Ok, I know they're not exactly comparable cameras, but just for the hell of it.. how does the Canon HV30 compare to the SONY HVR-Z1U? :)

Since I don't have an HV-30 I can't comment on the quality of the image. But the manual control and configuration options on the Z1 are so much more extensive that a comparison would seem pretty pointless.

I'm sure the small camera has advantages in certain situations, and it can produce great results if used correctly, but you will certainly have a lot more control on the Z1.

This film was shot with FX1 and HV20, both cameras being very much similar as their counterparts the Z1 and HV30. In good light, you can get very good images out of the HV product. I have also shot with the Z1. HV30 is basically cosmetically changed from the HV20.

YouTube - The Dead Of Winter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy6NXlA6T18)

You definitely have more standard control over the Z1, as you would expect, compared to the HV30. Some of the ways to control gain, and shutter speed and iris of the HV series require workarounds, as the camera is designed auto adjust in many situation, unless you flat out lock it down with a few tricks.

Coincidentally, see the post just a few below this one, about a new Dance Music video shot on an HV20/30:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/hdv2-hv-series-sample-clips/143054-dance-music-video-shot-