Hitachi VM-E543LE User manual

HITACHI
V28528
8mm VIDEO CAMERA/RECORDER
VM-E543LE (UK)
Instruction manual
To obtain the best performance and ensure years of
trouble-free use, please read this instruction manual
completely.
8

PRECAUTION
■ No water, dust or sand
Be careful that no water, dust or sand enters
the camera/recorder because it may cause
trouble and accidents.
■ When you shoot at a scene which contains an
extremely bright object such as the sun or a
light source, a bright vertical bar may appear
in the picture.
Your camera/recorder is functioning properly,
but the solid-state pickup device (C.C.D)
usually causes this as an inherent character¬
istic. Try to avoid shooting an excessive bright
object directly.
■ Do not leave the viewfinder lens and the liquid
crystal facing sunlight for a prolonged period,
or the phosphorescent surface of the cathode
ray tube and the LCD panel may be damaged.
The liquid crystal display (LCD) panel is
made by highly precise technology. More
than 99.99% of its picture elements (pixels)
are effective, but some (less than 0.01%)
may appear as coloured bright dots. This
does not indicate a fault as the LCD panel
stretches the limits of current technology.
MOISTURE
Avoid operating your camera/recorder
immediately after moving it from a cold
place to a warm, humid place. Give the
camera/recorder 2 to 3 hours to stabilize in
the ambient conditions of the surroundings
before inserting a cassette. When moved
from a cold place to a warm, humid place,
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.
When a small amount of moisture is
sensed, "TAPE" flashes in the viewfinder or
LCD monitor. Remove the cassette and set
the CAM/OFFA/IDEO switch to OFF, then
wait for about one hour.
NOTES:
• This unit uses 8mm video format cas¬
settes.
• It records and plays back in the SP mode
(20.05 mm/sec.).
WARNING: To prevent risk of injury or
damage to your camera/recorder and the
AC adaptor/charger, use only the specified
batteries and AC adaptor/charger.
Batteries; VM-BPL13, VM-BPL27 and VM-
BPL30. (The VM-BPL13 is sup¬
plied with this camera/recorder.)
AC adaptor/charger; VM-ACE4E (UK)
BE SURE NOT TO LEAVE IT IN A PLACE AT
HIGH TEMPERATURE EXCEEDING 60°C,
OR ITS INTERNAL PARTS MAY DETERIO¬
RATE. BE CAREFUL NOT TO LEAVE THE
UNIT IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES:
* Inside a car with the window closed and
in direct sunshine.
* Near heating appliances.
* in direct sunshine in summer.
WARNING: It is permissible to record tele¬
vision programmes only in the event that
third party copyrights and other rights are
not violated.
Important for United Kingdom
The mains lead on this equipment is sup¬
plied with a moulded plug incorporating a
fuse, the value of which is indicated on the
pin face of the plug. Should the fuse need
to be replaced, an ASTA or BSI approved
BS 1362 fuse must be used of the same rat¬
ing. If the fuse cover is detachable never
use the plug with the cover omitted. If a
replacement fuse cover is required, ensure
it is of the same colour as that visible on the
pin face of the plug. Fuse covers are
available from your dealer.
DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this
equipment. If the plug fitted is not suitable
for the power points in your home or the
cable is too short to reach a power point,
then obtain an appropriate safety approved
extension lead or consult your dealer.
If there is no alternative to cutting off the
mains plug, ensure that you dispose of it
immediately, having first removed the fuse,
to avoid a possible shock hazard by
inadvertent connection to the mains sup¬
ply.
IMPORTANT
The wires in the mains lead are colored in
accordance with the following code:
Blue = Neutral, Brown = Live
As these colours may not correspond with
the colored markings identifying the termi¬
nals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The wire coloured BLUE must be connected
to the terminal marked with the letter N or
coloured BLUE or BLACK. The wire
coloured BROWN must be connected to the
terminal marked with the letter L or
coloured BROWN or RED.
On no account connect either of these wires
to the terminal marked E or by the earth
symbol ^ or coloured green or green and
yellow.
1

