I haven't, but I made a note about Hitachi when someone posted a sample some years ago. I noticed the same thing regarding its picture quality. Thanks for the expanded info. I'll stay on the lookout locally.

During unrecorded portions, the TEAC outputs 0.7 sec of static before dropping to this non-video signal, which is also what it shows during standby. Like the AG-1980, there is no OSD (but the AG-1980 doesn't squelch static).
Attachment 11056

I know that you just sent a bunch of sage advice my way and I appreciate your input and time.

I have to say though the TEAC V-800G-F is probably more expensive than I am willing to go. I have checked with kajiji and its a pretty small pond up here so I may not take that route.

We do have a local value village but I am guessing it would have to same issues with smaller population scarcity.

So hopefully not sounding ungrateful for the advice I wanted to ask:
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53...S/264594324833

would that do the trick? should have svideo out and the TBC.

Yes it has TBC, DNR, and EDIT picture mode.

To me that listing is overpriced. Aren't there Canadian listings for less? I would sell you my CCD-TR818 for cheaper if you want it. Or even trade it for your Video8 cam so I can experiment.

Earlier you were saying that you didn't like how this camera performed. Would the TBC in the CCD-TRV128 be more or less the same or do the electronics vary by model? If there is no difference I don't see why I wouldn't consider that or the trade option.

I think the TBC & DNR performance is equivalent across the range, though it's impossible to say for sure. None of the samples I've seen posted over the years jumped out at me from that perspective.

I want to emphasize my wording earlier; the V-800G-F is my favoured model from what I've tried according to my own picture quality preference. It looks softer and noisier than the way the Hi8/Digital8 cams present the video, but to me it's a more natural look and closer to a "raw" view of the tape, which is my own goal when capturing.

Others prefer to crank up DNR on JVC S-VHS VCRs when capturing, for example. Sanlyn and I prefer to capture as-is and process in software.

Still working on creating some better Video8 samples of my own to post. If you have a low-importance Video8 tape you wouldn't mind getting lost in the mail, you can send it my way and I'll do a capture to demonstrate how this cam's playback performs.

I like that model. Buy it. Price is reasonable. :congrats:

"Only" composite, but the output is clean.
Do camera > JVC S-VHS deck > TBC > capture card workflow for 3D Y/C.

It should have S-Video, think it's the CCD-TRVx38 models that lack it.

Video8, Hi-8, Digital 8 reference material
 

FreeLemons et al.

I was in a similar situation and did a fair amount of research (too much :wink2: but that's just me)

For reference:

volksjagers list of Sony Camcorders here:
http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/vide...html#post31250

A large table of features here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...ub?output=html

And my own Digital 8 compilation spreadsheet attached below. I poured through a bunch of manuals (most still available for download from Sony) to flesh out my info. I ended up getting a 520 (not on volksjagers list). I preferred a top loading model though the membrane buttons are not my favorite. Luckily the unit I got is in excellent shape, including the buttons.

BW

volksjagers list should be a sticky, IMO.

To add...I have used both a DCR-TRV740 and a CCD-TRV85. Output looks identical via S-Video through a frame sync TBC (camera TBC on, of course). The DNR function on both and the edit function on the TRV85 visibly do nothing, so I leave both off.

Agreed :salute:

Agreed ... and done. :D

http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/vide...-digital8.html

I have lots more to add to that post.
Also update the VHS guide.

Those are all Sony models, right?

Is there any need to know which have S-Video output and which don't? Or do they match up neatly with those that have stereo and those that don't?

Here I explain what these settings do: https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/...=1#post2487950

NJRoadfan's experience matches mine:
http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/vide...html#post37448

There is also a known but little-discussed bug with Sony's analog-to-digital conversion & field order/placement, mentioned in that thread.

Yes, volksjager's list is all Sony's. It looks like lordsmurf clipped off the line just above the list from original linked post where volkjager summarizes the list as "these are all good cams with s-video".

There are some Hitachi's detailed in the google spreadsheet I linked. Scroll far right...

BW

Fixed. :congrats:

Would you mind adding this to the new sticky? http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/vide...-digital8.html

So does this apply on the Hi8/Video > DV conversions? (which are not suggested anyway)

I'm currently not sure how this should be presented. I leave that to you. :)

The sticky is mostly for "what" to buy, but added details on usage/caveats would probably fit well in there.

I ended up finding a CCD-TRV128 on ebay that looked like it was barely used judging from pictures. I will update when it gets here with same clips for reference sake.