Tapes? HD vs regular Mini-DV tapes... at DVinfo.net

Daniel Nunez · November 27th, 2005, 08:19 PM

When shooting in 1080i mode should I use the more expensive sony HD tapes or will I be ok with a regular sony mini-dv? I have some projects coming up and I want to shoot them in 1080i. But I want the best results possible. Anyone?

Steven Gotz · November 27th, 2005, 08:24 PM

There are many opinions on this subject. Sony recommends the HDV tapes. I use the HDV tapes. I doubt I will have a problem with warranty issues either way, but why take chances?

Yes, the tapes are a lot more expensive. But I have not had any dropouts after the first few seconds of the tape. So once again, why take chances?

Others will say I am wasting money. OK. Maybe. It's my money.

Graeme Fullick · November 28th, 2005, 03:41 AM

Daniel,

I have used both Sony DV Excellence and HDV - never seen a dropout with either. I am definitely with Steve on this one however - a couple of dollars is no big deal for critical footage. I always use HDV for anything important - best to not take chances. I still believe that the drop out thing is very much over stated. I have been using my Z1 now for several months without a single one. I had far more with other cameras and even though the consequences are less in straight DV..... a big blocky section on a frame still looks very ugly.

Bryan McCullough · November 28th, 2005, 08:18 AM

Just to give the other side, I use cheapo TDK tapes. Have for many years, across many cameras. I get them at Costco, an 8 pack for $20.

After 40+ hours of HDV footage with my FX1 I've had two dropouts.

November 27th, 2005, 08:19 PM	#1
Daniel Nunez New Boot Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 16	Tapes? HD vs regular Mini-DV tapes... When shooting in 1080i mode should I use the more expensive sony HD tapes or will I be ok with a regular sony mini-dv? I have some projects coming up and I want to shoot them in 1080i. But I want the best results possible. Anyone?

November 27th, 2005, 08:24 PM	#2
Steven Gotz Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Clermont, FL Posts: 1,520	There are many opinions on this subject. Sony recommends the HDV tapes. I use the HDV tapes. I doubt I will have a problem with warranty issues either way, but why take chances? Yes, the tapes are a lot more expensive. But I have not had any dropouts after the first few seconds of the tape. So once again, why take chances? Others will say I am wasting money. OK. Maybe. It's my money. __________________ Steven Gotz http://www.stevengotz.com

November 28th, 2005, 03:41 AM	#3
Graeme Fullick Major Player Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Newcastle, Australia Posts: 337	Daniel, I have used both Sony DV Excellence and HDV - never seen a dropout with either. I am definitely with Steve on this one however - a couple of dollars is no big deal for critical footage. I always use HDV for anything important - best to not take chances. I still believe that the drop out thing is very much over stated. I have been using my Z1 now for several months without a single one. I had far more with other cameras and even though the consequences are less in straight DV..... a big blocky section on a frame still looks very ugly. __________________ Graeme

November 28th, 2005, 08:18 AM	#4
Bryan McCullough Major Player Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 842	Just to give the other side, I use cheapo TDK tapes. Have for many years, across many cameras. I get them at Costco, an 8 pack for $20. After 40+ hours of HDV footage with my FX1 I've had two dropouts.