Mvx460

kals24-7 · 12-03-2007, 11:34 AM

Hi,

Can anyone tell me where I can buy a Canon MVX460? I know that the model is discontinued, but there must be places still selling them?

If i cant find one, can anyone please suggest a suitable alternative thats similar in spec & price?

Cheers

redsox_mark · 12-03-2007, 11:52 AM

The MVX460 is now very hard to find. I don't know of any places that have it. There may be some shop or website somewhere that has it, but it's a case of digging around and having some luck.

There isn't really a direct alternative. You could go for the new Canon MD160, which is the MV960 replacement - has the main features of the MVX460, but not quite as good performance. Or spend a bit more and get the Sony HC96.

kals24-7 · 12-03-2007, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redsox_mark

The MVX460 is now very hard to find. I don't know of any places that have it. There may be some shop or website somewhere that has it, but it's a case of digging around and having some luck.

There isn't really a direct alternative. You could go for the new Canon MD160, which is the MV960 replacement - has the main features of the MVX460, but not quite as good performance. Or spend a bit more and get the Sony HC96.

Thanks for the reply. I think I'll give up on finding the MVX460!
I've been trying to find a Sony HC 90 as the reviews I've read seem to suggest that its very similar to the HC 96 you suggested. But I'm not having much luck there either!

Was looking at a budget of £300 but it looks like I'm gonna have to shell out abit extra and go for the HC 96.

redsox_mark · 12-03-2007, 1:07 PM

Yes, the HC90 is similar to the HC96, but an old model and will also be hard to find.

I assume you want AV-input (which all these models have)? If you can do without that there are other options like the Panasonic GS180 (which doesn't have AV or DV in, but has 3 CCDs and decent quality).

kals24-7 · 12-03-2007, 1:33 PM

Sorry for whats probably a simple question but
what are the main benefits of AV/DV in?

My basic understanding of it is that it allows you to transfer recordings back on the DV tape in you camcorder from your PC? Are there any other uses?

redsox_mark · 12-03-2007, 1:40 PM

For DV-in, the main use is as you describe - to take your edited video and output it back to tape. It could be used in other ways, e.g. digitally copying a tape from one camcorder to another.

With AV-in, the main use is to take an analogue source (e.g. analogue camcorder footage, VHS tape, TV, or an external "bullet cam") and convert it to digital. The MVX460, MD160, HC96 can all do this - both recording the analogue input to DV tape as well as passing it through to the PC without recording to tape. In other words it can be used as an analogue to digital converter.

kals24-7 · 12-03-2007, 1:53 PM

Thank you very much for all your advice..I really appreciate it.

I think I can live without AV/DV in....and the Panasonic GS180 sounds like good value for money.

Cheers!

Darkstar_surfer · 12-03-2007, 5:05 PM

I just want to check I am right but does the GS180 not disable its image stabilizer when you switch on widescreen shooting. That was the reason I walked away from it.

redsox_mark · 12-03-2007, 5:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkstar_surfer

I just want to check I am right but does the GS180 not disable its image stabilizer when you switch on widescreen shooting. That was the reason I walked away from it.

Yes that is right; it is a downside with the GS180. Otherwise it's a good model.

kals24-7 · 12-03-2007, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkstar_surfer

I just want to check I am right but does the GS180 not disable its image stabilizer when you switch on widescreen shooting. That was the reason I walked away from it.

Out of interest which camera did you end up going for?

My max budget is only £300 unfortunatley,but there are alot of cams out there for that much, just want to get the best cam in terms of picture quality for the price...

- not bothered about dv/av in
- memory card slot would be nice, but not essential
- mic jack would be good

Darkstar_surfer · 13-03-2007, 7:24 AM

As far as I can tell for a budget of £300, or less, the best was the MVX460. But since Canon discontinued it the few left are now over £400. That leaves the new MD160, at £260 from Amazon. I still have a few concerns like the reported motor noise recorded. But at this price bracket there are always going to be problems. My problem is we have an old HI-8 camcorder which could be forced to do a couple years more service. Yet the thought of a camcorder at 1/4 the weight and true wide screen is compelling.

The GS180 is a bit more expensive and only has a 10X optical zoom and can't do stabilised when in widescreen, otherwise it would be a great option.