High Definition DV

[Ferdi Willemse]

Hi guys,

This is probably one of those questions you can only laugh about, but if that's the thing, then at least I gave you a reason to laugh.

Anyway, I was trying to get the Canon High-Definition tapes like the one that came with the XH-A1, but there are no shops around that sell them. So an alternative is probably the Sony High-Definition DV-tape. But it's almost twice as cheap. So is there a major difference between the two?

Thanks!

[redfuse]

If you ask me, you could just buy regular mini-dv tape, as long as you always use the same. And if you do have to switch from one type of tape to the other, run a cleaning tape in between. We always use TDK-tape, that's widely available in holland, which is nice if you're in a different place and run out of tape...

[Huy Vu]

The Sony HDV tape actually doesn't guarantee no dropout. I just used a brand new Sony tape and ended up losing a bunch of footage due to drop out. Use any tape, but stick to the same brand.

[t-h-e-w-h-o]

panasonic MQ tapes work well, but, like people are saying you can use any tape. Just know there may be room for dropouts.

[Ferdi Willemse]

Okay, thanks for the feedback, guys. What causes the camera to act different when you use different tapes, though?

[redfuse]

Okay, thanks for the feedback, guys. What causes the camera to act different when you use different tapes, though?

Different chemicals on the tapes. We had to throw away a few hours of shooting once because we used jvc tape instead of the panasonic tape we normally used, because the store only sold those. So find a cheap and widely available kind of tape, and stick to it...

[Jason Ramsey]

Different tape brands use different type of lubricants. Mixing tapes will mix those diff. lubes on your tape heads and gunk them up.

Jason

[Bogdan]

I've been using regular Sony and TDK MiniDV tapes. No dropouts so far. I think in many cases dropouts occur because of environment. Dust particles pose more risk than tape imperfections, as long as you use brand tapes from trusted sources.

[PaPa]

you dont need HD tapes?

[t-h-e-w-h-o]

you dont need HD tapes?

Nope