FEATURES
Single-Unit Convenience and Ease of Operation
Your video camera/recorder combines the func¬
tions of a video camera and a video tape recorder
in one lightweight, easy-to-use instrument. This
eliminates interconnecting cables and simplifies
operation.
Record and Playback Capability
Record — Your camera/recorder can record
directly from the built-in video camera.
Playback — Video/audio played back by the video
recorder or fed directly from the camera may be
viewed and heard on a TV receiver/monitor by
using the audio/video output cable.
2.5-inch Colour Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
Monitor
Digital Zoom up to x200
Digital zoom magnifies the image up to 32 times
in normal use, 130 times when the zoom mode is
switched, and 200 times when instant zoom is
used at the same time.
Digital Effect
The digital processor in this camera/recorder
allows you to record picture and add special
effects. You can select five modes — 16x9
mode, negative/positive mode, x200 digital
zoom mode, half-mirror mode and mosaic mode.
Programme AE (Auto Exposure)
The camera automatically determines the shutter
speed and aperture according to the brightness
of the subject.
Auto Focus Power Zoom Lens
The 16X autofocus zoom lens uses video auto
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Controls and functions.3
Accessories.6
Adjusting the hand strap.7
Electronic viewfinder position adjustment.7
Eyepiece adjustment .7
How to install the shoulder strap.8
Lens door opener.8
Programme AE .8
Flying erase head .8
LCD monitor .9
Loading batteries for clock and remote
control.10
Power sources.11
Checking the battery pack .12
Charging the battery.13
Insertion and removal of cassettes.14
Camera recording.15
Instant review.16
Playback.16
F-search and R-search .17
Still.17
Changing the angle of the LCD monitor
when recording.18
Active screen.18
Date/time setting.19
Date recording.20
Auto focus.21
focus system to automatically maintain focus and
to allow you to zoom in and out for tele or wide
angle shots at just the touch of the zoom button.
Wireless Remote Control is Provided
Fade-in/Fade-out
Use this function to make the picture appear and
disappear gradually. You can select four fade
modes — fading-in from a white picture (white
fading), fading-in from a black picture (wipe
fading), fading-in while zooming (zoom fading)
and fading-in a black-and-white picture (black-
and-white fading).
Automatic Title Recording
This function automatically records the created
title on the tape together with the date for about
10 seconds after recording is started.
Date Search
The date search function memorizes the start and
end positions of recordings you made on a
specific day so you can easily locate those pos¬
itions later as long as the cassette is left in the
camera/recorder.
With this camera/recorder you can view the
picture being recorded or the playback pic¬
ture whether on the LCD monitor or in the
viewfinder. Opening or closing the LCD
monitor switches the picture to appear on
the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder. The
following text describes the operation
assuming that the viewfinder is used as a
major monitor device.
Power zoom.22
Digital zoom .23
Instant zoom.24
Macro.24
Digital effects recording.25
Fade-in/fade-out.27
Quick edit.28
Linear time counter.29
Remaining tape.29
Display button .30
Date search.30
Memory.31
Wireless remote control.31
Title recording .32
Attaching the tele or wide converter.33
Audio/video dubbing.34
Connections and operations for viewing
the picture played back on your TV .35
Video channel setting.36
Camera/recorder to VCR dubbing .37
Simple programmable edit.38
Troubleshooting.41
Cleaning the inside of the electronic
viewfinder.42
Maintenance.42
Specifications .43
Optional accessories.44

CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
1. Lens Door
Slide the lens door opener to open and close the
lens door. To protect the lens, keep the lens door
closed when not recording.
2. Lens
FI.4 (4 ~ 64 mm) 16x power zoom lens features
with auto focus and auto iris functions.
3. Lens Door Opener
Slide the opener to open and close the lens door.
Align with OPEN to open the lens door for record¬
ing. Align with CLOSE to close it.
Hold down the small button in the opener as you
slide it to CLOSE. However, you need not to hold it
down to slide the opener to OPEN.
4. Electronic Viewfinder
5. Diopter Control
To use the electronic viewfinder, turn this control
for your optimum focus adjustment.
6. Microphone
Sensitive to sounds coming from the direction in
which the camera is pointed.
7. Record Indicator
This indicator lights up to indicate that the camera/
recorder is recording.
8. Infrared Ray Receiving Section
Receives infrared rays from the remote control unit.
9. Speaker
You can listen to the recorded sound.
10. OPEN Button
Push this button to open the LCD monitor.
11. Bright Control
Use this to adjust the brightness of the LCD moni¬
tor screen.
12. Volume Control
Use this to adjust the volume when viewing a
played back picture on the LCD monitor.
13. LCD Monitor
You can view the pictures as they are being
recorded and play them back immediately after
recording on the 2.5-inch LCD screen.
14. Cassette Holder
Slide the EJECT switch to open the cassette holder.
Be aware of the cassette direction when inserting.
NOTE: Power source must be connected to open
the cassette holder.
15. 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.
16. INST. ZOOM (Instant Zoom) Button
Use this button to magnify the image being
recorded 1.5 times momentarily.
17. D.EFFECT Button
Use this button to add special effects to your
recording. You can select five modes — 16X9
mode, negative/positive mode, X200 digital zoom
mode, half-mirror mode and mosaic mode.
18. FADE Button
During recording you can add a professional touch
to your recordings by fading in and out of the
scenes. You can select the four fade modes — the
white fade, wipe fade, zoom fade and black-and-
white fade.
19. DATE/DISP. Button
When the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch is set to CAM,
this button can be used as the DATE button; set the
date and time, and select the date display you want
to record. In the VIDEO mode, the DATE/DISP. but¬
ton is used as the DISPLAY button.
NOTE: Be sure to insertthe clock battery before set¬
ting the date and time or creating a title.
20. FOCUS Control Buttons
Press these buttons simultaneously to switch
between automatic and manual focusing.
When "FOCUS" is not displayed in the viewfinder
or LCD monitor, focusing is automatic.
If these buttons are pressed at the same time
and "FOCUS" appears, the camera/recorder enters
the manual focus mode. For manual focusing,
press the A or ▼ button to bring the subject into
focus.
3

