I just wired Allan Rejoso the money for the gs100k, the housing and a vms2, so now I'm thinking about tapes. I read a suggestion here to pick a cheap tape readily available in your local area and stick with it, but I'm intrigued by discount tape prices found online. 63 min. Pana MQ's sell for $5.86/piece at tapeandmedia.com. I'm considering buying 15 of these (they only sell in fives) which I expect will take me anywhere from 3 to 9 months to expend. When they're used up, I'll want more of the same, so, by buying this premium tape at a low price now, am I risking that it will not be found at reasonable price 6 or so months from now and I will be enslaved to a prohibitively expensive media? I was directed to tapeandmedia.com by a recommendation here and I'm interested in reading others' experiences with this .com and/or other discount media sites generally.

Thanks for your time,

Paul

Hi Paul,
MQ is their latest product. So, it should stay long theoretically ;-)
In any case if u want to switch to other cassete type, u may have to run cleaning tape, and use other brand.

TDK,PANA MQ and FUJI are the best as far as i know, atleast by technology wise.
So You can stick with whatever u choose.

Be aware that Pana has wet and dry in each category, except PQ and MQ.
Dont mix with wet and dry tapes!

Paul,

I've been using the MQ's exclusively since I got my GL2 and a DSR500 (DVCAM Size tape). Never had any problems with them and I can't imagine the Pana would not continue production as long as there is demand.

You might also try Pro-Tape (http://www.pro-tape.com), a DVinfo sponsor. They can also provide good information and prices on Panasonic tapes.

Hi Paul.
My GS100K is on its way from Tokyo purchased from Allan also.
Just out of curiousity: what housing are you talking about ? underwater one ?
Also, what is vms2 ?

Regards, Alex

I agree, go with Pro-Tape (http://www.pro-tape.com) - since you live in the US. Purchasing from our sponsors helps keep this wonderful site going and growing. I personally prefer Fuji miniDV tapes.