Is there any way to capture NTSC video source with a PAL formated camcorder?

the terms PAL and NTSC only have meaning with respect to analog standard definition video. true digital video is ATSC which is color component so modulation of color subcarriers does not even apply. PAL and NTSC versions of standard definition cameras are not just a simple "dip-switch" cross-over. The very way the CCD is sampled and the CCD array dimensions are totally different. An NTSC CCD is usually 680k pixel, a PAL CCD is 900k pixel. changing the CCD is not "firmware", it is not something that you can replace as a user. That being said, ATSC or HD video is a whole new ballgame. The CCD in both PAL versions and NTSC versions is an identical array and sampled the same way to obtain component color. So now there are frame rate variable cameras available, 30 fps, 25 fps, 24 fps are all options chosen for the shoot. And a computer does not need color sub-carrier either, it works with color component so you can wait to select PAL or NTSC at the point of publication. Now for your camera. I assume you have the HDV version of a miniDV base model. The miniDV capability is fixed at either PAL or NTSC, that can't be changed, due to the problems previously noted. I know that JVC was able to make some HDV tape camcorders with variable frame rate, but i don't know about Sony. Sony and Panasonic variable frame rate cameras use professional media like XDcam, P2 or compact flash cards to get the high data rate needed for HD.