Sony Handycam NEX-VG30E Instruction & Operation Manual
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Sony Handycam NEX-VG30E Instruction & Operation Manual

Sony Handycam NEX-VG30E Instruction & Operation Manual

Interchangeable lens digital hd video camera recorder
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Download this manual See also: Handbook, Instruction & Operation Manual
Interchangeable Lens Digital HD
Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
E-mount
NEX-VG30/VG30H/VG30E/VG30EH
4-440-805-11(1)
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-VG30E

  • Page 1 4-440-805-11(1) Interchangeable Lens Digital HD Table of contents Video Camera Recorder Getting Started Operating Guide Recording/Playback E-mount Advanced operations Saving movies and photos with a computer Saving images with an external device Customizing your camcorder Additional information Quick reference NEX-VG30/VG30H/VG30E/VG30EH...
  • Page 2 Record the serial number operating and maintenance in the space provided below. Refer to these (servicing) instructions in numbers whenever you call your Sony the literature accompanying dealer regarding this product. the appliance. Model No. NEX- Serial No.

  • Page 3: Important Safety Instructions

    IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. DANGER - TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, CAREFULLY FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Read these instructions.  Keep these instructions.  Heed all warnings.  Follow all instructions.  Do not use this apparatus near water. ...
  • Page 4 Representative plug of power supply cord of countries/regions around the world. A Type B Type BF Type B3 Type C Type SE Type O Type (American (British Type) (British Type) (British Type) (CEE Type) (CEE Type) (Ocean Type) Type) The representative supply voltage and plug type are described in this chart. Depend on an area, Different type of plug and supply voltage are used.
  • Page 5 Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type Vietnam Oceania Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type Australia New Zealand 230/240 North America Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type Canada Central America Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type Bahamas 120/240 Costa Rica Cuba 110/220 Dominican (rep) El Salvador...

  • Page 6: Read This First

    Be sure to charge the battery pack using a  your used rechargeable genuine Sony battery charger or a device that batteries to the collection and can charge the battery pack. recycling location nearest you. Keep the battery pack out of the reach of small ...

  • Page 7: Declaration Of Conformity

    Declaration of Conformity with Canadian ICES-003. Trade Name: SONY Model No.: NEX-VG30E For the customers in the U.S.A. Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, UL is an internationally recognized safety CA 92127 U.S.A. organization. Telephone No.: 858-942-2230...
  • Page 8 Notice for the customers in the will help to conserve natural resources. countries applying EU Directives For more detailed information about The manufacturer of this product is Sony recycling of this product, please contact Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku your local Civic Office, your household Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan.
  • Page 9 (white, red, blue, or green in color) that the fuse cover, please contact your nearest appear constantly on the LCD screen. These Sony service station. points are normal results of the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any...
  • Page 10 playback is not possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder, memory card, etc. To view recordings made on the camcorder on  a TV, an NTSC-based TV is required for the NEX-VG30/VG30H, and a PAL-based TV is required for the NEX-VG30E/VG30EH. Television programs, films, video tapes, ...
  • Page 11 ] (NEX- VG30E/VG30EH) or [Highest Quality We recommend using genuine Sony accessories.  can be saved on external media or on Blu-ray Genuine Sony accessories may not be available  discs (p. 53). in some countries/regions. Notes on battery pack/AC Adaptor...

  • Page 12: Table Of Contents

    Table of contents IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS............3 Read this first..
  • Page 13 Customizing your camcorder Using menus..................58 Getting detailed information from the “Handycam”...

  • Page 14: Getting Started

    Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items USB cable (1) (p. 53)  Make sure that you have following items supplied with your camcorder. The numbers in ( ) are the supplied quantity. Wireless Remote Commander (RMT-  835) (1) All models This camcorder (1) ...
  • Page 15 CD-ROM “Handycam” Application  Software (1) (p. 47) “PlayMemories Home” (software, including  “PlayMemories Home Help Guide”) Image Data Converter (RAW development  software) “Handycam” Handbook (PDF)  Operating Guide (This manual) (1)  NEX-VG30H/VG30EH High-magnification power zoom lens (E ...

