Z1 or FX1E
 

Hey guys i no you hear this all the time

But i am saving up for a new HD cam,

I already had hd100e but i sold it due to the quality of the image.

I am looking for either an fx1e or Z1E however i have compared the both and used both of them

what are the differences all i could find was that there were xlrs for Z1 and a tiny bit more menu options.

With the FX1e the chips are the same, same lens and the image quality is exactly the same, the only thing is the FX1e needs a beachtex adapter but this can only be attached to the bottom of the camera eliminating any tripod shots am i right? which puts me off

Hmm anybody got an FX1E or Z1 to pass on advice?

Thanks a lot guys for reading

Happy Filming :)

Ollie,

Having the Beachtek doesn't eliminate tripod shots. You can mount the tripod plate to the beachtek no problems.

I own both cameras, and yes it is much easier to have the XLR on camera, having the Beachtek is not a problem. Comparing the 2 camera, yes there are quite a few menu differences, some of which vary the final picture quality, however, with both cameras on the same picture profile, you will get the same picture quality and you could always do the adjusting later in post for your desired look.

Already discussed many times:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/all-thin...ml#post1464416

I didn't see it mentioned in the other thread, but you have the ability to do free-run time code on the Z1, but not on the FX1. Also if you have multiple cameras you can sync them all together, which makes syncing tracks a breeze (even across tape changes or camera shut downs). Maybe not an issue if you're only shooting with one camera. But could add to the appeal if you go to sell it someday.

I use a Rode NTG2 mic with my FX1 and I have to say for the application, I don't see XLR mics being that much better, certainly not enough to justify the almost $1000 dollar price difference.

I've got both cameras Ollie, and there's no way I'd pick up the FX1 if the Z1 was available. The black stretch, the numerical zoom readout, the XLRs, the menu audio options, the white balance fine tune, the extra assign buttons make the difference in price well worth it in my view. I do like the LP mode in SD on the FX1 though, as this has saved me on long shoots.

tom.

Thats great what is black stretch exactly. Is to do with more light you can consume

Oh, I forgot focus assist! A huge Z1 improvement over the FX1, and I use it all the time. Also the hours meter on the Z1 lets you know exactly how old the camera is if you're buying second hand.

Black stretch is a menu toggle on/off. Point your Z1 into the sunlit garden and switch black stretch off and that's what the FX1 gives you Note the shadow areas. Now switch it on and magically it will open up those shadows, showing you detail that was just a black hole on the FX1. Ideal at weddings where all the suits wear dark jackets.

tom.