TABLE OF CONTENTS
Instruction Manual
1HITACHI
Video Camera/Recorder
VM-1600A/VM-2600A
Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc.
3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093
Pointe Claire,
Tel. 404-279-5600
HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF HAWAII, INC.
3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, HI 96819
Tel. 808-836-3621
P4707085 ©Hitachi, Ltd. 1993
KM-M(N)
HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC.
3300 Trans Canada Hwy.,
Quebec, H9R1B1, CANADA
Tel. 514-697-9150
E72900 E72118
Printed in Japan
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................................................................2
WARNINGS ...............................................................................................................................................4
PRECAUTIONS....................................................................................................................................5
FEATURES............................................................................................................................................6
ACCESSORIES....................................................................................................................................6
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ..................................................................................................................7
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER ......................................12
ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER (EVF).....................................................................................................13
LOADING BATTERY FOR DATE/TIME..............................................................................................14
POWER SOURCES..................................................................................................................................16
WHEN USING WITH THE BATTERY (Provided) .....................................................................16
WHEN USING WITH THE AC ADAPTER/CHARGER (Provided).........................................17
WHEN USING WITH THE CAR BATTERY (By using optional car battery cord Hitachi VM-
CC70A).................................................................................................................................................17
CHECKING THE BATTERY..................................................................................................................19
CHARGING A BATTERY ......................................................................................................................20
MAKING A SAMPLE RECORDING .....................................................................................................22
IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS .....................................................................27
DATE/TIME SETTING............................................................................................................................34
To correct date/time information after starting the date/time...................................................36
To correct date/time information during programming .............................................................36
AUTO FOCUS..........................................................................................................................................38
EXPOSURE CORRECTION....................................................................................................................41
POWER ZOOM ........................................................................................................................................42
DIGITAL ZOOM (Only form VM-2600A).............................................................................................. 43
ATTACHING THE TELEPHOTO OR WIDE ANGLE LENS ...............................................................44
MACRO ....................................................................................................................................................46
FADE IN FADE OUT...............................................................................................................................47
QUICK EDIT (EDIT SEARCH)...............................................................................................................48
INSTANT REVIEW .................................................................................................................................49
VARIABLE SHUTTER SPEED ..............................................................................................................50
GAIN UP...................................................................................................................................................51
DISPLAY BUTTON.................................................................................................................................52
LINEAR TIME COUNTER......................................................................................................................53
TIME REMAINING .................................................................................................................................54
SELF TIMER ............................................................................................................................................55
TIME LAPSE RECORDING ...................................................................................................................56
ONE SHOT RECORDING.......................................................................................................................58
INDEX SIGNAL RECORDING ..............................................................................................................59
MICROPHONE MIXING.........................................................................................................................60
RECORDING TV PROGRAMS ..............................................................................................................61
TITLE RECORDING ...............................................................................................................................63
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
AUDIO DUBBING...................................................................................................................................67
VIDEO DUBBING ...................................................................................................................................69
VIEWING THE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOUR TV ................................................................71
STILL........................................................................................................................................................73
FORWARD AND REVERSE SEARCH..................................................................................................74
MEMORY.................................................................................................................................................75
CAMERA/RECORDER TO VCR DUBBING ........................................................................................76
FLYING ERASE HEAD ..........................................................................................................................77
HOW TO ATTACH THE SHOULDER STRAP .....................................................................................78
ATTACHING THE DC CAMERA LIGHT (Optional Accessory)..........................................................79
EYEPIECE ADJUSTMENT.....................................................................................................................82
SYNCHRO EDIT......................................................................................................................................83
AUTOMATIC REWIND..........................................................................................................................85
TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................................................................................86
HEAD CLEANING ..................................................................................................................................89
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE ..................................................................................................................90
SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................................................91
HOTLINE..................................................................................................................................................92
ACCESSORY TO ADD MORE EXCITEMENT ....................................................................................93
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WARNINGS
WARNINGS
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
This symbol warns the user that uninsulated voltage within the unit may
have sufficient magnitude to cause electric shock. Therefore, it is dangerous
to make any kind of contact with any inside part of this unit.
