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Home: Video University Forums: Sony DV and DVCAM Forum:
Which Mini DV tape?

VideoFlyer
Novice

Jun 28, 2005, 2:09 PM

Post #1 of 10 (1539 views)
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Which Mini DV tape?	Can't Post

Which brand of Mini DV tape do you use, Sony or Panasonic and why?

chrissimms
User

Jun 28, 2005, 5:05 PM

Post #2 of 10 (1523 views)
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Re: [VideoFlyer] Which Mini DV tape? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I only use Sony Prem for my Pd-170's
The price is ok and always had good luck staying with Sony products even back in my digital 8 days (which both dig 8's still work flawlessly)
Chris

VideoFlyer
Novice

Jun 28, 2005, 5:08 PM

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Re: [chrissimms] Which Mini DV tape? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've been also using the Sony Premium (83 min for wedding ceremony & 60 min for everything else). A friend thinks the Panasonic Pro are better.

chrissimms
User

Jun 28, 2005, 5:10 PM

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Re: [VideoFlyer] Which Mini DV tape? [In reply to]	Can't Post

for me Sony like cars some like FORDS some like CHEVYS they 0go from here to there.... its just personal pref.
Chris

VideoFlyer
Novice

Jun 28, 2005, 5:14 PM

Post #5 of 10 (1515 views)
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Re: [chrissimms] Which Mini DV tape? [In reply to]	Can't Post

That's kinda my take on it too. I tend to like Chevy over Fords so therefore I like Sony over Panasonic. I'm sure there are those that think the Sony is to Ford...

Bob A
Veteran

Jun 28, 2005, 7:20 PM

Post #6 of 10 (1509 views)
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Re: [VideoFlyer] Which Mini DV tape? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I started with DV cameras in 1996. I bought 2 VX 1000s that year. I had to buy both Panasonic and Sony because neither brand of DV tape was plentiful enough to satisfy my tape needs. Now, putting aside the fact that switching brands ruined the heads on both cameras, I still have all the tapes I shot in those early years. The Panasonic has deteriorated so badly that is un-watchable, while the Sony looks like it was recorded yesterday. Based on my experience in my opinion Panasonic tape is way below Sony in quality.

VideoFlyer
Novice

Jun 28, 2005, 8:50 PM

Post #7 of 10 (1506 views)
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Re: [Bob A] Which Mini DV tape? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks Bob, this is the kind of info I was looking for. I have always used Sony ecept for a few times, mainly the Premium and some times the Excellence when I can't get enough Premiums at the local store. I'm not sure the Excellence grade warrants the extra cost. I've considered going with Mini DVCam, to shoot weddings due to a few articles I've read about their quality, but I don't like the idea of not having 80 min to record with. I shot a wedding this past Sat. and was pushing going over 1 hour for the ceremony, but since I was using 83 min tapes I didn't worry.

Bob A
Veteran

Jun 28, 2005, 9:03 PM

Post #8 of 10 (1503 views)
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Re: [VideoFlyer] Which Mini DV tape? [In reply to]	Can't Post

If you are doing any kind of volume you should definately look into mail order sources for tape. There are dozens of suppliers and most all will be cheaper that your local store.

rmerritt
User

Jul 8, 2005, 7:38 AM

Post #9 of 10 (1392 views)
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Re: [Bob A] Which Mini DV tape? [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

If you are doing any kind of volume you should definately look into mail order sources for tape. There are dozens of suppliers and most all will be cheaper that your local store.

www.tapestockonline.com has served me well and the prices seem to be good

John K.
Veteran / Moderator

Jul 8, 2005, 9:19 AM

Post #10 of 10 (1389 views)
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Re: [VideoFlyer] Which Mini DV tape? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Have always used Panasonic, their AY-DVM63PQ. This is a 63min. tape, which actually gets your around 65-66 min. in SP mode. I guess I started using these back in 96-97 when I first bought a Canon XL1. Since selling my Canon stuff a long time back and moving to Sony VX2000s, I've stuck with this same brand of tape. The cost is much less and I've been happy with the performance.

John