Camcorder 'pass through' feature VS. Canopus ADVC-100

[Mysticav]

Does anybody has some expirience comparing these both methods to convert analog to digital ?

[edDV]

Very similar performance to Sony DV Codec. Can't speak to other camcorder brands.

A few Canopus ADVC-100 feature advatages come to mind.

1. Works for NTSC or PAL. I use this feature to record or play back PAL from my notebook while in PAL countries.

2. 7.5 IRE setup switch will allow 7.5IRE NTSC black to be remapped to 7.5 or 0 IRE (DV black level). The Sony codec passes black at 7.5 IRE.

3. Analog color bar is great for calibration.

[EricB]

I've used both and I really like the camcorder method for maximizing investment. My camcorder would just be sitting around 95% of the time. Instead, I get constant use from the passthrough feature.

[vhelp]

Another good thing about the ADVC-100 device, is that
it comes with the feature to switch IRE levels. This could
come in handy in certain situations. But, its mainly for
guru's with the eye. But it's a good feature non-the-less.

-vhelp 3166

[Mysticav]

Well, I have a dimema ...

I have the following options:

Buy a Sony DCR-HC42 (599.99 dlls + tax.) with pass t. feature
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1099382960917&type=product&skuId=6956421

or

to buy a sheap cam without pass t. and the ADVC-100 (this will cost around 600-650 dlls)

Any opinion, suggestion, or comment ?

Any other camera sheaper than sony with this pass t. feature, so, the difference become clear ?

[redwudz]

I think it would come down to how much you plan to use either unit. If you plan to do a fair amount of 'camcording' then that would be the better choice. If you only plan to convert videos, then the ADVC may be the unit to get. I don't have a camcorder and don't really need one. But I do have a lot of video tapes I would like to archive on DVD, so the ADVC is my choice.

[edDV]

I agree with redwudz but I would lean to the better camcorder since it will function just about as well as the ADVC. So the higher end camcorder features cinch the deal.

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/sony-dcr-hc40-camcorder-review.htm

[pbhalerao]

Don't forget Macrovision. I believe that the Canopus unit can disable macrovision (???) - the camcorder p/t feature will not. Hence if the main objective is transferring VHS to DVD then Canopus would be the choice. Otherwise DV Camcorder has all the positives.

[Mysticav]

Well, actually I will convert also minDV's to DVD. So, I will stick to the camcorder, to "kill 2 birds with one shot" as we say in Mexico.

Any recommended camcorder ? Sony is great, bt expensive....
Any other good one with p/t ?

by the way...does anybody you guys, has buy in http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ ??? how do youfeel prices and service ?

[edDV]

Best to read through these review sites.

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/
http://www.dvspot.com/

[pbhalerao]

by the way...does anybody you guys, has buy in http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ ??? how do youfeel prices and service ?

Many of my friends and I have dealt with B&H PhotoVideo. They are very professional and promise what they say. I will recommend them very higlhly. Do you live in Mexico? If yes, then please check shipping terms and costs involved, including import duties.

If you find Sony too expensive, JVC or Canon are equally good. Actually there is very little to differentiate (incl price) between these top three. Then there are others such as Hitachi, Samsung, etc. These may be cheaper. But if you can bear it, dig into your pockets a little more and buy what really suits you. There is an old saying - when you buy quality, you will cry once only.

Regards,

[pbhalerao]

EDIT.

I see that you live in Mexico. So please check out the shipping policy, etc. Also check out the returns policy also.

Rgds,

[spectroelectro]

Bear in mind that if you record using your digicam's analog inputs via pass-through, after about 15 to 20 minutes you'll start to lose audio sync with the video. With the ADVC-100 the audio is sync'd to the video with a hard clock so it never gets out of sync.

[The_Doman]

Bear in mind that if you record using your digicam's analog inputs via pass-through, after about 15 to 20 minutes you'll start to lose audio sync with the video. With the ADVC-100 the audio is sync'd to the video with a hard clock so it never gets out of sync.

Audio sync with a DV-Passthrough should be no issue at all!
I am using a SonyD8 TRV120 (PAL) as passthrough for a couple of years and it works fantastic. It even stabilizes bad video sources which really helps with VHS conversions.
If there are audio sync problems it's probably because of the used program. I am using scenalyzer and never had a single problem with the audio, even when switching through different sources while recording.
If you have a camera with passthough there is really no need for that ADVC.

[Mysticav]

About the shipping, I live in the border with USA, so, I have an address with the 'gringos'... no problem with that.

About the Sync problem, well , I follow to The_Doman recommendation...
If it has p/t, if should be obvious that a/v sync must work, otherwise p/t feature would be useless...

Thank you all for your help...

[yg1968]

The passthrough feature of Sony DV camcorders also defeat macrovision.