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Sony NEX-VG30 Camcorder with 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Power Zoom Lens

  • Price: $2,698.00
  • B&H # SONEXVG30H
  • Mfr# NEX-VG30H

Product Highlights

  • Sony 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Power Zoom Lens
  • Exmor APS-C Sized 16.1MP CMOS Sensor
  • Direct Power Zoom with Variable Speed
  • XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF with Eye Sensor
  • Quad Capsule Spatial Array Microphone
  • Microphone Jack with Audio Level Control
  • Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 12 Download
  • High Res 16MP RAW and JPEG Stills @ 6fps
  • Compatible with Sony E-Mount Lenses
  • Comprehensive Manual Controls
 
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The Sony NEX-VG30 Camcorder with 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Power Zoom Lens is an interchangeable lens camera for cinematic video and DSLR quality photographs, featuring a 16.1MP Exmor APS-C sized CMOS sensor, an XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF, a Quad Capsule Spatial Array Microphone, a BIONZ image processor and the Sony E-mount for Sony E-Mount lenses. NEX-VG30 presents a significant upgrade from Sony's NEX-VG20, adding a seesaw lever for power zoom, a Multi Interface shoe, a much improved electronic viewfinder, Picture Effects and the option for an external XLR adapter (sold separately).

18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Power Zoom Lens
Sony's 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Power Zoom lens features silent auto-focus, optical image stabilization and an 11x zoom ratio. Used in conjunction with the VG30's APS-C sized sensor the 35mm equivalent angle-of-view will be 27mm on the wide end and 300mm on the long end of the zoom range. The 18-200mm Power Zoom lens offers the flexibility of a removable lens with the ergonomics and operability of a Handycam camcorder.
16.1MP Exmor APS-C CMOS Sensor
With approximately 19.5 times the surface area of conventional camcorders, the 16.1MP Exmor APS-C sized CMOS sensor will generate cinematic video with a shallow depth of field and excellent low noise characteristics. When it comes to film-like video there is simply no substitute for sensor size.
Direct Power Zoom with Variable Speed
The NEX-VG30 was built with a powered zoom seesaw lever, which will operate the new 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Power Zoom Lens and, when used in conjunction with manual zooms or even prime lenses, it will facilitate a 2x digital zoom.
XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF with Eye Sensor
The Tru-Finder OLED electronic viewfinder features 2,359,000 dot resolution and a high contrast ratio. The EVF allows you to see the results of camera adjustments in real time with superb color and detail. It exhibits excellent handling of motion blur and, in extremely light or dark environments, it presents a distinct advantage over other monitoring options.
Quad Capsule Spatial Array Microphone
A carry over from earlier VG series camcorders, this is not your average built-in microphone. The Quad Capsule Spatial Array stereo microphone contains four precision placed microphone capsules that are angled at 45 degrees to provide exceptional front-side directivity and stereo separation.
Microphone Jack with Audio Level Control
A 3.5mm audio input jack provides an interface for external microphones, such as shotgun microphone ECM-CG50 (sold separately), and audio level controls facilitate clean recordings in excessively loud or quiet environments. Additionally, Sony's XLR Adapter and Microphone Kit (XLR-K1M sold separately) can provide a microphone, two XLR inputs, audio control dials and a shock mount. A dedicated headphone jack aids users in monitoring sound.
Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 12
Included free of charge via download, Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 12 allow you to add video effects, background music, titles, text, transitions, and more. Share your creations via DVD and Blu-ray Disc or upload videos to the web, all from one easy to use program. Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 12 features up to 20 tracks, 64-bit power, 20 Sony Sound Series Music Tracks and interface enhancements.
High Resolution RAW and JPEG Stills
NEX-VG30 also shoots DSLR-quality, 16.1MP RAW and JPEG format still photographs. A continuous burst mode captures photos at up to 6 frames per second.
Sony E-Mount Lenses
NEX-VG30 features the Sony E-Mount, which enables the ever expanding line of Sony E-Mount lenses. What is more, the E-Mount's short focal flange distance of 18mm makes it compatible with a wide range of lens adapters. For instance, using the LA-EA2 adaptor (sold separately) you can attach the full selection of A-Mount lenses, which includes current Sony models and dozens of Minolta legacy lenses.
Comprehensive Manual Controls
Aperture priority, shutter speed priority or manual exposure control can all be accessed while shooting video via a control dial or easy-access buttons. With extensive manual control of Iris, you will be able to adapt to almost any lighting condition to get the best shot.
CinemaTone Presets and 24p
For extra control over image expression, CinemaTone technology is used to recreate film-like color tones. 24p recording represents a concept established by the motion picture industry's standard of 24 frames per second. Recording in this mode renders motion with a more film-like look than the NTSC video standard 30p.
Advanced controls
