The auto focus for this camera is really slow and NOT good compare to Sony Z1 or Sony PD170

Is this problem fixed or is Sony going to fix this problem? If so, when?

It's a pro camera, pro lens. Much different to auto models.

Antony, I think what John was trying to say was that the autofocus handles differently on every camera and that the best way to get good focus is to go manual.
I don't have a z7 but if it has the option you could put it in manual and hit the "one push focus" button, in that way the focus will not start hunting in darker area's. I do rely on the autofocus quite a lot in run and gun situations and there is nothing wrong with that, I only use it though in good light conditions and when the lens is wide. Once I zoom in or when it gets too dark I go manual and use the one push focus button to focus right and then leave it at that. I found that working with HD the focussing can be quite tricky but the button for instant focussing has been a great help for me.
So I think you will have to find a way to deal with the slower autofocus response because every camera deals with it in another way.

And John, the reason why I like this forum so much is that you always get an answer and everybody treats you with respect, even with "stupid" questions. About 2 years ago I asked a simple audio related question about the dvx100 on the dvxuser forum and I got the same "we're sick and tired of these questions" replies as you did. It's this kind of attitude that will scare people away from a forum. Think that everybody is learning here and you have to realize that before you answer.

I think John Knight's answer is unhelpful to say the least. There's no such thing as a professional camera, only professional people. A professional's just as likely to use an A1E as a Z1 as an EX1 - it depends on what's needed on the shoot.

Anthony - I think you need to get your Z7 checked out if it's a big concern. A / B testing it alongside another Z7 would be an excellent way to see if your camera does indeed need looking at. As a bottom line, the auto-focus should be faster than manual by at least 50% - it knows which way to turn the ring and it won't need to rock 'n' roll when it gets there. Even with peaking we rock 'n' roll - it's only human nature.

Sony aren't in the habit of stepping backwards, and technological progress means that every generation betters the one before. On this assumption I'd say the Z7 should be doing everything at least equal to the Z1 and in some cases better, and I'd include their auto-focus speed and accuracy in this.

Check it out though. Sony camcorders are taking a few hits these days as they try to overdo the market penetration.

tom.

The auto focus for this camera is really slow and NOT good compare to Sony Z1 or Sony PD170

If so, when?

Anthony, what was the shooting mode or frame rate you autofocused in? Autofocus in 30p, 25p and 24p is always slower than in 60i or 50i, other factors being equal. Both Canon XL-2 and Panasonic DVX-100 series have trouble autofocusing in 24p and 25p as well. Though I'm not an engineer, it's quite safe to say that autofocus speed is dependent on the recording frame rate and probably the scanning method also.

Wacharapong

Hi there,

I am a XDCAM HD user , for handheld work I rented a Z7 for some wedding dancing etc.

I also used a Z1 sometimes, and I am considering a cam like Z1/Z7 for the future.

I experienced some odds I´d like to know more about:

a) Is there a fast way to manually switch between Daylight and Tungsten?

b) I found the manually focus (mechanical focus) ring to be not really smooth. from Pro-Lenses I am used to adjust focus minimally (following a subject in Tele for instance) with the thumb or small finger. On the Z7 you need some certain strength to move the ring, more than on a Z1. This often leds to some vibrations or the fact that I had to handle the camera different. Sometimes focus simply jumped to far. What are your experiences?

c) From pro lenses I am used to some depth of field algebraics. With Z7 they seem to differ. Usually I zoom in, focus and zoom out. Usually I get the object focussed + a certain area behind. With Z7 I often got the impression, that in WIDE the subject doesnt stay sharp & focussed. Whats your experience?

d) In shooting situations I more as once switched from mechanical to servo focus mode incidentally. I am wondering if there would be a way to avoid that (I considered a strap around the lens to prevent the wrong mode)


In the end I like the Z7 much, though the display is a bit small. Ergonomically I like the Z1 too, its not as heavy, but has no manual (mechanical) focus.

