VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

With Zoom Rocker at the Body and nothing other else new? Maybe al LANC Connection?

Next image leak. Here is the NEX-VG30! | sonyalpharumors

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

I'll take it for the power zoom. I'll add it to my FS100.
The OLED EVF should be sweet!

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

If the camera has colour profiles, allowing you to colour grade effectively then I would be interested in this camcorder however I'm unsure of if Sony will still introduce this feature.

(Edit) infact, I'm no longer intrested in this camera, just look at the Blackmagic Cinema Camera, that hands down kills this really unless you don't have the hardware to deal with those large files.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

The BMCC is a vastly different camera with a form factor - and crop factor - that doesn't lend itself for ENG style shooting while the VG is a near perfect form factor for run-and-gun and event shooting with few decent IS capable lenses and the ability to adapt pretty much anything else.

The new m43 BMCC has the adaptability, but its a dumb mount so you can't stop down the excellent m43 lenses including the Panny 7-14 that would make the perfect UWA lens and the 12-35 which would make a great standard lens for the BMCC. But you lose IS, even on Canon lenses - and since the crop factor turns most lenses into tele's, anything handheld would be pretty rough. If you're always on the sticks or use a steadicam, that would obviously change things and make the BMCC a great camera with the exception of ultrawide shots.

Then there's the battery issue, a few small/cheap batteries can power the VG cameras all day, while V-mount batteries or similar options for the BMCC are neither small or cheap - even if you go full ebay Chinese knockoffs.

I've seriously considered the BMCC, but I move around a lot so the new VG's are more of a consideration for me. I would consider both if there was easy lens cross compatibility, but they can only share legacy glass at the moment.

Great to have the options though...

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

This camera along with vg 900 is now announced, but it looks to me like neither one of them has the profiles and adjustable color saturation, sharpness, or contrast, from reading spec at Sony Store. Unbelievable!

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

Bullxxxx SONY Japan

Main function
Picture Effect ● (Common Video Still: Still image only Toy Camera / Pop Color / posterization / Retro Photo / soft high key / Part Color / High Contrast Monochrome: Soft Focus / Miniature)
Creative Style -
Histogram display ●
Zebra pattern ●

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

Hello Werner,

where do you have the Infos?

Creative Style - This Means no Way to get Sharpness/Color/Contrast???????

Please more detailed Information...
...even for all what it is possible.

Im very interested to this Camera....


Thanks
Andreas

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

Andreas -

The VG20 does not have full manual control - no control over color (other then white balance shift), gamma, sharpening, or contrast. In other words, a baked in look.

Now it's a pretty good look - one I actually like a lot - but the VG30 and the VG900 look to have the same lack of manual control.

The one preset, Cinetone, sort of crushes the blacks and not much else. The general view among VG20 users seems to be that's it's not worth the trouble. Hope that helps you a bit.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

Hi,

Thanks John for your eplanation.


On:
Sony NEX Interchangeable Lens HD Camcorder | NEX-VG30 | Sony USA

described under "Advanced Features":
"CinemaTone Gamma/Color : Yes"

Is this you mean what you said "cinetone" ?


And whats with the Digital Picture Effects/Picture Effects described under "Convenience Features"
Movie and Still:Posterization,Pop color,Retro Photo, Partial Color, High constrast Monochrome, Toy Camera; Still Only:Soft Focus,Miniature

Are these Effects perhaps customisable?


I think, real world Tests with real "Production Modell Cameras" will show it.

Andreas

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

I wonder if by "Partial Color" you can de-saturate the video.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

Andreas
"described under "Advanced Features:
"CinemaTone Gamma/Color : Yes"

Is this you mean what you said "cinetone" ?"

Yes!

"And whats with the Digital Picture Effects/Picture Effects described under "Convenience Features"
Movie and Still:Posterization,Pop color,Retro Photo, Partial Color, High constrast Monochrome, Toy Camera; Still Only:Soft Focus,Miniature "

Look to be similar presets as with the Sony 5n - so 5-6 other presets, most of which would seem to be of little use to most pro shooters.

"Are these Effects perhaps customisable?"

