SAFTEY PRECA UTIONS - 1 -
777
Instruction Manual
Video Camcorder
VM-7500LA/VM-8500LA
HITACHI HOME ELECTRONICS HITACHI (HSC) CANA DA INC.
(AMERICA), INC. 6740 Campobello Road
1855 Donroch Court, Mississauga, Ontario L5N 2L8
San Diego, California 92173 CANADA
Tel. 770-279-5600 Tel. 905-821-4545
Thank you for choosing the
video camcorder. For m aximum pleasur e and convenience please read these
simple instructions bef ore operating your camcorder.
QR31031 ©Hitachi, Ltd. 1998 Printed in Japan KY-TF(N)
SAFTEY PRECA UTIONS - 2 -
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFTEY PRECAUT IONS ............................................................................................................................... ...................... 3
PRECAUTIONS......................................................................................................................................................................4
FEATURES .........................................................................................................................................................................4
ACCESSORIES..................................................................................................................................................................5
IMPORTANT SAFEG UARDS...............................................................................................................................................5
IMPORTANT SAFET Y INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC AD APTOR/CHARGER ..................................................................8
ELECTRONIC VIEW FINDER (EVF) ...................................................................................................................................9
EYEPIECE ADJUSTMENT ............................................................................................................................................. 10
LCD MONITOR..................................................................................................................................................................... 10
ACTIVE SCREEN ................................................................................................................................................................12
POWER SOURCES.........................................................................................................................................................12
CHECKI NG THE BATTE RY...........................................................................................................................................14
CHARGING THE BATTERY ..............................................................................................................................................14
INSERTING AND REMOVING CA SSETTES..................................................................................................................16
VIEWFINDER BRIGHT CONT ROL (ONLY FOR VM-8500LA) ................................................................................. 16
IDENTIFICATION AND OPERAT ION OF CONTROLS ................................................................................................. 17
MAKING A SAMPLE CAMERA RECOR DING ................................................................................................................22
INSTANT REVIEW...........................................................................................................................................................23
PLAYBACK ...........................................................................................................................................................................24
AUTOMATIC REWIND .................................................................................................................................................... 26
DATE/ TIME SETTIN G.........................................................................................................................................................26
DATE RECORDING ............................................................................................................................................................28
AUTO FOCUS ......................................................................................................................................................................30
DISPLAY BUTTON ..............................................................................................................................................................32
TAPE COUNTER .............................................................................................................................................................32
MEMORY........................................................................................................................................................................... 33
REMAINING TAPE ..............................................................................................................................................................33
PROGRAM AE (Auto Ex posure).................................................................................................................................... 34
POWER ZOOM ................................................................................................................................................................34
DIGITAL ZOOM....................................................................................................................................................................35
MACRO.............................................................................................................................................................................. 35
INSTANT ZOOM ..............................................................................................................................................................36
DIGITAL EFFECTS RECORDING ....................................................................................................................................36
FADE IN/FADE OUT............................................................................................................................................................39
"STABLE PIX" (Electronic Image Stabilizer) FUNCTION (Onl y for VIVI-8500LA) .................................................40
INDEX SIGNAL RECORDING ...........................................................................................................................................41
QUICK EDIT (Edit Search) .............................................................................................................................................42
TITLE RECORDING ............................................................................................................................................................42
AUDIO DUBBING (only for VM-8500LA).......................................................................................................................... 45
AUDIO AND VIDEO DUBBING (onl y for VM-8500LA)...................................................................................................46
RECORDING TV PROGRAMS (only for VM-8500LA) ...................................................................................................47
VIEWING THE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOUR TV .............................................................................................48
CAMCORDER TO VCR DUBB ING...................................................................................................................................50
FLYING ERASE H EAD (only for VM-85 00LA).............................................................................................................51
DEMONSTRATION MODE............................................................................................................................................. 51
USING THE BUILT-IN CA MERA LIGHT (Only for VM -7400A)..................................................................................... 51
ATTACHING THE OPTIONAL TELE OR W IDE CONVERTER LENS ........................................................................53
HOW TO ATTACH THE SHOULDE R STRAP.............................................................................................................54
TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................................................................................................54
CLEANING THE INSIDE O F THE ELECTRONIC VI EWFINDER ................................................................................56
HEAD CLEANING ................................................................................................................................................................ 57
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE ...........................................................................................................................................57
SPECIFICATIONS ...........................................................................................................................................................57
For U.S.A. only .....................................................................................................................................................................58
ACCESSORIES ADD EXCIT EMENT ...............................................................................................................................59
SAFTEY PRECA UTIONS - 3 -
SAFTEY PRECA UTIONS
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOIST URE.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER - SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO Q UALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
This symbol warns the user that uninsulated voltage within the unit m ay
have sufficient magnitude to c ause electric shock. Ther efore, it is dangerous
to make any kind of contact with any inside part of this unit.
