Has Sony made the manual available yet? Among other things, I'm curious if the VG10 has peaking and zebras?

I haven't heard of the manual being available yet, but I have definitely gathered from the European reviews that there is no peaking or zebras.
The VG10 seems to be configured more in line with a consumer camera, with little in the way of pro features aside from some manual exposure and focus controls.

In your opinion, is it worth $2000?

In your opinion, is it worth $2000?

Who are you asking? The camera isn't even out yet, how can someone give a serious opinion?

If you want mine, based upon never having seen one, much less handled one - yes. It is to me.

Why do I say so? Because it is the first camcorder - not DSLR, but a true camcorder - that offers a very large sensor, interchangeable lenses, the ability to give very sharp depth of field, good nat sound audio, cheap media storage, etc.
I can see this camera filling a nice niche for me professionally, and personally. I could put this camera to work immediately. It may be marketed as a consumer camera, but I will use it to generate income. Plus, I can use it for personal projects, short films, etc. I cannot wait to play with that shallow DoF.

However, none of us can know for sure until we get real world, hands-on experience with it.
So, your opinion on its worth is as good as anyone's.

I was asking anyone that knows more than i. lol which is probably most of you. Just all the reviews i have read about it, says it falls short of expectations. It's in my price range, but i am worried that something will come out a few months later that will be superior. I can only afford one camera like this a year. I understand that no one will know really the truth about it till hands on. the reviews i have read have been by professionals that have had a chance to try it out. None of those were very positive, but maybe they were expecting too much.

It's not a professional camera; so don't expect positive reviews from professionals, and I don't mean that as a slur on professionals or this camera. It has several limitations that will turn off many - particularly pros - but then so do DSLRs.

Something better will come out - maybe even from Sony - sometime in the next few years, but if your time frame is a year, thats not so certain. In the short term, Panasonic has a big sensor camera coming that will probably be two or three times the price of this. Canon may have a new DSLR coming out soon, the Nikon has the D3100 which appears to have 1080p support.

What do you want to do with this (or other) camera?

All the reviews I've seen - and there are very few, or in another language with poor translations - seem to like it. It's not the be-all, end-all of video cameras, but for 2 grand, what can you expect? The images look very nice, from what I've seen.

As far as it being your only camera, that depends on what you need it for. If you need to record audio, I'd go for a more dedicated prosumer video camera with XLR inputs. If depth of field is more important, there is nothing in its price range that can match it, DSLRs excepted.
For me, it will be my b-camera, for particular shoots when I want that shallow DoF. it will not replace my big camera, but it will be nice to have along on a shoot. I can see using this camera as the main camera for a b-roll only shoot, though. Assuming th codec is robust enough for broadcast.

One thing that does irritate me on some of the reviews, or people posting about the camera, is their complaint about the lack of a motorized zoom. It uses DSLR lenses, people! DLSR don't need power zooms! The people who use DSLRs for video capture seem to work around this. I swear, some people forget where this camera comes from. If they want power zooms, buy another dedicated video camcorder. Do like the majority of film shoots and learn to work with different lenses and drop the zoom shots.

It's not a professional camera; so don't expect positive reviews from professionals, and I don't mean that as a slur on professionals or this camera. It has several limitations that will turn off many - particularly pros - but then so do DSLRs.

Something better will come out - maybe even from Sony - sometime in the next few years, but if your time frame is a year, thats not so certain. In the short term, Panasonic has a big sensor camera coming that will probably be two or three times the price of this. Canon may have a new DSLR coming out soon, the Nikon has the D3100 which appears to have 1080p support.

What do you want to do with this (or other) camera?

I do alot of live action paintball games( i work at a paintball store). I would also like to do promotions for the store. I would like to try small short films, or maybe a music video for a friend's band. I'm truely a hobbyist, i don't plan on doing it for a living. I just want it to look at as good as possible.
I have a Canon hv30 now. i was about to purchase a dof adapter and lens for it till i heard about the nex-vg10.
Thanks for the advice by the way.

