I need facts and opinions about re-using mini DV tapes and quality issues, please

[Bete]

I use a pro, high definition mini DV tape in a high definition camcorder. I pay $16 per tape. I believe this is considered pretty top of the line for a single tape. My tape is suppose to be one of the best for error free recording. I think it has something to do with magnetics of the tape to make that claim.

I'm real fussy about quality. I do understand that it's better to use the same brand tapes in your camera, as well as, not mix high definition tapes with normal tapes on a high definition camera even though you can run normal tapes on one. I'm not sure I understand it any further on the technical aspects enough to make a good decision for quality purposes, here. I know tapes are reuseable, but what do the pros/experts do, here? I would need about ten tapes for my next trip; hence, I'll spend $160 to get new tapes. I really don't feel like doing that expense. Is there anyone that knows that the more you reuse a tape the more likely there will be errors/glithches? Is there a point of no return like I wouldn't reuse my tape more than 5X?

I know there are some that swear if you reuse a tape you should black it out. What I mean here is you record with a black background (like a lense cover) to erase what was on the tape previously. Has anyone heard of this or even more so, believes in this and does it? I'm not sure I want to use my camera to do this; because, the wear and tear is bad on the camera, too.

I want my camera and my tape memories to last a long time and I want the best quality possible without being ridiculous. You can't recapture a lost moment; so, I want to be as careful as I can be upfront. Are there any rules and procedures that are very specific to follow with regards to quality issues and what the best course of action is?

Please share your secrets and opinions. TIA

 

[Dean Finder]

I use a pro, high definition mini DV tape in a high definition camcorder. I pay $16 per tape. I believe this is considered pretty top of the line for a single tape. My tape is suppose to be one of the best for error free recording. I think it has something to do with magnetics of the tape to make that claim.

I'm real fussy about quality. I do understand that it's better to use the same brand tapes in your camera, as well as, not mix high definition tapes with normal tapes on a high definition camera even though you can run normal tapes on one. I'm not sure I understand it any further on the technical aspects enough to make a good decision for quality purposes, here. I know tapes are reuseable, but what do the pros/experts do, here? I would need about ten tapes for my next trip; hence, I'll spend $160 to get new tapes. I really don't feel like doing that expense. Is there anyone that knows that the more you reuse a tape the more likely there will be errors/glithches? Is there a point of no return like I wouldn't reuse my tape more than 5X?

I know there are some that swear if you reuse a tape you should black it out. What I mean here is you record with a black background (like a lense cover) to erase what was on the tape previously. Has anyone heard of this or even more so, believes in this and does it? I'm not sure I want to use my camera to do this; because, the wear and tear is bad on the camera, too.

I want my camera and my tape memories to last a long time and I want the best quality possible without being ridiculous. You can't recapture a lost moment; so, I want to be as careful as I can be upfront. Are there any rules and procedures that are very specific to follow with regards to quality issues and what the best course of action is?

Please share your secrets and opinions. TIA

Hi, I am a TV/Broadcast camera operator in the UK. For TV work I only ever use brand new stock (tapes). However, on occasion when someone forgot the stock, or more was required than brought or for a test, then a tape will be reused, usually with no problem.

The real question you have is if it is worth it to pay $16 for a supposed HD tape when a standard mini dv tape will do the job just as well. As well as full sized DVCAM and Digital Betacam Cameras, I have a Sony Z1 HDV camera, and I only ever use Sony Premium DV tapes in it, never the sony HD ones. The reason for this is that the HD tapes have a different chemical make up and have been known to gunge up the heads, especially if you swap between brands e.g. a panasonic then a sony etc. I have NEVER had any problems with drop outs or glitches when shooting HDV on these tapes. The data stream that it put to tape from a HDV camera is identical to the data stream that is put to tape by a DV camera (25mbps) and therefore why should you need to use a different tape?

However I do reccomend sticking to one brand of tapes e.g. sony.

Hope this helps.

Neil.

 

[webshark3]

Should be like any tape.. the more you use it, the more likely you'll see dropped frames etc. If quality is a concern, why re-use tapes? Why not archive the originals?

And in teh DV market, I thought HD tapes was just marketing. There are higher grade tapes, but they don't need to be HD. (Panasonics makes a 3CCD tape that expensive, and for marketing only).