Has anyone tried these two specialy tapes, and do they really live up to the additional price or are they just marketing hype.

In reviewing some of my footage, I have noticed the odd drop out, and I have had some tearing in fast pan, etc stuff. This ofcourse is using the cheap tape.

Can anyone really see the difference, or send me to a web site where I can see some tests or ???


Thanks

DBK

I use them...I feel that the difference in price is inconsequential...especially if you're used to Beta, DigiBeta or HDCam tape prices.

from sony's website about the digital master tape:
Professional Media Optimized for HDV Applications


Designed in conjunction with the new camcorder and VTR is Sony's recommended professional media for HDV applications, DigitalMaster™ videotape. These 63-minute cassettes use Sony's AME II Technology and its unique dual-active magnetic layers. By improving on an already successful product, the new AME II manufacturing process employs Hyper Evaticle IV magnetic grains, improved lubricants, and a refined Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) layer. DigitalMaster exhibits greater packing density of magnetic grains, higher retentivity, higher output and lower noise. The result is a more robust tape with fewer dropouts and errors.

Well, anecdotally, I've now shot about 200 hours using the Digital Masters (at £9/$16 ish a pop), and even then have suffered some dropout. I've had four instances in that time, (though that's shooting in a massive variety of locations - heat, cold, dirty, etc. And of course regularly cleaning the heads... ) Fortunately no were on shots that made it to final cut.

But given that HDV dropout is inherantly up to 1/2 a sec which is ruinous to a shot, I have to say I really wouldn't consider using cheaper tapes. As Darren mentioned, the cost is OK when looked at compared to DIGI, and would I risk having more dropout than I've already had? No.

That said, this is anecdotal, and I've not seen any comparison tests on Digital Master vs others...

I of course was quoting Sean, not Darren...
oops.

Well. I think I'm convinced.

When I started out, I had an EWW300 High 8 camera, and when SOny released to Diamond coated tape, even though it was about 2X the cost of regular Pro Hi8, I bought it, and got few if any dropouts.

Some how with the advent of mini dv, I took the cheap route.

Thanks for helping me see the light

DBK