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O.T. camera choice
I am in the market for a new camera. I’ve been seriously looking at the Sony VX2100, but I can get the FX1 for a few hundred more. Although I probably won’t be using HDV for the time being, the FX1 does have a much better lens (Carl Zeiss) from what I have read. Low light recording is probably better on the VX2100 (1 lux) as compared to the FX1 (3 lux). I do like some of the features of the FX1 such as the higher resolution LCD screen and it being mounted on the handle. I’m just curious at to what some of your opinions would be on these two cameras. I’ve read also that some people state that the Panasonic DVX100 is a better choice, but I’m not that interested in the 24P film look, I’m mainly going for weddings, etc. for DVD. Any info and/or personal opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Ted -
4 Replies
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I’ve been using the Z1 for a couple of months and I just love it. As you say, the flip out screen is very well positioned, and it can be clearly seen even in bright sunlight.
If you do need a “look” for weddings the Cineframe mode is sensational! I have never been a 24p type of person, but the Cineframe look has impressed me.
I also like being able to assign effects to single buttons, e.g. backlight setting, and also have several Picture Profile settings pre-programmed. Another neat feature is shot transition – you can set up two different zoom/focus settings, then use a button push to smoothly change from one to the other.
I’m sure all 3 cameras you mentioned will do the job, but IMO the Z1/FX1 is something else. Even though everything I’ve done so far has been downconverted to widescreen SD, when HD delivery methods arrive this cam is ready.
Peter Wright
Perth, Western Oz
http://www.allroundvision.com.au -
Thanks Peter,
That is what I was thinking also as far as more features (programable buttons), lens, etc. And since it uses DV format for SD, I’m thinking it would be a step up from the VX2100 even if only used for SD.
Thanks so much for your input. -
Peter,
Just curious about the recording formats on the FX1. I know that HDV records to Mpeg2, but does SD record to regular DV or does it record to Mpeg2 also and then have to be down converted to DV?
Thanks,
Ted -
No, if you select DV as the shooting medium it records normal DV. I’m not sure about the FX1 but the Z1 can also record DVCam, which is basically DV at a faster tape speed and with a wider recording width.
Unless I have a special reason to record DV, which has happened a couple of times, I always record HDV so I have the footage available at that resolution for the future “just in case”.
Capturing wise, there is the choice of in-camera down-conversion to DV, which is easy (but currently generates different time code) or capture as HDV then software conversion to DV. Vegas conversion using the latter method is said to be better quality than in-camera down conversion, but the in-camera method still produces very acceptable quality.
Peter Wright
Perth, Western Oz
http://www.allroundvision.com.au
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