| |
Model
|
| Sony HVR-Z1 | Panasonic AG-HVX200 | Sony HDR-FX7 | |
| Picture ? | | | | Picture ? |
| Manufacturer | Sony 
| Panasonic
| Sony
| Manufacturer |
| Name | HVR-Z1 | AG-HVX200 | HDR-FX7 | Name |
| European name ? | HVR-Z1E | AG-HVX200E | HDR-FX7E | European name ? |
| US name ? | HVR-Z1U | AG-HVX200 | HDR-FX7 | US name ? |
| lowest US price | 5295 $ | | | lowest US price |
| On the market since | April 2005 | March 2006 | November 2006 | On the market since |
| Manufacturers URL | link to Sony | link to Panasonic | link to Sony | Manufacturers URL |
|
|
Test preview
|
| [ top ] | Sony HVR-Z1 | Panasonic AG-HVX200 | Sony HDR-FX7 | |
| slashCAM rating ? | Good
 | Good
| Good
| slashCAM rating ? |
| test picture 1200 Lux | | | | test picture 1200 Lux |
| Test image 12 lux auto-mode | | | | Test image 12 lux auto-mode |
Video
|
| [ top ] | Sony HVR-Z1 | Panasonic AG-HVX200 | Sony HDR-FX7 | |
| Video formats ? | MiniDV
HDV
DVCAM
| MiniDV
DVC PRO 25
DVC PRO 50
DVC PRO HD
| MiniDV
HDV
| Video formats ? |
| Recording Medium | MiniDV/HDV-Cassette
| MiniDV/HDV-Cassette
P2 card
| MiniDV/HDV-Cassette
| Recording Medium |
| video resolutions EU ? | HDV 1440 x 1080/50i
MiniDV 720 x 576/50i
DVCAM 720 x 576/50i
HDV 1440 x 1080/60i
DVCAM 720 x 480/60i
MiniDV 720 x 576/60i
| MiniDV 720 x 576/50i
DVC PRO 25,576 / 50i
DVC PRO 50,576 / 50i
DVC PRO HD 720/25p
DVC PRO HD 720/50p
DVCPROHD 1080/50i
| HDV 1440 x 1080/50i
MiniDV 720 x 576/50i
| video resolutions EU ? |
| video resolutions US ? | HDV 1440 x 1080/50i
MiniDV 720 x 576/50i
DVCAM 720 x 576/50i
HDV 1440 x 1080/60i
DVCAM 720 x 480/60i
MiniDV 720 x 576/60i
| DVCPROHD 1080/24p
DVCPROHD 1080/30p
MiniDV 720 x 480/60i
720 MiniDV x480/24p
MiniDV 720 x 480/30p
DVCPRO HD 720 24p - 60i
DVCPRO HD 24p 1080 - 60i
| HDV 1440 x 1080/60i
MiniDV 720 x 480/60i
| video resolutions US ? |
| Max Bitrate ? | 25 Mbit/s | 100 Mbit/s | 25 Mbit/s | Max Bitrate ? |
| Compression format ? | DV
MPEG2
| DV
DVC PRO HD-proprietary
| DV
MPEG2
| Compression format ? |
| on-board memory ? | | | | on-board memory ? |
| Optics |
| Optics Manufacturer ? | Carl Zeiss
| Leica
| Carl Zeiss
| Optics Manufacturer ? |
| Optical Zoom ? | 12 x | 13 x | 20 x | Optical Zoom ? |
| Wide Angle 16:9 ? | 32,5 mm | 32,5 mm | 37,4 mm | Wide Angle 16:9 ? |
| Filter diameter ? | 72 mm | 82 mm | 62 mm | Filter diameter ? |
| Image Stabilization ? | optical
| optical
| optical
| Image Stabilization ? |
| ND Filter ? | 2 | 2 | 2 | ND Filter ? |
| Exchangable optics ? | No
| No
| No
| Exchangable optics ? |
| Image Sensor |
| Number of sensors ? | 3 | 3 | 3 | Number of sensors ? |
| Size of image sensor ? | 1/3 inch | 1/3 inch | 1/4 inch | Size of image sensor ? |
| image sensor effective pixel count 16:9 ? | 1070000 Pixel | 513000 Pixel | 1037000 Pixel | image sensor effective pixel count 16:9 ? |
| Image Sensor Type ? | CCD
| CCD
| CMOS
| Image Sensor Type ? |
| Controls |
| White Balance ? | auto
manual
presets
WB-Shift
| auto
manual
presets
| auto
manual
presets
| White Balance ? |
| Focus ? | auto
manual
| auto
manual
| auto
manual
| Focus ? |
| Minimum shutter time ? | 1/10.000 | 1/2.000 | 1/10.000 | Minimum shutter time ? |
| Maximum shutter time ? | 1/3 | 1/12 | 1/3 | Maximum shutter time ? |
| Apperture control ? | auto
manual
AE-Shift
| auto
manual
| auto
manual
| Apperture control ? |
| Infrared recording ? | No
| No
| No
| Infrared recording ? |
| Expanded Focus ? | Yes
| No
| Yes
| Expanded Focus ? |
| Peaking ? | Yes
| Yes, but only in the viewfinder
| Yes
| Peaking ? |
| Signal Processing |
| Zebra ? | 70-100% | 50-105% | Off
70%
100%
| Zebra ? |
| Histogram ? | No
| No
| Yes
| Histogram ? |
| adjustable sharpness ? | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| adjustable sharpness ? |
