Sony NEX-VG20 Interchangeable Lens HD Handycam Camcorder (Body Only)
- No Longer Available
- B&H # SONEXVG20
- Mfr# NEXVG20
Product Highlights
- APS-Size 16.1 Mp Exmor CMOS Sensor
- Sony E-Mount for NEX Lenses
- 1920 x 1080 Recording Up to 60p
- 28 Mb/s AVCHD to Memory Stick Duo / SD
- 3.0" Touchscreen LCD
- Quad-Capsule Microphone & 5.1 Sound
- Cinematone Gamma / Color
- Direct Copy
Remember the Essentials
A lens and recording media are required but not included with this item. Please be sure to purchase the lens and recording media that best suit your needs.
The Sony NEX-VG20 Interchangeable Lens HD Camcorder (Body Only) is the updated, second generation of the large-sensor Handycam camcorder, featuring an even higher-resolution CMOS chip and new 24p & 60p recording modes at 1920 x 1080 resolution. Like its predecessor, the NEX-VG10, the VG20 has an APS-sized sensor and an E-mount for attaching Sony's growing family of compatible lenses, and so the camcorder enables the shallow depth of field for which DSLR video cameras are so highly prized. But the NEX-VG20 also succeeds where DSLRs fall short. Physically a camcorder, it's specifically designed for shooting motion video with ease and comfort.
In fact, the ergonomics of this second-generation NEX camcorder are greatly improved. The NEX-VG20 features a new grip and belt design for more comfortable handheld operation. New buttons enable more efficient operation: there are new direct-access hard keys near the rear of the body, an expanded focus button for better manual focus, and a second REC button that's more easily accessible during low-angle shooting, for when you're holding the NEX-VG20 by its pro-style handle.
Of course, the VG20 keeps the features that made its predecessor such a standout. The APS HD CMOS sensor is significantly larger than a conventional camcorder's, and it's large enough to grant you creative control over what's in focus and what's not, facilitating cinematic-looking video. Manual control over all significant image parameters furthers this intimate level of engagement with captured image.
And unlike with DSLR cameras, there's a swiveling LCD screen, to show you what's in the frame as you shoot from any angle – the 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD now swivels 270°. It's also now a touchscreen, for direct control over menu functions. When the LCD panel is closed, the assignable control dial is now accessible to the operator.
Further enhancements for the NEX-VG20 include the capture of RAW still images (up to the sensor's 16.1 Mp size, of course) and 5.1 surround-sound recording with audio level control. Like the VG10, the NEX-VG20 records AVCHD files (up to 28 Mb/s) to either Memory Stick or SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, and it adds Direct Copy of these files to hard drives.
- Interchangeable Lenses
- The NEX-VG20 is compatible with Sony's E-mount series of smaller, lighter lenses which are optimized for video shooting with silent-operation auto-focus – as well as Sony/Minolta A-mount lenses (via optional A-mount adapter) to open up a world of creative options
- Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor
- This is the same sensor format that Sony builds into the standard-size α DSLRs. With approximately 19.5x the surface area of conventional camcorder sensors, the Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor makes getting cinematic video with a shallow depth of field a breeze
- Long-Lasting Battery
- The NEX-VG20 uses a V-Series battery, and with the supplied NP-FV70 you get continuous recording time up to 145 minutes
- Wide 3.0" Touchscreen LCD
- The camcorder's 3.0" widescreen Xtra Fine touchscreen LCD (921,000 dots) features TruBlack technology and swivels 270°
- Quad-Capsule Microphone
- Integrated into the handle of the NEX-VG20, the Quad Capsule Spatial Array Stereo Microphone captures stereo audio, with left and right elements oriented 90° from each other. The camera also captures 5.1-channel surround, and features advanced signal processing and audio level control
- Manual Controls
- For the ultimate in visual creativity, the NEX-VG20 features manual control not just focus but also iris, shutter speed, gain, and white balance
- Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode
- Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode compensates for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver stunningly smooth video
- Up to 28 Mb/s AVCHD Video
- The NEX-VG20 can capture video in full 1920 x 1080 high definition at up to 28 Mb/s for amazing clarity and detail, in 24p, 60i, and 60p progressive frame rate modes
- HDMI Output for HD Viewing
- Enjoy HD movies and stunning still images on a compatible HDTV or HDMI-enabled field monitor via the camera's HDMI output (mini-HDMI-to-HDMI cable not included). The VG20 continues to show live video on its LCD screen even as video is output via HDMI
- Media Card Slot
- For cost-effective, convenient storage and sharing of your images, the camera accepts Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC/SDXC media (Class 4 or higher recommended). (Memory card is required. All are sold separately.)
