Buying a Sony HVR-Z1E in America

Neil McLean · December 13th, 2006, 02:11 AM

I'm looking to upgrade my exisiting PD150s and PD170s and favour the progression to the Sony HVR-Z1E PAL format cameras as I live in the UK and only shoot in PAL. Most, if not all, my exisiting accessories will also be compliant if I buy the Sony HVR-Z1E.

With the dollar being as weak as it is, I'd consider flying into New York to buy a couple of the Sony HVR-Z1E, though it's essential these are PAL format.

Can anyone suggest the best places to contact in advance to obtain the best prices?

If there is anything else I should consider, or have overlooked I'd welcome feedback.

Many thanks in advance
Neil

Sean Seah · December 13th, 2006, 03:27 AM

Neil, I think the Z1P is a dual PAL & NTSC selectable camera. You can try www.expandore.com. They are located in Singapore and trades in USD. You do not need to spend on an air ticket as they do export.

Kalunga Lima · December 13th, 2006, 04:58 AM

Sony only makes a single version of the Z1 which, as Sean pointed out, is NTSC/Pal sectable. The letter designation: Z1E, Z1U, and Z1P only refers to the region where the camera is distributed, corresponding probably to Europe, USA, and Pacific respectively.

I agree with you that given the very low dollar, it makes sense to buy it in New York, especially if you are buying more than one. You may also consider internation warrenty such as Mack.

Boyd Ostroff · December 13th, 2006, 09:06 AM

The Z1U shoots PAL and NTSC with no problems; in fact I bought mine because I had to deliver a large PAL project and it came through like a champ.

Now there has been a lot of discussion about exactly what the differences are between the various Z1 models. When he originally reviewed the camera, Adam Wilt cited a difference in the colorspace for the analog video outputs between the European and US models, but others have challenged this. Your mileage may vary... see the following old thread:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=45657

Neil McLean · December 13th, 2006, 11:20 AM

Thanks Sean
Thanks Kalunga
Thanks Boyd - Interesting reading that thread.

Now all I need to know is where's the cheapest place to buy the Z1 in US$

Thanks once again.
Neil

Boyd Ostroff · December 13th, 2006, 12:02 PM

Here at DVinfo we don't discuss the "cheapest places." All "where to buy" inquiries are directed to our sponsors: http://www.dvinfo.net/sponsors/

They may not be the "cheapest", but their prices are very competitive and are about as good as you can do from a reputable dealer. Since they make this site possible, we don't allow discussion of non-sponsors.

Thanks for your understanding, and good luck with the purchase!

Neil McLean · December 13th, 2006, 04:26 PM

OOPS! Point now noted. Thanks for telling me in such a candid manner.

Neil

Phil Bloom · December 14th, 2006, 02:40 AM

Neil

Be careful about buying the camera in the US. The silver support offered with purchases may not be valid when bought in another country so find out first. Not having silver support that is accepted over here could be costly down the line. I have used it a couple of times and it is worth its weight in gold!

Paul Cypert · December 14th, 2006, 04:51 AM

Definately buy from a proper channel not a budget place...these cameras are great and sometimes rugged...and then there are all kinds of failures for odd reasons on all the boards too from folks...with so many moving parts the chances of something happening are quite large and you'll want a proven company behind you when the stuff hits the fan

Paul

Tom Hardwick · December 14th, 2006, 05:29 AM

Neil - the only difference with the Z1s sold in Europe is that they include a SCART adapter - pretty useless anyway.

You'll love the Z1 after the niggles of the PD170. The top screen is a revelation even in bright sunshine (goodbye, Mr hoodman) and won't get in your way in low angle shots. The iris control wheel is pure delight and the 6 assign buttons and personal menu wonderful.

tom.

Neil McLean · December 14th, 2006, 06:50 AM

Thanks for the advice guys.

I've sent off an email to MACK to enquire if I can purchase their four-year international warranty and if indeed they would honour repairs and servicing in the UK given the fact the cameras were to be purchased overseas.

I'll let you know what their response is when I receive it.

