What is better to film using Digital 8 tapes, SP or LP?

Question

I'm using a Sony DCR-TRV280 Handycam® Camcorder for making Independent Films, and want to know what recording speed I should use?

Answer 1

The quality is exactly the same in SP and LP mode, for all digital tape-based camcorders. The LP mode works by slowing down the tape speed. This does increase the chance that a tape dropout will cause enough disruption to damage a frame or more of video, which of course may be a problem for you.

So I would recommend SP. In fact, one of my two camcorders is a pro-quality model from Sony's Broadcast division, and in DV mode it doesn't even offer an LP setting, but instead, a format called DVCAM. While this has a few other tigher specs, the main advantage is that it's recording faster than SP mode.... 40 minutes on a 60 minute tape. Same video quality, but even less chance of a critical dropout.

With all that said, your choice of tape will also determine your likelihood of hitting tape dropouts. I don't what's available in 8mm these days, but I use Panasonic AY-DVM63PQ and AY-DVM83PQ tapes for my HDV camcorders. The 83 minute version is nearly as long as LP mode would be, without the compromise. These aren't super expensive, either, and definitely worth a bit more than the garden variety you'd find at Best Buy. I buy these in bulk from B&H in New York, which also lowers the price.

Answer 2

Standard speed or SP. The tolorances are very tight on the tape alignment and recordings made at LP may not be playable on other equipment. Dropouts on the tape are more serious at LP. Not a problem when recording soap operas, but not good for once in lifetime shots. Otherwise the video and audio quality are the same.