HD Camcorder question
 

Has anyone had or used the HD 1080i Z1U Sony camcorder.
I read the reviews about this unit and it seems to be a pretty good camcorder. Does anyone have any pros or cons they can tell me about this camcorder.

Any input is appreciated :thumbsup

I can only tell you that I have 2 on order......nice camera for sure!

It's not the greatest in low light apparently, but I'm getting alot of lighting................. ;)

wait a few weeks the panny hmc150 comes out.

I am not to much for Panny's and want a Sony or Canon. Good to hear about the lighting...I am covered in that aspect so I should be covered.
I do appreciate the in put....heck, I thought everyone would be out drinking...LOL

There's a lot of issues to consider when trying to figure out what camera to purchase and sometimes the newest release isn't always the best option. In particular the format it records in (AVCHD vs HDV) and the media it records on (mini-DV tape vs SD or P2 cards) and how they will affect your editing workflow. Also the other features of the camera like if it has XLR audio inputs may affect how you use it. Here's a little reading about AVCHD
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Ou/?p=998. In any case, I'd worry as much or more about lighting as I do about the camera itself

Early morning bump :thumbsup

it all depends on your clients...if you're shooting for blue ray dvd's then you'll need a full rez HD cam, if your shooting for the Internet than you can get by with HDV.

I personally prefer sony however that doesn't mean it's the best HDV camcorder. I've used sony from the TRV, through the VX line and now the Z line... they do the job.

I have no idea what you should use. I will recommended that you use a cam system you're familiar with or at least a cam system that someone you know uses so you can get help resolving issues. that's always been how I operate.

if you know a cam corder has a weakness, why go there? if there are low light issues and you're thinking gee! I'll get a bunch of light.... what happened if you have to leave the studio? what happens when a light blows just before a shoot?

all things to consider, I think any modern camera is going to do the job. I shoot stuff with a small consumer avchd cam as well as the sony Z camcorder, depending on client needs.

btw I wouldn't invest in 4 year old technology.
-bmb

btw the z1 technology is 5 years old, I wouldn't invest in that. $.02

This is what I read about this sony. I had another review site up but lost it in the mix of searching info :1orglaugh:1orglaugh

http://www.mariposahd.tv/node/173

btw the z1 technology is 5 years old, I wouldn't invest in that. $.02

Why would you not invest in this? Because the technology is 5 years old?

that's right... why would you even assume that a cam with 5 year old technology would out perform a new camcorder?

would you buy a brand new 5 year old computer? that's what you're doing when you get 5 year old technoligy in a camcorder.

still cams are good for about a 3 year cycle, same with vid cams.... if you're going for an older model get a used one. $.02

for another 1K you can get top of the line 'new gear' the z1u goes for around $4500 at b&H and the z7u goes for $5500. with the z1, in 3 years you'll be shooting on a cam 8 years old... with no resale value at all.

and the other good news is you're gonna need a 'new quad core' to process the files too :)

I guess I should have mentioned this is a used unit and the price in not bad, comes with allot of accessories....etc

At this moment, my budget does not allow for a new camcorder, so I thought this would be a good starter camcorder, when I earn some more money then I can invest in the newer technology.

Building a new dual quad core this week. I have planned on this investment as I have asked questions prior about OS for HD. :winkwink:

1080p or die.

if you're shooting simple stuff just pick up a sony prosumer cam: sr11 or 12.. shoots to card and hardrive... totally sufficient for shoot bj and simple gonzo sex. go to sonystyle.com and look around... get one for about 1.5K with everything, even a camera bag ... no one will ever know the difference :)

I just sent you a message to [email protected]

Thanks
you can reach me @ [email protected]

Thanks for the input guys. I went ahead and purchased it. It's in excellent condition and I got the following goodies with it ;)



Shot-Gun Microphone
11 HDV Sony Video Tapes 4 DV Sony Video Tapes
4 - 12 Hour Batteries (New Never Used - Long Lasting) 1 - 4-6 Hour Battery (standard)
XLR Cables/Microphone
Wide-Angle Lens & Standard Hood
Glass 72mm Lens protector (on camera)
Cleaning Supplies & carring cases for all equipment
Small Personal Audio Mixer (not in photo's)
60 watt on Camera Light with 2 - 45min batteries
2 Hard Cases for Camera & Accessories
1 Soft Case for Cables & Accessories
New Sony Battery Charger that charges 2 batteries at once
misc power/link/computer cables for editing and filming
Davis & Sanford FM18 Pro Tri-Pod with level and quick-release - fluid head mount
Remote & Lanc Remote for on-tripod use
Zip Ties, Velcro Ties & other misc stuff I'll throw in.

Now I am going to go play for the day :thumbsup

Z7U is a nice move up from the Z1U .. and as for low light .. in my experience with ALL other sony products .. and I am a bit of a SONY pig .. they have always been the best over all in the lower light ..
I do not use a Z1U but .. Like I said traditionally Sony has been best in low light

That article is old. Here are scene captures from this camera
http://www.isarapix.org/pix17/1219173990.jpg
http://www.isarapix.org/pix92/1219173948.jpg
http://www.isarapix.org/pix37/1219173905.jpg
Barry Green who has been testing it said he would put its 21mbps against 35mbps footage.

How much did you paid for it?

I can buy brand new ones for $3200 canadian dollars ($3012 US)

Yep, the Z1U is a starter for me and eventually I will upgrade. I am spending the day bonding with this camcorder and will probably be spending the week learning all the bells and whistles it has. So far, I am pretty impressed :winkwink:

Now that would not be any fun if I told you, but I will say I got a screaming deal on this bad boy :thumbsup