Sony Handycam NEX-VG30 Handbook

Sony Handycam NEX-VG30 Handbook

"handycam" handbook
Hide thumbs Also See for Handycam NEX-VG30:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Click
"Handycam" Handbook
NEX-VG30/VG30H/VG30E/VG30EH
US
2012 Sony Corporation
4-440-801-11(1)

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Summary of Contents for Sony Handycam NEX-VG30

  • Page 1 Click “Handycam” Handbook NEX-VG30/VG30H/VG30E/VG30EH 2012 Sony Corporation 4-440-801-11(1) ...
  • Page 2: Using The "Handycam" Handbook

    Using the “Handycam” Handbook You will find information on using your camcorder to its fullest in this “Handycam” Handbook. Read the “Handycam” Handbook in addition to the Operating Guide (a separate volume). Information on using your camcorder connected to a computer will be also found in the Operating Guide and the “PlayMemories Home Help Guide”...
  • Page 3: Read This First

    Read this first Using the camcorder Do not hold the camcorder by the following  parts, and also do not hold the camcorder by Black points the jack covers. White, red, blue or green points Viewfinder LCD Screen Do not record the sun or leave the camcorder ...
  • Page 4 NEX-VG30/VG30H, and a PAL-based TV is Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the  required for the NEX-VG30E/VG30EH. camcorder, holding both the camcorder and the Television programs, films, video tapes, DC plug.  and other materials may be copyrighted. Note on the camcorder/battery pack...
  • Page 5: Notes On Use

     and accessories are subject to change without notice. The screen indicators in this manual are those  of NEX-VG30. Notes on use Do not do any of the following. Otherwise,  the memory card may be damaged, recorded images may be impossible to play back or may be lost, or other malfunctions could occur.
  • Page 6: Features Of This Unit

    Features of this unit High-performance microphone The camcorder adopts an array microphone system that has a four-capsule structure. The camcorder creates the correct sound The large-sized image sensor localization by processing the signal from The camcorder is equipped with an APS-C- the microphone, achieves both realistic sized (23.5 mm ×...
  • Page 7: Search Image

    Search image Shooting movies as clear as still images Defocusing the background (47) Adjusting the color (45) Focusing manually (41) In better brightness (70) Shooting like film image (79) Achieving more impressive and artistic expression (72) Shooting when holding the camcorder by hand Preventing camera shake (74) Following a moving subject (73) Shooting in low angle (45)
  • Page 8 Recording the sound clearly Recording the surround sound (44) Recording the loud noise naturally (76) Shooting landscapes The sky in vivid colors (70) Keeping your shot level (76) Shooting clear still images The same scene with different brightness (73) Capturing the best moment (73)
  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Table of contents Using the “Handycam” Handbook..............2 Searching for information quickly.
  • Page 10 Dividing a movie................52 Capturing a photo from a movie (NEX-VG30/VG30H only)......53 Saving movies and photos with a computer Selecting the method for creating a disc (computer).
  • Page 11 Customizing your camcorder Using menus..................65 Operating menus..
  • Page 12: Getting Started

    Getting Started Step 1: Checking USB cable (1) (p. 60)  supplied items Make sure that you have following items Wireless Remote Commander (RMT-  supplied with your camcorder. 835) (1) (p. 112) The numbers in ( ) are the supplied quantity.
  • Page 13: Nex-Vg30H/Vg30Eh

    CD-ROM “Handycam” Application  Software (1) “PlayMemories Home” (software, including  “PlayMemories Home Help Guide”) Image Data Converter (RAW development  software) “Handycam” Handbook (PDF)  Operating Guide (1)  NEX-VG30H/VG30EH High-magnification power zoom lens (E  PZ 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS) (attached to the camcorder) (1) (p.
  • Page 14: Step 2: Attaching The Supplied Accessories

    Step 2: Attaching the supplied accessories Attaching the lens See page 18 for information on attaching the lens. The NEX-VG30/VG30E does not come with the E PZ 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS lens. Please use appropriate lenses (sold separately). For NEX-VG30H/VG30EH models, the lens is attached to the camcorder at the time of purchase.
  • Page 15: Step 3: Charging The Battery Pack