  • Page 16: 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 17: 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 18: 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 19: Charging The Battery Pack Abroad

    To use a wall outlet (wall socket) as a power source Make the same connections as “Step 3: Charging the battery pack” (p. 17). Even if the battery pack is attached, the battery pack is not discharged. 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 ...

  • Page 20: 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 21  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 22 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 23: 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 24 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 25: 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 26 Set [Daylight Savings] or [Summer Time], then touch [Next]. If you set [Daylight Savings] or [Summer Time] to [On], the clock advances 1 hour.  Select the date format, then touch [Next]. Select the date and time, touch to set the value, then touch [Next] ...

  • Page 27: 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 28: 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 29 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. about 4 sec after The display becomes dark after a certain period when you use the...
  • Page 30 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 31: 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 32 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 33: 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 34 Recording movies (Movie): When recording a movie (Photo): When recording a photo START/STOP button [STBY]  [REC] MODE button  Press MODE to turn on the (Movie) lamp.  Press START/STOP to start recording. The recording lamp lights up during recording (p. 77). To stop recording, press START/STOP again.
  • Page 35 image stabilizing feature, SteadyShot will not be usable. You can capture photos from recorded movies (NEX-VG30/VG30H).  (MENU)  You can check the recordable time, estimated remaining capacity, etc., by touching  [Setup]  [ Media Settings)]  [Media Info]. The LCD screen of your camcorder can display recording images across the entire screen (full pixel ...

  • Page 36: Focus Indicator

    Focus indicator The focus indicator shows the focusing status by lighting/flashing. : Focus locked.  lit : The camcorder cannot focus on the subject automatically. Either recompose  flashing the shot or change the focus setting. Tips  See page 66 on the recordable number of photos. ...

  • Page 37: Adjusting For Shooting Conditions

    Adjusting for shooting conditions Adjusting Exposure, etc., manually Using a tripod (MANUAL dial) Attach a tripod (sold separately) to the tripod receptacle using a tripod screw (sold It is convenient to make manual separately, the length of the screw must be adjustments using the MANUAL dial, by less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.)).

  • Page 38: 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 39 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 40 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 [ MOVIE/PHOTO] (the default setting) or [ MOVIE] by touching the Switch Image Type button on the Event Index screen.
  • Page 41 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 [ PHOTO] by touching the Switch Image Type button on the Event Index screen. Playback zoom Delete Context...

  • Page 42: Playing Images On A Tv

    Playing images on a TV Connection methods and the image List of connection quality (high definition (HD) or standard definition (STD)) viewed on the TV screen Connecting to a high definition TV differ depending on what type of TV is When the recording quality is high connected, and the connectors used.
  • Page 43 (for the camcorder), and a plug suitable for HD” allows for highly-detailed, photo-like connecting your TV on the other end. depiction of subtle textures and colors. Copyright-protected images are not output  By connecting Sony’s Photo TV HD- from the HDMI OUT jack of your camcorder.
  • Page 44 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. The TV will automatically switch to the appropriate mode when displaying photos. Setup of the TV will be necessary.

  • Page 45: 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. Touch and display the mark Do not remove the battery pack or the AC ...

  • Page 46: Saving Movies And Photos With A Computer

    Network services Edit Joining image files For Mac “PlayMemories Home” is not compatible with Mac OS. If you play back images on a Mac, use the applications that are installed on your Mac. For details, visit the following website. http://www.sony.co.jp/imsoft/Mac/...

