analog capture recommendations
 

Hi,

I am wondering if anyone can recommend an analog video capture device? I'm using the latest Macbook Pro, so the lack of an Express Card slot basically limits me to H.264. However, that should be fine as I don't need a live feed (although that would be nice if anyone can think of a way) and this is analog, so compression shouldn't hurt the quality.

So far the options I've found are:

-Blackmagic Video Recorder
-Elgato Video Capture
-Canopus ADVC110 Converter Converter (this one is little fancier)

I'll be using this with input straight from a vintage analog camera (no vtr) and Max/MSP/Jitter if that factors into it.

Thanks,
Zach

I assume you have a firewire port, but I don't really know Macs at all. An old MiniDV or Digi8 camcorder with DV pass-through works great for capturing analog SD video (as DV). You can pick one up cheap-a-cheap on eBay.

Yup, one firewire 800 port (Apple recently eliminated firewire 400). Unfortunately my miniDV camera was stolen last year and I don't think I'll be buying another. Anyway, it was pretty new so I don't recall analog video in.

I doubt you'll find a more cost effective solution that's both easy and yields great quality.

Really? The Elgato dongle is $80.

Why go for the expensive Canopus card? For 'one way' analogue to DV conversion the ADVC55 is quite a lot cheaper. Locked audio and easy to edit DV.

If you're intending to do any editing, then DV is probably easier to work with than the Elgato MP4 files, I would guess.

For the cost of an ADVC55 though, you could probably grab a couple old MiniDV camcorders that can do the same thing.

That's not an analog capture device.

Last time I checked composite and s-video were analog. I am not going the MiniDV route, so I'd appreciate any advice on the question I actually asked.

Roger, thanks for the tip. I overlooked that model when searching originally. I'm not sure if I'd really rather have DV than MP4, since I'll be processing these in Max, which doesn't like DV (ProRes is best). Still, the Canopus does seem to have the best reviews and I'm wondering if I'd get better quality capturing to DV first and then compressing in software.

Can I at least eliminate the Blackmagic device from consideration? I know they have an excellent reputation, but still don't understand why it is so expensive.

Do they have two devices? The one I was looking at was a transcoder essentially.

Please take this critique in the spirit in which it's offered:
Considering the fact that you are new to DVi AND have asked for advice from the forum, perhaps being a little more cautious of how you posts READ might be in your best interests. I know we all get frustrated when we don't get the answer immediately we are looking for but anyone who is offering input is doing so out of the goodness of their own heart.

AND good luck finding the solution that works for you!

Some folks just gotta learn the hard way. That's okay. I learned my fair share of stuff the hard way too.

I would consider the Canopus. I have an ADVC 300 and it is excellent. Easy to use and provides stable, clean, nice looking video. Well worth the cost. The camcorder option is weak in my opinion.