    Step 3: Charging the battery pack DC IN jack Battery pack AC Adaptor Power cord (Mains lead) To the wall outlet (wall socket) DC plug Align the  mark on the DC plug with that on the DC IN jack. CHG (charge) lamp You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”...
  • Page 16: 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 Charging time NP-FV70 (supplied) NP-FV100 The charging times shown in the table above are measured when charging the camcorder at a ...
  • Page 17 Notes on attaching/detaching of the power source 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 18: Step 4: Attaching The Lens

    Step 4: Attaching the lens This manual explains how to attach a lens using the E PZ 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS lens that comes with NEX-VG30H/VG30EH (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. Front lens cap Rear lens cap Zoom ring...
  • Page 19  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. Mounting indexes (white) ...
  • Page 20: Removing The Lens

    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.  Lens release button ...
  • Page 21: Mount Adaptor

    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 22 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 23: 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. POWER switch Select the desired language, then touch [Next]. Touch the button on the LCD screen Select the desired geographical area with , then touch [Next].
  • Page 24: Changing The Language Setting

    Select the date format, then touch [Next]. Select the date and time, touch to set the value, then touch [Next]  The confirmation screen appears only when you set the clock for the first time. The clock starts.  Notes The date and time does not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the memory ...
  • Page 25: Step 6: Making Setting Adjustments Before Recording

    Step 6: Making setting adjustments before recording The LCD panel Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), and then adjust the angle ().  Max. 90 degrees Eye sensor  Max. 180 degrees  Max. 90 degrees Tips ...
  • Page 26: The Viewfinder

    about 4 sec after The display becomes dark after a certain period when you use the viewfinder. The viewfinder When you record while viewing through the viewfinder, keep your eye close to the viewfinder, while the LCD screen is closed. If the indications in the viewfinder appear blurred, adjust the viewfinder lens adjustment lever located beneath the viewfinder.
  • Page 27: Step 7: Inserting A Memory Card

    Step 7: Inserting a memory card Access lamp 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 SD Speed Class Capacity (operation Described in this verified) manual “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media (Mark2) 32 GB “Memory Stick PRO- “Memory Stick PRO — HG Duo” media Duo” media “Memory Stick XC- HG 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

    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 (NEX-VG30/VG30H) (p. 53). ...
  • Page 31: Shooting Photos

    (MENU)  You can check the recordable time, estimated remaining capacity, etc., by touching  [Setup]  [ Media Settings)]  [Media Info] (p. 81). The LCD screen of your camcorder can display recording images across the entire screen (full pixel ...
  • Page 32 The IRIS, Shutter Speed, ISO and Exposure are set to automatic adjustment when PROGRAM AE is  pressed. (MENU)  [Image Quality/Size]  [ Image Size]  a To change the image size, touch  desired setting  You cannot record photos while is displayed.
  • Page 33: Playback On The Camcorder

    Playback. on.the.camcorder 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 34: Operating The Camcorder While Playing A Movie

    Touch an image you want to view. Touch  to select the image type to be displayed in the index from [ MOVIE] (movies only), [ PHOTO] (photos only), or [ MOVIE/PHOTO] (movies and photos mixed).  To go back to the Event View screen ...
  • Page 35: Viewing Photos

    Volume adjustment Delete Context Next To stop To fast-forward Previous To fast-reverse To pause /play These buttons can be used only when the camcorder is playing a movie.  Notes You may not be able to play back the images with other devices than camcorder. ...
  • Page 36 Tips   [Slideshow Set]. To repeat Slideshow, touch  To see enlarged images Touch (Playback zoom) during still image playback. You can adjust the zoom by / . You can also operate this with the zoom lever. Tips  You cannot use the playback zoom if you have not selected [ PHOTO] on the index screen.
  • Page 37: Playing Images On A Tv

    Playing images on a TV List of connection Connecting to a high definition TV When the recording quality is high Connection methods and the image definition image quality (HD), the movies quality (high definition (HD) or standard are played back in high definition image definition (STD)) viewed on the TV screen quality (HD).
  • Page 38 Do not connect the camcorder HDMI OUT  jack to an external device HDMI OUT jack, as malfunction may result. When the connected device is compatible  with 5.1ch surround sound, high definition Component A/V Cable (supplied) image quality (HD) movies are output in (Green) Y 5.1ch surround sound automatically.
  • Page 39 the order of priority of the TV input jacks is as follows: HDMI  component  S VIDEO  video HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)  is an interface to send both video/audio signals. The HDMI OUT jack outputs high quality images and digital audio.
  • Page 40: Advanced Operations

