4-258-762-13(1) Interchangeable Lens Digital HD Video Camera Recorder Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website.
Interchangeable Lens Digital HD Video Camera Recorder NEX-VG10E
WARNING To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. Excessive sound pressure from earphones and headphones can cause hearing loss. Do not expose the batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like. CAUTION Battery pack If the battery pack is mishandled, the battery pack can burst, cause a fire or even chemical burns. Observe the following cautions. • Do not disassemble.
health, which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.
Table of contents Read this first .................................................................................................8 Operating instructions .............................................................................9 The visual world seen by your NEX-VG10E .................................................10 Getting started Accessories supplied ...................................................................................12 Attaching the accessories ..................................
Deleting an image ................................................................................. 28 Playback on a TV .................................................................................. 29 Getting started Playback ...................................................................................................... 28 Editing on the computer Preparing the computer ............................................................................... 30 Recommended computer environment .........
Read this first To prevent the camcorder from malfunctions and damages • Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts, and jack covers. Viewfinder focused on a nearby object, it may cause a fire. When you must place the camcorder under direct sunlight, attach the lens cap. • Do not expose your camcorder’s viewfinder, lens, or LCD monitor to the sun or strong light source for extended periods. • Do not attempt to record the sun directly. Doing so may cause a malfunction of the camcorder.
this may render the memory card unusable, or cause image data breakdown, damage or loss. • When carrying the camcorder with a shoulder strap (sold separately) attached, there may be a tendency to hit the camcorder against something. Pay extra attention not to do so. Discs recorded with high definition image quality (HD) This camcorder captures high definition footage in the AVCHD format.
The visual world seen by your NEX-VG10E 10 GB
The large-sized image sensor The camcorder is equipped with an APS-C-sized (23.4 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.
Getting started Accessories supplied The number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces supplied. Wind Screen (1) AC Adaptor AC-PW10AM/AC-PW10 (1) Body cap (1)/Rear lens cap (1) Power cord (mains lead) (2) Telephoto zoom lens (E18-200 mm F3.5-6.
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. Battery cover Attach the battery cover with the projecting part (1) facing as shown in the illustration. Getting started Attaching the accessories 1 Lens hood Align the red line of the lens hood to that of the lens and mount the lens hood on the lens.
Preparing the battery Charging the battery pack Charge the battery pack using the supplied battery charger. You cannot charge the battery pack attached on the camcorder. 1 Insert the battery pack into the battery charger. Battery pack Full charge Normal charge NP-FV100 960 900 • We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between 10 °C and 30 °C (50 °F and 86 °F). You may not be able to efficiently charge the battery pack outside of this temperature range.
Using the camcorder abroad – Power source Turn off the camcorder. While pressing the BATT lever (1), remove the battery pack (2). You can use the battery charger and the AC Adaptor in any countries/regions where the power supply is within AC 100 V to 240 V, 50 Hz /60 Hz. Note • Do not use an electronic transformer (travel converter), as this may cause a malfunction.
Attaching a lens This manual explains how to attach a lens using the supplied E18-200 mm F3.5-6.3 OSS lens. 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. 1 Remove the body cap from the camcorder body and the packaging lid from the rear of the lens. 2 Mount the lens by aligning the mounting indexes (white) on the lens and the camcorder body.
turn the lens counterclockwise until it stops. Hold both the lens and the camcorder body when removing a lens. • 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.
Turning on the camcorder and setting the date and time When you turn on the camcorder for the first time, the screen to set date and time appears. 1 5 Turn the control dial to select the numeric value. You can also use v/V for the selection. While holding the green button down, set the power switch to ON. The camcorder is turned on, and the screen to set date and time appears on the LCD monitor. Daylight Svg.: Turns on or off the daytime saving time setting.
You can select setting items by turning the control dial or pressing the v/V/b/B buttons following the instructions on the display. Your selection is determined when you press the control dial. In addition to the above, the v/V/b/B buttons are assigned with functions that will be used frequently during recording or playback (page 24). 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.
