11th July 2002

Who can save you from making a small oversight with your digital video camera purchase? Lockergnomie Frank Kenna: "I see that you're thinking of getting a DV camera. I got one about a month ago, and I made one mistake: I didn't get one with A/V INPUTS. Mine has A/V outputs, which are great for getting your digital stuff out onto VHS, etc. But without the inputs, there's no way to get VHS or old 8mm footage into the camera. With inputs, not only can you get your old 8mm & VHS stuff onto DV tapes, but you can use the camera as a pass-through device and get the old stuff directly onto your computer for editing purposes. I wish someone had made clear the advantages and importance of inputs when I bought my DV camcorder. The reviews and magazines I read barely mentioned this feature - and nobody stressed its importance. But if you're going to be doing any editing, it is critical (if you want to work on any of your old stuff). Don't make the same mistake I did - make SURE you get this feature. It doesn't seem to impact the price of the cameras; some offer it and some don't." This advice came not a moment too soon for me. Thank you for helping us, Frank!