Hi, I have been using an old but fantastic Sony TRV890 for live vj sets and it has recently suffered a disaster so I am looking for a replacement, probably not a brand new model, albeit with the following specific and slightly left-field feature set and wondered if anyone on here could help with identifying a suitable older model, many thanks.

I used the TRV890 on stage during live gigs along with a Wii remote, the camera is connected via a long s-video cable back to my laptop through a Canopus converter and into vj software; using a button on the Wii allows me to record live video loops and trigger them instantly onto a projector screen, all whilst standing on stage and framing the next shot.

The main camera requirements are a proper s-video out connector which is accessible at all times, i.e. not behind the battery and not on a docking station; the ability to plug in/out the power adapter as needed which will also charge the cameras battery, plus the best possible low light performance. SD and Mini DV is great.

Quite honestly many of the additional features of the 890 are redundant for this task and something smaller would probably be great. I do occasionally use the gain and manual focus but they're not crucial.

It also, of course, doesn't need to be a current model as these features seem to be more readily available on older cameras.

I came across the 890 by a happy accident a couple of years ago but now I am actively searching for these very specific features it is proving really difficult to track any one camera down with them all, with any degree of certainty.
Camcorderinfo has proved invaluable but some real life views might help clear my mind of the jumble of possible model numbers.
Many thanks.

You would be better off upgrading your set up to a high definition camcorder with a HDMI port while running a long HDMI cable coupled to a laptop with a HDMI connection. You may need to upgrade your projector so that it supports at a minimum XGA resolution which is 1024 x 768. All of this can be obtained with a modest price but the result is that your system would really rock.

Hi Androbot, interesting thought, but extra resolution isn't what's required even if the software or laptop could cope with it.

I am processing multiple pre-existing loops along with all the captured clips from the video camera and adding effects, all within software, live and on the fly, which is then output to up to three projectors, all of which are XGA or better res. so adding HDMI capture to the mix would make my laptop go home!! Plus with mixers and effects units in the chain PAL is all that is required.

Honestly, if I could find another TRV890 for a reasonable price I would snap it up but anything which matches my requirements would suit for now. I'm not even using it to record, it's just a source so I leave the tape out (!) but I need the quality, low light capability and the zoom and other video camera bits and bobs.

Nice to have loads of alternative thoughts though.
Take a look here to give you a little idea of what's going on http://tinyurl.com/lo5bs5 and on my site www.moongold.me.uk stuff might interest.
Thanks for getting back, nice one :-)

I am not familiar with what other camera's provide. But if you find another Sony camera to your liking, most all Sony camcorders as of late have a dedicated 10 pin A/V out connector. The camcorder is supplied with a cable that outputs from that 10 pin connector to standard A/V out plugs (Red, White, Yellow). You can purchase this cable that also includes a S-Video connector as well.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...09&tab=Features

If that is not long enough, you can also get this high grade version that is almost 10' long.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...10&tab=Features

If you shop around online you can find them cheaper than the Sony site sells them for.

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Ernie
Sony HDR-SR1 AVCHD HDD User