Doug Jensen
Carbonite Member
I've released a new video that explains why I think the Z750 and Z450 are revolutionary and unlike any other cameras on the market today. Nothing else even comes close to matching their features and capabilities.
Other: Introduction to the Sony PXW-Z750 and PXW-Z450 ENG camcorders
- Thread starter Doug Jensen
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Less_is_more
Member
Impressive camera. Slick presentation.
I’m not in the market for such a beast, but I started watching that and ended up watching it all, because it was just interesting for someone following the tech. Thanks!
I’m not in the market for such a beast, but I started watching that and ended up watching it all, because it was just interesting for someone following the tech. Thanks!
Doug Jensen
Carbonite Member
Thanks for the comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
MSRP for the Z750 is around $45K and the Z450 about half of that. Obviously, these are not entry level cameras, but they are still a lot less expensive than my last Ikegami Betacam twenty years ago. And far, far, more powerful in every way that you want to measure it. My camera is going to pay for itself just from stock footage, let alone all the other work will get me once the pandemic subsides. There have been certain kinds of jobs that I was turning down the last few years because I didn't want the hassle of dealing with the F55 or FS7, and now I can start scooping them up again without dreading it.
MSRP for the Z750 is around $45K and the Z450 about half of that. Obviously, these are not entry level cameras, but they are still a lot less expensive than my last Ikegami Betacam twenty years ago. And far, far, more powerful in every way that you want to measure it. My camera is going to pay for itself just from stock footage, let alone all the other work will get me once the pandemic subsides. There have been certain kinds of jobs that I was turning down the last few years because I didn't want the hassle of dealing with the F55 or FS7, and now I can start scooping them up again without dreading it.
Doug , I didn't watch the whole video but I agree that a good traditional 2/3" camera can be very valuable. Just having a parfocal lens with that kind of reach can be very usefull on all kinds of shoots. I don't think I have the work to justify buying ione ( especially now) but I hope some rental houses pick them up in the SF Bay Area so I can rent them when needed.
$45,000 is deceptive though unless it includes the lens which will be very pricey.
$45,000 is deceptive though unless it includes the lens which will be very pricey.
puredrifting
Major Contributor
The lens Doug has for his 750 is $44k at B&H. So this camera and lens combo totals a bit less than I paid for my BVWD600 and a lens back in the day. Some things don't change, although the body is cheaper, the lenses have gotten a bit more expensive.
Yes so Camera and lens is a $90,000 investment . Does anyone know what other cheaper lenses are available for the Z750 that have the quality needed to shoot 4K ?
That's the problem for many of us. You can buy an FX9 and say 28-135 for around $16-17,000 and have a useable kit. Spend another $5-$10,000 and diversify your lens choices quite a bit and work a lot.
Now it will not be as flexible or as easy to operate as the Z750 especially for docs or some kinds of event or multicamera shows, but its a huge difference in the investment if it doesn't limit your work too much.
Of course plenty of people might spend $35,000 just for a single prime for the FX9 as well. Depends on your intended market and your clients.
What's a reasonable bottom cost for a Z450 with a decent lens? Doug?
That's the problem for many of us. You can buy an FX9 and say 28-135 for around $16-17,000 and have a useable kit. Spend another $5-$10,000 and diversify your lens choices quite a bit and work a lot.
Now it will not be as flexible or as easy to operate as the Z750 especially for docs or some kinds of event or multicamera shows, but its a huge difference in the investment if it doesn't limit your work too much.
Of course plenty of people might spend $35,000 just for a single prime for the FX9 as well. Depends on your intended market and your clients.
What's a reasonable bottom cost for a Z450 with a decent lens? Doug?
puredrifting
Major Contributor
I'm guessing about $50k-$60k? I wouldn't spend $25k personally on a single 2/3" chip camera, I would get the Z750 like Doug, if I had the work to justify it. I don't.
Doug Jensen
Carbonite Member
Someone could easily outfit a Z450 with a good Fujinon lens and viewfinder for under $45K. The Fujinon ZA17x7.6 would be a good solid lens that won't break the bank. There are probably some good deals out there on 2/3" used lenses too. Don't get hung up too much on whether a lens is officially rated for "4K" or not. Any good HD lens is going to look just as good in most situations.
Doug Jensen
Carbonite Member
For me, the upgrade to the Z750 was worth it, but I don't look down my nose at the Z450. It is still a very capable camera that I've used several times on major sporting events, including at the 2018 winter Olympics. Everyone loved how the cameras looked and there were no complaints from anyone. I was just about to pull the trigger on a Z450 when the Z750 was announced.
I think this video that I shot three years ago with a demo Z450 shows it can look very good. And I think you'd surprised how much money the clips in this video have already earned as stock. It is a great business we work in!
Bassman2003
Veteran
Damn Doug, that was quite an impressive demo! Great shooting!! Sure the camera looks great but you would have made any camera look great with your skills. Although there are times when the right type of camera allows you to get the shot... How long was your 'tour of the west' and other parts to compile these shots? Quite a few locations represented.
Doug Jensen
Carbonite Member
Thank you for the compliments, it was fun to shoot.
Sony loaned me the camera in Vegas at the end of NAB and I shot all of that video on the drive back home to Rhode Island. I think I had the camera for about 10-14 days if I remember correctly. It was a very productive trip.
This photo was taken along the way near the Great Salt Lake.
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Impressive demo Doug. Beautiful footage. A wide range, fast, parfocal zoom that has the MTF to resolve 4k on such a small sensor is a major achievement in lens design.
The other thing one can see from Doug's footage is that 2/3" is capable of significant creative DOF control when desired.
I still think the 2/3"-1"/ S-16mm format size is the best general purpose production camera format in existence. My personal favorite.
Consider how far this ENG form factor has evolved since 1967 with the RCA TK76 and the first AMPEX VR-3000 suitcase portable VTR.
The other thing one can see from Doug's footage is that 2/3" is capable of significant creative DOF control when desired.
I still think the 2/3"-1"/ S-16mm format size is the best general purpose production camera format in existence. My personal favorite.
Consider how far this ENG form factor has evolved since 1967 with the RCA TK76 and the first AMPEX VR-3000 suitcase portable VTR.
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Bassman2003
Veteran
Looks like it was a great trip.
I love the low DOF of full frame cameras, but you don't always need it and shooting wide open on a 2/3" lens and getting a little further back can still look great. Often you want more DOF not less.
Its better to be in-focus than out-of-focus with a beautiful soft background.
Its better to be in-focus than out-of-focus with a beautiful soft background.
Doug Jensen
Carbonite Member
For the foreseeable future my Z750 and my S1H (when I truly need super shallow DOF) are going to make the perfect combination. If you exclude drones and GoPros for very specialized shooting, there isn't really anything those two cameras can't handle except 4K HFR over 60 fps. Which I rarely need anyway. For the first time in many years I feel content.