This symbol alerts the user that im portant literature concerning the
operation and maintenance of this unit has been included. Therefore, it
should be read carefully in order to avoid any problems.
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHO CK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLO T, FULLY INSERT.
This Class B digital apparatus m eets all requirements of the Canadian ICES- 003.
Warning: This device complies with Part 15 of the F CC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device m ay not cause harmful interferenc e, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that m ay cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tes ted and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital devic e, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These lim its are designed to provide reasonable protection against har mful
interference in a residential installation. T his equipment generates, uses, and can radiate r adio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, m ay cause harmful interference to
radio communic ations. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a par ticular installation.
If this equipment does caus e harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct by one or more of the following
measures:
--Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
--Increase the separation between the equipment and the r eceiver.
--Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dif ferent from that to which the receiver is connected.
--Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/T V technician for help.
Caution to the user: Changes or modifications not expres sly approved by the manuf acturer could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.
Caution: Avoid operating your camcorder imm ediately after moving it from a cold ar ea to a warm humid area.
Give the camcorder 2 to 3 hours to acclimate to the surroundings befor e inserting a video cassette. W hen
moved from a cold area to a warm humid area, m oisture may condense on the head drum inside the mac hine.
This moisture c ould cause the tape to stick to the headwheel and damage the headwheel or tape.
See the bottom of the AC adaptor/charger. T he rating and caution label is located on the bottom of the AC
adaptor/charger.
WARNING: Many television programs and films are copyrighted. In certain circum stances, copyright law may
apply to private in-home videotaping of copyrighted materials.
PRECAUTIONS - 4 -
PRECAUTIONS
Any problems that occur as a result of any of the following conditions will not be covered by our warranty.
Be careful that no water, dust, or sand enters the c amcorder.
When you are not using the cam corder, switch off the power and attach the lens cap.
When you shoot at a scene which contains an extremely bright object such as the the sun or a light sourc e, a
bright vertical bar may appear in the picture.
Your camcorder is functioning properly, but the solid-state pickup devic e (CCD) usually causes this as an
inherent characteristic. T ry to avoid shooting an excessive bright object directly.
Be sure not to leave the camcorder in a plac e where the temperature exceeds 140ºF (60ºC), or the pic kup
device may be damaged.
Dangerous includes:
• Inside a car with the windows closed and in direct sunshine.
• Near heating appliances.
Do not point the electronic viewfinder to direct sunlight; it could dam age the viewfinder.
The liquid crystal display (LCD) panel is made by highly precise technology. More than 99.99% of its picture
elements (pixels) ar e effective, but some (less than 0.01%) may not appear as coloured bright dots. This does
not indicate a fault as the LCD panel stretches the lim its of current technology.
