How to use the Z-1 at DVinfo.net

Jeff Mack · September 5th, 2006, 11:10 AM

Can anyone tell me the best resource to learne to use my Z-1? I have an understanding of it's features already but I don't know the first thing about how to use the camera off of the auto settings. I would like to get an understanding of how the shooting environment would make me change settings to optimize picture. I am not trying to assume that 1 pill can make me a know it all, but where can I LEARN how to operate the camera. All advice is appreciated.

Jeff

David Tamés · September 5th, 2006, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Mack

Can anyone tell me the best resource to learne to use my Z-1? [...] Jeff

For everything you would ever want to know about the Z1, I suggest you take a look at Steve Mullen's excellent book, Sony HVR-Z1 and HDR-FX1 Handbook and for more references on DV Filmmaking, take a gander at my Digital Filmmaking Bibliography.

Boyd Ostroff · September 5th, 2006, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Mack

Can anyone tell me the best resource to learne to use my Z-1?

Actually I think you've already found the best resource for the Z1... the DVinfo forum :-) Spend a little while reading back through all the posts in this forum, there is a wealth of information. And you can add your own questions to the many existing threads when you find something of interest.

Jeff Mack · September 5th, 2006, 01:07 PM

Hi DAvid,

Thanks for the answer but I am not so interested in the features of the z-1 but how to use any type of camera I guess. For example, shooting in manual mode, if I get to a venue and need to adjust for the lighting, what do I do? I realize this is a case for photography not necessarily the camera or the type of camera. I am looking for resources to explainabout exposure, iris settings, f-stops etc. I usually hire out my camera work and want to get an understanding of what I am doing.

Jeff

Boyd Ostroff · September 5th, 2006, 02:36 PM

For basic info you might want to look at this site:

http://www.urbanfox.tv/workbooks/sonyz1/index.htm

The PD-150 section might also be of interest:

http://www.urbanfox.tv/workbooks/sonypd150/index.htm

Jeff Mack · September 5th, 2006, 03:16 PM

Wow, that's great stuff Boyd, Thanks. I also found an engineer near my town that will let me consult for a few hours. I think I will read up on this and then have a better understanding for the hands on.

Jeff

Douglas R. Bruce · September 5th, 2006, 05:33 PM

I would also like to suggest an excellent Guide on DVD.

HandsOn HDV - The Complete Guide to the HVR-Z1U and HDR-FX1 at

http://www.handsonhdv.com

Robert Young · September 6th, 2006, 08:15 PM

I can certainly vouch for the Hands On DVD. It is well produced, well organized, and comprehensive. Well worth the cost.

Heath McKnight · September 7th, 2006, 10:20 AM

The best-selling HDV book, now in its second version:

http://www.vasst.com/product.aspx?id...0-0ad68139e940

Over 55,000 copies sold, completely revised and updated by Douglas Spotted Eagle, Mark Dileo and I.

heath

Tom Hardwick · September 9th, 2006, 12:37 PM

I'll give the Hands on HDV DVD a plug too. There are some silly mistakes where fps gets confused with shutter speeds, but overall it's well done.

September 5th, 2006, 11:10 AM	#1
Jeff Mack Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: McKinney, TX Posts: 195	How to use the Z-1 Can anyone tell me the best resource to learne to use my Z-1? I have an understanding of it's features already but I don't know the first thing about how to use the camera off of the auto settings. I would like to get an understanding of how the shooting environment would make me change settings to optimize picture. I am not trying to assume that 1 pill can make me a know it all, but where can I LEARN how to operate the camera. All advice is appreciated. Jeff

September 5th, 2006, 05:33 PM	#7
Douglas R. Bruce Regular Crew Join Date: May 2006 Location: Kumamoto City, Japan Posts: 136	I would also like to suggest an excellent Guide on DVD. HandsOn HDV - The Complete Guide to the HVR-Z1U and HDR-FX1 at http://www.handsonhdv.com __________________ I was produced in Scotland, edited in Sweden, and am now showing in Japan. http://www.gaijin-eyes.com

September 7th, 2006, 10:20 AM	#9
Heath McKnight MPS Digital Studios Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 8,531	The best-selling HDV book, now in its second version: http://www.vasst.com/product.aspx?id...0-0ad68139e940 Over 55,000 copies sold, completely revised and updated by Douglas Spotted Eagle, Mark Dileo and I. heath __________________ My Final Cut Pro X blog

September 5th, 2006, 01:07 PM	#4
Jeff Mack Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: McKinney, TX Posts: 195	Hi DAvid, Thanks for the answer but I am not so interested in the features of the z-1 but how to use any type of camera I guess. For example, shooting in manual mode, if I get to a venue and need to adjust for the lighting, what do I do? I realize this is a case for photography not necessarily the camera or the type of camera. I am looking for resources to explainabout exposure, iris settings, f-stops etc. I usually hire out my camera work and want to get an understanding of what I am doing. Jeff

September 5th, 2006, 02:36 PM	#5
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	For basic info you might want to look at this site: http://www.urbanfox.tv/workbooks/sonyz1/index.htm The PD-150 section might also be of interest: http://www.urbanfox.tv/workbooks/sonypd150/index.htm

September 5th, 2006, 03:16 PM	#6
Jeff Mack Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: McKinney, TX Posts: 195	Wow, that's great stuff Boyd, Thanks. I also found an engineer near my town that will let me consult for a few hours. I think I will read up on this and then have a better understanding for the hands on. Jeff

September 6th, 2006, 08:15 PM	#8
Robert Young Trustee Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Coronado Island Posts: 1,472	I can certainly vouch for the Hands On DVD. It is well produced, well organized, and comprehensive. Well worth the cost.

September 9th, 2006, 12:37 PM	#10
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	I'll give the Hands on HDV DVD a plug too. There are some silly mistakes where fps gets confused with shutter speeds, but overall it's well done.