Picked my cam up today from tape works I will try to post some clips tonite(Compare my XDCAM EX with the Z7u.

You have both an EX1 and a Z7! That's totally unfair! Kind of like getting to keep both the blonde and brunette girlfriends...

Boy am I curious as to how these two cameras compare.

Can't wait to see some footage!

Looking forward to clips, impressions, pics, etc. You will find an eager audience here!

Picked my cam up today from tape works I will try to post some clips tonite(Compare my XDCAM EX with the Z7u.

Waiting for your comment with great impatience. I am interested in particular, how both cameras shoot in progressive mode.

Did you notice excessive noise from EX1 (according to Sony specs its S/N level is 54dB only)?

Also, can you post freeze frames from both cameras, please.

Brian, I am going back and forth trying to decide to buy either the EX1 or Z7. I am anxious to learn your findings. I have huntches, but will await your post.

I bought one from Scott at Tapeworks and paid for Saturday shipping. Scott sent me the tracking number, but it hasn't arrive yet. I called UPS and they said it should arrive by noon (currently 1:15).
I have a wedding to shoot tonight and would like to play around with the camera. If anything happens, I'll post some raw footage tomorrow. Just don't laugh ;)

-Chad

I shot pieces of a wedding with the camera last night (Z7U). I'm currently using a pair of FX-1's and I really like the Auto/Manual functions. I know this camera is much more toward the pro end of the spectrum though. Again, I'm not pro by any stretch, so anything I say is coming from a very basic knowledge. I also held the Z7U next to the FX-1 when shooting some of the wedding last night. I'll see if I can dump the other tape to compare.
There seemed to be some focus issues on the Z7 that I didn't have the the FX-1.
I used the 30p mode and noticed a lot of flickering. I adjusted the Shutter Speed, but that didn't seem to help.
It still has the wait to start recording sometimes. I was hoping that would have been fixed. I read somewhere that it is "slightly better", but I didn't notice it.
Low-light is much better. When shooting some altar stuff, both cameras were setup the same and zoomed in. The Iris on the fx-1 was over 3.0 while the Z7 was at 2.0.
The camera feels really good in the hand. Its mostly lens. I had a total of 45 minutes to get the camera out of the box before I had to leave for my first wedding. My overall experience was good and I'm excited about the camera. This is the opposite of my Canon XH-A1 experience. The weddings we shoot down here are pretty fast and we don't have much time to setup things. The Canon seemed like a much more manual camera to me.
Well, this is just my 2 cents and I doubt anyone will get overly excited. I'll try to post some video later.

I shot pieces of a wedding
Well, this is just my 2 cents and I doubt anyone will get overly excited. I'll try to post some video later.

You doubt anyone will get overly excited! I'm jumping around the room here!

Did you notice excessive noise from EX1 (according to Sony specs its S/N level is 54dB only)?
I'm surprised you say "54dB only". That's normally considered a good figure, even in the pro market, and the reports that gain can be used on the EX without noise becoming too objectionable also seem to indicate it's noise figure is good. I assume we are talking about video S/N, not audio!?

The flickering would be from using 30p under fluorescent lighting I would guess.

I've been thinking about using a mix of 30p and 60i that would be flagged as 60i on the final Blu-ray and DVD discs. That way you could get the sharpness of progressive on interview and other tripod shots, and yet have the smoothness of 60i on handheld material and anything lit with fluorescents.

What should I upload the footage for you guys to view as?
The flickering during 30p was inside my office with standard bulbs. It also did it in a darker area of the church. I was moving the camera across some prayer candles and noticed it. I was getting busy, so I just switched back to 60i and turned the camera to complete auto.

how is the LCD compared to the FX and Z1? i find even when focused,
i cant tell if the camera is focused or not. Is back focusing still an issue
with the stock lens?

The LCD is beautiful! It has the glossy screen that you sometimes see on laptops. I was wondering if it would glare or not, but I couldn't tell because I was inside all night.
When I would zoom into a crowd, the camera would try to focus on something just past them. I was shooting a crowd of people and it would jump focus between them. The lighting wasn't that great and I was zooming.

Both of these shots were used without a light on the camera. The camera was set to Auto.

http://www.chaddyleproductions.com/2008/test/Candle.m2t

http://www.chaddyleproductions.com/2008/test/Statue.m2t

still haven't improved teh AF system yet, combined with rolling shutter
issues, not so sure its worth upgrading. Were those shot in progressive or 60i?
shit man, they look CLEAN!

Agreed Scott. Very clean footage Chad. Could you post some comparison shots if you can even if they're stills for the moment. Thanks

Monday

Both clips were shot at 30p.

Thanks for the footage, Chad. Really useful stuff.

If anyone wants to host it - I've got some outdoors 24p stuff that's stunning.

Chad, could you tell us how the Z7 footage matches up with your FX1 footage? I'm hoping to use my FX1 as a second camera to the Z7, and was wondering how difficult the cameras are to match. Thanks.

