Sony VG10E User Manual

4-257-862-11(1)

Interchangeable Lens Digital HD Video Camera Recorder

“Handycam” Handbook

Table of contents

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Index

NEX-VG10/VG10E

Notes on using the camcorder

How to use this handbook

Click on a button at upper right on the cover and each page to jump to the corresponding page. This is convenient when searching for a function you want to use.

Search for information by function.

Search for information by sample images.

Search for information in a listing of menu items.

Search for information by keyword.

You can jump to the pages by clicking on the page numbers mentioned in the book.

Marks and notations used in this handbook

In this handbook, the sequence of operations is shown by arrows (t). Operate the camcorder in the order indicated.

The default setting is indicated by .

Indicates cautions and limitations relevant to the correct operation of the camcorder.

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z Indicates information that is useful

to know.

Notes on using the camcorder

How to use this handbook·····································2 Sample images······················································5

Basic operations

Using the operating buttons ··································8 Menu ···································································10

Using functions with the buttons on the control panel

DISP (Display Contents) ····································· 14

FOCUS (AF/MF Select)········································· 16 GAIN (Gain)··························································· 18 ISO········································································· 19

(Exposure Comp.) ··········································20

WB (White Balance) ············································21

(Image Index) ················································· 23

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Using functions in the menu

Shoot Mode ·························································10 Camera································································ 11 Rec Mode/Image Size ·········································11 Brightness/Color··················································11 Playback ······························································ 12 Setup ··································································· 12

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Connecting with other equipment

Creating a disc using a computer ························72 Creating a disc using a DVD writer/recorder·······75

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Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting··················································· 76 Warning messages··············································82

Others

Using the camcorder abroad ·······························85 AVCHD format·····················································86 Memory card ·······················································87 Battery pack ························································ 89 Battery charger ···················································· 90 Mount Adaptor ····················································· 91 Cleaning ······························································ 92

Index

Index····································································93

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Sample images

“This is the scene I want to capture in an image, but how can I do?” You may find the answer by going through the sample images listed here. Click the desired sample image.

Shooting movies as clear as still images (page 6) Shooting when holding the camcorder by hand (page 6) Shooting landscapes (page 6) Shooting clear still images (page 7)

If you click on an image, the screen will jump to the page describing the function recommended for shooting that kind of image.

Click!

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Shooting movies as clear as still images

25 21

Defocusing the background (25) Adjusting the color (21)

16 20

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Focusing manually (16) In better brightness (20)

Shooting when holding the camcorder by hand

32 31

Preventing camera shake (32) Following a moving subject (31)

Shooting landscapes

20 41

The sky in vivid colors (20) Colored leaves (41)

41 53

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Vivid green colors (41) Keeping your shot level (53)

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Shooting clear still images

29 28

In candle light (29) Holding the camera by hand (28)

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The same scene with different brightness

(36)

Scenery with a wide range of brightness

(44)

44 34

Light outdoors shot from a dark interior (44) Capturing the best moment (34)

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Basic operations

Using the operating buttons

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The control dial and v/V/b/B buttons allow you to use various functions of the camcorder.

Control dial

v/V/b/B

FOCUS

When you turn the control dial or press the v/V/b/B buttons following the on-screen display, you can select items and settings. Your selection is determined when you press the control dial.

The arrow means you can turn the control dial.

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When options are displayed on the screen, you can browse through them by turning the control dial or press the v/V/b/B buttons. Press the control dial to make your choice.

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The MENU and FOCUS buttons and the control dial have different roles, depending on the screen display. The assigned role (function) of each button is shown on the screen. To use the function shown at the upper right corner of the screen, press the MENU button. To use the function shown at the center, press the control dial. To use the function shown at the lower right corner of the screen, press the FOCUS button. In this manual, the buttons are indicated by the icon or the function shown on the screen.

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Control dial

FOCUS

In this case, the MENU button works as [Menu], and the control dial as [Shoot Mode], and the FOCUS button as [AF/MF Select].

