Tapes
 

This is a real studied question but what manufacturer or manufacturers make the best tapes for the XL2. I've used Panasonic tapes before and they came fine but last week I brought some cheap fujifilm mini dv 4 for $14 and their junk. What do you guys suggest?

mini dv tapes
 

It all depends on budget and it also depends on the projects. If your clients demands high quality, then you should charge extra for using high quality tapes. If its for a low budget project, then buy tapes that are reasonable.

When shooting, are you using LP or SP. In SP mode, you get less drop frames.

I've probably used every possible brand of tape 1,000 times, and I've never really had any problems with any of them. Keep in mind that there are really only two or three companies that actually make tapes, and everyone just slaps their brand on them.

There's an entire forum on this site devoted to tape issues. Search there for literally anything you need to know about tape.

I've had really excellent results with the "dry" Panasonic tapes. I've also always been told that it's always best to stick with the same brand tapes. Supposedly it's better for the camera heads. I've had my XL2 for a year, and have never had to use a head cleaner yet. but a curious thing of it is, a friend of mine who has a XL1, tried using two of the Panasonic tapes I gave him, and he has recording and playback problems with them, video drop outs, digital video break-ups, audio problems, etc. Yet he doesn't have the same problem with Sony tapes he's always used.

After years of using Panasonic tapes, I've switched to Sony for use with my XL2, I used to get the odd drop out when using with my old XL1s, but when the same thing started happening with the new cameras, that was enough for me! New cameras, new tapes, still drop out! Time will tell if Sony is any better, and I always used the best,i.e. most expensive Panasonic tapes, so the quality should have been perfect.Shouldn't it?

Mike.