4-170-095-12(1)
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/
SR88E/SX33E/SX34E/SX43E/
SX44E/SX53E/SX63E
Digital Video Camera Recorder
“Handycam”Handbook
2010 Sony Corporation
Before starting to record, test the recording
function to make sure that the image and sound
are recorded without any problems.
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.
activated in such situations. In this case, an
indicator appears on the LCD screen (p. 77).
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.
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 AV 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 touching
(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-SR58E/
SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/
SX63E) [YES] [YES]
.
Carl Zeiss lens
Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss
lens, which was developed jointly by Carl
Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and
produces superior images. It adopts the MTF
measurement system for video cameras and
offers a quality typical of a Carl Zeiss lens.
MTF= Modulation Transfer Function. The
number value indicates the amount of light
from a subject coming into the lens.
Notes on battery pack/AC Adaptor
Be sure to remove the battery pack or the AC
Adaptor after turning off the camcorder.
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the
camcorder, holding both the camcorder and the
DC plug.
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
Notes on optional accessories
We recommend using genuine Sony accessories.
Availability of such products is subject to
country/region.
GB
3
About images, illustrations, and screen
displays of this manual
Recording Capacity USB jack
media
of internal
recording
media
The example images used in this manual for
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-
SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E), the internal
memory (DCR-SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E)
of your camcorder and memory card are called
“recording media.”
DCR-
Internal
4 GB
Output
only
Input/
output
Output
only
SX34E memory
+
DCR-
SX44E
DCR-
SX53E
DCR-
SX63E
memory
card
16 GB
Input/
output
Notes on use
Design and specifications of your camcorder
and accessories are subject to change without
notice.
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
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.
Remove the battery pack or AC Adaptor from
the camcorder, or subject the camcorder to
shock or vibration when the
(Movie)/
The main differences in specification of this
series are as follows.
When using a shoulder belt (sold separately), do
not crash the camcorder against an object.
Do not use your camcorder in very loud areas.
Recording Capacity USB jack
media
of internal
recording
media
On the drop sensor (DCR-SR58E/SR68E/
SR78E/SR88E)
DCR-
Internal
80 GB
Output
only
Input/
output
Output
only
SR58E hard
To protect the internal hard disk from shock
by dropping, the camcorder has a drop sensor
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.
disk +
DCR-
memory
SR68E
DCR-
SR78E
DCR-
SR88E
DCR-
card
120 GB
Input/
output
Memory
SX33E card
Output
only
DCR-
SX43E
Input/
output
GB
4
Operation flow
Getting started (p. 12)
Prepare the power source and memory card.
Recording movies and photos (p. 21)
Playing movies and photos
Saving images
Saving movies and photos with a computer
Deleting movies and photos (p. 37)
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.
GB
6
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.
GB
7
Useful recording techniques
Flowers in close-up
PORTRAIT (59)
TELE MACRO (62)
Recording in a dimly-lit room
VIDEO LIGHT (27)
Capturing fireworks, or a sunset in all
Checking your golf swing
SPORTS (59)
its splendor
FIREWORKS (59)
SUNRISE&SUNSET (59)
Focusing on the child on the left side of
the screen
SPOT FOCUS (61)
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Table of contents
Read this first. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Notes on use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Operation flow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Advice for successful recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Step 1: Charging the battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Step 2: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Changing the language setting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Step 3: Preparing the recording media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Inserting a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Recording. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Recording movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Shooting photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Useful functions for recording movies and photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Zooming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Selecting the recording mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Using the VIDEO LIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Recording in mirror mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Playback on the camcorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Useful functions for playing movies and photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Searching for desired images by date (Date Index). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Searching for desired scene by pinpoint (Film Roll Index) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Searching for desired scene by face (Face Index) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Using PB zoom with photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Playing back a series of photos (Slide show) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Playing images on a TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
GB
9
Deleting movies and photos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Protecting recorded movies and photos (Protect) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Dividing a movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
SX44E/SX53E/SX63E) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Dubbing movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Copying photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Using the Playlist of movies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Creating the Playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Playing the Playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Saving images in external media (DIRECT COPY). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Creating a disc with a DVD writer, recorder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Creating a disc with a recorder, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Using menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Operating menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Using MY MENU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
OPTION MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Menu lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
MANUAL SETTINGS (Items to adjust for scene condition). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
SHOOTING SET (Items for customized shooting). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
PHOTO SETTINGS (Items for recording photos) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
PLAYBACK (Items for playback). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
EDIT (Items for editing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
OTHERS (Items for other settings). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
MANAGE MEDIA (Items for recording media). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
GENERAL SET (Other setup items) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
1G0B
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Recording time of movies/number of recordable photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Expected recording time of movies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Expected number of recordable photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Using your camcorder abroad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Maintenance and precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
About the memory card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
About the “InfoLITHIUM”battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
About handling of your camcorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Screen indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Parts and controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
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11
Getting started
Step 1: Charging the battery pack
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E
DC IN jack
Battery pack
Power cord
(Mains lead)
DC plug
AC Adaptor
To the wall outlet
(wall socket)
CHG (charge) lamp
DCR-SX33E/SX34E/SX43E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E
CHG (charge) lamp
Battery pack
DC IN jack
DC plug
Power cord
(Mains lead)
AC Adaptor
To the wall outlet
(wall socket)
1G2B
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (V series) after attaching it to your
camcorder.
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
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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13
To remove the battery pack
Close the LCD screen. Slide the BATT (battery) release lever () and remove the battery
pack ().
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E
DCR-SX33E/SX34E/SX43E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E
To use a wall outlet (wall socket) as a power source
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
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. 71).
1G4B
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.
To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is open, press POWER.
POWER button
MODE lamp
Select the desired geographical area with
/
, then touch [NEXT].
2
3
Touch the button on
the LCD screen.
To set the date and time again, touch
(MENU) [Show others] [CLOCK/ LANG]
(under
/
[GENERAL SET] category) [CLOCK SET]. When an item is not on the screen, touch
until the item appears.
Set [SUMMERTIME], date and time, then touch
.
The clock starts.
If you set [SUMMERTIME] to [ON], the clock advances 1 hour.
1G6B
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, touch
(MENU)
[Show others] [PLAYBACK SET] (under
TIME]
You can turn off the operation beeps by touching
SET] (under
[PLAYBACK] category) [DATA CODE] [DATE/
.
(MENU) [Show others] [SOUND/DISP
[GENERAL SET] category) [BEEP] [OFF]
.
To turn off the power
Close the LCD screen. The (Movie) lamp flashes for a few seconds and the power is turned
off.
Tips
You can turn off your camcorder also by pressing POWER.
Changing the language setting
You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language.
Touch
(MENU) [Show others] [CLOCK/ LANG] (under [GENERAL SET]
category) [ LANGUAGE SET] a desired language
.
GB
17
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-SX33E/SX43E:
Memory card
DCR-SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E:
*
Internal memory
Memory card
Memory card
DCR-SR5ꢀE/SR6ꢀE/SR7ꢀE/SRꢀꢀE:
*
Internal hard disk
* 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.
Tips
Selecting the recording media for movies (DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/
SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E)
Touch
(MENU) [Show others] [MEDIA SETTINGS] (under
[MANAGE MEDIA] category) [MOVIE MEDIA SET].
The [MOVIE MEDIA SET] screen appears.
Touch the desired recording media.
Touch [YES]
.
The recording medium is changed.
Selecting the recording media for photos (DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/
SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E)
Touch
(MENU) [Show others] [MEDIA SETTINGS] (under
[MANAGE MEDIA] category) [PHOTO MEDIA SET].
The [PHOTO MEDIA SET] screen appears.
1GꢀB
Touch the desired recording media.
Touch [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-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E).
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.
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.
Size of memory cards that can be used with your camcorder
GB
19
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.
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E
DCR-SX33E/SX34E/SX43E/SX44E/SX53E/
SX63E
Access lamp
Access lamp
Note direction of notched corner.
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, touch [YES]. If you record only photos on the memory card, touch
[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 touching (MENU) [Show others] [MEDIA
FORMAT] (under [MANAGE MEDIA] category) [MEMORY CARD] (DCR-SR58E/SR68E/
SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E) [YES] [YES]
.
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.
2G0B
Recording/Playback
Recording
In the default setting, movies are recorded on the following recording media.
DCR-SX33E/SX43E: Memory card
DCR-SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E: Internal memory
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E: Internal hard disk
Tips
(DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E).
To open the lens cover
Slide the LENS COVER switch to open.
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/
SR78E/SR88E
DCR-SX33E/SX34E/SX43E/
SX44E/SX53E/SX63E
Tips
When you finish recording or when you play back images, close the lens cover.
Fasten the grip belt.
1
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E
GB
21
DCR-SX33E/SX34E/SX43E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E
Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.
2
Your camcorder turns on.
You can switch recording modes by pressing MODE. Press MODE to light up the desired recording
mode lamp.
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E
MODE button
(Movie): When
recording a movie
(Photo): When
shooting a photo
DCR-SX33E/SX34E/SX43E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E
MODE button
(Movie): When
recording a movie
(Photo): When
shooting a photo
2G2B
Recording movies
Press START/STOP to start recording.
