Cheap camcorder OK for Firewire transfer?

earthrisers wrote on 9/6/2005, 8:26 AM
After 6 years of reliable use, my Sony TRV-11 has jammed solid.
To replace it (and move up), I'm about to buy a Canon XL-1 from a friend. To preserve its tape mechanism as long as possible, I would prefer to use the XL-1 strictly for shooting, and NOT for transferring to/from my computer.

I'm planning to buy a cheapo mini-DV camcorder to use for doing the to/from-computer transfer. I'm assuming that any mini-DV camcorder with a Firewire DV connector will be good enough for this, since it's a matter of data-transfer only, and the camera's optics are irrelevant.
...Am I wrong in thinking that?

Comments

boomhower wrote on 9/6/2005, 8:52 AM
I'd say you are correct. I use a Sony TRV22 to capture footage shot on my PD170 all the time. The TRV22 really isn't a "cheap" camera but the concept is the same: It saves my 170 from extra use. IMHO you can use any digital camcorder to get the footage into your computer/Vegas (optics are not an issue for this).

Keith
Edin1 wrote on 9/6/2005, 8:55 AM
I think you're right with your assumption. Since the data recorded on the tape is digital, and the transfer is digital, you should have exactly the same quality, whether you do the transfer with an El Cheapo or an El Expensivo.
I know some guys here will say that an El Expensivo will give you a more reliable transfer, which I agree to some degree, but if your capture/transfer application doesn't report dropped frames, you should be fine.
johnmeyer wrote on 9/6/2005, 9:16 AM
As long as you don't get dropouts, you're OK. Dropouts can be caused by slight differences in head alignments, clogged heads, different tape formulations, etc. If possible, I would try to get a cheap camcorder from the same manufacturer, if possible.

Another thing I'd look at is what other options your cheap camcorder has. As long as you're going to dedicate one camcorder to stay at home and be connected to your editing bay, I'd make sure it has analog pass-through so you can permanently use it as the interface to your monitor, and also capture analog footage. As for that last idea (capturing analog), some of the Digital8 camcorders apparently have a rudimentary TBC built in. If there is any cheap DV camcorder that has something like this, I'd spend a few extra dollars for that (although I think the TBC has something specific to do with the 8mm format, so it may not be available in DV camcorders).
earthrisers wrote on 9/6/2005, 9:46 AM
Thanks for the replies.
My Sony TRV-11 still functions as my analog-to-DV passthrough device, even though its tape mechanism is jammed.
thanks for that "reminder" thought, johnmeyer!
logiquem wrote on 9/7/2005, 5:09 AM
I would get a small Canon DV camcorder for that.
farss wrote on 9/7/2005, 7:18 AM
It really depends on how much tape you need to handle, camcorders can be a right pain in the butt just getting tapes in and out but if it's only once a week then what the heck, you'll never justify the expense of something like a DSR-11 and now you've got to start thinking about HDV!
One thing I'd really avoid are the Sony 'walkman' style VCRs, the transport controls get sticky and I suspect the mechanics are no better than what's in their cameras.
Bob.