Sony HDR-SR7E, HDR-SR5E, HDR-SR8E User Manual

3-210-375-11(1)

Digital HD Video Camera Recorder

Handycam Handbook

HDR-SR5E/SR7E/SR8E

Enjoying your

camcorder

Getting Started 15

Recording/Playback

Editing 46

Utilizing recording media 57

Customizing your

camcorder

Troubleshooting 84

Additional

Information

Reference

Quick

107

Read this before operating your camcorder

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

Notes on use

In “Handycam Handbook” (this Handbook)

The operations and handling of your camcorder are explained. Refer also to “Operating Guide” (the separate volume).

Handling the images recorded on your camcorder on the computer

Refer to “Picture Motion Browser Guide” stored on the supplied CD-ROM.

Types of “Memory Stick” you can use in your camcorder

You can use “Memory Stick Duo” marked with or

(p. 99).

“Memory Stick Duo” (This size can be used with your camcorder.)

“Memory Stick” (You cannot use it in your camcorder.)

• You cannot use any type of memory card except “Memory Stick Duo.”

• “Memory Stick PRO” and “Memory Stick PRO Duo” can be used only with “Memory Stick PRO” compatible equipment.

• Do not attach a label or the like on a “Memory Stick Duo” or a Memory Stick Duo adaptor.

When using a “Memory Stick Duo” with “Memory Stick” compatible equipment

Be sure to insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the Memory Stick Duo adaptor.

Memory Stick Duo adaptor

Using the camcorder

• Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.

Viewfinder (HDR-SR7E/SR8E)

• The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed or waterproofed. See “About handling of your camcorder” (p. 102).

• 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. 20) or the ACCESS lamp (p. 27) 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 an HDMI cable, a component video cable, a USB cable, etc. be sure to insert the connector plug in the correct way. Pushing the plug forcibly

LCD screen

Battery pack

into the terminal will damage the terminal and may result in a malfunction of your camcorder.

• Connect an A/V connecting cable or component video cable to the Handycam Station when using your camcorder attached to the Handycam Station.

• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the Handycam Station holding both the Handycam Station and the DC plug.

• Be sure to slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) when you insert the camcorder into the Handycam Station or remove the camcorder from it.

About menu items, LCD panel, viewfinder (HDR-SR7E/SR8E), and lens

• A menu item that is grayed out is not available under the current recording or playback conditions.

• The viewfinder (HDR-SR7E/SR8E) and the LCD screen are 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 in the viewfinder (HDR-SR7E/SR8E) and on the LCD screen. These points are normal results of the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any way.

Black point

White, red, blue or green point

• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder (HDR-SR7E/SR8E), 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.

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. 21).

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, 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 the copyright laws.

About this Handbook

• The images of the viewfinder (HDRSR7E/SR8E) and the LCD screen used in this Handbook for illustration purposes are captured using a digital still camera, and therefore may appear different.

• The illustrations used in this Handbook are based on the model HDR-SR7E. The model name is indicated on the bottom of your camcorder.

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

About the Carl Zeiss lens

Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. It adopts the MTF measurement system for video cameras and offers a quality typical of a Carl Zeiss lens. Also, the lens for your camcorder is T -coated to suppress unwanted reflections and faithfully reproduce colors. MTF= Modulation Transfer Function. The number value indicates the amount of light from a subject coming into the lens.

Notes on using the Hard Disk Drive Handycam

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 (p. 45). Also, you can save your image data using a VCR, or a DVD/HDD recorder (p. 53).

• 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.

• Especially, during recording/playback, do not apply shock. After recording, do not apply vibration or shock to the camcorder, while the ACCESS lamp is lit.

• When using the shoulder belt (not supplied), do not crash the camcorder against an object.

On the drop sensor

• To protect the internal hard disk from the shock by dropping, the camcorder has the drop sensor function (p. 75). When a drop occurs, or under a non-gravity 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.

Notes on battery pack/AC Adaptor

• While the ACCESS lamp is lit, be sure to avoid the following. They may cause malfunctions.

– Removing the battery pack – Removing the AC Adaptor (while charging

the battery pack using the AC Adaptor)

• Be sure to remove the battery pack or the AC Adaptor after turning off the POWER switch.