The v/V/b/B buttons are assigned with the functions that will be used frequently. v: DISP (Display Contents) (page 14) V: (Exposure Comp.) during recording (page 20)/ (Image Index) during playback

(page 48)

b: WB (White Balance) (page 21) B: GAIN (Gain) (page 18)

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Using functions in the menu

DISP (Display Contents)

Using the button:

1 Press the DISP button repeatedly to select the desired mode.

Using the menu:

1 During shooting, MENU button t [Camera] t [Display Contents].

During playback, MENU button t [Playback] t [Display Contents].

2 Select the desired mode by turning the control dial.

During shooting

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Display Info. Shows basic shooting information.

Histogram Displays the luminance distribution

graphically, in addition to recording condition.

No Disp. Info. Does not show recording

information.

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z What is histogram

The histogram displays the luminance distribution that shows how many pixels of a particular brightness exist in the picture. Brighter image will make the entire histogram shift to the right side, and darker image to the left side.

A Number of pixels B Brightness

Dark Bright

During playback

Disp. Basic Info Shows recording information.

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Disp. Detail Info Shows detailed recording

information.

No Disp. Info. Does not show recording

information.

Note

• The TV or monito r connected to the camco rder using an HDMI cable (sold separately) will show the same display contents set with [Display Contents].

AF/MF Select

Selects auto focusing or manual focusing.

1 FOCUS button t desired mode.

Or, MENU button t [Camera] t [AF/MF Select] t desired mode.

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(Autofocus) Focuses automatically.

(DMF)* After focusing automatically, make fine focus adjustment

(Manualfocus)

* Still imag e only

manually (Direct Manual Focus).

Adjusts the focus manually. Turn the focusing ring right or left to make the subject look clearer.

z Using auto focusing effectively

If it is difficult to focus on a subject while recording a movie, press PHOTO halfway down to activate [Single-shot AF] (page 31) temporarily. This will make focusing easier.

z Using manual focusing effectively

Use manual focusing to record the following subjects.

• A subject behind a window covered with raindrops.

• A subject behind a glass window with horizontal stripes.

• A subject with little contrast between the subject and its background.

• When an object in the foreground is in focus, but you want to shift to focus on a subject in

the background.

Tip on focusing

Focus on the subject with the telephoto side of zoom first, and then move the zoom toward the wide side. When recording a close-up image, focus on the subject with the wide end of zoom.

“Focus fixing” is convenient when you can predict the distance to the subject. With “Focus fixing,” you can fix the focus in advance to the distance at which the subject is to pass.

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z To measure the exact distance to the subject

Lens mount

18 mm

(23/32 in.)

The mark shows the location of the image sensor1). When you measure the exact distance between the camcorder and the subject, refer to the position of the line. The distance from the lens contact surface to the image sensor is about 18 mm (23/32 in.).

The image sensor is the part of the camcorder that acts as the film.

• If the subject is closer than the minimum shooting distance attached lens, the focus cannot be confirmed. Make sure you put enough distance between the subject and th e camcorder.

The minimum shooting distance of the supplied E18 – 200 mm zoom lens is 0.3 m (11 7/8 in.) (Wide end) – 0.5 m (19 3/4 in.) (Telephoto end).

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DMF (Direct Manual Focus)

1 MENU button t [Camera] t [AF/MF Select] t [DMF].

2 Press the PHOTO button halfway down to focus automatically.

3 Keep the PHOTO button halfway down, rotate the focusing ring of the

lens to achieve a sharp focus.

Note

• [Autofocus Mode] is fixed to [Single-shot AF].

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Gain

Increase the gain when recording in dim places. Select the desired gain value when you do not want the gain to be increased with the [Auto] setting.

1 In movie recording mode, GAIN button t desired setting.

Or, MENU button t [Brightness/Color] t [Gain] t desired setting.

GAIN

(Auto)

AUTO

0dB/3dB/6dB/9dB/ 12dB/15dB/18dB/ 21dB/24dB/27dB

Notes

• The larger the number, the higher the noise level.

• When the exposure mode is set to [Program Auto], [Aperture Priority], [Shutter Priority], an d [Gain] is set to [Auto], [Gain] is automatically set between 0 dB and 21 dB.