You can start recording also by touching in the bottom left of the LCD screen.
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/ DCR-SX33E/SX34E/SX43E/
SR78E/SR88E
SX44E/SX53E/SX63E
START/STOP button
[STBY] [REC]
To stop recording, press START/STOP again.
You can stop recording also by touching in the bottom left of LCD screen.
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, touch anywhere on the screen except the rec & zoom buttons on the LCD.
Rec & zoom buttons on LCD
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.
GB
23
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.
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. 63).
You can capture photos from recorded movies (DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/SX43E/SX44E/
SX53E/SX63E) (p. 41).
You can check the recordable time, estimated remaining capacity, etc., by touching
[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
[ 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.)
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, touch
(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-SX33E/SX43E: Memory card
DCR-SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E: Internal memory
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E: Internal hard disk
Tips
(DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E).
2G4B
Press MODE to turn on the (Photo) lamp.
The LCD screen display switches for photo recording mode, and the screen aspect ratio
becomes 4:3.
Press PHOTO lightly to adjust the focus, then press it fully.
You can record photos also by touching
on the LCD screen.
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/
SR78E/SR88E
DCR-SX33E/SX34E/SX43E/
SX44E/SX53E/SX63E
Flashes Lights up
When
disappears, the photo is recorded.
Tips
To change the image size, touch
[PHOTO SETTINGS] category) a desired setting
(MENU) [Show others] [ IMAGE SIZE] (under
.
GB
25
Useful functions for
recording movies and
photos
Tips
want to zoom to a greater level.
Zooming
Selecting the recording mode
You can magnify images up to 60 times the
original size with the power zoom lever.
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,
You can magnify images also with the
on the LCD screen.
/
[
REC MODE] is set to [SP].
Long time recording
High quality
recording
Touch
(MENU) [Show
others] [ REC MODE] (under
[SHOOTING SET] category).
Touch 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.
Wider range of view
(Wide angle)
Close view
(Telephoto)
Move the power zoom lever slightly for a
slower zoom. Move it further for a faster
zoom.
Touch
.
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.
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))
You cannot change the zoom speed with the
button on the LCD screen.
/
The minimum possible distance between
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.
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.
2G6B
Tips
Adjusting the exposure for backlit
subjects
You can select the [REC MODE] for each
recording media separately (DCR-SR58E/
SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/
SX63E).
Using the VIDEO LIGHT
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.
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects,
press (backlight) to display . To cancel
the back light function, press (backlight)
again.
Recording in mirror mode
LED VIDEO LIGHT
Each time you press LIGHT, the indicator
changes as follows.
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder (), then rotate it 180 degrees
to the lens side ().
No indicator (Off)
(Auto)
(On) ...
Press LIGHT repeatedly to cancel the
VIDEO LIGHT.
Tips
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
.
GB
27
Playback
on the camcorder
In the default setting, movies and photos that are recorded on the following recording media
are played.
DCR-SX33E/SX43E: Memory card
DCR-SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E: Internal memory
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E: Internal hard disk
Tips
(DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E).
Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.
1
Your camcorder turns on.
Press
(VIEW IMAGES).
2
The VISUAL INDEX screen appears after some seconds.
You can display the VISUAL INDEX screen also by touching
screen.
(VIEW IMAGES) on the LCD
Touch (Movie) () a desired movie () to play back a movie.
Touch the (Photo) () a desired photo () to view a photo.
3
Movies are displayed and sorted by recording date.
Switches operating button display.
2GꢀB
To MENU screen
Displays the screen to select the index type ([DATE INDEX]/[ FILM ROLL]/
[
FACE]) (p. 31, 31, 32).
/
/
: Displays movies recorded on the previous/next date.*
: Displays the previous/next movie.
Returns to the recording screen.
* is displayed when is touched.
You can scroll the display by touching and dragging or .
appears with the movie or photo that was most recently played or recorded. If you touch 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.
Touch
As you repeat touching
/
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 touching
(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 touching
(MENU) [Show others] [PLAYBACK SET] (under
CODE] a desired setting
[PLAYBACK] category) [DATA
.
To adjust the sound volume of movies
While playing back movies, touch adjust with
/
.
You can also adjust the sound volume by using
/
in the OPTION MENU.
GB
29
Useful functions for
playing movies and
photos
(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 touching the
date in the upper right corner of the screen.
Searching for desired images by
date (Date Index)
You can search for desired images by date
efficiently.
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.
Press
(VIEW IMAGES).
Touch [DATE INDEX].
The VISUAL INDEX screen appears.
Returns to the VISUAL INDEX screen
Touch [ FILM ROLL].
Returns to the VISUAL INDEX screen
Touch
/
to select the date
of the desired image, then touch
.
Sets the interval at which to create thumbnails
of scenes in a movie.
Touch
desired movie.
/
to select the
The images of the selected date are
displayed on the VISUAL INDEX
screen.
Touch
/
to search for the
desired scene, then touch the
scene you want to play back.
Playback starts from the selected scene.
Tips
You can also display Date Index by touching
GB
31
Tips
Notes
You can also display the Film Roll Index by
Faces may not be detected depending on
recording conditions.
Example: People wearing glasses or hats, or who
do not face towards the camera.
touching
[VIEW IMAGES] (under
(MENU) [Show others]
[PLAYBACK]
category) [ FILM ROLL].
Make sure that you set [FACE DETECTION]
recording, to search movies on the Face Index.
Searching for desired scene by face
(Face Index)
Tips
The face images detected during movie
recording are displayed on the INDEX
screen.
You can play back the movie from the
selected face image.
You can also display the Face Index by touching
(MENU) [Show others] [VIEW
IMAGES] (under
[PLAYBACK] category)
[ FACE].
Using PB zoom with photos
Press
(VIEW IMAGES).
You can magnify photos from about 1.1 to 5
times the original size.
Magnification can be adjusted with the
power zoom lever.
The VISUAL INDEX screen appears.
Touch [ FACE].
Returns to the VISUAL INDEX screen
Play back the photo you want to
magnify.
Touch
desired movie.
/
to select the
Magnify the photo with T
(Telephoto).
Touch
/
to search for the
The screen is framed.
desired face image, then touch
the desired face image to view
the scene.
Playback starts from the beginning of
the scene with the selected face image.
3G2B
Tips
You can set continuous slide show playback
Touch the screen at the point you
want to display in the center of
the displayed frame.
by selecting
(OPTION)
tab
[SLIDE SHOW SET] while playing photos. The
default setting is [ON] (continuous playback).
The point where you touched on the
screen is moved to the center of the
display frame.
Adjust the magnification with W
(Wide angle)/T (Telephoto).
To cancel, touch
.
Playing back a series of photos
(Slide show)
Touch
on the photo playback
screen.
The slide show begins from the selected
photo.
To stop the slide show
Touch
.
To restart the slide show
Touch
again.
Notes
You cannot operate playback zoom during slide
show.
GB
33
Playing images on a TV
Connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or VCR using the A/V connecting cable
or an A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO . Connect your camcorder to the wall
instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.
A/V connecting cable (supplied)
Connecting to another device via the A/V Remote Connector using an A/V connecting cable.
A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (sold separately)
When connecting to another device via the S VIDEO jack, by using an A/V connecting cable
with an S VIDEO cable (sold separately), higher quality images can be produced than with an
A/V connecting cable. Connect the white and red plugs (left/right audio) and the S VIDEO plug
(S VIDEO channel) of the A/V connecting cable with an S VIDEO cable (sold separately). The
yellow plug connection is not necessary. Connecting only the S VIDEO plug will not output
audio.
DCR-SX33E/SX34E/SX43E/
SX44E/SX53E/SX63E
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E
IN
VIDEO
(Yellow)
AUDIO
(White)
TVs
(Red)
S VIDEO
VCRs
(Yellow)
Signal flow
A/V Remote Connector
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.
3G4B
Connect your camcorder to a TV with the A/V connecting cable (,
supplied) or an A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (, sold separately).
Connect your camcorder to the input jack of the TV.
Play back movies and photos on your camcorder (p. 28).
To set the aspect ratio according to the connected TV (16:9/4:3)
Touch (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.).
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 image’s
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].
GB
35
Tips
To check information (counter, etc.) on the screen of the monitor, touch
(MENU) [Show
others] [OUTPUT SETTINGS] (under
[V-OUT/PANEL]
[GENERAL SET] category) [DISP OUTPUT]
.
3G6B
Making good use of your camcorder
Deleting movies and
photos
You can free media space by deleting
movies and photos from recording media.
3
4
Touch 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.
You cannot delete protected movies and photos.
Undo the protection of the movies and photos
to delete them, before you try to delete them
(p. 39).
If the deleted movie is included in the Playlist
deleted also from the Playlist.
Press and hold the image down on the
LCD screen to confirm the image. Touch
to return to the previous screen.
Touch
[YES]
.
To delete all movies/photos at one time
Tips
In step 2, touch [ DELETE]
You can delete an image on the playback screen
from
[
DELETE ALL] [YES] [YES]
OPTION MENU.
.
