Difference in video from NEX 3 - to NEX 5 - and now NEX 5N????

[Shotgal]

I don't care on bit about shooting photos (Already shoot Sony A850) but am interested exclusively in NEX as a video camera for shooting music videos.

I know there's supposed to be some difference/improvement in the NEX5 over the past models - but-

Is there any difference in the 3 vs 5 models? No one seems to be talking much about NEX video online. :/ They mostly go on about the stills. There are only a few very good video demos - but mostly from Sony employees (massive resources/skills to produce). We are hoping to get the closest possible "film look" in our shoots...lots of bokeh and smooth movements.

If I got the 3 and used it at the highest resolution - is it the same and the 5?

Biggest concerns would really be stabilizing such a small camera - including zooms and focus moves, hand held or on a mount. *Fitting it on a crane with any kind of remote control might be hard too. Also syncing music in post is a concern (though it should be easy in FinalCutProX w/reference tracks on the video - but NEX5 has no audio inputs only a mic).

Would going to a dedicated video camera just be smarter to get better I/O and not hassle with changing lenses?

Thanks in advance for input!

 

[olli]

Hello and welcome shotgal. I can't help with your question since I never bother with video, but hopefully someone here will be able to.

 

[Shotgal]

Thanks much - I did find more info -
the 3 has MP4 HD 720/30p -
the 5 has - AVCHD 1920x1080/60i 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
the 5N has - AVCHD 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) -
and the yet to be seen 7 will have - MPG4 1920 x 1080 (60, 24 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)

I'm not sure what the 7 is MPG4 and not AVCHD unless the spec I got was wrong.

 

[Phoenix]

Hi and welcome. Like Olli I havent really bothered with the NEX's video capabilites, IMHO based on specs and feedback, I'd say you would be better off getting a dedicated video camera due to a couple of reasons.
1. The NEX body does not have an in built stabiliser but instead is incorporated in their lens, provided you are going to solely use NEX lenses with OSS (the 16mm kit does not have OSS) camera shake could be an issue specially because of the NEX's small size.
2.Like you mentioned the NEX bodies does not have audio inputs, only a mic
3.One complaint users had from the very start was the lack of manual controls in video mode.
4.The NEX-5N has the dreaded clicking sound when taking videos, from what I heard Sony has provided a solution for this problem, but it didnt solve it entirely (some investigation on this would provide useful)
5.When you mention that you are trying to achieve the "film look" are you pertaining different filters such as Astia? Velvia? etc.. the NEX after the firmware upgrade has the following art filters; Toy camera, High contrast monochrome, Pop art, etc.. nothing really to achieve that "film look" I would be assuming from music videos in the telly.

IMO, the NEX is a capable stills camera that can do video but doesnt really specialise on it. A better option would be the NEX FS100 imo, it fits E-mount lenses and is quite compact for a professional video camera ( I am assuming that it has an in-built stabiliser), I'm not so sure regarding the specs as I'm a stills shooter.

I hope it helps

 

[Amin]

3.One complaint users had from the very start was the lack of manual controls in video mode.

The NEX-5N has this, which I think is key for people primarily interested in video.

 

[Shotgal]

Thanks for the replies -

The stabiliser issue could be something to look at as a consideration though I've not heard that one as a negative before concerning video shooting...
As far as I know there are at least a couple of assignable soft buttons for manual control?
I had heard about the clicking issue but from what I also heard - it was fixed? Will have to look into that one more closely.
By Film Look - I meant 35mm motion picture film - not camera film.

The Panasonic GH1/GH2 DSLRs are used a lot in filmmaking interestingly - but I really don't think a full size DSLR is the way to go. The NEX seemed interesting more as a digital back for video, but true, it isn't a full on video camera like the FS100 (at 10 times the price!). Even VG10/VG20 are 3x the price...

I should mention I'm getting this for a beginner (22 year old son) to get his feet wet with. The lens interchangeability is great - but also a black hole for money which he doesn't have. LOL I live in another state so he won't be getting to borrow my premium glass either.

Anyway thanks again for the discussion!

 

[Shotgal]

Thanks much - I did find more info -
the 3 has MP4 HD 720/30p -
the 5 has - AVCHD 1920x1080/60i 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
the 5N has - AVCHD 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) -
and the yet to be seen 7 will have - MPG4 1920 x 1080 (60, 24 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)

I'm not sure what the 7 is MPG4 and not AVCHD unless the spec I got was wrong.

Also - another new model - an update to the "3"

C3 - video specs
• MPEG-4 • 1280 x 720p 29.97fps (9 or 6 Mbps) • 640 x 480 29.97fps

 

[bbob]

<b>shotgal:</b>

I bought the NEX-5n for mostly stealth video, the still pictures mode is a bonus. I plan on using it mostly with legacy lenses but here is a short video with the 5n + 16mm pancake. I like the idea that it continuously autofocuses and the iso changes to keep up with exposure. great for "shooting from the hip" due to its form factor of being able to hold the lens and aim

[video=youtube;6VP53uGy2Tg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VP53uGy2Tg[/video]

bob

ps: forgot to mention that this was shot in AVCHD 1080p30 mode and reduced to 1280x720p30 6MBps, aperature priority mode, auto ISO

 

[Phoenix]

. LOL I live in another state so he won't be getting to borrow my premium glass either.

Hahahaha!!