. . The question is... Is this mini jack going to be clean or it will be full of interferences like the one on the FX7? http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/all-things-audio/127865-interference-like-hiss-when-using-minijack-connector.html

Whoa! That doesn't "sound" good :o)

I can't keep up with all the new camera announcements! (Grin.) I've been shooting a lot on the EX1 and am in love. Trying out the EX3 today.

The Z5 looks more like a Z1 than the Z7 does.

Heath

They've announced the follow-up to the FX1! Yes folks, the HDR-FX1000 is on its way!

In a nutshell, along with all the usual features carried on from the FX1 the FX1000 boasts:

* Film-like Progressive Scan 1080/24p, 1080/30p, or 1080/60i
* 3x 1/3" ClearVid CMOS Sensors w/ Exmor technology
* Enhanced Imaging Processor (EIP) Technology
* G Lens: 29.5mm Wide-Angle to 590mm (20x) Telephoto
* Superior low-light (1.5 LUX) shooting capabilities
* 3x built-in neutral density (ND) filters
* 3x manual rings for superior control: zoom, focus, and iris
* 3.2" Xtra Fine LCD display1 (921k pixels)
* Improved Noise Reduction (w/ Exmor col. A/D conversion)
* 2:3 pull-down to 60i for editing on most HDV software
* Minus Auto Gain Control (Minus AGC)
* HDMI Connection
* Memory Stick PRO Duo Media Slot
* Multi-Language Menu
* Switchable HDV/DV Format Recording
* x.v. Color Technology
* Histogram display

I still don't know what most of the features mean, but I'm sure I'll have fun finding out :) Anyone care to shed some light?

Information about HDR-FX1000, HVR-Z5 and HVR-MRC1K
http://videokgb.ru/HVR-Z5.html

Anyone care to shed some light?The FX1000 has been the buzz for a few weeks now. Just search the forums or Google it.

It sounds like an exciting replacement to the FX1.

I am not sure I understand where the $500 difference comes from. B & H has the Z7U at basically $6500. If the street price of the Z5U comes in at $4500, that is $2000 difference. They both have xlr's and the same size CMOS. The Z7 comes with the CF card recorder ($940 option for the Z5, available in Oct.). And the Z7 does have interchangeable lens capability. But the Z5 now boasts the widest lens offered on this class of camera and it is also a 20x zoom. And according to what I have read, the Z5 has slightly improved image processing which is supposed to deliver a slightly better image and slightly improved low light capability with less noise. So is the interchangeable lens worth $1000+ extra especially when you consider the improved image processing of the Z5? Tough call, for sure. For those on a limited budget, the Z5 seems to be a pretty attractive package.

This list pricing is a bit of a bummer for those of us in the $3,500ish camera market, a little higher than expected. I can't see the the Z5 (list $4,950) competing with the Canon XH-A1 (list $3,999) because it's at a higher price point. Yes, it should, be a better camera, but it leaves Sony with nothing to compete with the XH-A1. The FX-1000 still has no XLR inputs or presets. Is there another Sony camera at the $3,500 level Im missing.

This list pricing is a bit of a bummer for those of us in the $3,500ish camera market, a little higher than expected. I can't see the the Z5 (list $4,950) competing with the Canon XH-A1 (list $3,999) because it's at a higher price point. Yes, it should, be a better camera, but it leaves Sony with nothing to compete with the XH-A1. The FX-1000 still has no XLR inputs or presets. Is there another Sony camera at the $3,500 level Im missing.

Yes the FX1000 won't have XLR inputs, but it does have 6 custom picture presets. But the Z5 will have some additional picture profile adjustments that the FX100 won't.

And whiile Canon has a more in depth feature picture profile set, compared to Sony cameras, for many the Sony camera's picture profiles are more than sufficient.

Actually the XH A1 is around $3400 at most places today. The new Sony Z5 does make Sony more competitive with Canon, since now it will do 24p and has a real aperture ring like the Canon lens. There are some things about the Sony I like over the Canon but I don't see it being worth $1500 more. If you are in a production house and already have some Sony HDV decks, then I can see maybe choosing the Sony over the Canon, because to play Canon's 24 or 30F modes, the only deck that will do that is the new Sony M35, and in a production house with clients breathing over your shoulder, most people want a deck, not a camera to load footage. I'm assuming the new camera's 24p will work with older HDV decks, but who knows for sure.

