HVR-Z5 My First Look

Here is the new HVR-Z5 and addition to SONY's family of HDV camcorders. Unlike the HVR-Z7 the Z5 does not have an interchangeable lens options. The Z5 is a pre production model therefore please take note that certain features may differ from the production one. Camcorder has been provided by the kind people of Expandore Electronics, supplier of broadcast equipments Video and Audio Professional Equipment.

Added on the 17th January 2008. Tested the HVR-Z5,Z1, EX3, XH-A1 and my honest conclusion for those looking to avoid a tapeless workflow is to either get the HVR-Z5 or the FX1000. Low light is almost as good as my EX3 even despite the fact it possesses 1/3 inch sensors in oppose to the 1/2 inch sensors on the EX3. Pitch against my XH-A1 the resolution from the HVR-Z5 is far better than my Z1 and XH-A1. It is obvious. I will try if i have time to post a video comparison with these cams so you know what i really am talking about.

the Z7 is weak in some areas it may be better in low light having a shorter lens but the HVR-Z5 has a better macro capability as well as a longer lens. this however would mean also losing vital f-stops stops if zoomed in as well.as i always have said..there is no one perfect camcorder..but own it to suit your workflow and your needs.


Those who do not need the MRC1K or the XLRs as well as a few other features on the Z5 go for the FX100O and save some money for other accessories. Video image quality will be identical.

one more thing is the beautiful LCD screen as i have stressed in my video here. it is simply awesome and one of the best i have seen on a camcorder and very useable for HD critical focus. Just wished they made it 3.5 instead of 3.2 ( not a big deal anyway )

Please note the above is just my personal opinion and i am not paid by Sony or any of its representatives for this post. And yes i will be getting one for myself with the MRC1 module.

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People & Blogs

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• hvr
• z5
• sony

[ronzilla3000]

I m expecting my z5 tommorow. but now im thinking for $600 more i can get a z7! I dont need to chang the lens but the z7 come with the digital memory standard. To purchase one on a z5 is about $1400. so Im gonna ask. is it worth sinding back the z5 for a z7? I also hear the z7 has some nice spfx!

[derekcobra]

you will most definitely enjoy your HVR-Z5 i am sure. You can't go wrong. did you buy the MRC1K module to complete the equation?

if you are not planning on the lens interchangeability, i would say go for the HVR-Z5.

[casablancamicasa]

if sony want a big market then they should stick with the old price(4000 USD) and not raise it which people can't even effort it ,i would like to buy one if i still got a job on December.

[TVgenial]

A very nice camera but too expensive for me, the FX 1000 is even more affordable. and for me it goes well. if they were cool and the FX 1000 from Sony would show.

[Goldenboy0083]

After a lot of research I too chose the Z5. Now it's just learning all that it can do. Fact is there is so many good cameras out there now the entire paradigm for film makers has changed. I could still be deciding (a new camera seems to come out every month.) The thing is to just get started. My Z5 would have been considered science fiction back when I was in film school in the early 90's.

[djmelucho]

The new HVRZ7 is a monster whit steroid, intercambiable lens, hibrid but is more expensive, i have a little DV HC96, i love.

[ronzilla3000]

I sent the z5 back in exchange for the z7! the z7 has a flash card memory unit standard. I havent taken much footage outdoors yet but i am shooting at world of wheels sunday? when I make some money i will upgrade to an external hard drive

[GlobalDVC]

Buy the FX1000, lot cheaper! Same quality, but you only need some Durex to work with it!Search YT for HDR-FX1000

[casablancamicasa]

"effort"? i mean afford.