ULI

a) Is there a fast way to manually switch between Daylight and Tungsten?ULI

Yes. On the Z1 the assign buttons can be easily programmed. You leave the W/B in the daylight mode and button 5 (say) you push 5 times to reach the indoor colour temp. The good thing is you can stop anywhere in between buttons 5 & 6 to fine-tune the w/bal - useful if you enter a room lit with lamps and daylight.

The Z1 does have manual focus but it's a servo action. The Z7 is better in that you can have zebras and peaking both on at the same time, with the Z1 you have to choose between them. I choose zebras.

tom.

Hi Uli,
a I have a 270 which has the same lens as the Z7
I am used to a DSR 570 with "normal " set up of buttons. On that you have a preset for w/b and it changes depending on which colour filter is in, so you have tungsten and daylight available all the time. I have only found a way of storing one preset on my 270( unless anyone knows another way) I store tungsten on the grounds that daylight varies a lot more. Having said that , after years of religiously doing white balances manually on virtually every shot I now leave it on AUTO white unless I can see that the mixed colour light will cause problems with face colour. I use fixed tungsten on things like bands where the light can change colour every second. It works well so far!
I find the assign buttons a bit of a pain because they are so easy to switch by accident and I cam never remember what function I put on them. They need to have a more positive locking action like other buttons on the body.
b I agree the focus ring is not very precise compared with a more pro lens. I think it is made worse by the fact that the ring is smaller so you can get large focus changes from small input. Also I have been used to a very sharp tubed eyepiece on the 570 which allowed you to accurately follow focus in close up of someone walking towards you. The eyepiece on the 270 is colour/lcd and basically not as good as it should be!
d It is very easy to push the focus ring forward and go into auto focus by accident. As a confidence booster I just keep trying to find the mechanical end stops when in manual...if the ring keeps turning I know its in auto.
c Not sure unless your lens isnt holding focus through its range( back focus problem?)

thankyou all for the reply including John Knight.

As an event videographer, we don't have the luxury of take 2 , take 3 , take 4 ...... etc.
There is no such thing as take 2 infact.

I want to buy Z7 camera but when tested on the demo camera, the auto focus is worst (quite bad) than z1 or pd170 or Fx1. Just want to know why is that so and is Sony going to fix it or not.

EX1 is an exellent camera but 1 card cost over $1000 dollars is out of the question at this stage.

Hoping for a reply from Sony people about Z7 auto focus problem.

Hi Anthony, I upgrade from the FX1 to EX1 n I have to inform u that the auto focus on the EX1 sucks big time too. I shoot events like u n end up going manual all the way! Other than that, the EX1 is a superb cam for the price pt.

Hi Anthony, I upgrade from the FX1 to EX1 n I have to inform u that the auto focus on the EX1 sucks big time too. I shoot events like u n end up going manual all the way! Other than that, the EX1 is a superb cam for the price pt.

hi, i tested EX1 and the auto focus is very good compare to Z7. I like Z7 because it can shoot in many formats and on CF cards or tape.

However Z7 is not suitable for filming weddings because of the auto focus problem.

'However Z7 is not suitable for filming weddings because of the auto focus problem.'

That's quite a sweeping statement to make Anthony and I'm pretty sure Sony aimed this camera right at the run 'n' gun market - and this hits weddings fair and square.

The Z1 is superb for weddings (I know, I shoot lots of them) so I'd be mighty surprised to find the Z7 was a no-go.

tom.

since I put my vx2000 in manual (focus servo) mode on weddings too, I think some practising will help using the z7 too. I used it on some wedding videos and so far only complain about the focus ring, which doesnt turn as easy as a pro lens does.

ULi

However Z7 is not suitable for filming weddings because of the auto focus problem.

I've been using a Z7 all year and find it eminently suitable for weddings. Autofocus (on the relatively few occasions I use it) is just fine, true manual focus is great and I've also assigned push auto to the L2 button next to the grip for servo manual mode. My only gripe is with the LCD which doesn't work well outdoors.

