Do not mix formats on tape

[Michael Hackney]

You know how it says that in the manual. Well I was wondering if they meant not to mix HDV and DV, or also to not mix frame rates such as HDV24p and HDV30i ... ?

[Murrelet]

So I labeled tapes and when I shoot in a specific format I add to the tape that has that designation. Didn't know what else to do...:hv20-smilie03:

[Michael Hackney]

Ya I'm pretty sure they mean between HDV and DV, but I wasn't sure if the frame rate mattered, I dunno why it would though.

[RobH]

I just got my camera on Monday and one of the first things I read in the manual was this same thing. I wanted so badly to try out the 24P, so I started filming in this. But also want to try out just regular HD mode, but have been "scared" to based on the manual. Is there anybody that has technical information out there that can help answer this question. I think sometimes (if there is going to be a lot of movement) I would like to shoot in regular HD mode, but indoors and just for effect, I would like to go with 24P, but don't want to have to switch tapes. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Mal]

The mixing of footage on the tape is probably advised against because of potential capture problems; i.e. your capture program might have difficulties in recognizing the change and import the footage incorrectly.
A simple solution would be to make sure you record a few extra seconds in the beginning and at the end of each format (24p, 60i, DV, HDV), and then you could always manually import the clips.
There's no technical reason not to have multiple fomats on the tape, it'll all record just fine...it's only 1's and 0's after all! ;)

[Rikki]

Agreed. Ive recorded loads of stuff for test in different formats on the one tape - just leave a gap