Sony NEX-VG10

[Cole Bates-Norum]

Hi all,
I'm brand new to dvxuser.com, and I just wanted to say hello to everybody. I'm a Year 12 student in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and am applying to NYU this fall for their Film and Television School at Tisch. One of the requirements is a 10 minute video, and to make a long story short, I'm not financially fortunate enough to have access to professional-grade film cameras. I was looking at rental sites and noticed this Sony NEX-VG10, which looks formidable with regards to my goals for this film. I want to expand past my primitive Sony DV camcorder, which has given me all it could. I'm wondering if any of you have experience with this, and if you could recommend me spending a little money to rent it for the duration of my shoot. I'd also like to ask if this is compatible with FCP X, because I've had a lot of trouble with Sony cameras in the past with regards to uploading to FCP 7 in my film class. Thank you guys.

 

[olindacat]

It's a great camera but has limitations, e.g., AGC on audio, no zebras, no 24p, etc. There's a big thread about all the negatives. NOt sure about FCPX. Held off on it due to all the whining. Waiting to see if Apple steps up after the hailstorm. PS - I hear NYU isn't advocating FCPX......

 

[brunerww]

Cole - if you can rent this camera for a good price, get it. LensRentals.com has it for $89.25 for 4 days (plus shipping). With all its faults, you're not going to find a more affordable large sensor, interchangeable lens camcorder. And people are getting pretty good results with it (also see a VG10/FCPX test here).

Good luck with your project -- and the film school admissions process!

Bill

 

[vidmanners]

New Poster Speaking!
I saw this VG10 camera in advertisements, but Sony dealers in the UK don't seem to have one, unless you pay first (I guess they ship it direct!), so no demos.
However, the same sensor is used in the NEX5 - which I did have a demo and bought.
The NEX5 looks like a point'n'shoot miniature, but it has interchangeable lens, plus a crazy-priced Sony adaptor (as there are so few suitable lenses!). but you can buy cheap adaptors for manual-operation. This means you can adapt those Canon/Nikon/Pentax/etc. cherished lenses from film-days! Currently I have a 52-300mm (exuiv on 35mm) and a prime 75mm f/1.8 (equiv 35,,) which has remarkable background out of focus. The camera appears to adjust its exposure, unless you are wildly away from "correct". Oh and BTW the viewfinder needs a sunshade!

Now on a Forum like this there will be cries of derrision, I'm sure.
-But it is the same sensor (DYOR) and that is what makes the video (OK and the lens, creative writing, direction, etc.). . . . . . . here is a Student that could buy an NEX5 for much less money than the G10 - and it has a much smaller Zoom range, but there was a time when "Cine" had to make-do with fixed focal-length lenses....a 3:1 zoom would have helped them, but creating a Film is about overcoming minor snags. There are many folk attempting to add 35mm lenses to video cameras - here's a lightweight alternative.
BTW I think there is a newer NEX Sony camera out, which might offer another opportunity at the start of yr career.

Whilst "hiring gear" is an option that pro's use, they have a lot of experience, whereas a student doesn't and "knowing yr gear" should be encouraged here. I doubt the examiners are really interested what badge is on the camera........it's what's on the screen that will win through...and overcoming the limitations of the gear is part of that process.

Er, IMHO.

EDIT
The agc on my NEX5 hasn't been an issue, I have a pocketable SD-card recorder for Audio, but it's hardly used. The tiny mic in the NEX5 only needs a "cat's tail" to fix wind-noise - a remarkable camera in so many ways, good and bad!

 

[Phil1076]

I don't think any film school would expect their students to have access to thousands in professional gear -- they will probably be looking at the shots/composition/creativity etc etc...

You can get some really good gear these days which should be more than enough for a school demo. The Sony HX9V is $350 at B&H...there's the GH2, T2i etc....get one of those and a decent tripod and you're good to go.