Interchangeable Lens HD Camcorder

Model number: NEX-VG20

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Model Highlights: 1920 x 1080 Full HD video recording, large Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor, Quad Capsule Spatial Array stereo mic, 16.1MP still image capture, E-mount lens compatible, A-mount lens compatible via adaptor

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$ 1600 .00

$1599.99

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Position 2 Features
Position 3 Specifications
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Position 6 Accessories

Take your videography to the next level with this interchangeable lens HD Handycam® camcorder. Featuring a 16.1-megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor for superb depth of field, shoot professional-looking HD videos without the cost or complexity of pricier equipment. Record 1920 x 1080/24p AVCHD™ video with smoother motion, shoot DSLR-like photos and capture 5.1-channel audio with the Quad Capsule Spatial Array microphone. For greater creative control, swap out lenses for different shots and shooting conditions. A convenient 3" touchscreen LCD with TruBlack™ technology offers superb contrast and reduced glare for easy framing of your subjects and simple control.

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 and AF as well as Sony/Minolta A-mount lenses (via optional LA-EA2 A-mount adapter) to open up a world of creative options.

16.1MP RAW Still Images at up to 6fps

Enjoy incredible DSLR-quality detail and clarity with 16.1MP RAW still images and even catch fast action sequences with a continuous burst rate of up to 6fps.

Optical SteadyShot™ w/ Active Mode3

Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization with Active Mode3 built-in supplied lens compensates for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver stunningly smooth video.

Full Manual Control

With full manual control of Iris, Shutter Speed, Gain, White Balance , Recording Volume, via convenient hot keys and jog dial, you will be able to adapt to almost any lighting condition to get the best shot.

Dual Accessory Shoes (Alpha Hot/ Universal Cold)

The dual accessory shoes open the door to many accessories for both still and video photography, including shotgun microphones and external flash lighting.

AF/MF switch for creative control

Whether you’re shooting video or still images if you want to utilize MF, this simple switch will put you in the driver’s seat.

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, especially when you're changing lenses in-between video sessions.

Removable Flash Media slot

For convenient storage and sharing of your images and videos, the media card slot accepts Memory Stick Duo™ / Memory Stick PRO Duo™ / Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ media and SD/SDHC/SDXC media (all sold separately).

CinemaTone presets and 24p recording for cinematic quality video

For extra control over image expression, CinemaTone technology is used to deepen the color and recreate film-like color tones. Combined with 24p recording, you’ll have some of the tools you need to fulfill your need for cinematic expression.

Mic/Headphone jacks

Dedicated mic and headphone inputs allow for attachment of external microphones (like shotgun microphone ECM-CG50 for pin point sound recording) and headphones to monitor sound.

Sony Vegas^® Movie Studio HD Platinum 11

Included free of charge via download, Sony Vegas^® Movie Studio HD Platinum 11 allows you to easily add video effects, background music, titles, text, transitions, and much more. Everything you need to create dramatic HD movies like a pro. Share your creations via DVD, Blu-ray Disc™ media, or upload to the web – all from one easy to use program.

3.0" Xtra Fine LCD™ 270o swivel display (921k pixels)

TruBlack™ technology brings remarkably higher contrast and brightness to the camcorders 3.0” Xtra Fine LCD™ Touch Screen display, delivering more natural, realistic colors and easier viewing in bright conditions by reducing glare. The swivel display also allows for easy viewing of the LCD in different shooting positions.

Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO)

Dynamic Range Optimizer improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows while maintaining highlight detail. Settings include Auto, Level with a choice of five operating levels and Off.

HDMI^® output for HD viewing

Enjoy HD movies and stunning still images on a compatible HDTV via the camera's HDMI^® output (HDMI cable not included)

Anti-Dust Technology

Up to 24Mbps AVCHD™ 2.0 video

The NEX-VG20 can capture video in full 1920x1080 high definition at up to 24Mbps for amazing clarity and detail, ideal for recording on to Blu-ray Disc™ media since the AVCHD™ 2.0 codec is highly compatible with the Blu-ray Disc format.

Quad Capsule Spatial Array Stereo Microphone

High quality video requires high quality audio. The Quad Capsule Spatial Array stereo microphone contains four precision placed microphone capsules that are perfectly angled at 45 degrees to provide exceptional front-side directivity and stereo separation.

Accepts α DSLR A- and E-mount lenses5

Using the LA-EA2 adaptor (sold separately), you can attach the full selection of α A- an E-mount system lenses, which includes 27 current models, dozens of Minolta A-mount lenses, and an installed base of millions of lenses worldwide. Operational restrictions apply.5

Advanced controls with expanded focus, zebra, and peaking

The NEX-VG20 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.

Four White Balance Modes

These help you get the shot by optimizing the camera for specific shooting situations. Select from Auto, One Push, Indoor and Outdoor.