FEATURES
• 3-inch LCD with speaker
• Active screen function
• Color electronic viewfinder (EVF) (only for VM-8500LA)
• Stable pix (Electronic Image Stabilizer) ( only for VM-8500LA)
• Digital zoom up to x72
• Digital zoom up to x240 (with instant zoom)
• Digital effect
• Instant zoom
• Fade in/fade out
• Solid-state camera pickup
•
High Quality picture technology
• Auto Focus power zoom lens with macro f eature
• Full record and playback capability with standard
cassette
• Program AE (Auto Exposure)
• Time and date
• Titler
• Index symbol recording
• Audio/video Input function (only for VM-8500LA)
• Audio/video dub (only for VM-8500LA)
• Audio dub (only for VM-8500LA)
• Built-in automatic cam era light (only for VM-8500LA)
Differences between models VM -7500LA/VM-8500LA
VM-7500LA VM-8500LA
Viewfinder type Black-and-W hite Color
Stable Pix Function No Yes
Audio/Video Input No Yes
Audio/Video Dubbing No Yes
Built-in Camera Light No Yes
IMPORTANT SAFEGUA RDS - 5 -
Flying Erase Head No Yes
• This instruction m anual shows the illustrations for the VM-8500LA.
*
This video camc order with this marking incorporates high-quality picture technology and is
compatible with any video cassette recorder bearing the
mark.
With this c amcorder you can view the picture being recorded or the playback picture whether on the LCD
monitor or in the viewfinder. Opening or clos ing the LCD monitor switches the picture to appear on the LCD
monitor or in the viewfinder. The f ollowing text describes the operation assuming that the viewfinder is a major
monitor device.
ACCESSORIES
Check to mak e sure you have the following components and accessories (besides the camcorder unit itself)
before disposing of the pack ing material.
1. Lead-acid rechargeable battery
2. AC adaptor/charger
3. Shoulder strap
4. DC cord
IMPORTANT SAFEGUA RDS
In addition to the careful attention devoted to quality standards in the manufac ture of your video product, safety
is a major fac tor in the design of every instrument. But, safety is your responsibility too.
This page lists im portant information that will help to assure your enjoyment and proper use of a Video
Camcorder and acces sory equipment. Please read it carefully before operating your video product and keep it
in a handy place for future reference.
INSTALLA TION
1 Read and Follow Instruct ions -- All the safety and operating instructions should be read befor e the video
product is operated. Follow all operating and use instruc tions.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUA RDS - 6 -
2 Retain Instruction -- The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
3 Heed Warnings -- Com ply with all w arnings on the video product and in the oper ating 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 plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit,
contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. To prevent electric shock do not use this polarized plug
with an extension cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted without blade exposure.
If you need an extension, use a polarized cord.
5 Power Sources -- T his video product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the
marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to y our home, consult your video dealer or local
power company. For video products intended to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the
operating instructions.
6 Overloading -- Do not overload wall outlets and extens ion cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric
shock. Overloaded AC outlets and extens ion cords are dangerous, and so are frayed power cords, dam aged or
cracked wire insulation and brok en plugs. They may result in shock or fire hazard. Periodically examine the
cord and have it replaced by your service technician if appearance indicates dam age or deteriorated insulation.
7 Power Cord Protection - - Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cor ds at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.
8 Ventilation -- Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided f or ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the
video product and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be block ed or covered. The
openings should never be blocked by placing the video product on a bed, sof a, rug or other similar surfac e.
This video product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register. This video pr oduct should
not be placed in a built-in installation such as a book case or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the
video product manufactur er's instructions have been followed.
9 Attachments -- Do not use attachments unless recommended by the video product manufac turer as they
may cause hazards.
Caution: Maintain electrical safety. Power-line operated equipment or acc essories connected to this unit
should bear the UL listing mark or CSA certification mark on the accessory itself and should not have been
modified so as to defeat the s afety features. This will help avoid any potential hazard from electric shock or fire.
If in doubt, contact qualified service per sonnel.
10 Water and Moistu re -- Do not use this video product near water -- for exam ple, near a bath tub, wash bowl,
kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, and the like.
11 Accessories -- Do not place this video product on an unstable card, stand, tripod, brack et or table. The
video product may fall, causing serious inj ury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the appliance. Use only
with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table rec ommended by the manufacturer, or s old with the video product.
Any mounting of the product should follow the manuf acturer's instructions, and should use a m ounting
accessory recomm ended by the manufacturer.
