Considering a Z7 after using an FX1
 

I've used an FX1e for four years and I'm considering a new camera - the Z7 appeals to me, and the Compact Flash and built-in XLRs would be an advantage.

Is the interchangeable lens noticeably better quality than the FX1's lens, and is image quality from the Z7 better or similar to the FX1/Z1?

Thanks in advance,

Matt

Matt the Z7 and S270 are way better camera's than the FX1 or Z1.

They have a nice look about them and the way sony use the chips gives superb results, the CF is a dream to use with tape as a belt and braces back-up.

You will not be disapointed if you chose a Z7 as it a lovely camera, the only down side is CMOS can be a pain if you are shooting weddings or press with a lot of flash photography.

Thanks Gary, that sort of makes the decision for me. I'll phone up Preston's and see how much they are selling them for.

Matt

Good place to buy, John Preston will give you a good deal!

After using PD150 and FX1 (and XDCAM HD for broadcast) I just purchased a Z7 to have a companon for XDCAM HD - you will be familiar with most of the elements - and the cam is much more lowlight sensitive than fx1...

Regards

ULI

Thanks Uli, I've decided on the Z7 and will hopefully purchase one in the next few weeks.

Shame you just missed my Z7 package with low hours, I just sold it for £4k

I do have a S270 package for sale if you can go that far?
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/private-c...amera-kit.html

Both great cameras but we are upgrading so I have to sadly pass them on.

Hi Gary

Thanks for the message, but I can't stretch to the S270... what camera are you upgrading to?

Matt

Either one sony 700 or three panasonic 301, it all depends on the decline of broadcast here in the UK as budgets are at rock bottom but they still expect you to have £50k worth of camera kit.

I bought a Z7 this week and first impressions seem very good - the manual capabilities of the lens are great and a big step up from the FX1's servo focusing. The built-in XLR ports are also a bonus.

I also bought a Mike Tapa adapter for Nikon lenses - the quality of my 80-200 f2.8 is great on the Z7.

There's a short HD clip on youtube of the first shots from the camera (no audio)

YouTube - 090425z7test

I used Picture Profile 6 (film look) on the youtube clip - seems like a good effect. Anyone have any other recommendations?

Good choice Matt, but you must've had a close-up look at the Z5 while still in buying mode. Once the CF unit is on board the price of the Z5 and Z7 aren't too far apart, so what swayed you in the end?

Hi Tom

I did think long and hard about the Z5, but the interchangeable lens on the Z7 swayed my decision - I have a number of wide aperture Nikon lenses and the MTF adapter lets me use them on the Z7.

Matt

Looks great. I've been considering the Z7 for over a year now. Decided to wait until NAB to see if anything was announced that I should consider instead. Now it looks like I'll be pulling the trigger. I'm also an FX1 user so it's good to hear some favorable feedback from the switch.

The Z7 is a fantastic camera, but the Z5 - being newer - has a few advantages over it. Such as the choice of 3 colours for peaking indication, total exposure setting (shutter speed, iris, gain) with one ring (the iris ring) etc... It is also lighter as the Z7.

The big plus of the Z7 over the Z5 is the much faster lens, so in poor light and lots of telephoto it's markedly better. It also has that 'horizon leveller' in the v'finder which is neat - though maybe the Z5 has that as well - anyone?

Mike Tapa has also just produced a B4 2/3" to 1/3" adaptor so the choice of lenses is greatly expanded.

The interchangeable lenses of the Z7 is a huge plus for me.

Yep, for me too. I have a Nikon 300 mm and 135 mm, which translates to 2100 and almost 1000 mm and thats's a lot of telephoto! Just last week I used the 2100 to film a stranded containervessel about 3 kilometers away from my position. It filled my screen completely!
Be certain to get prime lenses though, as HD needs a high resolution lens.

Yeah, one benefit I have is my cousin is a professional photographer and has a slew of Nikon lenses. I've been using a Redrock M2 with them, but would love to be able to use some without that adapter.

This page says this adapter will do a mag of 4.8 with DX lenses. That sounds pretty workable to me.

Nikon G to 1/3" bayonet adaptor

I'm happy about this one, much cheaper than the other 2/3" to 1/3" adapters already for sale.

I've posted a video on youtube shot with the Z7 and a mediocre Tamron 200-400mm lens attached via the MTF adapter.

YouTube - Moon

I know Gary did this ages ago, but nonetheless, the moon makes an impressive subject!