4-209-887-11(1)

Table of contents

Getting started

Recording/Playback
Making good use of your camcorder Saving images with an external device Customizing your camcorder Additional information
Digital Video Camera Recorder
DCR-SR15E/SR20E/SX15E/ SX20E/SX20EK Handycam Handbook

Quick reference

2010 Sony Corporation

Read this first

Supplied items
The numbers in ( ) are the supplied quantity. AC Adaptor (1) Power cord (Mains lead) (1) A/V connecting cable (1) USB cable (1) Rechargeable battery pack NP-FV30 (1) CD-ROM Handycam Application Software (1)

PMB Handycam

Battery pack
The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed or waterproofed. See About handling of your camcorder (p.85).
(software, including PMB Help) Handbook (PDF)
Menu items, LCD panel, and lens

Operating Guide (1)

For DCR-SX20EK only* Memory card (4GB)**
* Confirm the model name on the packing box. ** When measuring media capacity, 1 GB equals
1 billion bytes, a portion of which is used for system management and/or application files. The capacity that a user can use is approximately 3.83 GB. See page 19 for the memory card you can use with this camcorder.
A menu item that is grayed out is not available under the current recording or playback conditions. The LCD screen is manufactured using extremely high-precision technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in color) that appear constantly on the LCD screen. These points are normal results of the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any way.

Using the camcorder

Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts, and also do not hold the camcorder by the jack covers.
Black points White, red, blue or green points
Exposing the LCD screen or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause malfunctions. Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction. Take images of the sun only in low light conditions, such as at dusk.

LCD screen

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.16).

Recording

When you use a memory card with your camcorder for the first time, formatting the memory card with your camcorder (p.66) is recommended for stable operation. All data recorded on the memory card will be deleted when it is formatted, and cannot be recovered. Save important data to your computer, etc., beforehand. 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.
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 activated in such situations. In this case, an indicator appears on the LCD screen (p.75).

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 A/V equipment of other manufacturers.
If you cannot record/play back images, perform [MEDIA FORMAT]
Save all your recorded image data
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).
If you repeat recording/deleting images for a long time, fragmentation of data occurs on the recording media. Images cannot be saved or recorded. In such a case, save your images on some type of external media first, and then perform [MEDIA FORMAT] by selecting (MENU) [Show others] [MEDIA [MANAGE MEDIA] FORMAT] (under category) the desired medium (DCR-SR15E. /SR20E) [YES] [YES]
Notes on optional accessories
We recommend using genuine Sony accessories. Availability of such products is subject to country/region.
Notes on battery pack/AC Adaptor
Be sure to remove the battery pack or the AC Adaptor after turning off the camcorder.
About images, illustrations, and screen displays of this manual
The example images used in this manual for
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 (DCRSR15E/SR20E) of your camcorder and memory card are called recording media. Design and specifications of your camcorder and accessories are subject to change without notice.
the camcorder, or subject the camcorder to shock or vibration when the POWER lamp (p.14) or the access lamp (p.19) are lit or flashing When using a shoulder belt (sold separately), do not crash the camcorder against an object. Do not use your camcorder in very loud areas (DCR-SR15E/SR20E).

Select the type of dubbing.
[DUB by select]: To select movies and dub [DUB by date]: To dub all movies of a specified date [ DUB ALL]: To dub the Playlist When you select the Playlist as the source of dubbing, follow the on-screen instructions to dub the Playlist.
Notes When you record a movie on the memory card for the first time, create the image database file (MENU) [Show others] by selecting [MANAGE [REPAIR IMG.DB F.] (under MEDIA] category) [MEMORY CARD]. Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor to prevent your camcorder from running out of power during dubbing.
Select the movie to be dubbed.
[DUB by select]: Select the movie to be dubbed, and mark it with. You can select multiple movies.
Tips The original movie will not be deleted after dubbing. All included images in a Playlist will be dubbed. The images recorded by this camcorder and stored onto the recording media are called original.
Remaining capacity of the memory card
[DUB by date]: Select the recording date of the movie to be dubbed, then. You cannot select multiple select dates.
(MENU) [Show Select others] [PHOTO COPY] (under [EDIT] category).
The [PHOTO COPY] screen appears.
Select the type of copying.
[COPY by select]: To copy selected photos [COPY by date]: To copy all photos of a specified date
Tips To check the dubbed movies after dubbing is finished, select [MEMORY CARD] on [MOVIE MEDIA SET] and play them back (p.17).

Copying photos

You can copy photos from the internal recording media of the camcorder to memory card. Insert a memory card into your camcorder before the operation.
Select the photo to be copied.
[COPY by select]: Select the photo to be copied, and mark with. You can select multiple photos.
Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor to prevent your camcorder from running out of power during copying.
[COPY by date]: Select the recording date of the photo to be copied, then. You cannot select multiple select dates.

