yes guys i am joing you on the HDV ride and getting the z1.
I have been quoted $4575 hows that>? Can i do better now the JVC is coming out within the next couple of weeks?

also i'm looking at these accesories if you would please guide me with the best for a studen money :)
-Mac's extended warranty
-how are these batteries?
http://cgi.ebay.com/...=7513726324&rd=1
- I need a good monopod- any recomendations?
- how about shoulder mounts to smooth out the shooting process and take the wait off your hand?
-what do u guys think of this guy's crane systems? i thought if the needs comes about it will pay for itself easily.
- as far as wireless mic systems I have been quoted $545 on EW100ENG-G2 from Sennheiser are they good for the money or any other suggestions?
- For on camera light B&H has the 50w AK17ATM for the light and 8pound 2 hr batteries. all for $300.
- I will be focusing on both marketing and event videos so i need a lightkit that will help me on both occassions.the Lowel DV903Z which is a 4 piece light kit is pretty good but expensive. about $1100-1200 i have found these lights called Britek http://www.rostronics.com/...Wfull3kit&cat=13 with a bit of extra accessories it looks like a nice kit anyone know anything about them?
- to Protect the lens should I get jut a regualr UV filter or while at it look at the polirize filters too?


I also need a good monopod what should I look for? what makes a good monopod and how much about should i spend.

by the way guys my major has been post production and I come from the PD150 family what is the learning curve on the z1 to start getting some decent picture on it for a fairly newbee?

Thanks your for replies guys

the Z1 uses batteries faster than your PD170 so you definitely need a spare F970 or two if you are going to be shooting an event or using a light. You can buy generic ones on EBay for cheap that will work, but their cases aren't quite as sturdy as the ones that are genuine Sony. the generic ones can even be found with more Milliamps than the genuine. the monopods with the squeeze grip are pretty cool and a little easier to use, but any Bogen will work. a Skycrane is the best I have found and works great with my Z1. 50W is a lot of light to be putting in someone's eyes while they're dancing or something. My Sony 10/20W light works just fine and takes the same batteries as your Camera which is convenient. You need more light than with you PD1XX though so 50W will be appropriate sometimes, but if you are within like 10 feet of people at an event they will probably bitch. Polarizers are very nice to have, but you should keep a UV on the lense at all times. A polarizer shouldn't be your only lense cuz you will lose up to a stop or two depending on the glass. Hope this helps.

yes guys i am joing you on the HDV ride and getting the z1.
I have been quoted $4575 hows that>?
I believe that Zotz Digital, one of DVInfo.net's sponsors, had a special for $4499 here a few weeks ago -- perhaps it's still available?

Can i do better now the JVC is coming out within the next couple of weeks?
It likely won't be out in the next couple of weeks. Originally they said "June", but at NAB they updated that to say the camera should be available in July. Even so, B&H has changed their "projected availability date" to August. That may mean that JVC expects shipments to begin in July, but may not have widespread availability until August. In any case, it's almost certain that it won't be available in the next six weeks, and maybe not for 10 weeks -- JVC's changed their website to say "available July".