Sony NEX-VG20, NEX-VG20H Handbook

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“Handycam” Handbook

NEX-VG20/VG20H

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2011 Sony Corporation 4-291-375-11(1)

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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 “PMB Help” that is the Help of the supplied “PMB (Picture Motion Browser)” software.

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Click an item on the right edge of each page, and you will jump to the page for that item.

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You can search for an item by keyword using Adobe Reader. Refer to the Help of Adobe Reader for tips

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on how to use Adobe Reader.

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You can print out the “Handycam” Handbook.

Read this first

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-VG20H) Lens hood (NEX-VG20H)

Built-in microphone

The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed



or waterproofed. See “About handling of your camcorder” (p

. 103).

Menu items, LCD panel, viewfinder and lens

A menu item that is grayed out is not available



under the current recording or playback conditions.

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The LCD screen and viewfinder are manufactured using extremely high-precision technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in color) that appear constantly on the LCD screen. These points are normal results of the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any way.

Black points

White, red, blue or green points

Do not record the sun or leave the camcorder

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under the sun for a long time. The inside of the camcorder may be damaged. If sunlight is focused on a nearby object, it may cause a fire. When you must place the camcorder under direct sunlight, attach the lens cap.



Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause malfunctions.



Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction. Take images of the sun only in low light conditions, such as at dusk.



Do not look at the sun or a strong light through a removed lens. This may cause irrecoverable damage to your eyes.

About language setting

The on-screen displays in each local language



are used for illustrating the operating procedures. Change the screen language before

sing the camcorder if necessary (p. 24).

On recording



To ensure stable operation of the memory card, it is recommended to format the memory card with your camcorder before the first use

. 82). Formatting the memory card will erase

(p all the data stored on it and the data will be irrecoverable. Save your important data on your PC etc.



Before starting to record, test the recording function to make sure the image and sound are recorded without any problems.



Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot be provided, even if recording or playback is not possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder, memory card, etc.



TV color systems differ depending on the country/region. To view your recordings on a TV, you need a NTSC system-based TV.

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Television programs, films, video tapes,

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and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the copyright laws.

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Use the camcorder in accordance with local regulations.

Notes on playing back

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You may not be able to play back normally images recorded on your camcorder with other devices. Also, you may not be able to play back images recorded on other devices with your camcorder.



Standard (STD) image quality movies recorded on SD memory cards cannot be played on AV equipment of other manufacturers.

DVD media recorded with HD image quality (high definition)

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DVD media recorded with high definition image quality (HD) can be played back with devices that are compatible with the AVCHD standard. You cannot play discs recorded with high definition image quality (HD) with DVD players/recorders as they are not compatible with the AVCHD format. If you insert a disc recorded with the AVCHD format (high definition image quality (HD)) into a DVD player/recorder, you may not be able to eject the disc.

Save all your recorded image data

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To prevent your image data from being lost, save all your recorded images on external media periodically. To save images on your computer, see page 53, and to save images on external devices, see page 61.



The type of discs or media on which the images can be saved depend on the [

REC Mode] selected when the images were recorded. Movies recorded in [60p Quality [Highest Quality media or on Blu-ray di

] can be saved on external

scs (p. 58, 61).

] or

Notes on battery pack/AC Adaptor



Be sure to remove the battery pack or the AC Adaptor after turning off the camcorder.



Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the camcorder, holding both the camcorder and the DC plug.

Note on the camcorder/battery pack temperature

When the temperature of the camcorder



or battery pack becomes extremely high or extremely low, you may not be able to record or play back on the camcorder, due to the protection features of the camcorder being activated in such situations. In this case, an

dicator appears on the LCD screen (p. 94) or

in on the viewfinder.

When the camcorder is connected to a computer or accessories



Do not try to format the memory card of the camcorder using a computer. If you do so, your camcorder may not operate correctly.



When connecting the camcorder to another device with communication cables, be sure to insert the connector plug in the correct way. Pushing the plug forcibly into the terminal will damage the terminal and may result in a malfunction of the camcorder.

If you cannot record/play back images, perform [Format]

If you repeat recording/deleting images for



a long time, fragmentation of data occurs on the memory card. Images cannot be saved or recorded. In such a case, save your images on some type of external media first, and then perform [Format] by touching  [Setup]  [ [Format] 

( Media Settings)] 

 .

(MENU)

Notes on optional accessories

We recommend using genuine Sony accessories.