11A An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Q uick stops, excessive f orce, and uneven
surfaces m ay cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUA RDS - 7 -
12 Outdoor Antenna Gr ounding -- If an outs ide antenna or cable system is connected to the video product,
be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and
built-up static charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70, provides inform ation
with respect to proper grounding of the mas t and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an
antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, loc ation of antenna-discharge unit, connection to
grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode. See example below:
EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING
13 Power Lines -- An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or
other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. W hen installing an
outside antenna system, extreme car e should be taken to keep from touching or approaching such power lines
or circuits as contact with them m ight be fatal. Installing an outdoor antenna can be hazardous and should be
left to a professional antenna installer.
USE
14 Cleaning -- Unplug this video product fr om the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or
aerosol cleaners. Use a damp c loth 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.
16 Lightning -- For added protection for this video pr oduct during a lightning storm, or when it its left
unattended and unused for long periods of tim e, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or
cable-system. This will prevent dam age to the video product due to lightning and power-line surges.
SERVICE
17 Servicing -- Do not attempt to ser vice this video product yourself as opening or removing cover s may
expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualif ied service personnel.
18 Conditions Requiring Service -- Unplug this video product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the f ollowing conditions.
a. When the power-s upply cord or plug is damaged
b. If liquid has been spilled or objects have f allen into the video product.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR A C ADAPTOR/CHA RGER - 8 -
c. If the video product has been exposed to rain or water.
d. If the video product does not operate norm ally by following the operating instructions . Adjust only those
controls that are covered by the operating instructions. Im proper adjustment of other c ontrols may result in
damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the video product to its normal
operation.
e. If the video product has been dropped or the cabinet has been dam aged.
f. W hen the video product exhibits a distinct change in perfor mance -- this indicates a need for service.
19 Replacement Parts -- W hen replacement parts are r equired, have the service technician verify that the
replacements he uses have the s ame safety characteristics as the original par ts. Use of replacements spec ified
by the video product manufacturer can prevent f ire, electric shock or other hazards
20 Safety Check -- Upon completion of any service or repair s to this video product, ask the service tec hnician
to perform saf ety checks recommended by the manufac turer to determine that the video product is in safe
operating condition.
21 Heat -- The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat register s, stoves, or
other products (including amplif iers) that produce heat.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR A C ADAPTOR/CHA RGER
1. Save these instructions-- This page contains important saf ety and operating instructions for AC
Adaptor/Charger Model VM-ACV21A.
2. Before using AC Adaptor/Charger, read all instr uctions 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. Caution --To reduce the risk of injury, charge only rechargeable battery, VM-BP64/BP65/BP66/BP67. Other
types of batteries may burst causing personal injury and damage.
5. Do not expose charger to rain or snow.
6. Use of an attachment not recom mended or sold by the battery charger manufacturer m ay result in a risk of
fire, electric shock , or injury to persons.
7. To reduce the risk of damage to electric plug and cord, pull by plug rather than cord when disconnecting
charger.
8. Make sure cord is located s o that it will not be stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise subjected to damage or
stress.
9. Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug — replac e them immediately.
10. An extension cord should not be used unless abs olutely necessary.
Use of improper extens ion cord could result in a risk of f ire and electric shock. If extens ion cord must be used,
make sure:
A. That the pins on plug of extension cor d are the same number, size, and shape as those of plug on charger.
B. That extension cord is proper ly wired and in good electrical condition; and
C. That wire size should be met below:
Minimum AW G size Length of extension cord (f eet)
18 Equal to or less than 100
16 Equal to or less than 150
11. Do not operate charger if it has received a s harp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way;
take it to a qualified servicem an.
12. Do not disassemble charger ; take it to a qualified serviceman when servic e or repair is required. Incorrect
reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fir e.
13. To reduce the risk of electric shock, unplug charger f rom outlet before attempting any maintenance or
cleaning.
"Note to CATV system installer: This reminder is provided to call the CAT V system installer's attention to
ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER (EVF) - 9 -
Article 820-40 of the NEC that provides guidelines f or proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the
cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as
practical".
