Looking past the Sony Z200 and now towards Z280

[@VozMadridista]

Your channel is great because it is authentic, raw, and experience based. This is not an editing/color grading cinematic overkilling extravaganza to proof “edit bay” skills… it is “on the field”, professional job done to client satisfaction evidence, plus tips on real use, time saving, comfort seeking experience. I do not need anything else. Thanks for your content.

[@davidmorefield]

@@VozMadridista hey man, it’s great to hear some positive feedback. Thank you for sharing.

[@cameraheadstudios]

I'm glad people are talking about camcorder again.

[@davidmorefield]

@@cameraheadstudios 🙏🏻

[@asafblasbergvideographer]

Hi David, thank you so much for your video. The Panasonic DVX200, which is a very old 2015 model, is the only camcorder with a fixed lens that has a 4/3" sensor, which is the same size found on the Panny's GH series. I still use it today, and definitely having the larger sensor than the 1/2" to 1" size helps in terms of light. Obviously it is still nowhere near the same quality of the full frame sensor of the FX6. BTW loved the 6:36 thunderclap - scared the heck out of me when I watched your video for the very first time :)

[@davidmorefield]

@@asafblasbergvideographer haha the Florida nature had to make an appearance

[@shem44]

I'm using z280, fx6, fx3, fx30 and has never cross my mind which cam to be replaced because they each serve different functions. Use the right tool for the right job is my principle.

[@davidmorefield]

@@shem44 there is definitely merit to that perspective. My outlook is that with a few tweaks, you could begin having one tool be useful enough for different jobs. I don’t think it’s too far away.

[@daltonrandall4348]

@@davidmorefield You can't, though. The sensor size is dictated by the lens. Try getting a 24mm-480mm lens (servo, no less) for your FX6 and not have it be the size of a refrigerator and cost of a Ferrari. That's exactly what these cameras are for, and no tweaks are going to replace the laws of physics.

[@davidmorefield]

@@daltonrandall4348 Make sure to watch the full video next time. I explain I would gladly accept a reduction in focal range.

[@daltonrandall4348]

@@davidmorefieldwell the users of camcorders wouldn't - that's the single attractive reason to buy one. Do you really want an FX6 with a non-removable 24-105 f/4 lens? That sounds awful.

[@davidmorefield]

@ Thankfully, it’s not a binary decision between those two options.

[@CLIFFLIX]

The lens geometry on the Z280 was designed for a lens circle to cover s MUCH smaller sensor than a 1 inch-type chip. The Z200 glass is made specifically for a 1 inch-type sensor and is probably just a modified Z150 lens. I dont see any upgrade path for the Z280. Those small chips are just maxed out by todays standards.

[@davidmorefield]

@@CLIFFLIX that’s a bummer to hear. Perhaps they can implement some features like dual base iso.

[@SportFlow]

When Sony developed the Z280, 1" sensors were already available but Sony went with 3-CMOS 1/2" chips instead for their flagship broadcast handheld camcorder. Why? Don't know. Having 3-CMOS sensors is definitively better in terms of color and sensitivity but it is also 3 times more expensive, requieres more power, a prism, more moving parts, etc. Professional broadcast cameras, the ones we see at superbowl, olympics, etc all have 3 CMOS 2/3" sensors. So, if you have the budget, 3 is better than 1. So I guess that with todays standards, 3 1/2" sensors is still better than 1 1" sensor, but it does not make sense economically. That's why the 5-year-old Z280 is almost double the price of the new Z200.

[@davidmorefield]

@@SportFlow interesting info. Thank you!

[@CLIFFLIX]

​@@SportFlow- ​@SportFlow - The problem with 3 chip designs is that the light must pass through a RGB beam splitter prism. This drops the light but the worst part is that each RGB sensor must be PERFECTLY aligned to the prism...pixel over pixel to creat a sharp image. This is not too hard in 1080 resolution but in 4k??? It requires 4x the manufacturing percision! If the green sensor or blue sensor is shifted just a few pixels off? Image quality deteriorates VERY fast. Single chips do not ever have this problem.

