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Indies on a tiny budget – DVX or Z1U

4 Comments Published by admin May 17th, 2006 in News

Josh Oakhurst and a friend discuss the merits of Indies-On-A-Budget purchasing the Sony Z1U over a DVX-100B for production. They argue cost vs. quality both ways, but I find it strange that the FX1 option isn’t part of the equation instead of the much more expensive Z1U?

4 Responses to “Indies on a tiny budget – DVX or Z1U”  

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  1. 1 Josh Oakhurst May 17th, 2006 at 12:45 pm

    Hey Matt, great point. I should have noted that the FX1 stacks up (on price) right next to the DVX100b. In essence, this is another great reason for Indies to shoot low-end HD(v)

    I left out the FX1 in my discussion on low-end HD vs high-end SD because I believe the XLR inputs on the Z1U are necessary, and thusly more comparable to the professional audio afforded by the DVX100b (plus, lets not forget the Z1U PAL/ NTSC switchable option – also worth the dough).

    Right on – Good lookn’ out.

  2. 2 freshdv May 17th, 2006 at 2:37 pm

    I agree, the FX1 really tips the scales in favor of shooting HDV vs. “nice SD”.

    NTSC/PAL switchable is a critical point though, if one wants to do the 1-frame-drop trick for 24fps output. Good call.

    However, I take umbrance to the notion that XLR is necessary for an indie shoot. For a apples-to-apples comparison vs the DVX, sure. But what can you do with XLR on an indie shoot that can’t be done (better?) through other means? And if you won’t be using the XLR…then why pay for the extra weight? Talk to me.

  3. 3 Josh Oakhurst May 17th, 2006 at 2:45 pm

    Aiiight Indeed – I’ll go with you on that. Here’s two scenarios where XLR’s wouldn’t be necessary:

    1.) You’re recording of camera to DAT or some other means.

    2.) You own/ have access to sweet mini-plug audio recording equipment.

    Any others?

    –
    Hence, hell yeah – grab the FX1.

  4. 4 freshdv May 17th, 2006 at 3:04 pm

    There are plenty of DAT-style audio recorders out there, and available at very reasonable prices.

    Tascam HD-P2
    M-Audio MicroTrack 24/96
    Fostex FR-2

    With alternatives like these available, I don’t see the point of on-cam XLR solutions for a film production shoot. (And I believe that they all have XLR inputs, for those so inclined.)

    And like I posted on your blog Josh, the Sony HDV cams end up compressing everything into MP3 anyway. If you are going to entrust the HDV cams MP3 compression with your audio, why not go with a simple iRiver MP3 recorder instead of on-cam? Just MHO.