4-209-890-11(1) Table of contents DCR-SR15E/SR20E/SX15E/ SX20E/SX20EK Digital Video Camera Recorder Operating Guide 2010 Sony Corporation 8 Getting started 10 Recording/Playback 20 Making good use of your camcorder 30 Saving movies and photos with a computer 32 Saving images with an external device 39 Customizing your camcorder 47 Additional information 54 Quick reference 63
Read this first Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. WARNING To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. Do not expose the batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like. CAUTION Battery pack If the battery pack is mishandled, the battery pack can burst, cause a fire or even chemical burns. Observe the following cautions. GB Do not disassemble.
ATTENTION The electromagnetic fields at the specific frequencies may influence the picture and sound of this unit. Notice If static electricity or electromagnetism causes data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the communication cable (USB, etc.) again.
a detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse cover after you change the fuse. Never use the plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony service station. Supplied items The numbers in ( ) are the supplied quantity.
About changing the language setting The on-screen displays in each local language are used for illustrating the operating procedures. Change the screen language before using your camcorder if necessary (p. 15). Recording When you use a memory card with your camcorder for the first time, formatting the memory card with your camcorder (p. 51) is recommended for stable operation. All data recorded on the memory card will be deleted when it is formatted, and cannot be recovered.
Eject About images, illustrations, and screen displays of this manual 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.
Operation flow Getting started (p. 10) Prepare the power source and recording media. Recording movies and photos (p. 20) Recording movies p. 21 Changing the recording mode Expected recording time (MEDIA INFO) Shooting photos p. 23 Playing movies and photos Playback on the camcorder p. 25 Playing images on a TV p. 28 Saving images Saving movies and photos with a computer p. 32 Saving movies and photos in external media p. 39 Saving images with a DVD writer/recorder p.
Table of contents Read this first.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Operation flow.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Getting started Step 1: Charging the battery pack.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customizing your camcorder Using menus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Getting detailed information from the “Handycam” Handbook.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Additional information Troubleshooting.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Getting started Step 1: Charging the battery pack DCR-SR15E/SR20E DC IN jack Battery pack CHG (charge) lamp Power cord (Mains lead) DC plug AC Adaptor To the wall outlet (wall socket) DCR-SX15E/SX20E CHG (charge) lamp Battery pack DC IN jack DC plug AC Adaptor Power cord (Mains lead) To the wall outlet (wall socket) 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. 1 2 3 Turn off your camcorder by closing the LCD screen. Attach the battery pack by sliding it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks. Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains lead) to your camcorder and the wall outlet (wall socket). Getting started 4 Align the mark on the DC plug with that on the DC IN jack. The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts.
To remove the battery pack Close the LCD screen. Slide the BATT (battery) release lever () and remove the battery pack (). To use a wall outlet (wall socket) as a power source Make the same connections as “Step 1: Charging the battery pack.” Even if the battery pack is attached, the battery pack is not discharged. Charging the battery pack abroad You can charge the battery pack in any countries/regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within the AC 100 V - 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz range.
Step 2: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time 1 Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder turns on. POWER lamp 2 Getting started Select the desired geographical area by selecting / with / of the multi-selector, keep pressing the center of the multi-selector until the desired geographical area is turned on a light. Multi-selector 3 4 See page 15 for the detail of the using the multi-selector.
5 6 If you set [SUMMERTIME] to [ON], the clock advances 1 hour. Select [NEXT] with of the multi-selector, then press the center of the multi-selector. Set the date and time by repeating the procedure bellow. Highlight the desired item with / of the multi-selector. Select the setting value with / of the multi selector, and press the center of the multi-selector. 7 with of the multi-selector, then press the center Select [NEXT] of the multi-selector. The clock starts.
Using the Multi-selector Multi-selector Select a button by placing an orange frame over it using /// of the multi-selector. Press the center of the multi-selector to confirm your selection. Getting started Changing the language setting You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. (MENU) [Show others] [CLOCK/ LANG] (under [GENERAL SET] Select .
