VX1000 General Discussion (gear/set-ups, filming/editing, tips/advice, etc.)

[Garth Marenghi]

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ever since i updated to macOS Catalina I've had to use the brand new iMovie to capture. To find the files after you capture, you just have to go to Movies>Right Click on iMovie Library>Show Package Contents>Find the Project Name (I call mine "CAPTURE LOG")>Original Media. They'll be called some weird long numbers but they'll be full .mov quality unlike Quicktime Player. I am on a 2013 iMac with a Thunderbolt to Firewire 800 adapter, but if you're on a newer mac you can use a thunderbolt 3 to thunderbolt adapter, and then a thunderbolt to firewire 800 adapter, then the firewire DV cable. If you use USB or Firewire 400 the quality won't be as good so stick with the highest bandwith cables.

[close]

I’m curious if the 400/800 Mbps really makes a difference in video quality . I capture on PC w/ 400 and now I’m interested if getting an 800 & adapter would improve it ? Or is this just another myth similar to the one where playing footage back right off the camera will damage it lol

A 400 Mbps IEEE 1394 interface captures DV footage in full quality. No worries.

Avoiding excess use of the camera heads (edit searching, using the player function) might make a VX last longer. And sometimes you come across a tank that can handle anything, like @pedro_mayn said.

[Rawse]

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I'm also looking for VX batteries that ship to Canada. I'm on my last NP-F730H, which holds charge for roughly an hour, it sucks. The only ebay knockoff I've found is 100USD, while an OG is listed at 200.....are you kidding me!?

I'll post a WTB ad for used batteries, but if you have any links/ideas that I might be missing, please hmu.

[close]

I just bought a "4200mAh New Battery For Sony DCR-VX1000 DCR-VX2000 Camcorder 7.2V" on eBay and it works great. Holds a long charge.

LIFESAVER. Got the last one. Can't believe that this listing existed on Ebay.....I tried everything. THANK YOU!!!

[natenola forever]

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ever since i updated to macOS Catalina I've had to use the brand new iMovie to capture. To find the files after you capture, you just have to go to Movies>Right Click on iMovie Library>Show Package Contents>Find the Project Name (I call mine "CAPTURE LOG")>Original Media. They'll be called some weird long numbers but they'll be full .mov quality unlike Quicktime Player. I am on a 2013 iMac with a Thunderbolt to Firewire 800 adapter, but if you're on a newer mac you can use a thunderbolt 3 to thunderbolt adapter, and then a thunderbolt to firewire 800 adapter, then the firewire DV cable. If you use USB or Firewire 400 the quality won't be as good so stick with the highest bandwith cables.

[close]

I’m curious if the 400/800 Mbps really makes a difference in video quality . I capture on PC w/ 400 and now I’m interested if getting an 800 & adapter would improve it ? Or is this just another myth similar to the one where playing footage back right off the camera will damage it lol

[close]

Well, playing back via the VX is really no different to recording but you don't really want to be adding extra wear on the heads by rewinding, fast forwarding and playing off it constantly on top of recording.

It's up to you, though. I personally always used capture cams because paying for a cheap mini DV cam is cheaper than head replacements.

I do have a friend that has a VX1 and has had it since 2011 that he uses to film + capture footy with, it is a tank I swear.

If you're not super worried about resolution, which is probably the case if you're into VX theres a lot of tapeless solutions you can use. I have an old HI8 that I film with and I run it into a analog media player and it goes straight to an SD card, I then uprez that to HD and do all my edits from there, its way easier than messing with tape and you can run it on a camera with bad heads.

[pj chad]

First time poster, long time lurker. Figured I'd piggyback off of Al Hodgsons post a few pages back in case there was still interest in other devices capable of turning a vx1000 tapeless. The device I am using is much more easily available to find and purchase. It is called the hvr-mrc1. It takes compactflash cards (up to 64GB ~= 240mins of dv footage). They typically go for $300, but I found one for $200 after a few weeks of looking through different selling apps. This device takes VX batteries, but I used the np-f570 as it's the highest power in the slimmer form factor. I'm sure some of you are offput by the price, but consider that mini DV tapes have been discontinued, so prices are only going to rise from here on out. Plus, you no longer have to worry about tape glitches, head cleaners, or timecode errors. I've had to send my VX over to Kerry at least 3 times over the years specifically for tape deck issues, so it's nice to no longer have to consider the tape deck as a point of failure.

This device also acts as a capture deck, so you can plug it into your computer via the firewire cable, open FCP, and select log and transfer to easily preview all your clips before selecting which to import. Before I bought this device, I would wait until a tape is completely used up before moving it to my capture cam to import. It's so nice to be able to capture clips as soon as you get home without having a single worry. You can also watch the footage from this device so long as your VX can go into VCR/playback mode.

