Sony NEXVG10 Full HD Interchangeable Lens Camcorder

I read the other reviews and have to shake my head. Only one reviewer even mentioned, and only in passing, what makes this camera so remarkable. It has a huge sensor and creates fantastic images. If what matters to you is the arrangement of the shoulder strap or the layout of the menu, by all means stay away from this camera. If you want interchangeable lens, the ability to shoot shallow depth of field and to create great images, take a closer look. This camera is not for everyone, but it does shoot some amazing video.

Video cameras, because of their typically small image sensors, shoot footage that has a very deep depth of field and a limited color range. In recent years many videographers have taken to shooting on DSLRS which have much larger sensors and can produce footage which is far more "filmic" with shallow depth of field and richer colors. The problem is that DSLRs are much better still than video cameras. They are typically limited to shooting for about 12 minutes. They generally do not have auto-focus and sound can be problematical.

The NEX VG-10 is a DSLR that is designed to shoot video. It has the same sensor as the Sony NEX 5 DSLR. Unlike most DSLRs, it does have auto focus. The quad mike is quite good and it is much easier to shoot handheld than a DSLR rigged out for video. The steadyshot stabilization is really nice. The 18-200mm E-mount 11x Zoom is a very good lens that sells for around $800 on its own. I plan on buying the 16mm f/2.8 Wide-Angle lens as well.

The real magic in the camera is the 23.4 x 15.6mm Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor. There is simply nothing like it in a video camera in this price range. The shallow depth of field is beautiful. If you are used to a camcorder which is always in focus because the small sensor gives you a very deep depth of field, the VG-10 might take some getting use to. If on the other hand you want to be able to keep the subject of your shot in sharp focus with the background softly blurred, this camera can do it, whereas all the older pro and prosumer video cameras can not. The only video cameras out there now (or soon) with this sort of large sensor are the Panasonic PMW-F3 and the soon to be released Sony FS100 NXCAM Super 35mm, both of which cost over $6,000, without lenses.

I agree that I would like zebra stripes and more audio control would be nice, though I still can use my shotgun mikes with or without a Beachtek adapter. The menu system takes a bit of getting use to but isn't bad. I would like built in ND filters but can live with external filters. The camera shoots a native 30P. 24P would be good but I can do that in post. I am not convinced most viewers can tell the differences in most settings.

The VG-10 can also be used as a 14MP still camera, though it does not have a RAW setting. I was looking to buy a video camera, so having one that can double as a DSLR is a bonus.

Overall the NEX VG10 is a remarkable camera that shoots great video. It is not perfect and it is not for everyone. That being said, I am very happy with the camera and video I can shoot with it.

Sony DCR-SX65 Handycam Camcorder

The good: The Sony Handycam DCR-SX45, SX65, SX85 and easy to use ultra-compact video camera with good image stabilization, active electronics and a built-in USB cable for faster downloads.

The bad: The DCR-SX45, SX65, SX85 and produce a very good video and noisy, with notable bands in individuals, even in small sizes. No microphone or headphones, and electronic image stabilization will not help, in order fully extended.

The Bottom Line: Sony Handycam DCR-SX45, SX65 and SX85 standard definition camcorders pack a long zoom lens at a reasonable price, look at standard definition video, however, and you might regret not spending a little more than a HD model.

The Handycam DCR-SX series flash-based Sony ultra-compact standard definition camcorder. It consists of three models that differ only by the amount of storage, the SX45 has no internal memory, the SX65 has 4 GB integrated, and the SX85 has 16 GB of internal storage. This review refers to the SX65, however, the SX85 is the best value. They have a 3-inch touchscreen LCD, a lens with 60x optical zoom, and some interesting features like a built-in USB connector to your computer quick and easy cargo loading. However, none of the features greatly improve the quality of the video.
No, unfortunately, there seems no reason to make a big video camera standard definition today, the film SX65 are mediocre at best - especially if you're watching TV full screen or used in a wide sharpness and clear details of the HD content.

To use the Web at small sizes, the results are good, however, and if you're not terribly concerned about the quality of video in the first place and want a video camera at a reasonable price, easy to use, has a lens long zoom, and can fit into a hand from his pocket, the Sony is worth watching.

Available in blue, black versions, silver and red SX65 is a video camera unattractive. Its controls are the physical design of textbooks with a camcorder start / stop button comfortably under the thumb on the back and a zoom rocker on top against a trigger for the shooting mode immediately. The whole package is the size of a soda can. The hand strap is comfortable if a little low. Interestingly, it also acts as a cover for a full size USB connector that is connected by a cable to the camera body. This allows you to connect directly to a computer to transfer photos and videos and charge the battery. Just above the belt a little hidden door with an input power / charging and AV output (composite cable included).

The battery protrudes from the back, and on it there is a button to switch between photo and video. Underneath the battery in the bottom of the video camera is a card slot that supports Memory Stick Pro Duo and SD / SDHC / SDXC.
Open the touch screen (no display) and find four buttons in the body cavity, the power to enter the Sony Intelligent Auto mode, the on and off an LED lamp below the lens, and switching to playback mode. The last port I / O is in the cavity, too: USB Mini-discovered. An optional cable can be used with this port to connect directly to a USB storage device for quick saves without a computer. You can also copy the contents of internal memory to a Memory Stick or SD cards.

The touch screen is good and strong compared to other models in its class, but it was very difficult to see in direct sunlight. Fortunately, the tour, so although you can not see you can change the angle. At the left edge of the screen are virtual buttons for zooming and record start and stop very useful if you are shooting at a low angle or on a tripod. The menu system is good for those who make a lot of changes. In other words, it is wise, but because all options are on a long line, you can feel the list is endless. At least Sony allows you to configure a boot menu screen with six elements that often the setting.