Obviously I don't know for sure, but the smart money says no - Cinematone is not adaptable - it's either on or off.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

Everyone needs to understand that you really can't depend on Sony's descriptions, either. Last year, Sony posted that the new VG20 had the controls that were aboard the lower end NEX 5N. It turned out to be a misrepresentation, and after a month and a half of continuing advertizing and sales, they pulled that description off the Web.

So you can't be sure, and we have to wait and see. But, from the description that is provided, as far as adjustment is concerned, there does not seem to be anything new on board either the VG30 or the VG900.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

[QUOTE=Andreas Jaeger;1752956]Hello Werner,

where do you have the Infos?

Creative Style - This Means no Way to get Sharpness/Color/Contrast???????

Please more detailed Information...
...even for all what it is possible.

Im very interested to this Camera....

Thanks
Andreas[/QUOTE
Here SONY US:
Sony NEX Interchangeable Lens HD Camcorder and Lens | NEX-VG30H | Sony USA

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

My bet is that you are all correct -- no adjustable parameters -- likely because the firmware is shared, except for the addition of CineTone & CineGamma, with other NEX photo cameras.

I've been shooting with the JVC QuadHD camcorder and I'm happy to report that with such a huge number of RECORDED pixels sharpening seems to no longer be needed. FullHD has that same "soft" look that film look fans love. Which makes me wonder if Sony has designed the optimal process to get 16MP to 2MP and don't want users to tinker with it. After all, they can measure the image far more accurately than we can. We can only screw it up. :)

As far as color, etc. that's done in post. Creative FX we don't need, but they come with the firmware.

For me -- the only issue is "are artifacts introduced when shooting video with a camera that also shoots photos?" With the JVC the answer is no because the photos are the same rez as the video. With the BMC and DB and RED, the answer is no.

It seems the BMC shooting 12-bit log ProRes 422 is a more INTERESTING camera in 2012 than anything from Sony. Not an ENG camcorder without spending for a rig and buying at least one wide lens. But, so much to learn. By the way, Natrress Curves de-logs video before you CC so you get a large DR.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

"Creative Style - This Means no Way to get Sharpness/Color/Contrast???????"

That's right - the look of the camera is sort of like committing to one type of film stock - you will be able to pus/pull any given stock, but the look is more or less baked in. Such is the case with the VG20, VG30, and VG900.

And I tend to agree with Steve - color shifting is best done in post. The look of the VG series is, in my mind, quite good. I'd like the image a little more sharp and less rolling shutter, but other then that the VG20 remains one of the best bang-for-buck cameras out there. For $200 more, wedding/doc guys can get a rocker arm in the form of a VG30.

And it's a great point by Chris - until production units are in the hands of reviewers, we really won't know what features these cameras really have - for months, Sony knowingly had false advertising for the VG20 both on its website and stores such as B&H.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

You would think if Sony actually listens to its customers it would include the adjustable picture profiles, sadly they aren't listed. At least people this time know that before buying. The VG30/900 are undoubtedly fantastic cameras, but why do I have to buy a Nex camera body to have the ability to cut the baked in sharpness? Aye...

Hopefully the reviews show something different, but I'm not holding my breath. I'm holding off on making any purchases until the reviews are out, but I'm going to move out of my FS100 as dialing in an image takes a lot more effort than I have the time to put together. I want to simplify my workflow and right now the A99 is at the top of my list, though I'd rather get a VG.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

In Sony's defense, the "baked in" sharpness from the charts I have of Sony cameras is optimal. Cutting sharpness simply reduces resolution. You lose fine detail. The NEX cameras already are -- relative to an EX1 -- low rez cameras. So WHY would you want to push rez down to SD? Or, why would you want to boost edge outlines in order to give some unreal sharpness to your video?

Really, this is a non-issue with NEX cameras. Likewise, color control. Do it in post.

The real issue is no ND filters. But, for $1800, that's not a killer problem.

The real avantage is the power zoom lens! But, will it go on a VG20? If not, the VG30 is a deal -- what the VG should have been from day 1. Maybe it will be reviewed. :)

If you want a film LOOK, get a BMC for the same price. In fact, if you have an interest in film, YOU SHOULD ONLY BE LOOKING AT THE BMC. The VG is an ENG camera plain and simple now that the BMC has arrived.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

Steve Mullen:

Are you saying its a mistake to shoot lower sharpness in any adjustable camera or that contrast and saturation should be baked in any camera ? Are we all chasing ghosts on cameras like the 5D Mark II, when we shoot Cinestyle or other low contrast, low sat and sharpness cameras ? .. Or is this opinion solely about the NEX line of cameras where this does no good ?

