Sony HVR-Z1U

Pros: Image quality, PAL and NTSC compatibility, true 16x9, XLR audio, Zeiss optics

Cons: Heavy, expensive accessories, built-in mic

The Bottom Line: Picture quality and price make this camcorder an incredible HD value.

Review: Introduction: With the release of the HVR-Z1, Sony has managed to bring professional level HD quality to the masses for under $60,000. This camera, complete with a host of professional features is sure to please everyone from ENG men to indie ...

Pros: PAL/NTSC recording.
Popular camera that might be easy to sell down the line.

Cons: Heavy, complicated, unbalanced, controls not easily located.

The Bottom Line: Great for European Journalists working in the US. Horrible for everyone else.

Review: When this camera came out it was a flawed camera that was still revolutionary. It looked like the ultimate tool for professionals with limited budgets- i.e. event videographers, independent journalists industrial video producers etc... This was a ...