| Mini DV tapes look like analog tapes used for | | | | worth recording time. The three extra minutes, on a |
| recording, but they are almost 1/6th their size. Apart | | | | tape of 63 minutes, for example, are for trial recording. |
| from being more compact, they have the advantage | | | | This feature is very useful for those creating |
| of clearer sound quality, reduced noise, and higher | | | | professional videos and films. The Sony DVM 30 PRL |
| output. They are available on various websites and | | | | has a recording time of exactly 60 minutes, while Sony |
| from retailers of electronic items. The dimensions of | | | | DVM 63 has the three minutes extra for adjusting the |
| Mini DV tapes are 2.6\"× 2\" × 0.5\". The | | | | recorder or camcorder. Also, price is an important |
| tape is coiled inside a plastic case with a flap to | | | | factor when it comes to buying in bulk. Many online |
| protect the tape from dust, scratches and other | | | | stores retail Mini DV tapes in bulk. For example, Sony |
| damage. The tapes are magnetized on both sides and | | | | DVM 30 are sold on for $4 per tape, for a collection |
| optionally may be covered by a layer of carbon to | | | | of tapes ranging from 5 to 100 tapes. Purchases over |
| improve the sound quality. The major manufacturers | | | | $50 are given further discounts. Other websites offer |
| of Mini DV tapes are TDK, Maxell, Sony, Fuji, | | | | sizeable discounts depending on the brand. A Fuji tape |
| Panasonic, RCA, and JVC. Like all items related to | | | | of 60 minutes length generally costs $14, but the price |
| electronic goods, a little research is needed in order to | | | | may come down to as low as $6 when retailed by |
| locate the tape that will best suit your needs. First, think | | | | these online stores. Apart from Mini DV tapes, these |
| of the duration of the recording that you need. Mini DV | | | | websites also retail items like DV cleaners needed to |
| tapes are available with 30, 60, 63, 80, or 83 minutes | | | | properly maintain the tapes. |