Eric- could you post some stills instead of video? You can attach stills to a dvinfo post, without the need for a someone else to host video. Thanks!

Well, here's one - I unfortunately downrezzed by accident. If I have time I'll pull the full-rez.

Thanks! Interesting, it reminds me a bit of some of the v1 images I've seen. If you get a chance, please do post some full rez stills! Quite a few people are very keen to see what they look like, I'm sure.

Here's a couple posts I found by someone named Shawn Lam:

http://www.videouniversity.com/forums/gforum.cgi?post=417193

http://www.freshdv.com/2008/02/first-sony-z7u-user-reports.html

1080 30P -3GAIN
The cams are close in lowlight performance with the XDCAM EX being slightly better with lower noise.

NIGHT CLIP
http://www.dvdaction.net/dvdaction_009.htm


1.The Z7 is Better Balanced than the XDCAM EX
2.Z7 The Hand grip does not rotate
3.Very close to the XDCAM in Low light
4.No built in stereo mic
5.The Z7 has more nosier than the EX
6.I have not had a chance to try the CF unit, if you use the shoe bracket from the DR60 you cam mount the CF unit to another cam.
7.I like the variable frame rates, Rotating Grip and the Over cranking on the XDCAM EX
8.Cheaper media on the Z7. I shoot training Videos some of these shoots are 3 to four days 8hrs per day.

You can not go wrong with choosing either one of theses cams. I will upload somemore clips m2t files later.

Chirs can you send me instruction on how to upload clips to the clips section on your site. BKr5000@yahoo.com

WOW. man o man. that sure looks nice. can you say how much of an improvement it is
going from a Z1 or FX1?

Big improvement over the V1 . I sold my Z1 and FX1, I am going to try to borrow a HDR-FX1 this week to do some test. Cant wait to try the CF unit I ordered (2) 32gb and (2) 16gb cards.

Brian,

Which 32 GB card did you order? I picked up (delivering today) the Tanscend 32GB card from Newegg. I was also surprised to see how many different cameras the CF drive works with. At some point this week, I'm going to attempt to see if I can attach it to my Canon HV20. While I'm at it, I'm going to see how obnoxious I can make the HV20 look by attaching the CF reader, wireless mic and a light. We are going to NAB and I thought I would bring it. I might end up leaving it if I pick up a Red Scarlet :)

Brian,

Which 32 GB card did you order? I picked up (delivering today) the Tanscend 32GB card from Newegg. I was also surprised to see how many different cameras the CF drive works with. At some point this week, I'm going to attempt to see if I can attach it to my Canon HV20. While I'm at it, I'm going to see how obnoxious I can make the HV20 look by attaching the CF reader, wireless mic and a light. We are going to NAB and I thought I would bring it. I might end up leaving it if I pick up a Red Scarlet :)


DITTO Tanscend 32GB & 16GB card from Newegg

Thanks for posting that night clip, Brian. It looks great. These sorts of low-light clips are super useful to see.

I was playing around with the camera in the French Quarter today. Here is a quick clip:

http://www.chaddyleproductions.com/2008/test/Cathedral.m2t
1080i

I've got a nice one of a ferry on the MS River, but its huge.

I'm still trying to figure out if I like the way you switch from auto focus to manual. You have to grab the ring and push or pull it. You can't do it without rocking the camera.
I didn't notice any focus issues at all in the sunlight.
The screen is high-res. The only problem is the glossy screen gets dirty fast and glares like a champ. I have a Hoodman that I used on my FX-1, but it didn't fit the Z7U as well.
My CF card just came in and I'm trying to figure out how it works. Can you record to CF only?

Am I going to run into any problems if I mix the 30p from my Z7U with the 60i from my FX-1? The FX-1 is only used as a cut to camera for weddings.

Am I going to run into any problems if I mix the 30p from my Z7U with the 60i from my FX-1? The FX-1 is only used as a cut to camera for weddings.

You will not run into any problems if you are using SONY Vegas
the Wedding Demo on my site was HVR-V1U 30P & HDR-FX1 60I Footage I rendered the time line out to 30p.

Yep - you can record to CF only:

1. Select the iLink output - either HDV->DV on or off (downconversion), then choose squeeze or edge crop if downconversion is "on."

2. Then, underneath select external control only (EXT ONLY).

The camera won't roll the tape - just the card.

Playback from the card recorder is clumsy at best - it doesn't 'roll' cleanly like tape - it hangs at each clip break. Also, it's not frame-accurate with the tape (if you record together). There's a one to three second mismatch on startup or stop, but once the card/tape roll together - they're in TC and time sync.

One small annoyance: the camera disables its 'expanded focus' option if the camera is connected to an external recorder, such as the clip-on CF recorder.

I can't understand what one has to do with the other...but oh well.

Eric,

Thanks for the help! Another question on the CF recorder. If I'm recording something to tape, can I selective activate the CF recorder? As an example, if I'm shooting a wedding to tape, I'd like to cap the bride walking in, vows and a few other scenes to the card. That way I can put something together very quickly. Is that possible or am I hoping to much?