I do like Sony's traditional better balance and the LCD screen up on top of the handle. Unfortunately for us but fortunate for them, Sony does seem to always be able to keep the price up. The Z1 has never gone down as much as other cameras do that have been out that long.

I can't see the the Z5 (list $4,950) competing with the Canon XH-A1 (list $3,999) because it's at a higher price point. Yes, it should, be a better camera, but it leaves Sony with nothing to compete with the XH-A1. The FX-1000 still has no XLR inputs or presets. Is there another Sony camera at the $3,500 level Im missing.

In terms of overall features, the closest competitor to the XH-A1 is the Sony V1U. If Sony would upgrade that camera with the 1/3" Exmor sensors and corresponding low-light response, that would be stiff competition for the XH-A1. But the FX1000 should do okay for those willing to use an XLR adapter, and it presumably offers the same "picture profile" presets of the FX1. Factor in the high-resolution LCD monitor and this is competition for the XH-A1, just without build-in XLR.

re Z5

Peaking. Does it have color selectable peaking like the V1 or is it just white peaking like the Z7 & EX1?

Push Autofocus button. Does this work like the EX1 (push it and it hunts until it finds focus) or does it work like the Z7/ V1 push it and it focuses until you let go.

I am also interested in adding a teleconvertor to it. What system/ size is the front? Will any on the current Century / Schneider optics lenses fit it?

If anyone gets to play with one of these cams please check these features out!

Thanks!

In terms of overall features, the closest competitor to the XH-A1 is the Sony V1U. If Sony would upgrade that camera with the 1/3" Exmor sensors and corresponding low-light response, that would be stiff competition for the XH-A1. But the FX1000 should do okay for those willing to use an XLR adapter, and it presumably offers the same "picture profile" presets of the FX1. Factor in the high-resolution LCD monitor and this is competition for the XH-A1, just without build-in XLR.

Thanks for the info. I think the FX-1000 will really be a nice camera, especially when it sells for a little under the list price after the introduction period. As long as the FX-1000 has a mini audio jack with manual levels and a good pre-amp, all is well. And the XLR/overall sound on the Canon is not earth shattering anyway.

I still don't know what most of the features mean, but I'm sure I'll have fun finding out :) Anyone care to shed some light?
If you don't know what these mean, try this one: smile shutter.

See http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/camcorders/high_definition/release/35580.html.

Smile, and have fun!

What kind of issues have you had with Canon's XLR inputs?

I think the FX-1000 will really be a nice camera, especially when it sells for a little under the list price after the introduction period.I'm guessing $3200 U.S. is as low as you'll see this thing sold at. If anything, the price may go up if it's selling like they want it to. Especially if the Z5 sales are sluggish.

The V1u's price dropped from $5000 to about $3700 in a matter of months, back in early 2007.

heath

I know B&H has their review for the US model, but I was directed to this review for the European model.
Review is y Kevin Cook

Sony : HVR-Z5E Reviewed by IoV's Kevin Cook : United Kingdom (http://www.sony.co.uk/biz/view/ShowContent.action?site=biz_en_GB&contentId=1220875360755)

I'm guessing $3200 U.S. is as low as you'll see this thing sold at. If anything, the price may go up if it's selling like they want it to. Especially if the Z5 sales are sluggish.
Actually Rick, it's not unusual for Sony to lower their price a few months after the initial release.

After all Sony is has the listed price the same as B&H, and we all know that B&H usually can see products at lower prices because they do so much volume. They just can't advertise the lower price online.

I wouldn't be surprised if the price came down a couple hundred and it settled in at $2,999 or so. I think eventually whenever the RED Scarlet comes out, that Sony and Canon might have to seriously look into changing their pricing structure on a lot of their product line.

Competition is good.

