Sony NEX-VG30H User Manual

Table of Contents Search image IndexUSClick“Handycam” HandbookNEX-VG30/VG30H/VG30E/VG30EH 2012 Sony Corporation 4-440-801-11(1)

10Table of Contents Search image IndexUSAdvanced operationsUseful functions for recording movies and photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

100Table of Contents Search image IndexUSMaintenance and precautionsAbout the AVCHD formatWhat is the AVCHD format?The AVCHD format is a high definiti

101Table of Contents Search image IndexUScamcorder (p. 81). Note that formatting erases all information on the memory card.You may not be able to play

102Table of Contents Search image IndexUSAbout battery lifeBattery capacity decreases over time and through repeated use. If decreased usage time betw

103Table of Contents Search image IndexUSYou bring your camcorder from an air conditioned car or room into a hot place outside.You use your camcorder

104Table of Contents Search image IndexUSOn charging the pre-installed rechargeable batteryYour camcorder has a pre-installed rechargeable battery to

105Table of Contents Search image IndexUSOn trademarks“Handycam” and are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.“AVCHD Progressive” and “AVCHD Pr

106Table of Contents Search image IndexUSthese software programs under the conditions of the supplied GPL/LGPL.Source code is provided on the web. Use

107Table of Contents Search image IndexUSQuick referenceScreen indicatorsLeftIndicator MeaningMENU button (65)Self-timer recording (73)Wide Mode (79)

108Table of Contents Search image IndexUSBottomIndicator MeaningView Images button (33)Wind Noise Reduct. (75) Audio Mode (75)Audio Rec Level (76)Aud

109Table of Contents Search image IndexUSParts and controlsThe illustrations attached the lens (E PZ 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS) supplied with NEX-VG30H/VG

11Table of Contents Search image IndexUSCustomizing your camcorderUsing menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

110Table of Contents Search image IndexUS Microphone (p. 44) Hook for shoulder strap Zoom lever (p. 18) Zoom speed switch (p. 18) Zoom switch (p.

111Table of Contents Search image IndexUS DC IN jack (p. 15)  (headphones) jackUse stereo minijack headphones. A/V Remote Connector (p. 37)This te

112Table of Contents Search image IndexUSWireless Remote Commander DATA CODE button (p. 81)Displays the date and time or camera setting data of the r

113Table of Contents Search image IndexUSa Sony CR2025 lithium battery. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.

114USTable of contents Search image IndexIndexColor Temp. ...46Component ...82Connection .

115USTable of contents Search image IndexPhoto Capture ...53Photos ...31, 35Picture Effect

Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website.http://www.sony.net/

12Table of Contents Search image IndexUSGetting StartedStep 1: Checking supplied itemsMake sure that you have following items supplied with your camco

13Table of Contents Search image IndexUSCD-ROM “Handycam” Application Software (1)“PlayMemories Home” (software, including “PlayMemories Home Help Gui

14Table of Contents Search image IndexUSStep 2: Attaching the supplied accessoriesAttaching the lensSee page 18 for information on attaching the lens.

15Table of Contents Search image IndexUSStep 3: Charging the battery packYou can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (V series) after attaching it t

16Table of Contents Search image IndexUS4 When the battery is charged, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack of your camcorder.Charging time

17Table of Contents Search image IndexUSNotes on attaching/detaching of the power sourceWhen you remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC Adaptor,

18Table of Contents Search image IndexUSStep 4: Attaching the lensThis manual explains how to attach a lens using the E PZ 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS lens

19Table of Contents Search image IndexUS Mount the lens by aligning the mounting indexes (white) on the lens and the camcorder body. While pushing

2Table of Contents Search image IndexUSUsing the “Handycam” HandbookYou will find information on using your camcorder to its fullest in this “Handycam

20Table of Contents Search image IndexUSRemoving the lens While pressing the lens release button all the way in, turn the lens counterclockwise unti

