I am about to switch from SD to HD and my plan is to purchase a ZIU as my A camera and an A1U as a B camera and as a playback deck to FCP. (I thought about the FX1 as the B cam but would like to save the money). However, the AIU is not listed in the FCP compatibility list. Anyone have any input on this plan? Thanks. JimT

Jim,

I have the A1 and the Z1. THey work well together - complementary almost in that the Z1 is a great primary cam, whilst the A1 gets into places the Z1 can't. The image quality of both is great - but the Z1 has the edge. They do however intercut well.

Can't comment on FCP - I use "Avid" Liquid.

Jim,

The HC1 is listed but not the A1U. I would think that if one works, the other would as well.

Jim,

The HC1 is listed but not the A1U. I would think that if one works, the other would as well.
I have the A1 and use FCP 5 to edit with no problems. Apple simply has not updated their information.
dkane

Hi All,

Thanks for the replies. I was talking with a salesperson here in LA and he said I would be better off with a playback deck instead of using the A1 with FCP--the heads are "sensitive" he says and would wear down quickly. Sounds to me like he is just trying to sell me the deck that is a lot more expensive than the A1. Anyone hear anything about the A1 heads being overly susceptible to wear? I have been using a similar set up for SD (GL1 and ZR80) with great success….but then those are Canon cameras. Thanks. JimT

I have A1, which I use both as a camera and as a deck. Previously, I had PDX-10. From what I learned, the tape mechanism on pro Sony cameras is very good, therefore you really don't need the deck.

One thing to consider though. The deck is easier to operate - to set up, to plug in, etc. so it's always ready. With the camera, you have to unpack, to plug in, to set up the menu every time you need to use it. In other words, if you run tapes daily, you might be better off with the deck.