| Adjustable color ? | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Adjustable color ? |
| Cinegamma ? | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Cinegamma ? |
| Black Strech ? | Yes
| Yes
| No
| Black Strech ? |
| Knee ? | No
| Yes
| No
| Knee ? |
| Colorbars ? | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Colorbars ? |
| Misc. |
| Shot Transition ? | Yes
| | Yes
| Shot Transition ? |
| Custom Presets ? | Yes
| | Yes
| Custom Presets ? |
| Set Time Code ? | Yes
| | No
| Set Time Code ? |
Configuration
|
| Connections |
| [ top ] | Sony HVR-Z1 | Panasonic AG-HVX200 | Sony HDR-FX7 | |
FBAS ?
synonymous: RCA, composite | In
Out
| In
Out
| Out
| FBAS ?
synonymous: RCA, composite |
YC ?
synonymous: S-Video | In
Out
| In
Out
| Out
| YC ?
synonymous: S-Video |
YUV ?
synonymous: Component Signal | Out
| Out
| Out
| YUV ?
synonymous: Component Signal |
| HDMI ? | No
| No
| Out
| HDMI ? |
DV / HDV (FireWire) ?
synonymous: ILink / IEEE-1394 | In
Out
| Out
| In
Out
| DV / HDV (FireWire) ?
synonymous: ILink / IEEE-1394 |
| USB ? | No
| USB 2.0
| USB 1.1
| USB ? |
| Microphone / Audio input ? | XLR
| XLR
Cinch
| Mini-jack
| Microphone / Audio input ? |
| Headphones ? | Mini-jack
| Mini-jack
| Mini-jack
| Headphones ? |
| Lanc ? | Yes
| | Yes
| Lanc ? |
| Time-code interface ? | No
| | No
| Time-code interface ? |
| Genlock ? | No
| No
| No
| Genlock ? |
| Accessory shoe ? | Standard
| Standard
| Standard
| Accessory shoe ? |
| HD-SDI ? | No
| No
| No
| HD-SDI ? |
| Misc. |
| Weight (without battery) | 1995 g | 2500 g | 1430 g | Weight (without battery) |
| Weight (with battery) | 2182 g | 2700 g | 1600 g | Weight (with battery) |
| Battery type | Sony F570
| Panasonic CGA-D54
| Sony F570
| Battery type |
| Battery capacity | 2200 mAh | 5400 mAh | 2200 mAh | Battery capacity |
| Charger ? | external
| external
| internal
| Charger ? |
| Remote control | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Remote control |
| Size |
| Height | 139 mm | 169 mm | 145 mm | Height |
| Width | 182 mm | 180 mm | 156 mm | Width |
| Depth | 360 mm | 390 mm | 322 mm | Depth |
| Relative Size ? | 91 | 118 | 72 | Relative Size ? |
| Viewfinder |
| Viewfinder available ? | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Viewfinder available ? |
| Color Viewfinder ? | B/W and color
| Color
| Color
| Color Viewfinder ? |
| Viewfinder format ? | 16:9 | 4:3 | 16:9 | Viewfinder format ? |
| Viewfinder pixels ? | 252000 Pixel | 210000 Pixel | 252000 Pixel | Viewfinder pixels ? |
| Display |
| Display available ? | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Display available ? |
| Color display ? | Color
| Color
| Color
| Color display ? |
| Display size | 3,5 Inch | 3,5 Inch | 3,5 Inch | Display size |
| Display format ? | 16:9 | 4:3 | 16:9 | Display format ? |
| Display pixels ? | 250880 Pixel | 235000 Pixel | 211200 Pixel | Display pixels ? |
| Touch Screen ? | No
| No
| No
| Touch Screen ? |
| External controls |
| Manual Zoom ? | Rocker
Ring
| Ring
| Rocker
Ring
| Manual Zoom ? |
| Manual Focus ? | Ring
Menu
| Ring
| Ring
| Manual Focus ? |
| Manual Aperture ? | Wheel
| | Wheel
| Manual Aperture ? |
| Focus switcher ? | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Focus switcher ? |
| ND Filter ? | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| ND Filter ? |
| Exp Lock ? | Yes
| | Yes
| Exp Lock ? |
| Gain ? | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Gain ? |
| White balance ? | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| White balance ? |
| Push AF ? | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Push AF ? |
| Audio Levels ? | Yes
| Yes
| No
| Audio Levels ? |
Custom Keys ?
