Update to Sony HVR-Z1 Prices

Rogue Crew

Rogue Crew

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From Video Systems Newsletter 12.2.04

Update to Sony HDV Prices
Tuesday's HDV @ Work reported the list price of Sony Business Solutions & Systems' new HDV camcorder, the HVR-Z1, as $4,900. The actual list price of the HVR-Z1 will be $5,946. (The previously reported price of $4,900 is the expected price for resellers.)
 
Re: Update to Sony HVR-Z1 Prices

Ouch... now would be the time to save your money for a modded uncompressed (HD!) DVX!
 
Re: Update to Sony HVR-Z1 Prices

It's just a trick I guess to force you to buy the FX1 now. BH is selling the FX1 under liste price.
 
Re: Update to Sony HVR-Z1 Prices

But I doubt they will sell the Z1 for a whole grand under the new price :p
 
Re: Update to Sony HVR-Z1 Prices

once panny comes out with their cam the Z1 will be 3900 ;D
 
Re: Update to Sony HVR-Z1 Prices

panny coming out wiith new camera????? oooo any idea of featurres?
 
Re: Update to Sony HVR-Z1 Prices

Nobody knows anything yet. But since Pansonic has introduced new models nearly every year, I think it's a safe bet that they will eventually introduce a new model. The questions are multiple:
1) when? Who knows.
2) will they join the HDV coalition or introduce their own format?
3) progressive-scan? This is almost surely a "yes", given the success of the DVX and the SDX, but hey, you never know until it's done...

So no, there's been no talk of any actual announcement, and the only thing Panasonic's even hinted at (that I know of) is that balsa-wood P2 mockup cam they showed a year ago. But, come on, they're a bazillion-dollar company with incredible R&D and they also listen to their customers, so obviously they will respond. Whether it'll be this year or next, that's the question. It took Canon three years to get around to releasing the XL2, but it only took Panasonic a year to release the 100A update, so -- well, as always, nobody knows. And if they do know, they're not talking.
 
Re: Update to Sony HVR-Z1 Prices

yeah...who knows...

I think it would be logical for them to release a DVCProHD camcorder, because they already master this technique.
Plus, it would give them a big edge over HDV.
If they began to develop a HDV camcorder, then it will take too much time and Sony will establish the FX1 (Z1) as the new "standard".

...but...who knows...
 
Re: Update to Sony HVR-Z1 Prices

If they were to introduce a prosumer-priced camera that recorded DVCPRO-HD... man, that would be a huge advantage. All the existing networks that already have DVCPRO-HD... all the infrastructure that supports it... you're not talking about a new format, you're talking about an existing format... I wonder if that would be possible? If they could do that, that would be a significant advantage!
 
Re: Update to Sony HVR-Z1 Prices

Barry Green, you might just get your DVCProHD wish.

According to pictures on a couple different websites, Panasonic displayed two different HD Palm cameras at InterBEE. One of them was labeled "HD-MPEG" and the other was labeled "DVCProHD".

http://www.scn-net.ne.jp/~tdcjapan/bee2004/BIG0294.JPG

There's a closeup of the DVCProHD version here:

http://www.geocities.jp/sumi653/P2HD.jpg

A few words of warning, though:

(1) We have no idea what the price point for these models might be; the DVCProHD model might not be sold at a prosumer price,
(2) At this point, they look like just identical mockups with slightly different lettering on them. The fact that they look so similar suggests to me that they haven't gotten far along the path to making them real. (OTOH, it could be that the models are identical externally except for recording format...), and
(3) As with all internet news/rumor reports, take everything with a big grain of salt.
 
Re: Update to Sony HVR-Z1 Prices

Speculative but interesting... looks like they're doing the old "run a flag up the pole and see who salutes" thing.

--Ralph :D
 
Re: Update to Sony HVR-Z1 Prices

NOW THAT IS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!

Assumedly they showed the MPEG-2 version first, then when they played around with it and found the inherent problems, they decided to bite the bullet and make it full-fledged DVCPRO-HD.

Bring it on -- I for one will salute it! If it's a genuine implementation of DVCPRO-HD, with 24P, at a prosumer price point, HDV will be in some trouble.

If Panasonic gets this right, it will undoubtedly do well. And if they blow it, well, we can always fall back to the FX1/Z1 or stick with the DVX. Seems like we consumers are in a "can't lose" situation!
 
Re: Update to Sony HVR-Z1 Prices

..so agreed.  the only thing that gets me is that if it is full fledged HD we will have to deal with the extra cost associated. but new technology my allow for "finishing quality" to come from some higly compressed codecs which keep the bitrate and storage down anyway.. who knows. either way its exciting to think about for now.
 
Re: Update to Sony HVR-Z1 Prices

Well, sure – but it would be a SEVERE disappointment if Panasonic did not include real 24p. Sony? Not a particular surprise. But Panasonic has set the bar for itself.

Under $5K? I’m already eyeing a few stocks I can dump . . .
 
Re: Update to Sony HVR-Z1 Prices

I'm already thinking of ebay-ing some of my lesser-used lighting gear. Maybe the Britek DayPhoto's will go up for auction, and my old fluorescent 4-banks, and... other stuff... ;D
 
Re: Update to Sony HVR-Z1 Prices

First, DVCProHD in a prosumer camcorder is "MY" wish, not Barry's !
he he... OK ?
...I am sure i am the only one who wants that...:)

just remember, a few years ago, when Sony released low priced BetacamSP decks and camcorders...

...might be the same for DVCProHD...and we never know with P2 cards...
Panasonic is extremely silent...
No doubt in my mind...24p for sure. Their "trademark"...

Barry, when do you think you'll test the DVFilm software with the FX1 footage ? ....i am very curious.
thanks
 
Re: Update to Sony HVR-Z1 Prices

The problem with the DVFilm test is that there's no way to get footage back out to the camera, so I can't view it on an HD monitor. I can watch it on the computer monitor, but that's not a valid test. There's just no way to work with HDV footage yet (that I've found) and get it back to the camera. I'm open to suggestions! I've got access to an HD projection theater, but no way to get the footage there...
 
Re: Update to Sony HVR-Z1 Prices

[quote author=Barry_Green link=board=sony;num=1102028674;start=15#16 date=12/06/04 at 14:02:47]I'm already thinking of ebay-ing some of my lesser-used lighting gear. Maybe the Britek DayPhoto's will go up for auction, and my old fluorescent 4-banks, and... other stuff... ;D[/quote]
I don't think you're serious, but if you ever were, you could "e-bay" it right here at DVXuser.

And while I'm on the line, could you explain the differences between the DVCProHD format and Sony's new offerings?
 
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