• Registered: 2011-05-16
  • Posts: 41
  • User Karma: 4

Topic: Sony NEX VG20 (Interchangeable lens camcorder)

Last year I was looking at the VG10, and decided to hold off until I had the money for it.  I am just about ready to invest in a new cam now and notice that the reviews for the updated VG20 are less than stellar.  Missing features, awkward functionality.

Has anyone used either of these cameras?  Would it be worth it to get the VG10 instead, or maybe wait until the VG20 gets some firmware upgrades?

$2000 is really the most I can afford, and I have no desire to purchase a DSLR, so it looks like I would have to buy something in this family.  I am just not sure what the right move is at this point.

Last edited by gzarra (2011-12-08 05:15:32)

Thumbs up Thumbs down

  • Registered: 2010-05-01
  • Posts: 1,519
  • User Karma: 194

Re: Sony NEX VG20 (Interchangeable lens camcorder)

A while back I was looking into cameras and I came to the conclusion that unless you were willing to spend upward of $4K or so, there wasn't much better you could do than a 7D. The camera I'm most impressed with right now is the Panasonic AF100. Micro 4/3 lens system, the ability to capture to RAW and low-light / high ISO performance that's only slightly worse than the 7D. Unfortunately those things are hovering between $4K and 5K with a lens or two and some kind of data storage.

For $2K I'm not sure you could do better than a 7D to be honest. I can do some digging through some of my old bookmarks to see if I'm forgetting anything.

The VG20 seems to have more pronounced rolling shutter than the 7D, but I'm just basing that on whatever test footage of the two cameras I could find. I honestly hadn't looked too closely at it before, since I have an aversion to Sony's cameras in general. Is there a particular reason you'd prefer not to get a DSLR? Just curious, as I'll probably be back in the market for a camera once my financial situation recovers from it's most recent cataclysm.

Thumbs up Thumbs down

  • Brian
  • Administrator
  • Offline
  • From: North Hollywood
  • Registered: 2009-11-21
  • Posts: 622
  • User Karma: 75

Re: Sony NEX VG20 (Interchangeable lens camcorder)

Talk to Ryan, he had an AF100 for awhile. I worked on a movie that shot with it. I wasn't in the camera department, but I know the camera gave them (and subsequently me) a lot of headaches with technical issues. But, as I recall, most of those issues stemmed from using the Aja Ki-Pro in conjunction with the AF100.

I agree with Squiggly that you're probably better off getting a 7D (or 60D or similar at this point) and spending whatever remaining money you have on fancy accessories like follow focuses, filters, and such.

Brian's Website

Thumbs up Thumbs down

  • oTom
  • oTom
  • Charms Professor
  • Offline
  • From: Chicago
  • Registered: 2011-08-28
  • Posts: 436
  • User Karma: 69

Re: Sony NEX VG20 (Interchangeable lens camcorder)

I have nothing but positive things to say about the HVX200a with Redrock 35mm adapter.  It's getting up there in age now, but you can find a used one for less than $2k.  It's pretty versatile, has a huge online user base which is good for assistance, and it has been a great starter camera for me.

But, it all depends on what you're looking to do with the camera.   If you want to shoot a documentary or wedding video, stay the hell away from DSLRs.  If you're looking to shoot 30 second ads, a DSLR is the ideal choice.  Also, you need consider whether things like framerate matter to you a lot or a little.  XLR is another consideration.

And I second what Brian said - get a good camera, but remember that the accessories matter almost as much.  The technology is reaching a point where, pretty soon, it's all gonna be equal.  So what sets you apart will probably be how you stage scenes.  You know.  Filmmaking.  Call me crazy, but I spent WAY more money on light kits than cameras and I don't regret it.  Also, get a really good tripod.

Thumbs up Thumbs down