Hvr-z7u

[D10S]

I'm looking at an upgrade to HD. I currently have a DVX100a. I've compared the Sony HVR-Z7U to the HVX200. I'm leaning toward Sony because of the ability to record to MiniDV at HD. It is great for archiving in HD.

I am confused on a couple things. Can you record to a standard MiniDV or do you have to record to a MiniDV HD tape?

I've heard varying info on the capture card prices. What type of capture card and what are the prices of the cards compared to the P2 cards the Panasonic uses?

[One Way PhotoVideo]

well if you're looking to shoot all HD, i think z7u would be the way to go, it shoots HD to standard DV tape, not necessarily HD DV tapes, which i think are a waste of money. The HVX200 records onto all P2 cards which is probably 329857x less of a hassle, but that much more expensive. It's a tough choice, but it all depends what you want.

[Aroon_Narayanan]

The Z7U records to CF cards, and they run at about $50 for 16GB, as compared to $800 for a 16GB P2 card. Also, as you mentioned, MiniDV tapes are great for archiving. The problem is that HDV (HD on MiniDV tapes) is much more compressed than P2 HD, which can create problems with motion artifacts and editing issues. The severity depends on what kind of work you'll be doing with the cam.

[dj2thew]

I'm using the Z7U to shoot a feature in Russia. I did several camera tests in the States and decided on the Z7U with an assortment of 16mm lenses with a converter. I was aware of the flash/strobe issue but decided it was the right choice anyhow. All was well in the States, but here in Russia I have found that when shooting at night using public light (Streetlights mainly) there is sometimes a roll that looks just like the rolls from tube TVs as they refresh.

I adjusted the shutter speed up and down, which minimized and maximized the problem, but never eliminated it. Has anyone encountered this? Thoughts on it being from the different power cycle the lights may be on?

I need a work-around besides just shooting daylight or with our own minimal lights. Help!

[zijital]

Z7U shoots on any MiniDV tape. I use Panasonic's Master Quality tapes (about $6 each). spend some extra on the tape, but don't spend $20 just b/c it says "HD," the ink on the label isn't worth it

it also shoots on CF cards at the same time, both media you can find at any camera / electronics store, which is really nice if you are in a pinch. (can't say that about BetaCam SP, DVCPro, P2, or XDCam)

I will say though, don't skimp on budget CF cards. I got a free rebate for a 8GB 306x card from Sony & that card works like magic. I also bought a Transcend 133x card that I had to exchange b/c I was running into importing issues.

get as fast of cards as you can, you won't regret it


dj2thew:
I have shot a bunch w/ the Z7 & Z1 (as well as a bunch on Betacam SP & DVCPro), I haven't noticed ANY problems out at night, or even under fluorescent lights, but I'm usually keeping the shutter at 1/60

the compression is the same as you'll find on the Z1, V1, Canon A1, etc. etc. etc. you don't have the color space as DVCPro HD, but media is MUCH MUCH MUCH cheaper

[Crendist]

I'm shooting steadicam with this camera in a week, can anyone tell me if it outputs an SD video signal while recording in HD, similar to the XHA1, because my monitor is SD only. PLEASE HELP!!!

[madhorizons]

I'm shooting steadicam with this camera in a week, can anyone tell me if it outputs an SD video signal while recording in HD, similar to the XHA1, because my monitor is SD only. PLEASE HELP!!!

I was able to send output to my mom's TV (25" SD) via the standard RCA outputs through a VCR.....I'm presuming you **should** be able to.

[dhinds]

I had a an HVR-Z7U that was stolen and am trying to determine whether I should replace it, move up or move down, cost wise. (Unfortunately, I am not very video camera literate and hope folks here with more experience can answer these questions regarding the following Five Video Cameras w/ Interchangable Lenses from Sony):

The NEX VG10 which has a single APS sized sensor;

The HVR-7ZU which has 3 1/3 inch CMOS Sensors;

The PMW-EX3 with 3 1/2 inch CMOS sensors;

The PDW 335L which uses 3 1/2 inch CCD sensors; and

The XDCAM EX PMW-350K has 3 2/3 inch CMOS sensors;

Prices range from $2000 to eleven times that.

But how important are the differences in sensor size and number, in relation to the quality of the results?

And what other factors are important (i.e. Genlock and Time In/Out)?

Will videos taken with the NEX VG10 be able to hold their own with those taken using the more expensive, professional cameras?

If not, how would videos taken with the HVR-7Zu compare to those shot with the more expensive cameras?

Thanks in advance for the orientation.

urls

http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=4463&review=sony+nex+vg10+dslr+hd+camcorder

http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/cat-broadcastcameras/cat-hdv/product-HVRZ7U/

http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/cat-broadcastcameras/cat-xdcam/product-PMWEX3/

http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/cat-broadcastcameras/cat-xdcam/product-PMW350K/

http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/cat-broadcastcameras/cat-xdcam/product-PDWF335L/

[corycross]

interested in buying a used z7u? I am looking to sell one so let me know!

[dhinds]

interested in buying a used z7u? I am looking to sell one so let me know!

My interest at present is to define my options before making another investment.

Unfortunately, so far no one has responded to my request for informed opinions.