• The [Auto] setting is not provided in [Manual Exposure]. If you change the exposure mode to [Manual Exposure] with the [Auto] setting, it is switched to 0 dB. Set the gain according to your shooting conditions.

z Adjusting Gain/ISO Sensitivity (Recommended

Exposure Index)

Gain/ISO setting is the sensitivity to light of recording media that incorporates an image sensor that receives light. Even when the exposure is the same, images differ depending on the Gain/ISO setting.

Sets the gain automatically.

You can set a larger number, and reduce image blur in dark locations or of moving subjects by increasing gain.

High Gain/ISO sensitivity

With high Gain/ISO sensitivity, images will be captured with an appropriate brightness even under insufficient exposure. However, increasing Gain/ISO sensitivity will cause images to become noisy.

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Low Gain/ISO sensitivity

You can record smooth images. However, the shutter speed may slow down to compensate for low Gain/ISO sensitivity. You should take camera shake or movement of subjects into account, too.

ISO

Sets the luminous sensitivity for recording still images.

1 In still image recording mode, GAIN button t desired setting.

Or, MENU button t [Brightness/Color] t [ISO] t desired setting.

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(ISO AUTO) Sets the ISO sensitivity automatically.

200/400/800/1600/ 3200/6400/12800

Notes

• [ISO AUTO] is selected when using the following functions: – [Hand-held Twilight] – [Anti Motion Blur]

• The larger the number, the higher the noise level.

• When the exposure mode is set to [Program Auto], [Aperture Priority ], [Shutter Priority], and [ISO] is set to [ISO AUTO], ISO is automatically set between ISO 200 and 1600.

• The [ISO AUTO] setting is not provided in [Manual Exposure]. If you change the exposure mode to [Manual Exposure] with the [ISO AUTO] setting, it is switched to 200. Set the ISO according to your shooting condit ions.

You can set a faster shutter speed, and reduce image blur in dark locations or of moving subjects by increasing ISO sensitivity (select a larger number).

z Adjusting Gain/ISO Sensitivity (Recommended

Exposure Index)

High Gain/ISO sensitivity

With high Gain/ISO sensitivity, images will be captured with an appropriate brightness even under insufficient exposure. However, increasing Gain/ISO sensitivity will cause images to become noisy.

Low Gain/ISO sensitivity

You can record smooth images. However, the shutter speed may slow down to compensate for low Gain/ISO sensitivity. You should take camera shake or movement of subjects into account, too.

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Exposure Comp.

You can adjust the exposure in 1/3 EV steps in a range of –2.0 EV to +2.0 EV.

1 (Exposure Comp.) button t desired value.

Or, MENU button t [Brightness/Color] t [Exposure Comp.] t desired value.

Notes

• You cannot use [Exposure Comp.] when using [Manua l Exposure].

• If you shoot a subject in extremely bright or dark conditions, or when you use a flash (sold separately), you may not be able to get a satisfactory effect.

z Adjusting the exposure for better looking images

Overexposure = too much light Whitish i mage

Set [Exposure Comp.] toward –.

Correct exposure

Set [Exposure Comp.] toward +.

Underexposure = too little light Darker image

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• To shoot subjects in brighter tones, set a +-side exposure compensation.

To make photos of food look more appealing, shoot the food a little brighter than usual and try to use a white background.

• When shooting a blue sky, setting a –-side exposure compensation will allow you to

capture the sky in vivid colors.

White Balance

Adjusts the color tones according to the ambient light conditions. Use this feature when the color tone of the image did not come out as you expected, or when you want to change the color tone on purpose for photographic expression.

1 WB (White Balance) button t desired mode.

Or, MENU button t [Brightness/Color] t [White Balance] t desired mode.

To adjust the white balance to suit a specific light source, see the explanation on each mode.

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AWB (Auto WB) The camcorder automatically detects a light source and

(Daylight) If you select an option to suit a specific light source, the

(Shade)

(Cloudy)

(Incandescent)

(Fluorescent)

(Flash)

(C.Temp./Filter) Adjusts the white balance depending on the light source

(Custom) Allows to use the white balance setting retained by

(Custom Setup) Memorizes the basic white color (Custom white balance).

adjusts the color tones.

color tones are adjusted for the light source (preset white balance).

(color temperature). Achieves the effect of CC (Color Compensation) filters for photography.

