Sony HVR-Z1

206 reviews

Dec, 2024

Positive
usability (164)
portability (77)
image quality (57)
price (37)
size (36)

Negative
reliability (12)
finish (1)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 206 reviews of Sony HVR-Z1. The average rating for this product is 3.9/5, compared to an average rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders for all reviews. People really like the size and price. The image quality and portability also get good feedback. Many are less positive about the finish and reliability.

usability, portability, image quality, price, size

reliability, finish

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Camcorders the Sony HVR-Z1 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 80/100 = Very good quality.

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Review analysis

(Based on 206 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

Review Ratings

(41% of reviews)
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Features

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Showing 159 review(s)

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Showing 1 - 153 of 159 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (47)

Consumer review (amazon.co.uk)

Amazon.co.uk review summary for Sony HVR-Z1

alaTest has collected and analyzed 11 user reviews of Sony HVR-Z1 from Amazon.co.uk. The average user rating for this product is 4.3/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.0/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.co.uk. Reviewers are impressed by the durability and reliability. The usability and portability also get good feedback, whereas some have doubts about the finish and price.

image quality, portability, usability, reliability, durability

price, finish

91% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

Dec, 2024

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Sony HVR-Z1

alaTest has collected and analyzed 132 user reviews of Sony HVR-Z1 from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 3.7/5, compared to an average user rating of 3.9/5 for other Camcorders on Amazon.com. Reviewers are impressed by the design and size. The image quality and portability also get good feedback. There are some negative reviews about the reliability.

usability, portability, image quality, size, design

reliability

79% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Dec, 2024

Expert review by : Ben Wolf (cnet.com)

Image Quality

Sony HDR-FX1

Sharp and vibrant three-chip HD images; native 16:9 capture; ability to downconvert video for use with existing editing systems and displays.

No XLR inputs or independent audio-level controls; no 24P; somewhat difficult to control and monitor focus manually; limited HDV editing and distribution options at this time.

Though it lacks some audio flexibility and isn't recommended for 24fps shooting, the HDR-FX1 provides advanced consumers with professional-level video controls and entry-level pros with an affordable starting camcorder.

May, 2005

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Expert review by : Brandon Fullmer (kenstone.net)

The Sony HVR-Z1U HDV Camera

Affordable HD is a recent realization for the video industry. Sony's HVR-Z1U camcorder has become the company's current inexpensive HD solution. In this article I will review the Z1U as I give you some of my thoughts and opinions about this new camera...

The Z1U is a good camera. It's an HDV/DV format video camera with native 16:9 ratio 1/3-inch 3CCDs. When it came time for a new prosumer-level DV camera, with an acceptable $2,000 jump in price to add high-definition capability, the Sony HVR-Z1U became...

Jul, 2005

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Expert review by : Stephen Schleicher (digitalproducer.digitalmedianet.com)

Sony HVR-Z1U Reviewed

Sony has recently released the HVR-Z1U HDV camera. The big brother of the HDR-FX1, this camera has all the features the FX1 was missing. From the XLR connectors, to precision optics this camera is the one youve been waiting for. Digital Media Nets...

Great Picture, Great Price

Jun, 2005

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Expert review by : Erik Holsinger (studiodaily.com)

Sony HVR-Z1U and HDR-FX1 HDV Camcorders

In the wake of JVC's 2003 launch of the first consumer HDV camera, Sonyhas released the company's first "professional" HDV camera, the HVR-Z1UProfessional HDV camcorder (also called "the Z1" by Sony marketing).Offering 3 CCDs, pro audio features and...

Feb, 2005

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Expert review by : Alex Kidman (cnet.com.au)

Sony HDR-FX1

The HDR-FX1 offers 1080i-compatible HD recording to consumers for the very first time. Read our Australian first take.

Oct, 2010

Partner Source

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Consumer review (newegg.com)

Worth every penny

10 years down the road, when I see the video of our 4 and 6 year old daughters in high definition - I know that I'll cherish every little smile and grin that I'll be able to see.

I'm not a pro and don't make documentaries or DVDs. I was in market for a new camcorder when it was launched and bought it within couple of months before our daughter's recital. Even then I feel its worth every penny. Resolution - sharp as it can be -...

Little big heavy for regular user like me - which I personally think its worth it

Dec, 2006

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Consumer review (newegg.com)

As good as MiniDV gets

Shot a 50 min narrative film. I used the cinema gamma profile that the camera comes with; looks pretty good, HD looks just fine. You'd have to spend a lot more to get a little more improvement as far as HD goes. The PROs win this argument. You can do...

Within the limits of DV, this camera is excellent. There's a point when you have to stop fretting about your tech specs and just do your project; with this camera shooting in 1080 HDV, you know you're solid on the tech level and can get to the creative...

Nothing overpoweringly con. The price? Maybe, but if you're into video professionally, the price is actually rock bottom for HD (or HDV) ; Infrequent but annoying momentary dropouts did occur; I suppose that that may be more of a tape issue than...

Dec, 2006

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Consumer review (newegg.com)

0MG!!!

If you have to beg, borrow, and... well, not steal... to afford this camera, DO IT!!! you will be extremely satisfied...

It is like the camera was made to go in your hand... very erginomical, i love it... interface is easy to use and buttons are easy to use also... video quality is unbelievable... I HIGHLY RECOMMEND

you know there is NONE

Jun, 2006

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Consumer review (newegg.com)

Newegg=Excellent

This camcorder is absolutely amazing. I have filmed motocross with this (very upclose fast panning shots) and have not had any dropouts or anything with the HDV. The cineframe24 is pretty cool to use sometimes as well. Picture Profile settings=another...

Oct, 2005

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Consumer review (ciao.com)

Sony records like no other

This camera is a dream. While it does have lots of different features, it is pretty easy to use. The little LCD screen lets me see what I'm shooting at that moment and it has always been crystal clear. The battery lasts a long time as well. I was...

crystal clear quality, beautiful LCD screen

can be a bit too big for some people

Mar, 2009

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