    Advanced operations Useful functions for Adjusting the zoom with the zoom lever recording movies and photos Adjust the magnification with the zoom lever. Move the zoom lever slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom. Adjusting the zoom by the zoom ring Optical power zoom You can enlarge the image without...
  • Page 41: Adjusting The Focus Manually

    The zoom speed range differs depending  on the power zoom lens you use. The speed may not change or drive sound may be heard loudly depending on the combination of lens and [Zoom Speed] setting. Trial shooting is suggested before actual shooting. You can operate the zoom lever of the high- ...
  • Page 42: Using The Expanded Focus

    To measure the exact distance to the Press EXPANDED FOCUS. subject Lens mount EXPANDED FOCUS button Pressing EXPANDED FOCUS switches between expanded and normal display. 18 mm (23/32 in.) mark shows the location of the  Notes image sensor . When you measure the Even though the image appears expanded on ...
  • Page 43: Selecting The Recording Mode

    (MENU)  [Image  Touch [PS] can be set only when [ Frame Rate] Quality/Size]  [ REC Mode]. is set to [60p] (NEX-VG30/VG30H), [50p] (NEX-VG30E/VG30EH).  Touch the desired recording Tips  mode. When PS mode for high definition image ...
  • Page 44: Using The Tracking Focus Function

    You can select the following high definition  To stop tracking, touch that image quality (HD) recording mode. appears on the right of the LCD screen. [60p Quality ] (NEX-VG30/VG30H),  [50p Quality ] (NEX-VG30E/VG30EH)  Notes (AVC HD 28M (PS)) The subject you touched may not be detected, ...
  • Page 45: Recording In Mirror Mode

    When you connect your camcorder with an  HDMI cable (sold separately), the sound of high definition image quality (HD) movies recorded in 5.1ch sound is automatically output in 5.1ch sound. The sound of standard definition image quality (STD) movies is converted to 2ch. Tips ...
  • Page 46 You can choose from the following modes Tips  If you have changed the battery pack while   Auto [Auto] was selected, or taken your camcorder The white balance is adjusted automatically. outdoors after inside use (or vice versa), aim your camcorder at a nearby white object for Outdoor ( ) about 10 seconds for better color balance...
  • Page 47: Adjusting Manually

    Adjusting manually Controlling the image settings manually with the MANUAL dial Aperture value Use the MANUAL dial  on the Switching operation icon camcorder for a variety of manual adjustments. Switching operation icon Blank Operates manually.  Operates automatically. Operates [Exposure] manually (p. 49). Setting value When a setting value is highlighted, it can be adjusted by the MANUAL dial.
  • Page 48: Adjusting The Shutter Speed

    You can set the Shutter Speed between 1/4  second and 1/10000 second in 60p movie mode  (NEX-VG30/VG30H), 1/3 second and 1/10000 Operates automatically. second in 50p movie mode (NEX-VG30E/ VG30EH), or 30 seconds and 1/4000 second in photo mode.
  • Page 49: Advanced Manual Operation

    settings will be displayed with the following To return to automatic adjustment icons. mode : Automatic  Press MANUAL once again. appears next : Exposure is set manually.  to the values of [IRIS], [Shutter Speed] and [Gain (ISO)], and highlighting is canceled. Advanced manual operation Items you can assign to the MANUAL You can set the brightness of the movies...
  • Page 50 Tips  IRIS, Shutter Speed, Gain (ISO) and Exposure  Set [Exposure] to manual.  will all be set to automatic adjustment when PROGRAM AE is pressed. Among IRIS, Shutter Speed and Gain (ISO), Press IRIS  to set the mode to ...
  • Page 51: Making Good Use Of Your Camcorder

    Making good use of your camcorder Deleting movies and photos You can free media space by deleting  Touch and display the mark movies and photos from memory card. on the movies or photos to be  Notes deleted. You cannot restore images once they are ...
  • Page 52: Dividing A Movie

     Press (View Images) button (p. 33). (MENU)  [Edit/  Touch  Touch to select the desired Copy]  [Protect]. event, then touch Touch and hold the desired thumbnail so  that you can confirm the image. Touch  To select and protect movies, to return to the previous screen.
  • Page 53: Capturing A Photo From A Movie (Nex-Vg30/Vg30H Only)

