What Mini DV do you use?

[extremekicks]

I use Sony DVM60PRR/6 I know these can capture HI Def as well. They cost a fourtune also.

Where can I get these tapes for cheap?

I'm paying anywhere from $20 to $23 for 6 tapes.


What tapes do you all use?


B

[Ron P.]

I have a Digital-8mm, not a mini-dv. I've been using these..

http://www.tapestockonline.com/hi8hi8tapes.html

[Black Lab]

I use the Sony DVM-63HD. They are $24.95 for 3 from B & H, so you're getting a good deal!

[sjj1805]

Like most things, best place to shop is to Google.

[metmot]

When I bought my Canon hv30 I was very confused about media. Between research and practical experience I have concluded there is no reason to use so called special HD tapes for high cost. Pretty much a marketing scam as far as I can tell. I use the same Panasonic DVM 60 tapes I used in my old panasonic pv953 digital camera. The results are excellent in HD and your eyes will never detect a difference even on the biggest television. They can be bought for less than two bucks a tape many places online. Here for instance http://www.directsalesinc.com/pandigvidcas.html

Try it before saying it aint so cuz I guarantee results you will be happy with.

[skier-hughes]

From what I was told from a tape supplier the cheaper tapes and the more expensive tapes are made from exactly the same matgerial and can come off the same production line.
The difference is that if you can imagine a roll of tape 12" wide the cheaper the tape the closer to the edge so say the real cheapest tape comes from the 1" off each end, whereas the more expensive tapes come from the middle 6".
The reason for this is that in the manufacturing process the outer part of the tape may become stretched slightly, or be a little deformed.

Saying that though, for the last 10 years I've been using minidv I've only ever bought the panasonic dvm60.

I look after my am, keep it clean, think about conditions it's used in and have had no trouble whatsoever.

On the occasions I've need to use a longer tape, I have bought the better quality 83 min tapes. I prefer not to record in long play.

[Black Lab]

May have to give the "regular" tapes a try. Thanks for the tip.

[skier-hughes]

Alhtough not a major problem these days you can still get different lubricants on your tapes, so it's best to stick to one brand. If you are changing, give the heads a clean first.

[extremekicks]

Thought id post this due to "other" issue we run into as "videographers".

I'm totally into this craft consider myself a newbie i guess but making leaps and bounds. I come from a IT background but also have an artsy background a dancer and graphic artist with ADD. ha.

I love coming here to see what people have to say and soak it in thanks for all your input

Back to the subject , when i actually looked at the tape cover it mentioned it can capture HIDEF here i thought it was for standard DV.

I also heard that if you keep using differnt tapes it can wear out the heads , so stick with one brand to eliminate any additional wear on the heads. And also use a rewinder device as well, this can also cause wear.

Another lesson learned.

[Thomaswick1]

I've used the Sony premium 60 minute miniDV tapes [DVM60PRR] for DV in a Canon Optura 600 and for HDV in a Canon HV20 on a record once, retain as archive, basis with excellent results. I get them in a ten pack bundled with a convenient, small black plastic tray for about $25 at the local Costco; Costco online doesn't seem to have this bundle; but it can be found on Amazon for $29.95.

Since HDV is the same 25000 constant rate digital bit stream as DV, DV tapes work as well in HDV as in DV (which a camera salesperson refused to believe even after a hands-on demo).

Going to more expensive HD tapes if they deliver quality improvements of value in your usage, i.e. fewer dropouts, performance under heavy usage or rerecording, case durability, etc. would make sense. For my use, the Sony DVM60PRRs have been great.
____________________________

Regards, Tom Wick

[Brain Champagne]

Crutchfield has tapes for less than $2 apiece!

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158DV605PK ... i+dv&ssi=0

It's a 5-pack of Sony 60/90 minute tapes (plus an extra case; to shrink-wrap them together they needed a blank case too). Shipping's around five or six dollars.

(and if you have a discover-card you can get to their site through the credit card's site and get a percentage back, too!)

Cheapest deal I've seen on tapes in a long time.

Shaun Eli
www.BrainChampagne.com
Brain Champagne: Clever Comedy for Smart Minds (sm)