After all Sony is has the listed price the same as B&HHey, you're right. And if you want to save $200 you can still get a VX2100 for the bargain price of $3k. :)

Advanced Amateur / Professional | Sony | SonyStyle US (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644582896)

I just think the FX1000 at sub $3k will come later rather than sooner (if it does at all) because they're putting the Z5 out of reach. Maybe they'll do that with the Z5 too - who knows?

I think eventually whenever the RED Scarlet comes out, that Sony and Canon might have to seriously look into changing their pricing structure on a lot of their product line.By the time the Scarlet actually shows up folks will have worn out their FX1000's. :)

All good points Michael.

[QUOTE=Rick Steele;937595]Hey, you're right. And if you want to save $200 you can still get a VX2100 for the bargain price of $3k. :)

Yeah I was kind of joking about the Scarlet. Never know when Red will release their cameras. I think that the original RED was in development for over a year before they were finally able to deliver any for use.

Actually I see the the Z5 coming down in price a little too after its initial release. And while the Z5 might be expensive for your needs (I think you mentioned that you need to purchase 3 HDV cameras next year), the overall price of the Z5 is very attractive, when compared to the original Z1 or the now released Z7 and EX1.

I am eying a Z5 and maybe a couple FX1000's to eventually replace my 3 FX1s.

Gonna wait a bit, until user reviews and feedback is in after the initial release though.

Before I get any new cameras, I'm going to pickup 2-3 MRC1's to use with my FX1's.
Going tapeless (for quick editing), along with tape for archival purposes is the most appealing to me right now. My FX1's still produce great images, so a new camera right now is not of major importance for me as it is for you.

My FX1's still produce great images, so a new camera right now is not of major importance for me as it is for you.

Yes, I'm looking at 3 new cameras no latter than next February/March. A couple of FX1000's can be in the budget but I'm getting old and fat and really need that 3rd one to cover my slow lazy arse. The cost of this one will be tight though. I need some rich relatives to croak. :)

Going tapeless (for quick editing), along with tape for archival purposes is the most appealing to me right now.Going tapeless would be a dream but I'm wondering if the FX1000 will work exclusively with CF only (i.e. not needing the heads recording to an actual tape in order for the MRC1 to work).

I know B&H has their review for the US model, but I was directed to this review for the European model.
Review is y Kevin Cook

Sony : HVR-Z5E Reviewed by IoV's Kevin Cook : United Kingdom (http://www.sony.co.uk/biz/view/ShowContent.action?site=biz_en_GB&contentId=1220875360755)

That's a fair review, although I still have a few questions about the Z5.

How does the LCD compare to the Z1? It's much higher resolution but it's physically smaller, so is it as easy to use.

The focus and zoom are on servo controlled infinite wheels, is this the same for the iris?

The thread appears to be 72mm according to the Japanese pdfs I've seen, which is great for existing 35mm adaptor users. Can we use the magnet trick to flip the image on the LCD.

Is the headphone output louder than the (very poor) Z1, I know lower impedance headphones can help, but I don't want to replace my trusty Sennheisers.

Can the assignable buttons control the same number of parameters as the Z1, my favourite - white balance shift is not assignable on some new Sony HDV cameras. (I can't remember which, maybe the Z7?)

That's all I can think of at the mo.

Cheers Folks!!

Going tapeless would be a dream but I'm wondering if the FX1000 will work exclusively with CF only (i.e. not needing the heads recording to an actual tape in order for the MRC1 to work).

Actually Rick, I don't mind having to run tape in the camera in order to use the MRC1 and tapeless acquisition.

The reason being that I would rather have tape for backup/archival footage, and use the CF media for quick download and editing.

I am a paranoid shooter I guess. As I would rather still spend money on tape and have redundancy, than not.

First Post:
This new cam makes it a tough call for me as I was gearing up to purchase a newish used XH-A1. I'm pretty new to this game so I have a couple of questions:
1) How do you think the FX1000 will compare with the Canon XH-A1 re: low light performance?
2) How are you guys overcoming the lack of multiple XLR inputs on these cameras? How cumbersome is it to add an XLR adapter?
I'd prefer to use a decent on camera hyper-card shotgun AND frequently a lav for interviews.
My experience has been in run and gun multi-media web journalism and I'm now doing some corporate work.
As a staff photographer I was using the XH-A1 but now that I'm freelancing I'm using a Canon HV30 and recording/syncing my interviews with an Olympus LS-10 with wired lav. I'd love to get back to the work flow I used to have the the XH-A1 but if the FX1000 is going to be a great low light performer on par with the PD170, I'm tempted to go that route.
Any thoughts?

