Doug Jensen's Sony Z200 and NX800 Master Class

[@mageefilms]

Dough, you are absolutly brilliant! I can highly recommend Dough's Master Class. For years I have been using Cine Cameras - now for run and gun purposes purchased additionally the Sony Z 200. The camera with the extreme zoom is absolutely fantastic, although I could live with far fewer programme points. That's why Dough's Master Class is so valuable - again thank you 🙂!

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Thank you for the nice comments. You made my day. 🙂

[@Louphotos]

I been patiently waiting for your masterclass to come out for the new Z 200 and the NX 800. I have the NX 800 and obviously they’re the same camera minus a couple features. But since it’s so new and barely anybody is doing any type of reviews on it. I’ve been wanting to know more and more about this camera and its features, and with your status of knowledge and experience. I know this master class will be exactly what I need to use this camcorder to its fullest potential. I just rented your master class and I’m ready to start learning. Thank you so much for taking the time to do all this. I can’t even imagine what it took to record everything.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Thank you for the comments, I hope you enjoy the series. And I don't even want to think about what it took to put together. I think it is like childbirth. If women could accurately remember how hard the first child was, they'd never have another. Same here.

[@Louphotos]

@@DougJensenVortexMedia well I just finished up watching all seven hours plus of your master class and wow did I learn a lot about this camcorder. I am definitely gonna start testing out cinetone. But your audio section is really going to improve my audio. And it’s nice that the monitor and control app includes this camera. I already connected my nx800, fx30, and a7iv to it and can adjust all of them from my iPad Pro. Keep up the great work, Doug. I greatly appreciate it.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

@@Louphotos Fantastic! That is exactly the experience I hope to provide. Helping others take their use of the camera to a higher level. Enjoy your camera.

[@OldSurfDad]

Thanks for putting this together Doug. Really appreciate your teaching style and hard work on this video series.

[@remektekmedia6641]

So, I bought the Masterclass training and it is FANTASTIC. This is freaking GOLD. Sony should include these with each camera purchase, or at least provide a recommendation and link. I am simply dumb founded how powerful this camera is, and the way Doug describes these is just the best. I recommend every serious user to get this Masterclass, unless you are already a Sony expert :) LOL.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

I am so glad you like the series. It really helps to have the support of enthusiastic viewers.

[@TobermoryCat]

Subscribed to the 32 chapters and watched 6 chapters tonight. I don't like wasting my money. thankfully this was money well spent. Direct, clear and well organised job. Recommended.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

I'm glad you have found it a good investment of your time and money. Thanks for the feedback.

[@MattsonJohn]

This is such a great video! thanks for doing this Doug. Regards from India.

[@GabeandGarrett]

I can't wait to get this camera! I started with the EX1 and also have an A7SIII and FX9 but I miss the camcorder format and convenience. I love that this new camcorder has the night vision mode, it's hard to find that on a serious camcorder. I did love the interval recording on my EX1, and the slow shutter speed options, those would've been nice (and seemingly simple additions), but now having glorious 4K with a 20x lens (my PXW-X180 had that range and it's awesome!) and the super fast autofocus is a game changer in this format.

[@vicw1025]

I'm glad to see the class is ready. I'm still working on my accountant (i.e. wife) for funds for an NX800 and the master class. I love your videos.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Tell her that you will never find a more capable video camera for less than the cost of the NX800. 🙂 And then tell her you'll make it pay for itself through stock footage sales. My Z200 will pay for itself that way in no time at all. vimeo.com/ondemand/sellingstockfootage

[@ifhamrajisjungleventures3599]

Always the best masterclasses 👍

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Thank you!

[@mikebni]

Perfect, good timing as it’s landed the same time as my NX800. If it’s as useful as the Z190/Z280 course I bought last time round, this will be fantastic. Thanks Doug!

[@stevenqirkle]

Such a good intro, thank you! Honestly it's far more camera than I need for my use cases, although I really want one, and the price is actually pretty affordable!

[@StealthMedia]

Will be purchasing. As someone who hadn't filmed since the mid-late 2000's with an FX1 coming back to sports videography, I have been anticipating this coming out since I saw you mention you would be putting it together on one of your initial reviews. Bought the NX800 at the beginning of October and have had very good results thus far, but looking forward to all of the knowledge you have to share so I can have things looking even better. Appreciate the effort in putting this together.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Thank you for the comments. It sounds like you fall right into the perfect demographic for this video series. I hope you like it.

