Using a cheap camcorder for capturing, and then going back?

M

mr_goodbomb

Active member
Alright, so here's what I've heard.

- You should only use one type of tape with the DVX100/A/B, namely Panasonic tapes because of the dry lube on the heads and tapes.
- To cut the time put on the heads in half, you should log and capture using another, cheaper, camera.

So, here's my question: if my cheap camera that I use for capturing isn't a Panasonic, therefore not dry lube, is it bad to reuse the tape or ever put it back in the DVX (say, if I shot 30 minutes, captured, and later wanted to use the other half of the tape), because it's been run through non-dry lube heads and might bring stuff back to the DVX heads?
 
1) It is suggested that you use Panasonic AMQ tapes, because they are of the highest quality. This does NOT mean that the image/sound quality you record will be better than with other tapes -- it will be exactly the same either way -- it only means the tape will be most resistant to stretching, flaking, or other defects which could cause you problems. But they're also very expensive compared to other tapes. Frankly, any mid-grade tape will do you fine with little worry, but if you want to use the best, AMQs are it.

The dry lube/wet lube thing -- it's not the HEADS which are dry or wet lube; it's the tape. It can be a problem if you use both dry and wet lube tapes without cleaning the heads, because residues can mix and gum up (though I've never heard this as being too much of a REAL problem, there have been some reports). You can use either kind with no problem, but make sure you clean your heads thoroughly before you switch types.

(Sony tapes were wet lube; might still be.)


2) Yes, you can do that, using your DVX heads only for recording. It doesn't hurt to do it, but people go a little nuts worrying about wearing out their DVX heads. The buzz on the Interwebz has people thinking that the DVX heads are delicate flowers which will wilt in the gentlest breeze, and that's just not the case. You can use it to record and to capture and it'll last you a long time.

Having a dedicated capture deck is a convenience, though -- you don't need to hook up your camera to your computer every single time you want to capture, etc.

Again, it's not the heads the camera which have a dry or wet lube -- it's only the tape. You can use the same tape in both cameras with no fear of problems. Just be sure to clean the heads of both cameras periodically, and especially before switching tape brands.
 
lyrov said:
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Sony recommends using cleaning cassettes once every 50 hours of recording or playback"

The Worst recommendation...!!!
Click to expand...

Agreed. Do that only if you want to buy a new camera really often.
 
What type of head cleaner are we talking here? The one I picked up once was basically little more than a tape-shaped piece of plastic with a brush on it. I'm not even sure if it spun.
 
Panasonic makes a dry type cleaning tape AY-DVMCLC which they recommend for the DVX100 and HVX200. B&H sells them.
 
I understood that the DVX has a built-in head cleaner, so it shouldn't need one except for the periodic service technician cleaning?
 
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