Let me know if anyone has any questions that Al didn't already answer. I spent way too much time researching this, so I'm sure I can help you out one way or another.

Here's some footage that was filmed with it, just in case there are doubts regarding the recording quality:

 

[pizzafliptofakie]

So, FINALLY found a working miniDV camera for capturing, and FINALLY found a corresponding cable that'll connect to the old MacBook I found. But now the Macbook doesn't seem to recoznize my camera even though it's in the playback mode. It'll recognize my TRV when I plug it in but I'm not trying to stress the heads for capturing. Anyone ever deal with this, or am I just gonna have to take the L and get a new capture cam?

[CHONGO]

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I always get my knock off batts from amazon and just remove the casing from it.

[close]

Honest question, what do you mean by removing the casing? like the plastic covering?

yea like the plastic housing/casing on it. Because amazon only has these ones that are not like the OG vx batts. The OG ones have these groves on both the sides of them, and it slides into the back. So the ones on amazon don't have the groves so I just take the housing off.

[CHONGO]

So, FINALLY found a working miniDV camera for capturing, and FINALLY found a corresponding cable that'll connect to the old MacBook I found. But now the Macbook doesn't seem to recoznize my camera even though it's in the playback mode. It'll recognize my TRV when I plug it in but I'm not trying to stress the heads for capturing. Anyone ever deal with this, or am I just gonna have to take the L and get a new capture cam?

what are you capturing with? I recently had to go to my capture settings in premiere and change the capture device manually.   

[pedro_mayn]

First time poster, long time lurker. Figured I'd piggyback off of Al Hodgsons post a few pages back in case there was still interest in other devices capable of turning a vx1000 tapeless. The device I am using is much more easily available to find and purchase. It is called the hvr-mrc1. It takes compactflash cards (up to 64GB ~= 240mins of dv footage). They typically go for $300, but I found one for $200 after a few weeks of looking through different selling apps. This device takes VX batteries, but I used the np-f570 as it's the highest power in the slimmer form factor. I'm sure some of you are offput by the price, but consider that mini DV tapes have been discontinued, so prices are only going to rise from here on out. Plus, you no longer have to worry about tape glitches, head cleaners, or timecode errors. I've had to send my VX over to Kerry at least 3 times over the years specifically for tape deck issues, so it's nice to no longer have to consider the tape deck as a point of failure.

This device also acts as a capture deck, so you can plug it into your computer via the firewire cable, open FCP, and select log and transfer to easily preview all your clips before selecting which to import. Before I bought this device, I would wait until a tape is completely used up before moving it to my capture cam to import. It's so nice to be able to capture clips as soon as you get home without having a single worry. You can also watch the footage from this device so long as your VX can go into VCR/playback mode.

Let me know if anyone has any questions that Al didn't already answer. I spent way too much time researching this, so I'm sure I can help you out one way or another.

Here's some footage that was filmed with it, just in case there are doubts regarding the recording quality:

Damn mayn, nice one for posting this.

Managed to find one in the UK with the cradle and a NP-570 to come with it, too. All in all for £305. Knowing how much I had to pay for tapes last time + how much jokers are charging for them (I found £60 for 5 the other day, really?) this should be worth it.

Plus I might do something similar with the bracket, that looks dope!

[pizzafliptofakie]

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So, FINALLY found a working miniDV camera for capturing, and FINALLY found a corresponding cable that'll connect to the old MacBook I found. But now the Macbook doesn't seem to recoznize my camera even though it's in the playback mode. It'll recognize my TRV when I plug it in but I'm not trying to stress the heads for capturing. Anyone ever deal with this, or am I just gonna have to take the L and get a new capture cam?

[close]

what are you capturing with? I recently had to go to my capture settings in premiere and change the capture device manually.   

Some Samsung MiniDV camera I found on eBay. (Samsung SCD107, to be precise.) It appears to work otherwise and the playback works on the LCD screen but my computer just doesn't respond to it. And like I said, when I plug in my actual camera and have iMovie open the capture pops up automatically so I know it's not my cable or anything.

[pj chad]

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So, FINALLY found a working miniDV camera for capturing, and FINALLY found a corresponding cable that'll connect to the old MacBook I found. But now the Macbook doesn't seem to recoznize my camera even though it's in the playback mode. It'll recognize my TRV when I plug it in but I'm not trying to stress the heads for capturing. Anyone ever deal with this, or am I just gonna have to take the L and get a new capture cam?

[close]

what are you capturing with? I recently had to go to my capture settings in premiere and change the capture device manually.   

[close]

Some Samsung MiniDV camera I found on eBay. (Samsung SCD107, to be precise.) It appears to work otherwise and the playback works on the LCD screen but my computer just doesn't respond to it. And like I said, when I plug in my actual camera and have iMovie open the capture pops up automatically so I know it's not my cable or anything.

