Sony Camcorder 4 209 887 111 User Manual

4-209-887-11(1)  
DCR-SR15E/SR20E/SX15E/  
SX20E/SX20EK  
Digital Video Camera Recorder  
“HandycamHandbook  
2010 Sony Corporation  
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using your camcorder if necessary (p. 16).  
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the  
camcorder, holding both the camcorder and the  
DC plug.  
Recording  
When you use a memory card with your  
camcorder for the first time, formatting the  
memory card with your camcorder (p. 66) is  
recommended for stable operation.  
All data recorded on the memory card will  
be deleted when it is formatted, and cannot  
be recovered. Save important data to your  
computer, etc., beforehand.  
Note on the camcorder/battery pack  
temperature  
When the temperature of the camcorder  
or battery pack becomes extremely high or  
extremely low, you may not be able to record  
or play back on the camcorder, due to the  
protection features of the camcorder being  
activated in such situations. In this case, an  
indicator appears on the LCD screen (p. 75).  
Before starting to record, test the recording  
function to make sure that the image and sound  
are recorded without any problems.  
When the camcorder is connected to a  
computer or accessories  
Do not try to format the recording media of the  
camcorder using a computer. If you do so, your  
camcorder may not operate correctly.  
When connecting your camcorder to another  
device with a cable, be sure to insert the  
connector plug in the correct way. Pushing the  
plug forcibly into the terminal will damage the  
terminal and may result in a malfunction of  
your camcorder.  
Compensation for the contents of recordings  
cannot be provided, even if recording or  
playback is not possible due to a malfunction of  
the camcorder, storage media, etc.  
TV color systems differ depending on the  
country/region. To view your recordings on a  
TV, you need a PAL system-based TV.  
Television programs, films, video tapes,  
and other materials may be copyrighted.  
Unauthorized recording of such materials may  
be contrary to copyright laws.  
Note on playback  
Images recorded on your camcorder may not  
play correctly on other devices.  
Conversely, images recorded on other devices  
may not play correctly on this camcorder.  
Movies recorded on SD memory cards  
cannot be played on A/V equipment of other  
manufacturers.  
If you cannot record/play back images,  
perform [MEDIA FORMAT]  
If you repeat recording/deleting images for  
a long time, fragmentation of data occurs on  
the recording media. Images cannot be saved  
or recorded. In such a case, save your images  
on some type of external media first, and then  
perform [MEDIA FORMAT] by selecting  
(MENU) [Show others] [MEDIA  
Save all your recorded image data  
FORMAT] (under  
[MANAGE MEDIA]  
To prevent your image data from being lost,  
save all your recorded images on external media  
periodically. It is recommended that you save  
the image data on a disc such as a DVD-R using  
your computer. Also, you can save your image  
data using a VCR or a DVD/HDD recorder,  
etc. (p. 48).  
category) the desired medium (DCR-SR15E  
/SR20E) [YES] [YES]   
.
Notes on optional accessories  
We recommend using genuine Sony accessories.  
Availability of such products is subject to  
country/region.  
Notes on battery pack/AC Adaptor  
Be sure to remove the battery pack or the AC  
Adaptor after turning off the camcorder.  
About images, illustrations, and screen  
displays of this manual  
The example images used in this manual for  
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illustration purposes are captured using a  
digital still camera, and therefore may appear  
different from images and screen indicators that  
actually appear on your camcorder. And, the  
illustrations of your camcorder and its screen  
indication are exaggerated or simplified for  
understandability.  
In this manual, the internal hard disk (DCR-  
SR15E/SR20E) of your camcorder and memory  
card are called “recording media.”  
the camcorder, or subject the camcorder to  
shock or vibration when the POWER lamp  
(p. 14) or the access lamp (p. 19) are lit or  
flashing  
When using a shoulder belt (sold separately), do  
not crash the camcorder against an object.  
Do not use your camcorder in very loud areas  
(DCR-SR15E/SR20E).  
On the drop sensor (DCR-SR15E/SR20E)  
Design and specifications of your camcorder  
and accessories are subject to change without  
notice.  
To protect the internal hard disk from shock  
by dropping, the camcorder has a drop sensor  
function (p. 69). When a drop occurs, or  
under a non-gravity condition, the block noise  
made when this function is activated by the  
camcorder may also be recorded. If the drop  
sensor catches a drop repeatedly, recording/  
playback may be stopped.  
Confirm the model name of your  
camcorder  
The model name is shown in this manual when  
there is a difference in specification between  
models. Confirm the model name on the  
bottom of your camcorder.  
Note on using the camcorder at high  
altitudes (DCR-SR15E/SR20E)  
Do not turn on the camcorder in a low-pressure  
area, where the altitude is more than 5,000  
meters (16,000 feet). Doing so may damage the  
internal hard disk drive of your camcorder.  
The main differences in specification of this  
series are as follows.  
Recording Capacity USB  
media  
of internal jack  
recording  
media  
DCR-  
Internal  
hard  
disk +  
memory  
card  
80 GB  
Output  
SR15E  
only  
DCR-  
SR20E  
Input/  
output  
DCR-  
SX15E  
Memory  
card  
Output  
only  
DCR-  
SX20E  
Input/  
output  
Notes on use  
Do not do any of the following, otherwise, the  
recording media may be damaged, recorded  
images may be impossible to play back or may  
be lost, or other malfunctions could occur.  
Eject the memory card when the access lamp  
(p. 19) is lit or flashing  
Remove the battery pack or AC Adaptor from  
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Operation flow  
Getting started (p. 11)  
Prepare the power source and recording media.  
Recording movies and photos (p. 20)  
Recording movies p. 21  
Changing the recording mode (p. 25)  
Expected recording time (MEDIA INFO, p. 66)  
Shooting photos p. 23  
Playing movies and photos  
Playback on the camcorder p. 27  
Playing images on a TV p. 33  
Saving images  
Saving movies and photos with a computer  
Saving movies and photos in external media p. 45  
Saving images with a DVD writer/recorder p. 48  
Deleting movies and photos (p. 35)  
If you delete the image data that has been saved on your computer  
or a disc, you can record new images on the free media space  
again.  
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Advice for successful recording  
To get good results in recording  
Stabilizing your camcorder  
When you hold the camcorder, keep your upper body upright,  
and hold your arms close to your body.  
The SteadyShot function is effective against camera-shake,  
however, it is essential that you not move the camcorder.  
Zooming smoothly  
Zoom in and out slowly and smoothly. And, use zooming  
sparingly. Excessive zooming will make movies that may make  
the viewer feel tired when viewing them.  
Evoking a feeling of spaciousness  
Use the panning technique. Stabilize yourself, move your  
camcorder horizontally as you turn your upper body slowly. Stay  
still at the end of panning for a while to make the scene look  
stable.  
Accentuating movies with narration  
Consider the sound to be recorded with your movies. Narrate  
the subject, or talk to the subject during shooting.  
Aim for a balanced volume of voices, since the recording person  
is closer to the microphone than the recorded person.  
Using accessories  
Make good use of camcorder accessories.  
For example, using a tripod, you can make a time-lapse  
recording or record subjects in dim light, such as scenes of  
fireworks, or night views. By always carrying spare batteries, you  
can continue recording without worrying about battery power  
shortages.  
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Useful recording techniques  
Flowers in close-up  
TELE MACRO (60)  
Recording in a dimly-lit room  
VIDEO LIGHT (26)  
Capturing fireworks, or a sunset in all  
Checking your golf swing  
its splendor  
SUNRISE&SUNSET (58)  
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Table of contents  
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Getting started  
Step 1: Charging the battery pack  
DCR-SR15E/SR20E  
DC IN jack  
Battery pack  
CHG (charge) lamp  
Power cord  
(Mains lead)  
DC plug  
AC Adaptor  
To the wall outlet  
(wall socket)  
DCR-SX15E/SX20E  
CHG (charge) lamp  
Battery pack  
DC IN jack  
Power cord  
(Mains lead)  
DC plug  
AC Adaptor  
To the wall outlet  
(wall socket)  
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (V series) after attaching it to your  
camcorder.  
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Notes  
You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack other than the V series to your camcorder.  
Turn off your camcorder by closing the LCD screen.  
1
Attach the battery pack by sliding it in the direction of the arrow until it  
clicks.  
2
Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains lead) to your  
camcorder and the wall outlet (wall socket).  
Align the mark on the DC plug with that on the DC IN jack.  
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. The CHG (charge) lamp turns off  
when the battery pack is fully charged.  
3
When the battery is charged, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN  
jack of your camcorder.  
4
Tips  
See page 79 on recording and playing time.  
When your camcorder is on, you can check the approximate amount of remaining battery power with the  
remaining battery indicator at the upper left on the LCD screen.  
Charging time  
Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack.  
Battery pack  
Charging time  
NP-FV30 (supplied) 115  
NP-FV50  
NP-FV70  
NP-FV100  
155  
195  
390  
Times measured with the camcorder at 25 C (77 °F).  
10 C to 30 C (50 °F to 86 °F) is recommended.  
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To remove the battery pack  
Close the LCD screen. Slide the BATT (battery) release lever () and remove the battery  
pack ().  
To use a wall outlet (wall socket) as a power source  
Make the same connections as “Step 1: Charging the battery pack.” Even if the battery pack is  
attached, the battery pack is not discharged.  
Charging the battery pack abroad  
You can charge the battery pack in any countries/regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with  
your camcorder within the AC 100 V - 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz range.  
Notes  
Do not use an electronic voltage transformer.  
Notes on the battery pack  
When you remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC Adaptor, close the LCD screen and make sure  
that the POWER lamp (p. 14), the access lamp (p. 19) are turned off.  
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging under the following conditions:  
The battery pack is not attached correctly.  
The battery pack is damaged.  
The temperature of the battery pack is low.  
Remove the battery pack from your camcorder and put it in a warm place.  
The temperature of the battery pack is high.  
Remove the battery pack from your camcorder and put it in a cool place.  
In the default setting, the power turns off automatically if you leave your camcorder without any  
operation for about 5 minutes, to save battery power ([A.SHUT OFF], p. 68).  
Notes on the AC Adaptor  
Use the nearby wall outlet (wall socket) when using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from  
the wall outlet (wall socket) immediately if any malfunction occurs while using your camcorder.  
Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow space, such as between a wall and furniture.  
Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic objects. This  
may cause a malfunction.  
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Step 2: Turning the power on, and setting the  
date and time  
Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.  
1
Your camcorder turns on.  
POWER lamp  
Select the desired geographical area by selecting  
/
with /of the  
2
multi-selector, keep pressing the center of the multi-selector until the  
desired geographical area is turned on a light.  
Multi-selector  
See page 16 for the detail of the using the multi-selector.  
To set the date and time again, operate the multi-selector to select  
(MENU) [Show  
others] [CLOCK/ LANG] (under  
item is not on the screen, select  
[GENERAL SET] category) [CLOCK SET]. When an  
until the item appears.  
/
Select [NEXT] with of the multi-selector, then press the center of the  
multi-selector.  
3
4
Select setting of [SUMMERTIME] with /of the multi-selector, and press  
the center of the multi-selector.  
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If you set [SUMMERTIME] to [ON], the clock advances 1 hour.  
Select [NEXT] with of the multi-selector, then press the center of the  
multi-selector.  
5
6
Set the date and time by repeating the procedure bellow.  
Highlight the desired item with /of the multi-selector.  
Select the setting value with /of the multi selector, and press the center of the  
multi-selector.  
Select [NEXT]   
of the multi-selector.  
with of the multi-selector, then press the center  
7
The clock starts.  
Notes  
The date and time do not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the recording  
media, and can be displayed during playback. To display the date and time, select (MENU)   
[Show others] [PLAYBACK SET] (under  
TIME]   
You can turn off the operation beeps by selecting  
[PLAYBACK] category) [DATA CODE] [DATE/  
.
(MENU) [Show others] [SOUND/DISP  
SET] (under  
[GENERAL SET] category) [BEEP] [OFF]   
.
To turn off the power  
Close the LCD screen. The POWER lamp flashes for a few seconds and the power is turned  
off.  
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Using the Multi-selector  
Multi-selector  
Turn the desired button on a light with ///of the multi-selector.  
Press the center of the multi-selector to confirm your selection.  
Changing the language setting  
You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language.  
Select  
(MENU) [Show others] [CLOCK/ LANG] (under [GENERAL SET]  
category) [ LANGUAGE SET] a desired language   
.
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Step 3: Preparing the recording media  
The recording media that can be used differs depending on your camcorder. The following  
icons are displayed on the screen of your camcorder.  
DCR-SX15E/SX20E:  
Memory card  
DCR-SR15E/SR20E:  
*
Internal hard disk  
Memory card  
* In the default setting, both movies and photos are recorded on this recording media. You can perform  
recording, playback and editing operations on the selected medium.  
Multi-selector  
Select with ///and press the button in the center of the multi-selector to confirm your selection.  
Tips  
See page 79 for the recordable time of movies.  
See page 80 for the number of recordable photos.  
Selecting the recording media for movies (DCR-SR15E/SR20E)  
Select  
(MENU) [Show others] [MEDIA SETTINGS] (under  
[MANAGE MEDIA] category) [MOVIE MEDIA SET].  
The [MOVIE MEDIA SET] screen appears.  
Select the desired recording media.  
Select [YES]   
.
The recording medium is changed.  
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Selecting the recording media for photos (DCR-SR15E/SR20E)  
Select  
(MENU) [Show others] [MEDIA SETTINGS] (under  
[MANAGE MEDIA] category) [PHOTO MEDIA SET].  
The [PHOTO MEDIA SET] screen appears.  
Select the desired recording media.  
Select [YES]   
.
The recording medium is changed.  
To check the recording media settings  
When recording in movie recording mode or photo recording mode, the recording media  
icon is displayed in the top right corner of the screen.  
Recording media icon  
The icon displayed on the LCD screen varies depending on the camcorder you use.  
Inserting a memory card  
Notes  
Set the recording medium to [MEMORY CARD] to record movies and/or photos on memory card  
(DCR-SR15E/SR20E).  
Types of memory card that can be used with your camcorder  
Only “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media, SD memory cards (Class  
2 or faster), SDHC memory cards (Class 2 or faster) and SDXC memory cards (Class 2 or faster) can be  
used with this camcorder. Operation with all memory cards is not assured.  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media of up to 32 GB and SD memory cards of up to 64 GB have been tested  
and proven to operate with your camcorder.  
For recording movies on “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, it is recommended that you use “Memory  
Stick PRO Duo” media of 512 MB or larger.  
In this manual, “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media and “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media are called  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media and SD memory cards, SDHC memory cards and SDXC memory cards  
are called SD memory cards.  
Notes  
MultiMediaCard cannot be used.  
Images recorded on SDXC memory cards cannot be played back or imported on non-exFAT*-compatible  
computers, AV components, etc., connected to this camcorder by USB cable. Check that the connected  
devices are compatible with exFAT beforehand. If you connect a device that is not compatible with exFAT,  
the screen for initialization may appear. Never execute initialization, otherwise all recorded contents will  
be lost.  
* exFAT is the file system used in SDXC memory cards.  
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Size of memory cards that can be used with your camcorder  
Only “Memory Stick Duo” media that is about a half the size of the standard “Memory Stick” media, and  
standard-sized SD memory cards can be used.  
Do not attach a label, etc., to a memory card or memory card adaptor. Doing so may cause a malfunction.  
Open the cover, orient the memory card’s notched corner as shown in the  
illustration, and insert into the memory card slot until it clicks.  
Close the cover after inserting the memory card.  
Access lamp  
Note direction of notched corner.  
The [Create a new Image Database File.] screen may appear if you insert a new memory  
card. In that case, select [YES]. If you record only photos on the memory card, select  
[NO].  
Confirm the direction of the memory card. If you forcibly insert the memory card in the wrong  
direction, the memory card, memory card slot, or image data may be damaged.  
