New camera

Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 3:28 pm

when I was in school (1998) we did a couple of documentaries using Hi 8's, converting them to digital (big sony converter) and editing it in final cut pro. We actually got pretty decen results from this set up and even got one of our short films in a couple of student film festival, including the Margaret Mead festival at our local unversity. (It was an anthropology documentary).

my question is, I still have a hi 8 camera and I want to work on a music related video subject but I don't have a digital converter - would I be better off buying a digital camera or is there a converter, not too muc h money that anyone can recommend- the sony at the school if I recall was mucho bucs.

mucho thanks

Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 4:06 pm

Are you by chance using a Mac, MainTiger? If so, why not take a look at Datavideo's DAC-100. Only $200 smackers.

http://www.datavideo-tek.com/navigation_frames/dac-100/entire.htm

Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 4:08 pm

Sorry, dumb question......haven't seen a PC that runs FCP yet!!! Well, at least you can look at the DAC-100!

Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 4:11 pm

I do have a mac- will look at the dac 100- thanks!

Respected Past Moderator Joined: Mar 13, 2001 Posts: 1256

Sorr, but don't get nything other than the
Canopus advc-100. It works on Mac & PC. Is certified by Digi, etc.

I bought before that a brand/model by another company that since was gobbled up by a bigger company. There website, all the internet literature and the box/manual stated that it worked with mac. They even had forums. It HALF worked...the other half didn't and I didn't find out for months. I though after a bad day in front of a client...it was me. I called tech support, told them my story. They said just beforte release, apple and them changed something and now it wasn't compatible..I got my money but what a waste.

Anyway..the Canopus is a no brainer, small and the best for the budget. It'll let you convert Anolog Video/Audio S-Video to to/from firewire.

http://www.canopus.com/US/products/advc-100/pm_advc-100.asp

Posted: Sun May 23, 2004 5:51 am

I tried 11 different converters before I settled on the Canopus for what I am doing. We are using it with Vegas 5 on the PC and FCP on the Mac. It works GREAT and is the only converter that I know of that does not drop frames and has very good audio/video lock.

-TOM-

Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2004 9:32 am

Thanks guys- I will check it out and get a converter- my other question was though, would it be much better to get a digital camera or stick with the hi 8 and buy a converter?

Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2004 11:19 am

Gonna have to go with buy a new MiniDV cam, Xavier. Some of them can even do the A/D conversion for you. I doubt that very many affordable cameras have the greatest A/D built in, but I know all of the low-end Canon line can convert for you and it doesn't look half bad. As good as a Hollywood Dazzle IMO. But you have to remember that with MiniDV light EQUALS resolution, so you have to really light your scene and subject well to get away from that gritty digital look.

Good luck, Sir!
Daniel

Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2004 11:21 am

I've been seeing ads for a new consumer-level 3-chip DV camera, though I can't recall the brand or model (I want to say it's a Canon). If I catch the commercial again, I'll mention it here.

EDIT: Curse Canon's non-working web site! Blargh.

I can't seem to find anything on it right now. Canon's consumer web pages are completely broken. I think some admins need hit upside the head.

Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2004 5:01 pm

Cripes! I guess it wasn't Canon after all. Hopefully, I'll see that commercial again tonight.

Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 3:05 am

Consul, I think it is a Panasonic. It was on sale in a Costco membership ad. Costco, like Sams, is a club market. My wife pointed it out to me. If and when I can find the ad, I'll report what it says about it.

--Rick

Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 9:12 am

Yup,

Panasonic PV-GS70 3CCD Ultra-Compact Digital Camcorder.

2.5" Color LCD Viewfinder
Leica Dicomar lens

Priced in the 600 US range.

--Rick

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