Sick of VHS TAPE? This Tiny $20 Device Delivers Absurd Quality!

Tired of dealing with old VHS tapes? Discover how this tiny $20 device can transform your retro camera into a modern, tapeless recording machine! Experience absurd quality as you capture video directly onto an SD card, whether you’re transferring your old cassettes or recording straight from the camera. This is the upgrade your vintage gear has been waiting for. Watch now to see the pros and cons of this affordable and compact device!
Check out the tutorials for MODS on retro cameras that I’ve done 😀:
Panasonic PK 558 1986 camera:
• How I Turned My 80s Ca...
Sharp QC-54 1984 camera:
• TAPELESS DIY - 1984 Ca...
Magnavox Newvicon 1982 camera:
• 1982 to 2024: How to M...

[@MaxVegaKun]

Hey! Just wanted to clarify that I’m not getting paid to promote this devise; I just think it’s a great option. I also know it might not be perfect for every use, but I’m sharing my experience because it’s worked really well for what I need. Hope the video helps! I probably forgot to mention some details, so feel free to ask any questions!

[@tedbragg74]

Recording of the RCA ports, and bypassing the tape, yields fantastic results. The cameras have to leave out a LOT of color and luma fidelity to fit its signal onto tiny 8mm and vhs-c tape. So going straight from the ports means you’re gonna have a great time!

[@MaxVegaKun]

You're absolutely right! Bypassing the tape and capturing directly from the RCA ports makes a world of difference. The cameras had to compromise on color and luma fidelity to fit the signal onto those smaller 8mm and VHS-C tapes, so when you capture straight from the ports, you really get to see the full potential of these vintage cameras. It’s a great way to preserve that extra detail and quality. Thanks for your input!

[@SchardtCinematic]

I actually did this as an experiment on my old Windows 98 desk top PC in the early 2000's. I had a TV card installed and it also had RCA inputs if you wanted to plug in a camcorder to record off tapes. One day I ditched the tape and turned on the camcorder. Only had about 4 feet if cable. So I could only film my living room and out the window. But the quality was amazing compared to the tape

[@lonzojones4428]

great new tech saves old school equipment!! Love it!!

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you so much! I’m really glad you loved it. I don’t consider myself a technician yet, haha, just a hobbyist. But if all goes well and I can arrange my work schedule, I’ll start studying electronics in February next year. I’m excited to keep working with these lovely cameras and beautiful devices from the past!

[@samsanimationcorner3820]

Sometimes I use new tech to save my old tech, sometimes I use old tech to get around the BS of new tech. Sometimes sometimes, I force them to work together. Life is crazy.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Totally agree!

[@febvigrail]

Fantastic idea! I've played around with old camcorders, but didn't use them for anything, as the tapes are so inconvenient. But this device makes it so much easier! Thanks for the share 👍

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you! I’m glad you liked it! Old camcorders have so much potential, but I agree, dealing with tapes can be a hassle. This device really does make it easier to bring them back to life. Thanks for your support!

[@wo-ai-xjp]

Oh man, this video was randomly recommended to me and I loved it! You video content is pretty interesting. Keep it up!

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you so much! I’m glad the algorithm brought you here, and even more so that you enjoyed the video! Your support means a lot to me, and I’ll definitely keep the content coming :)

[@TriangleWaveRecords]

This is awesome. I have a bunch of older VHS / miniDV cameras, one of which cannot record on tape anymore, but I absolutely love the way it looks. I’ll try this out, thanks!

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you! I’m so glad you found this helpful. Older VHS and MiniDV cameras have such a unique look, and it’s great that you’re planning to try this out, especially with a camera that can’t record on tape anymore. I think you’ll love the results, thanks for giving it a shot!

[@60l7ISirens]

Thank you so much! Have an old RCA VHS camcorder that unfortunately cant eject and eats tapes so this will work so well for me!

[@PaulKepnerProductions]

I would love to see a video on how you made the adapter cables.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you! I’m really glad to hear that you're interested in the adapter cables. I’m actually working on a video right now that will cover exactly how I made them, and it will be out next Sunday, so stay tuned-it's coming soon!

[@tamiwu0346]

​@@MaxVegaKun Second on that, I have a full size panasonic omnimovie thats been collecting dust that could use one lol

[@kirkstate]

Thank goodness a device that actually works with little effort, I bought a capture card few months ago and it’s terrible because it wouldn’t work on a MacBook but had no problems with pc laptop

[@MaxVegaKun]

It’s definitely frustrating when something doesn’t work as expected, especially after spending money on it. I’m glad this device seems to be a good fit for you! Thanks for the comment I appreciate it!

[@cornfedlife]

Love the 80s style music to match the tech! Well done sir!

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it, I really love 80s music! I appreciate your support and kind words!

[@nebukadnezzar3578]

Amazing! Would be very helpful to see how you make those cables :)

[@deastman2]

This is very helpful. I’m going to be starting a music video soon which needs to have an authentic old camcorder look, and I think this will work very well for my needs.

[@MaxVegaKun]

That sounds like an exciting project! I’m glad you found this helpful, and I’m sure using an old camcorder will give your music video that authentic look you’re aiming for. Best of luck with the shoot, I’d love to see how it turns out!

