Tapes for my new Z7
 

what tapes would work best if i decide to record DV or HDV can I use the same type of tape

Could you use the sony premium or should i use the sony pro tapes the ones in the blue packaging.
HDV tapes are just to expensive to use once

Rob

I have always used the sony premium mini DV tapes with my V1 and Z7, never had a problem and they are as cheap as chips.

DVM60PR3 are what I buy

DVM60PR3 does not seem to exist here in sydney we have DVM60R3 i wonder if its the same tape because the packaging looks different

Rob

Robert,
we have used about 1500 of these tapes over the last 3 years,
about 2,5 years / 1300 tapes with a Z1, 4 months/200 tapes with Z7.

dropouts: maybe two with the Z1, none with the Z7 so far.

DVM60R3 - Used for about 6 years with VX2000/PD170. Reused each tape around 7-8 times before getting about 1-pixel dropout - then chucking away.

Using same brand with Z7. Plan to only reuse around 3-4 times - have done so on a few without any dropouts.

A friend used to mix tapes (ie: had a couple of Panasonics and JVC's in the mix) - had awful trouble with dropouts and jams. Choose 1 brand and stick to it.

Have you bought a Z7??? :)

The tape pictured is the same one that I use, also Sony cameras love sony tapes and I do not use any other brand.

If a client is paying for the tape stock, then the price shouldn't really be an issue to you. You just mark it up accordingly.

Is anyone using these Sony Tapes and what do you think of them

Sony DVM-63HD Mini DV Video Cassette

Those are good. I've used them on a lot of docs and we use them in all of our HDV cameras at my university with no issues to report. A lot cheaper than the "Digital Master" series too (~$9-10 US) when bought in reasonable quantities.

Nobody I know here in New York will shoot critical footage with Sony Premiums--lots of snarled tapes and dirtied heads even with clean cameras and no mixing of tape brands. But then again, everyone else on this thread has had good experiences, so maybe it's just us;-)

Yrs,

Hoi