Backup VMWare VMs - best technology

I have several VMs running Win2008R2 (2DCS, 1 more Server with Exchange) which should be backed up.

I recently tested teh VMWare Agent, also using the normal Remote Agent.

Both seem to work, but I have a question of the best practice:

It seems that the VMware Agent job size is the same as the whole .vmdk-File - even if only 30% of the virtual HD is used - correct ?

Is it better to use Remote Agent for backup or VMware Agent - especially with AD database in mind and Exchange DB?

Many thanks in advance