Which camera FX1 Z1,V1
 

I own a Sony PD170 and I am about to up grade.
I live in Australia.
What I want is the something like the Sony PD170 with true 16.9 HDV..
Which camera do I get
Z1
V1
FX1

I keep going back an forth between these cams and have read all I can here on this site.
V1 and FX1 is about a $1000 cheaper,
Does the rolling shutter of the VI cause any concern?
How much differance between 3lux Z1 and 4lux V1? could someone explain this for me.
Regards
Simon

as you know the 170 can see in the dark....

The V1 was to be the replacement for the 170 but the low light capability
is not there due to the 1/4 sensor... but it has great daylight capabilities...

The Z1 is being replaced with the Z7, and the Z7 will have good low light
capability...

The cameras are changing so quickly that I'd just get an intermediate camera until things start to settle in...

So, I'd suggest a Canon HV20 and just use it and set back and wait for the dust to settle...

Sony is bringing out the guns... we haven't heard from the othe players yet..

I have the FX1 and the HV20. I know enough about the rolling shutter issue from it to say it isn't a big deal. As with any camera, you need to work with the issues to shoot your best. And if sports or nature is whant you are into, you will want the 20x lens on the V1 that can go 30x extended.

Need good camera for small studio in School
 

We are building a small news desk studio in a school environment. Flourescent studio lights, teleprompter, a couple of wireless mics, tripod on heavy duty bogen wheels, etc.

We will feed into an analog switcher.

Is there a good camera choice (maybe SD) for this kind of setup that might cost no more than around $2000.

The cameras I can think of myself are Sony PD170, Sony DSR250 and Canon XH-A1.

However, is there something (maybe SD that would give a good analog signal (maybe even used) and a little cheaper that would be good for this. It is a real production studio but also a teaching environment.

It was also a thought that a bigger, older camera might not only be fairly inexpensive, but would be less likely to be stolen.

As a side note, are there locking tripod mounts that make it impossible to steal a camera unless the whole tripod is dragged along with it?

Thanks!

UK Camera advice
 

A friend of mine is a performer of Middle Eastern music, and I have gotten her interested in making short movies of their performances, with a Mac I gave her (using iLife '06).

She lives in the UK and has decided she wants to invest in a good consumer camcorder for this, and has mentioned the JVC GZ-MG575EK but having used Macs/iMovie a lot I am really wedded to the reliability of Mini-DV+Firewire on a Mac (+robust transport control, inherrent back-up with the DV tape and so on).

Would anyone like to make some reccomendations for PAL cameras that fit the following criteria:

1. Budget circa UKP500

2. Mini-DV+Firewire (or a great iMovie compatibility experience for a HDD or DVD-based camera)

3. Line-in + headphones (maybe even two line-ins for monural mics or a true stereo mic set-up (unlikely to be a camera with two without getting into XLR territory I expect).

4. 3CCD / good low light performance, she does a lot of gigs in smaller and poorly lit venues.

I'd be really grateful for some ideas, as she has an Arts Council grant deadline looming for this purchase.

TIA

Best,

Paul.

The budget's a bit tight and I'm not convinced you'll get all the features wanted at 500 quid (especially good low light performance!)

I don't know it... but what about the Panasonic NVGS320 as it has 3CCD's and seems to be around the price point wanted according to a recent issue of the now defunct Practical Digital Video magazine. Check it's feature list carefully and see if it might be suitable.

I have a Panny GS75 which is actually well below the budget you mentioned and to be fair it's great in low light conditions and has 3CCD but not many manual controls.

I think the GS series is probably for you. What about the Canon HV20? Then she will get HD, might be a bit over your budget though.

Workflow and camera decision
 

Hi :)

I am about to either buy a HX-A1 or HVX200 cam for docs. I am new though I have done some practice shooting and editing. After reading endless posts it would seem that the Cannon is going to be fine for my needs with a lower pricetag. I bought my computer and editor with Panasonic in mind and just want to know if there will be any problems.

I edit with FCP on a MacBook Pro 2.2 (x2).

I am aware that FCP is well integrated with Panasonic codecs.

Will I have any trouble with the Cannon?

I have only used JVC in the past and would prefer to avoid a lot of fooling about with pre-edit transcription if possible. I am hoping this is not an issue but am still new and am not 100% sure about such things. I would rather know in advance as it could influence my decision.

Thank you,

Russ

Both are excellent choices and you can't go wrong with either. But I notice shooting in 1080i on the Panasonic tends to have noise around the edges, likely from the native 960 x 540 imager.

Another alternative is the Sony HVR-V1u, which does 30p, 24p and 60i.

