Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder

Comments about Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder:

Used in mostly stage productions where lighting can be problematic. Low light ability is good. When compared to the Sony PD170/150 it is not as sensitive, but it satisfies our "stage" needs. In fact the PD170s were a little too sensitive. Great "wide angle" coverage with on board lens. Function buttons are very small and hard to find "on the fly" i.e., "push auto focus button" when in manual focus, white balance button; and the "assign" function buttons. We cut small soft self-adhesive velcro spots to place on these function buttons in order to find them easier.
On board battery cannot be installed when using the AC adapter. This makes the switch over to battery from AC awkward compared to the PD 170/150, VX2100 and even the DSR250s. Only three gain positions can be programmed (your selection) as opposed to dialing a full range on the fly. However, the transition to various gain positions is visually smooth. Manual iris control is on a ring and is easy to find. The Camera menu is similar to that of the PD170.Image quality is good. Four star rating is because of small function buttons that are hard to locate when shooting on the fly, otherwise I would give a 5 star rating.

Comments about Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder:

It has all what I was looking for and even more. Perfect for event videography.

Comments about Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder:

THIS CAMERA TELL YOU HOW TO USE IT BY ITSELF.

Comments about Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder:

I use this camera primarily for industrials, promotional and music videos. It's well built, has all the controls in traditional Sony configuration. But most importantly, this camera comes with an HDMI output pre-HDV compression. This means that if you attach an Atomos HDMI recorder to it you can record 4:2:2 HD. That's right, REAL high definition footage, not watered down, barely-HD HDV.

That's why I bought it 2 years ago. I knew HDV was a transitional format, but I needed a good camera for an upcoming job and didn't want to pay for an EX1. With the HDMI out, this camera has an extended it's usable life.

The only thing I don't like about the Z5U is the small sensor size and the relatively low quality of the 120fps. Of course the fact that it can ACTUALLY shoot 120 fps or 240 fields is fantastic, so maybe I'm just being picky. But I use the feature, and every time I use it and try and match it to the HDV/HD stuff I've shot, it always comes out looking bad. But still pretty cool.

Comments about Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder:

Since this is my second Z5u purchase, I would imagine it speaks for itself. A great camera for the price point. Beautiful full HD pictures, clear and crisp. Good low light capability and offers operational options from full auto to full manual. Three rings for focus, iris and zoom; 2 xlr with fantom power option. Peaking option really helps with the focus while using the LCD. Has the features I look for and at a price point I could afford.

Comments about Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder:

I love it when customers think I am using a much more expensive camera! Many of my customers have commented on the amazing clarity of this camera. For HDV users, this is THE camera. The three CMOS sensors deliver a sharp, vivid image with low-noise for their size. SONY's color profiles give you lots of flexibility in getting the look you want. Of course, each profile is completely customizable. These are the same color profiles found on SONY's higher-end cameras. The Z5U has performed very well while shooting outdoors in various weather conditions from -11 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a rock-solid camera that delivers a great image for an affordable price.

Comments about Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder:

No complaints, there is a reason it is so highly rated!

Comments about Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder:

I decided to finally upgrade from my 12 year old Sony DSR PD-150 and PD-170 camcorders for the occassional high definiton assignments. The video quality of the HVR-Z5U was gorgeous when used taping a First Communion ceremony in which the church's ambient light was plentiful, as well as in any outdoor situation. The shocker came when I taped the reception segment of a wedding the following weekend. As soon as the subject was out of range of my on-camera video light during candid zooms of people dancing, the image was dark, grainy and off-color. If you're used to the amazing low-light capability of the PD-150 or PD-170, be prepared for disappointment.

Comments about Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder:

I used to have Canon XH A1s that I paid for throught the nose at B&H 2 years ago. I regret and regret and regret and regeret for buying the canon because that camera produced lot of noise and very poor in low light compared to its price.

Finally, I was able to sell it back to B&H for few hundred bucks to get Z5U. This camera is great in Low light, and the image is great and sound quality is amazing. The best thing, I can shoot in full HD and convert to SD via firewire to edit even with Avid Liquid which has not been updated for years. The LCD is wide and clear. I love the zoom lense and the AF mode. If you wantto add and external microphone which is not even necessary, this camera comes with a powerful sony mic for professional shooting.

