How does miniDV look in LP mode

[peggypwr1]

1) Hello, is there a noticeable drop in quality if one records in LP mode compared to SP.

2) Does anybody know of any camcorders that take full size DV tapes, it seems the majority of the camcorders only accept the minidv format.

Thanks.

[redwudz]

I'll let someone else answer the LP mode question. As for MiniDV VS DV, MiniDV is newer, so you see more ads about the format, but there are plenty of DV camcorders out there. Here's one site to look at. Not a recommendation, just the first one that I found. : http://www.camcorderinfo.com/

And you would get more answers in the DV forum. Moving you.

[teeg]

There is no decline in picture quality when recording in LP on MiniDV. The same information is being recorded regardless of mode (LP or SP).

The difference is in the tape speed. More digital 'information' is being densely packed in LP as compared to SP. While you may be getting more recording time per tape, there are a few concessions that have to be made with this slower speed. Such as, audio being 12bit instead of 16bit as well as reduced error compensation.
Finally, you run the risk of your tapes not being able to be played back in other camcorders/minidv decks correctly or not at all. LP is not standardised in the industry, so there may be differences in how tapes are recorded and played back from manufacturer to manufacturer.

[edDV]

further to teeg,

LP records the same data rate to extremely narrow tracks. As the camcorder looses mechanical tolerance over time, the same camcorder that recorded the LP tape may not be able to play it. Other camcorders are likely to have difficulty playing LP tapes due to track alignment variations.

DVCAM track width = 15 microns - very good interchange
MiniDV SP track width = 10 microns - good interchange
MiniDV LP track width = 6.7 microns - poor interchange

All record the same DV data stream (25Mb/s video + PCM audio + metadata)

[edDV]

2) Does anybody know of any camcorders that take full size DV tapes, it seems the majority of the camcorders only accept the minidv format.

Yes, the larger Sony DSR series
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/DisplayModel?m=10014&p=2&sp=11&id=57127

[zanos]

Picture quality is a bit softer. Not really worth it depending on what you're recording because you're really only getting an extra half hour per mini dv. Just longer running mini dvs. I hear they're pretty cheap now.

[thecoalman]

Picture quality is a bit softer. .

Shouldn't be, it's the same datarate, just a slower moving tape, all mentioned above.

[gold4knight]

i get artifacts when recording using LP mode on my canon mv500 (asia/europe market model)

[GeorgeW]

I agree that the picture quality shouldn't be different -- same data stored on less tape (although you might get more dropouts or glitches -- and using lower quality tape might make this appear more often). Not sure about the 12-bit audio comment -- I don't think you have to go down to 12-bit audio in LP mode -- is that specific to your camcorder make/model???

I also agree with the comment about a potential issue playing the LP tape in another camcorder... If playability of your tapes down the road is important, then that's a huge consideration...

Regards,
George

[thecoalman]

i get artifacts when recording using LP mode on my canon mv500 (asia/europe market model)

You're probably seeing playback errors not atifacts.