@DanielHidalgoA Thank you, a camera's a camera, what is your budget like, check out the sony FS-100, look into DSLR's, as far as the xha1s or the z5u, they're both outdated cameras, yet both yield nice imagery. The xha1 has 24f I don't know if this is equivalent to 24p, but definitely look into that. The z5 does have 24p. They both shoot onto mini DV witch is a dying format, but with the z5u I know you can buy an external CF card reader.
Your footage looks great! You've had a been of time now with the Z5U, so I was wondering what you think of it now? How about a review at some point in the future. It's still listing for slightly under 4 grand, but I think it's an excellent entry level pro camcorder. Certainly in the price range for many filmmakers.
@NelsonStJames Thanks, it's funny I never thought of doing a review on the Z5U, but I may, it has been very good to me over the years. I shot my freshman year film with it, and countless other small projects and events. For a tape based camera it certainly is great! Now that I have a canon 5D I don't use the z5u as much, but still the G lens on the z5 is so versatile that I find myself using it as a b camera for other shots I can't get with my limited collection of lenses for the 5D.
@kodytay7 yes but it can only be recorded to the Tape at 1080i its weird how it works i don't exactly know, from what I've heard mini DV tapes are all interlaced, but with the HDV compression it somehow records progressive onto the tape which I don't understand how, found this out while trying to capture video one day in my school editing lab, the HDV deck couldn't recognize the footage because it was 24p, I had to use the Z5U to capture the footage. it's technically 1440:1080 not 1920:1080
I wish I had one of these when I was little so that I could capture the little bits of life that I miss so much now... the video quality is breathtaking
Hey how do you get such a crisp image? I use the same camera and have trouble with grainy images :/ any help would be appreciated. From anybody. thanks
Good Stuff! I am trying to learn my Z5U. Any tips on where to get a handle on features techniques for this camera? Also, what settings do you use to upload. I can't seem to match the qulaity and always geta letterbox instead of full screen like yours. Thanks in advance
@fishesdeep i always strive to achieve a look similar to film, even though it is impossible (Unless you shoot on film), But there's always ways to make the image look pleasant. I usually keep the iris wide opened and zoom in on the subject to try to obtain a shallower depth of filed, (more selective focus). What do you edit on. When I edit on FCP I export the project with same settings. Then I use a program MPEG streemclip to convert it to an MPEG-4 1280 by 720, or 1920 by 1080.
Good Stuff! I am still trying to learn my Z5U. Any tips on where to best learn about features techniques? Also, what settings did you use for upload. I can't seem to get the full screen effect when I upload. I get bars at top & bottem and can't get the resolution you have. Thanks in advance
@IntruderPL2 No I did not use any lens adapter, wish I had one though, but then that may have defeated the purpose of testing the camera out and seeing the image it creates without any any additional assistance. But no I there is no DOF assistance with any adapter in this video.
@jjho8 Yes, I've just bought Z5. It's stock optics are really good. among many cool things I realy love the min and max zoom, the focus and it's smooth iris/exposure controll. That is something I've missed in my previous cameras. Too bad it does not have one frame recording option for time lapse. On the other hand it has a nice slo-mo. Looks like you gain something, you lose something.
hey Justin hopefully your still online lol just came by and saw your vids and let me tell you their AWESOME! haha loving the camera work but yeah heres the thing. I'm planning on buying this camcorder (thanks to you) and im just wondering. out here where im from, DV's are not readily available which is why im asking if this camcorder compatible with memory stick duo's? or do you need to purchase a separate device for this? thanks much :D
hey Justin hopefully your still online lol just came by and saw your vids and let me tell you their AWESOME! haha loving the camera work but yeah heres the thing. I'm planning on buying this camcorder (thanks to you) and im just wondering. out here where im from, DV's are not readily available which is why im asking if this camcorder compatible with memory stick duo's? or do you need to purchase a separate device for this? thanks much :D
@TONGANMUViiEZ You will need a separate device in order to record onto a compact flash card. And this separate devise can run you around $800. Unfortunately you can not record onto the memory stick duo's (That would be nice)
@jjho8 Have a look at the SONY HXR NX5, I have just brought one to go with my Sony Z1, NX5 is brilliant, it records in full HD 1920 X 1080, it records to memory stick duo or sdhc cards it has 2 slots and each slot will take either sdhc or ms duo, I also brought the optional 128GB flash unit (extra $1000 here in Australia) but between the two 32GB cards and the 128GB flash I can record 19 hours in 1920 X1080,
@TONGANMUViiEZHave a look at the SONY HXR NX5, I have just brought one to go with my Sony Z1, NX5 is brilliant, it records in full HD 1920 X 1080, it records to memory stick duo or sdhc cards it has 2 slots and each slot will take either sdhc or ms duo, I also brought the optional 128GB flash unit (extra $1000 here in Australia) but between the two 32GB cards and the 128GB flash I can record 19 hours in 1920 X1080,
I've really been thinking about getting this camera since July now. My only concern really is the CMOS. I know that CCD's better, but I wanted to get someone's first hand opinion on using a CMOS sensored camera. The picture is amazing on this camera I personally think. So I was mainly wondering with this camera since it has CMOS sensors, do you get rolling shutter with this camera?
