Recommended list for VHS-C camcorders?
Hello, I see this website has a recommended list for VCR players but is there one for VHS-C camcorders? That's the best way to capture VHS-C tapes and I'm wondering if there's a list of the best camcorders (TBC, stereo, stability, etc.)?
Thanks you.
|
VHS-C cameras are terrible for capturing.
The Panasonic AG-1980P S-VHS VCR + JVC CP7U 'C' adapter are what we recommend. Note that there are several metal 'C' adapter from JVC and Panasonic, but I don't always remember the models. |
Ah really? There's not even 1 good VHS-C comcorder recommended, even by JVC? That's a shame... They're the devices that filmed the darn things! Haha, what.
Is there something below the Panasonic AG that is worthwhile? 300+ sounds like a whole lot. |
1 Attachment(s)
I recommend here JVC BR S522 / 622/822
needs no adapter ........ only SP [Standard Play] For SP and LP ..... Panasonic NV V8000 also need an adapter I have, however, only PAL S-VHS-C and VHS-C Screen = panasonic nv V8000 |
Rule of thumb, Play the tape with the camcorder that shot the tape, if it is not available, a good VCR is the way to go.
|
corrigenda
Post 4 The Pana NV V8000 needs NO Adapter |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
And would you recommend me forwarding my Hi8 player (I forgot what the actual term is) through the AG so I could utilize it's probably better TBC? Or would you say the Hi8 camcorder I have (Sony CCD-TRV65) on its own would be better? edit: And I just saw this video, the AG looks way worse to me here than a JVC (right?) wouldn't I be better off just getting the JVC for VHS-C tapes too and use the adapter there..? Or can the picture problems on the AG be fixed in post to look just like how it is on the JVC? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMz_wM5UhUU |
|
Quote:
1. play tape in high end player; if not working... 2. try another brand high end player; if not working... 3. try tape in original VCR or camera Most original cameras and consumer VCRs have major issues that will eat tapes. And with the 'C' format, eating the tape is a major issue. They are fragile. The Panasonic AG1980 (NTSC) or PAL equiv + metal JVC adapter = best safest option The 1980 is quite good at VHS and S-VHS playback. It's different from JVC line. For non-C format, sometimes Panasonic works best, sometimes JVC works best. You cannot use the 1980 for passthrough, no. It will not help a Video8/Hi8 workflow at all. That Youtube clip is worthless. That Panasonic probably has bad caps. I actually have this exact error with one of our units now, and it's being prepped for repair by TGrant sometime in May. How many tapes is it? It may be easier and cheaper to just pay one of us to do it. :hmm: |
Sorry if I mislead the OP, I read this so many times in the forums from well known members suggesting to use the original camcorder for best tracking, I guess I was mislead too.
|
Quote:
So you're not wrong "in general", just for VHS-C. :wink2: For 8mm-based tapes, indeed, use the original camera. Hi8 and Video8 look best from a camera -- and the original, if available. Same for DV and Digital8 (also DV). Same for MicroMV. The 8mm/DV issues are indeed tracking related. You just got it mixed up. Even I'm not immune to that. :congrats: |
Quote:
Quote:
* 20-25 VHS tapes * About 10 VHS-C/S-VHS-C tapes * I also have 20+ Hi8/8mm tapes but I could do those on my own with the Hi8 camera (Sony CCD-TRV65) I bought, I just have to learn how to restore better and quicker with avisynth, stuff is hard. |
The JVC likes to eat tapes. :mad4:
Seriously, for 10 tapes, send them to us. You'll spend far more time, and far more headache, dealing with them. Honestly, I hate VHS-C tapes, but I can/will do them. It's an option to consider. 20-25 VHS tapes are not much either. But it you're getting a setup for Hi8/Video8, and already have TBCs, capture cards, S-VHS VCR, etc, then perhaps you could handle those. I just want to give you all the possible options for doing your project. You're not alone. We can capture, and you can process/restore the captures. Quite a few members here do that route. |
The only *good* thing I have at the moment is the Hi8 camera and the Elgato Video Capture as my USB capture device (it beat out the Hauppauge). I don't have the setup for VHS and VHS-C tapes yet...
I just don't know if I'm okay with shipping priceless memories, in a box, somewhere far away... Where are you guys anyways lol? If you were to also restore them in the way you guys do best and know how, would that be more? What exactly do you guys charge for just the capturing or for also the restoring? Right now I can buy the AG off eBay and have my go at it...but if this is a good deal, I might bite. |
I can see your IP address. You're not that far. Contact Us about pricing, safe shipping tips, etc.
Yes, restoration is time intensive, and costs more. Sometimes a little more, sometimes substantially more. It really depends on the errors. Remember that many AG-1980 units on eBay have caps issues, and need repair first. That adds about $350 to the eBay auction price. Getting a working AG-1980 is about $500 or more total. So it's not cheap. But it is the safest, and generally gives the best image quality for S/VHS-C tapes. JVC decks really hate those tapes. It's ironic seeing as how the camera was JVC, and VJC made the VHS formats. |
I was really struggling fitting everything in that character limit and needed more space, but I sent a message.
Quote:
|
Quote:
|
Quote:
How can you spot or tell that the AG has cap issues? |
You see visual problems present, mostly illegal values and TBC dimming.
Meaning you need to have it already AND know what to look for. Somebody should get back to you in the next day or so. I'm busy with projects and forum duties right now. :wink2: |
Quote:
Quote:
|
Site design, images and content © 2002-2024 The Digital FAQ, www.digitalFAQ.com
Forum Software by vBulletin · Copyright © 2024 Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.