An Inexpensive MiniDV deck (Or Deck Alternative)
by Ryan Osika
on
Mar 11, 2005 at 6:22:24 am
I have a canon XL-1s and edit on Avid DV. Up to this point, I have been using my XL-1S to digitize video into AVID. However, I'm concerned that using my camera in this way will eventually wear it out unnecessarily. So, I'm interested in getting a deck (or inexpensive alternative) to use to digitize video. Any ideas as to where I can get a cheap deck? Or, does it make sense to buy a miniDV camcorder on ebay and use that to digitize video (will doing that cause loss of quality in image)?
Re: An Inexpensive MiniDV deck (Or Deck Alternative) by oakmozart on Mar 12, 2005 at 4:22:49 pm
I agree with R Lague. The Sony DSR-11 has been the best "low-cost" deck (compatibility-wise) for Avid XPro/XDV in my experience. However, I've heard good things out of some of the Panisonic's, such as the AG-DV1000 and 2000 (both discontinued), as well as the current AG-DV2500. Whatever you do, STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM THE JVC DECKS!!!! I've used 3 of them with Avid, and they're NIGHTMARES!!! Don't believe me? Go check out this thread: http://www.avid.com/community/forums/Forum38/HTML/013516.html
I know it's not cool to advertise for another forum, but this is the official Avid forum, so I think it's acceptible to do so.
The Sony DSR-11 is a great deck, but I've noticed 2 problems with it: 1) it's sluggish as hell on both capture and digital-cut. 2) The little door on the front breaks off on most of them, because Sony put el-cheapo hinges on it. These can be purchased from Sony to fix your door in the event it breaks off (mine hasn't, but most DSR-11 users I know have). To give you an idea of what decks seem to work best in XPro/XDV, check out this guide from Avid regarding DV devices: http://www.avid.com/products/DVDeviceQual.pdf
You say you can't afford a deck? I know the feeling, because I at one time purchased a new XL-1 (almost $4 grand at the time) and didn't have the money for a deck, so I used the XL-1 heavily for a year. Then I was bummed when I had to send it to Canon and spend almost $1200 to get the entire tape assembly--including heads--replaced (Canon has really cheap tape assemblies), along with some other minor maintenance. For that cost, I could've added a few hundred dollars more and had a deck. That would've saved me unnecessary downtime, plus money spent on just getting my camera working again.
Spend the money on a deck and save your camera, or you WILL have problems. Maybe not for a few months, maybe not for a few years, but it will happen. I promise. So start saving! :)
Re: An Inexpensive MiniDV deck (Or Deck Alternative) by Ryan Osika on Mar 14, 2005 at 1:58:33 am
Thanks all. It looks like I'm going to have to do a little saving and keep my fingers crossed that my XL-1 will hold together for digitizing in the meantime. It sounds like the Sony DSR-11 is the way to go. I have noticed some on ebay for around $1400. Thanks again.
Re: An Inexpensive MiniDV deck (Or Deck Alternative) by oakmozart on Mar 14, 2005 at 3:46:08 am
And you can buy them new for a smidge over $1600 from B&H Photo/Video. Don't screw around with used decks on Ebay, buy a new one. It's worth it, trust me.
