a good MiniDv pass-through camcorder? with s-video??

[adameep]

hey all...
hoping you all can help. ive been trying to find recommendations online for a good MiniDv camcorder that has a pass-through function to use as a analog to digital converter and having a hard time of it! i'm wanting to transfer my old vhs tapes to digital via my laptop *and* have a camcorder on-hand for personal use. I just recently bought a lovely JVC HR-S7600 for the analog end of things. Do you folks have any recommendations for a camcorder that would be reasonably priced with the pass-through function? are there any that have both S-Video and composite connections?! Options are good. older models are okay... anyhow, let me know. thanks!!
~adam

[edDV]

There are so many but not all MiniDV or Digital8 camcorders have this feature. You need to Google the specs.

The general history of the feature was greater support with older MiniDV models, then elimination of pass through on the lower priced models to elimination on all but the top end models.

Plus you need to be aware of the black level issues (level 16 vs 32 washout).

[adameep]

There *are* alot of pass-through camcorders out there and its hard to find the specs for everyone. That's one of the reasons i'm asking if people know of any specific model of camcorder that works well and might have s-video and composite input capabilities. does anyone?? Also, what is the the black level issue (level 16 vs 32 washout) you speak of? how do you know what camcorders have this issue or not? anyhow, thanks for your help!!
~adam

[edDV]

In Sony camcorders the feature will be named "Analog Pass Through" in the spec sheet. It will be in the high end MiniDV models but as you move down the the cheaper models the feature is less present. Also the lower end models have composite in only.

The VX-2000/2100 had the feature plus both S-Video and composite inputs. For the lower end models, you are just going to have to download the manual and read the specs.

For "level 16 vs. 32 washout" issues, this thread covers the basics.
https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/259750-NTSC-IRE-levels-and-DV-camcorder-Pass-Through-capture?