Based on what you are saying, if your firewire cable/TRV/macbook all work, then it sounds specifically like an issue with your Samsung cap cam. Likely an issue with the DV port. Cap cams are cheap enough where you can likely get one for ~$50ish. Especially if you look on FB marketplace. This eBay search should yield some good results as well, just make sure the connector type includes 1X IEEE 1394 (FireWire/I.Link):

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=mini+dv+camcorder&_sacat=11724&_udhi=45&Brand=Canon%7CSony%7CSamsung&_dcat=11724&_sop=10

[pizzafliptofakie]

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So, FINALLY found a working miniDV camera for capturing, and FINALLY found a corresponding cable that'll connect to the old MacBook I found. But now the Macbook doesn't seem to recoznize my camera even though it's in the playback mode. It'll recognize my TRV when I plug it in but I'm not trying to stress the heads for capturing. Anyone ever deal with this, or am I just gonna have to take the L and get a new capture cam?

[close]

what are you capturing with? I recently had to go to my capture settings in premiere and change the capture device manually.   

[close]

Some Samsung MiniDV camera I found on eBay. (Samsung SCD107, to be precise.) It appears to work otherwise and the playback works on the LCD screen but my computer just doesn't respond to it. And like I said, when I plug in my actual camera and have iMovie open the capture pops up automatically so I know it's not my cable or anything.

[close]

Based on what you are saying, if your firewire cable/TRV/macbook all work, then it sounds specifically like an issue with your Samsung cap cam. Likely an issue with the DV port. Cap cams are cheap enough where you can likely get one for ~$50ish. Especially if you look on FB marketplace. This eBay search should yield some good results as well, just make sure the connector type includes 1X IEEE 1394 (FireWire/I.Link):

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=mini+dv+camcorder&_sacat=11724&_udhi=45&Brand=Canon%7CSony%7CSamsung&_dcat=11724&_sop=10

Yeah, I sorta figured it's just the camera. I'm nervous to just shell out for another one, but I guess I'll just take the L on the one I already bought. Appreciate the info!

[pedro_mayn]

Got the HVR MRC1 setup like PJ Chad posted. If anyone needs any advice or pointers feel free to hit me up about it.

I bought a bracket from Amazon and it works pretty good with the device. I can adjust the bracket, so it can be pushed out further out to make room for fitting the bigger NP batteries (albeit blocking the exposure reel) or just have it so it's a snug fit next to the tape deck.

For anyone curious it's this one - www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07N2LJF2T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_btf_t1_D65vFbE3S1GT6

[somethingmustbreaknow]

yo vx'ers, what's the situation in your area regarding mini dv tapes? i always used sony premium mini dv tapes and recently i have noticed a really sharp increase in price accompanied by decreasing availability. did not really follow the discussion on tapes, but have they already been discontinued, like the beloved mk I where i regrettably never pulled the trigger years ago? as for tapes, there are 5-packs on amazon that go for above 60$ per lot - that's crazy. a 5-pack used to be 12-15 in my area. it's probably time to stock up, eventhough i haven't used my vx1k yet in 2020. haha

[Thomas]

Yes, I think the tapes got discontinued.
I was lucky to find some good deals on eBay, Facebook marketplaces, etc...

[pedro_mayn]

Yep. They're either discontinued or according to one of the VX1 sellers on Insta I spoke with, they're on a lower production run. Lets be honest I doubt they'll still be making them for what is a really small market.

Just gotta keep searching and prepare to pay a high price. I've been spending a bit of coin just for a pack of 5...

[cosmicgypsies]

when me and some homies were fucking round filming a vid we just ordered them online but prices would fluctuate depending on seller, 3-5 packs 10-20 still. ran out of tape mid session, called up some old brick & mortar camera store thats been here since the 70s and they had a bunch in stock (probably been sat there for years), £8 per tape.

def worth stocking up and keeping an eye out for bulk lots.

[killd0zer]

Does anyone use those tadashi mk1 protectors? are they any good/worth it since mk1 prices are skyrocketing now?

[CHONGO]

Does anyone use those tadashi mk1 protectors? are they any good/worth it since mk1 prices are skyrocketing now?

I have never seen anyone use one before. But they are pretty sick. And yea considering the price of the mk1 now. Might as well.

[sn00p]

Does anyone use those tadashi mk1 protectors? are they any good/worth it since mk1 prices are skyrocketing now?

I have one. but I’ve only used it a handful of times. it created a weird glare that showed up in footage so I was a little put off by it.

[Allen.]

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Does anyone use those tadashi mk1 protectors? are they any good/worth it since mk1 prices are skyrocketing now?

[close]

I have one. but I’ve only used it a handful of times. it created a weird glare that showed up in footage so I was a little put off by it.

This and one or two of the ones I’ve gotten have came pre-scratched.

