ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

12 years, 3 months ago - SP User

The world of camcorders has moved forward profoundly since the Z7 came out. I know because I had one.
The Z7 introduced a dual format recording system, record on card at the same time as recording on digital tape. This was useful in the sense that whilst using the file based system I always had tape backup for archiving the material. But it was also a useful, soft, entry into the world of file based recording.

And that's where we are now. I can't think a new camera that still uses mini DV tape so that leaves the field wide open to you to decide what kind of camera would best serve you. My own experience was to move onto a Canon 7D, form there to a Canon XF305 and last year we got a Canon C300.

All full HD options, all file based and all producing great images with different characteristics. It really depends on whether you want a large sensor camera, and build up a selection of lenses over time, or are happy with a camcorder with an attached zoom lens such as the Canon XF300/305.

There is a big buzz around the JVC GY-HM650 at the moment which has just been chosen as a news gathering camcorder by the BBC and Sony have recently introduced a new broadcast spec camcorder the PMW-200. You could also look at the Canon C100,

But all these cameras are solid state, file based systems. And that is where you will need to go if you want to keep abreast, get the benefits of , the latest digital innovations. Or you can carry on with you Sony Z7 which has a great lens and is almost full HD.

12 years, 3 months ago - jason ahluwalia

I still have my z7 but have just bought a Canon XF305 - This is a good upgrade because the media (CF card is cheap compared to other medias, also it is 4:2:2 and shooting 50mb approved by the BBC. What won it for me though is that it is about 2k cheaper then the Sony PMW200. The Sony has bigger sensors so better for shooting in low light, overall image quality should also be better and it is smaller then the canon. If you had the cash go with the sony, otherwis the Canon is a good option. By the way you will very easily get over using tapes and unless you just get another z7 you don't have an option.

12 years, 3 months ago - SP User

I moved from a Z7 to a Panasonic HVX-250, which along with the Canon X305, was the only small camera at the time fully approved by the BBC for HD (which may or may not be of relevance to you). For a variety of reasons a DSLR is totally inappropriate for the sort of documentaries I shoot. The Panasonic has a 22 to 1 zoom lens, a wide range of formats (up to 100mps 4.2.2) and great picture quality. It does, however, record on to expensive P2 cards and its low-light capablilites could be better, but I am happy with it. It's a viable altrenative to the Canon X305.
Sony now have the PMW-200, which I may have bought if it was available at the time.
Forget tapes - I bought a Z7 partly because I was nervous then about going totally tapeless, but I've got over that now. Drives are cheap and I back-up rushes on to Blu-Ray discs.

12 years, 3 months ago - Jamie Kennerley

Yeah, I'd echo Mark's points here. Sticking with tape is a bad move. It just makes no sense nowadays. The C300 is a wonderful camera, but if you're happier Sonys then perhaps look at the NEX-EA50, which is pretty cheap and produces pretty good images. If you can stretch to a Sony FS700 then I would.

12 years, 3 months ago - tony powell

Hi Ian, if you're interested, I'm selling a JVC GY-HD110E camera, with very low hours ( only 165 on the drum ), and am looking for around £850 for it as a quick sale. This camera has fully interchangeable lenses, and is especially good in low light, and for shooting chromakey. You can contact me either through SP, or on my mobile, which is 07719331720. Regards, Tony