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OT: mini DV playback deck?
i need a mini DV deck that i will use for playback only. only a couple hours use per week. just something to dump raw footage into my editing system. after all these years, i’m surprised that the best price i can find is the JCV miniDV/SVHS deck for $700.00.
anyone know any other options?? hate to sink that much $$ into something that won’t be used much. i’ve considered buying an inexpensive miniDV camera to use as my playback deck but i don’t think they’re built for that kind of use, even in small doses.
thanks!
js
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3 Replies
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Although I think that you’ve already ruled it out, I’d avoid those JVC combo decks, I heard that the DV decks in them are not very reliable at all.
I’d look out for a second hand VX1000 camcorder. The transports inside them seemed robust enough, (I used one as a source machine for a while) and since everyone ditched them in favour of PD-150’s (then 150’s for 170’s and now 170’s for the HD ones) they should be quite cheap.
Hope that helps!
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The best deck of this type is the Sony GV-D300E if they still make it but it cost as much or maybe more.
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A wedding videographer told me he uses very inexpensive minDV camcorders as playback decks for loading footage via 1394. He buys them at the big box consumer electronic stores and gets the store’s extended warranty upgrade. He said that after a year or so of heavy use the heads got worn out on one, so he brings the camcorder back and since it is under warrenty they gave him a new one. (just telling the story, mind you, I do not think this is the best way of doing business). It is interesting that the miniDV camcorders are so cheap now, and vtrs continue to be pricey…
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