Sony NEX-VG20 - DSLR video Killer?

[@shane8109]

This the most complete review I found on this camera on the internet. Great work! Thanks for putting this up

[@NickMoore]

I bought a VG20 based partly on this review. I love it and being based on the mirrorless NEX5 I can mount manual lenses from pretty much any manufacture by using a cheap adapter.

[@stfanciscainta]

Thank you. You make some of the most informative reviews. Even your voice is oddly soothing, very easy to listen to.

[@andyswithers]

feel in love with that photo at 7:42, great work yet again blunty

[@twitchdusty]

G'day mate i used a couple of these cameras for a week long shoot of an off road 4wd competition and the one thing that drove me nuts is the placement of the photo button on top right where your knuckle sits while holding it from the top handle. Bad placement as you knock it and send the focus spastic. The mic was awesome and the wind reduction magnificent. Cheers on your review

[@angelisone]

Yes. I have been using the ATG EF to NEX Adapter on this model as well as the ATG Sony NEX-FS700. FYI: Both cameras can also shoot RAW/JPEG still photos. ATG camera can shoot wireless from camera or pc. Shoot and view wirelessly to pc. We prefer these cameras than using our Sony F35.

[@KodieCollingsGaming]

Excellent video Blunty. I subscribed yesterday since when i am searching for advice i seem to always end up on one of your videos. I have been looking for a camera for a while now and have looked at hundreds and after many reviews of the VG20 i know this is THE ONE

[@isleofgreg]

The American version does shoot 24p and I have Metabones EF adapter, although it is rare and hard to buy (I got lucky and nabbed one from them on eBay before they sold out)

[@ChristopherJManess]

I settled on a DSLR, because it costs a fourth of the cost, although the VG20 offers more. I'm just staring out, so learning the ins and outs of DSLR lens video shooting is new and interesting. I may go towards the camera, if I really feel the need to upgrade and have the pocket to boot.

[@BluntyTV]

@CCStopmotion It was a borrowed review unit.

[@ItsOver9000videos]

Excellent video. You made me full of joy and happy I purchased this camera! I'm sure I'll be more happy when I have the camera in my hands. Thanks again for a wonderful video.

[@mvenom101]

Your tech reviews are hands down, the best on the interwebs.

[@jontykilpatrick]

Great review. I've owned one now for six months and back up every word BLunty says. Great camera and beats the hell outa shooting with my Nikon D3s

[@svnltr]

what i like about you blunty is the no bullshit approach ,keep it up

[@H3lloSE]

I know i should be here for the review, but my dear god your video captures and photos are Masterpieces!

[@BluntyTV]

@Viczey The shot ONE episode with them, and they also said it the workflow was a complete pain in the ass, they have not done it again since.

[@timeknowsfilms]

I myself bought the VG10 last year and absolutely love this camera. I'm a filmmaker and also run my own production and have used all the top Canon DSLR cameras and this was worth the money. The VG20 is still similar. The only thing that upset me at first was the 24p option. But after using the VG10 so much its all about how you light and angle the camera as well. Its VERY easy to cut it to 24p in post and also with lighting it also can achieve that look.This camera is the DSLR killer.

[@savvyandskye]

Was debating on purchasing this vs a DSLR. I just had an experience borrowing a friend's Canon 60D to shoot a documentary. I had problems recording an interview due to the limited amount of record time. Very frustrating because it would stop recording while someone was talking! Although I want to film music videos and not documentaries, I see this as a big issue with DSLRs. I was researching the VG10 a long time ago and then they came out with the VG20... I really want it! Thanks for the review!

[@gearheadflicks]

Thank you for your review. We've owned the VG10 for about 3 years now... We bought a larger more "professional" video camera and now find that it's quality is not for cinematic look and drifting back to the VG10... We're wanting another and would like your opinion on the VG20 vs. VG30

[@Frog_Puppet]

Love the nature shots! Australia is truly a beautiful and unique place. Would love to visit some day!

[@DavidHarry]

Excellent no nonsense review with well balanced tech detail against proper real world shooting examples. The camera also seems really cool.

[@KeyJayKN]

Thanks for affirming my purchase Blunty. This will be my next camera in a few weeks :D Sure beats a Canon EOS 5D Mark II purchase. BTW, you're right about the audio. If XLR is such an issue for people. get a Zoom H4N, MBOX or similar, and use your preferred mics. Also, I'm pretty sure that with the 3.5mm jack adapter to XLR, you don't have phantom power options so now you'd need an external phantom unit. Meh, option one. Anyway, thanks again Blunty!

