FX1 vs Z1U? Which one should I get?

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DeepUtopia

New member
Hi,

I'm trying to decide whether or not I should get the Sony FX1 or the Sony HVR-Z1U for film production. Thus far, these are my only contenders for film production, because of the low price. I've noticed neither of them have progressive capabilities, but I've heard their CineFrame mode in combination with Avid's de-interlacing function makes the interlaced footage look progressive. I'm thinking the Z1U is the better option, but I need some extra opinions. I will provide more info if you guys need it.

Thanks,
Max
 
Hi,

Ive got the FX1 and every time i pick it up i kick myself that I didnt get the Z1.

The FX1 is great, the image is crystal clear, its well made, ive had it two years and its never had a single problem, its a great camera but it has no XLR audio inputs, and this a major kick in the crotch.

As mr 4 said, the Z5 is just around the corner, and I think its worth the wait. If not, the Z7 is a very nice camera.

However if you cant wait and you need a camera *now* then theres no question, Z1 is the way to go.
 
i've used the z1 for a couple years. nice solid workhorse of a camera. I recently bought my own xha1 which does have a better picture after using some presets but its a bit more flimsy. the oncam microphone is loose and fragile, I've heard of plenty of people breaking them clean off or having them sag and point down. Both cams can't record both xlr and oncam mic at the same time which sucks. xlr on the canon hasn't got individual left right levels controls as the z1 has. I've heard plenty of people finding faults with their xha1 having to send them back to canon and hardly any for the z1.
I still went for the xha1 though as picture quality and the better progressive mode it has is more important to me. The new xha1s which hasnt been released yet will have fixed alot of the issues the current one has.
 
If you want a cheap FX1, I suggest you try the pubs and street corners near me, as mine was stolen on Monday along with two cars and a load of other stuff (two laptops and my lenses)

Anyway, insurance company have got me a Z5. Looking forward to having a new camera.
 
sorry to hear that you were hit hoarp001


Z1 & FX1 are both real light hogs, & there are a lot of better options out there that you won't be dissapointed w/ in a few months.

I've heard that the Z1 is out of production from Sony. I really think the Z7 or the Z5 is the way to go. (get the Z7 if you'll actually take advantage of the interchangable lenses).

the biggest thing I don't like about the XHA1 is that the servo motor for the zoom & focus is the same motor. thus no zooming & focusing at the same time.
 
The FX1 has been discontinued (replaced by FX1000) but the Z1 is still being made. Sony are trying to replace it with the Z5 and Z7 cameras, which are still HDV, but support proper progressive and bridge the tape/solid state gap with their flash modules.

I replaced my stolen FX1 with a Z7 and its a fantastic camera.

as zijital mentioned, it does have a removable lens. Most people will never need to use this feature, however my two week old camera suffered abit of damage when a bit of gravel kicked up by a passing car chipped the front element. Insurance company have replaced it, and they are sending me a new lens this week to replace the chipped one. If I had a fixed lens camera, the repair time is about two weeks, as they have to take the front element out and replace it.

So even if you dont think you will ever use more than one lens, its comforting to know that if anything happens to the lens, its easy to replace without being without a camera for weeks.


Its a great cam, i love it.
 
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