That I couldn't tell ya. They don't appear listed on the site. Their main focus I believe is Apple-based video editing systems, though they have lots of other stuff.

hey, would anyone be able to tell me the price of the shooters package for the GL2 at zotz. Thanks alot , eric gieg

You'll definitely want to pose this question to them directly, not here. Just give them a call - they're very helpful.

Alright , i sent them an email. I figured maybe somebody had already called them and asked. Thanks for your help

Zotz
 

I just ordered the DVX-100a ENG package and an additional DVX-100a. They are great, If I email thrm with a question they get back to me right away. I do not think I have ever experienced such good customer service or fair pricing.

I've been working with Zotz on ordering an XL2 body kit. They've been VERY responsive and helpful.

XL2's are in stock
 

Greetings to all of you in DVLand. I have been getting calls from folks about the XL2, most of whom are telling me that no one has them in stock. I do, and we are shipping daily. And sadly, the scams are all ready at work, attemtping to defraud the public.

Please contact me via email or phone, and I will be happy to help. As my clients know, if you email me with your shooting situations, I will be able to send a reply with a list for your consideration: info@zotzdigital.com and 888-577-9689.

For those of you that have been waiting for an easy (and relatively inexpensive) way of enhancing your DV footage to SDI, the Datavideo DAC5 converter is now shipping-we have an Apple/Final Cut solution for this on our site at:
http://www.zotzdigital.com/item.php?pid=179&cid=69

Thanks to you all, brian

zotz digital

Bad thing to be hearing about scams so early, but when you think about it, now is the best time to try and defraud people with a hot product like the XL2.

Can't go wrong with one of the DVi sponsors, but perhaps we should keep track of the known scammers, and compile a list of them?

Someone from DVI informed me today that a non dealer is all ready claiming to have them. This is not a new scam, they have one that they bought from a legit dealer, then take numerous deposits for the product at a discount price, and see you later. I have heard so many tales of woe from the folks that have dealt with scams over the years that someone out there should create a list. I am not volunteering for this, it would be a legal nightmare for me. It is far easier to start your search with the manufacturer, and here at DVI.
Best advice, use the dealer locator at Canon, get a quote in writing when you know you have a real dealer on the line, and ask questions that are important to you, and expect the answers. If the dealer isn't listed on Canon's site, would any amount of talk from this seller actually convince you that they are on the level? it is really simple, expect to get what you pay for, you will never lose out.
remember that the online rating systems operated by sites means the seller pays to get a good rating, plain and simple. These sites are not in it to be nice. Even the ones that claim this isn't the case, may not be telling you the truth, this is what your investigation will prove. You find that a company that one site calls a scam, has a nice rating from another.
'tis a jungle out there, don't step in it.

Yup, and ultimately around this place you really don't need a "bad dealer" list. Just shop from our sponsors such as Brian here, and you're all set.

We've already done the legwork for you.

Supporting Zotz Digital
 

I have been purchasing equipment from B&H Photo since 1985, almost always with good results. If you need it, they have it, and for a great price. They are the only NY mail order house I would ever do business with. And a visit to the store is a lot of fun.

In the last year I tried Zotz Digital for some of my gear and tape stock solely because of their sponsorship of this community. I have been incredibly impressed. I have heard many vendors complain about competing with a giant like B&H, they had me convinced it was impossible for them to do it.

I don’t know how Brian and his staff do it, but the prices are competitive and they offer great customer service. On a recent order, they did not stock every item I wanted, Brian let me know what he could or coud'nt do, so I ordered everything I could from Zotz and went to B&H for the rest. I will continue to go to them first for several reasons. One of those reasons is because I am a small business operator with loyal clients that support me. I like doing business with other small businesses that seem to appreciate my business (I should say, I don’t know Brian or how many employees he has, small?). My hat is off to Brian for competing with the big guys and doing it well. There is a lot to be said for personalized customer service in my book.

Steve

Here's my vote for Zotz. Brian, who was fighting the flu, gave me lots of feedback on which miniDV VTRs to avoid (I opted for FireStore's FS-4, as I have no legacy tapes in my workflow).

Brian and Tom were alacritous in selling me an XL2 body kit, which shipped without drama.

Most important---& here's where Chris Hurd's jealous protection of his sponsors pays off---I felt comfortable authorizing a near-$4,000 charge to utter strangers, because they're under the scrutiny of this little community.

Kind of like Ebay, but without the Fiesta Ware ...

Cheers to Zotz! Why pay sales tax?

JS

why Brian tells you what to avoid now.
 