Glen's comments are spot on, you have to look at this camera for what it IS, the first "crossover" camera that comes at the equation from the VIDEO side of the field. Crossover meaning a camera that can do both video and still relatively well, and has a "large sensor", with the corresponding capabilities and limitations.

If you want DoF, this might be your camera... but do you always want or need that? If you are considering a DSLR-V, but want a more "video cam" form factor this IS your camera. If you want a dedicated still camera that also does video as an add-on, you might go a different way...

FWIW, Sony will be maiking some big announcements shortly (Aug 24 seems to be the "day"), including Alpha bodies with video, two of which appear to be "regular" SLR's, and two which may be a completely new approach, with the video capability being emphasized.

As I'm looking to upgrade a couple A bodies, I'm waiting patiently... then the choice will be harder, with more options, but maybe just maybe a "winner" will emerge for what I am looking to achieve (just about the same thing Glen is, a "b" cam for DoF type shots).

IMO, the VG10 is "worth" the price of admission, and I'll be watching to pick one up secondhand most likely, as that's how I make "new toys" affordable! I've been tempted by the NEX5, but just can't accept the limitations, the VG10 looks more promising, but that may change in a few days, as I've already got the equivalent lenses to the VG10's 18-200 E lens (and some other very sweet old glass), but in A mount... so an "A" body may emerge that works for me, both budget and practicality wise. I'm prepared already for the DSLR form factor issues.

Frankly, my CX550V's are still about the best "all round" shooter I've got for the price, and are turning out to be a well balanced camera overall, though I have other cameras for "stills".

I will be interested to read the reviews on the VG10 after it is released. In particular I would like to know how its codec compares to the current crop of DSLR cameras.

One thing that does irritate me on some of the reviews, or people posting about the camera, is their complaint about the lack of a motorized zoom. It uses DSLR lenses, people! DLSR don't need power zooms!


Please don't get me wrong, I mostly agree with you - for right now.

My point would be, as both DSLR and camcorder merge close enough to share lens mounts and lenses, is it impossible to imagine new lenses being released that also support a power zoom function?

I was asking anyone that knows more than i. lol which is probably most of you. Just all the reviews i have read about it, says it falls short of expectations. It's in my price range, but i am worried that something will come out a few months later that will be superior. I can only afford one camera like this a year. I understand that no one will know really the truth about it till hands on. the reviews i have read have been by professionals that have had a chance to try it out. None of those were very positive, but maybe they were expecting too much.

Some very good points have been make in the above posts.
A key consideration is if the VG10's unique features (primarily shallow depth of field, interchangable lenses) are specific features that you need to do the sort of work you are planning. One drawback to shallow DOF is the need to constantly be on the money with the focus. If you are doing a narrative film, it's not such a problem. If you are doing run n' gun ENG type of shooting (maybe paintball mayhem??), it could be an actual drawback.
The word that has leaked from Sony is that they do, in fact, plan on announcing a more pro version of this camera by year's end.
Reference has been made to the Sony CX550 as being a super all around camera. I have one and completely agree with that assesment.
So, just because the VG10 is the newest in the Sony line up doesn't necessarily mean it is the "best" for all shooters, or all situations. A certain crowd has gone nuts over big chip DSLR video. This camera is aimed squarely at them. If you are in that group, it will be your cup of tea. And if you need more pro features, it sounds like that wish will be fulfilled pretty soon too :)

Does anyone have any links to these rumors of new Sony cameras? That news is very intriguing.

The word that has leaked from Sony is that they do, in fact, plan on announcing a more pro version of this camera by year's end.

When they announced the camera I pretty much assumed there was a 50/50 chance that a "professional" version - probably with XLR jacks and a few more controls - would follow soon after. But to have someone say there'll be something by years end....oh no!.now I'm conflicted!!

Please don't get me wrong, I mostly agree with you - for right now.

My point would be, as both DSLR and camcorder merge close enough to share lens mounts and lenses, is it impossible to imagine new lenses being released that also support a power zoom function?