25 26 27
171819 20 21 22 23 24
28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35
21. DC IN Jack
When using the AC adaptor/charger, connect one
end of the DC cord (provided) to this jack and the
other end to the DC OUT jack of the AC
adaptor/charger. When using the car battery cord
(optional), connect this jack and the DC OUTPUT
jack of the car battery cord.
22. AUDIO/VIDEO Output Jacks (Behind the
cover)
You can use the audio/video cable (provided) to
connect this jack to a TV when viewing the playback
picture on the TV, etc.
• Connect the yellow plug of the audio/video cable
to the yellow jack (VIDEO OUT) and the white plug
to the white jack (AUDIO OUT).
23. Power Supply Attachment Section
Attach the battery pack (provided) here.
24. Shoulder Strap Slots
Attach the shoulder strap here.
25. BATTERY EJECT Lever
Releases the battery attached to camera/recorder.
26. EJECT Switch
Operates with the CAM/OFFA/IDEO switch either on
or off, if a power source is connected to the camera/
recorder.
27. Power Zoom Control
This control performs zooming electrically.
"W": Picture becomes wider gradually.
"T": Picture becomes telescopic gradually.
28. PLAY Button
Used for playback of tape.
NOTE: When the camera/recorder is in record/
pause (stand-by) mode, pressing and holding this
button will play the tape at normal.
29. STOP Button
The STOP button is used to stop playback, rewind,
and fast forward operations. The STOP button has
no effect during record operation. Also use STOP
button when setting the date/time.
30. Audio/Video Output Jack (Behind the cover)
Use the RF output adaptor (optional) to connect this
jack to a TV to view the pictures played back by the
camera/recorder.
31. REW/REVIEW Button
Press this button during stop or fast forward mode,
and fast-rewinding starts. Press the button during
playback of tape, and the tape is played back in the
rewind direction approximately 5 times faster than
the normal speed to confirm the recorded contents.
Press PLAY button to return to normal playback
mode or press STOP button to stop tape movement
("F-SEARCH AND R-SEARCH", page 17). Also use
this button to review the last few seconds of the
tape you are recording. Use REW/REVIEW button
when setting the date/time.
NOTE: You can also visually scan backward when
the camera/recorder is in record/pause (stand-by)
mode by pressing and holding this button.
32. F.FWD Button
Press this button during stop or rewind mode, and
fast-forwarding starts. Press the button during
playback of tape, and the tape is played back in the
forward direction approximately 7 times faster than
the normal speed to confirm the recorded content.
Press PLAY button to return to normal playback
mode or press STOP button to stop tape movement
("F-SEARCH AND R-SEARCH", page 17). Also use
F.FWD button when setting the date/time.
NOTE: You can also visually scan forward when the
camera/recorder is in record/pause (stand-by) mode
by pressing and holding this button.
33. Start/Stop Button
This button is used to control the camera/recorder.
When this button is pressed with the camera/
recorder set to the record/pause mode, the tape
runs to start recording.
When this button is pressed again, the tape stops
and the camera/recorder enters the record/pause
(stand-by) mode. This button may also be used to
display a still picture during playback mode.
4

CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
41
42
34. CAM/OFF/VIDEO Switch
This switch turns the camera/recorder on and off.
Set the switch to CAM for camera recording, and to
VIDEO for playback. Hold down the small red but¬
ton as you slide the switch to CAM or VIDEO. You
do not need to hold down the red button to slide the
switch to OFF.
35. Hand Strap
Adjust to best fit to your hand. (Refer to page 7.)
36. Clock Battery Compartment
Pull the battery holder and install the lithium battery
(provided).
37. Tripod Mount Screw
Use this screw to mount the camera/recorder on a
tripod (generally available).
38. Camera/Recorder Control Buttons
These shaded buttons on the remote control func¬
tion the same as those on the camera/recorder.
39. TITLE ON/OFF Button (only on the remote
control)
Use this button to store a title in memory or recall
the stored title and record it superimposed on the
picture being shot.
40. A/V DUB Button (only on the remote control)
This button is used to record new audio and video
in place of existing audio and video.
41. DISPLAY Button
Use this button to select the display in the
viewfinder or LCD monitor.
42. COUNTER RESET Button (only on the remote
control)
Press this button to reset the linear time counter in
the viewfinder or LCD monitor to "0:00:00".
5

ACCESSORIES
Check to make sure you have the following com¬
ponents and accessories (besides the camera/
recorder unit itself) before disposing of the pack¬
ing material.
1. Audio/video Output Cable
2. Battery Pack
3. AC Adaptor/Charger
4. AV Plug Adaptor
5. Shoulder Strap
6. DC Cord
7. Battery for Date/Time (CR2025)
8. Remote Control
9. Batteries for Remote Control
@
WARNING: Keep this
battery ( away, from
children. If swallowed,
consult a physician
immediately for
emergency treatment.

ADJUSTING THE HAND STRAP
Adjust the length of the hand strap so you can
press the Start/Stop button and power zoom con¬
trol easily with your fingers.
NOTE: After adjustment, close the hand strap's
pad securely.
ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER POSITION ADJUSTMENT
Adjust the electronic viewfinder to a position
where you can see through it easily.
NOTES:
• Put the viewfinder back to original position
when storing the camera/recorder into the car¬
rying case or carrying the camera/recorder.
• Do not point the electronic viewfinder to direct
sunlight; it could damage the viewfinder.
EYEPIECE ADJUSTMENT
To use the electronic viewfinder, grasp the knobs
on both sides of the eye cup stem and pull the
eye cup all the way out, then turn the diopter con¬
trol for optimum focus adjustment.
Since the eye cup has already been pulled out at
the factory, in present condition, only adjustment
of the diopter control is necessary.
NOTES:
• The eye cup stem can be retracted when the
camera/recorder is being carried.
• Be sure to pull out the eye cup all the way so
that you can see the subject in the viewfinder
clearly.
7

HOW TO INSTALL THE SHOULDER STRAP
Attach the shoulder strap as illustrated below.
NOTE: When carrying the camera/recorder with the shoulder strap, put the electronic viewfinder down
to its original position so that direct sunlight does not enter the viewfinder.
LENS DOOR OPENER
Slide the opener to open and close the lens door.
Align the mark with OPEN to open the lens
door for recording. Align with CLOSE to close it.
Hold down the small button in the opener as you
slide it to CLOSE. However, you need not to hold
it down to slide the opener to OPEN.
PROGRAMME AE (Auto Exposure) _
Programme AE automatically selects the shutter speed 1/50, 1/100, 1/150, 1/250, 1/350, 1/500, 1/750,
1/1000,1/1500,1/2000 or 1/4000 second that is optimum for the brightness of the subject. The iris is also
adjusted automatically in response to the shutter speed.
FLYING ERASE HEAD _
A rotating erase head which eliminates glitches and rainbow noise that occurs at the joints between
recordings in previous models.
8

LCD MONITOR
When using the LCD monitor 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 moni¬
tor.
■ Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen
NOTE: Even when the picture on the LCD moni¬
tor is adjusted, the recorded video will not
change.
1. Load the battery (Refer to "POWER
SOURCES" on page 11). Press the red 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
monitor to adjust the brightness of the LCD
screen.
■ Range in which the LCD monitor can be
moved
■ Cautions on 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 clearly. If the LCD screen
becomes dirty, use a soft cloth to wipe off the
dirt.
• If the camera/recorder is used in a cold place
and becomes too cold, the LCD screen will be
dim for a while after the power is turned on.
When the temperature inside the camera/
recorder rises, the brightness of the picture
will become normal.
• Do not hold by the LCD monitor as this could
cause a malfunction.
• 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 malfunction.
• The LCD monitor cannot be closed if it is tilted.
• Close the LCD monitor after making sure it is
parallel with the camera/recorder. If you were
to close the monitor while it faces the same
direction as the lens or it is diagonal, it could
damage the LCD monitor.
• Do not disassemble the LCD monitor as this
might cause a malfunction.
• When opening the LCD monitor, be careful
that no water droplets adhere the monitor
screen and that no water or dust enters the
camcorder through the gap as it could cause a
malfunction.
9