Hedley - I find the Z1's top screen just fine out in the mid-day sun, though I admit to reading the zebras in these conditions. Surely the Z7's screen must be as good?

'However Z7 is not suitable for filming weddings because of the auto focus problem.'

That's quite a sweeping statement to make Anthony and I'm pretty sure Sony aimed this camera right at the run 'n' gun market - and this hits weddings fair and square.

The Z1 is superb for weddings (I know, I shoot lots of them) so I'd be mighty surprised to find the Z7 was a no-go.

tom.

yeah z1 is great. i'm not saying z7 is a bad camera.
All i'm saying is why the auto focus of z7 so weak? compare to its older cousins like z1, fx1, pd170, pd150, vx2100.

yeah z1 is great. i'm not saying z7 is a bad camera.
All i'm saying is why the auto focus of z7 so weak? compare to its older cousins like z1, fx1, pd170, pd150, vx2100.

Make sure you don't have your macro focus on. That will cause the camera to not want to auto focus easily.

Bruce

Make sure you don't have your macro focus on. That will cause the camera to not want to auto focus easily.

Bruce

Thanks Bruce for the tip.
What i want to find out is, is Sony going the update the Camera to say Z7.1 or something ?
The use of CF card for recording is very appealing.

off Topic:
Express Card and SxS card are very similar. Why the huge price difference?

Anthony,

Firstly, sorry for my previous impetuous outburst. It was a result of having read so much misinformation from inexperienced users in the past, then having friends and comrades in the industry continually asking if "they have FIXED the Sony Z7 yet"... based on these ill-informed forum posts.

There is NOTHING wrong with the Sony Z7 auto-focus.
There is NOTHING wrong with the Sony 0db, 3db, -3db gain.
There is NOTHING wrong with the Sony back focus.
There is NOTHING wrong with the Sony Z7. Period.

How can I say this?

(a) I have been using the Sony Z7 for 3 months, have produced 15 weddings, 3 corporate interviews and 1 mini-documentary.

(b) 2 highly experienced cameramen - Douglas Spotted Eagle (VASST) and Doug Jensen (VORTEX) - have produced entire training workshops on these cameras. If they had issues that you had - do you think they might mention it and deem the camera a dog?

The only people that seem to have problems with this camera, are those who "hire" it briefly, spray it around in AUTO mode, don't invest in the available training materials and believe everything they read in forums.

Given the FACT that there is nothing wrong with the Z7 based on (a) and (b) above - the issue must be either (1) faulty camera, or (2) faulty operator.

Can I ask you...

(1) Have you ever used a true removable lens camera to produce videos? (not just testing)
(2) Did you perform flange adjustments to the lens as per instructions in manual?
(3) Did you experiment with both the hybrid focus modes as per Vortex training?
(4) Did you have macro focus enabled or disabled? Are you aware of the difference?
(5) Did you have centre mark enabled to assist with follow focus function?

People tend to believe everything they read in forums.

I nearly didn't buy this camera based on previous posts by various people - including ones who reported the camera wrecking footage, jumping focus, going out of sync.

I showed those comments to my local Sony agent. He laughed, told me to stop reading ill-informed loony rant, then explained what they were doing wrong - and how to operate the camera properly.

That's why I get annoyed - because people read the statements below, and believe them!

However Z7 is not suitable for filming weddings because of the auto focus problem.

The auto focus for this camera is really slow and NOT good

is Sony going the update the Camera to say Z7.1 or something ?

I know your problem. It was the same as mine.

You've developed bad habits from years of "brain off" shooting with the (most excellent) VX and PD range of cameras. When you pickup the Z7 - it's very daunting. Initially it will annoy you because it won't produce amazing results when used like a point and shoot PD170. You have to forget everything you learnt from PD shooting, you have to buy training material, you have to test test test. In a way, it's like starting from scratch. That freaks a lot of people out because it's SO much easier to just bad mouth the camera and fall back on the PD170's because that is their "comfort zone" camera....

