Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a malfunction of the camcorder, MiniDisc, etc.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
Charging the battery pack
Use the battery pack after charging it for your camcorder. Your camcorder operates only with the InfoLITHIUM battery pack (L series). If you want to use the camcorder right away indoors, use on the AC adaptor/charger (p. 15).
(1) Set the mode change switch to CHARGE. (2) Connect the power cord to the AC adaptor/charger. (3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. A beep sounds and the display window lights up. (4) Place the battery pack on the AC adaptor/charger with the b mark facing the terminal shutter. (5) Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow. Press the battery pack until the terminal shutter enters completely into the AC adaptor/charger.
Charging begins. When the remaining battery indicator becomes and the CHARGE lamp lights up, normal charge is completed. For full charge, which allows you to use the battery slightly longer than normal charge, leave the battery pack attached until the CHARGE lamp goes out. Remove the battery pack when required. It can be used even if the charging is not completed.

3 4, 5

VTR/CAMERA

CHARGE

CHARGE lamp
To remove the battery pack
Slide the battery pack in the opposite direction of installing, then lift it straight out.
Notes When the mode change switch is set to VTR/CAMERA during charging, charging stops. If the CHARGE lamp does not light or flash, check that the battery pack is correctly attached to the AC adaptor/charger. If it is not attached it will not be charged. When you install the battery pack, be sure to not hit it to the terminal of the AC adaptor/charger. Be sure that nothing metallic comes into contact with the metal parts of the unit or connecting plate. If it does, a short may occur and the unit may be damaged.

Charging time

The following table shows the charging time for the battery pack which is discharged completely.
Battery pack NP-F550 (supplied) Full charge (Normal charge) 115 (55)
Approximate minute to charge an empty battery pack fully (Full charge). Approximate minute in parentheses indicates the time when you charge normally (Normal charge). The charging time may differ depending on the condition of the battery pack or the temperature of the environment. Remaining battery indicator

Normal charge

Full charge

Recording time

Battery pack NP-F550 (supplied) Recording with the viewfinder Continuous* Typical** 75 (70) 37 (35) Recording with the LCD screen Continuous* Typical** 65 (60) 32 (30)

Step 1 Preparing the power supply Installing the battery pack
Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors.
(1) Slide OPEN (BATT) down to open the battery compartment lid. (2) With the V mark pointing down, insert the battery pack until it clicks. (3) Shut the lid.
Open the lid and push the catch.
Note Put your hand by the battery compartment lid to prevent the battery pack from dropping. Remaining battery time indicator of the camcorder Approximate time remaining for continuous recording will be displayed on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. The time may not be correct depending on the condition or environment the camcorder is used. It will take about 1 minute for the camcorder to display a correct remaining time when you open or close the LCD screen. The remaining time displayed on the camcorder may differ from that on the AC adaptor/charger.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply Connecting to a wall outlet
When you use your camcorder for a long time, we recommend that you power it from a wall outlet using the AC adaptor/charger.
(1) Set the mode change switch to VTR/CAMERA. (2) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. (3) Connect the power cord to the AC adaptor/charger. (4) Connect the connecting cord to the DC OUT connector of the AC adaptor/ charger. (5) Install the connecting cord to the camcorder. Insert the connecting adaptor until it clicks. Pass the cord through the cord shutter so that the cord is not caught by the battery lid.
To disconnect the connecting cord
Notes If you set the mode change switch to CHARGE while operating the camcorder, the power supply to the camcorder stops. Be sure that nothing metallic comes into contact with the metal parts of the AC adaptor/charger. If it does, a short may occur and the AC adaptor/charger may be damaged. You cannot charge the battery pack attached to the AC adaptor/charger while supplying the power to the camcorder. Keep the AC adaptor/charger away from the camcorder if the picture is disturbed. The power cord must only be changed at an authorized service shop. The AC adaptor/charger is not disconnected from the AC power source (house current) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the AC adaptor/charger itself has been turned off. Using a car battery Use Sony DC adaptor/charger DC-VQ800 (not supplied) or car battery adaptor DCC-L50 (not supplied).
Step 2 Inserting an MD DATA2 disc

