Hi all, sorry for this question. Someone else asked it before but I didn't pay any attention at the time.

Just wondering... Does the A1 use standard miniDV tapes? I know it comes with an HDV tape, but do I have to film everything on those casettes? Or do you only use the HDV tapes for shooting HD. I'm only planning on shooting with SD at the moment (camera arrives soon) so are standard miniDV tapes fine?

And, (assuming I do use miniDV) what are the best tapes to buy in terms of brand? I read panasonic were good (because of lubing or something)...

Cheers,

Giles

Please see the many many threads and posts in the "Long Black Line" forum.

Start here:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=84130

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=82565

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=80404


Mike

The only reference I have found to a "difference' between HDV tapes and SD is about "quality control."
If anyone here knows different, please correct me.

I have used Panasonic "Master" Quality, AY_DVM63MQ, tapes in my DVX-100 for almost 4 years. I have used 100s of these tapes with NO problems. They use a "dry" lube and I chose them because of the dry dusty conditions in AZ. I assumed I would have less gunk build-up in the drive mechanism. I have only ran a cleaning tape 3 times in 4 years and NOT because I had a head problem but just because I got nervous and couldn't believe the head was still clean after so much use.
I plan to use the same tapes in my new XH-A1.
The last box of 50 I bought came from a dealer on Amazon for $5.45 each.

Once you pick a brand you like, stick with it because different manufacturers use different lube compounds and they are not chemically compatible (i.e. will create gunk on your heads).