What's the BEST tape to use?
 

In the past I've used Sony Premium DVM60. I'm getting ready to shoot my next film with my new XL2 and I want to know your opinions regarding tapes. I know it's not a good idea to switch brands because it can gunk up the heads so I want to stick with one brand from the start. I was happy with Sony's tapes but I am sure they are a bit over priced.

Hi Scott,

I use Japanese JVC tapes in my XL-2 and the Panasonic DVC tapes.

Both produce exceptional quality and never skip. I havent used sony tapes in my XL-2 so I really cant give any opinion about them.

Tapes
 

Scott

As someone on the list told me when I asked the same question.

"If you used sony tapes with no problem why change, its a no brainer"


I still use the sony premium 60 minute tapes in a gl2 and an xl2 with no issues.

There is no actual difference in any of the dry tapes sold by all the major brands, and you will not even see any quality difference on screen between the cheapest miniDV tapes and the most expensive Mini DV tapes.

If you used Sony before, and were happy with them, then there is no reason not to contiue using them.

For what it is worth, I only use JVC tapes (mainly because it was the company that I first used, rather than brand loyalty. It is more important to stick with one brand of tapes, than the actual difference between Panasonic, TDK, Sony, JVC, etc).

As someone once said to this question, do not use both dry and wet tapes, use one or the other.

thanks for the feedback.