(1) Press MENU. SET UP. (2) Select REC MODE in (3) Select the desired recording mode.
Note on deterioration of picture quality The playback picture of a subject which moves fast or changes brightness may have block-shaped noise or rough outlines.
Recording a picture Using the zoom feature
(1) Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom. Using the zoom function sparingly results in better-looking recordings. T side:for telephoto (subject appears closer) W side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)
Zoom greater than 10 is performed digitally, if you set D ZOOM to ON in the menu settings. The digital zoom function is set to OFF as a default setting (p. 92).
The right-ended portion of the bar shows the digital zooming zone. The digital zooming zone appears when you set D ZOOM to ON. When you shoot close to a subject If you cannot get a sharp focus, move the power zoom lever to the W side until the focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least about 2 feet 5/8 inch (about 80 cm) away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about half an inch (about 1 cm) away in the wide-angle position. Notes on digital zoom Digital zoom starts to function when zoom exceeds 10x. The picture quality deteriorates as you go toward the T side. Set D ZOOM to OFF in the menu settings. Otherwise the digital zoom activates without notice (p. 92).
Recording a picture Recording while showing the picture on the LCD screen
You can record a person while showing himself/herself on the LCD screen. You can also record yourself if you place your camcorder in a stable position. The supplied Remote Commander will make it easy to record yourself.
(1) Pull the bOPEN protrusion and open the LCD panel. (2) Turn the LCD panel over so that it faces the other way. indicator appears on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder (Mirror The mode).

(3) Start recording.

Picture in the mirror mode The picture on the LCD screen is a mirror-image. However, the picture will be normal when recorded. Indicators in the mirror mode The STBY indicator appears as Xz and REC as z. Some of the other indicators appear mirror-reversed and others are not displayed. Recording time using the battery pack in the mirror mode Recording time is slightly shorter than the recording time using the LCD screen only (p. 11).

Playing the track recorded in the INTERVIEW mode
The audio track recorded in the INTERVIEW mode is displayed by the first photo with the icon on the index display. Touch the track to start recording.
Playback screen of the track recorded in the INTERVIEW MODE
You will hear the audio. On the LCD screen are a large blank screen and small photos to the right of the screen. When the recorded photo is reached during playback, the large screen will be replaced by the photo. If you touch the photos on the side (1, 2, 3), the audio goes the position together with the photo.
If you touch the large screen (A), the image is enlarged. Touch RETURN to return to the interview play display.

1 A 2 3

When the interview recording was done like this, Start V Audio recording Photo recording it is played back like this. Audio playback Photo playback (Picture in screen A) None Stop
When the recorded photo is reached during audio playback, screen A is replaced by photo 1, 2 or 3. Index image on the index display The first recorded photo becomes the index image. Note Slow playback and frame-by-frame playback are not possible with an audio track.

Self-timer recording

You can make a recording with the self-timer. This mode is useful when you want to record yourself. The Remote Commander will make recording easier.
(1) Press MENU in the standby mode. CAMERA, and press the dial. (2) Turn the control dial to select (3) Turn the control dial to select SELF TIMER, and press the dial.
CAMERA RETURN SELF TIMER PROGRAM AE D ZOOM STEADYSHOT WHT BAL AUTO SHTR ANTI WIND NOISE STBY 40 min STBY REMAIN 10:00

CANCEL

DETAIL
(4) Start recording. To record a movie: Press START/STOP. Self-timer starts counting down from 10 seconds. As the waiting time passes, x decreases every 1 second.

40 min STBY REMAIN 10:00

When x all disappear, your camcorder starts recording automatically. As the recording time passes, the bar becomes longer.

