4-124-309-11(1) Table of contents DCR-SR37E/SR38E/SR47E/SR48E/ SR57E/SR67E/SR77E/SR87E Digital Video Camera Recorder Operating Guide 2009 Sony Corporation 8 Getting started 10 Recording 14 Playback 18 Saving movies and photos with a computer 22 Saving images with a DVD writer, recorder 28 Making good use of your camcorder 34 Additional information 43
Read this before operating your camcorder 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.
any service or guarantee matters please refer to the addresses given in separate service or guarantee documents. 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).
Regulatory Information Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-SR87E 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.
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. Notes on use Using the camcorder Battery pack This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
If you repeat recording/deleting images for a long time, fragmentation of data occurs on the recording media. Images cannot be saved or recorded. In such a case, save your images on some type of external media first, and then perform [MEDIA FORMAT] (p. 34). The LCD screen is manufactured using extremely high-precision technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use.
Operation flow Recording movies and photos (p. 14) In the default settings, movies and photos are recorded on the internal hard disk. You can change the recording media (p. 35). Playing movies and photos (p. 18) Playing movies and photos on your camcorder (p. 18) Playing movies and photos on a connected TV (p. 21) Saving movies and photos on a disc Saving movies and photos with a computer (p. 22) Creating a disc with a DVD writer or recorder (p.
Table of contents Read this before operating your camcorder.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Operation flow.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Getting started Step 1: Charging the battery pack.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Making good use of your camcorder 34 35 35 36 37 38 38 42 Table of contents Deleting movies and photos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coping with shooting conditions.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing the recording medium.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Getting started Step 1: Charging the battery pack CHG (charge) lamp ACCESS lamp (Hard disk) Battery pack DC plug DC IN jack AC Adaptor Power cord (Mains lead) To the wall outlet (wall socket) You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series) after attaching it to your camcorder. You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack other than the H series to your camcorder. 1 2 3 Turn off your camcorder by closing the LCD screen.
When your camcorder is on, you can check the approximate amount of remaining battery power with the remaining battery indicator at the upper left on the LCD screen. To remove the battery pack Close the LCD screen. Slide the BATT (battery) release lever and remove the battery pack .
Step 2: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time 1 Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder is turned on. To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is open, press POWER. POWER button (Movie): To record movies (Photo): To record photos 2 Select the desired geographical area with / , then touch [NEXT]. Touch the button on the LCD screen. 3 To set the date and time again, touch (HOME) (SETTINGS) [CLOCK/ LANG] [CLOCK SET].
To turn off the power Close the LCD screen. The off. (Movie) lamp flashes for a few seconds and the power is turned POWER button You can turn off your camcorder also by pressing POWER. When [POWER ON BY LCD] is set to [OFF], turn off your camcorder by pressing POWER. You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. (SETTINGS) [CLOCK/ LANG] [ LANGUAGE SET] Touch (HOME) .
Recording Recording Recording movies In the default setting, movies are recorded on the internal hard disk (p. 35). Fasten the grip belt. Open the lens cover. Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder is turned on. 14 To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is already open, press POWER (p. 12).
Press START/STOP to start recording. Power zoom lever Wide Telephoto [STBY] [REC] You can magnify images with the power zoom lever. Move the power zoom lever slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom. Recording To stop recording, press START/STOP again. If you close the LCD screen during recording, the camcorder stops recording. See page 50 on the recordable time of movies. The maximum continuous recordable time of movies is about 13 hours.
Shooting photos In the default setting, photos are recorded on the hard disk (p. 35). Open the lens cover. Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder is turned on. To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is already open, press POWER (p. 12). Press MODE to turn on the 16 (Photo) lamp. The aspect ratio of the screen becomes 4:3.
Press PHOTO lightly to adjust the focus, then press it fully. Power zoom lever Wide Telephoto Flashes Lights up When You can check the recordable number of photos on the LCD screen (p. 52). (HOME) (SETTINGS) [PHOTO SETTINGS] To change the image size, touch . [ IMAGE SIZE] a desired setting is displayed. You cannot record photos while Recording disappears, the photo is recorded. Move the power zoom lever slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.
Playback Playback on the camcorder In the default setting, movies and photos on the internal hard disk are played (p. 35). Playing movies Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder is turned on. To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is already open, press POWER (p. 12). Press (VIEW IMAGES). The VISUAL INDEX screen appears after some seconds. You can display the VISUAL INDEX screen by pressing as well.