This symbol alerts the user that important 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 SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,
FULLY INSERT.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio emissions from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
Caution to the user: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
CAUTION: Avoid operating your camcorder immediately after moving it from a cold area to
a warm humid area. Give the camcorder 2 to 3 hours to acclimate to the surroundings
before inserting a video cassette. When moved from a cold area to a warm humid area,
moisture may condense on the head drum inside the machine. This moisture could cause
the tape to stick to the headwheel and damage the headwheel or tape.
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WARNINGS
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 camera/recorder.
When you are not using the camera/recorder, 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 source, a bright vertical bar may appear in the picture.
Your camera/recorder is functioning properly, but the solid-state pickup device (CCD)
usually causes this as an inherent characteristic. Try to avoid shooting an excessive
bright object directly.
Be sure not to leave it in a place where the temperature exceeds 120º F (49º C), or
the pickup device may be damaged.
Dangerous includes:
• Inside a car with the windows closed and in direct sunshine.
• Near heating appliances.
Do not leave the viewfinder lens facing sunlight for a prolonged period, or the
phosphorescent surface of the cathode ray tube may be damaged.
Thank you for choosing the
convenience please read these simple instructions before operating your
camera/recorder.
video camera/recorder. For maximum pleasure and
WARNING: Many television programs and films are copyrighted. In certain circumstances,
copyright law may apply to private in-home video taping of copyrighted materials.
This video camera/recorder with this marking incorporates
*
picture technology and is compatible with any video tape recorder bearing the
mark.
high-quality
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WARNINGS
FEATURES
High Quality picture technology
• Digital zoom up to X 24 (only for VM-2600A)
• Solid-state camera pickup
•
• Auto focus power zoom Lens with macro feature
• Full record and playback capability with standard
• High speed shutter
• Time lapse and one-shot recording
• Flying erase head
• Video dub
• Audio dub
• Time and date
• Titler
• Index signal
cassette
ACCESSORIES
Check to make sure you have the following components and accessories (besides the
camera/recorder unit itself) before disposing of the packing material.
1. Video/Audio Output Cord
2. Lead-acid Rechargeable Battery
3. AC Adaptor/Charger
4. Battery for Date/Time
5. DC cord
6. Shoulder strap
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
In addition to the careful attention devoted to quality standards in the manufacture of
your video product, safety is a major factor in the design of every instrument. But,
safety is your responsibility too.
This page lists important information that will help to assure your enjoyment and proper
use of a Video Camera/Recorder and accessory equipment. Please read it carefully
before operating your video product and keep it in a handy place for future reference.
INSTALLATION
1 Read and Follow Instructions -- All the safety and operating instructions should be
read before the video product is operated. Follow all operating and use instructions.
2 Retain Instruction -- The safety and operating instructions should be retained for
future reference.
3 Heed Warnings -- Comply with all warnings on the video product and in the operating
instructions.
4 Polarized Plug -- This video product is equipped with a polarized alternating-current
line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power
outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. 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 -- This 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
your 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 extension cords as this can result in a
risk of fire or electric shock. Overloaded AC outlets and extension cords are dangerous,
and so are frayed power cords, damaged or cracked wire insulation and broken plugs.
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
They may result in shock or fire hazard. Periodically examine the cord and have it
replaced by your service technician if appearance indicates damage 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 cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they
exit from the appliance.
8 Ventilation -- Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation to ensure
reliable operation of the video product and to protect it from overheating. These
openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by
placing the video product on a bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface. This video
product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register. This video
product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless
proper ventilation is provided or the video product manufacturer's instructions have
been followed.
9 Attachments -- Do not use attachments unless recommended by the video product
manufacturer as they may cause hazards.
Caution: Maintain electrical safety. Power-line operated equipment or accessories
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 safety features.
This will help avoid any potential hazard from electric shock or fire. If in doubt, contact
qualified service personnel.
10 Water and Moisture -- Do not use this video product near water -- for example, 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,
bracket or table. The video product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult,
and serious damage to the appliance. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket or
table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the video product. Any mounting
of the product should follow the manufacturer's instructions, and should use a mounting
accessory recommended by the manufacturer.
11A An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops,
excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to
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