DV Camcorders with 2-way passthrough?

[stevlevin]

I'm looking for an entry level (about $500) DV camera that features true analog to digital passthrough ability (not having to record on digital tape with the camcorder as an intermediate step). I have seen lots of posts about this, but none address which cameras have 2-way passthrough.

Specifically, I want to output my analog Hi8 tapes through a DV camcorder directly to a Macintosh Powerbook (G3, 500mHz, complete with firewire). Then I will edit the video digitally, and I want to output it via the DV camcorder to an analog VHS recorder - without having to make a digital tape in either direction.

Of course, I will use the DV camcorder to make digital video from now on, but I want a simple way to edit the analog material and then make video copies on VHS for others.

I appreciate very much all suggestions.

(Note: Some claim that the Canon ZR40 has passthrough, but a Canon sales support person said no (although he sounded a little unconvincing as he told me this. Anyone know for sure? And is it 2-way?)

Kindly cc your response to my email:
steve@leadingchange.net

Much obliged,
Steve

[hoodlum]

The Sony Digital-8 cams will do what you want, and you should be able to get one of the lower-end models for that price.

[ncgoldwinger]

The cheapest Sony model that I find is the Sony TRV-240 that has passthru. B&H has it for $599 which is over your $500 price. I don't find any Sony models cheaper than that with pass thru.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bh4.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist...specifications

Your other option would be the Canopus ADVC 100 for $300 but you would still be short a camera..

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bh4.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist...ID=F29BFFB5200

Rick

[stevlevin]

Thanks Hoodlum and NCGoldwinger. I would prefer a miniDV format vs. a Sony Digital 8 format. Any ideas there?

Also, are you sure that the passthrough is 2 ways, not just from analog to digital?

Finally, I am looking at a bridge product: Hollywood Dazzle DM2200 or the Canopus ADVC 100. Any thoughts about pros/cons of each? I've read in other posts that the Canopus defeats Macrovision but Dazzle doesn't.

I wonder, given that I have a perfectly good Sony Hi 8 camcorder, how much do I gain by getting a Sony digital 8mm or a mini dv camcorder?

So lots of questions...I appreciate any/all replies.

Cheers,
Steve

[ncgoldwinger]

Steve,
I have heard nothing but good reports about the Canopus units but have heard quite a few user problems and complaints regarding the Dazzle units. This is only from what I have read and not from personal use of either unit.
My personal view is if you already have a Sony Hi 8 camera and only want a way to transfer video in and out I would go with the Canopus 100 unit. I personally don't know of a valid reason for you to invest in a digital 8 or Mini DV unit unless you just wanted to move up to the digital recoding format. I emailed you regading the two way passthru of my Sony TRV27 and will get back with you in a few days..

Regards,
Rick

[Innershield]

stevlevin,
You mentioned that you want to connect your Hi8 to a DV cam with pass-through, however for what you want to do, the pass-through step would be unecessary if you went with a Sony Digital8. All of the Sony Digital8 cams (except the low-end TRV-140) will play analog 8mm or Hi8 tapes. Also if you went with a D8 instead of miniDV there are a few advantages. You can 1) play analog 8mm tapes. 2) you get higher zoom than a miniDV. 3) the tapes are half of the price of miniDV tapes. And as far as recording quality/format (not optics) miniDV and D8 are exactly the same.

The cheapest model Sony with pass-through, as already mentioned by ncgoldwinger, is the TRV-240 but I am not sure if it will do the 2-way pass-through that you are speaking of. I would tend to think that it would.