Compatibility of DVCAM and DV formats
DVCAM format is developed as a more reliable and higher end format than consumer DV format. Here are explained about DVCAM and DV formats: the differences, compatibility, and limitations on editing.
Differences between DVCAM and DV formats
Item | DVCAM | DV |
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Track pitch | 15 μm | 10 μm |
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Audio sampling | 12 bit: 32 kHz | 12 bit: | 32 kHz |
frequency | 16 bit: 48 kHz | 16 bit: | 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz |
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Audio recording mode 1) | Lock mode | Unlock mode | |
Time code | Drop frame system or | Drop frame system only | |
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1)There are two modes for audio recording, lock mode and unlock mode. In lock mode, the sampling frequencies of audio and video are synchronized. In unlock mode, which consumer DV format adopts, the two sampling frequencies are independent. Therefore, lock mode is more effective than unlock mode in digital processing and smooth transition during audio editing.
DVCAM and DV cassettes
Both DVCAM and DV cassettes can be used on DVCAM or DV video equipment. The recording format of picture is defined according to recorder’s format as described below.
Recorder’s format | Cassette’s format | Recording format |
DVCAM | DVCAM | DVCAM |
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| DV | DVCAM |
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DV | DVCAM | DV |
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| DV | DV |
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This digital camcorder complies with DVCAM format. Though DV cassettes can be used for recording, we recommend you to use DVCAM cassettes to get the most out of high reliability of DVCAM format. The recording time of DV cassettes is 2/3 shorter than that indicated on the DV cassettes.
Compatibility on playback
Some tapes cannot be played back on DVCAM or DV video equipment.
Tape | On DV video equipment | On DVCAM video equipment |
Can be played back | Can be played back | |
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| (only when recorded in SP mode) |
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Some equipments may be | Can be played back | |
| able to play back |
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