Sony HDR-SR5E, HDR-SR7E Operating Guide

Digital HD Video Camera Recorder

Operating Guide

HDR-SR5E/SR7E/SR8E

3-210-379-11(1)

For details on the advanced operations, please refer to “Handycam Handbook” (PDF).

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.

CAUTION

Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result.

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.

FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE

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 Directive 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 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. Applicable Accessory: Remote Commander

Notes on use

• The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed or waterproofed. See “Precautions” (p. 32).

• To prevent the hard disk from being broken or recorded images from being lost, do not do the following when either of the (Movie)/ (Still) mode lamps (p. 8) or the access lamp* is on:

– to remove the battery pack or AC Adaptor

from the camcorder.

– to apply mechanical shock or vibration to the

camcorder.

• When connecting your camcorder to another device with communication cables, 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.

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.

Save all your recorded image data

• To prevent your image data from being lost, save all your recorded images on external media. It is recommended that you save the image data on a disc such as DVD-R using your computer*. Also, you can save your image data using a VCR, or a DVD/HDD recorder*.

• It is recommended that you save your image data periodically, after recording.

Do not apply shock or vibration to your camcorder

• The hard disk of the camcorder may not be recognized, or recording or playback may not be possible.

On the drop sensor

• To protect the internal hard disk from the shock by dropping, the camcorder has the 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 operational temperatures

• When the temperature of the camcorder 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 in the viewfinder (HDR-SR7E/SR8E) or on the LCD screen (p. 30).

When the camcorder is connected to a computer

• Do not try to format the hard disk of the camcorder using a computer. If you do so, your camcorder may not operate correctly.

Note on using the camcorder at high altitudes

• Do not turn on the camcorder in a low-pressure area, where the altitude is more than 3,000 meters (9,800 feet). Doing so may damage the hard disk drive of your camcorder.

Note on disposal/transfer

• Even if you perform [ FORMAT]* or formatting the hard disk of the camcorder, you may not delete data from the hard disk completely. When you transfer the camcorder, it is recommended that you perform [ EMPTY]* to prevent the recovery of your data. In addition to the above, when you dispose of the camcorder, it is recommended that you destroy the actual body of the camcorder.

About 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. 8).

About this manual

• The images of the viewfinder (HDR-SR7E/ SR8E) and the LCD screen used in this manual for illustration purposes are captured using a digital still camera, and therefore may appear different from the actual images of the viewfinder (HDR-SR7E/SR8E) and the LCD screen.

• Unless otherwise specially indicated, illustrations in this manual are based on HDRSR7E.

• Design and specifications of recording media and other accessories are subject to change without notice.

• The screenshots are from Windows XP. The scenes may vary depending on the operating system of the computer.

* Refer also to “Handycam Handbook” (PDF) and

“Picture Motion Browser Guide.”

Table of Contents

Read this first ........................................................................................... 2

Notes on use ................................................................................................... 2

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items .............................................................. 5

Step 2: Charging the battery pack ...........................................................6

Step 3: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time ..................8

Changing the language setting ...................................................................... 8

Step 4: Preparing for recording ................................................................9

Recording/Playback

Recording ............................................................................................... 10

Playback ................................................................................................ 12

Playing the image on a TV ............................................................................ 13

Parts and functions used for the camcorder .......................................... 14

Indicators displayed during recording/playback ..................................... 17

Performing various functions - “ HOME” and “ OPTION” .............19

Saving images .......................................................................................22

Deleting images .....................................................................................22

Enjoying with a computer

Viewing “Handycam Handbook” (PDF) .................................................. 23

What you can do with a Windows computer ..........................................24

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting .....................................................................................29

Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators ................................................... 30

Additional Information

Precautions ............................................................................................ 32

Specifications ......................................................................................... 34

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

Make sure that you have the following items supplied with your camcorder. The number in the parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied.

AC Adaptor (1) (p. 6)

Mains lead (1) (p. 6)

Handycam Station (1) (p. 6)

Component video cable (1) (p. 13)

A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 13)

Wireless Remote Commander (1)

A button-type lithium battery is already installed.

Remove the insulation sheet before using the Remote Commander.

Insulation sheet

Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH60 (1) (p. 6)

21-pin adaptor (1)

For the models with the mark printed on their bottom surfaces only.

CD-ROM “Handycam Application Software” (1) (p. 23)

– Picture Motion Browser (Software) – Picture Motion Browser Guide – Handycam Handbook (PDF)

Getting Started

USB cable (1) (p. 27)

“Operating Guide” (This manual) (1)

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

Battery pack

DC IN jack

You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series) after attaching it to your camcorder.

b Notes

• Your camcorder operates only with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series).

