[Mark Goldberg]

I am all in favor of getting into HDV, in fact, I just bought a Z1 to take over from my trusted PD150, but I am shooting primarily single camera jobs, film style.

You talk about a three camera setup. If you plan to accomplish the switching and effects in post, and have the right software with the right HDV codecs, the Z1 will work for you.

Live switching of these cameras right now is not an option, unless you use them in SD mode and make the same SD picture you did with the older cameras. But then what’s the point?

I got the Z1 last week and have used it on three assignments so far – a small wedding, a graduation party, and a personal graduation video for the family of one graduate.

There is a lot in common with the 150/170 generation of cameras, such as the menu system. The Z1 is a little heavier, but the camera is better balanced and the position of the view screen makes it possible to rest the camera in front of your shoulder. The lens has also been improved.

Many of the labelled buttons have been removed in favor of 6 assignable buttons. For example, there are no buttons for fade, backlight, and spotlight. I never used fade anyway, so I assigned the buttons to the functions I did use. There is the usual menu button, plus a personal menu button for functions you work through a lot. I set up my personal menu to cover mic input functions.

Low light performance is a half stop less than the PD 150, but there is a hypergain function available. There are also scads of image appearance choices, but I have not gotten into that yet.

I got the cam on a Thursday and had planned to practice for a month before taking it out on a job. But it handled so well that I decided to initiate it the next day.

In a lot of ways, this is a thinking person’s camera.

[Mark Goldberg]

You are wise to be concerned about this, especially if your video is going to get wide viewing as with a commercial. Copyright infringement settlements in those cases can be quite substantial.

At one time this type of clearance was handled by companies like the Harry Fox Agency. I don’t know if they are still involved in it, but they can refer you to someone else who is.

What you are seeking is called synchronization rights.

[Mark Goldberg]

Two things.

1. If you read an unusually low price from a dealer, you better check the dealer out as the other posters suggested. Many of these low-ballers practice bait and switch techniques, calling you after your order trying to sell you the accessories that normally come with a new camera, or other way-overpriced stuff. You may also find them charging close to $100 for shipping!

2. My personal opinion is that if you are in professional event video, the best move now is to get into some form of HD. I just got a Sony Z1 and I’m thrilled with it. My feeling was that it did not make sense to replace my aging DV camcorders with standard def equipment in the age of HD and widescreen.

I have had great experience with B&H Photo. They are reputable and their delivery is FAST. For non pro stuff I also like OneCall.com.

[Mark Goldberg]

There are several denominations in Judaism – Orthodox, Traditional, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Reform. In general, you can assume that use of still or video cameras during the service on Saturday is not permitted, and your only option is to tape and photograph at a staged rehearsal during the week. Some Reform and Reconstructionist congregations do allow some degree of taping on Saturday, but it may be with their security cameras or from some location in the back. You can forget about being allowed to change angles or use your flash.

I do a lot of these events and I actually prefer doing the staged performance. I can shoot film style and change camera angle and lighting as needed, as well as re-do parts where the honoree messes up.

Many synagogues use this security camera video thing as a way to earn some revenue and provide a service to congregants without having the usual acouterments of production. You could do something creative and mix this with staged footage.

The service usually runs about two hours.