Betacam FAQ
- What kind of record times can I expect when using NTSC Betacam, Betacam SP or Digital Betacam lengths to shoot in PAL?
- Will the Sony BCT-30MA tapes work in an ED Beta Sony unit?
- Will Betacam Oxide work in a Betamax VCR?
What kind of record times can I expect when using NTSC Betacam, Betacam SP or Digital Betacam lengths to shoot in PAL?
| Betacam Metal/Oxide | Recording Mode | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cassette Model | Tape Length(m) | NTSC | PAL |
| BCT-5MA/G | 42 | 5 | 6 |
| BCT-10MA/G | 78 | 10 | 12 |
| BCT-20MA/G | 150 | 20 | 24 |
| BCT-30MA/G | 222 | 30 | 36 |
| BCT-5ML/GL | 58 | 5 | 9 |
| BCT-10ML/GL | 93 | 10 | 15 |
| BCT-20ML/GL | 172 | 20 | 29 |
| BCT-30ML/GL | 243 | 30 | 39 |
| BCT-60ML/GL | 457 | 60 | 75 |
| BCT-90ML/GL | 670 | 90 | 110 |
Will the Sony BCT-30MA tapes work in an ED Beta Sony unit?
Sony experts say, yes! Betacam SP will work with ED Beta machines.
Any of the small shell BCT-MA series tapes will work. Running time in Beta II mode is 6X the stated Betacam SP running time. Thus, a BCT-10MA would run 60 minutes, a BCT-30MA would run 180 minutes and so forth.
Here's a list of what's available:
Betacam SP - Small Cassette
Will Betacam Oxide work in a Betamax VCR?
Once again, we consulted the Sony experts, and yes! Betacam Oxide will work in Betamax VCRs.
What we still have available can be found here: