Looking for MiniDV camcorder...

[Agentdemon]

I'm trying to find a camcorder that I can import footage onto my PC, then export it back then hook it up to my TV to record on a VHS. I'm aware that I will probably need a IEEE 1394 cable and card but it seems like most digital camera's don't have a S-video plug. The most I can spend is 400 dollars.

Thanks.

[SingSing]

Canon-Elura-100 : http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Elura-100-MiniDV-Camcorder/dp/tech-data/B000DZH4D8/ref=de_...586417?ie=UTF8

[slacker]

I 2nd that motion! The Canon Elura 100 is the best in its class ($400 range), and have seen it as low as $325.

The only weak spot I have found on the camcorder is the audio. It routinely clips peaks at noisy events such as ball games. And in quiet environments you can occasionally hear the camcorder's transport. Both of these issues can be addressed during post-editing.

Other than that, one fine camcorder.

[SingSing]

In quiet environments you can occasionally hear the camcorder's transport.

I edited a Sony DV tape from a Elura 100 from DV to DVD, and did not hear the Canon DVcam transport noise. Does this have to do with tape itself ? Like brand/make of the tape or the age/condition of the tape or rewinding the tape before shooting ?

[anzimike]

You might want to look at the 3-ccd Panny PV-GS180, about $400 at amazon and J&R Music. It has very high image quality, but limited assecories. I purchased the GS300 for $100 more (basically a better leica lens system) and am very impressed with image quality, blows away my Sony trv320(?)

[Agentdemon]

Thanks for replying so quickly guys, so your sure that the elura has an s-video in/out because I looked at the bestbuy site and its not listed on the specs.

[slacker]

Agentdemon,

You are correct. The Canon Elura 100 does NOT have an svideo port. However, I did not find it a problem converting vhs tapes. I saw no visual difference using the Canon Optura 500 with an svideo port compared to using the Canon Elura 100 with composite cables.

SingSing,

With regard to transport noise, I don't know how widespread the problem is, but there are posts @ camcorderinfo.com that speak of the issue. I don't believe it has to do with the tape, but the transport itself in relation to the location of the internal microphone. Some buyers of this camcorder do not experience this issue.

[Agentdemon]

Then how exactly would I connect the Elura to the my TV to record a vhs slacker? I check out the optura and it seems a bit to high price wise.

[ricoman]

The Sony HC26, HC36 MiniDV and others will output to S-Video. The cable cost extra though.

[greymalkin]

my votes for the panasonic 3ccd cams as well. I have the older pv-gs120 and the quality is awesome for it's low price. I don't know what you guys are fooling around with s-video for, the camera's will convert to DV and you can "capture" to pc using firewire. If you're set on using s-video, though, my camcorder will output to s-video and i'm sure the newer models will as well.

[Agentdemon]

The reason why I need a miniDV with a S-video port is because my film class requires me to have my movie on VHS or DVD. If there's another way to get it on video I'm all ears.

[SingSing]

You just need a camcorder (miniDV or Hi8).

All camcorders has video/audio output on cable with yellow/red/white RCA connectors. All VHS and DVD recorder has this input.

If you use miniDV then you can firewired to PC, edit digitally, and burn to DVD.

S-video was started with S-VHS, which is not your film class requirement.

[Agentdemon]

^ah ok, thanks for all the responses. but can I edit the video on my PC with a Hi8 camera?

[slacker]

Yes sir!

[Agentdemon]

OK then, would I use a firewire cable or...?

[slacker]

I'm confused so let's back up some. If you need to pass video between a vhs recorder and a PC, the simplest way would be to hook the composite cables up to the vhs recorder and the av in of the Canon Elura 100. Then you can use the camcorder to do analog to digital passthru from the vhs recorder to the PC and later output back to the vhs recorder if need be, or burn a dvd on your PC if you have that capability. All you need besides the camcorder is the composite cable with a 3.5 mm plug for the camcorder. Is this what you need?

[Agentdemon]

Heh I'm a bit confused too, I haven't bought a camcorder yet but basically any miniDV will do what I want but the composite cables will let me hook it up to my tv? That's basically it, no need to burn DVD's or uses a analog camera. I believe I'll have to get a IEEE 1394 card, how much do those cost?

[SingSing]

What is the requirements of the film class ? Are you to shoot footage, or produce a movie ? or take tests or write paper ?

[Agentdemon]

I have to make a 3-5 minute silent film and present it on either DVD or VHS. I don't have a DVD burner.

[SingSing]

You should able to do this with any camcorder with composite output and a 4 head VHS VCR with composite input.

The 4 head VHS VCR will give you a clean join between two segements from the camcorder.

Note : The instructor is most likely more interested in the idea and camera skill, than PC technical savvy.

If you ended up with a miniDV camcorder, and those $29 firewire card( like Compusa), then you can windv into PC, edit, and record it back on the miniDV cam. Then record the entire edited video from miniDV to VHS VCR.

I don't have a DVD burner.

Note : If you still did not spend the $39.00 on a DVD burner.

[stantheman1976]

If you can spen $400 get the canon Elura 100 for $309+free S/H here:
http://www2.butterflyphoto.com/shop/product.aspx?ref=pricegrabber&sku=ELURA100

Lite-On DVD Drive here for #38.12 with S/H:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106013

IEEE 1394 PCI card for $29.98 with S/H:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815150021

Grand total:
#377.10 and all your needs are met.

You can shoot, drop the footage onto PC via firewire with WinDV or Windows Movie Maker, edit with Movie Maker or other free software like VirtualDub, and author with free or inexpensive programs in the Tools section here. There's a high chance you're burner will come with Nero or some other editing and authoring software also.

It will take you a little time to learn the ins and outs of basic editing, but if you read the guides on this section and ask lots of questions you'll do fine.

[Agentdemon]

Hey guys I just wanted to thank everyone for there help, I purchased the Canon MiniDV ZR600. Apparently it has bad quality w/ low light but I'm not worried about that. It has a/v connection, USB, IEEE so I'm happy I found what I needed. I still needed to get the IEEE cable and card but Im picking those up this weekened w/ my next paycheck.

[InXess]

Great, you opened a thread and... bought what no one has recommended ... ...plus you're not worried about that...

Apparently it has bad quality w/ low light but I'm not worried about that.

[slacker]

Actually, according to www.camcorderinfo.com, the zr600 performed admirably in low light for a camcorder in this price category. It doesn't have the svideo port you were originally looking for but then you don't really need it for your project.

Make sure the card is OHCI compliant!

Good luck!

[Agentdemon]

Great, you opened a thread and... bought what no one has recommended ... ...plus you're not worried about that...

Apparently it has bad quality w/ low light but I'm not worried about that.

No stores in my area carried what people recommended and I wasn't going to risk ordering online when the its due next week. I read the manuel and it has a night feature which will work well under dim light source so there!

Slacker, why should I makes sure its OHCI compliant?

[InXess]

Just joking...

OHCI compliant = standardized. Best chipset is Texas Instruments (compatibility wise). I use TI, RICOH and VIA no issues with any. Today most FW devices are OHCI compliant.

[slacker]

Because it has been documented that users have had issues capturing video to PCs using non-compliant firewire cards historically. OHCI compliant firewire cards ensure greater hardware and driver compatibility with your setup.