Notes  
If [Failed to create a new Image Database File. It may be possible that there is not enough free space.]  
is displayed, initialize the memory card by selecting  
(MENU) [Show others] [MEDIA  
FORMAT] (under  
[YES] [YES]   
[MANAGE MEDIA] category) [MEMORY CARD] (DCR-SR15E/SR20E)   
.
To eject the memory card  
Open the cover and lightly push the memory card in once.  
Do not open the cover during recording.  
When inserting or ejecting the memory card, be careful so that the memory card does not pop out and  
drop.  
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Recording/Playback  
Recording  
In the default setting, movies are recorded on the following recording media.  
DCR-SX15E/SX20E: Memory card  
DCR-SR15E/SR20E: Internal hard disk  
Tips  
See page 17 on changing the recording media (DCR-SR15E/SR20E).  
To open the lens cover  
Slide the LENS COVER switch to open.  
Tips  
When you finish recording or when you play back images, close the lens cover.  
Fasten the grip belt.  
1
DCR-SR15E/SR20E  
DCR-SX15E/SX20E  
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Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.  
2
Your camcorder turns on.  
You can switch recording modes by pressing MODE. Press MODE until the desired mode icon  
appears.  
MODE button  
(Movie): When  
recording a movie  
Recording movies  
Press START/STOP to start recording.  
START/STOP button  
[STBY] [REC]  
To stop recording, press START/STOP again.  
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The icons and indicators on the LCD panel will be displayed for about 3 seconds, then disappear after  
turning on your camcorder or switching the recording (movie/photo)/playback modes. To display the  
icons and indicators again, press the multi-selector.  
about 3sec  
after  
Notes  
If you close the LCD screen while recording movies, the camcorder stops recording.  
The maximum continuous recordable time of movies is about 13 hours.  
When a movie file exceeds 2 GB, the next movie file is created automatically.  
It will take several seconds until you can start recording after you turn on the camcorder. You cannot  
operate your camcorder during this time.  
The following states will be indicated if data is still being written onto the recording media after recording  
has finished. During this time, do not apply shock or vibration to the camcorder, or remove the battery or  
AC Adaptor.  
Access lamp (p. 19) is lit or flashing  
The media icon in the upper right of the LCD screen is flashing  
Tips  
When a face is detected, a white frame appears and the image quality around the face is optimized  
automatically ([FACE DETECTION], p. 61).  
You can capture photos from recorded movies (DCR-SR15E/SR20E/SX20E) (p. 39).  
See page 79 on the recordable time of movies.  
You can check the recordable time, estimated remaining capacity, etc., by selecting  
[Show others] [MEDIA INFO] (under [MANAGE MEDIA] category).  
(MENU)   
The LCD screen of your camcorder can display recording images across the entire screen (full pixel  
display). However, this may cause slight trimming of the top, bottom, right and left edges of images when  
played back on a TV which is not compatible with full pixel display. In this case, set [GUIDEFRAME] to  
[ON] (p. 61), and record images using the outer frame displayed on the screen as a guide.  
[ STEADYSHOT] is set to [ON] in the default setting.  
To adjust the angle of the LCD panel, first open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), and  
then adjust the angle ().  
90 degrees (max.)  
90 degrees to  
the camcorder  
180 degrees (max.)  
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Data code during recording  
The recording date, time and condition are recorded automatically on the recording media.  
They are not displayed during recording. However, you can check them as [DATA CODE]  
during playback. To display them, select  
(MENU) [Show others] [PLAYBACK  
SET] (under  
[PLAYBACK] category) a desired setting   
.
Shooting photos  
In the default setting, photos are recorded on the following recording media.  
DCR-SX15E/SX20E: Memory card  
DCR-SR15E/SR20E: Internal hard disk  
Tips  
See page 17 on changing the recording media (DCR-SR15E/SR20E).  
Press MODE until the (Photo) icon appears.  
The LCD screen display switches for photo recording mode, and the screen aspect ratio  
becomes 4:3.  
(Photo): When  
shooting a photo  
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Press PHOTO lightly to adjust the focus, then press it fully.  
Flashes Lights up  
When  
disappears, the photo is recorded.  
Tips  
See page 80 on the recordable number of photos.  
To change the image size, select  
(MENU) [Show others] [ IMAGE SIZE] (under  
[PHOTO SETTINGS] category) a desired setting   
.
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Useful functions for  
recording movies and  
photos  
Selecting the recording mode  
You can select a recording mode to record  
movies from 3 levels. The recording time of  
the media may change, depending on the  
recording mode. In the default setting,  
Zooming  
You can magnify images up to 50 times the  
original size with the power zoom lever.  
[
REC MODE] is set to [SP].  
Long time recording  
High quality  
recording  
Select  
(MENU) [Show  
others] [ REC MODE] (under  
Wider range of view  
(Wide angle)  
Close view  
(Telephoto)  
[SHOOTING SET] category).  
Move the power zoom lever slightly for a  
slower zoom. Move it further for a faster  
zoom.  
Select a desired setting.  
If you want to record high quality  
images, select the HQ mode, or if you  
want to record longer movies, select  
the LP mode.  
Notes  
SteadyShot may not reduce image blurring as  
desired when the power zoom lever is set to the  
T (Telephoto) side.  
Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom  
lever. If you move your finger off the power  
zoom lever, the operation sound of the power  
zoom lever may also be recorded.  
Select  
.
The minimum possible distance between  
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp  
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide  
angle and about 150 cm (about 59 1/8 in.) for  
telephoto.  
Notes  
Movies are recorded with MPEG-2 format.  
You can select from the following image  
qualities. Value such as “9M” is an average bit-  
rate, and “M” means “Mbps.”  
[HQ] (9M (HQ))  
[SP] (6M (SP))(the default setting)  
[LP](3M (LP))  
Tips  
You can set [ DIGITAL ZOOM] (p. 62) if you  
want to zoom to a greater level.  
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If you record in the LP mode, the quality of  
movies may be degraded, or scenes with quick  
movements may appear with block noise when  
you play back the image.  
Adjusting the exposure for backlit  
subjects  
Tips  
You can select the [ REC MODE]  
for each recording media separately  
(DCR-SR15E/SR20E).  
Using the VIDEO LIGHT  
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects,  
press (backlight) to display . To cancel  
the back light function, press (backlight)  
again.  
You can use the VIDEO LIGHT  
according to the recording conditions. It  
is recommended that you use the VIDEO  
LIGHT at a distance of about 30 cm to  
150 cm (11 7/8 in. to 59 1/8 in.) from the  
subject.  
Recording in mirror mode  
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the  
camcorder (), then rotate it 180 degrees  
to the lens side ().  
LED VIDEO LIGHT  
Each time you press LIGHT, the indicator  
changes as follows.  
No indicator (Off)  
(On) ...  
Press LIGHT repeatedly to cancel the  
VIDEO LIGHT.  
Tips  
(Auto)   
A mirror-image of the subject appears on the  
LCD screen, but the image will be normal when  
recorded.  
Notes  
The VIDEO LIGHT generates strong light. Do  
not use the VIDEO LIGHT directly in front of  
the eyes at close range.  
The length of time you can use the battery pack  
is shorter when you use the VIDEO LIGHT.  
When you record movies with the VIDEO  
LIGHT set to  
on and off. In this case, press LIGHT repeatedly  
to select  
, the video light may turn  
.
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Playback  
on the camcorder  
In the default setting, movies and photos that are recorded on the following recording media  
are played.  
DCR-SX15E/SX20E: Memory card  
DCR-SR15E/SR20E: Internal hard disk  
Tips  
See page 17 on changing the recording media (DCR-SR15E/SR20E).  
Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.  
1
2
Your camcorder turns on.  
Press  
(VIEW IMAGES).  
The VISUAL INDEX screen appears after some seconds.  
Select the (Movie) () a desired movie () to play back a movie.  
Select the (Photo) () a desired photo () to view a photo.  
3
Movies are displayed and sorted by recording date.  
To MENU screen  
/
/
: Displays movies recorded on the previous/next date.  
: Displays the previous/next movie.  
Returns to the recording screen.  
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appears with the movie or photo that was most recently played or recorded. If you select the  
movie or photo with , you can continue playback from the previous time. (appears on the  
photo recorded on a memory card.)  
Playing movies  
Your camcorder starts playing the selected movie.  
Volume adjustment  
Previous  
Next  
OPTION  
To stop  
To fast-forward  
To pause/play  
To fast-reverse  
Tips  
When playback from the selected movie reaches the last movie, the screen returns to the VISUAL INDEX  
screen.  
Select  
As you repeat selecting  
/
during pause to play back movies slowly.  
during playback, movies are played as fast as about 5 times   
/
about 10 times about 30 times about 60 times.  
You can display the VISUAL INDEX by selecting  
(MENU) [Show others] [VISUAL  
INDEX] (under  
[PLAYBACK] category).  
The recording date, time, and shooting conditions are recorded automatically during recording. This  
information is not displayed during recording, but you can display it during playback by selecting  
(MENU) [Show others] [PLAYBACK SET] (under  
CODE] a desired setting   
[PLAYBACK] category) [DATA  
.
To adjust the sound volume of movies  
While playing back movies, select adjust with  
/
.
You can also adjust the sound volume by using  
/
in the OPTION MENU.  
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Viewing photos  
Your camcorder displays the selected photo.  
Previous  
To start/stop slide show  
Next  
OPTION  
To the VISUAL  
INDEX screen  
Tips  
When viewing photos recorded on a memory card,  
(playback folder) appears on the screen.  
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Useful functions for  
playing movies and  
photos  
The images of the selected date are  
displayed on the VISUAL INDEX  
screen.  
Searching for desired images by  
date (Date Index)  
Tips  
You can search for desired images by date  
efficiently.  
You can also display Date Index by selecting  
(MENU) [Show others] [VIEW  
IMAGES] (under  
[PLAYBACK] category)  
[DATE INDEX].  
On the [Film Roll Index]/[Face Index] screen,  
you can display the Date Index by selecting the  
date in the upper right corner of the screen.  
Searching for desired scene by  
pinpoint (Film Roll Index)  
Notes  
You cannot use the Date Index function for  
photos on the memory card.  
Movies can be divided by a set time and the  
first scene of each division is displayed on  
the INDEX screen. You can start playing  
back a movie from the selected thumbnail.  
Press  
(VIEW IMAGES).  
The VISUAL INDEX screen appears.  
Select [DATE INDEX].  
Returns to the VISUAL INDEX screen  
Press  
(VIEW IMAGES).  
The VISUAL INDEX screen appears.  
Select  
/
to select the date  
of the desired image, then select  
.
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You can play back the movie from the  
selected face image.  
Select [ FILM ROLL].  
Returns to the VISUAL INDEX screen  
Press  
(VIEW IMAGES).  
Sets the interval at which to create thumbnails  
of scenes in a movie.  
The VISUAL INDEX screen appears.  
Select [ FACE].  
Select  
/
to select the  
desired movie.  
Returns to the VISUAL INDEX screen  
Select  
/
to search for the  
desired scene, then select the  
scene you want to play back.  
Playback starts from the selected scene.  
Tips  
Select  
desired movie.  
/
to select the  
You can also display the Film Roll Index by  
selecting  
[VIEW IMAGES] (under  
category) [ FILM ROLL].  
(MENU) [Show others]   
[PLAYBACK]  
Select  
/
to search for the  
desired face image, then select  
the desired face image to view  
the scene.  
Searching for desired scene by face  
(Face Index)  
The face images detected during movie  
recording are displayed on the INDEX  
screen.  
Playback starts from the beginning of  
the scene with the selected face image.  
Notes  
Faces may not be detected depending on  
recording conditions.  
Example: People wearing glasses or hats, or who  
do not face towards the camera.  
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Make sure that you set [FACE DETECTION]  
to [ON] (p. 61) (the default setting) prior to  
recording, to search movies on the Face Index.  
Tips  
You can also display the Face Index by selecting  
(MENU) [Show others] [VIEW  
IMAGES] (under  
[PLAYBACK] category)  
[ FACE].  
Playing back a series of photos  
(Slide show)  
Select  
on the photo playback  
screen.  
The slide show begins from the selected  
photo.  
To stop the slide show  
Select  
.
To restart the slide show  
Select  
again.  
Tips  
You can set continuous slide show playback  
by selecting (OPTION) tab   
[SLIDE SHOW SET] while playing photos. The  
default setting is [ON] (continuous playback).  
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Playing images on a TV  
Connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or VCR using the A/V connecting cable  
(supplied). Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC  
Adaptor for this operation (p. 13). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the  
devices to be connected.  
TVs  
VCRs  
(Red)  
AUDIO  
(White)  
IN  
VIDEO  
(Yellow)  
Signal flow  
A/V OUT jack  
Set the input selector of the TV to the input your camcorder will be  
connected to.  
For details, refer to the instruction manuals supplied with the TV.  
Connect your camcorder to a TV with the A/V connecting cable (supplied).  
Connect your camcorder to the input jack of the TV.  
Play back movies and photos on your camcorder (p. 27).  
To set the aspect ratio according to the connected TV (16:9/4:3)  
Select  
(MENU) [Show others] [OUTPUT SETTINGS] (under [GENERAL  
SET] category) [TV TYPE] [16:9] or [4:3]   
.
When connecting to your TV via a VCR  
Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR using the A/V connecting cable.  
Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, etc.).  
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When your TV is monaural (When your TV has only one audio input jack)  
Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack and connect the  
white (left channel) or red (right channel) plug to the audio input jack of your TV or VCR.  
If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin adaptor (EUROCONNECTOR)  
Use a 21-pin adaptor (sold separately) to view playback pictures.  
TV/VCR  
Notes  
When you set [TV TYPE] to [4:3], the image quality may deteriorate. Also, when the recorded images  
aspect ratio switches between 16:9 (wide) and 4:3, the image may jitter.  
On some 4:3 TVs, the photos recorded in 4:3 aspect ratio may not be displayed full screen. This is not a  
malfunction.  
When you play back an image recorded in 16:9 (wide) aspect ratio on a 4:3 TV not compatible with the  
16:9 (wide) signal, set [TV TYPE] to [4:3].  
Tips  
To check information (counter, etc.) on the screen of the monitor, select  
others] [OUTPUT SETTINGS] (under [GENERAL SET] category) [DISP OUTPUT] [V-  
OUT/PANEL]   
(MENU) [Show  
.
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Making good use of your camcorder  
Deleting movies and  
photos  
You can free media space by deleting  
movies and photos from recording media.  
2
3
To delete movies, select  
DELETE] [ DELETE].  
[
To delete photos, select [ DELETE]   
DELETE].  
[
Select and display the mark  
on the movies or photos to be  
deleted.  
Notes  
You cannot restore images once they are  
deleted. Save important movies and photos in  
advance.  
Do not remove the battery pack or the AC  
Adaptor from your camcorder while deleting  
the images. It may damage the recording media.  
Do not eject memory card while deleting  
images from the memory card.  
Press LIGHT (p. 26) when a thumbnail  
is selected to confirm the image. Select  
to return to the previous screen.  
You cannot delete protected movies and photos.  
Undo the protection of the movies and photos  
to delete them, before you try to delete them  
4
Select  
[YES]   
.
If the deleted movie is included in the Playlist  
(p. 43), the movie added to the Playlist is  
deleted also from the Playlist.  
To delete all movies/photos at one time  
In step 2, select [ DELETE]   
[
DELETE ALL] [YES] [YES]   
Tips  
You can delete an image on the playback screen  
from  
.
OPTION MENU.  
To delete all photos at one time, select  
DELETE] [ DELETE ALL] [YES]  
[YES]   
To delete all images recorded in the recording  
media, and recover all the recordable space of  
the media, format the media (p. 66).  
Reduced-size images which enable you to view  
many images at the same time on an index  
screen are called “thumbnails.”  
[
.
To delete all the movies/photos  
recorded on the same day at one time  
Notes  
You cannot delete photos on memory card by  
recording date.  
1
Select  
(MENU) [Show  
others] [DELETE] (under  
[EDIT] category).  
