NEX-VG900 • DSLR Killer?

The Holy Grail - Canon EOS 5D Mark III

DSLR's have recently taken over the low-cost, high-end video production world. Camcorders, with their small sensors and fixed lenses are no match for DSLR's like the Canon EOS 5D with it's Full Frame 35mm sensor and vast collection of interchangeable lenses.

I've been on the fence with regard to DSLR's for filmmaking. I'm not fond of the still camera form factor for video production - I love my video form-factor.

Most Videographers using DSLR's end up buying a plethora of accessories and rigs to try and transform the still camera form-factor to a more video friendly one. Don't even mention audio, most videographers end up buying a separate audio recorder to use with their DSLR.
Sony NEX-VG10

Sony is now trying to compete with DSLR manufacturers by using the same qualities found in DSLR's and incorporating them into video camcorder bodies.

The Sony NEX-VG10, with an APS-C size sensor, was Sony's first low cost, video form-factor, interchangeable lens video camcorder. It was designed to compete with DSLR's for the video market.

Because it was their first attempt,  and they wanted a competitive price-point, it had some minor disadvantages. The VG10 didn't have many of the features video professionals have come to require; no XLR inputs, no Zebra, lack of focus assist, and the list goes on. Since then, they have released better equipped interchangeable lens camcorders, including an upgraded NEX-VG10, VG20, VG30, FS100, FS700 and now the full frame NEX-VG900.


The NEX-VG900 is the first affordable, mass produced Full Frame 35mm sensor video camera with interchangeable lenses.  It sports a 24.3MP Exmor HD CMOS sensor -  and shoots 1080 at 60p / 24p. Street price less than $3300 US.

With this many pixels why doesn't it shoot 4K? You might want to ask Sony - as far as I can tell there's plenty of info coming off the sensor to make 4k images. Maybe we'll see 4k in the next iteration of this model. Wouldn't it be cool if it were possible to hack this camera to churn out 4k video? How about a firmware upgrade - never mind - enough mental masturbation...

For the moment there is little information and/or reviews on the NEX-VG900, but we'll start to see more in the next few weeks - If you are one of those daring first adopters you can pre-order one at the usual suspects - Amazon, B&H, and the rest. I just ordered on last week. As soon as I get my hands on it I'll shoot some demos for you.
Sony's new DSLR killer: Full Frame NEX-VG900





The VG900 comes with an E-mount to A-mount lens adapter. The LA-EA3 allows you to use all the Sony Alpha lenses and many Zeiss lenses made for A-mount.