Sony Handycam NEX-VG20E Operating Manual

Interchangeable lens digital hd video camera recorder
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Interchangeable Lens Digital HD
Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
E-mount
NEX-VG20E/VG20EH
4-291-371-11(2)
Table of contents
Getting Started
Recording/Playback
Advanced operations
Saving movies and photos
with a computer
Saving images with an
external device
Customizing your camcorder
Additional information
Quick reference

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Summary of Contents for Sony Handycam NEX-VG20E

  • Page 1 Interchangeable Lens Digital HD Video Camera Recorder Operating Guide E-mount NEX-VG20E/VG20EH 4-291-371-11(2) Table of contents Getting Started Recording/Playback Advanced operations Saving movies and photos with a computer Saving images with an external device Customizing your camcorder Additional information Quick reference...
  • Page 2: Read This First

    Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion  batteries. Be sure to charge the battery pack using a  genuine Sony battery charger or a device that can charge the battery pack. Keep the battery pack out of the reach of small  children.
  • Page 3 Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules. Notice for the customers in the countries applying EU Directives The manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan. The Authorized Representative for EMC and product safety is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61, 70327 Stuttgart, Germany.
  • Page 4 Never use the plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony service station.
  • Page 5: Using The Camcorder

    Using the camcorder Do not hold the camcorder by the following  parts, and also do not hold the camcorder by the jack covers. Viewfinder LCD Screen Lens (NEX-VG0EH) Lens hood (NEX-VG0EH) Built-in microphone The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed ...
  • Page 6: When The Camcorder Is Connected To A Computer Or Accessories

    [Format] by touching  [Setup]  [ [Format]  Notes on optional accessories REC Mode] We recommend using genuine Sony accessories.  Genuine Sony accessories may not be available  ] or in some countries/regions. (MENU) Media Settings)]  ...
  • Page 7 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.
  • Page 8: Table Of Contents

    Saving images on an external media device..........50 Creating a high definition image quality (HD) disc with such as a Sony DVD writer, etc...
  • Page 9 Customizing your camcorder Using menus..................56 Getting detailed information from the “Handycam”...
  • Page 10: Getting Started

    Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items Make sure that you have following items supplied with your camcorder. The numbers in ( ) are the supplied quantity. All models This camcorder (1)  Body cap (attached to camcorder NEX-  VG20E;...
  • Page 11 CD-ROM “Handycam” Application  Software (1) (p. 43) “PMB” (Software, including “PMB Help”)  Image Data Converter (RAW development  software) “Handycam” Handbook (PDF)  Operating Guide (This manual) (1)  NEX-VG20EH Zoom lens (E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS)  (attached to the camcorder) (1) (p. 16) Lens hood (1) (p.
  • Page 12: Step 2: Attaching The Supplied Accessories

    Attaching the Wind Screen Use the Wind Screen when you want to reduce the wind noise recorded by the microphone. Attach the Wind Screen with the Sony logo facing down. Attaching the battery cover Attach the battery cover after attaching the battery pack.
  • Page 13: Step 3: Charging The Battery Pack

    Step 3: Charging the battery pack Battery pack CHG (charge) lamp You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (V series) after attaching it to your camcorder.  Notes You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack other than the V series to your camcorder. ...
  • Page 14: Charging Time

    When the battery is charged, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack of your camcorder. Charging time Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack. Battery pack NP-FV70 (supplied) NP-FV100 The charging times shown in the table above are measured when charging the camcorder at a ...
  • Page 15: Charging The Battery Pack Abroad

    Notes on the battery pack When you remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC Adaptor, turn the camcorder off and make sure  that the (Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (p. 30), the access lamp (p. 27) are turned off. The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging under the following conditions: ...
  • Page 16: Step 4: Attaching The Lens