Sure, there might be lenses like that one day. But to complain about a camera not having a lens that doesn't even exist is ludicrous. Might as well complain your new car can't fly.

Well, there is going to be some activity on Aug 24th, but I believe it will all be about the new Alpha mount.bodies, the rumble on the street is 4 new models, two A5xx series replacements w/video, and two new animals using a pellix mirror design specifically to facilitate faster focus for video. I'm leaning towards something in that vein, at least so far, though I doubt they will have the same sexy vibe the VG10 has.

I don't see any reason why Sony can't issue a "pro" model of the VG10, although the basic design is pretty sleek/bare bones. I suspect when they showed the prototype a few months ago, they were testing the waters, and found them to be filled with hungry "large sensor" pirahna... so followup models would be no surprise.

I know the whole E mount apparently evolved out of the need for a new lens design that could better accomodate video. Sony is coming "fashionably late" the the SLR/large sensor party, but they are coming with some fresh new ideas, that's always exciting.

Glen, since I know DVi doesn't generally sanction "rumors", if you're interested in possible future developments, google "sony alpha rumours", as well as Dyxum, those sites are more oriented towards the SLR (dyxum actually may declare you heretical you if you mention video being of importance - they are hardcore still oriented), both have some discussion on video (not much, nor as thorough as here!!). Hopefully as the situation develops, Chris can build out the Sony forums as the still and video sides converge.

Does anyone have any links to these rumors of new Sony cameras? That news is very intriguing.

Here's one source I was able to remember & track down:
"I fully expect there to be another camcorder model announced (I’d guess by the end of the year) that will compete more in the HVX200 and XDCAM EX1 size/featureset market. And given all the right notes they have hit with their first entry into the DSLR-video-camcorder space, I am very excited to see what they have next for us. So if the NEX-VG10 isn’t your cup of tea, I personally don’t think you’ll have long to wait for more options."- Matt Jeppsen
All of this sort of "info" is obviously speculative, but Matt does claim to be connected with someone knowledgable at Sony.
Link to the full article: ProVideo Coalition.com: FRESHDV by Matthew Jeppsen & Kendal Miller (http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/freshdv/story/sony_nex-vg10_announced/)
They are pretty clever at Sony. It makes sense that they didn't design the VG10 as an isolated one-off product. The sales $$$ feedback they are now getting from the NEX still cams, plus the preorders for the VG10- as well as the level of worldwide interest (almost 27,000 views of this DV Info thread alone), are probably providing all the signals they need for full speed ahead- or not...

Dave and Robert,

Thank you for the links. But it doesn't look like Sony will have a professional model anytime soon. Based on what I've read, there is no real news of a pro model. It's not even a rumor, more like a writer's wish list. That doesn't mean it won't happen, I just don't see any definite news. We do know Sony displayed a prototype of a large sensor pro model at NAB, but it's way more than $2,000.

There might be a new video-capable Sony DSLR, but I prefer the video camera body style. I do find it interesting that on the DSLR forums, they're speculating that the E-mount system will expand and give us more lens choices.

I think for this year, we'll just have the VG10. And if there is a new pro model, it will most certainly be priced around the other pro model camcorders. So, the VG10 will still be in a class by itself.

I suspect the VG10 will be somewhat like the old HC1 - a breakout product to open the door to future development - so the "possiblity" of an A1U equivalent is there. The VG10 is a "first test shot" if you will.

The entire NEX series with it's E mount is "uncharted territory", and so far has apparently been wildly sucessful despite some interface stumbles on a "1st gen" product. We do know that the E mount (with the new lenses) was designed to avoid some of the inherent issues in trying to use a DSLR for video

I do find the inclusion of the alpha flash shoe to be intrigueing. Sony has in the past put some interesting features on their proprietary shoes, although it's a long shot... in theory they "could" have put an interface of some sort up there for an XLR box, although I'd sincerely doubt it.

I'm mixed on the DSLR form factor for video, but I can go either way, depending on the features.

