Ever the trendsetters, Sony has gone and done it again with the VG900. A couple of years ago they graced us with the NEX-VG10, the "world's first consumer interchangeable lens HD camcorder." Until that time, DSLR cameras, with their numerous lens options, offered video producers creative choices that consumer camcorders just couldn't compete with.
Another huge advantage long held by DSLRs has been that of full-frame image capture. Sony has now shattered that barrier with the new NEX-VG900, calling it "the world's first consumer 35mm full-frame interchangeable lens camcorder."
Design
Video producers driven to DSLR use because of their interchangeable lenses and amazing images, but those who miss the traditional camcorder look, feel and functionality will be delighted with the VG900. Though marketed as a consumer level camcorder, the VG900 offers the best of both the camcorder and DSLR worlds, with enough of the right features to really aim for the prosumer.
Our tests used the SEL18200 ($900), an 11X zoom, 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 telephoto lens and a Carl Zeiss 16-35mm f/2.8 zoom lens. With both of these lenses the center of balance is too far forward for one-handed shooting and will cause considerable wrist fatigue rather quickly. The handle and lens adapter feel comfortable though.
Alternatively, the size and form of the VG900 lends itself particularly well to cradling in the palm of one hand at waist level. Support with the other hand and tuck in your elbows and you'll get some great, steady pans. Not too quickly though – as with all CMOS based cameras, rapid panning will result in some degree of rolling shutter issues. While the VG900 is specifically designed for use with E-mount lenses, one's creative options increase greatly by using the included A-mount lens adapter.
To achieve stunning results the VG900 employs a 24.3MP, full-frame, 35mm Exmor HD CMOS sensor. At 1.4-inchx0.9-inch (35.8mmx23.9mm), the sensor is more than twice the size of APS-C sensors and approximately 40 times larger than those found in standard consumer camcorders. Greater sensor real estate means more light is captured, which translates into all sorts of good things, such as better light sensitivity, shallower depth of field and more color data.
Depending on your needs you can switch instantly between automatic and manual settings simply by pressing the button of the desired function. When in manual mode, a small wheel at the bottom of the camcorder is used to adjust the settings. Just ahead of this wheel is the Manual button, a user-defined button that can be set to control exposure, auto exposure shift, white balance (WB) color temperature (in 100 degrees-Kelvin increments), WB B-A (Blue/Amber) or WB G-M (Green/Magenta).
On the right side of the unit is a zoom control for use with lenses having a built-in zoom motor, otherwise, the rocker controls electronic zoom. Ahead of the zoom control is an Expanded Focus button, which magnifies the frame to further aid in achieving proper focus.
Sound Advice
Topside is the built-in microphone which consists of four omnidirectional capsules that support either stereo or 5.1 surround sound recording. Levels are adjustable and may be monitored through headphones and visually, with the onscreen audio level meter. While the onboard mic does a respectable job, pros may want to step it up using the optional adapter kit, which includes a mono shotgun mic and two XLR connectors. The kit, and other accessories, attaches to the new Multi Interface Shoe.
Performance
Having the full-frame advantage means you can utilize your lens' full field of view, without the cropping that occurs on smaller-sensor equipped cameras. Rather than having to get further away from your subject to get the composition you desire you can actually move in closer. Doing so allows you a shallower depth of field. Using de-focusing effects, you can more effectively direct your audience's attention to precisely where you want it.
The VG900 captures beautiful, full HD 1080 video at frame rates of 24p, 60p and 60i. Additionally, you can capture uncompressed 4:2:2 video to an external device via the HDMI out. This is excellent for those who want to retain all that extra color information acquired through shooting full-frame, which translates into added flexibility in post, such as when color correcting, grading or keying. We're gaining more freedom to shoot with the VG900 and welcoming every minute of it.
Tech Specs
Imaging Sensor: 35mm full-frame Exmor HD CMOS sensor 1.4"x0.9" (35.8×23.9mm)
APS-C Compatible Mode: Yes (Auto/On/Off)
Manual Focus Assist: Magnified display; Peaking
Interface: Composite video out; Component video out; S-video out; Mini-USB; multi-interface accessory shoe; Mini HDMI; stereo headphone jack; stereo mic jack, remote control
Microphone/Speaker: Built-in
Mic Level Control: Yes – 31 steps
Wind Noise Reduction: Yes
Media: Memory Stick PRO Duo; Pro-HG Duo; PRO-HG HX Duo; SD, SDHC, SDXC
Viewfinder: EVF; adjustable diopter; adjustable color temperature
Gain Control: Auto/Manual (0dB-30dB)
ISO: Auto/Manual (100 to 25600)
Manual Exposure Assist: Zebra Pattern Display
White Balance: Auto; One Push; Outdoor; Indoor; WB Temp
LCD Display: 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD 270 degree tilt, touch panel display with Histogram; Real-time image adjustment: Exposure compensation, WB
Assignable Dial: Exposure/Gain (ISO)/Iris/Shutter Speed/AE Shift/WB Temp
Weight: Approx. 1lb. 13oz. with supplied NP-FV70 battery
Measurements: Approx. 4 1/4" x 5 1/8" x 8 7/8"
Power – Battery: InfoLITHIUM with AccuPower Meter System (V Series) NP-FV70/FV100; AC adapter
Strengths
- Full-frame 35mm sensor
- Interchangeable lenses with included adapter
- Focus assist: Peaking and magnification
- Exposure assist: Zebras and histogram
- Optional XLR adapter
- Electronic View Finder
- Zoom rocker for use with power-zoom lenses
Weaknesses
- Pricey for consumer market
- Accessory shoes are cramped
Summary
For full-frame, 35mm image capture excellence and multiple lens options in a camcorder form factor, check out the NEX-VG900 from Sony.
