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Home: Video University Forums: HDV:
Sony MiniDV Tapes

 
 


ACBARNES
User

Mar 27, 2008, 7:11 AM

Post #1 of 14 (7763 views)
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Sony MiniDV Tapes Can't Post
Hi,
We have always used Panasonic PQ tapes in the past but now have purchased "used" Z1U cameras and they have all used the Sony brand. We have been told that we should use the HDV tapes for less drop outs, but then we have heard that it really doesn't make that much difference and the less expensive, Sony DVM60 PRL tapes are fine to use. We use a lot of tapes during a wedding season so would be great if we could get by with the less expense tapes?
Tony


MLiebergot
Veteran


Mar 27, 2008, 7:17 AM

Post #2 of 14 (7761 views)
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Re: [ACBARNES] Sony MiniDV Tapes [In reply to] Can't Post
Tony, you'll be fine with using regular mini DV tapes. We and many other have been using Sony Excellence tapes with no issues.

As for using Panasonic tapes, they would work fine for you as well.
Just make sure to give the heads a good cleaning before switching brands.

We purchased our FX1's used and one of the sellers used Panasonic or TDK tapes I forget which, and we did a manual cleaning of the heads by hand on both cameras with no issues. I prefer to do a manual head cleaning on the heads and capstan rather than use the cleaning tapes, which are more abrasive. It's easy to do as long as you have the proper cleaning materials for the rubber capstan and the metal heads.

Michael

Video Cameras: Sony FX1
DSLR: Canon 550D
Lens: Canon 50mm 1.8, Tamron VC 17-50mm 2.8
Software: Sony Vegas, Final Cut Studio
Computer: MAC BABY! MacPro, MacBook Pro


ACBARNES
User

Mar 28, 2008, 6:46 AM

Post #3 of 14 (7714 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] Sony MiniDV Tapes [In reply to] Can't Post
Thanks Michael.
Thats what we will do then.

Tony


Ron Priest
Veteran


Apr 28, 2008, 12:49 PM

Post #4 of 14 (7171 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] Sony MiniDV Tapes [In reply to] Can't Post
Which Sony tapes are you referring to Michael, these?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...ch&Q=*&bhs=t

It looks like I'll be ordering my first FX1 next week, and a 2nd one soon to follow. I want to make sure I use only one brand of tape.
_____________________________
Ron Priest - Louisville KY
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter


MLiebergot
Veteran


Apr 28, 2008, 1:20 PM

Post #5 of 14 (7169 views)
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Re: [Ron Priest] Sony MiniDV Tapes [In reply to] Can't Post
That would be the similar kind that I use. Except I sue the ones without the memory chip (which you would use for indexing while you are recording), as I have no need for it.
The tape is the same except for the memory chip.
Of course it's also $3 cheaper.

Sony DVM-60 Excellence Tape (chipless)


In Reply To
Which Sony tapes are you referring to Michael, these?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...ch&Q=*&bhs=t

It looks like I'll be ordering my first FX1 next week, and a 2nd one soon to follow. I want to make sure I use only one brand of tape.
Michael

Video Cameras: Sony FX1
DSLR: Canon 550D
Lens: Canon 50mm 1.8, Tamron VC 17-50mm 2.8
Software: Sony Vegas, Final Cut Studio
Computer: MAC BABY! MacPro, MacBook Pro


Ron Priest
Veteran


May 4, 2008, 10:10 PM

Post #6 of 14 (7043 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] Sony MiniDV Tapes [In reply to] Can't Post
Michael, I understand that Sony has discontinued making those Sony Excellence Tapes, or maybe it's just Tape Resources.com that has discontinued selling them? In any case, I understand Sony has a new tape out, the HDM-63VG which are designed for HDV/DV. I bought some to use with my FX1, if they record and playback good, I might start using them in my VX2xxx cams. I'll need to read your instructions on how to clean the heads. Where did I see that...
_____________________________
Ron Priest - Louisville KY
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter


MLiebergot
Veteran


May 5, 2008, 6:57 AM

Post #7 of 14 (7024 views)
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Re: [Ron Priest] Sony MiniDV Tapes [In reply to] Can't Post
I guarantee that Sony came out with the HDM-63VG because they weren't selling as many HDV tapes as they would like, because people were buying the Sony DV Excellence tapes.
This way they can charge more per tape and advertise it being both HDV/DV. It's probably the same tape as te Sony Excellence but re-packaged.


