Is it OK to use regular mini-DV tapes?
 

I have an FX1000 and been using the Sony HDV tapes - HDM-63VG. But I also still have a case of Sony DVM60PRL - the standard mini-DV tapes compatible with any mini-DV camcorder like the PD150.

Is there really a huge difference? I'd love to get some use out of all the DVM60PRLs I have rather than buy another case of HDV tapes.

Has anyone had experience with using these tapes in the HDV cameras?

Thanks

They're all fine. Go over to the tape forum and you can read hundreds of posts on this topic.

This type of question comes up frequently and has been discussed at length many times.
Here's a couple of the more recent threads, but you can search the The Long Black Line Forum at DVinfo.net yourself for many more.

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/long-bla...recommend.html

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/long-bla...-hd-tapes.html

Ok great... thanks! I'm new to the forum so I didn't know this was already discussed somewhere else.

Mod - please feel free to delete this thread.

I'm not too familiar with the camera you are using, but if it's an HDV camera... miniDV tapes WILL work with it. However, keep this in mind... the dropouts may become unbearable for you. I recently shot a feature and started with a Canon HDV tape (which worked really well btw) but switched over to cheaper miniDV tapes a little ways through production. The dropouts I got on the miniDV tapes rendered a lot of the footage unusable. Just something to think about.

Jeff, I've shot international docs on a Sony Z1 using nothing more than DVM60PRs with excellent results.

Shaun... good to know you had success with those tapes!

Matthew... I will do some tests before I commit to switching tapes, but thanks for the warning.

I have so many DVM60PRLs that it seemed like such a waste not being able to use them.

For me using sony premiums with my HV30 i have not had a single drop out in the 12 months i have had the cam, around 40 tapes, i use a new tape for filming and another new one for the edited film from the pc, my previous sony HC1/FX7s did give at least one drop out per tape.personaly i never use cleaning tapes unless neaded and none with the canon so far.