JVC DV decks with DVCAM playback – will they record DVCAM?

[Nbrazzi]

Sorry, forgot to post links:

JVC SR-VS30U Mini-DV/S-VHS VCR with MiniDVCAM Playback

https://pro.jvc.com/prof/Attributes/features.jsp?feature_id=01&tree=&itempath=&model_id=MDL101333

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=250896&is=REG

[Todd Gillespie]

As far as my knowledge, you would need to buy a Sony deck to ‘record’ back to DVCAM. Most large format DV Decks will playback DVCAM, but Sony’s decks are the ONLY ones that can record DVCAM.

So you either want to Master back to DV or you might need to buy a Sony deck.
The DSR line are very good and very reliable. We have about 15 (11s, 20s & 40s) none as given us any problems. If you look around you can get a DSR-11 for about $1900.

Good Luck.

Todd at UCSB
Television Production

[Nbrazzi]

Thanks for your response, that helps a lot.

I still have some questions with DVCAM. I pulled out the PD-150 today to do a little testing in DVCAM mode. I shot some stuff in DVCAM mode, but was surprised to see that it played back fine in a cheap Mini-DV handycam. Does this mean that I didn’t successfully record in DVCAM mode or does it mean that that handycam has a DV-CAM playback mode? How can I check to see if the tape is recording DVCAM format?

Am I right in thinking that there is no difference in FCP when I’m editing DVCAM versus DV? The settings are all the same, right?

In which case could I use a camera like PD-150 or PD-X10 for capture, editing, and recording back to DVCAM from FCP? If I’m buying an $1800 DVCAM capture deck for a short term project, I might as well buy an $1800 camcorder with DVCAM mode (PD-X10), right?

[Todd Gillespie]

Hi nbrazzi,
Sorry for the delay,

One would think that buying a camera is better than buying a deck. You get a camera and a deck, all in one!!
Unfortunately, this is not the case. You will find many posts in this pastrue as well as others, where people did much the same thing only to realize now they have a camera that doesn’t work well. The most resent post I remember, the person had the camera less than 6 months! Then it died from too much editing use. Video cameras are not design to be playback or recorder units. The heads and support system are far inferior to deck components.
I remember the first time I started working in pro video with a BetaCam camcorder, I was told then, never to use the camera to playback, FF, or Rewind any tapes. It wares out the camera heads and components too much. And this is with a $40,000 unit! So this rule holds true across the entire spectrum of production. WHile DV tapes are small and do put less wear and tear on your camera, it’s still not a good idea.

So, you should probably decide what is best for you now? Would you benifit more from a deck? (because the bulk of your work is editing) or Would it be better to buy a camera? (since you shoot more footage than edit)
Of course this is an over simplifacation, as price, rentals, avalibility, etc matters as well.

q[nbrazzi] ” shot some stuff in DVCAM mode, but was surprised to see that it played back fine in a cheap Mini-DV handycam. Does this mean that I didn’t successfully record in DVCAM mode or does it mean that that handycam has a DV-CAM playback mode?”
It means you didn’t record in DVCAM mode. If a deck CAN play back DVCAM footage that is not a DVCAM deck, then it will usually playback slower. I’m not sure how to check if you’ve shot in DVCAM mode without a deck? Try playing back in the camera with all of your display setting on, one might tell you DV/DVCAM.

[nbrazzi] “Am I right in thinking that there is no difference in FCP when I’m editing DVCAM versus DV? The settings are all the same, right?
“
Yes this is true, DV is DV. The only difference with DVCAM is that you get a better recording because the tape is moving faster (more info over less space is better) and DVCAM is locked audio with video. A lot of editors run across this problem, where the audio will drift away from the video. DVCAM is a little better about this, although I’ve experience the same thing with DVCAM (although not for a couple of years).

Good Luck,

Todd at UCSB
Television Production