About media descriptions

Introduction

The camcorder functions available vary depending on the media (HDD/DVD/ Card) used. Refer to the icon headings shown below to determine whether the function explained complies with the media in use.

HDD	RAM	-RW(VR)		-RW(VF) R +RW CARD

Collective			Icon	Media
term			Icon	Media
term
HDD				Built-in hard disk drive (HDD)
HDD				Built-in hard disk drive (HDD)
				DVD-RAM

				DVD-RW (VR mode)

DVD				DVD-RW (VF (Video) mode)

				DVD-R

				+RW

		CARD		SD memory card
Card		CARD		miniSD memory card (exclusive adapter required)
				microSD memory card (exclusive adapter required)

Displays in the Instruction Manual

The display messages are omitted in this manual. Please use the LCD display of your camcorder to check the messages.

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Hitachi DZ-HS903A, DZ-HS803A instruction manual About media descriptions

DZ-HS903A, DZ-HS803A specifications

The Hitachi DZ-HS803A and DZ-HS903A are innovative hybrid camcorders that combine the convenience of a digital video camera with the capability of a still image camera, making them versatile tools for both amateur filmmakers and photography enthusiasts. These models are known for their advanced features, efficient recording technologies, and user-friendly interfaces.

One of the standout features of both the DZ-HS803A and DZ-HS903A is their hybrid design, enabling users to capture high-quality video alongside stunning still images. The camcorders utilize a 1/6-inch CCD image sensor that provides sharp, clear visuals across a range of conditions. With resolutions up to 3.1 megapixels for still images and the ability to capture video in 720p, both models ensure that content appears vibrant and lifelike.

The DZ-HS803A and DZ-HS903A also incorporate advanced optical zoom capabilities, offering 30x optical zoom for capturing distant subjects with remarkable detail. Combined with a digital zoom feature, users can achieve up to 800x magnification, making it ideal for nature photography and sports events. Furthermore, the camcorders feature a 2.7-inch LCD screen that allows for easy navigation and composition of shots, enhancing the user experience for both recording video and taking photographs.

In terms of recording technologies, both models utilize the latest MPEG-2 compression for video, which ensures high-quality footage while maintaining manageable file sizes. They also support DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, and DVD-R media formats, providing flexibility in recording and sharing videos. This makes it easy for users to archive their work or create DVDs for family and friends.

The user interface of the DZ-HS803A and DZ-HS903A is designed with simplicity in mind, featuring intuitive controls that make it accessible for individuals of all skill levels. Additionally, the built-in image stabilization technology helps eliminate shaky footage, providing smoother results during handheld shooting.

In summary, the Hitachi DZ-HS803A and DZ-HS903A offer a compelling combination of video and photography capabilities, appealing to users looking for a versatile camcorder. With their high-quality image sensors, powerful zoom features, and user-friendly operation, these models stand out as reliable options for capturing life’s memorable moments. Whether recording family gatherings or pursuing artistic projects, these Hitachi camcorders deliver performance and convenience, making them a valuable addition to any creator's toolkit.