Note on operating 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. 92).

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] (p. 57) 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] (p. 60) 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.

If you cannot record/play back images, perform [ FORMAT]

• If you repeat recording/deleting images for a long time, fragmentation of data occurs on the hard disk. Images cannot be saved or recorded. In such a case, save your images on some type of external media first, and then perform [ FORMAT] (p. 57). Fragmentation 1 Glossary (p. 114)

Read this before operating your

camcorder .................................... 2

Notes on using the Hard Disk Drive

Handycam .................................... 5

Subject examples and solutions ..... 8

Enjoying your camcorder

Operation flow ................................ 9

“ HOME” and “ OPTION”

- Taking advantage of two types of

menus ......................................... 12

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

.................................................... 15

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

.................................................... 16

Step 3: Turning the power on and

setting the date and time ............ 20

Changing the language setting ... 21

Step 4: Making setting adjustments

before recording ......................... 21

Recording/Playback

Recording and playback with ease

(Easy Handycam operation) ....... 23

Recording ..................................... 27

Zooming ...................................... 29

Recording sound with more

presence (5.1ch surround

recording) ................................. 29

Using the flash ............................ 30

Recording high quality still images

during movie recording (Dual Rec)

................................................... 30

Recording still images on a “Memory

Stick Duo” ................................. 31

Recording in dark places

(NightShot) ................................ 31

Adjusting the exposure for backlit

subjects .................................... 32

Recording in mirror mode ........... 32

Recording the fast action in slow-

motion (SMTH SLW REC) ......... 32

Controlling the image settings

manually with the CAM CTRL dial

(HDR-SR7E/SR8E) .................... 33

Playback ....................................... 34

Playing back from a face image

([ INDEX]) ............................. 37

Using PB zoom ............................ 37

Searching for desired images by

date (Date Index) ...................... 37

Playing back a series of still images

(Slide show) .............................. 38

Playing the image on a TV ........... 39

Saving images .............................. 45

Editing

(OTHERS) category .................46

Deleting images ............................ 46

Dividing a movie ...........................48

Copying still images ..................... 49

Creating the Playlist .....................50

Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD

recorders .................................... 53

Printing recorded images (PictBridge

compliant printer) ........................ 54

Utilizing recording media

(MANAGE HDD/MEMORY)

category ...................................... 57

Formatting the hard disk or the

“Memory Stick Duo” .................... 57

Checking the hard disk information

.....................................................58

Repairing the image database file

.....................................................59

Preventing data on the hard disk of

the camcorder from being recovered

.....................................................60

Customizing your camcorder

What you can do with the

(SETTINGS) category of the

HOME MENU ........................61

Using the HOME MENU .............. 61

List of the (SETTINGS) category

items ......................................... 62

MOVIE SETTINGS .......................63

(Items for recording movies)

PHOTO SETTINGS ......................67

(Items for recording still images)

VIEW IMAGES SET .....................70

(Items to customize the display)

SOUND/DISP SET .......................72

(Items to adjust the sound and the

screen)

OUTPUT SETTINGS ....................73

(Items for when connecting other

devices)

CLOCK/ LANG .......................... 74

(Items to set clock and language)

GENERAL SET ............................75

(Other setup items)

Activating functions using the

OPTION MENU ......................76

Using the OPTION MENU ............ 76

Recording items on the OPTION

MENU ....................................... 77

Viewing items on the OPTION MENU

................................................... 77

Functions set in the OPTION

MENU ......................................... 78

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad ......96

Files on the camcorder hard disk/

folder structure ............................98

Maintenance and precautions .......99

About the AVCHD format ............ 99

About the “Memory Stick” ........... 99

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery

pack ........................................ 101

About x.v.Color ......................... 102

About handling of your camcorder

................................................. 102

Quick Reference

Identifying parts and controls ......107

Indicators displayed during recording/

playback ....................................112

Glossary ......................................114

Index ...........................................115

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting ............................84

Warning indicators and messages

.....................................................92

Subject examples and solutions

Checking your golf swing

Getting a good shot of a ski slope or beach

B SMTH SLW REC ....................... 32 B Backlight ...................................32

