Sony HVR-Z1U vs. Sony HDR-FX1

[Trevin Steger]

Hello. I'm fairly new to this sight. I am currently looking for a new camera. I have been doing research on the HVR-Z1U as well as the HDR-FX1 for the past week. I am going to be using the camera for action sports(wakeboarding, snowboarding, and skateboarding) I am also going to be using the camera for short film. I already know that neither cameras have true 24p but I love the film look alot so I think that the cineframe would be rather nice. Which camera do you think would be better for what I am going to be filming? I am also open for suggestions on different cameras. Thank you for your help in advance.

 

-Trevin Steger

[shoodogg]

Hi Trevin,

 

Both cameras are good for the price, but I would suggest the Z1U. I own and love both, but the Z1U has a few features that a professional must have. For example, XLR audio inputs, 4:3 safety zone guides, gamma control, 50i/60i selectable, downcoversion edge crop/squeeze/letterbox, and I think there was something else, but I don't remember what it is.

 

The glass and resolution is identical between the two, but if you are thinking about indie film making with a film look, I would suggest the Z1U in 50i mode and then drop it to 24fps in post production. Much smoother adjustment than going from 60i to 24p.

 

-Scott

[Kroy Aziani]

Don't bank on the Cineframe function, you might be very disappointed. Sony did a decent job touting it up as a good way to give your footage the film look but frankly it doesn't do all that well IMHO. You're better off shooting with Cineframe off and tinkering with the look in post.

 

The Z1U has XLR inputs, the FX1 doesn't. If you plan on using your camcorder for main audio recording the Z1U is the way to go.