Adjusting the viewfinder and the LCD monitor Images are displayed on the viewfinder or the LCD monitor. Press FINDER/LCD to select whether you want to display the image on the viewfinder or the LCD monitor. LCD monitor Open the LCD monitor (1), then rotate it to your preference (2). Up to 90 degrees Viewfinder Adjust the angle to your preference (1), and move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever until the image becomes clear (2).
Inserting a memory card Access lamp – SD memory card (Class 4 or more) – SDHC memory card (Class 4 or more) – SDXC memory card (Class 4 or more) • It is confirmed that up to 32 GB of “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media and up to 64 GB of SD card can be used with this camcorder. • “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media and “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media are both called as “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, and SD memory card, SDHC memory card and SDXC memory card are all called as “SD card” in this manual.
Recording and playback Recording Movies 1 While holding the green button down, set the power switch to ON. 2 Press START/STOP. PHOTO Movie lamp Still image lamp MODE [STBY] t [REC] Power switch START/STOP To stop recording, press START/STOP again. Notes • The camcorder can record movies for about 13 hours continuously. • If a movie file exceeds 2 GB during recording, the camcorder divides the file and create a new file automatically.
Still images 1 While holding the green button down, set the power switch to ON. 2 Press MODE to turn on the lamp. 3 Press PHOTO lightly to adjust the focus, then press it fully. (still image) Recording and playback Focus indicator Focus indicator The focus indicator shows the focusing status by lighting, flashing, or changing the shape. z lit: Focus locked. lit: Focus is confirmed. Focal point moves following a moving subject. lit: Still focusing.
Recording functions Adjustments using the lens Lens Zoom ring Zoom lock switch Focusing ring The operations and operating methods available depend on the lens attached. The following operations are available with the lens supplied with your camcorder. Zoom ring Turn the zoom ring right or left to decide on the size of the subject in your image. Zooming must be done before focusing. Note • Do not grab or apply a strong force to the lens cylinder that rolls out when zooming. The lens may be damaged.
WB This button allows you to select a white balance setting according to the ambient light conditions. It also allows you to adjust the white balance to your preference. (Auto WB/Daylight/Shade/Cloudy/Incandescent/ Fluorescent/Flash/C.Temp./Filter/Custom/Custom Setup) Recording and playback GAIN Movie mode: Sets the gain. This button allows you to 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.
Exposure mode Adjusting the shutter speed and the aperture will widen the range of visual expression. Visual expression is enhanced by a combination of the shutter speed and aperture setting. The movement of the subject and the way the subject is focused on are determined by the shutter speed and aperture setting.
Available manual setting in each exposure mode (using an E-mount lens) Manual setting Exposure mode A S M P ✓ – ✓ – Shutter speed – ✓ ✓ – Gain/ISO sensitivity ✓ ✓ ✓ Exposure compensation ✓ ✓ Recording and playback Aperture ✓ ✓ ✓: Can be set in standby mode and during recording –: Sets automatically A-mount lenses You may not be able to use certain A-mount lenses.
Playback Playback from movie recording mode Playback from still image recording mode 1 1 Press (Playback). The single image screen appears. 2 Press b/B to select the image you want to play back. Press the control dial to enlarge the image. Press V ( / ) to display the index screen. Press (Playback). The index screen appears. To view still images, select (still image) by pressing b/V, and press the control dial. 2 Press v/V/b/B to select the image you want to play back, and press the control dial.
Playback on a TV On “PhotoTV HD” To view images recorded on the camcorder on a TV, an HDMI cable (sold separately) and an HD TV equipped with an HDMI connector are required. Refer also to the operating instructions supplied with the TV. Turn off both the camcorder and the TV. Connect the camera to the TV with an HDMI cable (sold separately). 1 To the HDMI connector HDMI cable 2 To the HDMI terminal 3 4 Turn on the TV and switch the input. Turn on the camcorder, and press (Playback).
Editing on the computer Features of the supplied software Preparing the computer The software on the CD-ROM (supplied) allows you to do the following. Recommended computer environment “PMB” (Picture Motion Browser) (for Windows only) The following computer environment is recommended when using the supplied software. You can: • Import images recorded with the camcorder and display them on the computer. • Organize and view images on a computer using a calendar to sort them by shooting date.
