Why does my old VHS camcorder have video inputs while my new MiniDV doesen't?

Question

It's full-size VHS not VHS-C

Answer 1

It is mostly a matter of economics. In the VHS system, the recorder did not decode composite video down to RGB components. Instead it simply down converted the modulated color subcarrier from 3.58 Mhz to 629 Khz and recorded that on the tape, a process called "color under". However to encode DV, it does have to decode a composite video down to RGB components first (actually Y, Y-R and Y-B but its the same idea.) To do this properly requires considerable electronics that is not needed when used just as a camera.

A few miniDV recorders do have composite video inputs, so it can be done, for a price. I think the consumer video industry will eventually drop composite video alltogether now that all TVs are digital.

Answer 2

Hello,

Well, This is because the manufacturer feel that this feature no longer necessary.

As you have notice, your 'old' VHS camcorder has many features that are no loner available in the , so called, newer camera.

For example, headphone Jack, Microphone input are no longer considered a must have feature. This maybe an effort to make the camera cheaper or smaller.

If you really need these features, you might find it on a higher range (and more expensive) camera.

Hope this clear things up.

Best Regards.

Answer 3

Because your old video camera is analog and your new one is digital. So if you want to download VHS, you need an analog converter and if you want to download your MiniDV, you need a firewire connection.