Using menus

Using the menus, you can perform useful functions and change various settings. If you make good use of menu operations, you can enjoy using your camcorder. The camcorder has various menu items under each of eight menu categories. MANUAL SETTINGS (Items to adjust for scene condition) p.58 SHOOTING SET (Items for customized shooting) p.61 PHOTO SETTINGS (Items for recording photos) p.63 PLAYBACK (Items for playback) p.64 EDIT (Items for editing) p.65 OTHERS (Items for other settings) p.65 MANAGE MEDIA (Items for recording media) p.66 GENERAL SET (Other setup items) p.67

Operating menus

Select with /// and press the center of the multi-selector to confirm your selection. An orange frame appears on the selected item.
: To finish setting the menu. / : The menu list moves from category to category. / : The menu list moves through 4 items at once. : To return to the MY MENU.
Select. Select [Show others] on the MY MENU screen.
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
See the next page for details on MY MENU.
may not be displayed depending on the menu item.
Notes You may not be able to set some menu items, depending on the recording or playback conditions. Grayed out menu items or settings are not available.
Tips Depending on the menu items being changed, your camcorder switches between playback mode and recording mode (movie/photo).

Using MY MENU

You can use the menu items more easily by registering the menu items you use most often on MY MENU. You can register 6 menu items on each MY MENU of the MOVIE, PHOTO, and PLAYBACK. Example: deleting [FOCUS] and registering [ FADER]
Select. Select [MY MENU SETTING]. Select [MOVIE]. Select [FOCUS]. Select [MANUAL SETTINGS] category). Select [ FADER] (under. When MY MENU is displayed, select
Repeat the same steps above to register menu items on MY MENU, and enjoy using your Handycam.

Records images in average image quality without the [SCENE SELECTION] function.

SPOTLIGHT**( )

Prevents peoples faces from appearing excessively white when subjects are lit by strong light.

SPORTS** ( )

Select to minimize shake when shooting fast moving subjects.

TWILIGHT* ( )

Maintains the darkening atmosphere of the distant surroundings in twilight scenes.

BEACH** (

Takes the vivid blue of the ocean or a lake.

CANDLE ( )

Maintains the dim atmosphere of a candlelit scene.

SNOW** ( )

Takes bright pictures of a white landscape.
* Adjusted to focus on subjects farther away

SUNRISE&SUNSET* (

Reproduces the atmosphere of scenes such as sunsets or sunrises.
** Adjusted not to focus on subjects a short

distance away.

FIREWORKS* ( )
Takes spectacular shots of fireworks.
Notes If you set [SCENE SELECTION], [WHITE BAL.] setting is canceled.

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. OFF

Does not use an effect.

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.

WHITE FADER

Fades in/out with the white effect.

INDOOR ()

The white balance is appropriately adjusted for the following recording conditions: 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.

ONE PUSH (

To cancel the fader before starting the operation, select [OFF].
Tips 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.

correctly (p.11). If the problem persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall socket) and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be damaged.
The remaining battery time indicator does not indicate the correct time.
Your camcorder gets warm.
Your camcorder may become warm during operation. This is not a malfunction.
The ambient temperature is too high or too low. This is not a malfunction. The battery pack has not been charged enough. Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the battery pack with a new one (p.85). 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.
Use the AC Adaptor. In the default setting, when about 5 minutes have elapsed while you do not operate your camcorder, the camcorder is automatically turned off (A.SHUT OFF). Change the setting of [A.SHUT OFF] (p.68), or turn on the power again. Charge the battery pack (p.11).
The ambient temperature is too high or low. This is not a malfunction. The battery pack has not been charged enough. Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the battery pack with a new one (p.85).
Menu items are grayed out.
The CHG (charge) lamp does not light while the battery pack is being charged.
Close the LCD screen (p.11). Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p.11). Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the wall outlet (wall socket) properly. The battery charge is completed (p.11).
You cannot select grayed items in the current recording/playback situation. There are some functions you cannot activate simultaneously (p.75).
Dots in lines appear on the LCD screen.
This is not a malfunction. These dots are not recorded.
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged.
The icons on the LCD screen quickly disappear.

The auto focus does not function.

Playback

Images cannot be played back.
Set [FOCUS] to [AUTO] (p.60). The recording conditions are not suitable for auto focus. Adjust the focus manually (p.60).
SteadyShot does not function.
Set [ STEADYSHOT] to [ON] (p.61). Even if [ STEADYSHOT] is set to [ON], your camcorder may not be able to compensate for excessive vibrations.
Select the type of recording media you want to play back (p.17) (DCR-SR15E/SR20E). Images recorded on other devices may not be played back. This is not a malfunction.
Photos cannot be played back.
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.
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.
is indicated on an image on the VISUAL INDEX screen.
A vertical white line may appear on an image taken in bright light.
This phenomenon is called the smear effect. This is not a malfunction.
Black bands appear when you record a TV screen or computer screen.
This may appear on an image recorded on other devices, edited on a computer, etc. You removed the AC Adaptor or the battery pack while the recording media icon at the top right corner of the screen flashes, or before the access lamp is turned off after recording. This may damage your image data and is displayed.
STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] (p.61).
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. The power is supplied from the AC Adaptor.
The image data base file may be damaged. Check the data base file by selecting (MENU) [Show others] [REPAIR IMG.DB F.] (under [MANAGE MEDIA] category) the recording medium (DCR-SR15E/SR20E). If it still appears, delete the image with (p.35).
Magnification changes when the recording mode is switched.
No sound or only a quiet sound is heard during playback.
You cannot use digital zoom when your camcorder is in the photo recording mode.
Turn up the volume (p.28). When you record sound with [MICREF LEVEL] (p.62) set to [LOW], the recorded sound may be difficult to hear.
Playing back images stored on memory card on other devices
Images cannot be played back or the memory card is not recognized.
The top, bottom, right, and left edges of images are trimmed slightly on a connected TV.
The device may not support memory card.