Michael

Video Cameras: Sony FX1
DSLR: Canon 550D
Lens: Canon 50mm 1.8, Tamron VC 17-50mm 2.8
Software: Sony Vegas, Final Cut Studio
Computer: MAC BABY! MacPro, MacBook Pro


Ron Priest
Veteran


May 5, 2008, 7:19 AM

Post #8 of 14 (7021 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] Sony MiniDV Tapes [In reply to] Can't Post
Yeah, your probably right. I guess it just depends where you get them. You can get them here for $6.95 or $6.75 in quantities of 50 or more.

http://www.tapeandmedia.com/...dv_tape_HDM_63VG.asp
_____________________________
Ron Priest - Louisville KY
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter


jamessmurphy623
Enthusiast


Jan 18, 2009, 5:51 AM

Post #9 of 14 (4809 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] Sony MiniDV Tapes [In reply to] Can't Post
What are the "proper" materials for the rubber and metal? TIA

Sony Z5U, FX1000, HDR-HC9, Vegas Pro 8, DVDA Pro 5


MLiebergot
Veteran


Jan 18, 2009, 8:55 AM

Post #10 of 14 (4803 views)
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Re: [jamessmurphy623] Sony MiniDV Tapes [In reply to] Can't Post
James send me a PM reminding me of this topic and I'll try to shoot you some info.

James take a look at this old post, showing how to clean your heads.

Here are some of what I use.

407C-250ML MG Audio/Video Head Cleaner, 8.8 oz (for the capstan)
408A-100ML MG Rubber Renue, 3.5 oz (for the rubber pinch rollers)
810-50 MG Chemicals Chamois Swab, single headed, 50 pack (Anti Static swabs to clean the capstan and rollers)

I hope that this helps.

BTW, wear gloves when possible and make sure that you have good ventilation, as these products are very strong.

Michael

Video Cameras: Sony FX1
DSLR: Canon 550D
Lens: Canon 50mm 1.8, Tamron VC 17-50mm 2.8
Software: Sony Vegas, Final Cut Studio
Computer: MAC BABY! MacPro, MacBook Pro

(This post was edited by MLiebergot on Jan 18, 2009, 10:15 AM)


dwells
Novice

Feb 10, 2009, 3:36 PM

Post #11 of 14 (4518 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] Sony MiniDV Tapes [In reply to] Can't Post
A lot of shooters I know use Sony minidv, just the regular ones in blue wrappers, for HDV and DV, with great success. I've seen Panasonic tapes fail even in a Panasonic DVX100a! As someone mentioned, get the heads cleaned if you switch tapes; I've also seen shooters not do this, and switch from Sony to I think it was JVC, and the video and audio were just unusuable, and the shooting team had to re-do the shoot for free.

David
Moving Picture Electronic Services
Film and video rentals and support
http://www.movingpicture.com


jamessmurphy623
Enthusiast


Apr 8, 2009, 10:18 PM

Post #12 of 14 (4120 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] Sony MiniDV Tapes [In reply to] Can't Post
I just noticed this reply. Thanks! Jim

Sony Z5U, FX1000, HDR-HC9, Vegas Pro 8, DVDA Pro 5


grinner
User


Aug 23, 2009, 10:43 AM

Post #13 of 14 (3130 views)
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Re: [jamessmurphy623] Sony MiniDV Tapes [In reply to] Can't Post
I save a ton by just getteing miniDV tapes at Sams. Maxell is fine and a fraction of what HDV tapes with cpmatability cost me. There is no quality difference whatsoever, on the scopes or the monitor.

;)
grinnerhester.com


jamessmurphy623
Enthusiast


Aug 23, 2009, 1:07 PM

Post #14 of 14 (3119 views)
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Re: [grinner] Sony MiniDV Tapes [In reply to] Can't Post
I just got a bunch of Panasonic DV tapes online. Thanks, Jim

Sony Z5U, FX1000, HDR-HC9, Vegas Pro 8, DVDA Pro 5