Z1U or DVX...

D

downnfront

Member
so i was planning on purchasing a dvx finally, but recently i've found out that someone i know has a connection through his dad or something at sony and might be able to get me a Z1U for probably the same price as the retail dvx. i'm not planning on doing any hi-def stuff, at least not in the immediate future, and will be shooting mainly for the film-like look rather than crisp video. if i can get either camera (no price difference), which does everyone recommend? i've read that the Z1U still doesn't get a great 24p image, but its still quite tempting considering how cheap i'd be able to get it. any advice is great, thanks.
 
You're on a DVXUser board, so just beware that you are most likely going to get some biased opinions.

I would also recommend checking out the three way shoot out for information regarding HDV and see if that will affect you.

I have had very limited experience with the Z1, but overall I prefer the DVX100a. My reasons may seem cheesy, but they all boil down to image. I prefer the image of the Panasonic. I am by no means calling the z1u a bad camera, it is actually excellent, but all things give together I would purchase the DVX.

Then again... I would get the Sony, sell it on Ebay as brand new, get a DVX100a or b, and use the extra thousand dollars to get a good tripod and microphone... Yeah, that's what I would do.
 
Well, from the way you phrased it, it sounds like you have the choice of spending a lot of money to get a camera that doesn't do anything you want, or you could spend less money and get a camera that does exactly what you want. The choice seems easy to me...

Yes the Z1 is a more expensive camera, so getting it for cheap sounds tempting. But if it does things you don't care for (the supersharp high-def look) and doesn't do what you want (the filmlike 24p look) then what's the point? "Bragging rights" that you got it cheap or something? Wouldn't you rather have a tool that does what you want? And save $1,000 in the process?
 
thanks for the opinions, yeah it seems to make sense to go with the dvx considering what my needs are. i figured i'd throw it out there in case anyone would try to convince me that i'd be able to get a comparable 24p image from the sony. thanks again.
 
Here is a difinitive answer for you then:

You will not be able to get a similar 24p result from a Z1 as compared with the DVX.

The DVX has a very natural and film like quality to the 24p. The Z1 has a, it's hard to describe (and this is from someone who Barry had to walk through step by step to explain HD24p), a sterile look. I don't know how else to explain it. It does not give you the look that you want for your pictures.

Then again, if you want to do lots of documentaries and nature, the image from the z1 is hypnotizing. If you want to do narrative, I would not suggest it.
 
I am a Z1 user. I like (love) that camera. I do also think that some opinions here are somehow a bit religious ;). But: From what you say in your first post you need the dvx and you will not be sattisfied with the Z1.

Just to reasure you that you're going the t´right way. 24p is IMHO impossible with the Z1.
 
Philipp said:
24p is IMHO impossible with the Z1.
Click to expand...

I disagree. The Z1 and FX1 are both capible of putting out some stunning 24P even if it isn't exactly 'true' 24P. If edited and rendered correctly (plus transfered to film) it is possible [I know, because I've done it -successfully]

Sorry, had to clerify that. :thumbsup:
 
Re: looks - the Z1U/HD/60i shows what the eye sees, the DVX/FILM/24p shows what the mind sees.

The promotions on the DVX are too good to pass up (although my extra battery and tapes are arriving at a glaciers pace). I choose the DVX; HD is still in its infancy in my opinion, and since I only shoot for pleasure, I dont have to answer to clients wanting gear with buzz.

Let HDV/HD get real good= more features, lower price, and let the monitors come down in price as well. When it comes to buying gear, I like to hang back about 1.5 years, I find my money goes farther :)
 
I am with arwave.
At SD resolution, you can get real progressive scan but with better colors.

It is a slower process working this way. BUt I find images much better.
 
I have owned first the DVX, and now the Sony.
They are both very different devices. The DVX has a great film look, if setup as per Barry's DVD and Book. THe Sony can try to get there with post processing.

But in showing the Z1 footage to my client on a HD monitor gets alot more WOW, mainly due to the image size on screen.

The DVX is great for getting that film look quickly in camera.
The Z1 not so quickly, and in my opinion not in camera.

But...if and when Barry and Jarred give the thumbs up to the HVX, I'm there...
 
I transfered it to film at my local lab. And yes, we did compare. The only major difference was the slight motion blur that the FX1 puts out, and the DVX didn't.

If you're looking for a film-like camera get the DVX. If you want a more high res video look, but a still compelling 24P image, go for the FX1.

To each his own,

Jesse
 
I own a DVX and an FX1, and I love both, but saddly the time of the DVX has come (that super rebates clearly herald the end of the line). The FX1 image is far superior. Regarding CF24, I dont like it to much, if there is to much action or fast pans it suxs. But if youy tweak the FX1 (lower detail, balance with warm cards, etc ,etc) the look is amazingly cinematic, and if you run your footage thru DVFilm maker to make it 24p the poor good old DVX has nothing to do against the FX1.
 
Panasonic and Sony are different cameras. It's like comparing an apple with a pineapple. Each cameras have qualities and flaws.

About the deal, if you plan to shoot short films and you want the film look, the Panasonic will be the best choice.

If you want a broadcast look, a sharp image and of course, hi-def, the Sony will be the best.

Depend on your needs, select the camera in consicence. By reading the thread, I think the best is to invest in an AG-DVX100A camera.
 
Or you could just do what I'm going to do...

Give HD about three or four years and then transfer over. I think by that point the price will come down a lot and the technology will catch up. Personally I never like buying technology when it first comes out and HDV is still to much in its infancy to purchase.
 
easy choise.... get the DVX and prep for the HD in a couple yrs when it has more exposure in the industry. Maybe it'll become a standard in the next 5 yrs or something. doubt it but maybe.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top