    Step 4: Attaching the lens This manual explains how to attach a lens using the E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS lens that comes with NEX-VG20EH (the lens is attached to the camcorder at the time of purchase). If you use another lens, refer to the instruction manual supplied with that lens. Hood index This switch prevents the lens cylinder from being extended by its own weight when it is being transported, etc.
  • Page 17  Mount the lens by aligning the mounting indexes (white) on the lens and the camcorder body. While pushing the lens lightly toward the camcorder body, turn the lens clockwise until it clicks into the locked position. Be sure to put the lens on straight. ...
  • Page 18 Removing the lens  While pressing the lens release button all the way in, turn the lens counterclockwise until it stops. When you remove the lens, make sure that you hold both of the lens and the camcorder body.  ...
  • Page 19 Hold the camcorder’s face downward to prevent the dust from resettling in the camcorder.  Do not apply a mechanical shock to the camcorder during cleaning.  If you cannot clean the image sensor by the above procedure, consult your Sony dealer or local authorized  Sony service facility. Mount Adaptor Using a Mount Adaptor (sold separately), you can attach an A-mount lens (sold separately) to your camera.
  • Page 20 With LA-EA1, autofocus speed with an A-mount lens attached will be slower compared to an E-mount lens. (When an A-mount lens is attached, the autofocus speed will be about 2 seconds to 7 seconds, when shooting under Sony measurement condition. The speed may vary depending on the subject, ambient light, etc.) ...
  • Page 21: Step 5: Turning The Power On, And Setting The Date And Time

    Step 5: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time Slide the POWER switch to ON while pressing the green button. Select the desired language, then touch [Next]. Touch the button on the LCD screen Select the desired geographical area with To set the date and time again, touch ...
  • Page 22 Set [Summer Time], then touch [Next]. If you set [Summer Time] to [On], the clock advances 1 hour.  Select the date format, then touch [Next]. Select the date and time, touch [Next]  The clock starts.  Notes The date and time does not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the memory ...
  • Page 23: Changing The Language Setting

    To turn off the power Slide the POWER switch to OFF. (Movie) lamp flashes for a few seconds and the camcorder is turned off. Changing the language setting You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. (MENU) ...
  • Page 24: Step 6: Making Setting Adjustments Before Recording

    recording The LCD panel Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), and then adjust the angle ().  Max. 90 degrees  Max. 180 degrees Tips  Images are displayed on the viewfinder or the LCD screen. ...
  • Page 25 Tips  In the default setting, the screen display changes to the simple display after about 4 seconds ([Display  Setting]). The display changes to the detailed display when you touch anywhere on the screen except the buttons on the LCD screen so that you can use items. The viewfinder When you record while viewing through the viewfinder, close the LCD panel, or press FINDER/LCD (p.
  • Page 26 If the image is not clear in the viewfinder If you cannot see the picture in the viewfinder clearly under bright circumstances, use the supplied large eyecup. To attach the large eyecup, stretch it slightly and align it with the eyecup groove in the viewfinder.
  • Page 27: Step 7: Inserting A Memory Card

    Step 7: Inserting a memory card Note the direction of notched corner. Open the cover, and insert the memory card with the notched edge in the direction as illustrated until it clicks. The [Preparing image database file. Please wait.] screen appears if you insert a new memory card.
  • Page 28 Types of memory card you can use with your camcorder “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media (Mark2) “Memory Stick PRO- HG Duo” media SD memory card SDHC memory card SDXC memory card Operation with all memory cards is not assured.  “Memory Stick PRO Duo”...
  • Page 29: Recording/Playback

    Recording/Playback Recording In the default setting, movies are recorded with high definition image quality (HD). Fasten the grip belt. To remove the lens cap, push the sliders on both sides of the cap. Slide the POWER switch to ON while pressing the green button. Your camcorder is turned on.
  • Page 30 Recording movies (Movie): When recording a movie (Photo): When recording a photo MODE button  Press MODE to turn on the  Press START/STOP to start recording. The recording lamp lights up during recording (p. 74). To stop recording, press START/STOP again. ...
  • Page 31 SteadyShot] is set to [Standard] in the default setting. Note that if the attached lens does not have an  image stabilizing feature, SteadyShot will not be usable. You can capture photos from recorded movies.  You can check the recordable time, estimated remaining capacity, etc., by touching ...
  • Page 32: Selecting The Recording Mode