[SCENE SELECTION]

(Battery level warning)
Slow flashing The battery pack is nearly used up. Depending on the operating environment or battery conditions, may flash, even if there are about 20 minutes remaining.
Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators
If indicators appear on the LCD screen, check the following. If the problem persists even after you have tried to fix a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. In this case, when you contact them, give them all the numbers of the error code beginning with C or E.
(Warning indicator pertaining to battery pack temperature)
The battery pack temperature is high. Change the battery pack or place it in a cool place.
(High temperature warning)
Slow flashing The temperature of your camcorder is getting higher. Turn off your camcorder and leave it for a while in a cool place.
C:(or E:) : (Self-diagnosis display)
C:04: The battery pack is not an InfoLITHIUM battery pack (V series). Use an InfoLITHIUM battery pack (V series). (p.84).
Fast flashing The temperature of your camcorder is extremely high. Turn off your camcorder and leave it for a while in a cool place.
(Low temperature warning)
Fast flashing The temperature of your camcorder is extremely low. Make the camcorder warm.
(Warning indicator pertaining to camera-shake warning)
(Warning indicator pertaining to memory card)
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.18). Fast flashing There are not enough free spaces for recording images. After storing the images on other media (p.45), delete unnecessary images, or format the memory card (p.66). The image data base file may be damaged. Check the data base file by selecting (MENU) [Show others] [REPAIR IMG.DB F.] (under [MANAGE MEDIA] category) the recording medium (DCR-SR15E/SR20E). The memory card is damaged.
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.
(Warning indicator pertaining to drop sensor)

The drop sensor function (p.69) is activated, and has detected that the camcorder has been dropped. Therefore, the camcorder is taking steps to protect the internal hard disk. Recording/playback may be disabled as a result. The drop sensor function does not guarantee the protection of the internal hard disk under all possible situations. Use the camcorder under stable conditions.
Tips You may hear a melody when some warning indicators appear on the screen.
(Warning indicators pertaining to memory card formatting)
Description of warning messages
If messages appear on the screen, follow the instructions.
The memory card is damaged. The memory card is not formatted correctly (p.66).

Recording media

HDD format error.
(Warning indicator pertaining to incompatible memory card)
Incompatible memory card is inserted (p.19).
(Warning indicator pertaining to the write-protect of the memory card)
Access to the memory card was restricted on another device.
The internal recording media of the camcorder is set differently from the default format. Performing [MEDIA FORMAT] (p.66) may enable you to use your camcorder. This will delete all data in the internal recording media.

Data error.

An error occurred during reading or writing the internal recording media of the camcorder. This may occur when you keep applying shock on the camcorder. Movies recorded on other devices may not be played back.
You cannot record because the drop sensor senses a drop of the camcorder repeatedly. If you are at risk of dropping the camcorder constantly, set [DROP SENSOR] to [OFF], and you may be able to record the image again (p.69).

Recovering data.

The Image Database File is damaged. Do you want to create a new file?
The management file is damaged. When you select [YES], a new management file is created. The old recorded images on the media cannot be played back (Image files are not damaged). If you execute [REPAIR IMG.DB F.] after creating new information, playing back the old recorded images may become possible. If it does not work, copy the image using the supplied software PMB.
Your camcorder tries to recover data automatically if the data writing was not performed properly.

Cannot recover data.

What is an InfoLITHIUM battery pack?
An InfoLITHIUM battery pack is a lithium-ion battery pack that has functions for communicating information related to operating conditions between your camcorder and an AC Adaptor/charger (sold separately). The InfoLITHIUM battery pack calculates the power consumption according to the operating conditions of your camcorder, and displays the remaining battery time in minutes.
Battery pack performance decreases when the ambient temperature is 10C (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 recommend using a large capacity battery pack: NP-FV70/NP-FV100 (sold separately). Be sure to close the LCD screen when not recording or playing back on your camcorder. The battery pack is also consumed when your camcorder is in recording standby or playback pause. Have spare battery packs ready for 2 times or 3 times the expected recording time, and make trial recordings before making the actual recording. Do not expose the battery pack to water. The battery pack is not water resistant.
About the remaining battery time indicator
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 10C to 30C (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.
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. 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 (MENU) camcorder completely, select [Show others] [POWER SETTINGS] [GENERAL SET] category) (under [A.SHUT OFF] [NEVER], and leave your camcorder in recording standby until the power goes off (p.68).

