What To Know
- The Samsung Gear 360 2017 excels in capturing immersive 360° content, while the Sony NEX-VG900E is a powerful tool for cinematic filmmaking.
- The image quality is good for immersive experiences, but it lacks the detail and clarity of the NEX-VG900E.
- The E-mount system allows for a wide range of lenses, offering flexibility in terms of focal length and field of view.
Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the vast array of options available. Two popular contenders often top the list: the Samsung Gear 360 2017 and the Sony NEX-VG900E. While both offer unique features and capabilities, they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison delves into the strengths and weaknesses of each camcorder, helping you determine the ideal choice for your specific filming requirements.
Samsung Gear 360 2017: A 360° Immersive Experience
The Samsung Gear 360 2017 is a compact, 360° camera designed to capture immersive, interactive content. Its two fisheye lenses capture a panoramic view, allowing viewers to explore the scene from any angle. This makes it perfect for creating virtual reality (VR) experiences, showcasing events, or capturing breathtaking landscapes.
Key Features:
- 360° Video Recording: Capture immersive video in 3840 x 1920 resolution at 30fps.
- Wide Field of View: Two fisheye lenses with a 195° field of view create a seamless, panoramic image.
- Compact and Lightweight: The Gear 360 2017 is incredibly portable, making it ideal for travel and on-the-go filming.
- Live Streaming: Stream your 360° footage live to social media platforms.
- Easy Editing: The Samsung Gear 360 app simplifies editing and sharing your content.
Sony NEX-VG900E: A Professional-Grade Camcorder
The Sony NEX-VG900E is a professional-grade camcorder designed for serious filmmakers and videographers. It boasts a large sensor, interchangeable lenses, and advanced manual controls, offering unparalleled flexibility and creative control.
Key Features:
- Large APS-C Sensor: The NEX-VG900E features a large APS-C sensor, delivering exceptional image quality, low-light performance, and shallow depth of field.
- Interchangeable Lenses: The E-mount system allows for a wide range of lenses, expanding creative possibilities.
- Full HD Video Recording: Capture stunning Full HD video at 60fps with high bitrate recording for exceptional detail and clarity.
- Advanced Manual Controls: The NEX-VG900E offers extensive manual control over exposure, focus, and other settings, giving you complete creative freedom.
- Professional Features: Built-in ND filters, zebra pattern, and other professional features enhance your workflow.
Comparing the Giants: Samsung Gear 360 2017 vs Sony NEX-VG900E
While both cameras offer exceptional features, they cater to distinct needs. The Samsung Gear 360 2017 excels in capturing immersive 360° content, while the Sony NEX-VG900E is a powerful tool for cinematic filmmaking. Here’s a detailed comparison:
1. Video Quality and Resolution:
- Samsung Gear 360 2017: Captures 360° video at 3840 x 1920 resolution at 30fps. The image quality is good for immersive experiences, but it lacks the detail and clarity of the NEX-VG900E.
- Sony NEX-VG900E: Records Full HD video at 60fps with high bitrate recording, delivering exceptional detail and clarity. The large sensor and advanced image processing result in superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
2. Lens and Field of View:
- Samsung Gear 360 2017: Two fisheye lenses with a 195° field of view capture a complete 360° panorama. This wide field of view is perfect for capturing immersive experiences but can distort the edges of the image.
- Sony NEX-VG900E: The E-mount system allows for a wide range of lenses, offering flexibility in terms of focal length and field of view. This allows for more control over the composition and perspective of your shots.
3. Manual Controls and Features:
- Samsung Gear 360 2017: Offers limited manual controls, primarily focusing on ease of use and intuitive operation. It lacks the advanced manual settings found in the NEX-VG900E.
- Sony NEX-VG900E: Provides comprehensive manual controls over exposure, focus, aperture, shutter speed, and other settings. This allows for greater creative control and flexibility in various filming scenarios.
4. Portability and Design:
- Samsung Gear 360 2017: The compact and lightweight design makes it incredibly portable and easy to take on-the-go. It’s perfect for capturing spontaneous moments and traveling.
- Sony NEX-VG900E: The NEX-VG900E is a larger and heavier camcorder, designed for professional use. It’s not as portable as the Gear 360 2017 but offers more professional features and a robust build.
5. Editing and Sharing:
- Samsung Gear 360 2017: The Samsung Gear 360 app simplifies editing and sharing your 360° content. It offers tools for stitching, stabilization, and adding effects.
- Sony NEX-VG900E: The NEX-VG900E produces high-quality footage that can be edited using professional editing software. It offers greater flexibility in post-production, allowing for more creative control.
Choosing the Right Camcorder: A Final Verdict
The choice between the Samsung Gear 360 2017 and the Sony NEX-VG900E ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities.
- If you’re looking for a compact and portable camera that captures immersive 360° experiences, the Samsung Gear 360 2017 is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for creating VR content, showcasing events, or capturing breathtaking landscapes.
- If you’re a serious filmmaker or videographer seeking professional-grade features and exceptional image quality, the Sony NEX-VG900E is the ideal option. Its large sensor, interchangeable lenses, and advanced manual controls offer unparalleled creative flexibility.
The Final Word: Beyond the Comparison
While this comparison highlights the key differences between these two camcorders, it’s important to remember that both offer unique capabilities and cater to different audiences. The Samsung Gear 360 2017 is a fantastic tool for capturing immersive 360° content, while the Sony NEX-VG900E is a powerful weapon in the arsenal of any serious filmmaker. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and the type of content you want to create.
Information You Need to Know
Q1: Can I edit Samsung Gear 360 2017 footage on a computer?
Yes, you can edit Samsung Gear 360 2017 footage on a computer using software like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve. You’ll need to stitch the two fisheye images together using a specialized plugin.
Q2: Can I use the Sony NEX-VG900E for live streaming?
Yes, the Sony NEX-VG900E can be used for live streaming with the help of an external encoder and streaming software.
Q3: What is the battery life of each camcorder?
The Samsung Gear 360 2017 has a battery life of approximately 1 hour, while the Sony NEX-VG900E has a battery life of about 2 hours.
Q4: What are the main differences between the Samsung Gear 360 2017 and the Sony NEX-VG900E in terms of audio recording?
The Samsung Gear 360 2017 has built-in microphones for capturing 360° audio, while the Sony NEX-VG900E has a built-in stereo microphone and allows for external microphone connections for better audio quality.
Q5: What are the pros and cons of each camcorder?
Samsung Gear 360 2017:
Pros:
- Immersive 360° video capture.
- Compact and portable design.
- Easy editing and sharing with the dedicated app.
Cons:
- Limited manual controls.
- Lower image quality compared to the NEX-VG900E.
- Shorter battery life.
Sony NEX-VG900E:
Pros:
- Exceptional image quality.
- Interchangeable lenses for creative flexibility.
- Advanced manual controls for professional filmmaking.
Cons:
- Larger and heavier design.
- More expensive than the Gear 360 2017.
- Requires more technical knowledge and post-production skills.