    Focus indicator The focus indicator shows the focusing status by lighting/flashing. : Focus locked.  lit  flashing : The camcorder cannot focus on the subject automatically. Either recompose the shot or change the focus setting. Tips  See page 64 on the recordable number of photos. ...
  • Page 33: Adjusting For Shooting Conditions

    Adjusting for shooting conditions Adjusting Exposure, etc., manually (MANUAL dial) It is convenient to make manual adjustments using the MANUAL dial, by assigning a menu item ([Exposure] in the default setting) to the MANUAL dial. MANUAL button MANUAL dial How to use the MANUAL dial Adjust with MANUAL dial to make the adjustment also when pressing IRIS or SHUTTER SPEED.
  • Page 34: Playback On The Camcorder

    Playback. Tips  The camcorder displays recorded images as an event automatically based on the date and time.  Slide the POWER switch to ON while pressing the green button. Your camcorder is turned on. Press (View Images). The Event View screen appears after some seconds. Touch to select the desired event ().
  • Page 35 Touch an image you want to view. Touch  to select the image type to be displayed in the index from [ (movies only), [ PHOTO] (photos only), or [ photos mixed).  To go back to the Event View screen ...
  • Page 36 Operating the camcorder while playing a movie You can use the functions shown in the figure below while the camcorder is playing a movie. The figure below will be displayed when you select [ setting) or [ MOVIE] by touching the Switch Image Type button on the Event Index screen.
  • Page 37 Viewing photos You can use the functions shown in the figure below while you are viewing photos. The figure below will be displayed when you select [ button on the Event Index screen. Delete Context Previous Tips   [Slideshow Set]. To repeat Slideshow, touch ...
  • Page 38: Playing Images On A Tv

    Playing images on a TV Connection methods and the image quality (high definition (HD) or standard definition (STD)) viewed on the TV screen differ depending on what type of TV is connected, and the connectors used. You can watch images on your TV screen even while they are being recorded.
  • Page 39 Component A/V Cable (supplied) (Green) Y (Blue)P (Red)P A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (sold separately) (Yellow) A/V connecting cable (supplied) When you connect with component A/V cable If you connect only component video plugs,  audio signals are not output. Connect the white and red plugs to output audio signals.
  • Page 40 “Photo TV HD” standard. “Photo TV HD” allows for highly-detailed, photo-like depiction of subtle textures and colors. By connecting Sony’s Photo TV HD- compatible devices using an HDMI cable * or the component AV cable ** , a whole new world of photos can be enjoyed in breathtaking high image quality.
  • Page 41: Advanced Operations

    Advanced operations Deleting movies and photos You can free media space by deleting movies and photos from memory card.  Notes You cannot restore images once they are  deleted. Save important movies and photos in advance. Do not remove the battery pack or the AC ...
  • Page 42: Saving Movies And Photos With A Computer

    Saving movies and photos with a computer Useful functions available if you connect the camcorder to a computer Editing and managing images on your computer (Windows) The software PMB stored in the CD-ROM (supplied) includes functions that enable you to do more with the images recorded with the camcorder.
  • Page 43: Preparing A Computer

    Preparing a computer Step 1 Checking the computer system Windows Microsoft Windows XP SP3 /Windows Vista /Windows 7 SP1 PMB: Intel Core Duo 1.66 GHz or faster, or Intel Core 2 Duo 1.66 GHz or faster (Intel Core 2 Duo 2.26 GHz or faster is required when processing FX or FH movies, and Intel Core 2 Duo 2.40 GHz or faster is required when processing PS movies.)
  • Page 44 Step 2 Installing the supplied software “PMB” Install “PMB” before connecting your camcorder to a computer. When you purchase this camcorder, install the supplied PMB to the newest state.  Notes Install the supplied “PMB” software, even if  “PMB” software has already been installed on your computer.
  • Page 45  Connect the camcorder to the computer using the USB cable, then touch [USB Connect] on the LCD screen of the camcorder.  When the installation is completed, remove the CD-ROM from the computer. Click (PMB icon) that appears on the ...
  • Page 46: Starting Pmb (Picture Motion Browser)

