Sony Handycam DCR SX63E User Manual

4-170-095-12(1)  
DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/  
SR88E/SX33E/SX34E/SX43E/  
SX44E/SX53E/SX63E  
Digital Video Camera Recorder  
“HandycamHandbook  
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  
(p. 20) is lit or flashing  
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.  
(Photo) lamps (p. 16) or the access lamp  
(p. 20) are lit or flashing  
When using a shoulder belt (sold separately), do  
not crash the camcorder against an object.  
Do not use your camcorder in very loud areas.  
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  
function (p. 71). When a drop occurs, or  
under a non-gravity condition, the block noise  
made when this function is activated by the  
camcorder may also be recorded. If the drop  
sensor catches a drop repeatedly, recording/  
playback may be stopped.  
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
 
Note on using the camcorder at high  
altitudes (DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/  
SR88E)  
Do not turn on the camcorder in a low-pressure  
area, where the altitude is more than 5,000  
meters (16,000 feet). Doing so may damage the  
internal hard disk drive of your camcorder.  
GB  
5
 
Operation flow  
Getting started (p. 12)  
Prepare the power source and memory card.  
Recording movies and photos (p. 21)  
Recording movies p. 23  
Changing the recording mode (p. 26)  
Expected recording time (MEDIA INFO, p. 68)  
Shooting photos p. 24  
Playing movies and photos  
Playback on the camcorder p. 28  
Playing images on a TV p. 34  
Saving images  
Saving movies and photos with a computer  
Saving movies and photos in external media p. 46  
Saving images with a DVD writer/recorder p. 48  
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  
TELE MACRO (62)  
Recording in a dimly-lit room  
VIDEO LIGHT (27)  
Capturing fireworks, or a sunset in all  
Checking your golf swing  
its splendor  
SUNRISE&SUNSET (59)  
Focusing on the child on the left side of  
the screen  
GB  
Table of contents  
GB  
9
 
1G0B  
GB  
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  
See page 81 on recording and playing time.  
When your camcorder is on, you can check the approximate amount of remaining battery power with the  
remaining battery indicator at the upper left on the LCD screen.  
Charging time  
Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack.  
Battery pack  
Charging time  
NP-FV30 (supplied) 115  
NP-FV50  
NP-FV70  
NP-FV100  
155  
195  
390  
Times measured with the camcorder at 25 C (77 °F).  
10 C to 30 C (50 °F to 86 °F) is recommended.  
GB  
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  
Make the same connections as “Step 1: Charging the battery pack.” Even if the battery pack is  
attached, the battery pack is not discharged.  
Charging the battery pack abroad  
You can charge the battery pack in any countries/regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with  
your camcorder within the AC 100 V - 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz range.  
Notes  
Do not use an electronic voltage transformer.  
Notes on the battery pack  
When you remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC Adaptor, close the LCD screen and make sure  
that the  
(Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (p. 16), the access lamp (p. 20) are turned off.  
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging under the following conditions:  
The battery pack is not attached correctly.  
The battery pack is damaged.  
The temperature of the battery pack is low.  
Remove the battery pack from your camcorder and put it in a warm place.  
The temperature of the battery pack is high.  
Remove the battery pack from your camcorder and put it in a cool place.  
In the default setting, the power turns off automatically if you leave your camcorder without any  
operation for about 5 minutes, to save battery power ([A.SHUT OFF], p. 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.  
GB  
15  
 
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]   
.
If the button you touch does not react correctly, calibrate the touch panel (p. 90).  
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.  
When [POWER ON BY LCD] (p. 71) is set to [OFF], turn off your camcorder 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  
See page 82 for the recordable time of movies.  
See page 82 for the number of recordable photos.  
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.  
1GB  
       
