camcorder transfer: DVD recorder vs iDVD

[ndbob79]

Hi. Until now, I have been transferring camcorder home movies (Canon Optura 100) to my DVD Recorder hard drive (Panasonic DMR-HS2), and then making a DVD (disc). I had to buy a new DVD Recorder (Panasonic EH50) and, unfortunately, this unit has no DV input and does not support camcorder transfer (I believe it is the only Panasonic without DV input). I have 3 questions: 1) If I transfer my camcorder movies to my Powerbook G4 will I be able to make a DVD (via iMovie and iDVD) of similar quality to the previous transfers made to the DMR-HS2 DVD Recorder ?, 2) Is there another option to transfer digital images from the camcorder to my EH50 DVD Recorder that has no DV input ?, and 3) why would Panasonic omit DV input on this model ? Thanks in advance.

[MarkE19]

1) not only as good but in fact the PQ via a PC or Mac should be even better. The reason it should be better is that you have full control over the settings used in the software and the conversion does not need to be done in real time. The down side of course is the additional time it takes to create the DVD.
2) I don't know your DVD recorder, but I would think that the only way to get the video from camcorder onto it would be the analogue connections, ie S-Video or composite plus stereo audio via the supplied lead that cam with the cam.
3) not everybody has or wants a DV camcorder, so the DV input would not get used. Therefore they can save a few £££ by not putting it on the recorder.

Mark.

[ndbob79]

Thank you Mark. Your replies were very helpful.