[@DFM21DOTCOM]

Just think about all that external stuff you DON'T have to buy! Anton bricks, rail system, DOF adapters, and the list goes on. It's not clumsy like a DSLR. Very RUN AND GUN! Saving time and still getting that fat sensor look is very cool. Nice review!

[@BluntyTV]

Glad it was helpful (though if I were you, I'd hold off for just a little longer - it's whispered that Sony will announce the next successor in this line of cameras at Photokina next week-ish, and if they do, it may be even better for you - or of you decide to stick with the VG-20, it's price will likely drop)

[@formeragnostic]

Great review. I also find HUGE differences between using the alpha lens with the LA-EA2 on the VG20 than the VG10 with the LA-EA1. It's no comparison.

[@onlytymecantell]

awesome work blunty. I can't wait to get this camera

[@silbertanne]

Too bad my earlier reply was erased for some mystic reason... I really like your review and it made me choose the VG20 over a DSLR, and no regrets at all! Thanks.

[@AlanPostScript]

@Blunty3000 not so much a train of thought as reading the *footnotes on several Sony cameras saying FAT32 was required. I assumed that all Sony cameras required that. Thank you so much!

[@timeknowsfilms]

I love this camera. Listen the 24p feature isn't a must. You can achieve that look by proper lighting, Lenses, angles and in post very easily. This camera is amazing, perfect for the independent cinematographer. I was the same way when SONY announced that the VG20 would have 24p option, but after trying the VG20 I'm no longer worried. I'm sticking with my VG10.

[@hydroglyph]

@Blunty3000 Well, not everything's perfect, but for being an entry-level camera that's 2 years old now, it does a pretty damn good job. I still have yet to really see anything that's in its price range that can compare for detail and image quality. The features may lack, but I mean it's a DSLR that shoots video, not a Camcorder that takes pictures. Still pretty remarkable for what it does.

[@BluntyTV]

@Aragiss She was taller, it was the most efficient and least awkward option, it looks to me to be the most logical arrangement for mutually comfortable use. Are you suggesting Women shouldn't be permitted hold their own umbrellas? Perhaps you think they're too frail?

[@SubUrbanNinja-EDC]

Great video Blunty. And I totally agree with your views. But the only draw back is price. The Sony NEX V20 is over $2000. For that, you can get two DSLR cameras that shoot almost just as good video with the draw backs of course. I bought a D5100 to do mainly video with it and I do regret it. It takes way too much work to get a sharp and clear video result with a DSLR. And I hate the depth of field on a DSLR. I much like the camcorder's ability to keep everything in the picture in focus.

[@rukusan]

Thanks for the review! In the market for a new camera and have set my sights on some of Sony's efforts. Might have to give the VG20 a serious look.

[@ChinoDesignsNYC]

VG10 a great workhorse that won't overheat. I just cut a video and slipped in some footage of my VG10 alongside 5D and a 7d and no one could tell the difference. Great B-Roll camera I simply bought a EOS-NEX adaptor ($6.95 eBay) so I can use my Canon, Sigma Lenses etc. Highly recommend this camcorder.

[@hobocamptheater]

on camcorders if you zoom in you can get somewhat shallow depth of field but it's not quite as good as on a large sensor camera. looks like you're gonna have to look into either mirrorless cameras or DSLRs for your shooting needs if a large sensor camcorder is out of your range.

[@hobocamptheater]

If you buy a lens mount adapter you could use EF lenses. the only problem would be with the adapter itself, cheap adapters have no electronics and would need full manual control on the lens including iris control on it (which most if not all EF lenses lack). if you do spend a good chunk of money for an electronic lens mount adapter then the lenses should work just as well as they would on any other camera.

[@BlondeVagabond28]

Hey Blunty, great video! Was wondering if I could get your opinion on something. I have a Sony HDR CX7 and have been pretty pleased with it...I'm thinking about getting one of these (VG20's) when the VG30 comes out next month. How much of an upgrade is this from a Sony HDR Handycam like the CX7? Are there any key, very noticeable difference?

