Question: Best Mini DV Camcorder Ever

[cbehr91]

Now that the standard definition Mini DV format is all but dead, I got to thinking; of all the camcorders and decks that were released in that format, which one was the best?

Was it the Sony DCR-VX1000, the Model T of all Mini DV camcorders? I'd imagine it's successor, the DCR-VX2000, would be popular as well.

If would have to pick, it would actually be the Sony DCR-TRV900, because it packed professional features and performance into a small and compact consumer camcorder design (and the homer in me says "because it's a Sony and a three-chip model.")

What do you all think?

[JohnnyMalaria]

Depends on what it was needed for.

I still have a variety. A really small one with hardly any "features" but fits in a very lightweight underwater housing. My PDX-10 would be too bulky to deal with in a housing but shone on a safari. I use one of my HCR-1s for night-time stuff with an external IR lamp.

But they have something in common - Sony.

[edDV]

The Sony VX2100 topped the Sony consumer line. The broadcast division sold a similar model PD-170 with four balanced XLR audio inputs. These are still great camcorders but are sub-optimal for wide 16:9. They did have the famous Sony "knee" processing to manage peak whites to 235 without clipping.

If you don't need 4 XLR inputs, the HDV Canon HV 20/30/40 in DV mode makes an excellent wide miniDV camcorder. You can use a Beachtek or 2 Shure transformers to adapt line/mic XLR in. These sell in the $500-1100 range used/new. The HV series has manual exposure and manual audio level control with peak meter. Also zebra pattern to help with exposure setting. It does not have the "knee" so more manual exposure attention is needed. The "auto" modes use the full 16-255 range that sometimes clips at 255 under extreme contrast.

[lordsmurf]

Mine is the best one.