A short video comparing low light footage between the Sony NEX VG10 and the Canon XA10.
Camera specs:
Sony NEX VG10: APS-C Exmor CMOS image sensor, 35mm equivalent focal length (stock 11x 18-200mm lens). On board stereo microphone.
Canon XA10: 1/3" Canon 1920x1080 native image sensor, 30.4mm-304mm 35mm equivalent focal length (fixed 10x lens). Rode NTG-2 shotgun microphone.
Camera specs compared: http://camcorder-test.slashcam.com/compare-what-i-cmp-u-cmd-i-view-u-mode-i-d...
Video details:
The two videos were filmed on two separate nights in the same location, of the same person, doing the same thing. Overhead lighting was identical, and environmental lighting was identical (ie: fully overcast). The only editing done was to match the start of the footage and show the subject in split screen view. Only the right channel was colour-corrected to match the left channel as closely in exposure and colour as possible.
Left channel: Sony NEX VG10, 1/60 shutter, auto aperture, video gain 24dB. On-board microphone. Contrast: -2, Saturation: -2. 30P recorded into a 60i container.
Right channel: Canon XA10, 1/60 shutter, auto aperture, video gain auto. Rode NTG-2 shotgun microphone. Contrast: -2, Saturation: -2. 30P recorded into a 60i container. (Note: less noise because fewer people were around when this footage was filmed).
My comments:
Disclaimer - I'm not paid to do this, I compared both cameras before buying a Canon XA10 for myself.
It would appear that size doesn't matter, and that the APS-C to 1920x1080 downconversion onboard the VG10 causes lots of noise in their 'sRGB' colour space (which means nothing for video), while the 1/3" sensor on the XA10 that is 1920x1080 native has effectively larger pixels capturing more light.
From a practicality standpoint, the XA10 is lighter even with the hefty Rode NTG-2 shotgun mic mounted, and produces cleaner footage even in low light conditions. With more background details and a flatter image produced by the XA10, it leaves more possibilities during post production for motion tracking (more reliability) and colour correction+grading.
It would seem like the autofocus is significantly more reliable on the Canon XA10 than the Sony NEX VG10, though this may be a result of the shallow DoF on the VG10 making it harder for the AF to track the individual with lots of movement.
Also the carry handle is more solid feeling, and the image stabilization performs better when moving.
While the Canon XA10 costs a little more ($1800-$2000CAD), and the Sony NEX VG10 is slowly dropping in price ($1600CAD), that small jump in price gives a lot more features despite lacking the larger body and feel for a 'pro' camera.
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Sony Nex VG10 vs Canon XA10 Comparisonby cinecolombiano14,764 views
Nice video, was the stock lens used with the Sony NEX VG10? I would have thought it would be darker than this. The Sony footage looked more defined and realistic even though the Canon is brighter.
compwz 2 months ago
@compwz The notes about camera specs including lens and capture settings are in the description. The VG10 footage looks more defined but the gain was maxed. I've found that in post the XA10 holds up better with colour grading. The desaturation in the Canon's contrast/saturation settings are more powerful than Sony's. Also the Canon was left on auto gain and probably just maxed it out.
aonomus 2 months ago
@compwz I think both cameras are amazing for the price, and that this is only a comparison of low-light performance with flat image settings. Once you crank the gain up on the Sony the noise goes through the roof.
aonomus 2 months ago
what editing software did you use?
GatorVision206 2 months ago
@GatorVision206 Adobe Premiere, but that wouldn't really affect the camera performance in low light conditions...
aonomus 2 months ago
Which is which? Can you make an annotation.
yamum248 4 months ago
@yamum248 Its in the video notes
aonomus 4 months ago