Reading MiniDV tapes between manufacturers?

[gdi]

My first post - but I have lurked and gained a lot of info previously!

I am upgrading from a MiniDV Sony TRV-900 to a Panasonic GH1. I want to sell the TRV-900, but don't have any other way of importing my MiniDV footage to my computer. What is the most cost effective way to do this? Can I buy a cheap MiniDV camcorder of any brand and transfer it, or do I need to use a Sony brand? Are there cheaper decks that would work?

I thought about keeping the trv900, but it still worth a good bit of money and I can use that to offset the expense of the GH1.

Thanks!

[aedipuss]

pretty much any miniDV cam will do the job. i'd stay with either a new or factory refurb unit, no telling what shape the heads of a used one are in.

[JohnnyMalaria]

Just be aware that if any of your original tapes were recording in LP mode then they might not play properly in anything but the original camcorder.

[gdi]

Just be aware that if any of your original tapes were recording in LP mode then they might not play properly in anything but the original camcorder.

Ah, that is the info I needed - I am not sure if I have any with LP. I'll need to check. Thanks!