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Home: Video University Forums: HDV:
Sony MiniDV Tapes

ACBARNES
Novice

Mar 27, 2008, 9:11 AM

Post #1 of 8 (1747 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, 9:17 AM

Post #2 of 8 (1745 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

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

ACBARNES
Novice

Mar 28, 2008, 8:46 AM

Post #3 of 8 (1698 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, 3:49 PM

Post #4 of 8 (1155 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.
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MLiebergot
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Apr 28, 2008, 4:20 PM

Post #5 of 8 (1153 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

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

Ron Priest
Veteran

May 5, 2008, 1:10 AM

Post #6 of 8 (1027 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...
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MLiebergot
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May 5, 2008, 9:57 AM

Post #7 of 8 (1008 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

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

Ron Priest
Veteran

May 5, 2008, 10:19 AM

Post #8 of 8 (1005 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
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