Another Annoying Question:

J

jpastuch

Carbonite Member
I'm asking this because using the search function is too ambigious and difficult for what I want to ask, but:

Flat out, what's the big difference between a "pro" DV tape and the tapes you buy at the grocery store or Radioshack?

Only reason I'm asking is because before I knew about the whole "stick to one brand" advice, I used some regular, cheap Fujifilm DV tapes from the store.

I want to switch to order some Panasonic Pro tapes online, because I imagine they last longer and promote less dropped frames, but is that the only advantage to using these tapes?

Also, should I get my camera professionally cleaned before switching? To be honest, I've used this brand of tape in every camcorder I've ever used, and I don't think I've ever had a dropped frame due to tape.

Sorry if this is redundant or basic- if there is a thread on this, someone please link me and just lock this.

Thanks.
 
Well I can't proove you wrong because here the search engine isn't working, lol

There are two kinds of tapes:
1. dry
2. wet

Panasonic tapes and the kind most prefer here are dry....the wet ones can cause gumming up of the wet lubricants on the heads, and a need for more cleaning....while dry can generally be run for longer on the same heads. BUT...if you have started using one kind of tape, it's better that you don't switch, and just stick with it.
 
Honestly not trying to be rude, appreciate the response, but as I said I know all this. Maybe I was sort of unclear though.

I need to know beyond this: What are the Panasonic PRO tape advantages, and is it worth switching from my Fuji Film brand over to them? or are the people buying Panny Pro just being loyal and want the Pro label? Are the tapes more durable? Etc etc etc.

Or is my regular old fuji film tape just as fine as the "pro" tapes, and not worth the risk of switch? Just want to know. Hope that's more clear than my first post.
 
Ok......I gave the stock response, now here's the nitty gritty:

Yes you're better off with panny...why? because they developed their tapes for their cameras, plain and simple. There are only a certain amount of factors that a manufacturer will ever let you know about their product, so thus often we are at their beck and call if we want our stuff to last through the years.....this said, time, trial, and error can proove otherwise, but I know of few if any folks that have tried to test different tapes on panny cameras with serial numbers that are close together.

Can you switch? yes....do alot of people switch over to Fuji? ALL THE TIME....when they can't get a panny tape in time people use Fuji all the time! I myself would suggest against making it a habit though unless you have a professional head cleaning done first....never switch back and forth, and if you do decide on going to one brand permanently...get the cleaning done FIRST.
 
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Panasonic, Maxxell, TDK, and Fuji are all dry-type. No worries switching back and forth. Sony is the only kid who poops in the sandbox with their wet-type stock.

I'm prefer Fuji myself, but in a pinch and with no time to have them shipped in (they're harder to find in stores nowadays) I have bought the cheap Maxxells at Walgreens and have had no problems whatsoever.
 
Hm, to tell you the truth, I don't know if Fuji has a "pro" brand. I've had problems with other brands, but the Fujis that come in the green and black wrapping for 20 bucks a 4 pack have always served me well.

I avoid other brands, don't think I've ever used Sony. Are those the crappy black and red tapes? I used some brand that had black and red tapes and had bad results many years ago.

ANYWAY, thanks a bunch guys.
 
jpastuch said:
I avoid other brands, don't think I've ever used Sony. Are those the crappy black and red tapes? I used some brand that had black and red tapes and had bad results many years ago.
Click to expand...

They're easy to identify because they say SONY on them.

But yes, they are black with red trim.

The Fuji tape in the green and black is just fine... our best, local rental house here stocks nothing but Fuji when it comes to miniDV. Sony for DVCAM, but Fuji for miniDV.
 
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