Trouble with DVCAM tape in XH-A1?

L

lifang

New member
I'm shooting SD with the XH-A1 using 40 minute DVCAM tapes, but the tapes are running to 60 minutes. I've double checked my settings and I am set to record in SP, NOT LP. What am I doing wrong? Any advice would be much appreciated.
 
i think.....

DVCAM tapes are exactly the same as miniDV tapes.

DVCAM runs at a higher bit rate than DV, so 40min in DVCAM is equivalent to 60min in DV

the A1 records in SD DV and not DVCAM.

i think that's about it.
 
jenningsp said:
DVCAM runs at a higher bit rate than DV, so 40min in DVCAM is equivalent to 60min in DV
Click to expand...

This is not entirely accurate. The data stream for DVCAM is exactly the same as that for DV. The difference is that DVCAM recording has wider track pitch, which is why recording in DVCAM consumes more tape than recording the same amount of footage in DV. DVCAM is a Sony format, recorded only by Sony camcorders. Here is a link to a Sony site describing the format. http://www.sony.ca/dvcam/support.htm

Given that DVCAM tapes are significantly more expensive than high quality regular DV tapes, I am wondering why you use them with the A1--is this something Canon recommends?
 
what sony tape should i use?

what sony tape should i use?

thanks. that's very helpful. i didn't realize that i couldn't shoot dvcam on canon. i just crossed over from sony and never even thought twice about that issue.
will it be okay for me to use dvcam tape? is it essentially the same as just shooting in mini dv? and for future reference, what sony tapes do you think are best to shoot with? i'm looking for as close to broadcast standard as i can get.
 
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