[Hidden-tech] Mini-DV tape recommendations

[Will Loving]

I'm using a Canon XHA1s and the Canon Mini-DV tapes go for around $18 each
(Amazon/Adorama), so using the same brand it not really a consideration here
since the Canon tapes are 2-3X the cost of apparently comparable tapes. (And
thanks to everyone for their suggestions.)


on 6/20/11 5:38 PM, Tom Adams- Reelife Productions at tomadams at gmail.com
wrote:

> I've heard that it's best to use Sony with Sony cameras and Panasonic with
> Panasonic cameras but not sure if that's true or not. I've been using the
> Panasonic 83min tapes (with Panasonic EZ1 & DVX100 cameras) for about 15 years
> and have about 500 tapes - very few of them (1%?) have had any dropouts.
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Tom Adams
> (413) 575-9707, Williamsburg, MA
> Director/Owner:
> www.ReelifeProductions.com &
> http://folktography.zenfolio.com
> Tom's Link Directory: web.me.com/ReelifeProductions
> 
> 
> On Jun 20, 2011, at 3:23 PM, Will Loving <will at dedicationtechnologies.com>
> wrote:
> 
>>   ** Be sure to fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area.
>>   ** If you did, we all thank you.
>> 
>> 
>> I'm looking for recommendations/guidance on purchasing Mini-DV tapes. In
>> looking at various website and reviews I've noted the following overall
>> comments and observations:
>> 
>> - most tapes are pretty similar in quality
>> - stick with one brand; tape lubricant formations vary from brand to
>>  brand and mixing brands can result in heads getting gummed up faster
>> - the two most common brands seem to be Panasonic and Sony
>> - the two most common lengths are 60 and 63 minutes, with the 63 minute
>>  tapes being marketed as "Premium" though it's not clear that there is
>>  anything more different other than the length. For example, all the
>>  Panasonic "DVC" tapes are 60 minute and appear to be consumer oriented.
>> - Some "Premium" or "Professional" tapes cost considerably more but
>>  there does not appear to be much in the way of measurable difference
>>  other than the price and possibly manufacturing tolerances.
>> 
>> Any comments, recommendations or guidance would be much appreciated. I need
>> to purchase several 10-packs asap and need to make a decision about what
>> brand and type to buy.
>> 
>> Will
>> 
>> 
>> -- 
>> 
>> William M. Loving
>> Dedication Technologies, Inc.
>> 7 Coach Lane
>> Amherst, MA 01002-3304   USA
>> will at dedicationtechnologies.com
>> Tel: +1 413 253-7223   (GMT ­5)
>> Fax: +1 206 202-0476
>> 
>> 
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-- 

William M. Loving
Dedication Technologies, Inc.
7 Coach Lane
Amherst, MA 01002-3304   USA
will at dedicationtechnologies.com
Tel: +1 413 253-7223   (GMT ­5)
Fax: +1 206 202-0476