Comments about Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder:

For alsmost year I was searching for a camera to complete my HD camera series, to make the switch to HD/BLU-RAY. I found that most cameras even those priced over 5 Grand, Had weak sound quality/features, only one can meet my expectations of this area, the Sony HVR-Z5U.
After I bought this camera and I see that this is my best investment because without having good tools you cannot make an excellent video product.
Thank you B&H for collecting the
right feedback for helping me choose the product that would exceed my expectations.

Comments about Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder:

This camcorder is only used by professionls.

Comments about Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder:

We use these camera for Recitals, and weddings.The rings are fabulous, they are easy to use. We had used the FX1 before, noise you make when handling the camera was recorded, now, the included mic solves that.

Comments about Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder:

I purchased the Z5U for my day job two years ago to shoot video for the Web, for sales training and other corporate stuff. When the Corporate job went away and I had to leave the equipment in my cubicle, I turned around and bought the same setup for my blossoming freelance business.

Good omen - my first job was for the competition!

Great video with a side of "gotcha!"

Comments about Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder:

Documenary-short film production. Corporate video. Stringer work for NBC/MSNBC

Great feel and easy menu options for a wide range of effects. The 24 FPS feature was a must for us.
Nice factory wide angle lens rare at this level priced camera. Also got the VCTSP2BP for true pro shoulder mount feel. Will purchase another HVR-MRC1 next.

Wish it had a removable lens. Would certainly buy them from Sony if that was the case. Also, the camera comes with a nice lens shade but no lens cover, and or UV filter. No worries though, picked the pair up at the local Harmon's for under $100.00.

Comments about Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder:

I have the 4 HD camcorders, 3 Sony and 1 Panasonic Pro-sumer camcorder, this one by far is the best. The low-light clarity and true color are perfect for live stage performances, sporting events, and just about anything else. The adaptability of the camera is key as well. This camera will give me the flexability to do my job, and do it with greater ease.

Comments about Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder:

What can I say... its a VX1000 on steroids! Sony hit a home run with this camera. The lens is great and I like that it has professional features that I can manipulate. Love the fact that I can switch back and forth to every different recording format thats available right now. Has tons of great features that I would literally need this entire page to write about. But if you are looking to do films, tv (we use it for a sit-com pilot we are doing and shoot in 30p), music videos or even weddings or high-end home movies, this is a great, compact camera that you will not hate yourself for buying. For best results, we have found that you use the Sony HD Master quality tapes.. really brings out the colors.

This camera is a regular on hunting shows and is what they use to lens The Deadliest Catch... jsu tsome fyi and a testament to its quality.

Comments about Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder:

The camera has been a joy to work with. It's very workable in the studio environment and dependable when we're in the field where you rely on function.

In the studio we can get the result we need from the lens and the XLR is just gravy. Being able to 'get the shot' is all that matters, in the end and this camera can get it.

Our 'tween' daughters work with these cameras and the interface makes the cameras great tools for them to learn on.

We are buying our 2nd Z5u, its just that good.

Comments about Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder:

We purchased this camera for use in professional video production and have absolutely no complaints. Even with automatic settings, the camera captures amazing images.

Comments about Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder:

I shoot railroad films for train enthusiasts around the world. I need a robust camera that I can count on to deliver a great picture in the most extreme of environments, from the Mojave Desert to Colorado's Rockies. My customers have come to expect great quality Blu-ray programs, and the Z5U gets the job done! Right out of the box, the camera produces a very pleasing picture with great latitude for a camera in this price range. The low light performance is superb. The Z5U's ability to accurately capture the color of a signal light at night is better than anything I have seen from a CCD camera. The CMOS sensors do an excellent job of capturing fast-moving trains without any rolling shutter effects. I admit I was worried about that, but after testing the Z5U in the field I found that it was not an issue. I am very pleased. I have used the Z5U in 15 F degree weather for several hours at a time with no issues, no dropouts. The LCD screen is very sharp and a good aid for attaining proper focus. It makes up for the viewfinder which is less than desirable. I think SONY figures you will use the LCD most of the time anyway. The custom buttons are nice. I programmed one to quickly turn on the steady shot if I can't use a tripod. In short, the Z5U is a good, rugged, reliable tool that delivers a great image my customers appreciate. I will add that my wife is happy that she can put it in auto mode and video the kids, although she says it's a bit heavy.

Comments about Sony HVR-Z5U Professional HDV Camcorder:

Easy to handle.
Lots of bells and whistles.
Fairly good battery life.

It does scare little children.