    shown as separate files on a computer, however, the files will be handled properly by the import function of the camcorder or the “PMB” software. Use the supplied “PMB” software when you  import long movies or edited images from the camcorder to a computer.
  • Page 47: Using "Image Data Converter

    To rate the images on a scale of five.  To set color labels.  To use “Image Data Converter, ” refer to Help. Click [Start]  [All Programs]  [Image Data Converter]  [Help]  [Image Data Converter Ver.4]. “Image Data Converter” support page (English only) http://www.sony.co.jp/ids-se/...
  • Page 48: Saving Images With An External Device

    Saving images with an external device Selecting a method for saving images with an external device You can save high definition image quality (HD) movies using an external device. Select the method to be used according to the device. External devices External media device Saving images on an external media device with high...
  • Page 49 The devices on which the created disc can be played back DVD disc with high definition image quality (HD) AVCHD format playback devices, such as a Sony Blu-ray disc player or a PlayStation DVD disc with standard definition image quality (STD) Ordinary DVD playback devices, such as a DVD player.
  • Page 50: Saving Images On An External Media Device

     satisfying requirements for operating. For details on available external media devices,  go to the Sony support website in your country/region. Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains lead) to the DC IN jack of your camcorder and the wall outlet (wall socket).
  • Page 51 Connect the external media device to the camcorder and touch [Copy.] on the camcorder screen. Movies and photos that are stored in the memory card and that have not yet been saved on external media device can be saved on the connected media device at this time.
  • Page 52  When you selected [Multiple Images], touch the image to be saved. appears. Press and hold the image down on the  LCD screen to confirm the image. Touch to return to the previous screen. If you select [All In Event], select the event ...
  • Page 53: Etc

    Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 14). Sony DVD writer may not be available in some  countries/regions. Your camcorder is not compatible with  DVDirect Express.
  • Page 54: Creating A Standard Definition Image Quality (Std) Disc With A Recorder, Etc

    Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 14). Sony DVD writer may not be available in some  countries/regions. High definition image quality (HD) movies  will be copied with standard definition image quality (STD).
  • Page 55: Your Camcorder

    Insert the recording media in the recording device. If your recording device has an input  selector, set it to the input mode. Connect your camcorder to the recording device (a disc recorder, etc.) with the A/V connecting cable  (supplied) or an A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO ...
  • Page 56: Customizing Your Camcorder

    Customizing your camcorder Using menus You can enjoy using your camcorder more by making good use of menu operations. The camcorder has various menu items under each of 6 menu categories. Shooting Mode (Items for selecting a shooting mode)  p. 57 Camera/Mic (Items for customized shooting) ...
  • Page 57: Shooting Mode

    Menu lists Shooting Mode Movie ... Records movies. Photo ... Shoots photos. Camera/Mic Manual Settings) White Balance ... Adjusts the color balance to the brightness of the recording environment. Spot Meter/Fcs ... Adjusts the brightness and focus for the selected subject simultaneously. Spot Meter ...
  • Page 58 Camera Data Display... Displays the value of iris, gain (ISO) and shutter speed. Audio Level Display ... Displays the audio level meter on the LCD screen. AF Micro Adjustment ... Adjusts the focus for the attached lens. Image Quality/Size REC Mode ... Sets the mode to record movies. When recording fast moving subject, a Frame Rate ...
  • Page 59 General Settings) Beep ... Sets whether the camcorder sounds operation beeps or not. LCD Brightness ... Adjusts the brightness of the LCD screen. VF Brightness ... Adjusts the brightness of the viewfinder. Display Setting ... Sets the duration that icons or indicators are displayed on the LCD screen. REC Lamp ...
  • Page 60: Getting Detailed Information From The "Handycam" Handbook