I do expect the lens options available for the E mount to open up, there are already third party options to mount a number of "other" manufacturers lenses via adapters. I'd rather like to play with a tilt shift adapter someday myself!

I think for this year, we'll just have the VG10. And if there is a new pro model, it will most certainly be priced around the other pro model camcorders. So, the VG10 will still be in a class by itself.

That makes sense to me as well.
It's possible that Sony will "announce" some intention of a more full featured APS video cam by year's end, but I would guess that it would be well into next year before it was actually available, and would probably be in the $4-$6K price range.
So, the VG10 will likely stand alone in it's particular niche re price, features, size, etc.

That makes sense to me as well.
It's possible that Sony will "announce" some intention of a more full featured APS video cam by year's end, but I would guess that it would be well into next year before it was actually available, and would probably be in the $4-$6K price range.
So, the VG10 will likely stand alone in it's particular niche re price, features, size, etc.

I'm guessing that any pro version of the VG10 will be in & around the $3500 to $5000 price range. Sony usually creates anywhere between a $1500 to $2000 price difference between their similiar version of a consumer & pro camera, with a few exceptions like the $500 difference between the AX2000 and NX5 & the CX550V and MC50U. But the FX1 and Z1U had a $2000 difference, The FX7 /V1U & FX1000/Z5U had about a $1000-1500 difference. So, in keeping with Sony's pricing philosophy, I expect that if any pro version of the VG10 is released, it'll probably be at MSRP of either $2999.99, $3499.99 or $3999.99.

Ozzy

I think it may depend on whether they just stick a few features (like XLR) on the existing VG10, or up the ante to an NX sized cam with features more comparable to an EX1.
Or maybe, in good time, all of the above :)

Hi
I would guess that any 'pro' version of the VG10 made available this year would be like the CX550V/MC50 versioning - a different colour but functionally identical, with minor add-on accessories, and a logo redesign...
(So as to allow Sony Pro Video dealers a slice of the action).

Rumoured for an announcement at Photokina is an upgraded/rechipped NEX-7 still camera, and if correct that would be a more likely basis for a proper Pro EX-1 type offering:
Sony NEX-7 with 1080p coming later in 2010 - SlashGear (http://www.slashgear.com/sony-nex-7-with-1080p-coming-later-in-2010-1385530/)

720p120!!!

So the NEX-7 will have a more capable sensor than the NEX 3/5 - and the VG10. And it will do 60i, 24P and 30P, and an incredible 720/120P!
Methinks Sony should delay the VG10 until it can also get these goodies. Hmmm...maybe a VG20 coming soon?

So the NEX-7 will have a more capable sensor than the NEX 3/5 - and the VG10. And it will do 60i, 24P and 30P, and an incredible 720/120P!
Methinks Sony should delay the VG10 until it can also get these goodies. Hmmm...maybe a VG20 coming soon?

Any word when the NEX-7 is gonna be released. Hmm, the NEX-7, the VG10, and the Z35, which they unveiled at NAB 2010 and claim to be released before NAB 2011, Sony is really upping the ante. Who knows what else they got from now to the end of the year.

Ozzy

Any word when the NEX-7 is gonna be released. Hmm, the NEX-7, the VG10, and the Z35, which they unveiled at NAB 2010 and claim to be released before NAB 2011, Sony is really upping the ante. Who knows what else they got from now to the end of the year.

Ozzy

According to the articles, maybe September 2010 for the NEX 7.

Supposedly the NEX 7 is a bit behind schedule - BUT, I notice that the specs for two of the cameras supposed to hit on the 24th of this month show a 16Mpixel sensor - may be the anticipated "better" sensor, since the other two cameras appear to perhaps have the same 14M sensor as the NEX3/5/VG10.

I'd expect Sony to be pretty busy closing out 2010...

For those who want 24p I'm thinking there should be software that can read 120 frames of 30p into a buffer. Each frame is 1/30 the second apart.

