Camcorder-VHS Type

[Camcorderhelp]

Name change just for this. My Dd would like an old fashioned vhs type camcorder like the ones from the 80s/90s. She doesn’t think a modern one will produce the same effect (?) but I would have thought she’d have tech problems trying to watch things recorder on a modern tv or transferring data across. I’ve asked her to look into it more and I thought I’d ask here to see if anyone has any advice/knowledge about such things. TIA.

You're right that shooting on VHS will bring additional problems viewing and transferring.

Has she considered shooting on something more modern and using software to emulate the look of VHS, etc?

Or alternatively shoot on Mini DV, as they would be a bit easier to wok with as it's a digital format. (plenty on flea bay)

I've got a vhs to dvd machine they are still available to get second hand on ebay. My daughter transferred them from this to her laptop too.

Thank you, that’s helpful, I’ll have a look.

It is definitely possible, but it is a "faff" that will require multiple sages and equipment.

The camcorders are awesome, big, and cheap (because of the hassle). But you'll need a VHS player, and then a converter to take its output and make it digital, then you'll need software to utilize that file and work it into a suitable video etc.

I really debated doing it as a project a few years ago, to film my family's Christmas using the same technology that we used on our old 90s videos.. but in the end the hassle put me off. As a teenager though, without work and childcare, it would have been right up my street, and I would have had plenty of time to play with it.

Personally, if it were my, I would use her ability to figure out how it all works as a test. If she can research it and figure out exactly what she needs and how it will work - great, put faith in her. But if that is too much? Then the chance of her actually utilizing something that has quite a fiddly process, is slim.

I’ve spoken to Dd and she’s not sure so I’ve told her to research it and see what she thinks once armed with plenty of info.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a modern one that won’t break the bank please? I’m still waiting for her to do her research so in the meantime I’ll look at modern ones.