Z1/A1

Chris Li · December 18th, 2006, 09:40 AM

Both Sony Z1 and A1 use proprietary AV out cables. Just wondering if the cameras use the same special cable . I've got a multi camera shoot coming up and they're all Z1's except for the lone A1.
I already know the cameras use different batteries/chargers. I need to run sd monitors from all the cameras AV out.
Supposedly the A1 footage looks/matches the Z1 in outdoor light where no gain is employed.

I hope so : )

chris/DC metro DP

Boyd Ostroff · December 18th, 2006, 10:35 AM

All I have is a Z1, but the A/V cable isn't really what I would call "proprietary." They use a 1/8" mini-plug which splits out to the usual red-white-yellow RCA plugs for the two stereo channels and composite video. I have seen cables like these on camcorders from several companies. We have a 10 year old Sharp Hi-8 camera at work which uses the exact same cable in fact.

Now the component video cable is certainly proprietary however....

Phil Bloom · December 18th, 2006, 01:59 PM

sorry. completely different cables

John Jay · December 18th, 2006, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Li

Both Sony Z1 and A1 use proprietary AV out cables. Just wondering if the cameras use the same special cable . I've got a multi camera shoot coming up and they're all Z1's except for the lone A1.
I already know the cameras use different batteries/chargers. I need to run sd monitors from all the cameras AV out.
Supposedly the A1 footage looks/matches the Z1 in outdoor light where no gain is employed.

I hope so : )

chris/DC metro DP

Z1/A1 use identical component yuv cables

Z1 composite uses what Boyd described
Z1 S-video is a mini DIN

A1 composite / S video is a special

Download the A1 manual if you need a peek

Chris Li · December 18th, 2006, 04:08 PM

We have a winner. Phil & John are correct. The AV cables are not interchangable between the Z1 & the A1 even though they're in the same family.
Z1 does indeed use a fairly common 1/8" miniplug , whereas the A1 unfortunately uses a propriatary plug.

Too bad. That and the non interchangable batteries will slow me down a little as I cannot just mix 'n match accessories.

Thanks guys.

Andrew Farrell · December 18th, 2006, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Jay

Download the A1 manual if you need a peek

Where can I find one?

John Jay · December 19th, 2006, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew Farrell

Where can I find one?

Through an amazing act of convergence and similitude you can find it here

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=82071

December 18th, 2006, 09:40 AM	#1
Chris Li Regular Crew Join Date: May 2004 Location: Wash. DC area Posts: 154	Z1/A1 - same AV cable? Both Sony Z1 and A1 use proprietary AV out cables. Just wondering if the cameras use the same special cable . I've got a multi camera shoot coming up and they're all Z1's except for the lone A1. I already know the cameras use different batteries/chargers. I need to run sd monitors from all the cameras AV out. Supposedly the A1 footage looks/matches the Z1 in outdoor light where no gain is employed. I hope so : ) chris/DC metro DP

December 18th, 2006, 01:59 PM	#3
Phil Bloom Trustee Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London UK Posts: 1,939	sorry. completely different cables __________________ Philip Bloom Cinematographer, Director, Filmmaker www.philipbloom.net

December 18th, 2006, 10:35 AM	#2
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	All I have is a Z1, but the A/V cable isn't really what I would call "proprietary." They use a 1/8" mini-plug which splits out to the usual red-white-yellow RCA plugs for the two stereo channels and composite video. I have seen cables like these on camcorders from several companies. We have a 10 year old Sharp Hi-8 camera at work which uses the exact same cable in fact. Now the component video cable is certainly proprietary however....

December 18th, 2006, 04:08 PM	#5
Chris Li Regular Crew Join Date: May 2004 Location: Wash. DC area Posts: 154	We have a winner. Phil & John are correct. The AV cables are not interchangable between the Z1 & the A1 even though they're in the same family. Z1 does indeed use a fairly common 1/8" miniplug , whereas the A1 unfortunately uses a propriatary plug. Too bad. That and the non interchangable batteries will slow me down a little as I cannot just mix 'n match accessories. Thanks guys.