A/D convertor to dv-out on dv-cam's

[RJB]

Hello,

I'm looking for a mini dv-cam to use as an analog capture card for pc. (to record Hi8/VHS tapes.
I heard about the option to analog input a VHS to miniDV and pass it strait through to the DV-out port.
I'm looking at the CANON mv600i and JVC gr d-30.
I want a realtime pass-through, but both Canon and JVC helpdesk were not very helpfull to answer my questions.

Anyone has some experience with these camera's?
Any advise?

RJB

[RJB]

Anybody

[mustang581]

I'm not familiar with the camcorders mentioned, but if you are planning on transferring lots of tapes than I would recommend looking at the following device "Canopus ADVC-100". the cost is around $280.00 US.

[RJB]

Thanks,

I know about those convertor boxes, but I prefer to pay a little bit more and also have a dv cam.

regards,

RJB

[vinnyskinny]

I have a canon GL2, it has it. It might be high in the price range , but it does a great job! It has a s-video in/out, and composite hookups.

Hope this helps.

Vinny

[VCD GURU]

GO FOR CANOPUS ADVC 50!

Think you have to pay alot more for a camera!!!

[i_am_dave]

I purchased a Canon ZR30MC when it first came out a couple of years ago. I thought I had read on a website that it had passthrough capability. Turns out that it didn't. Be careful which camera you buy if you want to go this route.
I bought the Canpous ADVC-100 to handle my VHS and Direct TV encoding.

[mustang581]

RJB,
According to the Canon Webpage the mv600I does support analog to digital transfer.
I have a Canon zr70mc which I believe is along the same model it supports digital passthrough and for a while I was using to transfer my vhs tapes to the computer, but then I wanted to do to a little more like capture some TV episodes and realized that I was tying up my Camcorder on the computer instead of video taping my two kids which is why I wanted a camcorder to begin with.
That is when I bought the advc-100, it is permanently connected to my vcr and I can easily switch to other devices.
My point is don't just buy a camcorder for the digital pass through option.
Good luck on your decision.

[kazzer]

I use the Canon MV550i. This cam has DV in/out, composite in/out,
s-video in/out.

Using the passthrough to convert VHS, the results are very good indeed. In my opinion you get out exactly what you put in. You are only limited by your destination format i.e. VCD. There is a noticeable loss of definintion in the video with this format. But i still consider the VHS to VCD conversion very good. I am still experimenting with CVD.

My opinion is that your biggest limitation is your source video. I have used the MV550i to pull the s-video signal from a Sky digital satellite receiver and the results are brilliant.

I highly recommend a MiniDV cam as a digitizer, as unlike the Canopus solutions, you can of course shoot new footage, and also archive your master footage to DV tape.