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Posted by Steve King on 08/29/06 16:20
"Richard Crowley" <rcrowley@xpr7t.net> wrote in message
news:12f8kk8k0mjdged@corp.supernews.com...
> "Rayne" wrote ...
>> So, DVCAM doesnt give higher quality images? Why dont pros just shoot on
>> mini Dv then?
>
> 1) Higher reliability. The same data is spread over a
> larger tape surface. This results in fewer dropouts and
> more tollerant interchange between equipment. (And
> remember that pro equipment gets more wear-n-tear
> than consumer gadgets)
> 2) Larger cassette size = longer running time (up to 3 hours)
> 3) Other secondary factors such as sample-locked audio,
> etc.
>
> Note that DVCAM camcorders virtually always have
> better *camera sections*, from the lenses (which are
> frequently interchangable) to the image pickup chips
> (which are almost always larger = lower noise), to
> better signal processing (DSP correction for back
> light, skin tone correction, etc.) Also provision for
> external input/output connections for timecode and
> genlock, etc. etc. etc.
>
> OTOH, for cases were you need a lot of cameras for
> special situations (like so-called "reality" productions)
> likely some of what you see on TV *was* shot on DV.
While Richard's caveats are accurate, he leaves the impression that
professionals do not shoot on MiniDV except for "were you need a lot of
cameras for special situations....," which is not true. The answer to your
question, "Why don't pros just shoot on mini DV then?", is that pros do
shoot on mini DV. After years of using Beta SP at an independent producing
company, we moved to DV around 6 years ago. Sometimes we shoot on DVCAM
tape, but more often on MiniDV. Now, after more than forty corporate and
documentary projects shot on MiniDV tape, we've experienced one drop-out
occurance. I asked a colleague who shoots documentary projects for National
Geographic, WGBH, and various other doc channels whether he shot DVCAM or
Mini DV. He said mostly MiniDV. I asked what tape manufacturer he
preferred. He said, "Whatever the local store in Mumbai, Kinshasa, or
wherever I am stocks." So, does the lower tape speed of MiniDV make a
difference? It can, although drop-outs seem to be a non-issue particularly
compared to BetaSP days, where we checked every take. Is DVCAM more robust?
Yes. But, the choice is not determined by amateur or professional use.
Both amateurs and professionals use MiniDV. As to Richard's other points
about larger chips, better glass, and more image control, sometimes those
advantages are very important. Just as often, IMO, the smaller size and
lighter weight of cameras such as the Panasonic DVX100 or the Sony PD150/170
and its prosumer equivilent VX2000/2001 are more important to getting the
shot. Horses for courses as the Brits like to say.
Steve King
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