Based on confirmed reports for this Pro version of the FX1 with its 50i/60i switch at $7k, I wonder how many of us in 50i countries will actually be flicking that switch. Is it a lot extra to pay for something you would hardly use?

For 60i countries I can see a market for the 50i switch - better compression and a post path to 24p via 25p through field reconstruction or even CineFrame25.

Simple math says that if you purchase 2 x FX1 and negotiate a 5% discount you will also be spending $7k.

What would you rather have - 2 x FX1 or 1 x Z1 ?

Your existing setup is most likely to already include an XLR / 16 bit uncompressed sound recording facility is it not?

Even in 60i land , the purchase of an additional 50i version of the FX1 would still make sense over a Z1 since HDTV is 60i/50i compatible, so nothing lost there and everything to gain

In short the deal looks like 1 camera for the functionality of two (Z1) versus 2 cameras for the functionality of two (2 x FX1)

Think economies of scale. Having to support only one type of camera world wide keeps costs down, and eliminates a lot of problems when looking for help. It won't matter what country you are shooting in, it will have support. I've been wishing for this for a long long time.

For me, thats worth paying a little extra for.

than meets the eye (or the lcd, since both will be on at the same time!) with regards to the pro version - there has to be "something more" than those piddly features so far confirmed for Z1 - now the question of different resolution/different CCDs and true 24p/25p certainly make the Z1 worth the extra $$.

As an NTSC filmmaker, my plan up until now was to get PAL FX1 (FX1-E?) for filmic potential - if and only new Z1 has true "p" modes (25/24p) and "better quality" (higher resolution? better ccds?) will I save up for extra $$$...

Just wanted to chirp up on this topic before the candle blows out.

I personally would not wish to pay for 24p on a European Pro version.

To balance the cost differential I would like to see four heads on that drum, a twofold increase in tape speed and a little switch which allows me to record 30 minutes of uninterrupted MP@HL at 50 Mbits/sec. ......and.....and..... throw in a free PCI dual platform card which can decode it to the desktop to make editing a breeze.

It might be too much for a reindeer to pull half way across the globe, but at least give it a try.

Would you sell many of these I wonder ? (s)