to your recordings. Use "DIGITAL FADE" to select one of the four fade options. NOTE: If you press the "DIGITAL EFFECT" button after setting the fade function, the fade function will be released. After setting the "DIGITAL EFFECT" mode, reset the fade function. • White fade: Fades in from a white screen or fades out to a white screen.
FADE IN /FADE OUT 2. Press "REC/PAUSE" 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 ( ) is visible in the viewfinder or LCD monitor before attempting to put the camcorder into the record mode again. "STABLE PIX" (Electronic Image Stabilizer) FUNCTION The stable pix function corrects slight shaking of the image being recorded and is effective in the following situations.
INDEX SIGNAL RECORDING INDEX SIGNAL RECORDING Indexing your tapes while recording makes it easy to find desired program segments when you play back the tape in a VCR that has a compatible indexing feature called the "VHS Index Search System". See your VCR's instruction manual for index playback instructions. "INDEX" signals are recorded when the following operations are performed. • When the power is turned on about 4 hours after it is switched off and then recording is started.
TITLE RECORDING TITLE RECORDING You can easily create and record personalized titles on your videos with the camcorder's builtin titler. Once a title is stored, it can be displayed and recorded at anytime. A title contains two lines of up to 16 characters per line. The titler contains 47 different characters for creating titles. NOTE: A cassette cannot be loaded or ejected when creating a title. Creating a title 1.
TITLE RECORDING NOTE: Character may flash, however it will be recorded correctly without flashing. 7. After creating the title, press "TITLE" to remove the title graphics from the viewfinder or LCD monitor. Now title graphics is stored in memory. NOTE: As long as the correct current time can be displayed, the title is held in memory. Correcting errors during title storage 1 . Press "SHIFT" repeatedly until the character to be corrected will flash. 2.
TITLE RECORDING 4. Press "TITLE" to erase the display from the viewfinder or LCD monitor. Chart of characters available in the titler ABCDEFGHIJKLMN0PQR STUVWXYZ0123456789 ?'.
AUDIO DUBBING AUDIO DUBBING The audio dubbing feature lets you record new audio (sound) on a previously recorded tape without erasing the original video (picture). When you audio dub a tape, the previous audio is erased and replaced with new sound. NOTES: • Sound from the built-in microphone and the AUDIO jack can be dubbed. • When dubbing audio from the built-in microphone, set "" OUT/IN" to "OUT" and do not connect the "AUDIO" jack. When dubbing audio from the "AUDIO" jack, set "" OUT/IN" to "IN". 1.
AUDIO AND VIDEO DUBBING AUDIO AND VIDEO DUBBING The audio and video dubbing feature lets you record new audio (sound) and video (pictures) simultaneously on a previously recorded tape. When you audio and video dub a tape, the previous audio and video are erased and replaced with the new sound and pictures. The replacement audio and video can be the sound and picture taken by the camera or from a video source connected to "AUDIO" and "VIDEO" on the camcorder.
AUDIO AND VIDEO DUBBING 10. Press the "REC/PAUSE".
RECORDING TV PROGRAMS RECORDING TV PROGRAMS If your TV or VCR has video/audio out jacks, you can record the TV program with camcorder. 1. Connect the audio/video cable (not supplied) to "AUDIO OUT" and "VIDEO OUT" of your TV or VCR. 2. Connect the other end to "AUDIO" and "VIDEO" of camcorder. 3. Insert the cassette. NOTE: Power source must be connected to the camcorder. 4. Set "AV OUT/IN" to "IN" position. 5. Press and hold the small button on "CAM/OFF/ VIDEO", and then slide it to "CAM" position. 6.
VIEWING THE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOUR TV VIEWING THE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOUR TV To play back a tape recorded on your camcorder and view it on your TV receiver, you must connect the camcorder to the TV receiver using either audio/video cable (not supplied) or RF converter unit (optional). You also may play back the tape recorded by your camcorder on any other VHS video cassette recorder. The camcorder records and plays back in VHS standard speed (SP).
VIEWING THE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOUR TV 1. Disconnect the VHF antenna leads from the rear of the TV receiver. NOTE: Leave the UHF antenna leads connected to the TV. 2. Connect the VHF antenna lead to "IN FROM ANT" on the RF converter unit. If the cable is round (75ohm), it will connect directly to the "IN FROM ANT". If it is the flat type (300-ohm), connect it to the antenna adaptor (300-ohm to75-ohm) and slip the adaptor on to the "IN FROM ANT" terminal. 3.
