Sony HDR-CX250E, HDR-CX260E, HDR-CX260VE, HDR-CX270E, HDR-CX570E Operating Guide

...
4-416-299-11(1)
Digital HD Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
Please also refer to :
http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/Support/
Getting started
Recording/Playback
Advanced operations
Editing
Saving movies and photos with a computer
Saving images with an external device
Customizing your camcorder
Others/Index
HDR-CX250E/CX260E/CX260VE/CX270E/CX570E/CX580E/CX580VE/ PJ260E/PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE/XR260E/XR260VE

Read this first

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.
WARNING
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
Do not expose the batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.
CAUTION
Battery pack
If the battery pack is mishandled, the battery pack can burst, cause a fire or even chemical burns. Observe the following cautions.
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 60°C (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.
Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result.
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.
Note on the power cord (mains lead)
The power cord (mains lead) is designed specifically for use with this camcorder only, and should not be used with other electrical equipment.
Excessive sound pressure from earphones and headphones can cause hearing loss.
Notice for customers in the United Kingdom
A moulded plug complying with BS 1363 is fitted to this equipment for your safety and convenience. Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the supplied one and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS 1362, (i.e., marked with an or
mark) must be used. If the plug supplied with this equipment has a detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse cover after you change the fuse. Never use the plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony service station.
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FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE
Hereby, Sony Corporation, declares that this HDR-CX260VE/CX580VE/PJ260VE/ PJ580VE/XR260VE Digital HD Video Camera Recorder is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the Directive 1999/5/EC. For details, please access the following URL: http://www.compliance.sony.de/
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.
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.
ATTENTION
The electromagnetic fields at the specific frequencies may influence the picture and sound of this unit.
This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC regulation for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).
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 waste batteries (applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)
This symbol on the battery or on the packaging indicates that the battery provided with this product shall not be 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
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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.
For customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800­222-SONY (7669). The number below is for the FCC related matters only.
Regulatory Information
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY Model No.: HDR-CX250E, HDR-CX260VE Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY Model No.: HDR-PJ260VE Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
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Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY Model No.: HDR-PJ580VE Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY Model No.: HDR-XR260VE Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician for help.
The supplied interface cable must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Battery pack
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
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About language setting
The on-screen displays in each local language
are used for illustrating the operating procedures. Change the screen language before
sing t
he camcorder if necessary (p. 22).
u
On recording
Before starting to record, test the recording
function to make sure 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, recording 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 the copyright laws.
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.
ejecting the memory card when the access lamp (p. 25) is lit or flashing
removing the battery pack or AC Adaptor from the camcorder, or applying mechanical shock or vibration to the camcorder when the
(Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (p. 27) or the
access lamp (p. 25) are lit or flashing
Do not use your camcorder in very loud areas (HDR-PJ600E/PJ600VE/XR260E/XR260VE).
When the camcorder is connected to other devices through a USB connection and the power of the camcorder is turned on, do not close the LCD panel. The image data that has been recorded may be lost.
Use the camcorder in accordance with local regulations.
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LCD Panel
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.
Black points
White, red, blue or green points
About this manual, illustrations and on-screen displays
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.
Design and specifications of your camcorder and accessories are subject to change without notice.
In this manual, the internal memory (HDR-CX260E/CX260VE/CX270E/CX580E/ CX580VE/PJ260E/PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE) and the hard disk (HDR-PJ600E/PJ600VE/ XR260E/XR260VE) of the camcorder and the memory card are called “recording media.”
In this manual, the DVD disc recorded with high definition image quality (HD) is called AVCHD recording disc.
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.
Illustrations used in this manual are based on HDR-CX580VE unless otherwise specified.
Recording media
HDR­CX250E/ CX570E
HDR­CX260E/ CX260VE*
HDR­CX270E/ CX580E/ CX580VE*
HDR­PJ260E/ PJ260VE*
HDR­PJ580E/ PJ580VE*
HDR­PJ600E/ PJ600VE*
HDR­XR260E/ XR260VE*
The model with * is equipped with GPS.
Memory card only
Internal memory + memory card
Internal hard disk + memory card
Capacity of internal recording media
16 GB
32 GB
16 GB
32 GB
220 GB
160 GB
Projector

Learning more about the camcorder (“Handycam” User Guide)

“Handycam” User Guide is an on-line manual. Refer to it for in-depth instructions on the many functions of the camcorder.
Select your country or region.
2
Search for the model name
3
of your camcorder within the support page.
Check the model name on the bottom of
your camcorder
Access the Sony support page.
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http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/ Support/
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Table of contents