Genuine Sony accessories may not be available



in some countries/regions.

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.

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In this manual, the DVD disc recorded with



high definition image quality (HD) is called AVCHD recording disc.



Design and specifications of your camcorder and accessories are subject to change without notice.

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.



ejecting the memory card when the access

amp (p. 28) is lit or flashing



removing the battery pack or AC Adaptor from the camcorder, or applying mechanical shock or vibration to the camcorder when the

(Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (p. 31) or the

access lamp (p. 28) are lit or flashing



When using a shoulder belt (sold separately), do not crash the camcorder against an object.

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Features of this unit

The large-sized image sensor

The camcorder is equipped with an APS-Csized (23.5 mm × 15.6 mm) CMOS image sensor. Its sensor area is about 20 times as large as the 1/3-inch image sensor that is often used in existing video cameras. The larger the image sensor, the shallower the depth of field. This allows you to reduce the focus on the background in order to make the subject stand out.

Interchangeable lens system

The camcorder employs the E-mount system for interchangeable lenses developed by Sony. The E-mount lens supplied with the NEX-VG20H has an optical camera-shake compensation mechanism (Active mode), and can also zoom up to 11 times. Using a Mount Adaptor (sold separately) enables you to use α lenses (A-mount lenses) as well. You can choose the right lens for the recording conditions or subjects. A wide variety of characteristic lenses will widen visual expression.

High-performance microphone

The camcorder adopts an array microphone system that has a four-capsule structure. The camcorder creates the correct sound localization by processing the signal from the microphone, achieves both realistic sensation and front localization, and records low-noise and clear sound. The high-performance microphone will make high-definition movies more appealing.

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Manual operability

The camcorder allows you to use aperture priority/shutter speed priority/full-manual exposure compensation, and adjust gain, white balance, etc. for recording movies. The MANUAL dial and dedicated buttons are provided to enable you to use the camcorder in your own way, more comfortably.

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Shooting movies as clear as still images

Defocusing the background (46) Adjusting the color (72)

Focusing manually (41) In better brightness (73)

Shooting like film image (80)

Shooting when holding the camcorder by hand

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Preventing camera shake (76) Following a moving subject (75)

Shooting in low angle (45)

Recording the sound clearly

Recording the surround sound (44) Recording the loud noise naturally (78)

Shooting landscapes

The sky in vivid colors (73) Keeping your shot level (78)

Shooting clear still images

The same scene with different brightness (75) Capturing the best moment (75)

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Using the “Handycam” Handbook . . . . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. 2

Searching for information quickly . . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . 2

Read this first . . . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . 3

Notes on use . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. 5

Features of this unit . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. 6

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Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. 12

All models .. . .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . 12

NEX-VG20H . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. 13

Step 2: Attaching the supplied accessories .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . . 14

Attaching the lens .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . 14

Attaching the Wind Screen .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . 14

Step 3: Charging the battery pack .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . 15

Step 4: Attaching the lens .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . . 18

Removing the lens . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . . 20

Step 5: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time . .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . 23

Changing the language setting . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. 24

Step 6: Making setting adjustments before recording . . . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . 25

The LCD panel . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. 25

Changing the display on the LCD screen . . . . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. 25

The viewfinder . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . . 26

Step 7: Inserting a memory card . .. . .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . 28

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Recording/Playback

Recording . . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. 30

Recording movies . . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . 31

Shooting photos . . .. . .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . 32

Playback on the camcorder .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . . 34

Operating the camcorder while playing a movie . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . . 36

Viewing photos . .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. 37

Playing images on a TV . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . 38

List of connection . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. 38

Using “BRAVIA” Sync . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . 40

Advanced operations

Useful functions for recording movies and photos . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. 41

Zooming . . .. . .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . 41

Adjusting the focus manually .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . 41

Using the expanded focus .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . 42

Selecting high definition image quality (HD) or

standard image quality (STD) . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. 42

Selecting the recording mode . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. 43

Using the Tracking focus function . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . 44

Recording sound with more presence (5.1ch surround recording) . . .. .. .. .. .. 44

Recording in mirror mode . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. . 45

Recording at a different angle . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. 45

Adjusting manually . . . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . 46

Controlling the image settings manually with the MANUAL dial . . . .. .. .. .. .. . 46

Adjusting the IRIS . .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . 46

Adjusting the Shutter Speed .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . . 47

