Using Panasonic Tapes in Sony Deck

[lgilbert2007]

We just got the DVX100B - we have a Sony deck and want to use Panasonic tapes with the DVX. We use the Sony deck very much because our previous camera was a Sony MiniDV camera and we used Sony MiniDV tapes exclusively.

This is probably a dumb question, but I know you're not supposed to mix Panasonic and Sony tapes - will I be damaging my tape deck by going back and forth between Panasonic tapes (new footage) and Sony tapes (old footage.) The Sony tapes will NOT be used in the camera.

 

[Ming]

There would be no reason whatsoever not to use Panny tapes in a sony deck, however since you used Sony tapes in the deck exclusively prior to switching to the DVX100B you should definitely give the deck a thorough cleaning first. I'd also strongly consider switching to using Panny tapes in the Sony camera moving forward so you don't have to constantly clean the deck every time you want to capture footage from the Sony camera. As for your existing Sony tapes, you'll want to clean the deck whenever switching back and forth. Your question was whether you'd be damaging the deck, and the answer is no, but you could feasibly be dirtying the deck by switching between the brands.

I have a DSR11 deck and it's incredibly fickle about switching brands, requiring cleanings whenever doing so. As a side note the DSR11's been nothing but a pain in the arse since day one as far as getting dirty whereas my trusty little Canon Optura 40 mini DV cam (~6 years old) can handle switching brands no problem and I often use it in lieu of the Sony deck whenever I need to capture an off brand tape.

 

[lgilbert2007]

Awesome, this was VERY helpful. As a side note - I also have a Canon Optura 40 mini DV that I use at home and oftentimes if I have trouble playing a tape in the DSR-80 deck or camera at work, it will play in my Canon 99% of the time. Go figure.

Thanks again!