Sony NEX-VG30 Review | John Sison
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ก.ค. 2024
- Hey everyone! In this review I take a look at the successor to the NEX-VG20, the NEX-VG30. This is the third generation of NEX-VG handycams and comes with a new 18-200mm powerzoom lens. Keep watching to see how well this camera performs.
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And we(the viewers/subscribers) appreciate it! Keep up the good work, I love the Sony reviews.
Thanks for the feedback. I'll see what I can do to film an update video.
Thanks for the review! You gave great detail and told me almost everything I needed to know. I plan on using this for Freelance work and for fun projects. Thanks again!
Great review. Thanks for sharing!
Have this camera for years and still going strong!
Shows how good it is! 😉
John never be put down by canon or nikon fanboys! Loved your piano player.
Definitely yes!
I have a sony nex-ea50 and I'm looking for a smaller B cam. I think this camcorder will suits fine. Very nice review and footage. good job!
thanks for the response, I really appreciate it!
Amazing video! And great review!
Thank you so much for this review! God bless you!!
Thanx for this informative clip.
awesome!!! Thanks John!! great review and really thinking about picking this badboy up!! :)
Great review, brother. Have a good one!
Thank you for the review! A couple questions (I am seriously thinking about purchasing one of these as a B cam and an event cam).
1) Does the lens hold a focus point through out the zoom? Meaning if I zoom in all the way and focus on a point, and then zoom out, will that point remain in focus? A lot of DSLR lens do not, while good video lens do, thats why I ask.
2) Any chance to play with the XLR mount? Does it just plug into the 1/8th port, or does it have a custom port?
Great review! Do you think this is much better than the VG20?
Definitely. Although, if you don't need the powerzoom lens, you can always go for the NEX-VG20 where some of them come with a 18-200mm manual zoom lens.
Hi John,
Great review. Having trouble to choose between VG 30 and Canon FX100. If you happen to choose one for documentary, action and versatility, which one would you choose? Your style is pretty close to mine.
Cheers!
Thanks for the tips! Appreciate it =.)
Its a great camera to film with! I really enjoyed using it, especially with the 18-200mm powerzoom lens. It doesn't matter what SD card you use as they will both work. Quality wise, it doesn't make any difference. 128GB will give you a lot of footage.
thanks for your advice, i will be getting this soon when im more comfortable with making short movies, for now i got myself a 60d to start off with and then in the future I'll get the NEX vg30, (It was a bit too expensive for me right now)
Great review, I love it. It's probably my next purchase, so I'd like to ask a quick question. Do you think it's good for filming events, such as weddings? Thanks in advance! :)
I've been wanting one of these! If you use the LA-EA1 adapter, you can retain control of the aperture.
pretty good review John
Sorry I didn't understand your question. If the lens supports a powerzoom feature, then it can zoom automatically. The only lenses that support powerzoom at the moment is the 16-50mm lens and the 18-200mm that is with the VG30. If it doesn't have the powerzoom feature, you have to manually zoom in and out.
Nice review John! this helped a lot, but Ive been trying to find a comparison review of the vg30 and vg900. Im assuming that the vg900 is better because its more expensive but its not clear what makes it really better. I own a vg10e and im looking to buy a new one. your opinion on this matter will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks !
Hi.
1. Yes it does.
2. I don't think I'll be able to get my hands on the XLR mount. It connects into the multi interface terminal at the top of the camera.
I haven't reviewd the VG900. If there is a lot of requests for it I'll see what I can do.
If you're going to use it for videos and short movies, the NEX-VG30 would be the perfect choice. You have a good lens that pretty much covers your whole range and its a powerzoom lens too so you get smooth zooming. Ergonomics is perfect and the microphone is outstanding. I don't think you'll go wrong with picking this camera.
Thanks for great into to the NEX-VG30 which I have just acquired. What setting were you using for the night carnival footage please. I have noted your advice too regarding AVCHD so I will use Sony Vegas with my Windows computer rather than convert for MAC.
Nice cam. Does the power zoom make any noise that you can hear later on the video material?
Sorry for the late reply. It can but it really depends on the software that you're using to broadcast the stream.