21Table of Contents Search image IndexUSIf dust or debris adheres on the image sensorTurn off the camcorder and detach the lens. Clean the image senso

22Table of Contents Search image IndexUS* With LA-EA1, autofocus speed with an A-mount lens attached will be slower compared to an E-mount lens. (Whe

23Table of Contents Search image IndexUSStep 5: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time1 Slide the POWER switch to ON while pressing the

24Table of Contents Search image IndexUS5 Select the date format, then touch [Next].6 Select the date and time, touch / to set the value, then to

25Table of Contents Search image IndexUSStep 6: Making setting adjustments before recordingThe LCD panelOpen the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder

26Table of Contents Search image IndexUSThe viewfinderWhen you record while viewing through the viewfinder, keep your eye close to the viewfinder, whi

27Table of Contents Search image IndexUSStep 7: Inserting a memory card1 Open the cover, and insert the memory card with the notched edge in the dir

28Table of Contents Search image IndexUSTypes of memory card you can use with your camcorderSD Speed Class Capacity (operation verified)Described in t

29Table of Contents Search image IndexUSRecording/PlaybackRecordingIn the default setting, movies are recorded with high definition image quality (HD)

3Table of Contents Search image IndexUSRead this first Using the camcorderDo not hold the camcorder by the following parts, and also do not hold the c

30Table of Contents Search image IndexUSRecording movies Press MODE to turn on the (Movie) lamp.  Press START/STOP to start recording.The reco

31Table of Contents Search image IndexUSYou can check the recordable time, estimated remaining capacity, etc., by touching (MENU)  [Setup]  [ ( M

32Table of Contents Search image IndexUSThe IRIS, Shutter Speed, ISO and Exposure are set to automatic adjustment when PROGRAM AE is pressed.To change

33Table of Contents Search image IndexUSPlayback on the camcorderTipsThe camcorder displays recorded images as an event automatically based on the dat

34Table of Contents Search image IndexUS4 Touch an image you want to view.Touch  to select the image type to be displayed in the index from [ MOVIE

35Table of Contents Search image IndexUS* These buttons can be used only when the camcorder is playing a movie.NotesYou may not be able to play back

36Table of Contents Search image IndexUSTipsTo repeat Slideshow, touch  [Slideshow Set].To see enlarged imagesTouch (Playback zoom) during still i

37Table of Contents Search image IndexUSPlaying images on a TVConnection methods and the image quality (high definition (HD) or standard definition (S

38Table of Contents Search image IndexUSWhen you connect with component A/V cableIf you connect only component video plugs, audio signals are not outp

39Table of Contents Search image IndexUSthe order of priority of the TV input jacks is as follows: HDMI  component  S VIDEO  videoHDMI (High Defini

4Table of Contents Search image IndexUSNEX-VG30/VG30H, and a PAL-based TV is required for the NEX-VG30E/VG30EH.Television programs, films, video tapes

40Table of Contents Search image IndexUSAdvanced operationsUseful functions for recording movies and photosAdjusting the zoom by the zoom ringIf the l

41Table of Contents Search image IndexUSNotesBe sure to keep your finger on the zoom lever. If you move your finger off the zoom lever, the operation

42Table of Contents Search image IndexUSTo measure the exact distance to the subjectThe mark shows the location of the image sensor*. When you measu

43Table of Contents Search image IndexUS Touch [HD Quality] to record high definition image quality (HD) images, or touch [ STD Quality] to record

44Table of Contents Search image IndexUSYou can select the following high definition image quality (HD) recording mode.[60p Quality ] (NEX-VG30/VG30H)

45Table of Contents Search image IndexUSWhen you connect your camcorder with an HDMI cable (sold separately), the sound of high definition image quali

46Table of Contents Search image IndexUSYou can choose from the following modesAuto The white balance is adjusted automatically.Outdoor ( )The white

47Table of Contents Search image IndexUSAdjusting manuallyControlling the image settings manually with the MANUAL dialUse the MANUAL dial  on the cam