Contents

DZ-HS903A DZ-HS803A English Important Information Identifications of caution marksPage Important Safety Instructions Table of Contents Dubbing on DVD Connecting to Your PC This camcorder makes all of the following possible Introduction About operations using the cursor „ Choosing a disc to suit your purpose About media descriptions Conduct test recording Before Using the Product Be sure to read this informationHow to hold a disc For correct recording Recording surface Hitachi will not compensate for recorded images Using DVD with other equipmentCopyright Checking Provided Accessories DZ-ACS3 Names of Parts Power switch side Power switch p.22 Hand strap p.18 Bottom Disc Navigation button p.28 Inside the cover Light receiving sensor Lens sideLCD monitor color wide-screen Remote control While inserting a thin Insert the lithium Attaching the lens cap Adjusting the hand strapEyelet and knot How to Open and Use the LCD Monitor You can use the LCD monitor as follows How to Change the LCD Brightness Charge status of the battery pack „ Setting up the battery packLet’s Get Started „ Changing the display language „ Turning on the PowerGet Started „ Setting the date and time Press the confirmation button Recording Movies to the HDD When handling a disc Attach the charged battery pack Turn the power switch to DVD Recording Stills to an SD card Playing Recorded Movies/Stills Deleting Recorded Movies/Stills Select YES, then press the confirmation button Functions and Characteristics of HDD/DVD/Cards Function Media „ About HDD/DVD Usable discs and their logos Function Unusable Discs „ About cards „ Cautions for discs and cards „ Inserting a DVD When a new DVD-RW or +RW is inserted, see p.36Camcorder to a wall outlet Removing the disc HDD/DVD/Cards When using a DVD-RW „ When loading a new DVD-RW/+RWOpen the LCD monitor Battery Pack „ Recording time with a fully charged battery„ Charge lamp status and charging time Camcorder DC power cord „ Connecting the camcorder to a wall outletConnect to the AC adapter/charger Power cable Charger „ Efficient Use of the Battery Battery life Recording Press and hold the lock button, and turn the power switchRecording indicator beneath the lens will also light up red To resume recording, press the record button again „ Using the Quick Start Function On-Screen Information See the next page for details Current medium/input mode p.24, 25 Recording REM XX MIN*4 Recording Still Pictures PHOTO/SELECT Viewing „ Playing back the last recorded sceneDisc Navigation „ Choosing and playing back a scene „ Deleting the last recorded sceneConfirmation button Dub mark p.80 Photo p.27 „ Choosing and playing back multiple scenesFade-in p.106 Fade-out p.106 „ Jumping to the designated scene Cursor Specifying the point to jump toCursor position „ Information Display During Playback „ Adjusting speaker volume during movie playbackDecreases the volume No display Playback information display When using When using Card Movies During playback Movies During playback pause „ Playing still pictures on a card Automatically Slide Show Still pictures During card playbackPress Menu on the disc navigation screen p.48 „ Playing back scenes Repeatedly Repeat Play „ Capturing a still picture from a movie Photo CaptureSelect Edit by pressing f/e, then press c Example How to Operate the MenuSelect Camera Functions Setup Various Recording Techniques Menu items Quick Common See 1st level 2nd level To movie LCD Setup Date Mode LCD Adjust Date SetupMenu While Recording Movie Menu Program AE White Balance Menu items Quick Common See Stills Menu2nd level Menu To movie Setting the Date and Time „ How to use the LCD setup and initial setupMenu items Explanation of functions Initial Value Setup Changing the date format „ About the demonstration function Digital zoom options Setting the digital zoomMagnified Recording Optical Zoom Digital Zoom Digital Zoom a digital zoom option Recording at close range Recording at Close Range Macro RecordingMaximized Attaching the separately sold lenses Adjusting the Focus Manually Manual FocusFocusing range Camcorder How to focus manually Difficult auto focus conditions During record pause or recording, press f Adjusting the exposure manuallyAdjust the exposure by pressing d/ c Subjects moving Subjects with Rapidly Minimal Variation Compensating for Backlight Backlight Compensation Compensating for backlightProgram AE modes During record pause or recording, press BLC Adjusting the Color White Balance Selecting a Program AE modeWhite balance mode Program AE a Program AE mode White Balance a white balance mode Selecting a white balance modeInfrared sensor Down until „ Setting the white balance manually SetSet Press Cto end, or to redo, repeat step Turning EIS Off/On Using the Electronic Image Stabilizer EISSelect Camera Functions Setup EIS On/Off Turning the MIC. filter On/Off Default Full Auto Setting the recording settings to full autoUsing the Flash Function Default See Flash mode Selecting a flash mode Turning Off Recording Indicator Beneath the Lens Turning Off/On the recording indicator DZ-HS803A Switching movie qualityHDD movie quality and recordable time DZ-HS903A DVD movie quality and recordable time Aspect ratio When 169 mode is OffOff 169 On/Off Quality Quality Switching still picture qualityDuring record pause, press Menu Switching the camcorder to external input mode Input Source Photo Input Frame/Field Switching capture qualityUsing the Self-Timer During still picture record pause, press Menu Before you begin Dubbing optionsTime required for dubbing Hints for dubbing About the playlist p.95 for dubbing First Dubbing New Turn the power switch to HDD p.24 Press Dubbing Dubbing All Scenes Recorded on