About battery life

Battery capacity decreases over time and through repeated use. If decreased usage time between charges becomes significant, it is probably time to replace it with a new one. Each batterys life is governed by storage, operating and environmental conditions.
About handling of your camcorder

On use and care

Do not use or store the camcorder and accessories in the following locations: Anywhere extremely hot, cold or humid. Never leave them exposed to temperatures above 60C (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. If any solid object or liquid gets inside the casing, unplug your camcorder and have it checked by a Sony dealer before operating it any further. Avoid rough handling, disassembling, modifying, physical shock, or impact such as hammering, dropping or stepping on the product. Be particularly careful of the lens. Keep the LCD screen closed when you are not using your camcorder. Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for example, and operate it. Doing so might cause heat to build up inside. 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. Keep metal contacts clean. If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked: Consult your local authorized Sony service facility. Wash off any liquid that may have contacted your skin. If any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with plenty of water and consult a doctor.
When not using your camcorder for a long time
To keep your camcorder in optimum state for a long time, turn it on and let it run by recording and playing back images about once a month. Use up the battery pack completely before storing it.

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. 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).

Lens LENS COVER switch Built-in microphone LED VIDEO LIGHT (26)
(VIEW IMAGES) button (27)
Speaker Lens LENS COVER switch Built-in microphone LED VIDEO LIGHT (26) (USB) jack (48) DCR-SR15E: output only A/V OUT jack (33) MODE button (21) (Backlight) button (26) RESET button Press RESET using a pointed object. Press RESET to initialize all the settings including the clock setting.
DCR-SX15E/SX20E DCR-SR15E/SR20E
Speaker (USB) jack (48) DCR-SX15E: output only A/V OUT jack (33) MODE button (21) (Backlight) button (26) RESET button Press RESET using a pointed object. Press RESET to initialize all the settings including the clock setting.
Power zoom lever (25) PHOTO button (24) POWER lamp CHG (charge) lamp (11) Battery pack (11) START/STOP button (21) DC IN jack (11) Grip belt (20) Hook for a shoulder belt Access lamp (memory card) (18) While the lamp is lit or flashing, the camcorder is reading or writing data. BATT (battery) release lever (13) Tripod receptacle Attach a tripod (sold separately) to the tripod receptacle using a tripod screw (sold separately: the length of the screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.)). Memory card slot (18)
Power zoom lever (25) PHOTO button (24) POWER lamp START/STOP button (21) Battery pack (11) CHG (charge) lamp (11) Grip belt (20) DC IN jack (11) Access lamp (memory card) (18) While the lamp is lit or flashing, the camcorder is reading or writing data. BATT (battery) release lever (13) Tripod receptacle Attach a tripod (sold separately) to the tripod receptacle using a tripod screw (sold separately: the length of the screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.)). Memory card slot (18)

Symbols

16:9..33 4:3..33
A.SHUT OFF.68 A/V connecting cable.33, 51 Abroad..81 Altitude..4 AREA SET.68 AUDIO REC SET.62 AUTO SLW SHUTTR.61
DIVIDE..38. DROP SENSOR..69 Dubbing..40 DVDirect Express.48 DVD writer..48, 50
EMPTY...66 EXPOSURE..60 External media..45
FACE DETECTION.61, 75 Face Index.31. FADER..58 FILE NO..63. Film Roll Index..30 FIREWORKS.58 FOCUS...60. Format..66 Fully charged..11
Backlight..26 BATTERY INFO..65. Battery pack..11. BEACH...58 BEEP..67 BLACK FADER..59 BLT-IN ZOOM MIC.62
MANUAL SETTINGS.58 MEDIA FORMAT..66 MEDIA INFO..66 MEDIA SETTINGS..17. Memory card..18 Memory Stick media..19, 83 Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo media..19, 83. Memory Stick PRO Duo media..18, 83 Menus..53, 56. MICREF LEVEL.62 Mirror mode..26 Moisture condensation..85 MOVIE DUB.40 MOVIE MEDIA SET.17 Movies..21, 27 MY MENU..53 MY MENU SETTING.53
ONE PUSH..59 Operation beeps.15 Operation flow.5 OPTION MENU..55 Original...40 OTHER REC SET.62 OTHERS..65 OTHER SETTINGS..69 OUTDOOR..59 OUTPUT SETTINGS..68

CAMERA DATA..64 CANDLE..58 Capturing a photo from a movie..39 Charging the battery pack..11 Charging the battery pack abroad..13, 81 CLOCK/LANG..68 CLOCK SET..14 Copy...41 Creating a disc..48
GENERAL SET..67 GUIDEFRAME..61

HQ..25

IMAGE SIZE..63 INDOOR..59 InfoLITHIUM battery pack.84 Internal hard disk.17
PAL..81 PHOTO CAPTURE..39 PHOTO COPY..41 PHOTO MEDIA SET..18 Photos..23, 27 PHOTO SETTINGS.63. PLAYBACK..64 Playback..27 PLAYBACK SET.64 Playlist..43 PLAYLIST EDIT.65 PORTRAIT..58.
DATA CODE..15, 64 DATE/TIME.15, 64 Date Index.30 DELETE..35 DEMO MODE..69 DIGITAL ZOOM.62 Disc recorder..51 DISPLAY SET..68 DISP OUTPUT..68
LANDSCAPE.58 LANGUAGE SET.16, 68 LCD BL LEVEL..67 LCD BRIGHT..67 LCD COLOR.68. LP...25
Maintenance..83 MANAGE MEDIA..66
Power on..14 POWER SETTINGS.68 Precautions..83 PROTECT.37
TV color systems..81 TV TYPE..33 TWILIGHT..58
USB cable..48, 50 USB CONNECT..48, 50
REC MODE..25. Recording..21 Recording media..17 Recording time of movies/ number of recordable photos..79 Repair..70 REPAIR IMG.DB F..77 RESET..91
VBR..79 VIDEO LIGHT..26 VIEW IMAGES.27, 30 VISUAL INDEX.27 Volume.28, 67
Saving images in external media..45 SCENE SELECTION.58, 75 Screen indicators..89 Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators..75 SELF-TIMER.63. Setting the date and time.14 SHOOTING SET..61 Slide show..32 SLIDE SHOW SET..32 SNOW..58 SOUND/DISP SET..67 SP...25 SPORTS..58 SPOTLIGHT..58 STEADYSHOT..61 SUMMERTIME..68 SUNRISE&SUNSET.58 Supplied items..2
Wall outlet (wall socket).11 Warning messages..76 WHITE BAL..59 WHITE FADER..59 Wide angle.25 WIDE SELECT..62

