You pose a very good question. I haven't done the comparison, but the 570 uses 2/3" chips, the 270 1/3", so it's extremely likely the lowlight performance of the 570 will be superior. Likewise the depth of field characteristics of the 570 will allow more controllability.

Because the 270 will be producing HD pictures and downconverting for SD, a lot will depend on the performance of the downconversion circuits - difficult to do without spending a lot of money.

Hence I'd guess they should be seen as catering for two different needs. The 570 for optimum quality if you are working in SD, the 270 allowing HD work and SD ability if required.

canon a1 and sony Z7
 

I've been trying to keep up with all of the info about the Z7 but it's a lot of info so I apologize if this has been discussed at all.

Is there anyone here that is using or has used the canon a1 and owns or has used the Z7 also. I've been waiting for the sony but am not sure I'm happy with the problems the cameras are having...especially for their price. I've seen some amazing footage come from the canons and I'm starting to think that dealing with low light will be easier that dealing with the cards, lens issues and everything that could affect me all day at a wedding rather than just the dark reception.

So I'm just looking for anyone that has used both of these or if anyone has any comments one way or another. My main factor being low light. If they are even comparable, I would be ready to go with canon. Any info on this aspect would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

THanks!

Check out this month's issue of Event DV, the Z7 is tested in it and the author compares the Z7 to his A1 in regards to low light.
In essence he states that image quality between A1 and Z7 is equal in all but low light, where the Z7 enjoys an advantage.

Here's a link, or address to the site.
http://www.eventdv.net/Articles/Read...rticleID=41396

EX1 vs Z7U shoot off
 

so I searched & searched & haven't found this (if it exists, please point me to it) but both of these cameras have been out on the streets for some time now & I'd like to see a side by side shoot off

I know the EX1 should blow the Z7u away, but I'd like to see how well the Z7u holds up w/ different (read: better) glass on the front. as well as I'd like to see some shots of these cams uncompressed (ie 4:2:2 straight into a computer / VTR)

I wouldn't be too surprised if in well lit situations it would be hard to tell the difference, but there is really only one way to see the difference & that is to see the difference

You really would be better off with a hands on demonstration...

NAB next week!

Useful CF cards test data
 

A test on several CF cards and their transfer rates:
http://techthoughts.org/2008/03/14/c...-test-results/

Sony EX3?
 

Hey, there isn't a specific EX3 section so sorry for posting here, but anyone know if they are using a rolling shutter in the new ex3 or finally a global?

Elusive Button
 

This may not be worth a thread of its own, but I tried asking in another location without luck.

I have searched high and low, near and far for the assignable "RET" button that is supposedly somewhere on the z7u lens. I removed the lens, watched the VAAST training video, looked through the manual, did a google search. But even after all that, I CAN NOT FIND this button, which is probably hiding in plain sight. Can anyone point it out?

Thanks very much, and please pardon the interruption if this is a truly dumb question.

Paul

UPDATE: More than 70 views of this, and no answer. Is there a "ret" button??

As I understand it the sensor block is the same as in the EX1. No changes to the shutter (or lens, or recording modes, etc). Basically the same camera, more (arguably better) outs, timecode/genlock support, removable lens in a package that is a bit better to handle.

George/

P.S. There is a Sony XDCAM EX CineAlta forum here on DVInfo.net

Z7U Clips 24p NAB and VEGAS Low light
 

Z7U Clips 24p NAB and VEGAS night Low light clips flash format.

http://www.dvdaction.net/dvdaction_028.htm

Stunning.

Some really good looking pictures there. If we can fix this lens issue, this camera would be almost perfect.