[@SportFlow]

​@@CLIFFLIX That's correct, but with modern manufacturing techniques, the alignment through the prism in three-chip cameras is really no issue, and the advantages of using three separate sensors outweigh this minor light loss. Single-chip designs, on the other hand, require a Bayer filter, which compromises color accuracy and reduces sensitivity. The Bayer filter allows only a specific color of light to pass through each pixel, limiting the amount of light that reaches the sensor. While three-chip designs inherently offer superior color accuracy and sensitivity, they are more complex and significantly more expensive.

[@QWSfilms]

Love your videos, love the gear talk. Keep it up.

[@davidmorefield]

@@QWSfilms thanks for the kind words! I appreciate it.

[@anonymissed3611]

Have you tested zoom smoothness on 280 vs z200? Filming events often requires smooth zooms. I've seen a pretty negative review of 280s zoom control. This is kind of a staple of camcorders. Also, compare the autofocus tech.

[@davidmorefield]

@@anonymissed3611 I have not but I’d love to test them out

[@RedClayProductions_NewOrleans]

The 15 year old Sony EX1R is a Broadcast Quality camcorder built on the same design as the Z280. You have to understand the phrase Broadcast Quality to understand your point. The z200 is NOT a broadcast quality camera. The lack of the mpeg2 codec which is available in the upcoming firmware update is one spec that relates to this issue. Most people purchasing FX cameras have no idea of what broadcast quality refers to and probably have never worked for a broadcast network.

[@ebinrock]

Just wondering, the Z280 has a smaller sensor (1/2"), but there are 3 of those (RGB). Would three 1/2" sensors handling each of the primary colors be the equivalent quality as a single larger sensor?

[@davidmorefield]

@@ebinrock that’s above my pay grade but according to the comments they are saying it’s actually better.

[@alexsmba]

Single larger sensor would let in more light and have more control over depth of field. 3 sensors is only about separation of primary colors. Not sure it’s as relevant as it used to be with the old CCDs. Also, 3 chip cameras don’t do well in lower light for another reason, because some light is lost through the prism.

[@lyndonlabayan]

Great insight. The pov/bts stuff is neat but this stuff is also great. Keep it up please!

[@davidmorefield]

@@lyndonlabayan I’m glad there’s a market for it. I appreciate the kind words.

[@billmakesmovies]

Z200 is replacement for the Z190 which had mixed reviews among camcorder users. The Z280 has 1/2" 3CCD, when the Z190 is 1/3" 3CCD. That smaller chip made it lacking in image quality, and there were some AF issues as well, among other things. I'm an FX6 and FX3 owner. I was wanting a camcorder again last fall. Having a camcorder as a tool in the chest to grab and go with just makes sense for me. I did not have any interest in the Z190, because of the issues I read online. The next options for me were the Z280, Z90V, or the Canon XF605. The Sonys not having the S-Cinetone or 4K 10 bit, and knowing an update was kinda due with the cameras being 6-8 years old, I waited until CES and NAB 2024 expecting surely the camcorders were going to be updated. They weren't updated and so I went with the Canon XF605. I'm pretty happy with it for what it is. I know its limitations and I can cut it together with the FX6 well enough. Z200 is a flop for me. I have no reason to give up the XF605 for the Z200. I know just looking at the ergonomics that I will be much happier operating the XF605 than the Z200. I too want to see the Z280 replacement next, as well as a Z90V replacement. I would be willing to buy both of them , if they're not flops too, for sake of having the options on my shelf. Love options. Heck, I still want an FX9II to add on top of the three cameras I already have that frankly, barring some major overnight shift in codecs and resolutions, will last me another 5+ years. I'm willing to spend the money on two more camcorders that have S-Cinetone and 4K 10 bit, plus the big camera FX9II I'm hopeful that Sony doesn't abandon all of those price points in favor of slimming their lineup. I don't think many Z90V buyers are going to spend the extra $1200 on the Z200, and I don't think many Z280 buyers would go down to the Z200 either, so I think they're going to have to keep refreshing the lineup. Hopefully they don't mess anything up. This camera just looks weird to me, and I don't like the side grip design and the top handle much at all. I like the way the screen rotates, but I don't like that it doesn't nest back onto the handle like the other cameras do. I also think that not introducing the rotating side grip at this point is kind of insulting. It's so handy to have, but for whatever reason they keep not putting it on the camcorders.

