The DVCAM Format
DVCAM is a variation of the DV format developed by Sony and aimed at the semi-professional and lower-end professional market.
DVCAM uses the same type of tape and compression as DV and MiniDV but at a higher speed (almost 50% faster).
DVCAM VCRs can play back DV content, and some VCRs can also play DVCPRO.
DVCAM also provides an HD mode.
Specifications at a Glance
| Tape: | ME (Metal Evaporate) |
| Track Pitch | 15 micrometres |
| Track Width: | 15 micrometres (10 micrometres on some early gear) |
| Tape Speed: | 28.215 mm/sec |
| Record Time: | Standard: 184 mins, MiniDV: 40 mins. |
| Compression: | Intra-frame, 5:1 DVC-format DCT, 25 Mbps video data rate |
| Resolution & Sampling: | 720x576, 4:2:0 (PAL), 720x480, 4:1:1 (NTSC) |
| Audio: | 2 ch @ 48 kHz, 16 bits;
4 ch @ 32 kHz, 12 bits Will accept 2 ch @ 44.1 kHz, 16 bits via 1394 I/O; locked. |