Z1 Best Way To Record Audio

jnolla

jnolla

Active member
Good Evening Team,

Since my last post, long debating has been going on with the new Z1's and the new Pani HD cameras to come.

Well as I posted last, we where going to wait, and finally the wait has ended, we are purchasing the equipment tomorrow. The decision isn't the easiest one, but it must be made we really cannot spare any more time.

Yes we are going with the Z1's. Why:

1- Canon XL2, with attached 7 inch screen LCD, is about the same price.
2- Do like the 24p a lot, but not necessary for my work.
3- True 16:9 CCDs, A flavor of HD, and nice LCD.

I'm not very happy about the audio, but we where thinking of using a Digi 001 from ProTools, and a laptop, to be able to record six separate channels, giving us total control of the audio.

Which brings me to my last my question, is this the best way to get audio? or is it better just simply get to through the camera?

Please remeber I'm just a newbie. All comments are welcome.

Is the Pani HD, going to be available right after NAB? Though I don't think we can wait!

Thanks.
 
Like buying a new car.....get what you need now...get the newest and better model later when it comes out. I can't for the life of me understand how someone can call themselves a professions shooter...and hold off on buying professional shooter equipment equipment for 10 months. Can they still call themselves a pro during that time? *smile*

Now, about the audio.

Since you are buying the camera, I really don't have to tell yu this, but....don't be sad about the audio. Yes, you can get a Digi001 and lug a laptop and breakout box, or you can go through the camera itself.

it's up to you. Either way, when you get the camera, you'll realize I wasted my time telling you this. *smile*

I sure hope the Pany is available within 30 days of NAB. But do I think that will happen? NOPE....which is why I am perplexed by everybody's obsession with "NAB". It's just a convention to show off things that are "Coming Soon". Kinda like reading a Gaget Magazine. What good is drooling over the stuff in a gadget magazine if I can't got to Fry's and buy the darn thing!

How many people in 2004 waited on buying the 2006 Honda? *smile*

- Shannon W. Rawls
 
Shannon, I don't think it has anything to do with buying professional equipment as soon as you can. If the features that you want aren't included in the camera then why buy it. If you want to go off-roading would you rather buy a 2005 Sports car or a 2002 SUV? PErsonally I don''t go off roading or even like SUV's but if the question is obvious. I wouldn't take my car on an offroad trek no matter how new it is. There is a purpose for each camera. Shanon, how can you criticise someone for waiting for something that they want rather than settle for something that they don't. I'd say, if your not sure, rent the camera, do your shoot and then buy a camera when your sure it has the features that you want. Some poeple can afford to buy a new camera everytime one comes out. For the majority, however, that is neither ecconomical nor make much sense. Would I like to have access to every camera out there. Sure why not, but why not just rent the camera that meets my needs for a couple of days, and save my pennies for the camera that I really want.

I'm not saying the Z1 isn't a good camera, I have seen some great looking stuff from it, however, for many this is not the camera that they want to buy, and this does not make them any less professional than anyone else.
 
How does a simple Audio question turn into a question of ones professionalism and shooter status? This isn't about NAB and this isn't about automobiles.

Unfortunately I am not familiar with the Z1; but since no one remotely answered the poor guys question. Maybe someone who actually has experience with the camera can give some insight regarding the Audio and the Z1 instead of "..don't be sad and blah blah blah..." and a bunch of other irrelevant gab and confession's of
conspicuous consumption.

Anyone offer any real insight on how to go about it for jnolla?
 
Thanks John!

I really just need info, about quality of recording, and if an external source for audio, a necessity rather than luxury.

Also how can the audio from the Digi board, be sync with the video. I use FCP 4.5 as NLE.

Thanks
 
John Hudson....are you on a crusade to say someting about everything I say in here? You don't like ole' ShannyShan or someting??? Are you following me around in here?? Women used to do that to me back in college, it was flattering. but to have John_Hudson do it too??? Uhhhhhh.....hahaha

Since you are not familiar with the Z1, what are you doing here?? Dude.......BEAT IT!

He didn't ask a 'simple' question. he started a discussion thread with a question in it. I decided to DISCUSS it with him and then answer his question. Post relevance to what he stated. Notice how Scharky decided to chime in on the DISCUSSION at the DISCUSSION board. Take his approach and DISCUSS or shut up.