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In step 2, select [ DELETE]   
[
DELETE by date].  
To delete all photos on the same day at one  
time, select [ DELETE] [ DELETE  
by date].  
Select  
/
to select the recording  
date of the desired movies/photos, then  
select  
.
Press LIGHT (p. 26) when thumbnail  
is selected to confirm the image. Select  
to return to the previous screen.  
Select [YES]   
.
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Protecting recorded  
movies and photos  
(Protect)  
Protect movies and photos to avoid deleting  
them by mistake.  
To undo the protection of movies and  
photos  
Select the movie or photo marked with   
in step 3.  
disappears.  
To protect all the movies and photos  
recorded on the same day at one time  
Note  
You cannot select [ PRT. by date] for the  
recorded data on the memory card.  
Tips  
You can protect movies and photos on the  
In step 2, select [ PROTECT]   
playback screen from  
OPTION MENU.  
[
PRT. by date].  
To protect all photos on the same day at  
one time, select [ PROTECT]   
1
Select  
(MENU) [Show  
[
PRT. by date].  
others] [PROTECT] (under  
[EDIT] category).  
2
3
To protect movies, select  
[
PROTECT] [ PROTECT].  
To protect photos, select [ PROTECT]  
[ PROTECT].  
Select  
/
to select the recording  
date of the desired movies/photos, then  
select  
.
Select the movies and photos to  
be protected.  
Press LIGHT (p. 26) when thumbnail  
is selected to confirm the image. Select  
to return to the previous screen.  
is displayed on the selected images.  
Select [PROTECT]   
.
To undo the protection of movies and  
photos recorded on the same day at  
one time  
In step above, select the recording date  
of the desired movies/photos, then select  
Press LIGHT (p. 26) when thumbnail  
is selected to confirm the image. Select  
to return to the previous screen.  
[UNPROTECT]   
.
4
Select  
[YES]   
.
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Dividing a movie  
Notes  
You cannot restore movies once they are  
divided.  
You cannot divide the protected movie. Remove  
the protection to divide (p. 37).  
Do not remove the battery pack or the AC  
Adaptor from your camcorder while dividing  
the movie. It may damage the recording media.  
Also, do not eject the memory card while  
dividing movies on the memory card.  
A slight difference may occur from the point  
1
Select  
(MENU) [Show  
others] [ DIVIDE] (under  
where you select  
and the actual dividing  
[EDIT] category).  
point, as your camcorder selects the dividing  
point based on about half-second increments.  
If you divide the original movie, the movie  
added to the Playlist will also be divided.  
Only simple editing is available on the  
camcorder. Use the supplied software “PMB”  
for more advanced editing.  
2
3
Select the movie to be divided.  
The selected movie starts playback.  
Select  
at the point where  
Tips  
you want to divide the movie into  
scenes.  
You can divide a movie on the playback screen  
from  
OPTION MENU.  
The movie pauses. Play and pause  
toggles as you press  
.
Adjusts the dividing point with more  
precision after you selected the dividing  
point with  
.
Returns to the beginning of the selected  
movie  
4
Select  
[YES]   
.
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Capturing a photo  
from a movie (DCR-  
SR15E/SR20E/SX20E)  
4
5
Select  
.
When capturing is finished, the screen  
returns to pause.  
The captured photo is saved on the  
recording media selected in [PHOTO  
MEDIA SET] (DCR-SR15E/SR20E)  
To continue capturing, select  
repeat steps from step 3.  
To capture a photo from another movie,  
, then  
1
Select  
others] [PHOTO CAPTURE]  
(under [EDIT] category).  
(MENU) [Show  
select  
, then repeat steps from step 2.  
Select  
.
The [PHOTO CAPTURE] screen  
appears.  
Notes  
2
3
Select the movie to be captured.  
The image size is fixed depending on the aspect  
ratio of the movie:  
The selected movie starts playback.  
[  
0.2M] in 16:9 (wide)  
[VGA(0.3M)] in 4:3  
Select  
at the point where  
The recording medium where you want to save  
photos should have enough free space.  
The recording date and time of captured photos  
is the same as the recording date and time of  
the movies.  
you want to capture.  
The movie pauses. Play and pause  
toggles as you select  
.
If the movie you are capturing from has no data  
code, the recording date and time of the photo  
will be the date and time you captured from  
the movie.  
You cannot capture a photo from a movie  
recorded on memory card (DCR-SR15E).  
Adjust the capturing point with more  
precision after you selected the point with  
.
Returns to the beginning of the selected  
movie  
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Dubbing/copying  
movies and photos  
from the internal  
recording media to  
memory card  
Select  
(MENU) [Show  
others] [MOVIE DUB] (under  
[EDIT] category).  
(DCR-SR15E/SR20E)  
The [MOVIE DUB] screen appears.  
Dubbing movies  
You can dub movies recorded on the  
internal recording media of your camcorder  
to memory card.  
Insert memory card into your camcorder  
before the operation.  
Select the type of dubbing.  
[DUB by select]: To select movies and  
dub  
[DUB by date]: To dub all movies of a  
specified date  
[
DUB ALL]: To dub the Playlist  
When you select the Playlist as the  
source of dubbing, follow the on-screen  
instructions to dub the Playlist.  
Notes  
When you record a movie on the memory card  
for the first time, create the image database file  
by selecting  
[REPAIR IMG.DB F.] (under  
MEDIA] category) [MEMORY CARD].  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet  
(wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor to  
prevent your camcorder from running out of  
power during dubbing.  
(MENU) [Show others]  
[MANAGE  
Select the movie to be dubbed.  
[DUB by select]: Select the movie to be  
dubbed, and mark it with . You can  
select multiple movies.  
Tips  
The original movie will not be deleted after  
dubbing.  
All included images in a Playlist will be dubbed.  
The images recorded by this camcorder and  
stored onto the recording media are called  
“original.”  
Remaining capacity of the memory  
card  
Press LIGHT (p. 26) when thumbnail  
is selected to confirm the image. Select  
to return to the previous screen.  
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[DUB by date]: Select the recording  
date of the movie to be dubbed, then  
Select  
(MENU) [Show  
select  
dates.  
. You cannot select multiple  
others] [PHOTO COPY] (under  
[EDIT] category).  
The [PHOTO COPY] screen appears.  
Select  
[YES]   
.
Select the type of copying.  
[COPY by select]: To copy selected  
photos  
[COPY by date]: To copy all photos of  
a specified date  
Tips  
To check the dubbed movies after dubbing is  
finished, select [MEMORY CARD] on [MOVIE  
MEDIA SET] and play them back (p. 17).  
Select the photo to be copied.  
Copying photos  
[COPY by select]: Select the photo to  
be copied, and mark with . You can  
select multiple photos.  
You can copy photos from the internal  
recording media of the camcorder to  
memory card.  
Insert a memory card into your camcorder  
before the operation.  
Press LIGHT (p. 26) when thumbnail  
is selected to confirm the image. Select  
to return to the previous screen.  
Notes  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet  
(wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor to  
prevent your camcorder from running out of  
power during copying.  
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[COPY by date]: Select the recording  
date of the photo to be copied, then  
select  
dates.  
. You cannot select multiple  
Select  
[YES]   
.
Tips  
To check the copied photos after copying  
is finished, select [MEMORY CARD] on  
[PHOTO MEDIA SET] and play them back  
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Using the Playlist of  
movies  
The Playlist is a list showing thumbnails of  
the movies that you have selected.  
The original movies are not changed even  
if you edit or erase the movies added to the  
Playlist.  
To add all the movies recorded on the  
same day at one time  
In step 2, select [ ADD by date].  
The recording dates of movies are  
displayed on the screen.  
Creating the Playlist  
Select  
/
to select the recording  
date of the desired movie, then select  
.
Select the image on the LCD screen to  
confirm the image. Select  
to the previous screen.  
to return  
Select  
(MENU) [Show  
others] [PLAYLIST EDIT]  
(under [EDIT] category).  
Select [YES]   
.
Notes  
Do not remove the battery pack or the AC  
Adaptor from your camcorder while adding  
movies to the Playlist. It may damage the  
recording media. Also, do not eject the memory  
card while editing movies on the memory card.  
You cannot add photos to the Playlist.  
Select [ ADD].  
Select the movie to be added to  
the Playlist.  
Tips  
You can add a maximum of 99 movies to the  
Playlist.  
You can add a movie on the Playlist by selecting  
(OPTION).  
Playing the Playlist  
The selected movie is marked with  
Press LIGHT (p. 26) when thumbnail  
is selected to confirm the image. Select  
to return to the previous screen.  
.
Select  
[YES]   
.
Select  
(MENU) [Show  
others] [PLAYLIST] (under  
[PLAYBACK] category).  
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Movies added to the Playlist appear.  
To change the order within the Playlist  
Select (MENU) [Show others]  
[PLAYLIST EDIT] (under  
[EDIT] category).  
Select [ MOVE].  
Select the movie to be moved.  
Select the movie you want to  
play back.  
The Playlist is played back from the  
selected movie to the end, then the  
screen returns to the Playlist screen.  
The selected movie is marked with  
Select the image on the LCD screen to  
.
confirm the image. Select  
to the previous screen.  
to return  
To erase unnecessary movies from the  
Playlist  
Select  
.
Select the destination with  
/
.
Select  
(MENU) [Show others]  
[PLAYLIST EDIT] (under  
[EDIT] category).  
Select [ ERASE].  
To erase all the movies from the Playlist,  
select [ ERASE ALL] [YES]   
Destination bar  
[YES]   
.
Select the movie to be erased from the  
list.  
Select  
[YES]   
.
Tips  
When you select multiple movies, the movies  
are moved following the order appearing in the  
Playlist.  
The selected movie is marked with  
Press LIGHT (p. 26) when thumbnail  
is selected to confirm the image. Select  
to return to the previous screen.  
.
Select  
[YES]   
.
Tips  
Even if you erase a movie from a Playlist, the  
original movie is not deleted.  
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Saving images with an external device  
Saving images in  
external media  
Tips  
You can also import images recorded on  
external media using the supplied software  
“PMB.”  
(DIRECT COPY)  
You can save movies and photos on external  
media (USB storage device), such as an  
external hard disk drive. You can also play  
1
Connect the AC Adaptor and the  
power cord (mains lead) to the  
DC IN jack of your camcorder and  
the wall outlet (wall socket).  
back images on the camcorder or another  
playback device.  
2
If the external media has the AC  
power cable, connect it to the  
wall outlet (wall socket).  
Notes  
For this operation, you need the USB Adaptor  
Cable VMC-UAM1 (sold separately).  
The USB Adaptor Cable VMC-UAM1 may not  
be available in some countries/regions.  
You cannot use the following devices as an  
external media.  
media with a capacity exceeding 2 TB  
ordinary disc drive such as CD or DVD drive  
media connected via USB hub  
3
4
Connect the USB Adaptor Cable  
to the external media.  
Connect the USB Adaptor Cable  
to the (USB) jack of your  
camcorder.  
When the [Create a new Image  
Database File.] screen appears, select  
[YES].  
media with built-in USB hub  
card reader  
You may not be able to use external media with  
a code function.  
FAT file system is available for your camcorder.  
If the external media was formatted to NTFS  
file system, etc., format the external media on  
your camcorder before use. The format screen  
appears when the external media is connected  
to your camcorder. The format screen may  
appear even in the case of media utilizing the  
FAT file system.  
USB Adaptor Cable  
(sold separately)  
Operation is not assured with every connectable  
device.  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  
socket) using the supplied AC adaptor (p. 13).  
Refer to the instruction manual supplied with  
the external media.  
Refer to the Sony support page for your  
country/region for details on external media  
that can be used.  
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(MENU) [Show others] on the  
VISUAL INDEX screen.  
5
6
Select [Copy.] on the camcorder  
screen.  
To save desired movies and photos  
You can also save images recorded on  
memory cards.  
DCR-SR15E/SR20E:  
Movies and photos in the internal  
recording media of the camcorder that  
have not yet been saved on to external  
media can be saved.  
DCR-SX15E/SX20E:  
Movies and photos that have not yet  
been saved on to external media can  
Notes  
You cannot search or copy photos recorded on  
memory card by recording date.  
Select [Play without copying.] in step 5  
above.  
The VISUAL INDEX screen of the  
external media is displayed.  
be saved.  
This screen will appear only when there  
are newly recorded images.  
Select  
(MENU) [Show others]  
[MOVIE DUB] (when selecting  
movies)/[PHOTO COPY] (when  
selecting photos).  
Follow the on-screen instructions to  
select the recording media (DCR-  
SR15E/SR20E) and image selection  
methods.  
After the operation is completed,  
select  
on the camcorder  
screen.  
Notes  
When you selected [DUB by select],  
select the image to be saved.  
The number of scenes you can save on the  
external media are as follows.  
Movies: 9,999 movies  
Photos: 9,999 frames × 899 folders  
The number of scenes may be smaller  
depending on the type of images recorded.  
appears.  
When you selected [DUB by date], select  
the date of the images to be dubbed with  
/
, then select  
and go  
to step .  
When connecting an external media  
The images saved in the external media  
are displayed on the LCD screen. The  
movie display and photo display buttons  
on the VISUAL INDEX screen change as  
illustrated below.  
Remaining external media capacity  
Press LIGHT (p. 26) when thumbnail  
is selected to confirm the image. Select  
to return to the previous screen.  
By selecting date, you can search for  
images by date.  
Select  
camcorder screen.  
[YES]   
on the  
You can make menu settings of the external  
media such as deleting images. Select  
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To play back images in the external  
media on the camcorder  
Select [Play without copying.] in step 5  
above.  
The VISUAL INDEX screen of the  
external media is displayed.  
Play back the image (p. 27).  
You can also view images on a TV  
connected to your camcorder (p. 33).  
Notes  
The Date Index of photos cannot be displayed.  
If your camcorder does not recognize the  
external media, try the following operations.  
Reconnect the USB Adaptor Cable to your  
camcorder  
If the external media has the AC power cable,  
connect it to the wall outlet (wall socket)  
To finish the external media connection  
Select  
on the VISUAL INDEX  
screen of the external media.  
Disconnect the USB Adaptor Cable.  
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Creating a disc with a  
DVD writer, recorder  
Creating a disc with the dedicated  
DVD writer, DVDirect Express  
Turn on your camcorder, and  
connect the DVD writer to the   
(USB) jack of your camcorder with  
the USB cable of the DVD writer.  
You can create a disc or play back the  
images on a created disc by using the  
dedicated DVD writer, DVDirect Express  
(sold separately).  
Refer also to the instruction manual  
supplied with the DVD writer.  
Insert an unused disc into the  
DVD writer, and close the disc  
tray.  
Notes  
The [DISC BURN] screen appears on  
the screen.  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  
socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this  
operation (p. 13).  
Only unused discs of the following types can  
be used:  
Press  
(DISC BURN) on the DVD  
writer.  
12cm DVD-R  
12cm DVD+R  
Movies recorded on internal recording  
media and not yet saved on any other  
discs will be recorded to the disc  
(DCR-SR15E/SR20E).  
The device does not support two-layered discs.  
DVDirect Express is referred to as “DVD  
writer” in this section.  
Movies not yet saved on any other discs  
will be recorded to the disc (DCR-  
SX15E/SX20E).  
Connect the AC Adaptor and the  
power cord (mains lead) to the  
DC IN jack of your camcorder  
and the wall outlet (wall socket)  
Repeat steps 3 and 4 when the  
total memory size of movies to  
be burnt exceeds that of the disc.  
Select  
[END] [EJECT  
DISC] on the screen.  
Remove the disc after the operation is  
completed.  
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To play back a disc on the DVD writer  
Select  
on the screen, then  
disconnect the USB cable.  
To customize a disc with DISC BURN  
OPTION  
Perform this operation in the following  
Connect the AC Adaptor and the power  
cord (mains lead) to the DC IN jack of  
your camcorder and the wall outlet (wall  
socket) (p. 13).  
