On use and care

About language setting

• The on-screen displays in each local language are used for illustrating the operating procedures. Change the screen language before using the camcorder if necessary.

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 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 or the access lamp 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.

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.

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.

On use and care

• The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed or waterproofed.

• Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts, and also do not hold the camcorder by the jack covers.

Shoe cover*1	Lens hood*2	LCD Screen
Battery pack	Built-in USB Cable

• 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

• Use the camcorder in accordance with local regulations.

• 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. The camcorder may not be able to record properly.

• Near tuner devices such as TVs or radio. Noise may occur.

• On a sandy beach or anywhere dusty. If sand or dust gets in your camcorder, it may malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired.

• Near windows or outdoors, where the LCD screen, or the lens may be exposed to direct sunlight. This damages the LCD screen.

• Operate your camcorder on DC 6.8 V/7.2 V (battery pack) or DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor).

• For DC or AC operation, use the accessories recommended in these operating instructions.

• Do not let your camcorder get wet, for example, from rain or sea water. If your camcorder gets wet, it may malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired.

• If any solid object or liquid gets inside the casing, unplug your camcorder and have it checked by a Sony dealer before operating it any further.

• Avoid rough handling, disassembling, modifying, physical shock, or impact such as hammering, dropping or stepping on the product. Be particularly careful of the lens.

• Keep the LCD screen closed when you are not using your camcorder.

• Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for example, and operate it. Doing so might cause heat to build up inside.

• When disconnecting the power cord (mains lead), pull it by the plug and not the cord.

• Do not damage the power cord (mains lead) such as by placing anything heavy on it.

• Do not use a deformed or damaged battery pack.

• Keep metal contacts clean.

• If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked:

• Consult your local authorized Sony service facility.

• Wash off any liquid that may have contacted your skin.

• If any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with plenty of water and consult a doctor.

When not using your camcorder for a long time

• To keep your camcorder in optimum state for a long time, turn it on and let it run by recording and playing back images about once a month.

• Use up the battery pack completely before storing it.

Note on the camcorder/battery pack temperature

• When the temperature of the camcorder or battery pack becomes extremely high or extremely low, you may not be able to record or play back on the camcorder, due to the protection features of the camcorder being activated in such situations. In this case, an indicator appears on the LCD screen.

Notes on charging through the USB cable

• Operation with all computers is not assured.

• If you connect the camcorder to a laptop computer that is not connected to a power source, the battery of the laptop computer will continue to use up its charge. Do not leave the camcorder connected to a computer in this manner.

• Charging with a personally assembled computer, with a converted computer, or through a USB hub are not guaranteed. The camcorder may not function correctly depending on the USB device which is used with the computer.

When the camcorder is connected to a computer or accessories

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

• When connecting the 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 the camcorder.

• 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.

Notes on optional accessories

• We recommend using genuine Sony accessories.

• Genuine Sony accessories may not be available in some countries/regions.

Active Interface Shoe

• The Active Interface Shoe supplies power to accessories such as a video light, a flash, or a microphone (sold separately). The accessory can be turned on or off as you open or close the LCD screen of your camcorder. Refer to the operating instructions supplied with your accessory for details.

• The Active Interface Shoe has a safety device for fixing the installed accessory securely. To connect an accessory, press down and push it to the end, and then tighten the screw. To remove an accessory, loosen the screw, and then press down and pull out the accessory.

• When you are recording movies with an external flash (sold separately) connected to the accessory shoe, turn off the power of the external flash to prevent charging noise being recorded.

• You cannot use an external flash (sold separately) and the built-in flash at the same time.

• When an external microphone (sold separately) is connected, it takes precedence over the built-in microphone.

Notes on the Wireless Remote Commander (HDR-PJ260E/PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE)

• Remove the insulation sheet (A) before using the Wireless Remote Commander.

• Point the Wireless Remote Commander towards the remote sensor to operate your camcorder.

• When no commands have been sent from the Wireless Remote Commander within a certain period, the light blue frame disappears. When you press any of ///, or ENTER again, the frame appears at the position where it was displayed last.

• You cannot select some buttons on the LCD screen using ///.

To change the battery of the Wireless Remote Commander (HDR-PJ260E/PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE)

1. While pressing on the tab (A), inset your fingernail into the slit to pull out the battery case.

1. Place a new battery with the + side facing up.

1. Insert the battery case back into the Wireless Remote Commander until it clicks.

WARNING Battery may explode if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire.

• When the lithium battery becomes weak, the operating distance of the Wireless Remote Commander may shorten, or the Wireless Remote Commander may not function properly. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR2025 lithium battery. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.

LCD screen

• Do not apply excessive pressure on the LCD screen, as it may cause uneven color and other damage.

• If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a residual image may appear on the LCD screen. This is not a malfunction.

• While using your camcorder, the back of the LCD screen may heat up. This is not a malfunction.

To clean the LCD screen

• If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen dirty, it is recommended that you use a soft cloth to clean it.

To clean the projector lens (HDR-PJ260E/PJ260VE/PJ580E/PJ580VE/PJ600E/PJ600VE)

• Wipe the lens gently with a soft cloth such as a cleaning cloth or glass cleaning cloth.

• Stubborn stains may be removed with a soft cloth such as a cleaning cloth or glass cleaning cloth lightly dampened with water.

• Never use a solvent such as alcohol, benzene or thinner; acid, alkaline or abrasive detergent; or a chemical cleaning cloth, as they will damage the lens surface.

On handling the casing

• If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder body with a soft cloth lightly moistened with water, and then wipe the casing with a dry soft cloth.

• Avoid the following to avoid damage to the finish:

• 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

To clean the flash (HDR-CX570E/ CX580E/ CX580VE/ PJ580E/ PJ580VE/ PJ600E/ PJ600VE)

• If fingerprints or dust make the surface of the flash dirty, it is recommended that you use a soft cloth to clean it.

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 the seaside

• Store in a well-ventilated location subject to little dirt or dust.

• To prevent mold, periodically clean the lens as described above.