Safe to use Sony Tapes?

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Is it safe to use sony premium tapes in dvx100a, panasonic tapes is a pain to get, you have to order and so on, here I can juse go and buy some sony premium tapes, will it be ok for the camera? Thank you very much!

Can anyone also recommend a good bag for DVX100? thanks again
 
Re: Safe to use Sony Tapes?

Also, what's the verdict on the 83 min. tapes? Will they cause the dvx to burst into flames sending bits of burning plastic and metal into my eyes?
 
Re: Safe to use Sony Tapes?

Just don't use 83 min tapes..it specifically says in the manual that you should not use tapes that last this long..anyway tapes are cheap, why chance ruining your heads on a tape that lasts a little longer..not worth it.

Now..really the best thing to do for your heads is stick with one type and brand of tape..me personally, I like to stick with Panasonics PQ tapes and you can order direct from www.taperesources.com. After ordering, your tapes will come very quickly.  Tape Resources ships fast.  A Sony tape a couple times probably won't mess things up but I wouldn't chance it...
 
Re: Safe to use Sony Tapes?

I just finished the Pana MQ tape which come with the DVX100A. Now do I go with the same tapes or just continue with the Sony Excellence tapes I usually use.

I understand to stick with one type and brand of tape, but my big question is: wet or dry tape what is the more wise?
 
Re: Safe to use Sony Tapes?

Go with Panasonics PQ tapes...they are basically the exact same thing as the MQ tapes and they are a bit less expensive..I have read on many other forums that this tape is the best for the DVX..go with the PQ's you will be more than happy :)
 
Re: Safe to use Sony Tapes?

[quote author=Kyle Sherman link=board=nws;num=1085643533;start=0#5 date=05/27/04 at 11:05:51]Go with Panasonics PQ tapes...they are basically the exact same thing as the MQ tapes and they are a bit less expensive..I have read on many other forums that this tape is the best for the DVX..go with the PQ's you will be more than happy :)[/quote]

Just be aware that at one time the PQ's were wet. Apparently, they are not now, but before the MQ series, I am almost positive they were. Seems like I heard about it from Jan C at Panasonic a few years ago. Regardless, yes...use the same tape always if possible. I use the Sony's...

Andrew
Crystal Clear Media
 
Re: Safe to use Sony Tapes?

So is it ok if I use SONY MQ tapes?, and I just dont understand why would it cause any harm if I use the SONY tapes, please help
 
Re: Safe to use Sony Tapes?

Well they are not wet anymore...so they are the same as the MQ tapes...basically?
 
Re: Safe to use Sony Tapes?

I dont know if the PQ's ever where wet.. They just found out they where dry a few months ago when someone actually was at the Factory and noticed both tapes where being made with the same lube.

The reason its bad Dima is Sony Wet lube tapes and Panasonic Dry lube tapes use different lubricants, that when mixed together, create a lovely glue.


Kyle.. the main difference between the PQ's and MQ's are that the MQ's use a much denser tape that is alot less prone to dropouts.
 
Re: Safe to use Sony Tapes?

Seriously, a panasonic MQ tape is really only 4 or 5 dollars each. Why chance it with anything else. The manual says "use MQ tapes" so I have been using them. When I look through my drawer of about 25 tapes that I have put through my 100a, I can only count two instances where there were dropouts, and even these were so fine, that they were easy to edit around. 5 Bucks for and hour of footage. I belong to a local film group (I am one of the only people in it trying to push digital, and I am starting to persuade them slowly) but we are shooting a "theater etiquit" short to be played at the begining of each movie. We have chosen to work with 16mm and have estimated, just for the 2-3min of film and processing for the final, about $400.
We might shoot part of it on my dvx (if I have my way) and that would be great, becuase it is being blown up to 35mm for projection, but heck, when comparing that $400 just to do a 3 min short blurb, I wouldn't care if my MQ tapes cost $20 each!
 
Re: Safe to use Sony Tapes?

I use Sony tape exclusively in a DVX100 and a DVX100a, I've never had a problem other than a drop out very occasionally.
 
Re: Safe to use Sony Tapes?

I've heard that TDK is the worst possible tape to use...I have nothing to back that up, but why risk it...
 
Re: Safe to use Sony Tapes?

I have had disastrous results with TDK and Maxell tapes.

I still see no reason why anyone should use anything other than Panasonic MQ's. If you're worried about being able to find 'em, just bulk-order them from EVS. They're $5.65 per tape. Order 10, order 20, have a bunch on hand. At $5.65 they're cheaper than the crappy Maxell's at Wal-Mart. Why risk your footage on cheap tape, just for the convenience of being able to go to Wal-Mart to pay too much for a tape? Bulk-order some MQ's from Rush and use the best possible tape.
 
Re: Safe to use Sony Tapes?

[quote author=Barry_Green link=board=nws;num=1085643533;start=15#15 date=06/01/04 at 10:51:24]
I still see no reason why anyone should use anything other than Panasonic MQ's. .[/quote]

What would you do if you had one Panasonic DV2000 deck, several cameras (Panasonic and Sony) that you have been using Sony (mini and fullsize) DV and DVCAM tape in for years and a new DVX100A?  For me, my choice was to mix the tapes in my deck, buy a new deck or cheap camera as a feeder, or stick with the Sony tapes I have been using in my other cameras and deck for nearly 4 years without problem.  

When the MQ's first came out and I bought my Panny DVC200, I tried their 276minMQ's...My deck hated them after having hundreds of hours of Sony tape run through it.  I switched immediately back to Sony tape and haven't had a problem since.  I have about 20hrs on my new DVX100A so far...

That was my reasoning for staying with the Sony tape.

Andrew
Crystal Clear Media
 
Re: Safe to use Sony Tapes?

Yeah, that's all a good point. And Sony tapes are definitely good tape. I was responding more to the idea of using TDK's, or Maxells, or any of the other "cheap" brands.

But you bring out a very valid point, sorry for overlooking it before.
 
Re: Safe to use Sony Tapes?

I definitely agree Barry. If MQ tape would have been out a year earlier, I'd probably have gone that way for sure. Making the switch for me will prove interesting. Hopefully, something other than tape will be more mainstream (portable, reliable and fairly inexpensive) eventually and we won't have to think of such things... Sorta reminds me of software development (good, fast, cheap - Pick two)

Andrew
Crystal Clear Media
 
Re: Safe to use Sony Tapes?

Andrew,

I keep using Sony DVCAM tapes for in my DVX100A for the very same reason.
I had a bad experience (dropouts) with one MQ tape, not because they're bad, but just because i think they cannot be mixed.
I think MQ and DVCAM tapes are both good, but dont play them in the same camcorder or player.

Just imagine, i have to play "old" footage on my DSR11, i dont want to ruin the heads (and tapes), and i dont want to clean the heads every time i switch from MQ to DVCAM tapes...
 
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