I am a big fan of Brian and Zotz digital but to be honest I had a terrible experience, here is a little background… I have purchased nearly all of our equipment from Zotz two GL2's, tripods wireless microphones etc. etc.

One day I called up Brian to buy a Sony DSR-11 deck and Brian talked me into buying the JVC vs-30. The Deck was delivered speedy as usual but the moment I pulled it from the box I was disappointed I thought it was a VCR. But anyway functionality is the key to our business so I thought lets give it a try. The device has never worked from day one. During capture you will get grey pixels throughout the video.

I called Brian at Zotz and told him I did not want the deck and go with my first choice and get the DSR-11. Brian had told me that the deck has worked fine for others and I should send it in and get the tracking adjusted for my cameras. So I sent the deck in to JVC along with three individual tapes from our cameras (cost $35).

One month later still no word from JVC so I called and they had not started the repair because they said I never sent the tapes. I asked them if they ever thought of calling. I explained that I did send the tapes and that I would send another three again… so off to the UPS store I went and mailed the three tapes ($15) only to get a call the next day that they found the original three tapes in the box. It figures. The deck was returned 10 days later and the problem was worse than before. The repair invoice stated that they replaced the recording device (whatever that means). I called JVC and explained that the deck still did not work. They said they were going to send me a special fire wire to test for interference I knew this was a waste of time because everything else will capture fine but I decided to humor him and try it our.

Two days later I get the new and improved fire wire along with the second three tapes I sent them. (that was nice to see) But of course the fire wire made no difference. So I sent back the deck to JVC. And to make a long story short the deck is still not working. I have looked into other postings and found that there are lots of people out there that have taken the deck back because it is a lemon.

Brian has since pulled the deck from his site and admits that there are many issues with this deck. (so why did he talk me into it???) Brian sent me an email stating that he was going to get my money back using the lemon law for my deck and someone else’s. I thought cool he does care and looks to keep our business relationship healthy.

A few weeks later I called Brian to see what had become of this and after a few excuses I felt as if he forgot. In fact he asked me to send him another email to remind him. I forwarded the email he previously sent me. Four months have passed since I purchased the deck for about $900 and shipping back and forth has cost me around $100. All I want is a working deck. Brian the ball is in your court.

I'm going to be spending over $9,000 with Zotz.

It's true that Brian seems a bit forgetful at times.

Given the amout I'm spending, do you think I should ask to have them throw in some filters or a monopod?

Well I didn't ask for anything else. Brian is a stand up guy. He was in a situation where he was stuck with a product that was bad. I feel that he did what he could even if he was a bit forgetful. Sometimes Email tends to bring that out in us. No face to remember... Anyway i got the sony deck and I am happy with it. I will be using Brian till the end! My post was more to put a face to the subject. If not mine, the face was the forum.
We all live and learn.

Go Zots!

OK.

Well, if I'm going to be spending over $9,000 at a place, do you think they should be throwing in the filters of the monopod?

lots of feedback but...
 

VIC! Your question is irrelevant. If you are going to spend 9,000 euros or 80 thousand drachmas on something, you negotiate for the stuff and receive the order.

A few anecdotes regarding customer service levels from a specific vendor does not entitle you to have them extend the employee discount nor does it have them open up the tickle trunk full of goodies!

Now that is just me. Perhaps you could phone them and see if they will ship you some no charge product along with your order.

Re: lots of feedback but...
 

Who are you to say that my question is irrelevant, especially when you don't even understand it correctly?

First of all, why are you talking about Euros or Drachmas?

Secondly, I never mentioned that this had anything to do with customer service levels.



<<<-- Originally posted by Jimmy McKenzie : VIC! Your question is irrelevant. If you are going to spend 9,000 euros or 80 thousand drachmas on something, you negotiate for the stuff and receive the order.

A few anecdotes regarding customer service levels from a specific vendor does not entitle you to have them extend the employee discount nor does it have them open up the tickle trunk full of goodies!

Now that is just me. Perhaps you could phone them and see if they will ship you some no charge product along with your order. -->>>

"Nobody ever gets what they deserve... only what they negotiate"

True. Believe me, I plan to.

However, knowing what I'm up against will help me to negotiate better.

So, anyone? Care to share some experiences?

<<<-- Originally posted by Richard Alvarez : "Nobody ever gets what they deserve... only what they negotiate" -->>>

Back to Zotz, yeah great folks. They even waived a drop ship charge for me. I gotta chime in about that forgetfullness though. I was promised repeatedly that they would get back to me about a tracking number and they never did. I finally had to call the manufacturer, which maybe I should have done in the first place, but why promise if your not going to deliver? All in all, I was pretty happy though and plan on buying more from them, as it's my misfortune to live in the same state as B&H and have to pay tax.