[@billmakesmovies]

And I don't have much to show for all of my work either. The stuff I work on is just out there existing. I don't have a reel either, and have been meaning to make one for 10 years or so! lol

[@davidmorefield]

@@billmakesmovies you’re picking it apart to pieces!! Haha I love to hear these types of thoughts from another operator.

[@billmakesmovies]

@@davidmorefieldI wish I could convince the camera companies to just run it by me first. Whatever ideas they have, shoot me an email, I’ll help! Like why on earth did they move the iris ring to an iris dial on this Z200, when they know after all these years that people want an iris ring, not a dial or a menu. They always do weird stuff like that and I have no idea why.

[@davidmorefield]

@@billmakesmovies YeahI don’t know anyone that prefers the iris dial

[@costa_konstantinou_dp]

What about a camera like the BM Broadcast G2? A 2/3“ camera/lens combo with Sony‘s autofocus and ND system?

[@davidmorefield]

@@costa_konstantinou_dp sounds like a great pairing! I’d love to just have a slightly larger sensor.

[@costa_konstantinou_dp]

@@davidmorefield we're using the G2 with 2/3" lenses for all broadcast shoots, and with EF lenses (and the S35 sensor size it has in 6K) for all the "nicer looking" things. Sony's ND and autofocus would make it the jack of all trades cam.

[@BrucieNZ]

I appreciate your videos, I always learn something from them which is great for amateurs like me.

[@davidmorefield]

@@BrucieNZ We’re all learning. Glad to hear it man.

[@erickperdomo277]

how good is the video quality of the Z280 with the small sensors? It's very pricey for sure...will this ever get a refresh with larger sensors?

[@davidmorefield]

@@erickperdomo277 that’s what I would love to see!!

[@ledheavy26]

​@@davidmorefieldCheck out Doug Jensen on KZbin. He shoots with the z280 as well as the fx6, z450, f55. He praised the z280 quite well. He also creates in depth user guides so he knows these cameras in and out and gets great imagery out of them.

[@csamd9049]

The quality of the Z280's three sensors is better than any large single sensor. The problem with the Z280 is that the optics are designed for FullHD and another much sharper lens is needed to reveal the potential of the sensors, and also, if the Sony manufacturer wishes, they can make a 4:4:4 codec on the Z280, which is impossible on single sensors where the subsampling is fake.

[@TheRealHarrypm]

As someone shooting on 3CMOS for a half a decade at this point with HVR-Z5e's there is no reason to lose the dymanic range potential of modern BSI CMOS sensors if you are already in the full-frame system we have the 18-400mm lens today aswell, I like the Z200 as its has that full 20x standard but with better glass but it lacks one thing manual dedicated spocketed IRIS control alongside being just a 1" sensor instead of the 3CMOS which just has so much more dymanic range with that full RGB dedicated colour data to 4:2:2 or 4:4:4 feeds.

[@KYwx]

Wow! You said what I've thought for many years! Engineers from Panasonic have told me that putting a full frame sensor into a parafocal zoom lens has many issues. I couldn't understand his theory but basically, three chips were the best they could do. I too, am waiting to see what Sony will do to replace the Z280. Camcorders are so versatile, and I just can't be productive shooting, documentary style with a DSLR. I work so much faster with a camcorder. However, I do shoot interviews with my DSLR. I'm not willing to purchase big shouldn't cams anymore.

[@davidmorefield]

@@KYwx I don’t necessarily need full frame. Mft or s35 would even be great. There’s just so many benefits with a camcorder. A z280 mark 2 could be promising.

[@jeffsaffron5647]

I would also love a Z280 refresh, with different media, better frame rates and hopefully better low light. That Fujinon lens on there is not the best lens optically but it has very fast zoom servo that as you said it can be disengaged to go fully manual. Especially for TV work and live production having fast servo is quite important. And you are not really getting that with Z200.

[@davidmorefield]

@@jeffsaffron5647 Would be so nice to have an all in one option like a z280 but with a modern refresh.

[@sunflowerdeath]

You can buy something like an FX30 with an 18-200 or even 18-300 for a fraction of the numbers you're calling here, and the image quality will be way better. So it would be interesting to see such a comparison. Also, don't assume that everyone is on the same level, for some videographers a couple thousand difference is a lot of money, so price can be the deciding factor here.

