lionel@tle.DEC (Steve Lionel) (03/14/86)
Dave Kearney had some questions on 8mm camcorders... >1) To the people who already own 8mm video equipment... >How do you like it? Any problems?... suggestions?... >Is it a problem finding accessories? >How do you like you table top 8mm VCRs? I used a Sony CCD-V8AF for about three weeks, and while I haven't bought one, about five of my friends have since bought one based on my recommendation. I liked it a lot, and found it very easy to use. I had used Betamovies in the past and found the size and weight difference to be very noticeable. The sound quality is excellent, but to my eyes, used to Beta, the picture quality wasn't quite up there with Beta, and especially not SuperBeta. However, it was very good and the colors were excellent. Accessories aren't easy to find in stock, but you should be able to order most of them. >2) Any recomendations as far as Sony and Cannon are concerned? >It is my understanding that, currently, those are the only >two manufacturers in the market. Any news on how soon others >will enter? Actually, Matsushita makes the Kodak 8mm camcorders, and have been in the market the longest. Reviews of the Canon unit show it to be not as good as the Sony. Sony seems to have taken the decisive lead in 8mm technology, and I am betting on them to remain so. >3) I read somewhere on the net something about synchronized >video editing... could someone explain to me what that is... >it sounds great. What do I need? Does it all have to be >Sony equipment? Sony sells an editing controller, the RM-E100V, which lets you do fancy assemble editing between the CCD-V8AF and selected other VCRs. It works best with Sony VCRs such as the current SuperBeta models, but can also be used with older Sony VCRs and even with non-Sony equipment, though some manual controlling may be needed with VHS VCRs. If you have a current Sony SuperBeta model VCR, that and the RM-E100V is all you need. Of course, you could also use another Sony 8mm recorder, such as the EV-C8U or EV-S700U. >4) I really like the idea of a camcorder... can someone compare >the quality of 8mm camera recording and VHS camera recording? >Please don't enter Beta into the discussion... I have heard it >is still the best quality picture, but I have no urge to buy beta. >I already have a large collection of VHS stuff. The Sony 8mm camcorders today deliver a picture as good as VHS, and much better sound. In the future, when evaporated metal tapes come on the market, 8mm will look even better. (Current 8mm equipment will be able to take advantage of the new tape.) >5) To those people in Mass.... Are there any decent video >dealers around here that know what the hell they are talking >about when it comes to 8mm? The only place worth looking is Deluxe Sales and Service in Nashua, NH. Their current price on the Sony CCD-V8AFu is $1350, but to make sure you get the best price, tell them Steve Lionel sent you. Call them at 603-883-5722 and ask for Paul. As of yesterday, they had one in stock. Everyone I know who has bought one there loves it. I'd buy one too if I had the cash... Steve