[@deastman2]

@@MaxVegaKunThanks! Yeah, I had planned to film it with a modern camera and bounce the finished edit to VHS tape for a vintage look, but it’s much better to start with a period-accurate camera. Hopefully I still have a working one around here somewhere…

[@MaxVegaKun]

That sounds like an awesome plan. There’s something about the original equipment that really captures the essence of that era. Hopefully, you’ve got a working one around!

[@artemorbid]

Looks like I'll be repurposing all my old cameras with this device. Thanks for the review and examples Max.

[@MaxVegaKun]

That’s awesome to hear! I’m glad the review and examples were helpful. Shooting with old cameras can be a lot of fun, and I’m excited that you’re giving it a go. Thanks for your support, and enjoy bringing those cameras back to life!

[@leokimvideo]

Menu was like 80's gaming

[@MaxVegaKun]

Haha true!

[@gqwbd]

This is great for analog devices. I would like to see something else for devices that recorded digitally like DV. Maybe a DV input into the recording device?

[@birne2676]

Thank you for the great video! I would love to see a video on how to make all of the adaptor cables. Or do you maybe have a document in which you can see how you need to mod the cables? Something like a wiring or circuit diagram?

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you so much for watching! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I’m already working on a video about how to create the adapter cables, that’s definitely on my list. I don’t have a specific document or diagram at the moment, but it’s a great idea. I’ll see if I can put something together to help with the wiring and modifications. Stay tuned!

[@birne2676]

@@MaxVegaKun thank you so much, looking forward to it!

[@jznnotjason]

Hey. Not sure why the algorithm sent you my way, but this is super cool and I look forward to seeing other ways you use old school cameras. Cheers.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Hey! I’m glad the algorithm brought you here it’s great to have you on board! I’m really happy you enjoyed the video, and I’m excited to share more creative ways to use these old school cameras, thanks for your support!

[@NickDelDuca]

So cool! I would definitely be interested in a video about external recorders. If I was doing this I would try to push the quality as far as possible.

[@Salty4eva]

Thanks for investing your time and sharing with us. Great video!

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I really appreciate you taking the time to watch, and I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

[@asprinwizard]

Very nice. I have done something similar with a series of Camcorders like the JVC GR-C1. A tried a load of DVRs, including this one as I recall. But I think the main issue was the sound on that DVR. The one I had was on 8mhz mono. Can you tell me what yours is, as I'd be interested in trying it again if that's been improved. At present I'm using the ImmersionRC Powerplay as my DVR of choice since it offers good quality images AND deinterlaces to 50 fps. But they are very rare these days and I don't think they still make them (AliExpress does have some). One of the key elements to my project was that I wanted to be able to trigger the DVR recording from the camcorder's record button. This involved a small mod on the camera and the DVR and use of an Arduino, but it works great, If you'd be interested in hearing more about this please let me know.

[@Bleats_Sinodai]

Another option is to use an AV to HDMI converter and an HDMI USB capture card with your phone. You can adjust the capture resolution on the app to record in 4:3 directly (the max 4:3 resolution depends on your capture card), and the converter deiterlaces and upscales the footage automatically before being captured. It's similar to the technique Technology Connections uses for digitizing tapes. If you want better quality, you can even get converters that can capture S-Video, if your camera has that option availabe. The main issue with the Mini DVR/DigitNow and similar devices is that they only capture half of the fields, sometimes even duplicating frames, which makes footage look choppy. It's fine for recording flying drones (which is their actual purpose), by abysmal for videgraphy. Also the audio recording on those is HORRID. You want something that captures both fields, and deinterlaces the footage, and the cheapest option to achieve that, in my experience, is the one I sugested.

[@MaxVegaKun]

You're absolutely right-I think it’s a great option for those looking for a different set up. The only thing that holds me back from going that route is that I really need something very small and portable, and adding more converters along with my phone isn’t convenient for my setup. Plus, depending on the brand, it can get quite expensive, haha. For the use I give it, the quality is more than sufficient, but I think it’s great that there are more options out there! As for the DigitNow and similar capture devices I’ve tried from Amazon, I’ve tested two different ones, and they were awful-I had to return them the same day. I totally agree with you; not only were the colors and contrast off, but the framerate was the worst part. I’m happy to report that with this mini DVR, I haven’t experienced those issues. The video, at least to my eyes, is pretty smooth. The audio isn’t great, but as I mentioned in the review, it’s not as important for me since I use it mainly for music video clips. Thanks so much for your insight and for sharing these alternatives!

[@leplaze3409]

feeling lucky this got recommended to me! thanks dude :)

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thanks so much! I’m really glad the video got recommended to you! Appreciate the support! 😊

[@user-lf6ui4or8m]

Very cool buddy

[@f1remandg]

Very good and definitely a good idea to make a video how to make leads etc.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you! I’m really glad you think it’s a good idea. The video on how to make the leads and adapters will be out tomorrow at 11 am, so stay tuned!