REMAIN 10:00

Your camcorder stops recording automatically after 10 seconds. To record a photo: Press PHOTO. Self-timer starts counting down from 10 seconds. As the waiting time passes, x decreases every 1 second.
When x all disappear, your camcorder records the photo automatically.
To set the waiting and recording time
You can select the waiting time from 5, 10, and 15 seconds. You can select the recording time of movie from 5, 10, 20, 30 and 60 seconds. (1) On the self-timer screen, turn the control dial to select DETAIL, and press the dial.
(2) Turn the control dial to select the desired time, and press the dial to confirm.
40 min STBY REMAIN 10:min STBY REMAIN 10:00
WAIT TIME 10 SEC REC TIME 10 SEC EXEC

Adjusting the exposure manually
You can manually adjust and set the exposure. Adjust the exposure manually in the following cases: The subject is backlit Bright subject and dark background To record dark pictures (e.g. night scenes) faithfully
(1) In the standby or recording mode, press EXPOSURE. The exposure indicator appears. (2) Turn the control dial to adjust the brightness.

EXPOSURE

To return to the automatic exposure mode
Press EXPOSURE again. Note When you adjust the exposure manually, the backlight function does not work. If you select a PROGRAM AE mode while you are adjusting the exposure manually Your camcorder automatically returns to the automatic exposure mode. Press EXPOSURE again and adjust manually.
Releasing the STEADYSHOT function
The STEADYSHOT function compensates for camera-shake. You can release the STEADYSHOT function when you do not need it. Do not use the STEADYSHOT function when shooting a stationary object using a tripod to obtain more natural picture.
(1) Press MENU in the recording or standby mode. (2) Turn the control dial to select CAMERA, and press the dial. (3) Turn the control dial to select STEADYSHOT, and press the dial.
CAMERA RETURN SELF TIMER PROGRAM AE D ZOOM STEADYSHOT WHT BAL AUTO SHTR ANTI WIND NOISE STBY CAMERA RETURN SELF TIMER PROGRAM AE D ZOOM STEADYSHOT WHT BAL AUTO SHTR ANTI WIND NOISE STBY
(4) Turn the control dial to select OFF, and press the dial. (5) Press MENU. indicator appears on the LCD screen or in the The menu disappears and the viewfinder.
To activate the STEADYSHOT function
Set STEADYSHOT to ON in the menu. Notes The STEADYSHOT function will not correct excessive camera-shake. If you attach a tele-conversion lens or wide-conversion lens, the STEADYSHOT function may not work properly.
Adjusting the white balance manually
You can manually adjust and set the white balance. This adjustment makes white subjects look white and allows more natural color balance. Normally white balance is automatically adjusted.
(1) Press MENU in the recording or standby mode. CAMERA, and press the dial. (2) Turn the control dial to select (3) Turn the control dial to select WHT BAL, and press the dial.

AUTO HOLD OUTDOOR INDOOR

(4) Turn the control dial to select the desired mode, and press the dial.
INDOOR (n : ) Lighting condition changes quickly Too bright place such as photography studios Under sodium lamps or mercury lamps OUTDOOR ( ): Recording a sunset/sunrise, just after sunset, just before sunrise, neon signs, or fireworks Under a color matching fluorescent lamp HOLD (HOLD): Recording a single-colored subject or background
(5) Press MENU. The menu disappears and the indicator of selected mode appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
To return to the automatic white balance mode

Displaying nine consecutive scenes

9 FRAME SEQUENCE

You can view a part of a movie as nine still pictures on the screen. This function is useful when you want to look at a fast-moving subject, such as a golf swing, in detail. 9 FRAME SEQUENCE function displays consecutive scenes of every 0.2 second.
(1) On the index display, touch
PLAYBACK RETURN PICTURE IN PICTURE 9 FRAME SEQUENCE PLAY MODE SORT JUMP STILL PLAYBACK TIME PRESET TRANSITION
PLAYBACK and then 9 FRAME SEQUENCE.

9 FRAME SEQUENCE

(2) Touch the desired track. You can select a movie track only. If you want to cancel the operation, touch CANCEL. (3) Touch PAUSE at the desired scene.

FORWARD

(4) Adjust the scene position by touching FORWARD or BACK, and touch EXEC. Nine still pictures appear on the screen.

