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. Continue reading →