Sony NEX-VG10 Review & Footage examples

[@IcelanderUSer]

I've been using this camera for 6 or 7 years and I still love it. Quality is perfect for my needs. Still.

[@ImFleton]

I always enjoy your reviews. You give a good explanation of why one would need the product, then you give your own personal take on it, including all the positives and negatives while you also go through all of the features the product has, with a demo also. Keep up the good work Blunty.

[@ChristopherJManess]

You should be a salesman, with your raw emotional input. Well done, son!

[@BluntyTV]

@planetrics Sensor is, in fact, the fourth factor I mentioned if you READ. So, AGAIN, DoF is a function of distance to object, the lens aperture, the angle of view given by the lens and sensor. Bokeh of the image is mostly a function of the lens and the number/type of aperture blades. ALL of them in COMBINATION create DoF. YOU need more research, or better comprehension skills. STILL waiting on an answer to my simple question BTW, exactly what on earth do you mean by "proper Depth of field"?

[@bobbythecoolest]

If there was a 'best person on youtube award', you would win it!

[@mwelle1]

I like the way you say "proper." This was a really great review. Very comprehensive. I loved it.

[@GameMeetsGirl]

Wow I'm drooling! I've been considering getting a DSLR to make my webshow pop, but this... OMG THIS IS WHAT I'VE BEEN DREAMING ABOUT! For the past 6 years, I've been using an HDR-FX1. I make music videos for clients and was feeling that my camera was becoming outdated... but this... THIS IS JUST FANTASTIC! Thanks for the review!!

[@Clisare]

How does it cope in low light conditions? Can you buy an external light and plug it in? Great review, very informative!!!!

[@niksvi2]

Beautiful camera, huge censore, amazing microphone, ergonomics, viewfinder...Love it! No overheating problem of DSLR and more...

[@BluntyTV]

@MaltaBeans maybe you weren't paying attention to the bit where I mentioned that this camera uses the *same hardware*, same large high quality image sensor, same high quality interchangeable lenses. as the high end DSLR's and mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras? it SURPASSES the performance of a DSLR in "video mode" because it's specifically designed to do exactly that. More control, more power, VASTLY better audio, better in ever way, and more power for better creative freedom.

[@BluntyTV]

@2isTheNew1 For Video? Which one, and why?

[@ThisIsntGonnaWork]

Very well done montage of San Francisco. The footage looks great. Plus, keeping the violin rendition of the Schindler's List theme was an excellent choice.

[@KareemJohnson04]

First comment on one of your videos for me; I've watched quite a few. I really want this camera. Great review.

[@BluntyTV]

@CarrattCake Indeed. I have however tried the 16mm f/2.8 pancake lens on it at a press event, but sadly didn't have one with the review kit I had. It was lovely.

[@omarcorrea]

Great review Blunty, I just got this camera as well and will be filming a review myself. I hope it's half as good as yours.

[@BluntyTV]

@cmrhodes85 There is no 60fps mode etc. It pulls in a 25fps progressive image, which is then recorded into a 50i container file. if you just want "slo-mo" this is not the camera for you.

[@BluntyTV]

@MrRiffbear Yes, there is a EOS mount lens adapter for the Sony E mount that this camera uses. And if you're in sydney I like foto riesel camerahouse, Paxtons, or Ted's.

[@MrKolva]

As a sails advicer, i have chosen for this camera, i know the minus points about it, still after 6 years of video experience, and testing camera's, the Sony NEX VG-10, i buy ! And this review thanks. It's saved on my iPhone, and i am also a teacher in computer science and video editing. Greetings and kindly regards, to you all,.. Manu

[@BluntyTV]

@violativelos3r I came back from SF at the start of october having collected the footage, and the shots of the cam for this review I then sent the camera back. And now I'm publishing the review. Its not complicated.

[@BluntyTV]

@TwistedShrapnel they are cumbersome rigs, that more often than not verge on unwieldy and all just to sidestep all of the silly little compromises on DSLR's video modes (and no amount of expensive gear can let you surpass the TIME LIMITS on recording they all have because they're not made to cope with the sensor heat video recording induces, where as with this your only limit is memory space because it's been specifically designed to do video.

[@BluntyTV]

@DarkbladeMediaTV You're STILL wrong... this is not the camera I used foe that Windows 7 chocolate video. The review for that one will be up next week.

[@Andi0012345]

This is the first time I watch Blunty and his descriptions of Sony NEX-VG10 makes me think it is even good enough to eat. Ha, I love this guy!..... Oh, I mean I love his program.

[@formeragnostic]

great review blunty. I picked up this cam a few months ago and your review really does it justice. Looking at picking up another lens for it. Would you suggest the 70-200mm 2.8 G lens or the 70-400mm?