Great review... I would agree, with a few additions:
If you are trying to use the HDMI out, it's in a really almost impossible place for using handheld.
If you are trying to film a band or others in front of you, with a crowd around & behind you, be sure to turn the sound from 5.1 to 2 (front stereo)... or you'll get wicked chatter & sounds. Also, being 'too close' to speakers can be a problem. (I try to use external digital recorders, like the Zoom or Tascam, for a better quality... and more consistent sound, when I can get one set up where it won't be knocked over or stolen).
The focus ability in really low light is pretty good, UNLESS there are lasers or strobes going (as many bands use), then it tends to try to follow those lights (rather than stay on the person/subject). I try to focus on the lead singer, and switch to manual focus for at least one of the cameras when I see the focus jumping all over because of the lighting or too fast of movements.(Especially on the drummer, when I can get over them).
REALLY low light, like a club after dark, requires some thought... boosting the AE, having the widest iris possible, and if the subject isn't moving too fast a shutter speed about 30, with a gain of 30, has worked reasonably well for me.
I really appreciate that I can use my Canon Glass on this body... but find the focus speed (in auto) with L glass to be slower then either the EF-S or true Sony glass. Manual zoom takes a bit of practice with most Canon Glass, or it looks a tad jumpy.
All in all, for the money, this is a great camera (good enough I have 4, for shooting events). The LANC (remote control) ability... and remote videoing via HDMI cable make it a great option for a jib crane, strange angles, or hidden on stage. The auto focus isn't perfect, especially with shallow DOF in low light, but still pretty good.
Oh yeah, the HDMI cable is limited to about 15 feet, unless you get special high end cables with boosters. That's a major pain, and something I didn't expect.
For freehand shooting, I often shoot with a neck strap, and the camera at about waist level. The steady shot is sweet, and a person would have serious trouble telling it wasn't on my steady cam or monopod.
The 'rocker' zoom offers a '2x digital zoom' (which allows the aperture to remain the same on variable lens) for some 'close ups' even in low light without jacking the iris from 3.5 to 4.5, or 5, or 5.6 depending on which lens. And the video quality remains pretty sweet, though it's a digital zoom (rather than the optical that's on the lens).
I haven't yet used any G lenses on my VG30's... can you tell me, do they require an adapter?? I have really been eyeing the f4 18-105mm G... any thoughts??
Also been thinking about adding a MetaBones Speedbooster EF to E-Mount. Still honestly don't get how the heck they 'add' an f-stop, but they do. I've played with one, and it was impressive.
+Terry Mercer can you please confirm that there is LANC for remote control and can you please tell me if i can use Manfrotto www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-MVR901ECPL-Clamp-Remote-Panasonic/dp/B006C23ZO8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1450906478&sr=8-2&keywords=manfrotto+remote+control
+Milen Slavov ~ There is an 'adapter' to the 2.5mm three phase plug which is necessary... I haven't tried that specific Manfrorrtto control unit, but the 2.5mm prog 'looks' about the same as the LANC's I'm using.
this is what the LANC adapter cable (to the camera) looks like (I don't know anything about this company - just the adapter, which works for me): www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-A-V-R-Connector-to-LANC-Remote-Control-Adapter-Cable-for-Sony-NEX-VG900-/271635488744?hash=item3f3ebc9fe8:g:KIIAAOxyOlhSrIS2
That 'half circle' adapter is NECESSARY to fit in the VG series Sony's... and the XR & CR series (use the same one).
(Oh, and that f4 'G' Sony lens, is friggin awesome - I have 4 of them now... and they are major nice for low light stuff that isn't too far away). I've tried the Metabones Speedbooster, and it's awesome great, for using the Canon glass, if you really really really need incredible DOF... but at over $600 per adapter, one is more than enough, and color, shade, and tone matching is nearly impossible to the other cameras not using it. Best to do multiple takes with the same camera if you aren't 100% 'matched' sets of cameras, IMO.
Merry Christmas, and good luck...
