Are there any advantages in using this i.e. less head ware? Normally, I would just stop and record over something..... but usually I wouldn't record over anything that has already been recorded. I like to maximize tape efficiency and usage. But then again, is the rec search m/p button faster?

The only time when I use it is when I put in a tape that already has some recording on the start of the tape, then i use the buttons to rewind a second or so before the recording ends so I can start filming again without getting a broken Time Code.

Broken timecode? What do you mean? What is a timecode?

David,

timecode is the counter you see in the corner of your viewfinder. It counts in hours:minutes:seconds:frames. It is used during editing to locate shots. miniDV doesn't use a true SMPTE timecode, DVCAM does but not miniDV. What this means is that when you hit record the timecode starts, when you hit it again it stops, but if you take out the tape and then puut it back in the timecode will reset. During shooting the timecode can also be broken between shots as the camera doesn't really pay attention to it. This is one use of the record search buttons, it allows you to back up to a point on your tape with continous timecode without haveing to go to VCR mode, which will also reset the time code.

And then if you have broken time code on your tape (ie several instances of the same timecode) and you do a batch capture with your computer it may capture the wrong area of the tape or suddenly quit capturing your footage with a Warning: capture aborted due to broken Time Code, you must recapture your footage.

One method to ensure consistent T/C is to put the lens cap on, turn down any sound input, let the camera "record" from beginning of tape to end. This will "lay" down t/c from beginning to end of tape. Now, when you record for proper, you will have t/c in place PLUS the t/c of your filming will record over this "blacked" t/c. This will ensure, should you do anything to give a broken t/c - remove miniDV tape and/or review backwards and forwards - your t/c will be consistent throughout . .

There are drawbacks .. . biggest of which you are adding "head-usage" time and as a result reducing, to some extent, the life expectancy of your heads - yeah? Me, I really don't bother to black .. I just go ahead and shoot. Try not to review. If I do, I use the method explained above.

Grazie

I use rec search to review test recordings to double check how my footage is going to turn out. It's great to review the last take you've shot aswell, you can quickly check out the shot and then re-shoot the take again right away if your not happy with you see in the rec search preview. I shoot proffessional skateboarding and after the rider has landed a trick we will both review the take to see if both the camera op and the subject are both happy with how the trick looks before moving on to a new trick or location. Although I try not to review footage sometimes I give into the nagging.

Wow... dang, this thread really came back from the dead hehe....

Biiiiigggg Rewind <<<<<<<<<< . . . use the joke USE the ekoj << >> :)

.. . coo that tape must be like a SONY miniDV 6,000,000,000

Grazie!