48Table of Contents Search image IndexUSAdjusting the Shutter SpeedSteps to configure Shutter Speed priority exposure are described here. Press PRO

49Table of Contents Search image IndexUSTo return to automatic adjustment modePress MANUAL once again. appears next to the values of [IRIS], [Shutte

5Table of Contents Search image IndexUSindication are exaggerated or simplified for understandability. In this manual, the DVD disc recorded with high

50Table of Contents Search image IndexUS Set [Exposure] to manual. Press IRIS  to set the mode to manual ( next to the setting value disappears

51Table of Contents Search image IndexUSMaking good use of your camcorderDeleting movies and photosYou can free media space by deleting movies and pho

52Table of Contents Search image IndexUS Press (View Images) button (p. 33). Touch (MENU)  [Edit/Copy]  [Protect]. To select and protect

53Table of Contents Search image IndexUSNotesYou cannot restore movies once they are divided.You cannot divide protected movie. Undo the protection of

54Table of Contents Search image IndexUSSaving movies and photos with a computerSelecting the method for creating a disc (computer)Several methods for

55Table of Contents Search image IndexUSNotesAlways maintain your PlayStation3 to use the latest version of the PlayStation3 system software.The Pla

56Table of Contents Search image IndexUSImporting movies and photos to a computerMovies and photos recorded on your camcorder can be imported to a com

57Table of Contents Search image IndexUSSaving images on a discYou can select movies that have been imported to a computer and save them on a disc.1

58Table of Contents Search image IndexUSCreating a Blu-ray discYou can create a Blu-ray disc with a high definition image quality (HD) movie previousl

59Table of Contents Search image IndexUSSaving images with an external deviceDubbing guideYou can select the method for saving high definition image q

6Table of Contents Search image IndexUSFeatures of this unitThe large-sized image sensorThe camcorder is equipped with an APS-C-sized (23.5 mm × 15.6

60Table of Contents Search image IndexUSSaving images on an external media deviceYou can save movies and photos on an external media device (USB stora

61Table of Contents Search image IndexUS5 Connect the external media device to the camcorder and touch [Copy.] on the camcorder screen.Movies and ph

62Table of Contents Search image IndexUSPress and hold the image down on the LCD screen to confirm the image. Touch to return to the previous screen.

63Table of Contents Search image IndexUSCreating a standard definition image quality (STD) disc with a recorder, etc.You can copy images played back o

64Table of Contents Search image IndexUS2 Connect your camcorder to the recording device (a disc recorder, etc.) with the A/V connecting cable  (su

65Table of Contents Search image IndexUSCustomizing your camcorderUsing menusYou can enjoy using your camcorder more by making good use of menu operat

66Table of Contents Search image IndexUSMenu listsShooting ModeMovieRecords movies.70PhotoShoots photos.70Camera/Mic ( Manual Settings)Spot Meter/FcsA

67Table of Contents Search image IndexUS ( Flash)FlashSets how the flash is activated when shooting photos.75Flash LevelSets the brightness of flash.7

68Table of Contents Search image IndexUSEdit/CopyDeleteDeletes movies or photos.51ProtectProtects movies or photos to avoid deleting.51CopySelects and

69Table of Contents Search image IndexUSShooting w/o LensSets whether or not to record images when there is no lens.85Remote CtrlEnables/disables use

7Table of Contents Search image IndexUSSearch imageShooting movies as clear as still imagesDefocusing the background (47) Adjusting the color (45)Focu

70Table of Contents Search image IndexUS Shooting Mode (Items for selecting a shooting mode)See “Using menus” (p. 65) on the operation.The default se

71Table of Contents Search image IndexUSTouch the subject of which you want to adjust the exposure.To return the setting to automatic exposure, touch

72Table of Contents Search image IndexUSNotesThe larger the number, the higher the noise level.TipsYou can set a faster shutter speed, and reduce imag