[@H2o3G2a]

I stuck my mini dvr onto the battery with velcro. The placement feels pretty good but the wiring will determine if it's actually good. Looking forward for the cable video. I'm assuming we would have to cut a cable in half then swap the connections to change the order of the ttrs head. Not sure at all though

[@MaxVegaKun]

That sounds like a solid setup! Velcro is a great way to keep things flexible. You’re on the right track with swapping the connections to adjust the TRRS order. I’ve just finished editing the cable video, and it’s coming out this Sunday, so stay tuned-it’ll cover exactly how to do that. I’ll also show some other options for connectors and how to make adapters. Thanks for sharing your setup, and I hope the video helps!

[@f1remandg]

Very good and informative also it extends the uses of your old handy cam.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you found it informative. Extending the life and uses of old handy cams is one of the best parts of these projects. It’s great to keep them going!

[@SuchetB]

Loved this video Max, I have now subscribed. And yes it would be very interesting to see how you can show us how to wire up different cameras etc etc I look forward to your next video.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you so much for subscribing! I’m really glad you enjoyed the video. I’m definitely planning to dive into wiring up different cameras, and actually, the next video will be about how to make the 3.5mm cable and the RCA adapter I’m just waiting on a few components I ordered online. 😊

[@grzesiekkkkkeu]

Very good explaination, I would be very interested in video about adapters

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you! I’m working on a video about the cable and adapters, and it will be up this Sunday. I’ll cover different connector options and how to make your own adapters. Stay tuned!

[@g-r-a-e-m-e-]

Yes, the DIY cables would be useful

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thanks for the feedback! I’m glad to hear that DIY cables would be helpful. I’m planning to cover that in an upcoming video, and I’m just waiting for a few components to arrive. Stay tuned for more details on how to make them!

[@orangesaft4885]

Amazing video, thanks for this information Max!

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you so much! I’m really glad you enjoyed the video and found the information helpful. Your support means a lot to me!

[@KhomTLONG]

Subscribed. Would love to see the pin out wiring diagrams.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you so much for subscribing! I’m glad you’re interested, I’m working on a video that includes all the details, and it’ll be out this Sunday-stay tuned!

[@cheavideography781]

I saw another device also for fpv drones it has built in screen but it's like $120 your solution is brilliant and waaay cheaper. I didn't know about this device. Thanks so much for sharing!!! I will buy mine. Please make all the videos that you suggested in this one. Great content! you have a new subscriber :D

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you so much! I’m really glad you found this solution helpful, it’s definitely a more budget-friendly option! I really appreciate your support! I’ll definitely be making all the videos I mentioned in this one, so stay tuned for more content. Welcome aboard, and thanks for subscribing! 😄

[@cheavideography781]

@@MaxVegaKun So I bought mine! and I was trying the cables. I will need to practice a little with soldering first lol. Thank you again for this video!

[@MaxVegaKun]

That’s awesome! 😊 I’m so glad you got yours, and don’t worry-soldering just takes a little practice! I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it in no time. And guess what? The tutorial video for making the cable is already out! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2HPhKt8npqZiMU. Thanks again for watching and for your support!

[@knoptop]

I would love to see more about the dvr capture device. I’ve used it in one of my projects but I’m having issues getting clear audio.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thanks for bringing that up! Yeah, unfortunately, the mini DVR has a pretty low sample rate, which affects the audio quality. Another issue is that the audio input is designed for microphones, not line-level signals, so the sound can come through too strong and end up clipping. The good news is that you can fix this a bit by using an attenuator cable or adding a resistor to the audio input. It does help, but I’ll be honest-it’s not a perfect fix. Still, it’s worth trying! I hope that helps a bit, and I appreciate you sharing your experience!

[@TrustsLiars]

Yes, we need the cable video. I’m getting this device 100%

[@MaxVegaKun]

@TrustsLiars I’m really glad to hear that this device will work for you. I’m happy to let you know that the video on how to make the cables will be ready by next Sunday. Stay tuned!

[@TrustsLiars]

@@MaxVegaKun awesome! Thanks for your reply.

[@asyamyafi5444]

I tried to fix the audio by adding 500ohm resistor to the audio signal and it yield better audio quality (the default gain is too high so the audio keeps clipping) you have to try that!

[@MaxVegaKun]

That’s great to hear it worked for you! I tried using a signal attenuator cable connected to an external microphone, and to be honest, I didn’t see much improvement. The signal volume was lower and didn’t clip, but in my case, the overall quality didn’t change much. I tested with several microphones, and it was the same result each time. I think the issue might be inherent to the device because when I checked the audio properties, I noticed the sample rate is only 8000kHz, which is well below the standard 44,100kHz. But it’s definitely worth trying again, thank you so much for the suggestion!

[@pokepress]

Is it possible it was originally intended for a mic-level signal rather than line level?

[@MaxVegaKun]

@@pokepress Yes, that’s definitely possible, especially since it was originally designed for use with FPV drones. Another issue is the low sampling quality, so even if you attenuate the input signal, the final audio quality doesn’t improve much, unfortunately. :( Thanks for your question!

[@nativestrong7253]

They need to make DV players again in order for these cameras to make a comeback

[@vinzpepe9331]

Can you upload a tutorial video on how to make a special cables?

[@MaxVegaKun]

The video is already out, and I’d love for you to check it out! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2HPhKt8npqZiMU Hope you enjoy it, and thanks again for your support!