Heath

You should have no problem with the XH A1. FCP handles HDV well, and if you want to shoot 24fps progressive with the 24F mode, there is an HDV1080P24 setting you use to capture, drop your footage in a 23.98 timeline and everything stays nice and progressive all the way. Quite a few people are using the Macbook Pro now. If you check the LAFCPUG (Los Angeles FCP User's Group) you'll see some threads about that.

Workflow
 

Thanks Bill...that is just what I was looking for. I am still new enough that workflow problems give me nightmares :)


Russ

If not HD which camera?
 

If your not worried about HD which camera would one choose.
The camera would still have to be a hand held maybe no bigger than a Sony Z1. Camera would have to be native 16.9 and good in low light. Pal camera for me as i'm in Australia, balanced audio in,white balance, manual everything, I cant think what else oh yes the most important one under $10 grand.

What do ya think.

Cheers
Simon

Are you trying to figure out what camera you should buy, or what cameras other people like?

If it is the former, it would likely be more helpful to specify your needs. Some cameras are particularly suited for certain tasks and not others.

Hi Glen,
I was wondering what other people might be using instead of going down the HD path?
My needs are 16.9, handheld size, pal, able to set manual everything, a general all round camera. I guess i would be looking at something like the Sony PD 170 only with true native 16.9.

Cheers
Simon

Hi there,

Well,... if you don t need 'low light' capabilities... : just get a Z1 or XH-A1 and shoot in DV (SD).

You will get a true 16/9, manual everything, and a good "all around camera".

Philippe

Sony Z1, V1
 

I've been shooting on a Sony Z1 lately and it handles low light beautifully. The curves can be tweaked to look quite cinematic and the autofocus drastically outperforms the Canon XL series. I love it, but I'd rather have a Panasonic HVX 200 with a few GB of P2 cards, but for a lower budget I really recommend the Sony HD Z1 and V1 lines.

If I need a lowlight camera with good sharp video I always grab a VX 2100 ...those are still great DV cameras to use. I'm still blown away by this old camera and how sensitive it is to light.

Not the widest angle lens on it but its good for anything else.
I shot a tv pilot with it back in Jan 07 and only had to bump it to 3 db under street lights....and these were not the brightest lights.

I used the xl H1 this weekend outside and in one bar scene. Still testing on it.

Hey,

For the past 18 months I have been using Canon XM2's and a XL2 to make some promotional videos. Although the XL2 is an impressive camera I found myself more fond of the XM2. I liked the way it was no bells and whistles.

With myself soon to be without a camera (the ones I have been using were owned by the people I had been making the videos for) I am looking to buy a new camera. My maximum budget would be around the £2000 mark and am wanting something in the same style of the XM2 but with HDV. Am I right in thinking the XH-A1 is as close as I am going to come to getting what I want, or is there something else around that I could pick up?

You'd not go wrong by choosing the XH-A1 in my view. Its hot competitor is the Sony V1 but it's dearer and has smaller (CMOS) chips. You're spending a lot of money, so I'd get to grips with them both before you hand over the sweaty lolly. And read the reviews where all the little twinkly menu options come to light.

tom.

Wow, that was a quick reply! Thanks :D

I will certainly be trying to get my hands on the camera's mentioned before I part with any cash and have been reading some of the good reviews on them. The only problem being that not many places around me seem to actually stock these sort of camera's so I want to know two or three that I can try and track down and have a go at.

What I guess I was trying to get at, was whether the A1 had the same sort of feel and interface as the XM2. It had a no nonscence approach that I really liked. Could it be seen as a pretend XM3 (if you know what I mean?) :)

The XH-A1 as an XM3? Not really James. It's a complete redesign and rethink and better in every single way. You may find that Canon have had to move away from the 'no nonsense approach' just to keep up, and the XH will keep you digging in that multi-layered menu for days. By comparison the XM you could figure out in 20 minutes.

tom.

Greetings all,

I am in the process of planning my first ever project incorporating video. Up until this point, I have worked exclusively with 35mm and DLSR's for projects as a nature and wildlife photographer. I am now in the planning stages for an upcoming project incorporating video with still photography. Essentially, I will be documenting the work of a plant ecologist as he studies the effects of global warming on the tree canopy of Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest. My job will be to take his work and through photography and video, create 5 mini curriculums that will be used in classrooms across the US and Costa Rica to promote whole ecosystem conservation.

I am a bit of a perfectionist and always want things to be in the highest quality possible even if I am not going to be distributing on Blu-Ray or HDDVD or the like. Probably, this will be distributed either through internet downloads or via a DVD for a very minimal charge (likely just shipping). So for that, I probably don't need to shoot in HD but I really want to. We also are planning a traveling exhibition of photos and I would love to include some video as well and I want that to be displayed in HD. Basically, I have decided to shoot in HD and then convert to SD before burning DVDs.

