MiniDV camera/deck recommendations
July 1, 2004 10:56 AM Subscribe
Video geeks: I am looking for either a MiniDV deck, or camera to act as a deck. All the reviews I find on cameras seem to focus on video quality, but I'm in the market for playback features and compatibility. Help?
I will be using the deck/camera to play tapes to either an industrial DVD recorder, or to a computer for editing--I won't be shooting anything. I'd like something with multiple out ports, and easy, fast playback and scanning.
I will be using the deck/camera to play tapes to either an industrial DVD recorder, or to a computer for editing--I won't be shooting anything. I'd like something with multiple out ports, and easy, fast playback and scanning.
I would highly suggest a camera as an intro option. As you're dealing with miniDV, and in need of a camera as well, most miniDV camera's will perform as a deck would.
Although things like scan are more of a DVD feature than a tape based system feature, controlling your camera through firewire will give you the most flexibility.
I run a high-end DVCAM deck at work, and besides pro level compatability (locked timecode, YRB in/outs, etc), there isn't much operational difference from it and a camera. Most people simply don't use cameras to save time on the drum - but unless you are running this in a pro capacity all day, 5 days a week, you should be fine.
Good luck!
posted by jazzkat11 at 1:27 PM on July 1, 2004
Although things like scan are more of a DVD feature than a tape based system feature, controlling your camera through firewire will give you the most flexibility.
I run a high-end DVCAM deck at work, and besides pro level compatability (locked timecode, YRB in/outs, etc), there isn't much operational difference from it and a camera. Most people simply don't use cameras to save time on the drum - but unless you are running this in a pro capacity all day, 5 days a week, you should be fine.
Good luck!
posted by jazzkat11 at 1:27 PM on July 1, 2004
What features are you looking for? Strong deck control? Lots of analog ports? RS-422?
posted by thebigpoop at 1:27 PM on July 1, 2004
posted by thebigpoop at 1:27 PM on July 1, 2004
Response by poster: Analog (composite/s-vid) and firewire are a necessity, and things like remote operation and batch capture capability would be nice, as I'm using a pioneer prv-lx1 dvd-recorder which can control certain other decks.
ssmith, I was looking at that JVC dual unit, and that looks pretty close to what I need. It is on the pricey side though, and since I already have a good svhs deck I don't want to overkill.
Any particular camera brands you all can recommend which have what I'm looking for under, oh, $700?
posted by plexiwatt at 2:44 PM on July 1, 2004
ssmith, I was looking at that JVC dual unit, and that looks pretty close to what I need. It is on the pricey side though, and since I already have a good svhs deck I don't want to overkill.
Any particular camera brands you all can recommend which have what I'm looking for under, oh, $700?
posted by plexiwatt at 2:44 PM on July 1, 2004
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by ssmith at 1:05 PM on July 1, 2004