Hi Vic...

I chose arbitrary currencies and used a somewhat 'round about way of getting you to explain what you mean...

So go ahead ... what do you mean ... seriously, your post confused me.

Respectfully, Jimmy.

Victor,

To answer your question, there's no harm in asking for a small deal sweetener. Brian, Tom, or Christie at Zotz may or may not do so.

On the one hand, they deliver the most personal and personable service; on the other hand, it is pretty obvious they are a fairly new, small operation competing against internet goliaths...they may not have too much margin to work with and grow their business.

In this thread:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...z&pagenumber=2

I wrote this about Zotz:
-----
I've done most of my business with Zotz Digital. They're small and do often have to drop ship (have stuff sent to you directly from manufacturer or distributor), as they apparently don't keep a large inventory of small or low volume items. BUT, you will never in your life have a more personal and enjoyable buying experience. You'll truly feel like Brian, Tom, and Christie are "friends in the business," not just someone selling you something by phone and email. If you're buying 2 of a big ticket item like the XL2 from them (plus accessories, I'm sure), they'll bend over backwards to make you a happy customer.

And tell 'em Pain-in-the-Butt-Pete from Houston said so! That'll either get you an additional discount OR hung up on! More likely the latter, now that I think about it. ;-)
-----

Enjoy all that new gear! I'm jealous, as I've eaten up my video toys budget for a while. ;-(

For Victor; Victor, as you know, I did everything you asked, I shipped all of your products the next day upon being paid. I have you better than a $1200 discount on your camera and computer gear. I did exactly what you asked, and now you appear to have some difficulties with perfect service. I don't know how I can help more than to do everything, exactly as described. thanks again, brian

for Mike Bode; hello Mike; please fill the community in on what happened after your last post. I have been fighting JVC now for a year for the SRVS30U deck. Matt Garrett at JVC admitted to me that the deck doesn't work for the XL, GL and PD series of camcorders. I finally got them to fix the deck that I replaced for you with a Sony DSR11. I refunded you for the used deck at full price, and applied that to the Sony. JVC has still not credited me for the deck, as they tell the public it "works fine" and then in emails to me they say: "we know it doesn't work with a lot of the mini dv camcorders out there"

I do my best, and I am terribly sorry for ever recommending it in the first place. It was my mistake to offer it in the first place. Those of you that have one, contact JVC and ask them to fix it for you. They claim that they will, I sure hope that happens for all.

on my being forgetful, sorry, it is a busy world. About my not providing tracking numbers to clients, sorry, I can't if the manufacturer will not provide them to us. There are still numerous makers out there that willnot even reply to our phone calls or emails with tracking for our clients when we drop ship to them. Thankfully, this number is going down, but has not yet gone to zero. Any product we get a tracking number for, we send to our client right away. Any product shipped to a client from our store, automatically gets a tracking number from Quantum View (UPS), or from Fedex directly. Since Quantum View usually appears as spam, most folks have these emails trapped in their spam filters.

thanks, brian

I think I've mentioned it in other threads, but I'll add to this one. When I had problems with my New XL2, Brian stepped up for me and went to batt with Canon. Ultimately, it was all resolved and Brian's help was a large part of it.

I would not hesitate to reccomend buying from him, and will do so again in the future.

It's true!
 

It’s true! Brian refunded the purchase price of the JVC deck and applied it to the Sony DSR-11. Although it was a bad experience it was not really Brian’s fault more the JVC deck. You can see that he doesn’t even offer to sell the deck anymore. Keep in mind I know that if I had purchased that deck from B&H I would probably still own it. Brian is an honest guy that will do what he can to keep his customers happy. I will continue to use Zotz for all of our future purchases.

P.S. I also once sent back a GL-2 right after purchase that had a speck of dust inside the lens and he replaced it immediately.

That’s good service!

Let me know if you hear anything about the GL-3’s Brian!

Go Zotz!

I have had a problem of one kind or another at some point with every vendor I have ever done business with, it happens. I have also had problems with every manufacturer whose equipment I have used a lot. I have also been in business for 15 years and would be a liar if I said I had never made a mistake. Fortunately most of the clients I may have upset are still with me and I am grateful for that. I am not perfect.

My original intent in starting this thread was to say that when investing in new gear I try to think about where the money will go and what it will do, not just, what will I get for it. Given a choice I do business with small vendors because those dollars may help get a working person a raise or keep some lights on in the shop. To me, a small business operator, that makes me feel better than adding another story to a warehouse in Manhattan. Try calling one of those companies who have a far greater markup than a small vendor and try saying “I’ll buy that XL2 if you throw in a 10 pack of tape and an extra battery”. But isn’t it funny how for some people, when a guy answers the phone that knows your name, they feel entitled to extras even though his product is the same price as the giant vendors.

