DId you check the NEX-5 vs NEX v10 video in the above link.Its looks almost as good as the NEX VG10,minus the viewfinder and the dedicated video controls.
Once again much better then nikon video capabilities
The NEX-VG10 costs $2000 with 18-200mm lens,the lens alone costs $800.So the camera is $1300,which i guess is still out of his budget.
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camcoderinfo says that in interms of color accuracy and noise,low light performance and sharpness in video,sony is better then canon and nikon is in last place.