Recording media is required but not included with this item. Please be sure to purchase recording media for this item.
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).
| 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) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Reviewed by 6 customers
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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.
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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.
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Cons
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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
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
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