Z1 use with 2100's

CClub wrote on 5/21/2007, 9:45 AM

I have several more projects to complete before I switch over to HD, but I have two concerts this weekend to tape, and I had set up to rent a PD-170 to use with my two Sony 2100's. The rental company offered me a Z1 at the same price as the 170, as they are selling their 170 and would rather not rent it out.

My request was to stick with the 170 as it'll match up easier with my 2100's, and I'm not sure I should use the Z1 without a lot of practice beforehand. Any upside to using the Z1 with the 2100's (I'll be down-rezzing to SD anyways)? Wouldn't it be more difficult to match up than the 170?

Comments

je@on wrote on 5/21/2007, 9:54 AM

Methinks the Z1 footage will look a little better than your other cameras after the down-rez. Ask the rental house if you can shoot a test to see how well they match.

Udi wrote on 5/22/2007, 4:08 AM

You can shoot Z1 in DV mode, so no down-res and you can capture with the 2100. I think it will use the same color space as DV so better color match.
The 2100 is better in low light, a far as I know.
You should practice, the controls are different, it is bulkier and menus button are located differently.

Udi

vicmilt wrote on 5/22/2007, 4:42 AM

If you have individual cameramen for each camera, and can get close to the stage, I'd go with the PD170.
1- It's incredible in low light. Nearly two stops faster than Z1
2- Since you're delivering SD, AND you're in the middle of a job, it's just easier to not have to learn more new technology.
3- It's considerably lighter to handhold in a concert situation.

On the other hand, if you have an unmanned camera (at the back of the hall) - I'd go with the Z1. This primarily because you can do 4:1 optical zooms of the "back of the hall wide shot" without losing resolution. BUT - that still won't give you quite the sharpness (in the zoomed up position), as the glass isn't "super-sharp" for blow-ups. Nevertheless, you will have a lot more flexiblity in camera position with the unmanned Z1.

CClub wrote on 5/22/2007, 5:26 AM

Excellent input all. I took it all into account, and I started to get real nervous about learning new systems in the middle of a production. I really don't want that concern, so I think for this situation, I'm going with the PD-170. I will actually be the one manning the 170, and I'll be right up in front of the stage moving around with a Glidecam, so Vic's info really swayed me to stick with the 170. Thanks everyone.