miniDV Tape differences between brands? at DVinfo.net

mdreyes23 · March 20th, 2002, 02:51 PM

Maybe this belongs in the GL-1 Forum but it's also a general question.

Does it really matter what brand of miniDV tape you use?

I own a Canon GL-1 and it has been suggested to me to only use Canon miniDV tapes just because I'll get better quality video. However, they are more expensive than other brands like JVC or Panasonic.

I'm not recording broadcast or recording professional video...it's more for personal use. I still want good quality video. Should I stick with Canon tapes or it doesn't matter (go with cheaper)?

Vic Owen · March 20th, 2002, 03:04 PM

Canon is just repackaged Panasonic tape. You gain nothing by going with the Canon tape. I'd recommend picking one high quality brand, such as Panasonic, and staying with it. Specifically, don't mix brands with different lubricants -- there's enough anecdotal evidence that this will cause problems.

This info is true for any digitital camera. You can get these tapes through Chris' sponsors.

mdreyes23 · March 20th, 2002, 03:21 PM

doh! like what kind of problems. I've been using canon and JVC lately. what other brands are good to stick with?

Joe Redifer · March 20th, 2002, 04:15 PM

All atpes should deliver the same video quality since it is digital. But certain (cheaper) brands may have a drop out or two. I would stay away from Sony brand videotapes on ALL platforms, as their tapes have proven to be far more abrasive than other brands. They probably want to wear out your video heads quicker so you will go out and buy the latest and greatest Sony equipment. Part of that whole "planned obscolecence" thing I guess.

Vic Owen · March 20th, 2002, 04:48 PM

Regarding the problems, there is a school of thought that mixing tape brands with different lubricants can cause head clogging, leading to drop-outs. Others, based on their own experiences, might disagree.

You won't get in trouble, though, by picking one brand and using their higher quality tapes. Regardlesss of the tapes, it's also a good idea to send the camera in for service once per year for a "tune-up" and cleaning.

Mike Butler · March 20th, 2002, 06:35 PM

I've used nothing but Panasonic since getting my XL1 (OK, a couple of Maxells) and had zero problems. As mentioned above, Panasonic makes the Canon tapes anyway. I usually manage to find them pretty affordably on eBay.

March 20th, 2002, 02:51 PM	#1
mdreyes23 Registration Incomplete -- contact Admin. Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Virginia Posts: 108	miniDV Tape differences between brands? Maybe this belongs in the GL-1 Forum but it's also a general question. Does it really matter what brand of miniDV tape you use? I own a Canon GL-1 and it has been suggested to me to only use Canon miniDV tapes just because I'll get better quality video. However, they are more expensive than other brands like JVC or Panasonic. I'm not recording broadcast or recording professional video...it's more for personal use. I still want good quality video. Should I stick with Canon tapes or it doesn't matter (go with cheaper)?

March 20th, 2002, 03:04 PM	#2
Vic Owen Major Player Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 540	Canon is just repackaged Panasonic tape. You gain nothing by going with the Canon tape. I'd recommend picking one high quality brand, such as Panasonic, and staying with it. Specifically, don't mix brands with different lubricants -- there's enough anecdotal evidence that this will cause problems. This info is true for any digitital camera. You can get these tapes through Chris' sponsors. __________________ -- Vic Owen --

March 20th, 2002, 04:48 PM	#5
Vic Owen Major Player Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 540	Regarding the problems, there is a school of thought that mixing tape brands with different lubricants can cause head clogging, leading to drop-outs. Others, based on their own experiences, might disagree. You won't get in trouble, though, by picking one brand and using their higher quality tapes. Regardlesss of the tapes, it's also a good idea to send the camera in for service once per year for a "tune-up" and cleaning. __________________ -- Vic Owen --

March 20th, 2002, 06:35 PM	#6
Mike Butler Machinist Mate Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Southern Connecticut Posts: 644	I've used nothing but Panasonic since getting my XL1 (OK, a couple of Maxells) and had zero problems. As mentioned above, Panasonic makes the Canon tapes anyway. I usually manage to find them pretty affordably on eBay. __________________ I ain't straight outta Compton, I'm straight out the trailer. Cuss like a sailor, drink like a Mc. My only words of wisdom are just, "Radio Edit."

March 20th, 2002, 03:21 PM	#3
mdreyes23 Registration Incomplete -- contact Admin. Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Virginia Posts: 108	doh! like what kind of problems. I've been using canon and JVC lately. what other brands are good to stick with?

March 20th, 2002, 04:15 PM	#4
Joe Redifer Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 290	All atpes should deliver the same video quality since it is digital. But certain (cheaper) brands may have a drop out or two. I would stay away from Sony brand videotapes on ALL platforms, as their tapes have proven to be far more abrasive than other brands. They probably want to wear out your video heads quicker so you will go out and buy the latest and greatest Sony equipment. Part of that whole "planned obscolecence" thing I guess.