Does it make sense to remove a tape from a camcorder?

[Mikhail]

Among the instructions for a MiniDV tape it is stated that it should be removed from a camcorder when it is not used.
Is there any reason for that?
It is so inconvenient to look for the end of a previous recording each time when the tape is inserted back!

[redwudz]

I think the manufacturers will always tell you that. If it is held in the camcorder like most video tapes, and the tape is only pulled out of the cassette when it is recorded or played, probably doesn't hurt anything to leave it in there as long as the camcorder isn't left in the hot sun, etc.

[tag]

I haven't owned my miniDV camcorder all that long but I've had my Hi8 camcorder for years and, prior to the Hi8, a VHS camcorder.

Despite mfr's recommendations to the contrary, I've always left the tapes in the camcorders and a battery attached and have never experienced any kind of anomaly.

I suppose it would be wise to follow the advice given in the manuals but it's kind of handy to be able to pull the camcorder out of the bag, flip the power switch, and hit record. If I first had to grab a battery and attach it, then hunt for a tape and load it, I would have missed quite a few shots over the years.

[Josef K]

If you leave a tape in almost permanently then you might run the risk of oxidants and the like clogging up the heads. There shouldn't be any major damage (unless someone more in the know can speak up) except probably having to clean the heads more often. Maybe there is also a possibility of the rest of the transport mechanism accumulating the same kind of dirt.

The only other problem you might encounter is the opposite of the above. Leaving a tape in permanently might damage your tape, whether it's dirt on the heads/mechanism or just from being left in the twisted shape as it sits ready for you to press record. If you've ever opened a VCR to fix a jammed tape problem, you'll know what I mean. The tape gets wound through several pillars, both before and after the heads. It's almost like they're putting them there just to increase the chance of tape jams. Actually a VCR is a good example because I can't imagine anyone on this forum not having encountered a jammed VCR. A VCR will sit near your TV (usually) staying hot and getting hotter as your TV warms up and even hotter still when a tape is played/rewound/etc. Any type of tape is subject to the same type of stress and any type of tape-based video camera is no different.

Also remember that variations in room/outdoor temperature will be a factor. If you take your camera out with you in the winter and stop the tape at a point and then bring the camera, including inserted tape, indoors into a much, much warmer temperature, then that will have a great affect on the camera - never mind the tape. It gets worse, though. Differences in humidity is another likely cause of damage. Consider this: Imagine leaving a tape in your camera for weeks and in that time the ambient temperature changes considerably. Maybe you hang out your washing to dry on a radiator in the same room you keep the camera while all other times the air in the room is dry. What if your tape became stuck, almost glued, onto the heads? What if what's on that tape is your only copy of %INSERT_UNIQUE_NEVER_TO_BE_REPEATED_OCCASION%?

Kinda makes you want to cry just thinking about it.

[Mikhail]

OK, thank you guys!
As usual I got two opposite opinions
I pretty much agree that it isn't so dangerous to leave a cassette inside a camcorder when the temperature and humidity conditions are not critical.
And that is what I really do
As one of the possible alternatives I can use so called cassettes with memory with my Sony camcorder. They remember the end position of a last recording even when they are ejected but as of today these cassettes are more expensive.

[surefire]

Another thing to consider is the effect on the tape transport system, particularly the rubber (or silicon) drive rollers that pull the tape past the recording heads. When the tape is loaded these rollers come into contact with a metal drive post and if stationary for a long period of time can leave an impression in the rubber material. The resulting indentation or flat spot could cause tape transfer problems later on.