The Sony Pd-170allows you to record in two different modes. There is the standard mode, the DV mode and the DVCAM mode. In the first the camera records more slowly, turning the heads slower, and allows you to use up your whole tape. A 60 minute tape will be 60 minutes – in terms of usable tape. In DVCAM mode the camera records faster, turning the heads faster thus allowing you to record the maximum of only 40 minutes using a 60 minute tape.
In terms of tapes there are two to choose from. The mini dv cassettes which come in a variety of manufacturers labels and are relatively low cost, and the Sony DVCAM- mini tapes. These tapes look virtually the same except for the word DVCAM on the case & tape. They are also more expensive. Sony had, and still has the tendency to be proprietary, in essence create specific products that work mostly or exclusively together. So in this case Sony always reccomends using Sony mini dv tapes, but more importantly strongly reccomends that only Sony DVCAM tapes are used for DVCAM recording.
So why all this trouble? Well if you want to shoot like professionals do then having the right tools is important. In this case shooting in DVCAM mode and using Sony DVCAM tapes is the way to go. DVCAM is a more vigorous and healthier recording mode, it is more reliable, minimizes errors and corrects floating errors that may occur so you don’t get drop outs or missing audio or video in your recording. There is a visible difference between both modes.
So the question doesn’t become “why should I use it?” it becomes “why not?!”
Follow instructions to change modes:
- Switch the camera on
- Press the MENU button
- Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial until the CASSETTE icon is highlighted
- Push the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial in to select the CASSETTE sub menu
- Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial until the words REC MODE is highlighted
- Push the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial in to select the REC MODE options
- Choose either DVCAM or DV SP mode on
- Push the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial in to select the mode options
- Turn the dial to the return option to get out of the menu options
J.I – Senior Mediazone Officer