synonymous: User buttons | 6 | 3 | 6 | Custom Keys ?
synonymous: User buttons |
Audio
|
| [ top ] | Sony HVR-Z1 | Panasonic AG-HVX200 | Sony HDR-FX7 | |
| Audio Formats ? | MiniDV: 2x48kHz 16bit PCM
MiniDV: 4x32kHz 12bit PCM
HDV: 2x48kHz 16bit MPEG 1
| MiniDV: 2x48kHz 16bit PCM
MiniDV: 4x32kHz 12bit PCM
DVC PRO 4x48kHz 16bit PCM
| MiniDV: 2x48kHz 16bit PCM
MiniDV: 4x32kHz 12bit PCM
HDV: 2x48kHz 16bit MPEG 1
| Audio Formats ? |
| Microphone ? | Stereo internal
external XLR
| Stereo internal
external XLR
| Stereo internal
Mini-jack external
| Microphone ? |
| Audio Control ? | auto
manual
| auto
manual
| auto
manual
| Audio Control ? |
| Audio levels ? | Viewfinder
Screen
| Viewfinder
Screen
| Viewfinder
Screen
| Audio levels ? |
Still
|
| [ top ] | Sony HVR-Z1 | Panasonic AG-HVX200 | Sony HDR-FX7 | |
| Recording Medium ? | No
| | Memory Stick Duo
| Recording Medium ? |
| Medium included ? | No
| | | Medium included ? |
| Effective pixels ? | | | 1037000 Pixel | Effective pixels ? |
| Resolutions ? | | 1920x1080 | 1440 x 810 | Resolutions ? |
| Standard ? | | | JPEG Exif 2.2
| Standard ? |
| Flash ? | No
| | No
| Flash ? |
Misc.
|
| [ top ] | Sony HVR-Z1 | Panasonic AG-HVX200 | Sony HDR-FX7 | |
| Specials | | + variable frame rates
| "Smooth Slow Record" slow motion mode: 6 seconds are recorded with 200 half frames/sec., resulting in a 4-fold slow motion.However, the recording is without sound, in SD-resolution and in poorer image quality. | Specials |
Product Shots
|
| [ top ] | Sony HVR-Z1 | Panasonic AG-HVX200 | Sony HDR-FX7 | |
| View 1 | | | | View 1 |
| View 2 | | | | View 2 |
Test results
|
| Test pictures |
| [ top ] | Sony HVR-Z1 | Panasonic AG-HVX200 | Sony HDR-FX7 | |
| luminance resolution | | | | luminance resolution |
| chrominance resolution | | | | chrominance resolution |
| lens distortion | | | | lens distortion |
| test small ISO image | | | | test small ISO image |
| noise / internal microphone | | | | noise / internal microphone |
| test picture 1200 Lux | | | | test picture 1200 Lux |
| Test image 12 lux auto-mode ? | | | | Test image 12 lux auto-mode ? |
| Test image 12 lux optimized ? | | | | Test image 12 lux optimized ? |
| slashCAM rating |
| Lowlight ? | Good | Satisfactory | Good | Lowlight ? |
| Resolution ? | Satisfactory | Satisfactory | Good | Resolution ? |
| Color performance ? | Satisfactory | Good | Good | Color performance ? |
| subj.Picture impression ? | Very good | Good | Very good | subj.Picture impression ? |
| Optical Zoom ? | Sufficient | Sufficient | Satisfactory | Optical Zoom ? |
| Wide Angle ? | Very good | Very good | Satisfactory | Wide Angle ? |
| Configuration / image ? | Very good | Very good | Very good | Configuration / image ? |
| Configuration / sound ? | Very good | Very good | Satisfactory | Configuration / sound ? |
| Handling ? | Very good | Good | Very good | Handling ? |
| Portability ? | Satisfactory | Satisfactory | Good | Portability ? |
| Photo function ? | Poor | Sufficient | Sufficient | Photo function ? |
| Optics ? | Good | Very good | Good | Optics ? |
| Dynamics ? | Very good | Very good | Very good | Dynamics ? |
| Conclusion slashCAM |
| slashCAM rating ? | Good
| Good
| Good
| slashCAM rating ? |
Total score ?