I probably would have done the same.... except I jumped head first into the Z7 and sold my PD170's and VX2000's to afford it... so I had no choice. Yes, there are still times I long for my "babies" back. But I picked up a friends PD170 the other day and it felt like a plastic dinky toy. He tried my Z7 and was nearly drooling. However, he is a lazy lazy shooter - full AUTO weddings etc. I told him to stick with what he knows - the Z7 would not suit him.

Hope this helps. I would recommend sticking with the PD170's if your client base are happy with 4:3 SD DVD's (most brides are) However, if you want to experience a steep learning curve, be prepared for initial frustration and setbacks, but ultimately become a better videographer.... then buy the Sony Z7.

<end rant> :)

It's this kind of attitude that will scare people away from a forum. Think that everybody is learning here and you have to realize that before you answer.

Point taken - forgive me? :)

Doug Jensen says it clearly and several times in his Vortex training video: "slide that 'manual-auto' switch to 'manual' and never touch it again. This is not a consumer camera, and to get the most out of it, it HAS to be used in manual mode". I couldn't agree more. When used in manual mode, this camera delivers amazing, very professional looking picture quality

Good post John Knight and I'll side with you on all those points except for one thing - that 'most brides' are happy with 4:3 DVDs. It may be so in ChCh NZ, but it sure ain't so in England.

Really? Up until about 4 months ago, I'd never been asked for HD, let alone widescreen? Anthony and I are at the bottom of the world though remember... woman still have to ride on top of bus, and homosexuals still have to wear blue hats. Our Sony Z7's don't even have batteries - I've got the wife peddling a bicycle outside the church to power the external generator attached to it!!! :)

John, I totally agree with you! I own 3 Z7U's, no problems and I LOVE MY CAMERAS! Best purchase I ever made!
The picture and colors are amazing. I've just begun dabbling with the Picture Profiles!

I will post when I have examples!

HAPPY SHOOTING everyone with the 7's!

Just comparing the auto focus between z7 , ex1 and others thats all.
Well i guess, to use z7, "don't us auto focus" . (smile).

anyway, about recording on CF cards using z7,
1/ how many formats can it record on ? avi ? ... etc
2/ any video clip issues on CF cards for all recording formats?

Well i guess, to use z7, "don't us auto focus" . (smile).

Hi Anthony - no no no no no no no no no..... Use auto-focus in the correct situation. Use manual focus in the correct situation. It's knowing when, why, how - this can only be done with practice and real world experience. Not testing and reading alone. You will need to "simplify" the first few weddings you shoot. Forget all the fancy shooting styles you've learnt and go back to basics. Exposure, lighting, focus and composition. You'll struggle initially - I did.

anyway, about recording on CF cards using z7,
1/ how many formats can it record on ? avi ? ... etc
2/ any video clip issues on CF cards for all recording formats?

1. HDV - M2T files when shooting HDV formats to tape. SD - either AVI or RAW DV are options.

2. No issues - indicators appear in viewfinder telling you when both tape and/or CF card is capturing. On slower (133x) cards, I initially had an issue with sync of card recording, but it was my shooting style of hitting the start/stop button rapidly (bridal prep, formal photos etc) that needed adjusting to allow buffer to work correctly.

"SD - either AVI or RAW DV are options."

um, do you mean CF - either AVI or RAW DV only?
1/ what is the picture quality difference between avi and raw dv?
2/ so CF card record in Standard Definition only?
3/ what is standard definition quality like on CF card?

i'm asking this because blu ray player & blu ray disc will not be popular for the general public until the price is similar to the normal dvd players and the dvd discs. That would be years away i think.