It appears you can - either in real-time or later, from the tape.

There's a button on the CF recorder that says "CAM LINK" - and if it's on - and the little icon above shows in the display, the CF rolls with the start and stop of the camera.

You can also disable the CAM LINK and hit record and stop manually. You can do this while the camera is live, or later when playing back tape. Kind of interesting.

The only thing I haven't tried is dubbing from the card back to the tape - but it appears it's possible.

Strange: all the 30p clips posted are flagged like 60i.

Brian,

Which 32 GB card did you order? I picked up (delivering today) the Tanscend 32GB card from Newegg.

did you test the card yet? I was a bit worried because the price is so low, but being 133x it should work...

I'll have to check out the clips when I get home. The first 2 should have been 30p, the last one should be 60i. Did anyone else notice the stuttering effect when using 30p? I'm wondering if it could have been the lighting in my room. I've never noticed it on any of the other cameras.

Two new questions:

1) The camera came with a nice Sony DVCAM tape. Should I be using these or will the $3 Sony branded tapes I get from BH be enough?

2) Can anyone suggest a good bag? I'm using two Sony branded bags that allow me to attach the tripods to their tops. That makes running from a ceremony to a reception much easier. I purchased at Kata bag that I also really like, but it doesn't allow me to attach a tripod. I'd just like to know which brands/models you guys use/like.

Thanks again!

CMOS on stuttering effect using still camera Flash!!! Not sure any 1 test it out?

Your a bastard Chad............... I miss the French Quater terribly. Man. So Jelous.

If you ever need a secondary cameraman, let me know! :-)

I'd just like to know which brands/models you guys use/like

The Petrol 'Wings' bag has seen great service for the last couple of years with a pretty full Z1 kit. It has loops for a lightweight tripod or monopod, though I don't use it (Miller/Sachtler lives in separate shoulder slung bag).

May get another for the Z7 (or EX-1). Lens adaptors, radio mics, LANC controllers, bits and bobs all have their place, though a Matte Box or extra lens would be an issue.

The card seemed to work fine. I shot some inside footage. It didn't look great because I really didn't setup the camera very well. But it did capture to the card very well. The 32 GB card said 140 minutes of recording time was available.

I just got mine this afternoon. It looks really nice. So far I'm not having any luck recording to CF card. How do you set it up? I have it assigned for "remote" and the empty tape icon went away, but it's still not recording. I'm sure I am missing something simple.

Edit: I can record fine to both the card and tape at once, so I know the card is compatible. I'm just not having any luck recording to just the card.

Edit: OK, I got it working. There was a setting on the card unit that was wrong.

is it possible to do a comparison in low light with VX2000-2100 / PD150-170?

really curious about the result.

1080 30P -3GAIN
The cams are close in lowlight performance with the XDCAM EX being slightly better with lower noise.

NIGHT CLIP
http://www.dvdaction.net/dvdaction_009.htm


1.The Z7 is Better Balanced than the XDCAM EX
2.Z7 The Hand grip does not rotate
3.Very close to the XDCAM in Low light
4.No built in stereo mic
5.The Z7 has more nosier than the EX
6.I have not had a chance to try the CF unit, if you use the shoe bracket from the DR60 you cam mount the CF unit to another cam.
7.I like the variable frame rates, Rotating Grip and the Over cranking on the XDCAM EX
8.Cheaper media on the Z7. I shoot training Videos some of these shoots are 3 to four days 8hrs per day.

You can not go wrong with choosing either one of theses cams. I will upload somemore clips m2t files later.

Chirs can you send me instruction on how to upload clips to the clips section on your site. BKr5000@yahoo.com

Brian,

Can you tell me more about the settings you were using? I've been using an FX-1 and this camera is obviously more Manual. I liked the Auto/Manual features of the FX-1, but now I've moved up to a big boy camera. I'm still getting more grain than I would like. Can you make any suggestions? I wish I could find a "So you just upgraded from an FX-1" book somewhere :)

I've found the Z7 to be almost the same as the Z1/FX1 in sensitivity and noise. The Z7 is better in low light than the Z1 at the telephoto end because the lens is faster. 2.o at full tele vs 2.8 on the Z1. At the same gain illumination at extreme low light both cams seem to have very similar grain patterns

From just playing around with the camera (inside), I seem to be having some focus issues on auto. I'm still debating if the camera can be trusted on Auto for some situations or not.

Hmm! Keep these objective posts coming as there is a keen and eager audience waiting to find out if this camera is any good or not, certainly in my house there is!

...with the camera (inside), I seem to be having some focus issues on auto.Chad I'm not doubting you or questioning your experience in any way, but I feel compelled to point out that this claim is most often made by folks who don't fully understand how auto focus works... AF works by measuring contrast, and therefore AF *needs light* in order to function properly. AF on any camcorder suffers indoors due to low contrast lighting. I'm just saying, focus issues on auto should be expected from any HD camcorder when shooting indoors. I doubt this is anything specific to this particular camera.