Which Tape Should I Use?

Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

What about for those who have no choice but to stick to wet type lube tapes like the Sony's? "No Choice" meaning I have past footage shot on anothoer camera using sony's - just got a DVX - just got a DSR-11 - will have to edit the older tapes with newer footage(shot with DVX)

So in my case I have to stick to the Sony's. Are Sony's as good as Panazonic tapes? 1's and 0's still get stuck on there right? Other than lube type and cleaning in order to switch types, quality... is it there? I'm going to use Sony tapes but should i use the higer-quality ones?
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

Fidel!
All I was saying is that I use that tape, but I didn't mean to give you the impression that I was saying to continue to use it... I have no idea how good these tapes are, I thought they were good, but I'm getting the impression I shouldn't be using them... I'm gonna make the switch to MQ, although there are indeed great deals on ebay for ME tapes...
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

Oh! But no one has answered the procedure to swap. Is it ok to switch to the other tapes?

That is what I wanted to know.

Anyway, thanks!

Fidel.
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

Hi Guys,

More info here - I asked if the PQ's or wet tapes will damage the camera or wear the heads more quickly. Here is there response:

"The PQ will not damage the camera or shorten the head life other than
normal wear.

The MQ Series tape is a higher grade Mini DV tape that has improved
characteristics. It uses a dry lubricant and head wear is less than
with conventional tapes. Also linearity and output power is enhanced."

So basically, it seems that while the MQ's are recommended by Panasonic, PQ's and other wet tapes will work fine and not damage the camera. I'm not sure what 'linearity' and 'output power' are or how important they are to video tapes. As mentioned above, I've shot lots of PQ tapes on the 100A with no problems. Since I have several in stock, I think I'm going to at least use them up before switching to PQs.

Donny
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

thanks a lot for your replies.
may i ask if it is best to use dry or wet tapes, thanks.
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

sorry for the last reply i did not see the 2nd page.
the last reply by donnyshawn was clear enough thanks.
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

does anyone know were i can buy a pack of MQs from europe.
some of the big sites only offer PQs.
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

PQ tapes are Dry based just like the MQ's.

You can use any tape you want in the DVX as long as it has the minidv logo. They all will work well. The MQ will just work a littler better, if you notice or not who knows, its kinda like using high octane.

For me, I honestly say I use MQs because I like my camera. Also, they are white so in a panic I can just jiffy on them and then label over them. They have a really nice plyable case....

But anyways... just pick one stock and stick to it. Your not gonna break your camera if you use consumer tapes. JUST DONT SWITCH tapes back and forth, that is where the problems start.
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

so jarred... i've just been using the dvm60me's that came with my camera... now that i think about it, i don't think i've done more than 15-20 hours on them... i have the one MQ that came with my camera as well that i haven't used... should i just stick with the ME? still confused... thanks.
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

Hi reddPlanet,

I don't know what ME means, but I don't think it is the same as MQ or PQ, because the DVM63 has MQ on it as well as ME.

Jarred, thanks for clearing this out. I was afraid to mess up my camera. But since you said we can use any tape that has MiniDV on it, I'll finish the tapes that came with my camera.

All the best

Fidel.
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

For peace of mind dont you think you should really be using DV cam tapes?

I've been using Sony DV cam tapes for footage that's going to be broadcasted...a little more expensive than mini dv but better quality. For evrything else the Pan. Master Q tapes.

:a:
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

Call Edgewise Media 800 789 7160, talk with Laini. I have been buying tapes from them for years now. They have the best prices and delivery is usually the next day.
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

I use the Maxells from Sams Club, 20 bucks for 6. Never had a problem. Only problem I have ever had with any tapes Ive used is some old sonys i used at a wedding 2 years ago, that I finally got around to trying to capture and my sony cam kept dropping audio every five seconds. I recorded in LP mode. I know I know.......

Anyway, I attempted to play the tape in my DVX100a thinking it wouldnt even play back since it was recorded in LP on a VX2000, it played back sort of all right, just when the image moved, it pixelated a tad. but the audio was great. So I captured the audio from the pany and the video from the sony.
My biggest fear was putting the Sony tapes in my pany. Ive only use Maxells and Pany tapes, which are both dry tapes. The sony is wet lubbed.
So far the camera still works fine though.
But anyway, I dont see a problem with the maxells, always worked flawlessly for me. And theyre cheap.
And I must have used over 300 of them.

Mark
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

hi, how bout if use tape to record over and over again, how good is that or how effect the head? i m also using the ME type, cheap, works fine... only 1 drop frame around 15hr recording
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

IVE been using me tapes for my dvc80 should i switch to mq or pq tapes instead.
 
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