The
built in LCD screen is perfectly located as I mentioned
earlier and it works great for getting the general idea
of what you are capturing. Unfortunately, the down side
is that the resolution is pretty low and doesn't truly
reflect the quality of the picture you are getting.
For most people this isn't a big deal. However, if you
need a very precise representation of what you're recording,
I would recommend three solutions to this problem. First,
and most expensive, you can get an HD monitor to take
with you on set. (Prices are dropping on these, so this
might not be as expensive as you might anticipate.)
Secondly, you can use a laptop as a monitoring solution
in HD with the help of one of the new programs like
Redrock Revolution or Video Rack. Finally, and most
delayed, would be to go through the dailies each night
on an HD monitor or computer screen that has a higher
resolution.
Value
Now for many microfilmmakers, the price tag on the Z1U
is a little steep. However if you really want to capture
your story on a camera that will give you a wide range
of distribution options, this camera delivers. When
you consider the aspect ratio, picture quality, recording
formats and tape cost this camera is worth fighting
to get within your budget.
Final
Comments
In conclusion, this is a very powerful camera that will
take low- and no-budget filmmaking to a whole new level.
I put two shots side-by-side, one out of a PD150 (which
is comparable to the Canon XL2) and one out of the Z1U,
and there is simply no comparison. With the old days
of analog tape-to-tape editing gone, the generational
argument for having uncompressed source material is
mostly dead, especially for those of us who don't have
multi million dollar budgets. I researched this camera
for over a year after it came out and bought one. The
reviews have all been positive. As I mentioned earlier,
you can even see shots from it at the end of Fever Pitch.
This camera has more field-testing than any other similar
camera on the market. I suggest that every microfilmaker
at least take a serious look at this camera before going
into production on their next project.
Ease
of Use
8.0
Depth
of Options
8.0
Performance
9.0
Value
10.0
Overall
Score
8.8
Chosen
to be Microfilmmaker Magazine's lead camera analyst and reviewer due
to his expertise in camerawork, Andy
Yardy has over 10 years experience shooting documentaries
in the most remote portions of the globe. Based out of LA, he creates
films under his production company, New Link Media.