[@davidmorefield]

@@sunflowerdeath hey! My goal here is to have one camera system. I don’t have the bandwidth to operate a second just for a longer reach. If that is the case then I’ll just put a telephoto on on my current rig. I’m not speaking for anyone else. This is my perspective. More features for more money is logical.

[@Brian-Hansen]

Great video. The camcorder style wins on one major angle and that is flexibility. It may not have the biggest sensor but where in the world are you going to find that much focal depth with built-in XLR’s camera size and price?

[@davidmorefield]

@@Brian-Hansen it’s really a crazy powerful tool

[@avdpost]

The Wall Street Journal piece shows up in my feed just randomly , it’s great :) love to see and updated website with more links to completed work :).

[@davidmorefield]

@@avdpost yeah I think that would be very beneficial. Would love to get more wsj work as well!

[@danielbranam8503]

Hey David. I own the Canon XF605 and it fits well in my arsenal. Some jobs, especially fast run and gun gigs, are much more efficient with a Camcorder. Having a rocker zoom and very manoveral body makes that style of shooting a great fit for that type of camera. Then it's also nice to have the cinema style camera for other purposes.

[@davidmorefield]

@@danielbranam8503 Love to hear you chiming in since I see you working with these systems frequently. It would be so cool if the camcorder and cine departments could start talking to each other. I for one, would be happy to be involved with a camcorder workflow.

[@danielbranam8503]

I cut the xf605 footage with the C70 and it holds up surprisingly well. Unless you really need shallow DOF, it is a great field camera.

[@davidmorefield]

@@danielbranam8503 wow that’s great to hear that they match

[@Nordbiene]

Great videos, thank You so much. I have just subscribed. Best regards, Kai the bee filmer. 😀

[@davidmorefield]

@@Nordbiene 💪🏻

[@prayforpeace2204]

I understand your points. I am very happy to purchase a Z200. There have been sooooo many times over the past 5 years where I could have used a cam like this. Shooting sports, documentary, corporate events etc. It just makes more sense. Even lower budget commercial work.

[@davidmorefield]

@@prayforpeace2204 yes, hopefully a lot of people realize how powerful it is.

[@vinnym6734]

It’s interesting because Panasonic dropped a micro four thirds sensor in their DVX200 from like 8 years ago. So why that didn’t become the standard for future releases like this camera is beyond me. I have an XF605. Absolutely love it, but do wish I could get better low light with it. Everything else with that camera is a joy to work with.

[@davidmorefield]

@@vinnym6734 my guess is it didn’t sell well.

[@SportFlow]

Yes, manufacturers used to partner with a lens manufacturer (Panasonic with Leica, JVC with Fujinon...) and they included manual high quality lens. Today, they do not do that anymore. I don't know why but I guess because of economical reasons. I agree that I prefer a manual lens that anything fly by wire. Cameras nowadays cheap out a lot and lens is one of those things.

[@paulanderegg5536]

For reference, to those that have never seen a side-by-side, here is a Z90 (the 1" sensor the Z200 is based on) vs Z190 (3x 1/3CMOS). kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXemYnl-aZpoa9E The Z190 is a little more than a stop BETTER than the 1" Sony Z90. Now, here is a Z190 vs Z280 comparison. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWWzqYuAiMd1iLc Yeah...the side-by-side is all many of us need to know about a camera sometimes. The Z200 will obviously have better and more agressive noise suppression, to get a bit cleaner, but not expected to be gain setting for gain setting any better than the current 1" cameras. The X70 to Z90 gave around a 3db noise improvement.

[@wmvideo50]

it will be interesting to see an upgrade on the canon 605

[@davidmorefield]

@@wmvideo50 such a highly used cam. I know a lot of operators who are happy with it but wouldn’t mind those upgrades!

[@anonymissed3611]

Yes. Lower noise and longer lens.

[@717mediaproduction4]

Why is a cine/eng hybrid such a crazy idea to these manufacturers? I’ll take an apsc sensor, in a camcorder body, married to the 28-135 PZ lens. Simple. Also, make the bodies a touch larger and give me some of the Panny stabilization.

