Portable DVD Recorder

[drvideo]

We want to record full-size DVD of student teachers in classrooms. Any suggestions for portable DVD recorders that can take an AV input from a mini-DV camera? Key features:
- AC or DC power
- clear menu screen
- video screen to confirm signal
- compact size

[DereX888]

Why not buy some cheap mini-DVD camera instead?
The cost are probably the same, or new camera may be even cheaper than some portable dvd recorder with its own built-in screen.
The only drawback is the size of mini-DVD (I assume the lesser quality is not a problem since you want to record output from your DV cam onto DVDs anyways). But you can combine the miniDVDs on a single DVD later.

[drvideo]

Two reasons. The mini-DVD's can't record typical 50 minute+ class session at standard speed without needing to change dics--which requires taking camera off tripod. The other is that we have mini-DV cameras already which have min input and firewire output (most newer camcorders don't have either). I want to hand the student a DVD (full size) to watch on their own and a mini-DV tape to take to the computer lab to edit clips for uploading to their electronic portfolio. Mini-DVD's don't work well with editing workflow, especially with MACs.

What would be great would be a DVD camcorder that recorded standard sized dics (I think the early generations did) and had mic input and firewire output. But even 3-chip consumer camcoders don't have mic inputs anymore--which is amazingly stupid. Other ideas welcome

[jjeff]

I was actually thinking the same thing, get a full sized DVD camcorder. I remember seeing them a while back, but during my recent trip to BB noted that none were available. At least they didn't have any. Kinda like the full sized VHS camcorders of yesterday, gone the way of the doe doe bird.
If it weren't for the AC/DC thing, I would have plenty of ideas for you. I've seen a few AC/DC DVD players, but don't remember any recorders. Possibly in the commercial lines, but I really don't follow them.

[Brainiac]

I've never used one but the Sony DVDirect® VRD-MC3 DVD Recorder might be worth a look. There are some listed on EBay.

Brainiac

[jjeff]

Good idea Brian, I didn't even think of one of those. I've seen them at Ultimate Electronics and I think Circuit City.
They actually fit the bill of the OP to a tee. I think I might even remember a similar JVC even had a small LCD screen as part of the burner. I'm not positive if there AC/DC but I think?? that they might actually be, and I know they have a DV input. I believe there also ~$200. Not too bad, plus there also very small. Around the size of a external PC DVD burner. They just lack the tuner of a home DVDR.

[serega]

I think Sony has small LCD screen but I would like to know if somebody used it and what is the quality of recording.