Using a DV camcorder as VCR deck for DVX100 or HVX200

[charlesme]

I had a question, that has probably been asked on here before (if so, please kindly direct me to the thread).

Can one use an ordinary DV camcorder to capture 30p and 24p SD video from a Panasonic DVX100 or HVX200.?

I have an HVX200, and while I plan to shoot on card or hard drive increasingly for HD video, I am still shooting DV tapes on this camera, but I am reluctant to purchase a dedicated DV video deck unless it will be used a lot and pay its way. On the other hand, I am also reluctant to use the HVX as a playback deck.

However, with that said, I would also consider a unit like the JVC-SR-DVM600US (app. $850 from B&H) that is a 3 in 1 VHS, MiniDV, and Hard Disk Drive unit combined into one unit. My question about this unit and also about mini DV cameras for playback/capture is whether these units will playback tapes recorded in Panasonic 24 progressive fps and 30 progressive fps (also realizing that even in those record modes, the camera is still capturing video at 30i).

Although I realize that a videocamera used as a playback deck is not an optimal solution and is, at best, only a low cost solution for DV playback for capture, does anyone have any thoughts or experience using a mini DV camera for this purpose.

Again, I would consider the JVC 3 in 1, if users have had good experience with it, but would also consider the camcorder VTR solution if that is known to work reasonably well. At least with the camcorder solution, I would have an occasional backup camera. Any thoughts are appreciated...thanks in advance. (and if this issue has been posted previously, my apologies).

[superhardrocker]

yes you can, I researched this before. I do it, and my classmate does it as well. Doesn't effect quality. The cheap camera/deck is like a basket. You put it in the basket, and take it out, nothing changes.

[ryan brown]

Good analogy hardrocker... and he's right.

As long as your shooting SD, any camcorder will do, and it seems to be the standard for us that can't afford to dish out 2k for a deck. HD is a different story...

I have not used that "all in one" you posted, but it looks VERY interesting, and I'd love to hear more about it from others that have experience with it.

I bought a little canon camcorder off of ebay over two years ago to use as a deck, I payed $200 for it, I log roughly 10 tapes a week off of it, and I've still never had any problems (knock on wood). It's also nice to carry around when I go on vacation and shite like that. I've even taken it out for location scouting instead of hauling everything else out.

-brown

[joemiked]

do some research around here some good to know stuff
like the panasonic clones which ones they are and the dry lube vs wet lube drama
dont use any old device !! there is specific design around different tapes from different brands don't get "gummed" by another brand!!
do playback deck on search or wet lube vs dry i think?

which ever leave a post I'm interested myself ,before using trying dv rack 2

[charlesme]

Thanks for the replies so far. I kind of thought that a DV camcorder would be adequate for DV playback/capture purposes, plus having the added advantage of being used as a camera from time to time.

Naturally HD is a different story, but even a few years ago Sony was selling a HDV VTR deck (Sony HVR-10U, I think) with its first generation HDV prosumer camcorders, and the deck was nothing really more than the VTR deck in its HDV cameras. As I recall, the VTR retailed for about $500 less than the Sony prosumer HDV camera, but didn't have the advantage of actually being a camera, though it had the same VTR guts. In that case, I couldn't see the advantage of buying a deck, when you could have the same VTR in a camera for a little more.

On the other hand, I also know that Sony (and Panasonic) sell more robust, professional VTRs, but as I said in my original query, it probably won't be a cost effective way to go, since I do want to migrate to HD (I have one P2 card right now, but I am debating whether to accumulate more cards, or go for a hard drive solution). I just don't want to wear out the heads on the Panasonic, while still shooting on tape and editing for low resolution things like web-based video.

Anyway, again, my thanks so far for responses.

Charles

[bididdy]

do u recommend the Fs-4?


im debating whether i should buy a cheap dinky camera to use as a deck or shell out the 700.00 for the FS4?