Types of miniDV tapes? Panasonic PV-DV401D

[MFL2K2]

I was given the Panasonic PV-DV401D as a gift along with some miniDV tapes. The manual says I need a miniDV tape indicating 6.35m digital standard. The tapes I was given say miniDV on them but the only reference I can find like the 6.35mm is a 70.4m, but I think that refers to minutes. is miniDV tapes all 1 standard?

The reason I ask is when I hook the camera up to a powersource with a tape in the cassette drive and set the indicator on Camera it does not let me shoot video only take still shots that get written to the tape not the memory card. It sits on pause and does not let me unpause it. Any ideas...

[Craig Tucker]

As far as I am aware mini DV is mini DV, there are no variations on the theme. You can also get full DV and micro MV, but these are a physically different size and would not fit you camcorder anyway.

I sounds to me like there is a setting on the camera you have not got set right. So it is set up to take stills. Have you read the manual.

Craig

[MFL2K2]

Good question, but I did read the manual and it doesn't discuss this issue. The Still images is taken by a separate button, that is how I was able to take those images.

[MFL2K2]

The only thing I can think of is that the clock battery is low (flashing Clock Battery on display) and thus for some reason it won't let me record. I really am lost here LOL

[cartamy]

You've answered your own question. On my JVC mini DV camcorder, there is a prominent selector switch where I choose DSC (digital still camera) or video, I either record still shots or video, can't do both without flipping the switch. In your original post, you said you "set the indicator on Camera". I don't own a Panasonic but I'm guessing that's why your video capability is diasabled. What are your other options for this indicator other than "Camera"?

[MFL2K2]

These are the other option on the switch...

VCR
Off
Camera
MCard

I have it set to camera and no matter what buttons I hit it appears to be stuck on PAUSE, the only thing I can do is take still pictures hitt a separate button called STILL.