Sony HVR-Z1U HDV

Hello,

I'm considering the purchase of a used Sony HVR-Z1U HDV cam. I don't know an awful lot about cameras so I'm looking for a little input form someone with knowledge of the setup as to how this cam will function with FCPX. Are there any red flag cons to this combo?

Thanks in advance. All input is greatly appreciated as always.

I don't know a thing about cameras, but wouldn't it be better if you buy a tapeless camera instead of HDV?

That's certainly my preference as well. Thing is, my client asked me to do this shoot for him. I suggested renting a camera and he said "Nope, let's buy one". I searched the used marketplace and all I could find was this one a HVR-A1U 1080i HDV and a HDR-FX1 HDV. I was told the HVR-Z1U was the best of 'em.

I have this camera; very nice for an HDV unit. As canelson says, it might be worth going to tapeless. The only way I can get material in to FCPX is via Firewire and using the camera in VTR mode, and capture manually. I bought a Sony HDR-AX2000 and am much happier.

Steve

I would imagine using tape that you'd tend to preview the tape and import only what you need? It's transferred in real time, yes? How about the audio? It's only 16 bit and compressed to tape at that, correct? I'm speaking about the Z1U.

How old is your HDR-AX2000?

To be honest, I don't remember about the audio. Seems adequate, I guess. Any time you go to tape or cards in the camera, the material is compressed.

You're right, you import only what you need, but you have to move the tape to the point you want (roughly) and start the capture from there, capture the material in real time, stop the capture then stop the tape. Move to the next scene, and so on. Since FCPX has no batch capture, that's what you're stuck with.

Tape-based workflows are a real pain once you get spoiled and go to tapeless workflows . If you can pass on the camera, I would and hold out for an SD or other card-based media camera.

I bought the HDR-AX2000 in 2010 I think. For our corporate stuff it has been perfect.

There's always something when it comes to choosing gear. I understand the tape issues. I suppose, looking on the bright side, you don't end up importing a lot of footage you don't need and then you're able to retain a backup on the tape if so inclined. I've worked with SD based cams and they're quite convenient for sure.

Given my timeline (none) and the choices at hand, I guess I'll have to make do unless I miraculously come across an SD camcorder in the next 48 hours. There doesn't seem to be much out there in the $1000-$2000 price range (used or refurbished).

Have you any experience with the Z1U?

Thanks so much for your input. It's very much appreciated.

Canon EOS 60D DSLR Camera (Body Only) $600
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens U$S $1,149.00
Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder $270
Lexar 8GB SDHC Memory Card Professional Class 10 UHS-I - 2-Pack U$S 22

Total: U$S 2041.-

Maybe?

What all will you need to shoot with it?

The Z1 U is now 8 years old the picture quality average at best. There are domestic cameras that shoot much better images than this device.

Plus HDV tape is a world of pain.

sbecker777 wrote: Tape-based workflows are a real pain once you get spoiled and go to tapeless workflows .

What he said.

I have a tape-based workflow at work and card-based at home (small Canon video camera, Nikon DSLR and Go Pro). Tapes are so slow, heads can get dirty and with HDV if there's a dropout, you lose more than just a frame - it could be a whole second. Ungood.

I understand the appeal of the Z1U. All those cameras were/are pretty good - 3 chip CCD (no rolling shutter issues with good old CCDs) but I wouldn't buy one for myself today unless I was also buying an Atomos Ninja or equivalent to do the capturing. And by the time you factor in the Atomos cost (plus storage) you could be getting close to the cost of a new Sony NX5 or similar from Canon.

I have no idea how to capture HDV using FCP X so I recently used my old iMac with FC Express, captured the tape as a block and then moved the file to the new iMac with FCP X.

In fact, for my Z1U I bought a Focus Enhancements FS-5 about 4 years ago because of the tape. Today I'd buy the Atomos Ninja if I still had to use the Z1U.

I think you're hearing the chorus of those of us who've moved beyond tape and don't want to move back- nor let any of our friends do it either!
Steve

sbecker777 wrote: I think you're hearing the chorus of those of us who've moved beyond tape and don't want to move back- nor let any of our friends do it either!
Steve

Friends don't let friend use tape?

I just moved to FCP X at home (using FCP 6 at work) after being a lurker since 10.0.0, and the speed of acquisition, skimming, keywords etc is just blindingly fast.

Thank you everyone for your responses here.

It's a frustrating place to be put in, when the client wants one thing regardless of your advice otherwise. I hear you all with regard to the tape issues. It's always been a cumbersome process so when something comes along that negates that tedious process one would think it's a no brainer.

At any rate, in order to forgo a $200.00 rental charge the client opted for the $1300.00 Z1U. We did the shoot, and I'm typing this post as I wait for the real time playback/import of the dreaded "tape".

Just a note: The importing of the Z1U media into FCPX has been an absolute breeze. No futzing around necessary. In my past experience importing any tape based archive, there's always been glitches and mood spoilers. This has been awesome thus far. The image quality isn't so bad for an older camera but definitely not what one would expect from a newer model.

sbecker/Martin . . . good point about the Atomos Ninja. Not an option (as you may well imagine) for this client.

Thanks again for all your input. This forum and it's members continue to be so helpful!

Just an addendum: my Sony HVR-V1P (similar style and vintage to the Z1U) just went in for repairs for back focus issues.

Why did the client want to pay $1300 for a second-hand camera rather than rent one for $1100 less? Do they intend to keep shooting with it?

Yes, the client has ideas of using the camera again but for how long, I'm uncertain. He asked what the resale value would be prior to making the purchase. I told him that if he's thinking of selling it right after the shoot that I didn't think it was the best plan. Impossible to answer accurately of course unless he intends to sell it tomorrow.

The customer's always right though, no?

When your client asked you about the resale value of the camera, I think you should have laughed a good hard belly laugh and then looked at your client and said "oh, you were serious...?"

The customer is always right, until they leave the room...

But this thread brings up an interesting subject. Where do you draw the line and refuse a job?

LMAO grailz and BenB (and crying at the same time). You don't know the half of it.

If it weren't for my kids, that job, this post . . . would have never have happened.