Sony has released the NEX-VG20E camcorder, which has been billed as the first consumer camcorder with an interchangeable lens. The camera will shoot in HD with an AVCHD format with 50p and 25p frame rate options and will take Sony E mount lenses. It has an effective 16 megapixel resolution via a Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, with a BIONS image processor. Lastly it outputs to an SD memory card.

Prices are still to be announced and the expected release date is in November 2011.

• Effective 16.1megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor.
• AVCHD Full HD video plus 50p and 25p progressive modes.
• DSLR-quality 16 megapixel stills with RAW support.*
• Improved audio with Quad Capsule Spatial Array microphone and stereo/5.1 sound recording.
• Manual controls and revised ergonomics with new hand grip, Assignable Dial and dedicated function keys.
• 7.5cm (3”) Xtra Fine LCD touch-screen with Tru-Black technology.
• Widened choice of E-mount lenses.

The new Handycam® NEX-VG20E camcorder from Sony broadens creative possibilities for shooting cinematic Full HD video and high-resolution still photos.

Offering comprehensive manual controls, the NEX-VG20E lets videographers explore the artistic potential of the growing range of E-Mount lenses. With refine ergonomics, improved imaging quality and upgraded sound, it provides several enhancements over the acclaimed NEX-VG10E – the world’s first consumer camcorder with interchangeable lenses.

With a resolution of 16.1 effective megapixels, the Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor assures outstanding video image quality, with extremely low noise in low light. also captures pristine 16 megapixel still photos, with RAW format support for all the post-processing flexibility that’s familiar to DSLR users*.

Whether you’re shooting video or stills, the large sensor rivals the expressive picture quality of a DSLR camera. This allows the creation of beautiful background defocus (‘bokeh’) effects with your E-mount lens collection.

Full HD video shooting in AVCHD format is now complemented by a choice of 50p and 25p (progressive) frame rate options. Footage shot at 25p can be enrichedwith Cinema Tone GammaTM and Cinema Tone ColourTM for an even richer, more cinematic look.

Dialogue and other sounds are captured by the precision Quad Capsule Spatial Array Microphone that now supports stereo and 5.1 channel surround. The new audio level control, plus pro-style jacks for an external mic and monitoring headphones.

Several ergonomic refinements let videographers shoot HD video and stills in even greater comfort. The camcorder’s handgrip has been redesigned that offe excellent stability. Allowing manual adjustment of exposure, iris and other settings, the pro-style control dial can now be accessed even when LCD panel is closed.

Button layout has also been revised with ‘hard’ function keys, direct access to each shooting mode (Iris, Shutter speed, Program AE), a second REC button f low-angle shots and expanded focus button – all sited for intuitive operation without taking your eye from the electronic viewfinder.

Shots can also be framed and reviewed on the 7.5cm/3” Xtra Fine LCD that features TruBlack technology for clear, high contrast images. The screen can be rotated over a 270 degree range for easy framing in any position, even with the camera held low. Touch panel operation simplifies fingertip operation of shoo functions.

The Handycam® NEX-VG20EH comes with the SEL18200 F3.5-6.3 E-mount lens. With a wide 11x optical zoom range and built-in Optical SteadyShot, this ver lens offers smooth, quiet autofocus operation during movies and still shooting.

There is now a choice of seven E-mount lenses to cover virtually any shooting situation. Also available, the optional LA-EA2 lens mount adaptor gives even wi compatibility with the established family of A-mount optics. Translucent Mirror Technology supports high-speed phase-detection AF that keeps even fast-moving subjects in focus.

The Handycam NEX-VG20E Full HD E-mount system camcorder from Sony is available from November 2011.

*Effective 16 megapixel still image resolution in JPEG mode.