...or divisions ? ...or are they made by the same production lines ? thanks Kurth

Just a guess, but probably two adjacent tables in the same facility.

...so maybe we could assume the build quality is more or less equal and all the lessons learned during startup would have been easily disseminated. Wish we knew the answer. Maybe someone from Japan ...- thanks Chris

They're partially built in the same room/line, but then they diverge and go their own separate ways. There are some pix of the line at the Sony/Park Ridge offices.

Douglas - so would you think the premise is correct - that they're pretty much equal in quality - all things considered . Or does the z1 , aside from it's additional feature set , have a superior build quality - i.e. a higher level of technically qualified people constructing the camera with slightly more stringent quality control. thanks

I *believe* but have no concrete evidence of, a higher inspection, etc. It would make sense, since the electronics have more to them, plus the audio circuitry, etc, that they'd be more heavily tested. The Sony facility is big on testing, hence the low rate of return on their products. When you go into the Sony "Family Store" (a store for Sony employees) you see very little in the way of returns or B stock. I wish it were more, because I want another 234 monitor. Can't afford the 1600.00 right now.