Read this first . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. 2
Learning more about the camcorder (“Handycam” User Guide) . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. 7
Parts and controls . . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . 11
Getting started
Supplied Items. .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. 17
Charging the battery pack . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. 18
Charging the battery using your computer . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . 19
Charging the battery pack abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. 21
Turning the power on, and setting the date and time . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . 22
Changing the language setting . . .. . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . . 22
Preparing the recording media . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . . 24
Selecting a recording medium (HDR-CX260E/CX260VE/CX270E/CX580E/ CX580VE/PJ260E/PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE/XR260E/
XR260VE) . .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . 24
Inserting a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. 25
Recording/Playback
Recording . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . 27
Recording movies . . .. . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . 27
Shooting photos . . . . . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . 27
Zooming .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . 30
Playback . . .. . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. 32
Playing movies and photos from a map (HDR-CX260VE/CX580VE/
PJ260VE/PJ580VE/PJ600VE/XR260VE) . . .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . 33
Operating buttons while playing . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . 35
Advanced operations
Recording people clearly . . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . 37
Recording the selected subject clearly (Face Priority) . . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . . 37
Recording voices clearly (Closer Voice) . .. . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . 37
Capturing smiles automatically (Smile Shutter) . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . 38
Recording movies in various situations. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. . 38
Selecting the suitable setting automatically for the recording situation
(Intelligent Auto) . . .. . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . 38
Recording movies in dim places (Video Light)
CX580VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE) . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . 39
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(HDR-CX570E/CX580E/
Recording images with the selected image quality . . . . . . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. 40
Selecting the image quality of movies (Recording mode) . .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . 40
Changing the image quality of photos . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . . 41
Recording information on your location (GPS) (HDR-CX260VE/CX580VE/
PJ260VE/PJ580VE/PJ600VE/XR260VE) . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. 41
Obtaining a map of the current location (triangulating priority mode) . . . . . 42
Checking the triangulating status . . . . . . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. 43
Enjoying a digest of your movies (Highlight Playback) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . 44
Saving Highlight Playback in HD image quality (
Converting the data format to STD image quality (Highlight Movie) .. . .. .. . 46
Playing images on a TV . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. . 47
Enjoying 5.1ch surround sound
PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE/XR260E/XR260VE) . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. 48
Using the built-in projector
PJ600VE) . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. 50
(HDR-PJ260E/PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/
(HDR-CX570E/CX580E/CX580VE/PJ260E/
Scenario Save) . . . .. . . . .. 45
Editing
Editing on your camcorder . . .. . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. 52
Deleting movies and photos . .. . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . 52
Dividing a movie . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. 52
Capturing a photo from a movie CX580E/CX580VE/PJ260E/PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE/
XR260E/XR260VE) . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . . 53
(HDR-CX260E/CX260VE/CX270E/
Saving movies and photos with a computer
Useful functions available when connecting the camcorder to your computer . . . . 54
For Windows .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . 54
For Mac . . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . 54
Preparing a computer (Windows) . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . 55
Step 1 Checking the computer system . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . . 55
Step 2
Installing the built-in “PlayMemories Home” software. . . . . . . .. .. . . . .. . 55
Starting the “PlayMemories Home” software . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . 58
Downloading the dedicated software for the camcorder . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . 58
Installing software for a Mac . .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . 58
Table of contents
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Saving images with an external device
Disc creation guide . . . . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . 59
The devices on which the created disc can be played back . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . 60
Creating a disc with the DVD writer or recorder . . . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. 61
Creating a disc with DVDirect Express . . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . . 61
Creating a high definition image quality (HD) disc with a DVD writer .. . . . .. 62
Creating a standard definition image quality (STD) disc with a
recorder, etc. . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . 62
Saving images on an external media device . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . 64
Customizing your camcorder
Using menus .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. 66
Menu lists . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. . 68
Others/Index
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . 72
Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators . . . . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. . 74
Recording time of movies/number of recordable photos .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. 75
Expected time of recording and playback with each battery pack .. . . . .. . . . . 75
Expected recording time of movies . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . 77
Expected number of recordable photos . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . 80
About handling of your camcorder . . . . . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . 81
Specifications .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. . 86
END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR MAP DATA FOR VIDEO CAMERA RECORDER PRODUCTS
Screen indicators . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . 94
Index . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. . 96
(HDR-CX260VE/CX580VE/PJ260VE/PJ580VE/PJ600VE/XR260VE) . . . . .. .. 90
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Parts and controls

