Is there a certain recommended brand/model of tape for shooting movies/film at DVinfo.net

David Ho · December 28th, 2003, 11:27 PM

Is there a certain recommended brand/model of tape for shooting movies/film on a DV camcorder? Would the "Professional" series of a tape make any difference in recording wise (image/sound) or stability and probably be used for shooting movies or a big project rather than recreational use? I have a GL2 and I want to shoot a big project (2-3hours) movie -- currently I use the Panasonic DVM60EJ series which are standard, any useful advantages for using a better panasonic model?

Ken Tanaka · December 29th, 2003, 01:49 AM

David,
Definitely so a Search on this topic. As this is probably one of the top 5 questions here we must have hundreds of threads on the topic. None of which, by the way, present a definitive answer to your question.

Bottom line:
- Use the best tape you can possibly afford. Although this is a digital medium there are differences in grades, such as better substrate and minimal abrasion. These differences may or may not be a factor for your work. But for the relatively small additional cost of using a good grade of tape, why risk it?

- Pick a brand (and probably a grade, too) and stick with it.

David Ho · December 29th, 2003, 03:13 AM

In that case, I believe it isn't recommended to mix different BRANDS of tapes, but what about SAME brand, different MODELs/quality? If I say I stick with Panasonic but the first few months use standard, then maybe use some more professional tapes -- you think that would be okay?

Frank Granovski · December 29th, 2003, 04:00 AM

I have some info here with further tape info links:

http://www.dvfreak.com/tape.htm

Nathan Gifford · December 29th, 2003, 09:27 AM

Dave,

Like Ken and Frank have said, do the search. There are tons of posts on this subject and there is not definative answer.

Find a good profssional brand and stick with it. The difference in price are small and not worth the headaches.

Ken Tanaka · December 29th, 2003, 11:59 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by David Ho : If I say I stick with Panasonic but the first few months use standard, then maybe use some more professional tapes -- you think that would be okay? -->>>

That's probably fine. In my opinion, the PQ Panasonics are probably ideal for the serious / advanced hobbyist. If you can afford the MQ's, better yet.

David Ho · January 1st, 2004, 05:24 AM

Ok. I'm sticking with the DVM63MQ series. Just ordered a few packs of them. I haven't used my GL2 yet (Got the camcorder last 2 days and deciding which tapes to use), and from what I've read, I wouldn't want to risk the damages for a small price. Think I made a good decision? So, I guess I'll be sticking to the MQs forever. I've invested a great amount of money on the GL2, and I want it to have maximum longevity.

Neo Castillo · January 1st, 2004, 01:52 PM

From what i hear fuji is a good brand and on the low cost end. It's not a pro tape but I have never heard if ot letting anyone down.

December 28th, 2003, 11:27 PM	#1
David Ho Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 354	Is there a certain recommended brand/model of tape for shooting movies/film Is there a certain recommended brand/model of tape for shooting movies/film on a DV camcorder? Would the "Professional" series of a tape make any difference in recording wise (image/sound) or stability and probably be used for shooting movies or a big project rather than recreational use? I have a GL2 and I want to shoot a big project (2-3hours) movie -- currently I use the Panasonic DVM60EJ series which are standard, any useful advantages for using a better panasonic model?

December 29th, 2003, 01:49 AM	#2
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	David, Definitely so a Search on this topic. As this is probably one of the top 5 questions here we must have hundreds of threads on the topic. None of which, by the way, present a definitive answer to your question. Bottom line: - Use the best tape you can possibly afford. Although this is a digital medium there are differences in grades, such as better substrate and minimal abrasion. These differences may or may not be a factor for your work. But for the relatively small additional cost of using a good grade of tape, why risk it? - Pick a brand (and probably a grade, too) and stick with it. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

December 29th, 2003, 09:27 AM	#5
Nathan Gifford Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tickfaw, LA Posts: 1,217	Dave, Like Ken and Frank have said, do the search. There are tons of posts on this subject and there is not definative answer. Find a good profssional brand and stick with it. The difference in price are small and not worth the headaches. __________________ Nathan Gifford Southern Cyclist Magazine & Productions For quick answers try our Search! To see me and Rob Lohman click here

December 29th, 2003, 11:59 AM	#6
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	<<<-- Originally posted by David Ho : If I say I stick with Panasonic but the first few months use standard, then maybe use some more professional tapes -- you think that would be okay? -->>> That's probably fine. In my opinion, the PQ Panasonics are probably ideal for the serious / advanced hobbyist. If you can afford the MQ's, better yet. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

January 1st, 2004, 01:52 PM	#8
Neo Castillo Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 66	Fuji From what i hear fuji is a good brand and on the low cost end. It's not a pro tape but I have never heard if ot letting anyone down.

December 29th, 2003, 03:13 AM	#3
David Ho Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 354	In that case, I believe it isn't recommended to mix different BRANDS of tapes, but what about SAME brand, different MODELs/quality? If I say I stick with Panasonic but the first few months use standard, then maybe use some more professional tapes -- you think that would be okay?

December 29th, 2003, 04:00 AM	#4
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	I have some info here with further tape info links: http://www.dvfreak.com/tape.htm

January 1st, 2004, 05:24 AM	#7
David Ho Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 354	Ok. I'm sticking with the DVM63MQ series. Just ordered a few packs of them. I haven't used my GL2 yet (Got the camcorder last 2 days and deciding which tapes to use), and from what I've read, I wouldn't want to risk the damages for a small price. Think I made a good decision? So, I guess I'll be sticking to the MQs forever. I've invested a great amount of money on the GL2, and I want it to have maximum longevity.