Adjusting Exposure. . . . .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. 47

Advanced manual operation . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. 48

Making good use of your camcorder . . .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. 50

Deleting movies and photos . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. 50

Protecting recorded movies and photos (Protect) . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . . 51

Dividing a movie . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. 51

Capturing a photo from a movie . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . . 52

Saving movies and photos with a computer

Selecting the method for creating a disc (computer) . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . 53

Creating a disc with one touch (Disc Burn) . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. 55

Importing movies and photos to a computer . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . . 56

Saving images on a disc . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. 57

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Saving images with an external device

Selecting a method for saving images with an external device . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. 59

The devices on which the created disc can be played back . .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . . 60

Saving images on an external media device . . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . 61

Saving desired movies and photos . . .. . .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . . 62

Playing back images in the external media device on the camcorder . . . . . .. . 63

Creating a high definition image quality (HD) disc with such as a Sony DVD writer,

etc. . .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. 64

Creating a standard definition image quality (STD) disc with a recorder, etc. . .. .. . .. 65

Customizing your camcorder

Using menus .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . . 67

Operating menus .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . . 67

Menu lists . . . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . 68

Shooting Mode (Items for selecting a shooting mode) . . . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . 72

Camera/Mic (Items for customized shooting) . . . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. 72

Image Quality/Size (Items for setting up image quality or size) . . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . . 80

Edit/Copy (Items for editing).. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . 82

Setup (Other setup items) . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . . 82

Additional information

Troubleshooting . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. 88

Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators . .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . 94

Recording time of movies/number of recordable photos .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. 97

Expected time of recording and playback with each battery pack .. . .. .. . .. .. 97

Expected recording time of movies . . .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. 97

Expected number of recordable photos .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . 98

Using your camcorder abroad . . .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . 99

Maintenance and precautions . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . 101

About the AVCHD format .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . 101

About the memory card . . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . 101

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack . . .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. 102

About handling of your camcorder .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. 103

Quick reference

Screen indicators . .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. . 108

Parts and controls . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. 110

Index . . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . 115

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Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

USB cable (1) (p. 61)



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-



VG20; supplied but not attached to other

odels) (1) (p. 18)

AC Adaptor (1) (p. 15)



Power cord (mains lead) (1) (p. 15)



Wireless Remote Commander (RMT-



835) (1) (p

A button-type lithium battery is already installed.

Rechargeable battery pack (NP-FV70)



. 113)

(1) (p. 15)



Wind Screen (1) (p. 14)

Large eyecup (1) (p. 27)



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Component A/V Cable (1) (p. 38)



A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 38)



CD-ROM “Handycam” Application Software (1)

“PMB” (Software, including “PMB Help”)

 

Image Data Converter (RAW development software)



“Handycam” Handbook (PDF)

Operating Guide (1)



NEX-VG20H

Zoom lens (E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS)



(attached to the camcorder) (1) (p. 18)



Lens hood (1) (p. 22)



Front lens cap (attached to the lens) (1) (p. 18)



Rear lens cap (1) (p. 18)

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Step 2: Attaching the supplied accessories

Attaching the lens

See page 18 for information on attaching the lens. The NEX-VG20 does not come with the E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS lens. Please use appropriate lenses (sold separately). For NEX-VG20H models, the lens is attached to the camcorder at the time of purchase.

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.

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Step 3: Charging the battery pack

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DC IN jack

Battery pack

CHG (charge) lamp

Align the  mark on the DC plug with that on the DC IN jack.

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.



You cannot attach the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack NP-FV30/FV50, even though they are V series.

Slide the POWER switch to OFF (the default setting).

Attach the battery pack by sliding it in the direction of the arrow until it

clicks.

Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains lead) to your

camcorder and the wall outlet (wall socket).

The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery pack is fully charged.

AC Adaptor

DC plug

Power cord

(Mains lead)

To the wall outlet

(wall socket)

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) 195

NP-FV100 390

The charging times shown in the table above are measured when charging the camcorder at a



temperature of 25

C to 30 C (50 °F to 86 °F).

Tips





See page 97 on recording and playing time.



When your camcorder is on, you can check the approximate amount of remaining battery power with the remaining battery indicator at the upper right on the LCD screen.

C (77 °F). It is recommended that you charge the battery in a temperature range of

To remove the battery pack

Slide the POWER switch to OFF. Slide the BATT (battery) release lever () and remove the battery pack ().