1 Connect the AC Adaptor to the

DC IN jack on the Handycam Station.

Be sure that the v mark on the DC plug is facing up.

2 Connect the mains lead to the AC

Adaptor and the wall socket.

POWER switch

/CHG lamp

DC plug

AC Adaptor

Mains lead

5 Set the camcorder onto the

Handycam Station securely.

The /CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. The /CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery pack is fully charged. Remove the camcorder from the Handycam Station.

To remove the battery pack

Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). Slide the BATT (battery release) lever and remove the battery pack.

BATT (battery release) lever

To t h e wall socket

3 Slide the POWER switch in the

direction of the arrow to OFF (CHG) (the default setting).

4 Attach the battery pack by sliding

it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.

b Notes

• When you remove the battery pack or the AC Adaptor, make sure that the (Movie) lamp/

(Still) lamp (p. 8) is turned off.

To charge the battery pack using only the AC Adaptor

Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), then connect the AC Adaptor directly to the DC IN jack on the camcorder.

POWER switch

With the v mark on the right

DC plug

DC IN jack

Open the jack cover.

Available running time for the supplied battery pack

Charging time: Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a completely exhausted battery pack.

Recording/Playback time: Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack.

“HD” stands for high definition image quality, and “SD” stands for standard image quality.

60* 65*

(Unit:min.)

HDR-SR7E/

SR8E

90*

100*

95*

105*

95*

105*

45*

50*

45*

50*

45*

50*

NP-FH60:

HDR-SR5E

HD SD HD SD

Charging time 135 135

Recording time*

Continuous recording time

Typical recording time*

Playback

time*

105* 110*

50*

55*

150 165 140 160

120*

130*

*1All times of image quality measured with SP

recording mode when [ INDEX SET] is set to [OFF].

When the LCD backlight turns on.

When the LCD backlight turns off.

When recording with the viewfinder while the

LCD panel is closed.

Typical recording time shows the time when you repeat recording start/stop, turning the power on/off and zooming.

On the battery pack

• Before changing the battery pack, slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) and turn off the

(Movie) lamp/ (Still) lamp (p. 8).

• The power will not be supplied from the battery as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack of your camcorder or the Handycam Station, even when the mains lead is disconnected from the wall socket.

On the charging/recording/playback time

• Times measured when using the camcorder at 25°C (77°F) (10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F) is recommended).

• The available recording and playback time will be shorter when you use your camcorder in low temperatures.

• The available recording and playback time will be shorter depending on the conditions under which you use your camcorder.

On the AC Adaptor

• Use the nearby wall socket when using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the 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.

• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power (mains) is still supplied to it while connected to the wall socket via the AC Adaptor.

Getting Started

Step 3: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time

Touch the button on the LCD screen.

1 While pressing the green button,

slide the POWER switch repeatedly in the direction of the arrow until the respective lamp lights up.

(Movie): To record movies

(Still): To record still images

• When you turn on (Still) lamp, the screen aspect ratio is changed to 4:3 automatically.

2 Select the desired geographical

area with v/V, then touch [NEXT].

3 Set [SUMMERTIME], [Y] (year),

[M] (month), [D] (day), hour and minute, then touch .

POWER switch

When using the camcorder for the first time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears on the LCD screen.

The clock starts.

z Tips

• The date and time do not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the hard disk, and can be displayed during playback.

To reset the date and time

Touch (HOME) t (SETTINGS) t [CLOCK/ LANG] t [CLOCK

SET], and set the date and time.

Changing the language setting

You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. Touch (HOME) t (SETTINGS) t [CLOCK/ LANG] t [ LANGUAGE SET], then select the desired language.

Step 4: Preparing for recording

Adjusting the LCD panel

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play (2).

190 degrees to the

290 degrees

(max.)

2180 degrees (max.)

camcorder

DISP/BATT INFO

Adjusting the Viewfinder (HDRSR7E/SR8E)

You can view images using the viewfinder to avoid wearing down the battery, or when the image seen on the LCD screen is poor.

Viewfinder

Fastening the grip belt

Fasten the grip belt and hold your camcorder correctly.

Getting Started

Viewfinder lens adjustment lever

Move it until the image is clear.

Recording/Playback

Recording

POWER switch C

START/STOP A

START/STOP D

[STBY] t [REC]

(HOME) B

(p. 19)

EASY F

PHOTO

Flashing t Lights up

1 Slide the POWER switch C until the respective lamp lights up.

Press the green button only when the POWER switch C is in the OFF (CHG) position.