    Capturing a photo from a movie  Notes (NEX-VG30/VG30H only) The image size is fixed based on the image  You can capture images from movies quality of the movie. If the movie was recorded with one of the following image quality levels, recorded with your camcorder.
  • Page 54: Saving Movies And Photos With A Computer

    Disc type Choosing a method Player  Importing movies and Blu-ray disc playback photos to a computer (p. 56) devices (a Sony Blu-ray disc  player, PlayStation  3, etc.)  Creating a Blu-ray disc* To save images on...
  • Page 55  Notes Always maintain your PlayStation 3 to use the latest version of the PlayStation 3 system software.    The PlayStation 3 may not be available in some countries/regions.  ...
  • Page 56: Importing Movies And Photos To A Computer

    The [USB Select] screen appears on the to export the files to  click [Export]  camcorder screen. click [OK] on the export complete screen (NEX-VG30/VG30H). Touch [USB Connect] on the camcorder screen. If the [USB Select] screen does not appear, ...
  • Page 57: Saving Images On A Disc

    Saving images on a definition (STD) when saving the movie on the disc. disc To add movies to the previously selected  ones, select the movies in the main window and drag and drop onto the You can select movies that have been window for selecting movies.
  • Page 58 Creating a Blu-ray disc You can create a Blu-ray disc with a high definition image quality (HD) movie previously imported to a computer (p. 56). To create a Blu-ray disc, the BD Add-on Software for “PlayMemories Home” must be installed. Click [BD Add-on Software] on the installation screen of “PlayMemories Home, ”...
  • Page 59: Saving Images With An External Device

    Saving images with an external device Dubbing guide You can select the method for saving high definition image quality (HD) movies using an external device. External devices Connecting cable Page External media device USB Adaptor Cable Saving images on an external VMC-UAM1 (sold media device with high separately)
  • Page 60: Saving Images On An External Media Device

    You can save movies and photos on an For details on available external media devices,  external media device (USB storage go to the Sony support website in your devices), such as an external hard disk country/region. drive. You can also play back images on the camcorder or another playback device.
  • Page 61: Saving Desired Movies And Photos

     Notes The number of scenes you can save on the Connect the external media  external media device are as follows. However, device to the camcorder and even if the external media device has free space, touch [Copy.] on the camcorder you cannot save scenes exceeding the following screen.
  • Page 62: Playing Back Images In The External Media Device On The Camcorder

    To perform [Direct Copy] manually You can perform [Direct Copy] manually while the camcorder is connected to an external media device.  Touch (MENU)  [Edit/Copy]  [Direct Copy] on the [Event View] Press and hold the image down on the ...
  • Page 63: Creating A Standard Definition Image Quality (Std) Disc With A Recorder, Etc

    Creating a standard A/V Remote Connector definition image quality (STD) disc with a recorder, etc. You can copy images played back on your camcorder to a disc or video cassette, by connecting your camcorder to a disc Input recorder, etc., with the A/V connecting S VIDEO cable.
  • Page 64 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  (sold separately). Connect your camcorder to the input jacks  of the recording device. Start playback on your camcorder, and record it on the recording device.
  • Page 65: 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. 70 Camera/Mic (Items for customized shooting) ...
  • Page 66: Menu Lists

    Menu lists Shooting Mode Records movies. Movie Shoots photos. Photo Camera/Mic Manual Settings) Adjusts the brightness and focus for the selected Spot Meter/Fcs subject simultaneously. Adjusts and fixes the exposure to the subject, so Spot Meter that it is recorded at a suitable brightness. Focuses on a subject you touch on the screen.
  • Page 67 Flash) Sets how the flash is activated when shooting Flash photos. Sets the brightness of flash. Flash Level Prevents redeye when shooting with flash. Red Eye Reduction Microphone) Sets wind noise reduction of the internal Wind Noise Reduct. microphone. Changes the recording sound format. Audio Mode Adjusts the audio level when recording.
  • Page 68 Edit/Copy Deletes movies or photos. Delete Protects movies or photos to avoid deleting. Protect Selects and copies movies or photos to external Copy media. Copies any images that have not been stored to Direct Copy external media. Setup Media Settings) Displays information on the recording media, Media Info such as free space.
  • Page 69 Sets whether or not to record images when there Shooting w/o Lens is no lens. Enables/disables use of the supplied Wireless Remote Ctrl Remote Commander. Sets your camcorder to turn off automatically. A. Shut Off Selects the language to be used on the LCD screen. Language Setting Shoots 24p movies on a PAL-based system.
  • Page 70: Shooting Mode (Items For Selecting A Shooting Mode)