Zoom..25

TELE MACRO..60 Telephoto..25 Thumbnail.35 Tripod..92 Troubleshooting.70. Turning the power on..14 TV..33.
Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website.

http://www.sony.net/

4-209-890-11(1)

Table of contents

Getting started

Recording/Playback

Making good use of your camcorder
DCR-SR15E/SR20E/SX15E/ SX20E/SX20EK
Digital Video Camera Recorder
Saving movies and photos 32 with a computer Saving images with an external device Customizing your camcorder Additional information

Operating Guide

Quick reference

2010 Sony Corporation

Read this first
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.

AC Adaptor

Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow space, such as between a wall and furniture. 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. Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power source (mains) is still supplied to it while connected to the wall outlet (wall socket) via the AC Adaptor. The power cord (mains lead) is designed specifically for use with this camcorder only, and should not be used with other electrical equipment.

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.
Do not disassemble. Do not crush and do not expose the battery pack to any shock or force such as hammering, dropping or stepping on it. Do not short circuit and do not allow metal objects to come into contact with the battery terminals. Do not expose to high temperature above 60C (140 F) such as in direct sunlight or in a car parked in the sun. Do not incinerate or dispose of in fire. Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries. Be sure to charge the battery pack using a genuine Sony battery charger or a device that can charge the battery pack. Keep the battery pack out of the reach of small children. Keep the battery pack dry. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by Sony. Dispose of used battery packs promptly as described in the instructions.

Memory card

FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE
Notice for the customers in the countries applying EU Directives The manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan. The Authorized Representative for EMC and product safety is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61, 70327 Stuttgart, Germany. For any service or guarantee matters please refer to the addresses given in separate service or guarantee documents. This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).
Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result.

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.
Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)
This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product shall not be treated as household waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and human health, which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.
treated as household waste. On certain batteries this symbol might be used in combination with a chemical symbol. The chemical symbols for mercury (Hg) or lead (Pb) are added if the battery contains more than 0.0005% mercury or 0.004% lead. By ensuring these batteries are disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potentially negative consequences for the environment and human health which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of the battery. The recycling of the materials will help to conserve natural resources. In case of products that for safety, performance or data integrity reasons require a permanent connection with an incorporated battery, this battery should be replaced by qualified service staff only. To ensure that the battery will be treated properly, hand over the product at end-oflife to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. For all other batteries, please view the section on how to remove the battery from the product safely. Hand the battery over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of waste batteries. For more detailed information about recycling of this product or battery, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.

Notes on optional accessories
We recommend using genuine Sony accessories. Availability of such products is subject to country/region.
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. In this manual, the internal hard disk (DCRSR15E/SR20E) of your camcorder and memory card are called recording media. Design and specifications of your camcorder and accessories are subject to change without notice.
the memory card when the access lamp (p.18) is lit or flashing Remove the battery pack or AC Adaptor from the camcorder, or subject the camcorder to shock or vibration when the POWER lamp (p.13) or the access lamp (p.18) are lit or flashing When using a shoulder belt (sold separately), do not crash the camcorder against an object. Do not use your camcorder in very loud areas (DCR-SR15E/SR20E).

Eject

On the drop sensor (DCR-SR15E/SR20E)
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. The main differences in specification of this series are as follows.
To protect the internal hard disk from shock by dropping, the camcorder has a drop sensor function. When a drop occurs, or under a nongravity 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.
Note on using the camcorder at high altitudes (DCR-SR15E/SR20E)
DCRSR15E DCRSR20E DCRSX15E DCRSX20E
Recording Capacity media of internal recording media 80 GB Internal hard disk + memory card Memory card
USB jack Output only Input/ output Output only Input/ output

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.

Notes on use

Do not do any of the following, otherwise, the recording media may be damaged, recorded images may be impossible to play back or may be lost, or other malfunctions could occur.

