PV-GS38 (Panasonic Camcorder) questions

[Nator]

I'm not exactly sure how I'm supposed to determine this and I tried scanning the topics to see if this is already covered and I couldn't find anything.

I have a Panasonic PV-GS38 camcorder and in general am new to video recording so I have some questions...

Would I gain any benefits from using a high definition tape/cassette over a regular one in this camcorder, or would I just be throwing money away?

I've seen a couple of references to not changing vendors or cassette types (HD vs regular), that you should pick one and stick with it. Is this really recommended or does it not really matter?

Is there any risk of tape or cam damage from using a 80/120min tape?


To someone who is very experienced, these may seem like either trivial, pointless or even idiot questions, but please keep in mind that I have not a clue here and the only way to know is to ask. Thanks in advance.

[stantheman1976]

The only stupid question is the one you didn't ask.

This is not a HD camera so using a HD tape does no good. MiniDV cameras shoot at 720X480 (NTSC), 25MBps, 29.976FPS. Even if you used one of those HD tapes it would not change what type of video the camera shoots. Regular MiniDV tapes of your choosing are fine. Brand is not a huge issue, but yes it is best to stick to a single brand if possible. Different manufacturing processes for different brands can mean that chemicals can get left behind in your tape mechanism. The main problem you'd have is dropped frames while transferring your footage. It will not hurt anything if you have to use a different brand once in a blue moon but try not to make it a habit.

The longer running tapes aren't going to damage your camera but the tape might be thinner to pack more into the case so it might not be as durable as regular 60/90 minute tapes. It's best to stick to standard tapes. The 90 minute setting is the exact same video as the 60 minute setting but the information is spaced closer together on the tape to fit more in the same spot. If you shoot in 90 minute mode you will have more of a chance of dropouts as the tape ages years from now. Since more information is packed into the same area if you have a corrupted part later on you'll lose more footage than if you shot in 60 minute mode. This is something that you shouldn't have to worry about for a long time though. Your tapes should be good for years. If you shoot in 90 minute mode you may have issues playing the tape back in other cameras than the one ot was recorded in.

[Nator]

Thank you. I had bought both a single HD cassette and a 4-pack of regular, with those being colored cassettes (colors are coolio). Both are made by Sony, which is a generally a good brand with electronics, at least from what I've seen.

I don't really plan on doing much, other than recording some things and then transferring to computer. I would hope that re-using the same tape multiple times wouldn't be an issue.

On the issue of not switching brands, I have a tape that came with the MiniDV cam, so it's a Panasonic brand. Would it present a problem to continue to use that tape while using the 4 from Sony? Or should I just give that freebie an early retirement?

[stantheman1976]

I wouldn't reuse tapes too many times. I do use some a few times and haven't had issues so far but since you're running the tape against a recording head it could possibly cause some wearing of the tape after extensive reuse. You can probably finish the tape you have and it shouldn't be a problem. It's up to you if you want to go ahead and switch. Just stick to Sony after that.