Dear Fellow Film Makers,
I'm currently entering pre-production of a low budget feature film and was wondering whether
the Sony Nex VG 20 is a good camera that will achieve a professional looking film with a 35mm texture?
Also can this camera produce the quality footage required for entering International film festivals where films are projected digitally on a big screen?
Can anyone recommend the Sony Nex VG 20 or a similar camera with a large sensor which provides a 35mm look?
Thanks
Deedee
I shoot on a VG10 and it's a great little tool to learn with and it will blow up to a cinema screen if you can get the whole shooting package right. The VGs have some massive advantages over the DSLRs which are often overlooked and you only discover them once you are shooting side by side with DSLRs. However, it took me a couple of years to get there but I can now use it to its full capabilities. You need good glass and the result will be along the lines of a 5D MkIII which is the benchmark.
I watched a film shot on a 5D MkII with stock lens blown up to a cinema screen and it was OK. Results were pretty decent because the DoP had the skill level to make it work.
Image quality depends on camera, glass, other kit you have in order to make it work and your skill level. The DoP who shot the film on the 5D taught me a huge amount. I am still not up to his skill level and would struggle but learned it's not just about the camera, rather the whole shooting package.
If you are less competent, a better camera with better glass would be needed and I would suggest something like the Sony FS700 or Red Epic. If you can't afford that then probably a budget raw option like a BMCC.
As a note, if you are personally wielding the camera, you will need experience. This year I completed 4 music vids, a dance sequence, short film and there will be a couple more to finish with. This is not a lot by professional standards and I would consider myself just about competent as a DoP.