[@vinzpepe9331]

@@MaxVegaKun thanks a lot it really helps a lot and the people that wanted to do a tapeless on a budget. hope there are more content creators like you, this so helpful, i dont need to buy another hi8 tape since it can do tapless method. much love from the philippines🇵🇭💯

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you so much! 😊 I’m really glad to hear the content has been helpful for you-it means a lot to me! The best vibes to the Philippines!

[@robertcrystals]

If someone made one of these that recorded full DV via firewire I'd be so stoked. I hate that these things capture in shit formats with bad audio. Would love to see the cable & monitor videos. It 'd be great to know how to solder a Sony DV out to 3.5

[@freshmanprince12]

Mrk1 or HRDV 60 but those are hard to find at a decent price

[@leafpirate]

You can't solder a digital port onto an analog signal. MCE QuickStream regularly goes for 60ish dollars on ebay and takes an HDD or SSD which would be better than the 32gb maximum shown in the cheap adapter in the video. Firestore DS4 goes for about $150. If you're looking at Sony in particular, they already sold hard drive recorders for the DV/Firewire on specific cameras. Def read the documentation of your camera, because what you want likely already exists.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Unfortunately, there's no way to do that because MiniDV cameras output via firewire port is a digital signal, while the input on these recorders is analog. There are specific devices designed for portable recording from MiniDV cameras, but they’ve been discontinued and are only available second-hand at very high prices. At least in my experience, the ones I’ve seen are quite expensive, and since they’re used, they often don’t have much life left. Additionally, the options I’ve come across usually require a specific battery, which can also be costly plus they're usually bulky. I’ve never had one in my hands, but from the videos I’ve seen where friends capture MiniDV tapes directly via FireWire (which offers the same quality as the capturers I mentioned above), the difference in video quality compared to what I get with the mini DVR is minimal-at least to my eyes. The big difference is in the audio; while I love the video quality the mini DVR provides, the audio is pretty bad in comparison. However, it really depends on what you’re using it for. In my case, since I’m making music videos, it’s more than sufficient because I end up removing the audio anyway-I just use it as a reference to sync the song. I wish I could offer a better solution, but I can only recommend looking into portable MiniDV recorders. Thanks for your comment, and I hope this helps a bit!

[@robertcrystals]

@@MaxVegaKun no problems. Just ordered one of these for my trinicon tube camera. stoked its so small. Have you checked the bitrates of the different capture settings? Would love to know what bitrate the HD runs at

[@MaxVegaKun]

That’s awesome! The small size really makes it perfect for projects like this. I have checked the bitrates of the different capture settings, and while I don’t remember the exact bitrates for VGA and D1, I’m pretty sure they’re no more than 12mbps. For HD, the bitrate is 28mbps, and you can definitely see the difference in quality. I hope you have a great time with your Trinicon tube camera!

Amazing! You're the best. Could you tell us the model of that mini monitor? Or send the link to AliExpress? I'm not finding it.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you so much! I’m really glad you enjoyed the video. I’m actually working on a video showing the MOD for the mini monitor, and it will be available on the channel soon. In the meantime, here’s the link to the monitor on AliExpress if you want to check it out: www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805211321157.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.428.4f811802mrGgUC&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa. Just a heads-up, it does need to be modified to work as a camera monitor :)

[@lonzojones4428]

I would love to see what u could do with my old Canon Vm-E2N from 1987!! Great job !! I really like this.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you so much! To be honest, I didn’t know the Canon VM-E2N, but I did some research, and it’s a really good-looking camera! I’m glad you enjoyed the video your support means a lot!

[@3ffrige]

Ahhhh i get it! At first I thought that was a device you inserted into the camcorder like an actual tape lol It records via the A/V out

[@MaxVegaKun]

Haha, I totally get the confusion! It would be pretty cool if it worked like an actual tape, but yes, it records via the A/V out. Once you have everything hooked up, it’s a pretty simple setup. Thanks for checking it out!

[@HJCF0520]

This is so cool, thanks for sharing!

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you! I’m really glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@rapidhedgehog1124]

Thanks for interesting content! Please make a video about DIY cables, it would be very useful!

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m really glad you enjoyed the content. I’m already working on a video about DIY cables, and it’ll be out next Sunday. I hope it’ll be helpful-stay tuned!

[@BrokenPicturesProduction]

awsome!

[@Ogkohl]

what frame rate is it recording? some time ago i tried that exact method as well but didnt stick to it becaue it only delivered 30fps and the worst audio quality. It was not really worth it for skate videos unfortunately.

[@tg4463]

Thank you i was looking at those cheap devices but it is hard to know sometimes if it works properly.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you! I totally understand, sometimes it’s tough to know if those budget devices will work as expected. I’m glad this video could help provide some clarity. If you decide to go for it, I hope it works out well for you

[@YerUnclePhil]

One problem. Some of my cameras only stay on if recording to tape and will only stay on standby for a few minutes. So, you may need a tape to record on, while capturing to the DVR.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you for pointing that out! Yeah, I’ve encountered that issue with some older cameras too, fortunately, in my experience, only a few models behave that way, but It’s definitely something to keep in mind! Thanks again for sharing that tip, and I appreciate your support!

[@ReelFilm2016]

Great Video Sir. Hope it brings you lots of views.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your support!