That's the main thing holding me back from either buying this or not.
There is rolling shutter, every cmos censor camera will experience rolling shutter. With high speed shutter settings you will get a jelly effect in the image when shooting handheld, but thats only with high shutter speeds. and in florescent lights with high shutter settings you will get banding. It's easy to compensate just slow down the shutter speed to 1/48th. With quick pans you may get distortion as well, but it's really with faster shutter speeds. And camera flashes to you get banding.
And while testing it, I'm having some grainy picture (yes, I'm shooting in low lights conditions) but how do I minimize the grain when shooting in low lights? Thanks
Make sure your not shooting on automatic gain, make gain manual and turn it all the way down. That should get rid of grain, plus it is low light, so.... well z5 isn't the best at low light, not the worst, but not the best.
hello jjho : ) continually impressed w/ what you've got going on here.
Are you dialing in any specific settings? White balance, changing the card your white-balance is setting on? (some of the shots seem very warm... ? Outside though, it looks grand.
I'm really work'n at trying get this cam ~ haha, much thanx to you - sony should give you a cut
Thank you some of the shots I "color balanced" to get a warmer look, tried to do everything in camera for this video no color correction. I was using the "film look 1" setting I believe.
Excellent, both of your TEST videos! You shoot like a pro, congratulations!! I want to ask, I have the SONY SR12e and use Final Cut Pro and "Log and Transfer" to transfer my videos into Final Cut, with the HVR-Z5U how do you transfer the videos into Final Cut? You connect the camera with a Firewire 800 cable and playback the video on tape and record on Final Cut? So for 1 hour video you have to capture for 1 hour? If someone buys the SD adapter would it be "faster" to transfer the videos? Thanks
The Z5U shoots onto HDV tapes so you would have conect with a fierwire 400 cable to your computer, go into log and capture to capture the footage, yes if you have 1 hr of footage on an HDV tape you will have to wait 1 hr to capture all that footage. You can buy a separate unit that rec. onto compact flash cards, with that you just connect it vie usb cable and go to log and transfer, that will be faster.
@jjho8 So what's the process of importing footage on to software like iMovie? would i need to buy like a coverter of some sort? and what is the separate unit that can record on to compact flash cards?
I recorded on HDV tape, although you can buy a separate device which allows you to record onto compact flash cards. Yes the slow motion is recorded onto tape.
i saw this video in hd when i hooked up my laptop to my hdtv and it looked extremely amazing when i clicked "watch in hd". you have made a great video.
I own a panaosonic ag dvc20p............I see where your cam cost over 2k more than mine...........Do you know any of the differences between yours and mine?
Awesome Video. I just recently got my self a Z5 too. I agree its an awesome camera. I just have a question or two for you if you don't mind. Are you using vegas to render your projects? If not what do you use? Also what settings do you render down to for you tube?
comming from someone who owns the camera...does it provide you with the options to tweek the color in camera. I know several cameras allow you to mess with RGB and Brightness and Contrast, Can the Z5U pull it off?
Looks real nice man..... I have a VX2100 with the Greg Winter Audio Mod that removes all hiss and makes it able to accept line level signal. How you like the audio on this camera? Is there any hiss at all? I use a Sound Devices MixPre attached to the bottom of my VX, but it would be nice to ditch it. Can you share your audio impressions? Can anyone?