The NEX-VG30 provides advanced capture and control features that are often considered the domain of professional cameras including expanded focus for precise manual focus control, zebra and peaking for precision focus and exposure adjustments.
Flash Media Slot
For capturing and sharing videos and photographs, the media card slot accepts Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards.
Multi-Interface Shoe
Unlike conventional camcorders, the NEX-VG30 also features a newly developed Multi-Interface Shoe that expands compatibility with Handycam accessories. Attach an optional XLR adapter (sold separately) to the Multi-Interface shoe to enable the highest quality external microphones.
Picture Effects
Picture Effects add a new level of expression to photos and video, lending ordinary images and scenes a distinctive look by emphasizing certain attributes. Posterization, Pop Photo, Partial Color, High contrast Monochrome and Toy Camera are available for stills and video. Additional effects, Focus and Miniature, are reserved for stills mode.
Anti-Dust Technology
Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CMOS sensor clean, resulting in consistently clear pictures. First a static-free coating on the sensor's low-pass filter helps repel dust. Then vibration automatically dislodges dust from the sensor.
Camera
Sensor Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Resolution 16.7 MP
Color Filter RGB
Crop Factor 1.5x
Lens Mount Sony E-Mount
Processor BIONZ image processor
Drive System Shutter: electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type
Auto Shutter Speeds: 1/48-1/10000 (movie: 24p), 1/60-1/10000 (movie: other), 30s-1/4000 (Still)
Manual Shutter Speeds: 1/3-1/10000 (movie: 24p), 1/4-1/10000 (movie: other), 30s-1/4000 (Still)
Continuous Shooting Speed: 6 fps
Drive Mode (Photo Mode): Single-shot/Continuous/Bracket 0.3EV/Bracket 0.7EV
Drive Mode (Self-timer): Approx. 10 sec. (Still Image)
Focus Control Focus System: contrast AF
Focus Area: 25 point AF
Focus Features: tracking focus
Focus Sensitivity: 0 - 20 EV (ISO 100 at f/2.8)
Manual Focus Assist: magnified display, peaking display
Flash Flash Type: multi interface shoe (flash unit not included)
Flash Metering System: Pre-flash TTL
Flash Modes: Auto/Forced/Slow Sync./Rear Sync./Prohibited
Flash Compensation: +/-2EV, 1/3EV step
Digital Zoom x2
Gain Control Auto/manual (0 - 30dB)
Metering Still Mode Only: 63 segment metering from CMOS image sensor
Metering Modes (still mode only): multi-segment and touch spot
Metering Sensitivity (still mode only): 0 - 20EV (ISO 100 at f/2.8)
Minimum Illumination 9 lux (1/60 shutter speed f/3.5)
White Balance Modes Auto/Onepush/Outdoor/Indoor/WB Temp
Lens
Kit Lens E PZ 18-200 mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS(SELP18200)
Recording
Recording Media 1 slot (Memory Stick Duo or SD/SDHC/SDXC)
File Formats HD Video: AVCHD 2.0 (MPEG-4 AVC (H.264))
SD Video: MPEG2-PS
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital 2ch Stills: JPEG, RAW, JPEG+RAW
Video Signal HD: HDTV 1080/60p/24p/60i
SD: NTSC color, EIA standards
Still Image Resolution: 16MP (4912 x 3264), 7.1MP (3568 x 2000), 4MP (2448 x 1624), 2.1MP (1920 x 1080), 307K (640 x 480), 230K (640 x 360)
Interface
HD Video Output HDMI (mini)
SD Outputs Composite Video Out (A/V connecting cable supplied)
Component Video Out (Component A/V cable supplied)
S Video Out (A/V connecting cable with S Video sold separately)
USB mini-AB/USB 2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage/MTP)
Power DC input
Audio Headphone jack (stereo minijack)
Microphone input (stereo minijack)
Shoe Mounts Multi interface hot shoe (x1)
Cold shoe (x1)
Display
LCD Monitor Type: 3.0" Xtra Fine touchscreen LCD with 921K dots and TruBlack technology
Max Opening Angle: 90°
Max Turning Angle: 270°
EVF High contrast XGA OLED Tru-Finder with 2359K dots and eye sensor
General
Other Features Assignable Dial, Tracking Focus, Audio Level Display, CinemaTone Gamma/Color, x.v.Color, Face Detection, Priority Setting (for Face Detection), View & Index: Event, Anti-dust charge protection coating on filter, Power zoom control, Zoom lever, Variable zoom speed, DVDirect, Wind Noise Reduction, Mic Level Control, Picture Effects, Noise Reduction, Backlight Compensation, D-Range Optimizer, Exposure Compensation, Zebra Pattern Display, Histogram
Power Consumption HD: 4.2W (with SELP18200 lens), 4.6W (with viewfinder and SELP18200 lens)
SD: 4.0W (with SELP18200 lens), 4.4W (with viewfinder and SELP18200 lens)
Power Requirement 7.2V (battery pack), 8.4V (AC Adapter)
Dimensions 3.63 x 5.13 x 8.87" (91 x 130 x 223 mm) including projecting parts
4.13 x 5.63 x 11.63" (103 x 140 x 294 mm) including projecting parts, lens, lens hood, and battery
Weight Camcorder body only: 1.43 lb (650 g)
With the supplied lens and battery: 3.13 lb (1420 g)
Sony NEX-VG30 Camcorder with 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Power Zoom Lens
  • 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 PZ OSS Alpha E-mount Lens
  • Lens Hood
  • Front and Rear Lens Caps
  • NP-FV70 Rechargeable Camcorder Battery Pack (2060mAh, 8.4V)
  • Body Cap
  • Large Eye Cup
  • Component A/V Cable
  • A/V Connecting Cable
  • Operating Guide
  • AC Adaptor
  • Power Cord
  • USB Cable
  • Wind Screen
  • Remote Commander (RMT-835) with Battery (CR2025)
  • Software (Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 12 included via download to PC4)
  • CD-ROM ("Handycam" Application Software)
  • 1 Year Parts & 90 Day Labor Limited Warranty
  • REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

