Cheepo deck -> camera for playback

soarprod

soarprod

Veteran
What is the best brand for a cheepo camera, ZR canon, Panasonic or Sony - I found all 3 for like $350 from Fry's Electronics. I would think the panasonic, but does it matter?
TIA
-Phil H.
 
Re: Cheepo deck -> camera for playback

Without knowing speicific model numbers it's not really possible to say. Just spend some time at Frys (which we all love doing) and compare the features, and keep in mind which ones will make it best as a deck.
 
Re: Cheepo deck -> camera for playback

Consider getting one with S-video out for better visual quality.
Do you need componetn video in? (to dub from other video source)
Does the store allow returns without a charge?

Unfortunately not all low cost cameras provide timecode from the tape and even within camera models (such as Panasonic's GS-9) it's not consistent from one camera to another. Timecode is useful if you're logging and capturing and not just capturing on the fly.

An advantage of the Panasonics is using same battery and charger (double check your model) that means you can share equipment or use as a backup.

Sony's seem to be more reliable for timecode and firewire hookup compaed to the Canon's which some people have trouble with how they deal with Firewire.
 
Re: Cheepo deck -> camera for playback

I bought a panasonic for the same reason batts and chargers are the same. the timecode reads across perfectly as well.
 
Re: Cheepo deck -> camera for playback

I have $350 (needs to include s +h) to buy a camcorder online and it needs to have:

*Timecode capabilities.
*S Video out
*Headphones out

Is there anything I missed?

Will the Panasonic PV-DV 103 do all that stuff?
 
Re: Cheepo deck -> camera for playback

I have the PV-DV103D as well - and while I'm not sure about the timecode issues mentioned above, I've never had a bit of problem with mine. Haven't captured 1 minute with the DVX, all has been with the 103 and the timecode has been fine.
 
Re: Cheepo deck -> camera for playback

I just ordered mine at circuit city at about $320 which includes shipping in 2-3 business days.
 
Re: Cheepo deck -> camera for playback

So, can anyone say definitively which low-end Panasonic camcorders can understand DVX-100 timecode? I bought a PV-GS12 from Fry's and it CANNOT read it.

Furthermore, is the PV-DV103d still available in the world? I couldn't find it anywhere...
 
Re: Cheepo deck -> camera for playback

anyone use the pv-GS9 ?  the 20x optical zoom would be worth the extra 30 bucks to me if it works well, cause i need a new one.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/prod...=4549&type=19&dept=3944&path=0:3944:3991:4549

ive played around with it at the local WALMART, and its very small, and has a decent picture for my wife to record endless hours of our kids. i suppose i could just buy it and return it if it doesnt work right.. :-/
 
Re: Cheepo deck -> camera for playback

It would be worth the extra $30... I need a new one too. Anyone?
 
Re: Cheepo deck -> camera for playback

I got the gs15 . . . here in pal land it was the first model in the range to have dv in and out! remote is identical to the dvx . . . & charger is a nice extra to have on the battery charging table!
 
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