MiniDV Camera with Video-In

Hello Charles,

it's difficult to point you to a specific model here. Various camcorder models have this feature (usually called A/V in or A/V input) that allows you to use the camera as an analog/digital pass-through device.
That said, IMHO you should select various cameras that appeal to you in terms of shooting video, then check the price category. Once you have narrowed it down you can check if they accept A/V in.

A good place to start is www.camcorderinfo.com - lots of good reviews here.

I personally like Sony, but Panasonic and Canon make good camcorders to.

hope this helps

mish

Sony camcorders are known to work well with iMovie.

You just need to make sure whatever brand/model you choose has a "pass through feature" which allows you to connect to an analog source (using composite/S-video cable) pass it through your camcorder and into your computer/iMovie via firewire cable.

Many low end models may not have analog input ports or an Analog-to-Digital Converter(with Pass Through)feature, so beware.

I wouldn't spend a lot of money on a Standard Definition mini DV camcorder now. High Definition will be the De Facto in a year or so.

The bottom line: you first want to make sure the mini DV cam has analog (composite/s-video)input ports.

Then look for the "pass thru feature".

With it you can record from the VHS/DVD player straight into iMovie using the camcorder acting as a bridge between the the player and computer.

Without this feature you will first have to record to tape then import the tape into iMovie.

Do your research.
There are plenty models from Sony, Canon, panasonic, etc. that have been discontinued and won't appear on the website, but you can find them on Amazon.com or similar sites. If you find one with the features you need it'll save you a couple hundred dollars.

I use an old Sony Digital8 310 camcoder (circa 1999) for this very same purpose (it still shoots decent video for a 1 chip camcorder).

Like I said I won't spend a lot of money on a Standard Definition cam at this point in time. The High Definiton era is just over the horizon.

Charles,

The Sony DCR-HC96 is a miniDV camera with analog to digital pass through capabilities.

Matt

Charles,

I paid a visit to the Samsung support site and here's what I got.
Recording From An External Device

The following Models can be used as a recorder to record from a VCR, TV or another Camcorder.
2004 - SC-D107
2003 - SC-D5000, SC-D27
2002 - SC-D180

http://erms.samsungusa.com/customer/sea/jsp/faqs/faqsview.jsp?PG_ID=3&AT_ID=17600&PROD_SUB_ID=44&PRODID=167

Can I Use My DV Camcorder As A Pass Through Device Connecting A PC And Another Source To It?
None of our DV camcorders can pass through a signal from another source (VCR, TV, DVD player) to a PC

http://erms.samsungusa.com/customer/sea/jsp/faqs/faqsview.jsp?PG_ID=3&AT_ID=5813&PROD_SUB_ID=44&PRODID=167


I think you will be disappointed with the camcorder's features and it received very low marks for picture quality on a number of review sites.

I agree with Matthew "You can't go wrong with Sony". That Sony DCR-HC96 looks pretty sweet. I would recommend returning the Samsung if you can.

Here's a Sony DCRHC30 MiniDV ($309) with all the features you need and should be comparable in price to the Samsung
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001BVXJK/ref=olpproductdetails/002-1209763-2528833?ie=UTF8&seller=

Samsung is really at the bottom of the list for mini Dv camcorders.

The selection of MiniDV cameras of any kind is dwindling quickly. It's very disappointing, in my opinion. My criteria was very similar to yours: analog video input and MiniDV. I just purchased a Canon ZR-700 (a 2005 model, I believe) from B&H Photo. It's been superseded by the Elura 100 (now discontinued), which was in turn superseded by the ZR850. The ZR850 no longer supports video input (aka pass-through). To the best of my knowledge, this means that there are no current models that support analog video-in in Canon's non-HD linup, and most other manufacturers seem to not provide that feature on their lower-end consumer models. The research I've done (mainly via camcorderinfo.com) indicates that Panasonics have the best video quality (with their 3CCD chip), followed roughly by Canon and then Sony. The Panasonic cameras in my price range (sub $500) don't do video-in, and the reviews of the Sonys were unfavorable enough that I wasn't interested in even looking at them.

Just my two cent rant. Good luck with your project!