This was shot on HDV tapes, although you can buy an external unite that allows you to record onto compact flash cards. I would recommend this camera, the next best in my opinion is the EX1, which is expensive. The Panasonic HVX-200 is also a good camera, a little pricy, but good. That shoots on P2 cards. If your going to film documentaries I'd suggest a Tape Based camera.
I find it to be easier workflow, since your getting a lot of footage in documentaries it would be simpler to just throw in another tape, rather than needing to carry around your laptop to be uploading the footage from lets say a P2 card. But in the end what ever work flow works for you is best. Heck many documentaries are shot tapeless.
I was going to buy an Ex1 or even an Ex3 as an upgrade from my Fx1 but the cost of SxS memory put me off somewhat.
I knew about this camera but never saw any test shots until now. This is a serious cam I can tell ... I could save a lot of money if I bought this instead.
Fantastiv Video, so narrative, nice music too, im intrestend into buying this cam or a Canon XhA1S, any sugestion?
DanielHidalgoA 4 months ago
@DanielHidalgoA Thank you, a camera's a camera, what is your budget like, check out the sony FS-100, look into DSLR's, as far as the xha1s or the z5u, they're both outdated cameras, yet both yield nice imagery. The xha1 has 24f I don't know if this is equivalent to 24p, but definitely look into that. The z5 does have 24p. They both shoot onto mini DV witch is a dying format, but with the z5u I know you can buy an external CF card reader.
jjho8 4 months ago
Never pay 4,600 for this crap.
kleancuts 5 months ago
@kleancuts actually- USD 4750
milpalmbeach 1 month ago
I LOVE YOUR BEAGLE.
RANDYHAUCK 6 months ago
@RANDYHAUCK Thank you.
jjho8 6 months ago
Your footage looks great! You've had a been of time now with the Z5U, so I was wondering what you think of it now? How about a review at some point in the future. It's still listing for slightly under 4 grand, but I think it's an excellent entry level pro camcorder. Certainly in the price range for many filmmakers.
NelsonStJames 8 months ago
@NelsonStJames Thanks, it's funny I never thought of doing a review on the Z5U, but I may, it has been very good to me over the years. I shot my freshman year film with it, and countless other small projects and events. For a tape based camera it certainly is great! Now that I have a canon 5D I don't use the z5u as much, but still the G lens on the z5 is so versatile that I find myself using it as a b camera for other shots I can't get with my limited collection of lenses for the 5D.
jjho8 8 months ago
does this cam shoot in 1080p
kodytay7 10 months ago
@kodytay7 yes but it can only be recorded to the Tape at 1080i its weird how it works i don't exactly know, from what I've heard mini DV tapes are all interlaced, but with the HDV compression it somehow records progressive onto the tape which I don't understand how, found this out while trying to capture video one day in my school editing lab, the HDV deck couldn't recognize the footage because it was 24p, I had to use the Z5U to capture the footage. it's technically 1440:1080 not 1920:1080
jjho8 9 months ago
can u import 60i or anything else into a basic editor like window movie maker? esp with the z5e ?
iseecheese 1 year ago
@iseecheese I don't see why not.
jjho8 1 year ago
I wish I had one of these when I was little so that I could capture the little bits of life that I miss so much now... the video quality is breathtaking
ribosradagast 1 year ago
@ribosradagast That's why I film things all the time, it's like a time machine.
jjho8 1 year ago
Hey how do you get such a crisp image? I use the same camera and have trouble with grainy images :/ any help would be appreciated. From anybody. thanks
jdiaz7 1 year ago
@jdiaz7 Shoot in manual, keep the gain all the way down.
jjho8 1 year ago
Good Stuff! I am trying to learn my Z5U. Any tips on where to get a handle on features techniques for this camera? Also, what settings do you use to upload. I can't seem to match the qulaity and always geta letterbox instead of full screen like yours. Thanks in advance
fishesdeep 1 year ago
@fishesdeep i always strive to achieve a look similar to film, even though it is impossible (Unless you shoot on film), But there's always ways to make the image look pleasant. I usually keep the iris wide opened and zoom in on the subject to try to obtain a shallower depth of filed, (more selective focus). What do you edit on. When I edit on FCP I export the project with same settings. Then I use a program MPEG streemclip to convert it to an MPEG-4 1280 by 720, or 1920 by 1080.
