Sony HVR-M10U
 

After searching Google and the DVinfo.net forums tirelessly, I finally came across a picture of both the front and back of the Sony HVR-M10U VTR unit. If anyone's curious, the image can be found here: http://www.llsr.com/images/whats_new...m10a_large.jpg

Now, to find one of the front controls...

**Edit: found one! http://www.llsr.com/downloads/hvr-m10u.pdf

Z1 Clips Available to Audition? .M2t, etc.
 

Hi. I picked up the HD100 & I'm looking for a good 'little' 1080i cam as well. I've been holding off on the Z1, since NAB/announcement of the Panny. I'm still very tempted to pick up the Z1 (I've had great luck with Sony's), and who knows, maybe even the Panny if/when it comes out it's as cool as it is on paper. I figure I'll wait a couple of months to make sure there's no preliminary issues, and to get a better handle on the P2 card pricing/availability, etc, and capitalize on that time with the Z1.

Can you please forward me to any native test footage you know about using the Z1/NTSC? Specifically, I'd love to run into some low light/gain used footage as well (many have said they've used 6-12db gain with good results - I'd love an example). I've been able to pick up a number of clips here and there (VASST, Iphoto, Canopus test footage, etc) - I'd like to supplement even more if it was available. Application is all over the board from concerts to weddings, to B-roll, etc. Using an Edius SP system to play with it on a 1440x1080 timeline.

I've done a number of searches here on ".m2t", and I've picked up everything that I saw available. If anyone has or knows of additional resources, it'd be great, or if you have clips FTP'ed, please email me a link (shawn.alyasiri@verizon.net).

Thanks again very much for your help.

Shawn

Z1 Coming - Any Advice?
 

Hi gang. I've got the Z1 coming tomorrow - looking forward to it, and soon enough slapping it onto the P&S mini35.

I look forward to a nice weekend of getting to know it overall - I have the HDV upgrade coming for my Firestore FS-4's tomorrow as well, and I look forward to it's interaction with the HDV rack software.

I've reviewed so many threads in this forum - hard to keep track of all of them.

Do you have any 'quick-hit' or 'must-try' settings you suggest (gain, gamma, sharpness, etc)? I'll be trying it inside under dark conditions, as well as outside with plenty of ambient light. I'm used to the PD-150's, so I assume the menus will be similar.

I've had 720p for bit now - looking forward to 1080i and beyond.

Thanks,
Shawn

I don't have a Z1. I've got the FX-1, but there's some things that will be more than similar...

Like the "sharpness" setting. The default is set quite high, so you may find a benefit from lowering sharpness by at least two stops. Some folks use 8-9; but it may be worthwhile to hitch the camera up to a HDTV via COMPONENT (not composite!!!) and preview the setting live.

Got my first Z1 - very cool
 

Nice camera indeed. I was waiting for the HD100 (which I picked up) as well as the Panny, and couldn't wait any more. It arrived today, and I already feel at home.

I really like it - well thought out and nice features and great images.

I'd love to run into a version of this cam with larger chips and a manual lens. Is that the premise behind the XDCAM coming out next year? If there was a Z2 that had the ability to stick an 18-20x piece of glass, that would be great.
Any rumors of a 1080i with manual lens in the sub $20K range?

Looking forward to talking with you more in this forum.

Shawn

Welcome to the club! I am also very happy with my Z1; Sony addressed a number of shortcomings with their other prosumer cameras in this model.

Any rumors of a Z2 should be discussed in our "Area 51" forum since we just concentrate on real cameras here...

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=68

Picture Profiles: Colour Phase - no effect on PAL?
 

I was messing around with the Picture Profiles of a Z1E (PAL, 1080i50) over the weekend. A valuable experience in many ways, but one thing bugs me (now that the unit and its manual are back at the hire shop).

Does Color Phase only work in NTSC?

I've noticed that a lot of my bright-daylight shots (mostly with more white than average) have come out decidedly pink, and thought I'd messed with the Phase by mistake. I played with it but it had no effect on my picture - both on the viewfinder and the image from tape.

Hmmm.....