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  
See page 18 on changing the recording media  
(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.  
To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is already open, press POWER (p. 16).  
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.  
Access lamp (p. 20) is lit or flashing  
The media icon in the upper right of the LCD screen is flashing  
Tips  
When a face is detected, a white frame appears and the image quality around the face is optimized  
automatically ([FACE DETECTION], p. 63).  
You can capture photos from recorded movies (DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/SX43E/SX44E/  
SX53E/SX63E) (p. 41).  
See page 81 on the recordable time of movies.  
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  
[ON] (p. 63), and record images using the outer frame displayed on the screen as a guide.  
[ STEADYSHOT] is set to [ON] in the default setting.  
To adjust the angle of the LCD panel, first open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), and  
then adjust the angle ().  
90 degrees (max.)  
90 degrees to  
the camcorder  
180 degrees (max.)  
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  
See page 18 on changing the recording media  
(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  
See page 82 on the recordable number of photos.  
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  
You can set [ DIGITAL ZOOM] (p. 64) if you  
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  
See page 18 on changing the recording media  
(DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/SR88E/SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E).  
Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.  
1
Your camcorder turns on.  
To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is already open, press POWER (p. 16).  
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.  
2GB  
     
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  
       
Viewing photos  
Your camcorder displays the selected photo.  
Previous  
To start/stop slide show  
Next  
OPTION  
To the VISUAL  
INDEX screen  
Tips  
When viewing photos recorded on a memory card,  
(playback folder) appears on the screen.  
3G0B  
   
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]  
to [ON] (p. 63) (the default setting) prior to  
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  
outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 15). Refer also to the  
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 images  
aspect ratio switches between 16:9 (wide) and 4:3, the image may jitter.  
On some 4:3 TVs, the photos recorded in 4:3 aspect ratio may not be displayed full screen. This is not a  
malfunction.  
When you play back an image recorded in 16:9 (wide) aspect ratio on a 4:3 TV not compatible with the  
16:9 (wide) signal, set [TV TYPE] to [4:3].  
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  
If the deleted movie is included in the Playlist  
(p. 44), the movie added to the Playlist is  
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]   
.
3GB  
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)  
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  
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.  
Play back the image (p. 28).  
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)  
Turn on your camcorder, and  
connect the DVD writer to the   
(USB) jack of your camcorder with  
the USB cable of the DVD writer.  
4GB  
   
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)  
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.  
MANUAL SETTINGS (Items to adjust for scene condition) p. 59  
SHOOTING SET (Items for customized shooting) p. 63  
PHOTO SETTINGS (Items for recording photos) p. 65  
PLAYBACK (Items for playback) p. 66  
EDIT (Items for editing) p. 67  
OTHERS (Items for other settings) p. 67  
MANAGE MEDIA (Items for recording media) p. 68  
GENERAL SET (Other setup items) p. 69  
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  
5GB  
MANUAL  
SETTINGS  
(Items to adjust for scene  
condition)  
PORTRAIT (Soft portrait)  
(
)
Brings out the subject such  
as people or flowers while  
creating a soft background.  
See “Using menus” (p. 54) on the operation.  
The default settings are marked with .  
SPOTLIGHT**(  
)
Prevents people’s faces from  
appearing excessively white  
when subjects are lit by  
strong light.  
SCENE SELECTION  
You can record images effectively in various  
situations.  
SPORTS** (  
)
AUTO  
Select to minimize shake  
when shooting fast moving  
subjects.  
Records images in average image quality  
without the [SCENE SELECTION] function.  
TWILIGHT* (  
)
Maintains the darkening  
atmosphere of the distant  
surroundings in twilight  
scenes.  
BEACH** (  
Takes the vivid blue of the  
ocean or a lake.  
)
SNOW** (  
Takes bright pictures of a  
white landscape.  
)
CANDLE ( )  
Maintains the dim  
atmosphere of a candlelit  
scene.  
*
Adjusted to focus on subjects farther away  
only.  
** Adjusted not to focus on subjects a short  
SUNRISE&SUNSET* (  
Reproduces the atmosphere  
of scenes such as sunsets or  
sunrises.  
)
distance away.  
Notes  
If you set [SCENE SELECTION], [WHITE  
BAL.] setting is canceled.  
FIREWORKS* (  
Takes spectacular shots of  
fireworks.  
)
FADER  
LANDSCAPE*(  
)
You can record a transition with the  
following effects adding to the interval  
between scenes.  
Select the desired effect in [STBY] (to  
fading in) or [REC] (to fading out) mode.  
Shoots distant subjects  
clearly. This setting also  
prevents your camcorder  
from focusing on glass or  
metal mesh in windows  
between the camcorder and  
the subject.  
OFF  
Does not use an effect.  
GB  
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  
METER] (p. 61) and [SPOT FOCUS]  
(p. 61) at the same time.  
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,  
GB  
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.  
The zoom (p. 26) moves to the top of the T  
(telephoto) side automatically and allows  
recording subjects at a close distance down to  
about 38 cm (15 in.).  
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.  
Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 62)  
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.  
See “Using menus” (p. 54) on the operation.  
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.  
GB  
63  
             