Turn on your camcorder, and connect  
the DVD writer to the (USB) jack of  
your camcorder with the USB cable of  
cases:  
When dubbing a desired image  
When creating multiple copies of the same  
disc  
When dubbing images in the memory card  
(DCR-SR15E/SR20E)  
Select [DISC BURN OPTION] on the  
screen in step 4.  
Select the recording media containing  
the movie(s) you want to save (DCR-  
SR15E/SR20E).  
the DVD writer.  
You can play back movies on the TV  
screen by connecting the camcorder to a  
TV (p. 33).  
Select the movie you want to burn on  
the disc.  
Insert a created disc into the DVD  
writer.  
appears.  
The movies on the disc appear as  
VISUAL INDEX on the screen.  
Press the play button on the DVD writer.  
You can also operate by the screen.  
Select [END] [EJECT DISC] on the  
screen and remove the disc after the  
operation is completed.  
Remaining Disc capacity  
Select  
and disconnect the USB  
Press LIGHT (p. 26) when thumbnail  
is selected to confirm the image. Select  
to return to the previous screen.  
By selecting date, you can search for  
images by date.  
[YES] on the screen.  
To create another disc of the same  
contents, insert a new disc and select  
cable.  
Notes  
Do not do any of the following when creating  
a disc.  
Turn off the camcorder  
Disconnect the USB cable or the AC adaptor  
Subject the camcorder to mechanical shock  
or vibration  
Eject the memory card from the camcorder  
Play the created disc to make sure dubbing was  
performed correctly before deleting the movies  
on your camcorder.  
Select  
[CREATE SAME DISC].  
After the operation is completed, select  
[EXIT] [END] on the screen.  
Disconnect the USB cable from your  
camcorder.  
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If [Failed.] or [DISC BURN failed.] appears on  
the screen, insert another disc into the DVD  
writer and perform the DISC BURN operation  
again.  
Connect the AC Adaptor and the  
power cord (mains lead) to the  
DC IN jack of your camcorder  
and the wall outlet (wall socket)  
Tips  
If the total memory size of movies to be burnt  
by the DISC BURN operation exceeds that of  
the disc, disc creation stops when the limit is  
reached. The last movie on the disc may be  
cut off.  
Disc creation time to dub movies to the limit  
of the disc is about 20 minutes to 60 minutes.  
It may take more time depending on the  
recording mode or the number of scenes.  
If you cannot play back created discs on any  
DVD player, connect the camcorder to the  
DVD writer, and then play back.  
Turn on your camcorder, and  
connect a DVD writer, etc. to the  
(USB) jack of your camcorder  
with the USB cable (supplied).  
Creating a disc with a DVD writer,  
etc., other than DVDirect Express  
You can save movies on a disc by  
connecting your camcorder to disc creation  
devices, such as a Sony DVD writer other  
than DVDirect Express, with the USB  
cable. Refer also to the instruction manuals  
supplied with the devices to be connected.  
The [USB SELECT] screen appears on  
the camcorder screen.  
If the [USB SELECT] screen does not  
Notes  
Sony DVD writer may not be available in some  
countries/regions.  
appear, select  
others] [USB CONNECT] (under  
(MENU) [Show  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  
socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this  
operation (p. 13).  
[OTHERS] category).  
Select the recording media that  
contains the images on the  
camcorder screen.  
[
USB CONNECT]: Internal hard  
disk  
[
USB CONNECT]: Memory card  
The displayed recording media differ  
depending on the model.  
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A/V OUT jack  
Record movies on the connected  
device.  
For details, refer to the instruction  
manuals supplied with the device to be  
connected.  
After the operation is completed,  
select [END] [YES] on the  
camcorder screen.  
Input  
VIDEO  
Disconnect the USB cable.  
(Yellow)  
(White)  
AUDIO  
(Red)  
Creating a disc with a recorder, etc.  
You can dub images played back on your  
camcorder on a disc or video cassette,  
by connecting your camcorder to a disc  
recorder, a Sony DVD writer, etc., other  
than DVDirect Express, with the A/V  
connecting cable (supplied). Refer also to  
the instruction manuals supplied with the  
devices to be connected.  
Signal flow  
Insert the recording media in the  
recording device.  
If your recording device has an input  
Notes  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  
socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this  
operation (p. 13).  
Sony DVD writer may not be available in some  
countries/regions.  
selector, set it to the input mode.  
Connect your camcorder to the  
recording device (a disc recorder,  
etc.) with the A/V connecting  
cable (supplied).  
Connect your camcorder to the input jacks  
of the recording device.  
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Start playback on your  
camcorder, and record it on the  
recording device.  
Refer to the instruction manuals supplied  
with your recording device for details.  
When dubbing is finished, stop  
the recording device, and then  
your camcorder.  
Notes  
Since dubbing is performed via analog data  
transfer, the image quality may deteriorate.  
To hide the screen indicators (such as a counter,  
etc.) on the screen of the monitor device  
connected, select  
(MENU) [Show  
others] [OUTPUT SETTINGS] (under  
[GENERAL SET] category) [DISP  
OUTPUT] [LCD PANEL] (the default  
setting)   
To record the date/time or camera settings data,  
select (MENU) [Show others]   
[PLAYBACK SET] (under [PLAYBACK]  
category) [DATA CODE] a desired  
.
setting   
addition, select  
. In  
(MENU) [Show  
others] [OUTPUT SETTINGS] (under  
[GENERAL SET] category) [DISP  
OUTPUT] [V-OUT/PANEL]   
.
When the screen size of display devices (TV,  
etc.) is 4:3, select (MENU) [Show  
others] [OUTPUT SETTINGS] (under  
[GENERAL SET] category) [TV TYPE]   
[4:3]   
.
When you connect a monaural device, connect  
the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable  
to the video input jack, and the white (left  
channel) or the red (right channel) plug to the  
audio input jack on the device.  
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Customizing your camcorder  
Using menus  
Using the menus, you can perform useful functions and change various settings. If you make  
good use of menu operations, you can enjoy using your camcorder.  
The camcorder has various menu items under each of eight menu categories.  
MANUAL SETTINGS (Items to adjust for scene condition) p. 58  
SHOOTING SET (Items for customized shooting) p. 61  
PHOTO SETTINGS (Items for recording photos) p. 63  
PLAYBACK (Items for playback) p. 64  
EDIT (Items for editing) p. 65  
OTHERS (Items for other settings) p. 65  
MANAGE MEDIA (Items for recording media) p. 66  
GENERAL SET (Other setup items) p. 67  
Operating menus  
Multi-selector  
Select with ///and press the center of the multi-selector to confirm your selection.  
An orange frame appears on the selected item.  
: To finish setting the menu.  
/
/
: The menu list moves from category to category.  
: The menu list moves through 4 items at once.  
: To return to the MY MENU.  
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Select  
.
Select [Show others] on the MY MENU screen.  
See the next page for details on MY MENU.  
Select the menu item to be changed.  
After changing the setting, select  
.
To finish setting the menu, select  
.
To return to the previous menu screen, select  
.
may not be displayed depending on the menu item.  
Notes  
You may not be able to set some menu items, depending on the recording or playback conditions.  
Grayed out menu items or settings are not available.  
Tips  
Depending on the menu items being changed, your camcorder switches between playback mode and  
recording mode (movie/photo).  
Using MY MENU  
You can use the menu items more easily by registering the menu items you use most often on  
MY MENU. You can register 6 menu items on each MY MENU of the MOVIE, PHOTO, and  
PLAYBACK.  
Example: deleting [FOCUS] and registering [ FADER]  
Select  
.
Select [MY MENU SETTING].  
Select [MOVIE].  
Select [FOCUS].  
Select  
Select [ FADER] (under  
When MY MENU is displayed, select  
.
[MANUAL SETTINGS] category).  
.
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Repeat the same steps above to register menu items on MY MENU, and enjoy using your  
“Handycam.”  
Tips  
When an external storage device is connected, the exclusive MY MENU appears.  
Using the OPTION MENU  
The OPTION MENU appears just like the pop-up window that appears when you right-click  
the mouse on a computer. When  
the OPTION MENU. You select  
appear.  
is displayed at bottom-right of the screen, you can use  
, and the menu items you can change in the context  
Menu item  
Tab  
Select  
(OPTION).  
Select the desired tab the item to change the setting.  
After completing the setting, select  
.
Notes  
Grayed out menu items or settings are not available.  
When the item you want is not on the screen, select another tab. (There may be no tab.)  
The tabs and items that appear on the screen depend on the recording/playback status of your camcorder  
at the time.  
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Menu lists  
(MANUAL SETTINGS) category  
SCENE SELECTION  
FADER  
WHITE BAL.  
EXPOSURE  
FOCUS  
DIVIDE  
PHOTO CAPTURE*1 *2  
MOVIE DUB*1  
DUB by select  
DUB by date  
DUB ALL  
TELE MACRO  
PHOTO COPY*1  
COPY by select  
COPY by date  
PLAYLIST EDIT  
ADD  
(SHOOTING SET) category  
REC MODE  
GUIDEFRAME  
STEADYSHOT  
ADD by date  
ERASE  
AUTO SLW SHUTTR  
FACE DETECTION  
AUDIO REC SET  
BLT-IN ZOOM MIC  
MICREF LEVEL  
ERASE ALL  
MOVE  
(OTHERS) category  
USB CONNECT  
USB CONNECT*1  
USB CONNECT  
DISC BURN  
OTHER REC SET  
DIGITAL ZOOM  
WIDE SELECT  
Operating Guide  
(PHOTO SETTINGS) category  
SELF-TIMER  
IMAGE SIZE  
BATTERY INFO  
(MANAGE MEDIA) category  
MEDIA SETTINGS*1  
MOVIE MEDIA SET  
PHOTO MEDIA SET  
MEDIA INFO  
FILE NO.  
(PLAYBACK) category  
VISUAL INDEX  
VIEW IMAGES  
DATE INDEX  
FILM ROLL  
MEDIA FORMAT  
HDD*1  
FACE  
MEMORY CARD  
REPAIR IMG.DB F.  
HDD*1  
PLAYLIST  
PLAYBACK SET  
DATA CODE  
MEMORY CARD  
(EDIT) category  
DELETE  
(GENERAL SET) category  
SOUND/DISP SET  
VOLUME  
DELETE  
DELETE  
BEEP  
PROTECT  
PROTECT  
PROTECT  
LCD BRIGHT  
LCD BL LEVEL  
LCD COLOR  
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DISPLAY SET  
OUTPUT SETTINGS  
TV TYPE  
DISP OUTPUT  
CLOCK/ LANG  
CLOCK SET  
AREA SET  
SUMMERTIME  
LANGUAGE SET  
POWER SETTINGS  
A.SHUT OFF  
OTHER SETTINGS  
DEMO MODE  
DROP SENSOR*1  
1
2
*
*
DCR-SR15E/SR20E  
DCR-SX20E  
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MANUAL  
SETTINGS  
(Items to adjust for scene  
condition)  
PORTRAIT (Soft portrait)  
(
)
Brings out the subject such  
as people or flowers while  
creating a soft background.  
See “Using menus” (p. 53) on the operation.  
The default settings are marked with .  
SPOTLIGHT**(  
)
Prevents people’s faces from  
appearing excessively white  
when subjects are lit by  
strong light.  
SCENE SELECTION  
You can record images effectively in various  
situations.  
SPORTS** (  
)
AUTO  
Select to minimize shake  
when shooting fast moving  
subjects.  
Records images in average image quality  
without the [SCENE SELECTION] function.  
TWILIGHT* (  
)
Maintains the darkening  
atmosphere of the distant  
surroundings in twilight  
scenes.  
BEACH** (  
Takes the vivid blue of the  
ocean or a lake.  
)
SNOW** (  
Takes bright pictures of a  
white landscape.  
)
CANDLE ( )  
Maintains the dim  
atmosphere of a candlelit  
scene.  
*
Adjusted to focus on subjects farther away  
only.  
** Adjusted not to focus on subjects a short  
SUNRISE&SUNSET* (  
Reproduces the atmosphere  
of scenes such as sunsets or  
sunrises.  
)
distance away.  
Notes  
If you set [SCENE SELECTION], [WHITE  
BAL.] setting is canceled.  
FIREWORKS* (  
Takes spectacular shots of  
fireworks.  
)
FADER  
LANDSCAPE*(  
)
You can record a transition with the  
following effects adding to the interval  
between scenes.  
Select the desired effect in [STBY] (to  
fading in) or [REC] (to fading out) mode.  
Shoots distant subjects  
clearly. This setting also  
prevents your camcorder  
from focusing on glass or  
metal mesh in windows  
between the camcorder and  
the subject.  
OFF  
Does not use an effect.  
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WHITE FADER  
Fades in/out with the white effect.  
Out  
INDOOR ()  
The white balance is appropriately adjusted  
for the following recording conditions:  
In  
In  
Indoors  
At party scenes or studios where the  
lighting conditions change quickly  
Under video lamps in a studio, or under  
sodium lamps or incandescent-like color  
lamps  
BLACK FADER  
Fades in/out with the black effect.  
Out  
ONE PUSH (  
)
The white balance will be adjusted  
according to the ambient light.  
Select [ONE PUSH].  
Frame a white object such as a piece of  
paper, to fill the screen under the same  
lighting conditions as you will shoot the  
subject.  
To cancel the fader before starting the  
operation, select [OFF].  
Tips  
Select [  
].  
When you press START/STOP, the setting is  
cleared.  
A movie recorded using [BLACK FADER] may  
be difficult to see in the VISUAL INDEX screen.  
flashes quickly. When the white  
balance has been adjusted and stored in the  
memory, the indicator stops flashing.  
Notes  
WHITE BAL. (White balance)  
Set [WHITE BAL.] to [AUTO] or adjust the  
color in [ONE PUSH] under white or cool  
white fluorescent lamps.  
You can adjust the color balance to the  
brightness of the recording environment.  
When you select [ONE PUSH], keep framing  
white objects while  
flashes slowly if [ONE PUSH] could not  
be set.  
When [ONE PUSH] was selected, if  
is flashing quickly.  
keeps  
, set [WHITE  
flashing after selecting  
BAL.] to [AUTO].  
If you set [WHITE BAL.], [SCENE  
SELECTION] is set to [AUTO].  
AUTO  
The white balance is adjusted automatically.  
Tips  
OUTDOOR (  
The white balance is appropriately adjusted  
for the following recording conditions:  
)
If you have changed the battery pack while  
[AUTO] was selected, or taken your camcorder  
outdoors after inside use (or vice versa), aim  
your camcorder at a nearby white object for  
about 10 seconds for better color balance  
adjustment.  
When the white balance has been set with  
[ONE PUSH], if the lighting conditions  
changed by bringing your camcorder outdoors  
Outdoors  
Night views, neon signs and fireworks  
Sunrise or sunset  
Under daylight fluorescent lamps  
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from inside the house, or vice versa, you need  
to redo the [ONE PUSH] procedure to readjust  
the white balance.  
cannot be adjusted farther away.  
It is easier to focus on the subject by moving  
the power zoom lever towards T (telephoto) to  
adjust the focus, then towards W (wide angle)  
to adjust the zoom for recording. When you  
want to record a subject at close range, move  
the power zoom lever to W (wide angle), then  
adjust the focus.  
The focal distance information (distance at  
which the subject is focused on; used as a guide  
if it is dark and focus adjustment is difficult)  
appears for a few seconds in the following cases.  
When the focus mode is switched from  
automatic to manual  
EXPOSURE  
You can fix the brightness of a picture  
manually. Adjust the brightness when the  
subject is too bright or too dark.  
When you set focus manually  
Select  
/
to adjust the brightness.  
To adjust the exposure automatically, select  
[AUTO].  
TELE MACRO  
This is useful to shoot small subjects, such  
as flowers or insects. You can blur out  
backgrounds and the subject stands out  
clearer.  
FOCUS  
You can adjust the focus manually. You can  
select this function also when you want to  
focus on a certain subject intentionally.  