Yes, the "phase" is always correct in PAL, it is one of the differences in the way that NTSC and PAL carry the color information.

And, source of the of repeated NTSC: "Never Twice the Same Color" slam. Mostly because everyone has a different phase setting on their NTSC TVs, making color correction kind of a crap-shoot. Can't do much with the picture when grandma's got her TV's flesh tones set to purple.

I believe (haven't checked for certain) that HD at NTSC rates also has no phase adjustment, and that the signal is always "in phase".

So in the future, hopefully phase will die out along with the 29.97 frame rate, and dropframe/non-dropframe time code, which makes NTSC so annoying.

FX1 Buying Info, Need Help
 

I'm looking to purchase a FX1 off the internet and when i'm searching for the best price I come up with two totally different prices. I see one store selling it for $3500.00 and another for $2800.00. But then I come across a store that has it for $1800.00.

Being as so it is a lot cheaper, i'm leaning to purchase from that store for $1800.00, but I have one question, why is it so much cheaper than the other stores?

does anyone know if this is legit or a scam.

Hi Daniel,

We get this questions like this from time to time from new members such as yourself. What you need to know about this site is that we're supported by a few select Sony dealers and as a matter of policy, we direct *all* where-to-buy questions to them. You'll find them listed on our Sponsors page at www.dvinfo.net/sponsors.

And to answer your question, if a price is too good to be true, that's because it is a scam. Hope this helps,

Still image from FX1 HDV
 

I particularly like this shot and am using it as the picture which links to the couple's ceremony video on my web site. Image was captured as a deinterlaced field from a clip in the Canopus HQ format, then run through Photoshop to apply Autobalance and some quick touchups to the groom's face -- but essentially this is what came out of the camera. On close examination it's no replacement for a good still-camera photo, but it's not bad for video.

http://www.videomem.com/weddings/munoz/photo_large.jpg

HDV Workflow (FX1)
 

See my issue on this thread:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=54355

FX1 and Z1 in low light
 

Since this question comes up a lot, here's a list of threads that discuss the low light capabilities of the HVR-Z1 and HDR-FX1 as compared to other cameras:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=49518
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=47434
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=48020
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=40900
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=40368
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=39865
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=81292
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=81103

Z1 Wide Angle Lens
 

Anyone using the VCL-HG0872 Wide Conversion Lens? I'm thinking about getting it with the Z1 and wondered if its a good lens or there is something better out there? Any suggestions?

Yes....it is an excellent lens for the price...

importing 1080i hdv
 

I recently watched an episode of American Chopper where they showed some behind the scenes stuff on the production and post-production side of the show. I found it very interesting, but it also raised alot of questions for me.

Mikey(one of the characters on the show) was walking around with a Z1 filming some behind the scenes suff and it was cut in with other footage shot by their big cameras(some multiformat HDcam Panny). Anyway, its was seemless. As a testament to Sony, you could only at times tell that the Z1 footage was not shot by the $65,000 Panny.

They later did a segment on post. They edit the show on Mac Avids at Pilgrim Films and Television in California.

My question is: How do they import the Z1 footage to their Avid? What deck may they use?

I work for a really small edit firm that had just moved into the HDV world and we use Z1 with the Sony HVR-M10U deck. We post with Avid as well. All the footage seems alittle soft when brought into the machine. Whats the deal? Our hd monitors show the footage to be sharp and in focus, yet when we bring it in, it seems soft.

Is firewire the best way to import? Isn't 5:1 the best you can get with firewire?

Any help or info would be much appreciated.

ANY way to dub externally into a Z1 in the HDV format?
 

Hello,

Is there ANY way to dub externally into a Z1 in the HDV format? I know it will do it to DV but I need to do it to HDV. I am working with a DR. and we need to feed an ultrasound output into the Z1 in HDV.

Possible? If not, does the SONY HDV DECK do it?

thanks,

Rob

No HDV equipment has any analog input for high-def. The only way to record an external high-def source on a Z1, or the deck, or an HD100 or XL-H1 or HC1 or A1 or *any* HDV product is to input an HDV signal through the firewire port.

