What To Know
- The most significant advantage of the Gear 360 is its ability to capture a full 360° view.
- The Gear 360 is incredibly compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and shoot on the go.
- The NEX-VG20EH comes with a higher price tag than the Gear 360, making it a less budget-friendly option.
Choosing the right camcorder can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a world of options. Two popular contenders that often come up in discussions are the Samsung Gear 360 2017 and the **Sony NEX-VG20EH**. While both offer distinct advantages, they cater to different needs and shooting styles. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
The Samsung Gear 360 2017: Immersive 360° Storytelling
The Samsung Gear 360 2017 is a compact and versatile 360° camera designed to capture immersive experiences. Its two fisheye lenses capture the world around you in a panoramic view, allowing you to create captivating content for virtual reality (VR) and social media platforms.
Advantages of the Samsung Gear 360 2017:
- 360° Capture: The most significant advantage of the Gear 360 is its ability to capture a full 360° view. This opens up a world of creative possibilities, from immersive travel vlogs to interactive product demonstrations.
- Compact Design: The Gear 360 is incredibly compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and shoot on the go. Its small size also allows you to place it in tight spaces and capture unique perspectives.
- Live Streaming: You can live stream your 360° footage directly to platforms like Facebook and YouTube, allowing you to share your experiences in real-time.
- Easy Editing: Samsung provides dedicated software for stitching and editing 360° footage, making it relatively easy to create polished videos.
Disadvantages of the Samsung Gear 360 2017:
- Limited Video Quality: The Gear 360 offers decent video quality, but it’s not as high as what you’d get from a dedicated camcorder like the Sony NEX-VG20EH.
- No Zoom: The fixed lenses on the Gear 360 lack the ability to zoom, limiting your framing options.
- No Manual Controls: The Gear 360 offers limited manual controls, making it less suitable for professional videographers who need precise control over exposure and other settings.
The Sony NEX-VG20EH: A Professional-Grade Camcorder
The Sony NEX-VG20EH is a professional-grade camcorder designed for serious filmmakers and videographers. It boasts a large APS-C sensor, interchangeable lenses, and advanced manual controls, giving you exceptional image quality and control over your footage.
Advantages of the Sony NEX-VG20EH:
- Exceptional Image Quality: The NEX-VG20EH delivers stunning video quality thanks to its large sensor and high-quality lens options. The APS-C sensor captures more light and detail, resulting in richer colors and better low-light performance.
- Interchangeable Lenses: The ability to swap lenses opens up endless creative possibilities. You can choose from a wide range of lenses to suit your shooting style and subject matter, from wide-angle landscapes to close-up portraits.
- Manual Controls: The NEX-VG20EH offers extensive manual controls over exposure, focus, aperture, and other settings, giving you complete control over your footage.
- Professional Features: This camcorder includes features like zebra patterns, peaking, and manual audio control, making it a powerful tool for professional videographers.
Disadvantages of the Sony NEX-VG20EH:
- Bulky and Heavy: The NEX-VG20EH is significantly larger and heavier than the Gear 360, making it less portable and convenient for everyday use.
- Higher Price: The NEX-VG20EH comes with a higher price tag than the Gear 360, making it a less budget-friendly option.
- No 360° Capture: The NEX-VG20EH is a traditional camcorder and cannot capture 360° footage.
Choosing the Right Camcorder for Your Needs
The best camcorder for you depends on your specific needs and shooting style. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
- For immersive 360° footage: The **Samsung Gear 360 2017** is the clear winner. Its compact design and ability to capture a full 360° view make it ideal for creating immersive experiences for VR and social media platforms.
- For professional-grade video quality and control: The **Sony NEX-VG20EH** is the superior choice. Its large sensor, interchangeable lenses, and manual controls offer exceptional image quality and creative freedom.
The Verdict: A Matter of Perspective
The Samsung Gear 360 2017 and the **Sony NEX-VG20EH** are both excellent camcorders, but they serve different purposes. The Gear 360 excels in immersive 360° capture, while the NEX-VG20EH delivers exceptional image quality and professional-grade features. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities and the type of content you want to create.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While these two camcorders are popular contenders, it’s important to note that the market offers a vast array of alternatives. Depending on your budget and specific needs, you might consider other options like:
- Action Cameras: GoPro Hero 10 Black, DJI Osmo Action 3
- Compact Camcorders: Sony FDR-AX100, Canon XA40
- Professional Cinema Cameras: Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, Sony FX3
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I edit 360° footage on a computer?
A1: Yes, you can edit 360° footage on a computer using dedicated software like Samsung Gear 360 ActionDirector, Adobe Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.
Q2: What kind of lenses are available for the Sony NEX-VG20EH?
A2: The Sony NEX-VG20EH uses Sony E-mount lenses, giving you access to a wide range of lenses from Sony and third-party manufacturers. You can find lenses for various purposes, including wide-angle, telephoto, macro, and more.
Q3: What is the difference between 360° video and traditional video?
A3: 360° video captures the entire scene around the camera, allowing viewers to interact with the content by looking in any direction. Traditional video captures a single perspective, similar to what you see through a standard camera lens.
Q4: Can I use the Samsung Gear 360 2017 for live streaming on YouTube?
A4: Yes, you can live stream 360° video from the Samsung Gear 360 2017 to YouTube. However, you’ll need to ensure that your YouTube channel is set up for 360° video streaming.
Q5: Is the Sony NEX-VG20EH compatible with external microphones?
A5: Yes, the Sony NEX-VG20EH has a built-in microphone, but it also features a dedicated microphone input for connecting external microphones for better audio quality.