I accidentally filmed over some important stuff on a mini DV tape. Is there any way the previously recorded stuff can be retrieved? Is there a company out there that does this type of work?

Thanks for your help.

No. Although material is digital it's not like a computer's file system. I'm afraid you're toast. Don't take it too hard. I suspect most of us have done this...sometimes more than once.

Steps you can take in the future to help avoid this sort of problem:

1.) Never re-use tapes (they're so inexpensive that there's no real reason to re-use them).

2.) Always slide the cassette's record protection switch to the locked position after you're finished shooting. That way, if you accidentally put it back in the camcorder, it won't let you record on it. Hope this helps,

Roy, good to see you posting here. I was in camp with you, Robert H. and the DB guys last year in Burnet. One other tip is to avoid the temptation to review a tape until you get back home. If you do review it, pull the tape and slide the record prevention over as Chris mentioned. It's saved my butt a couple of times. Tape is the cheapest thing in your kit, buy it in bulk and keep shooting, buddy.