Which camera should we use?

[agcohn]

We're going to start shooting our thesis project toward the end of March, and we need to make a decision about which camera we are going to use: my personal DVX-100A or the school's HVR-Z1U.

The catch with the Sony is that we have been told that we are not allowed to shoot HD. They do not want us using their new expensive cameras as decks (wimps ), and they have not installed separate HDV decks yet.

I have been told that the Z1U should be higher resolution in true widescreen than the DVX, but we like the look of the DVX's 24p, and we're not sure how the Z1U fares in this regard. None of us have used the Z1U very much, and certain features have confused us so far.

I am a lot more familiar with the DVX as far as basic functionality goes.

Thanks for your input.

 

[Cheesesailor77]

if you can't use HD then it's a no brainer, use your own DVX

 

[Stas_Tagios]

The Z1U's "cineframe 24" mode is not true 24p, it's a weak attempt to emulate true 24p. The new Sony V1U apparently offers a true 24p mode, but I havne't shot with it, so I don't know if it's any good. If you're looking for true 24P shooting, between the DVX and the Z1U, only the DVX will give it to you.

 

[filmat11]

Use what you are familiar with..less headaches. Don't get caught up in gear issues, when it's almost apples -vs- apples. Your camera is very good for your project. I say stick to what you know..

 

[HorseFilms]

Agreed. Since you're not allowed to shoot HD, there's no advantage to using a camera that you're less familiar with. Go with the DVX.