John, thank you for your posts... IMHO the Z7 is the best sub-10.000$ camera on the market, except for the EX1 (image-wise).
But it is indeed a professional tool, maybe not so well suited for run-n-gun style filming,
although that can be done too of course. (We do it all the time).
I come from using digi-beta and xd-cam(hd), It is a big thing to have the same tools
in a handheld camera.
I have been following this forum since its first days, and I was sometimes very frustrated
reading all the mis-informed, exagerrated or downright incorrect posts.
It is time to put things in perspective. The image quality, conrol and workflow that this product offers is unrivaled at its price.
Also, count the posters (not the posts!) about 'problems'.
There must be thousands of Z7's in use every day. How many users voice their problems here? 10? 20? not more I guess. It is easy to loose a sense of 'size' of the problems discussed here, especially as some people parrot what they hear so easily, often without even owning/using the camera.

All perspective buyers: buy the vortex dvd first (when planning to spend 6k, it's worth investing 100 bucks in a very well informed, unpartial, detailed description of the camera).
If you don't buy the Z7 ebay it for 50.
Then rent the Z7 for a weekend. Spend some quality-time with it. Then decide. Thén post
informed questions about any problems you might encounter.

"SD - either AVI or RAW DV are options." um, do you mean CF - either AVI or RAW DV only?

Hi Anthony - no. You can shoot HDV to tape and CF card. Or HDV to tape and SD to CF card. Or SD to both tape and CF card. When shooting SD to CF Card, you can choose either AVI format (which NLE's like Premiere like) or RAW DV.


1/ what is the picture quality difference between avi and raw dv?
2/ so CF card record in Standard Definition only?
3/ what is standard definition quality like on CF card?

(1) None. AVI is just a PC-friendly wrapper for raw dv information. Shoot AVI.
(2) No. HDV (m2t files) or SD (avi files)
(3) Same as tape. SD is a digital format so quality is exactly the same whether you capture SD on a $2 mini-dv tape, a $20 dv-cam tape, directly hooked into a laptop via firewire, or captured onto CF-card. It's digital so quality is the same no matter what recording medium.

i'm asking this because blu ray player & blu ray disc will not be popular for the general public until the price is similar to the normal dvd players and the dvd discs. That would be years away i think.

Yes. Same in NZ at the moment. The majority of my clients have bought, or are buying widescreen TV's. HD is coming - just not as fast as initially projected. Currently I don't see myself bluray authoring for around 18 months.

But it is indeed a professional tool, maybe not so well suited for run-n-gun style filming, although that can be done too of course.

Hi John - cheers. Yes, am finding the same thing. I've bought the FX7 as a B-camera and also to use during run-gun (bridal prep, formal photos, first dance). Was hanging out for the Z7 junior (or whatever Sony has planned for next release)... but nothing has been announced. FX7 seemed like the next best thing that would blend well... I guess we'll find out tomorrow - first wedding using this combo. Will let you know. I did manage to run-gun the Z7 on one wedding but found I was not able to match my creativity I achieved with the VX2000 as I was distracted by technical details (iris, gain etc) when I should have been paying more attention to the fast paced action around me. (Yes - in this case, a camera with semi-auto features can be desirable). When the brides dad abruptly bursts in to hug the bride, you don't want to be trying to figure out the best iris setting to use!!!

1 more question John Knight :)

when recording on CF card avi file, is it stored as a single avi file until card is full or many avi files until card full?

1 more question John Knight :) When recording on CF card avi file, is it stored as a single avi file until card is full or many avi files until card full?

Many. Each time you push the record button - it generates a new file. I know you are used to capturing one big file and then hacking away at it. But it's simple enough to import multiple files and pump them all sequentially into the timeline with a couple of clicks of the mouse.