CAMCORDER TO VCR DUBBING CAMCORDER TO VCR DUBBING If you wish to exchange or copy some of your friend's favorite home recordings, the following instructions can be used to connect camcorder to VCR for this purpose. NOTE: Make sure that the "AV OUT/IN" is in the "OUT" position. 1. Connect the audio/video cable to "AUDIO" and "VIDEO" of your camcorder. 2. Connect the other ends to "AUDIO IN", "VIDEO IN" of your VCR as shown in diagram above. 3. Play the tape on the camcorder and record it on the VCR.
USING THE BUILT-IN CAMERA USING THE BUILT-IN CAMERA Use the built-in camera light if you wish to shoot objects in dark places. When "LIGHT" is set to "AUTO", the camera light turns on automatically when the camcorder is pointed at objects in a dark place and turns off when it is pointed at objects in a bright place. CAUTION: The power consumption of the built-in camera light is about a half that of the camcorder.
USING THE BUILT-IN CAMERA • Replace only with the specified lamp (optional) to reduce the risk of fire. To replace the lamp of camera light To remove the front case, press and hold the tab, then remove the front case. To replace the front case, pass the lamp through the hole of the reflection plate then attach the upper hooks to the camera light, and then attach the lower hook to the camera light. NOTES: • Do not touch the lamp directly with your fingers. It may shorten its service life.
ATTACHING THE OPTIONAL TELE OR WIDE CONVERTER LENS ATTACHING THE OPTIONAL TELE OR WIDE CONVERTER LENS 1. Remove the lens hood. Turn the lens hood counterclockwise as shown in the figure. Or, attach the lens cap over the lens hood, then turn them counterclockwise to remove them. 2. Remove both caps of the telephoto or wide angle lens. 3. Screw the lens into the threads on the front of camcorder lens assembly. HOW TO ATTACH THE SHOULDER STRAP Attach the shoulder strap (provided), as illustrated.
TROUBLESHOOTING TROUBLESHOOTING Your camcorder is a highly sophisticated instrument. It has been carefully checked and adjusted at the factory under the most rigid quality control and inspection systems. However, should problems develop, check the following points and take necessary corrective measures. INSERTING OR REMOVING THE CASSETTE Symptom Check Point & Correction Cassette holder cannot be opened when you press “STOP/EJECT”. Connect the power source.
TROUBLESHOOTING Symptom Check Point & Correction The " " indication in the electronic viewfinder Try another battery or charge the battery. flashes to indicate battery is discharged. NO OPERATION IS ACCEPTED Symptom Check Point & Correction Power is not turned on and no button operations are accepted. Remove the power source and after about one minute, push the reset switch gently using a toothpick, etc. until you feel a click.
TROUBLESHOOTING CLEANING THE INSIDE OF THE ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER If dust or foreign matter adheres inside the viewfinder, clean it by using the following procedure. 1. Push the tab and hold it, then open the cover. 2. Clean the picture tube face and lens. To prevent scratching, use a soft non abrasive cloth, swab or lens cleaning paper. 3. Close the cover.
HEAD CLEANING HEAD CLEANING • Picture playback may become blurred or be interrupted. This does not mean that the recorded program has been erased. • Dirt accumulated on the head after long periods of use causes this problem. In this case, head cleaning requiring highly technical care is necessary. • Consult your nearest dealer or VCR service center before using a head cleaning tape.
HEAD CLEANING Pickup device Lens diameter 1/4" C.C.D.
HOTLINE HOTLINE For U.S.A. only HITACHI Service Hotline To locate an authorized HITACHI service facility in the continental U.S.A. DIAL TOLL FREE 7 days a week, 24 hours a day 800 HITACHI 1-800-448-2244 Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. Hitachi has made every effort to assure you hours of trouble free operation from your unit. However, should you require service, a network of Hitachi Authorized Service Facilities has been established in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
ACCESSORIES ADD EXCITEMENT ACCESSORIES ADD EXCITEMENT We know that once you discover how much your VM-8400LA can add to your life you will want to use these accessories for even more excitement. Converter lenses and car cords are just a few of the matching accessories available to you from Hitachi. Hitachi takes you to wherever your imagination leads. Available Accessories Chart of Accessories To place an order for any of these items call our toll free number..
ACCESSORIES ADD EXCITEMENT FILTER KIT VM-FL60K 99.95 RF CONVERTER VM-RF80A 39.95 SHOULDER STRAP VM-SS70 14.