[@BluntyTV]

@BiGJoEMo No maybe's about it. I mentioned it in the video (& the description). AVCHD.

[@BluntyTV]

@Rowdyeh Your wife is correct, there are various adapters to suit other lens standards too. I've used the a-mount adapter (at a press thing, had one in my review kit, but had no alpha lenses with me to actually use it), worked well in the brief period I had to play with the mount adapter. There are of course more e-mount lenses on the way too.

[@imperialpilotx]

I had a Sony HDR HC5 (around 1k in 2007) and a M2 Redrock with a 120mm Nikon. This rig was so heavy and costly, It is amazing to see one stand alone pre built unit with 35mm capability for 2k. I can't wait to finish my movie on this rig.

[@RefugioVillegasIII]

Wow! This camera is awesome. I've always wanted to make like a short or long home featured film and see if others would like. Thank God for KZbin! It's the one place where anyone can show your video made from scratch and probably get noticed if done very well. Thanks for the review. On Amazon it's selling for $1,998.00. It's pretty pricey for me though.

[@Joey_JcM]

Maybe I missed it, but what kind of file type does it record in? AVI, AVCHD, etc. ?

[@merlynDHZ]

Blunty - that review was awesome. Thanks!

[@RoseFink]

Excellent, passionate review and sample shots!

[@leotsai25]

What Camcorder did you use to film this review??? I think NEX-VG10 must be a great choice, but how about if I only gonna film something in door with lighting??? DO I need to get such great one to do the job???

[@deejeymx]

You just convinced me and your review is so far the best, I just would like you to show us all of the enu of the camera just to be sure. Thanks !!!

[@BluntyTV]

@Pexi92 Yes. (except for the reverse shots of myself of course)

[@BluntyTV]

@KiddsockTV It's not really the balance as much as it is the weight in general, and the angle at which the palm rest and the strap force your wrist into while in use. And yeah, Cold shue for "everything else" and sony's fancy hotshoe for their accessories. (I still hate that "laser touch" crap, but glad it works for you)

[@BluntyTV]

@Thorn2200 The problem isn't balance, it's more about the alignment of the grip. BTW, I've tried it with a prime (at a press event, didn't have one during the review period) and it was sweet :)

[@CheapSushi]

Finally the video camera I've been waiting for. I really didn't want to get a DSLR so I can get the interchangeable lenses and I don't have the money for a prosumer camera. And although there are plenty of nice HD camcorders around 600-800, I really did not want to hold something as wimpy. Although this is about $2000 and I do hope the price goes down a bit by the time I get the cash but this is it. I want this. Thanks for the review!

[@BluntyTV]

@pronsiasisdman No idea... *I* took that shot because it's used in a certain long running 80's sitcom set in san fran ;)

[@dermotheaney]

spot on blunty, i wish i had found this review instead of spending five hard months searching the market. i had cannons up on 5k euro etc, but this is excllent. im doing a 100 min doc at the moment on electro music, childs play lads and girls!!. even inside a noisey club, this thing is picking up excllent sound, if ya know drum and bass jungle music, ull know what im mean. the next exciting step for 'me' is getting different lens sizes, there are lens compatiable on the market, its cam sex!

[@BluntyTV]

@123coolman000 Depends what you mean by "beginner", but yes, if you have the budget, this is a great camera for low cost film making.

[@dripmode]

@Blunty3000 Please explain more about the Recording Rate on this consumer camcorder. I've been doing my research based on the Information of the Manufacturer and they have listed that the recording rates are 1920 x 1080/60i (24Mbps FX,17Mbps FH modes)1440 x 1080/60i (9 Mbps HQ mode). I'm sure with editing software like Premiere or Final Cut can down convert it to 24p but its a extra step that you shouldn't have to do. It would be better to select what frame rate before taking it to production.

[@delahaye100]

standout feature of te video....the adio edit....well done

[@BluHorizonProduction]

Best review I've seen mate! I ordered ine this morning off amazon!

[@manychefsbroth]

Thanks for the good review man, NEX-VG10 will be my next investment.

[@leonornehmad8453]

I agree with you on the rig for DSLRS I prefer this one looks more like a videographer

[@whiterottenrabbit]

Hey Blunty, have you tried to create some 24p shots? I am thinking about to get me the European version. I imagine that it is not that big a deal to convert 50i to 24p. What do you think?

[@mattprata8810]

you rule blunty!! funny to see things went the opposite way 11 years later with cameras like the black magic pocket looking EXACTLY like a dslr but you can't even take photos with it!

[@RamblingJosh]

Wow, that mic sounds incredibly good for being in-built.