7 BACK EXEC FORWARD

Displaying nine consecutive scenes 9 FRAME SEQUENCE
To enlarge one of the pictures to entire screen
(1) Touch the desired picture. If you press BACK, the previous frame appears. If you touch FORWARD, the next frame appears.
To return to the 9 FRAME SEQUENCE screen, touch CLOSE.
To return to the index display
(1) Touch CLOSE. (2) Touch FINISH. If you continue the 9 FRAME SEQUENCE operation, touch CONTINUE.
To operate the menu You may use the control dial. You can select 9 FRAME SEQUENCE in the shortcut menu To turn on the shortcut menu, press MENU during playback or playback pause. To select the scene You may use the control dial. Turn the control dial to select the scene, and press the dial to confirm. Note on digital effect Drawing, scene transition and picture effects are not applied to the nine still pictures or its enlarged picture. If you select a scene near the end of a track The number of still pictures displayed may be less than nine.

Playing back repeatedly

You can play one track, all tracks in a disc or a portion of a movie (A-B repeat) repeatedly.

Repeating a track

(1) On the index display, touch (2) Touch SINGLE REPEAT.
PLAYBACK and then PLAY MODE.
NORMAL ALL REPEAT SINGLE REPEAT AB REPEAT SHUFFLE INTRO SCAN
to close the menu. (3) Touch 1 appears at the top of the index display. (4) Play the track to be repeated.
Repeating all tracks in a disc
(1) On the index display, touch (2) Touch ALL REPEAT.
to close the menu. (3) Touch appears at the top of the index display. (4) Play the track to be repeated first.
Repeating a portion of a movie A-B repeat
(1) On the index display, touch (2) Touch A-B REPEAT.
to close the menu. (3) Touch Ay appears at the top of the index display. B
Continued on the next page

RETURN SET RELEASE

(3) Touch the first track to be included in the group. (4) Touch the last track to be included in the group. (5) Touch FINISH. After the PLEASE WAIT message, which appears while the change is written in the disc, only the first track of the group is displayed on the index display.

Group icon

To operate the menu You can use the control dial. To cancel grouping Touch CANCEL. You cannot group the tracks if: the disc is protected. If you include a protected track in the group The entire group track becomes protected. If you release protecting in the track information display of this group track, all tracks in the group become unprotected tracks.
A group track can be included in the group You can include a group track when making another group. If you release grouping of the tracks, all tracks are released and become individual tracks. To group other tracks Touch CONTINUE in step 5. You cannot select the following items on the group track PLAY menu 9 FRAME SEQUENCE (You can, however, select from the shortcut menu during playback.) EDIT menu - TRIM - DIVIDE - STILL FRAME CAPTURE - INDEX IMAGE CHANGE DRAWING/EFFECT menu - DRAWING - SCENE TRANSITION - PICTURE EFFECT
Releasing the tracks from the group
If you want all the tracks to appear individually on the index display after you have moved or copied the tracks in a group, release the group.
(1) Touch EDIT. (2) Touch GROUP, then RELEASE. (3) Touch the grouped track. All the tracks in the group appear individually. (4) Touch FINISH. After the PLEASE WAIT message, which appears while the change is written in the disc, the index display appears.
To release other group tracks Touch CONTINUE in step 4.
Making a photo track from a movie
You can make a new photo track of a desired scene in a movie. Movie Photo
(1) Touch EDIT. Scroll the menu by touching v or V, or by turning the control dial. (2) Touch STILL FRAME CAPTURE. STILL FRAME CAPTURE appears at the top of the screen.
EDIT COPY TRIM ERASE DIVIDE GROUP STILL FRAME CAPTURE

STILL FRAME CAPTURE

(3) Touch the desired movie track. The selected track is played back. (4) Touch PAUSE where you want to capture the scene.

(3) Touch the desired track. The confirmation message appears while the selected track is played back repeatedly. (4) Touch YES. icon disappears from the track. The

PAINT ERASE

DRAWING WILL BE REMOVED CONFIRM TO ERASE YES NO
To cancel erasing Touch NO. If you select CLEAR in the illustration tool The icon does not disappear. To erase the icon, follow the above steps.
To erase the memo track Erase the track by selecting ERASE in the EDIT menu. To continue erasing the drawing on other tracks Touch CONTINUE in step 5.

