How to Copy Video Using Two Camcorders

Occasionally, it is necessary to copy video from one Mini-DV tape to another. Many production companies offer this service, but it is much less expensive and relatively easy to complete this task yourself. In just a few simple steps, you can set the camcorders up to duplicate the video, leaving you with an identical copy of the original.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 digital video camcorders
• 1 original Mini-DV tape (source tape)
• 1 black Mini-DV tape (target tape)
• 1 dual 4-prong firewire cable

1. Set up your two camcorders side by side and connect with your firewire cable. To make sure they are set up correctly, put your source tape in the source camcorder and press “Play.” The video should appear on both camcorder screens.

2. Place the target tape in the target camcorder and check that it is completely rewound. Repeat with your source tape.

3. Press the play button on your source camcorder. When the video appears on the target camcorder screen, press the target camcorder’s record button. The recording icon will appear on the target camera’s screen.

4. Monitor the camcorders periodically, to make sure that target Mini-DV has not run out. If one camcorder is set on long playing, you may need more than one Mini-DV for the complete transfer of the video. Once the recording is complete, press the stop button on both camcorders.

5. Rewind both Mini-DV tapes and label the copy. Review the tapes to make sure that the video was transferred successfully.