[@angelisone]

Your are correct on the Sony FS100. I have the Sony F35, which is not light and the ATG Canon EOS-C300. For fun & budget, my staff use the C300 with ATG/Carl Zeiss/Red and even Canon lenses. My ATG Canon EOS-C300 was modified to shoot still & video with ATG AK1 Un-Tethered Systems wirelessly.

[@BigZtv]

I have the first model sony vg10 and after so much research on either getting vg20 or some dslr, you almost got me convinced to get the vg20 now. If you seen my channel I do at times work in low light conditions and the vg10 does lack that a lot. I'm just wondering if it will be a lot better in low light conditions

[@mmstudios95]

nice your the first to address the viewfinder issue thank you

[@AGrandt]

I'm disappointed that the Pal versions don't deliver 30/60 variants, or even 24p. The NTSC can at least do a pulldown to 24p with little fuss, where the PAL area have a little more trouble doing so without changing pitch.

[@JamesFitzgerald05]

Amazeballs review. First video I've seen of yours. I'm so impressed I'm about to go and watch all your other videos. I currently use a Canon 600D & a similar priced Panasonic camcorder for my projects but the Canon is hands down better in terms of colour and quality. I'm hoping that Camcorders of this spec bridge that gap...

[@LaudenKleer]

Great review Blunty. As a frequent user of the camera and owner of DSLRs, I agree with all the points you made. A DSLR purchase is dictated by the crisp look of large sensor footage (for the price). Then you realize the compromises you made in battery life, clip length, poor sound, odd form factor, and you end up spending another thousand or more on "rigging" it into a poor, clumsy and complex imitation of what an NEX VG 20 gives you upfront and built-in. Works with Ninja 2 with 3:2 pulldown.

[@djkaneck1]

Yeah I used to have the VG-10 which is a kick ass camera over my FX7, I'm just pissed that the one feature I wanted is on this camera. So I decided to get the HXR MC 2000U which is $400 cheaper and "looks" more professional and shoots in HD/SD records to a 64gb hard drive and SD Card or Magic Stick. Plus you can stream vids as well. This VG-20 is a great camera too!

[@Sk4zZi0uS]

@Blunty3000 Is the A77 your new DSLR or going to be? Have they updated FCP X to use 50p footage? I have a DSC-HX9V and the last time I tried, FCP couldn't import the footage I had shot with it at 50p but was fine at 50i... Kind of a kick to the knackers :/

[@hydroglyph]

Looks pretty good, although a Canon 550D with a f/2.8 50mm lens (or any lens for that matter) does great job with a tad bit more detail, at right around the same price.

[@frankhicklin2715]

Great straight forward demo. Is this NEX20 weather sealed as per your A77 demo?

[@GregAlexanderOfficial]

Great review Blunty! Love your videos keep them coming.

[@delahaye100]

Excellent review...as a longtime video pro used to the Sony broadcast cams, but looking to find an alternative to DSLR video..this was really useful thanks

[@paulyd0021]

Great review, kept my attention the entire time and your enthusiasm for the camera seemed very genuine. My only concern for going with the VG20 over something like the Canon xa10 is image stabilization. No DSLR with a stabilized lens can compete with the image stabilization of a quality dedicated camcorder. How does the VG20 compare in that category? If it's at least comparable I might be tempted to pull the trigger on one of these.

[@EdEditz]

I'm hoping to won one before the end of the year. (or its successor by then). It looks like the perfect answer to all my video needs. One question, is it possible to mount a Vogtlander 25 0.95 on this camera using an adapter ring?

[@bradtwo]

Blunty; Absolutely love your videos and trust your honest opinion. I'm looking to buy my first camera for video to documentaries and well just pretty videos all around. I'm wondering if you would recommend either getting the VG20 or GH2 (hacked) or maybe something else. I'm trying to stay under the $2,000 mark. - thanks man.

[@timeknowsfilms]

I had to use my VG 10's mic as a back up because my ROODE mic gave out during shooting and the mic is AMAZING. But all this should have been done on the VG 10, the VG 20 is actually cheaper then the VG 10

[@EstephaniaLeBaron-Rios]

This is what I use and I love it too. Thanks for the cool video Blunty!

[@BluntyTV]

Functionality wise, it's actually noticeably MORE than a DSLR. Or weren't you paying attention?