Inserting a title track

You can use the title track to locate the tracks, or to categorize the tracks. A title track made on the TITLE INSERT display can be quickly located by sorting or jumping for playback. A title track makes one track. The title track has the icon on the index display.
(1) Touch DRAWING/EFFECT. (2) Touch TITLE. TITLE INSERT appears at the top of the screen.
DRAWING/EFFECT RETURN DRAWING TITLE SCENE TRANSITION PICTURE EFFECT TITLE INSERT
(3) Touch the position (between the tracks) where you want to insert the title track. (4) Touch the box to input the title. The keyboard appears. See page 80 for how to use the keyboard. (5) Input the title you like, then touch EXEC. The title you made appears at the selected position.
TITLE INSERT TITLE NAME VACATION TITLE INSERT
(6) Touch FINISH. After the PLEASE WAIT message, which appears while the change is written in the disc, the index display appears.
To operate the menu You can use the control dial. To cancel making a title Touch CANCEL. Track name of the title track The title track has the same name as the title itself. If you change the track name on the track information display The title automatically becomes what you input on the track information display. To continue making titles Touch CONTINUE in step 6.
Switching the tracks with special effects
You can switch the tracks with special effects such as fading in/out. These effects can be applied to the movie and photo tracks only, and are recorded in the disc. Effects to be applied to the beginning and end of a track Fade (in/out) The picture fades in from black, and fades out to black. Wipe (in/out) The picture appears as the black screen opens, and disappears as the black screen closes. Mosaic (in/out) The picture appears from mosaic, and disappears to mosaic. Effects to be applied across two tracks Cross-fade As the previous track fades out, the next track fades in. Cross-wipe The next track appears turning over the previous track. Cross-dissolve The next track appears inlaid into the previous track. Effects to be applied only to the end of a track Blackout A black screen is displayed at the end of each track. Hold Each track pauses for a while at the end.
(1) Touch DRAWING/EFFECT. (2) Touch SCENE TRANSITION. SCENE TRANSITION appears at the top of the screen.

Handling

If any solid object or liquid gets inside the casing, unplug your camcorder and have it checked by a Sony dealer before operating it any further. Avoid rough handling or mechanical shock. Be particularly careful of the lens. Do not touch the lens in the disc compartment. If the lens becomes dirty, playback may not be performed or pictures may dropout. To keep the lens away from dust, keep the disc lid shut except when you insert or eject a disc. To attach a tripod, use the supplied tripod attachment. If you do not use the tripod attachment, make sure that the tripod is securely attached and stable. Do not let sand get into your camcorder. When you use your camcorder on a sandy beach or in a dusty place, protect it from the sand or dust. Sand or dust may cause your camcorder to malfunction, and sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired.

Safety

When a conversion lens is attached, do not look at the sun directly. If you have skin trouble after using the eyecup, stop using your camcorder and consult a doctor. Keep the input pen, the ferrite cores and the plastic tie of the cables out of the reach of children to prevent children from swallowing them.

Moisture condensation

If the camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside and outside the camcorder. Using the camcorder in this condition may result in malfunction of the camcorder. If moisture condensation occurs, remove the battery, turn off the camcorder, and leave it for about one hour with the battery compartment open.
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 hot place as follows: You bring your camcorder from a ski slope into a warm place. 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 rain shower. You use your camcorder in a place with high temperature and humidity. 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 tightly seal it. Remove the bag when the air temperature inside the plastic bag has reached the surrounding temperature (after about one hour).

LCD screen (touch panel)

Use only the supplied input pen. Using another pen may damage the touch panel. Do not push the LCD screen too hard. Doing so may cause uneven color or malfunction of the LCD screen. If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a residual image may appear on the LCD screen. This is not a malfunction. The back of the LCD panel may heat up during operation. This is not a malfunction. Do not grab the LCD screen when you move or carry your camcorder. Doing so may cause malfunction of the LCD screen.

Remote Commander

The supplied Remote Commander operates only this camcorder and cannot operate other model. It is not possible to operate this camcorder with a Remote Commander supplied with other model. If any problem occurs, unplug your camcorder and contact your nearest Sony dealer.
Precautions and maintenance information Maintenance

Camcorder

Clean the camcorder body with a dry soft cloth, or a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of solvent which may damage the finish.
Clean the lens with a commercially available blower.