  • Page 47: Preparing A Computer

    Preparing a computer Step 1 Checking the computer Display system Minimum 1,024 dots × 768 dots Others Windows USB port (this must be provided as standard, Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compatible)), Blu- ray disc/DVD burner (CD-ROM drive is Microsoft Windows XP SP3 /Windows Vista necessary for installation) Either NTFS or /Windows 7 SP1...
  • Page 48  Notes Install the supplied “PlayMemories Home”  Select the country or region.  software, even if “PlayMemories Home” software has already been installed on your computer.  Select the language for the If “PlayMemories Home” has already been  application to be installed, then installed on your computer, “PlayMemories proceed to the next screen.
  • Page 49 from your computer without following the procedures described above.  When the installation is completed, remove the CD-ROM  Notes from the computer. Do not format the memory card of the  camcorder using a computer. If you do this, the Click (PlayMemories Home icon) that ...

  • Page 50: Starting Playmemories Home

    The devices on which the created disc can be played back Double-click the “PlayMemories Blu-ray discs Home” short-cut icon on the Blu-ray disc players such as a Sony Blu-ray computer screen. disc player or a PlayStation  DVDs with high definition image quality...

  • Page 51: 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.4.2]. “Image Data Converter” support page (English only) http://www.sony.co.jp/ids-se/...

  • Page 52: 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 53: Saving Images On An External Media Device

    You can also play back images on the satisfying requirements for operating. camcorder or another playback device. For details on available external media devices,  go to the Sony support website in your  Notes country/region. For this operation, you need the USB Adaptor ...
  • Page 54 USB Adaptor Cable VMC-UAM1 (sold separately) You can make menu settings of the external media device such as deleting images. (MENU)  [Edit/Copy] on Touch Event View. To disconnect the external media device  Touch while the camcorder is in the playback standby mode ([Event Connect the external media View] or Event Index is displayed) of the...
  • Page 55 Playing back images in the external (MENU)  [Edit/  Touch media device on the camcorder Copy]  [Copy].  Connect the camcorder to the  Follow the instructions that external media device and touch appear on the screen to select [Play without copying.].

  • Page 56: Creating A Standard Definition Image Quality (Std) Disc With A Recorder, Etc

    Creating a standard definition image A/V Remote Connector 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 recorder, etc., with the A/V connecting cable.
  • Page 57 When you connect a monaural device, connect  the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable Insert the recording media in the to the video input jack, and the white (left recording device. channel) or the red (right channel) plug to the If your recording device has an input ...

  • Page 58: 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. 59 Camera/Mic (Items for customized shooting) ...

  • Page 59: Shooting Mode

    Menu lists Shooting Mode Movie .......... Records movies. Photo ........... Shoots photos. Camera/Mic Manual Settings) Spot Meter/Fcs ....Adjusts the brightness and focus for the selected subject simultaneously. Spot Meter ....... Adjusts the brightness of images to a subject you touch on the screen. Spot Focus .......
  • Page 60 Audio Level Display ..Displays the audio level meter on the LCD screen. AF Micro Adjustment ... Adjusts the focus for the attached lens. Digital Zoom ....Sets the digital zoom. Zoom Lever ..... Sets the function assigned to the zoom lever. Zoom Speed ....
  • Page 61 General Settings) Beep ........Sets whether the camcorder sounds operation beeps or not. LCD Brightness ....Adjusts the brightness of the LCD screen. VF Color Temp....Sets the color temperature of the viewfinder. VF/Panel ......Changes the display between the viewfinder and LCD screen. Display Setting ....

  • Page 62: Getting Detailed Information From The "Handycam" Handbook

    Getting detailed information from the “Handycam” Handbook – [GB] folder in the CD-ROM, then copy [Handbook.pdf]. The “Handycam” Handbook is a user guide You need Adobe Reader to read “Handycam”  designed to be read on a computer screen. Handbook. If it is not installed on your The “Handycam”...

  • Page 63: Additional Information

     Charge the battery pack (p. 17).  Pressing START/STOP or PHOTO does not  Contact your Sony dealer or local record images. authorized Sony service facility. Press MODE to turn on the (Movie) or ...
  • Page 64  [Setup]  [Repair Img. DB F.]. If the problem persists even after you have tried to fix a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony The memory card is damaged. Format the  service facility. In this case, when you memory card with your camcorder (p.

