Welcome.
The best S-VHS VCRs are also suggested for VHS-C (and S-VHS-C) tapes. The -C tape is far more flimsy, and the transport stability of S-VHS decks is a must. But even then, even certain S-VHS VCRs are not ideal, especially most DD-feature JVC decks, several of the HR series. Bad VCRs, especially ~99% of all low-end/consumer VCRs, love to "eat" these -C tapes like candy.
From a theory stance, the -C cameras should be better, do to smaller tolerances inside. But in practice never are. Even the best JVC S-VHS-C cameras eat these tapes. The -C cameras do well(ish) at recording, but terrible at playback. The "ish" is because recording-time jostle of the camera often caused misalignments on the recording, which is why -C tapes tend to be far worse for playback than VHS.
In the past, the costly money-pit AG-1980P decks were recommended, but certain EOL JVCs have proven overall better sincce the 2010s.
Condition is also extremely important. In fact, exact conditions matters more than exact model of the VCR.
Tell me more about your project:
- How many tapes?
- What recording mode are your VHS tapes? SP, EP/SLP, or a mix? If mix, % of each? If not known, guestimate. (What you don't want to do is put these tapes in a ratty old VCR, and have the tapes get damaged.)
- What era are your -C tapes from, % of each? 80s, 90s, 00s?
- Are you aware of any problems with the tapes? Either with the signal, or physical? (mold, etc)
That determines the best model for your needs, not just random generic advice.