1) How do you think the FX1000 will compare with the Canon XH-A1 re: low light performance?


The new Sony's should be better in low light.
But remember that video (like photography) needs light. So for optimal picture quility with any camera, it is recommended to either use onbord, or even better off camera lighting when possible. But if you aren't able to use supplemental lighting of some sort the Sony cams should be more sensitive than the Canons.


2) How are you guys overcoming the lack of multiple XLR inputs on these cameras? How cumbersome is it to add an XLR adapter?
While XLR adapters do add some bulk to your camera package, they are handy. For a good affordable XLR adapter, I highly recommend looking into the Juicedlink series XLR boxes. Camcorder XLR Audio Adapter/Preamp: Buy Direct and Save from juicedLink (http://juicedlink.com/)

The units have built in active pre amps which give you a much quieter audio than the Beachtek or Sign Audio boxes. I use these on my Sony FX1's and the overall audio sounds better than on a Z1 with it's built in XLR audio. This is because the JL XLR boxes have built in active pre amps that knock down the noise floor giving you a quiet signal. While the Sony circuitry (liek many camcorder pre amps) have notoriously loud pre amps circuitry. Don't know about the Z5 yet though.

First Post:
This new cam makes it a tough call for me as I was gearing up to purchase a newish used XH-A1.
On the basis that an XH-A1 in the hand is worth two FX1000s in the bush, I'd go for the Canon now, then have another look at the FX1000 after Christmas, once the second boat-load has arrived and prices have started to dip below Sony's list price. You probably won't have much trouble selling the Canon if you want to, provided you've looked after it OK.

The HV30 is a great camera for what it is, but since you're making a living from your camera, the XH-A1 is closer to what you need. It should earn you a little extra, so that you can afford a shiny new Sony in the spring. On the other hand, you might fall in love with the Canon and never look at another Sony ;-) Don't sell the little one, though - it's a great B-cam and doubles as the perfect play-back machine for your NLE, since it will read the XH-A1's 24F and 30F, as well as it's own 24P and, hopefully, the FX1000's 24P when the time comes.

HTH

"FX1000 does not offer native progressive recording"
Since the FX1000 can't shoot progressive footage natively, then how much better is it than de-interlaced FX1 footage?

To my understanding, it will be the exact same process the V1U uses to record 24P. It will add 2:3 pulldown, which any NLE these days should be able to extract with ease. There's no real qualitative disadvantage to using this method and storing on tape as 60i. It just doesn't do it the way the HVR-Z5U does it, that's all. So there's an extra conversion step to restore to its original 24p nature.

So this is completely unlike the FX1, which doesn't capture 24p at all. The FX1 is capturing 60i, so the only option is to use some post-production process like Magic Bullet to fake a 24P effect.

The HDR-FX1000 would be a true 24p signal embedded into a 60i signal to be laid down to tape. This maintains a lot of backwards compatibility with NLEs, while at the same time making it easy to extract the pulldown it added.

Steve Mullen has written extensively about this process in his books as well, if that helps.

I've had some experience with the XH-A1 and the Z1U as a VJ though not nearly as much as most of you guys as I was simply shooting with factory settings (though often in manual modes.) I had no idea what my news organization was paying for all this kit (lectronsonics, trams, etc.) until I decided to try to get into it on my own.
My first thought was to pick up an A1 and get going, but as a still Photojournalist, fast lenses and clean ISOs are everything and I'd hate to drop 3K and have the A1 killer show up on the shelves a month later. From what you guys have said though, it sounds like the A1 will grow with me for a while and match up well with the HV30, so I'm leaning that way. Anyone getting ready to upgrade and looking to dump their A1, drop me a line.

but if the FX1000 is going to be a great low light performer on par with the PD170, I'm tempted to go that route.
Any thoughts?I guess I don't understand where low light would be an issue in a controlled environment like interviews. If this is mainly what you do then feel fortunate you have many options. As far as the FX1000 killing off any cams... folks always say that whenever something new shows up with a lot of fanfare. Some are even thinking that Sony, Canon and Panasonic will close their doors when the RED Scarlet appears (which won't happen).

