Which Camera to get w. analog input?

Alexander von Roon · February 20, 2005

I am looking at buying either a DVX 100, PD 170 or Canon XL1, as I need a NTSC DV camera to gather news footage. On top of it I have a lot of Beta SP tapes. So I was wondering, which camera is best to get in order to play the Beta SP stuff through a BVw 20 player into the camera and then thru firewire into the PC ( I do have an ACER Ferrari notebook.)

Is there a cheap Mini DV solution that shoots broadcastable footage and has an analog in, that I can use to get the Beta SP stuff into the PC? And also the DVX 100, can it record back from PC and does it play back PAL and NTSC Mini DV tapes?

I already have a PANASONIC NV GS1, but it is PAL, so I can"t use that. Thanks so much for your help, :)

Rik Andino · February 20, 2005

WOW thems are very tough questions

Well first of all outta the three cameras you suggested

Go with the DVX100a

It's the newest of the three & has the latest most popular features.

However it only either NTSC or PAL whichever one you buy

The NTSC model won't play PAL and vice versa

You really should be comparing the DVX100a with the XL2 and the HVR-Z1

Now to hook-up your BetaSP tapes to play in the camera I'm not sure

I've never done this before, but I can tell you what inputs all three cameras have

DVX100a--->AV (RCA) inputs, firewire, XLR inputs, S-video inputs

XL2--------->AV (RCA) inputs, firewire, XLR inputs, S-video inputs, BNC inputs

HVR-Z1----->AV (RCA) inputs, firewire, XLR inputs

I figure the XL2 would be best since it's got a BNC input

But the AV inputs on the other two cameras are analog

And you'r BetaSP player should have AV inputs...

Anyways I'd research that if I were you.

Now if you're looking for a "cheap" camera that shoots Broadcastable footage...

(DEFINE BROADCASTABLE FOOTAGE)

I recommend the Sony HVR-Z1 it shoots HDV (a de-evolved version of HD)

And it's NTSC--PAL switchable which means it'll play your PAL tapes

It has analog inputs but probably not the ones your looking for...

For a camera with a good bunch of analog inputs you'll have to spend a few...

There's no cheap solution.

As for the DVX-100a---it's a very popular camera

But I don't know if it'll serve your purposes, for News Gathering 24P isn't needed

The DVX-100a and XL2 are more appealing to filmmakers than ENG guys.

Why don't you see if you can make Mini-DV dubs of your BetaSP masters

That way you won't have to worry about having to get a camera to do that...

And you're options open up so you can choose the best camera for your purposes.

Anyways do your research and see which one is best for you...

Good Luck

Alexander von Roon · February 21, 2005

Heya Rik,

thank you so much. I just looked up the HVR Z1 that you recommended. It rocks! Basically I copuld get a Sony BVW player for 200 USD and as I get a lot of material on Beta SP tapes I thought I use it to view and log footage and also get a camera where I can play Beta SP tapes into my PC for editing. I currently work either with Beta SP crews or use a Panasonic PAL camcorder on shoots. I just can't afford to go all Beta SP and believe that this technology will change anyway at some point. Only if we do red carpets it always makes a bad impression when I show with a small Panasonic Camcorder. Therefore I am looking for a chaep DV NTSC camera that records close to Beta SP and has analog inputs. I did love the camera you recommended, but price wise, huh I don't know, :)