Are MiniDV tapes interchangeable?
 

If I shot 720p 24fps and handed the tape off to someone, would they need the same camera to capture it to their computer? Or can they use any MiniDV camera?

If not, what if I shot 30fps, would that make a difference?

I'm doing a shoot but they want me to hand them the tape right after the shoot, and I was concerned they wouldn't be able to capture.

Thanks!

Chris,
For your client to play back your JVC ProHD footage at 720p/24fps or 30fps, they would require either a JVC HD100/110/200/250 camcorder or the BRHD50U ProHD player/recorder to capture the footage.

Another option would be for you to shoot on the Focus HDD and hand them the drive to obtain the footage.

Best Regards,
Scott Cantrell
Tapeworks Texas Inc - HDVinfo Sponser
tapeworksscott@sbcglobal.net
Houston, TX 713-688-3830
Toll Free 866-827-3489

I believe that some other JVC mini-dv cams will play the footage back, but there is a greater chance of digital hick-ups...

As well as the cam eating your tape.

So the answer to your question is yes, in theory, but with a big warning.

john

Only the 1st generation JVC HDV camera can play the tapes, and then only if at 720p30. Otherwise you have to shoot standard dv for a tape compatibility that clients not vested in JVC can use.

Otherwise, you will need to capture the data from tape (or from focus HDD if you have it), and possibly even transcode it to a format appropriate for their uses.

I find many clients aren't really that well informed about how, why and when to use HD anyway, and thats part of my job is consulting on the right approach.

the jvc hd1/10 will play back 720p24 over firewire to an nle, but will not preview the video on the LCD screen. if you are worried about viewing what you are capturing, use vegas to preview. I've been through this process countless times. Then I just import the .m2t files into any supporting nle I choose to edit with. I'm sure the now hard to find jvc portable hdv player would work in a similar situation.