Which Tape to Use (revisited)

[sek0910]

I know there are dozens of threads concerning which tapes to use, but I am having problems identifying those tapes because most posts refer to "standard" or "premium", etc. without specific current model numbers.

1. With respect to SONY and Panasonic, what are the current premium quality designations for the expensive HDV tapes.
Are they the SONY DVM63 HDV/DV? or the DVM85SD? HDM63VG? or PHDVM-63DM?
For panasonic, are they the AY-DVM63AMQ? (or 83PQ?)


My reading of the posts seem to indicate that if you're doing a crucial or paying shoot, then best use the more expensive tapes.

2. With respect to SONY and Panasonic, for ordinary, non-crucial jobs, which tape designations are the ones to get? Are they the SONY blue DVCs? The Panasonic AY-DVM63PQ?

Thanks in advance

 

[davbeisner]

I use the Panasonic AYDVM63PQ tapes exclusively in my XHA1 and I make no differentiation between "expensive paying client" and "cheap fun shot with my family." Pick one brand of tapes and stick with it. The AMQ tapes cost more, but don't seem to fair any better or worse in the realm of drop outs. The Panasonic tapes seem to be the favorites among XHA1 users.