OFF  
Cancels TELE MACRO. (TELE MACRO is  
also canceled when you move the zoom lever  
to the W side.)  
ON (  
)
The zoom (p. 25) moves to the top of the T  
(telephoto) side automatically and allows  
recording subjects at a close distance down to  
about 38 cm (15 in.).  
Select  
(nearby subject)/  
(distant  
subject) to adjust the focus.  
To adjust the focus automatically, select  
[AUTO].  
Notes  
When you set [FOCUS] to [MANUAL],   
appears.  
The minimum possible distance between  
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp  
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide  
angle and about 150 cm (about 59 1/8 in.) for  
telephoto.  
Notes  
When recording a distant subject, focusing may  
be difficult and can take some time.  
Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 60)  
when it is hard to focus automatically.  
Tips  
appears when the focus cannot be adjusted  
any closer, and appears when the focus  
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SHOOTING SET  
(Items for customized  
shooting)  
AUTO SLW SHUTTR (Auto Slow  
Shutter)  
See “Using menus” (p. 53) on the operation.  
The default settings are marked with .  
When recording in dark places, the shutter  
speed is automatically reduced to 1/25  
second.  
REC MODE (Recording  
mode)  
OFF  
The Auto Slow Shutter function is not used.  
See page 25.  
ON  
The Auto Slow Shutter function is used.  
GUIDEFRAME  
You can display the frame and check that  
the subject is horizontal or vertical.  
The frame is not recorded.  
FACE DETECTION  
Detects the faces of your subjects and  
adjusts the exposure automatically.  
OFF  
Does not display the guide frame.  
ON  
Detects faces.  
ON  
Displays the guide frame.  
OFF (  
)
Does not detect faces.  
Notes  
Faces may not be detected depending on  
recording conditions, subject conditions, and  
the setting of your camcorder.  
[FACE DETECTION] may not function  
properly depending on recording conditions.  
Set [FACE DETECTION] to [OFF] in this case.  
Tips  
Positioning the subject at the cross point of the  
guide frame makes a balanced composition.  
The outer frame of [GUIDEFRAME] shows the  
display area of a TV which is not compatible  
with full pixel display.  
Tips  
For better face detection performance, shoot the  
subject(s) under the following conditions:  
Shoot in a sufficiently bright place  
The subject(s) does not wear glasses, a hat  
or mask  
The subject(s) faces directly towards the  
camera  
STEADYSHOT  
You can compensate for camera shake.  
Set [ STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] (  
)
when using a tripod (sold separately), then  
the image becomes natural.  
The detected faces are recorded in Face Index,  
however, some faces may not be. Also, there  
is a limit to the number of faces that can be  
recorded in Face Index. To play back from the  
Face Index, see page 31.  
ON  
The SteadyShot function is used.  
OFF (  
)
The SteadyShot function is not used.  
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AUDIO REC SET  
OTHER REC SET  
BLT-IN ZOOM MIC (Built-in zoom  
DIGITAL ZOOM  
microphone)  
You can select the maximum zoom level up  
to 50× in case you want to zoom to a level  
greater than following optical zoom during  
recording. Note that the image quality  
decreases when you use the digital zoom.  
You can record a movie with vivid sound  
appropriate to the zoom position.  
OFF  
The microphone does not record sound  
following zooming in or out.  
ON (  
)
The microphone records sound following  
zooming in or out.  
The right side of the bar shows the digital  
zooming factor. The zooming zone appears  
when you select the zooming level.  
MICREF LEVEL (Microphone  
reference level)  
You can select the microphone level for  
recording sound.  
OFF  
Up to 50× zoom is performed optically.  
NORMAL  
Records various ambient sounds, converting  
them into the appropriate level.  
1800×  
Up to 50× zoom is performed optically, and  
after that, up to 1800× zoom is performed  
digitally.  
LOW (  
)
Records ambient sound faithfully. Select  
[LOW] when you want to record an exciting  
and powerful sound in a concert hall, etc.  
(This setting is not suitable for recording  
conversations.)  
WIDE SELECT  
You can select the horizontal to vertical  
ratio according to the TV connected. Refer  
also to the instruction manuals supplied  
with your TV.  
16:9 WIDE  
Records movies to the full screen on a 16:9  
(wide) TV screen.  
4:3 (  
)
Records movies to the full screen on a 4:3  
TV screen.  
Notes  
Set [TV TYPE] correctly according to the TV  
connected for playback (p. 68).  
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PHOTO SETTINGS  
(Items for recording photos)  
RESET  
See “Using menus” (p. 53) on the operation.  
Assigns file numbers in sequence, following  
the largest file number existing on the  
recording medium.  
When the memory card is replaced with  
another one, the file number is assigned for  
each memory card.  
The default settings are marked with .  
SELF-TIMER  
Press PHOTO to start the count down. A  
photo is recorded after about 10 seconds.  
OFF  
Cancels the self-timer.  
ON (  
)
Starts the self-timer recording. To cancel the  
recording, select [RESET].  
IMAGE SIZE  
You can select a photo size to be shot.  
VGA(0.3M) (  
)
Records photos in the 4:3 aspect ratio (640  
× 480).  
0.2M (  
)
Records photos in the 16:9 (wide) aspect ratio  
(640 × 360).  
Notes  
See page 80 for the number of recordable  
photos.  
FILE NO. (File number)  
You can select the way to assign file number  
of photos.  
SERIES  
Assigns file numbers of photos in sequence.  
The file number becomes larger each time  
you record a photo.  
Even if the memory card is replaced with  
another one, the file number is assigned in  
sequence.  
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PLAYBACK  
(Items for playback)  
DATE/TIME  
See “Using menus” (p. 53) on the operation.  
VISUAL INDEX  
See page 27.  
VIEW IMAGES  
Date  
Time  
DATE INDEX  
See page 30.  
CAMERA DATA  
Movie  
FILM ROLL  
See page 30.  
FACE  
See page 31.  
PLAYLIST  
Photo  
See page 43.  
PLAYBACK SET  
DATA CODE  
During playback, your camcorder displays  
the information (Date/time, Camera data)  
recorded automatically at the time of  
recording.  
SteadyShot off  
Brightness  
White balance  
Gain  
Shutter speed  
Aperture value  
Exposure  
OFF  
Data code is not displayed.  
DATE/TIME  
Displays the date and time.  
Tips  
CAMERA DATA  
The data code is displayed on the TV screen if  
you connect your camcorder to a TV.  
Depending on the recording media condition,  
bars [--:--:--] appear.  
Displays camera setting data.  
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OTHERS  
(Items for other settings)  
EDIT  
(Items for editing)  
See “Using menus” (p. 53) on the operation.  
See “Using menus” (p. 53) on the operation.  
The default settings are marked with .  
DELETE  
USB CONNECT  
See page 35.  
See page 48.  
PROTECT  
BATTERY INFO  
See page 37.  
You can check the estimated remaining  
capacity of the battery.  
DIVIDE  
See page 38.  
PHOTO CAPTURE (DCR-SR15E/  
SR20E/SX20E)  
See page 39.  
To close the battery information screen  
Select  
.
MOVIE DUB (DCR-SR15E/  
SR20E)  
See page 40.  
PHOTO COPY (DCR-SR15E/  
SR20E)  
See page 41.  
PLAYLIST EDIT  
See page 43.  
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MANAGE MEDIA  
(Items for recording media)  
While [Executing…] is displayed, do not close  
the LCD screen, operate the buttons on the  
camcorder, disconnect the AC Adaptor, or eject  
the memory card from your camcorder (The  
access lamp is lit or flashing while formatting  
memory card.).  
See “Using menus” (p. 53) on the operation.  
MEDIA SETTINGS (DCR-SR15E/  
SR20E)  
See page 17.  
To prevent data on the internal  
recording media from being recovered  
(DCR-SR15E/SR20E)  
MEDIA INFO  
You can check the remaining recordable  
time for each recording mode of the  
recording media for movies and the  
approximate free and used media space of  
the recording media.  
[EMPTY] allows you to write unintelligible  
data onto the internal recording media of  
the camcorder. In this way it may become  
more difficult to recover any original  
data. When you dispose of or transfer the  
camcorder, it is recommended that you  
perform [EMPTY].  
To turn off the display  
Select  
.
When the internal recording media is  
selected on the [MEDIA FORMAT] screen,  
select [EMPTY].  
Notes  
Since there is a management file area, the  
used space is not displayed as 0 % even if you  
perform [MEDIA FORMAT] (p. 66).  
Tips  
Only the information of the medium selected  
on [MOVIE MEDIA SET] (p. 17) is displayed.  
Change the medium setting if necessary  
(DCR-SR15E/SR20E).  
Notes  
Connect the AC Adaptor to the wall outlet (wall  
socket). You cannot perform [EMPTY] unless  
you connect the AC Adaptor to the wall outlet  
(wall socket).  
To avoid the loss of important images, they  
should be saved on a computer or other devices  
before performing [EMPTY].  
Disconnect all cables except the AC Adaptor.  
Do not disconnect the AC Adaptor during the  
operation.  
While deleting data, do not apply any vibrations  
or shocks to your camcorder.  
Confirm the actual time required to delete data  
on the LCD screen.  
If you stop performing [EMPTY] while  
[Executing…] appears, be sure to complete the  
operation by performing [MEDIA FORMAT]  
MEDIA FORMAT  
Formatting deletes all the movies and  
photos to recover recordable free space.  
Select [YES] [YES]   
DCR-SR15E/SR20E:  
Select the recording media to be formatted.  
.
Notes  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  
socket) using AC Adaptor supplied for this  
operation (p. 13).  
To avoid the loss of important images, you  
should save them before formatting the  
recording media.  
Protected movies and photos will also be  
deleted.  
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GENERAL SET  
(Other setup items)  
or [EMPTY] when you use the camcorder next  
time.  
See “Using menus” (p. 53) on the operation.  
The default settings are marked with .  
REPAIR IMG.DB F.  
SOUND/DISP SET  
VOLUME  
You can adjust the volume of playback  
sound by selecting  
/
.
BEEP  
ON  
A melody sounds when you start/stop  
recording, or press the center of the multi-  
selector to confirm.  
OFF  
Cancels the melody.  
LCD BRIGHT  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen by selecting  
/
.
Tips  
This adjustment does not affect the recorded  
images in any way.  
LCD BL LEVEL (LCD backlight level)  
You can select the brightness of the LCD  
screen’s backlight.  
NORMAL  
Standard brightness.  
BRIGHT  
Brightens the LCD screen.  
Notes  
When you connect your camcorder to the wall  
outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC  
Adaptor, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected  
for the setting.  
When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is  
slightly reduced during recording.  
If you open the LCD panel 180 degrees to face  
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the screen outside and close the LCD panel  
to the camcorder body, the setting becomes  
[NORMAL] automatically.  
CLOCK/ LANG  
CLOCK SET  
See page 14.  
Tips  
This adjustment does not affect the recorded  
images in any way.  
AREA SET  
LCD COLOR  
You can adjust the color of the LCD screen  
by selecting  
You can adjust a time difference without  
stopping the clock. Set your local area when  
using your camcorder in other time zones.  
Refer to the world time difference on page  
/
.
Tips  
This adjustment does not affect the recorded  
images in any way.  
SUMMERTIME  
You can change this setting without  
stopping the clock. Set to [ON] to move the  
time forward 1 hour.  
DISPLAY SET  
You can set the duration of displaying the  
icons or indicators on the LCD screen.  
OFF  
AUTO  
Does not set the summertime.  
Displays for about 3 seconds.  
ON  
ON  
Sets the summertime.  
Always displays.  
LANGUAGE SET  
OUTPUT SETTINGS  
You can select the language to be used on  
the LCD screen.  
TV TYPE  
See page 33.  
Tips  
Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]]  
(simplified English) for when you cannot find  
your native tongue among the options.  
DISP OUTPUT (Display output)  
You can set where the screen displays are to  
be output.  
POWER SETTINGS  
LCD PANEL  
Shows displays such as the time code on the  
LCD screen.  
A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)  
You can set your camcorder to turn off  
automatically when you do not operate  
your camcorder for more than about 5  
minutes.  
V-OUT/PANEL  
Shows displays such as the time code on the  
LCD screen, and on the TV screen.  
5min  
The camcorder turns off automatically.  
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DROP SENSOR (DCR-SR15E/SR20E)  
Your camcorder detects that it is dropping,  
and protects the internal hard disk.  
NEVER  
The camcorder does not turn off  
automatically.  
ON  
Notes  
Activates the drop sensor. When it is detected  
that the camcorder is dropping, you may  
not be able to record or play back images  
correctly, to protect the internal hard disk.  
When you connect your camcorder to a  
wall outlet (wall socket), [A.SHUT OFF] is  
automatically set to [NEVER].  
When dropping is detected,  
appears.  
OFF (  
)
OTHER SETTINGS  
Deactivates the drop sensor.  
DEMO MODE  
Notes  
When your camcorder is connected to a  
wall outlet (wall socket), a demonstration  
movie appear about 10 minutes after the  
(Movie) icon appears by pressing MODE.  
Set the drop sensor to [ON] when you use  
the camcorder. Otherwise, if you drop the  
camcorder, you may damage the internal hard  
disk.  
In a non-gravity situation, the drop sensor  
activates. When you record images during an  
activity such as roller-coasting or skydiving, you  
can set [DROP SENSOR] to [OFF] so as not to  
activate the drop sensor.  
ON  
The demonstration appears.  
OFF  
The demonstration does not appear.  
Tips  
When you set this item to [ON] and select  
, the demonstration starts playing.  
The demonstration will be suspended:  
When you press START/STOP  
When you operate the multi-selector during  
the demonstration (The demonstration starts  
again after about 10 minutes)  
When you press MODE  
When you press  
(VIEW IMAGES)  
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Additional information  
Troubleshooting  
If you run into any problems using your  
camcorder, follow the steps below.  
Connecting to a Computer............................p. 74  
Examples of functions that cannot be used  
simultaneously.................................................p. 75  
Check the list (p. 70 to 78), and  
inspect your camcorder.  
Overall operations  
Disconnect the power source, attach  
the power source again after about 1  
minute, and turn the camcorder on.  
The power does not turn on.  
Attach a charged battery pack to the  
camcorder (p. 11).  
The plug of the AC Adaptor has been  
disconnected from the wall outlet (wall  
socket). Connect it to the wall outlet (wall  
socket) (p. 11).  
Press RESET (p. 90, 91) using a  
pointed object, and turn the  
camcorder on.  
If you press RESET, all settings,  
including the clock setting, are reset.  
The camcorder does not operate even  
when the power is set to on.  
It takes a few seconds for your camcorder to  
be ready to shoot after the power is turned on.  
This is not a malfunction.  
Contact your Sony dealer or local  
authorized Sony service facility.  
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall  
outlet (wall socket) or remove the battery  
pack, then reconnect it after about 1 minute.  
If the functions still do not work, press RESET  
(p. 90, 91) using a pointed object. (If you press  
RESET, all settings, including the clock setting,  
are reset.)  
The temperature of your camcorder is  
extremely high. Turn off your camcorder and  
leave it for a while in a cool place.  
Your camcorder may be required to initialize or  
change the current internal recording media of  
your camcorder, depending on the problem. In  
the event of this, the data stored on the internal  
recording media will be deleted. Be sure to  
save the data on the internal recording media  
on other media (backup) before sending your  
camcorder for repair. We will not compensate  
you for any loss of internal recording media  
data.  
During repair, we may check a minimum  
amount of data stored on the internal recording  
media in order to investigate the problem.  
However, your Sony dealer will neither copy  
nor retain your data.  
The temperature of your camcorder is  
extremely low. Leave your camcorder with the  
power of your camcorder on. Turn off your  
camcorder and take it to a warm place. Leave  
the camcorder there for a while, then turn on  
your camcorder.  
