I am looking for a Sony HDV-Z1U and visited B&H;photo video web site where I found the Z1U for 4600U$.
A mate of mine suggested to check out bestpricecameras.com and I was surprised to find a HDV-Z1 for 1399U$!
What I can’t figure out is whether it’s the same camera, it sure looks the same, even the product information. Is there maybe a difference between HDV-Z1U and HDV-Z1? The U is missing, what am I missing?!
If it is the same camera, howcomes there is such a huge price difference?
If not, what is the difference between the two cameras?
Has anyone dealt with both stores?
Here some of my research…
B&H;Z1U = 4699U$
B&H;FX1 = 3349U$
NexTag Z1U = 3579U$
NexTag FX1 = 2644U$
BestPriceCameras Z1 (no U) =1399U$
BestPriceCameras FX1 =1099U$
I am about to buy a Phenom housing from Jim Kegley, JDK Designs Inc who told me; Z1U’s, Believe me, are not available for the price you have seen!
Is it all a trick?
Is there anyone out there who can advice me?
Looking forward hearing from you!
Until then, all the best.
Volker
The price is just too good to be true - $1399 for a Z1/$1099 for FX1? I would grab a few at that price to have one and backups. I would also take a good look at places charging $3579 for a Z1. B & H usually is very competitive and they are $1,100 above that. Not to say that you cannot get a good deal, but somethings really are too good to be true.
beach camera usually has good prices, I have purchased from them and have no issues. There prices are usually better than most places I consider legit (real stores )
Thank’s!
I was about to order a camera from them, having seen the rewievs, I will not!
Incredible that companies like these are able to operate!
Will buy my camera from B&H;, they now quoted me 4099U$ for the Z1U, best price out there I would say.
And their customer rewievs rock!
Once again, THANK YOU!
You saved me a lot of hassle.
Cheers
Volker
Sorry about being the bearer of bad news, but I am glad it probably saved some hassle for you down the road.
The Z1 is a very nice camera, have used that one, the FX1 and the HC3.
Have you decided on a housing for it yet?
Hi Drew, yes, I am going for the amphibico Phenom, Saw it on Ebay, demo unit in the box with the new 94 degree wide, 5995 U$, told Jim, the owner 3 times to send me his bank details so that I could transfer him the money, just got an email from him this morning, he is now in Aruba...with the housing! Asking me if I am still interested…
I live in Kenya, was about to travel to NY just to collect the housing and visit B&H;to buy the Z1, but am getting a bit frustrated now.
Jim will not be back until 14Th and he is diving with the Phenom, so it’s being used.
Any one out there who knows Jim Kegley of JDK Designs Inc? Maybe would save me some hassle again in case this one is also a scam!
I’ve seen his Phenom housings on Ebay twice in 2 months.
Do you know of any other deals regarding a Phenom?
Thanks
Volker
I do have a Sony camera DCR-TRV2 and a marine pack but want to upgrade.
I want to go HD and the Z1U really appeals to me, mainly because all the different formats, many of my clients are Americans, the rest are Europeans.
I also really like the Phenom, especially the new 94 degree wide angle.
I considered the Endeavor at first since the housing weights 6 Kg less and I trave a lot, but am a bit concerned since it’s a new series and no rewievs available yet.
Gates, Ikelite does not attract me at all, maybe I am wrong.
I’ve seen some stunning footage taken with the Z1U and Phenom combiantion.
I am the founder of the East African Whale Shark Trust, I film a lot of whale sharks, that’s why the new 94 wide from amphibico would fit my needs.
My budget is about 10-12 K U$.
That’s without lights, will have to save a bit before I buy them.
I think I will buy MB-Sub video lights instead of the new amphibico lights, seems difficult to justify 6000K for a set of lamps!
Volker
Jim will not be back until 14Th and he is diving with the Phenom, so it’s being used.
Any one out there who knows Jim Kegley of JDK Designs Inc? Maybe would save me some hassle again in case this one is also a scam!
So nothing makes me immediately think scam, $5995 demo unit that has been used diving is sstill a good deal, but not one that makes me immediately think something is up. TO put your mind at ease, you should drop a note to Amphibico.
I want to go HD and the Z1U really appeals to me, mainly because all the different formats, many of my clients are Americans, the rest are Europeans.
That is nothing that cannot be easily fixed in loss-less post converting.