B BEACH.......................................80

B SNOW .......................................80

Capturing still images during movie recording

B Dual Rec ................................... 30 BSPOTLIGHT ...............................80

Flowers in closeup

B PORTRAIT ................................ 80

B FOCUS ...................................... 78

B TELE MACRO............................ 79

Focusing on the dog on the left

A child on the stage under a spot light

Fireworks with all its splendor

B FIREWORKS..............................80

B FOCUS.......................................78

A sleeping child under dim light

side of the screen

B FOCUS ...................................... 78

B SPOT FOCUS ............................ 79

B NightShot ..................................31

B COLOR SLOW SHTR .................81

Enjoying your camcorder

Operation flow

B Get ready (p. 15).

B Record using your camcorder (p. 27).

• Movies are recorded on the hard disk, and still images are recorded on either the hard disk or a “Memory Stick Duo.”

• You can select the image quality: HD (high definition) image quality or SD (standard definition) image quality.

HD (high definition) image quality SD (standard definition) image

quality

AVCHD format

Image resolution: about 3.75 times of that of SD (standard definition) image quality

b Notes

• Your camcorder is compatible with the “1440 × 1080/50i” standard of AVCHD format (p. 99). “AVCHD 1080i format” is abbreviated as “AVCHD” in this manual, except when it must be described in more detail.

MPEG2 format

Records with SD (standard definition) image quality.

Enjoying your camcorder

B Play back the images.

x Viewing on the LCD screen of your camcorder (p. 34)

x Viewing on a high definition TV (p. 41)

You can enjoy movies with HD (high definition) image quality, with the same image quality as they were recorded.

x Viewing on a non-high-definition 16:9 (wide) TV

(p. 42)

You can enjoy movies recorded with HD (high definition) image quality, but they will be converted to SD (standard definition) image quality.

z Tips

• You can consult the [TV CONNECT Guide] (p. 39) displayed on the screen on connecting your TV

and camcorder.

B Save recorded images.

x Saving images on a disc using a computer

x Importing images to a computer

x Dubbing images on VCR or DVD/HDD recorders (p. 53)

z Tips

• See “Picture Motion Browser Guide” about handling images on a computer.

B Delete images.

If the hard disk of your camcorder is full, you cannot record new images. Delete the image data that has been saved on your camcorder or a disc. If you delete the images, you can record new images on the free hard disk space again.

x Deleting the selected images (p. 46)

x Deleting all the images ([ FORMAT], p. 57)

Recording time of movies

HD (high definition) image quality

AVCHD format

Recording mode Approximate recordable time (hour minute)

HDR-SR5E HDR-SR7E HDR-SR8E

AVC HD 15M (XP) (highest quality)

AVC HD 9M (HQ) (high quality)

AVC HD 7M (SP) (standard quality)

AVC HD 5M (LP) (long play)

SD (standard definition) image quality

MPEG2 format

Recording mode Approximate recordable time (hour minute)

SD 9M (HQ) (high quality)

SD 6M (SP) (standard quality)

SD 3M (LP) (long play)

z Tips

• Figures such as 15M and 9M in the table show the average bit rate. M stands for Mbps.

• You can record movies of a maximum of 3,999 scenes with HD (high definition) image quality, and 9,999 scenes with SD (standard definition) image quality.

• You can record the maximum 9,999 still images on the hard disk. For the “Memory Stick Duo,” see page

68.

• The maximum continuous recordable time is approximately 13 hours.

5 h 20 m 8 h 13 h 30 m

9 h 40 m 14 h 40 m 24 h 40 m

11 h 50 m 17 h 50 m 30 h

15 h 10 m 22 h 50 m 38 h 10 m

HDR-SR5E HDR-SR7E HDR-SR8E

9 h 40 m 14 h 40 m 24 h 40 m

14 h 30 m 21 h 50 m 36 h 30 m

27 h 50 m 41 h 50 m 70 h 10 m

Enjoying your camcorder

Your camcorder uses the VBR (Variable Bit Rate) format to automatically adjust image quality to suit the recording scene. This technology causes fluctuations in the recording time of the hard disk. Movies containing quickly moving and complex images are recorded at a higher bit rate, and this reduces the overall recording time.

