I have read several posts mentioning that when using different manufacturers tapes one should get the heads cleaned in their camera etc. In particular Chris mentioned that I should use a head cleaning cassette before I shoot with two sony DVCAM tapes.

Is this really necessary? Are they so different from each other that I shouldn't go from using a box of Panasonic tapes straight to using a box of Sony tapes? I have worked with sound for a long time and never heard of anyone refurbishing their equipment before switching tape manufacturers.

I'm not questioning your experience Chris (which I'm sure is far greater than my record 8 days with my new camera!), I just thought I'd take your reccomendation and start a new thread on the topic.

Sony uses a "wet" lubricant, while Panasonic uses a "dry" one. Mixing the two can create "mud" on your heads. I've decided to stick with Sony, since that's what I started with. I was told that the cassette tape cleaner would not do an adequate job. The cost of having the heads and tape path cleaned, is not offset by the $1 savings per tape.

yuk, dont like the sound of wet lubricant.

I just realised I'm on sony tapes now, so I should be OK.

Could diry "muddy" head couse the camcorder to make any wierd sounds?
Becuase I bought my VX1000 used and I have no idea if the perosn before me used all different kind of tapes and Im only using Sony Premiums.
I havent yet bought a Head cleaning tape to clean the head...should I?
Any tips and help...up front, thanks!!

DV--From what I've been told, and by a few folks here, the tape cassette cleaners will not adequately clean the heads and tape path when it comes to switching tape type. The camera should be cleaned professionally.

Woody--I don't think the "wet" lubricant is all that wet. I presume it's a matter of relativity (as compared to the dry lubricant). I've been using Sony Excellence and not had one bit of problem.

yeh I thought as much... just sounds kind of slimy and unappealing in my brand new camera.

DV-DeAth - It would probably be a good idea to get the camera serviced if you got it 2nd hand. VX-1000 has been around for a while so its probably seen quite a lot of use, especially if its making noises!

This may seem a little silly but, if I am using Sony Premium can I switch to another model of Sony tapes (example: Excellence)? Or will I have the "muddy"issue to deal with there as well?

This is a wonderful website. very helpful.

thanks.

No, it's not silly, and yes you can go from one "grade" of tape to the next, as long as they are the same brand.

Hi,
I've used Sony tapes since day one, never had a problem till I put it in a deck that TDK tapes had been used. That use muddied the tape and made it useless. If I had started with a "dry" tape I would have stayed with it. Basically it's like this , whatever tape brand you start with, stick with it!

Bruce

"if I am using Sony Premium can I switch to another model of Sony tapes (example: Excellence)?"

The Sony premium and Excellence both come from the same tape sheet. The Excellence is cut from the centre of the sheet and the premium from the sides. The theory is that the coating will be more uniform in the centre. Or so I'm told.

Thanks a lot. I really appreciate the quick responses. I will continue to use only Sony. Does anyone know of a reputable, reliable mail order place to purchase tapes?

Again, thanks.

Vito

I use Tape Resource at http://www.taperesource.com/
They have fast service, great prices, and fantastic customer service.

Even though you don't see flashing banners (thankfully) and other obnoxious remiders, this community does have some great sponsors. Pro Tape http://www.pro-tape.com/ is a great source for all your tape needs. Give 'em a try. They have great service and prices.

Jeff

Wish I had known about them earlier. I just ordered a box of tapes. DRAT!

I recently read the following: "DVCAM tape has 50% less dropouts than consumer DV tape and was designed for the videographer who expects a higher level of quality and reliability."

What if one has used "consumer DV tape" for over three years and not experienced any dropouts? Does that mean he can expect a 50% improvement with the DVCAM tapes?

I can't help but think that part of the higher price for the DVCAM tape is the case it comes in. That fancy case has little effect on the tape's quality.

"I recently read the following: "DVCAM tape has 50% less dropouts than consumer DV tape and was designed for the videographer who expects a higher level of quality and reliability."

Part of the 'equation"is the tape speed. DVCam runs the tape past the heads faster. In DVCan less info is written per inch of tape.

Right, Bryan, but I was referring to the Sony DVCAM tape--the same size as used in miniDV cameras. It's their "profe$$ional" grade.

Just a couple questions about DVCAM tapes/cameras

The Sony PD150 Says it takes DVCAM/MiniDV, or does it only record in both formats. I thought the tapes where basically the same size but the DVCAM runs the tape though the heads quicker (greater track pitch). Am I correct in thinking you can use consumer grade MinDV tapes in the PD150? I thought the DVCAM tapes where larger in size. Does the PD150 take both.

Most likely unles they changed it from the PD100. It is also a DVCAM camera and handles both mini-DV and DVCAM. In fact, it records in DVCAM on a normal mini-DV tape (which im not to sure is a good thing though, see my other post re. this).

/Henrik

My point with regard to the tape speed was that it was part of the reason for the lower drop out rate on the cameras recording in DVCam mode.Capeche?

Ciao, il mio amico. Sì, capisco.

thats interesting about the tape muddied by the edit deck which had been used for tdk tapes.

I was once told by a salesmen in the Duty Free shop of the Larnaca airport in Cyprus not to use TDK tapes, as they mess up many cameras

this guy is NOT the most reliable source (judging by his product range and what he knew about them), but this is an interesting coincidence...

I've had my XL1s since around last Christmas (maybe January, honestly can't remember). I didn't know about the caveat concerning mixing tape brands for a while. I've been using Sony Premium's steadily for all my projects except the first one I did for someone else.

Most of my gigs so far have been nonpaid, and in October I'll be doing a real honest to God paid gig that could lead to other if I don't choke. The guy I'm working for (it's Paul Sedillo -- also a member of this forum) uses Panasonic's exclusively, so I'll be using them too.

I want to know if I need to spend $100 to get my heads cleaned to make the switch. I plan to never use Sonys again after I do this, but it's still pricey.

Though I've had the camera for a while, I haven't actually shot that much with it. I estimate a week out of each month the camera's actually in use for other people or my own projects. So what do you people think?

Hi Josh,

How many tapes have you had through the XL? Did you buy it new? If you have had only a few tapes (maybe 6 to 8) through, it may be OK to use a head cleaner tape. But my best advice is to have it professionaly cleaned. If you go the head cleaner route be sure to run a couple of Panasonic tapes through the camera before your shoot and check for any troubles. You don't want problems on your first big shoot.

Jeff

My XL1 is new, and I'mm on my 6th Sony Premium tape. I'm going to switch this week.

Yeah, I bought it new. I count 9 Sony tapes (though not used in their entirety) and two or three Panasonics from way back when.

I think it is just disgusting that we have to put up with this kind of muck from the manufacturers. There is nothing like it in the normal world. Getting your engine cleaned every time you change from BP to Shell fuel????

I wonder. I generally use Panasonic tapes with my XL1 though I have put a couple of Sony tapes through in the past. Recently I helped out a few friends do some editing and put some non-Panasonic tapes through, including a low cost TDK. What do you all suggest I should do? Stop worrying about it and just get back to using Panasonic tapes? Or use a Canon or Panasonic (if available) head cleaner, which I've never used on my XL1.

I loath fiddling around with gear if there's nothing wrong with it. I do suppose though that if I follow through with a docu I'm considering shooting abroad I should at least get the heads cleaned professionally. No?

It can't hurt to have heads professionally cleaned. It may give you a little peace of mind before the big shoot. The brand of head cleaning tape shouldn't matter. I carry one in my bag for emergencies.

Jeff