LOADING BATTERIES FOR CLOCK AND REMOTE CONTROL
■ Clock battery
You may want to install the lithium battery (pro¬
vided) immediately to prevent losing it.
1. P ull out the battery holder.
2. Insert the battery with the "+" terminal facing
up.
3. Fully insert the battery holder into the camera/
recorder.
NOTES:
• When replacing the battery, use 3V micro
lithium battery CR2025.
• Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly
replaced.
This product uses the lithium battery which
contain dangerous chemicals. Handle and
dispose of with great care.
WARNING
• Keep the battery away from children and
pets. If swallowed consult a physician
immediately for emergency treatment.
• Keep the battery in a dark, cool, dry
place.
• Do not throw the battery in a fire.
• Do not short circuit the battery.
• Do not disassemble the battery.
• Do not hold the battery with the metallic
tweezers.
• Do not re-charge the battery.
• Wipe the battery with dry cloth and set
properly confirming ends (+, -).
• For disposal, place in a plastic bag and
put in waste bin.
■ Remote control batteries
The remote control requires two "lEC R6" batter¬
ies.
1. Slide the cover in the direction of the arrow to
remove it.
2. I n stall batteries.
Be careful to install with correct polarity.
3. R e-attach the cover to the remote control.
CAUTIONS ON THE BATTERIES:
• Do not use the old and new batteries at the
same time.
• Do not mix batteries of different types.
• Do not short, take apart or dispose of batteries
by throwing them into a fire.
• When liquid leaks, wipe it off completely and
then insert new batteries.
10

POWER SOURCES
NOTE: Be sure to turn off power of the camera/recorder when attaching or detaching a power
supply (battery, AC adaptor/charger, etc.) to the camera/recorder.
■ WHEN USING WITH BATTERY (provided)
NOTE: The battery must be charged before it can be used for the first time. Refer to "CHARGING THE
BATTERY" on page 13.
Mark k-
1. Align the bottom of the battery with mark ►
on the camera/recorder so that the battery fits
into the grooves.
2. Slide the battery downward, as illustrated.
NOTES:
• Always remove the battery from the camera/
recorder after use.
• We cannot guarantee against malfunctions of
the camera/recorder which occur when you
use battery packs other than those specified.
• Always attach a battery by the procedure
described here. Attaching a battery forcibly
could damage it.
■ Removing the battery pack
Slide the BATTERY EJECT lever in the direction of
the arrow and hold it, then slide the battery to the
upper side and remove.
■ WHEN USING WITH THE AC ADAPTOR/CHARGER (provided)
1. Connect one end of the DC cord (provided) to
the camera/recorder as shown in the figure.
2. Connect the other end of the DC cord to the DC
OUT jack of the AC adaptor/charger.
3. Plug the AC adaptor/charger power cord into
an AC electrical outlet.
4. After the AC adaptor/charger has been used,
unplug its power cord from the AC outlet.
See the bottom of the AC adaptor/charger.
The rating label is located on the bottom of
the AC adaptor/charger.
NOTES:
• This AC adaptor/charger is universal for use
with AC 110 — 240V around the world. If you
use the camera/recorder in some foreign
countries, an AC plug adaptor (Not supplied)
may be necessary.
• The AC adaptor/charger cannot charge the bat¬
tery and operate the camera/recorder at the
same time.
Remove the battery from the AC adaptor/
charger to supply power to the camera/
recorder.
11

■ WHEN USING WITH THE CAR BATTERY (By using optional car battery cord)
1. Connect one end of the DC cord (provided) to
the camera/recorder, as illustrated.
2. Connect the other end of the DC cord to DC
OUTPUT of the car battery cord.
3. Connect the car battery cord to the car's ciga¬
rette lighter socket.
NOTES:
• The car battery cord is designed to be used
only with automobiles having a 12/24-volt
negative ground system.
• To prevent fire or shock hazard or damage to
your camera/recorder, please use only the
specified car battery cord.
CHECKING THE BATTERY PACK
When the camera/recorder is turned on, the bat¬
tery level indicator "cn" is displayed in the
viewfinder or LCD monitor indicating the con¬
dition of camera/recording battery.
NOTES:
• When the "mm" indication appears in the
viewfinder or LCD monitor and flashes while
the camera/recorder is operated with a battery
pack (provided), it indicates that the battery is
insufficiently charged. Charge the battery
pack or replace it with a charged battery pack.
• The battery charge indicator does not appear
when the camcorder is powered by the AC
adaptor/charger.
Battery's charge
Full Low
12

