tape grade question

[dcman]

Hi guys,

I just ordered a Canon HV30, should arrive in a few days.

I would like to upgrade my tape quality, I've been using a Maxell tape, bought in bulk from Sam's Club. But, my GS-150 has had so many head clogging and transport mechanism problems I've come to the conclusion I should be buying something better. It may or may not be the tape, I've always used Maxell (so no likely issues with different tape emulsions) and panasonic is part of a group that is known for problems, but using a better grade of tape seems like an inexpensive way to control for problems in a new camera that may (or may not) be tape related.

I'm looking at panasonic tapes, that I can buy in bulk (I intend to use the same tape brand in the camera), but can't get any consensus on tape grades (consumer, pro, master, etc.) Which grade to other folks buy for their projects? If you have a particular tape or supplier you use, recommendation are always appreciated.

Thanks - dcman

[vsansal]

I've always used TDK tapes without any problems. They use to sell it in Costco but now I only see Sony tapes. Maybe it is only at my store I don't know.

[nantnee]

i think a majority of people (from what ive seen) use the panasonic ay-dvm63amq. I just ordered 10 of them for about 60 bucks. Shot a race with them, played them back and it looks great.

[vsansal]

i think a majority of people (from what ive seen) use the panasonic ay-dvm63amq. I just ordered 10 of them for about 60 bucks. Shot a race with them, played them back and it looks great.

$60 is a little expensive. I use regular MiniDV tapes which costs around $20 for 10 pack. There is no difference in terms if video quality between the regular MiniDV and the tapes labeled as HDV.

[avp]

How important is your video?

You can cheap out on the tapes and maybe luck out with no dropouts or head clog issues.
Or, if you want to minimize those chances, go with a better quality...or the best you can get.

I tend to look at every minute of video that I shoot as a reflection on me as a professional. And I owe it to my clients to give them my best. Nothing worse than a reshoot caused by using an inferior quality tape.

I use exclusively the Panasonic AY DVM 63-AMQ and have had exceptional results.

Just my 2¢...

Jeffro

[vsansal]

How important is your video?

You can cheap out on the tapes and maybe luck out with no dropouts or head clog issues.
Or, if you want to minimize those chances, go with a better quality...or the best you can get.

I tend to look at every minute of video that I shoot as a reflection on me as a professional. And I owe it to my clients to give them my best. Nothing worse than a reshoot caused by using an inferior quality tape.

I use exclusively the Panasonic AY DVM 63-AMQ and have had exceptional results.

Just my 2¢...

Jeffro


You may be right Jeffro, but in my case I didn't have a single dropout with the TDK tapes I've used over the years so far. That's why I've suggested those tapes. And in terms of video quality there is no difference, at least to my eye, using a regular MiniDV and an HDV tape.

[kgimedia]

I used to use the AMQ but have long ago switched to the PQ. Which is a switch from "Advanced Master Quality" to "Professional Quality". After much research I found this to be a good compromise of quality/price. Other then a slight difference in tape formulation the main difference is the actual mechanical parts of the tape. The AMQ is designed for multiple playbacks in a professional environment. With the low cost of hard drives these days very few of my tapes are ever run though the transports more then twice. Once in my DVX-100, then again during full resolution capture into FCP. In my market the cost difference is $7 for the AMQ and $4.50 for the PQ. On a per tape basis this is not a big difference, but when you are shooting with 4 Cameras for 3 days all day tape cost can start to eat into profit or even price you out of a bid. All that being said still much cheaper then film or Beta SP.