A VCR that plays miniDV cassettes?

[kirklt]

Is there such a thing as a VCR that plays (and records) miniDV cassettes?

Or is it cheaper such to buy a second camera?

If you buy a camera for simply dubbing and it 1394 capabilities, does it matter how good the camera /CCD is?

[lantern]

JVC has one, but it is $1400.00, HR-DVS3U.

[compuser]

Is there such a thing as a VCR that plays (and records) miniDV cassettes?

Yes there are several JVC units that do both...

Or is it cheaper such to buy a second camera?
matter how good the camera /CCD is?

It might be a push...

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=MiniDV+%2B+SVHS&btnG=Search+Froogle

[PC Master]

I've been looking for one of these for a while. The problem is that all of them are in the $700+ range.

The #1 reason I want such a player is to play back my MiniDV tapes (about 4 hours of playtime per week, plus another 4 hours or so per month) in order to reduce the wear and tear on my MiniDV cameras. It's also my understanding that such decks are far more durable, stretch tapes less, and so on.

I also heard that lubricant mixing has less of an effect on these decks, but from what I understand, the lubricant problem has been eliminated in the past few years, so I suppose this doesn't really matter.

[VideoTechMan]

The DV deck that I have from Panasonic plays and records both the miniDV tapes and the large size cassette DV tapes (the tray accepts both sizes). Deck costed me $3,000 a few years ago, but being a professional level deck, it has served me well for my needs and still does.

VTM

[julitomg]

They make cheap miniDV cameras these days, but not inexpensive miniDV decks...It was understandable at first when there were few people interested in editing(I mean, at home anyway), but with more and more miniDV users around I think there´s a real demand for it now, specially when you notice the diminute and flimsy components of today´s camcorders. The first company that comes up with a simple (no frills)miniDV deck(maybe even play only) for around $500 is gonna sell a lot...

[PC Master]

Actually, since you can get a half-decent camera with MiniDV record and playback functionality for about $300, I would expect a pretty high quality stand-alone player/recorder to cost about the same.

[VideoTechMan]

Actually, since you can get a half-decent camera with MiniDV record and playback functionality for about $300, I would expect a pretty high quality stand-alone player/recorder to cost about the same.

Yes, but unfortunately, it doesnt turn out that way. When a deck is needed, it's more dedicated to higher quality playback and recording than a miniDV camcorder would. In addition, usually the mechanics and electronics in the decks are more suited for more rugged and intense tape usage than a camcorder will. Most decks that are used are used moreso for professional type work so therefore need more solid internal components (tape transport and such) to get the job done. That's why they are so expensive.

The DV deck that I have is no longer made, but Panasonic came out with a much smaller version that also accepts both DV cassette sizes for about $1,500. Personally I prefer the one I already have since it has the timecode readout on the display, plus it has the BNC jacks.

VTM

[lordsmurf]

JVC SR-V30U ? I think.
One of those in the SR line does.

[aanaravs]

[quote="VideoTechMan"]

When a deck is needed, it's more dedicated to higher quality playback and recording than a miniDV camcorder would.

I agree with everything, but that. Transferring DV material is essentially like transferring data from one maching (DV camera) to another (Computer). You do NOT get better quality, by playing it from a deck that costs $1500.

But, overall DV decks are more reliable. I have the Sony DSR - 11 and has been running pretty well and it can playback NTSC and PAL tapes, a feature not found in too many decks now-a-days.

[gshelley61]

It's much, much cheaper just to get an inexpensive or used MiniDV camcorder for this purpose. I've picked up store return MiniDV camcorders that work perfectly fine off of eBay for less than $100.

A used JVC MiniDV + S-VHS combo deck in good shape will run you about $500.

[gadgetguy]

I don't understand why someone hasn't made a cheap deck using cheap camcorder parts. It doesn't seem like it would be that difficult to put the parts in different plastic, without the lens and it's necessary electronics, price it around $200. It would obviously not appeal to professionals, but IMO the home user market would gobble it up.

[kirklt]

So does it matter how good the CCD is on the camera if you are going to just use it for transferring to your computer?

[MOVIEGEEK]

So does it matter how good the CCD is on the camera if you are going to just use it for transferring to your computer?

No,the CCD's are used for capturing video.
Just make sure the camcorder has composite/S-Video in and firewire out,that way you can transfer from other devices:Here's a few

[takeshi]

I don't understand why someone hasn't made a cheap deck using cheap camcorder parts. It doesn't seem like it would be that difficult to put the parts in different plastic, without the lens and it's necessary electronics, price it around $200. It would obviously not appeal to professionals, but IMO the home user market would gobble it up.

IIRC Sony made an expensive portable deck with camcorder-grade drive parts...