TASCAM DR-V1HD HD Video/Linear PCM Recorder

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Price: $259.99 $194.88   

Product Feature

• HD Video
• Hand-Held
• PCM Recorder

Product Description

HD Video/Linear PCM Recorder

TASCAM DR-V1HD HD Video/Linear PCM Recorder Review

IMO the ultimate PCM audio+camcorder has the following specs:
1__ 24b/96khz sound with decent preamps, lossless A-D conversion codec and decent internal mics. In my ideal camcorder, the internal mics have a 3.5mm TRS connection. They are detachable from the camera body and can be used remotely with a 3-5m cable that plugs into the socket where the detachable mics were connected.
2__Line-in + MicIn + adapter for dual phantom-powered XLR and/or USB mics
3__1080p or better video using a much bigger CMOS and 10x manual+ 1-4x digital zoom
4__180 degree LCD or camera/mic. In lieu/addition to a rotatable display, I would also appreciate one that could be operated from a BT remote control/android app. If I could control it from my phone's touchscreen and view the video on a wifi video stream... or if there was someway to start/stop sync my phone's camera with the audio of the tascam, I would pay a premium (but not a subscription). Another option might be to put a small lcd in the playback remote.
5_The more and more user-friendly the local editing features, the better. However, I don't really want to pay for these features and don't really like an interface with a million layers of menus. I wouldn't mind if they were offered in the form of firmware upgrades or local-network phone apps.

I imagine they could do all this with a JVC everio-type form-factor, or just make the camera lens connected by TRS/extension. I'll continue to hobble along with multiple, unsync'd A/Vfiles , inconvenient post-processing software, etc until someone realizes that there are a lot of people like me who would pay 4-$600 for a unit with most or all of these features. I've been waiting a long time for competitors to the Zoom Q3-HD Q2HD and the Olympus LS 20. I like what I've seen about the LS 20, but lack of <line-in> is a deal-breaker*. Same thing with the Q2HD.

I saw the price of $250 and ignored the warnings about the 720p(max)video quality because I have decent, fairly-controlled lighting w/ fixed mounting in my typical recording environment. I also ignored the fact that this unit can't record 96khz sampling rate with 720p.
I almost cancelled my order when I discovered Sony is pre-selling a new model the HDR-MV-1 (+$50), but committed to the purchase when I learned the Sony has only a mic-in [no line input*(post note: another reviewer says that you can modify the input source levels on the LS20 and the new Sony HDR-MV-1)] and the LCD only has just one viewing angle. Additionally, I have necessary software and a zoom H2 audio recorder (24bit/96khz audio)+ Kodak Zi-8 (with 1080P)... if HQ video and sound and/or P-N-P is required.

My ratings:
1.____Highest quality sound ****/5 (as good as any camcorder using H264)
I'm planning a review comparing 6 mic's/built-in mics, 4 pre-amps the Zoom H2 and Boss BR 80 comparing several sources(recording at highest sampling rates). My initial impressions, before correcting for levels is that the unit's internal preamps are quite clean. The only noise floor I can hear is very low frequency and if that bothers you, the LFF can eliminate it. I have a semi-pro collection of microphones and using the line input with an inexpensive mixer (Behringer UB802), I can get a sound that is very similar to a professional recording studio.
Mic-ing at 1m or less is superior to micing at the camera at my noise levels, in my production environment. Recording with lapel mics (AKG, Pyle and HGE) using built in power or 1.5-3v external preamps was very functional. Cleaner, with more headroom than most semi-pro vblogs you'll find on youtube. I found the built-in power with the Pyle and HGE lapels provided a stronger signal than the AKG's built in preamp (you can't disconnect the 3305's built in power supply/preamp). It may be the capsules, but I noticed the Pyle and HGE mics with external power/preamp yielded the strongest/lowest noise mic-in signal.
The internal mics have a natural sound and are much quieter than most camcorders. They ensure that you will always have a decent recording but I can't imagine using them for planned recording dates. I think they are best for small venues though I'm not sure the video would be adequate. They would also be good for family reunions, day-time, outdoor sporting events and concerts. Vblogs and "how-to" documentary production. I downgraded the sound by 1* because I can't use it to sync HD vid to 96khz sound.

2.____Remote operation: ***/5 stars
Since this camera can be viewed from a table surface from behind or in front of the camera (or anywhere in between), I give this camera 3 *'s The default picture frame is close enough that it's not difficult to get to the controls from a chair when doing selfie recordings. I can record videos of myself playing guitar or doing how-to repair videos with a functional view of the action. Though it's hard to see the LCD clearly from 2 meters, you can at least discern the audio levels, play status and general framing. But.... there is no optional remote!! Unfortunately a lot of my work is documenting procedures where I may be working with glues and solvents, oils etc so I would like to be able to operate the camera without having to clean my hands before making adjustments.
I wish there was a remote like the one I bought for $10 as an add on to my Kodak Zi-8

____Power options */5
Are a must!!!. Unfortunately this unit comes with neither a rechargeable battery set/fast-charger nor a power adapter.
I wish it had both and I wish that plugging in the unit and/or plugging in the USB to my computer would recharge the batteries like my phone. My Zi-8 can charge the rechargeable while plugged in but even it cannot charge via USB to computer. I don't know why they can't figure something like this out. I would pay at least $30 extra for this feature set. A $250 camcorder that uses as much power as a DSLR ought to come with a power supply!

____Memory-card/accessibility */5
I would rather this unit come with an SD rather than microSD. I don't like being forced to use an adaptor or USB with my computer and SD seems more durable (IMO) than microSD. This unit doesn't read/write larger capacity microSD's without the MicroSDHC designation. I'm not sure how that compares to the function of similar models...I've never tried to use an 8gb microSD in a Zi-8, QHD or LS-20. The door to the memory card seems durable but it's quite finicky to access. It's easy enough to unlatch but the plastic is inflexible, so you have to maneuver the door to get it out of the way of the connections I'm hoping the mechanism becomes easier to open with use.

_______Video *2/5
Note that the 96khz sampling (audio) rate is not available while recording 720p video. Additionally, I wasn't impressed by the video quality. Besides a sub 1080P resolution, I had somewhat grainy recordings when recorded from 6 feet (no zoom+/-) in decent conditions with 300 watts of incandescent room light + a 3' x 5' window at 4pm. It has several lighting options but my feeling is that the auto setting should produce good color and contrast if you are in an environment that has stable lighting and very little motion. I shouldn't have to choose presets (which IMO, aren't even that impressive) unless I'm in an unstable lighting environment. Another reviewer says that he met a rep that said Tascam knows their video isn't great. TBH, I probably would have returned the unit if I didn't REALLY need the selfie-view made available by the rotate-able mic/camera. I could just replace it with a $100 everio type and continue to use the Zoom for audio, but the mic's are good enough for general recording (recitals, home-videos) without external mics/hardware. It works great with lav-type mics with or without plug in power. I'm guessing there will be a better model next year.

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