Your camcorder starts playing the selected movie. Previous Next Volume adjustment OPTION MENU To stop To fast-forward To fast-reverse To pause/play Playback When playback from the selected movie reaches the last movie, the screen returns to the VISUAL INDEX screen. / during pause to play back movies slowly. Touch / during playback, movies are played as fast as about 5 times As you repeat touching about 10 times about 30 times about 60 times.
Your camcorder displays the selected photo. Previous To the VISUAL INDEX screen 20 To start/stop slide show Next OPTION MENU You can zoom in the photo by moving the power zoom lever while viewing photos (PB ZOOM). If you touch a point in the PB ZOOM frame, the point comes to the center in the frame. (playback folder) appears on When viewing photos recorded on “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, the screen.
Playing images on a TV Connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or VCR using the A/V connecting cable or an A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO . Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 11). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected. A/V connecting cable (supplied) Connecting to another device via the A/V jack using an A/V connecting cable.
Saving movies and photos with a computer Preparing a computer (Windows) You can perform following operations using “PMB (Picture Motion Browser).” Importing images to a computer Viewing and editing imported images Creating a disc Uploading movies and photos to websites To save movies and photos using a computer, install “PMB” from the supplied CD-ROM beforehand. Do not format the hard disk of your camcorder from a computer. Your camcorder may not operate correctly.
higher version of “PMB” first, some functions may not work correctly. See page 42 on the “Handycam Handbook”. Confirm that your camcorder is not connected to the computer. Turn on the computer. Log on as an Administrator for installation. Close all applications running on the computer before installing the software. The [USB SELECT] screen appears on the camcorder screen automatically. Touch [ USB CONNECT] on the camcorder screen.
Creating a disc with one touch When the installation is completed, following icons will appear. Remove the CD-ROM from your computer. Other icons may appear. No icon may appear depending on the installation procedure. The “Handycam Handbook” is not installed in this procedure (p. 42). To disconnect your camcorder from the computer Click the icon at the bottom right of the desktop of the computer [Safely remove USB Mass Storage Device]. Touch [END] [YES] on the camcorder screen.
Importing movies and photos to a computer 3 Press (Easy PC Back-up) (DISC BURN). 4 Follow the instructions on the computer screen. Movies and photos recorded on your camcorder that have not yet been saved with Easy PC Back-up can be imported to a computer automatically. Turn on the computer beforehand. Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 11).
Starting PMB (Picture Motion Browser) 3 On the computer screen, click [Easy PC Back-up] [Import]. Double-click the “PMB” short-cut icon on the computer screen. Movies and photos are imported to your computer. When the operation is completed, the “PMB” screen appears. When the operation is completed, a screen to indicate that movies are being analyzed may appear. It may take a long time to analyze movies. In the meantime, you can operate “PMB.
Creating a disc You can create a disc by selecting movies and photos previously imported to your computer (p. 25). 1 Turn on your computer, and place an empty disc on the DVD drive. 2 See page 22 for the type of discs you can use. If any software starts automatically, shut it down. Double-click the “PMB” short-cut icon on the computer screen to start “PMB.” 3 You may start “PMB” also by clicking [Start] [All Programs] [Sony Picture Utility] [PMB].
Saving images with a DVD writer, recorder Creating a disc with the dedicated DVD writer, DVDirect Express Operating by the camcorder screen, you can save movies to a disc when using a dedicated DVD writer, DVDirect Express (sold separately). You can also play back these images on the created disc. Refer also to the instruction manual supplied with the DVD writer. The [DISC BURN] screen appears on the camcorder screen. 3 Press writer.
To create a disc with the selected images To play back a disc on the DVD writer To dub a desired image onto the disc or to create many of the same discs, perform this operation. Touch [DISC BURN OPTION] in step 3 above. Turn on your camcorder, and connect the DVD Select the recording media containing the movie(s) you want to save. Movie thumbnails appear on the camcorder screen. Touch the movie you want to burn on the disc. appears.
30 If the total memory size of movies to be burnt by the DISC BURN operation exceeds that of the disc, disc creation stops when the limit is reached. The last movie on the disc may be cut off. Disc creation time to dub movies to the limit of the disc is about 20 to 60 minutes. It may take more time depending on the recording mode or the number of scenes. You can play back created discs on a general DVD player.