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Resolution |
Approx. 16.1 Mp effective (3:2 still) Approx. 13.6 Mp effective (16:9 movie) |
| Sensor |
Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor Color Filter: RGB primary color filters Anti Dust: Charge protection coating on Low-Pass Filter and electromagnetic vibration mechanism |
| File Formats |
HD Video: AVCHD 2.0 (MPEG-4 AVC (H.264)) SD Video: MPEG2-PS Stills: JPEG, RAW, JPEG+RAW; DCF version 2.0 compatible, EXIF version 2.3 compatible, MPF Baseline compatible |
| File Size |
Photo Mode: 16 Mp: 4912 x 3264 7.1 Mp: 3568 x 2000 4.0Mp: 2448 x 1624 |
| Color Spaces | sRGB, AdobeRGB |
| Focus System |
Contrast AF
1
Please Note:Auto Focus is only available with Sony E-Mount lenses close |
| AF Modes | Single-Shot AF, Continuous AF, Direct Manual Focus, Manual Focus |
| Focus Area | Multi-point AF (25 points), Center-weighted AF, Flexible spot AF |
| Number of Focusing Points | 25 |
| Focusing Sensitivity Range | 0-20 EV (at ISO 100 conversion with f/2.8 lens – not included) |
| Shutter Type | Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type |
| Minimum Illumination | 9 lux (shutter speed: 1/60 sec, f/3.5, auto gain) |
| Image Stabilization | In lens (not included) |
| Crop Factor | 1.5x |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens | Sold separately |
| Lens Mount | Sony E-mount (Compatible with A-mount via adapter – not included |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| LCD Monitor | 3.0" Wide Xtra Fine touchscreen LCD (921,000 dots) with TruBlack technology |
| Tilting Angle Adjustment |
270° 90° angle of opening |
| Brightness Control | Backlight Bright Control: Manual (5 steps between -2 and +2) |
| Coverage | 1 |
| Grid Lines | Yes (on/off) |
| Camera Live View | Yes, constant AF live view |
| Image Adjustment | Real-time image adjustment display: Exposure compensation, WB |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Viewfinder | 0.43" 1152K-dot Xtra Fine EVF with Backlight Brightness Control |
| Diopter Correction | Yes |
| Field of View | 1 |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| Signal System | NTSC color, EIA standards |
| Recording Media | Memory Stick PRO Duo/Pro-HG Duo/Pro-HG HX Duo; SD/SDHC/SDXC Card |
| Video Format |
HD: AVCHD 2.0 (MPEG-4 AVC (H.264)) SD: MPEG2-PS |
| Recording Rate |
1920 x 1080 @ 60p/24p/60i (PS/FX/FH); PS: 28 Mb/s; FX: 24 Mb/s; FH: 17 Mb/s 1440 x 1080 @ 60i (HQ); HQ: 9 Mb/s 1920 x 1080 captured @ 30p (29.97p), recorded in AVCHD 60i (59.95i) |
| Still Capture | From video: 2.1 Mp 16:9 (1920 x 1080), 0.307 Mp 4:3 (640 x 480), 0.23 Mp pixels 16:9 640 x 360 |
| Audio Format | Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC |
| Built-in Mic | Yes, quad-capsule stereo mic |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| Color Temperature | 2500-9900k with 19-step magenta/green compensation |
| Backlight Compensation | Yes (auto) |
| Creative Color Modes | Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W |
| Dynamic Range | Optimizer: (Auto, Level 1-5, off) |
| Exposure Compensation | ±2EV (in 1/3 EV steps) |
| Metering | Still Mode Only: 63-segment metering from CMOS image sensor |
| Exposure Metering Mode | Still Mode Only: Multi-segment, touch spot |
| Metering Range @ ISO 100 | Still Mode Only: 0-20EV, with f/2.8 lens (not included) |
| Shutter Speeds |
Auto: 1/4000 to 1/30 sec (movie), 1/4000 to 30 sec (still) Manual: 1/4000 to 1/4 sec (movie), 1/4000 to 30 sec (still) |
| Exposure Modes | Program Auto (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter priority (S), Manual (M) |
| ISO | Still Mode Only: Auto, manual (100 to 25,600) |
| White Balance Modes |
Auto/One-Push/Outdoor/Indoor White Balance Shift |
| Noise Reduction |
Long Exposure NR: On/off, available at shutter speeds longer than 1 sec High ISO NR: Auto |
| Photo Mode | |
|---|---|
| Continuous Shooting | 6 fps |
| Drive Mode | Photo Mode: Single-shot, continuous, self timer |
| Self Timer | 2-sec or 10-sec delay |
| Flash Control |
Flash Compensation: +/-2EV,1/3EV steps Flash Modes: Auto/Forced/Slow Sync./Rear Sync./Prohibited Flash Type: Auto-lock accessory shoe (Alpha) |
| Advanced Features |
Advanced User Interface: Easy-to-understand graphic display Anti Motion Blur: Yes (photo mode only), 6-image layering Auto High Dynamic Range: Yes (photo mode), Auto Exposure Difference, Exposure Difference Level (1-6 EV at 1.0 EV step), off) CinemaTone Gamma/Color: Yes Face Detection: Yes Priority Setting (for Face Detection): Auto/Child Priority/Adult Priority |
