I'm lined up to buy an XL-2 and I don't intend to use it for transfering footage to FCP. I was planning to buy the cheapest Canon DV camera available - specfically for this purpose - but I notice the bottom Canon models don't have s-video so they won't fullfil the other purpose I had in mind - providing a link from my Mac to CRT.

I can buy a really cheap JVC with s-video for this purpose, but I just wanted to confirm that there won't be any problems switching tapes between the Canon and the JVC...

Does this sound okay or could there be compatibility issues? (I know it's all DV but I've heard of such troubles with other cams)

By the way, I'm intending to use Pana MQ tapes and hope this is a good option.

Thanks guys!

Josh, I used the JVC for two years and it did sterling service considering the price. Mine also had the capability for dubbing minidv to VHS. Never had a problem.

Josh, I used the JVC for two years and it did sterling service considering the price. Mine also had the capability for dubbing minidv to VHS. Never had a problem.


Thanks David... I take it that was in conjunction with an XL1/s?

I use a cheap JVC mini DV camera to transfer also. Haven't had any problems with the XL2 tapes in it. Captures just fine into FCP. Only problem I've noticed with the camera is if I decided to shoot some footage with it, and try capturing that footage with that camera, capturing stops after a minute or so. But not with the XL2 footage.

Thanks a lot Joseph, that gives me some confidence!