Not sure if there is an answer out there for this one, but can anyone say why the NEX5n is capable of recording at 28mp per second, but the VG20 can do only 24mp?

Specifically, the NEX 5n can shoot up to 28mp at 60p, but apparently the VG20 tops out at 24mp, regardless of what frame rate. Not sure it makes too much of a big deal, but I thought these two cameras had the same sensor and the same processor - meaning something's happening to those 4 mp - a concession to recording 5.1 sound perhaps? Considering the $1,000 price dif, you might say Sony got it backwards,

NEX 5n stats:
Alpha Camera with Zoom Lens | α NEX-5 with E-mount 18-55mm lens | NEX-5NK/B | Sony USA (http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666375215&XID=O:NEX%205N:dg_nex_gglsrch:p&k_id=53b5202a-cea6-9e49-32ce-00001e213d47#specifications)

VG20 stat page:
Interchangeable Lens HD Handycam Camcorder | NEX-VG20 | Sony USA (http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666376731&XID=A:4169924:10383604:vv1lwj2akct:CJ&ref=http://cinema5d.com/viewtopic.php?f=88&t=34003&PHPSESSID=46dae75b23f047d1ed0f8a51fe094571#specifications)

Usually 1920x1080 60p is 28mbs.
I'm suspicious that it is just an omission/typo sort of thing in the spec sheet.
We'll see...

I found this NEX-VG20E spec. sheet on Sony's UK website.
If you scroll down to 'Movie Quality' you can see a reference to 28 Mbps.

NEX-VG20EH (NEXVG20EH, NEXVG20EHB.CEE) : Overview : Cameras & camcorders : Sony (http://www.sony.co.uk/product/cam-high-definition-on-memory-stick/nex-vg20eh#pageType=TechnicalSpecs)

Very likely a typo on the US site. US spec page also omits the sensor size, while the UK site includes it. At least one poster has already used the "lack of 28mbps" to attack the VG20. If it's a typo, very sloppy on Sony's part to allow something like this to affect potential sales.

FYI, typos and inaccurate or incomplete specs are VERY common with Sony US, from my experience.

They eventually get them caught up, but of course it leaves them open to FUD until they get the corrections/updates.

I would expect the 60p to be 28Mbps...

The VG20 may turn out to be a very formidable camera judging from early reports on the 5n. Seems to do very well in low light, and the full manual slams the door on a lot of the (probably well deserved) criticism of Sony. It does appear that Sony finally acknowledged the "advanced enthusiast"/semi-pro might just want a little more tweaking ability, and it won't hurt sales to the "full auto" crowd.

IMO the features caught up with the design - not a great surprise given the entire NEX series is only about a year old!

Very likely a typo on the US site. US spec page also omits the sensor size, while the UK site includes it. At least one poster has already used the "lack of 28mbps" to attack the VG20. If it's a typo, very sloppy on Sony's part to allow something like this to affect potential sales.

If so, it's been accepted as true over at B&H (who now has a more complete listing for the camera up):
"File Formats: Video: AVCHD (MPEG-4 AVC – H.264) up to 24 Mb/s in 24p, 60i, and 60p
Stills: Up to 16.1 Mp in JPEG, RAW."

Also, this:

"Up to 24 Mb/s AVCHD Video

The NEX-VG10 can capture video in full 1920 x 1080 high definition at up to 24 Mb/s for amazing clarity and detail, in 24p, 60i, and 60p progressive frame rate modes"

Doesn't even list 28mp as a possibility... Hope it is just a mistake (which, given the amount of new stuff coming from Sony would be understandable).

Link:
Sony NEX-VG20 Interchangeable Lens HD Handycam NEXVG20 B&H Photo

AVCHD 2 uses 28Mbps for p60/p60.

JVC uses 36Mbps which I would love to see Pana and Sony use. JVC's 1080p60 looks crazy good.

This guy says he shot at 28mbit 50p which is the Pal world equivalent.

Sony NEX-VG20 sample (50p, 28mbitps, using Vario Sonnar Lense) - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv3p3KsACN4)

So unless he understands nothing of video (actually I wouldn't be surprised), the 28Mbit is the correct answer