BATT (battery) release lever

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To use a wall outlet (wall socket) as a power source

Make the same connections as “Step 3: Charging the battery pack” (p. 15). Even if the battery pack is attached, the battery pack is not discharged.

Charging the battery pack abroad

You can charge the battery pack in any countries/regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within the AC 100 V - 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz range.

Notes





Do not use an electronic voltage transformer.

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 The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging under the following conditions:



  

(Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (p. 31), the access lamp (p. 28) are turned off.

The battery pack is not attached correctly. The battery pack is damaged. The temperature of the battery pack is low. Remove the battery pack from your camcorder and put it in a warm place.



The temperature of the battery pack is high. Remove the battery pack from your camcorder and put it in a cool place.



In the default setting, the power turns off automatically if you leave your camcorder without any operation for about 5 minutes, to save battery power ([A. Shut Off], p

. 86).

Notes on the AC Adaptor

Use the nearby wall outlet (wall socket) when using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from



the wall outlet (wall socket) immediately if any malfunction occurs while using your camcorder. Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow space, such as between a wall and furniture.

 

Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic objects. This may cause a malfunction.

Note on the power cord (Mains lead)

The power cord (Mains lead) is designed specifically for use with this camcorder only, and should not be used with other electrical equipment.

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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-VG20H (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

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Zoom lock switch

Zoom ring

Hood index

Focusing ring

Mounting index

* This switch prevents the lens cylinder from being extended by its own weight when it is being

transported, etc. Turn the zoom ring back toward the W-end, and slide the switch toward  to lock it. To unlock it, set the switch to the original position.

** Do not touch or dirty the lens contacts.

Focal-length scale

Focal-length index

Rear lens cap

Lens contacts

Remove the body cap from the camcorder body and the packaging lid from



the rear of the lens.

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)

Notes





When attaching a lens, do not press the lens release button.



Do not use force when attaching a lens. Mounting the lens forcibly may result in a malfunction or damage of the lens mount.



There may be some slight movement of the lens in the locked position, depending on the lens used. This is not a malfunction.



Hold the camcorder body with the front end downward, and quickly change the lens somewhere away from dusty locations so as to keep dust or debris from getting inside the camcorder body.

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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

Replace the packaging lid on the lens and attach the body cap to the



camcorder body.

Align the mark on the body cap to the mounting indexes, and turn the cap clockwise.

 

Before you attach caps, remove dust from them.

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Align the marks.

Notes





When changing the lens, if dust or debris gets inside the camcorder body and adheres to the surface of the image sensor (the part that acts as the film), it may appear on the image, depending on the shooting conditions. The image sensor is applied with the anti-dust coating, to prevent dust from adhering to the image sensor. However, attach or remove the lens quickly somewhere away from dusty locations.



Do not leave the camcorder body with the lens and body cap removed.

If dust or debris adheres on the image sensor

Turn off the camcorder and detach the lens. Clean the image sensor and the surrounding area using a blower (sold separately), and then reattach the lens.

Notes





Do not use a spray blower because it may scatter water droplets inside the camcorder body.



Do not put the tip of a blower into the cavity beyond the mount, so that the tip of the blower does not touch the image sensor.



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.

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Mount Adaptor

Using a Mount Adaptor (sold separately), you can attach an A-mount lens (sold separately) to your camera. For details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the Mount Adaptor.

The available functions differ depending on the Mount Adaptor type.

Functions LA-EA1 LA-EA2

Autofocus

AF system

AF/MF Select

Available with SAM/ SSM lens only

Contrast AF Phase-detection AF

Switchable on the lens SAM/SSM lenses: switchable on the lens

Available

Other lenses: switchable on the FOCUS button

Autofocus Mode (Only

Single Single/Continuous

photo mode)

* 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.)



Notes



Some lenses may not be usable or may have limited functionality. Check the dedicated support web site or consult your local authorized Sony service facility on compatible lenses.



The sound of the lens and the camera in operation may be recorded during movie recording. You can avoid this by setting Audio Rec Level to minimum. Touch

( Microphone)]  [Audio Rec Level].

[ It may take a long time or may be difficult for the camera to focus, depending on the lens used or the



subject.

(MENU)  [Camera/Mic] 

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To attach the lens hood

Align the red line of the lens hood to that of the lens and mount the lens hood on the lens. Turn the lens hood clockwise until the red dot of the lens hood and the red line of the lens align with a click.

