Is a camcorder mini DV cassette reusable?

Question

Can I re-record on a Mini DV Cassette?

Also, how do I transfer it to the computer?

I'm new to this.

Thanks

Answer 1

Yes, you can re-record over a Mini DV. I have a camcorder that uses these. But unfortunly most cannot be put on the computer. I bought a DVD Recorder for this. I can hook my camera up to the computer to be used as a webcam but the video cannot be trasnfered.

As long as your camera hooks into a TV (which it should) you can then record the footage onto the DVD. But your computer has to be able to support DVD's.

Answer 2

Yes, Mini DV tapes are reusable.

You can easily transfer digital video to your PC if both your computer and camcorder sport a firewire connection. To learn how to do this read "Transferring Digital Video from a Digital Camcorder to my PC" over at TechLore.

http://www.techlore.com/article/10222/Tr...

Answer 3

Technically, MiniDV tapes can be reused - but you will risk getting "drop outs"... That is, a couple of frames will just go away during playback. I have never re-used a tape in over 6 years and have never had dropout problems.

Your miniDV tape based camcorder has a DV port. you will connect this to your computer's firewire 400 port using a firewire cable. USB will not work.

If your computer does not have a firewire (IEEE1394, i.Link - all the same thing) port, install one. They are generally easy to install and cheap. The firewire cables are cheap too. If you are using a Macintosh, they have had firewire ports for 6+ years - the only exception is the new Mac Air.

When you connect the camcorder, it needs to be in "Play/Edit" mode. Using Microsoft MovieMaker, "Capture" the video. Using Apple iMovie, Import the video.