Enjoyi

ng your camcorder

“ HOME” and “ OPTION”

- Taking advantage of two types of menus

“ HOME MENU” - the starting point for operations with your camcorder

(HELP)

Displays a description of the item (p. 13)

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. 16)

Mains lead (1) (p. 16)

Handycam Station (1) (p. 16, 110)

Component video cable (1) (p. 41)

A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 41, 53)

Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 111)

A button-type lithium battery is already installed.

Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH60 (1) (p. 16, 101)

21-pin adaptor (p. 44)

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

CD-ROM “Handycam Application Software” (1)

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

“Operating Guide” (1)

Getting Started

USB cable (1) (p. 54)

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

Battery pack

DC IN jack

You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series) (p. 101) after attaching it to your camcorder.

b Notes

• You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery

pack other than the H series to your camcorder.

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.

POWER switch

To the wall socket

DC plug

AC Adaptor

/CHG

(charge) lamp

Mains lead

4 Attach the battery pack by sliding

it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.

5 Insert the camcorder into the

Handycam Station securely, all the way to the bottom.

The /CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. When the /CHG (charge) lamp turns off, the battery is fully charged.

2 Connect the mains lead to the AC

Adaptor and the wall socket.

3 Slide the POWER switch in the

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

b Notes

• When inserting the camcorder into the Handycam Station, close the DC IN jack cover.

To remove your camcorder from the Handycam Station

Turn off the power, then remove the camcorder from the Handycam Station holding both your camcorder and the Handycam Station.

To charge the battery pack using only the AC Adaptor

Turn off the power, then connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder.

POWER switch

With the v mark on the right

DC plug

DC IN jack

Open the jack cover

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

b Notes

• When you remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC Adaptor, make sure that the

(Movie) lamp/ (Still) lamp (p. 20) is

turned off.

When storing the battery pack

Fully discharge the battery pack before storing it for an extended period (see page 102 for the details of storage).

To use a power source from a wall socket

Make the same connections as you do when charging the battery pack. The battery pack will not lose its charge in this case.

To check the remaining battery (Battery Info)

Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), then press DISP/BATT INFO.

Getting Started

b Notes

• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack holding both the camcorder and the DC plug.

After a while, the approximate recordable time and battery information appear for about 7 seconds. You can view the battery information for up to 20 seconds by

pressing DISP/BATT INFO again while the information is displayed.

Remaining battery (approx.)

60 65

Recording capacity (approx.)

Charging time

Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack.

Battery pack Charging time

NP-FH50 135

NP-FH60 (supplied) 135

NP-FH70 170

NP-FH100 390

Recording 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.

HDR-SR5E:

Battery pack

Continuous recording time

Image quality HD SD HD SD

NP-FH50 80 90 40 45

80 95 40 45

NP-FH60 (supplied)

105 120 50 60

110 130 55 65

NP-FH70 170 195 85 95

180 205 90 100

NP-FH100 385 440 190 220

405 470 200 235

Typical recording time*

HDR-SR7E/SR8E:

Battery pack

Continuous recording time

Typical recording time*

Image quality HD SD HD SD

NP-FH50 65 75 30 35

70 80 35 40

NP-FH60 (supplied)

90 100 45 50

95 105 45 50

NP-FH70 145 165 70 80

150 175 75 85

NP-FH100 335 375 165 185

350 395 175 195

* Typical recording time shows the time when

you repeat recording start/stop, turning the power on/off and zooming.

b Notes

• All times measured with SP recording mode when [ INDEX SET] is set to [OFF] under the following conditions: For HDR-SR5E: Top: When the LCD backlight turns on. Bottom: When the LCD backlight turns off. For HDR-SR7E/SR8E: Top: When the LCD backlight turns on. Middle: When the LCD backlight turns off. Bottom: When recording with the viewfinder while the LCD panel is closed.

Playing 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.

HDR-SR5E:

Battery pack LCD panel opened*

Image quality HD SD

NP-FH50 115 125

NP-FH60 (supplied) 150 165

NP-FH70 245 270

NP-FH100 555 600

• When attaching an optional video light, it is recommended that you use an NP-FH70 or NPFH100 battery pack.

• We do not recommend using an NP-FH30, which only allows short recording and playback times, with your camcorder.

