How to Clean a Mini DV Camera

When your mini DV camera images become fuzzy or your camera begins to malfunction, you need to clean the heads of the camera. Many experts also recommend cleaning your camera after fifty hours of recording even if your picture looks fine. Using mini DV cleaning tapes can help you quickly straighten out the images you see on the camera and they're usually included with your camera purchase.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mini DV camera
• Cleaning cassette
• Mini DV cassette

1. Insert the cleaning tape into your mini DV camera. Make sure your cleaning tape is the same brand as your camera. Most cleaning cassette tapes come with your camera purchase or you can purchase them at any electronics store.

2. Press the "Play" button and play the tape for ten seconds.

3. Stop the tape. Remove it from the camera and store it in a familiar place for your next cleaning.

4. Check that your camera is working properly. Insert a mini DV cassette you've already recorded and watch the video playback carefully for any signs of malfunction.

5. Repeat the steps above once more if you see any video problems. Consider getting your camera serviced if the cleaning tape doesn't solve your issue.

Tips & Warnings

• Use your cleaning tape sparingly. Overuse can lead to a damaged camera because the tape has an abrasive surface that may scratch and damage the camera heads over time.
• Don't play the cleaning tape longer than ten seconds at each cleaning and don't clean the camera more than two times in a row.