• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  •  
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 12,800

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Differences

Sony NEX-VG10 advantages over Panasonic GH2

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 3.48 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.0 fps vs 3.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    14 vs 9 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Panasonic GH2 advantages over Sony NEX-VG10

  • Less expensive
    $1500 vs $2000 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    75 mm vs 294 mm
    Thinner
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Lighter weight
    942g vs 1300g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic GH1

Sony NEX-VG10
Panasonic GH1
  • $2000
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1315
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection
Panasonic GH2
Panasonic GH1
  • $1500
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • More pixels
  • $1315
  • 4/3
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Thinner

Compared to Panasonic G2

Sony NEX-VG10
Panasonic G2
  • $2000
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $800
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection
Panasonic GH2
Panasonic G2
  • $1500
  • 4/3
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
  • $800
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Samsung NX1

Sony NEX-VG10
Samsung NX1
  • $2000
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1797
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
Panasonic GH2
Samsung NX1
  • $1500
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1797
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sigma sd Quattro

Sony NEX-VG10
Sigma sd Quattro
  • $2000
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • On-sensor phase detect
Panasonic GH2
Sigma sd Quattro
  • $1500
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Olympus E-M1X

Sony NEX-VG10
Olympus E-M1X
  • $2000
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2133
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Panasonic GH2
Olympus E-M1X
  • $1500
  • 4/3
  • Internal flash
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2133
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
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