Sony HVR-Z1U

This was a MAJOR investment, involving ALL members of our production company (Not Me Productions). I decided to purchase the Sony HVR-Z1U camera based on it’s use in the TV arena, recommendation by a MAJOR studio representative and the NUMEROUS positive reviews it has received to date. Also, the deal offered by '4rrest' was GREAT! A fair price with extras thrown in.

This camera has performed superbly! It is EVERYTHING the critics said and more! We have used it on one documentary shoot and one TV Sitcom shoot (with a 2nd rented Sony HVR-Z1U) with excellent results. As suggested by Sony (and others) we shot everything in 1080i using the new Sony PHDVN-63DM Digital Master tapes and edited with Sony Vegas (7) in HD. The training video that was included with the camera helped all the camera operators (3) get ‘Up to Speed’ quickly, avoiding costly mistakes and taking advantage of the cameras' new features. The only issue we’ve encountered so far involves transferring the ‘Universal’ timecode from the camera into Vegas but that’s not any fault with the camera (we ‘Synced’ both cameras to make editing easier –it worked on the cameras, but not in Vegas, so far).

Virtually EVERYTHING can be MANUALLY controlled (to an 'old time' photographer, that's the ONLY way to go). But, if you wnat FULL auto, you can do that as well. The 'Gain' control and presets allow this camera to work in VERY low light with little 'Gain Noise', a real surprise.

In short, just can't say enough about this camera.

Thanks again to '4rrest' for providing accurate information and FAST service.