Wade.

I think you will find the Sony GV-D1000 also supports DVCAM playback and capture on Premiere 6 and Premiere Pro 1. On PAL recordings it does. How it goes for NTSC I don't know.

If Premiere doesn't know what it is in Capture, select GV-D900. It can live with that.

Another question... What if you shoot in 24P?

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I've not found a definative answer. (I've heard you can play back 24p on any mini dv device, but I don't know anyone who's done it sucsessfully...)

Me. I shot a music video with the XL2 in 24p mode, and played it back in the GV-D1000 to digitize into PPro 1.5. Maybe that's not the right way to do it, but it worked fine for me.

Cheap alternatives -
 

JVC makes a dual svhs/miniDV w/ firewire for around 800...

...I've seen some folks use a cheapy minidv cam (250-300) for capturing 'cause they didn't want to wear out the heads/transport in their nice camera...

...just a thought...

best,-s

DV camcorder as playback deck?
 

To save the heads on XL1s what is a good mini DV camera to playback the video? Can I just get a super cheap camera for this? Will image quality suffer at all? I'm looking for something to upload to PC as well as play on a tv. Would something like this work (just from a quick ebay search)?

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Canon-OPTURA-20-D...QQcmdZViewItem

Yes.

Do a search, and you'll see that a lot of people go this route.

I was thinking of searching but couldnt think of a key word. I'll try "playback deck"....see if that works. Thanks.

You'll find dozens of threads on this topic in our Long Black Line forum.

Looking for feedback on Sony GV-D1000 miniDV deck
 

Has anyone used one of these decks? Is it a viable alternative to some of the higher priced decks, ie DSR11?

If you do a Search on this forum, you'll find numerous discussions of the GV-D1000. I have one and it has been very useful. I never have to use a camcorder for playback and if I want to show a video off tape somewhere, I don't have to lug a big VCR around. It won't replace a pro model DSR11, but then what will replace the $1,500. or so extra, it would cost? If you are doing straight playing into another VCR or a computer, the 1000 may be all you need. It actually does most editing functions, including insert editing and audio dubbing. The viewscreen is nice and the Memory-Stick slot and USB port allow you to feed still pictures to a computer. It runs on camcorder batteries, so you can take it along in a big coat pocket, as a complete video or still picture display system. It also charges the batteries. You can use it easily to record a tape in the field from any camera with a FireWire, S-Video or composite output. I've even used mine to record from an RF output, with a small, plug-in adaptor that draws its power from a jack next to its inputs. Under a sliding hatch on its side, there is a hotshoe type of connector, that is a complete mystery to me. Perhaps it enables some added functions that Sony keeps secret?

I also keep wondering what that connector is for. I couldn't find a single website that would explain the purpose of it.

But my guess would be that it is for maintainance/repair purposes to connect the deck to some diagnostic tool. Or maybe for some intended functionality that Sony later decided not to implement.

You are probably correct about the hidden connector being for diagnostic purposes to assist with repairs. My Digital8 GV-D200 mini-VCR has the same fixture. What are the chances you'd ever find anyone ay Sony who either could or would tell you its purpose? You know, if that same type of connector was on their camcorders, people wouldn't rest until they knew the answer.

The "hidden connector" on the left side is a mount for a Sony Camera (CDX-V3). When I purchased mine (several years back) from B&H had it listed on their website as a kit. There is also a TV Tuner (TGV-100) that can attach there from what I can recall.

Well, it's good to have that resolved and now I can sleep well again. This wasn't a stealthy portal for spying into our homes, after all! I wonder if they'll upgrade the TV tuner to have D/A conversion, for after 2009?

Unorthodox DV Deck
 

I in the midst of shooting a short film and was looking over monitoring options for editing. I was considering using a cheap DV cameras as a DV deck to run a preview monitor. Then it clicked when I was walking through the electronics section at walmart. I saw a DVD recorder with I*link or firewire in tor record from a camcorder.

Here's the question. Has anyone tried using a DVD recorder with firewire in as a DV preview monitor? If so, did it work?

Yes, this works with the right equipment.

Connect the firewire out of the computer into you camera/deck, then connect the video out of the camera to you monitor.

I have used a Canon Xl1s in this manner at times. Please note that there is no wear on the camera if the tape is not running.

without spending any money you could also just run the A/V cords to a tv.

