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"Fantastic Images from a Wonderful Camera!"
on by Robert-OconnorPros + Steadyshot stabilization is really nice
+ Shallow depth of field is beautiful
+ VG-10 can also be used as a 14MP still camera
+ Included 18-200mm lens is very nice
+ Sound-The onboard mic is pretty goodCons - DSLRs are much better still than video cameras
- No memory card includedSummary I read the other reviews and have to shake my head. Only one reviewer even mentioned, and only in passing, what makes this camera so remarkable. It has a huge sensor and creates fantastic images. If what matters to you is the arrangement of the shoulder strap or the layout of the menu, by all means stay away from this camera. If you want interchangeable lens, the ability to shoot shallow depth of field and to create great images, take a closer look. This camera is not for everyone, but it does shoot some amazing video.
Video cameras, because of their typically small image sensors, shoot footage that has a very deep depth of field and a limited color range. In recent years many videographers have taken to shooting on DSLRS which have much larger sensors and can produce footage which is far more "filmic" with shallow depth of field and richer colors. The problem is that DSLRs are much better still than video cameras. They are typically limited to shooting for about 12 minutes. They generally do not have auto-focus and sound can be problematical.
The NEX VG-10 is a DSLR that is designed to shoot video. It has the same sensor as the Sony NEX 5 DSLR. Unlike most DSLRs, it does have auto focus. The quad mike is quite good and it is much easier to shoot handheld than a DSLR rigged out for video. The steadyshot stabilization is really nice. The 18-200mm E-mount 11x Zoom is a very good lens that sells for around $800 on its own. I plan on buying the 16mm f/2.8 Wide-Angle lens as well.
The real magic in the camera is the 23.4 x 15.6mm Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor. There is simply nothing like it in a video camera in this price range. The shallow depth of field is beautiful. If you are used to a camcorder which is always in focus because the small sensor gives you a very deep depth of field, the VG-10 might take some getting use to. If on the other hand you want to be able to keep the subject of your shot in sharp focus with the background softly blurred, this camera can do it, whereas all the older pro and prosumer video cameras can not. The only video cameras out there now (or soon) with this sort of large sensor are the Panasonic PMW-F3 and the soon to be released Sony FS100 NXCAM Super 35mm, both of which cost over $6,000, without lenses.
I agree that I would like zebra stripes and more audio control would be nice, though I still can use my shotgun mikes with or without a Beachtek adapter. The menu system takes a bit of getting use to but isn't bad. I would like built in ND filters but can live with external filters. The camera shoots a native 30P. 24P would be good but I can do that in post. I am not convinced most viewers can tell the differences in most settings.
The VG-10 can also be used as a 14MP still camera, though it does not have a RAW setting. I was looking to buy a video camera, so having one that can double as a DSLR is a bonus.
Overall the NEX VG10 is a remarkable camera that shoots great video. It is not perfect and it is not for everyone. That being said, I am very happy with the camera and video I can shoot with it.
*** P.S. IF you will buy this Camcorder I suggest you have compare price before you decide at: www.amazon.com/gp/*************?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%****%2Foffer-listing%2FB003WQMSOU%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref_%3Ddp_olp_new%26condition%3Dnew%23&tag=***************&********=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957 -
"Good but half baked"
on by cameraman176Pros This camera has a nice feel, light but some solidness in body & handgrip, great viewfinder and microphone and nice lens that makes it much easier to use than SLR type bodies for shooting video. Picture quality is impressive and easy to use menu contr
Cons Why did sony take away RAW when other NEX models have it? Why is there only 25P (30P) if it is marketed as a semipro video camera? Progressive scan picture shudder is intolerable when you are film moving subjects or panning. A time lapse video mode woul
Summary This camera has the possible makings of a great light portable multipurpose semi pro video and still camera for field journalism and doco makers BUT short sighted marketing decisions by sony to remove key features like RAW photo format and 25i (30i) video format , presumably to protect sales of other models, has seriously hobbled this model making it an expensive amateur toy. Please Sony do a firmware update and add the missing key ingredients to make a great camera.
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"Gimmick Cam Sony Made to Compete with 7D & AF100"
on by DigitalReviewPros Interchangable lens, while it is only E-mounts you still have a wide aray of options for lens'.
Big Sensor/14.2 mp Photos - the big sensor is great for vibrant colors and low light great video and Great pictrue quality
SImple - IF your looking for someCons Only one shooting mode, and no 30 or 60p option, for a camera this price you should expect those kind of settings.
Controls are hard and awkward to use.
Cant shoot 24 mb footage through AVCHD which means your simple footage just became complecated as heSummary This cam is Sony's Half ass attempt at competing with the 7D and the AF100. The VG10 is just a control lacking Sony Handycam with a nice sensor and they threw the interchagable lens on there as a good Gimmick. It only shoots in 60i which is good enough for Home video footage and thats about it. While it shoots great photos and great video in its limited settings, you can get the 7d with a BIgger sensor and WAY more settings and options including video options like 60fps. and the 7d costs less then the $2,000 VG10. DON't BELIVE THE HYPE....Nice try sony. If you want a nice Handy cam that shoots great video for a good prce get the$800 TM700k, Put a $25 35mm Adaptor mount on it and then get your self any assortment of $100-$400 lens' on Ebay, Your in about $1200 and you have a much more capable camerathat is just as easy to use.
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"Nice but lacks of many desirable options"
on by floviePros easy to figure out, nice design, good image, good sound
Cons manual zoom, no remote control, video color dramatically changes depending on computer used for editing, hard to find accessories, software only for Windows no Macintosh software available
Summary for its prices it seems to lack of many options, no firewire connection, no macintosh software available (vegas)
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