In other words, no. You can only dub from one HDV product to another, providing that they adhere to the same version of HDV. You cannot input a non-HDV high-def signal into any HDV product at all.

Sony Z1U frame mode
 

How does the Z1U's frame mode compare to that of the Canon XL-2?

This is important, as I would like to know for potential HDV shooting, editing, and transferring to 35mm film.

thanks,

Do a search here for "CF24" or "cineframe" for tons of discussion.

Also see the following articles:

http://www.adamwilt.com/HDV/cineframe.html
http://www.sundancemediagroup.com/tr...24_cadence.htm
http://www.sundancemediagroup.com/tr...30_cadence.htm

However the XL2 does not have a "frame mode." Unlike the Z1, it shoots true progressive scan. See Chris' FAQ here: http://www.dvinfo.net/canonxl2/xl2faq.php#framerates

You would also need to evaluate the potential gains of the Z1's higher resolution for a film transfer. The general wisdom around here has been NOT to use CF24 on the Z1. Also see the info at DVfilm's site:

http://www.dvfilm.com/fx1/index.htm

Z1P Firewire problem?
 

I'm having a problem with my Sony Z1P. For some reason, Final Cut Pro won't recognize the device when it's attached with the normal firewire cable. At first, I thought it was this Mac (dual G5), but then took the camera to my PM's house to digitize, and had the same problem on his iMac G5.

Now I'm wondering -- could it be a problem with the Z1P's firewire port?

We've tried using two different Firewire cables (both of which worked before) on two different computers. The Z1P is set to HDV, and the Mac is looking for all the correct settings.

Any ideas? We've got a production that needs to get digitized and cut ASAP. Please help. Cheers.

OZ

Sorry Dave, we don't allow cross-posting at DVinfo. Please see our policy here: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/announcement.php?f=38&a=23

Please direct all replies to the following existing thread:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=54682

light for FX1
 

Hi
Doing a wedding 17/12/05 at 3pm should be leaving church around 3.45pm
and it will just be about dark, I wil be filming with the FX1 no hot shoe here
what light will i req

thanks
Ian

I personally use a 3 light Lowell Kit for the intro, first dance, toast, garter & bouquet toss and cake. For the most of the rest of the night I use a difused 50w on camera light.

Shooting Moon's face with Z1
 

I want to shoot the surface of the moon with my Z1. Do you suggest a tele conversion lens?

If you plan on keeping an HD image I would personally recommend using a teleconverter (high grade)...I shot the moon with an HC1 (not the same camera I know, but it is in the same family). The moon looked great but was only taking up about 1/8 of the image. The Z1U has a little more zoom, but if you really wanna get a nice shot. Get a teleconverter...

On the otherhand...if you're going to output to SD, you could crop the image no problem at all

FX1- New User Comments- Firewire port
 

I ve been shooting with VX 2000. I was reluctant to go to FX1 as second camera, but bit the bullet. So far happy with results, but I a learning a lot still.

One thing I can't figure is why the firewire port is located the way it is. Several of my firewires are stiff enough that in setting FX1 on flat surface, pressure can be put on the port with inadvertant moving around.

I seem to recall XL 1 had a port problem, and I am wondering if this configuration will be a problem with the FX1. I haven't seen any comment on that from anyone. Any body have a solution.

Chris Barcellos

Yeah... Buy a tripod.

I always set mine up at transfer on my Miller DS10, so all cables are easily connected and accessible. I'd never consider sitting my camera on a flat surface while connected to any of it's I/O ports.

found some great optics/lenses for FX1/Z1 with footage to download
 

Hello

I found this site and thought someone might find it useful it has a lot of different lenses for the FX1/Z1 with video clips to download. I must say i like the MSN-200 super macro conversion lens would really like to see this on a small insect and see how well it picks up, any how take a look see what you think.

Thanks

http://www.raynox.co.jp/english/video/hdrfx1/

Recording with a Histogram/Waveform
 

I wish to see a histogram (or waveform) when I record with my FX1. As you likely know the camera does not come with an exposure histogram. I can use a histogram during recording if running DV Rack on a laptop connected up as the cameras monitor but this is a heavy and awkward method. Does anyone know of a simpler way?