(maximal 570) | 384 | 382 | 381 | Total score ?
(maximal 570) |
| Pros | + Very good image quality impression
+ Wide optics
+ handling well-conceived
+ Very well equipped
+ Supports also formats with 60i
+ individually controllable audio channels
| Good wide angle
+ Professional controls
+ Real 50p-mode and variable frame rates
| + Very good image quality impression
+ 20x zoom
+ handling well-conceived
HDMI out
| Pros |
| Cons | - No full HDV-resolution
- DV-quality only average
| - Menu buttons/distribution unergonomic
- Display
- Driver necessary for PC/Mac
| - Audio controlling only via menu
-less Wide-angle than FX1/A1/HVX200
| Cons |
| Conclusion | Just as the consumer version FX1 the Sony HVR-Z1 lacks CCDs with full HDV-resolution, which is noticeable at least in the horizontals.Nevertheless, the subjective image impression is still very good due to the very good dynamic behavior with extremely little noise and the consistent color reproduction.Despite the comparatively large wide-angle, optical errors are within limits, only little distortion and chromatic aberrations can be detected.In low light-situations the FX1 is good, the low noise being a plus. | Unfortunately, with the AG-HVX200 Panasonic puts its focus on pixel shift instead of real CCD-resolution.This provides only satisfactory results in terms of luminance resolution.The color resolution is much better, in the SD-Modi (especially DVCPro50) the HVX200 is also very good.Image noise is increased by the delineation, therefore lowlight-images look somewhat unsettled.The image dynamic and the very good lens still make for a good image impression in HiDef, in the DVCPro50-mode it is very good. | The Sony HDR-FX7 uses its 1/4-inch-CMOS-Wandler almost to full capacity.The resolution, at least in the Y-channel is good, the color resolution is a little weaker.Low noise and smear-effects together with excellent automatics ensure a very good image impression.The 20x lens shows comparatively few errors like aberrations or distortion, but the wide-angle could be larger for this price range.In low light situations the FX7 is just about good -- here too the low noise a plus point. | Conclusion |
More information
|
| Reviews and Forums |
| [ top ] | Sony HVR-Z1 | Panasonic AG-HVX200 | Sony HDR-FX7 | |
| slashCAM Review | | | | slashCAM Review |
| external reviews/tests |  digitalcontentproducer.com
www.digitalproducer.com
videosystems.com
videosystems.com
www.digitalproducer.com
| www.videography.com
reviews.cnet.com
www.camcorderinfo.com
| | external reviews/tests |
| Comparison | Sony HVR-Z1 compared to Panasonic AG-AC160
Sony HVR-Z1 compared to Panasonic AG-HPX250
Sony HVR-Z1 compared to Canon XF300
Sony HVR-Z1 compared to Canon XF305
Sony HVR-Z1 compared to Canon XF100
Sony HVR-Z1 compared to Sony PMW-EX1
Sony HVR-Z1 compared to Panasonic HDC-Z10000 (2D-Modus)
Sony HVR-Z1 compared to Canon XH G1s
Sony HVR-Z1 compared to Canon XH G1
Sony HVR-Z1 compared to Panasonic HDC-Z10000 (3D-Modus)
Sony HVR-Z1 compared to Sony HXR-NX70
Sony HVR-Z1 compared to Panasonic AG-HPX301E
Sony HVR-Z1 compared to Sony HDR-FX1000
Sony HVR-Z1 compared to Sony HVR-Z5
Sony HVR-Z1 compared to Panasonic AG-HMC151
Sony HVR-Z1 compared to Panasonic AG-HPX171
Sony HVR-Z1 compared to Sony HVR-V1
