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Onboard Recording: PDR100 or MiniDV??


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Hi all,

 

I'm looking for an easy to use onboard recorder. Possibly self-powered.

 

I was looking at the PDR100 http://www.chasecam.com/recorders/PDR100

and it looks too good to be true. Anyone with comments on it?

 

If I would buy a cheap small mini dv camcorder, which one has a line in recording option?

Any models, old or new, let me know...

 

thanks,

cheers!

 

Jerry

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Hi all,

 

I'm looking for an easy to use onboard recorder. Possibly self-powered.

 

I was looking at the PDR100 http://www.chasecam.com/recorders/PDR100

and it looks too good to be true. Anyone with comments on it?

 

If I would buy a cheap small mini dv camcorder, which one has a line in recording option?

Any models, old or new, let me know...

 

thanks,

cheers!

 

Jerry

 

I do not have one myself, although from reading the forum, it seems most operators use the Archos. Compared to what you're looking at, it's a lot more cost efficient. This PDR100, does it have a screen so you can watch what is being recorded or for playback? I didn't notice a screen on the link. If not, then that's another reason one would go with the Archos. It seems buying a miniDV camcorder with a video IN is a bit difficult to find. I luckily have an old Sony model that has one, so I'll use that for awhile till I one day get the Archos myself.

 

Hope this helps.

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Jerry, take a look at the Edirol f-1

http://www.edirol.com/index.php/en/product...-field-recorder

 

I use a Firestore.

http://www.focusinfo.com/solutions/catalog.asp?id=3

 

 

 

Hi all,

 

I'm looking for an easy to use onboard recorder. Possibly self-powered.

 

I was looking at the PDR100 http://www.chasecam.com/recorders/PDR100

and it looks too good to be true. Anyone with comments on it?

 

If I would buy a cheap small mini dv camcorder, which one has a line in recording option?

Any models, old or new, let me know...

 

thanks,

cheers!

 

Jerry

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Michael, unless I'm mistaken neither of those units have a composite video input, just firewire? So you would need an outboard A to D converter like the Canopus box on top of what is already a bit of a bulky unit.

 

I have heard mixed things about the Chasecam. At 1 lb, also another relatively heavy/bulky solution.

 

I remain on the constant lookout for the ideal onboard digital recorder...we have many other threads on this subject but sadly no perfect solution (i.e. one that acts like a tape recorder, not requiring going through menus between play and record).

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Thanks guys for all the replies,

 

Yes, I agree that the Archos 605 looks good. It's in fact more lightweight than the PDR100.

And, so it has a line in to RCA cable with this DVR travel dock? And does it have to stand upright? Is the cable running on the back side of the DVR adapter?

Anyone have some detailed pictures? Thanks!!

 

Charles, what recording method are you using?

 

Thanks again for the help...

 

Jerry

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My Archos 404 with travel adapter has worked great for me. Well, the battery did eventually "explode" but that was an easy fix. Seems to be a common problem with the 404 but I haven't heard about it on their other models. Another plus is that you can use it to watch movies and TV shows when traveling to distant locations. You can even put your reel on it to carry around and force people to watch it :-)

 

~Jess

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\You can even put your reel on it to carry around and force people to watch it :-)

 

I love this sort of science fiction--I've got various bits and pieces like reels and recent projects on my iPhone and it has come in handy a number of times. On a recent show we were planning a complicated hallway shot and I was able to show the director a clip that was on my reel that sent the concept in a whole different way--much easier than describing it.

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Hi all, look this!!

 

http://www.dogcamsport.co.uk/hqr2-micro-pocket-dvr-2.htm

 

your opinions

 

All the best.

 

Victor.

 

In the specs of this unit:

 

"The HQR-2 does not support video playback. This must be done on a computer."

 

(insert sad "waaa WAAAAHHHHH" sound effect)

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Hi all, look this!!

 

http://www.dogcamsport.co.uk/hqr2-micro-pocket-dvr-2.htm

 

your opinions

 

All the best.

 

Victor.

 

In the specs of this unit:

 

"The HQR-2 does not support video playback. This must be done on a computer."

 

(insert sad "waaa WAAAAHHHHH" sound effect)

 

But The HQR-2 records to better quality, you can record all your shots and use this device to make a Demo (showreel)

 

To obtain the shots is complicated in some occasions .

 

 

Victor

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Wouldn´t the Mini DVR Pro do the job?

 

http://www.dogcamsport.co.uk/images/Broadc...VRspecSheet.pdf

http://www.dogcamsport.co.uk/solid-state-video-recorder.htm

 

It records more than 100 min. in best quality (claimed to be like BetaSP) and has frame by frame playback.

 

Anyone know about pricing?

 

- Mikael Kern

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Guys, we are sort of rehashing a topic that has been thoroughly covered here in the not-so-distant past.

 

The Mini DVR Pro is the most pricey contender, at around $2200 (if I remember correctly) or more. It's been around for a few years now. I think Larry McConkey uses one as well as Alec Jarnagin. Alec, I heard a few things about your unit from David Hable--do you care to weigh on this?

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