Sony Z5u and Vegas V9.0

Julius_ wrote on 5/21/2010, 11:46 AM

Hi,

I'm looking into replacing my cameras and am looking into the Sony z5u or the EX1. I shoot mostly weddings and for me low-light performance is a must (and yes I use lights, but sometimes that isn't an option).

I'm leaning more towards the Z5u after reading reviews and me the question now is, how nice will it play with vegas?

It records on tape or CF cards (mpeg2)..Would I have any problems importing mpeg2 into vegas timeline and editing on my I7?

Thanks

Comments

kkolbo wrote on 5/21/2010, 12:01 PM

The output of the Z5u plays very well with Vegas on a P4 3.0gHz machine. It is standard HDV. It does not reecord to CF media. It is a tape based unit. Perhaps you have it confused with another camcorder?

Julius_ wrote on 5/21/2010, 12:23 PM

Ahh , nope the z5u can record both...tape and CF cards, but you need the Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit which is an option that can be mounted directly behind the z5u.

More info here:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/580065-REG/Sony_HVR_MRC1K_HVR_MRC1_Memory_Recording_Unit.html#specifications

I know Vegas has no problems with HDV, it's just the CF cards I'm worried about.

The camera:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/582905-REG/Sony_HVR_Z5U_HVR_Z5U_Professional_HDV_Camcorder.html

John_Cline wrote on 5/21/2010, 12:37 PM

"it's just the CF cards I'm worried about"

CF cards are much more reliable than tape, plus you avoid the time consuming step of having to capture tape into the computer in real-time. With the CF card, it copies into the computer much, much faster than real-time.

Dreamline wrote on 5/21/2010, 12:51 PM

Except for the not mentioned conveniently forgetten transcoding which is another step which involves more time.

These cams mentioned are not worth the time. Flash banding, skew, and artifacts plague these new cams like no tomorrow. Only buy now if you have to. Otherwise wait until better cams come along.

Julius_ wrote on 5/21/2010, 1:06 PM

So..my question is...can I edit with this format in Vegas or will it freeze and abort when I try and play it in Vegas....thanks

John_Cline wrote on 5/21/2010, 1:15 PM

"Except for the not mentioned conveniently forgetten transcoding which is another step which involves more time."

Transcoding is entirely optional, Vegas can natively edit the files from the Z5u just fine. MPEG2 has gotten to the point where its quite easy to edit.

"Flash banding, skew, and artifacts plague these new cams like no tomorrow."

If you're a wedding videographer, flash banding can be an annoyance. I often shoot automobile racing and I've never noticed skew to be a problem. This isn't to say it isn't there, it's just never been noticable enough to be a problem. Cameras and formats have had some sort of artifacts since day one, the question is how much you're going to let them bug you. FishEyes has been on a crusade for some time now about the perils of CMOS sensor cameras but thousands of people are producing perfectly decent content with them every day and a lot of it is being broadcast on major TV networks. I remember tube cameras which also had flash banding, skew, and MAJOR artifacts, but that didn't stop anyone from making compelling TV with them.

Technology is all about compromises, nothing is ever as good as it will be six months from now. Apparently FishEyes isn't going to shoot anything until cameras get better.

Tom Pauncz wrote on 5/21/2010, 1:20 PM

Julius,

To set your mind at ease, I record HDV to CF cards as a rule in my HVR-S270 and have been for the past year or so.

The CF cards I use are the SanDisk Extreme III range and so far they have been 100% reliable.

If you look at my system specs, you'll see #1 is an i7 and I have zero problems with editing in Vegas Pro 9.e I do not transcode anything, just edit natively.

Tom

Julius_ wrote on 5/21/2010, 1:21 PM

John..thanks for your response..what do you mean by

"Transcoding is entirely optional, Vegas can natively edit the files from the Z5u"

How do you do.. Transcoding? In Vegas or some other program?

It's good that I don't have to with the files coming out of the z5u.

Sorry I'm new in this digital age...

David Johns wrote on 5/26/2010, 2:34 PM

I have a Z5 with MRC1K compact flash unit, and Sony Vegas 8.0c (and 9e). They both work splendidly well together, whether shooting in standard-def DV or high-def HDV. Just import the files from the card into Vegas (using the import option provided) and edit away. No problems.

I run a Dell XPS Core i7 so editing speed is fine but even a slower system should be OK. Fear not!

I think the MRC1K is recommended to use 133x minimum CF cards but I use 300x Lexar brand, although costly, for reliability. And I run a tape as well for backup.

Regards
Dave

PS as regards transcoding, some people make that the first step in their workflow if their PC isn't fast enough to edit high-def (this is usually an issue for AVCHD rather than HDV, which is much less processor-intensive). So they bring the footage onto the timeline then immediately export it as-is, into some other format which is easier for the PC to use, then edit from that. But really, for HDV you should be fine without any need for transcoding unless your PC is really old. Even my very basic laptop can play HDV without problems.