Operation flow

Getting started (p.10)
Prepare the power source and recording media.
Recording movies and photos (p.20)
Recording movies p.21 Shooting photos p.23
Changing the recording mode Expected recording time (MEDIA INFO)
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.42
Deleting movies and photos (p.30)
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.
Read this first. 2. Operation flow.. 7
Step 1: Charging the battery pack. Charging the battery pack abroad. Step 2: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time. Using the Multi-selector. Changing the language setting. Step 3: Preparing the recording media. To check the recording media settings. Dubbing or copying movies and photos from the internal recording media to memory card (DCR-SR15E/SR20E). 17 19
Recording. 20 Playback on the camcorder. 25 Playing images on a TV. 28
Deleting movies and photos. 30
Saving movies and photos with a computer
Preparing a computer (Windows). When using a Macintosh. Starting PMB (Picture Motion Browser). Creating a disc with one touch (One Touch Disc Burn). Importing movies and photos to a computer. Creating a disc. Copying a disc.. Editing movies. Capturing photos from a movie. 38
Saving images with an external device
Saving images in external media (DIRECT COPY). 39. Creating a disc with a DVD writer, recorder. 42
Customizing your camcorder
Using menus.. 47 Getting detailed information from the Handycam Handbook. 53

Additional information

Troubleshooting. Recording time of movies/number of recordable photos. Precautions.. Specifications. 59 61
Screen indicators.. 63 Parts and controls. 64 Index.. 67
Step 1: Charging the battery pack

DCR-SR15E/SR20E

DC IN jack Battery pack

CHG (charge) lamp Power cord (Mains lead) DC plug AC Adaptor
To the wall outlet (wall socket)

DCR-SX15E/SX20E

CHG (charge) lamp
Battery pack DC IN jack Power cord (Mains lead)

DC plug AC Adaptor

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. 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).
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.
When the battery is charged, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack of your camcorder.
See page 57 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 NP-FV30 (supplied) NP-FV50 NP-FV70 NP-FV100

Charging time 195 390

Times measured with the camcorder at 25 C (77 F). 10 C to 30 C (50 F to 86 F) is recommended.
To remove the battery pack
Close the LCD screen. Slide the BATT (battery) release lever () and remove the battery pack ().
To use a wall outlet (wall socket) as a power source
Make the same connections as Step 1: Charging the battery pack. Even if the battery pack is attached, the battery pack is not discharged.
Charging the battery pack abroad
You can charge the battery pack in any countries/regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within the AC 100 V - 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz range.
Notes Do not use an electronic voltage transformer.
Notes on the battery pack
When you remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC Adaptor, close the LCD screen and make sure that the POWER lamp (p.13), the access lamp (p.18) 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]).

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.
Step 2: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time
Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.

Your camcorder turns on.

POWER lamp
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

See page 15 for the detail of the using the multi-selector. (MENU) [Show To set the date and time again, operate the multi-selector to select [GENERAL SET] category) [CLOCK SET]. When an others] [CLOCK/ LANG] (under / until the item appears. item is not on the screen, select
Select [NEXT] with of the multi-selector, then press the center of the multi-selector. Select setting of [SUMMERTIME] with / of the multi-selector, and press the center of the multi-selector.
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.
with of the multi-selector, then press the center Select [NEXT] of the multi-selector.

The clock starts.

Notes The date and time do not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the recording (MENU) media, and can be displayed during playback. To display the date and time, select [PLAYBACK] category) [DATA CODE] [DATE/ [Show others] [PLAYBACK SET] (under . TIME] You can turn off the operation beeps by selecting (MENU) [Show others] [SOUND/DISP [GENERAL SET] category) [BEEP] [OFF] . SET] (under

To turn off the power

Close the LCD screen. The POWER lamp flashes for a few seconds and the power is turned off.

Using the 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.
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 . category) [ LANGUAGE SET] a desired language
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:

DCR-SR15E/SR20E:

* 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.
Select with /// and press the button in the center of the multi-selector to confirm your selection. Tips See page 57 for the recordable time of movies. See page 58 for the number of recordable photos.
Selecting the recording media for movies (DCR-SR15E/SR20E)

Select

(MENU) [Show others] [MEDIA SETTINGS] (under [MANAGE MEDIA] category) [MOVIE MEDIA SET].
The [MOVIE MEDIA SET] screen appears.
Select the desired recording media.

Select [YES]

The recording medium is changed.
Selecting the recording media for photos (DCR-SR15E/SR20E)
(MENU) [Show others] [MEDIA SETTINGS] (under [MANAGE MEDIA] category) [PHOTO MEDIA SET].
The [PHOTO MEDIA SET] screen appears.
To check the recording media settings
When recording in movie recording mode or photo recording mode, the recording media icon is displayed in the top right corner of the screen.

Recording media icon

The icon displayed on the LCD screen varies depending on the camcorder you use.

Inserting a memory card

Notes Set the recording medium to [MEMORY CARD] to record movies and/or photos on memory card (DCR-SR15E/SR20E). Only Memory Stick PRO Duo media, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo media, SD memory cards (Class 2 or faster), SDHC memory cards (Class 2 or faster) and SDXC memory cards (Class 2 or faster) can be used with this camcorder. Operation with all memory cards is not assured. Memory Stick PRO Duo media of up to 32 GB and SD memory cards of up to 64 GB have been tested and proven to operate with your camcorder. For recording movies on Memory Stick PRO Duo media, it is recommended that you use Memory Stick PRO Duo media of 512 MB or larger. In this manual, Memory Stick PRO Duo media and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo media are called Memory Stick PRO Duo media and SD memory cards, SDHC memory cards and SDXC memory cards are called SD memory cards.