[@ChrisWinger]

Sold my fx6 and am very happy with this. Not lugging around huge lens all the time has been nice.

[@BONLEV]

also have the fx6. what do you shoot with it?

[@GabeandGarrett]

For nature videos, so you prefer s-cinetone or rec709?

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

I would never use REC709 outdoors.

[@rameshvideo]

Dough is a genius.

[@djcrazygatl]

Great Video, I have subcribed and liked. Awesome info. Thanks for making this type of videos.

[@thingsgoingoninsylacauga5490]

Waiting on the companion between Z200 and Z280

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Due to my schedule, that is several weeks away, if I decide to do one at all.

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

FANTASTICO...I have a few vacation days coming my way and I will get the course...rental? 6 month streaming? I guess I will lose access after 6 months? I understand that there is no direct download? Piracy is an issue. I understand...just making sure I understand the rules! I remember the days of DVD learning!

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Yes, that's the way the streaming works. Thanks in advance for signing up. Without the support of people like you these videos wouldn't be possible.

[@gbwalther3198]

Looks like the perfect cam for indie low-budget live action sporting events. Have a Sony HDR-FX1 which I still luv. 😎😎

[@VisionInMotion-b2z]

First person to like and comment! Always love watching your videos, they're very detailed and informative. Keep up the good work :)

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Johnny on the spot! Thanks for the kind words and for being first.

[@Ferrotiendacom]

omg increible, un enfoque increble el taller

[@CLIFFLIX]

Nice video Doug (as usual) Off the top of your head, do you remember what the native base ISO of these cameras? (0db = what ISO rating?)

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

When shooting S-LOG3, the camera says the base ISO is 1600. In the custom mode the camera says the base ISO is 250. Whether you want to believe those numbers or not, is up to you. Any time I have taken the time to verify the ISO of video cameras, the stated numbers have not been correct. But it doesn't matter to me so haven't rated the Z200 myself. The cameras are what they are, and I run them in 0dB Gain and have no need to know the ISO because I don't set exposure with a light meter. 🙂

[@daustonian9331]

I sure hope this is a harbinger of FX6 II to come!!

[@mariosbm1]

Thanks for your dedication Doug! About to pull the trigger on the NX800 (current owner of the AX700 - bought your course on that one), just waiting for Black Friday, trying to save a $ or two 🙂 Quick question: do you know if this camera can be powered from an external battery? For example, from the Smallrig vb99 pro mini v mount, that I already own. If yes, I guess not through the usb-c port, but through a D-tap or usb-c cable that would go from the battery to the power port DC on the NX800, right? If so again, which exact cable would you recommnend? Thanks!

[@remektekmedia6641]

Of course. It has DC input.

[@Louphotos]

@@mariosbm1 if it’s like my Sony a7iv that I turned into a video rig, I bought a v-mount power plate, attached my v-mount battery to it. Then I plug a usb-c cable into the usb-c port on the camera, then I plug into the usb-c port on the power plate and it keeps the battery in the camera charged all day. I figure it would do the same as the nx800 as long as you have the bp-u battery attached

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

What you suggest would probably work, but I wouldn't recommend it. Rather than cluttering up the camera, just get bigger BPU batteries. So much simpler. I have a couple of SHAPE BP-U100 batteries that will power the camera for 5 - 6 hours each. Plus they have two D-taps and a USB. Much better than a V-mount.

[@Louphotos]

@@DougJensenVortexMedia yep I have two Bp-u60 batteries and I can use them all day at the races

[@FatherBlue]

@mariosbm1 I’ve been using the tilta vmount for the fx6 on my z200, and it works perfectly with my v mount batteries.

[@MikeAnthonyPhotography]

does this have cache recording like the fx6 for 30 seconds ? so you dont miss a play or shot for sports

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

As noted @ 12:50 in the video, the Z200 does not offer Picture Cache.

[@lampjesgek]

Hi Doug, I'm testing the Z200 this weekend, if it's better then the Z150 i will buy 3x the NX800. Off topic, do i receive an invoice when i buy your masterclass? The intro looks great!