[@robbocurry]

@Viczey You're wrong:) I have a 5D and a 7D and the picture is compromised. Crushed blacks, terrible rolling shutter, aliasing and moire. All the talk about "great low light performance" isn't what I've found at all. Yes they CAN be good but most of the time they are compromised for proper video work.

[@toms900]

Have you heard of the new Sony FS700? It looks so awesome! It seems like the perfect camera!

[@DjEssOfficial]

Great review just one question at 5:38 to 5:43 what lenses was used at that point

[@hydroglyph]

@topaulandbeyond That's correct. Depends on uses though. I love my 550D because it's perfect for shooting digital shorts and just movies in general (got one planned for next year), but the NEX probably does a better job if you want something to carry around and do a road trip video with.

[@TehSlan]

You never fail to remind me why I subscribed.

[@payavon]

Sweet review!!! Well Done. You should have a tv show!

[@RunningWormProd]

great review..but isn't the camera quite dark? I tried the VG-10 in interior shots which where sligtly dark and I had to push up the gain to 3 or 6 or I wouldn't have seen nothing! I was very disappointed because I knew about the big sensor..I used the standard zoom lens which comes in the box..

[@thefilmandmusic]

Thanks for this review. have read some scathing reviews from people who say it has interlacing probs. Would you buy one for someone who wants to make shorts. Is there anything else in this price range that competes. Thanks again

[@JasonBornTV]

I film skateboarding, and I own a small company that does a skateboarding substitute. What would you recommend: A Canon t2i/t3i or one of these, prosumer, larger cameras? I would need to use a fisheye with it, and price is definitely important.

[@sparrow2a]

Yep i agree! Its a fantastic camcorder in fact its the most amazing camera i have ever seen. If would asked/offer me to choose between the f3 and the fs100 or even the high end cameras like the f-35 i would still choose the fs100!

[@shaggy72]

ALL I NEED is VIDEO QUALITY. As Blunty pointed out, I use a portable recorder for audio so no XLR is not a deal breaker for me. Unfortunately I can get TWO Canon T2i for this price w/ the same video quality, & even though I WAS going to get as vg20, at the last moment, i've decided to go with the two T2i as I need a multi-camera setup for my stuff I HATE teh DSLR-video fad, but I'll take pain in the ass DSLR setup for now until (IF) the price ever goes down dramatically on vg20-like cams

[@NickMoore]

I'm using a minolta (md/mc) adapter but I haven't found a cheap wide angle for that mount yet :/

[@RobtJude]

Blunty3000 , Did you notice any focus motor noise when recording using the A mount adapter, I read that might be a problem? thanks for the help. R McG

[@tombojombo]

Blunty, do you upload your photos to a flickr account or something similar? The picture of the back of the boat facing the opera house is something I'd have for my desktop!

[@silbertanne]

Could be a problem; especially using "cheaper" autofocus lenses . You could use an external microphone to avoid this problem. I never use autofocus; only manual.

[@shaggy72]

@CWestz 4GB card will record about 20 minutes, but since it's only $7 to $13, why not go bigger capacity since SDHC cards are so inexpensive. I mean, a 16 GB Sandisk Ultra is only $22 & you'd have 90 minutes of video!

[@galaxydreaming]

Why why why didn't they make the flip screen go all the way around in the first place, then I wouldn't be looking at needing another camera :( I love my VG10 but the flip screen going 3/4 way drives me nuts... just saying...

[@shaggy72]

@DoubleMGames it may not be perfect (moire and aliasing among other drawbacks) but for THIS PRICE RANGE, in terms of features, quality, and vs PRO cameras for $5000+, it is one of the very few video cameras with the LARGE SENSOR that gives that shallow depth of field. AND a beautiful picture. Then again, as w/ ANY camera, it all comes down to the person doing the recording, the lighting, the sound, & CONTENT! Camera features only go so far, it's what YOU do w/ the resources u have that counts

[@glypo]

I really, really liked this review. Superb, addressed everything I wanted to know. I think I need to save my pennies for this camera!

[@MonfangHowlett]

What would you recommend in video equipment for someone who wants to get into doing video blogs? usually, it would be inside facing me and a simple background. Don't worry, I won't be competing into tech review.

[@isleofgreg]

At 4:31 what shutter speed did you change to that got the "more film-like look" ?

[@BluntyTV]

@AlanSessler Aaah... That'd be for the memory card dude, not your computer. The camera requires that a memory card you use -in the camera- be FAT32.