Step 3: Preparing the recording media The recording media that can be used differs depending on your camcorder. The following icons are displayed on the screen of your camcorder. DCR-SX15E/SX20E: Memory card DCR-SR15E/SR20E: * Internal hard disk Memory card * In the default setting, both movies and photos are recorded on this recording media. You can perform recording, playback and editing operations on the selected medium.
Selecting the recording media for photos (DCR-SR15E/SR20E) Select (MENU) [Show others] [MEDIA SETTINGS] (under [MANAGE MEDIA] category) [PHOTO MEDIA SET]. The [PHOTO MEDIA SET] screen appears. Select the desired recording media. Select [YES] . The recording medium is changed. Getting started 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.
Size of memory cards that can be used with your camcorder Only “Memory Stick Duo” media that is about a half the size of the standard “Memory Stick” media, and standard-sized SD memory cards can be used. Do not attach a label, etc., to a memory card or memory card adaptor. Doing so may cause a malfunction. Open the cover, orient the memory card’s notched corner as shown in the illustration, and insert into the memory card slot until it clicks.
Dubbing or copying movies and photos from the internal recording media to memory card (DCR-SR15E/SR20E) Select (MENU) [Show others] [MOVIE DUB]/[PHOTO COPY] (under [EDIT] category), then follow the displays on the screen.
Recording/Playback Recording In the default setting, movies are recorded on the following recording media. DCR-SX15E/SX20E: Memory card DCR-SR15E/SR20E: Internal hard disk Tips See page 16 on changing the recording media (DCR-SR15E/SR20E). To open the lens cover Slide the LENS COVER switch to open. Tips When you finish recording or when you play back images, close the lens cover. 1 Fasten the grip belt.
2 Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder turns on. You can switch recording modes by pressing MODE. Press MODE until the desired mode icon appears. MODE button (Movie): When recording a movie Recording movies Recording/Playback Press START/STOP to start recording. START/STOP button [STBY] [REC] To stop recording, press START/STOP again.
The icons and indicators on the LCD panel will be displayed for about 3 seconds, then disappear after turning on your camcorder or switching the recording (movie/photo)/playback modes. To display the icons and indicators again, press the multi-selector. about 3sec after Notes If you close the LCD screen while recording movies, the camcorder stops recording. The maximum continuous recordable time of movies is about 13 hours.
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] (MENU) [Show others] [PLAYBACK during playback. To display them, select [PLAYBACK] category) a desired setting . SET] (under Shooting photos In the default setting, photos are recorded on the following recording media.
Press PHOTO lightly to adjust the focus, then press it fully. Flashes Lights up When Tips See page 58 on the recordable number of photos. (MENU) [Show others] [ IMAGE SIZE] (under To change the image size, select [PHOTO SETTINGS] category) a desired setting . You can check the recordable number of photos on the LCD screen (p. 63). GB 24 disappears, the photo is recorded.
Playback on the camcorder In the default setting, movies and photos that are recorded on the following recording media are played. DCR-SX15E/SX20E: Memory card DCR-SR15E/SR20E: Internal hard disk Tips See page 16 on changing the recording media (DCR-SR15E/SR20E). 1 2 Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder turns on. Press Recording/Playback 3 (VIEW IMAGES). The VISUAL INDEX screen appears after some seconds.
appears with the movie or photo that was most recently played or recorded. If you select the movie or photo with , you can continue playback from the previous time. ( appears on the photo recorded on a memory card.) Playing movies Your camcorder starts playing the selected movie. Volume adjustment Previous Next OPTION To stop To fast-forward To fast-reverse To pause/play Tips When playback from the selected movie reaches the last movie, the screen returns to the VISUAL INDEX screen.
Viewing photos Your camcorder displays the selected photo. Previous To the VISUAL INDEX screen Tips When viewing photos recorded on a memory card, To start/stop slide show Next OPTION (playback folder) appears on the screen.
Playing images on a TV Connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or VCR using the A/V connecting cable (supplied). Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 12). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected. TVs VCRs (Red) AUDIO IN (White) VIDEO (Yellow) A/V OUT jack Signal flow Set the input selector of the TV to the input your camcorder will be connected to.
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.