Notes 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, the movie added to the Playlist is deleted also from the Playlist.
Press LIGHT when a thumbnail is selected to to confirm the image. Select return to the previous screen.

Select

[YES] .
To delete all movies/photos at one time
In step 2, select [ DELETE] [ DELETE ALL] [YES] [YES] .
Tips You can delete an image on the playback screen OPTION MENU. from To delete all images recorded in the recording media, and recover all the recordable space of the media, format the media. 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, select [ DELETE] [ DELETE ALL] [YES] . [YES]
To delete all the movies/photos recorded on the same day at one time
Select (MENU) [Show others] [DELETE] (under [EDIT] category).
Notes You cannot delete photos on memory card by recording date.
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

Select [YES]

Press LIGHT when thumbnail is selected to to confirm the image. Select return to the previous screen.

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. You can create discs using 12 cm discs of following type with PMB. DVD-R/DVD+R/DVD+R DL: Unrewritable DVD-RW/DVD+RW: Rewritable
Others USB port (this must be provided as standard, Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compatible)), DVD burner (CD-ROM drive is necessary for installation)
*1Standard installation is required. Operation is
not assured if the OS has been upgraded or in a multi-boot environment. *264-bit editions and Starter (Edition) are not supported. Windows Image Mastering API (IMAPI) Ver.2.0 or newer is required to use disc creation function, etc. *3Starter (Edition) is not supported. *4Faster processor is recommended.
Notes Operation with all computer environments is not assured.

When using a Macintosh

The supplied software PMB is not supported by Macintosh computers. To import the movies and photos to the computer, please contact Apple Inc.
Step 1 Checking the computer system
OS*1 Microsoft Windows XP SP3*2/Windows Vista SP2*3/Windows 7 CPU*4 Intel Pentium III 1 GHz or faster Application DirectX 9.0c or later (This product is based on DirectX technology. It is necessary to have DirectX installed.) Memory 256 MB or more Other system requirements for OS should be met. Hard disk Disk volume required for installation: Approximately 500 MB (5 GB or more may be necessary when creating DVD discs.) Display Minimum 1,024 dots 768 dots
Step 2 Installing the supplied software PMB
Install PMB before connecting your camcorder to a computer.
Notes If a version of PMB under 5.0.00 has been installed on your computer, you can start all applications from PMB Launcher by installing PMB from the supplied CD-ROM. Doubleclick the PMB Launcher short-cut icon on the computer screen to start PMB Launcher. If a version of PMB under 5.0.00 has been installed on your computer, you may be unable to use some functions of those PMB.
Confirm that your camcorder is not connected to the computer. Turn on the computer.

Notes You cannot search or copy photos recorded on memory card by recording date.
When you selected [DUB by date], select the date of the images to be dubbed with / , then select and go to step.
When connecting an external media
The images saved in the external media are displayed on the LCD screen. The movie display and photo display buttons on the VISUAL INDEX screen change as illustrated below.
Remaining external media capacity
You can make menu settings of the external media such as deleting images. Select (MENU) [Show others] on the VISUAL INDEX screen.
Select [YES] camcorder screen.
Press LIGHT when thumbnail is selected to to confirm the image. Select return to the previous screen. By selecting date, you can search for images by date.

on the

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. Reconnect the USB Adaptor Cable to your camcorder If the external media has the AC power cable, connect it to the wall outlet (wall socket)
To finish the external media connection
Select on the VISUAL INDEX screen of the external media. Disconnect the USB Adaptor Cable.
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.
Turn on your camcorder, and connect the DVD writer to the (USB) jack of your camcorder with the USB cable of the DVD writer.
Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p.12). 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.
Insert an unused disc into the DVD writer, and close the disc tray.
The [DISC BURN] screen appears on the screen.

Press writer.

(DISC BURN) on the DVD
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.12).
Movies recorded on internal recording media and not yet saved on any other discs will be recorded to the disc (DCR-SR15E/SR20E). Movies not yet saved on any other discs will be recorded to the disc (DCRSX15E/SX20E).
Repeat steps 3 and 4 when the total memory size of movies to be burnt exceeds that of the disc. [END] [EJECT Select DISC] on the screen.

Remove the disc after the operation is completed.
on the screen, then Select disconnect the USB cable.
To customize a disc with DISC BURN OPTION
Perform this operation in the following cases:

When When When

To play back a disc on the DVD writer
dubbing a desired image creating multiple copies of the same
Select [DISC BURN OPTION] on the screen in step 4. Select the recording media containing the movie(s) you want to save (DCRSR15E/SR20E). Select the movie you want to burn on the disc. appears.
dubbing images in the memory card (DCR-SR15E/SR20E)
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.12). Turn on your camcorder, and connect the DVD writer to the (USB) jack of your camcorder with the USB cable of the DVD writer.
Insert a created disc into the DVD writer. The movies on the disc appear as VISUAL INDEX on the screen. Press the play button on the DVD writer.
You can play back movies on the TV screen by connecting the camcorder to a TV (p.28).

Select screen.