    Camera/Mic Shooting Mode (Items for customized (Items for selecting a shooting shooting) mode) See “Using menus” (p. 65) on the operation. See “Using menus” (p. 65) on the operation. The default settings are marked with . The default settings are marked with . Spot Meter/Fcs (Spot meter/ Movie focus)
  • Page 71 Touch the subject of which you want to Tips  You can also adjust manually by using the adjust the exposure.  MANUAL dial (p. 47). To return the setting to automatic exposure, touch [Auto]. Gain  Notes You can adjust the gain manually when you [Exposure] is automatically set to [Manual].
  • Page 72  Notes Tips  The larger the number, the higher the noise You can adjust the automatic exposure level to   level. brighter or darker when [Exposure] is set to [Auto]. Tips  Touch if the subject is white or the ...
  • Page 73: Single Shooting

    Drive Mode (Miniature) Creates an image which enhances the subject You can set the drive mode, such as vividly, with the background defocused considerably. This effect may often be found continuous or bracket shooting. This item in pictures of miniature models. The focus on is available in still image recording mode other areas is greatly reduced.
  • Page 74  Notes In movie recording mode, the camcorder  Does not adjust the exposure for backlit automatically focuses appropriately to record subjects. movies. In [Continuous] mode, the audio signals will  not sound when the subject is in focus. MANUAL Button You can select an item for adjustment with SteadyShot the MANUAL button.
  • Page 75 Red Eye Reduction. For the compatibility Slow Sync. ( of a particular flash unit, consult your Sony Flashes for every shot. This setting makes dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. not only the subject brighter, but also the Tips ...
  • Page 76 Audio Rec Level Zebra You can display a zebra pattern as a guide You can adjust the volume when recording. for adjusting brightness. The zebra pattern is displayed on the recording screen will not be recorded with the image. when you change the volume. ...
  • Page 77 Tips  Histogram The settings appear on the screen during the  manual adjustment regardless of the settings of You can display a histogram (graphic this function. display of the distribution of tones within indicates that the settings are automatically ...
  • Page 78: Digital Zoom

    If a lens with a zoom lever is used, its lever will  of Sony, Minolta, and Konica Minolta lenses not be affected by this function. may be affected. Do not use this function with any lens of other manufacturers.
  • Page 79: Image Quality/Size (Items For Setting Up Image Quality Or Size)

    If the TV is not compatible going to shot. with 60p (NEX-VG30/VG30H)/50p (NEX-VG30E/VG30EH), the movie will  16.0M ( )4,912 × 3,264 appear as a 60i (NEX-VG30/VG30H)/50i (NEX-VG30E/VG30EH) movie. 13.6M ( )4,912 × 2,760 24p (NEX-VG30/VG30H) 8.4M ( )3,568 × 2,368 25p (NEX-VG30E/VG30EH) 7.1M (...
  • Page 80: Edit/Copy (Items For Editing)

     Notes Edit/Copy The selected image size is effective when the  (Photo) lamp is lit. (Items for editing) See page 97 on the recordable number of  photos. See “Using menus” (p. 65) on the operation. JPEG image size will be fixed at 16M when ...
  • Page 81: Setup (Other Setup Items)

    Setup Repair Img. DB F. (Other setup items) See page 91, 94. See “Using menus” (p. 65) on the operation. File Number The default settings are marked with . You can select the way to assign file number of photos. Media Info ...
  • Page 82 Select [Component] when connecting your Volume camcorder to a TV with the component input jack. You can adjust the volume of playback 1080p/480i (NEX-VG30/VG30H) sound by touching 1080p/576i (NEX-VG30E/VG30EH) TV Type Select this when connecting your camcorder to a TV that has the component...
  • Page 83 1080p/576p (NEX-VG30E/VG30EH) Outputs high definition image quality (HD) USB Connect Setting movies in 1080p signal and standard image quality (STD) movies in 480p (NEX-VG30/ You can set the USB transfer mode for VG30H)/576p (NEX-VG30E/VG30EH) connecting the camcorder to a computer or signal.
  • Page 84  Notes Bright When you connect the camcorder to other  Select this when the LCD screen is not bright devices using the [MTP] mode, movies that enough. have been recorded with the same image quality as the one currently selected (selected with Tips ...
  • Page 85 You can shoot 24p movies by the PAL- Enable based system. Allows you to use non-Sony E-mount lenses If you select [OK] in the [24p Mode] and mount adaptors. screen, the camcorder reboots in 24p mode.
  • Page 86 output from the camcorder is NTSC color.  Date & Time Images may not be played back normally, See page 23. depending on the connected TV. When you have activated [24p Mode], you  Area Setting cannot set [ Setting] to [ Quality] or you cannot use [ Frame Rate].
  • Page 87: Additional Information

