Tape Quality Question

[Anthony_Gilmore]

Ok i did a lot of internet research but cant figure it out. I know the MQ tapes have S-AME technology and I gather that this helps with drop frames. However, your standard AY-DVM60 tapes are much cheaper. Between the two tapes will you loose any quality? It seems the master tapes just help with drop-frames. Is this the correct thinking? Is the quality thats recorded the same on both standard and professional tapes?

thanks

 

[penfever]

If you consider tapes with dropped frames to be of equally high 'quality', then yes, they're the same. You also might want to consider things like how long these tapes will last, if you're planning to use them for archival purposes. But for shooting your sister's birthday, the standard cheapie tapes are just fine.

 

[vidled]

Yes, same quality: different tapes DO NOT INFLUENCE the video quality.
The tape just receives and stores the zeros (0) and ones (1), which it then can play back.
The tape quality influences only how well that data is written and stored, e.g. potential drop-outs etc, NOT the quality of the video or audio.

- Some believe that the MQs are cheap enough NOT to take the risk with lower quality tapes; "heck, for a few dollars per hour more, why wouldn't you want the better quality?"
- Some believe that the 'normal' grade "is plenty good enough, and they had no problems with it at all."

It's up yo you, but consider this:
PANASONIC (Panasonic branded, as some actually made by FUJI apparently) now makes about 5 different quality tapes; listed here from cheapest to most expensive; 60 minutes versions; prices in USA; tapes with chip (EL) are not included; price for ONE, quantity discounts often found for bulk purchases:

AY-DVM60EJ (~$2.50/tape)
AY-DVM63PQ (~$4.00/tape)
AY-DVM63MQ (~$5.50/tape)
AY-DVM60XJ (~$7.00/tape)
AY-DVM63AMQ (~10.00/tape)

As with MANY other things, I recommend not to get the CHEAPEST from any given selection (nor possibly the most expensive.)
If you can afford it though, do get the best, otherwise choose something in between. With these tapes the same applies.

My guess is, 80% will use the MQ series. Considering the amount of work that goes into any given production, it seems ridiculous to save $3.00 on ONE HOUR worth of footage, especially as that footage NEVER can be gotten again.
My recommendation is to leave the EJ series for the $300-snapshot-cam users.

Oh, and while we're on the subject: NEVER use LP recording; again, you would save on tapes as you can record more onto one tape (by factor 1.5), but the risk of drop-outs is FAR TOO GREAT to take that risk. If you REALLY have to have more than 60 minutes (actual recording time on PANA tapes is about 64 to 65 minutes), PANA also sells 80 minute tapes. Although also not recommended for 'usual' use (tape is a little too thin), it can provide that extra recording time, IF needed.

Also:
it is best to CHOOSE ONE TYPE OF TAPE and stick with it! Changing tape quality and manufacturer is NOT recommended, as it can lead to camera head problems.

Hope this helps...in summary: buy the BEST tape you can afford!