I have used Panasonic tapes from the get-go, Started in my DVC-30 a couple years ago and have used the same PQ tapes since on my DVX and now my A1. I haven't ever had a problem with the tape, ever.

AY-DVM63PQ if you are wondering.

I captured some Sony tapes through a HV20 a couple days ago and had 2 dropouts from 6 tapes.

Michael, perhaps I am off base here...but how can one type of mini-dv/hdv tape provide better "image sharpness" than any other when the data being recorded is 1's and 0's? As far as I know, there can be a difference in the quality of the tape itself, but not a difference in the quality of the video being recorded, as it is all digital. The only improvement you may find from switching to an alternate/more expensive brand as far as picture-quality is concerned, is that you may have less dropouts.

You're not off base. You're absolutely right. :)

Bill

Yes! Finally! I imparted some knowledge! I'm not just a thread-resource sucker afterall!

Not to flog a dead horse, but I have almost decided to go with what seems to be the most popular make/model of tape: Panasonic AY-DVM63AMQ. Before I go and order 50 of them, does anyone think there would be a better tape-stock to purchase?

Nope, I would use that, but I cant justify paying that much for tape right now. So I go with the PQ tapes instead.

If avoiding dropouts is one of your highest priorities I suggest the Sony Digital Masters, I have had the least dropouts with this tape (which is nice since they cost $15 per).

I use TDK Digital Master tapes, haven't had any dropouts even reusing tapes about 6 times.
I think they're the best price/quality ratio you can get in Latvia.

I'm really stressing over which tapes i should purchase in bulk? I'm looking to get 100 tapes for my A1 and Sony Fx1.

I will be out shooting my first documentary in the summer for one month in Asia, and I don't know whether i should just go ahead and use the sony dvm-60 tapes like i have been for the past few months on both cameras, or upgrade to those newer hdm-63 tapes that just came out? THe price difference for both from taperesources.com is quite a bit. At about a $500 difference. 2.29 vs 7.00 per tape (discounted @ 100tapes).

Considering it will be extremeley hot and humid, in Asia where the weather is tropic, i don't know if that would affect the quality of the tapes while shooting over there compared to here in California.

I need to purchase the tapes in the next few days and i need to lock down my decision. Can someone give me some feedback or suggestions?