Are the Picture Profiles generally preset by the factory, or do people just customize them on their own?

On the V-1Us I've used the profiles were named for the looks they were supposed to have, Cinema, Sepia, Moonlight, etc. The ones on the Z I rented tonight are not labeled so I was trying to figure them out.

Also, does the Z-1 have a standard definition out even in HD? It seems like it should. I can probably find that in the manual.

Also, does the Z-1 have a standard definition out even in HD? It seems like it should. I can probably find that in the manual.

The question doesn't make sense Brian. Maybe you mean does the Z1 down-convert HDV to SD and output it down Firewire? Yes.

For example, the EX-3 has a monitor out that is SD, even though it is an HD camera. Thus you can use an SD monitor with it.

What about the picture profiles? Is there a "Cinema" one like on the V-1? What are the others?

All HDV camcorders have an analog standard definition video output.

See the "sticky" thread http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/sony-hvr-z1-hdr-fx1/42973-z1-picture-profiles-my-settings.html for Picture Profile Settings... hope this helps,