Making good use of your camcorder Deleting movies and photos You can free media space by deleting movies and photos from recording media. 2 To delete movies, select [ DELETE] [ DELETE]. 3 To delete photos, select [ [ DELETE]. DELETE] Select and display the mark on the movies or photos to be deleted. Notes You cannot restore images once they are deleted. Save important movies and photos in advance.
In step 2, select [ DELETE] [ DELETE by date]. To delete all photos on the same day at one time, select [ DELETE] [ DELETE by date]. Select / to select the recording date of the desired movies/photos, then . select Press LIGHT when thumbnail is selected to to confirm the image. Select return to the previous screen. Select [YES] .
Saving movies and photos with a computer Preparing a computer (Windows) You can perform following operations using “PMB (Picture Motion Browser).” Importing images to a computer Viewing and editing imported images Creating a disc Uploading movies and photos to websites To save movies and photos using a computer, install “PMB” from the supplied CD-ROM beforehand. Notes Do not format the media of your camcorder from a computer. Your camcorder may not operate correctly.
Confirm that your camcorder is not connected to the computer. Turn on the computer. Turn on your camcorder, then connect the camcorder to the computer using the supplied USB cable. Log on as an Administrator for installation. Close all applications running on the computer before installing the software. Place the supplied CD-ROM in the disc drive of your computer. The installation screen appears.
Connect the camcorder to the computer during the installation. When the installation is completed, following icons will appear. Remove the CD-ROM from your computer. To disconnect your camcorder from the computer Click the icon at the bottom right of the desktop of the computer [Safely remove USB Mass Storage Device]. Select [END] [YES] on the camcorder : Starts “PMB.” : Displays “PMB Help.” : Displays “PMB Launcher.
Starting PMB (Picture Motion Browser) Double-click the “PMB” short-cut icon on the computer screen. Creating a disc with one touch (One Touch Disc Burn) Movies and photos recorded on your camcorder that have not yet been saved with One Touch Disc Burn function can be saved on a disc automatically. Notes If the icon is not displayed on the computer screen, click [Start] [All Programs] [ PMB] to start “PMB.” You can view, edit, or create discs of movies and photos using “PMB.
Importing movies and photos to a computer 3 Select [DISC BURN]. Movies and photos recorded on your camcorder can be imported to a computer. Turn on the computer beforehand. Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 12). 4 Follow the instructions on the computer screen. 1 Turn on your camcorder, then connect the camcorder to the computer using the supplied USB cable.
Creating a disc 3 Click [Import]. Refer to “PMB Help” (p. 35) for details. You can create a disc by selecting movies previously imported to your computer (p. 36). 1 Turn on your computer, and place an unused disc on the DVD drive. 2 3 See page 32 for the type of discs you can use. If any other software than “PMB” starts automatically, shut it down. Start “PMB” (p. 35). Movies and photos are imported to your computer. When the operation is completed, the “PMB” screen appears.
5 Follow the instructions on the screen to create a disc. It may take a long time to create a disc. Copying a disc You can copy a recorded disc to another disc using “Video Disc Copier.” Click [Start] [All Programs] [PMB] [PMB Launcher] [Disc creation] [Video Disc Copier] to start the software. See “Video Disc Copier” help on the operation. Editing movies You can cut out only necessary parts from a movie and save it as another file.
Saving images with an external device Saving images in external media (DIRECT COPY) You can save movies and photos on external media (USB storage device), such as an external hard disk drive. You can also play back images on the camcorder or another playback device. Tips You can also import images recorded on external media using the supplied software “PMB.” 1 Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains lead) to the DC IN jack of your camcorder and the wall outlet (wall socket).
5 Select [Copy.] on the camcorder screen. DCR-SR15E/SR20E: Movies and photos in the internal recording media of the camcorder that have not yet been saved on to external media can be saved. DCR-SX15E/SX20E: Movies and photos that have not yet been saved on to external media can be saved. 6 This screen will appear only when there are newly recorded images. After the operation is completed, select on the camcorder screen.