Overall operations ..........................................p. 70  
Batteries/power sources ................................p. 71  
LCD screen ......................................................p. 71  
Memory card ...................................................p. 72  
Recording.........................................................p. 72  
Playback ...........................................................p. 73  
Playing back images stored on memory card on  
other devices....................................................p. 74  
Editing movies/photos on your camcorder.p. 74  
Dubbing/Connecting to other devices.........p. 74  
The menu settings have changed  
automatically.  
The following menu items return to the  
default settings in more than 12 hours after  
you close the LCD screen.  
[SCENE SELECTION]  
[WHITE BAL.]  
[EXPOSURE]  
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[FOCUS]  
[BLT-IN ZOOM MIC]  
[MICREF LEVEL]  
[DROP SENSOR] (DCR-SR15E/SR20E)  
Backlight  
correctly (p. 11). If the problem persists,  
disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall  
outlet (wall socket) and contact your Sony  
dealer. The battery pack may be damaged.  
The following menu items return to the  
default settings when you switch between  
movie recording and photo recording and  
playback modes.  
The remaining battery time indicator does  
not indicate the correct time.  
The ambient temperature is too high or too  
low. This is not a malfunction.  
The battery pack has not been charged  
enough. Fully charge the battery again. If the  
problem persists, replace the battery pack with  
a new one (p. 85).  
[ FADER]  
[TELE MACRO]  
[ SELF-TIMER]  
Your camcorder gets warm.  
The indicated time may not be correct  
depending on the environment of use.  
Your camcorder may become warm during  
operation. This is not a malfunction.  
The battery pack is quickly discharged.  
Batteries/power sources  
The power abruptly turns off.  
The ambient temperature is too high or low.  
This is not a malfunction.  
The battery pack has not been charged  
enough. Fully charge the battery again. If the  
problem persists, replace the battery pack with  
a new one (p. 85).  
Use the AC Adaptor.  
In the default setting, when about 5 minutes  
have elapsed while you do not operate your  
camcorder, the camcorder is automatically  
turned off (A.SHUT OFF). Change the setting  
of [A.SHUT OFF] (p. 68), or turn on the  
power again.  
LCD screen  
Menu items are grayed out.  
Charge the battery pack (p. 11).  
You cannot select grayed items in the current  
recording/playback situation.  
There are some functions you cannot activate  
simultaneously (p. 75).  
The CHG (charge) lamp does not light  
while the battery pack is being charged.  
Close the LCD screen (p. 11).  
Attach the battery pack to the camcorder  
correctly (p. 11).  
Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the  
wall outlet (wall socket) properly.  
The battery charge is completed (p. 11).  
Dots in lines appear on the LCD screen.  
This is not a malfunction. These dots are not  
recorded.  
The icons on the LCD screen quickly  
disappear.  
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the  
battery pack is being charged.  
Set [DISPLAY SET] to [ON] (p. 68).  
If the temperature of the battery pack is too  
high or too low, you may not be able to charge  
it (p. 84).  
Attach the battery pack to the camcorder  
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leave it for a while in a cool place.  
Memory card  
The temperature of your camcorder is  
extremely low. Turn off your camcorder and  
take it to a warm place. Leave the camcorder  
there for a while, then turn on the camcorder.  
Operations using the memory card  
cannot be performed.  
If you use the memory card formatted on a  
computer, format it again on your camcorder  
The access lamp remains lit or flashing  
even if recording was stopped.  
Your camcorder is recording the scene you  
have just shot on the memory card.  
Images stored on the memory card  
cannot be deleted.  
The imaging field looks different.  
The maximum number of images that you can  
delete on the index screen at one time is 100.  
You cannot delete the protected images.  
The imaging field may look different  
depending on the condition of your  
camcorder. This is not a malfunction.  
The data file name is not indicated  
correctly or flashes.  
The actual recording time for movies is  
less than the expected recording time of  
the recording media.  
Depending on the recording conditions, the  
time available for recording may be shorter, for  
example when recording a fast moving object,  
etc. (p. 79).  
The file is damaged.  
The file format is not supported by your  
camcorder (p. 83).  
Recording  
Refer also to “Memory card” (p. 72).  
The camcorder stops operating.  
The temperature of your camcorder is  
extremely high. Turn off your camcorder and  
leave it for a while in a cool place.  
The temperature of your camcorder is  
extremely low. Turn off your camcorder and  
take it to a warm place. Leave the camcorder  
there for a while, then turn on the camcorder.  
If you keep applying vibration on the  
camcorder, recording may stop.  
Pressing START/STOP or PHOTO does not  
record images.  
The playback screen is displayed. Press MODE  
to display the  
(Movie) or (Photo) icons.  
Your camcorder is recording the image you  
have just shot on the recording media. You  
cannot make new recording during this  
period.  
The recording media is full. Delete  
unnecessary images (p. 35).  
Total number of movie scenes or photos  
exceeds the recordable capacity of your  
camcorder (p. 79, 80). Delete unnecessary  
images (p. 35).  
While [DROP SENSOR] is activated (p. 69),  
you may not record images (DCR-SR15E  
/SR20E).  
There is a time difference between the  
point when START/STOP is pressed and  
the point that the recording movie is  
started or stopped actually.  
On your camcorder, there may be a slight  
time difference between the point where you  
press START/STOP and the actual point that  
recording movie starts/stops. This is not a  
malfunction.  
The temperature of your camcorder is  
extremely high. Turn off your camcorder and  
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Playback  
The auto focus does not function.  
Set [FOCUS] to [AUTO] (p. 60).  
The recording conditions are not suitable for  
auto focus. Adjust the focus manually (p. 60).  
Images cannot be played back.  
Select the type of recording media you want to  
play back (p. 17) (DCR-SR15E/SR20E).  
Images recorded on other devices may not be  
played back. This is not a malfunction.  
SteadyShot does not function.  
Set [ STEADYSHOT] to [ON] (p. 61).  
Even if [ STEADYSHOT] is set to  
[ON], your camcorder may not be able to  
compensate for excessive vibrations.  
Photos cannot be played back.  
Photos cannot be played back if you have  
modified files or folders, or have edited the  
data on a computer. (The file name flashes in  
that case.) This is not a malfunction.  
A vertical band appears when recording  
candlelight or electric light in the dark.  
This occurs when the contrast between the  
subject and the background is too high. This is  
not a malfunction.  
is indicated on an image on the  
VISUAL INDEX screen.  
This may appear on an image recorded on  
other devices, edited on a computer, etc.  
You removed the AC Adaptor or the battery  
pack while the recording media icon at the top  
right corner of the screen flashes, or before  
the access lamp is turned off after recording.  
A vertical white line may appear on an  
image taken in bright light.  
This phenomenon is called the smear effect.  
This is not a malfunction.  
Black bands appear when you record a TV  
screen or computer screen.  
This may damage your image data and  
displayed.  
is  
Set [ STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] (p. 61).  
is indicated on an image on the  
VISUAL INDEX screen.  
Undesirable flicker occurs.  
The image data base file may be damaged.  
Check the data base file by selecting  
(MENU) [Show others]   
[REPAIR IMG.DB F.] (under  
This occurs when recording images under a  
fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury  
lamp. This is not a malfunction.  
[MANAGE MEDIA] category)   
the recording medium  
(DCR-SR15E/SR20E). If it still appears,  
[LCD BL LEVEL] cannot be adjusted.  
You cannot adjust [LCD BL LEVEL] when:  
The LCD panel is closed on your camcorder  
with the LCD screen facing out.  
delete the image with  
The power is supplied from the AC Adaptor.  
No sound or only a quiet sound is heard  
during playback.  
Magnification changes when the  
recording mode is switched.  
Turn up the volume (p. 28).  
When you record sound with [MICREF  
LEVEL] (p. 62) set to [LOW], the recorded  
sound may be difficult to hear.  
You cannot use digital zoom when your  
camcorder is in the photo recording mode.  
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Playing back images stored on  
memory card on other devices  
The top, bottom, right, and left edges  
of images are trimmed slightly on a  
connected TV.  
The LCD screen of your camcorder can  
display recording images across the entire  
screen (full pixel display). However, this may  
cause slight trimming of the top, bottom, right,  
and left edges of images when played back on  
a TV which is not compatible with full pixel  
display.  
It is recommended you record images using  
the outer frame of [GUIDEFRAME] (p. 61)  
as a guide.  
Images cannot be played back or the  
memory card is not recognized.  
The device may not support memory card.  
Editing movies/photos on your  
camcorder  
Unable to edit.  
Unable to edit because of the condition of the  
image.  
Images are not dubbed correctly.  
The A/V connecting cable is not connected  
properly. Make sure to connect the cable to the  
input jack of another device (p. 48).  
Movies cannot be added in the Playlist.  
There is no free space in the recording media.  
You can add no more than 99 movies to a  
Playlist. Erase unnecessary movies from the  
Playlist (p. 44).  
Connecting to a Computer  
You cannot add photos in the Playlist.  
“PMBcannot be installed.  
A movie cannot be divided.  
Check the computer environment or  
installation procedure required to install  
“PMB.”  
A movie that is too short cannot be divided.  
A protected movie cannot be divided.  
“PMBdoes not work correctly.  
A photo cannot be captured from a  
movie.  
Quit “PMB” and restart your computer.  
The recording media where you want to save  
photos is full.  
The camcorder is not recognized by the  
computer.  
Disconnect devices from the USB jack of the  
computer other than the keyboard, mouse,  
and your camcorder.  
Dubbing/Connecting to other  
devices  
Disconnect the USB cable from the computer  
and your camcorder, and restart the computer,  
then connect the computer and your  
camcorder again in the correct order.  
The aspect ratio of the playback is not  
correct when connecting your camcorder  
to the TV.  
Set [TV TYPE] according to your TV (p. 68).  
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Connect the DC plug of the AC Adaptor to the  
DC IN jack of your camcorder securely (p. 11).  
Examples of functions that cannot  
be used simultaneously  
C:06:  
  
The following list shows examples of  
unworkable combinations of functions and  
menu items.  
The battery pack temperature is high. Change  
the battery pack or place it in a cool place.  
C:13:  
/ C:32:  
  
  
Remove the power source. Reconnect it and  
operate your camcorder again.  
Cannot use  
Because of following settings  
Backlight  
[MANUAL] in  
[EXPOSURE],  
[FIREWORKS]  
E:  
:
   
Follow the steps from to on page 70.  
[FACE  
DETECTION]  
[
DIGITAL ZOOM],  
(Warning on the internal hard disk of  
the camcorder)  
[EXPOSURE],  
[TWILIGHT], [CANDLE],  
[SUNRISE&SUNSET],  
[FIREWORKS],  
[LANDSCAPE],  
[SPOTLIGHT], [BEACH],  
[SNOW]  
Fast flashing  
The internal hard disk of the camcorder is full.  
An error may have occurred with the internal  
hard disk of the camcorder.  
[SCENE  
SELECTION]  
[
FADER], [TELE  
(Battery level warning)  
MACRO]  
Slow flashing  
Self-diagnosis display/Warning  
indicators  
The battery pack is nearly used up.  
Depending on the operating environment or  
battery conditions,  
may flash, even if there  
If indicators appear on the LCD screen,  
check the following.  
are about 20 minutes remaining.  
If the problem persists even after you  
have tried to fix a couple of times, contact  
your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony  
service facility. In this case, when you  
contact them, give them all the numbers of  
the error code beginning with C or E.  
(Warning indicator pertaining to  
battery pack temperature)  
The battery pack temperature is high. Change  
the battery pack or place it in a cool place.  
(High temperature warning)  
Slow flashing  
The temperature of your camcorder is getting  
higher. Turn off your camcorder and leave it  
for a while in a cool place.  
Fast flashing  
The temperature of your camcorder is  
extremely high. Turn off your camcorder and  
leave it for a while in a cool place.  
C:(or E:) : (Self-diagnosis display)  
C:04:  
  
The battery pack is not an “InfoLITHIUM”  
battery pack (V series). Use an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (V series).  
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(Warning indicator pertaining to  
camera-shake warning)  
(Low temperature warning)  
Fast flashing  
The camcorder is unsteady, so camera-shake  
easily occurs. Hold the camcorder steady with  
both hands and record the image. However,  
note that the camera-shake warning indicator  
does not disappear.  
The temperature of your camcorder is  
extremely low. Make the camcorder warm.  
(Warning indicator pertaining to  
memory card)  
Slow flashing  
(Warning indicator pertaining to drop  
sensor)  
Free spaces for recording images are running  
out. For the type of memory card you can use  
with your camcorder, see page 19.  
No memory card is inserted (p. 18).  
The drop sensor function (p. 69) is activated,  
and has detected that the camcorder has  
been dropped. Therefore, the camcorder is  
taking steps to protect the internal hard disk.  
Recording/playback may be disabled as a  
result.  
The drop sensor function does not guarantee  
the protection of the internal hard disk under  
all possible situations. Use the camcorder  
under stable conditions.  
Fast flashing  
There are not enough free spaces for recording  
images. After storing the images on other  
media (p. 45), delete unnecessary images, or  
format the memory card (p. 66).  
The image data base file may be damaged.  
Check the data base file by selecting  
(MENU) [Show others]   
[REPAIR IMG.DB F.] (under  
[MANAGE  
MEDIA] category) the recording  
medium (DCR-SR15E/SR20E).  
The memory card is damaged.  
Tips  
You may hear a melody when some warning  
indicators appear on the screen.  
(Warning indicators pertaining to  
memory card formatting)  
Description of warning messages  
If messages appear on the screen, follow the  
instructions.  
The memory card is damaged.  
The memory card is not formatted correctly  
Recording media  
(Warning indicator pertaining to  
incompatible memory card)  
HDD format error.  
The internal recording media of the  
camcorder is set differently from the default  
format. Performing [MEDIA FORMAT]  
(p. 66) may enable you to use your camcorder.  
This will delete all data in the internal  
recording media.  
Incompatible memory card is inserted (p. 19).  
(Warning indicator pertaining to  
the write-protect of the memory card)  
Access to the memory card was restricted on  
another device.  
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You cannot record because the drop sensor  
senses a drop of the camcorder repeatedly.  
If you are at risk of dropping the camcorder  
constantly, set [DROP SENSOR] to [OFF],  
and you may be able to record the image again  
Data error.  
An error occurred during reading or writing  
the internal recording media of the camcorder.  
This may occur when you keep applying shock  
on the camcorder.  
Movies recorded on other devices may not be  
played back.  
Recovering data.  
Your camcorder tries to recover data  
automatically if the data writing was not  
performed properly.  
The Image Database File is damaged. Do  
you want to create a new file?  
The management file is damaged. When you  
select [YES], a new management file is created.  
The old recorded images on the media cannot  
be played back (Image files are not damaged).  
If you execute [REPAIR IMG.DB F.] after  
creating new information, playing back the  
old recorded images may become possible.  
If it does not work, copy the image using the  
supplied software “PMB.  
Cannot recover data.  
Writing data onto the media of the camcorder  
has failed. Attempts were made to recover the  
data, but they were unsuccessful.  
Reinsert the memory card.  
Reinsert the memory card a few times. If even  
then the indicator flashes, the memory card  
could be damaged. Try with another memory  
card.  
Inconsistencies found in Image Database  
File. Do you want to repair the Image  
Database File?  
The Image Database File is damaged. Do  
you want to repair the Image Database  
File?  
This memory card is not formatted  
correctly.  
Format the memory card (p. 66). Note that if  
you format the memory card, all the recorded  
movies and photos are deleted.  
The management file is damaged, and you  
cannot record movies or photos. Select [YES]  
to repair.  
Still picture folder is full. Cannot record  
still pictures.  
You can record photos on a memory card.  
Buffer overflow  
You cannot create folders exceeding  
999MSDCF. You cannot create or delete  
created folders using your camcorder.  
Format the memory card (p. 66), or delete  
folders using your computer.  
A memory card on which recording and  
deleting has been repeated or formatted on  
other devices is used. Format the memory card  
on your camcorder after backing up the data  
to the hard disk of a computer, etc. (p. 66).  