[@Raptor50aus]

I have just tried mine. The video seems good but the audio is terrible. Recording from a Sony digital 8 Handycam.

[@dellcoc]

How do we see the dreadlock video? Can't tease us like that.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Sure! here’s the link to the video-it’s a Spanish cover of the song The Science of Selling Yourself Short. I was trying to impersonate the singer from Less Than Jake :) Hope you enjoy it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3Wwm4yKrdRreZY&ab_channel=MelMaxMusic

[@MegaShadowman83]

Cant I just buy a dual male trrs to trrs cable? Or do i have to make my own cable? I dont know how yo solder 😢

[@TheEarworms]

Max ! Great video, I am interested in the jvc proprietary cable adapter! I have a jvc gr-c1 that needs some love.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thanks so much! Wow, you have that legendary JVC GR-C1? I love that camera! I had the chance to use one at a friend’s house a couple of years ago, and it’s a beautiful piece of tech. As for the cable, it’s actually not too complicated. I’m currently working on a video review of a Zenith VHS camera that uses the same type of connector. I didn’t want to modify it because it’s in pristine condition, so in that video, I’ll show how to make the cable and how to rebuild the batteries, which are the same ones used in the GR-C1. Stay tuned!

[@Flippant-j5d]

Dude sounds like Ren out of Ren and Stimpy lol.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Good one :)

[@Subgunman]

Now if I could get my Kyrocira Hi 8 to work again. Probably bad caps in the power supply board.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thanks for sharing! Yeah, it’s probably the caps in the power supply, those tend to go bad in older cameras like that. If you’re comfortable with it, replacing the capacitors could bring it back to life. I hope you can get your Kyocera Hi 8 working again. Good luck with the repair!

[@cine-ish]

You should compare to the powerplay fpv

[@MaxVegaKun]

Great idea! I’ve thought about buying the ImmersionRC PowerPlay FPV, but I haven’t found it at a good price yet. I’ve been looking at the specs on their website, and on paper, it looks pretty impressive, especially since it records at 60fps and has a built-in screen. For me, 60fps isn’t that important, but I can see the advantages. However, one area where I think the mini DVR wins is the bitrate-PowerPlay’s max bitrate is 15mbps, compared to the 28mbps on the mini DVR. So, it would definitely be an interesting comparison, although I’m not sure how fair it would be since the PowerPlay, including batteries, is around $160, while the mini DVR is only $20. But it’s definitely something to think about-thanks so much for the suggestion

[@gameshortcut1451]

Hey. Do you have to setup the mini dvr every time or just a one time setup only? Love your vids btw 🎉

[@MaxVegaKun]

Hey! Fortunately, you only need to set up the mini DVR once, after that, it remembers your settings, so you’re good to go every time you use it. I’m really glad you’re enjoying the videos, thanks so much for the support!

[@gameshortcut1451]

@@MaxVegaKun One more question, what is that 3.5mm a/v cable which has the same both end?

[@danielbermeo5945]

need to know how you made the cable 😵‍💫

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thanks for your interest! I just finished editing the video on how I made the cable, and it’s coming out this Sunday. Stay tuned-it’s almost here! 😊

[@MM.]

I wonder if it is possible to RGB-mod those older cameras for an even better image quality. Of course you'd need a suitable recorder as well.

[@MaxVegaKun]

You’re absolutely right! To be honest, I hadn’t thought of that, haha. I’ve tried using S-Video, and to be honest, I didn’t notice much difference, but I’m intrigued by the challenge of seeing how much improvement I could get with RGB. I’ll start looking into it. Thanks so much for the suggestion!

[@pokepress]

This might actually be useful for my project where I'm capturing NES footage to train an AI model as an additional "low quality" source. Any idea how it handles retro console (240p) footage?

[@MaxVegaKun]

That’s awesome! Unfortunately, I don’t have an NES, but I do have an original SNES Jr at my sister’s place. Would that work for your project? I can run some tests and send you the footage if that helps!

[@pokepress]

@@MaxVegaKun That should work fine.

[@felipevece]

can you put a brand new sensor into one of these VHS old cameras?

[@MaxVegaKun]

To be honest, I’m not sure, but I think it would be pretty difficult since the technology in these old VHS cameras is completely different from what we have now. However, I do think it’s possible to use a sensor from something like a sports camera and then utilize the old camera’s lens. I’m actually working on a similar project with an old Bolex film camera. That said, I’m really interested in this idea, so I’m going to research it further. Stay tuned!

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

Cool! Why do you think that the audio quality of the mini-DVR is so bad? It seems to have a pretty good video CODEC and hardware, the audio should be even easier. Is the audio level to hot and causing distortion? Thanks Max!

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thanks for the question! Regarding the audio quality, I eventually came to accept that it’s just how it was designed from the factory. The audio bitrate is 128kbps, which isn’t terrible, but the sample rate is only 8,000kHz compared to the 44,100kHz you’d get from an average smartphone video. I tried wiring different microphones, but there wasn’t much improvement, so unfortunately, it seems to be a design issue. I believe it’s tied to the device’s primary intended use-FPV drones :(

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

@@MaxVegaKun -- I guess for using an old camcorder 'live' with the mini-DVR you could always record the audio on a stand-alone audio recorder -- sync it all in post and then 'downgrade' the audio at that point to match 'old camcorder' audio. But if using the mini-DVR to transfer old tapes, that much audio-quality loss is very noticeable....

