MiniDV tape
(DV stands for digital video) greatly increased the quality of home movies when it was introduced in 1995. The small size of DV tape cartridges has also led to its popularity for professional applications. A DV tape can record video in higher resolution than a DVD.
Instructions
1. MiniDV tapes are only available in two lengths: 60/90 and 80/120. The 60/90 can record 60 minutes of video at regular resolution or 90 minutes at a lower quality, while the 80/120 gives 80 and 120 minutes, respectively.
2. Insert the tape into the camcorder. To do this, press eject on the camcorder body; a metal tape holder will pop out from the camcorder. Place the DV tape inside, with the tape side facing down. Press down on the plastic cover, not the metal holder, to load the tape.
3. Start recording by pressing the record button on the camcorder. You can stop and start as many times as you want.
4. Upload the video. Because MiniDV stores information digitally, you can import the video onto your computer and burn it to DVD. The best connection between the camcorder and computer for this purpose is FireWire, or IEEE1394. When used in conjunction with a program like Nero, you can use the computer to control the camcorder. However, the video has to be recorded onto the computer in real time, so a full 60-minute MiniDV tape will take 60 minutes to import into the computer.
5. Reuse the tapes. While most people believe that MiniDV tapes will eventually wear out with repeated use, since they are digital, you can rerecord over old data in perfect quality. Eventually, as the tape wears down, you will start to notice dropouts in the video or pops in the audio; throw out the tape when that happens. Professional videographers will usually only use a tape once to avoid suffering a dropout at an inopportune time.
Tags: MiniDV tape, MiniDV tapes