Write performance of the memory card  
you are using is insufficient for the movie  
recording speed of your camcorder. Use  
a memory card recommended for your  
camcorder (p. 18).  
This memory card may not be able to  
record or play movies.  
Use a memory card recommended for your  
camcorder (p. 19).  
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This memory card may not be able to  
record or play images correctly.  
Use a memory card recommended for your  
camcorder (p. 19).  
Do not eject the memory card during  
writing. Data may be damaged.  
Reinsert the memory card, and follow the  
instructions on the LCD screen.  
Other  
No further selection is possible.  
You can add no more than 99 movies to a  
Playlist.  
You can select only 100 images at one time for:  
Deleting movies/photos  
Protecting movies/photos, or releasing the  
protection  
Dubbing movies  
Copying photos  
Data protected.  
You tried to delete protected data. Release the  
protection of the data.  
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Recording time of  
movies/number of  
recordable photos  
Playing time  
Approximate time available when you use a  
fully charged battery pack.  
Expected time of recording and  
playback with each battery pack  
DCR-SR15E/SR20E  
Recording time  
(unit: minute)  
Approximate time available when you use a  
fully charged battery pack.  
Battery pack  
NP-FV30  
(supplied)  
NP-FV50  
NP-FV70  
NP-FV100  
125  
DCR-SR15E/SR20E  
240  
490  
980  
(unit: minute)  
Battery pack  
Continuous  
recording time  
Typical recording  
time  
DCR-SX15E/SX20E  
NP-FV30  
(supplied)  
95  
45  
(unit: minute)  
145  
NP-FV50  
NP-FV70  
NP-FV100  
180  
375  
745  
85  
180  
355  
Battery pack  
NP-FV30  
(supplied)  
NP-FV50  
NP-FV70  
NP-FV100  
280  
565  
1120  
DCR-SX15E/SX20E  
(unit: minute)  
Typical recording  
time  
Battery pack  
Continuous  
recording time  
NP-FV30  
(supplied)  
NP-FV50  
NP-FV70  
NP-FV100  
105  
50  
Expected recording time of movies  
Internal hard disk  
200  
415  
830  
95  
195  
395  
DCR-SR15E/SR20E  
(unit: minute)  
Each recording time is measured when the  
REC MODE] is set to SP.  
Recording mode  
[HQ]  
Recording time  
1220  
[
Typical recording time shows the time when  
you repeat recording start/stop, switching the  
movie or photo mode, and zooming.  
Times measured when using the camcorder at  
25 C (77 °F). 10 C to 30 C (50 °F to 86 °F) is  
recommended.  
The recording and playback time will be  
shorter when you use your camcorder in low  
temperatures.  
[SP]  
1750  
[LP]  
3660  
Tips  
You can record movies of a maximum of 9,999  
scenes.  
The maximum continuous recording time of  
movies is approximately 13 hours.  
Your camcorder uses the VBR (Variable Bit  
Rate) format to automatically adjust image  
quality to suit the recording scene. This  
The recording and playback time will be shorter  
depending on the conditions under which you  
use your camcorder.  
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technology causes fluctuations in the recording  
time of the media. Movies containing quickly  
moving and complex images are recorded at  
a higher bit-rate, and this reduces the overall  
recording time.  
Memory card  
VGA(0.3M)  
512MB  
1GB  
2GB  
4GB  
8GB  
2800  
5700  
Memory card  
11500  
23000  
47000  
95000  
185000  
(unit: minute)  
HQ  
SP  
LP  
512MB  
1GB  
6
9
20  
16GB  
32GB  
(5)  
(5)  
(10)  
10  
(10)  
20  
(10)  
40  
(25)  
The indicated number of recordable photos on  
a memory card is based on the maximum image  
size of your camcorder. The actual number  
of recordable photos is displayed on the LCD  
screen during recording (p. 89).  
The maximum number of recordable photos  
on a memory card may vary depending on the  
recording conditions.  
2GB  
25  
(25)  
40  
(25)  
85  
(55)  
4GB  
55  
(50)  
80  
(50)  
175  
(110)  
8GB  
115  
(105)  
170  
(105)  
355  
(230)  
16GB  
32GB  
235  
340  
715  
(210)  
(210)  
(465)  
Tips  
475  
(425)  
685  
(425)  
1435  
(930)  
You can also use memory card with a capacity  
of under 512 MB for recording photos.  
The following list shows the average bit-rate, the  
recording pixels, and the aspect ratio of each  
movie recording mode.  
Notes  
The recordable time may vary depending on  
the recording and subject conditions, [ REC  
MODE] (p. 61).  
The number in ( ) is the minimum recordable  
time.  
HQ: Approx. 9Mbps 720 pixels ×  
576 pixels/16:9, 4:3  
SP: Approx. 6Mbps 720 pixels ×  
576 pixels/16:9, 4:3  
LP: Approx. 3Mbps 720 pixels ×  
576 pixels/16:9, 4:3  
The photo recording pixels and the aspect ratio.  
Photo recording mode:  
Expected number of recordable  
photos  
640 dots × 480 dots/4:3  
640 dots × 360 dots/16:9  
Capturing a photo from a movie:  
640 dots × 360 dots/16:9  
Internal recording media (DCR-SR15E/  
SR20E)  
You can record the maximum 9,999 photos.  
640 dots × 480 dots/4:3  
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Using your camcorder  
abroad  
Power supply  
You can use your camcorder in any  
countries/regions using the AC Adaptor  
supplied with your camcorder within the  
AC 100 V to 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz range.  
On TV color systems  
Your camcorder is a PAL-system-based  
camcorder. If you want to view the playback  
image on a TV, it must be a PAL-system-  
based TV with an AUDIO/VIDEO input  
jack.  
System  
Used in  
PAL  
Australia, Austria, Belgium,  
China, Czech Republic,  
Denmark, Finland, Germany,  
Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary,  
Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, New  
Zealand, Norway, Poland,  
Portugal, Singapore, Slovak  
Republic, Spain, Sweden,  
Switzerland, Thailand, United  
Kingdom, etc.  
PAL-M  
PAL-N  
NTSC  
Brazil  
Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay  
Bahama Islands, Bolivia,  
Canada, Central America,  
Chile, Colombia, Ecuador,  
Guyana, Jamaica, Japan,  
Korea, Mexico, Peru, Surinam,  
Taiwan, the Philippines, the  
USA, Venezuela, etc.  
SECAM  
Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran,  
Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine,  
etc.  
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Setting to the local time  
You can easily set the clock to the local time by setting a time difference when using your  
camcorder abroad. Select  
(MENU) [Show others] [CLOCK/ LANG] (under  
[GENERAL SET] category) [AREA SET] and [SUMMERTIME] (p. 68).  
World time difference  
Time-zone  
differences  
Area setting  
Time-zone  
differences  
Area setting  
+12:00  
Fiji, Wellington, Eniwetok,  
Kwajalein  
Samoa  
Hawaii  
Alaska  
Los Angeles, Tijuana  
Denver, Arizona  
Chicago, Mexico City  
New York, Bogota  
Santiago  
GMT  
Lisbon, London  
Berlin, Paris  
Helsinki, Cairo, Istanbul  
Moscow, Nairobi  
Tehran  
Abu Dhabi, Baku  
Kabul  
Karachi, Islamabad  
Calcutta, New Delhi  
Almaty, Dhaka  
Yangon  
+01:00  
+02:00  
+03:00  
+03:30  
+04:00  
+04:30  
+05:00  
+05:30  
+06:00  
+06:30  
+07:00  
+08:00  
–11:00  
–10:00  
–09:00  
–08:00  
–07:00  
–06:00  
–05:00  
–04:00  
–03:30  
–03:00  
–02:00  
–01:00  
St.John’s  
Brasilia, Montevideo  
Fernando de Noronha  
Azores, Cape Verde Is.  
Bangkok, Jakarta  
Hong Kong, Singapore,  
Beijing  
+09:00  
+09:30  
+10:00  
+11:00  
Seoul, Tokyo  
Adelaide, Darwin  
Melbourne, Sydney  
Solomon Is  
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Maintenance and  
precautions  
direction. Note that improper use may cause a  
malfunction.  
About the memory card  
Memory card formatted by a computer  
(Windows OS/Mac OS) does not have  
guaranteed compatibility with your camcorder.  
Data read/write speed may vary depending  
on the combination of the memory card and  
memory card compliant product you use.  
Damaged or lost data may occur in the  
following cases (the data will not be  
compensated for):  
If you eject the memory card, or turn off your  
camcorder while your camcorder is reading  
or writing image files on the memory card  
(while the access lamp is lit or flashing)  
If you use the memory card near magnets or  
magnetic fields  
It is recommended that you make a back-up of  
important data on the hard disk of a computer.  
Do not attach a label or the like on memory  
card or memory card adaptor.  
Do not touch, or allow metallic objects to come  
into contact with the terminals.  
On image data compatibility  
Image data files recorded on memory card by  
your camcorder conform to the “Design rule  
for Camera File system” universal standard  
established by the JEITA (Japan Electronics  
and Information Technology Industries  
Association).  
On your camcorder, you cannot play back  
photos recorded on other devices (DCR-  
TRV900E or DSC-D700/D770) that do not  
conform to the universal standard. (These  
models are not sold in some regions.)  
If you cannot use memory card that have been  
used with another device, format it with your  
camcorder (p. 66). Note that formatting erases  
all information on the memory card.  
You may not be able to play back images with  
your camcorder:  
When playing back image data modified on  
your computer  
When playing back image data recorded with  
other devices  
Do not bend, drop or apply strong force to the  
memory card.  
Do not disassemble or modify the memory  
card.  
About the “Memory Stickmedia  
Do not let the memory card get wet.  
Keep the memory card out of the reach of small  
children. There is danger that a child might  
swallow it.  
Do not insert anything other than a memory  
card of the compatible size into the memory  
card slot, as doing so may cause a malfunction.  
Do not use or keep the memory card in the  
following locations:  
Places subject to extremely high temperature,  
such as a car parked outside in the summer  
Places under direct sunlight  
Places with extremely high humidity or  
subject to corrosive gases  
Types of“Memory Stick”media  
Recording/Playback  
“Memory Stick Duo”  
media (with MagicGate)  
“Memory Stick PRO  
Duo” media  
“Memory Stick PRO-HG  
Duo” media  
*  
* This product does not support 8-bit parallel  
data transfer but it supports 4-bit parallel data  
transfer the same as with “Memory Stick PRO  
Duo” media.  
This product cannot record or play data that  
uses “MagicGate” technology. “MagicGate” is  
a copyright protection technology that records  
and transfers the contents in an encrypted  
format.  
On the memory card adaptor  
When using memory card with memory card  
compliant device inserting memory card  
into memory card adaptor, make sure the  
memory card is inserted facing in the correct  
This product is compatible with “Memory Stick  
Micro” media (“M2”). “M2” is the abbreviation  
for the “Memory Stick Micro” media.  
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Notes on using the “Memory Stick  
Micromedia  
To use the battery pack effectively  
Battery pack performance decreases when the  
ambient temperature is 10 C (50 °F) or below,  
and the length of time you can use the battery  
pack becomes shorter. In that case, do one  
of the following to use the battery pack for a  
longer time.  
Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it  
up, and install it on your camcorder right  
before you start taking shots.  
To use “Memory Stick Micro” media with your  
camcorder, you need a Duo-sized M2 adaptor.  
Insert the “Memory Stick Micro” media into  
the Duo-sized M2 adaptor, and then insert the  
adaptor into the “Memory Stick Duo” media  
slot.  
If you insert a “Memory Stick Micro” media  
into your camcorder without using the Duo-  
sized M2 adaptor, you might not be able to  
remove it from your camcorder.  
Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-FV70/  
NP-FV100 (sold separately).  
Frequent use of the LCD screen or a frequent  
playback, fast forward or reverse operation  
wears out the battery pack faster. We  
recommend using a large capacity battery pack:  
NP-FV70/NP-FV100 (sold separately).  
Be sure to close the LCD screen when not  
recording or playing back on your camcorder.  
The battery pack is also consumed when your  
camcorder is in recording standby or playback  
pause.  
Have spare battery packs ready for 2 times  
or 3 times the expected recording time, and  
make trial recordings before making the actual  
recording.  
Do not leave the “Memory Stick Micro” media  
within the reach of small children. They might  
accidentally swallow it.  
About the “InfoLITHIUMbattery  
pack  
Your camcorder operates only with an  
“InfoLITHIUM” V series battery packs.  
“InfoLITHIUM” V series battery packs  
have the  
mark.  
What is an “InfoLITHIUMbattery pack?  
An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a  
Do not expose the battery pack to water. The  
battery pack is not water resistant.  
lithium-ion battery pack that has functions  
for communicating information related to  
operating conditions between your camcorder  
and an AC Adaptor/charger (sold separately).  
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack calculates the  
power consumption according to the operating  
conditions of your camcorder, and displays the  
remaining battery time in minutes.  
About the remaining battery time  
indicator  
When the power goes off even though the  
remaining battery time indicator indicates that  
the battery pack has enough power to operate,  
charge the battery pack fully again. Remaining  
battery time will be indicated correctly. Note,  
however, that the battery indication will not be  
restored if it is used in high temperatures for  
a long time, or if left in a fully charged state,  
or when the battery pack is frequently used.  
Use the remaining battery time indication as a  
rough guide only.  
To charge the battery pack  
Be sure to charge the battery pack before you  
start using your camcorder.  
We recommend charging the battery pack in an  
ambient temperature of between 10 C to 30 C  
(50 °F to 86 °F) until the CHG (charge) lamp  
turns off. If you charge the battery pack outside  
of this temperature range, you may not be able  
to charge it efficiently.  
The mark that indicates low battery flashes  
even if there are still 20 minutes of battery  
time remaining, depending on the operating  
conditions or ambient temperature.  
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sunlight. This damages the LCD screen.  
Operate your camcorder on DC 6.8 V/7.2 V  
(battery pack) or DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor).  
For DC or AC operation, use the accessories  
recommended in these operating instructions.  
Do not let your camcorder get wet, for example,  
from rain or sea water. If your camcorder  
gets wet, it may malfunction. Sometimes this  
malfunction cannot be repaired.  
If any solid object or liquid gets inside the  
casing, unplug your camcorder and have it  
checked by a Sony dealer before operating it  
any further.  
Avoid rough handling, disassembling,  
modifying, physical shock, or impact such  
as hammering, dropping or stepping on the  
product. Be particularly careful of the lens.  
Keep the LCD screen closed when you are not  
using your camcorder.  
Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for  
example, and operate it. Doing so might cause  
heat to build up inside.  
About storage of the battery pack  
If the battery pack is not used for a long time,  
fully charge the battery pack and use it up on  
your camcorder once a year to maintain proper  
function. To store the battery pack, remove it  
from your camcorder and put it in a dry, cool  
place.  
To discharge the battery pack on your  
camcorder completely, select  
[Show others] [POWER SETTINGS]  
(under [GENERAL SET] category)   
(MENU)  
[A.SHUT OFF] [NEVER], and leave your  
camcorder in recording standby until the power  
goes off (p. 68).  
About battery life  
Battery capacity decreases over time and  
through repeated use. If decreased usage time  
between charges becomes significant, it is  
probably time to replace it with a new one.  
Each batterys life is governed by storage,  
operating and environmental conditions.  
When disconnecting the power cord (mains  
lead), pull it by the plug and not the cord.  
Do not damage the power cord (mains lead)  
such as by placing anything heavy on it.  
Do not use a deformed or damaged battery  
pack.  
About handling of your camcorder  
On use and care  
Do not use or store the camcorder and  
accessories in the following locations:  
Anywhere extremely hot, cold or humid.  
Never leave them exposed to temperatures  
above 60 C (140 °F), such as under direct  
sunlight, near heaters or in a car parked in  
the sun. They may malfunction or become  
deformed.  
Near strong magnetic fields or mechanical  
vibration. The camcorder may malfunction.  
Near strong radio waves or radiation. The  
camcorder may not be able to record properly.  
