I couldnt budget for the official HDV tapes, but the rental house told me these (AUD)$16 sony tapes do a great job.

I was a bit sceptical as i had shot before on the "official" beige and brown hdv tapes on a Fx1 and had no dropouts,
Also briefly with a $6 dollar sony tapes and had also no dropuots. But that was in a controlled studio environment.

Now it was a 37 degree (celcius) day when we shot and i didnt have one dropout!

Even though these tapes are still a bit pricey its the best price/performance ratio for someone in my situation.

Just wanted to add another opinion to the board, making it even more confusing!

CHeers
Ben Gurvich

We've sold 1000s of the stock Sony tapes to those shooting with our HDV cameras, so far no difference in performance from the way more expensive Sony 'HDV' tapes. At AUD 30 for a packet of 5 tapes they're a steal.

Id be willing to try those tapes if i owned he a1 and had some time to put it thru its paces. In the meantime the $16 tapes will do