Ben.....buy the FX1 and go fishing!!!

Don't get caught up on features and technical crap....you are a FISHERMAN by golly! grab that camera from Circuit City, get that warranty....and go make some money with that great TV show Cap'n!!!

- Shannon W. Rawls

I would say that despite the differences, the FX1 is the way to go, with the price. Just add an adaptor for the XLR mics.

heath

You guys really don't know how much I appreciate your responses and help. Thank you very much. What accessories should I go with? Correct me if I am wrong, the Sony already comes in wide angle so I shouldn't need wide angle lens for it, right? I currently have an XLRPRO adapter for sound. I use an alluminum hard case for my GS400 and I really like it. The case seems to protect well in bumpy weather and I can lock it when transporting it in airports. I also found the great battery website through DVinfo so I can get several at a decent price. I already have a Varizoom shoulder mount and I did have a Varizoom but I returned it because the GS400 didn't have a LANC jack. My last question: I am a little fuzzy on the tape details. If I record to a regular tape I will or will not have HD footage and if I use the $18 tapes will that be the only way to get true HD?
Thanks for everything.

Regards,
Capt Ben

I don't think the $18 tapes matter, personally. These are the ones I've used for 6 years with NO problems, including using them in an XL-1, HD10, DVX100A and FX1:

http://www.taperesources-store.com/s...DV60P-S&dept=6

You may want to get a Pelican Case and pull out some of the foam to form the shape of the camera, batteries, etc. They're FedEx approved!

http://www.pelican-case.com/1400.html

heath

After reading another thread on here I believe I would rather go with B&H and use their online coupon. Chris mentioned it really helps him out when we order from sponsors on this site so I will try and go with B&H.

Thanks for all the help.

Capt Ben

http://vbulletin.newtek.com/showthread.php?p=242659

I came across this thread. Is the FX1 still available with an online coupon at B&H photo?

Here ya go fellas.

After much deliberation to the well thought out opinions from some high integrity DVINFO forum members I decided to go with the Z1U.

Here are my reasons. The airtime slot on ESPN for the Chew ON This Salwater Fishing Show seems to be attainable and if I were to skimp on the over 40 features difference between the X and Z and thus not be able to use the Sony HDV enough to accept the expense of it, then I would be quite ticked at myself.

Here is the order I placed at BH Photo

QtY:
1 Sony Z1U
20 Sony HD tapes
1 Polarizing filter pack
1 Mack 4 year warranty
1 DV tape Rack

Evidently there must be something I am missing because when I made the order with my credit card everything went through well and I was under the impression the cam was on it's way as of Monday. However the order was cancelled due to credit card protection services (I just have to call and authorize the purchase). OH Well, I guess this gives me the opportunity to ask all of you what else I really need to get with the order. So let me have it. I am already at $5600 and have yet to get the case so take it easy on other accessory mentions.

Thanks for all the help.

Capt Ben

1. Raingear for the camera? Do you ever shoot in the rain?
2. BATTERIES??? Are you plugged in at all times while out in the ocena? *smile*

- ShannonRawls.com

Ben, congratulations on the Z1 purchase! Can't wait to see some of your work!

What will become of the GS400? Backup cam? Did you get it repaired?

The GS is being sent to IL in hopes of a USA fix. I will use the GS as the underwater camera. I am going to get the batteries from that source you guys gave up in an earlier thread. Heck I will probably need about 10 of them. I rarely shoot in the rain. If I had to I would probably use the GS400 with the UW housing. I am going to get that Pilot Case Heath mentioned. I am getting kind of excited. Ready for it to get here.

Ben,

Who did you buy it from? That's not unusual to have it cancelled on such a huge order.

heath

It wasn't them it was a security feature on the card. I called BH today and it is on the way.

Sweet!

h

B&H checks every large order. They are reliable, but they want to make sure that you are. If they call your house and you call back, they figure you must be for real.