Now if we impose on this buffer a series of 120 slots 1/24th second apart, there will be some frames of input that will line up with the slots.

For those slots that don't line up, some will be close to a prior or next frame -- so use put it into the slot.

When a slots is midway between frames, blend the frames.

Now output the 120 slots at 24p.

The danger is that a cadence is formed which would be visible.

The alternative is to apply motion estimation the 120 slots from the 120 framed. Obviously this should be better looking but it will take a long time to compute.

Back in the days og JVCs HD10 I seem to remember that there was software that could do this conversion without causing any frames to be dropped. It worked with progressive! (interlace is easier.)

Anyone remember it's name?

PS: since one is not likely to go to film these days, it might be possible to lay a 2:3 pulldown pattern on the 120 frames and output 1080i60/24p ready to burn to BD.

SONY NEX-VG10 - VJ (Videojournalist) on Vimeo

I'd love to hear an English translation of this.
I will say that there wasn't much of a DSLR look to the footage.
As there wasn't much DOF to it. As the aperture seemed to be closed down quite a bit.
Looked kind of video cameraish if you ask me.

This guy teaches video production?

Of course there is tons of DOF -- if he has correctly locked the shutter to 1/40th (mid-way between 1/30th and 1/60th) the aperture must be nearly closed!

You have to use a high density ND to get the aperture down to f/4.

I suspect either he doesn't understand DOF or he didn't want to reveal that a ND will be needed.

I would expect we will soon see dozens of similar movies. Either there will be huge DOF or they will lock the aperture and then shutter speed will go to 1/4000th and the video will strobe badly.

Everyone will blame the camera.

The German review has a problem with talking about ND. They say there is no ND. Do they mean there is no ND switch or have they tested every speed and aperture combination to confirm an ND filter isn't automatically inserted.

They also want VU meters and gain controls. If the camera doesn't have gain controls then it has either an AGC or a limiter. They don't test to which it has.

If it has AGC it doesn't need meters because the camera is controlling gain.

And since the majority of those in the market will use the built-in mic -- and its sensitivity is matched to the camera, even if there is only a limiter one doesn't need to see it doing its work.

If one uses external mics then one should be listening with headphones to see if there is hum, noise, static, etc -- all of which meters will NOT show.

I thought that the low light shots looked promising.
Presumably done with the f 3.5 E Lens.

Sony NEX VG-10 Camcorder Review (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/camcorders/vg10.shtml)

That's a good review. When you look at some of the missing features that are even incorporated in the NEX-5, you've got to believe they are carving our 'feature space' for a pro version of this camera. I hope that is the case. The VG10 is missing too many important features to use as a pro camera. I can't fault Sony if that is their plan. It's actually good to bracket the market with price / performance choices.

But holy wow, what $2000 camcorder has no zebras, focus assist, audio gain controls with meters, or XLR input?

All but the XLRs are have been standard on sub-$1000 camcorders for years.

I used the camera for a short time today.

It was weird zooming it with the stiff manual zoom ring. It was front heavy and the autofocus was slow but the image was pretty and the price is right!
It is exciting to witness the start of this revolution first hand!

Bring it on Canon

But holy wow, what $2000 camcorder has no zebras, focus assist, audio gain controls with meters, or XLR input?

All but the XLRs are have been standard on sub-$1000 camcorders for years.

I know everybody wants to compare these features on other camcorders to the VG10. But let's be fair - how many other $2,000 camcorders have interchangeable DSLR lenses, a very large sensor, very good nat sound mikes and AVCHD 24mbps recording? The answer is - none. Zero, zip.

That's the idea. This is a whole new category of camcorders, and as for right now, the VG10 stands alone. It will require you to re-think how you approach video acquisition. Oh, soon there will be more advanced models with more professional features, and higher prices. But until then, as Laurence said, this is the beginning of a video camera revolution. Enjoy the ride.

Giddyap... Giddyap!

The more I am reading about the vg-10 the more I'm thinking about waiting to see what's going to come out next. Has anyone heard anymore release rumors?