jjho8 1 year ago
Good Stuff! I am still trying to learn my Z5U. Any tips on where to best learn about features techniques? Also, what settings did you use for upload. I can't seem to get the full screen effect when I upload. I get bars at top & bottem and can't get the resolution you have. Thanks in advance
fishesdeep 1 year ago
and another good vid from you :) Great job. Am I wrong or you have used stuff like Letus for DOF effects?
IntruderPL2 1 year ago
@IntruderPL2 No I did not use any lens adapter, wish I had one though, but then that may have defeated the purpose of testing the camera out and seeing the image it creates without any any additional assistance. But no I there is no DOF assistance with any adapter in this video.
jjho8 1 year ago
@jjho8 Yes, I've just bought Z5. It's stock optics are really good. among many cool things I realy love the min and max zoom, the focus and it's smooth iris/exposure controll. That is something I've missed in my previous cameras. Too bad it does not have one frame recording option for time lapse. On the other hand it has a nice slo-mo. Looks like you gain something, you lose something.
MadPixelStudios 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
hey Justin hopefully your still online lol just came by and saw your vids and let me tell you their AWESOME! haha loving the camera work but yeah heres the thing. I'm planning on buying this camcorder (thanks to you) and im just wondering. out here where im from, DV's are not readily available which is why im asking if this camcorder compatible with memory stick duo's? or do you need to purchase a separate device for this? thanks much :D
TONGANMUViiEZ 1 year ago
hey Justin hopefully your still online lol just came by and saw your vids and let me tell you their AWESOME! haha loving the camera work but yeah heres the thing. I'm planning on buying this camcorder (thanks to you) and im just wondering. out here where im from, DV's are not readily available which is why im asking if this camcorder compatible with memory stick duo's? or do you need to purchase a separate device for this? thanks much :D
TONGANMUViiEZ 1 year ago
@TONGANMUViiEZ You will need a separate device in order to record onto a compact flash card. And this separate devise can run you around $800. Unfortunately you can not record onto the memory stick duo's (That would be nice)
jjho8 1 year ago
@jjho8 Have a look at the SONY HXR NX5, I have just brought one to go with my Sony Z1, NX5 is brilliant, it records in full HD 1920 X 1080, it records to memory stick duo or sdhc cards it has 2 slots and each slot will take either sdhc or ms duo, I also brought the optional 128GB flash unit (extra $1000 here in Australia) but between the two 32GB cards and the 128GB flash I can record 19 hours in 1920 X1080,
visioneer32 1 year ago
@TONGANMUViiEZHave a look at the SONY HXR NX5, I have just brought one to go with my Sony Z1, NX5 is brilliant, it records in full HD 1920 X 1080, it records to memory stick duo or sdhc cards it has 2 slots and each slot will take either sdhc or ms duo, I also brought the optional 128GB flash unit (extra $1000 here in Australia) but between the two 32GB cards and the 128GB flash I can record 19 hours in 1920 X1080,
visioneer32 1 year ago
@visioneer32 Nice!
jjho8 1 year ago
I love the Road to Perdition music! You must have nice taste
AREM16137 1 year ago
@AREM16137 Thank you.
jjho8 1 year ago
Loved it. Nice work, man!
gammainn 2 years ago
I've really been thinking about getting this camera since July now. My only concern really is the CMOS. I know that CCD's better, but I wanted to get someone's first hand opinion on using a CMOS sensored camera. The picture is amazing on this camera I personally think. So I was mainly wondering with this camera since it has CMOS sensors, do you get rolling shutter with this camera?
That's the main thing holding me back from either buying this or not.
casey1234schoch 2 years ago
There is rolling shutter, every cmos censor camera will experience rolling shutter. With high speed shutter settings you will get a jelly effect in the image when shooting handheld, but thats only with high shutter speeds. and in florescent lights with high shutter settings you will get banding. It's easy to compensate just slow down the shutter speed to 1/48th. With quick pans you may get distortion as well, but it's really with faster shutter speeds. And camera flashes to you get banding.
jjho8 2 years ago
Comment removed
casey1234schoch 2 years ago
Nice dog!
enjoyhappytimes 2 years ago
Thanks!
jjho8 2 years ago
I've just got this camera right now.
