Okay Geek Farm
Sony’s NEX-VG20 camcorder / DSLR hybrid is official
Allen Tyson
After weeks of internet rumors and speculation Sony has officially announced the successor to the avant-garde NEX-VG10: the NEX-VG20. The NEX-VG10 broke new ground with its interchangeable lens capability, making it a hybrid of sorts between a Camcorder and Sony’s NEX DSLR. With more and more amateur filmmakers — and even bigger budget films like Captain America — utilizing the video capabilities of DSLR for video, the NEX-VG10 stepped in with a traditional form factor, and impressive features that would make custom DSLR video rigs a thing of the past; but it wasn’t perfect.
The NEX-VG20 addresses many of the complaints of its predecessor by adding a few highly requested features:
- Frame rate options of 24p, 60p, and 60i.
- Improved and faster autofocus
- 5.1 channel surround sound recording
- Touchscreen interface
- 16.1 megapixels improved from 14.2
- RAW image capture capability
- Remote control capability
The NEX-VG20 has a suggested retail of $1,599 for the body only and $2,199 with an 18-200mm lens with optical steady shot capability. The NEX-VG20 is pricey, but for the “pro-sumer” looking for that all-in-one device it’s definitely worth a look. Personally, I considered the NEX-VG10 but the lack of some key features namely remote control and 24p recording took it off my list. Now I’m seriously considering this, the HDR-CX700v and the Vixia HF G10. If the NEX-VG20 didn’t look so cool, it would make my choice much easier…