Many. Each time you push the record button - it generates a new file. I know you are used to capturing one big file and then hacking away at it. But it's simple enough to import multiple files and pump them all sequentially into the timeline with a couple of clicks of the mouse.
multiple files are much better than single file i think.

is file numbering system the same as digital still camera?
the file numbers keep going up and up to thousands and thousands?
Example: 0896500 avi file

I think i like what i hear John :) you are a Sony seller now, should get some commission from them.

is file numbering system the same as digital still camera? the file numbers keep going up and up to thousands and thousands? Example: 0896500 avi file

I'm not telling. :)

It's on Page 18 of the MRU Manual. (Which you are now going to read)

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/attachments/sony-hvr-z7-hvr-s270/6735d1206160140-hvr-z7u-user-manual-hvr-mrc1.pdf

Or covered in depth in Doug's training DVD (Which you are now going to order)

Vortex Media's - Mastering the Z7 Training DVD (http://www.vortexmedia.com/Z7DVD/Z7DVD.html)

I think i like what i hear John :) you are a Sony seller now, should get some commission from them.

Sony rule. I've been using exclusively Sony gear since the v5000 Hi8 was released in 1991. I've also got a Bravia 60" SXRD screen, and a Sony HDR-950 HDD/DVD recorder. Not once in thousands and thousands of hours recording has Sony ever let me down.

Just a quick question John to a man who knows his apertures from his audio levels. What finally decided you on the Z7 as against the EX1? Here in England the prices are so close it's a difficult decision to make, and I'd like to hear your reasoning.

I holiday'd (can you say that?) in ChCh 19 months ago. Wish I'd knocked on your door.

tom.

Just a quick question John to a man who knows his apertures from his audio levels. What finally decided you on the Z7 as against the EX1? Here in England the prices are so close it's a difficult decision to make, and I'd like to hear your reasoning.

Hi Tom, yep, EX1 is NZ$12,000 compared to Z7 at around NZ$10,000 here.

EX1 is a beautiful beautiful machine, but not a good business choice for me.

(1) Major reason is that EX1 shoots exclusively HD. My clients view exclusively SD.
(2) My editing system would need a major upgrade to be able to handle HD 1920x1080i editing
(3) I would have to invest in some kind of XDCAM archive system. More $$$
(4) I would have to spend at least another NZ$6000 on SxS cards (which would be worth NZ$60 in a couple of years!!)
(5) I often shoot DV-CAM in the field and handover tapes to police/media. Would you hand over an SxS card?
(6) Think the Z7 is a little cumbersome to hand hold? Wait until you try the Ex1!

Easy choice.

6 bullet points that shoot it dead, thank you.

I've used an EX1 for a wedding - loved it, loved the swivelling handle, the really sharp screen and the low light capabilities. But most of all I loved the results up there on my 46" 1080 LCD.

Know what? I thought I was squeezing the last drops of quality out of my Z1 once it was burnt to DVD-R and up-scaled into this big TV. But the EX1's footage just sneered at the struggling Z1 - I was eyebrows-raised surprised by the image quality difference.

The EX1 does with ease what the Z1 struggles to attempt - that's the best way I can put it. And I just have the feeling that however good the Z7 is it's a sideways step from the Z1, when in reality most of us should be leap-frogging.

But your bullet points make sound business sense.

tom.

Hedley - I find the Z1's top screen just fine out in the mid-day sun, though I admit to reading the zebras in these conditions. Surely the Z7's screen must be as good?

Judge for yourself Tom - I've put a couple of test shots on Flickr Z7 (right) v Z1 outdoor LCD test 1 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hedleywright/2810037379/in/set-72157607018847054/)

Not quite sure what I'm seeing here. Both screens are in direct sunlight, at their default brightness settings? What's the diagonal line across the Z7's?

beneath the shadow (?) over z7´s display : The z1 display looks much brighter than z7??

ULI

Not quite sure what I'm seeing here. Both screens are in direct sunlight, at their default brightness settings? What's the diagonal line across the Z7's?

The diagonal line is NOT a shadow - it is a reflection which is not apparent on the Z1 screen which is much less reflective. As detailed in the photo descriptions on Flickr, they are both in direct light hazy sunshine. In the first test both screens are set at default mid brightness, in the second test the Z7 LCD is increased to maximum brightness.

Can I take it that you think the Z1's screen is better in bright sunlight than the Z7's, though not as sharp?

Can I take it that you think the Z1's screen is better in bright sunlight than the Z7's, though not as sharp?