[@ejvideos07]

Blunty - I enjoy your reviews and have made purchasing decisions based on them. Sony have just announced the release of the NEXVG20. 1080/50p,25p (yeeehaaa !), E lens, 16Mpixels, and replacing some of the menu options with hard buttons. Get your hands on one sunshine ! It's brilliant. EJ

[@DahoDocumentaries]

great video dude commentaries hilariously educational

[@lettersonapostcard]

hi Blunty, your review is very helpful. How would you compare it to the VG20 or even the dhr-ax2000.?

[@BluntyTV]

@LeonSKennedy828 They haven't always... but especially in the last 18 months or so they've been developing some very very exciting stuff

[@DarkestDark67]

Enjoyed the video, first I saw from you Blunty. Love the energy. Been about a year since it's release, was wondering if you would recommend it for a new starter in film making? I say 'new' I'm off the back of a Uni course and currently in search for my own equipment, and my first camera. Been looking at this one for awhile, like the look of it, but could do with the assurance that you'd agree for it to be a good first purchase.

[@savvyandskye]

This is my dream camera, haha. Thanks for the great review, Blunty! :)

[@400classlefebvre]

@Blunty3000 Thanks for the wonderful video much appreciated. I have one question, how do you think this camera will hold up in cold weather let’s say around 32 F or lower?

[@BluntyTV]

@SimplySmashingPro Records to AVCHD (as mentioned) which all modern editing software will import easily (automatic Transcoding is done in this step as AVCHD is not designed as an editing format but a highly efficient recording system). I'm a Mac user, and of course this very video was produced on my Mac, worked perfectly.

[@MEOInc]

Really nice review one of my family members was looking into getting one of these and now I think I can help them make the decision. Thanks :)

[@BluntyTV]

@MrTechnoiGeek You'll find the auto-focus on the EOS 550D (AKA the T2i REBEL) very slow in video mode and other annoying compromises common to "also does video" DSLR's but hey, it's your cash.

[@BananaConcoction]

I'm an young amateur photographer, but am also venutring into film-making. What's your opinion on the new D7000, could you possibly put a review out on that? I'd love your opinion.

[@BluntyTV]

@raymejr For what I feel like is the gazzilionth time... This camera DOES do 24/25P, in fact it dos it by default, natively... It just wraps it in a 60/50 file for COMPATIBILITY'S SAKE.

[@mcbrineellis]

hey there guy, I was wondering whether there are any other cameras on the market sorta like the NEX with a huge sensor.

[@timeknowsfilms]

I read a few comments on here. I got the SONY NEX VG-10 and absolutely LOVE IT. I'm and indie filmmaker who would never shoot off a DSLR. To me it looks unprofessional when your using a camera that is meant for still photography(Actually used the Canon 7D and we were laughed at because a woman had one and said so does this mean I can make a movie, she was just a passer by.) I disagree with the SONY being like DSLR, this camera is AMAZING. And you ALWAYS crunch it down to 24p in post.

[@violativelos3r]

hey blunty this review confuses me! if i remember right you said you came back from the u.s a couple months ago then how did you get this footage unless you had this camera since then?

[@LAMusicworks]

Would like to have seen some low light shots and more examples of the most shallow DOF as possible with the kit lens. Yes, one can put a 1.4 on it with adapter, but how does the 3.5 kit do? All in all it's a great "sales pitch" though. I was looking at a NEX-5 (5N) for video, but all these extras are tough to ignore.

[@df1phantom]

very awesome review

[@MovieMowDown]

Is this better than the cx700 that is coming out?

[@BluntyTV]

@11bane11 If you don't understand the "jargon" you don't even need to think about owning this camera, That's why I didn't bother dumbing it down much, This camera is for people who know what they're doing. simple as that.

[@PaulsMedia2024]

I would like to know how the VG10 performs re rolling-shutter issues.I want to record off a vehicle (car or motorbike) and the sea sickness rolling images are a pain with many cameras. I also think that not having powered zoom is an absolute show stopper for me. I have a Sony XR520, which sits on an inexpensive Sony video tripod, giving me slow (creep) zoom which I use a lot in interviews etc. I can also record to either flash memory OR to the inbuilt 240GB HDD and even have GPS tagging.

[@happygameshow]

Blunty can you recommend a fisheye for this camera that doesnt need adapters and is under $300?

[@williamjosephauthor]

When you showed your footage, did you use a tripod or were you handheld?

[@400classlefebvre]

@Blunty3000 With all those microphones do you notice if it picks up camera noise or not?

[@TwistedShrapnel]

Also @ 2Grand (CAD) I would have much preferred to have seen two balanced XLR inputs, w/ Phantom power. Looks like I'm going to be upgrading to the V1U in the future. (current cam is a HVR-A1U)

[@LondonRichardsChannel]

Theres no 24p with NEX-VG10 and with some of the DSLR's there are (Canon Mark 5D,7D)... soooo its still not as good as some of the DSLR rigs out there. What do you think?

