Sony HVR-V1E User Guide

The DVCAM format was developed as a 
more reliable and higher-end format than 
the consumer DV format. Explained here 
are the differences, compatibility, and 
limitations on editing for the DVCAM and 
DV formats.

*

There are 2 modes for audio recording, lock 
mode and unlock mode. In lock mode, the 
sampling frequencies of audio and video are 
synchronized. Therefore, lock mode is more 
effective than unlock mode in digital 
processing and smooth transition during audio 
editing.

The recording format of the picture is 
defined according to the recorder’s format 
as described below.

b

• This camcorder complies with the DVCAM 

format.Though mini DV cassettes can be used 
for recording, we recommend you use mini 
DVCAM cassettes to get the most out of the 
high reliability of the DVCAM format.

• The recording time of mini DV cassettes is 1/3 

shorter than that indicated on mini DV cassettes 
when recorded in the DVCAM format.

Specification

DVCAM

DV

TRACK 
Pitch

15 µm

10 µm

Audio 
sampling 
frequency

12 bit:32 
kHz
16 bit:48 
kHz

12 bit:32 kHz
16 bit:48 kHz
44.1 kHz
48 kHz

Audio 
recording 
mode*

Lock mode

Lock/Unlock 
mode

Recorder’s 
format

Cassette’s 
format

Recording 
format

DVCAM

DVCAM 
DV

DVCAM

DV

DVCAM 
DV

DV

Tape

On DV video 
equipment

On DVCAM 
video 
equipment

DV 
formatted

Can be 
playback

Can be 
played back 
only when 
recorded in 
SP mode

DVCAM 
formatted

Can be 
played back 
on some 
equipment

Can be 
playback

,