More housing options you should consider are the BS Kinetics FX-1 or the
Light & Motion Bluefin or Sealux for the FX-1. I have used the FX-1 housing
from BS underwater so far and must say, that it is the most light-weight
option I know, but you need to trim it.
The Bluefin from L&M;should be in the same class (also concerning optics)
as the Phenom. Bs Kinetics was investigating a very interesting approach
to host a top side RAYNOX Fisheye behind a regular dome port.
So what do you think?
PS: a picture I took of the BS Kinetics Housing in action..
Thanks a lot!
Nice whale shark footage, where was that, Exmouth?
I had a look at Jim’s web site and read the his rewievs on Ebay, He seems very OK.
I recently read a rewiev on wetpixel, FX1 versus Z1U, that is why I’ve decided to go for the Z1U.
I am a total beginner when it comes to HD but know loads of wildlife film makers here in Kenya.
They all prefer the Z1U compared with the FX1, I also want to film wildlife occasionally since I live 30 minutes drive away
from the big FIVE = Rhino, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant and Lions.
When Im not in the ‘Bush’ I normally film whale sharks.
The Z1U suits my needs and in case of any problems, my mates have plenty of experience with this camera and can help me out.
I just wrote Jim a mail and hope he will get back to me, I really like the Phenom and he offered me a new external monitor for 1150U$.
Thank you for taking your time with me.
Volker
Thanks a lot!
Nice whale shark footage, where was that, Exmouth?
Thanks, was in Mexico, wrong time of the year and wrong place. The Shark was a young one we thought, about 6 meters or so, maybe a bit larger, and seemed to have been lost. (People spotted the Shark travelling away a few days later up the coast.) Unreal experience to see and hung around for three minutes or so. Actually came right at me an I could have stuck out my hand to pet it, but I moved right and the shark went left to avoid a collision. Just beautiful.
volker bassen - 09 July 2007 04:51 PM
I had a look at Jim’s web site and read the his rewievs on Ebay, He seems very OK.
Looked that way to me also, but not a bad idea to be careful. The couple of bad eggs out there make it difficult for the rest sometimes.
volker bassen - 09 July 2007 04:51 PM
I recently read a rewiev on wetpixel, FX1 versus Z1U, that is why I’ve decided to go for the Z1U.
I am a total beginner when it comes to HD but know loads of wildlife film makers here in Kenya.
They all prefer the Z1U compared with the FX1, I also want to film wildlife occasionally since I live 30 minutes drive away
from the big FIVE = Rhino, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant and Lions.
When Im not in the ‘Bush’ I normally film whale sharks.
I would tend to agree, especially when also doing alot of above water things. XLR connections and a few other features are probably worth the extra money. I shot/worked with them both and the extras are worth it if you can swing the money.
volker bassen - 09 July 2007 04:51 PM
I
The Z1U suits my needs and in case of any problems, my mates have plenty of experience with this camera and can help me out.
I just wrote Jim a mail and hope he will get back to me, I really like the Phenom and he offered me a new external monitor for 1150U$.
Thank you for taking your time with me.
Volker
You are welcome. Really looking forward to seeing some footage of the Sharks (and the above water also), let us know how it goes.
There are a large number of “wholesale” camera/video/whatever stores that advertise brandname products at prices far below list. You can place an internet order but will find that they “must call you in order to confirm your order”. When the call comes you will find that the price is for a part of the camera, for example, a Sony HDR-SR12 camcorder listed at $1399 might be offered for $899. However, you will probably find that this low price does not include the lens- their excuse is that you are making a “wholesale” purchase and thus not buying an item retail in a sealed box from the factory. Of course the price for missing parts is always ridiculously high and adds right up to the list price once you also “buy” the lens, battery, charger, etc. Their prices for extra assessories are also generally very high and the quality of non brand-name assessories is generally low. I have wondered if several of these businesses might actually be members of a group that advertises the same products at what appear to be different prices but cost about the same once the “missing” parts are added together. I wonder if they really remove the lens from those HDR-SR12 camcorders- look out!
However, I have found that there are some legitimate outfits that offer substantial discounts below retail list on many items- just be prepared to spend some time when looking for these good deals.
In short most of these outfits will simply waste your time as they troll for people who, if not researching costs at legitimate retail stores and not aware of low quality assessories, fall into the trap of very pushy sales pitches. It can be fun to call for the pricing just to see what’s up- the minute they sense that you are onto their game you get dropped like a hot potato.
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