So, the camera will be used to film some documentary style work. Lots of interviews with scientists and researchers. Lots of work in the tree canopy. That means I am going to be dangling from a fixed rope in the air, no tripod. I love time lapse work and will be doing some of that but using a DSLR for that portion of things.

I was looking at the Canon XH A1 as the quality looked great and had many professional features. My hope is this will essentially be a pilot project and I can continue projects like these with researchers around the world in the next few years. So, while the XH A1 is probably overkill now, I am looking for something that will serve me well for say the next 5 years.

One thing I am worried about is handholding some of the smaller cameras. I am used to a heavy professional DSLR and feel like smaller cameras are much more difficult to hold steady.

So, what would you all recommend. If it matters, I will be doing all my editing work on a MacPro with Premiere CS3.

I look forward to hearing your opinions.

Best,
Drew

Drew...

I spent 24 years as a newspaper photographer so I know where you're coming from.

One of the problems with the smaller video cameras such as the HVX-200, PD-170, etc. is that they're small.

The short bodies means it's easy to pitch, roll and yaw them with the slightest movements. And that translates into unwanted shake.

What I do is attach the cameras to a shoulder mount. What a shoulder stock does for a rifle is the same that a shoulder mount does for a camera. It makes the whole assembly longer and easier to stabilize. Having it braced against your body is also a big help.

As a test, get a stick that's about 2 feet long and duct tape it to the back of the camera. Brace the stick against your shoulder and you'll see that you'll be able to get a much steadier picture since the camera's now much more resistant to any unwanted tilting or rolling.

The only drawback is that it's less compact.

As for cameras, it's a pretty wide field out there. I'm currently using a Panasonic HVX-200 but am in the process of getting a Sony EX1 to do long-form work.

Good luck with your adventure!

Drew,

The XH A1 will serve you well, and the 20x zoom might come in handy, but I've found it difficult to hand hold for long periods of time, and that's standing in the street, let alone hanging from the tree tops. Unfortunately, the XH-A1's weight distribution makes it tilt very easily to one side, this is more so than most other camcorders in it's range. I've found the Sony V1U ergonomically much easier to hand hold. Get some hands on to get a feel to see if it works best for you.

For my XH A1, I use a DV MultiRigPro which solves the hand holding problems very nicely. With a quick release adapter, it's very easy to switch between handheld and tripod.

Canon XH A1 (Sell or Keep) vs. Sony PMW-EX1
 

I am a newbie with multimedia production experience who splurged and bought a camcorder beyond my comprehension - XH A1. I don't care for its quality because I see a lot of dull grays and lack of sharpness. The Sony EX1 is an option, but it's obviously more. People I've spoken with have told me to get more familiar with the XH A1, and I will. However, is the EX1 comparable other than the way it records to flash drive media and the fact that it records in High Def only? Would you sell your A1 for the EX1?

Hopping from an XH-A1 to an EX1 is a good move, not the least of which is demonstrated by the fact that the EX1 is more than double the price. Hopping from the A1 to the Z1 wouldn't be worth while simply because both cameras are after the same client.

I'm slightly concerned that you view the Canon as giving poor blacks and poor sharpness Lillian, but somewhat relieved to read that it's 'beyond your comprehension'. Once you comprehend it, the high quality will reveal itself.

Same goes for the EX1. It won't give you better quality out of the box. It takes a great deal of time, effort and understanding.

tom.

Another option is the Z1U from Sony - while some wildlife videographers go for the Canon A1 mostly for the x20 zoom, depending on your other requirements the Z1 might be a viable alternative for you. The Z1 has better low light capabilities, in handheld situations is more stable (one of your concerns), and since it sounds like you will work all over the place, shooting in PAL might be a requirement at some point. Either way, you won't go wrong with either one of these cams.

Keep us posted on your decision!

Where's the $1300?
 

Please tell me the differences in performance capabilities that account for the big difference in prices between these 2 camcorders ....

Sony HVR-V1P HDV 1080i/1080p, 50i/25p PAL @ $4700

Canon XH-A1 3CCD HDV, 1080i, 16:9, 20x Lens, 24f Mode @ $3400

............

Brendan, the Canon XH-A1 and G1 straddle (pricewise) the two Sonys - the FX7 and the V1, so you can see how far your money goes. I think you really need to have both cameras on the table in front of you to come to an informed decision, but of one thing you can be sure - whichever camp you join you'll not be disappointed.

Me? I rather like the Canon's bigger chips and more wide-angle to start with, and the money saved can go towards a stack of tape this high. It's shooting lots and lots of footage that will get you the best results, regardless of which camera you choose.

tom.

