"Dry" or "Wet" Tape with XH A1

[ZippyGaloo]

Not sure if this is true, but I was told the XH A1 uses the same type of internal mechanisms as Sony and thus Sony's "wet" DV/HDV tapes would work best with the Canon XH A1 over other brands "dry" tapes.

1. Is this information correct?

2. What is the difference between a "wet" tape and a "dry" tape.

3. How can I determine if a particular tape stock is "wet" or "dry"?

4. What are the possible problems from using the incorrect tape type in a camera?

5. How can I determine the correct type of tape for the XH A1?


I was at first considering this TDK tape stock.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/429031-REG/TDK_DVM63HDP_DVM_63HDP_DV_Video_Cassette.html


Is that tape stock ok, or should I use the following tape stock instead

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/475187-REG/Sony__DVM_63HD_Mini_DV_Video.html


Any thoughts and/or opinions on this?

 

[Nektonic]

Personally, I use the Sony HDV tapes. Haven't had any major problems yet. (Upon playback from the camera to my HDTV I had a dropped frame, but when I captured the same footage, it was fine.) Yes they are a bit more expensive than a lot of other tapes, but they are supposedly more robust as well as easy to find at almost any camera or electronics store.

If you are looking for a dry tape, then I would recommend the Panasonic Master Quality AY-DVM63AMQ. It is their newer Master Quality tape designed to minimize and reduce drop outs. They are also a little cheaper than the Sony HDV tapes.

 

[3CCD]

Yeah I went Sony HDV since Sony has been in the game for a while. All I know is that I stick with one and don't intermix.

 

[KyleProhaska]

I dont bother with the HDV specific tapes...from what I have read they don't make much difference. Sony Premium DV tapes for me...they're cheap and reliable.

- Kyle