Many of my clients are loyal to me even though they know they could pay less some place else. They stay with me because of “how” I do business, not just because they like the product. It helps me hire freelancers and keep the lights on.


Steve

Hello Brian,

Most of my posts here were written before we really got down to business. I wasn't really sure who you were, and you probably weren't really sure if I was a serious buyer. The problem with the diverted e-mails didn't help either.

So, I received everything I ordered and paid for from you as of last night.

Bottom line:

I don't know which is more impressive, the technology I now have in my possession or the way you run your business.

Zotz Digital has been one of the most ethic, competitively priced, friendly, professional companies I've bought from in a long time.

You saved me a ton of money, pretty much met my stringent deadlines, and pulled it all off with a smile and never let me see you sweat (even if you did).

As for myself, I don't think I've ever paid for anything like this by wire transfer. The Golden Rule had always been to pay with a credit card. However, the fact that you are a sponsor of this well-respected forum and the fact that it was possible to see what others had to say about Zotz here gave me the peace of mind I needed.

I am already recommending my friends to Zotz Digital!

Thanks, Brian!!!






<<<-- Originally posted by Brian Longley : For Victor; Victor, as you know, I did everything you asked, I shipped all of your products the next day upon being paid. I have you better than a $1200 discount on your camera and computer gear. I did exactly what you asked, and now you appear to have some difficulties with perfect service. I don't know how I can help more than to do everything, exactly as described. thanks again, brian -->>>

Based on information and recommendation on this board I ordered a HVR-Z1U from Brian at Zotzdigital. Brian and his team was extremely helpful and responsive in answering all questions and if I’m ever to order any new stuff from the US Brian will be the one I’ll turn to first.

XL H1 in stock!
 

Greetings to the DVI community, I have a few XL H1's so anyone that needs them, contact me. Once these are gone, we wait for our next shipment from Canon,

thanks, brian

Hey Brian, sent you an e-mail. I happily await my tracking number. I guess I won't be able to sleep for the next few days!

PS: Hey, why're you wasting time reading this post...shouldn't you be packing them thar H1's over to the FedEx drop! ;-)~

Happy Holidays!

{wiping drool from face}Pete, I may just have to come to Houston this weekend afterall. Now I know what your hidden agenda was. :-)

-gb-

Zotz Digital
 

Just wanted to throw in a plug for Zotz Digital. Brian is extremely helpful in my decision making for camera equipment purchases. To say that I am a little "green" when it comes to video stuff is an under statement. Brian is a wealth of knowledge and always has taken time to help out. Customer service is top notch! Brian has sent e-mails and called me on the phone with an answer to every question I ask.

Excellent place to purchase all of your camera gear! Thanks, Brian!

Many thanks to Brian at Zotz Digital
 

I agree. I had many questions about some equipment I was interested in for my new Z1, specifically some NRG items. I was having problems finding a helpful NRG dealer on line, so I called NRG directly. Paul at NRG called me back & suggested I ask Brian, or another local dealer. I happened to call Zotz first, and since then, Brian has gone way out of his way to email me back and forth numerous times, with very quick responses, with guidance as I decide what my best choices are. Exceptional customer service. Thanks Brian!

I have to chime in and agree with what's been said about Brian so far.. He's incredibly knowledgable with his products and the thing I like about his style is that there's no hype, there's no pressure - he tells it like it is and he's up on what's happening in the DV world..

There was a small inventory glitch when initially I ordered one of his packages - as it arrived over the span of about 3-4 weeks, but it's just like getting Christmas presents for several weeks - so that wasn't all that bad!! :) I will say this about his packages: yes, it may cost a little bit more than the actual camera, but when you look at what you get in return - there is a real huge value and savings when you include things like a sturdy tripod and fluid head, the boom mic and wireless microphone setup.. The package is ideal for those starting out (like me) - and you could tell that Brian didn't skimp on the products he selected either..

I'm very satisfied with my purchase and I too endorse folks to at least check out ZotzDigital and email Brian - he's a good guy to deal with.

Regards,
-Michael

Canon XH A1
 

Greetings all; The XH A1 has begun shipping in very limited quantity. We will have shipping resume in November as Canon has stated. Rumors of the camera shipping in quantity are only rumors.
I have had a dozen or so folks ask me about this, and got the info so that you would have correct information
thanks brian