LCD screen

If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen dirty, we recommend using a LCD Cleaning Cloth (not supplied) to clean the LCD screen.
Charging the vanadium-lithium battery in your camcorder
Your camcorder is supplied with a vanadium-lithium battery installed so as to retain the date and time, etc., regardless of the setting of the POWER switch. The vanadiumlithium battery is always charged as long as you are using your camcorder. The battery, however, will discharge gradually if you do not use your camcorder. It will be completely discharged in about four months if you do not use your camcorder at all. Even if the vanadium-lithium battery is not charged, it will not affect the camcorder operation. To retain the date and time, etc., charge the battery if it is discharged. Charging the vanadium-lithium battery: Connect your camcorder to house current using the AC adaptor/charger supplied with your camcorder, and leave your camcorder with the POWER switch turned off for more than 24 hours.
Calibrating the LCD screen (touch panel)
If the touch panel does not react correctly when you touch it, calibrate the touch panel.
(1) Set the POWER switch to OFF. (2) Eject the disc. If you have connected other equipment, disconnect them. (3) Open the LCD panel. (4) While pressing DSPL and x together, set the POWER switch to PLAY/EDIT. (5) Touch the marks displayed on the LCD screen one by one.

(6) Turn the LCD panel over and close it to the camcorder body, marks displayed on the LCD screen one by one. (7) Touch the (8) Touch FINISH. The index display appears.

Structure of MiniDisc

The 2.5-inch MiniDisc (MD) is compact and easy to handle requiring less caution as it is encased in a plastic cartridge that looks like a 3.5-inch diskette.

Disc variation

MiniDiscs come in three types: MDs to enjoy music, MD DATA and MD DATA2 discs to record computer data, etc. Your camcorder uses MD DATA2 disc to record pictures. MD DATA2 disc Records and plays digital data of moving pictures, etc.
MD DATA disc Records and plays digital data of computers, etc.
Audio MDs Comes in two types: pre-mastered (pre-recorded) and recordable (blank). Premastered MDs are played like regular CDs.
MD DATA and MD DATA2 are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. MD VIEW is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation for MD DATA2 discs.
Usable MDs with your camcorder
For recording and playing audio and picture: MD DATA2 For playing audio only: Audio MD You cannot use any other discs with your camcorder.

Notes on MDs

The MiniDisc (MD) is easy to handle requiring less caution about dust or fingerprints as it is encased in a plastic cartridge. However, if the cartridge is dusty or warped, a malfunction may occur. To keep the quality of the picture and sound, handle the MD as follows. Do not open the shutter to expose the MD. Close the shutter immediately if the shutter opens.

Shutter

Cartridge
Do not leave the MD in a location near heat sources, or in a place subject to direct sunlight. Do not leave the MD where sand may get into the MD such as at the beach. Wipe the disc cartridge with a dry cloth to remove dirt.
System limitations of the MD
The recording system in your camcorder is radically different from those used in cassette and DAT decks and the system has limitations as described below. Note, however, that these limitations are due to the inherent nature of the MD recording system itself and not to mechanical causes. The remaining recording time does not increase even after erasing numerous short tracks. Tracks under 8 seconds long are not counted, so erasing them may not increase the recording time. It takes a long time to save or edit pictures Saving and editing on a disc which has hundreds of recorded pictures will take a long time. The total recorded time and the remaining time on the MD may not reach the maximum recording time. Repeated editing may reduce the recordable time of the disc. The picture or sound may dropout while fast-forwarding or reversing the edited tracks. Tracks created through editing may exhibit picture or sound dropout during fastforwarding or reversing because high-speed playback takes more time to search the position on the disc when the tracks are scattered on the disc.

Notes Your camcorder conforms to the Video MD format.
An MD recorded by equipment without bearing Video MD logo cannot be used on your camcorder. An MD recorded a video signal other than NTSC system cannot be used on your camcorder.

Troubleshooting

If you run into any problem using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer.