    Getting detailed information from the “Handycam” Handbook The “Handycam” Handbook is a user guide designed to be read on a computer screen. The “Handycam” Handbook is intended to be read when you want to know more about operating your camcorder. To install the “Handycam”...
  • Page 61: Additional Information

     Press RESET (p. 73) using a pointed object, and turn the camcorder on. If you press RESET, all settings, including the clock setting, are reset.  Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. See the “Handycam” Handbook (p. 60) for ...
  • Page 62 If the problem persists even after you have tried to fix a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. In this case, when you contact them, give them all the numbers of the error code beginning with C or E.
  • Page 63: Recording Time Of Movies/Number Of Recordable Photos

    The camcorder is unsteady. Hold the camcorder  steady with both hands. However, note that the camera-shake warning indicator does not disappear. The memory card is full. Delete unnecessary  images ( p. 41 ). Photos cannot be recorded during processing. ...
  • Page 64: Playing Time

    (25) (50) (100) When [Audio Mode] is set to 2ch (p. 57).   When using Sony memory card.  The recordable time may vary depending on the  recording and subject conditions and [ (unit: minute) Mode] and [ The number in ( ) is the minimum recordable ...
  • Page 65: Precautions

    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.
  • Page 66  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 ...
  • Page 67: Specifications

    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. Specifications System...
  • Page 68 General Power requirements: DC 6.8 V/7.2 V (battery pack) DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor) Average power consumption: During camera recording using viewfinder at normal brightness: During camera recording using E 18-200mm F3.5–6.3 OSS lens HD: 4.0 W STD: 3.8 W During camera recording using LCD screen at normal brightness: During camera recording using E 18-200mm...
  • Page 69 Memory Stick” and “MagicGate Memory Stick Duo” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony  Corporation. “BRAVIA” is a registered trademark of Sony  Corporation. “DVDirect” is a trademark of Sony  Corporation.
  • Page 70: Quick Reference

    Quick reference Screen indicators Center Left Bottom Left Indicator Meaning MENU button Self-timer recording Wide Mode [Face Detection] set to [Off] Manual focus  Focus Mode White Balance  SteadyShot off White Balance Shift Zebra Peaking Cinematone Destination Center Indicator Meaning [STBY]/[REC] Recording status...
  • Page 71 Indicator Meaning Exposure Auto/ Exposure Manual IRIS 12 dB Gain ISO 200 4000 Shutter Speed Slide show button Data file name 101-0005 Protected image  Flash Flash Level Red Eye Reduction Indicators and their positions are approximate  and may differ from what you actually see. Some indicators may not appear, depending on ...
  • Page 72: Parts And Controls

    0.7 EV]. There are certain Sony flashes or functions that cannot be used with your camcorder. For the compatibility of a particular flash unit, visit the Sony web site in your area, or consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
  • Page 73  Microphone  Hook for shoulder strap  MANUAL button (33)  MANUAL dial (33)  LCD screen/Touch panel If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees, you can close the LCD panel with the LCD screen facing out. This is convenient during playback operations.
  • Page 74  DC IN jack (13)   (headphones) jack Use stereo minijack headphones.  A/V Remote Connector (38) This terminal is to interface your camcorder to another device. You can output still images, movies and sound to a connected TV, or control your camcorder when it is mounted on a remote control video tripod.
  • Page 75: Index

    Index A/V connecting cable...39, 54 Battery pack ...13 Care ...65 Charging the battery pack ...13 Charging the battery pack abroad ...15 Clock Set ...21 Computer...43 Computer system ...43 Connection ...38 Data Code ...22 Date/Time ...22 Delete ...41 Disc recorder ...54 DVD writer...53 Event Index ...34 External media ...50...
  • Page 76 Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. http://www.sony.net/ 2011 Sony Corporation  Printed in Japan...

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