Pre-purchase Jitters and ?s at DVinfo.net

Dick Walton · January 14th, 2007, 09:46 AM

Sorry for the multiple threads but a few pre-purchase questions (and jitters) have come up after talking with B&H rep.

He is recommending HD filters . . . is this the way to go with UV and Polarizing filters? Is there a difference between SD filters and HD filters?

He also suggests Sony HD Master @ $16.00/tape; After reading posts here I was planning to go with Panasonic AY-DVM63MQ @ $5.19/tape

Thanks again!

Mike Teutsch · January 14th, 2007, 09:56 AM

Don't be sorry for multiple threads, put all of your questions into one!

There is no discount for buying at B&H that I know of, except the peace of mind you get by doing it. That alone is well worth it!

I would think that a good name brand filter would be just fine, Tiffen, etc... Just don't get a $5.00 new one off of ebay.

I use Sony premium tapes, I buy 50 at a time, at about $3.00 a piece and have never had a single problem.

Good luck with your new camera, I hope you do get it.

Mike

Dan Keaton · January 14th, 2007, 10:45 AM

Dear Dick,

The Panasonic tape you selected, AY-DVM63MQ, is a very good choice.

Others have had good luck with more economical tapes. Personally, I use the Panasonic Master Quality tape that you have choosen.

It is highly recommended that you chose one tape and stick with it. By this I mean that you should only record to the tape you select, and equally important that you only playback this type of tape.

Of course, as you probably know, others disagree with this advice.

But you are about to purchase a very good and expensive camera. A few extra dollars per tape is rather insignificant and good insurance against having problems.

Sony tapes are another good choice. For what it's worth, on every professional shot that I have been on, they have used the Panasonic Master Quality tapes. This was good for me as I would not have wanted to put another tape in my camera anyway.

Ian Thomas · January 14th, 2007, 01:54 PM

Sorry to butt in, iam finding this tape thing a bit confusing to say the least

When i got my XLH1 it came with 3 sony digital master tapes of which i have not used, as iam also using Panasonic AY-DVM63PQ and due to the weather have only shot 2 tapes so far with no problems!

It just worrys me that if you have chance of that great shot and then its wasted by dropouts you would have wished you had the more expensive tape

Dick Walton · January 14th, 2007, 02:14 PM

So . . .can anyone pipe in on HD vs SD lens filters. Do you use them, are they necessary ($100.00 + for UV - quote from B&H and a special order to boot)?

Mike Teutsch · January 14th, 2007, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian Thomas

Sorry to butt in, iam finding this tape thing a bit confusing to say the least

When i got my XLH1 it came with 3 sony digital master tapes of which i have not used, as iam also using Panasonic AY-DVM63PQ and due to the weather have only shot 2 tapes so far with no problems!

It just worrys me that if you have chance of that great shot and then its wasted by dropouts you would have wished you had the more expensive tape

Spend your money then, but I'll keep mine!

Mike

Mike Teutsch · January 14th, 2007, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dick Walton

So . . .can anyone pipe in on HD vs SD lens filters. Do you use them, are they necessary ($100.00 + for UV - quote from B&H and a special order to boot)?

What does it tell you when, with all the HD cameras that B&H sells that, they have to special order this $100.00 UV filter?

Mike

Willard Hill · January 14th, 2007, 04:26 PM

I have no actual knowledge as to the filter issue, but it doesn't seem likely that there would be a significant performance difference as the standard filters are quite acceptable for digital slrs.

I have used the Panasonic AY-DVM63PQ tapes for the past eight months in a Sony HVR A1u with no problems with all shooting being done in HDV. As a result, I intend to continue to use these tapes in the XL-H1 which I should receive this week, unless I encounter issues using them, which I do not expect to happen.

Ian Thomas · January 14th, 2007, 05:03 PM

Mike

yes i get the message i was just asking

Harry Bromley-Davenport · January 14th, 2007, 05:20 PM

First, I think you should definitely get the Sony Mastertape. I do. It's a small price to pay for the knowledge that you are using the best tape with the best backing and lubrication out there. Whatever you do, you MUST stick with the same tape because of the head-wear issue.

Second, You might get the UV filter and screw it on and just leave it there as protection for your extremely expensive lens. Of course there will be a little condensation from the air trapped in there so you will have to clean from time to time, but I am on getting one soon for physical protection.

Best

Harry.

Mike Teutsch · January 14th, 2007, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian Thomas

Mike

yes i get the message i was just asking

How about this! Buy the Sony tapes like I say, keep your camera clean, use the Sony's until you have just one drop-out, if you ever do! Then change to the $16.00 each tapes, and see how long it takes for that same one time drop out.

Sounds fair to me!

Mike

Matthew Wilson · January 14th, 2007, 06:50 PM

Dick,
I don't know what SD filters you were considering, but I wouldn't worry about them at all if you purchased a well known brand such as Tiffen or Formatt or B&W or Schneider. These will be more than adequate for HD. Frankly, I think the "HD" accessories are a lot of hype and a way to make more profit.

Matthew Roddy · January 15th, 2007, 02:05 PM

I purchased that HD filter. Sure is clean and nice. I can't compare it to a "SD" filter, but I can tell you this: plan on getting a different kind of lens cap.
Bugger, that.
Even a standard/generic 72mm cap didn't do it. Plan on finding either "over filter" cap or something else. I ended up with (I think) a 67mm that JUST fit inside the filter without touching the glass.

Mike Teutsch · January 15th, 2007, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew Roddy

I purchased that HD filter. Sure is clean and nice. I can't compare it to a "SD" filter, but I can tell you this: plan on getting a different kind of lens cap.
Bugger, that.
Even a standard/generic 72mm cap didn't do it. Plan on finding either "over filter" cap or something else. I ended up with (I think) a 67mm that JUST fit inside the filter without touching the glass.

