Sony PXW-Z150 4K XDCAM Camcorder

I run a YouTube channel, for which I am basically a one man band. I do all my own camera work, using tripods - and I almost always employ multiple cameras, either for alt angles or PiP elements. Also, most of my video is shot outdoors, where there is little if any control over lighting and other environmental concerns. Because of this, I need to rely heavily on the quality and consistency of my gear.I have been using Sony cameras for many years, but at the beginning of 2020 it was time to upgrade from older equipment, and I selected the PXW-Z150 based on its features and favorable reviews. I have been using it for just about a full year now, week in and week out, producing YouTube videos in real-life environments. This is not a "I just got it and it smells nice, so here's a glowing review", but rather the opinion of a guy that demands a lot from his cameras and has made this one earn its keep for 11 months.I use auto settings in as many ways as possible, because I work alone and the more time I spend fiddling with camera settings is time I'm not producing content. But there are times when I need to override those settings to deal with environmental needs, or to get the desired images I'm after. There are also certain functions that I use exclusively in manual mode. The point is - this camera has the flexibility to allow me to make those choices, and it is sophisticated enough to allow for incredible detailed control.I almost always use a wireless lav mic with the camera, and it works great when using auto leveling, letting the camera set the recording level for me. I have not really used the built-in mic, so I can't provide any meaningful feedback for it. If I want external audio on the camera I generally use a shotgun mic (a Sony).I use manual focus 95% of the time because I want the camera focused on what I am holding in front of me - not on my face. The focus assist button that provides two levels of magnification to help you get the tack-sharp focus you need is indispensable! I also use the white balance control to be sure I'm properly balanced for ambient light - and when outdoors (which is most of my work) I use the neutral density filters a lot. It is great having them built in.The slomo mode is great, but I don't use is as often as I initially thought I would - I wind up using a GoPro at 240fps when I want slomo footage most of the time - still, it's a nice feature and I wouldn't want to part with it. I really like the monitor screen being up high - this was one of the reasons I chose this camera, and it has been well appreciated. XLR inputs and controls are great. But I'll confess - I don't typically use many of the available functions the camera has, I've settled into a standard configuration and use the camera for productive purposes.But the overwhelmingly fantastic thing about this camera is the image quality. As I mentioned, I have used other Sony cameras for many years and I trust the brand and its quality - but this camera simply blows the others away. I don't usually shoot in 4k because my other cameras didn't support it (that might change now), but the full 1080p HD from this camera is so remarkably good, I've never felt I needed to.The camera is sturdy, reliable, has a perfect blend of professional controls and easy-auto functions, and yields footage far exceeding others in quality. Perhaps the only small downside is that it does not have a still image mode, and there are times that would be useful. But the best compliment I can pay to this camera is this: After nearly a full year of constant use with the PXW-Z150, I just bought another one - not as a replacement - but so that I can have a matched pair of top quality cameras for my work.

I simply love this camera. The imagines it has captured are remarkable. I shoot mostly in 4K and usually at 24 fps. I have punched in on the image numerous times in post and have been more than happy with the results.

After yet another shoot where this thing let me down, I finally have to say my piece. I shoot Nikon (love the colors!) I shoot Canon (love the selection) Panasonic (love the options and focus) and Sony. I have 2 Sony's and this is one of them.The first critical thing I can't believe is the inability to pull focus while in Auto Focus. Basically if your subject isn't dead center you need to be in Manual focus; think wedding ceremony and two people are on either side of the image, I don't want to focus on the officiant/pastor but that's you're only choice without reaching around and pressing the manual button and failing that way instead.Second gripe which happens on both Sony cameras, is you can't start shooting until you "repair the database" after inserting a blank or pc formatted card (good luck finding the format-in-camera menu option.) This isn't terrible unless you happen to be using 2 cards, which this allows IF you remembered to properly format and fix file system prior to shooting. This is what put me over the edge today. 2 cards setup to relay, the first card filled up and the camera stopped... because it needed me to confirm a "file database recovery" on the other blank card... so the rest of the video never got recorded. Sony, YOU invented this problem, it doesn't need my permission to do what it needs to do to JUST KEEP RECORDING, that's it's one job.After working with dozens of other cameras and manufacturers I'm surprised that Sony lets these problems happen where I end up screaming "why won't it JUST WORK!"On the plus side the picture is good. Paid 2400 2 years ago no idea why it's 3500 now.Things I wish I knew before buying: This camera doesn't have a touch screen so no focus options there, and the archaic menu needs to be navigated with the buttons.UPDATE: I just discovered the Proxy setting. wow ok that's excellent for my job which is cutting down 20-40 hour 4k videos into 5-10 minutes. My computer can't handle scrubbing quickly through4k to find the action. But this camera will also record a tiny version of your video so you can search through that footage super fast. I either make notes of the time codes I need, or place markers in the editor before dropping the 4k onto it.