Very helpful Tom, thanks. Can you take me a step further please and tell me how Century Optics 1.6x teleconverter would work with XHA1 particularly for wildlife at about 50metres?

I'm sure the Century 1.6x teleconverter will work just fine, but unlike their zoom-through wide-angle converters adding the telephoto converter will probably reduce your 20x zoom to something like an 8x or so. It will also add to the distortions and flare levels of course.

Also, a lot of people are somewhat disappointed with teleconverters. They're big, bulky affairs that vignette the image fairly early on in the zoom range whilst at the same time not giving much extra 'reach'. It will be worth while using the digital zoom to show what adding this telephoto converter will give you - it's a bit more, but not much.

Adding the converter also covers up Canon's external sensor that measures camera-to-subject distance first using contrast, to get the focus “in the ballpark.” This may not matter much, but is worth mentioning.

Also, are you sure about those 3.4k and 4.7k price figures? Are there street, with no add-ons? Here in the UK the prices are pretty much neck and neck and far closer.

tom.

Back again. Currently still saving for my next camera, but whilst I am I have been hired by a friend to help him shoot a short film. Based on The Office meets The Bill it's going for the documentary feel, so for the most part will be shot handheld.

The problem I face is that the film is going to be shot at night and my previous encounters with HDV camera's in low light (Z1) were not great. Is there any specific models out there than I can rent which hold up better than most in low light conditions and have a pretty good light attachment that I can hook up to get that documentary feel?

That advice is helpful Tom.

About camcorder prices, where in the U.K. are they competitive?

Well, Calumetphoto.co.uk sells the XH-A1 for £2540 and the V1 for £2670, just 5% dearer. The CMOS sensors and the smooth slo-mo may be worth that on their own.

Help me build my rig!
 

The wife is going to allow me ;-) to invest exactly $4000. to help me get my fledgling event video business started. I already have some small jobs ordered and need to look and be more professional when going out to shoot on location. These are small but detailed corporate style projects involving training films, kiosk presentations and workshops with guest speakers.
If you had this same situation and same funds, how would you spread around the funds. I realize this is not alot to work with but I'm interested to see what the veterans would do in a similar situation.
Below are the main things I currently have. Help me fill in the blanks. Thanks for any suggestions!

Still Camera: Nikon D40 kit (new)
Video Camera: Panasonic PV-GS250
Video Camera SD:
Video Camera HD:

Mics: (2) Radio Shack powered lapel mics
Wireless:
Shotgun:

Lighting: DIY flos, 500/1000 watt work lights and small background tungsten spots.
General Lighting:
Soft Box Kit:

Editing: Edit Studio Pro, Serious Magic VC 2 Studio, Adobe Premier Elements 4/Photoshop 6, GIMP 2 and tons of other software.
Extra Editing Tools:

Web Site: very soon!

Thanks !

You'll need a good tripod in there Steve, and something like the Manfrotto 503HDV + 525 sticks will last you for years and years. And of course microphones and backup audio recorders are so very important. A shotgun on camera and radio mic on speaker is usually a good starting point, and a Zoom H2 recording to SD card mave save the day. Phones to monitor that all's working as it should be are needed too.

tom.

Nothing less that a prosumer 3CCD camera. But I personally think you're not going to do it for $4000. That Canon XH-A1 Or the Sony Z1 /V1 for HD and for SD I'd go with the PD170 still a workhorse in the ENG / Event field. You want XLR connectors for the audio.

Problem is these cameraas are all in the $3500 to $500 range. I jsut bought a Sony DSR250. Got a great deal on it. You can find them used sometimes new the 250 is $4000 with nothing included. No power supply or cables. Not even a tripod plate. I wound up paying around $7k for the whole thing and the darn tripod and head was another $1700 to support that camera as it's 9 lbs without the battery.

Probably a PD170 is around $3600 or so with a battery and charger. Like the post above says, good audio equipment and I'd be careful of Radio Shack stuff.

Hope this helps.
Allen

I had a Pani AG-DVC60 in mind for a shoulder mount. Even with the 1/4" CCD's, it has alot of features I could use. The Sony VX-2100 is really good too, but not shoulder mount.
I don't really feel need HD right now with type of work I'm doing. I'm still looking at the new Sony HVR-HD1000 if more people would post some feedback.
There are what seem to be good deals on ebay for lighting kits and other video equipment. I'm not sure about the quality though. You get what you pay for usually.

If I had to start all over I'd skip the budget equipment. Start with first rate mics, audio, and lighting equipment. Rent the camera as needed. Camera upgrades are a never ending treadmill but good pro mics, audio, and lighting equipment will last you a long, long time. If you're production "bidniz" gets off the ground, you'll be able to own a camera soon enough.