I was using minidv tapes to record hdv on my Canon A1, which worked fine, but since having the deck break on me, I'm going to switch to HDV just in case....

Could you run that past me just one more time, I think I may have a vague idea what you were saying, but not entirely sure.


CS

Sorry I tend to not detail enough.

Point being: its probably best to use the proper HDV tapes in the HDV camera
because the tape deck on my camera broke (its in the factory now being fixed)


There was a discussion on here about being able to record HDV on to the old miniDV tapes without problems. Opting for this cheaper way, I've done this and had no problems in quality loss or drop outs, but recently the camera broke in that I get an "Eject tape" error when I load tapes now.

So when I get my camera back I'm only gonna use HDV tapes when recording HDV.
Just thought I'd share.

What was the exact wording of the error message?

There's been a lot of discussion about the famous "Eject the casette" error on a couple of different Canon cameras.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=88857

This is a link to one such thread - not sure it's really the same problem, but worth checking into.

I really doubt it has anything to do with whether you're using DV or HDV tape. I might be wrong, of course, but it's worth looking into.

MiniDV and HDV tapes are in the same form fractor. Either one fits perfectly.

Of course, it is desirable to use high quality tapes, especially for HDV. A dropout in HDV may cause you to lose 1/2 second of video.

Any good to excellent quality MiniDV tape will not harm your tape deck.

Of course, switching tape brands is (or may be) an issue.

Many conservative users insisting on choosing a good brand of tape and using it exclusively.

To be clear, by exclusively, I mean for both recording and playback. So if you choose Panasonic tapes, and someone gives you another brand to play, a conservative user will decline.

wow there is alot of people going through the same crap as me. I hope Canon is aware of this defect.

I did use different brands of mini dv tape, so when I get it back fixed again (they sent it back unfixed last time) I'll be sure to go the "conservative" route

Monica,
I've been using mini dv tape in my Canon XLH1 since I got it January this year. The brand I'm using is Sony Premium mini dv tapes. I have run several hundred through the camcorder under very tough conditions without any issues, I'm a wildlifephotographer.
My advise is to stick to the same brand from the beginning and you should be safe. Pick a brand which is easily available in your area, buy them in vast numbers for discount.

Your tape deck issue has nothing to do with what kind of tapes you are using, which is stated in a previous thread.

Hope you get the deck fixed soon and good luck!

Is the "Canon A1" the model number for an HDV camcorder sold in your region?
This confused me, as the Canon A1 I have, is an 18-year old Hi-8 camcorder.