Tape Deck Question

"Does it matter what brand camera it is or what tapes have been played on it before? Cuz i mean, i have a sony miniDV cam that i used lots of cheapo tapes on, so i don't wanna screw the panny tapes i have up by capturing using that camera. Can anyone tell me if i should get a new capturing camera for it?


I would just use a cleaning tape before switching brands. In general it’s recommended to stay with the same brand of tapes to avoid head clogging. I believe Sony tapes use a wet lubricant and Panasonic use a dry lubricant so the switching can cause problems with the heads on your deck/camera…
 
The only thing I'd add here is to pick a cheap camera that loads from the top. A lot of the consumer cams open from the bottom and while it is not a huge deal, it's gets to be a bit of a hassle to pick it up and flip it over every time you need to change tapes.
 
James Tynan said:
The only thing I'd add here is to pick a cheap camera that loads from the top. A lot of the consumer cams open from the bottom and while it is not a huge deal, it's gets to be a bit of a hassle to pick it up and flip it over every time you need to change tapes.
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What James said.

My ZR80 is cheap, reliable, dropping NO frames now (yay) and a "bottom-loader."

Yes. Bottom loaders are a PITA.

ian
 
I've been using a Sony GV-D1000 and have recommended it to others who have also been very happy with it. It's also known as a "clamshell" because the LCD screen flips open like a clam. It uses the miniDV tapes in SP and LP and will play DVCAM tapes. FW, Y/C and composite in/out and runs on ac of small lithium batteries. Very nice unit. About $1,200 at B&H or EVS.

Mike Parker
www.mp-tv.com
 
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