[@timeknowsfilms]

Thats not what I said. It may have a mic input but does not have a stereo mic within the camera. These cameras(Mark II and III) are not promoted as video cameras. I still won't use a DSLR(Got tired of random people asking what we were doing with the camera and then saying I have a camera like that, so that must mean I can make a movie then to). They look like photography cameras. But in the end its preference.

[@robertmoran]

I have the 20. Excellent hardware with no problem regarding FCPX.

[@andizle123]

6:54 .... i see this camera is also great for otter love. good review, great pictures. makes me wanna work extra hours to afford a good quality camera like this. haha.

[@robbyjai]

love ya review mate!! very entertaining, very detailed and well thought out!!!! and that camera is pretty dam good!!!!! But i still love my DLSR video camera ;-) first and foremost a photographer :)

[@NikRikita]

What are your tips for shooting sports with this camera? How does it fare in capturing fast moving actions? I am worried about the focus capabilities for sports.

[@Abby_Sciuto]

Blunty, the quality of the video is that good KZbin is having Anti-Aliasing problems.

[@oOoNinjaMushroomoOo]

Thank you, good sir. :) Could you link me to your sample VG10 videos please?

[@sparrow2a]

try the fs100 .The Vg-10 has all these problems that we try to avoid with the dslrs.The fs100 has a super 35mm sensor you will be amazed by the quality this camcorder has

[@RedSpectrumPictures]

Great review, hopefully these camcorders can come back into the market and we can all stop filmmaking with phoography dslrs :)

[@fredchannelYT]

hi,very nice video! just an advice:it's better to make video the sony vg20 or canon reflex(for example 550 d,canon eos 5d mark ii,eos 7d)? thank you very much!

[@oOoNinjaMushroomoOo]

@Blunty3000 Hey Blunty, are the additional few hundred bucks worth it if I'm going to choose the VG20 over the VG10? I really don't give a damn about the option to choose to shoot in RAW, since I just need something to shoot VIDEOS with. I think the only reason why I would buy the VG20 over the VG10 is that it can shoot 24p, whereas the VG10 can only shoot 30p (correct me if I'm wrong). The question is: IS IT WORTH BUYING OVER THE VG10? The few hundred bucks is very crucial. Reply please! :)

[@djstylzssfstudios09]

Great Video, Now the 5D MkIII has came out what would you advise for video VG20 or VG30 if it comes out. Thanks

[@SamHakes]

Great video! I just bought a VG20 and getting some gigs. I have a question for whomever can answer: I shot a demo reel you can see on my channel - mostly with shots from around my house. And I noticed one thing - which was especially true when shooting a still shot - the camera keeps moving slightly around! Like there's some sort of image stabilization on it or something. It's not a huge deal, but is there any way to turn it off? At the end of my reel I needed to track words with the motion.

[@photographerjonathan]

what would be a great external mike and recorder to go with the Nex-vg20 ? to have pro audio ? and what would be your top 3 favorite lens available for this camera for making a movie ?

[@AlanPostScript]

@Blunty3000 sorry I'm a noob and thanks for your quick responses. To clarify, if I get this camera I will need to make sure the memory cards I use are FAT32. Will I need firewire or can I use USB to transfer video from the camera to my computer? And lastly, my NTFS hard drive will be able to read FAT32 files from the card?

[@ProPerGunner]

good review. btw, can share the difference between vg0 vs vg20 ? thank you

[@Peteraddavideo]

yes a great review but is the camera really to heavy for more than 10 min of shooting?

[@ICharlyl]

blunty, do you have another youtube channel where you show your video/camera work?.

[@FilmsSeymour]

Might be a silly and obvious question, but are there any adapter rings available for this camera so that you can use Canon lenses?? and i've been looking, but can't seem to find... is this the only video as first priority camera that has interchangeable lenses??

[@Paintball0599]

Does it have any of the overheating issues that traditional dslrs have? Also does it record to sd cards?

[@bradtwo]

This changes my opinion on the camera. I was turned off by it for the same thing they eventually fixed.

[@NicholasKjernisted]

So did you buy your own, or is this a review unit? Not that it effects my opinion, I'm just wondering.

[@CLK50000]

The Canon 5D Mark III does in fact have a mic input. The 5D mark II did not.