[@davidmorefield]

@@717mediaproduction4 That camera sounds like it would sell! I would love to see that.

[@717mediaproduction4]

@@davidmorefieldI have already quasi done this with my FX30 and a cine-back. I put a shoulder mount, a v-tap, and an EVF together. Same premise, just very clunky. Camcorders are just so effortless for the run and gun shooter like me. I just need a touch more cinematic quality out of them.

[@ontheroad_again]

Hi David. I'm unsure if it's a youtube glitch but your audio level seems to be very low. It's not a problem until the louder adverts play which nearly blows my little brain out of my skull lol

[@davidmorefield]

@@ontheroad_again oh really? That’s interesting to hear bc I recorded them with levels pretty close to peaking. I recorded the last two videos with the same setup. Do you know if they have issues as well?

[@ontheroad_again]

@@davidmorefield previous Z200 video the same low level.

[@ontheroad_again]

@@davidmorefield export settings maybe?

[@davidmorefield]

@@ontheroad_again could be!

[@ontheroad_again]

@davidmorefield update. I've just seen a video where they've said adverts on YT are of a higher volume to what they used to be. So any video that before had low audio now seems to sound extra low. Hope that makes sense.

[@ebinrock]

Handheld camcorders are okay, but I really wish JVC's idea of what I call the "mini ENG shoulder mount" form factor would have really taken off. Most of these pro handheld camcorders are "only" about 5 pounds, but when shooting handheld for extended periods of time, it can take a toll on the wrist. The shoulder mount form factor with the side EVF was always a good form factor, but traditionally too bulky. But even JVC's smaller offerings have the good ol' true interchangeable broadcast lenses with tactile ring stops and markings, something I miss. I would love to see something like this with a 1" or Super 35 single sensor (no need for 3CMOS with bulky optical prism block).

[@davidmorefield]

@@ebinrock Yes I would love to see that mix of traditional ergonomics with modern lightweight construction and larger sensors.

[@paulloth]

The Z280 will probably get an Update soon.

[@davidmorefield]

@@paulloth would love to see what it looks like

[@SuperPhunThyme100]

I totally agree. Z200 isnt quite it for me. Id be very interested in seeing a Z280 upgrade. Fujinon lens, S Cinetone, modern autofocus. Id buy the HELL out of that.

[@davidmorefield]

@@SuperPhunThyme100 Now you’re speaking my language. T1.8 all the way through!

[@shem44]

Most importantly get rid of the sxs cards and just use cfexpress a or b.

[@davidmorefield]

@@shem44 I genuinely believe Sony is smart enough to not release any new camera with sxs.

[@chrisw443]

The z280 is a great camera, with a great lens. If they gave this a one inch sensor with the same lens, then you'd have amazing bokehlicious camcorder footage, Even better than the DVX200. It would be the best sony camcorder since the rx10 mark 2. That cut perfectly with large sensor DSLR's at f 4.

[@davidmorefield]

@@chrisw443 I would be very interested in that pairing!! Really does seem like the best of both worlds.

[@SportFlow]

z280's three 1/2" sensors are better than one 1" sensor

[@chrisw443]

Maybe in 2012 but not anymore. 3 chip and single chip cameras are pretty much identical in color accuracy these days.

[@csamd9049]

@@chrisw443 The Z280 sensor is many times better than any single sensor of any size. The advantages of 3 sensors are not only in color rendering.

[@SportFlow]

@@csamd9049 professional ENG/EFP/Studio broadcast cameras based on 2/3" all have 3 of them. We're talking about +$45k cameras where there are no compromises, they simply put the best technology available. So yes, 3 is still better than 1. Why do cinema cameras in the forms of Arri Alexa, Red, only use one? Because they are too big to put 3 of them and make the camera practical

[@SportFlow]

This is the type of camera used by most of the news agencies like Reuters and small TV stations for their reporters. Some years ago they all used shoulder mount very expensive cameras but nowadays, they cheap out and use these. Well, they even use iphones to be honest. Picture quality is not really number 1 priority at all. They want practicallity, zoom reach, good audio and all-in-one reliable tool.

[@davidmorefield]

@@SportFlow for $4k, it’s a really good product.