Near AM receivers and video equipment.  
Noise may occur.  
Keep metal contacts clean.  
If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked:  
Consult your local authorized Sony service  
facility.  
Wash off any liquid that may have contacted  
your skin.  
If any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with  
plenty of water and consult a doctor.  
When not using your camcorder for a  
long time  
To keep your camcorder in optimum state for a  
long time, turn it on and let it run by recording  
and playing back images about once a month.  
Use up the battery pack completely before  
storing it.  
On a sandy beach or anywhere dusty. If  
sand or dust gets in your camcorder, it may  
malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction  
cannot be repaired.  
Near windows or outdoors, where the LCD  
screen, or the lens may be exposed to direct  
Moisture condensation  
If your camcorder is brought directly from a cold  
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place to a warm place, moisture may condense  
inside your camcorder. This may cause a  
malfunction to your camcorder.  
If moisture condensation has occurred  
Leave your camcorder for about 1 hour without  
turning it on.  
Note on moisture condensation  
Moisture may condense when you bring your  
camcorder from a cold place into a warm place  
(or vice versa) or when you use your camcorder  
in a humid place as follows:  
You bring your camcorder from a ski slope  
into a place warmed up by a heating device.  
You bring your camcorder from an air  
conditioned car or room into a hot place  
outside.  
On handling the casing  
If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder body  
with a soft cloth lightly moistened with water,  
and then wipe the casing with a dry soft cloth.  
Avoid the following to avoid damage to the  
finish:  
Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine,  
alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent, insecticide  
and sunscreen  
Handling the camcorder with above  
substances on your hands  
Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or  
vinyl objects for a long period of time  
About care and storage of the lens  
Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft  
cloth in the following instances:  
When there are fingerprints on the lens  
surface  
You use your camcorder after a squall or a  
shower.  
You use your camcorder in a hot and humid  
place.  
In hot or humid locations  
How to prevent moisture condensation  
When you bring your camcorder from a cold  
place into a warm place, put your camcorder in  
a plastic bag and seal it tightly. Remove the bag  
when the air temperature inside the plastic bag  
has reached the surrounding temperature (after  
about 1 hour).  
When the lens is exposed to salty air such as  
at the seaside  
Store in a well-ventilated location subject to  
little dirt or dust.  
To prevent mold, periodically clean the lens as  
described above.  
On charging the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery  
LCD screen  
Do not exert excessive pressure on the LCD  
screen, as it may cause uneven color and other  
damage.  
If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a  
residual image may appear on the LCD screen.  
This is not a malfunction.  
While using your camcorder, the back of  
the LCD screen may heat up. This is not a  
malfunction.  
Your camcorder has a pre-installed rechargeable  
battery to retain the date, time, and other settings  
even when the LCD screen is closed. The pre-  
installed rechargeable battery is always charged  
while your camcorder is connected to the wall  
outlet (wall socket) via the AC Adaptor or while  
the battery pack is attached. The rechargeable  
battery will be fully discharged in about 3 months  
if you do not use your camcorder at all. Use  
your camcorder after charging the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery.  
To clean the LCD screen  
If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen  
dirty, it is recommended that you use a soft  
cloth to clean it.  
When you use the LCD Cleaning Kit (sold  
separately), do not apply the cleaning liquid  
directly to the LCD screen. Use cleaning paper  
moistened with the liquid.  
However, even if the pre-installed rechargeable  
battery is not charged, the camcorder operation  
will not be affected as long as you are not  
recording the date.  
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How to charge the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery  
Connect your camcorder to a wall outlet (wall  
socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor, and leave  
it with the LCD screen closed for more than 24  
hours.  
On trademarks  
“Handycam” and  
are  
registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.  
“Memory Stick,” “  
,” “Memory Stick Duo,”  
,” “Memory Stick PRO  
,”  
Duo,” “  
“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo,”  
,” “Memory Stick  
,”  
Note on disposal/transfer  
(DCR-SR15E/SR20E)  
Even if you perform [ DELETE ALL],  
Micro,” “MagicGate,” “  
“MagicGate Memory Stick” and “MagicGate  
Memory Stick Duo” are trademarks or  
registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.  
“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
[
DELETE ALL] or [MEDIA FORMAT] (p. 66)  
or formatting the media of the camcorder, you  
may not delete data from the media completely.  
When you transfer the camcorder, it is  
recommended that you perform [EMPTY] (p. 66)  
to prevent the recovery of your data. Also, when  
you dispose of the camcorder, it is recommended  
that you destroy the actual body of the camcorder.  
“DVDirect” is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks  
of Dolby Laboratories.  
Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, and  
DirectX are either registered trademarks or  
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the  
United States and/or other countries.  
Macintosh and Mac OS are registered  
trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and other  
countries.  
Intel, Intel Core, and Pentium are trademarks  
or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation  
or its subsidiaries in the United States and other  
countries.  
Adobe, the Adobe logo, and Adobe Acrobat  
are either registered trademarks or trademarks  
of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United  
States and/or other countries.  
SDXC and SDHC logo are trademarks of SD-  
3C, LLC.  
MultiMediaCard is a trademark of  
MultiMediaCard Association.  
Note on disposal/transfer of the  
memory card  
Even if you delete data in the memory card or  
format the memory card on your camcorder or  
a computer, you may not delete data from the  
memory card completely. When you give the  
memory card to somebody, it is recommended  
that you delete date completely using data  
deletion software on a computer. Also, when you  
dispose of the memory card, it is recommended  
that you destroy the actual body of the memory  
card.  
All other product names mentioned herein may  
be the trademarks or registered trademarks of  
their respective companies. Furthermore,   
and are not mentioned in each case in this  
Handbook.  
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Notes on the License  
ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT OTHER  
THAN CONSUMER PERSONAL USE IN ANY  
MANNER THAT COMPLIES WITH THE  
MPEG-2 STANDARD FOR ENCODING VIDEO  
INFORMATION FOR PACKAGED MEDIA  
IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED WITHOUT A  
LICENSE UNDER APPLICABLE PATENTS IN  
THE MPEG-2 PATENT PORTFOLIO, WHICH  
LICENSE IS AVAILABLE FROM MPEG LA,  
L.L.C., 250 STEELE STREET, SUITE 300,  
DENVER, COLORADO 80206.  
On GNU GPL/LGPL applied software  
The software that is eligible for the following  
GNU General Public License (hereinafter referred  
to as “GPL) or GNU Lesser General Public  
License (hereinafter referred to as “LGPL) are  
included in the camcorder.  
This informs you that you have a right to have  
access to, modify, and redistribute source code for  
these software programs under the conditions of  
the supplied GPL/LGPL.  
Source code is provided on the web. Use  
the following URL to download it. When  
downloading the source code, select DCR-SX43  
as the model for your camcorder.  
We would prefer you do not contact us about the  
contents of source code.  
Read “license2.pdfin the “License” folder on the  
CD-ROM. You will find licenses (in English) of  
“GPL,” and “LGPLsoftware.  
To view the PDF, Adobe Reader is needed. If  
it is not installed on your computer, you can  
download it from the Adobe Systems web page:  
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Quick reference  
Screen indicators  
Indicator  
Meaning  
Upper left  
Center  
Upper right  
Estimated recording  
remaining time  
[00min]  
Drop sensor off (69)  
Drop sensor activated (69)  
Approximate number of  
recordable photos and  
recording media (80)  
Playback folder of  
memory card (29)  
Current playing movie or  
photo/Number of total  
recorded movies or photos  
9999  
9999  
Bottom  
Upper left  
Indicator  
Meaning  
MENU button (53)  
100/112  
Self-timer recording (63)  
MICREF LEVEL low (62)  
Bottom  
BLT-IN ZOOM MIC (62)  
Remaining battery  
Recording folder of  
memory card  
Indicator  
Meaning  
60 min  
[FACE DETECTION] set  
Manual focus (60)  
VIDEO LIGHT (26)  
Return button (53)  
SCENE SELECTION (58)  
White balance (59)  
SteadyShot off (61)  
Center  
Indicator  
Meaning  
[STBY]/[REC]  
Recording status (21)  
Slide show set (32)  
TELE MACRO (60)  
Backlight (26)  
OPTION button (55)  
VIEW IMAGES button  
Warning (75)  
Playback mode (28)  
Slide show button (32)  
Data file name (29)  
Protected image (37)  
Index button (29)  
Movie mode/photo mode  
Upper right  
Indicator  
101-0005  
Meaning  
Recording mode (HQ/SP/  
Recording/playback/  
editing media (17)  
Indicators and their positions are approximate  
and may differ from what you actually see.  
Some indicators may not appear, depending on  
your camcorder model.  
Counter (hour:minute:  
second)  
0:00:00  
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Parts and controls  
Figures in ( ) are reference pages.  
DCR-SR15E/SR20E  
If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees, you  
can close the LCD panel with the LCD screen  
facing out. This is convenient during playback  
operations.  
LIGHT button (26)  
Press to light up the LIGHT.  
Lens  
Multi-selector (16)  
LENS COVER switch  
Built-in microphone  
(VIEW IMAGES) button (27)  
DCR-SR15E/SR20E  
DCR-SX15E/SX20E  
Speaker  
DCR-SR15E: output only  
Lens  
LENS COVER switch  
Built-in microphone  
MODE button (21)  
(Backlight) button (26)  
RESET button  
Press RESET using a pointed object.  
Press RESET to initialize all the settings  
including the clock setting.  
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DCR-SX15E/SX20E  
DCR-SR15E/SR20E  
Speaker  
DCR-SX15E: output only  
MODE button (21)  
(Backlight) button (26)  
RESET button  
Press RESET using a pointed object.  
Press RESET to initialize all the settings  
including the clock setting.  
Power zoom lever (25)  
PHOTO button (24)  
POWER lamp  
START/STOP button (21)  
Hook for a shoulder belt  
Access lamp (memory card) (18)  
While the lamp is lit or flashing, the  
camcorder is reading or writing data.  
BATT (battery) release lever (13)  
Tripod receptacle  
Attach a tripod (sold separately) to the  
tripod receptacle using a tripod screw (sold  
separately: the length of the screw must be less  
than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.)).  
Memory card slot (18)  
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DCR-SX15E/SX20E  
Power zoom lever (25)  
PHOTO button (24)  
POWER lamp  
START/STOP button (21)  
Access lamp (memory card) (18)  
While the lamp is lit or flashing, the  
camcorder is reading or writing data.  
BATT (battery) release lever (13)  
Tripod receptacle  
Attach a tripod (sold separately) to the  
tripod receptacle using a tripod screw (sold  
separately: the length of the screw must be less  
than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.)).  
Memory card slot (18)  
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Index  
DIVIDE........................................38  
DROP SENSOR ..........................69  
Dubbing.......................................40  
DVDirect Express.......................48  
DVD writer............................48, 50  
MANUAL SETTINGS...............58  
MEDIA FORMAT......................66  
MEDIA INFO .............................66  
MEDIA SETTINGS....................17  
Memory card...............................18  
“Memory Stick” media.........19, 83  
“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo”  
media......................................19, 83  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media  
.................................................18, 83  
Menus.....................................53, 56  
MICREF LEVEL.........................62  
Mirror mode ...............................26  
Moisture condensation ..............85  
MOVIE DUB ..............................40  
MOVIE MEDIA SET .................17  
Movies....................................21, 27  
MY MENU..................................53  
MY MENU SETTING...............53  
Symbols  
16:9 ...............................................33  
4:3 .................................................33  
A
A.SHUT OFF ..............................68  
A/V connecting cable...........33, 51  
Abroad .........................................81  
Altitude ..........................................4  
AREA SET...................................68  
AUDIO REC SET .......................62  
AUTO SLW SHUTTR ...............61  
E
EMPTY........................................66  
EXPOSURE.................................60  
External media............................45  
F
FACE DETECTION.............61, 75  
Face Index....................................31  
FADER.........................................58  
FILE NO.......................................63  
Film Roll Index ...........................30  
FIREWORKS ..............................58  
FOCUS.........................................60  
Format..........................................66  
Fully charged...............................11  
B
Backlight......................................26  
BATTERY INFO.........................65  
Battery pack.................................11  
BEACH ........................................58  
BEEP.............................................67  
BLACK FADER ..........................59  
BLT-IN ZOOM MIC..................62  
O
ONE PUSH .................................59  
Operation beeps..........................15  
Operation flow..............................5  
OPTION MENU ........................55  
Original........................................40  
OTHER REC SET.......................62  
OTHERS......................................65  
OTHER SETTINGS...................69  
OUTDOOR.................................59  
OUTPUT SETTINGS................68  
G
C
GENERAL SET...........................67  
GUIDEFRAME...........................61  
CAMERA DATA ........................64  
CANDLE .....................................58  
Capturing a photo from a movie  
.......................................................39  
Charging the battery pack.........11  
Charging the battery pack abroad  
.................................................13, 81  
CLOCK/LANG...........................68  
CLOCK SET................................14  
Copy.............................................41  
Creating a disc ............................48  
H
HQ................................................25  
I
IMAGE SIZE...............................63  
INDOOR .....................................59  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack...84  
Internal hard disk .......................17  
P
PAL...............................................81  
PHOTO CAPTURE...................39  
PHOTO COPY ...........................41  
PHOTO MEDIA SET ................18  
Photos ....................................23, 27  
PHOTO SETTINGS...................63  
PLAYBACK.................................64  
Playback.......................................27  
PLAYBACK SET.........................64  
Playlist..........................................43  
PLAYLIST EDIT.........................65  
PORTRAIT..................................58  
L
D
LANDSCAPE..............................58  
LANGUAGE SET.................16, 68  
LCD BL LEVEL ..........................67  
LCD BRIGHT .............................67  
LCD COLOR...............................68  
LP..................................................25  
DATA CODE ........................15, 64  
DATE/TIME..........................15, 64  
Date Index ...................................30  
DELETE.......................................35  
DEMO MODE............................69  
DIGITAL ZOOM .......................62  
Disc recorder...............................51  
DISPLAY SET .............................68  
DISP OUTPUT...........................68  
M
Maintenance................................83  
MANAGE MEDIA.....................66  
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Power on......................................14  
POWER SETTINGS ..................68  
Precautions..................................83  
PROTECT ...................................37  
TV color systems........................81  
TV TYPE.....................................33  
TWILIGHT.................................58  
U
R
USB cable...............................48, 50  
USB CONNECT...................48, 50  
REC MODE.................................25  
Recording ....................................21  
Recording media.........................17  
Recording time of movies/  
number of recordable photos....79  
Repair...........................................70  
REPAIR IMG.DB F.....................77  
RESET..........................................91  
V
VBR ..............................................79  
VIDEO LIGHT...........................26  
VIEW IMAGES ....................27, 30  
VISUAL INDEX .........................27  
Volume...................................28, 67  
W
S
Wall outlet (wall socket)............11  
Warning messages......................76  
WHITE BAL. ..............................59  
WHITE FADER..........................59  
Wide angle...................................25  
WIDE SELECT...........................62  
Saving images in external media  
.......................................................45  
SCENE SELECTION ...........58, 75  
Screen indicators ........................89  
Self-diagnosis display/Warning  
indicators.....................................75  
SELF-TIMER...............................63  
Setting the date and time...........14  
SHOOTING SET........................61  
Slide show....................................32  
SLIDE SHOW SET.....................32  
SNOW..........................................58  
SOUND/DISP SET.....................67  
SP..................................................25  
SPORTS .......................................58  
SPOTLIGHT...............................58  
STEADYSHOT ...........................61  
SUMMERTIME..........................68  
SUNRISE&SUNSET...................58  
Supplied items...............................2  
Z
Zoom............................................25  
T
TELE MACRO............................60  
Telephoto.....................................25  
Thumbnail...................................35  
Tripod...........................................92  
Troubleshooting..........................70  
Turning the power on ................14  
TV.................................................33  
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Additional information on this product and  
answers to frequently asked questions can  
be found at our Customer Support Website.  
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