[@TimothyTimPSP]

Why whisper the entire video?

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thanks for your question! I wasn’t whispering intentionally-it’s just the tone I use because I need to keep the noise down where I live. I’m also still working on improving my English pronunciation, so I try to speak calmly. Thanks for understanding!

[@TimothyTimPSP]

@@MaxVegaKun I totally understand. Great video. Thank you.

[@alex_montoya]

We need the cables!

[@MaxVegaKun]

I’m glad to hear that you’re interested about the cables. I’m currently working on a video that will show how to make them, and I’m just waiting on a few components I ordered. I appreciate your patience and support, stay tuned, it’s coming soon! Ademas he estado viendo tu trabajo en KZbin y es increíble, estoy garadecido de que gracias a este pequeño canal he podido conocer a personas tan talentosas como tú! sigue con el gran trabajo!

[@zeroequalsthree8649]

Very nice, this same exact device just arrived from AliExpress (I live in Japan). Curious about how you wired the cable between the output and the monitor!

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you! That’s awesome! Wiring the cable between the output and the monitor is a pretty straightforward process. I’m actually planning to cover that in an upcoming video, so stay tuned for a detailed walkthrough. I’m excited to see how your setup turns out! Sending greetings all the way to beautiful Japan

[@kept_infocus3274]

it would be interesting to see if you can make something for recording super 8 or 16mm film. I have seen some videos of people creating digital cartridges for super8.

[@MaxVegaKun]

That’s a great idea! I’m actually working on a similar project with a Bolex camera, and I’m really excited about it. The idea of creating digital cartridges for Super 8 is fascinating, and I’ve seen a few videos on it too, I hope to share more about this soon!

[@shanesdiy]

Excellent guide. I appreciated the comparison to the capture cards, I wouldn't have thought they would have been so much different! This information will be very helpful to get some use out of a couple of my old cameras.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thanks a lot! I’m really glad the guide was useful for you. It’s interesting to see how much the capture method can impact the final result. I hope this helps you bring those old cameras back to life and get some great footage out of them!

[@Jetsudo]

So can you put in an old tape and back it up onto an sd card using this external recorder (using playback?). Could you then also record from a VHS player, some old tapes. My capture card unsyncs my audio from my footage and I simply want a straight convesion. >__> Great video btw!

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you! I’m glad you liked the video. Yes, it’s definitely possible with the right adapter cable. It’s not too complicated to make, but you do need to know a bit about soldering. In fact, I’m currently working on a tutorial showing how to do it. The video quality is really good, but the audio isn’t great. It doesn’t desynchronize, but the quality is pretty low-kind of like an old radio. So while it could work perfectly for video, I wouldn’t recommend it if you want to preserve the original audio. I’d suggest using this device more for recording directly from the camera to a micro SD if you don’t mind the audio. For example, I use it for making music videos, where the captured audio is just a guide, and I replace it with a song during editing.

[@Lorenzzoman]

would it be better quality than a firewire capture card? also does it support 60 fps recording?

[@MaxVegaKun]

To be honest, I don’t have a FireWire capture card to test the exact same video recording, but I’ve seen recordings from a friend who uses an old laptop with that port. In my view, the quality is very similar between the two. There are differences, but I wouldn’t say one is better than the other-it’s more about variations in color and saturation. Regarding the frame rate, the mini DVR unfortunately only supports up to 30 fps. Personally, I don’t notice a significant difference between 30 and 60 fps, unless you’re doing slow-motion work, where 60 fps might have an edge. But outside of that, 30 fps works just fine for me. It really depends on how you plan to use the footage. Just keep in mind, this is the opinion of a hobbyist, not an expert! 😊

[@tvtechnicaldirector]

@@MaxVegaKunToo bad it doesn’t do 60fps. Thats a dealbreaker for me.

[@marfaxa]

@@tvtechnicaldirector deal broken!

[@dlprod11]

The Zenith Camcorder you are showing at the 11 minute mark, is it an S-VHS camcorder? JVC made the exact same model but it was S-VHS and I've been searching for it for years. It was a JVC GF-S550.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Great observation! You’re absolutely right-visually, it’s identical to the Zenith VM7150. However, nowhere on the camera does it specify that it’s S-VHS, unlike the JVC model. I looked through the manual to see if there was any reference to S-VHS compatibility, but unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything. From the recordings I’ve made with this camera, it’s clear that it’s standard VHS quality, which I found a bit strange because I have a Zenith VM6200 and a JVC GR-C7, and those are indeed identical both in functions and appearance. This makes me think the Zenith VM7150 is the more budget-friendly version of the JVC GF-S550

[@dlprod11]

@@MaxVegaKun I'm trying to find and buy one. I used it to shoot a narrative film in high school. The image was surprisingly good.

[@DE-GEN-ART]

I SEEN A DUDE DO THIS WITH A CANNON GL2

[@MaxVegaKun]

I ♡ the canon GL2, what a great camera! And yeah totally possible!

