Thursday, August 25, 2011

Best interchangeable lens hybrid under $2000: Sony NEX-VG20?

I had high hopes for the A77, and I love just about everything about it as a still cam -- but, as a motion picture cam it is a *fail* due to the lack of manual audio control.

The GH2 is still the champ in the DSLR/DLST/DSLM form-factor. At least Panasonic gives shooters *some* control over audio levels.

But seemingly lost in all of the A77 hoopla is the very impressive VG20. With new 24 and 60fps progressive frame rates, manual audio control, headphone jack and ability to shoot 16MP stills in RAW, it addresses most, if not all, of the shortcomings of the VG10 -- and appears to be the new still/video hybrid camera to beat based on specs alone.

If the new Sony image processor solves the VG10's moire problems, then this could become the camera of choice for those of us who want pro-level control over our stills, moving images and sound in an all-in-one camera.

There doesn't appear to be any moire in this Sony promo video, but I will wait until I see high quality Vimeo downloads before I make a final judgement.


Looks like I might be changing horses from Panasonic to Sony this Christmas!

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Monday, August 8, 2011

Sony A77 or Panasonic GH3?

Neither of these cameras have been announced or released yet, but thanks to the Internet rumor-mill, we believe that both cameras are likely to incorporate the new higher bitrate AVCHD 2.0 codec, 1080/60p and improved EVFs. And, according to sonyalpharumors.com, the A77 will have a metal weather-sealed body, while, according to eoshd.com, the GH3 will shoot 3D video.

It looks like GH1/GH2 shooters are going to have a tough decision to make when it comes time to upgrade - especially if, as has been suggested, the body-only price point for the A77 is around $1000 (and Sony is able to overcome their moire, overheating and shot duration limit challenges).

In the meantime, GH2 shooters will keep shooting moire-free video, while waiting to see what these new cameras can do. Exciting times to be a motion picture maker!

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