HDCAM transfer on the cheap

C

calster.

Active member
Ok we're at the end of production and we're out of money. We've got 6hrs of HDCAM shot on the F900 and I need to get it into my PC for 720x480 editing (it's a music video)

Going back to HD online might be an option one day, but definitely not now. So, we're trying to get the footage onto the computer in the best possible quality for basically no money.

Here are the options we have (as far as I can see):

1.) Dump to BetaSp then out of betaSP (a/d) and back in through a capture card (d/a)

2.) Dump to DVCAM and firewire into the computer

Lastly, on the odd chance we can buy an SD input decklink card and dump off the HDCAM deck downconverter through SD input decklink into the computer. Can I compress the footage (to DV50) as it captures through the deck link? Will my regular 7200rpm hard drives be able to handle the footage? (compressed to say DV50) (I have a TB of storage)

When you respond, please respond to both the last question, and the betaSP vs DVCAM

Thanks in advance, you guys are amazing!
 
BetaSp is better quality, but the DVCAM is much easier to work with - no SDI or other capture method needed. Firewire is the simple method. DVCAM will work fine for a standard definition music vid, BTW, this belongs in a editing forum.
 
Forget the Beta SP route...you're not gaining anything quality wise.
A straight DVCAM transfer with slaved time code will let you edit "off line" in your computer and still maintain an accurate EDL for an HD online later. Most pro dubbing houses can do this. Editing in DVC Pro50 will preserve your 4:2:2 colorspace, but that option isn't available in Vegas (don't know what NLE you're using). The 7200 rpm drives can handle the throughput.
Hope this helps.
Ken
 
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