Re: Sony Z1U versus the new Z7 Rant

Michael,

I have just read a very extensive (UK) review of EX1 in which the lens was given a particularly enthusiastic vote of confidence. The overall picture quality was stated to be much better than the Z1 and 'just a tad' below that of the XDCAMs.

To me, the advantage of reduced DOF due to the 1/2", as oposed to 1/3", CCDs is a very welcome step; 2/3" would be even nicer though! The possible disadvantage of the EX1 is that the lens is integral, but looking at the present range of detachable lenses for 1/3" sensors one will have to pay as much for an alternative lens as for the camera itself to achieve a worthwhile improvement over the standard lens eg. JVC GY-HD110 system camera.

As far as storage and archiving is concerned, I feel that the time needed to download the files from the memory card into a laptop + external hard drive is of no great concern, but I realise that for some this may not be the case. Long term archiving on a hard disk is, I would suggest, more reliable than it would be on tape; hard disks are not expensive these days.

The ability to record on tape and/or memory card is very attractive, I just wish that the Z7 had larger CCDs. However, my main dislike applies to Z1, EX1 and Z7 cameras and it is that of the small buttons/switches which, in comparison to those on the larger professional cameras, are quite difficult to feel/find when shooting; having migrated down from a full size DVCAM to a Z1 this is something that I really miss.

Like you, I am now looking at the next progression and am torn between the convenient size and portability of the EX1 and the greater flexibility of its bigger XDCAM brothers.