It's only a "wrong format" if, like Betamax, no blanks & software are available for it. Unlike VCRs, you don't get prerecorded stuff for cams, so as long as blanks are available, you're golden. With all the Video8, Hi8, D8, and 8mm computer backup tape sources out there, I don't think the well for blanks will dry up any time soon.

Now, I wouldn't archive critical stuff to D8 if I wanted to be able to play it in 20 years, but I wouldn't do that with ANY tape format.

I think they're fine, and like my TRV120 & 320. I recommend getting a used one - they go all day for $250 & under. The TRV-x20 series is the best, IMO - 1/4" CCDs, tape loading at the top, plays back Hi8 & Video8 with TBC & DNR.

Pb,

I own the Sony TRV-120 and love it. Performs flawlessly. If I bought today, I'd get the Sony TRV-350. Has pass through and firewire. Watch out, some of the cameras like the TRV-250, don't have pass through. Cost for the -350 is around $450 but I bet you can beat that on the web. I've seen it for $409.

By the way, digital 8 uses the same format on the tape as DV. The only difference is in the camera which records about 450 lines of resolution vice 500-550 for DV. Not a noticable difference at the consumer level. The Sony cameras are the best for low light also (at this cost level). Hope this helps.

Randy

Most if not all of the ZR series from Canon have pass through.

I'd definately go with a Canon over a Sony.

" Most if not all of the ZR series from Canon have pass through."
" I'd definately go with a Canon over a Sony."

I've been looking at the Canons because of their price point. Which models and features do you guys recommend?

I've had a Canon ZR45 for about two years now and really like it. It works great with Vegas it serves me as the digital device between the PC and monitor which is where it is 90% of the time. The plus is its small and fits in a decent sized pocket, so I frequently grab it and take it along with me.

The ZR series is still going, don't know what model they're up to now, but it has all the consumer features you'd expect. Decent optical zoom of 18X, a decent lens, good LCD viewfinder, built in stablizer, night vision, pass through for VHS, ability to take lower quality stills, etc..

The one downside is the camera is a little on the noisy side if you're taking shots in very quite conditions the camera noise will be there. Not the best for low light conidtions either indoors or outside, but all in all a decent entry level camera.

Thanks for all the suggestions. It is very embearring having to ask customers to bring their D8 camra over to playback the video they want to put on DVD and also I am tired of transferring to DVCAM when people want analog stuff edited. The venerable Pinnacle DC1000 board used to be able to do that but now it adds a vertical line right through the centre of the picture, ruling it out as an alternative. DOn't really want to buy one of those ananlog -> DV converters because I thing "she who must be obeyed" is going for an AVID mojo to replace the DC1000 and it apparently has all the requisite inputs. This is all for my sideline btw.

Thanks again for all the advice, I'll be following up immediately.

regards,

Peter