What Mini DV tapes do you use?

Matt Irwin · October 25th, 2004, 11:04 AM

I use Panasonic DVC tapes in my XL1. I've used Fuji before, and they are also a solid brand.

I steer clear of TDK and Sony. TDK is slightly thinner and seems more prone to dropouts. Sony tapes use a wet lubricant that tends to gum up non-Sony cameras and decks (however in Sony cams, they rock).

John Mayes · November 8th, 2004, 05:11 PM

Been using Panasonic Master quality 63 and 83 minute tapes. Great quality never a problem so far.

Jesse Bekas · November 9th, 2004, 10:59 AM

I just started using the MQ's because for some reason they were cheap ($6.00?) at B&H last week (not online, but in the store), but I've used everything from regular Fuji's, TDK's, and Maxell's to Sony Excellence (well only one of those @ $14!), and now the Panny MQs. I never had a drop out or artifacting from any of them, so I'd say the cheaper the better. The only thing to avoid is longer length tapes becuase the longer the tape the less tensile strength it will have.

Zander Taketomo · December 9th, 2004, 03:56 PM

in my sony vx1000 and sony vx2100 all ive used has been sony premiums and excellence, i use each tape about 50/50. i figure since i have sony camcorders sony tapes should work the best. ive never had a dropout/glitch/problem in general ever. the only problem that ive had was in my vx1000 while it forces you to eject the tape yet i know how to fix the problem and its common in older cameras such as itself. id definately stay with either sony's or fuji's

Glen Elliott · December 10th, 2004, 02:11 PM

If your shooting professionally (for profit) you should be using something other than consumer grade tapestock. Just my .02

John Lee · December 22nd, 2004, 10:16 AM

I've used only Fuji DVC in my GL2. I borrowed an XL1s for an extended period of time which was only to be fed Sony Excellence tapes.

I've shot probably 20 tapes with my GL2, never ever had a problem.

I shot around 60 Sony Excellences with the XL1s, also never had any dropouts. However, I did get one tape that made noise. I think it was a manufacturing defect. But it was embarassing, because I used the XL1s for pro use, and the GL2 for personal use.

We were in the middle of an interview and I had just put another Sony Excellence in, and it kept squeaking. I replaced it with another tape, have never had a problem since.

I love Fuji because you can get them for $3. The cheapest I can buy Sony Excellence for is $7.50.

October 25th, 2004, 11:04 AM	#16
Matt Irwin Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 327	I use Panasonic DVC tapes in my XL1. I've used Fuji before, and they are also a solid brand. I steer clear of TDK and Sony. TDK is slightly thinner and seems more prone to dropouts. Sony tapes use a wet lubricant that tends to gum up non-Sony cameras and decks (however in Sony cams, they rock). __________________ Matt Irwin DP / matt.irwincine.com

November 8th, 2004, 05:11 PM	#17
John Mayes Tourist Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: United States Posts: 1	Been using Panasonic Master quality 63 and 83 minute tapes. Great quality never a problem so far. __________________ John Mayes http://www.mayesguitars.com

December 9th, 2004, 03:56 PM	#19
Zander Taketomo New Boot Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Boston, Ma Posts: 23	in my sony vx1000 and sony vx2100 all ive used has been sony premiums and excellence, i use each tape about 50/50. i figure since i have sony camcorders sony tapes should work the best. ive never had a dropout/glitch/problem in general ever. the only problem that ive had was in my vx1000 while it forces you to eject the tape yet i know how to fix the problem and its common in older cameras such as itself. id definately stay with either sony's or fuji's __________________ -Zander Taketomo

December 22nd, 2004, 10:16 AM	#21
John Lee Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 152	I've used only Fuji DVC in my GL2. I borrowed an XL1s for an extended period of time which was only to be fed Sony Excellence tapes. I've shot probably 20 tapes with my GL2, never ever had a problem. I shot around 60 Sony Excellences with the XL1s, also never had any dropouts. However, I did get one tape that made noise. I think it was a manufacturing defect. But it was embarassing, because I used the XL1s for pro use, and the GL2 for personal use. We were in the middle of an interview and I had just put another Sony Excellence in, and it kept squeaking. I replaced it with another tape, have never had a problem since. I love Fuji because you can get them for $3. The cheapest I can buy Sony Excellence for is $7.50. __________________ John Lee Levelse7en@gmail.com

November 9th, 2004, 10:59 AM	#18
Jesse Bekas Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, USA Posts: 572	I just started using the MQ's because for some reason they were cheap ($6.00?) at B&H last week (not online, but in the store), but I've used everything from regular Fuji's, TDK's, and Maxell's to Sony Excellence (well only one of those @ $14!), and now the Panny MQs. I never had a drop out or artifacting from any of them, so I'd say the cheaper the better. The only thing to avoid is longer length tapes becuase the longer the tape the less tensile strength it will have.

December 10th, 2004, 02:11 PM	#20
Glen Elliott Wrangler Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 2,898	If your shooting professionally (for profit) you should be using something other than consumer grade tapestock. Just my .02