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.
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.)
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
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)
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)