I've alway had the opinion that saturation, sharpness and contrast enhancements were electronic enhancements of the raw image, and that adding in post or in camera was the same. In that sense I would have considered the lowest sharpness setting on the 5D for instannce as "0"sharpeness though Canon designates it as -3 (or whatever), and that preserving my ability to add sharpness to post would be better so I can analyze individual clips for needs. I felt the same way about color saturation and contrast. You seem to be saying that is not true.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

I'm a sharpness fanatic. Is that wrong?? I agree with Steve.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

The SSI on the A99 looks very tempting. Wish the vg line had SSI. I like to zoom in on my subjects from afar without worrying about shaking. I guess I will keep on worrying. I will keep the vg20 for 2013 & hope sony will release more fast e mount lens in the tele range with steadyshot. Happy shooting.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

Sorry Steve, but I disagree.

I shoot flat because I get more DR out of the camera in post, this is visible when I shoot with my Nex5n, going in to portrait or sunset mode and adjusting everything. Its easy to bump it back up in post and get more shadow detail with less noise. Its not about a film look, I could care less about that. Its about getting the look I want without having to be too heavy handed in post since there isn't a lot to play with in the limited color space.

I really want an ENG camera and the VG is a near perfect form factor and featureset, but I don't want Sony's baked in look. The default settings have that Sony soap opera look. I prefer to shoot a little flat and get my look in post. For me - when shooting with Zeiss lenses I have to tone down the sharpness more than I do with Rokkors or Leica R lenses because of the crazy contrast Zeiss has compared to others.

It just baffles me that I can buy a $500 Nex5n body (I paid $300 used) and make all the adjustments I want to my image and I can't in a $1800 VG30 or $3300 VG900 - despite VG users complaining pretty loudly about that after the 20 shipped. I'd buy one if that were the case. Hell, I would have bought the VG20 instead of the FS100. As it is, I'm looking at the A99 and possibly a Ninja to shoot Prores 422.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

YES, I'm saying if the camera is designed correctly, zero is the optimal setting. Lower cuts rez. Higher adds too much mid-detail. Likewise, Contrast and Brightness should in a well designed camera place sensor output for full black at 0% and max white at either 100% or 108%.

That is the "look" of the camera and should deliver the maximum information to post. Post is where you alter the camera's look. (Which is the whole point of RAW.)

We are at a time when camcorders and cameras both put the work in post. Gamma and Knee should not be in a special MODE -- just normal. You can create your own gamma curve, black crush or black expand, in post.

By the way, I'm not saying you should tweak in post. It is a lot of work! When I reviewed cameras I always found Sony too blue while Canon was far more my taste. Just like ergonomics. In other words, I chose the camera that I liked.

If you do want to tweak you can do it. If you are really into "looks" the BMC is a wonderful choice. I downloaded both RAW CinemaDNG and ProRes 422 HQ Log files. I'm going to use FXFactory in FCPX to "delog" the PR files on the fly.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

And yet that is the very reason why Sony doesn't give the VG line-up full manual... At least, that's the only reason that makes sense of any kind.

And from Steve:

"YES, I'm saying if the camera is designed correctly, zero is the optimal setting. Lower cuts rez. Higher adds too much mid-detail. Likewise, Contrast and Brightness should in a well designed camera place sensor output for full black at 0% and max white at either 100% or 108%.

That is the "look" of the camera and should deliver the maximum information to post. Post is where you alter the camera's look. (Which is the whole point of RAW.)"

Yes, but that is your particular work flow. Other work flows - particularly TV - require quick turn around time and less ability to nuance in post. Time in post truly equals money, thus a greater need to adjust in-camera. Just one of a bunch of possible reasons why a baked in look just won't work for some productions.

And while I tend to agree with you, the settings are a legit attempt by the programers at Sony to deliver one "ultimate" best baked in look that this series of cameras can deliver, shouldn't the shooter/DP be the ultimate arbiter? Shouldn't they, at this price point, be given the choice? There are so many pro features on these cameras already, from white balance to expand focus, to large sensor size to variable shutter speeds (something the BMC lacks BTW), why not give the VG series contrast and sharpening control? No one from Sony alleges it can't be done - heck, it's already been done one the VG10.

