-
mini-DV Deck Recommendation
I didn’t see a specific forum for my question so I’m posting it here since I will be capturing and editing in FCP.
I’m looking for a good, inexpensive, mini-DV deck. I recently completed a feature on the DVX100A (shot in 24p Advanced mode) and need to begin the grueling task of logging and capturing the footage. But, like a lot of people, I don’t want to use my camera for such activities (I have over 20 hours of footage).
So I need a recommendation for a deck and a few good on-line stores that sell said deck.
Thanks for any recommendations.
-
12 Replies
-
-
[Shane Ross] “Sony DSR-11”
I’ll second that. You can also get it at http://www.promax.com or if you’re in the southeast WH Platts is a great VAR based in the Carolinas and has an office here in Atlanta. http://www.whplatts.com
B&H Photo is a great place to save money, but I prefer ProMax and Platts because I only deal with one sales rep at each company and both offer great service after the sale. I’ve been less than thrilled with B&H’s service when there are issues.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
https://www.biscardicreative.comNow editing “Good Eats” in HD for the Food Network
“I reject your reality and substitute my own!” – Adam Savage, Mythbusters
-
DSR-20 on eBay for $1795 if you get this in time …
-
Unfortunately both are out of my price range. I need something that is $1100 or less. The decks recommended are mini-DV/DVCAM dual decks. All I need is mini-DV… I have no need for DVCAM.
Anything out there just for mini-DV with a price tag of no more than $1100?
-
[Marc Buhmann] “Anything out there just for mini-DV with a price tag of no more than $1100?”
Look at the Panasonic website. I believe they have a MiniDV deck in that price range if not a little cheaper. I had one, I think it was something like an AG-1000. Was not as reliable as the Sony is, but it was not bad.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
https://www.biscardicreative.comNow editing “Good Eats” in HD for the Food Network
“I reject your reality and substitute my own!” – Adam Savage, Mythbusters
-
Thanks to everyone for recommendations. I managed to find a open box/refurbished Sony DSR-11 for $1200 from J&R (JR.com). Looking forward to receiving it and starting the capture process of 20 hours of footage.
-
If you are so broke that you can’t afford the cheapest deck, just use your camcorder. It will not hurt it! I have used my camcorder for years and even use it for monitoring DV. No trouble at all.
Whoever says that this will ruin your camera is paranoid. By the time you “wear out” your camcorder, it will be time for a new one anyway.
Personally, I even think the DSR-11 is not ideal. I don’t like that deck, it’s cheap and shuttles ever so slow. No TC, no balanced audio, no TC preset functions. For me a DSR-45 is the deck I’d want.
Welcome to the world of pro video. The good stuff ain’t cheap. Never has been, never will be.
Kevin Monahan
Take My FCP Master’s Seminar!
fcpworld.com -
Did you not read my response that I already bought one? Besides, some of the tapes won’t play properly on my XL-1s. As for using the camera as a deck, I’d rather spend $1200 on a deck as opposed to $5000 to replace the camera.
-
[Kevin Monahan] “Personally, I even think the DSR-11 is not ideal. I don’t like that deck, it’s cheap and shuttles ever so slow. No TC, no balanced audio, no TC preset functions. For me a DSR-45 is the deck I’d want.”
Really have to disagree with you here.
No TC display? The deck is in another room so I don’t need it. I use the display on FCP.
No Balanced Audio? What, are you using this in an analog suite? Capture / Edit via Firewire. Need to bring this into an uncompressed analog system? Run it through a Mackie 1202 and take the balanced out there.
TC Preset? I’m not making masters via DV or DVCAM so I don’t care about TC preset.
On board TC and Analog audio are holdouts from the old days of analog and really not needed for most users on an FCP system. Now SDI I/O, that’s something different.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
https://www.biscardicreative.comNow editing “Good Eats” in HD for the Food Network
“I reject your reality and substitute my own!” – Adam Savage, Mythbusters
-
How ’bout “shuttles ever so slow”…? That’s prob’ly my biggest complaint. I wanna BOOGIE.
Kevin Monahan
Take My FCP Master’s Seminar!
fcpworld.com
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up