Hitachi Hi8 VM-H70E User manual

U IT A PUI I HI Hill mil mil Hill
miMLrrll V01609
8mm VIDEO CAMERA/RECORDER
VM-H70E/VM-H71E
VM-H70E
VM-H71E
Instruction manual
To obtain the best performance and ensure years of
trouble-free use, please read this instruction manual
completely.
Him

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.
■ Do not leave the viewfinder lens facing sun¬
light for a prolonged period, or the phos¬
phorescent surface of the cathode ray tube or
the liquid crystal display (LCD) panel may be
damaged.
■ 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.
■ 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, (only for VM-
H71E)
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 moisture is detected, the camera/
recorder ejects the tape automatically to
protect it, so the camera/recorder cannot be
operated. When a small amount of moist¬
ure is sensed, "TAPE" flashes in the
viewfinder and the camera/recorder cannot
accept any operations other than eject.
Remove the cassette and set the OPERATE
switch to OFF, then wait for about one hour.
NOTES:
• This unit uses HiEO video format cas¬
settes. (See page 15)
• It records and plays back in the SP mode
(20.05 mm/sec.).
• This camera/recorder uses a Hi-Fi stereo
sound system. When a tape recorded by
this camera/recorder is played by a con¬
ventional 8mm camera/recorder, mo¬
naural sound is output. When a tape
recorded by a conventional 8mm cam¬
era/recorder is played by this machine,
monaural sound is output.
This product is manufactured to comply
with the radio interference requirements of
EEC Directive 76/889/EEC, 82/499/EEC and
87/308/EEC.
WARNING : It is permissible to record tele¬
vision programmes only in the event that
third party copyrights and other rights are
not violated.
• Difference between Models VM-H70E/H71E
VM-H70E
VM-H71E
Viewfinder
Type
Black-and-
white
Colour
Edit Remote
Control
Optional
Provided
The appearance of the viewfinder is different as
shown in the photos on the cover.
BE SURE NOT TO LEAVE IT IN A PLACE AT
HIGH TEMPERATURE EXCEEDING 50°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.

FEATURES
Water-resistant
Because your video camera/recorder is water-
resistant, it allows recording on a ski slope even
when it is snowing, outdoors when it is raining
and, at the poolside where water could splash.
Single-Unit Convenience and Ease of Operation
Your camera/recorder combines the functions of
a video camera and a video tape recorder in one
lightweight, easy-to-use instrument. This elim¬
inates interconnecting cables and simplifies oper¬
ation.
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 AV stereo output cord.
Digital Zoom up to X24
Electronic Image Stabilizer (EIS)
This function corrects slight shaking when zoom¬
ing in on a distant subject.
Colour Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)
(Only for VM-H71E)
You can check the colour of the subject in the
viewfinder while recording.
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 XI2 autofocus zoom lens uses video auto
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 three fade
modes — fading-in from a white picture (white
fading), fading-in from a black picture (wipe fad¬
ing) and fading-in while zooming (zoom fading).
Stereo Microphone built-in
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Controls and functions .4
Accessories.7
Water-resistant.8
Adjusting the hand strap .11
Lens cap.11
Using the microphone cap.11
Attaching the terminal cover.12
Loading battery for remote control...12
Using the remote control case.12
Electronic viewfinder position adjustment.13
Eyepiece adjustment .13
How to install the shoulder strap.14
Attaching the tele or wide converter.14
Programme AE .14
Flying erase head .14
HiED .15
Power sources .16
Checking the battery pack .18
Charging the battery.18
Insertion and removal of cassettes.21
Camera recording.22
Date/time setting.24
Auto focus.25
Power zoom.26
Digital zoom .27
Instant zoom.27
Fade-in/fade-out. 28
16x9 mode .29
Automatic date recording.29
Electronic image stabilizer (EIS).30
Exposure correction.30
Remaining tape .31
Instant review.31
Macro.31
Wireless remote control.32
Title recording .32
Display button .34
Linear time counter.34
Memory.34
Audio/video dubbing.35
Connections and operations for viewing
the picture played back on your TV .36
Video channel setting.37
F-search and R-search .38
Still.38
Quick edit.38
Camera/recorder to VCR dubbing .39
Synchro edit.40
Simple programmable edit.41
Maintenance and storage after use .44
Troubleshooting.45
Maintenance .46
Specifications .46
Optional accessories.47
3

CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
1 2 3
1. Lens
F1.8 (5 ~ 60mm) X12 power zoom lens features with
auto focus and auto iris functions.
2. Buckle
Lock the buckle to close the case tightly before
recording so that no water droplets or sand can get
inside.
3. Diopter Control
To use the electronic viewfinder, turn this control
for your optimum focus adjustment.
4. 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 three fade modes — the
white fade, wipe fade and zoom fade.
5. EIS (Electronic image Stabilizer) Button
Press to display " " in the viewfinder. EIS cor¬
rects slight shaking of the image to be recorded.
6. Stereo Microphone
Sensitive to sounds coming from the direction in
which the camera is pointed.
7. Infrared Ray Receiving Section
Receives infrared rays from the remote control unit.
8. Record/In-Camera Battery Charge Indicator
This indicator lights (red) during recording and
lights (green) when the battery inside the camera/
recorder is being charged.
9. 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 move¬
ment. Also use F.FWD button when setting the
yf date/time.
9
10
11
12
NOTE: You can also visually scan forward when the
camera/recorder is in record/pause (stand-by) mode
by pressing and holding this button.
10. DATE Button
Press this button to display the date and time in the
viewfinder. Whenever the date and time appear in
the viewfinder, they will be recorded on the tape.
11. FOCUS Select Button
Press this button to switch between automatic and
manual focusing.
If this button is pressed and "FOCUS" appears in
the viewfinder, the camera/recorder enters the
manual focus mode. When "FOCUS" is not dis¬
played, focusing is automatic.
12. Focus Control
For manual focusing, rotate this control to bring the
subject into focus.
13. B.LIGHT Button
When the subject is lit from behind, press and hold
this button to compensate for the back-lighting.
14.16x9 button
Press to fade the top and bottom of the picture to
black.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. REW 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 move¬
ment. Also use this button to review the last few
seconds of the tape you are recording. Use REW
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.
18. OPERATE Switch
This turns the camera/recorder on and off and also
switches between the camera and VCR modes.
Set the switch to "CAM" to turn the camera's power
on and to "VIDEO" to turn the VCR's power on.
Press and hold the small red button in the switch to
switch it.
19. Power Zoom Switch
This switch performs zooming electrically.
"W": Picture becomes wider gradually.
"T": Picture becomes telescopic gradually.
NOTE: Pressing the power zoom switch strongly
results in rapid zooming and pressing it lightly
results in slow zooming.
20. INST. ZOOM (Instant Zoom) Button
Use this button to magnify the image being
recorded 1.5 times momentarily.
21. AV OUT Jack/EXT MIC Jack or Remote Jack
(Behind the jack cover)
"AV OUT" Jack: Use the stereo output cord (pro¬
vided) or RF output adapter (optional) to connect
this jack to a TV to view the pictures played back by
the camera/recorder.
"EXT MIC" Jack or Remote Jack: Connect an exter¬
nal microphone (not supplied) here to record sound
from the external microphone. Also connect the
edit remote control (optional with the VM-H70E or
provided with the VM-H71E) here.
NOTE: Connecting an external microphone auto¬
matically switches off the built-in microphone.
22. Hand Strap
Adjust to best fit to your hand. (Refer to page 11)
23. Start/Stop Button
This button is used to control the camera/recorder.
When the record mode select switch is in the
"START/STOP" position, pressing this button in the
record pause (standby) mode runs the tape to start
recording. When the button is pressed again, the
tape stops and the camera/recorder enters the
record pause mode.
When the record mode select switch is set to
"HOLD TO REC", the camera/recorder records
while the Start/Stop button is held depressed and it
enters the record pause mode when the button is
released.
The Start/Stop button may also be used to display
a still picture during the playback mode.
24. BATT. EJECT (Battery Eject) Lever
Slide this lever to open the battery compartment lid
when loading a battery and removing it.
25. Battery Loading Compartment
Load the battery (provided) here.
26. Battery Release Lever (blue)
Press this lever to remove the battery from the
camera/recorder.
27. Cassette Holder
Press EJECT button to open the cassette holder. Be
aware of the cassette direction when inserting.
NOTE: Power source must be connected to open
the cassette holder.
28. EJECT Button
Operates with OPERATE either on or off, if a power
source is connected to the camera/recorder.

CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
30 31
32
33
34
29. Record Mode Select Switch
"START/STOP": Pressing the Start/Stop button
alternates between recording and recording
pause.
"HOLD TO REC": The camera/recorder is set to
recording while the Start/Stop button is held
depressed and it enters recording pause when the
button is released.
30. External Power Adapter Attachment Section
Attach the external power adapter (provided) here.
31. Tripod Mount Screw
Use this screw to mount the camera/recorder on a
tripod (generally available).
32. Camera/Recorder Control Buttons
These shaded buttons on the remote control func¬
tion the same as those on the camera/recorder.
33. Zoom Switch
This switch performs zooming electrically.
"W": Picture becomes wider gradually.
"T"; Picture becomes telescopic gradually.
Note: The zoom switch on the remote control can¬
not change the zoom speed, but provides only low-
speed zooming.
34. S. EDIT (Synchro Edit) Button (only on the
remote control)
Use this button to activate the synchro edit function
for dubbing.
35. TITLE OIM/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.
36. COUNTER RESET Button (only on the remote
control)
Press this button to reset the linear time counter in
the viewfinder to "0:00:00".
37. DISPLAY Button (only on the remote control)
Use this button to select the display in the
viewfinder.
38. AV DUB Button (only on the remote control)
This button is used to record new audio and video
in place of existing audio and video.

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. AV Stereo Output Cord with S-VIDEO plug
2. Battery Pack
3. AC Adapter/Charger
4. AV Plug Adapter (Peri) with S-VIDEO socket
5. Shoulder Strap
6. External Power Adapter
7. Battery for Remote Control (CR2025)
8. Remote Control
9. Remote Control Case
10. Microphone cap
11. Brush
12. AC Plug Adapter
13. Terminal Cover
14. Lens Cap
15. Edit Remote Control (only for VM-H71E)
16. Two lEC R6 batteries for Edit Remote Control
(only for VM-H71E)
NOTE: Use the microphone cap to protect the
microphone from impacts when carrying the
camera/recorder or the entrance of water when
maintaining it. Remove the cap when recording.
Otherwise, sound cannot be recorded.

WATER-RESISTANT
■ Water-resistant structure
Your camera/recorder uses three packings as
shown below to provide a water-resistant struc¬
ture.
Water-resistant Packing
• To check the packing
1. Open the case so the end of the bracket
is positioned as shown in the figure and
pull the bracket forward to release it.
2. After checking, replace the bracket to its
original position.
CAUTION
■ How to handle the water-resistant pack¬
ings
• Inspect the water-resistant packings con¬
stantly to check that there are no scratches
or chipping as they could cause water to
enter.
• Check that no foreign matter adheres to the
water-resistant packings before closing the
cases. If the camera/recorder is used while
dust, sand or thread adheres to only one
point of the packings, it could cause water
to enter.
• The water-resistant packings are expend¬
able supplies.
it is recommended to replace them once a
year.
• Consult your nearest dealer to replace the
packings.
■ The camera/recorder cannot be used in the
following places
• Underwater
• In a place at high temperature and high
humidity such as in a sauna, bathroom, etc.
• Where water would strike it violently
(where water pressure is applied)
NOTE: The camera/recorder cannot be
used under water because it is not water¬
proof.
■ Be careful when opening and closing the
sections with packing
• The camera/recorder inside the case is not
structured to be water-resistant. Take great
care that no water droplets enter inside.
• Check that the three sections with packing
are closed tightly to ensure that it is water-
resistant.
3

■ How to open and close the case
1. Push the lever on the buckle and hold it, then
release the buckle in the direction of the arrow.
NOTE; After using the camera/recorder, wipe
off the sand or water droplets carefully from
the case before opening it. Since water
droplets or sand may remain underthe buckle,
release the buckle in the condition shown in
the figure and wipe off the water droplets or
sand carefully.
2. Open the case in the direction of the arrow.
3. To close the case, hold the left and right cases
tightly and close the buckle until a click is
heard.
NOTE: Lock the case securely using the buckle.
Otherwise, it could allow water to enter.
■ How to open and close the battery compart¬
ment cover
1. Push the BATT. EJECT lever in the direction of
the arrow to unlock the cover. Pull the cover
forward to open it.
2. To close the battery compartment cover, press
both sections marked "PUSH" simultaneously
and make sure that a click is heard. Also check
that the BATT. EJECT lever is aligned with the
mark as shown in the figure below.
Buckle

■ How to open and close the jack cover
Turn the knob on the jack cover in the direction of
the arrow to open the cover.
To close the jack cover, press the two sections
marked "PUSH" and make sure that a click is
heard. Also check that the knob is aligned with
the mark as shown in the figure below.
■ To prevent condensation
• When the camera/recorder is moved from a
cold place to a warm place, leave it for a while
until it reaches the ambient temperature
before opening the case.
• Be careful that no water droplets or snow
flakes enter when opening the case. If they
enter, the humidity inside rises and conden¬
sation is likely to occur.
• Moisture also condenses on the lens. If moist¬
ure condenses on the lens, clear pictures can¬
not be recorded.
• Dry the camera/recorder with the case open
and use it after condensation on the lens dis¬
appears.
• Open the case if there is condensation.
Otherwise, it is hard to dry the camera/recorder.