To delete all images recorded in the recording
media, and recover all the recordable space of
the media, format the media (p. 68).
Reduced-size images which enable you to view
many images at the same time on an index
screen are called “thumbnails.”
To delete all photos at one time, touch
DELETE] [ DELETE ALL] [YES]
[YES]
[
.
To delete all the movies/photos
recorded on the same day at one time
Notes
1
2
Touch
(MENU) [Show
You cannot delete photos on memory card by
recording date.
In step 2, touch [ DELETE]
others] [DELETE] (under
[EDIT] category).
[
DELETE by date].
To delete all photos on the same day at one
time, touch [ DELETE] [ DELETE
by date].
To delete movies, touch
[
DELETE] [ DELETE].
To delete photos, touch [ DELETE]
DELETE].
[
GB
37
Touch
date of the desired movies/photos, then
touch
/
to select the recording
.
Touch the image down on the LCD screen
to confirm the image. Touch
return to the previous screen.
to
Touch [YES]
.
3GꢀB
Protecting recorded
movies and photos
(Protect)
Protect movies and photos to avoid deleting
them by mistake.
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
playback screen from
OPTION MENU.
In step 2, touch [ PROTECT]
[
PRT. by date].
To protect all photos on the same day at
one time, touch [ PROTECT]
1
Touch
(MENU) [Show
others] [PROTECT] (under
[EDIT] category).
[
PRT. by date].
2
3
To protect movies, touch
[
PROTECT] [ PROTECT].
To protect photos, touch [ PROTECT]
[ PROTECT].
Touch
date of the desired movies/photos, then
touch
/
to select the recording
.
Touch the movies and photos to
be protected.
Touch the image down on the LCD screen
to confirm the image. Touch
return to the previous screen.
to
is displayed on the selected images.
Touch [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 touch
Press and hold the image down on the
LCD screen to confirm the image. Touch
to return to the previous screen.
[UNPROTECT]
.
4
Touch
[YES]
.
To undo the protection of movies and
photos
Touch the movie or photo marked with
in step 3.
disappears.
GB
39
Dividing a movie
dividing movies on the memory card.
A slight difference may occur from the point
1
Touch
(MENU) [Show
where you touch
and the actual dividing
others] [ DIVIDE] (under
[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 for more
advanced editing.
2
3
Touch the movie to be divided.
The selected movie starts playback.
Tips
Touch
at the point where
You can divide a movie on the playback screen
you want to divide the movie into
scenes.
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
Touch
[YES]
.
Notes
You cannot restore movies once they are
divided.
You cannot divide the protected movie. Remove
the protection to divide (p. 39).
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
4G0B
Capturing a photo
from a movie (DCR-
SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/
SR88E/SX34E/SX43E/
SX44E/SX53E/SX63E)
4
5
Touch
.
When capturing is finished, the screen
returns to pause.
The captured photo is saved on the
recording media selected in [PHOTO
MEDIA SET] (DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/
SR88E/SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E)
(p. 18).
To continue capturing, touch
repeat steps from step 3.
To capture a photo from another movie,
1
Touch
others] [PHOTO CAPTURE]
(under [EDIT] category).
(MENU) [Show
, then
The [PHOTO CAPTURE] screen
appears.
touch
, then repeat steps from step 2.
2
3
Touch the movie to be captured.
Touch
.
The selected movie starts playback.
Touch
at the point where
Notes
you want to capture.
The image size is fixed depending on the aspect
ratio of the movie:
[
The movie pauses. Play and pause
0.2M] in 16:9 (wide)
toggles as you press
.
[VGA(0.3M)] in 4:3
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.
Adjust the capturing point with more
precision after you selected the point with
.
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-SR58E/SR78E/SX34E/SX53E).
Returns to the beginning of the selected
movie
GB
41
Dubbing/copying
movies and photos
from the internal
recording media to
memory card
(DCR-SR58E/SR68E/
SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/
SX44E/SX53E/SX63E)
Touch the type of dubbing.
[DUB by select]: To select movies and
dub
[DUB by date]: To dub all movies of a
specified date
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.
[
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
Select the movie to be dubbed.
[DUB by select]: Touch the movie to be
dubbed, and mark it with . You can
select multiple movies.
by touching
[REPAIR IMG.DB F.] (under
(MENU) [Show others]
[MANAGE
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.
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 and hold the image down on the
LCD screen to confirm the image. Touch
to return to the previous screen.
[DUB by date]: Select the recording
date of the movie to be dubbed, then
Touch
(MENU) [Show
others] [MOVIE DUB] (under
touch
dates.
. You cannot select multiple
[EDIT] category).
The [MOVIE DUB] screen appears.
4G2B
Touch the type of copying.
[COPY by select]: To copy selected
photos
[COPY by date]: To copy all photos of
a specified date
Touch
[YES]
.
Select the photo to be copied.
[COPY by select]: Touch the photo to
be copied, and mark with . You can
select multiple photos.
Tips
To check the dubbed movies after dubbing is
finished, select [MEMORY CARD] on [MOVIE
MEDIA SET] and play them back (p. 18).
Copying photos
You can copy photos from the internal
recording media of the camcorder to
memory card.
Press and hold the image down on the
screen to confirm the image. Touch
to return to the previous screen.
Insert a memory card into your camcorder
before the operation.
[COPY by date]: Select the recording
date of the photo to be copied, then
Notes
touch
dates.
. You cannot select multiple
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.
Touch
(MENU) [Show
others] [PHOTO COPY] (under
[EDIT] category).
Touch
[YES]
The [PHOTO COPY] screen appears.
.
Tips
To check the copied photos after copying
is finished, select [MEMORY CARD] on
[PHOTO MEDIA SET] and play them back
(p. 18).
GB
43
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.
Touch
/
to select the recording
date of the desired movie, then touch
Creating the Playlist
.
Touch the image on the LCD screen to
Touch
(MENU) [Show
others] [PLAYLIST EDIT]
(under [EDIT] category).
confirm the image. Touch
to the previous screen.
to return
Touch [YES]
.
Notes
Touch [ ADD].
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.
Touch 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 touching
(OPTION).
The selected movie is marked with
Press and hold the image down on the
LCD screen to confirm the image. Touch
to return to the previous screen.
.
Playing the Playlist
Touch
(MENU) [Show
others] [PLAYLIST] (under
Touch
[YES]
[PLAYBACK] category).
.
Movies added to the Playlist appear.
To add all the movies recorded on the
same day at one time
In step 2, touch [ ADD by date].
The recording dates of movies are
displayed on the screen.
4G4B
Select the movie to be moved.
Touch 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
.
Touch the image on the LCD screen to
To erase unnecessary movies from the
Playlist
confirm the image. Touch
to the previous screen.
to return
Touch
Select the destination with
.
Touch
[PLAYLIST EDIT] (under
(MENU) [Show others]
/
.
[EDIT] category).
Touch [ ERASE].
To erase all the movies from the Playlist,
touch [ ERASE ALL] [YES]
[YES]
.
Select the movie to be erased from the
list.
Destination bar
Touch
[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 and hold the image down on the
.
LCD screen to confirm the image. Touch
to return to the previous screen.
Touch
[YES]
.
Tips
Even if you erase a movie from a Playlist, the
original movie is not deleted.
To change the order within the Playlist
Touch
(MENU) [Show others]
[PLAYLIST EDIT] (under
[EDIT] category).
Touch [ MOVE].
GB
45
Saving images with an external device
Saving images in
external media
(DIRECT COPY)
Connect the AC Adaptor and the
power cord (mains lead) to the
DC IN jack of your camcorder and
the wall outlet (wall socket).
1
You can save movies and photos on external
media (USB storage device), such as an
external hard disk drive. You can also play
back images on the camcorder or another
playback device.
If the external media has the AC
power cable, connect it to the
wall outlet (wall socket).
2
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.
Connect the USB Adaptor Cable
to the external media.
3
4
media with a capacity exceeding 2 TB
ordinary disc drive such as CD or DVD drive
media connected via USB hub
Connect the USB Adaptor Cable
to the (USB) jack of your
camcorder.
media with built-in USB hub
card reader
You may not be able to use external media with
a code function.
When the [Create a new Image
Database File.] screen appears, touch
[YES].
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. 14).
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.
Touch [Copy.] on the camcorder
screen.
5
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/
SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E:
Movies and photos in the internal
recording media of the camcorder that
have not yet been saved on to external
media can be saved.
Tips
You can also import images recorded on
external media using the supplied software
“PMB.”
4G6B
DCR-SX33E/SX43E:
Movies and photos that have not yet
been saved on to external media can
Touch [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.
Touch
(MENU) [Show others]
[MOVIE DUB] (when selecting
movies)/[PHOTO COPY] (when
selecting photos).
6
After the operation is completed,
Follow the on-screen instructions to
select the recording media and image
selection methods (DCR-SR58E/SR68E/
SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/
SX63E).
When you selected [DUB by select],
touch the image to be saved.
touch
on the camcorder
screen.
Notes
The number of scenes you can save on the
external media are as follows.
Movies: 9,999
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 touch
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 and hold the image down on the
LCD screen to confirm the image. Touch
to return to the previous screen.
