NEX-VG20H
3.4
5
9
9
switch from Canon 5DII to Sony VG-20
As a contributor for various video websites, I travel with my partner around the globe 4 month out of a year. Was using Canon 5D II for couple of years, got fed up with all the known problems shooting video. Now my gear is 100% Sony VG-20 with e-mount lenses. For online HD video, the image quality produced from VG20 sensor is more than adequate. The low-light performance can be better though.
Being a one-person operation (my partner host the show), I use a rig to mount other gears as needed; my fully loaded rig include z-flash lights, Zoom H4N, wireless mic receivers, external monitor, audio headset, shot gun mic, battery pack.
Somehow I can NOT power external monitor (connected via HDMI) and ZOOM H4N together, the statics noise force me to power ZOOM H4N with its own battery. Not a huge problem, but sometimes annoying.
Whenever possible, I capture audio along with the video. Up to 4 audio feeds with ZOOM H4N can be fed to VG-20, it'd be nice if I can mix the ext.audio feed with the build-in mic. Even better if it has 2 XLR-phantom-inputs, with volume control!
Placing VG-20 on a tripod and rolling, I use NEX-5N as B-Camera to capture more footage. They have the same sensor and support e-mount lenses, just keep in mind that NEX 5N has less audio handling & sometimes overheating. Numerous times I use NEX 5N, small tripod, and ZOOM H4N to get the job done!
After shooting intensively for many months under almost every conceivable situations, I must say that I am very happy with SONY VG-20 + NEX 5N combo.
September 13, 2012
Could have been the best camcorder.
Overall a beautiful camcorder with huge potential. Feels artificially crippled - like others have already described.
I purchased two of these recently and am experiencing the same problem I experienced on the NEX-5n. The problem manifests itself as what looks like the colors in the picture are suddenly flipping between warmer to colder settings - as if the white balance shift was going crazy. I returned several NEX-5n cameras back to the store because of this problem. Now I'm seeing the same thing happening on these NEX-VG20 camcorders - they might end up back at the store if I don't find a solution for this very soon.
March 12, 2012
Phenomenal Camera
The camera is phenomenal, it does so much, and you dont lose the desire of enjoying it after day one, I wish there were more white balance options or color settings but you can't complain, it does so much and allows the videographer to have full control. I'm very satisfied with this product and would highly recommend it
January 15, 2012
Exactly What I Was Looking For
This is a great camera. It is a perfect fit for what I was looking for and does everything it?s supposed to REALLY well. I was a fan of the large sensor DSLR cameras, but I was not a fan of their form factor (or lack of audio input), so this was a great answer for me. I large sensor camera that takes great video and stills; it records fabulous audio and has interchangeable lenses; It?s small and lightweight as well.
There are lot of complaints out there about it not having all the features that were laid out in the description on the Sony site, but to me, less is more in some cases and I don?t like a lot of options ?in camera?. Just allow me to get a nice raw, white balanced image and the rest can be done in post. Even if you don?t use a post-production solution like the one that comes free with this camera (Vegas), it still takes great shots right off the card.
I agree that it would be nice to have more hardware buttons including an audio gain knob, but all the settings are still accessible from the touch screen and as long as I can change them at least, that?s fine with me.
Although it?s not perfect (and no camera is?yet), It?s pretty close to perfect for what I need and I have no complaints. I hope Sony continues with their interchangeable lens camcorders and keeps them alive with many more E-Mount lenses. : ) Happy shooting.
January 6, 2012
