Just last fall, Sony introduced the NEX-VG20 camcorder. After a few rounds of shooting with it, I have found this could be a very addictive toy.

The NEX-VG20 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that is compatible with Sony’s E-mount and A-mount lenses, reducing the thickness of what traditional digital, single lens reflex cameras have and giving you more creative control than ever before.

This video camera features a 16.1 megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor that captures images in the RAW format, a post-processing flexibility that should be familiar to fans of DSLR cameras. Any video enthusiast will appreciate the beautiful depth of field that can be achieved with this camera.

Competing well with the performance of DSLR cameras (that have, in recent years, become more ‘prosumer’ in versatility and in sales) the NEX-VG20 records 1920 x 1080/24 p AVCHD video with smoother motion.

For those unfamiliar with those specs, it essentially means it has some killer image quality.

Now introduced with this camera is CinemaTone technology that enriches color saturation and recreates film-color tones.

Combined with the option of 24p recording, some of the tools for cinematic expression will be right at your fingertips. And if 24p doesn’t sound good, perhaps the options of 60p or 60i will give it the justice it deserves.

The camera has an unprecedented autofocus system, but the camera is tailored more for manual users. It’s equipped with just a few outward buttons, which control shutter speed, aperture, white balance, and gain- the typical controls you would find on a video camera.

Other features that are included on the body are a touchscreen interface for menu options, dual hot and cold accessory shoes, media slot that works for either Memory Stick Duo or SD cards, and last but not least — the 5.1-channel audio with the Quad Capsule Spatial Array microphone.

Capturing surround sound has never been easier.

The only drawbacks I found with this camera were the lack of XLR inputs and programmable buttons. But even without these features, I would still recommend this camera to a fellow videographer.

This camera will cost you about $2,200, an average price for a professional video camera. It’s worth every penny.

Even if this new video camera is not integrated as a new industry standard, this video camera will leave enough creative control with the user to disregard any global expectations.

Rating: A

—Casey R. Akard

Staff Writer

To contact Casey R. Akard, email pioneergraphics@occc.edu.