Can someone explain the DVCAM recording standard? If I shoot in this standard, can I play back the tapes on plain old DV decks? I have an old TRV900 that I would like to use as my logging and capturing "deck" for a doc I'm shooting. Can I do that if I shoot on the PD170 in the DVCAM mode? And can I import it into Final Cut Pro using the DV preset?

Hi David! Take a look at this site:

http://www.adamwilt.com

great site frank, thanks! tells me a lot...which kind of makes me think it's a crap shoot. what I don't understand is if the tape moves faster in dvcam, how can it be played back on a regular dv "deck"?

It cannot necessarily be played back on a DV deck unless the deck is a Sony (which are all DVCam decks) or one of the selected professional JVC and Panasonic decks.

Many but not all Sony cameras can play back DVCam recordings. I do not believe any other camera brands can do so.

The Sony tape decks measure the frame pulses written to tape Dave, and physically change the speed of the capstan drive when you switch from LP to SP to DVCAM. You can actually hear the DSR11 change speed as different recordings come its way. The heads continue to spin at the same speed of course, as the 9.5m/sec writing speed is unchanged between the LP, SP and CAM speeds.

tom.