Z1U vs HV30 at DVinfo.net

Jackie Morton · February 4th, 2009, 09:58 AM

Ok, I know they're not exactly comparable cameras, but just for the hell of it.. how does the Canon HV30 compare to the SONY HVR-Z1U? :)

Boyd Ostroff · February 4th, 2009, 12:32 PM

Since I don't have an HV-30 I can't comment on the quality of the image. But the manual control and configuration options on the Z1 are so much more extensive that a comparison would seem pretty pointless.

I'm sure the small camera has advantages in certain situations, and it can produce great results if used correctly, but you will certainly have a lot more control on the Z1.

Chris Barcellos · February 4th, 2009, 12:52 PM

This film was shot with FX1 and HV20, both cameras being very much similar as their counterparts the Z1 and HV30. In good light, you can get very good images out of the HV product. I have also shot with the Z1. HV30 is basically cosmetically changed from the HV20.

YouTube - The Dead Of Winter

You definitely have more standard control over the Z1, as you would expect, compared to the HV30. Some of the ways to control gain, and shutter speed and iris of the HV series require workarounds, as the camera is designed auto adjust in many situation, unless you flat out lock it down with a few tricks.

Chris Barcellos · February 4th, 2009, 01:00 PM

Coincidentally, see the post just a few below this one, about a new Dance Music video shot on an HV20/30:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/hdv2-hv-s...ic-video-shot-

February 4th, 2009, 09:58 AM	#1
Jackie Morton Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Buffalo, USA Posts: 63	Z1U vs HV30 Ok, I know they're not exactly comparable cameras, but just for the hell of it.. how does the Canon HV30 compare to the SONY HVR-Z1U? :)

February 4th, 2009, 12:52 PM	#3
Chris Barcellos Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Elk Grove CA Posts: 6,838	This film was shot with FX1 and HV20, both cameras being very much similar as their counterparts the Z1 and HV30. In good light, you can get very good images out of the HV product. I have also shot with the Z1. HV30 is basically cosmetically changed from the HV20. YouTube - The Dead Of Winter You definitely have more standard control over the Z1, as you would expect, compared to the HV30. Some of the ways to control gain, and shutter speed and iris of the HV series require workarounds, as the camera is designed auto adjust in many situation, unless you flat out lock it down with a few tricks. __________________ Chris J. Barcellos

February 4th, 2009, 01:00 PM	#4
Chris Barcellos Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Elk Grove CA Posts: 6,838	Coincidentally, see the post just a few below this one, about a new Dance Music video shot on an HV20/30: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/hdv2-hv-s...ic-video-shot- __________________ Chris J. Barcellos

February 4th, 2009, 12:32 PM	#2
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,787	Since I don't have an HV-30 I can't comment on the quality of the image. But the manual control and configuration options on the Z1 are so much more extensive that a comparison would seem pretty pointless. I'm sure the small camera has advantages in certain situations, and it can produce great results if used correctly, but you will certainly have a lot more control on the Z1.