• (Movie): To record movies

• (Still): To record still images

2 Start recording.

Movies Still Images

Press START/STOP A (or D).

To stop recording, press START/STOP A (or D) again.

• You cannot record movies on a “Memory Stick Duo.”

• See “Handycam Handbook” (PDF) f or changing the image quality to SD (standard definition) image quality.

b Notes

• If the ACCESS lamp is lit or flashing after recording is finished, it means data is still being written onto the hard disk or “Memory Stick Duo.” Do not apply shock or vibration to your camcorder, and do not remove the battery or AC Adaptor.

Press PHOTO E lightly to adjust the focus A (a beep sounds), then press it fully B (a shutter click sounds).

appears beside / . When

disappears, the image has been recorded.

• Still images are recorded on the hard disk in the default setting.

z Tips

• You can check the free hard disk space by

pressing (HOME) B t (MANAGE HDD/MEMORY) t [ INFO].

• You can capture up to 3 still images by pressing

PHOTO E during movie recording.

• The maximum continuous recordable time is approximately 13 hours.

• When a movie file exceeds 2 GB, the next movie file is created automatically.

• The maximum recordable time is as follows (with recording mode [HD SP]);

HDR-SR5E: approx. 11 hours and 50 minutes HDR-SR7E: approx. 17 hours and 50 minutes HDR-SR8E: approx. 30 hours

• Use the supplied application software to store recorded movies as still images. For details, see “Picture Motion Browser Guide” on the supplied CD-ROM.

To record still images on a “Memory Stick Duo”

You can change the recording media of still images to a “Memory Stick Duo.” You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo” marked with or

x Inserting/ejecting a “Memory Stick

Duo”

Open the LCD panel, then insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the Memory Stick Duo slot in the right direction until it clicks.

To eject a “Memory Stick Duo,” open the LCD panel, then lightly push the “Memory Stick Duo” in once.

b Notes

• When the ACCESS lamp is lit or flashing, your camcorder is reading/writing data. Do not shake

ACCESS lamp (“Memory Stick Duo”)

or knock your camcorder, turn the power off, eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, image data may be damaged.

• If you insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the slot in the wrong direction, the “Memory Stick Duo,” the Memory Stick Duo slot, or image data may be damaged.

z Tips

• The number of recordable still images on the “Memory Stick Duo” (1 GB) is as follows (with the default setting of the image size as shown in ());

HDR-SR5E: 480 ([4.0M]) HDR-SR7E/SR8E: 315 ([6.1M]) All numbers measured when using a “Memory

Stick Duo” made by Sony Corporation. The number of recordable images varies depending on the recording environment and the recording media.

• The number of recordable images varies depending on the image quality or the image size. For details, see “Handycam Handbook” (PDF).

x To change the recording media of still

images

1 Touch (OPTION) t tab t

[STILL MEDIA].

2 Select the media in which you want to save

still images, then touch . Your camcorder returns to recording standby mode.

To record/play back easily

By pressing the EASY F, nearly all settings on the camcorder will be automatically operated so that you can perform recording or playing back operation without detailed settings. During Easy Handycam operation, appears on the LCD screen. To cancel Easy Handycam operation, press EASY F again.

b Notes

• You cannot use some buttons/functions during Easy Handycam operation.

Recording/Playback

Playback

(VIEW IMAGES) A

(Film Roll

Index) B

(VIEW IMAGES) C

1 Returns to the recording screen 2 Previous 6 images 3 Next 6 images 4 Returns to the recording screen 5 Displays movies with HD (high

definition) image quality*

1 Slide the POWER switch D to turn on your camcorder.

2 Press (VIEW IMAGES) C (or A).

The VISUAL INDEX screen appears on the LCD screen (It may take some time to display the thumbnails).

• Press (Film Roll Index) B to display the (Film Roll Index) screen. See “Handycam

Handbook” (PDF) for details.

POWER switch D

6 Displays still images on the hard disk 7 Displays still images on a “Memory Stick Duo” 8 Searches for images by date 9 (OPTION)

* appears for movies with SD (standard

definition) image quality.

3 Start playback.

Movies

Touch the or tab, and the movie to be played back.

Beginning of the scene/previous scene

Stop (go to the INDEX screen)

Toggles Play or Pause as you touch Next scene

Reverse/Forward

(OPTION)

Still Images

Touch the or tab, and the still image to be played back.

Slide show

Go to the VISUAL INDEX screen

Previous/Next

(OPTION)

+ 28 hidden pages