[@insecurewalrus]

What do you mean by the audio quality is bad? Can you describe how it's bad?

[@MaxVegaKun]

Sure! The audio quality on the mini DVR is not the best because it has a low sampling rate-only 8000Hz compared to the standard 44,100Hz that most devices use. This leads to audio that sounds muffled and lacks clarity. Additionally, it often clips or distorts, especially with louder sounds. The signal clips because the input was designed for a microphone, not for line-level input. For my projects, I mainly focus on video and replace the audio later, so it hasn’t been a big issue for me, but if you’re looking for high-quality sound, it might be disappointing. Thank you for your question!

[@insecurewalrus]

@@MaxVegaKun That's good info. I was looking at this for maybe doing VHS digitizing. Without having my own timebase corrector, it looked better than most of the devices I've tried in the past. Maybe i could split the audio and record a guide track with the video and clean audio on a different device. Internal clocks are pretty good today, might be easy to sync up as long as it doesn't drop frames often. Thanks.

[@prebenjaeger]

I get skipping minidv but isn't the point of hauling these giant ass cameras to get the analog vhs look

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! You’re absolutely right-using these big cameras is all about getting that authentic analog VHS look. With the mini DVR, it might not capture 100% of that VHS aesthetic, but for me and the way I use it, it’s more than enough. I think it strikes a good balance between convenience and results. It’s totally impractical for me to shoot a music video using tape, or even worse, lug around an external VHS recorder with an older camera. So the results I get with the mini DVR, at least to my eyes, are way better than just applying a filter in post-production

[@arcadeexperience1358]

Looks col. Does it record at 60fps?

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thanks! Unfortunately, it doesn’t record at 60fps. The mini DVR records at 30fps, which works well for most projects, but if you're specifically looking for 60fps, this might not be the best option. I hope that helps!

[@supernando1000]

@@MaxVegaKun thanks for the info

[@padrello]

Absolutely loved the idea, absolutely hated the voice. I don't want to be rude man, really! But this style of voice that resemble ASMR, make some people MAD. Unfortunately I am one of those people that have this side effect when listening to ASMR. I know that there are a lot of people that are like me. Keep this in mind if you want to include also this audience. Have a good one! 😜

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you for your honesty, I really appreciate it. I completely understand that everyone has different preferences when it comes to voice styles. I aim to keep my tone calm and clear, but I’ll definitely keep your feedback in mind. It’s also the way I can best pronounce English for now, as I’m still learning, and I can’t make too much noise where I live. My goal is to make the content enjoyable for as many people as possible, and I’ll consider this for future videos. Thanks again, and I hope you have a great day!

[@POVwithRC]

I need it

[@MaxVegaKun]

Glad to hear you’re excited about it! It’s a great little device, Thanks for your comment!

[@devin.briggs]

Just use firewire, it cuts out the step of dumping the card onto the computer.

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you so much for your comment, I really appreciate your input! I just wanted to clarify a bit about using FireWire with MiniDV cameras. FireWire doesn’t simply transfer files from the camera to the computer; it actually captures the video signal in real time from the MiniDV tape, preserving the original quality without additional compression. This means that the process of capturing still needs to be done, so it doesn’t really cut out any steps. Another challenge with using FireWire is that the port is no longer common on most modern computers, and finding a compatible capture card can be a bit tricky. Additionally, FireWire only works with MiniDV cameras that have this port, so it’s not compatible with VHS, VHSC, Hi8, or other formats. Using FireWire also eliminates the possibility of going tapeless, unless you invest in one of those portable MiniDV recorders from Sony, which are now quite expensive. However, if you do have a FireWire card, a MiniDV camera, the necessary cables, and you don’t need to go tapeless, it’s definitely a great option! Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts it’s great to talk about these things!

[@craigprocter1232]

what CODEC does it record video as please? MPEG2, H264, H265?

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thanks for the question! According to VLC, the mini DVR actually records video in MJPG (Motion JPEG) format, not H.264. It’s a bit older but still works well with most editing software. Hope that helps!

[@craigprocter1232]

@@MaxVegaKun thank you for checking.

[@Subgunman]

Any link to this DVR?

[@MaxVegaKun]

Of course! Here are the links where you can get the device. I didn’t include them in the description because I didn’t want it to come across as if I’m selling them, haha. I just think it’s a good alternative, and the price can vary depending on where you buy it from: Amazon: a.co/d/fesLhez AliExpress: a.aliexpress.com/_mPWSvDm I hope that helps!

[@Beauregard42]

Where can I buy this thing???

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thanks for asking! 😊 You can find it on AliExpress, and sometimes on Amazon, depending on availability. Here’s the link to where I got mine:www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806903380817.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.90.5add1802KFu0px&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa. I hope that helps!

[@diegotreto7427]

No link??

[@MaxVegaKun]

Of course! Here are the links where you can get the device. I didn’t include them in the description because I didn’t want it to come across as if I’m selling them, haha. I just think it’s a good alternative, and the price can vary depending on where you buy it from: Amazon: a.co/d/fesLhez AliExpress: a.aliexpress.com/_mPWSvDm I hope that helps!

[@diegotreto7427]

@@MaxVegaKun thank you!

