Today I use my main camcorder XM-2, when capturing DV footage using firewire.

I have read that this is not good for the camere since it would stress the moving parts of the camcorder.

So which other hardware is there I should use instead.

I'm not a PRO so I would like a cheap solution.

I have been thinking about buying a cheap camcorder with firewire...... Is this the cheapest solution.... if so... which camcorder???

If not.... what else to use?

My opinion is that is only worth the expense if you do a lot of shooting and capturing; if you average a couple of tapes a month through your camera, then I wouldn't worry about it and just use your XM2. Head life is finite, but not short. With proper care and cleaning, the heads will last for many years of light use.

If you do a much higher volume, then it might be worth it to use another device for capture. I haven't researched stand-alone miniDV decks, but I'm under the impression that they are fairly expensive. So I think that the cheapest miniDV camcorder with firewire is your most practical solution. DV is DV, so any miniDV camcorder ought to be able to do the capture of any tape. Having a second small, cheap camcorder is not a bad idea anyway...something to stick in your pocket for those surprise moments in life.

BTW, general advice is to always use the same kind of tape...different tape formulations passing over your camera's heads can cause problems.

Thanks again Pete.

I'll appreciate your feedback and I'll probably go for your first solution for now.

Untill next time..... keep shooting and editing.... :-)