By touching date, you can search for
images by date.
Touch
camcorder screen.
[YES]
on the
You can make menu settings of the external
media such as deleting images. Touch
(MENU) [Show others] on the VISUAL
INDEX screen.
To play back images in the external
media on the camcorder
Touch [Play without copying.] in step 5
above.
To save desired movies and photos
You can also save images recorded on
memory cards.
The VISUAL INDEX screen of the
external media is displayed.
You can also view images on a TV
connected to your camcorder (p. 34).
Notes
You cannot search or copy photos recorded on
memory card by recording date.
GB
47
Creating a disc with a
DVD writer, recorder
Notes
Creating a disc with the dedicated
DVD writer, DVDirect Express
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)
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.
To finish the external media connection
Touch
screen of the external media.
Disconnect the USB Adaptor Cable.
on the VISUAL INDEX
Notes
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall
socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this
operation (p. 14).
Only unused discs of the following types can
be used:
12cm DVD-R
12cm DVD+R
The device does not support two-layered discs.
DVDirect Express is referred to as “DVD
writer” in this section.
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. 14).
Turn on your camcorder, and
connect the DVD writer to the
(USB) jack of your camcorder with
the USB cable of the DVD writer.
4GꢀB
When creating multiple copies of the same
disc
When dubbing images in the memory card
(DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/
SX44E/SX53E/SX63E)
Touch [DISC BURN OPTION] in step 4.
Select the recording media containing
the movie(s) you want to save (DCR-
SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/SX44E/
SX53E/SX63E).
Touch the movie you want to burn on
Insert an unused disc into the
DVD writer, and close the disc
tray.
The [DISC BURN] screen appears on
the camcorder screen.
Press
(DISC BURN) on the DVD
writer.
Movies recorded on the internal
recording media that have not been
saved on any discs will be recorded
onto the disc (DCR-SR58E/SR68E/
SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/
SX63E).
the disc.
appears.
Movies that have not been saved on
any discs will be recorded onto the disc
(DCR-SX33E/SX43E).
Remaining Disc capacity
Press and hold the image down on the
LCD screen to confirm the image. Touch
to return to the previous screen.
By touching date, you can search for
images by date.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 when the
total memory size of movies to
be burnt exceeds that of the disc.
Touch
[YES] on the camcorder
screen.
Touch
[END] [EJECT
To create another disc of the same
contents, insert a new disc and touch
[CREATE SAME DISC].
After the operation is completed, touch
[EXIT] [END] on the camcorder
screen.
Disconnect the USB cable from your
camcorder.
DISC] on the camcorder screen.
Remove the disc after the operation is
completed.
Touch
USB cable.
, then disconnect the
To customize a disc with DISC BURN
OPTION
Perform this operation in the following
cases:
When dubbing a desired image
GB
49
Play the created disc to make sure dubbing was
performed correctly before deleting the movies
on your camcorder.
To play back a disc on the DVD writer
If [Failed.] or [DISC BURN failed.] appears on
the screen, insert another disc into the DVD
writer and perform the DISC BURN operation
again.
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 to 60 minutes. It may take
more time depending on the recording mode or
the number of scenes.
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. 14).
Turn on your camcorder, and connect
the DVD writer to the (USB) jack of
your camcorder with the USB cable of
If you cannot play back created discs on any
DVD player, connect the camcorder to the
DVD writer, and then play back.
the DVD writer.
You can play back movies on the TV
screen by connecting the camcorder to a
TV (p. 34).
Insert a created disc into the DVD
writer.
Creating a disc with a DVD writer,
etc., other than DVDirect Express
The movies on the disc appear as
VISUAL INDEX on the camcorder
screen.
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.
Press the play button on the DVD writer.
You can also operate by the camcorder
screen.
Touch [END] [EJECT DISC] on the
camcorder screen and remove the disc
after the operation is completed.
Notes
Sony DVD writer may not be available in some
countries/regions.
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall
socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this
operation (p. 14).
Touch
and disconnect the USB
cable.
Notes
Do not do any of the following when creating
a disc.
Turn off the camcorder
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. 14).
Disconnect the USB cable or the AC adaptor
Subject the camcorder to mechanical shock
or vibration
Eject the memory card from the camcorder
5G0B
Turn on your camcorder, and
connect a DVD writer, etc. to the
(USB) jack of your camcorder
with the USB cable (supplied).
After the operation is completed,
touch [END] [YES] on the
camcorder screen.
Disconnect the USB cable.
The [USB SELECT] screen appears on
the camcorder screen.
If the [USB SELECT] screen does not
appear, touch
(MENU) [Show
others] [USB CONNECT] (under
[OTHERS] category).
Touch the recording media that
contains the images on the
camcorder screen.
[
USB CONNECT]: Internal hard
disk
[
USB CONNECT]: Internal
memory
[
USB CONNECT]: Memory card
The displayed recording media differ
depending on the model.
Record movies on the connected
device.
For details, refer to the instruction
manuals supplied with the device to be
connected.
GB
51
Creating a disc with a recorder, etc.
Y
ou 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.
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/
SR88E
Connect the device in either way of
or .
Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied
with the devices to be connected.
A/V Remote Connector
Notes
DCR-SX33E/SX34E/SX43E/
SX44E/SX53E/SX63E
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall
socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this
operation (p. 14).
Sony DVD writer may not be available in some
countries/regions.
A/V connecting cable (supplied)
Connect the A/V connecting cable to the
input jack of another device.
A/V Remote Connector
Input
A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO
(sold separately)
S VIDEO
When connecting to another device
via the S VIDEO jack, by using an A/V
connecting cable with an S VIDEO cable
(sold separately), higher quality images can
be produced than with an A/V connecting
cable. Connect the white and red plug
(left/right audio) and the S VIDEO plug
(S VIDEO channel) of the A/V connecting
cable with an S VIDEO cable. If you
connect the S VIDEO plug only, you will
hear no sound. The yellow plug (video)
connection is not necessary.
VIDEO
(Yellow)
(White)
AUDIO
(Red)
(Yellow)
Signal flow
Insert the recording media in the
recording device.
If your recording device has an input
selector, set it to the input mode.
5G2B
To record the date/time or camera settings data,
touch (MENU) [Show others]
[PLAYBACK SET] (under [PLAYBACK]
category) [DATA CODE] a desired
Connect your camcorder to the
recording device (a disc recorder,
etc.) with the A/V connecting
cable (supplied) or an A/V
connecting cable with S VIDEO
(sold separately).
setting
addition, touch
. In
(MENU) [Show
others] [OUTPUT SETTINGS] (under
[GENERAL SET] category) [DISP
OUTPUT] [V-OUT/PANEL]
Connect your camcorder to the input jacks
of the recording device.
.
When the screen size of display devices (TV,
etc.) is 4:3, touch (MENU) [Show
others] [OUTPUT SETTINGS] (under
[GENERAL SET] category) [TV TYPE]
Start playback on your
camcorder, and record it on the
recording device.
Refer to the instruction manuals supplied
with your recording device for details.
[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.
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, touch
(MENU) [Show
others] [OUTPUT SETTINGS] (under
[GENERAL SET] category) [DISP
OUTPUT] [LCD PANEL] (the default
setting)
.
GB
53
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.
Operating menus
/
/
: The menu list moves from category to category.
: The menu list moves through 4 items at once.
You can touch buttons and drag the screen to scroll the list of the menu.
The selected category icon is displayed in orange.
You can return to the MY MENU screen by touching
when displayed.
Touch
.
Touch [Show others] on the MY MENU screen.
See the next page for details on MY MENU.
Touch the central part of the left side of screen to change the display.
Touch the menu item to be changed.
After changing the setting, touch
.
To finish setting the menu, touch
.
To return to the previous menu screen, touch
.
may not be displayed depending on the menu item.
5G4B
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 [SPOT MTR/FCS] and registering [ FADER]
Touch
.
Touch [MY MENU SETTING].
Touch [MOVIE].
Touch [SPOT MTR/FCS].
Touch
Touch [ FADER] (under
When MY MENU is displayed, touch
.
[MANUAL SETTINGS] category).
.
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.
GB
55
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 touch
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
Touch
(OPTION).
Touch the desired tab the item to change the setting.
After completing the setting, touch
.
Notes
Grayed out menu items or settings are not available.
When the item you want is not on the screen, touch 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.
5G6B
Menu lists
(MANUAL SETTINGS) category
SCENE SELECTION
FADER
WHITE BAL.
SPOT MTR/FCS
SPOT METER
SPOT FOCUS
EXPOSURE
PROTECT
PROTECT
PROTECT
DIVIDE
PHOTO CAPTURE*1*2 *3
MOVIE DUB*1*2
DUB by select
DUB by date
DUB ALL
PHOTO COPY*1*2
COPY by select
COPY by date
PLAYLIST EDIT
ADD
FOCUS
TELE MACRO
(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*2
USB CONNECT
DISC BURN
OTHER REC SET
DIGITAL ZOOM
WIDE SELECT
(PHOTO SETTINGS) category
SELF-TIMER
IMAGE SIZE
Operating Guide
BATTERY INFO
FILE NO.
