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November 28th, 2006, 03:12 AM | #1 |
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Sony HVR-Z1 / Panasonic AG-HVX200 Dilemma
I'm teetering on the very edge here . . . so close to swapping my Z1 for the HVX200!
I really love the Sony Z1 but I dearly want improved action (especially SlowMo) and colourspace + all the other advantages of the HVX200. Trouble is, the more reviews I read, the more confused I get. _________________________ First issue is Barrel Distortion . . . I was horrified to read two reviews that mentioned it - but on checking the Z1, I see it's there too (and I hadn't noticed it). Is it any better or worse than that of the Z1? _________________________ Second is Low Light & Noise . . . Better or worse than Z1? _________________________ Third is Viewfinder and LCD - generally accepted as lower resolution than the Z1. Is this a big problem? What's the HVX200 like to (manually) focus quickly? _________________________ Fourth is Loop Record ? Is this facility (REALLY) available to me? In ALL Codecs? _________________________ Last - Downloading from P2s I really don't want to spend any more than I must . . . is Firewire to Final Cut Pro practical? If not, what's the cheapest acceptable method? _________________________ Sorry to ask so many questions but it's really confusing when you've read as many reviews as I have. I want to make the right decision - and for me it's a big expenditure. I know some of the questions can be answered by a trip to my Panasonic dealer - but playing with the camera in his studio won't come close to telling me what it's like out in the field. For example, the Z1's Expanded Focus is a wonderful tool - but the button's really badly located (for my style of shooting). Any help here would be very much appreciated. Andy |
November 28th, 2006, 04:00 AM | #2 |
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Andy,
what kind of projects are shooting mostly? I bought two Z1 one year ago and ended up trading them for two HVX200 a few month after. My biggest complaint about the Z1 was the HDV workflow, the fact that it does not play well with other format. After shooting 1 day with the HVX, I was sold. I found the HVX picture much better than the Z1 (i'm not talking pixel count or definition here, just pure eyeball comparison) To answer some of your questions, Z1 is better in low light. Focus (viewfinder vs LCD) seemed to be better on the Z1, but after several month shooting with the HVX I found it very easy to focus using the focus assist and the EVF fuctions when I don't have a monitor. yes, loop record is available in all codec. As far as the HVX workflow, well it also comes with pros and cons. I personally don't believe in the direct to FCP record, because I like the freedom of shooting handheld. You should look at the firestore option for continuous record. P2 are expensive and you need at least three 8gig card per cameras to be safe. At the end of the day, the HVX gives you so many more options in terms of formats, frame rates and looks. I say go for it. one last thing, if you ended up buying the HVX, get the HVX Book by Barry Green. it's a must. e. |
November 28th, 2006, 10:27 AM | #3 |
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We had a Z1U and an A1U. We now have a HVX200 and are delighted.
One of the largest issues is workflow, as Eric indicates as well. Viewfinder is much better on the Sony as is low light captures. Other than that, there is no comparison in many of the features we use. Under and overcranking, etc. But the big change is workflow. |
November 28th, 2006, 11:54 AM | #4 | |||||||
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But no doubt, the Z1's LCD is more pleasing to look at. One thing Panasonic did with the HVX is use a 4:3 LCD, so you can push all the display stuff out of your picture area. Timecode, battery status, audio meters, all that stuff goes in the "black bars" area, leaving your LCD display uncluttered. Quote:
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November 28th, 2006, 11:57 AM | #5 |
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I rented an HVX200, and found the LCD/viewfinder adequate for focussing with the standard lens - even when we backed up and zoomed in for a short depth of field. Had I used a 35mm adapter, I would have wanted/needed a monitor.
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Jon Fairhurst |
November 28th, 2006, 01:40 PM | #6 | |||||
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My first Video Camera was a Sony PD170 - what a lovely little thing it was - but manual focus?? Forget it! The Z1's a heap better - but still lamentably poor at focussing compared to still camera lenses. (Why)? HVX sounds just up my street - I realise it won't be anything like a stills camera to focus - but at least it should be a step in the right direction. Quote:
Pure Bliss - much of what I'm shooting for our next project is is dogs behaving spontaneously - can you imagine a better use for loop recording? Quote:
Thanks everyone for the great input. I certainly feel a load better about the HVX now. Can't wait to try one at my dealer's premesis. Any furthur input is very welcome! Andy |
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November 28th, 2006, 01:48 PM | #7 |
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Take a look at these dogs....
Nice work by Robert Fagan http://www.motionzonehd.com/product....9&cat=0&page=4 |
November 28th, 2006, 01:50 PM | #8 |
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nope. now that you're converted, we need your inputs :)
good luck with the dogs. e. |
November 28th, 2006, 02:36 PM | #9 | |
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Andy |
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November 28th, 2006, 02:37 PM | #10 | |
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Eager to learn more. Andy |
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November 29th, 2006, 01:35 AM | #11 | |
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Any idea what type of camera was used for that dog clip...or what file format? |
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November 29th, 2006, 06:50 AM | #12 |
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Mr. Fagan shoots with the HVX200 and P2 cards.
The dog clip was shot at 60 fps with DVCPRO HD. |
November 29th, 2006, 08:20 AM | #13 | |
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Andy |
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November 29th, 2006, 08:40 AM | #14 |
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I will ask Robert....
Woof!! |
November 29th, 2006, 01:11 PM | #15 | |
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FABULOUS! STUNNING! AWESOME! IMPRESSIVE TO THE MAX! HARD TO BELIEVE! I couldn't specifically find the camera model on the site so thanks for confirming it was the AGHVX200. BTW, I think the dog's name is: 'Here boy!" |
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