Camcorder as Capture Device

[Rupert Bildge]

I've been using a cheap Panasonic camcorder (NV-DS60) to convert analog video into DV in real time for capture. I plug the analog source into the camcorder AV input and the Firewire output from the camcorder to the PC. Usually it works great but sometimes with older VHS tapes I get picture breakup.

My question is this: Would there be a difference in performance if I bought a dedicated analog/DV converter? Or maybe a more expensive camera? Or is the conversion to DV going to be pretty much the same?

[daamon]

My question is this: Would there be a difference in performance if I bought a dedicated analog/DV converter? Or maybe a more expensive camera? Or is the conversion to DV going to be pretty much the same?

Hi Rupert Bildge,

Welcome to the forums.

I don't know for definite, but my guess would be that a different / better analog-DV converter would make little or no difference. My efforts (if it were me) would be aimed at improving the input: a better VCR, clean the heads etc.

[thecoalman]

As daamon suggested, or a TBC may help as well.

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1115672#1115672

There's a image posted above where that libk goes, you may need to refresh or lokk for it because once the image downloads you lose the spot on the page.

[Rupert Bildge]

Thanks guys. I should have mentioned that I am planning on borrowing a TBC in a couple of weeks. I have tried the built-in TBC on my Panasonic HS-1000 but it made no difference. I'm hoping a professional frame-store TBC might be better.

I just want to make sure I have the best capture system in place with no weak links. I've always thought that using a camcorder is pretty much as good as a dedicated converter but now that I can afford to buy specialist tools I'm willing to do it if it makes a difference (even a small difference). However if it makes no difference at all then I'm happy to stick with what I've got.