Video camera less than 20K

[Jun aka Pekto]

Parang ayaw mo maniwala, ahehe. Sabagay, I've only seen it once. Maybe I just didn't notice that there was a Firewire port.

Oh, don't take it that way. My own wife could be telling me what you're telling me now and I'd still try to cross-reference it. That's just the way I am. I tend to be skeptical of anything unless the evidence is in front of me which is exactly what you just provided. Thanks.

http://resources.jvc.com/Resources/0...T1314-001B.pdf

That looks like a good replacement for my older JVC DVL-510U.

[fourtheboys96]

ok. starightsix said all of the camcorder models i mentioned have firewire links.

what do i have to check with my laptop to make sure it can accomodate the cables?

what i have noticed in my laptop is it has USB ports, PCI (???) slot and those slots for old mouse and keyboards (6 holes/pins).

[fourtheboys96]

can i use the cable of sony cybershot??? one end fits into USB port, the other different end fits into the camera.

or the camcorder includes these 1394 IEEE cables?

[StraightSix]

Oh, don't take it that way. My own wife could be telling me what you're telling me now and I'd still try to cross-reference it. That's just the way I am.

Fair enough. It's not really an issue

---

fourtheboys96 - Wala bang firewire port yang laptop mo?

[Bogeyman]

Mukhang walang Firewire port yung laptop niya.

can i use the cable of sony cybershot??? one end fits into USB port, the other different end fits into the camera.

or the camcorder includes these 1394 IEEE cables?

Check with Panasonic and Canon if they include the IEEE 1394 cables in the package.

Kasi our experience with Sony is, they don't include it in the box; you'd have to buy the cable separately (ang daya talaga).

[fourtheboys96]

mukang walang firewire port etong laptop eh. mejo luma na din kasi.

upon further inspection wala pa din hehehe (bakasali lang)

from what i've sa net, yung cable na kelangan ko is iba dun sa standard USB.

i guess i just have to be ready to shell out additional money for the cable.

i am leaning towards canon. wht do you think?

canon vs sony?

zr830 vs dcr-38

[fourtheboys96]

another question pala.

what is the best and affordable option if my laptop has no firewire/ilink port?

ok ba yung adapters. mabilis din kaya? what brand is sulit to buy?

tnx a lot. i have learned a lot from you guys!

[StraightSix]

I haven't tried both models but after a quick google for specs, I'll go with the Sony. The Canon is a bit shaky on zooms, and under low-light conditions, the Sony is better.

The DCR-HC38's USB port is only for streaming videos - if you want to transfer videos recorded on tape you have to use the firewire port. With the ZR830, you may use the USB port for transfering videos, but from what I've read, only those recorded on the memory card. So for transfering videos from tape, it still has to use the firewire port. But of course, nothing beats a personal demo of the units to check out yourself. Or at least a google on the models' reviews and downloading the manuals.

And (to add to your concern) if your laptop doesn't have a firewire port, there's the possibility that the USB port might not even be USB 2.0. The older USB standard is way slower.

Bottom line is - whichever you choose, you may have to spend on an adaptor card for firewire. Better yet, a firewire card with USB 2.0 ports.

HTH.

[fourtheboys96]

yes i'm leaning towards Sony after considering the low light performance.

i've read some reviews on sony dcr-hc38. some not that good but i'm expecting that since the model i'm eyeing is near entry level.

ika nga you get what what you pay for. but i think i'll be satisfied with it considering that it is just for home use.

re: firewire/ilink adapaters, i'll make sure that i get the right one.

[fourtheboys96]

yes i'm leaning towards Sony after considering the low light performance.

i've read some reviews on sony dcr-hc38. some not that good but i'm expecting that since the model i'm eyeing is near entry level.

ika nga you get what what you pay for. but i think i'll be satisfied with it considering that it is just for home use.

re: firewire/ilink adapaters, i'll make sure that i get the right one.

[Jun aka Pekto]

another question pala.

what is the best and affordable option if my laptop has no firewire/ilink port?

You can always buy a PCIMCIA/PC Card Firewire card if your PC card slot is free.

[fourtheboys96]

ok so i bought the sony dcr-hc38 video cam already.

tested it and viewed the video using the TV and am quite satisfied (first time ko ito kaya mababa pa expectation :D)

i also tested the night mode and i am not really getting the image right in dark rooms. maybe it is only for low light light condition and not really for dark condition.

and finally, i tried using the USB to transfer the 40sec video i took but i am unsuccessful. it seems that i can only use i.link cable to transfer the video sigh

i may have to shell out additional money for the cable and adapter but if someone can show me how to use transfer videos using USB, i will be grateful :D

the user manual does not show how it is done.

[Bogeyman]

i also tested the night mode and i am not really getting the image right in dark rooms. maybe it is only for low light light condition and not really for dark condition.

The Night Mode is essentially just an infrared view, so don't expect the same vividness you'll find in well-lit conditions. It's best for low-light to pitch black conditions (think Blair Witch Project).

i may have to shell out additional money for the cable and adapter but if someone can show me how to use transfer videos using USB, i will be grateful :D

the user manual does not show how it is done.

IIRC, Sony Handycams come with a CD software installer, which includes directions on how to transfer files.

[fourtheboys96]

i've read the manual and installed the software.

the problem with the software is that it does not recognize the video cam connected by USB cable. it says i.Link

any solutions?

[Bogeyman]

Got this description online:

USB streaming- Stay connected to family and friends by broadcasting live video with audio over the internet using the USB interface. You can even play back your favorite recorded scene on the camcorder's tape. It's like having your own video conferencing system .

i.LINK DV interface- A digital, high-speed bi-directional interface which provides communication between two compatible A/V devices. This connection allows for pure digital transfer between devices equipped with an IEEE1394 interface, such as camcorders, digital VTRs, capture cards, and PCs.

As StraightSix already mentioned, the camera's USB interface is intended for Internet streaming only; the device demands an i.Link connection exclusively for photo/video transfers to computer.

The worst part is, the HC38 still utilizes the USB 1.1 standard; using it to transfer your video is an exercise in futility. I'm afraid you really will be needing that Firewire adaptor card.

[fourtheboys96]

ok tnx! now its clear to me.

i'll just get a cable and an adapter.

[Jun aka Pekto]

I also bought a Sony DCR-HC28 (after my daughter dropped my old JVC DVL-510U camcorder and broke the record function).

First thing I noticed is the lack of a USB port on the US models. It has 4-pin FW and composite TV-Out but no USB.

The lcd screen has touchscreen functions. Video quality is good. I then noticed there's no built-in light. I figured correctly that Sony uses low-light tech to compensate.


Here's a still frame from the test footage I made of its low-light capabilities. It's in the garage at night in total darkness. The "light" is the IR source only the Sony camcorder can see. Me, I'm fumbling in total darkness trying not to trip over all the shoes and slippers on the floor. The still is a headlight of the Sonata...


Not bad for an entry-level MiniDV camcorder. The Sony's also quite small, a little over half the size of the JVC: