camcorder and laptop

[mike]

Any idea on a camcorder that will plug into a laptop so we can stream live?

[admin]

Normal setup, what's the problem?

[mike]

We have always used CCTV cameras that have composite video and a frame grabber. Now we would like to use a camcorder type camera so we can see what is being streamed on the pull out lcd video on the camcorder. We need a camcorder which will plug into the laptop (without the need for a frame grabber). Looking for recommendations for a camcorder which will stream out via... USB? or firewire?? or HDMI...??

Not sure what a "normal" setup is for a camcorder...

[admin]

Any camcorder, Firewire is the best.

[mike]

Could not find a single camcorder that has firewire output port. Most all have HDMI and/or composite video out. Some have USB but only for copying still pictures or recorded videos to external storage.

Can you suggest a brand and model number?

[admin]

Well, firewire is not a must; SVideo or Composite video is good too.

[mike]

I was hoping I could take the camcorder directly into the laptop without a frame grabber... SVideo or Composite both require a grabber device (which is usually does not provide as good a resolution as the camcorder would be). Sort of like the WebCams do -- directly to USB.

I'll keep looking.. maybe buy an older used MiniDV camcorder...

[tommybcool]

I use an older MiniDB myself. I run it into a USB Easy Cap I paid 99 cents for plus shipping. Cam has firewire option, but could not get that to run at less than 748 resolution. Looked fine locally, but for streaming a bandwidth hog.

[mike]

I have two camcorders that output composite video. Currently use a Manhattan framegrabber. Was looking at two MiniDV camcorders still new that have firewire as we bought laptops with firewire. With the later LiveServers I think you can specify the size video you want to transfer...

Composite video seems to have no problem but was wondering if the firewire would give a clearer picture?