To play back images in the external media on the camcorder Select [Play without copying.] in step 5 above. The VISUAL INDEX screen of the external media is displayed. Play back the image (p. 25). You can also view images on a TV connected to your camcorder (p. 28). Notes The Date Index of photos cannot be displayed. If your camcorder does not recognize the external media, try the following operations.
Creating a disc with a DVD writer, recorder Creating a disc with the dedicated DVD writer, DVDirect Express 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. Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 12).
on the screen, then Select disconnect the USB cable. To play back a disc on the DVD writer To customize a disc with DISC BURN OPTION Perform this operation in the following cases: When When disc dubbing a desired image creating multiple copies of the same When dubbing images in the memory card (DCR-SR15E/SR20E) Select [DISC BURN OPTION] on the screen in step 4. Select the recording media containing the movie(s) you want to save (DCRSR15E/SR20E).
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 minutes to 60 minutes. It may take more time depending on the recording mode or the number of scenes.
Record movies on the connected device. A/V OUT jack For details, refer to the instruction manuals supplied with the device to be connected. After the operation is completed, select [END] [YES] on the camcorder screen. Input VIDEO Disconnect the USB cable. (Yellow) (White) AUDIO Creating a disc with a recorder, etc. Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 12).
Start playback on your camcorder, and record it on the recording device. Refer to the instruction manuals supplied with your recording device for details. When dubbing is finished, stop the recording device, and then your camcorder. Notes Since dubbing is performed via analog data transfer, the image quality may deteriorate. To hide the screen indicators (such as a counter, etc.
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. 50 SHOOTING SET (Items for customized shooting) p. 50 PHOTO SETTINGS (Items for recording photos) p. 50 PLAYBACK (Items for playback) p. 50 EDIT (Items for editing) p.
Select . Select [Show others] on the MY MENU screen. See the next page for details on MY MENU. Select the menu item to be changed. . After changing the setting, select . To finish setting the menu, select To return to the previous menu screen, select . may not be displayed depending on the menu item. Notes You may not be able to set some menu items, depending on the recording or playback conditions. Grayed out menu items or settings are not available.
Repeat the same steps above to register menu items on MY MENU, and enjoy using your “Handycam.” Tips When an external storage device is connected, the exclusive MY MENU appears. Using the OPTION MENU The OPTION MENU appears just like the pop-up window that appears when you right-click is displayed at bottom-right of the screen, you can use the mouse on a computer. When , and the menu items you can change in the context the OPTION MENU. You select appear. Menu item Select (OPTION).
Menu lists (MANUAL SETTINGS) category SCENE SELECTION................... Selects an appropriate recording setting according to the type of scene, such as night view or beach. FADER..................................... Fades scenes in or out. WHITE BAL.................................. Adjusts the color balance to the brightness of the recording environment. EXPOSURE.................................. Adjusts the brightness of movies and photos. FOCUS..........................................
(EDIT) category DELETE DELETE......................... Deletes movies. DELETE......................... Deletes photos. PROTECT PROTECT...................... Protects movies to avoid deleting. PROTECT...................... Protects photos to avoid deleting. DIVIDE.................................... Divides movies. PHOTO CAPTURE*1 *2............. Captures photos from desired scenes of movies. MOVIE DUB*1 DUB by select.................. Selects movies and dub. DUB by date.....................
(GENERAL SET) category SOUND/DISP SET VOLUME............................. Adjusts the volume of playback sound (p. 26). BEEP.................................... Sets whether the camcorder sounds operation beeps or not. LCD BRIGHT...................... Adjusts the brightness of the LCD screen. LCD BL LEVEL................... Adjusts the backlight of the LCD screen. LCD COLOR....................... Adjusts the color intensity of the LCD screen. DISPLAY SET.....................
Getting detailed information from the “Handycam” Handbook The “Handycam” Handbook is a user guide designed to be read on a computer screen. The “Handycam” Handbook is intended to be read when you want to know more about operating your camcorder. 1 To install the “Handycam” Handbook on a Windows computer, place the supplied CD-ROM in the disc drive of your computer. 2 On the installation screen displayed, click [Handbook].
