Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Can Mini HDV read Mini DV

Nov 29, 2010 12:42PM PST

My mini DV camcorder is kaput and I still have lots of tapes I haven't transferred to my PC. If I buy a new mini-HDV, will I be able to use it to transfer my old mini-DV tapes to PC?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Depend on the camera
Nov 29, 2010 5:32PM PST

Hi,

I know that for certain that if you own a dual format video cmaera, that can record HD and Standard definition, then you can transfer your old tapes, howver, im not too sure if you can with a normal camera. You could try it, but I dont reccoment it. That is because each manufacturer of tapes (sony, JVC etc) uses different jubricants for their tapes and it is not healthy tomix these tapes as it can wear to damage your camera heads.

As for getting your footage tranfereed then you can Hire a tape deck from any camera gear, hire store, or you can try with any other video cameras you mayhave.

There will most certainly be a way,

Regards,

Aidan

- Collapse -
If the miniDV tapes
Nov 30, 2010 5:37AM PST

recorded by the camcorder were recorded at SP speed as normal 4:3 aspect ratio standard definition video, then any miniDV tape camcorder or miniDV tape deck can play them back - including HDV camcorders recording to miniDV tape.

If the miniDV tapes recorded by the camcorder were recorded at SP speed as DV Widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio) standard definition video, it *might* depend on the camcorder's playback capabilities - but most HDV camcorders should not have any issue with this.

If the miniDV tapes recorded by the camcorder were recorded at LP speed (available in standard def only), then you might have some compatibility issues.

As far as I know, HDV format camcorders all can record and playback both standard definition, DV format, video at SP speed and high definition, HDV format video (no choice on speed).

I think the current least expensive HDV cams are the Canon HV40 and Sony HDR-HC9.