[bataaard]

I would like to make my mk1 screw mount. I took off the bayo ring but can't find a step up ring deep enough to screw on the fisheye.

Anybody has done this before and could help me finding the good ring ?

Thanks

[doyle]

I would like to make my mk1 screw mount. I took off the bayo ring but can't find a step up ring deep enough to screw on the fisheye.

Anybody has done this before and could help me finding the good ring ?

Thanks

I've done this with a MK2 a long time ago by getting a handful of step up rings/spacers to get through the depth of the screw under the bayo mount, something like 72mm-82mm step up, 82mm spacer, 82-72mm step down, then 72-52mm step down to fit on the camera.

The same type of thing should work on a MK1 but I'm almost positive that the thread size is slightly larger than the MK2's - I seem to remember someone a long time ago doing this with a 74mm step up ring. Hope it works out for you!

[Thomas]

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I would like to make my mk1 screw mount. I took off the bayo ring but can't find a step up ring deep enough to screw on the fisheye.

Anybody has done this before and could help me finding the good ring ?

Thanks

[close]

I've done this with a MK2 a long time ago by getting a handful of step up rings/spacers to get through the depth of the screw under the bayo mount, something like 72mm-82mm step up, 82mm spacer, 82-72mm step down, then 72-52mm step down to fit on the camera.

The same type of thing should work on a MK1 but I'm almost positive that the thread size is slightly larger than the MK2's - I seem to remember someone a long time ago doing this with a 74mm step up ring. Hope it works out for you!

This.
I also made it on a MK2 and you have to play with step-up step-down rings to be deep enough.

[bataaard]

thanks guys ! using a step up 74mm ring did not work.

but from what i see , i should start with a step down ring.
I will keep you in touch when i receive it.

[suckmadeck]

I just posted a video on YouTube where I test some video enhancing A.I on some VX1000 footage if anyone is interested!

[pj chad]

I just posted a video on YouTube where I test some video enhancing A.I on some VX1000 footage if anyone is interested!

this is really cool, i figured it was only a matter of time before we started seeing something like this.

my only question is - does this differ/how much does this differ from just using FCPX to import the 720x480 SD footage into a 1920x1080 30p/60p HD timeline? when i've done this in the past, i haven't had to wait the hours that Topaz takes - it's really just waiting 1-3 minutes for exporting. i wonder if you'd be able to tell a difference when comparing the FCPX upscaled HD footage vs the Topaz AI HD footage of the same clip.

[suckmadeck]

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I just posted a video on YouTube where I test some video enhancing A.I on some VX1000 footage if anyone is interested!

[close]

this is really cool, i figured it was only a matter of time before we started seeing something like this.

my only question is - does this differ/how much does this differ from just using FCPX to import the 720x480 SD footage into a 1920x1080 30p/60p HD timeline? when i've done this in the past, i haven't had to wait the hours that Topaz takes - it's really just waiting 1-3 minutes for exporting. i wonder if you'd be able to tell a difference when comparing the FCPX upscaled HD footage vs the Topaz AI HD footage of the same clip.

From what I've seen, doing HD to 4k doesn't do much, in fact you can create the same effect in your editing software! But in my tests you can see a clear improvement when using Topaz. The original DV looks good, but the enhanced looks better imo. I think for now it's still too soon to use this on literally every clip but maybe just chucking one of 2 SD clips into a HD project and it might work out! In a few years time as computers get faster and this software gets better, and hopefully the time it takes is reduced

[pj chad]

i know you mentioned HD to 4K doesn't do much, but what i'm asking about specifically is would there be a notable difference between comparing the following:

720x480 SD footage -> imported into a 1920x1080 HD timeline and then exported
720x480 SD footage -> imported into Topaz AI and exported like you just did in the video

[doyle]

If I'm understanding your question right, that's exactly what we're seeing at the end of the video (normal upresed SD compared to AI enhanced).

[pj chad]

If I'm understanding your question right, that's exactly what we're seeing at the end of the video (normal upresed SD compared to AI enhanced).

it's likely i'm not making myself clear enough, so i apologize in advance. let me try one more time.

the normal uncompressed SD clips in his video, before they are put through Topaz, are 720x576. after they are put through Topaz, they are "enhanced" as well as now upscaled to HD as 1920x1080.

what i typically do with VX clips that go to youtube, is use FCPX to import that raw SD clip into an HD 1920x1080 timeline. this obviously upscales that SD clip into HD, which is then exported.

my question is, if we start off with a single raw SD clip and run that through the Topaz, and take that same raw SD clip and import into FCPX HD timeline as i described above, would we be able to see a difference when comparing the Topaz vs FCPX clip?

at the end of his video, he compares the raw SD vs the result from Topaz, which is HD. obviously, we are going to see an increase in quality. i'd be interested to see if there was a difference between the Topaz clip, and an upscaled HD clip from FCPX.