I agree. Sony crippled it too much. There are too many video camera features that have been left off. I'm afraid it would it would be a PITA to do any serious work with.

Oh, I don't know. I bet I could make some pretty pictures with this camera. I believe it would make a nice, affordable b-cam.

I wish I had this cam when I was at yellowstone last week to test it out. The zoom feature is what has my attention provided the picture is better than the latest Sony consumer cams. Definitely not a pro cam but as posted earlier, this is sony's test to see if it will sell, get feedback, and go from there. I plan on taking a chance and pre ordering in a few weeks through B&H. I emailed them about the pre order and was told they did order a good amount of them. Just hope I won't be disappointed.

I agree. Sony crippled it too much. There are too many video camera features that have been left off. I'm afraid it would it would be a PITA to do any serious work with.

I think you have to define what you mean by work. If you do a lot of zooming it's not going to work for you. (And, you know you shouldn't be zooming anyway.) But, I can't see anything else that is going to give you a problem!

If you set up each shot -- zoom all the way in so so you can manual focus and then reframe, you only need to set exposure. That's just a matter of dialing in the aperture.

Sound complicated?

Well in the days when folks shot film that's what we did for EVERY shot. In fact we also had to turn the turret to select one of three lenses. And, we had to take a light meter reading.

We also had to hand wind the spring motor.

Given the huge volume of WORK produced on 16mm film, most of it far more memorable than 90% of the stuff shot on camcorders -- it seems absurd to claim you can't get work done.

This is a film camera. Use a light meter and forget zebras. If you really find the AGC a problem -- and I'll bet you will NOT -- than shoot separate system with a tiny digital recorder. Remember, all the classic film were shot with cameras that recorded NO audio!

PS: why would anyone use exposure compensation? Take a light meter reading and dial in the f-stop. If the histogram doesn't look right, teak the aperture. There are only 4 things you need to control exposre and the Sony gives you control of all four. Exposure compensation is video toy.

Steve, I'll just make a couple of points to clarify what I mean. Regarding exposure, film has more latitude and can handle exposure variations somewhat better than video cams can. Judicious use of zebras is very helpful especially in event shooting where it is common to have substantial changes in lighting in various scenes. An outdoor event in mixed lighting can easily have a four or five f-stop variation in lighting from one shot perspective to another if there is mixed sun and shade. I'm sorry, but zebras appropriately used are very useful for a professional shooter. I agree with you about exposure compensation. I feel it's actually dangerous and a great way to screw up shots. In my opinion it is for consumer point and shoot cameras only.

Peaking is also very useful. It's even more important with a camera that has a shallow depth of field. When covering an event such as a wedding, you need to be in focus - right now, when you move the camera from one subject to another or the subject moves toward or away from you. You can't do the zoom-in bit to focus and then reframe your shot; you're shooting a live event in real time! Why don't you try shouting "cut" at a wedding so the camera operator can adjust focus and let us know how it worked out for you. When you're doing follow focus of a moving subject like a bride walking down the aisle toward you, peaking is a gift from above. Auto focus is useless and dangerous. It is very likely to focus on the background rather than the subject which ruins the shot. The 'back-in-the-day' boys often had focus pullers as well - plus these types of shots were preplanned so the focus puller would know where to make the focus changes. You could spend all day for just a few minutes of footage. Try that at a wedding sometime!

Finally, the VG10's controls are located under the LCD when it is closed. When you are shooting with the viewfinder, the only way to get at the controls is to open the LCD which turns off the viewfinder. That's another 'thriller' when you're doing a real time event shoot. Sony should add a menu selection that allows the viewfinder to stay on whether or not the LCD is open or closed. My EX1R allows that and I find it very useful.

I appreciate your experience with film cameras but please don't use that to critique present-day shooting applications with the tools that we have to work with now. Peace.