Anyhow, kick rocks John...

jnolla.....as I said in my initial reply before, you won't be sad with the audio quality of the Z1. Take it from from someone who is FAMILIAR with the Z1 (unlike others who decided to open their mouths, lol) and knows a bit about audio. I am not sure what type of shooting that you will be doing, but an outboard recorder is better for ANY CAMERA. If you are considering a Digi001 and laptop simply because you think the Z1 is not up to snuff.....then you'll be getting it as a luxury, and after you get the camera, you will see that what I am saying is a wste cause you will experience the cameras good audio for yourself. now if you REALLY REALLY want Pro-Tools on set, then my buddy has Digi001 that he can sell you because he upgraded to a Digi002. Email me offline if you are seriously thinking about getting one. or just grab a new or eBay. either way.
 
Edited previous post; for lack of tact.

At first glance I read your post and was about to pull the plug; but thanks to the patience level of Job I chilled. I can dig it and 86'ing you isn't the answer.

Wow. Shannon. Take it easy; I have never been accused of stalking before even with my 451 thousand posts a day; if I replied in 2 of the same posts you did there is no need to confuse matters nor raise questions of your sexuailty. No one is asking. I believe you.

I think you are confusing our differing opinions on format/technology with a personal vendetta? I assure you, there is no crusade. You would know by now if there was I assure you.

I can be a little rough and lax when posting so I can see where you possibly took offense with my use of "..blah blah blah..." take, but really man; I don't even know you so can't make any real judgements on if I like you or not; something tells me I don't though. But that is no matter; we can exist in harmony within the forum and going forward in the future I'll be sure to carefully word my responses within a thread you might be in to ensure friendly debates; and no that doesnt mean Ill run smack and throw a *smile* at the end or a "lol". To be fair; I can honestly say "I have no idea if I like you are not." I just know you bro. Who knows.

Really; let's chill out and take a step back. If you can handle it I can handle it. You wanna run some real smack send me a PM but there isn't a need for some public session such as this. Saying "Beat it; Shut up or Kick rocks..." Dude. Bro. Come on. You're killing me. Take it easy next time and send me a PM; I sent you one.

And fix your damn location man.
 
John, i was just throwing blank jabs and hooks trying to virtually defend myself, that's all. I know you're the man here, and I respect you. I understand more then you think...I too own an extremely popular discussion forum website ( www.kazodiass.com ), so I feel you.

So.... shake on it? (sticking hand out)

and can I continue to ....... *smile* (it's a trademark). lol

- Shannon W. Rawls
 
This site is amazing, not trying to be funny, but in a way its teaching people how to be diplomatic and have honest discussions about things they disagree on.
 
Everyone play nice.. Shannon be carefull or John will come over to your site and shut down your servers by posting 50,000 posts a minute.. hes got that quick reply button Macro'd.

Maybe we should have a big mud wrestling pit at NAB.. let some pissed off users throw it down.
 
Ha...that would be cool! Instead of us fighting, let's put our girlfriends/wives in the ring instead though. First one to go topless, loses. *smile*

Hey....is DVXUSER gonna have a NAB party this year??

- ShannonRawls.com

(i hope my wife doesn't monitor this site)
 
Erm, xuse me, but... about the sound. From my short experience I have to admit that the sound in HDV mode on my Z1E is a bit poor. If it's dialog it's fine. But for the sound is being mpeged it looses a bit of the deep and the shiny sides. So if you need clear crisp sound you should do a separate recording using a good digi-tape-recorder. If you are using a synch cable you might be loosing your freedom to move around, so why not do it the old fashioned way: Use what we germans call a "Klappe" (I have no idea what you americans call the thing that you write the sequence no. and shot information on, and then it makes "clack".) I think this is a fine methode if you are editing afterwords and can adjust a little bit what has gone unsynch.
 
depends on the project you are going record - if it going to cinema reliese or you are going to hi quality of mix adeditting - run double system - everything from nomad k-b 3 and hier would be grate - if its only doco for tv reliece - go straight to the camera
the sound is ok for that kind of thing
eventually this is matter of money - you wont it beettr - you pay - i did some tests between that one and my 744 and the z-1 loose - so if you will ask me what do you prefer - ill defently go with the external (better) recording) - if you would say that you dont have the money for that i would bring the snake and go dyrectly to the camera - very symple like all other things in life
 
Back to the topic: I try to use a fostex FR2 for any serious audio. It's pretty quick to set up and the quality is better than my fx1. If I had a Z1 with XLR's and phantom power I would probably use the built-in audio more, but I suspect that the FR2 would still come out of the case whenever possible.
Good luck,
Sam
 
I understand the limitations, in terms of carring more equipment. But I think the Digi gear gives me more than just recording, I becomes a small studio at Post time.

The other option is using: R-4 Four Channel Portable Recorder & WAVE Editor from Edirol. Has anyone had any expirience?
 
If you're building up a sound kit you should consider a sound devices mixpre. It really has great microphone inputs...
Good luck!
Sam
 
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