And would a buyer of a now almost 2 years old camera in the form of a FS100 not buy it because the VG20/30/900 has sharpening? They are totally different cameras with totally different feature sets.

I like my VG20 - I plan on shooting a low budget feature with it and perhaps the fact that I come from a film background makes me more comfortable with a baked in look (a feature that all the various film stocks also share), but it's hard not to think that Sony is being perhaps a bit too frugal with their technology given current market conditions/customer expectations.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

In camera Image sharpening does not increase resolution. It increases contrast around edges or exagerates contrast in fine details and this makes the picture look sharper perhaps, but the resolution does not change. Very often on a Sony camera the zero detail setting is still adding significant edge contrast enhancement and it's not until you get down to -15 or -20 that you get to no added correction.

The problem with excessive detail correction is that it is often added to by TVs and monitors which also incorporate sharpening functions. This can then lead to some very nasty looking images. In addition when you increase contrast in post production the high contrast edge correction gets a further boost and may become problematic.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

Just to clarify, I disagree with some opinions because of my needs, nothing of course is absolute and everyone's workflow differs. But like I said, with Zeiss' hyper-contrast I have to back off the sharpening or the image looks terrible. Its not as crucial with Leica R lenses and that's the direction I think I'm going to gravitate, but still.

As far as the VG not getting PP's because of the FS, its a different beast with the S35 sensor that doesn't have to chop 85% of its resolution for video, also has built in XLR's and an obscene amount of image customization, no stills capability and so on. The FS100 has better low light capability and is much better with aliasing and moire. I bought mine used, from a guy that bought a C300 so Sony didn't make any money off me. I would have pre ordered a VG30, but like I said - as it stands right now the A99 is more likely.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

[QUOTE=Alister Chapman;1753536 Very often on a Sony camera the zero detail setting is still adding significant edge contrast enhancement and it's not until you get down to -15 or -20 that you get to no added correction.[/QUOTE]

Totally agree. But, does the VG20 or VG30 have this problem? If not, then there's no issue. If there is, there may be a reason. Compared to the potential > 1000 lines of rez from FullHD, these cameras are 3/4 HD rez. That's why to my eyes ALL these DSLR type cameras look soft. Sony may feel they don't want their cameras to look any softer than they already look. And, certainly don't want more edge ringing.

Or, it's pure marketing. But, I think Sony engineers do know best on these cameras.

So I agree that choosing a camera is really like choosing a film stock.

PS: ProMist filters cut contrast -- reducing sharpening (rez.) really isn't the best solution.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

Steve, I thought you had actually worked with the VG20 cameras. Have you worked with or edited footage from this camera. Have you done any productions with it ?

As I have said before, I believe Sony left some room in this camera for contrast, saturation and sharpness increases. I have regularly been able to add sharpening to the Sony VG20 in post.

I still believe the reason Sony did not include adjustability for these cameras is that they would compete too closely with the FS100. I think that continues to be the fear with these next cameras in the line.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

"That's why to my eyes ALL these DSLR type cameras look soft."

What a hyperbolic generalization without any merit. One would have to shoot/edit with ALL the dslr's to make such a statement seriously. Have you even viewed the Nikon d800e video footage? Have you even shot dslr video? Have you shot dslr footage in every type of environment at all f stops? Or is this a pixel peeping eye chart that looks soft?

I wish sony would put these contol options in, but Chris you may be right. This is a serious defining factor between the vg line & the fs line. I guess the nex line & the alpha line get a free pass. My serious bone of contention is the SSI. Why should the A99 get such a great feature for video & the vg line not when the vg line is primarily a video camera? The power zoom means nothing to me because I don't mind zooming in with my hands, but most people don't feel this way. I don't want to switch to the a99 because I like the vg form factor, but I just may.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

At this point I am experimenting as much as possible to try to define the li its of the VG20 myself. I would hope those making pronouncement on these cameras would actually have some real experience with them, and not be making theoretical pronouncement.

