Question about mini-dv tapes

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DrPizza

DrPizza

Administrator Elite Member Goat Whisperer
Mar 5, 2001
49,601
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www.slatebrookfarm.com
From what I can gather, dropouts are more likely on the non-HD tapes. I saw the question has been asked all over the place. It seems that the better recommendation was to use the cheaper tapes if you're just filming fido playing with his ball in the backyard. But, if you're on that once in a lifetime vacation to some exotic locale, take the better tapes. Anything in the middle, use your own discretion.

Oh, some tapes use dry lubrication; some use wet lubrication... if you're switching between the types, clean the heads first.
 
gsellis

gsellis

Diamond Member
Dec 4, 2003
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The most important thing is sticking with a tape brand and type once you choose it. Tapes of brand and type are similar in how they track across the head. As the first 10-20 tapes are used, they "wear" a profile into the head. Once profiling is complete, the tapes are now optimum for that camera. Changing tapes causes the head to start profiling again. Stick with one brand. Also avoid the strategy of fastforward and rewind before using a tape. Many cameras step the motor speed, which changes the tension. Tape tension is part of how the tape profile works. Let it record out of the box.

You did not mention what you are shooting on, so not sure why you ask. For example, I used to shoot Fujifilm DVC tapes at $3 per tape in my Sony VX2100. I would get 1 audio dropout (single frame) per about 10 tapes. Those tapes are unusable in my Sony HDR-HC7. Folks are using Sony, Canon, and Panasonic (PQ) MiniDV tapes in their cameras without issues. I now use Sony HD tapes at $8 a tape.

When I get a new tape out of the box, I turn on color bars and record 30-45 seconds on the tape. This gets past the outside possible roughness and leaves room for logging (my software starts play before the capture point to get the camera to 'speed' and then starts at the mark in).

If you want to use Panasonic tapes in your camera and it is HD, start with a minimum of Panasonic PQ series (I had issues with MQ in the last 5 minutes of every tape I ever tried.) I don't think they sell PQ tapes at BB. If you want to save money, order in lots of 10 or more from BHPhotoVideo. But funny enough, Fry's is cheaper for Sony HD tapes in the 3 pack.

 
G

Goosemaster

Lifer
Apr 10, 2001
48,775
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Originally posted by: gsellis
The most important thing is sticking with a tape brand and type once you choose it. Tapes of brand and type are similar in how they track across the head. As the first 10-20 tapes are used, they "wear" a profile into the head. Once profiling is complete, the tapes are now optimum for that camera. Changing tapes causes the head to start profiling again. Stick with one brand. Also avoid the strategy of fastforward and rewind before using a tape. Many cameras step the motor speed, which changes the tension. Tape tension is part of how the tape profile works. Let it record out of the box.

You did not mention what you are shooting on, so not sure why you ask. For example, I used to shoot Fujifilm DVC tapes at $3 per tape in my Sony VX2100. I would get 1 audio dropout (single frame) per about 10 tapes. Those tapes are unusable in my Sony HDR-HC7. Folks are using Sony, Canon, and Panasonic (PQ) MiniDV tapes in their cameras without issues. I now use Sony HD tapes at $8 a tape.

When I get a new tape out of the box, I turn on color bars and record 30-45 seconds on the tape. This gets past the outside possible roughness and leaves room for logging (my software starts play before the capture point to get the camera to 'speed' and then starts at the mark in).

If you want to use Panasonic tapes in your camera and it is HD, start with a minimum of Panasonic PQ series (I had issues with MQ in the last 5 minutes of every tape I ever tried.) I don't think they sell PQ tapes at BB. If you want to save money, order in lots of 10 or more from BHPhotoVideo. But funny enough, Fry's is cheaper for Sony HD tapes in the 3 pack.
Click to expand...

cool info
 
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