miniDV or miniDV "Pro" tapes for XHA1 ?

Randall_Oelerich

Randall_Oelerich

Veteran
I am about to take the plunge and buy an XH-A1, plus likely will get a Letus adapter for it. My question regarding supplies is, is it really worth the extra ca$h to buy "Pro" miniDV tapes for the camcorder, or do the miniDV tapes without the "Pro" attached to their name work just as well? Has anybody really look at footage, noticed a significant difference? Probably been asked before, apologies if that is the case.
~randall
 
The type of tape you use wont make one ounce of difference, picture wise. I have used Sony premiums for over 3 years without any problems, and at just over £1 each they are more than affordable. The higher grade HDV tapes will give you less chance of errors whilst recording. If you are happy to pay between 7 to 12 times more than premiums, and it puts your mind at rest then go for the more expensive tapes.
 
Just as colin said, there is no difference in picture quality. The key is to decide what tape you want to use, then stick to those religiously. This is because you don't want to mix the tape lubricants from two different brands. It can really gum up the works in your camera's tape drive.

I use these Sony HD tapes:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/352232-REG/Sony_DVM63HDR_DVM_63HD_Mini_DV_Video.html#features

The reason is because I shoot weddings, events, and other types of video projects for pay, I want to make sure that I don't get a tape drop out and jeopardize a paying project. I can usually add the tape cost to an invoice for a lot of projects as well, so in the end the client pays for the tapes used for that particular job.

If you are just shooting your own film for fun or experience though, then I would think it wouldn't be as much of an issue. However, I would be pretty bummed out if a tape dropout messed up that one perfect take.

Another thing to consider is that if you run out of tapes in a pinch, can you go to Best Buy or wherever near you and pick up the same type of tape? That is what helped me decide on the Sony brand tapes I use. I usually order them because they're cheaper that way, but if I run out I don't want to have to wait to order tapes if I need one or two right now.

EDIT: Randall, the A1 is a great piece of gear. One of the best bang-for-your-buck cameras currently available in my opinion.
 
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Yip. I use cheap Panasonic's ME's as I've read that Panasonic do officially make Canon and JVC tape stock. I havnt had one drop out as yet! Cant believe it.
 
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