(MANAGE MEDIA) category
MEDIA SETTINGS*1*2
MOVIE MEDIA SET
PHOTO MEDIA SET
MEDIA INFO
MEDIA FORMAT
HDD*1
INT. MEMORY*2
MEMORY CARD*1*2
REPAIR IMG.DB F.
HDD*1
(PLAYBACK) category
VISUAL INDEX
VIEW IMAGES
DATE INDEX
FILM ROLL
FACE
PLAYLIST
PLAYBACK SET
DATA CODE
(EDIT) category
DELETE
INT. MEMORY*2
MEMORY CARD*1*2
DELETE
DELETE
GB
57
(GENERAL SET) category
SOUND/DISP SET
VOLUME
BEEP
LCD BRIGHT
LCD BL LEVEL
LCD COLOR
DISPLAY SET
OUTPUT SETTINGS
TV TYPE
DISP OUTPUT
CLOCK/ LANG
CLOCK SET
AREA SET
SUMMERTIME
LANGUAGE SET
POWER SETTINGS
A.SHUT OFF
POWER ON BY LCD
OTHER SETTINGS
DEMO MODE
CALIBRATION
DROP SENSOR*1
*1 DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E
*2 DCR-SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E
*3 DCR-SX43E
5GꢀB
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.
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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59
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.
Touch [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, touch [OFF].
Tips
Touch [
].
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 touching
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
6G0B
from inside the house, or vice versa, you need
to redo the [ONE PUSH] procedure to readjust
the white balance.
touch [AUTO].
Notes
[EXPOSURE] is automatically set to
[MANUAL].
SPOT MTR/FCS (Spot meter/
focus)
SPOT FOCUS
You can adjust the brightness and focus
for the selected subject simultaneously.
This function enables you to use [SPOT
You can select and adjust the focal point to
aim it at a subject not located at the center
of the screen.
Touch the subject in the frame of which you
want to adjust the focus.
To adjust the focus automatically, touch
[AUTO].
Touch the subject in the frame of which you
want to adjust the brightness and focus.
To adjust the brightness and focus
automatically, touch [AUTO].
Notes
[FOCUS] is automatically set to [MANUAL].
Notes
[EXPOSURE] and [FOCUS] are automatically
set to [MANUAL].
EXPOSURE
You can fix the brightness of a picture
manually. Adjust the brightness when the
subject is too bright or too dark.
SPOT METER (Flexible spot
meter)
You can adjust and fix the exposure
to the subject, so that it is recorded in
suitable brightness even when there is
strong contrast between the subject and
the background, such as subjects in the
spotlight on stage.
Touch
/
to adjust the brightness.
To adjust the exposure automatically, touch
[AUTO].
Touch the subject in the frame of which you
want to adjust the exposure.
To return the setting to automatic exposure,
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61
FOCUS
TELE MACRO
You can adjust the focus manually. You can
select this function also when you want to
focus on a certain subject intentionally.
This is useful to shoot small subjects, such
as flowers or insects. You can blur out
backgrounds and the subject stands out
clearer.
OFF
Cancels TELE MACRO. (TELE MACRO is
also canceled when you move the zoom lever
to the W side.)
Touch
(nearby subject)/
(distant
ON (
)
subject) to adjust the focus.
(telephoto) side automatically and allows
recording subjects at a close distance down to
about 38 cm (15 in.).
To adjust the focus automatically, touch
[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
Tips
When recording a distant subject, focusing may
be difficult and can take some time.
when it is hard to focus automatically.
appears when the focus cannot be adjusted
any closer, and appears when the focus
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
When you set focus manually
6G2B
SHOOTING SET
(Items for customized
shooting)
OFF (
)
The SteadyShot function is not used.
The default settings are marked with .
AUTO SLW SHUTTR (Auto Slow
Shutter)
REC MODE (Recording
mode)
When recording in dark places, the shutter
speed is automatically reduced to 1/25
second.
See page 26.
GUIDEFRAME
OFF
The Auto Slow Shutter function is not used.
You can display the frame and check that
the subject is horizontal or vertical.
The frame is not recorded.
ON
The Auto Slow Shutter function is used.
OFF
FACE DETECTION
Does not display the guide frame.
ON
Detects the faces of your subjects and
adjusts the exposure automatically.
Displays the guide frame.
ON
Detects faces.
OFF (
)
Does not detect faces.
Notes
Tips
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.
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
STEADYSHOT
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
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
You can compensate for camera shake.
Set [ STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] (
)
when using a tripod (sold separately), then
the image becomes natural.
ON
The SteadyShot function is used.
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recorded in Face Index. To play back from the
Face Index, see page 32.
AUDIO REC SET
The right side of the bar shows the digital
zooming factor. The zooming zone appears
when you select the zooming level.
BLT-IN ZOOM MIC (Built-in zoom
microphone)
You can record a movie with vivid sound
appropriate to the zoom position.
OFF
OFF
The microphone does not record sound
following zooming in or out.
Up to 60× zoom is performed optically.
2000×
ON (
)
Up to 60× zoom is performed optically, and
after that, up to 2000× zoom is performed
digitally.
The microphone records sound following
zooming in or out.
MICREF LEVEL (Microphone
reference level)
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.
You can select the microphone level for
recording sound.
NORMAL
Records various ambient sounds, converting
them into the appropriate level.
16:9 WIDE
Records movies to the full screen on a 16:9
(wide) TV screen.
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.)
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. 70).
OTHER REC SET
DIGITAL ZOOM
You can select the maximum zoom level up
to 60× 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.
6G4B
PHOTO SETTINGS
(Items for recording photos)
RESET
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, touch [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
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
VISUAL INDEX
See page 28.
VIEW IMAGES
Date
Time
DATE INDEX
See page 31.
CAMERA DATA
Movie
FILM ROLL
See page 31.
FACE
See page 32.
PLAYLIST
Photo
See page 44.
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.
6G6B
OTHERS
(Items for other settings)
EDIT
(Items for editing)
The default settings are marked with .
DELETE
USB CONNECT
See page 37.
See page 50.
PROTECT
BATTERY INFO
See page 39.
You can check the estimated remaining
capacity of the battery.
DIVIDE
See page 40.
PHOTO CAPTURE (DCR-SR58E/
SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/
SX43E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E)
To close the battery information screen
See page 41.
Touch
.
MOVIE DUB (DCR-SR58E/
SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/
SX44E/SX53E/SX63E)
See page 42.
PHOTO COPY (DCR-SR58E/
SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/
SX44E/SX53E/SX63E)
See page 43.
PLAYLIST EDIT
See page 44.
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MANAGE MEDIA
(Items for recording media)
To avoid the loss of important images, you
should save them before formatting the
recording media.
Protected movies and photos will also be
deleted.
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.).
MEDIA SETTINGS (DCR-SR58E/
SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/
SX44E/SX53E/SX63E)
See page 18.
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.
To prevent data on the internal
recording media from being recovered
(DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/
SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E)
[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
Touch
.
Notes
Since there is a management file area, the
used space is not displayed as 0 % even if you
perform [MEDIA FORMAT] (p. 68).
When the internal recording media is
selected on the [MEDIA FORMAT] screen,
touch [EMPTY].
Tips
Only the information of the medium selected
Change the medium setting if necessary (DCR-
SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/SX44E/
SX53E/SX63E).
MEDIA FORMAT
Formatting deletes all the movies and
photos to recover recordable free space.
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].
Touch [YES] [YES]
.
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/
SX44E/SX53E/SX63E:
Select the recording media to be formatted.
Notes
Disconnect all cables except the AC Adaptor.
Do not disconnect the AC Adaptor during the
operation.
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall
socket) using AC Adaptor supplied for this
operation (p. 14).
6GꢀB
GENERAL SET
(Other setup items)
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.
The default settings are marked with .
If you stop performing [EMPTY] while
[Executing…] appears, be sure to complete the
operation by performing [MEDIA FORMAT]
or [EMPTY] when you use the camcorder next
time.
SOUND/DISP SET
VOLUME
You can adjust the volume of playback
sound by touching
/
.
REPAIR IMG.DB F.
BEEP
See page 76, 78.
ON
A melody sounds when you start/stop
recording, or operate the touch panel.
OFF
Cancels the melody.
LCD BRIGHT
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD
screen by touching
/
.
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
the screen outside and close the LCD panel
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69
to the camcorder body, the setting becomes
[NORMAL] automatically.
DISP OUTPUT (Display output)
You can set where the screen displays are to
be output.
Tips
This adjustment does not affect the recorded
images in any way.
LCD PANEL
Shows displays such as the time code on the
LCD screen.
LCD COLOR
You can adjust the color of the LCD screen
V-OUT/PANEL
Shows displays such as the time code on the
LCD screen, and on the TV screen.
by touching
/
.
Tips
This adjustment does not affect the recorded
images in any way.
CLOCK/ LANG
DISPLAY SET
You can set the duration of displaying the
icons or indicators on the LCD screen.
CLOCK SET
See page 16.
AREA SET
AUTO1
Displays for about 3 seconds. The rec & zoom
buttons on the LCD is displayed.
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
AUTO2
Displays for about 3 seconds. The rec & zoom
buttons on the LCD is not displayed.