CHARGING THE BATTERY
The first step is to set the battery to charge. To
charge the battery, use the provided AC adaptor/
charger.
Charge the battery at a temperature range of
10°C - 30°C to prevent damage to the battery.
NOTE: This camera/recorder operates with the
lithium ion battery such as VM-BPL13/VM-
BPL27/VM-BPL30.
Charge the battery on a flat surface without vi¬
bration.
1. Plug the AC adaptor/charger power cord into
an AC outlet. The POWER lamp (red) lights
up.
2. Align the bottom of the battery with mark ►
on the AC adaptor/charger, and then slide it in
the direction of the arrow as shown in the fig¬
ure.
The CHARGE lamp (green) lights up.
3. The CHARGE lamp will repeatedly light for 3
seconds and then go off to show that the bat¬
tery has been charged approximately 70% of
full charge. When the CHARGE lamp goes out,
the battery has been completely charged.
After the lamp goes out, unplug the AC adap¬
tor/charger from the AC outlet and remove the
battery from the AC adaptor/charger.
NOTES:
• You can use the battery before it is completely
charged.
• Remove the DC cord from the AC adaptor/
charger before attempting to charge the bat¬
tery.
• If you re-attach the fully charged battery to the
AC adaptor/charger after the CHARGE lamp
goes out, the lamp will light. This simply
informs you that the battery has been com¬
pletely charged; it does not indicate that the
charge has been insufficient.
Charging time
'"-^B^ery pack
Charging"
VM-BPL13
VM-BPL27
VM-BPL30
Full charge 130 min. 230 min. 260 min.
70% charge 70 min. 140 min. 160 min.
Operating time
The camcorder operating time depends on how
often you turn power on/off and use start/stop
and zoom.
'''"‘'' ■ ^'--..^Battery pack
VM-
VM-
VM-
Recording LCD monitor
BPL13
BPL27
BPL30
Continuous
OFF
140 min.
300 min.
320 min.
recording
ON
110 min.
230 min.
240 min.
Typical
OFF 80 min. 170 min.
180 min.
recording
ON
60 min.
130 min.
_ 1
140 min.
Notes on the battery
• It is recommended that the battery always be
left in the discharged state when not in use,
and charged before you use it.
• Avoid storing a fully charged battery, and do
not store it in a place where the temperature is
high: this will damage the battery.
• Do not operate the battery at temperature
below-10°C or above 45°C. At extremely low
temperatures operation time decreases, while
at high temperature the battery may be dam¬
aged.
• If the POWER lamp begins to flash during
charging, remove the battery and then reat¬
tach it to the AC adaptor/charger. If the
POWER lamp continues to flash after several
attempts to attach it, the battery is unable to
take a charge and must be replaced.
• Do not attach a hot battery to the AC adap¬
tor/charger. Allow it to cool.
• There are no user-serviceable parts inside the
battery or AC adaptor/charger.
• Throwing the battery into fire or exposing it to
excessive heat (above 60°C) may cause injury.
• Shorting the battery's terminal increases risk
of fire or electrical shock.
13

INSERTION AND REMOVAL OF CASSETTES
Before inserting or removing a cassette, be sure
to connect the power source. When a power
source is connected, the cassette can be ejected
and removed whether the power is on or off.
■ Insertion
1. Press the OPEN button to open the LCD moni¬
tor ("LCD MONITOR", page 9).
2. Slide the EJECT switch.
" EJECT" will appear on the LCD monitor,
and the cassette door will open automatically.
CAUTION: Be careful not to catch your fingers
between the cassette door and the camera/
recorder as it could cut you.
NOTE: Cassette cannot be inserted or ejected
unless the LCD monitor is open.
3. I n sert a cassette so the transparent window is
toward you and the arrow toward the cassette
holder. Slide the cassette into cassette holder
as far as it will go.
4. P ress the cassette door.
Press the section of the door marked "PUSH
LOCK" until a click is heard.
Be sure that you push the cassette door
marked "PUSH LOCK" to close the door.
Otherwise, the door will not close and the
tape may become slack which could lead to
damage.
NOTE: If "TAPE" flashes in the viewfinder or LCD
monitor, remove the cassette and check that the
tape is not damaged, is not 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
41.
■ Removal
Slide the EJECT switch. "IMl EJECT" will appear
on the LCD monitor, and the cassette door will
open automatically. Remove the cassette.
8 mm Video Cassette
An 8 mm Video Cassette has a record-protect
tab on the side of the cassette that can be slid
to prevent accidental erasure of recorded
material.
To prevent accidental erasure,
slide the record-protect tab in
the direction of the arrow until
the tab is completely visible.
To record on the cassette
again, slide the record-protect
tab in the direction of the
arrow. The tab will disappear
behind the cassette case.
NOTE: After unpacking, it is recommended to fast forward tape to its middle and then rewind it
before recording with the camera for the first time.
14

