I was just reading the BBC manual on the VX2000 and it stated that the camera could record on DVCAM tapes. (http://www.bbctraining.co.uk/pdfs/dvguides/vx2000guide.pdf)

Is this true? (I haven't been able to find any reference to such in the manual that came with the camera.)

Anybody out there tried that?

You probably can. The "pro" version of the VX2000 can use either miniDVCAM or miniDV. On another note, I would trust the BBC on their VX2000 information. Ever hear of the BBC audio fix for the VX2000? Yup.

Like Frank I understand this to be true. What I'm not sure about is how the VX2000 treats a format that runs at a different speed from miniDV. I believe DVCAM runs at 40 minutes per tape but whether it does or not in the VX2000 I don't know. If not how would it play back in a DVCAM deck?

David Hurdon

According to the BBC site the 40 minute DVCAM tape runs 60 minutes. So is the output better quality then miniDV? I might play around with this just to satisfy my curiousity.

Of course, with my eyesite I probably wouldn't be able to see the difference. :-)

Frank, what's this about the BBC audio fix?

There will be no difference in quality, all you're doing is recording DV on a DVCAM tape. It's not even like it'll be less prone to dropouts as you're still recording DV. The only differences will be that you'll pay 3 times as much for a Mini-DVCAM tape and you get a nicer case for it, thats it. There is no picture quality difference between DV and DVCAM anyway so it would be a bit of a wasted effort.

John.

But that case!! :-)

Will cost you about $20 extra. :-))

Just for the fun of it;

This April I read a "White Paper" from our friends at Sony. I was left with this impression. DVCAM tape has better retentivity and is the best choice for Archival Media. DVCAM tape is slit to more precision than consumer level tapes and should give less problems when run in varied equipment. DVCAM tape has a better coating on the tape and will withstand a more rigorous environment. DVCAM tape's drop-out rate is half of that of consumer tape.

Sony built a new production line and would like you to buy more tape!

While all the above is true, just the facts, if you will, there still is alot of controversy over the DVCAM vs. Mini DV choice. I think it's mostly pshycological. The Archival issue is my main concern. I can never use a tape twice. The idea of a more rigorous tape makes me ask, who is doing A/B edits with video tape? Of course people are (I just stopped this Spring), but most of us use some form of NLE. Drop outs have never been a problem for me, nor mechanical hang-ups because the tape was slit incorredtly. I assume we all know that DVCAM has a wider frame placement on the tape, than Mini DV. (They call it pitch, we see it as a faster speed)

I have and my colleauges have, many Hi-8 tapes that are ten years old (plus) and are full of drop-outs. So, what does my brain tell me? Buy the best! What is more practical? Buy what you can afford. For my VX-2000 I use the DVM60EX2 and for my DSR-250 I use the PDV-64N/124N. I could use better, but neither of these tapes have let me down.

Could I try something less? No! My brain won't let me. Have you made up your mind?

Information on Sony is availabe from Tape Resources:

www.taperesources.com FAQ on tape.

Tim Lab

"I assume we all know that DVCAM has a wider frame placement on the tape, than Mini DV..." Yes, but a VX2000 doesn't have a DVCAM option. It's a miniDV cam. And I would think that the Digi8 and DVPRO formats are better than DV because of the faster running tape speed and wider track pitch.

Thanks Tim.

I'm not intending to use my tapes more then once, because I know if I do the tape I record over will have the one scene I'd like to use again in another project. :-)

I'll try the tapes you suggest DVM60EX2.

There's so much to learn about this camera and this format, from sound to tape quality to how it differs from film in regards to light. I'm loving it.

My experience with audio tapes tells me that faster is better and bigger (wider) is better but does that hold true for digital information?

With DV tape, sure it does. That's why Pana's pro cams use DVCPRO and Sony's pro cams use DVCAM. Regarding that other question, the BBC came up with an audio solution, a fix, for the VX2000 some time back.

Hmmm. Can't say I'm overly pleased with the audio I've gotten after the first few days. I've been actively searching out alternatives the last couple of hours.

A good mic like a ME66 with a Beachtek XLR adaptor plus keeping the audio gain down is one solution. The BBC solution goes 1 step further.

I'm guessing Commerical Electronics? Unless you can recommend a better place?

Locally, I find Leo's the best bet in town. They always have time to answer questions, let you play with the goodies and back what they sell 100%. (They don't sell Sony cams though.)

Thanks, I've bought all my Nikon and 'Blad stuff through them didn't think of them 'cos they don't sell Sonys.

I'll head down there this week.

Thanks again.

Leo's isn't a Nikon dealer either, though they buy and sell used Nikon gear. You're probably thinking of the Nikon dealer 1&1/2 blocks north of Leo's, on the same side of Granville. I've made that mistake myself, before I settled here from Winterpeg. :)

Lorn Lapham off of Boundary Road is a Sony Dealer. If you're after sound gear i can recomend AVR. Com in Toronto. They have the ME66/K6 in stock for a tad less than the US sells it. You also won't pay provincial tax if you buy out of Ontario. All you really need for starters is a mini stereo to XLR adapter.

FYI BeachTec is also a Canadian Company

Thanks. I'll check them out.

Got up this morning and saw I stirred up the pot. Frank is correct, the VX-2000 will not record in the DVCAM mode, just because you use DVCAM tape in it, but that was brought up before I joined in. I emphasized the relationship of track print to tape speed.

The sound from the onboard mic. (of the VX-2000) is not worth much. Many people buy additional michrophones. That's a hard choice to make as the cost goes up. It seems that these forums favor the Sennheiser MK66/K6 and the Audio Technica 835b. I opted for the AT835b, partly for cost and partly for it's reputation in the field, but I had not heard either of them before purchase. Previously I used the Sennheiser MKE-300 on the VX-2000. I have heard many negative comments about it, but my results were very good. I record in the field, only. Like Inner Mongolia, where the wind never seems to stop. I have to travel light.

Buying a better mic. will introduce you to balanced signal lines, whose connections are most often called XLR. This requires an adapter to get the audio signal into your VX-2000. The BeachTex DXA-4 has been a popular choice, but I believe they have a newer model. Another option is the GSTN1 from GlenSound. This is seriously acclaimed and fits well with the BBC fix.

All of this has been addressed in other threads.

Please look at these sites:

http://www.glensound.com/GSTN1.htm (for Audio front end box.)

http://www.bbctraining.co.uk/television.asp (for On line (free) training
with the VX-2000 & sound)

I started a thread in this forum listed as "Mounting the AT835b to the VX-2000".
You may find that helpful. It helped me.

Another thread listed in open DV Discussion, again by me, is listed as "BBC Training and Developement" which could point you to more sites.

The BBC fix, is the ultimate fix, but may require shipping and quite possibly will cost as much as your new mic. The GlenSound Box is part of the BBC fix, and may be purchased as a first step and it will improve your sound through the use of preamps; before the VX-2000 receives the signal. I am ordering one, myself.

Best Wishes,

Tim Lab

Thanks Tim, I apreciate the input (pun intended).