Sony NEX-VG10 / NEX-VG20

This is a great alternative to a DSLR if your priority is video not stills – The camera has now been upgraded to the VG-30 but both are excellent alternatives to an SLR if video is your main game. There are complaints on the internet that the camera does not have good low light capability and this is somewhat true if you only use it with the supplied zoom lens. But the point of an interchangeable lens camera is that you can use brighter lenses. I have several prime lenses for the camera that are great. I have a SAL35F18 35mm a SEL50F14 50mm and an SAL85F28 85mm that are all quite reasonably priced and give me great results.

The camera uses a larger sensor than most video cameras and that allows for a huge amount of versatility.

It has great audio and there is a control that allows you to add other audio inputs and still control the gain which most SLRs don't provide.

There are also comments on the internet that it does not come with XLR inputs. If you don't know what they are then you don't need to worry, if you do, then remember that the DSLR's don't either. If you have short audio cables this should not be an issue as noise is an unlikely problem for distances of less than 5m. An XLR adapter or recorder can be purchased from a range of sources if needed and then you can use the on board audio for syncing if you are editing your video. I have a bluetooth mic that does what I need for longer distances and while it is a canon device the Sony one has exactly the same specs ( it just was not available when I bought mine).

This camera can be used straight out of the box without adding lots of other accessories that are required to convert DSLR's to a video camera and the pictures are crystal clear.

This is not a pro camera. But for most of us this is a good thing. The camera works well in the automatic mode for most things and has heaps of latitude for creativity in the video and audio areas. It takes 16MP still shots which is not the same resolution as many high end DSLR's but they are beautiful shots and some of the glass available for the front end from Sony and others is brilliant.

I have been using this for two years and have made documentary and interview programs as well as my own travel shots and I am very happy with it. My next one will likely be the NEX VG30 and this camera will become my B roll camera when I can afford to upgrade.