Sony NEX-VG20 review
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 ? DSLR A- and E-mount lenses 5 Using the LA-EA2 adaptor (sold
separately), you can attach the full selection of ? 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.
Eight White Balance Modes These help you get the shot by optimizing the
camera for specific shooting situations. Select from Auto, Daylight, Shade,
Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, and Custom modes.
Handheld Twilight (Photo Mode) Great for shots in the evening or times with
little available light, Handheld Twilight mode will reduce the effect of
camera shake when shooting a stationary subject by taking 6 consecutive
shots then combining them all to create an image that you would have been
almost impossible otherwise.
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).
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.
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.
3.0" Xtra Fine LCD™ 270° 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.
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.
Auto HDR (Photo Mode) High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography captures more
scene contrast than a single exposure can handle by taking three
consecutive shots very quickly with different exposure values, then
combining the best highlight/shadow detail from them for one incredible
shot. Ideal for situations where severe backlighting is present and other
high-contrast scenes. (Recommended for still subjects.)
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)
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).
Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor The same sensor format that Sony builds into
the standard size ? DSLRs. With approximately 19.5 times the surface area
of conventional camcorders, the Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor makes getting
cinematic video with a shallow depth of field video a breeze.
16.1MP RAW Still Images at up to 6 fps 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 Mode 3 Optical SteadyShot™ image
stabilization with Active Mode 3 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.
Six Creative Style settings Control how the camera processes your images
with six finishing styles: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset and
B&W. You can even fine-tune contrast, saturation, and sharpness to your
personal taste.
Anti Motion Blur (Photo Mode) Perfect for situations with poor lighting or
when using a telephoto lens, Anti Motion Blur mode will take 6 consecutive
shots in a split second, taking the best of each individual image, and
creating a single image with superb clarity and detail. Ideal for
minimizing subject movement in low lighting conditions.
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
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.