[Custom Setup].

z Effects of lighting conditions

The apparent color of the subject is affected by the lighting conditions. The color tones are adjusted automatically, but you can adjust color tones manually using the [White Balance] function.

Weather/ lighting

Characteristics of light

Daylight Cloudy Fluorescent Incandescent

White (standard)

Bluish Green-tinged Reddish

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Preset white balance ( )

1 MENU button t [Brightness/Color] t [White Balance] t desired mode. 2 As necessary, [Option] t adjust the color tone.

Adjusting it toward + turns the image reddish and adjusting it toward – turns the image bluish.

C.Temp./Filter

1 MENU button t [Brightness/Color] t [White Balance] t [C.Temp./

Filter].

2 [Option] t desired value.

Color Temp. The higher the number, the more reddish the image, and the

lower the number, the more bluish the image. (The default setting is 5500 K.)

Color Filter Based on using the set color temperature as the standard, the

color can be compensated to G (Green) or M (Magenta). The higher the number, the more the color is compensated. (The default setting is 0.)

Custom white balance

1 MENU button t [Brightness/Color] t [White Balance] t [Custom

Setup].

2 Hold the camcorder so that the white area fully covers the AF area

located in the center, and then press the PHOTO button down.

The shutter clicks and the calibrated values (color temperature and color filter) are displayed.

3 To call the custom white balance setting, MENU button t [Brightness/

Color] t [White Balance] t [Custom].

Note

• If a flash (sold separately) is used when the PHOTO button is presse d, a custom white balance is registered with the fl ash light taken into account. Take pictures with flash in later still image shootings.

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Image Index

Displays multiple images at the same time.

In movie recording mode:

1 Press the (Playback) button to switch to the playback mode.

6-image index appears. You can switch to 12-image index; MENU button t [Playback] t [Image Index].

In still image recording mode:

1 Press the (Playback) button to switch to the playback mode.

2 Press the (Image Index) button.

6-image index appears. You can switch to 12-image index; MENU button t [Playback] t [Image Index].

3 To return to the single-image playback, select the desired image and

press the control dial.

z Switching between the movie and still image

On the image index screen, you can switch the image type by selecting (movie) or (still image) on the left of the screen followed by pressing the center of the control dial. Movies and still images cannot be displayed on the same index.

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Program Auto

While exposure is adjusted by the camcorder automatically, you can set shooting functions such as Gain/ISO sensitivity, Creative Style, White Balance.

1 Press the control dial and select [Program Auto].

Or, MENU button t [Shoot Mode] t [Program Auto].

2 Set the shooting functions to your desired settings.

3 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.

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Aperture Priority

Blurs or sharpens things in front of and beyond the subject.

1 Press the control dial and select [Aperture

Priority]. Or, MENU button t [Shoot Mode] t [Aperture Priority].

2 Turn the control dial and select a desired

value.

• Smaller F-value: The subject is in focus, but things in front of and beyond the subject is blurred.

• Larger F-value: The subject and its foreground and background are all in focus.

3 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.

The shutter speed is automatically adjusted to obtain proper exposure.

Notes

• If proper exposure cannot be obtai ned after the setup in still image recording mode, when you press the PHOTO button hal fway down, the shutter speed blinks. Alt hough you can shoot as it is, resetting is recommended.

• The brightness of the image on the L CD monitor may differ from the actual image being shot.

• The F-value may vary according to the zoom position of the lens. In the case of the supplied E18 – 200 mm zoom lens, even if you open the aperture wider than F6.3 (a smaller F-value), such as F3.5, the F-value becomes F6.3 as you move the zoom from the wide side to the telephoto side.

z Aperture

Smaller F-value (opening the aperture) narrows the range that is in focus. This allows you to put the subject in sharp focus and blur things in front of and beyond the subject. (Depth of field becomes shallower.)

Aperture (F-number)

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Larger F-value (narrowing down the aperture) widens the range that is in focus. This allows you to shoot the depth of the scenery. (Depth of field becomes deeper.)

Shutter Priority

Allows you to manually adjust and fix the shutter speed. You can make a moving subject look still or emphasize the movement of a moving subject by adjusting the shutter speed.

1 Press the control dial and select [Shutter

Priority]. Or, MENU button t [Shoot Mode] t [Shutter Priority].