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

The Z200 is way better than the Z150, so go ahead and get out our wallet because you're going to be buying new cameras. 🙂 When you sign up for my master class you are actually doing business with Vimeo, not me. Once I upload the video, it is out of my hands. I get zero customer information from Vimeo, So, you'll need to check with Vimeo to see if you can get a receipt or not. I honestly don't know that answer. But thanks in advance if you decide to sign up. I appreciate your support.

[@Sucher]

Hi Doug, I got your course as a decision to buy between the Z200 and NX800 and I'm thrilled with the quality and precision of your explanations, compliments! I know that Sony is currently working on retrofitting BRAW for the FX6 and FX9, which is planned in the form of a firmware update. The output of BRAW should be via SDI 12G. If at some point the camcorders are upgraded with BRAW, will the Z200 primarily benefit from this, or do you think that the NX800 will also benefit from it via HDMI?

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Thanks for the comments. However, there is no way that Sony is going to add Blackmagic RAW to any of their cameras, and especially not the Z200 or NX800. I don't know where you got that information from, but it is certainly wrong.

[@Sucher]

@@DougJensenVortexMedia Well, I didn't question Blackmagic, I simply believed Shagral's KZbin video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnOwYoSQgcuoq5osi=pqFfvPx83tyGqODM

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

@@Sucher You are misunderstanding that video. Sony isn't changing anything about their cameras or firmware. Nothing. It is Blackmagic that is adding the ability to take Sony's existing RAW signal output from the FX6 and FX9 and record it is BRAW. That change has nothing whatsoever to with Sony or the cameras' firmware. Also, since the Z200 and NX800 do not have a RAW output option (and never will) this change by Blackmagic does not apply to the Z200 or NX800.

[@Sucher]

@@DougJensenVortexMedia Oh, thank you for the clarification!

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

@@Sucher No problem.

[@CLW-WNY]

Do you offer a tutorial or recommend a tutorial on how to live stream using this camera?

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

No, I don't have any expertise or guidance in that area. On the rare occasion when I live stream it is too complicated of a production to do so directly from the camera.

[@lavidaplena]

How do set up S-cinetone in the NX800

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

How to setup, shoot, set white balance, and expose with S-Cinetone is covered in Chapter 10. vimeo.com/ondemand/z200/

[@MrMysto]

Is there a way to add a matte box so I can use my black mist Firecrest filters?

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Sure, just watch my video. In the first 5 minutes I talk about the rods and base plate I use. Adding a matte box to the rods is very simple.

[@MrMysto]

@DougJensenVortexMedia thank you 😊 will keep learning

[@marcelsmit4451]

What i do not get Doug, is why is a native sensitivity of 0db not the same as the native sensitivity of iso 1600? And what is the advantage of using db instead of iso?

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Native ISO of S-LOG3 on the Z200 is 1600. Native ISO of non-SLOG shooting modes is 250. The reason the use of Gain is preferred over ISO in professional television/video production is because when the camera says 0dB you know it is on the native sensitivity regardless of the shooting mode. You do not need to know anything else about the gamma, shooting mode, etc. If the camera says 0dB then it is on the base sensitivity, which is very important information to have. On the FX6, for example, if I tell you the ISO is on 500, is that the base sensitivity or not? You cannot answer that question unless you know more about the camera's other settings because the base sensitivity varies from mode to mode.. But if I tell you the camera is on 0dB, then you know it is on the base regardless of those other settings. I hope that makes sense,

[@marcelsmit4451]

@@DougJensenVortexMedia Thank you Doug for both your answer and providing us this wonderful Master Class🙏🏻📚

[@imageson9297]

Hello Doug, is the Sony NX800 a better choice than the Sony Z280, and why? Thank you.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

That is an impossible question for me to answer. "Better" is a relative term and I can't make a blanket statement for other people. You should watch the this video and my Z280 intro video and then come to your own conclusions. it will be a tough decision! 🙂

[@imageson9297]

@@DougJensenVortexMedia Better for stability, for AF, for dynamics... in short, image quality in general.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

@@imageson9297 If that is your criteria, then I would say the Z200 is the better choice.

