I might have misunderstood the PD170 manual. When deciding between DVCAM vs SP mode, is it a one time permanent decision when first setting up the camera or can I switch back and forth between the two modes as my project dictates?

I know.. a dumb question.

Not a dumb question at all. Unless someone comes up with a great reason not to, I say, switch away.

I usually shoot dvcam for projects where I know I will want timecode for post. Then again, they extra time shooting in dv mode can be a benefit.

OTOH, there are a few purists who swear they can see a difference between the formats. Never put them to the test, however, so I can't say for sure.

Wayne Orr, SOC

Are those the same purists that claim that they can hear the difference when they use the Oxygen-free expensive audio cables?

Very same ones Mike. I can't even tell if the milk's gone off, but my softie kids won't eat a yoghurt if it's even approaching it's sell-by date.

I checked it out this morning. It's switchable, back and forth. Thanks for your responses.

Yes you can, of course, switch between DV and DVCAM, but the manual does say to not do this on the same tape since the timecode can get screwed up when going from one to the other.

Mike.