Importing Mini-DV and DV-Cam

[gaybucks_chip]

I think the main issue is tape degradation over time. The miniDVs aren't classed as archival media, so the lubricants, tape backing, etc. aren't as robust over time as DVCam. Also, we haven't done so, but I'm told you're supposed to rewind and forward wind all of your stored miniDV tapes once a year, presumably to prevent sticking and so forth. (That would probably be a couple day job for us.)

[hdkbill]

Hey Bill we are using a Panasonic AG-DV2000 although this is an older model and we have been using it for years (still works good so far) but the thing that I like about it, is it will play both the Mini-DV and DV CAM tapes. Not sure if this helps, good luck.

Thanks but actually that is not the issue. I have a Sony 250 that plays and records both Mini-DV and DV-Cam. I don't like using it or any camera for the purposes of getting the film into or out of the computer because of the wear and tear on the heads.

I'm currently using a Sony DSR-11 for that purpose, and we have several of them. The problem is that they are so damn sensitive that it just seems we are constantly having problems with them and when sent it for repairs not only is it expensive but very time consuming and we then have to shift around the remaining DSR'11's to keep the product flow going. And, everytime we move one from one location to another you can just about count on the damn thing breaking down shortly thereafter. It's just very frustrating.

I did just buy a couple of cheap Mini-DV cams from Best Buy for $199 and then got an extended 2 year warranty. So, I'll use those for our Min-DV's and I guess I'll use the Sony 250 when exporting to DV-Cam.

Thanks,

Bill

[hdkbill]

I've been using Mini DV and DVCam for years and have noticed no difference in image quality. I suppose if you put them both on scopes you may see a difference, but I think the only advantage to DVCam is the longer recording time and more durable tape.

Having said that, if you record on Mini DV, capture it into your PC or Mac and then throw the tape up on a shelf, I don't think you'll have a problem if you need to go back to the tape in the future once or twice. I guess if you're constantly re-capturing off the same tape over and over there might be a duarbility problem, but I have hundreds of Mini DV tapes on the shelf I haven't gone back to since I first shot and captured them.

The issue is one of quality. Mini-DV and DV-CAM both have equal quality. The issue, as Chip pointed out, and what I am concerned about is that a Mini-DV cam is a thinner tape, non-metallic and NOT designed for archival purposes. Over time the Mini-DV will degrade and the tape itself will become brittle, especially is not stored properly. So, we prefer to make sure that once we film on Mini-DV with our Sony 2000's and 2100's, we then input into the raw footage into the computer, save it, and then output the raw footage back out onto DV-CAM. Then, of course, once edited, the finished film is also output onto several DV-CAMS. Like I said before, just call me a "Nervous Nellie", but I we spend too much money to shoot a scene and produce a movie NOT to try to back it up and save it the best way possible.

Bill