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.