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  
See “Using menus” (p. 54) on the operation.  
Assigns file numbers in sequence, following  
the largest file number existing on the  
recording medium.  
When the memory card is replaced with  
another one, the file number is assigned for  
each memory card.  
The default settings are marked with .  
SELF-TIMER  
Press PHOTO to start the count down. A  
photo is recorded after about 10 seconds.  
OFF  
Cancels the self-timer.  
ON (  
)
Starts the self-timer recording. To cancel the  
recording, 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  
See page 82 for the number of recordable  
photos.  
FILE NO. (File number)  
You can select the way to assign file number  
of photos.  
SERIES  
Assigns file numbers of photos in sequence.  
The file number becomes larger each time  
you record a photo.  
Even if the memory card is replaced with  
another one, the file number is assigned in  
sequence.  
GB  
65  
         
PLAYBACK  
(Items for playback)  
DATE/TIME  
See “Using menus” (p. 54) on the operation.  
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)  
See “Using menus” (p. 54) on the operation.  
See “Using menus” (p. 54) on the operation.  
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.  
GB  
67  
       
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.).  
See “Using menus” (p. 54) on the operation.  
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  
on [MOVIE MEDIA SET] (p. 18) is displayed.  
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).  
6GB  
         
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.  
See “Using menus” (p. 54) on the operation.  
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  
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  
GB  
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.  
GB  
71  
         
Additional information  
Troubleshooting  
If you run into any problems using your  
camcorder, follow the steps below.  
Connecting to a Computer............................p. 77  
Examples of functions that cannot be used  
simultaneously.................................................p. 77  
Check the list (p. 72 to 80), and  
inspect your camcorder.  
Overall operations  
Disconnect the power source, attach  
the power source again after about 1  
minute, and turn the camcorder on.  
The power does not turn on.  
Attach a charged battery pack to the  
camcorder (p. 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).  
Press RESET (p. 94, 95) using a  
pointed object, and turn the  
camcorder on.  
If you press RESET, all settings,  
including the clock setting, are reset.  
The camcorder does not operate even  
when the power is set to on.  
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  
(p. 94, 95) using a pointed object. (If you press  
RESET, all settings, including the clock setting,  
are reset.)  
The temperature of your camcorder is  
extremely high. Turn off your camcorder and  
leave it for a while in a cool place.  
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.  
Overall operations ..........................................p. 72  
Batteries/power sources ................................p. 73  
LCD screen ......................................................p. 73  
Memory card ...................................................p. 74  
Recording.........................................................p. 74  
Playback ...........................................................p. 75  
Playing back images stored on memory card on  
other devices....................................................p. 76  
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.]  
...........................................................................p. 76  
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  
correctly (p. 12). If the problem persists,  
disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall  
outlet (wall socket) and contact your Sony  
dealer. The battery pack may be damaged.  
The 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  
of [A.SHUT OFF] (p. 71), or turn on the  
power again.  
LCD screen  
Charge the battery pack (p. 12).  
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).  
Close the LCD screen (p. 12).  
Attach the battery pack to the camcorder  
correctly (p. 12).  
Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the  
wall outlet (wall socket) properly.  
The battery charge is completed (p. 12).  
The buttons do not appear on the touch  
panel.  
Touch the LCD screen lightly.  
GB  
73  
   
