Here's the deal. I have an affiliate sending me HDV tapes he's recorded with his Sony HVR-A1U. I'm renting an A1U every couple weeks at $90 a pop. I need to buy a cheap HDV camera to work as a capture deck. Image quality is not of any importance as I shoot with a Sony EX1 and 5D Mark II, so video will probably never be shot on it. New or used, it doesn't matter. I just need to know it will play back tapes recorded with the Sony HVR-A1U and is compatible with Final Cut Pro.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

HC5 - should play the tapes fine, can be had pretty cheap right now. PM me if you want one, I can probably hook you up. Using one myself for the exact same purpose!