I have done a low light comparison between the Z1 and the DSR250 (and hence the PD170). Everything was shot in 4:3 mode, as I had tested earlier the 16:9 mode and there were no differences in low light performance between that and 4:3. Here is the link:
http://excaliburvideoproductions.com/z1%20vs%20dsr250.html

Thanks a lot -- good job, Bill!

Thanks a lot -- good job, Bill!
I'm glad someone is interested! I was beginning to think no one cared. Now if I could only see a comparison between the Z1 and the Canon XL2...

There are some FX1/XL2 comparisons here:

http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/shoot3/

However, my experience with the XL1 was that it got unacceptably grainy (to me) around 6db, whereas the Z1 doesn't get that bad until 12-18db. So straight comparison may be making the FX1 look a lot worse.

In any case, unless you're regularly shooting without lights, it's all a bit pointless in the first place!