Honestly, I really have not experienced any serious problems with basic £3 pound tapes. I dont deny the scientific logic put forward here by those who have studied the matter in detail, and I'll add I am not experienced in regular HDV usage. But the cost of these premium tapes is extortion, and don't think it amounts to real value. I am sure they do add something as has been mentioned, but what does this add up to in the real world, 10% less dropout? Sure, if the client is happy to pay this money for tape on a DV production, then what the hell - but call me old-fashioned - if you dont see the difference, the isnt any.

To further my point I've oft seen break up on sony DVCAM tapes shot on big guns, no more, no less than any other stock in my humble view.

All this also begs the question, what about when you transfer to your hard drive, does the quality of HD surface impact on some of the points Douglas has mentioned?

Can I complain about a $22 tape? ;-)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

Using Sony Premium 60 through my Z1, approximately 40 hours recording so far without a single drop-out (fx: touches wood).

I am using DigitalMaster tape for HDV in my Z1. At 'only' US$15 per 60 minutes, it seems a fair insurance, maybe. (?!)

But I also want to shoot DVCAM for some projects. Would changing tapes for DVCAM (say to Sony Premium) cause trouble due to switching between tape types?

I know this topic of sticking with one tape has been beaten to death on the DV forums over the years, but does same apply to switching between DigitalMaster and Premium for HDV/DVCAM in the same Z1?

A never ending topic, eh? :)

UPdate on tapes
 

HI
Having been playing aroudn with my z1 now for a few months I must say that Sony Premium tape have been 100% ok.. No issues at all with dropout.. top banana and at about £2.40 each buying in bulk from ebay excellent value!!

cheers
mat