The Camcorder / Handycam displays an error code with the letter C: or E: followed by a number.

Error codes display to help diagnose issues detected by the camcorder. Below is a list of common error code numbers, followed by their causes and the necessary steps to resolve the issue.

IMPORTANT: If model-specific information is required to complete any of the steps in this solution, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the product.

NOTE: The xx in the error codes below represent any random numerical digits and does not affect the overall diagnosis of the issue.

Select the displayed error code.

• Error Code: C:04:xx, C:23:xx E:92:xx

  For details and solutions of errors, check the following.
  Error: Use InfoLithium battery only

• Error Code: C:13:xx

  Cause: The recording media you are using is either not supported for use with the camcorder or the media has a problem.

  Resolution:

  • When using a DVD disc

    The surface of the DVD disc may not be clean or the quality may not be good.
    If this code appears often, try the following.

    • Use a cleaning cloth to wipe away dirt (such as dust and fingerprints) gently in a straight line from the center of the disc.
    • It is recommended that you use a Sony disc or disc with the for Handycam or  (for VIDEO CAMERA) mark, which has surface protection and high-efficiency coating to protect its recording surface. These discs are less easily scratched than those without surface protection, and using these discs reduces recording/playback error due to scratches.

    NOTE: Some commercially available DVDs do not meet DVD standards for quality and performance.
    Use of an inferior disc may cause the similar phenomena to when using a disc with dirt such as dust and fingerprints on its surface.
    Not all discs have guaranteed writing performance and reading compatibility.

  • When using a memory card

    Contact failure of the memory card slot and the memory card may be disturbing the camera from reading or writing data.
    Wipe the dust away on the terminal of the memory card with a dry cloth or a cotton swab and insert the memory card again.

    • Do not touch the terminal with your hands or metals.
    • If you have multiple memory cards, try using another memory card.

    NOTE: If you do not have the same problem with other memory cards, damaged data saved on the memory card may be causing the problem. Backup the data on the memory card onto your computer, etc., and then format the memory card on the camera.

  If the issue is still unresolved, service may be required.

• Error Code: C:21:xx

  For details and solutions of errors, check the following.
  A moisture condensation error is displayed on the viewfinder or LCD screen.

• Error Code: C:22:xx

  For details and solutions of errors, check the following.
  An X or CLEANING CASSETTE message flashes in the LCD or viewfinder.

• Error Code: C:31:xx, C:32:xx

  Cause: An abnormality occurs on a mounted driving unit, driving unit of the cassette tapes or driving part of a focus lens.

  Resolution:

  1. Perform a power reset.
     1. Turn off the camcorder.
     2. Remove the battery or disconnect the AC power adapter for 60 seconds.
     3. Insert the battery or reconnect the AC adapter.
  2. If you are using a tape recording camcorder, try another cassette tape to see whether the error is displayed or not.
  3. Reset the camera to factory specifications to try resolving the issue. Please see the following for how to reset or initialize a camcorder.
     How to reset or initialize a camcorder back to original factory settings.

  If the issue is still unresolved, service may be required.

• Error Code: E:31:xx

  Cause: This may occur on hard drive camcorders and indicates there is a format error on the camcorder hard disc drive. Some kind of data corruption may have occurred.

  Resolution: If possible, first try to back up any data saved on the camcorder hard disc drive to a computer. It will be necessary to try reformatting the hard disc drive in the camcorder. For how to format the hard disc drive in the camcorder, refer to the manual.

  If the issue is still unresolved, service may be required.

• Error Code: E:61:xx

  Cause:

  • The camera was dropped or subjected to some type of impact during recording or formatting.
  • An abnormality occurs on the driving unit of the focus lens, zoom, or lens.
  • The memory card was removed while in the process of recording or finalizing.

  Resolution: If the camera was dropped or subject to some type of impact during recording or formatting, this issue may occur.

  1. Perform a power reset.
     1. Turn off the camcorder.
     2. Remove the battery or disconnect the AC power adapter for 60 seconds.
     3. Insert the battery or reconnect the AC adapter.
  2. Reset the camera to factory specifications to try resolving the issue. Please see the following for how to reset or initialize a camcorder.
     How to reset or initialize a camcorder back to original factory settings.

  If the issue is still unresolved, service may be required.

• Error Code: E:62:11, E:62:12

  For details and solutions of errors, check the following.
  The Self-diagnosis display (error code) such as E:62:11 and E:62:12 appears.

• Error Code: E:92:xx

  For details and solutions of errors, check the following.
  Use InfoLithium battery only

• Error Code: E:xx:xx (others than the above)

  Try the following, then check whether the issue is resolved.

  1. Perform a power reset.
     1. Turn off the camcorder.
     2. Remove the battery or disconnect the AC power adapter for 60 seconds.
     3. Insert the battery or reconnect the AC adapter.
  2. Reset the camera to factory specifications to try resolving the issue. Please see the following for how to reset or initialize a camcorder.
     How to reset or initialize a camcorder back to original factory settings.

If the issue is still unresolved, service may be required.