    by PowerReviews
    SonyNEX-VG30 Camcorder with 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Power Zoom Lens
     
    4.2

    (based on 6 reviews)

    Ratings Distribution

    • 5 Stars

       

      (2)

    • 4 Stars

       

      (3)

    • 3 Stars

       

      (1)

    • 2 Stars

       

      (0)

    • 1 Stars

       

      (0)

    80%

    of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

    Pros

    • Zoom range/performance (6)
    • Great picture quality (5)
    • Great sound (4)
    • Large clear LCD (4)
    • Easy to use (3)

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Documentaries (4)
      • HD shooting (4)
      • Movies/short films (4)
      • Home movies (3)
        • Reviewer Profile:
        • Enthusiast (3), Semi-pro (3)
        • Was this a gift?:
        • No (6)

      Reviewed by 6 customers

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      Displaying reviews 1-6

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      4.0

      Great camcorder

      By FunnyTrueStories

      from New York, NY

      About Me Video Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Easy to Use
      • Great Picture Quality

      Cons

      • No External Mic Input

      Best Uses

      • Documentaries
      • Indoors/Low Light
      • Movies/Short Films

      Comments about Sony NEX-VG30 Camcorder with 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Power Zoom Lens:

      I use this camera mostly for interviews. I love the shallow depth of field (like a DSLR) AND the ability to shoot for long periods of time without worrying about over-heating. It also takes great photos.
      It's a bit awkward to use hand-held, but I'm sure I can get used to it. I've only had the camera about 2 weeks.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      VG30 is meeting my expectations.

