Recommended DV Camera

HeeHee wrote on 3/19/2002, 4:33 PM

Hello,

I just updated to VV3 from VF2 for a variety of reasons (Included professional versions of the MainConcept MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 codecs, Chroma keying, Unlimited audio and video tracks to name a few.) I currently am using a 4 year old Sony camcorder and capturing thru an ATI AIW. The camcorder is not DV and does not have SVideo. I plan to upgrade to all DV in the near future. I could use some help selecting a decent DV camera and firewire card. Any suggestions are welcome. I do need the ability to pass analog thru the DV camera to record in DV in order to archive my old VHS and 8mm tapes.

Oh, BTW, I am on a fixed budget, so I need the best for the buck now and worry about higher quality professional grade later.

Thanks

Comments

intempo wrote on 3/19/2002, 11:09 PM

I went through the "video camera upgrade" investigation process just last fall. I ended up with a Sony TRV900. This is a 3CCD camera that first came to market in 1999. It is still a strong performer in 2002 compared to the TRV30 (my opinion). The color capture, size, and overal feature set are excellent. The web site http://www.bealecorner.com/trv900/ was a big help in making my decision. I found that all information at that site was exactly as advertised. The cost of the camera is not cheap, at $1600 through B&H or Cameraworld. The other option that I pursued for a while was ebay. If you are patient, you should be able to purchase a used camera in good condition for $1300. I do not recommend trying to find the best advertised deal on the internet. I ordered a camera from Zerodeliver.com with an advertised price of $1410 only to find out it was a scam.

I love my TRV900 and find I use it all the time. It does not have the analoge to digital conversion pass-through that the TRV17/30. I decided to go with the better image quality and to add an analog-to-DVD capture capabilty when the prices come down (6 to 12 months from now).

Good Luck,

Stiffler wrote on 3/20/2002, 2:10 AM

""I do need the ability to pass analog thru the DV camera to record in DV in order to archive my old VHS and 8mm tapes.""

Hehe...I'm test driving a Sony Digital-8 TRV240. It can play back Digital 8, Hi-8, and 8mm. So I don't need the 'pass-through' to capture my older tapes. I paid $599 from Target. I'm going to capture all my older video before I return the camera. (Wait...I didn't say that).

I'd like to get a 3CCD cam at some point, maybe the TRV-900 or a Cannon GL1. I'm not saying the TRV240 is great, but that pass-through seems to be a pain. (I have not done it though).

Anyone...The GL1 is going for about $1500, does that include the lenz and everything?

HeeHee wrote on 3/20/2002, 10:04 AM

Thanks for the recommendations so far. What about a 1394 card?

Videopict wrote on 3/20/2002, 2:29 PM

Pro-tape.com sells a Pansonic AGC-DV10 3-chip mini-dv camcorder for $1,189. I've never dealth with them but I know they have three retail outlets in Texas.
Steve

Videopict wrote on 3/20/2002, 2:30 PM

P.S., It is "B" stock with a 30 day factory warranty.

Stiffler wrote on 3/21/2002, 1:42 AM

HeeHee...

"What about a 1394 card?"

My Siig card worked perfect for me.

I bought one from CompUSA for $40 (DV cable included). Best Buy had the same one for $80. The salesmen at CompUSA said I 'could pay more for a name brand one, but they are the same'.

p_l wrote on 3/21/2002, 4:55 AM

Just make sure it's OHCI-compliant and you'll be fine.

tvwonder wrote on 3/21/2002, 5:08 PM

There's no removable lens on the GL1 so if you get one without the lens, you'll be sorry.

Cheesehole wrote on 3/21/2002, 8:08 PM

careful who you buy from. that price is really low and that's not always a good sign. make SURE you check up on whoever you buy from by searching the web at least.

HeeHee wrote on 3/22/2002, 9:48 AM

Thanks all. I value your comments.

I am still open to more suggestions and DV Cameras.