Bottom line is buy what you need now... but just like a car it will become yesterday's model sooner or later.

. . . Bottom line is buy what you need now... but just like a car it will become yesterday's model sooner or later.

Wow, is this good advise! Listen closely folks, you are listening to experience. Take it from an wedding, event, and broadcast, producer, "if you think you got it licked, surprised, your about to be licked."

Well Rick, as usual, I think we all would like something that would "do it all" well, but I know there is rarely such a thing. It would be good to know that you could use a cam for everything from well lit interviews to documentary coverage in a war zone, both of which I've done as a still photographer. I'm have a great appreciation for tried true performers like the PD150/170 series but I'm feel strongly about shooting the 16x9 aspect ratio. There's certainly always something better coming down the pipe, but I'm wondering which of the current generation cameras will end up being known as legendary performers.

James, since you mention PD150/170 (SD) why not consider a DVX100B which is all of those two and a lot larger and more "pro looking" let alone I think a few more adjustable features. Otherwise, if it's HD via HDV and similiar budget, then I would probably chose the 3K range A1 just for the XLR's however do keep in mind that they both have to ether be line or mic, that is you can't have one on mic and the other on line . . was a bummer for us :o(

but I'm feel strongly about shooting the 16x9 aspect ratio.Yes, we all should. I know Content is King but it gets elevated to "Emperor" status on a widescreen display. :)

Not sure which new camera will be regarded as legendary 4-5 years from now but today I'd personally give that title to the FX1. This thing has (had) staying power in a very rigorous and changing market and is a real workhorse that takes a beating. At least in event videography anyway.

I'm really rooting for the FX1000 to take over the VX/PD line but there have been so many jaded reviews of new cams over the years and so many new technologies incorporated in them that I'm just going to wait and see. But as the name implies, Sony is clearly gearing this thing up to mark the rebirth of its VX1000, 2000, 2100 ancestors.

And if it doesn't live up to its lineage, at least it was great marketing hype. :)

I was referring to 30p, but in any case isn't it just a fake film effect it adds like a progressive scan mode?

Can the assignable buttons control the same number of parameters as the Z1, my favourite - white balance shift is not assignable on some new Sony HDV cameras.Cheers Folks!!

Good question Duncan. I had a long play with the Z5 yesterday, and though I looked long and hard through the menu, I couldn't find this w/bal fine-tune-adjust facility that I so love on my Z1s assign buttons.

At the mo I have my Z1 in daylight w/bal mode. I can easily cool the image in small steps, such that pressing assign button five 5 times (neat, huh?) I'm filming in the artificial w/bal setting. And dito back the other way using button six.

tom.

If I am not mistaken, I think SONY is re-releasing the FX-7 again.

What's astonishing to me is that Sony is not only coming out with more and more prosumer HDV gear, but that they're not retiring the older models, like the Z1, A1 or the V1. How many slices are they going to cut this particular market segment into?

Must be rough on their service centers and parts distributors, to keep track of all the different models!

If I am not mistaken, I think SONY is re-releasing the FX-7 again.

Hey we got our hands on a LOT of the new AVC-HD (AVC-CAM Panasonic is calling it) that many are touting as "the" low end HD format and quite frankly other than difficulty in accessing it and challenging computer consumption, we see NO IMPROVEMENT in image quality over HDV. In fact, we have imported HDV into 1920x1080 from a Sony non-square HDV file and it looks astonishingly identical to the AVC-HD that was shot side by side with it. The HDV was shot with a Z7.

I thought the FX7 was dead and the FX1000 was the newest "consumer" camera.

heath

You must be thinking of the EX series cameras on the rolling shutter thingy. We ran our tests on the Z7U the minute we got it and unless the flash/strobe is directly in the line of fire in the lens AND within 4 feet . . no rolling shutter. Even then, unlike the EX exactly 7 frames were affected all three times it happened out of over 100 flashes from all sorts of still flash cameras including the pro photographer. We had an awful time trying to get it to happen.