25-point Auto Focus

Twenty five AF points cover a very wide area of the scene, for accurate focusing even when the subject is far from the center of the frame.⁷

Removable Flash Media slot

Product Specifications

Optics/Lens

Focal Length (35mm equivalent) : Photo Mode: 27mm-300mm; Video Mode: 32.4mm-360mm (35mm equivalent) (included SEL18200 lens)
Aperture (Max.) : F3.5 (wide end) - F6.3 (tele end) (included SEL18200 lens)
Aperture (Min.) : F22 (wide end) - F40 (tele end) (included SEL18200 lens)
Aperture Blade : 7 blades (Circular aperture)
Aspheric Elements : 4 (5 surface)
Dimensions (Max. Diameter x Length) : 3in x 4 in
Direct Manual Focus : Yes
Distance Encoder : Yes
Maximum Magnification : 0.35x (APS-C)

Interface

SD Output : 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))
Accessory Shoe : Dual (Alpha shoe and Cold Shoe)
BRAVIA® Sync™ : Yes
DC IN : Yes
DVDirect : Yes(DVD Writer supported(sold separately))
Direct Copy : Yes
Docking Station : Yes
HD Output : HDMI (mini)
HDMI Terminal : Yes (mini)
Headphone Jack : Stereo Minijack
Memory Card Slot : Single slot accepts: - Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Pro-HG Duo™/PRO-HG HX Duo™ media - SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory card
Microphone Input : Stereo Minijack
PhotoTV HD : Yes

Service and Warranty Information

Limited Warranty Term : 1 Year Parts & 90 days labor

Flash

Flash Compensation : +/-2EV,1/3EV steps
Flash Modes : Auto/Forced/Slow Sync./Rear Sync./Prohibited
Flash Type : Auto-lock accessory shoe

LCD Display

Angle Adjustment : Opening Angle:max.90 deg., Turning Angle:max.270 deg
Brightness Control : Backlight Bright Control: Manual (5 steps between -2 and +2)
Coverage : 1
Grid Display : Yes (On/off)
LCD Type : 3.0 Xtra Fine LCD™ 270 degree swivel display w/ TruBlack™ technology
Live View : Yes, (Constant AF Live View)
Real-time image adjustment display : Exposure Compensation, WB
Touch Panel : Yes

Camera

Lens Mount : E-mount

Drive System

Shutter Speeds : Auto: 1/48-1/4000 (movie_24p) ,1/60-1/4000(movie_other)/ 30s-1/4000 (Still); Manual: 1/4-1/8000 (movie) , 30s-1/4000 (Still)
Continuous Shooting Speed : 6fps
Drive Mode : Photo Mode: Single-shot, Continuous, Self Timer
Self-timer : 2-sec. or 10-sec. delay
Shutter Type : Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane

Power

Power Consumption (in Operation) : HD:4.4W(with SEL 18200 Lens), STD:4.2W(with SEL 18200 Lens)
Battery Type : InfoLITHIUM^® with AccuPower™ Meter System (V Series) NP-FV70/FV100
Power Consumption (in View Finder Operation) : HD:4.0W(with SEL 18200 Lens), STD:3.8W(with SEL 18200 Lens)
Power Requirements : 7.2V (battery pack); 8.4V (AC Adaptor)

Convenience Features

Erase/Protect : Yes/Yes
Manual/Auto Lens Cover : Manual
Media/Battery Indicator : Yes(recordable time, free and used media space)/Yes(recordable time, remaining capacity)
Menu Customization : Yes
Multiple Language Display : English, Simplified English, Brazilian Portuguese, Canadian French, Latin American Spanish
One Touch Disc Burn : Yes (Menu)
Power Save Mode : Auto Shut-off (5 minutes)
Quick On : Yes
Red-Eye Reduction : Yes(On/Off)
S/S & Zoom button on LCD : Yes(Touch Panel , S/S Only)

Focus Control

AF Modes : Single-shot AF⁷, Continuous AF⁷, Direct Manual Focus⁷, Manual Focus
Focus Area : Multi Point AF (25 points), Center Weighted AF, Flexible Spot AF⁷
Focus Features : Tracking Focus
Focus Points : 25 points⁷
Focus Sensitivity : 0 EV to 20 EV (at ISO100 conversion with F2.8 lens)
Focus System : Contrast AF⁷
Manual Focus Assist : Magnified display for precise manual focus Peaking Display

Viewfinder

Diopter Adjustment : Yes
Field of View : 1
Type : Swivel EVF 0.43 Xtra Fine w/ 1152K dots and Backlight Brightness Control"