• This camcorder captures high definition footage in the AVCHD format. Using the enclosed PC software, high definition footage can be copied onto DVD media. However, DVD media containing AVCHD footage should not be used with DVD based players or recorders, as the DVD player/recorder may fail to eject the media and may erase its contents without warning. • Operation with all computer environments is not assured. 10Click [Continue] on the computer screen.
Importing images to the computer You can import movies and still images you recorded on the camcorder to a computer. Turn on the computer beforehand. Note • Connect the camcorder to the wall outlet (socket) using the AC Adaptor (page 15). 1 Turn on the camcorder, and connect it to the computer using the USB cable (supplied). 1 to the USB terminal USB cable (supplied) 2 to the USB terminal • When the camcorder is connected to a computer, nothing appears on the LCD monitor and viewfinder.
Additional information Troubleshooting If you experience trouble with the camcorder, try the following solutions. 1 Check the items on pages 33 to 35. Also refer to “Handycam” Handbook (PDF). 2 Remove the battery pack, wait for about 1 minute, reattach the battery pack, then turn on the power. 3 Reset the settings (page 45). 4 Consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Battery pack and power mode.
Troubleshooting (continued) The camcorder does not start shooting when the START/STOP or PHOTO button is pressed. The image is whitish (Flare). Blurring of light appears on the image (Ghosting). • The camcorder is in the playback mode. Press the MODE button to turn on the lamp of the desired recording mode (page 22). • The camcorder is writing the image you have just shot on the memory card. You cannot shoot new image during this period. • There is no empty space on the memory card.
Recording time/number of images • Use the USB cable (supplied) for connection. • Disconnect the USB cable, and connect it again firmly. • Disconnect all equipment other than the camcorder, the keyboard and the mouse from the USB terminals of your computer. • Connect the camcorder directly to your computer without passing through a USB hub or other device. Others “Recovering data. Please wait...” is indicated on the screen, and recording stops.
Recording time/number of images (continued) The LCD monitor Tips • You can record movies of a maximum of 3,999 scenes. • The camcorder can record movies for about 13 hours continuously. • The camcorder uses the VBR (Variable Bit Rate) format to automatically adjust image quality to suit the recording scene. This technology causes fluctuations in the recording time of the memory card.
Operating temperatures If recording/playback is not done correctly This camcorder is designed for use under the temperatures between 0 °C and 40 °C (32 °F and 104 °F). Shooting in extremely cold or hot places that exceed this range is not recommended. If you repeatedly record/delete images, fragmentation of data may occur on the memory card. Movies may not be able to be saved or recorded. In such a case, save your images to a computer or other storage location, then format the memory card (page 45).
Precautions (continued) Care and storage of the lens Disposal/transfer of the memory card • Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft cloth in the following instances: – When there are fingerprints on the lens surface – After using the lens in hot or humid locations – When the lens is exposed to salty air such as at the seaside • Store in a well-ventilated location subject to little dirt or dust. • To prevent mold, periodically clean the lens as described above.
Specifications Camcorder body [Format] Camera type Interchangeable Lens Digital HD Video Camera Recorder Lens E-mount lens [System] Video signal HDTV 1080/50i specification Image pickup on the image sensor: 25 frames/ second (25p) [Output terminals] HDMI OUT terminal HDMI mini connector Headphone jack Stereo minijack (Φ 3.5 mm) [Input terminal] MIC input jack Stereo minijack (Φ 3.5 mm) [Input/output terminal] USB mini-B [LCD monitor] Video recording format MPEG-4 AVC/H.
Specifications (continued) E-mount lens E18-200 mm F3.5-6.3 OSS (SEL18200) (supplied) Equivalent 35 mm-format focal length1) 32.4 mm – 360 mm (1 5/16 in. – 14 1/4 in.) (16:9 movie) 27 mm – 300 mm (1 1/8 in. – 11 7/8 in.) (3:2 still image) F-value F3.5 – F6.3 SteadyShot Optical-shift biaxial-linear-drive and hall effect sensor Minimum focus2) 0.30 m (W) – 0.50 m (T) (11 7/8 in. – 19 3/4 in.) Maximum magnification ×0.35 Minimum f-stop f/22 – f/40 Filter diameter 67 mm (2 3/4 in.) Dimensions (max.
of your lens by approximately1.8 times (for movie recording)/1.5 times (for still image recording). For example, by using a 50 mm (2 in.) lens, you can get the approximate equivalent of a 90 mm (3 5/8 in.) (movie)/75 mm (3 in.) (still image) lens of a 35 mm-format film camera. On image data compatibility • This camcorder conforms with DCF (Design rule for Camera File system) universal standard established by JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association).