ON
SUMMERTIME
Always displays. The rec & zoom buttons on
the LCD is not displayed.
You can change this setting without
stopping the clock. Set to [ON] to move the
time forward 1 hour.
Tips
The icons or indicators are displayed in the
following cases.
When you turn on your camcorder.
The LCD screen is touched (Except rec &
zoom buttons on LCD).
OFF
Does not set the summertime.
ON
Sets the summertime.
When you switch your camcorder to the
movie recording, photo recording, or
playback modes.
LANGUAGE SET
You can select the language to be used on
the LCD screen.
OUTPUT SETTINGS
Tips
Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]]
(simplified English) for when you cannot find
your native tongue among the options.
TV TYPE
See page 34.
7G0B
ON
POWER SETTINGS
The demonstration appears.
A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)
OFF
The demonstration does not appear.
You can set your camcorder to turn off
automatically when you do not operate
your camcorder for more than about 5
minutes.
Tips
When you set this item to [ON] and touch
, the demonstration starts playing.
The demonstration will be suspended:
When you press START/STOP
When you touch the screen during the
demonstration (The demonstration starts
again after about 10 minutes)
5min
The camcorder turns off automatically.
NEVER
The camcorder does not turn off
automatically.
When you turn on the
(Photo) lamp
When you press
(VIEW IMAGES)
Notes
CALIBRATION
See page 90.
When you connect your camcorder to a
wall outlet (wall socket), [A.SHUT OFF] is
automatically set to [NEVER].
DROP SENSOR (DCR-SR58E/SR68E/
SR78E/SR88E)
POWER ON BY LCD
Your camcorder detects that it is dropping,
and protects the internal hard disk.
You can set your camcorder to turn on
and off when you open and close the LCD
screen.
ON
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.
ON
The camcorder turns on and off when the
LCD screen opens and closes.
OFF
When dropping is detected,
appears.
The camcorder does not turn on and off when
the LCD screen opens and closes.
OFF (
)
Deactivates the drop sensor.
OTHER SETTINGS
Notes
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.
DEMO MODE
When your camcorder is connected to a
wall outlet (wall socket), a demonstration
movie appear about 10 minutes after you
turn on the (Movie) lamp by pressing
MODE.
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Additional information
Troubleshooting
If you run into any problems using your
camcorder, follow the steps below.
Examples of functions that cannot be used
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. 12).
The plug of the AC Adaptor has been
disconnected from the wall outlet (wall
socket). Connect it to the wall outlet (wall
socket) (p. 12).
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.
Contact your Sony dealer or local
It takes a few seconds for your camcorder to
be ready to shoot after the power is turned on.
This is not a malfunction.
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
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.
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.
authorized Sony service facility.
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.
Playing back images stored on memory card on
Editing movies/photos on your camcorder
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.]
7G2B
[SPOT MTR/FCS]
[SPOT METER]
[SPOT FOCUS]
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the
battery pack is being charged.
[EXPOSURE]
[FOCUS]
[BLT-IN ZOOM MIC]
[MICREF LEVEL]
[DROP SENSOR]
(DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E)
Backlight
The following menu items return to the
default settings when you switch between
movie recording and photo recording and
playback modes.
If the temperature of the battery pack is too
high or too low, you may not be able to charge
it (p. 87).
Attach the battery pack to the camcorder
disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall
outlet (wall socket) and contact your Sony
dealer. The battery pack may be damaged.
The remaining battery time indicator does
not indicate the correct time.
[ FADER]
[TELE MACRO]
[ SELF-TIMER]
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. 88).
Your camcorder gets warm.
Your camcorder may become warm during
operation. This is not a malfunction.
The indicated time may not be correct
depending on the environment of use.
Batteries/power sources
The power abruptly turns off.
The battery pack is quickly discharged.
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. 88).
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
power again.
LCD screen
Menu items are grayed out.
The CHG (charge) lamp does not light
while the battery pack is being charged.
You cannot select grayed items in the current
recording/playback situation.
There are some functions you cannot activate
simultaneously (p. 77).
Attach the battery pack to the camcorder
correctly (p. 12).
Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the
wall outlet (wall socket) properly.
The buttons do not appear on the touch
panel.
Touch the LCD screen lightly.
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Your camcorder is recording the image you
have just shot on the recording media. You
cannot make new recording during this
period.
The buttons on the touch panel do not
work correctly or do not work at all.
Adjust the touch panel ([CALIBRATION])
(p. 90).
The recording media is full. Delete
unnecessary images (p. 37).
Total number of movie scenes or photos
exceeds the recordable capacity of your
images (p. 37).
The buttons on the touch panel quickly
disappear.
you may not record images (DCR-SR58E/
SR68E/SR78E/SR88E).
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.
Dots in lines appear on the LCD screen.
This is not a malfunction. These dots are not
recorded.
Memory card
Operations using the memory card
cannot be performed.
If you use the memory card formatted on a
computer, format it again on your camcorder
(p. 68).
Photos cannot be recorded.
You cannot record photos with [ FADER].
Images stored on the memory card
cannot be deleted.
The access lamp remains lit or flashing
even if recording was stopped.
The maximum number of images that you can
delete on the index screen at one time is 100.
You cannot delete the protected images.
Your camcorder is recording the scene you
have just shot on the memory card.
The imaging field looks different.
The data file name is not indicated
correctly or flashes.
The imaging field may look different
depending on the condition of your
camcorder. This is not a malfunction.
The file is damaged.
The file format is not supported by your
camcorder (p. 86).
The actual recording time for movies is
less than the expected recording time of
the recording media.
Recording
Depending on the recording conditions, the
time available for recording may be shorter, for
example when recording a fast moving object,
etc. (p. 81).
Refer also to “Memory card” (p. 74).
Pressing START/STOP or PHOTO does not
record images.
The playback screen is displayed. Press MODE
to turn on the
(p. 16).
(Movie) or (Photo) lamp
7G4B
The camcorder stops operating.
Black bands appear when you record a TV
screen or computer screen.
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.
Undesirable flicker occurs.
This occurs when recording images under a
fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury
lamp. This is not a malfunction.
[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.
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.
The power is supplied from the AC Adaptor.
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.
Magnification changes when the
recording mode is switched.
You cannot use digital zoom when your
camcorder is in the photo recording mode.
Playback
The auto focus does not function.
The recording conditions are not suitable for
auto focus. Adjust the focus manually (p. 62).
Images cannot be played back.
Select the type of recording media you want to
SR88E/SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E).
Images recorded on other devices may not be
played back. This is not a malfunction.
SteadyShot does not function.
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.
A vertical white line may appear on an
image taken in bright light.
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
This phenomenon is called the smear effect.
This is not a malfunction.
GB
75
the access lamp is turned off after recording.
A movie cannot be divided.
This may damage your image data and
displayed.
is
A movie that is too short cannot be divided.
A protected movie cannot be divided.
is indicated on an image on the
VISUAL INDEX screen.
A photo cannot be captured from a
movie.
The image data base file may be damaged.
Check the data base file by touching
(MENU) [Show others] [REPAIR
The recording media where you want to save
photos is full.
IMG.DB F.] (under
[MANAGE MEDIA]
category) the recording medium (DCR-
SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/SX44E/
SX53E/SX63E). If it still appears, delete the
Dubbing/Connecting to other
devices
image with
(p. 37).
You cannot hear the sound on the TV
connected to your camcorder.
No sound or only a quiet sound is heard
during playback.
When you are using the S VIDEO plug,
make sure the red and white plugs of the A/V
connecting cable are connected (p. 52).
When you record sound with [MICREF
sound may be difficult to hear.
The aspect ratio of the playback is not
correct when connecting your camcorder
to the TV.
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.
Images cannot be played back or the
memory card is not recognized.
The device may not support memory card.
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.
Editing movies/photos on your
camcorder
Unable to edit.
It is recommended you record images using
the outer frame of [GUIDEFRAME] (p. 63)
as a guide.
Unable to edit because of the condition of the
image.
Movies cannot be added in the Playlist.
Images are not dubbed correctly.
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. 45).
The A/V connecting cable is not connected
properly. Make sure to connect the cable to the
input jack of another device (p. 52).
You cannot add photos in the Playlist.
7G6B
Connecting to a Computer
“PMB”cannot be installed.
Self-diagnosis display/Warning
indicators
If indicators appear on the LCD screen,
check the following.
Check the computer environment or
installation procedure required to install
“PMB.”
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.
“PMB”does not work correctly.
Quit “PMB” and restart your computer.
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.
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.
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).
(p. 87).
Examples of functions that cannot
be used simultaneously
The following list shows examples of
unworkable combinations of functions and
menu items.
Connect the DC plug of the AC Adaptor to the
DC IN jack of your camcorder securely (p. 12).
C:06:
The battery pack temperature is high. Change
the battery pack or place it in a cool place.
Cannot use
Because of following settings
Backlight
[SPOT MTR/FCS], [SPOT
METER], [MANUAL]
in [EXPOSURE],
C:13:
/ C:32:
Remove the power source. Reconnect it and
operate your camcorder again.
