Canopus ADVC-100 or mini DV pass-through for VHS capture

[qlizard]

I have just about given up on my current capture setup for converting and editing VHS tapes. I want to purchase the highly endorsed Canopus ADVC-100. However, I am also in need of a new camcorder, so I might just spend a little more to get one with pass through. Generally, does using the video pass-through give as pleasing results as a good capture card?
Plus and minus points on each?
thanks

[redwudz]

As far as I know, a camcorder pass-through would work exactly the same as the ADVC-100, except the ADVC has an macrovision filter which seems to remove this problem when backing up some commercial tapes. As far as the quality of DV compared to a video capture card, you would have to read some of the many threads here that discuss that.

[rcb]

Another big advc 100 feature (to me) is it's locked audio. No moie sync problems for me from any analog source.
Dunno if camcorder passthrus have that problem or not.

[tommyoz]

I have used camcorder pass through and haven't had any problem with it.
Audio/video sync is ok. I have not used anything like the Canopus ADVC-100 so I can't compare.

[Will Hay]

Whilst I don't have a load of tapes to do, personally I didn't want to put my MiniDV camcorder thorugh so much use.
That's why I bought the ADVC-100.
I can't belive there would be much in it with regards quality buut pretty much already mentioned, locked audio and macrovision is a major issue for me.
Will

[joecav]

I too was thinking of getting the Canopus until I realized I have a Sony TRV-33 that has passthrough capabilities. I use it quite a bit and have not had any sync issues at all and it doesn't get any easier.

Now I wouldn't go out and buy a DV cam just for passthrough, but if you already have one, or in your case you need one, save yourself the extra cost and at least try it. If you don't like using it (for some unknown reason), you can still go get the Canopus...no harm, no foul. I believe the Sony TRV-22 has passthrough, the TRV-19 does not....in case you're looking at getting a Sony...which I also highly recommend for your camcorder needs. If you're not looking for miniDV, go here and do some research.. LINKY But that's another topic in and of itself. Just remember to get a firewire cable and you're set.

[qlizard]

thanks for the replies. yes, i was exactly looking at the TRV33 Sony. and the only difference i could see between that and the TRV22 was that the 33 has a higher resolution when used to take digital pictures. they are actually pretty close in price, so was going with the 33.
the macrovision is not a big deal to me, since i don't have commercial tapes to back up. the locked audio is an interesting issue. i'll have to research that, since I don't know if it applies to my situation. but from the replies here, sync doesn't appear to be an issue with pass-through.

[yg1968]

The passthrough feature of Sony DV camcorder defeat macrovision. I have never encoutered sync issues when using the passthrough feature of my Sony TRV-25.

[joecav]

The 33 has a bigger LCD screen than the 22 too I believe. It's a super little camcorder. If you decide to get it you won't be disappointed.

[videofun]

Hi,
i don't have an advc-100 but i do have a sony trv50 with passthrough feeding an ads pyro basic firewire card. The cap quality is fine and perfect lip-sync. On the other hand the heads of the camcorder are not worn since a tape is not required for the passthrough to operate, just turn the camera to vcr mode (not rec). Also sony's passthrough defeats macrovision.