The ability to shoot with both the viewfinder and lcd on is something that Sony relegates to its pro level camcorders while with their consumer level camcorders, it's either one or the other. The Z1, V1,A1, Z5, Z7, EX1 all allow both the lcd and viewfinder to used at the same time. But with the FX1, HC1, HC3, HC7, FX7, FX1000 , you are limited to only the lcd or viewfinder, but not both at the same time. Since the VG10 is part of the Handycam consumer line, the option to use the lcd and the viewfinder both at the same time won't be there. Another reason many of us are wishing, hoping, and waiting for a pro level version of the VG10.

something interesting

Sony unveils SLT A55 and A33 with translucent mirror technology
Sony unveils SLT A55 and A33 with translucent mirror technology: Digital Photography Review (http://www.dpreview.com/news/1008/10082421sonyslta55a33.asp)

Sony SLT A55
Just posted! Sony SLT A55 in-depth review: Digital Photography Review (http://www.dpreview.com/news/1008/10082422sonyslta55review.asp)

-α55 (SLT-A55V) (16.2 megapixels) and α33 (SLT-A33) (14.2 megapixels)
-Ultra-quick shooting up to 10fps with fast, precision phase detection AF
-First ever Quick AF HD Movie with smooth, continuous autofocus during video shooting
-Enhanced Quick AF Live View and 7.5 cm (3") free-angle LCD, plus Tru-Finder (Electronic Viewfinder) with 100% coverage
-Advanced imaging functions including 3D Sweep Panorama, Auto HDR and multi-frame noise reduction

Steve, I'll just make a couple of points to clarify what I mean...

I totally agree.
Those of us who shoot run n' gun/ ENG/ event type footage will probably find the VG10 a difficult tool to work with due to the lack of features we are accustomed to.
If you are making a narrative film, or other types of structured projects, where you have the luxury of "set up" time, retakes, etc., it's maybe not such a problem.
I personally don't think we will wait very long for Sony to announce the next step in the APS videocam line, and hopefully it will address most of these concerns.

Steve's right about 'the way things were'...lens turret that swiveled into place giving you 3 choices of lens (close, med, long), distance hash-marks on lens so you'd use a tape measure for focus, light meter dangling around your neck, no ability to record sound or even, in many cases, to be able to sync up recorded sound because the motor ran so unevenly.
However, here's the point...do we want to go back to those good old days?
NO! Yet Sony and the other camcorder manufacturers know their days are limited. If they had their way, they'd parcel out minor improvements each year so that it would take 100 years to finally reach video camera perfection (of sorts).
With the HDSLR phenomenon forcing everyone's hand, their timetable has been upset and they've been forced to improve much faster than anticipated. Thus their only way to slow down this "rush to excellence" is to...you've got it, go backwards with certain key features.
Thus, no means of measuring exposure levels. What a bone-headed decision from our perspective but brilliant from theirs. List all the things you hate about this camera and you can conclude it was done deliberately.
Which is why RED has been our savior. They rejected this "slow train to nowhere" engineering mindset and decided to get it right the first time. Isn't it ironic that our savior has since been left behind in the dust?

Steve all very good points.
I think that people forget that DSLR cameras or in this case DSLR camcorders are not video cameras, but rather film cameras. And as such you would use them as film makers would.

That means setup your shots for exposure and framing and film. And pull focus when needed. Capture audio off camera and sync in post.

If you want the camera to have a lot of auto functions like full time auto focus and the like, and you do a lot of run and gun video, then stick to a video camera, which gives you a lot of these features.

So if you film live events such as weddings, where things change rapidly and are not scripted, then these type of camera are not for you. Yes there are those who are using DSLRs for event work, but it does take a lot more planning and preparation to get the appropriate shots. I shoot events and use video cameras for constant critical video, and use DSLRs for the money candid shots, such as preparation, establishing and reaction shots. Then the two are cut together in post.

With the HDSLR phenomenon forcing everyone's hand, their timetable has been upset and they've been forced to improve much faster than anticipated.

Isn't that great! Were it not for the HDLR, the video camera manufacturers would still be shoveling money into their stockholders' pockets and ignoring their customers.