Help Me Pick A Camera

[Jax]

Alright folks,

I've been tasked with assisting in buying 2 cameras. We're looking in the prosumer camera market.

I've narrowed my choices down to two... the Sony HVR-Z7U and the JVC GY-HD200U. I'm guessing most (myself included) haven't played with the Sony. We're on XD at my station so that's the main pro on the Sony.

But what do ya'll think?

Here's links to both:
JVC -- http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/472191-REG/JVC_GY_HD200U_GY_HD200U_Professional_HDV_Camcorder .html

Sony -- http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/532558-REG/Sony_HVR_Z7U_HVR_Z7U_HDV_Camcorder.html

And if you have any other suggestions...

[Ace Of Nothing]

Go with the Sony. Or what about the EX?

I was told by a dealer specifically to NOT buy the JVC (and he sold them). He wouldn't say why... just "you don't want the JVC". I have never used either though.

[sixtycyclehum]

I can't vouch for the Sony as I've never used it but I own a JVC GY-HD100u, the forerunner to JVC's 200 series. I wouldn't recommend it for daily ENG. I find the viewfinder to be too fragile for the abuse it would take from day to day shooting.

Having said that, I've been very happy with the performance I've gotten from it over the past 19 months. The picture quality in both HDV as well as 60i and 24p is outstanding. It's a real shoulder-mount camera, well balanced from the front of the lens to the back of the battery. It's got a real, interchangeable, ENG lens, too.

http://a673.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/117/l_d0bc70bf558174b5737f4ef3a9561218.jpg

Two weeks ago I shot a pilot for a local outdoor's show and the camera is a real workhorse in the cold. I had heard about it's performance in Antarctica but I didn't really believe it until I sat in a deer hut in -4 degrees for 12 hours! (I'll also vouch for Lectrosonics 400 series wireless mics in extreme cold, too.)

This week I got to shoot with a Canon XL-H1, the GY's main competitor for lightweight ENG, and I have to say that between the two, I like my camera better. It's just more true to what photogs expect from a camera.

I've had a couple issues with lit pixels but after learning how to mask them out through the menu, I haven't had any other problems with it. Now, I'm the only one who uses it and I'm very careful. This is not a camera you can throw in the van and bang around with in a scrum.

[A Step Above Productions]

I have the sony Z1U and love it - I have had no problems with it, and my clients love it. The Z7U is the replacment for the Z1U - I say go fo rthe Sony. Also check out the Sony HVR-S270U it is a larger version of the Z7U. I am thinking about getting the HVR-S270U http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/532570-REG/Sony_HVR_S270U_HVR_S270U_1080i_HDV_Camcorder.html .

[Ace Of Nothing]

I think I should add something to my last post. I don't want to bash a camera that I don't own, or have never used. The reason I mention what was said to me by the sales guy was because I was looking at the JVC myself. Nice lens (for the price-point) and I liked the viewfinder. Does HDV and DV and I liked the feel of it.

The sales guy (who I have been dealing with for a few years) said, "I wouldn't sell you that camera".

He didn't say why and I didn't ask. Just thought I'd pass that along.

I bought a Canon XH-A1 BTW and I'm pretty happy with it. I wish I could have waited and got something that could record both on tape and to a memory card but I needed it then. Plus, there is ALWAYS something new, better and more shiny coming along.

[AlexLucas]

The Canon XH-A1.

Small form factor, customizable to the hilt, and unlike the Sony Z1u, it has an iris ring, and a larger lens.

Did I mention that it is $1800 cheaper?

[tonydee]

I've been using the jvc 110 for about 8 months and love. I'm a long time tv news photog and now work for a newspaper. The 110 feel very familiar as to all the connections are what you are used to.

[Ace Of Nothing]

check out this link

http://toronto.craigslist.ca/tor/pho/563143900.html

I think this "problem" the guy had fixed might have been the reason my sales guy said not to buy them.

[John M.]

check out this link

http://toronto.craigslist.ca/tor/pho/563143900.html

I think this "problem" the guy had fixed might have been the reason my sales guy said not to buy them.

The split-screen problem that some GY100s suffered should not be a problem in newer models. I own the GY110 and like it a lot, especially the focal control of the real manual lens, but can't comment on its ruggedness for daily ENG use since I don't use it for that.

Depending on your budget, I'd also consider the Sony EX.

[jeremycohn]

I like JVC... and in Canada, the techie that I deal with is one of the best tech support guys I know.

[vegasshooter]

Hey Jax
The sony has a good HDV picture but the balance isnt very good. Make sure you replace the stock lens with a good broadcast one. The JVC is awkwardly front weighted with a good lens.

[backfocus5]

Hey Jax
The sony has a good HDV picture but the balance isnt very good. Make sure you replace the stock lens with a good broadcast one. The JVC is awkwardly front weighted with a good lens.

I agree about the Sony. As for the awkward front weight on the JVC that can be counterbalanced (hope that's the right term???) by using an Anton Bauer Brick battery on the backside.

I'd say go with the JVC for the simple fact that you can change out the lenses rather easily. Other than that...it's a push!