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#1 |
Regular Crew
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Cadillac, MI
Posts: 129
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FX1 vs. Z1... A Couple Questions
Well, as I mentioned in a previous thread, I'm looking at getting an FX1 to replace my PDX10. I do a lot of professional videography (running a small production company), and I'd like to start offering HD production. $3200 is about the most I can pay for an HD camera, so the Z1 is out of my price range.
I think that the FX1 should be fine for professional use. I don't need the DVCAM recording the Z1 offers, and I don't need the XLR inputs. What I do need is a high degree of manual control (in particular, manual focus, white balance, and exposure, and audio levels). I also frequently use zebra stripes to check exposure. I think that based on those needs, the FX1 should be more than sufficient for me. What would I gain by getting the Z1? I know I would get DVCAM recording, XLR inputs, individual control over audio levels (Channels 1 + 2 are independent). Other than that, what reasons are there to go with the Z1? Thanks in advance for any advice. Hopefully the FX1 will work for me! \ |
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#2 |
Major Player
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Portsmouth, UK
Posts: 611
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There is a full comparison here:
http://www.hdvinfo.com/articles/sonyhdrfx1/compare.phpI'd say with the Z1 the killer app functions are these:
I think actually the multi format ability has been what's attracted most to the Z1 over the FX1 rather than the XLR sockets. |
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#3 | |
Regular Crew
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Cadillac, MI
Posts: 129
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#4 |
Wrangler
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Mays Landing, NJ
Posts: 11,790
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Two other nice features on the Z-1 are the ability to show the full frame (underscan) in the viewfinder and LCD and also being able to turn off all of the text display items on the LCD. I find these especially annoying on the PDX-10... it's pretty obvious when you're shooting in 16:9 mode... do we really need "16:9 WIDE" displayed in huge text across the screen? ;-)
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#5 | |
Regular Crew
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Cadillac, MI
Posts: 129
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#6 |
Regular Crew
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 74
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You can always get one of these to compensate for the FX's lack of XLRs:
http://www.creativevideo.co.uk/gimme...y_hvr-z1e-kit1 It's interesting to note how Sony simply made the FX more 'consumer' by disabling certain electronic features. I'm pretty sure it is capable of showing different coloured peaking lines even if Sony has stopped it from happening (if anyone gets what I mean). Time code differences are quite significant for some users. Without free run time code on the FX you have not got a simple solution of syncing up with another camera. Ultimately the FX has the same picture quality, which is the single greatest feature of these cameras, and thus means if you are saving a grand, it will be one of the most satisfying purchases you could make. Have fun! |
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#7 | |
Major Player
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Richardson, TX
Posts: 842
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Quote:
On my FX1 I can hit the 'display button' and all the text is removed from the LCD (with the exception of 'REC'). Is there something I'm missing about the Z1's feature? |
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#8 |
Wrangler
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Mays Landing, NJ
Posts: 11,790
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That's interesting, I've never heard that before. When I've asked I was told that the FX-1 couldn't make everything turn off but the Z1 could. Personally, yeah I would also like to make that "REC" go away but I don't think that in and of itself justifies the price difference :-)
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#9 | |
Major Player
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Richardson, TX
Posts: 842
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Quote:
Seems like that would be something you'd want to always be there. |
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