This is an extract from some general info regarding e-04 error codes, as it can sometimes be accompanied by the "safeguard mode" warning, or in other cases its the reverse. The action referring to the underside has been proven highly successful by numerous people, although it might require an element of perseverance. -------------------------------------------------------------- >> - However another apparent rogue (false)indication of E-04 is known to appear on non "M" models caused by the mechanism not fully completing an operation, like for example "loading or unloading" and when this happens mechanism position sensors do not send the appropriate signal to the logic circuits which respond in the way they would if the mechanism was jammed and shut down the system to save damage. To put it in a nutshell, if pressing "slightly" on any part of the mechanism that moves from one position to another (loading door etc), or "lightly" thumping the bottom of the camcorder with your hand does not clear the fault then it requires an element of dismantling to enable proper fault finding to be carried out. Not saying the latter (rogue) applies in your case, but just mentioned it in case it did.