Okei, thanks John:) I am pretty new to recording, I have a contour ROAM, a Sony DCR SX30, but it is only 360p. I want this for my confirmation:D Keep up the good job, and thanks for the quick answer!
I haven't encountered anything like that. Have you tried initializing the camera and checking if you get the same message?
nice job John. Your review was thoughtful, objective and very helpful. Plus the video you shot looked great. Appreciated your piano recital video but don't think you zoomed. That was one of the complaints I heard - apparent motor noise from the zoom, I guess.
Thanks for the review. Just picked one up. Have you noticed any error messages when you're in standby mode? Frequently, I can't adjust iris, shutter speed, etc when in standby mode and I get an error message that reads 'iris - cannot operate' or 'focus - cannot operate'. It goes away when I start recording (I've only been in video mode). Is your camera doing the same thing?
2 questions: Does it pick up any auto focus noise in the recording? And what is the max record time before it stops/starts a new file?
Hi John - I met you in Parra Westfield a month ago and you gave me some advise on the VG30. Haven't bought one yet (still shopping around) and in the meantime i use a VG10. I transferred the footage from the card onto my mac and realized that i have to convert it before using in FCP. I tried to log and capture but it doesn't recognize the material... can you tell me what best program to use to transfer?
thanks
Hi. To be honest, I'm not too sure. FCP is funny with the AVCHD codec. Sony Vegas seems to be the best software to use. What format were you recording in? 50fps? 25fps?
Yeah you will be able to if you get the right adapter for that lens. It has to be a canon lens mount to the sony E-mount adapter.
Is it good with crash zooms? My personal style involves using them from time to time when filming action so I was wondering if it worked well for that or if the mechanized zoom gets in the way.
I have this camera and you've more or less nailed it on the head. Excellent image quality with the standard kit lens with plenty of adapters for many other lens mounts (most are manual focus however).
However, one thing you've missed is that with certain tripods, the power zoom lens will actually get in the way-that is, you can't mount the camcorder straight away with certain tripods, like many Manfrottos.
I'll see what I can do to get my hands on the VG900 but its essentially the same camera but with a full frame sensor and a few extra buttons. I think you'll be happy with the VG30 if you're a newcomer and it'll also be a cheaper option because you don't get a lens with the VG900. If you're funds permit, I'd get the VG900 and the CZ 24-70mm lens.
NTSC models have: 1080/24p, 1080/60i, and 1080/60p. John's reviewed the PAL model, 1080/25p/50i/p. The NEX-VG30 can shoot in a HQ "Standard Mode" as well. I think it's higher than SD but lower than 720, IIRC
With a background in dSLRs, I have enjoyed moving my focus point around the frame to tell the camera what I am interested in, and to focus and color balance at that point. I am working on my last project and I have back of heads in the foreground, singers in the midground, my subject, and stage light in the background. Does the VG30 have a moveable focus point? I see that here are 25 focus points in the camera, but I did not see a reference that I can select one to be my main focus.
John, Is the 2.0 digital zoom as far as I can go with this camera? Am I missing something?
Hey John Sison im looking for a camera for the gym videos on my channel. workout videos(night time stadium shots, indoor low light, interview settings and several skits. In what ways would this camera be BAD for me. I have a buddy selling a used one to me and i need to know if that is a good buy for what i am going to use it for. I ALSO do not know anything about photography terms(aperture, any lens stuff, iso) Any advice?
Hi Fit Squad. I own this camera and my channel also features many bodybuilding videos. As for the low light the VG30 (body) is a good camera, but you need to attach lens with big aperture (I use SEL35F18) and the video is awesome.
John, can you recommend a good lens for this camera to use for motion shots? Such as in car video
Thankx for this review. However I've got a few questions to ask regarding this camcorder.Can you manually adjust the sharpness or contrast or color tone on this camera? Thank you.
You can adjust all of those settings in the picture style.
From memory, I'm not too sure if you can change the region with this camera. I'll have to double check but I just know on the NEX-VG900 you can.
Hi John, thanks for this review, pretty much helpfull to have a better idea about this camera. but i have a question, could you please tell me what camera model did you use to do this review ? cause the image quality is damn good.