Sony HVR-Z1 compared to Panasonic AG-HPX170
| Panasonic AG-HVX200 compared to Sony PMW-EX1R
Panasonic AG-HVX200 compared to Canon XF105
Panasonic AG-HVX200 compared to Canon XF100
Panasonic AG-HVX200 compared to Panasonic HDC-Z10000 (2D-Modus)
Panasonic AG-HVX200 compared to Panasonic HDC-Z10000 (3D-Modus)
Panasonic AG-HVX200 compared to Canon XH A1s
Panasonic AG-HVX200 compared to Canon XH A1
Panasonic AG-HVX200 compared to Sony HDR-AX2000
Panasonic AG-HVX200 compared to Sony HXR-NX5
Panasonic AG-HVX200 compared to Sony HXR-NX70
Panasonic AG-HVX200 compared to Sony HDR-FX1000
Panasonic AG-HVX200 compared to Sony HVR-Z5
Panasonic AG-HVX200 compared to Canon XL H1A
Panasonic AG-HVX200 compared to Sony NEX-VG20
Panasonic AG-HVX200 compared to Panasonic AG-HMC151
Panasonic AG-HVX200 compared to Sony HVR-V1
Panasonic AG-HVX200 compared to JVC GY-HM150
Panasonic AG-HVX200 compared to JVC GY-HM100
| Sony HDR-FX7 compared to Canon XA10
Sony HDR-FX7 compared to Canon HF G10
Sony HDR-FX7 compared to Sony HDR-CX700
Sony HDR-FX7 compared to Sony HDR-TD10 (2D-Modus)
Sony HDR-FX7 compared to Sony HDR-CX550V
Sony HDR-FX7 compared to Sony NEX-VG10
Sony HDR-FX7 compared to Sony HDR-FX1
Sony HDR-FX7 compared to Panasonic HDC-TM350
Sony HDR-FX7 compared to Sony HDR-SR12
Sony HDR-FX7 compared to Sony HDR-XR520
Sony HDR-FX7 compared to Sony HDR-XR500V
Sony HDR-FX7 compared to Sony HDR-TD10 (3D-Modus)
Sony HDR-FX7 compared to Panasonic HDC-SD1
Sony HDR-FX7 compared to Sony HVR-A1
Sony HDR-FX7 compared to Sony HDR-HC7
Sony HDR-FX7 compared to JVC GS-TD1BE (3D-Modus)
Sony HDR-FX7 compared to Sony HVR-HD1000
Sony HDR-FX7 compared to Panasonic HC-X909 (3D mit VW-CLT2)
| Comparison |
| Forum posts | either HVR Z1 or Canon 60D / 600D
SonyHVR-Z1E time to delete material in issue?
price for a used Z1 - which were as the average prices!
Migration of SonyPD170 on Z1 - big jump or rather Bleibenlassen!
sony hdr z1 / svideo to bnc adapter
Shoe Adapter for SonyFX1 / Z1 where?
Monitor Z1 connect
SonyHVR-Z1E / DVCAM quality
Search German manual for HVR-Z1E
clips for sony z1
SonyHVR Z1 or Canon XL H1?
SonyHVR-Z1E Picture shows only the coil to
Problem: SonyHVR-Z1E Firewire connection to PC
| Pansaonic HVX200 and Romy 75 (; Anton-Bauer)
HD-Workshop/Schulung with Panasonic HVX200 HVX 201 or AE
For the 100th time: No connection HVX200 <-> XP Prof
Canon XH-A1 or Panasonic HVX200
Panasonic AG-HVX200E <-> Edius Neo 2
AG-HVX200E / many black bars when playing
Panasonic HVX200E (;) nor a good choice?
Sachtler FSB8 for HVX200 or FSB6 yet?
Excellent repair service for AG-HVX200!
Cullmann 2200: AG-HVX200E
Import Of Liquid HVX200 with P2
Two HVX200 with a remote control to control?
Panasonic HVX200 or SonyPMW EX1 (?)
| Charger for FX7 from USA
FX1 and FX7 from USA?
Problem with Firewire / FX7 is no longer recognized
Important question about SonyHDR-FX7E because überspilung to PC
[color = darkblue] drop outs when recording with the FX7 [/ color]
Sony HDR FX7 HVR V1 or Canon XM2 or SonyVX2100
Question about the FX7 Accessory shoe
SonyHDR-FX7E or better Canon XH A1?
From FX7 HD DV convert
HDR FX7 or HDR SR12
Like the best of FX7 HDV in FCE capture?
Material of SonyHDR-FX7E HDV1080i import
FX1 and FX7 - A Comparison?
| Forum posts |
| |
