using a dedicated mini DV player at DVinfo.net

Josh Martin · December 7th, 2003, 07:49 AM

I have read on some of the threads that most people highly recommend buying a dedicated DV player (if that's your format) for capturing to your computer. Well, I know that makes alot of since because it will save a lot of wear and tear on your camera. However when I have tried to find a cheap DV player, the cheapest that I could find was the sony DSR-11. It was like at least $1500. I had a thought, why not buy a much cheaper mini DV cam and use it as my player for capture? I can get a new miniDV cam for less than 500. It has FW in and out, and s-video which is what I use to connect to my external monitor. Is this a stupid idea? Will the cam wear out much faster than a normal mini DV player? Please help me out here.

Bill Markel · December 7th, 2003, 08:40 AM

Josh,

Getting a cheap mini DV camera is not a bad idea at all. A lot of people are doing this for the purpose of capturing material to a NLE. Another added benefit is that now you'll have a second camera if you ever need one.

The only caveat to using a camera for capture is that the tape handling mechanisms are not as robust as you would find in a dedicated deck. If you are capturing for 8 hours a day 5 days a week, you would probably be better served by a dedicated deck.

Bill

Matthew de Jongh · December 7th, 2003, 06:12 PM

i am lucky, i have a sony-gv-d900 mini-dv deck with a small lcd screen, but if i didn't have that i would just get a low end mini-dv camera and get the extended warranty!

if you wear it out then just get it repaired under warranty.

matthew

Chris Hurd · January 2nd, 2004, 04:28 PM

Just to note, some tape transports are warranted for only 90 days. Check your manufacturer.

December 7th, 2003, 07:49 AM	#1
Josh Martin Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 29	using a dedicated mini DV player I have read on some of the threads that most people highly recommend buying a dedicated DV player (if that's your format) for capturing to your computer. Well, I know that makes alot of since because it will save a lot of wear and tear on your camera. However when I have tried to find a cheap DV player, the cheapest that I could find was the sony DSR-11. It was like at least $1500. I had a thought, why not buy a much cheaper mini DV cam and use it as my player for capture? I can get a new miniDV cam for less than 500. It has FW in and out, and s-video which is what I use to connect to my external monitor. Is this a stupid idea? Will the cam wear out much faster than a normal mini DV player? Please help me out here.

January 2nd, 2004, 04:28 PM	#4
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Just to note, some tape transports are warranted for only 90 days. Check your manufacturer. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

December 7th, 2003, 08:40 AM	#2
Bill Markel Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sicklerville, NJ Posts: 59	Josh, Getting a cheap mini DV camera is not a bad idea at all. A lot of people are doing this for the purpose of capturing material to a NLE. Another added benefit is that now you'll have a second camera if you ever need one. The only caveat to using a camera for capture is that the tape handling mechanisms are not as robust as you would find in a dedicated deck. If you are capturing for 8 hours a day 5 days a week, you would probably be better served by a dedicated deck. Bill

December 7th, 2003, 06:12 PM	#3
Matthew de Jongh Major Player Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: sounthern maine Posts: 344	i am lucky, i have a sony-gv-d900 mini-dv deck with a small lcd screen, but if i didn't have that i would just get a low end mini-dv camera and get the extended warranty! if you wear it out then just get it repaired under warranty. matthew