Consumer Electronics FAQ
Are miniDV tape reusable?
Can I record on a miniDV video, load it to my laptop, delete the content of the tape, consequently record again? over and over? Or must I save buying new tape?Answers:
They're reusable, just resembling a VHS or music cassette. NOT TRUE. Please ignore the associates saying they're totally reusable. Technically you can reuse the tape, but after the first use, you'll start getting dropped frames and other problems. I live/work in Hollywood and nobody would EVER reuse a video because the chance that a few second get messed up is in recent times too high. Also a college motion picture program we help out truly marks the kids' grades down if they ever reuse tape.
So here's 2 rules for you.
- Do NOT reuse tapes unless you unquestionably have to.
- Do NOT mix and clash tape brands surrounded by your camera, as it will gunk up the tape head and your camera will stop working. By this I mean do not put a Sony video in it in a minute, use a Panasonic tape subsequent week, and use a TDK tape the week after that. Find one cartridge brand and stick to it, or you're going to mess up your camera.
They are reuseable. But I wouldn't use them over and over again. I'm not sure how plentiful times you can use them.
RE-recordable ... YES.
The quality will other be the same because it's digital, but you might start to find slight glitches and dropped frames if the cartridge deteriorates with reuse.