On the Mac BTV Pro will also give you this capability. Other than that, I'm not really sure what options you'd have...

night vision attachment for Z1u??
 

Any suggestions for night vision attachment for a Z1U? Any help would be appreciated, Thanks

found Z1 night vision
 

Electrophysics model 9350 astroscope. And from what I understand it should be available by Jan. 06. Not cheep but is rentable.

Internet TV show with Z1
 

Hey everyone,

I finally made a new episode of the internet TV show I produce about the local music scene. Ironically, this one is about us taking a road trip to a different city to check out their music scene. Ahh well.

I don't normally host so ignore the stupid things I say.

What are your thoughts on the intro? I made it this afternoon out of footage I shot at 5 a.m.. Any feedback would be great!

http://underthebridge.mumps.ca/

Thanks!

-mark

Mark,

GOOD JOB!

I liked this episode! Espeically you in there petting the, ummm, cat! *smile* keep up the good work!

- ShannonRawls.com

FX1 Case Suggestions
 

Just got myself a FX1, and am looking into buying a case for it. I'm not planning on bringing it on a plane or anything, I just need something that will store the camera and some accessories. So I'm not looking into anything expensive.

What would you guys recommend for it? Soft, hard? Any experience with a Vanguard Hard Case? Thanks!

Welcome to DVinfo Chad, and congratulations on the new camera! Here's the definitive thread on this topic, so you might want to continue this discussion there:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=39573

Frezzi Camera Support
 

Wanted to pass this along. I tried the Anton Bauer Stasis, it is too small for the Z1U, returned that and tried this Frezzolini Camera support-- a must when you use a wide angle adapter because the camera gets front heavy.

http://www.frezzi.com/stable_cam_fly...amflyernew.pdf

Check it out.
George

FX1 SOUND: alien noises :)
 

It seems like FX1's electronic sounds are bleeding into its sound recording circuit.

I noticed that when Autofocus is hunting, or when other electronic process occurs - like zooming - these events generate swishing alien noises in FX1's sound track.

They are not motor sounds picked up by internal mic by air, since these noises are the same even if I use external line input.

They sound more like electronic signals that *control* the motors.

To re-create the problem: make sure you are recording in a quiet room. It doesn't matter whether internal or external mics are used, but since internal mics are noisier, it'll mask the problem...

Now, start recording. Pan the camera around so to force Autofocus to hunt. Then listen to this recording in your NLE at high volume.

Hear the alien swishing noises? :)

Now, the cam can also exhibit a ground looping problem - but it can be easily rectified by putting a line-level isolating transformer between the external mic preamp and the FX1 line in.

However the swishing electronic noises I'm talking about are generated INSIDE the camera itself, seemingly no matter whether it is connected to any external devices or not.

Have you noticed this problem?

How do you rectify it?

Follow-up
 

The "alien noise" effects cannot be heard in the environments where there's any audible background noise like muted street noise etc.

I only get them in studio recording environment.

I made a ton of experiments, and the alien noises are always there WHEN THERE's A QUIET BUT AUDIBLE SOUND, like subtle clothes rustling.

Example: with manual sound level dial at 2 to 10, the ambient noise is audible and is always distorted with the "alien" swishes.

With dial on 1, no noise and no swishes. But as soon as the cam hears something it can pick up - like me approaching the mic while talking - it starts swishing on quiet sounds, then swishing goes away (or rather is being masked?) as I talk louder into the mic directly.

So my understanding is that the swishing I hear is actually a distorted sound due to the cam's sound compression algorythm.

When there's speech over clothes' rustling, the speech sounds fine but I can still hear the "alien noises" in pauses where there supposed to be no ambient background noise.

I now think what I hear is simply a sound compression artifact, since the cam's video is multiplexed with audio that's MPEG-1 Audio Level II compressed at 48Khz 16bit 384Kbps bandwidth.

Judging by the specs I'd expect a cleaner sound in quiet environments, but apparently it ain't so.