The $199 Z Camera E1 vs Panasonic GH4: 4K Video

6 X 17 Feind wrote:

CRAP a firmware update that makes these things perform?

I so, Soooooo, SOOOOOO!! W A N T E D... these little cameras to work! One had a noticeably better sensor than the other. I know that sounds nuts but seriously one suffered from a noticeably higher Morie. I updated firmware repeatedly and could never get them both on the same sheet of music as it were.

Also, the sound SUCKS on these. I added mics both powered and unpowered and yeah even then not so great.

Autofocus... Could not, WOULD NOT... trust it.

4K always looked muddy and took lots of work in post.

Did I mention I REALLY wanted the Z1 to work? I love the form factor and size seriously!

Bought the first GX85 to supplement the Z1s and yeah... as soon as I figured out how to externally power the GX85 it was all over for the E1s.

I am glad to hear that a new firmware update is out but even at $199 I don't know if I would get another one. The GX85 just produces Sooo much better video.

Ohh and yes these do have an HDMI out that you can watch on a field monitor.

The later firmware makes a big difference, especially on AF.

I have now shot 8 hours of video, producing 5 or 6 videos. I have posted a number of them. No "muddiness", no missed focus, great color, lots of latitude using Zlog, but normal color is very nice out of the camera. The videos speak to the quality;  I have a GH4 and the quality and AF are comparable.

I don't know why Z released the camera with the old-firmware performance, even the features and

settings were limited, and the AF was indeed unreliable. I know, since i first shot with the old firmware, so i do not doubt some of your experience.