New camera help

[jlovn27]

Hey guys my small church is looking to get a new camera. We're looking at the Sony HDR-FX7 and the new Sony Interchangeable HD NEX-VG20H. We have the funds to spend at least $2300.were mainly looking to use it for our video announcements and other events. Please leave me some feedback I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks and God bless!!

[petereit]

I'd lean toward the NEX-VG20H. Since it has the HDMI output it gives you more options for connectivity (connecting an HDTV during studio shooting, perhaps even connecting to something like an ATEM switcher in the future for a multicam shoot.)

[withoutfear]

I would point you to a dslr if it's just for edited video such as video announcements, interviews, and promo type stuff. The depth of field and the color saturation is nothing short of amazing for the money! We use two canon 60d cameras and a rode shotgun mic. We also use a nifty fifty lens(100.00) and a kit lens. For one setup your looking at around 1600-1700.00 with camera, lens, tripod sd card, and rode mic! Amount can vary depending on brands and quality. This is what many large churches are using these days for announcement type stuff. *Note. I don't recommend this for any type of imag stuff or any thing involving a switcher!

[rcourtney]

Our church purchased three Sony NEX-VG20H for use with our ATEM 1 M/E for live
streaming and capture.

As with all cameras good lighting is important.
This camera does have a couple issues:
The HDMI link is weak. With good 25ft HDMI cables we needed a HDMI repeater. ($20 US)
The lens kit will do a good job up to 100' camera distance to talent.
The lens is not a powered zoom and is tightly geared. We are looking at adding external gear rings
and making a pan handle remote control.
The kit lens is a slow lens and in lower light the camera wants to increase gain which adds
some noise to the picture but still is workable image.
For live streaming the camera in my opinion is OK for the money. For preservice videos
it is fantastic. Don't like the fact it is not balanced like ENG style cameras (JVC 790 or
Panasonic P2 line) but on a tripod will be fine, add a tripod slider plate for balance.

This camera does do 720P which is a plus as a uncompressed capture of an hour service
still is about 400 Gbytes.

About the ATEM 1 M/E, Good purchase! We use their Decklink card for capture.