Having shot the 5d since it came out, my experience is that the VG20 has more resolution capability thaan the early EOS line. I Don't know about the most recent Canons.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

These cameras have been measured by dozens of reviewers and they tend to be about 750-850 lines.Soft compared to the 1000 line EX1. If you understood single chip tek you would know why. Plus the crazy ergonomics for those who don't want dozens upon dozens of photo features and menus.

Anyway, after testing the VG10 I found the NEX-5 to deliver better value -- hence my book on the NEX FAMILY. The VG20 I never bothered with because I knew JVC was about to deliver QuadHD and the NEX-5n still delivered a better value.

Because of the power zoom lens the VG30 may be more interesting. And, the VG900 has interest for those with lots of A-mount lenses, but so far video performance of the 24MP chip has been poor. We'll have to wait for reviews to see.

But all of these are not as interesting as the BMC -- a true DSLR replacement for video shooters

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

[QUOTE=Steve Mullen;1753648]These cameras have been measured by dozens of reviewers and they tend to be about 750-850 lines.Soft compared to the 1000 line EX1. If you understood single chip tek you would know why. Plus the crazy ergonomics for those who don't want dozens upon dozens of photo features and menus.

Steve
The VG10 had its faults but I have had hours of lovely clean sharp film like footage from the VG20, a very underated cam, when I purchased mine I could not find any proper tech reviews and still cant, would like some links to those dozens of reviews please

I think both the VG30 and VG900 are worthwhile 3rd generation upgrades to the VG line, the new viewfinder taken from the nex7 and now 24p as well as 25p on the pal model may sway me alone.

The VG900 interests me perhaps more, real question before I jump that needs to be answered is will the NEX APS cropped mode images out of the new 24m chip be as good or better than the current VG20 or will suffer compared to the full frame for which its geared. Interestingly Sony have not as yet released any pictures or video showing the VG900 with a NEX lens in place or use even though its a e-mount cam.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

I like the BMCC too, but ack ... that crop factor turning WA's into tele's and the battery situation. I do like 10 Prores as the native codec though. I wish Sony would dump 8-bit AVCHD for 10-bit Prores. Hopefully Blackmagic will add electronics to the m43 mount so the Panny 7-14 and all the other good native m43 glass can be fully utilized.

The search for the perfect camera continues...

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

I was talking about DSLR reviews. Their was a German VG10 review and some magazine (Videomaker?) did one too. Sony seems not to be willing to take the risk of bad reviews. I was very happy JVC sent me a GY-HMQ10.

The BMC needs some kind of rig. And, at least one fast wide zoom. But, I guess that's why I say "interesting" and a "value" rather than "it's an ENG" camcorder. I mean it would be fun to work with. Hope to get a review unit this fall.

PS: So far the "best" video I've seen comes from the JVC PX-10. SUPER detail!

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

Steve Mullen:

Based on your recommendation, I actually bought the 5-N for more "filmic" work recently. I think you have overrated that camera, especially against the VG20.

First issue is a well noted overheating with extended recording.

Second, is if you are using an add on recorder, like BM Shuttle, I have not been able to clear the screen on HDMI out, I haven't found anyone else who has either. Do you know of a way of shutting off overlays for HDMI out?

Third, is the sound issue. While you can get a Sony Mic, there is really now way to get good sound into the camera-- unless there is some sort of adapter available for the Sony connector. Again, if you know of something, I would be interested in hearing about it. At any rate, there appear to be no controls of any sound levels. With the VG20, and and XLR adapter, while you don't have independent channel control, you can other wise import sound as well as any Sony that is now coming out with add on XLR adapters.

Fourth, the 5-n is clearly noisier in the upper ISO/Gain ranges. Now this may be due to some noise reduction employed by Sony in the VG20, but even into 30 gain, which matches Canon 5D Mark II 3200 ISO, approximately, the image is still usable. It does exhibit a grain, but it is a very fine grain.

I am astounded how you would make a recommendation of the 5-n over the VG20, without having ever shot the VG20. I have been critical of the things left out of the VG20, but it is because the camera is so good otherwise. I just wish, with your background, you had actually tried the camera out before you dumped on it. The failure to do that leaves your other recommendations suspect.

And as to lines of resolution, I have measured in my own rudimentary way similar lines of resolution that you quote. I have no doubt. But it still outdoes the EOS DLSR line (except maybe the newest cameras out) in terms of resolution. And we all know high resolution alone does not make a great camera.