Recording

Symptom Recording or interview recording is not possible. Cause and/or Corrective Actions The POWER switch is not set to CAMERA or INTERVIEW. c Set it to CAMERA (p. 22) or INTERVIEW (p. 36). The disc is full. c Erase unnecessary tracks (p. 65) or insert a new disc (p. 16). The battery pack is dead or nearly dead. c Install a charged battery pack (p. 10). START/STOP is set to ANTI GROUND in the menu. c Set it to NORMAL (p. 93). Moisture has condensed inside the camcorder. c Remove the disc and leave the camcorder for a couple of hours (p. 105). START/STOP is set to ANTI GROUND in the menu. c Set it to NORMAL (p. 93). While being operated in CAMERA mode, the camcorder has been in the standby mode for more than five minutes. c Set the POWER switch to OFF and then to CAMERA or INTERVIEW again (p. 23). The viewfinder lens is not adjusted. c Adjust the viewfinder lens (p. 26). STEADYSHOT is set to OFF. c Set it to ON (p. 45). The camcorder is in manual focus mode. c Turn to auto focus mode (p. 43). Shooting conditions are not suitable for autofocus. c Adjust focus manually (p. 43). Power source is disconnected during recording. c Select a scene for the index (p. 62). The contrast between the subject and background is too high. This is not a malfunction.
Recording stops in a few seconds. The power goes off.
The image on the viewfinder screen is not clear. The SteadyShot function does not work. The autofocusing function does not work.
Black index appeared for the recorded track. A vertical band appears when you shoot a subject such as lights or a candle flame against a dark background.
Symptom Picture appears too bright, and the subject does not appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. The beep or click of the shutter does not sound. The picture on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder turns off. It takes time for the picture to appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder when the POWER switch is set to CAMERA. Cause and/or Corrective Actions EXPOSURE is set to manual adjustment mode. c Set it back to automatic adjustment (p. 44). BACKLIGHT adjustment function is working. c Deactivate the function (p. 40). BEEP is set to OFF. c Set it to ON (p. 93). The picture turns off when you insert or eject the disc. This is not a malfunction. It happens occasionally. This is not a malfunction.

The picture does not appear in the viewfinder. The battery pack is quickly discharged.
The disc lid does not open.
Recording does not start again.
The battery remaining indicator does not indicate the correct time.
Recording or editing is not possible.

Others

Symptom The Remote Commander supplied with the camcorder does not work. Cause and/or Corrective Actions COMMANDER is set to OFF. c Set it to ON (p. 93). Something is blocking the infrared rays. c Remove the obstacle. The batteries are inserted in the battery holder with the + polarities incorrectly matching the + marks. c Insert the batteries with the correct polarity (p. 125). The batteries are dead. c Insert new ones (p. 125). Calibration of the touch panel is required. c Perform calibration adjustment (p. 108). Internal error. c Disconnect the power source once, and connect it again. Moisture condensed inside the camcorder. c Remove the disc and leave your camcorder for a couple of hours (p. 105). The camcorder suffered strong noise due to mechanical shock or abnormal voltage caused by excessive static electricity, thunder, etc., during operation. c Do as follows. 1. Disconnect the power source. 2. Leave the camcorder as it is for about 30 seconds. 3. Connect the power source. The disc is damaged, or has improperly written information of recording or editing. c Disconnect the power source once, and connect it again. c Eject the disc once, and insert it again. The disc does not conform with Video MD format or NTSC system. c Use MD DATA2 disc. The AC adaptor/charger is disconnected. c Connect it properly (p. 15). c Check the mode change switch (p. 15). The headphones are not connected securely. c Connect the headphones to the i jack securely. c Turn up the volume (p. 33). The vanadium-lithium battery in the camcorder has discharged since no power was supplied for long time. c Connect the camcorder to an wall outlet using the AC adaptor/charger (p. 15). The clock is not set. c Set the clock (p. 89). The clock is not set. c Set the clock (p. 89).
Wrong item is selected when you touch the LCD screen. The camcorder does not turn on. The camcorder does not operate.
DISC ERROR/nothing but blue screen/MEMORY OVER is displayed. THIS DISC CANNOT BE USED is displayed. The battery pack cannot be charged. No sound is heard from the headphones. The clock is wrong.