I'm wondering why I would ever want to record in DVCAM mode if I can record in HDV and downconvert it to whatever format I like.


Please let me know your thoughts, maybe I'm missing something.

I'm wondering why I would ever want to record in DVCAM mode if I can record in HDV and downconvert it to whatever format I like.


Please let me know your thoughts, maybe I'm missing something.

David,

DVCAM is slightly more robust if you were needing SD only. The tape runs faster in the transport and reduces recording time, but gives you more tape real estate for recording the signal which can guard against drop-outs. Secondly, DVCAM offers 'locked audio' which is good for maintaining audio/video sync during long recording stretches. Keep in mind that larger cameras which offer DVCAM will be able to use the full size DV cassettes that give 164 minute record times.

DVCAM format is indentical to mini-DV in terms of compression and color space. 5:1 and 4:1:1.

Hope this helps,

-gb-

What if you want to send your raw footage to someone who's only capable of playing back DV/DVCAM tapes? But true, if you diced before every shoot to do HDV or DVCAM you're save with that.