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])  
The recording media is full. Delete  
unnecessary images (p. 37).  
Total number of movie scenes or photos  
exceeds the recordable capacity of your  
camcorder (p. 81, 82). Delete unnecessary  
images (p. 37).  
The buttons on the touch panel quickly  
disappear.  
Set [DISPLAY SET] to [ON] (p. 70).  
While [DROP SENSOR] is activated (p. 71),  
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  
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  
(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.  
Set [ STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] (p. 63).  
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.  
Set [FOCUS] to [AUTO] (p. 62).  
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  
play back (p. 18) (DCR-SR58E/SR68E/SR78E/  
SR88E/SX34E/SX44E/SX53E/SX63E).  
Images recorded on other devices may not be  
played back. This is not a malfunction.  
SteadyShot does not function.  
Set [ STEADYSHOT] to [ON] (p. 63).  
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  
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).  
Turn up the volume (p. 29).  
When you record sound with [MICREF  
LEVEL] (p. 64) set to [LOW], the recorded  
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  
Set [TV TYPE] according to your TV (p. 70).  
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  
“PMBcannot 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.  
“PMBdoes 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).  
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],  
Follow the steps from to on page 72.  
(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  
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)  
Incompatible memory card is inserted (p. 19).  
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)  
The drop sensor function (p. 71) is activated,  
and has detected that the camcorder has  
been dropped. Therefore, the camcorder is  
taking steps to protect the internal hard disk.  
Recording/playback may be disabled as a  
result.  
The drop sensor function does not guarantee  
the protection of the internal hard disk under  
all possible situations. Use the camcorder  
under stable conditions.  
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.  
No memory card is inserted (p. 19).  
Fast flashing  
There are not enough free spaces for recording  
images. After storing the images on other  
media (p. 46), delete unnecessary images, or  
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  
7GB  
   
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  
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]  
(p. 68) may enable you to use your camcorder.  
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.  
Format the memory card (p. 68). Note that if  
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.  
Format the memory card (p. 68), or delete  
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  
[GENERAL SET] category) [AREA SET] and [SUMMERTIME] (p. 70).  
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  
camcorder (p. 68). Note that formatting erases  
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 Stickmedia  
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  
Micromedia  
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 “InfoLITHIUMbattery  
pack  
Your camcorder operates only with an  
“InfoLITHIUM” V series battery packs.  
“InfoLITHIUM” V series battery packs  
have the  
mark.  
What is an “InfoLITHIUMbattery pack?  
An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a  
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 batterys life is governed by storage,  
operating and environmental conditions.  
GB  
     
