Sony HVR-Z5U High Definition Handheld Professional Camcorder

The z5u is a serious piece of equipment. I've had it for a couple of weeks now, and only until today I feel I know it well enough to write a decent review.First off, the camera looks really sleek, feels solid and very well built. Its look isn't as metallic as the Z1, but the feel is very similar.Of course, you can use it from day one with everything on auto, but if that's all you're ever gonna do, you're better off with something much less expensive, like those tiny HD cameras that are popping up everywhere.Speaking of day 1, your first accesory is necessarily some kind of carrying bag or hard case. Sony has a backpack that's amazing, but costs more than 500 bucks. I got the Kata bag, which is perfect. I also got the large battery, and the cables that are not supplied with the camera (Firewire, HDMI, XLR extension). Also, I got SONY HD Master minidv tapes, as well as a 6pack of regular sony minidv tapes. After some preliminary tests, I must say the image on the HD Master tapes is noticeably better...The main menu is easy to navigate, though it has enough levels you will get lost until you explore each a couple of times. One thing is, there are a lot of things on that menu, and the button and selecting wheel are really small... or perhaps my hands are too big? My main uses for this menu have been to select progressive or interlaced modes, and 60, 30 or 24 frames per second. Also, I've used it to assign all the assignable buttons under the handle, fine tune white balance temperature, set the handle zoom speed to its lowest setting (that way the handle zoom is my slow, controlled zoom, and the rear zoom is the fast one, very practical), and altering the gain setup (I left everything on 0, less grainy that way).The range of the G lens is perfect, since it goes from a wide angle to a 20x zoom.The 3 ND filters are great, though I've only really used the first one for an exterior shoot, which brought out the detail of a sunset brilliantly. The picture profiles are nice too, this is where you can make all sorts of color adjustments, including gamma, depth, wb shift, etc. Here I created a profile based on cinematone 2, only I connected it to a monitor and made some adjustments to my personal taste. These color profiles are assignable to easily accesible buttons, BTW.Both the stereo and shotgun microphones are excellent, though I haven't used them extensively enough to offer a more complete evaluation.I don't have the optional memory unit (MRC1K), but haven't found it absolutely essential. It would be practical, but I've had no problems capturing HD video via firewire on Adobe PremierePro CS3, running on a Mac. I might purchase it though, but only after a nice tripod, a lighting kit, and a DOF adapter kit.Will post an update when this camera has endured more serious, long term usage, but initially it couldn't be better.

We purchased this camera in late 2013 and received it in December 2013. It worked fine but used old technology (mini DV tapes!). I had ASSUMED incorrectly that it would use new technology since it was a professional camera. That's not the worst problem, however. After only two years, using the camera indoors only and for about six times total, the focus malfunctioned and the camera started making noise that was coming from the gear mechanism. The worst thing is that Sony does not have parts to repair this camera! I would not recommend purchase of this or any other Sony products.

The best

We are reasonably pleased with this Sony camcorder, even though the menu system and settings are complicated and therefore annoying.

I have always loved sony camcorders, and when I finally was able to afford my own, I made sure I did a ton or research to ensure that I got the best one. Let me tell you, the Sony HVR-Z5U HDV is the best camera I have ever seen. Amazing quality, comes with a nice shotgun mic as well. I got the wireless microphone to go along with it, and it hooks up great. The only disparaging thing is the camera is a little on the heavier side; for a handheld camera. Other than this is a highly recommended product.

This was my first camcorder. One of the first to have 24p progressive scan, and while originally a mini cassette based camera, the addition of a Atmos recorder and wide-angle lens converter kit made this a beast. So when 4K isn't a complete necessity this little camcorder still makes for a good back up unit.it comes with a great lens, but I deduct 1 star for not having the ability to change lens, which it's cousin the Z7 did have and would have moved the Z5u out of the ranks of semi-pro into a full-fledged profession camcorder.

We were one of the first companies to purchase the Z1s and Z1Us back in the day. Bullet proof cameras. Workhorses onboard the boats in saltwater. Couple of years ago we tried switching to the new digital cameras. But almost immediately switched back to the Z1s. Much better image quality. Yea, 1:1 logging and capturing is a bore, but the picture quality is worth it. Couldn't find any more Z1Us new, but got turned onto these Z5s. Unbelievable. Absolutely love the camera. Menu setting controls were moved and made smaller, which makes initial set-up a pain in the ass, recommend doing this before going on location, but other than that, hesitant to even write this because there are only a few of these "old" new cameras still available and we're stocking up.

The HVR-Z5U high definition camcorder is the successor to the HVR-Z1U, housing many of the features of its predecessor in a more compact package, plus adding many more. Records HDV in 1080/60i as well as 1080 in 30p/24p native progressive recording modes, plus standard definition DVCAM/DV. Features 1/3" 3 ClearVid Cmos sensors, high peformance G lens, Exmor technology for low light situations, HDMI / IEEE1394, XLR audio, built in filters, automatic settings, and a large host of manual adjustments (gain/shutter/iris/focus/white balance/audio level) and menu settings to acheive exactly the look you demand as a working professional. By adding either the HVR-DR60 or HVR-MRC1 recording units, one can acheive a powerful hybrid recording solution.