I do have the Black Magic Cinema Camera on order, and I have added a BM Shuttle this week to my existing cameras to get myself ready for the new level. In just a few days, I will have a bit more idea how higher bit rates out of the VG20 HDMI feed will be, and if I can find a way to get clean video out of the 5-n, I will be testing that too.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

Nothing wrong with the VG10 other than price. I could get the same video at a fraction of the price with the NEX-5 -- and didn't have to take the 55-200 zoom.

After writing the NEX FAMILY eBook I learned JVC was moving onto 4K and so lost interest in the NEX-line. I expected the VG20 to be a temp camera till Sony did a prosumer 4K. So why buy the VG20 since it would only last a year. Obviously, the VG30 isn't 4K but is it another year long camera? What does the VG30 offer over a used VG10 or VG20? (My NEX-5 never overheated and I saw only one report of the NEX-5n overheating.)

About resolution: Here is a perfect quote from RED on their B&W Epic, "The difference here is that instead of reading 4 pixels ( RGBG ) to interpolate ( guess ) 4 final color pixels, you are reading 4 unique, accurate imaging pixels to create 4 accurate final pixels. That is why all Bayer Pattern CMOS sensors lose effective resolution, for example our 5K cameras measure an accurate 4K resolution after Debayer, and most 1080p cameras net only an accurate 1.2-1.6k (600 to 800) image. Its an important distinction.. one of the reasons we have always touted resolution is so important, and also the reason you are now starting to see cameras that do oversampling like the F65."

In this sense, even the BMC is not fully a FullHD camera. Again, why I got interested in the 4K JVC. But, I've been working with BMC log ProRes and it is really neat -- plus a whole rig is cheaper the the JVC. So a trade to less resolution and greater DR.

PS: Will the VG900 be the first VG to go 4K? (A future VG1000?)

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

Steve not really your eyes when you reading about it from other reviewers & not actually seeing or working with it yourself. Your emphasis was on your eyes like you had actually seen it for yourself which is misleading to say the least. Why write that instead of saying from what I read on the internet? It is very peculiar wording & the opposite of the reality of the situation. Wonder why you wrote in such a way to give a false impression without any consideration to the readers.

BTW the nex 5 is no comparison to the vg20 in lowlight artifacts. There are many other differences between these cameras & your flippant opinion is not the opinion of everyone. All these cameras shoot well in good light. It is in low light situation where the differences become more apparent.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

Hav e to agree with your low light analysis, Kate.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

Kate, of course the NEX-5 does not compare to the VG20 -- the VG20 is second generation. But, when I wrote my eBook I had both NEX-5 and VG10. So my EYES were used.

I've also watched just about every DSLR review and -- just like others do -- I compared with my eyes. Their measures agree with what I see and they agree with understanding HOW the cameras work. They look soft, they measure low, AS THEY MUST. Not talking about the latest very expensive DSLRs as I'm not looking at them -- although Nikon wants a review of the 800 -- so maybeI should. :)

And, as I made clear, I've moved past FullHD AVCHD camcorders. My main interest HERE is if the VG900 becomes a prosumer 4K camera and what folks think of a FF 24MP camcorder.

I also have an article for Broadcast Engineering to write on lens converters. I could use a VG30 -- hence my talking about the VG30. It seems I could use a body-only VG20.

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

Steve, I'm curious to the statement, "So far the "best" video I've seen comes from the JVC PX-10. SUPER detail!".....can you elaborate a touch on what you meant by that?

Re: VG 30 & Power Zoom 18-200 mm
 

If there is a "film" look, there is also a "video" look. I'm thinking of 60 minutes. Every whisker and strand of hair is visible just like it would be were you looking directly at a person from a few feet away. It's called "looking through an open window."

I just looked at some fall footage shot with JVC's QuadHD. Leaves, even on distant trees were full of detail. Of course I'm seeing QHD downscaled to FHD.

THe PX10 using about the same chip -- and processing -- looks even more detailed. NOT SHARPER! MORE DETAILED -- especially when there is a mass of fine detail.

SEarch Utube for PX10 then look at the DSLR material. There is a big difference. It all depends on the look YOU like.

PS: I have not compared to Sony and Pana and Canon. They may look equally detailed.