Just when I thought the solid state EX1 was set to dominate the TV self-shooting market Sony announces the HVR-Z5E. The Z5 has one major advantage over the more expensive EX1 and the old Z1E it can take BOTH tapes or memory cards. As with the HVR-Z1E, you have the option to record in either DV, DVCAM or HDV – but unlike the Z1E the Z5 can also give you 25p native progressive recording.
It’s the addition of the optional HVR-MRCK1 CF Memory Recorder (as found on the HVR-Z7E and HVR-S270E) – that makes the Z5 a truly hybrid camera capable of simultaneously recording to tape and solid state media. You can record different formats onto two seperate media at the same time.
Having the option of shooting on tape or card means that Production companies can invest in future technology but also sit on the fence a while longer before committing to shooting a tapeless series with all the extra kit and back up options this requires. Also if you are shooting at home you can still play your old tapes into your PC or Mac for DV editing but still have the potential of tapeless workflow.
What else does it have over the Z1? It has a much better rating under low light (1.5 lux) and it has a far more powerful zoom range (20x). Even better I always hated the aperture knob on the Z1, well the Z5 has an aperture control on the lens barrel like posh cameras.
If you want all the specs you can see a video here at the Sony site, but please come back!
Of course you’ll want to know the price - it’s reasonable (OCT 08 PRICES !!) at £3,347 inc vat, Eur 3690 + vat, or US$5,300 if you’re Stateside. You will certainly get a good few years out of it before the next big thing comes along. I am still happily shooting home and web videos on my Sony PD150 which is over 5 years old.
03/09 UPDATE: Check out this comprehensive video for more Z5 info.
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October 29th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
I had a comment from Algis asking about the Panasonic HVX 200 and why I hadn’t mentioned it in the same breath as the Z5?
The fact is that I do not know enough about the HVX 200. Unlike some other sites I won’t just slap up a review without knowing the facts. There is a good article here though,
http://dvxuser.com/articles/HVX200/
One thing I will say is that I work in broadcast TV in the UK (Reality TV, Factual entertainment but not news) and I haven’t seen a single Panasonic camera on a TV shoot for 10 years. Sony and the DVCAM format dominates and if you want to work in TV in the UK and wanted to spend a lot of cash on a camera you’d want to buy a Sony. Get used to the controls, get fast with it, shoot well, and you will gain a headstart to your TV career.
May 28th, 2009 at 9:15 am
yes i also work in telly in the uk, i find it strange people use sonys so much..the hvx is pretty good imho
September 16th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
how do i capture from a z5 to final cut pro 7?? cant seem to capture anyone help
September 16th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Hi Ahmad, could you specify how you are connecting, what format/medium you are shooting on etc for us to help jules
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:43 pm
hi Ahmed and ADMIN
I have the same problem with the Z5 and FCP7
I am using a firewire cable, one end 8pin and the other fits into the camera.
Final cut Pro does register the camera whats so ever. In the capture and log window i getting no communication.
Im in England so im in pal.
November 15th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
I should post your question to the FCP Help Forum, as this sounds like a FCP interface issue.
I use Adobe Premiere Pro CS4 and have no probs with 1394 firewire connect for capture - DV & HDV.
Bought the Z5 about 4 months ago (previously a PD170 user). Love it.