Menu list The 6 menu items, [Shoot Mode], [Camera], [Rec Mode/Image Size], [Brightness/Color], [Playback], and [Setup], will allow you to set various functions and customize your camcorder. To use the menu, press MENU to display the menu, and select items using the control dial and the v/V/ b/B buttons on the operation panel, then press the control dial to make your choice. Items that cannot be set in the context are displayed in gray.
Shoot Mode Allows you to select a shooting mode. Program Auto Allows you to customize settings, except for the exposure (shutter speed and aperture). Hand-held Twilight* Shoots night scenes with less noise and blur without using a tripod. Anti Motion Blur* Reduces the camera shake when shooting a slightly dark indoor scene or a telephoto. Manual Exposure Adjusts the aperture and shutter speed. Shutter Priority Adjusts the shutter speed to express the movement of the subject.
Menu list (continued) Still Image Size Selects the image size. Aspect Ratio Selects the aspect ratio. (3:2/16:9) Brightness/Color Allows you to make brightness settings such as exposure compensation, and color settings such as white balance. Exposure Comp. Compensates for the brightness of the entire image. (+2 to –2) Gain Sets the luminous sensitivity for movie recording. (Auto/0dB to 27dB) ISO* Sets the luminous sensitivity for still image shooting.
Setup Allows you to make more detailed shooting settings, or change the camcorder settings. Shooting Settings Movie Audio Rec Sets whether or not to record the sound for movie recording. (On/Off) Grid Line Turns on the grid line that helps you to adjust the composition of images. (On/Off) Shoot w/o Lens Sets whether or not to record images when there is no lens. (Enable/Disable) Red Eye Reduction* When using a flash (sold separately), prevents eyes from being shot in red.
Identifying parts The numbers in ( ) are reference pages. A Viewfinder (20) B Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (20) C PHOTO button (23) D (movie)/ (still image) lamps (22) E Hook for shoulder strap (47) F MODE button (23) G ON/OFF (power) switch (18) H START/STOP button (22) I BATT (battery release) lever (15) J Accessory shoe Attach a gun microphone (sold separately), etc.
A Microphone (13) N Access lamp (21) B Hook for shoulder strap O Memory card slot (21) C Speaker P Battery terminal (14) D LCD monitor (20) Additional information To attach a shoulder strap E MENU button (24, 42) Attach a shoulder strap (sold separately) to the hooks for shoulder strap. F WB/b button (25, 42) G FOCUS button (25) H DISP/v button (24, 42) I (Playback) button (28) J Control dial (26, 42) K GAIN/B button (25, 42) L FINDER/LCD button (20) M (Exposure Comp.
Identifying parts (continued) A i (headphones) jack Use stereo minijack headphones. B DC IN jack (15) C Grip belt Fasten the grip belt as shown below. E Mount (16) F Image sensor G Lens contacts Do not touch or dirty the lens contacts. H Lens lock pin I Lens release button (17) J Zoom lock switch (24) K Lens hood (12) L Lens (16) M Zoom ring (24) N Focusing ring (24) D Tripod receptacle Attach a tripod with the screw length of less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.) (sold separately).
List of icons Upper part Right part Left part Flash mode/Red Eye Reduction Drive mode Focus mode Left part ±0.
List of icons (continued) Right part Soft key See page 19. • Indicators and their positions are approximate and may differ from what you actually see.
Index A M Accessories supplied .......................................................... 12 Manual Exposure ................................................................ 26 Aperture priority ................................................................... 26 Memory card ....................................................................... 21 Menu ................................................................................... 24 Menu list ...................................................