Additional information Troubleshooting If you run into any problems using your camcorder, follow the steps below. Check the list (p. 54 to 56), and inspect your camcorder. Remove the power source, attach the power source again after about 1 minute, and turn the camcorder on. Press RESET (p. 64, 65) 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.
The recording stops. The temperature of your camcorder is extremely high/low. Turn off your camcorder and leave it for a while in a cool/warm place. “PMB” cannot be installed. Check the computer environment or installation procedure required to install “PMB” (p. 32). “PMB” does not work correctly. Disconnect devices from the USB jack of the computer other than the keyboard, mouse, and your camcorder.
The Image Database File is damaged. Check the data base file by selecting (MENU) [Show others] [REPAIR IMG.DB F.] (under [MANAGE MEDIA] category) the recording medium (DCR-SR15E/SR20E). The memory card is damaged. Format the memory card with your camcorder (p. 51). Incompatible memory card is inserted (p. 18). Access to the memory card was restricted on another device. The camcorder is unsteady. Hold the camcorder steady with both hands.
Recording time of movies/number of recordable photos Playing time Expected time of recording and playback with each battery pack Approximate time available when you use a fully charged battery pack. DCR-SR15E/SR20E Recording time Approximate time available when you use a fully charged battery pack.
technology causes fluctuations in the recording time of the media. Movies containing quickly moving and complex images are recorded at a higher bit-rate, and this reduces the overall recording time.
Precautions On use and care such as by placing anything heavy on it. Do not use a deformed or damaged battery pack. 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.
Handling the camcorder with above substances on your hands Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or vinyl objects for a long period of time About care and storage of the lens Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft cloth in the following instances: When there are fingerprints on the lens surface 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.
Specifications System Signal format: PAL color, CCIR standards Movie recording format: Video: MPEG-2 PS Audio recording system: Dolby Digital 2ch Dolby Digital Stereo Creator Photo file format : DCF Ver.2.0 Compatible : Exif Ver.2.
Dimensions (approx.): 48 mm 29 mm 81 mm (1 15/16 in. × 1 3/16 in. × 3 1/4 in.) (w/h/d) excluding the projecting parts Mass (approx.): 170 g (6.0 oz) excluding the power cord (mains lead) * See the label on the AC Adaptor for other specifications. Rechargeable battery pack NP-FV30 Maximum output voltage: DC 8.4 V Output voltage: DC 7.2 V Maximum charge voltage: DC 8.4 V Maximum charge current: 2.12 A Capacity typical: 3.6 Wh (500 mAh) minimum: 3.
Quick reference Screen indicators Upper left Center Upper right Indicator Meaning [00min] Estimated recording remaining time FADER Drop sensor off 9999 9999 Bottom Upper left Indicator Meaning MENU button Self-timer recording 100/112 Drop sensor activated Approximate number of recordable photos and recording media Playback folder of memory card Current playing movie or photo/Number of total recorded movies or photos MICREF LEVEL low WIDE SELECT BLT-IN ZOOM MIC 60 min Remaining battery Recordi
Parts and controls Figures in ( ) are reference pages. DCR-SR15E/SR20E LCD screen 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. Lens LENS COVER switch Built-in microphone LIGHT button Press to light up the LIGHT.
DCR-SX15E/SX20E DCR-SR15E/SR20E Speaker (USB) jack (33, 36, 39, 42) DCR-SX15E: output only A/V OUT jack (28) MODE button (21) (Backlight) button RESET button Press RESET using a pointed object. Press RESET to initialize all the settings including the clock setting.
DCR-SX15E/SX20E Power zoom lever PHOTO button (24) POWER lamp START/STOP button (21) Battery pack (10) CHG (charge) lamp (10) Grip belt (20) DC IN jack (10) Access lamp (memory card) (17) While the lamp is lit or flashing, the camcorder is reading or writing data. BATT (battery) release lever (12) 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.)).
Index Symbols L 16:9................................................28 4:3..................................................28 LANGUAGE SET........................15 A Macintosh.....................................32 Maintenance.................................59 MEDIA SETTINGS.....................16 Memory card................................17 “Memory Stick” media................18 “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media.............................................18 “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media ............
GB Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. http://www.sony.
