Does anyone have any info on if using miniDVCAM tape in the XL2 is better than using regular miniDV tape?

thanks a bunch!

As I understand, the DVCAM tapes are basically the same but have tighter quality control and better shells. They should work fine, but of course will cost more.

I'm working a lot with PDVM-40N tapes on XM2, and never experienced a dropout even after few reusages.

Yeah, I know about the cost - though think the benefits may be worth it (maybe?)

One thing I heard was that the mini DVCAM tape was more "stable" -- whatever that means -- less dropout like Darko said. Just wondering if there are any "official" tests out there. Hmm.

I've used hundreds of hours of DVCAM tapes and never had a dropout. Most have been with a DSR500WS, and some with a DSR250 and even a TRV900. The tape is the cheapest thing on a shoot, so it makes sense to use the best you can get. However, if you switch brands, be sure to use your head cleaning tape first, and use it exactly according to the instructions.

Great. How about image quality difference? Is there a difference between consumer miniDV and miniDVCAM?
Thanks again!
Tracy

No. Whatever tape you use, the image will be the same. The difference is in fewer dropouts, resistance to stretch, probably increased longevity. And, they come in cool boxes.

The tape is the cheapest thing on a shoot, so it makes sense to use the best you can get.

Following this logic, you should probably use Sony's new Digital Master tapes:

http://digitalmastertape.com/index.asp

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=364848&is=REG

And I would if I could get anybody from Sony to tell me they're better than DVCAM tapes. Our supplier thinks they're DVCAM tape repackaged, and if you read the promotional material, they never say anything about DVCAM, only about how much better they are than ordinary DV tapes. Using the best tape available means using the best tape, but it doesn't mean paying for marketing hype. I could be wrong--if they're shown to be better, I'd go for them. Even at their increased cost, DV/DVCAM/DVCPRO tape is still cheap. It wasn't all that long ago I was paying 30 bucks for a 30 minute Betacam SP tape. Now I pay a little more than that for a 3 hour DVCAM tape.

Our supplier thinks they're DVCAM tape repackaged.

They aren't. All he needs to do is lift the dust lid and look, preferably under a strong light, like sunlight.