Regular 'ol miniDV or Sony's uber-miniDV?
 

So we just picked up a couple of V1U's and are about to shoot a documentary and we're wondering... stick to our stash of standard miniDV tapes we've been using with our DVX100A, or splurge on those fancy tapes that came with the camera?

We pretty much don't have the money to go $10 a tape, but if it's necessary, we'll find a way. Is there a consensus opinion on the worth of spending more on those "special" HDV miniDV tapes?

What you can do, is using DVCAM-mini tapes, instead "cheap" DV-mini tapes
DVCAM tapes use the “better” tape material and V1U is “made” for it

The HDV-tapes are optimised against dropout and wear.
If you’re honest, cost of tapes is minimal, against cost of all other expenses.

With HDV, if you have a dropout, it is not 1 picture but a group of 12 or 15

volki

Personally I use the Sony premium tapes you can buy at Best Buy or where ever. I buy them mail order by the case but have had great results with them. I use them now only with my HC3 since the V1 uses the DR60 all the time. Also I don't reuse the tapes. One pass to record and one pass to capture.

Chris

I've been using Fuji DV tapes with no problems.

If you have had good results with one particular plan shooting DV, you probably will have similar results with HDV. If you have occasional dropouts with your current brand shooting DV, switch tape brands before going to HDV or you may drop an entire GOP (15 frames). If it ain't broke, don't fix it. DV tapes aren't some spooky new technology. I'm sure Sony just used their standard DV deck mechanism inside the V1, so we probably are working with a well-known piece of equipment.