When storing the lens, fit the lens hood onto the lens backwards.

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

Select the desired geographical area with

LCD screen

/ , then touch [Next].

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To set the date and time again, touch (MENU)  [Setup]  [ ( Clock Settings)] 



[Date & Time Setting]  [Date & Time]. When an item is not on the screen, touch until the item appears.

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

[Next] 

* The confirmation screen appears only when you set the clock for the first time.

The clock starts.

/ to set the value, then touch

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Notes





The date and time does not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the memory card, and can be displayed during playback. To display the date and time, touch [Setup]  [



You can turn off the operation beeps by touching Settings)]  [Beep]  [Off]  If the button you touch does not react correctly, calibrate the touch panel (p. 104).



To turn off the power

Slide the POWER switch to OFF. The

Changing the language setting

You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. Touch desired language 

( Playback Settings)]  [Data Code]  [Date/Time]  .

(MENU)  [Setup]  [ ( General

(Movie) lamp flashes for a few seconds and the camcorder is turned off.

(MENU)  [Setup]  [ ( General Settings)]  [Language Setting]  a

  .

(MENU) 

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

 Max. 180 degrees

Tips





Images are displayed on the viewfinder or the LCD screen.



Press FINDER/LCD to select whether you want to display the image on the viewfinder or the LCD screen. You can also select those display locations by opening or closing the LCD screen.



FINDER/LCD enables you to use the viewfinder without closing the LCD panel, so you can operate buttons which are hidden when the LCD screen is closed.



You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen with [LCD Brightness ] (p

FINDER/LCD button

 Max. 90 degrees

. 85).

Changing the display on the LCD screen

Press DISPLAY to cycle the screen display in the following order: Recording: Detailed display  simple display  minimum display Playing: Detailed display  minimum display

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DISPLAY button

Tips





In the default setting, the screen display changes to the simple display after about 4 seconds ([Display

. 86). The display changes to the detailed display when you touch anywhere on the screen

Setting], p except the buttons on the LCD screen so that you can use items.

about 4 sec

after

The viewfinder

When you record while viewing through the viewfinder, close the LCD panel, or press FINDER/LCD (p viewfinder lens adjustment lever located beneath the viewfinder.

Notes





You may see colors (red, blue, green) shimmering in the viewfinder when you move your line of sight. This is not a malfunction. The shimmering colors will not be recorded on the memory card.



Tips



You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder backlight from [VF Brightness] (p

. 111). If the indications in the viewfinder appear blurred, adjust the

. 85).

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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. You can attach the large eyecup facing either the right or left side.

Large eyecup (supplied)

Attach the projection to be straight.

Notes





Do not remove the pre-attached eyecup.

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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. Wait until the screen disappears.

Close the cover.

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Notes





If [Failed to create a new Image Database File. It may be possible that there is not enough free space.] is

splayed, format the memory card (p. 82).



Confirm the direction of the memory card. If you forcibly insert the memory card in the wrong direction, the memory card, memory card slot, or image data may be damaged.



Do not open the cover during recording.



When inserting or ejecting the memory card, be careful so that the memory card does not pop out and drop.

To eject the memory card

Open the cover and lightly push the memory card in once.

Types of memory card you can use with your camcorder

SD Speed Class Described in this

manual

“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media (Mark2)

“Memory Stick PRO-

—

“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media

HG Duo” media

SD memory card

SDHC memory card

Class 4 or faster SD card

SDXC memory card

Operation with all memory cards is not assured.

 

“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, half the size of “Memory Stick”, or standard size SD cards can be used for this camcorder.



Do not attach a label or the like on memory card or memory card adaptor. Doing so may cause a malfunction.



“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media of up to 32 GB and SD cards of up to 64 GB have been verified to operate with your camcorder.



Notes



A MultiMediaCard cannot be used with this camcorder.



Movies recorded on SDXC memory cards cannot be imported to or played back on computers or AV devices not supporting the exFAT* file system by connecting the camcorder to these devices with the USB cable. Confirm in advance that the connecting equipment is supporting the exFAT system. If you connect an equipment not supporting the exFAT system and the format screen appears, do not perform the format. All the data recorded will be lost.

* The exFAT is a file system that is used for SDXC memory cards.

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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.

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Slide the POWER switch to ON while pressing the green button.

Your camcorder is turned on.

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