Assuming your camera has the desired "pass-through" capability, Sony Vegas allows you to preview on a TV/monitor. Just hook up your camera to the port (powered on, of course), connect the A/V outputs to your television, select "preview external monitor," and you're golden.

Best 'deck' for dubs - HELP!
 

Greetings. I have a newly acquired VX2100 and a G5 dual w/a 160 media drive. I have about seventy mini-dv tapes that I wish to go through and archive - take the personal shots out - put those on a new 'master' and categorize the other stuff that I've shot - wildlife rescues - onto their own 'masters'. I've tried using my GV-D300 and, whatever, the tape I transferred to had a black line to one side....and the deck had JUST BEEN to the cleaners! : ( ... Okay, question is, do I try and get the deck cleaned/gone over (costly) or do I purchase a $200-300 mini-dv camcorder and use IT as a deck? Any opinions? Other ideas?

Need a DV Deck?
 

I recently purchased an XL2 and am wondering about a supplemental DV deck. I am worried about the usage on my XL2 for all the things it is having to do. I am thinking I need something to do the following:
1. Play back my recording to get it into Vegas for editing
2. Record timecodes (I assume I still need to record entirely through the tape with the lens cover on the XL2 to get consistent time codes before using the tape???)
Rewind my tapes
3. Record back to the tape?

Thanks,

John, you concern is valid. Using your XL2 as a playback deck is not a good idea, as its hard on the transport and can shorten the lifespan of the camera. You can buy specific Mini DV decks, which I think are coming down to close to a $1000. What I do, and I know other people do this as well, is shoot on the XL2 and then use a cheap Mini DV camcorder as an editing deck. I have an older Canon ZR10 which works great. An added advantage is that you'll have a back up camera if you ever need it. You can pick up a Mini DV camera these days for about $300.
With the XL2, it is not necessary to black the tape (record all the way through first to get consistent time code). So long as you don't eject the tape, you can just press the "end search" button on the camera, and it will go to the end of the last recorded segment, and the timecode will remain unbroken.
If you think you will have to eject the tape, just roll a bit longer on your last shot. Then when you go to use the tape again, make sure you start recording over the tail end of you last shot, and the time code will pick up where you left off.

An other playback deck is alway better for your camera. Your camera is for recording, and the deck for playback. It gives the camera a longer life... I'm also looking for a good playback deck for achriving...

Deck
 

We just returned a Sony DSR11 due to apparent compatibility problems with the xl2 and 24p advanced. We replaced it with the panasonic - which so far - works great with the xl2.

Assuming your are transferring via 1394 then any DV tape transferred to a computer is basically just a bit for bit transfer, changing VCRs etc should make no difference. That's not to say that buying a good VCR (like a DSR-11) isn't a good idea however I doubt it'll make any difference to this issue.

Are you certain you have FCP setup correctly?

I'm no FCP expert but I've used a number of PC NLEs with a pretty wide range of VCRs and cameras and never had this problem. The only time I've seen black bars on the side of the frame is when ingesting from analogue sources and in that case they should be there (and ideally masked out).

John, I have a Panasoniv dv-2000 deck that I am selling for $1,100.00 and I ship. This is the Panasonic Pro/Line deck. Email me if you are interested. Bob

Does the DSR 11 really have problems with 24p recording? Even my little ZR 90 plays back 24p (not the 60i kind, the 2:3:3:2 kind)

I don't think FCP would cause a black line to be on one side of the footage. If settings are wrong with FCP, you'll usually get something that's the incorrect aspect ratio or nothing - I've never seen a case where it distorted anything the way you're saying.
Are you sure it isn't present in the actual recordings? You may need to watch it on an LCD disaplay to see it if it's at the very edge.
Also, would you be able to post a frame grab of this issue?
hope this helps

I've got the Panasonic AG-DV2500 deck. It has no problem playing back tapes from my XL-1s or XL-2. Plus, it will play back DVCam and full size DV tapes also. Goes for about $1500.00. I've never regretted spending the $$.

Deck for multicam editing
 

Hi everybody!

Ok this is my situation. I have 3x Canon XL2 PAL cameras and I will be shooting multicam scenes with these cameras. I will sync the cameras using the built in "free run" time code setting. And I will be editing using FCP on a dual 2ghz powermac G5.

So I need a timecode accurate deck which outputs the camera recorded TC to my editing suit.

Any suggestions?

Thanks from Iceland ;)

This is how we do it.

Timecode is left at record-run.