  • Page 65: Recording Time Of Movies/Number Of Recordable Photos

    Recording time of movies/number of recordable photos (Warning indicator pertaining to “HD” stands for high definition image formatting of the external media device) quality, and “STD” stands for standard The external media device is damaged.  image quality. The external media device is not formatted ...
  • Page 66 (unit: minute) 16 GB 32 GB 64 GB When [ Image Size] is set to [ 16.0M].  When using Sony memory card.  (75) (150) (305) The selected image size is effective when the  (Photo) lamp is lit.

  • Page 67: 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 68 Handling the camcorder with above   If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked: substances on your hands  Consult your local authorized Sony service Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or   facility. vinyl objects for a long period of time Wash off any liquid that may have contacted ...

  • Page 69: Specifications

     properly. In this case, replace the battery with Gross: Approx. 16 700 000 pixels a Sony CR2025 lithium battery. Use of another Effective (movie, 16:9): battery may present a risk of fire or explosion. Approx. 13 600 000 pixels Effective (photo, 16:9): Approx.
  • Page 70 Input/Output connectors AC Adaptor AC-L200D A/V Remote Connector: Component/video and Power requirements: AC 100 V - 240 V, audio output jack 50 Hz/60 Hz HDMI OUT jack: HDMI mini connector Current consumption: 0.35 A - 0.18 A USB jack: mini-AB Power consumption: 18 W NEX-VG30E/VG30EH: output only Output voltage: DC 8.4 V...
  • Page 71 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. Blu-ray Disc and Blu-ray are trademarks  of the Blu-ray Disc Association.
  • Page 72 their respective companies. Furthermore,  are not mentioned in each case in this manual.  Add further enjoyment with your PlayStation 3 by downloading the application for PlayStation 3 from PlayStation Store (where available.) The application for PlayStation 3 requires PlayStation Network account and application download.

  • Page 73: Quick Reference

    Quick reference Screen indicators Right Center Indicator Meaning Left Right Recording image quality (HD/STD), frame rate (60p/60i/24p), (50p/50i/ 25p) and recording mode (PS/FX/FH/HQ/LP) Remaining battery Digital Zoom 2.0 Bottom Optical zoom Left Drive Mode Indicator Meaning RAW/JPEG MENU button Recording/playback/ Self-timer recording editing media Wide Mode...
  • Page 74 Bottom Indicator Meaning View Images button Wind Noise Reduct. Audio Mode Audio Rec Level Audio Level Display AE Shift Exposure Auto/ Exposure Manual IRIS 12dB Gain ISO200 4000 Shutter Speed Slide show button Data file name 101-0005 Protected image  Flash Flash Level Red Eye Reduction...

  • Page 75: Parts And Controls

    NEX-VG30E/VG30EH: output only  Multi interface shoe  Zoom lever  CHG (charge) lamp (p. 17) For details on compatible accessories of the multi interface shoe, visit the Sony web site in your area,or consult your Sony dealer or...
  • Page 76   Microphone SHUTTER SPEED button   Hook for shoulder strap PROGRAM AE button   Zoom lever (p. 20) WHITE BALANCE button   Zoom speed switch (p. 20) Memory card access lamp (p. 31) While the lamp is lit or flashing, the ...
  • Page 77   DC IN jack (p. 17) Lens   (headphones) jack  Zoom ring Use stereo minijack headphones.  Focus ring  A/V Remote Connector (p. 42)  Camera recording lamp This terminal is to interface your camcorder The lamp flashes when the remaining to another device.

  • Page 78: Index

    Index “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media ..........32 A/V connecting cable...43, 56 “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media ............32 “Memory Stick XC-HG Duo” Battery pack .........17 media ..........32 Menus ...........59 Movies ........34, 40 Care ..........67 Charging the battery pack ..17 Charging the battery pack abroad Photos ........35, 41 ............19 Playing..........38...
  • Page 80 Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. http://www.sony.net/ 2012 Sony Corporation Printed in Japan ...

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