73Table of Contents Search image IndexUS (Miniature)Creates an image which enhances the subject vividly, with the background defocused cons

74Table of Contents Search image IndexUSNotesIn movie recording mode, the camcorder automatically focuses appropriately to record movies.In [Continuou

75Table of Contents Search image IndexUSthe subject’s face, a double-lined frame will appear and that face has priority.FlashYou can select the flash

76Table of Contents Search image IndexUSAudio Rec LevelYou can adjust the volume when recording. is displayed on the recording screen when you chang

77Table of Contents Search image IndexUSHistogramYou can display a histogram (graphic display of the distribution of tones within an image), to guide

78Table of Contents Search image IndexUSNotesWhen [AF Micro Adjustment] is not set to [On], you cannot register an adjustment value.By shifting the va

79Table of Contents Search image IndexUS Image Quality/Size (Items for setting up image quality or size)See “Using menus” (p. 65) on the operation.Th

8Table of Contents Search image IndexUSRecording the sound clearlyRecording the surround sound (44) Recording the loud noise naturally (76)Shooting la

80Table of Contents Search image IndexUSNotesThe selected image size is effective when the (Photo) lamp is lit.See page 97 on the recordable number o

81Table of Contents Search image IndexUS Setup (Other setup items)See “Using menus” (p. 65) on the operation.The default settings are marked with .M

82Table of Contents Search image IndexUSCamera Data White Balance SteadyShot off Shutter Speed IRIS (Aperture value) Gain Brightness Flash Exp

83Table of Contents Search image IndexUS1080i/480i (NEX-VG30/VG30H) 1080i/576i (NEX-VG30E/VG30EH)Select this when connecting your camcorder to a TV t

84Table of Contents Search image IndexUSNotesWhen you connect the camcorder to other devices using the [MTP] mode, movies that have been recorded with

85Table of Contents Search image IndexUSOnAlways displays. The rec button on the LCD screen is not displayed when shooting.TipsThe icons or indicators

86Table of Contents Search image IndexUSoutput from the camcorder is NTSC color. Images may not be played back normally, depending on the connected TV

87Table of Contents Search image IndexUSAdditional information TroubleshootingIf you run into any problems using your camcorder, follow the steps belo

88Table of Contents Search image IndexUSAnother DVD device malfunctions when you use the supplied Wireless Remote Commander.Select a commander mode ot

89Table of Contents Search image IndexUSThe buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly or do not work at all.Adjust the touch panel ([Calibratio

9Table of Contents Search image IndexUSTable of contentsUsing the “Handycam” Handbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

90Table of Contents Search image IndexUSThe temperature of your camcorder is extremely low. Turn off your camcorder and take it to a warm place. Leave

91Table of Contents Search image IndexUSThe corners of the image are dark.Remove the filter or hood. Depending on the thickness of the filter or impro

92Table of Contents Search image IndexUSA photo cannot be captured from a movie (NEX-VG30/VG30H).The memory card where you want to save photos is full

93Table of Contents Search image IndexUSSelf-diagnosis display/Warning indicatorsIf indicators appear on the LCD screen or viewfinder, check the follo

94Table of Contents Search image IndexUSThe external media device is not formatted correctly. (Warning indicator pertaining to camera-shake warning)Th

95Table of Contents Search image IndexUScould be damaged. Try with another memory card. Cannot recognize this memory card. Format and use again.Format

96Table of Contents Search image IndexUSRecording time of movies/number of recordable photos“HD” stands for high definition image quality, and “STD” s

97Table of Contents Search image IndexUStime of the media. Movies containing quickly moving and complex images are recorded at a higher bit-rate, and

98Table of Contents Search image IndexUSUsing your camcorder abroadPower supplyYou can use your camcorder in any countries/regions using the AC Adapto

99Table of Contents Search image IndexUSSetting to the local timeYou can easily set the clock to the local time by setting a time difference when usin