Best tape stock for A1/G1 HDV Camcorders

Derek Nickell · December 11th, 2007, 04:32 PM

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.

Spencer Dickson · December 13th, 2007, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Buonopane

I went with the Canon E63PR and after testing it against the sony, found that it provided better image sharpness. Color is accurate and no drop out so far. Also working great on my current tests to re-record on same tape.

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.

Bill Busby · December 13th, 2007, 02:57 AM

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

Bill

Spencer Dickson · December 13th, 2007, 03:05 AM

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

Spencer Dickson · December 13th, 2007, 10:23 PM

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?

Derek Nickell · December 14th, 2007, 10:22 AM

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

Benjamin Hill · December 18th, 2007, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spencer Dickson

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?

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).

Andris Krastins · December 19th, 2007, 06:15 AM

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.

Kevin Ta · May 2nd, 2008, 04:25 PM

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?

December 13th, 2007, 10:23 PM	#140
Spencer Dickson Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 141	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? Last edited by Spencer Dickson; December 14th, 2007 at 02:01 AM.

December 19th, 2007, 06:15 AM	#143
Andris Krastins Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Lielvārde, Latvia Posts: 326	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. __________________ Our Fire Films - a free film project.

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December 11th, 2007, 04:32 PM	#136
Derek Nickell Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: LA/SFV Posts: 155 Images: 2	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.

December 13th, 2007, 02:57 AM	#138
Bill Busby Major Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 959	You're not off base. You're absolutely right. :) Bill

December 13th, 2007, 03:05 AM	#139
Spencer Dickson Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 141	Yes! Finally! I imparted some knowledge! I'm not just a thread-resource sucker afterall!

December 14th, 2007, 10:22 AM	#141
Derek Nickell Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: LA/SFV Posts: 155 Images: 2	Nope, I would use that, but I cant justify paying that much for tape right now. So I go with the PQ tapes instead.

May 2nd, 2008, 04:25 PM	#144
Kevin Ta Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 55	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?