Hitachi VMH855LA Hi8 Camcorder

by Hitachi

Product Details

Product Manual [11.32mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.5 x 4.2 inches ; 4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000J3I5
• Item model number: VMH855LA
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #63,058 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1999

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

The Hitachi H855LA offers a multitude of features for a Hi8 camcorder, including an automatic light, instant zoom, and special digital effects. Its button layout is intuitive, and large LCD screen makes it easy to use.

We found that the Hitachi H855LA was a snap to pick up and learn. It performed well in low light, giving a clear, detailed picture. In addition, you can set the H855LA's active light to come on in dimly lit scenes and turn off again in normal light, making it possible to shoot in near-darkness. The array of special effects are a blast to play with, both during recording and playback. This camcorder's digital fade feature is a great way to start or end segments.

The Hitachi H855LA features a high-powered 400x digital zoom, great for getting close-ups and recording faraway events. The H855LA's image-stabilization feature also makes recording more foolproof. Its small size and lightweight, durable construction make it easier to carry and use. This camcorder uses the Hi8 format, which produces sharp and colorful video--digital is the only format that will give you better quality. The only drawback to Hi8 is that you can't play the tapes in your VCR; you must connect the camcorder to your TV for playback. Playback on a TV was a snap using the included audio/video input cords.

Pros:

• Powerful zoom
• Lightweight and compact
• Large, bright LCD viewing screen
• Performs well in low light
• Provides wide range of digital effects

Cons:

• LCD screen must be open and power source must be connected to eject or insert tape

Amazon.com Product Description

Hi8 Meets High Technology.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent product! Have used for 6 months, and it's great!, July 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Hitachi VMH855LA Hi8 Camcorder (Electronics)

Camera take exceptional pictures, has high quality in Hi8 mode. You can purchase long life batteries (>2500 MaH) that allow you to record for extremely long periods even using the LCD screen as your viewfinder. The image stabilization is very good, allowing videos to be hand held, but yielding a very stable picture. The internal lens cap feature is very nice, out of the way when shooting, yet nothing to lose. The resolution on the direct viewfinder is exceptional, and even though it is B/W it is very usable combined with the color LCD for playback. Having an internal viewfinder is extremely useful in bright light situations where the LCD is washed out/hard to see.

Overall an exceptional product, with a very good price. Has held up well in trips to Europe, Western USA, and New England, as well as for family gatherings.