[@tj4000aj]

i agree. saw a former still photographer for a wire shooting with a tiny version of this camera but with a 300-400mm long range. i forget the model number but it is around $3-4k when I looked it up. think it is either the Sony PXW-Z90V 4K HDR XDCAM or Sony PXW-Z190

[@kevinbooth6865]

There are many reasons to go for this Camcorder as it replaces the Z190 for a few dollars more and has better features than the Z190. It has a wider power zoom lens than any camcorder period. The best you can get in a mirrorless with a power zoom is a 28 mm field of view. With the clear image zoom which is nearly flawless, even in lower light, it has as long a reach using the clear image zoom, as the Z190. More tools than the Z190. Blows away the little Z90. The only lens that has a better and longer reach is an RX10IV 25X with Sony clear image zoom. Sure it's not as smooth at zooming as a Camcorder doesn't have all the tools of this unit, but the lens has more reach. Do your home work.

[@davidmorefield]

@@kevinbooth6865 Are you going to buy it?

[@kevinbooth6865]

@@davidmorefield Yep pre-ordered it

[@drsurf1]

2 hot shoes, 4 audio channel dials needed.

[@davidmorefield]

@@drsurf1 agree

[@paulhemann]

Very well done buddy ..... You said it perfect .... Keep up the good work ...Don't let other bone heads cut you down ... From Alaska ...

[@davidmorefield]

@@paulhemann thanks!

[@Vitaphone]

I think we’ve mostly moved past the market viability of anything in this price range (let alone more) with tiny sensor sizes. If I was a betting man this is an experiment by Sony to see if they can sell enough to clear R&D and manufacturing costs and what kind of profits are left in this market. It seems like a dead end, because even if they put a FF sensor in one of these style bodies… it’s going to be more expensive than and FX6… and I struggle to see there being much of a market that’s willing to be stuck with a fixed lens… even IF they give us a proper manual zoom. I have no doubt there would be a market, just not one sizable enough to chase. It’s unfortunate they have shown little support for cinema zooms, arguably they have abandoned it as they have only made 3 lenses in basically a decade and the pricing (especially on the last one) was absurd.

[@davidmorefield]

@@Vitaphone yeah I largely agree with your view. Not enough to make it worth it for them.

[@Vitaphone]

@@davidmorefield if they did it for LESS than an FX6 with a fixed lens that had proper manual I would for sure buy one, and I think they could at a profit… but it would be market dilution and would call into question the mark up of other products… which is why I don’t think they would. It would be a dream for corporate work to not have to bring the fx6 and the 28-135 along with a bunch of rigging to have something like that… but I could’t justify buying one mentally if it’s on price parity with an fx6. The are in a weird place where even though a lot of the tech they make has come down considerably in manufacturing costs and lower r&d (which let’s face it they have been the kings of reusing bodies and dated design choices), but not being able to really lower costs of there products… they face the challenge of value dilution and it’s a niche market. Would be great if there was another company to come in and disrupt the market like Sony did when they knocked Canon off their thrown. I Still find Sony to most suitably fit my needs, and I don’t think they have got Canon level complacent, but I miss the days of every release featured there latest breakthroughs… there product line has become super fragmented.

[@Vitaphone]

People keep saying that company is BM… And they are leading the pack in the resolution war (basically uncontested), but there are too many caveats I’d have to make to use one as a daily driver. In another 10-20 years I’m sure we will have a glut of “the perfect camera” to choose from in the same way it’s almost impossible to get a camera with that doesn’t have an amazing image… Im sure than we will be seeing video argue the minutiae of which one is built out of stronger more comfortable alloys…

[@davidmorefield]

@@Vitaphone I still think their product line is more cohesive than canon. It’s very easy to find matching A and B cams throughout their lineup. However, one way to get around the cost of a new 28-135 would be to throw a 6k sensor in the fx6 to allow for a a smaller s35 variant of the lens. The 18-110 exists and I have yet to use it. But perhaps there is technology now to give it a refresh in a smaller package that is more suitable for the fx6. Pairing the 28-135 and fx6 makes it very front heavy and does not feel like the correct fit. For fx9, it really does. Most of these videos are just thoughts, not actual demands. It would be really cool to see what their future product map looks like.