[FIREWORKS]
[FACE
[
DIGITAL ZOOM],
E:
:
DETECTION]
[SPOT MTR/FCS], [SPOT
METER], [EXPOSURE],
[TWILIGHT], [CANDLE],
[SUNRISE&SUNSET],
[FIREWORKS],
(Warning on the internal hard disk of
the camcorder)
[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
MACRO]
GB
77
IMG.DB F.] (under
[MANAGE MEDIA]
(Battery level warning)
category) the recording medium (DCR-
SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/SX44E/
SX53E/SX63E).
Slow flashing
The battery pack is nearly used up.
Depending on the operating environment or
The memory card is damaged.
battery conditions,
are about 20 minutes remaining.
may flash, even if there
(Warning indicators pertaining to
memory card formatting)
(Warning indicator pertaining to
battery pack temperature)
The memory card is damaged.
The memory card is not formatted correctly
(p. 68).
The battery pack temperature is high. Change
the battery pack or place it in a cool place.
(Warning indicator pertaining to
incompatible memory card)
(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.
(Warning indicator pertaining to
the write-protect of the memory card)
Access to the memory card was restricted on
another device.
Fast flashing
The temperature of your camcorder is
extremely high. Turn off your camcorder and
leave it for a while in a cool place.
(Warning indicator pertaining to
camera-shake warning)
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.
(Low temperature warning)
Fast flashing
The temperature of your camcorder is
extremely low. Make the camcorder warm.
(Warning indicator pertaining to
memory card)
(Warning indicator pertaining to drop
sensor)
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.
Slow flashing
Free spaces for recording images are running
out. For the type of memory card you can use
with your camcorder, see page 19.
Fast flashing
There are not enough free spaces for recording
images. After storing the images on other
format the memory card (p. 68).
The image data base file may be damaged.
Check the data base file by touching
(MENU) [Show others] [REPAIR
7GꢀB
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?
(Warning indicator pertaining to
photo recording)
The recording media is full.
Tips
The management file is damaged, and you
cannot record movies or photos. Touch [YES]
to repair.
You may hear a melody when some warning
indicators appear on the screen.
You can record photos on a memory card.
Description of warning messages
Buffer overflow
If messages appear on the screen, follow the
instructions.
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
(p. 71).
Recording media
Internal memory format error.
HDD format error.
The internal recording media of the
camcorder is set differently from the default
format. Performing [MEDIA FORMAT]
This will delete all data in the internal
recording media.
Recovering data.
Your camcorder tries to recover data
automatically if the data writing was not
performed properly.
Cannot recover data.
Data error.
Writing data onto the media of the camcorder
has failed. Attempts were made to recover the
data, but they were unsuccessful.
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.
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.
The Image Database File is damaged. Do
you want to create a new file?
The management file is damaged. When
you touch [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.
This memory card is not formatted
correctly.
you format the memory card, all the recorded
movies and photos are deleted.
GB
79
Still picture folder is full. Cannot record
still pictures.
You cannot create folders exceeding
999MSDCF. You cannot create or delete
created folders using your camcorder.
folders using your computer.
This memory card may not be able to
record or play movies.
Use a memory card recommended for your
camcorder (p. 19).
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.
ꢀG0B
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-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E
(unit: minute)
Recording time
Approximate time available when you use a
fully charged battery pack.
Battery pack
NP-FV30
(supplied)
135
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E
NP-FV50
NP-FV70
NP-FV100
255
525
1045
(unit: minute)
Battery pack
Continuous
recording time
Typical recording
time
NP-FV30
(supplied)
NP-FV50
NP-FV70
NP-FV100
100
45
DCR-SX33E/SX34E/SX43E/SX44E/
SX53E/SX63E
190
395
785
90
185
375
(unit: minute)
Battery pack
NP-FV30
(supplied)
160
DCR-SX33E/SX34E/SX43E/SX44E/
SX53E/SX63E
NP-FV50
NP-FV70
NP-FV100
300
610
1205
(unit: minute)
Typical recording
time
Battery pack
Continuous
recording time
NP-FV30
(supplied)
110
50
NP-FV50
NP-FV70
NP-FV100
215
440
870
100
210
415
Each recording time is measured when the
REC MODE] is set to SP.
[
Typical recording time shows the time when
you repeat recording start/stop, switching the
MODE lamp, 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.
The recording and playback time will be shorter
depending on the conditions under which you
use your camcorder.
GB
ꢀ1
moving and complex images are recorded at
a higher bit-rate, and this reduces the overall
recording time.
Expected recording time of movies
Internal hard disk
DCR-SR58E/SR68E
(unit: minute)
Memory card
(unit: minute)
Recording mode
[HQ]
Recording time
1220
HQ
SP
LP
512MB
1GB
6
9
20
[SP]
1750
(5)
(5)
(10)
[LP]
3660
10
(10)
20
(10)
40
(25)
DCR-SR78E/SR88E
2GB
25
(25)
40
(25)
85
(55)
(unit: minute)
Recording time
1830
Recording mode
[HQ]
4GB
55
(50)
80
(50)
175
(110)
8GB
115
170
355
[SP]
[LP]
2630
5510
(105)
(105)
(230)
16GB
32GB
235
(210)
475
(425)
340
(210)
685
(425)
715
(465)
1435
(930)
Internal memory
DCR-SX34E/SX44E
(unit: minute)
Recording mode
[HQ]
[SP]
Recording time
Notes
55
80
175
The recordable time may vary depending on
the recording and subject conditions, [ REC
MODE] (p. 63).
The number in ( ) is the minimum recordable
time.
[LP]
DCR-SX53E/SX63E
(unit: minute)
Recording time
235
Expected number of recordable
photos
Recording mode
[HQ]
[SP]
[LP]
340
715
Internal recording media (DCR-SR58E/
SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/SX44E/
SX53E/SX63E)
Tips
You can record the maximum 9,999 photos.
You can record movies of a maximum of 9,999
scenes.
The maximum continuous recording time of
movies is approximately 13 hours.
Memory card
VGA(0.3M)
Your camcorder uses the VBR (Variable Bit
Rate) format to automatically adjust image
quality to suit the recording scene. This
technology causes fluctuations in the recording
time of the media. Movies containing quickly
512MB
1GB
2GB
2800
5700
11500
ꢀG2B
VGA(0.3M)
4GB
8GB
16GB
32GB
23000
47000
95000
185000
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. 93).
The maximum number of recordable photos
on a memory card may vary depending on the
recording conditions.
Tips
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.
HQ: Approx. 9Mbps 720 × 576 pixels/16:9, 4:3
SP: Approx. 6Mbps 720 × 576 pixels/16:9, 4:3
LP: Approx. 3Mbps 720 × 576 pixels/16:9, 4:3
The photo recording pixels and the aspect ratio.
Photo recording mode:
640 × 480 dots/4:3
640 × 360 dots/16:9
Capturing a photo from a movie:
640 × 360 dots/16:9
640 × 480 dots/4:3
GB
ꢀ3
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.
ꢀG4B
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. Touch
(MENU) [Show others] [CLOCK/ LANG] (under
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
GB
ꢀ5
Maintenance and
precautions
On the memory card adaptor
About the memory card
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
direction. Note that improper use may cause a
malfunction.
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
all information on the memory card.
You may not be able to play back images with
your camcorder:
Do not bend, drop or apply strong force to the
memory card.
Do not disassemble or modify the memory
card.
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.
When playing back image data modified on
your computer
When playing back image data recorded with
other devices
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:
About the “Memory Stick”media
Types of“Memory Stick”media
Recording/Playback
“Memory Stick Duo”
media (with MagicGate)
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
“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.
ꢀG6B
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.
This product is compatible with “Memory Stick
Micro” media (“M2”). “M2” is the abbreviation
for the “Memory Stick Micro” media.
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.
Notes on using the “Memory Stick
Micro”media
To use the battery pack effectively
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.
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.
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
Do not leave the “Memory Stick Micro” media
within the reach of small children. They might
accidentally swallow it.
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 or 3 times
the expected recording time, and make trial
recordings before making the actual recording.
Do not expose the battery pack to water. The
battery pack is not water resistant.
About the “InfoLITHIUM”battery
pack
Your camcorder operates only with an
“InfoLITHIUM” V series battery packs.
“InfoLITHIUM” V series battery packs
have the
mark.
What is an “InfoLITHIUM”battery pack?
An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a
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.
GB
ꢀ7
About the remaining battery time
indicator
About handling of your camcorder
On use and care
Do not use or store the camcorder and
accessories in the following locations:
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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, touch
(MENU)
[Show others] [POWER SETTINGS]
(under
[GENERAL SET] category)
[A.SHUT OFF] [NEVER], and leave your
camcorder in recording standby until the power
goes off (p. 71).
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.
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 battery’s life is governed by storage,
operating and environmental conditions.
ꢀGꢀB
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.
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.
You bring your camcorder from an air
conditioned car or room into a hot place
outside.
You use your camcorder after a squall or a
shower.
You use your camcorder in a hot and humid
place.
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).
LCD screen
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.
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.
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.
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.
Moisture condensation
If your camcorder is brought directly from a cold
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.
