🚀 go-pugleaf

     Before camcorders, there were video cameras.  A bit smaller than
  today's VHS camcorders, these things were plugged into certain VCRs
  that had the appropriate adapter (a DIN-like connector with 5 or 10
  pins).  The VCR was either stationary or portable; the portable had
  a shoulder strap and batteries.

     An acquaintance picked up several of these beasts, minus the
  VCR portion, and has asked me for assistance.  Does anyone know
  anything about these video cameras?  

     Specifically:

   - The connector appears to be standard between vendors.  Is (was) it?

   - Can the camera be made functional without the VCR?  In other words,
     can I put in power and get out video?  Or was some important part
     of the electronics in the VCR portion (scanning circuits, etc)?

   - Any ideas where I could get documention on the connector?

   - Finally, how does the picture quality in these old cameras (vidicon
     tubes?) compare with the new CCD technology?  

     
      Thanks!
     

 Bryan Hoog (bryanh@lsid.hp.com)
 Hewlett-Packard
 Lake Stevens Instrument Division
 8600 Soper Hill Road
 Everett, Washington  98205
 206-335-2070