Tape Deck vs Mini DV Camcorder?

Y

Yue

Member
Hi,

I was just wondering if someone could detail the advantges and disadvantages of buying a tape deck or a new cheap mini dv camcorder. Also, it would be nice if some good models and their prices (for both mini camcorder and tape deck) could be posted to direct me in the right direction.

Thanks a bunch,
Yue
 
Re: Tape Deck vs Mini DV Camcorder?

I have the same doubt. Although I realize that paying 1200 bucks for a DSR-11, that will do nothing more a cheap camcorder would do seems like a waste. But man, have you ever seen the tape transport mechanisms on the cheap camcorders? you open it and wait WHRRRRZZZTTT, CRANK, RRRRRRRRRRRSSSSHHHHH, CLANK! there you go, its open. Put the tape in, push the small lever made of some cheap plastic and springs and there you go IIIRRRRHSSSS, ZZZZZZZZIIIIIIISHHHHWWWW, CLECK-CLANG, It's ready to go. I wonder how many times they will be able to put on that show...
 
Re: Tape Deck vs Mini DV Camcorder?

Lol
I get your drift, but what happens if you buy a camcorder the same price range as the tape deck. Then, the quality of the both products must be similar. Am I right here or not?

I have also heard of these accesory that you attach to the camera and it automatically store the video and audio on its hardrive which has quite a few gigabites. Then all you have to do is plug in the firewire into this accesory. Hence, eliminating the need for a tape deck. Is this correct? What is it called? How much does it cost? And what are peoples experiences with it?

Thanks again,
Yue ;D ;D
 
Re: Tape Deck vs Mini DV Camcorder?

If you buy a camera the same price range as let's say the Sony DSR-11 is that the camera will take only mini-DV tapes, whereas the DSR-11, will take the master DVCAM ones as well. So, if you make a feature of about 120 minutes, it won't fit in your mini-dv tape.

All the best

Fidel.
 
Re: Tape Deck vs Mini DV Camcorder?

Yeah, but if you are going to master a feature, you should send an HD to a post house anyway, or just rent the VTR to a day's work... But you're right. Full size cassetes can be a necessity to some.
 
Re: Tape Deck vs Mini DV Camcorder?

[quote author=taubkin link=board=Links;num=1093026896;start=0#4 date=08/21/04 at 09:10:50]Yeah, but if you are going to master a feature, you should send an HD to a post house anyway[/quote]

And why would that be?
 
Re: Tape Deck vs Mini DV Camcorder?

I USED to think the same way, untill I got a deck. First off, even just physical use, a deck is much easier to load then a camera, I know it doesnt seem like that big of a deal but if your logging dozens of tapes from a production you will know what I mean.

2nd, the heads in decks are much, much, much more solid than cameras. Decks can handle FF/RW while in Playback without a problem, freeze frame accurately, and roll speeds for FF/RW are greatly increased.

Also, as mentioned a deck like the DSR-11 can use DVCAM tapes, and large tapes, those little white MQ's they also make in the Large format.
Why is this good? cause those large tapes can hold almost 300 minutes of Video in standard mode. Thats 5 hours of tape, and that means you can offload an entire multiple tape project onto one tape as a master.

Most Decks also can switch from NTSC to Pal, mini-dv to DVcam in a heartbeat, which again you never think you will need till someone passes you a Pal or DVcam tape.

With Decks you also get a real full size Controller, or Remote Control, with a shuttle etc. on it to make things a little easier as well.  
 
Re: Tape Deck vs Mini DV Camcorder?

Will the DSR 11 allow you to display timecode on your monitor and if so can you burn that to a VHS.

Another option I am exploring... the Pana 120 is a 3 chip camera that allows timecode burn through the OSD feature on the remote. Also Circuit City will sell a 5 year replacement plan to cover all parts. By that time the we will not be using tape more than likely. So I get a camera and a deck for 700 bucks.
 
Re: Tape Deck vs Mini DV Camcorder?

I'd reiterate what Jarred said that the transports on decks are generally much more responsive (read fast, accurate cueing) than cameras. Most cams just aren't designed to do that other than basic FF, RW, and search. I used a camera for awhile and then invested in a DSR-11 for all the benefits that Jarred mentioned. Capstan servo equipped decks are the nicest but a little overkill for NLE use.

And yes, you can display TC information on the analog outputs of the DSR-11.
 
Re: Tape Deck vs Mini DV Camcorder?

hi,
I'm also thinking of getting a DSR11, will it be able to record the 24p stuff?

Kev
 
Re: Tape Deck vs Mini DV Camcorder?

Yes, since 24P is recorded on tape as 60i, it's completely compatible with all DV decks. The only deck that's got a minor problem with it is the JVC HS10 or VR10 or whatever it's called, which can actually record/play back the format, but strips out the 24P flags...
 
Re: Tape Deck vs Mini DV Camcorder?

the tape deck is the best way to go. the only advantage of a cam is that you can take it with you and can have a two cam shoot if you dont already have two cams.
 
Re: Tape Deck vs Mini DV Camcorder?

[quote author=bilgami link=board=Links;num=1093026896;start=0#11 date=09/08/04 at 09:57:08]the tape deck is the best way to go. the only advantage of a cam is that you can take it with you and can have a two cam shoot if you dont already have two cams.[/quote]

Well, that, and it's much cheaper. The camcorder works fine for a tight budget ...
 
Re: Tape Deck vs Mini DV Camcorder?

yeah i love my cheap little jvc... hundreds of hours and no problems
 
Re: Tape Deck vs Mini DV Camcorder?

I agree with the use of a deck to do all the digitizing in comparison of a camera.
We have a DSR 45 and a DSR 1500 both firewire ready at the office, but I would like to know if you guys have any recommendations for a cheaper firewire deck. I have a personal project and would like to do some work at home, didn't want to spend much more that $1,500.

I've heard good things about the Panasonic AG-DV 2500 (which is the same as the JVC BR-DV300U) both at about $1,499. Especially if you are using the Panasonic MQ tape (with the dry lube).
In the other hand we all know that the DSR11 (same price) is a real workforce and it's been proved over and over again.

Is there any other option out there that I should consider?

Thanks.
 
Re: Tape Deck vs Mini DV Camcorder?

The AG-DV2500 can be DC powered in the field and can be plugged into the camera for external recording too. That could be nice.
 
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