Which Sony HD Camcorder is the Best?

[Shopgirl]

I would love to hear from people who use either the Sony A1E or Z1 HD Camera for work. To get their views on which is the best one to go for, or indeed if another camcorder (must be able to film in HD and widescreen) is the best.

Many thanks

Wendy

[andy at handiwork]

Wendy, I dont know about the A1E, but I've used the Z1 a few times for broadcast as well as porn, and I like it, apart from a few quibbles. You'll pay a lot more for it, than the smaller A1E, but you get a lot of camera for the price. Have a look at some online reviews.

[Shopgirl]

Thanks Andy, just worried about the Z1 being too large, the A1E is a smaller camera, so ideal for those close shots! Although I would prefer to go with the Z1.

"A few quibbles" - does this effect the end result or just personal things.

Thanks
Wendy

[andy at handiwork]

Wendy,
The A1E is certainly smaller, and for your purposes it would probably be all the better for it, and it still has XLR inputs for better sound. It would certainly be good for getting into those tight spaces.
My quibbles about the Z1 are not hugely serious. The lens has no focus witness marks, it just goes round and round, which can make accurate focus pulls a bit tricky. Its a heavy camera to shoot with at eye level only held in your hand. After a long period your wrist tends to ache a bit, as it would after a long session watching your material in the privacy of my own home. But I digress.
I would probably spend the extra grand or so and get the Z1 or wait a little bit for user reviews and get the new V1E, which costs about the same. Better lens qualityfor a start. For more info have a look at

For a package price have a look at

Good hunting
Andy

[Shopgirl]

Thanks Andy, I was gearing towards the Z1 for the purpose of using Redrocks M2. Will have to check whether the others can take that piece of equipment. Thanks for the links.
Wendy

[andy at handiwork]

Now you are talking. You are serious about quality on a budget. And my lens quibbles are irrelevant. It appears to work with the Z1 with the use of an extension tube, according to their info page. If you wait for the V1E it might be worth checking if it is compatable. I'm sure it will be. You'll have to get a good/rather expensive set of sticks (Vinten, Sachtler, Cartoni, but definately not one of the cheap photo ones) if you go down the M2 route as it will be a bit of a beast to hand hold with a decent w/a zoom and matte box on the front and still wont fit on the shoulder.

[Shopgirl]

I see where you are coming from, using the M2 would require the tripods etc and not handheld, but quality would be superb for what I am aiming for, checked out the V1E but the Redrock site does not list it as compatible, however have sent them an email so will have to wait and see!