VTR companion for DVX100A?

[molocono]

I am planning to buy a DVX100A and with it a VTR, of course. Can anyone recommend a model? What should I look for doing my research?

Also, do you think it is better to just buy a cheap miniDV camera to use as a VTR?

[Barry_Green]

Better? No, but definitely cheaper, and there are some other advantages -- specifically, if you get a cheap Panasonic camera to use as your deck, you will also get a battery and charger and remote that will also work with your DVX100.

For a deck, the Panasonic DV2500 looks like the most full-featured low-cost deck that can take full-size cassettes. JVC makes an identical model (so identical that I'm certain they are manufactured in the same factory, with identical controls and placement, just a different faceplate). B&H sells both decks for $1500, but with the JVC they offer a $100 gift card.

Those are entry-level "real" decks. There's also the AG-DV1DC (I think that's the model #) which is panasonic's field deck. It's basically a DVC80 camera without the lens -- just the LCD screen and tape transport. That's around $800 or so.

A cheap camera could be as inexpensive as $300-$400.

[molocono]

What are some of the disadvantages of using a miniDV camcorder (NOT the DVX) as a deck?

[Barry_Green]

Decks are built with heavy-duty tape transports, designed to withstand the rigors of lots of shuttling/fast-forward/rewind, etc. Decks can rewind or ff a lot quicker. Most decks can take large cassettes, providing 4.5 hours of recording time. Most decks (all the Sony's, plus the JVC & Panasonic 2500) can play back DVCAM. The JVC/2500/DSR11 also can play back both NTSC and PAL. Decks also have separate input and output jacks for audio & video, whereas most camcorders have shared jacks.

A cheap camcorder, on the other hand, will be MUCH less expensive, and like I said, if you get a Panasonic model you can share the battery & charger & remote with your DVX100.

[molocono]

Cool, thanks. So any recommendations on a cheap camcorder? Hehe.

[Barry_Green]

Um, not really... other than to go Panasonic for the shared accessories. And get a top-loader if you can, cameras that load the tape through the bottom are a pain.

[molocono]

Are there any differences between the Panny DV2500 and JVC decks you mentioned? I was gonna go with Panny all the way, but that gift card might be useful for something.

[Barry_Green]

I read through the specs, compared the pictures, and couldn't find any difference whatsoever (other than the color) so I ordered the JVC. Hope I'm not wrong, but I think they're identical.

[grifpo]

Sooo...is it a bad idea to just use my dvx100 to do a lot of rewinding and fastforwarding? I guess I shouldn't worry about it, I have a 4yr warranty, but is this a bad idea, anyway? Thanks.

-griffin

[Zoomforce]

maxell makes a $20 rewinder/fastforward machine that is great.