Creating a disc with a DVD writer, etc., other than DVDirect Express You can save movies on a disc by connecting your camcorder to disc creation devices, such as a Sony DVD writer other than DVDirect Express, with the USB cable. Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected. The method used to create a disc by connecting your camcorder to a Sony DVD writer with the USB cable is described here.
Creating a disc with a recorder, etc. You can dub images played back on your camcorder to a disc or video cassette, by connecting your camcorder to a disc recorder, a Sony DVD writer other than DVDirect Express, ect., with the A/V connecting cable. Connect the device in either way of or . Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected. Select the recording media that contains movies you want to dub before starting the operation (p. 35).
3 Start playback on your camcorder, and record it on the recording device. 4 Refer to the instruction manuals supplied with your recording device for details. When dubbing is finished, stop the recording device, and then your camcorder. Saving images with a DVD writer, recorder Since dubbing is performed via analog data transfer, the image quality may deteriorate. To hide the screen indicators (such as a counter, etc.
Making good use of your camcorder Deleting movies and photos Formatting the recording media You can free media space by deleting movies and photos from recording media. Select the recording medium that contains the movies and photos you want to delete before starting the operation (p. 35). 1 Touch (HOME) [DELETE]. Formatting deletes all the movies and photos to recover recordable free space. (OTHERS) Touch (HOME) (MANAGE MEDIA) [MEDIA FORMAT].
Coping with shooting conditions Changing the recording medium A wide variety of settings and adjustment options are available on the menu (p. 38). You can select the internal hard disk or “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media as the recording, playback, or editing medium on your camcorder. Select the medium to be used for movies and photos separately. In the default setting, both movies and photos are recorded on the hard disk.
Selecting the media for photos Touch (HOME) (MANAGE MEDIA) [PHOTO MEDIA SET]. Types of “Memory Stick” media you can use with your camcorder The [PHOTO MEDIA SET] screen appears. Touch the desired recording medium. Touch [YES] . The recording medium is changed. To check the recording media settings Light up the (Movie) lamp to check the recording medium used for movies, or the (Photo) lamp for photos. The media icon is displayed at the top right corner of the screen.
The [Create a new Image Database File.] screen appears when you insert new “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media while the (Movie) lamp is lit. Touch [YES]. To record only photos on “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, touch [NO]. If [Failed to create a new Image Database File. It may be possible that there is not enough free space.] is displayed in step 2, format the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media (p. 34).
Customizing your camcorder with menus Menu items are described in more details with color photos in the “Handycam Handbook” (p. 42). Using the Using the HELP function To see the descriptions on the HOME (HELP) on the HOME MENU, touch turns MENU screen. (The bottom of orange.) Then, touch the item you want to know about. HOME MENU When you press the (HOME) button, the HOME MENU appears. You can change the settings of your camcorder.
List of the HOME MENU (CAMERA) category MOVIE.......................................... p. 14 PHOTO......................................... p. 16 (VIEW IMAGES) category VISUAL INDEX............................ p. 18 FILM ROLL............................ p. 18 FACE........................................ p. 18 PLAYLIST..................................... Displays and plays a movie playlist. (OTHERS) category DELETE Making good use of your camcorder DELETE......................... p. 34 DELETE........
MEDIA FORMAT........................ p. 34 REPAIR IMG.DB F....................... p. 44 (SETTINGS) category MOVIE SETTINGS REC MODE........................ Sets the mode to record movies. When recording fast moving subjects, a high image quality, such as [HQ], is recommended. AUDIO MODE*. ............... Sets the sound format (5.1ch surround/2ch stereo). WIDE SELECT................... Sets the horizontal to vertical ratio when recording movies. DIGITAL ZOOM................ p. 15 STEADYSHOT............. p.
DROP SENSOR................. p. 5 [SOUND/DISP SET] is changed to [SOUND SETTINGS] during Easy Handycam operation. * DCR-SR57E/SR67E/SR77E/SR87E List of the OPTION MENU The following items are available on the OPTION MENU only. tab SPOT MTR/FCS................ Adjusts the brightness and focus for the seleted subject simultaneously. SPOT METER..................... Adjusts the brightness of images to a subject you touch on the screen. SPOT FOCUS.....................
Getting detailed information from the “Handycam Handbook” The “Handycam Handbook” is a user guide designed to be read on a computer screen. The functions of your camcorder are described, some of them with color photos. The “Handycam Handbook” is intended to be read when you want to know more about operating your camcorder. 1 To install the “Handycam Handbook” on a Windows computer, place the supplied CD-ROM in the disc drive of your computer.