And while testing it, I'm having some grainy picture (yes, I'm shooting in low lights conditions) but how do I minimize the grain when shooting in low lights? Thanks
Well done with your tests, They're very good
xonkarate 2 years ago
Make sure your not shooting on automatic gain, make gain manual and turn it all the way down. That should get rid of grain, plus it is low light, so.... well z5 isn't the best at low light, not the worst, but not the best.
jjho8 2 years ago
oh that might be the case then!
Yes, for low lights, almost most of these camcorders aren't ideal, I think so but the most I can reduce it, the better :)
thanks a lot for your explanation
cheers
xonkarate 2 years ago
Ps. Are you using any filters on the cam? UV, Polarized?
Out doors - the nd?
I enjoy your work -
seeinglight 2 years ago
Outside I used the built in ND filters to cut out light, thats it.
jjho8 2 years ago
hello jjho : ) continually impressed w/ what you've got going on here.
Are you dialing in any specific settings? White balance, changing the card your white-balance is setting on? (some of the shots seem very warm... ? Outside though, it looks grand.
I'm really work'n at trying get this cam ~ haha, much thanx to you - sony should give you a cut
seeinglight 2 years ago
Thank you some of the shots I "color balanced" to get a warmer look, tried to do everything in camera for this video no color correction. I was using the "film look 1" setting I believe.
jjho8 2 years ago
Excellent, both of your TEST videos! You shoot like a pro, congratulations!! I want to ask, I have the SONY SR12e and use Final Cut Pro and "Log and Transfer" to transfer my videos into Final Cut, with the HVR-Z5U how do you transfer the videos into Final Cut? You connect the camera with a Firewire 800 cable and playback the video on tape and record on Final Cut? So for 1 hour video you have to capture for 1 hour? If someone buys the SD adapter would it be "faster" to transfer the videos? Thanks
mosxos 2 years ago
The Z5U shoots onto HDV tapes so you would have conect with a fierwire 400 cable to your computer, go into log and capture to capture the footage, yes if you have 1 hr of footage on an HDV tape you will have to wait 1 hr to capture all that footage. You can buy a separate unit that rec. onto compact flash cards, with that you just connect it vie usb cable and go to log and transfer, that will be faster.
jjho8 2 years ago
@jjho8 So what's the process of importing footage on to software like iMovie? would i need to buy like a coverter of some sort? and what is the separate unit that can record on to compact flash cards?
NLforeva 6 months ago
Cool Video! So i have ordered that HVR Z5 too!
peerexpress 2 years ago
Thanks.
jjho8 2 years ago
record on tape or memory flash?
can the HVR-Z5U record slow motion on tape??
gracias, edgardo from argentine
edgardopal 2 years ago
I recorded on HDV tape, although you can buy a separate device which allows you to record onto compact flash cards. Yes the slow motion is recorded onto tape.
jjho8 2 years ago
Muchas gracias amigo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
edgardopal 2 years ago
i saw this video in hd when i hooked up my laptop to my hdtv and it looked extremely amazing when i clicked "watch in hd". you have made a great video.
NYCKNP 2 years ago
Thank you.
jjho8 2 years ago
is the Z5U mac friendly?
I use mac OSX 10.4.11
Maxie0000007 2 years ago
Yes.
jjho8 2 years ago
thank you
Maxie0000007 2 years ago
omg fantastic, but a HD version if this video will could have been better =)
naruto007666 2 years ago
Thanks.
jjho8 2 years ago
Would make a nice intro for a movie!
Pleasanthillman.
torchidman 2 years ago
Very nice!
I own a panaosonic ag dvc20p............I see where your cam cost over 2k more than mine...........Do you know any of the differences between yours and mine?
