ok, i've got a question.

I would prefer not to use consumer miniDV tapes with my xh-a1 anymore. I know there are the pro-miniDV's, but I was wondering if I could use miniDVCAM tapes like the Sony PDVM-40N.

I ask because my department can save $ on packs of these, and they work with our decks.

Given that Sony provided an PHDVM-63M tape with DVCAM clearly printed on the box with my Sony HVR A1, I would expect a DVCAM tape to be usable in any mini DV camera/deck. I use Sony HD and premium DV tapes in both my cameras.

I use Sony PHDVM-63DM DVCAM Master Digital. It's the only tape that's ever been in my A1s. Works great, never had a drop out.

See also this recent thread (http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/canon-xh-series-hdv-camcorders/127906-tape-use-revisited.html) and a whole forum section dedicated to tape. There's nothing peculiar to the XH-A1 in this respect. What's true for this camera is true for all HDV cameras and, to some extent, all DV cams too. IIRC DVCAM is just DV run at a higher tape speed. The tapes should be interchangeable. FWIW I have had good results with Panasonic AMQ. I do get the occassional drop out, but nothing like as serious as a friend who uses Sony Premium miniDV tapes in his FX1.

I have been using the Panasonic AYDVM63PQ 63/42 Minute tapes with 0 drops. I had two drops with the canon tape that came with the camera, but the Panasonics have been affordable and solid for me.

hmm, you've given me thoughts to think. haha. thanks all

I used the AMQ for awhile with no problems, but then on a 2-camera shoot with two XH A1's we had a total of 5 tapes with serious dropouts from both cameras. They all came from the same batch, so I thought that was the problem. Then later I had a dropout in another one. So I gave them up and went with the Sony PHDVM-63. I'm into the second 20 and no trouble at all. Since Canon doesn't make tapes, the Canons are probably Sony or maybe Fuji, in the same box but a different color and more expensive than the PHDVM.

A friend has been using the AMQs with no problems. So I guess it's just the luck of the draw. I used Sony DVCAM tapes for 8 years and never saw a dropout. The Digital Mastering ones are allegedly their best in this format, so I hope it's true. On the other hand, I know one company who has shot hundreds of HDV with Sony's much cheaper Premium tapes and has had no dropout problems. Y'pays yer money and y'takes yer chances.

See also this recent thread (http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/canon-xh-series-hdv-camcorders/127906-tape-use-revisited.html) and a whole forum section dedicated to tape. There's nothing peculiar to the XH-A1 in this respect. What's true for this camera is true for all HDV cameras and, to some extent, all DV cams too. IIRC DVCAM is just DV run at a higher tape speed. The tapes should be interchangeable. FWIW I have had good results with Panasonic AMQ. I do get the occassional drop out, but nothing like as serious as a friend who uses Sony Premium miniDV tapes in his FX1.

I just posted in that thread too(http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/canon-xh-series-hdv-camcorders/127906-tape-use-revisited-2.html#post939797). I decided to go with the PQs myself to save a bit of money buying a 10 pack off of Amazon. I'm probably going to get some of the AMQ tapes for important shoots though.

I just want to get some tapes soon so I can start using my XH-A1. It arrived this week, but all I have are sony tapes because that's all I used in my HC1 (these guys http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/132812-REG/Sony_DVM60PRL_DVM_60PR_60_Minute_Premium.html). FWIW, I never had a problem with these consumer level tapes with my HC1. That's why I'm wondering about using the more expensive tapes, but I guess better safe than sorry on your real important events.