Longer length mini dv tapes?

[capman21]

Was wondering are there any minidv tapes that last longer than the regular EP 90 mins tapes. Are there any 3-4 hour tapes that are made. I was wondering the same about the batteries, but I found my answer that they do make batteries that last close to four hours.

[JohnnyMalaria]

No. The DV specifications are much stricter than VHS and require a minimum thickness. The only way to get the longer durations (e.g., 180 mins) is to use full size DV tapes.

[capman21]

Thanks, guess I will have to settle for the 90 mins.

[aedipuss]

stick to sp 60min per tape - ep mode is flakey and the results not reliable.

[thecoalman]

. I was wondering the same about the batteries, but I found my answer that they do make batteries that last close to four hours.

Guess that depends on your cam, I have 6 hour ones for mine but thats a prosumer model. Try http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

[edDV]

Normal MiniDV tapes work in SP (60min) or LP (90min) modes. Both record at 25Mb/s (plus audio).

The difference is track width. I also recommend you use only SP for archive*.

LP mode is risky due to the narrower recording tracks. As your camcorder wears over time, LP tapes may become unplayable. They can also be unplayable in a different camcorder.

The "Pros" use DVCAM tapes which use wider tracks than SP for even better assurance of tape interchange (playback in another machine). DVCAM also record 25Mb/s and tapes are identical in size and tape length to MiniDV but only record 40min per tape.


* 90min LP mode can be used short term if needed so long as you capture to computer or dub them to SP tapes for archive. If you do use LP mode and your camcorder fails, it is likely you will have difficulty playing the tape in another camcorder.

[terjeber]

90min LP mode can be used short term if needed so long as you capture to computer or dub them to SP tapes for archive.

I don't think this can be stressed enough. You really shouldn't record in LP mode ever, but you can if you really have to. The reality of the matter is that if you record in LP (90 minute) mode, eventually you will lose you video. That is a guarantee.

[kadzbiz]

Stick with 60 mins tapes. I've used some 83 mins tapes and they are prone to dropping frames (ie. freezing on a frame for a second).

[edDV]

Stick with 60 mins tapes. I've used some 83 mins tapes and they are prone to dropping frames (ie. freezing on a frame for a second).

Yes, I forgot about the 83 min tapes. I heard many complaints when they came out. Maybe the new camcorders handle them better. I'm staying with 60 min tapes myself.