GB
ꢀ9
On adjustment of the touch panel
(CALIBRATION)
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
In hot or humid locations
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.
The buttons on the touch panel may not work
correctly. If this happens, follow the procedure
below. It is recommended that you connect your
camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using
the supplied AC Adaptor during the operation.
(MENU) [Show others]
[OTHER SETTINGS] (under
[GENERAL
SET] category) [CALIBRATION].
On charging the pre-installed
rechargeable battery
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.
Touch “” displayed on the screen with the
corner of memory card or the like 3 times.
Touch [CANCEL] to cancel calibration.
Notes
If you did not press the right spot, try the
calibration again.
Do not use a sharp-pointed object for
calibration. Doing so may damage the LCD
screen.
You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if it is
rotated, or closed with the screen facing out.
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.
On handling the casing
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.
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
9G0B
Note on disposal/transfer
On trademarks
“Handycam” and
(DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/
SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E)
Even if you perform [ DELETE ALL],
are
registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.
“Memory Stick,” “
,” “Memory Stick Duo,”
,” “Memory Stick PRO
,” “Memory
“
[
DELETE ALL] or [MEDIA FORMAT] (p. 68)
Duo,” “
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. 68)
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.
Stick PRO-HG Duo,” “
,”
“Memory Stick 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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
GB
91
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.pdf” in the “License” folder on the
CD-ROM. You will find licenses (in English) of
“GPL,” and “LGPL” software.
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:
9G2B
Quick reference
Screen indicators
Indicator
Meaning
Upper left
Center
Upper right
FADER (59)
Drop sensor off (71)
Drop sensor activated (71)
9999
9999
9999
Approximate number of
recordable photos and
recording media (24, 82)
Playback folder of
memory card (30)
Bottom
Current playing movie or
photo/Number of total
recorded movies or photos
Upper left
Indicator
100/112
Meaning
MENU button (54)
Self-timer recording (65)
MICREF LEVEL low (64)
WIDE SELECT (64)
BLT-IN ZOOM MIC (64)
Remaining battery
Recording folder of
memory card
VIDEO LIGHT (27)
Return button (54)
Bottom
Indicator
Meaning
[FACE DETECTION] set
to [OFF] (63)
Manual focus (62)
60 min
SCENE SELECTION (59)
White balance (60)
SteadyShot off (63)
SPOT METER (61)/
EXPOSURE (61)
TELE MACRO (62)
Backlight
Center
Indicator
Meaning
[STBY]/[REC]
Recording status (23)
Photo size (65)
Slide show set (33)
OPTION button (56)
VIEW IMAGES button
Warning (77)
Playback mode (29)
Slide show button (33)
Data file name (30)
Protected image (39)
Index button (30)
Upper right
Indicator
101-0005
Meaning
Recording mode (HQ/SP/
Recording/playback/
editing media (18)
Counter (hour:minute:
second) (29)
Indicators and their positions are approximate
and may differ from what you actually see.
Some indicators may not appear, depending on
your camcorder model.
0:00:00
Estimated recording
remaining time (23)
[00min]
GB
93
Parts and controls
Figures in ( ) are reference pages.
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E
LCD screen/Touch panel (27, 54)
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.
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E
Built-in microphone
Lens (Carl Zeiss lens)
LENS COVER switch
LED VIDEO LIGHT (27)
A/V Remote Connector (34)
Speaker
(VIEW IMAGES) button (28)
(DISC BURN) button (see Operating
Guide)
DCR-SX33E/SX34E/SX43E/SX44E/
SX53E/SX63E
POWER button (16)
RESET button
Press RESET using a pointed object.
Press RESET to initialize all the settings
including the clock setting.
PHOTO button (25)
(movie)/ (photo) lamp (22)
MODE button (22)
Speaker
LIGHT button (27)
Press to light up the LIGHT.
Lens (Carl Zeiss lens)
LENS COVER switch
LED VIDEO LIGHT (27)
Built-in microphone
DCR-SR58E/SR78E: output only
9G4B
DCR-SX33E/SX34E/SX43E/SX44E/
SX53E/SX63E
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E
(VIEW IMAGES) button (28)
(DISC BURN) button (see Operating
Guide)
POWER button (16)
RESET button
Press RESET using a pointed object.
Press RESET to initialize all the settings
including the clock setting.
Power zoom lever (26, 32)
PHOTO button (25)
MODE button (22)
CHG (charge) lamp (12)
Battery pack (12)
(movie)/ (photo) lamp (22)
LIGHT button (27)
Press to light up the LIGHT.
START/STOP button (23)
DCR-SX33E/SX34E/SX53E: output only
Hook for a shoulder belt
BATT (battery) release lever (14)
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.)).
Access lamp (memory card) (19)
While the lamp is lit or flashing, the
camcorder is reading or writing data.
Memory card slot (19)
GB
95
DCR-SX33E/SX34E/SX43E/SX44E/
SX53E/SX63E
Power zoom lever (26, 32)
PHOTO button (25)
Battery pack (12)
CHG (charge) lamp (12)
START/STOP button (23)
Memory card slot (19)
BATT (battery) release lever (14)
A/V Remote Connector (34)
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.)).
Access lamp (memory card) (19)
While the lamp is lit or flashing, the
camcorder is reading or writing data.
9G6B
Index
DISP OUTPUT...........................70
DIVIDE........................................40
DROP SENSOR ..........................71
DVDirect Express.......................48
DVD writer............................48, 50
Symbols
M
16:9 ...............................................35
4:3 .................................................35
Maintenance................................86
MEDIA INFO .............................68
MEDIA SETTINGS....................18
Memory card...............................19
“Memory Stick” media.........19, 86
“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo”
media......................................19, 86
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media
.................................................19, 86
Menus.....................................54, 57
Mirror mode ...............................27
Moisture condensation ..............89
MOVIE DUB ..............................42
MOVIE MEDIA SET .................18
Movies....................................23, 28
A
A.SHUT OFF ..............................71
A/V connecting cable...........34, 52
Abroad .........................................84
Altitude ..........................................5
AUDIO REC SET .......................64
AUTO SLW SHUTTR ...............63
E
External media............................46
F
FACE DETECTION.............63, 77
Face Index....................................32
FILE NO.......................................65
Film Roll Index ...........................31
FIREWORKS ..............................59
FOCUS.........................................62
Format..........................................68
Fully charged...............................12
B
BATTERY INFO.........................67
Battery pack.................................12
BEACH ........................................59
BEEP.............................................69
BLACK FADER ..........................60
BLT-IN ZOOM MIC..................64
C
G
CAMERA DATA ........................66
CANDLE .....................................59
O
GENERAL SET...........................69
GUIDEFRAME...........................63
ONE PUSH .................................60
Operation beeps..........................17
Operation flow..............................6
OPTION MENU ........................56
Original........................................42
OTHER REC SET.......................64
OTHERS......................................67
OUTDOOR.................................60
Capturing a photo from a movie
.......................................................41
Charging the battery pack abroad
.................................................14, 84
CLOCK/LANG...........................70
CLOCK SET................................16
Creating a disc ............................48
H
I
INDOOR .....................................60
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack...87
Internal hard disk .......................18
Internal memory.........................18
P
D
L
PB zoom.......................................32
PHOTO COPY ...........................43
PHOTO MEDIA SET ................18
Photos ....................................24, 28
PHOTO SETTINGS...................65
Playback.......................................28
DATA CODE ........................17, 66
DATE/TIME..........................17, 66
Date Index ...................................31
DELETE.......................................37
DIGITAL ZOOM .......................64
Disc recorder...............................52
DISPLAY SET .............................70
LANDSCAPE..............................59
LCD BL LEVEL ..........................69
LCD BRIGHT .............................69
LCD COLOR...............................70
LP..................................................26
GB
97
PLAYBACK SET.........................66
Playlist..........................................44
PLAYLIST EDIT.........................67
PORTRAIT..................................59
POWER SETTINGS ..................71
PROTECT ...................................39
T
TELE MACRO............................62
Tripod...........................................96
Troubleshooting..........................72
TV.................................................34
R
Rec & zoom buttons on LCD....23
REC MODE.................................26
Recording ....................................23
Recording media.........................18
Recording time of movies/
number of recordable photos....81
U
USB cable...............................48, 50
USB CONNECT...................48, 50
V
Repair...........................................72
VBR ..............................................82
VIEW IMAGES ....................28, 31
VISUAL INDEX .........................28
S
Saving images in external media
.......................................................46
W
SCENE SELECTION ...........59, 77
Screen indicators ........................93
Self-diagnosis display/Warning
WHITE BAL. ..............................60
WHITE FADER..........................60
Wide angle...................................26
SELF-TIMER...............................65
Setting the date and time...........16
SHOOTING SET........................63
SNOW..........................................59
SOUND/DISP SET.....................69
SPORTS .......................................59
SPOT FOCUS .............................61
SPOT METER.............................61
STEADYSHOT ...........................63
SUMMERTIME..........................70
SUNRISE&SUNSET...................59
Supplied items...............................2
Z
Zoom............................... 23, 26, 32
9GꢀB
Additional information on this product and
answers to frequently asked questions can
be found at our Customer Support Website.
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