Figures in ( ) are reference pages.
HDR-CX250E/CX260E/CX260VE/ CX270E
HDR-CX570E/CX580E/CX580VE/ PJ580E/PJ580VE
HDR-PJ260E/PJ260VE
HDR-PJ600E/PJ600VE
HDR-XR260E/XR260VE
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Active Interface Shoe (HDR-CX570E/
CX580E/CX580VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/ PJ600E/PJ600VE)
Lens (G lens)
Flash (HDR-CX570E/CX580E/CX580VE/
PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE)/Video light (HDR-CX570E/CX580E/CX580VE/ PJ580E/PJ580VE)
Built-in microphone
Remote sensor/Infrared port (HDR-
PJ260E/PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/ PJ600E/PJ600VE)
Camera recording lamp (70) (HDR-
CX570E/CX580E/CX580VE/PJ580E/ PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE)
The camera recording lamp lights up in red during recording. The lamp flashes when the remaining recording media capacity or battery power is low.
HDR-CX570E/CX580E/CX580VE/ PJ260E/PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/ PJ600E/PJ600VE/XR260E/XR260VE
HDR-CX250E/CX260E/CX260VE/ CX270E
HDR-CX250E/CX260E/CX260VE/ CX270E/CX570E/CX580E/CX580VE/ XR260E/XR260VE
HDR-PJ260E/PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/ PJ600E/PJ600VE
LCD screen/Touch panel (22, 23)
If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees, you can close the LCD panel with the LCD screen facing out. This is convenient during playback operations.
Speakers (HDR-CX570E/CX580E/
CX580VE/PJ260E/PJ260VE/PJ580E/ PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE/XR260E/ XR260VE)
Projector lens (50) (HDR-PJ260E/
PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/ PJ600VE)
PROJECTOR FOCUS lever (50) (HDR-
PJ260E/PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/ PJ600E/PJ600VE)
GPS antenna (HDR-CX260VE/CX580VE/
PJ260VE/PJ580VE/PJ600VE/XR260VE)
A GPS antenna is located in the LCD panel.
HDR-CX250E/CX260E/CX260VE/ CX270E
HDR-CX570E/CX580E/CX580VE/ PJ260E/PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE
HDR-PJ260E/ PJ260VE/PJ580E/ PJ580VE
GB
13
14
GB
HDR-PJ600E/PJ600VE/XR260E/ XR260VE
(View Images) button
POWER button
LIGHT (Video Light) button (39) (HDR-
CX570E/CX580E/CX580VE/PJ580E/ PJ580VE)
PROJECTOR button (50) (HDR-PJ260E/
PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/ PJ600VE)
MODE button
(Movie)/ (Photo) lamp (27, 27)
RESET button
Press RESET using a pointed object.
Press RESET to initialize all the settings including the clock setting.
(headphones) jack (HDR-CX570E/
CX580E/CX580VE/PJ260E/PJ260VE/ PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE/ XR260E/XR260VE)
(microphone) jack (PLUG IN POWER)
HDMI OUT jack (47)
(USB) jack (61, 64)
Speaker (HDR-CX250E/CX260E/
CX260VE/CX270E)
HDR-CX250E/CX260E/CX260VE/ CX270E
HDR-CX570E/CX580E/CX580VE/ PJ260E/PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE
HDR-PJ600E/PJ600VE/XR260E/ XR260VE
Power zoom lever (30)
PHOTO button (27)
CHG (charge) lamp (18)
Battery pack (18)
START/STOP button (27)
DC IN jack (18)
A/V Remote Connector (47)
Grip belt
Built-in USB Cable (19)
Memory card access lamp (25)
Tripod receptacle
Attach a tripod (sold separately: the length of the screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.)).
Memory card slot (25)
BATT (battery) release lever (20)
To fasten the grip belt
To attach the lens hood (HDR-CX570E/ CX580E/CX580VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/ PJ600VE)
Align the lens hood with the camcorder properly (), then turn the securing ring of the lens hood in the direction of the arrow ().
When attaching the lens hood, align the opening section of the lens hood with the flash­emitting section of the camcorder properly.
Securing ring
To remove the lens hood, turn the securing ring of the lens hood in the opposite direction from that of the arrow.
Remove the lens hood when you operate the camcorder with the supplied remote commander.
GB
15
Wireless Remote Commander (HDR­PJ260E/PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/ PJ600E/PJ600VE)
The wireless remote commander is useful when you use the projector.
DATA CODE button (70)
Displays the date and time, camera setting data, or coordinates (HDR-CX260VE/ CX580VE/PJ260VE/PJ580VE/PJ600VE/ XR260VE) of the recorded images when you press this button during playback.
PHOTO button (27)
The on-screen image when you press this button will be recorded as a still image.
SCAN/SLOW buttons (35)
/ (Previous/Next) buttons (35)
PLAY button
STOP button
DISPLAY button (28)
Transmitter
START/STOP button (27)
Power zoom buttons
PAUSE button
VISUAL INDEX button (32)
Displays an Index screen during playback.
////ENTER buttons
When you press any of these buttons, the light blue frame appears on the LCD screen. Select a desired button or an item with ///, then press ENTER to enter.
16
GB