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 com pletely around. This will damage the viewfinder and/or camcorder .
• When pulling the viewfinder out or returning it to its original position, hold the viewfinder by the swivel section.
LCD MONITOR - 10 -
Do not hold the diopter control side.
EYEPIECE ADJU STMENT
To use the electronic viewfinder without eyeglasses on, adjust the diopter c ontrol for optimum foc us adjustment.
LCD MONITOR
When using the LCD m onitor during recording 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.
LCD MONITOR - 11 -
NOTE: Opening or closing the LCD monitor s witches the picture to appear on the LCD monitor or in the
viewfinder.
Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen
NOTE: Even when the picture on the LCD monitor is adjusted, the r ecorded video will not change.
1. Connect the power source. (See pages 10 and 11.) Press the r ed button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch as
you slide it to CAM or VIDEO.
2. Use the bright control on the side of the LCD m onitor to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.
Range in which the LCD monitor can be moved
• If the LCD monitor is turned 90° so that it f aces the same direction as the lens when the cam era signal is being
recorded during recording, recor ding pause, instant review, editing, A/V dubbing or A/V dubbing pause, the
image on the monitor sc reen will become a mirror im age, and the viewfinder will turn on. The on-screen display
on the LCD monitor will also be as if re flected on a mirror.
• If the monitor is closed with the sc reen facing to the side, the mirror im age will change to a normal image when
the monitor has been closed about 45°; also, the viewfinder will turn off.
Cautions on the LCD monitor screen
• Do not touch the LCD screen with your fingers as the screen could get dirty and the picture will not be seen
ACTIVE SCREEN - 12 -
clearly. If the LCD screen becomes dirty, use a soft c loth to wipe off the dirt.
• If the camcorder is used in a cold place and becomes to cold, the LCD sc reen will be dim for a while after the
power is turned on. W hen the temperature inside the camcorder rises, the brightness of the picture will becom e
normal.
• Do not hold by the LCD monitor as this could cause a malf unction.
• Open the LCD monitor by 90° before changing its direction. If you were to attempt to invert its direction before
opening it completely, it could cause a malf unction.
• The LCD monitor cannot be clos ed if it is tilted.
• Close the LCD monitor after m aking sure it is parallel with the camcor der. If you were to close the monitor
while it faces the same direc tion as the lens or it is diagonal, it could damage the LCD monitor .
• Do not disassemble the LCD m onitor as this might cause a malf unction.
• When opening the LCD m onitor, be careful that no water droplets adhere to the monitor screen and that no
water or dust enters the camcor der through the gap as it could cause a malfunc tion.
ACTIVE SCREEN
This camc order automatically brightens the backlight of the LCD m onitor when you are recording a bright
subject outdoors, so that the LCD screen is easy to see.
NOTES:
• When you record a bright subj ect outdoors, the camcorder oper ating time will be less than when recording
indoors.
• Even if you record outdoors, the LCD monitor back light may not brighten, if you are aiming at a dark subject.
POWER SOURCES
WHEN U SING WITH THE BA TTERY (Pro vided)
• To attach, align the mark "
" of the battery with that of the camcorder so that the battery fits into the grooves,
and slide the battery downward, as illustrated.
• To remove the battery:
Push and hold "BA TTERY EJE CT" lever, then slide the battery to the upside and remove.
ACTIVE SCREEN - 13 -
WHEN USING WITH THE AC ADAPTOR/CHA RGER (Provided)
1. Plug the AC adaptor/charger power cord into AC electrical outlet.
2. Connect one end of the DC cord (provided) to the "DC IN 9.6V" jack of the camcorder.
Connect the other end of the DC cord to the "DC OUTPUT" of the AC adaptor/charger.
NOTES:
• The AC adaptor/charger cannot charge the batter y and operate the camcorder at the same time.
• When using the AC adaptor /charger to power the camcorder, the battery level indicator m ay display
" ". This indicator is used f or 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 batter y cord to the "DC IN 9.6V" jack of the camcorder.