[@davidmorefield]

@@Vitaphone totally agree and to be fair, cameras are exceptional right now.

[@SportFlow]

Speaking of finding solutions to problems and better camera workflows, pieces of gear, etc. Do not search on youtube, youtubers do know nothing. Ask professionals in the industry in TV stations like CNN, NBC if you have the opportunity. They really know what are doing and have proven workflows that have beeen working for years.

[@davidmorefield]

@@SportFlow I’m a KZbinr 😂

[@SportFlow]

@@davidmorefield you're the good ones ;)

[@DuffTV]

It's almost like this camera is the C70 of Sony camcorders. Some great features but WTF!

[@davidmorefield]

@@DuffTV no I highly disagree. A c70 can fit in to any high level production and the image quality wouldn’t be questioned in the slightest. In fact, it would probably improve whatever was there before. The z200 dynamic range, color science and highlight roll off would be a dead giveaway.

[@csamd9049]

@@davidmorefield I disagree. I don't like the image of the C70 and I think that this Z200 camcorder may well shoot better in good light than the C70 (but will be inferior in low light). Just like the C70 is not suitable for all types of filming.

[@davidmorefield]

@@csamd9049 different strokes for different folks

[@MaxoticsTV]

It seems to me that's a camera for corporate and news work. That's what I think when I see SDI, Timecode, Wireless broadcast etc. When one creates a shallow depth of field THEY are choosing the subject. They are telling the viewer what part of the scene is important. In Corporate and News that decision is made further down the chain. The editor/switcher/producer etc., can zoom into the images if they want the person's face focused on. Those cameras are made for "show me this, show me that." They have parfocal lenses, as much as possible. What I'm saying is these cameras are made for corporate/news producers. I don't believe the cameraman choose them ;) Cranky Cameraman would know. There are cameras that satisfy you desire for an all-in-one run and gun, without those special "corporate" features that add $3,000+. Currently, it's the Sony PXW-Z90. I had the Z70 once, really clean images. Or Canon XA-70 (or sadly discontinued XC-15 and XC-10). Or put another way, the kind of cameraperson who wants shallow depth of field is going to want interchangeable lenses. That's why there isn't a market for fixed lens super-35 say (though I agree with you, it might do very well!).

[@davidmorefield]

@@MaxoticsTV Hey, a lot of interesting points here! That’s similar to what I’m saying, I think a hybrid of these industry specific cameras could satisfy a ton of cam op/owners who would otherwise never choose them. Having the ability for shallow dof can be very useful in news for cutaways, broll packages; not every Eng shot is a standup. It would give the operator control to choose. And same for more creative industries. Having the ability for extremely long reach without switching lenses could be invaluable for doc work. I wouldnt say that sdi and timecode are specific to corporate and news work though. Very prevalent on a wide range of productions.

[@BONLEV]

My sony z280 is now for sale on ebay if you are interested

[@davidmorefield]

@@BONLEV I’m not adding it to my kit at the moment. What made you sell?

[@highlycreativedigital5472]

it done look like you a gear head you make the money to get what you need. i watch you because you work and use your gear.

[@davidmorefield]

@@highlycreativedigital5472 it’s tools for the job and I want the most efficient tools. Thanks for watching man.

[@highlycreativedigital5472]

@@davidmorefield Some of us just not doing well in business so they get jealous of you. But if we all could Alford it we all have every camera on the market lol

[@davidmorefield]

@@highlycreativedigital5472 That would be fun to jump in and out of camera system.

[@waseemayshoa1476]

I am sure if there was a strong competitor to Sony in this line of camera production, it would not treat its customers with such disdain. For twenty years we have been waiting for a camera that works well regardless of whether the lens is fixed or not. Sony released the PXW Z280 camera. It is full of problems, the first of which is the half-inch sensor, and when we compare DJI with this camera, we notice a huge difference. Isn't this disdain? Isn't it enough for Sony to release cameras of this poor quality over the years?

[@davidmorefield]

@@waseemayshoa1476 I would argue their prosumer/cinema line has had so many features thrown at it and they’ve soiled their customers. Much different than how canon was treating their professional video line. But as far as the camcorder line, yes, it seems largely forgotten and lacking innovation. I’m hoping there’s an incoming shift.

