The HVR-Z7, if I worked at Sony

[Tim Le]

If I worked at Sony, I would have designed the HVR-Z7 to have an option to be like this:

http://www.ikegami.com/image_j2/hdl40hs.jpg

instead of only being this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/l...ges/532558.jpg

[Alex Mitchell]

If I had worked at my house I would have have designed my pinhole camera to be this:

http://www.panavision.com.au/Images/Genesis.jpg

Instead of this:

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentor...oto_img015.jpg

[Chris Soucy]

when you guys just slay me, really, you do.


CS

[Alex Mitchell]

If I had worked at your computer I would have made your post like this:

Originally Posted by Chris Soucy

I say good chaps, your posts fill me with mirth and merriment like no other.

Sincerely and with much esteem,
Sir C.S. the Third, ESQ.

Instead of this:

Originally Posted by Chris Soucy

when you guys just slay me, really, you do.


CS

P.S. I'm sorry Tim, this is just such an abstract thread and I love this stuff.

[Chris Hurd]

If I worked on properly organizing this site, I'd move this thread to this:

Area 51

Instead of this:

Sony HVR-Z7 / HVR-S270

edit: oops, sorry; image tags are off in this forum.

[Tim Le]

Actually, this was intended to be a serious thread about wanting the HVR-Z7 to have a shoulder pad and VF option like that Ikegami box camera, but since it's now in the Area 51 zone, I guess I will just say that I'm glad I DON'T work at Sony because I'd goof off too much dreaming about my perfect camera and I'd be paid in these:

http://www.admit-one.net/webimages/1000pennies.jpg

instead of these:

http://blogs.venturacountystar.com/v...ives/money.jpg

[Chris Hurd]

Originally Posted by Tim Le

Actually, this was... about wanting the HVR-Z7 to have a shoulder pad and VF option...

But it can have those options... and when it does, it's called the HVR-S270.

[Tim Le]

Originally Posted by Chris Hurd

But it can have those options... and when it does, it's called the HVR-S270.

LOL! I knew someone would say that. But that camera is bigger, heavier and cost a lot more. I just like the little box camera approach like what Ikegami did. Probably wouldn't balance too well, but that's a minor detail ;)

[Chris Hurd]

Originally Posted by Tim Le

I just like the little box camera approach like what Ikegami did.

Hmmm... the JVC Pro HD series GY-HD110?

[Tim Le]

Yes, I actually like the JVC design quite a bit. But the Ikegami is an even more minimalist design. Of course, it has no way to attach a battery, but again...minor details. I'm telling you, I'm really digging that Ikegami camera...or maybe I just like saying Ikegami.

[Chris Hurd]

S'okay Tim, maybe I just like saying the abbreviated version Ike, since it's pronounced "Icky."

Back in A51 territory now.

[Chris Soucy]

Spoken like a true Gentleman. I doff my cap to you, Sir.

May your days be filled with mirth and merriment, forsooth!

Alas, I must be away, farewell.


CS

[Mark Goldberg]

Originally Posted by Tim Le

If I worked at Sony, I would have designed the HVR-Z7 to have an option to be like this:
http://www.ikegami.com/image_j2/hdl40hs.jpg
instead of only being this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/l...ges/532558.jpg

Ignoring the bs from the other postings, I think you have a very valid point. I have been using the Z1 for almost 18 months now, and many times it occured to me how easy it would be for this to be adapted to be a shoulderable camera. I did have a chance to look at the Z7 at a recent show.

Anyway, I bought a Hoodman sunshade for the viewfinder. All it would take would be a simple magnifier device to view that close up, plus a shoulder rest and remote combo. I am surprised an aftermarket company hasn't come up with this.

The Z1 weighs about 5 lbs loaded. The Z7 is heavier, partially due to having an interchangeable lens. It is particularly surprising that the higher end HDCAM EX, with full HD resolution, does not have an interchangeable lens. The designers of these cams should think about how they are used, in particularly in the event coverage arena.

[Tim Le]

Thanks for the support Mark. I'm glad you see my point about having a by-design option to make a handheld camera into a shoulder mount (when needed) instead of just being directed to buy an existing shoulder mounted camera (which can't be turned into a small box camera even if you wanted to).

The beauty of the Ikegami design, unlike other third party shoulder mount accessories, is that the shoulder pad is very low profile and the camera is designed to accept a normal ENG viewfinder on the camera handle. It's sort of like the RED camera approach where you can add stuff to a box camera to make it into other configurations. The HVR-Z7 is already basically a box camera with a handle so if they had reworked the handle/mic/LCD area a little, they might be able to allow an ENG style viewfinder to be mounted.

Of course, I'm not expected the HVR-Z7 to be redesigned, but I'm just throwing out design ideas, hoping maybe Canon or Panasonic or even Sony takes a hint for future products. We're starting to see an evolution of camera design away from the standard VX1000 style handycam form so I'd like to see these designs become even more versatile.

I can't see why people find this thread so 'weird' as if what Tim is suggesting is absolutely ridiculous.

I am one of the few people in existence on this planet that loathes the Z1 for two reasons; one, because it's a ridiculous idea making it entirely handheld, and two, because everybody loves it so much and fails to realise its design is poor. A bit like everybody's love for iPods and Macs just because they're popular.

Rule. Professional cameras should be shoulder-mounted. End of. Shoulders are for supporting, hands are for operating the lens and other functions. Why should hands operate AND support? Especially with a camera so incredibly bulky, which is constantly pulling leftwards on your right hand, and when you pull focus or manual zoom you're moving the camera as well because it's not supported properly. It's just cumbersome. And on top of that you're so detached from the camera because you're holding it so far out in front of you if you want to use the viewfinder.