miniDV Capturing...

[mxk419]

I've been asked by some neighbors if I can convert their miniDV tapes to DVD. I have a burner and FireWire, but I don't want to have to borrow their cameras everytime I need to do a capture. I found a miniDV camera with a FireWire interface for like $200. Will the quality of the capture differ depending on what camera I buy? Thanks in advance.

[edDV]

Assuming both cameras are in spec for mechanical transport allignment. It should work well but $200 is a lot to pay if you don't need the camcorder. You can just capture the files and do the DVD work later although it is useful to use the camcorder for video monitoring if you are using higher end editing programs.

If you do want a new camcorder, you might want to spend a bit more for a better camera section.

[stiltman]

how can he capture whats on the tape without a comcorder?

You might have problems say if they taped in LP and your new $200 cam doesn't support LP mode. I've also have a problem trying to play back my Sony minDV tapes in a panasonic camcorder (recorded in 16bit sound at SP)

[edDV]

how can he capture whats on the tape without a comcorder?

He would use their camcorder for capture.

[stiltman]

how can he capture whats on the tape without a comcorder?

He would use their camcorder for capture.

I have a burner and FireWire, but I don't want to have to borrow their cameras everytime I need to do a capture.

[edDV]

how can he capture whats on the tape without a comcorder?

He would use their camcorder for capture.

I have a burner and FireWire, but I don't want to have to borrow their cameras everytime I need to do a capture.

If that want is worth $200 that is his decision. Any further investment would result in a much better camcorder for general use.

[OldFeller]

Standalone DVD burners are available for $150 or less - I paid $119 for mine. Connect the dv camera to the standalone and burn a DVD in real time. You can edit the file in you PC if you want to eliminate the menu box some standalones create (I use DVDshrink and "reauthor").

A standalone can be used to convert old VCR tapes just as easily and most have built in TV tuners so you can also record television, OTA or cable. I think that's the way to go unless you want another camera.

[stiltman]

Standalone DVD burners are available for $150 or less - I paid $119 for mine. Connect the dv camera to the standalone and burn a DVD in real time.

Doesn't anyone read?

He doesn't have a DV camcorder
He doesn't want to use the camcorders of the people he's doing this for.
He has firewire
He has a DVD burner

He wants to know if the $200 DV camcorder will work and at what quality


Geez, guys

[edDV]

Standalone DVD burners are available for $150 or less - I paid $119 for mine. Connect the dv camera to the standalone and burn a DVD in real time.

Doesn't anyone read?

He doesn't have a DV camcorder
He doesn't want to use the camcorders of the people he's doing this for.
He has firewire
He has a DVD burner

He wants to know if the $200 DV camcorder will work and at what quality


Geez, guys

mxk419's question was answered in the first response. What useful have you added? Right, the tape might be using LP speed.

[mxk419]

Thanks for all the input, I knew I could count on the VH forums! I did look around for a miniDV player with FireWire but they were all professional models and $700+. This doesn't make too much sense to me that one would pay less for a device that has recording as well as playing vs. just a player. I guess there's not much demand for a cheaper player-only device. I do like the idea of a standalone DVD burner with FW for straight copies. That's the most common request I have. If they do need chapters/captions etc. I'll load it onto my PC and edit it that way. Thanks again.

[edDV]

FYI: DVD standalone recorders with an internal HDD offer limited editing and chapter setting. IEEE-1394 (firewire) input is recommeded for Mini DV sources.

Keep in mind that MiniDv has 0 IRE black whereas NTSC uses 7.5 IRE black. It is important to use the correct setting for each.