      By spendas

      from Louisville, KY

      About Me Video Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Easy to Use
      • Good Image Stabilization
      • Great Picture Quality
      • Great Sound
      • Great Zoom
      • Large Clear LCD
      • Zoom range/performance

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • HD Shooting
        • Home Movies
        • Movies/Short Films
        • Travel

        Comments about Sony NEX-VG30 Camcorder with 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Power Zoom Lens:

        I use this for serious amateur videography. I do a lot of "run-and-gun" shooting so I need the auto features most of the time - they work well. My former camera did not. B&H's used department bought my old one - interestingly after seeing the camera they paid me more than they had estimated - quite a pleasant surprise. The only feature I miss is not having a pre-record option which would be a nice addition to a prosumer level camera. Otherwise it is sharp and focues well and the power zoom work very well. So far, I'm very satisfied. I was surprised that the camera did not include a strap - Sony should include that.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

        (2 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        great step up for DSLRs videographers

        By Ale

        from New Zealand

        About Me Semi-pro Videographer

        Pros

          Cons

            Best Uses

              Comments about Sony NEX-VG30 Camcorder with 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Power Zoom Lens:

              PROS :
              -Great solid build, very strong body
              -Video and photo quality are very good
              -kit lens is actually very good (18-200mm power zoom)
              -handy record button in front of the camera and in the touchscreen itself when filming yourself
              -Size is not too bulky, specially when filming with prime lenses
              -Pretty good sound recording

              CONS :
              -Doesn't come with a battery charger (charges through camera)
              -A 3k camera that doesn't have a timelapse mode?!!! seriously?!
              -manual focus button switch is very hard to get to while filming
              -AFocus from 0.5m or less is a bit unresponsive some times (tried with different lenses already)
              -very front heavy with the kit lens
              -photos in low light conditions are not as good as the videos

              overall:
              Great product, very good quality videos, it's perfect for those who have been frustrated filming with DSLRs for a long time... Although it misses very important features (timelapse or maybe more options of frame rates) its a very nice camera... I hope Sony adds a timelapse mode in future firmwares

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

              (0 of 10 customers found this review helpful)

               
              4.0

              good

              By tom

              from san gabriel,CA

              About Me Semi-pro Videographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Easy to Use
              • Good Image Stabilization
              • Great Picture Quality
              • Great Sound
              • Great Zoom
              • Large Clear LCD
              • Zoom range/performance

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Documentaries
                • HD Shooting
                • Home Movies
                • Movies/Short Films
                • Travel
                • Weddings/Events

                Comments about Sony NEX-VG30 Camcorder with 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Power Zoom Lens:

                with 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Power Zoom

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                Exquisite control and pictures

                By Rob

                from Kerrville, Texas

                About Me Semi-pro Videographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Good in Low Light
                • Great Picture Quality
                • Great Sound
                • Large Clear LCD

                Cons

                • Complicated To Operate
                • Limited Zoom

                Best Uses

                • Documentaries
                • HD Shooting
                • Home Movies
                • Indoors/Low Light
                • Movies/Short Films
                • Weddings/Events

                Comments about Sony NEX-VG30 Camcorder with 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Power Zoom Lens:

                I bought this camera because I am a nature photographer and wanted 60P, SD card (non-tape) recording, 20X zoom and manual controls. It delivered spectacularly in all but the 20X. Yes, I know it is not 20X, but Sony literature says it has 2X lossless digital zoom. Right and wrong. It is 2X but not lossless. At 20 X the video is unacceptably soft. I will say the controls are difficult to find in the heat of focusing on a little warbler flitting in the trees. But the viewfinder and LCD panel are so sharp it is very easy to find the subject (nearly impossible with camcorders with less than 450K viewfinder or LCD.) If you stay at 10X and under, this camera is a dream come true. Surround Sound is excellent. Mastering this camera will take you a while, but you will love it. Regretably, 90% of my videos are at 20X (wishing for 30 or 40X), so it was not usable. For that reason only, I returned it. B&H is #1 ... great, personal, quick service. I've bought thousands of dollars of camera equipment from them and always been happy.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                (2 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                3.0

                Still Learning!

                By golfboy

                from Houston

                About Me Video Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Great Picture Quality
                • Great Sound
                • Great Zoom
                • Large Clear LCD
                • Zoom range/performance

                Cons

                • Complicated To Operate
                • Poor In Low Light

                Best Uses

                • Documentaries
                • HD Shooting

                Comments about Sony NEX-VG30 Camcorder with 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Power Zoom Lens:

                I bought this camera to film athletic events (mostly track and field). I wanted to move up a notch from a regular camcorder. The camera feels great. Definitely no easier to use than DSLR for video as a mater of fact without controls directly for ISO and Shutter speed could be tougher to learn. So far not so great in low light. Comes with small battery. The microphone picks up the lens noise.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

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                Required item: Recording media is not included. A memory card is required to record your footage.

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                Usually ships in 2-4 weeks ? This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 2-4 weeks (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.
                 
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