Not a problem. It has amazing quality. I used the Sony a99 with the Carl Zeiss 24-70mm f2.8 lens.
tnks men
hey john...i was wondering if i will be able to hook up a sigma 50mm 1.4 on this camera...and if it cant what prime lens can i get for cheap...thanks for your help
If you had to make a recommendation of the A99 and the VG30, which would you pick?
I love my Sony nex vg-30 Ive used it to shoot interviews and i have an upcoming music video that i will also shoot with it.
Hey John, i recently bought the Vg 30 and i am having a hard time setting up for low light situation, i am now working in the wedding recording business and sometimes we have situations with very low lighting. what do you suggest me setting up for a low light situating? and of course i really want that cinema movie look on my shooting, thanks for your attention.
hello im stevens, are you already review the sony vg900e?thanks
It's a nice camera
Its definitely a good camcorder and I think you'd be happy with it for a very long time. If I didn't have an a99 to shoot video with, I would most likely be using a VG30 to film my videos.
What lense were you using on the a99? That was some great quality!
I was using a carl zeiss 24-70mm f2.8 lens.
Not a problem.
is it better to connect an external mic or used the built in mic
Hi John,
Can you tell some smart stuff about the NEX VG900 too? Is there much difference between this one and the NEX VG30? What's the best buy for a newcomer to the movie making adventure world? Will I be glad with the VG30 for a while, or will the VG900 be the best buy for the next few years?
heyy ,finally the review is here :P , well man i have some issues with this cam, but i do love it :P. the power zoom lens will have the lens creep, at the start there is no creep, but if u keep using the lens for a while it will start. second, i just hate it when i take a picture i cant preview it like dslr, where u take a pic and it stays there for 2 sec, so to see the pics u have to go in the playback to see it i HATE THAT.its very nice with the f1.8 35mm lense!! amazing for low light.
Thanks for sharing! i just want to upgrade from old Vx2100E to this one for weddings. Is it good choice for weddings, or to buy something else? Thanks! mario
Mario Krijan Definitely a good choice for weddings, especially if you like the form factor and the opportunity to change your lenses.
Hi John would you still recommend this in 2021. I've got a a6400 already but for a long video shooting session would this be better?
Probably not. It does not have 4k either if you really needed it. If you really need it for the unlimited recording time, it might be worth it if you could find it for cheap.
your video really clear can u tell me which camera u use to record this video?
I filmed it with the Sony a99 and 24-70mm F2.8 lens.
forgot to ask!! re the memory cards which it uses, does it matter if i use SDHC, ultra SDHC (any difference in quality) etc and if i get a 128gb card is that normally enough for filming short scenes please?
nice cam bro !
Hi Great to get such solid reviews. How is the depth of field with the power zoom lens? Thanks Tony
You can get extremely shallow depth of field with lens, especially when zoomed all the way in and with separation from your subject in focus to the background.
@@JohnSisonPhotography Thank you
what is the max capacity of memory card that this camera support? and how long can I record in 1080?
Hello John,why is there a big discrepancy in price between PAL and NTSC version?
The camera has a file size limit of 2gb so starts a new file every 2gb. The problem I have found is that, while there isn't any video loss, there is a short time where audio is lost which is extremely annoying when filming a subject where audio is vital. Is there a way around the problem?
I use the powerzoom lens on my A6000 and A7ii cameras, with great success!
That's great to hear! Some struggle with it.
@@JohnSisonPhotography I have been amazed at how sharp the lens is, certainly way better than the 18-55mm kit lens, plus all that extra reach 😀 I use mine on my A6000 and my A7ii. I particularly like the slowest zoom setting, which maintains perfect AF throughout the entire zoom range on both cameras.
Hey do you know where i can get the power zoom lens? , because i cant find it thanks anyway!
Does it have Face Detection? If yes is it accurate? I'm planning to use the VG30 with the E - 50mm 1.8 lens. Thanks!
It should be able to be bought separately from a Sony or camera store. Which country are you located in?