[@arielwollinger]

Does it record both fields? I don't think so

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you for your question! Unfortunately, it doesn’t keep both fields or deinterlace to 59hz. You won’t get 60p, but you do get 30p. I’m not exactly sure what process it uses-I’m not an expert, so take my opinion with a grain of salt-but to my eyes, it looks pretty smooth. It’s definitely good enough for my needs, which is making music videos. To give you a better comparison, I can say it looks much better than some more expensive devices I’ve seen on Amazon, like the Digitnow. Hope this helps!

[@arielwollinger]

@@MaxVegaKun damns, that is a bummer. I want to find something to replace an old Mac with FireWire. Still unbeatable in quality. Removing one field will decrease the resolution in half

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I totally get it-nothing quite beats a FireWire port for capturing digital video from MiniDV cameras. There are portable devices that can capture the digital signal without any loss in quality, just like on a computer with a FireWire port. You can find them second-hand on eBay, but they are quite a bit more expensive. I think this device is more suitable for older cameras that only have an analog signal output. To be honest, to my eyes, there’s not a huge difference between MiniDV captured via FireWire and this device, or at least not enough to justify the higher cost of those specialized devices. I suppose it really depends on what you plan to do with the footage

[@shruggiexo]

does this thing record full 60i or just skip fields? thats the only thing stopping me from buying one

[@MaxVegaKun]

To be honest, I don’t fully understand the topic, but this is what I believe: The mini DVR records at 30fps progressive (30p), which means it captures 30 full frames per second without interlacing. When it comes to 60i, that refers to 60 interlaced fields per second, which effectively gives you 30 frames per second with smoother motion due to the interlacing. Unfortunately, the mini DVR doesn’t support true 60i recording, so if capturing in 60i is important for your project, this might be a limitation. For my eyes, the result from the mini DVR is pretty smooth, so I think it’s sufficient for most uses, but again, this is just my opinion so take it with a grain of salt hehe :)

[@shruggiexo]

aww that's a shame.. would've loved to be able to use some deinterlacer on it or keep the interlaced "look". thanks for the info!

[@Skrumdng]

Hey, could be cool to do that on an sony trinicon hvc camera

[@MaxVegaKun]

Oh, absolutely! I have a friend who owns a Sony HVC-2200, and he’s interested in modding it. If he decides to go for it, I might be able to make a video about that in the future. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@arielwollinger]

No, the best option is to record D1. There is no sense in distorting the Image

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you for the suggestion! I totally understand why you might prefer D1, as it preserves the 4:3 aspect ratio without any need for correction. However, I recommend using HD because, even though it does stretch the image and requires adjustment in post, the big advantage is the 28mbps bitrate. That higher bitrate really makes a noticeable difference in the final quality, at least to my eyes. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!

[@arielwollinger]

@@MaxVegaKun does it keep both fields or at least deinterlaced to 59,94hz?

[@MaxVegaKun]

@@arielwollinger Thank you for your question! Unfortunately, it doesn’t keep both fields or deinterlace to 59hz. You won’t get 60p, but you do get 30p. I’m not exactly sure what process it uses-I’m not an expert, so take my opinion with a grain of salt-but to my eyes, it looks pretty smooth. It’s definitely good enough for my needs, which is making music videos. To give you a better comparison, I can say it looks much better than some more expensive devices I’ve seen on Amazon, like the Digitnow. Hope this helps!

[@dingbatfpv]

What resolution are the video files?

[@MaxVegaKun]

The video files can be recorded in different resolutions depending on the setting you choose. The options are VGA (640x480), D1 (720x480), and HD (1280x720). The HD option offers the highest resolution, which provides a better image quality

[@dingbatfpv]

@@MaxVegaKun thanks, seems like a useful little thing

[@sonijonson283]

I like your Bideos

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thank you so much! I’m really glad you enjoy the videos!

[@webinatic216]

I had to order it from alixpress if because I'm not from USA.

[@MaxVegaKun]

That’s great! At least here in the States, I’ve never had any problems with AliExpress deliveries. It’s cheaper, and even though it takes about a week to arrive, it’s not too long. I hope it works out well for you! Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@webinatic216]

@@MaxVegaKun Also my kid is interested in recording with old cameras too and it would be interesting how you modified the external monitor for the handycam. Cause the sony camera (hi8 1998) we have does not have a flip screen.

[@MaxVegaKun]

@webinatic216 Great! Don't worry, the video on how to modify the monitor is on its way :)

[@ImissSaganCarl]

"absurd" is in bad?

[@MaxVegaKun]

No, hehe! In this context, it means that the quality is really impressive considering the low cost of the device, so it's meant in a positive way. Thanks for asking!

[@wakkowarner7391]

Who the hell still uses VHS tapes?

[@MaxVegaKun]

Haha, I get it, believe it or not a lot of people, including myself, love using VHS tapes and retro cameras for the unique, nostalgic look they give. There’s just something about that analog vibe that digital can’t quite replicate :)

[@darkmanger]

why do you talk like that

[@MaxVegaKun]

Thanks for asking! I try to keep my tone calm and clear for the videos. It’s also the way I can best pronounce English for now, as I’m still learning. Plus, I can’t make too much noise where I live, so I keep it a bit quieter. I appreciate your understanding and support!