phoenixfire53 0 #1 July 2, 2007 Hi guys, I don't have any experience with MiniDV cameras, so please excuse any incorrect assumptions I make. My buddy who flies with (I think) a Sony PC1000 and I were wondering if there is a fast and simple way to take the footage stored on the MiniDV tape in his camera and copying into a second tape cheaply. From what I understand, you can connect two cameras via Firewire and transfer the video that way. However I don't own a MiniDV camera, and was wondering if there was a cheaper method.... Is there such a device that allows you to connect to a camera through either Firewire or USB that would simply allow you to transfer the contents of the tape without it actually being an expensive camera? The concept is pretty simple. It would consist of the chassis that holds the MiniDV tape, the firmware/hardware required to record Firewire input onto the tape, and a record button to activate it. My buddy starts to play the tape on his camera, and transmits it through the firewire. I hit the record button, and capture what ever digital signals are sent along the wire. Does that make sense? Afterwards I should be able to connect the device to a computer and grab what ever is on it just like you do with your cameras. Alternately if that idea doesn't work, what would happen if I bought the cheapest model miniDV camera available and used it just to transfer video. Would there be any loss in picture/sound quality? Do the manufacturers have to be the same? If I bought a Canon, would it connect to a Sony? Basically I'm looking for a fast, easy, and relatively cheap method of capturing video from my friends that keeps their hassle to a minimum. Thanks! Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The111 1 #2 July 2, 2007 If you don't own a camera, why would you want the footage on a miniDV tape? Once you had it, you'd have no way to use it! Have him dump it on your PC in AVI or something. www.WingsuitPhotos.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #3 July 2, 2007 Firewire is a universal spec, all manufactors send data in the same way over it. Whats on one tape goes to another with no loss/gain of quality. There are Mini-DV tape recorders but its just a lot easier to buy a used camera off ebay for about $100 and that will do it as long as its NTSC for North America or PAL for the rest of the world. DVin needs to be enabled also.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixfire53 0 #4 July 2, 2007 Well the idea was the avoid bringing a laptop onto the DZ. Then I would have to deal with booting it up, keeping track of it with my other gear, etc etc. Point is, I get it onto the tape in the recording device, and then when I'm back home, transfer it to my computer as if it came from the original camera. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DSE 5 #5 July 2, 2007 yes, you can transfer DV/HDV over firewire to another DV/HDV camcorder. Quality of the camcorder doesn't matter, because you're merely moving bits, not pictures. In other words, think of each camera as being a linear hard drive. No loss in quality. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pope 0 #6 July 3, 2007 I've *heard* that best buy and circuit city have pretty good return policies...oh damn! this isn't the return policy forum! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
champu 1 #7 July 3, 2007 QuoteIs there such a device that allows you to connect to a camera through either Firewire or USB that would simply allow you to transfer the contents of the tape without it actually being an expensive camera? Basically I'm looking for a fast, easy, and relatively cheap method of capturing video from my friends that keeps their hassle to a minimum. Dedicated miniDV decks / VCRs are going to cost you more than a miniDV camera with a firewire port on it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
