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DV Information
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DV is a relatively new digital videotape format. At the present time DV videotape has nothing to do with the upcoming digital television broadcast system you may have read about or seen in demonstrations. The video signal from a DV camcorder or VCR is of the same NTSC standard as VHS- it's just a much higher quality signal.
At Kern Video Productions we've invested in Panasonic's Professional version of DV, DVCPRO. DVCPRO is much more rugged than consumer DV and accepts larger cassettes that run up to three hours. This makes our DVCPRO camera ideal for meetings, seminars and live events. The DVCPRO deck we use for editing and dubbing has the ability to play consumer DV and Sony DVCAM tapes of all sizes as well. DVCPRO has worked so well that we quickly replaced all the professional Hi-8 equipment we previously used for low-end projects.
You have probably seen consumer DV camcorders in the Sunday newspaper ads. If you check them out you will find it hard to believe that an hour of video will fit on such a tiny cassette (2 x 2-1/2 inches). You will also be shocked the first time you see the image quality- it's great. At a cost of only about $1-3k they are a bargain.
Is it a good idea to purchase your own DV camcorder? Sometimes, it's good business. Certain subjects require much more patience than skill. If the shot you need requires a very long wait for the right moment, whatever shot you get will be better than no shot at all. Your subject may be in a remote location that's difficult to reach. Rather than pay us for extensive time or travel, it may be better to shoot it yourself with your own camera or hire a professional in the remote location to do it.
If you're comfortable with your own shooting skills, DV is definitely the video format of choice today. We can help you edit your footage into a high quality finished project. All DV camcorders generate time code, which can be read by our edit systems. We can make a window dub of your DV tapes on VHS to make time code visible or you can view your source tapes in the camcorder with the time code visible on the screen. You can log the time codes and notes for your desired shots. We can edit from this list, saving time and money. See the article on Window Dubs for more information.
Many consumer DV camcorders have an LP mode that increases record time by 50%. Avoid LP mode. Our machines can't play it, but the bigger problem is that LP tapes do not play reliably on other decks. They may not even play back in the original camcorder later due to mechanism adjustment and wear.
Why should you hire Kern Video Productions when you can buy a DV camcorder and shoot your video project yourself? While consumer DV camcorders offer outstanding picture quality, they lack professional features. High-resolution viewfinders (for precise focusing), full proportional control of zoom speed, and zoom lenses that hold focus during zooming are important missing features in consumer DV camcorders. Further, you probably do not wish to invest in professional quality wireless microphones, a fluid head tripod, and a good lighting kit. These "accessory items," which make more difference in production value than the camera itself, each cost more than a good consumer DV camcorder.
The most valuable benefits we offer, however, are talent and experience. Our videographer, Richard Penner, knows how to light, compose, and shoot. He knows how to coax a good performance from non-professional talent. His experience of over twenty years of professional videography carries him through problems that stump the less experienced.
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If you're thinking about shooting a video in DV, need help with an existing project, or simply have a question, call Norm Kern or Richard Penner
at 937-428-0977 today to discuss your needs.
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Video frames on this page were all shot with our DVCPRO camera. Click a picture to view large version
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