the Same Day Date Dubbing All Scenes Recorded on the HDD All Select All, then press Confirmation button You delete the dubbed scenes Appears Press Dubbing Check the screen for finalization settingDubbing Scenes Selected Select DVD remaining bar DisplayingonlyDubbedor Not Dubbed Scenes Category Category SettingsTo set Category Press Other editing Convenient playbackEditing the original data Editing Contents Menu Items for the Disc Navigation RAM When using HDD/DVD-RAM/DVD-RW VR mode „ Menu flows for the disc navigation When using DVD-RW VF Video mode/DVD-R/+RW When using a card Press , then press Menu „ Switching to the display arranged by program ProgramChoosing Scenes by Program Select, then Press the confirmation button „ Renaming the title Program Title Input mode„ Playing back a program Play Title input bar Hints for character entry in step 12/10/2008 Playlist „ What is Playlist?Playlist 1 created „ Creating a new Playlist Create Playlist, then press Menu „ Playing back a Playlist Play Editing a playlist „ Adding scenes to a Playlist Edit Pressing eand select the insertion position using d/cScene to be added „ Deleting scenes from Playlist Edit Editing Edit 100 „ Deleting scenes using the Submenu for Editing Edit„ Selecting scenes using the Submenu for Editing Edit Wish to delete, the press Menu „ Renaming the title of a Playlist Title „ Arranging the order of scenes in the Playlist EditEditing 101 Deleting Scenes Edit Delete „ Deleting a Playlist Delete102 Editing 103 Editing using the SubmenuDividing a Movie Edit Divide Select Scene Edit 104 Division, press PHOTO/SELECT Editing 105 Combining Multiple Scenes Edit CombineButton Adding Special Effects Edit -Fade 106 Select Scene Effect Skipping Scenes Effect Skip107 Effect Thumbnail of the scene appears, press Changing Thumbnail Image Effect Thumbnail108 Skip icon 109 Go ToCopying still pictures on a DVD-RAM to the Card Copy Press , then Menu 110 Locking Scenes on a Card LockSelect Scene Lock, then press Confirmation button To unlock the scene Editing 111Press Cto quit Formatting the HDD When using the HDD/DVD112 Protecting the HDD Editing 113 Displaying Movies or Stills Independently Category 114 „ Connecting to a TV Viewing on the Other Devices 115 Viewing on the Other Devices „ Setting the on-screen display output On/Off OSD Output„ Viewing on your TV 116 „ Playing back wide-mode images on a 43 TV TV Type Viewing on the Other Devices 117 About DVD-RW VF mode/DVD-R Discs and Finalization What you can/cannot do after finalizing a discAbout +RW Discs and Finalization 118 Playing back a DVD- RAM Disc on a DVD Player/Recorder About DVD-RW VR Mode Discs FinalizationViewing on the Other Devices 119 120 Power the camcorder p.38Finalizing a Disc Before you begin Press , and then press Menu Unfinalizing a Disc 121 Press the camcorder’s record button „ Dubbing from another A/V device DZ-HS903A122 To the audio 123 Choose the scene on the disc navigation screen „ Dubbing from the camcorder to another A/V device124 To the S-Video Windows ImageMixer Connecting to Your PC 125About the software included Macintosh ImageMixer 3 Mac Edition for 126 Connecting to Your PCPC requirements Windows Graphic Connecting to Your PC 127Macintosh Compatible „ Software installation 128 Click Perform installation 129 130 Type of installation„ Preparation before importing images Check the license agreement 131 How to connect to your PCTo USB terminal USB cable provided Handling photos Camcorder indications on the PC132 Removing/replacing Connecting to Your PC 133Removing SD memory card USB cable Changing the powerSwitch setting 134 How to Use Software Connecting to Your PC 135 Eject button To play back 136Click Click Create New DVD Connecting to Your PC 137 Set up a project 138 Cm/12 cm/2-layer using Settings PreferenceClick the Write button Connecting to Your PC 139 Macintosh How to use ImageMixer 3 Mac Edition for Dvdcam 140 Your PC Storing movies onto your Macintosh141 An image 142To import Connecting to Your PC 143 Click Library at the top left of the screen 144 Click to check Precautions When Connecting to a PC „ Uninstalling the softwareConnecting to Your PC 145 Contact Information 146 Attaching the Shoulder Strap Commercially Available Optional AccessoriesAdditional Information 147 Additional Information Error MessagesMessage Cause & Troubleshooting 148 149 150 Photos 151 Check DVD 152 STD 153 END of Card 154 No DVD 155 DVD Additional Information 156 Symptom Cause and Correction TroubleshootingPower supplies 157 Additional Information 158 159 During recording Additional Information 160 161 During playback 162 When the camcorder is connected to a PC 163 Additional Information 164 165 InformationMiscellaneous Card Access 166 Additional Information 167 168 Cleaning the lens Do not use a generally available 8 cm CD lens cleanerCleaning Additional Information 169 170 Handling HDD/discs Additional Information 171 List of setting items System Reset172 Major Specifications Additional Information 173 174 DVD-RAM Recordable time on HDD*1 Storage capacity of HDD/DVD/CardAdditional Information 175 Recordable time on DVD Maximum number of programs that can be recorded/dubbed on 176Maximum number of scenes that can be recorded/dubbed on Recording media Input Source Line DZ-HS903A Additional Information 177Still picture size and quality Glossary 178 Index Additional Information 179 180 Quality Additional Information 181 182 License Agreement To Order in the United States Additional Information 183Page Only Hitachi Limited Warranty ConditionsPage Or mail this portion to the following address Page

Introduction

About media descriptions

-RW(VF) R +RW CARD

+RW

SD memory card

DZ-HS903A, DZ-HS803A specifications