Once all three cameras are rolling, the talent claps his hands once to give us a slate point. All three cameras continue to run until the action stops.

If the cameras have to stop, then a new slate is marked when all three cameras are rolling to provide a new sync point.

In post, the clips are cut right at the slate mark and are then turned into a multiclip in FCP. All three cameras are usually in perfect sync and don't drift at all. These multicamera shoots run about 10 minutes and are edited down to short segments, usually two to five minutes long.

Yes thats probably the best option but we can't use this method because we are filming motorsport.

But thats not my problem I just need a good deck that works well with my recorded timecode.

Yep, that's a WHOLE lot different from covering someone cooking fish and shrimp!

It really doesn't matter what deck you use for DV. If there's TC on the tape they'll all transfer it to the computer. The only time I've had a TC issue was when the camera didn't record it properly. Strange thing then was the old DSR-20 would read it but the DSR-11 would loose it from time to time. Not really a drama as Vegas coped with it perfectly.

The best price / performance deck seems to be the DSR-11, well apart from the door getting broken off by being clumsy! Anything cheaper costs you D5 shell tapes (aka DVCAM) and that can be a godsend.

More expensive decks like the DSR-45 give you slightly smoother shuttling and a lot of expensive stuff you'll probably never need like balanced audio and component out. If you've got a bundle to blow the DSR-2000 is the bees knees, if that deck wont track a tape nothing will, however you could buy several XL2s for the price!

You could also consider the new Sony HDV decks, they do DV, DVCAM and HDV so they'll give you some future proofing.

BTW, good luck editing, I've just finished a hill climb with a simulated 5 camera shoot. As the cars go around the track 6 times we shot from 5 positions and edited as a multicam. Fortunately one of the prizes is for who has the most consistant lap times.

But one thing I've noticed, even when everything is 100% in sync the cut can still look mistimed due to the shift of the car / background. I found I had to cut ahead rather than right on.

miniDV camera as capture deck - which one?
 

Hi
I am about to buy a budget minidv camera to use as a capture deck to save my XL2. I have borrowed a couple in the past and both made irritating noises as they stopped/started and had difficulty when asked to shuttle.

can anyone recommend a cheap (£200ish) camera for this purpose?

Many thanks in advance

I use a Canon ZR65 for capture only. It works great, saves wear and tear on my two GL2s and avoids the tape rewind problem that the GL2s sometimes have. I bought the ZR65 for $500 about 3 years ago. How much that is in pounds I don't know.

Whatever you get, test it out with your Xl2 footage first. I have heard that there are issues sometimes between Canon cams and readability on other MiniDV cameras. You can depend on a problem in LP if you sue that and there have been people reporting problems even in SP.

thanks gents for your response.

yeah, i'm worried about that chris which is why i would really appreciate any xl2 users that are using video cameras as decks without any problems to let me know the make and model.

thanks again in advance

Suggestions for miniDV deck
 

Hey folks,

I'm in the market for a miniDV deck mainly for the purpose of outputting video from Premiere Pro 2.0 to my super-nice video monitor. I tried to do it via my video card with an S-video output, but I couldn't make it work because Adobe likes to cripple it's software for some weird reason. Don't get me wrong, it's an excellent NLE, but Adobe makes some really weird decisions. REALLY weird.

So, I was just wanting to get some opinions on the newest, best, and brightest technology you people might have been exposed to. Or, if you know of another way to get preview video from my time-line to my monitor that doesn't cost a thousand bucks, I'm willing to listen.

Thanks a lot!

~Nick V.

Well if you only care about DV->SD previews then just get one of the canopus ADVC 100 or 110 converter boxes. The ADVC's help with capturing low quality analog tape to DV too.

The ADVC's won't save wear and tear on your cameras by capturing mini-DV though. I think the Sony DSR-10(?) is the cheapest real deck out there but many people opt just to buy a cheap DV camcorder to use as a deck to save money. The DSR-10's advantage is mainly durability, and maybe DVCAM format on top of miniDV (not sure about that).

If you want HD monitoring the cheapest approach is the Matrox MXO (which makes a computer monitor act like a TV monitor).

Shayne Weyker
http://weykervideo.com

Shayne is irght, I use a $150.00 mini-dv camera to output to via firewire and haven't had any issues. A $1,200 deck may be overkill. Just depends on your needs. You can also look at the Sony GV-D900 deck, they go for about $900.