[@thenaturalworld2024]

Bummer that picture cache is missing--a feature I use on my older sony camcorder. Not a deal killer, tho'.

[@coryruss16]

Can the NX800 film in 120fps outside of S&Q mode, so I can slow the footage down myself?

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Yes it can. I'm not sure why you'd want to, but you can shoot with 120p and even 100p video formats. The first Sony camcorder to offer those frame rates.

[@GabeandGarrett]

@@DougJensenVortexMedia I'm guessing so it could still record audio if it wasn't in S&Q?

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

@@GabeandGarrett Yes you can record audio at those frame rates. Not sure what good it will do you, but you can if you want.

[@GabeandGarrett]

@@DougJensenVortexMedia For me, when using a GoPro that allows 120fps with audio recording, it just gives more use options. You can still grab the audio from the clip and play the video and audio real-time rather than slowed, or slowed and get that super low and slow audio reactions that often sound like mooing cows, ha ha! Or simply use the audio creatively elsewhere, it's a nice option. GoPros and iPhones do it, I haven't had it in a real camera though, they usually don't record audio at 120.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

@@GabeandGarrett I can understand doing that with a GoPro, but the Z200 is generally going to be used to capture content with higher production values than an action cam The problem with shooting everything at 120 fps is that the shutter speed will be too fast if you change the frame-rate to something "normal" in post, such as 24p or 30p. Yes, you'll have audio, but the shutter speed can't possibly be correct and will result in incorrect motion blur.. Plus at 120 fps you're shooting a ton of frames that will never see the light of day. That's 5x time bigger files at 120p vs. 24p when all other things are equal. I believe it is better to use S&Q when slow-motion is desired and use regular frame rates for everything else.

[@Roseartvideo]

How good is Sony Z200 at low light?

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Very good.

[@realCAMERALERO]

@@DougJensenVortexMedia this is what I've been waiting to hear.

[@RobHargreavesUK]

How good is the auto focus compared to the Canon XF605 if anyone might know?

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

There's no comparison. The Z200 is far better than the XF605. I rented a XF605 two years ago for a week to compare to the Z280, and AF was very similar on those two cameras. It was suprrising how similar they were. But AF on the Z200 is far superior, not even close to both of those cameras. On a whole different level.

[@ifhamrajisjungleventures3599]

Is this good for wildlife doug?

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Absolutely great for wildlife. I'll be doing a 3-month road trip to Alaska next summer and unless something better comes along, this will be the only video camera I bring with me for wildlife. My FX6 and other cameras will stay home.

[@gianfrancoprimerano7073]

Grande Doug, complimenti!!! Solo un'osservazione... nel video dici, (giustamente), che non ha codec XDCAM, come anch'io so, ma sulla camera c'è scritto😄 Fantastica Sony!!!

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Yes, that is strange that the cameras have "XDCAM" printed on them but they have no XDCAM codecs. I think the term "XDCAM" applies to more than just the codecs. But it is strange.

[@gianfrancoprimerano7073]

@@DougJensenVortexMedia infatti è strano leggere XDCAM, ma senza poi trovare il codec MPEG HD422 interlacciato che è il vero XDCAM. Ti domando ciò se ne sei a conoscenza: Quando Sony doterà di MXF la Z200, avrà anche la registrazione interlacciata sulle schede interne anche se solo XAVC ? Ancora complimenti caro Doug. Sei un Gran Professionista.

[@DougJensenVortexMedia]

Yes, Sony has said that the Z200 will get MXF and interlaced capability in 2025. So, there is the answer you wanted to hear.

[@gianfrancoprimerano7073]

@@DougJensenVortexMedia ..sì caro Doug, era proprio ciò che volevo sapere. Io lavoro con televisione e usiamo ancora XDCAM MPG HD422 interlacciato. A questo punto credo che Sony abbia stampato la scritta XDCAM in previsione di questo aggiornamento del 2025. Però non capisco per quale motivo hanno commercializzato la Z200, che per la sua destinazione broadcast avrebbe dovuto avere già il codec MXF, ed invece non lo ha! Cioè ad oggi, Z200 e NX800 (a parte SDI, time code sulla Z200), hanno praticamente lo stesso contenitore codec (come hai giustamente detto tu): uguali al 99% !!!