Tape Quality? Sony Prem. vs. Panny MQ

S

SilverMonkey

New member
Hey guys, sorry bout another tape question, but I searched and couldn't find a definitive answer.

I just bought my 100a (:)) and I have held off on using any tape. I have a stack of sony premiums with my shorts. I am weighing the decision to use only Sony or only Panasonic tapes.

My question: is there a significant quality difference b/t the Sony and Panasonic tapes? Is there a difference in 1) image quality; or 2) Amount of drop-outs.

Any help is much appreciated, as I want to make some dubs soon. Thanks!!!
 
Re: Tape Quality? Sony Prem. vs. Panny MQ

Image quality is te same, and if the dropout ratio differs it will be minimum. The only thing that actually maters, since you'll be sticking to one brand (I guess that much you already know), is that on the long run, it is possible that using sony tapes will be worse on your heads. But to tell you the truth, I think the difference is minimal...
 
Re: Tape Quality? Sony Prem. vs. Panny MQ

It is not possible for there to be an image quality difference any more than it's possible to degrade the image quality of a JPEG by storing the file on a Maxell CD compared to a Verbatim.

A Mini-DV cassette is exactly this -- a long, wound up, linear floppy disc.  The only functional difference is that you can't have random access on the tape.  What is stored on one brand of tape will be exactly the same as what's on another brand of tape -- the exact same digital file.  The only difference in performance could be flaking or stretching, and that won't "degrade" the image; it will only cause the loss of tiny little squares in it.  But what remains will be of the exact same quality as what's on the "superior" tape.
 
Re: Tape Quality? Sony Prem. vs. Panny MQ

Thank you gentlemen. I was almost positive that image quality was only dependent upon the camera and chips, so thank you for confirming. It obviously makes theoretical sense, just wasn't sure if practice in some way violated it. Technology can be strange at times ;D. Is the only difference reliability and tape life then? Also, would you guys recommend the Sony DV Premium or the Excellent series? The premium has been cool for me so far on other cameras...
 
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