Professionals use a "real" tape deck instead of a camcorder if
they need to read tapes. I just use my camera since I don't
have one, yet. Do keep in mind that recording in LP mode can
be a bit dangerious. A lot of cams have trouble reading that.
For the little extra money I'd always shoot in SP mode (which I do)

Thanxs Rob
 

Yeah I rarely record in LP mode but when I'm doing a really long conference I sometimes have to. As far as the decks go , I would rather pay just 500 for a small camera to use for capturing and editing then 1000 bucks for a full pro deck but hey thats why I'm freelance, I have to be cheap.

Playback units? Options?
 

If not the camera, then what? Not sure what my options are and would appreciate your input. Thanks.

I record in my XL-1 and play back to the computer or VCRs in my Panasonic AG-DV2000 MiniDV Deck. There are several MiniDV decks available but expect prices of $1000+.

I priced a JVC DV camera this morning locally at $389. It's tiny, so my wife and kids will love it. Can anyone see how I could go wrong buying this cheap camera for limited family use and as a playback deck? Sure would save some wear and tear on the high end units, wouldn't it?

That will work and many people have gone this route.

We have a couple of SONY GVD-1000 decks we use for playback, transfers, logging and field use. Great little units, but quite expensive.

When you guys consider "wear and tear on higher end units." What would you consider as higher-end units? Hmm... I have a GL2, but don't have an additional deck. Am I in trouble?

Tyge, my brother called me yesterday and said there was a Samsung miniDV at Sears on clearance for $300. I don't know how good Samsung is as a cam, but would think it would function nicely as a deck. I'm considering something along those lines myself.

Michael

That's the route I think I'm heading toward.

I can't see using these high dollar cameras for a playback unit.

Sears, huh? I'll check that out. We have a regional Sears clearance center locally. I might run over there and take a peak at what they have.