What capture device...

M

MemphisMourns

Active member
Guys,

What capture device do you use for your xha1 to FCP? Does it matter the quality of the capture device? Like, if I bought a crappy 200 dollar canon mini dv camcorder, would that be the same as if I used the HV20? Or xha1 itself? If not, why? I know that it will use up the heads, so I won't - but why does the quality of the heads matter for capturing, and what one do you use? Thanks!
 
To capture 24f from an A1, you'll need one of the Canon HDV cameras, Hv20, A1, G1, or H1. To capture 60i, you can use any HDV camcorder, the quality will be the same. You cannot capture HDV footage using a SD mini DV camcorder. You can capture using your A1 and not have any adverse effects on the camera. I captured for years with a Canon Gl1 camera and the heads are still fine. I'm currently using the HV20 to capture.
 
Hey, thanks for the reply... just a few more questions. If you have been using your gl1 for capture for years - and the heads are fine, why do you use the hv20 for capture? Are you saying that I am fine using my xha1 for capture? Otherwise, I'm bummed at having to drop another grand on an hdv cam for capturing... unless there are cheaper decks.
 
You are pretty much as fine using your A1 as a deck as you are driving to work every day. Sure there is a possiblity that something bad will happen to your heads, just like there is a possiblity that you could get in a car wreck. But odds are, if you play it safe nothing will happen.

I think people are using the hv20's more the 'what if' possibity. If you do use an hv20 to capture, then you will always have a deck already attached to your computer, you won't have to reach behind the thing to plug in your firewire everytime. And Heads of the camera are not the only thing that can go. Some people use capture decks so they won't risk blowing out their firewire port, which seems to be more of a problem than the heads going.

Just be responsible with your A1 and everything should be fine. Make sure you use it as a deck only when needed, make sure you quit FCP and turn off your cam before disconnecting the firewire, use a consistent brand of tape, avoid getting dust, dirt, grime, cheesy poofs in or around the tape slot, and your A1 heads should out last your need for the camera.

I feel that if cannon thought that if the heads would go easily, they would make a stand alone tape deck, because people would buy it. I use my A1 to capture, but if i had the extra grand to get the hv20, maybe i would. In the same way as if i had a ferrari, i would probably want a smaller car to do the daily chores like drive to the grocery store. (seriously what's with all the car metaphores?)
 
I used the A1 to capture quite a bit. But it's much easier to use the little Hv20, it takes up no space on the desk, doesn't need to be put in a fancy case. It does what it's told, it knows its place. It rubs the lotion on it's skin or it gets the hose again. I'm getting off track here.
 
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