I have an old Sony Digital-8 camcorder, and I'm planning to get a
mini-DV model to replace it. I want to be able to copy my old tapes
onto mini-DV. Having done a bit of research I know I should be able
to do this camera-to-camera if the new camcorder has DV-in and I buy
a 4 pin to 4 pin firewire cable, but there is one thing I'm not sure
about: how to make the mini-DV camcorder start recording.

Do camcorders that have DV-in enabled have a "record" button (either
on the camera or on the remote control)? My Digital-8 doesn't, but
that's because it is one of the UK models that came with DV-in
disabled, and I enabled it by doing a firmware update.

Or will the new camcorder expect a signal via the firewire cable to
start it recording (which is what would happen if copying from PC to
camcorder)? In which case, will my DCR-TRV120 send the necessary
signal when I start it playing?

The particular mini-DV model I will probably get is the Sony DCR-HC62.
(I'm slightly put off by the touch-screen controls, but there doesn't
seem to be a suitable alternative from Canon or Panasonic available in
the same price range any more.)

--
Geoff Clare