Sony Z1U versus the new Z7 Rant

Where does this new Z7 fit in? The sony Z1U street price when it first appeared was around $5000.00 The new Z7 though with some fantastic features has a MSRP at close to $7000.00 so I'm assuming street price will be in the high $5000.00 range.

The Z1U made for a fantastic Event videographers camera at the time but now there are many low end video companies that are picking up FX1's and used Z1Us and there are even consumer HDV cameras. I cant see event videographers forking over $6000.00 when their competition is buying up cameras in the low $2000.00 that do relatively the same thing. Really is the picture on this new Z7 that much better. Sure we could use a better low light model and perhaps a better LCD display probably in a lighter camera. If people honestly want the ability to change lenses and want a better camera why not for $1000.00 more go with Sonys new HDCAM. At least you are dealing with a better codec.

I was excited to learn that sony had indeed released a new HDV until I learned of the price. I forked out $5000.00 for several of these Z1Us when they first came out and I could market HD easily because the competition didnt have HD. Now 3 years later they are everywhere and HDV is a matured codec. HD will probably remain a hot commodity but there are many entry level cameras that make it difficult for our client base to see the difference.

I'm going to have to pass on this camera, the price to upgrade doesnt make it worth while.