I've put this Sticky up as a guide for anyone looking to purchase a new camcorder for use with the VacuCam. I will be focusing on current Sony and Canon camcorders and will be basing the info on the manufacturers spec sheet. I will note any personal experiences if any.
Some basic facts to keep in mind:
-- Choose a Digital Camcorder--miniDV or Digital8
-- LANC port is HIGHLY desirable (found only on miniDV)
-- Analog to Digital Conversion with Pass-Through
-- Most newer Canon camcorder do not support LANC. If it's got a USB port, it most likely doesn't have a LANC port.
-- None of the Digital8, DVD camcorders, nor MicroMV support LANC
-- If I were buying a new camcorder, I would choose a Sony MINI DV camcorder that supports LANC, since it offers the most features. However there are many low cost camcorders from Canon, JVC, and others which can work, but all lack some of the most important functions.
I recently tried a JVC consumer camcorder and experienced much difficulty in getting the camcorder to accept incoming video.
Street prices were taken from
B&H Photo/Video in New York
==================
Least Expensive Digital Recording Medium:
Digital8® Handycam® Camcorder
DCR-TRV460
$499 List
$379 Street
See Sony Website
Based on the MFG Spec Sheet, this is the only current Digital8 model that offers analog inputs. The tape format is 8mm analog tape, but records digital signals on it. I think this is a great low cost format, but the main drawback is the lack of LANC(Control-L) control. LANC is found only on the more expensive miniDV camcorders. What is LANC you say? It's a way of controlling the camcorder from say a computer or editing controller. For the VacuCams, No LANC, means No Remote Control for starting/stopping the camcorder. Once you use our Remote Start/Stop, you won't want to do it any other way!
**********
If you can spend a little bit extra money, I would recommend this to be the basic starting point:
Mini DV Camcorder
Sony DCR-HC30
$699 List
$479 Street
Offers LANC and analog in. Seems to be a decent all around camcorder. Get the optional NP-FP90 InfoLithium Battery -2460mAh, and you can record all day without a battery change.
What do I use personally?
Mini DV Camcorder
Sony DCR-TRV950 3 CCD
$2199 List
$1649 Street
This 3CCD camcorder offers the most bang for the buck. It's considered a consumer camcorder but offers most of the features of their prosumer line such as the VX-2000 which sells for about $1,000 more.
It appears Sony has discontinued this camera and is being replaced by the DCR-HC1000. Specs are similar.
*********
A good used camcorder is the Canon ZR-10. You can find these on eBay for between $50 to $200 depending on condition. This camcorder is very small and even has a LANC port, and works great with the VacuCam.
lil'Black Wow
Linear Mode