So the Z7U isn't the rolling shutter problem camera, that appears to be exclusive to the EX series of CMOS :o)

But still, the problem is there, this will cause problems to matchmove objects at higher velocities (AKA shakeycam matchmoving), so the Z1 still looks mighty to me.

And are these using pixel shift? or are they a lot closer to a native resolution than the cameras before them?

But still, the problem is there, . . .

Actually, there are NO lost frames, just 1 to 3 weird looking frames that when played at regular speed just look like a flash like our DVX100B which we cut the Z7 with. The EX1 on the other hand offered us many frames messed up but I can't really say if there is an issue with "dropped frames" which I think the above quot is referring but there were none.

Hope that helps.

I thought the FX7 was dead
For the life on me, I can't find the link to the press release right now -- could have sworn it was on this very forum -- but both Amazon and B&H are taking preorders for the FX7 at $1999.... Amazon says the release date is November 2.

I seem to recall the announcement was actually at the tail end of the FX1000/Z5 press release.

Here's the original thread announcing this but no link to the press release... and after about five posts the discussion devolves into the supporters and detractors of the FX7 arguing with one another.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/sony-hvr-v1-hdr-fx7/129744-fx7-returning-lower-price.html

Actually, there are NO lost frames, just 1 to 3 weird looking frames that when played at regular speed just look like a flash like our DVX100B which we cut the Z7 with. The EX1 on the other hand offered us many frames messed up but I can't really say if there is an issue with "dropped frames" which I think the above quot is referring but there were none.

Hope that helps.

Nope, this is not a dropped frame issue, it's a skew issue due to the rolling shutter scanning rows of pixels too slow.

We have a z7 for our main HD camera. Can someone tell me which would be the right sony solution in low light HDV? Does the FX7 do that? Or are the 1/4" CMOS just toooooo small?

if low light efectiveness is what you're after I'd stay clear of the FX7, dont get me wrong, its great in good/decent lighting, but pretty poor in low light.

Look at the new FX1000/Z5 that sony are releaseing in the next few weeks, very good in low light (I've personally had a shot of a demo Z5)

All the best

James

Rodger, just sold my FX7, and am so glad I did...very poor in low light, it will not match up well with what you are currently running.

Footage was unusable next to the PD series cams. Not that it is a fair comparison, but the FX7 was so far off in so many ways, I just couldn't use it. And while there are those who will argue till the death about this, I found the picture from the FX7 very soft as well.

The 1/4" chips just can't cut it, at least not for me.

You had a duff FX-7 for sure,recently i did some filming with a friend and his F1, he let me edit some of the footage together the FX-7 footage was sharper with the resolution setting on both cams in the preset centre setting,no way does the FX 7 give soft results,some of the colours leave a little to be desired maybe to my liking,its also not meant for too low light filming.

I guess it depends on what you're coming from. I've been shooting with an A1U. The low light on the FX7 will be a big improvement for me. I'll miss the XLR, but it's not a big deal for most of my projects. I'll add a BeachTec sometime in the future.

I guess it depends on what you're coming from. I've been shooting with an A1U. The low light on the FX7 will be a big improvement for me. I'll miss the XLR, but it's not a big deal for most of my projects. I'll add a BeachTec sometime in the future.
Yes you will find an improvement,i meant the FX-7 is not in the Z5 /EX3 league or the new FX-100, low light is not one of my top priorities,good luck with yours.

Sony finally has listed it's list price for the HVR-MRC1K and also a list price for the Z5

Sony Product Detail Page - HVRMRC1K (http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/product-HVRMRC1K/)

Sony Product Detail Page - HVRZ5U (http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/product-HVRZ5U/)

Wonder what the street price will be on the MRC1K

In my experience, new Sony pro products' street price is close to the MSRP. It drops soon after, or at least depending on how sales go. The V1u dropped from $5000 to about $3800 in a matter of months, early last year.

heath