comparing the HD100 to the Z1

Werner Wesp · March 17th, 2006, 04:50 PM

Fischer,

I'm a HD101E owner and I played with the sony before. as far as I'm concerned the JVC is the winner hands down. Off course you can always find small things better on a "Peugeot 206 GTI" then on a Ferrari 360 (cupholders, perhaps?), but as far as I'm concerned none that make the big picture.

Moreover, I don't know where you are from, but over here in europe, the sony is only half the price of the JVC. You can pick the sony up for around €4000, while you need for the JVC at least €6500-€7000 + every accesory that you need is more expensive ( you NEED the IDX or A/B kit to work seriously - add another €1500-€2000, you want a tripod that can support the HD100? - add another €1000 minimum, you need a bag? - fine ones around, starting at about €400...). A kit with a HD100, a standard lens and some batteries will be around €10.000, while a kit with a SONY with batteries and all will be aroun €5000....

As Barry said: they are complete opposites. That is so very true - even in price. Another difference: Go to a big AudioVideo-store for amateur camcorder: they will have the SONY as their top-model, and if not they'll be able to get it for you. Ask for the JVC, they'll probably won't have ever heard of it. The camcorders are even traded in different 'circles'...

Mike Marriage · March 17th, 2006, 05:47 PM

Like Barry says, look at your needs:

If you want HD interlaced, get the Z1. If you want progressive, the HD100 is better.

Do you want shouldermount or handheld, proper lens or autofocus and OIS?

For my needs I chose the HD101. I also didn't find it much more expensive than the Z1 - I got a good kit - tripod, IDX kit, radio mics, Portabrace, zoom controller for £4200 exc VAT.

Also the battery issue is not an issue as you get the IDX kit free or 1/2 price in the UK. They last around 4 hours each.

I think the image it kicks out is 85% as good as a Varicam or F900, but at 10% of the cost!

Jiri Bakala · March 17th, 2006, 05:53 PM

One note on the Z1U lens - at the end of its range it loses over a stop of light. The stock Fujinon on the HD100 doesn't seem to be as bad. If/when JVC improves the camera's overall reliability, it will be a 100% winner. I hope the "A" update will do just that...

Boyd Ostroff · March 17th, 2006, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Werner Wesp

Go to a big AudioVideo-store for amateur camcorder: they will have the SONY as their top-model, and if not they'll be able to get it for you.

Are you talking about the Z1 or the FX1? Here in the US the Z1 is only sold by Sony's "pro" dealers; I don't think you'll find it in consumer stores. The price structure must be different in your country as well. At B&H Photo the current price for the Hd100 is $5,200 while the Z1 is $4,600.

March 17th, 2006, 05:53 PM	#18
Jiri Bakala Major Player Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kelowna BC Canada Posts: 706	One note on the Z1U lens - at the end of its range it loses over a stop of light. The stock Fujinon on the HD100 doesn't seem to be as bad. If/when JVC improves the camera's overall reliability, it will be a 100% winner. I hope the "A" update will do just that... __________________ www.ascentfilms.com

March 17th, 2006, 04:50 PM	#16
Werner Wesp Major Player Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Belgium Posts: 497	Fischer, I'm a HD101E owner and I played with the sony before. as far as I'm concerned the JVC is the winner hands down. Off course you can always find small things better on a "Peugeot 206 GTI" then on a Ferrari 360 (cupholders, perhaps?), but as far as I'm concerned none that make the big picture. Moreover, I don't know where you are from, but over here in europe, the sony is only half the price of the JVC. You can pick the sony up for around €4000, while you need for the JVC at least €6500-€7000 + every accesory that you need is more expensive ( you NEED the IDX or A/B kit to work seriously - add another €1500-€2000, you want a tripod that can support the HD100? - add another €1000 minimum, you need a bag? - fine ones around, starting at about €400...). A kit with a HD100, a standard lens and some batteries will be around €10.000, while a kit with a SONY with batteries and all will be aroun €5000.... As Barry said: they are complete opposites. That is so very true - even in price. Another difference: Go to a big AudioVideo-store for amateur camcorder: they will have the SONY as their top-model, and if not they'll be able to get it for you. Ask for the JVC, they'll probably won't have ever heard of it. The camcorders are even traded in different 'circles'...

March 17th, 2006, 05:47 PM	#17
Mike Marriage Major Player Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: NE of London, England Posts: 788	Like Barry says, look at your needs: If you want HD interlaced, get the Z1. If you want progressive, the HD100 is better. Do you want shouldermount or handheld, proper lens or autofocus and OIS? For my needs I chose the HD101. I also didn't find it much more expensive than the Z1 - I got a good kit - tripod, IDX kit, radio mics, Portabrace, zoom controller for £4200 exc VAT. Also the battery issue is not an issue as you get the IDX kit free or 1/2 price in the UK. They last around 4 hours each. I think the image it kicks out is 85% as good as a Varicam or F900, but at 10% of the cost!