Using the Camera For Playback Capture

ENIGMACODE

ENIGMACODE

Active member
Hi Gang

I have two DVX100B's - One has about 175 hours, the other about 190 Hours. I sparingly use a cleaner tape, (they're not recommended). I do have a Mac Warranty that covers Cleaning, but somehow I don't completely trust Mack, or parting with the camera for that long.

Anyway, (unless I'm missing something), it appears the camera's software does not track Playback hours, only Record hours? I realize the preferred method is to use a Clamshell Deck alleviating extra wear on the heads. Those Decks are harder to find now, and still expensive. And I wouldn't trust buying a used Deck, (unless I KNEW the equipment well). Reason; my shoots are extremely expensive and difficult; Authentic period shoots requiring set construction, vintage Militaria, and special effects.

Sorry to wander off. Anyway that's reason I use my own cameras as Playback Decks.
(I'm 100% sure the tape won't get ruined).

Any comments?
Thank you
Happy Holidays!
Mike
 
To my understanding, if there is a tape in the DVX and it is turned on, the hour counter is running.

Either way, those are extremely low hours for heads. They will last a couple thousand if taken care of.
 
Many folks buy a cheap DV camera to use as a playback/capture deck to avoid excess wear on their "A" camera.
It's not just the head wear, but the fact that your DVX tape transport is not really built for constant shuttling of tape back and forth. If you capture the entire tape at one go (basically just rewind and play out to the computer over firewire), you should be ok.
However, if you're putting all that effort into your shoots, the price of a cheap DV camcorder seems like a pretty good insurance policy.
Just my .02.
Ken
 
I'd recommend any mini-DV camera with a firewire port. I have (just by coincidence) a Panasonic. $125 or $130 from B&H.
But any will work.
 
You might even find a Panasonic consumer DV camcorder...similar color palette to your DVXs. I don't think many manufacturers are still making mini DV camcorders, so grab one while you can.
Ken
 
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