Sony HVR_Z7U who's using one, comments, likes, dislikes?

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Permalink Reply by Jeffrey Bonano on January 26, 2010 at 12:34am

I didn't buy a Z7, but instead opted to go with the newer Z5 (yes, even Sony admitted that they where backwards in the order of model numbers. But the Z5 is the new model). If you buy the HVR-MRC1K Memory unit that allows tapeless recording using the CF cards , the unit actually integrates better with the Z5U model but will still work with the Z7 using the provided bracket. Really the only difference I could see was that the Z5 doesn't have the detachable lens. It instead uses the newer G-series lens. When I was doing my homework, the Z5 was essentially the same unit as the Z7 but without the detachable lens services.

So with that in mind, I love my Z5 unit and the MRC1K makes tapeless recording a joy! Especially when I want to record in both HD and SD at the same time. So since there isn't much of a difference in the two models, The Z7 will be a good choice. But I would have to say if you don't care about detachable lenses and are willing to give it a go, maybe look at the Z5U instead. It's probably less expensive too (about $4K+$900 for the HVR-MRC1K, and another $120 for a 32gig CF card).

Oh and FYI I use 32GB SanDisk Extremme III CF Cards with at least 30mb/s, anything less in speed and you risk dropping frames left and right.

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Permalink Reply by Bill Mecca on January 26, 2010 at 11:38am

Thanks, the Z7 includes the memory unit, didn't even know there was a Z5 ;-), looking to get me 4 16gb cards so I can rotate them. They should hold more than enough for my needs (very rarely have any long event type shoots). Seems the perfect solution for me, move to tapeless workflow, with inexpensive, immediate archive backup.

Jeffrey Bonano said:

I didn't buy a Z7, but instead opted to go with the newer Z5 (yes, even Sony admitted that they where backwards in the order of model numbers. But the Z5 is the new model). If you buy the HVR-MRC1K Memory unit that allows tapeless recording using the CF cards , the unit actually integrates better with the Z5U model but will still work with the Z7 using the provided bracket. Really the only difference I could see was that the Z5 doesn't have the detachable lens. It instead uses the newer G-series lens. When I was doing my homework, the Z5 was essentially the same unit as the Z7 but without the detachable lens services.

So with that in mind, I love my Z5 unit and the MRC1K makes tapeless recording a joy! Especially when I want to record in both HD and SD at the same time. So since there isn't much of a difference in the two models, The Z7 will be a good choice. But I would have to say if you don't care about detachable lenses and are willing to give it a go, maybe look at the Z5U instead. It's probably less expensive too (about $4K+$900 for the HVR-MRC1K, and another $120 for a 32gig CF card).

Oh and FYI I use 32GB SanDisk Extremme III CF Cards with at least 30mb/s, anything less in speed and you risk dropping frames left and right.

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Permalink Reply by Pierre Samuel Rioux on May 26, 2010 at 2:09am

a interesting option

http://www.convergent-design.com/VideoGallery/tabid/1663/VideoId/32...

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