Is it worth it recapturing videos?

[Riker0007]

So, I captured all my family vhs tapes via a standard Panasonic vcr that passes into my DVDO HD+ (has a full frame TBC) video processor and then into a black magic intensity 4k. Most are meh, but they are very old. Would it be worth recapturing the tapes with a s-vhs player (not the uber expensive ones) maybe a JVC HR-S3800U or woudl a Panasonic DVD/VCR Combo Recorder DMR-ES35V be better? Or just go with what I have?

Thanks in advance.

[Sharc]

Only you can tell what is ultimately worth for you. Depends on the quality of the source as well.
If you like to get some comments or suggestions from other users upload a sample (few seconds with motion) of your result.

[Riker0007]

Thanks for the info. I'm just curious if there would be a quality difference? And if so, which one is better to go with. The combo recorder or the S-VHS deck? I don't mind giving it a go, but would only want to buy one unit. I'll figure out the posting of some clips when I get home from work.
Thanks again.

[aramkolt]

If you'll send me one of your tapes that you've already converted along with the file that you were able to make, I could capture a section with something similar to what you're describing and you can then decide if it is worth obtaining that same hardware yourself and recapturing. Would do it for basically just the cost of return shipping. I've got an EZ48V, JVC 4800/ES10 and I could also compare that to what the "super expensive ones" are able to do like the 9600U/AG1980. I tend to capture into ProRes since it is more Mac Friendly, but you should still be able to get an idea of what the differences are in terms of the players/line TBCs/S-Video involved. PM me if interested.

[Riker0007]

Thanks for the offer. Very kind and will consider. I'm trying to decide now if a jvc hr-s7800u would show a better image? Was hoping someone has some input on this deck. I've had no issues with dropped frames on my captures, but I really don't know if it's worth it for maybe 50 tapes vs. just trying to clean up with software like Neat video or similar.

[Sharc]

.... I'm trying to decide now if a jvc hr-s7800u would show a better image? ...

What is a "better" image in your understanding? Better is what you like more (assuming you have already avoided basic capturing and setup/workflow flaws!). Be prepared that the JVC will usually deliver a slightly softer/less detailed picture but with less noise (means "cleaner", requiring less or no denoising in post processing) compared to the Panasonic. And there are other criteria what makes one "personally look better" than the other. There are plenty of comparisons and opinions in this forum and over at digitalfaq.com.
Also, if your panny is Composite only your capture quality will profit from a S-Video model, avoiding dotcrawl and rainbow artefacts, and so on.....
A decent VCR is a prerequisite for a decent capture, but it can't do wonders on crappy sources/tapes.