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

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

Getting Started

HDR-SR7E/SR8E:

Battery pack

LCD panel opened*

LCD panel closed

Image quality HD SD HD SD

NP-FH50 105 120 115 130

NP-FH60

140 160 150 170

(supplied)

NP-FH70 230 255 245 280

NP-FH100 515 580 555 625

* When the LCD backlight is on.

On the battery pack

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

(Movie) lamp/ (Still) lamp.

• The /CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or Battery Info (p. 17) will not be correctly displayed under the following conditions:

– The battery pack is not attached correctly. – The battery pack is damaged. – The battery pack is worn-out (For Battery

Info only).

• 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 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.

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

Set the date and time when using this camcorder for the first time. If you do not set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears every time you turn on your camcorder or change the POWER switch position.

Lens cover

Touch the button on the LCD screen.

POWER switch

3 Set [SUMMERTIME], then touch

[NEXT].

4 Set [Y] (year) with v/V.

5 Select [M] with b/B, then set the

month with v/V.

6 Set [D] (day), hour and minute in

the same way, then touch [NEXT].

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

The [CLOCK SET] screen appears.

2 Select the desired geographical

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

7 Make sure that the clock is

correctly set, then touch .

The clock starts.

You can set any year up to the year

2037.

To turn off the power

Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

To reset the date and time

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

SET], and set the date and time.

b Notes

• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3

months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets

discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory. In that case, charge the built-in rechargeable battery and then set the date and time again (p. 104).

• It takes a few seconds for your camcorder to be ready to shoot after the power is turned on. You cannot operate your camcorder during this time.

• The lens cover opens automatically when the power is turned on. It closes when the playback screen is selected, or the power is turned off.

• In the setting at the time of purchase, the power turns off automatically if you leave your camcorder without any operation attempted for approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power ([A.SHUT OFF], p. 75).

z Tips

• The date and time does not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the hard disk, and can be displayed during playback (see page 70 for [DATA CODE]).

• Refer to page 97 for information concerning “World time difference.”

• If the buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly, adjust the touch panel (CALIBRATION) (p. 103).

Changing the language setting

You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. To select the screen language, touch

(HOME) t (SETTINGS) t [CLOCK/

LANG] t [ LANGUAGE SET]

(p. 74).

Step 4: Making setting adjustments before 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.)

To turn off the LCD backlight to make the battery last longer

Press and hold DISP/BATT INFO for a few seconds until appears. This setting is practical when you use your camcorder in bright conditions or you want to save battery power. The recorded image will not be affected by the setting. To turn on the LCD backlight, press and hold DISP/ BATT INFO for a few seconds until disappears.

b Notes

• Do not press the buttons below the LCD screen accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD panel.

z Tips

• If you open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder, then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side, you can close the LCD panel with the LCD screen facing out. This is convenient during playback operations.

• Touch (HOME) t (SETTINGS) t [SOUND/DISP SET] t [LCD BRIGHT] (p. 72), and adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.

camcorder

DISP/BATT INFO

Getting Started

• The information is displayed or hidden (display

y no display) each time you press DISP/ BATT INFO.

Adjusting the Viewfinder (HDRSR7E/SR8E)

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

Viewfinder

Viewfinder lens adjustment lever

Move it until the image is clear.

z Tips

• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder

backlight by touching (HOME) t (SETTINGS) t [SOUND/DISP SET] t [VF B.LIGHT] (p. 72).

Fastening the grip belt

Fasten the grip belt and hold your camcorder correctly.

Recording/Playback

Recording and playback with ease (Easy Handycam operation)

Easy Handycam operation makes nearly all settings automatic so that you can perform recording or playback operation without detailed settings. It also makes screen font size larger for easy viewing.

If the POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG), turn it while pressing the green button.

Recording/Playback

Recording movies

Still images are recorded on the hard disk in

1 Slide the POWER switch

G in the direction of the arrow until the (Movie) lamp lights up.

the default setting. You can change the recording media of still images to a “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 31).

1 Slide the POWER switch

2 Press EASY A.

appears on

the LCD screen.

2 Press EASY A.

3 Press START/STOP H (or E) to

start recording.*

[STBY] b [REC]

To stop recording, press START/STOP again.