Problems Capturing CF Card Files
 

i have done several tests with the CF card unit.

there are always some files which could not be captured by final cut (sometimes 2, sometimes 4). but copying to harddisc and converting them with mpeg streamclip just works fine. see following pic:

http://www.bilder-upload.eu/thumb/0q4kEHtW4eAGN5S.jpg

http://www.bilder-upload.eu/show.php...HtW4eAGN5S.jpg


there is another weird thing:
capturing files works just on my macbook pro using 10.5 and final cut 6.0.2.
using my mac pro with 10.4 / final cut 6.0.3 does not work. no files could be found.
i am using sandisk extreme III cards / 16 GB and the sandisk firewire extreme reader connected with firewire 800 (tried also the sony CF card unit for capturing, but it is slower than the reader).

please, could somebody help me with my troubles?

thanks a lot!
clemens fischer

Time Code Jam Sync?
 

Does the HVR-S270 have time code linkability either through BNC or through Firewire, as the Z1 has? I saw in the brochure a TC OUT connector, but no TC IN.

Return button
 

Page 43 of the Z7 owners manual, quote:

The RET button is an assignable button on NON Carl Zeiss lenses.

Having tried a Canon SD broadcast lens on one of these this is correct as you can program this button on the Canon, or Fujinon for that matter, with a number of Z7 functions bar those items listed in the manual, also on page 43.

If you mean 'return' in the same sense we use it for broadcast lenses then you would look at the L2 switch behind the zoom rocker on the lens. By default this is set to 'expanded focus' on the Z7.

In the 'Others' menu under 'Assign Btn' the L2 switch can be set for 'Rec review' which would make it the same as the return button on a broadcast lens. Although in the true sense of the word this is used for a video return from the switcher in a multicam switch. Broadcast cameras not used in multicam can have this switch used for 'Rec review' to see the last few seconds of the last shot if the camera has a VTR backend. On the Z7 you also have the assign choice of 'Last scene rev'. Button #6 on the camera body is by default set to 'Rec Review' as we would see on a return button on a broadcast lens.

Chris Young
CYV Productions
Sydney, Aust

Yes it can be done via firewire for multiple cameras. A bit long winded to go into here but suffice to say it's clearly explained in the moaners annual... ooops! Sorry I meant the owners manual.

Chris Young
CYV Pproductions
Sydney, Aust

Working cover HVR S270e
 

Has anyone found a custom fitted working cover for the 270 yet?

Audio trim ... can someone help explain?
 

I'm still going through my manual and I'm going to order the training DVD for the Z7 in the next few days ... but on Monday I'm taping a rehearsal of a high school event. I'll have one input with a shotgun mic and the second input will be a feed from the board.

I'm somewhat assuming that especially with the feed that I need to turn the limiter on. Is that correct?

And if so ... should I still put a limiter in-line between the board and the camera?

Second ... audio trim. How should I use it? Is this essentially the same thing as a limiter and if so ... is there a good starting point for setting it?

Audio has never been my strong suit and I don't think I've worked with anything that had audio trim involved.

Thank you.

Yes put a limiter or compressor between the board and the ch2 input, also make sure it is switched to line level not mic.

The on camera mic should also be set to auto and I have found that the gain for most things is fine as the auto limiter is very good.

If you find the mic overloading then you can then reduce the mic ch input gain via the on-board menu so that the mic amp input isnt overloaded.

Hope this helps.
Gary

Feedback
 

I have solved the problem I thought I had on my S270. I thought the Sony remote zoom and focus demand unit wasnt operating focus. After my first real job with the camera I solved the problem by pushing the lanc controller plug into its socket harder ( I was in hurry!) I checked the focus rocker switch and it works( very slowly) providing the lens is in auto focus mode , I presume if the lanc connector is plugged in it takes over from auto focus....DOH !!!stupid operator error.
I found the eyepiece viewfinder lacking in bite for focussing which I had anticipated. The LCD screen( with optional sunshade, is reasonably bright but seems to reflect blue back from ambient light?
My PAG L95 battery showed six hours of use left after the shoot so battery life is much better than my DSR 570. Maybe its due to the lack of a tube viewfinder sucking up all the amps, but I would still prefer to have the pin sharp eyepiece as on the DSR 570 and 450 especially working in HD. I was just using DVcam today.
More later.

1080p to 1080i conversion?
 