I do have the, 3 ccd too...........Tks;
pleasanthillman..
torchidman 2 years ago
does this record only on tape? because I'm trying to get a camera that I can use cards for.
djbprod0011 2 years ago
Yes you can buy a separate unite to record onto compact flash cards. I even think there's a hard drive to.
jjho8 2 years ago
music: fantastic Quality : fantastic
filming and editing: WOW VERY NICE DONE
u using windows to edit? if so what program? thanks m8
KillingDestiny 2 years ago
Thank you I'm using a mac to edit, with final cut pro.
jjho8 2 years ago
Frame rate?
brockizdabom99 2 years ago
24p
jjho8 2 years ago
ok thanks
brockizdabom99 2 years ago
does the Z5u work with mac osx 10.4.1
Maxie0000007 2 years ago
I wouldn't see why not.
jjho8 2 years ago
so it does mac osx 10.4.11???
Maxie0000007 2 years ago
Yea.
jjho8 2 years ago
alright thanks and final cut pro 5?
Maxie0000007 2 years ago
Yes.
jjho8 2 years ago
Awesome Video. I just recently got my self a Z5 too. I agree its an awesome camera. I just have a question or two for you if you don't mind. Are you using vegas to render your projects? If not what do you use? Also what settings do you render down to for you tube?
Meti85 2 years ago
Good work! :)
Please tell me which REC TYPE and SCAN TYPE (hdv progre.) have you used. Thank you.
Speedy969 2 years ago
Recorded in 24p (progressive).
jjho8 2 years ago
comming from someone who owns the camera...does it provide you with the options to tweek the color in camera. I know several cameras allow you to mess with RGB and Brightness and Contrast, Can the Z5U pull it off?
NSBentertainment 2 years ago
Yes.
jjho8 2 years ago
Looks real nice man..... I have a VX2100 with the Greg Winter Audio Mod that removes all hiss and makes it able to accept line level signal. How you like the audio on this camera? Is there any hiss at all? I use a Sound Devices MixPre attached to the bottom of my VX, but it would be nice to ditch it. Can you share your audio impressions? Can anyone?
Chadfish 2 years ago
Thanks, man, I find the audio to be fine.
jjho8 2 years ago
That was brilliant!
andymfletcher 2 years ago
Thank you!
jjho8 2 years ago
Was it shot on a dv tape or memory card? Would you recommend this camera?
andymfletcher 2 years ago
This was shot on HDV tapes, although you can buy an external unite that allows you to record onto compact flash cards. I would recommend this camera, the next best in my opinion is the EX1, which is expensive. The Panasonic HVX-200 is also a good camera, a little pricy, but good. That shoots on P2 cards. If your going to film documentaries I'd suggest a Tape Based camera.
jjho8 2 years ago
Why do you recommend tapes for documentaries?
785tt9gh 2 years ago
I find it to be easier workflow, since your getting a lot of footage in documentaries it would be simpler to just throw in another tape, rather than needing to carry around your laptop to be uploading the footage from lets say a P2 card. But in the end what ever work flow works for you is best. Heck many documentaries are shot tapeless.
jjho8 2 years ago
Wow, nice rack... focus.
tanktnt 3 years ago
thanks.
jjho8 3 years ago
test the best in hdv
krokymovie 3 years ago
awesome! it's great to see some unbiased, uncommercial demonstrations of what this camera can do!
seansotheman 3 years ago
Thanks man, filmed a short film with it today.
jjho8 3 years ago
yo...jho, i like this one too... the rack focuses is goodd!
crackittome 3 years ago
Thanks!
jjho8 3 years ago
Beautifully shot. Looks beautiful
crystalclearvideopro 3 years ago
Thanks very much!
jjho8 3 years ago
I was going to buy an Ex1 or even an Ex3 as an upgrade from my Fx1 but the cost of SxS memory put me off somewhat.
I knew about this camera but never saw any test shots until now. This is a serious cam I can tell ... I could save a lot of money if I bought this instead.
Thank you for sharing.
ProjectOverseer 3 years ago
Lol I was looking to buy the EX1 as well but don't have the money. I was even set on the HVX-200 for a wile.
jjho8 3 years ago
wow that was great man, glad to see u made a decision on a camera. =)
genesis113189 3 years ago
Justin... did you buy a $5,000 camera.......
Vader2326 3 years ago
how much did u pay for it?
tpludow 3 years ago
where'd you purchase this camera from?
tpludow 3 years ago
B&H
jjho8 3 years ago