CAMERA RECORDING
1. Connect either one of the "POWER
SOURCES" on pages 11 through 12.
2. Open the LCD monitor and insert a cassette
("INSERTION AND REMOVAL OF CAS¬
SETTES", page 14).
If you want to view the picture being recorded
on the LCD monitor, leave the monitor open.
If you want to view the picture in the
viewfinder, close the LCD monitor,
NOTES:
• Pull out the eye cup all the way when using
the viewfinder,
• If the power source is not connected to
camera/recorder, the cassette holder will
not open.
• If the LCD monitor is opened or closed dur¬
ing recording, several white stripes may
appear in the picture, but this does not indi¬
cate a fault. However, these stripes are
recorded with the picture, so it is rec¬
ommended that you do not close or open
the LCD monitor during recording.
• If the LCD monitor is opened or closed (the
monitor picture is switched between the
viewfinder and LCD monitor) during re¬
cording, the on-screen display will dis¬
appear for about one second. It is rec¬
ommended that you do not switch the pic¬
ture during recording as the date or title
superimposed in the picture being
recorded will disappear for about one sec¬
ond.
3. Press the cassette holder. The holder will
latch in the operating position.
4. To open the lens door, slide the lens door
opener to "OPEN" ("LENS DOOR OPENER",
page 8).
5. Slide the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to "CAM".
"•II" appears and the camera/recorder will
enter record/pause mode automatically.
NOTE: If the record-protect tab on the cas¬
sette is closed, the "TAPE" indication in the
viewfinder or LCD monitor flashes for several
seconds and the camera/recorder will not
enter record/pause mode.
6. Adjust the diopter control so the display in the
viewfinder can be seen most clearly.
7. Now, press the Start/Stop button to start
shooting the picture. You are now recording
the picture you see through the viewfinder or
LCD monitor. The "REC" indication appears in
the viewfinder or LCD monitor instead of
"•H".
8. Press the Start/Stop button to stop recording.
Press the button again to resume recording.
The "#11" indication appears in the viewfinder
or LCD monitor instead of "fTeC" in the
record/pause (stand-by) mode.
9. After recording, slide the CAM/OFF/VIDEO
switch to "OFF".
10. Close the lens door. Press and hold the small
button in the lens door opener, and then slide
it to "CLOSE".
11. Always remove the power source from the
camera/recorder after use.
NOTES:
• The "TAPE END" indication in the view¬
finder or LCD monitor starts flashing when
there is about three minutes recording time
left on the cassette.
• If you have a cassette tape that has already
been partially recorded on and you want to
record the remaining blank section, see
"QUICK EDIT" on page 28.
• If the record/pause mode continues for
more than 5 minutes, the camera/
recorder's power is automatically turned
off. To turn on again, press Start/Stop
button. The camera/recorder enters record/
pause (stand-by) mode.
15

INSTANT REVIEW
1. In record/pause (stand by) mode, tap REW/
REVIEW button, and the recorded scene of the
last few seconds is played back in the reverse
direction and then played back in the forward
direction.
NOTE: Sound is heard from the speaker dur¬
ing normal playback.
2. When the tape reaches the end of the scene
you have just recorded, the camera/recorder
returns to the record/pause (stand by) mode.
Recording starts again when the Start/Stop
button is pressed again.
PLAYBACK _
You can view recorded pictures on the 2.5-inch LCD monitor immediately after recording.
1. Hold down the red button on the CAM/OFF/
VIDEO switch while sliding the switch to
VIDEO.
2. Press the REW/REVIEW button to the position
where you want to start playback.
3. Press the PLAY button and play back the tape.
To adjust the volume for the internal speaker,
adjust the volume control.
4. Press the STOP button when you have fin¬
ished.
NOTES:
• Decrease the sound volume of the camera/
recorder when you play back a recording by
connecting the camera/recorder to your TV. If
the volume of the camera/recorder is set to
maximum, the played back picture may be dis¬
torted.
• When the LCD monitor is turned on and left as
it is, the monitor becomes warm, but this does
not indicate a fault.
• When the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch is set to
"CAM" or "VIDEO", the LCD monitor is turned
on and off automatically when the LCD moni¬
tor is opened and closed.
• It is recommended that you close the LCD
monitor to save the battery power when play¬
ing back a picture on a TV or recording a TV
program without viewing it.
• Only the playback sound is heard from the
internal speaker. The sound being recorded is
not heard.
16