    Leave your camcorder with the power of your camcorder on. Turn off your camcorder and take it to a warm place. Leave  Contact your Sony dealer or local the camcorder there for a while, then turn on authorized Sony service facility.
  • Page 88 (p. 15). If the problem persists, The buttons do not appear on the touch disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall panel. outlet (wall socket) and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be damaged. Touch the LCD screen lightly. ...
  • Page 89 No display on the LCD screen although it Check the dedicated support web site or consult is open. your local authorized Sony service facility on If the eye sensor switches to the viewfinder,  compatible lenses.
  • Page 90 The temperature of your camcorder is  Fuzzy white circular spots appear on extremely low. Turn off your camcorder and images shot using a flash. take it to a warm place. Leave the camcorder there for a while, then turn on the camcorder. Particles (dust, pollen, etc.) in the air reflected ...
  • Page 91 Settings)]  [Repair Img. DB F.]. If it still The corners of the image are dark. appears, delete the image with (p. 51). Remove the filter or hood. Depending on the  thickness of the filter or improper attachment No sound or only a quiet sound is heard of the hood, the filter or the hood may during playback.
  • Page 92 A photo cannot be captured from a movie Black bands appear at the top and bottom (NEX-VG30/VG30H). of the screen of the 4:3 TV. The memory card where you want to save This happens when viewing an image recorded ...
  • Page 93: Self-Diagnosis Display/Warning Indicators

    No memory card is inserted (p. 28).  have tried to fix a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony Fast flashing There are not enough free spaces for recording service facility. In this case, when you ...
  • Page 94 The external media device is not formatted  Inconsistencies found in the image correctly. database file. Back up and recover. Recover, then import using the included (Warning indicator pertaining to PC software. camera-shake warning) Since the database information of high ...
  • Page 95 Format the memory card (p. 81) after saving  or not. images on your PC, etc. When attaching a non-Sony E-mount lens or  mount adaptor, set [Shooting w/o Lens] to This memory card may not be able to [Enable].
  • Page 96: Recording Time Of Movies/Number Of Recordable Photos

    C (77 °F). 10 C to 30 C (50 °F to 86 °F) is    When using Sony memory card.  recommended. The recordable time may vary depending on the  The recording and playback time will be ...
  • Page 97: Expected Number Of Recordable Photos

    LP: Approx. 5 Mbps (average) 1,440 pixels  1,080 pixels/16:9 Standard definition image quality (STD):  HQ: Approx. 9 Mbps (average) 720 pixels  480 pixels (NEX-VG30/VG30H), 720 pixels  576 pixels (NEX-VG30E/VG30EH)/16:9, The photo recording pixels and the aspect ratio.  Photo recording mode: ...
  • Page 98: Using Your Camcorder Abroad

    VG30EH) TV with AUDIO/VIDEO input jacks. An A/V connecting cable must be connected. On TV color systems Your camcorder is an NTSC (NEX-VG30/ VG30H) or PAL (NEX-VG30E/VG30EH) system-based camcorder. To view the playback image on a TV, the TV must be...
  • Page 99 Setting to the local time You can easily set the clock to the local time by setting a time difference when using your (MENU)  [Setup]  [ Clock Settings)]  [Date & camcorder abroad. Touch Time Setting]  [Daylight Savings] or [Summer Time] and (MENU) ...
  • Page 100: Maintenance And Precautions

    Maintenance and Damaged or lost data may occur in the  following cases (the data will not be precautions compensated for): If you eject the memory card, or turn off your  camcorder while your camcorder is reading About the AVCHD format or writing image files on the memory card (while the access lamp is lit or flashing) What is the AVCHD format?
  • Page 101: About The "Infolithium" Battery Pack

    camcorder (p. 81). Note that formatting erases and the length of time you can use the battery all information on the memory card. pack becomes shorter. In that case, do one You may not be able to play back images with of the following to use the battery pack for a ...
  • Page 102: About Handling Of Your Camcorder