2. Connect the other end of the car battery cord to the car's cigarette lighter socket.
NOTES:
• The car battery cord is designed to be used only with automobiles having a 12-volt negative ground system .
• To prevent fire or shock hazard or damage to your camcorder, please use only the specified car battery cord.
CHARGING THE BA TTERY - 14 -
CHECKING THE BATTERY
When the " " indication appear s in the viewfinder and flashes while the camcorder is being operated with a
battery (provided), it indicates that the battery charge is low. Charge it or replace it with a charged battery.
Press the "DISPLAY" button. The remaining batter y power level will appear in the viewfinder.
When the battery is fully charged, "
" is displayed. After several minutes, the s ymbol will change to " ".
When the battery is very near empty, the symbol will change to "
" and start blinking. You should find an
alternative power source or recharge the battery before continuing to use your cam corder.
NOTE: When a battery pack is used to power the camcorder, " " flashes even if "DISPLAY" is not pressed
to warn you that the battery power level is low.
CHARGING THE BA TTERY
1. Plug the AC adaptor/charger power cord into AC electrical outlet.
CHARGING THE BA TTERY - 15 -
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 f rom the AC adaptor/charger to charge the battery. If the DC cord is
connected, the "CHARGE" light will not light.
3. The "CHARGE" light will be lit while the battery is accepting a charge, and will go out when the battery is fully
charged.
Charging time
Battery Pack VM-BP66
Charging about 120 min.
Full Charge
Operating time
The camcorder operating time depends on how often you turn power on.off and use REC/PAUSE and zoom.
Battery pack VM-BP66
Charging LCD monitor
Continuous
recording
OFF about 80 min.
ON about 60 min.
NOTES:
• The operation time depends on how often you use zoom and recor ding pause.
• Charge the battery after use and store it at normal room temperature.
• Recharge your battery at least once every six months. The battery is a lead-acid battery. This battery tends to
discharge if not used for an ex tended 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 m ay not supply power for the specified time. Additional
rechargings will help restore the battery's operation tim e.
• The battery should be charged at a temperature of 50 degr ees F - 86 degrees F (10 degrees C - 30 degrees C
to prevent damage.
• Do not operate the battery at temperatures below 14 degrees F -10 degrees C or above 95 degr ees F (35
degrees C). The battery may be damaged if operated at tem peratures above 122 degrees F (50oC). Operation
time will decrease at extrem ely low temperatures,
• After repeated chargings and use, the operation tim e will gradually decrease. When operation tim e becomes
too short to be useful, it is tim e to replace the battery.
• If the "CHARGE" light on the AC adaptor/ charger starts flashing, rem ove the battery and then reattach it. If
after several attempts the light c ontinues to flash, this means your battery cannot take a charge and m ust be
replaced with a new one.
The "CHARGE" light will not light if a hot battery is attached to the AC adaptor/charger. Attaching an extremely
hot battery to the AC adaptor/charger is not recomm ended; it should be allowed to cool down before being
attached.
• Do not short the battery's terminal.
• Do not attempt to disassem ble or modify the battery. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
• Throwing the battery into a fire or exposing the battery to excessive heat - over 149 degrees F (65 degr ees C)
could be hazardous.
ATTENTION:
The product you have purchased is powered by a sealed lead acid battery which is recyclable. At the end of its
useful life, under various state and loc al laws, it is illegal to dispose of this battery into your municipal waste
stream.
Please call 1-800-HITACHI for inf ormation on how to recycle this battery.
INSERTING AND REMOVING CASSETTES - 16 -
INSERTING AND REMOVING CASSETTES
A power source must be connec ted before inserting or removing cass ettes. Once connected, cassettes can be
inserted or removed whether the CAM/OFF /VIDEO switch is on or off.
Inserting a cassette
1. Connect the POW ER 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. Slide
the cassette into cassette holder as f ar as it will go.
NOTE: Push in the center of the cassette all the way until it is latched by the cassette holder.
4. Press the cassette holder. T he holder will latch in the operating position.
Removing a cassette
Press "STOP/EJECT" . The cassette door will open autom atically. Remove the cassette.
