Handycam

Hitting stores next month is Sony's latest camcorder, the Handycam NEX-VG20. A successor to the company's NEX-VG10, this interchangeable lens camcorder boasts a three-inch LCD that can be rotated 270 degrees, wide 11x optical zoom, built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, and its Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor captures full HD video in the AVCHD format, along with 16 megapixel stills.

Upgrades for the NEX-VG20 include comprehensive manual controls, improved imaging quality and upgraded sound. The grips have been enhanced for balance and low-angle shooting, and a second record button has also been added. In addition, the microphone now supports stereo as well as 5.1 channel surround.

"Whether you're shooting video or stills, this camcorder's large sensor rivals the expressive picture quality of a DSLR camera," said Andy Bubala, director of camcorders at Sony Electronics. "We've also made several enhancements to deliver the type of camcorder that video enthusiasts will love."Read more

Last week Sony introduced the NEX-VG10, an HD camcorder featuring the first consumer interchangeable lens. It also is the first Handycam with an extra-large Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor (about 19.5 times bigger than your standard camcorder sensor).

The NEX-VG10 features a 3.0" LCD swivel display and records full 1920x1080 high definition video at up to 24Mbps. Its' E-mount 18-200mm lens has 11x optical zoom, a silent auto-focus system and Optical Steadyshot image stabilization with Active Mode.

The camcorder also shoots 14 megapixel stills with DSLR-quality features like Auto HDR, Handheld Twilight, and Anti Motion Blur, and has a continuous burst rate of up to seven fps.Read more