Upgrade wanted with AV in......

[Gary C]

Hi,
I'm new here and not very tech minded on AV options.

I currently have a JVC GR-Dv3000, which I've found to be a good reliable unit. However, I want to upgrade, better pics, less bulky...you guys know the story.

One of the regular uses I have for my camera is 'in-car video shots' and for that I use a bullet cam.

I've already looked at a few of the HD units from JVC but none of them seem to have AV in.
Can any of you recommend a camcorder that will suit my purpose. Ideally for less than 1000. I also use Ullead video 8 software. find it Ok, will my upgrade have any implications here aswell?

Really appreciate some help...

cheers
GaryC

[redsox_mark]

There are a number of DV (not HDD) models with DV in, in various price ranges.

The cheapest is the Canon MV960 (web prices around £250). Better is the Canon MVX460 (around £320) or the Sony HC 96 (£400 ish).

Video 8 will work fine, these are all DV.

Spending £1000 is hard... you either need to go to a larger prosumer model (but you want small), or go High Def (but they don't have AV inputs). And as you say even the standard def HDD cams don't have AV input.

[Gary C]

Hi Redsox,

Which model will give me the best quality pics?

My current JVC has 1.33 CCD and a F1.2 lens. I remember buying this one at the time because of the good report on the lens it had.

Once again , many thanks

GaryC

[redsox_mark]

The Sony HC96 is the best of that bunch, but the Canon MVX460 is close.

Good site for reviews and comparisons is here:

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/ratings.php

It is US based, so you have to translate some models, especially the Canon. HC96 is 11 in the chart; MVX460=Elura 100m, #16 in the chart. The Optura 600 was the Mvx4i, but that is discontinued. The top 5 are all High Def, no AV-in... the Panasonics dont have AVin. The Sony SR100 (HDD) cam does, but we don't have that model here, the SR90 doesn't have AVin.

[Gary C]

I've just had a look at a review of the Sony, and it states DV in but not AV in...is there a difference?

I thought DV in allowed vieo footage to be sent back in for recording to a DV tape bu the AV in is what I needed for the Bullet Cam.

Thanks for your help

Gary C

[redsox_mark]

The Sony HC96 has both DV in and AV in.

http://www.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProdu...ory=SDH+MiniDV


Audio In YES

Audio Out YES

i.LINK (DV) In YES

i.LINK (DV) Out YES

S-Video In YES

S-Video Out YES

Video In YES

Video Out YES