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.pdfin the “License” folder on the  
CD-ROM. You will find licenses (in English) of  
“GPL,” and “LGPLsoftware.  
To view the PDF, Adobe Reader is needed. If  
it is not installed on your computer, you can  
download it from the Adobe Systems web page:  
9G2B  
Quick reference  
Screen indicators  
Indicator  
Meaning  
Upper left  
Center  
Upper right  
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)  
BLT-IN ZOOM MIC (64)  
Remaining battery  
Recording folder of  
memory card  
VIDEO LIGHT (27)  
Return button (54)  
Bottom  
Indicator  
Meaning  
[FACE DETECTION] set  
Manual focus (62)  
60 min  
SCENE SELECTION (59)  
White balance (60)  
SteadyShot off (63)  
TELE MACRO (62)  
Backlight  
Center  
Indicator  
Meaning  
[STBY]/[REC]  
Recording status (23)  
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:  
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  
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  
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  
(Backlight) button (27)  
LIGHT button (27)  
Press to light up the LIGHT.  
Lens (Carl Zeiss lens)  
LENS COVER switch  
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)  
(Backlight) button (27)  
MODE button (22)  
(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)  
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  
Dubbing.......................................42  
DVDirect Express.......................48  
DVD writer............................48, 50  
Symbols  
M
16:9 ...............................................35  
4:3 .................................................35  
Maintenance................................86  
MANAGE MEDIA.....................68  
MANUAL SETTINGS...............59  
MEDIA FORMAT......................68  
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  
MICREF LEVEL.........................64  
Mirror mode ...............................27  
Moisture condensation ..............89  
MOVIE DUB ..............................42  
MOVIE MEDIA SET .................18  
Movies....................................23, 28  
MY MENU..................................54  
MY MENU SETTING...............54  
A
A.SHUT OFF ..............................71  
A/V connecting cable...........34, 52  
Abroad .........................................84  
Altitude ..........................................5  
AREA SET...................................70  
AUDIO REC SET .......................64  
AUTO SLW SHUTTR ...............63  
E
EMPTY........................................68  
EXPOSURE.................................61  
External media............................46  
F
FACE DETECTION.............63, 77  
Face Index....................................32  
FADER.........................................59  
FILE NO.......................................65  
Film Roll Index ...........................31  
FIREWORKS ..............................59  
FOCUS.........................................62  
Format..........................................68  
Fully charged...............................12  
B
Backlight......................................27  
BATTERY INFO.........................67  
Battery pack.................................12  
BEACH ........................................59  
BEEP.............................................69  
BLACK FADER ..........................60  
BLT-IN ZOOM MIC..................64  
C
G
CALIBRATION..........................90  
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  
OTHER SETTINGS...................71  
OUTDOOR.................................60  
OUTPUT SETTINGS................70  
Capturing a photo from a movie  
.......................................................41  
Charging the battery pack.........12  
Charging the battery pack abroad  
.................................................14, 84  
CLOCK/LANG...........................70  
CLOCK SET................................16  
Copy.............................................43  
Creating a disc ............................48  
H
HQ................................................26  
I
IMAGE SIZE...............................65  
INDOOR .....................................60  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack...87  
Internal hard disk .......................18  
Internal memory.........................18  
P
D
L
PAL...............................................84  
PB zoom.......................................32  
PHOTO CAPTURE...................41  
PHOTO COPY ...........................43  
PHOTO MEDIA SET ................18  
Photos ....................................24, 28  
PHOTO SETTINGS...................65  
PLAYBACK.................................66  
Playback.......................................28  
DATA CODE ........................17, 66  
DATE/TIME..........................17, 66  
Date Index ...................................31  
DELETE.......................................37  
DEMO MODE............................71  
DIGITAL ZOOM .......................64  
Disc recorder...............................52  
DISPLAY SET .............................70  
LANDSCAPE..............................59  
LANGUAGE SET.................17, 70  
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 on......................................16  
POWER ON BY LCD................71  
POWER SETTINGS ..................71  
Precautions..................................86  
PROTECT ...................................39  
T
TELE MACRO............................62  
Telephoto.....................................26  
Thumbnail...................................37  
Tripod...........................................96  
Troubleshooting..........................72  
Turning the power on ................16  
TV.................................................34  
TV color systems........................84  
TV TYPE.....................................34  
TWILIGHT.................................59  
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  
REPAIR IMG.DB F.....................79  
RESET..........................................95  
VBR ..............................................82  
VIDEO LIGHT...........................27  
VIEW IMAGES ....................28, 31  
VISUAL INDEX .........................28  
Volume...................................29, 69  
S
Saving images in external media  
.......................................................46  
W
SCENE SELECTION ...........59, 77  
Screen indicators ........................93  
Self-diagnosis display/Warning  
indicators.....................................77  
Wall outlet (wall socket)............12  
Warning messages......................79  
WHITE BAL. ..............................60  
WHITE FADER..........................60  
Wide angle...................................26  
WIDE SELECT...........................64  
SELF-TIMER...............................65  
Setting the date and time...........16  
SHOOTING SET........................63  
Slide show....................................33  
SLIDE SHOW SET.....................33  
SNOW..........................................59  
SOUND/DISP SET.....................69  
SP..................................................26  
SPORTS .......................................59  
SPOT FOCUS .............................61  
SPOTLIGHT...............................59  
SPOT METER.............................61  
SPOT MTR/FCS.........................61  
STEADYSHOT ...........................63  
SUMMERTIME..........................70  
SUNRISE&SUNSET...................59  
Supplied items...............................2  
Z
Zoom............................... 23, 26, 32  
9GB  
Additional information on this product and  
answers to frequently asked questions can  
be found at our Customer Support Website.  

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