Here we have tried to answer some of the main questions people have.  If your query is not covered, please drop us an email to enquiries@hireacamera.com and we will be only too pleased to help.

What DVD's does it use?

Can I use my own DVDs?

Can I just play the DVD in my home player?

How easy are they to use?

Can I edit the footage?

Can I copy the DVDs?

What's the best way to clean the lens?

What DVD's does it use?

All of our DVD camcorder use 8cm Mini DVDs.  There are two formats of Mini DVD - one called -R/RW and one called +R/RW.  All of our camcorders will play on the -R/RW format, this being the most popular and more likely to play in domestic players (the DVD403 can also use +R/RW Mini DVDs).  The R and RW refers to whether the disc is just writeable or rewritable - the difference being with DVD-R's, you can only record once - you can always add to your current recording but cannot overwrite what you have already taken. 

Both discs last 30 minutes on short play.  You can switch to long play mode to last up to 60 minutes but in all honesty, to preserve the quality, we would recommend sticking with the standard play mode.

Can I use my own DVDs?

If you are using reputable DVD-R/RW Mini DVDs then the answer should be yes.  However we have had several instances of our clients not getting their DVDs to work and we are aware that there are several manufacturers of Mini DVD's that are unreliable.  For this reason, we cannot guarantee operation of the camcorders unless supplied with our own DVDs.  We test every single disc we send out before dispatch to ensure it works properly.  DVD-R's are available for £4 each and DVD-RW's at £7 each.  We are aware that there are cheaper discs available but our DVD-R's are pressed in the same factory as Sony use to ensure reliability and our DVD-RW's are either original Sony or Fuji stock.

Can I just play the DVD in my home player?

Yes!  All you must remember to do is finalise the DVD before ejecting it.  This effectively 'seals' the DVD to make it readable in any other DVD player.  Most of our cameras have a separate finalise button to make this as easy as possible.  For the others, it is merely a simple menu option.

How easy are they to use?

Obviously it varies with the model but it is fair to say that with every camcorder we hire, you will be able to film with it within minutes.  The main controls of On/Off, record and zoom buttons are really all you need to get going.  We provide a 'Get Started' guide with each model to outline these controls.  We also supply the manual, should you feel like exploring the more detailed options.

Can I edit the footage?

A few of our models have the ability to transfer the footage to a simple editing package installable on PCs with Windows XP.  However, we have found that this is not always reliable as some people have had problems with driver installation.  If you do want to edit the footage and do not have a firewire connection (this would enable you to edit Mini DV), then we would recommend looking at the Sony SR90E hard disk camcorder - this comes with USB connection and full software which we have found incredibly easy to use.  

Can I copy the DVDs?

If you have disc copying software and a DVD burner on your computer, there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to copy the DVDs - we have used with software from Roxio and Nero without problems. 

What's the best way to clean the lens?

The best way is to use a specific camera lens cloth.  Understandably, not everyone has one of these so the next best thing if you wear glasses is to use the cloth you use for cleaning them.  Please do not use a piece of clothing (like your shirt) to clean the lens as it could lead to scratching.