For those still wondering about the HVR-Z1

[Charles Papert]

Spot, I'll be shooting some tests with the Z1 within the next few weeks. Would like to use my Chrosziel follow focus and mattebox (designated as Super 16 version, but I also use it with 2/3" cameras and it worked fine with the XL1 and manual lens). Any idea who is making a riser block and rails for the new Sony's, and where to get a 32 pitch adaptor ring for the lens?

[Rob Lohman]

Interesting interview, but what would be really interesting is to
see that JAG footage he shot from the helicopter (if possible before
post production, but that's not gonna happen I'd say) in something
like HD Windows Media.

I assume Sony would want to do this to promote the camera, so
I'll keep my fingers crossed....

[Douglas Spotted Eagle]

Actually, Sony didn't have anything to do with how he got the camera. They had the camera at their largest dealer, whom Jody knows really well. The dealer asked Jody to test it.
Nope, the footage can't be seen. Even during the various large screen presentations, Jody asked people to turn off their video cameras at Sundance, and when the trade event was over, he asked me to wipe the footage off of the 2 computers I'd loaded it on. Once the show airs, if someone can tape it, I'll likely be able to post the preproduction shots for comparison.

Charles, call Peter or Jeff at BandPro, they'll set you up with the riser block.

[Bob Zimmerman]

I downloaded this from Jody but my Mac won't open it. Maybe I need to download something else to read it. Anyone out there using a iMac and noticed what opened that file?

[Douglas Spotted Eagle]

It's windows media 9, so you'll need the player for that.
Sorry, I didn't want to put it into QT because we don't have a Helix server. Plus to get a decent stream, it would be a much larger file

[Bob Zimmerman]

Ok,,I'll try it on my kids Dell.

[Mark Ross]

Bob, you just have to DL the Windows Media 9 player for OS X, assuming you have the hardware. I just watched it on my G4 dual 1.25 box.

http://www.microsoft.com/mac/otherproducts/otherproducts.aspx?pid=windowsmedia

On topic: I am so completely psyched to persuade my boss to buy this camera for our department!

[Bob Zimmerman]

Thanks Mark, I'll try that.

[Bob Zimmerman]

Douglas I saw a picture of you on someother website with the Z1. It looks like a pretty good size camera. Is it balanced pretty good?

[Bob Zimmerman]

I downloaded the player and it open it either!!

[Bob Zimmerman]

I watched it on the PC. It looks like a pretty nice camera

[Jared VanLeuven]

Okay, newbie-type question: will this Chrosziel mattbox & follow focus bundle work well with a wide angle converter like Sony & Century are coming out with? Tx

[Douglas Spotted Eagle]

It works with the Sony, but can't comment on the Century. Sorry.

[Scott Shuster]

He said that when you're in HD, a little out-of-focus is very noticeable, so...we need this extra focusing device. What does that gizmo do that autofocus and manual focus do not do?

[Douglas Spotted Eagle]

It's just a little easier to focus with because of the angle and pull on the lens, but frankly, it's not critical unless you're worrying about hitting measure/mark types of shoots. It's handy, it's nice, but for the average user...it might be more than they need.