    Note on moisture condensation  checked by a Sony dealer before operating it Moisture may condense when you bring your any further. camcorder from a cold place into a warm place Avoid rough handling, disassembling, ...
  • Page 103 You bring your camcorder from an air   (MENU)  [Setup]  conditioned car or room into a hot place General Settings)]  [Calibration]. outside. You use your camcorder after a squall or a  shower. You use your camcorder in a hot and humid ...
  • Page 104: Memory Card

    On charging the pre-installed rechargeable battery Your camcorder has a pre-installed rechargeable battery to retain the date, time, and other settings even when the LCD screen is closed. The pre- installed rechargeable battery is always charged while your camcorder is connected to the wall outlet (wall socket) via the AC Adaptor or while the battery pack is attached.
  • Page 105 AVC PATENT PORTFOLIO LICENSE FOR THE “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony  PERSONAL USE OF A CONSUMER OR OTHER Corporation. USES IN WHICH IT DOES NOT RECEIVE “BRAVIA” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.  REMUNERATION TO Blu-ray Disc and Blu-ray are trademarks of ...
  • Page 106 URL to download it. When downloading the source code, select NEX-VG900 as the model for your camcorder. http://www.sony.net/Products/Linux/ We would prefer you do not contact us about the contents of source code. Please read the files in the “LICENSE” folder on the CD-ROM.
  • Page 107: Quick Reference

    Quick reference Screen indicators Right Indicator Meaning Recording image quality Center (HD/STD), frame rate Left Right (60p/60i/24p), (50p/50i/ 25p) and recording mode (PS/FX/FH/HQ/LP) (43) Remaining battery Digital zoom (40, 78) 2.0 Optical zoom (40) Drive Mode (73) Bottom RAW/JPEG (80) Left Recording/playback/ Indicator...
  • Page 108 Bottom Indicator Meaning View Images button (33) Wind Noise Reduct. (75) Audio Mode (75) Audio Rec Level (76) Audio Level Display (77) AE Shift (72) Exposure Auto (49)/ Exposure Manual (49) IRIS (47) 12dB Gain (71) ISO200 ISO (71) 4000 Shutter Speed (48) Slide show button Data file name (35)
  • Page 109: Parts And Controls

     Multi interface shoe  Zoom lever (p. 40)  CHG (charge) lamp (p. 15) For details on compatible accessories of the multi interface shoe, visit the Sony web site in your area, or consult your Sony dealer or local...
  • Page 110   Microphone (p. 44) Memory card access lamp (p. 27) While the lamp is lit or flashing, the  Hook for shoulder strap camcorder is reading or writing data.  Zoom lever (p. 18)  Memory card slot (p. 27) ...
  • Page 111   DC IN jack (p. 15) Lens (p. 18)   (headphones) jack  Zoom ring (p. 40) Use stereo minijack headphones.  Focus ring (p. 18)   A/V Remote Connector (p. 37) Camera recording lamp This terminal is to interface your camcorder The lamp flashes when the remaining to another device.
  • Page 112  /ENTER buttons     When you press any of these buttons, the light Wireless Remote Commander blue frame appears on the LCD screen. Select a desired button or an item with     then press ENTER to enter. ...
  • Page 113 Sony CR2025 lithium battery. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.
  • Page 114: Index

    Index Color Temp........46 Symbols Component .........82 1080i/480i ........83 Image quality .......42 Connection ........37 1080i/576i ........83 Image Quality/Size .....79 Copy ..........60 1080p/480p ........83 Image Size ........79 Creating a disc ......54 1080p/576p ........83 Indoor ..........46 Creating AVCHD disc ....57 24p Mode ........85 “InfoLITHIUM”...
  • Page 115 Photo Capture ......53 Photos ........31, 35 Tripod.........111 Picture Effect .......72 Troubleshooting ......87 Playing..........33 Turning the power on ....23 Playing AVCHD disc....57 TV ..........37 PlayMemories Home Help Guide TV color systems ......98 ............2 TV Type ........82 Power on ........23 Precautions ........100 PROGRAM AE ......47 USB Connect .......56 Protect ..........51...
  • Page 116 Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. http://www.sony.net/...

Table of Contents