PD-170 media- DVcam and DV
 

Is it possible to shoot DV format using a DVcam tape in my PD-170? Reason being is I'm trying to stick to the same tape stock and some ceremony's (weddings) can be longer than 40 minutes. Thanks in advance.

Yes. It's a camera function, not a tape function. Go into the menu and switch over from DVCAM to DV. However, do not record a part of one tape in DVCAM and then the rest of it in DV mode--you'll have trouble capturing all of the footage. You'll get 60 min. record time off the 40 min. DVCAM tapes when shooting DV.

I thought that was true- just needed confirmation. Thanks.

You can probably use the 80min dv tapes for recording events longer than 1hr in the dv rather than dvcam format.

I use 80 minute tapes frequently in both my 150's and have had excellant sucess with them. HOWEVER, I also will change a 60 minute during Communion (at a Catholic Full Mass ceremony).
The first menu is the shooting mode; just switch from DVCAM to DV and you'll be all set.
Don