[@RokDAWG1]

I have the Sony NEX-3 & this seems to be just a video cam version. My cam shoots video that appears to be the same great quality at a fraction of the cost. There might be some slight differences with video options, BUT it's nothing that can't be fixed in post IMO

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Might be a good idea to slow those shutter speeds down. The samples look like a video slideshow. An ND filter would help a lot.

[@Rowdyeh]

My wife (a SLR Digital Camera Enthusiast) Says there's only 3 E-mount lenses available at the moment, but there should be a D-mount adapter in the works too! Love the camera BTW! PS, there's already an A-mount adapter available so the choice of lenses would be huge! Cheers.

[@BluntyTV]

@planetrics It's an APS-C sized sensor, the same as in the most popular and best selling DSLR's.. I'm not sure what you mean by "proper" depth of field.. I've never heard of the "fake" one. Care to re-phrase so we can tell what the heck you're actually asking?

[@Blessedtouch]

maybe I don't know jack about Modern cameras but I was really impressed with the audio capture.

[@mwelle1]

I like the way you say "proper."

[@hbrookes]

I currently use the nx5 for weddings, I may check this out for b roll..nice review and youre quite funny!..Thanks

[@whatheswitchflip]

hey im curious how much manual control you have over this camera because if i were to purchase it i would mainly use it for skateboarding and for that auto control is useless

[@EnterateDeTodoPodCast]

Just 2 questions. Does it record in 24 fps and 60 fps? and How well does it perform in low light ?

[@BluntyTV]

@Dorkmatix *ALL* CMOS sensors will suffer from "rolling shutter" effects in fast pans, it's a simple unavoidable fact of the physics of how they work... Doesn't matter if the sensor is in a DSLR, a point and shoot, an interchangeable lens system camera or a phone, it doesn't matter what size the sensor is. You can either shoot more skillfully to avoid the issue, or you can fix it in post, which in many cases depending on the software or plug-in, is fast simple easy and effective.

[@Johny40Se7en]

Blunty is that Alcatraz island at about 1:49? you must really like San Fransisco, I like it alot too and I haven't even been there, same with New York =) Good video and if I ever use a nice quality video camera I'd want ease of use more than anything.

[@jj9k]

thanks for the review. do you know if one can get a canon EF adapter for this? - and if so, will it allow the camera to control the lens' aperture (iris)? (I have no lenses with manual aperture ring you see).

[@toms900]

@clonemagic It does not record in 24 or 60 fps, but just wait a month or 2 cause a new version of this camerais coming out. its the the sony nex vg20 and it has exactly what your asking for.

[@helenateixeiraa]

I would like to know if the camera is a good device for someone interested in filming some short films. Just a begginer that wants to learn more about making films. Sorry if I didn't spell everything correctly, I'm portuguese.

[@BluntyTV]

@Ponthegan Awesome.

[@Thorn2200]

I would try it with a prime lens instead of zoom. Better in low light, plus it would fix the balance problem.

[@BluntyTV]

@amiability I had it for two weeks, and for the four days I was in San Fransisco I used it almost constantly.

[@goldAUsilverAG]

Great great review! Thank you very much. P.S. the song at 6:47 is the theme to "Schindler's List" haha!

[@123coolman000]

I'm starting out being a film maker a beginner would you recommend that I get this?

[@BluntyTV]

@happygameshow Sorry can't help, I don't use "fisheye" lenses for anything, I consider the heavily distorted image they produce to be completely hideous.

[@TVperson1]

How sharp are the imagines. I have a sony HC9 video camera and it's not very sharp at all for an HD camera.

[@BluntyTV]

@clicknspark Sure is.. as a grey-import with no local warranty and no lens at all. Go for it dude.

[@thepandavlog]

is there audible noise picked up from the lens when zooming in and out ?

[@nikstanza]

The Sony product looks amazing. I've seen enough footage on KZbin filmed with the NEX-VG10 to get me excited - really awesome for the price $1,899 in Canada and that is "cheap" compared to the $4,000 gear!

[@GalaxyDreamingVlogs]

Haha! Great video - did you get one in the end? I have one and am still trying to figure it all out. (that's bad I suppose - to have one and not truly understand it all seems such a waste). If you do have one I'd love to see a howto settings vid : ) I've subbed anyways

[@lak991]

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO!!! It helped me a lot and the footage was beautiful. I agree if i had the money right now, i would go buy one... too bad im just a teen lol. Once again thank you.

[@justhes]

Well I know what I'm getting when I get 2 grand. Thanks for the video blunty.

[@Lifeintakes]

What can this camera do outside of 4 way microphone stereo sound that the Panasonic DMC-GH2 can't do equally well or better? It just seems like the GH2 is a better choice though I have been happy with my Sony prosumer cameras up to this point.