Recording

Still Image Size 3:2 : L (16.0M): 4912 x 3264 M (7.1M): 3568 x 2000 S (4.0M): 2448 x 1624
Video Mode : AVCHD: 1920 x 1080/ 60p/24p 60i (FX/FH); FX- 24Mbps, FH - 17Mbps; 1440x1080/60i HQ -9 Mbps
Color Space : sRGB, AdobeRGB
Media Type : Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Pro-HG Duo™/PRO-HG HX Duo™ media SD, SDHC and SDXC memory card (both sold separately)
Photo Capture from Movie : 2.1 megapixels 16:9 (1920x1080), 307K pixels 4:3 (640x480), 230K pixels 16:9 (640x360)
Recording and Playback Times (in Internal Media) (2ch) : HD:60p/24p, Progressive recording
Still Image File Format : DCF Ver.2.0 compatible, Exif Ver.2.3 compatible, MPF Baseline compatible
Still Image Max Effective Resolution : 16.0 megapixel
Still Image Mode : JPEG/JPEG+RAW/RAW
Still Image Size (Photo Mode) : L (16.0M): 4912 x 3264 M (7.1M): 3568 x 2000 S (4.0M): 2448 x 1624
Video Format : HD: AVCHD 2.0 (MPEG-4 AVC (H.264)), STD:MPEG2-PS
Video Resolution : 1920 x 1080 captured @ 30p (29.97p), recorded in AVCHD 60i (59.95i)
Video Signal : NTSC color, EIA standards
Wind Noise Reduction : Yes(Off/On)
Wind Position : Yes(Auto)

Advanced Features

Advanced User Interface : Easy-to-understand Graphic Display
x.v.Color™ : yes
Anti Motion Blur : Yes (Photo Mode Only), 6-image layering
Assignable Dial : Yes(Exposure/Gain(ISO)/Iris/Shutter Speed/AE Shift/WB Shift Set)
Audio Level Display : yes
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 (Auto/Child Priority/Adult Priority)
Priority Setting (for Face Detection) : Auto/Child Priority/Adult Priority
View & Index : Event

Software

Supplied Software : PMB (Picture Motion Browser) v5.2
Operating System Compatibility : Windows XP SP2 (32bit), Vista SP2 (32/64 bit), Windows 7 (32/64 bit)

Exposure System

Backlight Compensation : Yes(Auto)
Exposure Compensation : AE Shift(Dial/Touch Panel)
Exposure Settings : Program Auto (P), Shutter priority (S), Manual (M)
ISO : Still Mode Only: Auto,Manual(100 to 25600)
Manual Exposure Assist : Zebra Pattern Display
Metering : Still Mode Only: 63 Segment metering from CMOS image sensor
Metering Modes : Still Mode Only: Multi-segment, touch spot
Metering Sensitivity : Still Mode Only: 0EV-20EV, (at ISO 100 equivalent w/ f/2.8 lens)
Minimum Illumination : 9 llux (Shutter speed: 1/60 sec, Iris: F3.5, Gain: Auto)
Noise Reduction : yes
WB Shift : Yes
White Balance Mode : Auto/Onepush/Outdoor/Indoor

Imaging Sensor

Anti Dust : Charge protection coating on Low-Pass Filter and electromagnetic vibration mechanism
Color Filter System : RGB primary color filters
Effective Picture Resolution : Approx. 16.1 megapixels(3:2 Still)/Approx. 13.6 megapixels(16.9 movie)
Focal Length Conversion Factor : 1.5x

Weights and Measurements

Dimensions (Approx.) : Approx. 3 5/8inch � 5 1/8inch � 8 3/4inch (91mm x130mm x223mm)
Weight (Approx) (Main unit only) : Approx. 1 lb 6 oz (645g)

In the Box

Body mount cap
NP-FV70 Lithium ion rechargeable battery

Sony Vegas^® Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 download coupon⁴
Lens rear cap
USB cable (Mini B)

Large Eyecup
AC Power cord
CD-ROM

Product Profile

Support

Find related product support and help in Sony eSupport

Product Warranty

Limited Warranty

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NEX-VG20 5 5 1 1

My First Video Camera This was my fist video camera and I love it so much. I have filmed many projects, each of them look and sound great. I have also taken many pictures with this camera and they look amazing. The editing software was also an awesome addition. i love it and is so easy to use. I also really love that I can change the lens of this camera. So cool! Definitely a great camera for first time filmmakers. October 6, 2012

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VIEW FOOTNOTES

4. Mac OS^® not supported.

5. Attaching Sony A-mount lens requires LA-EA2 adaptor sold sep. Manual focus and full open aperture shooting only.

7. Auto Focus is only available with Sony E-Mount lenses

8. Requires VMC-UAM1 cable, AC power for camcorder, and FAT-32 hard drive less than 2TB (Terabytes) sold sep

© 2011 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony, Handycam, Optical SteadyShot, Exmor, TruBlack, Xtra Fine LCD, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and Memory Stick Duo are trademarks of Sony. Vegas is a trademark of Sony Creative Media. AVCHD is a trademark of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation. HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC. Blu-ray Disc and its logo are trademarks. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.