Are consumer DV and DVCAM compatible?
Both consumer DV and DVCAM are closely related, so much so that all DVCAM equipment also carries the DV logo guaranteeing full DV playback compatibility. As well most Sony DV products, except for the original two camera’s (DCR-VX700 and VX1000), also have full playback compatibility with DVCAM tapes. Many other manufactures DV products can playback DVCAM as well. In essence the record footprint is the largest difference between the two formats (DV=10um, DVCAM=15um) The DVCAM format is really just a professional extension of the DV format designed to meet the rigors of professional use. In fact one way to consider DVCAM is that it is the standard play mode providing superior professional performance and DV is the longer play mode of the format which provides performance consistent with consumer use.