Hi John. I've had this camera for a while, in part based on this recommendation- so thanks! For a while I've noticed that every 10 minutes and 40 seconds the video will split (I'm assuming to make saving easier and file sizes smaller). The only problem with it is that whenever the video cuts, the audio will stop for ~0.5 seconds and begin again the the new clip. Do you know of a setting or an update to fix this? I've searched a lot and haven't found anyone else complaining.
For reference I record in 60fps @1080p because I'm all about those frames (although there's a good chance it's the problem)
Hmm I vaguely remember this happening? What SD card are you using? Cause that may be the reason.
As per your recommendation, I just tried it with a PNY Elite Performance 64gb, a Transcend 128gb, and a Sandisk Extreme Plus 32gb SD card and all three have the same issue. I suppose that means it's the camera's software then?
If you haven't purchased already be careful about the 2gb file size limit. That doesn't mean you can film for longer but it does mean that every 2Gb the camera creates a new file. I've found that, while you don't lose video you do lose audio and in a short film situation that could be very annoying. So far I haven't been able to find a solution.
Have you ever compared it to Canon - XF100? Thank you for any info!
I would probably say the 10-18 f4 lens would be good, especially if you want something wide for car videos. If you want to get a bit creative, you could get the 16mm f2.8 and use either the ultrawide converter or the fisheye converter which attaches to the 16mm lens.
The Sony NEX mount can take adapters for almost any mount out there.
in the beginning of the film, which camera do you use? Is this the NEX-VG30?
I was filming with the Sony a99. The video samples toward the end was when I was filming with the VG30.
yes
WHAT PIECE OF MUSIC WAS THAT PIANIST PLAYING? If anyone knows. thanks. good review.
Hi, I have a NEX-VG10 and am happy with it. However I the 18. 200 lens is not enough for my needs. What lens in the 400 / 600 range would fit my camera
There isn't really a lens that long that Sony currently offers. Alternatively there is a 70-400mm from Sony that you can attach to your camera via an adaptor which is the LA-EA4. Another alternative is the Tamron 150-600mm lens which also requires an adaptor to be used with this camera.
Bought mine for $500 thanks to this video 8 months
OMG!! That's so cheap!! Congrats on the purchase!
I still have the VG 10.
I use the a99.
Hey, I have the Sony NEX-VG30 complete with the Power Zoom lens. I want to expand my camera set up by purchasing a shoulder rig and a follow focus. However, due to the Manual/Servo housing at the bottom of the lens, the the gear isn't able to make a complete circle. Is there any way to work around this in order to use a follow focus?
-Thanks
+MADdrum13 - Get Canon EF adapter for e-mount body, and real canon glass... problem solved. I highly suggest the Canon 24-105 EF - L - f4 - it's pretty clean & amazing... but the 28-70 f2.8 L is nice too, though it's usually about three times as expensive.
Personally, I got rid of my shoulder mount stuff... and went to a steady cam with vest... far more comfortable, more impressive, and OMG steadier... and your back will thank you tomorrow.
Its C.Czerny, Etude Opus 740 no.24
Have you found the noise of the motors when booming to be an issue? I have seen other reviews and the noise of the zoom has really put me off. Do you pick the zoom noise up when using an external mic on the shoes at the top of the camera?
I don't find it too much of an issue. Upon reviewing some footage from previous occasions, its a non issue because I don't film in dead quiet situations.
cheers dude
+Micky Bizzle - the sony G series and canon EF-S are totally silent (on my cameras)... the canon EF L's can be really noisy... and some of the sony zooms can also. But the nicer the lens, generally the more quite it is (servo'ed).
i still have the vg10, would it be worth upgrading?
The camera LCD doesn't display when connected to a monitor via HDMI, any solution
i have this baby..i love it!!!
How long is its battery life?
I use the NP-FV100 batteries, I run two VG30's, 1 static shot and 1 with many camera moves ans zooms, the static camera gets battery life of about 3 hours of constant recording, about 2 1/2 with the moving camera
i've just realized i've actually converted in in log and transfer - but its still not smooth to watch and play in FCP - would you know why?
Hello john, have you try this cam with an external flash unit?
I haven't but it will work. I just didn't have a use for it when I used this.
What DSLR do you use for filming?