Hitachi VM-E53A, VM-E55A 36

Basic Techniques

The batteries are in place and charged, the date and time are set, and you are familiar with the controls it's time to make a recording. Basic recording is easy and simple. Hooking up the camera/recorder to your TV is not complicated but give yourself plenty of time to ensure connections are correct.

This section guides you through basic recording and playback. Practice the basic techniques of recording and playback on something unimportant such as traffic or a short tour of your backyard. Once familiar with how the machine works you can move to the more sophisticated features with less stress.

Let's get started!

Making a Basic Recording

The Hitachi VM-E53A/55A uses PROGRAM AE auto exposure that automatically selects the optimum shutter speed (either 1/60, 1/100, 1/120, 1/180, 1/250, 1/350, 1/500, 1/750, 1/1000, 1/1500, 1/2000, or 1/4000 of a second). The iris adjusts automatically in response to shutter speed.

1.Connect the camera/recorder to a power source ("Loading Batteries; Camera/Recorder Battery," p 12, "Using Alternative Power Sources," p 13).

2.Insert an 8mm cassette ("Inserting and Removing Cassettes," p 15).

3.Press the red button on the CAMERA/OFF/VIDEO switch as you slide it to CAMERA. appears and the camera/recorder is now ready to record.

4.Use the diopter control to match the viewfinder's focus with your eyesight.

5.When you are ready to record press the Start/Stop button. REC appears in the viewfinder and the camera/recorder records the picture you see in the viewfinder.

Note: TAPE flashes in the viewfinder when the tab on the side of the cassette is completely visible.