mini DVCAM tape in an XL2? at DVinfo.net

Tracy Graziano · June 10th, 2005, 05:29 PM

Does anyone have any info on if using miniDVCAM tape in the XL2 is better than using regular miniDV tape?

thanks a bunch!

Boyd Ostroff · June 10th, 2005, 05:38 PM

As I understand, the DVCAM tapes are basically the same but have tighter quality control and better shells. They should work fine, but of course will cost more.

Darko Flajpan · June 14th, 2005, 02:37 PM

I'm working a lot with PDVM-40N tapes on XM2, and never experienced a dropout even after few reusages.

Tracy Graziano · June 15th, 2005, 01:46 PM

Yeah, I know about the cost - though think the benefits may be worth it (maybe?)

One thing I heard was that the mini DVCAM tape was more "stable" -- whatever that means -- less dropout like Darko said. Just wondering if there are any "official" tests out there. Hmm.

Bill Pryor · June 15th, 2005, 02:30 PM

I've used hundreds of hours of DVCAM tapes and never had a dropout. Most have been with a DSR500WS, and some with a DSR250 and even a TRV900. The tape is the cheapest thing on a shoot, so it makes sense to use the best you can get. However, if you switch brands, be sure to use your head cleaning tape first, and use it exactly according to the instructions.

Tracy Graziano · June 17th, 2005, 08:31 AM

Great. How about image quality difference? Is there a difference between consumer miniDV and miniDVCAM?
Thanks again!
Tracy

Bill Pryor · June 17th, 2005, 08:36 AM

No. Whatever tape you use, the image will be the same. The difference is in fewer dropouts, resistance to stretch, probably increased longevity. And, they come in cool boxes.

Boyd Ostroff · June 17th, 2005, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Pryor

The tape is the cheapest thing on a shoot, so it makes sense to use the best you can get.

Following this logic, you should probably use Sony's new Digital Master tapes:

http://digitalmastertape.com/index.asp

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=364848&is=REG

Bill Pryor · June 17th, 2005, 09:29 AM

And I would if I could get anybody from Sony to tell me they're better than DVCAM tapes. Our supplier thinks they're DVCAM tape repackaged, and if you read the promotional material, they never say anything about DVCAM, only about how much better they are than ordinary DV tapes. Using the best tape available means using the best tape, but it doesn't mean paying for marketing hype. I could be wrong--if they're shown to be better, I'd go for them. Even at their increased cost, DV/DVCAM/DVCPRO tape is still cheap. It wasn't all that long ago I was paying 30 bucks for a 30 minute Betacam SP tape. Now I pay a little more than that for a 3 hour DVCAM tape.

Doug Boze · June 20th, 2005, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Pryor

Our supplier thinks they're DVCAM tape repackaged.

They aren't. All he needs to do is lift the dust lid and look, preferably under a strong light, like sunlight.

June 10th, 2005, 05:29 PM	#1
Tracy Graziano Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 41	mini DVCAM tape in an XL2? Does anyone have any info on if using miniDVCAM tape in the XL2 is better than using regular miniDV tape? thanks a bunch!

June 14th, 2005, 02:37 PM	#3
Darko Flajpan Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Bjelovar, Croatia Posts: 153	I'm working a lot with PDVM-40N tapes on XM2, and never experienced a dropout even after few reusages. __________________ XM2 Sony DXC637P BetaSP

June 10th, 2005, 05:38 PM	#2
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	As I understand, the DVCAM tapes are basically the same but have tighter quality control and better shells. They should work fine, but of course will cost more.

June 15th, 2005, 01:46 PM	#4
Tracy Graziano Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 41	Yeah, I know about the cost - though think the benefits may be worth it (maybe?) One thing I heard was that the mini DVCAM tape was more "stable" -- whatever that means -- less dropout like Darko said. Just wondering if there are any "official" tests out there. Hmm.

June 15th, 2005, 02:30 PM	#5
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	I've used hundreds of hours of DVCAM tapes and never had a dropout. Most have been with a DSR500WS, and some with a DSR250 and even a TRV900. The tape is the cheapest thing on a shoot, so it makes sense to use the best you can get. However, if you switch brands, be sure to use your head cleaning tape first, and use it exactly according to the instructions.

June 17th, 2005, 08:31 AM	#6
Tracy Graziano Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 41	Great. How about image quality difference? Is there a difference between consumer miniDV and miniDVCAM? Thanks again! Tracy

June 17th, 2005, 08:36 AM	#7
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	No. Whatever tape you use, the image will be the same. The difference is in fewer dropouts, resistance to stretch, probably increased longevity. And, they come in cool boxes.

June 17th, 2005, 09:29 AM	#9
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	And I would if I could get anybody from Sony to tell me they're better than DVCAM tapes. Our supplier thinks they're DVCAM tape repackaged, and if you read the promotional material, they never say anything about DVCAM, only about how much better they are than ordinary DV tapes. Using the best tape available means using the best tape, but it doesn't mean paying for marketing hype. I could be wrong--if they're shown to be better, I'd go for them. Even at their increased cost, DV/DVCAM/DVCPRO tape is still cheap. It wasn't all that long ago I was paying 30 bucks for a 30 minute Betacam SP tape. Now I pay a little more than that for a 3 hour DVCAM tape.