[@waseemayshoa1476]

They no longer care for one reason, which is that we who use Sony devices, especially this specific category, are the ones who have put us at their mercy. I see, and appropriately, that Canon should jump and steal this line of production of these categories, and in my opinion, I think it will be a qualitative leap in the market. No one can go to buy cameras, lenses, batteries, memory cards and all the accessories, and when we come to shoot something, we encounter a large amount of poor quality video and a huge amount of money wasted in exchange for such poor tools, and this is what drives me to abandon Sony products completely.

[@davidmorefield]

@@waseemayshoa1476 who is the manufacturer that you will switch to?

[@csamd9049]

The Z280 sensor is many times better than any single sensor of any size. There's a problem with the old lens, which was made for a FullHD camera.

[@waseemayshoa1476]

@@csamd9049 What is the benefit and advantage of everything that is present in the camera pxw z280 and if this defect is in the lens or the sensor. As long as Sony knows about this problem and insists on its existence, this means that they are laughing at the customer, and in other words, they are draining our money under the pretext that the camera is new and when you try it, you remain between a rock and a hard place. I am surprised that Sony puts such problems in its cameras and the reason is that it has no competitor, as it is the one that controls all the versions available in the markets

[@ErikLucatero]

Why are you making horror films, with them Florida jump scares

[@davidmorefield]

@@ErikLucatero dude it was really close! 😂

[@danbrockettDOP]

I'm surprised you got the feedback that you are just a gearhead. You've shown plenty of your shoots on your channel, they must have not seen all of the shoots you have posted over the past couple of years? I've studied YT enough and written enough articles also to know that the BTS, think pieces and editorial type content are the lowest traffic, fewest view content, people mainly go to KZbin for gear, gear reviews, rigging, unboxing BS, ask any KZbinr which posts get the most traffic and it's always gear. That's why Gerald Undone and those like him are successful.

[@davidmorefield]

@@danbrockettDOP I think that is a very founded argument. However, I love the Casey bestiary vlogs where it included some gear but overall was a catalogue of his daily activity, business ventures and it was a demonstration of his personality. Leading to massive success as well. I hope to follow that model.

[@dorythomas1816]

Why would they put a fu….. 20 megapixel in a 1 inch sensor The perfect megapixel for a 1 inch Video camera is not more than 10 megapixels Or 8 megapixels if the sensor itself is 16:9 aspect ratio. Look at the Osmo pocket 3 It’s advertised as 1 inch but it’s technically smaller than that It has 9 megapixel only and everybody is in love with the picture quality. They have all the optical zoom in the world with the z200 ( thus no need to digital zoom and loose quality if is lower megapixels) Imagine this camera witch has a real one inch sensor and 9 megapixels Better low light Better dynamic range Less heat because it doesn’t have to process the 20 megapixels And more battery life because of less processing It’s a win in every single way

[@davidmorefield]

@@dorythomas1816 that would be awesome

[@csamd9049]

In all respects, Dji osmo pocket 3 takes much worse pictures than any video camera on a 1" sensor, even old amateur Sony video cameras from 2014 on a 1" sensor have much higher image quality than osmo pocket 3. Color rendition, dynamic range are all much better on video cameras.

[@hhankx]

Lol bro thinks sensor size and image quality are related

[@davidmorefield]

@@hhankx It’s not a 1:1 but yes sensor size is part of the image pipeline.

[@MaxoticsTV]

"Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" is the book for you! "Quality" is not related to sensor size but sensor size is related to sensitivity to light and if filmmaking is about light then...

[@VozMadridista]

@@hhankx it’s physics, “amount of light” and light spread matter in terms of dynamic range. For the same reason a large light source gives you “softer” shadows (softer meaning more steps between harsh light and dark shadows). And yes, more dynamic range means better image quality. A dynamic range of 2 stops gives you a stencil black and white with no shades of gray… 16 stops gives you better detail to work with.

[@csamd9049]

@@VozMadridista No. Image quality has nothing to do with sensor size, nothing at all.

[@VozMadridista]

@@csamd9049 physics says otherwise, at same pixel density, larger sensor means better quatilty

[@DuffTV]

It's almost like this camera is the C70 of Sony camcorders. Some great features but WTF!