If this has already been covered here I apologize, just send me the links to the thread.


I have been using the Sony "premium" tapes and haven't had any problems that I've noticed. I have seen a few dropouts here and there but we shoot weddings with 3 cameras so it hasn't been a problem. I do realize that ANY dropout will cause problems eventually. I'm sure that eventually one of these tape hits will end up on my best cam move that I intended to use). My question is: Does the difference in tape quality really justify the difference in price ($3 vs. $9)? Any thoughts, opinions or jokes are appreciated.

-Don B.

Hi Don,

I'm "only" an XL-2 user and find the Premiums work great (for probably up to 100 or so re-recording, although I don't reuse mine). I couldn't find any improvements on the Excellence series and in fact had one with lots of interference (sparkles) on a few minutes of the tape. So I'm fine with the cheaper Premium tapes.

Regards, Michael

I've shot a lot on both and have had basically equal results, in SD. However I would use the Excellence for any HDV, and on things I shoot for a client. It's slightly better in terms of drop-outs.

This has been discussed before and you may be able to find the thread if you do a search. IIRC, the tape stock of both kinds is identical but the Excellence series undergoes stricter testing/quality control.

I've also been using the premium tapes exclusively and haven't had any significant problems during the past 5 years.