Remaining Disc capacity
Select [END] [EJECT DISC] on the screen and remove the disc after the operation is completed. and disconnect the USB Select cable.
Notes Do not do any of the following when creating a disc. Turn off the camcorder Disconnect the USB cable or the AC adaptor Subject the camcorder to mechanical shock or vibration Eject the memory card from the camcorder Play the created disc to make sure dubbing was performed correctly before deleting the movies on your camcorder. If [Failed.] or [DISC BURN failed.] appears on
You can also operate by the screen.

[YES] on the camcorder

To create another disc of the same contents, insert a new disc and select
[CREATE SAME DISC]. After the operation is completed, select [EXIT] [END] on the camcorder screen. Disconnect the USB cable from your camcorder.
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. If you cannot play back created discs on any DVD player, connect the camcorder to the DVD writer, and then play back.
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.12). Turn on your camcorder, and connect a DVD writer, etc. to the (USB) jack of your camcorder with the USB cable (supplied).
Creating a disc with a DVD writer, etc., other than DVDirect Express

(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. Dubs all movies of a specified date. DUB ALL. Dubs all saved movies in a playlist. PHOTO COPY*1 COPY by select. Selects photos and copy. COPY by date. Copies all photos of a specified date. PLAYLIST EDIT ADD. Adds movies in a playlist. ADD by date.. Adds movies recorded on a same day at one time in a playlist. ERASE.. Erases movies from a playlist. ERASE ALL.. Erases all movies from a playlist. MOVE.. Changes the order of movies in a playlist.

(OTHERS) category

USB CONNECT USB CONNECT*1. Connects the internal hard disk via USB. USB CONNECT. Connects the memory card via USB. DISC BURN. Allows you to save images onto discs (p.35, 42). BATTERY INFO.. Displays the battery information.

(MANAGE MEDIA) category

MEDIA SETTINGS*1 MOVIE MEDIA SET.. Sets the media for recording movies (p.16). PHOTO MEDIA SET. Sets the media for recording photos (p.17). MEDIA INFO. Displays information on the recording media, such as free space. MEDIA FORMAT HDD*1.. Deletes all data on the internal hard disk. MEMORY CARD.. Deletes all data on the memory card. REPAIR IMG.DB F. HDD*1.. Repairs the image database file on the internal hard disk (p.56). MEMORY CARD.. Repairs the image database file on the memory card (p.56).

(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. Sets the duration that icons or indicators are displayed on the LCD screen. OUTPUT SETTINGS TV TYPE.. Converts the signal depending on the TV connected (p.28). DISP OUTPUT. Sets whether the on-screen displays appears on the TV screen or not. CLOCK/ LANG CLOCK SET. Sets the date and time (p.13). AREA SET.. Adjusts for a time difference without stopping the clock (p.13). SUMMERTIME. Sets the summertime (p.13). LANGUAGE SET.. Sets the display language (p.15). POWER SETTINGS A.SHUT OFF.. Changes the [A.SHUT OFF] setting (p.11). OTHER SETTINGS DEMO MODE. Sets whether the demonstration appears or not. DROP SENSOR*1. Activates or deactivates the drop sensor.

Picture: 6.7cm (2.7 type, aspect ratio 16:9) Total number of pixels: 230400 (960 240)

General

Power requirements: DC 6.8 V/7.2 V (battery pack) DC 8.4V (AC Adaptor) Average power consumption: During camera recording, using LCD screen at normal brightness: DCR-SR15E/SR20E: 2.1W DCR-SX15E/SX20E: 1.9W Operating temperature: 0C to 40C (32 F to 104 F) Storage temperature: 20C to + 60C (-4 F to +140 F) Dimensions (approx.) DCR-SR15E/SR20E 59mm 65mm 113mm (23/8in. 25/8in. 41/2in.) (w/h/d) including the projecting parts 59mm 65mm 124mm (23/8in. 25/8in. 5in.) (w/h/d) including the projecting parts, and the supplied rechargeable battery pack attached DCR-SX15E/SX20E 54mm 55mm 113mm (21/4in. 21/4in. 41/2in.) (w/h/d) including the projecting parts 54mm 55mm 124mm (21/4in. 21/4in. 5in.) (w/h/d) including the projecting parts, and the supplied rechargeable battery pack attached Mass (approx.) DCR-SR15E/SR20E: 270g (9oz) main unit only 310g (10oz) including the supplied rechargeable battery pack DCR-SX15E/SX20E: 190g (6oz) main unit only 240g (8oz) including the supplied rechargeable battery pack and memory card
AC Adaptor AC-L200C/AC-L200D
Power requirements: AC 100V - 240V, 50Hz/60Hz Current consumption: 0.35A - 0.18A Power consumption: 18W Output voltage: DC 8.4V* Operating temperature: 0C to 40C (32 F to 104 F) Storage temperature: 20C to + 60C (-4 F to +140 F)

Input/Output connectors

A/V OUT jack: Video/audio output jack USB jack: mini-AB (DCR-SR15E/SX15E: output only)
Dimensions (approx.): 48mm 29mm 81mm (115/16in. 13/16in. 31/4in.) (w/h/d) excluding the projecting parts Mass (approx.): 170g (6.0oz) excluding the power cord (mains lead)
* See the label on the AC Adaptor for other

On trademarks

Handycam and are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. Memory Stick, , Memory Stick Duo, , Memory Stick PRO Duo, , Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, , Memory Stick 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. 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 SD3C, 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 manual.

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