Posted by Steve King on 08/30/06 16:43

<mv@movingvision.co.uk> wrote in message
news:H+B40KDbdb9EFwR6@movingvision.demon.co.uk...
> In message <1156871969.049656.26320@74g2000cwt.googlegroups.com>, Mr.
> Tapeguy <mr.tapeguy@pro-tape.com> writes
>>
>>Rayne wrote:
>>> So, DVCAM doesnt give higher quality images? Why dont pros just shoot
>>> on mini Dv then?
>>>
>>
>>
>>If you're referring to the format as a whole, DVCAM camcorders have
>>higher quality components meaning better image quality and durability.
>>They are designed for professional use and have better signal output
>>regardless of what they record to.
>>
>>If you're referring to using mini DV tape only, it's a matter of higher
>>dropout and less durability, especially since the higher speed DVCAM
>>has been known occasionally to pull a mini dv tape off the spool. Not
>>likely but it has happened.
>>
>>Craig
>>
>>http://www.pro-tape.com
>>
>
>
> We've over nine years and well over a thousand bog standard Panasonic
> miniDV tapes, including hundreds shot in tough environments on a range of
> cameras including the early VX1000' through PD150's, PD170's, XL1's FX1's,
> A1's and Z1's. We shoot DVCAM and HDV on these same cheap tapes. Never had
> any issue whatsoever that could be blamed on the tape.
>
> In the UK, particularly the BBC these compact DV's have gained more and
> more ground. The Z1 especially having moved them forwards in terms of
> production values. Although broadcasters are only just beginning to
> understand what they have with HDV, somewhat lagging behind an increasing
> number of HDV expert independents, the BBC and others in the fading
> establishment still mostly use the Z1 as a 16x9 DVCAM camera.
>
> --
> John Lubran

While my production volume is far less than yours, I have had the same
experience as you describe. However, over half of the time we are shooting
DV as opposed to DVCAM --- lower tape speed plus narrower track width I'm
told. Even so we have had the same experience. We have had one detectable
drop out in eight years. Maybe we're lucky.

Steve King

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