I'm condidering purchasing this VTR. I like the price, features and quality. Does anyone have experience with this unit, any opinions about it? Are there other low cost VTR's that anyone would like to recommend?
I've been using this unit for about a year and it works just fine. I record all
my stuff to Mini-DV tape on the "S" video buss with the input switch set to
"S" and then set the switch to "DV" and capture it to firewire with V-4.0b. I then
use the tape as an "archive" which is fine as long as you are doing small stuff.
(1 hr). If I want to capture analog then I use the Canopus advc-100. No special
reason.
It still only records and plays MiniDV tapes. Why not get one that records and plays both MiniDV and Full Size DV so you can create masters of longer videos?
I have one and am very happy with it. Some nice features:
- 2 complete set of outputs, including S-Video, BNC & stereo audio;
- on-the-fly analog-digital (and vice-versa) conversion;
- plays DVCAM tapes (undocumented, but true)
- audio levels and timecode front panel readouts
- good construction, fast rewind speed;
- flawless firewire implementation;
- adjustable audio level controls and good control set
The only knock is that it only handles the small-format mini-DV tapes. Both Panasonic and Sony have 83-minute tapes in the mini-DV format now.
I was looking at the Sony DSR-11, but couldn't afford the price tag. I found my AG-DV1000 for $800 at Full Compass. (www.fullcompass.com)
If large format is important to you, you might want to check out the new JVC deck. Looks to be in the $1000 range and offers NTSC/PAL compatibility.