Which tape to use (Again!)

M

mcp

Member
I know this has been pretty thoroughly discussed, but I have a more specific question.

I only use the camera for wedding videos, and I need to decide between the PQ tapes and the AMQ tapes. My main concerns are head wear and re-usablility of the tapes.

Should I buy the cheaper tapes, and not bother reusing them, or would it be wiser to buy the AMQ's and plan to reuse them a few times. This, of course, assumes that the client doesn't buy the original tapes, which I give them the option to do.

And how significantly better are the AMQ's when it comes to preserving the heads?
 
I would buy the PQ's and NOT reUse them. Why take a risk of dropouts or other problems. I use the PQ's for broadcast work all of the time. I never reuse tapes unless in a dire emergency (and that hasn't happened yet, knock on wood).
 
That's what I was leaning towards, but when they said the AMQ are easier on the heads, that's what got me wondering. Does anyone know how significantly better they are?
 
I too would like to know the answer to this question. How much better is AMG than PQ? Is PQ better to shoot with, whilst MQ is better for archiving? Or waht?
 
tumbleweed said:
I would buy the PQ's and NOT reUse them. Why take a risk of dropouts or other problems. I use the PQ's for broadcast work all of the time. I never reuse tapes unless in a dire emergency (and that hasn't happened yet, knock on wood).
Click to expand...
Agreed.

I wouldn't worry too much about head wear or even performance between those two tapes. I've used both and although I can't tell you much about head wear I can say that I didn't notice any difference in performance.
 
I'm officially down to my last MQ. From here on out, I'm gonna use PQ's. (hopefully it won't be much longer before I can upgrade to P2)
 
saturnin said:
same here..as long as its a panasonic tape youre ok....just dont switch brands....
Click to expand...
OK what "IF" other brands were used...??

Not knowing about staying with the same brand...
What should I do now - concerning the head...??
 
Different types of tapes have different lubes.
Switching the type of tape can cause droputs, head clogs etc.
This doesn't HAVE TO HAPPEN, but you are increasing the risk of different kinds of problems by constantly switching the brand of tapes.
It is advisable to perform a head cleaning between the switching of brand (if you have no other choice but to switch to different brand).
If you are making money from you DVX, then you want to minimize all the risks regarding the tapes.
Ex.: If you choose Panasonic PQ - then stay with that brand all the time and only record once on one tape. By reusing it (over-recording) you are also increasing the risk of droputs and quality degradation.
 
for 2 years i only used panny tapes, so about a month ago i had to use a sony tape...well i put the ****er in and guess WHAT..my camera gave me an error, a big RED bloody X or whatver it was, i almost had a heart attack. I knew not to use other tapes but thats the only one i had aviabale @ the time, so i had to.

i stick to one brand, pannasonic- yes what darmanb says, each manufacturer makes eitehr wet/dry tapes...etc.

dont chance it cuz u'll be looking up the "error" like i did here and hoping the camera isnt ****ed!
 
I live in baltimore, md. and I dont where to find either of these tapes i've been to ritz camera and a couple of other stores they only have the 3ccd tapes. anyone know where I might be able to find them ?
 
I have only been able to find them online. BH offers discounts for larger quantities, so just place an order that will last you for awhile.
 
staygettin said:
I live in baltimore, md. and I dont where to find either of these tapes i've been to ritz camera and a couple of other stores they only have the 3ccd tapes. anyone know where I might be able to find them ?
Click to expand...
Well I did find this....
Panasonic AY-DVM60EJ 60 Minute Mini DV Tape Item# PAN-AY-DVM60EJ
$2.49, 50 for $117.50, 100 for $229.00, 500 for $1,095.00
Availability: Usually ships the same business day. [ LINK ]

50 - $2.35 Free Shipping!
100 - $2.29 Free Shipping!
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top