Reusing mini DV tapes? at DVinfo.net

Kevin Carter · September 20th, 2006, 04:54 PM

Does anyone reuse mini DV tapes on projects? I remember hearing it's best never to do that, but guy at Canon says he reuses it dozens of times without problems because unlike VHS, it's digital. thanks.

Cal Johnson · September 20th, 2006, 05:53 PM

Hi Kevin. Well, I own a Canon XL2 and a old ZR10. The XL2 gets used for professional gigs, and the ZR10 as and editing deck. I don't reuse tapes in the XL2, as I want to keep the heads as clean as possible. Since most of the time a client is paying for the tape I'm using, there's no concern with using a fresh tape for each shoot. However, back when the ZR10 was my only camera, I reused tapes many times over, with few issues. However, once you use a tape it is more likely to pick up dust or dirt as it get transfered in and out of the camera. This may lead to drop-outs, so my advice would be if you're not too concerned about maximum quality and the occasional drop out, then feel free to reuse tapes. If the shoot is going to have some really critical shots, like an interview with someone very important, or a location or circumstance that isn't likely to be available again, then shoot a fresh cassette each time.
If you do get drop-outs, they often appear just for a single frame. I've found I can sometimes cut the single frame out without it being noticeable.

Kevin Carter · September 20th, 2006, 09:27 PM

thanks Cal, good info.

September 20th, 2006, 04:54 PM	#1
Kevin Carter Major Player Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: los angeles, CA Posts: 235	Reusing mini DV tapes? Does anyone reuse mini DV tapes on projects? I remember hearing it's best never to do that, but guy at Canon says he reuses it dozens of times without problems because unlike VHS, it's digital. thanks.

September 20th, 2006, 05:53 PM	#2
Cal Johnson Major Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 180	Hi Kevin. Well, I own a Canon XL2 and a old ZR10. The XL2 gets used for professional gigs, and the ZR10 as and editing deck. I don't reuse tapes in the XL2, as I want to keep the heads as clean as possible. Since most of the time a client is paying for the tape I'm using, there's no concern with using a fresh tape for each shoot. However, back when the ZR10 was my only camera, I reused tapes many times over, with few issues. However, once you use a tape it is more likely to pick up dust or dirt as it get transfered in and out of the camera. This may lead to drop-outs, so my advice would be if you're not too concerned about maximum quality and the occasional drop out, then feel free to reuse tapes. If the shoot is going to have some really critical shots, like an interview with someone very important, or a location or circumstance that isn't likely to be available again, then shoot a fresh cassette each time. If you do get drop-outs, they often appear just for a single frame. I've found I can sometimes cut the single frame out without it being noticeable.

September 20th, 2006, 09:27 PM	#3
Kevin Carter Major Player Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: los angeles, CA Posts: 235	thanks Cal, good info.