[mauimac]

Hi, I've been researching these but perhaps someone can help with the final decision...which is all-around better/easier to use? My intent is to copy old VCR tapes & Hi8 tapes & DVDS& videos for DV-editing/"personal use" (no no copy protection!) and also export DV produced video back to VHS tapes for friends & educational productions. Any advice?
Thanks in advance!
-Liz

I was looking in to the same thing myself...

You should ask yourself if you have any need for a Digital Video camera... as most of these will do the same thing for you... ie. convert analog to DV.

I personally was leaning towards the Formac one - since it also provided a TV tuner... and looked like there would be OS X support.

However, $429 for it.... vs $600 for a low end DV Camera... I realized, I should just go ahead and make the plunge...

so I researched DV Cameras, and ended up spending a lot more than $429... I ended up spending about $1000 on one. But... it's better than buying a $429 converter box I'll only use a few times to covnvert old video and then end up buying the $1000 DV Camcorder anyway...

arn

[mauimac]

Thanks for the advice! I'm hoping a DV camera comes my way soon, but I don't really have control over that..I run a nonprofit and it depends on grant money! However I'd like to deal with old VHS and Hi-8 tapes...are you saying I can use a DV camera with firewire to do that? Do you mean connect the old Hi-8 camera or VCR to the DV cam to copy onto DV tapes, then import from those into the G4? Will that maintain the quality? How do I know if the hardware will all connect up..the camera would need analog & firwewire for that right? Do most come equipped that way these days? Can I still export back to VHS?
A new development, hmmm....
sorry for the additional questions!!
...Mahalo...

[jac]

What you'll need is a DV-camera with analogue in, i.e. a camera that can connect to analogue players (VCRs for instance) and record input signals. Not all cameras can do this, especially cheaper ones, so make sure.
Once you have a suitable camera you shouldn't have to copy to DV tape; the camera should be able to send the input signal through the Firewire straight into your Mac.

Good luck!

[Bennylen]

You may want to take a look at this review of the DV Bridge: http://everythingmac.org/reviews/Daz...ood/index.html

I own a Canon ZR-10 and it allows the input of video from analog (VCR) to be taped on the camera a then out to the computer and vice versa after editing. I haven't used it in a while but I don't think it allowed for straight through play. I don't know about any others. Canon has some new ZR's out now that are better so they may allow it.

[mauimac]

Thanks again everyone!!

[jeffhot]

Just a note, although perhaps it is irrelevant at this stage in the conversation: the Hollywood DV Bridge can control old Sony (non DV) cameras through iMovie or Final Cut Pro. But I guess you don't have one of those lying around anyhow, do you?

Maybe someone else browsing this thread will find that usefull. It's certainly why I'm hoping to get one for Christmas.

I think most people have answered your question...

But yes... the digital Video Cameras with Analog (RCA) In allow you to convert your existing Analog VHS/Hi8 to Digital Video. The quality should be similiar to using one of the converter boxes...

The details may vary...

1) You may have to copy from VHS -> Digital Video Camera onto a Digital Video tape, then copy to Computer

or

2) You may just be able to Pass Through the Digital Video Camera. Just connect your VCR to the Digital Video Camera and the DV Camera to the Computer. The Sony PC9 I bought allows you to do this directly.

Note... if you buy a camcorder that supports Digital 8 format - I believe you can actually use it to play your Hi8 tapes and go from there to the Computer.

arn