Thanks once again
Neil

December 13th, 2006, 02:11 AM	#1
Neil McLean Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Location: U.K. Posts: 125	Buying a Sony HVR-Z1E in America - PAL Format I'm looking to upgrade my exisiting PD150s and PD170s and favour the progression to the Sony HVR-Z1E PAL format cameras as I live in the UK and only shoot in PAL. Most, if not all, my exisiting accessories will also be compliant if I buy the Sony HVR-Z1E. With the dollar being as weak as it is, I'd consider flying into New York to buy a couple of the Sony HVR-Z1E, though it's essential these are PAL format. Can anyone suggest the best places to contact in advance to obtain the best prices? If there is anything else I should consider, or have overlooked I'd welcome feedback. Many thanks in advance Neil

December 13th, 2006, 04:58 AM	#3
Kalunga Lima Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Luanda - ANGOLA & Lisbon - PORTUGAL Posts: 160	Sony only makes a single version of the Z1 which, as Sean pointed out, is NTSC/Pal sectable. The letter designation: Z1E, Z1U, and Z1P only refers to the region where the camera is distributed, corresponding probably to Europe, USA, and Pacific respectively. I agree with you that given the very low dollar, it makes sense to buy it in New York, especially if you are buying more than one. You may also consider internation warrenty such as Mack. __________________ Kalunga Lima PMW-350, PDW-F350, PDW-EX1, MacBookPro, MacPro 8-Core, Final Cut Studio 2, Canon 5D MkII

December 14th, 2006, 02:40 AM	#8
Phil Bloom Trustee Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London UK Posts: 1,939	Neil Be careful about buying the camera in the US. The silver support offered with purchases may not be valid when bought in another country so find out first. Not having silver support that is accepted over here could be costly down the line. I have used it a couple of times and it is worth its weight in gold! __________________ Philip Bloom Cinematographer, Director, Filmmaker www.philipbloom.net

December 14th, 2006, 06:50 AM	#11
Neil McLean Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Location: U.K. Posts: 125	Thanks for the advice guys. I've sent off an email to MACK to enquire if I can purchase their four-year international warranty and if indeed they would honour repairs and servicing in the UK given the fact the cameras were to be purchased overseas. I'll let you know what their response is when I receive it. Thanks once again Neil Last edited by Neil McLean; December 14th, 2006 at 07:46 AM.

December 13th, 2006, 03:27 AM	#2
Sean Seah Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,498	Neil, I think the Z1P is a dual PAL & NTSC selectable camera. You can try www.expandore.com. They are located in Singapore and trades in USD. You do not need to spend on an air ticket as they do export.

December 13th, 2006, 09:06 AM	#4
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,787	The Z1U shoots PAL and NTSC with no problems; in fact I bought mine because I had to deliver a large PAL project and it came through like a champ. Now there has been a lot of discussion about exactly what the differences are between the various Z1 models. When he originally reviewed the camera, Adam Wilt cited a difference in the colorspace for the analog video outputs between the European and US models, but others have challenged this. Your mileage may vary... see the following old thread: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=45657

December 13th, 2006, 11:20 AM	#5
Neil McLean Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Location: U.K. Posts: 125	Thanks Sean Thanks Kalunga Thanks Boyd - Interesting reading that thread. Now all I need to know is where's the cheapest place to buy the Z1 in US$ Thanks once again. Neil

December 13th, 2006, 12:02 PM	#6
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,787	Here at DVinfo we don't discuss the "cheapest places." All "where to buy" inquiries are directed to our sponsors: http://www.dvinfo.net/sponsors/ They may not be the "cheapest", but their prices are very competitive and are about as good as you can do from a reputable dealer. Since they make this site possible, we don't allow discussion of non-sponsors. Thanks for your understanding, and good luck with the purchase!

December 13th, 2006, 04:26 PM	#7
Neil McLean Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Location: U.K. Posts: 125	OOPS! Point now noted. Thanks for telling me in such a candid manner. Neil

December 14th, 2006, 04:51 AM	#9
Paul Cypert Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangkok, Thailand (work in US in the summers) Posts: 89	Definately buy from a proper channel not a budget place...these cameras are great and sometimes rugged...and then there are all kinds of failures for odd reasons on all the boards too from folks...with so many moving parts the chances of something happening are quite large and you'll want a proven company behind you when the stuff hits the fan Paul

December 14th, 2006, 05:29 AM	#10
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	Neil - the only difference with the Z1s sold in Europe is that they include a SCART adapter - pretty useless anyway. You'll love the Z1 after the niggles of the PD170. The top screen is a revelation even in bright sunshine (goodbye, Mr hoodman) and won't get in your way in low angle shots. The iris control wheel is pure delight and the 6 assign buttons and personal menu wonderful. tom.