DV Camera that doesnt switch off?

[elbows]

Hello, a silly question for you all...

The Canon DV video camera which I currently use switches itself off after a few minutes if you are not actually recording. This makes it pants for use as a live input device for VJ'ing.

So anyway my credit card is staring at me, daring me to buy a cheapish cam that isnt burdened with the same design deficiency.

Any recommendations?

Cheers :)

[konsumgrafik]

If you can handle a lower res let?s say 320x240 I would
advice a usb webcam. a good one will be about 100 EUR or
something around it.

[elbows]

Cheers but Im specifically looking for something better than a webcam. On the cheaper side of things, colour CCTV cameras are quite good, but Im still tempted to go the whole hog and get another DV camera (the Canon one isnt actually mine anyway)

[Anyone]

Originally posted by elbows


The Canon DV video camera which I currently use switches itself off after a few minutes if you are not actually recording.

Any recommendations?

why dont you just put a used up tape and press record ?
I'm sure if you play arund a little, you could even trick the camera into thinking it's recording but it's not...

try removing completely the tape inside a DV cassette,
put it inside the camera, press record,
if this works, you could probalbly leave it like that for hours on end...

NE1

[spark]

its not a design deficiency, its a feature (no really).

most video cameras act like this:

if they have a tape in and are not recording, they'll power off after a while to save power, heads etc.

if they don't have a tape in, and have dc in, they assume you're using it for either live filming or shop display and won't turn off. its then up to you to find the menu and murder the demo function.

cheers,

toby

ps. as for live input, you'll want to input it as a computer-screen-format video (a la usb in devices) stream rather than DV, as decompressing the DV kills framerates like nothing else (and you need to fuck around with gamma etc)...

[LEVLHED]

I use an older Sony 8mm camera that doesn't work right anymore for recording...I keep it on by leaving the tape transport open...don't know if I would do this with a nice new DV cam in a smokey club-type environment...
good idea with the empty tape though, ever try it?

oops, spark we posted @ same time...my cameras don't seem to care if its DC in or battery, they auto-shut off anyway.

[videotechno]

we've got several sony miniDV camcorders--and they will all power down unless:

1) there is no tape in the camera
2) the AC adapter is connected to the camera

hope that helps...

[elbows]

Cheers for all the advice :)

AC/DC seems to make no difference with this camera.

I managed to turn off demo mode ok.

Taking the tape out does work, but leaves me with a no tape flashing red graphic right in the middle of the image, with no menu option for turning off OSD - lol oh well!

Back to the drawingboard :D

[spark]

i crazy camcorder dv->analogue pass through thing happen today, too... admittedly in a better sense. my sony pc100 acted as a just as that - a media converter, which the documentation says it don't do and lo i've tried! beauty, no idea why...

[VGang]

i found (and used) a camera that won?t switch off... sony dcr-trv900....check it out.

the good:

- IT WON?T SWITCH OFF!
- won?t give you the annoying "no tape" icon
- ok video quality

the bad:

- unable to record
- shutter speed at 15 only

....HOW?

This camera has a Memory Mode that will let you record high quality still images on your camera Memory Card. When you activate this Memory Mode, the camera will give you infinite video previewing - until you push the REC button.... try it ?cause it worked for me :D

[LEVLHED]

haven't tried putting my digital8 into picture mode before...wonder if it stays on too??
sony dcr-trv510

[krezrock]

all sony's will stay on in picture mode. plus you can switch resolutions :)

[porzo]

Hi,

Have the same problem with my sony, I always eject any tape & press every 5 mins just for a second on the recbutton. Maybe it works on your canon, if u know a better solution let me know ...

Greetz

I just saw there were some better solutions posted, anyway ...

[GreenHippo]

Some of the Pro DV cams have an option to output without shutting down. I discovered it by accident. A hired Canon pro jobby (don't know the model but one of the bigger ones that shoulder mount) wouldn't record on a shoot. Called the supplier who said you had to insert tape, allow it to slide in then push it across in the bay before closing the door. The feature was there for times when you wanted an output but reduced head wear as it doesn't spool up to the heads.

Can't imaginine this helps if you are on a budget but if you can get your hands on one of these secondhand they are great to use as they go on your shoulder allowing much more 'pro' shooting. Just avoid those awful 'cam' style focusing lenses and go for a traditional 'twister'...... if that makes any sense?*&%!! If you've used one you'll know what I mean.

[Antz]

Have a look on yr camera to see if there is a Standby button I found this a while ago on my canon xl1 and it does not switch its self off at all

Antz