Sounds like a no starter for me and my XLH1.

Bill Pryor · January 15th, 2007, 02:18 PM

Any good quality filter will do. The same Tiffen (or other) filters used on video cameras are used on 35mm film cameras.

As for tape...at the recommendation of one of the dealers (Zotz) who sells lots of Canon HD cameras, I'm using Panasonic AMQ tape (Advanced Master Quality). They're just over $8 apiece from our local tape supplier.

January 14th, 2007, 09:46 AM	#1
Dick Walton Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Concord, MA Posts: 53	Pre-purchase Jitters and ?s Sorry for the multiple threads but a few pre-purchase questions (and jitters) have come up after talking with B&H rep. He is recommending HD filters . . . is this the way to go with UV and Polarizing filters? Is there a difference between SD filters and HD filters? He also suggests Sony HD Master @ $16.00/tape; After reading posts here I was planning to go with Panasonic AY-DVM63MQ @ $5.19/tape Thanks again! __________________ D.Walton

January 14th, 2007, 09:56 AM	#2
Mike Teutsch Inner Circle Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Port St. Lucie, Florida Posts: 2,614	Don't be sorry for multiple threads, put all of your questions into one! There is no discount for buying at B&H that I know of, except the peace of mind you get by doing it. That alone is well worth it! I would think that a good name brand filter would be just fine, Tiffen, etc... Just don't get a $5.00 new one off of ebay. I use Sony premium tapes, I buy 50 at a time, at about $3.00 a piece and have never had a single problem. Good luck with your new camera, I hope you do get it. Mike __________________ Chapter one, line one. The BH.

January 14th, 2007, 10:45 AM	#3
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 5,421	Dear Dick, The Panasonic tape you selected, AY-DVM63MQ, is a very good choice. Others have had good luck with more economical tapes. Personally, I use the Panasonic Master Quality tape that you have choosen. It is highly recommended that you chose one tape and stick with it. By this I mean that you should only record to the tape you select, and equally important that you only playback this type of tape. Of course, as you probably know, others disagree with this advice. But you are about to purchase a very good and expensive camera. A few extra dollars per tape is rather insignificant and good insurance against having problems. Sony tapes are another good choice. For what it's worth, on every professional shot that I have been on, they have used the Panasonic Master Quality tapes. This was good for me as I would not have wanted to put another tape in my camera anyway. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

January 14th, 2007, 01:54 PM	#4
Ian Thomas Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: York, North Yorkshire, England. Posts: 472	Sorry to butt in, iam finding this tape thing a bit confusing to say the least When i got my XLH1 it came with 3 sony digital master tapes of which i have not used, as iam also using Panasonic AY-DVM63PQ and due to the weather have only shot 2 tapes so far with no problems! It just worrys me that if you have chance of that great shot and then its wasted by dropouts you would have wished you had the more expensive tape __________________ Ian Thomas. Thomas Video Productions

January 14th, 2007, 02:14 PM	#5
Dick Walton Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Concord, MA Posts: 53	HD Lens Filters So . . .can anyone pipe in on HD vs SD lens filters. Do you use them, are they necessary ($100.00 + for UV - quote from B&H and a special order to boot)? __________________ D.Walton

January 14th, 2007, 04:26 PM	#8
Willard Hill Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 191	I have no actual knowledge as to the filter issue, but it doesn't seem likely that there would be a significant performance difference as the standard filters are quite acceptable for digital slrs. I have used the Panasonic AY-DVM63PQ tapes for the past eight months in a Sony HVR A1u with no problems with all shooting being done in HDV. As a result, I intend to continue to use these tapes in the XL-H1 which I should receive this week, unless I encounter issues using them, which I do not expect to happen. __________________ Willard http://pawildlifephotographer.blogspot.com/

January 14th, 2007, 05:03 PM	#9
Ian Thomas Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: York, North Yorkshire, England. Posts: 472	Mike yes i get the message i was just asking __________________ Ian Thomas. Thomas Video Productions

January 14th, 2007, 05:20 PM	#10
Harry Bromley-Davenport Major Player Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: LA CA Posts: 317	First, I think you should definitely get the Sony Mastertape. I do. It's a small price to pay for the knowledge that you are using the best tape with the best backing and lubrication out there. Whatever you do, you MUST stick with the same tape because of the head-wear issue. Second, You might get the UV filter and screw it on and just leave it there as protection for your extremely expensive lens. Of course there will be a little condensation from the air trapped in there so you will have to clean from time to time, but I am on getting one soon for physical protection. Best Harry.

January 14th, 2007, 06:50 PM	#12
Matthew Wilson Major Player Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 259	Dick, I don't know what SD filters you were considering, but I wouldn't worry about them at all if you purchased a well known brand such as Tiffen or Formatt or B&W or Schneider. These will be more than adequate for HD. Frankly, I think the "HD" accessories are a lot of hype and a way to make more profit. __________________ MW

January 15th, 2007, 02:05 PM	#13
Matthew Roddy Major Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Riverside, Ca Posts: 307	I purchased that HD filter. Sure is clean and nice. I can't compare it to a "SD" filter, but I can tell you this: plan on getting a different kind of lens cap. Bugger, that. Even a standard/generic 72mm cap didn't do it. Plan on finding either "over filter" cap or something else. I ended up with (I think) a 67mm that JUST fit inside the filter without touching the glass.

January 15th, 2007, 02:18 PM	#15
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	Any good quality filter will do. The same Tiffen (or other) filters used on video cameras are used on 35mm film cameras. As for tape...at the recommendation of one of the dealers (Zotz) who sells lots of Canon HD cameras, I'm using Panasonic AMQ tape (Advanced Master Quality). They're just over $8 apiece from our local tape supplier.