Getting started

Supplied Items

The numbers in ( ) are the supplied quantity.
Camcorder (1)
AC Adaptor (1)
Power cord (Mains lead) (1)
HDMI cable (1)
A/V connecting cable (1)
USB connection support cable (1)
Lens hood (only for HDR-CX570E/CX580E/CX580VE/ PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE) (1)
Wireless Remote Commander (only for HDR-PJ260E/ PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE) (1)
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FV50 (1)
“Operating Guide” (This manual) (1)
Notes
The “PlayMemories Home” (Lite Version) software and “PlayMemories Home” Help
uide ar
e pre-installed in this camcorder (p. 55,
G
58).
p.
Getting started
The USB connection support cable is designed
for use with this camcorder only. Use this cable when the Built-in USB Cable of the camcorder (p. 19) is too short for connection.
GB
17
18
GB

Charging the battery pack

Close the LCD screen and attach
1
the battery pack.
Connect the AC Adaptor () and
2
the power cord (mains lead) () to your camcorder and the wall outlet (wall socket).
The CHG (charge) lamp turns on.
 
The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery pack is fully charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack of your camcorder.
CHG (charge) lamp
Battery pack
DC IN jack
HDR-PJ600E/
PJ600VE/XR260E/
XR260VE
Align the mark on the DC plug with that on the DC IN jack
DC plug
To the wall outlet (wall socket)
Notes
You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack other than the V series to your camcorder.

Charging the battery using your computer

Turn off your camcorder and connect the camcorder to a running computer using the Built-in USB Cable.
Built-in USB cable
To the wall outlet (wall socket)
To charge the battery from a wall outlet (wall socket) using the Built-in USB Cable
You can charge the battery by connecting the Built-in USB Cable to a wall outlet (wall socket) using an AC-UD10 USB charger/AC Adaptor (sold separately). You cannot use a Sony CP­AH2R, CP-AL, or AC-UP100 portable power supply device (sold separately) to charge the camcorder.
Charging time
Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack.
Battery pack
NP-FV50 (supplied) 155 280
NP-FV70 195 545
NP-FV100 390 1,000
The charging times shown in the table above are measured when charging the camcorder at a
temperature of 25 °C (77 °F). It is recommended that you charge the battery in a temperature range of 10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F).
* The charging times are measured without using the USB connection support cable.
AC Adaptor
Charging time
Built-in USB Cable
using your computer)
* (when
Getting started
GB
19
20
GB
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 those for charging the battery pack.
Even if the battery pack is attached, the battery pack is not discharged.
Notes on the battery pack
When you remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC Adaptor, turn the camcorder off and make sure
that the The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging under the following conditions:
  
When attaching a video light (sold separately), it is recommended that you use an NP-FV70 or NP-FV100 battery pack (HDR-CX570E/CX580E/CX580VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE).
We do not recommend using an NP-FV30, which only allows short recording and playback times, with your camcorder.
In the default setting, the power turns off automatically if you leave your camcorder without any operation for about 2 minutes, to save battery power ([Eco Mode] p. 70).
(Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (p. 27, 27) and the access lamp (p. 25) are turned off.
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.
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.
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the camcorder, holding both the camcorder and the DC plug.
Recording time, Playing time (75)
Remaining battery indicator (28)
Charging the battery pack abroad (21)

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. Do not use an electronic voltage transformer.
Getting started
GB
21
22
GB

Turning the power on, and setting the date and time

Open the LCD screen of your
1
camcorder and turn the power on.
You can also turn on the camcorder by
pressing POWER (p. 14).
Select the desired language, then
2
select [Next].
Select the desired geographical
3
area with
/ , then select
[Next].
Set [Summer Time], select the
4
date format and the date and time.
If you set [Summer Time] to [On], the clock advances 1 hour.
When you select the date and time, select one of the items and adjust the value with
/ .
When you select
setting operation is complete.
, the date and time
Touch the button on the LCD screen.

