NEX-VG20 vs A65?

rawfa

rawfa

Veteran
Hi guys,

I have an NEX-5N which I really love for stills and even though it can produce some very very nice videos, everybody knows about its´ limitations. So I was thinking about getting something a bit more robust for video.

-VG20:
Pros - would not have to invest in new lenses as I have a bunch of cool NEX mount lenses (included some limited edition stuff like the 23mm 1.7....which I adore). It doesn´t overheat.
Cons - it doesn´t have in-camera IS or phantom power.
- A65 - has a 24mp for stills (very welcome as I shoot 90% stills) and in-camera IS.
Cons - it doesn´t have in-camera IS or phantom power. It crops part of the image when it changes from stills to video. I´ve read some conflicting reports regarding overheating.

I´m wondering if there are any other aspects I´m forgetting to consider.
Also, image quality wise is there any noticeable differences? Does the VG20 crop part of the image like the NEX cameras and the A65?
 
From what I have heard, the NEX 5n is a better video camera than the VG-20, especially in terms of control over the picture.
 
It may be but but it doesn´t have a proper mic input, it crops the image when moving from stills to movie mode and it overheats to the point where it shuts it self up.
 
The Nex 5n doesn't crop the image, is the Alpha line that does.

My advice, if have the money go for a FS100, if don't buy a Lumix GH2, is better suited as video camera than any Alpha or Nex 5/7.
 
My decision is really between the 2 cameras I´ve mentioned. I shoot stills 95% of time, so the FS100 is really not a worthy investment. I´ve had the GH1 for sometime I was more pleased with the footage from the NEX-5N.
 
I´ve just read on the BH website that the VG20 actually DOES have in-camera IS:

Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode
Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode compensates for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver stunningly smooth video
 
Does anyone know if the VG20 has the same magnifying option as the NEX system to assist focusing with manual focus lenses?
 
rawfa said:
I´ve just read on the BH website that the VG20 actually DOES have in-camera IS:

Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode
Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode compensates for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver stunningly smooth video
Click to expand...
Optical SteadyShot is a feature of the 18-200mm kit lens for the VG20.
 
If you are happy with the quality of video from your NEX5n , the VG-20 will look pretty much the same. Best reason to buy it IMO is great support for audio. The onboard mic array is very good. Fewer options for in camera manual control over your images compared to the still cameras. But for a dedicated run and gun video camcorder it beats the pants off a DSLR. Much more user friendly.
I was real tempted by the VG20 as a replacement for my aging Canon GL2, but ultimately decided not to buy anything that records to AVC long GOP codecs.
 
I´m happy with the IQ from my NEX-5N but it has 2 major problems: erratic overheating and no in-camera IS. The fact that the VG20 doesn't have in-camera IS cancels one of the main reasons why I would buy it.
The A65 DOES have in-camera IS but I would have to spend a lot of money on a whole new set of lenses. I guess I will just wait and see what else will the market bring until the end of the year.
 
apparently the vg20 and fs-100 make greater use f the sel18200 is. active mode is better than normal mode on nex 5n.
 
I used to have a 5n, and I upgraded to the Sony Alpha A57. It's basically a 5n in an Alpha body that doesn't overheat. 1080p60 video, focus peaking, and that sweet 16 megapixel sensor. Excellent in low light. I have recorded 2 hours straight (in 29 minute chunks) on a hot day without any problems.
The still crop is 1.5x, and the video crop is 1.86, just like the A65. It's better in low light than the A65 with a lessor quality viewfinder. I cannot recommend it enough.
 
Thanks, I really hand´t thought of the A57 as an option. The thing is for us$200 more I get 24mp. I will wait to see if Photokina brings some new improved e-mount cameras that at least don´t overheat.
 
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