Dear Forum-

I have several tapes that were shot on the Z7U with the record type accidentally set to progressive instead of interlace and my post workflow is only set up for handling 1080i. (Basically I have 1080/24 native p and I need 1080/24 over 60i for my post process to work.) Does anyone have a suggestion as to how I can easily and cheaply convert my shot tapes to 1080i? A post house has quoted me $750 per tape to convert, which is out of the question budget wise. I am considering attaching the camera to my HVR-1500 deck via iLINK and attempting to re-record the tapes hoping the deck will automatically convert, but I have no idea if this will work. (FYI- the HVR-1500 does not handle tapes shot in the native progressive mode.) Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Jay

Shooting in Extended Digital
 

Has anyone experimented much with the extended digital setting?

Last night I was able to shoot a rehearsal for a high school stage performance and switched back and forth from the normal setting to extended digital. I honestly didn't see much (if any) difference at all. Had I not seen the footage "pop" in when I turned it on, I'm not sure I would have noticed it.

I'm just curious to know what others have experienced.

Hvr-z7u Cf And Avid Timecode Workflow?
 

Ok everyone.. so I have been shooting with my z7u and so far, so good.. I do see the problems that people have been saying.. (the whip pan digital breakdowns and the bad autofocus) but the autofocus I think I fixed it quite a bit by adjusting my backfocus and turning off macro focus and changing the AE window to Type 2.

Now.. my problem lies here..

My whole goal is to shoot in HDV, and capture on the CF as SD in raw DV.

Problem is that I don't know when I import it, the timecode does not import as well! I need timecode so when I decide to recapture the sequence to HDV, I have the possiblility to do that.

When I capture CF as HDV, timecode comes in, but not when I do SD. Am I missing something? does anyone know?

Johnny

HVR-S270U "reclassified"? $8700
 

Long story short...my studio got burglarized, and 30K worth of gear got taken. Nothing irreplaceable, thank goodness, but I'm stuck having to reorder lots of gear in time for a shoot this weekend. So anyway, my first couple of options for reordering the S270U suddenly didn't have it in stock, and I had to go to Sony's website just to see what other authorized dealers were out there. In doing so, I learned from the Roscor rep that Sony has "reclassified" the S270U as a camera that has to sold for a minimum dealer price of $8700. He made it sound like bad news, but that was a lower price than I was getting from B&H or Armatos (neither of whom have it in stock), and E.C. Pro Video was able to match it with a sooner ship date. So if you're looking to get one of these, be aware if you don't already know that you can get it for $8700, and I'll bet many authorized dealers will match that.

Could you get a similar quote for the Z7?

US Sony Rebate - Free 8G CF Card
 

Link is on Sony's site....



Free 8G CF Card w/ Z7U purchase between Jan 15 - Sept 30 (this was the rebate that was pulled a few months back)



No limit, either.



Requires UPC and online survey completion.

Anybody in Las Vegas with Z7 or 270?
 

Please contact me at d-v-c@mindspring.com.

Z7U - Video Output Problem / Question...Advice???
 

I'm trying to output the video to both the LCD and an external monitor.

I know that within the menu, I select DISPLAY SET > DISPLAY OUTPUT > V-OUT/LCD or ALL OUTPUT.

My question (potential problem?) is that I can view the Menu selections on the external screen, but the pertinent info, like what's on the camera LCD appears for about 1/4-second and then disappears. Again, the only thing that works is the menu; I can't see anything else, like focusing controls, battery life....all of that stuff. I'm using composite.

Anyone know something I don't? Can anyone test this and let me know if I'm missing something? I need to figure this out for Saturday's shoot.

Oh, and my replacement Z7U - fantastic. Who knows what happened to the other one.

Thanks!

mll

Marshall I dragged everything upstairs to check this out and setting camera to V Out/Panel I get everything on the external monitor that I see on the camera lcd.

Bruce

Native demo clip to study CA wantend
 

As a former Canon A1-user I have become quite sensitive when it's about CA in wide angle shots. Since Adam Wilt's excellent Z7-review mentions CA as well I'd appreciate a short, wide-angled, native Z7-clip very much.
Thanks in advance.

