Best Mini HDV Cassettes?

[daddyrobyn]

For recording with High Definition Camcorders...

1. What brand of MDV tapes are the best quality?
2. Are standard Mini DV tapes ok or should a dedicated HD Mini DV tape be used?
3. Should only one brand of tape be used?

Please add any other cassette tips you may have
I Plan on using Canon HV30

Thanks
Robyn

 

[stevep]

Have a look at the HV20 forum. I haven't tried more than one brand of tape - just TDK, which are reckoned to be ok.
Apparently there is little or no advantage in using HD miniDV tapes, and that you should stick to just one make. But read what they say on the forum and then make up your mind.

 

[bigbossbmb]

Panasonic makes great miniDV tapes. Yes, stick to one brand of tape. Mixing tape can clog the heads. Someone might chime in with "I mix tapes and don't have problems", but that doesn't make it a good idea. Honestly, is it really that hard to stick to one brand? Buy a large box of tapes in bulk, you'll save money and always have that brand available.

 

[seany916]

Panny & Sony have both worked well for us

we shoot HDV on regular tapes fine

keep your heads clean & again, stick with one brand of tape

 

[daddyrobyn]

I've heard good things about Panasonic too. Are HD mini dv tapes simply a way to charge more money for something we don't need or do they have some advantage?
Thanks
Robyn

 

[MisterMe]

... Are HD mini dv tapes simply a way to charge more money for something we don't need or do they have some advantage? ...

There is no such thing as a HD miniDV tape. HDV records on mini DV media. Slapping "HD" on the box changes nothing.

 

[seany916]

"HD" tapes are taken from the centers of the giant sheets before they're cut. Supposedly, they are slightly better than the parts from the ends/sides.

Just what I've heard. Take it with a grain of salt.

 

[fluidedge]

go with a good quality tape (that means sony) - the ones in the grey/orange box are what we use.

You can't skimp on tape - using cheap tapes is asking for trouble. It's the only thing you've got, it's your master, if you get a dropped frame at the wrong time it can ruin a scene.

 

[msproductions]

go with a good quality tape (that means sony) - the ones in the grey/orange box are what we use.

You can't skimp on tape - using cheap tapes is asking for trouble. It's the only thing you've got, it's your master, if you get a dropped frame at the wrong time it can ruin a scene.

Absolutely right. I use the Sony tapes he says above. Don't buy the cheap ones though Wally World - I have had trouble with them (especially the "Color Collection" ones, thank God they were only for family events lol) Dropped frames are EVIL...

I have also heard Pannasonic is good as well.

Stick with ONE BRAND don't change brands.

 

[highjumppudding]

Maxell

I have been using the Canon HV20 for about 5 months now. I use Maxell HDV Tapes which I purchase from taperesources.com

I have not have any issues with this tapestock. Very good price as well. I researched it because the price was so cheap to make sure they we good tapes, they got really good reviews.

I have also used the tapes with the Sony Z1U for over a year, and they worked great in there too. Worth checking out.

FYI - the tapes Canon recommends for the HV20 and HV30 are roughly $10 for DV tape, $20 for HDV tape. The Maxell's I'm recommending are $5/each.

Hope this helps.

By the way, on my website in the signature my Visual FX Promo Reel's are all shot with the HV20 in 1080 24p with Cinemode ON, and I followed Apple's Doc on converting the footage to true 24p with Compressor. The link is below but you need Final Cut Studio to convert the footage.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=306389