Changing the language setting

You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language.
Select [Setup] [ General Settings] [Language Setting] a desired language.
To turn off the power
Close the LCD screen or press the POWER button (p. 14).
To adjust the angle of the LCD panel
First open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), and then adjust the angle ().
90 degrees (max.)
Getting started
180 degrees (max.)
90 degrees to the camcorder
To turn off the beep sound
Select [Setup] [ General Settings] [Beep] [Off].
Notes
The recording date, time and condition, and coordinates (HDR-CX260VE/CX580VE/PJ260VE/PJ580VE/ PJ600VE/XR260VE) are recorded automatically on the recording media. They are not displayed during recording. However, you can check them as [Data Code] during playback. To display them, select
[Setup] [
Once the clock is set, the clock time is automatically adjusted with [Auto Clock ADJ ] and [Auto Area ADJ] set to [On]. The clock may not be adjusted to the correct time automatically, depending on the country/region selected for your camcorder. In this case, set [Auto Clock ADJ ] and [Auto Area ADJ] to [Off] (HDR-CX260VE/CX580VE/PJ260VE/PJ580VE/PJ600VE/XR260VE).
[Power On By LCD] (p. 70)
To set the date and time again: [Date & Time Setting] (p. 70)
librate the touch panel: [Calibration] (p. 85)
To ca
Playback Settings] [Data Code] [Date/Time].
GB
23
24
GB

Preparing the recording media

The recording media that can be used are displayed on the screen of your camcorder as following icons.
Default recording medium Alternative recording medium
HDR-CX250E/CX570E
HDR-CX260E/ CX260VE/CX270E/ CX580E/CX580VE/ PJ260E/PJ260VE/ PJ580E/PJ580VE
HDR-PJ600E/PJ600VE/ XR260E/XR260VE
Notes
You cannot select a different recording medium for movies and for photos.
Memory card
Internal memory Memory card
Internal hard disk Memory card

Selecting a recording medium (HDR-CX260E/CX260VE/CX270E/CX580E/ CX580VE/PJ260E/PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE/XR260E/ XR260VE)

Select [Setup] [
Media Settings] [Media
Select] the desired medium.

Inserting a memory card

Open the cover, and insert the memory card until it clicks.
The [Preparing image database file. Please wait.]
screen appears if you insert a new memory card. Wait until the screen disappears.
Insert the card with the notched edge in the direction as illustrated.
Access lamp
To eject the memory card
Open the cover and lightly push the memory card in once.
Notes
To ensure stable operation of the memory card, it is recommended to format the memory card with your
corder before the first use (p. 70). Formatting the memory card will erase all the data stored on it and
cam the data will be irrecoverable. Save your important data on your PC, etc.
If [Failed to create a new Image Database File. It may be possible that there is not enough free space.] is
sp
layed, format the memory card (p. 70).
di
Confirm the direction of the memory card. If you forcibly insert the memory card in the wrong direction, the memory card, memory card slot, or image data may be damaged.
When inserting or ejecting the memory card, be careful so that the memory card does not pop out and drop.
Types of memory card you can use with your camcorder
Getting started
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media (Mark2)
“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media
SD Speed
Class
32 GB
Capacity
(operation
verified)
Described in this
manual
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media
GB
25
SD Speed
Class
Capacity
(operation
Described in this
manual
verified)
SD memory card
SDHC memory card
SDXC memory card
Operation with all memory cards is not assured.
Notes
A MultiMediaCard cannot be used with this camcorder.
Movies recorded on SDXC memory cards cannot be imported to or played back on computers or AV devices not supporting the exFAT* file system by connecting the camcorder to these devices with the USB cable. Confirm in advance that the connecting equipment is supporting the exFAT system. If you connect an equipment not supporting the exFAT system and the format screen appears, do not perform the format. All the data recorded will be lost. * The exFAT is a file system that is used for SDXC memory cards.
Class 4 or
faster
64 GB SD card
Recording/playback/editing media: Screen indicators during recording (94)
Recording time of movies/number of recordable photos (75)
26
GB

Recording/Playback

Recording

In the default setting, movies and photos are recorded on the following media. Movies are recorded with high definition image quality (HD). HDR-CX250E/CX570E: Memory card HDR-CX260E/CX260VE/CX270E/CX580E/CX580VE/PJ260E/PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/ PJ600E/PJ600VE/XR260E/XR260VE: Internal recording media

