Suggest a miniDV camcorder mainly for use as deck...

[db]

Yes, mainly as a player/recorder/converter, since I can't afford right now a Good camcorder*.
Needs to have firewire out AND in (control from computer), analog in (records analog to digital), and have good enuf quality that it won't degrade tapes already loaded with virgin video. If it also can shoot ok, well, that would be a bonus.
Yes, money is the issue!
Thanks for any help or pointers


* (borrow an XL1 occasionally)

 

[LethalWolfe]

How often is it going to get used? I ask because using a camera as deck on a regular basis will trash the transports in the camera rather quickly (as compared to using the camera as a camera not as a deck). DV is all 1's and 0's so the quality of the heads isn't nearly as important like it is in the analog world. I'd say get the cheapest thing that can record via firewire.

Knowing yer budget would help alot too.


Lethal

 

[db]

Thanks. Budget is ~$450 (although I might bring out the credit card for a Fantastic deal!). There is a Sharp miniDV camcorder on sale at Amazon for $290 shipped after rebate here, but good info on it is hard to come by (no professional reviews, scant specs).
Whatever camera I get (well, it's for my daughter; I'm building an NLE machine for her) probably won't be used THAT much as a deck. Mainly, we just need a mechanism to up and download tape, since she does not presently own a camcorder (she's a film student). Ha, I even stopped today at a regional Best Buy service center (huge!) to see what they do with the unfixable camcorders (ie a nice miniDV w/broken lens but otherwise good), but they are a sour lot of folx and sent me packing,heh.

 

[LethalWolfe]

have you hit c|net.com yet?


Lethal