Can I use non mini DVCAM tapes when shooting in DVCAM mode? What are the pros and cons?

I am asking because I am at the crossroads of buying, in bulk, either DVCAM or regular mini dv tapes. I want to stay within brand and type so as not to experience the lubricant mixing issues.

http://bssc.sel.sony.com/Professional/markets/production/productsite/dvcam/whyDVCAMmedia.html

This is a Sony site and leaves my questions somewhat unanswered.

1) DVCAM tape is stronger with fewer dropouts.

I understand that BUT...

Can I still record in DVCAM mode with a regular, non-DVCAM tape?

To anybody who's interested, I did some digging.

http://technology.communication.utexas.edu/dv/pdf/whatisdvcam.pdf
www.cinematography.com/forum2004/lofiversion/index.php?t1210.html
www.cinematography.com/forum2004/lofiversion/index.php?t1599.html
www.creativevideo.co.uk/pages/cvp_info_dv-vs-dvcam.htm
www.camcorderinfo.combbs/archive/index.php/t-59845.html
http://www.uemforums.com/2pop/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=46039&Main=45559

Sorry to interrupt your private discussion... ;-)

I have never bought the DVCAM tapes myself and have used the regular Sony Premium tapes in DVCAM mode without any problems. I believe you'll find that many other people do this as well. BTW, I just got a bunch of the Sony Premiums on sale at Target this week at 2 for $9.99 which is the best price I've ever seen at a local retail store.

Boyd, you DEFINITLY have to do your media shopping online. Tapestockonline.com has the Sony Premiums for $3 a pop.

I just ordered from a place called TAPE RESOURCES who sold Sony Premium to me for 3.49 per tape.

Yeah, that's true, but mail order doesn't help much when you only need a few and you need them right away. And anyhow, it's not even my money.... ;-)

Back to the original questions, I have somehting that I'm not sure about as I haven't actually been able to see the Pd150 or 170.

If they are DVCAM can i use minidv tapes in them as well. Does it give me the option to record in DV or DVCAM, as in get 40 or 60 min?

And if I use DVcam tapes, can i import those with a regular minidv camcorder?

Thanks
Patrick

Mini-dv tapes can be recorded in DV-CAM mode but a 60 minute tape will only record 40 minutes in DV-CAM mode.

From what I have heard, most sony consumer camcorders will playback a mini-dv tape that was recorded in DV-CAM mode but won't record in DV-CAM.

It's possible that non Sony lower end camcorders may not play back DV-CAM recorded mini-dv tapes, the Canon ZR-65 does not play back DV-CAM recorded on mini-dv tapes.