Sony Z200 & NX800 Master Class

[David Anderson]

Doug,

Let's take Skaarhoj out of the mix.

1. Do the new cameras have a Web UI accessible from a standard browser like the Z280?

2. Can you double the focal length without Clear Image Zoom by shooting in 1080?

3. Good to know about Z280 replacement

4. I would gladly pay you for the entire course just to get the presets. I assume that much of what I learned in the Z280 class is applicable to the newer cameras. Perhaps consider a "highlight" class of new features with the new presets for those that have already purchased a relevant previous masterclass (again, I would pay the same price) but for a much more condensed version of the class.

Thanks again,

David

[Doug Jensen]

Hi David,

1) I honestly don't know the answer to that question. Those are features I do not use myself and do not cover in my master class videos, so it is impossible for me to say whether you will be able to use the Z200 the same way you use your Z280 or not. Sorry.

2) Yes. However, I can see a difference in the quality when using Clear Image Zoom for HD. Unlike 4K, where the difference is nearly undetectable. I never shoot HD, but if I did, I would avoid using C.I.Z for anything where picture quality was paramount. For breaking news or something like that, yeah, it is good enough, but that's not what I shoot.

3) Watch me be proven wrong! :-)

4) No need to pay me for presets. Just watch those chapters of the master class.

I hear what you are saying about a condensed "highlights" version of the class, but in the case of the Z200/NX800 I didn't think that was a viable option for the target demographic. However, when the Z280 replacement comes around, that is exactly what I intend to do because that camera is aimed at a more experienced and sophisticated operator who won't need a tutorial on every little thing.

[Andrew Smith]

Doug, is there anything about the Z280 that you consider to be a shortcoming? Asking for a friend.

Andrew

[Doug Jensen]

That's a fair question, and I've been giving it some thought for a couple of hours since I saw your post. I hesitate to say anything negative about the Z280 because is has been such a rock solid workhorse of a camera for so many years. Possibly the best ROI of any camera I've owned since my last Betacam.

Does it have "shortcomings"? Yes, but I would say that those shortcomings are really just things where newer cameras have surpassed it now.

1) It can't do 4K @ 120 fps
2) It doesn't have touch-tracking AF
3) I wouldn't trust the AF for anything other than human beings facing towards the camera.
4) It uses SxS cards

Those are the only things that come to mind right now. If I think of anything else I will update my post.

[David Anderson]

I don't know if you still have one of the cameras but I would be curious if it's plugged into the network if you can open a web browser to it. I may try to call Sony, but I've found that every time I call them you seem to have the edge on them and know more about their products than they do!

For some of my clients I need the reach and shooting in 1080 is preferable for moving media quicker when tight deadlines are involved and they don't need 4k.

Do the new cameras lose a stop in 4k vs 1080 like the Z280?

If I pick up one of the new cameras I'll buy the masterclass and snag the settings from the relevant section. I get your logic. I also appreciate that when a Z280 replacement comes along you're considering a condensed course on new features.

Thanks,

David

Originally Posted by Doug Jensen

Hi David,

1) I honestly don't know the answer to that question. Those are features I do not use myself and do not cover in my master class videos, so it is impossible for me to say whether you will be able to use the Z200 the same way you use your Z280 or not. Sorry.

2) Yes. However, I can see a difference in the quality when using Clear Image Zoom for HD. Unlike 4K, where the difference is nearly undetectable. I never shoot HD, but if I did, I would avoid using C.I.Z for anything where picture quality was paramount. For breaking news or something like that, yeah, it is good enough, but that's not what I shoot.

3) Watch me be proven wrong! :-)

4) No need to pay me for presets. Just watch those chapters of the master class.

I hear what you are saying about a condensed "highlights" version of the class, but in the case of the Z200/NX800 I didn't think that was a viable option for the target demographic. However, when the Z280 replacement comes around, that is exactly what I intend to do because that camera is aimed at a more experienced and sophisticated operator who won't need a tutorial on every little thing.

[Doug Jensen]

David, it makes my brain hurt to think about connecting any of these cameras to a network. Past experience has shown it is a pain in the ass and I really have no idea how I would go about it again. I have zero interest in using the camera that way. However, if you want to post very detailed step by step instructions, and if it can be done in 15 minutes or less, I will take a look. But you'll have to spell out every step. Tell me how to do it with my Z280 and I'll see if I can do the same thing with the Z200.

I agree that 1080 is still perfectly acceptable for many clients. Even though I always shoot 4K, the deliverable is often HD. With fast cards and readers the difference between working with 4K footage vs. HD is not even noticeable, but 4K footage gives me a lot of advantages in post.

No, the Z200/NX800 do not lose any light sensitivity when switching to 4K.