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