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Manufacturer:
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Sony
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Model:
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HVR-Z1E
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Short Description:
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Camcorder that spans the prosumer divide
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Why was it needed and what did it replace:
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We use hired Z1's as second unit cameras and as we became familiar with it felt it was time to get our own because the quality we are now getting extends our range.
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Author:
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Simon Morice
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Date:
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17/09/2007
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What other systems did you consider? :
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Panasonic HVX 200
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Why did you choose it?:
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Most robust build of all the options we looked at. Rental companies confirmed this. Firestores give it file based capabilities cheaply.
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Did you buy new or used - if new did you consider used / visa versa? :
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New. We only get UK stock after an Ebay grey import caused us hell. Not worth the hassle.
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Who did you buy it from (direct from manufacturer or through a dealer)?:
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From H Preston.
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What price did you pay?:
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GBP3171 inc
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Were you happy with the sales service?:
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Extremely. All delivered next day in excellent packaging.
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What major projects have you used it (or plan to use it) for?:
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Documentary filming. Reconstruction and flight of an historic aircraft. The Z1 provides second unit HD footage.
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Does it perform as expected?:
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It has some really nice features such as A B settings so you can do really neat pull focus and zooms without all those fiddly addons.
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Pro's:
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Masses of functionality in a small package. Transflective display. Cheap batteries and stock consumables. XLR audio, small size.
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Con's:
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Rear viewfinder makes it tiring. Zoom is not as smooth as more expensive cameras, on board mic, no dial in colour temp. Lack of SD etc output.
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What would your brief summary be on this product?:
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The Z1 combines a robust build within a small body. It can produce surprisingly good imagery as soon as you learn to stop using auto.
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About you – please tell us about you, your background, your company and any credits you or your company may have :
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We are broadcast trained and experienced editors and have established a mainly post production business but also have a production capability.
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