The Gigantic Mini DV Deck / Camcorder as Deck Thread

[Gareth Watkins]

Hi Chris

this is a good way to save wear and tear on your better camera..

the smaller camera, as long as it has a firewire out will be fine for acquiring your footage on your PC.

The number of CDD's plays no part in the way the camera outputs your footage, only on the way it is recorded in the first place.

Your footage will be of the same quality as if you linked up the GL2.

this is the cheapest way..

cheers
G

[Mark Williams]

One suggestion is if you get a cheap camera for playback make sure that it outputs 16-bit audio. I learned this the hard way. Some of the low end Panasonics capture in 16-bit but will only playback in 12-bit making the audio sound like crap once it is dropped on your NLE timeline.

Regards,

Mark

[Nick Jushchyshyn]

I use my old Canon ZR25 as a playback deck for GL2 shot tapes all the time. Works great. Old ZRs (10, 20, 25) often sell for $200 or less on eBay these days.

[Jeff Miller]

<<<-- Originally posted by Mark Williams : make sure that it outputs 16-bit audio. Some of the low end Panasonics capture in 16-bit but will only playback in 12-bit making the audio sound like crap once it is dropped on your NLE timeline.
Mark -->>>

Even over Firewire for the capture? Wow

I got a "cheap" Sony to use as a deck. There are cheaper cameras around, but this Sony has great night vision, better then some of the 3-chippers I have. Just another tool in the arsenal...

[John Britt]

<<<-- Originally posted by Mark Williams : One suggestion is if you get a cheap camera for playback make sure that it outputs 16-bit audio. I learned this the hard way. Some of the low end Panasonics capture in 16-bit but will only playback in 12-bit making the audio sound like crap once it is dropped on your NLE timeline.

Regards,

Mark -->>>

I've never heard of this before. How many cheap Panasonic cams do this? I capture footage shot on my DVC80 with my Panny DV53 (probably one of their cheapest; I bought it new for $300) and get normal 16 bit audio. Of course, the DV53 also records at 16 bit as well...

[Jeff Miller]

Actually I'm wondering if my Sony does it now. Not to sound too dumb, but how can you find this out?

[John Britt]

If you are running Windows, just right-click the file and choose "Properties," then the "Summary" tab (at least in XP). Or you can import the file into your NLE, where you should be able to access Properties for it.

[Cameron O'Rourke]

I have run into a situation where my cheaper camera cannot play back tapes made on high-end equipment. My Panasonic DVX100A seems to be able to play back anything though. I'm now thinking about buying a deck.

[Dylan Couper]

I use a Canon ZR40 myself.

[Ben Bowles]

Would a cheaper camera, being used as a deck, transfer multiple audio tracks as well at the time code? The reason I ask is because I'm interested in getting a Canon ZR80 to use as a deck for my new XL2.

Also, I would just like to say what a great forum this is. Its been great source of information already.

[Shane Carl]

I will be shooting on Super 8 and 16mm in the near future, and I was curious about what kind of tape I should transfer to. They are all the same price, but would I need THAT camera to load a particular tape in my computer for editing.

MiniDV
Beta SP
DVCAM

Also...how would I go about getting it into my computer. Do I use a tape deck or a camera? What brand and model would you reccomend? There is no sound on the video, as I am going to sync that in post, so I don't need to worry about drop outs.

Try not to break the bank!

Thanks for the help,

Shane

[Rob Lohman]

If you haven't bought yet I would recommend a tape deck, since
it is far better to work with tapes from different camera's and is
built to take some abusing as you look around and capture tapes.

Beta SP is an anlog signal right? So I would not go with that. There
is no real difference between MiniDV and DVCAM except that
DVCAM is more expensive and a bit more reliable (tape wise).
The signal on it is exactly the same.

[Tom Borders]

I am using an XL1s and need a deck for playback. Do you have a preference or a deck to avoid?

[Rhett Allen]

I like the Sony DSR-11. Small, not to pricey, NTSC or PAL, mini or full size DV or DVCAM. Good little unit.

[Don Palomaki]

I've received good service from a Sonu DHR-1000 and a Sony GV-D300. Many people looking for a low cost solution with the bonus of providing a small, cheap backup camcorder) use a ZR-series (or other) camcorder .