Can you tell me if it is possible to use/control a cam via the a/v input for this model - how menu item (start/stop)

I have a HC22E but no a/v input.

[MarkE19]

If the camcorder does not have AV-in then there is no way of connecting an analogue camera to it. The HC22E does however have DV-in so if you can find a DV/firewire/iLink external camera then that can be connected to your camcorder.
To control the recording with an external camera you just put the camcorder into VCR mode and use the controls on the camcorder.

Mark.

Thanks Mark for your post.

I am now confused. I did think that the HC32E model had a a/v input/output interface.

The HC22E has a DV in/out? I think, because you can save an edited AVI file back onto the miniDV tape from the computer.

The only problem here is the connections are on the Handycam Docking Stations. So if in a rugsack could come apart.

What I an after if bulet cam on helmet and fed into camcorder on rugsack. I was just asking about how to control the start/stop recording. i.e. is it just the usual toggle record switch?

And I assumed that I need the DCR-HC32E model for that.

But are they small cams that the DV interface could use, and again how the control is done.

Cheers Porto.

[MarkE19]

You state that you have an HC22E, in which case there is no AV-in and no way of connecting an analogue bullet cam to it. However, if the HC32E does have AV-in (I've not checked so don't know) then a standard analogue bullet cam can be connected to it - but you state that you own the HC22E - are you thinking of upgrading

There are DV bullet cams around, but not that many - and probably not that cheap, but certainly cheaper than upgrading to a new camcorder.

All recording control would be done via the camcorders onboard 'VCR' buttons for either an analogue or DV bullet cam. I'm not sure if the normall 'toggle' button will start & stop recording as well.
I'm not sure about your particular cam, but many Sony cams have a Lanc control input so you can add a Lanc remote control (wired) to control the camcorder without needing to remove it from the safety of the ruck sack etc.

Mark.

Mark, thans for the info. Yes thinking of upgrading as have Tele-conversion lens and spare battries for this range of camcorders.
Will search for DV bullet cams to see the price.

Dont understand the term

Lanc

control input you use. The HC22E has a remote controlis that what you mean?

[MarkE19]

'Lanc' is a Sony system that allows you to plug a wired remote into a device with the Lanc input to control the device. I had a VCR that had this, and my old 8mm and current DV camcorder have the input. I'm sure that not all the Sony camcorders have this input though, so you will need to check the specs, as without it you will need to use the buttons on the body of the camcorder to start/stop recording.
The supplied remote with just about all camcorders works with infra red (basically light) signals that wont work through a rucksack etc.

Mark.

Just one other thought, on the Handycam Docking Station their is a USB port. Would a USB bullet cam be an option.

Thanks again for the post, now happy with they way it all works together.

[MarkE19]

I very much doubt that the cam would accept an input via USB. The USB connection is normally only for transfer of still images and webcam use out to a PC.
Also you should forget the inputs on the docking station as there is no way you would want to have that with you when out & about. Most if not all of the ports on the station should also be on the cam itself.

Mark.

OK, now need to find where the AV-in port is on the HC32E camcorder, could be on the docking station.

Not found any DV bullet cams.

But cheers Mark

[MarkE19]

Well you can read through the manual for the HC32E Here, but I've had a look and it is less than useless! Although it states that the supplied AV cable can be connected to either the station or the cam, all the picture show are the stations connections and nothing that I could see to show where they are on the cam. On my Sony TRV-900E the connections are all under a rubber cover at the front right just behind the lens, so I would expect them to be in a similar sort of area on the HC32E (and also on your HC22E).

Mark.

Mark, thanks. Did have a good at the manual and on page 67 is shows where the AV-in/out connection is on the camcorder.
Is says it has a LANC jack, but I dont understand this item. Nothing seems to be supplied; e.g. cable for this type of control!?!

[MarkE19]

All Lanc equipment will be an optional extra. If you buy a Lanc remote it is a wired type and therefore will be supplied with the Lanc cable attached to it. Have a look Here to see what is available. I'm sure I posted this link yesturday, but with the slow system it must have failed to get posted. If you scroll down to the bottom of the page there are some cheaper Lanc remotes for around £30 that should do all you require.

Mark.

Thanks Mark, the HC32E seems the one!