Additional information Troubleshooting If you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer. Notes before sending your camcorder for repair Your camcorder may be required to initialize or change the current hard disk of your camcorder, depending on the problem. In the event of this, the data stored on the hard disk will be deleted.
The camcorder is not recognized by the computer. Disconnect devices from the USB jack of the computer other than the keyboard, mouse, and your camcorder. Disconnect the USB cable from the computer and your camcorder, and restart the computer, then connect the computer and your camcorder again in the proper order. Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators If indicators appear on the LCD screen, check the following.
Access to the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media was restricted on another device. The camcorder is unsteady. Hold the camcorder steady with both hands. However, note that the camera-shake warning indicator does not disappear. The drop sensor function is activated. You may not be able to record nor play back images. The recording media is full. Delete unnecessary images (p. 34).
Precautions On use and care 46 Do not use or store the camcorder and accessories in the following locations: Anywhere extremely hot, cold or humid. Never leave them exposed to temperatures above 60 C (140 °F), such as under direct sunlight, near heaters or in a car parked in the sun. They may malfunction or become deformed. Near strong magnetic fields or mechanical vibration. The camcorder may malfunction. Near strong radio waves or radiation.
Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine, alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent, insecticide and sunscreen Handling the camcorder with above substances on your hands Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or vinyl objects for a long period of time About care and storage of the lens Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft cloth in the following instances: When there are fingerprints on the lens surface In hot or humid locations When the lens is exposed to salty air such as at th
Specifications System Signal format: PAL color, CCIR standards Movie recording format DCR-SR37E/SR38E/SR47E/SR48E Video: MPEG2-PS Audio: Dolby Digital 2ch Dolby Digital Stereo Creator DCR-SR57E/SR67E/SR77E/SR87E Video: MPEG2-PS Audio: Dolby Digital 2ch/5.1ch Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator Photo file format : DCF Ver.2.0 Compatible : Exif Ver.2.
Average power consumption: During camera recording, using LCD screen at normal brightness: DCR-SR37E/SR38E/SR47E/SR48E/SR57E/ SR67E Internal hard disc: 2.2 W “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media: 2.1 W DCR-SR77E/SR87E Internal hard disc: 2.5 W “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media: 2.3 W Operating temperature: 0 C to 40 C (32 °F to 104 °F) Storage temperature: –20 C to +60 C (-4 °F to +140 °F) Dimensions (approx.) 60 × 68 × 105 mm (2 3/8 × 2 3/4 × 4 1/4 in.
Recording condition: Recording mode [SP] Typical recording time shows the time when you repeat recording start/stop, switching the MODE lamp, and zooming. Expected recording time of movies in the internal hard disk To set the recording mode, touch (HOME) (SETTINGS) [MOVIE SETTINGS] [REC MODE]. In the default setting, the recording mode is [SP] (p. 40).
On trademarks “Handycam” and are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. “Memory Stick,” “ ,” “Memory Stick Duo,” “ ,” “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” “ ,” “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo,” “ ,” “Memory Stick Micro,” “MagicGate,” “ ,” “MagicGate Memory Stick” and “MagicGate Memory Stick Duo” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. “DVDirect” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
Screen indicators Upper left Center Upper right Indicator Meaning Drop sensor off 9999 9999 Bottom 100/112 Upper left Indicator Meaning HOME button AUDIO MODE Self-timer recording BLT-IN ZOOM MIC Bottom Indicator Remaining battery Return button Meaning Recording status SPOT MTR/FCS/SPOT METER/EXPOSURE TELE MACRO VIEW IMAGES button Slide show set Warning Playback mode Meaning Recording mode (HQ/ SP/LP) Recording/playback/ editing media 0:00:00 Counter (hour:minute: second) [00min
Parts and controls Figures in ( ) are reference pages.
EASY button (17) (DISC BURN) button (24) (VIEW IMAGES) button (18) Access lamp (“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media) (36) While the lamp is lit or flashing, the camcorder is reading or writing data. (Backlight) button (35) RESET button Press RESET to initialize all the settings including the clock setting.
Index A A/V connecting cable...........21, 32 B Backlight.......................................35 Battery...........................................10 C Capturing photos from a movie..........................................27 Charging the battery abroad......11 Charging the battery pack..........10 Computer.....................................22 Computer system.........................22 Copy..............................................37 Copying a disc..............................27 Creating a disc..
GB Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. http://www.sony.net/ Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.