| Interface | |
|---|---|
| Input |
Microphone jack: stereo mini DC Input |
| Output |
HDMI (Mini) Composite SD video (cable supplied) Component SD video (cable supplied) S-Video SD (AV connecting cable with S-Video sold separately) USB (Mini B, with Direct Copy) Headphone stereo mini |
| Accessory Shoe | Alpha shoe, cold shoe |
| Memory Card Slot | 1x Memory Stick PRO Duo / SD card slot |
| Convenience | |
|---|---|
| Menu Language | English, Simplified English, Brazilian Portuguese, Canadian French, Latin American Spanish |
| Erase/Protect | Yes/yes |
| Indicators |
Battery Level: Recordable time, remaining capacity Media: Recordable time, free and used media space |
| Auto Shut-Off | 5 minutes (power save mode) |
| Playback Options | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Red Eye Reduction | Yes (on/off) |
| Other Features |
Menu customization Quick on One-touch disc burn S/S & Zoom button on LCD (touch-panel, S/S only) Docking Station PhotoTV HD BRAVIA Sync DVDirect (DVD Writer supported – sold separately) Tracking focus Focus assist for manual focus – magnified display for precise manual focus peaking display Meta-data sequence number: 1 Auto wind position Wind noise reduction (on/off) |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Software | PMB (Picture Motion Browser) v5.2 for Windows XP SP2 (32-bit), Vista SP2 (32/64-bit), Windows 7 (32/64-bit) |
| Operating Temperature | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Battery Type | InfoLITHIUM with AccuPower Meter System Lithium ion battery (V Series: NP-FV70/FV100) |
| Power Requirement |
7.2V DC (battery pack) 8.4V DC (AC adapter) |
| Power Consumption | 4.0W viewfinder operation in HD |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | Approx. 3.6 x 5.1 x 8.8" (91 x 130 x 223mm) |
| Weight | Approx. 1.4 lb (645g) |
Media
Show more >Required item: RRecording media is not included. A memory card is required to record your footage.
- Price: $14.95
Lenses & Lens Adapters
Show more >Required item: A lens is not included, and is required to use this camcorder.
Batteries & Power Adapters
Show more >Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.
- Price: $60.57
- Price: $39.95
Microphones & Audio Adapters
Show more >Focus your sound with a high-quality microphone. Audio quality can make or break your video.
- Price: $149.00
Bags & Cases
Show more >Carry, organize and protect your investment with quick access to your gear.
- Price: $74.95
Underwater & Night Vision
Show more >Capture great-looking footage underwater or in the dark.
- Price: $499.95
WHY SHOP AT B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via any UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority shipping methods by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don't turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you'll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We've made shopping convenient with our mobile site and iPhone and Android mobile apps. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page for downloads and directions.
We commit to providing extraordinary service before and after you purchase from us. You can arrange to return your order easily online, and if you need help with the products you purchased or would prefer to arrange your return by phone, you can contact our agents at 1.800.221.5743 or Live Chat online. Our in-house customer service staff will work to resolve any issues to your satisfaction in a friendly and professional manner.
Our extensive selection and business relationships allow us to make deals that we convert to savings for you. Your savings start with our low competitive prices and continue with the free shipping we offer on many popular items, and our pros prepare discounted product kits of solutions for your needs. Sign up for our e-mail newsletters to get the latest specials along with guides and videos by our experts.
Shopping with us from another country is as easy as shopping at home. Our website displays costs in your currency at the current rate of exchange, and you can pay all taxes and import fees through B&H if you live in Canada, Brazil and the European Union, we guarantee the final price. Portuguese speakers enjoy a custom site in their language, and our multilingual experts speak your language when you visit our NYC SuperStore.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