* The recording mode is fixed to SP (p. 63). ** The setting of [ QUALITY] is fixed to [FINE] (p. 68).

Recording still images

G in the direction of the arrow until the (Still) lamp lights up.

appears on

the LCD screen.

Press PHOTO F lightly to adjust the focus press it fully sounds).**

(a beep sounds), then

(a shutter click

Flashing b Lights up

Playing back recorded movies/still images

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

2 Press (VIEW IMAGES) I (or D).

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

Appears with the image on each of the tab that was lastly played back/ recorded (B for the still image recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo”)

Returns to the recording screen

Previous 6 images

Next 6 images

Returns to the recording screen

1 :Displays movies with HD (high definition) image quality.* 2 :Displays still images on the hard disk. 3 :Displays still images on a “Memory Stick Duo.”

* appears for movies with SD (standard definition) image quality.

Playing back from INDEX

Press the (Film Roll Index) J, or touch (HOME) t (VIEW IMAGES) t [ INDEX].

z Tips

• You can change the image quality by touching (HOME) t (SETTINGS) t [VIEW IMAGES SET] t [ / INDEX SET].

Searches for images by date (p. 37)

3 Start playback.

Movies:

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

Returns (to the VISUAL INDEX screen)

Toggles Play or Pause as you touch

Beginning of the movie/previous movie

Stops (goes to the VISUAL INDEX screen)

* The setting of [DATA CODE] is fixed to [DATE/TIME] (p. 70).

z Tips

• When playback from the selected movie reaches the last movie, the screen returns to the VISUAL INDEX screen.

• You can slow down the playback speed by touching / during pause.

• You can adjust volume by touching (HOME) t (SETTINGS) t [SOUND SETTINGS] t [VOLUME], then touch / .

Next movie

The recording date/time*

Reverse/ Forward

Still images:

Touch the or tab, and then select the desired still image.

Returns (to the VISUAL INDEX screen)

Goes to the VISUAL INDEX screen

Slide show (p. 38)

The recording date/time*

Previous/Next

Recording/Playback

* The setting of [DATA CODE] is fixed to [DATE/TIME] (p. 70).

To cancel Easy Handycam operation

Press EASY A again. disappears from the LCD screen.

Menu settings during Easy Handycam operation

Press (HOME) C (or B) to display the menu items available for setup changes (p. 12, 61).

b Notes

• Most of the menu items automatically return to

the default settings. The settings of some menu items are fixed. For details, see page 85.

• You cannot use the (OPTION) menu.

• Cancel Easy Handycam operation if you want to

add effects to images or change settings.

Invalid buttons during Easy Handycam operation

You cannot use some buttons/functions during Easy Handycam operation since they are automatically set (p. 85). If you set an invalid operation, [Invalid during Easy Handycam operation] may appear.

Recording

(HOME) A

START/STOP B

ACCESS lamp (Hard disk)

POWER switch

(Movie) lamp/ (Still) lamp

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.

• The maximum continuous recordable time is approximately 13 hours.

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

z Tips

• You can check the free hard disk space by touching (HOME) t (MANAGE HDD/MEMORY) t [ INFO] (p. 58).

(HOME) D

/CHG

(charge) lamp

PHOTO E

Lens cover

Opens automatically when the power is switched on.

Recording/Playback

START/ STOP F

Recording movies

You can record movies on the hard disk of your camcorder. For the recordable time, see page 11.

1 Slide the POWER switch C in the

direction of the arrow to light up the (Movie) lamp.

Recording still images

Still images are recorded on the hard disk in the default setting. To record still images on a “Memory Stick Duo,” change the recording media (p. 31). For the number of recordable still images, see page 68.

1 Slide the POWER switch C until

the (Still) lamp lights up.

2 Press START/STOP B (or F).

[STBY] t [REC]

To stop recording, press START/STOP B (or F) again.

b Notes

• You cannot record movies on a “Memory Stick

Duo.”

z Tips

• appears when [ INDEX SET] is set to

[ON] (the default setting) during movie recording (p. 67).

• You can switch the shooting mode by touching

(HOME) D (or A) t (CAMERA)

t [MOVIE] or [PHOTO].

