HDV tape stock recommendations

[kippard]

What is considered the best tape stock for HDV? What's the best for the money? Thanks!

[edDV]

Best for what? Sony Pro Master stock ... ~$16
http://www.tapestockonline.com/sodvdima40mi.html

best for the money?
Panasonic PQ series MiniDv ~$3 on sale (works fine in an HDV Sony HVR-Z1U or Canon HV20)
http://www.tapestockonline.com/pamidv.html


PS: For client material I generally use HDV Master quality tapes. They pay.

[kippard]

Thanks ed. I was getting a few dropouts with the DVC/EJ Series shooting DV on the GL2 (SP mode). You always shoot on SP?

[edDV]

SP always.

Do you see these dropouts in the camcorder monitor? Or just after transfer?
The latter could be other issues than tape.

[kippard]

Ya know, I was thinking that. My DV "deck" is an old beat up Elura2. Might it be a PC issue (also old and beat up). I checked the tape on on the GL2 and did not see a dropout. Please advise.

[edDV]

Ya know, I was thinking that. My DV "deck" is an old beat up Elura2. Might it be a PC issue (also old and beat up). I checked the tape on on the GL2 and did not see a dropout. Please advise.

If it plays on the GL2 the tape is OK. Transfer from there.

It is always better to transfer MiniDV from the camcorder that recorded it if possible. The DVCAM format has wider track spacing to allow more reliable playback from a deck other than the recording camcorder. This limits recording time to 40min. Otherwise the formats are identical.

MiniDV LP mode (90min) records the same signal to narrower tracks than SP. This makes it very difficult to play on a deck other than the recording camcorder. LP should only be used in emercgency situations and never for archive.

[kippard]

Thanks for the info. ed.

[ronnylov]

I use Panasonic DVC Linear Plus 60 minutes DV tapes and they work very well in my Canon HV20.

[kadzbiz]

Check out Panasonic AY DVM83PQ - Professional Quality - Mini DV tape - 10 x 83min at Amazon for a great price. I did.

[Jensen]

What do you think of Panasonic PQ min-dv 83min tapes? If its 83 min of SP should be good right??

[edDV]

What do you think of Panasonic PQ min-dv 83min tapes? If its 83 min of SP should be good right??

83min tapes are thinner than 63 min, or tigher packed in the cassette. They may have more aging issues.
Further, AY-DVM63PQ (63 min) tapes are much cheaper.
http://www.tapestockonline.com/pan63minprof.html

[mrswla]

Don't know how true it is, but it's been said that once you pick a specific tape you should stick with it and not change brands.

I've been using Sony DVC Premium tapes in my HVR-A1U and HDR-H1C without problem. You can get them at BJ's Wholesale Club for $24 for a ten pack.

[kippard]

...once you pick a specific tape you should stick with it and not change brands.

I heard that, also - apparently, different tape stocks have different chemical coatings and mixing them can be harmful ones camera.

[zoobie]

lubricants, too

[kadzbiz]

If one does have to change brands, what is the recommendation for any action to take with the camera? Some sort of cleaning prior to changing brands?

[Jensen]

Thats what I was thinking....