Better outdoors period. However much sharper the Z7 is, if I can't make out the subject the extra resolution is useless.

. . . About 2 years ago I asked a simple audio related question about the dvx100 on the dvxuser forum and I got the same "we're sick and tired of these questions" replies as you did. It's this kind of attitude that will scare people away from a forum. Think that everybody is learning here and you have to realize that before you answer.

Wow . . am I glad to hear this. I thought I was the only one that was treated that way over there. Now I know why I pretty much left. Great to read ya'all :o)

. . c) From pro lenses I am used to some depth of field algebraics. With Z7 they seem to differ. Usually I zoom in, focus and zoom out. Usually I get the object focussed + a certain area behind. With Z7 I often got the impression, that in WIDE the subject doesnt stay sharp & focussed. Whats your experience?ULI

For now just commenting on this one. I think the DOF is quite narrow on this lens. I'm an old time Nikon FM2 guy and the one thing I noticed right off on this lens is that the DOF is tight on the close ups reminding me of my zooms on the old 200mm lens. Thus, when I zoom with the lens close in, I always keep my hand on the focus ring and the little finger on the iris just in case AND because of both the light change AND the tight DOF.

. . . As an event videographer, we don't have the luxury of take 2 , take 3 , take 4 ...... etc. There is no such thing as take 2 infact. . . . the auto focus is worst (quite bad) than z1 or pd170 or Fx1. . .

We do the same as you. Problem only exists in very low light when lots of dark areas fill a good portion of the frame. Easy fix. 1. try to keep the lens more wide/infinity and move in closer. 2. make sure the back focus is set properly (we missed this even though it's on like page 4 or 6 in the manual). 3. check to see that the macro setting is proper to avoid the lens trying to focus on a fly's leg. 4. run manual where possible on either focus or iris or both. 5. avoid moving the camera around a lot in very low light. REMEMBER: Even a 35mm in these conditions with auto anything has a terrible time and makes for some interesting blurrs.

Sounds idioic right? Especially 4.? We found that if the iris is manual the focus is less likely to hunt and chase for some reason. We found that infinity and move the camera in watching the LCD screen flipped over and up (looking down on the LCD) we can keep the focus issues to a minimum (if any).

If others have found a better system, love to hear it; otherwise, I'll take this one small tiny "bad" with all the "good" we have gotten with this camera since switching from a Panny HVX200A :o)

. . However Z7 is not suitable for filming weddings because of the auto focus problem.

I would disagree with this statement since we do over 150 videos every year and about 25 to 30% are weddings and we just put the HVR-Z7U into service in late July without a hitch other than "some" focus issues. If in fact you have an EX1 as stated, then the "rolling shutter" issue must have precluded you from being able to use that camera for weddings beyond the shadow of a doubt because we know, it happened like crazy on the EX1 we tried; however, it did not happen like that with the Z7U and thus I would say that . . .

"The Z7U is a great camera; for weddings; for events; for run and gun; for broadcast; for . . . geez, just anything. But, make sure your crew are pros because it is a professional camera . . I know, because after years of using fixed lens cameras when I was formerly a removable lens cinematographer, I had forgotten about backfocus!" Dr Dimento :o)

The auto focus for this camera is really slow and NOT good compare to Sony Z1 or Sony PD170

Is this problem fixed or is Sony going to fix this problem? If so, when?

We use Z7 a lot for events, weddings basically live stuff. The auto focus is a bit rubbish so we have stop using it completing. You may wish to try and use manual focus combined with the "peaking" setting to help get it sharp. With a bit of practice (and maybe a bit of an investment on a follow focus thingy) you might start to like the Z7

....The auto focus is a bit rubbish so we have stop using it completing. ....

this and many other reasons, like rolling shutter every time someone flashed . . which is like very 20 to 30 seconds at a wedding . . were our primary reasons for selling off both of your Z7's and going back to solid, reliable, wonderful, Canon XHA1s's