VIEWFINDER BRIGHT CONTROL (ONLY FOR VM-8500LA)
Viewfinder brightness can be adjusted by turning the "BRIGHT" control. T his does not affect the picture
actually recorded by the camcorder.
IDENTIFICATION A ND OPERATION OF CONTROLS - 17 -
IDENTIFICATION A ND OPERATION OF CONTROLS
Click here for diagram .
Electronic Viewfinder ( EVF)
Displays what the camcorder lens sees. T he electronic viewfinder also functions as a c onvenient monitor during
playback of recorded material.
For VM-8500LA
Diopter Control
Use this control to focus the viewfinder .
Speaker
You can listen to the recorded sound.
"OPEN" button
Push this button to open the LCD monitor
Bright Control
Use this to adjust the brightness of the LCD s creen. See "Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen" on
page 9.
Volume Control
Use this to adjust the volume when viewing a played back picture on the LCD m onitor. See "PLAYBA CK" on
page 22.
LCD Monitor
You can view the pictures as they are being recorded and play them back imm ediately after recording on the 3-
inch LCD screen.
"INST.ZOOM" (Instant Zoom) Button
Use this button to magnify the image being recor ded 1.5 times.
"DIGITAL EFFECT" Button
Use this button to add special effect s to your recording.
You can select five modes -- the 16x9 mode, negative/positive mode, x240 digital zoom m ode, half-mirror m ode
and mosaic mode. ( See "DIGITAL EFFECTS RECORDING" on page 30.)
"DIGITAL FADE" Button
During recording you can add a professional touch to your recordings by fading in and out of scenes .
You can select the seven fade modes - - the white fade, black, yellow, blue and green wipe fade, zoom fade and
black-and-white fade.
IDENTIFICATION A ND OPERATION OF CONTROLS - 18 -
NOTE: When you fade scenes in and out, the s ound will also fade in and out with the picture. (See page 32.)
"LIGHT" Switch ( only for VM-8500LA)
When this s witch is set to "AUTO" , the camera light turns on or off automatically according to the brightness of
the object.
When the switch is set to "ON", the camera light turns on.
Set the switch to "OFF" to turn the light off manually.
"STABLE PIX" (Electronic Image Stabilizer) Button (only for VM-7400A)
This button corrects s light shaking of an image. (See "STABLE PIX" (Electronic Image Stabilizer) on page
33.)
Extension Shoulder Pad
Unfold this pad when recording while viewing the LCD monitor.
"AV OUT/IN" Switch (only for VM -8500LA)
This switches the "AUDIO" and "VIDEO" jacks between the input and output.
When the switch is set to "OUT" , the "AUDIO" and "VIDEO" jacks can be used as output jac ks, and when the
switch is set to "IN" , they can be used as input jacks.
"RF DC OUT" Jack
Connect the RF converter unit (optional) to this jac k.
"AUDIO/VIDEO" Jacks
For VM-7500LA: Connect the audio/video cable (not supplied) to thes e jacks and to the audio and video inputs
of your TV/monitor receiver. You can also connec t the RF converter unit (optional) to these jacks and your TV
receiver.
For VM-8500LA: These can be used as input or output jacks depending on the position of "AV OUT/IN".
• When using thes e jacks as outputs, connect the audio/video c able (not supplied) to these hacks and to the
audio and video inputs of your TV/ monitor receiver . You can also connect the RF converter unit (optional) to
these jacks and your TV receiver .
• Use these jacks as inputs when you supply signals from another device to your camcorder for r ecording.
CAUTION: Do not hold the camcorder by the viewfinder or LCD when carrying, as this could cause a
malfunction, dam age to the camcorder or a personal injur y when y ou drop it.
Click here for diagram .
"TITLE" Button
Press this button to create and record per sonalized titles on your videos with the camcorder's built-in titler.
(See "TITLE RECORDING" on page 35.)
"DATE/TIME" Button
Press this button to display the date and time in the viewfinder.
Whenever the date and tim e appear in the viewfinder, they will be recorded on the tape.
"RESET" Button