I don't know how many times I've been told "don't use different tapes, especially not ones with different kinds of lubricants." Well, last night, in the heat of the moment, I let a "consumer level" Sony tape slip into my virgin Panasonic-Master-Quality-Only HD100, without even cleaning the heads first.

What to do? I've read that cleaning the heads now can jam all the gunk together more.

Do I stick to the new, slick Sony? Go back to my trusty, betrayed JVC? Get a head cleaning?

Hello
if you can afford it
you should get a DR HD100 no more tape worries
i don't think one tape should hurt.
I think the camera will let you know if the heads need to be clean

JOE

I generally use those cheap Sony DVC tapes. They won't hurt the camera at all.

If I'm shooting for someone else, I just use whatever tape they give me.

It's recommended to stick to one brand but not critical.

Andrew, where did you hear that using a head cleaner can cause those difficulties. I think most people have reported that using a head cleaner in your circumstances is a good way to go.

rob

It's recommended to stick to one brand but not critical.

If tape is the only medium you are recording to, then I think it is very critical to make sure you don't gum up the heads.

If you (or your client) don't care if you can never replay your footage, then I suppose it isn't critical.

If tape is the only medium you are recording to, then I think it is very critical to make sure you don't gum up the heads.

If you (or your client) don't care if you can never replay your footage, then I suppose it isn't critical.

The heads will need cleaning eventually no matter what type of tapes you use.