Hi,

Now that I have a Z1U and FX1, I'm waiting for a smaller HDV camera for capture and dubbing. Today, the prices aren't right to land a $400-500 HDV camera. In the future, will any HDV camera be able to play any HDV tape?

If it's a sony, most likely. But in the consumer space AVCHD $400-500 cameras might beat out hdv. Only time will tell.

No, not just any HDV camcorder will play any HDV tape. If you were to pick up a JVC HD1 on closeout somewhere or off ebay, you'd find out pretty quickly that it won't play your Sony tapes at all.

You need to be looking for a Sony or Canon if you want to play back Sony 1080i footage.

Currently, is the Sony HDR-HC3 ($1399 Sonystyle.com, $1,149 BHPhoto) the cheapest option as a playback/dubbing device ?

The HV10 will cost you $1,019.95 at B&H so that’s 130 dollars less than the HC3.