Hey gang,
Just wanted your opinion on the best value out there for an editing
deck. Really want to save the wear and tear on my DVX100. Thank
for your time.

A lot of people don't use a "DECK" at all, but rather a cheap one chip mini-dv cam. Some people even buy them used. The point being that it will certainly play back your tapes, and can also be used as a second cam when needed.

If you don't want to go that route, I am very happy with my Sony DSR-11.

Hi Benjamin,

I would suggest that you buy an inexpensive minidv camera.

Regards
Leigh

That's a great idea. I don't know why that didn't occur to me. Brilliant!

Personally I use a Sony GV-D1000. It is far more robust of a machine for play back and the controls are large on the unit (even though your editing app has fast forward, shuttle etc. I find the good old manual buttons very handy). It is quite small and portable and can be used as a playback machine (I use this all the time). The downside is it is more expensive....$1000 US. I use it so much that I consider the extra investment a non issue.

A deck is better than a camera because it can shuttle- fast forward and rewind much faster than a camera can and it has better error correction- so less potential for dropouts. The main advantage to using a cheap camera is the lower price. I like a Sony DSR-11, very tough, easy to find used on eBay and works perfectly with DVX100 footage.

-Noah