What does the error code on my camcorder mean? Error codes and solutions explained

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An error code tries to provide you with information and helps you diagnose any 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. The xx in the error codes below represents any random number and does not affect the issue's overall diagnosis.

In general, there are two types of errors:

• C-errors 
• E-errors. Click on this anchor to skip to the E-error section. 

Error codes starting with C

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

This error is a battery error. Check the battery terminals and use a dry clean cloth, cotton swab, or the like to wipe off any dirt from the terminals. Be careful not to touch the terminals with your hands or metal objects. If you have one available, use a different Sony battery. If applicable, connect the AC power adapter to the camera and plug the power adapter directly into the power outlet. Avoid using extension cords or surge protectors.

If the error persists, service may be required.

Error Code: C:22:xx

The video heads of the camcorder may be dirty or contaminated. Try using a dry-head cleaning cassette to clean the video heads. The same symptoms may occur again if you use dirty cassette tapes. If the error continues to appear after cleaning the video heads, service may be required.

Error Code: C:31:xx, C:32:xx

The error indicates an anomaly of the mounted driving unit, driving unit of the cassette tapes or driving part of a focus lens. First, try a power reset to fix this issue.

How to perform a camcorder 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.

If the error is still displayed, and you're using a tape recording camcorder, try another cassette tape to see whether the error is displayed or not.

Finally, you can reset the camera to the factory settings to try and resolve the issue.

If the error persists, service may be required.

Error Code: C:13:xx

The recording medium you are using either is not supported for camcorder use, or the medium is compromised and damaged.

DVD Disc  

Memory Card

Error Code: C:21:xx

This error signifies condensation or moisture detection. Please turn off the camcorder, leave it for about 1 hour in a dry place with little moisture, and then turn it on. You can use the camcorder again if the warning indicator does not appear when you turn on the power.

• Tape recording camcorder: Remove the cassette tape, turn off the Handycam with the media compartment open and leave it. Leaving the cassette tape with moisture condensed in the Handycam may cause damage to the cassette tape and tape head or a malfunction of the Handycam.
• DVD recording camcorder: Please turn off the camcorder without removing the DVD and leave it for a while.

Moisture condensation commonly occurs when the camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place. It can condense inside the camcorder, on the recording media, or on the lens and cause a malfunction. To prevent moisture condensation, put your camcorder in a plastic bag and seal it tightly when you bring your camcorder from a cold place into a warm place. Remove the bag when the air temperature inside the plastic bag has reached the surrounding temperature.

If the error persists, service may be required.

Error codes starting with E

Error Code: E:31:xx

This error means there's a formatting error on the camcorder hard disc drive, and some data corruption may have occurred. If possible, try to back up any data saved on the camcorder HDD to a computer. You will have to format the camcorder HDD. You can find that procedure in your manual.

If the error persists, service may be required.

Error Code: E:61:xx

This error can have three causes:

1. The camera was dropped or subjected to some impact during recording or formatting.
2. There is something wrong with the driving unit of the focus lens, zoom, or lens.
3. The memory card was removed while recording or finalizing.

First, try a power reset:

How to perform a camcorder 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.

Finally, you can reset the camera to the factory settings to try and resolve the issue.

If the error persists, service may be required.

Error Code: E:62:11, E:62:12

These error codes appear when the Self-diagnosis function works. Your camcorder is equipped with Balanced Optical SteadyShot. If excessive force is applied to the lens while the power is on, the protection of the lens driving circuit may be activated, and this error code may be displayed. In this case, remove and insert the battery to cancel the error code. When cleaning the lens, use a soft cloth to wipe the lens and be careful not to apply any force to it.

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

The standard way to deal with other types of errors is first to try a power reset:

How to perform a camcorder 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.

Finally, you can reset the camera to the factory settings to try and resolve the issue.

If the error persists, service may be required.