Sony Tapes?
- Thread starter Randall
- Start date
Re: Sony Tapes?
My supplier doesn't like Sony. He is Panasonic through & through, His words - "Why spend this kind of money on a camera & then quible over a dollar on tape price?" He explained that Panasonic have a different Tape Formulae to Sony & MUST NOT be mixed. MAYBE it will be OK to use tham exclusivly ??????
My supplier doesn't like Sony. He is Panasonic through & through, His words - "Why spend this kind of money on a camera & then quible over a dollar on tape price?" He explained that Panasonic have a different Tape Formulae to Sony & MUST NOT be mixed. MAYBE it will be OK to use tham exclusivly ??????
Bill_Bolton
Well-known member
Re: Sony Tapes?
I use Sony PDVM-40Ns exclusively. I only shoot with the DVX, playback and capture are done through a Sony DVCAM deck. One suggestion, whatever you buy, buy a bunch of em'. That way you won't be tempted to buy another brand if you run out during a shoot and run into problems caused by mismatch of the tape lubes.
I use Sony PDVM-40Ns exclusively. I only shoot with the DVX, playback and capture are done through a Sony DVCAM deck. One suggestion, whatever you buy, buy a bunch of em'. That way you won't be tempted to buy another brand if you run out during a shoot and run into problems caused by mismatch of the tape lubes.
Norm Sanders
Script Wrangler
Re: Sony Tapes?
I just ordered 10 Panasonic Master Quality tapes with Tommy from EVSonline yesterday for only $5.65 each (slight DVXuser discount). He said that MOST of the other tapes out there are junk, but specifically had something to say about Sony, which I'll get to in a second. I have a bunch of TDK's I got from Costco that I still want to use up ... didn't sound like it would be a big issue, other than they're cheap (certainly not Master Quality), and they'll have a lot more dropouts.
Now, he specifically said to stay AWAY from Sony. He said Sony has a completely different lubricant system on their tapes that is designed for their heads. They use a wet lubricant based system, while many others, including the DVX uses a powder coated lubricant.
Just think about what happens when you get powder wet ... it gums up. He said using Sony tapes in your DVX will likely take about 2/3 of the life off your DVX head.
Your DVX is a pretty huge investment ... I'd listen to the pros and stay away from Sony. I know I will. I'm also going to start shooting with only Master Quality tapes once I've finished my meager supply of TDK, as I figure since I'm shooting with such a professional camera, I should also use just as good of quality tapes and get the best footage I can with no drop outs.
I just ordered 10 Panasonic Master Quality tapes with Tommy from EVSonline yesterday for only $5.65 each (slight DVXuser discount). He said that MOST of the other tapes out there are junk, but specifically had something to say about Sony, which I'll get to in a second. I have a bunch of TDK's I got from Costco that I still want to use up ... didn't sound like it would be a big issue, other than they're cheap (certainly not Master Quality), and they'll have a lot more dropouts.
Now, he specifically said to stay AWAY from Sony. He said Sony has a completely different lubricant system on their tapes that is designed for their heads. They use a wet lubricant based system, while many others, including the DVX uses a powder coated lubricant.
Just think about what happens when you get powder wet ... it gums up. He said using Sony tapes in your DVX will likely take about 2/3 of the life off your DVX head.
Your DVX is a pretty huge investment ... I'd listen to the pros and stay away from Sony. I know I will. I'm also going to start shooting with only Master Quality tapes once I've finished my meager supply of TDK, as I figure since I'm shooting with such a professional camera, I should also use just as good of quality tapes and get the best footage I can with no drop outs.
Re: Sony Tapes?
Thanks for all of the responses, although the range of responses and approaches hasn't really settled the issue for me. Here's my situation: I currently use a Sony one-chipper as a camera and deck. I will be getting a DVX within the month and will use the Sony as only a deck. I have about 20 Sony DV cassettes left and have used only the Sony tapes in the camera. What happens to the Sony camera/deck if I switch Panasonic tapes into it? Or should I continue to use Sony in both? I am more concerned with the future of my two cameras (especially the DVX) than I am with my unused tape stock.
Thanks again,
Randall
Thanks for all of the responses, although the range of responses and approaches hasn't really settled the issue for me. Here's my situation: I currently use a Sony one-chipper as a camera and deck. I will be getting a DVX within the month and will use the Sony as only a deck. I have about 20 Sony DV cassettes left and have used only the Sony tapes in the camera. What happens to the Sony camera/deck if I switch Panasonic tapes into it? Or should I continue to use Sony in both? I am more concerned with the future of my two cameras (especially the DVX) than I am with my unused tape stock.
Thanks again,
Randall
Bill_Bolton
Well-known member
Re: Sony Tapes?
I would search the site for tape lube problems. That should answer your question on switching tapes. hint: I wouldn't ;D
I would search the site for tape lube problems. That should answer your question on switching tapes. hint: I wouldn't ;D