Recording movies

Open the LCD screen and press
1
MODE to turn on the lamp.
Press START/STOP to start
2
recording.
To stop recording, press START/STOP
again.
You can record photos during movie recording by pressing PHOTO (Dual Capture).
(Movie)
Recording/Playback

Shooting photos

Open the LCD screen and press
1
MODE to turn on the lamp.
(Photo)
GB
27
28
GB
Press PHOTO lightly to adjust the
2
focus, then press it fully.
When the focus is adjusted properly,
AE/AF lock indicator appears on the LCD screen.
To display items on the LCD screen
Items on the LCD screen disappear if you do not operate the camcorder for a few seconds after you turn the camcorder on or switch between the movie recording and photo shooting modes.
Touch anywhere except the buttons on the LCD screen to display information on icons with functions convenient for recording.
Screen indicators during recording
Described here are icons for both movie recording and photo recording modes. Refer to the page in ( ) for details.
Zoom button (W: Wide/T: Telephoto), START/STOP button (in movie recording mode),
PHOTO button (in photo recording mode)
MENU button (66)
Status detected by Intelligent Auto (38)
Recording status ([STBY]/[REC])
AE/AF (automatic exposure/automatic focus) lock (28)
GPS triangulating status
*
1
(42)
Tracking focus (37)
Zoom, Remaining battery
Counter (hour: minute: second), Capturing a photo, Recording/playback/editing media
(94)
Tracking focus cancel button (37)
Intelligent Auto button (38)
Audio mode (69), Audio Level Display (69)
Approximate number of recordable photos, Aspect ratio (16:9 or 4:3), Photo size (L/M/S)
Estimated recording remaining time, Recording image quality (HD/STD), Frame rate
(50p/50i/25p
View Images button (32)
My Button (you can assign your favorite functions to icons displayed in this area) (69)
1
*
HDR-CX260VE/CX580VE/PJ260VE/PJ580VE/PJ600VE/XR260VE
2
*
HDR-CX570E/CX580E/CX580VE/PJ260E/PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE/XR260E/
XR260VE
3
*
HDR-CX570E/CX580E/CX580VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE
3
*
) and recording mode (PS/FX/FH/HQ/LP) (40)
2
*
To record in mirror mode
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side ().
A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the image will be normal when recorded.
Recording/Playback
If white circular spots appear on photos (HDR-CX570E/CX580E/CX580VE/ PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE)
This is caused by particles (dust, pollen, etc.) floating close to the lens. When they are accentuated by the camcorder’s flash, they appear as white circular spots. To reduce the white circular spots, light the room and shoot the subject without a flash.
GB
29
30
GB
Notes
If you close the LCD screen while recording movies, the camcorder stops recording.
The maximum continuous recordable time of movies is about 13 hours.
When a movie file exceeds 2 GB, the next movie file is created automatically.
The flash does not work while the
(Movie) lamp is lit
(HDR-CX570E/CX580E/CX580VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE).
The following states will be indicated if data is still being written onto the recording media after recording has finished. During this time, do not apply shock or vibration to the camcorder, or remove the battery or AC Adaptor.
amp (p. 25) is lit or flashing
ccess l
A
The media icon in the upper right of the LCD screen is flashing
When the frame rate is set to [25p], you cannot record photos while the camcorder is in movie recording mode (HDR-CX570E/CX580E/CX580VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE).
The LCD screen of your camcorder can display recording images across the entire screen (full pixel display). However, this may cause slight trimming of the top, bottom, right, and left edges of images when played back on a TV which is not compatible with full pixel display. It is recommended you record images
ith [Guide Frame] set to [On] and using the outer frame of [Guide Frame] (p. 69) as a guide.
w
Recording time, recordable number of photos (p. 75)
[Media Select] (p. 24)
h] (HDR-CX570E/CX580E/CX580VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE) (p. 68)
[Flas
play items on the LCD screen all the time: [Display Setting] (p. 69)
To dis
To change the image size: [
Recordable time, remaining capacity [Media Info] (p. 69)
Image Size] (p. 41)

Zooming

Move the power zoom lever to magnify or reduce the size of the image.
W (Wide angle): Wider range of view T (Telephoto): Close view
You can magnify images using Extended Zoom as follows.
For HDR-CX250E/CX260E/CX260VE/ CX270E/PJ260E/PJ260VE/XR260E/XR260VE: Up to 55 times the original size
For HDR-CX570E/CX580E/CX580VE/ PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE: Up to 20 times the original size
Move the power zoom lever slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.
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