F-SEARCH AND R-SEARCH
When looking for a particular point in your video¬
tape use the F.FWD button and REW/REVIEW but¬
ton to find the spot quickly.
• Press the F.FWD button during playback to
play the tape forward at approximately 7 times
normal speed. Press the PLAY button to
return to normal playback.
• Press the REW/REVIEW button during play¬
back to play the tape backwards at approxi¬
mately 5 times normal speed. Press the PLAY
button to return to normal playback.
NOTE; When you engage the F.FWD button or
REW/REVIEW button the picture will have some
interference or noise in the viewfinder or LCD
monitor. This is normal during search mode.
STILL _
When the Start/Stop button is pressed during
playback, a still picture can be seen. To start
again press the Start/Stop button and playback
will be resumed.
NOTES:
• If the play pause mode continues for more
than 5 minutes, the camera/recorder will auto¬
matically enter the stop mode to protect the
tape from damage.
• The still picture will have several noise bars in
the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor and on
the TV, but this does not indicate a fault.
17

CHANGING THE ANGLE OF THE LCD MONITOR WHEN RECORDING
You can change the angle of the LCD monitor so that the picture on the LCD screen can be monitored
from different positions.
See "LCD MONITOR" (page 9) for the range in which you can change the angle of the LCD monitor.
NOTE: You need the remote control to operate the camera/recorder.
Recording an image of yourself while monitoring
the LCD screen
1. Open the LCD monitor ("LCD MONITOR",
page 9).
2. Turn the LCD monitor so the monitor screen
faces the same direction as the lens.
Press the START/STOP button on the remote
control, and the camcorder will begin recording.
NOTES:
• Tilt the LCD monitor in the direction of the
camera lens so that its screen faces up slightly,
and the screen may be viewed easily.
• When you record an image of yourself, the
image displayed on the LCD monitor will be
the reverse of a mirror image.
ACTIVE SCREEN _
The camera/recorder 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 camera/recorder 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.
18

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.
Make sure that the current time is displayed correctly before you start recording.
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 camera/recorder is removed.
1. Slide the CAM/OFFA/IDEO switch to "CAM".
2. Press the DATE/DISP. button.
"0:00" and "1/1/1998" appears in the
viewfinder or LCD monitor and "1" flashes.
0:00
1/ 1/1998
3. Press the F.FWD button to select correct date.
Hold button down to advance rapidly. If you go
past the date you want to set, press the
REW/REVIEW button. When the correct date
appears, press the STOP button.
0:00
5/ 1/1998
4. Press the F.FWD button to select correct
month. Hold button down to advance rapidly.
If you go past the month you want to set, press
the REW/REVIEW button. When the correct
month appears, press the STOP button.
0:00
5/11/“j998;
5. Press the F.FWD or REW/REVIEW button to
select year, and then press the STOP button.
o': 00
5/1l/l'999
6. Press the F.FWD or REW/REVIEW button to
select correct hour, and then press the STOP
button.
7. Press the F.FWD or REW/REVIEW button to
select correct minute.
6 :>b;
5/11/19S9
8. A fter setting to the correct minute, press the
DATE/DISP. button to change the display and
start the internal clock.
It is recommended that you press the
DATE/DISP. button to match the time signal.
NOTE: After the date and time are set, "©
AUTO" appears and the camera/recorder enters
the automatic date recording mode. See "DATE
RECORDING" on page 20.
■ To correct date/time after starting the date/
time
1. Press and hold the DATE/DISP. button, and
then press STOP button. The date starts flash¬
ing.
2. Correct the incorrect digit by using the F.FWD,
REW/REVIEW and STOP buttons.
■ To correct date/time during programming
1. Press the STOP button repeatedly until the
digit that is incorrect flashes.
2. Correct the incorrect digit by using the F.FWD,
REW/REVIEW and STOP buttons.
19