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Home: Video University Forums: HDV:
Z1U or FX1

 

 


kcvideo
Novice

Feb 5, 2007, 2:33 PM

Post #1 of 7 (1380 views)
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Z1U or FX1 Can't Post

I am going to buy a new camera shortly, I would really like to have the Sony HDR-Z1U to go along with the FX1 I already have but I can't justify the price difference. I am a hobby/wedding videographer and shoot about 6 to 7 wedding/year. Can anybody tell me why I should spend an extra $900 for the Z1? Down the road when I decide to upgrade and sell this camera, which one would be easier to get rid of?


ChadC
User

Feb 5, 2007, 7:22 PM

Post #2 of 7 (1374 views)
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Re: [kcvideo] Z1U or FX1 [In reply to] Can't Post

Only reason I bought the Z1 over the FX1 was the XLR inputs. I wont buy a camera without them.


ChadC


RustyB
Veteran


Feb 5, 2007, 7:59 PM

Post #3 of 7 (1371 views)
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Re: [ChadC] Z1U or FX1 [In reply to] Can't Post


In Reply To
Only reason I bought the Z1 over the FX1 was the XLR inputs. I wont buy a camera without them.


ChadC



The Z1 (and the FX1 for that matter) is a lot of money to spend for a wedding video camera. But, if you're gonna spend the money, for sure I'd get the Z1 for the XLR inputs. In fact, I choose a PD170 over a FX1 for weddings, because the XLR inputs are that important to me. (And I can't afford to rent a Z1.Tongue)

I've used a VX2000, PD170, FX1, and Z1 to shoot weddings. I shoot alone, and the wireless+shotgun setup I prefer requires the two audio inputs. I've tried using the expensive clunky adapter boxes and bracketry, and I won't go back there. I hate all that garbage.

Especially during the reception; I use the cam-mounted shotgun for ambient/backup audio, and use the wireless system to mic the DJ's speaker on the other channel, for great sounding toasts. Then I just choose a balance between the two tracks in my NLE when editing. It's great if you shoot alone, and don't want to carry extra audio recorders and then have to deal with managing the extra audio files and syncing them on the timeline.

Good luck!




Faith Poison Wedding Films Blog
Intergalactic Award-Winning Epic-Cinematic Wedding New-Doc Style Indie Bridal Movies on Hi-Definition Blu-Ray Disc


Mike Fuhrmann
User

Feb 6, 2007, 1:44 AM

Post #4 of 7 (1354 views)
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Re: [kcvideo] Z1U or FX1 [In reply to] Can't Post

Isn't the Z1U about $1300 more than the FX1?


If you shoot mostly weddings as a passion, I would strongly suggest the FX1 as it has line/mic stereo input if you needed to connect a wireless mic system or a battery powered shotgun for that matter (such as the Audio-Technica AT897). Then all you need is a few adapters and this shoe mic mount for $30 >> Camera Shoe Mic Mount


If you shoot corporate work as well, I would go for the Z1U or better yet the new V1U!

-Mike
Artistic Media


KevinShaw
Veteran

Feb 14, 2007, 1:12 AM

Post #5 of 7 (1260 views)
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Re: [kcvideo] Z1U or FX1 [In reply to] Can't Post

As others have noted the Z1U has some advantages, but if you're only shooting a few weddings/year that may not be a justifiable expense. As an alternative, consider going the other way and getting a Sony A1U - which has XLR adapters and won't cost you nearly as much. The A1U isn't very good in dim lighting, but use it as a balcony cam at the ceremony and so on and you could get by okay.


steslat
User


Feb 24, 2007, 10:49 AM

Post #6 of 7 (1155 views)
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Re: [RustyB] Z1U or FX1 [In reply to] Can't Post

Hi Rusty, What do you use to mic the speakers for the toasts? Sounds like a nice simple set-up.

Steve


RustyB
Veteran


Feb 24, 2007, 12:06 PM

Post #7 of 7 (1150 views)
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Re: [steslat] Z1U or FX1 [In reply to] Can't Post


In Reply To
Hi Rusty, What do you use to mic the speakers for the toasts? Sounds like a nice simple set-up.

Steve




One of the smartest piece of kit I have....and I travel very light these days:

http://www.videouniversity.com/...ight%20stand;#348314


(Actually, other than a tripod and a pair of headphones, it's the only wedding video gear I still own!Laugh)




Faith Poison Wedding Films Blog
Intergalactic Award-Winning Epic-Cinematic Wedding New-Doc Style Indie Bridal Movies on Hi-Definition Blu-Ray Disc