Yes, tho haven't started editing yet.

RF interference causing zoom /focus problems
 

I have just read a thread on the Guild of TV Cameramen( UK) forum site on Yahoo groups. I could not copy and paste here for some bizarre reason but it was from a Z7 owner who had problems with using a 5 Watt UHF transceiver near the lens of the Z7 ( same as S270). When the transmit button was pressed the zoom and focus on the lens started moving randomly without operator input. It did not appear to cause problems with recording( but obviously the footage would be unuseable anyway).
They cut the power on the transceiver to 1 Watt and told the operator to keep it away from the lens which cured the fault .
Obviously this is a design fault so be aware if your lens gets taken over by demons.

Z7/S270 as good as DSR300 in low light?
 

I'm a wedding production company, and am about to go full HD, thinking of 2 HVR270 units and one Z7 unit. Any comments as to how these cameras perform in low light? I shoot with the DSR 300 series cameras, and love thier low-light abilities. Any help?

I had a similar experience with my PD-150. Turning off steadyshot cured the problem.

Cache Recording Mode
 

Wondering if any of you have had any experience with the cache recording mode. I love to hear how this works with the Z7u.
Thanks

1080/25P HDV format - NLE compatability?
 

I'm not sure if I'm missing something here: Do any NLE's handle Sony's 1080/25P flavour of HDV natively?

I'm working on Avid MC and 1080/25P HDV isn't listed as a supported format (and there is no project setting for it in MC). The footage imports ok into a 1080i HDV project, but Avid seems to interpret the material as interlaced (and if I bring the footage into a regular, non-HDV 1080/25P project a warning dialog appears about importing interlaced material into a progressive project.)

I'm not quite sure what's going on under the bonnet either in the way the camera creates 25P or in the way Avid handles it (I've posted on the Avid forum with no joy so far) Is the Z7's 1080/25P HDV the same format as that from the V1, and if so does anyone has any experience of working with that progressive material? I'd like to keep the material progressive throughout the workflow.

In the case of 25P vs 50i it shouldn't make a difference. There is no pulldown to worry about so the simple fact that progressive frames have been recorded into 50i makes it a non-issue to edit in a 50i sequence.

One caveat: if you are animating graphics you will notice that they are being rendered into 50i.

4 channels audio in m2t file? s270
 

Got a question.

I Have the HVR-S270 and most of the time I use all of the audio channels, 1+2+3 and 4, but when I want to capture from tape the 3rd and 4th channel I have to change the setting of the firewire output to ch 3+4 instead of 1+2.

But when I load the m2t in FCP Studio 2 or Sony vegas I only have the 1st and 2nd channel and can't choose ch 3 and 4 but they are recorded in the file.

Does someone have the same problem or a solution?

Hans Dijkman
steadiHD Media Productions
www.steadihd.com

XY color - LCD vs. Plasma?
 

Is anyone shooting with XY color on? If so, what do you think of this mode if you have a monitor that has this feature to view the footage on?

LCD or Plasma? What do you folks prefer to view your finished projects (or any other program) on. A lot of folks prefer the plasma technology for its increased contrast ratio and greater color range . I just find plasma looks a bit pixelised compared to most of the LCD panels I've looked at. I have to quickly replace a faulty 42" LCD TV / monitor within a day or two. Any input, recommendations etc. would be appreciated.

Also, it would be cool to know what other Z7U shooters and editors prefer and use.

Thanks!

Ian

I had a DSR 570 before my 270 and I thought the 570 was good in low light, but after a couple of weddings now( in summer) I think the 270 is probably as good in low light . The maximum gain I have used so far is 9db but havent seen the end result yet..it looked OK on the cameras LCD screen. On a sunny day yesterday I had to go to filter 4( no gain) to compensate for the amout of light. I should have set position one to negative gain rather than zero. No complaints then about sensitivity but the eyepiece viewfinder is rubbish in my opinion( compared with the 570's tube)

I saw some HD-footage of my Z7 on a Sony full-HD LCD-tv (PAL) and that is stunning.