DVCAM with Panasonic 80 min using PD170?
 

Has anyone had any issues with Panasonic EJ 80 minute tapes on a PD170 using DVCAM? The camera reports 56 minutes of available tape.

John

Aren't 80 minute tapes thinner than 60 minute tapes? And running at DVCAM speed, I don't know, I'd stick with 60 minute tapes. They're thicker and can probably handle the higher speed better. Just my opinion.

There have been a lot of tape discussions around here already. Interestingly, in another thread somebody wrote that Panasonic didn't even recommend using those tapes in the DVX-100, not because it would damage the camera, but because of tape stretch issues. Makes you wonder what they are intended for...

Personally, I only use Sony tapes in my VX-2000 and PDX-10. Again, lots of discussion on this topic already. Apparently there are differences in lubricants between the different manufacturers, so why take chances?

Hi John,

This really depends on your application. if you are shooting commercially I would not recommend you use the 80 minute tapes (Sony also makes the DVM-80PRL 80 minute tape). These types of tapes are designed for the consumer market and (it's been mentioned earlier in this thread) are thinner and more likely to stretch.

I would also be concerned about the possibility of a tape jam at DVCAM speed with the thinner tapes.

If you are looking for extended running time on DVCAM, I would suggest that you go to an external deck connected via Firewire (excuse me Sony, iLink!) using the full size DVCAM tapes. I typically use a DSR50 but you could also use a DSR25 or even a DSR11 depending on what you are doing and your budget.

HTH,

Doug

For that matter, if you need to record for 60 minutes, why not just switch your camera to DV SP? Highly unlikely that you will experience any problems with this.