FX1 or Z1?

kdm wrote on 12/2/2005, 7:16 AM
I've researched this pretty extensively, but am looking for practical opinions.

I'm either considering a Sony FX1 with external audio recording (laptop possibly - I have a high quality firewire interface and preamps) or Z1 and use onboard audio (separate mic via XLRs).

How is the quality of HDV audio on the Z1? How about the preamps vs. studio quality? I have an RME Fireface I would use with a laptop if I go that route.

I've never liked camera audio (Canon XL1, DVX100, etc), so outboard is attractive, but a laptop isn't convenient (field recorder would be more portable). I'm not sure what other tradeoffs I might find with the FX1 and extra gear, vs. Z1 and a mic in practice - hence my questions.

Thanks in advance!
Dedric

Comments

JJKizak wrote on 12/2/2005, 7:31 AM
The built in audio mic on the Z1 is basically pretty bad. The Canon XL1-S shotgun built in is far superior. The HDV audio is the same as DV audio on the Z1. I am still looking for a nice stereo shotgun mic that will work on the Z1.

JJK
newbe wrote on 12/2/2005, 8:06 AM
I find the built in mic on the FX1 no good compared to the Canon XL mic.
Please let me know when you find a good external mic for the FX1.
Spot|DSE wrote on 12/2/2005, 8:31 AM
A good mic for the FX1/Z1 is the Audio Technica 822/825. Much better than the stock mic.
Just one comment (JJ Kizak) the HDV audio on the Z1/FX1 is not the same as the DV audio on the XL1. The DV audio on the XL1 is PCM, while the HDV audio on all HDV camcorders is MPEG 1/Layer 2, 384Kpbs. In other words, uncompressed vs compressed.
DavidMcKnight wrote on 12/2/2005, 8:36 AM
As has been noted on other threads (thanks DSE), the HDV audio is not as good - but if your signal chain is setup well, it would be difficult for most people to tell the difference for things like dialog. If you're recording music or anything where the audio needs to be the best it can be, and you don't mind the hassle of syncing in post, go outboard.
MH_Stevens wrote on 12/2/2005, 8:43 AM
I run the FX1 with a ElectroVoice 635A (hand-held or boom) using the Shure A96F line matching transformer. I am very pleased with the audio I get. If you can afford the better XLR on the Z1 then get it, but the audio format (Mpeg2/L1) and the internal mic is the same.
JJKizak wrote on 12/2/2005, 10:57 AM
DSE:
Sorry about the hdv audio. I looked on B & H for that Audio Technica but couldn't find it. The hdv project I am working on now made the P.A. system of the DJ sound like it was screeching on the high end with the built in mike. I'll keep looking.

JJK
vitalforce2 wrote on 12/2/2005, 11:46 AM
Are we assuming the setup to be used makes a DAT recorder impractical?
mliebergot wrote on 12/2/2005, 12:08 PM
JJ it's the AT822 or the AT825 mic.
The AT822 is battery powered, and the AT825 is Phantom Powered. Th 825 has slightly better dynamic range but both are excellent stereo mics.
Keep this in mind also as you will have to have a Y XLR cable, one XLR splitting off to 2 XLR's one for left channel and one for right channel. So you won't be able to use a wireless while using your AT822 or 825 mic. At least not without feeding it into a mixer.
JJKizak wrote on 12/2/2005, 3:03 PM
I just ordered the AT822 new from Zzounds for $259.95.

JJK
kdm wrote on 12/3/2005, 11:09 AM
Thank you for the advice everyone - much appreciated. I have an FX1 on order and will probably go for either the AT 822 or 825, then a Sennheiser G2 100 wireless lav later.

I'm going outboard for audio (laptop). When that isn't convenient, a mic and the camera will be fine.
FuTz wrote on 12/3/2005, 11:27 AM
-Sanken CSS-5 gets good reviews.
-The Senheiser 418 too.
-The Neumann 191: beware: been said that it's fragile (the electronics) so staying away wouldn't be bad (anyway it's simply out of price...)
-the Shure is said to be a "tank" and has different stereo patterns that might be a must

Keep in mind that paying a little extra generally gives you more mechanical insulation (these annoying sounds one makes by grabbing the mic for example), so you see the picture: cam motor rumbling anyone?
Well, a good mount can get you rid of this too but adding with a good quality mic, you simply pass from an "expense" to an "investment"...


http://www.locationsound.com/proaudio/ls/scan/fi=products/st=sql/sf=category/se=%27Stereo%20Mics%27/sf=prod_group/se=%27Microphones%27/sf=for_sale/se=0/sf=used/se=1/sf=statuss/se=%27n%27/ml=9999.html

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite/productdetail.asp?transid=005284