Ummm, a dumb question?
 

A question for the Canon gurus...I've got a couple of XL-H1's that we use, and I'd like to reuse some of our old tapes that have been recorded on just once. Can the Sony HD DV tapes be used again with decent results? Please don't filet me, I've just always used a new tape for every project. I just wanted to get some "cheap" practice time in. Can the tape be stripped/ blank recorded on, then rewound with little problems? I found a discussion in another thread here, but threre was no real consensus other than an occaisional dropout problem a couple guys experienced. How about damage to the heads with loose particles? Are the XL H1 heads gentle on tapes? Thanks in advance.... Marty ;-)

Ok, after doing some more searching here most people seem to say it's not worth it as tape is rather enexpensive, and a few feel that you can go 3-4 times with no major problems, if I really need to. There's a ton of good info here, great site.

You answered your own question...
 

... and the answer is: it's up to you. I have re-used tapes, others have as well, some people never re-use any tape period. If you're a professional and your care about your professional image, then never re-use a tape!

As you have already found out, results vary depending on tape brand and camera brand, but also on recording conditions. It's probably not wise to re-use tapes for HDV recording because if you have one dropout, you loose half a second of video (one whole GOP). But if you're just playing around or casually film the kids opening Christmas gifts, by all means, re-use...

Oh, and by the way, the only dumb question I know of is the one you don't ask. Welcome to the forums!

...adding to Ervin's answer a little...

I personally do NOT re-use tapes for ANY paid gig, but when I'm shooting my kid's birthdays, or Christmas for the family, etc., I re-use.

Cheers,

Mark

Thanks, guys! ;-)