Sony's New DVCAM Digital Master Tapes at DVinfo.net

Glen Elliott · October 21st, 2004, 12:53 PM

I see Sony is marketing a new brand of tape "DVCAM Digital Master" (or something along those lines) that claims to have an extra magnetic layer to have "50% less drop-outs and 90% less errors" than consumer DV tape. Sounds good to me...but the price is $16 a tape (mini dv, 60 minutes in DV, 40 in DVCAM).

The only reason I'd even consider such an outrageous price is that I do professional event videography. I get paid a good deal to cover events and a drop-out (aural, or visual) would be a MAJOR headache.

Do you think this new brand of tape is worth the investment for once-in-a-lifetime recordings?

Rob Lohman · October 22nd, 2004, 03:08 AM

Personally for such important events I would go with a firestore
like appliance (which you should be able to quite quickly write
off as a business investment) and record to that AND cheap DV
tape (in case something does happen) at the same time. Then
keep the tape as a backup and work of the recording on the
harddisk. Saves you time, hassle and there is a lot less chance
of something going awry, especially since tape can be quite
fragile to all sort of influences.

I would not want to see a "use cleaning tape" in the midst of
a wedding shoot for example...

Glen Elliott · October 22nd, 2004, 10:24 AM

Yeah those things are great- my only problem would be the logistics of carrying it around with me- all the while having an IEEE cord running from my camera to the unit. It would probably both the heck out of me.

Talking head interviews, etc- it would be perfect. In the field where I move around a lot....probably not.

Joshua Starnes · October 22nd, 2004, 11:21 AM

What are you shooting with?

I mounted a Firestore to my XL1 and it was okay. It was fairly back heavy, but only a little bit more than having a wireless receiver and dual charger back there.

I've also seen guys put them in back sacks, shoulder bags, and fanny packs before.

I almost forgot, there are some new model Firestore type devices (can't think of the brand name right now) out there that are very slim and light and will actually mount on your accessory shoe.

Jesse Bekas · October 23rd, 2004, 06:38 PM

I think the Firestore 4 is made for consumer size cams (so it is small and easily portable) and is around $700. If I was shooting often, myself, I'd probably get one (especially if they can be upgraded for HDV via firmware update)

October 21st, 2004, 12:53 PM	#1
Glen Elliott Wrangler Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 2,898	Sony's New DVCAM Digital Master Tapes I see Sony is marketing a new brand of tape "DVCAM Digital Master" (or something along those lines) that claims to have an extra magnetic layer to have "50% less drop-outs and 90% less errors" than consumer DV tape. Sounds good to me...but the price is $16 a tape (mini dv, 60 minutes in DV, 40 in DVCAM). The only reason I'd even consider such an outrageous price is that I do professional event videography. I get paid a good deal to cover events and a drop-out (aural, or visual) would be a MAJOR headache. Do you think this new brand of tape is worth the investment for once-in-a-lifetime recordings?

October 22nd, 2004, 03:08 AM	#2
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	Personally for such important events I would go with a firestore like appliance (which you should be able to quite quickly write off as a business investment) and record to that AND cheap DV tape (in case something does happen) at the same time. Then keep the tape as a backup and work of the recording on the harddisk. Saves you time, hassle and there is a lot less chance of something going awry, especially since tape can be quite fragile to all sort of influences. I would not want to see a "use cleaning tape" in the midst of a wedding shoot for example... __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

October 22nd, 2004, 10:24 AM	#3
Glen Elliott Wrangler Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 2,898	Yeah those things are great- my only problem would be the logistics of carrying it around with me- all the while having an IEEE cord running from my camera to the unit. It would probably both the heck out of me. Talking head interviews, etc- it would be perfect. In the field where I move around a lot....probably not.

October 22nd, 2004, 11:21 AM	#4
Joshua Starnes Major Player Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 356	What are you shooting with? I mounted a Firestore to my XL1 and it was okay. It was fairly back heavy, but only a little bit more than having a wireless receiver and dual charger back there. I've also seen guys put them in back sacks, shoulder bags, and fanny packs before. I almost forgot, there are some new model Firestore type devices (can't think of the brand name right now) out there that are very slim and light and will actually mount on your accessory shoe.

October 23rd, 2004, 06:38 PM	#5
Jesse Bekas Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, USA Posts: 572	I think the Firestore 4 is made for consumer size cams (so it is small and easily portable) and is around $700. If I was shooting often, myself, I'd probably get one (especially if they can be upgraded for HDV via firmware update)