DVCAM with Panasonic 80 min using PD170? at DVinfo.net

John Laird · March 26th, 2004, 02:57 PM

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

Frank Granovski · March 26th, 2004, 03:04 PM

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.

Boyd Ostroff · March 26th, 2004, 03:11 PM

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?

Doug Okamoto · March 28th, 2004, 02:27 AM

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

Boyd Ostroff · March 28th, 2004, 08:07 AM

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.

March 26th, 2004, 02:57 PM	#1
John Laird Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Waterloo, IA Posts: 32	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

March 26th, 2004, 03:04 PM	#2
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	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.

March 26th, 2004, 03:11 PM	#3
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,800	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?

March 28th, 2004, 02:27 AM	#4
Doug Okamoto Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Bellevue, Washington Posts: 145	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

March 28th, 2004, 08:07 AM	#5
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,800	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.