Z1 replacement?
 

I have decided to not continue with Panasonic brand and the HVX because of COSTLY P2 cards. I am seriously concidering Sony and the Z1 but this camera has been around along time and I was hoping a new improved version would appear soon. Anyone know about when the Z1 will be replaced?

Not really. Sony is doing tremendously well with both the fx1 and the z1. A few weeks ago there was some speculation that the FX1's time had come when it was out of stock at b&h and others, but they replenished stock and even raised the price by fifty bucks.

I think the Z1 has only been shipping for about a year and a half. That might seem like a long time if it were a computer, but not at all long for a prosumer camera. Sony has typically kept models on the market for 3 to 4 years. Personally I wouldn't expect a replacement too soon, although that's nothing more than my educated guess...

Z1 came out Feb. 2005--I don't think we'll see a replacement for a while. Maybe small updates as new units come out??

heath

You don't have to shoot with P2 cards with the Panasonic AG-HVX200, you have the option to record to the FireStore FS-100 hard drive recorder offering tremendous flexibility and a viable alternative to P2 cards. Not shipping yet but highly anticipated is the Cineporter, another recording option for the HVX that connects via a P2 slot on the camera. Tapeless workflow is the future, and Panasonic is a little ahead of the curve. I have no bias against Sony, I own an HVR-A1U myself and shot my most recent documentary with the HVR-Z1U. I just think the HVX deserves a fair shake (maybe cause one is staring at me as I write this).

Greg, I'm not crazy about the pany for long form either. If you don't mind my asking, why do you want to wait for an Z1 successor? What is it that you don't like about the Z1?

I always say, if you need a camera now, buy the best one that you can afford. If you can wait, do so. I know one guy who waited years for the "next best thing," and finally bought a Z1 because he was put in a position he hadn't been in since he bought an XL1s in 2001: a major job shooting local commercials.

heath