Sony Electronics Inc.
http://store.sony.com
$3,300 (body only)
Contributing Editor Mark Holder is a video producer and trainer.
I'm a independent film maker, and i want to buy a new camera for my movies.
For long i've been planning to buy a 5d mark II, and now, the new mark III.
But when i started to think about buying it, i was informed about the release of this nex-vg900, wich is full-frame and compatible with other brand of lenses trought the use of adaptors.
My question: for filmmaking, do a sony nex-vg900 have the same propertys and features for shooting movies like a canon 5d?
Dslrs like that have a shooting time of 12 minutes and than it stops, don't have hand controls (neither buttons nor touchscreen) for focus, zoom, etc. I want a camera to shoot film-like shots!!!!
Wich should i buy, and why?
I have been recently testing the Canon 5D Mark III for two weeks during a trip on a island and I must say that I don't know if I would recommend it closed eyes for video making.
The problem with the 5d is that, yes, it makes incredible images it but doesn't have the flexibillity of a video camera. The 5D is first a photo camera. If you have to move the camera to follow action movements, you won't be very happy. Also, focus is manual. It really depends of your needs. With the 5D, one has to think 'film'. Every shooting will take time. You really have to think your images before shooting.
My hope is that soon a video camera will come with an attractive price that will match the 5D. Maybe the Nex-vg900 is the beginning of the answer. Let's see.
Ok, so what i understood from what you sad is that:
5d has more rolling shutter than nex-vg.
but you said about the incridible images that this camera makes, but tell me more about what exactly is this incridible. the dynamic range is higher? the performance under low light or super exposed light is better? is there less grain artifcts over the image?
how exactly is the image of this dslr better than nex-vg?
what i want most is that my films looks like films, even if i have to think every shoot carefully.
If the film like is what you want the most, go get a BCC 😉
if you want variety of adapters, wait for the MFT version
Best!
i think that vg also good both are full frame but some noise ratio of 5d mark2 is greater .
ogat – a camcorder like the NEX-VG900 has unlimited video clip length – the 5D Mark II has a 12 minute limit, while the 5D Mark III has a 30 minute limit. There are also a professional XLR microphone adapter and a power zoom lens for the NEX-VG900, which the 5D Mark III lacks.
If you want a full frame camera for video that works like a video camera instead of a still camera, you should get the VG900.
Here is an amazing sample video, shot by the folks here at Videomaker: https://www.videomaker.com/video/watch/product-spotlight/748-highlight-footage-from-the-sony-vg900
Hope this is helpful,
Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution
I'm very interested in this camcorder, I currently use the Canon VIXA HF G10 and Canon 5D Mark II, but I'm noticing something from all NEX and the VG900 that there seems to be no IS. I can understand this feature lacking on a product like the NEX-7 but why would the VG900 appear to have the same shortcomings? Is image stabilization not inherent in the NEX line even with the VG900? IS is very important when shooting handheld. Not everyone will want to carry around a tripod with a fluid videohead to have a semi stable shot.
Hi, i'm alos interested in this one, but are curious about from were you guys have the confirmed information about the quality of the HDMI out.? I am aware that Sony calls it Umcompressed HDMI out" and that sould be at least 10bit 4:2:2…..but you never now….
for my as an professional this means a lot.
Technically a very good specification. Stunning results can be achieved with a full frame sensor which the Sony VG900 has. BUT, But ….my experience was this body does not take advantage of the great Sony lenses. The full-frame FE lenses I had did not utilise the full frame sensor. I purchased a Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 and the brighter Sony FE 35mm f2.8. They produced vignetting. It a bit like a manufacturer giving you medium format but saying you will only get 35mm!
The zoom rocker only seems to work with power-zoom lenses, but the ones I tested also produced vignetting !
Not to be defeated I using the manual zoom on the Sony 24-70 FE F4 but was disappointed with the results as I picked up barrel noise whilst manual rotation. The whole concept of the rocker switch is to utilise the smooth zoom function and its a shame it was made redundant with Sony’s own FE range I tested.
The camcorder was an absolute delight out of the box, better than the Sony 7 or the Sony A7R to hold as a video camera – theses still type cameras need so many add on to make them easy to carry and were not very user friendly in terms of quick out of the bag and enjoy style of video shooting I enjoy. The ergonomics of a camcorder are different to a camera so why are manufacturers trying and make one do the job of another – anyway this seems good for the industry as there are lots of add on you can purchase to make a customised fit. This was a bit of a let down for me as I love the ergonomics of this as a camcorder. It did not work for me in terms of the mount and the range of lenses I tried.