2 Turn the control dial and select a desired

value.

3 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.

The aperture is automatically adjusted to obtain proper exposure.

Notes

• The (Camera shake warning) indicator is not indicated in shutter speed priority mode.

• If you shoot an image with 1 second or slo wer shutter speed in still image recording mode, noise reduction (Long Exposure NR) will be done after shooting. Yo u cannot do any further shooting during the reduction.

• If proper exposure cannot be obtai ned after the setup in still image recording mode, when you press the PHOTO button halfway down, the aperture value blinks. Although you can shoot as it is, res etting is recommended.

• The brightness of the image on the L CD monitor may differ from the actual image being shot.

• It is difficult to focus automatically at a lower shutter speed. Manual focusing with your camcorder attached to a tripod is recommended.

• When recording under fluorescent lamps, sodium lamps, or mercury lamps, the image may flicker or change colors, or may have horizontal bands of noise. You may be able to improve the situation by adjusting the shutte r speed.

Shutter speed

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z Shutter speed

When a faster shutter speed is used, each frame of a moving subject such as a running person, cars, and sea spray appears as if they are stopped.

When a slower shutter speed is used, a trailing image of the movement of the subject is captured to make flowing image.

Manual Exposure

You can shoot with the desired exposure setting by adjusting both the shutter speed and aperture.

1 Press the control dial and select [Manual Exposure].

Or, MENU button t [Shoot Mode] t [Manual Exposure].

2 Press the V botton repeatedly to select

shutter speed or aperture.

Shutter speed and aperture adjustment screens appear alternately.

Shutter speed

Aperture (F-value)

3 Turn the control dial to select the desired

value.

Check the exposure value at (metered manual). Toward +: Images become brighter. Toward –: Images become darker. 0: Appropriate exposure analyzed by the camcorder

4 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.

Notes

• The (Camera shake warning) indicator is not indicated in manual exposure mode.

• In manual e xposure mode, the [Gain] setting [Auto] is set to [0dB], and the [ISO] sett ing [ISO AUTO] is set to [ISO 200]. Set the Gain/ISO sensitivity as necessary.

• The brightness of the image on the L CD monitor may differ from the actual image being shot.

Exposure value

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Hand-held Twilight

Shoots night scenes with less noise and blur without using a tripod. This item is available in still image recording mode only.

1 Press the control dial and select [Hand-held

Twilight]. Or, MENU button t [Shoot Mode] t [Hand-held Twilight].

appears on the screen.

2 Shoot with the PHOTO button.

A burst of shots are taken, and image processing is applied to reduce subject blur, camera shake, and noise.

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Notes

• The shutter cl icks 7 times and an image is recorded.

• After shooting, noise reduction (Long Exposure NR) will be done for the same amount of time that the shutter was open. You cannot do any furt her shooting during the reduction.

• Reducing blur is less effective when shooting: – Subjects with erratic movement – Subjects that are too close to the camcorder – Subjects with a repeating pattern such as tiles, and subjects with little contrast such as sky, sandy

beach, or lawn

– Subjects with constant change such as waves or water falls

• Block noise may occur when using a light source that flickers, such as fluorescent lighting.

• [Shoot Mode] becomes [Program Auto] when movie recording mode is selected.

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Anti Motion Blur

This is suitable for indoor shots without using a flash (sold separately), to reduce the subject blur. This item is available in still image recording mode only.

1 Press the control dial and select [Anti Motion Blur].

Or, MENU button t [Shoot Mode] t [Anti Motion Blur].

appears on the screen.

2 Shoot with the PHOTO button.

The camcorder combines 6 shots at high sensitivity into 1 still image, so camera shake is reduced while preventing noise.

Notes

• The shutter cl icks 7 times and an image is recorded.

• Reducing blur is less effective when shooting: – Subjects with erratic movement. – Subjects that are too close to the camcorder. – Subjects with a repeating pattern such as tiles, and subjects with little contrast such as sky, sandy

beach, or lawn.

– Subjects with constant change such as waves or water falls.

• When using a light source that flickers , such as fluorescent lighting, block noise may occur.

• The noise reduction function does not work.

• [Shoot Mode ] becomes [Program Auto] when movie recording mode is selected.

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