• See page 30 for recording high quality still

images during movie recording.

• See page 31 for changing the recording media of

still images.

2 Press PHOTO E lightly to adjust

the focus A (a beep sounds), then press it fully B (a shutter click sounds).

Flashing bLights up

appears beside / . When disappears, the image has been recorded.

Zooming

You can magnify images up to 10 times the original size with the power zoom lever or the zoom buttons below the LCD screen.

Wider range of view: (Wide angle)

Close view: (Telephoto)

Move the power zoom lever slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.

b Notes

• Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom lever. If you move your finger off the power zoom lever, the operation sound of the power zoom lever may also be recorded.

• You cannot change the zoom speed with the zoom buttons below the LCD screen.

• The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.

z Tips

• You can set [DIGITAL ZOOM] (p. 65) if you want to zoom to a level greater than 10 × when recording movies.

Recording sound with more presence (5.1ch surround recording)

Dolby Digital 5.1ch surround sound can be recorded with the internal microphone. You can enjoy realistic sound when playing the movie on devices that support 5.1ch sur round sound.

Internal microphone

Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator, 5.1ch surround sound

Glossary (p. 114)

b Notes

• 5.1ch sound is converted to 2ch when played back on your camcorder.

• To enjoy the 5.1ch surround sound recorded with HD (high definition) image quality, you need an AVCHD format device compatible with

5.1ch surround.

• You can create a disc, which contains the movies recorded on your camcorder, on a computer using the supplied software. If you play the disc on a 5.1ch surround system, you can enjoy realistic sound.

• is displayed on the screen during 5.1ch recording/playback.

Recording/Playback

Using the flash

/CHG (charge)

lamp

Press (flash) repeatedly to select an appropriate setting.

No indication (Auto flash): Automatically flashes when there is insufficient ambient light.

(Forced flash): Always uses the flash

regardless of the surrounding brightness.

(No flash): Records without flash.

b Notes

• The recommended distance to the subject when using the built-in flash is approximately 0.3 to

2.5 m (1 to 8 feet).

• Remove any dust from the surface of the flash before using it. Flash effect may be impaired if heat discoloration or dust obscures the lamp.

• The /CHG (charge) lamp flickers while charging the flash, and remains lit when the battery charge is complete.

• If you use the flash in bright places such as when shooting a backlit subject, the flash may not be effective.

• When attaching a conversion lens (optional) or a filter (optional) to your camcorder, the flash does not emit light.

z Tips

• You can change the brightness of the flash by setting [FLASH LEVEL] (p. 66), or you can prevent the redeye by setting [REDEYE REDUC] (p. 66).

Flash

Recording high quality still images during movie recording (Dual Rec)

You can record high quality still images while recording a movie on the hard disk.

1 Slide the POWER switch until the

(Movie) lamp lights up, then press START/ STOP to start movie recording.

2 Press PHOTO fully.

After you start recording, and before you finish, you can select up to 3 frames of still images from your movie.

Orange color boxes indicate the number of recorded images. When recording is finished, the color changes to orange.

3 Press START/STOP to stop movie

recording. Stored still images appear one by one, and

the images are stored. When disappears, the image has been recorded.

b Notes

• When you record still images on a “Memory Stick Duo,” do not eject the “Memory Stick Duo” before movie recording is finished and the still images are stored on it.

• You cannot use the flash during Dual Rec.

z Tips

• When the POWER switch is set to (Movie), the size of still images becomes:

– 2.3M (16:9 wide) or 1.7M (4:3) (HDR-

SR5E)

– 4.6M (16:9 wide) or 3.4M (4:3) (HDR-

SR7E/SR8E)

+ 88 hidden pages

Sony HDR-SR7E, HDR-SR5E, HDR-SR8E User Manual

Read this before operating your camcorder

Notes on using the Hard Disk Drive Handycam

Table of Contents

Subject examples and solutions

Enjoying your camcorder

Operation flow

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

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

Changing the language setting

Step 4: Making setting adjustments before recording

Recording/Playback

Recording and playback with ease (Easy Handycam operation)

Recording

Zooming

Recording sound with more presence (5.1ch surround recording)

Using the flash

Recording high quality still images during movie recording (Dual Rec)