DVCam compatability in MiniDV camcorder

[Velcro Face]

What's the difference between DVCam and MiniDV? Both tapes look the same, but I've been told DVCam is more "stable," whatever that means.

I've been able to transfer some DV footage from a DVCam tape to my computer using a Sony MiniDV camcorder. It seemed to work okay, but I wonder. Am I in any risk of damaging my camcorder? Am I losing anything in the transfer?

--
Michael

[MpegEncoder]

http://www.adamwilt.com/DV-FAQ-tech.html#DVformats

[Velcro Face]

Thanks for the link to a very informative article. However, there's only one mention of MiniDV on that page. And it doesn't answer my compatability question.

--
Michael

[DaveS]

dvcam is sony's format - that's why it worked from your sony camcorder...I haven't looked up the differences, but if it worked, it should be fine. You would know if your player was not compatible w/ dvcam b/c you wouldn't see anything, but since you did, you are probably fine. If you are interested, you could pursue the two to see the specific differences between the formats

[edit:]

acutally, from the link above, it explains the differences:

"The consumer-oriented DV uses 10 micron tracks in SP recording mode. Newer camcorders offer an LP mode to increase recording times, but the 6.7 micron tracks make tape interchange problematic on DV machines, and prevents LP tapes from being played in DVCAM or DVCPRO VTRs. Sony's DVCAM professional format increases the track pitch to 15 microns (at the loss of recording time) to improve tape interchange and increase the robustness and reliability of insert editing. Panasonic's DVCPRO increases track pitch and width to 18 microns, and uses a metal particle tape for better durability. DVCPRO also adds a longitudinal analog audio cue track and a control track to improve editing performance and user-friendliness in linear editing operations."

So basically same format different physical storage on the tape..the insert editing is why you saw the info on 'more stable' (most likely)... this would confirm that if you played your tape and your player could do it, then you are fine...

[Velcro Face]

Thanks for explaining the differences... and why I can play DVCam tapes in my MiniDV camcorder. Just another reason I'm glad I bought a Sony.

--
Michael